Although the exploits of the Second World War are widely known and a huge number of books are published each year covering its history, we should remember that machinery helped soldiers during special operations and numerous battles. It was often thanks to them that soldiers successfully completed their actions. In this article Amy Hogan takes a closer look at five of the best military vehicles of the war.
US-based trials of the Ford GPA Sea jeeps during World War II.
Before we start, we shouldn't forget that nowadays automobiles are playing a huge role in our daily lives. And we don't need to spend a fortune on a car, as we can rent one for days or hours or weeks. Moreover, it does not matter if you want to find a rental car in Dubai or New York, there are numerous car rental companies the world over. They offer a wide range of models, so you can even rent a vintage car and enjoy the atmosphere of the past!
Dodge WC-51
The American Dodge WC-51 was a heavy SUV that became widespread during World War II. The vehicle went into production in 1941, when the war was already taking place, and from 1942 it was delivered to the Red Army as Allied aid. In the military units, the Dodge WC-51 had great value. The unit was versatile: it was used to set up mobile ambulance stations, provide vital communications in combat situations, and of course it carried weapons. Heavy off-road vehicles such as the Dodge WC-51 were ideally suited to carry not only mortars but also crew and ammunition.
Horch 901
Back in the mid-1930s, German industry began to develop and produce four-wheel drive military vehicles, which were divided into light, medium and heavy size vehicles. These vehicles were often on the battlefield, taking part in many campaigns of the Wehrmacht. There was a wide range of functions, particularly the trucks that had off-road tires and high ground clearance. The Horch 901 was also used as a mobile hospital, communications vehicle, and of course to transport weapons.
Ford GPW Willys
In 1942, the Ford GPW Willys were delivered to the Red Army under the Lend-Lease Program in various versions. This well-proven vehicle had many useful features. It was used for reconnaissance, transportation of commanding staff and even as a gun carrier. In addition, the Willys were equipped with machine guns and other small armaments.
Volkswagen Type 82
The famous first prototype was developed in 1938 and was named VW Type 62. After testing and some modifications the vehicle was given the designation Type 82 and was put into production in November 1940. With a lightweight open four-door body, a folding windshield and a canvas roof and body, it was collectively called the Kübelwagen. The unpretentious and reliable vehicle won the respect of the soldiers. It was thanks to the VW Type 82 that the militray had fewer shortages of spare parts, as the vehicle was easily repairable, extremely light - and moreover it could be lifted by three soldiers if necessary.
Ford GPA
In 1941 the Ford Company produced an amphibious vehicle for a government competition for a lightweight, 250-kilogram capacity floating vehicle. The specification called for a design that could support military waterborne engineering as well as military reconnaissance. Unlike the boats, the amphibious vehicle didn't need to be transported and there were no complicated operations of launching and lifting it back onto trucks for further transportation. In 1942 the vehicle entered service with the US Army.
The Second World War tested not only people, but also their machines. Partly, it was also a war of engineers. At that time, military vehicles, the engineers who designed them, and those workers who implemented the projects all played an essential role, both in the overall outcome of the war and in the lives of many people.
