Now that I have sorted out the American Army and heavy French and British tanks, I would like to learn about the light tanks.
As I understand it, the British did not provide any light British tanks to American forces, so Americans never operated Whippet tanks, is that correct?
The French, however, did give / sell large numbers of the Renault FT light tank and the US made some number of the close copy the M1917 tank.
How many Renault FT tanks did the US get from France?
How many M1917 tanks were manufactured?
By 1919 or 1920 how many light tanks were in the US Army inventory in America?
What happened to the Ford 3 ton tanks, did they stay in US service after the war? How many of them were used by the US in training?
What else do I need to know about the US Army and light tanks in WWI and the immediate post-war era?
Hi Mike All would have been Renault FTs rather then US built M1917 before the armistice after that date I dont know but wouldnt be suprised if M1917s turned up in europe, as to numbers two battalions with a total of 144 tanks or so.... Im not aware of any Whippets being used by US forces...
according to this http://afvdb.50megs.com/usa/m1917.html 952 US M1917s in total were accepted also a fast conversion there the M1917A1 with more powerfull engine in a longer engine compartment X2 speed...
As you say, Creekers, you have sorted out the earlier matter. Well done.
Not something I would normally do, but on this occasion I can recommend the Wikipedia articles on the FT and M1917. They are accurate enough for most purposes. Modesty prevents me from explaining why.
Ivor is correct. No Whippets were in American service. The French supplied sufficient FTs to equip Patton's two light tank battalions - 144 appx. Production of the M1917 got off to a bad start, and only a handful reached France, too late to see action. Only 15 Fords were built, and IIRC they were used Stateside for towing, etc. for a while. About 209 Renaults were taken back to the USA after the Armistice and were supplemented by M1917s once production got under way.
What else do you need to know? Dunno.
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