PANZERSPAEHWAGEN MARMON-HERRINGTON ( e )

The Mk II had a shorter wheelbase than the Mark I, and had four wheel drive by using a kit from Marmon–Herrington that offered a front-driven axle. It was known in British service as armoured car, Marmon–Herrington Mk II. The Mark I continued in production (until the end of 1940) while supply of parts from the United States was resolved. Mark II "Middle East Model" denoted the vehicles serving with British forces in the North African campaign. This variant was fitted with a Boys anti-tank rifle and a single coaxial Bren light machine gun. A second model intended for sub-Saharan deployments was armed with twin Vickers machine guns. Marmon–Herringtons saw extensive combat in North Africa, being the only armoured car available to Commonwealth divisions in sufficient numbers, and had a reputation as a dependable, if somewhat light and undergunned, vehicle. As an unusual quantity of German, Vichy French, and Italian weaponry was captured during desert engagements, often Allied troops modified their Mk IIs by mounting Breda Model 35, Breda Meccanica Bresciana, 3.7 cm Pak 36 and 2.8 cm sPzB 41 anti-tank guns. As the turret made no provision for larger armament, it was simply removed and crew members depended on gun shields for protection. Besides those cars utilised for reconnaissance, others were adopted for use as mobile command posts, military ambulances, recovery vehicles, and Royal Air Force liaison.