Porpoises

[John Tapsell]

I'm currently researching the use of Porpoise ammunition sledges on D-Day. I have a range of information about Porpoises - their purpose (or should that be 'porpoise'?) and their design - but it's technical stuff, not practical stuff.

On D-Day, Porpoises were used by armoured regiments (Shermans), RMASG (Centaurs), SP Artillery regts (M7 Priests and maybe M10s), 1 ABRE (Churchill AVREs).

What I'm looking for are first-hand accounts of their use and/or 'in service' (not training) photos of them. I know I've seen a contemporary photo of a porpoise being towed behind a Priest somewhere, but can't remember where. If anyone out there has come across references to Porpoises when they've been studying regimental records or diaries, I'd be interested in hearing from you.

Many thanks,
John