British Army Vehicles

B S A M20 Motorcycle

Years of production: 1937-1940-?
Overall production: 126334(?) units
Engine: own 13hp/4200rpm, 1-cyl, ?-stroke SV 496cc
Bore/Stroke: 82/94 mm
 Length: 86in, width: 29in, height: 39in, saddle height: ?
Wheelbase: 54in, road clearance: ?
53k photo of BSA M20Frame: rigid, tubular
Carburetter: Amal 76/014 PS
 
Gearbox: 4 speed, foot-change
 Chain
Mechanical brakes
Rear axle ratios: solo - 4,56, sidecar version - 5,62
Weight: 292 lb (solo)
 Tyres: 3,25x19 inches
 
BREN GUN CARRIER (UNIVERSAL CARRIER)

 

  • Technical Details
    • Carden-Lloyd Series: Universal (Bren Gun) Carrier
    • Crew: Varied between 2-5 depending on the role of the vehicle
    • Usual crew: Commander (Corporal), Driver (Private), Gunner (Private) + sometimes another Private rifleman
    • Length: 3.75m, Width: 2.10m, Height 1.6m
    • Power-plant: Ford V8 water-cooled petrol engine developing 85 bhp
    • Armour: 12mm
    • Armament: Usually one Bren Gun .303 or a Boys .55 Anti-tank rifle, sometimes both, as well as two .303 lee-enfield rifles, and either a third lee-enfield or a Thompson Submachine gun. In addition, next to the driver there was either a smoke discharging unit or a 2" mortar!
    • Performance: Speed 50 kph range 256 km. trench crossing 1.6m
    • Makers: Major UK automobile manufacturers, also made in great numbers in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and USA
    • In the US a slighty larger heavier variant was developed, known as the T16

Bedford MW Truck

The initial order for the deliverance of the MW to the British Forces was agreed on 2nd May 1939. Early models had an open driving compartment, but from 1943 the cab was enclosed and provided with half-doors and detachable side-curtains. The windscreen changed from aero-screen to a full-width, flat divided screen with wipers.

The MWC were supplied in chassis-cab form and different bodies were fitted by outside contractors.
Amongst other models were the MWG 22 mm anti-aircraft gun used by the RAF, MWR radio van, the MWT anti-tank tractor/portee and the MWV van.
More than 65.000 of this 4 x 2 15-cwt truck produced from 1939 to 1945.
The MV remained in service with the British Army until the late 1950´s.
Length: 4.36 m (172 inches).
Width: 1.98 m (78 inches).
Height: 2.28 m (90 inches).
Weight: 3.478 kg (7.730 lb.).
Engine: Own 6-cylinder, 3.519 cm3 (214 cubic inches) displacement, liquid cooled.
Horsepower: 72 at 3.000 rpm.
Transmission: 4-speed gearbox.
Transfer case: None.
Electrical system: 12 volt.
Brakes: Hydraulic (Lockheed).
Tyres: 9.00 - 16.
 
Fuel type: Petrol.
Fuel capacity: 91 liter (20 gallons).
Range: 430 km (268 miles).
Crew: 2.
Additional: 910 liter (200 gallons) water tank. The compartment at the rear provided space for sterilizing equipment in the racks on the left. The right-hand half accommodated suction hoses, filters, pump handles and other items of equipment.
Variants:
Bedford MWD GS
Bedford MWR radio truck

Bedford QL Truck

Historical: At the outbreak of WW II, Bedford was contracted by the British War Office to produce a 3 tons 4 x 4 general service truck. A pilot model was ready in February 1940 and quantity production started in March 1941.

Used in a range of roles including Bofors tractor, troop carrier, cargo, tanker, communications, fire tender, field kitchen etc.
More than 50.000 produced at Vauxhall´s Luton factory between 1940 and 1945.
Length: 5.99 m (236 inches).
Width: 2.26 m (89 inches).
Height: 2.54 m (120 inches).
Weight: 7.000 kg (15.400 lb.).
Engine: 6-cylinder Bedford, 3.519 cm3 (214 cubic inches) displacement, liquid cooled.
Horsepower: 72 at 3.000 rpm.
Transmission: 4-speed gearbox.
Transfer case: 2 speed.
Electrical system: 12 volt, negative ground.
Brakes: Hydraulic with vacuum servo assistance.
Tyres: 10.50 - 20 (11.00 - 20).
Fording depth:
without preparation: 0.4 m (15 inches).
with deep water fording kit: N/A.
Fuel type: Petrol.
Fuel capacity: 127 liter (28 gallons).
Range: 250 km (156 miles)
Crew: 1+ 11.
Additional: N/A.
Variants:
Bedford QLB gun tractor
Bedford QLB wrecker)
Bedford QLC office van
Bedford QLR signal van
Bedford QLT

 

Bedford OY Truck

This truck was one of the most produced British trucks in WW2 with over 72,000 being produced! It was a versatile 3 ton lorry, initially produced with doubole wheels on the rear axle but later with single wheels, and with innovative braking system- using hydraulic brakes with a servo-assited vacuum.