Also hmvf:
I managed to pick up the PTO for my RL, I did intend mounting the Garwood winch I have in the chassis at the rear like the New Zealand RLs Id seen on the net but the chap I got the PTO from had nearly all the belly winch set up from the RL recovery truck. Ive noticed while Ive been doing some res...
hmvf.co.uk
which confirmed a few distant memories (I looked it up because I was unsure whether I was remembering or dreaming).
Not particularly exciting or detailed memories but they might fill a gap...
When I joined the TA Infantry in 1975, our Coy had 4x RL - one for each platoon and one for the CQMS. None had winches. They were replaced with MKs in 1976, perhaps 1977.
We were co-located with 50 Ord. They had several RLs, one of which had a winch. I think it belonged to their REME LAD. As a spotty 17 year old, I recall being intrigued with the winch for two reasons. Firstly because I thought that winches were electric and would be mounted on the front and/or the rear, yet there was no sign of winches in these positions. Secondly because winch cables were present at both front and rear. (Odd when there was no obvious winch). This intrigue led me to follow the cables - which terminated in a box under one side of the truck. I can't remember which side. If I'd known that somebody would ask about it 45 years later, I'm sure I would have paid more attention.
I had a chat with the REME fitter who explained that the winch was driven from a PTO and demonstrated how it all worked. I can't remember how it switched between the front and back cables but recall that the hooks were on pulleys (snatch blocks) to give a 2:1 mechanical advantage, the end of the cable being hooked onto the chassis.
A long time ago so E&OE.