ESTEVAN — A unique piece of history was making the rounds in Estevan on Thanksgiving Monday, thanks to a passionate collector dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Second World War.
Former Estevan resident Ted Beck, a military veteran, purchased an 83-year-old Jeep, originally designed for combat, back in February. Known for its simple, rugged design, the vehicle has been a conversation starter and a nostalgic sight at gatherings across the region since then.
Beck came to the Energy City for a visit and brought his 1941 vehicle to show it to Lester Hinzman, who has a keen interest in military history.
The Jeep, which Beck purchased in Vancouver, Wash., is a classic example of utility vehicles that played an important role during the war. Originally built to last just 90 days, Beck's vehicle has endured, a testament to its durability. The Jeep features a gas tank under the seat, a design that might seem precarious by modern standards, but was common during wartime. Beck said the vehicles were mass-produced and meant for short-term use, but his military piece is still running after 83 years. Most of the vehicles shipped to Europe weren't worth bringing back, Beck said, and the one in his possession has never left North America.
The vehicle carries historical markings reminiscent of those used in the African theatre, rather than the more common D-Day invasion symbols seen on similar models.
Beck shared that when he brought the Jeep into Canada, he had to undertake modifications to meet stricter legal requirements.
Beck said he plans on adding functional mounts for a vintage general-purpose machine gun (GPMG), and his friend has proper historic GPMGs they want to put on for demonstration at car shows.
While Beck is passionate about this piece of history, he also currently has another important mission. He was in Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadian) armoured regiment, and now his daughter Kiersten Beck is a crew commander in the tank and will soon be deployed to Latvia. In the name of his daughter, he is raising funds for the Homes for Heroes Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing housing for veterans.
Beck set up a fundraising page with the goal of bringing in $5,000, and has already raised close to $2,600.
To support Beck's initiative and help his family raise money for housing for veterans, people can go to the .
