Alvis Saracen Mk2/5 Armoured Command Vehicle
This vehicle went into service as a Mk 2 Armoured Command Vehicle. Its fuction was as a mobile command post and was equipped with full radio communication facilities, desk space and seating for 3 officers in addition to the vehicle crew of driver, commander and radio operator. It had an additional annexe tent fitted to provide additional working space and was equipped with two small petrol generators and additional batteries to power the radio system when stationary. For defence purposes it was fitted with a turret mounted .30cal Browning machine gun. In later years it was up armoured with a couple of layers of armour plate all round and redesignated the Mk2/5. It was later altered again when the .30cal was replaced by a 7.62mm GPMG. The driving position was unusual and the gearbox featured 5 forward and 5 reverse gears in a pre-selector gearbox. As well as this version the Saracen also had versions as personnel carriers carrying 8 infantrymen in addition to the crew, an armoured command post which had a higher roof for senior officers and an ambulance version.