I’ve discovered these outstanding pictures of General Patton’s M-3 command tank which were reportedly taken while on desert maneuvers in California during 1942. I assume these exercises were conducted in preparation for Operation Torch.

Does anyone know if Patton used the same or a similar M3 during the early phase of the North African campaign? The markings seem a little gaudy (i.e. would attract un wanted attention) but them again, General Patton was something of a gaudy man.

Best wishes,
Noah

http://images.google.com/hosted/life/l?q=Tank+Destroyer+source:life&prev=/images%3Fq%3DTank%2BDestroyer%2Bsource:life%26hl%3Den&imgurl=da9ee3ecc1f27287

http://images.google.com/hosted/life/l?q=Tank+Destroyer+source:life&prev=/images%3Fq%3DTank%2BDestroyer%2Bsource:life%26hl%3Den&imgurl=ce13dcfdb411a58f


http://images.google.com/hosted/life/l?q=Tank+Destroyer+source:life&prev=/images%3Fq%3DTank%2BDestroyer%2Bsource:life%26hl%3Den&imgurl=db3bdb900f094415

Noah--- I would have to research when Patton became the I Armored Corps commander. Assuming he was appointed while at the Desert Training Center at Indio, California, I see the uniform and dress are more applicable to the pre-invasion period. He did not wear those type boots in North Africe. The photo spread was done by Life Magazine. Now, the only Life article I am familiar with is the only done on Patton after the battle of Kasserine Pass. The photos shown are classic and I think what you have is a mix of DTC and North African shots. I am sure one more well versed that I can claify. Regardless, great find!
Thanks
DJ

Gary-- I agree. He was either in a command car or a halftrack during the North African campaign. I will have to look up when he was appointed the I Armored Corps commander. Seems to me he had that title when he landed in North Africa.
DJ