Hi found this reference and it got me curious ... A demonstration of a RHINO at work was given by Sjt Cardus' tank to the Corps Commander and officers of the Division. Banks were pierced at high speed to the delight of the spectators, and even the sunken road which was supposed to show what a RHINO could not do, was crossed with some ease. In fact it was a demonstratration that went very well, and proved the value of the attachments. Above from IG WD; Sjt Cardus tank was a Sherman Mk V apparently. Can anyone tell me, what did this attachment look like and what was exactly was it designed to do? How often were they used, just for Bocage? Photos would be appreciated. Cheers, D
Excellent summary by Steve Zaloga: Osprey Publishing - Military History Books - Normandy legends: the Culin hedgerow cutter Edit - link above died. Preserved at Missing Lynx: missing-lynx.com - articles - Normandy legends: the Culin hedgerow cutter Few more links: hedgerow: Sherman tank with “Rhinoceros” attachment --XBritannica Online Encyclopedia Busting the Bocage, American Combined Arms Operations in France, 6 June - July 1944 Different form but same intention:
Probably a bit late to ask this question, D, but what date was the diary entry, please? The British Rhino/Prong is under-represented - apart from thd Tamiya Cromwell! There are photos of 79 Armd Div Churchills sporting them near Brest and the County of London Yeomanry's history implies they were available for GOODWOOD.
Hi It's from a month after Goodwood War Diary: 2nd Armoured Battalion IRISH GUARDS, Jan - Dec 1944 1944 August 28 The tanks moved out to the CERISI BELLE ETOILE - FLERS road where they loaded on transporters. The column did not move, however, until 1400hrs. A demonstration of a RHINO at work was given by Sjt CARDUS’s tank (No. 1 Sqn) to the Corps Commander and officers of the Division. Banks were pierced at high speed to the delight of the spectators, and even the sunken road which was supposed to show what a RHINO could not do, was crossed with some ease. In fact it was a demonstration that went very well, and proved the value of the attachments. The Harbour parties left for LAIGLE under Major D.M.L. GORDON-WATSON. The Commanding Officer went independently to the new area. The wheels under Major SIR JOHN REYNOLDS Bt, joined the Divisional Convoy. A conference at Brigade revealed future plans. The transporters would proceed another 40 miles to near VERNON at 1200hrs next day where they would unload the tanks. The wheels followed at 0600hrs 30 AUG 44. Whether the unloading area was E or W of the River SEINE no-one said.
Cheers, Di. The pre-GOODWOOD reference has always sounded a bit optimistic. We can let this thread go back to sleep now...