Truck’s pride of place at transport museum

Tied down: The 86 Tpt Pl, Vietnam, truck is readied by Cpl Ross Mitchell and Pte Darren Walmsley for its journey to the museum.

By Lt Chester Hobbs

BRIG Mick Kehoe, HoC RACT and Commander Logistic Support Force (LSF), has formally received a significant piece of Australia’s military history from the Vietnam War back into the Army family.

The Australian Road Transport Hall of Fame in Alice Springs has had in its collection a five-tonne F1 General Service Truck since 1995. Following some research by members of the 86 Tpt Pl Vietnam Association, it was discovered this vehicle was operated by 86 Pl in Vietnam and was the last of its type to leave the 1ALSG (Australian Logistic Support Group) base in Vung-Tau more than 30 years ago.

“I qualified as an ECN 109 on this type of vehicle in 1981, it was great to see it fire up and start its journey back. However, as my driving skills are somewhat rusty, the RSM did the driving honours,” Brig Kehoe said.

The vehicle was driven onto a modern 86 Tpt Tp Mack Fleetliner by RSM LSF WO1 Tony Irwin, who reported it was in fine working order. The vehicle was subsequently transported to the Army Museum at Bandiana by Cpl Ross Mitchell and Pte Darrin Walmsley, both from 86 Tpt Tp. The truck will be incorporated into the museum display and formally unveiled in March next year.

“The museum manager, Maj Graham Docksey, has indicated the truck will take pride of place in the Army Museum display, but he’s keeping the details a secret for the moment,” Brig Kehoe said.