Ram Kangaroo APC – Armored Personnel Carrier is a converted Tank Cruiser Ram based on the M3 Medium Tank chassis. The gun turret was removed, this gave the armored personnel carrier room for 11 troops and two crew members.
Ram Kangaroo APC – Canadian Personnel Carrier
The Ram Kangaroo was a Canadian adaptation of the Ram medium tank, converted into an armored personnel carrier (APC) during World War II. The conversion was part of the effort to create a highly mobile, protected vehicle for transporting infantry in combat zones, especially during the later stages of the war in Europe.
The Ram Kangaroo retained the chassis and drivetrain of the Ram Mk II tank, which was powered by a 350-horsepower Ford GAA V8 engine. This gave it a top speed of around 32 km/h (20 mph) and a range of approximately 160 km (100 miles) on roads, making it fairly mobile for its class. The tank’s armor ranged from 40 mm to 75 mm, providing robust protection against small arms fire, shrapnel, and light anti-tank weapons.
The most significant modification of the Ram Kangaroo was the removal of the tank’s turret, creating a large, open-topped crew compartment that could carry up to 10 fully equipped soldiers. This version allowed for rapid troop deployment and support in frontline operations, with the crew protected from enemy fire.
The Ram Kangaroo was used primarily in Northwest Europe and saw combat in key operations, including the Normandy invasion and the Liberation of the Netherlands. Though not produced in large numbers, it was highly valued for its versatility and ability to protect infantry during assault operations.
