Among the early deliveries of British vehicles to Russia was a small quantity of AEC Matador O853 4x4 Medium Artillery tractors.
Build from 1939 on and equipped with a robust 95hp diesel engine, huge 13.50-20.00 tires and a powerful 7-ton winch, the Matador soon proved its efficiency also as a recovery vehicle.
Due to the lack of artillery tractors and recovery vehicles, the truck should have been welcomed by the respective Red Army units.