Hi all,

I was thinking about a diorama with some British vehicles which I have completed or which I already have in my stash.

One of these vehicles is the Italeri Crusader AA tank.



What I'd like to know if it is likely that this tank was still used at the end of 1944 / begin of 1945. From what I understand they didn't see much action as the Luftwaffe was almost destroyed but still they could be present with the advancing forces, just in case or to provide infantry support.

So, was this tank still in use near the end of the war?

Thanks,
Martin

apparently most were withdrawn in august 44, but one canadian regiment still used them till war's end, supposedly mainly as observation vehicles.

no personal knowledege but this thread here may help you out a bit, good luck with the build.

http://armorama.com/forums/78399&page=1

Hi Martin, i don't know for sure but i thought that they even fought at Breda as a part of the Polish Army, around 1944.
Cheers Eric

According to me reference(the only i have :-)) The canadians used it and had a few. unfortunatly i only have on picture of it and its sitting brand new beside a brick wall. it also seems they were attached to the anti-aircraft troops of the armoured regiments, and two belonged to hte armoured briagde HQ. It also seems the 4th amroured division first saw action augaust 8th in Falaise and was disbanded in december 1945 in canada.

Frank

Ok, then I guess it won't fit my diorama, as I want a late war diorama with British vehicles.

Still I have a Polish Cromwell waiting to be put on a diorama so the Crusader AA could fit well on that diorama

Thanks,
Martin

Hi Martin.
Cor seems like ages since I last posted here, what with one thing or another...
anyway, try this link:
IWM photo B 15234
which shows a Crusader AA in Germany in March '45.
Hope it helps.
MC

Doh! just realised that link is on the other thread.

Hmm so maybe they were still used in 1945 but it was very rare?

Martin

Marin,

These AA Crusaders were used during the liberation of Walcheren en of 44.
There is a picture of one somewhere on Armorama (I think in one oft the Walcheren Campaign forums).
I'll try to find it.