In August 1916 the 1st Australian Armoured Car Section disembarked in Egypt. The section’s vehicles consisted of two Armoured Cars scratch built on a Mercedes and a Daimler chassis, a Minerva Car used as a ‘Tender’ and a new Hudson Motorcycle and side car combination. The Section supported British elements against the Senussi and carried out a number of recce tasks etc. however the vehicles were soon found to be unsuitable and they were withdrawn. The Unit was then issued six rather well used Model ‘T’ Fords and re-named the No.1. Australian Light Car Patrol. They transferred North in 1917 to join the British Car Patrols supporting the Mounted Divisions in Palestine until peace was declared in 1918. These and similar Units were the forerunner to the specialist Units that operated in Desert Operations in WW2 such as the LRDG etc. This is a very short introduction to support the following. I have been corresponding with a chap here in Australia who has a very interesting project underway. He is building a replica LCP vehicle on an original Model T Ford engine chassis combination. He has given me permission to include a few images with this post for those of you interested in such things. Modelling on a large scale would be a good title for this venture. Should be well and truly complete for the Centennary years of WW1 commencing in 2014. The main armament was a .303 Lewis Gun and a de-activated example will be used for display activities. Has any member researched the British Patrols? Regards Rod
