FWD SU-COE Medium Artillery Tractor

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally posted by Richard Farrant
I think that it is questionable that the Prime Mover is the Medium Artillery Tractor.

Richard,

I said the intended role of the Prime Mover was artillery towing. I based this on the knowledge that the US "Truck, 6 ton, 6x6, prime mover" (Corbitt, White) and "Truck, 7½ ton, 6x6, prime mover" (Mack) were used for towing artillery.

Another vehicle which is referred to (but not designated as) a prime mover is the "Truck, 12 ton, 6x4, prime mover, M20" (Diamond T). This truck does fit your classification of a prime mover as a vehicle to tow semi or drawbar trailers.

I do not know if the FWD listed on the Lend-Lease shipments list is actually an SU or SU-COE. Maybe Oliver can tell us exactly which type(s) of FWD truck were shipped to the Soviet Union?

Regards,
Hanno