Quote:
Originally posted by David_Hayward
There are however detailed differences between the rebuilds on the Portees and the [using that word liberally] FAT Mk 111 No. 5, but it remains an enigma as to how many trucks based on the No. 5 were actually built!
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I'd say there are more than "detailed differences" between the C8/AT Mk III and the Contract S.5728 "Gun Tractor FAT". I seriously doubt many of the latter were built, as the need for Airportable 17-pdr 4x4 Anti-Tank Tractors must have been limited. Anyone with a good insight in the organisation of the Airborne Divisions should be able to give an estimate of the numbers used/needed.
David, do you know how many C8/MG Portees and C8/P Predictors were converted into C8/AT's?
Also, the Airportable C8/AT Mk III was not liked very well. Possibly the Contract S.5728 "Gun Tractor FAT" was built to overcome the weak points of the C8/AT Mk III?
There are various C8/AT Mk III's surviving in the UK:
http://www.users.zetnet.co.uk/lsm/dhmg/belt00-2.html
http://www.military39-45.freeuk.com/Update08/pic008.htm
Below is another picture of the Airportable C8/AT owned by Rob van Meel and Monica Baan. They use it each year for the Market-Garden commemorations.