Morris Commercial FV12/5/R (1952)
4 Cylinder Side Valve Petrol Engine
5 Ton Army
Army reg No. 96 BD 94
Civilian Reg No. SKD 17
Built for the British Army as a mobile field command office truck in the 1950's, on a civilian 5 ton Morris Commercial chassis, this vehicle was used for the Suez crisis in 1956 by Command HQ Royal Army Service Corps East Kent. The Army eventually sold the vehicle off at Ruddington Military Auctions 1971.
Purchased by a construction company building the M4 Motorway, it was used as an office truck for a time. The Morris was then down-graded to a mess room vehicle and stood for long periods up to its axles in mud.
As the motorway progressed, equipment and vehicles had to be moved along to the next section - the Morris was very roughly handled, dragged around by a bulldozer and pushed in place by the front blade, thus causing a terrific amount of damage.
By the time the contractors had finished the Morris was in a very poor state. It was the intention of the contractors to dig a big hole and buried all the worn out equipment and the Morris was destined for the same fate. Luckily a transport tipper company who had worked on the motorway asked if they could have the Morris to use the back body as a store shed.
The truck was taken to their transport yard in Yeovil Somerset, where sadly over the years further deterioration set in. A Transit Van had stood for sometime in the yard because of engine damage, and due to lack of space it was lifted up and placed on top of the Morris Commercial’s rear roof, which then collapsed under the weight.
Christine was informed about this vehicle when visiting the Yeovil Transport Rally in 1990 and was taken to see it. On arrival it was difficult to figure out the make of vehicle due to cab damage but a military plate was found on the chassis stating Morris Commercial FV.12/5.
It didn't take long for Christine to make up her mind, she would like to buy it. Two weeks later, traveling back down to Yeovil with a low-loader to collect it. The truck was stripped down to the last nut and bolt and work was done on the engine and gearbox.
After several layers of paint were taken off the body, we found sand coloured paint with a large letter "H" painted white on the side of the vehicle. It was later found to be the Suez crisis operation code name Hamicar, a large white letter "H" was painted on the sides, rear, and roof of all British vehicles, as a recognition symbol for air and land forces.
Four years later the restoration was complete, information received from the H.C.V.S. informed us that this is the only recorded Morris Commercial FV/5 military office truck of this type, unless you know better. Did you take part in the Suez conflict? Have you any photographs if so, would you kindly contact Christine 0151 339 4854 or use our contact form.
