The famous ‘Duck’ of WWII, the DUKW Amphibious truck, comes to Bolt Action as a US transport, ideal for games in both World War II and the Korean War.
During World War II, it became apparent that there was a need for amphibious transport that could both ferry men to the beaches and shuttle supplies back and forth.
The DUKW (colloquially known as Duck) is a six-wheel-drive amphibious modification of the 2 1⁄2-ton CCKW trucks used by the U.S. military in WW2. It excelled at approaching and crossing beaches in amphibious warfare attacks.
The driver could adjust the tyre pressure from within the cab, to allow for versatile terrain adaptability. Unique at the time of its development, this feature has since become standard on US amphibious vehicles.
The name DUKW comes from General Motors Corporation model nomenclature:
D, Designed in 1942
U, Utility
K, All-wheel drive
W, Dual-tandem rear axles
World War II
The DUKW made its combat debut in the 1943 invasion of Sicily (Operation Husky). Thereafter it was used extensively in Normandy and in the Pacific theatre. It enjoyed enormous success, although lessons were learnt during the Omaha D-Day landings. Although designed to carry a heavy load, those that were overloaded with howitzers sank immediately in the turbulent waters. This was the one weakness of an otherwise revolutionary design, vital to the allied victory in Normandy and beyond.
American DUKW’s in the water heading for the Normandy beaches during the first landings on D-Day.
After the War
About 20,000 ‘Ducks’ were built during the war. After World War II, reduced numbers were kept in service by the United States, Britain, France, and Australia, with many stored pending disposal. Australia transferred many to Citizens Military Force units.
The U.S. Army reactivated and deployed several hundred ‘Ducks’ at the outbreak of the Korean War. They saw only limited combat, although DUKWs were used extensively to bring supplies ashore during the Battle of Pusan Perimeter and in the amphibious landings at Incheon.
In Bolt Action
The DUKW Amphibious Truck comes to Bolt Action as an amphibious transport. This ability to move in deep/shallow water and continue to be effective upon making landfall makes the ‘Duck’ a vital component of any US beach assault force whether it be in World War 2 or Korean War theatres. It has a transport capacity of 12 men. You can bolster your firepower by upgrading your ‘Duck’ with an MMG or HMG, allowing it to take an active part in the conflict after having disgorged its troop load.
A DUKW Amphibious truck ferries US troops across the Naktang River
Available Now!
Contains one resin & metal vehicle – supplied unassembled & unpainted, a stat card, decal sheets and damage markers.
Overlord Campaign
Having debuted in WW2, the DUKW is ideal for re-enacting D-Day landings, which are explored in-depth in the D-Day Overlord Campaign Book. With over 200 pages, this Campaign Book allows players to take command of both Allied forces assaulting the beaches and those of the axis manning defences. Use the DUKW to ferry your US Ranger squads to combat on Omaha Beach!
Get started with Bolt Action: Korea
The DUKWs second major conflict appearance was in the Korean War. It was a vital component of the landings at Inchon.
Your starting point for re-enacting the ferocious battles of the Korean war is the Bolt Action: Korea book. It is crammed with history, army lists and scenarios, as well as the full amphibious assault rules.
Inside the book, you’ll find a comprehensive history of the conflict with details of every major battle fought between the two sides. It also includes details of the various forces and their organisation, commanders, and equipment. Scenarios are provided for many of the battles, along with comprehensive force selectors to help you assemble your force.
Conor Trainer
Tom Mecredy
