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That was the year...
Page 13
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CM was launched in 1905; for our centenary year we're bringing you stories from years gone by. This week we're back in 1915 and 1965.
1915
Shelled Thornycroft
A despatch from a CM reporter, on the front."Our foremost lorry [a Thornycroft] stopped close to a solitary house, beside which was a field gun... On our right was a French battery...Thvo more shells dropped slightly closer to the convoy making 16 in all.The result was that pieces of shell fell around us...The road in front was impassable owing to shell-holes."
Washing day
A letter submitted to CM by Private A Helliwell, No 08608, was a world away from the horror of the trenches that was yet to come: "I am at present in charge of a 40hp Maudslay van which is being used as headquarters for the column. Previous to the war, I drove the same type of machine for Mr Sykes of Todmorden; that was commandeered.We are having a very good time out here, and I feel'in the pink,' and am enjoying this style of living We have to adopt all types of useful ideas of our own. For instance, when my washing day comes I run the hot water out of my radiator in order to wash the clothes, and then place the latter on the radiator to dry."
Tough times
In 1915 the commandeering of trucks had far-reaching effects on operators, as reported by CM. Badly treated by the government? Some things never change:"Users of commercial motors are finding each successive month productive of little more than fresh dilemmas for them.They lost many of their vehicles by impressments between August and October last...They have waited in patience, but in vain, and nobody can be blamed — unless it be the Germans..."
1965
Artic freeze
A study into operator attitudes to artics elicited this comment: "An analysis of an investigation carried out by the staff of Commercial Motor," writes Norman HTilsley,"in which operators all over the country were questioned, reveals that,generally speaking, British hauliers have adopted a somewhat narrow, parochial outlook on the subject, and my opinion is that although they may not realise it,many of our hauliers have adopted a complacent, stick-in-the-mud attitude to the question".
Faustian finances
"You sold your soul." said the West MidlandTC John Else, when he adjourned an application by a Fenton haulier for a new B licence at Hanley. "Your figures show financial disaster. You have my sympathy but, when you buy a lorry or get married, it behoves you to make reasonable inquiries before you go through with the deal."
In-cab entertainment
"The first British-made vehicle radio to be marketed for less than El 0 is now available from Associated Merchandising," we reported. "This new radio, the Supersound, was developed and is being built by Grunther Industrial Developments. It is supplied complete with speaker, baffle and fixing kit; aftersales servicing is to be handled by the distributors.The Supersound measures 7in by 4in by 2in and has an illuminated dial. Good selectivity for leading stations on both long and medium wave bands is claimed...The Supersound is claimed lobe very easy to install."