LETTER OF THE WEEK
Page 14
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CM’s top 10 military trucks... this means war!
I CAN’T HELP feeling that a few Great British military trucks were absent from CM’s otherwise excellent all-time top 10 of khaki-clad warriors.
Amidst the plethora of Bedfords and Scammells (undeniably all great trucks) surely you could have found some space for the venerable Morris Commercial C8 FAT Field Artillery Tractor (lovingly known as the Quad)? It pulled the British Army’s legendary 25-pounder and ammunition limber throughout the empire and various battle-zones for more than two decades (it was a highly popular dinky toy to boot).
Then what about that amphibious marvel, the 6x6 Alvis Stalwart load carrier, with its vectored thrust water-jet propulsion and mighty Rolls-Royce engine – which can still be seen in action on various YouTube clips. And the omission of the Foden DROPS vehicles surely can’t be accepted without a ight? While I applaud Pat Ware for bravely sticking his head above the parapet with his selection (and let’s face it, no one choosing a top 10 will ever satisfy everyone) perhaps you might consider a future editorial counter-attack onto the battleield that is Britain’s best loved military motors... for when it comes to compiling the ultimate list of British army lorries, as the Duke of Wellington once said: “It has been a damn nice thing, the nearest-run thing you ever saw” – and who could argue with that?
Brian Weatherley Former CM editor
Editor’s Note: I’m slightly nervous of picking up the gauntlet that Brian has cast at my feet but, of course, it is well nigh impossible to pick out the top 10 of anything, particularly if you are also seeking consensus.
We couldn’t pass on this opportunity to let Pat respond... (see below).