Wartime truck

[Adrian Dwyer]

I was given this photo many years ago.  It's undated but, looking at the age-range of those expressive faces, I am guessing it was during WW2 rather than post-war.  Does anyone recognise the vehicle in the background?  All I know about it - from the stencilling - is the max speed was 35 MPH and cruising was 30 MPH.

All the best.

A

[wally dugan]

IT's a TILLY Austin ?

[Richard Farrant]

It is actually a Hillman utility, you can tell because of the ventilator in the bulkhead, Austin did not have one in that location.

[Adrian Dwyer]

Thank you both.  Am I correct that the vehicle-type probably places the photo as of WW2 vintage?

Thanks again.

A

[Richard Farrant]

Definitely WW2 era

[Rootes75]

Definitely a Hillman Tilly.

I note on the door...'Max Speed 35mph' and is that 'Cruising Speed 30mph' below?

[Adrian Dwyer]

11 hours ago, Rootes75 said:

Definitely a Hillman Tilly.

I note on the door...'Max Speed 35mph' and is that 'Cruising Speed 30mph' below?

When I was given the photo I was told there was a link to Fort Halstead, Sevenoaks.  On the back of the image is a photographer's shop stamp - but no WD-type markings.  Each time I look at it I come away with a sense of the subjects' quiet collective pride in a job well-done!

As an aside, the wonders of Google show the photographers (est. 1935) moved on long ago, but their name is still just visible on the front of the building.

 

 

Edited November 7, 2023 by Adrian Dwyer
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[Richard Farrant]

Fort Halstead has always been a weapons and expolosives research establishment, in the late 1930's it was designated as the Projectile Development Establishment with rocket development. I would hazard a guess that this photo was taken in the MT section and the Hillman tilly is on the ramp for servicing. The lettering on the door is unusual for a military vehicle and it is likely it was supplied to a government department from the Ministry of Supply.