Below is a selection of the most important trucks used by the LRDG patrols. ![]() Chevrolet 1533X2 30cwt
After several false starts, the LRDG finally had an acceptable all around Patrol Truck. Surprisingly the truck is only two wheel drive. The 30 CWT was capable of hauling around one and half tons of supply and weapons. Pictured is a Chevrolet of Y patrol, which is having some difficulty with sand. It is armed with a single Vickers K and the reliable Vickers medium machine gun. The Vickers was a water cooled gun and was highly regarded by all who used it.
See Ford vs. Chevy Willys Jeep, Photo courtesy Brendan O'Carroll
The LRDG and the SAS both came up with the idea of using Jeeps as patrol vehicles. Unfortunately for the LRDG, the SAS was the first in line to receive them. Eventually the LRDG would get their own issued Jeeps but until that happened they would find and repair SAS Jeeps and then put them to use. LRDG Jeeps tended to be used as pilot cars (patrol O/C and 2 i/c). They rarely stored fuel cans on the Jeep bonnet (hood) or above the rear wheels. They also tended to carry fewer weapons. Often only single MG or perhaps a twin mount. In this case, a MG is front mounted and covered. Other guns may be stored. Note location of spare tire.
Gears: 3 forward x 1 reverse Fuel Capacity 15 gallon tank MPG: @16 Wheelbase 80 inches Payload: 600 pounds Tires: 6X16 Max range on a single tank of fuel: @240 Miles
15 CWT Pilot Chevrolet 1311X3 With a wheelbase of 101 inches, the slightly smaller 15 CWT was capable of hauling about 3/4 tons of supplies. It acted primarily as a pilot car until it was replaced by the Jeep. As you can tell the 15 CWT looks very similar to the 30 CWT. The principal difference is the wheel wells around the rear tires and the front bumper, and of course the overall size. Unlike the 30 CWT which had a metal cargo bed, the 15 CWT has a wood cargo bed. Behind the wheel of this 15 CWT is William Kennedy Shaw and riding shotgun is "Shorty" Barrett, LRDG Supply Officer. Note the camouflage pattern on the vehicle and the building!
Headquarters & Heavy Section
The MO truck is the Mk. I, being canvas covered. The later Mk. II had a wood framed superstructure. Note the extended ariel on the far 30CWT.
The vehicles of the heavy section were not patrol vehicles but were used in the movement of heavy supplies to base camps behind enemy lines and for evacuation. The same type vehicles were also used to portee the guns and light tank of the short lived artillery section. These vehicles were often unarmed or lightly armed. The Marmon Herringtons were later replaced with the Whites, and later Macks used as well. Along with these vehicles, the 30CWT Chevys, 15CWT Chevys, Jeeps, etc. were used by the Heavy Section. Ford F30
The Ford F30 was a four wheel drive truck that replaced the earlier commercially produced Chevrolet 30 CWTs. It was heavier than the Chevrolets and this caused many problems while on patrol. The four speed 95 HP Flathead V8 managed a poor 6 miles per gallon which was probably the main reason it was later replaced by the Chevrolet 1533X2 30cwt got a more economical 12 miles to the gallon.
Gears: 4 forward x 1 reverse Fuel Capacity 2 12 ½ gallon tanks MPG: 6 Wheelbase 134 1/4 inches Tires: 10.50X16 Max range with standard fuel tanks: @150 Miles.
CMP Ford 8CWT
The CMP Ford 8CWT (F8) was tested by New Zealand's T Patrol as a possible replacement for the Chevrolet 15 CWT 1533X3. The Vehicle arrived around the same time as the Jeep. The two wheeled drive F8 lacked the four wheel drive capability of the new jeeps and the the carrying capacity of the old 15 CWT Chevys. It's career with the LRDG was limited, perhaps to a single patrol.
The basic Chevrolet 1533X2 30cwt mounting a Breda 20mm AA/AT gun. The Breda was one of the few excellent Italian made weapons. The Breda proved far superior to the Bofors AT gun in that it offered a more rapid rate of fire and protection against aircraft. The photo above shows arc of fire for the weapon and a general idea of how the gun is removed from its tripod mount and bolted to the bed of the truck, or more likely through the bed of the bed of the truck and directly to the frame of the truck. The bed sides have been lowered slightly in the back portion of truck, however the front of the cargo area seems to be slightly higher, preventing a full 360 degree traverse of the gun with the barrel horizontal to the ground. I suspect this may have been intentional to prevent accidentally shooting the crew of the vehicle.
![]() Early Chevrolet 30 CWT (WB Chevrolet)
The early Chevrolets were locally procured civilian trucks. They were marginally successful but the LRDG thought they could do better. The principle design feature that set these vehicles apart from other trucks is the horizontal grill and round fenders on the rear wheels. The vehicle is armed with a Boys AT rifle and a Lewis Gun. Also note the camouflage pattern, possible middle stone over a desert pink, sand, or lt blue. Also of note is the civilian license plate.
David Knudsen's restored Chevy, WA.
Early Ford 15 CWT Pilot Car The early Pilot Car was the Ford 15 CWT, also locally procured. The trucks are modified 1940 Ford 01 Pick-up trucks. The distinguishing feature of the vehicle is the V grill in front. Among the modifications is a set of new rear fenders which provides easy access to the tires, and swan neck machinegun mounts. At first the Fords still had their doors but these were later removed. A superstructure of wood is built us around the truck bed. Storage bins were then affixed to this superstructure. Usual armament consisted of the Vickers .303 MG, a Lewis Gun, and the Boys AT rifle.
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