Medium Tank Trials Unit - unofficial patch - circa early 1970s

[slick_mick]

The Medium Tank Trials Unit (MTTU) was a temporary Australian Army unit formed to test M60 Patton and Leopard 1 tanks to determine the most suitable replacement for the Army's Centurion tanks. The MTTU was formed in early 1972 by converting B Squadron, 1st Armoured Regiment. The MTTU's personnel were trained in the United States and Germany in early 1972 and received two M60A1 Pattons, two Leopard 1A2s and a Leopard 1 armoured recovery vehicle in the middle of the year. The tank trials commenced in late 1972 and were conducted at Puckapunyal and the Tully - Innisfail region of north Queensland. The trials were completed in March 1973 and the MTTU reverted to B Squadron, 1st Armoured Regiment on 1 June 1973. The Leopard 1 tank was selected on the basis of the results of the trials and entered service with the Australian Army in 1976.

[slick_mick]

Here's a picture I came across of this patch being worn.

Circa 1972.

Enjoy!

Mick

[fearnaught]

Hi Mick, thanks for the image, but what is the cap badge? signals?, best wishes and thank you again, Mike

[Mike Jackson]

Not meant to be a flippant comment, but as worn on the left arm and reading from left to right, the sign would seem to indicate that tank trials moved from green fields, through blood to the mud beyond! Sounds like many projects that I have been involved in! Mike

[slick_mick]

Originally Posted by fearnaught

Hi Mick, thanks for the image, but what is the cap badge? signals?, best wishes and thank you again, Mike

I believe they are RASIGS in the picture.

It was worn by some RASIGS members, some Military Police and also by 'B' Squadron, 1AR who formed the majority of the MTTU. I have a patch in my collection that came from an MP who wore it in 1972.

Mick