Hello everyone!
I was looking for images of IDF M32s in action and found almost nothing.
Does anyone know of any more?
I’m putting together one set during the Six-Day War.
Thanks in advance!
Those great pics with diorama ideas.
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The fourth photo seems printed specular. Please look at the close ammo box of the 12.7 and the side of the road where the tanks are driven.
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It’s true. The M32’s machine gun is on the wrong side of the hull.
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You’ve come across something I am interested in, here are a few of the ones I have come across.
They come from this site, there more there I picked the best (accessing it is slightly annoying, theres an blue button (advanced search if your browser translates it) on the top left, go down to the bottom right and click the search blue button, then there will be a folder menu pick the one with 26 files).
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If you are looking to build a model of one, I don’t think it would be too much more work than compared to a normal M32. There’s a good set from AK Interactive for IDF accessories for vehicles, and you could probably change the engine deck comes from a normal M4/M4A1 which was chopped in half.
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There’s reasonably good section on it in Tank Encyclopedias M32 article Tank Recovery Vehicle M32 - Tank Encyclopedia
At the start of December 1956, ten M32s arrived in Israel from France after the 1956 Suez Crisis. This grew to twelve by 7 January 1958, and the additional two, possibly HVSS variants, entered service around 1958. These M32s were not given any significant modifications, barring the addition of a cluster of four smoke launchers, before the 1967 Six-Day War. At an unknown point after, the M32s were re-engined using a 460 hp Cummins diesel, given HVSS suspension, and given side stowage (with oxyacetylene bottles), similar to M-51 tanks. Due to the suspension change, the lifting mechanism for the boom was modified. Interestingly, these appear to have been fitted with the automatic tow hook and used the holders for the cable for the Automatic Tow Hook, although other Israeli Defense Force (IDF) Sherman tanks do not appear to have used the cable holders.
A good view of a welded HVSS Israeli M32, particularly the smoke launchers and the other parts of the recovery equipment. Image Source: https://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/vehicles/engineer_vehicles/m-32/M-32.html
Israeli M32s likely served until the 1980s, after which some were given to Southern Lebanon along with various tanks, half-tracks, APCs, and other vehicles. The M32 was superseded by the Israeli developed “Gordon” (as it is officially known, although it is also known as “Trail Blazer”), which uses an M4A1’s base with a large crane.
An Israeli M32 during the Independence Day parade in Jerusalem, on 24 April 1958, prior to being upgraded. Image Source: Imgur: The magic of the Internet
An early example of an Israeli M32 ARV utilizing the vertical volute suspension system (VVSS) (top). IDF M32s were converted to HVSS after 1967, with small numbers serving with the South Lebanese forces until the late 1980s. A late model M32 ARV utilizing HVSS in position to lift an M-51’s turret in Latrun (bottom). These tanks are equipped with automatic tow hook cable holders without cable. Image Source: Middle East Wars Arab-Israeli Conflict 1948-1973 by Pere Valls and Zachary Sex
While this is likely in Israel, this shows the ARVs used by British forces in with the M32 beside its successor, the Ccenturion ARV. Image Source: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/682225043527085650/
All of the M32s used by Israel were based on earlier small hatch tanks. The IDF appears to have used the M32, M32B1, and M32B3. Each variant was upgraded with HVSS and a new engine. Israel had at least one unknown M32, at least three M32B1 (‘75309’, ‘816077’ in Yad la Shiryon, and ‘81236?’ M32B1 in Yad la Shiryon’s collection), and at least three M32B3 (‘813105’, ‘813182’ at the National Museum of Military Vehicles, and ‘811679’).
An interesting image showing a welded hull M32 with HVSS suspension preparing to lift an overturned Centurion, part of a series visible here. Image Source: https://yomkipurwar.mod.gov.il/events/Pages/eventItem.aspx?itemid=8728&query=טנק%20חילוץ&type=pictures,papers,movies,maps,tapes,files&pageindex=0&pagefirst=1
An M32B1 repairing an M4A3 76 mm (M-1 in Israeli service). Image Source: Tank Battles Of The Middle-East Wars: The Wars of 1948-1973
An IDF M32A1B1 towing an M-50. Image Source: Israeli Super Shermans – Mike's Research
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Funny thing is they were still in use in the 80’s I had the pleasure of getting to drive one for about an hour around the bases testing track .. damned double clutching turned my leg to rubber.
The unit I was temporarily assigned to, due to the fact that I just gotten married so they gave me a close to home base. Was transitioning from sherman-based motor carriers and these guys as recoveries but we also had half tracks Dodge ambulances and all other kinds of good old stuff from the 40s and 50s which were fun to drive except if you took a deuce and a half through a ditch and your thumb was hooked in the steering wheel and it decided to spin the wrong way. But I’ll tell you something that m32 had some serious power the torque was amazing. Getting in the hatch was kind of tough and even then I was skinny. They stopped using them around 1989