The Uti-Lurker – Gordon Ramage
(All Photos: Gordon Ramage)
As many of you already know the “Uti-Lurker” was the mainstay of the hard work that was required in maintaining the constant supply of Men, Materials and Fuel, whether it was unloading the ships workboats, or restocking the aircraft for onward support of field parties all over Marguerite Bay and beyond.
Without this great bit of kit each of our tasks would have been more difficult to fulfil. During the 1973 winter, the Uti was brought into the garage and given a good, and well overdue overhaul, including a bit of a face lift.
Hopefully it lasted a few seasons beyond 73 and was given a suitable resting place when BAS finally disposed of it.
Gordon Ramage, Tractor Mechanic, Halley Bay – 1972 , Adelaide – 197373
Nice job Gordon, great to see the utilurker got all that well deserved care and attention. It was part of my life in Adelaide from 1970-72, I used it every time I went up the slope for anything connected with the maintenance, support and operations of the two aircraft. It appears in most of the photos I took around the base, unloading supplies at the jetty, and by the Twin Otter and Turbo-Beaver.
Similar thoughts about the Foxtrack too! I think I used it every time I fed the dogs on the spans.