Thread: some old photos from 1947

Originally Posted by incisor

compliments of Jim Pearl here are some old pics from 1947 taken in the outback. scanned and touched up to show some more detail as best i could as the original pics are only 65mm long or there abouts



Royal Mail crossing the Murray River



Tom Kruse with wife, daughter and companions





taken during trip from Birdsville to Marree



at Cook railway station 1947

In the bus photo, do you know where thats taken?, reminds me of a couple ferry crossings nearer here...

also am I mistaken or is the bus (truck) left hand drive?

cheers

That truck with 'H.E.DING' on the side, looks like the leyland Badger with the Thornycroft tandem drive back end, that Tom bought from Harry when Tom took over the Maree to Birdsville mail run. It was recovered from the desert and restored and is on display in the Birdwood motor museum.S.A.
Don.

great job!

Wonder what became of that White 5th Wheeler "Bus" What a fabulous looking machine !

would make a great 'retro' outback touring mobile home

1947, a vintage year, though it makes me feel old, Regards Frank.

Attachment 59520


With being posted at both Yunta and Andamooka (where I often popped over to assist the Marree bloke) I met Tom Kruse and his lovely wife Val a number of times.

The last time I saw him was during the BACK OF BEYOND relaunch at MARREE. I was asked to speak to Tom behind the Badger (alongside the pub) during the afternoon. He gave me a copy of the book "MAILMAN OF THE BIRDSVILLE TRACK" and signed it for me. I treasure this book and later in the day cornered and got Val to also sign it for me.

They were great people and incredibly humble to the end. Tom was devestated when Val went and I believe it took the spirit out of him, he died a year or so later. Great people who had time for everyone.

The Royal Mail bus reminds of the one I used to see at Parramatta when I was a kid - it had a White prime mover.



Inc, maybe sent that bus pic to here: http://www.hcvc.com.au/

It could be this bus:



See http://www.hcvc.com.au/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1355351722

Some sensational photos there folks, keep it up

Those big petrol White Superpower's were the "Bee's Knees" in those days as in 47 petrol was still rationed,didn't come off in Queensland until 1951,can just remember dad using coupons in the 36 Chrysler straight 8. Most of the local transport/delivery trucks were K series Internationals or Ex-Army Blitz's of varying sizes.