Australian History

[Goldpick]

The South Australian police recently upgraded from Smith & Wesson revolvers to Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm semi auto pistols, but historically, this isn't the first time the SA police had used semi autos in general service. Two other models had been previously issued, what were they, and what calibre did they utilise?

 

[Magilla]

They used the Webly and Scott semi auto pistol in both .32 and .38 calibre and also the 9mm F.N. (Browning's Patent) semi auto pistol.

 

[Goldpick]

Too easy, your go Magilla.

 

[Magilla]

OK this one is especially for you GT.

Who am I, I was born in the twentieth century.

 

[Magilla]

Need another clue?

I am now retired but throughout my career I only spent 177 days doing what I was trained for.

 

[DrDuck]

Yep, that would be Australian born astronaut Andy Thomas....

 

[Magilla]

I knew I shouldn't have given that second clue.

He spent 177 days in space, I was surprised it was that long. Over to you Dr D.

 

[DrDuck]

Well, the first clue was very general - could have fitted about 5 million people!

Maybe Magilla should sit on the sidelines for this one, and see if anyone else can get it.

I designed wine labels, and later trained in Russia?

 

[goldtruck59]

Hey Dr Duck sounds like the same guy !! Thomas was the G G Grandson of Waterhouse who was on the Stuart expedition !! I didn't know that so he is from a family of adventurers.

 

[DrDuck]

Yep, that's him - he designed wine labels for the University Engineering Society while a student, and later in his career trained at Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia in preparation for a long-duration flight. In 1998, he served as Board Engineer 2 aboard the Russian Space Station Mir for 130 days.

Over to you.....

 

[goldtruck59]

Yep, that's him - he designed wine labels for the University Engineering Society while a student, and later in his career trained at Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia in preparation for a long-duration flight. In 1998, he served as Board Engineer 2 aboard the Russian Space Station Mir for 130 days.

Over to you.....

Duck that was a sneaky question alright !! Thank god it was him as I don't think anyone would of picked someone that had done those two obscure deeds similarly !!
I will get a question up shortly as I didn't expect that to be a winner !!

 

[goldtruck59]

This as always with me is a "Who am I' as I love our history both in Exploration, pioneers and the gold era rushes.

I came to notoriety in the Kimberley Gold rushes for being a tough and strong individual. I was in trouble on occasions with the constabulary and often chained up while inebriated.

 

[DrDuck]

Was it "Russian Jack", Ivan Fredericks?

 

[goldtruck59]

It was. Nice easy one for you Dr Duck just because its the festive season. Well done mate.

 

[DrDuck]

What an interesting character he was, he was credited with prodigeous feats in pushing his wheelbarrow - in once instance over 300 miles carrying an injured mate. How much of it is true is open to question!

Here are a few links for those interested in one of the great characters of the Western goldfields:

http://www.hallscreektourism.com.au/russian-jack-a-pioneering-hero

http://www.wanowandthen.com/Russian-Jack.html

Back later with a question.

 

[goldtruck59]

This is the big guy. I read his book titled after him by Hesperian press. Its a good read.

 

[backcreek]

What an interesting character he was, he was credited with prodigeous feats in pushing his wheelbarrow - in once instance over 300 miles carrying an injured mate. How much of it is true is open to question!

Here are a few links for those interested in one of the great characters of the Western goldfields:

http://www.hallscreektourism.com.au/russian-jack-a-pioneering-hero

http://www.wanowandthen.com/Russian-Jack.html

Back later with a question.

Great story there Dr D.

 

[DrDuck]

I was born in America, but started a most important company in colonial Australia?

 

[Ramjet]

Would it be Freeman Cobb?

 

[DrDuck]

Too easy RJ, over to you...