Description
Author: Mark J. Cook, Hardbound, 192 Pages, ISBN: 9781903706008 1st Edition, 2001
In the 1960s shrinking military manpower necessitated the speedy deployment of troops and their equipment over great distances: air transport was the answer, but tough and capable ground transport would also need to be transported by aircraft.
Designed with 4x4 all-terrain capability and to be strong, compact and, above all, light, the Half-Ton Land Rover was eminently airportable and yet could be adapted to many military uses. Quickly a success with the British military, the 'Lightweight' - as it became known - was soon adopted by armed forces in other countries for use in an amazing number of roles.
Not only is this the story of the evolution of the Lightweight from inception until the end of production, it is a veritable 'enquire within' on all aspects of the military Half-Ton Land Rover and an invaluable reference for military vehicle enthusiasts, modellers and thousands of owners using ex-military Land Rovers in civvy street.
Mark Cook's interest in the Half-Ton Land Rover started when he first bought an ex-military Lightweight and he's owned examples ever since. The first military vehicle he drove while serving thirteen years with REME and Royal Signals in the Territorial Army was also a Lightweight.
In 1991, Mark was amongst the first to join the newly-formed Ex-Military Land Rover Association, which he has now served in various positions, including Newsletter Editor and Chairman.
In 1993 he bought and subsequently restored the only surviving example of a Northern Ireland Armoured Lightweight, which he now exhibits at shows all around the UK.
