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The Humber Scout Car was produced to make up for the shortage of Daimler Scout Cars, and was produced in large numbers despite not being quite as capable as the earlier vehicle.
The Daimler Scout Car was a small two man armoured vehicle that relied on its size and speed to avoid trouble. It was one of the most succesful British vehicles of the Second World War and was in production for the entire duration of the conflict. However there were never enough available for all of the demands on them, so the Rootes Group was ordered to produce a similar vehicle.
The Humber Scout Car entered production late in 1942. It had a conventional motor vehicle chassis, with a rear mounted Super Snipe engine. The enclosed fighting compartment at the front could carry three men (although normally only carried two). It was armed with either one Bren or two Vickers K guns, carried on a remotely fired mount on the roof. There was no floor under the engine and only mild steel under the crew, making it very vulnerable to mines. It was bigger and faster than the Daimler Scout Car, but carried half the armour and was generally less effective. It was somewhat more reliable.
The Humber Scout Car was built in large numbers. 1,257 were accepted in 1943, 2,775 in 1944 and 266 in 1945. The first 1,698 were Mk Is. This was followed by the Mk II, a minor upgrade with improved transmission and armour over the steering wheel.
Normally the Humber Scout Car was used as a liaison vehicle, while the Daimler Scout Car continued to carry out the reconnaissance role. The Humber’s thinner armour and lack of protection underneath made it less suited to front line service than the Daimler.
At the time of the Normandy Invasion each British Armoured Car Regiment had a regimental headquarters which was normally equipped with 12 or 13 Humber or Daimler Scout Cars along with other vehicles. The Daimler was preferred in these units.
The Humber was more common in Armoured Divisions, where it was a useful communications vehicle.
Production:
Hull Length: 12ft 7in
Hull Width: 6ft 2.5in
Height: 6ft 11.5in
Crew: 3
Weight: 3.39 tons
Engine: 87hp 6 cylinder petrol engine
Max Speed: 62mph
Operational Range: 200 miles
Armament: One Bren Gun
Armour: 14mm (max)