Upper Hull and turret Section : M3 Stuart tank

Places
Accession Number RELAWM37014
Collection type Technology
Object type Vehicle
Physical description Steel
Location Main Bld: World War 2 Gallery: Gallery 2: Papua
Place made United States of America
Date made c 1942
Conflict Second World War, 1939-1945
Description

M3 Stuart, turret shell and upper hull section, of rivetted and welded construction. It has been finished in Khaki green, Number 3 paint. This vehicle was used by Australian troops against the Japanese at Cape Endaiadere, Buna, in New Guinea in December 1942. It has suffered extensive battle damage to both sides of the hull and to the port side of the turret. All the hits were made by small calibre armour piercing projectiles and most hits have penetrated the armour plate. The drivers front hatch cover is missing, as is the commanders cupola hatch and the gunners veiwing port cover, located on the turret side.

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History / Summary

This turret and upper hull section is believed to have been the remains of the vehicle commanded by Sergeant John Church, 2/6 Armoured Regiment at the battle of Cape Endaiadere, Buna, in New Guinea in December 1942. The vehicle was stranded on a tree stump, abandoned by the crew and subsequently shot up and knocked out by Japanese fire on 24 December 1942. In 1973 the hull and turret were salvaged from the Buna area and restored by 2 Base Workshop RAEME. It was later transferred to the Australian War Memorial and displayed as a war relic.