Bedford QL ex-portees

[David_Hayward (RIP)]

I like it when threads are resuscitated and we can add more as a result of new information!

1. We now know that the Chevrolet 2-pdr Portees were:
a) rebuilt as 17-pounder tractors
b) rebuilt as 30-cwt? G/S lorries
both by end 1943, by whom I have no idea yet but possibly GM Ltd Cleckheaton or Bamber Bridge, nr Preston, with shipments back from the North African theatre
c) sold to the Australian Government and New Zealand Government direct from N Africa*
d) obsolete trucks donated or sold to the NZG along with MCC Portees, then rebuilt into G/S or remained as built?

2. The Morris-Commercial 2-pdr Portees were:
a) rebuilt as 17-pdr tractors
b) rebuilt as airportable tractors
c) conjecting rebuilt as G/S lorries?
by Morris Commercial Cars Ltd in Adderley Park, Birmingham by late 1943 under Ministry of Supply contract. I have seen drawings confirming, with originals held at the Parachute Regiment Museum

3. Chevrolet C60L 6-pounder Portees:
rebuilt as 3-ton G/S lorries only? Probably by GM Ltd

4. Bedford QL 6-pounder Portees:
rebuilt as 3-ton G/S lorries only? Possibly by Vauxhall Motors Ltd at Dunstable; the same building that assembled the Churchills.

I should like to get this list confirmed once-and-for-all in due course, and perhaps any other similar rebuilds can be added? I would imagine that Austin Motors Ltd did any K5 rebuild work at Longbridge but it is equally possible that Pearsons of Liverpool could have done so. They rebuilt war-weary K2/Y ambulances for further service.