Hardtop Land Rovers in SVN

[Diana Alan]

BMSS
Brewing Machine Stainless Steel?

Bloody Military Senseless Slang 

[Tommy]

The hardtop on the Land Rover shown below looks identical to that of 112-829 (no window glass and rear door). Was this hardtop removed from 112-829 after an accident? The Land Rover the hardtop is sitting on is 114-4?8. I believe the vehicles have been prepared for repatriation back to Australia.

Another shot of the same hardtop.

[Tommy]

A 260 cubic foot foot locker would carry a lot of personal gear, close to 7400litres.
Regards
Glen

Like these Glen?

[Diana Alan]

The hardtop on the Land Rover shown below looks identical to that of 112-829 (no window glass and rear door). Was this hardtop removed from 112-829 after an accident? The Land Rover the hardtop is sitting on is 114-4?8. I believe the vehicles have been prepared for repatriation back to Australia.

<image removed>

Another shot of the same hardtop.

Actually I wonder if they removed the glass to prevent glass shrapnel injuries and reduce the heat inside the vehicles?

Glass is incredibly difficult to identify in a wound.

[Carzee]

BMSS

Ok I have a Diary doc from 1ALSG in June 1970 advising sub-units of incoming freight on the Jeparit.
Very interesting.

These BMSS items are big as ZD said. And in quantity. There is no way in hell they could be pallets of F/L, there's way way way too many.
So what was in them?

Speaking of quantity, there is a provision of beer...

Also of note are the Land-Rover Carry Alls and the um, Station Wagons (GMH? Ford?)

[Tommy]

G'day Carzee

At least one army spec Holden HD Station Wagon was sent to SVN. It could be this or other similar vehicle the document is refering to.

[Diana Alan]

More beer than soft drink! 

I rather think the Iraq and Afghanistan vets would be rather jealous.

[Phoenix]

Remember that the VW vans were carryals, and we know of at least two of them that were sent as well.

[Mike C]

The document refers to the station wagons and carryalls being assigned to RAAF Units (2 Squadron and 1 Operational Services Unit), so Holdens/Fords for the S/Wagons and most probably VW Kombi Vans or possibly Internationals (AB 120?) for the carryalls.

The 'Ute 3/4 ton' is probably a Land Rover.

Mike C

[Tommy]

108-651...109...1966...Series 2A...6022...Truck, Carryall, 3/4 Ton, GS...Vehicle property of Campaigners For Christ.

[Mike C]

Belonged to the 'Everymans' organization, I think the mil support arm/alternate but more common name of Campaigners for Christ (like 'Red Shield' of the Salvoes). Shipped to SVN Oct 66 on Jeparit, RTA Oct 71 on Sydney. Listed on page 168 of M&D.

Getting back to 'BMSS' for just a moment, AGAS 5 was correct: it is the Box Metal Shipping Steel, NSN 8115-66-025-8558. It was 8 feet x 6 feet x 6 feet 4 inches, with a volume of 260 cubic feet (volume was mentioned in an earlier post). Cargo loading was maximum 10,000 pounds. Officially introduced into service in late 1967. 250 in the initial purchase.

Nice pic: as always, Tommy, you come up with some significant images!

Mike C

[Tommy]

Hardtop in background.

[Tommy]

Hardtop on the Vietnam bound HMAS Jeparit. Note the DBG ambulances.

[Phoenix]

Fantastic photo there stuart!

[Mike C]

Also published on page 69 of 'Voyages to Vietnam'. Image credited to John Ferguson.

Mike C