Rivets and Pins
@rivetsandpins.bsky.social
@peteblanchard.bsky.social 's military history account.
I focus primarily on AFV development/warfare 1915-42.
Warning: may contain humour.
For more detail: https://rivets-and-pins.beehiiv.com/
I focus primarily on AFV development/warfare 1915-42.
Warning: may contain humour.
For more detail: https://rivets-and-pins.beehiiv.com/
The British learnt their lesson & gave up on the Matilda I in 1940. However, the Germans persisted, coming up with the heavily armoured but ultimately pointless PzKw I Ausf. F in 1942.
Like many obsolete tanks in German service, this tank ended up being used by security units against partisans.
Like many obsolete tanks in German service, this tank ended up being used by security units against partisans.
October 21, 2025 at 9:33 AM
The British learnt their lesson & gave up on the Matilda I in 1940. However, the Germans persisted, coming up with the heavily armoured but ultimately pointless PzKw I Ausf. F in 1942.
Like many obsolete tanks in German service, this tank ended up being used by security units against partisans.
Like many obsolete tanks in German service, this tank ended up being used by security units against partisans.
Think you're being a bit harsh. After all, the tank crews seemed to have loved it.
I mean, look how happy the driver looks...
Oh.
I mean, look how happy the driver looks...
Oh.
October 20, 2025 at 10:21 PM
Think you're being a bit harsh. After all, the tank crews seemed to have loved it.
I mean, look how happy the driver looks...
Oh.
I mean, look how happy the driver looks...
Oh.
I've yet to find out if the pintle-mounted 2" BT was additional to the one in the turret roof on the Sherman or if it had merely been relocated from inside.
Also, the intent isn't entirely clear, but on most photos of 2 Irish Guards tanks from June to August 1944, you'll find this set-up. HTH!
3/3
Also, the intent isn't entirely clear, but on most photos of 2 Irish Guards tanks from June to August 1944, you'll find this set-up. HTH!
3/3
August 14, 2025 at 10:19 AM
I've yet to find out if the pintle-mounted 2" BT was additional to the one in the turret roof on the Sherman or if it had merely been relocated from inside.
Also, the intent isn't entirely clear, but on most photos of 2 Irish Guards tanks from June to August 1944, you'll find this set-up. HTH!
3/3
Also, the intent isn't entirely clear, but on most photos of 2 Irish Guards tanks from June to August 1944, you'll find this set-up. HTH!
3/3
For the Normandy campaign, 2 Irish Guards fitted a 2" BT to a modified pintle normally used for the. 50 cal MG on both its Stuarts & Shermans (the British often removed the .50 cal or replaced it with a. 30 cal MG).
This is shown nice and clearly in the photo.
2/3
This is shown nice and clearly in the photo.
2/3
August 14, 2025 at 10:19 AM
For the Normandy campaign, 2 Irish Guards fitted a 2" BT to a modified pintle normally used for the. 50 cal MG on both its Stuarts & Shermans (the British often removed the .50 cal or replaced it with a. 30 cal MG).
This is shown nice and clearly in the photo.
2/3
This is shown nice and clearly in the photo.
2/3
Since 1941, Britain had fitted a 2" bomb thrower (2" BT)in the turret of nearly all its tanks. These were for lobbing smoke & HE bombs a short distance away from the tank.
At Britain's request, USA fitted them to most M3 Grants & Shermans too.
NB Alt text has more detail
1/3
At Britain's request, USA fitted them to most M3 Grants & Shermans too.
NB Alt text has more detail
1/3
August 14, 2025 at 10:19 AM
Since 1941, Britain had fitted a 2" bomb thrower (2" BT)in the turret of nearly all its tanks. These were for lobbing smoke & HE bombs a short distance away from the tank.
At Britain's request, USA fitted them to most M3 Grants & Shermans too.
NB Alt text has more detail
1/3
At Britain's request, USA fitted them to most M3 Grants & Shermans too.
NB Alt text has more detail
1/3
As compensation, here's a shot of the same location from Google Maps. Main Road, Havenstreet, Isle of Wight, 2024!
August 10, 2025 at 6:25 AM
As compensation, here's a shot of the same location from Google Maps. Main Road, Havenstreet, Isle of Wight, 2024!
The example at IWM Duxford (in yellow) has no armour plates fitted, though you can see the holes for the bolts.
The vehicle in the black & white photo has the armour plates fitted to both front and sides.
The vehicle in the black & white photo has the armour plates fitted to both front and sides.
July 17, 2025 at 8:52 PM
The example at IWM Duxford (in yellow) has no armour plates fitted, though you can see the holes for the bolts.
The vehicle in the black & white photo has the armour plates fitted to both front and sides.
The vehicle in the black & white photo has the armour plates fitted to both front and sides.
Great clip, RG! Excuse me for correcting the caption as there's a lot of confusion with British-made carriers.
This is a Loyd Carrier, not a Universal Carrier.
The Loyd Carrier was characterised by the slanted front plate. Here's a photo of some of your compatriots in one in 1944!
This is a Loyd Carrier, not a Universal Carrier.
The Loyd Carrier was characterised by the slanted front plate. Here's a photo of some of your compatriots in one in 1944!
July 17, 2025 at 9:54 AM
Great clip, RG! Excuse me for correcting the caption as there's a lot of confusion with British-made carriers.
This is a Loyd Carrier, not a Universal Carrier.
The Loyd Carrier was characterised by the slanted front plate. Here's a photo of some of your compatriots in one in 1944!
This is a Loyd Carrier, not a Universal Carrier.
The Loyd Carrier was characterised by the slanted front plate. Here's a photo of some of your compatriots in one in 1944!
This is from November last year. Free speech is clearly no longer fashionable at X.
What a surprise.
What a surprise.
March 27, 2025 at 4:39 PM
This is from November last year. Free speech is clearly no longer fashionable at X.
What a surprise.
What a surprise.
A great example is this PzKw III, knocked out by a couple of superb shots by a Polish anti-tank gunner.
The first likely killed the driver instantly as it hit his side visor. The second broke the AA MG stand before penetrating the tank's 14.5mm side armour.
Definitely not a 'cake walk'.
End/
The first likely killed the driver instantly as it hit his side visor. The second broke the AA MG stand before penetrating the tank's 14.5mm side armour.
Definitely not a 'cake walk'.
End/
March 11, 2025 at 8:29 PM
A great example is this PzKw III, knocked out by a couple of superb shots by a Polish anti-tank gunner.
The first likely killed the driver instantly as it hit his side visor. The second broke the AA MG stand before penetrating the tank's 14.5mm side armour.
Definitely not a 'cake walk'.
End/
The first likely killed the driver instantly as it hit his side visor. The second broke the AA MG stand before penetrating the tank's 14.5mm side armour.
Definitely not a 'cake walk'.
End/
The myth of Blitzkrieg & the all-powerful German army overrunning Poland still persists today.
But it was no walkover for the Germans; 30% of their tanks were knocked out in the invasion.
#TankTuesday
NB Alt text contains both a description of a photo plus extra information
1/
But it was no walkover for the Germans; 30% of their tanks were knocked out in the invasion.
#TankTuesday
NB Alt text contains both a description of a photo plus extra information
1/
March 11, 2025 at 8:29 PM
The myth of Blitzkrieg & the all-powerful German army overrunning Poland still persists today.
But it was no walkover for the Germans; 30% of their tanks were knocked out in the invasion.
#TankTuesday
NB Alt text contains both a description of a photo plus extra information
1/
But it was no walkover for the Germans; 30% of their tanks were knocked out in the invasion.
#TankTuesday
NB Alt text contains both a description of a photo plus extra information
1/
The first tank is an A10 Mk. I (aka Cruiser Mk. II) with additional front armour on the turret.
The others in the background are A13 Mk. I tanks (aka Cruiser Mk. III).
Here's another shot of the same vehicles which shows this.
The others in the background are A13 Mk. I tanks (aka Cruiser Mk. III).
Here's another shot of the same vehicles which shows this.
March 11, 2025 at 7:13 AM
The first tank is an A10 Mk. I (aka Cruiser Mk. II) with additional front armour on the turret.
The others in the background are A13 Mk. I tanks (aka Cruiser Mk. III).
Here's another shot of the same vehicles which shows this.
The others in the background are A13 Mk. I tanks (aka Cruiser Mk. III).
Here's another shot of the same vehicles which shows this.
The Type 89 wasn't a bad first attempt at a medium tank. However, its deficiencies - low speed, light armour & main crew hatch in the front of the tank - were soon obvious.
Its replacement, the Type 97 Chi-Ha, came in 1938, though as we see, the Type 89 was never fully withdrawn from service.
End
Its replacement, the Type 97 Chi-Ha, came in 1938, though as we see, the Type 89 was never fully withdrawn from service.
End
March 4, 2025 at 2:51 PM
The Type 89 wasn't a bad first attempt at a medium tank. However, its deficiencies - low speed, light armour & main crew hatch in the front of the tank - were soon obvious.
Its replacement, the Type 97 Chi-Ha, came in 1938, though as we see, the Type 89 was never fully withdrawn from service.
End
Its replacement, the Type 97 Chi-Ha, came in 1938, though as we see, the Type 89 was never fully withdrawn from service.
End
The first variant, the Type 89A, had been built with a petrol engine due to delays in the production of the diesel engine.
Externally, the Type 89A is identified by having a rounder turret (Type 89B has a flat turret front) with the hull MG mounted on the right-hand front of the tank.
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Externally, the Type 89A is identified by having a rounder turret (Type 89B has a flat turret front) with the hull MG mounted on the right-hand front of the tank.
6/
March 4, 2025 at 2:51 PM
The first variant, the Type 89A, had been built with a petrol engine due to delays in the production of the diesel engine.
Externally, the Type 89A is identified by having a rounder turret (Type 89B has a flat turret front) with the hull MG mounted on the right-hand front of the tank.
6/
Externally, the Type 89A is identified by having a rounder turret (Type 89B has a flat turret front) with the hull MG mounted on the right-hand front of the tank.
6/
The tank itself is a Type 89B. This was the main Type 89 model & was the first production tank to feature a diesel engine.
The Japanese favoured diesel over petrol/gasoline due to refining capacity, fuel consumption & safety considerations.
5/
The Japanese favoured diesel over petrol/gasoline due to refining capacity, fuel consumption & safety considerations.
5/
March 4, 2025 at 2:51 PM
The tank itself is a Type 89B. This was the main Type 89 model & was the first production tank to feature a diesel engine.
The Japanese favoured diesel over petrol/gasoline due to refining capacity, fuel consumption & safety considerations.
5/
The Japanese favoured diesel over petrol/gasoline due to refining capacity, fuel consumption & safety considerations.
5/
Two units used these tanks; the 1st Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment (1-3 R.I.) & the 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment (1-9 R.I.).
In the photo we see General Pieter Doorman (right) inspecting the 1-9 R.I. (also known as the Friesland battalion) at Cimahi, west of Bandung, West Java.
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In the photo we see General Pieter Doorman (right) inspecting the 1-9 R.I. (also known as the Friesland battalion) at Cimahi, west of Bandung, West Java.
4/
March 4, 2025 at 2:51 PM
Two units used these tanks; the 1st Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment (1-3 R.I.) & the 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment (1-9 R.I.).
In the photo we see General Pieter Doorman (right) inspecting the 1-9 R.I. (also known as the Friesland battalion) at Cimahi, west of Bandung, West Java.
4/
In the photo we see General Pieter Doorman (right) inspecting the 1-9 R.I. (also known as the Friesland battalion) at Cimahi, west of Bandung, West Java.
4/
Upon their return, the Dutch acquired a number of tanks from the departing Japanese.
Some of these were old Type 89s, first used in 1933.
Given that even obsolete tanks are a viable weapon when used against a lightly armed adversary, the Type 89s were overhauled & put into Dutch service.
3/
Some of these were old Type 89s, first used in 1933.
Given that even obsolete tanks are a viable weapon when used against a lightly armed adversary, the Type 89s were overhauled & put into Dutch service.
3/
March 4, 2025 at 2:51 PM
Upon their return, the Dutch acquired a number of tanks from the departing Japanese.
Some of these were old Type 89s, first used in 1933.
Given that even obsolete tanks are a viable weapon when used against a lightly armed adversary, the Type 89s were overhauled & put into Dutch service.
3/
Some of these were old Type 89s, first used in 1933.
Given that even obsolete tanks are a viable weapon when used against a lightly armed adversary, the Type 89s were overhauled & put into Dutch service.
3/
It's #TankTuesday once again and this week's photo takes us to Java 1946 where we have the unusual sight of Dutch soldiers operating a Japanese Type 89B tank.
1/
NB Alt text contains both a description of a photo as well as extra detail that might not otherwise fit.
1/
NB Alt text contains both a description of a photo as well as extra detail that might not otherwise fit.
March 4, 2025 at 2:51 PM
It's #TankTuesday once again and this week's photo takes us to Java 1946 where we have the unusual sight of Dutch soldiers operating a Japanese Type 89B tank.
1/
NB Alt text contains both a description of a photo as well as extra detail that might not otherwise fit.
1/
NB Alt text contains both a description of a photo as well as extra detail that might not otherwise fit.
Here's an approximate modern-day shot of the same place.
I'll drive down there later this spring and try to get a better photo.
I'll drive down there later this spring and try to get a better photo.
March 4, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Here's an approximate modern-day shot of the same place.
I'll drive down there later this spring and try to get a better photo.
I'll drive down there later this spring and try to get a better photo.
I'm back down at Bovington in a few weeks' time so will take a closer look to see if the tank on display has any sign of the mysterious flaps!
March 2, 2025 at 7:00 PM
I'm back down at Bovington in a few weeks' time so will take a closer look to see if the tank on display has any sign of the mysterious flaps!
There were other openings in the top of the superstructure (inlets/outlets for engine cooling) & also at the back of the hull - see diagram below.
It's the latter which is at the height indicated by the markings, so my thinking is there were flaps at the back of the hull to be closed when wading.
It's the latter which is at the height indicated by the markings, so my thinking is there were flaps at the back of the hull to be closed when wading.
March 2, 2025 at 7:00 PM
There were other openings in the top of the superstructure (inlets/outlets for engine cooling) & also at the back of the hull - see diagram below.
It's the latter which is at the height indicated by the markings, so my thinking is there were flaps at the back of the hull to be closed when wading.
It's the latter which is at the height indicated by the markings, so my thinking is there were flaps at the back of the hull to be closed when wading.
The reason is the 'flaps open/closed' markings were also applied to later marks of Matilda II which didn't have the louvres - see photo below.
March 2, 2025 at 7:00 PM
The reason is the 'flaps open/closed' markings were also applied to later marks of Matilda II which didn't have the louvres - see photo below.
... flaps that prevent water getting into the tank.
The hull is enclosed but there were air inlets in the front in the early models (Mk. I & II, I think) as per the photo below.
But I don't think the flaps were here.
The hull is enclosed but there were air inlets in the front in the early models (Mk. I & II, I think) as per the photo below.
But I don't think the flaps were here.
March 2, 2025 at 7:00 PM
... flaps that prevent water getting into the tank.
The hull is enclosed but there were air inlets in the front in the early models (Mk. I & II, I think) as per the photo below.
But I don't think the flaps were here.
The hull is enclosed but there were air inlets in the front in the early models (Mk. I & II, I think) as per the photo below.
But I don't think the flaps were here.
SOURCES
• Panzer 38(t) - Zöllner
• Panzer Tracts Nos. 18 & 23 - Jentz/Doyle
• Panzerkampfwagen 38(t) Part 1 - Brojo/Trojánek
• German Army Uniforms & Insignia 1933-45 - Davis
• Panzer 38(t) - Zöllner
• Panzer Tracts Nos. 18 & 23 - Jentz/Doyle
• Panzerkampfwagen 38(t) Part 1 - Brojo/Trojánek
• German Army Uniforms & Insignia 1933-45 - Davis
February 25, 2025 at 3:54 PM
SOURCES
• Panzer 38(t) - Zöllner
• Panzer Tracts Nos. 18 & 23 - Jentz/Doyle
• Panzerkampfwagen 38(t) Part 1 - Brojo/Trojánek
• German Army Uniforms & Insignia 1933-45 - Davis
• Panzer 38(t) - Zöllner
• Panzer Tracts Nos. 18 & 23 - Jentz/Doyle
• Panzerkampfwagen 38(t) Part 1 - Brojo/Trojánek
• German Army Uniforms & Insignia 1933-45 - Davis
So we have an obsolete tank which has been refurbished, & repainted and now is in use again. Why?
The explanation is that this is likely to be an escort tank assigned to an armoured train. For details on this, here's a thread I did recently:
bsky.app/profile/rive...
6/
The explanation is that this is likely to be an escort tank assigned to an armoured train. For details on this, here's a thread I did recently:
bsky.app/profile/rive...
6/
February 25, 2025 at 3:54 PM
So we have an obsolete tank which has been refurbished, & repainted and now is in use again. Why?
The explanation is that this is likely to be an escort tank assigned to an armoured train. For details on this, here's a thread I did recently:
bsky.app/profile/rive...
6/
The explanation is that this is likely to be an escort tank assigned to an armoured train. For details on this, here's a thread I did recently:
bsky.app/profile/rive...
6/