Commer Q2: Truck, 15-cwt, 4x2, Van

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Some pics from Commer Lorries WW2:

Caption: "Commer Q15 RAF".

In reality it is a one-off prototype Commer Q2 with RAF Van type Radio Body,
the Type "E" Insulated Wireless Shell, also known as the Type "E" Signals Body.
16123728317_6b14c450f8_o.jpg

Caption: "RASC Commer Q4 lorry middle east WW2"
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[Hanno Spoelstra]

Screenshots from one of the episodes of Worker and War-Front, 1942-1946.

i848730.jpg 1_026-27ww-f.jpg 1_026-58ww-f.jpg 1_026-56ww-f.jpg 1_026-52ww-f.jpg

[David Herbert]

Hi Phil,
The photos that you posted in post #44 are all models of Austin trucks of WW2. I would guess that they were made by Austin to fill the same role as the Rootes Group ones but they are nothing like the quality.

For the benefit of anyone who doesn't know, the Rootes Group was Humber, Commer, Hillman, Karrier, and Sunbeam. Post war it acquired Tilling Stevens and Vulcan but was gradually taken over by Chrysler who got full control in 1967.

David

[Davistine Liddle]

Here i found some information

Rootes Vehicle Production

https://www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au/production_rootes

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Davistine,

Thanks for that link. I’ve seen it before and I am somewhat confused about the total number of Q2 Vans built?

H.

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Les Freathy found this on the net: Commer pre heating van

8829D320-48D3-4DCA-8A98-672D756F6D2D.jpeg

[Hanno Spoelstra]

More finds from the IWM archives:

"ROYAL AIR FORCE ARMY CO-OPERATION COMMAND, 1940-1943
© IWM (CH 17402)
Object description
A North American Mustang of No. 2 Squadron RAF, takes off from Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire, past a Commer Q2 mobile wireless van providing air to ground communications. To the left, a De Havilland Dragon Rapide communications aircraft is parked in on of the dispersals."
IWM (CH 17402).jpg

ROYAL AIR FORCE OPERATIONS IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA, 1939-1943.
© IWM (CNA 3978)
Object description
Operation TORCH: a mobile Homer Station at work on the airfield at Bone, Algeria, during the arrival of Supermarine Spitfire reinforcement aircraft, ferried from Gibraltar. The vehicle is a Commer Q2, fitted with an RVT 105 Signals body, housing single-channel VHF/DF radio equipment from which homing bearings and controlled descents were transmitted to the ferry pilots. In the background, Spitfire Mark Vs can be seen, undergoing preparation for onward flights to the forward units.
IWM (CNA 3978).jpg

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Hanno Spoelstra

Les Freathy found this on the net: Commer pre heating van

From the IWM archives, another pre-heating van sporting a RAF roundel on the side:

ROYAL AIR FORCE: 2ND TACTICAL AIR FORCE, 1943-1945

IWM (CL 1783)

Object description
Ground crew of No. 3208 Servicing Commando, insert collapsible tubes from a pre-heating van into the air intake and radiator of a Hawker Typhoon Mark IB in the snow at B58/Melsbroek, Belgium. The tubes fed hot air into the Napier Sabre engines, which were notoriously difficult to start in wintry conditions, and required this treatment at regular intervals to maintain serviceability.
IWM (CL 1783).jpg