REME 245

I would assume at that time they were operating as the Divisional Anti-Tank Regiment for the 43rd Wessx Division. As such they were equiped with Archers and later Charoteers. Insignia would have consisted brass RWY (small pattern) titles and Divisional patch. Not sure if they wore collar insignia as well. If you have a serious interest I can let you have the contact details of the Regimental archivist. Take a look in the Regimental history to confirm or do a search on the web.

Most people who seem to be in the know believe that the goverment have already dismissed the ideal of banning deacts. The evidence to support such a ban does not exist. Converted relicas rather than deacts is the main area of concern. They could possibly force all old spec deacts to be converted to new standards, but anything else could cost a lot of money in compensation.

It will be interesting to see what proof they ask for that you comply with the requirements of the VCR Bill before selling you any.

If this vehicle is based in Wiltshire I verified it for the MVT when it was first registered. Is the body new or a converted GMC or similar?

I hope you did not pay too much. Timber Trucks are not particularly rare in this or better condition. To find spares you are probably best off buying another one through one of the historic commercial vehicle magazines.

There are a lot of Israeli 7.62mm Browning conversions in circulation. Canada and other countries did similar conversions.

I did the same on my Humber Armoured Car without any problems.

The practicalities of doubling the size of the armed forces over night and where to house all the National Servicemen and Women (?) could also create a few problems.

If anyone is interested I attach below the link to the 43rd Recce Living History Group. http://www.43rdrecce.co.uk/index.html We maintain very close links with the Divisional and Regimental associations and due to the advancing age of the surviving veterans we now publish the Newsletter and run the annual reunions in Bristol. We are always looking for new members who are interested in depicting a WW2 Reconnaisance Regiment in an accurate and respectful way. The ethos of the group is historical research, support to the surviving veterans, and educationing new generations in the life of the WW2 soldier.

When I purchased my ex-Cyprus Saladin from Ludgershall I was luckly enough through a contact at the depot to be able to obtain a complete photocopy of the vehicles entire service history. This started from day one at the factory and included all mechanical work ever carried out, the results of all the inspections plus the gun records. At that time they were keeping the records for approx 18 months after release then destroying them. The only part which in theory is kept longer are the gun records. They had in the past offered these AFV records to Bovington but the amount of room necessary to store them stopped Bovington accepting them.

A few appear on e-bay but any large size BD of any period is now very rare. You may have to get a repro one made.

Tim I was thinking more about WW1 artillery but I understand at a recent auction it was made clear that nothing of what they considered to be of historic importance could be removed from France without a Licence.

I remember wax jackets being worn as well during the 1980's when I was attached to 155 Transport Regiment RCT.

I was speaking to a friend recently who said the French authorities are getting very strict on the export of First World War items which are now considered to be part of the national heritage. Appearantly export licences are required. Can anyone confirm this and if it extends to any WW2 items at the moment.

SMG's were still being carried up to the adoption of the SA80.

You would have major problems now trying to source an engine and particularly a tranmission. Normally the only people with them are current owners retaining spares for their vehicles. The days when you could go out on to the ranges are long gone.

I believe the Ferret Recovery version which Lee refers to in his post was a reproduction. The original which was a field improvisation did not survive into preservation. Does anyone know what the latest is on the future of both Aborfield and Bordon. Both were originally listed for disposal which could presumably affect the Museum in its curent location.

All the MKIV Humbers which I have observed have had 1942 on the data plates when in reality most were produced during 1943. They seem to have stamped them all in one go.

I assume no one has any other suggestions on recovery polices. Interestingly for the cost of my Carrier renewal my friend is getting his Carrier plus two other vehicles insured. The only advantage with Roadsure seems to be you are still covered for any other driver with your permission.

I asked Roadsure today if their MV recovery policy could include a modern beavertail truck owned solely for the purpose of transporting a MV. Their reply was no and the cheapest policy they could offer was £1,000 per annum. Can anyone recommend any other options?

Can normaly have there dates pressed into the bottom. WW2 Water can were originally white in colour but tended to get painted in darker colours later in the war for camouflage purposes.

The books in this series are the best produced to date. http://www.amazon.co.uk/D-Day-Ve-Day-Uniforms-Insignia-Equipment/dp/2352500176/ref=pd_sim_b_3

I can confirm that most regular units I go to now with my TA Workshop Company have full rolling road facilities.

These pictures were also discussed in Wheels and Tracks some years ago.

I assume this vehicle is already registered for the road or you could end up in the same position as our other friend on this forum.