War salvage in Europe

[Gordon Yeo]

The reason farmers and industry bought surplus military vehicle was, there wasn't an alternative. Post war manufacturing took a while too return to a consumer economy. My father went to buy a new tractor in 1947 and the strategy was order a tractor from John Deere, Massy Ferguson and International. The when the first dealer called you went and got what ever model he had. If you didn't want what he had, your name went back on the bottom of the list.
Gravel contractors and forestry contractors scooped up surplus truck for work trucks and even just the engines. It was not uncommon for field artillery tractors to be used as municipal snow ploughs. Most of the 15 cwt trucks I scouted out had The Municipality of " " on the doors. County and Township municipalities were given first chance on military surplus vehicles and buildings before public sales.