[Alex Blair (RIP)]

Originally Posted by Mike Cecil

I came across this image while tidying up a recent acquisition of paperwork from my uncle's estate. He was an Army engineer in the late 50s and early 1960s (Capt MJK Lodge, RAE), who was seconded to the RAAF to manage airfield runway works at East Sale and Darwin.

The image was taken at East Sale in 1961. Just beyond the Blaw-Knox concrete spreader (RAAF registration 218142) are three vehicles: the FE or FC GM-Holden Utility is easy to spot. These were a common vehicle in RAAF, RAN and Army service. They were contract vehicles built specially for the services and equipped with a number of minor modifications from the standard Civilian utes, such as a grill over the rear cab glass, and no car radio. Obscured by the Blaw-Knox is a standard CMP truck, probably the RAAF 'heavy tender' with demountable drop sides (the rear edge of the body is just visible).

The truck in the middle distance is unique to Australia and indeed, to the RAAF. While many will recognise it as a soft top HAR-1, few will know the designation....... anyone want to have a try?

Mike ..Does this ring a bell..??
42: 120 pages NO NUMBER FOUR WHEEL DRIVE AUTO CO. PARTS BOOK, FWD MODEL HAR TRUCKS, RIGHT-HAND STEER, (March '42). Illustrated.
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In the far background, through the early morning mist, is the outline of a C-47 Dakota and some other vehicles that are just toooo blurred to recognise with any accuracy.

Mike C

Got any tough ones..??