Did the Firefly carry a .50 cal MG? I did a Google image search but could only come up with restored models that had the MG. All of the period photos I found showed the tank with no MG.

Thanks in advance.

Cary

I think you will find that Fireflies carrying an AA MG were quite rare. The only exaple that I am aware of is "Carole" of 23rd Hussars, which supposedly mounted a .30 calibre MG on the turret.

All the pics which I have been able to find show .30 or .50 MGs mounted on Shermans other than Fireflies, and at least one pic indicated that it was quite a rare practice in the British Army.

Rob

Thanks Rob. I guess the Tasca .30/.50 cal. machine gun set I bought along with the Firefly kit will have to wait to go on something else.

Cary: Indeed the commander's MG was rare but it was pictured occasionally. In Hayward's book, several VCs have the .30cal. The .50 cal HB appears on some 75mm gun tanks but I've yet to see a confirmed on atop a Firefly turret. If you don't want your tasca one, I'll give it a good home!

Like Rob says, .30 or .50 MG's were rerely mounted.
I've been through all my references and the only pictures I've seen are of the odd British Sherman in North Africa or in pre D-Day operations.
According to what I've read, Canadian tank commanders were discouraged from exposing themselves and trying to shoot down aircraft.
I imagine the same goes for British TC's.
The MG's didn't go to waste though, I've seen pictures of Universal Carriers mounting .50's in Canadian Machine Gun Battalions.

jjumbo