Hill End Blitz Restoration Complete

[ChrisG]

Heads up happenings in my little village.

Just recently, the final work was completed to finish the restoration of the Hill End and District Volunteer Bushfire Brigade's first motorised vehicle 'The Blitz'.

The Blitz first came to Hill End after the devastating fires of 1957/1958. Research indicates the Blitz is a Ford Canada Military Pattern Vehicle Model F60S with a type 13 cabin manufactured in 1942. The water tank was added by Engineering Products Pty Ltd of Burnley, Victoria at a later date.

When newer model vehicles replaced the Blitz, it was purchased by a local farmer and passed through many hands. It was forgotten until 2004, when some brigade memebers noticed it sitting, rusting in a paddock down the Bridle Track. After negotiation it was purchased by the brigade for $1000.

After many years fundraising work then started in ernest on the project. ex-RFS captain Robert Anderson coordinated and guided many volunteers throughout the project.
The Blitz will be displayed at a new historic interpretation centre being built in Hill End.

Cheers.
p.s new Corowa wesbite update includes lots of photos from Year of the Blitz

http://www.corowaswim-in.org/

[Ganmain Tony]

An important piece of Hill End's history saved...

Well done Chris. To you and to all the volunteers who worked on this project.

Would love to see it at Corowa.