Tunisia, may 1943. The last Axis resistence in Africa is fallen. Two British soldiers observing an abandoned Ansaldo gun 149/40, probably already out of ammo and with the shatter tampered. DVX

Captured cannone da 149/40

Propaganda 'photo of the Princess Elizabeth (Windsor) of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, heir to the British Throne, contemplates a tyre in her role as a driver in the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) a female branch of the British Army in WW2.  As I write, the same lady - as Queen Elizabeth II - is completing a 4-day visit to my country that can only be described as triumphant - whatever the begrudgers of the Murdoch media (see Sky.com) may believe.  I am a Republican - but I very much respect the right of others to organise their democracies as constitutional monarchies.  Also, I believe that the UK should be very thankful for the long life of service afforded to that state by this charming lady.  To my British friends I say - God save the Queen !  JR.

The Princess Elizabeth changes a tyre.

Churchill IV (NA 75) (Approx 200 produced)

The Churchill IV (NA 75) was a field expedient to rectify the perceived poor performance of the 6 pdr High Explosive round. It essentially involved combining the excellent cross-country capabilities of the Churchill tank with the combat-proven 75mm main gun taken from battle damaged Sherman tanks.

The gun and Sherman manlet were mounted directly onto the front of the turret.

The was gun rotated 90 degrees in the mount, so it could be loaded from the left, thereby conforming to how British tank crews were seated in the turret.

The combination proved successful, with the Churchill being an excellent gun platform. Approximately 200 Churchill tanks were converted to take the 75mm gun between April and June 1944. The name NA75 comes from North Africa (NA) where the conversions took place, and 75 is for the gun. Churchill IV (NA 75) tanks were sent into action in Italy in June 1944 with the 21st and 25th Tank Brigades.

Boyne: 1 Troop 'B' Squadron. Commander Lieut B.E.S.King MC. In the photograph: Gunner, L/Cpl Cecil A.Cox with Operator, Cpl Bob Malseed. Boyne was knocked out by a Panzer Mark IV.