Illustration from a WWII British/Canadian Army training manual showing how to use Universal carriers. Shown is a Mark I with the Boys Anti-Tank rifle sticking out the front and distinctive mudguard side pieces. The Mk. II had a step hanging down on the side below the driver's head, different mudguards etc.

The Universal Carrier evolved from the British pre-World War II "Bren Gun Carrier" and was used throughout WWII and into the 1950s.

Although soldiers and collectors often refer to Universal Carriers as Bren Carriers" - logical given that that was the earlier name, and they did carry Bren Guns (a light machinegun), the 1941-1944 models are more properly called "Universal Carriers". 

During WWII, Canada built 28,988 Universal Carriers (UC) in various models and 5,000 Windsor Carriers. Canada also used some US Ford built T-16 Universal Carriers, mainly to tow 6 Pounder Anti-tank guns. 

The T-16 were longer like the Windsor Carrier and had the extra wheel, but had tiller bar steering instead of the steering wheel used on British and Canadian models. Interestingly, the T-16, although built in the USA, had right hand drive. T-16 Carriers are found today with German data plates quite often. This is because many ended up in the Swiss Army (thus the German data plates) and then were imported into the USA and Canada as surplus, mainly by Southeastern Parts Equipment.

SAFETY DRIVING TIP: I remember my father, who served as an Infantry Officer in WWII, telling me that the UCs had a tendency to flip over if driving fast and then making a sudden turn. 

Below are some photos of swimming Universal Carriers from a 1947 British/Canadian manual on crossing water obstacles.

After they were sold surplus, many Universal Carriers were modified for civilian use. Often the armour was removed (dead weight). These are collectible vehicles and are sought after by collectors who want to preserve them. They were once one of the most distinctive vehicles in the Canadian Army, but are now hard to find in complete original condition. 

This is an old photo of a VERY EARLY Canadian built Universal Carrier Mk. I (May 1941). It is in 'as found' condition and needs restoration. The massive brass data plate is on top of the starboard (right) fender. In the background is the Bridge Studios site in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada  where the movie "Jumanji" (Robin Williams) and TV series "MacGuyver" filmed many scenes.

Here are photos below of a Canadian Universal Carrier that was bombed by the Americans in error in Normandy, the wreckage was buried, and it was found c.2000 by a Frenchman. The original painted  markings were still visible!  (Click on them to enlarge them).

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