anyone got photos of this tank in place on Grant

[SammyJD]

Hi

A friend has a couple of these tanks he uses with his jeep and wanted to understand more. We've learnt they are an internal water tank for an M3 Grant, I have drawn a blank in the armored pages of the forum so thought the Jerry can spot might be a place to try



Despite much googling I can't find any photos of them in situ. If anyone can help or has any other info that would be great. He's also keen to get a few views on what they're worth (so far we're thinking US$100-125)

Thanks in advance

[Steve Webb]

I am doubtful of any interior water container for a tank as they were very small for space and water would not be a priority inside It's also weird looking up tanks by name Stuart and Grant and the like some have them as M3's or M5's and for what it is worth here is interior of an M3A1. I don't know if the can would have fit into the boxes on the back but it seems like space for other items would be a priority

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUAWAqt-SCM

It is a unique can though.

[gearhead]

Wet ammo storage was common on US tanks. Surrounding spare ammo with water/mix minimized the danger when hit.
Not sure about Grants or Stuarts, could be added later, common on Shermans.
It was not for drinking


Ed S

[gerrykan]

SammyJD,

Here are are some photos of a British container similar to those of your friend.







I have a couple of them, and it seems I found some information on this site: http://hmvf.co.uk/forumvb/

The following is reflective of if my memory is correct:
The info I found said they fit into a space inside an armored vehicle.
It was said to have been water for drinking, and/or making tea (remember I have British cans, and of course they must have their spot of tea).

Although they also could have been used by the Brits for the same reason that gearhead pointed out previously.

[Steve Webb]

It seems wet storage was only on Shermans later versions. Assuredly not for drinking

http://www.theshermantank.com/category/wet-storage/

https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/ ... k_are_the/

Kind of wonder if 37mm was as big a concern as 75/76mm and the M3's and M5's were not used in same tactical situations as the M4's. Plus hard to believe but the M4's had more room in them if you are in your 20's

[tipdog]

Pretty sure that's a British armored vehicle water can - not U.S. issue. See here for similar cans:

http://hmvf.co.uk/forumvb/showthread.ph ... water-cans

http://hmvf.co.uk/forumvb/showthread.ph ... can-WANTED

Not saying it wasn't used in the M3 medium Grant, but seems unlikely.

[tipdog]

here's another for sale:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WW2-AFV-Armou ... 2369768456

Here's a pic of similar cans being stowed externally:

[gerrykan]

This is not a period image, but there is one of the type in tipdog's photo, mounted on the front of the bed on the olive drab Diamond T 980/981 that comes into view behind the civilian painted Harkness truck at :20 seconds.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYGcawUmGgY