Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike Cecil
Jack,
Like Ian's WOT2H, I suggest this is another vehicle ex-Middle East, rather than one of the batch of new-ish vehicles (WOT2D?) that arrived in Aust as refugee cargo (and given Aust registrations).
There is plenty of evidence to support the importation of an unknown number (but probably quite small) of WOTs and other pommie vehicles to Australia as part of the equipment of the returning AIF units. The Scout Mk.1 carrier that has been the subject of another thread probably falls into this category. Many retained their Brit War Office registrations and were not transferred to the Australian registration system.
I'll go out on a limb here and say that my impression is that these mostly arrived in the first half of 1942 with the early returning units of the AIF from the Middle East. Units delayed in Ceylon mostly left their vehicles in ordnance vehicle parks there if the embarkation orders are to be believed. Units that remained in the ME theatre (elements of 1 Corps, 9 Aust Inf Div) were re-equipped in mid to late 1942 with more modern vehicles such as CMPs. These units did not return to Aust until late 42/early 43, so I think it unlikely that they would have retained such things as WOTs when all wheel drive CMPs were in the offing. Much conjecture here, of course, so others, please feel free to chime in and voice an opinion!
Mike C
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The 2 WOT2D's Andrew and myself had in 1980 to 85 both were ex CFA units . Found at Redbank , near St Arnud in Victoria , Advertised in restored cars magazine - on a farm . Lucky for us one had its original Van body , non drop sides still in situ . The Div tac sign found on one of them under the paint was the greyhound on boomerang .
A few WOTS did come back from the ME as written the book by the transport driver ........... cant think of the title, but he lists the cab 12 c60'S HIS UNIT came back with, even the reg numbers . These cab 12's were then shipped up to NT .... he said the WOT2 was a rocket to drive compared to the chevies .
I would like to know more about the refugee cargo Morris CS8's . How many and so on . I do have a 1939 aero screen example , a oddity . Most of them found here have cabs and are late 1941 production . Mike