THE CONVERSION OF PRIVATE VEHICLES TO ARMOURED CARS WAS A SCHEME ENVISAGED BY MR. R.V. KIRSCH, A ...

THE CONVERSION OF PRIVATE VEHICLES TO ARMOURED CARS WAS A SCHEME ENVISAGED BY MR. R.V. KIRSCH, A MELBOURNE BUSINESSMAN WHO, IN 1942, PROPOSED THAT PRIVATE MOTORISTS BE INVITED TO CONVERT THEIR CARS, AT THEIR OWN EXPENSE, AND PLACE THE VEHICLES AND THEMSELVES AT THE DISPOSAL OF THE MILITARY AUTHORITIES AS A HIGHLY MOBILE DEFENCE FORCE. AS PART OF HIS SCHEME, MR. KIRSCH PROPOSED THAT THE GOVERNMENT BE ASKED TO MAKE ARMOUR PLATE AVAILABLE, AND THE CONVERSION WORK CARRIED OUT IN COMMERCIAL WORKSHOPS OR GARAGES. ARMAMENT WAS TO BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE MILITARY AUTHORITIES. THE PHOTOGRAPH SHOWS A PROTOTYPE OF THE SUGGESTED ARMOURED CAR.