View Single Post
  #2  
Old 29-04-08, 02:03
Snowy Snowy is offline
Steve
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Brisbane, Oz
Posts: 113
Default

Weasels were both softskins and carriers, so technically your query could belong in more than one MLU forum

This is all off the top of my head so someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but AFAIK most M29C's in the PTO were generally standard OD all over, except for the three-colour camo scheme seen on Iwo Jima. Online there are photos but they are generally scattered around the net - I have one of MacArthur standing next to a four-star M29C on Leyte.

For now, this one is probably closest to your query, it's a short film of Weasels in the PTO: http://www.realmilitaryflix.com/public/755.cfm

You can also see another OD one for a second or two in this clip on Youtube, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDBxvT54ZOc

Have a look through the Weasel Board at http://www.m29cweasel.org as there are a few pics there.

If you are after published photos, the ISO Weasel book (first edition is best) has quite a number of images taken in the PTO.
Also the book 'US Amtracs and Amphibians at War 1941-45' by Steven Zaloga has a few good photos including some featuring the 3-colour scheme mentioned above. This matched the scheme seen on LVT's in the same area.

Although in common use in the ETO from D-Day on, they appeared in the Pacific relatively late - Iwo was IIRC the first time, according to the book 'Across the Reef' - so that is my guess as to why PTO Weasel photos are comparatively rare.

Not sure about Navy use during WWII, but I've seen photos of (grey?) USN-marked M29C's used for emergencies and evacuations during the 1950's and orange USN-stencilled ones in Antarctica during the IGY.
Hope that helps a little,

Steve.
Reply With Quote