Need identification please

[bobs1918]

Hello gents

Can anyone tell me what the truck platform for this British ambulance is.

It has been possibly Id'd as a REO.

I have an opportunity to buy a 1917 REO 3/4ton which I would restore

as a British ambulance ONLY if they were so used during the Great War .Thanks

bob

[Jack Innes]

Usually Reo trucks fom about 1912 on had curved tops to the front fenders. This appears to have flat topped fenders.

Most REO 3/4 ton trucks of the period had a very evident round gas tank mounted ahead of the steering column the full width of the firewall.

 

The gas headlamps would date it to pre 15 or so & they look of a style used in Britain more than an American design.

 

It could well be a large car that was converted to an ambulance. The rear fenders seem to have a rake to them that would look at home on an early touring car. Private cars were sometimes commandeered & in the case of Rolls Royce cars at least, if they survived they were reconditioned & had the original bodies refitted after the war. I am aware of a still existing 1914 Silver Ghost that is thought to have such a history.

Edited December 23, 2012 by Jack Innes

[bobs1918]

Thanks Jack

all good points.

I can accept this is NOT a REO but is it known IF Reo's were used.

Thanks

Edited December 23, 2012 by bobs1918

[Roy Larkin]

Never seen any reference to a REO being used as an ambulance. Actually never seen any reference to REO at all, but that doesn't mean they weren't used.

 

Ambulances were car based although 3-tonners, buses and charabancs were used when needed by frontline companies and the auxiliary companies had charabancs and buses on their establishment.

 

I think it extremely unlikely that 3-ton REOs were ever used as ambulances.

[bobs1918]

Never seen any reference to a REO being used as an ambulance. Actually never seen any reference to REO at all, but that doesn't mean they weren't used.

 

Ambulances were car based although 3-tonners, buses and charabancs were used when needed by frontline companies and the auxiliary companies had charabancs and buses on their establishment.

 

I think it extremely unlikely that 3-ton REOs were ever used as ambulances.

 

Thank you for this information

bob

[Ex-boy]

Hello gents

Can anyone tell me what the truck platform for this British ambulance is.

It has been possibly Id'd as a REO.

I have an opportunity to buy a 1917 REO 3/4ton which I would restore

as a British ambulance ONLY if they were so used during the Great War .Thanks

bob

 

Hi bobs, I would suggest trying a WW1-specific site, such as the Great War Forum, as they have experts in pretty much everything WW1 related. No guarantees, but there's a very good chance someone will come up with the goods.

 

Good luck,

 

Steve.

[Tony B]

Bear in mind nort all vehicles bearing a Red Cross were ambulances. Any vehicle carrying medical supplies, personnel or specific lab equipment is entitled to the protection.