Next to follow was the magnificent 1913 Merryweather from the dispersal sale of the Michael Banfield collection. This machine served alongside my Dennis FA1075 at the Bass Brewery for 40 years.

From the same source came the 1914 Dennis 'N' Type AR5232. This is a very unusual lightweight Dennis.

Two Merryweather trailer pumps also joined the team. These have 3 cylinder piston pumps rather than a turbine as favoured by Dennis. Piston pumps need pressure vessels to damp out the pulsations.

Finally just to prove you don't have to be shiny and red to join the team, the only known surviving example of a 60HP WW1 type Dennis Trench Pump headed north.

Tracing the History of your Dennis Appliance

Following the closure of the Dennis Woodbridge Hill factory in 1991 all the factory archives were transferred to the Surrey History Centre.

Surrey History Centre - Dennis Archive

The factory meticulously recorded all of their appliance production and original factory photographs exist for many appliances.  Many of the Dennis drawings and photographs have now been catalogued by the Surrey History Centre. The catalogues may be downloaded by using the following link.

http://www.surreycc.gov.uk/heritage-culture-and-recreation/archives-and-history/surrey-history-centre/surrey-history-centre-help-for-researchers/archives-and-history-research-guides/dennis-specialist-vehicles/dennis-drawings-and-photographs
 

The new Dennis factory is still in Guildford on the Slyfield Industrial Estate.

 I am grateful to the Surrey History Centre and Alexander-Dennis for permission to reproduce images from their archive. These images are the copyright of Alexander-Dennis

For further information relating to this  Northern Collection of Dennis Fire Engines please email;

DrBAH999@aol.com