Thursday, February 11, 2016

KNIL Forces with Vickers Utility Tractor

KNIL forces with light armored vehicle entered an unidentified 'kampung' (village) in Bandung, West Java, in 1942 (possibly in the wake of Japanese invasion). The vehicle is a Vickers Utility Tractor supplied from Belgium to the KNIL, towing a 47 mm M/1935 Böhler anti-tank gun made in Austria. The Registration number D 9947 is for Preanger district/Bandung. The tractor probably serving in APLA 2 (2nd Heavy Weapons Coy) garrisoned in Cimahi, West Java.

Some 50 Vickers Utility Tractors were ordered from Familleureux factory in Belgium by the Netherlands East Indies Army (KNIL) in October 1939. This was followed by a second order for 30 more vehicles in December 1939. The first 20 reached Java in April 1940, while another 30 were scheduled for delivery in May 1940 but overrun by the German invasion of Belgium. So it seems as only 20 were received by the KNIL. They were used as tractors for 47 mm M/1935 Böhler anti-tank guns made in Austria. The Vickers Utility Tractor had at least three versions in service: two infantry (with different track bases) and one cavalry version.


Source :
http://www.mapleleafup.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2169

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