The Southern Railway built 100 of these vans between 1931 and 1934 to carry fresh meat, mainly from the West Country to the principal markets in London and the Midlands. They lasted in service into the 1960s, although some vans were used for general goods traffic in later years. They were quite unusual vehicles, with their sliding doors. Three types of ventilator were used, roof, end and side panel .Transfers for SR and BR livery periods.