|
Much of the material however, which they manufactured and used under the
most difficult conditions to win that conflict, was classed as
"surplus" at the war's end, and most sold off in the late forties,
often as scrap. Post war shortages saw cheap and hard wearing ex army
clothing in great demand as work wear, and thousands carried their lunch in
gas mask haversacks.
Many lorries found immediate civilian use in the growing transport industry,
and light trucks were ideal for builders and farmers etc. Four wheel drive
gun towing vehicles, with their cross country ability and power winches, were
used by garages as recovery trucks, and in timber felling and transport. Home
made cabs often replaced the original canvas covers, and bodywork was adapted
to the users fancy. The armoured vehicles suffered much worse, with little
civilian use for them, most were scraped, although a few Bren Gun Carriers
were used as farm tractors.
We owe it to previous generations to preserve what is left from the period
which has been called "Britain's finest hour".
|
