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Anonymous (no login)
Posted Jun 20, 2009 8:38 PM
According to my book, "Universal Carriers, Volume 2" by Nigel Watson, Marlowe is correct.
"The stowage arrangement on the MkII was the main difference. Accommodation for the extra crew was made available by repositioning the large kit locker from above the left mudguard, in the rear compartment, to along the rear protection plate. Onto this was hung a canvas bag in which was stored the camouflage net. A variety of stowage bins were also provided in the footwells of the rear compartments and above each fuel tank."
"The firing rests around the perimeter of the rear compartments are now made of a steel tube welded to the armour plate."
"Note the 4" smoke discharger now mounted inside the front compartment instead of the outside as on the MkI."
"On the right protection plate in the rear compartment there are three brackets located. This side of the furthest forward bracket there are four bolts in a square slightly angled. This was the fixing for the 4" smoke discharger bracket on the MkI."
"The retention of the "shepherds crook" track adjusting tool...is another indication (of a MkI status)."
"On the rear protection plate...just above the right hand side...along the back, there are another four bolts in a square. These were used to fix the rear Bren gun anti-aircraft stem bracket to."
"The use of two headlights...is consistent with the MkI arrangement."
"The early MkIIs retained the MkI style of sandguard...The early MkII sandquard had an angled front section but otherwise was a plain sheet of metal supported by the crew step. The later MkII guard had a pressed imprint on it for strengthening."
"The MkI had its towing attachment mainly fitted in the field or where possible REME workshops but for later MkIIs it was to be factory fitted."
"The gunner's or commander's seat on the MkII is a non-adjustable seat which is set higher than the MkIs and accommodates the crews ration box below it."
Those are just some of points I can find in this book. Volume 1 covered the MkIs in greater detail, but I do not have a copy of that publication.
Hope this helps.
Ken |
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