Lord Strathcona's Horse - Korea

[John Tapsell]

I'm looking for a wider selection of photos of the Shermans used by Lord Strathcona's Horse during the Korean War than is found in the standard reference sources (mostly the same half-dozen images).

I'm also looking for any info on a published(?) regimental history (or personal memoir) that may exist for this period.

Any suggestions about where to look?

Thanks in advance,
John

[Paul Heise]

John, have you tried their Society website?

http://strathconas.ca/index2.php

Paul

[Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP)]

Here's a quickie question... our Strathconas "borrowed" American M4A3E8s for service in Korea... what colour were they and what markings did they carry? Were the American War Department numbers changed to Canadian standard, or did they remain the same as issued? Does anyone know what that sequence of numbers was, regardless of whether they were Canadian or American? As per John Tapsell's original question, there seems to be precious little on the subject.

[strat1]

The Shermans came from US ARMY & a few from U.S. Marine stocks in Korea and were M4A3E8's. They would have had US markings on them at the depot. They were re-painted with Strathcona tank names and Squadron tactical signs and some kept the US census numbers. Now knowing that they were US Property, would have been turned back into a US supply depot, rent a wreck. Check here:
http://www.armouredacorn.com/Refs-%2...an%20Tanks.pdf

Near the bottom of the page. Hope this helps.

cheers

Anthony

Served 23 years with the Strathcona's .

[Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP)]

Originally Posted by strat1

The Shermans came from U.S. Marine stocks in Korea and were M4A3E8's. They would have had US Marines markings on them at the depot. They were re-painted with Strat tank names and Squadron tactical signs and some kept the Marine sensus numbers.Now knowing that thery were US Property, would have been turned back into a US supply depot, rent a wreck. Check here:
http://www.armouredacorn.com/Refs-%20Thumbprints%20&%20Images/CVM%20Index/Sherman%20Tanks.pdf

Near the bottom of the page. Hope this helps.

cheers

Anthony

Served 23 years with the Strathcona's .

Thanks, Anthony! Of course I knew they were A3s, I just had a brain fart!

I have a friend with an M4A2E8 which now has a fully rebuilt powertrain but needs a good exterior restoration, which may happen this winter. Although it's a diesel, I thought of painting it up as a running monument to the Strath's in Korea - physically they're pretty much identical.

BTW, does anyone here know the formula for Korean War era Marine paint? And are there any of those 25 BDE TAC signs in existence?

Cheers,

Geoff

[Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP)]

Last question (ref the 25 BDE signs) stands, but it occurs to me - Canadians held onto these tanks for two years anyway... and they would have been repainted in the interim. What colour would WE have used? Remaining stocks of WW2 OD paint, or...??

[strat1]

Geoff

According to a VET from C Squadron they were re painted in olive green from the US Korean depot after taking them on charge, then they were Canadianized with radios and kit to include formation and squadron badges. The Sqn names were repainted when the squadrons changed during rotations, when time permitted.

Anthony