Today in WW II: 9 Jul 1940 Battle of Calabria [Battle of Punta Stilo, the toe of Italy] fought between the Italian Royal Navy and the British/Australian Royal Navies, 30 miles [48km] east of Punta Stilo.  More ↓
9 Jul 1943 US-British invasion of Sicily begins [night of 9-10 Jul].
9 Jul 1944 British and Canadian forces capture Caen from the Germans, a critical post-D-Day objective in Normandy, France.
9 Jul 1944 US forces reach the northern end of Saipan, finding thousands of Japanese civilian men, women, and children who commit suicide by leaping off the cliffs rather than be captured.
Visit the Olive-Drab.com World War II Timeline for day-by-day events 1939-1945! See also WW2 Books.

Trailer, Tank, 45 Ton, M9 (G159)

The M9 Tank Trailer was specifically designed for use with the Diamond T M20 Tractor. The combination of truck and trailer together had the nomenclature "Transporter, Tank, 45-ton, M19". The trailer and its integrated dolly had twelve dual wheels (24 tires), weighed 20,150 lbs. and could carry 90,000 lbs. (45 tons). It was 30 feet long and 114 inches wide.

During WW II the trailer was manufactured by Fruehauf, Checker Cab, and other producers. Although designed for tank recovery, transporter was also used for general cargo such as ammunition and fuel.

Trailer, Tank, 45 Ton, M9 (G159) with M-3 Lee Medium Tank. 1941 photo.
Trailer, Tank, 45 Ton, M9 (G159) with M-3 Lee Medium Tank. 1941 photo.

Trailer, Tank, 45 Ton, M9 (G159)
Trailer, Tank, 45 Ton, M9 (G159).

Trailer, Tank, 45 Ton, M9 (G159) stacked in double for ocean shipment, Hampton Roads Port of Embarkation, Newport News, VA, 7 December 1944
Trailer, Tank, 45 Ton, M9 (G159) stacked in double for ocean shipment, Hampton Roads Port of Embarkation, Newport News, VA, 7 December 1944.