Foreign Materials Section at Aberdeen Proving Ground

From BAS Washington, AFV Technical Situation Report No.21, 18th April 1944:

A repository for all the enemy weapons sent home by the several sections of the Ordnance observers in theatres of war has been established at Aberdeen Proving Ground under the command of Lt. Col. G. B. Jarrett. To those who know him, the choice of this officer to act as curator for the mass of material that is being sent home is peculiarly happy.

In one large hall is a most representative display of German tanks, trucks, three-quarter tracks, and guns, together with a few Japanese tanks and anti-tank guns. In a smaller hall is to be found a most beautifully arranged collection of rifles, machine guns, mortars, side arms and ammunition of both Allied and enemy makes. A smaller room contains a most instructive collection of enemy fire control instruments.

Colonel Jarrett is particularly interest to build up a representative collection of British Tanks. He has recently received the shells of a Matilda and a Valentine Tank which, though still bearing the Eight Army camouflage, nevertheless, possess German black crosses on their sides. It is surmised that these were captured at Tobruk, and were subsequently recaptured by the Eight Army. It is perhaps of passing interest to note that these tanks have been very badly holed by British ammunition whilst in German hands. For the benefit of the historian, their numbers are: Valentine No. 127382, and Matilda, No. 10099. He is also in possession of a tank, [Vickers Medium] Mark II A, No. T425. All these three machines lack mounts and weapons, and efforts are being made to get D.R.A.C. to provide two 2-Pdr. guns with Besas, one 3-Pdr. and 303 Tank Machine Gun. Colonel Jarrett is also anxious to obtain a Churchill Tank and a Bishop as self propelled 25-Pdr. He already possesses Crusaders with both 2 and 6 Pdr. guns.

In order that he may trace the evolution of the turret i terms of American design, he is particularly anxious to obtain the British type turret such as was fitted on the M3 Medium Tank (Grant).

There can be no doubt that an exhibition such as this, is of tremendous value, not only to those whose business it is to possess an up-to-date knowledge of enemy weapons, but also for the designer. When a collection is in the hands of an officer with the experience and deep knowledge of Colonel Jarrett, it becomes an institution of even greater value. Up to date, it has been visited by both soldiers and industrialists with marked benefit to all.

See also: Interesting Aberdeen Proving Ground Tank Photos