International AL-130

[Rod Diery]

On a recent trip into the bush north east of Norseman, Western Australia, I came across the remains of this early 1950s ex Australian Army International AL-130 ambulance. It has had it's rear body cut off and replaced with a steel and wood tray.

It has been used by sandalwood gatherers. The strange looking bar work on the front was used to literally ram the sandalwood trees and rip them out of the ground. Which also accounts for the condition of the front mudguards.

The bonnet is lying flattened on the ground under the fallen tree in front of the truck. Still visible on the bonnet is the ARN 87914.

If you are interested, the truck is located at 31* 49.1004'S, 122* 10.8558'E. Look it up on Google Earth, it's a long way from nowhere!

Cheers
Rod