French Army Lend Lease Vehicles

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LLV 20. M2 Bo MMG ht

The M2 Halftrack Car was developed in 1939 by Diamond T Motor Car Co based itself on the M2A1/M3 Scout Car (wheeled vehicle). Between 1940 and 1943, 11,415 specimens were produced by White Motor Co. and Autocar Co. The M2 Halftrack was intended to be used as a recon vehicle, mortar or MG carrier, and artillery prime mover. The M2 was divided into three parts: the engine compartment in front, the driving cab in the middle and the compartment of load to the back. The gasoline engine White 160AX of 6 cylinders developing 147 hp installed in front transmitted its power at the same time to the front procket-wheels of the tracked suspension and to the nose gear wheels which gave the steering. This engine made it possible M2 to reach the 72 km/h on road and the 272 L of fuel load got an autonomy of 320 km to it on road. The steering was obtained by means of a simple steering wheel. The tracks used by M2 were in rubber with central guides. They were 300 mm wide and included each one 58 links. The cabin accomodated two men: the driver sitting on the left and his assistant sitting on the right. Just behind the seats of the drivers (in the medium) was a third seat for the commander of the vehicle. The remainder of the back compartment was occupied by seats for 7 men. The armament consisted of a machine-gun .50cal M2HB and a machine-gun .30cal M1919A4 assembled on retractable mountings sliding along a rail making the whole of the back compartment and the cabin. The shielding of M2 was 6.4 mm for all the faces safe for the armoured shutter of the windshield (13 mm). Were employed by the Free French in the same way as U.S. forces used them; e.g., each Division Blindée contained three armored infantry battalions fully equipped with halftracks.

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LLV 21. M3 Bo MMG ht

Since 1937, several models of half-tracked vehicles of reconnaissance, artillery tractors, transport of troops or material were developed by Cunningham, Linn, GMC and Marmon-Herrington bound for the Cavalry and Artillery mechanized. It was slightly longer than the M2 and could seat thirteen including the driver. Its single .30-cal air-cooled MG was pedestal-mounted in the center-foward section of the passenger compartment. 12,499 were built. Compared to their German counterparts, U.S. halftracks had superior overall mobility by virtue of their higher top speed, driven front axles, and front bumper-mounted roller (to help prevent digging into the side of a ditch or steep incline) or winch. On the other hand, U.S. halftracks had no floor armor (thus making their occupants vulnerable to mines), higher ground pressure, and tracks that tended to wear out quickly. A 1942-43 armored infantry platoon consisted of three M3, one M2, and one M3(MMG) halftrack; three M3 with one passenger squad each (and one 60mm MTR in one of the halftracks), one M2 towing a 37mm AT Gun and carrying its crew, and one M3(MMG) for MG support. In 1943, the M3 served in Sicily and Italy and received positive reports of it in action. It operated in Operation Overlord and served in Europe for the remainder of the war. To supply the Allied nations, International Harvester produced several thousand of a very similar vehicle, the M5 half-track, for Lend-Lease. They were employed by the Free French in the same way as U.S. forces used them; e.g., each Division Blindée contained three armored infantry battalions fully equipped with halftracks. Some M3 GMC and T28E1 MGMC were turned over to the Free French in Tunisia, but evidently were used by them only for training.

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LLV 22. M5 Bo HMG ht

The M5 half-track (officially the Carrier, Personnel, Half-track, M5) was developed in 1942 when existing manufacturers of the M2 half-track car, and M3 half-track could not keep up with production demand. International Harvester (IH) had capacity to produce a similar vehicle to the M3, but some differences from the M3 had to be accepted due to different production equipment. IH produced the M5 from December 1942 to October 1943. Using the same chassis as their M5, IH could produce an equivalent to the M2, which was the M9 half-track. There were also variants of the M13 and M16 MGMCs based on the M5. The M13 and M16 were exported to the United Kingdom and to Soviet Union respectively. The M5 was supplied to Allied nations (the British Commonwealth, France, and the Soviet Union) under Lend-Lease. The specifications of the M5 were almost identical to the specifications of the M3 half-track. It was 6.3 m long, 2.23 m wide, 2.74 m high, and had a gross weight of either 8.6 t. It had vertical volute springs for the tracks and semi-elliptical longitudal leaf springs for the wheels. It was powered by a 142 hp IHC RED-450-B, 451 cubic inch (7,390 cc), 6-cylinder engine, with a compression ratio of 6.35:1. It had a fuel capacity of 230 L, a range of 350 km, and a speed of 68 km/h. It had constant mesh transmission, 6.5–13.5 mm of armor, one 12.7 mm M2 machine gun and two 0.3 in (7.6 mm) M1919 machine guns, and crew of three with up to ten passengers. The track was an endless rubber-band track which was made of molded rubber over steel cabling with metal track guides. The first production run of the M5 was completed in December 1942. A total of 7,484 were produced before production was stopped in October 1943. Almost all M5s were sent to U.S. allies for further use.

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LLV 23. M9 Bo MMG ht

The Free French received more than 1,400 U.S. halftracks, most of which were of the M5 and M9 types built by the International Harvester Co. solely for Lend-Lease purposes. They were employed by the Free French in the same way as U.S. forces used them; e.g., each Division Blindée contained three armored infantry battalions fully equipped with halftracks. The M9 half-track was a half-track produced by International Harvester (IH) in the United States during World War II for lend-lease supply to the Allies. The M9 started production in August 1942, at IH. The M9 served for a significant amount of time. 3,500 were produced by the end of World War II. The M9 used the same chassis and mechanical components as the M5. It was laid out to provide similar stowage, access to the radios from the inside, rear doors, and a pedestal machine gun mount as with the M2. The M9A1 variant of the M9 matched the improvements made to the M2, M3, and M5, changing to ring mount machine gun mount and three pintle machine gun mounts. As with the M5, due to the lack of face-hardened armor, homogenous armor was used. Although thicker, it gave less protection and could be penetrated by armor-piercing rifle bullets from 270 m rather than 180 m. The armor also made the vehicle heavier, though the performance was essentially similar. The M9 was used by many countries but not the United States, as there was sufficient M2 and M3 production for U.S. needs. The UK leased some half-tracks to Free France and other governments-in-exile. The Soviet Union received them directly.

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LLV 24. M21 Halftrack 81 mm Mortar

While the "rear-fire only" characteristic of the halftrack mortar carriers enabled them to make a rapid withdrawal from an untenable position, it also meant that they took longer to get into firing position—which made them unpopular with their crews when going into action under fire. Consequently the M21 Mortar Carrier, based on the M3 Halftrack, was designed with a forward-facing mortar. Unlike the M4 mortar carriage, which was based on the M2 Half Track Car, the M21 was based on the M3 Half-track with a longer and roomier rear. The vehicle was 6.32 m long, 2.22 m wide, and 2.26 m high with a wheelbase of 3.44 m. The suspension for the front wheels were leaf springs and track's suspension used a vertical volute spring. Powered by a White 160AX, 128 hp (95 kW), 6,330 cc, 6-cylinder petrol engine with a compression ratio of 6.3:1, the M21 could reach up to 72 km/h on a road. The fuel capacity was 230 l and the vehicle had a range of 240 km. It had a power-to-weight ratio of 15.8 hp/ton with the vehicle weighing nine tons. To allow the use of the mortar in the compartment of combat, the mounting of the weapon was reinforced, as well as the floor of the vehicle. Important fact, the 81 mm M1 mortar was not directed any more backwards but forwards. vehicle and could now swivel of 30° on each side. Armament was supplemented by a .50cal machine-gun (12.7 mm) air-cooled M2HB assembled on pedestal. It was produced by the White Motor Company in 1944. Only 110 examples were produced. The M21 had a different layout from the early M4 and M4A1 MMC, as it was the replacement of the M4. The major difference, was that the M21 and the M4 were based on different half-tracks. 57 examples were leased to Free French forces.

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LLV 25. M4A1 Halftrack 81 mm Mortar

M2 Halftrack Car was modified in October 1941 to be able to transport the mortar of 81 mm M1 in the back compartment. This new model was indicated M4 81 mm Mortar Motor Carriage (MMC). To accomodate the mortar, the seats to the back were removed and replaced by racks of ammunition being able to accomodate 96 projectiles. With this intention a door of access was installed to the back, the rail for machine-guns of M2 however was preserved. M4 was standardized in October 1940 and 572 specimens were produced by White Motor Co in 1942. The M4A1 Mortar Carrier Halftrack, like the M3 Gun Motor Carriage, is a rare derivative of the original M2 Halftrack. The M4 version was developed to meet the need for a self-propelled artillery piece that could be unloaded at the battlefield. The M4 Mortar Carrier was based on the M2 Halftrack and arose from the desire to increase the mobility of the medium, mortar and its crew in mechanized units. Since it was assumed that the mortar would always be dismounted before being fired, the mounting faced to the rear and had an extremely limited traverse. The M4A1 Halftrack 81mm was a redesign of the M4 Mortar Carrier. In it the mortar still faced to the rear, but was provided with increased traverse and a reinforced mount to absorb the shock of recoil when firing. One thought to M3 to transport the mortar of 81 mm towards the end 1942, but as the project did not advance, one used as bases the M2A1. This new model was baptized M4A1 81 mm Mortar Motor Carriage. The M4A1 could use its mortar from the interior and in move because of the reinforcement of the mounting of the mortar and the floor of Halftrack. The M4A1 standardized in December 1942 was produced to 600 specimens by White in 1943.

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LLV 26. Bren Carrier BLMG ht

The tracked armored carrier was by far the most common "AFV" in British service. Originally designed to transport the Vickers MG, by late 1939 three different types had evolved: the Bren, Cavalry, and Scout Carrier. Their primary function was to increase the mobility and protection of LMG and ATR crews in infantry, cavalry light tank, and divisional cavalry units respectively. Then in 1940 the Universal Carrier (referred to as the Bren Carrier) appeared, featuring one basic design which with minor modifications could fill any of these roles. Carrier platoons had the functions of reconnaissance, direct support, flank protection and mobile reserve. The carrier platoon had 10 Carriers in 1939-40, increased to 13 around 1943. The scout platoon comprised 10-11 Carriers. Carriers were also used in the scout troops of the infantry division's recce regiment. They were also employed as command, liaison and artillery observer vehicles. In 1943 a towing attachment was added so that in emergencies they could tow 6pdrs a short distance. About 100,000 Universal Carriers and related types (Bren, Scout, etc.) were built inclusive of all variants, coming from (in descending order of overall production totals) Britain, Canada, the U.S., Australia and New Zealand. Various types of Carriers were used by the Free French, excluding the mortar versions. The 1st Brigade Française Libre had 63 Carriers at Bir Hakeim in May 1942; each of its infantry battalions contained 14-18 (normally in five-vehicle sections), each of which mounted a French MG or 25mm anti-tank gun.

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LLV 27. Quad FAT

The Quad FAT was an artillery tractor 4x4 of the British and Commonwealth forces during World War II. The early 'Quad' bodywork paraded in Tripoli in February 1943. The CMP FAT (Field Artillery Tractor), was a Canadian Military Pattern vehicle manufactured by Ford and Chevrolet. CMP stood for Canadian Military Pattern and was applied to a number of trucks, artillery tractors and utility vehicles built in Canada that combined British design requirements with North American automotive engineering. Several models were produced by the two manufactures as CGT (Chevrolet Gun Tractor) and FGT (Ford Gun Tractor). As with other FATs, the CMP was usually used to tow either the 25-pounder gun-howitzer or the 17-pounder anti-tank gun. A power winch was located above the rear axle for manoeuvring the gun or unbogging the vehicle. Specification was based on the successful British Morris C8 FAT developed before the war, even incorporating right-hand-drive steering. The first models were produced in 1940/41 and the body went through a number of design changes throughout the war. Being based on the British vehicle, CMPs were used extensively by British and Commonwealth forces replacing lost stocks after the Dunkirk evacuation. Forty or more of these prime movers were issued to the Free French for the transport of 25pdr field pieces. Some of them were used instead for towing the French 47mm anti-tank gun. Post-war examples were supplied to Denmark who provided their own bodywork.

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LLV 28. Willys Jeep tr

The British and US Army provided a number of different types of transport vehicles to Free French units, which in the North African desert were completely motorized. In British service the Jeep, or "Car, 5-cwt, 4x4", became almost as common as in U.S. service. It began appearing in North Africa as a command and liaison vehicle in the first half of 1942. As its availability increased, so too did its roles. The recce squadrons in some infantry recce regiments had a six-vehicle Jeep troop, apparently added in late 1942. In January 1943 a three-Jeep recce troop was authorized for each AC squadron in North Africa, but was deleted shortly after the capture of Tunisia. By 1944 the company commanders in infantry and motor battalions had a Jeep as personal transport, with the total number of Jeeps in these battalions being 15 and 6 respectively. Jeeps were vital to the airborne divisions, constituting practically all their front line transport and recon vehicles, as well as towing heavy weapons such as the 6pdr, 20mm AA and 75mm pack howitzer. In the jungles of the Southwest Pacific, Jeeps became the most widely used vehicles in Australian units as they were often the only type of vehicle able to operate anywhere near the front line. In the deserts of the North African campaign, the jeep's abilities so far surpassed those of British vehicles that it wasn't unusual for jeeps to rescue a three-ton truck stuck in the sand. In combat, the British would use their jeeps in groups of up to fifty or sixty to raid Rommel's supply lines by surprise, exploiting the jeep's low silhouette; able to remain unseen, hide behind dunes, and surprise the enemy. Britain, Canada, Australia, India, the Free French, USSR and China all received jeeps, mostly under the American Lend-Lease program. Some 182,500 units were provided to Allies under Lend-Lease alone.

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LLV 29. 15-cwt tr

The British and US Army provided a number of different types of transport vehicles to Free French units, which in the North African desert were completely motorized. In 1939 the British War Department held some 15,000 15-cwt trucks, all 4x2 types. The majority were lost in France in 1940, but by the end of the war over 230,000 were in British service. Most were built in Britain, but a large number were produced in Canada which also shipped chassis to Australia, India, South Africa, etc. for final assembly in those countries. One of the British Army's most common vehicles, the 15-cwt truck could be found in nearly every type of unit. It was used mainly as a supply and load-carrying vehicle, but in motor battalions each section was transported in a 15-cwt until the halftrack and White SC replaced it. In regular infantry battalions each platoon had one 15-cwt for carrying the men's gear. Some of the most common types were the Guy Ant, Bedford MW, Morris CS8, and the Canadian Ford F15 and Chevrolet C15 series. In 1935 the War Office issued specifications for a new 15 cwt 4x2 military truck for service with the British Army, inviting manufacturers to submit designs to take part in annual comparative trials in north Wales, one entrant was a modification of a Bedford Vehicles 2-ton rear wheel drive lorry. Following these trials Bedford fitted a larger radiator and larger tyres, the trials were repeated in 1936 after which Bedford modified the chassis to increase ground clearance and installed a new engine cooling system. For the 1937 trials a new special Bedford WD-1 prototype was produced with a 15 cwt payload, it performed admirably and in 1938 the eventual 72 bhp engine was installed. Between 1939 and 1945 Bedford produced over 66,000 MWs.

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LLV 30. 3-Ton Lorry tr

The British and US Army provided a number of different types of transport vehicles to Free French units, which in the North African desert were completely motorized. The 3-tonner was to the British Army what the 21/2-tonner was to the U.S.—the backbone of its transport. From slightly less than 10,000 4x2 and 6x4 types in 1939, use of the 3-ton lorry increased to the point that by VE Day about 390,000 were in service with the British alone. 4x4 models entered production at the end of 1940, and were the types usually found in the forward areas; e.g., one 3-tonner was the standard method of transport for an infantry platoon. Specially adapted versions were used to tow the Bofors AA gun and to carry the 6pdr AT en portee, and the game piece also represents the AEC Matador medium artillery tractor which towed the 6-in. howitzer, 4.5-in. gun and 5.5-in. gun-howitzer. Large numbers of 4x2 3-ton lorries were supplied to the USSR. Some common 3-ton models were the Austin K3 and K5, Bedford OY and QL, and the Canadian Ford F6OL and Chevrolet C6OL series. The Bedford OY is an army lorry (truck built by Bedford for the British Armed Forces and introduced in 1939). It was designed for a 3-ton payload. These vehicles were widely used during, and after, World War II but were later superseded by the Bedford RL. The OY was a 3-ton transport vehicle that saw service throughout the war and in many theatres of operations. Wherever your Tommies and Commonwealth troops want to go, the OY will provide the means to get there quickly. They were used to fulfil various roles, including transportation of troops, transportation of armaments, mobile canteens, tankers, general purpose lorries, and a version used by the Royal Air Force to transport dismantled or damaged aircraft.

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LLV 31. Dodge WC62 1 1/2 ton tr

In late 1939 the U.S. Army standardized five classes of trucks: 1/2-ton, 1 1/2-ton, 2 1/2-ton, 4-ton, and 7 1/2-ton. 428,196 of the 1 1/2-tonner had been built by 1945. The Free French were Lend-Leased 15,880 transport vehicles of <= one ton, 4,402 of 1 ½ -2 tons, 5,806 2 ½ -tonners, and 1,088 of > 2 ½ tons. Despite these numbers, there were periodic complaints of shortages—especially in regard to Jeeps (the GPA amphibious version often being substituted in Italy), and trucks of 1.1/2 - and 2 1/2 ton capacity. The Dodge 6x6 1.5-TON WC62 is a cross-country transport intended for the carriage of goods and personnel which was produced between 1942 and 1945. The Dodge 6x6 had a open cabin and a open back cargo space. Version WC62 did not have a winch in the front, but version WC63 had a winch. Dodge 6x6 was used by US Army, US Navy, the Marines and the US Air Force during the Second World War. The WC-62 was powered by a 92 hp Dodge T214 six-cylinder engine. The truck could be powered by four of its wheels or all six. The vehicle was 5.47 meters long, 2.11 meters wide, and could be up to 2.21 meters tall (if fitted with a canvas roof). Total weight was 3,141 kg. The WC-62 was produced during 1943 with a total of 23,092 trucks being built. 6,344 WC-62s and WC-63s were exported to America's allies during World War II, such as Free France and Britain. One or two WC-62s were converted into experimental T-230 (Dodge technical code) armored cars which would have been armed with Maxson anti-aircraft turrets. This design, however, never got past the prototype stage.

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LLV 32. GMC CCKW 353 2 1/2 ton tr

The Americans and the Allies used all kinds of vehicles for this mission among which the truck of 2.5 tons GMC very known under the nicknames of "Deuce and a half", "Jimmy", "Eager Beaver", and "Workhorse of the Army". The 2 1/2-ton "light-heavy" truck was the most widely used transport vehicle of U.S. forces during WW2, and was also numerically the most important army truck of the period. There were two basic types: 6 x 6 and 6x4, with the latter being used almost entirely for road-bound cargo haulage. Indeed, 812,262 of the 6 x 6 version were built, in majority by GMC. Jimmy was propelled by a standard engine 270 of 4.416 Cm3 cubic capacity producing 104 hp. The power was transmitted to the wheels by the means of a transmission with 5 speeds. The box was assembled directly on the casing of clutch, just behind the engine. Two type of driving shafts were used: the "Banjo" of Chevrolet and "Split" of Timkin. The majority of the models were with 6 driving wheels but some were produced with 4 driving wheels (the nose gear wheels being only used for the steering). The most produced version was standard CCKW-353 with normal cabin and long wheelbase, weighing 4.8 tons, being able to transport 2.42 tons into cross-country and 4 tons on made-up roads. Maximum speed on road was of 72 km/h. Vast operations of logistics were setting-up from the summer 1944. The "Red Ball Express" conveyed, of August 25 at November 16 1944, 420,000 tons of material enters Normandy and the front. This enormous operation was not possible that thanks to the enormous logistic vehicle fleet of the Americans and the thousands of trucks GMC.