The Bedford QL line of military trucks was established in the late 1930s for the British Army to have a more modern and flexible transport vehicle. Following the conclusion of testing in 1940 and in early 1941, the Bedford QLs were distributed to Army Corps, Regiments and other Units. For the duration of the war it was deployed on various fronts, proving to be a highly effective support vehicle for meeting both logistical and transportation needs due to its four-wheel drive and relatively low weight which further enhanced its load capacity. With its flexibility and robustness, it was also used for towing and transporting artillery pieces such as the 6 pounder anti-tank gun and the 40mm Bofors anti-aircraft gun. Equipped with a 72 horsepower 6-cylinder petrol engine, it was also notable for its ease of maintenance and repair, an important feature on the battlefield.