GS Tender, 4 x 2, 15 Cwt, Model MW

Four-wheeled open-cab truck specially modified to tow the trailer carrying the coffin of MRAF Lord Trenchard during his funeral procession, February 21 1956.

The Bedford War Department type truck was designed as a light utility military truck. During the Second World War period (1939-1945) nearly 66,000 examples were produced for service use. The RAF used them as general crew and transport trucks, and some were also made as anti-aircraft gun platforms and mobile water tanks. The Museum’s example, registration 05 AS 35, was especially prepared to tow the trailer carrying the first Marshal of the Royal Air Force, Viscount Hugh Trenchard’s coffin at his funeral on 21 February 1956. Modifications included two benches in the truck bed, whitewall tyres and decals on the doors. The procession saw his coffin taken from the Air Ministry in Whitehall to Westminster Abbey where his ashes were laid to rest in the RAF Chapel.