Not a CMP but used by Canada in Korea!

[Gunner]

Hi Guys:

I'm back from another long absence and will hopefully be on here more often this month.

As most of you know, my personal interests are artillery pieces and the tractors that pull 'em but I've been known to acquire the odd support vehicle as used by forward observers, recce parties, ammo parties and command posts.

The latest acquisition for the "Rideau Irregulars" is a CCKW, as the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery towed 25 pounders and limbers with them in Korea (1950 to 53). We used hardcab, short wheelbase models with the bumperettes on the rear removed so that the tongue of the limber could swing 90 degrees each way.

My latest green thing is CCKW352 40236B1 and the current registration painted on it is USA 4171938-S. Not being well versed in US registrations, I have no idea if this is appropriate to the truck. Advice from more knowledgeable members of this forum will be warmly welcomed.

I'll get Rob Clarke to help me post some photos!

Mike

[servicepub (RIP)]

Hi Gunner,

I don't know a CCKW from an ABCD but these photos may fit the bill. All are of Canadian gunners in Korea.

[cliff]

Originally posted by servicepub
I don't know a CCKW from an ABCD but these photos may fit the bill. All are of Canadian gunners in Korea.

And all photos show SWB GMC-CCKW352 trucks towing the guns.

[servicepub (RIP)]

So, this is a good thing?

[cliff]

Originally posted by servicepub
So, this is a good thing?

It proves that Gunner is right and the Canadians did use GMC CCKW 352's to tow the guns in Korea and it helps with markings as well. If you look at the white star on the door it has another symbol in the centre which is replicated on the rear tailgate as well looking at the different photos. The only marking not seen clearly are the ARN on the bonnet sides if there are any. It is also interesting to me as a modeler as it means I can put a 25lb gun and limber behind a SWB GMC as something different.

[Gunner]

Thanks Clive... the tractors in convoy is a new photo for me and proves that the star was on the cab roof not on the hood.

I hope to get clear enough shots to get the CAR numbers from the sides of the hoods.

Cliff- we called 'em CAR (Cdn Army Registration) numbers. Interestingly I have good proof that the US numbers were not changed when we bought these trucks from US depots in Japan... the "USA" was simply painted over with a patch of a slightly different shade of OD (may even have been simply fresher paint) and then "CDN" was stencilled over the "USA" in a different font. There is a good shot of a Canadian halftrack in one of Clive's books that shows this clearly.

Don't forget to leave off the rear bumperettes!

Mike