1955 wurden dem neu aufgestellten, österreichischen Bundesheer 46 leichte Panzer des Typ M24 „Chaffee“ von den amerikanischen Truppen überlassen. Die Panzer bildeten, zusammen mit den russischen T34/85, das Rückgrat der österreichischen Panzertruppe Mitte der 1950er Jahre. Die M24 waren bis 1966 als Aufklärungspanzer in Verwendung und wurden dann vom M41 „Walker Bulldog“ abgelöst. Danach gab es für einige Panzertürme ein Weiterleben in Festen Anlagen (Fan). Interessanterweise sind noch recht viele Exemplare vorhanden, die einerseits in Kasernen ausgestellt sind, andererseits gibt es auch einige Panzer, die in Privatbesitz sind und so ein „zweites Leben“ führen.
In 1955 the US Army has let 46 light tanks M24 “Chaffee” to the newly formed Austrian Armed Forces. These tanks, together with the Russian T34/85 tanks, formed the backbone of Austria’s armored corps in the mid 1950ies. The M24 were used as reconnaissance tanks until 1966 and then became replaced by the M41 „Walker Bulldog“. Some M24 turrets continued their service in fixed pillboxes. It is interesting to see, how many tanks survived their replacement and are still on display in several barracks throughout Austria. Additionally certain tanks made it to private ownership and so were given a second life.
In 1955 the US Army has let 46 light tanks M24 “Chaffee” to the newly formed Austrian Armed Forces. These tanks, together with the Russian T34/85 tanks, formed the backbone of Austria’s armored corps in the mid 1950ies. The M24 were used as reconnaissance tanks until 1966 and then became replaced by the M41 „Walker Bulldog“. Some M24 turrets continued their service in fixed pillboxes. It is interesting to see, how many tanks survived their replacement and are still on display in several barracks throughout Austria. Additionally certain tanks made it to private ownership and so were given a second life.
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