I've got a lead on a Tasca Ic hybrid. Been researching best I can on line. I'm wanting to build it as Kiwi or South African. I find evidence of them having Vcs but not Ic hybrids. I know the Poles had some in Italy but looks like they were post war (late 45/46). My other leaning is Czech in NWE. Who else had Hybids? Did they get mixed with Vcs? I'd think no. Same ammo but different engines would make a logistics head ache, I'd think.

Canadian Armoured Regiments used the Sherman IC hybrid. They could definitely be mixed in a tank Squadron with VCs. The Fireflies were generally assigned one per each Troop of four tanks.

Shermans IC "hybrid" were also used by the Polish 1st Armored Division. The first Shermans arrived in the division in September 1944.

Sherman I.c "hybrid" from the 2nd Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Division





Sherman I.c "hybrid" from the 1st Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Division.

Hey Timothy. I totally agree with Jason that there would have been a mix of Vc and Ic fireflies in most if not all units within nations supplied by the UK. In the research I have done so far, (and it never ends for me) it appears that due to the Rapid pace of the war and the large demand for the Firefly no one unit would have been allowed to pick and choose between the two types. Also there is a famous picture of the Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) taking part in a parade in Eelde Netherlands May 1945 if I remember correctly Jason might be able to help me on this. If you look close you will note that there is a second Firefly in each troop. Most Canadian units started to introduce a second Firefly to each troop in the squadrons starting in the latter part of 44. I’m still researching whether all armored units in all countries did this or not.

Cheers
Todd

Did the Czechs and Poles operate Shermans after the war? I've never seen any in Czech or Polish markings.

. They operated them during the war and are seen as late as 46 still serving wit Western Allies before they were sent "Home" to be treated like criminals by the Communists
The Kiwis definately had 1cs (Hybrids and many photos exist including one with Platypus track grousers/extenders crossing a Bailey Bridge

Thanks all. I'll have to see if I can track down the photos of the Kiwi Ic Hybrids. Wanted to do a Kiwi tank to go with the South African Sherman V AOP. Spread the love but not have two in the Brit Italy scheme. Czechs were next on the list for something a bit different.

Fireflies were first made on VC's and later on IC's, they were seen side by side.


Here's one from 4th NZ Armored Brigade in Italy.