World War II Database

1. Anonymous says:
31 Jan 2013 09:32:12 PM

This is not an M3. It is one of the IHC vehicles offered via lend-lease - either an M5 or an M9

2. Pete S says:
21 Jul 2015 03:31:20 PM

It is an M5 Halftrack of the British Army, Grenadier Guards Armoured Division, 1st (Motor) Battalion.
My Grandad served with them (and not too clear, could actually be this driver.. I remember him telling me the story of them "bulling" up the halftracks ready for a big parade)

As most of the 1st Battalion's men were over 6 foot, it was decided to give them M5 Halftracks (from IHC, under the lend lease program)...

Most of the British M5 Halftracks ended up being sold to the Israeli Defence Force, being used as Tank maintenance vehicles, etc..

3.  David Stubblebine says:
21 Jul 2015 05:15:12 PM

Pete S (and Anonymous #1):
Yes, this is almost certainly an M5 Halftrack. Pete, I am certain your Granddad remembered this correctly and wouldn’t it be wonderful if he was the driver this day. The photograph is linked to the M3 Halftrack article because the M5 and the M3 were virtually identical machines, different variants of the same machine according to some sources. The primary differences between the M3 and the M5 are the companies that made them and the countries that used them, very little in the machines themselves. The principle of linking an M5 with the M3s is applied consistently across this site; such as FM-2 Wildcat fighters linked to F4F Wildcats, FG-1 Corsair aircraft linked with F4U Corsairs, and even the PB4Y-2 Privateer linked with the B-24 Liberator.

But you are right; it is an M5.