RAF vehicles

[Richard Farrant]

Originally Posted by Larry Hayward

Obviously the Type number 1500 means this is not a Signals Van and this number was also used for an RAF Jeep, so its just a basic van.

Larry,
According to Bruce Robertson's book, "Wheels of the RAF", the Type numbers were introcuced in early 1944. Type 1500 is shown as a '15 cwt van', so correct for the Ford van. But the jeep would have been Type 1900 which was allocated to '5 cwt 4x4 car'.

regards, Richard

[Larry Hayward]

Richard thanks - I noticed my error after posting and Type 1500 was used for 15cwts so was seen on Bedford MWs too.

[pauldavies]

my all time favourite RAF picture at RAF LLandwrog North Wales
Paul Davies

[Larry Hayward]

That is an interesting photo, though I think the Morris C4 is in fact a Humber. What is interesting is that the Humber Ambulance appears to have its cab roof coloured possibly with yellow or white. There are also stripes over the rear body roof too. Yet the Albion Ambulance in the background has a rather 1940-1941 style camo scheme!, as does the Austin Ambulance in front of it in my photo. It is hard to date this photo but 1943-45 is a good guess!

[Richard Farrant]

Originally Posted by Larry Hayward

That is an interesting photo, though I think the Morris C4 is in fact a Humber. What is interesting is that the Humber Ambulance appears to have its cab roof coloured possibly with yellow or white. There are also stripes over the rear body roof too. Yet the Albion Ambulance in the background has a rather 1940-1941 style camo scheme!, as does the Austin Ambulance in front of it in my photo. It is hard to date this photo but 1943-45 is a good guess!

Larry,
I believe these photos are of the RAF Mountain Rescue teams, this all started at this aerodrome. Also the glimpse of a small ambulance in background on the right is a Morris 10cwt, think based on the Model Y van.
Check out the link below, it shows the same jeep and definitely MRS. This could be why the Humber's roof has the stripes on it so it could be seen from the air if aircraft were involed in a search as well as foot parties able to find it.
https://rafmountainrescue.com/our-history/

[Larry Hayward]

Yes I think you are right, a Morris Ambulance like this one I saw at War & Peace Revival a few years back.

Incidentally I spoke to the owner about the colour and he was adamant that it was built in spring 1941 and painted RAF Blue Grey at the factory. I have no reason to doubt him.

Kind Regards

Larry

[ted angus]

The location of the MR pics is at the Station's sick quarters, the Albion and Morris are not part of the MR team's vehicles hence all over cam . The Humber had yellow and black on the roof to make it visible to spotter planes whilst on shouts . I am sure I once read an article about that preserved Morris - I am sure it said the body was a re-creation to represent an RAF Morris domestic ambulance ?
Ted