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LMS coach no. 6204 converted to an ambulance train car, 1939
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LMS coach no. 6204 converted to an ambulance train car, 1939
This official photograph of an ambulance train car was taken on behalf of the Swindon Works Drawing Office in October 1939. This is one of 16 LMS 57ft corridor third class coaches that were converted at Swindon during late 1939 for use in ambulance trains both at home and overseas. Car no. 6204, featured in this image, was converted into an administrative car that formed part of an ambulance train for use on Britains railways. The administrative car was comprehensively fitted out with a sick officers compartment, kit store, pharmacy compartment, office and medical store. The exterior of the car was painted khaki with a white and red cross in the centre of the body on each side, and it is interesting to note that blackout precautions were taken into account during the conversion of the vehicles with all the external windows of the carriage painted black
STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway
Media ID 19938947
Coach Swindon Works Third Class World War 2 Administrative Blackout Converted
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this evocative photograph from the STEAM Museum of the Great Western Railway, we witness LMS coach number 6204, transformed into an ambulance train car in October 1939. This coach was one of sixteen 57ft corridor third class cars converted at Swindon Works for use in ambulance trains, both domestically and abroad during World War 2. Car no. 6204, showcased in this image, was meticulously converted into an administrative car, serving as a crucial component of a British ambulance train. The interior of the car underwent a comprehensive refurbishment, which included the installation of a sick officer's compartment, a kit store, a pharmacy compartment, an office, and a medical store. The exterior of the car was painted in a khaki hue, with prominent white and red crosses adorning each side. It is noteworthy that blackout precautions were taken into consideration during the conversion process. All external windows of the carriage were painted black, ensuring that the vehicle remained discreet and camouflaged during nighttime operations. This official photograph, taken on behalf of the Swindon Works Drawing Office, offers a unique glimpse into the vital role that railways and their rolling stock played during wartime, as they were repurposed to provide essential medical support for the armed forces and civilians alike.
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