AN amphibious vehicle that took part in the Second World War D-Day landings has gone on display at a Hampshire museum.
The vehicle, officially called a DUKW, pronounced ‘duck', is housed in a purpose-built annexe of the Royal Logistic Corps Museum at Worthy Down which was completed earlier this year.
The new attraction was opened at a celebratory event on May 31 attended by the Lord Lieutenant for Hampshire.
Museum director Simon Walmsley said: “We are delighted to complete this ambitious project in time for the 80th anniversary of D-Day on June 6. Amphibious vehicles like this one played an essential logistical role in the conclusion of the Second World War and we are excited to tell that story in our museum.”
During the conflict, ports, harbours and landing docks on both sides of the Channel were key strategic targets and many were destroyed by enemy action. Alternative means of transporting ammunition, rations, petrol, stores and supplies were needed.
The DUKW was capable of driving fully-loaded off a larger vessel and negotiating water and land to deliver vital stores.
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Some 20,000 DUKW vehicles were built by General Motors in America and used from 1943. They were the first vehicle to allow the driver to change tyre pressure from inside the craft, which enabled them to traverse soft mud and sand before reinflating to travel on paved surfaces and roads.
Collections manager Sam Jolley said: “These vehicles were operated by members of the Royal Army Service Corps, which later became the Royal Corps of Transport and then the Royal Logistic Corps. Members of the RASC were responsible for transporting tens of thousands of tons of equipment, ordnance and provisions from ship to shore to depot using DUKW amphibious vehicles like this one.”
The vehicle on display was donated to the museum by the Royal Marines. It was previously stored in Leconfield whilst the new annexe to house it was under construction. The vehicle was nicknamed ‘Crispy Duck’ in reference to signs of wear and rust that have since been sensitively restored.
Visitors can see the DUKW at the museum in Worthy Down. The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 9.30am-4pm and entrance is free.
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