Classic military vehicle enthusiast Roger Gaisford explores the use of the Jeep in its various forms by the South African Defence Force
The outbreak of World War Two saw the South African government throw its support behind Great Britain and her allies. This decision was not taken lightly as the country was politically divided at the time and the military forces small and understrength. Also, equipment was antiquated or non-existent and Dunkirk soon put paid to any material support from Britain.
As a result, the South African government turned to the US and acquired mainly Fords along with some Chevrolet and Dodges thrown in for good measure. Italy’s declaration of war on the Allies in June 1940 saw South African troops embarking for East and North Africa where the Fords fitted with V8 engines were mostly used in the light vehicle role. Later, as fighting spread to Italy, a small number of Jeeps supplied by the British were in use, mainly by artillery officers and medical and post office personnel.
For some obscure reason, eight amphibious GPAs were offloaded in South Africa in 1943. Anyone who has visited the country will know the interior is generally hot and dry and the need for amphibious vehicles…
