The Complete DUKW Historical Reference Book Review
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | June 2013 | Title | The Complete DUKW |
|---|---|---|---|
| Author | David Doyle | Publisher | Squadron/Signal Publications |
| Published | 2013 | ISBN | 978-0-89747-720-8 |
| Format | 304 pages, hardbound | MSRP (USD) | $59.95 |
Review
Here is the first in a new series from Squadron/Signal Publications, The Complete DUKW Historical Reference. This title covers that very unique World War 2 amphibious combat vehicle that was essentially a 2.5 ton GMC utility truck that had a boat hull built around it. In General Motors nomenclature: D=1942, U=utility truck, K=front wheel drive, W=tandem axle => DUKW but generally pronounced 'Duck'. Retaining the versatility of the standard US Army 'duece and a half' truck, the DUKW added the ability not only to swim, but to effectively connect from ship to shore like a landing craft, and then with its 6x6 wheeled drive, head onto shore and into the fight with the troops.
The author has amassed a significant number of period black and white photographs, as well as some color photos, showing the vehicle from development through service and in post-war use. Coverage of this title includes:
- The NDRC
- GMC-4 Project
- A Larger Amphibian
- The Duck Leaves the Nest
- Journey to the Coast
- A Move Toward Standardization
- A Cusp of Mass Production
- DUKW-based Ferries
- The First 1,000
- More Trials
- The Duck Proves its Worth
- Experimental Development
- The Balance of the First Order
- Factory School
- Massive Production
- Additional Equipment
- Made in Missouri
- Special Cargo Handling
- Production Peaks
- DUKW Goes to War
- Post-World War II Military Service
- War Again
- Peace Again
- Flying DUKW
- Superduck
- Drake
- Contemporary Use
Each step of the way, the author provides an in-depth look at the vehicle and its history, providing a perspective of the DUKW that has not been done in print before. Whether you're a military historian or scale modeler (or both), you'll find some significant material in these pages that will make your next project worthwhile. For the modeler, you'll see a wide variety of details and configurations to not only make the lone DUKW kit available in 1/35 accurate, but to configure it in ways not seen on contest tables before. This is an excellent reference for all.
This title is definitely recommended!
My sincere thanks to Squadron/Signal Publications for this review sample!