General Motors developed the unique vehicle commonly called a “Duck” in 1942. Despite early skepticism it became a vital asset to military operations during World War II. As amphibious vehicles – able to operate both on land and in water – Ducks were a valuable asset for transporting U.S. troops and supplies into hard-to-reach areas.
The vehicle’s technical title is DUKW, which is a military equipment code representing the features of the vehicle. D = 1942, U = amphibian, K = front wheel drive, W = rear wheel drive. However, U.S. servicemen affectionately nicknamed the vehicles, Ducks.
Ducks went on to become one of the most celebrated vehicles of World War II and have been credited for playing an integral role in winning the wars in Europe and the Pacific.
With 21,200 Ducks manufactured over a three year period between 1943 and 1945. Between March 7 and March 31, 1945, seven Allied armies involving 370 Ducks crossed the Rhine to penetrate the heart of the Reich, playing a large role in the success of the operation. The Duck's most famous military usage was participation in the historic D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944 at Normandy, France where 2,000 Ducks were used to transport men and supplies from ship to shore.
Ironically, despite the success of the Ducks, the vehicle and its predecessors were initially viewed with tremendous skepticism and even hostility. When Roger W. Hofheins first approached the U.S. government on the subject of creating an amphibious vehicle, the nation was at peace and there was little need for such a vehicle.
The skepticism soon turned into optimism when a U.S. Coast Guard vessel became shipwrecked along the Massachusetts coast during unstable sea conditions, causing normal lifeboats to be unable to reach the stranded crew. Coincidentally, two Ducks happened to be stationed nearby awaiting demonstration tests. Desperate to save the crew, the Coast Guard requested that the Ducks attempt to reach the stranded boat. Accompanied by a Coast Guard officer, Putnam and two others largely responsible for the design of the Ducks maneuvered the vehicle and brought the stranded crew back to safety in less than six minutes.
The creation of the Ducks provided the army with a sophisticated transport vehicle with enough marine capabilities to overcome the rugged sea conditions. The technological advances of the Ducks allowed amphibious operations to reach their zenith during World War II.
TODAY
Today, whilst rare and usually requiring extensive restoration, they are increasingly used as tour vehicles to bring fun and enjoyment to people all over the world. Our ducks have been restored to an extremely high standard and meet LTSA (Land Transport Safety Authority) and MSA (Marine Safety Association) standards.
Read about Rotorua Duck Tours and their great Crew