‘The tank on Roblin’

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 16/11/2020 (2070 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

More commonly known as “the tank on Roblin Boulevard,” the M4A2 Sherman tank standing outside Charleswood Branch No. 100 of the Royal Canadian Legion, was one of the last models built during the Second World War.

The tank was built by the Fisher Tank Division of General Motors in Detroit, Mich., in April 1945. It was intended for delivery to Russia under a lend-lease program (an agreement between the Allies to supply food and supplies) but the war ended before it was delivered.

The tank was eventually deployed to the Fort Garry Horse Regiment of the Canadian Armed Forces, which was established in Winnipeg in 1912. The cavalry regiment saw combat during the First World War, volunteered during Winnipeg General Strike and also saw action as an armoured unit in the Second World War. Nowadays, the regiment is employed in reconnaissance tactics such as driving tactics, weapons and navigation.

“According to legend, the tank was acquired around 1969-70,” said Spencer Ready, president of the Charleswood Legion.

“The Fort Gary Horse were still using the Shermans for training at that time. When it became obsolete, many were destined for the target range but some became available for memorials.”

The tank has since become a Winnipeg landmark.

“Today it’s an attraction for having pictures taken with. All that being said, (it) is a part of the sacrifice made by our veterans in the world wars and every conflict since,” Ready said.

A fundraising effort to restore the tank will be starting shortly.

“Age and weather have not been kind to it,” Ready said. “We are expecting to spend about $20,000 in restoration work.”

For more information or to get involved with the Legion, visit rclwinnipeg100.ca or stop in at 5995 Roblin Blvd.

 “We are not grandpa’s Legion anymore.  We are active in the community, providing support for veterans but also do so much more,” Ready said. “We have a child care facility in our Tank Room (banquet hall) and provide free space to the Scouts, the Manitoba Pipe and Drum Band and other not-for-profit groups.”

Any one can attend the Legion. Membership is open to all. 

“We encourage people to stop by for a visit and enjoy our hospitality,” Ready added.

Carolyne Braid is a community correspondent for Crescentwood. You can reach her at carolyne.braid@gmail.com