Although conventional wisdom might suggest that the Whippet is being driven off the barge, the first time I saw this image I instinctively thought it was being loaded, due to where the gaze of the crew was so intently focused. Given that over 90% of the tank’s weight is not on the barge, I don’t understand why they would all be looking there if it was exiting. The only possible reason I can think of is that even though almost all of the weight is off, the barge would bounce up once the track finally cleared. However, I see no evidence of anyone preparing to brace themselves.
The current seems to be right to left, but no signs of it being very strong near the bank. I read the guy on the pole as keeping the barge flush with the “dock”, vs. struggling to keep the boat in place; there could be another pole just to the left of his, with the holder hidden behind the other two figures.
We have no idea of the situation across the river. There could be some reason the tank needs to exit in the same direction, which means a mid-river turnaround. What I don’t know is if it is necessarily much harder to back up than go forward. Although there were two engines, when going straight they were locked at the cross-shafts; clutches released this when steering was required.
Again, my read of the tank’s travel direction is based solely on my gut reaction to what I see in the photo, specifically where everyone is looking. I have just realized something else. Even though having to twist around, going backwards with the door open would likely give the driver a better low-angle view of where he’s going, then using the front vision slit – which in fact, seems to have something partially draped over it. It’s being steered over what look to be a couple of 1’ sq. beams, and with the vision slit location (near side, just below the stowage), I doubt he could see them much closer than 10’ away.
On the assumption that many of those reading this are interested in Whippets, I have several other questions.
There’s a square-shaped plate between the “cab” and open door that is clearly a Japanese mod – any guesses as to the function?
I had read that the angle irons affixed to front and rear were for supporting a “track cleaner”, designed to dislodge mud, etc. Asking elsewhere as to the material of this, I received this response, “It is just a cover for the tracks so that when the tank is moving, light glinting off the tracks doesn't attract the attention of enemy reconnaissance planes.”
I had never seen this suggested before, and was more than a bit dubious, largely due to the relative newness at the time of both tanks and planes, but also expecting that the cover would extend several inches beyond the outside edge of the track if this was indeed the intent; however, it does not even fully cover the track.
While writing this I decided to try some more net research, and in the process have discovered what I think might be considered the mother lode of Whippet documentation, essentially a walk-around with annotated photos from multiple survivors.
http://gurth.home.xs4all.nl/afv/pdfs/whippet2.pdf
This note is at the front of the i-book:
"This document may be freely distributed, on the following conditions:
that no changes or modifications are made to the document in any way;
and that no profit is made off the distribution.”
Finally, is anyone aware of a forum similar to Armorama in Japan where I might be able to find more info?
