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75-646: Their ability to manoeuvre in the field with tanks was a major advantage over earlier designs, and led to the dedicated APC designs that were introduced by almost all armies immediately after the war. The earliest iterations of the Kangaroo were created from M3 and M5 Stuart light tanks to serve as artillery tractors in North Africa campaign in circumstances where Universal Carriers were unavailable. They were effective in their role, but attempts by soldiers to use them as improvised APCs proved ill-advised due to

150-478: A transfer case . This version of the tank was quieter, cooler and roomier; the automatic transmission also simplified crew training. The new model (initially called M4 but redesignated M5 to avoid confusion with the M4 Sherman ) featured a redesigned hull with a raised rear deck over the engine compartment, sloped glacis plate and driver's hatches moved to the top. Although the main criticism from units using

225-874: A dozen different uses. The U.S. Army initially deployed 108 Stuart light tanks to the Philippines in September 1941, equipping the U.S. Army's 194th and 192nd Tank Battalions . The first U.S. tank versus tank combat to occur in World War II happened on 22 December 1941 during the Philippines campaign (1941–1942) when a platoon of five M3s led by Lieutenant Ben R. Morin engaged the Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) 4th Tank Regiment's Type 95 Ha-Go light tanks north of Damortis. Lt. Morin, with his 37mm cannon locked in recoil maneuvered his M3 off

300-592: A limited range, which was a severe problem in the highly mobile desert warfare as units often outpaced their supplies and were stranded when they ran out of fuel. On the positive side, crews liked its relatively high speed and mechanical reliability, especially compared to the Crusader tank , which comprised a large portion of the British tank force in Africa up until 1942. The Crusader had similar armament and armor to

375-476: A personal history, however, the regiment's high degree of success quickly moulded them into a cohesive unit of high morale. It ended its short history in the Canadian Army at the end of June 20, 1945. The regiment was granted the right to display the following battle honours: The presentation of their regimental (replica) guidon was finally made on September 10, 2011, at a drum head ceremony at

450-456: A poor range characteristic, especially sensitive for use as a reconnaissance vehicle. In the letter sent to Franklin Roosevelt (18 July 1942), Stalin wrote: "I consider it my duty to warn you that, according to our experts at the front, U.S. tanks catch fire very easily when hit from behind or from the side by anti-tank rifle bullets. The reason is that the high-grade gasoline used forms inside

525-555: A secret activity—a principal reason for the scarcity of information regarding its activities. After further petitioning on the part of Lieutenant-Colonel Churchill, the regiment was given its final title of the 1st Canadian Armoured Carrier Regiment on January 1, 1945. The regiment was both formed and ultimately disbanded in the Netherlands, without attachment to any regimental home, city, or province, and its personnel were drawn from all over Canada. In spite of its lack of

600-713: A significant role in the First Kashmir War (1947) between India and Pakistan, including the battle of Zoji-la pass fought at an elevation of nearly 12,000 ft (3,700 m). M3A1 and M3A3s were used by British forces in Indonesia during the Indonesian National Revolution , where they suffered heavy losses due to the Stuart's thin armor plating. They were used until 1946, when the British left. The M3A1 and M3A3s were then passed on to

675-420: Is to be of very much use. In spite of the fact that the training of this Battalion was not pointed toward reconnaissance lines, we have been able to accomplish our missions with a Cavalry Reconnaissance Group with a much greater degree of success than in any other assignment to date. British and other Commonwealth armies were the first to use the light tank M3, as the "Stuart", in combat. From mid-November 1941 to

750-505: The 3rd Canadian Infantry Division . The Priests were "defrocked" at the Advanced Workshop Depot under the codename "Kangeroo", removing their 105 mm guns and ammunition stowage, and separating the driver's compartment from the rest of the vehicle. Priests with machine gun turrets retained them, and some that did not already have machine gun mounts had improvised ones fitted. The work was carried out at short notice,

825-596: The American Civil War Confederate general J. E. B. Stuart and was used for both the M3 and the derivative M5 light tank. Unofficially, they were also often called "Honeys" by the British, because of their smooth ride. In U.S. use, the tanks were officially known as "light tank M3" and "light tank M5". Stuarts were first used in combat in the North African campaign ; about 170 were used by

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900-482: The First Canadian Army ; both of which would belong to the 79th Armoured Division , with the 1CAPCR serving as the only Canadian regiment in the division. Official recognition of the change was delivered via the following proclamation: Due to the inclusion of the 1CAPCR in the 79th Armoured Division, known for its wide array of speciality armoured fighting vehicles , the regiment was also classified as

975-855: The Royal Netherlands East Indies Army , which used them until the end of the fighting before passing on the tanks to the Indonesian Army . The tank saw action during the Darul Islam rebellions in Aceh and Java, Republic of South Maluku rebellions in South Maluku, PRRI rebellions in Sumatra, Permesta rebellions in Northern Sulawesi and the fighting against the 30 September Movement . During

1050-474: The light tank M2 was becoming obsolete and set about improving it. The upgraded design, with thicker armor , modified suspension and new gun recoil system was called "light tank M3". Production of the vehicle started in March 1941 and continued until October 1943. By the standards of the era for light tanks, the Stuart was fairly heavily armored. It had 38 mm of armor on the upper front hull, 44 mm on

1125-701: The "Stuart Kangaroo ", and some were converted into command vehicles and known as "Stuart Command". M3s, M3A3s, and M5s continued in British service until the end of the war, but British units had a smaller proportion of these light tanks than U.S. units. The other major Lend-Lease recipient of the M3, the Soviet Union , was less happy with the tank, considering it under-gunned, under-armored, likely to catch fire, and too sensitive to fuel quality. The M3's radial aircraft engine required high-octane fuel, which complicated Soviet logistics as most of their tanks used diesel or low-octane fuel. High fuel consumption led to

1200-442: The 1927th Cavalry Battalion commanded by Cavalry Major João Mendes Paulo, stationed at Nambuangongo . The vehicles were mostly employed for convoy escort and recovery duties and limited counterinsurgency operations against National Liberation Front of Angola (FNLA) guerrillas, who dubbed them "Elefante Dundum". "Milocas" was destroyed by an accidental fire in 1969, while "Gina" and "Licas" were withdrawn from active service in 1972,

1275-535: The 1944 Liri Valley campaign, the official history of the 18th Battalion (New Zealand) notes that in the campaign (a war of movement) the regiment discovered that the Stuart recce tanks were an enormous advance on scout cars, and could go where not even jeeps could go. They carried commanders and engineers, and medical orderlies, and they could explore flanks while the Shermans forged ahead. They carried mobile wireless links and transported supplies up hilltops; they had

1350-611: The 1960s and 1970s, the Portuguese Army also used a small number of M5A1 light tanks, out of a total of 90 received as military aid from Canada in 1956, in the war in Angola , where its all-terrain capability (compared to wheeled vehicles) was greatly appreciated. In 1967, the Portuguese Army deployed three M5A1 light tanks – nicknamed "Milocas", "Licas", and "Gina" by their crews – to northern Angola , which served with

1425-583: The Americans, who led with an infantry assault. To General Guy Simonds , who was ordered to follow up the D-Day attacks with an assault on Falaise , this experience suggested both the usefulness of such armour-first tactics, as well as the further benefits of using armoured vehicles to transport troops, leading him to stress the issue while planning his assault, deeming it essential "...that the infantry must be carried in bullet-proof and splinter-proof vehicles to

1500-580: The British Army M3 Stuart The M3 Stuart / light tank M3, was an American light tank of World War II . An improved version of the tank entered service as the M5 in 1942 to be supplied to British and other Commonwealth forces under lend-lease prior to the entry of the U.S. into the war. Afterwards, it was used by U.S. and Allied forces until the end of the war. The British service name "Stuart" came from

1575-494: The British Army. In 1945, obsolete as tanks, many were modified to carry specialized armament: Current operators Former operators Notes Background: British armoured fighting vehicle production during World War II , Tanks in the British Army 1st Canadian Armoured Carrier Regiment The 1st Canadian Armoured Carrier Regiment (1CACR) (also known as the 1st Canadian Armoured Personnel Carrier Regiment )

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1650-749: The British forces in Operation Crusader (18 November – 30 December 1941). Stuarts were the first American-crewed tanks in World War II to engage the enemy in tank versus tank combat when used in the Philippines in December 1941 against the Japanese. Outside of the Pacific War, in later years of WWII the M3 was used for reconnaissance and screening. Observing events in Europe and Asia during World War II , American tank designers realized that

1725-563: The Canadians in September 1944, but in December these minor units were combined to form the 1st Canadian Armoured Carrier Regiment (initially the 1st Canadian Armoured Personnel Carrier Regiment), joining the British 49th Armoured Carrier Regiment under the British 79th Armoured Division which was the administrative division for the deployment of the specialized combat support vehicles known as " Hobart's Funnies ". The first operation for

1800-507: The Elgin Regiment Armoury, St. Thomas, Ontario , Canada. The guidon shows the battle honours of Le Havre, The Roer, The Rhineland, The Reichswald, Cleve, Goch-Calcar Road, The Hochwald, The Rhine, Groningen and North-West Europe, 1944–45 Modified US 105mm M7 Priest Howitzer Motor Carriage. These vehicles were worn out and had been removed from service. The main armament - the 105 mm gun complete with mount and mantlet -

1875-464: The German tanks or SP guns". After the war, some countries chose to equip their armies with cheap and reliable war surplus Stuarts. The Chinese Nationalist Army having suffered great attrition as a result of the ensuing civil war, rebuilt their armored forces by acquiring surplus vehicles left behind in the Philippines by the U.S. forces, including 21 M5A1s to equip two tank companies. The M5 played

1950-524: The German troops who were being left behind the medium tanks. Since many hidden fortifications and positions would have survived the initial medium tank assault, the infantry would then be confronted by any remaining fortified German troops. Behind the infantry came the M5s of a light tank company, who would attack these positions when directed to by the Infantry, usually by the use of green smoke grenades . In

2025-518: The M3 Stuart as the main battle tank. El Salvador captured eight major cities before the Organization of American States arranged a ceasefire. The South African Armoured Corps continued to use M3A1s in a reserve role until 1955. Some were refurbished locally in 1962 and remained in service as late as 1964. The fleet was withdrawn in 1968, owing to parts shortage. The M3 Stuart is still on

2100-563: The M4's 75mm gun, which fired a much larger shell with a heavier explosive payload. When the U.S. Army joined the North African Campaign in late 1942, Stuart units still formed a large part of its armor strength. After the disastrous Battle of Kasserine Pass , the U.S. quickly followed the British in disbanding most of their light tank battalions and reorganizing medium tank battalions to include one company of light tanks, where

2175-789: The M5), new turret and the Continental W-670 gasoline engine. In contrast to the M2A4, all M3/M5 series tanks had a trailing rear idler wheel for increased ground contact, whereas on the M2 the idler wheel was off the ground and did not aid in suspension. To relieve wartime demand for the radial aero-engines used in the M3, a new version was developed using twin Cadillac V8 automobile engines and twin Hydra-Matic transmissions operating through

2250-913: The Ram Kangaroo was Operation Astonia , the assault on Le Havre 10-12 September 1944, the last the British 7th Armoured Division 's march into Hamburg on 3 May 1945 in the Capture of Hamburg . In Italy, Sherman III tanks and some Priests were converted for use by the British Eighth Army . Removing the turret of the Sherman and some internal fittings gave room for carrying up to ten troops. From 1943, Stuart tanks (both M3 and M5) had their turrets removed and seating fitted to carry infantry troops attached to British armoured brigades. Israeli conversions Background: British armoured fighting vehicle production during World War II , Tanks in

2325-492: The Rams into mobile machine gun nests, allowing them to force the enemy to keep their heads down until the transported infantry could debark. On occasion, by the time the Rams made it into position they found the enemy already ready to surrender without further engagement. Each carrier could hold 11 infantry and a two-man crew. The 123 Light Aid Detachment (LAD), Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers , under

Kangaroo (armoured personnel carrier) - Misplaced Pages Continue

2400-585: The Soviets turned down an American offer to supply the M5. M3s continued in Red Army service at least until 1944. One of the more successful uses of the M5 in combat came during the Battle of Anzio when breaking through German forces surrounding the beachhead. The tactics called for an initial breakthrough by a medium tank company to destroy the heavier defenses, followed by an infantry battalion who would attack

2475-491: The Stuart was still effective in combat in the Pacific Theater , as Japanese tanks were both relatively rare and were lighter in armor than even Allied light tanks. Japanese infantrymen were not well equipped with anti-tank weapons, and as such had to use close assault tactics. In this environment, the Stuart was only moderately more vulnerable than medium tanks. Though the Stuart was to be completely replaced by

2550-412: The Stuart while being slower, less reliable, and several tons heavier. The Stuart also had the advantage of a gun that could deliver high-explosive shells; HE shells were not available for the 40 mm QF 2-pdr gun mounted by most Crusaders, severely limiting their use against emplaced anti-tank guns or infantry. The main drawback of the Stuart was its low fuel capacity and range; its operational range

2625-400: The Stuart's very light armour. In July 1944, Lieutenant-General Harry Crerar 's First Canadian Army was concerned by manpower shortages due to combat losses. While the British and Canadian forces had received some American M3 Half-track APCs, the supply was heavily reduced by this point due to the Americans' own need for them, and Universal Carriers were individually insufficient despite

2700-461: The Stuarts mostly performed the traditional cavalry missions of scouting and screening; for the rest of the war, most U.S. tank battalions had three companies of M4 Shermans and one company of M3s or M5/M5A1s. In Europe, Allied light tanks were given cavalry and infantry fire support roles since their light main armament was not competitive against heavier enemy armored fighting vehicles. However,

2775-513: The Stuarts was that it lacked firepower, the improved M5 series kept the same 37 mm gun. The M5 gradually replaced the M3 in production from 1942 and, after the M7 project proved unsatisfactory, was succeeded by the light tank M24 in 1944. Total M5 and M5A1 tank production was 8,884; an additional 1,778 M8 75 mm howitzer motor carriages based on the M5 chassis with an open-top turret were produced. Light tanks were issued to tank battalions (one of

2850-444: The U.S. entered the war in 1941, it began to supply China with AFVs, including M3 Stuarts, and later M4 Sherman medium tanks and M18 Hellcat tank destroyers , which trickled in through Burma. Although the U.S. light tanks had proven effective in jungle warfare, by late 1943, U.S. Marine Corps tank battalions were transitioning from their M3/M5 light tanks to M4 medium tanks, mostly for the much greater high-explosive blast effect of

2925-599: The active list in the Armed Forces of Paraguay , with ten of the tanks being overhauled in 2014 to provide a training capability. The amphibious Landing Vehicle Tracked LVT(A)-1 had a turret that was nearly identical to that of the M3 Stuart. In the 1970s, the Brazilian company Bernardini developed a series of radical Stuart upgrades for the Brazilian Army . Yugoslav partisans received Stuarts from

3000-553: The actual objectives." No such vehicles existed at that time, and this idea thus marked the advent of what are now called armoured personnel carriers. Carriers were code-named " Kangaroos " partially after the codename of the Army Workshops Detachment that produced them, and partially because of the idea that infantry would be carried in the belly of the tank as safely as a young kangaroo in its mother's pouch. The order to convert 72 Priests into carriers by

3075-441: The carriers' performance, General Simonds began petitioning for the formation of a permanent carrier unit. On August 28, 1944, General Simonds' requests were granted, and the 1st Armoured Carrier Squadron was formed. The unit was established as four troops of 25 carriers (though only 55 vehicles were then available), with personnel consisting of a commanding officer, four troop commanders, and 100 drivers, and

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3150-530: The command of Captain E. Duncan, were initially formed on an ad hoc basis in August ;1944 to provide maintenance services to the carriers. When the regiment was formed, the LAD became an integral part of it and had a strength of 52 men. The 1st Canadian Armoured Personnel Carrier Signal Troop was assigned to the regiment on November 1, 1944, under the command of Lieutenant Donald H. Simpson of

3225-476: The commencement of Operation Totalize on August 9 was given on July 31 by Brigadier C. M. Grant, the Deputy Director of Mechanical Engineering at Headquarters. Ultimately, 78 would be converted prior to the first engagement, in spite of the fact that the operation's start date had been advanced to August 7 by Simmonds although he had thought troops needed at least a week to train for using

3300-619: The end of the year, about 170 Stuarts (in a total force of over 700 tanks) took part in Operation Crusader during the North Africa Campaign , with poor results. This is despite the fact that the M3 was superior or comparable in most regards to most of the tanks used by the Axis forces. The most numerous German tank, the Panzer III Ausf G, had nearly identical armor and speed to the M3, and both tanks' guns could penetrate

3375-411: The enormous numbers. However, self-propelled artillery and tanks were currently oversupplied, with a significant number sitting idle not being used. Lieutenant-General Guy Simonds , commander of II Canadian Corps , devised Kangaroos as a field-expedient alternative to purpose-built APCs. The original Kangaroos were converted from 72 M7 Priest self-propelled guns of three field artillery regiments of

3450-569: The fact that light tank platoons were not expected to function as a reconnaissance unit, they could be used for reconnaissance purposes. In this role, they were expected to remain behind the main reconnaissance force as the support element and augment the firepower whenever enemy contact was made. [It] is apparent that a Light Tank Battalion, armed with only 37mm guns, unless very skillfully employed with Infantry, will suffer severe casualties in men and material. The Light Tank still has to depend on speed, maneuver, and selection of suitable targets if it

3525-563: The former being sent to Luanda and the latter ended up in 1973 as an airfield security pillbox in the Portuguese Air Force 's Zala airfield. Period photographs show some modifications to the basic design, namely the omission of the bow machine gun, re-installed on a pintle mount in the roof of the turret, and a small searchlight fitted in front of the commander's cupola. During the four-day long Football War of 1969, El Salvador invaded Honduras in an all-out-war strike using

3600-778: The four companies was a light tank company), light tank battalions and cavalry reconnaissance squadrons. The original role of the light tank in these formations was similar to medium tanks and they were expected to engage enemy armor with AP rounds and enemy positions with HE rounds. As a result, tank gunnery training for light and medium tankers was common. US Army Field Manuals written before 1944 clearly show that light tanks were to be part of an armored assault on enemy positions, and examples of fire on enemy armor were in these manuals. When pursuing an enemy, light tank battalions were expected to move parallel with enemy columns and, together with accompanying infantry and engineer units, seize "critical terrain that will block hostile retreat". Despite

3675-406: The general direction being given on 31 July to be ready by 9 August though official sanction was not given by 21st Army Group until 2 August. An ad hoc depot was set up by Major Wiggan employing the services of British REME and Royal Canadian EME and other Canadian service corps. Extensive supplies of materials including spare engines were provided. Where there was insufficient armour plate, steel

3750-436: The half-tracks already available. When re-converted Kangaroos were returned to U.S. custody, other vehicles were pressed into service, the vast majority (some 500) being Rams, which were standing idle after being used as training vehicles when Canadian armoured formations re-equipped with Shermans. The Ram gun tanks were shipped to France and duly converted, deploying piecemeal as they arrived. While 'debussing' - climbing out of

3825-438: The hull and jumping down, potentially under fire - was challenging, the obvious difficulty of getting into a vehicle that was designed to prevent enemy soldiers climbing onto it was quickly appreciated. Accordingly, climbing rungs were soon added as a field modification that also simplified loading the carrying compartment with ammunition, food and other supplies to troops under fire. The Ram Kangaroo entered service piecemeal with

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3900-466: The last tank versus tank combat occurring on 7 April 1942. As the Japanese 15th Army was threatening southern Burma toward the end of February 1942, 7th Armoured Brigade of the British Army landed at Rangoon with 114 M-3 Stuarts bearing the green rodent of the "Desert Rats". They supported 17th Indian Division and 1st Burma Division on the retreat until they managed to escape to India in April. Due to

3975-470: The limitations of both the main gun (see below) and armor, the Stuart's intended combat role in Western Europe was changed significantly. Light tank companies were often paired with cavalry reconnaissance units, or else used for guarding or screening, and even used in supply or messenger roles for medium tank units. On 9 December 1944, the 759th Tank Battalion advanced on a hill near Bogheim but

4050-430: The lower front hull, 51 mm on the gun mantlet, 38 mm on the turret sides, 25 mm on the hull sides, and 25 mm on the hull rear. Like its direct predecessor, the M2A4, the M3 was initially armed with a 37 mm M5 gun and five .30-06 Browning M1919A4 machine guns: one coaxial with the main gun, one on top of the turret in an M20 anti-aircraft mount, another in a ball mount in right bow, and two more in

4125-631: The naval nature of the Pacific campaign, steel for warship production took precedence over tanks for the IJA, creating by default an IJA light tank that performed admirably in the jungle terrain of the South Pacific. By the same measure, although the US was not hampered by industrial restrictions, the U.S. M3 light tank proved to be an effective armored vehicle for fighting in jungle environments. At least one

4200-559: The new vehicles —an impressive feat, as the full engine overhaul included was generally a seven-day operation. The drivers for the new vehicles were swiftly and secretly recruited from the Armoured Corps reinforcements, artillery units, and the Elgin Regiment , and were rushed into service with almost no training, first seeing action during the attack on Falaise on the night of August 7–8, 1944. The attack on Falaise

4275-486: The newer M24 Chaffee, the number of M3s/M5s produced was so great (over 25,000 including the 75mm HMC M8) that the tank remained in service until the end of the war, and well after. In addition to the U.S, UK and Soviet Union, who were the primary users, it was also used by France (M3A3 and M5A1), China (M3A3s and, immediately post-war, M5A1s) and Josip Broz Tito 's Partisans in Yugoslavia (M3A3s and few M3A1). With

4350-609: The operation had more to do with the better tactics and training of the Afrika Korps than the apparent superiority of German armored fighting vehicles used in the North African campaign, the operation revealed that the M3 had several technical faults. Mentioned in the British complaints were the 37 mm M5 gun and poor internal layout. The two-man turret crew was a significant weakness, and some British units tried to fight with three-man turret crews. The Stuart also had

4425-562: The other tank's front armor from beyond 1,000 m (3,300 ft). The most numerous Italian tank (and second most numerous Axis tank overall), the Fiat M13/40 , was much slower than the Stuart, had slightly weaker armor all around, and could not penetrate the Stuart's front hull or turret armor at 1,000 meters, whereas the Stuart's gun could penetrate any spot on the M13/40. Although the high losses suffered by Stuart-equipped units during

4500-490: The radial engine was at the rear and the transmission at the front of the tank's hull. The driveshaft connecting the engine and transmission ran through the middle of the fighting compartment. The radial engine's crankshaft was positioned high off the hull bottom and contributed to the tank's relatively tall profile. When a revolving turret floor was introduced in the M3 hybrid and M3A1, the crew had less room. A further 3,427 M3A3 variants were built with modified hull (similar to

4575-441: The right and left hull sponsons . Later, the main gun was replaced with the slightly longer M6, and the sponson machine guns were removed. The M3 and M3A1 variants were powered by an air-cooled radial engine , either a gasoline-fueled 7- cylinder Continental W-670 (8,936 built) or a 9-cylinder Guiberson T-1020 diesel (1,496 built). Both of these powerplants were originally developed as aircraft engines . Internally,

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4650-469: The road, but took a direct hit while doing so, and his tank began to burn. The other four M3s were also hit, but managed to leave the field under their own power. Lt. Morin was wounded, and he and his crew were captured by the enemy. M3s of the 194th and 192nd Tank Battalions continued to skirmish with the 4th Tank Regiment's tanks as they continued their retreat down the Bataan Peninsula, with

4725-612: The tank a thick layer of highly inflammable fumes. " Also, compared to Soviet tanks, the M3's narrower tracks resulted in a higher ground pressure, getting them more easily stuck in the Rasputitsa muddy conditions of spring and autumn and winter snow conditions on the Eastern Front. In 1943, the Red Army tried out the M5 and decided that the upgraded design was not much better than the M3. Being less desperate than in 1941,

4800-421: The wireless set. After several months of operation, 21st Army Group concluded that the 1st Armoured Carrier Squadron was the best means to seize objectives and reduce infantry casualties, leading to their decision to form two armoured personnel carrier regiments—the British 49th Armoured Personnel Carrier Regiment for British Second Army , and the 1st Canadian Armoured Personnel Carrier Regiment for

4875-495: Was an armoured regiment of the Canadian Army formed during the late stages of World War II in the north west European theatre . It was formed in October 1944 at Tilburg in the Netherlands, with the original 1st Canadian Armoured Personnel Carrier Squadron as its core. The new regiment's purpose was to serve as a specialized armoured unit equipped with modified tanks used to carry infantry safely to their objectives. The concept of such armoured personnel carriers

4950-504: Was an entirely new innovation , and it was through the 1CACR's efforts that their effectiveness was proven, revolutionizing the tactical handling of infantry in battle. It was the only Canadian regiment to be both formed and disbanded overseas. The decision to convert redundant tanks into personnel carriers was inspired by Allied experiences during the D-Day landings, where British and Canadian forces experienced much lower casualty rates by leading attacks on German lines with armour than did

5025-407: Was attached to the 25th Canadian Armoured Delivery Regiment (The Elgin Regiment) for administrative purposes. When engaged in an operation, it would come "under command of various Infantry Brigades in turn." Each carrier had a .50-inch (12.7 mm) Browning heavy machine gun , and approximately 60% of the vehicles were equipped with radios, however, there was no co-driver to fire the gun or operate

5100-589: Was broadly similar, with the entire turret removed, ammunition storage removed, bench seats fitted in the turret ring area, and the driver's compartment separated. Hull machine guns were retained, and new machine guns were sometimes fitted to the turret ring. Kangaroos in general were supposed to carry 8 to 12 soldiers, though similar to the practice of troops riding on tanks , it was more common to simply cram as many as could fit without being at risk of falling off. The Priest Kangaroos were first used on 8 August 1944 south of Caen during Operation Totalize to supplement

5175-461: Was captured in the Philippines. With the IJA's drive toward India within the South-East Asian theatre of World War II , the United Kingdom hastily withdrew their 2nd Royal Tank Regiment and 7th Hussars Stuart tank units (which also contained some M2A4 light tanks ) from North Africa, and deployed them against the Japanese 14th Tank Regiment. By the time the Japanese had been stopped at Imphal , only one British Stuart remained operational. When

5250-457: Was carried out successfully, resulting in the capture of 200 tanks, 60 assault guns, 250 towed guns, and 2,500 motored vehicles from the Germans, as well as an unhindered six-day advance. The lead brigades of the assault had all been carried in the new Kangaroos, allowing them to move swiftly and providing the following results regarding the comparative casualties of the seven Canadian infantry battalions involved: Impressed by

5325-402: Was largely considered a failure as a tank, being both underpowered and undergunned , but proved easy to modify into a superior personnel carrier. The removal of the turret, with the turret basket, produced an ideal low profiled, lighter weight carrier with low track pressure that allowed for superior manoeuvrability on soft ground. The addition of two .30-inch Browning machine guns also transformed

5400-457: Was only 75 miles (121 km) cross country, roughly half that of the Crusader. In the summer of 1942, the British usually kept Stuarts out of tank-to-tank combat, using them primarily for reconnaissance. The turret was removed from some examples to save weight and improve speed and range. These became known as "Stuart Recce". Some others were converted to armored personnel carriers known as

5475-454: Was removed leading to the nickname "defrocked Priests,". The engine was overhauled and the mechanicals checked ."Armour plate was placed over the gun mantelet opening and added to the vehicle sides." For some vehicles there was not enough steel of suitable quality and the original opening was plated front and back and the gap between filled with sand. The Priests were replaced by modified Ram medium tanks : The Canadian-designed and built Ram

5550-464: Was scavenged and a sandwich of metal and sand was used to fill in the gap in the front of the hull where the gun had been. When the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division was re-equipped with towed Ordnance QF 25-pounder gun-howitzers in late July, the rest of their self-propelled tracked vehicles were stripped of their 105 mm guns and converted to Kangaroos. Later Kangaroos were based on Sherman , Churchill , and obsolete Canadian Ram tanks. The process

5625-412: Was subjected to a counter-attack by German forces, including a heavy self-propelled assault gun , which took "over 100 direct hits" at ranges as low as 75 yd (69 m) with "no appreciable damage". In January 1945, a report to General Eisenhower concluded that the Stuart was "obsolete in every respect as a fighting tank" and that it would not "turn the German fire [n]or [would] the 37mm gun damage

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