GMC
A new addition to the fleet. Acquired at auction in Holland.
A GMC CCKW -353 750 gal Gasoline Tank Truck.
This was the only tanker built in significant numbers for and to be used by the U.S. Army Ground Forces in World War 2.
GMC CCKW 353 Cargo Truck 1944
This vehicle was purchased in 1997. Since it has been at Debach, it
has had it’s engine fully reconditioned and new canvas has been fitted.
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GMC CCKW 353 Bolster Truck 1945
This vehicle was purchased in France in 2003 and it needed restoration.
The odometer registered less than 2000 miles on the clock and having
looked at the brake drums the honing marks from new are still visible.
We have to assume that this is the correct mileage.
The bolster truck was used to carry the M4 floating bridge. This is
a pontoon bridge. These bridges enabled vehicles to cross large rivers
such as the Rhine. The truck has a slip pole trailer attached to the
rear of the truck and the unit could carry 2 halves of a pontoon and
planking for the roadway for vehicles to cross the river.
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2007 
2010
2012 photo on right - the compressor at work on the Farm
GMC CCKW 353 Compressor Truck 1941
The compressor truck has now been restored (2012). The restoration
started in autumn 2009. The truck chassis, engine, gearbox and brakes
have all been restored and painted. Work has begun on the cab. The
floor in the cab is in a very poor state. The Le-Roi compressor that
is mounted on the back of the GMC chassis is powered by a 7.7 litre
four cylinder Le-Roi petrol engine. Restoration hasn’t started on
the compressor yet but the engine has been started and the compressor
pumps air.
The compressor truck is operated by the U.S. Army Engineers. The equipment
that goes with the truck is as follows:-
Paving breaker
Rock drill
Clay spade
Nail driver
Chain saw
Skill saw
Wood boring drill
Water pump
Grease gun
Tyre pumping equipment
At the moment, we are missing a sheet pile driver and a chain for
the chain saw – have you got any of these?
All these tools would assist the engineers in making and repairing
bridges, railway lines etc.
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GMC CCKW 353 Motorized Workshop 1943
The latest addition to the collection arrived in May 2011. This rare vehicle is only one of very few known survivors. It is still fitted with it's original lathe, hydraulic press, grinder, drilling equipment etc. and is powered by it's own on-board generator. There are numerous other implements which are still being 'investigated'.
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New addition - GMC Blood Bank Truck
1943 GMC CCKW - originally used to transport human blood during World War II
GMC CCKW 352 Cargo Truck with 7 set
Another addition to the Debach fleet. This vehicle belongs to Darren, a volunteer with us and is subject to an ongoing restoration in our workshop.