CVR(T) 23C Scimitar

It’s History

The FV107 Scimitar is an armoured tracked military reconnaissance vehicle used by the British Army. Two troops from B Squadron, Blues and Royals served in the Falklands War. One troop was equipped with two Scorpions and Two Scimitars.

These CVR(T)s were the only armoured vehicles used in action by the British Army during the Falklands conflict. At least one Scorpion was seriously damaged by an Argentinian landmine, but the crew were unscathed, and the vehicle was recovered by a Chinook HC.1 helicopter.

The FV107 has a crew of three, including commander, gunner, and driver. This armoured vehicle was originally powered by a Jaguar 4.2-litre petrol engine. However later the Scimitars were refitted with Cummins diesel engines, developing 195 hp. This increased operational range and improved survivability.

23 C

The Blues and Royals landed at San Carlos on May 21, 1982. 3 and 4 Troop with their Scorpions and Scimitars were deployed mainly to support 2 and 3 Para to Port Stanley. Scimitar 23 Charlie was the first to come ashore from a landing craft from HMS Fearless.

The crew claimed they were “used as guinea pigs to test the depth of the water”. The Blues and Royals were quickly sent in to support the Paras and the 2nd Battalion Scots Guards. In the coming days, they were to take part in the decisive Battle of Mount Tumbledown on 13th & 14th June among other actions. The three-man crew of 23 Charlie comprised vehicle commander CoH Klause Fisher; driver Tpr Jim Holdsworth; and Gnr 18-year-old Reg Hastings. The crew was all young, and Reg had only been in the army for three years, including a year’s training.