British Crusader AA Mk I - 40MM - unit 80

[Cross]

On a related topic.

While doing the above research, I discovered that the most common British SPAAA unit - by far - was the Morris C9/B and its twin brother the Ford F60B (built by the Canadians).


Here's a quote:

Two basic lorries were utilised to carry the 40 mm Bofors AA equipment - the Carrier, 30 cwt, SP, 4x4, 40 mm AA (Bofors) Morris-Commercial C9/B 30 cwt and the Truck, 3 ton, 4x4, Bofors, AA (Can) Ford F60B. The lorry-mounted 40 mm equipment was probably the most prolific of all British AA vehicles, being the standard equipment in all theatres of war.

And another source:

The Army also experimented with various self-propelled AA systems (SPAAGs) based on various tank chassis. Changes to the breech for this role created the QF 40 mm Mark VI, which was used on the Crusader to produce the Crusader III AA Mark I. They also designed a much lighter two-wheeled carriage for airborne use. But the main self-propelled version of the Bofors was with the gun set on the chassis of a Morris Commercial four-wheel drive lorry. Such guns were used in support of Army divisions to provide swift protection against air attack without the need to unlimber. They saw service in North West Europe, where six SP Bofors of 92nd (Loyals) Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery, landed with 3rd British Infantry Division on Sword Beach on D-Day to protect the vital bridges over the Caen Canal and Orne River (Pegasus Bridge and Horsa Bridge), shooting down 17 German planes. Later in the campaign, SP Bofors were used extensively for ground shoots as well as in an anti-aircraft role.


Currently, SP doesn't have this kit available for the British OOB.

Perhaps you could put it on your list Don, for when you get he time in the future ;-)

Cheers,

[Cross]

Here's some pictures

The Morris C9/B (SP Bofors)








The Crusader III AA Mk I





The Crusader Tower (17 Pdr Gun Tractor)

[Mobhack]

I remember that 40mm gun-bus, as I had it in 1/300 back in the 70's- either Ros or Heroics, whoever was first to appear. The one that made single lumps with fixed turrets, and a pin for the gun, anyway. The other lot had soft metal gun barrels, which broke off a lot, but separate turrets. Minifigs made some too, but they were rare - too expensive?.

Cheers
Andy

[Marek_Tucan]

IIRC Czechoslovakian armored brigade in UK had some Crusader AA's in its roster and I think they were even taken to the contnent when the Bde was deployed - will check out the variant and so on.