Barzi

Thanks Kevin, Here is some further research about the tank you made the model of. 1 RTR landed in Normandy on Gold Beach on 07/06/1944 (D+1) as part of 22 Armoured Brigade. By 10/06/1944 XXX Corps, of which 22 Brigade were part, had linked up with US Forces advancing from Omaha Beach. On 14/06/1944 1RTR were in a blocking position holding an area around the village of Briquessard (West of Caen) facing a Panzer counter attack from the south. During the battle T189511 "Achilles" of A Sqn was knocked out by enemy action. Three of the five crew were killed in action. They were Sgt Walter Charles Tibbles (7884989) of Daglingworth, Gloucestershire who was the commander. He was known as Jack to his family and on the local war memorial. He was newly married when he died aged 29. Trooper Albert Foxcroft (3455962) of Everton, Liverpool was 24 years old and married. Trooper Wilfred Edward Swift (4615818) aged 28 from Holmfirth, Yorkshire and married. All three are buried in the Bayeux War Cemetery.

Hi Kevin This is brilliant, good job on it! Is there any reason you put the markings on to make is T189511 ACHILLES? The reason I ask is that I have been helping a friend research her family history and this specific tank is a part of that history. I've not been able to locate any photos of it yet and this is the closest. Cheers