An interesting Luton story relating to a Vauxhall Motors WW2 Veteran who was one of many REME engineers, trained by Vauxhall, who were ’embedded’ with tank regiments throughout the conflict in Europe and North Africa. These guys were tasked with keeping the Churchill tanks, produced in Luton, in serviceable condition on the front line. They often trained teams of people in the ways of field repairs to keep up the strength of mechanised units. The later variants, of the 6,500 Churchill Tanks produced in our town, were considered to be the best of all Allied tanks – another little-know facet of the heritage of our town.
Ernie was a real character apparently. We’d like to wish him a very happy 105th birthday from Luton and many happy returns.
