Transport "The Backbone" of "Second Front" Operations
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PRELIMINARY steps taken in the North-eastern Region to prepare for the posgibility of stopping certain roadhaulage traffics, so as to release vehicles for urgent work in connection with the " Second Front," were indicated by Mr. F. W. Hart, D.T.O. for the Huddersfield District, at the annual dinner of the Halifax Transport Owners' Association.
Remarking that we were on the eve of great things in the Allies' war operations, Mr. Hart said that the backbone of those great things would be transport. Because of the resultant heavy cans on road' haulage, certain traffics which were, at present, regarded as semi-essential, or even as essential, might have to be stopped in order that' materials necessary for " Second Front" operations could be trans ported as quickly as may be required.
" Under the 'guidance of the Regional Transport Commissioner," Mr. Hart continued, " we have endeavoured to segregate some of these less essential traffics, and we have earmarked, in our own minds, the vehicles which we may be able to call upon." The call for the supreme effort would, of necessity, come suddenly. and the extent to which preparations could be made for it among road-transport operators was limited by the secrecy which must attend the opening of the new phase of the war. He suggested, however, that his hearers should carefully review their own transport facilities and commitments with a view to making any advance arrangements they possibly could to co-operate in the measures outlined.