Dodge Weapons Carrier

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Mike Cecil

Not the same vehicle I saw, Hanno. The one I saw/was shown was in faded Olive Drab with RNEIAF markings.

Cannot explain the blue. The RAAF were committed to camouflage painting throughout the war, but by late 1944/ early 1945 in Australia things began to ease off, and more latitude seems to have been tolerated. Don't have a clue about RNEIAF policy, though.

That would make at least two of them. Would you happen to have any pictures, or a contact?

RNLEIAF policy's must have been the same as Australian ones, as for example 18 (NEI) Squadron first was an RAAF Squadron, and only later became part of the Netherlands East Indies Air Force, but still under RAAF command. As far as equipment and painting thereof, they must have been largely - if not completely - the same as RAAF units.

I think the blue was not official, it was most likely a local initiative based on the time and paint available. Who knows, it was the Squadron Commander's personal ride or some-such?

[Mike Cecil]

Sorry, Hanno - too long ago now. I was still shooting film in those days (circa 2001-2002) and don't have clue which roll they would be in, but will look and see if I can locate them. I do remember the shed was very cramped, so the shots were close up reference shots of the markings more than anything else.

Mike