Current Markings: 95th Infantry Division, 709th Tank Battalion, Service Squad-5
Technical Specifications
Enter Service:
1941
Crew:
2
Weight:
31,200 lbs
Dimensions:
Length: 23 ft 5 in, Width: 8 ft 3 in, Height: 9 ft 9 in
Powerplant:
Continental 22-R, inline 6-cylinder gasoline engine, 145 hp
Performance:
Speed: 45 mph, Range: 250 mi
Description
Ward LaFrance M1A1 is an evolution of the M1 variant. It has a crane winch capacity of 47,500 lbs., 22-tons. The crane could lift and put in place an 8-ton Sherman turret. The M1A1 variant has a torpedo cab, unlike the M1. It has a front winch with a capacity up to 20,000 lbs. The heavy wrecker was designed to lift, and tow disabled heavy vehicles. Approximately 5,000 M1A1 came from the assembly lines. The Ward La France M1A1 wrecker was vital to the field maintenance of Allied tanks. It is often credited with expediting the Axis powers surrender in Europe.
From the Count Ferdinand von Galen Collection, donated by his family in memoriam.
