www.justordinarymen.org.uk
Jeeps, Trailers, Bicycles & Motorcycles owned by unit members
Available for Film, TV and Function Hire
This page is currently being constructed and more up to date photographs and information will be added shortly.
The following historic vehicles are used by the unit and carry the Divisional insignia of the 1st Airborne Reconnaissance Squadron and 1st Airborne Divisional Signals (attached to Reconnaissance) respectively. Each vehicle is privately owned by unit members.
The vehicles attend unit and private events as standard but they are also available for hire either individually or in combination. We welcome enquiries for further information, rates of hire and availability.
" Gwen "
Ford GPW Truck 1/4 Ton 4x4
Divisional Signals
Gwen was built at the Louisville, Kentucky Plant on Saturday 17th June 1944 within block number 206262. Initially; it was thought that Gwen's engine was of a Willys make however; recently the engines number was discovered and it is now confirmed that it is the original engine manufactured by Ford.
Her body (Tub) was manufactured in January 1944 by the American Manufacturing Company (AMC). The body is an AMC Type 2; also known as a composite, which incorporated 'the best' of both the Ford and Willys designs.
She weighs 3125 lbs, does 14 mpg with a top (unloaded) speed of 55 mph. Although her convoy speed is kept to a modest 40 mph due to her age.
Upon receipt of the jeep from the USA under the lend lease program; the US hood number of USA 20533062 - S (estimated) was replaced with the British War Office Census ('M' number). The census number on Gwen was in a group of 2855 numbers issued to Ford GPW's under contract number SM2275.
Airborne Modifications include cut down reinforced bumper with the tow hook, pick and shovel under, gun loops on each wing and the mounting for the spare wheel in front of the radiator, Pannier Carrier, D10 Drums and small pack rail to name but a few.
She also has fitted a fully working 80 watt Airborne Battery Charging Unit (Tiny Tim) which was used for charging the wireless 6 and 12 volt batteries during combat conditions in the field.
Gwen still retains the majority of her Ford scripted ( ' F ' ) parts, including nuts and bolts, adding to her originality as a Ford GPW.
She has been fully and faithfully converted to Airborne specifications and has all the adaptations to represent her role as a signals vehicle of (L) Section, 1st Airborne Divisional Signals attached to 1st Airborne Reconnaissance Squadron.
For communications. Gwen has a No. 19 Mk III wireless set; manufactured by the RCA Victor Co Ltd in 1943. This set had a speech range of 10 miles and morse code range of 20 miles. The wireless set is 'brought to life' with the sounds of morse code, intercepted transmissions, Dutch radio broadcasts and music of the time.
For secondary communications; there is a No 38 Mk 2* wireless set and combat aerial; which originally had a range of 4 miles. In addition to these. Gwen also has fitted two working field signal lamps.
For long range communications; Gwen has two 75ft wireless masts that support a 110ft antenna array. The height of the masts and length of the antenna wire are adjusted according to the frequency being used at the time. A truley impressive sight to see.
Her main carried armourment is a 1941 'swallow tail' Lithgow Mk1 BREN.
During June 1944. 5,772 Ford GPW's rolled off the production line. Each taking 87 hours to complete.
Airborne Trailer
1/2 Ton Cargo Lightweight, 2 Wheeled No 1
This original Airborne trailer is a No 1 Mk 1 manufactured in 1943 by Orme Evans Ltd (makers of copper pots and pans prior to ww2) and, considering her age, she is in excellent condition.
The 10 Cwt general Service Trailer was used, in various roles, by nearly all units of the British Airborne however; few appear to have survived in comparison to the numbers manufactured. Unlike other trailers; the Airborne trailer did not always have the 'Bar Grip' tyres as seen on jeeps and GS trailers. There are numerous recorded instances of Austin wheels being used and also motorcycle wheels. The wheels themselves are combat rims however; because of the 6 wheel nuts, they could not be inter-changed with jeep wheels if the need arose. Any damage to the wheels themselves rendered the trailer in-operative. This was quite possibly it's biggest design flaw.
This example is fitted with Austin Wheels which provides a good historical representation of the wartime methods of 'utilising what was available'.
The War Department Trailer Census ( ' X ' ) number shown was in a block of numbers allocated to this make and model under contract number S2259.
BSA Airborne Folding Bicycle
During the war; BSA continued to manufacture motorcycles and bicycles and they supplied both to the armed forces as well as a vast range of weapons. They made over 70,000 folding bicycles for use by paratroopers. It was parachuted down either separately or carried by a paratrooper as he jumped from the aircraft. The frame was hinged in the middle and could be securely locked with wing nuts. They were lightweight for their time, but not in comparison with today’s bicycles made from modern materials. Most soldiers discarded them when they encountered rough terrain.
The serial number (also known as the 'R' number) dates this bicycle to 1943.
Some identifying characteristics of the Second Pattern Bicycle
Single down pipe
| 32 Spokes (front), 40 Spokes (rear)
|
Raised locking wing nuts
| Front & Rear caliper brakes |
| BSA logo cut main sprocket | BSA or Brooks Saddle |
Re-tractable pedals
| Serial number stamped on rear brace
|
" Molly "
Willys MB Truck 1/4 Ton 4x4
HQ Section's Vehicle
The history of Molly is currently being researched and will be published as soon as it has been compiled. We do know however; that she was manufactured in 1943.
Royal Enfield Civilian "Flying Flea"
The latest addition to the motor pool. Further information on this stunning machine will be posted shortly.
