cordenj

STOP! Please can I ask that this thread is kept on track. I've pm'ed a number of posters, some to thank you for your ideas, and some to ask you to keep it on the subject..... but you are all outrunning me.... ......I might be expecting too much, but really hope this thread is going to be a source of practical ideas to reduce the risk of rear impact on High Speed Roads. Most of us have green vehicles, we are not going to repaint them. If it is of real interest base colour might be a subject for a seperate thread. Thanks John

Following recent tragic events on the M20 near Dover involving a WWII Jeep and a foreign van, I would like to urge all drivers of Military Vehicles to consider how they can improve their visibility to following drivers. This accident is the most recent of a series of similar incidents, and I know that an increasing number of owners have decided to stop driving on motorways with their vehicles. That is an option and their choice. However, we are entitled to use roads, such as the M20, and many will wish to do so. But how can we make ourselves less likely to be hit from behind by faster vehicles? While our vehicles are road legal with their standard lighting; we can take extra steps to make ourselves and our vehicles more visible, both at night and during the day. Some use orange flashing beacons; some use other flashing lights. I am not making any specific recommendations, but wish to share an option I used on a recent 2000 mile trip across Europe in my Jeep. I simply added a set of modern lights with magnetic bases and a length of reflective tape. The photos (in daylight and with camera flash) clearly show how it improves visibility, and can easily be removed once you arrive at the show: I was one of the first people at the scene of the recent accident. I truly hope this message might encourage others to improve their visibility, and help reduce the likelihood of a similar tragedy. As I've said, I am not making any specific recommendations, just sharing what I have done: but I welcome other members to adding practical suggestions or photos of how they have improved their vehicle visibility to this post. Thank-you, John Corden C.M.I.O.S.H. IMPS and MVT member.

Tony Lawrence and I were in my Jeep a few minutes behind Marc and Robin. We followed after them on the M20 from the ferry and came up to Marc and his inverted Jeep in the first lane. I will not say any more, and wish others would not speculate on the accident which is subject to investigation by Kent Police ....... but we did all we could at the scene. The "Italian Job" to Monte Cassino and Anzio, via Den Bosch and Motorail to Allesandria was a wonderful trip with many many happy memories and hundreds of photos. Marc absolutely loved our blast into Rome last Friday. I took this picture then: John Corden Reigate

Can anyone recognise whether this cut-off trolley is military in origin? It has remnants of olive drab paint and is well made, clearly with a lightweight tubular frame. Thanks in anticipation, John

A bit late now after all the other posts: but what a perfect day day for the London to Brighton. Video clip at: South of Redhill at about 09:00hrs.....and sounding great. Congratulations again, John

Hi Tomas, Congratulations! Great looking truck, and like the "Micky Mouse" Cam pattern. John

Congratulations. I've really enjoyed watching the progress of your inspirational restoration of this Dennis over the past few years, and great to see her out in the sunshine. Looking forward to seeing her en-route to Brighton next Sunday. Cheers, John

Thanks Guys, I'm used to finding similar pieces of shell in France....but not so many in West Sussex in 2011! Guessed they were Cat parts, but thought I'd ask. Thanks again for the confirmation John

Found these on a very recent walk on the South Downs. In an area used for tank exercises during WWII. 1. The shell was lying on a recently cultivated field headland within a few metres of a footpath. I believe it is a discharged smoke shell. Fuse has definitely activated and it is inert. I've seen a lot of shrapnel in the same area, but this is the first complete shell. 2. The steel roller/guide wheel assembly was one of 6 units lying in the open at the head of a secluded valley, now forested. Within the forest is what appears to be an overgrown bulldozed track that gave access from the valley floor to the top of the downs. Looked very similar to the tank road near Firle Beacon, but has clearly not been been used for many many years. I think it is a track guide of some type; but can anyone tell me if it is from a MV on from a large Caterpillar e.g. D6? You can see the size from the photos, and it weighs approx 50kg (certainly weighed down the backpack on the walk out!). Thanks in advance, John

PM sent. Thanks John

That is very sad. Here are a couple of photos of it in happier times in August 2007.....

....yes, that is me plus Bowser at last year's W&P. Fame at last! jnc

Sorry, meant to say: The dataplate is fixed to the nearside chassis rail, but on my example, the postwar mudguard front support bracket had been drilled through it...so probably the same with this one. jnc

Yes, it is a WWII British Lightweight 100 gallon capacity bowser developed for Airborne forces. A bit specialist perhaps, as less practical than a standard trailer but defintely sought after by Airborne enthusiasts as relatively unusual. I am aware of two restored examples in UK and one being rebuilt in the Netherlands. Radek has posted a link to my restored version, so you see what it is missing.... but it is definitely restorable as the tank is galvanised and the chassis uses mainly standard lightweight "airborne" trailer parts. Just needs a remade filtration tank and fittings, and the long galvanised toolbox that bolts on the side. They tow very well behind a Jeep, and anyone who was at Brooklands yesterday might have seen my bowser there. If you need any other information, let me know. John

Yes, I saw Jackal before it was moved inside and have seen the mine damage. Repaint has left all the battle damage untouched. Very sobering to look underneath and see where the floor was blasted up into the driver's area....and knowing what happened to the crew. jnc

June 2009 Juno Beach: being prepped again for the 6th:

And three from Normandy 2004, Juno Beach and Hill 112. I know they have already been included in the gallery, but slightly different views:

As this is a Churchill Gallery....here are three from Overloon:

Yes, definitely no battle damage on the Broadwater turret....just oxy cuts. By the "Storrington Tank" do you mean this one (photographed it last year): John

Thanks Eddy, Manmade ground depressions and pits could indicate it was used as training area. This turret is in Broadwater Warren RSPB reserve near Tunbridge Wells. Speaking to one of the RSPB staff, I was pleased to hear that they are planning a "heritage trail" for the reserve to include the turret. I also found the remains of a CMP vehicle, but very very little left... John

Walking a wood in Kent today and came across this turret in a manmade depression/pit. It appears to have been attacked with the oxy-acetylene many years ago, but still an interesting relic. I was told by the ranger that it is a Mk1 Churchill. Can anyone confirm this? Thanks John

Interesting photos Nigel, Seems to have two different types of basic filtration. The earlier cloth type and another basic version of the Metafilter. Also 150 gall, so presumably designed for towing behind 15cwt+ trucks. John

Here is a shot of 4 original tins at the Hartenstein Hotel in Oosterbeek.

Sorry posted message twice....

Robert/Clive, That would have been an interesting book for background info, but as it was a 1939 edition would have preceded my trailer. Other Water bowser publications I have are: 1955 W.O. 17833: Body, Water Tank, 100 Gallon, Mk1 (Mounted on Trailer, 1/2 Ton, 2 wheeled) - that I thought would be correct for my bowser - but is actually for a later model. 1957 W.O. 12090: Identification List for range of trailers in cluding "Water, 100 gallons, Mk.12. This again is for a completely different later post-war trailer/bowser. Undated W.O. 13464: Illustrated Spare Parts List (covers the WWII lightweight trailers - inlcuding the 100 gallon "Airborne" boswer. An excellent reference doc) John