Mrs Raikes goes shopping

In 1940 the War Office despatched Major David Raikes, a serving officer, to act as go-between for Government Departments and the Vauxhall Motor Company who were about to embark on the construction of a new Infantry Tank (later to be known as the Churchill).

In 1941, the first units began to receive the new tank, and one of the first units so equipped was 141 RAC (formerly 7th Buffs), and because they lacked experience in their new weopon, and possibily because some defects in the tank were known to the manufacturers, Major Raikes was sent to live with them for some weeks.

The small seaside town of Eastbourne was fascinated in the coming weeks by the sight of Major and Mrs Raikes doing their shopping in a tank. Raikes later explained that he was obliged to test the tank by doing a certain number of miles, and he had no other way of doing it.

 

Hehee, sounds like Hyacinth Bucket with her husband... Sorry I meant Bouquet