17 pdr tractor

[DaveCox]

I've looked back on previous threads (did that FIRST this time Hanno!) but can't see a definitive answer--- was a CMP truck officially used as a tractor for a 17pdr? If so I would guess that it would be a C/F30 or 60 type, similar to the LAA tractor that I asked about recentl.

[cliff]

Dave I have not got any pics or info on the towing of the 17lb guns by a CMP. I do have pics of the Aussie #8 & 9 gun trucks though.

[DaveCox]

Thanks Cliff, the #8&9 are FATs I think, I was hoping for a conversion to do on a 'normal' truck!

[David_Hayward (RIP)]

I went out and checked the IWM photo in WHEELS & TRACKS centrepages [the article on the Model 8440 30-cwt Portees]. Issue 33 has the photo of a rebuild crossing a river in Italy. The text confirms that, as with the MCC rebuilt Portees , Predictors and GTs, some of the Chevrolet Portees were converted to 17-pounder tractors. There is no evidence yet that the 6-pdr C60L portees were ever used in the same role...they were evidently rebuilt as G/S trucks solely.

In addition there was a proposal for an airportable F15A that could fit into a Hamilcar, that was supposed to tow an airportable gun...6-pounder I assume but did they also try out with a 17-pounder? The Parachute Museum files beckon.

I reminded myself that the 8440 C-GT model designation was applied to both the pucka Gun Tractor as well as the Portee, which itself was rated at 30-cwt. with, as Bart said, 3-ton components.