Passing the following information along:
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Dear Sir,
Browsing the internet (I am also a small scale modeller)I came across your site where the Universal Carrier and 'Arnhem' were discussed.
Having privately published my first book "Tugs and Gliders to Arnhem" in 2000 (subtitle "A Detailed Survey of the British Glider Towing Operations During Operation 'Market Garden', 17, 18 and 19 September 1944") I think I can shed some more light on this item, quoting from my book:
The Airborne Carrier at 'Arnhem'
Eighteen carriers would be transported to the operational area near Arnhem / Oosterbeek. Each Parachute or Airlanding Brigade was equipped with six carriers, two per Battalion. Having taken off from RAF Station Tarrant Rushton and towed by Halifax tugs, the nine Hamilcar gliders detailed to transport the eighteen carriers to their landing zones suffered no abortive sorties en route and all eighteen carriers arrived on the Landing Zone.Two carriers were catapulted through their Hamilcar's nose when the glider landed heavily on the railway embankment. As a result of this incident Lieutenant Colonel Frost's 2nd Parachute Battalion was short of one carrier on their advance to Arnhem bridge. This carrier was salvaged a day later by men of the Glider Pilot Regiment.
The Airborne Carrier performed sterling duties during the battle, carrying heavy equipment and serving with distinction as a vehicle which could get much needed supplies under fire to 'hotspots' which could not be reached by the less protected jeeps.
During the course of the battle the removal of the towing-hook would prove to be an unwise decision. On more than one occasion anti-tank guns could not be moved due to the fact that these guns were under small rifle fire.
Although not protected by heavy armour the carrier's box-like construction with an armour plating of 7,5-12 mm offered some protection against rifle fire and as such an anti-tank gun towing-role could have made a difference in some of the local battles.
I trust to have been of service to you with the above information.
Yours sincerely,
Arie-Jan van Hees
PS: more info on "Tugs and Gliders to Arnhem" can be found on following website: marketgarden.com
looks at a multi-period building.