West Aust. photo archive

[Richard Coutts-Smith]

Mike posted this pic earlier.
This was one of two Civilian Champ's involved in a major undertaking in Western Australia.
In January of 1954 the Surveyor General of Western Australia tasked John F Morgan with surveys, classification and topographical study of the virtually uninhabited North Kimberley Region in the far North of the state. (Some 15 000 square miles)
The list of equipment used for the 20 strong expedition:
Two Austin Champs (WN3) with trailers
Two Austin K9 30cwt 4x4 trucks
A GMC 6x6 and Willy’s Jeep and trailer supplied by the Australian Army
Bulldozer and grader with a 4x2 stores truck for road making
25 pack donkeys, 4 pack mules and 13 horses.
Portable 2way wireless units using the Royal Flying Doctor Service network where provided for communication between parties as well as the time signal needed for accurate surveying.
Supply was from the Avro Ansons belonging to MacRobertson Miller Aviation Co who where then flying for the RFDS

In a National Geographic article (The last Horseback Explorer, March 10, 2010) John Morgan had this to say:
“Those Austin Champs were heavy and the dust would billow up through the cab and the driver would come out after a day’s drive absolutely choked and covered in dust.”


https://purl.slwa.wa.gov.au/download...70_1.jpg?agree