The Berliet Tramagal was one of the most important vehicles used by the Portuguese forces in Africa during the 1960s and 1970s. The Frenchdesigned truck was produced under licence in Portugal from 1964 until 1974, first in a 4x4 version and then in a larger 6x6 version. In Guinea, as in Portugal’s other overseas possessions, the Tramagal were used extensively for cargo and troop transport. Given the PAIGC’s increasing use of road mines, sandbags were strategically placed to cushion the effects of an explosion and prevent serious injury to the occupants. Versatile, reliable, and powerful, the Berliet was employed extensively during the war for Guinea, where it reputedly saved many lives. “Everyone wanted to ride it, veterans of the ground war there recalled. (Artwork by Paulo Alegria)