The Quirkiest Military Vehicles: A Journey Through Time (1920-1980)

The history of military vehicles is filled with fascinating and bizarre designs that deviate from the conventional. From the Tank Tortoise to Hobart's Funnies and the Saurer mechanical mule, these vehicles represent the creative and at times whimsical approach to military engineering. In this article, we explore some of the silliest-looking military vehicles from 1920 to 1980, highlighting their unique features and the contexts in which they were used.

The Turtle Tank (1940s)

One of the most recognizable and peculiar military vehicles of the 20th century is the Turtle Tank, otherwise known as the Tortoise. Developed during World War II, this British tank prototype stands out for its heavy and unconventional design. Here are some of its key features:

Bulky Design

The Tortoise had a thick and heavily armored shell-like appearance, more reminiscent of a giant tortoise than a traditional tank. This unique design made it appear enormous and cumbersome compared to its contemporaries.

Short and Wide

Its squat and wide profile added to its unusual appearance, making it seem less agile compared to standard tanks. This design choice emphasized its defensive capabilities over speed and maneuverability.

Heavy Armament

Despite its cartoonish appearance, the Tortoise was designed to be heavily armed, featuring a 95 mm gun and several machine guns. This juxtaposition of a bulky tank with heavy armament contributed to its eccentric image.

The Tortoise was intended for assault operations, particularly to breach heavily fortified positions. However, its design was so unconventional that it has become a notable example of quirky military engineering.

Other Notable Vehicles

Hobart's Funnies (1944)

Another series of vehicles that stand out is Hobart's Funnies, designed for the invasion of Normandy. These vehicles were specially modified to remedy problems encountered during the Dieppe Raid. Hobart's Funnies included vehicles designed for mine clearance, traction in sand, overcoming obstacles, and even flamethrowers.

The Gamma Goat (Vietnam Era)

A more recent contender is the Gamma Goat, a 6-wheel drive vehicle used in the Vietnam Era. This is not a truck towing a trailer; it is a truck with an articulated center and 6 driving wheels. Its unique design aimed to improve mobility and maneuverability in challenging terrain.

The Saurer Mechanical Mule (1940-1943)

The silliest looking vehicle in my opinion is the Saurer mechanical mule, developed in Austria. These vehicles could move cross-country on tracks or on roads using wheels. They were used to carry supplies and heavy weapons for infantry. Although the Germans stopped production soon after the Anschluss, they soldiered on with the German and Hungarian armies until at least 1943.

Some versions had altered suspensions, and there was even a larger version intended as an artillery tractor. The Germans fitted them with armor and used them as mobile artillery observation posts.

Conclusion

These fascinating and quirky military vehicles provide a glimpse into the creative and idiosyncratic approaches to solving real-world problems in wartime. From the Tank Tortoise to Hobart's Funnies and the Saurer mechanical mule, they remind us that innovation often comes from unexpected sources.

Related Keywords

Keyword1: Turtle Tank

Keyword2: Hobart's Funnies

Keyword3: Gamma Goat