Oxford Carriers

Originally posted by Hanno Spoelstra
Personally I don't think they were actually used in combat during WW2.

Rolls-Royce records show they were using the CT24 and CT25 carriers as a test bed for the prototype B Range engines that became almost standardised power units in the 50s and 60s.

The engine project start date is hazy but commentators suggest as early as 1940, but whatever by late 43 or early 44 the RR chief Engineer had a trial engine in a UC and some "Oxfords".

In fact various pre-production B Range engine variants were fitted into all manner of existing trucks from the mid 40s onwards and everything was supplied for troop trials which may well have included off-shore usage.

It is possible but unproveable that at a late stage some Oxford carriers, with test engines, were used in European areas for troop trials but unintended for "combat" applications. However, when needs must, anything might have happened.

As an aside, RR notes suggest such things as the CS8 were trial fitted with the 165bhp B80 prototypes and one wonders how lethal this truck might have been with this amount of power when its original 50bhp is generally often adequate to overawe its steering and brakes.

Similarly, around a 80% power increase in a UC must have made it quite exciting and possibly rather mechanically tender too.

R.