Windsor Carrier Production

[David Dunlop]

Can anyone shed some light on the second of these two photos? Based on the front fender design, I am guessing the first photo is of an early production Windsor and the second is a later model.

What I find odd about the second Windsor is the lack of reinforcing ribs stamped into the side skirt, the presence of a driver's side headlamp assembly and the addition of the wide, perforated steel strap on the front of the water can carrier.

Based on the mud all over the suspension, this vehicle had probably been out for a field test.


David

[Michael R.]

Dave, your first image is a N0-2 MKII* C31-UCW, for Universal Carrier-Welsh Guard Stowage. Your second image is a Windsor Carrier at Ford, in Windsor, Canada, showing the development of the "B" series mudguard. The Windsor can be found from the factory fitted with two headlamps. As you can see the Windsor production POW is mounted on the lower profile.

[David Dunlop]

Michael.

Thanks for clarifying. I had noticed the UCW coding on the first photo, but the canvas cover didn't match up with a Mark II* Carrier. Now I am thinking this photo must also relate to the British Army request for the North African MkII* Carriers, with full canvas enclosure.

I wonder if the contract was ever filled, or if this particular carrier just became a 'one off item' kicking around the plant until the end of the war?

David