Hello Everyone. Just picked up the DML M21 for a snip and wondered if it was ever used by British/Commonwealth forces in WW2. If not is there an unusual variant used by the British/Commonwealth forces that I could convert it to? A REME workshop half track springs to mind but other suggestions are most welcome.

Thank you everyone and HAPPY 2013 to you all.

Simon

I'm pretty sure not. To start with the standard Commonwealth WW2 3" mortar was not the same as the 81mm mortar fitted to the M21.

British doctrine did not have mortars firing form their self propelled carriers whereas the American doctrine did for the M4 & M21 mortar carriers.

The M4s or M21s would not have fitted in with how mortars were to be used.

Paul

My copy of R.P.Hunnicutt Halftrack states that only 110 M21,s were built from Jan to March of 1944.With such limited production I am sure that only the US used them.

Thanks guys. It pretty much confirms what I thought. Looks like a conversion is in the offing.

Almost correct. Steve Zaloga states in Osprey's M3 Infantry Halftrack 1940-73 that 54 were delivered to the French. But none to the Commonwealth.

Cheers!
Stefan

Stefan,you are correct.I actually have that book but never thought to check it.