Canadian Lend Lease Half tracks

David Dunlop · #1 23-12-09, 04:36

I have just spent the better part of the evening browsing US Government Lend Lease Production documentation and under a section for Carriers, Personnel, Half Track, discovered that Canada took direct possession of 40 M3 (White Series) Half Tracks and 20 M5 (IHC) Half Tracks during the war.

The document also noted that the figures provided did not include in theatre transfers, which were quite common throughout the war.

So it seems that Canada was not an exclusive user of the IHC pattern Half Tracks after all. Total British Empire Half Track acquisition was approximately 5:1 in favour of the IHC product, but even that ratio begs the question of why more wartime photos of White pattern half tracks in Canadian service haven't been found.

Jeroen Sleijpen · #2 24-12-09, 13:28

There was an articel in Army Motors about canadian used halftracks some time ago. That showed White/Diamond T/Autocars as well...

David Dunlop · #3 26-12-09, 05:43

You wouldn't happen to recall the Volume # of the particular Army Motors? I could then check with a couple of friends who have quite a collection of back issues and see f they have it available. Best regards of the season.

Jeroen Sleijpen · #4 26-12-09, 13:02

Give me a couple of days and I will go through the pile of AM's. When I find it, I'll try to scan the pages for you.

Jeroen Sleijpen · #5 26-12-09, 13:27

Ok, here we are:
Army motors numbers 119, 120, 121 and 122. The article is called: "old reliable" The history of a military vehicle, by Donald E. Graves.

It shows both restoration progress pictures and wartime pics of a White M3 halftrack in service with the Canadian Army.

If your friends don't have the AM's, I will be happy to scan the articles for you.

Good luck,
Jeroen