M3A1 'Honey' in South African Service

[Would you like to see this in-game?]
  • Yes
  • No
0 voters

SA M3A1 Honey

Introduction

Established in early 1943, the 6th South African Armoured division was a mechanised division representing the bulk of South Africa’s heavy armour during WW2. The division was composed of South African volunteers and integrated Allied forces. Under the command of Major General W.H.E. Poole, the division was trained in Egypt for much of 1943, before being deployed into the invasion of Italy alongside the British, Americans, and other Allies.

Over the course of the campaign, the 6th South African Armoured Division distinguished itself highly, including during the liberation of Florence and battles in the Apennine Mountains. It played a vital role in disrupting German defensive lines, utilising its tanks effectively, despite often being significantly outmatched by Axis armour. The Italian campaign was an absolute hellish slog, against well entrenched German forces, but the South Africans consistently managed to do more with less. By the end of the war, the division had a well-earned reputation as an effective fighting force, leaving a lasting legacy in South African military history.

The vehicle being discussed in this suggestion is the M3A1 Light Tank, affectionately nicknamed the “Honey” by British and Commonwealth troops. Armed with a 37 mm main gun and multiple machine guns, the M3 prioritized speed and mobility over armor protection, making it well-suited for reconnaissance and flanking roles. The tank saw extensive use in the early years of World War II, particularly in the North African Campaign, where its mechanical reliability and speed well utilised by Allied forces.

In South African service, the M3 Honey was employed by the 6th South African Armoured Division during training and in operations. Although the division used more heavily armed and armoured tanks like the Sherman for frontline combat in the Italian Campaign, the M3 Honey’s role as a reconnaissance and training vehicle was vital. ‘Sawn off’ Honeys were commonplace among the 6th, with the turret completely removed for better visibility and situational awareness in a scouting role. Its speed and maneuverability allowed South African forces to reconnaissance enemy positions and provide invaluable battlefield intelligence.

Specifications

Spoiler

Images

Spoiler

Pasted-into-M10-Tank-Destroyers-in-South-African-Service-7

SA Sherman IIA 2

Sources

Spoiler

South Africa in WW2

South African Tank and AFVs (1950-2030)

Republic of South Africa - Tank Encyclopedia

https://www.saarmourmuseum.com/exhibits-cfvg

https://www.britishmilitaryhistory.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/124/2019/12/6-South-African-Armoured-Division-1944-45.pdf

https://maint.loc.gov/law/help/us-treaties/bevans/b-za-ust000011-0493.pdf

https://www.gf9.com/hobby.aspx?art_id=4419

So a Stuart 3 thats already in the UK TT?

Doesn’t Britain already have this Stuart?

Yes, the Stuart 3

I feel like this might be better as a ZA skin for the existing UK Stuart, but still +1