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I recently acquired a photo album that belonged to a man in the 38th Infantry Division. Most of the photos are identified and dated. All appear to date from mid to late 1941 and were taken while stationed at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, and while on the Louisiana Maneuvers during the summer of 1941.

What has me puzzled are the two photos below. They are of two early-model (rounded turrets and squared front fenders) M2A2s and are marked with the insignia of the 38th Infantry Division. These would have been the two M2A2s of the 38th Tank Company. However, the 38th Tank Company was separated from the 38th Division in November 1940 to become Company D of the 192nd Light Tank Battalion--the Harrodsburg Tankers.

The history shows that the 192nd, then at Fort Knox, was sent to Camp Polk, Louisiana, in August 1941, to participate in the Maneuvers. Since the M2A2s were never at Camp Shelby, I suspect the photos were taken in Louisiana during the maneuvers. My question is this: Would the tanks in this unit still carry the insignia from 38th Division? Seems unlikely. Seeing the tanks on rail cars does suggest they are headed somewhere. If the platform and buildings could be identified to one of the camps, this would help date the photos. I appreciate any help with this research.

Is it possible the 192nd was part of the 38th ID? Or is it possible the tanks in the photo are from some other unit of the 38th ID?

Not sure if you were aware of this,

Here are pictures of the M2A2 in the Camp Shelby Museum.

M2A2 front

M2A2 rear

According to the museum, this tank was found on a local land owner's property that was used by the Army and was marked with "German" insignia and swastikas. The conclusion was made that since this tank was obsolete it was used in an opposing force role and then left abandoned when it was no longer needed. It's been a while since I've been to the museum there and I might have some of my facts mixed up.

Joe D

- Joe_D

Not sure if you were aware of this,

Here are pictures of the M2A2 in the Camp Shelby Museum.

M2A2 front

M2A2 rear

According to the museum, this tank was found on a local land owner's property that was used by the Army and was marked with "German" insignia and swastikas. The conclusion was made that since this tank was obsolete it was used in an opposing force role and then left abandoned when it was no longer needed. It's been a while since I've been to the museum there and I might have some of my facts mixed up.

Joe D

Joe

The M2A2 was recovered on abandoned land that had been the
Mississippi Ordinance Plant in Flora Mississippi.

The Vehicle is document #30211 SN 112 from 1937. It has been cosmetically restored but is bumpered # with the same as discovered in the woods. Its F11 from 80th Armor, 8th Armored Division.

The spare engine beside the tank, is in its original crate after being overhauled in 1945. It will eventually be
placed in the M2A2.

I spent some time talking to the curator several years ago, and found out about the tanks story. Really nice people at Camp Shelby.


Don

I knew someone would set me straight,

Thanks Don