Commer Q2: Truck, 15-cwt, 4x2, Van

[Hanno Spoelstra]

The Commer Q2 "RVT 105" is mentioned here: http://ww2talk.com/index.php?threads...r-force.23810/

There were also Light 100 units which could operate as Gee, Gee H or Oboe transmitters but used smaller vehicles and sets, were much more mobile but had shorter range. The vehicles seem to have been Commer Q2 RVT 105, a 15cwt with house type body. A permanent roof mounted aerial mast could be folded forward for stowage when travelling. When folded down it was protected by a wooden framework. When operating the aerial could be rotated for direction finding or for transmitting beams in an accurate direction. The vehicle was positioned so that it was facing True North and stakes were driven into the ground in a 100 foot radius circle to mark compass points.

The RVT 105 could also be used for BABS on airfields. These Blind Approach Beacon Systems were accurate for direction but could not give an accurate height.

So it seems 100 of these Commer Type 105 Radio Vehicles were built.

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Here's one in RNZAF use. I'll have to find out where No. 489 Sqn operated to pinpoint a possible location.

Note the writing on the door:
"Maximum speed 35 mph
Cruising speed 30 mph"

Sadie Taylor driving a No. 489 Squadron truck. Unknown location. Copied from the No. 489 Squadron unofficial Unit History. Ca. 1945

PR10377_cropped.jpg
Source: https://fotoweb.airforcemuseum.co.nz...10377.jpg.info

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Hanno Spoelstra

Here's one in RNZAF use.

Interestingly, the RNZAF had a similar pick-up/van in use in the 1950s-1960s based on a postwar Commer model.

"WRNZAF publicity. Unknown woman tightening the wheel nuts on Commer truck MT4287,
number plate 'GOVT2*405' at RNZAF Station Hobsonville. Date: 09/08/1956"
129914853_1306816402988898_6708829900595802844_o.jpg
Source: https://fotoweb.airforcemuseum.co.nz...-56_1.JPG.info

"WRNZAF publicity. Unknown woman putting oil into the engine of a truck.
RNZAF Station Hobsonville. This truck is believed to be Commer truck MT4287,
number plate 'GOVT2*405'. See WhG10297-56. Date: 09/08/1956"
129734271_1306816446322227_3598273627376780058_o.jpg
Source: https://fotoweb.airforcemuseum.co.nz...96-56.jpg.info

"Side view of a small covered truck. RNZAF Base Whenuapai. Date 1966."
130143397_1306816452988893_992246373458103422_o.jpg
Source: https://fotoweb.airforcemuseum.co.nz...79-66.jpg.info

[Alex van de Wetering]

Just out of curiosity.....Does anyone know more about the interchangability of 1950's Commer parts with WW2 ones?
At first sight it looks like the cab, including doors and windscreen might be the same?.....what about engine, gearbox, axles, chassis? Can a 1950's civvy Commer be used as a parts donor for a WW2 Commer Q2, Q15, Q4?

Nowadays it seems WW2 era Commers are very rare.....which seems strange if you see the rows of trucks in period pictures......so, were they that bad? or were they that good, resulting in them being worked to death in post-war civvy life?

[Chaz]

I know it's not a Q2, but it's a nice Q4 photo which may be of interest to follower of this thread ? Nicked it from FaceBook...

ww2 nothern ireland.jpg

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Chaz

I know it's not a Q2, but it's a nice Q4 photo which may be of interest to follower of this thread ? Nicked it from FaceBook...

Thanks, pictures of Commer trucks are far and few between, so bring them on.