The Salvos and the Snowy Scheme

In 1954, Major and Mrs Gordon Fletcher arrived in Cooma to recommence operations in the district with the Snowy Mountains Field Unit. The Salvation Army’s Field Units were an advanced version of the horse-drawn Cavalry Forts – motor vehicles designed for outback ministry. The “Snowy Salvos” as they were known, travelled from camp to camp, offering Snowy Mountains scheme workers practical and emotional support, and a listening ear in both good times and bad. Conditions were rugged, and in a newsletter written by the pair, in September 1955 they record: Caught in blizzard two miles from Happy Jacks. Put on chains. Snowplough came out but bogged with snow over wheels. Turned back and tried to reach Adaminaby but couldn’t make it … Have been waiting three days and no vehicles have come through. We have food and kerosine for another three days and we are melting snow for water …