The Morris Commercial C8 FAT (Field Artillery Tractor) commonly known as a Quad was an artillery tractor of the British and Commonwealth forces during World War II. It was used to tow medium artillery pieces, such as the 25 pounder gun-howitzer, and the 17 pounder anti-tank gun.

The original artillery tractor design was by Guy Motors based on a Morris C8 4 x 4 chassis in 1937. As demand was greater than the available production capacity at Guy, Morris took on production followed by other manufacturers later. The Quad had a 4 ton winch to pull it or the gun. Production of 10,000 plus vehicles was mostly by Morris Commercial Cars Ltd, Karrier and General Motors Canada.

The Quad was used by the British and Commonwealth forces during the Second World War and Korean War. Just after the Second World War a number were supplied to the Danish Army.

Pictured here is a British Quad Gun Tractor with limber and 25 pounder gun that was attached to the 50th Northumbrian Infantry Division, then deployed to El Alamein, Egypt, during the October/ November 1942 timeframe. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Length: 2-1/2-inches
Width: 1-1/4-inches

Release Date: March 2010

Historical Account: "Supercharge" - The 50th (Northumbrian) Infantry Division was a 1st Line Territorial Army (UK) division during the Second World War. The two Ts in its insignia represent the two boundaries to its recruitment area, the rivers Tyne and Tees. The division served in almost all of the major engagements of the European War from 1940-1945.

In the Second Battle of El Alamein, 50th (Northumbrian) Division was initially deployed in the south, where it was to attack the Italian 185th Parachute Division Folgore supported by elements of the British 7th Armoured Division. Since it was understrength, owing to the loss of the 150th Infantry Brigade, the 1st Free French Brigade and 1st Greek Brigade were attached to it for the battle. It was then transferred north to take part in Operation Supercharge.

The ensuing Operation Supercharge began on November 2nd at 1 am, with the objective of destroying enemy armour, forcing the enemy to fight in the open, reducing the Axis stock of petrol, attacking and occupying enemy supply routes, and causing the disintegration of the enemy army. The intensity and the destruction in Supercharge were greater than anything witnessed so far during this battle. The objective of this operation was Tell el Aqqaqir along the Rahman Track, which was the base of the Axis defence. This attack started with a seven hour aerial bombardment focused on Tell el Aqqaqir and Sidi Abdel Rahman, followed by a four and a half hour barrage of 360 guns firing 15,000 shells. The initial thrust of Supercharge was to be carried out by 151st and 152nd Infantry Brigades supported by the British 9th Armoured Brigade.

The infantry gained most of their objectives, but as with Operation Lightfoot lanes could not be cleared through the minefields until night was almost over.