Registry of Ex Military Land Rovers
Vehicle Research => Overseas Deployments => Topic started by: Tommy on September 25, 2013, 04:47:26 PM
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Just two years after the first order (1962) was placed by the Australian army for the Mk3 International, some of these trucks were 'called to arms' and sent to South East Asia to help defend Malaysia from the Indonesian force in what was known as The Indonesian Confrontation.
The Indonesian Confrontation (1963-1966) should not be confused with the Malayan Emergency (1948-1960). During the years 1963 to 1966, Indonesian forces undertook failed attempts to seize Brunei, Sabah and Sarawak. The Confrontation escalated in September 1964 when Indonesian paratroopers engaged in a series of raids on southern Malaysia.
Fortunately, by early 1966 the dictatorial Indonesian President, Sukarno lost power to General Suharto in a coup d’état. General Suharto did not subscribe to Sukarnos provocational stance and quickly withdrew any further action. A treaty between Indonesia and Malaysia was signed in August 1966 recognising the Borneo states of Sabah and Sarawak as part of the Malaysian Federation.
The following posts show a large number of photographs taken of Australian army personal and vehicles during this Confrontation.
Of interest are the photos that show recognisable ARN plates on a number of Mk3s and Land Rovers. The following list contains ARNs that can be confirmed and those that I am not 100% sure of.
International Mk3 -
170-130
170-138 ?
170-145
170-162 ?
170-169
170-176 ?
170-186
170-184
170-187
170-189 ?
Land Rovers -
110-820
110-881
111-850
111-852
111-857
111-859
111-860
It would be interesting to view a list of vehicles that made the trip to Malaysia and compare it to my list.
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On their way to Malaysia aboard HMAS Sydney during 1964.
The Bofors 40mm No.12 guns sitting at the bow of the Sydney belong to 111th Light Anti Aircraft Battery.
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/2c_DeckOfSydney_zpsa2a7562a.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/aaGunsJesselton1964_zpsfd66a9f6.jpg) (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/2c_HMAS_Sydney_zpsc352f615.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/3_HMAS_Sydney7_zpsecca64e4.jpg) (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/GGun1OnSydney1964_zps502ab50d.jpg)
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The Australian army utilized the services of a British army landing craft - L4073 HMAV Ardennes - during it's time in Malaysia. The Ardennes was a World War Two (1945) built Mk8 Landing Craft Tank (LCT Mark VIII) ship. It was designed especially for Far East duties during the war and was built to handle ocean going conditions. Unfortunately, the war ended before it had a chance to serve it's country.
The Ardennes spent the 1960s around Borneo, Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore regions servicing Commonwealth and British forces.
The following photos show Ardennes helping the Australian army out.
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/1965_ardennes_l4073_pulau_TiomanMalaysia_zps0efcc4ac.jpg) (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/1962_ardennes_l4073_borneo_zps2944422c.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/3_ChinaRock_LCD3_zps2a0edd52.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/3_ChinaRock_LCD4a_zps5f441505.jpg) (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/3_ChinaRock_LCD6_zpsaf350cc1.jpg)
Can anyone identify the make of this green truck? After a close look at the load it is carrying, I have come to the conclusion that it is stacked sheets of PSP/Marsden matting.
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/3_ChinaRock1_Loading_zps4134a6ab.jpg)
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These photos show a small landing barge helping out.
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/3_ChinaRock2_zpsa7dc096e.jpg) (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/3_ChinaRock3_zps28e67f76.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Attachment9_zps8b6e1148.jpg) (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Waterfall1587_zps31247033.jpg)
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Oopps :o
International must have put a couple of tires off onto the verge maybe to let oncoming traffic through. Whatever the reason, the British army has come to the rescue with a Bedford RL wrecker.
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/3_Hugh_Ritchie_Truck4_zps4be6c7dc.jpg) (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/3_Hugh_Ritchie_Truck_zps99488f2f.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/3_Hugh_Ritchie_Truck2_zpseb92cf73.jpg) (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/3_Hugh_Ritchie_Truck3_zps1b68c3d4.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/bedford-rl-3ton-4x4-wrecker-00-dl-97_zps3a66410b.jpg)
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Not only did the British army offer up it's landing ships to help out but the Royal Air Force also chipped in. The following photos show the Australian army utilizing the massive loading and carrying capacity of the heavy transport Blackburn Beverley and Armstrong Whitworth Argosy.
Beverley -
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/184CDepartingfromJesseltonafterBorneoDetachment1960_zpsb40b7721.jpg) (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/seatoubon3fromKC_zps8b1d6ab7.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Waterfall1504_zps85ae5656.jpg) (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Waterfall1503_zpsc4076c9a.jpg)
Argosy -
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/XP411-411_Masirah_30-12-63_RD_zps2dcb0b19.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/TptMalaccatoexercise65-672-XL_zps5bb5f73c.jpg) (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/TptMalaccatoexercise65-67-XL_zps17b77b7e.jpg)
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Great pics as usual Tommy. Thanks
Did you know that the Beverley is the reason for the Brit Land Rover air-portable "lightweight" it could originally carry two rows of series one Land Rovers side by side. When the Series II was introduced the bulge at the waist and the little hub caps made them too wide, so the lightweight was designed to have the same body width as the Series one and flat drive flanges.
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Great pics as usual Tommy. Thanks
Did you know that the Beverley is the reason for the Brit Land Rover air-portable "lightweight" it could originally carry two rows of series one Land Rovers side by side. When the Series II was introduced the bulge at the waist and the little hub caps made them too wide, so the lightweight was designed to have the same body width as the Series one and flat drive flanges.
This photos shows a Series 1 in the belly of a Beverley. Don't want to be a party pooper but I can't see any possible way to squeeze two of these Land Rovers side by side within the space available.
The second photos shows how the Land Rover was set up for parachute drop from the Beverley.
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Sorry wrong aircraft, it was the Argosy, which could carry a Saracen as wide as two Lightweights side by side. Unfortunately I can't find the image of the two Series 1 Land Rovers inside the aircraft.
They were driven in not loaded on platforms for air drops.
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What is the formation sign on this Mk3?
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Sorry wrong aircraft, it was the Argosy, which could carry a Saracen as wide as two Lightweights side by side. Unfortunately I can't find the image of the two Series 1 Land Rovers inside the aircraft.
They were driven in not loaded on platforms for air drops.
No problem Diana :). I was searching for some interior dimensions (width) for the Beverley but could not find any. That would have confirmed the 'side by side' theory.
http://www.lrfaq.org/NL.MM_lightweight.html
For those interested, the Blackbury "Beverly" (4 radials/fixed U/C and twin fins) and the Shorts "Belfast" (much like a C-130 - but bigger) were the backbone of the R.A.F. - heavy lift Transport Command. The Armstrong Whitworth "Argosy" (known as the "Fly ing Wheelbarrow") and the Hawker Siddeley "Andover" were in the medium lift category. The "Argosy" was the main reason the Lightweight ended up narrower than the standard Land Rover.
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The following list contains ARNs that can be confirmed and those that I am not 100% sure of.
International Mk3 -
170-130
170-138 ?
170-145
170-162 ?
170-169
170-176 ?
170-186
170-184
170-187
170-189 ?
Land Rovers -
108-111
110-881
It would be interesting to view a list of vehicles that made the trip to Malaysia and compare it to my list.
Tommy, are you able to make any ARN's on the No5 trailers? While the Inters and LR may have had one or two deployments in their service lives, it is entirely possible that the trailers in their lives have made 5 or 6 deployments in their time, from Borneo through Vietnam to Timor and A'stan. It would be interesting to see how many have had multiple tours. Like the M113 fleet, they seem to always to have been the ones to go O/S, while the softskin fleet has evolved through the years.
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Tommy, are you able to make any ARN's on the No5 trailers? While the Inters and LR may have had one or two deployments in their service lives, it is entirely possible that the trailers in their lives have made 5 or 6 deployments in their time, from Borneo through Vietnam to Timor and A'stan. It would be interesting to see how many have had multiple tours. Like the M113 fleet, they seem to always to have been the ones to go O/S, while the softskin fleet has evolved through the years.
No No.5 ARNs to be seen 303 :(.
Although the photo below does show that the No.5 trailer was deployed to the 1963-66 Confrontation, I have yet to find a photo of one 'on the ground' in Malaysia. These trailers would have been brand spanking new as the first production run was in 1963.
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/2c_DeckOfSydney_zpsa2a7562a.jpg)
Note also that a Holden FC/FE/FB ute (take your pick) is onboard the Sydney. Surviving army FB shown below.
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/HoldenFBArmy_zps40a5effb.jpg)
Not No.5s, but the two photos show a Brockhouse 1 ton trailer behind a Mk3 (170-138?) at RAAF Butterworth. ARN is a little difficult to read but it does look like 100-616 in both photographs. I had a look on REMLR website for this ARN but could not find it.
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Buterworth60s2372_zpsf5e2ff8e.jpg) (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Buterworth60s2431_zps035c9612.jpg)
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Not No.5s, but the two photos show a Brockhouse 1 ton trailer behind a Mk3 (170-138?) at RAAF Butterworth. ARN is a little difficult to read but it does look like 100-616 in both photographs. I had a look on REMLR website for this ARN but could not find it.
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Buterworth60s2372_zpsf5e2ff8e.jpg) (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Buterworth60s2431_zps035c9612.jpg)
Hi Tommy
Are these Brockhouse trailers or the 1 Ton trailers we know as Humber trailers?
Many of these were manufactureed by Corio Engineering in Victoria. Whether they were originally a Brockhouse design I am not aware.
They also seem to have the yellow formation sign I asked about earlier, it seems to be a cat or some sort of other feline.
Diana :)
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Are these Brockhouse trailers or the 1 Ton trailers we know as Humber trailers?
Many of these were manufactureed by Corio Engineering in Victoria. Whether they were originally a Brockhouse design I am not aware.
One and the same Diana. They are known as Brockhouse FV2401 1 Ton 2 WH GS Cargo Trailer although a couple of different manufacturers produced them including Sankey. I suspect that Corio Engineering built them under a licencing agreement. I wonder if they were identical to the British version or modified for Australian conditions?
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Fantastic photos, and information there Stuart. When I get to it, they would make a great page on REMLR, however I would need to know the Copyright of the photos, or at least the source.
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One and the same Diana. They are known as Brockhouse FV2401 1 Ton 2 WH GS Cargo Trailer although a couple of different manufacturers produced them including Sankey. I suspect that Corio Engineering built them under a licencing agreement. I wonder if they were identical to the British version or modified for Australian conditions?
I know that at least some Aussie ones had square guards.
(http://www.mapleleafup.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=26258&d=1236158749)
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The later versions of the Brockhouse went to square guards with Inter hubs and wheels.
I have an earlier (but identical) one requiring restoration thats got rounded guards and
Blitz hubs and wheels.
Greg Mac
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The later versions of the Brockhouse went to square guards with Inter hubs and wheels.
I have an earlier (but identical) one requiring restoration thats got rounded guards and
Blitz hubs and wheels.
Greg Mac
Very interesting Greg :). Is your Brockhouse Australian made? I was unaware that these trailers were manufactured with 'Blitz' hubs and wheels :o. I thought the hubs and wheels came directly from the Humber FV1600 as shown in the two photos below. Are yours like these?
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In 1964, the 111th Light Anti Aircraft (LAA) Battery was sent from Adelaide to RAAF Base Butterworth Malaysia to defend the airfield during the Indonesian Confrontation. At the time, the Battery was using the Bofors 40mm No.12 gun. The No.12 was different in that it was a convertion from existing manual operated Mk 3 Bofors guns by adding powered traverse and elevation and a gyro stabilised sight. The Mk3 Inters would have been an ideal 'Gun Tractor' especially in the damp and muddy tropical conditions.
111th LAA spent the next two years on duty at Butterworth until replaced by 110th Light Anti Aircraft (LAA) Battery in 1966. Most of the following photos are from 110th and 111th time at RAAF Base Butterworth 1964-66.
The No.12 Bofors Anti Aircraft gun -
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/322_18LAA_40mk12_hr_zpsf26a891c.jpg) (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/GGun641_zpsc9abd760.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Malaya3783_zps3c9b5056.jpg) (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/GunOnBeach_zpsdc65a462.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Waterfall1602_zps6b5513b3.jpg)
I believe this is the British army Bofors No.12 as it has the magazine storage bins to the rear of the gun rather than up high on the right side. Both the Australian and British armies had their own anti aircraft batterys at Butterworth during the Confrontation.
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Buterworth60sa_zps8eaeb58a.jpg)
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The Bofors No.12 in tow -
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Waterfall1583_zps8d1dbe7a.jpg) (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Waterfall1542_zps6a08d9b4.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Attachment5_zpse42da4f4.jpg) (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/3_Exer_Algar_zps2157a76c.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/3_Exer_Pennington_BentElbow_zps38f4a009.jpg) (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Malaya3696_zps7b798903.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/3_Exer_a_Ziggy_zps620a6efc.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/2-1LAASdrnamp111BattButterworth1964_zps95a2abf4.jpg)
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Hi there Tommy
Amazing research buddy......well done.
Ps - will be back over your way next couple of weeks will drop in if your around.
Wayne
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G'day Tommy, great photos thanks.
My Brockhouse has definitely got Blitz hubs and wheels. I've got a Blitz as well.
Radio Van, so this trailer is gonna tow my Generators and tables, tents etc.
No plates so I can't tell the origin. Didn't even know what it was for a while till I found
a few photos on the net.
I've seen a Humber and it's not the same as them.
Greg Mac.
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Hi there Tommy
Amazing research buddy......well done.
Ps - will be back over your way next couple of weeks will drop in if your around.
Wayne
Wayne
PM sent.
I had little knowledge of the Indonesian Confrontation until I came across some photos on the net showing Inters towing the old WW2 Bofors. I looked further into this part of military history only to find that it was the first deployment of the International Mk3. I felt that this needed some recognition and archiving on the forum.
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G'day Tommy, great photos thanks.
My Brockhouse has definitely got Blitz hubs and wheels. I've got a Blitz as well.
Radio Van, so this trailer is gonna tow my Generators and tables, tents etc.
No plates so I can't tell the origin. Didn't even know what it was for a while till I found
a few photos on the net.
I've seen a Humber and it's not the same as them.
Greg Mac.
Greg
I suppose the question should be asked...was the 'Blitz' hubs and wheels a genuine service modification or installed during the trailers manufacture. The trailer comes from the mid 1950 period so it may be a case of the manufacturer utilizing N.O.S Blitz parts left over from the war. Someone out there may know the answer.
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I find the photo's of the Bofors very interesting, brings back memories of my time when I served in 113 Light Anti aircraft Battery (a CMF unit) in the mid to late 1960's. ;D Our Bofor's were the Mk12's with the gun No. 2 (the Layer) controlling both the traverse and elevation, as our Bofors were also powered. I only remember a gunsight called a "Peanut" sight because of the shape of the graticules in the viewfinder which corresponded with the targets speed. All the Layer had to do was line up the target on the correct graticule, the targets speed was indicated to him by the Gun No. 1.(the Sargent). I do not remember Gyro controlled gunsights, but then again the regular army may have been supplied with these. :D
I remember all to well the "Indonesian confrontation" and the possible threat to Australia, when I first joined 113 Battery in 1964.
We also used the Inter Mk3's as a gun tower but in my opinion they were not as good as the earlier GMC's and Studebakers.
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Tommy, that picture of a Bofor with the magazine storage bins at the rear, that you think is an English version?, could it be a Naval version converted to fire on land, it seems to have shielding around the front. I am not familiar with that version. :D
Just as an aside, I see the third piccy from the top has an apparatus fitted over the barrel to make the gun recoil as the gun detachment is training and they are using plastic blanks. I used to hate them things as they certainly built up crap from the plastic inside the barrel and it was a real bugger to clean out.
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I believe this is the British army Bofors No.12 as it has the magazine storage bins to the rear of the gun rather than up high on the right side. Both the Australian and British armies had their own anti aircraft batterys at Butterworth during the Confrontation.
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Buterworth60sa_zps8eaeb58a.jpg)
Hi Tommy,
This last photo is a British L/70, these entered service in 1951. The No.12 shown in previous photos was referred to as the Bristol Bofors as it was a conversion of the WW2 Bofors giving it electric control, by the Bristol Aircraft Company.
Good photos, look forward to seeing more.
regards, Richard
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Tommy, that picture of a Bofor with the magazine storage bins at the rear, that you think is an English version?, could it be a Naval version converted to fire on land, it seems to have shielding around the front. I am not familiar with that version. :D
Just as an aside, I see the third piccy from the top has an apparatus fitted over the barrel to make the gun recoil as the gun detachment is training and they are using plastic blanks. I used to hate them things as they certainly built up crap from the plastic inside the barrel and it was a real bugger to clean out.
Thanks for that bit of info Ausfree. That device had me stumped. I have seen similar setups on .50 cal machine guns and thought that it may have been some kind of strengthening device to keep the barrel from flexing. I was way off the mark :(
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I believe this is the British army Bofors No.12 as it has the magazine storage bins to the rear of the gun rather than up high on the right side. Both the Australian and British armies had their own anti aircraft batterys at Butterworth during the Confrontation.
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Buterworth60sa_zps8eaeb58a.jpg)
Hi Tommy,
This last photo is a British L/70, these entered service in 1951. The No.12 shown in previous photos was referred to as the Bristol Bofors as it was a conversion of the WW2 Bofors giving it electric control, by the Bristol Aircraft Company.
Good photos, look forward to seeing more.
regards, Richard
Thanks for the correction Richard :). I notice that the Bristol Bofors have an auxiliary/genset motor to the rear of the gunners platform to power the electrics. What was used on the L/70 as the photo show very little room on the platform to store an auxiliary/genset motor?
I also note that there are two spare barrels sitting in readiness behind the gun. Would they have been for different ammunition or did the barrels have a very short lifespan?
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Thanks Tommy, a very nice bit of work.
There was a memorial service held on 31 Aug for the Indonesian Confrontation and the Malayan Emergency. Details are on page 24/25 of the latest Army news paper.
http://armynews.realviewdigital.com/#folio=1
Pete
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Tommy, only too happy to help with any info that I can on Bofor's. :D You mentioned about the charger on the back of the L/70, our Mk 12's had JAP brand 2 stroke chargers mounted on the back of the loaders platform, we also used a a 4 stroke off gun charger unit which had a higher capacity than the JAP to charge the batteries. ;D You can actually see the JAP charger and the tool box on the loaders platform in that first photo.
(http://i756.photobucket.com/albums/xx205/Ausfree/BoforatStockton_zps2fffc42d.jpg) (http://s756.photobucket.com/user/Ausfree/media/BoforatStockton_zps2fffc42d.jpg.html)
You can also see them in this piccy of a Bofor at a live firing excercise at Fort Wallace, Stockton in about 1966. That's me standing on the gun platform as the Loading Number, Gun Number 4. We had names for our Bofor's, this one was called "Little Jinx".
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Tommy, only too happy to help with any info that I can on Bofor's. :D You mentioned about the charger on the back of the L/70, our Mk 12's had JAP brand 2 stroke chargers mounted on the back of the loaders platform, we also used a a 4 stroke off gun charger unit which had a higher capacity than the JAP to charge the batteries. ;D You can actually see the JAP charger and the tool box on the loaders platform in that first photo.
Great photo Ausfree :)
It looks as if the 'Jap' charger was started by pulling on a cord. If so, how many times did it play up and not start like so many 2 strokes of that era? Not good if enemy aircraft are baring down on you.
Was the 'external' genset something like that shown below?
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Thanks Tommy, a very nice bit of work.
There was a memorial service held on 31 Aug for the Indonesian Confrontation and the Malayan Emergency. Details are on page 24/25 of the latest Army news paper.
http://armynews.realviewdigital.com/#folio=1
Pete
Amazing how it took the Australian Government 45 years to 'recognise' this historical military event. Must have been all that red tape we hear about.
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The following photos are of A Field Battery.
A Field Battery secured the use of British Army vehicles whilst in Malaysia (January 1965 - September 1967) as these photos show predominately British army Beford RL 3 ton GS and S2 Land Rovers. You can see the odd Australian army Land Rover (111-850 & 111-857) in a couple of the photos.
From 1965–1966 the Battery became known as 'A' Field Battery, 45th Light Regiment, Royal Artillery after joining up with the British Regiment. I presume this is why the Australians used British vehicles.
It appears that the Australian marked some of these vehicles with a white Kangaroo symbol. This symbol has been carried through to current war zones such as Afghanistan
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/45RegtMarchout66-XLa_zps233ac287.jpg) (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/45RegtMarchout66-XLa_zpsdb354a77.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/afieldbattery1a_zps4577a421.jpg) (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/afieldbattery12a_zps9c67f206.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/afieldbattery14a_zps7f1be5a7.jpg) (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/afieldbattery3a_zpsf21fd167.jpg)
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A Field Regiment was equipped with the L5 105mm Pack Howitzer. These guns were light enough to be comfortably towed behind the Land Rovers although some photo show them in the back of the RLs.
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/afieldbattery5a_zpse0a871af.jpg) (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/111-857_zpsf9220337.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/afieldbattery13a_zps18361993.jpg) (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/afieldbattery2a_zpsa7b04a7e.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/afieldbattery6a_zps3d1eb2a1.jpg) (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/afieldbattery10a_zpsfedac1f9.jpg)
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Transporting the L5s over hills and rivers was no problem. The British airforce could airlift them with the Bristol Belvedere or they could be dismantled into pieces and sent by small boat.
These photos show the Belvedere doing it's thing.
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/afieldbattery4a_zpse86ff7fd.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/afieldbattery8a_zps143da82f.jpg) (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/afieldbattery7a_zpsc27ca80d.jpg)
These two photos show the correct way to sling the L5 for airlifting. You will note that one photo shows the L5 slung with legs extended and the other shows the L5 with legs retracted. As in the photo above (RHS), the gun has been correctly slung.
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/L5Pack_zpscca6b4e6.jpg) (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/L5Pack1_zps46b8698f.jpg)
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The L5 was a fully dismantable gun. This is evident in the photos below. Due to the nature of the terrain, transportation up river in small boats would prove to be ideal. This boat contains a completely disassembled L5.
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/L5Pack2_zps9574cad2.jpg) (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/L5Pack3_zpsbb6c597b.jpg)
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Tommy, only too happy to help with any info that I can on Bofor's. :D You mentioned about the charger on the back of the L/70, our Mk 12's had JAP brand 2 stroke chargers mounted on the back of the loaders platform, we also used a a 4 stroke off gun charger unit which had a higher capacity than the JAP to charge the batteries. ;D You can actually see the JAP charger and the tool box on the loaders platform in that first photo.
Great photo Ausfree :)
It looks as if the 'Jap' charger was started by pulling on a cord. If so, how many times did it play up and not start like so many 2 strokes of that era? Not good if enemy aircraft are baring down on you.
Was the 'external' genset something like that shown below?
You are correct Tommy, the JAP charger was a mongrel of a thing to start and yes it did have a pull cord. The picture of the Genset (I couldn't remember it's name) is correct, they were more reliable than the JAP and had a greater charging rate. :)
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This is great Tommy. What great photos.
If you find my FFW ARN 111-515 I'll put you in my will.
Not much money. Just my Frank Zappa Vinyl record collection.
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Tommy, only too happy to help with any info that I can on Bofor's. :D You mentioned about the charger on the back of the L/70, our Mk 12's had JAP brand 2 stroke chargers mounted on the back of the loaders platform, we also used a a 4 stroke off gun charger unit which had a higher capacity than the JAP to charge the batteries. ;D You can actually see the JAP charger and the tool box on the loaders platform in that first photo.
Hi Ausfree,
I am interested in this thread as a friend has a Mk.12 Bofors without a charging set. I identified it as what appears to be the set used during WW2 in conjunction with the RAF's Trolley Accumulators for aircraft starting. They were mounted on top of the trolley. Now these engines were definitely side valve 4 strokes as I am familiar with the JAP 2A and 2S (only real difference is sump capacity). As the Mk12 was an electric conversion by the Bristol Aircraft Co. you can see how they came across this set and considered it a neat size to fit the platform. As you were there at the time and used them it is difficult to dispute your comment on them being a two stroke engine, but all info that has been gleaned to date on the sets for the Bofors is that they were JAP 2S four strokes, but would be interested to see any documents to say otherwise as we are looking for one of these sets.
regards Richard
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Tommy, only too happy to help with any info that I can on Bofor's. :D You mentioned about the charger on the back of the L/70, our Mk 12's had JAP brand 2 stroke chargers mounted on the back of the loaders platform, we also used a a 4 stroke off gun charger unit which had a higher capacity than the JAP to charge the batteries. ;D You can actually see the JAP charger and the tool box on the loaders platform in that first photo.
Hi Ausfree,
I am interested in this thread as a friend has a Mk.12 Bofors without a charging set. I identified it as what appears to be the set used during WW2 in conjunction with the RAF's Trolley Accumulators for aircraft starting. They were mounted on top of the trolley. Now these engines were definitely side valve 4 strokes as I am familiar with the JAP 2A and 2S (only real difference is sump capacity). As the Mk12 was an electric conversion by the Bristol Aircraft Co. you can see how they came across this set and considered it a neat size to fit the platform. As you were there at the time and used them it is difficult to dispute your comment on them being a two stroke engine, but all info that has been gleaned to date on the sets for the Bofors is that they were JAP 2S four strokes, but would be interested to see any documents to say otherwise as we are looking for one of these sets.
regards Richard
Hi Richard, I made an assumption on the fact they were 2 strokes ( it was a long time ago) however I am still in contact with other ex members of 113 Battery and I will contact them to check. I will get back to you.
Cheers Ausfree.
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The Aust Army also used Cooper engine charging sets, branded as "Sunshine" and distributed through the Sunshine-McKay agricultural chain..
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The Aust Army also used Cooper engine charging sets, branded as "Sunshine" and distributed through the Sunshine-McKay agricultural chain..
That is interesting as we had heard Cooper mentioned but not found any evidence to confirm. As I said, my friend in Aus, is looking for one of these sets.
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Good day gents,
A few years ago I put a lot of ARN,s on the old website for the Borneo trucks and Land rovers, I don't think it has made it across to this forum.
A couple of days ago I was looking at a video on the Australian War Memorial site . The film No is F03659 and is called HMAS Sydney underway to Borneo 1964.
The ARN,s I could pick out with a quick look through are,
Landrover 110-820,108-614,111-906
AB 160 Inter tipper 116-426,116-412,116-415 (so close to mine and according to War Diaries mine was in Borneo also)
Mk 3 International 170-277,170-190,170-191,170-193
No 5 trailer 101-094,101-109
Corio Air Engineers 1 ton trailers 100-551,100-553,100-557.
The film goes for 55 mins and is reasonably entertaining for the most part.
Cheers Ken
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Good day gents,
A few years ago I put a lot of ARN,s on the old website for the Borneo trucks and Land rovers, I don't think it has made it across to this forum.
Found it Ken :)
International trucks on the strength of 22 Construction Squadron Borneo 30th June 1966.
170-185, 170-214, 170-215, 170-216, 170-220, 170-222, 170-466, 170-477, 170-490,
170-492, 170-508, 170-509, 170-529, 170-542.
The workshop had their own Mk3s.
170-219, 170-227, 170-233, 170-234, 170-275, 170-497, 170-217 service truck, 170-596, 170-599 machinery trucks.
AB160 teaspoon tippers with 22 Construction Squadron
116-409, 116-410, 116-414, 116-424, 116-426, 116-683, 116-684, 116-685, 116-687,
116-688, 116-690, 116-696, 116-697, 116-698, 116-699.
These trucks had been passed on by 21 Construction Squadron earlier in the year. One of my teaspoons is 116 414 and had about 7,500 miles on the speedo at the time which was a lot less than the remainder of the teaspoons.
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Do we know what happened to the ex-Colombo Plan teaspoon tippers donated back to the Aussie contingent as spares donors?
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Do we know what happened to the ex-Colombo Plan teaspoon tippers donated back to the Aussie contingent as spares donors?
Can you elaborate please ???
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These photos show that a workshop Land Rover was attached to the 110/111th LAA unit. Would it have been there for the Inters or the guns?
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Waterfall1541_zpsf4aa9ab3.jpg) (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/m309_zps0a655c62.jpg)
A close look at the workshop and you would swear it had square cut guards.
OK, further investigation shows that the workshop does indeed have square cut guards. Could this be the first time an army Land Rover had these guards. I was of the understanding that the first cut guards were used during the Vietnam conflict.
Close up of the workshop from another photo.
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Squarecutguard_zps8327f16f.jpg)
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Do we know what happened to the ex-Colombo Plan teaspoon tippers donated back to the Aussie contingent as spares donors?
Can you elaborate please ???
There is a reference to it in the AWM records See: http://remlr.com/forum/index.php?topic=1063.0 (http://remlr.com/forum/index.php?topic=1063.0)
(Page 48 http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/records/awm95/4/7/awm95-4-7-2.pdf (http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/records/awm95/4/7/awm95-4-7-2.pdf) )
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Some Land Rover photos.
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/3_Base11_zpsdfd413af.jpg) (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/3_Base12_zps7494e015.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Waterfall1502_zpsb1ada61e.jpg) (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Waterfall1478_zps5944cbf5.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Waterfall1505_zpse082687e.jpg) (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/BuggerFlatTyre65-67-XLa_zps0a7faff3.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/belvidere_and_landrover_zps4b939cdf.jpg) (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/StanddownatPortDickson65-67-XLa_zps01e69a35.jpg)
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We mustn't forget the motorcycle. Looks to me like a 1942 WLA Harley Davidson.
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Motorbike_zps279fc446.jpg)
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You will notice in the background a Bedford RL loaded up with two L5 Howitzers. The following photos show how the Aussies got them up onto the tray.
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/afieldbattery2a_zpsa7b04a7e.jpg)
First remove the muzzle brake.
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Loading3_zps1e0a54ce.jpg)
Hook up to Land Rover and reverse up ramp.
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Loading1_zpsaec954fe.jpg) (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Loading2_zpsdd8e2378.jpg)
Chain gun down. Ready to go.
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Loading4_zps37c71793.jpg)
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Re the cut guards, they were a modification done in australia, not as a result of vietnam.
John bamford elaborated on this on his page on REMLR http://www.remlr.com/john-bamford.html
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These photos show that a workshop Land Rover was attached to the 110/111th LAA unit. Would it have been there for the Inters or the guns?
Impossible to know unless one was there I suspect.
A unit armourer would probably not need a workshop for the guns; most parts for weapons are expense stores and can be carried in anything and used as necessary, with the exception of things such as barrels/breeches; breech-blocks, etc. which are not repairable at that level and would have been returned to a base workshop when they were worn-out.
Perhaps the most useful Land Rover workshop for this unit, would have been the POL lubrication one, given all of the oil and greasing points on the vehicles and presumably guns,
Cheers Charlie
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Re the cut guards, they were a modification done in australia, not as a result of vietnam.
John bamford elaborated on this on his page on REMLR http://www.remlr.com/john-bamford.html
The article is not clear as to what year the square cut guards were officially adopted and whether they were retrofitted to some S2 for trial purposes. If they were, it would be interesting to know if these S2s kept the guards. My understanding is that they were fitted at the beginning of the S2A in 1964. It was Vietnam that we saw the guards in numbers due to the amount of photos from that war.
The workshop in the photo could either be a 1964/65 S2A or S2 with retro fitted guards and would most probably be one of the first, if not the first Land Rover sent on deployment with the new square cut guards. I have yet to see any other Land Rover from the Confrontation with these guards. Every Land Rover appears to be S2s.
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Re the wksp rover,I would be inclined to believe it would be an auto repair,manned by a mechanic and an armourer.This would fullfill the requirement of keeping the inters and arnaments in operational condition.Larger repair items would probably be in a spares truck,also manned by tradies(possibly a radio mech for comms and another mechanic)
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Perhaps the most useful Land Rover workshop for this unit, would have been the POL lubrication one, given all of the oil and greasing points on the vehicles and presumably guns,
Cheers Charlie
G'day Charlie
These two photos show a workshop with vehicles from 24 Construction Squadron, Borneo 1965. With all the earthmoving equipment and trucks, this workshop may have been the lube truck.
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/1965Borneo_zpsfe98a820.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/1965Borneoa_zps4dba7201.jpg) (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Borneo1965_zpsd4862f35.jpg)
Apart from the guards, can anyone tell whether this workshop is a S2 or S2A?
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Two more Land Rovers identified 111-860 and 110-820.
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/1965Borneo111-860_zps8b3fda1a.jpg) (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/1965Borneo110-820_zps17c4ddfc.jpg)
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Perhaps the most useful Land Rover workshop for this unit, would have been the POL lubrication one, given all of the oil and greasing points on the vehicles and presumably guns,
Cheers Charlie
G'day Charlie
These two photos show a workshop with vehicles from 24 Construction Squadron, Borneo 1965. With all the earthmoving equipment and trucks, this workshop may have been the lube truck.
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/1965Borneo_zpsfe98a820.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/1965Borneoa_zps4dba7201.jpg) (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Borneo1965_zpsd4862f35.jpg)
Apart from the guards, can anyone tell whether this workshop is a S2 or S2A?
It appears to have a chrome ring around the P/S blinker (rather than just the rubber body of the lamp holder in 2As) so would be a Series 2 if that is the case. Does it look like that to anyone else?
Bob
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Perhaps the most useful Land Rover workshop for this unit, would have been the POL lubrication one, given all of the oil and greasing points on the vehicles and presumably guns,
Cheers Charlie
G'day Charlie
These two photos show a workshop with vehicles from 24 Construction Squadron, Borneo 1965. With all the earthmoving equipment and trucks, this workshop may have been the lube truck.
Apart from the guards, can anyone tell whether this workshop is a S2 or S2A?
It appears to have a chrome ring around the P/S blinker (rather than just the rubber body of the lamp holder in 2As) so would be a Series 2 if that is the case. Does it look like that to anyone else?
Bob
Bridge Weight Disc is in between S2 & S2A height
TAC plates are on the brushguard
Appears to have the extended S2A chassis
sounds like a prototype..
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Perhaps the most useful Land Rover workshop for this unit, would have been the POL lubrication one, given all of the oil and greasing points on the vehicles and presumably guns,
Cheers Charlie
G'day Charlie
These two photos show a workshop with vehicles from 24 Construction Squadron, Borneo 1965. With all the earthmoving equipment and trucks, this workshop may have been the lube truck.
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/1965Borneo_zpsfe98a820.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/1965Borneoa_zps4dba7201.jpg) (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Borneo1965_zpsd4862f35.jpg)
Apart from the guards, can anyone tell whether this workshop is a S2 or S2A?
From a hazy memory from 1985, I seem to remember the POL workshops having pale coloured hose reel holders on the back; so one could select the hose reading OMD110 for example, and drag it off its reel to the vehicle concerned. However; I never used one, so my recollection may be completely erroneous - I was more involved with the vehicle repair workshop,
Cheers Charlie
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Tommy, only too happy to help with any info that I can on Bofor's. :D You mentioned about the charger on the back of the L/70, our Mk 12's had JAP brand 2 stroke chargers mounted on the back of the loaders platform, we also used a a 4 stroke off gun charger unit which had a higher capacity than the JAP to charge the batteries. ;D You can actually see the JAP charger and the tool box on the loaders platform in that first photo.
Hi Ausfree,
I am interested in this thread as a friend has a Mk.12 Bofors without a charging set. I identified it as what appears to be the set used during WW2 in conjunction with the RAF's Trolley Accumulators for aircraft starting. They were mounted on top of the trolley. Now these engines were definitely side valve 4 strokes as I am familiar with the JAP 2A and 2S (only real difference is sump capacity). As the Mk12 was an electric conversion by the Bristol Aircraft Co. you can see how they came across this set and considered it a neat size to fit the platform. As you were there at the time and used them it is difficult to dispute your comment on them being a two stroke engine, but all info that has been gleaned to date on the sets for the Bofors is that they were JAP 2S four strokes, but would be interested to see any documents to say otherwise as we are looking for one of these sets.
regards Richard
HelloRichard,
Getting back to you regarding the JAP chargers on the 40mm Bofors, I have been in contact with two ex-members of 113 Battery, both former Battery Sargent Majors and they say the chargers were in fact 4 stroke. I apologize for my misleading information. They can't remember which version of the charger we had. I hope that helps.
Cheers Ausfree. :)
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Getting back to you regarding the JAP chargers on the 40mm Bofors, I have been in contact with two ex-members of 113 Battery, both former Battery Sargent Majors and they say the chargers were in fact 4 stroke. I apologize for my misleading information. They can't remember which version of the charger we had. I hope that helps.
Cheers Ausfree. :)
Hi Ausfree,
This does make the search more clearer, your mention of a 2 stroke only made me think there was yet another type of charger unit used as well. There is documented evidence of the British Army ones having the JAP and photos on here of Aussie guns I can clearly see they are the JAP units which were originally made for the RAF as I explained earlier. A very interesting thread from all aspects, I hope more photos are posted up.
cheers Richard
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More photos for Richard and others :)
Servicing the Bofors.
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/3_Base10_zps028481b1.jpg)
Australian gun emplacements at RAAF Base Butterworth.
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/3_G_Gun_zps7dabe07b.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/3_G_Gun_Crew1c_zpsf8c56d16.jpg) (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/3_G_Gun_Site2_zps57ac5223.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/AlphaGun1b_zps02f7cd96.jpg) (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/AlphaGun1a_zps0eac11b8.jpg)
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Australian gun emplacements along beach.
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/BravoGun_zpsb0ec9bb2.jpg) (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Bofors_zps17ca9355.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Bofors1_zpsaa9797f1.jpg) (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Waitingdg_zpsa50441cc.jpg)
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This photo is interesting in that it shows the brand new International Mk3s leading a convoy of venerable old WW2 Studebaker 6x6 belonging to 101 Field Battery. The soldiers driving the Inters must have felt quite chuffed about their state of the art trucks.
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Waiting_zps28642343.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/89-550_zps0de851dd.jpg)
Earlier action in Malaysia (Malaysian Emergency 1950-60) saw these Studebakers used in numbers as they were the only suitable truck to tow artillery and transport troops in Australian service. The photo below shows HMAS Sydney loaded with these trucks and heading for Malaysia.
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/6x6_zpsd38976d5.jpg)
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More photos...
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/3_HMAS_Sydney2169_zps1046c95f.jpg) (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Waterfall15261_zps78a7cde7.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/3_Exer_Yippy_Woody_zps2a7f8fae.jpg) (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/3_Exer_h_zps2f86df06.jpg)
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(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/3_Exer_g_zps62742a51.jpg) (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/3_Exer_f_zpsca58352c.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/3_ChinaRock_y_zps89c45fa8.jpg) (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/2f_ThaiBorder4_zps46089671.jpg)
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Please excuse my ignorance but why do they stencil on "Caution Air Brakes" on the tailgate??
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I assume because they're extremely twitchy. Almost no sensitive application, either on or off and if they fail....as an off road driving instructor once said to me....."we're off to the races".
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Tommy,
really enjoying this thread, thank you for your efforts
regards
Scott
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Please excuse my ignorance but why do they stencil on "Caution Air Brakes" on the tailgate??
At that time, when a lot of vehicles were still on vacuum assistance or no assistance at all, it was common to have these warnings as air braked vehicles could stop a lot quicker.
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Tommy,
really enjoying this thread, thank you for your efforts
regards
Scott
I must second that, for an old "bird shooter" like myself the whole Thread brings back memories, particularly the Bofors. I have fond memories ( OK not so fond) of digging Bofors in by hand, in the hard ground at Singleton army camp and also down at Tianjara, on the south coast of NSW. We also had live firing at Stockton and Wollongong.!!! :D :D I remember well, the Indonesian episode!!! :D
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Video of 110th Light Anti Aircraft Battery in Malaysia.
http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/video/F03855.WMV
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Interesting video!
I love the camouflage on the Bofors in the last scene - I never would have guessed that there was gun underneath that lot!
The load-angles on the tow chain as it was winched into the aircraft, made me feel faint as well,
Cheers Charlie
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Yes, very interesting video. I would say the "camouflage" in the last scene was a rushed job, set up for the camera. We used proper Cammo nets and the planes we loaded our Bofors into were Hercules C130A's. But I am talking late 1960's whereas that filmclip was made in the early 1960's. :D
I enjoyed it, thanks again Tommy, brings back memories. :) :)
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This piccy may be of interest to people on this Thread interested in Bofors. ;D It was taken about 1969 down at Tianjara after we flew in by Hercules from Williamtown. ;D
We had the gun partially dug in when the photographer turned up, so it was "posed" for the camera. Thats me looking over the shoulder of the gun No 2 (The Layer) at this point in time I was the Gun number 1 (Seargent) and my correct position is behind the Bombardier who is standing at the rear of the gun. The gun is "G" for Golf or "Little Jinx" as it was affectionaly called by the gun detachment :D Note the Inter Mk3 in the background.
(http://i756.photobucket.com/albums/xx205/Ausfree/img004.jpg) (http://s756.photobucket.com/user/Ausfree/media/img004.jpg.html)
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Nice photo Ausfree :)
In an emergency, would the muzzle cover be removed or would you simply shoot through it and replace it with a spare?
BTW, where would I find the 'Bristol Bofors' data plate on the No.12 gun?
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This piccy may be of interest to people on this Thread interested in Bofors. ;D It was taken about 1969 down at Tianjara after we flew in by Hercules from Williamtown. ;D
Did you fly into Albatross or the dirt strip up near Tianjara falls?
Often used to see various units on the plateau and out on the RAN Beecroft Range near Currarong. Always made one's head turn. :)
I remember back in the late 1960s or early 1970s on the Beecroft Range a gunner was killed by a lightning strike hitting a Bofors he was standing next to. :(
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Interestingly,
Inter No1 Mk3 170130 also had service later in SVN (RTA in April 1970), and 170138 is now held by the AWM in Canberra.
Mike C
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This piccy may be of interest to people on this Thread interested in Bofors. ;D It was taken about 1969 down at Tianjara after we flew in by Hercules from Williamtown. ;D
Did you fly into Albatross or the dirt strip up near Tianjara falls?
Often used to see various units on the plateau and out on the RAN Beecroft Range near Currarong. Always made one's head turn. :)
I remember back in the late 1960s or early 1970s on the Beecroft Range a gunner was killed by a lightning strike hitting a Bofors he was standing next to. :(
No, we flew into the Naval air station at Jervis Bay and the guntowers met us there ( they were driven down from Newcastle) and towed the guns to Tianjara. :D
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Tommy, regarding the muzzle cover. As I said, that piccy was posed and I am out of position. The muzzle cover takes 2 seconds to whip off. ;D As far as the data plate is concerned, I can't really remember, it was after all 45 years ago. I'll ask around and get back to you. They have a couple of Bofors up at Fort Scratchley in Newcastle so I will give them the once over and get some photo's if I can.
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Tommy, regarding the muzzle cover. As I said, that piccy was posed and I am out of position. The muzzle cover takes 2 seconds to whip off. ;D As far as the data plate is concerned, I can't really remember, it was after all 45 years ago. I'll ask around and get back to you. They have a couple of Bofors up at Fort Scratchley in Newcastle so I will give them the once over and get some photo's if I can.
G'day Jim
A couple of weeks back I had a look at a No.12/Mk12 Bofors a friend of mine has. I found the plate on the gun itself and not the chassis. Not sure if there is a separate plate for the chassis as I could not find one. This particular Bofors is remarkably complete with only a few parts missing. Unfortunately, the powerpack used to power up the gun is AWOL :(.
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Have we located any landrovers thyat ended up in SVN? (I assume workshops etc most likely)
I also notice doors off driving (later adopted in SVN).
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The doors off probably started in the times of the Confrontation as a cooling means,and carried over into SVN as also a means of quick exit.
It is interesting to note the rear pic of the Mk3 being loaded onto the Sydney had the Pentropic unit sign, this I believe was also on the early SVN vehicles.
ZuluDelta 354 could confirm this.
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In regards to the green truck with the Marsden Matting, I would say it's a Lend Lease Chevrolet or GMC/Maple Leaf (civilian pattern) with local adapted headlights.
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Tommy, regarding the muzzle cover. As I said, that piccy was posed and I am out of position. The muzzle cover takes 2 seconds to whip off. ;D As far as the data plate is concerned, I can't really remember, it was after all 45 years ago. I'll ask around and get back to you. They have a couple of Bofors up at Fort Scratchley in Newcastle so I will give them the once over and get some photo's if I can.
G'day Jim
A couple of weeks back I had a look at a No.12/Mk12 Bofors a friend of mine has. I found the plate on the gun itself and not the chassis. Not sure if there is a separate plate for the chassis as I could not find one. This particular Bofors is remarkably complete with only a few parts missing. Unfortunately, the powerpack used to power up the gun is AWOL :(.
G'Day Tommy, sorry mate I haven't been on this Forum for a while. Wow, I love the piccies of the Bofor, it does look remarkably complete. I wish I lived closer. I have not had a chance to return to Fort Scratchley to look at the two Bofors they have up there.
I have spoken to a number of ex-CMF personal and they tell me that people who are interested in Bofors nowadays and never served on them are mystified on how you pull them apart for maintenance. If the sequence is not correct you can damage the gun badly, because of the weight involved with the barrel on one end and the Auto loader on the other end. They must be pulled apart in the correct order to keep the gun in balance, otherwise you are in for a rude shock when the gun suddenly drops at one end or the other.
the sequence as I remember are the letters BBABB..
B for the buffer, which is under the barrel, this comes off first.
B for the breech mechs, which is removed next.
A for the Auto Loader, which is removed from the rear of the gun.
B for the barrel, which is removed next and finally....
B for the Breech Ring.
Of cause to do all this there are special tools involved and I believe most of these are missing nowadays. Without these tools, particularly for the Auto loader, it would be difficult.
I notice in the second photo the gun sight (peanut sight) is missing which used to slide into the mounting bracket. Also I see in front of where the gun layer sits is the triangular shaped hand controls, the layer would place is hands on the hand control and slide them down to the switches, which you can see in the photo. This would turn the electric motor on which would enable the gun to elevate and traverse. at the front of that control is the twin triggers which would be reached by the layers fingers to enable him to fire the gun.
The gun no. 4 (the loading number) also has a foot pedal to fire the gun, as a back up to the primary firing method.
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I went to the "Warbirds Downunder" show at Temora early last month and thoroughly enjoyed the day. :) While there I saw this Bofor which had been modified by taking the guts of it out and replacing it with electronic gear to make it sound like a real Bofor firing. I didn't make myself known, but I got this piccy. :)
(http://i756.photobucket.com/albums/xx205/Ausfree/TemoraAirshow2-11-13017_zps3c799bb7.jpg) (http://s756.photobucket.com/user/Ausfree/media/TemoraAirshow2-11-13017_zps3c799bb7.jpg.html)
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Tommy, regarding the muzzle cover. As I said, that piccy was posed and I am out of position. The muzzle cover takes 2 seconds to whip off. ;D As far as the data plate is concerned, I can't really remember, it was after all 45 years ago. I'll ask around and get back to you. They have a couple of Bofors up at Fort Scratchley in Newcastle so I will give them the once over and get some photo's if I can.
G'day Jim
A couple of weeks back I had a look at a No.12/Mk12 Bofors a friend of mine has. I found the plate on the gun itself and not the chassis. Not sure if there is a separate plate for the chassis as I could not find one. This particular Bofors is remarkably complete with only a few parts missing. Unfortunately, the powerpack used to power up the gun is AWOL :(.
G'Day Tommy, sorry mate I haven't been on this Forum for a while. Wow, I love the piccies of the Bofor, it does look remarkably complete. I wish I lived closer. I have not had a chance to return to Fort Scratchley to look at the two Bofors they have up there.
I have spoken to a number of ex-CMF personal and they tell me that people who are interested in Bofors nowadays and never served on them are mystified on how you pull them apart for maintenance. If the sequence is not correct you can damage the gun badly, because of the weight involved with the barrel on one end and the Auto loader on the other end. They must be pulled apart in the correct order to keep the gun in balance, otherwise you are in for a rude shock when the gun suddenly drops at one end or the other.
the sequence as I remember are the letters BBABB..
B for the buffer, which is under the barrel, this comes off first.
B for the breech mechs, which is removed next.
A for the Auto Loader, which is removed from the rear of the gun.
B for the barrel, which is removed next and finally....
B for the Breech Ring.
Of cause to do all this there are special tools involved and I believe most of these are missing nowadays. Without these tools, particularly for the Auto loader, it would be difficult.
I notice in the second photo the gun sight (peanut sight) is missing which used to slide into the mounting bracket. Also I see in front of where the gun layer sits is the triangular shaped hand controls, the layer would place is hands on the hand control and slide them down to the switches, which you can see in the photo. This would turn the electric motor on which would enable the gun to elevate and traverse. at the front of that control is the twin triggers which would be reached by the layers fingers to enable him to fire the gun.
The gun no. 4 (the loading number) also has a foot pedal to fire the gun, as a back up to the primary firing method.
G'day Jim
Well you learn something new everyday :). I will need to pass the 'dismantling sequence' on to my mate.
The hand control now makes sense. The bottom lever is a safeguard, I presume, to avoid any unforeseen activation of the electrics by accidental knocking of hand control. The gunner would have to be seated and in control of the weapon before engaging the lever. By then all personnel would be in position and ready for action.
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A bit more info that you might be interested in Tommy. Just general knowledge, but handy if you are really interested in Bofors are the positions and job functions of the gun detachment. :)
Gun No.1...The Sargent who is responsible for overall training of the detachment and operation of the gun. His prime function in action is target selection as advised by information over the radio. He stands well to the rear of the gun.
Gun No2..The Gun Layer (usually, but not always a Lance Bombardier) who is responsible for aiming and firing the gun.Obviously seated in the firing position.
Gun No3..A Bombardier who is second in charge and responsible for fire control of the gun. He stands just behind the gun.
Gun No4.. A Gunner who stands on the loading platform and is responsible for the initial cocking of the gun via the H.O.L.(Hand Operating Lever) and feeding clips of ammunition (four rounds to a clip) into the Auto Loader. Also has a foot pedal to be used to fire the gun if needed.
Gun No. 5.. A Gunner who is responsible for loading clips of ammunition into the ammunition rack on the gun. He stands near the ammunition rack. Up to the late 1960's he was also responsible for operating the radio but this was changed as it was realised that in combat he would be too busy loading ammunition to properly operate the radio and keep the Sargent advised.
Gun No.6.. A Gunner who was the radio operator and he stayed close to the Sargent at the rear of the gun.
I hope this helps in your general knowledge of the operation of one of these guns and when you realise these guns can fire rounds at 120 rounds a minute in short bursts both the Gunners No.4 and No.5 are busy boys. :) :)
I might also add that in the photo of my gun detachment above it has a five man detachment, it was just after this the six man detachment was introduced. :) :)
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While on general knowledge, there are six gun detachments to a Section, which is commanded by a Lieutenant and two Sections to a Battery which is commanded by a Major. In our Battery (113 Light Anti-aircraft Battery) based at Newcastle we only had four guns (2 to each Section) permanently based there. We used to borrow two more when we had our annual fortnightly camp, so at the best of times we were only half strength. :)
There are three Batteries to a Regiment which is commanded by a Colonel. So that gives is a total of 36 Bofors, which is a fair bit of firepower......in theory :)
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Regiment CO = Lt Col? (rather than Col).
I was working at West Head Range many years ago, when two groups of Navy gunners were doing their quals (group 1) and checks (group 2) on the powered 40mm single mount. Group 1 were all newbies: slow, fumbly, first round way over , stops and starts ... they were under instruction and very, very new. Group 2 were doing a check: they were experienced gunners from a Patrol Boat and had worked as a crew for some time. From the 'go' signal, they were all fluid motion: everyone knew their part, and it was magic to watch: first round was loaded and away in an instant, landing a fraction high. Next was a fraction low, all subsequent rounds either struck or bracketed the offshore target. 16 rounds? (4 x 4 round clips?), with several ricochets off the moored bouy (you could see the tracer). Fantastic! Mr Bofors sure did invent a great gun!
Mike C
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Yeah, it was a long time ago (for me) and you are probably right that a half colonel commanded an artillery regiment. Anyrate, to watch a well-oiled gun detachment in action is indeed poetry in motion. Speaking as an ex-gun number 4 (loading number) by the time you grabbed a clip from the ammo rack and fed it into the auto loader and pushed down on it to assist feed it was time to reach over and grab another clip. All the time the gun was bouncing around so you braced your backside against the railing and had your legs apart so you did not fall over. You did not stop for a second it was constant-reach-feed-push-reach-feed-push. :D
It shows how versatile the Bofor was. It was primarily designed as a low altitude anti-aircraft gun and the Navy successfully utilized it in its secondary role (anti-tank) on its patrol boats. At its rate of firepower it could certainly make a pirate vessels and other small evil doing boat crews sit up and take notice. :D
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Thought I would bump this Thread back to page one, in case anybody is looking for it. ;D
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I'm thinking the thread would live better in the Series 2 research section. Can we move it please.
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I'm thinking the thread would live better in the Series 2 research section. Can we move it please.
Ross
I think it should go in the 'Overseas Deployment' research section :)
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Hmmm, well do we move all the SVN threads here as well... could do.
Another muddy road pic to go with those above, 24 Construction Sqn. in Sabah, central North Borneo.
So how effective are tyre chains?
(http://static.awm.gov.au/collection/images/screen/CUN%2F65%2F0905B%2FMC.JPG)
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Hmmm, well do we move all the SVN threads here as well... could do.
Another muddy road pic to go with those above, 24 Construction Sqn. in Sabah, central North Borneo.
So how effective are tyre chains?
(http://static.awm.gov.au/collection/images/screen/CUN%2F65%2F0905B%2FMC.JPG)
tyre chains are very effective in those type of conditions
BTW - is it posed ? - he doesn't look too muddy
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"..doesn't look too muddy."
Actually, neither does the mudguard. Maybe a Pravda-type re-enactment. And W.J. Cunneen was an official army photographer.
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Bill Cunneen was still at it (taking pics) in the 1990s: I spent a few days in company with him during Ex Northern Predator in the mid-1990s.
Mike C
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I have found another two Series 2 photos in an AWM document pertaining to 24 Construction Sqn in Sabah '65
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-urV3I4_6oJU/UwhwGv_9zfI/AAAAAAAAFrE/JsoiVsykHqU/w874-h556-no/sabah-sep1965-24-Cons-Sqn-gs.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FDrtICcQFd4/UwhwII_jnMI/AAAAAAAAFrs/e8duPw4xKMY/w846-h549-no/sabah-sep1965-24-Cons-Sqn-gs2.jpg)
Here is a summary of Series 2 Land-Rover mechanical problems in service - remember it was mud and creek crossings (see point 17) all day long... every day...
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-H0IREMBfYvA/Uwh1usMHM7I/AAAAAAAAFr0/VyRzXgi-GA0/w554-h889-no/sabah-sep1965-24-Cons-Sqn-fault-list-landrovers.jpg)
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I find it interesting that some Army Series 2 and all Series 2A have deleted the valance panel, modesty panel or whatever its called (the panel 4.5in wide that was fitted under the doors from mudguard to mudguard).
The Series 2 88in generally have the panels fitted. The 109s are a mix. I don't think the panels would've been removed in service, rather they were "deleted" when constructed.
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Just catching up here, I wondered where this Thread had been shifted to. :)
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I find it interesting that some Army Series 2 and all Series 2A have deleted the valance panel, modesty panel or whatever its called (the panel 4.5in wide that was fitted under the doors from mudguard to mudguard).
The Series 2 88in generally have the panels fitted. The 109s are a mix. I don't think the panels would've been removed in service, rather they were "deleted" when constructed.
On this, here is the EMEI! http://www.remlr.com/emei-S2.html http://www.remlr.com/documents/EMEI/Series%202/G027-14%20-%20Removal%20of%20Sill%20Panels.pdf
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More interesting is that in 1965 the RAEME were reporting brake failure and wear caused by mud ingress into the brakes when the SMHEA had the same problem and a solution for it a decade earlier in Series 1! They even retrofitted additional shields and wheel seals to prevent it.
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Thx for the EMEI mystery solver dated late 63.
So some were and some weren't, typical. The time allotted was one hour. I think you'd have to be well practised to get both sides done in one hour, the nuts were usually very manky with the threads stuffed up. And the access...