D-Day DUKWs

The DUKW (commonly known as the Duck) is a six wheel drive amphibious truck that was used by the Allies during the Second World War and into the Korean War.

Supplied to US and Allied forces, around 2000 were supplied to Britain and hundreds more were received by Australia and the Soviet Union.

Having seen their first major operation in Europe during the invasion of Sicily in 1943, DUKWs were to be found on the Normandy beaches, the Battle of the Scheldt, Operation Veritable, and Operation Plunder. They were also heavily used during the Pacific campaign by the USMC.

DUKWs ON SWORD BEACH

On D-Day, DUKWs were employed to transport troops and equipment from the landing ships to shore. Once they reached the beach, DUKWs could drive directly onto the sand without needing a traditional port or harbour. This generally allowed for a more efficient unloading of supplies.

From H Hour + 330, DUKWs of 101 GT Company RASC launch from LSTs. Apart from a Medical Detachment all the DUKWs are loaded with ammunition. These DUKWs appear to have been painted grey rather than ‘green’ (US Olive Drab or SCC15) as this research demonstrates.

Following the initial assault they were kept busy ferrying cargo from ship to shore, helping to keep British 3rd Infantry Division supplied.

WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS IN 20MM?

We’re quite well catered for with DUKWs available from several manufacturers. Model kits include the classic Airfix DUKW in 1/76 or the newer 1/72 Italeri offering. Of course the Milicast 1/76 DUKW is excellent, and 3D printing opens up many further options. 

Alongside these are the prebuilt DUKWs available from Blitz in 1/72, the Raventhorpe ‘Ready to Roll’ range (20mm, including a waterline version), and the venerable poly DUKW from Airfix.

While I have an Airfix DUKW in the stash, I’ve also collected up a trio of Blitz DUKWs over the last couple of years from online auctions. It’s these Blitz DUKWs I’ve painted up ready for some amphibious assaults in Normandy, Scheldt, and Rhine crossing games. 

PAINT SCHEME

The first DUKW I’d painted in green but then found out that British DUKWs on Sword beach were grey. Now I’ve painted the following two in grey but will leave the other in green for a bit of variety and for late war NWE games.

DECALS

It’ll come as no surprise to regular followers that I’ve used Dan Taylor Modelworks decals, ‘British Markings for RASC DUKWs used on D-Day’. Another excellent set and highly recommended.

Once I’ve finished all the Wading Carriers I’ll use the remaining crew figures to bring these DUKWs alive. I also plan to make some cargo inserts which can be lifted and dropped in as needed. That’s quite far down the To Do list for now though!