The Scandalous Mishandling of World War I Surplus by the Government

Outrage in 1919

In 1919, there was widespread outrage as thousands of taxpayer-funded cars, trucks, and motorcycles were left to deteriorate in the open. The neglect of these vehicles raised questions about the nation’s property management.

The Wastage at Kempton Park

One of Britain’s surplus armed forces depots, Kempton Park, was filled with around 7,000 cars out of the War Office’s total of 12,000. Despite a high demand for these vehicles, interested buyers faced numerous obstacles to acquire them.

The Motor Cycle Magazine’s Anger

The Motor Cycle magazine also expressed anger over the wastage, noting that many vehicles required extensive repairs before they could be roadworthy. Some had even been damaged during wartime activities in Flanders.

Efforts to Recoup Costs

To recover some of the war costs, a Surplus Government Property Disposal Board was established under the Ministry of Munitions. However, initial efforts to sell off surplus vehicles faced challenges.

Positive Developments

Despite the initial setbacks, there were positive developments such as large vehicle auctions and deals for surplus depots. One notable deal involved the sale of a depot to a consortium led by Ford of Britain’s former boss, Percival Perry.

Conclusion of the Board’s Work

After handling millions of tons of surplus material and generating significant revenue, the Surplus Government Property Disposal Board concluded its work in March 1924. The board’s efforts helped recoup a substantial amount of money, mostly from war-torn countries like France and Belgium.