FFR Land Rover 13FM87 History & Restoration
I have restored an ex-MOD lightweight Land-Rover FFR, which I now show regularly, with Larkspur radio kit installed in various configurations. The vehicle was in service with 55 Signal Squadron from 1974 to 1981.
I would be most interested to make contact with former members of 55 Signal squadron, to try to put together a history of the vehicle during those years.
The information collected so far is as follows.
Vehicle data:
Truck, Utility, FFR, 1/2 Ton, 4x4, Rover Series 3.
Code number: 1625 0778 FFR
CES: 34192
NSN: 2320-99-893-2847
MOD Registration: 13 FM 87
13 FM 87 was built in the Land Rover factory in Solihull on 30th January 1974, and delivered to CVD Hilton the next day. It was issued to 55 Signal Squadron (V) on 6 June 1974. On 25 February 1981 it went to 8 Field Force HQ and Signal Squadron, and then on to 6 Light Infantry (V) on 26 October 1981. It stayed there until it was sold off on 16 November 1987.
I bought the vehicle from a dealer on 14 January 1988. It had no distinctive markings, except the lozenge sign of an HQ vehicle on the door, and an obscenity written on the window frame (I guess a souvenir of the Light Infantry ...)
The radio table was drilled for Larkspur set carriers: no Clansman modifications were done. So it has had just two careful (?) owners, me and the MOD. In my possession it spent the years from 1990 to 1997 in the Beverley Museum
Clearly the best and most important years of its life were in 55 Signal Squadron.
I would be most interested to make contact with anyone who can help with this vehicles history and especially former members of 55 Signal squadron, to try to put together a history of the vehicle during those years.
It is likely that the vehicle's first big outing was annual camp in 1974: Liverpool to Harwich, then Hook of Holland into Germany for an exercise with the RCT, ending in Dusseldorf. Annual camp in1975 was probably again in Germany, Paderborn. Very likely the vehicle carried C11/R210 and C42 sets, with individual J1 harnesses. Probably a 27 foot mast was carried at the offside rear.
History
CO Maj Walmsley
1974 Reinsehlen Camp with the Logistic Support Group, RCT environment.
1975 Paderborn with the same organisation. CO Maj Robotham
1976 Burniston Barracks, Scarborough, Unit Trade Training Camp.
1978 Denmark, last exercise with the RCT. CO Maj Siderfin
1979 Rolleston Camp, (Now HMP Rolleston). Unit Trade Training Camp Liaison with 8 FF
1980 Exercise '?' Tour of England with 8 Field Force! )
CO Maj Clarke.
1981 Exercise Lionheart-BAOR Mobilisation Exercise 55 based at 7 Sig.Regt. Biggest exercise since WW2.
1982 Penhale Camp, Cornwall, Unit Trade and Adventurous Training Camp
If anyone can help me with further information - pictures, memories, maybe even documentation - please be in touch:
Alan Knell [Very, very ex-RAMC(V)]
Email:alan.knell@googlemail.com
3 comments so far...
All FFr's in the troops were fitted for clansman and were 3/4 ton LWB.
HQ troop had 1/2 ton and so did the techs. The picture shows your rover pulling a tech trailer commonly called a 'fish fryer' which would be 1/2 ton. Can't recollect this vehicle but will look through my pics to see if its there.
All 55 vehicles were commandeered for the falklands prior to 82 and were re-placed with LHD vehicles from Germany. Biggest load of crap ever. Joe Connelly (SQMS) or Mac McGuiness (Workshop Supervisor) might be able to help with specific info.
I remember clansman coming to 55, which was the start of my service in 75 and A & B troops had the bulk of the FFR's. The fact that your vehicle was not drilled for clansman puts in in HQ troop or with the techs.