FLYING THE FODEN KITE PART THREE
David asks that special thanks be given to Wobbe Reitsma as his book ‘Foden Export Vehicles’ is a source for many of the details provided.
1 - On Trial
Although 1856 is always quoted as the year Foden was founded, it wasn’t until 1901 that Edwin – and his son William – laid down a marker of their firm’s capabilities with an exceptional performance in the War Office trials held in that year. The competition of Self-Propelled Lorries for Military Purposes attracted 11 entries to the Guildford area. This saw the Foden three tonner cover a round trip of 600 (trouble free) miles in three weeks. Fully loaded and also pulling a drawbar trailer, the trial meant an all up weight 0f 12-13 tons but the speed across the ground and the economical use of fuel by the Foden saw it classed as a clear winner in many people’s eyes. Due to technical reasons, the steamer entered by Thornycroft was given first prize but Edwin returned with a cheque for £250 after being adjudged the event’s runner up.
2 - War Effort
The War Office Trials had proved so successful that during the First World War, the army went on to requisition the entire production of Foden’s wagons for the duration of the war and as a result very few were made available for civilian purposes. At the end of the war in 1918, 1200 overtype wagons were in use in France of which 800 were Fodens. This picture shows one week’s production waiting to be delivered.
2a - Making Shells
During the 1914-18 conflict, Foden also made thousands of 9.6in shells used in naval guns. This photo shows the MOD inspectors checking the shells. It was noted that throughout the war none of the Foden made
