Summertown Blitz more than a truck

At the heart of the SA Country Fire Service (CFS) is community, and the 84-year-old Summertown Blitz truck symbolises that strong connection.

Purchased in 1956 by the then Summertown & Districts Emergency Fire Service brigade, the 1942 ex-Army vehicle was funded by community contributions and operational until 1985, including, famously, during 1983’s Ash Wednesday bushfires.

Peter Bonython served as Summertown & Districts CFS Captain for 24 years and the Blitz was the first fire truck he rode upon joining the brigade at 18 years of age in 1974.

The truck has not only foundational but raw memories for Peter.

“There’s only a couple of us that can drive the truck, as it has a different pedal configuration, so you can imagine what would happen if someone not used to driving it put their foot on the wrong pedal,” Peter laughed.

“I was on it on Ash Wednesday, and I laid on the back when the fire was coming up Greenhill Road.

“The ash and sparks came up from beneath the vehicle; it was like being on the beach on a windy day, but instead of sand it was ash and sparks coming up from under the truck.”

Along with its unusual brake and accelerator configuration, the Blitz has a crash gearbox that can prove challenging for drivers who have never operated a vehicle with independently spinning, non-synchronised gears.

Long-serving CFS training officer Robin Geytenbeek grew up just 200 metres from the Summertown brigade’s station, and some of his earliest memories are of watching his father, Phil, responding to call outs on the Blitz.

"When I look at the Blitz truck, I don't just see an old firefighting vehicle," Robin said.

"I see my childhood, my family, the people who shaped me, and the generations of volunteers who built the CFS into what it is today.

"It reminds me of the equipment my father used, and the conditions volunteers worked in.

"They didn't have the technology or resources we have today, but they had the same commitment to protecting their communities."

And whenever Robin thinks of the Blitz truck, his mind always turns to the people he served alongside, such as Peter, whose guidance and influence helped shape both his career and outlook as a firefighter.

"Peter taught me that if you're going to do something, do it properly," Robin said.

"Not half-baked. Give it your best and see it through to the end.”

Robin said he watched and learnt from Peter leading by example.

"I’ve got a photo of the truck which I love and on it I see three parts of the same story," he said.

"I see the truck that represents the era my dad volunteered in. I see Peter, who helped shape so many firefighters, including me. And I see the path that began for me at Summertown and led to a career supporting volunteers."

As the CFS celebrates its 50th anniversary, the Blitz truck stands as more than a piece of firefighting history, according to Robin.

"It's a reminder that our organisation has always been built on people," he said.

"The trucks may change, the equipment may improve, but it's the volunteers, the mentors and the communities they serve that define the CFS."

Some time ago, there was a discussion about the Blitz truck’s future, and it was the community that it had served so loyally that stepped in to ensure it stays right where it belongs.

Being a regular feature at local events, including the annual Uraidla Show, the show society has decided to build a storage area where the truck can be displayed as a permanent reminder of the fire brigade’s service to the community.

“The local community were very keen to see the truck retained locally, due to its significant services and its familiarity,” Peter said.

“So many people have fond memories of seeing it in service and then every year at the Uraidla Show, they really identify with it.

“The brigade bought it, paid for it and converted it and it’s got that significant community history, that’s important and worth keeping.”