T-17EI Staghound Mk I

This American armored car never saw service with frontline U.S. forces, but was supplied to British and other Commonwealth nations during the war, under the name Staghound. Many countries used the type after the war, and some saw service into the 1980s. The vehicle mounted a 37 mm M6 L/56.6 gun and one .30 (7.62 mm) M1919 Browning machine gun in a fully-rotating turret; another .30 gun forward-facing in the hull; and one .30 gun on a mount behind the turret top hatch for air defense. Both anti-tank and anti-personnel rounds were available for the main gun. It carried a crew of five at a top speed of 55 mph. The Staghound entered service too late for use in the North African Campaign where its combination of armor protection, range, and main armament would have been an advantage in a light forces reconnaissance role. It first saw operational service in Italy in 1943, where its large size was too restrictive in the narrow roads and streets of Europe. Conditions for the Staghound improved when the Italian campaign became more mobile in the middle of 1944. British and Commonwealth forces also used the type during the north-west Europe campaign. It saw most service at squadron and regimental headquarters level. Chevrolet produced 3,844 units between late 1942 and early 1944.