Eccentric British general and special forces leader, Charles Orde Wingate (right) "up the jungle" with Chindit raiders behind Japanese lines, Burma.

Wingate.

The Supermarine Walrus: one of many WW2 airplanes of all belligerents whose the fame was in an unfair manner overshadowed by other perhaps most elegant aircraft as the fighters and the bombers. In reality the Walrus, as other similar airplanes both Allied both Axis, was an ubiquitous aircraft which did precious services in many roles as spotting aircraft, search-and-rescue, mine-reconnaissance… The aircraft of this photo is one of this British amphibian aircrafts parked on airfield at Cape Bon, Tunisia, 1943, and anchored the ground with ropes tied to fuel drums. Notice also the undercarriage's tire wheels  protected against the North African sun’s effects by canvas. Victor Sierra

An aircraft which did precious services

Beaverette Mark 1 light armoured car/reconnaissance car, produced in substantial numbers in the period following the evacuation (without its heavy equipment) of the BEF from France, 1940.  These were built by the Standard Motor Company Ltd. Coventry, using the chassis of the Standard 14 saloon car (there just happened to be a lot of S-14 bits in stock at the time !).  Beaverettes were used mainly in airfield protection and by the Home Guard; some, however, seem to have been used, at least for a short time, by the regular British Army.  Although there were improvements in the range, through to the Mark IV, complaints from users included inadequate protection, poor handling and very, very poor visibility (at least, unless you were in a position to stand up and peer over the top of the superstructure, which was open in the Mk I and Mk II).  Probably just as well that Captain Mainwaring and Corporal Jones never had to confront Rommel in one of these ...  Best regards, JR