REPAIRED ARMOURED FIGHTING VEHICLES ARE PREPARED FOR COMBAT (PART 1) [Allocated Title]

The heavy tank casualties suffered by British armoured units in battles like Operation "Goodwood" are offset by the work of REME and RAC workshop and delivery units.

Repaired AFVs - notably an M10 Achilles 17-pounder self- propelled gun and a Firefly 17-pounder tank - are driven round a REME workshop test-circuit at La Délivrande by drivers from 259th Forward Delivery Squadron. A Sherman tank turret is tested to see whether its newly-repaired traversing and elevating mechanisms are in working order; on completing this task, a REME mechanic emerges from the tank, notes down the results and chalks 'Gun OK' on its hull. Repairs are carried out in the open-topped turret of an M10 Achilles on its 17-pounder gun. A Firefly, its repairs completed, arrives at the REME workshop's RAOC stores section where it is kitted out with seats, crews' helmets and rations before being taken onto the test-circuit where a Sherman and another Firefly are put through their paces. A lance-corporal reports to his sergeant that another AFV is ready for combat.

35mm