British Grant ARV February 1945
The British Army found a secondary use for surplus Grant and Lee tanks by converting them into armored recovery vehicles (ARVs), known as the Grant ARV I. This conversion involved removing the turret and equipping the vehicle with various recovery tools, including a small jib crane that could be attached to the front. The Grant ARV I was a simpler design compared to the American M31, a purpose-built recovery vehicle that included more sophisticated recovery equipment and a large crane.
Through the Lend-Lease program, the British Army received 104 M31 and M32 ARVs, which they designated as Grant ARV II. These were more advanced than the Grant ARV I and provided enhanced recovery capabilities on the battlefield. The Soviet Red Army also received 127 M31 ARVs between 1943 and 1944 as part of Lend-Lease, using them to support their armored operations.
In addition to the British and Soviet adaptations, other Allied nations also utilized these vehicles. France received a number of M31 ARVs, which were used by armored units within the French First Army, a component of the US 6th Army Group. Meanwhile, Australia developed its own version of an ARV based on the Grant tank. The Australian conversion was more complex than the Grant ARV I but did not reach the level of sophistication found in the M31. It featured a large rear spade for winching operations but lacked a heavy-duty crane, making it a unique solution tailored to their specific needs.