Ex Air Force M37 Crane

[StuartKm]

Hello Everyone

I am currently researching an ex Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) M37 Recovery Crane and I was hoping experts on this forum may be able to help me out.

The vehicle in question was apparently used by the RAAF in Japan during the Korean War. The RAAF utilized Japanese airfields as bases for their aircraft during the conflict. This M37 was returned to Australia and eventually ended up in a yard as shown in the accompanying photos.

This M37 has a 360 degree slewing crane fitted to the back. The crane had extendable support legs to each side but these have been cut off. It was painted 'air force yellow' during it's time in service.

I am seeking out any photographs or illustrations that show this crane whilst in service. Also any workshop manuals for this crane variant. Any additional service history or use by other countries would be appreciated.

Thanks

Stuart

[Cal_Gary]

Hello Stuart,
Welcome to the forum, glad to have you with us!

I'm not familiar with that crane set-up; nor do I recall seeing it in my twin set of David Doyle's Dodge history books. Perhaps that's an undocumented field mod? Perhaps some of our other members will weigh in.
Thanks for joining us!
Gary

[m-37Bruce]

In all of my short span of M Series exposure, I have not come into this, guessing its a "Field Modification"? Tony Eagling; aka, Monkey Man might be able to shed some light, as he is from the land down under?
Monkey Man, you got your ears on?