[Pedr]

Just a quick post to let everyone know of our movements. Attended yesterday ( 1st July 2009 ) by Darian and myself, the reception for the 70th Anniversary of the commencement of hostilities of World War Two and recognition of the "39'ers", the members of the Defence Force Reserve prior to WW2.

In fitting the theme of the "39'ers", Darian and I drove, Darian's father's 1939 Ford / Marmon-Herrington LP3 Gun Tractor, towing his 25 pounder to Government House Adelaide.

After taking the majority of the day to prepare and do some minor repair jobs on the tractor, we set off in torrential rain with side curtains closed and windows fogged on the 20 minute trip to Government House. Arriving at 16 00, we took the oportunity to snap some photo's before the dignitaries and invited guests arrived.

Ever under the watchful eye of the Governor - ( His Excellency Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce AC CSC RANR Governor of South Australia ); and his staff from the warmth of their offices, we negotiated under strict instruction and on fear of death, the gardens and paths , mindful of not standing on the grass or kicking gravel on the paving as we carefully manoeuvred the ensemble into a position that would allow luminaries to pass in their chauffeured cars - without getting on the grass !!

Breifly chatted with a VIP gentleman ( one of the "39'ers ), whom remembered to us some of his stories of service in Artillery. Presumably in his 90's, his first words to us were "Can you let a couple'a rounds go" To which we replied "Certainly Sir, in which direction would you like them?" and quick as a whip he responded "Anywhere, as long as it's not in my direction!". He explained that when he initially joined the Artillery in 1936, they were still using horse-drawn 18 pounders, and he wasn't all that happy as he felt he was not a horseman. "They tried to turn me into one but it never worked". He recalled being extremely happy when they became mechanised and the old World War One guns where replaced with the new 25 pounders. He breifly spoke of his time at El Alamein and Tarakan, and some of the events that he witnessed including an Italian pilot whom flew..."very low and slowly over our 40mm Ack-Ack gun, up and down the track. He must have wanted to get shot down as he turned and flew back over them. They couldn't hit anything and as he turned once more we saw he had one leg already out of the cockpit!", the plane was hit and the pilot bailed safely with Australian forces sent out to "round him up".

Guests duely arrived including Darian's father ( Ray Carn ), as Darian and I stood near the gun still drenched to the bone from the previous downpour.

On their depart from the reception, we were to receive alot of praise and appreciation for our efforts despite the weather and for the presentation and excellent condition of our restoration of the gun. We were also very privileged to meet the guest of honour WO2 (ret) Keith Payne VC OAM, who also gave us accolades for our turnout.


With many thanks CAPT Barrie Newman RFD ED (RETD) Chairman Reserve Forces Day Council - SA, for the invitation and opportunity to attend with our equipment.

All-in-all, a very enjoyable day and evening, even but not withstanding the wind and rain.

Pedr ( with the assistance and guidance of Darian by phone )