Tony Edge

I agree with the CS8s (though I am no expert) as I specifically looked for them on this trip.

These vehicles (http://motorlust.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/thistlegorm-bedford-trucks.jpg) on the upper deck get called WOT 2s but I think the radiator shape is wrong. Do you have better pictures Alex to aid identification.

Tony

I think the key is the support bracket for the central windscreen pillar seen on the Retriever. Using the same cab front panel as the Retriever by the look of it, the Hippo was very much a latecomer in the war - what date did the Thistlegorm sink?

Sank in 1941 so your suggestion of the Retriever is probably correct.

Tony

LeylandRetriever_Pontoon_2.jpg. Not quite an exact match but very similar to the unidentified truck with the 4 pillars. Intrigued to know what is between the drivers cab and the first pair of pillars on the Thistlegorm truck.

Tony

Thanks N.O.S that looks like a good match.

Tony

Just found another thread linked to Simon HMVF and one of the vehicles may be a Leyland Hippo(4002188462_6b64e02438.jpg). I think the image is of a MKII which is post war but there is a soft cab variant which may explain why it seemed to be missing.

Tony

You are right Alex, this is the biggest truck I have seen on the wreck. However, it does not have a distinctive bonnet which is on the TS19 pictures I have seen. What was noticeable at the time and in your picture is the cylindrical object next to the drivers seat. Its a very curious vehicle.

Tony

Alex,

Not sure if this picture will work but if not here is a link AA72-05 Albion AM463 Refueller.jpg. The first thing that caught my eye with this truck was the hoop shape behind the cab that I mistakenly thought was part of the fuel tank. As can be seen in the picture this is not the case. The second feature was the spirals from the original hoses. Finally, the 3 posts at the back are still easily recognisable. However, I am sure that the manufacturer would use the same fuel system on different chassis so it may not be an Albion AM463.

Tony

Thanks Ted,

It was an earlier post of yours that enabled me to find this forum. However, I have not found many websites that discuss the Thistlegorm cargo. Did you identify this one which has 4 pillars with chains and sprockets

article-2539106-1AA6BB3300000578-164_964x640.jpg

or this one

CROSSLEY_3.jpg

Tony

Alex,

This article is quite interesting on the Blenheim and Lysander bits and pieces (http://www.divernet.com/Travel_Features/red_sea/157708/plane_truth_about_the_thistlegorm.html). I saw the truck you mentioned in your previous post as a Crossley with the cab missing but think it may be something else thoughI do not know what.

Tony

article-2024544-0D602DC300000578-846_634x412.jpg

There are 3 of these Zwicky refuellers in the rear port side of hold 1. Not sure what the base vehicle is called I think its an Albion.

A_Spitfire_of_No._19_Squadron_is_refuelled_at_Fowlmere,_near_Duxford,_September_1940._CH1372.jpg

stock-footage-spare-parts-of-the-airplanes-loaded-at-the-war-ship-wreck-thistlegorm.jpg

Any idea what these are. Someone suggest searchlights?

Tony Edge

Hi Alex,

My name is Tony Edge and I am an engineer in the RAF and active diver. I have just got back from the Thistlegorm diving with Paul Colley. After a trip out there last year, he mentioned your research and I found this forum with lots of information that helped me identify the Pundit Light, WOT trucks, Bedfords OYs, Morris CS8s and The Crossley Q. The latter was particularly interesting to me as my father had recently passed away and he had been an apprentice at Crossleys before the war (questions I should have asked when I had the chance :-(). I dived the wreck this year with the aim of trying to identify more cargo. The image below is not taken by me but shows one of the vehicles I am interested to identify. On the back are 4 pillars that seem to have chains and sprockets. Does anyone recognise it. I have become increasingly convinced that the majority of cargo in the front of the Thistlegorm was destined for the RAF so has become even more interesting to me.

My buddy was interested in the motorbikes and has identified at least on Matchless. Between us we tried to video the cargo with the aim of producing a 3D model of the cargo. The quality is not up to your standard but may be of interest to the group. I will post a link to YouTube once we have put some videos together.

Tony Edge