I am seeking any reference photos or other information on the M26 Dragon Wagon in service with countries other than the . My research indicates that some were sent to the and some eventually went to , but I have been unable to obtain any photographs. Is anyone aware of any other nations that operated them? Does anyone know of any reference sites or publications?
I’ve read at least three referrences that, contrary to Shep Paine’s model, Israel never used the M26 tractor/trailer tank retriver. Where did you find a listing for IDF use - It would be great to see.
The pictures I’ve seen seen to bare this out. I have seen a couple of Diamond T units with trailers (used before the M26 in the US Army) used before the 1967 war. Since then Israel has relied on commercial heavy carrier trailers (like used for bulldozers and cranes) and commercial tractors. This include Volvo and Scania.
As for other users, I have seen a French unit with a M-47 on it. I suspect that most NATO groups were offered them, ie. Greece, France, Italy, W. Germany, etc.
Korea and Japan had some too.
The M-26, M-47, & M-41 tanks were used for our allies in the Cold War and the M26 was also part of that package.
Hope that helps
Saransk
As a lad, I can remember an unarmoured verion of the M26 driving past my home outside of Canadian Army Base Gagetown(now CFB Gagetown) hauling Shermans out to the training area. I don’t know if there are any references to it available. I think I remember the Armoured version as well, with the .50Cal on the roof. this was during the late Fifties when Gagetown was just coming into it’s own.
Not sure if there were ‘officially’ in UK service during WWII, but i have seen pix of LCA’s (UK designed & built LCVP’s) and/or LCM III’s as well as LVT(A)4 Buffalos loaded for the Dutch Scheld & German Rhine crossings…
away for a week, so this is going to nag me till i find the photos!
Jon UK
Thank you all for your comments that will help construct something that is a little different.
I’ve seen the same photos. I think there ar a couple in one of the “LIFE WWII” series. THe one I remember shows a LCVP on the trailer. The caption was something like - “Waiting for the attack across the Rhine.” In the Squadron Korean Armor book there is one of a LVT being moved using a M26 Saransk
Italy used the Dragon Wagon post war. “A World of Decals” have a decal set available http://www.freepgs.com/awd/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=68