Mk1* Carrier T No

[Tom Millward]

Many thanks Lynn, I appreciate your efforts. Any information you have on the Carrier's history would be gratefully received.

Most of my other vehicles' history has been lost, so to be able to trace the Carrier would be great. Do you happen to know whether the Carriers in NZ were supplied directly from Canada, or were they supplied by the UK government when we were supplied with upgraded Mk2/2* variants?

The You Tube video showing Carrier weapon handling training is a Mk1* Carrier, but with no T number unfortunately.

Thanks again,

Tom

[Lynn Eades]

Hi Tom, I cannot locate any info about how we received Canadian universal carriers.
Jeff Plowman's first book refers to 54 Universals and 111 Mortar carriers, all of which I believe were English, built by Sentinal Wagon. (based on a small selection of "T" numbers in a few old photos)
I have a vague recollection that we (N.Z) received 300 Canadian carriers. I cannot validate this.
The few Canadian U.C's. that are still around here are all MkI*. I have never seen anything that I recognised as MkII*
There is not much left here in the way of carriers. Most were worked to death after the war.
When a kiwi rebuilds a riveted carrier, it is generally a bold effort with most starting from a pretty bad state. Your one was put back together many years ago by Alan Watson. He was what I would call a pioneer in M.V. restoration, so yours is one of the better ones.

[Paul Dutton]

Hi Lynn
Quick change of subject.
Out of the 111 MK1 Mortar Carriers sent th NZ, don’t suppose you have any T numbers available. My two came from NZ, be good to trace bit of history.
One is T84809 Mk1 3” Mortar
Cheers

[Lynn Eades]

One is Wolseley, T84089 and T83601 according to Brian Johns (owner before Mark)
Edit: Sounds like between Brian and Mark, someone decided to keep one or both?

Further edit: Both Wolseley, Both U.C. Mortar, No.1 (60h.p.)MkII (MkII Mortar)(not MkII U.C.) (my understanding)

[Tom Millward]

Hello gents & Happy New Year.

I've been under the impression that my Mar '42 Carrier was assigned the WD serial number T53664. See serial no below:
IMG_20180804_185814.jpg

However, I've just found the following images of a museum Carrier (in SA I think), which seems to disprove the number I'd assumed for mine. As this one is over a year later than mine but with T50193.

detailbilder-bren-gun-carrier-universal-carrier-mk-i-walkaround-306-0142.jpg
detailbilder-bren-gun-carrier-universal-carrier-mk-i-walkaround-306-0170.jpg

Does anyone have a Carrier of serial number similar to mine (5868) that I can work the T number for mine out from?

[David Herbert]

Hi Tom,
Surely that last photo showing the edge of the armour shows WD no. T50198 not 3 ?

David

[Michael R.]

Originally Posted by David Herbert

Hi Tom,
Surely that last photo showing the edge of the armour shows WD no. T50198 not 3 ?
David

Yes, a numeral “8”.