Showing posts with label SPH. Show all posts

Monday, August 17, 2026

Argentine Army: SPH Crusader Mk.1

Self-propelled Gun Crusader Mk.1 is AA service

The Argentine Army converted the British Crusader Mk I tank into a self-propelled gun. Lieutenant Colonel Carlos R. Doglioli recalled:

“The chassis of the British Crusaders were fitted with French 105 mm Schneider-Creusot Model 1928 guns and Swedish 75 mm Bofors Model 1935 howitzers. The design was conceived by Colonel Bidone, now deceased, an artillery officer who was also a military engineer. His two sons likewise retired from the Army with the rank of Colonel. One of them was my artillery instructor at the Staff College, which is how I know this.”

He also added:

“The photograph showing a woman standing in front of one of the 105 mm self-propelled guns became very well known in September 1955. It was taken during the revolutionary events of those days and was widely reproduced in contemporary magazines. I remember it very clearly. It was originally published in a special issue of one of the illustrated news magazines of the period.

“The other two photographs of these Crusader self-propelled guns, judging by the colonial-style cork pith helmets being worn, were taken during the usual spring manoeuvres, which were generally held during the second half of October.

“None of these vehicles has survived. They were all scrapped a long time ago, most probably sometime during the 1960s.”

Specifications

Crew: 5 (75 mm version); 7 (105 mm version)
Weight: 17.5 tonnes
Engine: Nuffield-Liberty V12, 340 hp
Speed: 58 km/h on road
Range: 140 km on road
Fuel capacity: 500 litres
Length: 6.7 m
Width: ?
Height: 2.27 m
Armour: ?
Armament: three versions

1. Schneider 10.5 cm L/18 Model 1928 howitzer
2. Krupp 7.5 cm L/30 Model 1909 howitzer
3. Bofors 7.5 cm L/40 Model 1935 gun

All versions were also fitted with a 7.65 mm Madsen Model 1926 No. 3 machine gun.

TANKS!

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Argentine Army: 11th Armored Artillery Group

Grupo de Artillería Blindado 11 "Coronel Juan Bautista Thorne"

11th Armored Artillery Group "Colonel Juan Bautista Thorne"

VCA Palmaria conducting maneuvers during training.

It belongs to the 9th Mechanized Infantry Brigade 'Colonel Luis Jorge Fontana' of Comodoro Rivadavia - Province of CHUBUT.

'THE YOUNGEST, SOUTHERNMOST, AND MOST MODERN UNIT OF THE ARTILLERY BRANCH. "

Biografía del Coronel D Juan Bautista THORNE

HISTORICAL OVERVIEW OF THE 11th ARMORED ARTILLERY GROUP

The creation of the southernmost unit of the branch, the 11th Armored Artillery Group, dates back to November 29, 1979.

The Artillery Group was initially established as a core unit in the town of Comandante Luis Piedra Buena on February 23, 1980, under the organic command of the 11th Mechanized Brigade. Its first Commander was Major Héctor Obeid.

On June 20, 1981, its barracks were inaugurated, along with the current 11th Engineers Battalion.

Iveco Transport Vehicle

During the South Atlantic Conflict, the unit carried out various activities, among which the fulfillment of Strategic Operational Security missions stood out, occupying positions in Puerto San Julián and Güer Aike, and then returning to its peacetime station once the conflict ended.

On December 20 of that same year, its designation was changed to the 11th Artillery Group, with its main equipment being the 155mm towed Schneider gun.

In 1984, it modernized its equipment with 18 155mm towed SOFMA Argentine Model guns, thereby increasing its range and firepower.

Firing of a VCA Palmaria piece from the 11th Armored Artillery Group in the town of Azul.

In 1992, the unit's personnel began participating in Peacekeeping Operations in Croatia, Cyprus, Kuwait, and Haiti.

In 1997, with the arrival of the first domestically produced 155mm Palmaria Self-Propelled Artillery Vehicles, the unit began its transformation into an armored unit, changing its designation to the 11th Armored Artillery Group on May 16, thereby increasing its maneuverability, mobility, and firepower.

Maintenance Activities

On November 20, 2007, the Argentine Army bestowed the unit with the historic name of Colonel Juan Bautista Thorne, in honor of the man who explored Southern Patagonia and participated, among other actions, in the Desert Campaign, the Battle of Vuelta de Obligado, and the defense of Martín Garcia Island.

The 11th Armored Artillery Group, the southernmost, youngest, and most modern unit of the Artillery, continues to carry out its activities in fulfillment of its assigned missions, developing and enhancing an unparalleled esprit de corps that characterizes it, and demonstrating its professionalism in war preparation, in the support provided to the community, and in the participation of its personnel in Peacekeeping Missions.