AOP Carrier

[Nigel Watson]

Originally posted by Bruce Parker
1.The gunner's opening in front is closed.

2. On the rear deck, not stowed as per a Mk.1, is a Bren, a Bren AA post and 1 quart C.T. fire extinguisher.

3. The 11 set aerial mount is moved forward and in it's place there is a long, narrow bin, perhaps for an artillery plotting board? The forward stay for the aerial has been moved from behind the driver to in front of him.

4. There is an 11 set aerial and spare elements so an 11 set is likely present somewhere. This would date the picture 1941 or early 1942. A reel of telephone wire is on the back deck suggesting line comms equipment.

5. The Carrier is based on an early British Mk.1, but just possibly could be a Canadian one.

6. Much of the interior clutter seen on a Mk.1 has been removed leaving working space for the crew.

The tac signs would suggest this carrier was issued to a unit, but if these were used in service, there isn't much evidence of it and they couldn't have been common.

T35913 is a Armoured Observation Post Carrier MkII built in 1940-41 by Aveling Barford, England. One of 493 built to contract no. T9838.

Bruce you're quite correct with the plotting table stowage bin. The aerial mount though was used for the No.11 and No.19 sets and thats the "D" section aerial in it as you know. I also wonder if the Bren was used for "spotting" targets or defending the Troop Commander?

As far as the signage is concerned. The Division Sign, Elephant on a white background is 4th Corps, not to be confused with the Elephant on a green background which is 31st Indian Armoured Division! The RF denotes Troop Commanders vehicle of "R" Battery (GF would be the Gun Position Officer). The Tactical Sign, 3 over a white red blue square donates a Medium Artillery used by the Canadian Corps in 1941.

Here's the front view hopefully!

Nigel