carrier

YEAR OF THE CARRIER by Mike Kelly

The sleepy, quiet town of Corowa in southern N.S.W., Australia, recently hosted the countries largest annual MV gathering . The event began in 1980 , it was primarily intended to be an event for amphibious vehicles such as GPA's and DUKW's . The setting is ideal , the large camp ground is situated on the banks of the Murray river which winds its way through the town . Over the recent past events a special ' year of ' has been run , the idea being to draw together a particular vehicle type or model and make the event a unique occasion . Corowa 2005 was to be the ' Year of the Carrier ' . During WW2 Australia's industrial capacity was limited but it still managed to produce over 5000 universal carriers or bren carriers as they are often called . In Australia , carriers were mostly built by state owned factories. State railways workshops which in peacetime produced locomotives and rolling stock , were pressed into service and they did a splendid job . A surprising number of Aussie built carriers have survived to this day .

Australian built carriers differ quite markedly from other variants . The bulk of production was centred on the LP2 and LP2A models . The first variant , the LP1 ( Local Pattern type 1 ) , was only built in very small numbers , less than 200 . The LP1 had a riveted hull and lever controlled steering whereas the LP2 and 2A's utilized a all welded hull and the more usual steering wheel steering . Major mechanical components such as engines, gearboxes and axles were sourced from Ford - Nth America , but everything else was made locally with many of the small bits being made by sub contractors . Some LP1's LP2's were deployed to the Middle East and Malaya with aussie forces . And lets not forget the New Zealand kiwi built version which was a copy of the Aussie built carrier .

During the week of the 14th to the 20th of March carriers began to arrive in Corowa with the camp ground taking on the look of a WW2 cavalry regiment on exercise . The organisers were hoping to set a record for the greatest number of WW2 universal carriers gathered together since WW2 . As the week progressed carriers could be seen around the caravan park hiding under tarps and awnings . A lot of work was undertaken by the organisers in order to allow the carriers to drive on the bitumen road in the town shopping centre . Special permits were arranged with the NSW state road authorority as a parade through town on Saturday morning was to be a highlight of the whole event . During the week carriers could be seen doing their stuff , roaring along the many tracks beside the Murray river . Clouds of dust betrayed the presence of a metal monstors , and , who could forget the sound of those V8's with their throaty exhaust note . The ocassional mishap was inevitable , a broken track pin had one carrier losing a track and others lost tracks too, it was all part of the fun .

On Saturday morning 16 carriers lined up for the drive through town to assemble at the airport where a photo shoot was to take place . At 9am sharp the order was given and in unison 16 side valve Ford V8's started up . Local shoppers got a surprise as the column rounded the roundabout then proceeded up the main street . The local Police had a patrol car on hand but most of the local traffic didn't seem to take much notice . Organisers were concerned with the possible road damage by the metal tracks , but in the end , road damage was minimal , in fact , it was hardly discernible. Following the carriers were over 100 assorted MV's - Jeeps , CMP's , Dodges and many others tagged along behind and by the time we had reached the airport a mini traffic jam had ensued . At the airport the carriers were lined up in V formation with the softskin vehicles parked behind . Cameras began clicking wildly but we all got a terrific surprise when , out of the blue , from nowhere, a roaring carrier rolled onto the centre of the V formation and parked . The intruder was a very rare 2 pounder tank attack carrier , it literally stole the show . Two more non running carriers arrived on the back of trucks , making the total 19, or was it 20 . I think the official count was a bit confused and I am still not sure of the total number . One thing is certain, 17 running carriers made it onto the arena ( including a rare LP1 ) and I wonder if this record will ever be broken . A challenge to UK carrier owners is likely to be made ........ can you fellows beat that number .

The event went off without any major mishaps or injuries , always a relief for the organisers . Next year is to be the ' year of the scout car ' , wheeled or tracked scout and recce cars are invited to take part in this unique event . With the rising cost of fuel and the long distances many carrier owners travelled to make it to Corowa , the ' year of the carrier ' may never be repeated . I am glad that I made it to this event , our only national MV rally, and lets hope it continues as long as owners can afford the costs involved .