E-newsletter

JEEP
news
The e—Newsletter
JUNE 2012
Volume 131
PRESIDENT
Cliff Bambridge—[email protected]
EDITOR and MEMBERSHIP
Mitch Holland—[email protected]
WELL DONE to Alan Lark and his mate Don, who
along with the other Volunteers at the old North
Fort Artillery Museum site are painstakingly
rebuilding a display with what the Army left
behind and whatever else they can scrounge. They
held a camp over “Searchlight Night” recently,
catered for by the Sydney Harbour Heritage Trust,
via the Manly Rotary Club. It was attended by the
Trusts many volunteers and members of a whole
host of related Military Collecting Clubs, with over
30 Military Vehicles in attendance. Your
Association was well represented, with all having
a great time, enjoying the hospitality and
camaraderie on offer. Those that stayed camped
out in the sheds or with the best view over Sydney
Heads For those not there, you must get out more!
STATEMENT and FINE PRINT Information
World War 2 Jeeps NSW is NOT a formal Motor Vehicle Club, but more an “Association” of
WW2 Jeep enthusiasts, bonded together by this e—newsletter. It’s sole intention is to share
information about their vehicles, future displays, trips and events. It was founded in 1991 by
the late Peter Walker in an effort to bring together genuine users of the legendary Jeep.
Contact can be made with the current “Committee” as per the email addresses on the cover.
Joining information for new members is, a sense of participation and contribution to the
Association for your benefit and that of others, your email address for sending of the
newsletter, (this can be of a family member or friend if you don't have one—Don’t forget to
tell them!), a good colour picture of your Jeep along with a few words of your Jeep related
history, so we can introduce you via a “Member Profile”. If you have any Jeep related
restoration talents, please let us know and whether you are prepared to offer any advice to
fellow members. If you really like what we do, then a “Donation” towards our HQ development.
Members, their relatives, friends or guests are reminded that some Four Wheel Drive
activities, events or trips notified herein, can be extremely dangerous. Participation in any
activity, event or trip is entirely up to the individuals discretion and that no responsibility,
what so ever, can be held against any land holder, group or individual, for what ever situation
that may arise, in travelling to or from or during the course of that activity, event or trip.
If we are participating in an activity, event or trip organised by others outside of the
Association, we do so as a group of individuals at their invitation. Prior contact with the person
organising any particular activity, event or trip advertised herein is mandatory, to avail
yourself with the most up to date and correct information, as dates and itinerary can change
due to unforeseen circumstances.
Finally, views expressed in our newsletter are also individual and do not necessarily reflect the
Association as a whole. Membership lists forwarded from time to time are for the benefit of
those listed for contact purposes amongst each other only and are not intended for
dissemination to third parties or to be used for soliciting of unrequested services and or
advertising material.
The image of the Jeep below under the banner “Keeping The Legend Alive” and on the front
cover is from an original drawing by Krystii Melaine and is used with permission.
Prints on quality art paper, ready for framing are available by contacting Krystii at
[email protected]
Dedicated to wearing out yesterdays legend,
today for some bugger to preserve tomorrow!
HELLO
MITCHIES SAY
You will have to put up with me only this month, as
Cliff, Deb, Brian and Sutera are “outback”
somewhere in their shineysides, no doubt, having a
great time, touring this wide and not so brown land.
No, it is not a forerunner, but a fill in as already mentioned. However, having said that, I am sure Cliff
would agree, that we welcome anyone who wants to ‘ava go’.
Over the recent years, we have been getting regular stuff from a few people that helps make an interesting
read in the thunder box. Thanks again to those, who as always, come to my rescue with pictures and
information, whether that’s off the net, compiling interesting information in the Bush Tele or its
subsidiary papers from their archives or from their own exploits with their machines at displays etc. Well done
to you all – again.
Right now, we are in the thick of it for 70 year anniversaries. The attack on Sydney Harbour by the Jap
Midget Subs just happened and their mother subs launched a goodbye shelling nearly 70 years ago, if you open
up your email and read this immediately. A quick search on the net ….
On the night of 29 May 1942, five large Japanese submarines positioned themselves 56 kilometres northeast of Sydney Heads. At 3.00 am the next day one of the submarines launched a reconnaissance aircraft. After
circling Sydney Harbour the aircraft returned to its submarine, reporting the presence of 'battleships and cruisers' moored in the harbour. The flotilla's commanding officer decided to attack the harbour with midget submarines the next night. The next day the five submarines approached to within 11 kilometres of Sydney Heads, and
at about 4.30 pm they released three midget submarines which then began their approach to Sydney Harbour.
The outer-harbour defences detected the entry of the first midget submarine at about 8.00 pm, but it was not
identified until it became entangled in an anti-torpedo net that was suspended between George's Head and Green
Point. Before HMAS Yarroma was able to open fire the submarine's two crew members destroyed their vessel
with demolition charges and killed themselves.
The second submarine entered the harbour at about 9.48 pm and headed west towards the Harbour
Bridge, causing a general alarm to be issued by the Naval Officer in Charge, Sydney. About 200 metres from
Garden Island the submarine was fired on by the heavy cruiser USS Chicago. The submarine then fired its two
torpedoes at the cruiser. One torpedo ran ashore on Garden Island but failed to explode. The other passed under
the Dutch submarine K9 and struck the harbour bed beneath the depot ship HMAS Kuttabul where it exploded,
killing 21 sailors (19 Royal Australian Navy and 2 Royal Navy). The submarine then slipped out of the harbour,
its mission complete.
The third submarine was sighted by HMAS Yandra at the entrance to the harbour and was depth-charged.
Some four hours later, having recovered, it entered the harbour but it was subsequently attacked with depth
charges and sunk in Taylor Bay by vessels of the Royal Australian Navy. Both members of the submarine's
crew committed suicide.
The two submarines that were recovered were identical, and their remains were used to reconstruct a
complete submarine, which toured New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia before being delivered to the
Australian War Memorial in Canberra in 1943, where it remains on display.
Information borrowed from National Archives website www.naa,gov.a, further information on this and
other engagements in Australia can be found on www.ww2australia.gov.au
Mitch
Jeep News No.131 JUNE 2012
b Johnston
Bo
—
R
A
L
U
C
A
T
C
E
P
S
Y
EMU GULL
19 & 20 May, Lockyer Queensland
An impressive array of
replica aircraft
The weekend, now in it’s fourth year, is designed to showcase Australia’s military involvement over the
last century and keep the memory of those who served alive for present and future generations.
The event is not intent on glorifying war but keeping us aware of the sacrifices made in past conflicts.
The organisers claim to be gathering the largest collection of operating military vehicles in Australia, I title
I felt was perhaps a bit exaggerated however the vehicles on show were certainly of a high class and varied.
There were, of course, quite a few jeeps, mainly owned by Military Jeep Club of Queensland members, as
well as CMP’s, GMC’s, Studebakers and motorcycles.
Armoured vehicles included a Centurion tank, a Lee, a German half track, at least three Bren carriers, a
White scout car, an M113 APC and a functioning Tiger mock up.
Vietnam war vehicles were well represented, along with an original model M151 MUTT.
The absolute head turning gathering was not the land vehicles but the Warbirds which included two WW1
open cockpit fighters, Three (yes, THREE) scaled copy Spitfires and a Mustang, as well as a Focke Wolf and a
mock up Zero, all flying and engaging in mock air battles, billowing smoke and disappearing behind the trees
when shot down. I think from memory the German fighters lost every battle, a bit of bias there I suspect.
Various conflicts from the theatres of war were enacted throughout the day which involved light horse units
from WW1, WWI trench engagements, WWII desert battles and a Vietnam war ambush.
One unusual but interesting aspect often overlooked showcased the animals which went to war. Animals
on show include horses, complete with an incredible array of tack and persons in period garb, donkeys, mules,
dogs and carrier pigeons.
No gathering such as this would be complete without honouring those who entertained the troops in great
numbers, often a long way from home and loved ones. This role was portrayed by the Andrew Sisters Tribute
Band, a suitably attired trio of lovely young ladies and their seven piece backing band. All the old favourites from
WWII were presented before a very receptive audience. NOTE: the trio are available for functions.
Period uniforms and clothes were in abundance with Africa Korps soldiers chatting amicably with US
Airborne troops and Turks enjoying lunch with members of the Light Brigade.
In all, a very enjoyable weekend which I recommend adding to an already rapidly filling calendar of events.
For further information fire up the computer and google Emu Gully Spectacular.
Jeep News No.131 JUNE 2012
An impressive array of
uniformed singers.
(Cant let Gadget and Gazza
have all the fun, can we?). I
even photographed this
MUTT, so they were not
completely left out.
3/4 scaled Spitfire.
Better take a picture of a Jeep, I suppose?
After all, it is a Jeep Rag!
A well done turn out, that we should try and
organise a trip to, next year?
European Correspondence Greetz Ingo
Ein paar Fotos vo Oranjeweekend. War ein tolles Event!!! Gruß Ingo
(which translates to “fifteen is my limit on orange coloured
snitzengrubens”)
Looks like its a railway museum
of sorts? As usual those boys over
there have a great assortment of
trucks.
Coke anyone?
Jeep News No.131 JUNE 2012
The Question here
Is ......
I have just bought
this Jeep and I
want to know what
is the correct
colour for an
original
radiator?
Answers to Cam
Clipping from the
paper from
Reggie, who hopes
you can read it
after scanning
printing and then
scanning again?
And ... he says that
the answer is
BLACK.
BEST GERMAN JOKE OF THE WEEK—(Cam Finlay)
Angela Merkel arrives at Passport Control at Paris airport.
"Nationality?" asks the immigration officer.
"German," she replies.
"Occupation?"
"No, just here for a few days."
RRA
WINGS OVER ILLAWAan
d Vinh
on
Pictorial by Gadget, Kenny Cann
BRRRRRRRRR
To further promote the “Warbird” theme we have in this edition, here are a few pictures from Vinh, Kenny
Cannon and Gadget on the recent trip down to Albion Park for the Annual HARS Museum “Wing Over the
Illawarra” event. As you can gather it was pretty chilly early on the trip down. Plenty of WW2 Jeeps NSW
members were there on the day.
Jeep News No.131 JUNE 2012
Plenty of Planes, Bikes
and Automobiles.
Not all without tragedy,
as can be witnessed by
the impending prang mid
field. Everyone was so
oblivious to it all!
It looks like HARS has its
own Jeep!
The CAT was recently
seen flying the coast in
commemoration to the 70
anniversary of the attack
on Sydney Harbour.
STANDING
ORDERS
JEEP JAMBO—RYDAL—(nr Lithgow)
27, 28, 29 & 30 SEPTEMBER
Time is marching on, with this event and
their 70th Celebrations, are getting closer
THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT BIT OF YOUR
by the day. “Gadget Gatherings” has been
“NEWS” - Read it and act! No use having a Jeep tucked
charged with the task of collating the
away in the shed if you don't use it!!
Display part of our presence over the
REMEMBER THE SLOGAN!!!
weekend. We want to put on a huge period
military display that they wont forget and
to this end, we hope to draft in the usual
team along with as many of you extras. as
CLASSIC NOT PLASTIC—9 to 11 June
is possible. Give Gadget a call now on 02
The annual GALA Jeep weekend being held this year 9519-9588 to discuss possibilities and
at Morisset on the shores of Lake Macquarie. Joint
register your interest. You will also need to
organisers are the Cherokee Club and Jeep Club of
register your attendance for the Jeep
NSW. Secure camping with excellent facilities. There
Jamboree and pay the entry fees on their
will be all types of trips from scenic to hardcore.
website ......
Many of our mob have expressed an interest in
attending, so don't be shy, dust off the old girl, load ‘er www.jeepjamboree2012.com.au
*THIS WEEKEND*
into the Jeep and make tracks to Morriset
Showground.
WW2 JEEPS NSW ANNUAL XMAS BASH
16—18 November 2012
JUST TURN UP ANY DAY!
More details later, but save the date.
Hopefully by making this statement, we wont
Some of our members will be on site for the weekend. clash with the AMVCS and their XMAS Party
Don’t forget to get a few pictures for the “News”
plans. Again, Cullen Bullen Woolshed—Western
District
HQ —
you know
where
that
is ......
A couple of pictures courtesy of Bob
McNeill of a couple of Jeeps seen on a
“Bush Council—Easter Rally” held
recently in Orange.
Jeep News No.131 JUNE 2012
LINNWOOD HOUSE MILITARY VEHICLE GATHERING
Sunday 9th September 2012
Late last year marked the start of the 70th Anniversary of the WW2 Jeep as we
know it, the Willys MA / MB and the Ford GP / GPW. So we held an event to
celebrate this fact at Linnwood House in September 2011.
The event was a huge success, part in thanks to our sponsors of the day and also the support
from many who travelled great distances to attend. So, we are organising another special day,
again in the very centre of Sydney where you can show off your pride and joy,
meet fellow owners and enjoy the facilities of an Historic home.
This time, however, it will be open to ANY OWNER of a Military Vehicle, whether you
belong to a club or association or not, by contacting –
Mitch Holland by email at [email protected]
Reserve Sunday 9th September and come along to Historic Linnwood at 25 Byron Road, Guildford,
(close to the north east side of the Yennora Distribution Park), ENTRY will be FREE and open to the
public, so your family and friends can come along for a geek, check out the house and have a great day.
As it is open to all, we want to encourage period display of memorabilia and also hope,
(if we can drum up a bit of pre-event response), to have a few prize categories from
our “to be arranged” sponsors. You will have to register to be eligible for the prizes.
Further details will be provided with your confirmation documentation along with a registration number.
JEEP – 70 YEARS – 2011/2
Come along and be a part of this auspicious occasion.
Event is being arranged by WW2 Jeeps NSW
In association with the Friends of Linnwood.
(For your information, the historic Linnwood, was built by George McCredie in 1891. The first Presbyterian
services in Guildford were held on the property and continued until after George McCredie’s death in 1903
and the George McCredie Memorial Church was built and opened in 1905. The property was sold to the
state government in 1921 and became known as the Guildford Truant School for Boys and in later years
became ‘Lynwood Hall’, a Domestic Training School for Girls. Linnwood was listed on the State Heritage
Register in 2003. It is now managed by the Friends of Linnwood.
All money raised on the day, by the Friends, is to be used for future restoration/conservation work on the
house. Admission to the house is $3 and we do ask exhibitors to pay this as well. We do not charge
exhibitors or clubs to attend on the day as we hope that by being able to advertise your presence at the
house, we can draw a crowd and this in turn will help promote your own organisation. The Friends do a
sausage sizzle and also have refreshments available inside eg. tea & coffee, sandwiches and cakes. There
are also Art & Craft stalls in the house on the day (sometimes the wives of exhibitors enjoy these!) and
we have had in the past, an Australian Bush Band playing on the front verandah.)
Please Note:
Attendance will be solely at your own discretion and that no responsibility, what so ever, can be held
against any group or individual, for whatever situation that may arise in travelling to or from or during the
course of the days activities.
Mitch
Spotted this Jeep on transport during the week, further inquiries lead me to believe It is going to the
Philippines to be rebuilt. Except for some rust, it is very original, still 6 volt, runs well, the tags have been
removed only recently. Does anybody know more? - Cheers Bob.
SCOTS COLLEGE DAY
Ken & Aaron Whyte, Andrew McFarland, Mr.
Gadget and Garry Buttel led the Scots College Pipes
and Drums onto the field Sunday 20th May for their
annual parade and ceremony.
The ceremony was a mostly wet affair to pay tribute
to those who served and to those who did not return
in the many wars
Ken would like to thank the School Sergeant, Mr.
Andy Gillespie's for his kind invitation to display
Military Vehicles that in his words "would be a real
high light for the attendees" at this special service.
Jeep News No.131 JUNE 2012
Since we didn't get a report from any of you slackers on Corowa, Jenny Fawbert sent in these pictures for you
From the HARS website comes this report:
Wings Over Illawarra held on Sunday 6th May 2012 at Illawarra Regional Airport was attended by a huge crowd and
was presented by Shellharbour Council, and supported by HARS, the SAAA and the Illawarra Light Rail Museum.
We proudly acknowledge our sponsors who included the Shell company of Australia, QBE Insurance Ltd,
Westonprint, Microsolve, Destination NSW, Shellharbour Tourism, 96.5 Wave FM, Prime 7 television, the Illawarra
Mercury Newspaper, Rotary Clubs district 9750 and McDonalds Illawarra Restaurants. Wings featured the HARS
collection, aircraft from the Royal Australian Air Force including the Roulettes, and performances by helicopters of
the Royal Australian Navy together with the Australian Army Red Berets, together with many rare warbirds
including Mustang, Kittyhawk, Vampire and two Wirraways including the Temora Aviation Museum’s example plus
their Hudson and F8 Meteor. Also on display were working farm engines and vintage cars and motorcycles from
many clubs, historic military vehicles and also vintage buses providing a transport loop. Wings was preceded by a
Saturday fly-in of DeHavilland historic types and a 200 seat Saturday night dinner “Swing Into Wings” with music by
the Belmore Basin Jazz Band and each table hosted by a pilot or Wings Committee member. Wings Over Illawarra
2012 is supporting Greenacres Disability Services as the selected beneficiary of the Airshow.
MARATHON SPARE PARTS CO.
Established 40 years.
Jeep specialists in Army Models GPW & MB
Contact Neil Goodridge on phone (02) 6762 8666,
Fax (02) 6762 8777 or Mobile (0411) 864 988
4 In Street (PO Box W686),
West Tamworth NSW 2340
SEARCHLIGHT NIGHT—Mitc
h Holland
Not often these days, does Roaring Meg cross the Harbour Bridge, but as the
cover of this edition of the “News” alludes, that we attended the recent event
held at North Head. It was a great opportunity to get a few groups together and
share, which we try to foster, however, met with a lot of “insular” views.
A huge variety of Mil. Veh’s from AMVCS, REMLR, and several Jeeps.
Below, John Hedges, Graeme Person and Mick Jericevich, enjoying a chat in
the afternoon sunshine. Other page, Don giving a “volunteer” a lesson in
starting a diesel generator. Wally’s new project—a very original low kilometre 1981 Hilux.Ute. One for Warwick Johnson and the Boys (and Girl), in their
display uniforms at the “official event photograph”.
Guests after the dinner, assembled for a
Jeep News No.131 JUNE 2012
a few speeches on what they are trying to achieve at the Fort for the future, thank the volunteers and take a few pictures.