I am an avid collector of all things pertaining to Cavalry and infantry use of equines. I have in my possession an original 1937 manual of 'Horsemastership, Equitation and Animal Transport' stamped to the 8th Army. Among the fantastic items contained within there are photographs of the 'Universal Carrier' and its uses. It isn't the UC that usually come to mind though.....
Ken There is a thread called Mules from 2013 which I thought you might like to see, showing the original Universal carrier! Mules Lesley
Wow! I had quite forgotten that 2013 thread which I started, and am very pleased to see the pics in it (again) and of the Universal Carrier above (I've saved them this time). If anyone is still interested, I have this idea to do a diorama/vignette of a small mule train taking rations and supplies forward through a battered Italian village (and past a dead tank). I have been stalled (since 2013) on the size of the 6 gallon insulated containers used in WW2 and up to, I guess, the 1970s which will be loaded on the mules to conatin the company's supper. But at least I have now measured the dixy inside so have a fair idea of the size. I am now working on the mules and the drivers, both of which are rather hard to find in Braille Scale! Incidentally, it seems to me that where British pack harness had leather straps along the flank of the mule, these were often replaced by chains in the Indian version ( not always, and certainly not under the load). Chris
If, as I expect it will , there exists a pic or diagram of the standard pack harness and pack saddle, I'd love to see it/them. Not sure if the new software means we can do Private Messages - can't see an obvious way to try - or maybe other members would be interested to see them too! Chris
Chris-I think private messages are now 'conversations', one of the options under your name; although I would like to see other photos here please Lesley