Guess where this is...

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally posted by Jon Skagfeld
I have that same picture in the Regimental History of the 17th Duke of York (7 Recce Regt).

A long ago thread on this forum argued that .30 cal and .50 cal MGs weren't used on carriers. Of course they were, but note also that in this pic, the carrier is a T16 (4 bogie).

Just yesterday, in our local Legion, I talked to a former 7th Recce Regt trooper. He said that the "usual" Universal Carrier (3 bogie) couldn't handle the weight of the oxygen tank on one sponson and the gelid fuel on the other sponson. The carrier was ass end heavy. Wasn't 'til the T16 came along that the balance was sorted out.

Jon, interesting story.

Indeed officially .30 and .50 cal. MGs were not officially stowed on carriers, but in action the troops quickly found weapons to suit their needs. A well known picture of a T16 sporting a .50 cal. can be found here. Interestingly, the Kangaroo Regiment disliked the .50 cal. fitted on the pulpit ring mount of their converted Priest Kangaroos and got rid of them at some point. A Kangaroo vet told me they tended to get snagged in tree branches and were too really heavy to operate quickly.
As you say, it is important we soak up the vet's knowledge. Before we realise it they are gone!

About John's picture: this is a universal carrier, not a T16 - note it hasn't got the sloping front armour of the latter. But I am thrilled to hear a vet remembers in detail how a T16 apparently was fitted out as a Wasp! Would there be any possibility to find out if this was a one/off field conversion?

H.