I deleted this post but the post and subject are still here, can anyone help?
JC Hayes

In terms of what does the cowling refer to? The mesh? The curved cover?

I'm referring to the large Duct fitted to the exhaust of the Cromwell. It looks like it just forces the exhaust rearward instead of upward? If this is the purpose of it, wouldn't the exhaust just rise anyway (being that it would be warmer than the outside air temp) after it leaves the cowl? For those just joining us, the original post is below. Must learn how to use forum properly...
Could someone explain to me what the purpose of a Normandy Cowling is? I am doing a WWII commonwealth diorama from late 1944 and I have an option to use one on a Tamiya Cromwell and I don't know why or when they were used? Should I be fitting one on my achilles as well? I also need to know if Canada used these things on their achilles/Shermans?

Thanks for the help,
JC Hayes

I think it was used to disperse the exhaust fumes ..One for men who where riding on the back of the tank and two so that there wouldn't be a direct stream of smoke over an idling tank for german spotters to zero in on...These are just my theories about it ...As for use on the achillies I'm not sure it is the same thing ...I think it is more the attachement points for the deep wading equipement ..Well I hope this helps a bit ...Oh and you do know that the Normandy Cowl was too late for Normandy .

Richard

This is what I found out.

The purpose of the "Normandy cowl" on the Cromwell was to deflect the exhaust emissions away from the tank. Apparently, in Normandy the problem appeared that during long periods spent idling, the exhaust fumes from the engine would be sucked into the turret and would adversely affect the tank crew. The story I have read was that this was not encountered during training in the UK, as most of the time was spent racing all over the countryside, rather that waiting to attack. The cowl had the additional use of protecting any infantry riding on the engine deck from the hot exhaust.

Here's a pic of one:

Hey I was pretty close wasn't I!!
Richard

That clears up a lot Ken, Thanks. I thought these were fitted to ALLl AFV exhausts after D-Day. BTW where did you find the pic of the Cromwell?

JC Hayes

I got that here: Britain's Cruiser Mk VIII A27M