Another Identification Issue

steaminfo · **Posted:** Mon Jul 12, 2021 9:27 am

This photo is of what appears to be a steam locomotive of some sort. It was taken in Northern France, shortly after WW I. Anyone able to give me any more information about it?

Kelly Anderson · **Joined:** Tue Sep 14, 2004 7:52 am **Posts:** 2477

70000 · **Posted:** Mon Jul 12, 2021 10:33 am

Manning Wardle Petrol (Gas to you...) Armoured Locos built for the British War Department in 1915 and 1918.

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"This is a special 180HP armoured petrol locomotive carried on four coupled wheels 3ft. 0in. diameter. Wheel base 6ft. 0in. Capacity of petrol tank 68 gallons. Capacity of water tank about 400 gallons. Motor manufactured by John I Thorneycroft & Co. Ltd. Fitted with Westinghouse brakes and bullet proof cab windows. Painted khaki green"

Manning Wardle built 10 of these in 1915/16 and another 10 in 1918. The first 10 were for the Secretary of State for War, One to Longmoor, 3 for Egypt and 6 "possibly for France". The second 10 were for the Ministry of Munitions, Sandwich, Kent.