The Bedford OXC tractor was developed with the assistance of Scammell, pioneers in the development of articulated lorries, now used extensively for transporting goods by road. The Bedford was one of two tractors used with an articulated aircraft recovery trailer, commonly known as a Queen Mary (after the ship of the same name).
Squadron personnel were considered too busy to repair damaged aircraft so the Civilian Repair Organisation was set up to undertake the role. If an aeroplane could not be repaired on site, it was dismantled and taken on a Queen Mary to workshops for repair.
The Avro Anson was slow, cold and noisy and is the most famous British aircrew trainer of all time. Used in huge numbers, ‘Faithful Annie’ is remembered with affection by most of Royal Air Force-trained multi-engined aircrew of World War Two.
The Anson I began life in the mid-1930s as a coastal reconnaissance aircraft. Although an advanced design at the time, rapid improvements in aircraft performance meant that the Anson was hopelessly outclassed when war broke out in September 1939.
Ansons were also used extensively as light transport and communications aircraft. Development continued during and after the war, culminating in the adaption of the civilian Avro XIX for service use as the Anson C19. With a completely re-designed fuselage, and metal wings and tail plane, this second generation Anson continued in RAF service until 1968.