Vickers Utility Tractors in the Netherlands East Indies

[Mark W. Tonner]

Originally posted by Stellan Bojerud
As I have understood 50 Vickers Utility Tractors were ordered from Familleureux factory in Belgium by the Netherlands East Indies Army (KNIL) in Oct 1939. This was followed by a second order for 30 more vehicles in Dec 1939.

The first 20 reached Java in April 1940. Another 30 were scheduled for delivery in May 1940 but overrun by the German invasion of Belgium.

2) What happned with the tractors captured by the Germans? Did they use them or hand them over to their allies?

Stellan;

Don't know if this helps, but I came across the following two photos of Captured Belgian licenced Vickers-Armstrong Utility Tractors in German service, vehicle designation: Art Schl VA 601(b). Two versions used, one with rear seats and the other without.

Version in photos: with rear seats

Photo # 1 (Top) - shows a Art Schl VA 601(b) with rear seats folded up carrying mail and
Photo # 2 (Bottom) - shows a Art Schl VA 601(b) with rear seats folded down being used has an artillery tractor towing a 5cm PaK38

Hope this helps

Cheers