Rootes75

Nice vehicles, bit too pricey for me though. Would like to have a go at a wartime Commer.

That is a very good information source. I didnt realise there were that many Commer variants delivered either. I like the way it even lists the Karrier models too.

I also note there are more Minx's and some Tilly's in the background too.

I saw the one on Milweb and thought this may be the same.

Did the Humber sell in the end? Kevin

I will have a search for it on Youtube. We watched one yesterday on BBC iplayer that was about 45 mins long and was of interviews with veterans. Very interesting.

Been reading quite a lot this week about the Battle for France. So many people simply refer to Dunkirk but that last few weeks in May 1940 was one hell of a fighting retreat. So many acts of bravery from such young lads.

That would be interesting to see.

You are right, its a very important piece of film. But the link to you being filmed so close to where you live is brilliant.

There are a couple of Commer Beetle's in the line up with the Guy Ant's. Kevin

Everything we booked the car into this year has been cancelled, understandably. We are looking forward to next year.

On the last lorry we restored I re-welded a front cab mounting in 4 times as it just didnt look right and tidy enough for me. One of my friends who also restores lorries came a long and couldnt believe what I was doing. He said once the repair is good enough why try and dress it perfectly when it will eventually be hidden away and never seen again!! I can totally see the point now. If its on the outside and seen you make the repair as neat as possible. If its on the inside and you cant quite get it neat dont beat yourself up about it. Kevin.

That is looking very good. Kevin.

It has prompted me to find out a book I have owned for many years, it the Ox and Bucks Light Infantry War Chronicle 1939-1940. Its an origional edition signed by one of the Officers. Reading that really does make me think about what those chaps went through and how totally unexpected the type of warfare was. Kevin

Some really nice work here, I cant say I have seen many before on the show circuit. Kevin

This is a long shot but you never know. Our interest is in restoring Commers and Hillmans and preserving rare examples where we can. Totally a hobby on our part, no profit, we just love to preserve history. My youngest is now showing a keen interest too, especially in militaria and wartime vehicles so I want to find a project that both of us can work on and to teach him the skills that I have learnt over the years and something that we can enjoy and be part of such a good scene. Like I said, its a long shot but I am after a wartime Commer, of any type. Q4, Q2, would very much like a Commer Beetle or anything made by Commer. Any restoration project considered no matter what condition. Pm me if you have anything or know of anything. Thanks, Kevin.

Superb machines!

Hi, no, the brakes are Bendix cable operated. Kevin

I have taken some pics of the engine bay but its all a bit hard to get to and see clearly. I will upload them in the morning so you can have a look. Kevin

Now that is a rarity, a 2dr Ford Prefect. Only produced for a year or so before the war and production only resumed after the war in the 4dr version. Very interesting. Kevin

First photo shows a 39 Ford Prefect in military colours and markings, didn't realise they were used.

Did you find any information Bill? Kevin.

I am also noticing the large amount of cars used by the British Army, whether that is staff car or civilian. Kevin.

That's looking like a very nice bit of work on the engine, really top quality.

I think it often gets forgotten about the amount of private vehicles taken over to France either by choice or requisition. Seeing buses and cars and some non military trucks in the photos is interesting. I have a book about the Ox and Bucks LI in France 1940, I recall a passage written by the Padre where he laments about having to leave his own Morris 8 that he took over with him. Kevin.