Members and their Vehicles

George Langford And Dakota

OK, so no-one else has sent in photos of them and their vehicles so to kick it off here is George Langford and his Dakota. I know it's not his, but it looks good, and will make a great story to tell in the clubhouse. Thanks Photoshop.

Ian Coats and B17

Continuing the aircraft theme Ian was spotted in the pilot's seat of a B17. He really was in the seat though he does deny owning it.

Mixed Spitfire photos

Jonathan, Boyan, and Stuart were all photographed suitably clothed in a Spitfire.

Ian Coats and Jeep

At last a true picture of proud military vehicle ownership from Ian Coats. This is his Jeep which is a ...... I'm sure he'll confess all in due course. And not to be outdone, Ian's aircraft photo of ATA pilot 1st Class Kathryn Coats delivering yet another Spitfire.

Steve Flitcroft and M38A1

Steve has owned this M38A1 for some time but has only recently resprayed it in sand. It was previously NATO green.

Simon Gregg and Chevrolet C15

Having moved from a British Land Rover and wearing British Army kit to an American Dodge Weapons carrier and wearing US army kit, he has now reverted back to British with this Chevrolet C15. Built in 1942 it is now fitted with a Bedford engine and slightly larger wheels to give it better performance on modern roads.

Simon Gregg & Steve Flitcroft and Land Rover Ambulance

Steve and Simon jointly own and have restored this Land Rover ambulance. Originally painted green it is now sand camouflage matching the two individually owned vehicles.

Martin Russell and Jeep

Martin has owned this Willys MB since 2002. It is from 1942 and badged as 9th USAAF, 435 Troop Carrier group,  75 Squadron,  which was based at RAF Welford park near Newbury. For the full story visit Martin's Willys webpage at http://freespace.virgin.net/martin.russell/willys.htm.

John Ward and Austin

This Austin K3 dates from 1943. John acquired it in 2008 and has seen the engine rebuilt this year with the addition of new pistons and a skimming of the head. John provided the following description. "Well a bit of detective work on my part and I found out that the truck was in fact a West Yorkshire regiment truck. I have found out its original number plate which was a Wakefield number. The Wagon was decommissioned out of the Army at York Barracks in 1947. A farmer bought it and it was put into use as a cattle wagon. Many years later it was rescued in a dilapidated state from a field near York by a guy who turned it back to its original military use. It was lucky really as there were two men after it and the other man was going to turn it into a civilian commercial vehicle . Any way the military vehicle enthusiast bought the truck which I am glad. I am also re-badging the truck as the 1/6 Duke of Wellington Regt 147th Brigade 49th Division " The Polar Bears". It is ironic really as the Ingleton Home Guard were affiliated to this regiment, and the truck was originally the same, so it is going back to its original regiment."

Paul Lomax and Jeep

Paul's photo is shown here with his Jeep that dates from 1945. He has spent 4 years restoring it with the help of many MVT members, too many to name.

Tim Hardy and Jeep

Tim has had this Jeep a few years now and it has done many miles especially as he is one of our most remote members.

Phil Shatwell and Land Rover Lightweight

Phil has just completing the major parts of the restoration (2010) including a respray. He has managed to trace photos of the Land Rover so is trying to match the markings. Phil tells me some items still need attention, namely the doors that are slowly rotting from the inside out.

Norman Callaghan and dream Abbot

Norman Callaghan, our resident photographer, poses against an Abbot self-propelled gun. While it is not his, it is good to see Norman on the other side of the camera, a bit like myself. You can always dream, can't you.

Phil Russell and Jeep

Manufactured in USA Wednesday 14th January 1942. One of a total of 647,925 Jeeps that were built, specifically of which 361,339 were the MB version. This vehicle was acquired in 2008 from a previous owner of 14 years in Formby. Now mechanically and cosmetically overhauled. The exact history of this Jeep is unknown before that time.

This vehicle is currently marked up with the insignia of the 56th (Kings Own Royal Lancaster) Anti–Tank Regiment Royal Artillery (TA). This particular vehicle would have seen service as a RHQ vehicle used by the general Staff (A3). The Shield emblem on the right rear bumper is that of the 14th Army which served in Burma and India from 1943 to 1945 who were also known as the “forgotten army”. The emblem on the left rear bumper is that of the Indian 5th division .

The Regiments History Created out of the 4th Territorial Battalion of the Kings own Royal Regiment, Lancaster in 1938. After Annual Camp in 1938 the 4th Battalion King's Own Royal Regiment, Lancaster was converted into the 56th Anti-Tank Regiment (King's Own) Royal Artillery. In September 1939 the unit was mobilised as part of the 42nd (East Lancashire) Division (TA) - which joined the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) in France in April 1940. The 56th provided the defence on a section of the Dunkirk perimeter before being evacuated. Following its return to the UK the 56th lost men and batteries to form other units. 223 Battery became 1st Air-Landing Anti-Tank Battery in November 1941. They became the first Royal Artillery unit to fly into battle - on board gliders - serving with 1st Airborne Division in Sicily in 1942 and later at Arnhem in September 1944. The 56th itself went out to India in 1941 as part of the Indian 5th division, fighting in India and Burma from October 1943 until the end of the war.