Tank Chats #140 | M24 Chaffee | The Tank Museum

The Chaffee is a very aesthetically pleasing tank.

"Would be another one here in the front if someone hadn't nicked it" "The Norwegians of all people" I'm dead 😂😂

I would have to add a 3rd key use of the M-24. When used by the Japanese Self Defense Force against Godzilla. Unfortunately the 75 was not very effective. :) Another excellent overview.

I've never quite put my finger on why, but there is something very 'right' and pleasing about the Chaffee, despite the fact that it's utterly conventional in layout. The 90mm gun in the Norwegian vehicles was the GIAT F2 from the AML-90 armoured car.

Always loved the opening scene in “The Bridge at Remagen” which used these both in the movie and the actual battle. One of the best opening scenes in a movie ever. They drove those Chaffees full out and really showed how those those tanks can move!

"it had the same main armament as the Mitchell Bomber" seems dropping bombs from a tank might be problematic, to me...

It really was the pinnacle of 'light tank' design and technology for World War 2. It did literally everything very well and nothing poorly. I don't know if it was expensive compared to M5s or M4s

There really is nothing wrong with the Chaffee. Incredible vehicle.

"between 18 and 20 tons" *Depending on whether or not you're American or British I took it both ways as you talking about the different measurements of tons and the different weights of the crew 😭

The M24 Chaffee is my second favorite tank right after the M41 Walker Bulldog.

I always think of the movie "Battle of the Bulge" when I see this tank. Exceptionally well designed vehicle

' ..... but the Norwegians weren't really fighting anybody .....' classic David. Another enjoyable 'chat'. Thank you.

In 2007 this wonderful man took my detachment on a tour of the Tank Museum. One of my favourite memories in uniform. Knew everything and loved talking about tanks.

There's still at least one M-24 at Dien Bien Phu, forming part of a memorial to the battle. It was remarkable how they were transported in pieces and reassembled in the field. Great tank!

YouTube is at its best helping keep these stories alive.

Always thought the M24 was a sleek-looking tank

I'm one of the fortunate few outside of the military and historians to have heard of Adna Chaffee. My family is from Orwell, Ohio (Chaffee's family hometown) and the village park is named after him. For being the middle of nowhere, Ashtabula County sure spawned some colourful figures.

The Japanese self defense force was a major recipient of M24 based combat vehicles after the war. I've seen footage of Japanese Chaffees and their M19 "Paleo-Duster" cousins on several occasions. Something perhaps worthy of mentioning is the Chaffee spawning a whole combat vehicle family. The M37HMC (a mini-Priest), the M38 Mortar Carrier (for the 4.2"), the M19MGMC (twin Bofors guns . . . I mean, who wouldn't?), the T77 (armed with 6x .50cal MGs), and the T41/M39 ACV/APC. Of these, the Chaffee and the M19 saw quite a bit of service. The idea behind the Combat Vehicle Family is the ease of maintenance and logistics earned from the use of a single basic chassis and drive train.

The Chaffee is a gem of a tank, and this is a gem of a tank chat. Thank you, Mr. Fletcher!

Thanks again, Mr. Fletcher. Cheers.