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{The American WC52, "Beep", became a staple Allied WW2 truck. However the British War Department decided to improve on the design and create a wadeproofed and air-portable variant. This vehicle was officially designated as "Symbol D3/4APT, 3/4 APT, 4 x 4 - 98" W.B.", and unofficially as the "T236". The latter referring to its engine's Imperial Cubic Capacity of 236 inches, which was greater than the standard 214 inches.
It was an improvement on the WC52 on a variety of points. Namely its ability to drive through 5 feet (150cm) of water, its ability to be dismantled and transported on a DC3 Dakota, the cut away side to improve driver's access, its improved 12V electrics and its impressive ability to physically lift itself from the ground via its own winch.
The Dodge T236 is often colloquially called the 'Canadian Dodge' on account of its being built outside of the United States of America at the Dodge Chrysler works in Canada. Manufacturer's Serial Numbers were: 91,151,283 to 91,156,282, and 91,166,034 to 91,172,783.
The main specifications for the Dodge T236 are as follows:
Engine = T236 Wheel Base = 98" Length = 168 1/4" Width = 6' 11 1/8" (early type, 2M1A) & 6' 5 1/8" (later type, 2M2A) Voltage = 12 v Cylinder Bore = 3 7/16" Stroke = 4 1/4" Displacement = 236.6 cubic inches Rating = 92.5 Bhp (82.5 with full accessories) Winch Capacity = 7500Lbs Weight = 6000Lbs (including all equipment, full tank of petrol, oil & water (no personnel)
For comparison the WC52's specifications are as follows: Engine: T214; Wheel Base:98"; Length: 174 1/2"; Width: 6' 10 3/4"; Voltage: 6v (& 12v); Cylinder Bore: 3 1/4"; Stroke: 4 5/8"; Displacement: 230.2 ci; Rating:76 Bhp; Winch Capacity: 5000Lbs; Weight: 7350Lbs.
Serial numbers 91,166,034 to 91,167,033 were wadeproofed during production except for the distributor and ignition coil assemblies. Serial numbers after 91,167,033 were fully wadeproofed and consequently marked with a yellow transfer incorporating the word "Wadeproof" on the assembly. Wadeproofing depth was primarily limited to the height of the driver's head above the waterbed. There were a number of intricate brass breather pipes to assist with wadeproofed operation; for example vent tubes ran from the distributor, the brake master cylinder and the fuel tank into the air cleaner vent tube and another tube from the crankcase ventilator to the inlet manifold.
Certain detachable components were removed during air transport. Each later type vehicle was provided with a full spare set of removable parts in a wooden and waterproofed box marked "Attaching stock for airportability", (just in case anything ever got lost !)
Dodge T236's were delivered to the British Army towards the very end of, and shortly after, World War Two. Many were subsequently allocated to Northern European countries and stored and maintained for many years as Cold War Reserve vehicles.