Ben and Elinore Carlin's epic adventure aboard the 1942 Ford GPA showcases resilience and adventure as they navigated oceans and overcame immense challenges.
Ben Carlin faced a dire moment when a fuel leak turned catastrophic during his attempt to sail the Atlantic aboard a 1942 Ford General Purpose Amphibian (GPA). As fumes filled the engine bay, he pressed the ignition button, igniting an explosive flash that reverberated through both the tiny craft and its occupants. Gale-force winds lashed at the boat while 40-foot waves tossed them around like a toy. Stranded with no power to maneuver, he braced for the worst, relying on instinct, training, and sheer luck for survival.
After an arduous 2,000-mile ocean crossing, they finally reached the Azores, reflecting on their brush with death, pondering whether fate or stubbornness would prevail. What drove them to attempt such a perilous journey? The backstory intertwines their lives and ambitions in a tale of resilience and adventure.
Origins of an Audacious Expedition
Ben Carlin's life took a challenging turn early on—his mother passed away when he was just four years old, leading to a tough upbringing at a boarding school in Perth, Australia. After school, he worked as a roughneck in mining, embodying a scrappy spirit that relished challenges. Motivated by a desire to prove himself during World War II, Carlin enlisted in the Indian Army, although his dreams of combat were overshadowed when he was tasked with less glamorous jobs, such as overseeing latrine construction.
A serendipitous encounter with military surplus revealed a GPA among neglected vehicles, igniting his imagination. "One could go around the world in one of these things," he speculated to a colleague. Dismissal from others only fueled his obsession. Ben envisioned an expedition that would transcend typical norms and push the limits of the improbable.
Securing the GPA and Setting Up for Success
Seeking funding for his ambitious plan, Carlin first sought a partner. In China, he approached Elinore, a vivacious Bostonian with whom he had a romantic connection. He proposed they embark on a journey, but his pitch fell flat. Undeterred, Ben headed to the U.S., where he set out to acquire a Ford GPA. Through meticulous networking and navigating military bureaucracy, he purchased a well-worn GPA for $901.
The GPA, however, was notorious for its unreliability. Known derisively as a "floating coffin," it was heavy and unwieldy on both land and water. The venture soon faced a perilous reality check: transforming the GPA into a seaworthy vessel was essential. With access to a boatyard, Carlin modified the GPA, creating a watertight canopy and improving its overall design for the rigors of the open ocean.
The Reunion and Departure
Despite her initial hesitations, Elinore could not forget Ben's adventurous spirit. She eventually moved back to the U.S. and eagerly signed on for the journey. By late 1947, the GPA—dubbed Half-Safe—was ready for its maiden voyage; however, the test runs were rife with issues. They faced challenges like leaky axle seals, carbon monoxide poisoning, and seized bearings. Nevertheless, the couple's determination culminated in their departure on July 19, 1950.
Loaded with minimal provisions, including 880 gallons of fuel and enough food for six weeks, their excitement was dampened by the vessel’s lack of documentation and Elinore's missing passport. With little more than hope and faith, they set off into the vast Atlantic, ignorant of the dangers that lay ahead.
Perilous Atlantic Crossing
The crossing was fraught with near-disasters. They made critical errors: a forgotten fuel tank plug, a poorly secured lifeboat, and insufficient seals on the water tanks. The increasing heat from the engine elevated cabin temperatures dangerously, creating a tense environment as both were habitual chain smokers.
Ben tirelessly monitored every creak and rattle of the GPA, addressing mechanical failures as they arose. However, despair lurked around every corner. Contaminated water tanks forced rationing, and they soon had to jettison unnecessary weight to remain buoyant.
After enduring several days of treacherous weather, they finally reached the Azores after 32 grueling days at sea. Greeted by locals who marveled at their audacious journey, they experienced warm hospitality and unexpected comforts.
The Next Leg: North Africa and Beyond
Elinore and Ben were soon back at sea and determined to continue their expedition towards Africa. Despite warnings about potential conflict and hostile regions, they pressed onwards. As they approached Cape Juby, Ben articulated the difficulties of navigating both land and sea with a hybrid vehicle like the GPA. Their adventure now hinged on negotiating treacherous terrain, punctuated by bandit threats and bureaucratic hurdles.
After securing documentation from sympathetic officials, they were finally on their way into Spain. Their journey transformed into a cycle of financial strain and sheer determination, often relying on public exhibitions to sustain their travels.
From Europe to the Middle East
Following their time in Spain, they crossed the English Channel and faced yet another setback as promised financial support evaporated. The GPA’s condition deteriorated after facing rough seas for months. Ben decided to strip down the vehicle for extensive repairs while grappling with pride and personal demons.
After a period of separation and renewed hope, Elinore returned to the expedition, eager to pick up where they had left off. Now, they were on the road through Europe and into the arid stretches of Iraq. Despite the harsh climates and political tensions, their resilience shone through as they persisted against seemingly insurmountable odds.
Turbulent Times and Transformations
The challenges intensified as inner tensions flared between the couple, accentuated by Ben's increasing reliance on alcohol. His temper flared, leading to a violent moment that shattered any semblance of tranquility. Elinore’s patience reached its end, prompting her to leave. In seeking a new co-driver, Ben found Barry Hanley, a young draftsman willing to join him on the journey.
Despite moments of high spirits, Ben struggled with loneliness and regret. As the journey progressed, so did the toll it took on his mental state. The reports of Elinore moving on with her life tormented him as they traveled through the jungles of Southeast Asia.
Rounding the Globe: Japan to Alaska
With a new partner in tow, Ben navigated treacherous waters, surviving perils from nature and mechanical failures alike. After facing harrowing scenarios in the Sea of Okhotsk and dealing with formidable weather patterns, they finally made it to Alaska, where they were met with accolades and newspaper reports highlighting their exploits.
Upon completing the circumnavigation, the journey should have been a time of celebration. Yet, Ben instead fell into a deep depression, grappling with the transition back into ordinary life. Haunted by the recognition his efforts received, he remained bitter about the media’s ambivalence towards his story.
Lasting Legacy of Half-Safe
Despite the challenges and heartbreak, Ben Carlin’s audacious adventure in the Half-Safe remains an inspiring narrative of determination and resilience. His journey of over 39,000 miles on land and water epitomizes an unwavering spirit against overwhelming odds.
In retrospect, Carlin’s story reflects not just the perils of adventure but also the internal battles many face. His recognition and notoriety faded post-adventure, yet Half-Safe endures, symbolizing a spirit of exploration preserved at the Guildford Grammar School. Through his life's misadventures and triumphs, Ben Carlin's resilient character stands as a compelling testament to the human spirit’s capability to venture into the unknown, armed with only a dream and a very questionable vehicle.
