ETO Use of the 3/4 Ton WC-64 KD Ambulance

[johan willaert]

Hi all,

I'm trying to find pictures showing the use of the Dodge WC-64 KD Ambulance in the ETO before VE-Day 8th may 1945...

I think I once saw a picture of one along the Rhine (at Remagen, March 1945) but I've just spent hours going thru all of my books and DVDs and couldn't find it... Maybe I'm wrong...

Anyway, does anyone have pictures showing that these late war 'Meat Wagons' were used in combat in the ETO???

Thanks, Merry Christmas!

Cheers,

Johan

[medevac]

If you haven't found the excellent website, go to www.wc64.com. In the pictures and film section, WWII portion, there is one picture of a WC64 in Germany 1945.

[johan willaert]

Thanks! I know that site and the owner....

I don't think it's a 64 on that picture but rather a WC51 with modified wooden rear body...

[Ben]

I have to say, I agree with Johan. It does look like a WC51 with a replacement wooden body.

Regards,
Ben.

[medevac]

I looked at it again, and I think you may be right. WC54 production was halted in November 1944. I don't know if they re-tooled for the WC64 right away, but they may have been done ahead of that. The first WC64's weren't made until January 1945, so they could have been in combat in ETO. My Stinson L-5 was built very late in 1944, was accepted in early 1945, and it made it over to ETO and flew several hundred hours before September 1945, when it was brought home to Fort Bragg. I think it is entirely possible that WC64's were used in Europe, but I think it more likely they were in PTO.

Like when I owned my Carryalls, I knew nothing of the use of these trucks before I bought what I own now. I think of them as the Ambulance built for the Japan Invasion.

[Andrewb]

Not trying to hijack the conversation, but you mentioned you owned an stinson L5. This is an aircraft I had looked at owning at one time to restore to original.

I would be interested in discussing this with you if you have some time. Are you happy for me to PM or email you?

Andrew

[medevac]

PM is fine- I will post some photos and start another thread for other people who are interested.

[laroscout]

Thanks! I know that site and the owner....

I don't think it's a 64 on that picture but rather a WC51 with modified wooden rear body...

Picture is a WC51, you are right about that.
I found this picture
Note the date!

I'm still looking for the pictures you are asking for, I've been told there are pictures from a WC-64 in a harbour in France, may 1945.
The previous owner of my 64 told me he has a article but was moving and couldn't find it.
I'll try to contact hem and hope he will responce, i'll let you know...