The 15 cwt CS8 Morris-Commercial prototype was built in 1934 . The British WO ( War Office ) had a need for a general purpose vehicle of around 15 cwt capacity and MCC, in co-operation with the WO , designed a new truck using many parts from their 1933 civilian C series range . The new MCC WO truck was to be known as the CS8 ( S meaning 6 cyl and 8 meaning approx. 8 ft wheelbase ) . The little WO truck displayed some innovations , it had a short stubby appearance with a high ground clearance and the semi forward control layout enabled maximum use of the cargo area . The CS8 went on to evolve into the ubiquitous 15 cwt general purpose truck that was eventually built by other British manufacturers such as Guy, Bedford , Commer and Fordson. The 15 cwt range of vehicles were made in large numbers and they became the backbone of the British army . The CS8 was built in three Mk's until approx. 1942 when a 4 cyl variant , the C4 model replaced it . Until around late 1940 CS8's were fitted with small aero screens and canvas doors but, during 1941 a revised cab appeared with a full windscreen and metal skinned half doors. During 1942 a 4 cyl variant , the C4, replaced the CS8 . The C4 was essentially the same truck as the CS8 but it had a 4cyl engine , it was built in two Mk's ( different wheelbases ), and it was fitted with a full windscreen and metal doors like the late CS8's . The CS8/C4's were eventually replaced by the 4 cylinder 4X4 C8 quad models that began production during 1944 , these were based on the earlier quad artillery tractors . The CS8 was powered by the 6 cylinder 25 HP side valve engine as used in the 8 cwt PU .
The CS8 was seen fitted with many body types and it was used in many different roles including office, house wireless, water tanker, petrol bowser, 2 pounder portee, compressor.
The lengthened CS8 chassis was used as the basis of the CS9 Armoured car . Approx. 100 of these were built . Some served with the BEF in France and others in the Nth African desert where their excessive weight and 4x2 configuration was a drawback.
Probably the best known CS8 Morris seen around the world would be the vehicle used in the 1960's U.S. TV comedy series " HOGAN'S HEROES " . Set in a WW2 POW camp the vehicle appeared in many episodes as a German truck . It was a rather lucky break for the series makers that this was historically correct as many CS8's were captured at Dunkirk and subsequently used by the wermacht .
During 1944 the 4X4 C8 appeared , based on the earlier Quad FAT gun tractor it used a steel or wooden GS body .
CS8 4X2 1934-42 6 cyl 25 HP side valve engine
C4 4X2 1942-44 4 cyl 25 HP side valve engine
C8 4X4 1944-45 4 cyl 25 HP side valve engine
CS8 Production figures appear on the contract cards held at Bovington and the numbers add up to 21,319 vehicles built from 1934 to 1941