US WB-30 Chevrolet Truck

By Crusader1307

A common "Work Truck", designed and constructed in The US, the WB-30 was sent in great numbers to England, during The " Lend-Lease" Program during World War II. Commonly used in Military Transport, with British involvement against the Germans in North Africa (1942), a new use was found fir the vehicle - that of Long Range Patrol.

The British Long Range Desert Group  (often called "The Rat Patrol"), adopted The WB-30 as their primary fighting vehicle. Modified with a condenser to maximum cooling of the engine in the brutally hot climate, The WB-30 was modified with "sand funnels", which minimized the amount of sand blowing against the vehicle when in movement (similar to "wind fins").

Not armored, but featuring Gun plates for Shooter protection, The WB-30 also had specialized Tires designed to work "low pressure". The suspension Springs were lifted to provide better clearance in the uneven Desert terrain. The WB-30 was a 12-cylinder, 2-wheel drive vehicle. Thus was chosen over 4-wheel drive due to the amount of extra fuel needed to operate.

All doors, Windows and roof were removed from the vehicle, as was a specialized compartment designed to protect the vehicles communication equipment  (which was crucial). The WB-30 was capable of 60-mph battlefield speed and and a 190-mile range. Groups patrolled in pairs. They typically carried 4 to 6 men.

The Chevrolet WB-30 was equipped with many different weapons. The Standard Model had a modified Vickers .303 Cal. Machine Gun (designed for Aircraft). Others later featured The Vickers .50 Cal. Heavy MG. The secondary was a Browning .303 MG. The WB-30 was intended to support up to 8 mounted weapons, but normally more than 3 were ever used. Some other versions were designed to support the Bofors 37mm AA Gun. The most reliable patrol and reconnaissance vehicle deployed in North Africa, Italy and Sicily, they were a scourge to Edwin Rommel and just Africa Corps. After 1945, The WB-30 was retired.