The Militant Mk3 Medium Recovery was first built in 1969, based on the 10 ton cargo chassis. It was intended to replace the Scammell Explorer, itself a replacement for the wartime Pioneer, and to supplement the Leyland Martian Heavy Recovery and Bedford RL Light Recovery vehicles.

It was fitted with a crane which could be locked in the central position with two jib stays for suspended towing up to 5.25 tons (as shown above) or slewed to either side for general lifting duties up to 4.75 tons depending on radius and use of the outrigger jacks. The centrally mounted winch could be paid out to the rear for pulls of up to 30 tons using the ground anchor spade, or to the front for self recovery.

The recovery vehicles differed from the cargo version in that they had a shorter wheelbase, a larger 4 seat cab, larger 16.00R20 Michelin radial tyres, lower overall gearing and a three line braking system.

The recovery body was built by Scammell using a Coles hydraulic crane and Scammell winch, similar to that fitted to the Explorer and Constructor.