Canadians using American vehicles in WW2

[J.L. Spurrell]

Canadians using American vehicles in WW2

Does anyone have any info or opinions on if Canadians would have in their motor pools some American vehicles? I find it hard to believe that some “swapping” would not have taken place. I am especially interested in the GPW Jeep and WLA motorcycle. Any info on this info, reference material etc. would be very welcome.


Cheers

Jason

[Alex Blair (RIP)]

Originally posted by J.L. Spurrell
Canadians using American vehicles in WW2

Does anyone have any info or opinions on if Canadians would have in their motor pools some American vehicles? I find it hard to believe that some “swapping” would not have taken place. I am especially interested in the GPW Jeep and WLA motorcycle. Any info on this info, reference material etc. would be very welcome.


Cheers

Jason

Not sure what you want..Canadians used mostly American equipment..Harleys,Shermans,White scout cars,Halftracks by White ,Diamond "T" and Autocar,and International,Mack,and Diamond "T" soft skin trucks..Reo Tractors...T-16's..and Jeeps of all descriptions,Ford,Willys..Bantams..Stuart tanks...and on and on...all American...What do you want to know specifically...Where they came from..?? how did we aquire them..???

When you say...

I find it hard to believe that some “swapping” would not have taken place....

What are you asking here..??

[J.L. Spurrell]

Hi Alex,


I own a For GPW and want to paint in in Canadian WWII colours. Also, I have a chance to buy a 1942 WLA Harley (not WLC) which I would also paint in Canadian colours. I understand that the Canadian contract was for the WLC only.

I want to be sure in both cases that Canadians did aquire and use these vehicles (GPW WLA). If you had a picture or documetnation of a GPW or WLA being used in WWII by Canadians I would be thrilled.

My Ford GPW that I picked up locally, I beleive it was Canadian used but wanted to get a better understanding on how it may have came into Canadian hands. In my hunts I have found another GPW wreck in a local farmers field far beyond restoration that still had traces on military paint. The same yard also had a Universal carrier that has long since vanished. My gut tells me that these GPW's came from base Gagetown (or one of the WWII bases) that were here in New Brunswick.

I want to be sure in both cases that Canadians did aquire and use these vehicles in the field. I would imagine that in theater finding, repainting and reusing vehicles octen occured.

If you had proof (a picture or documetnation) of a GPW and WLA being used in WWII by Canadians I would be thrilled.

Thank you,
Jason

[Alex Blair (RIP)]

Jason..
Now your posting makes sense to me...I just didn't see what you wanted first time round..Maybe our resident historian,Mark Tonner can tell you..
I just finished reading one oh Clive's books written by Mark..Someone will know your answers.

[J.L. Spurrell]

Maybe you would have a list of all vehicles turned in at Deelen Holland at wars end? If so, could be please confirm whether or not some GPW Jeeps and some WLA Harley's were turned in by Canadian soldiers.

Thank you very much in advance for all your help.

cheers
Jason

[Lang]

I have a copy of the "Vehicle Data Book" issued by the Canadian HQ in England March 1944

On the page for the Jeep it lists Willys and Ford as manufacturer. The vehicle code W-LU-440/M-PERS is the same for both.

At the bottom of all the vehicle specification data there is a note (Above covers Willys. Ford anufacture is similar)

Looks like Canadians used both types without any ethnic bias.

The Motorcycles (Harley, Matchless and Norton) do not have vehicle codes. On the Harley page the only thing with codes is the Maintenance Manual MC-HDI and the parts list WLC. No mention of WLA.

Lang

[Mark W. Tonner]

Originally posted by J.L. Spurrell
Maybe you would have a list of all vehicles turned in at Deelen Holland at wars end? If so, could be please confirm whether or not some GPW Jeeps and some WLA Harley's were turned in by Canadian soldiers.

Thank you very much in advance for all your help.

cheers
Jason

Hi Jason;

Canada never used the WLA, we used the WLC.

GWA reply under revision

Cheers

[Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP)]

Originally posted by Mark W. Tonner

In regards to the Car, 5-cwt Amphibious (Ford), First Cdn Army held 4 or 5 of these, which were surplus to establishment.....

I believe you're thinking of the GPA, Mark. The GPW is just Ford's version of the Willys MB.

[Mark W. Tonner]

Originally posted by Geoff Winnington-Ball
I believe you're thinking of the GPA, Mark. The GPW is just Ford's version of the Willys MB.

, wrong end of the alphabet.... ...its Monday and thats my story and I'm sticking to it......

[David_Hayward (RIP)]

Here is a photo of a Candain order Ford GPW assembled in the UK, not an amhibious GPA!!. Note the USPB crates behind!

[Richard Farrant]

Originally posted by David_Hayward
Here is a photo of a Candain order Ford GPA assembled in the UK.

David,

GPW I think you will find

Richard

[J.L. Spurrell]

Thanks guys, that is grade 'A' info. My GPW when fully restored will be complete with Canadian markings. I ahve since learned that over 600 GPW jeeps were turned in at Deelen Holland at wars end by Canadians.


FYI-

WANTED: A WLC project bike to restore. I will consider buying one overseas if I can get a good rate on shipping, but prefer one in Canada or the Eastern U.S.

Cheers
Jason