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It all started in Europe but the greatest production of the Quad 4x4 Field Artillery Tractor
(FAT) took place in Canada using either a Ford V-8 or a Chevrolet V-6. These vehicles
were designed to transport artillery, their crews and ammunition over just about any type
of terrain. Because the 25-pounder was very mobile with a good rate of fire it became
the standard for British Army artillery divisions during WW II and Korea. The limber is
used to carry 32 rounds of ammunition, firing platform and other equipment that couldn’t
fit into the Quad.
The 7th Armoured Division, the “Desert Rats” was one of the follow up formations in
Normandy. The Quads and their artillery would use their speed and accuracy to provide
support to their infantry formations that were tasked to clear the route to Caen and then
attack it. After several incidents and several changes of commands the 7th Armoured
Division was placed under the control of the 21st Army Group that took part in the
liberation of Belgium, the Netherlands and Northern Germany.
There were (6) models of the FAT, these are specifications for the Ford FAT-2
Role - Field Artillery Tractor
Passengers – (1) driver + up to (5) crew
Power Plant - Ford-built CMP trucks / Ford V8, 3,916cc, 95hp at 3,600 rpm
Length – 14.2 ft (4.33 m)
Width – 7.33 ft (2.23 m)
Height – 7.5 ft (2.28 m)
Wheel Base – 8.44 ft (2.57 m)
Weight – 8,810 lb (3,996 kg) (4.4 short tons)
Suspension – Leaf spring rigid axle
Total of all versions of the Quad Artillery Tractors built during WWII - 22,891
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