Driving the Army

Vintage cars and motorcycles are always popular. Which is why a gleaming, black 1942 Buick sedan is a must see artefact display at the Army Museum in Bandiana. It was one of six staff cars used by Field Marshal, Sir Thomas Blamey, Australia’s most senior military figure during the Second World War. When he retired, the Australian Government presented Blamey with one of the cars.

The Melbourne Argus reported that because of Blamey’s service the Minister for the Army felt "the gift by the Commonwealth Government would meet with general approval."

Winifred Brodie is also part of the Buick story. Private Brodie (nee Davies) was Blamey’s driver and the Museum shares some amusing stories about her experiences chauffeuring the top military man in Australia. She remembered Blamey as "always friendly and courteous" as a boss.

The Museum’s Willys staff car from 1940 also attracts visitors. The khaki and black model was the standard staff car for Australian forces during the Second World War. It had the same engine as the famous Willy’s jeep and a conventional rear wheel drive. Peer inside at the simple column shift, speedometer and twin floor pedals and you realise just how far today’s VIP cars have come.

Motorcycle fans will want a "selfie" beside the Museum’s Harley Davidson Model 42WLA Type 3 bike. There were 90,000 similar machines built during the Second World War and this olive drab version comes with a rifle holster. It has a 750cc engine with a ‘springer’ front suspension. There is no rear suspension which explains why this motorcycle was nicknamed ‘hard tail.’ Staff and volunteers at the Museum rebuilt this unit which now takes pride of place among the vehicle displays.

The Army Museum at Bandiana has the second-largest military vehicle collection in Australia and is the place to see the trucks, cars and bikes the Australian Army has relied on for over 100 years. Find out more about the museum and plan your visit by calling (02) 6055 2525.