bookThe Staghound in Canadian Service
by Roger V Lucy.
Canada's Weapons of War Series, WOW018
A5 size softback, 24 pages
ISBN: 978-1-894581-37-0
Service Publications,
Canada
www.servicepub.com

Review by Peter Brown


Developed as one of two designs for a medium armoured car, the American T17E1 armoured car was rejected by the US forces but built for British and Commonwealth service as the Staghound. Canada was an enthusiastic user and this book covers the Staghound's story in Canadian hands.

A brief background to the vehicle and British ideas on the use of armoured cars sets the scene before moving on to its adoption by the Canadians with details of trials of different cars. This is followed by a run-down of changes made during production. Variants are covered, including the AA T17E2, Staghound I and II with heavier armament, the experimental Canadian rocket-firing versions and the Bantu mine detector as well modifications for special roles such as command vehicles with extra radios.
Most of the book covers the actual use of these cars in action in Italy and NW Europe which contrasts the differences in these two theatres of war.

Included are the different types of organisation of the units using them as well as accounts of several actions. One showed a known drawback in the lack of a reverse steering position which resulted in a meeting with a Tiger tank at one point with unexpected results, while another covers an successful encounter with a German armoured car. Details are given of post-war use, several Staghounds were taken back to Canada and served for many years before finally fading away in the 1960s.

There is a handy set of four-view 1/35th plans in the centre pages with original black and white photos on each of the other pages. These will be very useful for anyone modelling a Canadian Staghound, they show variations in stowage including fittings for carrying bridging equipment and the vehicle converted into an "Officer's Charger". The final photo showing an unusual scene from service in the 1950s would make an unusual diorama.

Ideal reference for the recent 1/35th or 1/72nd kits this will be a welcome book for modellers and those interested in WW2 armour and Canadian vehicles.

Like all in the series it is well produced and comes recommended.

Thanks to Clive Law at Service Publications for the review book.



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