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The 79th Armoured Division's primary role upon establishment was to conduct conventional armoured warfare and direct infantry assaults.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 79th Armoured Division was established as a specialist armoured division focused on developing and operating specialized vehicles to overcome obstacles and support assaults, rather than conducting conventional warfare.
Major-General Sir Percy Hobart was the sole commander of the 79th Armoured Division throughout its entire operational history.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Major-General Sir Percy Hobart was instrumental in the division's development, he was not its sole commander throughout its entire operational history, which spanned from August 1942 to August 1945.
Initially, the 79th Armoured Division was organized as a specialist unit focused solely on amphibious assault vehicles.
Answer: False
Explanation: Upon its formation in August 1942, the 79th Armoured Division was initially organized as a conventional armoured division, including an Armoured Brigade and an Infantry Brigade, before evolving into its specialist role.
The 79th Armoured Division was officially disbanded in August 1945.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 79th Armoured Division was officially disbanded on August 20, 1945, marking the end of its operational existence.
The 79th Armoured Division was active for just over three years.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 79th Armoured Division was active from August 14, 1942, until August 20, 1945, a period of just over three years.
The 79th Armoured Division was disbanded immediately after the Normandy landings.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 79th Armoured Division continued its operations throughout the North-west European Campaign and was disbanded in August 1945, well after the Normandy landings.
What was the main objective behind the creation of the 79th Armoured Division?
Answer: To develop and operate specialized armored vehicles for overcoming obstacles and supporting assaults.
Explanation: The 79th Armoured Division was established as a specialist armoured division primarily to develop and operate specialized armored vehicles designed to overcome obstacles and provide support for amphibious landings and assaults.
Who is credited as the notable commander instrumental in the development of the 79th Armoured Division's unique vehicles?
Answer: Major-General Sir Percy Hobart
Explanation: Major-General Sir Percy Hobart commanded the 79th Armoured Division and was instrumental in the development of its specialized armored vehicles, which earned them the nickname 'Hobart's Funnies'.
The 79th Armoured Division was active during which period?
Answer: 1942 - 1945
Explanation: The 79th Armoured Division was active from August 14, 1942, until August 20, 1945, a period of just over three years.
The specialized tanks operated by the 79th Armoured Division were commonly referred to as 'Hobart's Funnies'.
Answer: True
Explanation: The unique and specialized tanks developed and operated by the 79th Armoured Division under Major-General Sir Percy Hobart earned the widely recognized nickname 'Hobart's Funnies' due to their unusual designs and functions.
Which of the following was NOT a function performed by the specialized vehicles of the 79th Armoured Division, commonly known as 'Hobart's Funnies'?
Answer: Transporting heavy artillery pieces
Explanation: 'Hobart's Funnies' were designed for tasks such as clearing minefields, facilitating amphibious operations with floating capabilities, and laying bridges or roadways. Transporting heavy artillery pieces was not among their primary specialized functions.
What was the widely recognized nickname for the specialized tanks of the 79th Armoured Division?
Answer: Hobart's Funnies
Explanation: The unusual-looking tanks developed and operated by the 79th Armoured Division were famously known as 'Hobart's Funnies'.
Which of the following was NOT a function performed by the specialized vehicles of the 79th Armoured Division, commonly known as 'Hobart's Funnies'?
Answer: Transporting heavy artillery pieces
Explanation: 'Hobart's Funnies' were designed for tasks such as clearing minefields, facilitating amphibious operations with floating capabilities, and laying bridges or roadways. Transporting heavy artillery pieces was not among their primary specialized functions.
The 'Bobbin' Carpet Layer was designed to clear minefields.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'Bobbin' Carpet Layer was a specialized Churchill AVRE equipped with a large roll of matting that could be deployed onto beaches or soft surfaces to create a more stable path for vehicles, not for clearing minefields.
The 'Buffalo' Landing Vehicle Tracked (LVT) was primarily used for direct infantry assault on fortified beaches.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'Buffalo' was a tracked, amphibious vehicle (Landing Vehicle Tracked) whose primary role was to transport supplies and personnel from ships to shore, rather than for direct infantry assault on fortified beaches.
The Kangaroo armoured personnel carrier was created by converting surplus artillery pieces.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Kangaroo armoured personnel carrier was developed by converting surplus self-propelled guns or tanks, not specifically artillery pieces, by removing their armament to create troop-carrying capacity.
The Canal Defence Light (CDL) tank modification mounted a machine gun for anti-personnel use.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Canal Defence Light (CDL) tank modification mounted a powerful searchlight, not a machine gun, with the primary function of dazzling and disorienting enemy troops.
The Churchill Crocodile tank featured a flamethrower instead of its hull-mounted machine gun.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Churchill Crocodile was a variant of the Churchill VII tank that replaced the hull-mounted machine gun with a flamethrower, carrying its fuel supply in a separate armored trailer.
The Sherman Crab tank was developed specifically for laying anti-tank mines.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Sherman Crab was a mine flail tank specifically designed to clear a safe path through minefields by using a rotating flail mechanism to detonate mines ahead of the vehicle.
The Small Box Girder (SBG) bridge layer could span gaps up to 50 feet wide.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Small Box Girder (SBG) bridge layer, based on the Churchill AVRE, was equipped to carry and deploy a bridge capable of spanning gaps up to 30 feet wide.
The Churchill Armoured Ramp Carrier (ARK) was a turreted tank variant used for troop transport.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Churchill Armoured Ramp Carrier (ARK) was a turretless Churchill tank fitted with ramps at both the front and rear, functioning as a mobile bridge to enable vehicles to cross obstacles, not as a troop transport.
The 'Flying dustbin' was the nickname for the Petard mortar itself.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'Flying dustbin' was the nickname given to the 40-pound (18 kg) demolition bomb fired by the Petard spigot mortar mounted on the Churchill Armoured Vehicle Royal Engineers (AVRE), not the mortar itself.
The Sherman DD tank was designed for amphibious operations using tracks and propellers.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 'Duplex Drive' (DD) tank, often based on the Sherman tank, was converted for amphibious use, featuring both track and propeller locomotion for naval transport and landing.
The Fascine Carrier AVRE was used to deploy bridges across water obstacles.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Fascine Carrier AVRE was designed to carry and deploy fascines, which are bundles of sticks used to fill ditches or create firmer ground surfaces, rather than to deploy bridges across water obstacles.
The 49th Armoured Personnel Carrier Regiment operated Churchill Crocodile flamethrower tanks.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 49th Armoured Personnel Carrier Regiment operated Kangaroo armoured personnel carriers, which were converted tanks used to transport infantry, not Churchill Crocodile flamethrower tanks.
What was the 'Duplex Drive' tank primarily designed for?
Answer: Amphibious assault landings
Explanation: The 'Duplex Drive' (DD) tank was converted for amphibious use, featuring both track and propeller locomotion, and was utilized by the Allies during the initial phases of the Normandy landings in 1944.
What specific task was the Sherman Crab tank designed to accomplish?
Answer: Clearing paths through minefields
Explanation: The Sherman Crab was a mine flail tank specifically designed to clear a safe path through minefields by using a rotating flail mechanism to detonate mines ahead of the vehicle.
The Churchill AVRE was notable for being armed with which weapon?
Answer: A 'Petard' spigot mortar
Explanation: The Churchill AVRE was a heavily modified Churchill tank armed with a powerful 'Petard' spigot mortar, capable of firing a 40-pound (18 kg) demolition bomb.
What was the purpose of the 'Bobbin' Carpet Layer variant of the Churchill AVRE?
Answer: To lay down matting for stable vehicle passage
Explanation: The 'Bobbin' Carpet Layer was a specialized Churchill AVRE equipped with a large roll of matting that could be deployed onto beaches or soft surfaces to create a more stable path for vehicles.
Which specialized Churchill AVRE variant was equipped to carry and deploy large bundles of sticks to fill ditches?
Answer: The Fascine Carrier AVRE
Explanation: The Fascine Carrier AVRE was a Churchill AVRE modified to carry and deploy large bundles of sticks, known as fascines, which were used to fill in holes or ditches, creating a more stable surface for vehicles to cross.
What capability did the Small Box Girder (SBG) bridge layer provide?
Answer: Deployment of bridges up to 30 feet wide
Explanation: The Small Box Girder (SBG) bridge layer, based on the Churchill AVRE, was equipped to carry and deploy a bridge capable of spanning gaps, such as ditches or small water obstacles, up to 30 feet wide.
The Churchill Armoured Ramp Carrier (ARK) functioned as what?
Answer: A mobile bridge
Explanation: The Churchill Armoured Ramp Carrier (ARK) was a turretless Churchill tank fitted with ramps at both the front and rear. When deployed, these ramps allowed the ARK to act as a mobile bridge, enabling vehicles to cross obstacles.
What was the primary role of the 'Buffalo' Landing Vehicle Tracked (LVT)?
Answer: Transporting supplies and personnel from ships to shore
Explanation: The 'Buffalo' was a tracked, amphibious vehicle (Landing Vehicle Tracked) whose primary role was to transport supplies and personnel from ships to shore, proving particularly useful during amphibious operations.
How were Kangaroo armoured personnel carriers created?
Answer: By converting surplus self-propelled guns or tanks, removing their armament
Explanation: The Kangaroo was an armoured personnel carrier created by converting surplus self-propelled guns or tanks, by removing their main armament or turrets, to safely transport infantry across the battlefield.
What was the main function of the Canal Defence Light (CDL) modification?
Answer: To mount a powerful searchlight for dazzling the enemy
Explanation: The Canal Defence Light (CDL) was a specialized tank modification that mounted a powerful carbon-arc searchlight. Its primary function was to dazzle and disorient enemy troops, particularly in defensive situations or during night assaults.
Which specialized vehicle variant replaced the hull-mounted machine gun of the Churchill VII tank with a flamethrower?
Answer: The Churchill Crocodile
Explanation: The Churchill Crocodile was a variant of the Churchill VII tank that replaced the hull-mounted machine gun with a flamethrower, carrying its fuel supply in a separate, armored trailer towed behind the tank.
What was the 'Flying dustbin'?
Answer: A nickname for the 40-pound demolition bomb fired by the Churchill AVRE's Petard mortar
Explanation: The 'Flying dustbin' was the nickname given to the 40-pound (18 kg) demolition bomb fired by the Petard spigot mortar mounted on the Churchill Armoured Vehicle Royal Engineers (AVRE).
What was the primary purpose of the Petard mortar mounted on the Churchill AVRE?
Answer: To destroy heavily fortified enemy positions and obstacles
Explanation: The Petard mortar on the Churchill AVRE was designed to fire a large, 40-pound (18 kg) demolition bomb, often called a 'Flying dustbin,' specifically to destroy heavily fortified enemy positions, bunkers, and obstacles.
The 79th Armoured Division played a significant role in the Normandy invasion and subsequent North-west European Campaign.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 79th Armoured Division played a significant role in the Normandy invasion (D-Day) and subsequent operations during the North-west European Campaign, including the Rhine crossings.
The 79th Armoured Division's specialized vehicles were crucial for overcoming obstacles during the Normandy landings.
Answer: True
Explanation: The specialized equipment, known as 'Hobart's Funnies', was crucial for the invasion of France as it enabled the Allied forces to overcome beach obstacles, clear minefields, breach defenses, and establish a foothold on the heavily fortified Normandy coast.
The 79th Armoured Division exclusively provided support to British units throughout the North-west European Campaign.
Answer: False
Explanation: While primarily supporting the 21st Army Group, the 79th Armoured Division occasionally extended its specialized support to American units operating outside the 21st Army Group's direct command during the North-west European Campaign.
During the Battle of the Scheldt, the 79th Armoured Division's primary contribution was focused on mine clearance operations.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 79th Armoured Division provided specialized armored support during the Battle of the Scheldt, which was part of the broader Siegfried Line campaign. Its role involved overcoming various obstacles and fortifications, not solely mine clearance.
The 79th Armoured Division's specialized vehicles were developed in response to challenges faced during the North African Campaign.
Answer: False
Explanation: While some specialized vehicles, such as the Sherman Crab, saw earlier use in campaigns like North Africa, the 79th Armoured Division's overall development and specialization were primarily driven by the anticipated challenges of large-scale amphibious assaults, most notably the Normandy invasion.
The 79th Armoured Division was instrumental in bridging operations during the Rhine crossings.
Answer: True
Explanation: The division provided specialized armored support during the Rhine crossings, utilizing vehicles like the Small Box Girder (SBG) bridge layer to overcome obstacles and facilitate troop movement.
During which major World War II engagement did the 79th Armoured Division play a significant role?
Answer: The Normandy invasion
Explanation: The 79th Armoured Division played a significant role in the Normandy invasion (D-Day) and subsequent operations during the North-west European Campaign, including the Rhine crossings.
What was the role of the 79th Armoured Division's vehicles during the initial Normandy landings on D-Day?
Answer: They were distributed as small units across landing divisions to provide specialized support.
Explanation: During the Normandy landings, vehicles from the 79th Armoured Division were distributed as small units across the divisions participating in the landings, providing specialized support for the amphibious assault on the defended French coastline.
Which of these operations was supported by the 79th Armoured Division during the North-west European Campaign?
Answer: The Battle of the Scheldt
Explanation: The 79th Armoured Division provided specialized support during operations within the Battle of Normandy and also supported the Battle of the Scheldt, which was part of the broader Siegfried Line campaign.
Which specific engagements within the Siegfried Line campaign are noted as involving the 79th Armoured Division?
Answer: Battle of the Scheldt and Battle for the Roer Triangle
Explanation: The 79th Armoured Division was involved in battles within the Siegfried Line campaign, specifically mentioning the Battle of the Scheldt and the Battle for the Roer Triangle (Operation Blackcock).
The 185th Infantry Brigade was a permanent component of the 79th Armoured Division throughout its existence.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 185th Infantry Brigade was part of the 79th Armoured Division's initial structure but was removed by April 1943 as the division shifted its focus entirely to specialized armored vehicles.
The 30th Armoured Brigade was transferred to the 79th Armoured Division in October 1943.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 30th Armoured Brigade transferred to the 79th Armoured Division on October 17, 1943, and included units such as the 22nd Dragoons and the 1st Lothians and Border Horse.
The 1st Tank Brigade, added in September 1944, utilized Churchill Crocodile flamethrower tanks.
Answer: False
Explanation: When the 1st Tank Brigade was added to the 79th Armoured Division in September 1944, it utilized Grant tanks equipped with Canal Defence Lights (CDL), not Churchill Crocodile flamethrower tanks.
The 31st Armoured Brigade, part of the division by September 1944, operated Kangaroo armoured personnel carriers.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 31st Armoured Brigade, added to the 79th Armoured Division by September 1944, operated Churchill Crocodile flamethrower tanks and Kangaroo armoured personnel carriers.
Upon its formation in August 1942, what was the initial organizational structure of the 79th Armoured Division?
Answer: A conventional armoured division with an Armoured Brigade and an Infantry Brigade.
Explanation: Initially, the 79th Armoured Division was structured as a conventional armoured division, comprising an Armoured Brigade, an Infantry Brigade, and supporting Royal Artillery regiments.
Which Armoured Brigade was attached to the 79th Armoured Division between September 1942 and October 1943?
Answer: 27th Armoured Brigade
Explanation: The 27th Armoured Brigade was attached to the 79th Armoured Division during the period from September 1942 to October 1943. This brigade included regiments such as the 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards, 13th/18th Royal Hussars, and the 1st East Riding Yeomanry.
Upon its addition to the 79th Armoured Division in September 1944, what type of specialized vehicles did the 1st Tank Brigade utilize?
Answer: Grant tanks equipped with Canal Defence Lights (CDL)
Explanation: When the 1st Tank Brigade was added to the 79th Armoured Division in September 1944, it utilized Grant tanks equipped with Canal Defence Lights (CDL), which were powerful searchlights designed for battlefield illumination and disorientation.
Which brigade, incorporated into the 79th Armoured Division by September 1944, operated both Churchill Crocodile flamethrower tanks and Kangaroo armoured personnel carriers?
Answer: 31st Armoured Brigade
Explanation: The 31st Armoured Brigade, added to the 79th Armoured Division by September 1944, operated Churchill Crocodile flamethrower tanks and Kangaroo armoured personnel carriers, providing significant fire support and troop mobility.
What did the order of battle for the 79th Armoured Division in March 1945 signify?
Answer: It demonstrated the division's growth and the increasing demand for specialized armored vehicles.
Explanation: The order of battle in March 1945 demonstrated the division's significant growth and the increasing demand for its specialized armored vehicles, reflecting its crucial role in the final stages of the North-west European campaign.