[Ed Storey]

Back in the 90s I had an article published in Wheels and Tracks Magazine based on the vehicle trials reports that had been written during Exercise Eskimo which was held in northern Saskatchewan in the spring of 1945.

Here is what I reported at that time on the Canadian Armoured Snowmobile Mk I.

SNOWMOBILE, ARMOURED CANADIAN MK I

The oversnow performance of this vehicle was good except for the high power loss when traversing loosely packed snow. This slowed the vehicle down to such an extent that much of its effectiveness as a speedy reconnaissance vehicle was lost. It is considered that much of this could be overcome by providing track shoes that would ride on top of the snow rather than cutting through it. A track shoe similar to that on the Cargo Carrier M29 might be suitable, as this vehicle performed better than the snowmobile on loosely packed snow. The general track design of the Snowmobile should be retained however, as it gave very little trouble.

On one occasion the snowmobile was forded across a river approximately 1 metre deep at a temperature of -26C. No preliminary precautions were taken and no subsequent mechanical trouble was encountered.

A number of minor difficulties were experienced with the Snowmobile but these were to be expected in a new production vehicle. Most of these had been corrected in production and modification instructions had been issued to take care of vehicles already produced.


This vehicle was used as a substitute for light reconnaissance cars, armoured cars and a portion of carriers, universal. It was unsuitable for the purposes

intended for the following reasons:

a. In lieu of a light reconnaissance car because of:

(1) Limited Capacity. It carried a crew of only two, while three were required, and there was no space for personal equipment that was carried in winter.

(2) Limited Observation and Protection. All round vision was possible only by exposure of the crew commander's head and shoulders to both the elements and enemy observation and fire. It was considered that a turret or similar substitute was required.

(3) Restricted Performance in Deep Snow. The speed and mobility of the Snowmobile were somewhat restricted in deep snow. Since speed and mobility are the essential characteristics of the light recce car, it is considered that the snowmobile is unsuitable. If the track pressure could be reduced, it is thought that adequate performance would result. This might be accomplished by the use of lighter armour.

b. In lieu of armoured cars because of:

(1) Limited Armament. As armoured cars mount a light anti-tank gun, a medium machine gun and a light machine gun as well as a smoke discharger, it is assumed that a similar replacement vehicle should be similarly equipped. The Snowmobile was capable of mounting one LMG only.

(2) Limited Capacity. It should be capable of carrying a crew of three plus additional kit.

(3) Limited Observation. Commanders and gunners must have unrestricted vision. This would not be possible in the snowmobile without undue exposure to observation and small arms fire, as well as to the elements. It is thought that a heated turret with a copula of shatterproof material is required.

c. In lieu of Carrier Universal because of:

(1) Limited Capacity. It should be capable of carrying a crew of three plus additional equipment.

The Artillery stated that the Snowmobile, was found inadequate to accommodate personnel and equipment of the forward observation officer and party.

The Snowmobile could tow the 40mm Bofors, except around short turns, but the present vehicle did not have sufficient cargo carrying capacity.

Later in the Exercise, although not designed for the task, a Snowmobile was used for towing a gun into position away from roads. Since the towing hook on the Snowmobile was set too low, the trail of the gun dug into the ground on inclines.

The Signals recommended that the oversnow vehicles be heated. They also reported that the vehicle lacked in load and personnel carrying capacity and it had a very high fuel consumption.

The Medical Corps reported that there was no room inside the Armoured Snowmobile to accommodate stretcher cases. One stretcher might be lashed to the top, but the fine snow thrown by the tracks would cover the patient and chill him. It was therefore impractical for routine evacuation but may be employed to evacuate an occasional casualty in a trailer or attach a train of toboggans with casualties.