UPDATE: Rob reports (see comments at bottom) that the latest edition of this book is available here: https://robvanmeel.nl/product/british-airborne-jeeps-2018-edition-isbn-90-76221-01-4/

I recently obtained from eBay a copy of the first version (which is my designation, to separate it from an expanded 2019 version of the same name) of Monica Baan and Rob Van Meel’s British Airborne Jeeps (3rd Printing, printed in 1998). It’s loaded with detail drawing and diagrams of the modifications made for the airborne jeeps. This first version is just under 50 pages. I’ll post a few example pages at the bottom of the post:

After I received the book, I did some more research and learned that in 2019 Rob updated the book with photographs and much more. Now the book is three-times as large, with 154 pages. The new version is available for purchase for £29.99: https://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/products/author/Van%20Meel,%20Rob.

Either book would be useful for the person who wants to recreate a British Airborne Jeep. Here is a sneak peak at some pages from the booklet I have:

UPDATE: I have to second Mark’s reaction to this book. This has been a great read! Gerhard Neumann feels Forest-Gumpian at times, as his life bebops from adventures to mis-adventures. The jeep trip is a neat aspect to the book, and kudos to his good natured wife for suggesting it. But, his life story is so much more than just the jeep trip. His good natured attitude bubbles through his prose. And, don’t miss his tips and tricks, such as using horse manure to plug radiator holes. 

Here are two pics from the jeep trip:

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Originally posted Jun 27, 2021: Mark Doepel shared news on Facebook of a book he found at his local Goodwill called Herman the German: Just Lucky I guess. It’s an autobiography by Gerhard Neumann.  Mark really enjoyed the read.

A paperback version of the book is available on Amazon and you can probably find hard copies out there as well (I just bought a hard copy version). Here are some general reviews by a couple influential folks from the Amazon page:

“This fascinating and amusing account of his life is told by a colorful and highly capable German who became one of America’s most successful technical managers in the development of jet engines for aircraft.”-David S. Lewis ChairmanGeneral Dynamics Corporation.

“Not only has Gerhard Neumann’s life been filled with exotic and exciting adventures, but he was a highly successful engineer and executive-truly a superior individual and one of my favorite people.”-Sanford N. McDonnellChairman, McDonnell Douglas Corporation.

“Readers of Gerhard’s book will probably come to the same conclusion I formed while doing business with him; there is still room in industry for free spirits.” -T. A. WilsonChairman, The Boeing Company.

His colorful life included a jeep trip across Asia in 1947 documented in part by this 1948 Kansas City Times article from January 13, 1948:

This article about the release of Gerhard’s autobiography came out in the June 17, 1984, issue of the Cincinnati Enquirer:

This obituary was published following his death on November 6, 1997, in the Cincinnati Enquirer:

Continue reading →

UPDATE II: I received this small booklet. There are thirteen pages (with lots of pics) written by Joe Brown and eleven pages about donuts, including a quiz and recipes (as in, you can use donuts in a variety of ways). So, if you want jeeps, don’t buy this booklet; but, if you like donuts, then this might be a winner. Below are a few sample pages …

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UPDATE: Curiously, after I purchased a copy on Amazon, the price went up a dollar.

In early 1944, Actor and Comedian Joe E. Brown published “You Said A Mouthful”, a book about his adventures entertain troops. The cover includes an illustration on the cover of him on a jeep. If interested, here are various copies for sale on eBay.

“A rip roaring; Illustrated; funny story of Joe E. Brown’s adventures in entertaining millions of doughboys all over the world.”

PHOTO CREDIT: University of South Carolina … https://digital.tcl.sc.edu/digital/collection/jmetz/id/1197

The book was published by the Doughnut Corporation of American and Bond Bread. Thus, this explains why he’s holding a donut. An advertisement for Bond Bread is included on the back of the book:

https://digital.tcl.sc.edu/digital/collection/jmetz/id/1196/rec/1

Scott spotted a hardcover book called The Willys Dream Kit by Jan Novak that’s for sale on eBay ($49.49). The price for a new hard copy is similar on Amazon, but the used ($25) and paperback ($20) editions are much less on Amazon.

Reviews of the book from the Chicago Tribune and L.A. Times in 1985 suggest it’s a good read.

**SOLD** Scottie has laid claims to these books … 

These five books were published for the military services in May of 1944 and have courses on various aspects of Auto Mechanics. I bought these hoping to find some jeep info, but found none. Still, this may be of interest to some WWII buffs (mostly non-military automobile mechanicals).

1. C0URSE 1-THE ENGINE – BOOK IS MISSING BACK COVER AND FRONT IS SOILED. NO TORN OR MISSING PAGES.

2. COURSE 2-COOLING, LUBRICATION, AND FUEL SYSTEMS. SOME WATER DAMAGE ON PAGES. BUT COVERS ARE IN GOOD SHAPE. NO TEARS OR MISSING PAGES.

3. COURSE 3-AUTOMATIC ELECTRICITY-WATER DAMAGE AND CREASES ON FRONT AND BACK COVERS-NO TEARS OR MISSING PAGES. BACK COVER HAS A SMALL TEAR.

4. COURSE 4-THE POWER FLOW. MISSING FRONT AND BACK COVERS BUT NO TORN PAGES OR MISSING PAGES.

5. COURSE 5-CHASSIS UNITS. FRONT AND BACK COVERS ARE SOILED BUT NO MISSING OR TORN PAGES.”

This is a 1976 372-page manual (reprint) that includes information on the rare (non-postal) DJ-5s and DJ-6s.

https://sacramento.craigslist.org/pts/d/roseville-jeep-universal-cj-dj-factory/7253156744.html

“1966 – 1971 Jeep Universal CJ / DJ – JEEP Factory Shop Repair and Service Manual – SM-1046 / High-quality, 1975 reproduction 372-page manual which was written and first published by the experts at the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), Jeep Corporation, for use by their dealership mechanics. Now, this great service manual can be yours!

MODELS COVERED:
1966 Jeep CJ3
1966 – 1971 Jeep CJ5
1966 – 1968 Jeep CJ5A
1966 – 1971 Jeep CJ6
1966 – 1968 Jeep CJ6A
1966 – 1971 Jeep DJ5
1966 – 1968 Jeep DJ6
1966 – 1967 Jeep Universal

Has wear as seen in the pictures, a little dirty on the outside but, all the pages are in excellent condition – Leave your nice books at home and keep this one in your Jeep!”