What do you know about the DUKW?

A SOUTHPORT man hoping to tell the tale of these mighty vehicles from the resort's past - and he's looking to hear from residents who remember them.

Peter Dyer, of Longacre, told Life On Cars he is working on a book covering the history of the amphibious DUKW vehicles, which were once a common sight along the region's coastline when they were used as rescue vehicles by the Sefton Lifeguards.

“The red and cream DUKWs, workhorses of the Southport and then Sefton Lifeguards, patrolled our shores for nearly four decades,” he explained.

“They were responsible for saving the lives of some 600 people, but started out here as pleasure ride vehicles. Now their story has come full circle, with some of them being used on the Liverpool and London yellow Duck Tours.”

The DUKW, popularly pronounced “duck”, is a six-wheel-drive amphibious truck designed for the American military to use in amphibious attacks during the Second World War, and among other operations was used in the D-Day Landings in 1944.

Mr Dyer is requesting that Champion readers who remember the vehicles should get in touch with him with their stories, along with any additional photos, film footage or information. He is particularly looking for more information about the company Thompson and Doxey Export, which was involved with the vehicles, the use of the Canning Road bus sheds to store them, and any photos from the late 1940s, when they were first introduced.

To get in touch with your stories contact 01704 231685 or by email at peter@peterdyer.wanadoo.co.uk