The Victorian MilitaryVehicle Corps Inc.

NewsletterA5955

JJ ~ ~ ~ ..

V M V C

!victorian Miltary Vehicle Corps.1

OFFICE BEARRS:

PRESIDENT:Lionel Smar (03) 97582748.15 Lightwood DriveFemtree Gully 3156.Email: lionelismar~goconnect.netTREASURERBen Hemmings (03) 98870938VMVC Treasurer10 Newstead WayWantima South, 3152.

VICE PRESIDENT:Graham Jacobs (03) 94672001

SECRETARY:Gordon Edwards (03)93768208

P.O. Box 1209Kensington, 3031.

Email: a42ausjeep(fhotmaiL.comCOMMITTEE MEMBERS:Ian Eddy (03) 97784097Greg Nicholls (03) 59777349

Russell Hughes (03) 59425248

CO-OPTED MEMBERS:

EDITORS:David & Linda MarshPhone & Fax (03) 97785225P.O. Box 5250 Wantira Sth.3152.Email: vmvceditors~hotmaiL.com

ANZAC DAY CO-ORDINATOR:Jim Hars

PO Box. 70Romsey 3434

QUARTERMSTER:David Marsh (03) 97785225Mobile: 0403 503 043

Email: davidmarsh01~hotmail.com

AOMC DELEGATES:Gordon Edwards (03) 93768208Beven Fenner (03) 59443937

VEHICLE INSPECTION OFFICER:Lionel Smar (03) 97582748

CATERING OFFICER:Ian Eddy (03) 97784097

LIBRAAN :Greg Nicholls 59777349

Meetings held at RATS OF TOBRUK HALL, 44 Victoria Avenue, ALBERT PAR the first Tuesday of themonth 8pm. On meeting nights Hall phone No. EMERGENCIES ONLY contact (03) 96905710 No meetingin Januar. THE NEW VMC OFFICIAL WEB SITE IS NOW UP AND RUNNG: www.vmvc.net Thisweb site has been donated to the VMVC by Elegant web design. Web master assistant for this offcial web siteis David Marsh. Contact: (vmvceditors~hotmaiL.com)

" NOTE FROM THE EDITORS"We accept Trip reports and for sale or wanted ads, these items may be submitted in the following way, by pen& paper, Microsoft Word format only on computer discs (floppy or CDs.) sent to David Marsh PO Box 5250.Wantira South Vic 3152. via Email: (vmvceditors~hotmaiL.com) or by fax phone on (03) 97785225 pleaselet us know when your item has been sold or your wanted item is no longer wanted or if you would like your adreprinted in the next newsletter, if not notified your ad will be removed to allow for new ads, if sending photosby mail and you would like them back please send staped self addressed envelope and they will be postedback to you, all other correspondence must be sent to the Club Secretar. This newsletter is for VMVC clubmembers" YOUR NEWSLETTER" club trp reports tae priority afer offcial club business and will beprinted before general aricles, so we urge fellow club members to put pen to paper or computers to work andlet other members read about your day out, photo will be printed if supplied with trp report.

CLOSING DATE FOR AUGUST NEWSLETTER IS BEFORE ,SUNAY 23rd JUY 2006.David & Linda Marsh.

FRONT COVER PHOTO:DON BAILEY'S DODGE WEAPONS CARER AT RESERVE FORCES DAY MELBOURE 2004.

DISISCLAIMERThe statements and opinions expressed in this Newsletter are not necessarily those of the members or Committee of theVictorian Milita Vehicle Corps Inc. We do not take responsibilty for any statements, advertisements, notices, letters oropinions that are published. Such are published at the risk of the contrbutor who accepts liability for any intendedpublication. Writers of aricles provide their suggestions and opinions as general inormation only and accept noresponsibilty if you choose to follow-up their suggestions. All contrbutors agree to indemnify the publisher and warantthat the material is accurate and is neither deceptive nor misleading, in breach of copyright, defamatory, or in breach ofany laws.

Change of Address or Vehicle DetailsMembership No.:............. Surame:.................................... First Name:...................Address:.......................................;........................ State:.......... Postcode:.........

Phone Numbers:.. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .. . . . . . . . . . .. . .. . . . . .. . . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . .. . .. . . . . . .. . . ....

Vehicle Type Registration Type Vehicle History........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Retu to: VMC Inc., PO Box 1209 Kensington 3031

VMVC CLUB BADGES and items AVAILABLE

JUER BADGE $5.00each. (square tye) METAL HAT BADGE $5.00each. WlOW STICKER'S$1.50each SHOULDER FLASH $5.00each. CLUB LOGO BADGE $5.00each. (round tye) T AC SIGN HOLDER'S(small metal) $3.50each.TAC SIGN STICKER'S (small & large) $3.00 each. TACK SIGN METAL PLATES (small) $ 2.00 each. PEAK CAP's

$8.00each. THE VICTORI CLUB PERMT SCHEME HA BOOK (for vehicles over 25 years old) $4.00each.BY ORDER ONLY. POLO TEE SHITS $18.00each. WlCHEATERS $25.00each. (both green with club logoembroided on)

Contact David Marsh Quatermaster.(03) 97785225 Emai1: davidmarshOllqhotmai1.com

" ANNUAL ELECTIONS"

No elections wil be required at the Anual General Meeting of the VMC Inc. for thepositions of Executive Committee, to be held on the i st August 2006.

The following rule from the Constitution will apply-

Rule 23 (3) If the number of nominations received is equal to the number of vacancies to befilled, then the persons nominated shall be deemed to be elected.

This rule applies to the following positions-

PRESIDENT: Lionel Smart VICE PRESIDENT: Graham Jacobs

SECRETARY: Gordon Edwards TREASURR: Ben Hemmings

COMMTTEE MEMBERS: Ian Eddy, Greg Nicholls, Russell Hughes,

MIUTES OF VMVC Inc. A5955 GENERA MEETINGHELD AT ROTA HAL 6th June 2006.

MEETING OPENED BY PRESIDENT at: 8.00pmMEMBERS PRESENT: 26APOLOGIES: D. Bailey, D. Marsh, D. Femess.NEW MEMBERS:NilMIUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING: Accepted: M. Kaukas Seconded: J. Chapple.BUSINESS ARSING FROM PREVIOUS MEETING:Tanard- Lack of correspondence out. (Do most of my correspondence via Email and phone message)

CORRSPONDENCE IN:Reserve Forces day up dateABC TV request vehicles for a film job.Land rover club newsletterAMCS newsletterMVGT NewsletterMonitor newsletterCommand and Reconnaissance newsletterEBSCO missing copies of the newsletterAOMC newsletter

CORRSPONDENCE OUT:HMAS CastlemaineWings and Wheels, more notice must be given of forthcoming eventsGloria Jeans- thans for letting us use the toilets.

CORRSPONDENCE:

TREASURERS REPORT:

Balance at May Meeting

Monies InAnual Fees

Sale of BadgesOtherOther Items DescriptionTotal Monies InSub TotalMonies OutPost June NewsletterPrit June Newsletter

OtherOther Items DescriptionANZAC DAY FoodANZAC DAY OrganisationTotal Monies OutBalance at June MeetingTREASURERS REPORT:

Accepted: G. Nicolls Seconded: B. Fenner

$3,787.38

$85.00$-$-

$85.00$3,872.38

$170.64$221.00$123.45

$ 56.65

$ 66.80

$515.09$3,357.29Moved: R. Edsall Seconded: R. Hughes

AOMC REPORT:Last meeting there was a discussion on possible changes to the CH plate system, possible introduction of a logbook. Enforcement of club membership as a requirement for CH plate registration. Introduction of rego stickersfor CH plate vehicles.Seminar at Vento club on 29-7-06. Vintage car insurance.

GENERA BUSINESS: 6th June 2006

Jim Harris - Presented to the club a plaque of appreciation from the RSL for our services on ANZAC day.

I. Tankard - Ary land rovers not being made full use in the ANZAC day march? (J. Hars felt they were

being used efficiently, and because of their near identical appearance it may appear that only one or two wereoperating on the day.)

R. Hughes - Lack of unt identification on the vehicles was a problem during the march. (1. Hars- This was aRSL decision)

REPORTS ON PAST EVENTS:Warburon B. Hemmings gave a bnef report on the outing. We were not located in a very good position thisyear. There was not much interest from the public.D-Day- Russ Hughes met veterans ofD Day durng one of his visits to the pub.

COMING EVENTS: -Reserve Forces day 2-7-06 meet at 10.00am at Princess bndge, all welcome.

SALES & WANTED:

SELL:i. Thomas - Tac signs new small size wide varety $10 each

BUY:G. Jacobs wants a Carer carburetor for his Jeep.

THE MEETING CLOSED AT: 9:30pm.

VMCCOMMITTEE MEETING: 6th June 2006

Present:G. Jacobs, B. Hemmings, L. Smar, R. Hughes, i. Eddy, G. Nicolls, G. Edwards.Apologies:NilBusiness arising from the previous meetingNil

Agenda:1) FeesNeed to increase membership dues? The president stated that at the moment our finances are good, with thebalance of our monies remainig unchanged from last year. The committee agreed that fees should remainunchanged for another year.2) Cost of the newsletterThe cost of posting the newsletter in envelopes was discussed. It should be about the same amount this year.3) Membership renewal cards.The Treasurer quened that as we were posting the newsletters to members in envelopes, that it would be a goodcost cutting exercise to mail renewed membership cards in the same envelopes. The committee agreed with thissuggestion.4) Adds in newslettersThe secreta suggested allowig relevant to the club ads being placed in the newsletter. The committeethought this might be possible in a futue one off edition of the newsletter.Meeting concluded at 10:00pm.

.J~m~!l~V"",,~,"nw /$''/-7'.' T"/"'::: .6W"

-- ''1~ '1) ~ ~~

I JULY - Sunday 2nd Reserve forces day Melbourne: meet at 10.00am at Princess bridge, all welcome.

I JUY - Tuesday 4th: Meeting Tobru House 8 pm.

JULY - Saturday 8th - Sunday 9th This years Communications weekend: wil be held at Gilwell Parklocated in Swallowfeld Road which rus of Gembrook Launching Place Road. Please arve before 9 am. Mostof our Members will be staying on the Satuday night. All members are welcome so please come alongSatuday even if you only want to stay for the days outing. Camping is free. Plenty of bush settings so brigyour tent and camping gear. We will have our own signals display set up, field phones as and some militaradio working. Any fuher information please contact the President. Lionel Smar: on Ph: (03)97582748.

I JULY - Saturday 15th Sunday 16th BACK TO THE TRACK REUNION 2006: all details on next page.

JULY - Sunday 30th Emerald Winterfest: as this event is getting bigger each year all attending VMVCmembers vehicles must be in place by 8:30am and will be unable to leave until 4:00pm due to road closures,this event has been advertised in the Yara Valley, the Dandenongs & the Rangers Tourst News that there willbe a Victorian Milita Vehicle Corps Display. The offcial VMVC website has the full advertisment on theevents page, you will see by the advertisment plenty to do and see for everyone. (ww.vmvc.net)

I AUGUST": Tuesday 1st : Annual General Meeting, followed by a General Meeting. Tobru House 8 pm.

AUGUST - Friday 4th Saturday 5th Sunday 6th Living History Weekend being held at Winchelsea: Allinterested need to contact Robin Mawson on 52414610 or prefered by email onmawson22(ihotmaiL.comthere is a lot of detail so I wil forward it to only those who are interested

AUGUST - Saturday 19th Back to Caulfield Day: Entry is through Gate 20 of the Racecourse, opposite therailway station, we wil be on a group gate list under "Victorian Miltay Vehicles Corporation" All vehicles toarve between 9:30am and 1O:30am. Late arrivals wil not be let in. Line up for a static display is the same aslast year under the canopy at the back of the grandstad. The vehicles will need to park behind the AmyVehicles/Bomb disposal unt (The gate staff will be able to direct members on the day)Free entry for those in Miltar Vehicles and a free lunch voucher for DRIVERS ONLY.

I SEPTEMBER - Tuesday 5th:

I OCTOBER - Tuesday 3rd :

Meeting Tobru House 8 pm.

Meeting Tobru House 8 pm.

OCTOBER - Saturday 21 st - Sunday 22nd THE 6th VITAGE & OLD WARS EXPO: this event will beheld at Logan Park Waragul . Featuing working displays of steam engines, vintage machinery & engines,antiques & old wares, vintage tractor pull, motorbikes plus much more. For all enquires: Contact Greig WilsonPh: (03)56231493 email: (greigwilson(idatafast.net.au ) or Rod Borrham Ph: (03)56251017

I NOVEMBER - Tuesday 7th: Meeting Tobru House 8 pm.

November - Friday 17th VMC Xmas Family Function 2006: To be held at the Ringwood RSL. 16 StationStreet Rigwood Victoria 3134. 7:30pm until 1 :OOam. Full details and booking arangements are on the backpage of the May newsletter. 150 tickets have been printed Couresy of Femtree Print & Copy Centre. (pleasenote this wil be entry with ticket only). We have had a good early response from members so we are pleased

to say this fuction will go ahead with Santa and the planed entertainment. Adults $20 per head children undertwelve will have FREE entry and meal with ticket. Bookings and Details Contact the VMVC editors.

"MARCONIE " 100 Years Celebration.

CELEBRATING THE FIRST MESSAGE TO TASMAA

(FROM MAAN AUSTRIA)

VIA

RAIO

NOTE THIS IS A VERY LATE ADDITION TO THE NEWSLETTER

Event to be held over five days,

Wednesday 1ih July -Thursday 13th-July - Friday 14th July - Saturday 15th - Sunday 16th July

For more details Contact: Barr Abley on Ph: 52290718 or Mobile: 0438290718Email: abley(ftpg.com.au

Hugh or Barbara Thompson Ph: 52581192

FOR SALE

FORD WOA2 HEAVY UTILITY (STATION WAGON): Imported from the UK in1975 low mileage since, one of only six known in the world, rung order not used sincethe second Avalon Air Show. Engine No! 7102090 Price $10,000.00 Contact: BevanFenner on 59443937 or Mobile:0438 362027 *

9.00 x 16 bar tread tyres for Blitz and Dodge's: they are available from AGTYRS WHOLESALE,MOREE NSW . Agtes specially imported these tyres from INDIA for Milita Vehicle owners. The tyes areMRF brand, they also make 600 x 16 Jeep size in bar tread. Contact: Ph. 1800028988. *

1944 Ford blitz 4x4 number13 cab with the austerity doors: GS 3 ton with bows and side mesh, has 5 verygood tyres has reconditioned motor and extensively overhauled brakes, drives very well chassis numberV843030P engine number C16311. price $5500 ONO. Has been CH registered. Contact: Robin Mawson onMobile: 0412958541 or 52414610 or email mawson22cahotmail.com *

BRAD NEW KUMHO MILITARY TYRS: N.D.T. 750 x 208 Ply with tubes, Price $180.00Contact Ron Fry: By Ph: (03)57922190 Mobile: 0424883198 Location S~ymour Victoria. *

Wilys MB Jeep 1942, Previously restored. L.H.D. Fully Registered: Some Ford pars on it. New deepcycle 6V battery. Goes very welL. Engine Number: MB156198 Price: $12,500 Contact: Philip Slattery Ph:mobile 0408815591 or (03) 98151263 (preferably after hours):email philipgslattery~hotmail.com *

STUDEBAKR US6 CARGO BODY: good condition including front headboard and tailgate, location(Mansfield) Price $500 or swap for Studebaker pars. Contact: Tim Caffin vivc#84 Ph: 0427077572. *

EVERYTHING BUT THE KITCHEN SINK: WW2 Australian Jeep trailer suitable for restoration, 1 x SetNo! Plates USA 42 Stadard Size black and white, 1 x U.S. Helmet With Camo Cover, 1 x Repro Jeep PintleHook, 2 x BG-56A car cases for 5 Piece radio Mast sections,l x Jeep Rota Light Switch, 1 x U.S. AryPick Mattock Dated 1944, 1 x WW1 Snipers Tripod, 1 x Jeep Antenna Base mounting Bracket, 1 x Wilys MBJeep Manual Photo Copy, 5 x Brand New Sime Konvoy 6.50-16 Tyres suit Jeep or trailer, 2 x WW2 MineDetectors, 1 x U.S. Ary 30 Cal- 50 Cal Machine Gun Canvas Tool Roll - repair mat, 1 x U.S. screw top JerrCan and 2 x British Jerr cans, 2 x Original U.S. Ary WW2 Jeep Axes, 1 x Original U.S. Ary WW2 6 voltJeep Windshield defroster in steel car case, 2 x U.S. Ary Field phones complete with canvas carr bags, 1 xCentuan Tan radio with hand piece and 2 x antenna tuers, 2 x A-27 Phantom antenna tuers for WW2 Jeepradios, 1 x Small Tow Hitch, 3 x Brass Pyrene Fire Extinguishers, 2 x Junor Brass Pyrene Fire Extingushers,10 x Aust Ary night Surey Lamps Dated 1944 D /1\ D, 1 x 1942 Dated Metal Ary Tool Box, 2 x PairsMilita Vehicle Miror Ars, 1 x Custom Number Plates KO-901 Standard Size Black and Whte, 4 x

Original U.S. Ary N.O.S. Ohio Brass Insulator and Top Section For MP-48 Antenna Base, 7 x WoodenAmo Boxes with rope handles, Very rare MP-22A Side Mount Antenna Base, for WW2 Jeeps, trcks etc, 1 xWW2 Radiator surge ta with mount etc,1 x WW2 Spotting scope with tripod, 4 x AN-GRC9 Jeep radio setswith mounting cradles and mounts etc, 4 x SCR-694 / B.C. 1306 Jeep radios with mounting frames etc,(used byElite Forces such as Mountain and Airborne Troops), 4 x "T"- Handle entrenchig shovels, 2 x AN/GRC4Remote control unts complete with hand pieces, speakers, cables, car bags etc, 1 x Original Capston winchfor WW2 Wilys or Ford Jeeps,(made by Braden winch company U.S.A. complete with mount, bolts, nuts,mounting instrctions, NOS never fitted to vehicle), 2 x Original U.S. Ary canvas windscreen covers to suitWW2 Jeeps, 2 x U.S. Ary hatchets dated 1944 with canvas carers, 1 x Original tadem towing frame whichis mounted on front ofWW2 Wilys or Ford Jeeps, 1 x WW2 Hull compass and bracket which attches towindscreen frame on most Militar Vehicles, 2 x Original WW2 First Aid boxes with brackets to suit Jeeps etc,5 x Combat Rims to suit Wilys M.B or Ford GPW Jeeps.For more Info or to view Items Contact: Andrew Cumings on Ph: (03) 9434-6527 or Mobile 0408517930 *

FOR SALE

"GENUINE JEEP BITS - SECOND HA, UNLESS STATED" JEEP TRAER WHEL WITH TYR 600x 16 ~ $60.,6.50 x 16 TYRS IDEAL FOR TRAILER, TEN TO CHOOSE ~ $12 EACH (NOT BAR TREAD), 6VOLT GENERATOR $65, WISCREEN GLASS $50 EACH SIDE (NW), TWO CJ2A CYLINER HEADS $65EACH WITH THERMOSTAT HOUSING, CJ SUM GUAR $35, TWO STEERIG WHELS-ONE PLASTIC-ONEALUMIU- $80 EACH, CLUTCH PRESSUR PLATES 8.5" AN 8" $40 EACH, TRASFER CASE SECTIONS-POA, GEAR BOX SECTIONS - POA, 6 VOLT REGULATOR & PARTS $65 EACH, ACCELERATOR ARS &BRACKETS - POA, TIE ROD END ARS $20 EACH, CLUTCH PIVOT LINGE ROD TO SIDE OF GEAROX$12, CARTER CARY FOR 217 SEDAN MOTOR COMPLETE $100, 6 VOLT STARTER MOTOR RECO'D $160,FUEL PUMS $30, SUMS $20, VARTY OF JERRY CANS $15 TO $30 EACH, 6 VOLT IGNITION COIL STILLIN TIN $30 (NW), COILS FOR REGULATORS $25 EACH (NW), TIMG CHAIN COVERS $15 EACH, JEEPAX HOLDER COVER PLATE $12, Please Contact: Rob Dowsett #3 on Ph: 59432408 for all sale enquires. *All items are open for neeotiations:

**Re-issue of Club Permit Plates**Below is an extract from the A.O.M.C. newsletter Re: Vic Roads 90 day plate scheme sent in by: Graham Jacobs

In the original discussion paper, VicRoads floated the idea of also providing Club Permit holders with theabilty to transfer number plates, with a fee involved, onto other Club Permit vehicles or to provide the option tohold number plates on "self retention" for futue issue to Club Permit vehicles. Currently VicRoads wil onlypermit a number plate to be re-issued to a Club Permit vehicle where the number plate is to be re-appliedto the same vehicle and where the ~ Club Permit holder is a member of the same club as the previousClub Permit holder.

" WANTED"

* MEMBERS HELP & TECHNICAL IMFORMTION *If any Members are Restoring, Repairing or need Help, Techncal Information, or where they may obtain Parsor any other Advice for their Vehicles please do not hesitate in Sending your Inquiries to the Editors forprinting in Newsletter with a" Contact Name, Address and Number" and I am sure there may be Memberswho will be only willng to respond or help you in any way they can. L. Smart # President

I'm looking for the Original Data Plates for GPW 230463:This GPW used to belong to a VMVC member,and maybe the previous owner stil has the original Data Plates in his possession. If anyone has the plates orknows about them could they please contact: Leon on Ph: (03) 9700 6662 or leonhevnderscabigpond.com *

Wanted - M3Al WHITE SCOUT CAR RAIATOR: Contact: Philip Slattery Ph: mobile 0408815591 or(03)98151263 (preferably after hours) or email at philipgslattervcahotmai1.com Thans Philip Slattery#205 *

"WANTED TO BUY" Dodge Weapons Carrier WW II: Preferably nearly complete and in rung order.Please contact Rod on: (03) 5250 13280417304703 or David (03) 52672163 *

BLITZ - CHEV - JEEP - DODGE WC - ITEMS WANTED: Blitz fuel tans, spare wheel carier to suitlate Australian 13 cab F60s tipper, roof hatch cover (Ford tye), Recovery gear, ground anchor plates, stakes,snatch blocks, scotch blocks, etc, Chev Lend Lease diff centers x 2, Dodge Weapons Carier carby and elbow(prefer Zenith) plus air cleaner (early type) also sample of bow comer for canopy, Jeep carby air intae elbowand rear body handles. Contact: Mike Edwards on Mobile: 0427 840 258 AI Ph: (03) 54734428 after 7pm. *

Wanted Wireless Set no 19 aerial lead set to variometer: control box between set output lead andheadphones. Power lead between battery and power supply: Contact: Peter Reading on Mobile: 0418965410 orAH: (03) 97359209, Email petercahelpvis.com.au **

" WANTED"

If possible information from other club members in relation to location and purchase of a 3 ton screwtype jack: This jack was made for the Australian LP2, LP2a machine gu carers. The jack is 21.5 cm (8.5")tall, when screwed completely down. The base is 23 cm (9") by 12cm (4.5"). On the main body of the jackcasting, the name' JOPLIN' and below this 'D l' D' with '3 TONS' in raised letters are par of the casting. Theupper main body of the jack is secured to the cast base plate by four round headed cap screws. I would prefer ajack that is operational but if complete this will sufce. Good money paid. This is the only bit of 'kit' I ammissing to complete the full restoration of a carer that had seen service in the Middle East 1942.Contact: Trevor Jones on Ph (03) 57682445 **

TO SUIT 1939 - 40 DODGE 15cwt UTE: Engine exhaust manfold with front mounted exhaust pipe flange,please Contact: Alec Weston on Ph: (03) 97950452 **

I have a car siren from a governor's limo that was built around 1930. I'm tring to determine the voltageneeded to ru this siren. Any help would be greatly appreciated. It appears to be a Hedbergfrom San Jose Ca. I have no idea as to the make / model ofthe limo. I imagine that it waseither a Chrsler or Lincoln since it was a governent car. My grandfather was thegovernor's dnver at the time and he passed some years ago.Contact: Ron Davis via Email: h2obio1(lcomcast.net **

I'm looking for two second hand 600 x 16 bar tread tyres that I can use on my thirt year old trailer:I will pay a reasonable price for tyres in reasonable condition.

Contact: Bar Shackleton #53 on Ph: (03) 98772602 **

- 1 _.-

I

" WINNIE THE WAR WINNER"

In the dark days of 1942 when the tide of Japanese successes engulfed the islands ofthe Pacific practically down to theshores of Australia, very few people held out any hope for the troops who formed the garrison of Portguese Timor. Noword from them had reached the mainland for fift-nine days and yet during that time the tiny force of less than 400 menhad been waging a ceaseless and successful war of their own against some 15,000 crack Japanese troops. They continuedto do so for almost twelve months altogether. When the Japanese landed at Dili on the 19th of Februar, twenty men ofthe 2/2nd A.I.F. Independent Company managed to blow up the airstrp and fight their way back into the hils to join theother units of the garrison in a bitter guerrila war against the enemy despite the fact that contact with the mainland hadbeen severed. It was vital to re establish communications with Australia and it was for this purpose that men of theIndependent Company, the Fortess Signals section on the island and members of Signals 8 Aust. Div. Pooled theirresources to build a wireless set which would be capable of raising Darin. They had to start from scratch without sparepars or new batteries. The sets they had were too weak; scrounging, the recovery of buried and damagedequipment and raids by fighting sections into enemy camps for materials all played par in the constrction of the setwhich finally saw the light of day and served the Commandos well and faithfully under the name of "Winnie the WarWiner". The first plan was to build an oscilator with a stage of amplification To work on the frequency previouslyused in communication to Australia. Without a receiver and with no instrments this was a tall order, but under Capt.George Parker (Signals 8 Aust. Div.) four men-Cpl John Sargent and L/Cpl John Donovan (2/lst Fortess Signals Section)and Sigm Max ("Joe") Loveless and K. Richards (2/2nd Independent Company)-tackled the job. Loveless in civil lifehad been a technician with 7ZL Hobart. He stared by building A transmitter, using a crystal which by luck was close tothe required frequency. Power supply became a Problem and the couple of available accumulators were nearly

flat. News was received of a chargingplant in a Nearby vilage and offwent the accumulators under escort tobe charged. This procedure occurredquite a few times until it was managedto make what natually became knownas a "boong" charger. This instrmentof native tortre consisted of a system

of wheels, a belt driving a motorcargenerator and, as the name implied,was tued by the natives. Theirenthusiasm for the job fluctuated andso consequently did the charging rate.A broken-down 1 09 set wasdiscovered and the transmitter wasstrpped for pars to provide ànadditional amplifier for the oscilator-more punch, stronger signals, betterchance of being heard. Three daysafter they had commenced toconstrct the new set, a DutchSargant stumbled into the camp withwhat he thought was a transmitter-receiver. It proved to be nothing morethan the usual commercial medium-wave receiving set and out of order,too. The sargants effort in carring

this set over fort miles through some of the worst countr in the world was not in vain for there were many good pars init which could be used in the new set. Loveless planned to build a transmitter, powerful enough to reach Darin, from allthe spare pars on hand. He planned the circuit and asked all the Commandos to keep their eyes open for any parts thatmight be at all usefuL. Cp1 Donovan went on a scrounging trip to Attmboa, on the north coast, and retued with thepower pack from a Dutch transmitter, two aerial tuning condensers, some sixty feet of aerial wire and a receiving set. Thetask of building "Winnie" went ahead without delay. Coils were wound on bamboo formers, accumulators were re-charged, points were soldered and valve sockets were made. Just about everyhing had to be guess work in the absence ofprecision tools and instruments" even to the perusal of a Portguese radio manual to determine the color Code ofresistances and condensers.

Continued from previous page: " WINNIE THE WAR WINNER"

A battery charger was recovered from the enemy when foureen Commandos went through the Japanese linesto the oldAustralian H.Q. at Vila Maria. Only a hundred yards from the Japanese they dug up a charger which had been buriedthere when the H.Q. had been forced to move. The set was ready to go on the air by the 13th of April when operator triedto raise Australia with "C.Qs" and "Xs" but no reply was heard. Turning the dial of the receiver, the sounds of music

floated into the small shack. Some troubadors were amusing the listening public with a song about "The Last of the Hil

Bilies". The transmitter was revised and on the 18th of April another attempt was made to contact the mainland. No replywas received but the disappointment of the men would have been allayed had they been aware that their signals had beenpicked up and passed on to Darin. All Australian transmitting stations were warned to keep off the air and listen forTimor on the following night. Some days prior to the 19th of April the H.Q. of "Sparowforce" (as the Commandos wereknown) had given the operators a couple of encoded messages ''just in case". On that fateful night, "Joe" Loveless tunedup the rig and everybody stood by listening to the chosen group. With suppressed excitement the "brass was pounded"and the highest priority put into the call. The operator was prepared to do this for a couple of hours but a heft answeringsignal came back in reply. He was so nervous that he could not tap out the answer fast enough. Although he did not knowit, a1IAustralian stations on the group were ordered tostand by and after some hours the messages werepassed. A tin of Australian tobacco which had been keptfor such an occasion was opened in celebration and atoast in coffee was drunk to "Winnie". On the followingnight contact was established again but this time Darinwas suspicious and demanded proof of the guerrllas'identity. Questions and answers were flashed across theTimor Sea: "Do you know Jack Sargent?" "Yes, he ishere." "What ran? Answer imediately." "Corporal."Bring him to the transmitter." "What is your wife'sname, Jack?" "Joan." "What is your street? And housenumber?" The correct answers were flashed back andthe mainland accepted the fact that the Australians inTimor were stil alive and fighting. Strengthened by theassurance that their homeland was making every effortto help them, the men in Timor fought on. They livedlike natives, scrounged their food in the vilages,outfought the Japanese and mocked the surender noteswith which the enemy regularly assailed them. TheJapanese commander paid them a hard-won tributewhen he said: "You, alone, do not surrender to us." Onthe 26th of April, an Alled plane came over searchingfor the par but missed the smoke beacons. It retuedjust on dusk the .following night and dropped parachuteswith precious food and stores. Bush wireless took up theglad news and men who had been going barefooted tosave their boots for more active work were issued withnew pairs. It was then that all knew that "Winie" hadmade good. The mainland wasted no time in asking forbombing tagets which were promptly and happilysupplied. The men then enjoyed the sight of Alledbombers passing overhead on their way to give the Japanese a taste oftheir own medicine. A remarkable instance of co-ordination occurred when interference halted a message regardingbombing targets that was being passed one night to Darin. When conditions improved at 7 o'clock the next morning, themessage was completed. As the operator was receiving an acknowledgment from Darwin, our bombers were overhead ontheir way to the taget. On another occasion, an enemy convoy of three ships was -sighted and a message promptlydispatched to the mainland. The R.A.A.F. san all three and relieved an ugly situation. "Sparrowforce" took fresh hearfrom :such things. The men realised that they were no longer a lost unit but another link in the chain that was then beingwelded for .the final overthrow of the enemy. "Winie the War Winer" did noble work and as a fitting climax to a usefulcareer guided the rescue par that eventually took the guerrilas home from Timor. This weird but wonderful set nowresides in the Australian War Memorial where it occupies an honored place as a relic of the ingenuity of signalmen in theface of odds and diffculties.

The building of "Winiethe War Winer" atriumph in the ar of

improvisation. Above. Thepower supply and (left) thetuing Below: The

finished aricle. Note thehalf sene tin as a base forthe tuing unit.

This fantastic story was sent in by: Graham Jacobs.

ANUAL MEMBERSHIP FEES AR DUE BY SEPTEMBER 1 st.

Anual Membership Fees are now due as per the notice in your newsletter. Please retu this Original printedForm with the correct payment A.S.A.P. to enable myself and the committee to budget for next year. Pleaseprint your name on the reverse of all cheques or money orders. Do not send cash through the maiL. You mayalso pay your fees at the next meeting on the original prited form. This" printed form " is to make a hardenough job just that little bit easier for us alL. If you hold a curent Pension or Concession card please show orsupply copy with your renewaL. Than you,

Ben Hemmings: VMVC Treasurer. 10 Newstead Way, Wantirna Sth. 3152.

Reminder of the current CH Club Permit Scheme

To legally retain your C H Permit, and to lawflly drve your vehicle on any Road, you must be a CurentFinancial Member of an Association under (AOMC & Vic Roads) Rules & Regulations. It is thereforeadvisable to renew your membership by the due date. Please car your receipted Vic Roads Club PermtCertificate plus a club newsletter or a curent permit with you on all outings. If not, you may be booked forilegally drving an unoadworty and unegistered vehicle. Penalty $ 500.00 for the time, being in force.

Lionel Smart # President VMC

RENEWAL FEES FORVICTORIAN MILITARY VEHICLE CORPS INC.

A 5955Ben Hemmings: VMVC Treasurer: 10 Newstead Way Wantirna Sth. 3152.

NAME:( Please Print)

Membership No! DPlease tick appropriate Membership

Junior $ 12.50

ooo

Membership Fee: $ 25.00

Pensioners $ 12.50

Financial Members wil receive Monthly NewslettersCheques / Money Orders made payable to the VMC

Classic Historical Registration for approved Vehicles in Victoriaunder ( Vic Roads) ( OFT) (AOMC) Rules & Regulations

is made available to VMVC (Current Financial Members) only.

Vehicles shall be Ex Military or facsimile and over 25 years old forCH Registration approval for use within the Association Rules.

Vehicles with full Road Registration of any age shall beEx Military or Facsimile for use within the Association Rules.

Other Australian States may have Special Vehicle Registration upon inquiry forInterstate applicants wishing to join the Victorian Military Vehicle Corps Inc.

In the event of your admission as a member, you agree to be bound by the rules of theAssociation for the time, being in force.