When Australia declared war in September 1939, NRMA was quick to proclaim its support. A £20,000 interest-free loan was made available to support the troops as was the NRMA Transport Auxiliary — 500 recent model five-seater sedans that could be used to transport troops on home soil.
Aug 1939. NRMA conducted classes for the National Emergency Services. Women ambulance drivers are taught the mechanics of heavy vehicles and how to repair them.
NRMA’s President, the Hon. J. C. Watson, also announced that the motoring club would maintain full services as long as civilian motor vehicles were on the road. However, World War II greatly impacted on the Australian motor industry.
Australia’s newly discovered love affair with cars and driving holidays would be affected by Government curfews and restrictions on fuel consumption, as the nation’s petroleum stocks were reserved for military vehicles. In 1941, the number of new vehicles registered in NSW dropped 50 per cent from the previous year.
May 1941. NRMA and its Members donate an ambulance to the Australian Imperial Force (AIF).
And as more patrolmen swapped the blue NRMA uniform for the military green, the club was faced with a severe shortage of capable mechanics.
NRMA staff member, Miss K. Broadbent, established a Women’s Auxiliary Transport Corps in March 1939. Women were trained to work as mechanics and drive transport vehicles that would ferry soldiers, war workers and goods around the home front.
The transport auxiliary’s new-look workforce was also reflected in the NRMA’s patrols. H.E.L.P came with a patrolwoman. But even though women had to pass a tough exam to work in the Corps (with a 93 per cent success rate) they only got half the pay rate as men. However, such low pay did little to diminish women’s passion to contribute to the war effort.
1942. Moore Park, Sydney. Road Service patrolmen wait to inspect commercial vehicles and trucks. The Federal government wanted to see which vehicles would be suitable for commandeering in the event of an invasion.
Long before the tourists arrived. Byron Bay from Bangalow Rd, Oct 1939.
Aug 1938. How times change. Cows on the Princes Hwy.
Sydney, c1940. Gas producers (contraption on back of vehicle) came into widespread use during the war due to petrol rationing.
1945. Parade to celebrate the end of war.
May 1945. Bridge over Hawkesbury river opens after 6.5 years and £400,000.
Aug 1939. NRMA Transport Auxiliary moves two battalions down the Hume Hwy as preparation for possible invasion. Three hundred private cars and 50 trucks travel 61 kms at 32 km/h.
Oil her up! Poster for Mobil, March 1942.
May 1941. NRMA and its Members donate an ambulance to the Australian Imperial Force (AIF).
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