About: War Office Subsidy Scheme

In 1900 the War Office formed a Mechanical Transport Committee looking to develop the use of mechanical transport as a way to move troops, equipment and supplies (as an alternative to horse drawn transport). A subsidy scheme - also known as a subvention scheme - was devised where approved vehicles (tested in subsidy trials) bought by civilian owners would be granted a subsidy in exchange for the vehicles being made available in time of war. While the financial details of the scheme were complex and changed over time, the trials and their results both improved the vehicles and engines available for heavy transport, and had an important influence on the vehicles and engines that were made and used during WW1.