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 15

24.9.41
SHIP'S STORES AND EQUIPMENT
COOKING UTENSILS, CUTLERY, ETC
The following list supplements the list on Page 3
Paragraph 5 of the List of Stores dated September 9th, 1941.

For Native Crew
Item	Size	Quantity
Boiler (iron - Kendrick-)	4 gall.	2
Frying pan	Large	1
Kettle, iron	1 gall	1
Pannikins	1-pt issue type	2 doz
Plates	Issue type	2 doz
Spoons	Dessert	2 doz
Bowls, washing	10" - 20"	½ doz
Buckets, galvanised iron	Standard	½ doz
Brushes, scrubbing	Short brush	½ doz
Soap savers	Standard	½ doz
Dish (wash up)	Standard	1
Rolling pin	Standard	1
Irons, petrol	Coleman	2
Knives	Butcher's	3
For White Crew:
	Cooking Utensils
Saucepans	1-pt to 1-gall	Set of 6
	(approx)
Kettles	1 quart
	½ gall.	2
Grater, vegetable	1 large }
	1 medium }	2
Pans, frying	1 large }
	1 medium }	2
Grid irons	Medium	3
Camp ovens	1 large }
	1 medium }	2
Dishes, baking	Medium	2
Basins, enamel	Assorted sizes	4
Bowls, china	"	4
Dishes, pie (enamel)	Medium	4
(Flour (Sugar (Tea
Cannisters (barley	Assorted	1 doz.
(rice (etc.
Tins, bread baking	Medium	½ doz.
Dippers	Medium	4
Choppers, meat	Medium	2
Spoons, large	Large	2
Ladles	Large	2
Fork, cooking	Large	2
Fork, toasting	Large	2
Mincing machine	Medium	1
Collanders	Medium	2
Sifters, flour	Medium	2
Strainers	Small }
	Medium }
	Large }	3

Beaters, egg	Standard	1
Squeezers, lemon	"	1
Egg Slice	"	1
Plates, meat (china)	Bread and butter	1 doz.
	Dessert	1 doz.
	Dinner	1 doz.
	Soup	1 doz.
Jugs, china	Assorted sizes
	(1-pt to 2-qt)	½ doz
Cups and saucers, china	Breakfast	1 doz
Coffee pot, enamel	Medium	1
Tea pots, 1 enamel	Medium )
1 china	"	2
Billies, tin	1 quart (4) )
	2 quart (2) )	6
" enamel	1 quart (2) )
	2 quart (1) )	3
Pepper and salt shakers	Standard	1
Tin opener	"Swiss" Safety Combination
	Tin Opener	2
Tin Opener	Standard type	2
Dishes, butter		1
jam		1
Bowl, sugar	medium	1
Cups, egg		6
Cutlery -
Knives	Dessert	6
"	Table	6
"	Butcher's (assorted
	sizes)	3
" carving	Large	1
" bread (patent saw
type, serrated	Standard	2
edge)
Spoons,	dessert	6
"	table	6
"	tea	6
"	soup	6
Cloths, dish		1 doz.
Towels, tea		1 doz.
Mop, dish		3
Pack stores
Equipment - The undermentioned items were omitted
from the list of stores under date September 9th 1941:-
Lamp , blow brazing	Medium	1
Soldering irons	Large	1
	Small	1
Stores -
Brooms, deck	Hard, with short brushes	6
Holystone	Cakes	6
Sandsoap	Cakes	2 doz
Waste, cotton	-	50-lbs
Rag, sweat	-	12-doz
"Brasso"	Tins	2 doz
Soap, yellow, washing	Case	1 large case
Paper, emery	Medium and coarse	3 doz sheets
Paper, sand	"	do
Matches	Wax, waterproof	1 gross
Caustic soda	1 lb tins	6
Acid, muriatic	1 pint	-
Solder		6 lbs
Spray (insect)	Hand held	2

11.

A R M S
Rifles, services, .303	60
Thomson Sub-Machine Guns. .45 calibre (not .38)	15
Bren, L.M.G.	4
Vickers, m guns with special N.A. mountings
for mounting on deck of ship	2
Pistols, Colt Automatic .30 calibre	3
Sniper rifles
If special rifles are not available, it is especially requested
that these be obtained from Donald McIntosh & Co. : Bourke Street,
Melbourne.
.7 m.m. Westley Richards rifles fitted with telescopic sight
are available and appear to be especially suitable for the work.
It is requested that two of these weapons be obtained.
Magazines and spare parts for all above weapons.
AMMUNITION
.303	10,000 rounds
(with 10% tracer ammunition)
.45 T.S.M.G.	15,000 "
.45 Colt Automatic	1,000 "
Mills bombs	25
Limpets	12 (complete
	with timing device and fuses).
Gelignite	50 lbs
Detonators	2 boxes
Safety fuse	2 coils
Bayonets with scabbards	25
Webbing equipment for above weapons
slings for rifles; pouches and bandoliers.
5/16-in. armour plate and so that it can be bolted together with
nuts and bolts for same.

W. T. EQUIPMENT
To be supplied by W.T experts.
Two portable sets and 1 G. P. set suggested.
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT
1 large chest for ship.
2 small portable outfits requested.
Hypodermic syringe and surgical kit. Including 3 snake bite outfits.
Local anaesthetic, covacaine etc for injuries.
For Natives
Caster oil
Epsom salts
Cough Mixture
Sulphanilamide
Asprin
A.P.C. 5,000
Quinine
Large quantities of bandages.

12.
RATIONS
Quantities etc. to be supplied by Major Peddle for
three months.
The following is suggested as a suitable supply for
native crew and for native scouts etc. who will subsequently
be attached:-
Rice, 1-ton
Flour, ½ ton
Biscuits, navy 500-lbs
Meat, tinned 250-lbs
Tea, trade 25-lbs
Sugar, 3 x 70 lb bags (tinned)
Tobacco -
18-lbs of cheap cigarette tobacco for crew,
Calico, dungaree calico, 100 yards.
Soap, 50-lbs, common yellow soap in 1-lb bars.
--------------

13. 
SPECIAL STORES -
1.  For payment of natives -
(See list dated 14 Aug. 41 and Sep. 9. page 4)
In addition to the stores listed as above, the
following should be added :-
Knives, sheath or butcher's - 1 gross
2. For Reconnaissance Party -
Arms and fishing tackle required for the preparation of fresh meat
both for boat and shore parties.
Shot guns : Single barrel Harrington and Richardson 12-gauge 3
Rifles : .22 repeater Winchester 1
             .25/.20 S.S.A.                        1
Ammunition for above -
Cartridges for shot gun, 1000, as follows:-
No. 1                     200
No. 3                    300
No. 4                   300
No. 6                   200
.25/.20                400
.22 long rifle     5,000
Rifle Oil : TEREZOL (for tropical conditions)
4 gallons to be made up in 1-quart containers.
Fishing Tackle:
Plaited flax lines, No. 6 100 yards ½ doz
No. 3 do ½ doz
6 spinners for towlines
Tracer wire : 25 yards coil - 1
Hooks: Tinned sea hooks, assorted for 12/0 to 1/0
¼ gross of each size.

14.
STATIONERY REQUREMENTS.
1 Typewriter
6 " RIBBONS (red and black)
3 boxes CARBON PAPER (extra light)
2 reams FLIMSY FOOLSCAP PAPER
2 reams HEAVY FOOLSCAP PAPER
50 small ENVELOPES
100 Foolscap ENVELOPES
2 doz. LEAD PENCILS
3 TYPEWRITER RUBBERS
3 PENCIL RUBBERS
6 PENN HOLDERS
1 BOX STEEL NIBS
2 Large bottles BLUE BLACK INK
1 " " RED INK
2 doz. sheets BLOTTING PAPER
2 RULERS (15-in)
2 Reams Short MINUTE PAPER
2 " Quarto " "
2 " F'scap  " "
2 " Flimsy QUARTO PAPER
1 box RUBBER BANDS (Assorted sizes)
2 BLUE LEAD PENCILS
2 RED LEAD PENCILS
5 sticks SEALING WAX
"BULLDOG" CLIPS (1 doz assorted sizes)
6 SHORTHAND NOTEBOOKS (Stiff covers)
LOG BOOKS (Navy)
SIGNAL PADS
2 Packets PINS (1 Litle, 1 Large)

15.

EQUIPMENT FOR SHIP AND SHORE PARTIES

Blankets - For issue to white crew and natives, say         40

Mosquito nets -  (Queensland Stockman's pattern, rectangular

with calico top and cheese-cloth sides for

camping in open)                              ..                   ..                   20  

Sheath knives -  Knives, good quality, with leather sheaths

for attachment to belt                                           ..                   6

Water bags - Canvas    ..                       ..                ..                   12

EQUIPMENT FOR SHORE PARTIES
Birkaire waterproof canvas strip cut 8 x 8 feet, hemmed edges,   12

Ground sheets, rubber                                                                               12

Bottle, water and carriers                                                                          12

CLOTHING: 

Tropical issue for white members of crew. It is suggested that

a quantity of clothing etc. be held for issue on replacement or

repayment.

Shoes, tennis or rubber soled for wear on ship (sizes                    12 Pairs
 7 and 8 (large).

FUEL AND OIL AND GREASE

600 gallons of Dieseline will be loaded at Townsville, 1800 at

Thursday Island to be collected on route for Arnhem Land, about

10 days after departure from Townsville. It is requested that

the fuel be supplied in 44 gallon drums.

Lubricating oil  -  1 drum D.T.E. extra heavy ( subject to confirmation)

1 x 44 gallon drum (at Townsville).

Mobilgrease    -    10 lbs.

The above lists are to be regarded as preliminary,

and are subject to amendment and revision following the 

discussion which has been arranged for Friday, 12 Sep. 41.

It is requested that the whole of this equipment and

stores, together with provisions for the period of three months

from date of sailing, is shipped to Townsville.

Subsequent supplies will be loaded at Darwin,

under arrangements to be made.

Petrol  -  6 cases

Lighting Kerosene  -  2 cases

Spirits, methylated  -  4 galls.

(Sgd) DONALD P. THOMSON Flight-Lieut

Sep. 41.

16.

SCHEDULE "A" (50 Days supply)

RATIONS FOR WHITE CREW

Flour (50 lbs. sisalkraft bags)   Dribarn	300  6	lbs. lbs.	To  be despatched from  Melb.
Biscuits	75	"
Meat Fresh 12-oz tins	160	"
Meat Dehydrated	25	"	To be despatched from Sydney
Camp Pie	24	"
Meat and Vegetables	36	"
Salmon	40	"
Bacon tinned	24	tins
Vegetables tinned	95	lbs
"          dried potatoes	30	"	To be despatched from Sydney
onions	15	"	"                  "                 "
Salt (sisalkraft bag)	20	"
Vinegar (12-oz- bot.)	2	bots
Pepper	1	lb
Mustard	1	"
Curry Powder	1	"
Custard Powder	3	"
Baking Powder	1	"
Milk Powd. full cream	48	tins
Fruit tinned	30	"
"     dried (tree and vine)	20	lbs
Butter      tinned    "              dehydrated	20 25	"   "	Fresh as possible To be despatched from Melb.
Dripping, tinned	5	"
Cheese	24	"
Pickles assorted	24	bots.
Tomatoes, tinned	30	tins
Tomato Juice (15 ozs)	24	"
Sauce, Tomato 13-oz bots	6	bots
Jam, assorted	35	tins
Tea	80	lbs
Coffee	5	lbs
Sugar (approx 10 lb tins)	70	"
Golden Syrup	2	"
Tapioca	6	"
Spaghetti	6	"

17.

SCHEDULE "B" (90 DAYS' SUPPLY)

RATIONS FOR NATIVE CREW AND SCOUTS

Rice (sisalkraft bags)	1	ton
Flour (50 lb. s sisalkraft bags)	½	ton
Biscuits, Army	500	lbs
Meat, tinned	250	"
Tea, trade	25	"
Sugar, (tinned)	210	"
Tobacco (cheap cigarette for  crew)	18	"
Toilet paper 10-ozs     rolls	2 doz.
Dried Vegetables	1	cwt	(will be despatched to you  from Melb)

18.

PRELIMINARY SUGGESTIONS OF DRUGS AND EQUIPMENT FOR INCLUSION IN 

MEDICINE KIT

Major C.W. Ross,

ADMS.

A.H.Q.

Following my conversation with you on the medical

stores necessary for the Reconnaissance patrol which I am to conduct

in 7.M.D.  As the Reconnaissance Party is to operate as two Units,

two separate Medical Outfits will be required.

2.  One party, under Lieutenant MORGAN, will go to the

West of DARWIN. This party will consist of Lieutenant Morgan

(in charge) and two Sergeants: It is suggested that a complete

medical outfit sufficient for three men, with provision for

contingencies and the treatment of natives and others, for six

months, be provided for this party.

Lieutenant Morgan's party will proceed overland

from ADELAIDE in about three week's time, and arrangements are now

being made therefore to have all the equipment for this party sent

to Adelaide, where it will be taken over by Lieutenant Morgan.

3. The main party will proceed on the A.K. "AROETTA"

from Townsville and arrangements have been made for delivery of

all stores and equipment at this port.

The party will consist of four white men and a

crew of seven natives, but it is desired to provide for up to

50 additional natives who may be carried on the vessel. It 

will also materially assist the special work of this patrol if

sufficient additional medical supplies for the treatment of natives

in the area in which it will operate, can also be supplied.

It is suggested that all medical equipment be based

on an estimated working period of six months.

From experience in this region, it is suggested that

the most common complaints likely to be encountered are: -

Tropical sores and ulcers

Skin diseases, such as ringworms, scabies, eye complaints,

boils, including conjunctivitis, yaws, gangosa, tinea,

snake bite, fever, chiefly dengue, colds, coughs,

influenza and pneumonia, infected wounds due to secondary

infection.

5.  The following is suggested as a possible basis for

inclusion in the medical kit for A.K. "AROETTA":-

Dishes, enamel, various sizes and shapes                              6

Scissors, forceps, scalpels, artery forceps,

dental forceps.

Thermometer (clinical) 

Hypodermic syringe (Record) 8 c.c.  (1)

Needles, surgical and gut (sterile)  10 c.c.  (2)                         3

Lint

Splints and plaster

Ligatures, rubber                                                                             6

Gloves, rubber, (medium size)                  pairs                          6 

Bandages

Elastoplast

10 adhesive plaster