743 (US) Tank Battalion

No eye protection, no work gloves, no day-glo vest, no safety-toe boots, clothing insufficient for extreme winter conditions. Verdict: subject suspended!



DAVA STILL MEDIA DEPOSITORY
BLDG. 168, N.D.W.
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20374

SDAN: SC 198122
DATE: 12/23/44
SAVRIN:
SERVICE ID: ETO-HQ-44-30830
PHOTOGRAPHER: Clancy

Working in snow, Cpl. Arthur Marino traces
a broken field wire line for splicing.
Btry A, 12th FA, 2nd Inf Div, FUSA.

OFFICIAL U.S. ARMY PHOTO (RELEASED)

 

From pictures I’ve seen so far, the 743rd used a blank Armored Forces shoulder/chest patch, with no battalion number. Not sure about the reason, but the generic patch was not a universal practice for the independent tank battalions.



https://catalog.archives.gov/id/404791457?objectPage=2

Lt. John E. Leahy is shown in the turret of his M-4 medium tank, awaiting orders to put his tanks into action during a demonstration given at Camp Atterbury, Indiana on 11 August 1944 | The Digital Collections of the National WWII Museum : Oral Histories

Lt. John E. Leahy is shown in the turret of his M-4 medium tank, awaiting orders to put his tanks into action during a demonstration given at Camp Atterbury, Indiana on 11 August 1944 | The Digital Collections of the National WWII Museum : Oral Histories

 

Note that the 743d in common with all the other ETOUSA Tank Battalions (Division and Separate) did not receive issue of the M4 (105) before 3 July 1944. When they landed on D-Day, the crews of the Battalion Assault Gun Platoon and Company Assault Gun Section manned standard M4 (75) with Dozer Attachment. They landed with the deep wading tanks.

 

Another indication of shortage: 75mm gun tanks marked as 105mm stand-ins for a stateside training exercise.



Medium tanks loaded for shipment from Camp Atterbury, Indiana on 20 September 1944 | The Digital Collections of the National WWII Museum : Oral Histories

Medium tanks loaded for shipment from Camp Atterbury, Indiana on 20 September 1944 | The Digital Collections of the National WWII Museum : Oral Histories

 

Those are also very early production Medium Tanks M4 with the M34 Combination Gun Mount. They have not had the Quick Fix Hull Side and Front Hood applique armor added.

 

Found video of tank-dozer from 743rd, showing how unit I.D. was applied to the push blade.

 

EKB Thank you for these pictures. This would make the photo with the tank crossing the bridge at fromond more understandable.

Regards,

Remi

 

As possible reference for picture research, found more scenes of M4 tanks with a similar, non-standard turret rack that was welded on CANNONEER of the 743rd Tank Battalion. Have not seen this feature on Shermans of the 741st Tank Battalion; at least not in photos connected with the D-Day landings.

 

EKB very interesting photo's with some nice details. Have you noticed on the last photo the sherman tank has two types of track on one track? It seems to be a mix of T48 chevrons and skeleton tracks. What is also quite preculiar is the type of camouflage. Hadn't seen this so far on US army tanks.

Regards Remi

 

Discoloration of paint on that Sherman hints at a raging fire. The rubber chevron track shoes are burnt off on both sides. The following pictures of tanks from the 743rd would suggest that camouflage covering, when present, was typically draped across the front plate and occasionally wrapped around the sides.








A similar camouflage technique was tried by the 13th/18th Hussars, in this case also wrapping the main gun and covering the turret number of No. 10.





Command tank of Lt. Col Gooch, CO of 1st (Armoured) Coldstream Guards.

 

This is one of the main reasons why the unit didn't have numbered patches until later on in the war

 

My great grandpa was part of the 743rd tank battalion for the entire war LeRoy Myron Nordin (1920-2002) - Find a Grave Memorial LeRoy Myron Nordin (1920-2002) - Find a Grave...

 

Thank you all for the useful information. This has been a big help as I research my family history. My great grandfather was a member of C. Co