Australian
Army
2/6th Armoured Regiment
B Squadron, 5 Troop
Norman Wilford 1943
1970
Phil Bradley 1998
Justin Taylan 2007
Commander Sgt
Jack Lattimore (WIA)
Turret Gunner Cpl Reg Leggatt (WIA / KIA)
WOp/Loader Tpr Jeavons
Driver Tpr Nye
Hull Gunner Tpr Forster (KIA)
Disabled December 24, 1942
Wartime
History
First arrived in New Guinea at Milne Bay, then transported to Buna
area and used in the Buna campaign.
Seven M3 Stuarts of the 2/6th Armoured Regiment were supporting troops
of the 2/9th Infantry Battalion at Cape Endaiadere. It suffered a hit
to the driver's flap by a Japanese 75mm gun at Old
Strip, Buna on December 24, 1942.
Recovery & Display
It was recovered from the Buna battlefield in mid-1973,
and was transported to Port Moresby by barge. Then was shipped
to the Nimitz Museum,
where
it is displayed to this day
References
"The Vital Factor: A History Of 2/6th Australian Armoured
Regiment 1941-1946" has details on the crew and wartime history
of this tank. Thanks to Daniel Leahy and Phil Bradley for additional information.
Stuart
