Lot 0330: SAS Jeep (UK)

DESCRIPTION

The history of the British Army's Special Air Service (SAS) regiment of the British Army begins with its formation during the Western Desert Campaign of the Second World War and continues to the present day. It includes their early operations in North Africa, the Greek Islands, and the Invasion of Italy. The Special Air Service then returned to the United Kingdom and were formed into a brigade with two British, two French and one Belgian regiment, and went on to conduct operations in France, Italy again, the Low Countries and finally into Germany.

After the war, the SAS were disbanded only to be reformed as a Territorial Army regiment, which then led onto the formation of the regular army 22 SAS Regiment. The SAS has taken part in most of the United Kingdom's wars since then.

The Dessert Rats Taxi. This jeep should not be missing in the collection of the serious collector.

History

The SAS began life in July 1941 from an unorthodox idea and plan by Scots Guards Lieutenant David Stirling, who was serving with No 8 (Guards) Commando, for small teams of parachute trained soldiers to operate behind enemy lines to gain intelligence, destroy enemy aircraft and attack their supply and reinforcement routes.

Following an impromptu meeting to air his views with Major General Ritchie, the Deputy Chief of Staff, he was able to meet the new C-in-C Middle East, General Auchinleck who liked his plan, and it was endorsed by the Army High Command. At that time there was a deception organization already in the Middle East area, which wished to create a phantom Airborne Brigade to act as a threat to enemy planning of operations. This deception unit was known as “K Detachment Special Air Service Brigade” and Stirling’s unit was to be the “offensive arm” and be known as “L Detachment SAS Brigade”.

Following extensive training at Kabrit camp, by the Nile, “L Detachment” undertook its first parachute operation on enemy airfields at Gazala and Tmimi on 16/17 November 1941. Although this operation conducted in very heavy winds was not a success, David Stirling’s enthusiasm and endeavor paid off and the Detachment was allowed to expand, recruiting from the Layforce Commando, which was in the process of disbandment.

Using the transport of the Long-Range Desert Group and later its own jeeps, the Detachment achieved great success attacking enemy airfields and convoys. Following its successes, it was again expanded in September 1942 and officially designated 1st SAS Regiment, with Lieutenant Colonel David Stirling DSO in command. The Regiment comprised three Squadrons, plus a fine Free French Detachment under George Bergé and another fine unit the Greek Sacred Squadron under Christodoulas Tsigantes as part of the command Overall the SAS destroyed and put out of action over 400 enemy aircraft. Unfortunately, David Stirling was captured in January 1943 during SAS operations in southern Tunisia and as the North African campaign drew to a close, his depleted 1st SAS Regiment was formed into the “Special Raiding Squadron” under Major R B (Paddy) Mayne and the “Special Boat Squadron” under Major the Earl Jellicoe. David Stirling ultimately ended up as a prisoner in Colditz Castle. For his distinguished actions whilst a prisoner he was made an OBE.

In May 1943 the founder’s brother Lieutenant Colonel William Stirling raised a 2nd SAS Regiment in Philippeville, Algeria. At the end of the North African campaign in 1943, both the Special Raiding Squadron and the 2^nd SAS Regiment served in Sicily and Italy. The Special Boat Squadron operated with great success in the Aegean and the Balkans for the remainder of the war As the Special Boat Service, comprising 3 Squadrons, it was finally disbanded in 1945.

The SAS became without any doubt one of the most reputable special forces in the world. To this day, the SAS is deployed in conflicts worldwide.

However, this all started with the SAS Jeep. That is why this jeep should not be part of the collection of the serious collector.

The Special Air Service (SAS) Jeep

As jeeps were the most preferred vehicle to carry out commandos’ missions in the Middle East the basically US manufactured jeeps were modified for these desert missions by the British troops as SAS Jeeps had to transport quickly in the desert 4 soldiers with their weapons and had to come as close as possible to the target without being detected.

SAS Jeeps were sand colored,  without windshield (to avoid reflection) and were heavily armed. They were fitted with the desert kit for greater water cooling, a sand filter and  the  bars of the radiator grille were removed to improve radiator cooling. Thanks to 17 jerrycans with each a capacity of 4.4 imp gal; 5.3 US gal,  the Jeep with its own fuel tank had a range of around 1,250 miles.

This Jeep

This jeep is an exact copy from a photograph that shows a heavily armed patrol of 'L' Detachment Special Air Service (SAS) in their Jeeps, just back from a three-month patrol. The SAS got their own jeeps at the end of 1942. Until then, they relied on the Long-Range Desert Group for transport across the desert.

This jeep is constructed by Wim Kuijpers from Haelen, The Netherlands. It is a true work of art, especially because it has been rebuilt in every detail. Because a lot of time has been spent bringing together all the typical details, it is sold as a whole including all equipment shown in the photos. Even matching clothing will be included as part of the purchase.

All weapons have been deactivated but not in compliance with the current EU deactivation directive. If desired, this can be carried out at additionally cost. These are items that almost never come onto the market and are therefore extremely unique!!!!

For a short documentary see: Lot 0330: British SAS Jeep by Wim Kuijpers

SPECIFICATION

Model:                       Truck ¼ ton 4 x 4

Manufacturer:           Willys Overland Motors, Toledo Ohio USA

Weight:                     2,453 lb. (1,113 kg)

Crew:                        2

Engine:                      Willys 134 cu in (2.2 l), 4 cylinder inline, side valves, water cooled; 60 hp (45 kW; 61 PS) gross / 54 hp (40 kW; 55 PS) net

Engine number:       10019080101

Transmission:            3-speed manual x 2 range transfer case, 1 reverse

Suspension:              Live axles on leaf springs front and rear

Performance:           Max. speed:         65 mph      (105 km/h)

Dimensions:              Length:       132 ¼ in       (3.36 m)

Width:         62 in           (1.57 m)

Height:        52 in           (1.32 m)

Electrical:                  6 Volt

Permit(s):                  For the jeep no specific permits are required.

However, in / export regulations will be applicable for the deactivated weapons.

Date of Delivery:       June 30th 1944

Chassis Nr.:               347206

Engine number:        10019080101

Registration:             Comes with Dutch road licence (will follow).

Condition:                 In good running and serviced running condition.

Including in the Lot are Weapon related accessories to the above

3 x Deactivated Vickers Gas-Operated No 1 Mk I Machine Guns

1 x deactivated MP 40 (Maschinenpistole 40)

1 x Thompson submachine gun Model 1928A1

1 x M2 Browning .50 caliber machine gun with M3 barrel

Further following is included:

REMARKS
Location:                   Haelen, The Netherlands.

Condition:                 Superb condition, fully serviced and good runner.

Permits:                    For the Machine guns an export permit will be required.

ESTIMATE VALUE

Between € 45.000 and € 55.000