6pdr portees in NW Europe

Discussion in 'Weapons, Technology & Equipment' started by doug.290, Jun 23, 2021.

  1. doug.290

    doug.290 Junior Member

    I have read somewhere that a few 6 pdr portees( QLs or K5s) were still in use in NW Europe as portees and not converted to GS trucks. I've never seen any evidence( photo or written ) of this but I suppose it's not beyond the realms of possibility. I would be interested if anyone can shed any light on this and, if they ixisted, what units used them.
     
    Chris C likes this.
  2. ceolredmonger

    ceolredmonger Member

    That seems extremely unlikely. The 1944 ToEs were fairly standard and none have lorry towed/portee'd 6pdr. Ex-portee lorries were used to tow 17pdr however these were converted to that roll with no facility for carrying the gun. Other ex-portees were converted back to lorries and can be seen in some photos.

    Having said this, the 'Never say naver" rule applies - Colonel's pet projects, unit hacks, and such can throw up surprises.
     
  3. Gary Kennedy

    Gary Kennedy Member

    I'd agree it comes under the heading of 'possible but not probable'. The standard tow for the 6-pdr in Inf Bns, Motor Bns, Recce Regts and Atk Regts, RA, was the Loyd carrier. The latest WE I've seen mention of a Portee being used in the Atk role is on the 2NZEF WE for an Inf Bn, dated Feb 1945, but that was particular to Italy and to the NZ forces.

    Gary
     
  4. Trux

    Trux 21 AG

    Not in an anti tank role but I have mentions of QL portees being used to carry Auster AOP aircraft. The wings were removed and stowed alongside the fuselage.

    Mike.
     
    serge69 and ceolredmonger like this.

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