Bedford QL mystery

[David_Hayward (RIP)]

Mr Feltcher says:

V.4914 is dated 16-12-41 and is marked Lorry 3 ton 4x4 Troop Carrying & Wireless “QL”; the total is altered twice and ends at 1461 although the numbers given for each type are as follows; Troop Carriers (Austin) 1370. W/T (Normands) 50, W/T (unreadable but looks like Mar*** Eg) 40.

WD numbers are within the ranges L559110 – L560479 [so this lorry is the last Trooper QLT one, with Austin body, under that contract] and L561980 – L562075 [W/T QLRs]

Card V4924 is a bit more straightforward. It is dated 18-12-41 for 1500 Lorry 3 ton 4x4 QL fitted with troop carrying body and the body contract is noted as being with Austin Motors again. WD numbers from L560480 to L561979.

All of which suggests to me that these are new builds and not conversions. Some time ago I read, although for the life of me I cannot remember where, that the 30 seat body was required so that an exact number of trucks could be used to ‘lift’ an infantry formation, say a Battalion complete and in order. I think this all has to do with changes in the structure of the armoured division and in particular the lorried infantry brigades that worked with them."

All I can think of is that, with its black-painted wheels and M Mouse Ears camo that this is a '42 Model lorry that is about to be shipped off....to the Far East? The tyres look in good nick, there are padlocks extant on the boxes and the front looks aok. I cannot think of any other reason, given the accuracy of the photo dates.