Hi Guys, I came across this photograph in an out of print book about the WW2 Jeep a few years ago. It was taken at the meet up of the Red Army and US forces in Germany on April 25th 1945 on the Elbe river at Torgau. The units were from the U.S. 69th Infantry Division and the Soviet 58th Rifle Division of First Ukrainian Front.
As most of you know, I own a 1942 ex British Airborne forces Ford GPW Jeep. This photo really caught my attention as it shows a British Airborne Jeep being used by the Red Army
These British converted Jeeps were not "Lend -Lease" supplied to the Russians. This Jeep could have only found its way into Soviet hands by being captured by the Wehrmacht first! This Jeep could have either been captured in Normandy from the 6th Airborne Division or, most likely, it is one of many that were captured from 1st Airborne Division at Arnhem. I believe there is good evidence of repaired battle damage as shown by the rivetted semi circular patch on the far left of the windscreen.
Some of the convertions that were carried out by the British Army to make the Jeep suitable for air landing by Horsa glider can be seen in the photograph. These include the quick release steering wheel ; removed grab handles, footstep and tool clips from the side of the body. The most evident modification is the addition of the rifle clips on the scuttle between the screen and the bonnet to hold two .303 Lee Enfield No.4 rifles.
As usual with Red Army vehicles, markings are few and far between, but in this case there is a number painted on the windscreen.
The photo is also interesting as it shows the Russian driver wearing a field made sheepskin jerkin.
Cheers, Ade.
As most of you know, I own a 1942 ex British Airborne forces Ford GPW Jeep. This photo really caught my attention as it shows a British Airborne Jeep being used by the Red Army
These British converted Jeeps were not "Lend -Lease" supplied to the Russians. This Jeep could have only found its way into Soviet hands by being captured by the Wehrmacht first! This Jeep could have either been captured in Normandy from the 6th Airborne Division or, most likely, it is one of many that were captured from 1st Airborne Division at Arnhem. I believe there is good evidence of repaired battle damage as shown by the rivetted semi circular patch on the far left of the windscreen.
Some of the convertions that were carried out by the British Army to make the Jeep suitable for air landing by Horsa glider can be seen in the photograph. These include the quick release steering wheel ; removed grab handles, footstep and tool clips from the side of the body. The most evident modification is the addition of the rifle clips on the scuttle between the screen and the bonnet to hold two .303 Lee Enfield No.4 rifles.
As usual with Red Army vehicles, markings are few and far between, but in this case there is a number painted on the windscreen.
The photo is also interesting as it shows the Russian driver wearing a field made sheepskin jerkin.
Cheers, Ade.