Ordnance workshops

Situated in the heart of Central Australia is the largest workshops of its kind in the army for front line repairs. Major Stokes the Commanding Officer recently returned from the Middle East and Captain Osch are in charge of all line repairs. This may not seem a very interesting story but the fact is up until 4 months ago this country was all wild bush and ant hills, now it is a third line workshop still growing. All major jobs are done here under very trying conditions, the temperature never gets below 90 degs. Fahrenheit during the day, the men never see ice. Beer, one bottle per week and fresh vegetables on very rare occasions. Water is undrinkable out of the tap during the day. It is even too hot to take a shower. All buildings had to be erected by the men themselves. All kinds of jobs are done, such as instrument repairs, watches, binoculars etc. From the wrecks motors are taken and rebuilt. The idea being to put a new engine in a truck the moment it comes in for repairs. This cuts out any delay and convoys are able to keep their schedule.