Landships II

Try 'Horse drawn vehicles of the British Army' D J Smith Shire publications. This has photos and four view scale drawing of the GS wagon Mark VIII as well as details of the various types of ambulance  with photo and side view drawings. 

Hello Barry

On a Norfolk shire horse farm I discovered this wagon. Is it what you're looking for? The caption reads:

"GENERAL SERVICE WAGON MARK 11 ( II  ?)

The G.S. Wagons were introduced in 1862. The early Marks were Hoop Wagons. Through the 1800s they were modified and improved from MK 1o MK 11 (?) the last modification in 1905. They were used for all general transport for all military needs.

This wagon, now fully restored is the fourth known in the U.K. Out of thousands that existed at the time of the Great War.

It was discovered by  the proprietor at a Norfolk Farm Auction near Wymondham. In every probability it would have been sold out of service in the 1920/30s surplus, as the armies mechanised. It was in a frightful order having lain derelict for possibly thirty years. During the farm life, through the 30s, 40s into the 50s, the high seat and the box had been removed to allow a greater carrying capacity and hay ladders added. The wagon pins would also have been added at this time to allow a single horse to pull it in shafts over farmland and roads.
Although a fairly light wagon it was pulled in service by two horses one either side of the pole. This would allow for very uneven terrain, deep mud etc with would tire a single horse.

The other three known (wagons) are painted green. This wagon was definitely grey. Traces of grey paint remaining on under surfaces. The wheels were rebuilt; most of the timber in the boat of the wagon was replaced. Some under timbers are original and most of the ironwork is original. A new seat, box and brake assembly were formed by the restorer. Painted grey indicates pre 1914/18 War. This vehicle may have seen service in the Great War."

I have photographed this wagon in detail.

Hope this helps a little.
Regards
Thomas

If its a mark II these were introduced in the period 1871 -1875, more likely to be a mark 11 (XI) introduced in 1905 as these were the main type in service in 1914. It was the final type of GS wagon as these were replaced with motorised transport or limbered wagons

Robert is correct again; the 1905 version( the Mk X* ) is clearly pictured on page 10 of the New Vanguard " Brit. Art. 1914-19".   I think this is the restored vehicle that is refered to by UncleanAnimal above.
It differs in a number of ways from earlier models; notably with all-steel wheel hubs, and a very high driver's seat.
As I've cited several times in this forum, Scale Link makes an excellent model of this vehicle( copied directly from this restored example ),  and they will shortly release a Mk. VI ambulance.   Additionally, Scale Link offers horses and harness for them.   I might add all the above are from the orginal designs of the late John Piper, who in my opinion was a superb white metal artist,  and a most worthy historian.  He was perhaps the most apt BEF ( though blatendly biased ) appologist I'd ever corresponded with.

In addition to the Mk VI ambulance  WW1 would also see the use of the Light Ambulance Wagon Mk I introduced in 1905 for support of the Cavalry, It could carry 2 stretcher cases and 2 walking wounded or 8 walking wounded

The Shire publication is not out till November

How about a few general shots.  If possible, information re how the team(s) were attached to the pole would be most helpful.

Al

Nigel
Have just seen your pic's on the Forum first apologies for not getting in touch.
They are great will speak to again.
Many thanks

Hello gents,
                    I represent a Royal Logistic Corps regiment, a successor to the ASC. I am on a quest to reunite all four remaining MK X GS Wagons on a one off high profile parade to be held later in 2009. I am aware of three Wagons, being held by IWM Duxford, Aldershot Museum and Nigelss example, could anyone shed any light on the fourth example? Also I require points of contacts ect, I would especially like to talk to Nigel with reference his example and on restoration of these beasts.

With regards,

Alex

-- Edited by Alex on Tuesday 7th of April 2009 05:24:23 PM

you get another one and we've a pair which is what we need and my wagon ! although once ive finished the water cart your fury friend will be just the ticket i have the army 1912 GS harness for him ! fancy it ! ? if so send me msg and ill gice you my contact details !

Alex ,
I know of a few , 11 in fact in the uk ! so you should be able to put a few together for your parade, allbeit one in IWM duxford is without a seat !

Nigel, good to meet you earlier today at Beltring.

We talked about the Tim & Chris Clemons collection of horse-drawn transport mentioned in Wheels & Tracks magazine #14.  It was reported that they were on display at the 'Rutherglen Holiday Village' at Hadspen, near Lauceston, Tasmania.

Looking at their website, there is no mention of the collection: http://www.rutherglen.biz/

I wonder if it now forms part of the collection mentioned in my previous post.  Perhaps other forum members can advise?

I recently put a walkaround of a GS Wagon Mark X on the AMMS Brisbane site.
http://www.ammsbrisbane.com/reference/gs_wagon.html

This wagon is at the Army Nuseum, Bandiana, Victoria, Australia

Regards,

Charlie