Curator Q&A #15: North Africa | The Tank Museum
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- čas přidán 7. 06. 2024
- In his latest Q&A, Curator David Willey talks North Africa, pigeons, anti-tank guns, beards, animal mascots, tank retreats and much more! Don't forget to post your questions in the comments section for next week's Q&A.
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Thanks again David! As a fellow museum professional (and someone who low key wants to be you!) please don't give up the Q&A's and CZcams content now the museum is reopening. It's been wonderful to get more of an insight from you
Got to meet you just an hour ago! Highlight of my day. You were obviously busy but still stopped for a chat and a couple pics with me and my girlfriend. Thank you so much
I really wish you would make David Fletcher plushies lol
@Breezy Mods Not appreciated. Have a little respect.
Or even better, a bobble head. I would love watching that marvelous manly mustache bobble at me while listening to a talk.
Or replica mustaches!
Thats just downright creepy
I think there could be a plushie of just that luxurious mustache
Greetings to Finn for keeping the curator occupied with something productive - i.e. throwing the ball so the audience is kept amused during sales pitches.
By the way? Are You collecting questions to be answered by David Fletcher (and others) that touch on their area of expertice.
Oh yeeeeaaaahhhhh Thanks again David for keeping the show going and the clap! We support you fully. Don’t pay any attention to the clap haters.
He got a like from me just for the clap . It's become a symbol , a signal a sign that great things await insertion into my ears and mind .
I love the clap.
@@edmundscycles1 'I love the clap'? Phrasing!
The First World War tanker's pet cat reminds me of my grandfather's navy stories of the ship's cat having a litter of kittens. The kittens were jumping from man to man when they were trying to sleep in their hammocks on the boat. A fellow sailor kicked out at the cat's. He disappeared over the side of the boat. My father was a coal miner and he described the miners' bond with the pit pony. When the colliery was closing the management said the pony would be shot 'on grounds of expense'. It was made clear that the shooter and the managers would not be leaving the miner either, so the pit pony was brought to the surface and retired to a field. If someone hit out at the pony, they would be fair game for beatings and they would then be sacked.
I'm glad David pointed out the industrial contribution the US made during WW2, it seems to have been forgotten afterward. Although they started later, their war equipment was carefully designed and utilised the mass-production techniques perfected from other uses.
Not armour, but if you get a chance look at the B29 bomber at Duxford, you can see how the components were made for mass manufacture and not fabrication like much of our (British) production.
I still prefer our slightly quirky British stuff though - my favourite, the Cromwell.
I don't think you need to worry too much. We're never allowed to forget the contribution that the US made to the war.
Some day I keep expecting the camera to come on and it's just Finn sitting in the chair.
And the curator running for the ball! - Lol!!
@@MrKeys57 Ha ha ha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Re Shervick
My father served in 3RTR in the Second World War and then went out to Tanganyika (as it then was) on the Ground-Nut Scheme to co-ordinate Shervick activities. He told me a few were sent off to other parts of the Empire but nobody was interested so they buried them plus a huge amount of other equipment some where near Kongwa. They might still be there. As an ex-tanker myself I cannot over state how much I enjoy your talks
Brazen Chariots completely changed the way I thought of tank and desert warfare in the modern world. It made such a profound impact on me that I made each of my children (who are wargamers too) read it.
Just took delivery of my tank museum mug and 750ml cartridge flask. Cheers and all the best!
Huzzah! Bang on!
QUESTION: Hi David, Could you explain how you Richard Smith and you divide the jobs at the Museum between you? What are you both responsible for, and how do you avoid duplicating work? Thanks very much. Q and As are great. :)
I just have to say what an utter pleasure it is to watch this mannered, quiet, gentlemanly Englishman present these videos. Thank you so very much to the Tank Museum.
My Grandfather was in the 46th Royal Tank Regiment (Liverpool Welsh) as a gunner in Valentine tanks in North Africa during World War 2. I was curious as to why the Valentine always seems to be overlooked as it seemed to be used in such a variety of roles such as amphibious, anti tank and bridge layers. The matildas and Sherman’s seem to receive all the limelight why is this? Visited the museum on 08/07/20 and enjoyed it. Thanks
Yes!!!! Keep them up! I love this kind of history content
Please keep up with these. They are really enjoyable.
Only too happy to help out on Patreon. Browsing the gift shop online now. Thank you for your efforts to preserve our history in the face of current events and modern challenges.
A like for the clap .
I buy something from the museum shop each week, and the Q&A is a helpful reminder to do so - i regard it as a part fee happily paid for the broadcast.
Absolutely love these. Thank you very much for another great video.
Glad to hear that these will be continuing! 👍
Thank you for another great episode. I was lucky enough to get a box of books from the Tank Museum shop for my birthday from my wife. Just fantastic. Thank you.
Finally I can commence my beard journey with this knowledge, thx Tank Museum
Please keep doing the Q&A talks. They are great.
Please tell me that now The Tank Museum is now open, that The Director can still find time to post the odd video as he had during closure, along with The Curator Q & A's. they will be sorely missed if they totally stopped. The possibility of the return of David Fletcher videos will help, but PLEASE may we have both the above as occasional extras? Many Thanks , Finn for your contribution to retaining sanity during these times! Hop[e you feature too going forward.
Being a local I was able to head down to the museum this past weekend. The WW2 exhibit is great. Informative and interesting :-):-)
Keep up the vids! Happy to hear that you are able to open up the museum.
The goose you was on about David in the Guards museum was called Jacob . My old regiment the Coldstream Guards it was a action what happened in Canada if memory serves me right it got run over in London . We also had a German panther tank called cuckoo which served in the regiment during the war . Thank you very much David for your tank chats it must be hard in these trying times for the museum
As to towed or vehicle mounted anti-tank guns:
Allow me to draw to the attention, that the British Army at one point wanted to abolish the towed guns during the Cold War. They thought better of it, because the towed gun might be airlifted in with a helicopter, and thus being mobile that way.
Especially the 105 mm. which is an old, but reliable gun does have a future, as it can be airlifted in with a Merlin. Not only that; but the smaller caliber also means that the ammunition is also possible to supply. That is an artillery gun; but tell that to the hostile tank crews that run into a battery of 105 mm that use direct fire at close range with a charge 7.
Actually HptSt-Führer Michael Wittmann was (as far as I have heard) more afraid of anti-tank guns than of tanks. He also was artilleri originally, as he came from StuG - lead to a idiosyncracy: He generally preferred to turn the tank as opposed to turning the turret - something that was generally not a great idea in a Tiger due to the intewoven wheels - but then again: Nobody seemed inclined to correct Whitmann on doctrinal details.
I read the same about Wittman; by the end of his career, he took no pride in killing yet another tank, but an anti-tank gun kill was still a challenge worthy of the master. "Nest of vipers" he called them.
Great content as ever. Well worth a visit to the museum.
Brazen Chariots is a first class book, please buy it from the Tank museum.
Just ordered some swag from the museum gift shop - thanks for all the videos.- Ontario Canada
Great answer thanks David.
My old Regiment had a Swaledale Ram - 'Derby' - as a Mascot (Worcester and Sherwood Foresters - WFR). Nowadays Mascot to the Mercian Regiment due to amalgamations (currently Private Derby XXXII). The original one was found by the Battalion (then 95th Foot) in India in 1858. He marched with the Regiment over 3000 miles through central India and was present in six actions. In recognition Private Derby was presented with the Indian Mutiny Medal. To this day Derby is a full member of the Regiment, with his own army number and paid for by the crown. Some Derby's have achieved the Rank of Lance Corporal, one was demoted back to private for shitting on Queens parade!
However, there is an old English ballad 'The Derby Ram' that predates the mascot in India by a century. By some accounts George Washington sang the ballad of The Derby Ram to his twin sons. It could of been why the Regiment picked the Ram as its mascot.
To this day Derby football team are called 'The Rams' and Private Derby often makes an appearance.
Davey
First - for what it is worth thanks Tank Musuem.
Dang beat me by 6 seconds
Thanks for your efforts keeping us posted. I hope it’s not too long before I can visit again. When I’ve been before I was in at opening and out when the announcement was made to clear off. That will have changed.
Need a T showing your pupper fetching a tank shell! Or perhaps a Bren Carrier.
About 1/2 way through "Tanks, 100 Years of Evolution". I can recommend this book to any of your followers. A lot of interesting details in this book that are overlooked in other histories. Good reading available from The Tank Museum!!!
These Q&A sessions are great working from home can be difficult and I'm watching this session finishing a report. Plus the MENG Kits are brilliant glad you sell them I have purchased 3 to date. Coming to see 131 on 7th or the August hope to get a Fin Puppet
Very,very interesting,thanks a lot!
Read "Brazen Chariots" long ago as a Bantan War Book. (1960s)
Great series of post WW2 books, wish they were all still available!
Its chilling to imagine the last sound some heard was an Officers Whistle leading them into Battle. Definitely think a replica whistle has a place in the Museum Shop.
LOL! Thank you so very much for answering my question! I aint never gonna live that stupid comment down, am I? Thankyou for answering my question! ;-)
Thank you for representing. Chris G from Iowa
Great work.
Thankyou David, I'm really enjoying all the Q&A. How about show us the rest of the garden where Finn chases the ball !
So excited! Settled down with a Beer!
Geese have been used as guards since ancient times.
A pet shop in my home town (England) in the 1980's that had been broken into a few times countered this by leaving loose geese in the shop overnight. The next time the shop was broken into did not go to well for the thieves. Can't do this nowadays of course....
The MENG model kits are really good for kids. No cement needed. My kids love them.
Oh yes! I've posted the pigeon story from Crisp's book in Tank Museum video comments before. Such a great bit of wartime daftness.
Hoping to get to the museum next week.
There is something so British about the fact that Finn us so popular that people want his signature (and highly appropriate with the subjects covered). Please keep these talks going even after everything is back to normal.
As I'm old school, I prefer... 'Hooded Sweatshirt' David. Well done as usual Sir. BTW: Got my 'Fin' and 'Dog' tag just now... Thanks Dude! ^_^
iv bought 4 of the meng toon tanks! they are a fun little build and i would recommend them to anyone who just wants a fun little project.
Years ago you did an excellent multi-choice audio guide; tech section, human stories etc. On a more recent visit I was told you'd stopped doing it. Can it be reinstated, maybe for smartphones, or sold online (with a pic of each relevant tank) to create an extra revenue stream? Love Q&As and your book service is great value!
Just received my purchase (order 17551) it arrived early and all in good condition after covering half the globe. Whilst not a huge purchase, hopefully it is of assistance. I'm sure the terroir in the Orchard is great. ;) Regards to all, Mark
Quite a few years ago David Fletcher and Philip Ventham wrote a book called Moving The Guns about the MANY mechanized vehicles the RA tried out for moving guns up until 1939 (I think).
Love seeing your chats - and your cute pup. I’d love to be able to but to help - but I’m out of work..
Finn is integral to your chats, David
Thanks for quite a good laugh with the “cork monkey” bit. Well played.
I remember seeing a TV program years ago which featured a tank hull being used on a farm as a tractor, but I can't remember what is was.
Know what most farms are like it would not surprise me if there were quite a lot of ex tanks still being used, especially in more remote areas.
Another good one David, Went to the Museum again last Monday and it was great to be able to stroll around and spend as much time a you wanted reading and watching everything without the crowds. I know you need the cash so hopefully the crowds will come back soon. One thing David you may need to redo some of those videos as I hardly recognised you with dark hair. Only joking!
Good boy Finn!
Hi David, I am glad to see that you are still doing these Q&As even when the museum has reopened. I have a question: There are NATO reporting names for soviet/Russian aircraft, submarines, missiles, and even radars, but I have never come across NATO reporting names used for soviet/Russian armoured vehicles. Is there a reason NATO reporting names are not applied to armoured vehicles? And if they do exist is there a book that you can recommend for the information, maybe something available in the Museum Shop of Wonders??? A great shop, my Haynes manual collection of military vehicles is now complete after buying most of your Haynes manuals - I look forward to the Museum helping to produce more in the future.
On lend lease, sometimes the British modified their own equipment to better accommodate the materials from the US. One example is the 8 pounder on the Churchill being re-bored to fire standard 75mm rounds from the US.
I remember seeing footage of a First World War tank crew with a pet fox. The footage was on an old VHS I have knocking about, can’t find it on the web though.
there was a photo i saw once of a panther hull with a construction crane on it in the 1960/70's
I have my doubts about a Great War era tank being a suitable place for a kitten. Wasn't a suitable place for humans, either.
These are 100% interesting, even the sales pitch has me glued to my seat, interesting items in your shop.
Listening to the state of those floors, all I can think of is the sinkhole that opened up in the Corvette museum o.O be safe lads
Finny merch is the way to go.
In Australia, after the war, old surplus tanks, like the Matilda, and Sherman, were sold off, with a few being bought by farmers, for use on their farms as tractors, or government departments, like the railways, for use as bulldozers etc. Remember 15 - 20 years ago driving through a Victorian country town and seeing rusty tank hulls laying in an overgrown paddock next to a railway line. Probably long gone now. There's even a gutted Matilda hull sunk in the mud in an offshoot of Lake Burley Griffin, down near Canberra, that appears occasionally during droughts.
Thanks for clarifying the "North end of the orchard" question!
I'll be using that phrase from now on ;)
Was the simultaneous development/updating and production of T55, T64 and T72 (and their successors T62, T80 etc) as much about keeping regional factories open as much as it was about having a blend of complimentary tanks? Matt
I suspect that if you want to maintain the shape of the inflatable shells, you might want to keep them minimally inflated and out of the way of the sun/heat sources.
Tank Development sweatshirt ... Centurion tea-towel ... O! Was I dreaming aloud?
A question for next week.. not sure if this has been covered before but how effective would second world war anti tank weapons be against modern main battle tanks, could a late war 17lbr sabot penetrate a challanger 2 ect. ?
I'm reading The Tank War from Mark Urban right now, so this video will be a nice addition :D
Could you recommend any good books on the Tiger 2 tank please?
34:00 - I can imagine there will be large-scale tank engagements still, but as a matter of economics, considering how much more expensive modern tanks are compared to the cruder older devices, it might well be true that there aren't going to be tank engagements as large as Kursk? I mean, just look at air forces now - no air force has the equivalent number of planes today as they had in WWII?
except the stories, i love to se the interaction with Finn!!
I remember on the history Channel on discovery I think rygard logging or one of the firms used a sky line that was based on a Sherman chaise and also and English farmer who has a collection of tractors one of witsh was a Sherman witch i think he said came back from North Africa
David, I recently saw some pictures of Sherman tanks with cement armour. Can you talk about the cement armour applied to Sherman tanks in world war 2. How widespread was its use? How well did it work? How much did it weigh and did it cause issues with tank's reliability?
I hope you don’t mind me weighing in but Ive understood that any sort of improvised armor was of questionable value, but it did make the crews feel better which was worth something
If memory serves, many years ago I saw a photograph of a Tiger 1 with concrete applique armour on its lower glacis, though I can't recall whether it was also applied elsewhere. Anyway, I think it shows that it wasn't a practice restricted to the allies.
I have no idea how they managed to get it to stick to the tank, and it's effectiveness against an incoming round may be debatable, but I imagine it made the crew feel a bit more secure.
Navy and merchant navy used tarmac, absorbed energy and fragments, did not shatter. Suspect it could stop MG bullets, disrupt cannon fire and get in the way of some small explosive rounds. A six inch AP would be a big ask.
@@Kevin-mx1vi The Sturmgeschutz IV often had one or two pretty big lumps of moulded “concrete armour” on the superstructure, one in front of the driver and either another block or a bolted-on appliqué armour plate opposite the driver’s position. Visually it’s reminiscent of the concrete in plastic “Stillbrew” blocks on later Chieftains, only without the plastic. Whether the concrete lumps achieved much, other than adding weight, I doubt. Automatic weapons fire would erode concrete pretty quickly I would have thought, and it’s not the most impact-resistant material going either. A single AP round hit would probably do it no good at all. Then again, if it stopped even one round that would otherwise have penetrated the armour I suppose it did its job.
Great stuff!
Your description of how the British built their tanks sounds like how Land Rovers were made even into the 1990s :s
What is the title of the book you are reading at the beginning of the video? Great video
Are there any particular Japanese tanks you would like to get your hands on?
I know you do Sherman Slippers, but any chance of German Tank Slippers? Would look great in Grey! 😊
I'm amazed at the thought of a kitten surviving in a WWI tank. You'd think when full-grown men are able to get carbon monoxide poisoning to the point of vomitting that a tiny little animal would catch their death of it, nevermind the bare driveshaft on the floor, or whatever other death by misadventure they might find.
some jigsaw puzzles more for adults would be great,the ones on the website feel more for children and i think more people would enjoy doing a puzzle of challanger or sherman thanks
Dang, I been wondering why I can't grow a beard. Thank you for revealing the secret to great facial hair.
cats are superstitious,
just before both the HMAS perth's and uss Houston's
final voyage both ships cats tried to escape
David mentioned in the last tank chat that he would like a vehicle which is to be found in Iraq or Afghanistan. What would the process be to make that happen and could it be crowd funded?
David throws the ball, Finn does his best to distract the viewers.
Oh my God David! you forgot the most important thing for moving heavy tanks around. Dish washing liquid!
You guys are amazing! My lunch breaks are much better with your QA sessions as a companion. But please please please please! Stop swallowing with the mic on! That sound gives me the shivers!
I have a question for the next QnA David. What are your top 5 tanks?
just ordered a Tamiya 1/35 Stug
Q. what was the point of zimmerit armour on Tigers,
The point of zimmerit on Tigers was the same as on everything else - to reduce the ability of infantry tank-killing team carried magnetic anti-tank mines, or to use a more accurate term, shaped charges, to stick to it. The mines Germany used were quite powerful and could penetrate 140mm of armour so could blow a hole in a Tiger and pretty much anything else if positioned correctly. Assuming, of course, you could find infantrymen willing to get so close to a tank that they could try and stick the charge to it.
In reality zimmerit just added some time and expense to building a tank (and caused the crews to worry in case the rumours were true and their tank was plastered with something rather inflammable) because none of Germany’s opponents actually used much in the way of infantry-carried magnetic anti-tank mines/charges. Though it’s understandable for Germany to be concerned that if their anti-tank charges could do that much damage then Germany’s enemies might come up with something similar that’s at least as effective, in which case zimmerit might have been useful and it’s not something easy to retro-fit in the field so factory application makes sense. There also seems to have been a worry that the allies, particularly on the Eastern Front, might have used captured stocks of German mines against their former owners.
A less practical reason was that the top brass had ordered “zimmerit everything” so everything got zimmerited.
Love some of your replies. You missed your calling. Should have been a diplomat.
What would have happened if the Americans had not supplied the British with Sherman tanks in Africa?
Wasn't China Farm a larger tank engagement than Kursk?
Can you do a Tank Museum face mask like David’s beard?
15 th great 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻