Bedford QLB Question

[Ken Smith]

Good day,
This is not CMP related, but it is a question that has annoyed me for 27 years ever since I got my first QLB.
I have been searching the internet and the AWM photos under Bedford ,Bofors and anti aircraft for a some indication where the Bedford QLBs that Australia got in WW2 were used.

There is one photo in Norm Darwin's History of Holden book but that is it.

There were two batches of lorries supplied, ARN 62090-62217 supplied to Victoria and ARN 89060-89118 supplied to 2 where ever that is.

The AWM records show that they are 1941/42/44. Would this be when they were supplied as the chassis numbers are all around the same, spread out between QLB9935 to QLB24791. I own QLB10992/ARN 62123, QLB14158/ARN 62158, and QLB14480/ARN 89101 this is the one I use in parades, the other two are parts trucks although you could make one out of the two sort of.

I see in the AWM books that half a dozen of the ARN 89*** series went to New Guinea.

You would think that out of around 180 vehicles some would have showed up in a photo somewhere, even a few of the very rare in Australia AEC Matadors showed up in the anti aircraft photo search. As far as Bofors tractors go there are photos of all sorts of trucks including GMC 6X6, 2 wheel drive Australian cab Chevs, cab13 No 8 and No 9 CGT/FGT even a cab12 gun tractor and of course the correct cab 13 Bofors gun tractor.

It looks like General Motors Holden bought 90 percent of the Australian QLBs disposed of.

I have a GMC steel body on 89101 I am happy with that as there is a photo in one of Bart Vanderveen's books showing a QLB converted to a cargo truck with a GMC body. A correct QLB body and crew cab would be non-existent in Australia these days, I have never seen one advertised anywhere.

Anyway back to the original question does anyone have any idea where they were used?
Ken