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Topic starter
03/04/2024 11:56 am
...to make the boys wink?
Lifted from fudbook:
The 109s were delivered in standard Bronze Green, and immediately sent to Marshall’s of Cambridge, a major Land Rover rebuilder at the time. They were uprated in every way to survive heavy dune bashing and heavy artillery needs. Fuel capacity was extended to 100 gallons, with four tanks to allow for a long range in the sands. Chassis and suspension components were uprated, sand tires were installed, and a special spare tire mount was built on the front. A bead breaker for changing tires was strapped to the wing, and there was spare water and oil. There was even a sun compass, something that had become standard desert kit after the experiences of the Long Range Desert Group in North Africa in World War II.For artillery, they were equipped with a machine gun on the left side of the hood, various smoke canisters and grenades, anti-tank weapons, and rifles. When all was said and done, the fully-laden vehicle weighed a massive 3 tons.
This topic was modified 2 years ago by Don Stewart
bob9739 reacted
04/04/2024 10:06 am
Interesting post that one Don, They have come a long way since the old LRDG mate. Reference the sun compass when we were in Libya our old Troop Commander was a bloke called John Humphries, an old WW2 Vet who served in Libya during war. He was captured by the Germans, handed over to the Italians and placed in a POW Camp, from which he escaped dressed as an Italian Officer and made his way back to British lines. He taught us how to use the sun compass. last I heard was he's still alive and kicking as a Chelsea Pensioner well over 100 years old!
Topic starter
04/04/2024 3:23 pm
Interesting post that one Don, They have come a long way since the old LRDG mate. Reference the sun compass when we were in Libya our old Troop Commander was a bloke called John Humphries, an old WW2 Vet who served in Libya during war. He was captured by the Germans, handed over to the Italians and placed in a POW Camp, from which he escaped dressed as an Italian Officer and made his way back to British lines. He taught us how to use the sun compass. last I heard was he's still alive and kicking as a Chelsea Pensioner well over 100 years old!
Bob, i think he died quite recently mate.
05/04/2024 9:26 am
That's sad news Don, I normally check on the AEA site to see what's happening, he certainly had a full on career that's a fact. Not only escaped from captivity in North Africa, But also escaped twice from German hands at Arnhem, again making it back to his own lines. A cracking bloke who I had a lot of time for. For anybody who didn't know him he's the Officer front row on this shot!
06/04/2024 5:18 pm
Talking of vehicles Don, I am quite surprised viewing this picture, That the Germans strapped Jerry Cans on the front of this thing a bit of bad planning to my way of thinking!
06/04/2024 5:56 pm
The upside down horseshoe won't have brought them much luck either!
07/04/2024 11:18 am
Well spotted Pat, That's why they lost mate! 😀 😀 😀
