Landships II

I have finally found photographic evidence of 10th Company tanks in US service that still retain their "J" number. 

Attached are details of a photograph taken in the United States during a Victory Bond drive of 301st Tank Bn. Mk Vs 9136 and 9027 (plus a third barely visible on the left side of the image).  

9027 has its "J26" still visible on the horn. Interestingly, "9027" is painted on the horn as well as opposed to the rear of the tank. 

The only other documentation I have found referencing the J-number retained on the tanks while in the possession of the 301st Tank Bn was written by Sgt. Carl Rosenhagen, Co. C, 301st Tank Bn. He wrote, "Lieutenant Dunning...on or about November 3, asked if I would volunteer for a night attack taking the King's Own Infantry over the top. I agreed, and he told me to pick out the tank I wanted....The tank I picked out was the J23. It was a male Mk V...It always developed mechanical troubles for the English and for us.  I could never understand it, as to me it was the sweetest running tank then of Company C. " (my emphasis added. Full account in War Stories of the Tankers by Michael Green, pp 15-28.  The account of J23 is on page 27-28.)

Also of interest are the skull and crossbones.  I have no reason to believe these were on the tanks prior to leaving France but were added for the Victory Bond tours.  I have seen it on the following vehicles:

9015 -- "Baby Doll" 

9027  -- "Bill's Dream"

9136

9429