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Originally Posted by Alex van de Wetering
Please keep us updated on what you are able to find out about the identity and history.
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My general understanding of this CMP type, based on the available evidence, is outlined below. It's basically joining the dots between references in various publications, most of which Hanno has previously identified.
The Ford FGT parts list mentions a "low cowl" variant which corresponds with the C291QH chassis described in the Ford Armoured Vehicles Chassis Instruction Book.
Bart Vanderveen's Historic Military Vehicle Directory lists the Indian Pattern Armoured Truck, and also mentions a 4-berth Ambulance version. These correspond with the C291QH and C19QHF chassis pictured in Ford publications. Given their intended use for armoured vehicles it's reasonable to assume the H-suffix indicates Heavy, but in practical terms the significant feature of these chassis is the low cowl design, achieved by omitting the front crossmember to allow a low mounted radiator.
The 1944 Ford India training manual lists the various CMP chassis types in use by Indian Army at the time. It shows the aforementioned C291QH and C19QHF chassis as "stripped", which I take to mean they were stripped of their armoured bodies and converted to GS configuration, using a standard timber rear body. This mirrors what occurred in Australia with the Rover Armoured Car when they became obsolete in 1942. Of course, the Rover AC was built on the standard CMP chassis, allowing a standard cab to be fitted, whereas the Indian Pattern low cowl chassis required a completely revised cab design. I shall post some more detailed pics of the cab structure in due course.
