Tim Isaac

These bits are from my local beach. A piece of LVT track and remains of an M4A4 Crab. The crab was clearing mines in 1946 when (so the story goes) it sank, the army shot at it a few times and blew bits off it with various demolition charges then cut it off just above the track/ground level, and left it. It was only visible at very low tides until excavated in the mid 1970`s, dad cut these few bits off before the rest was scrapped, oh the benefit of hindsight! Though the escape hatch will be fitted to our M4A4 one day.

Nice score Ron, A lot of work but the end result will be worth it.

Have you tried your local motor-factor, some carry a surprisingly wide range of battery's.

Thanks Harry, I was going to wear them but not sure now. I think we have some POL overalls with protective panels down the front in the store somewhere.

Picked these up from a junk shop today, I don`t see any maker markings so presume they are civilian work boots? Kinda cool though.

Hi Richard.

I can`t remember who used this one 57-BN-04 post service but will try and find out. Other than the Rolls engine and the rather ugly jib it`s pretty original..

Found a C9B barrel clamp today, it`s in poor shape but may be useful to someone.

We`ve been storing this one for a friend and last week took it out for the first time since around 1983.

Hi Paul, Welcome. I`m looking forward to visit the museum later in the year as it`s not to far from me in Barnstaple.

Thanks Adrian, I had a feeling you might shed some light on it. They seem to be on most but not all Sextons, was it a field mod type thing? the notch and welding don`t look factory. Tow rope sounds interesting, is it similar to the Sherman one?

I`ve been doing a few odd jobs on the Sexton and can`t for the life of me figure out this "mirror arm" right in front of the drivers vision hatch. A crude vehicle/gun aiming device? mirror arm for 1940`s style selfie? It`s a late production (278207) EX Portugal vehicle. Any ideas?

Firefly`s are just soo cool Tim, looking forward to some pics.

T 54 in Devon?

Hi Dave, sounds a practical rally vehicle, should suit someone. Regards from Cobbaton. Tim

We`re working on a Standard Tilly at the moment. My mother bought it from a builder around 20 years ago and never used it, it has a civvy roof but otherwise pretty much complete.. an un-restored runner. Dad is now getting it on the road again for this season and after 20 odd years finding many more problems than anticipated! How much do you have, any photo`s?

Excellent, looks like being a good event and a "one off" chance to get in on the training area with WWII vehicles again. The White should be quite at home there.

Be good to see you here again (in a green vehicle) Rick.

A group of volunteers have been busy this winter clearing WWII archaeology in North Devon. The Assault Training Center played a vital part in the U.S forces D Day preparations. The latest project was to uncover the "Rocket Wall" used for Bazooka training and target practice, also mount an information board by the nearby sand track to inform walkers and passers by of the importance of the "old lump of concrete". There are also several concrete landing craft for embarkation/dis-embarkation practice and many more unknown items. This is in advance of an event here on 06/06/15.. http://hmvf.co.uk/forumvb/showthread.php?47110-Devon-D-Day-2015

No Way! I`ll be trying to find a copy at Stoneleigh, thanks David.

So, it looks like we have 03 DA 14- W18. With steering unit type S1F MkB...

Yes, when we bought it we`d assumed it was fire damaged, but the MOD used it for decontamination training, using an alkaline to wash it down on a regular basis, it was also full of spent thunderflash`s and smoke canisters.

I`ll be having a good look for that plate David, I put my phone through a hole in the side, can see the builders plate and hope to retrieve it tomorrow. As you can see it`s all a bit sad.

Yes that`s the one. I found this post ages ago before I was a member here, remembered it today and stuck the photo up.

This afternoon I dragged ours off it`s home of the last 15 year`s , from what I remember the interior was very poor and with our years of neglect will be all but rotted away. Hope to bring it indoors now and save what`s left. Tomorrow will try and break open the door and see if I can find any ID, possibly we still have it`s release papers.