DUKW (Amphibious transport)

[Louis]

In the early 1940s as WW2 began to enter its most critical phase, the Allied Forces looked towards Europe and began planning an invasion on an unprecedented scale. Unsurprisingly, along with the intention of invading and liberating almost an entire continent, came countless logistical, strategic and tactical problems. Perhaps the most crucial problem to solve was that of troop, supplies and equipment movement.

An inspired solution was found through the invention and subsequent production of the DUKW by the General Motors Corporation in America. The DUKW was an amphibious vehicle that was more than capable of carrying soldiers and supplies into the European Theatre of WW2. DUKWs were designed to withstand driving onto beaches in 15 foot seas. In addition to carrying up to 30 troops or 2.5 tons of cargo, DUKWs were used in other capacities. For example, machine guns could be added to the DUKW and it could then be used as a firing platform. It was this versatility that made the DUKW perfect for the planned Allied invasion of Europe, and on June 5/6 1944, the DUKW entered into military history as the primary method of transport used by the armies involved in the Normandy landings. It was not just the invasion of Europe that the DUKW was confined to- they were also successfully used in Allied operations in the Pacific Theatre and Sicily.
DUKWs weigh about 7 tonnes, are 31 feet long and 8 feet wide. They have six wheels and can be driven in rear wheel or all wheel drive.

Extract from vikingsplash.com

 

[Louis]

Sir Montgomery aboard his DUKW, Sicily, July 1943.

 

[Gunner]

When we were up visiting Boston a tour group drove by in a painted up DUKW called Duck Tours.
They drive around the streets touring the sites and then go in to the Charles River for the water view of Boston.
We didn’t go but thought it was a cool idea.