Caravaning in the Late 1930's

Caravanning Late 1930’s

My Father was a Policeman in London before the war. Both his and my mother’s family lived at Chandler’s Ford Hants and had a Garage Owner friend in nearby Eastleigh. This man had built a caravan on a WW1 gun carriage chassis, which was fairly common of the time. It was about 9 x 6 feet with a small triangular bay window to the front, windows to each side a rear central entry stable door with window in the top section. All windows were of diamond shaped leaded glass. There were padded bench seats to each side and at night the backs would be propped up to form four bunks. My parents and two brothers used these and being the youngest I was slung in a hammock up in the lantern roof.

Our friend would place this caravan in a Farmer’s field at Milford-on-Sea close to the beach. We would travel by train from London to Eastleigh and be transported to Milford. Milk was delivered daily by the Farmer in his milk float and he would dip measured amounts into our milk jug, which would then be covered by a beaded piece of lace. The farmer would load us into the float for a ride while he served other campers. Cooking in the caravan was done on a small Valor oil stove but much of our food came from a “Chippie” in the town. They also provided wonderful Faggots for which I developed a liking. The caravan’s positioning was well situated for our beach activities and Kite flying.

This photo was taken by my father in 1937 that provides some idea of the caravan and its height from the ground caused by the gun carriage chassis and I am the little chap in the middle.

The largest liner to leave Southampton and exit via the IOW Needles side was the Empress of Britain which King George VI returned on after visiting Canada in 1939. The ship left during our holiday and was very close to the shore at nearby Keyhaven. I remember my father put me on his shoulders to get a good view. I have kept a mental picture of this three-funnelled ship that seemed to be painted on a clear blue sky. A wonderful sight. Years later when visiting Liverpool I found a post card of this ship which matched my mental picture. I was greatly saddened during the war when this beautiful ship was sunk off the Irish coast.

All too soon our week’s holiday would end and we would dress in smart clothes for our return journey to London.

Peter Todd.