WW1 Military Motors - 1916 set x 50 cards

[Lancashire Fusilier]

Whilst the ' Crossley ' vehicle is typically associated with the RFC/RAF during WW1, the advertisement shown in the previous post specifically mentions those Crossley motorcars which were also supplied to the Admiralty.

Attached is a photograph showing the usage of a Crossley Staff Car by the Royal Naval Air Service ( RNAS ), with all 3 Officers having RNAS insignia on their caps, and the RNAS Officer sitting on the front of the Crossley, has the RNAS cuff rank insignia of a Sub-lieutenant.

This photograph appears to have been taken in an RNAS vehicle garage, with other ' RN ' vehicles shown in the background.

 

LF

 

 

 

This image is reproduced strictly for non-commercial research and private study purposes as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised.

 

 

[Lancashire Fusilier]

With reference to the previous post, while we cannot see all of the cuff insignia of the RNAS Officer on the far right, we can just see the ' gilt eagle ' on his left cuff, which indicates he was an RNAS ' Flight ' Officer.

RNAS Flying Officers wore a gilt eagle above their gold braid cuff rank insignia on their left sleeve, as shown in the attached example of the cuff insignia for an RNAS Flight Lieutenant.

After June 1917, RNAS Flight Officers wore gilt eagles above their rank braid on both sleeves.

 

LF

 

 

This image is reproduced strictly for non-commercial research and private study purposes as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised.

[Lancashire Fusilier]

A nice example of the seldom seen Crossley Staff Car in Army service, with the Crossley's driver appearing to have an ASC ( Army Service Corps ) cap badge.

As with the other Crossley military Staff Cars, this vehicle is equipped with the klaxon and the spotlight fitted on either side of the spare wheel, however, in this example, the spotlight is fitted with a canvas cover.

This Crossley Staff Car, is also fitted with metal wheel covers.

 

LF

 

 

 

This image is reproduced strictly for non-commercial research and private study purposes as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised.

 

 

[Lancashire Fusilier]

This photograph of a WRAF ( Women's Royal Air Force ) Mechanic working on the front wheel of an RAF Crossley Staff Car, gives an excellent and very detailed view of the front of a Crossley Staff Car, including a glimpse of the very seldom seen Crossley Staff Car's front axle and front suspension.

The ' S.E.A. ' marking on the door of the Crossley is for the RAF's ' South East Area ' and the marking ' No.1 S.D. ' is for the RAF's  ' Special Duties ' Unit which provided RAF services such as transportation.

The Crossley's number plate letters ' LT 6565 ' ( the white painted ' L ' has a small mark, which makes it look like an ' I. ', and the letter ' i ' was never used on any British registration ) are for an early London North West registration, which may indicate the photograph was taken at RAF Hendon Aerodrome.

It is interesting that the jack being used, has changed little in design since WW1.

Also of note, are the WRAF's work coat, the grease pots by her feet, and the camouflaged buildings in the background.

 

LF

 

 

IWM This image is reproduced strictly for non-commercial research and private study purposes as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised.

[Lancashire Fusilier]

This photograph, taken at the same RAF location and at the same time as the photograph in the previous post, shows WRAF Mechanics working on a selection of RAF transport, which from left to right, are a Crossley 20/25 Tender, a Ford Model T Staff Car, a Phelon & Moore 498 cc motorcycle side-car combination, and a Crossley Staff Car.

Again, we see the camouflaged buildings in the background, which were probably being used as an RAF Central Transport Depot.

All the 3 motor vehicle's doors, are marked with the same RAF markings as shown in the previous post.

 

LF

 

 

 

IWM This image is reproduced strictly for non-commercial research and private study purposes as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised.

[Lancashire Fusilier]

This particular RFC Crossley Staff Car ' LC^1579 ' is transporting an Italian Officer, however based on the sign attached to the RFC building it is parked in front of, which reads ' PHOTOGRAPHIC HOUSE HEADQUARTERS 16TH WING RFC ', the location is in Northern France, either at St. Omer where the 16th Squadron RFC were formed on 10th February 1915, or at La Gorgue where the 16th Squadron RFC moved to on 6th March 1915.

The naming of the 16th Squadron's Headquarters building ' Photographic House ' relates to the 16th Wing being engaged in photographic reconnaissance.

Interestingly, the 16th Squadron RFC were initially commanded by Hugh Dowding of later WW2 RAF fame.

 

The Crossley's windshield is also marked ' No.4 RFC '. which may relate to the Crossley Staff Car belonging to No.4 Squadron RFC, which was also engaged in photographic reconnaissance in Northern France.

 

Both St. Omer and La Gorgue are towns in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region of Northern France.

 

LF

 

 

 

IWM This image is reproduced strictly for non-commercial research and private study purposes as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised.

[Lancashire Fusilier]

Here is another interesting version of an RFC/RAF Crossley 20/25 Staff Car which also doubles up as a Tender, with passenger seating in front and a storage area behind.

Also of note, this vehicle has no doors and access into the vehicle is by way of 2 metal step-up plates attached to the vehicle's bodywork. This Crossley Staff Car, is also missing one headlamp.

This vehicle has a W^D Census Number painted on the bonnet, indicating overseas usage.

To the left of the Crossley, is an RFC/RAF two-wheeled trailer.

 

LF

 

 

 

This image is reproduced strictly for non-commercial research and private study purposes as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised.

[Lancashire Fusilier]

The Crossley 20/25 Staff Car / Tender shown in the previous post, has a WD Vehicle Census Number painted on it's bonnet which appears to read ' LC^459 '.

Here is another photograph taken in the Middle East, showing that same Crossley 20/25 Staff Car / Tender ' LC^459 ', which was probably taken earlier in WW1, with the Crossley being in much better shape having better condition bodywork, plus both it's headlamps and it's rear mudguard.

 

LF

 

 

 

This image is reproduced strictly for non-commercial research and private study purposes as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised.

[Lancashire Fusilier]

It is not known exactly how many of the Crossley 20/25 Staff Car / Tender vehicles as shown in the previous post, were actually made, and their use seems to have been exclusively in the Middle East.

The attached photograph, although grainy, clearly shows a Crossley 20/25 Staff Car / Tender being used by Australian troops, again somewhere in the Middle East.

This Crossley does have a W^D Vehicle Census Number painted on it's bonnet, unfortunately, that Census Number is illegible, so is not possible to confirm that this Crossley is the same as that shown in posts #5332/3, which may indicate the Crossley 20/25 Staff Car / Tender was in use both with the RFC/RAF and the Australian Imperial Force in the Middle East.

This photograph, also shows the back of the Crossley being used as a Tender to carry supplies/equipment.

 

LF

 

 

AWM This image is reproduced strictly for non-commercial research and private study purposes as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised.

[Gustywinds]

Fantastic collection of photographs. I am particularly interested in  the Ambulance ones as I am researching my great uncle who was a member of the FAU. In the early days the ambulances were a hotchpotch of vehicles donated by various businesses throughout the land particularly Cadbury, Fry and Rowntree  but also Portland cement, all of whom had sons serving with the unit. In my particular case it my great, great grandfather and my great grandfather donated cars, one of which was a 1906 Lanchester. Some were converted to ambulances, some used as they were like the one below being driven by Laurence Cadbury. I am told it is a Metalurgique, made in Belgium. 

  

In late 1915 they were able to standardise on Vulcan ambulances in the unit my great uncle was with.

 

 

 

Edited 11 August , 2016 by Gustywinds

[Lancashire Fusilier]

46 minutes ago, Gustywinds said:

In late 1915 they were able to standardise on Vulcan ambulances in the unit my great uncle was with.

 

Many thanks for posting that excellent photograph showing an ambulance belonging to S.S.A. No.13 ( Section Sanitaire Anglaise ), the name given by the French to the British Red Cross Ambulance Unit staffed by British volunteers, which served in France and Belgium shortly after the start of WW1, many of whom were members of the Quaker FAU ( Friends Ambulance Unit ).

The Vulcan Motor & Engineering Co. Ltd. was founded in Southport, and here is a nice example of a ' Vulcan ' Lorry, the chassis for which was probably the type used for the FAU ambulances which you mentioned.

This Vulcan's number plate letters ' DB 2649 ' were for an early Manchester registration, which is probably where this photograph was taken.

 

Regards,

LF

 

 

This image is reproduced strictly for non-commercial research and private study purposes as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised.

[Lancashire Fusilier]

Whilst there are two British soldiers photographed with this racy Crossley, I doubt that it is a military Staff Car, but rather a civilian Crossley 20/25 Tourer motorcar which probably belonged to one of the proud looking soldiers.

This Crossley has superb streamlined features, including the stylish metal wheel covers, and the rounded mudguards.

The Crossley's single letter number plate ' N 7911 ' was for a Manchester registration used between 1903 and 1913.

 

LF

 

 

 

This image is reproduced strictly for non-commercial research and private study purposes as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised.

[Lancashire Fusilier]

In contrast to the racy Crossley 20/25 Tourer in very nice condition shown in the previous post, the Crossley vehicle shown in the attached photograph is somewhat battered and clearly very well used.

The photograph, when magnified, appears to show the remains of a W^D Vehicle Census Number painted on the Crossley's bonnet, and also on the running board there is the bracket for the military spotlight ( spotlight missing ) not found on a civilian Crossley motorcar, so this is/was an RNAS/RFC/RAF Staff Car.

In addition to the missing running board spotlight, the Crossley is also missing it's two headlamps, side lamps and klaxon.

The Crossley's driver appears to be wearing a Royal Naval Air Service ( RNAS ) cap badge, and it was not unusual for RNAS insignia to still be worn after the RNAS amalgamated with the RAF on 1st April 1918, following the formation of the Royal Air Force.

The Crossley Staff Car is parked in front of an RAF marked ' Leyland A-Type ' Lorry, which helps to date this photograph as being post 1st April, 1918.

Would anyone be able to identify the triangular marking shown on the side of the RAF Leyland Lorry driver's cab door ?

 

LF

 

 

This image is reproduced strictly for non-commercial research and private study purposes as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised.

Edited 13 August , 2016 by Lancashire Fusilier

[Lancashire Fusilier]

A mid-WW1 Crossley Motors Ltd., advertisement dated December 2, 2016.

 

LF

 

 

 

This image is reproduced strictly for non-commercial research and private study purposes as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised.

[Lancashire Fusilier]

Here is another example of a well used Crossley Staff Car, with W^D Vehicle Census Number ' M^45774 ' painted on it's bonnet, photographed in early 1919, and shown transporting members of No.4 Squadron Australian Flying Corps in Cologne Germany shortly after the end of WW1.

The Crossley's metal wheel covers are somewhat battered, and interestingly this Crossley Staff Car is fitted with a second rear windshield normally only seen on vehicles used by the most senior-ranking officers or members of the Royal Family, so this Crossley must have been surplus to that usage after the end of WW1.

As yet, this is the only example I have seen of a Crossley Staff Car fitted with a second rear windshield.

Behind the Crossley, is a Leyland A-Type Lorry.

 

LF

 

 

AWM This image is reproduced strictly for non-commercial research and private study purposes as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised.

 

 

[Lancashire Fusilier]

A nice example of a 1912 Crossley 15 hp Tourer, the chassis for which was later used for some of the Crossley Staff Cars.

 

LF

 

 

This image is reproduced strictly for non-commercial research and private study purposes as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised.

[Lancashire Fusilier]

My final post relating to the Crossley Staff Car, shows a Royal Flying Corps Crossley Staff Car being used to transport Victoria Cross recipient, Lieutenant ( later promoted to Captain ) William Leefe Robinson ( pictured seated on the left ), from Windsor Castle following his V.C. investiture by King George V on Friday, 9th September 1916.

Lt. W. L. Robinson was awarded his V.C. for his shooting down of the German Airship SL 11 on the night of 2/3 September 1916 over Cuffley, Hertfordshire, this being the first British shooting down of a German Airship over Britain.

 

LF

 

 

This image is reproduced strictly for non-commercial research and private study purposes as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised.

Edited 15 August , 2016 by Lancashire Fusilier

[johnboy]

In think his name was actually Leefe Robinson. 

[Lancashire Fusilier]

Just now, johnboy said:

In think his name was actually Leefe Robinson. 

 

Johnboy,

 

You are absolutely correct, and I shall gladly edit the typo error.

 

Regards,

LF

[johnboy]

As an aside, buried in the same cemetery are the founders of Crosse and Blackwell

 

 

 

Edited 15 August , 2016 by johnboy

[Lancashire Fusilier]

13 hours ago, johnboy said:

As an aside, buried in the same cemetery are the founders of Crosse and Blackwell

 

Johnboy,

 

A nice Field P.O. postcard, and All Saints Church at Harrow Weald certainly has a very interesting history.

 

Regards,

LF

[johnboy]

I would imagine that C&B had motor vehicles during WW1 but I have not found one yet.

[Lancashire Fusilier]

Those Crossley vehicles, particularly the Crossley 20/25 Tenders, which had been in military service in the latter part of WW1 or were manufactured shortly after WW1, remained in service with the RAF, or were used by the para-military in Ireland, or by the Police in Britain.

The next series of photographs, will show examples of the Crossley's ongoing service usage starting with an RAF Crossley 20/25 Tender equipped as a Mobile Wireless Transmitter mounted with a large square framed antenna/aerial.

The Crossley's number plate letters ' BT ' are for an early York vehicle registration.

 

LF

 

 

This image is reproduced strictly for non-commercial research and private study purposes as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised.

[Lancashire Fusilier]

Here is a nice photograph of two Ex-RAF Crossley 20/25 Mobile Wireless Transmitter Tenders in service with the newly formed London Metropolitan Police Force's ' Flying Squad '.

Formed in October 1919, and originally named the ' MPE ' ( Mobile Patrol Experiment ) London's Metropolitan Police Force Flying Squad took it's name from the Squad's role as a highly mobile Police unit able to operate throughout the London area irrespective of any local Police district.

 

Part of the Flying Squad's duties, included the gathering of crime intelligence and surveillance, hence the need for the Met's Mobile Wireless Transmitter Vehicles.

 

The Crossley 20/25 Tender on the left still has it's Ex-RAF trappings, whereas the Crossley on the right has new rebuilt purpose made bodywork with Metropolitan Police Force livery and ' KvG ' Royal Cypher markings.

Both Crossleys have their antennas/aerials in the partially raised non-operational position.

 

LF

 

 

This image is reproduced strictly for non-commercial research and private study purposes as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised.

[Lancashire Fusilier]

Another post WW1 continuing use for the Crossley 20/25 Tenders was their being drafted into service with the Royal Irish Constabulary ( RIC )  and the para-military Royal Irish Constabulary Special Reserve ( The Black & Tans ) during the Irish War of Independence ( January 1919 to July 1921 ).

 

The ' Black & Tans ' officially The Royal Irish Constabulary Special Reserve, were formed in 1919 at the request of Winston Churchill, the then British Secretary of State for War, to assist and support the RIC, and the British Army in Ireland, particularly with anti-IRA ( Irish Republican Army ) operations, with many of the RIC's recruits coming from the ranks of British ex-WW1 servicemen.

 

The Black & Tans took their nickname from the colour of their uniforms, which were a combination of British ex-Army khaki uniforms and the much darker RIC uniforms.

 

The attached photograph shows an RIC Crossley 20/25 Tender carrying members of the para-military ' Black & Tans ' leading and protecting the funeral procession of Major-General P. A. Holmes, RIC.

 

On January 28th, 1921, Major-General Philip Armstrong Holmes, Divisional Commissioner of the RIC for the counties of Cork and Kerry, escorted by a sergeant and five constables, were ambushed by the IRA's Newmarket battalion column and a number of East Kerry Volunteers at Tureengarriffe, on the Castleisland road two miles west of Ballydesmond, in County Cork.

Major-General Holmes was critically wounded in the attack, and died of his wounds the following day.

 

The Crossley's number plate letters ' NC 1211 ' are for an early Manchester vehicle registration.

 

LF

 

 

This image is reproduced strictly for non-commercial research and private study purposes as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised.