STUART M3A1 ‘HONEY’

Crew: 4

Combat Mass: 12,9 mt

Armament: 37 mm M6 Gun - 3 x 30-in Browning Machine-guns

Ammunition: AP/T; APC/T; HE/T, Canister

Engine: Continental; W 670 Series 9A; 7 Cyl; Air Cooled; Gasoline; 186 kW (250 hp) at 2 400 r/min

Transmission: Clutch - Mechanical; Multi Plate; Dry Type Gearbox - Manual; Synchromesh Type; 5 Fwd 1 Rev Controlled Differential Combining Steering and Brakes

Speed: Road 50km/h - Cross Country 32km/h

Operating Range: Road 120km - Cross Country 80km

This light American built tank was designed to supply Allied Forces with tanks during the North African Campaign. They were widely used by the British Armoured Corps. The M3A1 production started in 1942 with a total production of 4 621 units being built. These M3A1 tanks were used all over the world during the Second World War. The Stuart Light tank was christened with the nickname “Honey” by Robert Crisp, a young South African officer serving in the 3rd Royal Tank Regiment in North-Africa. On answering a question on how the tank performed he answered “she’s a honey”, affectionately known to this day. These tanks were used by for reconnaissance, during the Italian Campaign. South Africa received 88 Honey’s on lease-loan, directly from the USA in 1943. These tanks were later purchased by South Africa. The M3A1 formed part of the South African Armoured Corps Tank regiments and were used for reconnaissance. During 1955 the tanks were withdrawn from service and placed in storage until 1961. They were brought back into service, after refurbishing in 1962, and again used for training, until 1964. Training consisted mainly of troop training, being more cost effective than the Sherman and Centurion tanks. Through lack of spares, ect. the tanks were finally withdrawn in 1968. the 6th South African Division