WW2 Photos

[jim sewell]

These RHD trucks were imported into Aust from the USA by the Commonwealth to be used for essential services and are referred to in Aust as lend lease trucks , these were model M trucks and used a 216 engine that was different to the Canadian engine in that it had flat top pistons and 2 hole water pump and block.
Regards
Jim S.

[David_Hayward (RIP)]

Through the wonders of Science, and the information that as a pack rat I keep, I can advise that these lorries were model MS, and from the Master Parts List were:

1 1/2 TON CAB WITH PLATFORM, EXPORT, RHD, 1942 MODEL 4408
1 1/2 TON CAB WITH STAKE, EXPORT, RHD, 1942, MODEL 4409
1 1/2 TON CAB, RHD, 1942, MODEL 4403

Do I assume correctly that some were used by the military? Interesting that they were US-procured, delivered under Lend-Lease and used for 'civvy' and not purely military purposes. I am not sure whether this also applied in the UK. I have a feeling that it did, judging by papers I acquired from the Public Records Office in London years ago. For instance the London County Council petitioned the government for Dodge trucks for use in bomb damage clearance. By then they had available obsolete ex-military US vehicles.

[cliff]

Originally Posted by jim sewell

These RHD trucks were imported into Aust from the USA by the Commonwealth to be used for essential services and are referred to in Aust as lend lease trucks , these were model M trucks and used a 216 engine that was different to the Canadian engine in that it had flat top pistons and 2 hole water pump and block.
Regards
Jim S.

This does not explain the top photo which definately has a military build look including the front bumper and the rear body has a look similar to a steel GMC-CCKW body complete with the way the spare wheel is mounted. I would say that this truck is not one of those imported for essential services. The photo of the two 'van bodied' trucks I posted could very well be the US supplied trucks though.

Thanks for posting that Jim as it has added to my information on these types of Chevrolet trucks and confirmed my belief that some did come from the USA as RHD imports.

[Mike K]

Those American sourced vehicles were assembled by GMH . The US built cabs arrived in bits and GMH assembled them and made a stake side cargo body with rounded front corners , they typically had the little US type black out lights above the headlights .. you would see them dotted around farms , at least I did . Essential users eg, primary producers could apply for one . I believe brand new Inter K series and Fords were available too.

The supply of vehicles to essential civilian users was in contrast to 1939-40, when the Govt. was demanding trucks from civilians for military use . They grabbed near new Chevs and Fords from disgruntled owners who never saw their trucks again.

They were also releasing obsolete military vehicles to civilians too . The CFA got some Jeeps during the war . And maybe bren carriers, can anyone confirm that .

Mike

[jim sewell]

The front cover of this manual does not mention the trucks being RHD , we have seen the model 4409 in a previous post , notice that the body ( tray ) is similar/ same as the 4x4 or 6x6 military trucks made by GM ,different from the Canadian one in the very first post.
Also notice the different front bumper on the model 4403, similar to the Aust bodied one.
Have posted pic of GMC cckw tray.

[David_Hayward (RIP)]

That Contract relates to Export 1 1/2 ton Cab with Large Stake Model MS, 1942, 4409 and Cab with Cargo, Model MS, 1942, Model 4403. No mention specifically of rhd, which it would do if they were intended to be export rhd I would suggest.