Trying to date my LP2A

[Darren Witty]

Hi,
I am trying to date my carrier. The hull number is 1105 and the AWM indicate that the original engine number was 2G9318F. Is any one able to give me any indication of the date of this motor. I have read that the 2 is for 1941 but would like to narrow it down. I looks like there is a MGC stamped next to the number and assume that it is a METGAS can anyone confirm that 1105 is a METGAS allocated number? (The attached plate is 982 and is marked METGAS) The AWM also indicate that the original number was AIF T16957 and then C26698 if that helps anyone.
Thanks
Darren

[Darren Witty]

I intended to finish it with AIF T16957 numbers which the AWM records indicate was on it until 30th December 1941. Does this colour look right for that era?

[Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP)]

Originally Posted by Darren Witty

I intended to finish it with AIF T16957 numbers which the AWM records indicate was on it until 30th December 1941. Does this colour look right for that era?

For a carrier that early, desert colours wouldn't be inappropriate, would they?

[Bob Moseley (RIP)]

Darren - I thought I had passed on this information to you. To the best of my research #1105 was manufactured by the Metropolitan Gas Company in a production run of 450 between May 1941 - April 1942. The colour should be Khaki Green No.3 and if it had a disruptive that should be Light Stone. You need to ascertain whether it saw overseas service which in turn would dictate the colour scheme.

Of interest #1056 (T16532),that is currently for sale at Swanpool, was on 2nd AIF charge and on 22/11/41 left Port Melbourne on the transport ship "Thermopylae" arriving in the Middle East on 15/12/41. Possibly #1105 was on the same vessel.

Bob

[Darren Witty]

Thanks Bob for your information…You have sent me a lot if information previously but I was trying to narrow it down even further.

You say that 450 carriers were made by METGAS. Do do you now what hull number the ‘contract’ started or what allocation of hull numbers was METGAS given?

I have been told the carrier in the AWM, carrier 1022 is a MET GAS. (It obviously went overseas and would have been the only one to return from that lot) Another carrier here in Brisbane has 1127 which is also a METGAS. I know 982 was a METGAS. Do you have many other METGAS carriers on your register and what is the earliest?

What manufacture is 1056 that you mention went overseas? Where did you get that info in regards to the ship and dates of arrival?

Sorry about all the questions.

[Bob Moseley (RIP)]

Hi Darren - I have asked the same questions of the owner of #1056. Still awaiting a reply. The male owner died and I am talking to his widow who says the son has all the research details. As to the run of 450 I think I can account for 210 from #932 to #1142. I have no contract details and am relying on old databases. Attached is my information source on #1056.

Bob

[Darren Witty]

Thanks Bob,

Is 932 the lowest met gas you have and 1142 the highest?

Except the AWM carrier I imagine it is highly unlikely that Australian carriers that were sent to malay or any of the islands returned to Australia but have you any confirmed records of any Australian carriers returning to Australia once sent overseas.


Darren

[Bob Moseley (RIP)]

Hi Darren - apart from the #932 - #1142 run, Metgas also had the following;

#2730 - #2809 under MOV.946 - early 1942
#3250 - #3869 under MOV 1229
#5014 - #5076 1943
#6000 - #6200 under CCV.102 October 1942 - the 2pdrs
#6500 - #6900 the disappeared 3" Mortar Carriers September 1942 - June 1943

Bob