MLU FORUM  

Go Back   MLU FORUM > MILITARY VEHICLES > The Softskin Forum

Notices

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 01-01-13, 02:13
Mike Cecil Mike Cecil is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Cody, Wyoming, USA
Posts: 2,365
Default GPW Holden Ambulance?

Gents,

I've just been reading the latest CMV, and noted the comment on page 68 by Nigel Hay, about the 'hyper rare ex-USMC, Holden bodied ambulance jeep'. Ex-USMC and hyper rare I have no qualms about, but 'Holden Bodied'?

Can't say a quick scan of the research library yielded anything useful to identify that Holden carried out conversions for the USMC of jeeps into Ambulances. Does anyone have anything concrete about this in the way of documentation, design specs, or anything to irrefutably tie this conversion back to GMH, please?

These are not the Australian Army's ambulance jeep conversions, but something quite different.

Curious....


Mike C
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 01-01-13, 02:30
Hanno Spoelstra's Avatar
Hanno Spoelstra Hanno Spoelstra is offline
MLU Administrator
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: The Netherlands
Posts: 14,400
Default

Mike,

Indeed they did. Do a google search to find more info, like from http://www.film.queensu.ca/cj3b/fire...bulances.htmIl

Quote:
Perhaps the most famous WWII ambulance jeeps were those used by the U.S. Marines in the Pacific, beginning at Guadalcanal. Known as the "Holden" ambulances because the first 200 or so conversions were done by the General Motors-Holden factory in Melbourne, Australia, very few are known to survive. Additional similar conversions were done in the U.S., and some Holdens were still in service in Korea.
The Royal Netherlands Marines, trained and equipped by the USMC, used them in Indonesia after WW2.

Hanno
Attached Thumbnails
Rt20Frt.jpg  
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 01-01-13, 02:48
Mike Cecil Mike Cecil is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Cody, Wyoming, USA
Posts: 2,365
Default

Thanks Hanno,

I took a look at that and the entry is based upon the MVPA magazine article that states the conversion was done by GMH, but that article doesn't provide any evidence for the claim.

I know the conversion has been reported as being carried out by GMH - it has become one of those commonly accepted views we all just 'know'. But curiosity led me to have a look and see if there was any hard evidence to support that, and so far, I've come up short, hence my query here to MLU.

Mike C
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 01-01-13, 03:43
Mike Kelly's Avatar
Mike Kelly Mike Kelly is online now
Fan of Lord Nuffield
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Victoria Australia
Posts: 5,607
Default Usmc

Hi Mike

It is mentioned in the WW2 GMH 'war record' . Do you have a copy of the excellent book, published by GMH themselves ?

I will find the relevant page and post it here later tonight
__________________
1940 cab 11 C8
1940 Morris-Commercial PU
1941 Morris-Commercial CS8
1940 Chev. 15cwt GS Van ( Aust.)
1942-45 Jeep salad
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 01-01-13, 05:48
Mike Cecil Mike Cecil is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Cody, Wyoming, USA
Posts: 2,365
Default

Mike

Thanks: found it! Page 31.

The story refers to the US Forces at Buna-Sanananda, which I thought were US Army. Have to check further.

Mike C
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 01-01-13, 10:23
Lionelgee's Avatar
Lionelgee Lionelgee is offline
Lionel G. Evans
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Bundaberg - Queensland, Australia
Posts: 719
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike Kelly View Post
Hi Mike

It is mentioned in the WW2 GMH 'war record' . Do you have a copy of the excellent book, published by GMH themselves ?

I will find the relevant page and post it here later tonight
G'day the two Mike's,

Could you please post the full title of the book and the ISBN number please?

I have typed in a couple of different versions of the title and have had no luck so far in a couple of library catalogues.

Kind Regards
Lionel
__________________
1940 Chevrolet MCP with Holden Built Cab (30 CWT).
1935 REO Speed Wagon.
1963 Series 2A Army Ambulance ARN 112-211
Series III ex-Military Land Rovers x 2
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 01-01-13, 10:31
Lionelgee's Avatar
Lionelgee Lionelgee is offline
Lionel G. Evans
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Bundaberg - Queensland, Australia
Posts: 719
Default Found a link

Hello Two Mikes and other MLU People,

Firstly - Happy 2013 to everyone.

I had a bit of a dig and found a link on the internet from a group by the name of G503.com - the name of the thread is "Do I have a USMC Holden Ambulance Jeep?"

http://g503.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=84&t=152844

Plus some rather bouncy video image of one in action http://www.armyjeepsforsale.net/usmc...lance-jeep.php

This link then goes to a couple of other links.

I am not sure if these are the same vehcile as your mentions Mike C?

Kind Regards
Lionel
__________________
1940 Chevrolet MCP with Holden Built Cab (30 CWT).
1935 REO Speed Wagon.
1963 Series 2A Army Ambulance ARN 112-211
Series III ex-Military Land Rovers x 2
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 01-01-13, 10:49
Lionelgee's Avatar
Lionelgee Lionelgee is offline
Lionel G. Evans
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Bundaberg - Queensland, Australia
Posts: 719
Default Holden Jeep at Iwo Jima

Hello All,

I found a Youtube video from Iwo Jima colour and silent. The first half of the shot makes me think that the photographer had a bit of a wheel fetish as that is all that is visible. Or maybe it was "arty" things do improve later with decent footage taken of various vehicles including the "Holden Ambulances"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDBxvT54ZOc

Plus some more footage of this type of vehicle but as per following description ... "US 22nd Marine Regiment, 6th Division advances in Okinawa. Jeep wheel gets stuck in mud. Hills in background. Marine Corps Ambulance jeep (a "Holden" with spare tire on hood) driven through deep mud followed by other vehicles, trucks and jeeps. Jeep with a sign 'convoy' on it, passes by on a muddy road followed by a convoy of International 6x6 trucks." Accessed 1st January 2013 from http://www.criticalpast.com/video/65...s-stuck-in-mud

Kind Regards
Lionel
__________________
1940 Chevrolet MCP with Holden Built Cab (30 CWT).
1935 REO Speed Wagon.
1963 Series 2A Army Ambulance ARN 112-211
Series III ex-Military Land Rovers x 2

Last edited by Lionelgee; 01-01-13 at 10:56.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 01-01-13, 13:24
Mike Kelly's Avatar
Mike Kelly Mike Kelly is online now
Fan of Lord Nuffield
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Victoria Australia
Posts: 5,607
Default book

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lionelgee View Post
G'day the two Mike's,

Could you please post the full title of the book and the ISBN number please?

I have typed in a couple of different versions of the title and have had no luck so far in a couple of library catalogues.

Kind Regards
Lionel
hi Lionel

Just after WW2 the 'war record' book was apparently printed for the executives of GMH , each copy was to be signed by the new owner . There are a few copies around , but it isn't a common book . The print run would have been rather low , maybe 500 copies ?

You might get lucky on ebay one day .

Mike
__________________
1940 cab 11 C8
1940 Morris-Commercial PU
1941 Morris-Commercial CS8
1940 Chev. 15cwt GS Van ( Aust.)
1942-45 Jeep salad
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 03-01-13, 07:19
motto motto is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Woodend,Victoria,Australia
Posts: 1,068
Default H.V.McKay

H.V.McKay of Sunshine Harvester fame produced a large format, magazine style publication after the war showing their contribution to the war effort. The range of products they turned out was quite extensive and mostly unrecognised today but I suppose that's true of many large companies.

David
__________________
Hell no! I'm not that old!
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 03-01-13, 07:27
Mike Kelly's Avatar
Mike Kelly Mike Kelly is online now
Fan of Lord Nuffield
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Victoria Australia
Posts: 5,607
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by motto View Post
H.V.McKay of Sunshine Harvester fame produced a large format, magazine style publication after the war showing their contribution to the war effort. The range of products they turned out was quite extensive and mostly unrecognised today but I suppose that's true of many large companies.

David
There was a similar publication produced by the Australian wireless industry . It details all of the projects undertaken during WW2 e.g., the 19 set ( Aust.) , made by AWA during 1943 . I have seen a copy, but sadly I do not own a copy.

Mike
__________________
1940 cab 11 C8
1940 Morris-Commercial PU
1941 Morris-Commercial CS8
1940 Chev. 15cwt GS Van ( Aust.)
1942-45 Jeep salad
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 04-01-13, 16:04
Duane Leiker's Avatar
Duane Leiker Duane Leiker is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Culpeper, Va
Posts: 36
Default

The Holden Jeep in the photo is/was owned by Kevin Kronlund in Spooner Wisconsin. Since my friend Kevins passing last year, much of his collection is for sale. The Jeep is in excellent condition with all the bells and whistles. A true rarity.
__________________
Rangers Lead the Way,
Duane Leiker

M29C Floater-"Jasmine" (Sold)
Faun Kraka-"Rommel" (Sold)
Member: The Ranger Regiment Association #5005,#5008
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 06-01-13, 01:32
Snowy Snowy is offline
Steve
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Brisbane, Oz
Posts: 113
Default

The first use of the term 'Holden Ambulance' appears to originate from the book 'JEEPS over the Pacific' by Yasuo Ohtsuka and Darcy Miller, published 1994.
At the start of the chapter on ambulance jeeps, page 20 states that of the many jeep ambulances the only mass-produced conversion by an auto manufacturer was General Motors Holden Co of Melbourne, Australia who contracted with the US Marine Corps.
It also mentions 'In this book we will call them the "HOLDEN AMBULANCE".

Steve.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 20-01-13, 00:25
Jeff Gordon Jeff Gordon is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Samford Qld Austraila
Posts: 254
Default

There was one in the back shed at the MVPA Convention 2010 at Topika.
It was embarrassing to see just how bodgy the job was. Look at the rear door hindge and the welds. But that is how they all were.
Cheers
Jeff
__________________
42WLA HD
41 BSA WM20
42 GPW
42 C15A
43 969A Diamond T wrecker
Type 2,3 & 4 Ausssie jeep trailers
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 01-02-13, 08:57
Mike Kelly's Avatar
Mike Kelly Mike Kelly is online now
Fan of Lord Nuffield
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Victoria Australia
Posts: 5,607
Default Australian Jeep Ambulance

............................oops wrong pic
Attached Thumbnails
jeep00094.JPG   jeep000095.jpg   jeep00095.JPG  
__________________
1940 cab 11 C8
1940 Morris-Commercial PU
1941 Morris-Commercial CS8
1940 Chev. 15cwt GS Van ( Aust.)
1942-45 Jeep salad
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 23-03-20, 13:11
Mike Kelly's Avatar
Mike Kelly Mike Kelly is online now
Fan of Lord Nuffield
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Victoria Australia
Posts: 5,607
Default GMH Jeep ambulance ?

Found this interesting pic on the slatt grill facebook page. Is that a little door cut into the rear panel ?

Utube action https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_c...ature=emb_logo
Attached Thumbnails
30571646_10212145193766945_6054262423873912832_o.jpg  
__________________
1940 cab 11 C8
1940 Morris-Commercial PU
1941 Morris-Commercial CS8
1940 Chev. 15cwt GS Van ( Aust.)
1942-45 Jeep salad

Last edited by Mike Kelly; 23-03-20 at 13:52.
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 23-03-20, 18:48
Hanno Spoelstra's Avatar
Hanno Spoelstra Hanno Spoelstra is offline
MLU Administrator
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: The Netherlands
Posts: 14,400
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike Kelly View Post
Found this interesting pic on the slatt grill facebook page. Is that a little door cut into the rear panel ?
Yes it is. Part of a quite elaborate conversion by GM Holden for the USMC.

(Merged your thread with an earlier on on the same topic.)
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 23-03-20, 19:34
Mike Cecil Mike Cecil is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Cody, Wyoming, USA
Posts: 2,365
Default

There are a few more images in Lloyd White's Evolution of the W/O MB Jeep, Volume 2.

Mike
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 24-03-20, 19:30
Alex van de Wetering Alex van de Wetering is offline
Moderator
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Hoofddorp, The Netherlands
Posts: 2,670
Default

I believe there is an original restored one here in Holland, but sadly I haven't seen it at an event yet.
__________________
Chevrolet C8 cab 11 FFW
BSA Folding Bicycle
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 24-03-20, 22:32
Hanno Spoelstra's Avatar
Hanno Spoelstra Hanno Spoelstra is offline
MLU Administrator
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: The Netherlands
Posts: 14,400
Default Dutch example

Quote:
Originally Posted by Alex van de Wetering View Post
I believe there is an original restored one here in Holland, but sadly I haven't seen it at an event yet.
Indeed there is, saw it back in 2014 during the XXX Corps event (it didn't take part). It is a superbly restored example, see an album with pictures of its restoration here:
https://s759.photobucket.com/user/ma...?sort=3&page=1
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 25-03-20, 06:29
gjamo's Avatar
gjamo gjamo is offline
Graeme Jamieson
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Williamstown Vic Australia
Posts: 599
Default

Mike,s stretcher pic is at Melbourne Showgrounds.

Last edited by gjamo; 25-03-20 at 06:33. Reason: no info and can not spell.
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 25-03-20, 08:38
Mike Kelly's Avatar
Mike Kelly Mike Kelly is online now
Fan of Lord Nuffield
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Victoria Australia
Posts: 5,607
Default Yes

Quote:
Originally Posted by gjamo View Post
Mike,s stretcher pic is at Melbourne Showgrounds.
Well spotted . I thought the background was familiar ... Is that a blurry Ford staff car ? Can remember when the showbags were 2 shillings ��
__________________
1940 cab 11 C8
1940 Morris-Commercial PU
1941 Morris-Commercial CS8
1940 Chev. 15cwt GS Van ( Aust.)
1942-45 Jeep salad
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 25-03-20, 10:35
gjamo's Avatar
gjamo gjamo is offline
Graeme Jamieson
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Williamstown Vic Australia
Posts: 599
Default The Grand Stand has not changed a lot.

GMH ex employees club have many pics of this ambulance conversion.
Attached Thumbnails
Show.jpg   0.jpg  
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 25-03-20, 17:09
Mike Cecil Mike Cecil is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Cody, Wyoming, USA
Posts: 2,365
Default Mcg?

I thought the images were taken behind the stands at the MCG? The building to the right in the vintage image seems to curve around in the background.

Mike
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 25-03-20, 17:21
David Dunlop David Dunlop is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Winnipeg, MB
Posts: 3,384
Default

I wondered about that also, Mike, but it might just be a change in the pitch of the roof producing that illusion.

That mod is quite extensive on the part of GMH. I wonder if it was an extensive rework of the existing bodies, or a complete new build rear body section that was swapped in?

David
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 25-03-20, 17:59
Mike Cecil Mike Cecil is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Cody, Wyoming, USA
Posts: 2,365
Default

Not definitive, of course, but no mention of the RAS Showgrounds in this article:

http://history.unimelb.edu.au/overhe...TALOGUE_P6.pdf

David, the body in the first image has 'Willys' pressed into it, so I think these were re-works of existing jeeps to fulfill a need at short notice.

Mike

Last edited by Mike Cecil; 25-03-20 at 18:59.
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 25-03-20, 20:06
Hanno Spoelstra's Avatar
Hanno Spoelstra Hanno Spoelstra is offline
MLU Administrator
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: The Netherlands
Posts: 14,400
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike Cecil View Post
David, the body in the first image has 'Willys' pressed into it, so I think these were re-works of existing jeeps to fulfill a need at short notice.
Yes, they converted existing jeeps (which may not even have been brand new ones?)

Holden converted 200 for use in the Pacific TO, more were converted in the US - read more here: https://www.cj3b.info/Fire/MilitaryAmbulances.html

This is a webpage with the Dutch example: http://www.yankreenactment.nl/jeep/the-holden-jeep/
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 29-03-20, 13:36
Hanno Spoelstra's Avatar
Hanno Spoelstra Hanno Spoelstra is offline
MLU Administrator
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: The Netherlands
Posts: 14,400
Default Dutch Holden Ambulance

Quote:
Originally Posted by Hanno Spoelstra View Post
Indeed there is, saw it back in 2014 during the XXX Corps event (it didn't take part).
I knew I had a pic somewhere - at Valkenswaard, 2014:

Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_9132_resized.jpg
Views:	5
Size:	800.2 KB
ID:	112849
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT +2. The time now is 02:46.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright © Maple Leaf Up, 2003-2016