On 25-2-1941 the remainder of the Petrol Coy became part of the "2nd Composite Brigade Coy. AASC". Within 7 weeks the Company would depart for Darwin, the need for AASC troops as part of the reinforcement of Darwin having been the reason the Petrol Company had been split into two 'drafts'.
The following extracts from Dad's diary provide brief details of the route, transportation and duration of the trip from Wodonga to Darwin, ten months prior to the town being bombed.
16.4.'41.* Farewell party in our Mess Hut.
17.4.'41.* Rope our vehicles onto rolling stock at Wodonga station.
18.4.41.* 2.30AM. We leave Ebden Siding en route for Darwin. Breakfast at Seymour; Lunch at Ballarat, Dinner at Dimboola.
19.4.41.* Arrive at Wayville Camp (S.A.) Get breakfast but no leave. Lunch at Riverton. Arrive at Terowie Staging Camp for Dinner and a few days rest.. Meet up with A, C & E sections.
[The above dates with an * have been adjusted to fit with those preceding and the following trip chronology for the balance of the trip.]
20th. We take part in Anzac Day Parade in Peterborough. ...
21.4.'41 Leave Terowie, have dinner at Quorn.
23.4.41. Arrive at Alice Springs. By rail.
24.4.41. Leave by road for Birdum. Lunch at Ti Tree Wells. Dinner at Barrow Creek.
25.4.41 Rush onwards. Lunch at Bonny Wells. Dinner & Sleep at No 3 Bore. Banka Banka
Passing through Tennants Creek - 3.30PM. we were given afternoon tea by members of A.I.M.* Its ANZAC Day too. [* Australian Inland Mission.]
26-4-'41 Once more on our way. Lunch at Elliott and finally reach Birdum.
27-4-'41. Rail out trucks and leave on last stage of journey. Lunch at Watherine. Dine at Pike Creek.
28:4:'41 Arrive at Vesty's Darwin."
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