Post by nz2 on Mar 30, 2014 15:03:47 GMT 12
It is commonly reported that the army owned no motorised vehicles in NZ pre the Great War. All transport was by horse drawn wagons, although I have located photos of troops on exercise using locally hired trucks for transport.
At about the commencement of the war, the Auckland Automobile Assn undertook fund raising in the community and purchased a couple of Ford model T light trucks, a couple of cars, motorcycles and bicycles for use at Epsom camp. Also purchased was a Thornycroft truck to cart camp supplies.
Upon movement of troops to Samoa there is a reference to a truck being sent also to Samoa.
As there was only one truck in Army use ( at least from Auckland) could this be NZ's first motorised Army vehicle used overseas.
I have not been able to locate if there was any similar donated vehicles contributed from the other main centres at this period of time.
From the UK I have received a trade journal reference listing the purchase for the Thornycroft truck with a further reference being to the original article published in the Auckland Weekly News of 3rd Sept. 1914 covering the truck being presented to the Army.
I ask if anyone knows of a copy of the Weekly News for this date, to get in contact with me.
I am trying to assemble up a register of Thornycroft vehicles used in NZ, what remains, as well as restore some.
The idea of rebuilding No1 has a point of intrigue.
Doug
At about the commencement of the war, the Auckland Automobile Assn undertook fund raising in the community and purchased a couple of Ford model T light trucks, a couple of cars, motorcycles and bicycles for use at Epsom camp. Also purchased was a Thornycroft truck to cart camp supplies.
Upon movement of troops to Samoa there is a reference to a truck being sent also to Samoa.
As there was only one truck in Army use ( at least from Auckland) could this be NZ's first motorised Army vehicle used overseas.
I have not been able to locate if there was any similar donated vehicles contributed from the other main centres at this period of time.
From the UK I have received a trade journal reference listing the purchase for the Thornycroft truck with a further reference being to the original article published in the Auckland Weekly News of 3rd Sept. 1914 covering the truck being presented to the Army.
I ask if anyone knows of a copy of the Weekly News for this date, to get in contact with me.
I am trying to assemble up a register of Thornycroft vehicles used in NZ, what remains, as well as restore some.
The idea of rebuilding No1 has a point of intrigue.
Doug