Bent Fork?

Pictures...

Yes, the fork is bent. The axis of the head tube and fork assembly should be parallel to the seat tube. You might want to check that the top tube and down tube do not have slight bulges or bends where they join the head tube assembly as well. This often happens when the bike hits something solid. The frame and fork can be straightened with appropriate tools and methods. The frame could be made as late as 1942.

Thanks so much! Thats what I thought.  I haven't checked for the top or down tube bulges, but I have seen them on damaged road bikes before. 
 

If the frame is ok, I can probably get a fork easily enough. I'll have to decide on the future of this one. 
 

Once again, thank you for sharing your knowledge.

All the best!

Just curious...

Would the deviation in the straightness of the downtube at the head tube be a feature of the build (design) or more likely due to the impact? There are no visible bulges or ripples in the top or down tube. Thank you!

As noted. the fork is bent. The blades display a reverse bend typical of a front end collision. The top and down tubes of the frame also display a bend. Fortunately, there is no indication of creases or wrinkles in the metal, so they can safely be straightened. These blades and tubes were made with a relatively mild steel and are quite easy to straighten and align, though it can be quite time consuming for novices who don't have a feel for the steel's propertiies.

Based on the angle of the fork crown relative to the lower headset cup, the fork's steering column may also be be bent. If so, this will be the hardest  to straighten. It is almost impossible to get it back to original condition. A straight steering column is critical to maintain alignment between the upper and lower races. Without this, the headset does not operate smoothly and will exhibit premature and uneven wear. Of course, many owners are willing to accept less than perfect headset operation, rather than incur the time and cost of sourcing a new fork or  installing a new steering column

I do see it all more clearly now when I stand back. Both tubes are bent. Shame. It's quite likely the steer tube has a significant bend in it as well. If I were to proceed with finding someone to straighten the frame, I think I would try to source another fork.

I learned a lot today.

Thanks again and all the best!

Where are you Freelander? I am not sure what your plans were for this bike, but I am willing to send you another (straight) frame and fork for free if you are willing to pay for the postage.

Thank you, that is a very kind and generous offer! That's ok though as this bike was given to me with a few others by a friend who was throwing them out. I have a few others (more recent) in better condition. I will however be saving whatever parts I can from this one. 
 

Thank you for being so helpful in every regard. 
 

Take care and all the best!