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 20
2.
Appendix IV.
SECRET COPY 25th. April, 1942.
W/T Report on work done by Special Reconnaissance Unit.
TO: R.A.A.F. DARWIN.
FROM: Sq/Ldr. THOMSON. A1 25 25/4
For Advanced Headquarters 7 M.D. stop begins stop Report on work of
Reconnaissance Unit stop have completed thorough patrol ROPER River
employing native detachments on foot over wide area stop Patrols
extending northwards towards LIMMEN BIGHT stop now making patrol
northwards on foot to ROSE River area stop present dispositions stop
AROETTA on Lower ROPER pending arrival propellor at GROOTE and am
establishing O.P. equipped W/T to cover mouth of River and all
approaches to estuary in charge Sergeant ELKINGTON with native detachment
stop O.C. conducting patrol to ROSE River stop Lieut. PALMER in
charge AROETTA stop Preliminary reconnaissance prove enemy landings
possible any point South Bank ROPER and that A.F.V and M.T. could
move to our L.O.C. without difficulty stop recent rains this area
however rendered coastal plains and river flats impassable heavy
vehicles but unless further rains occurs area will be again passable
within on week from the date for A.F.V. stop Reconnaissance stresses
conclusion that logical approach L.O.C if attempted in this area
would be by south bank not repeat not North stop old residents ROPER
area state lagoons and water courses drier than known in past twenty
years and indications of exceptional severity will prevail in ARNHEM
LAND and ROPER stress this year stop probable that almost no surface
water will remain in two months stop ack: stop.
Time of Origin 0135 Z/25
T.O.R. Dar: 0842 Z/25
SECRET COPY 29th. April, 1942.
W/T Report on work of Special Reconnaissance Unit
To: R.A.A.F. DARWIN.
From: S/Ldr. THOMSON AI-26 30/4
For Advanced Headquarters 7 M.D. stop begins stop Ref: my AI-25 of
25/4 stop report from Special Reconnaissance Unit stop THOMSON
returned April 29 from reconnaissance coastal area ROPER River northwards
forty miles to ROSE River occupying five days stop Patrol
carried out on foot with detachment of natives covering about 100 miles
stop no trace enemy dumps or E.L.G's no evidence any recent visits by
Japanese stop existence dumps E.L.G's can be discounted stop.
Extensive tracts level plain smooth hard surface covered with fine red
ironstone exist about eight or nine miles south Rose Rover approx:
one mile inland stop this plain would take any aircraft during dry
season and provides clear runs for at least one and a half miles in
all directions stop but consider this unprofitable for enemy use this
area on account relative remoteness from military objectives and
inhospitable nature of hinterland stop country very difficult
and travel on foot severe for personnel experienced this country stop
Coastal area almost waterless and only water restricted one or two
small wells stop have now completed establishment O.P. at GULNARE
BLUFF or MOUNT MOORE commanding mouth of ROPER River six miles away
stop O.P. equipped W/T recently impressed from ROPER VALLEY Station
and in charge Sgt. ELKINGTON with detachment of natives stop will
complete patrols ROPER River and laying down of depots of arms and
equipment already commenced stop ends stop
Time of origin 0855 Z/30.
T.O.R. DAR: 0322 Z/1
3.
Appendix IV
SECRET COPY 29th. April, 1942.
W/T Report on work of Special Reconnaissance Unit
To: R.A.A.F. DARWIN
From: S/Ldr. THOMSON. AI - 26 30/4
For Advanced Headquarters 7 M.D. stop begins stop ref my AI-25 of
25/4 stop report from Special Reconnaissance Unit stop Thomson
returned April 29 from reconnaissance coastal area Roper River
northwards forty miles to Rose River occupying five days stop
patrol carried out on foot with detachment of natives covering
about 100 miles stop no trace enemy dumps or E.L.G. no evidence any
recent visits by Japanese stop existence dumps E.L.G's can be
discounted stop. Extensive tracts level plain smooth hard surface
covered with fine red ironstone exist about eight or nine miles
south Rose River approx: one mile inland stop This plain would
take any aircraft during dry season and provides clear runs for at
least one and a half miles in all directions stop but consider this
unprofitable for enemy use this area on account relative remoteness
from military objectives and in-hospitable nature of hinterland stop
country very difficult and travel on foot severe for personnel
experienced this country stop coastal area almost waterless and only
water restricted one or two small wells stop have now completed
establishment O.P. at GULNARE BLUFF or MOUNT MOORE commanding mouth
of Roper River six miles away stop O.P. equipped W/T recently
impressed from Roper Valley Station and in charge Sgt. Elkington
with detachment of natives stop will complete patrols Roper Rover and
laying down of depots of arms and equipment already commenced stop
ends stop
Time of origin 0855 Z/30
T.O.R. Dar: 0322 Z/1
4.
SECRET COPY Appendix IV.
Secret & Personal
Roper River,
May 12, 1942.
To: Major NUNN. G.S.O. 11.
I am sending you herewith a brief written report of our
recent activities and movements, and append also a series of three
signals relating to these. You will understand when you look at these
that I have been uncertain as to whether my messages were reaching
you. On April 25th. I sent A1/25 7.0.0. 0135 Z/25 giving movements
and dispositions in as much detail as seemed possible by W.T.
Again on April 25th. I sent my A1/26 T.O.O. O35Z2/30 reporting
the fact that I had completed the reconnaissance northwards to the
ROSE RIVER and covering the area mentioned in your signal, G5I/9
of 11/4. But on May 2nd,. only two days after this, I received a
signal, which although it bore no originator's letters or number, I
assumed was originated by Advanced Headquarters, asking whether we had
been in the vicinity of BATHURST ISLAND and requesting us to keep you
informed of our whereabouts. As my two signals sent only a few days
previously set this out clearly I suspected that my signals were not
reaching you. For this reason I append copies of the two A1/signals
mentioned above and your own signal with my reply to. this. If the
reports which I sent by W.T. have not been reaching you I trust that
this will clear the matter up. It would be appreciated also if you
would make acknowledgement of all my signals so that I know that you
are receiving them.
Our first task on returning to the Roper was to establish an
O.P. that adequately covered the mouth and approaches to the river
estuary and flats. We had already marked GULNARE BLUFF or MOUNT MOORE,
and further reconnaissance showed that this was the only really
effective site, for it provides high ground for O.Ps and the added
advantage of being on the north side of the river, the side opposite
to that on which an enemy might be expected to make a landing. A most
excellent site, commanding a view over all the lower ROPER and the sea
outside the mouth of the River, was selected, and the O.P. built
there. We are proud of it for it is partly excavated in the rocky
ground, and carefully camouflaged with earth and stones to provide the
maximum of concealment. But water was the great difficulty. There
appears to be no water for long distances in this area and as it was
apparent that the O.P. could only be situated at the place chosen, we
had to concentrate on water. We took oil drums scoured out, down the
river, and also removed, temporarily one of the water tanks from the
AROETTA.
Two 400 gallon tanks have now been impressed and we have
these on board. They will be landed in a day or two, en route to
GROOTE EYLANDT.
Unfortunately, as I have reported, on the voyage down the
ROPER RIVER to establish this O.P. the propellor was damaged, as
far as we can ascertain by a submerged floating (waterlogged) piece
of driftwood, as we were in clear and deep water at the time. The
wood seems to have been caught by the propellor and passed through
the propellor aperture, breaking one blade and damaging an other.
I reported this to Advanced Headquarters by signal at once,
and requested that a replacement be obtained immediately and sent to
GROOTE EYLANDT. A fuller (written) report on the propellor is also
attached hereton. It will be advisable to take the ship to GROOTE
EYLANDT because there is a fair beach on which to put the vessel up
at the Flying Boat Base, and there are really good workshop facilities
there, with an Engineer and a workshop. At the same time, and to get
the new propellor here as with the least possible delay, I sent a signal
to Squadron Leader WELLWOOD of the R.A.A.F. TOWNSVILLE who gave us
much assistance when the vessel was being fitted out there, asking
him to telephone south and to arrange to have the propellor flown to
/ Groote
5.
SECRET APPENDIX IV.
EYLANDT. The R.A.A.F. agreed at once to do all this, and have
since signalled that the propellor is now at TOWNSVILLE, but have
asked for certain specifications to ensure that it is suitable. I
am almost certain that it will not prove suitable, as it is very much
smaller than the first, and there is more than/∧ a doubt as to the boring
of the boss to fit the taper of our shaft. Under all the circumstances
I am firmly of the conviction that it would be best and would
save a great deal of time, much signals congestion, and the danger of a
really long delay in making the vessel serviceable again, if approval
were given for Lieutenant PALMER to go personally to TOWNSVILLE, and
if necessary to BRISBANE to make all arrangements and to secure a
number of replacements which require expert knowledge and personal
knowledge of the engine and vessel. I would be grateful if you would
take action in this matter as the saving in time means a great deal
to us. I may say that previously, when engineering replacements were
not nearly as difficult as they are today, we had such trouble to get
the propellor and shaft to exact specifications. We made it very clear
that we required a propellor of the same diameter and same pitch as
previously, and assumed that the casting would be done by the same firm
but as we did not make the arrangements in the first place we are now
unable to give the name of this firm. From every point of view there-
fore, I strongly recommend that authority be granted for Lieutenant
PAMER to proceed to TOWNSVILLE or BRISBANE in person. I do not know
what aircraft are now operating at GROOTE EYLANDT, but feel assured
of the fact that the utmost assistance can be anticipated from the
R.A.A.F. and that I can arrange this myself if authority is granted.
With regard to the patrol northwards for 40 miles from the
mouth of the ROPER River, as requested in your signal of 11/4
(031/9). The vessel being underpowered due to the damaged propellor,
it was not safe to take the northward close inshore on what would now
be a lee coast, where she could not sail. I therefore, carried out
this patrol personally on foot and covered almost 100 miles in 4½ days
Most of the distance was covered barefooted, as I am training myself
as far as possible to walk barefoot in view of the possible value in
night reconnaissance of enemy occupied territory.
The patrol was carried out to the ROSE River, a little more
than 40 miles as the crow flies, and more than 50 by the route followed
As reported the country is very rough and extremely arid between the
ROPER Mouth and the ROSE River Mouth, and only two wells, with a little
surface water which will soon disappear, were met with in the area.
There is more water inland, but the country is very rugged with much
sand and rough broken rock outcropping, offering obstacles which were
much heavier than those on the south bank of the river.
Finally, I regret that you are not getting much in the way of
long reports from me, but I feel sure that you will understand that the
organisation here and the maintenance of this craft and the native
unit is all that I can do. We are doing our damnedest here, and I
hope we do not let you down. At least you can be assured that no
matter how many Japanese land here they cannot drive us out. We can
hang on in the bush with these nomads of ours. They, too, are
difficult to hold for long periods, and want to fight.
I propose now to occupy the next three weeks approximately in
making contact again with the natives of the BLUE MUD BAY area and in
getting to know GROOTE EYLANDT really well. It appears probably that
the GROOTE will now form a better base for this Unit from which to
operate, than the ROPER, with miles of river travel an resultant
loss of time.
There is one point I have not mentioned. I have established
Sergeant ELKINGTON at GULNARE BLUFF with a section of natives, and
with the W.T. set that I impressed for their O.P. from ROPER VALLEY.
I am also endeavouring to arrange with V.I.D. DARWIN for authority to
equip this set with the crystal for the K-frequency on which a 24-hour
watch is maintained for the Navy. This, without present standing
schedules, will, I consider, give us the most effective reporting
service possible covering the ROPER mouth and its approaches.
There is another matter. Major WALKER paid a visit to this
area, as you are aware, on May 6th and 7th, and he appears anxious
/ to1
6.
SECRET APPENDIX IV.
take over this O.P. which we have recently established, with his own
men. I have no objections to handing over the O.P. which is now
equipped with water tanks etc. as it does not appear to matter who
maintains it, but would like to have your opinion on the matter
before actually handing over. This will mean that we have practically
handed over the ROPER River area to No. 4Company.
I have to report too, that we have given all the assistance
with regard to local knowledge that we can to members of the Company.
At KATHERINE I had several conferences with Major WALKER and Lieutenant
BURTON and others and gave them what assistance I could from my
knowledge of the country.
Maps - We are much lacking in maps and would be grateful
if it would be possible for you to source for us two sets of the military
map of this and any neighbouring areas of which these may be available
and send them to us by air to GROOTE EYLANDT where safe hand mail may
also be sent though the R.A.A.F.
I understand that there was a survey of VANDERLIN ISLAND
made by H.M.A.S. GERANIUM, and that a map of the ROPER River exists,
but all my efforts to secure these failed. They would be of great value
to this Unit if they could be obtained.
(Sgd.) DONALD. F. THOMSON
Squadron Leader.
12/5/42.
7.
SECRET APPENDIX IV.
Date: May 12, 1943
REPORT ON DAMAGE TO PROPELLOR OF A. K. AROETTA IN ROPER RIVER
1. As reported by signal, X/2 of 24/4 despatched to H.Q.
Norforce the propellor of the A. K. Aroetta was so severely damaged by
floating wood in the Roper River as to render the vessel ineffective
and to require immediate replacement.
2. The circumstances were as follows. On April 19th, vessel
was proceeding downstream under power, from Leichardt Bar Landing.
There are one or two obstructions on the upper reaches of the river
and the vessel proceeded at half speed until these had been cleared.
The engine was the opened up to normal revolutions. The vessel had
been proceeding down the middle of the river on her normal course
in clear, open, deep, water for some time, when a noise and jar were heard
aft at the stern. The engineer was on duty, standing by the engine, and
this was at once stopped, but as no obstruction was visible and as
no damage appeared to have been sustained, the vessel proceeded on her
course normally.
3. On the following day, while proceeding downstream, a sudden
rattling sound was heard in the stern of the vessel, and speed was
reduced until the vibration ceased. Subsequently the engineer went
overboard with another member of the crew and examined the stern and
rudder. It was then found that the propellor had been damaged. One
blade was broken completely away and the other two blades were damaged.
4. It must be assumed that a submerged floating log was picked
up by the propellor and passed completely through the aperture. It is
further assumed that this actually occurred when the first noise and
jar was heard on April 19th, and that on April 20th when the vessel
was put at full cruising speed, the fractured blade fell off.
5. As a result of this damage the engine cannot be run at a
speed above six or seven hundred revolutions without excessive
vibration. The vessel has therefore very little power and as she
would make little headway in a sea or in any weather she is not fit
for service until the propellor is replaced.
6. Action was taken on this matter immediately. Details of the
type of engine with the name of the Agents and the builder of the
ship were furnished in my signal of April 21st. (originated 2225 Z/20).
Representations that a spare propellor should be purchased and held
wherever the ship was working had been made more than once, originally
to A. H. Q. and subsequently, when the vessel came under control of 7. M.D.
to this H.Q., but no action appears to have been taken.
In addition, a signal was sent to the R. A. A. F. , S. E. Area
Headquarters at Townsville, where the vessel was fitted out last year
and a request was made for assistance in speeding up the casting of a
new propellor, and for air delivery to Groote Eylandt.
7. Assistance has been offered by R. A. A. F. Townsville, and
every effort has been made to get this replacement to Groote Eylandt with
the least delay, but although the Commonwealth Works Inspector (Mr. G.
Beattie) at Townsville, who was responsible for the contracts etc., when
the vessel was on the slip in October - December last, was consulted,
there appears to have been some difficulty in procuring a suitable
propellor.
8. Numerous signals have been exchanged with R. A. A. F. at
Townsville who have now reported that the new propellor has arrived at
Townsville. In spite of that fact that the fullest possible details
were supplied, without actually being able to slip the vessel, it
appears certain that the propellor, which has now arrived at Townsville,
and which is much smaller in diameter than the first, is unsuitable.
/2.
SECRET
8.
APPENDIX IV.
9. To enable the broken propellor to be removed and a new one
fitted, I am now proceeding with the Aroetta to the Flying Boat Base
at Little Lagoon on the North-east end of Groote Eylandt. Some
facilities exist there for the beaching of the vessel, and an
excellently-equipped workshop is available at the Base.
10. In view of the difficulties involved in securing replacements
to exact specification in a technical matter of this kind, and to
avoid further loss of time, I have today made application to you by
Immediate signal (E/5), for approval to send Lieutenant Palmer to
Townsville, and if necessary, to Brisbane, provided that it should
prove possible to arrange transport by air with the R.A.A.F. Much
difficulty has also been experienced in securing other urgently needed
spare parts and replacements for this engine, and it is felt that
if approval is granted for Lieut. Palmer too proceed by air, not only
will a great saving of time be effected but we shall also be assured that
the boss is bored to the correct tape to fit the shaft, and the
propellor secured of exact specifications required.
11. As has been pointed out in the signal referred to above, a
source of difficulty has been the fact that this is the first engine
of its type brought to Australia and spare parts do not appear to have
been held by the Agents.
A copy of the signal, E/5, relating to this matter, is also
appended hereto.
(Signed)
DONALD. F. THOMSON.
Squadron Leader.
Commanding Special Reconnaissance Unit.
SECRET 9.
APPENDIX IV.
COPY OF SIGNAL TO H.Q. 7 M.D. RE: PROPELLOR.
To: NORTH WEST AREA.
From: S/Ldr. THOMSON. E-5 12/5
For Advanced H.Q. Norforce stop begins stop Ref my Immediate
signal E-2 of 21/4 reporting damage to propellor Aroetta and
requesting replacement stop now proceeding Groote Eylandt as
notified my AI-35 of 11/5 where certain facilities available
for replacement stop have exchanged many signals with R.A.A.F.
who have agreed fly new propellor Groote and have been informed by
R.A.A.F. propellor now arrived Townsville stop but specifications
indicate that this unlikely to be suitable stop diameter too
small and other specifications indicate replacement matter urgency
stop consider advisable Lieut. Palmer repeat Palmer be permitted
proceed Brisbane via Townsville and that this will save much time
stop request authority for Lieut. Palmer proceed to Townsville
where ship was fitted provided aircraft available at Groote stop
If permission granted Palmer can also arrange secure other engineer
stores and replacements which require knowledge of particular
engine and ship stop it is pointed out that engine not standard
but first of type received in Australia stop after most careful
consideration all factors strongly recommend that approval be
granted send Palmer in person stop please reply urgently stop ends
(Signed) Donald. F THOMSON.
S/Ldr.
12.5.42
SECRET. 10.
APPENDIX IV.
Date: May 13th, 1942.
Report on Work and Disposition of Special Reconnaissance Unit
A report on the recent activities of this unit and of the
disposition of personnel and equipment are set out hereunder. Copies
of Operation Orders 1, 2 and 3 area also appended hereto. These
Operation orders cover the voyage of the Aroetta to Darwin in March
and April, the establishment of an O.P. covering the mouth of the
Roper River and the approaches thereto, and the instructions issued
to Sergeant T. H. Elkington who has been detached from the ship's company
and placed in charge of this O.P. at Gulnare Bluff or Mount Moore.
1. On the return of the native detachment under my command, from
Katherine to the Roper River area, consideration was given to the
establishment of depots or dumps, to provide for dispersal of reserves
of arms, ammunition and food supplies along the Valley of the Roper
River in case of enemy attack on the l. of c. by this avenue, to
provide dispersed equipment for guerrilla activities.
2. Depots have been established as follows:
Elsey Station. A quantity of S.A.A. ammunition, and tinned food stuffs
was placed in a depot at the Homestead preparatory to the relocation
of suitable caches in the bush. The object of this was to wait until
the novelty of the storage of military stores had disappeared before
commencing to place the stores in suitable dumps. The assistance
of the Manager, Mr. Harold Giles, a son of the well known early explorer
and a man of repute and unparalleled knowledge of the country,
has been enlisted in the selection of these sites and the actual
dispersal of stores.
In the establishment of dumps the first consideration has been
the placement of reserves, especially of ammunition, in such a place that
it would be unlikely to be discovered by an enemy already in possession
of the main approach, i.e. the road, and at the same time close
enough to be readily reached by guerilla troops moving furtively
and compelled to work at night.
Roper Bar. A second big depot has been established at the
Police Station at Roper Bar under the care of Constable Edwards.
Material from this dump. which contains arms, including rifles,
and one Bren gun, will be suitably cached.
Four Mile Landing. One cache of S.A. ammunition has already been
laid down in a site on a rocky hill where it is well concealed and
at the same time readily available in emergency.
Precautionary Measures. As it is necessary to maintain a large
proportion of arms, including small arms for guerilla fighting, in
addition to machine guns for A.A. fire, on the A.K. Aroetta, the
practice has been adopted of establishing a concealed dump ashore at
each locality in which the vessel is anchored for any length of time.
The object of this is to assure some supply of arms and ammunition
for the carrying on of guerilla fighting if the vessel should be lost
by sudden enemy action.
Establishment of O.P. Roper River Estuary.
On the return of the A.K. Aroetta from Darwin on April 15th, a
patrol was carried out down the length of the River to the mouth. Native
detachments were sent out on foot to reconnoitre, for a distance of
about 100 miles from the Four Mile Landing, close to Leichardt Bar,
to the estuary. These patrols found nothing to report, but as they
hunted as they travelled, and crossed most of the tributaries of the
river without canoes, obtained information and experience of value in
the event of later operations at night. Attention is being focussed
on the value of these natives for night reconnaissance and attack, when
their effect on the morale of enemy forces will be at its greatest.
For this reason extended patrols are being carried with these natives
on foot.
/The
SECRET 12.
APPENDIX IV.
Reconnaissance reports on this area with intelligence
information considered important from an operation standpoint,
and records of the native detachment, remain also to be completed
and it is anticipated that these will be forwarded from Groote
Eylandt.
It will be understood that since it has been necessary
to detach Sgt. Elkington and place him in charge of the O.P. at the
Roper River mouth, the white personnel on this vessel is reduced
to three, of whom one, Sgt. Harvey, is wholly occupied with W.T.
duties. This leaves only Lieutenant Palmer and myself to maintain
the ship and arms, and to run the native detachment and crew of the
vessel. It is anticipated that a respite will occur at Groote Eylandt
when the reports mentioned above can be completed.
(Signed) Donald F. THOMSON.
Squadron Leader.
Commanding Special Reconnaissance Unit.
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