Hi,
Just thinking through a future layout for a dio and am wondering about APC's used in Italy.
Would a Ram Kangaroo have been used or Bren Gun carriers and half tracks?
Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks
Joker

'Carriers and M3 half-tracks yes, possibly some turretless shermans used as APCs in the later days (there are pics of these used as gun tractors as well), but the Ram Kangaroo was in Europe only.

Thanks Dave,
If I was to use the Tamiya Carrier, is there much in the way of aftermarket?I realize that it is an older kit, and that there might be some new stuff out there. Also turreteless Shermans?
Thanks again
Joker - Bren gun carrier? Sherman newbie

I've never used any aftermarket parts for the Tamiya Universal Carrier, but I would think that people like Eduard, Aber etc would do some parts for it. I also believe that there is a set of correct tracks (Fruil?).

The turretless Shermans were mostly early type M4A2s (small hatch hull) that had the turrets removed and maybe an infantry radio added, I've never seen any seats installed so the troops would just squat on the floor - basic !!

Eduard did make a photo etched set for the Tamiya Bren but I believe that it is out of production. I am not aware of any other sets...

Model Kasten Number K-16 are the links you are looking for. They come with a correct number of teeth white metal sprocket wheel, so the tracks will fit properly.

Don't where to get them in Canada, I get my MK tracks from Accurate Armour in the UK.

Rams were NW Europe only and Sherman Kangaroos (turretless Sherman APC) were Italy late in the campaign (early 1945 ish)and not Sicily.



OK, You asked for it...

As far as Canadian trrops in Scicly are concerned, you are talking about 1 Cdn Inf Div only so its units were:

1st Canadian Infantry Division - I Corps
4th Recce Regiment (4th PLDG)
The Saskatoon Light Infantry M-G
1st Field Regiment, RCHA
2nd, 3rd Field Regiments, RCA
1st Anti-Tank Regiment, RCA
2nd Light AA Regiment, RCA
1st, 3rd, 4th Field Companies, RCE
2nd Field Park Company, RCE

1st Canadian Infantry Brigade
The Royal Canadian Regiment
The Hastings and Prince Prince Edward Regiment
48th Highlanders of Canada
2nd Canadian Infantry Brigade
Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry
The Seaforth Highlanders of Canada
The Edmonton Regiment
3rd Canadian Infantry Brigade
The Royal 22e Regiment
The Carleton and York Regiment
The West Nova Scotia Regiment

Right, so for AFVs:
- an Inf Div recce regiment would have Universal Carriers (Brens), Dingos, Otter LRCs, M3 Scout cars and Staghounds
- the MG regiment would have UC, Dingos, M3 SCs and Loyd Carriers fo rthe 6 pdrs (not actually armoured, but tracked)
- infantry Reg't would have Dingos, UCs, Loyds, and M3 SCs
- Arty reg't would have Dingos, UCs and M3 SCs
- Engineer units would ahve Otter LRCs and Dingos

This isn't exhaustive as all units had varying numbers of additional/ad hoc vehicles in their establishments as combat progressed, but it should get you going.

Halftracks didn't start to show up in Commonwealth armies in any numbers until after Sicily.

HTH

Paul

Ciao Peter,
The one time that someone asks about Sicily and Paul beats me to the punch. Yup, trucks and Universal Carriers would have been the most numerous of vehicles for the Canadian 1st to have used.

Outstanding men! my thanks.....
My dio will be a tribute to the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada and their regimental campaign in Sicily, (sorry if that sounded too high and mighty)and hopefully one day to make it to their Regimental museum.
I haven't really done a ton of research (reading the Regiments history now) and have yet to go through regimental photos, but I have a pretty good idea of the layout, just interested in adding some vehicles maybe a carrier and a Staghound?
Plenty of food for thought...thanks again
Cheers
Joker

Ciao Peter,
Let me know if you need any pictures of the Sicilian landscape or buildings. I went there in June to visit Family and took a ton of photos.

I know that late in the italian campaign, they were some Kangaroos made out of the M7 Priest in use with the canadians. But i think there were based on the M3 LEE ( 3 pieces front tranny cover and different roller wheels set up).

The Carrier is fine, but the Stag will have to represent some other unit, probably the Plugs (PLDG). Don't use the Azimut Stag as it is an abortion pretending to be a model kit.

Paul

Had a bit of a rethink and I'm thinking maybe just a couple of jeeps? maybe one a radio type? I don't want the vehicles to take away from the figures.
Pete....still thinkin'