Hi folks,
A mate of mine is writing a book about the Leopard1 MBT's (and later the varieties).
He asked me if I knew anybody who has (ab)used these vehicles, especially the Gepard/Cheetah. As I lrecently have left the Dutch Army, my sources have runned dry.
Does anyone of you have any experience? Here an excerpt of his e-mail:
I've been mailing some of my contacts to see if they can help me again. I
would be very interested in hearing from anyone who has first-hand
knowledge of living or working with Leopard 1. What I am looking for are
personal stories or comments to lighten up what, to some, could be a very
dry and technical read.

The human angle, funny stories, tales from exercises, etc. - that sort of
thing. I would like to know what Leopard 1 was like to live with and hear
any comments about how good, bad or indifferent it is from former or
current crew members. The more amusing, the better.

Do you know anyone who has worked with Gepard/Cheetah? There could be
some good stories there.

So, if you know anyone who might help, please pass this message around.

So if anybody has two cents worth of thought, please e-mail me and I forward it to my friend (with full details), so you might have a chat together. Ofcourse you will be credited in the book!

e.leetink@(removethis)hccnet.nl

Cheers,

Sorry for the delay I don't know if I'm still on time to help you. I've been a commander of Leopard1A2 platoon, then an istructor at the Italian Thank Troops School on the L1A2 for a few years and then again a L1A2 squardon commander in the Italian Cavalry...

Same here - I only just found this forum a couple of days ago - I hope this will still be helpful -
Many years ago when I was an Infantry reservist I participated in a live fire platoon attack off the back of Leopard AS1s. Apparently it was the first such attack conducted by Australian infantry since the Korean War. I still remember the moment the Leopard unleashed its 105mm gun. My ears where ringing for days afterwards.

Sorry Dudes,
The book about the leopard1 has been published by now. It should be avilable from Barbarossa Books, though their website has not been updated yet.
(see www.barbarossabooks.co.uk for contact details)
Thanks for your replies anyway.