Hi Byron and other Ferret owners,
Most probably already know much of this, but for those that are
interested the following is a short resume on the versatile 'Ferret', to
the best of my knowledge etc.
Developed from the very successful 'Daimler Scout Car (Dingo)', the
prototype was completed in June 1950. The first production vehicles
(known as the FV701. Mk1), were introduced into service in 1952. In
1953 it was given the name 'Ferret'. There were a number of minor
variations of the Mk1 mainly used for liaision purposes. All were given
the designation FV701 but had a letter added for example....FV701c.
Many collectors make the mistake of thinking that all Mk1's were
turretless, not so. The Mk1's of the FV701 series were all open topped,
and carried a variety of weapons on pedestal mounts, most common were
303 Bren, 7.62 Bren and 30 Cal Browning. The Mk1's of the FV704 series
had fixed turrets added (non rotating), with an mg mounted on a pedestal
externally. These were used in Malaya along with the turreted
'Dingo's', in the early part of the 'Emergency'. (In 1991 I moved about
30 of these fixed turreted Ferrets from the storage depot at Luggesall).
Another peculiarity of the 'Malayan Emergency', was the addition on to
the open Ferret of an octagonal fixed turret with observation slots, and
then the further addition again on top of this of the six sided turret
from the 'Saracen'. Note the term 'Emergency', with reference to Malaya.
The British Army has only been involved in one war since 1945, and that
was the 'Korean War'. All other involvements have been either
Emergency's or conflicts. The media often used the term 'War', in
connections with both the 'Gulf', and the 'Falklands', conflicts. But
war was never declared by Britain.
The 'Ferret' Mk2 in most forms was also part of the FV701 series. The
addition of the turret (the six sided one from the 'Saracen'), was
designated FV701e. The FV701h had flotation bags added. The FV703 was
the 'Vigilant Missile', launching version. The FV712 was the 'Swingfire
Missile', version. And the No8 Mk1 was the 'Green Archer', version.
The FV711 was the Mk4 (big wheeled, improved brakes, swimmer etc). The
'Ferret Infantry Car', was the open 'Ferret', with the added octagonal
observation riser. There were 'Mine Locator', as well as versions with
the BAT recoilless Rifle mounted......and probably many more !
There were many 'in service', unofficial modifications to the Ferret
(like setting in concrete steel tools at the bottom of the side bins to
help stability, as described by Jim Webster last week), which helped to
keep the Ferret in general service longer than any other vehicle in the
British Army.
Production ceased in 1971, and with the large number still in regular
use around the world, it is hard to believe that only a total of 4,409
were produced.
regards
Colin Brookes
Invicta Military Vehicle Preservation Society (IMPS)
colb@xtra.co.nz
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