Impressed Civilian Vehicles

Larry Hayward · #1 10-03-06, 00:33

In RAF & British Army records, I have seen mention of the use of impressed civilian vehicles in the UK especially during those desperate years 1940-41. I have seen a few photos of impressed coaches and buses but very few of any other types.

I have attached a photo that shows one in the background, which looks like a furniture / panel lorry. It was used by the RAF at RAF Christchurch in 1940. Has anyone got any photos of other impressed vehicles?

Also did these vehicles keep their civilian registrations or did the RAF and Army have a reserved set of serial numbers for impressed vehicles?

servicepub (RIP) · #2 10-03-06, 01:21

What a coincidence! Just yesterday I was going through a file of WD numbers allotted to Canadians. There were several files of WD numbers for impressed civilian vehicles - mostly passenger cars. As these numbers were controlled by the War office I think that it is a safe bet that the British RAF also changed the civvy registrations.

David_Hayward (RIP) · #3 10-03-06, 08:47

I agree with Clive although AIR MINISTRY vehicles had Middlesex County Council regosn (or London CC regos) as did WD, and possibly Admiralty. There were also Ministry of Supply vehicles that either used the original rego or had new Middx/London ones even though they were used for military and quasi-military purposes.

Les Freathy · #4 10-03-06, 13:40

A couple of impressed vehicles from the Dennis stable

Dennis 3 ton cesspool cleaner or lavender cart or as we call them budge cart

Les Freathy · #5 10-03-06, 13:41

Dennis Ace coach in use with the RAF