JEEP news - Victorian Military Vehicle Corps

JEEP
news
The e—Newsletter
JULY 2012
Volume 132
PRESIDENT
Cliff Bambridge—[email protected]
EDITOR and MEMBERSHIP
Mitch Holland—[email protected]
CLASSIC NOT PLASTIC—MORRISET, 2012
Well we told you it was on, despite the wet weather and all
of his “display mates” deserting him in the week leading up
to the event, Gadget went along to fly the Sydney Flag and
mingle with other Association Members and as you can see,
was not afraid to get his “new” A2 dirty!
Still, shoulda’ had the Jeep and you would not need a tow!
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!
Cliffs Say....
My say will be very short and to the point this newsletter as the winter blues have set in, my
holiday in the desert with Sweetie is over, and there is not very much going on. While travelling with
Brian and Sue Sweet through Central Australia, it really brought to my attention the gutsiness of the
trip that hr and Mitch completed last year. Some of the roads were very corrugated and very long and
we were travelling in comfortably shiney sides (not open top WW2 Jeeps), our weather was better
and our arses were better padded.
I heard on the grapevine that my good mate, Neil Goodrich, is going to convert one of his
Pilipino Jeeps to a utility. This will be an interesting project for him and I will be encouraging Neil to
provide some photos for the newsletter or we might be able to persuade Jacko (Photographer from
Jeep Action) for some photos. I have heard he is very handy with a camera (and welder).
Now, to the Christmas party…I would like to put it out there for WW2 Jeeps members to
respond and give me some feedback on how they would like the Christmas party 2012 to be run. IE
(1) Woolshed – Basic, not catered, (2) Woolshed – Saturday night dinner fully catered, or (3) to have
the Christmas party as a camp out weekend (not at Cullen Bullen). Please email Mitch or ring me.
I hope everyone is enjoying all the winter festivities and I hope to see you as it gets warmer
and more trips are planned.
The AMVCS has invited us to attend a display at Newington Armoury, beside the Parramatta
River at Newington, on Sunday 4 November 2012. I am sure Mitch and I will be participating. More
information will be included in upcoming newsletters.
Don’t forget if you have a trip or something you would like to do, let us know.
Cliff B
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
Jeep News No.132 July 2012
HELLO
SIGNALS
Well I am writing this on holidays up north. Its been a fairly quiet winter with not much on, but all that
is about to change in September! Coming up to wake us all out of our winter hibernation is a whole host
of events.
You all remember the Linnwood House bash of last year for our version of the 70’th year of the
Legendary Jeep, well its on again, but open to all Military Vehicles. We were very well supported last
year by many from a long way away and it’s a long draw on the bow to expect them all to come again,
but if we can attract just a few of those greater Sydney area owners who came for a peek, without their
Jeep, then numbers should be as high. Its up to you! Let me know if your interested, its nearly time to
get the ball rolling. Then there is Burwood, the big Jambo at Rydal and Newington to think about!
Cliffy wants your opinions on the traditional Xmas Bash. We have had plenty of memorable do’s at the
Shed, but each year they are getting a little less in number. Is it just “ho-hum” or a sign of stiff
economic times?
I am sure there is a story to
this event that Vinh has sent
me a few pictures of.
I am saying nothing more!
A teacher is explaining biology to her 3rd grade students. She says, "Human beings are the only animals that
stutter." A little girl raises her hand. saying, "I had a kitty-cat who stuttered." The teacher, knowing how precious some of these stories could become, asked the girl to describe the incident."Well,'' she began, "I was in
the back yard with my kitty and the Rottweiler that lives next door got a running start and before we knew it,
he jumped over the fence into our yard!" The teacher exclaimed, "That must've been scary." The little girl
said, "It sure was. My kitty raised her back, went 'Sssss, Sssss, Sssss' and before she could say 'Shit,' the
Rottweiler ate her!"
The teacher had to leave the room.
Jeep News No.132 July 2012
Deigo Del Solar of Argentina,
who came to us recently after a
bit of “surfing”. They have
invited anyone who likes to join
their 500+ strong group,
called ...
Association Argentina de
Coleccionistas de Vehiculos
Militares, whose motto is
“Collecting, Preserving and
Conserving Heritage with
regard to all types of vehicles
used in the Armies of the
World”
See, Spanish isn't that hard
Gringos!
Besides, google will translate it
for you. Check them out at
Www.aacvm.com.ar
Anyway, they too, like to get their
Jeeps out and about and throw a bit
of mud around
“This is a private non-profit organization, whose main objective is the preservation of military vehicles as part of
the historical heritage of our country. It originated a few years ago as the dream of a group of friends, inspired in
part by associations or similar clubs in other countries. Finally the dream transcended and came to a realization.
The original group of a dozen friends tripled in two years, always maintaining the quality of both the human group
as vehicles. One of the goals of the Association is to help anyone who is interested in the recovery, restoration and
preservation of any military vehicle rendered or serving in the Armed Forces of our country or abroad. The hobby
of collecting and restoring military vehicles is relatively new and little known in our country but is widely used in
many other countries. In the United States of America, for example, there are dozens of clubs and collectors of
military vehicles. The largest group there called "Military Vehicle Preservation Association" (Association for the
Preservation of Military Vehicle) was founded in 1976 and has over 7500 members including 38 affiliated groups
within the country and 10 other groups in other countries affiliated the world. This hobby also has a very large
extent in Europe, even in countries belonging to the Soviet bloc when it existed as such. Fans of the hobby, both
Americans and Europeans, have a wide range of vehicles ranging from her famous "Jeep" in all its variety of
models and versions up to armoured vehicles, tanks and warplanes.”
STANDING
ORDERS
THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT BIT OF YOUR
“NEWS” - Read it and act! No use having a Jeep tucked
away in the shed if you don't use it!!
REMEMBER THE SLOGAN!!!
KEN & RAQUELS VJ DAY @ KOKODA
Sunday 19 August—Wear your Greens, decorate
your MV and meet at 11am at the Walkway at
Concord in Sydney with a BYO, BBQ lunch and
celebrate this milestone date. Contact Ken with the
“thumbs up” at [email protected] or phone
him on (02)9625-5748 or 0418 260 013
LINNWOOD HOUSE GENERAL MV DAY
Sunday 9 September—Full details elsewhere within.
BURWOOD SPRING FESTIVAL
16 September—Individuals to apply, by emailing
MITCH, who has forms, which need to be in by 5th.
JEEP JAMBO—RYDAL—(nr Lithgow)
Thur 27 to Sun 30 SEPTEMBER
This is it, July and it less than two months
away now. These Jambo’s are big events for
all Jeepers, new and OLD. Lets not disappoint
on the OLD side and plan to come along and
be part of a great historic display. You don't
have to drive the tracks if that is not your bag,
but you can be apart of a big static display.
Give Gadget a call now on 02 9519-9588 to
discuss possibilities and register your interest.
You will also need to register your attendance
for the Jeep Jamboree and pay the entry fees
on their website ...... Com’on its only money!
You cant take it with you!
www.jeepjamboree2012.com.au
DOOKIE MK111 MV RALLY
13 & 14 October in Central Victoria
Contact there is Sol Sutherland 0427 538 667
CANUNGRA SWAP MEET—(MJCQ)
19—21 October in Canungra QLD
Celebrating 70 Anniversary of WLA Harleys
Jeep News No.132 July 2012
NEWINGTON ARMORY MV DAY
4 November
Advanced notice of this event to be held in
conjunction with other clubs, but chiefly the
AMVCS. Further info and application form was
emailed, but if you want the finer details contact
Dennis Taylor [email protected]
Entry by early October is required
WW2 JEEPS NSW ANNUAL XMAS
BASH
16—18 November 2012
More details later, but save the date.
Will it be at the Cullen Bullen Woolshed—
Western District HQ?
OR ...
Do we take it on the Road this year?
ELVIS PRESLEY FESTIVAL 2013
A post New Year trip is herewith mooted to
be part of the big Festival on Saturday 12th
January and join Don Marriot and his exploits
to impress the many ladies, who flock to this
event. Mitch is proposing a camping weekend, taking a back road route out on say the
Thursday or Friday. Do something on the
Saturday, then take a couple of days to come
back. Entry to the Parade, closes soon after
the last one, so I don't think we can be
officially in it, but it could be fun for a couple
of days touring around out west? Anybody
interested in visiting county pubs?
COROWA 2013
Year of the Trailed Equipment & Year of
the Armoured Vehicle
Mon 11 March—Sun 17 March 2013
Application form in last newsletter and needs
to be in by end of February for special stuff.
A trip to the “Snowys” is also mooted to join
on to, as part of an overall trip. If your
interested in gallivanting around the high
country and wanna put your hand up, then let
Cliffy or Mitch know asap.
2014 ANZAC European Tour
28 April to 10 June 2014
Yes its on again, however you would have to be
quick to contact the organiser, Hans Sprangers.
[email protected]
Possible places are very limited and may already
be fully subscribed BY THE TIME THIS GETS
OUT?
FOR SALES and WANTED
We have had a couple of Jeeps recently for sale and like
most things, people never seem to get back to you with
latest developments. We have an idea for a For Sales
Register, that I will try and maintain with latest offerings
and their price. So when you ask me to advertise your
larger item, (ie Jeeps, Trailers and other vehicles etc), it
will go on this register as well as the next Newsletter or
special email out. If you decide to adjust the price or
better still, have sold the item, then let me know and I will
remover from the register.
Recent Jeeps for Sale, have seen some price adjustments
as you may have noticed from the FOR SALE
REGISTER that I sent out a few days ago.
Vinh, still has his very neat CJ2A for sale,
which was subject of a great Youtube
advertisement that we sent around the link too,
in an email recently, Contact Vinh at
[email protected]
Bill Tidmarsh has dropped his to $18,800 (see JN126B)
Rod Cranes, below, has dropped his to $10,500 (JN130)
Seen recently in a Just 4x4 E magazine, that
you can subscribe too. This Jeep was
advertised for $22,500 recently.
We don't normally advertise much else, but
Jeeps, however Scott Rough has his 69 S2A
LWB Landy and No.5 Trailer for sale for
$6,900. A great vehicle for those of you who
like chasing oil leaks! (I spose, us Jeep
owners shouldn’t throw stones?)
John Gibbins Jeep, (not shown), (JN129), which was
located on the Gold Coast was sold for about $18,000 and
went to a bloke in Ipswich, which according to John was
close to the chicken coup from which she was found. So,
she had done the full circle!!!
So it does work. And this new idea, should make it work
even better?
JEEP PARTS WANTED
Mitch, I am attaching 4 pics of the jeep I am restoring. Started restoring it for a local museum.
This 1944 Ford Jeep has been in the family for 60 years. When restored, hoping to put it in our local
Beersheba Day, Anzac Day and Australia Day parades at least.
I'm finding small new parts good value but large items such as seats and fuel tank are too dear. So would like
to see if anyone has any such 2nd hand items for sale.... Long way to go. Thanks, Bob Norvill
I need a passenger seat, rear seat and cushions and fuel tank. Thank you, Bob.
You can contact Bob at [email protected]
LATE (FOR SALE) MAIL
A late correction to the “For Sale Register has Andrew
Rohrsheims 43 MB Jeep on the market for $16,000
(10% discount to Jeep News readers). Recently fixed
up to meet full NSW Rego requirements. Contact
Andrew via email at [email protected] Further
details and photos can be found at the website
http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/willysjeep-1943-12521271
Cool piece of History
Starting in 1941, an increasing number of British Airmen found themselves as the involuntary guests of the
Third Reich, and the Crown was casting about for ways and means to facilitate their escape.
Now obviously, one of the most helpful aids to that end is a useful and accurate map, one showing not only
where stuff was, but also showing the locations of 'safe houses' where a POW on-the-lam could go for food
and shelter.
Paper maps had some real drawbacks -- they make a lot of noise when you open and fold them, they wear
out rapidly, and if they get wet, they turn into mush.
Someone in MI-5 got the idea of printing escape maps on silk. It's durable, can be scrunched-up into tiny
wads, and unfolded as many times as needed, and makes no noise whatsoever.
At that time, there was only one manufacturer in Great Britain that had perfected the technology of printing
on silk, and that was John Waddington, Ltd. When approached by the government, the firm was only too
happy to do its bit for the war effort.
By pure coincidence, Waddington was also the U.K. Licensee for the popular American board game,
Monopoly. As it happened, 'games and pastimes' was a category of item qualified for insertion into 'CARE
packages', dispatched by the International Red Cross to prisoners of war.
Under the strictest of secrecy, in a securely guarded and inaccessible old workshop on the grounds of
Waddington's, a group of sworn-to-secrecy employees began mass producing escape maps, keyed to each
region of Germany or Italy where Allied POW camps were regional system).. When processed, these maps
could be folded into such tiny dots that they would actually fit inside a Monopoly playing piece.
As long as they were at it, the clever workmen at Waddington's also managed to add:
1. A playing token, containing a small magnetic compass
2. A two-part metal file that could easily be screwed together
3. Useful amounts of genuine high-denomination German, Italian, and French currency, hidden within the
piles of Monopoly money!
British and American air crews were advised, before taking off on their first mission, how to identify a
'rigged' Monopoly set -- by means of a tiny red dot, one cleverly rigged to look like an ordinary printing
glitch, located in the corner of the Free Parking square.
Of the estimated 35,000 Allied POWS who successfully escaped, an estimated one-third were aided in their
flight by the rigged Monopoly sets... Everyone who did so was sworn to secrecy Indefinitely, since the
British Government might want to use this highly successful ruse in still another, future war. The story
wasn't declassified until 2007, when the surviving craftsmen from Waddington's, as well as the firm itself,
were finally honoured in a public ceremony.
It's always nice when you can play that 'Get Out of Jail' Free' card!
I realize many of you are (probably) too young to have any personal connection to WWII (Sept '39 to Aug.
'45), but this is still an interesting bit of war history.
Hi Mitch,
Great reading in the magazine/s as always [ I get a sneak look as Ian's email still comes here to home before I
fwd it on to him!!] Of course extra points for Bob McNeill's CHMC Easter Rally photos from Orange present
Jeeps were his with trailer, Ian's GPW “Honeypot” and that fantastic homemade jeep the chap operating it
built from memory and photos on what had been a wrecked mobility scooter thingees - he was so chuffed to
see the 2 other jeeps there and spent a long time looking at “Honeypot” and talking to me with the intention of
going home and making some bits on his 'jeep' a little more like the real thing - he was wonderful.
Attached photo of “Honeypot” in her 'other Club' garb at Orange as part of our Club display for the
coveted Mal Mason Shield - which the VMC won. For Bush Council Rallies the jeep's with the Vintage Motor
Club as an associate vehicle [being a tad out of our age cut off of 1930] and it was as the VMC's entry that she
won the 2006 Bush Council Rally Concourse and thus the invitational entry to CMC's Eastern Creek Classic
and the rest is history.
We see very few ex-MVs at the Bush Council Rallies, which is a great pity as they are a fantastic event
held annually around NSW country towns. Perhaps if you like I can do a bit of a write-up about the CHMC
Easter Rallies and maybe encourage other jeep. Blitz etc owners to get out with their local club and off to an
Easter Rally? 2013 is at Merimbula. Cheers Jenny
Thanks Jenny for the fill in. I did not spot Ian there in the background in that picture from Bob in the last
issue of the news, but here it is again and well done Ian, another award for the trophy cabinet for
“Honeypot”! Also, yes any write ups you can offer, all make interesting reading, as well as an opportunity to
advertise local Car Clubs and what they can offer Country Members.
WINGS OVER THE ILLAWARRA – 6 MAY
There were several members from WW2 Jeeps that attended this year, with Gadget and Vinh doing a
very fine display of a tepee tent of the M*A*S*H type which was well patronised by the public,
doubled up as a clothesline and cooking venue and also was great when you wanted to get out of the
wind. But next time Gadget is to remember the tent pegs as we soon ran out of screwdriver’s!!
Kenny Cannon didn’t let us down either, with his excellent selection of armoury. All in all, it was a
great day with blue skies, lots of loud planes and some good gossip (which always goes down well –
hope your ears weren’t burning??). CLIFF
Below—
Dunno if Vinh was
maximising his exposure
to the sun, after the chilly
start (See the last edition
of the Jeep News) or he
has recently been
fishing?
How big was that
Fish????
“It was this big!”
The Golden West Air Show and Fly-in
After Action Report 09-10 June 2012
We have mentioned plenty of times before our affiliation
with the NRG and I sure they wont mind me showing those
of you who have not taken up their offer to join and
receive direct their regular news feeds—MITCH
About 16 Northern Recon Group members supported the Golden West Air Show and Fly-in, “30 Seconds Over
Marysville” at the Yuba County Airport with ten military vehicles. This year the air show commemorated the
70th anniversary of the Doolittle Raid and the 70th anniversary of the last graduating class of Tuskegee
Airmen. The air show featured Warbirds, military displays, B-17 Sentimental Journey airplane rides, Dinner
Dance with 1940’s band, WWII reenactment and lots of fun.
Bill Campbell displayed his 1945 Willys MB and trailer. Walt Witkowski and Ellen Skower displayed their
WWII CCKW open cab 2 ½ ton, their WWII CCKW closed cab 2 ½ ton, and their WWII ambulance. Cary
Simpson drove his M35A2, 2 ½ ton truck with trailer. Bruce Hrabak displayed his WWII jeep and a great camouflage shade area. Don Cooper displayed his WWII German motorcycle sidecar. Ben Blankenship displayed
his WWII Chevy USMC ½ ton truck.
Don Darrough and his daughter Dawn Darrough took a once in a lifetime ride in the B-17 Sentimental Journey.
Before the plane took off Bill Campbell let each of the aircrew of the B-17 Sentimental Journey drive his
WWII jeep around the ramp of the B-17. All of the military vehicles then parked around the B-17 for a
GREAT photo. It was great interacting with the B-17 aircrew and maybe one or two of them might own a jeep
in the future thanks to Bill Campbell letting them drive his jeep!
Thank you NRG member Ben Blankenship for an outstanding air show!! We will definitely plan on it next
year.
Your one lucky girl, there Dawn!
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.
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.
JEEP – 70 YEARS – 2011/2
Couple of great colour pictures off the
internet thanks again to Cam. No particular
captions, however I guess they are
Canadian Nurses somewhere in France at
the cessation of Hostilities in 1945.
Jeep News No.132 July 2012
European Correspondence Greetz Ingo
Hi. Some pics from the Santa Fe event last week in Overloon next to the
war and resistance museum. Great museum, great event. almost 150
vehicles. We had a great time in the woods. Actually, in these woods,
there was the only but huge tank battle during WW 2 in Holland.
Greetz from the Continent
Jeep News No.132 July 2012
OFF THE INTERNET by CAM FINLAY—(well EBAY, really)
WHAT TH’? Or perhaps it should read, as Cam suggests—”ONLY IN AMERICA!”
Whether you're looking to make a personal statement or make your business the Talk Of The Town,
you'll want
The Mufflermobile! What is The Mufflermobile? It's a fully-functional four wheel drive 1948 Willys
Jeep CJ2A that's licensed for the road. The body has been replaced with a custom made wood framed,
aluminium skinned replica of a muffler that's 8 feet high and 11 feet long.
This is the most unique advertising vehicle since the Oscar Meyer Weinermobile!
Purchase The Mufflermobile, wrap it with your company's advertising message, park it around town or show it
off at different events, and people will come to your business just to tell you that they saw it! They'll tell their
friends about it; they'll post pictures of it on facebook and twitter. They will promote your business for you!
You can't buy advertising like that! Oh wait, yes you can! Bid to win or Buy It Now! (Just a mere $7,900
USD—But you have to convince them to let it leave the States!!! - Ed)
The Mufflermobile is located in the Fredericton, NB area and is being sold as-is, where-is, no warranty
expressed or implied. It is, after all, a 64 year old muffler.
Due to its height, special arrangements will likely have to be made with your shipper!
Enough said. I don't think I will add this
to the “FOR SALES REGISTER”!
Cheers MITCH
A couple of different takes on the
Ambulance Jeeps
ABOVE—This soldier is Pte Lake, a 41-year-old kangaroohunter turned sniper, with 2/5th Independent Coy in Papua,
August 1942. Of note is his bandolier and half-stocked cut-down
SMLE rifle which we reconsidered unorthodox. Notable among
many smaller AIF units created were ‘Independent Companies’,
which initially followed a British model ;each consisted
originally of 273 other ranks and 17 officers. In 1943 the
divisional cavalry regiments were remodelled as Cavalry
(Commando) Regts, comprising Cavalry (Commando) Sqns later simply Commando Squadrons. Australians impressed their
enemies with their marksmanship, but snipers seldom received
specialist equipment, and were under-used in the jungle.
(Australian War Memorial 013155)
BELOW
Pilsen Czechoslovakia 1945 and 2012
2012 marks a lot of “Seventy” Anniversaries, however, the MJCQ is celebrating one, this year at
Canungra, that we thought would be a good use of a lot of MC pics, that have been accumulating,
sooo ….
All you wanted to know about Hardly Ridables, but were afraid to Ask—From of Wikipedia
Harley-Davidson began producing the WLA in small numbers in 1940, as part of a general military expansion.
The later entry of the United States into World War II saw significantly increased production, with over 90,000
being produced during the war (along with spare parts the equivalent of many more). Harley Davidson would
also produce a close WLA variant for the Canadian Army called the WLC and would also supply smaller numbers to the UK, South Africa, and other allies, as well as filling orders for different models from the Navy and
Marine Corps.
Unusually, all the WLAs produced after Pearl Harbor, regardless of the actual year, would be given serial
numbers indicating 1942 production. Thus, war-time machines would come to be known as 42WLAs. This may
have been in recognition of the use of the continued use of the same specification. Most WLCs were produced in
1943, and are marked 43WLC. The precise serial number, as well as casting marks, can be used to date a
specific motor accurately, and some other parts bear year and month stamps. Frames and many other parts were
not tagged with the serial number, and cannot generally be dated. (This is common prior to adoption of the VIN.)
Many WLAs would be shipped to allies under the Lend-Lease program. The largest recipient was the Soviet
Union, which was sold over 30,000 WLAs. Production of the WLA would cease after the war, but would be
revived for the Korean War during the years 1949–1952.
Most WLAs in western hands after the war would be sold as surplus and "civilianized"; the many motorcycles
available at very low cost would lead to the rise of the chopper and other modified motorcycle styles, as well as
the surrounding biker culture. Many a young soldier would come home hoping to get a Harley-Davidson like he
saw or rode in the service, leading to the post-war popularity of both the motorcycle and the company in general.
However, this also ensured that few nearly-original WLAs would survive in the US or even Western Europe. A
significant number of WLAs were left in the Soviet Union, and either stored or put in private hands. With little
access to parts and no chopper culture, and no export path to the West, many of those WLAs were preserved
during the Cold War. Russia and other former Soviet countries are now a major source of WLAs and parts.
The WLA is very similar to civilian models, specifically the WL. Among the changes making it a military
model: Painted surfaces were generally painted olive drab or black and chrome- or nickel-plated parts were
generally blued or parkerized or painted white. Some parts were left as unfinished aluminum. However, Harley
Davidson was apparently very practical in its use of existing parts and processes, and many finishes remained in
their bright civilian versions for a time, and, in some cases, for the whole production run. In order to reduce
night time visibility, WLAs were fitted with a second set of blackout head and tail lights. To reduce mud
clogging, the sides of the standard fenders were removed. A heavy-duty luggage rack (for radios), ammo box,
leather Thompson submachine gun scabbard, skid plate, leg protectors, and windshield could be fitted. Most
came with at least these accessories less the windshield or leg protectors. An oil bath air cleaner, originally used
for tractors and other vehicles in dusty environments, was fitted to handle the dust of off-road use and to allow
easier field maintenance. Oil bath cleaners require only the addition of standard motor oil rather than replaceable
filters. Changes to the crankcase breather reduced the possibility of water intake into the crankcase.
The engine of the WLA is a side-valve design, which is reliable though not particularly efficient in comparison
to overhead-valve designs. Harley Davidson already had overhead valve engines in production for its Big Twin
lines, but the "small twin" flathead design was popular in applications needing reliability more than power. This
engine remained in production from 1937 to 1973 in the Servi-Car, although it was superseded in two-wheeled
motorcycles by the more advanced flathead engine used in the Model K (the ancestor of the OHV Sportster) in
1952. Though the model designation suggested high compression, for reliability, the Army version actually used
a medium-compression version. In modern terms, the WLA's compression ratio of 5:1 is very low. Due to this
low compression, a WLA will run on 74 octane gasoline, necessary due to the poor quality of refining at the
time, although fuel technology would improve rapidly during the war.
A beautifully restored WLA seen earlier
this year at the Guyra MV Gathering.
(The owner, Pauls Jeep and No.4
Trailer were equally fine examples)
And check out this dude. An Aussie in
PNG apparently
The WLA also features springer front suspension. Harley-Davidson would not adopt telescopic front forks until
after the war. The rear wheel had no suspension, giving this type of motorcycle the nickname "hard tail".
Harley-Davidson provided motorcycles to the Army during World War I and for earlier excursions against
Mexican bandits like Pancho Villa.
During World War II, the Army produced a specification for a motorcycle much like the BMWs used by German
forces. That meant shaft drive, a boxer engine, and several other features that made the BMWs exceptionally
reliable and low-maintenance machines. Harley-Davidson produced the XA based closely on the BMW. Though
an excellent machine, only about 1,000 were produced. Due to its new features and low production, the XA was
expensive, and by that time it was clear that the Jeep was the Army's general purpose vehicle of choice; the less
advanced but cheaper WLA was considered sufficient for its limited roles.
ALSO—DIDJANO?
The model number breaks down as follows:
W : the W family of motorcycles. Harley Davidson (except in very early models) gives a letter designation for
each model family. The W series at the time was the newest incarnation of the 45 cubic inches (740 cc) flathead
motor, and was developed from the earlier R family 1932–1936.
L : "high compression", in the usual HD scheme. The "low compression" W model was only briefly available.
A : Army. The company would also produce a model to the slightly different specifications of the Canadian Army,
which would be named the WLC. The WLCs differed from WLAs chiefly in the use of some heavier components,
usually Big Twin parts, as well as Canadian blackout lighting.
The US Army would use motorcycles for police and escort work, courier duties, and some scouting, as well as
limited use to transport radio and radio suppression equipment. Allied motorcycles were almost never used as
combat vehicles or for troop mobility, and so were rarely equipped with sidecars as was common on the German
side. Nevertheless, the WLA acquired the nickname "Liberator", since it was seen ridden by soldiers liberating
occupied Europe
Above: I think this bloke wont be returning fire with his
Tommy Gun too quickly? He has fell on the wrong side!!
All original pics used in this story have come from the
internet prowess of Cam Finlay
Above—Armoured Harleys.
While we are onto the subject of
Motorcycles, Check this one out!
The Killinger und Freund Motorrad was
intended for civilian production but the
start of World War II cancelled those
plans. One motorcycle was discovered by
the US Army in the spring of 1945 at a
German military installation but it is not
known if this was the original prototype
or another Killinger und Freund
Motorrad”
Continued from No.131
To be Continued ......