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Port to Birdwood

Military Day


Some of the entrants vehicles lined up at Birdwood

As a part of the celebrations for the tenth anniversary to commemorate the opening of the National Military Vehicle Museum of Port Adelaide; past president, Doug Draeger organised a military vehicle run to the National Motor Museum at Birdwood in the Adelaide Hills South Australia.

Over fifty vehicles wound their way along the hour-long scenic route from Port Adelaide to Birdwood, arriving to be greeted by well wisher at the National Motor Museum. After a short period of marshalling the vehicles were in place for a great day.

Some of the vehicles on display at the Birdwood end of the trip.

Although slightly damp underfoot the beautiful South Australian weather, gave us perfect conditions with plenty of fresh country air and sunshine for all to enjoy.

Live-fire drill demonstrations by both the Nine Mile Snipers and the Fort Glanville Historical Society, really made an excellent impact on the crowd, with the excepton of one bystander caught unawares and the horses from the Barossa Light Horse Association; whom later performed a flawless drill routine.

Static displays of weapons and militaria by the Antique and Historical Arms Society and the Military Historical Society created added interest and with the marvellous collection within the National Motor Museum at our convenience, there was plenty for everybody to do and see.

Awarded the "Most Desired Vehicle" of the day.

New member David Lean won the award for the "Most Desired Vehicle", with his immaculately presented Land Rover 101 Forward Control, ex 110th Air Defence Battery, 16 Independent Artillery Regiment from Woodside, South Australia.

Club Secretary, Trevor Brown received an award for his efforts as the mess officer for the day, being at the helm with a few hard-working members in the preparation of an superb lunch.

It arrived eventually!

An award was also presented to the Carn brothers - Darian and Aaron, for perserverance with their 1939 Ford/Marmon-Herrington LP3 Gun Tractor, after it decided to give them a little trouble in the morning of the event, however their efforts payed off as they finally arrived to take pride of place with their Australian built 2 pounder anti-tank gun in tow.

Radiophile, Andrew Tostevin, whiled away the hours with his display of operation World War 2 communication gear from the rear of his radio van.

Some of the larger trucks that took part.

Appreciation Awards were presented to all groups whom took part in the days activities, and the organisors wish to thank (in no particular order) the following groups.

The National Motor Museum, Birdwood
The Nine Mile Snipers
The Fort Glanville Historical Society
The Antique and Historical Arms Society
The Military Historical Society
The Land Rover Register of SA
The Barossa Light Horse Association
The Wartime Vehicle Conservation Group
The Military Vehicle Collectors Society of SA inc.
The National Military Vehicle Museum, Port Adelaide

Thanks also goes to Bob Kenny for his dulcet tones throughout the day heard over the PA amid the wartime-period musical ambience.

But the biggest thanks of all goes to Doug Draeger for all of his time and effort in organising such a wonderful and successful day......

And if you weren't there this year, we look forward to seeing you at the next one.

A pair of Australian Ford Gun Tractors
1943 Ford Australian No.8 Artillery Tractor and a
1939 Ford/Marmon-Herrington LP3 Artillery Tractor