The ‘Tilly’, as Light Utility Vehicles affectionately became known, dates back to 1938. The Standard version was derived from the Flying Standard chassis, with modified bodywork converting the dashing saloon into a light van, with 10 cwt capacity.

Other ‘Tillies’ were manufactured by Austin, Hillman and Morris. Around 25 Standard ‘Tillies’ are believed to still exist out of over 3000 built. Only two of these are from the Mark 1 DC Series, based on the 12hp car chassis of which this is one. This vehicle has been restored and drives.

Many Light Utility Vehicles were supplied to the RAF, where they were used for carrying personnel, light cargo, and general errand work between bases. They were regarded as comfortable, economical and reliable.

From the outbreak of war, the Coventry based Standard Motor Company became involved in the manufacture of engine parts for the Air Ministry. It is fitting, therefore, that the vehicle should be on display at a former WWII Bomber Command Station. Following painstaking restoration by the vehicle’s owner, Tony Allen, from Bristol, the ‘Tilly’ is on long-term loan to the Museum.

The Thompson Mk Vc Aircraft Fueller is a small three-wheeled, airfield-based refuelling vehicle, powered by a Ford 10hp petrol engine. It has a three forward speed and one reverse speed gearbox and a chain driven rear axle. The three-wheeled, low slung design made it easier to get close to aircraft for refuelling.

The left side tank carried 500 gallons of petrol, whilst the right tank carried 50 litres of oil. Each tank had its own pump driven by a power take off engaged by levers in the cockpit and each was equipped with an indicator gauge, hose and nozzle.

The service history of the vehicle at the Yorkshire Air Museum is not known. It is possible that it was originally based at RAF Woodhall Spa or RAF Coningsby as it was discovered in poor condition in a scrap yard at Woodhall Spa. Following total restoration by a private owner, this rare and historic vehicle was acquired by the Museum and arrived in September 2009.

After the Second World War, the RAF and the then British Overseas Airways Corporation were in need of vehicles to transport passengers between airports and city centre terminals. A design specification was drawn up by the Ministry of Supply for a vehicle to accommodate 20 passengers carrying their maximum 60lbs of luggage. This led to the 1½ deck observation coach design with 180 cu ft luggage space. A total of 375 (later modified to 315) vehicles was ordered from the Park Royal Coachworks based on the well established Commer Q4 Commando chassis.

The Museum’s vehicle, XAT 368, was delivered to the RAF in April 1947 and served at various Yorkshire airfields until 1957, when it was bought by Hull Cricket Club who found it slow, causing the team to frequently arrive late for matches! From 1959 it was used first as a staff bus, then as a commercial coach by two operators until, in June 1962, it was bought by The British Automobile Motor Club and converted for use as a race control vehicle. In this role, it appeared at the Harewood Hill Climb, Castle Howard, Scarborough, RAF Church Fenton and Silverstone until 1972.

In 1978, a new owner, David Hardcastle, planned to restore the vehicle but eventually donated it to the RAF Benevolent Fund in 1993, in recognition of the help received by his mother from the Fund when her first husband was killed in a flying accident in 1937. The bus was then moved to RAF Cottesmore where restoration finally began.

Thanks to the volunteers at RAF Cottesmore and the most recent owners, the Panton brothers at the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre at East Kirkby, the Museum’s Crew Bus, believed to be one of only 5/6 still to survive, is fully serviceable with just some interior work outstanding.