Carrier sold at Congleton cattle market

[John A. Rippingham]

Hello,

An elderley MV enthusiast who i visit regularly passed these pictures on to me. He has been into military vehicles all his life and was a young lad during the war, so has many stories which are great to listen to. I took him to see my carrier and he told us about a carrier selling at the congleton cattle market in the mid fifties, saying didn't have any way of getting it home, and he'd alway regretted not buying it. He did say he had pictures of it somewhere, and sure enough on my next visit he had found them. Looks like a mk2 to me but i'm no expert.

[Michael R.]

Interesting British carrier. Based on the limited detail available in the two images: a MK-I modified to a MK-II in MMG stowage? Or simply an early production (transition model) MK-II (as John observed) in MMG stowage. It is not a converted/modified/upgraded MK-I* or production MK-II*.

The hull extension plate base addition suggesting the in-service date and anticipated landing role. MK-I Lucas headlamps. Glacis plate MMG tool stowage, with existing tool plate brackets less tow cable retained. 2" mortar bracket bolt holes in the one piece gunner left front protection plate. Divisional wall wireless cable openings. Open tube sections of firing rests. MK-I kit locker relocated to rear upper protection plate. MMG stowage spider brackets on rear upper protection plate. No provision for BREN tripod, MK-I rear fenders.

[John A. Rippingham]

Hello Micheal,

Thank you, for taking the time to reply. My friend will enjoy very much finding out what he could of had. He's 78 now so the vehicles he has seen go to the scrap is criminal. He does have another picture of it, which he will find in due course.

With my limited knowledge for carriers, interpreting what you have said, this is a MK2 british mortor carrier with MK1 rear fenders and headlights. Would a MK2 have the stacey towing attachement?

I was the headlamps that threw me, but looking at them again, they do look much further forward than where they are on mine?

I guess this could be the work of reme after the war? using the parts they had to make complete vehicles?

Thanks again for your help.

John

[RichardT10829]

Lamps look about right to me position wise.

I thought the rear fenders were an after war fabrication as they looked incorrect... Thrown off as the gunners side has been crushed a bit but agree with Michael R as being mk1

[John A. Rippingham]

I'm pretty sure on mine the head lamps are on the track guards, the head lamps in the picture look to be on the fenders.

[Michael R.]

Yes, the headlamps on the prototype, and upgrade model would be set forward to accommodate the installation of the POL supports. See Nigel Watson, Universal Carriers, Volume II for an image and description of a similar headlamp setup.

I agree with you, Richie, about the rear fenders being non-standard.