Tony Langridge

Inducted into the Shell Rimula Wall of Fame at Reunion 2005.
After serving in the 2nd World War Tony Langridge started driving with Ralf Symonds Pty. Ltd. He drove an ex- army NR Mack called Mickey, carting cement from Kandos to Sydney. It was fitted with what could be one of the first sleeper cabs.
After about three years Tony 'got the itch to do interstate' so he took a job with McColls Transport of Manly, NSW.  While he was with McColls he drove GMCs, a Pommy Dodge and a Leyland Beaver. He was the first driver to drive across the long paddock to Perth. He was also one of the many drivers to be stuck at Tarcutta in the 1956 floods. Next Tony did a stint with Freddie Frith carting Peak Freen biscuits. Following this was a job with Geo Houlder subbing for Ron Hartridge finally ending up working at Greyline Freighters from Homebush. After some time there he was offered a partnership in the firm with Ted and Val Ashdown. Tony started at Greylines driving a WC 20 White, and then an R180 International before the company started buying Commer Knockers. These proved very successful but were eventually repowered with GM 6V53s. Tony stayed with Greylines until 1973 when he decided he'd had enough of working interstate. He then worked with the Smith Family for six years collecting from their bins until he had heart surgery in 1980 and had to retire. When he retired he became interested in steam trains and could be seen at Chullora and Thirlmere doing his bit. He then transferred his volunteer work closer to home and restored old ships. He worked on the Waratah and other ships in Sydney. Tony passed away in 1990 from cancer after a long and industrious career in road transport. He is missed by all.