Citroen T23RU 2 tonne antenna truck (Kfz 68)
This particular vehicle was produced in mid to late 1944, after the Citroen Javel plant had been liberated. It was built to Wehrmacht (1942) pattern and is largely just as the factory photograph here illustrates.
The pre-war T-23U was, most noticeably, produced to a shorter wheelbase. They also tended to have more curved - ford type - front wings. Flat fenders began appearing just prior to WW2. There were numerous versions and many were supplied to the French Army, both at home and in the Colonies. The conquest of France by the Wehrmacht resulted in the 'remaining' T-23's being absorbed by the German war machine.
During the war the T-23 and it's larger sister the T-45 were kept in production and, at some point in 1942, an upgraded longer wheelbase version was produced for the Wehrmacht. During The war some 6000 trucks of the T-23/45 family were produced and they are very common in soldier’s photographs from the period. Most, though, made their way to the Russian Front where they were noted for their rugged reliability, but were fated never to return.
They are of course seen in France and were used by most units stationed there. This particular example has been given a period cabin body on the rear and is outfitted for communications and some administrative work. This was a very common solution for vehicles that were obtained without a frame and canvas.
This vehicle is one of around 6 in the UK, and certainly the only one in Europe in this configuration.
Click here to see a gallery of restoration and original pictures