WW2 Canadian trucks, tractors & staff cars
Summary
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⚠ Note: This post is in writing. Completion expected in 2024.
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WW1 Canadian Trucks
During World War I, the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) utilized various trucks for transportation and logistical purposes. Here are a few examples of Canadian trucks that were commonly used during that time:
Ross Motor Truck: The Ross Motor Truck was a Canadian-made vehicle used extensively by the Canadian military during WWI. It was produced by the Ross Motor Company, based in Montreal, Quebec. These trucks were used for transporting supplies, ammunition, and troops.
Russell Motor Car Company Trucks: The Russell Motor Car Company, based in Toronto, Ontario, produced trucks that were also utilized by the CEF during WWI. These trucks were known for their durability and were used for various purposes, including cargo transport and artillery towing.
Ford Model T: Although not exclusively Canadian, the Ford Model T was widely used by the Canadian military during WWI. Ford Motor Company of Canada, based in Windsor, Ontario, manufactured these vehicles. They were versatile and used for a range of purposes, including personnel transport, supply delivery, and ambulance services.
McLaughlin-Buick Trucks: McLaughlin-Buick, a Canadian subsidiary of Buick, produced trucks that were used during WWI. These trucks were known for their reliability and were utilized by the Canadian military for various purposes, such as transport and artillery support.
Canadian Military Pattern Trucks: The Canadian Military Pattern (CMP) trucks were a series of military vehicles produced in Canada during WWII. However, some of these trucks, such as the CMP Ford F15, were used during the later stages of WWI as well. These trucks were built by various Canadian manufacturers under the War Emergency Production Program and were widely used by the CEF for transportation and logistics.
It's important to note that the truck models used during WWI were not exclusively Canadian, as the Canadian military also utilized trucks produced by other countries, particularly from the United States. Additionally, over the course of the war, the availability and usage of specific truck models may have varied based on evolving military requirements and supply considerations.
WW2 Canadian Trucks - The full picture
During World War II, the Canadian military employed a variety of trucks for various purposes. Here are some examples of Canadian trucks that were commonly used during that time:
Canadian Military Pattern (CMP) Trucks:
The CMP trucks were a series of military vehicles produced in Canada under the War Emergency Production Program. They were widely used by the Canadian military during World War II. The CMP trucks encompassed different models and configurations, including cargo trucks, artillery tractors, ambulances, and personnel carriers. They were manufactured by multiple Canadian companies such as Chevrolet, Ford, and General Motors of Canada:
Ford F15 and F60S: These Ford truck models were part of the Canadian Military Pattern series. The Ford F15 was a 15-cwt (hundredweight) truck used for general cargo transport, while the F60S was a 3-ton truck used for heavier loads. These trucks were crucial for logistics, supply transportation, and various other military operations.
Chevrolet C15 and C60S: Similar to Ford, Chevrolet produced trucks under the CMP designation. The Chevrolet C15 was a 15-cwt truck, and the C60S was a 3-ton truck. They were widely used by the Canadian military for different purposes, including cargo transport, artillery towing, and troop transport.
Dodge D15 and D60S: The Dodge D15 and D60S were Dodge truck models produced under the CMP program. The D15 was a 15-cwt truck, while the D60S was a 3-ton truck. These trucks played a significant role in various military operations, such as carrying supplies, towing artillery, and serving as personnel carriers.
International Harvester C15A: The International Harvester C15A was a 15-cwt truck used by the Canadian military during World War II. It was part of the CMP series and was employed for general cargo transport and other logistical purposes. The CMP trucks, in particular, formed the backbone of the Canadian military's transport fleet and played a crucial role in supporting the war effort.
Nomenclature of Canadian Trucks
Chevrolet CMP
Chevrolet C8 (4x2, 101-inch wheelbase, 8 cwt)
Chevrolet C8A Heavy Utility Truck (4x4, 101-inch wheelbase, 8 cwt)
Produced in Wireless (HUW), Ambulance (HUA), Personnel (HUP), Machinery ZL (mobile radio repair shop) and Computer (accounting, payroll) configurations
Chevrolet C15 (4x2, 101-inch wheelbase, 15 cwt)
Chevrolet C15A (4x4, 101-inch wheelbase, 15 cwt)
Chevrolet C15TA Armoured Truck (4x4, 101-inch wheelbase, 15 cwt)
Chevrolet C30 (4x4, 134-inch wheelbase, 30 cwt)
Chevrolet C60S (4x4, 134-inch wheelbase, 3 ton)
Chevrolet C60L (4x4, 158-inch wheelbase, 3 ton)
Chevrolet C60X – C60 chassis with 6x6 drive, 160 inch +52 inch wheelbase, 3 ton, 270 cu in GMC straight-6 engine)
Chevrolet CGT Field Artillery tractor (4x4, 101-inch wheelbase)
Ford CMP
Ford F8 4x2 101 in (2.6 m) 8 cwt
Ford F15 4x2 101 inch 15 cwt
Ford F15A 4x4 101 inch 15 cwt
Ford F30 4x4 drive 134.25 in (3.41 m) 30 cwt
Ford F60S 4x4 115 in (2.92 m) 3 ton "short" wheelbase variant
Ford F60L 4x4 158.25 in (4.02 m) 3 ton "long" wheelbase
Ford F60T 4x4 115 inch 3 ton tractor unit
Ford F60H 6x4, rear axle undriven 160.25 in (4.07 m) +52 inch 3 ton
Ford FGT 4x4, 101.25 inch Field artillery tractor
Dodge CMP
Dodge D8A 4x4 8 cwt
Dodge D15 4x2 128 in 15 cwt
Dodge D60S 4x2 136 inch 60-cwt short wheelbase
Dodge D60S/DD 4x2 136 inch 60 cwt short wheelbase, dual rear tyres
Dodge D60L 4x2 160 inch 60 cwt long wheelbase
Dodge D60L/D 4x2 160 inch 60 cwt
Dodge D60L/DD 4x2 160 inch 60 cwt long wheelbase, dual rear tyres
Modified Conventional Pattern (MCP)
The remaining truck production in canada consisted in circa 300,000 modified civilian commercial designs designated as "Modified Conventional Pattern", or MCP. They still had original civilian cabins and engines, drives, and were sometimes converted to specialized use. The most remarkable was probably the
Chevy WB 30Cwt used by the LRDG. But the
Dodge 3-ton MCP was also produced in Canada.
Src/ read More
Gregg, William, (ed.), Blueprint for Victory: The story of military vehicle design and production in Canada from 1937-45, The Canadian Military Historical Society, Rockwood, Ontario, 1981
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