Unit Vehicles
This page contains a gallery of vehicles currently owned by members of the recreated 10th Dragoons.
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The Universal Carrier was deployed in many forms within the regiment. The most common iteration would have been the UC Mk.II's. There were also initially Loyd carriers for A-tk gun towing. We can photographically document Windsor carrier variants in this role by war's end.
The T16 might also have found its way into regimental use as well. As depicted here, we have adapted one for the reconnaissance platoon's
scouting missions. The regiment's UC's also transported 3" mortar crews, Vickers gun detachments and by war's end they towed 6lb anti-tank guns as mentioned above.
Ford T16 Universal Carrier
Here is a frontal view. The standard distinctive 1st Armoured Div winged hussar insignia is adjacent to the unit number 54. The spare water and fuel cans were referred to at the time as "flimsies" due to their habit of bursting under combat conditions. Also attached is a spare road wheel, spare track section and camo netting for concealment when parked.
Ford T16 Universal Carrier
Side view. This particular serial # was produced in early 1944. It is marked as belonging to the 2nd Squadron as indicated by the green square. The name Husarz is documented in the regimental history as being assigned to the commander of the reconnaissance platoon, Lt. M. Grzeblaski. Recce served to provide the eyes and ears in advance of the line squadron.
Ford T16 Universal Carrier
By the time the T16 was deployed in combat, the 6lb A-Tk gun was in use by the regiment. I say however, anytime you get the opportunity to hitch on an ultra rare piece of artillery, you do it.
Ford T16 with 2lb anti-tank gun
A top down view of the driver's and commander's forward area. The noise created by the radiator fan and engine was such that effective communication between crew must be done via the ws19 radio crew intercom system. The addition of the .30 caliber M1919A4 was not a standard TO&E item. Numerous period pictures however show various armament upgrades for carriers in the field. The use of the .30 cal in this role is well documented.
Ford T16 Universal Carrier
A final shot showing the rear of the T16 again with unit markings and tool box. Also note the unique towing system with leaf spring. The standard crew tools are also stowed behind as well as the long rod used to manually crank the engine over should the battery fail.
Ford T16 Universal Carrier
December 2008, Brian Neri proudly shows that are no wimps in the Dragoons. Astride his early war Indian Scout he is undaunted by the snow. U.S. ambassador to Poland Anthony Joseph Drexel Biddle (1937 - 43) gave 20 of these machines, known to the British as Indian Mark I's, to the Polish army shortly after it's arrival in England. The 10th Dragoons received several of them as they were the reconnaissance unit for the fledgling 1st Armoured Division.
Indian Mk I motorcycle
Here is a look at two of the motorcycles owned by our member Brian Neri. These are both BSA M-20's but with slight variations between the two.
Don't laugh. Against the better advice of his wife Sgt. Petronis has acquired a BSA M20. The hope is that it will be a little more enjoyable to drive than a half track. Here Brian Neri tries figure out where to put the handlebars.Yes this restoration has a long way to go. We'll post pictures once it starts to look more like a motorcycle again.
BSA M20
Update 6/5 - Slowly but surely the M20 is coming along. Brian and I spent all day just working on the rear end. Here I pose next to the product of our labor. I know it doesn't look like much but putting on the tire and tube alone was a pretty big effort. Brian is the brains behind the operation, I was just there for manual labor.
BSA M20
My M20 is making marked progress. Brian has gone through every internal part and if it wasn't prefect, replaced it. When this thing is done I'll be too scared to ride it as this machine will look as if it just rolled off the assembly line. Part of me thinks it should go to a museum. Well, I'll probably get over that and ride it anyway.
BSA M20
In addition to his multiple motorcycles, Brian is also the proud owner of this 1944 Ford GPW. The markings are correctly placed for a jeep of the Dragoon Regiment.
GPW
A rear view of the jeep. Notice the addition of a British five gallon "Jerry Can" instead of the standard U.S. fuel carrier.
GPW