Sadly, no. The caption merely states 'tank wrecks'. Which of course is not strictly accurate as the foreground seems to be composed of Loyd and Universal Carriers... Can you pick out any detail on the large circular badge on the right hand vehicle ?
Absolutely, a whole host of carriers! It was frog text, so we will forgive them. It's from a very rare little 1946 booklet, so printed. This is the best I can get it.
Is it time to dig in for some proper eye-melting grainy identification? Beyond the Loyds, maybe a Cromwell/Centaur or 4. An LVT, a treeline of Shermans or M10s? Possibly something Germanic in the centre left but hard to say. We need the ability to tag pictures - there could be a whole new game in this sort of shot.
I was surprised to see one but it's possible it's from the American occupation of Mulberry B in 1944/45.
I raised an eyebrow at the LVT for D-Day too, but then had a dim possible memory of a handful being used there, so shut my trap. Certainly worthy of further enquiry, but something tells me there might be some (if only a few) about on the day.
We need the ability to tag pictures - there could be a whole new game in this sort of shot. Well, some of the Arnhem threads are starting to seem more like Facebook !:p It won't be long. According to Nigel Watson's lists, the UC behind the three Loyds, T24591 would be a Universal Carrier No.1 MkII Welded Hull, one of 3761 built by Ford under contract M1530. The Loyd to the right, T1314?07 is a TS&C (Tracked Starting & Charging)No.1 or No.2 MkI built by Dennis. The function probably ties in with the insignia which appears to be either a hand holding a spanner or possibly a piston and con-rod. To the far right, with the track stacked on it appears to be T2580? which is probably a Wolseley-built TT (Tracked Towing) No.2
Zooming in, that Amtrac's got windows hasn't it. Looks like an LVT3 (Not flat enough windows panel for a 1?), which would have been pretty new in '44. I think Paul's probably around about the right money with it being a shiny toy of some US seaborne unit. Going only on monochrome contrast (dodgy) wonder if it's painted a more Navy grey than the other kit. If it is a 3, that's quite intriguing. I need a decent Amtrac book
I guess the presence of the LVT is a red herring. There were a few used on the Normandy beaches but they were likely U.S. Navy and employed for ferrying supplies. But, it does make it more likely that the photo was taken nearer to the coast.
Do you know where this was taken, Paul? Keith I wonder if this is the same place? Kangaroo AWD site near Bayeux, France - MLU FORUM Here is a picture from the post. The back ground buildings look very similar.
Absolutely, a whole host of carriers! It was frog text, so we will forgive them. It's from a very rare little 1946 booklet, so printed. This is the best I can get it. Paul, As a collector of WD serials and tank names can you confirm any of the numbers? The third carrier from the left looks to have a name on the front which looks like DR WALES and I think the numbers of the carrier on the right is T131487 and also looks to have a name on the front plate can you confirm? Cheers Kevin
You can see the photo as well as I, so I can't really confirm any more you can see already. The original is dot-printed so this is the best resolution we are going to get, sadly.
As for the LVT http://www.mapleleafup.org/forums/showthread.php?t=12368 Allied WWII AFV Discussion Group: LVT 2 at Normandy???? Allied WWII AFV Discussion Group: LVT's and Normandy Allied WWII AFV Discussion Group: LVTs in Normandy Allied WWII AFV Discussion Group: possible use of LVT on D-Day ? (or at least on Normandy beaches) It seems the LVT's had this written on the front: HG. COM. X. ORG. APO HQ FAR SHORE VF F 980/39 I believe the original copy of the first photo is on display in the Bayeux Museum and the book itself was reprinted in the mid 60's with a better copy (says so in the first linked ML thread and has a low res copy). I would presume all the AA Cruisers were turned (rather than knocked out) in when the crews were needed as replacements.
Hi, A photo taken after the war at Utah Beach. Believe the remains of these two are in the museum at St Marie Du Mont and have recently been cleaned and repainted. Regards Danny
