Thank you rangie for the video link! It does burn remarkably clean/blue-ish after warm up. Guess longer carbon chain fuels like diesel , No.2 or thicker heating oil products are suited only for pressurised spraying nozzles + forced air burners.
Having done a bit of research, I found that Lewis Motley designed what we call the Hydra burner. Lewis designed many things, especially during WW2. This is his 1930 patent to improve a previous design of fuel burner, so I don't know when it was first designed - GB327333A In the 1940 Manual of military cooking, it says trials have been conducted with the No 1 burner for over 12 years.
I was trained on these in ‘91, luckily never had to use one in anger. Can still remember the trench and racking over the top. Still have my best book with the notes I think. We mainly used the No5 and No4 (ex-catering Corps) thankfully. Just purchased a No12 which I never saw when I was in, other than the 1, 4 and 5 always wondered what the other numbered stoves looked like.
Great to hear of some first-hand (or eyebrow) experience! The No.12 is an excellent stove, enjoy! I have a couple of No.1s and most of the equipment, one gets fired up a few times a year for a bit of fun (or when vast quantities of hot water are required). I was also lucky to find a dual fuel petrol/LPG No.5 which hadn't been stripped of its petrol gear, its a lovely thing to use, a bit more "leisurely" than the No.1 though If you happen to stumble over your notebook I'd love the chance to peruse it/scan it for the Hydra "Archive" Alec.
Dave, it's the wondering of what the other numbered stoves were, that resulted in all the research behind this hobby page Alvis Stalwart & Bedford Files - Cooking equipment I'm an ex RE Stolly Op
Hi Mark, that looks brilliant I’ll have a read later. After a few years of stove fascination I think I’ve found a direction for my ever growing collection. British Military, the ones I never got to see!
Hi Alec I’ll use the No12 in the back of my car for days out and dog walking duties! I’ll dig out my books from basic training I haven’t read them since! There’s nothing in my books from the Army that I can find which is weird. I’m fastidious with my note making usually, I’ll have a good flick through.
