|
|
|
|
|
The Gun Carrier was suggested as a companion machine to the Mark I Tank, to carry forward medium artillery and ammunition over shell-torn ground covered with old and new trench systems. The vehicle used the main mechanical components of the Mk I Tank, including the steering tail wheels (which were later discarded). The purpose for which the Gun Carrier was designed necessitated a changed arrangement and resulted in an entirely different appearance from the tank. The layout comprised an open space at the front in to which the artillery piece (usually a 60-pdr. gun or a 6in. howitzer) could be winched up a ramp, and behind this space an armoured box which contained a crew compartment and the engine and transmission. Forty-eight Gun Carriers were built. In France, they were used far less for carrying artillery than ammunition. The vehicle was designed so that the 60-pdr. gun or the 6-inch howitzer could be fired from it, although from a practical point of view only the 6-inch howitzer could be used in this way. These weapons were employed in this fashion at night on a few occasions and achieved some tactical success. Eventually the Gun Carrier companies lost their guns and were instead converted into supply companies, and the Gun Carriers became in effect Supply Carriers for carrying supplies as well as ammunition. Without any gun the vehicle could transport around seven tons of supplies. It was estimated that six Gun Carriers with their combined crews of twenty-four men could carry a load which would otherwise require 1745 men - which was the only practicable alternative form of cross-country transport available then.
My model is made from Retrokits very
nice 1/72 Gun Carrier kit Click on the thumbnails to see more views of this model:
|
Gallery | Reviews | Disclaimer |Kitlist
Guest Book | Vote! | Search | Back to Index | Contact
