2nd Armoured Battalion Grenadier Guards, GAD, Tank Casualties, 1945 Regiment: 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards Serial No.: A.3. Tank: Sherman Mark: V W.D. No.: 288625 Date: 20 Apr 1945 Photo No.: 1 & 43 Figure Nos.: 9, 10, 12 2nd Armoured Battalion Grenadier Guards, GAD, Tank Casualties, 1945 Range: 150 yards Cause of Damage: A.P. (75mm Pak 40) penetrations and scoops Fire Damage: Burnt out Other tanks involved in same incident: A.4 & B.15 Circumstances: Near Zeven in early morning. Very misty with poor visibility. Hit from short range when stationary by an S.P. gun not sen at the time, but later identified as a “long 75mm. on a Mark III chassis”. Turret found at 11 o’clock. Same incident as A.4 and B.15. Position of Hit: a) penetration about 75 mm. in diameter in the side of the turret, about a foot to left of edge of gun mantlet. Course of shot not traced further, it could have hit operator. It was the first shot and caused the tank to burn immediately and the crew to bale out; b ) and c) two penetrations in centre of left side of hull just below track. One of these went into the engine, into the front of right petrol tank causing a cracked bulge in the armour of the side of the hull, and splitting the roof from the side. The projectile, a single driving band 75 mm., could be seen but not removed; d) scoop on front of roof of turret in front of operator. Tank completely burnt out. Course & Effect of Projectiles: See Position of hit Remarks: Tank seen. Information from Troop Leader. Fate of Crew: Gunner, Driver & Co-Driver: Unhurt. Commander: Wounded; a) laceration of left eye leading to enucleation of eye; b ) traumatic amputation of right arm above elbow; c) extensive wounds left arm; d) amputation of all fingers of left and; e) laceration of chest wall; f) extensive wounds of both thighs. Still in hospital 19 Sep 1945. Final Category Not Known.
