RFC/RAF Netheravon, Wiltshire MT

A picture came to light of a Crossley 20/25 with an RFC driver at Netheravon. Gradually I have managed to find four pictures of Crossley's stationed at Netheravon and in the service of the RFC/RAF. Two of the pictures show a Motor Transport 10 or 13 bay garage. On checking the plans, maps and air photos I have narrowed it down to four long sheds situated on the East camp. Netheravon a 1913camp designed as a Royal Flying aerodrome for two squadrons. No MT sheds were in the original layout and tents were used if needed. By 1917 the RFC had started a new training scheme and Training Depot Stations were formed all across the country. Most were brand new and had a specific layout, but Netheravon although was included in the scheme but no extra hangarage was built. Although several ancillary buildings were built and up to nine MT sheds. At least three were 13 bay types.

This picture is where it all started, I knew there were Motor Transport sheds at Netheravon, but I was unsure where and what they looked like. Netheravon was destined in piece time as an R.F.C. aerodrome . The architect was Major B. H. O. Armstrong of the War Office Directorate of Fortifications and Works. He also designed Chiseldon (South of Swindon) army camp (also a pre WW1 camp) using the same design of hutting. Later he designed the Armstrong huts used at Larkhill camp in 1916 for the New Army. At the outbreak of hostilities in August 1914 Crossley Motors moved almost totally to war production. The only model made was the 20/25 which was supplied to the forces in huge numbers with production running at up to 45 a week. The first had been supplied to the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) in 1913 and at the outbreak of war they had 56. By the time of the armistice this had risen to over 6000. The 20/25, known to Crossley as the WO and the War Office as Type J, came with a tourer body, one of the standard staff cars but most of the chassis were used to carry ambulances, mobile workshops, light trucks and, most importantly, the RFC Light Tenders. Every squadron in the RFC was supposed to be equipped with nine Tenders and one Staff Touring Car but it seems likely that most never had the full complement. Vehicles went to France, Belgium, Mesopotamia, Salonica, Egypt, Russia, India and several parts of Africa. From Crossley Motors in World War I.

This is the same barrack block taken in January 2018, chimneys now gone.

A Colonel's touring car in New Canal Square, Salisbury. "Slight differences, but very similar". Thank you Jim F.

This is the first picture I had seen of Netheravon's MT garage behind this picture of a Crossley 20/25. These sheds were usually 13 bays but could be anything from three, ten to thirteen. Some used one of the bays, as an office or an office would be built close by. Netheravon having three training squadrons and part of Upavon's Central Flying School needed at least four MT garages, but the TDS details state nine.

And here a very proud chauffeur standing outside one of the four MT garages. Each bay held one vehicle and the floor was trampled earth with two concrete strips for the vehicles wheels.

A close up of a Maudslay inside a shed at Netheravon.

Inside one of the Netheravon MT sheds. Each bay has a work bench and a vice. A shovel too clear up a mess on the floor and even electric lighting for each bench. There is running water from a high level tank in the roof, above the benches..

The four MT sheds, picture dated around 1917. The bell tents were for Mens accommodation. The WAAC would have lived in a barracks back down on the West camp.

An air photo of three of the sheds and I have counted 13 has bays.

The sheds now have doors on here and it shows how important the covering of military vehicles was. A petrol road roller used to level the landing ground of an aerodrome. This one at Netheravon with three Women s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC).

Another picture showing the angle iron framed, corrugated iron covered doors. A ´Light Tender´ was required. In February 1913 the Manchester-based company of Crossley Motors received an order for six 20/25bhp Crossley cars. These machines were built to a very high standard and their powerful 4,531cc engine allowed them to travel at speeds of up to 55mph. The RFC bought almost all of the 6,000 Crossley chassis that were built for military service, the majority of which were fitted with a truck-type body (becoming known as the Crossley tender) which could carry a crew of three in the front and a further eight on bench seats in the back.

The MT section of 2 Sqn RFC with their lorries and trailers with a wooden railway carriage, (photo sections). Also three two wheeled trailers. These were used for collecting and carrying damaged aircraft after a crash. A tender and a trailer could go out and tow back the remains.

MT at the RFC Concentration in June 1914.

A Clayton and Shuttleworth Caterpillar Tractor for towing large aeroplanes. Behind the tractor on the left is the machine gun range and Fifield Folly, the woodland.

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