In the background

[Mike Cecil]

You're right, Mike: the HAR-1 was used in RAAF service from mid-WW2 until the early to mid-1960s, so you probably did see an AWM image of one during WW2 . They were used in a couple of configurations: a small number as tractors (also used in small numbers by Army in this configuration), but the majority as 'Truck, Heavy, Tipper'. This latter configuration was an Australian-made wooden tipper body with a steel floor, and an Australian hoist, hence my previous comment about them being unique to Australia. They equipped the Airfield Construction Sqns, and served in various overseas areas in the post-war period, including Iwakuni in Japan during the occupation. I don't know any other country that equipped their HAR-1s as tipper ('dump') trucks.

Mike C

[lynx42]

Mike C and Mike K you both know someone who used to drive these FWD's as tippers.

Alan Newton, one of the founding fathers of the Corowa Swim-In, was with the RAAF at East Sale in Victoria and drove the FWD HAR-1 Truck, Heavy, Tipper, during his time there. He has a few stories to tell about them.

I have one of these trucks, just a cab chassis without the tipper and a cab off another. Both cabs have markings from their RAAF days. They were/are a sandy colour with a black chassis.

Regards Rick.