1:72 scale diecast tank from the Hobby Master Ground Power Series HG3803. M8 Greyhound Free French Army 5th Armored Div, France, August 1944, (M20 Utility Car).

Length 3 inches
Width 1 inches

Features:
Diecast metal and plastic construction.
Rotating turret, elevating cannon and accurate hull.
Painted, fitted, non-moving tracks on detailed non-rotating wheels.
Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
Clear acrylic display case to protect model.

The M20 was an Armored Utility Car that was also known as an M20 Scout Car. It was a converted M8 without the revolving turret so there would be room for passenger seats, radio equipment, a Commanders table and the ring mounting for a .50 caliber heavy machine gun. The crew was also provided a bazooka for defense to help compensate for the lack of heavy armor. This configuration meant there was an open top but it did provide a certain amount of protection for the crew from small arms fire or shrapnel. The M20 had a top speed of 90km/h and was quite agile which made it well suited for forward reconnaissance work. The vehicle was also used as an APC and cargo carrier. The M20 started life in 1943 as the M10 Armored Utility Car but was changed to M20 so it wouldn’t be confused with the M10 TD. The M20 had a rather short production life from 1943 to 1944 but during this brief period Ford produced 3,680 units.

The Free French 2nd Armored Division was renamed the 5th Armored Division on July 9 1943 under the command of General de Vernejoul. Upon the Divisions arrival in western Europe after D-Day it was originally assigned to the 6th Army and assisted in Operation Cobra, the Allied break-out from Normandy. Next the 5th Armored became involved in the Ardennes-Alsace Campaign and battles at Belfort and the Colmar Pocket. The battle of the Colmar Pocket officially ended on January 25 1945 but in reality it wasn’t until February 9th when the last of the German 9th Army was eliminated and area once again was occupied by the French. Hitler used his last reserves at Alsace where the battles were won by bravery more than tactics and Generals. It became a killing field for the Allies as well as German soldiers and equipment. Equipment that Germany desparately needed if it was ever to regain its dominance on the battle field. Throughout this campaign the French fought along with U.S. Forces and were joined by British forces late in the campaign. In March the French forces were part of the Allied push into Germany to end WWII in Europe.