Dodge WC series
Encyclopedia
The Dodge WC series was a range of light military truck
s produced by Dodge
during World War II
. The series included weapon carriers, telephone installation trucks, ambulances, reconnaissance vehicles, mobile workshops and command cars. They were replaced after the war by the Dodge M-series vehicles.
WC was a Dodge model code: W for 1941 and C for half-ton rating. The C code was retained for the ¾ ton and 1½ ton 6×6 Dodges.
Dodge produced its first prototypes of dedicated military trucks in late 1939: the 1/2 ton 4x4 VC series. Production of the VC series started in 1940.
At the outset of World War II, Dodge produced the G-505 WC ½ ton series of military light trucks in 38 individual models, thousands of some models were produced, while only a few of some others were made.
The WC ½ ton trucks replaced the 1940 VC-1 to VC-6 ½ton Dodge trucks which were also part of the G505 series. 79,771 of the ½ ton trucks were produced during late 1940–1942 under War Department contracts. WC models 1 to 50 were part of the 1/2 ton range and were 80% interchangeable in service parts with the later 3/4 ton models.
Common features of the 1/2 ton trucks were:
The Dodge G-502 ¾ ton 4×4 trucks were first introduced in late 1941. Standard vehicles in the ¾ ton 4×4 class were the WC-51 / WC-52 Weapons Carrier, Telephone Installation Trucks, WC-53 Carryall, and the WC-54 Ambulance. In the cargo trucks, the WC51 was identical to the WC52 but did not have the front bumper-mounted winch.
In the case of vehicle identifications separated by a slash, the first number refers to a vehicle not fitted with a winch, and the second to a vehicle fitted with a winch. Numbers separated by a comma indicate similar models but with different secondary details.
, and the M2 Browning machine gun.
.
, and the M2 Browning machine gun.
WC52
Identical to the WC51, but fitted with a Braden MU-2 winch. (for transporting newer 57 mm Gun M1 antitank gun and crew)
but was fitted with two windows on each side of its rear body, 8 400 built.
, and was fitted to both Dodge and Chevrolet chassis.
Austria
Belgium
Brazil
Early Modern France
Greece
Norway
Portugal
United Kingdom
United States
Soviet Union
Truck
A truck or lorry is a motor vehicle designed to transport cargo. Trucks vary greatly in size, power, and configuration, with the smallest being mechanically similar to an automobile...
s produced by Dodge
Dodge
Dodge is a United States-based brand of automobiles, minivans, and sport utility vehicles, manufactured and marketed by Chrysler Group LLC in more than 60 different countries and territories worldwide....
during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. The series included weapon carriers, telephone installation trucks, ambulances, reconnaissance vehicles, mobile workshops and command cars. They were replaced after the war by the Dodge M-series vehicles.
WC was a Dodge model code: W for 1941 and C for half-ton rating. The C code was retained for the ¾ ton and 1½ ton 6×6 Dodges.
History and design
Dodge began producing light trucks immediately upon its formation in 1914. For the first few years these were based largely on the existing passenger cars, later specific chassis and body designs were used. Light- and medium-duty models were offered first, then a heavy-duty range was added during the 1930s and 1940s.Dodge produced its first prototypes of dedicated military trucks in late 1939: the 1/2 ton 4x4 VC series. Production of the VC series started in 1940.
At the outset of World War II, Dodge produced the G-505 WC ½ ton series of military light trucks in 38 individual models, thousands of some models were produced, while only a few of some others were made.
The WC ½ ton trucks replaced the 1940 VC-1 to VC-6 ½ton Dodge trucks which were also part of the G505 series. 79,771 of the ½ ton trucks were produced during late 1940–1942 under War Department contracts. WC models 1 to 50 were part of the 1/2 ton range and were 80% interchangeable in service parts with the later 3/4 ton models.
Common features of the 1/2 ton trucks were:
- Drive: 4×4
- Wheelbase: 116 in (123 in for ambulances)
- Track width: 59.375 in
- Tires: 7.50x16
- Brakes: Hydraulic
- Engine: 6 cyl, in-line, L-head
- Transmission: 4 forward/1 reverse, manual
- Transfer case: Single speed
The Dodge G-502 ¾ ton 4×4 trucks were first introduced in late 1941. Standard vehicles in the ¾ ton 4×4 class were the WC-51 / WC-52 Weapons Carrier, Telephone Installation Trucks, WC-53 Carryall, and the WC-54 Ambulance. In the cargo trucks, the WC51 was identical to the WC52 but did not have the front bumper-mounted winch.
Models
The table includes data on the relation between identification numbers and types of body fitted. For comparison, earlier Dodge military trucks of the 1/2 ton range are included.| |T202 | T203 | T207 | T211 | T214 | T215 | T112 | T118 | |
| Pick-up (closed cab) | VC3 | VF401/VF402, VF404/VF405 | WC1 | WC12, WC14 | WC40, WC25, WC47 | WC38, WC47 | ||
| Pick-up (open cab) | VC5 | WC3/WC4 | WC13 | WC51/WC52 | WC21, WC22 | |||
| Pick-up (no rear seats) | VC4 | WC5 | ||||||
| Carry-all | VC6 | WC10 | WC17 | WC53 | WC26, WC48 | WC36, WC48 | ||
| Dump truck | VF403, VF406 | |||||||
| Reconnaissance | VC1 | WC6/WC7 | WC15 | WC56/WC57 | WC23/WC24 | |||
| Radio truck | VC2 | WC8 | WC16 | WC58/WC64 WC54 | WC25 | |||
| Van | WC11 | WC19 | WC42, WC49 | WC37, WC49 | ||||
| Mobile workshop | WC60 | WC41 | ||||||
| Maintenance | WC60 | WC43 | ||||||
| Portee | WC55 | |||||||
| Ambulance | VF407 | WC9 | WC18 | WC54 | WC27 | |||
| Telephone line installation | WC59 | WC43 | WC 39, WC50 | |||||
| Closed cab (without body) | WC20 | WC41 | WF31 | |||||
In the case of vehicle identifications separated by a slash, the first number refers to a vehicle not fitted with a winch, and the second to a vehicle fitted with a winch. Numbers separated by a comma indicate similar models but with different secondary details.
Engines
| Vehicle code | Bore (mm) | Stroke (mm) | Capacity (cm3) | Compression ratio | Torque (N m) | Power (HP) |
| T202 | 79.4 | 111.1 | 3294 | 6.7:1 | 208 | 79 |
| T203 | 85.7 | 114.3 | 3957 | 6.5:1 | 255 | 99 |
| T207 | 82.6 | 111.1 | 3567 | 6.5:1 | 222 | 78 |
| T211 | 82.6 | 111.1 | 3567 | 6.5:1 | 222 | 78 |
| T214 | 82.6 | 117.5 | 3772 | 6.7:1 | 244 | 92 |
| T215 | 82.6 | 117.5 | 3772 | 6.7:1 | 249 | 99 |
| T223 | 82.6 | 117.5 | 3772 | 6.7:1 | 244 | 92 |
WC1, WC5, WC12, WC14, WC40
Closed cab, two seater pickups with a nominal carrying capacity of a 1000 lb (453.6 kg).WC3, WC13, WC21
Weapon carriers, two seater pickups with open cab. The open cab pickups could be fitted with an optional M24 machine gun mount,which bolted across the front of the bed. The mount could carry the M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle, as well as the M1919 Browning machine gunM1919 Browning machine gun
The M1919 Browning is a .30 caliber medium machine gun that was widely used during the 20th century. It was used as a light infantry, coaxial, mounted, aircraft, and anti-aircraft machine gun by the U.S. and many other countries, especially during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War...
, and the M2 Browning machine gun.
- Length: 181- 1/16 inches
- Height: with top 88-1/8 inches
- Weight: 4440 net
- Width: 75-13/16 inches
- Height:
- Payload: 1300 LB
WC4, WC22
Open cab weapons carrier, with Braden MU winch, and transverse seats, designed to tow the M3 anti-tank cannon, as well as carry the gun crew, and ammunition. this type was usually issued to early tank destroyer units. 5570 built- Length: 191- 5/16 inches
- Height: with top 88-1/8 inches
- Weight: 4775 net
- Width: 75-13/16 inches
- Height:
- Payload: 1000 LB
WC9, WC18, WC27
Entering production during 1941 to early 1942, they were specifically designed to serve as military ambulances. These early variants are distinguishable from the later ones by having a curved radiator grille, while the later ones (WC51 onwards) featured a flat grille. These versions were given a longer 123 in (3,124.2 mm) wheelbase.- Length: 195 inches
- Height: 90 inches
- Weight: 5340 net
- Width: 75-13/16 inches
- Height:
- Payload: 1300 LB
WC10, WC17, WC26, WC36, WC48
Carryall trucks with a nominal carrying capacity of a 1000 lb (453.6 kg).WC11, WC19, WC42
Panel trucks carrying radio and communication equipment, only built for export.WC39, WC43, WC50
These models were built as signals trucks, designed to install and repair telephone lines, and were also known by the U.S. Signals Corps as the K-50 truckK-50 truck
The K-50 telephone repair truck was used by the U.S. Army Signal Corps during, and after World War II, for the repair and installation of phone lines.-History:...
.
WC41
Fitted with dual rear tires. Mostly employed as an emergency repair truck whose purpose was to provide mobile facilities for emergency ordnance repair. Other types of bodies were produced, such as an oil service vehicle. 902 of these chassis were built.WC51
A winchless weapon carrier, 123 541 vehicles were built. The open cab pickups could be fitted with an optional M24A1 machine gun mount,which bolted across the front of the bed. The mount could carry the M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle, as well as the M1919 Browning machine gunM1919 Browning machine gun
The M1919 Browning is a .30 caliber medium machine gun that was widely used during the 20th century. It was used as a light infantry, coaxial, mounted, aircraft, and anti-aircraft machine gun by the U.S. and many other countries, especially during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War...
, and the M2 Browning machine gun.
- Length: 4.24 m
- Height (with cover): 2.17 m
- Weight: 2 560 kg
- Width: 2.10 m
- Height (without cover): 1.71 m
- Payload: 800 kg
WC52
Identical to the WC51, but fitted with a Braden MU-2 winch. (for transporting newer 57 mm Gun M1 antitank gun and crew)
- Length: 4,48 m
- Height with cover: 2,17 m
- Weight: 2 700 kg
- Width: 2,10 m
- Height without cover: 1,71 m
- Payload: 800 kg
WC53
A carryall, mechanically it was virtually identical to the WC54Dodge WC54
The Dodge WC54 3/4 Ton, supply catalog designation G502, was a WC series 4x4 light truck developed during World War II which served as the main ambulance vehicle used by the US army from 1942 to 1945, with some used as late as 1953 during the Korean War by the U.S. Army Medical Corps, and others...
but was fitted with two windows on each side of its rear body, 8 400 built.
- Length: 4,73 m
- Height: 2,06 m
- Weight: 2 590 kg
- Width: 2,00 m
- Payload: 800 kg
WC54
The WC54 was mainly produced as an ambulance, but a few were modified to serve as radio/telephone trucks with the US Signal Corps.- Length: 4,95 m
- Height: 2,30 m
- weight: 2 680 kg
- Width: 1,98 m
- Payload: 820 kg
WC55
The WC55, also known as the M6 Fargo, was an antitank GMC (Gun Motor Carriage) version equipped with a 37 mm cannon. 5380 built.- Length: 4,25 m
- Height: 2,49 m
- Weight: 2 540 kg
- Width: 2,18 m
- Payload: 820 kg
WC56
A reconnaissance vehicle akin to a large Willys Jeep, it did not prove popular as it was heavier and not as maneuverable as the Jeep.- Length: 4,22 m
- Height: 2,07 m
- Weight: 2 420 kg
- Width: 2,00 m
- Payload: 800 kg
WC57
A command car, identical to the WC56 but fitted with a winch. 6010 built.- Length: 4,46 m
- Height: 2,07 m
- Weight: 2 560 kg
- Width: 2,00 m
- Payload: 800 kg
WC58
A command car, identical to the WC56 but fitted with a radio and 12-volt electrics. No winch was fitted.- Length: 4.46 m
- Height: 2.07 m
- Weight: 2 420 kg
- Width: 2.00 m
- Payload: 800 kg
WC59
The WC59 was a signals truck, designed to install and repair telephone lines. Based on the same chassis as the WC54, but with a wheelbase increased by 50 cm. The spare wheel was carried behind the seats, with a step ladder fitted to where the spare wheel would have been. 549 were built. The bed was known by the Signal Corps as the K-50 truckK-50 truck
The K-50 telephone repair truck was used by the U.S. Army Signal Corps during, and after World War II, for the repair and installation of phone lines.-History:...
, and was fitted to both Dodge and Chevrolet chassis.
- Length: 4,88 m
- Height: 2,06 m
- Weight: 2 430 kg
- Width: 1,98 m
- Payload: 800 kg
WC60
A mobile workshop designed for field maintenance, it featured the same body as the WC54 but with tool trunks that were accessible from the outside. 296 built.- Length: 4.73 m
- Height: 2.26 m
- Weight: 2 700 kg
- Width: 2.08 m
- Payload: 800 kg
WC61
The WC61 was a signals truck, designed to install and repair telephone lines. Differently from the WC59, the step ladder was fitted to the roof. The spare wheel was fitted behind the seats, while the tool trunks were accessible from the outside. 58 built. The US Signal Corps referred to these as the K-50B truck.- Length: 4,73 m
- Height (without ladder): 2,26 m
- Weight: 2 700 kg
- Width: 2,08 m
- Payload: 800 kg
WC62
A 6×6 weapons carrier, based on the WC51 but with a lengthened chassis and an extra axle added. 23092 built (WC62 and WC63 variants). One prototype produced as an armored car.- Length: 5.47 m
- Height (with cover): 2.17 m
- Weight: 3 120 kg
- Width: 2.10 m
- Height (without cover): 1.57 m
- Payload: 1500 kg
WC63
A 6×6 weapons carrier, based on the WC51 but with a lengthened chassis and an extra axle added. Identical to the WC62 but fitted with a winch.- Length: 5,72 m
- Height (with cover): 2,17 m
- Weight: 3 250 kg
- Width: 2,10 m
- Height (without cover): 1,57 m
- Payload: 1500 kg
WC64
An ambulance based on the same chassis as the WC54 but with a knock-down body designed to increase the amount of vehicles that could be shipped at the same time. 3,500 were built between the beginning of 1945 and the end of the war.Former operators
Austria
- Austrian Army
Belgium
- Belgian ArmyBelgian ArmyThe Land Component is organised using the concept of capacities, whereby units are gathered together according to their function and material. Within this framework, there are five capacities: the command capacity, the combat capacity, the support capacity, the services capacity and the training...
Brazil
- Used in Brazil by the Brazilian ArmyBrazilian ArmyThe Brazilian Army is the land arm of the Brazilian Military. The Brazilian Army has fought in several international conflicts, mostly in South America and during the 19th century, such as the Brazilian War of Independence , Argentina-Brazil War , War of the Farrapos , Platine War , Uruguayan War ...
and in Europe by the Brazilian Expeditionary ForceBrazilian Expeditionary ForceThe Brazilian Expeditionary Force or BEF was a force about 25,700 men and women arranged by the Army and Air Force to fight alongside the Allied forces in the Mediterranean Theatre of World War II...
. Nicknamed Jipão.
Early Modern France
- Free French ForcesFree French ForcesThe Free French Forces were French partisans in World War II who decided to continue fighting against the forces of the Axis powers after the surrender of France and subsequent German occupation and, in the case of Vichy France, collaboration with the Germans.-Definition:In many sources, Free...
, French ArmyFrench ArmyThe French Army, officially the Armée de Terre , is the land-based and largest component of the French Armed Forces.As of 2010, the army employs 123,100 regulars, 18,350 part-time reservists and 7,700 Legionnaires. All soldiers are professionals, following the suspension of conscription, voted in...
Greece
- Greek Army and Greek Air Force
Norway
- Norwegian ArmyNorwegian ArmyNorway achieved full independence in 1905, and in the first century of its short life has contributed to two major conflicts, the Cold War and the War on Terror. The Norwegian Army currently operates in the north of Norway and in Afghanistan as well as in Eastern Europe. The Army is the oldest of...
Portugal
- Portuguese ArmyPortuguese ArmyThe Portuguese Army is the ground branch of the Portuguese Armed Forces which, in co-operation with other branches of the Portuguese military, is charged with the defence of Portugal...
, redesignated Dodge m/48, used during the Portuguese Colonial WarPortuguese Colonial WarThe Portuguese Colonial War , also known in Portugal as the Overseas War or in the former colonies as the War of liberation , was fought between Portugal's military and the emerging nationalist movements in Portugal's African colonies between 1961 and 1974, when the Portuguese regime was...
United Kingdom
- Royal Army Medical CorpsRoyal Army Medical CorpsThe Royal Army Medical Corps is a specialist corps in the British Army which provides medical services to all British Army personnel and their families in war and in peace...
United States
- U.S ArmyUnited States ArmyThe United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
, U.S. Army Medical Corps and U.S. Signal Corps
Soviet Union
- Red ArmyRed ArmyThe Workers' and Peasants' Red Army started out as the Soviet Union's revolutionary communist combat groups during the Russian Civil War of 1918-1922. It grew into the national army of the Soviet Union. By the 1930s the Red Army was among the largest armies in history.The "Red Army" name refers to...
by Lend-LeaseLend-LeaseLend-Lease was the program under which the United States of America supplied the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union, China, Free France, and other Allied nations with materiel between 1941 and 1945. It was signed into law on March 11, 1941, a year and a half after the outbreak of war in Europe in...
during World War IIWorld War IIWorld War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
General references
- TM 9-2800 Standard Military Motor Vehicles. dated 1 sept. 1943
- TM 9-2800 Military vehicles dated oct. 1947
- TM 9-2800-1 Military vehicles dated 1953
- TM 9-808 http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USA/ref/TM/PDFs/TM_9_808.PDF
- SNL G657 Master Parts Book Dec. 1943
External links
- The WW2 Dodge Motor Pool
- Gordon's WW2 Army Trucks
- A WC-52 Restoration Project
- command-car.com - Dedicated to Dodge Command Car of WW2
- WC-4 towing M-3 37mm antitank cannon
- The Jeep Gets a Big Brother, November 1942, Popular Science early article introducing the American war public to the WC series
