[David_Hayward (RIP)]

WHEELS & TRACKS # 1 no less explains that the French ordered 704S 4 x 2 trucks, as G/S trucks and then at least one huge tanker. The French then ordered a large number of 6-wheel chassis of which 145 were fuel tankers: see below. The model 720 4 x 2 was rated in the US at 5-tons. The British apparently ordered very similar model 760 4 x 2 chassis of which 28 were used by the RASC..including L 242823 out of the batch L 242806 to 242833, 'Lorry 10-ton 4 x 2' acquired under S/M 2014 as a diverted order in fact. However, the file sheds a slightly different light on the 760s.

The National Archives file relating to the Ministry of Supply's acquisition of ex-French trucks [including Dodge T 203 4 x 4 with 12-foot metal cargo bodies..T203-B-143 acquired under S/M 2012] shows that on 18 July 1940 London was notified that 300 White-Ruxtell 922 'heavy duty double line axle' trucks were acquired under assignment, capacity 24 tons equipped with 18-feet cargo bodies and loading skis also double row winches. The bodies were 82 inches wide designed to take fighting vehicles.

Secondly, the tank trucks: the model 920 trucks had a 18,000-litre capacity, and 760 4 x 2s had a 13,000-litre capacity. Mack EXBX trucks also delivered under 2014 had tank bodies as well originally and either these bodies were sold off in the US or the RAF used them..the file is not specific.

Thirdly by December 1940, French contract F57(69) covered model 920, of which 10 were delivered to England under S/M 2014. The same contract may also have covered 150 Mack and 50 White model 760 trucks which were all under 2104 as well. That left the 300 White model 922 trucks delivered under S/M 2007.

In addition the Census List shows that numbers L 4166289 to 4166297 to S/M 2007 were listed as 'Ruxtell' trucks. This is probably because there were at least two shipments as not enough space was available ex-NYC on the ?Dutch? ship.

Which British trucks in the advert were 920 or 922 models I have no idea still, but could the top one be a 922?


Now I thought that the sheer scale of the $ expenditure by the French should be revealed.

1. 300 WHITE-RUXTELL 922 $3,373.500
2. 1500 GMC ACK-355 4 x 4 $2,559,000
3. 1000 GMC ACKW-355 6 x 6 $2,419,000
4. 1850 GMC AC-504 4 x 4 $3,518,700
5. 2650 CHEVROLET Houlder-Thornton 6 x 4 $5,233,750
6. 1500 DODGE T-203 4 x 4 $2,758,500

All but the Whites had bodies with collapsible troop seats.

Phew!