Defective Pistons

[Neil Ashley]

Most references I have seen in the past including from memory David Fletcher's book refer to Austin trucks (K6?).

The reference to Leyland vehicles is probably confusion over the post war BL group of companies. I assume Leyland Retrivers were not used in any major way for the carriage of supplies.

[Rich Payne]

Thanks Neil, that's very helpful. Do you recall which of David Fletcher's books ?

[Rich Payne]

Adam from WW2talk forum has located a copy of the 21st Army Group Admin History on line and it is fascinating reading. It also gives the definitive answer to this question - They were Austin K5s, mentioned in relation to September 1944

"(c) vehicle maintenance
During this intense period of activity the maintenance of vehicles inevitably had to be reduced, but partly due to the majority of vehicles being new no serious ill effects ensued. A major fault occurred in the engines of K-5 4x4, three-ton Austins, 1,400 of which, as well as all the replacement engines, were found to be defective and to have piston trouble."

The full report is here :-

http://www.movcon.org.uk/History/Doc...CHS%200514.htm

Rich

[Noel Burgess]

Thanks for that link Rich. Theres alot of interesting stuff to read there - dont think I'll be going to the pub for a few days!

Heres a random quote from the document - referinfgto the Normandy landings/breakout

Considering the size and nature of the operation, the number of typewriters lost or damaged beyond repair during the assault, or by subsequent enemy action, was surprisingly small.

Have you seen the other stuf available on that site - BEF, Grece, Middle east etc.
Noel