The 1950's saw the launch of the popular Bedford S type trucks, the so-called Big Bedford's, which brought the company into the seven tonne range.

The S series was immortalised in RL form (a four-wheel drive, high ground-clearance version), as the 'Green Goddess' emergency fire tender, used by the British Army.

In 2008, as part of a rationalisation a large quantity of Green Goddesses were withdrawn from service and offered for sale within the private sector.

Several have found new homes in African countries that lack a developed fire-fighting service, such as Kenya.

These vehicles were available in rigid and tractor units, with either petrol or diesel engines.

The UK military were a huge customer for Bedford RLs using a 4.9 litre straight six petrol engine.

Many RL's found their way into the armed forces of Commonwealth countries and later into civilian use.

Alongside the S series trucks, the SB bus was released in 1950, and immediately became a big seller around the world, as w...