"somewhere in England" … part of a RCAF Halifax Squadron

[Richard Farrant]

Originally Posted by Dennis Cardy

Came across a wartime photo album today of another young man in the RCAF.

Around the time uncle Doug was building anti-Japanese airfields in British Columbia..

This Prairie boy was "somewhere in England" …part of a RCAF Halifax Squadron.

He was Aircrew..yet took shots of the airfield being worked on..

Any idea what the truck…lorry..would be.

The truck looks like a Karrier Bantam

[Dennis Cardy]

Had to go Off-Line for a few minutes to research Karrier Bantam..
Completely unknown to my North American upbringing
Seems like a match..
Thanks.

[Dennis Cardy]

This kid from Moose Jaw ends up on an airbase in Britain..

Dropped off by the side of the runway as their plane is taxied-up to be handed over for their next mission..

[Dennis Cardy]

Trying to figure out what Halifax Sqn. this could be.

...and not sure what aircrew role he played..But the shot of the rear turret might be a clue.

But safe to say here's the crew bus he rode on.

Can you tell me what I'm looking at..??

about the lorry I mean..

For some reason the young aircrew photographer included the drivers ..

[cliff]

QL Bedford

[Keith Webb]

Originally Posted by Dennis Cardy

Trying to figure out what Halifax Sqn. this could be.

...and not sure what aircrew role he played..But the shot of the rear turret might be a clue.

But safe to say here's the crew bus he rode on.

Can you tell me what I'm looking at..??

about the lorry I mean..

For some reason the young aircrew photographer included the drivers ..

Lorry is a Bedford QL, the Halifax is a Mk III, the three Canadian Halifax squadrons were 408, 419 and 420, all part of 6 Group, Bomber Command.
The brevet on the man on the right looks like an air gunner, sometimes they were also qualified as wireless operators.

[Dennis Cardy]

Would this be an aircrew bus..?

On the original photo are the following numbers.

XX 5585 on the cab front cowling Passenger side.

37906 on the passenger side fender.

And RAF 158690 on the driver's door.

Can you tell me what these number's mean…?

[Dennis Cardy]

Cliff and Keith…a QL. Thanks.

Keith…Yes..6 Group. Unfortunately his album leaves out a lot of details.

The best lead I've had so far is the nose markings on his Halifax.

Anyone recognize it..??

[Grant Bowker]

I think there's a very good chance the Bedford is a QLT Troop carrier. According to The Observer's Fighting Vehicles Directory (World War II) it had a capacity of 29 troops and was based on a lengthened chassis.

[Dennis Cardy]

The reason I ask about those numbers on the QL ..…
It might possibly tie-in with a specific one of the RCAF "400" squadrons..Over there...

[Dennis Cardy]

Another RCAF Halifax Crew Bus from the McCaw album.

This one is 36410. TYFC 1300 on the door. Can anyone shed light on what those numbers mean..?

I assume from what Cliff…Keith...and Grant have contributed..It's also a Bedford QL. Troop Carrier.

Can you tell me if that loading door and entry step just behind the cab was an Airforce mod..or standard Troop Carrier..?