This is what the Scientific American article says:
Rebuilding Europe with the Tank-Derrick.
After having established itself as one of the most destructive weapons of the recent war, the tank, in various modified forms, is now building up another reputation as one of the greatest tools in the hands of the reconstructors of devastated Europe.
Credit in generous measure is due (to) the British authorities for their ingenious application of the erstwhile military tank to a large number of distinctly peacetime tasks. Thus the British have modified their small and large tanks for service as tractors for road work, agricultural purposes and canal-boat towing. More recently they have equipped some of their largest tanks with powerful derricks and clam-shell buckets for the purpose of aiding in the work of clearing the ruins of devastated France and Belgium. Moutains of broken brick, stone, lumber, plaster and other debris must be removed before work can begin on new homes and shops and factories that will go to make future villages and towns.
The British tank-derrick is shown at work in our cover illustration. This machine has remarkable facilities for operating on any kind of terrain, no matter how wet or rough it may be. It can bowl over walls and obstacles that stand in its way, just as it did during the days of war. The powerful derrick, operated by the steam engine, together with the large clamshell bucket, permits debris to be removed and dumped into cars and trucks at a fair rate of speed.
Doesn't prove anything, but that's what it says.
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AFAIK only one was built, based on the prototype Gun Carrier made by Metro and with the grab made by Priestman Brothers Ltd of Hull. There are photos of it in use in France post-war.
"Sometimes things that are not true are included in Wikipedia. While at first glance that may appear like a very great problem for Wikipedia, in reality is it not. In fact, it's a good thing." - Wikipedia.
