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*Marmon-Herrington

Mark 2 Armored Reconnaissance Car

MFF Variant

Specifications

Country of Origin/Used by:	MFF: South Africa; ME: New Zealand, Poland and UK. Captured vehicles were also used by Germany.
First Produced/Service Dates:	1940
Manufactured by:	Chassis: Ford Motor Company of Canada; Main Contractor/Final Assembly: Dorman Long & Company
Crew:	4
Armament:	**Turret: (1) Vickers .303 Machine Gun (MFF) Or (1) .55 cal Boys Anti-Tank Rifle and (1) .303 BREN MG (ME) ; Left Hull: (1) Vickers .303 MG (MFF); Anti-Aircraft: (1) .303 Vickers (or possibly .303 BREN MG).
Engine:	8 Cylinder Gasoline
Miscellaneous:	The South African Reconnaissance Car, Mark 2* was built using the chassis/automotive components from the 3-ton Ford F60L 4x4 General Service Truck and combined with a 4-Wheel Drive system produced by the American Marmon-Herrington Company.  The chassis was then mated with an indigenously designed/produced hull and turret. The Mark 2 quickly supplanted the 2-Wheel Drive Marmon-Herrington Mark 1 ARC, once the Marmon-Herrington drive assemblies became readily available.  There were two (2) variants of Mark 2: the Middle East (ME) cars and the Mobile Field Force (MFF) vehicles. The ME variant was produced at the bequest of the British for their use, as well as by some Commonwealth Forces.  These two variants vary mostly by their turret/armament, although other sundry differences appear.  549 MFF cars and 338 ME variants were ultimately produced. The Marmon-Herrington Mark 3 Armored Reconnaissance Car soon followed this series in another attempt to provide a better vehicle. * The official South African name of this vehicle is "South African Reconnaissance Car, Mark II".  However, the British referred to them as the "Marmon-Herrington", and this name became the more common one used. Incidentally, "Marmon-Herrington" only applies to the American company that built the 4x4 drive system used. ** The Armament listed was the normal complement upon issue, however different weapon combinations were utilized.  Furthermore, other changes were made to the ME variants, including the left hull Vickers ball mount being removed and replaced by a fitting to accept a .303 BREN machine gun.  An additional BREN mount was also included on the right hull as well.  Regardless, crews found the main armament largely ineffectual and often mounted captured or salvaged weapons to improve firepower, sometimes removing the turret to achieve this aim.  One of the most common weapons seen was the Italian Breda 20mm Model 35 Cannon.
Data Sheet Available:	Marmon-Herrington Mark 2 ARC Data Sheet (by David Haugh)

Photos

Reference	Source/Provider
Marmon-Herrington Mark 2 (ME) ARC Photos	The Australian War Memorial
Marmon-Herrington Mark 2 (ME) ARC Photos	Stephen Tegner - South Africa
Marmon-Herrington Mark 2 (MFF) ARC Photos	The Australian War Memorial
Marmon-Herrington Mark 2 (MFF) ARC Photos	The David Haugh Collection
Marmon-Herrington Mark 2 (MFF) ARC Photos	Stephen Tegner
Marmon-Herrington Mark 2 (MFF) ARC Photo	Karl Furrutter - South Africa
Marmon-Herrington Mark 2 ARC with 20mm Breda Cannon Photos	The David Haugh Collection
Marmon-Herrington Mark 2 ARC with 20mm Breda Cannon Photo	The Imperial War Museum
Marmon-Herrington Mark 2 ARC with 25mm Hotchkiss SA34 Cannon Photo	The David Haugh Collection
Marmon-Herrington Mark 2 ARC with 37mm PAK 36 Cannon Photos	The Australian War Memorial
Marmon-Herrington Mark 2 ARC with 47mm Breda/Bohler Cannon Photo	The Imperial War Museum
Marmon-Herrington Mark 2 Anti-Aircraft Prototype Vehicle Photo	The David Haugh Collection
Marmon-Herrington Mark 2 RAF Rear Link Radio Vehicle Photo	The David Haugh Collection

References Available

Online

Printed

Hobby Modeling

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Model Photos