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JDRDragoon said:
1950-1960´ish.
Defence reform of 51 and NATO membership means Military assistance from the US (and Canada). US infantry weapons begins to dominate, along with US artillery and sundry other WW2 leftovers donated to the cause. First tank is the Sherman, soon followed by the Centurion and lighter speciality designs (M24 Chaffee for the Recon squadrons, M10 for tank destroyer units). An independent Armor Arm is created, with Tank and Motor Battlions (the latter truck borne, but from 55-on various Halftracks are available, though these are mostly used in the Recon squadrons).
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I've been doing a lot of research in Danish Army archives over the years, primarily the motor vehicles of the early NATO period (1950-1960). Let me know if there are some items on which you need additional info.
The US halftracks are an interesting lot, btw. The first batch of 16 arrived in 1946 and were used as tractors for the 17-pdr anti-tank guns found exclusively with the Infantry Pioneers (Fodfolkspionererne, later 9. regiment) in southern Jutland. These were all from the M5 and M9 series, but hardly two were alike, some being A1s, other former anti-aircraft artillery mounts etc.
Anway, they were withdrawn in the early 1950ies and were then re-issued to the Jutland Dragoons in 1955 and used in the light squadron of the armoured battalion. In 1958 a number of M3 halftracks were delivered and used in the light squadrons of both GHR and JDR. Several of these were M16 anti-aircraft vehicles rebuilt as APCs. The M5s were rebuilt as mortar carriers and maintenance vehicles for the mechanics. It would appear that some M3s were also rebuilt as mortar carriers, but AFAIK we never had any M21 proper, all mortar carriers were built in Denmark on the available chassis.
Do you know anything about the status of the Leopard 1A5 btw? It has been said that they were all to be scrapped, but the latest defense agreements speaks of a reduction from 230 to 50. Wonder what their intentions are with the last 50?
Claus B