Hippo Fully Laden [RG-42]
Leyland Hipo 6x4 with twin rear wheels (28 M.P.H.Max. Down Hill)
The serial No. of 92 over the RED.BLUE.RED flash was believed to have last been used with British Airborne Forces WW2 1944-5, the Formation sign cross KUKRIs over a green background is the formation sign for 17 GURKHA Div. Designed as a heavy load carrier, the Leyland Hippo 6×4 10-ton truck entered military service in 1944 and eventually proved its worth hauling supplies during the closing stages of the Allied advance across North West Europe. The huge bodies on these trucks had a well-type floor incorporating the wheel arches, this giving a lower loading height, an important element in the war days as fork-lift trucks were few and much loading was accomplished by hand. |