Milsurp After Hours

Went to a Military Vehicle Rally today at our local Durham Light Infantry museum. Organised by the North East Military Vehicle Club (NEMVC) these guys have some seriously interesting kit.

This 1952 Mk1 Daimler ferret particularly caught my eye. It is in the markings of the Northumberland Hussars.

Not much history on it but it is known to have served in Germany 1968 to 1971 with the Guards Brigade signals squadron, the 1st Queens Dragoon Guards and the 9/12 Royal Lancers.

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Not too many creature comforts in there.

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Right next door was this fully refurbished 1963 Ferret powered by a Rolls Royce B60 engine and is in the markings of the 8th Kings Irish Hussars.

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I like the "Bullshit Box " on the side.

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What's the offiicial use for this box that requires the name that's painted on it?

Not being a 'Donkey Wallaper' myself but a 'Grunt' I can't say BUT the selected photo is in fact 2 x Ammo Boxes for boxed ammo, one of which has a radio antenna on it. Maybe it's there 'filling in' for the right bit of kit to arrive?

What Duncan said Robert, probably a touch of poetic licence by the owner.

Some of the other bits and pieces added to the vehicle were'nt too kosher for the period either.

Joe

Great photos.

Rebuilding Ferrets was one of those jobs where attention to a logical reassembly was very important. The simple question "Where does this bit go?" could be the key to swearing and some time wasting dis-assembly.

Bit like a modern front wheel drive car in that respect.

Ferrets were still in use by CQMS as liaison vehicles when I served in Mech Bns. I did see one in the news footage during the recent Iraq Invasion.

151, my info says the Ferret was retired in 1994, i know it served in the 91 Gulf war (along with the Saladin) so that is news to me. I wonder if there are still any tucked away in store as emergency reserve now.?????

Joe

Well Joe----------as you probably know, stores are for storing! If you want anything from them you first have to find the door that says 'ISSUES'

Looking back it may have been in a book, not on ferrets but on the L85 rifle. I'll have a look,..........wanders off from breakfast to find book,..........................................................................................................................................., its a big house,..........................................................................................................................................., stops and remembers to take plate into kitchen, returns with book,.........................................................................................................................,, washes hands, reads book, finds picture of ferret, wanders off to get a scanner working,........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................finds scanner working, emails piccy to own machine,..........................................

all done;

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I just had a thought - yes, it's in there - Encyclopedia of the Modern British Army 3rd edition 1986. Between the FV603 Saracen and 155mm self -Propelled Howitzer M109A2. Will scan and post later.