Northern Territory pics

[Ken Smith]

The cab 12 Ford in post number 3 appears to be an ex anti tank portee converted to a load carrier GS with wooden body and canvas roof over the cab. A beautiful clear photograph of this conversion.
The photographer could have taken the photo a split second later when old mate was clear of the number plate on the front bumper.

I can't get a army registration number to fit the 4 or 5 digits showing, 43881 is the only Ford cab 12 and it isn't listed as a portee. If the digits showing are 38811 with a wonky 1 on the end, the only possible army number is 38811 a motorcycle or 138811 which is a MB Jeep.
I assume the registration number is a RAAF number.

Ken

[Lang]

Mike (Kelly)

If you go to Darwin you should spend some time in the library archives. They have a huge collection of NT photos not seen elsewhere.

I believe someone, at some stage, has dragged through all the AWM and other official sources to build the collection plus many direct donations and local newspaper records.

Your book find is a beauty!

Lang

[motto]

Going by the very much modified front mudguards on the Chev in post #7 it has been 'Australianised' but not completely. As Mike K says it is an American cab as evidenced by the one piece side windows. The cowl vent is another giveaway. The truck is RHD.
An anomaly appears in that the fuel filler neck is still on the original (R/H) side instead of having been shifted to the other end of the underseat tank as most were.
The tray body is not the American L/L pattern and is obviously fitted with some form of seating. The fellows in the rear row appear to be standing on their seats and an extra board is mounted on the side to provide a reasonable backrest.
As usual with these trucks the mix and match of components has a 'use what's available' feel about it.

David

[Lang]

David

Do you think it is a tipper with that very big chassis rail reinforcement?

Lang

[Lang]

Well Mike Kelly has inspired me to start looking at NT photos. Below is a small collection of "Darwin" keyword photos only, some actually just prewar.

A huge variety of vehicles.

[Lang]

And more of them

[Lang]

And the next

[Mike K]

Just a few notes:

I too noticed the RAAF Chev has the reinforcing plates along the chassis rails . Somebody mentioned this as being an Australian modification on these LL Chevs ?

Yes I noticed the cab 12 is missing its roof and the rear cab panel . I think this would be an army vehicle .

Didn't know about Bud Tingwell flying from Coomalie. Another noted 1960's HOMICIDE TV series actor was a Wellington bomber pilot, Leonard Teale. I read the autobiography of Vincent Ball, another Aust. actor, he was a WAG flying in Coastal Command in the UK.

I will scan a few more pics.

[Mike K]

The CMP towing this Mosquito airframe at Coomalie . They towed this away to the sports ground and to celebrate VJ day, they made a bonfire and burnt this airframe.

A B24 making approach to Fenton airstrip.