Sarnia’s “Calamity” tank has served as a tribute to the fighting soldiers of the First Hussars. The tank was donated to the City of Sarnia by the First Hussars and Sarnia Legion in 1970. The tank is model type M4A2 HVSS Sherman medium tank with a 76-mm gun, serial number 65042, built by Fisher, with Reg. No. 30123021. Sherman tanks were manned by a five-man crew that included the commander, gunner, loader/wireless operator, driver, and co-driver/machine-gunner.
The tank was christened “Calamity” to honour First Hussars member Brandon (Brandy) Conron, who drove a tank named “Calamity” as the Canadians stormed ashore on D-Day, June 6, 1944.
Sarnia’s Sherman “Calamity” tank’s dedication plaque is inscribed: To the Memory of Our Fallen Comrades. Dedicated by the 1st Hussars and Royal Canadian Legion Branch 62. 8 November, 1970. ‘Lest We Forget’.
In 1994, a second plaque was unveiled on the Sherman tank. This second plaque is inscribed: 1944-1994 This plaque is placed here to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Allied Invasion of Normandy on D-Day, 6th June 1944. It is dedicated to the soldiers of the First Hussars; to those who took part in the assault, to those who fought in the European Campaign, and to those who gave their lives to liberate France, Belgium, and Holland. “Hodie Non Cras”.
