RAF 108140 RAF Fordson War Office Type One / Fordson (WOT1)

RAF 108140
RAF
Fordson War Office Type One / Fordson (WOT1)
Dating from 1941, this tender was one of the first fire tenders to be used during the advance after the D-Day landings on the forward air bases set up by the RAF and American Air Forces throughout France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. This WOT1 found its way to Berlin where it was stationed for operational purposes during the Berlin airlift in 1946. It returned to England in 1953 and was sold for scrap. In the late 70s Mr Tony Corbin found it in very poor condition on a farm and spent over 20 years restoring it to its present condition. Out of the 6 of these vehicles which were sent abroad this is the only camouflage one and there are only 3 of these vehicles left. This vehicle is fully operational and kitted as per wartime. The WOT1 was used as a major foam tender by the RAF and American Air Force Fire Services during WWII on all of their operational airfields on both fighter and bomber stations from 1941 – 1952. The vehicle was manned by a crew of five, 1 MT Driver and 4 Firemen; the MT Driver would act as pump operator. One Fireman would be dressed in an asbestos suit, for rescue duties, the others who operated the foam hose lines would be dressed in overalls, leather jackets and rubber boots, and a steel helmet with a skirt to cover the head and neck area. They were also equipped with an axe & belt and a quick release knife for cutting aircrew harnesses. Seen at the Museum of RAF Firefighting.