Rare M31 & M32 Tank Recovery Vehicles of WW2

Tank recovery vehicles are specialized armored vehicles designed to recover, repair, and salvage damaged or disabled tanks on the battlefield. This included towing tanks that had broken down, become stuck, or been damaged in combat. This ensures they can be repaired and returned to service as quickly as possible.
Field Maintenance: Tank recovery vehicles were equipped with tools and equipment necessary for basic field maintenance and repairs on tanks. They could perform tasks such as replacing damaged tracks, repairing minor mechanical issues, or conducting temporary fixes to get tanks back into action.
Salvage Operations: In addition to recovering tanks, the M31 and M32 were also used for salvage operations. This involved retrieving valuable equipment and supplies from damaged or abandoned tanks on the battlefield, preventing them from falling into enemy hands or being destroyed.
Transportation: In some cases, these vehicles were used for transportation purposes, carrying supplies, equipment, or personnel to support front line units. Their armored protection and robust construction made them suitable for navigating hazardous environments while under fire.
Recovery of Other Vehicles: While primarily designed for recovering tanks, the M31 and M32 could also be used to recover other types of vehicles, such as armored cars or artillery pieces, further extending their utility on the battlefield.
00:00 - Introduction to the M31
01:37 - M31 crane and winch system
03:54 - Details of the deck and track system.
05:53 - Intro the M32
07:09 - Details of the M32 crane and winch system
13:10 - Detail of the mortars and tools
14:40 - Suspension system & Iterative process that leads to the IDF
18:04 - Conclusion

[@Legitpenguins99]

Reallt an under appreciated aspect of WW2 but without recovery vehicles, armor operations come to a halt (literally). It falls under all other aspects of logistics where logistics wins wars but math aint sexy or glamorous so it tends to be overlooked

[@philbosworth3789]

Yet another great presentation. A pair of vehicles that don't get much coverage anywhere, certainly not coverage done this well.

[@bobrivett7645]

My brother served in tge USA from 1984 to 1988, stationed in Tacoma, WA. He was in a armored vehicle recovery company, for the early MLRS vehicle, he drove a M88 recovery vehicle. In their yeard was a functioning M32B3. They drove, maitained kept if clean (washed it a lot from what i heard). It wasnt used as a recovery vehicle though. Just kept in operating conditon. Rolling history for the unit i guess. He has pictures of it. I thought that was cool. MCAS cherry point where i was station maintained a funtional, flyable F4U Cousair. Never saw it fly, but did see it powered up and taxi on the flight line, once.

[@CEngineering-pv8uw]

Nice presentation, agree on the IDF connection. Antenna base appears to be an MX6707, which is a Vietnam era base, not WW2.

[@davidk7324]

Thank you Dan and Mike -- and all the folks behind the scenes. Great information. I'll be making my 4th visit to the museum soon. These videos are especially important for folks who can't make the trip -- but all benefit greatly. It is often said that logistics win wars and I appreciate your focus on the whole picture rather than just offensive vehicles. This theme is underlined by your impressive Red Ball Express display area.

[@philbosworth3789]

@davidk7324 I'm envious; I just wish it was on this side of the pond. Enjoy your trip.

[@user-fi8im6sd9i]

One reason for the dummy guns on the M31 is not just for intimidation, but also to "protect" the tank. An unarmed recovery tank is a much more inviting target for unsupported infantry or an ambush with greater effect long term than a standard tank. By trying to disguise the M31 as a gun tank, it makes it less likely to be attacked because of its value. Its the same reason that many cargo truck variants, wreckers, tankers, etc, can fit standard cargo covers to try and hide them as a regular truck hauling toilet paper and typewriters, versus fuel, water, or recovery equipment to keep a convoy moving.

[@joeshmoe9978]

Thanks for preserving these important pieces of history.

[@Geoduck.]

Looking forward to visiting your wonderful museum.

[@Hambone_FN]

Gosh I’ve gotta make the drive over sometime. Can’t believe we’ve got a nationally competitive tank museum in a little town in Wyoming

[@itsnotagsr]

Great video. I’ve seen a few recovery vehicles be converted to regular Sherman’s recently. Seems a real shame given how rare these are!

[@Tomeleck]

Beautiful and completely well done video. I really enjoy watching and listening to your obviously well researched videos. You are totally convincing in your erudition and knowledge. . You make learning about the tanks entertaining as well. You could easily transition to Hollywood roles. Please keep up with the preservation and the videos

[@gaveintothedarkness]

So glad this channel popped up in my feed. Loving the content, please keep up the great work!

[@kevinl6116]

Any tankers remember the recovery vehicle - pretty sure an M32 definitely a Sherman chassis - down range at Ft Knox? Pumped several training 105 sabots into it.

[@ComfortsSpecter]

Incredible Beautiful History Great Quality Presentation Exactly what People Need Thank You so much Man They were that Desperate for atleast a 37M- Ope Funny Fake Gun; Adorable

[@wwiiimpressionsinc.4727]

Great video! Fascinating and informative.

[@Cadadadry]

I've seen an M32 on daily use inside the Brussels Tank Museum, Belgium as late as 1981. I guess it's now sitting in Bastogne Barracks (to be confirmed)...

[@henryturnerjr3857]

That winch cable appears to be missing several buckets of grease compared to the ones I handled.

[@clydedopheide1033]

I appreciate you sharing your museum

[@NMMV_USA]

👍

[@guylelanglois6642]

Can't wait to see you guys. End of June. Too bad we'll miss the parade on independence day

[@alfredpedneau9598]

Do yall have a M26 ???

[@NMMV_USA]

Yes. We are in the process of preparing a video covering it.

[@guameldestruir6239]

I know some late production M3 tanks had welded hulls, is it not possible that one of those was converted into an M31? Either way it's nice to see it semi-restored, and you can always find an original hull to swap tops with one day, plenty floating around in Australia.

[@guameldestruir6239]

Upon further research I found that the initial 150 M31 TRV's produced used a mix M3A3 (Welded) and M3A5 (Riveted) hulls with the initial T2 Pilot vehicle "Katrina" using an M3A3 hull. Another 146 were also made using M3A3 and M3A5's for Soviet lend lease (both used diesel engines and were easily integrated into the diesel powered soviet armored formations). Retroactively they were classified as M31B1 (M3A3) and M31B2 (M3A5). So, in short Welded hull M31 did exist but were always diesel hull M3A3. Your M31 is "wrong" but not in a bothersome way.

[@bwilliams463]

I was under the impression - based on the images I've seen - that all M31s were mounted on the old-style M3 bogies with the center return roller. Are the bogies original to the vehicle?

[@NMMV_USA]

We can’t know for sure, but we believe they are original.