an ofJournal of Co NTENTS Miliary May 1998 Volume 8, Number 3 Ordnance Pax Vobiscum Features A M1341 Fire Support Vehicle By Paul Handel 12 Notes of US Arnon Markings Infantry Tanks 1920-1940 By Charles R. Lemons 17 the 251 Calliope The Facts Behind an Unusual Vehicle ByMichael Eastes 19 the World's Best Tanks (Lerthe controversy begin!) By Gregory Ferrer 2 7 ANIMLO-¥4 Tactical Jammen Gulf War Tested! By Adam Geibel 2.7 Marrye'sMemorial Jordan's Tribute ro it's Military By Jeff McKaughan aes Departments 7 Bookshelf G-2 26 The Ordnance Museum Foundation OnTheCovers FRONT Leftsde view of the AN/MLQ-34 TAC JAM electronic warlire VHF jamming systom ss used bythe S03st MI Battalion ia Kuwait during Desert Storm, A Marmon Hertingion Mk IV on display aca the front of the Marty's “Memoria in Amman, Jordan. "The vehicle isin typical Jordanian camouflage pattern TOP RIGHT: A fron view ofthe ANIMLQ-34 TACJAM, MIDDLE: Right side view ofa Jordanian Saladin smored cain font ofthe Mary's Memorial BOTTOM: An FSV emerging from the Goorges River nar Holsworthy after an exercise, The tack shrouds ar ied, the engine secen protection israised, anthem ‘ane with extension piece is deployed. Anempty ole sts behind the ture, tached by alength of rope. This sa marker buoy in ese te veicle sinks.FSV callsign “41 Alfa” stopped by a road in South Vienamin late 1971, whilea convoy of 105 mm M2A2 howitzers drawn by Austra lian International Mark 5 six by six trucks passes. The sponson reinforcement above the first three road wheels and the missing smoke grenade dischargers are points 10 M113A1 Fire Support Vehicle By Paul Handel During 1962 and 1963, the Aust inducted trials of two types of tracked Jian Army ‘mored personnel carriers, the FV432. “7 jan” fromthe UK andthe M113 (withCheysler wsoline engine) from the USA. The M13 was selected as the vehicle to replace the family of wheeled AFVs then being used in the Ferret Scout Car,the Saracen Armored Personnel Carrier APC), Saladin Armored Cat. Deliveries of the MIISAI version with the Detoit Diesel in 1964. Aust Australia Tn 1965, th ted an armored unit to an overseas theatre of ian Army commit. war for the first time since the end of the Second World War, The eight MII3AI vchiclesof the APC troop intially employed were the firstofalargerange of such vehicles tosee combat in South Vietnamoverthe next seven years. The initial deployment of cart few toa full Cavalry Squadron omibatusing these vehicles cers quickly Asthe ‘0 followed modifications to provide them with additional protection and Gun shields, machin firepower un ture sponsorreinforcement,and belly armor were of the official modifications. Uni ‘modifications were many and varied. The puta f need for mobile heavy fire-support was soon, sized for the Cavalry Squadron, In 1966 a requirement was produced by the Amy for an Air Portable Armoured Fighting Vehicle (APARV), and two MSS1 General Sheridan light tanks from the USA were tested here during the 1967 and 1968, Even before the trials commenced, it was known that the Sheridan would not be avail able for purchase for some time, should it be chosen, and so an interim solution for the APAEV was sought. T ADE), no Establishment ogy and E produced the design for an interim solution by mounting a 76 mm Saladin armored car MII3AI APC. ADE worked inc MIL3 manufacture Machinery Corporation (FMC California, who had produced similar pro- gun turret from a onto the hull of an junction the Food of San Jose with the posals on paper in 1964 and 1966. One of the major © mnceens was For the chicle 10 be maintained. (This requirement continues to amphi 1s capability of the bea factor inthe Australian Arm; light armored vehicles.) An APC was fitted witha large billetof when usi M ccast iron on the hull roof behind the ‘commander's cupola, and trialsheldto deter ‘mine the effects of an additional two tons on the vehicle's amphibious cap bilities. These trials apparently were successful, andby mid 1967 the Ordnance Factory at Maribyrnong, Victoria had produced a pilot model interim APABY, subsequently designated MII3A1 (ES) (FS for fire support), The MII3A1 Vehicle had a major portion of the hull roof JournslofMilivary Ordnancewading pool atthe Proving Ground, Monegeet removed and an adapter plate withriverturret, fied, and the turret from a Saladin The Saladin was at that sme inthe process of being phased outof armored car instal. service, along with the Saracen, as the MII3A1 family of vehicles becam oftheMMII3AL ladin turret caused some prob- widely available, Thema hull and th Jems, particulary in the compatibility of US and British electrical systems, Internally, the MII3A1 had all crew compartment bench seats removed, and a support mounted on the floor to carry the electrical cables from the turret into the hull A false floor was fited tothe rear portion of the hull, under which a 76 mm gun was stowed. forward ofthe fuel tank onthe left side and of the battery box on the Fi munition for the oht side, were fitted racks to carry twelve rounds of 76 mam am. munition each, These racks were inclined at approximately fifteen de A total of fifty-five rounds for the main armament were carried, A modified drivers hatch, which lifted and pivoted, was also fitedto the production v ‘mentof the standard hatch interfered withthe turret when traversed. ees othe vertical icles. as the move The vehiele’sroad performance suffered ily, being about two tons heavier than Inaddltion, the swim ‘ming capabilities were severely reduced. The the standard vehicle vehicle sat very low in the water, with only some 150-180 mm of hull out of the water An additional piece of sheet metal similar to that fitted to the trim vane of the Fitters Vehicle was added tothe trim vane, to assist forward movement in water. als ofthe prototype Vehicle began at the Armoured Centre at Puckapunysl, Vietoria, in October 1967, bi pended aftera week when the vehicle sank in the Goulburn River, as the turret was t srsed slightly tothe right whilst the vehi ‘was maneuvering inthe water. After repairs were effected the trials recommenced at Puckapunyal and continued until the end of May 1998 1967. About this time the vehicle was chris- tened the “Coleman Cruiser”, after the then Director of Armour, COL K.R.G, Coleman. but this name did not last long and it became simply known as the FSV — Fire Support In early 1968, troop trials com- alry Re Vehicle ‘menced at A Squadron 2nd Ca ment, Holsworthy, NSW, and these were ‘completed inthe April. Theevaluation ofthe trials results took some time, and there were a numberof modifications made to the proto- type to bring it up to an acceptable standard. Teswas not until mid-1970 that the then Direc: tor of Armour, COL JM. Maxwell, recom: mended the vehicle for service use. A total of fourteen vehicles were con: verted from new MII3AI vehicles of 1969 vintage, by 4 Base Workshop RAEME at Bandiana during 1970 and 1971 version kit, comprising the hull top plate with The wading pool of the Proving Ground again isthe location for flotation esting ofthe FSV The protorype FSV after be turret giving a good comparis «a Saladin armored car filed wish a of height with riser ring, ammunition racks and turret were provided by Factory Maribymong. About this time the prototype Vehicle, originally carrying the registration umber 134176, was renumbered 134700, andall fifteen PSV carried consecutive reg. 4714. (The number of vehicles produced was limited by the quan tity of Saladin armored ears inthe Australian inventory.) ‘Although the armored contingent in ‘South Vietnam had been expecting the FSVs since 1968, the first four vehicles did not arrive until July/August 1971 hicles all were fitted with sponsor reinforce ‘ment plates.and bolt-on belly armor. Initially they were formed into a Fire Support Troop fof A Squadron 3rd Cavalry Regiment, under t nd of LIT Ross McCormack. Ini- tial gunnery training was conducted on the ABV range near the eastern gates of Nui Dat ‘as “full bore” gunnery had not been used by the cavalry/APC units deployed in Sout the Ordnance istrationnumbersupto These ve The uumodifed drivers hatch can be seen tied tothe turret aerial mountsVietnam prior to the FSVs becoming avail able The first trip “outside the wire” for the FSVs was to Baria, Dat Do and back to the Horseshoe feature, nearly all the way on sealed roads, siven limited exposure to the possibility at contact with the enemy. Ross McCormack remembered... think it was policy not et the vehicles involved in situations where Those vehicles were not tanks and with the amount of ammo Initially the vehicles. were they might sustain damage. that was carried they probably would have gone off withabang ifhitwith an RPG." The cehicles were used in the defence of fire s, general convey escort, night patrols and ambushes. AS with the Centurion tanks serving in South Vietnam, the FSVs had the smoke grenade dischargers removed from the side ofthe turret, as these caught in vines and overhanging tree branches when operat ing in heavily timbered country Later in 1971, a further two FSVs ar rived at the Squadron, and a reorganization took place Three reconnaissance oops ach having two FSVs with ard MIDBALs, ganization allowed reconnaissance patrolsto bbe conducted away from Nui Dat, The FSVs were withdrawn from South Vietnam in late 1040 or three sta This reor 1971, andthe Squadron tse was withdrawn in the Following year After the withdrawal from South Viet- im, the FSVs served with regular Cavalry Re us (mainly 2nd Cavalry Regiment) until 1979, and inservice with reserve units fora ed obso- and the Armoured Cent continuin further few years, until being decla letein 1986, During were known to the troops as “Beasts” Shostly after bei ithdrawn from ser The interior ofa production vehicle showing the Saladin turret basket, ammunition racks in the sponson, and the step inthe hull floor containing ammunitio view, six ofthe vehicles were de-turretedand the bulls witha plywood covering were sold to the New Zealand Army. There they were returned to standard M113A I configuration, ounting cupolas, and used by the RNZAC ‘School of Armourasdrivertraining vehicles, The deployment of an NZ infantry company {to Bosnia was accompanied by a number of APCs, one of which was an ambulance eon: version of one of the ex-Australian FS hulls. Ie was fitted with belly and hull armor as wellas an ACAV kit forthe commander's cupola. ‘The Saladin-turreted M1134 | although ‘not an ideal conversion and not provided in ‘Two FSVs ofthe 2nd Cavalry Regiment leading a reconnais sance troop during exercises at Holsworthy, SW in 1973. The commander's 0.30 inch Browning flexible machine gunis ‘mounted and the fldedextension to the rim vane can be seen racks great numbers, served the Royal Australian Armoured Corps (RAAC) well, and itwasno doubt due to its success that another Fire Support Vehicle, this time mounting a Seor pion 76mm turret, was developed in the mid 70s and served in the RAAC until 1996, But this is another story. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The author wishes to thank Colonel D.H.R. Bourne (RL), MAJ R, McCormack (RL). the late Mr. J. Nuttall and Mr. L.A, Wright for their assistance with information and photo- raph used inthe preparation ofthis articleJoMO Bookshelf G-2 news and notes about AFV resources by Tom Laemlein IF tere is one publisher out there who truly has ABV fans best interests at heart. it has to be JJ Fedorowier Publishing (Winnipeg. Manitoba ; Canada 204-837-6080; website: http:/www.websolutions.mb.cal pls pt pul). Iesasmall operation that ereatessomeof the biggest, best books in the business. Frankly, many ARV fan fel that as soonas. 4 Fedorowier publication comes off the presses, it's already a collector’ s item. ‘s axe in point isthe recent publication of Karlheinz Munch's \ includes hundreds of previously unpublished photos from private collections, particularly of the Ferdinand/Elephant tank destroyer: Granted, these huge photo volumes don’t come cheap (the history of Panzerjager 653 goes for around $105), but in this case you truly get What you pay for, Keep your eyes peeled for another massive photo volume, “Tigers In Combat 2” due to be published in late spring. Later this year look for the following titles to be released: Panzer Aces 2", “S$ Photo Album”. and “Panzer Photo Album” Inadditiono theirown publications, Fedorowicz handles high-quality imports including the French Heimdal Series. Thes rival Fedorowiez’ sown books in quality (and price), but most have French text only, although a few have English eaptions. The following titles, along with a number of others, are available at $108 each: “Invasion Journal 6 June to 22 August 1944" (over 1,100 photos), “The Battle of Caen 6 June to 15 August 194” (over 850 photos), “12th SS Panzer Division HitlerJugend” (600 photos), “History of the Panzer Lehr Division” (over 500 photos), “Liebstandarte SS" (over 1000 photos), “Divisions of the German Army 1939-1945" (840 photos, many previously unpublished from French archives), Easter Furopean book importer Derek Frost has put up website with an on-line catalog (hitp:/www.geocities.com/Pentagon! Quarters/4820/), Some interesting currently listed titles on his site are: “The Czechoslovak Army in 1939" ($30), and two new ‘books in the Militaria armor series (published in Poland): “Ferdinand/Elephant’ and German 8-Wheeled Armored Cars” (each at$16), The Military Book Club continues to offer an improving selection of arms and armor-related titles. Recent listings inelude an exclusive offering ofa reprint of Chris Ellis’ Tanksof World War II” ($29.95 suggested retail), the only book Lknow of thatcovers the major fighting vehicles of the Second World War using nothing but color profiles. Military Book Club isalso offering: “The Military Book Club Encyclopedia of Infantry Weapons of WWII" by noted arms author Ian Hogg. An ambitious title, but it delivers—it's certainly worth a look. ‘Squadron-Signal continues to produce armor-related titles, albeit ata snail's pace. The latest is “US Tank Destroyers In Action”, and it should be in your favorite hobby shop or bookstore by the time you read this. A number of folks have been asking lately if the “TigerFibel” was ever translated into English. ‘The answer is yes, and it was very well done. It's a little pricey ($48) for a softcover, but you can address your inquiries to: Wulf-D Brand, PO Box 3061, Newport News, VA 23603 USA. Finally, there have been numerous rumors (for several years, actually) that there is a major film project in the works about the life of Tiger Ace Michael Wittmann, I's a neat idea to AFV fans, but not to the folks in Hollywood. Don't expect such a project toever come to fruition, atleast not without the help of an extremely wealthy producer (the rare kind th money back, and then some). Until that day, we'll have to content ourselves watching the cobbled-up “Tigers” from “Kelly's Heroes’ ‘does want to get his May 1998,Ukraine Produces Main Gun for T-80UD The 1996 deal worth about $650 million between Ukraine and Pakistan forthe deli ery of 3207T-80UDs main battle tanks (MBT) ran into rouble almost from the start, Russ slong tothe Russian de uupporter (supplier) of India objected SOUDs being sold ed to India’s neighbor Russia thea «elements of the T-80UD, including the main gun. whichisassembledin Kharkov, Ukraine From parts produced at the Malysbew factory in Kharkov, Ukraine recently an- nounced that they were now manufacturing 125 mm cannon for the T-SOUD at the "Bol shevik” plant in Kiev. The KBM-3, as the uns called, is purpose-built as a substitute for the Russian-made 2A46M1 main There is also speculation that there is @ nto stop the supply of ey locally developed fire control system that might be substituted for the Russian system, In other Pakistani MBT news, at the recently concluded Formation Commanders, Conference, several tanks were displayed, including the modernized T-59, the MBT-2000 Al-Khalid (Chi nese Type 85), the T-8OUD, and a locally developed armored command vehicle STEALTH WARRIOR Developedasareconnaissance vehicle, GKN Defence took a Warrior APC, shortened itby removing 2 road wheel station, thus creating the framework for the Stealth Warrior. A number of other modifications were ‘made to enhanced its battlefield reece perfor mance. The exhaust was moved to the rear and the air os cooled to reduce the thermal footprint. The inward to lower the radar signature. The suspension iscovered by flaps made of radar absorbing materials, while the road wheels have ‘hub caps’ to smooth them over, ‘There is a mast-mounted Radamee sen: sor package including day/night and thermal laser rangefinder. and a battlefield surveillance radar. Il of this information, neluding photos, can be transmitted to a central command post. ull sides are sloped slightly The T-84 shown here is busicalty identical 10 the T-80UD. The obvious external difference isthe Welded hull of the 7-84, Journalof Military OndnanceWOLVERINE New U.S. Army Heavy Assault Bridge ral Dynamic Land Systems, Sterling Heights, Michigan, has being awarded a $33,321,436 modification to a firm-fixed: price multi-year contract for eight Wolver: ine Heavy Assault Bridge (HAB) Systems. Work is expected to be completed by No- vember 30, 2001 The Wolverine HAB by GDLS com: bines the MI tank chassis with an MLC 70, 26 m bridge and launcher by Leguan, The Wolverine beat out a scissors prototype, also ‘onanMI chassis, uiltby United Defense LP (formerly BMY), The HAB uses the same powerpack as the standard MI, which gives ita maximum speed ofthe Forty-five mph Thy auxiliary power unit (APU) which powers thebridge launcher and provides silent watch ‘capability for the vehicle, GDLS claims that the Wolverine is 95% compatible with the standard MI and bridge system, Asanenhancementtosurvivabili of the hydraulics or electronics are on the bridge itself. Likewise none ofthe hydraulic bridging syst ‘or withthe powerpack. Reportedly, the HAB can launch and recover inless than five minutes. The Army's nisin the crew compartment requirement was. five minute launchand ten minute recovery The United Defense (BMY) proposed HAB. usedaseissorsoperation tolaunch thebridge, which wasalso an MLC 70elass, 26mbridge spaning a gap of 24 m, Thad a launch ti ofthree minutes anda recovery minutes. This option provided with a shorter overall length, as there were three hinged bridge, instead of wo sliding sections on the Wolverine. Above shows a bridge launch with the stabilizing foot in place and the bridge opening. The third section can the seen unfolded. ne of seven May 1998, i —4 ' - | Z Foo i b- ——3§ —— 4 | | | NORINCO Wants HK to Return Confiscated Troop Carrier Justa few weeks after Hong Kong was re- tummed to China on July 1, 1997, a vehicle armed with a machine gun and smoke carti crs, worth 5.7 million HK dollars, was eon fiscated by Hong Kong Customs House, China North Industries (Norinco), a govern ment-owned arms dealer, was found to have shipped the armored vehicle into Hong Kong and was trying to transport it 0 southern China without a license from trade authori ties. The discovery of the attempted ship- ment was seen as an embarrassment to both China and Hong Kong. AFP reports that Norinco, the owner of the armed vehicle, lodged a petition with Hong Kong Chief Executive TUNG Chee hhwa toto hand back the vehicle in late Janu ary 1998, ‘The South China Moming Post says that sources said Norinco's petition to ‘Tung was in accordance with laws governing forfviteditems. Reportssay thatthe People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has not, so far, got involved in the matter. (Bo XIONG, Ray ZHANG). From CND Repor. El Wak — 1998 Asa fitting follow-on to Adam Giebel’s re ‘centarticle on the Battle of E] Wak during the ‘early stages of WWI, that same small eros road townisin the news again, In mid-March ‘militiamen of the Somali National Front were defeated at EI Wak despite reports of arms being supplied by Ethiopian troops that crossed the borderNotes on US Armor Markings Infantry Tank 1920-1940 By Charles R. Lemons Curator Parton Museum, Fr. Knox MI917 belonging 1 the 40th Tank Company California National Guard. Note the color patch of the 40th Division and the ack ofother ‘markings, circa 1930, With the demise of the Tank Corps in 1920, all responsibilities for tanks and tank training was ansferred to the Infantry Branch, with the branch sub-des Infantry (Tanks). The Tank School remained at For G. Meade, Maryland, with the T6th Light Tank Battalion and 17 Heavy Tank Battalion assigned. while the 15thCom. posite Tank Battalion was posted to the In ia? The nd pl fantry School at Fort Benning, Geo remainder of the tank toons were dispersed among the various Comps Areasand state National Guardunits. During this early period tactical markings, per se were not used to any great extent, and unit ‘markings were still in the process of being In 1929 the Army consoli ated several ofits tank battalions into two standardized tank regiments, one of light tanks and one o heavy tanks.” However, due to equipment ‘operated above a battalion level. In fact, the heavy tank sgiment never exceeded bata jonstrength, In 1931, the Tank School and its associated tank regiment, was transferred rge G. Meade to the Infantry School at Fort Benning, Georgia, Tnlate 1932 the two tank re headquartered at Fort Benning, we from Fort Geo redes: ignated as Infantry (Tanks) regiments, The 1st Tank Regiment w: Infantry Re 2ndTank Regiment (Heavy Tanks) ments would constitute the backbone ment (Light Tanks), while the ment became the 67th Infantry These two regi of the US Amy Infantry (tanks) until the activation Ist Tank Reg ne front and om the sides of rent would be the ve of the National Guard tank companies in 1940, The transfer of responsibility for tanks, tothe Infantry Branch did not initially affect nization of tank units. The Light Tank Company inthe period of 1919t0 the basic o 1932 continued the wartime organization of twenty-five tanks divided between a Head! ‘quartets section and three line platoons, Each of the line platoons was made up of five MISIT7L ght Tanks, two armed with the 5 nd the remainder armed with a 30 caliber machine gun. ‘The Headquarters sank (M1917) and also the company’s supply of hine reserve tanks (four armed with 37 mm ht machine The Light Tank Battalion was of three light tank companies, and a head ade up duarters and wdquarters company. The battalion headquarters company had only the single signals tank with no other armor at tached. Thi seventy-six li Theil its wartime table of or of a Headquarters section and three line pla toons, the heavy ta contained only three tanks rather than the This, added to the six reserve tanks and the single converted nt tanks andl signal tanks, wwy Tank Company alsorretained However platoon five in the light tank platoon. nals tank assigned to the company head- quarters section, gavethe company of sixteen Mk VIII heavy tanks, The Heavy Tank Battalion had three tank companies with a total combined strength of forty-eight heavy tanks, Thecolorof American and into the early 1930s continued 10 be or from 1919 Journal ofMilirany OnduanceM1917 ligh tanks of B Company, 65th Infantry Regiment loading onto transporters, civea 1932. Note the crossed rifles om the turret and the largenunberon the rear ofthe engine compart tment, Although difficult to see in the photo isa band of color around the base of the turret Quartermaster Corps olive-drab (OD): basi The interiors of the vehicles were normally painted white, with the doors being painted OD on both the inside and out" This practice of painting tank interiors white continues this very day. In 1928, the Ordnance Ce recommended that spar varnish be added to, corapplied over, the olive-drab paint used on Ordnance Comps vehicles to “give them an tractive appearance in time of peace.” This teeatment gave the paint a glossy appearance 4s opposed to the flat finish which was nor mally applied during war time ‘A garish camouflage paint scheme was used briefly during the early part of this period, butapparenily was resricted to tanks of the 16th Tank Battalion at Fort Geo Meade. The three color paint scheme, which ‘was developed by the US Army near the end of WWI, was used into early 1919 and per haps even into the early 1920s, Inaddition to mmittee thecamouflage with a company number on the upper front plate (12-14" tall) and on either side of the engine compartment in 24” numbers. ‘Tanks during the 1920s did not always receive unit markings, due toa proviso writ ten into the amy regulation governing the marking of property” Ifthey were marked the markings were in white and were placed (on the side plates ofthe turret (inthe case of the light tanks) or onthe sides ofthe sponsors (in the case of the heavy tanks), markings were used, there wasachoice fof two marking systems under AR 850- Under the frst system, the marking for tanks consisted of the Infantry crossed rifles, ap- proximately thir inches tall, with the appropriate unit numbers and letters in thre below the insignia. The secondsystemca cheme,each tank was painted inches wide and nine inch stencils above or led ht line marking placed between two white horizontal lines. Acolor rendition for a stra of the parent unit shoulder patch was painted to the left and the unit designation was stem ciled in white to the right. Numbers and capitals were three inches tall, while the small leters were one and one-half inches tall, These markings were applied on both sides ofthe tank turret The first system of markings se have eenthe mostpopular,since itcalled for ms to ‘asimple stencil and only one color, while the second system didnot gain widespread popu- larity until around 1935, Inany ease, the use ‘of both of these marking systems continued until the eve of WWII, Some of National Guardand Regular Army tank companies did adopt variation ofthe second system, which involved painting the unit markings on the ‘upper front nose plate of their light tanks. Another marking, which was used by the 35th Tank Company Missouri National Guard, wasthy painted fon the upper front nose plate In 1927, the 16th Tank Battalion (Light) at Fort George G. Meade began usin system of home identity its tanks." Under this system, each tank within the battalion had a color stripe painted around the base of the tank tower to {designate the company to which it belonged: red for“A", yellow for**B" or blue for“C’ In addition, each ta platoon was equipped with two twelve diameter metal plates, painted in the platoon color; red for Ist platoon, yellow for 2nd platoon, or blue for 3rd platoon. These plates fown tactical marki k assigned to a combat ch were marked with a black of white number (depending on the background color), fom | through 5, to designate the vebicle’s linear umber within the platoo ied 10 bolt into the loop holes (pistol ports) at either side of the turret they were removable, this allowed the vehicles to be transferred between the Re- serve and Training section, and the combat platoons within the company. The company tanks were also marked witha three inch tall number (from 1 t0 25) on the front and a twenty to twenty-four inch number om the rearof the vehicle inthe company color." It isnot known positively whether this marking system survived the formation of the two -giments from the existing tank battal- ions however, photographs of the Ist Battal jon, 66th Infantry Regiment (Light Tanks) shows similar used on their MII anks."* However, many tank units did not mark their vehicles with unit tions until the late 1920s. By the late 1920s and early 1930s the ‘number of units painting the unit markings was on the rise. Photographs Cf several tank companies show the units using & variation of the second marking system which was authorizedby Army Regu and were de- Because tank r tripes being Light 1 desi vehicles with M1917 signal tanks from A Company, Ist Battalion, 66th Infantry Regiment, circa 1932. Note the large numbers on the engine compartment and the murret markings May 1998, Wlations. Under this variation, the markings were painted on the front hull armor, and took the form ofthe divisional patch, incolor with unit designation below in white ‘The Ist Tank Company, Ist Division, Regular Army on their M1917 Light Tanks used another variation, which consisted of the unit insignia, a red “1" surrounded by & black outline ofa shield and surrounded by & white wreath, painted on either side of the turret beneath the pistol port. The unit linear ‘number was then painted in white on the front hull armor and on either side of the engine compartment." Tanks were not subject to being marked with registration nurnbers until 1936, as until that year, only Quartermaster maintained vehicles were assigned US Army registration numbers. When tanks were finally included in the registry, they were stenciled in three inch white numbers and letters. "The code umber assigned to armored vehicles was 30” and the numbers wer normally applied ly they istration numbers for tothe sides of the hull, but occasion: Were painted on the sides of the tue Armored vehicle re Vehicles, such as combat cars and armored cars, were prefaced with "40". ‘This system survived until the late 1950s, early 1960s, ‘when it was replaced by the present system, In 1931 achange to AR 850-5, required that all US Army vehicles be marked with unit markings. As part of the change, a special branch insignia was prescribed for the Infantry (Tanks): the emblem of erossed rifles with a Mark VIII Heavy Tank. For the MI9I7 Light Tank, the marking was stn: Ciled in white on either side ofthe turret, just below the pistol port. On the Mk VIII Heavy Tanks, it was stenciled in white on each side ‘of the main turret directly below the outlook In addition to this branch marking, a three inches tall company identification umber was applied to the outside armor, centered on the nose of the MI9I7 Light Tank, and within the triangular splash angle atthe front of the Mk VIIT Heavy Tank." In Moi rifles cand numbers, the Ist Tank Re all of the fight tanks were stenciled in accordance with tions, with a white three inch tall “I" above the tank emblem and a white three inch tall ‘company letter below. Few photographs of the independent tank companies exist, but it ssumed that their light tanks were ‘marked in a similar fashion, but with the company number painted atthe bottom of the Infantey (Panks) marking ‘When the Ist Tank Regiment was redes nated in late 1932, the tanks were remarked to reflect the chan; raph from that period show the use of the Infantry crossed rifles, than the Infantry (Tanks) crossed rifles with the silhouette of a Mk VIII Heavy Tank superimposed. ‘The markings were of the sizecalled for in AR 850-5, and were painted in white with “66” above and the company letter below the emblem, three inch all linear company number painted onthe front armor slope, the number was also painted oneithersideof the ear of the engine compartment in twenty to (wenty-four inch tall numbers in the company color or in white The 2nd Tank Regiment, which was quipped with Mk VIII Heavy Tanks and e in unit designation," However, photo In addition to th Signal tanks from the 1st Batalion, 66th Infantry regiment, circa 1932. Note the crossed consisted of only a single active company marked its tanks withthe unit's erest rather than the branch insignia, This erest was painted in Full color on both sides ofthe tank ehteen to twenty-four inches tall, with the vehicle serial number painted in white four inch numbers on both sides near the rear of the vehicle, as well as the three inch tall company number on the front triangular plat. By 1936, the composition of the Infan- tay (Tanks) units had begun to change, The demise of the antiquated Mk VITT heavy tank eliminated, for all practical purposes, the Heavy Tank Battalion and Regiment. Inthe wake of this action, the 67th Infantry Regi ment (Heavy Tanks) was redesignated as a medium tank regiment, to suffer from lack of equipment and was equipped, for the most part, with what few experimental medium tanks the US Army possessed, This lack of medium The unit continued tanks meant thatthe US Army now had to depend almost entirely om its ight tank forces, The introduction of a new light tanks in 1935 allowed for changes in the formation of the Light Tank Company. More ly reliable than the MI917, the M2 Series of light tanks enabled the Army to s of the Light Tank Company Headquarters section. On paper, an independent Light Tank Company ‘now contained only eighteen tanks instead of twenty-five, with the tanks being divided mbat platoons and a Head: quarters platoon! Each combat platoon of the independent Light Tank Company still consisted of five tanks, but the Headquarters platoon strength was reduced from ten tanks MPA? lig Compan tank be 4 Division, Ree Note teuurretad rontof the sponson, circa 1936, Sournalof Miliary Ordnanceto three The Light Tank Battalion was also eor ganized to reflect this influx of new vehicles Although it continued to contain three Light Tank Companies, these companies now con tained only seventeen tanks each, rather than the eighteen tanks of the independent Tank Company. Each of the tank platoons con sisted of five light tanks, but the Headquae: ters section of each company contained only twollight tanks, ‘The Battalion Headquarters Company contained an additional thre tanks for a total of Fifly-four (as compared to the WWI battalion with seventy-six tanks). However, with the exception of the Regular Army's two regiments assigned to Fort Benning, the indepenclent the predominant organization in the Infantry (Tanks) Almost as reflection ofthe new times, the color of US Army vehicles changed dur ing this period from the QMC olive-drab of WWItoadark olive-drab,simiarto that ater used during the Korean War and Vietnam Warperiods. By 1935, unittaetical markings began to reappear, with most light tank units adopting a system which utilized the same three basic geometric fi ink company was utes which wer used during WWI (square, cele, and dia mond), but without the card figures. The geometric Figures were used to designate the platoons withina company, andan additional figure, the trian HQ section vehicles. First platoon was des Je, was added to designate ignated by a diamond, the second platoon by ‘square, and the third platoon by a circle. The tactical markings were approxi May 1998 MAL light tank ‘compa 1936, belonging to 71 tactical marking on sponson, ‘mately ten to twelve inches tall and, For the Independent Tank Company (as per regula tion), were nearly always painted in white with the tank number (1, 2.3,4,0r5)in black, six inch numerals. H vehicles were marked “C" for commander for °S for signals, painted in black on the white tra c. The location of the marking was fairly standardized for the M2 series Tighttanks, All of the tanks had the maki painted on the front of each howeverth side sponson, xditional locations ofthe Varied from unit to unit Some om the cal marki units placed an additional markis rear of the hull, centered near the bottom and often painted on the round projection present fon the M2A2 tanks, ‘markings near the rear of each turret, but closed to the outside Others painted the Another unit also placed the marking on the side of each air Tank Compan Note patch above t 7th Divisi smb (ll n Regular Army. Note lor 7 ID pate) cleaner. The finished with a one half inch black border. ‘Some units painted these markingson alarger up to eighteen inches square, with the comeitic figures were usually seal inside markings made proportionally larger In addition to these tactical markings, the tanks were still required t be marked With the unit identification markings in ac ‘cordance with AR 850-5. Tier, these markings we ‘of the turret(s) and normally consisted of a As described ear epinted onthe sides painted colorrendition ofthe divisional shoul der sleeve insignia with the company desig enciled in white three inch letters on The top and bottom, ‘of the markings were bordered by one half inch thick whit ings single line tots right These were, by far, the most common markings seen on the M2 Series of li tanks, It should be remembered that the Infan- try (Tanks) insignia wasstill authorized as an alternative markingfortanks,andat least wo Regular Army tank companies, the 7th and the 11th, continued to paint the their tanks with that ini The 1 Ith Tank Company. Hawaiian De partment, painted the Infantry (Tanks) em bem in white on the front of each of the side sponsors and then detailed them inblack. On the outside of each turret on their M2A2 and MDABI Wide, white diagonal stripe which ran from back to front and upon which was painted an tine ntianks was paint all vehicle number in black and an full color unit patch eight inch diameter ‘outlined in black, The 7th Tank Company, on the other hand, painted the emblem on the outside of cach turret, withthe company number painted 291h Tank Com: al Guard, M2A2 fight tank belonging to puny, 29th Division, Virginia Na circa 1937. N ‘on sponson and air cleaner 1 markings on ret, aswellas 15in white underneath However, unlike the Ith, they also used the geometric figure tactical markings, which were painted on the Front of the sponsors. ‘The company contin: tanks in this manner until was absorbed by the 68th Infan ight Tanks) in early 1940, Because ofthe tight budget dati time period, many units we not fully ‘equipped and, in many cases, only the frst platoon ofa tank company was supplied with 2 full compliment of tanks. National Guard tank companies, many re In the case of ceived only one oF 10 tanks for training, these being nearly always the M1917, until additional M2 series lighttanks became avail able inthe late 1930s on the eve of WWIL Three y tank te fed as In fantry Regiments (Tanks), they also adopted the new geometric pattern tactical markings, but with a twist. In the 66th regiment, be cause of the regiment's si irs after the Amy's 1Wo exist- . each company was given a color scheme for their mark in order to differentiate between the various ‘companies within the regiment. Thesecolors have not, as of yet, been identified exactly the colors known to have been in use durin od include red, green, blue When the mark: plied. light colored numbers and letters were used on the dark colors and dark colors on the light. In several photographs and movies shot in 1940, light tanks of the nd Battalion are marked “IV66" on the forward sides ofeach turret in fourinch white letters and numbers, The 67th Infantry Re that time pe yellow, orange and white iment (Medium 14 Tanks) took a different approach to markin its vehicles. Consisting of only a single company: Company F, the 67th was the Army’sonly regular mediumtank unit, Origi nally part of the 2nd Tank Regiment, F Com- pany had always marked its vehicles with the ‘unit crest on both sides, When it became _medium tank company inthe mid-1930s, its tanks continued tobe marked in that fashion, but using a smaller version (twelve to four teeninches tall) of the erest. The adoption of the geometric marking system in about 1935 \wasalso reflected in the markings ofthe 67th Infantry. The unit appears to have used a combination of the standard markings and i. The geometric vehicle would be ‘on each side, with the left the company letter ute containing the some homegrown marki figure used on a patticul repeated ti most figure contain, and the right mos Vehicle's linear company number. The back: ground color of the figures appears to be yellow, but couldalsobe alightblue. Insome ‘eases “67” would also appear on either side of the vehicle nea the top in white three inch numbers, centered between the two geomet ric figure markings. “The registration num- bers were applied in the normal fashion on either side of the vehicle. painted between the two geometric figutes ‘neither side ofthe vehicle, but was usually ‘only about six to eight inches tall and in full ‘On one of the T4 Medium Radio Tanks, a series of red and white stripes was The nit crest was painted around the top of the vehic| Stripe approximately three inches wide. The crest continued to be used on tanks assigned to F Company, 67th Tank, until the introduc 4 an TET medium tanks from F Company, 671h Infantry Re ‘ntaction, Note doubled markings on sides of hull. Also note anitevest tion of the Ine M2 Medium Tank in 1940, ly 1940, as a result of both the recent Army maneuvers in 1939, and the ‘outbreak of war in Europe on September 1 1939, the Infantry branch was directed to ather thei tanks to rer to form a provi Sional Tank Brigade.” This brigade was ‘male up ofthe 66th Infantry Regiment Light Tanks) and 68th Infantry Regiment (Light ‘Tanks), which had been activated especially for thes maneuvers, and also included the ‘67th Infantry (Medium Tank) Regiment, Which contained the only medium tanksused luring the maneuvers.” The 66th and 68th Infantry Regiments (Light Tanks) were armed with combina- tionsof M2A1L.M2A2,and M2A3 lighttanks, while the sole medium tank company, Co. F th Infantry Regiment (Medium'T partially armed with the recently introduced M2 Medium tank. In May of 1940, the Provisional Tank Brigade participated inthe nks) was | Light Tank Company 1935 - 1940 Tactical Markings HQ Platoon Ist Platoon 2nd Platoon 3rd Platoon ‘om wurrets of TAS in the background, circa 1937. Jounsalof Military OrdnanceLight Tank Organization - 1917-1935 Light Tank Battalion Headquarters Section Platoons lu f) fie fal cf) fia] Sel fll fal 1g s| (Al Ist 1 8 5 1 i ith oa oo - . , * ‘ane Companies . A B c val) [eal fal ana [Al fel Vf a |S i | GS) Ge OUT 2b | conn al ie ara [4] tA) fil (Al fd seus 5 | Lo I “4 iis) bon no on Heavy Tank Organization - 1917-1936 Heavy Tank Battalion Headquarters Section Platoons £87 [G7 [a7 1 (07 [07 [07 LO7 [07 ma (07 (0/7 (o7 ol [57 (87 wa (57 (37 (a7 Light Tank Organization - 1935-1940 Light Tank Battalion Headquarters Platoon Platoons (if independent tank company) HQ idl el (Al IAI fal S i Go ge ‘Companies B s ana ll fell lel ill S =] Headquarters Platoon CD] | |} company as part of ight tank | battalion) fall {pel All | ara fll Ul a ia 1 Ry Wo id oo any nH voy on ft Note: Tank silhouettes are nt indicative aa particular vehicle ype, only the quantityLouisiana Maneuversalong side the 7h Cav- alry Brigade (Mechanized) from Fort Knox. Photographs and existing film Footage from the 1940 maneuvers indicate that each of the light tank companies assigned to the provisional tank brigade was given a two color combination for their company mark- ings. In addition, some of the recently jgaded independent tank companies still retained their company markings, most nota bly the 7th Tank Company, which retainedits Infantry (Tanks) marking on their tank tur- rets. A photograph of the I st Battalion, 68th Infantry (Light Tanks) shows several M2A3s ‘marked with the geometric tactical markings, but are marked additionally on the sides of rrets with “B-68 Inf" between two thin lines. The tactical markings noted on tanks used uring the 1940 maneuvers include the standard white with black outline, as well as whatappearstobe mediumblue witha white outline. Intermediate colors, such as red or vellow, with dark numbers and out also beennoted. Aninteresting feature, seen only on tanks used during the 1940 Maneu- vers is a large white square painted on the fear of both engine air cleaners, apparently for visibility and safety purposes.” The squares measured approximately 12" side. Inthis late period the tactical markings onthe light tanks were paintedon the front of both sponsorsaand on the outside rear ofeach turret, The medium tanks were marked in a ‘oneach similar fashion with the markings painted on the front of the hull, just below the driver's window, on the access doors at either side of thebull ture. The unit markings, mar during the maneuvers, probably as a decep- tion measure On July 10, 1940, the Armored Fore ‘was established, ending armor’s long, inti mate, association with the Infantry and, conversely signaling the beginning of the end forthe Cavalry. The activation ofthe Ist and 2nd Armored Divisions fromthe 7th Cavalry Brigade (Mechanized) and the Provisional Tank Brigade ushered in anew eraof tactical markings for American tanks, won the ear of the hull superstruc- ated by lations, do not appear on the tanks used ENDNOTES 1216s Amended by Act Approved 4 Sune 1920, Washington, DC. GPO, 1920, pg. 15. * Camp Meade, Maryland, became Fort George G. Meade in 1928. © Ist Tank Regiment was formed in 1929 from the 15th, 16th and 18th Tank Batalions while the 2nd Tank Regiment was formed from the 17th and 19th Tank Battalions * Unuitled Pamphlet, General History, Pro- duction. and Weapons System Dataand Tank ‘Comps Training €1920, Author Unknown, COL. Viner Collection, Patton Museum; MI9I7 Light Tank was also known a5 the Six-ton Special Tractor, Model 1917, f 1916 ‘GPO, 1917, pg with changes to 1917, Vol. 485, © Specifications for_Interior Painting of ‘Tanks, OMT 470,8/1330 dated Jan 20, 1920, ‘This memo mentions several options in the painting of interiors, but specifically men- tions that normal practice was to pai the ‘with the doors painted OD, (Other options included painting itall OD, or all but the urets OD. 7 Proposed Authorization io Lise Varnishon ‘Surfaces Normally Painted Olive Drab, tem 7173, Sub-Committee on Mobile Artillery, Aug. 17, 1928. Approved Aug. 23, 1928, ‘This memo covered ALL types of Ordnance ‘equipment, including tanks specifically. * Based on photographs supplied by Mr. Mark Beveridge, Dwight D. Eisenhower Li- brary. A series of shots aso exists of asingle tank which climbed Pike's Peak in Colorado in 1920, * AR 850-5 Marking of Equipment, Ve- hicles. and Property, War Department. 15 May 1926 “8, Tractors and Tanks.a) These vehicles may be marked. as prescribed in paragraph 6... b) Such markings are not re- ‘quired but, if used, must be uniform throughout the unit." their light tanks. © Photographs of tanks assigned to the 40th ‘Tank Company (Cal NG) and the 3rd Tank ‘Company RA, both taken inthe late 1920s and carly 1930s show this variation, Tank Notes, Volume IV, Number 1, July 1927, Tank School Library Camp Meade, pa 44. This system was based on one in use at Fort Benning, but Benning’ssystem was notspecifi- cally desribed by the article. " Location nomenclature forthe M1917 Light ‘Tank is taken from Handbook of the Six-Ton ‘Special ‘Tractor Mode! 1917, War Department Book No. 1995,c1919. Inthiscas, the tower is the turret cupola "Tank Notes. Volume IV, Number 1, July 1927, Tank Schoo! Library, Camp Meade, pg 44, The front of the tank was marked on the plate above the driver's feet, the rear number vas painted onthe either side of the rear of the ‘engine compartment ™ Photographs of the 66th Infantry (Light ‘Tanks) clearly show that the stripe markings were still being used by the Ist Battalion. The ‘ehicle numbers also continued tobe painted the company colors, thedark colorsbeingshaded in white "This description is based on photographs taken in 1929-1931 " Photograph of four tanks of the Ist Tank Company, c1930, Courtesy of Mr. Mark Beveridge "AR 850-5 Marking of Equipment, Vehicles, ‘and Property, dated 25 September 1936. It specifically prescribes the placing of regstra- tion numbers on all Army owned vehicles ° The Ist Tank Regiment was redesignated at the 66th Infantry Regiment (Light Tanks) while the 2ndTank Regiment was redesignated at the ‘67th Infantry Regiment (Heavy Tanks), » In April 1936, the Ordnance Committee ree- ‘ommended canceling the requirement for the Heavy Tank. This was approved on 7 May 1936, ® Table of Organization nd Reference Data 11938, Command and General Staff Schoo, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, 1939, 2 hid The 6h Infantry Regiment (Light Tanks) was composed of wo active tankightbatal- ions, each having thre linecompanics, while the 67th Infantry Regiment (Heavy, later Medium Tanks) consisted of only one ative company; Company F. *In AR 850-5, all markings were applied in either white or black pant, It would seem that most units continued this practice with their tactical markings ® ARSSO-5 Marking of Equipment Vehicles, and Property, dated 25 September 1936, I specifiesmakeupandplacementofunitmark- ings ® B&W Photograph taken ofthe 11th Tank Company, November, 1940 Schofield Bar racks, Hawaiian Islands, Paton Museum Lic brary Collection. ® Provisional Tank Brigadein the Lousiana Maneuvers. 1940, 8mm B&W transfered to ‘VHS, Paton Mascum Library Colleton. ® BAW films transfered to VHS format. ‘Provisional Tank Brigade in Louisiana Ma neuvers, 1940, and training film, TSS-145, ‘dul 1940, Armored Combat Vehieles, Patton, Museum Library Collection. © Col. Alvan C. Gillem Jt, Conference of 2nd Armored Division October 7, 1940, G-3 Conference file, War Dept. General Staff Records, NA RF 165. © The 67th Inf. (Medium Tanks) consisted fon a single company of M2 series medium tanks, The 68th Inf (Light Tanks) was made ‘up ofthe Ist, 2nd, 3rd, , 6th, and 7th Tank ‘Companies, consolidated especially forthese ‘maneuvers. The 66th Inf. (Light Tanks) was ‘not einforced, and consisted of only the two existing battalions. B&W filmtransferredto VHS, Provisional ‘Tank Brigade in Louisiana Maneuvers. 1940, 16 JoursalofMilirary Ondvance