Indian Army Ambulance Unit 1941 & 2

Nick Balmer · #1 10-11-07, 16:15

Hello,

There is currently a fascinating photo album for sale on Ebay with lots of photos of a Indian Ambulance unit in North Africa. It is staffed by a mixture of Anglo English women, a few male officers, and many Indian other ranks.

The unit is using a very wide range of vehicles including Austin Ambulances, together with a wide assosrtment of Chevolet, Ford and related pickups, utes and panel vans.

http://cgi.ebay.com/WWII-PHOTO-ALBUM...QQcmdZViewItem

I have no connection with the seller.

Regards

Nick Balmer

gordon · #2 10-11-07, 17:04

The Dodges are one ton 1940 model long wheelbase panels, VD 33 if US built or the Canadian equivalent.

Note that these are NOT the Canadian-built ones you normally see in the listings, as they have 1940 front trim and 1940 headlight position where the others have the same body and wheel setup, but with 1941-47 pattern front trim, front fenders, and headlight position.

It looks like the Dodges were used a lot in the desert, but don't seem to have been taken to italy as only the Austin K2's are photographed there.

Keith Webb · #3 10-11-07, 21:39

What a fantastic album! I spotted a CMP in the background... Looks like a F15A

Keith Webb · #4 10-11-07, 21:42

This one is from 450 Squadron RAAF, an Australian squadron.

Amazing what you can find on the internet - doing a search using the aircraft codes gives added detail:

Quote:

46110 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR317. DBR when bellylanded 2 mi NW of
Syracuse Jul 21, 1943 following engine failure.

And another piece of information tells of it's transfer from 112 Squadron RAF to 450 RAAF sometime before the engine failure.

Wasn't it considerate of the seller to add the nice big scans without watermarks obliterating them?

Rich Payne · #5 11-11-07, 17:35

A wonderful collection indeed. Almost more of a photo-journal than merely an album. I hope that it will stay in one piece. It would be nice if it were researched and published.

I see the winner lives in Canada. Is he known here ? Let's hope that he uses MLU as a research tool !

The Norton 16H is a 1939 model from contract C.5109 but not in its original paint scheme. It is the first picture I have seen from this contract in the Middle East.

One of the Austins has the Arab boat insignia of No. 16 Area MEF (Alexandria) and the AOS number 238 fits in as 230 - 299 were issued to British Troops Egypt. I haven't been able to find the camel yet. Any ideas ?