International Harvester M5 1943

Current Owner
Nathan Machon

Model
International Harvester, M5

Year of Manufacture
1943

Vehicle History

International Harvester were asked along side White motor company to produce halftracks to meet demand, the International variants have a few differences between them and the White, the main visual differences are the front wings, doors and rear armour that forms a curve on the rear. The armour was heavier as so a larger engine was fitted, they are powered by a Red Diamond R450B, with a 7.39l capacity it has about 200mi of range from its twin fuel tanks holding a combined 230l of petrol.

The International’s were used by Commonwealth, free French and Polish units with some also being sent to Russia, for simplicity of logistics the Americans predominately only used the International’s for training in the States.

Believed to be ex British army during WW2, it later served with the Israeli army before being brought back to the UK with a number of others. Today it is restored to represent a REME fitter wagon, the use of modified hardtops is documented and would allow the crews additional storage and improved weather protection for stores and tooling.

The badging depicts this vehicle is attached to 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards, who were apart of 8th Armoured Brigade, this vehicle and crew would follow the advance closely to enable fast and efficient repairs of vehicles and equipment to enable the unit to continue its mission.