CMP’s in Vietnam???
 

Was lazy today so decided to watch something on the boob tube. Flipped through the listings on Netflix until my thumb was getting sore so decided on a documentary on Vietnam. It wasn’t too long into it while watching film footage that I spotted a Ford CMP in the background!
How the hell did a WWII Ford CMP wind up in Vietnam in 1965???
Sure wish I could look at the vehicle log book for that CMP!
Derk

I don't have the definitive answer at my fingertips.

France received lots of mutual aid after 1945. Although most of their softskin equipment was American (Jeeps and Weapons Carriers, etc), it is not surprising that they took possession for CMPs from the short period that Britain occupied Indochina.

One of my favourite YT content providers - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1w-cv2CJbfI

Lovely find Derk!

I didn't know Cab 13's ended up in Vietnam, but the ARVN did use C15TA's and also Lynx scout cars. I think I have even seen a couple of C15TA's on display in a museum in Vietnam.

edit.....of course here on MLU:
http://www.mapleleafup.net/forums/sh...ad.php?t=13686

If you think a CMP is a rare bird to be spotted in VN I have seen pictures of a X-Wehrmacht Sd.Kfz.251 the French took to VN. Now THAT is a well travelled vehicle far, far, from point of origin.

Not to mention the rumour the French deployed Panther tanks as well. While the French had Panther in service for a short period post WW2 I'm not aware of any evidence they were deployed.

I myself just dismiss the whole "French Panther in indo-China" as a myth, the 251 was there and is fact.

M4 Stuarts in Vietnam
 

I actually found one abandoned in the jungle. Understand they were Canadian Sold to the French. twin Cad V8's and our mechanics got it running. Then there was a tug o war over it by Generals. 11th Armoured Cav Reg [Swan Loc] found it in 1966. My photos got stolen 4 yrs ago. Newc

I would love to see that picture, if you have a scan or link to it?

I seem to remember that 251 picture is in one of the armour in Vietnam books(?)

edit: pic is also displayed here: http://theminiaturespage.com/boards/msg.mv?id=309130

The French Army did not use the Panther tank in Vietnam. A case can be made that the M36 GMCs they used over there were mistaken for Panther tanks. The M36 hull has the same look and it has a gun similar in size.

"M36 GMC, Hoa Binh, Indochine, 1953"
Attachment 126970
https://www.mapleleafup.nl/g104/f.htm


Although larger in size, the German Army camouflaged Panther tanks as M10 GMCs (which has the same hull as the M36) during the Battle of the Bulge:
Attachment 126972

Cool, thanks :) If you mean the Concord books by those titles then I have them but didn't remember it being in it. Will have to check it later, when I feel better.

I think it's my memory playing tricks on me.....I thought it was in a Squadron book, but it's not! It does show other WW2 vehicles in use by the French in Indochina.....ex-US stuff obviously (M8 Grehound, M36, GMC, Dodge Jeep, M24 Chaffee), but also Univeral carriers.