The Ward LaFrance / Kenworth Truck, Heavy Wrecker, 6-ton, 6x6 has two main variants, the Model M1 with a civilian metal cab and curved fenders, followed by the Model M1A1 with a canvas soft top, military flat fenders and other changes. The open cab model was often fitted with a machine gun ring mount. Within the two main models, the Ward La France and Kenworth production had a number of sub-models as explained below, with a total of 4,925 vehicles built.
The Ward LaFrance / Kenworth Heavy Wrecking Truck was a 6x6 chassis with a wrecker rated at 6 tons (10 tons in some documentation). In addition to the winches and crane, the trucks were fitted with outriggers and carried welding equipment plus a variety of recovery tools. The powerful wrecker was very successful in its role and was praised by the troops who used it. The main complaint had to do with the dual rear wheels which tended to pick up debris and were difficult to service or change.
Kenworth Heavy Wrecker M1A1, with machine gun ring mount.
Today in WW II: 9 Feb 1941 British Prime Minister Winston Churchill appeals for arms shipments from the US: "Give us the tools, and we will finish the job". More↓
Ward La France / Kenworth Truck, Heavy Wrecker, 6x6 M1 and M1A1 (G-116)
Production of the Heavy Wrecking Truck M1 and M1A1 was divided between Ward La France and Kenworth, with each producing sub-models during the life cycle of the vehicle. By the end of the model changes, the final two trucks (Ward La France 1000-5 and Kenworth 573) had most parts interchangeable. This table presents the various models and sub-models.
