Her Majesty's Canadian Ship FREDERICTON's CH-124 Sea King helicopter prepares to hoist a crew member from the foc'sle as part of a training exercise while transiting to the Mediterranean Sea for Operation REASSURANCE on January 3, 2015.

Photo: Maritime Task Force - OP Reassurance, DND

L’hélicoptère CH-124 Sea King du Navire canadien de Sa Majesté Fredericton se prépare à hisser un membre de l’équipage à partir du gaillard d’avant durant un exercice d’entraînement tenu pendant que le Fredericton navigue vers la mer Méditerranée pour prendre part à l’opération REASSURANCE, le 3 janvier 2015.

Photo : Force opérationnelle maritime - Op REASSURANCE, MDN

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At 6am this morning (21 October) 11 warrants were carried out across Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Stafford as part of 'Operation Ceramic', a large scale investigation into the supply of Class A drugs by organised crime groups across the North West and Midlands.

GMP's Serious and Organised Crime Unit were supported by officers from GMPs City of Manchester district, the National Crime Agency, Cheshire Constabulary and West Midlands Regional Organised Crime Unit.

Following the dawn raids, seven people were arrested.

Detective Inspector Phil Kennedy, of GMPs Serious and Organised Crime Group said: "We've had a fantastic result this morning. These warrants have been executed following a meticulous investigation incorporating months of hard work by ourselves and our partner agencies to begin to break apart these organised crime groups that bring misery to our local communities.

"This investigation shows the dedication we have to cracking down on drug related activity and to anyone who is involved in this type of crime, we will catch up with you and you will be brought to justice.

"Drugs blight communities and we're committed to ensuring those responsible for the movement of drugs are identified.

"Although we have made these arrests our investigation continues and I would encourage anyone who has information on the supply of drugs, or anyone who has witnessed suspicious behaviour in their communities to please get in touch with police."

Anyone with information into the supply or distribution of drugs in Manchester can contact police on 101.

Alternatively, details can be passed via our LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk or via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Members of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy greet His Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Vancouver at the Port of Busan during Operation NEON, Canada's contribution to the multinational initiative to enforce maritime sanctions on North Korea, in Busan, South Korea on October 4, 2022.

Please credit: Master-Corporal Matthieu Racette, Canadian Forces Combat Camera

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Des membres des forces maritimes de la République de Corée saluent le Navire canadien de Sa Majesté (NCSM) Vancouver au port de Busan au cours de l’opération NEON, la contribution du Canada à une initiative multinationale visant à appuyer la mise en œuvre des sanctions maritimes contre la Corée du Nord, à Busan, en Corée du Sud, le 4 octobre 2022.

Photo : Caporal chef Matthieu Racette, Caméra de combat des Forces canadiennes

Operation AVRO is a forcewide initiative that delivers a surge of extra resources and specialist officers to a different district within Greater Manchester each month.

This month saw the operation take place in Wigan.

The operation targets crimes that members of the public in that district have told us give them the most concern.

Members of the press and key partners, including local representatives, are invited to attend Operation AVRO deployments to see results first-hand and conduct important multi-agency work, such as welfare visits.

More details on AVRO can be found by visiting gmp.police.uk and following us on social media.

You should call 101, the national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.

Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.

You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.

You can access many of our services online at www.gmp.police.uk

Police seized 41 vehicles during a two-day traffic operation earlier this week.

Officers were out in force with partner agencies as part of Operation Unity, which targeted a range of offences on the roads.

Check sites were set up in Gorton, Eastlands, Bolton and Manchester and during the course of the two days 575 vehicles were stopped.

Twelve vehicles were seized for being used illegally in the UK, 24 vehicles were seized for no insurance, two were seized for being driven without a licence and three were seized by the DVLA.

Police also issued 100 Traffic Offence Reports (TORs) to motorists, including 43 to drivers using a mobile phone and 16 for seatbelt offences.

The Drive & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) issued 55 prohibitions to commercial drivers for vehicle defects.

One vehicle was dealt with for red diesel, six taxi drivers were suspended and a 50-year old man was arrested on suspicion of two robberies in Tameside and remains in police custody for questioning.

Sergeant Garry Lyle from GMP’s Traffic Enforcement Unit said: “Partners and officers came together over the last two days to target offenders and send a stark reminder out to motorists that we will not let them compromise the safety of others on our roads.

“The Traffic Enforcement Unit deals with offences such as these on a daily basis but not to the same extent. We’re really grateful to our partners for assisting us throughout the operation and look forward to doing more of the same in the very near future.”

To report a crime please call police on 101 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

To keep up-to-date with GMP’s Traffic Unit, follow them on twitter - @gmptraffic

To find out more about Greater Manchester Police please visit our website.

www.gmp.police.uk

You should call 101, the national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.

Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.

You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.

Commander Annick Fortin, the Commanding Officer of HMCS WINNIPEG, and the crew onboard HMCS WINNIPEG conduct a PASSEX with the Royal Thai Navy, HTMS Sukhothai, after the departure of Thailand during Operation PROJECTION on Tuesday, October 11, 2022.

Photo: S1 Melissa Gonzalez, Canadian Armed Forces photo

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La capitaine de frégate Annick Fortin, commandante du NCSM WINNIPEG, et l’équipage à bord du NCSM WINNIPEG effectuent un PASSEX avec le navire HTMS Sukhothai de la marine royale thaïlandaise après leur départ de la Thaïlande au cours de l’opération PROJECTION, le mardi 11 octobre 2022.

Photo : Mat 1 Melissa Gonzalez, Forces armées canadiennes

A total of 30 arrests were made and cash, drugs and vehicles were seized in Tameside as part of GMP's force-wide initiative, Operation Avro.

Dozens of raids were carried out, thousands of pounds of goods were seized and 30 suspects were arrested on suspicion of a range of offences following a blitz on crime in the district yesterday (17 February 2022).

Almost 200 officers from across the force were involved in the operation - maximising resources from across our districts and specialist units - and flooded the city with a surge of activity, including warrants, arrests, community engagement, traffic enforcement, and crime-prevention advice along with partners including Tameside Council. Weapon sweeps, high visibility patrols, multi-agency checks on premises' and businesses and vehicles were seized as part of the widespread effort to take proactive action on crime in the district.

Tameside is the fifth district to hold Operation Avro - following Salford, Trafford, Manchester and Stockport.

A number of warrants were carried out in Hyde, Droylsden, Dunkinfield and Ashton including addresses in Booth Close, Stalybridge, where three men were arrested on suspicion of drugs offences and cannabis plants were found.

At an address on Market Street, Droylsden, a man was arrested on suspicion of section 18 assault and theft of a motor vehicle after a suspected stolen vehicle with keys was located and seized.

Multi-agency teams also carried out vehicle safety checks, taxi and private hire vehicle safety checks, scrap metal and waste carrier compliance checks and visited licensed premises across the borough. Partners from HMRC carried out the checks on taxis and six were found to have failed due to defects - being ordered to fix them before being allowed to carry passengers.

At nine of the 10 off licence and convenience stories visited by Tameside Council's licensing team, suspected illegal tobacco was found and seized.

On Mottram Road in Stalybridge, a traffic operation led to 82 speeding offences being recorded, along with 26 traffic offences reported, five vehicle seizures and two arrests.

Chief Superintendent Rob Cousen, from GMP's Tameside district's commander, said: "This action is more than a one-off - it's all part of the new era GMP is now in where we're arresting more criminals, seizing more assets and deploying more officers into our neighbourhoods.

"We're absolutely determined to make Tameside the safest place possible to live, work and visit and Operation Avro is just one of the steps we're taking to ensure this happens.

"This day of action has led to some impressive results thanks to the work of our officers and partners across the district and we will continue to crack down on those causing the most harm to our communities by bringing those responsible to justice.

"I'd like to reassure the communities in Tameside that we will listen to your concerns and act on them - anyone with any information or concerns can get in touch with local officers."

Tameside Council Executive Leader Cllr Brenda Warrington said: “The day of action supports our wider, ongoing multi-agency work - as part of Operation Safer Tameside - to take a robust, partnership approach to tackling issues of concern in our local community.

"We are determined to make our communities feel safe and protected and it’s great to once again see such positive results and feedback.”

You should call 101, the national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.

Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.

You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.

You can access many of our services online at www.gmp.police.uk

Police seized 41 vehicles during a two-day traffic operation earlier this week.

Officers were out in force with partner agencies as part of Operation Unity, which targeted a range of offences on the roads.

Check sites were set up in Gorton, Eastlands, Bolton and Manchester and during the course of the two days 575 vehicles were stopped.

Twelve vehicles were seized for being used illegally in the UK, 24 vehicles were seized for no insurance, two were seized for being driven without a licence and three were seized by the DVLA.

Police also issued 100 Traffic Offence Reports (TORs) to motorists, including 43 to drivers using a mobile phone and 16 for seatbelt offences.

The Drive & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) issued 55 prohibitions to commercial drivers for vehicle defects.

One vehicle was dealt with for red diesel, six taxi drivers were suspended and a 50-year old man was arrested on suspicion of two robberies in Tameside and remains in police custody for questioning.

Sergeant Garry Lyle from GMP’s Traffic Enforcement Unit said: “Partners and officers came together over the last two days to target offenders and send a stark reminder out to motorists that we will not let them compromise the safety of others on our roads.

“The Traffic Enforcement Unit deals with offences such as these on a daily basis but not to the same extent. We’re really grateful to our partners for assisting us throughout the operation and look forward to doing more of the same in the very near future.”

To report a crime please call police on 101 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

To keep up-to-date with GMP’s Traffic Unit, follow them on twitter - @gmptraffic

To find out more about Greater Manchester Police please visit our website.

www.gmp.police.uk

You should call 101, the national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.

Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.

You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.

A Canadian Armed Forces member soaks the side of a tent during fire brigade training in Kuwait during Operation IMPACT on December 30, 2015.

Photo: Op IMPACT, DND

KW04-2015-0415-004

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Un membre des Forces armées canadiennes asperge le panneau d’une tente au cours de la formation du corps de pompiers au Koweït, dans le cadre de l’opération IMPACT, le 30 décembre 2015.

Photo : Op IMPACT, MDN

KW04-2015-0415-004

A crew member of the French navy’s Sunfish helicopter speaks with Corporal Bradley Mac of HMCS FREDERICTON’s air detachment following his hoist transfer to the flight deck of the Canadian ship on 25 September 2021.

Photo: Cpl Laura Landry, Canadian Armed Forces

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Un membre de l'équipage de l'hélicoptère français Sunfish échange avec le caporal Bradley Mac du détachement aérien du NCSM FREDERICTON lors de son transbordement par treuil sur le pont d'envol du navire canadien, le 25 septembre 2021.

Photo : Cpl Laura Landry, Forces armées canadiennes

The Ambassador of Canada to Romania, Annick Goulet, Canada’s ambassador for Women Peace and Security, Jacqueline O'Neill with Canadian Armed Forces members, Romanian Army members and United States Army representatives attend the Women, Peace and Security event in Bucharest, Romania on November 2, 2022.

Please credit: Corporal Eric Chaput, Canadian Armed Forces photo

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L’ambassadrice du Canada en Roumanie, Annick Goulet, l’ambassadrice du Canada pour les femmes, la paix et la sécurité, Jacqueline O'Neill, ainsi que des membres des Forces armées canadiennes, des membres des forces armées de la Roumanie et des représentants de l’armée américaine assistent à un événement sur le thème des femmes, de la paix et de la sécurité à Bucarest, en Roumanie, le 2 novembre 2022.

Photo : Caporal Eric Chaput, Forces armées canadiennes

HMCS VILLE DE QUÉBEC conducts Replenishment at Sea (RAS) approach training with Royal Canadian Navy Motor Vessel ASTERIX followed by USS THOMAS HUDNER while enroute to the arctic for Operation NANOOK 20 on August 5, 2020.

Photo: MCpl Manuela Berger, Canadian Armed Forces Photo

20200804NKAC0266D018

Le NCSM VILLE DE QUÉBEC effectue un exercice d’approche en vue d’un ravitaillement en mer (REM) avec le navire à moteur ASTERIX de la Marine royale canadienne, suivi par le navire USS THOMAS HUDNER, en route vers l’Arctique en vue de participer à l’opération NANOOK 20, le 5 août 2020.

Photo : Cplc Manuela Berger, Forces armées canadiennes

20200804NKAC0266D018

Members of HMCS FREDERICTON install the awning on the flight deck prior to hosting a reception for the Canadian Embassy in Split, Croatia during Operation REASSURANCE, on 12 March 2023.

Please credit: Cpl Noé Marchon, Canadian Armed Forces Photo

Des membres d’équipage du NCSM FREDERICTON installent l’auvent sur le pont d’envol en préparation à une réception pour l’ambassade du Canada, à Split, en Croatie, au cours de l’opération REASSURANCE, le 12 mars 2023.

Photo : Cpl Noé Marchon, Forces armées canadiennes

Special constables of Greater Manchester Police and Cheshire Police have today, 9 January 2015, taken part in Operation Fezzan.

The overall aim of the joint operation was to disrupt illegal activity between the two counties and deny criminals the use of the roads.

By using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras officers were able to monitor vehicles that crossed between the two counties, stopping any that were on the roads illegally or were linked to criminal activity.

The operation was centred around the forces' border near Poynton.

Special constables are volunteer police officers who give up their time to help keep our communities safe. They have the same powers as regular officers and provide police forces across the country with thousands of hours of additional policing every month.

To find out more about Greater Manchester Police please visit our website.

www.gmp.police.uk

You should call 101, the new national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.

Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.

You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.

Commander Dale St Croix, Commander of HMCS HALIFAX provides a tour of the ship to his guests during Operation REASSURANCE while alongside Riga, Latvia on 22 April 2022.

Please credit: Pte Connor Bennett Canadian Armed Forces photo

Chief Petty Officer Second Class John Logan, the Logistics Chief of HMCS CALGARY, prepares a syringe for administrating COVID-19 vaccinations in Manama, Bahrain during Operation ARTEMIS and as part of Combined Task Force 150, on May 23, 2021.

Photo by: Captain Jeffery Klassen, Public Affairs Officer, Canadian Armed Forces Photo

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Le premier maître de 2e classe John Logan, chef de la logistique à bord du NCSM CALGARY faisant partie de la Force opérationnelle multinationale 150, prépare une seringue qui servira à administrer le vaccin contre la COVID-19, à Manama, au Bahrain, au cours de l’opération ARTEMIS, le 23 mai 2021.

Photo : Capitaine Jeffery Klassen, officier des affaires publiques, Forces armées canadiennes

New York Army National Guard Soldiers of the 133rd Composite Supply Company, part of the 53rd Troop Command, unpack cots at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City March 26, 2020. The convention center will be an alternate care site to ease the bed shortage of New York Hospitals as part of the state response to the COVID-19 outbreak (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Sean Madden)

Today, Thursday 9 November 2017, saw Greater Manchester Police execute warrants at addresses across the Moss Side and Hulme areas of Manchester.

The warrants, which were supported by the Immigration Service, were executed as part of Operation Malham targeting the supply of drugs in South Manchester.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Walker, of GMP’s City of Manchester team, said: "Over the past 6 months we have had a dedicated team of detectives trawling through community concerns and information about drug supply in the Moss Side and Hulme areas.

“Today, we have made arrests after executing warrants across these areas and I would like to thank the community for working with us, as well as partners, and making this possible.

“Please continue to report anything suspicious to help us stop the criminals benefiting from drug supply and organised crime.

“Drugs never be tolerated by us and we are determined to bring those responsible to justice.”

To find out more about Greater Manchester Police please visit our website.

www.gmp.police.uk

You should call 101, the national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.

Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.

You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information.

Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.

Portrait of a Canadian Ranger from 1 Canadian Ranger Patrol Group during Operation NANOOK-NUNALIVUT in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut on March 13, 2023.

Photo by: Corporal Antoine Brochu, Assistant Deputy Minister (Public Affairs), Canadian Armed Forces Photo

Photo d’un membre du 1er Groupe de patrouilles des Rangers canadiens au cours de l’opération NANOOK-NUNALIVUT, à Rankin Inlet, au Nunavut, le 13 mars 2023.

Photo : Caporal Antoine Brochu, Sous ministre adjoint (Affaires publiques), Forces armées canadiennes

Members of the Air Detachment deployed with Her Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Toronto, conduct Hot Fuelling, and Helicopter in Flight Fuelling during Operation REASSURANCE on 5 September 2020.

Photo Credit: Cpl White-Finkle, Canadian Armed Forces Photo

+++ DISCLAIMER +++

Nothing you see here is real, even though the conversion or the presented background story might be based on historical facts. BEWARE!

Some background:

After the first German experiences with the newer Soviet tanks like the T-34 or the Kliment Voroshilov tank during Operation Barbarossa, the need for a Panzerjäger capable of destroying these more heavily armoured tanks became clear.

Despite the suspension improvements, the tank’s relatively high weight remained a constant source of trouble. Technical reliability was poor and the cramped interior did not add much to the vehicle’s popularity either, despite the SdKfz. 163 immense firepower even at long range. When the bigger SdKfz. 171, the Jagdpanther, as well as the Jagdpanzer IV/L70 with an uprated 7.5 cm cannon became available in mid-1944, SdKfz. 163 production was prematurely stopped, with only a total of 223 vehicles having been produced. The Eastern Front survivors were concentrated and re-allocated to newly founded Panzerjäger units at the Western front, where the Allied invasion was expected and less demanding terrain and enemies were a better match for the overweight and clumsy vehicles. Roundabout 100 vehicles became involved in the defense against the Allied invasion, and only a few survived until 1945.

Specifications:

Crew: Five (commander, gunner, loader, driver, radio operator)

Weight: 28.2 tons (62,170 lbs)

Length: 5.92 m (19 ft 5 in) hull only

8.53 m (28 ft) overall

Width: 2.88 m (9 ft 5 in)

Height: 2.52 m (8 ft 3 in)

Suspension: Leaf spring

Fuel capacity: 470 l (120 US gal)

Armour:

10 – 50 mm (0.39 – 1.96 in)

Performance:

Maximum road speed: 38 km/h (23.6 mph)

Sustained road speed: 34 km/h (21.1 mph)

Off-road speed: 24 km/h (15 mph)

Operational range: 210 km (125 mi)

Power/weight: 10,64 PS/t

Engine:

Maybach HL 120 TRM V12 petrol engine with 300 PS (296 hp, 221 kW)

Transmission:

ZF Synchromesh SSG 77 gear with 6 forward and 1 reverse ratios

Armament:

1× 8.8 cm Panzerabwehrkanone PaK 43/1 L71 with 46 rounds

1× 7.92 mm Maschinengewehr 34 with 1,250 rounds in bow mount;

an optional MG 34 could be mounted to the commander cupola,

and an MP 40 sub-machine gun was carried for self-defense

The kit and its assembly:

This fictional tank is, once more, a personal interpretation of a what-if idea: what if an 8.8 cm Pak 43/1 could have been mounted (effectively) onto the Panzer IV chassis? In real life, this did not happen, even though Krupp apparently built one prototype of a proposed Jagdpanzer IV with a 8.8 cm Pak 43 L/71 on the basis of the SdKfz. 165 (the “Brummbär” assault SPG) – a fact I found when I was already working on my model. Apparently, my idea seems to be not too far-fetched, even though I have no idea what that prototype looked like.

However, the PaK 43/1 was a huge weapon, and mating it with the rather compact Panzer IV would not be an easy endeavor. Taking the Jagdpanther as a benchmark, only a casemate layout would make sense, and it would be tall and voluminous. The “Brummbär” appeared to be a suitable basis, and I already had a Trumpeter model of a late SdKfz. 165 in the stash.

Just changing the barrel appeared too simple to me, so I decided to make major cosmetic changes. The first thing I wanted to change were the almost vertical side walls, giving them more slope. Easier said than done – I cut away the side panels as well as wedges from the casemate’s front and rear wall, cleaned the sidewalls and glued them back into place. Sound simple, but the commander’s hatch had to be considered, the late SdKfz. 165’s machine gun mount had to go (it was literally cut out and filled with a piece of styrene sheet + PSR; the front bow machine gun was relocated to the right side of the glacis plate) and, due to the bigger angle, the side walls had to be extended downwards by roughly 1.5mm, so that the original mudguard sideline was retained.

The gun barrel caused some headaches, too. I had an aftermarket metal barrel for a PaK 43/1 from a Tiger I in the stash, and in order to keep things simple I decided to keep the SdKfz. 165’s large ball mount. I needed some kind of mantlet as an adapter, though, and eventually found one from a Schmalturm in the stash – it’s quite narrow, but a good match. It had to be drilled open considerably in order to accept the metal barrel, but the whole construction looks very plausible.

Another cosmetic trick to change the SdKfz. 165’s look and esp. its profile was the addition of protective side shields for the entry hatch area at the rear (frequently seen on Jagdpanzer IVs) – these were created from 0.5 mm styrene sheet material and visually extend the casemate almost the up to hull’s rear end.

Painting and markings:

Inspiration for the paint scheme came from a picture of a Jagdpanther that took part in the 1944 Ardennenoffensive (Battle at the Bulge): It was painted in the contemporary standard tones Dunkelgelb (RAL 7028), Olivgrün (RAL 6003) and Rotbraun (RAL 8012), but I found the pattern interesting, which consisted primarily of yellow and green stripes, but edged with thin, brown stripes in order to enhance the contrast between them – not only decorative, but I expected this to be very effective in a forest or heath environment, too.

The picture offered only a limited frontal view, so that much of the pattern had to be guessed/improvised. Painting was done with brushes and enamels, I used Humbrol 103 (Cream), 86 (Light Olive) and 160 (German Red Brown) in this case. The green tone is supposed to be authentic, even though I find Humbrol’s 86 to be quite dull, the real RAL 6003 is brighter, almost like FS 34102. The brown tone I used, RAL 8012, is wrong, because it was only introduced in Oct. 1944 and actually is the overall factory primer onto which the other colors were added. It should rather be RAL 8017 (Schokoladenbraun), a darker and less reddish color that was introduced in early 1944, but I assume that frontline workshops, where the camouflage was applied in situ, just used what they had at hand. Dunkelgelb is actually very close to Humbrol 83 (ochre), but I decided to use a lighter tone for more contrast, and the following weathering washing would tone everything down.

I also extended the camouflage into the running gear – not a typical practice, but I found that it helps breaking up the tank’s outlines even more and it justifies wheels in different colors, too. The all-metal road wheels were painted with a mix of medium grey and iron. The black vinyl track was treated with a cloudy mix of grey, red brown and iron acrylic paint.

The kit received a washing with highly thinned dark brown acrylic paint as well as an overall dry-brushing treatment with light grey. Around the lower front of the hull I also did some dry-brushing with red brown and iron, simulating chipped paint. After the decals had been applied, the model was sealed with acrylic matt varnish and finally I dusted the lower areas and esp. the running gear with a grey-brown mix of mineral artist pigments, partly into a base of wet acrylic varnish that creates a kind of mud crust.

Members of Naval Replenishment Unit ASTERIX during flying stations with the CH-148 Cyclone helicopter from HMCS MONTREAL in order to receive US Naval personnel in support of Operation SAVANNE in the Red Sea on 27 April 2023.

Photo: S1 Taylor Congdon, Canadian Armed Forces Photo

Des membres d’équipage de l’unité de ravitaillement naval ASTERIX exécutent des opérations aux postes d’envol avec l’hélicoptère CH-148 Cyclone du NCSM MONTREAL en vue d’accueillir le personnel des forces navales des É. U., à l’appui de l’opération SAVANNE, dans la mer Rouge, le 27 avril 2023.

Photo : Mat 1 Taylor Congdon, Forces armées canadiennes

Members of the Land Task Force support a second dose COVID-19 vaccination clinic in Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation in northern Manitoba during Operation VECTOR on May 05, 2021.

Please credit: MCpl Genevieve Lapointe, Canadian Forces Combat Camera, Canadian Armed Forces Photo

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Des membres de la Force opérationnelle terrestre prêtent main forte dans une clinique de vaccination contre la COVID-19 lors de l’administration de la deuxième dose du vaccin, dans la Nation crie de Nisichawayasihk, dans le nord du Manitoba, au cours de l’opération VECTOR, le 5 mai 2021.

Photo : Cplc Genevieve Lapointe, Caméra de combat des Forces canadiennes, Forces armées canadiennes

Captain DeWolfe (seated) with Petty Officer 2nd Class Veras review briefing notes from Joint Task Force – IMPACT / Task Force – Central, in Lebanon on September 10, 2020.

Please credit: MCpl J.W.S Houck, JTF-I – Public Affairs

La capitaine DeWolfe (assise) et le maître de 2e classe Veras examinent les notes d’information de la Force opérationnelle interarmées – IMPACT / Force opérationnelle (Centre), au Liban, le 10 septembre 2020.

Photo : Cplc J.W.S Houck, Affaires publiques – FOI-I

Petty Officer 2nd Class Jonathan Lamb communicates with the CH-148 Cyclone in flight from Her Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) WINNIPEG during Operation PROJECTION-NEON on 10 October 2020.

Photo: Sailor 1st Class Valerie LeClair, MARPAC Imaging Services

Le maître de 2e classe Jonathan Lamb communique avec l’équipage de l’hélicoptère CH-148 Cyclone en vol depuis le Navire canadien de Sa Majesté (NCSM) WINNIPEG au cours de l’opération PROJECTION-NEON, le 10 octobre 2020.

Photo : Matelot de 1re classe Valerie LeClair, Services d’imagerie des FMAR(P)

Canadian traffic technicians deployed as part of Operation IMPACT work in partnership with the United States Air Force, United States Army and the Royal Danish Army to load a Royal Canadian Air Force CC-130 Hercules at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, on March 27, 2020. The plane will deliver supplies to Coalition members in other parts of the Middle East.

Image by: Cpl Nicolas Alonso

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Les techniciens des mouvements canadiens déployés dans le cadre de l'opération IMPACT travaillent en partenariat avec l’armée et l’aviation américaines, ainsi que l’Armée royale danoise, pour charger un CC-130 Hercules de l’Aviation royale canadienne à la base aérienne Ali Al Salem (Koweït) le 27 mars 2020. L'avion livrera du matériel aux membres de la coalition dans d'autres régions du Moyen-Orient.

Image par : Cpl Nicolas Alonso

Private Alison Tso, a Human Resources Administrator aboard HMCS CALGARY, prepares a syringe for administrating COVID-19 vaccinations in Manama, Bahrain during Operation ARTEMIS and as part of Combined Task Force 150, on May 23, 2021.

Photo by: Captain Jeffery Klassen, Public Affairs Officer, Canadian Armed Forces Photo

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La soldat Alison Tso, administratrice des ressources humaines à bord du à bord du NCSM CALGARY faisant partie de la Force opérationnelle multinationale 150, prépare une seringue qui servira à administrer le vaccin contre la COVID-19, à Manama, au Bahrain, au cours de l’opération ARTEMIS, le 23 mai 2021.

Photo : Capitaine Jeffery Klassen, officier des affaires publiques, Forces armées canadiennes

HMCS CALGARY’s boarding party team and command team stand with heroin seized during counter-smuggling operations in the Arabian Sea during OPERATION ARTEMIS and as part of Combined Task Force 150, on June 6, 2021.

Please credit: Corporal Lynette Ai Dang, Canadian Armed Forces Photo

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L’équipe d’arraisonnement du NCSM CALGARY et l’équipe de commandement du navire posent avec l’héroïne saisie lors d’opérations de lutte contre la contrebande menées par la Force opérationnelle multinationale 150 dans la mer d’Arabie, au cours de l’opération ARTEMIS, le 6 juin 2021.

Photo : Caporal Lynette Ai Dang, Forces armées canadiennes

Operation AVRO is a forcewide initiative that delivers a surge of extra resources and specialist officers to a different district within Greater Manchester each month.

This month saw the operation take place in Bury.

The operation targets crimes that members of the public in that district have told us give them the most concern.

Members of the press and key partners, including local representatives, are invited to attend Operation AVRO deployments to see results first-hand and conduct important multi-agency work, such as welfare visits.

More details on AVRO can be found by visiting gmp.police.uk and following us on social media.

You should call 101, the national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.

Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.

You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.

You can access many of our services online at www.gmp.police.uk

Members of HMCS FREDERICTON install the awning on the flight deck prior to hosting a reception for the Canadian Embassy in Split, Croatia during Operation REASSURANCE, on 12 March 2023.

Please credit: Cpl Noé Marchon, Canadian Armed Forces Photo

Des membres d’équipage du NCSM FREDERICTON installent l’auvent sur le pont d’envol en préparation à une réception pour l’ambassade du Canada, à Split, en Croatie, au cours de l’opération REASSURANCE, le 12 mars 2023.

Photo : Cpl Noé Marchon, Forces armées canadiennes

French and Chad military participate in a flag ceremony to commemorate the launch of Operation Barkhane. Operation Barkhane is an anti-terrorist operation in Africa's Sahel region beginning in July 2014. It consists of a 3,000-strong French force, which will be permanent and headquartered in N’Djamena, Chad. The operation has been designed with five countries, and former French colonies, that span the Sahel: Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger. (U.S. Army Africa photos by Chief Warrant Officer 3 Martin S. Bonner)

To learn more about U.S. Army Africa visit our official website at www.usaraf.army.mil

Join the U.S. Army Africa conversation on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ArmyAfrica

To honour all the fallen Canadians who helped liberate the Dutch, Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands and her husband Professor Pieter van Vollenhoven layed a wreath to pay their respects at the tombstone of the Unknown Soldier, in the Memorial Hall of the Canadian War Museum, during their official visit to Canada, on 16 May 2022.

Photo credit: Corporal Valerie Mailhot, Canadian Forces Support Group (Ottawa-Gatineau) Imaging Services

En hommage à tous les Canadiens tombés au combat qui ont contribué à la libération des Hollandais, Son Altesse Royale la princesse Margriet des Pays Bas et son époux, le professeur Pieter van Vollenhoven, déposent une couronne devant la pierre tombale du Soldat inconnu dans la salle du Souvenir du Musée canadien de la guerre, lors de leur visite officielle au Canada, le 16 mai 2022.

Photo : Caporale Valerie Mailhot, Services d’imagerie du Groupe de soutien des Forces canadiennes (Ottawa/Gatineau)

Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Chief Warrant Officer Bob McCann observes CAF members training Ukrainian soldiers in their final stages of training during Operation UNIFIER in the southeast of England on June 29, 2023.

Photo: Master Sailor Valerie LeClair, Canadian Armed Forces Photo

The Ambassador of Canada to Romania, Annick Goulet, Canada’s ambassador for Women Peace and Security, Jacqueline O'Neill with Canadian Armed Forces members, Romanian Army members and United States Army representatives attend the Women, Peace and Security event in Bucharest, Romania on November 2, 2022.

Please credit: Corporal Eric Chaput, Canadian Armed Forces photo

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L’ambassadrice du Canada en Roumanie, Annick Goulet, l’ambassadrice du Canada pour les femmes, la paix et la sécurité, Jacqueline O'Neill, ainsi que des membres des Forces armées canadiennes, des membres des forces armées de la Roumanie et des représentants de l’armée américaine assistent à un événement sur le thème des femmes, de la paix et de la sécurité à Bucarest, en Roumanie, le 2 novembre 2022.

Photo : Caporal Eric Chaput, Forces armées canadiennes

Commander Michael Stefanson, Commanding Officer of Her Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) WINNIPEG (left) and the Coxswain, Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Pascal Harel (right) conduct the laying of a wreath during a Remembrance Day Ceremony at-sea while on Operation PROJECTION-NEON on 8 November 2020.

Photo: Sailor 1st Class Valerie LeClair, MARPAC Imaging Services

Le capitaine de frégate Michael Stefanson, commandant du Navire canadien de Sa Majesté (NCSM) WINNIPEG (à gauche), et le premier maître de 1re classe Pascal Harel (à droite), capitaine d’armes, déposent une couronne lors d’une cérémonie du jour du Souvenir en mer au cours de l’opération PROJECTION-NEON, le 8 novembre 2020.

Photo : Matelot de 1re classe Valerie LeClair, Services d’imagerie des FMAR(P)

Canadian members with Task Force Latvia Headquarters participate in a moment of silence for Ukraine at NBS Štāba bataljons, Riga, Latvia during Operation REASSURANCE on February 24, 2023.

Photo: NATO Force Integration Unit Latvia

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Des militaires canadiens affectés au quartier général de la Force opérationnelle en Lettonie observent un moment de silence en hommage à l’Ukraine à la NBS Štāba bataljons, à Riga, en Lettonie, au cours de l’opération REASSURANCE, le 24 février 2023.

Photo : Unité d’intégration de la force de l’OTAN en Lettonie

A CC-138 Twin Otter aircraft from 440 Transport Squadron, Yellowknife, lands at Tanquary Fiord, Nunavut to pick up deployed members of Operation NEVUS en route to Eureka, Nunavut on June 15, 2016.

Photo: PO2 Belinda Groves Task Force Imagery Technician

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Un aéronef CC-138 Twin Otter du 440e Escadron de transport Yellowknife atterrit au fjord Tanquary, au Nunavut, pour aller chercher des militaires qui participent à l’opération NEVUS et les transporter à Eureka, au Nunavut, le 15 juin 2016.

Photo : M2 Belinda Groves, technicienne en imagerie de la force opérationnelle

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Bridge Watch Keeper, Sub-Lieutenant Paul Walker measures the distance between the ships during a Light Line Transfer while deployed in Baltic Sea on Operation REASSURANCE on 23 July 2022.

Photo: S1 Taylor Congdon, Canadian Armed Forces Photo

L’enseigne de vaisseau de 1re classe Paul Walker, chef de quart à la passerelle, mesure la distance entre les navires lors d’un transbordement par filin léger pendant un déploiement en mer Baltique dans le cadre de l’opération REASSURANCE, le 23 juillet 2022.

Photo : Mat 1 Taylor Congdon, Forces armées canadiennes

Police seized 41 vehicles during a two-day traffic operation earlier this week.

Officers were out in force with partner agencies as part of Operation Unity, which targeted a range of offences on the roads.

Check sites were set up in Gorton, Eastlands, Bolton and Manchester and during the course of the two days 575 vehicles were stopped.

Twelve vehicles were seized for being used illegally in the UK, 24 vehicles were seized for no insurance, two were seized for being driven without a licence and three were seized by the DVLA.

Police also issued 100 Traffic Offence Reports (TORs) to motorists, including 43 to drivers using a mobile phone and 16 for seatbelt offences.

The Drive & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) issued 55 prohibitions to commercial drivers for vehicle defects.

One vehicle was dealt with for red diesel, six taxi drivers were suspended and a 50-year old man was arrested on suspicion of two robberies in Tameside and remains in police custody for questioning.

Sergeant Garry Lyle from GMP’s Traffic Enforcement Unit said: “Partners and officers came together over the last two days to target offenders and send a stark reminder out to motorists that we will not let them compromise the safety of others on our roads.

“The Traffic Enforcement Unit deals with offences such as these on a daily basis but not to the same extent. We’re really grateful to our partners for assisting us throughout the operation and look forward to doing more of the same in the very near future.”

To report a crime please call police on 101 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

To keep up-to-date with GMP’s Traffic Unit, follow them on twitter - @gmptraffic

To find out more about Greater Manchester Police please visit our website.

www.gmp.police.uk

You should call 101, the national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.

Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.

You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.

Canadian Ranger Lena Ochoktoonooak from Taloyoak, Nunavut, uses the “jaws of life” to cut through a pipe under the watchful eye of firefighter Master Corporal Garrett Powers from Canadian Forces Base Trenton during Operation NANOOK 11.

Photo credit: Sgt Norm McLean Canadian Forces Combat Camera

Le Ranger canadien Lena Ochoktoonooak, de Taloyoak, au Nunavut, utilise des « mâchoires de désincarcération » pour couper un tuyau sous le regard attentif du pompier Caporal‑chef Garrett Powers, de la base des Forces canadiennes Trenton, dans le cadre de l’opération Nanook 11.

Photo : Sgt Norm McLean, Caméra de combat des Forces canadiennes

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15 Aug 2011/15 août 2011

Resolute Bay, NU

Members from the 41 Canadian Brigade Group (CBG) alongside The Alberta Wildfire and the local firefighters, participate in fire prevention operations in Drayton Valley, Alberta, on May 14, 2023, in support of Operation LENTUS 23.

Please credit: MCpl Genevieve Lapointe, Canadian Forces Combat Camera, Canadian Armed Forces

Des membres du 41e Groupe-brigade du Canada (41 GBC) participent à des opérations de prévention des incendies aux côtés du personnel du Service des incendies de l’Alberta et des pompiers de la région à Drayton Valley, en Alberta, le 14 mai 2023, dans le cadre de l'opération LENTUS 23.

Photo : Cplc Genevieve Lapointe, Caméra de combat des Forces canadiennes, Forces armées canadiennes

Members of HMCS FREDERICTON store rations and supplies at the port of Split, Croatia during Operation REASSURANCE, on 12 March 2023.

Please credit: Cpl Noé Marchon, Canadian Armed Forces Photo

Des membres d’équipage du NCSM FREDERICTON entreposent des rations et des fournitures au port de Split, en Croatie, au cours de l’opération REASSURANCE, le 12 mars 2023.

Photo : Cpl Noé Marchon, Forces armées canadiennes

Members of Naval Replenishment Unit ASTERIX during a Replenishment at Sea with HMS LANCASTER in the Red Sea during Operation SAVANNE on 27 April 2023.

Photo: S1 Taylor Congdon, Canadian Armed Forces Photo

Des membres d’équipage de l’unité de ravitaillement naval ASTERIX lors d’un ravitaillement en mer avec le NCSM LANCASTER dans la mer Rouge au cours de l’opération SAVANNE, le 27 avril 2023.

Photo : Mat 1 Taylor Congdon, Forces armées canadiennes

A Canadian Armed Forces Ammunition Technician in Kuwait assembles a 500-pound guided bomb that will be mounted on a CF-188 Fighter jet flying combat missions over Iraq during Operation IMPACT on October 31, 2014 .

Photo: Canadian Forces Combat Camera, DND

Un technicien de munitions des Forces armées canadiennes, au Koweït, assemble une bombe guidée de 500 livres qui sera installée à bord d’un chasseur à réaction CF188 qui prendra part aux missions de combat en Irak dans le cadre de l’opération IMPACT, le 31 octobre 2014.

Photo : Caméra de combat des Forces canadiennes, MDN

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Corporal Anne-Marie Ferland from the 6th Field Artillery Regiment (Val-Bélair) welcomes a resident and guides him to a registration desk at a COVID-19 vaccination clinic in Thetford Mines, QC, during Operation VECTOR, January 10, 2022.

Photo: Mcpl Richard Hallé, 35 CBG Public Affairs

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La caporal Anne-Marie Ferland du 6e Régiment d’artillerie de campagne (Val-Bélair) accueille un résident et le dirige vers un bureau d'inscription, à une clinique de vaccination contre la COVID-19, au cours de l’opération Vector, à Thetford Mines, QC, le 10 janvier 2022.

Photo: Cplc Richard Hallé, section Affaires publiques 35 GBC

A soldier with the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, instructs Ukrainian recruits on the Next-generation Light Anti-tank Weapon (NLAW) during Operation UNIFIER in the United Kingdom, on January 26, 2023.

Please Credit: Corporal Eric Greico, Canadian Armed Forces Photo

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Un soldat du 3e Bataillon, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, donne de l’instruction à des recrues ukrainiennes sur l’utilisation de l’arme antichar légère de nouvelle génération au cours de l’opération UNIFIER, au Royaume Uni, le 26 janvier 2023.

Photo : Caporal Eric Greico, Forces armées canadiennes

Three people have been arrested following dawn raids aimed at disrupting the supply of drugs and the criminal exploitation of vulnerable adults in Manchester.

Shortly after 6am this morning (Friday 15 March) officers executed search warrants at six addresses in the Beswick area of Manchester.

Three men, two aged 18 and one aged 22 were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and engaging in human trafficking for the purpose of criminal exploitation.

The arrests were made as part of Operation Fosbury, an ongoing investigation being led by the City of Manchester Complex Safeguarding Hub into the exploitation of vulnerable adults and children within the Beswick area.

The new multi-agency team* which includes specialist detectives from GMP, has been established to combat the increasing risk of vulnerable people, particularly young people, being sexually and criminally exploited.

Detective Inspector Andy Buckthorpe from GMP’s Complex Safeguarding hub said: “Our aim is to target and disrupt those individuals who seek to exploit children and vulnerable adults and we will take every opportunity to target and prosecute offenders.

“This particular investigation focuses on helping vulnerable people who we believe have been exploited and forced to drug deals in other areas of the UK in what is widely known as ‘County Lines’ offending.

“As a result of the investigation, we have been able to identify a number of vulnerable people within the Manchester area who have been exploited in the most horrendous way by organised criminals and they will now receive bespoke multi-agency support.”

Criminal exploitation or ‘Trapped’ as it is referred to across Greater Manchester is a form of criminal exploitation that sees offenders use children or vulnerable people for the purposes of selling drugs.

They could be trafficked around the local area, or taken to areas with no obvious links or connections and this often involves the victim being subjected to deception, intimidation, violence, financial exploitation and grooming.

Are you being made to commit crime on behalf of someone else? Are you fearful for yourself or your family’s safety? Find out more at: www.programmechallenger.co.uk/Trapped

Anyone with concerns either about themselves or somebody else can contact the police via the LiveChat facility on the GMP website or 101 in a non-emergency situation.

You can also report details anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Always dial 999 when there is an emergency or an immediate threat to life.

Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry instruct and mentor Ukrainian Armed Forces members during live fire ranges during Operation UNIFIER in the United Kingdom on 26 September 2022.

Please credit: Corporal Eric Greico, Canadian Armed Forces Photo

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Des soldats du 3e Bataillon, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, donnent de l’instruction aux membres des forces armées ukrainiennes et les encadrent lors d’exercices de tir réel, au Royaume-Uni, au cours de l’opération UNIFIER, le 26 septembre 2022.

Photo : Caporal Eric Greico, Forces armées canadiennes

HMCS WINNIPEG conducts a Replenishment at Sea (RAS) with JSS IZUMO off the port side during Operation PROJECTION while sailing in the South China Sea on September 29, 2022.

Photo: S1 Melissa Gonzalez, Canadian Armed Forces Imagery Technician

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Le NCSM WINNIPEG effectue un ravitaillement en mer (REM) avec le JSS IZUMO, à bâbord, au cours de l’opération PROJECTION, alors qu’il navigue en mer de Chine méridionale, le 29 septembre 2022.

Photo : Mat 1 Melissa Gonzalez, technicienne en imagerie des Forces armées canadiennes

A soldier with the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, mentors Ukrainian recruits during urban operations training on Operation UNIFIER in the United Kingdom on 16 February 2023.

Please Credit: Corporal Eric Greico, Canadian Armed Forces Photo

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Un soldat du 3e Bataillon, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, encadre des recrues ukrainiennes lors d’un entraînement aux opérations en zone urbaine au cours de l’opération UNIFIER, au Royaume Uni, le 16 février 2023.

Photo : Caporal Eric Greico, Forces armées canadiennes