00EB24

Notes

Chieftain Mk1/4. EB prefix confirms manufacture 1963/64. Not in Merlin — Mk1 variants predate the registration system. Contract 4/KL/A/0206 — Vickers Armstrong Engineers Ltd, Elswick, Newcastle (the /4/ prefix denotes a sub-batch or fourth order under contract KL/A/0206). A further reference on the identity plate, possibly MAE7706, may be a hull or chassis manufacturing reference number. Vehicle ID plate records three Base Repair Class 1 Standard cycles, all carried out at 38 Central Workshop REME (38 CENT W/S): May 1972, October 1976, and June 1981. Nomenclature change plate confirms the June 1981 base repair incorporated an upgrade from Chieftain Mk1 to Mk1/4 standard, modification code 03002014 — the Mk1/4 conversion was therefore carried out concurrently with the third Class 1 base repair. The three repair cycles spanning 1972 to 1981 indicate an active service life of at least nine years before disposal. Now on display at the Norfolk Tank Museum, Forncett St Peter, Norfolk. Confirmed survivor.