I'm looking for information about the markings of this M3A1 Stuart in Tunisia. I believe this tank belongs to the 6th Armoured Division. Would anyone have any tips? I would like to know if the units of the British First Army also used the M3 Hybrid during the Tunisian Campaign. I thank you in advance. All the best, Fabricio
For the record, IWM reference: NA 2514 THE BRITISH ARMY IN TUNISIA 1943 "German troops surrender to the crew of a Stuart tank near Frendj, 6 May 1943."
The link from the Australian War Memorial shows a photo of British armor at Hammam Lif. The tank in the foreground looks like an M3A1 Stuart. Tunis, Tunisia. c. May 1943. British tanks take possession of Hammon Lif.
I think both images are M3A1s, not Hybrids. The US II Corps used a range of Stuarts in Tunisia, including M3s, M3 Hybrids, M3A1s, and M5s. The Hybrids can be distinguished by still having the two sponson MGs. These were frequently removed in the field, but the ports for the guns were often still visible. The M3A1 had well-rounded cones on the sponsons where the guns had been, a factory feature and not a field modification. For some excellent pictures of Hybrids in New Zealand, see The Stuart Hybrid in New Zealand . The Stuart in American service in Tunisia is well-covered at US M3 Stuart North Africa 1942 .
