MECHANIZED CAVALRY VEHICLES
F company of the 107th reconnaissance squadron used the M5 Stuart light tank from their entry into the ETO in January 1945 until the end of the war. The main armament was the 37mm cannon. The secondary armament was three .30 caliber machine guns. One mounted in the front hull, one mounted with the main gun and the other as an anti-aircraft weapon on top of the turret. These tanks were used mostly as support. Its armor protection was not sufficient to withstand attack by German armor and anti-tank weapons. The Stuart was very effective against enemy light armor and most small arms fire. It gave mechanized cavalry the ability to dominate the battle field in almost any situation. In the last year of the war, German armor was used sparingly and only at decisive points. Therefore the Stuart was very effective in many situations.
107th Stuart tanks in the motor pool in California.
The Stuart tank evolved over time. Above and below you will see some of the more popular versions.
STUART LIGHT TANK
A Stuart tank crew with the equipment required to support the tank and its
crew of four.