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MOTOR TRANSP0RT
M.T. was first combined with Technical Maintenance under the command of Capt. J.H. Padfield who returned to Ottawa before the unit moved overseas. Subsequently the section officers have been Capt. March, Lt. Legere, and presently Lt. Rutherglen. This section when it left Canada was composed of thirty-six all ranks. It included fitters, drivers mechanic, drivers I.C., and diesel power plant Operators.
A great deal of credit is due the members of the section for the efficient manner in which their vehicles were prepared for the trip overseas. Aside from minor scratches the vehicles arrived overseas in excellent condition. Upon arrival in Australia no little trouble was experienced in the sudden change from right to left hand driving. Many amusing incidents occurred but in short order the drivers became accustomed to the new methods.
The pleasant but short stay in Brisbane was spent unpacking and readying the M.T. equipment for the next move. There was, however, ample time to develop an exceptionally good section softball team and to partake of the fine Australian hospitality.
In conjunction with the Australian Army which transported the M.T. equipment by rail to Mt. Isa, a group from the section safeguarded the vehicles on the journey. From Mt. Isa the overland highway to Darwin presents an unparalleled test both to the stamina and physical training of drivers and to the maintenance and quality required of motor vehicles. With these qualities the drivers withstood the grueling test with little more than a few sore backs!
With a large complement of vehicles the M.T. Section was confronted with a great deal of work upon arrival in Darwin. In a matter of eight weeks, however, everything was well under control. Under the supervision of Cpl. Wagers a grease ramp (which became the show-piece of the M.T.Compound) was constructed, impregnable to everything but Australia's white ants.
Aside from the normal activities of an M.T. section many other important obligations have been fulfilled. Bill Fraser undertook the responsibility of supplying the unit with wood. The diesel operators demonstrated their worth in providing the unit with a never ending supply of electricity. Eight others proved their trust and capabilities serving as driver batmen for the unit officers.
On the lighter side we look back on the volleyball contests held with T.M. Although there was often more argument than ball playing we claim to have come out the victors. The games were further enlivened by Paul "The Kingston Kid" Murray who insisted upon kicking the ball with his feet. As a morale builder we believe Benny Black takes the championship with Cpl. Wagers running him a close second. We salute Benny for his daily rumors hot off the press which kept us believing that we would be leaving for home the very next day. Cpl. Wagers kept us happy by continually renewing our hopes of receiving campaign pay. For morale busters, Ken Walker and Gordie Wilson both tried their best. Ken "The Little Boy from Bracebridge" who had to be kicked out of bed each morning and Wilson who consistently held five aces in the hut card games caused headaches.
The Section as a whole has shown willingness to do their Job and do it well. In doing so we have helped to better the efficiency of this unit.
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