Historical information

This fire truck was made by Rev. Friedrich Schoettler, a Missionary with Lutheran Mission at Ammele and Wanjma in New Guinea. He fled to Australia, from the Japanese, during WW2, being a German national. He was interned at Tatura, Victoria, where the internees made toys to sell for spending money. This truck was given to me, Don Kuhne, by my parents for Christmas about 1944. I am surprised that it lasted as long. My brothers used it. We towed it around the farm behind push bikes, etc. In the early 1960's I worked with Lutheran Mission New Guinea and had the pleasure of knowing Rev. Schoettler, helping with aerial food drops to his small mission station.

Physical description

Maroon truck, yellow radiator, black running boards and mudguards, green tray, 2 wind up handles with a pulley and cord which operates an extension ladder mounted on the tray of the truck. SA 3012

Inscriptions & markings

SA 3012 on back of truck.