Ford Blitz Restoration/Rebuild

[Keith Webb]

Very much enjoying your description of the process, especially the fresco bit!

Incidentally do you have the upper bar for your front shell? It's supposed to be welded in but was often cut off to allow engine removal.

You do realise you will have to start another restoration once you've finished this one. Our lives will be empty without the daily updates.

[Luke R]

Originally Posted by Keith Webb

You do realise you will have to start another restoration once you've finished this one. Our lives will be empty without the daily updates.

Cab 11 or 12 maybe?
Your doing a fantastic job, keep it it up

[Private_collector]

Funny you should say Cab 12.

I 'found' one recently, while taking the boy for a driving lesson.

Not in really good shape..............but nothing new there.

Seriously, after I finish this truck I want to make a replica gun to tow behind it, maybe even an AA gun for the back. That would be nice. Would give the tailgaters the shits too, if aimed right Swines!

[Little Jo]

Hi Tony

Nice work interesting following your thread. Are you doing the vehicle up as a South Australian vehicle as the Platypus over the Boomerang denotes a SA based Unit.

Cheers

Tony

The 9th Australian Infantry Division, a white Platypus and Boomerang on a black ground. The Platypuswas taken from the 1937 9d (Nine Penny) Stamp. A brief history- Formed in 1940, was sent to the Middle East, allocated garrison duties while the 6th and 7th Divisions were sent to Greece, saw action in the battle for El Alamein alongside the British 8th. Army. More famously known as the Rat's of Tobruk, returned to Australia, then on to New Guinea after being reequipped, and fought against the Japanese in and around Finschafen, Lae, the Ramu and Markham Valleys and Madang alongside the 7th Division. Was later moved to Borneo and saw more action against the Japanese until the end of the War.

[Private_collector]

Tony,

The sign is a Division sign only. In this case it is 9th Division as you have said. It does not represent any particular unit.

9th Division had many battalions from all over Australia, certainly including S.A.

Your information on deployment is correct, but it is not specifically from any one state.

T.

[Little Jo]

Originally Posted by Private_collector

Tony,

The sign is a Division sign only. In this case it is 9th Division as you have said. It does not represent any particular unit.

9th Division had many battalions from all over Australia, certainly including S.A.

Your information on deployment is correct, but it is not specifically from any one state.

T.

Hi Tony

I stand corrected. I was given wrong drum. Your vehicle will represent a top fighting Division with a good record of awards.

The 9th Division was the most highly decorated of the four AIF divisions raised during the war. Seven of its members received the Victoria Cross, the nation's highest award for gallantry.

Military decorations awarded to members of the 9th Division include:

7 Victoria Crosses (VC)
41 Companion of the Distinguished Service Orders (DSO);
Order of the British Empire: 9 Officers of the Order (OBE) and 29 Members of the Order (MBE)
119 Military Crosses (MC)
57 Distinguished Conduct Medals (DCM)
212 Military Medals (MM)
9 British Empire Medals (BEM)
611 Mentioned in Dispatches

My 1942 Willys Jeep also proudly displays the Tac Signs for 9 Div. And was well received by veterans of the 2/10th in this years Anzac Day March.

Cheers

Tony

[Private_collector]

Originally Posted by Little Jo

The 9th Division was the most highly decorated of the four AIF divisions raised during the war. Seven of its members received the Victoria Cross, the nation's highest award for gallantry.

My 1942 Willys Jeep also proudly displays the Tac Signs for 9 Div. And was well received by veterans of the 2/10th in this years Anzac Day March.

Tony,

My Father was transferred to 9th Division, after they had already returned from the Middle East. He fought in New Guinea only, because he was CMF. Was involved in some tight 'scraps' there, including Finschafen, Lae, Borneo, Port Moresby and Rabaul.

I learnt some interesting facts about his time there that he didn't mention while he was alive. Like a lot of the WWII old timers, he was the master of understatement!

[Andy Cusworth]

Hey Tony,

Never say Never !

I reckon my suggestion of a LRDG Blitz is a good one .... as no doors, no roof, no bonnet or much nosecone .... just think how much less bodywork ... and swearing plus you can cover any dings with a jerrycan or scrim net ... perfect