Carrier Armour Extensions

[Patrice DEBUCQUOY]

And without the plates
http://www.mapleleafup.net/forums/at...1&d=1754649023

[Ed Storey]

The plates were part of a kit that was provided to allow the Universal Carrier to wade ashore from a landing craft. The kits were vehicle specific and provided not only the plates but all of the necessary sealants, waterproofing material and instructions to complete the job prior to loading for the assault.

Wading Instructions for Carriers, Universal, 3-In Mortar and A.O.P. - 1943.jpg

[Michael R.]

Originally Posted by Patrice DEBUCQUOY

And without the plates
http://www.mapleleafup.net/forums/at...1&d=1754649023

perhaps a better match than a British made carrier, here is an image of an obsolete Ford Canada MK-I* now updated to MK-II. Occasionally referred to as MK-II W.G.S. , (Welsh Guards Stowage)

Image credit Archives Canada, 4th Field, RCA, 18/20 July, 1944, Vaucelles, France.

Not C31UCW No-2 MK-II*, which was not deployed during the early months following the Normandy landings.

Assorted reference sources, though Nigel Watson, Universal Carriers, Volumes 1 & 2 are exceptional. Volume 3 has a drawing archive to complement the book.

[Dan Martel]

Originally Posted by Michael R.

Occasionally referred to as MK-II W.G.S. , (Welsh Guard Stowage).

I've seen the term 'Welsh Guards Stowage' in books and on blogs for years, but I've never seen it explained. Do you know what WGS is or means?

[stephen crowhurst]

Welsh Guards Stowage

[Michael R.]

Originally Posted by Dan Martel

I've seen the term 'Welsh Guards Stowage' in books and on blogs for years, but I've never seen it explained. Do you know what WGS is or means?

As Stephen posted, the change in how a MK-I/MK-I* universal carrier stowed the E.I.S., along with BREN tripod, small arms, SAA, grenades, tracer rounds, … personal issue equipment. . . you get the idea… a place for everything.

The Welsh Guards came up with a unit specific stowage system that improved on the MK-I/MK-I* standard carrier. That style became the accepted standard in the UK. The Canadian military attended a demonstration of the standard, along with the Ford Canada factory representatives who were posted to CMHQ, London. (Sid Swallow, et al)

The name, Welsh Guards Stowage remained.

With major changes in carrier production about to be implemented at Ford Canada, the UK based Canadian factory reps reported the details to Ford Canada, which were then included on the Canadian No-2 MK-II* carrier, identified as C31UCW… the UC self explanatory, the ‘W’ for Welsh, as in Welsh Guards Stowage.

Reference to the process is captured in a series of CMHQ file reports now available through Library and Archives Canada.

However, as this process was underway, the British military group assigned to Washington, USA were meeting with Ford, USA designing a completely new carrier with welded hull and updated stowage system: the 1942 birth of what rolled out as the MARK 1 T16.

[stephen crowhurst]

Thanks Michael R, I new you would have the a far better explanation then me.