Clinton McKinnon wanted to customise a design to spraypaint on his
fleet of vehicles that operate in the heavy earthmoving industry. He
decided he wanted to honour his father-in-law Tom Flynn and the other
men and women who served in defence of Darwin in World War II. The
original concept was to feature a portrait of Tom on both doors, the
Australian flag on the bonnet with small scenes from Darwin in each
side of the truck bin.
As Clinton discussed his ideas with Transart the originial idea
developed until the final design completely covers the truck and
trailer. Dubbed the 'Anzac truck' the artwork is now a visual tribute
to the veterans of World War II. The airbrushed sepia tones in the
images are reminiscent of the photographs from the era and the
billowing Australian flag captures the patriotism that war veterans
inspire.
Daryl and the team at Transart in Bendigo were proud to be associated with such a patriotic truck sign writing project.
FROM 'STAND TO' APRIL/MAY 2007
The “Remembrance” story really
began back in 1943 when Thomas (Tom) Flynn was sent to Darwin as part of 55th Composite Anti
Aircraft Regiment.
Tom was a Sydney
boy who had joined up in 1939 with many other young men. He completed his basic
training and was a gunner in 1st Medium Brigade (artillery) which later became
the 55th Composite Anti Aircraft Regiment.
In 1942, Darwin
was attacked on 64 separate occasions and raids continued in 1943. The
artillery positions were constantly under threat and were manned 24 hours a
day. More than 300 lives were lost in these air raids and many areas of Darwin were severely
damaged.
Tom had married Dorothy in 1942 and she had remained in Sydney during Tom’s
active service. He returned home in 1945 and together they raised a family of
two boys, Tom and Jim, and one girl, Janice. They are blessed with nine
grandchildren, three boys and six girls. One of these girls, Michelle, met and
married Clinton McKinnon.
Clinton was a truck driver intent on
building up a fleet of vehicles to operate in the heavy earthmoving industry.
He and Michelle now have eight truck-and-trailer combinations as part of their
bulk earthmoving business.
Clinton often enjoyed reminiscing with
Michelle’s grandfather, Tom, about his experiences in Darwin in the war. Clinton
came to feel that this part of the war, and its effect on the service men and
women in Darwin,
had not received the recognition it deserved. He was determined to do something
about it.
When he saw
some examples of the artwork created by Transart, in Bendigo,
Victoria, he decided that the sides of his new
Kenworth tipper would make a fitting canvas to commemorate the deeds of Tom
Flynn and the other men and women who served in defence of Darwin in World War II.
VISUAL TRIBUTE - AIRBRUSHED TRUCK AND TRAILER
Clinton’s original concept was to feature a portrait of Tom on both
doors, the Australian flag across the bonnet and small scenes from Darwin on each side of
the truck bin.
However, in
discussions with Transart, a larger theme developed and the artwork just grew
and grew, to the point at which now both truck and trailer are completely
covered with the amazing commemorative scenes.
They are a
fantastic visual tribute to all the Australian men and women involved in armed
conflicts, in the service of their country. The sepia tones reflect the colouring
of many of the old photographs proudly kept by the diggers and their families.
It is
hoped that this truck, aptly named “Remembrance” will serve to remind those of
us who now enjoy the freedoms we have in Australia, that we owe a huge debt
of gratitude to all the men and women who fought and died to secure our future.
“REMEMBRANCE” THE TRUCK
2006
Kenworth T904
Conventional
cab, integrated sleeper
Remote
Keyless Entry
Air
Conditioned
Electronic
Cruise Control
Power Steering
Engine:
Caterpillar
C15
In-line 6
cylinder 14.6 litre 540 hp
Transmisson:
Fuller 18
Speed Overdrive
Axles:
Front –
Meritor FG941 16.6T
Rear –
Meritor RT46-160GP Tandem Drive
Brakes:
Dual Air
Braking System
Jacobs
Engine Brake
Suspension:
Kenworth Airglide
460 Rear Suspension
Trailer
Axles and Suspension:
BPW Dual Air
Bag
Wheels:
“Dura-Bright”
Alloy Wheels
Chrome Dress
Hub Covers
Bridgestone
Tubeless Radials
11R 22.5
16PR
Tipper
Body and Trailer:
Manufacturer
– Best Built Bodies
Alloy Truck
Body – 4.5m x 2.44 x 1.5m
Load
Capacity: approx. 14 cu. m
Alloy
Trailer Body – 6m x 2.44m x 1.5m
Load
Capacity – approx. 18.5 cu. m
Clinton McKinnon wanted to customise a design to spraypaint on his
fleet of vehicles that operate in the heavy earthmoving industry. He
decided he wanted to honour his father-in-law Tom Flynn and the other
men and women who served in defence of Darwin in World War II. The
original concept was to feature a portrait of Tom on both doors, the
Australian flag on the bonnet with small scenes from Darwin in each
side of the truck bin.