Dodge trucks 1940-41

[gordon]

The only substantial difference between the VK 62 and the WK 62 is the headlight position, grille trim, and radiator mascot.

I always refer to the VK's as being 'ex-French contract' I don't think many were actually in the ship and on the way to France when it fell, but since they had been bought and payment arranged they were just diverted to the French authorities who happened to be in the UK. At the time they were shipped the anti-involvement lobby in the US prior to Pearl Harbour meant that these could be regarded as a legitimate export sale, rather than war aid or lend lease or whatever.

Rick Jones VK 62B bus had a bodywork design drawing dated January 1941, indicating that the arrival in the UK was probably around that time. Wheels etc on those were standard American pattern. WK 62's would just be more vehicles of the same type (3 ton 160" wheel base from memory) but with slightly different grille trim and radiator shell top mascot. I've seen an image somewhere of one of them with an RAF serial number on it looking like an ordinary cargo truck, but I cant remember if the sheetemetal was 1940 or 1941-47 pattern.

Gordon