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U.S. Light Tank M3 Stuart
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U.S. Light Tank M3 StuartDuring the 1930's the United States Army did not consider tanks to be a relevant weapon on the battlefield. Consequently, little research and development was performed. German victories in Europe exploiting firepower and mobility of tank warfare rekindled interest in tanks among U.S. military leaders, resulting in development plans for a light tank. Several models of the light tank were developed, including the M1, M2 and M3 series. In 1942 production began on the M5 series light tank at the Cadillac Division of General Motors Corporation. There was no M4 light tank designation in order to avoid confusion with the M4 medium tank, then under production. In September of 1942 design improvements were made, culminating in the M5A1, the ultimate refinement of the 1930's vintage U.S. light tank technology. A total production of 6810 M5A1 tanks occurred from 1942 to 1944.
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HQ Squadron, 8th King's Royal Irish Hussars7th Armoured Division (the Desert Rats), North West EuropeAlthough the Stuart was hopelessly obsolete as a "gun tank" by 1944,it served its role well as recce troops of armoured unit HQs in NW Europe.The vehicle illustrated is in overall British Shade No.15 or BritishOlive Drab, also known as Khaki Drab. The "HQ" squadron tac sign(diamond)is in white, indicating troops not under brigade command. The unitserial no."45", on green over blue Arm of Service flash identifies it asbelonging to the armoured recce regiment of the parent armoured division.*Federal Standard equivalent: FS 34088*Closest model colour match: Humbrol 159 "Khaki Drab"
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This M3 "Stuart I" is from "B" Squadron, 8th King's Royal IrishHussars. It went into battle with 4th Armoured Brigade and met itsend near Gabr Saleh during the launch of"Operation Crusader " at thehands of 5. Panzer-Regiment on November 18, 1941. Its long whipantenna carried a single red triangular recognition pennant,half way up its length.
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