D.U.K.W.s to Water

The G.M.C. 6x6 Two and a Half Ton D.U.K.W. 1942

D=1942 U=utility K=Front wheeled drive W= Two rear drive axles

From the world war two bloody beaches of Anzio, D-Day and countless Pacific amphibious DUKW campaigns, the revolutionary military vehicle, the GMC 6x6 two and a half ton DUKW became a legend forged in fire and war. Once the guns fell silent, the engines of the DUKW did not, as they found new waters, in a new role in a career that would bring them right to our doorsteps.

Unpublished archives now relate a fascinating story of courage and heroism on the coastline of Northern England, as the six wheeled amphibian, together with its crews of weather hardened Lifeguards, saved the lives of over 600 men, women and children over four decades. If that was not enough, the D.U.K.W. became a favourite with the public at large.

SHE IS STILL PLUNGING INTO THE WAVES TODAY

TAKE THEN A D.U.K.W. TO WATER!

Peter Dyer was born, the last of 7 children, in the town of Harrogate in the county of Yorkshire, England. Peter's mother, on occasion, pointed out that the wonderful residence of that great county were well known for their uncanny ability to look after money. Peter, therefore, at times felt that perhaps God had made a mistake as this talent was not passed on to him. His mother pointed out that God does not make mistakes! Peter moved to the coastal NW town of Southport in 1949. He went to a slightly eccentric private school, a stroke of great foresight by his father. From an early age our Peter appeared to be a little, well, eccentric or maybe different. He developed an early passion for space and rockets, both American AND Russian! (I am afraid especially Russian) This later led to building his own flying models and of course associated activity like explosions in the school lab, setting fire (twice) to the garden shed, interesting conversations with the beach Rangers. All part of a hobby that he was still practicing into the latter years. Peter showed a certain lack of interest in most sports, except swimming, especially CRICKET. At the age of 12, however, he discovered Baseball and by the age of 50 he became the English District Administrator for Little League Baseball UK. Well, all the best things take time.Peter spent a few years at his local Art School discovering that, although he had some talent, it was not enough to earn a living and support his widowed mother. (His father died when he was 10). Thus, he became a Primary school teacher, for nearly 30 years. Peter also had a growing interest in historical subjects. American history, the civil war and that of the plains Indians in particular and also WW2. To cement this, he bought and restored a WW2 Ford/Willys jeep.He has written 3 books on local history. His long-term strange fascination for the sea, heroic lifeboat tales, and consequently the exploits of the Southport coastal lifeguards, based on the American General Motors D.U.K.W. Recording these unwritten stories, taking nearly 7 years to complete, led to D.U.K.W s to Water. Recognition of these British Heroes, took an American publisher, after the author failed to find one after nearly 3 years of trying in the UK!