Andrew Hills

Writer and publisher of books of historic interest. Author of Tanks of TOG, British Zimmerit, Striding Ashore, The Semple Tank, and others. FB, X, and BSky

[Andrew Hills @FWD_Publishing]

Soviet proposal for an air-droppable one-man anti-tank gun emplacement (G-38) c.1933. Formed from a single armoured pod its a futuristic looking albeit unsuccessful idea. #tanks #ww2 #history

[Andrew Hills @FWD_Publishing]

Another carpark guardian at The Tank Museum Bovington is this Chieftain turret. The casting is more than a foot (300 mm) thick in places at the front as well as being an aesthetically pleasing shape to the curviness of it as well. #tanks

[Andrew Hills @FWD_Publishing]

The Centurion Mantletless turret. Its a rather nice casting and would have been a good upgrade to existing Centurions when it was made. Now its just a guardian of the overflow carpark at Bovington but one day who knows, maybe it'll find a home on a hull once more. #tanks

[Andrew Hills @FWD_Publishing]

For years TOG-2* was said to have a 17 pdr. gun. One thing identified in my research (pub. 2017) was the SVDC's focus on firepower and I identified this as a modified 3.7" (28 pdr.).
Here's a view of the muzzle and yes I measured it. It's not a 17 pdr.
#tanks #history #ww2

[Andrew Hills @FWD_Publishing]

TOG 2 is wearing its own bespoke tracks made specially for it and with its name cast into each link. Just one of the myriad of things learned from two days of going over the vehicle inside and out. #tanks #history #ww2

[Andrew Hills @FWD_Publishing]

Another fantastic day at The Tank Museum, Bovington. Special thanks to the great staff at the museum and Joe and Chris especially but also the help I had from Adam Pawley and Oliver Boyle. I’ve now got a wealth of info, photos, and measurements to wade through as a result.

[Andrew Hills @FWD_Publishing]

Tanks located. Lots of tanks. Had a great day at Bovington. First time back in over 25 years. Great help from the staff and back tommorrow for more measuring

[Andrew Hills @FWD_Publishing]

A contemporary-artist's impression of an original photo showing an experimental Guy armoured car c.1923. Now a half track using 'Roadless' tracks, by the 1920s this sort of armoured car was somewhat old-fashioned. It did not find interest and was not pursued. #tank #history #WW1

[Andrew Hills @FWD_Publishing]

There was, however, a 2-day military festival with reenactors and vehicles to enjoy inside.

[Andrew Hills @FWD_Publishing]

Today's visit, Carlisle Castle, Cumbria, UK. No tanks outside sadly.

[Andrew Hills @FWD_Publishing]

At Atlantic Class 4-4-2 GNR#990 'Henry Oakley', built 1898, National Railway Museum in York. A train like this was proposed as the power plant for a tank, but don't worry if you can't guess which one. Details to come in a new book from FWD currently being prepared.

[Andrew Hills @FWD_Publishing]

Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland, UK seen from the sand dunes looking north. No tanks, but a great view of an impressive fortification.

[Andrew Hills @FWD_Publishing]

Well, no tanks spotted from the top of Clifford's Tower in York either. Lovely view across the city though straight to York Minster.

[Andrew Hills @FWD_Publishing]

No tanks up here. Not even Roman cavalry, but I'll keep looking. :)
This is the UNESCO site at Housteads on Hadrian's Wall, Northumberland, UK.

[Andrew Hills @FWD_Publishing]

Bags packed. Winston is on the go - the great FWD research trip has begun.

[Andrew Hills @FWD_Publishing]

2/2 In April 1922, Stern (1) became engaged to Miss Helen Orr-Lewis (2). They wed in June 1922 at the Villa Valetta in Cannes, France and honeymooned in Venice. (3) is Stern's brother Major Frederick Stern, (4) is Mary Orr-Lewis (Helen's sister), & (5) is Sir Robert Horne.

[Andrew Hills @FWD_Publishing]

Sir Albert Stern (1878-1966) was an important figure in shaping British tanks in WW1 and 2. In research for the 2nd. ed. of 'Tanks of TOG'. I found some other pictures of the man providing an unusual glimse of a private individual. #tanks #History #WW1 #WW2 1/2

[Andrew Hills @FWD_Publishing]

An array of armoured cars and artillery, displayed for the camera in Mongolia in the 1930s. Provides a nice study of the variety in crew uniforms (but probably not the chap in the suit). #history #tank #ww2 #afv

[Andrew Hills @FWD_Publishing]

Living in the midwest you sometimes get spectacular weather. Yes it was a huge and dangerous storm but mammatus clouds are also rather amazing to look at. I took these yesterday in central Nebraska.

[Andrew Hills @FWD_Publishing]

@Michael89529595 The Stuart is ~3x the weight of the Mk. VI but is a substantially better tank is virtually every regard.

[Andrew Hills @FWD_Publishing]

The 5-tonne Vickers Light Tank Mk. VI is not the best known or best looking British tank of WW2, but it was fast. With a top speed of around 56 km/h, it was capable off-road and could navigate hedges and small trees, and could even do a bit of drifting. #tanks #history #ww2