A.7.
dbf, May 1, 2013
    • dbf
      2nd Armoured Battalion Grenadier Guards, GAD, Tank Casualties, 1945

      Regiment:
      2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards

      Serial No.: A.7.

      Tank: Sherman

      Mark: V

      W.D. No.: 289508

      Date: 10 Apr 1945

      Photo No.: 3

      Figure No.: 9
      2nd Armoured Battalion Grenadier Guards, GAD, Tank Casualties, 1945

      Range: 200 - 300 yds.

      Cause of Damage: A.P. (75mm Kw. K 42) penetration

      Fire Damage: Burnt out

      Other tanks involved in same incident: A.7, A.8 & A.10

      Circumstances: This tank was one of a troop of three tanks (A.7, A.8 and A.10) which were destroyed near Bippen by a Panther. This particular tank was bogged in a marshy field with its back towards the enemy who had come up from behind. Its turret was at 6 o’clock.

      Position of Hit: 89 mm. diameter penetration through the rear wall of the engine compartment in the upper right corner, level with the top of the track.

      Course & Effect of Projectiles: The shot went through the right hand half of the engine bulkhead, into the crew compartment. Tank completely burnt out.

      Remarks: Tank seen. Information from Squadron Leader who heard the story of this troop from its two unhurt survivors who were captured, but later freed again. All members of the troop were lost, so that no first hand evidence was available. Kw. K. 42 empty cases found at the scene confirmed the identified of the Panther.

      Fate of Crew:
      All members of the crew were killed.
      The bodies of the Commander and one other member of the turret crew were found outside the tank. They were both slightly burnt, the former wounded in the leg, and the latter severely burnt, the former wounded in the leg, and the latter severely mutilated. It is probable that both these men were killed by S.A. fire after they had baled out.
      The bodies of the three other members of the crew were destroyed in the tank. The Driver and Co-Driver could not have got out, except through the turret, as the way through their hatches was blocked by the wireless bulge.
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  • Album:
    Tank Casualties Survey, NWE 1945
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