Morris PU: BEF Dunkirk? Unit, registration?

[Ian McCallum]

I am not sure from looking at the rear of the vehicle in the foreground that it is a Morris? Both the rear style of the buck and split canvas configuration are identical to that on my WOC1. Rear mudguards style is also identical. Will look out a relevant photo tonight and post it for consideration.

Ian

[Ron Pier]

You could be right Ian. My friend Rory will see if he can work out something from the Z number. He also has the Z number records for the WOC1's if you need them.
The little 8cwt body in slightly different formats was fitted to various vehicles. Morris, Ford, Humber, Chevy etc.
Ron

[Rich Payne]

I would never pretend to be able to identify from a rear-end photo but I'm pretty sure that the census number reads Z392064* Which would seem to place it under the Morris-Commercial contract V3517 (Z3919836 - Z3921632).

[Ron Pier]

Exactly the details Rory just gave me Z3919836-Z3921632 from Contract V3517..... Plus just above the Motorcycle seat at the bottom of tailboard is a welded plate. This was a Morris feature. The bodies weren't suitably supported on the PU chassis and had a tendency to split in this area. Ron

[S LATHERON (RIP)]

My father was a member of the BEF rear guard that fought against the German forces at Cassel. Finally being taken prisoner when the section he was in was eventually overrun. Most of the troops had run out of Ammunition and carried wounds of some sort. My father had a lucky escape when a petrol bowser took a direct hit and he was knocked over by a lump of truck chassis at the end of its flight. Must have been a flat section of steel as it did nothing more than heavy bruises to his shoulder and arm.
For the rest of the war he was a Guest of the Germans in both Poland and Germany. Towards the end of the war the prisoners were forced to march from POW camp to POW camp as the Red army looked set to over run the section of Germany that the Prison / stalag was in.
The camp was finally liberated by the Advancing US forces on Good Friday 1945.
Kenneth Latheron RIP 2007.
Stephen L

[malcolm erik bogaert]

my old uncle was in the rearguard with the RNF captured at St.Valery...spent the rest of the war as POW also in Poland and Germany...and along with many local old soldiers took part in the long march away from the advancing soviet forces...now they have all gone to there well earned rest...GOD BLESS THEM ALL.....regards malcolm

[Rich Payne]

Cassel was very knocked about thanks to the determined defence.

There is an interesting French language site with some 'then and now' photos.

http://www.2iemeguerre.com/jemesouviens/cassel.htm

[Ian McCallum]

Originally Posted by Ron Pier

Exactly the details Rory just gave me Z3919836-Z3921632 from Contract V3517..... Plus just above the Motorcycle seat at the bottom of tailboard is a welded plate. This was a Morris feature. The bodies weren't suitably supported on the PU chassis and had a tendency to split in this area. Ron

Should have engaged brain before responding and checked census numbers myself! Also did not spot the welded plate on the nearside rear. Ford census numbers all started with '4' being 4128194 - 9193 in contract V3615 and 4129194 - 30193 in contract V3730. Rear of my Ford WOC1 for info. Census number is its original, making it the 489th built within the first contract and December 39/January 40 build. Markings are for the 1st Battalion Suffolk Regiment, part of 8 Brigade / 3 Infantry Division BEF

[Ron Pier]

Aint she sweet. I remember John and Mary Worthing had one when I first met them, well over 20 years ago. I think it's still featured in there canvas adds.

Ron

[Ian McCallum]

Ron,

One in the same vehicle! John lost interest in the vehicle in the mid 90's and relinquished the vehicle in 2001 to a David Herbert in Suffolk requiring a number of issues to be addressed. Terry barn stored it for future project material and I bought it from him in 2003. As far as I know this is still the only restored example, unless someone knows different? Will be taking it to Guernsey and Dunkirk next year as part of the commemorations.

Ian

[Alex van de Wetering]

Stephen, Malcolm

Very interesting to hear the story of your relatives! Somehow we seem to forget that not all veterans were taking part in D-day or the battle in Italy. 5 years going from POW camp to POW camp must have been quite an experience and I wonder how these guys managed to follow the progress of the war...during these years.

Rich, at first...great picture and again it amazes me how you guys manage to tell the rear of the Morris apart from a WOC or Humber (Ron!). It does show that my model needs a few extra plates added , but given the fact that I also forgot to fit the step on the inside tailgate...

Should have engaged brain before responding and checked census numbers myself!

Ian, nevermind....at least we can now enjoy some pictures of the terrific WOC.

Alex

[cletrac (RIP)]

I think this one is from around Dunkirk but I'm not sure if it's a Morris or not.

[Ron Pier]

I actually think it is a Morris Dave. It's very grainy when blown up...but still those tell tale stengthening plates seem to be there?

Ian. It's great to own a rare one off vehicle, as I do with my Morris PU8/4....But it's lonely, as there's no one else to talk to..... Fancy a hug?
Ron

[Dennis Gelean (RIP)]

Has any one made a model of a Canadian Salvation Army canteen truck,used in
England and Europe, Holland (English made) or restored one?