New type of breakdown lorry for London fire brigade . A new type of lorry for use in breakdown and other mishaps which require a powerful portable crane has been delivered to the London Fire Brigade . The lorry has a swivelling type breakdown crane capable of lifting eight tons and is designed to carry a 15 ton capacity four wheel commercial ambulance . the apparatus will be useful for extricating persons involved in accidents with machinery and heavy vehicles , in the collapse of buildings during fires , for getting horses out of difficulties and many other purposes . Photo shows , demonstrating the new breakdown lorry at the Fire Brigade headquarters , Southwark . 6 April 1936