This is one of the Cdr Samson's original RNAS Clement-Talbots from the autumn 1914.
21 were ordered. It is not sure if that amount was really ever built. Most probably not. What I know for sure is that 6 Talbots were in service in France. The Germans captured one in 9th Oct 1914 when Antwerp surrendered.
"Open top" configuration of the armour of these Talbots was similar to RR and often these Talbots are thought to be Rolls Royces.
After that, in November 1914, five Talbots and one RR were modified to this model in the Dunkerque yard. The idea was to improve very bad personnel protection of the first armoured cars.
They just raised the armour and took some of from the low sector to balance the weight. As these were modified very individually, there were two different types of hull: long and short one.
Four names of these five Talbots are known: HMS Aniche, HMS Cassel, HMS Orchies and HMS Douai, all named after the RNAS battles.
This one is long hull version, because it has a long end after the rear axle. I suppose the photo has been taken soon after the construction in Dunkerque yard, because it looks brand new. Also, Cdr Samson told that these cars had camouflage paint.
http://landships.activeboard.com/t47684339/talbot-armoured
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