ww2rupert

I remember watching something about this on TV once, there was no proof or evidence it actually happened apparently, only here say, but they did find bodies of German sailors washed up, probably from a sunken ship out at sea.

Colin

Well said and tottally agree with every word!

Colin

Are these still available?

Colin

Hi all, have around 14 wartime British helmets, anyone no what they are worth/interested in buying?

I truth lay have not a clue of a value on them

all date from 1941 to 1944

Hello

They can vary between £20 to £120 on eBay, depends on how much someone gets carried away bidding! The fire service ones can go for quite a bit, but they look post war markings if I'm not mistaken?

I would say around £40 each on average, although I've never paid more than £20 for a helmet!

Regards

Colin

Hi,

 

I'm considering restoring this 1940 dated MkII helmet that has been attacked with silver paint. I've photographed what appears to be the original paint in the interior, which is a yellowish/greenish brown colour.

Could anyone confirm or deny my hypothesis that this is faded Khaki Green No.3 paint? I've read elsewhere that this is the sort of colour it goes when the green pigment fades.

 

Thanks,

Mark

It's definitely brown, most early ones I've come across are brown and later on painted green, the green doesn't fade to that colour

Hope this helps

Colin

Hello

Sorry if this has been repeated on here before, but I've recently acquired a vintage trailer to tow behind my Austin staff car, it looks very much like a British Airborne trailer (although it isn't as it's made of wood!) But I was wondering the legality of towing it behind my vintage car without the steel wheel arches fitted? It looks better without them fitted!

I've often seen guys towing the 10cwt trailer's behind thier Jeeps without the arches as that's how they were made and wondered how they got on?

Regards

Colin

I am restoring a Triumph 3HW in desert trim and would like to have the relevant attire (as near as possible) that a typical rider would have worn at the time, does anybody know what this might have been please?

 

Steve

Hello

From pics I've seen, KD (karki drill) shorts, shirt ammo boots, web anklets and hose tops (sock with no feet) but you could also get away with anything for in the desert from battle dress, long KD trousers, KD shirt, sweaters, leather jerkins, greatcoats, Tommy helmets, goggles, gauntlets, anti gas goggles (Rommel wore British tinted ones) side cap, mixture of BD & KD!

Best bet is to look at some period photos and go for the look you like the best!

Hope this helps?

Colin

Sorry don't know about organised trips, but I booked our accommodation last week staying in Courselles and found lots of apartments\cottages already booked up!

Colin

Hi

 

I have six 10.5x16 tyres that need a new home.

 

Three are definitely OK

 

One is probably OK

 

Two have a bit of damage to the inner rim, so may be OK for spares

 

Tread pattern are all slightly different

 

These are located in Fareham, Hants and are free, but you will need to collect them

 

PM me if you are interesed

 

Cheers

Richard

PM sent

Colin

Hello

Replied to your message

Colin

Hello

Can't the weapon's be sold to people who have the relevant licence's, I have an FAC & a shotgun licence so could potentially own one of these, and there must be more like me out there who could do the same? Such a waste!!!😥

Colin

Are you sure that the letters are RU?

Hello

Yes the letters are definitely RU

Colin

I have Austin chassis number 47122 as a K2/YV short wheelbase Towing Unit for the National Fire Service. It should never have been used by the military.

 

John

Hello John

The actual chassis plate on the chassis by the steering box starts with a 2 (will have to check tomorrow) and doesn't tally with the ministry of supply plate.

Colin

Colin,

If it was rebuilt in 1952 and RLC say it is a 1963 vehicle, then you have a very rare Austin Time Machine !

 

Did you ask the museum for the Key Card for registration 38RU76 ? Also, is the chassis number tag still on the chassis rail adjacent to the steering box, and does it tally with the rebuild plate?

 

cheers Richard

Hello again

If only it was a time machine lol!

The RLC museum are still looking at the moment and I'm waiting to hear back from them regarding the registration number.

The chassis number on the plate DOESN'T tally with the actual number tag on the chassis rail, I'll try and get that tomorrow, the truck is all wrapped up for the winter, so it means pulling off the tarp partially, from memory it starts with a 2???

Thanks

Colin

Colin,

Assuming the lorry has not been messed around with since its 1952 rebuild, you should be aware that it has been issued with a "RU" army registration, that means it really has a new identity as probably went through a rework programme where it was dissected and put back together from parts of possibly a number of vehicles. Any army vehicle with letters starting with "R" are like this.

Is RLC museum saying W.V.3 refers to the vehicle type ? I think this refers to the repair scheme, a lot of the plates are WV3, there are others I've seen too. MTRS number refers to the Ministry of Supply contractor who undertook the rebuild.

Hello Richard

Yes the RLC museum says its a vehicle type, a 1963 Austin van!!

Colin

Hello

I have recently been in touch with the RLC regarding any info on my Austin K2 GS lorry, they are still looking into it, but wondered if anyone on here might know something?

It's supposed to be a 1943 Austin K2 GS lorry, but the cab is a K3 of 1943 date as noted on the plate, but the chassis is definitely K2, the data plate on the body says the following:-

MINISTRY OF SUPPLY W.V.3

VEHICLE NUMBER 38 RU 76

CHASSIS NUMBER 47122

CLASS OF REPAIR "REBUILD"

DATE OF REBUILD 1/52

MTRS No B/265

I bought this lorry about 10 yrs ago from Shaun Hindle from the East of England military museum, I have tried contacting him to find out more info but with no luck/response.

I'm thinking the truck is a "bitsa" but that doesn't worry me if it is, I would just like to know one way or the other and if it is genuine then what history it might have?

Any help greatly appreciated, incidentally the RLC museum says the W.V.3 has come up as a 1962 Austin 1 1/2 ton van???

Regards

Colin

There is a really good Facebook group called "German helmets buy swap sell" l I think there called? But beware they can be quite harsh to people posting fake or non genuine helmets, they should be able to help you

Colin

Well i sold my beloved Jeep after 13 years of fun and have bought a new toy to restore (once the bedford is done!)

 

Picked up the Morris today, it was well and truly buried at the far end of a 60ft garage in Portsmouth with 15 years of hoarded junk piled high around it! The guy i bought it from has had about 20 years but it has not seen daylight since entering the garage.

 

Its plate indicates that it was built in March 1945, its armour had been cut in the past probably when it was demob'd but has mostly been repaired quite well, all the hatches and doors have been made new (long time ago) and one side door is the original. lots of work to be done, the biggest job will be making the turret and the cooling fan drives.

 

my plan is to strip the brakes out so its easier to move then start collecting parts and pictures ready to start the work next summer, unless i get to excited!

I believe that was the one I was offered quite a few years ago for £2000 but didn't have the money😢 lucky you well done!

Colin

Hello

Thank you all for your replys, I'll just keep trying and hopefully one day!?!?!

Colin

Hello Colin,

 

I tried to contact Shaun a few months ago using the phone number and email address he had listed on MILWEB, but received no reply.

 

If you can post a picture of the truck I can ask my father if he knows any information about it, as he has been a member of the Norfolk military vehicle group for over 30 years, which the Hindle family were active members of.

 

Regards,

 

Eddie.

Hello Eddie

Thanks for that, I'll post some pics in the next few days when my laptop comes back from repair!

Regards

Colin

Hello

I'm wondering if anyone has contact with Shaun Hindle of the east of England military museum?

I bought a 1943 Austin K2 GS lorry off him some 8yrs ago and was just wondering if he could remember any past history on it as he told me it used to be his father's

I have seen pictures of it in the 70's sporting its original rear body, but now doesn't have that, also someone told me if may have been made from an Austin fire engine NFS vehicle?

To be honest I'm not worried if it was as I still enjoy owning it!

I have tried emailing him, sending message via his Facebook page etc, but never get any replies!

If anyone knows him and could ask I would appreciate it I can't help wondering if he might be avoiding me in case he thinks I want to take legal action or anything silly like that!?

Thanks in advance

Colin

I attended By-gone days show in the New Forest in the summer and met The late Lord Montagues son, we talked about shows and he told me he wanted to resurrect Trucks & troops and make it bigger, I told him Rex was giving up and there may be an opening for a new show at Beaulieu.

I for one don't attend war & peace mainly due to distance and cost, but if Beaulieu could come back im sure that would be more attractive for lots of reenactors and vehicle owners, I for one would sign up for that!

Colin

Try Cox & Turner, 01425 652627, they can supply odd rings.

Thanks Richard for the contact, my piston ring turned up today so I'm a happy bunny:-D

Regards

Colin

Just first problem. :-(

 

On piston ring is broken. Looks like that is original from manufacture. :-(

 

Could somebody help me find original size one set piston ring set?

 

Thanks Radek

If you manage to find any please let me know as I need 1 oil scrapper ring only as mine broke.....

We see some wonderful restorations on this site . . . all neatly painted with brass shining ready for parade on the plaza. But what about wartime? Obviously staff cars might be kept looking spiffy, but what about other vehicles? Was the brass painted over, allowed to tarnish, or what? Would be interested in your comments on this matter.

 

Bosun Al

I would say painted over, don't want anything shiney giving away your position! I have a similar problem with the reenactment group I run, no polishing of brasses or boots!

Boots should be covered in Dubbin for the field.

Have lots of national service men telling us off for not polishing when on a display "in the field"!