Francis Birtles - Australian Adventurer written by Warren Brown

[Richard Coutts-Smith]

Warren, thanks for introducing so many us to the Birtles story, and what a fantastic story it is too. I can't beleive that an Aussie who was a mixture of Phil Irving, Len Beadell, Gelignite Jack Murray and Christopher Skase has disappeared from modern day conciousness. I note that the generation older than mine seem to know of him, so I wonder if his fame was lost in the plethora of Aussie Motorsport Icons that followed, from the 50's to the 80's.
What this guy put himself, and others through, he must have been as mad as a cut snake.
Are there any centenary projects planned to replicate some of his feats?
Thanks again
Rich.

[Richard Farrant]

Originally Posted by Richard Coutts-Smith

Warren, thanks for introducing so many us to the Birtles story, and what a fantastic story it is too.

I second that Rich having just read Warren's book. You cannot believe what the man went through on those trips, the part where they hauled the car up through the jungles of Burma was amazing, but then the whole story is amazing.

Thank you Warren for putting together such a well researched story.

[warren brown]

Thanks Richard(s)!!! (I'm not sure what you call a group of Richards... a bunch of ....?) Nevermind! Sorry I missed your messages - I've been out and about and have only just seen them! Yes, there was a drive celebrating the centenary of the Perth-Sydney single cylinder Brush adventure. Brush cars came from all over the world - it was amazing to see them arrive in Martin Place. And yes- I'm intending a big drive too...