The CS9 was a British armored car used during the early stages of World War II. It was known for its reliability and durability, and it saw action in various theaters of the war. The vehicle had a crew of three. The CS9 was used for reconnaissance and patrol duties, and it played a significant role in the British army’s operations during the war.
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I have added a crew member from the “bits box”.
In 1936, Morris Commercial Cars, a subsidiary of Morris Motors, embarked on the ambitious task of developing a cutting-edge prototype built upon the sturdy foundation of the C9 4×2 15-cwt truck chassis. The resulting vehicle underwent rigorous testing that very same year, and its impressive performance paved the way for a series of modifications in 1937. These enhancements proved to be pivotal, as the prototype was subsequently approved for active service, marking a significant milestone for Morris Commercial Cars. Following its official acceptance, a substantial order for 99 units was promptly placed, with delivery scheduled for the ensuing year. The military classification bestowed upon this remarkable creation was LAC, denoting its role as a Light Armoured Car that stood ready to make a meaningful impact within the armed forces.
The vehicle was built on the large 15-inch Morris Commercial C9, a rear-wheel drive commercial vehicle chassis, which had a payload capacity up to 750 kg. This particular chassis was known for its durability and adaptability, making it a popular choice for military applications. The compartmentalization was straightforward, with a front driver cab and a rear fighting compartment topped by a fully traversing armored basket, rather than a fully enclosed turret. The design prioritized the mobility and protection of the crew, allowing for quick maneuvers and providing a secure platform for combat operations.
In this open top turret was installed a 0.55 in (13.97 mm) antitank gun Boys Anti-tank Rifle, a 0.3 in (7.62 mm) Bren light machine gun or a 12.7 mm (0.5 in) Vickers HMG (the scaled up version of the standard cal. 0.303), and a central smoke grenade launcher tube. The driver sat on the right, and had a forward three-faceted cabin, with lateral openings which could be occulted by a sliding steel cap.
In April 1939, the LAC entered service with the Royal Tank Corps. Thirty-eight of the CS9 were given in to the 12th Royal Lancers, replacing the model 1928 4×6 Lanchesters. These were part of the BEF, participating in the Battle of France and Flanders, where all were destroyed or abandoned near Dunkirk.
The other 30 served with the 11th Hussars, and were shipped to participate in the North African campaign, together with WW1-era Rolls-Royce LACs. It was found that, when fitted with desert tires, the vehicle had good performance on soft sand. However, its armor and armament were insufficient.
The vehicle, known for its reliability and versatility, played a crucial role in the North African campaign. Its commendable performance in the desert terrain contributed significantly to the efforts against the Italian 10th Army. However, due to evolving military requirements and advancements in technology, it was eventually retired midway through the campaign. Despite their retirement, these vehicles left a lasting impact, with some of them being captured and reutilized by German and Italian troops. The historical significance of these vehicles is evident in their enduring presence and the various roles they undertook during this critical period of World War II. For more detailed information on this topic, the reader can refer to the valuable resources available at Tank AFV.com.
