picture 208999

Prior to the Battle of Ghazala, in 1942, 16 Bofors-made 2Pdr (40mm) anti-tank guns were issued to each regiment of the 3rd Indian Motor Brigade. This weapon had a high rate of fire (22 rounds per minute) but could only destroy a German tank from 400 meters range. It was mounted on the back of a Chevrolet truck (or other type) and the combination was called a ‘portèe’. Although only intended as a transport method for the gun, and the latter supposed to be unloaded for firing, for greater mobility, their crews preferred to deploy them while mounted, with the vehicle standing in a reversed position. (Artwork by David Bocquelet)