Shilo's new T-16

[Michael R.]

Is the original WD number 92032 ?
If it is, that is odd for a WD range that started with 92001 through 107000.
What is the Contract number on the data plate?

T16 MK-I 4.2" Mortar Carrier?

The bins in the rear compartment are for the 4.2" mortar, as are the brackets.
Normally found mounted over the engine, you may yet find the brackets for the bipod assembly, or vice versa.
The towing arms remain on the rear hull, less the hook and spring.

Note the full length sand shields removed, a boarding step replacing them.
The hull extension plates are likely factory installed, consistent with the date of manufacture. Straight spoke wheels were recorded as pre-1900 serial number, the Kelsey-Hayes discs began production late Sept., 1943.

If your engine has a TL number on it, perhaps the block is a replacement. A T16 block would show GAU vs TL.

How common are Canadian service T16's in Canada. I have seen one. Did Canada use about 750 T16's in NWE?


As you are far to occupied with a multitude of projects, drag and drop this at my place when you come east to collect the other 25 pdr. I will contribute to your fuel costs if necessary.

[rob love]

Ross:

How very generous of you, but it is now accessioned to the museum so out of my control.

Track appears in great shape with plenty of tooth on the sprockets. They are also TL marked, so I suspect that over time the US track was replaced in service with Cdn track. I have not checked the road wheels to see if the straight spoked ones are Canadian replacements. It is very possible that if this vehicle served through the 50s that the RCEME used what was available and worked as opposed to bringing in T-16 parts for the repairs.

Spotted the rear stowage bin in the back of the carrier with better protected tac signs. Have not pulled it out yet but at this point I am pretty sure it was an artillery militia unit.

There was some modification on the front for mounting the base plate. Between that and the base diameter of the mounts, it should be quick enough to determine if this was was a 4.2 or a 3" mortar conversion.

Regarding the numbers on the side, I suspect that domestically they would be the DND numbers rather than WD numbers. Any Canadian based carriers I have observed had the DND number rather than CTL numbers.

[rob love]

At this point I am sure the DND number is 81-032. Why there was a 82-032 will likely forever be a mystery. The numbers have been re-applied at least 6 times that I can see.

I can also confirm that it was central command. I fingernailed some of the paint off the shield, and the lettering support the word central. The word command is obvious.

On both sides underneath or over some of the DND numbers is the blue square with the red corner on the top right. So likely an A bty vehicle at some point. However, there are multiple overlapping unit identifiers in other areas.

On the rear box is a checkerboard of red and white (two red and two white) with a white strip overtop. Very possible the units is identified on the white top strip. According to my 1947 manual of markings (which I sent electronic copies to several of you) that makes it an infantry school vehicle, which would tie in with the mortar conversion.

Photos to follow.....

[Jes Andersen]

Rob, That's a great find and contribution to the museum. I'm still amazed at how many old military vehicles are still out there, relatively unmolested. Out this way, not too much survives the wet climate, although there are still a few inside, just waiting to be rediscovered. Thanks for posting the pictures...

[Frank v R]

well Rob I guess the time has come to teach the Boss the difference between parts only and worthy of restoration and so rare it must be restored, nice carrier!

[rob love]

To be honest I had to make sure it was not just my obsessiveness that saw the beauty. I shot an email to another addict who may or may not ID himself here, and had my worries calmed. I was sold when I saw the mortar brackets.

But as you know Frank, we have a building full of vehicles that need ongoing maintenance, and a compound full of vehicles waiting restoration. This one will be waiting it's turn. As it stands now, the 2VP carrier still waits completion along with the Ford pilot truck, a 15cwt signals, a stuart, a jagpanzer......the list goes on and on. And those are on top of the running repairs, the public parades and displays (which seem to take up so much of the summer/sandblast/paint season).

The one good thing is it will not be going to a scrapper, and can be reasonably preserved in this state without further deterioration until it does climb up the priority list.