Differences between Bedford OYC and OYD

[Mike Cecil]

That late production would be interesting, Richard, and would throw a whole different perspective into the deliberations.

There are a couple of OY vehicles on my list with chassis numbers in the OY76XXX range which were undoubtedly acquired during the war (not post-war), but there are also are a bunch of OYD in the OY50XXX range that are certainly earlier acquisitions. Where does OY50XXX come in the production chronology? Might not be relevant to Matt's truck, but interesting from the perspective of the 'Empire Star' and possible refugee cargo.

Mike

[mlombard]

Originally Posted by Mike Cecil

That late production would be interesting, Richard, and would throw a whole different perspective into the deliberations.

There are a couple of OY vehicles on my list with chassis numbers in the OY76XXX range which were undoubtedly acquired during the war (not post-war), but there are also are a bunch of OYD in the OY50XXX range that are certainly earlier acquisitions. Where does OY50XXX come in the production chronology? Might not be relevant to Matt's truck, but interesting from the perspective of the 'Empire Star' and possible refugee cargo.

Mike

Hi Mike what you have said is interesting in light of what Richard wrote later OY76XXX would appear to be 1943 production whilst OY50XXX would appear to be around 1942, and these would still be too late for refugee cargo, I think. I'm trying to source a copy of Bart's book on Bedfords which I assume is the one Richard is quoting from. I know some oddball vehicles such a Morris 15cwt came back with the AIF from the Middle East, but after that I assume all war material came from the USA or Canada, not really the UK, and half a dozen or so OY's would seem odd to ship here unless they had something special mounted on them. However if these OY's (both OY50XXX) and OY76XXX) were WWII veteran brought out for use a Maralinga and Woomera then yes that makes sense. Maybe I should run a gigarcounter over the truck!

[Mike Cecil]

No, Matt - the OY's I've quoted were all received in Australia during the war, so are not later Brit vehicles brought over for the Maralinga tests, and besides, the Maralinga vehicles were not migrated to the Australian register as far as I can tell.

Mike

[mlombard]

Originally Posted by Mike Cecil

No, Matt - the OY's I've quoted were all received in Australia during the war, so are not later Brit vehicles brought over for the Maralinga tests, and besides, the Maralinga vehicles were not migrated to the Australian register as far as I can tell.

Mike

oh ok, was Australia still receiving much British war material in the 1942-43 period, I thought most of it was American / Canadian sourced by then.

This is a good thread irrespective of any outcome for me I'd like to see if we tease out an answer to the Bedford OY's in Australia.