Just found this information buried in the 1937 War Department Mechanization Report:
Quote:
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Considerable development and research to obtain suitable new designs for Service vehicles had taken place and the introduction of 4-wheeled 4-wheel drive (i.e. 4x4) chassis showed particular promise. These vehicles with their improved suspension, good weight distribution, and large tyre equipment have put up good performances and therefore would appear to be the future replacements for 6-wheeled lorries.
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The previous year the first Marmon-Herrington conversion had been trialled, and it looked as though by '37 and certainly '38 the classic 6x4 British WD lorry was outmoded...however by 1939 the principle was resuscitated as long bodies needed a 6-wheel chassis. Looking at the '53 Suez photo proves that some of the pre-war designs had a long service career. Interesting isn't it that the WD changed its mind back and forth? I suppose this may be attributable to whomever had a powerful voice in key positions each year?