Summary

Motorcyclist's log book, labelled 'Memo Book', May 1947 to March 1948, donated with a pair of motor cyclist's goggles.

John Henry Baker worked in the Accounts Branch of MacRobertson Pty Ltd from 1937 to 1941 as an office clerk, and left at the age of 21 to serve in the Royal Australian Air Force during World War II. After the war, still aged in his 20s, he studied for a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Melbourne under the Commonwealth Reconstruction Training Scheme (CRTS).

Baker acquired his Royal Enfield motorbike (which he seems to have called 'Flash' or 'Egbert') on 23 May 1947, and rode it to the university each day from his bungalow in Rosanna. He kept the log book of his trips and wore the goggles when riding. The log book includes his 'petrol licence' number and registration number, and includes daily information about his journeys, including miles covered, odometer reading, petrol refills and oil changes. After completing his degree, Baker married and became a French teacher in Victorian high schools.

Physical Description

Booklet, 22 lined pages plus brown cover. Printed and hand-written on front in red and blue ink. Inside pages have lists of dates, places, odometer readings and petrol used (gallons). Maintainance is also noted, such as oil changes and engine problems such as 'Engine Choked (hart to start)'. Petrol and oil consumption is noted on the back page.

More Information