This restored M24 Chaffee Light Tank is exhibited at the Bastogne Barracks in Belgium. The first M24 Chaffee arrived in Europe in November 1944 just in time for the Ardennes Offensive. They wereĭesigned to replace the aging M5 Stuart Light tanks. Production started in 1944 and ended in August 1945 after 4,731 had been produced. 50cal Browning M2HB machine gun was attached to an external mount on the back of the turret. Another was fitted next to the main gun in the turret. 30-60 Browning M1919A4 machine gun was installed in the hull. The Chaffee was armed with three machine guns. It was produced from 1944 to August 1945 and 4,731 were made.įor a light tank it had a powerful main gun. It had an operational range of around 100 miles (161 km) before the crew needed to refuel the Chaffee.Īlthough it was a light tank it still had a crew of five: commander, gunner, driver, loader, co-driver/machine-gunner/radio operator. This gave the tank a top road speed of 35 mph (56 km/h) and an off road speed of 25 mph (40 km/h). It was powered by two Cadillac series 44T24 8 cylinder engines that produced 110 hp each. The M24 Chaffee light tank was a replacement for the M5 Stuart. Have a look at their Facebook page for information about new events. Many of the tanks have been restored to running condition. It is an operational military camp with a tank restoration centre attached. You really need to get there by 2pm as there is a lot to see. The Bastogne Barracks can be found at 40 Rue de la Roche (N834) in Bastogne just north west of the city centre. The metal plate on the front left wing mudguard is the jacking plate. This surviving American tank is kept at the Bastogne Barracks in Belgium. M24 Chaffee Light Tanks saw action in the WW2 Battle of the Bulge. M24 Chaffee Light Tank at Bastogne Barracks Battle of the Bulge Museum in Belgium Surviving Battle of the Bulge 1944 Tanks
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