TCV'S

[garibaldino]

In many accounts of the NW Europe campaign there is constant reference to a large vehicle called a TCV (Troop Carrying Vehicle). No manufacturers details given, but apparently very large and used for transporting troops en masse to/from various areas of the front, but not up to the front line.

 

At first I thought this was just a general term for all service trucks but it would appear to be not so. Austins, Bedfords etc are frequently mentioned, the TCV's appear to be something else.

 

So what are they? Who made them? What did they look like (photos)? Are there any still left?

 

Cheers

[Nick Johns]

There were trucks specifically built as troop carriers as opposed to cargo trucks with folding side bench seats, eg Bedford QL Trooper, slightly longer body with 4 rows of fixed bench seats

[Bazz]

 

 

TCV'S were mainly used by the Inf Brigades in UK Armd Divs, they were used to transport the Inf from op to op. The Mechanised/Armoured Inf Battalion in the Armoured brigade in the Armoured Div used to move fast with the tanks by passing a lot of resistance, and the Inf Brigade troops were used to clear these pockets, then leap in their TCV's and catch up then start again.

 

Baz.

[garibaldino]

Thanks for the replies gents.

 

Any photo's perchance?

 

Cheers

[Bazz]

 

 

Might be one or two in on of the Patrick Delaforce books I've got, I'll have a look.

 

Baz.

[garibaldino]

Baz,

 

Thanks for that.

 

Cheers,

 

Pete

[morris c8 fat]

could be refering to the kangeroos ie de frocked Priests and Ram tanks with the turret removed and bench seating they were used in op Goodwood etc

[Bazz]

 

 

TCV's were generally the large covered trucks.

 

Baz.

[Tony B]

Funnily enough, this months Britain at War, well worth a subscription, has a photo of a Great War, tracked armoured Gun Carrier. These were also used for troop transport to get infantry forward under armour.

[Bazz]

 

I/ve had a quick look through my books,can't find any pictures, sorry :dunno:

 

Baz.

[garibaldino]

Baz,

 

Thanks for trying, and thanks for the other replies on here gents.

 

Cheers,

 

Pete

[Richard Farrant]

 

Thanks for trying, and thanks for the other replies on here gents.

 

 

 

Pete,

 

Here is a photo of a Bedford QLT TCV, they were nicknamed Trooper, or even Drooper, because the extended chassis behind the rear axle tended to distort with the weight on the tail end.

 

Richard

[garibaldino]

Kewelde,

 

Thanks for the photo, what an awesome beast!!

 

Cheers

[ian2b]

Pete,

Looks like there will be a write up in next months CMV on the Bedford QLT so hopefully there will be some good pics.

[garibaldino]

Ian,

Please excuse my ignorance but what is CMV?

 

I'm assuming it's a magazine, will I be able to get it at WH Smiths?

 

Cheers,

 

pete

[ian2b]

Ian,

Please excuse my ignorance but what is CMV?

 

I'm assuming it's a magazine, will I be able to get it at WH Smiths?

 

Cheers,

 

pete

 

 

Sorry, Its "Classic Military Vehicle" magazine and it will be the January 2008 issue

[garibaldino]

Ta Ian