The M19 Tank Transporter (US supply catalog designation G159) was a Heavy Tank Transporter System used in World War Two and into the 1950's. It consisted of a 12-ton 6x4 M20 Diamond T Model 980 Truck and Companion 12-wheel M9 Trailer. Over 5,000 were produced, and employed by Allied Armies throughout all Theaters of War. It was superseded in the U.S. Military by the M25 Tank Transporter during the war, but usefully redeployed in other tasks. It was superseded by the Thornycroft Antar in British service by the early 1950's, though a few remained operational in units through into 1971.

Designed as a ''Heavy Prime Mover'' for Tank Transporting, the hard-cab Diamond T980 was the product of the Diamond T Company in Chicago. In 1940 the British Purchasing Commission, looking to equip the British Army with a vehicle capable of transporting larger and heavier Tanks, approached a number of American truck manufacturers to assess their models. The Diamond T Company had a long history of building rugged, Military Vehicles for the U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps and had recently produced a prototype heavy vehicle for the US Army which, with a few slight modifications met British requirements and an initial order for 200 was very quickly filled. The result was the Diamond T980, a 12-ton hard-cab 6x4 Truck. Powered by a Hercules DFXE diesel engine developing 201hp and geared very low, it could pull a trailer of up to 115,000lb (57.5 US tons) and proved capable of the task of moving the heaviest Tanks then in service.

The M20 used a Hercules DFXE, a 14.7 L displacement naturally aspirated inline 6-cylinder diesel engine developing 185hp at 1,600 rpm and 665 lbf⋅ft of torque at 1200rpm. Designed for a British requirement, this was one of the few diesel engines used in US tactical trucks.

A two plate dry disk diaphragm spring clutch drove Fuller four-speed main and three-speed auxiliary transmissions. The main transmission had a “low” first gear and three road gears, 4th being direct. The auxiliary had low, direct, and overdrive gears. The low gear allowed several very low gears for extreme off-road use. The direct and overdrive allowed the three road gears to be split, making 6 road gears. Spicer driveshafts drove two Timken double-reduction axles with an 11.66:1 final drive ratio.

The M20 Truck had a riveted ladder frame with three beam axles, the front on leaf springs, the rear tandem on leaf springs with locating arms. The wheelbase was 179in, measured from the centerline of the front axle to the centerline of rear bogie. A pintle hitch of 115,000lb capacity was mounted on the rear frame crossmember; another pintle hitch was mounted on the front crossmember for positioning the trailer. All models had Budd split rim disc wheels with 12.20×20-20” tyres. Dual rear mud and snow tyres were used.

Air powered drum brakes were used on all axles, the trailer brakes could be operated independently of the service brakes. A single disk transmission brake parking brake was also provided. This used four brake pads with a cable clasp mechanism onto a 16in, mounted behind the auxiliary transmission. A Gar Wood winch of 40,000lb capacity, with 300ft of cable, was mounted behind the cab. In the Model 980 it was intended mainly for hauling damaged Tanks aboard the trailers. The Model 981, introduced in 1942, had a winch with 500ft of cable, which could be used from both the front and rear. This allowed Tank recovery, in addition to loading.

Early Trucks used a standard Diamond T commercial cab, also used by the 4-ton G509 trucks. In August 1943 it was replaced with an open military cab. A long butterfly hood had vertical louvres along both sides. A short ballast body was mounted behind the winch. There were closed tool compartments along both sides, two open containers in the front, and a bottom-hinged tailgate. The spare tyre was mounted in the front. The box could hold 18,000lb of ballast to increase traction on the rear tandem axles.

Production began in 1941, the first batch was received in Britain in 1942 and very quickly demonstrated their rugged reliability in the British campaign in North Africa. Battle-damaged Tanks needed to be quickly recovered, often under hostile fire, and returned to workshops for repair. The Diamond T, with its powerful engine and winch, could accomplish this, even in the harshest desert conditions.

5,871 were eventually built by 1945 and were used by virtually every Allied Army in every theatre of World War Two. The British Army took delivery of around 1,000 during the war years and many continued in service afterwards, being replaced in the early 1950's with the Thornycroft Antar ("Mighty Antar") although a few remained in Tank Transporter Units up until 1971. Many of those sold off by the Army after the war were snapped up by heavy haulage and recovery specialists, notably Pickfords and Wynns and were a familiar sight on Britain's roads, pulling heavy lowloaders and fairground trailers or parked on garage forecourts, in readiness for a heavy rescue operation equipped as wreckers, they suffered from "very limited off-road performance" as a result of only the two rear axles being driven. Today, many of the 75 year old Diamond T's can still be found in private ownership in Britain and frequently appear at historic vehicle shows.

On my vistit here I was talking to the motel owner about there used to be a ''Duck'' (DUKW) at Searles of Hunstanton, and this turned out to be the one ! She's just a £35,000 refurbishment and will be making trips to the beaches of Normandy. Photos from Searles www.flickr.com/photos/139375961@N08/shares/142J4T572k

— Anglia Motel Veterans champion Harold Payne’s final 80th D-Day voyage pays respects to the fallen —

The organiser of a voyage to France to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day is on his final pilgrimage to pay tribute to the bravery of our armed forces. Harold Payne has taken a final coach party to Normandy to pay respects to allied forces killed in World War II. Sadly, any remaining veterans who would have accompanied him for Thursday’s anniversary have since died. The veterans' champion, who owns the Anglia Motel in Fleet Hargate, said: ''Over the past 30 years I have had the honour to take local veterans back to Normandy to pay respect to their fallen comrades''.

''Now for the 80th anniversary of D-Day, for the first and final time I will be returning without any veterans as they have now all passed away. For this, my final tribute to the bravery of all those who died for our freedom, I shall return taking with me my amphibious landing craft to the beaches where all those years ago so many lost their lives.”

To break the Nazis’ stranglehold on Europe, Allied forces launched ''Operation Overlord'' on June 6th, 1944, when thousands of British, American and Canadian troops landed on the beaches of Normandy to fight their way up – while being battered by enemy fire. The sea was reported to run red and nearly 4,000 deaths and 11,000 allied casualties were recorded by the end of that first fateful day.

The pilgrimages from Lincolnshire were launched after a former soldier had stopped at Harold’s Anglian Motel in Fleet Hargate and shared how he didn’t have the means to return to see the friends he had left behind in Arnhem and Normandy. Mr Payne plans to go into the sea in the early hours of today to lay red rose petals and poppies.

He said: ''They may be washed ashore as a reminder of the loss of so many lives''. The charity campaigner has raised funds in aid of veterans to make a pilgrimage to Normandy and visit cemeteries to lay flowers on the graves of friends. To help fund such trips there have been sponsors such as Fleet Parish Council, J Z Flowers and Turnbulls in Sleaford. He said: ''I am fortunate and immensely grateful to have received many sponsors. Many friends and colleagues have also helped to make this memorial tribute possible and I wish to truly thank them on behalf of myself and the past veterans''.

Information sourced from and for further details, please follow the link – www.lincsonline.co.uk/holbeach/the-80th-anniversary-d-day...

The Nazi Germany Wehrmacht Sd.Kfz.251 Halftrack Armoured Personnel Carrier Fighting Vehicle was built during World War Two. The early production models of this vehicle were issued to the 1st Panzer Division in 1939. There were four main models (A - D) with many variations. The initial idea was for a vehicle that could be used to transport a Squad of Troops to the Battlefield protected from Enemy fire, the open top of the front compartment meant that the crew was still vulnerable.

The first two models were produced in small numbers. The C variant has a larger production run, but was a quite complex vehicle to build, involving many angled plates that gave reasonable protection from Small Arms fire. The D variation utilised a much simpler design, and can be easily recognized by its single piece sloping rear (with flat doors) Although designed for cross country work, the German Halftrack had some limitations as the front wheels were not powered. The standard Personnel Carrier version was equipped with a 7.92mm MG34 or MG42 Machine Gun mounted at the front of the open compartment, above and behind the driver.

Variants of the German Halftrack were produced for specialized purposes, including Anti-Aircraft Guns, Rocket Launchers (with 3 Rockets fitted to either side of the vehicle) as well as a version with an Infra-Red Search Light used to spot potential Targets for associated Panther Tanks equipped with Infra-Red Detectors.

There were 23 official variants of the German Wehrmacht Sd.Kfz.251 Halftrack, and sundry unofficial variants, each variant is identified by :-

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 1 - Standard Company Machine

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 1 - Rocket Launcher

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 1 - Falke Infrared Detection Equipment

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 2 - 80mm Mortar Carrier

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 3 - Communications Vehicle

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 4 - Infantry Tractor for towing Guns

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 5 - Engineer Assault Vehicle

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 6 - Command Vehicle

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 7 - Pionierpanzerwagen

▪︎Sd.Kfz.251 / 8 - Armoured Ambulance

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 9 - Equipped with 75mm L/24 Short-Barrelled Howitzer Gun

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 10 - Equipped with 37mm Pak 36 Anti-Tank Gun

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 11 - Telephone Cable Layer

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 12 / 13 / 14 /15 - Specialist Artillery Vehicle

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 16 - Flammpanzerwagen

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 17 - 20mm or 30mm Flak Gun

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 18 - Armoured Artillery Observation Vehicle

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 19 - Telephone Exchange Vehicle

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 20 - Infrared Searchlight

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 21 - Flakpanzerwagen Triple-Barrelled MG151/15 Machine Gun

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251/22 - 75mm Pak 40 Anti-Tank Gun

▪︎OT-810 - Post-War Czech version of the Sd.Kfz. 251

The Czechoslovak Army required an Army Personnel Carrier (the Soviets had none) utilized captured and abandoned Nazi Germany Sd.Kfz. 251's for their Post-War Armed Forces, but eventually these left over vehicles wore out and a replacement vehicle, the OT-810 was created to replace it, utilizing a similar design and constructed by Tatra and Skoda, both of

whom were involved in the original construction of the ''Wehrmacht Sd.Kfz. 251'' approximately 2,400 OT-810's were built and used by the Czech Armed Forces well into the 1980's. It is said that several hundred survive today around the world, most being destroyed due to disarmament agreements with NATO.

The OT-810 is very similar in size, weight, and performance to the Sd.Kfz. 251, the biggest differences was the use of a Tatra 8-Cylinder Air Cooled Diesel Engine that replaced the underpowered German Maybach 6-cylinder Gas Engine. The hood of the OT-810 is somewhat larger to accommodate the larger engine. The Czechs also enclosed the OT-810 with hatches, partially to help protect Personnel from shrapnel and somewhat from exposure to radiation and gas. While it is said that there are only about 13 operational Sd.kfz. 251's around the world, all in private collections, there are quite a few OT-810's in Europe and the USA, many in use by World War Two Reenactors.

OT-810 (1955 to 1960's) Czechoslovakian Half-Track

▪︎Type: Half-Track Armoured Personnel Carrier

▪︎Manufacturer: Tatra / Škoda

▪︎In Service: 1945 to 1960's

▪︎Number Built: 2,400 approximately

▪︎Crew: 2 plus 10 Personnel

▪︎Armour: 0.24in to 0.57in

▪︎Length: 18ft 7in

▪︎Width: 6ft 9in

▪︎Height: 6ft 2in

▪︎Weight: 8.9 tons

▪︎Powerplant: Tatra V-8 120hp 4 stroke diesel air cooled engine

▪︎Speed: 28mph

▪︎Range: 372 miles (Road use).

The World War Two, British Morris Commercial C8 Field Artillery Tractor, which was more commonly known as the ''Quad'' is an Artillery Tractor used by the British and Commonwealth Forces, used to tow Field Artillery Pieces, such as the 25 pounder Howitzer Gun, and Anti-Tank Guns, such as the 17 pounder. The Quad service with many nations’ Forces from 1939 right through until the late 1950's. Originally designed and produced by Guy Motors of Wolverhampton, it featured distinctive angular sloping rear bodywork and was first known as the ''Guy Quad-Ant'' due to its four-wheel drive designation, the '‘Quad’' tag soon adopted to describe all similar Field Tractors built by the several manufacturers.

In 1937 the War Department identified a need for a new Field Artillery Tractor to supplement, and then replace, the Light Dragon and Morris CDSW's then in service. A specification was issued for a four-wheeled, four-wheel drive vehicle, with winch, on a short chassis. Guy Motors produced their design quite quickly using existing components, and Morris followed with theirs. It was a totally new, but conventional, design evolved from the Morris CS8 15-cwt GS truck. It included a new four-cylinder engine mounted on a subframe and not directly onto the chassis. Like the Guy, the body had a very characteristic slope sided, ''beetle back'' shape. It was all-metal and designed to facilitate Chemical Weapon Decontamination, as well as to enable a Gun Traversing Platform to be carried on the rear roof section. In addition to 6 men, it was capable of carrying 24 complete boxed rounds of 25 pounder Ammunition and at least 8 boxed Anti-Tank Shells, together with vehicle and Gun detachment equipment.

The first Morris C8 Quad was delivered in October 1939 and it then stayed in production until 1945, with two major changes to the mechanical side of the vehicle, and two independent ones to the body. The engine / chassis design was used on other Morris types, such as the C8 Morris 15 cwt truck. A long-wheelbase version was used to produce the C9B Self-Propelled Bofors Light Anti-Aircraft Tractor.

The Quad served with Field Artillery Regiments, each one had 36 Quads, 24 towed a Limber and Gun, and 12 towed two Limbers. They were first issued in late 1939 and first saw action in France in 1940, towing 18 pounder, 18 / 25 pounder and 4.5in Howitzers. Many were lost in the evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) from France and as a result some of these were taken into service by the Wehrmacht. From June 1940 they were also used to tow 3in Guns provided by the USA, which were towed both with and without Limbers. Quad's were used wherever the Field Artillery Regiments went, from Iceland to Malaya, primarily as a Tractor for the, then new, 25 pounder Gun, and also used by most of the Commonwealth and Allied Units equipped with the 25 pounder.

It was a popular vehicle although really too small for all the equipment that was carried, also underpowered when towing loaded. Moving 9 tons with a 70bhp engine was not ideal, and its speed uphill was unspectacular. Considerable use had to be made of the winch on hills and in mud. Later in the war, when the Anti-Tank Regiments were equipped with 6 pounder and 17 pounder Guns, Quads were issued as Tractors. Normally these Guns were towed without a Limber but some 17 pounders were towed with Limbers. This can only have been for the aid of the Limber's brake, and a smoother tow, as the Ammunition would not fit in a Limber. At the end of the War the Quad stayed in British service in the same roles, seeing extensive action in the Korean War and Malaya. Many of the Commonwealth and Allied Forces took their Quads to their home countries, and were provided with more ex-British ones to fully re-equip. The Royal Netherlands Army subsequently made extensive use of theirs in the East Indies. The British rebuilt many of their Quad's in the early 1950's, extending their useful life until 1959 when the last was sold off. They were replaced by three-ton Tractors, derived from the Bedford RL and Fordson Thames E4.

Mk.I - Only 200 made in 1939 and very early 1940, front axle had provision for a locking differential, and the axle itself was mounted above the springs. The vehicle had permanent four-wheel drive and 10.50 x 20in tyres. The accelerator pedal was mounted centrally rather than in the conventional position as the right-most pedal.

Mk.II - Approximately 4000 made in 1940 and early 1941, it was almost identical to the Mk.I, save for a change in front axle design, which removed the provision for the locking differential.

Mk.III - Approximately 6000 made from 1941 to 1945, the front axle was mounted below the springs, and four-wheel drive could be switched on or off as required. Tyres were 10.50 x 16in size, and the accelerator was mounted conventionally as the right pedal.

▪︎Type: Artillery Tractor

▪︎Place of Origin: United Kingdom

▪︎Manufacturer: Morris and others

▪︎Number Built: 10,000

▪︎Mass: 3.3 long tons

▪︎Length: 14ft 9in / Width: 7ft 3in / Height: 7ft 5in

▪︎Crew: 1 + 5 Personnel

▪︎Armour: none

▪︎Powerplant: Morris EH, 4-cylinder 3.5 litre petrol engine, 70bhp

▪︎Suspension: Wheel, 4x4

▪︎Operational Range: 160 miles

▪︎Maximum Speed: 50mph.

The Unimog 435 is a vehicle of the Unimog-series by Mercedes-Benz. 30,726 vehicles were produced from 1975 to 1993 in eight different variants in the Mercedes-Benz Unimog-plant in Gaggenau. The vehicles were sold as Unimog U1300L and Unimog U1700L. The best selling vehicle was the Unimog U1300L, which was built as a special vehicle for the Bundeswehr and the German fire department often. The successor Unimog 437 with a similar appearance is still in production. The Unimog 436 is based on the Unimog 435. It is made for export and has a different cab. The names of Unimog-vehicles may create confusion, the U1300 belongs to the Unimog 425-series, while the U1300L belongs to the Unimog 435-series.

The Unimog 435 is the first heavy duty Unimog series which has an ''edgy'' cab. It is designed as a 7.5 ton Truck. Like other Unimogs it has a ladder frame, portal axles and coil springs. The Unimog 435 was built with two different wheelbases, 3,250mm (128in) and 3,850mm (152in). It is a rear wheel drive vehicle with selectable four wheel drive (part time four-wheel drive). The gearbox is a fully synchronized 8-speed manual gearbox with lockable differentials. A reduction gear and a crawler gear were available as additional accessory. Depending on the built in gear box and portal axle final drive ratio the top speed is between 80 and 100km/h (50 and 62mph). The brake system uses compressed air to activate the dual hydraulic circuit disc brakes. A compressed air trailer brake system was an additional accessory, an engine brake was also available. The Unimog 435 uses hydraulic power steering. The engines in the Unimog 435 are naturally aspirated or turbocharged Mercedes-Benz OM 353 series engines. Starting in 1987 Mercedes-Benz used the OM 366 engine instead.

Specifications :-

> Type :- Truck

> Manufacturer :- Daimler-Benz

> Also Called :- Unimog U1300L / Unimog U1700L

> Production :- 1975 to 1993

> Assembly :- Gaggenau, Germany and Aksaray, Turkey

> Class :- 7,5 ton Truck

> Related :- Unimog 436

> Engine :- Mercedes-Benz OM / Mercedes-Benz OM 353.961 / Mercedes-Benz OM 366

> Transmission :- 8-Speed Manua

> Wheelbase :- 3,250 to 3,850mm (128 to 151 5⁄8in)

> Length :- 5.500 to 6,100mm (1⁄4 to 240 1⁄8in)

> Width :- 2,300mm (90 1⁄2in)

> Height :- 2,875mm (113 1⁄4in)

> Kerb weight :- 4.5 to 5.5 ton (4.4 to 5.4 long tons, 5.0 to 6.1 short tons)

> Successor :- Unimog 437.

This Navistar Defence Husky Protected Support Vehicle (KJ80AB) served with the British Army in Afghanistan between Operations ''Herrick 12'' (April 2010) and ''Herrick 16'' (October 2012) during this period the Vehicle was seriously damaged on three separate occasions by 'Improvised Explosive Device' (IED) incidents. Amazingly despite the 'Husky' receiving extensive damage, there were no casualties in any of the three incidents. The Husky was repaired after the first two incidents and put back into Service, but the third incident resulted in the Husky being withdrawn from Service. During ''Herrick 16'' the Husky was hit by a 'Command Wire' IED when returning to Control Base Wahid, after handing over a Check Point at Asmat to the local Afghanistan Police.

Husky KJ08AB still shows the extensive front end damage it suffered in 2012, in an early variant which had certain elements deliberately altered at the request of the British Army. The Husky is currently on loan from the Ministry of Defence to the Imperial War Museum at Duxford and was put on display in 2015.

The MXT-MV (Military Extreme Truck - Military Version) is an 'Infantry Mobility Vehicle' produced by Navistar Defense, a subsidiary of Navistar International, which is the owner of the International brand of vehicles, introduced in 2006 and developed in parallel with the civilian International MXT, the MXT-MV is extensively modified for Military Duty compared to its civilian counterpart, it is Transportable by the Lockheed C-130 Hercules Military Aircraft.

The MXT-MV was designed and developed by Navistar International's International Military and Government Division (now named Navistar Defense) and a subsidiary of Navistar International called Diamond Force Engineering (which was based in Dearborn Heights, Michigan) The development was led by Jim Bartel, Dick Rief, Wes Schultz, Ron Byrd, John Glass, Paul Klein and Britt Smart. The MXT-MV was exhibited at the 2005 edition of the annual Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Show, held in October at the Washington Convention Center. In August the following year, the MXT-MVA version was demonstrated to the United States Army at the Aberdeen Proving Ground. The MXT-MVA was Navistar's entry in the 2008 'Selection Competition' for the US Army's MRAP All Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV) Program, but the Army chose to procure the Oshkosh M-ATV instead.

In 2009 a modified variant of the MXT-MVA was ordered for service with the British Army this variant is known as the ''Husky'' in British Military Service. The Husky was ordered to replace the British Army's 'Snatch Land Rovers' in Afghanistan, which had proven to be inadequate in protecting their Personnel from 'Improvised Explosive Devices' (IED) A total of 262 Vehicles were initially ordered, and in 2010, a follow up order was placed for an additional 89 Vehicles, worth US$56 million.

Variants are available with three different cab configurations: Standard / Extended Cab / Crew Cab.

▪︎MXT-MVE: Standard, Unarmoured version.

▪︎MXT-MVA: The MXT-MVA (Military Extreme Truck - Military Version Armoured) was designed by Israeli Vehicle Manufacturer Plasan. It offers the choice of two Removable Armour Kits, dubbed A-Kit and B-Kit, with increasing levels of Protection against Bullets, Mines and Improvised Explosive Devices.

▪︎Husky TSV: The Husky is a variant of the MXT-MVA modified to satisfy the United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence requirements for the Tactical Support Vehicle (TSV) Program for the British Army.

▪︎M-ATV: Navistar built its rejected M-ATV candidate sharing some Powertrain and Suspension Components with the MXT, but with a completely Unique Chassis. This Protection System was designed by Navistar rather than its normal MXT and MRAP Partner, Plasan.

▪︎Operators: The Navistar MXT-MVA is the UK's Husky Tactical Support Vehicle (Medium) Contracts for 351 Vehicles.

Specifications :-

▪︎Type: Armoured Truck / MRAP

▪︎Place of Origin: United States of America

▪︎Service History: In Service 2006 to present

▪︎User: British Army

▪︎Designed: 2005

▪︎Designer: International Military and Government Division

▪︎Manufacturer: Navistar Defense

▪︎Produced: 2006 to present

▪︎Specifications: Length-21ft / Width-7ft 10in / Heigh-8ft 2in

▪︎Crew: 4 Commander / Driver plus 2 (variants 1+10)

▪︎Main Armament: Optional Remote Weapon Station

▪︎Engine: International VT 365

▪︎Transmission: Allison 2500 SP

▪︎Suspension: 4x4, Wheeled

▪︎Ground Clearance: 12''

▪︎Operational Range: 400 miles.

Now - there are campers and there are... The Campers :P

Langmannalaugar camping site, Fjallabak Nature Reserve, Iceland (Ísland).

Photo: ValtersBoze.com

The Nazi Germany Wehrmacht Sd.Kfz.251 Halftrack Armoured Personnel Carrier Fighting Vehicle was built during World War Two. The early production models of this vehicle were issued to the 1st Panzer Division in 1939. There were four main models (A - D) with many variations. The initial idea was for a vehicle that could be used to transport a Squad of Troops to the Battlefield protected from Enemy fire, the open top of the front compartment meant that the crew was still vulnerable.

The first two models were produced in small numbers. The C variant has a larger production run, but was a quite complex vehicle to build, involving many angled plates that gave reasonable protection from Small Arms fire. The D variation utilised a much simpler design, and can be easily recognized by its single piece sloping rear (with flat doors) Although designed for cross country work, the German Halftrack had some limitations as the front wheels were not powered. The standard Personnel Carrier version was equipped with a 7.92mm MG34 or MG42 Machine Gun mounted at the front of the open compartment, above and behind the driver.

Variants of the German Halftrack were produced for specialized purposes, including Anti-Aircraft Guns, Rocket Launchers (with 3 Rockets fitted to either side of the vehicle) as well as a version with an Infra-Red Search Light used to spot potential Targets for associated Panther Tanks equipped with Infra-Red Detectors.

There were 23 official variants of the German Wehrmacht Sd.Kfz.251 Halftrack, and sundry unofficial variants, each variant is identified by :-

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 1 - Standard Company Machine

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 1 - Rocket Launcher

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 1 - Falke Infrared Detection Equipment

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 2 - 80mm Mortar Carrier

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 3 - Communications Vehicle

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 4 - Infantry Tractor for towing Guns

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 5 - Engineer Assault Vehicle

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 6 - Command Vehicle

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 7 - Pionierpanzerwagen

▪︎Sd.Kfz.251 / 8 - Armoured Ambulance

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 9 - Equipped with 75mm L/24 Short-Barrelled Howitzer Gun

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 10 - Equipped with 37mm Pak 36 Anti-Tank Gun

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 11 - Telephone Cable Layer

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 12 / 13 / 14 /15 - Specialist Artillery Vehicle

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 16 - Flammpanzerwagen

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 17 - 20mm or 30mm Flak Gun

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 18 - Armoured Artillery Observation Vehicle

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 19 - Telephone Exchange Vehicle

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 20 - Infrared Searchlight

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 21 - Flakpanzerwagen Triple-Barrelled MG151/15 Machine Gun

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251/22 - 75mm Pak 40 Anti-Tank Gun

▪︎OT-810 - Post-War Czech version of the Sd.Kfz. 251

The Czechoslovak Army required an Army Personnel Carrier (the Soviets had none) utilized captured and abandoned Nazi Germany Sd.Kfz. 251's for their Post-War Armed Forces, but eventually these left over vehicles wore out and a replacement vehicle, the OT-810 was created to replace it, utilizing a similar design and constructed by Tatra and Skoda, both of

whom were involved in the original construction of the ''Wehrmacht Sd.Kfz. 251'' approximately 2,400 OT-810's were built and used by the Czech Armed Forces well into the 1980's. It is said that several hundred survive today around the world, most being destroyed due to disarmament agreements with NATO.

The OT-810 is very similar in size, weight, and performance to the Sd.Kfz. 251, the biggest differences was the use of a Tatra 8-Cylinder Air Cooled Diesel Engine that replaced the underpowered German Maybach 6-cylinder Gas Engine. The hood of the OT-810 is somewhat larger to accommodate the larger engine. The Czechs also enclosed the OT-810 with hatches, partially to help protect Personnel from shrapnel and somewhat from exposure to radiation and gas. While it is said that there are only about 13 operational Sd.kfz. 251's around the world, all in private collections, there are quite a few OT-810's in Europe and the USA, many in use by World War Two Reenactors.

OT-810 (1955 to 1960's) Czechoslovakian Half-Track

▪︎Type: Half-Track Armoured Personnel Carrier

▪︎Manufacturer: Tatra / Škoda

▪︎In Service: 1945 to 1960's

▪︎Number Built: 2,400 approximately

▪︎Crew: 2 plus 10 Personnel

▪︎Armour: 0.24in to 0.57in

▪︎Length: 18ft 7in

▪︎Width: 6ft 9in

▪︎Height: 6ft 2in

▪︎Weight: 8.9 tons

▪︎Powerplant: Tatra V-8 120hp 4 stroke diesel air cooled engine

▪︎Speed: 28mph

▪︎Range: 372 miles (Road use).

The beast's cabover heavy haul truck~

The beast's cabover heavy haul truck~

Developed in 1942 by the Americans and used during World War Two the M5 Half-Track (officially the Carrier, Personnel, Half-track, M5) was an Armoured Personnel Carrier developed when existing manufacturers of the M2 Half-Track Car, and M3 Half-Track could not keep up with production demand. International Harvester (IH) had capacity to produce a similar vehicle to the M3 Half-Track, but some differences from the M3 Half-Track had to be accepted due to different production equipment, they produced the M5 Half-Track from December 1942 to October 1943.

Using the same chassis as their M5 Half-Track, International Harvester could produce an equivalent to the M2 Half-TrackCar, which was the M9 Half-Track, there were also variants of the M13 and M16 MGMC's based on the M5. The M13 and M16 were exported to the United Kingdom and to Soviet Union respectively. The M5 Half-track was supplied to Allied Nations (the British Commonwealth, France, and the Soviet Union) under the ''Lend-Lease'' scheme. After World War Two, the M5 Half-Track was leased to many NATO countries. The Israel Defence Forces used it in several wars and developed it into the M3 Mark A and the M3 Mark B.

The first production run of the M5 Half-Track was completed in December 1942, changes to the demand for Half-Tracks led to reduced orders from the U.S Army, and the M5 Half-Track became ''limited standard'' in the U.S Military. A total of 7,484 were produced before production was stopped in October 1943. Almost all of the M5 Half-Tracks were sent to U.S Allies for further use. The added weight of the armour reduced the speed to 42mph and range was reduced to 125 miles. The final vehicles were completed in early October 1943.

In the UK, the Universal Carrier already fulfilled the Infantry Transport role and the M5 Half-Track was used instead as an Artillery Tractor for towing the British 6-pounder and 17-pounder Guns, some were also retained in the U.S for training purposes. The French Far East Expeditionary Corps used M5 Half-Tracks during the First Indochina War. The M5 Half-Track later saw service with the Israeli Army in the 1948 ''Arab-Israeli War''. They were commonly painted red to disguise them as agricultural tractors. In 1955, the Israelis used M5's to make the M3 Mark A and the M3 Mark B. The former was an M3 or M5 with a few modifications and the latter was a M5 converted into a Command Carrier.

Regular M5's were simply designated ''M3 IHC'' it was later used in the ''Suez Crisis'' and the ''Six-Day War'' by the ''Yom Kippur War'' the M3/M5 had been replaced by the M113 Armoured Personnel Carrier but some were still with service as a Command Vehicle with Reserve Units during the 1982 ''Lebanon War''.

▪︎Type: Half-Track Armoured Personnel Carrier

▪︎Place of Origin: United States

▪︎In Service: 1943 to early-1990's

▪︎Wars: World War Two / First Indochina War / 1948 Arab-Israeli War / Korean War / Suez Crisis / ▪︎Six-Day War / Yom Kippur War / 1982 Lebanon War

▪︎Designer: Ordnance Department

▪︎Designed: 1942

▪︎Manufacturer: International Harvester

▪︎Produced: 1942 to 1943

▪︎Number Built: 7,484 (not including M9 or Anti-Aircraft variants

▪︎Mass: 9.8 ton loaded

▪︎Length: 20ft 8in

▪︎Width: 7ft 3in

▪︎Height: 9ft overall

▪︎Crew: 3 + 10 Troops

▪︎Armour: 0.31in to 0.62in

▪︎Main Aarmament: 1 x 0.5n M2 Machine Gun

▪︎Secondary Armament: 2 x 0.3in M1919 Machine Gun

▪︎Powerplant: IHC RED-450-B, 451 in3, 7,390cc, 6-cylinder, 142hp

▪︎Transmission: Constant mesh

▪︎Suspension: Semi-elliptical longitudal leaf springs (wheels) / Vertical volute spring suspension (rear)

▪︎Fuel Capacity: 60 US gallons

▪︎Operational Range: 125 miles

▪︎Maximum Speed: 42mph.

This Navistar Defence Husky Protected Support Vehicle (KJ80AB) served with the British Army in Afghanistan between Operations ''Herrick 12'' (April 2010) and ''Herrick 16'' (October 2012) during this period the Vehicle was seriously damaged on three separate occasions by 'Improvised Explosive Device' (IED) incidents. Amazingly despite the 'Husky' receiving extensive damage, there were no casualties in any of the three incidents. The Husky was repaired after the first two incidents and put back into Service, but the third incident resulted in the Husky being withdrawn from Service. During ''Herrick 16'' the Husky was hit by a 'Command Wire' IED when returning to Control Base Wahid, after handing over a Check Point at Asmat to the local Afghanistan Police.

Husky KJ08AB still shows the extensive front end damage it suffered in 2012, in an early variant which had certain elements deliberately altered at the request of the British Army. The Husky is currently on loan from the Ministry of Defence to the Imperial War Museum at Duxford and was put on display in 2015.

The MXT-MV (Military Extreme Truck - Military Version) is an 'Infantry Mobility Vehicle' produced by Navistar Defense, a subsidiary of Navistar International, which is the owner of the International brand of vehicles, introduced in 2006 and developed in parallel with the civilian International MXT, the MXT-MV is extensively modified for Military Duty compared to its civilian counterpart, it is Transportable by the Lockheed C-130 Hercules Military Aircraft.

The MXT-MV was designed and developed by Navistar International's International Military and Government Division (now named Navistar Defense) and a subsidiary of Navistar International called Diamond Force Engineering (which was based in Dearborn Heights, Michigan) The development was led by Jim Bartel, Dick Rief, Wes Schultz, Ron Byrd, John Glass, Paul Klein and Britt Smart. The MXT-MV was exhibited at the 2005 edition of the annual Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Show, held in October at the Washington Convention Center. In August the following year, the MXT-MVA version was demonstrated to the United States Army at the Aberdeen Proving Ground. The MXT-MVA was Navistar's entry in the 2008 'Selection Competition' for the US Army's MRAP All Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV) Program, but the Army chose to procure the Oshkosh M-ATV instead.

In 2009 a modified variant of the MXT-MVA was ordered for service with the British Army this variant is known as the ''Husky'' in British Military Service. The Husky was ordered to replace the British Army's 'Snatch Land Rovers' in Afghanistan, which had proven to be inadequate in protecting their Personnel from 'Improvised Explosive Devices' (IED) A total of 262 Vehicles were initially ordered, and in 2010, a follow up order was placed for an additional 89 Vehicles, worth US$56 million.

Variants are available with three different cab configurations: Standard / Extended Cab / Crew Cab.

▪︎MXT-MVE: Standard, Unarmoured version.

▪︎MXT-MVA: The MXT-MVA (Military Extreme Truck - Military Version Armoured) was designed by Israeli Vehicle Manufacturer Plasan. It offers the choice of two Removable Armour Kits, dubbed A-Kit and B-Kit, with increasing levels of Protection against Bullets, Mines and Improvised Explosive Devices.

▪︎Husky TSV: The Husky is a variant of the MXT-MVA modified to satisfy the United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence requirements for the Tactical Support Vehicle (TSV) Program for the British Army.

▪︎M-ATV: Navistar built its rejected M-ATV candidate sharing some Powertrain and Suspension Components with the MXT, but with a completely Unique Chassis. This Protection System was designed by Navistar rather than its normal MXT and MRAP Partner, Plasan.

▪︎Operators: The Navistar MXT-MVA is the UK's Husky Tactical Support Vehicle (Medium) Contracts for 351 Vehicles.

Specifications :-

▪︎Type: Armoured Truck / MRAP

▪︎Place of Origin: United States of America

▪︎Service History: In Service 2006 to present

▪︎User: British Army

▪︎Designed: 2005

▪︎Designer: International Military and Government Division

▪︎Manufacturer: Navistar Defense

▪︎Produced: 2006 to present

▪︎Specifications: Length-21ft / Width-7ft 10in / Heigh-8ft 2in

▪︎Crew: 4 Commander / Driver plus 2 (variants 1+10)

▪︎Main Armament: Optional Remote Weapon Station

▪︎Engine: International VT 365

▪︎Transmission: Allison 2500 SP

▪︎Suspension: 4x4, Wheeled

▪︎Ground Clearance: 12''

▪︎Operational Range: 400 miles.

The Nazi Germany Wehrmacht Sd.Kfz.251 Halftrack Armoured Personnel Carrier Fighting Vehicle was built during World War Two. The early production models of this vehicle were issued to the 1st Panzer Division in 1939. There were four main models (A - D) with many variations. The initial idea was for a vehicle that could be used to transport a Squad of Troops to the Battlefield protected from Enemy fire, the open top of the front compartment meant that the crew was still vulnerable.

The first two models were produced in small numbers. The C variant has a larger production run, but was a quite complex vehicle to build, involving many angled plates that gave reasonable protection from Small Arms fire. The D variation utilised a much simpler design, and can be easily recognized by its single piece sloping rear (with flat doors) Although designed for cross country work, the German Halftrack had some limitations as the front wheels were not powered. The standard Personnel Carrier version was equipped with a 7.92mm MG34 or MG42 Machine Gun mounted at the front of the open compartment, above and behind the driver.

Variants of the German Halftrack were produced for specialized purposes, including Anti-Aircraft Guns, Rocket Launchers (with 3 Rockets fitted to either side of the vehicle) as well as a version with an Infra-Red Search Light used to spot potential Targets for associated Panther Tanks equipped with Infra-Red Detectors.

There were 23 official variants of the German Wehrmacht Sd.Kfz.251 Halftrack, and sundry unofficial variants, each variant is identified by :-

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 1 - Standard Company Machine

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 1 - Rocket Launcher

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 1 - Falke Infrared Detection Equipment

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 2 - 80mm Mortar Carrier

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 3 - Communications Vehicle

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 4 - Infantry Tractor for towing Guns

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 5 - Engineer Assault Vehicle

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 6 - Command Vehicle

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 7 - Pionierpanzerwagen

▪︎Sd.Kfz.251 / 8 - Armoured Ambulance

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 9 - Equipped with 75mm L/24 Short-Barrelled Howitzer Gun

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 10 - Equipped with 37mm Pak 36 Anti-Tank Gun

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 11 - Telephone Cable Layer

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 12 / 13 / 14 /15 - Specialist Artillery Vehicle

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 16 - Flammpanzerwagen

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 17 - 20mm or 30mm Flak Gun

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 18 - Armoured Artillery Observation Vehicle

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 19 - Telephone Exchange Vehicle

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 20 - Infrared Searchlight

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251 / 21 - Flakpanzerwagen Triple-Barrelled MG151/15 Machine Gun

▪︎Sd.Kfz. 251/22 - 75mm Pak 40 Anti-Tank Gun

▪︎OT-810 - Post-War Czech version of the Sd.Kfz. 251

The Czechoslovak Army required an Army Personnel Carrier (the Soviets had none) utilized captured and abandoned Nazi Germany Sd.Kfz. 251's for their Post-War Armed Forces, but eventually these left over vehicles wore out and a replacement vehicle, the OT-810 was created to replace it, utilizing a similar design and constructed by Tatra and Skoda, both of

whom were involved in the original construction of the ''Wehrmacht Sd.Kfz. 251'' approximately 2,400 OT-810's were built and used by the Czech Armed Forces well into the 1980's. It is said that several hundred survive today around the world, most being destroyed due to disarmament agreements with NATO.

The OT-810 is very similar in size, weight, and performance to the Sd.Kfz. 251, the biggest differences was the use of a Tatra 8-Cylinder Air Cooled Diesel Engine that replaced the underpowered German Maybach 6-cylinder Gas Engine. The hood of the OT-810 is somewhat larger to accommodate the larger engine. The Czechs also enclosed the OT-810 with hatches, partially to help protect Personnel from shrapnel and somewhat from exposure to radiation and gas. While it is said that there are only about 13 operational Sd.kfz. 251's around the world, all in private collections, there are quite a few OT-810's in Europe and the USA, many in use by World War Two Reenactors.

OT-810 (1955 to 1960's) Czechoslovakian Half-Track

▪︎Type: Half-Track Armoured Personnel Carrier

▪︎Manufacturer: Tatra / Škoda

▪︎In Service: 1945 to 1960's

▪︎Number Built: 2,400 approximately

▪︎Crew: 2 plus 10 Personnel

▪︎Armour: 0.24in to 0.57in

▪︎Length: 18ft 7in

▪︎Width: 6ft 9in

▪︎Height: 6ft 2in

▪︎Weight: 8.9 tons

▪︎Powerplant: Tatra V-8 120hp 4 stroke diesel air cooled engine

▪︎Speed: 28mph

▪︎Range: 372 miles (Road use).

The British AEC Armoured Command Vehicle was one of a series of Command Vehicles built by the Associated Equipment Company (AEC) during World War Two. The United Kingdom was the only country to develop and widely employ purpose-built Armoured Command Vehicles, which were essentially ''Armoured Buses'' based on truck chassis.

The most common Armoured Command Vehicle of the British Army was the AEC 4x4 ACV. This vehicle, based on AEC Matador chassis ( flic.kr/p/2i337zz ) entered production in 1941 and a total of about 415 units were built. The vehicle was used for the first time in the North African Campaign and remained in service until the end of the war. Being big and comfortable, the ACV was nicknamed the ''Dorchester'' by the Troops, after the luxury hotel in London. Three ACV's of this type were captured by the German Afrika Korps, two of them, named ''Max'' and ''Moritz'' were employed by Rommel and his Staff throughout the Campaign.

The Dorchester was much heavier than the original Matador, at 12.2 tonnes versus 7.75 tonnes for the Matador, as the Open-Bay Deacon (12 tonnes) and slightly lighter than the AEC Wheeled Tank (12.7 tonnes Mk.II). It consisted in an armoured hood to protect the radiator, with an opening underneath for ventilation, and sometimes an additional structure to allow a better cooling. The vehicle had a side door, and a back door with a folding step. The main campartment was not separated from the driver's cab. The compartment was entirely armoured, with flat sides and a "wagon-style" arch top. There was no windows but roof apertures, because the vehicle was fitted by default with rollerd tarpaulins that can be quickly and esily extended on the field. This proved especially useful in North Africa, where temperatures inside the vehicle could quickly became unbearable. The rolls were fixated on top of the walls on either side, as well as the dismounted framing tubes of the structure, strapped underneath. That way, the "working surface" of the vehicle could be expanded quickly. The Command Cab at the rear was roomy enough to accomodate a folding map table, bunks that could be turned into beds, and several chairs, There were also internal storage for maps and radio books, manuals and other HQ equipments, and the external framing could hold on the sloped roof a variety of loads. In North Africa, it was fuel jerrycans most of the time.

In 1944 a larger AEC 6x6 ACV was developed, this version of the vehicle was based on AEC 0857 lorry chassis and was powered by the AEC 198 150hp engine. The hull was welded from 0.354in thick rolled steel. The weight of the vehicle reached 17 tons, one hundred and fifty one units were built. Both vehicles were built in two configurations, called LP (Low Power) and HP (High Power) with different Radio Equipment. Some ACV's were conversions of Armoured Demolition Vehicles which used the same bodywork.

High PowerOne No.19 Wireless Set, one R 107 High Frequency Reception Set. The No.19 Set had a maximum output of 30 Watts and maximum range of 45 miles. Low Power bodytwo No.19 Wireless sets. No.19 set with a maximum output of 30 watt and maximum range of 45 miles for communications with higher Commands.

▪︎Type: Armoured Command Vehicle

▪︎Place of Origin: United Kingdom

▪︎Used By: British Army

▪︎Conflicts: World War Two

▪︎Manufacturer: Associated Equipment Company / Birtley Ordnance Factory / Weymann Motor Bodies

▪︎Unit Cost: £1,576

▪︎Produced: 1941 to 1948

▪︎Number Built: 415

▪︎Variants: Low Power / High Power / AEC 6x6 ACV

▪︎Mass: 12.2 tons / Length: 20ft 0in / Width: 7ft 9in / Height: 9ft 6in

▪︎Crew: 7-8 (3 Officers / 3 Radio Operators / 2 Drivers)

▪︎Armour: 0.39in to 0.47in

▪︎Main Armament: 1 x .303in Bren Light Machine Gun, carried inside

▪︎Powerplant: AEC 187 6-cylinder diesel engine, 95hp

▪︎Power / Weight: 7.8hp / tonne

▪︎Suspension: wheeled 4x4

▪︎Operational Rrange: 280 miles

▪︎Maximum Speed: 37mph.

The British AEC Armoured Command Vehicle was one of a series of Command Vehicles built by the Associated Equipment Company (AEC) during World War Two. The United Kingdom was the only country to develop and widely employ purpose-built Armoured Command Vehicles, which were essentially ''Armoured Buses'' based on truck chassis.

The most common Armoured Command Vehicle of the British Army was the AEC 4x4 ACV. This vehicle, based on AEC Matador chassis ( flic.kr/p/2i337zz ) entered production in 1941 and a total of about 415 units were built. The vehicle was used for the first time in the North African Campaign and remained in service until the end of the war. Being big and comfortable, the ACV was nicknamed the ''Dorchester'' by the Troops, after the luxury hotel in London. Three ACV's of this type were captured by the German Afrika Korps, two of them, named ''Max'' and ''Moritz'' were employed by Rommel and his Staff throughout the Campaign.

The Dorchester was much heavier than the original Matador, at 12.2 tonnes versus 7.75 tonnes for the Matador, as the Open-Bay Deacon (12 tonnes) and slightly lighter than the AEC Wheeled Tank (12.7 tonnes Mk.II). It consisted in an armoured hood to protect the radiator, with an opening underneath for ventilation, and sometimes an additional structure to allow a better cooling. The vehicle had a side door, and a back door with a folding step. The main campartment was not separated from the driver's cab. The compartment was entirely armoured, with flat sides and a "wagon-style" arch top. There was no windows but roof apertures, because the vehicle was fitted by default with rollerd tarpaulins that can be quickly and esily extended on the field. This proved especially useful in North Africa, where temperatures inside the vehicle could quickly became unbearable. The rolls were fixated on top of the walls on either side, as well as the dismounted framing tubes of the structure, strapped underneath. That way, the "working surface" of the vehicle could be expanded quickly. The Command Cab at the rear was roomy enough to accomodate a folding map table, bunks that could be turned into beds, and several chairs, There were also internal storage for maps and radio books, manuals and other HQ equipments, and the external framing could hold on the sloped roof a variety of loads. In North Africa, it was fuel jerrycans most of the time.

In 1944 a larger AEC 6x6 ACV was developed, this version of the vehicle was based on AEC 0857 lorry chassis and was powered by the AEC 198 150hp engine. The hull was welded from 0.354in thick rolled steel. The weight of the vehicle reached 17 tons, one hundred and fifty one units were built. Both vehicles were built in two configurations, called LP (Low Power) and HP (High Power) with different Radio Equipment. Some ACV's were conversions of Armoured Demolition Vehicles which used the same bodywork.

High PowerOne No.19 Wireless Set, one R 107 High Frequency Reception Set. The No.19 Set had a maximum output of 30 Watts and maximum range of 45 miles. Low Power bodytwo No.19 Wireless sets. No.19 set with a maximum output of 30 watt and maximum range of 45 miles for communications with higher Commands.

▪︎Type: Armoured Command Vehicle

▪︎Place of Origin: United Kingdom

▪︎Used By: British Army

▪︎Conflicts: World War Two

▪︎Manufacturer: Associated Equipment Company / Birtley Ordnance Factory / Weymann Motor Bodies

▪︎Unit Cost: £1,576

▪︎Produced: 1941 to 1948

▪︎Number Built: 415

▪︎Variants: Low Power / High Power / AEC 6x6 ACV

▪︎Mass: 12.2 tons / Length: 20ft 0in / Width: 7ft 9in / Height: 9ft 6in

▪︎Crew: 7-8 (3 Officers / 3 Radio Operators / 2 Drivers)

▪︎Armour: 0.39in to 0.47in

▪︎Main Armament: 1 x .303in Bren Light Machine Gun, carried inside

▪︎Powerplant: AEC 187 6-cylinder diesel engine, 95hp

▪︎Power / Weight: 7.8hp / tonne

▪︎Suspension: wheeled 4x4

▪︎Operational Rrange: 280 miles

▪︎Maximum Speed: 37mph.

1941-1945 WILLYS MB

The U.S. Army requested a vehicle, and drove off in a ''Hero'' the Willys MB, its spirit forged by the fire of combat and honed in the heat of battle, seared its way into the hearts of warriors fighting for freedom. Fierce emotional bonds often developed between a Soldier and his ''Jeep'' 4x4. The faithful little MB earned a place in every GI's heart, in every area of combat, in every conceivable role. The tough, simple Jeep 4x4 became the GI's best friend, second only to his Rifle. One Jeep MB was even awarded a Purple Heart and sent home. General George C. Marshall, U.S Army Chief of Staff during World War Two, and later U.S. Secretary of State, described the Jeep 4x4 as ''America's greatest contribution to modern warfare'' Scripps Howard World War Two reporter Ernie Pyle once said, ''It did everything. It went everywhere. Was a faithful as a dog, as strong as a mule, and as agile as a goat. It constantly carried twice what it was designed for and still kept going''.

The Willys MB started a revolution in the use of Small Military Motor Vehicles in the U.S. Army, horses along with motorcycles, solo and side car, were rendered obsolete almost immediately. The all-purpose Willys MB was amazingly versatile, they could be fitted with .30 or .50 caliber Machine Guns for combat and were also widely modified for long-range desert patrol, snow plowing, telephone cable laying, saw milling, as fire-fighting pumpers, field ambulances, tractors and, with suitable wheels, would even run on railway tracks.

Willys MB's could be loaded into transport aircraft for rapid deployment and were also small enough to fit into the large gliders used in the D-Day Invasion of Europe, over the course of the war, customised field kits were developed for winter and desert conditions, deep-water fording and other combat needs.

Although the Willys MB was not the first four-wheel-drive vehicle, the Go Anywhere, Do Anything vehicle, but it did influenced every 4x4 built in its wake. The New York Museum of Modern Art includes a Military Jeep Brand 4x4 in its display of eight automobiles and regarded it as “one of the very few genuine expressions of machine art.”

Willys MB / Ford GPW:-

▪︎ Type: 1⁄4 ton 4x4 Utility Truck

▪︎ Place of origin: United States

▪︎ In service: 1941 until varying per country

▪︎ Used by: USA and its allies of World War Two

▪︎ Wars: World War Two, Korean War, Various post 1945 conflicts

▪︎ Designer: Karl Probst, Delmar G. Roos

▪︎ Designed: 1940 through early 1942

▪︎ Manufacturer: Willys-Overland (MB) / Ford (GPW)

▪︎ Produced: 1941 to 1945

▪︎ Number built: World War Two total = 647,925 including pre-production units – Willys MB: 359,489 / Ford GPW: 277,896

▪︎ Variants: Ford GPA ''Seep'' 12,778

▪︎ Specifications: (MB and GPW same)

▪︎ Mass: 2,453lb, curb weight (with engine fluids and full fuel) 2,337lb dry weight

▪︎ Length: 132 1⁄4 inch

▪︎ Width: 62 inch

▪︎ Height overall with top up: 69 3⁄4 inch reducible to 52 inch

▪︎ Crew: 3 to 4

▪︎ Main armament: designed to mount .30 or .50 caliber Machine Guns swiveling on post between front seatbacks

▪︎ Secondary armament: towing 37mm Anti-Tank Gun

▪︎ Engine: 2.2 litre Inline 4 Willys L134 ''Go Devil'' 60hp

▪︎ Power/weight: 54.0hp/ton

▪︎ Payload capacity: 1,200lb on-road, 800lb cross-country

▪︎ Transmission: 3 speed x 2 range transfer case

▪︎ Suspension: Live axles on leaf springs front and rear

▪︎ Ground clearance: 8 3⁄4 inch

▪︎ Fuel capacity: 12.5 imperial gallons

▪︎ Operational range: 300 miles

▪︎Maximum speed: 65mph.

The 'Humber Pig' is a Lightly Armoured Truck used by the British Army from the 1950's until the early 1990's. The Humber Pig saw service with the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) chiefly as an Armoured Personnel Carrier from late 1958 until early 1970. The Humber Pig became particularly well known from its presence on the streets of Northern Ireland during the worst of the Troubles.

Officially designated Truck, Armoured, 1 Ton, 4x4, the Humber Pig is based on the FV1600 Series of four wheel drive 1-ton payload Trucks manufactured for the British Army by Rootes from 1952 to 1955. The Humber Pig FV1611 is the Armoured variant of FV1601 CT Truck and the FV1612 the Armoured version of the FV1602 CT FFW Truck. As FV1609 an Armoured version was originally designed to fulfil many roles with Royal Armoured Corps, Royal Artillery, Royal Engineers, RS, REME and Infantry. The full Armoured body was fitted to fulfil the need for an Armoured Personnel Carrier until the Alvis Saracen could be delivered in numbers. The Armoured bodies were produced by J. Sankey as well as the Royal Ordnance Factories, of 3,700 Humber Trucks some 1,700 Pigs were produced.

Twenty prototype Humber Pigs FV1609A (no armoured rear roof) entered Troop trials in 1956, when these trials ended ten were issued to the RUC in October 1958. In 1960 the RUC Humber Pigs were upgraded with a rear roof to emulate the FV1611 that was then in production. The Truck chassis proved ideal for Urban Internal Security Duties, and ended up serving longer than the larger, heavier Saracens that were intended to replace them. As the Troubles in Northern Ireland escalated during the 1970's, some 487 'Army Pigs' were further modified with additional internal and external Armour during the period of September 1972 to July 1973. These were referred to as Mark II Vehicles, the last of the Mark II Humber Pigs were removed from service in the early 1990's.

Official designations :-

• FV1601, FV1602 — un-armored Cargo GS and FFW (fitted for wireless) Humber CT trucks.

• FV1609 — c1956 Prototype APC vehicle with removable rear roof, canvas roof, and removable windscreens.

• Mk 1 FV1611 and FV1612 plus FV1609 vehicles converted to Mk 1 Pig spec with fully integrated rear roof and armour. Side storage boxes in Northern Ireland to prevent terrorists from placing explosives.

• FV1620 — Humber Hornet, a dedicated converted FV1611 to Malkara missile-launching platform.

• Mk 2 FV1611 and FV1612 —Additional armour for protection against small-arms fire and rocket propelled grenades, ''barricade removers'' (heavy-duty bull bars) which enabled them to force their way through barricades erected in the streets.

Unofficial designations :-

Some vehicles were equipped with the machine gun turret from the Shorland ISPV. All below were developed for use in Northern Ireland.

• 'Flying Pig' — FV1611 with extending riot screens either side and roof.

• 'Holy Pig' — fitted with rooftop hatch surrounded by perspex screen (reference to the Popemobile)

• 'Kremlin Pig' — fitted with wire screening for protection against rocket propelled grenades (RPG-7's)

• 'Squirt Pig' — fitted with a water cannon beside driver for riot control.

• 'Foaming Pig' — fitted with a foam generator to diffuse bomb blasts.

• 'Felix Pig' — modified for bomb disposal duties.

• 'Turret Pig' — Has the machine gun from the Shortland armored vehicle installed for operation in the Armagh area.

Humber Pig (Truck, 1 Ton, Armoured, 4x4, Humber) :-

▪︎ Type :- Armoured Personnel Carrier

▪︎ Place of origin :- United Kingdom

▪︎Manufacturer :- Humber (Rootes Group) / Joseph Sankey & Sons (GKN) / Royal Ordnance Factories.

▪︎No. built :- 1,700

▪︎Variants :- Mk1, Mk2

▪︎Mass :- 4.8 ton Mk1 / 6.5 ton Mk2

▪︎Length :- 16ft 2in

▪︎Width :- 6ft 8in

▪︎Height :- 6ft 11in

▪︎Crew :- 2 + 6 (max. 8)

▪︎Main armament :- Limited fitting of 7.62×51mm L4 Light Machine Gun or .30 in 7.62×63mm Browning M1919 Machine Gun

▪︎Engine :- Rolls-Royce B60 6-cyl 4.2 litre petrol I-6 120hp

▪︎Operational range :- 250 miles

▪︎Maximum speed :- 40mph.

The British AEC Armoured Command Vehicle was one of a series of Command Vehicles built by the Associated Equipment Company (AEC) during World War Two. The United Kingdom was the only country to develop and widely employ purpose-built Armoured Command Vehicles, which were essentially ''Armoured Buses'' based on truck chassis.

The most common Armoured Command Vehicle of the British Army was the AEC 4x4 ACV. This vehicle, based on AEC Matador chassis ( flic.kr/p/2i337zz ) entered production in 1941 and a total of about 415 units were built. The vehicle was used for the first time in the North African Campaign and remained in service until the end of the war. Being big and comfortable, the ACV was nicknamed the ''Dorchester'' by the Troops, after the luxury hotel in London. Three ACV's of this type were captured by the German Afrika Korps, two of them, named ''Max'' and ''Moritz'' were employed by Rommel and his Staff throughout the Campaign.

The Dorchester was much heavier than the original Matador, at 12.2 tonnes versus 7.75 tonnes for the Matador, as the Open-Bay Deacon (12 tonnes) and slightly lighter than the AEC Wheeled Tank (12.7 tonnes Mk.II). It consisted in an armoured hood to protect the radiator, with an opening underneath for ventilation, and sometimes an additional structure to allow a better cooling. The vehicle had a side door, and a back door with a folding step. The main campartment was not separated from the driver's cab. The compartment was entirely armoured, with flat sides and a "wagon-style" arch top. There was no windows but roof apertures, because the vehicle was fitted by default with rollerd tarpaulins that can be quickly and esily extended on the field. This proved especially useful in North Africa, where temperatures inside the vehicle could quickly became unbearable. The rolls were fixated on top of the walls on either side, as well as the dismounted framing tubes of the structure, strapped underneath. That way, the "working surface" of the vehicle could be expanded quickly. The Command Cab at the rear was roomy enough to accomodate a folding map table, bunks that could be turned into beds, and several chairs, There were also internal storage for maps and radio books, manuals and other HQ equipments, and the external framing could hold on the sloped roof a variety of loads. In North Africa, it was fuel jerrycans most of the time.

In 1944 a larger AEC 6x6 ACV was developed, this version of the vehicle was based on AEC 0857 lorry chassis and was powered by the AEC 198 150hp engine. The hull was welded from 0.354in thick rolled steel. The weight of the vehicle reached 17 tons, one hundred and fifty one units were built. Both vehicles were built in two configurations, called LP (Low Power) and HP (High Power) with different Radio Equipment. Some ACV's were conversions of Armoured Demolition Vehicles which used the same bodywork.

High PowerOne No.19 Wireless Set, one R 107 High Frequency Reception Set. The No.19 Set had a maximum output of 30 Watts and maximum range of 45 miles. Low Power bodytwo No.19 Wireless sets. No.19 set with a maximum output of 30 watt and maximum range of 45 miles for communications with higher Commands.

▪︎Type: Armoured Command Vehicle

▪︎Place of Origin: United Kingdom

▪︎Used By: British Army

▪︎Conflicts: World War Two

▪︎Manufacturer: Associated Equipment Company / Birtley Ordnance Factory / Weymann Motor Bodies

▪︎Unit Cost: £1,576

▪︎Produced: 1941 to 1948

▪︎Number Built: 415

▪︎Variants: Low Power / High Power / AEC 6x6 ACV

▪︎Mass: 12.2 tons / Length: 20ft 0in / Width: 7ft 9in / Height: 9ft 6in

▪︎Crew: 7-8 (3 Officers / 3 Radio Operators / 2 Drivers)

▪︎Armour: 0.39in to 0.47in

▪︎Main Armament: 1 x .303in Bren Light Machine Gun, carried inside

▪︎Powerplant: AEC 187 6-cylinder diesel engine, 95hp

▪︎Power / Weight: 7.8hp / tonne

▪︎Suspension: wheeled 4x4

▪︎Operational Rrange: 280 miles

▪︎Maximum Speed: 37mph.

The AEC Model 850, also known as the 'FWD R6T' was available in two versions, as an Artillery Tractor and a Recovery Vehicle both used by the British Army, it was in production from 1929 to 1936 and 57 units and one prototype was produced. In 1928 several truck manufacturers were asked by the British Army to develop a Six-Wheel Drive Artillery Tractor. In addition to English companies such as Guy Motors, Leyland and Scammell, the American company FWD (Four Wheel Drive Lorry Company) with a branch in Slough, was also invited. The vehicles had to be able to carry a trailer load of approximately 6 tons.

FWD came up with the R6T, which was the manufacturer's first Six- Wheel Drive Vehicle, it was equipped with a Dorman JUL six-cylinder petrol engine with side valves, a 6.6 litre engine producing 78hp. All wheels were driven via a four-speed gearbox and an additional reduction gearbox allowing them to operate in high and low ranges could be used (4F1Rx2) In 1929 the prototype was delivered to the British Army for testing. At the end of that year, the vehicle came back to the factory. FWD was given an order for nine vehicles, but some changes were necessary. In 1929 FWD and AEC entered into a partnership, components were replaced with AEC equipment. The engine was replaced by an AEC A136 with overhead valves, which had a smaller displacement of 6.1 litres, but with 95hp it had more power. The gearbox was also exchanged for a version of AEC. Adjustments to the driver's cab and superstructure were also made, the most notable being the position of two Crew members next to the engine slightly ahead of the Driver. The cabin and cargo hold were open, but could be covered with a canvas roof.

In 1932 the English branch of FWD was taken over by AEC, the type designation of the vehicles changed from R6T to AEC Model 850. A total of 24 units were built at FWD in Slough and 33 units at the AEC factory in Southall between 1932 and 1936, a total production of 57 units. At the outbreak of World War Two, a number of vehicles were sent to France between 1939-1940 with the British Expeditionary Force (BEF). Many of them were left behind during the evacuation of the BEF in May 1940. The only surviving example is this one at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford, which was fully restored in 1970.

▪︎Type: Artillery Tractor / Recovery Vehicle

▪︎Place of Origin: United Kingdom

▪︎In Service: 1939 to 1940

▪︎Used By: British Army

▪︎Conflicts: World War Two

▪︎Designer: FWD (Four Wheel Drive Lorry Company)

Designed:

▪︎Manufacturer: FWD (Four Wheel Drive Lorry Company) / AEC (Associated Equipment Company)

▪︎Crew: 1 Driver + 8 Crew

▪︎Produced: 1929 to 1936

▪︎Number Built: 57

▪︎Mass: 8.7 tons / Length: 19ft 3in / Width: 7ft 6in / Height: 8ft 7in

▪︎Powerplant: AEC A136 6.1 litre 6-cylinder petrol engine, 95hp

▪︎Drive: 6x6

▪︎Transmission: Four speed gearbox

▪︎Maximum Speed: 20mph.

Taken from Wikipedia nl.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/AEC_Model_850 and other sources.

On my vistit here I was talking to the motel owner about there used to be a ''Duck'' (DUKW) at Searles of Hunstanton, and this turned out to be the one ! She's just a £35,000 refurbishment and will be making trips to the beaches of Normandy. Photos from Searles www.flickr.com/photos/139375961@N08/shares/142J4T572k

— Anglia Motel Veterans champion Harold Payne’s final 80th D-Day voyage pays respects to the fallen —

The organiser of a voyage to France to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day is on his final pilgrimage to pay tribute to the bravery of our armed forces. Harold Payne has taken a final coach party to Normandy to pay respects to allied forces killed in World War II. Sadly, any remaining veterans who would have accompanied him for Thursday’s anniversary have since died. The veterans' champion, who owns the Anglia Motel in Fleet Hargate, said: ''Over the past 30 years I have had the honour to take local veterans back to Normandy to pay respect to their fallen comrades''.

''Now for the 80th anniversary of D-Day, for the first and final time I will be returning without any veterans as they have now all passed away. For this, my final tribute to the bravery of all those who died for our freedom, I shall return taking with me my amphibious landing craft to the beaches where all those years ago so many lost their lives.”

To break the Nazis’ stranglehold on Europe, Allied forces launched ''Operation Overlord'' on June 6th, 1944, when thousands of British, American and Canadian troops landed on the beaches of Normandy to fight their way up – while being battered by enemy fire. The sea was reported to run red and nearly 4,000 deaths and 11,000 allied casualties were recorded by the end of that first fateful day.

The pilgrimages from Lincolnshire were launched after a former soldier had stopped at Harold’s Anglian Motel in Fleet Hargate and shared how he didn’t have the means to return to see the friends he had left behind in Arnhem and Normandy. Mr Payne plans to go into the sea in the early hours of today to lay red rose petals and poppies.

He said: ''They may be washed ashore as a reminder of the loss of so many lives''. The charity campaigner has raised funds in aid of veterans to make a pilgrimage to Normandy and visit cemeteries to lay flowers on the graves of friends. To help fund such trips there have been sponsors such as Fleet Parish Council, J Z Flowers and Turnbulls in Sleaford. He said: ''I am fortunate and immensely grateful to have received many sponsors. Many friends and colleagues have also helped to make this memorial tribute possible and I wish to truly thank them on behalf of myself and the past veterans''.

Information sourced from and for further details, please follow the link – www.lincsonline.co.uk/holbeach/the-80th-anniversary-d-day...

The 4-tonne Leyland DAF T244 and T244 GS an air transportable version.

In June 1989 the Leyland DAF 4-tonne truck was selected to be the basis of the next generation of 4-tonne trucks used by the British Army. The selection followed an arduous ''drive off'' contest against designs from all wheel drive Bedford and Volvo Trucks. The initial order was for 5,350 units and production started the same year. First production vehicles were delivered in 1990. Deliveries were completed in the mid 1990's. This Leyland DAF T244 General Utility Truck is currently in service with British Army, Royal Navy and Air Force. A small number of these trucks were exported to Brunei, Indonesia, Ireland, Kenya and Malaysia.

The Leyland entrant, now produced by Leyland Trucks, was based on a design known as the T244, an entirely orthodox design with a forward control all-steel cab and the conventional cargo body with a removable tailgate and dropsides. Vehicle has a payload capacity of 3.937 tons. In 1995 a payload option of 5 000 kg was introduces. A small number of vehicles were upgraded to this standard. The Leyland DAF T244 can tow trailers or artillery pieces with a maximum weight of 4.921 tons.

The forward tilting cab design was based on the C.44 used on the Leyland Roadrunner commercial light truck and is so arranged to allow the vehicle to be driven directly into a C-130 Hercules transport aircraft (the T244 GS model) Cab accommodates driver plus two passengers, the sleeper cab has space to allow it to be used for driver training or to allow radios to be installed, in addition to the space provision for the crew's kit. The cab roof is strengthened to bear the weight of two men and has provision for a roof hatch and machine gun installation over the observers platform inside the cab.

Every component on the vehicle was rigorously tested prior to the selection contest, including the axles which were specially developed at the Leyland Albion plant in Glasgow. This military truck is powered by a Leyland DAF 310 5.9-liter diesel engine, developing 145hp. The vehicle has a full-time all-wheel drive. Optional equipment included winch or hydraulic crane.

The Leyland truck has assumed many of the tasks undertaken by the previous Bedford M series 4-tonne vehicles. It can carry 20 troops or 3 standard NATO pallets, and may be encountered with a variety of special bodies. These are a flat-bed versions used to carry Medium Girder Bridge sections, a field refueling module, various types of containers for electronics and communication systems, workshops, and acting as a mobile trackway carrier and layer. Optional equipment includes a front or rear-operating winch, left or right-hand drive, a tipper body, and a load-handling crane, or infrared reflective paint finish. In 2005 MAN was awarded a contract to replace a number of vehicle type in service with the United Kingdom. The Leyland DAF T244 was replaced by the MAN HX60, which has a 6 ton payload capacity.

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS -

▪︎Country of Origin: United Kingdom

▪︎Entered Service: 1990

▪︎Configuration: 4x4

▪︎Cab: Driver plus two personnel

▪︎Weight: 6 ton (empty)

▪︎Maximum Load: 4.2 ton

▪︎Length: 21 ft 9 in

▪︎Width: 8 ft 2 in

▪︎Height: 10 ft 11 in

▪︎Engine: Leyland 310 5.9-liter diesel engine, 145 hp

▪︎Maximum Road Speed: 55.3 mph

▪︎Range: 310.6 miles

▪︎Gradient: 60%

▪︎Side Slope: 30%

▪︎Vertical Step: ~ 0.5 m

▪︎Trench: ~ 1 ft 7 in

▪︎Fording: 2 ft 5 in

Information sourced from - www.military-today.com/trucks/leyland_daf_t244.htm

Photo: ValtersBoze.com

The Land Rover Wolf is a Light Military Vehicle based on the Land Rover Defender introduced in 1994, the MoD designates the 'Wolf 90' as Truck Utility Light (TUL) HS and the 'Wolf 110' as Truck Utility Medium (TUM) HS, where HS stands for High Specification. Land Rover calls it eXtra Duty (XD). The 1992 'Snatch Land Rover' fitted with Composite Armour for Ballistic Protection, does not use the same “heavy duty” chassis.

The Wolf was marketed in other countries than the UK but many foreign Military Land Rover procurement agencies felt they did not need the extra strength and reliability of the Wolf because the older models had passed their own testing and Wolf was too expensive. The vehicles have become a symbol of British forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. In keeping with their hearts and minds philosophy they were chosen for Patrol Duties instead of Armoured Fighting Vehicles such as the Warrior infantry Fighting Vehicle. Following a spate of incidents, there has been concern that the unarmoured nature of the Wolf exposes the crews to excessive danger, and they are being supplemented by more Heavily Armoured Vehicles such as the Vector, the Mastiff and the Jackal.

The MoD later supplemented the Wolf in theatre with a range of Armoured Vehicles including the Snatch and Pinzgauer ATV in some utility and liaison roles and the Supercat MWMIK. There were reports that some of this equipment was to be sold at below cost once operations in Iraq were completed as the Treasury had refused to cover the cost of replacement. In Afghanistan ''an average of one of these vehicles a week'' was lost to Enemy Action, and with replacements often arriving late a ''fifth of the fleet'' of WMIKs was currently ''damaged or has been destroyed by enemy fire''. The MoD has sold off most of the fleet of Wolf 90 Land Rovers because the Bowman radio system is too heavy for it, but the Wolf 110 version remains in service.

The Wolf was tested, rejected, upgraded and tested again before the MoD was satisfied, it is far stronger and more reliable than the Land Rover Defender on which it was based. According to James Arbuthnot, the then Minister of State for Defence Procurment, he testitfied to the rigorous trials the Land Rover went through prior to being adopted in the British military ''The Land Rover vehicle, known commercially as Defender XD, has been subjected to extensive and rigorous trialling in order to ensure that it can meet the high standards of reliability which are essential for Operational Military Vehicles. Therefore, I am pleased to have been able to announce earlier today that, subject to the satisfactory completion of contractual negotiations, I propose to place an order with Land Rover for about 8,000 vehicles. That order is worth about £170 million. It will bring substantial industrial and employment benefits to Land Rover, and enhance the vehicle's already excellent prospects in export markets.''

Land Rover Wolf Specifications :-

▪︎Type :- Light utility vehicle

▪︎Place of origin :- United Kingdom

▪︎In service :- 1998 to present

▪︎Used by :- British Army / many other European countries

▪︎Manufacturer :- Land Rover

▪︎Crew :- 2+6 passengers General Service Version / 2+0 passengers Fitted For Radio Version

▪︎Engine :- Land Rover 300 TDI engine 111hp / Power/weight 69hp tonne

▪︎Transmission :- manual

▪︎Operational range :- 316 miles.

The Land Rover Wolf is a Light Military Vehicle based on the Land Rover Defender introduced in 1994, the MoD designates the 'Wolf 90' as Truck Utility Light (TUL) HS and the 'Wolf 110' as Truck Utility Medium (TUM) HS, where HS stands for High Specification. Land Rover calls it eXtra Duty (XD). The 1992 'Snatch Land Rover' fitted with Composite Armour for Ballistic Protection, does not use the same “heavy duty” chassis.

The Wolf was marketed in other countries than the UK but many foreign Military Land Rover procurement agencies felt they did not need the extra strength and reliability of the Wolf because the older models had passed their own testing and Wolf was too expensive. The vehicles have become a symbol of British forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. In keeping with their hearts and minds philosophy they were chosen for Patrol Duties instead of Armoured Fighting Vehicles such as the Warrior infantry Fighting Vehicle. Following a spate of incidents, there has been concern that the unarmoured nature of the Wolf exposes the crews to excessive danger, and they are being supplemented by more Heavily Armoured Vehicles such as the Vector, the Mastiff and the Jackal.

The MoD later supplemented the Wolf in theatre with a range of Armoured Vehicles including the Snatch and Pinzgauer ATV in some utility and liaison roles and the Supercat MWMIK. There were reports that some of this equipment was to be sold at below cost once operations in Iraq were completed as the Treasury had refused to cover the cost of replacement. In Afghanistan ''an average of one of these vehicles a week'' was lost to Enemy Action, and with replacements often arriving late a ''fifth of the fleet'' of WMIKs was currently ''damaged or has been destroyed by enemy fire''. The MoD has sold off most of the fleet of Wolf 90 Land Rovers because the Bowman radio system is too heavy for it, but the Wolf 110 version remains in service.

The Wolf was tested, rejected, upgraded and tested again before the MoD was satisfied, it is far stronger and more reliable than the Land Rover Defender on which it was based. According to James Arbuthnot, the then Minister of State for Defence Procurment, he testitfied to the rigorous trials the Land Rover went through prior to being adopted in the British military ''The Land Rover vehicle, known commercially as Defender XD, has been subjected to extensive and rigorous trialling in order to ensure that it can meet the high standards of reliability which are essential for Operational Military Vehicles. Therefore, I am pleased to have been able to announce earlier today that, subject to the satisfactory completion of contractual negotiations, I propose to place an order with Land Rover for about 8,000 vehicles. That order is worth about £170 million. It will bring substantial industrial and employment benefits to Land Rover, and enhance the vehicle's already excellent prospects in export markets.''

Land Rover Wolf Specifications :-

▪︎Type :- Light utility vehicle

▪︎Place of origin :- United Kingdom

▪︎In service :- 1998 to present

▪︎Used by :- British Army / many other European countries

▪︎Manufacturer :- Land Rover

▪︎Crew :- 2+6 passengers General Service Version / 2+0 passengers Fitted For Radio Version

▪︎Engine :- Land Rover 300 TDI engine 111hp / Power/weight 69hp tonne

▪︎Transmission :- manual

▪︎Operational range :- 316 miles.

The GAZ-66 is a Soviet and later Russian 4x4 All-Road (Off-Road) Military Truck produced by GAZ, it was one of the main Cargo Vehicles for Motorized Infantry of the Soviet Army and is still employed in former Soviet Union countries. It is nicknamed ''Shishiga'' (''шишига'') ''Shisharik'' (''шишарик'') / ''Shehsherik'' (''шешерик'') and ''Trueman'' in Siberia.

Almost one million vehicles of this type were built for both Military and Civil use, the GAZ-66 has gained legendary status in many countries around the world due to its reliability, simplicity and off-road capability. Thanks to standard features, such as a Front-Mounted Winch, Central Tyre Inflation System (CTIS) and Self-Locking Differentials, the GAZ-66 is extremely popular worldwide with Armed Forces and off-road enthusiasts. Their production ceased in 1999, with the GAZ-3308 being produced instead.

Military versions:-

**GAZ-66-15 (1985-1996) - with shielded electrical equipment and a Winch

**GAZ-66-16 (1991-1993) - modernized version with ZMZ-513.10, reinforced tyres (wheels - lean) completed the brakes, the platform without intruding wheel niches (also installed on GAZ-66-11 and GAZ-66-40 ) load capacity 2.3 tons

**GAZ-66-21 (1993-1995) - the national-economic modification with the dual tyres and rear axle wooden platform GAZ-53, load capacity 3.5 tons

**GAZ-66-31 - chassis for trucks

**GAZ-66-41 (1992-1995) - a naturally aspirated GAZ-544 diesel engine

**GAZ-66-40 (1995-1999) - with a GAZ-5441 turbodiesel

**GAZ-66-92 (1987-1995) - for use in the far north

**GAZ-66-96 - chassis for shift buses.

Specifications:-

▪︎Manufacturer: GAZ

▪︎Production: 1964 to 1998

▪︎Class: Truck

▪︎Layout: F4 Layout

▪︎Transmission: 4-speed Manual

▪︎Wheelbase: 10ft 9.9in

▪︎Length: 19ft 0.9in

▪︎Width: 7ft 7.4in

▪︎Height: 8ft 3.2in

▪︎Curb Weight: 7,584lb

▪︎Predecessor: GAZ-63

▪︎Successor: GAZ-3308

▪︎Cab: Forward Design 2-Seat Cab + 21 Personnel

▪︎Payload: 4,40lb plus the same weight trailer

▪︎Suspension: Solid axles with leaf springs

▪︎Powerplant: ZMZ-66-06 V8 petrol (carburetor) OHV engine (heavy duty version of the ZMZ-53

▪︎Output: 120hp @ 3,200rpm

▪︎Maximum Speed: 56mph (speed governed)

▪︎Brakes: Drums, with hydraulic control, single circuit, servo assisted

▪︎Fuel Tanks: 2 x 23 Imperial gallons

▪︎Fuel Economy: 9 mpg

▪︎Turning Circle: 31ft

▪︎Approach Angle: 41°

▪︎Departure Angle: 32°

▪︎Maximum Ascent Angle: 31° to 37° (fully loaded)

▪︎Ground clearance: 12in

▪︎Fording Depth: 39in

▪︎Tyre Size: 12 to 18in

▪︎Pressure: Adjustable with central tyre inflation system from cab.

A Dodge B200 Good Times Van at the Street Mag Show Hamburg.

© Dennis Matthies

My photographs are copyrighted and may not be altered, printed, published in any media and/or format, or re-posted in other websites/blogs.

This armoured Land Rover was nicknamed the ''Pizza Truck'' by the journalists and crew at CNN. The cab at the front of the vehicle was armoured to protect passengers. Originally there was a large box on the back for equipment, which gave the vehicle it's nickname. The truck has undergone many modifications, it was also repainted. Cameraman Dave Rust thought the choice of camouflage was unusual, ''I never saw any oak trees while travelling around Afghanistan''.

''Foley Specialist Vehicles'' have been converting the Land Rover Defender 130 since 1983 when they first hit the streets. Back then the 130 (then known as the 127) was short in supply, so they took 110 Land Rovers and extended them to 127″. In some cases they had 5 vehicles at a time lined up for conversion, so no job was too small !

They developed a few years later the Defender 130 Station Wagon, which was built to order as the Defender 110 was too small for carrying people and supplies. This was also a great conversion for ‘Bush’ and ‘Site’ Ambulances. they continue to build the 130 Station Wagon to date and have built over 100 units, in all kind of colours and specifications. They continue to build the Legend of a Defender to order or take them your current 130 Defender and they will convert it to a 130 Defender. The vehicle will only be required for 4 weeks (depending on the conversion).

▪︎Defender 130 Station Wagon

▪︎Defender 130 Station Wagon utility

▪︎Defender 130 Station Wagon Extra body

▪︎Defender 130 Station Wagon Twin ‘B’ Post.

pili, camarines sur

philippines

The beast's cabover heavy haul truck~

The 4-tonne Leyland DAF T244 and T244 GS an air transportable version.

In June 1989 the Leyland DAF 4-tonne truck was selected to be the basis of the next generation of 4-tonne trucks used by the British Army. The selection followed an arduous ''drive off'' contest against designs from all wheel drive Bedford and Volvo Trucks. The initial order was for 5,350 units and production started the same year. First production vehicles were delivered in 1990. Deliveries were completed in the mid 1990's. This Leyland DAF T244 General Utility Truck is currently in service with British Army, Royal Navy and Air Force. A small number of these trucks were exported to Brunei, Indonesia, Ireland, Kenya and Malaysia.

The Leyland entrant, now produced by Leyland Trucks, was based on a design known as the T244, an entirely orthodox design with a forward control all-steel cab and the conventional cargo body with a removable tailgate and dropsides. Vehicle has a payload capacity of 3.937 tons. In 1995 a payload option of 5 000 kg was introduces. A small number of vehicles were upgraded to this standard. The Leyland DAF T244 can tow trailers or artillery pieces with a maximum weight of 4.921 tons.

The forward tilting cab design was based on the C.44 used on the Leyland Roadrunner commercial light truck and is so arranged to allow the vehicle to be driven directly into a C-130 Hercules transport aircraft (the T244 GS model) Cab accommodates driver plus two passengers, the sleeper cab has space to allow it to be used for driver training or to allow radios to be installed, in addition to the space provision for the crew's kit. The cab roof is strengthened to bear the weight of two men and has provision for a roof hatch and machine gun installation over the observers platform inside the cab.

Every component on the vehicle was rigorously tested prior to the selection contest, including the axles which were specially developed at the Leyland Albion plant in Glasgow. This military truck is powered by a Leyland DAF 310 5.9-liter diesel engine, developing 145hp. The vehicle has a full-time all-wheel drive. Optional equipment included winch or hydraulic crane.

The Leyland truck has assumed many of the tasks undertaken by the previous Bedford M series 4-tonne vehicles. It can carry 20 troops or 3 standard NATO pallets, and may be encountered with a variety of special bodies. These are a flat-bed versions used to carry Medium Girder Bridge sections, a field refueling module, various types of containers for electronics and communication systems, workshops, and acting as a mobile trackway carrier and layer. Optional equipment includes a front or rear-operating winch, left or right-hand drive, a tipper body, and a load-handling crane, or infrared reflective paint finish. In 2005 MAN was awarded a contract to replace a number of vehicle type in service with the United Kingdom. The Leyland DAF T244 was replaced by the MAN HX60, which has a 6 ton payload capacity.

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS -

▪︎Country of Origin: United Kingdom

▪︎Entered Service: 1990

▪︎Configuration: 4x4

▪︎Cab: Driver plus two personnel

▪︎Weight: 6 ton (empty)

▪︎Maximum Load: 4.2 ton

▪︎Length: 21 ft 9 in

▪︎Width: 8 ft 2 in

▪︎Height: 10 ft 11 in

▪︎Engine: Leyland 310 5.9-liter diesel engine, 145 hp

▪︎Maximum Road Speed: 55.3 mph

▪︎Range: 310.6 miles

▪︎Gradient: 60%

▪︎Side Slope: 30%

▪︎Vertical Step: ~ 0.5 m

▪︎Trench: ~ 1 ft 7 in

▪︎Fording: 2 ft 5 in

Information sourced from - www.military-today.com/trucks/leyland_daf_t244.htm

The HX/HX2 ranges of trucks combine militarised commercial driveline and chassis with the latest version of a modular military-specific cab, the HX/HX2 ranges are based on chassis and driveline components of MAN's commercial TG World Wide heavy truck range which was first introduced in 2000. MAN water-cooled diesel engines of various power outputs and emissions compliance are used across the range, these including the D0836, D2066, D2676 and D2868. The engine remains positioned conventionally (longitudinally between the chassis rails), however, the cooling pack is located transversally at the rear of the cab. This location offers protection from damage and blockage of the radiator with mud etc, when operating off-road it also allows for a larger volume radiator to be used, which enhances hot-climate operating capability. A ZF AS-Tronic automated constant mesh gearbox (branded TipMatic in MAN’s commercial product line up) with 12 forward and two reverse gears is standard fit, this coupled to a MAN two-speed transfer case, a powershift-type fully automatic transmission is an option.

Drive axles are MAN single tyre hub-reduction, and with the exception of the heavier tractor units which are full-time all-wheel drive for traction and torque distribution reasons, all models have selectable front axle(s) drive. All axles have cross-axle differential locks and there are longitudinal differential locks in rear (and front on 8x8 and 10x10 chassis) axle combinations and the transfer case. Axle weight ratings are 9000kg or 11,000kg for front axles, and 10,00 kg for rear axles with single wheels/tyres.

Front steer-drive axles (including the 2nd axle on 8x8 chassis) are sprung by a combination of parabolic leaf springs with progressively acting rubber assistors and hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers, rear axles are sprung by inverted multi-leaf trapezoidal springs with radius rod and an anti-roll bar. A conventional rear bogie set-up is employed for 6x6 and 8x8 chassis. The HX45M 10x10 will feature hydropneumatic suspension for the rear three axles. The standard 1400R 20 tyres may be replaced by 395/85R 20, 525/65R 20 or 1600R 20 tyres if required. A central tire inflation system (CTIS) or semi-automatic tire inflation system and run-flat inserts are options. All models can climb a 60% gradient, traverse a 40% sideslope, have an approach angle of 40 degrees, and ford 750mm of water without preparation, this increasing to 1.5m with preparation. With the exception of the modular military cab, the location of the cooling pack and a small number of military specific ancillary items and modifications, for cost efficiency reasons RMMV has strived for maximum commonality with the TG commercial product.

Offroad

This armoured Land Rover was nicknamed the ''Pizza Truck'' by the journalists and crew at CNN. The cab at the front of the vehicle was armoured to protect passengers. Originally there was a large box on the back for equipment, which gave the vehicle it's nickname. The truck has undergone many modifications, it was also repainted. Cameraman Dave Rust thought the choice of camouflage was unusual, ''I never saw any oak trees while travelling around Afghanistan''.

''Foley Specialist Vehicles'' have been converting the Land Rover Defender 130 since 1983 when they first hit the streets. Back then the 130 (then known as the 127) was short in supply, so they took 110 Land Rovers and extended them to 127″. In some cases they had 5 vehicles at a time lined up for conversion, so no job was too small !

They developed a few years later the Defender 130 Station Wagon, which was built to order as the Defender 110 was too small for carrying people and supplies. This was also a great conversion for ‘Bush’ and ‘Site’ Ambulances. they continue to build the 130 Station Wagon to date and have built over 100 units, in all kind of colours and specifications. They continue to build the Legend of a Defender to order or take them your current 130 Defender and they will convert it to a 130 Defender. The vehicle will only be required for 4 weeks (depending on the conversion).

▪︎Defender 130 Station Wagon

▪︎Defender 130 Station Wagon utility

▪︎Defender 130 Station Wagon Extra body

▪︎Defender 130 Station Wagon Twin ‘B’ Post.

TGM18.340 super spreader with some wild looking flotation tyres.

Stock Shot | Forza Horizon 3

LEGO project - Komatsu 930E V2 beta

The Land Rover 130 Defender Wolf RHD Ambulance, is fitted with four stretcher racks, rear step, Marshalls insulated body with heater system and lights.

The Military Land Rover is used as a Light Utility Vehicle and has been adopted in a number of guises and body styles including fire engines, communication vehicle, ambulance, a lightweight model for air transport, snowplough. The Land Rover is in use by the UK military as well as a number of related commonwealth Forces.

The Land Rover is regarding as a reliable workhorse for the British Army. The UK forces vehicles are based on the Series and Defender models and commonly use the 2.5 litre four-cylinder 300TDi engine, which is simple to service and is not electronically controlled.

Specifications :-

• Manufacturer :- Land Rover

• Engine :- 300Tdi 111hp

• Gearbox:- R380 5 Speed Manual

• Brakes :- Front and Rear disc brakes

• Steering :- RHD - PAS

• Tyres :- G90 7.50-16

• Electrics :- 24 volts

• Length :- 17ft

• Height :- 8ft 2in

• Width :- 6ft 10in.

The beast's cabover heavy haul truck~

(1941-1945) WILLYS MB

One of the first mass-produced military vehicles in the United States, the Willys MB (and Ford GPW) U.S Army Jeep is the culmination of war-time ingenuity, standardization and strategic personalization for transport of personnel and cargo. Soon to become the ubiquitous, ''world-famous'' Jeep, the Willys MB and Ford GPW models were very effective on the ground, with many standardized features such as 6.00x16 tyres, 60 honest horsepower at 4,000rpm, a gasoline can bracket on the left rear, provisions for trailer lights, spark interference suppression, a blackout light system, twin top bows and sealed spring shackles.

Prior to the production of the MB/GPW, other attempts were made to satisfy the Army's need for a Light Utility Vehicle including the first prototype presented by the American Bantam Car Company. Nicknamed the ''Blitz Buggy'' this vehicle concept which was the first bid accepted by the Army, as it satisfied the Army’s Ordnance Technical Committee specifications that the vehicle has:

▪︎Four-wheel drive.

▪︎Crew of three.

▪︎A wheelbase of no more than 75in and tracks no more than 47in.

▪︎A fold-down windshield.

▪︎A 660lb payload.

▪︎An engine capable of 85 ft lb of torque.

▪︎With an empty weight of no more than 1,300lbs. (590 kg).

While the ''Blitz Buggy'' did satisfy these requirements, Bantam was not able to deliver with the fiscal strength or production capability needed to win the contract with the War Department. As as result, Ford and Willys were asked to product their own pilot models for testing, the results of which would determine the contract. The original pilot models were submitted and named accordingly. The Willys Quad by Willys Overland, the Ford Pygmy by Ford and the BRC 60 by Bantam were accepted and orders were given for 1,500 units per company, with a revised weight limit of 2,160Ib. During these pre-production runs, each vehicle was re-named. The Willys Quad became the “MA”, the Ford Pygmy became the “GP”, and the “BRC 60” became the “BRC 40”. By July of 1941, the War Department, needing standardization, selected Willys-Overland to fulfill its contract, on account of the MA’s powerful engine, silhouette, low bid ($748.74/unit), and because of the company’s ability to fulfill production needs, ordering another 16,000 vehicles.

Absorbing some of the design features of the Bantam and Ford entries, the Willys “MA” was then renamed the Willys “MB”, and featured the powerful “Go Devil” engine and a welded flat iron “slat” radiator grille (which was later replaced by a stamped grille in March of 1942). By October 1941, due to an increased demand for production, Ford was contracted to assist Willys-Overland and changed their model’s name from “GP to “GPW”, with the "W" referring to the "Willys" licensed design. During World War Two, Ford produced some 280,000 of these vehicles.

The MA and early MB's had the “Willys” name stamped into the left rear panel; however, in the spring of 1942, the War Dept. decided not to feature the logo and removed them. Early MB's had a wiper for each side of the windshield, which were hand operated in contrast to later configurations. The windshields also varied slightly. The first 3,500 produced used an MA-type frame, which had a shorter distance between the cowl and the glass frames (4in) The later models had a 6in measurement, and were noticeably taller. In the earlier model MB's, the gas tank still had rectangular lower corners, as opposed to later versions.

While earlier black-out lamps for the MB were used as aids to see other vehicles in the convoy, later MB's feature a large blackout headlamp mounted on the left front fender that was used to help the driver see where he was going. The headlamps on all World War Two Willys MB and Ford GPW Jeeps hinged up so they could illuminate the engine compartment in dark times. In 1942 the MB Jeeps got combat wheels, replacing the original stamped and welded version. Combat wheels were heavier and bolted together to facilitate field repair, and also had the ability to transport the vehicle for a distance with deflated tires. All jeeps had brackets for their pioneer tools mounted on the left side below the entryway.

Rounded rear corners were found on the bodies of all the production Jeeps, both Willys MB and Ford GPW models. All models also featured larger bumperettes, exterior handles for manual extrication from sticky terrain, and two top bows to raise the height of the canvas and keep it from pounding the heads of the front seat occupants. The instrument panels began to look more militarized on the MB and GPW. Instruments were separate (oil pressure, fuel level, ammeter, water temperature, speedometer) had black faces, and were externally illuminated. The in-out lever for the front differential, and the transfer case lever, were on the right side of the transmission lever, as those components had migrated from the left side on the Bantams to the right side on the production models.

Sourced from www.kaiserwillys.com/about_willys_jeep_mb_history_specs

– KrAZ-255V (КрАЗ-255В) –

The KrAZ-255 is a Soviet three-axle off-road truck with six-wheel drive (6x6), intended for extreme operations. It was manufactured at the KrAZ plant beginning from 1967. The KrAZ-255 was developed directly from its predecessor, the KrAZ-214 (produced 1956-1967). Despite being very similar at first glance (both using the same cab, flatbed as well as the suspension) there are few major differences.

Firstly, the 255 used new and much more powerful engine - the YaMZ-238 (same used in MT-LB tracked APC) replacing the previously used and sensibly weaker YaAZ-206B which was used in the 214. The 255 also featured new and more reliable transmission, the YaMZ-236N, instead of the previously used YaAZ-204. It also featured new headlights (which were now, together with turn signals, located in their own housings mounted on the fenders) and, most notably, much wider tyres (1300x530x533 in dimensions) which offered lighter ground pressure and thus, even greater off-road capabilities when compared to its predecessor.

Along with Ural, ZiL, Kamaz, GAZ and MAZ, the KrAZ once represented one of six models of cargo/towing trucks (in its basic version, the KrAZ-255B) used by the Soviet Armed Forces, as well as by many civilian organizations in the former Soviet Union (mainly by various construction plants) where it was also used as a logging (the KrAZ-255L/L1) and dump truck (the KrAZ-256).

Since the KrAZ-255 was the heaviest (weighing 12 tons empty) and most powerful (using a 14,900ccm engine, producing 240 hp) of all Soviet three-axle 6x6 military cargo trucks, it was most often used for towing heavier artillery pieces (such as D-74, M-46 and 2A65 howitzers or T-12 anti-tank gun) and also for towing various aircraft from their hangars to runways, or vice versa (in tractor-unit version, the KrAZ-255V).

Furthermore, it was also used as a platform for control cabin and the antennas of PRV-9/1RL19 Naklon (NATO reporting name: ''Thin-Skin'') and PRV-16/1RL132 Nadyozhnost (NATO reporting name: ''Odd-Pair'') Soviet height-finding radars, as well as for various engineer duties in specially-designed versions (such as PMP collapsible ferryboat intended to be used as a pontoon bridge and TMM-3 mobile bridgelayer) which are still being used today by various military forces across the globe.

The KrAZ-255 ultimately evolved into a new model as its successor in 1979, the KrAZ-260, whose only difference was a new design of cab and the interiors. Despite that however, the KrAZ-260 did not replace it in production, but was actually produced alongside it up until 1994, when both were finally discontinued in favour to KrAZ-6322 (a modernized model of KrAZ-260).

▪︎Manufacturer – KrAZ, called Sungri 256 (North Korea) and Sungri 64 (North Korea)

▪︎Production – 1967–1994

▪︎Class – 6x6 Off Road Truck

▪︎Powertrain – 14.9L YaMZ-238 V8 diesel engine, 240 PS @ 2,100 rpm

▪︎Transmission – 5-speed YaMZ-236N manual gearbox

▪︎Wheelbase – 17 ft 5 in

▪︎Length – 28 ft 4.4 in

▪︎Width – 9 ft

▪︎Height – 9 ft 8 in

▪︎Curb weight – 26,350 lb

▪︎Predecessor – KrAZ-214

▪︎Successor – KrAZ-260

▪︎Top speed – 44 mph.

Information sourced from – en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/KrAZ-255

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The M19 Tank Transporter (U.S supply catalog designation G159) was a heavy tank transporter system used in World War Two and into the 1950's. It consisted of a 12-ton 6x4 M20 Diamond T Model 980 truck and companion 12-wheel M9 trailer.

Designed as a heavy prime mover for tank transporting, the hard-cab Diamond T 980 was the product of the Diamond T Company in Chicago. In 1940 the British Purchasing Commission, looking to equip the British Army with a vehicle capable of transporting larger and heavier tanks, approached a number of American truck manufacturers to assess their models.

The Diamond T Company had a long history of building rugged, military vehicles for the U.S Army Quartermaster Corps and had recently produced a prototype heavy vehicle for the U.S Army which, with a few slight modifications met British requirements and an initial order for 200 was very quickly filled.

The result was the Diamond T 980 a 12-ton hard-cab 6x4 truck. Powered by a Hercules DFXE diesel engine developing 201 hp and geared very low, it could pull a trailer of up to 115,000 lb and proved capable of the task of moving the heaviest tanks then in service.

Production began in 1941, the first batch being received in Britain in 1942 and very quickly demonstrated their rugged reliability in the British campaign in North Africa. Battle-damaged tanks needed to be recovered quickly, often under hostile fire, and returned to workshops for repair. The Diamond T, with its powerful engine and winch, could accomplish this, even in the harshest desert conditions. 5,871 were eventually built by 1945 and were used by virtually every Allied Army in every theatre of World War Two.

The British Army took delivery of around 1,000 during the war years and many continued in service afterwards, being replaced in the early 1950's with the Thornycroft Antar (''Mighty Antar'') although a few remained in Tank Transporter Units up until 1971.

Many of those sold off by the Army after the war were snapped up by heavy haulage and recovery specialists, notably Pickfords and Wynns and were a familiar sight on Britain's roads, pulling heavy lowloaders and fairground trailers or parked on garage forecourts, in readiness for a heavy rescue operation equipped as wreckers. They suffered from ''very limited off-road performance'' as a result of only the two rear axles being driven. Today, many of the 75-year-old Diamond T's can still be found in private ownership in Britain and frequently appear at historic vehicle shows.

The ''Combination Unit'' is referred to as the M19 Tank Transporter, consisting of the M20 Tractor and M9 24-Wheel Trailer. In the nomenclature system used by the U.S Army Ordnance Corps Supply Catalog this vehicle is referred as the ''G159'' It was superseded by the M26, after the introduction of the M26, the U.S relegated M20's to ammunition hauling, for which they proved ''tremendous'' British designation for the tractor unit was ''Diamond T Tractor 6x4 for 40 ton Trailer'' with Model 980 or Model 981 added to distinguish the two. The British-built Trailers were known as ''40 ton Trailer British Mk. I (Crane)'' and ''40 ton Trailer British Mk.II (Dyson)'' being manufactured by either Cranes of Dereham and R. A. Dyson and Company of Liverpool.

▪︎Type: 45-ton Truck-trailer

▪︎Place of origin: United States

▪︎Manufacturer: Diamond T (M20 truck)

▪︎Manufacturer: Fruehauf Trailer Corporation / Winter-Weis / Rodgers (M9 trailer)

▪︎Produced: 1941 to 1945

▪︎Number built: 6,554 (M20 truck)

- M20 truck -

▪︎Mass: 26,650 lb empty / 45,000 lb loaded

▪︎Length: 23 ft 4 in / Width: 8 ft 6 in / Height: 8 ft 5 in

▪︎Powerplant: Hercules DFXE 201 hp

▪︎Transmission: 4 speed × 3 speed auxiliary

▪︎Suspension: Beam axles on leaf springs

▪︎Operational range: 300 miles

▪︎Maximum speed: 23 mph

- M9 trailer -

▪︎Mass: 22,020 lb empty / 112,020 lb loaded

▪︎Length: 29 ft 8 in (incl. drawbar) / Width: 9 ft 6 in / Height: 4 ft 9 in

▪︎Suspension: Trailing beams (front) / center pivot beams (rear).

Information sourced from en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/M19_Tank_Transporter#:~:text=Prod....

The beast's cabover heavy haul truck~

Image provenant d'une brochure publicitaire Oshkosh mettant l'accent sur le modèle W-3000. Cette pub date de 1967.

1967 Oshkosh publicity brochure image featuring the W-3000 model.