Britain's commercial vehicles go to war

Welcome to this latest edition of our Workbench blog and all the news, updates and modelling exclusives from the fascinating world of Airfix.

We are delighted to announce that for this week's Airfix project update feature, we are returning to the subject of British military vehicles of the Second World War and more specifically, the many vehicles which were pressed into service in order to keep the army both on the move and well supplied. Our popular 1/35th scale range of Military Vehicles features some of the most famous tanks, tank destroyers and mobile artillery pieces in the history of warfare, but now also includes a selection of vehicle subjects which didn't benefit from armour protection, but were no less essential, or indeed interesting to the modeller. With our Austin K2/Y Ambulance having made such a triumphant introduction to the range, so called 'soft skinned' military vehicles appear to be all the rage at the moment, with the impending release of our new British Army 30-CWT 4X2 G.S Truck set to further add to the scale appeal of this kind of kit.

In this latest update, we welcome the arrival of the new 30-CWT 4X2 G.S Truck kit by taking a final look at this really attractive new model, not only showcasing the beautiful new box artwork created in support of its release, but also taking another look at the two very different scheme options which are included with this new kit. Also benefitting from an exclusive selection of built sample images, with kits finished in both scheme options, we will also be reporting from the recent Tankfest event at Bovington, where these sample models made their public debut in front of an extremely knowledgeable military audience.

We're back on four wheels again this week, but marking our scale tribute to one of the many vehicles which kept the British Army supplied during the Second World War, as opposed to featuring either a scale supercar, or a famous mode of London transportation.

Keeping the front lines supplied

As an army advances, the speed at which they can be re-supplied and re-enforced is absolutely crucial and as supply lines lengthened, could there possibly be a more vital vehicle than the general service trucks which kept the wheels of war moving?

With Germany successfully employing their Blitzkrieg tactics during the early months of the Second World War, it must have appeared the rest of the world that their military planners had discovered some radical secret which almost ensured victory in any offensive operation. Crucial to this success were their fast moving mechanized units and it seems that whilst the rest of Europe looked on nervously, Germany had totally re-invented and re-equipped its armed forces, making this the most modern and mechanised force in the world. Europe braced itself for the coming onslaught.

The truth of this situation was actually quite different from this preconception and whist the Wehrmacht's panzers rolled through the defences of Poland, Belgium, Netherlands and onwards into France, the support infrastructure behind them was anything but fully mechanised. Unquestionably, Germany's Panzer Divisions were incredibly well equipped, however, these impressive units only ever made up around 25% of the German Army and for the rest, actual horse power was the thing that kept them moving, both from a transport and supply perspective. This situation resulted from the rapid expansion of the German Army during the 1930s and how at that time, few ordinary people in Germany had access to a motor vehicle or were even able to drive one. Bringing this fact starkly into focus, America could boast a ratio of 1:5 relating to the number of cars to people in the country, however in Germany, that same ratio was an astonishingly low 1 car to every 89 people, the worst in Western Europe.

With this being the case, on the eve of war, the German Army had around 400,000 horses in service, with all the challenges of associated infrastructure that entailed and by the time of Operation Barbarossa and their strike east, it has been estimated that they had amassed an incredible 750,000 horses for the attack, approximately one horse for every 4 troops committed. When considering the historic perception of the strength of the modern Wehrmacht during WWII, these are actually rather surprising details.

What the Germans became incredibly adept at doing was commandeering as many of the enemy's vehicles as possible and pressing them into Wehrmacht service, something which actually required an impressive degree of mechanical ingenuity. They were taking large numbers of vehicles they had not designed, manufactured or introduced themselves, but became efficient in operating, maintaining and repairing them, something which required an incredible degree of organisation.

In post war Britain, with the dark clouds of war now looming ominously, the British Government were acutely aware that their existing inventory of fire engines, casualty evacuation vehicles and general service trucks was sadly lacking and immediately set about a significant programme of expansion. Officially ‘encouraging’ many of the motor manufacturing companies of the day to return to the production of lorries in support of this programme, they were in desperate need of as many rugged and reliable, no frills commercial vehicles as they could get their hands on, proven existing designs with a reputation for effectiveness. 

Using chassis designs which had already been in production and making only modest (if any) changes to cabin arrangements, the vehicles easily made the transition to military service and would therefore go on to become hard working general supply trucks with a multitude of uses, fire appliances and ambulances for use both on the home front and increasingly, on battlefields across Europe and the Mediterranean. The mechanical workhorses of commerce were about to provide the same supply service for war.

Rugged and reliable, these commercial trucks which were pressed into military service during WWII had a vital role to play, even though this was very much in the supply background.

Despite the feverish production of transport vehicles right up until the start of the Second World War and through to the end of the so called Phoney War, it's generally accepted that Britain was still significantly under-equipped when it came to numbers of military vehicles of all types, a situation which was just about to get so much worse. Although the evacuation of almost 340,000 troops from the beaches of Dunkirk during the early summer of 1940 was nothing short of miraculous, the fact that the British Expeditionary Force had to leave the vast majority of its equipment behind on the beaches of northern France was a catastrophic setback to an already dire logistical situation, one which required immediate action.

As Britain was plunged into a second devastating war of the 20th century, it's interesting to note that almost thirty companies in the country were engaged in the manufacture of commercial vehicles, from household names such as Ford, Bedford and Morris, to lesser known specialist manufacturers, such as Scammell. Clearly, in order to address the supply issues facing Britain's military, these companies were going to have to come under the overall control of a central co-ordinating body and the establishment of the Ministry of Supply effectively provided this, immediately all but ending the production of vehicles for civilian applications, whilst at the same time also procuring the manufacture of vehicles from overseas manufacturers. 

It's generally accepted that almost 530,000 trucks and tractors were produced by Britain's various manufacturing companies during WWII, a figure which does not include production figures for cars, motorcycles or ambulances, and whilst this is rightly impressive, it wasn't achieved without experiencing some significant difficulties. Having so many different vehicles manufactured by a multitude of companies dictated that managing this, arranging for effective training and support and an adequate supply of spare part, proved to be a logistical nightmare. Not only were the British unable to standardise on a couple of vehicle types to make the logistics of supply easier to manage, the inability to bring economies of scale to the operation meant that everything cost more than it should and indeed, less vehicles could be produced.

Nevertheless, the situation was so serious that this make do and mend attitude had to be adopted and taking all factors into consideration, the British managed to keep their supply wheels turning. For those maintaining these supply lines, there was a distinct lack of protected mobility and even though they were invariably heading towards combat zones with their valuable cargoes, they did so in trucks which were nothing more than commercial vehicles sporting a military paint finish.

British Army 30-CWT 4X2 G.S Truck

A military vehicle of distinction - even though there isn't a gun to be seen, these vehicles played an absolutely vital role during WWII and were never too far away from the action.

One of the many vehicles pressed into British military service during the Second World War, the British Army's 30-CWT 4X2 General Service series of trucks could trace their lineage to a line of successful commercial designs from the 1930s, where reliability and operability were unquestionably favoured over driver and passenger comfort. Initially, these 30-CWT trucks were simply diverted from civilian production and as the military required the vehicles to be manufactured to relatively tight costings, they actually removed some features of these already modestly equipped vehicles. This usually resulted in lorries featuring open cabs, canvas cab awning and canvas doors. Not surprisingly, these vehicles quickly became known as 'Flu or Pneumonia Wagons' by those assigned to operate them, because whilst these rather basic features didn't detract from the operability of the truck, conditions for the driver could be extremely uncomfortable at times.

Thankfully, their plight was quickly recognised and a new enclosed cab version made from pressed steel was soon introduced and whilst driver equipment in the cabin was still basic at best, at least conditions were a little more bearable when driving in most weather and temperatures. Significantly, these medium sized load luggers shared many components with other vehicles being manufactured by its parent company at that time, making mass-production less onerous and much more cost effective.

By their ubiquitous, yet vital nature, the General Service trucks used by the British Army during WWII are a fascinating and relatively little known subject and for the scale modeller, brings some really appealing subjects to the world of military vehicle modelling. Workmanlike and relatively simplistic by design, these vehicles are interesting in both their rugged, reliable nature and also how the application of military paint and markings completely transformed their appearance. In a supply numbers game, there would be many more service trucks close to any combat hotspot than the tanks and armoured vehicles most modellers are far more familiar with, even though they would usually be bringing up the rear and performing more of a direct support role. These load-luggers were absolutely crucial to military success.

A Tankfest debut, these built samples attracted plenty of attention during our weekend at Bovington.

Having only recently returned from exhibiting at this year's Tankfest show at the Tank Museum, down at Bovington, it was interesting to see how despite having an impressive selection of built tank models on our display tables, the two built British Army 30-CWT 4X2 G.S Truck samples on the stand really did prove to be the centre of attention all weekend. The kit was making its public debut in built and decorated form, with the two models finished in both of the very different options which are included with the initial release from this newly tooled kit. These events are great for the Airfix team, as it allows us to speak directly to modellers of all ages and abilities about matters Airfix, gauging their opinions on the current state of the hobby and our brand's contribution to it. 

Thankfully, most people were really complimentary about our new 30-CWT 4X2 G.S Truck kit, with many very much looking forward to getting their hands on the kit - we're pleased to say that they won't have to wait long now. Due into our warehouse this week, the new lorry has been cleared for immediate turn around, so if this is on your pre-order list, you may well have one in possession sometime next week.

Scheme A - British Army 30-CWT 4X2 G.S. Truck, 419th Company, Royal Army Service Corps (Divisional Supply Company), 70th Infantry Division, Tobruk, Western Desert, August 1941.

In the configuration of vehicle we have decided to model with this new tooling, it's clear to see the commonality this truck shared with other vehicles produced by its parent company at that time. Whilst this lorry sports the General Service cargo body, loads carried on the rear bed could simply be left open, but if operating in poor weather or if the cargo was to be hidden from prying eyes, could always be covered with a lashed down tarpaulin. If greater loads were being carried, the crew had the option to mount the tarpaulin on a higher frame, something which gave the truck a very different appearance. Powered by a six cylinder 3462cc overhead valve petrol engine, which produced a reliable 63hp, the truck also featured a 4-speed gearbox, hydraulic brakes and fully sprung suspension which made operation over most types of terrain effective and more than bearable.

A reliable small truck, these vehicles were the mechanical workhorses of the British Army's supply system and were consequently only earning their keep when they were on the move, lugging yet another load of supplies, equipment or troops. Production wise, although plenty of these vehicle were manufactured in Britain prior to the outbreak of war, the Ministry of Supply were soon of the opinion that as it was roughly the same cost to produce the larger 3 tonne trucks which had twice the load carrying capacity of these smaller vehicles, it made little sense to keep the smaller trucks in production. Switching production almost entirely to the 3 tonne truck variant, the 30-CWT variant would gradually be used in secondary roles, or made available to other nations engaged in fighting the Axis forces, including relatively large numbers sent to the Soviet Union.

The hostile environment of the deserts of North Africa witnessed some of the most savage fighting of the Second World War, lasting over three years from early June 1940. Initially, this fighting was between British and Italian forces, with the vast expanses of desert and the ebb and flow of combat gains and retreats placing a heavy burden on the machinery of war and of course the men operating the various vehicles. In this punishing environment, the robust qualities of the British Army's ubiquitous 30-CWT General Service supply truck really did prove to be invaluable, a hardworking vehicle which required a minimum of maintenance and was always ready to do its essential transport duties. 

Images featuring a built sample model in this extremely distinctive Western Desert Caunter scheme.

One feature of the vehicle which proved to be particularly noteworthy were its tyres, with the rubber compound used endowing these units with incredible durability and the ability to operate in both on and off-road conditions. Most vehicles were also equipped with a bespoke tyre inflation unit, however, in operation, these proved to be virtually redundant due to the robust qualities of the tyres themselves.

Another interesting fact regarding the production of these trucks is that each and every one of these vehicles was painted in British Army olive drab when they left the manufacturing plant, but could receive an additional coat of paint as their intended operational deployment required. The most dramatic presentation differences came on vehicles destined for use in the Western Desert and of these, the application of the Caunter or ‘Dazzle’ scheme was without doubt the most distinctive. The brainchild of Brigadier John Alan Lyde Caunter, the scheme was specifically for use on military vehicles of all types fighting in desert conditions, with Caunter having served in a senior role in the region since 1935 and as the Commanding Officer of the 4th Armoured Brigade from January 1940 onwards - clearly he had the necessary experience in theatre.

The Caunter scheme was a disruptive pattern of paintwork intended to break up the profile of the vehicles and was one which had been in development with the War Office since before the start of the war. In a similar manner to how warships were painted during the Great War, with zig-zag lines intended to confuse U-Boat commanders into making range finding miscalculations when selecting their targets, the Caunter scheme was intended to break up the angular profile of military vehicles in the Western Desert, particularly when operating in flat, open conditions. With the added benefit of heat haze assisting with this visual deception, it was thought that this scheme would assist in confusing gunners attempting to fire on the vehicles, buying them valuable time to either launch their own attack, or to seek whatever shelter they could find.

Several different permutations of the design were considered, with this particular variation being the most distinctive and the one which actually made it onto operational British Army vehicles in the desert. With painting instructions and paint stocks supplied to units training for desert deployment, the Caunter scheme adopted a three colour design and straight lines, which must have been quite the challenge to apply and presumably requiring the use of bespoke paint masks during the task.

Trials of the scheme took place in Egypt in May 1940, with the 7th Armoured Division taking the scheme into combat, and whilst the exact colour combinations used at that time are still the subject of some debate, it does appear that whilst it was initially used extensively, it actually proved to be less successful than anticipated. By the middle of the following year, most vehicles operating in a desert environment would be finished in a single overall khaki/linen colour and the dazzle scheme was an unusual Western Desert thing of the past.

This particularly attractive scheme was applied to an incredibly rare example of a restored 30-CWT truck, which was rescued after spending more than forty years left abandoned and unloved. With the restoration project beginning in 2016, it would take over three years for the truck to be returned to its former glory, when it would become one of only three such restored examples known to exist. Later offered for sale, the personalities behind the restoration project were disappointed that a UK buyer didn't come forward, with the truck now being on display in a Russian museum, however, this is actually rather fitting when considering the second scheme option which will accompany the initial release of this appealing new kit.

Scheme B - British Army 30-CWT 4X2 G.S. Truck, Evaluation Unit, Russia, 1944.

As the Second World War took a dramatic turn with the German invasion of the Soviet Union towards the end of June 1941, it quickly became apparent that the Soviets were going to be in need of huge quantities of materials and military equipment if they were to avoid defeat and in the process, devour significant enemy resources with the continued fighting. The British Empire War Assistance programme and more importantly, America's Lend-Lease Act, allowed for the supply of vital machinery, equipment and commodities to the Soviet Union between October 1941 and March 1946. When considering that in one week alone, Soviet forces lost a staggering 4,000 aircraft during the German attack, it underlines why this agreement and the resources it provided proved to be one of the most crucial battles of the entire war.

With agreements in place, the race was on to ship the equipment to the Soviet Union at the earliest opportunity, however, this would be by sea and would have to be via one of three Arctic shipping routes, heading mainly for the port facilities at Archangel or Murmansk. Unfortunately, all three routes posed different problems and logistical challenges, however, the merchant sailors and the men of the Royal Navy would have to run the gauntlet if the operation was to stand any chance of success. The main issue was that of timing - if safer routes were taken, it would take much longer for the equipment and supplies to reach the front lines in the Soviet Union, however, if the more dangerous, shorter route was taken, there would undoubtedly be casualties and whilst the equipment would be in position sooner, there would be less of it. 

The main route taken by the supply convoys would be via the Northern (Arctic) route, which was the shorter one and not only required sailings through the bitter condition of this region, but would also run the gauntlet of the Luftwaffe and Kriegsmarine, who were only too aware of what the Allied powers were attempting to do. Every ship which managed to get through could potentially cost the lives of German troops, so you can imagine the ferocity of these attacks they faced. In addition to the supply of Aircraft, Tanks and other vehicles, this arrangement also included the delivery of raw materials, food, machinery, industrial plant, medical supplies and hospital equipment.

A vision in functionality, the vehicle which inspired this scheme was supplied to Russia, as they continued to take an extremely heavy toll of Wehrmacht forces, pushing them back towards their own border. 

As crucial as aircraft and tanks undoubtedly were, the Soviets also needed large numbers of transport and supply vehicles to supplement their own indigenously manufactured machines and by the end of this programme, it was estimated that more than 500,000 trucks and jeeps were supplied, the majority of which were manufactured in America. As part of Britain's commitment, only relatively small numbers of 30-CWT (1.5 ton) 4x2 General Service trucks were supplied via the British Empire War Assistance programme, not because the vehicles were deemed unsuitable, but because by that time, the majority of production in the UK had been switched to the larger 3 ton variant, which were deemed more sensible from a war production perspective. 

Nevertheless, the 30-CWT trucks were gratefully received by their new owners and put to good use transporting any manner of supplies across this vast nation. In Soviet service, many of the British manufactured supply trucks were finished in this distinctive black and dark earth camouflage scheme for anything other than winter operations, although finding definitive evidence confirming that this paint was applied in the UK prior to shipping has proved elusive - perhaps one of our knowledgeable readers could shed some light on this fascinating subject for us.

Going back in time, this image features a kit assembled using prototype components, much earlier on in the development of this attractive new kit.

The latest addition to our growing 1/35th scale military vehicles range, the WWII British Army 30-CWT 4 x 2 G.S. Truck is something just that little bit different for the modeller, if still 100% military vehicle subject matter.

Even though it doesn't feature either a fearsome main gun or thick armour protection, our new British Army 30-CWT 4 x 2 G.S truck is every inch a famous wartime military vehicle and a fascinatingly unusual subject for the military modeller to tackle. Positioned amongst any collection of scale tanks and armoured vehicles, this will undoubtedly attract plenty of admiring glances and although it was never used in a direct combat situation, still has a fascinating wartime story to tell.

The new 1/35th scale British Army 30-CWT 4 x 2 G.S truck is available now and should already be with your preferred model supplier, and is most definitely available via the Airfix website.

We are afraid that's all we have for you in this latest edition, but we will be back next Friday with more project development updates and the very latest Airfix kit exclusives. In the meantime, we are always keen to hear your views on all things Airfix and in particular, any thoughts and opinions you may have regarding our Workbench blog. If you would like to drop us a quick line, could we please ask that you use our workbench@airfix.com email for all correspondence. 

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