An Austin Champ finds its new home at UK's Royal Signals Museum

Mike Buckley's family arrive at the Royal Signals Museum

Dorset, UK - With assistance from staff of Blandford Garrison, the Royal Signals Museum (Dorset, UK) has lifted a new vehicle display into position. The Austin Champ has been donated for public display by the family of Mike Buckley (1937 - 2022). Having utilized the Champ throughout his period of National Service with the Royal Corps of Signals (British Army), when he served as a Cipher Telegraphist, Mike bought the vehicle in the 1970s.

Later taking a commission as a Detachment Commander in the Surrey Army Cadet Force, Mike oversaw the formation of the signalling section which was used to introduce cadets to radio and line communications. Due to his sympathetic restoration of the Champ, which includes working Larkspur radio sets and various antennas, as well as the distinctive blue and white signalling flag of the Corps, it was often used for training during annual camps.

The Austin Champ was designed specifically for British and Commonwealth military use, its production aimed to replace an aging Jeep population and reduce dependency on foreign-manufactured vehicles. Royal Signals Museum

Development of the Austin Champ started in 1947. Designed specifically for British and Commonwealth military use, its production aimed to replace an aging Jeep population and reduce dependency on foreign-manufactured vehicles. It features a Rolls-Royce engine under the bonnet, all-independent suspension, five forward and five reverse gears, as well as a built-in snorkel that allowed wading in water. The Austin Motor Company was awarded the contract to produce 15,000 vehicles at a converted aircraft factory in Birmingham.

Still in working order, Mike’s Austin Champ was driven onto Blandford Camp by his son, Paul Buckley. He was joined for the handover by his mother, Sheila Buckley, and his sister Ruth Brundle, as well as her children Rosie, Sam, and Joe. Royal Signals Museum

Welcoming the donation, Adam Forty (Deputy Director of the Royal Signals Museum) said:

“Whilst I was sad to learn of Mike’s passing, it was a real joy to welcome his family to the Royal Signals Museum as we look to preserve the story of his service.

“His Austin Champ has been lovingly restored to working condition. In fact, the family recalled that Mike used the vehicle to drive Ruth to her wedding ceremony - what a way to arrive in style!"

“A long-time friend to the Royal Signals Museum, Mike’s legacy gift will allow us to further illuminate stories of National Service in this important anniversary year.”

Last year marked the 60th anniversary since the last National Serviceman left the armed forces. Stories and audio insights from this period can be found on the Museum's free digital guide, available via the globally accessible Bloomberg Connects app to download on smartphone and tablet devices. The Austin Champ can be found in the Museum’s upper gallery.

The Austin Champ was carefully hoisted into the museum. Royal Signals Museum

About the Royal Signals Museum: The Royal Signals Museum traces the fast-paced and complex history of the Royal Corps of Signals. The interactive displays at Dorset’s Museum of science and technology allow visitors to drive an armoured vehicle through a virtual landscape, direction find the enemy, set up a satellite network and practice Morse code. For more information, please visit www.royalsignalsmuseum.co.uk.