Governor Sir Malcolm Barclay-Harvey views a 25-Pounder Short on temporary exhibition in Adelaide ...

Governor Sir Malcolm Barclay-Harvey views a 25-Pounder Short on temporary exhibition in Adelaide Town Hall in early April, 1944. The gun was part of a touring exhibition of captured enemy military equipment from all theatres of war where Australian Troops had participated and was undertaken by the army as a means of raising money for a forthcoming Victory loan. VX50349 (V146623, VX112102) Captain Keith Philip Vanderkelen, formerly with 10 Fd Regiment, was charged by Brigadier John O’Brien to plan and create the exhibition in one month. A tank carrier transported a German 88 mm anti-aircraft gun, while approximately 12 two-ton trucks transported the remaining equipment. A detachment from 146 Aust Gen Tpt Coy and LHQ, comprising a total of 33 officers and ORs, undertook the exhibition. Capt Vanderkelen preceded the convoy and promoted the exhibition with coverage in print media and on radio at various locations. Following Adelaide, the exhibit travelled to Victoria, NSW and Queensland. By the time it opened in Brisbane, the war loan had closed, and the funds subsequently raised were offered to the Australian Comforts Fund and the Red Cross. Following the end of the exhibit, the equipment was offered to the Australian War Memorial.