Since our exhibit is badly
placed for photographs this month's item features similar
vehicles that have visited the Tank Museum over the years.
Tank Museum photo No. 1980/C/4
Taken at one of the old Battle Day events this preserved
example of an M9 by International Harvester is shown complete
with its 'crew' of would-be G. I.s
Tank Museum photo No. 2690/E/4
From the rear the rounded corners of the body identify this
vehicle as an M9. It is shown here with the canvas cover
fitted and one can see the door through which the passengers
dismount.
Tank Museum photo No. 2691/B/1
The spartan cab presents the driver with an impressive selection
of levers although in fact it is as easy to drive as a truck
of the same period. These American vehicles, in contrast
with their German counterparts, had drive to the front axle
which in most conditions gave improved cross-country performance.
Tank Museum photo No. 2691/B/6
The pulpit mount for the .50 calibre Browning machine-gun
was another typical feature of the US half-tracks. It was
intended for use in the event of air attack although the
gunner had to stand on the co-driver's seat to fire it.
Notice also the armoured shield for the windscreen and the
hinged top to the side door.
Tank Museum photo No 3221/E/5
By way of a change here is another M9A1 without the machine-gun
pulpit. As a rifle squad transport with the United States
Army the M9 carried 14, including a crew of two. Another
common fitting was the power winch at the front.
Tank Museum photo No. 4350/G/5
This is the M16, built by the White Motor Corporation. It
carries four Browning machine-guns in a powered mounting
and was intended for anti-aircraft defence. It is shown
in the markings of a unit of 1st (Polish) Armoured Division.
The massive range of half-tracks, some 40,000 in total,
were built by Autocar, International, White and Diamond
T. They were adapted to dozens of different roles.
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