1941 Fordson WOT 2H truck. After 10 years

[Mike Cecil]

Larry,

Yes, I did. What I have been trying to say is that, just because the sign is 79 on black, does not indicate that it could only be a Divisional Provost Company, as seems to have been the assumption based on a couple of references. Rather, in the Australian context, both in Australia and in the Middle East, there were other possibilities, depending upon where, and when, the sign was applied. I am not saying it is not a Div Provost Company, but that there are other possibilities that should be considered as well.

Mike C

[jack neville]

Mike,

Just checked the engine # of my WOT2H. 6183754. It would appear to fall outside the 60 vehicles mentioned earlier. Any thoughts?

I do have a D model (, or the front half.) which should have a chassis number on the front half of the chassis. Will check that when I get a chance.

[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

[Mike K]

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

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

[jack neville]

Mike,

Did you ever do any research or learn anything of the CFA sales? Where and when they were held? It is an avenue of investigation I have thought of exploring. I would think the Amphitheatre WOT could have been among the same batch from Redbank. Only a guess, but the proximity is close.

[Mike Cecil]

Jack,

Not sure what you mean: (1) sale from disposals to the CFA, or (2) later disposal from the CFA to whoever.

The first was, I understand, not so much a 'sale' as 'disposal' to eligible users during the latter part of the war. The CFA in Victoria were considered essential users and disposal was by direct sale to them from the Commonwealth Disposals Commission. A list of vehicles available was posted, and only eligible users could apply for, and choose what they wanted. CFA chose a batch of WOTs. Doctors, farmers, etc etc were all considered essential users, so many were able to get used sedans and the like - there were a lot of used vehicles ex-US Reciprocal Lend Lease, for example, plus the 'orphans' (like WOTs) from the Australian services that had been replaced by better, more modern types.

As to the second scenario, this aspect is outside my area of interest.

Mike

[jack neville]

Sorry Mike that last post was actually directed at Mike Kelly but thanks for your input. I have wondered whether CFA records or old auction accounts still exist which may identify the vehicles and when they were disposed of from CFA use. Perusal of old newspapers would reveal something if there was any way of picking a start date to look .