Welbourn

Glad to see some it has been saved!!

I was there with permission :-)

I'm not aware if anything is for sale or not, but the fact that it is all still there suggests not. I was there with permission, returning with the daughter of a deceased ex USAAF pilot who flew C46/C47s from Folkingham with the 313th TCG post Normandy.

I agree it is a shame to see such stuff just rotting away, especially the QL!

This was parked next to the QL as seen today and previously posted.

I came across this today in Lincolnshire.

Here's something of a rarity seen today in deepest Lincs amongst many other vehicles and trailers quitly rusting away. Original painted sign on dash read RAF/909703/VM

I think this is possibly a cinemobile the ARC mobile cinema vehicle, as they did use 6x6 Dodges for this purpose.

No genuine ex ARC Clubmobile AEC Regal 10T10's are known to survive, but two examples of the uber rare 10T10 bus are in existence, one is fully restored into its original Green Line livery and operated by the Chobham bus museum and the other is undergoing restoration with Ensign Buses in Grays Essex after repatriation from Australia in 2004.

This repatriated example did serve as an Ambulance during the blitz as the ambulance signwritten paintwork was clearly visible when it returned to the UK. Expected to be completed this year and once again be available to tramp the streets of London and the home counties on high days and holidays, this bus really is a rare bread and an amazing survivor; all credit to Steve Newman and the Ensign crew for saving her and undertaking the restoration to their usual high standards.

For pictures of her as reaptriated and the rebuild visit http://www.ensignbushire.com/#!restorations/c1nhz

[ATTACH=CONFIG]82067[/ATTACH]

This picture is taken at RAF Ramsbury and would I suggest support your comment that the ARC used Bedofrd's as Clubmobiles.

Thanks everyone - much appreciated.

Cheers,

Neil

Thanks Gordon,

Actually my message reads a bit ambiguously. I was referring to bonnet No's for the Chrysler but I can see why you thought the Dodge. Interesting all the same but apologies for that.

Cheers,

Being a Troop Carrier aficionado, I'm looking to mark my 41 Chrysler Royal staff car up to represent a vehicle from the 9th USAAF's IX Troop Carrier Command HQ during their Dec 43-Sep 44 stint in Grantham, Lincs.

I'd welcome anyone's thoughts as to what the appropriate markings ought to be, but I'm thinking:

9 * IX TCC HDQ

or

9 * 9TCC HQ2

Obviously HQ2 could be HQ1 or 3 etc.

The Dodge command car from the 437th TCG pictured below wore:

9TCC * 437TCG HDQ

Anyone got any idea about appropriate bonnet No's for such a vehicle? At the moment is has none but it previously had a 6 figure No starting 112. It certainly looked appropriate but who knows, someone out there does I'm sure!

Cheers,

Found these mortal remains a few weeks ago - appears to be a 1928 Buick judging by the style of the steering wheel. Its obviously been there for a long time!!

Anyone seriously interested in learning more, PM me.

Just booking travel insurance to the US and noticed that the policy I have booked with insurewithease.com actually has amongst the hazardous activities add-on section the option of flying in a private or small aircraft.

Having cast caution to the wind in 2005 with flights in both a B17 and B24 at Thunder over Michigan (ToM), the one thing that has stopped me from considering further such adventures (other than the perennial lack of cash!) has been the 'risk' of so doing if you were to be injured and not killed outright, in terms of the cost of medical treatment and repatriation etc.

Having looked hard to no avail for such cover for ToM in 2010, brother Clive went off flying in a formation of B17's and I didn't..... therefore this to me was a find worthwhile sharing.

Now what's left on my bucket list...........

I've recently got to know an ex Royal Marine D-Day veteran who served with 904 LCS (M) flotilla and now lives in Kenilworth. His vessel was No 74 and went in in advance of the DD tanks on Gold beach, carrying observers whose job was to observe the fall of shot from the DD tanks as they fired on their way in! It wasn't a suicide mission as far as they were concerned but they learnt afterwards that the reason they had been ignored on board their transport vessel across to Normandy was due to the fact that they were not expected to return!

Last week through a bit of internet based research I managed to put him in touch with a fellow 904 veteran who lives in Weymouth, but I have been singularly unsuccessful in locating any decent pictures of an LCS (M). Horace the vet concerned moves into a warden controlled OAP complex next week and I'd love to get a decent picture and get it framed for his living room.

Ditto does anyone make a kit of one?

Can anybody help??

Attached is the one meaningful pic I have located but it is't high enough resolution to enlarge.

Many thanks,

Neil

A few visual reminders of RTV 2008.

Not all of these pics are mine, so full credit to Clive Stevens and the others who took these.

Cheers,

Neil

With funding confirmed, Keith is still keen to hear from any armoured vehicle owners interested in participating; free transport can be arranged for the right equipment. Whilst the event is a three day affair, the armour highlight will be the street parade and 3-4 mile road run on the Monday only, so the armour boys don't need to give the whole weekend up if other things conflict!

I know Keith is particularly keen to try and attract some more half tracks and armoured cars as well as tanks.

The Sexton from Portsmouth is confirmed for both the street parade/road run and and as part of the artillery demonstration; quite a rare escape from its museum confines as it is not allowed to remain away overnight so will be coming up early doors Monday and returning at ENDEX.

How many Churchill's are there in working order and where are they? Can they safely run on a public road or will they tend to damage the surface?

The genuine ex 439th C47 is also confirmed for the Monday parachute drop; I for one don't mind confessing to having had a tear in my eye in 2008 when it appeared in all its period TCG garb over the village that was the UK home of the 437th TCG.

It's going to be another cracker, so miss this one at your own risk!

Keith Brigstock, principle event organiser can be contacted by email at : keith.brigstock@tiscali.co.uk

See you there!

Neil

I visited that turret in 1963 and when I lifted it up, underneath it I found the remains of a Royal Tank Regiment beret and a copy of Yank magazine. Proof positive if ever there was, that it was off of a British Sherman that had been borrowed by the Americans.

Also if you lived within sight of the turret Jim, you must have lived in tree, as when I went there it wasn't in sight of anything, being in a natural hollow in the middle of a wood?

Folks, can anyone help Bomber Command Heritage with MV's for their promotional stand at Bicester Carnival on July 12th? The event starts at 12.00pm with set up prior so ideally vehicles wanted no later than 11.00am

BCH is trying to put on a bit of a show to fundraise for their Heritage Centre/Museum Campaign, but also to promote what they are trying to do and why in relation to the local and national context and benefits.

The Carnival's theme this year is "unity" which is at the core of the BCH subject, i.e. the way in which our Nation, with the other Nations of the Commonwealth and Free European forces (Poles, Czechs, Free French etc.), all came together.

On the day BCH plan to have a couple of marquee-type structures that will house displays and information, as well as fundraising games.

They would very much like a number of historic vehicles and re-enactors on the stand and are even hoping be able to rig up an "anti-aircraft post" to pay homage to the RAF Bicester AA-team that managed to shoot down a Ju88.

They want their stand to give a flavour of the 1930s/40s period and the British & Commonwealth effort as encapsulated in their plans for the Heritage Centre/Museum at RAF Bicester.

At the end of the day, after the public has gone, they are hoping to have a little post-show BCH social "do" as a thank you to everybody for helping.

If anyone can help please can they email me on gmc353@mac.com

Vehicles and re-enactors ideally requested are those that reflect the immediate pre-war and wartime RAF, ideally with a Bomber Command link but at the end of the day, tell me what you'd like to offer if anything and we'll take it from there. Commonwealth and free European country themes especially welcome, essentially if we are offered non American, non Axis and non post war input Allied themed input we'll probably use you.

There is no fuel money on offer as basically all funds are being used towards the campaign to save RAF Bicester for the future as a Bomber Command time capsule for the nation. I'm sure everyone will understand that, but no harm making it clear to avoid disappointment/embarrassment on the day.

Many thanks in advance to anyone within easy reach of north Oxfordshire who can rally to this very important cause.

Neil Stevens

Sad to hear of the apparent indifference from the RBL in Dorset ref making use of green machines to boost their efforts during Poppy Appeal time - very strange.

Glad to report no such problems in Newark, with the RBL being effectively co-opted into the membership of the Trent Valley MVT almost from Day 1 earlier this year - and very enthusiastic they are too.

Working with the RBL, TVMVT will be appearing in Newark Market Square on all three Saturday's of the appeal fortnight - starting yesterday.

Whilst Martin Tasker's Canadian Chev was a lone vehicle yesterday due to problems with the Humber Pig and our GMC still not having made it home from the Lincolnshire coast, we are expecting five jeeps and the Pig next Saturday and then the veritable Armour fest of a Stuart, Saladin, Fox, Pig, White Scout Car and jeep on Nov 10th, possibly supplemented by the GMC (if its here and the brakes work) and Martin's Chev once more - and just maybe a Daimler A/c?

Getting the Stuart into the Square will be an important tick in the box for our future ambitions!!

Due to Simon Morris's sterling work behind the scenes, we have had allocated parking, press coverage and even free coffee c/o Starbucks, with free bacon rolls laid on for the next two weeks from the local deli. Yesterday was so successful despite having only one vehicle and Martin and his crew of three additional uniformed bodies are to be congratulated on their efforts such that they ran out of poppies!!

Good work boys and Michaela.

Attached are a couple of images of my lad Max (Aged 5) and two of Martin's crew with the Chev.

Try the RAF Museum's archives at Hendon or the Airfield Research Group - http://www.airfield-research-group.co.uk

Yeh.....come on Clive!

Don't involve me in any Microsoft conspiracy!

We Mac users prefer not to dirty our hands.......

Bodge Jeep,

Where is your mate coming from? Would be useful to know so that viewers of the thread can make a mental note if paths are likely to meet en route...strength in numbers etc!

We might end up with a little table of who is planning to head from where and when!

Cheers,

Neil

We now have an event website Jack

www.redballexpress.co.uk

Just a single page at present, but more content to follow as details are firmed up.

Cheers,

Neil

Just a few lines to acknowledge John's comments and that cracking Aden shot! How good is that, actually having a shot of your vehicle abroad on active service!

If anyone knows of the demise of CVRW 10 FD 73, do let me know! Chris, no rush with the pictures.

Isn't it about time for another poem?

I couldn't get anything else to rhyme with Saracen other than embarrasing? I also binned "look at those breast on the top of that Spartan, Oh my god it's Dolly Parton'!

Don't have a go Saracen boys, just a little joke!! If Dolly Parton happens to be the name of an otherwise unknown PW owner I apologise now for mentioning her breasts! Mind you if there is a PW owner of that name she'll be well used to that kind of banter by now, mixing with all those PW ruffians!

Meanwhile I can't stop whistling the theme tune to The Beverley Hillbillies......