Picture of the Week 10/9/2006

[Bill_Wolf]

Congratulations....

One of the board's members is now a big time star.....

[UK Jack]

Now that is a cracking idea Bill. Good job his daughter gets her looks from her mum!

[Bill_Wolf]

Smart guy...

I think I saw your name and some "Red" truck in that issue somewhere too.....

But seriously....How's the back?

[armydriver]

Wow, I know a STAR. Congratulations UK. Great photo and excellent departure from the norm Bill.

[42cckw]

Nice truck and not to nit pick , but I thought medical units were prohibited from being armed via the Geneva convention

[Karoshi]

You raise an interesting point 42cckw.

I'm not sure Red Ball in its desperation for transport worried about such things. To find 6000 trucks overnight, Laundry Units, Field Kitchens, Dental, Optical and Mapping units, AAA Units and a host more 2nd Echelon units contributed to the call.

Does a gun ring alone constitute "armed" ? Or do you refer to the supporting vehicle ?

Interestingly the Geneva Convention in its 1944 version does actually allow Medical personel to carry personal arms, ........for self defence. Similarly it also confirms that the use of the Geneva Cross on a non medical unit is not permitted and does not afford any protection.

However it is known to have happened and there is much period evidence to show so, by both sides.

So where does that leave us.

And I have to agree, a nice picture Bill, and an excellent departure from the norm.

[UK Jack]

Just realised something...................that truck is back as lead picture

[armydriver]

In combat all types of vehicles can be suddenly pressed into service to transport wounded. In Vietnam often helicopter gun ships were used to transport wounded back to aid stations even though that was not their primary mission.
I think the primary concern in our world of collecting is to do with our trucks what we wish. I realize that some wish to be totally historical correct and that is great, and others chose to do something else with their truck that may not meet the approval of others. Heck that is what makes this hobby fun.

[Karoshi]

Out of interest and since my last post I've checked the 1929 version of the Geneva Convention and maybe I was mistaken. Article 22 (?) was ammended in the 1949 version and did permit medical officers to bear arms. I'ts not clear that the 1929 version did.

I need a copy of the Avalon Project,....anyone here at Yale?

However according to Alaine Batens Army Regulations governing "Wear of pistol in field" states:

pistol (or revolver) with holster and clips including 21 rounds of ammunition, will be worn by Officers and Warrant Officers in the field . It will NOT be worn by Chaplains ! It WILL be worn by Officers of the Medical Department ONLY when necessary for their personal protection

I'm surprised nobody pickup up that the lass is wearing a British civilian nurse outfit, period correct but civvy.

[armydriver]

Aye, but she is such a lovely lass. the uniform is not relevent. She looks great in that old truck.

[Matt]

Hi AD,

Slightly off topic,but did you ever hear the story of the Cobra pilot who landed to pick up the downed crew of a second Cobra? that must have been a tight squeeze! I read this somewhere but cannot remember where.

Matt.

[armydriver]

Matt
I never heard that one before and a tight squeez is an understatememt but we did severly overload Huey's with wounded and evacuation of troops under fire in Vietnam. Sometimes it was a struggle to get off the ground and airborne as LZ's are not noted for much space to pick up speed. If one has a open area to get up, point that nose into the wind and gain airspeed the overload factor is not as critical.
At least an overloaded CCKW doesn't need airspeed, just go to a lower gear and be happy the truck is moving pointed in the right direction.
Overload factor not critical as long as you are moving away from the enemy.