What does DUKW stand for?

• D = First year of production code "D" is for 1942
• U = Body style "U" utility truck (amphibious)
• K = Front wheel drive*
• W = Two rear driving wheels (tandem axle)

*GMC still uses that on trucks today (K5 Chevy Blazer)

DUKWs were originally used in World War II to carry supplies from ships to points on land.

Without the DUKW supplies would have to be loaded from the large ships into smaller boats. The boats would have to be unloaded at the shore and the cargo reloaded into trucks, which would carry the cargo to the supply depots.

The DUKW saved time by being able to be loaded at sea and drive up on land directly to where the supplies were needed.

DUKWs have seen most of their use in WWII and the Korean War. After helicopters were invented the DUKWs usefulness as a supply vehicle was diminished.

Our DUKWS were built in the USA by General Motors and started life in the mid 1940’s as military ship to shore transports. Many were used in the D-Day landings and in other wartime theatres. They remained in service with the British and other armies into the 1970’s.