During the Second World War, the United Kingdom was the only country to develop and widely employ purpose-built armoured command vehicles.

The vehicle, based on AEC Matador chassis, entered production in 1941.

The vehicle was used for the first time in the North African Campaign and remained in service until the end of the war.

Big and comfortable, it was nicknamed "Dorchester" by the troops, after the luxury hotel in London.

Two of them, named "Max" and "Moritz", were employed by Rommel and his staff throughout the campaign.