AWM acquisition?

[Tony Wheeler]

Originally Posted by Mike Cecil

But instead of using his initiative and common sense, the staff in the OVP didn't obliterate the Brit number because the instruction didn't specifically instruct him to do so.

Like I said Mike - that's way above his pay grade! Mind you, in fairness to staff they did face a conundrum under MECH 314. That is, Cab 12 FATs bearing WO numbers technically fell under BOTH headings, and were subject to BOTH instructions, because they were "types which have not previously operated by AIF Units". It's possible therefore that Cab 12 FATs arriving in Stepsister movement were allocated 50201-51000 numbers, bringing "refugee" entry into the ledger, and in the case above, someone had a bob each way!

Of course, we're assuming OVP had access to full shipping information, which may not have been the case during this chaotic period.

Originally Posted by Mike Cecil

Since neither of us really know just how the staff at the time interpreted the instruction, it will remain a mystery!

Exactly - we're trying to second guess staff who themselves were trying to second guess instructions in the middle of a war almost 75 years ago!

I notice Australian Armour and Artillery Museum have ARN 46425, which suggests another "Refugee" block was opened. Do we have any record of this one Mike?

Ford Cab 12 FAT ARN 46425 Australian Armour and Artillery Museum formerly Sid Beck Mareeba.jpg