1:48 scale diecast truck from the Hobby Master 1:48 Ground Power Series HG1302. Tilly British Army, Northern Europe.

Length 3 inches
Width 1 inches

Early in WWII the need for a small utility vehicle became apparent. To expedite the manufacturing process some civilian car designs were modified. These small utility vehicles were usually referred to as “tilly”, a play on the word utility. There were 4 major producers of these vehicles, Austin, Hillman, Standard and Morris. Manufacturers kept some of their distinctive physical features such as hoods (bonnets) and grilles. The “tilly” was well suited for the multitude of tasks it was assigned and became an iconic WWII British vehicle.

The British Light Utility Vehicle “Tilly” had very limited off-road abilities and as WWII progressed the America made Jeep took over the rough and heavy work involved with off-road work. The Tilly was found in just about every theatre of operation where the British military was involved. In late 1944 after D-day the Tilly was found in Northwestern Europe at airfields providing transportation of air crews and supplies as well as providing a mobile base for communication purposes.