CMP’s in Vietnam???

[derk derin]

Was lazy today so decided to watch something on the boob tube. Flipped through the listings on Netflix until my thumb was getting sore so decided on a documentary on Vietnam. It wasn’t too long into it while watching film footage that I spotted a Ford CMP in the background!
How the hell did a WWII Ford CMP wind up in Vietnam in 1965???
Sure wish I could look at the vehicle log book for that CMP!
Derk

[maple_leaf_eh]

I don't have the definitive answer at my fingertips.

France received lots of mutual aid after 1945. Although most of their softskin equipment was American (Jeeps and Weapons Carriers, etc), it is not surprising that they took possession for CMPs from the short period that Britain occupied Indochina.

One of my favourite YT content providers - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1w-cv2CJbfI

[Alex van de Wetering]

Lovely find Derk!

I didn't know Cab 13's ended up in Vietnam, but the ARVN did use C15TA's and also Lynx scout cars. I think I have even seen a couple of C15TA's on display in a museum in Vietnam.

edit.....of course here on MLU:
http://www.mapleleafup.net/forums/sh...ad.php?t=13686

[James P]

If you think a CMP is a rare bird to be spotted in VN I have seen pictures of a X-Wehrmacht Sd.Kfz.251 the French took to VN. Now THAT is a well travelled vehicle far, far, from point of origin.

[dcrfan]

Not to mention the rumour the French deployed Panther tanks as well. While the French had Panther in service for a short period post WW2 I'm not aware of any evidence they were deployed.

[James P]

I myself just dismiss the whole "French Panther in indo-China" as a myth, the 251 was there and is fact.

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by dcrfan

Not to mention the rumour the French deployed Panther tanks as well. While the French had Panther in service for a short period post WW2 I'm not aware of any evidence they were deployed.

The French Army did not use the Panther tank in Vietnam. A case can be made that the M36 GMCs they used over there were mistaken for Panther tanks. The M36 hull has the same look and it has a gun similar in size.

"M36 GMC, Hoa Binh, Indochine, 1953"
22788663_1492705214141791_675264709070495845_n.jpg
https://www.mapleleafup.nl/g104/f.htm


Although larger in size, the German Army camouflaged Panther tanks as M10 GMCs (which has the same hull as the M36) during the Battle of the Bulge:
265049715_430441172130374_8893688002972427825_n.jpg