Conflict Special Study 1

Jewish Tank Markings

by TP Schweider

Ever since the 1956 War, the Jews have used the markings shown above and at right for their armored forces. Tank companies are identified by rings on the main gun tube: one ring= 1st Company; two rings = 2d Company; etc.

In the 1967 War it was not uncommon to see all models of tanks with up to four rings as the standard Israeli tank battalion had four companies of armor. Almost all Jewish armor brigades were standardized with three battalions, with markings at the right as they appear on Centurions (M-48/60 types have the battalion symbol on their turrets, while Shermans show it on their hulls). Many photos from the October War (particularly in the Golan) show tank groups with mixed company/battalion markings. This was due to the rapid mobilization; sending units forward piecemeal, grouping them into platoons and companies as they arrived at the front, without regard to their organic formation. This confusion was compounded by repaired tanks being taken by any crew that was available, rather than returning the tank to its original unit.

More Arab-Israeli Armor 1973

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© Copyright 1975 by Dana Lombardy.
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