"Military Motor Transport Between the Wars" Topic

"Big strides were made with the development of military motor transport between the wars. These article show a selection of typical vehicles developed over the period. One British experimental design is shown, the Armstrong-Saurer of 1929, which had twin steering front axles in an attempt to improve cross-country performance and handling. The standard German light truck of the 1930s was the Krupp L2H43, a 6 X 4 vehicle with a 52 hp air-cooled engine. It was used for several roles, notably as a troop transporter, a towing vehicle for light AA and anti-tank guns, as a decontamination vehicle, and as a maintenance vehicle. It was a very successful design, still in wide service during World War II. It had all-round independent suspension. In the late 1920s the British War Office issued new requirements for subsidy vehicles. One was for a light 1-to 1.5-ton 6 X 4 truck using a patent WD designed rear suspension which allowed both rear axles to be driven . A well-type body was specified so that personnel could sit each side Morris-Commercial produced their D type, to this specification and it was widely used, some being still in service in World War II. Other makers included Crossley, Vulcan, and Garner. In the late 1930s the light type lorry was replaced by the 15 cwt 4 X 2-type truck. This was sometimes called a ‘platoon truck', as in the re-equipped mechanised British Army it was planned to allocate one to every infantry platoon, to carry personnel and equipment. The Morris Commercial 15 cwt CS8 was the first in production in 1935-36. These vehicles utilised as many commercial parts as possible but were simplified by the omission of a cab, which also facilitated fitting. Other major 15 cwt makers were Guy, Ford, Commer, and Bedford. Later vehicles had cabs and side doors…"

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Amicalement
Armand

Gotta love those Blandford illustrations….

(smile)

Amicalement
Armand