Written Records, AWM54 741/5/9 PART 2 - [Patrols - Reconnaissance:] Report on Northern Territory Special Reconnaissance Unit, by Sqn Ldr D F Thomson RAAF [Report minus maps] - Part 2

Conflict:

Second World War, 1939–45

Subject:

Official Records

Status:

Open to contributions

Accession number:

AWM2022.1720.28641

Difficulty:

(iv) Refitting of the Aroetta.
Immediately after her purchase, the Aroetta was slipped
in Townsville, and necessary alterations to the ship were put in
hand. It has been arranged by A.H.Q that the alterations to
the vessel were to be as laid down by the D.C. Special Reconnaissance
Unit, the work to be carried out by Matt Taylor, Master Ship-wright,
of Townsville, under the general supervision of the Department
of the Interior.
Substantial alterations were necessary to convert the ship
into a patrol vessel. These alterations involved the removal of
large refrigerating plant and auxiliary engine which occupied most
of the space amidships; the removal of the old [[Mives?]] diesel engine
which was handed to the vendors; the provision of cargo holds (two)
for the stowage of stores, arms and ammunition and equipment
sufficient to serve for a cruise of six months.
Many difficulties had to be overcome to the fitting of this
ship but finally despite of delays and hold ups, the ship was at last
ready for sea. In order to accomplish this, the overhaul and repairs
to running gears; the whole of the rigging, scraping and oiling of
masts and gears and the chipping and painting of the hull and fittings,
had to be carried out by the crew under the supervision of Lieutenant
(then sergeant), Palmer.
2. LAND RECONNAISSANCE PARTY
After the Aroetta had been purchased it was decided by Army
Headquarters to organise a second party, in addition to the party on
the ship, to carry out a reconnaissance by land on the west flank of
Darwin at least as far as Wyndham operating independently of the
sea patrol but under the same command. For this task I was again
requested to select personnel, this time however from the Independent
Company cadres already in training at Foster. It was decided that
this party could consist at first of the officer, to hold the rank
of Captain (who was also to be Second in Command of the Northern
Territory Reconnaissance Unit) and two sergeants.
On account of his expertise in the mining fields of the
north west of Western Australia, WA[[W?]] Lieutenant (later Captain)
H.G. Morgan of No. 4 Independent Company was chosen for this
undertaking, and as he was to work to a large extent independently of
the main party on the Aroetta, the choice of the two N.C.Os for
this party was left to Captain Morgan.
The two N.C.O's selected by Captain Morgan were:
[[XX?]] 18176 A/Sgt [[?]] K.E No. 4 Independent Company
[[QX?]] [[?]] A/Sgt McDonald J.R. No. [[?5]] Independent Company
It was further arranged that as soon as alterations to the
AROETTA were sufficiently well in hand the O.C. Reconnaissance Party
was to proceed again to Darwin and to meet the 2nd Ind. [[?f/c.]] Captain
Morgan, there and to report to the Commandant before proceeding with
the land party on a preliminary reconnaissance of the western flank
of the Darwin area. A Memorandum from7 MD SC/614 dated October 15th
1941, covering this move, is attached hereto.

MOST URGENT
AIR MAIL. 30/614
15th October, 1941.

7 HD.

FLANK RECONNAISSANCE 7 H.D.

Reference SQ/485 of 11th September 1941 sub-para (d) and
SQ/570 of 3rd October 1941.
2. The O.C. Reconnaissance Party and 2nd i/c Captain Morgan will
report to Commander 7 M.D. on 10th November, 1941

3. The Reconnaissance should be confined to the Coastal Area
of V.R.D. with priorities for expansion to Wyndham in Western Command.
This will be arranged mutually between Commandant 7 M.D. and [[G.O.C.?]]
Western Command. Commandant 7 M.D. will ensure that joint Defence
Committee 7 M.D. is fully informed in regard to the activities of the
special Reconnaissance Party.
4. 7 M.D. will take necessary action through KALKARINGI Mission
Station to inform the aboriginal RAIWALLA that Mr Thomson has
returned and arrange for RAIWALLA to report to Squadron Leader
Thomson in Darwin on [[7th?]] November, 1941.

Please acknowledge receipt of this communication and the

attached form by return post.

([[?]] )WH Scott, Lt Col

for Colonel

Director of Military Operations

In the meantime, Sergeant T.S. Elkington had been sent to

Tulagi, British Solomon Islands, to escort the Solomon Islanders who

were to form part of the crew, and who were being enlisted by special

arrangement made with the High Commissioner for the Western Pacific

in Fiji, through the Prime Minister's Department.

Arrangements were made by Army Headquarters with Air Board

for the installation of the wireless equipment in the vessel to be

carried out by R.A.A.F. Townsville, and R.A.A.F. technicians were

made available to install all electrical equipment on the AROETTA.

Sergeant K.R. Harvey was seconded for duty on the ship and was

attached in Townsville to [[?]] with this work. He took up duty

on November 3rd in order that he should have the opportunity of

making himself appropriately acquainted with the W.T. equipment, the

procedure to be adopted for communications at sea,

challenge and reply between ships and aircraft, and other operational

practice. It was arranged that all W.T. communications were to be

carried out through R.A.A.F. using R.A.A.F. codes to pass

messages to Army.

By the beginning of November, 1941 work on the Ketch Aroetta

was well in hand. Sergeant (later Lieutenant) Palmer was placed in

charge of the ship in Townsville, and on November 7th I proceeded by

flying boat to Darwin, and reported to the Commandant T.N.R. In Darwin

I was advised by Captain Morgan, and the two Sergeants, [[Mataraki?]] and

McDonald, who were to accompany him.

A conference was held with the Commandant, and instructions

were issued for a reconnaissance by land, of the coastal area on the

West Flank, commencing at Katherine where in the [[?]] [No.?]]

Independent Companies had arrived in [[?camp]], and extending to Victoria

River and thence across to Wyndham. It was arranged that I should

proceed with Captain Morgan and party travelling by N.W. via Katherine

to Victoria River with equipment and stores sufficient to carry this

party through the approaching wet season and that I should then return

alone to Darwin proceeding thence on to Townsville to bring the AROETTA

around by sea for work in the west Flank.

One conventional 1 ton truck was made available for the transport

of supplies and equipment. As an M.T. driver was was carried on the

establishment, and in addition, there was no room for any addit

ional personnel, and an authority to drive M.T. was issued to me

by authority of the Commandant. On the outward journey the duties

of M.T. driver went ahead by Sgt. [[Mataraki?]] and myself, but on the

return journey from Victoria River I was alone.

Rations, together with certain equipment, drawn from Vesteys

at Darwin and it was arranged that these stores should be further

supplemented from the [[D.I.D.?]] at Katherine in order to avoid unnecess

ary transport before proceeding to the west coast.

3. ESTABLISHMENT OF COASTAL FORCE AND [[?]] RECONNAISANCE UNIT

PROPOSED PLAN AND ITINERARY. OCT [[?th]] 1941, FEBRUARY 1942

Provisional itineraries and plan for reconnaissance in the

Northern Territory were submitted by [[?]]respectively to Special

Operations Section [[A.H.Q?]] (October [[?]] 1941 ; and later to Headquarters
7 M.D. (February 1942); and final [[details?]] for the plan which was

finally adopted for the reconnaissance.

PROPOSED ITINERARY 7 MD [[VESSEL?]] "A.K. AROETTA" [[?]]

Objective:

It is understood that these objectives are:

(a) RECONNAISANCE.

(i) To carry out a thorough reconnaissance of the area,
including islands off the coast, Borroloola on the

McArthur River, Gulf of Carpentaria, to Wyndham in the

north west of Western Australia.

(ii) To re-establish friendly relations with the natives of

this area, which were established in 1936 and 1937

to assess the kind of influence and degree of influence exerted upon

the natives especially in Arnhem Land, by the Japanese who

have visited the area in numbers. To take active steps to

dispel any Japanese influence and to undermine their

prestige.

(b) FLANK PROTECTION FOR DARWIN

(i) To provide flank protection for Darwin by organising the

natives of this coastline to form an effective coastwatching

organisation based on their own local organisation, and

reporting. In such [[?]], the [[?]] posts equipped with

W.T.

(ii) To organise the natives form a potential [[?elite]] force to

patrol, retaining for the most part their local grouping

so that the natives can be readily gathered into efficient

units to carry out guerilla warfare in the event of landing

by enemy forces, and led by the reconnaissance party.
(c) INSTRUCTION IN BUSH CRAFT

(i) To gather together a small unit of the aborigine and

provide special training courses in hunting, in craftsmanship and

bushcraft, as well as in guerilla warfare and

ambush, and to use the natives for the instruction of

members of the Independent Companies in tropical bushcraft

and in living independently off the country.

CONSIDERATIONS

On account of the nature of the country and the vast length of

the coastline, as well as the number of the islands to be visited

most of the work on the coast to the Gulf of Carpentaria and Arnhem

Land must be carried out by sea.

The landscape of the coast, and the rapid approach of the north

west monsoon period, (from January to March) which is dangerous for

small boats, made it impossible for any portion of the work on the

west side of Darwin to be attempted by the men during the present year.

The Reconnaissance party is therefore divided into two separate units,

a land and a sea party.

The land party, consisting of Lieutenant Morgan and two

sergeants which will operate on the west side of Darwin, will be

ready to leave during October, and after a preliminary reconnaissance

of the area, with the O.C. of the Reconnaissance Party, will remain

in this area for the ensuing wet season.

As the A.K. Aroetta which is now being refitted in Townsville

will probably not be ready for use until approximately the last week

in November, and will not reach eastern Arnhem Land until about the

middle of December, and storms have already commenced and when most

small vessels are laid up, it will be advisable for the vessel to be

employed during January, February and March, on the Gulf of Carpentaria

and on the coast of Eastern Arnhem Land where shelter and reasonably

safe anchorages are available.

It is proposed, therefore to make an initial visit to

Darwin during December. For the this purpose the vessel will proceed

rapidly on the journey westwards, and leave the work of re-establishing

contacts with the natives, which must necessarily occupy many months

and cannot be carried out to a time table to be carried out on the

return journey from Darwin before the heavy storms of the north west

have set in strongly.

On this westward journey natives for the training work in

connection with the Independent Company can be collected together and

take to the Roper River, where it is suggested that the bushcraft

training can be carried out most conveniently. The Roper River is

navigable from a craft of the size of the Aroetta for a distance of

about 80 miles, and a rendezvous could be arranged in the vicinity of

the junction of the Wilton and Roper Rivers, or at Roper Bar police

Station, a little further upstream with a section of a platoon of the

Independent Company. This locality could have the advantage that

it is accessible from Katherine, the Headquarters of the Company,

and would also provide experience for members of the Independent

Company in handling pack animals, which would, during the wet season

provide the only suitable transport for this journey.

It is estimated that if no untoward delays occur in Townsville

the "Aroetta" which would further postpone the commencement of the

journey by sea, the extension of the reconnaissance as far as the

McArthur River and the carrying out of the training programme with

the Independent Company would occupy the period from December to

April. By this time the north east monsoon would again have set in

and the return journey to Darwin, and thence to the north west of

Western Australia, could be undertaken.

It is desired to stress the fact that the geographical

conditions in Eastern Arnhem Land, and particularly on the Arnhem

Land coast of the Gulf of Carpentaria, are such that a maximum of

protection can be obtained there, making travel by sea possible in

the north west season, to an extent which would not be the case on

the west side of Darwin.

All the work of the land party on the west side of Darwin

must therefore be carried out in the intervening months while the

party on the Aroetta is completing its work in the east. A preliminary

reconnaissance will be undertaken during the latter part of October

and in November by Lieutenant Morgan together with O.C. Reconnaissance

party and on the completion of this work the O.C. will provide Lieut.

Morgan with instructions for the work of the party during the ensuing

four months, and will return thence via Katherine and the Roper River

to Townsville.

PLAN

In the light of these facts the following tentative itinerary

is proposed:

1. O.C. Reconnaissance Party to leave Melbourne on or about Monday

October 20th for Townsville, to meet Sergeant A.H. Palmer to

finalise arrangements for alteration to and loading of A.K.

Aroetta.

2. It is suggested that some six or seven days should be spent

in Townsville to enable all arrangement to be completed

satisfactorily.

3. O.C. Reconnaissance Party to proceed thence by Empire Flying

Boat to Darwin to report to the Commandant, 7 M.D. and to

discuss with him the work to be carried out. Lieut. Morgan

who is proceeding overland through Central Australia, to join

the O.C. at Darwin.

4. On completion of discussions with Commandant, 7 M.D. in Darwin

These two officers to proceed to Katherine and to take over the

motor transport for which a report was made in a previous

communication, and proceed overland to Victoria River Depot.

5. The subsequent mode of travel of this party of four must be

determined by conditions prevailing and will therefore be

elastic. It is proposed that the O.C. of the Reconnaissance

Party should leave Lieut. Morgan and return to Katherine via the

Roper River towards the end of November, and proceed thence to

Townsville to join the Aroetta there.

6. On sailing from Townsville the following itinerary is proposed:

The ship will proceed to Thursday Island, calling at Cairns,

Cooktown, Flinders Island, (Princess Charlotte Bay), Lockhart River,

Portland Roads and [[?]]. It is anticipated that the journey

which will be made slowly to enable the engine to be "run in"

and the crew to settle down, will occupy about 14 days.

The ship will refuel at Thursday Island, and it is proposed

to make a call at Mapoon [[?]] on the Lower [[?]] River

(Cape York Peninsula) to obtain a quantity of coconuts for the

native members of the crew. From Mapoon the ship will sail

direct to Groote Eylandt where she should arrive within

three or four days.

It does not appear possible to reach Groote Eylandt before

about December 20th. By this time the season will be well

advanced. It is proposed therefore to turn northwards to

Cape Archer and proceed thence slowly to Darwin, arriving there

in about two or three weeks - i.e. about January 7 - 14th.

In order to avoid the risk of encountering very bad weather

it is suggested that the vessel should remain only a short

time at Darwin, and than proceed eastwards again entering on

the programme of reconnaissance in earnest. If this is

carried out thoroughly, we will not arrive at the Roper River

until the expiration of two to three months, i.e. between

March and mid April.

PROPOSED ITINERARY AND PLAN FORRECONNAISSANCE PARTY AND

PATROL

Objectives. It is assumed that the objective of the reconnaissance

Party is to assist in the flank protection of Darwin the the following

role:

By building up the existing coastwatching organisation chiefly

by intensive work among the natives of the area, in that regular

reports, even if negative, will be received at Headquarters " M.D. 7

from each area.

2. By conducting a thorough reconnaissance on the flank of Darwin

to assist in detecting and reporting any enemy ships or

aircraft, and by assessing the kind ad degree of influence

exerted upon the natives by the Japanese who are known to have

visited the Northern Coastline of Australia for several years

preceding the war.

a) by establishing such contact with the natives as to

enable the prestige and influence of the Japanese to

be undermined and destroyed. It is considered that (a)

above, can best be employed by regular patrols among the

natives, where services can thereby be denied to the enemy

in the role of scouts and informants for which they might

be if contact is made with them.

10.

3. By the organisation of reconnaissance and fighting patrols

of natives whose hunting and fighting prowess is already well

established, and patrols into the hinterland and led so far as

possible, by the Officer in charge of the reconnaissance party.

It is considered that some patrols will prove of great value for

night reconnaissance, guerilla warfare and ambush at night on

the flank or behind the lines of the enemy landing force.

4. By establishing itself in the area behind and on the flanks of

Darwin and acquiring such local knowledge as will be of value

to the Intelligence Branch. It would also be possible to

provide guides and scouts with local knowledge for any parties

which may work in the area, or detached from their main forces.

5. By providing and men to undertake sabotage or demolition work at

points of enemy concentration or where landings were being

attempted.

It is pointed out, however that as the original intention

was that this party should operate in conjunction with one of

more Independent Companies, only a skeleton force will be

available for this work. Under proper leadership it is believed

that the small native force to be raised will prove capable of

giving a good account of itself in surprise attacks at night and

for actual fighting on a guerilla basis.

CONSIDERATIONS

It is understood that the areas on the flanks of Darwin now

regarded as most vulnerable are Anson Bay region, giving access

to Daly River, the Victoria River, both on the west flank, and the

Roper River, on the east flank, all of which would give ready access

to the vital L of C of Darwin, if the approach via Torres Straits

by sea if out.

PLAN

It is suggested that the work of the Reconnaissance Party and

Patrol now in Darwin aboard the A.K. Aroetta can best commence

its work by proceeding eastwards from Darwin to the Roper River area.

The reasons for this are twofold:

(a) The north west monsoon season with heavy north west weather

and possible cyclonic disturbances render the exposed area to

the west of Darwin dangerous in the operation of small ships at

the present time.

(b) The natives, who are best known to me, and on whom I place

great reliance, are in Arnhem Land. On the journey eastwards

contact can be made with all these natives, efforts can be

directed to undermining the influence and prestige of the

Japanese in the area, and the nucleus of a native force for

guerilla fighting and for [[ensuring?]] men be gathered together

from among the natives who are all known to me, and whose

language I speak.

with a large number of the natives with whom the Japanese made

determined efforts to establish friendly relations, and the

nucleus of a fighting body referred to to above can be gathered

together by the time the Roper River has been reached.

In order to hold these natives together and to make real use

of their potentialities, it will be necessary to live and to

travel with them. It is suggested therefore, as a tentative

plan that this force of say about [[?]] fighting natives be taken

up the Roper River as far as the junction of the Roper and

Wilton Rivers by the ketch "Aroetta", led overland up the valley

of the Roper River to the Railway line and then across to the Valley

of the Daly or the Victoria River, wherever it may be

decided by Headquarters 7 M.D. this party can operate to most

advantage.

11.

TIME

It is considered that a careful reconnaissance could be

completed and these natives collected together in six or seven weeks

i.e. approximately by March 31st.

On disembarking the body of natives on the Roper River under

the control of the O.C. Reconnaissance Party, it is proposed that the

"Aroetta" in charge of Sgt. A H Palmer proceed back to Darwin. At

Darwin she could take aboard fresh supplies of stores and fuel, and

proceed thence to the [[?west]] flank, where she will meet or await the

native detachment which will proceed overland.

If this tentative plan be approved it is proposed to make

one or more dumps of arms for emergency use some distance inland in

Eastern Arnhem Land, and to transport stores of weapons and ammunition

required by the land force, by pack horses or mules to be acquired

by hire or purchase, to the Roper River.

COMMUNICATIONS

Schedule with 7 M.D. via R.A.A.F. channels.

[[?]] AUTHORISING OF [[?]] [[?ORDERS]]

[[?]]

Copy No. [[?]]

Date : 5 Feb.

(a) 7 M.D. OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS MD.1

Ref Map NORTHERN TERRITORY OF AUSTRALIA

30 miles to 1 inch.

for: Sqn. Ldr. THOMPSON D.C. 7 M.D. Special Force.

You will proceed on [[?]] with the party now under

your command [[?]] A.K.AROETTA by proceeding eastwards from

DARWIN to the ROPER RIVER Area.

2. On the Eastward trip you will make contact with natives

in ARNHEM LAND with a view to undermining the influence and

prestige of the JAPANESE in the area. At the same time you

will form the nucleus of a native force for guerilla fighting

and scouting.

3. On arrival at ROPER RIVER the nucleus referred to above

will be gathered together with a view to moving then across

country to the DALY or VICTORIA RIVERS.

4. Collection of [[?]] at ROPER RIVER is desired by 21 Mar, 43.

5. Communications will be maintained with 7 M.D. via R.A.A.F

channels on the schedule as arranged.

6. Departure from DARWIN will be made not later than 9 Feb 43.

([[?]]) [[?]]

Lt. Col

General Staff 7 M.D.

DISTRIBUTION

Copy No. 1 Sqd Ldr Thomson

2 [[?]] [[?]]

3. A.H.Q.

4. File

6. War Diary

12.

S.E.C.R.E.T.

Copy No 1.

5 Apr 42.

(b) 7 MD OPERATION (unable to decipher this heading)

Ref. Maps NORTHERN TERRITORY

30 Miles - 1 inch

Sqn Ldr: THOMSON CO 7 MD SPECIAL FORCE UNIT

You will command:

(a) The auxiliary Ketch "AROETTA" and crew

(b) The party of natives raised by you and such additional

native personnel as may be added to the party.

This force will be known as the ROPER RIVER UNIT.

2. The role of this force will be -

(a) To undermine and forestall Japanese influence and

maintain the previous good relations established in

ARNHEM LAND, the ROPER RIVER area, and the islands

of the EAST COAST from Sir E. Pellew Gp to [[?]] Is.,

and to ([[?]] Is., and to prepare the Roper Area for

reception of [[?MD]] Coy.

(b) To [[counter?]] enemy landings and progress in the event of

landings on the East Coast.

(d) To order evacuation of civilians when considered

necessary, and to assist in evacuation when the

situation permits, from the area north of the Roper River.

(e) To organise a party for [[?]] and contact with No. [[?]]

Ind Coy on the West Coast in order to prepare natives

for a similar role.

3. (a) A.K. "AROETTA" will proceed to the EAST COAST under

orders of Sqn. Ldr. THOMSON to be used for coast and

island patrol, and should the situation demand, the

disposal of this vessel will be as directed by Sqn.

Ldr. THOMSON.

(b) THE SPECIAL FORCE UNIT will move as ordered by Sqn Ldr.

THOMSON north of a line through NUTWOOD DOWNS and SIR E.

PELLEW GP.

by this force to Ind. Coys. close cooperation should be

maintained with the No. [[?]] Ind. Coy and with forces

as may be sent to the ROPER area, and with No.[[?]] Coy

working towards the EAST COAST.

4. Arrangements will be made for special rations, [[?opt.]]

equipment and ammunition for this force.

5. Contact will be maintained with Adv. HQ 7 MD through RAAF channels.

In addition, Army channels once established by Ind Coys, will be made

available for SPECIAL FORCE UNIT [[?]] if considered necessary, will

be made available by GHQ on request.

[[?]] [[?]] [[?]] Col . .

General Staff 7MD.

13.

SECRET

COPY NO.

[[?]] Apr 42

(c) 7 MD OPERATION [[?]] NO. 15

Major W. M.D. WALKER of No.[[?]] Ind Coy.

Your Coy will operate under Cmd of 7 MD. and will cooperate

with Sqn Ldr. THOMAS to raise a force and communications.

2. The Primary Role of your Coy will be operational.

(a) To harass and disorganise enemy forces during and after

any landings, and to continue to fight in the area defined.

(b) To pass operational information direct to Adv HQ 7 MD.

Your secondary role will be intelligence and security.

3. AUTHORISATIONS

You will be authorised to order and implement [[?examination]]

of local population, where considered necessary, from areas beyond

50 miles from the railway.

You will also enrol, equip, train and use any [[?]] forces

which can be raised.

You will be authorised to carry out demolitions, where considered

necessary, after enemy landings, but this will exclude RAAF dromes or

installations and all areas within 50 miles of the railway.

You will have authority to impress vehicles, boats, live

stock and other materials from areas outside [[?]]miles from the railway.

You are authorised to frank messages to Adv HQ: priority

"IMMEDIATE" but such franking to be limited to operational messages.

4. BASE

Your company will be based In KATHERINE and disposed within the

area allotted, so as to carry out your role and to cover the 3 rivers:

ROPER RIVER, DALY RIVER, VICTORIA RIVER.

5. AREAS

Areas within which you will work will be bounded approx by:

(a) A Line NW through [[?]]

(b) A line East from ANSON BAY to the [[?]]

Detailed dispositions drawn to [[?]] and [[?]] will be

notified to Adv HQ 7 MD.

6. CONTACT WITH OTHER FLANK FORCES

You will contact the coastal recce unit under Sqn Ldr

THOMSON.

Ind Coy units working to WYNDHAM from West [[?]]

No [[?]] liaison with the WYNDHAM base should be

necessary and no [[?]] [[?]] should be taken outside 7 MD.

7. COAST AND RIVER WATCHING

(a) East Coast. Co-operation with "AROETTA" through Sqn Ldr

THOMSON.

(b) West Coast. It is expected to place under your cmd a [[?]]

craft to be supplied through the R.N. to be manned by No. [[?]] Ind Coy and to

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