Truck, 15-cwt, 4x2, A.A.

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Bedford MW version of this truck:

pounds0021.jpg

[John A. Rippingham]

Hello Hanno,

I can add a little information about the Bedford variant, for what it's worth. There were only 250 made. I found this photocopy in the box of Bedford contract cards at bovington tank museum.

20mm polston. 002.jpg

Does anyone know what book this came from and does anyone have a copy?

and the contract card for 200.

bedford S2738 & V4841 FRONT.jpg

[Jordan Baker]

At the 1:40 mark.

https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/i...ect/1060019646


At the 1:18 mark

https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/i...ect/1060019647

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Great find, Jordan - thanks!

Originally Posted by Jordan Baker

At the 1:40 mark. https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/i...ect/1060019646

IWM A70 107-8_4x2 AA truck.jpg
"A 119th LAA Regiment RA Morris Bofors self-propelled gun leads a column of troop-carrying CMP trucks through the deserted and derelict town of Caumont."

At the 1:18 mark https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/i...ect/1060019647
IWM A70 107-9_4x2 AA truck.jpg
"A Morris Bofors self-propelled gun and two Canadian military-pattern tracks armed with Oerlikon 20mm cannons, all probably from 119th LAA Regiment RA, drive through the ruined town of Caumont followed by other 8th Corps military traffic."

Both these films were shot at the same location and they both show the same pair of 4x2 AA trucks.

This is new footage to me and the first time I saw them actually moving!

[Keith Orpin]

Thanks Jordan,
As Hanno said, it's the first time I have seen these rare conversions actually on the move, both of them are Ford F15's, towing 10 cwt trailers
Great find
Keith

[Steve Guthrie]

A C15A chassis by the look of it. Hanno thinks the body and gun were transferred from a 4x2 chassis. Canadian Army Photo

25233.jpg

[Jordan Baker]

The platform is different. Check out the are above the wheels.

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by John A. Rippingham

I can add a little information about the Bedford variant, for what it's worth. There were only 250 made. I found this photocopy in the box of Bedford contract cards at bovington tank museum.

John, thanks for that.

Here is a great picture of the production version of the Bedford MW "Polsten" AA truck.

If I read it correctly it's WD census number is Z5194317.

IMG_9993.jpg 91252725_1512575322252821_8294102682080116736_n.jpg

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by John A. Rippingham

and the contract card for 200.

Hello John,

Do I understand correctly the chassis + cabs for the 20-mm AA trucks were based on MWC water tanker chassis? (The bodies were fitted by outside contractors.)

bedford S2738 & V4841 FRONT_redlined.jpg

[Preston Isaac]

At the start of Jordan Baker's video there is what looks like a Windsor with its canvas up ? If so quite unusual to see an action photo of a Windsor, especially with the canvas up.
Preston Isaac

Originally Posted by Jordan Baker

At the 1:40 mark.

https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/i...ect/1060019646

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Preston Isaac

At the start of Jordan Baker's video there is what looks like a Windsor with its canvas up ? If so quite unusual to see an action photo of a Windsor, especially with the canvas up.

Hello Preston,

Nice catch! I think is a Universal Carrier, though. IIRC Windsors were not used yet on 1944-07-31 when this footage was shot. Anyhow, it is rare to see a Carrier with a canvas tilt!

IWM A70 107-8-screenshot.jpg

[Preston Isaac]

Hi Hanno, Sadly I think you are correct. I was carried away (forgive the pun) with the overall look of the canvas and the hoops. Many thanks Preston.

[Keith Orpin]

Hi Hanno,
Cracking pictures of the 15 cwt Bedford AA mount. Interesting to note the "Mickey mouse " camouflage scheme , and the additional lockers above the two upright lockers, which housed the .303 rounds.
Thanks for posting
Keith