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Military vehicles — 1940s to 1960s

Vehicle collection highlights Military vehicles — 1940s to 1960s

Many varied vehicles were developed and deployed during the Second World War and the Korean War. These include iconic armoured fighting vehicles such as the Sherman tank (and its many variants), as well as nimble transport and reconnaissance vehicles.

In the decades since their invention in the First World War, tanks had become more diverse and refined in their designs. The Cold War era saw the development of both the versatile main battle tank and anti-tank guided missiles used against them

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C15 TA

Built in Canada during the Second World War, the C15TA armoured truck carried troops and supplies while offering protection from small arms fire.

A large, green military tank

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Grizzly Mk. I

The Grizzly Mk. I was a Canadian-built Sherman variant from 1943.

A dark green motorcycle with two large brown seats and a soft leather pannier.

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Harley-Davidson 43WLC

Canadian dispatch riders and military police used the WLC model in Canada and overseas in the Second World War and the Korean War.

A small, green armoured vehicle with wheels and numerous radio antennas.

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Lynx Mk. II Scout Car

The Lynx Mk. II was a Canadian-built scout car used during the Second World War for reconnaissance and communication.

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M9 Halftrack

These half-tracks served as armoured personnel carriers, command vehicles, and ammunition carriers, and were also used to tow artillery.

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Ram Mk. II Kangaroo

The Ram Mk. II Kangaroo was a Canadian-designed armoured personnel carrier used during the Second World War to safely transport troops across dangerous terrain.

A green military tank with high, square armoured sides and a large forward-facing main gun.

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Sexton Mk. II

The Sexton Mk. II was a Canadian self-propelled gun built on the Grizzly tank chassis, equipped with a QF 25-pounder for mobile artillery support during the Second World War.

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Universal Carrier Mk II*

The Universal Carrier Mk. II*, built by Ford of Canada during the Second World War, was a lightly armoured, tracked vehicle used widely by Allied forces

Image at top of page: “2 R.C.R. soldiers inside Universal Carriers at Fort Lewis,” 1950. Canadian War Museum, 19790163-035.

War Machines Weekend

Watch and hear history come alive as powerful military vehicles rumble into action! Join us in August for a thrill-filled weekend as the War Museum brings some of its cherished vehicle collection out of the galleries and onto the demo track for a weekend of awesome activities.

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