‘Offices on wheels’

Some of us may be familiar with the concept of mobile libraries offering library services in places where they wouldn’t otherwise be easily accessible. However, have you heard of a mobile post office providing a similar model for postal services?

Whether in times of crisis or celebration, 'offices on wheels' were always nearby, serving their communities. Archivist Helen Dafter from The Postal Museum in London gives us a brief history of the mobile post office.

Mobile post offices have had various forms over the years and have been used in both times of celebration, such as agricultural shows, as well as in times of crisis, such as war time.

Celebrations

During the 1930s, the Post Office decided there was a need for the provision of telegraph, telephone and postal facilities at special events, such as race meetings and shows. It was felt that an ‘office on wheels’ would best meet this need.

The need for manoeuvrability, safety, space and economy dictated an articulated vehicle. The towing unit was a Morris Commercial Leader three-tonne tractor unit, which was given the registration index ‘GPO 1’ for use on ‘special’ Post Office vehicles.

Much attention was paid to the fittings of the trailer. There were three windows for transactions at the postal and telegraph counters on the nearside of the vehicle, while the ‘office on wheels’ was equipped with two telephone cabinets, a generator, teleprinter, counter, stamp machines, letter chute and mail bags.

GPO 1 made its first appearance at the Marden and District Commercial Fruit Show, Kent, between 6-8 October 1936. It was an immediate success and the introduction of a second mobile post office was approved.

Crisis

During the Second World War, the two mobile post offices were transferred to war service. The war also bought about the need for a new type of mobile post office. Communications were more important than ever, but post office buildings were often damaged in air raids. This resulted in the introduction of mobile, tented post offices which could be quickly deployed where required.

Community

Although the demand for mobile post offices at sporting events and agricultural shows declined from the 1980s, a new form of demand emerged in the 1990s. In 1996, vans were introduced to provide post office services to towns and villages where the local post office had closed. In June 2019, there were 60 mobile post office services in the UK.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, the Postal Museum still hasn’t been able to open its doors, but they have been busy behind the scenes to ensure the museum can reopen safely later this year. Click here for more. Remember, with a valid ID, Royal Mail colleagues can access the museum for free.