M32 Tank Recovery Vehicle

[Tom Martin]

Can any one identify the model of the M32 in Gilberts book that shows a photo of the M32 that placed a Type 94 Tankette on the back of Killer, C Co. 4th Tanks at Roi-Namut
Notice the position of the boom supports ( angled foward ) and the three lifting points. Might this be a large hatch M32B2 with the rounded turret?
Thanks much and Semper Fi
Tom Martin ;)

[ED GILBERT]

The usual practice was to have the gun tanks and the VTR based on the same type; see Ed Bale's comments about the production of his VTR for Charlie Company, IMAC Medium Bn.

I've got one long distance photo of Neiman's VTR, which I'll try to dig out when I get back to my other office.

[Tom Martin]

Hi Ed.
Would like to see that photo. The photo in your book of Killer looks like a mid-production A2 because of the open hatch. I think it is a welded hatch? I'm still not certain as to the VTR. The position of the boom support and the 3 point connection on the lifting arm, instead of 2 would indicate a later model with a rolled armor plate turret. Also if I read Bale's comments right, they got the first VTR's at Detroit. I don't think the welded plate turret VTR was modified there but at Lima tank depot in Ohio. It's all so confusiing. I don't know if you know Gerry Hodum, A ret MGy tanker. He seems to think that the VTR is a LH M32B2. Please let me know what you think.
Thanks much
Tom Martin
Semper Fi

[ED GILBERT]

Yes, I know Gerry from reunions and such>

I'm not much of a "hardware guy", being more interested in the people.