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DECEMBER 2000

Photo of what, possibly, is thefìrst Bantam proto-type.

The

Victorian Military Vehicle Carps Inc.

Newsletter A 5955

Victorian MilitaíyVehiele C o~sOFFICE BEARERS:

PRESIDENT:Lionel Smart (03) 9758 2748Email: I ione Ismart(qhotmaitcom

VICEPRESlDENT:Don Ashton (03) 5962 4587

SECRETARY:Brian Brown (03) 9436 9016PO Box 367

RESERVOIR 3073Emai1: brivon37(qyahoo.com.au

TREASURER:Michael Kaukas (03) 98708287Mail address: VMVC Treasurer

6 Avalon Grove,RINGWOOD 3134

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:Alf BrooksHenry Davies

Ian Eddy

(03) 9459 0139(03) 9878 5411(03) 9778 4097

,,~

DECEMBER 2000EDITOR~Bev KerslakePO Box 327PAKENHAM 3810EmaiI: bevk(qdcsi.net.au

(03) 5941 3707Fax: (03) 5940 1673

TRIP COMMITTEE:Don AshtonAlf BrooksMichael KaukasTerr Oakley

Lionel Smart

(03) 59624587(03) 9459 0139(03) 9870 8287(03) 5726 1775(03) 9758 2748

CATERING OFFICER:Ian Eddy (03) 9778 4097

VEHICLE INSPECTION OFFICER &AOMC DELEGATE: Henry Davies (03) 98785411

LIBRARIAN/QUARTERMASTER:John Brown (03) 9758 5964ASST. QUARTERMASTER:Graeme Kers1ake (storage of some heavy items)

Meetings held at RATS OF TOBRUK HALL, 44 Victoria Avenue, ALBERT PARK - first Tuesday of the month.

No meeting in January.WEB SITE: www.geocities.com/Motorcity/Factory/1008CONTACT: Anthony Jck - Email: ick(qhotkey.net.au OR 33 Parrakeet Road, WERRlBEE 3030

The Editor reserves the right to amend, edit or delete any articles or items submitted for publication in the Newsletter.

i (.l-5l: ,l

... '.'.,'.._'.', " ..,'..... ."'.-.-.- ',.

CALENDAR..ÛF'/COMING.....EVEN'I$.i.. .

DEC 3 - SUN

DEC 5 - TUE

DEC 17 - SUN

DEC 27 - WEDto JAN 3 - WED

2001JAN 14 -SUN

JAN 21

JAN 26 - FRI

JAN 28 - SUN

FEB3-SAT

FEB 2 - 5

FEB 6 - TUE

FEB 11 - SUN

FEB 24 - SAT

MAR6-TUE

MAR 10 - SAT& 11 SUN

MAR 14-23

MAR 18 - SUN

APRIL 8 - SUN

APRIL 26 - 29

END OF YEAR GET TOGETHER - MELBOURNE TANK MUSEUM, Belgrave-Hallam Road,Narre Warren North. Melway Map 108, H-2. BBQ available. Arrive from 10.30 am. John wilput one of his vehicles through its paces. There is an entr fee to view the Museum.

BILL WHEELER MEMORIAL LADIES NIGHT 8.00 PM - Bring along your partner to join usat the final meeting for the year. There wil be a couple of door prizes awarded. Would all membersplease bring along something toward supper.

TRIP PLOTTING

CHRISTMAS TRIP, KEVINGTON - Beautiful camping area on private propert alongside theGoulburn River. From Melboure, make your way to Mansfield then to Jamieson and follow theWoods Point Road until you get to the Kevington HoteL As you pass the pub, the first propert gate onthe left is our drveway. Sign on front of house gateway wil read 'BOCKING'. Arrive at any. reasonable hour. Please ask at house for directions to camp site. We normally have a BBQ tea onFriday 29th (BYO) at the house or you can stay at camp. Also, a New Year's Eve part/BBQ (BYO)and special"entertainment" with the hosts and locals. All VMVC members are welcome but I musthave an idea on numbers if possible. Day trps can be arranged while at camp. Normal procedurewil apply with the opening and closing of livestock gates and any fire restrictions that may be in forceat the time. A convoy can be aranged between members who are interested or at a future meeting.Furher inquiries ring Lionel Smart (03) 9758 2748.

TRIP PLOTTING

RACV GREAT AUSTRALIAN RALLY

AUSTRALIA DAY RALLY IN THE DOMAIN GARDENS. MELBOURNE - Meeting place forconvoy wil be Domain Road, between Walsh Street and Punt Road. (Melway Map 2L E2) Assembleby 9.30 am when we wil proceed to our designated spot in Kings Domain. Don't forget to attend yourstaring point first, i.e. Northland, Chadstone, etc, to collect your entr permit. If

we don't arive

together we cannot park together.

TRIP PLOTTING

DVHCC SWAP MEET - Akoonah Park, Princes Highway, Berwick.

AMVCS WAR MEMORIAL RALLY CANBERRA - Re-scheduled from ApriL.

MEETING TOBRUK HOUSE - 8.00 pm

PICNIC AT HANGING ROCK - $8.00 Council charge to enter. Make your own way there.

AUSTRALIAN ARMY'S 100 BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS - To be held at Victoria Barracks.We have been invited to attend and set up displays. More information as it comes to hand.Contact Michael Kaukas - 9626 1205 BH, 9870 8287 AH.

MEETING TOBRUK HOUSE - 8.00 pm

OZKOSH DOWNUNDER, BALLARAT AIRFIELD. There isa $10 entry fee for vehicles, whichincludes all passengers. Make your own way there.

ANNUAL CLUB TOUR 2001 - See previous Newsletter for itinerar.

AMERICAN MOTORING SHOW, FLEMINGTON RACECOURSE - Entr $7.00 per vehicle.

BRITISH & EUROPEAN MOTORING SHOW, FLEMINGTON RACECOURSE. Entr $7.00.

SHANNON'S 2001 NATIONAL MOTORING TOUR TO CANBERRA

Paae 3b

VEHICLE INSURANCE

NOTEA 'Yebsite worthvÎsit.WW.iniHta.ryart:.co~~;~

T.fl. Î.s. Î.s. a b.. 10. k. ew....h..... '. .... ... i... .

d. ....... ..... 01S CUHrrallliecïrawsall ... ............... ... ..I~te.......q.Ul...p.. ....m.......e...n.. t ..H..... tYpeS...Ofrrl1it.a....1Y... .... . . .... eactua11d .. .....

co. u. p.. ...1.e... ö..f.... ..ve..h. ....1......... . ......... .... LV. .... . rewa.... .... .... ... .. .icesat theCOXU1Tercla1Vehîcl..' . ...rec(ititly.. ............e PlSP+a.J1

The RA..CV are nO\\1 into Veteran, Vintage and Classic vehicle

insurance. The policy includes agreed value, choice of repairerand retention of salvage.

The policy also comes with free RACV Extra Caremembership. This includes eight free service calls per year,free towing in metro and countr areas, free taxi ride to yourdestination, accommodation and rental vehicle up to five dayswhere breakdown occurs more than 100 klm from home andfree transport of your vehicle home if your vehicle cmmot berepaired.

The fee is reported to be $48.50, which includes stap duty andGST for agreed value up to $10,000. Call the RACY on1800 646 605 for policy inquiries.

(Injòrmation provided by Brian Brown)

WE WELCOME THE FOLLOWING NEW MEMBERS ......

Colin Smith #349 35 Edino Road, FERNTREE GULLY 3156 PHONE: 97583916(Vehicle: 1958 Wilys Overlander)

Benjamin Hemmings #350 10 Newstead Way, WANIRNA 8TH 3152 PHONE: 9887 0938(Vehicle: Series 3 Land Rover)

IXEA!)LfNE for

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING CHANGES OFADDRESS. . .

~: c. ' -., :.- - .-.. . ".co_ -.-.._. . ... ,',' ,.",':.", - '" . -' - : . -'. " , .' -.. ....:..:-___:.-:_d:_-'.:._.,d::,--.:..:-':'... :',..:':."":.' '.' ..:....-..... .... -.',"'..,.....,---.:-...._--.-- _:--"- -.. :----:-.. .- _.'-- ---'. .'.'.'. .'-' ",' ".,-,. '.c,......-.::'..--.._.--........,,-:...'_... ", , -. . .' '-:d' ....._ _ ___'.',". '.. ,': - _'d". .d._.._....,,-__,.-._..._,,"....'.. ',,,' _..'.',.... .

. . FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER," ,', ,- ,-' " :.' '" . .: '~

isFRÍnA.Y 20 JANUARY 2001

#102 Maurice Johnson, 330 Toomuc Valley Rd, PAKENHAM#162 Alan Carpenter, Pages Road, JOHNSONVILLE 3902#45 Bil O'Reily, 68C Well Street, BRIGHTON 3186#335 Stuart Pike, 116 NevV1Y St, NORTH CARLTON 3054

3810 '::.-':.:":',.d,,:::"',:-':.',,'.t,""'--' . ..'::

'.,PO:m5X327, PAKENHAM 3810. '.: -' - ,-.:':,","'.', ,:----- . .'. ",.. ...-.....:-.... -'...-...... '.'-'c.'_'.._:-'.: _, :.__'C' ..---'. ',"

PHONE:' (03) 5941 3707FAX: (03)59401673EMAIL: bevk(idcsi.net.au

1941 Bantam BRC

(Reconnaissance Car)

Wanted"InformationLi ht on Federal 604g Tank Transp tWhereabouts, wor:;hers.manual, body panels opetc. and any h. , Pars,. " istoiyparticularl . ,GeoffD y in Australiaodge #281(03) 64257338 Phone/Fax

Had a report fromRichard Coutts-Smith on theauction of militar vehicles held

recently at Lue, NSW.

Apparently conditions were very,very wet, with keen buyers butpoor organization.

A few bargains, good variety.Centurions now wort$30,000 (+ GST)!

For Sale

1942 Jeep SfNo 1469~O, Date6/2/42. Philppine bodyPlate d ine

arly customize , eng 0p d MD. $6,000 ONrecon , 11 4P Tissot (03) 9822 4 .

Wanted to Buy or Hire

Searchlight.Born McArhur (03)5574 0224

Page 4

For-Sale

Dodge 1958ex--RAAF 4 x 4,frontVlinch,spare set of\Ah et3 1$, lyres; tubes 9.00 x 16.

Goodrul1ningorder, 56,000

miles, KWW454. Needsre'-rego and paint job, $8,500Jim Cooke, (03) 5795 2196

~%;; flr,Gt -A-'

WantedDodge 9.00 x 16 .Useable water tyes in ~ood condo

Brt pump to suit Chevi z, ~o hole tye or kit to suit.Have singlehole type to exchanKen Morris # 62 (03) S941179~e.

Experimental Wilys MBL1/4 ton 4 x 4 Truck

(stripped) was photographedat the Aberdeen ProvingGround on August 16, 1943.

FROM THE PRESIDENT....A big "thank you" to the members who paricipatedin the Historical Commercial Vehicle Display atChesterfield Farm, Ferntree Gully on Sunday12 November.

A great day was had by all present plus the membersand families that dropped in for a visit durng theday. Nineteen vehicles and two trailers on display.A great effort I

I LiO~~l Smart

Page 5

'D.1lS.O..O...O1llll¡p....ffEP~ff1l8o... o..lir~U.If~IE¡p(Q~V.$9i~.01rffJlP'fG;

EUROA WOOL FESTIVAL - 4 November

Leaving our starting point at Campbellfield at

7.00 am, our convoy of five vehicles followed theDodge that had left earlier. Heading up thehighway with rather gloomy looking skies

overhead, it wasn't 'til we crossed the Divide, that allsigns of rain disappeared.

When we reached Avenel, (catching up with the Dodge)we stopped for a coffee. After about 15 minutes, it was offagain, speeding up the highway at 45 mph, until we arrivedat Euroa at about 9.25 am, to be met by a member whohad arrived on the Friday with his family. We were soonjoined by two more members, one in a vintagePackard.

At 10.00 am it was off for the street parade; down onestreet then into the main street past many onlookers,(the crowd appeared to be bigger than last year). We thendid another lap, finally coming back into the main streetwhere we parked to allow the public to look over ourvehicles. We spent the next couple of hours looking overthe stalls, etc, and talking to the public.

Organizer Leanne Bakerwas extremely pleased that wehad travelled such a long distance to take part in theparade.

At 12.30 pm we moved off

to the local Museumwhere we were treated to a BBO and drink.

We also got to look over the excellent Museumwhich happened to contain two German MinewerferMortars that were captured at the battle for VilersBretonneux in April 1918. There was also a room

filed with memorabila and photos of people from thedistrict who had served

After thanking Leanne for the BBO we headed off forhome, stopping for coffee near Tallarook, before arrivinghome about 4.30 pm after a very enjoyable day. Next yearwe thought we might camp overnight and come home thenext day.

A special thank you to the seven vehicles who travelled upfrom Melbourne, as I was on my own last year - but a bitdisappointing that the country members we had last yeardidn't make it this year as it is always good catching upwith them.

Vehicles attending - 5 Jeeps, Land Rover, Dodge WC,Vauxhall Staff Car, vintage Packard.

Brian Brown # 55

A WEEK LATER. . . . . .. FURTHER UP THE HIGHWAY

The rural City ofWangaratta played host to the 2/24th Battlion, 2nd AIF. This Unit has always

been known throughout the War as 'Wangaratta's Own' and this weekend marked the 60thaniversar of the marching from the Wangaratta Showgrounds to the railway station, to traveloverseas to the Middle East.

Member David Willams, as an RSL Committee Member, was given the job of Transport Co-ordinator.

The task was to move some 60 old Diggers from the Showgrounds to the War Memorial, a distance of somethree kilometers. At the request of the RSL President, Col. Alan McFarlane, for WW2 vehicles, David wasable to round up nine Jeeps and one Dodge Weapons Carrier.

After the parade all members were invited back to the Wangaratta Tovv' Hall for a sit-down meal, alongwith some 300 ex-servicemen and their wives. The VMVC members acquitted themselves extremely well,much to the delight of the old Diggers. Well done!.

Vehicles in attendance - Glenn StonesDoug PartingtonKen KnoxTerr Kay

Bar Wilson

Dodge Weapons Carier

Wilys Jeep (owned by Mrs Stones)Wilys Jeep Bob Bevan JeepJeep Neil Barel JeepJeep Kevin Day Wilys Jeep

Unfortnately, due to circumstances beyond their control, (not a breakdown) Alex Duke's Ford Jeep andTerr Kay's Follow Me Jeep were unable to attend.

David Wiliams #184

1 (.Oe: V

FIRST CALL FOR ANZAC DAY 2001(WEDNESDAY 25 APRIL)

PLEASE NOTE - CHANGED FROM LAST YEAR

The March Committee has requested earlyadvice on how many VMVC vehicles will beparticipating at the Melbourne Anac Day March.By the February K. o. Meeting they wil have

an approximate number of personnel marchig. We needto do the same for our vehicles.

VMC Jeeps, Champs, Dodges, Landrovers, Toyotas, smallCMP's, plus GMC's and Studebakers (providing theselatter vehicles have safe seating and sturdy ladders) areinvited to participate.

ORGANZATIONAL DETAIS

1 Complete the slip below and mail immediately toJim Harris. I will allocate tasks on receipt of the slipand advise you on the mornig of the 25th ApriL.

,.._.~:..:::':;'~~~

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2 Convene as usual in Fliders Street, Melbourne,opposite the eastern end of Queen Street (MelwaysMap lA, F-ll) at 7.30 am please, to allow organising and briefing time as we disperse at 8.45 am.

3 Dress in khaki/green with appropriate hat so we can give the appearance of a co-ordinated team.

.............. ....... e... ..... e..... ............ e. e..

COMPLETE & FORWARD TO JIM HARRIS IMMEDIATELY!!!!

NAME: .......................................................................... PHONE: .............................................

VEHICLE TYPE: ...........................................................................................................................

NAME OF UNIT YOU WISH (IF POSSIBLE) TO ASSIST: ...................................................

RETURN TO: UNIT 2,19 HODDLE STREET, RICHMOND 3121 OR FAX: (03) 9416 3363

1941 Wilys MA

(Quad)

Î

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KNOW YOUR MV'S! :

II

I iMike Spicer of Brighton

Sussex UK restored thisrare WW2 vintage Hum-ber 4X4 FFW ( fitted forwireless ) truck over a

eight year period. Mikefound the Humber aban-doned in a coal mine in

Wales . He finished thevehicle in Nth Afican

desert yellow livery . Anew rear body section wasfabricated from scratch .Built on the same chassis

are the heavy utility sta-tion wagon, ambulance

and the light armoured re-s connaisance car . Engine; is a 6 cyl side valve of 4.08i~ litres developing 85 bhp.~

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.~ A No.11 wireless set wasnormally carried in theFFW version seen pic-tured here in a line draw-ing . Radio batteries arelocated between the seatson thE floor and the charg-ing board is seen bolted tothe front panel with itscarbon pile voltage regula-

g tor .

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KNOW YOUR MV's

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Beginning late 1942 and continuing into 1943 the GMHplant at Woodville South Aust. builds 1220 ~ignals bodies

which are fitted to the CMP Chev 15cwt chassis. Seen inboth 4X2 and 4X4 form the vehicles are equiped with a vari-ety of wireless sets and signalling equipment including WSNo. 11, 19,22,101., 112 ., 133. Extensive gear includingwood antenna masts, DF loop and a chorehorse batterycharging set are used in various roles. In post war civilianuse many of the vans are used by different companies in-cluding bakers giving rise to the well known nickname"Pie Van" .

Page .9

MINUTES OF GENERAL MEETING OF VMVC INC HELD AT R.O. T.A. HALL,TUESDAY, 7 NOVEMBER 2000

OPEN: Meeting opened at 8.0 pm by the President

PRESENT: 30 members and guest

APOLOGIES: Neil Wain, AlfBrooks, Jim HalTis, Ian Tankard

NEW MEMBERS: Ron Martn, Colin Smith, Benjamin Hemmings,

MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING: Accepted - Moved: Bevan Fenner Seconded: Don Ashton

BUSINESS ARISING FROM PREY MTG: Nil

CORRESPONDENCE IN: RACV - requesting a Club badge for their display board.HMAS Cerberus - thank you for attending open day and certificate.Plenty Valley Montesson School- re feteTom Harding - resignation from Club due to sale of Jeep.QMVG - change of address.RACV & Momington Shire - re Great Australian Rally.Historic Commercial Vehicle Club - invitation to their show.AMVCS - Newsletter MVCSSA - NewsletterQJC - Newsletter QMVG - NewsletterHistoric Commercial Vehicle Club - acceptance to their show.Royal & Sun Allance - payment of Public Liability insuranceNeil Goodridge - thank yóu letter for the Jeep Jubilee.Ron Marn - membership joining form.

CORRESPONDENCE OUT:

AOMC REPORT:

Accepted: Moved: Michael Kaukas Seconded: Anthony lck

Nil

TREASURER'S REPORT: BACE AT OCTOBER MEETING $6,047.14

CASH IN: Memberships $2,331.00Includes $25.00 donation

TOTAL CASH IN $2,331.00

BACE $8,379.14CASH OUT: Post Nov Newsletter

Print Nov NewsletterPublic Liability InsAdj ustment of

Lodgment Fees

$145.05$398.30$496.00

$3.00

TOTAL CASH OUT $1,042.35

BACE AT NOVEMBER MEETING $7,335.79

Treasurer's Report Accepted: Moved: A Ick Seconded: A Bremner

i Ll¿;c. JV

GENERAL BUSINESS: Anthony lck requires more photos for the Web site.

Ray Edsall suggested a visit to Watsonia Weapons Training System may beof interest to members. Mike Gurkin to check out dates available.

Ray also queried if the Club has a unifonn. It was thought that greens wouldbe appropriate, but not compulsory.

Tac sign holders have been manufactured and donated to the Club by amember. Cost $5.00 pair ($2.50 each). Many thanks to the anonymousdonor. (Order through John Brown).

Club trailer is to be relocated to Asst Quartennaster's home.

John Brown reported that Angus & Robertson & Napoleon Miltary BookShops located in the city have a good selection of WW2 and Jeep bookswith lots of photos.

CF A looking for a Blitz truck restored as a fire truck for their museum.

Alan Carpenter has asked if it would be possible to schedule two-day eventsto make it worthwhile for countr members to attend. Committee toinvestigate.

Meeting was reminded that December is LadiesNight - bring along yourpaimers and a plate of food for supper.

Berwick swap meet to be held early February.

PAST EVENTS: Graham Jacobs reported on an event at a girls' school where he andAlfBrooks ferried the School Captain and Vice Captain to their Year 12break-up.

Lionel Smart spoke on the trips to HMAS Cerberus, Wings 2000 and theScouts Jamboree on the Air.

Mike Gurkin and Bevan Fenner gave a report on the Gembrook TimberTrail - 14 vehicles attended even though

it was quite wet up 'tillunch time.

COMING EVENTS: 24 February - Australian Anny's 100 birthday celebrations - twelve vehiclesrequired for indoor display at Victoria Barracks (preferably without USmarkings) - others wil be on display outside the barracks.

Avalon Air Show - VMVC may attend. Details as they come to hand.

SALES & WANTS:

See Calendar of Coming Events.

Several items were for sale or wanted.

MEETING CLOSED: 9.23 pm

1941 Ford GP(Blitz Buggy)

(Jeep picsfrom ArmyMotors No 50 - aquarterly publicationof the MVPA).

D1SCLAIMER

The statements and opinions expressed in this Newsletter are not necessarily those ofthe members or Committeeof the Victorian Military Vehicle Corps Inc. We do not take responsibility for any statements advertisements,notices, letters or opinions that are published. Such are published at the risk of the contrbutor who acceptsliability for any intended publication. Writers of aricles provide their suggestions and opinions as generalinformation only and accept no responsibilty if you choose to follow-up their suggestions.

All contributors agree to indemnity the publisher and warrant that the material is accurate and is neitherdeceptive or misleading, in breach of copyright, defamatory, or in breach of any laws.

p.:;;:.~~;:,.;~.~. ~.

VMVC NEWSLETTERPrint Post NumberPP 341278/0012If undelivered, return to:PO Box 367RESERVOIR vie 3073

SURFACEMAIL

POSTAGEPAID

91 B

ALEC DUKE

P.O. BOX 381

MYRTLEFORD

VIC 3737

Change of Address or Vehicle Details

Membership No: ..................... Surname: ..... ...... ..... .... .... .... ...... ............... ....... .......... ......... ....... ........... First Name .. .... ........ ........... ........... .......... ......

Address: ................................................................................................................................ ................ State: ...................... Postcode: ..........................

Phone Numbers:

VeJiicle Type Registration Type Vehicle History

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