One thing which I've been having difficulty in tracking down is information
on post-WWII French armor, from the close of the war in 1945 to the mid
1950s. I've scattered material, none too comprehensive ( sans the recent
find of good info on the ARL-44 Heavy Tank of 1947-1953 ) and photographs
are quite lacking or heavily retouched to look almost fake. I would be most
grateful if you could share information on the following topics, be they
text, photographic scans ( sent to my Email address ), or bibliographical
data. In the future, I'll do my best to help those of you who might need
information on historical vehicles.
Okay...the targets:
1) PzKpfw V "Panther": The French armored forces made heavy use of
ex-German Panthers following the war, from 1945 to at most 1948 when
American armored tanks were introduced. Photographs of these Panthers in
French service would be most helpful as well as possibly unit information
and mayhaps the Werk # of Panthers which were used.
2) French Tank Destroyer: The French wanted to build a TD and they did so,
building, from what I was told, at most two prototypes of a TD heavily
based on the German Jagdpanther. Photographs of this vehicle would
definatly be a fantastic find for me along with technical specifications
and history.
3) The AMX-50 Heavy Tank: The French wanted to initiate a plan to have
three vehicles in service, all sharing some common components and filling
various tactical roles. They were: The AMX-13 Light Tank, the EBR Heavy
Armored Car, and the AMX-50 Heavy Tank. Of the three, the AMX-50 was given
the aze due to budget concerns. Several prototypes were built. From what
I've read in the sketchy info I have, it shared much in common with the
Panther in terms of hull shape, running gear, and engine. It also shared
the same turret as the AMX-13 and EBR. It went thru various armament
schemes but in the end, it was cancelled. Photographs would be a plus over
the one, heavily retouched picture I have as well as technical specs.
I'll do my best to compensate if it requires postal service.
I'd like to do an on-line article on the AMX-50 and ARL-44 for a armor
website. I have done several already on Russian WWI Tanks, German WWI
Tanks, the Sturmtiger, Russian T-24 Medium Tank, and the Russian T-35 Heavy
Tank. I'll be glad to share the URLs for interested parties.
Thanks much in advance for your help!
Best,
Ed
===
To unsubscribe from the mil-veh mailing list, send the single word
UNSUBSCRIBE in the body of a message to <mil-veh-request@skylee.com>.