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A
Mk.I* carrier in service in Italy with the Hastings & Prince Edward
Regiment. Note the excessive load! Ten men with weapons and equipment...
the compression of the rear suspension is indicative of the stress on the
entire drivetrain with a load like this, and ultimately, a raison-d'etre
for the T-16 and Windsor variants. |
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Jim
Rice sent in this pic of his restored Mk.I* carrier (CT163013) at a recent
show in western Canada. Apparently, between Manitoba and Alberta, there's
quite a carrier cult happening out there... look for more photos soon! |
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Bruce
Parker's restored Canadian Ford Universal Carrier, MkI*. Dug out of a farmer's
field where it had sat bellied-in for 15 years, this vehicle was painstakingly
restored and re-equipped literally, 'from the ground up'. Note the Bren
gun on its AA mount, and the PIAT AT spigot launcher in the vehicle commander's
position. This vehicle is also equipped with a Canadian No.19 wireless
set. The standard smoke discharger bracket can be seen near the top of
the hull plate on the left of the picture. |
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A
good detail shot from the right side. Bren, PIAT and both A- and B-set
masts are plainly visible. Current markings are of the Irish Regiment of
Canada, which served with the 5th Canadian Armoured Division in Italy and
Holland. Their regimental association and its members are tremendously
supportive of Bruce's efforts to restore and display period equipment -
it makes it all worthwhile.
More
details on this relationship, with a surprising twist, coming shortly! |
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The
same, on parade with vets of the 1st Canadian Infantry Division and 5th
Canadian Armoured Division, which fought a largely ignored and miserable
war in Italy, and finished up in Holland in 1945. Note the 'escort' in
battledress. This pic also shows the detail for the stowage bins on the
back deck of the MkI*. |
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External
stowage detail for a 3-inch mortar carrier. This particular unit
was seen at the Beltring show in the U.K. For some excellent photgraphs
of this carrier, please see Chris Shillito's ARMOUR
IN FOCUS site. (photo courtesy of Chris
Shillito) |
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Just
acquired by Paul Schoeman (a transplanted Canadian in southern California),
this MkI* sports a variation of 'Mickey Mouse' camouflage. This vehicle
is basically complete, but lacks some accoutrements; Paul is presently
seeing to some overdue service and putting the finishing touches on her
- she's definitely a 'runner' rather than a 'showpiece'... the way they
should be!
Note
the "US" star painted on this carrier. This was the standard air-ground
vehicle identification mark agreed to by all Allied participants from D-Day
onwards. Canadians in the field often showed their disdain for such 'Americanization'
by painting the stars on crooked or even upside down. |
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The
Moment of Truth, as Paul's new acquisition rolls off the truck for the
first time! |
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Toodling
around the yard where the carrier currently resides. Paul found there was
some maintenance required after several months' storage; look for a comprehensive
collection of observations and insights from this first-time carrier owner,
coming soon! |
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The
Double Vee says it all! Yet another carrier-aholic in the ranks... |
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Mk.I*
CT113394, present ownership unknown. The WD number painted on the side
is found stamped into the top surface of the armour plate immediately in
front of the driver. Canadian carrier crews often left off the "C" (as
pictured above, with Bruce's carrier); The "T" by itself was the British
convention.
This
picture was taken at the static display portion of an airshow at CFB Trenton,
Ontario, some years ago. Where is it now? |
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A
rear view of the same carrier. Although the Mk.I* series were not originally
equipped with any kind of towing facilities, they were sometimes retrofitted
later in the war with the towing fittings from the Mk.II*, as seen here.
Unfortunately, though, the Mk.I and Mk.II carriers were found wanting regarding
towing heavier loads; by Normandy, for instance, the U.S. T-16 with its
extra road wheel on each side, was the standard 6pdr AT gun mover, and
even that was supplanted later with the Canadian Windsor carrier,
lengthened for greater stability. |
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A
wartime 'publicity' shot of an adapted MkI* in the service of a Canadian
Motor Machine Gun Battalion. Note that all lighting and POL racks have
been removed and the crew's personal large packs and duffles tied in in
their place. Most likely, British or American jerricans have been secured
to the back deck.
Note
also the tow chain, spare tracking and stowage boxes which have been secured
to the front of this carrier. the smoke discharger is visible below and
to the left of the gun.
Interesting,
too, the choice of helmets by the individual crew members: the corporal
in front, and the man behind the Vickers gun both wear the 'carrier' helmet,
which is an adaptation of the same helmet used by British and Canadian
airborne troops and dispatch riders. The others obviously prefer the more
traditional 'pudding bowl' style. Both are equally uncomfortable. |
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| Updated
24 Jan 00 |
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| Copyright ©
Geoff
Winnington-Ball , 1999-2000 / All Rights Reserved |
