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 28
43.
14.10.42
001 Pumped bilge. 0010 Launch passed astern to South end of Island
0080 RAAF Sgt Christie aboard to question ship's presence at Island. He
was improperly dressed and unshaven. Ordered to dress properly
before presenting himself. Crew washing paint work cleaning copper,
1245 Hove up and left under power. 1230 Revs. 500 1305 Co. 195o
1315 Shaft heating Lt.Palmer slackened seller on stuffing box. Alt.Co.180o
1325 Increased Revs to 1000. Alt.Co. 140° 1450 Alt.Co. 155°
1750 Alt. Co. 160o 1810 Alt.Co. 155o 1915 Anchored in 7 Fth.
West side Orpheus Isld.
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15.10.42
0001 and 0300 Turned out and inspected bilge also pumped out. Wind N.1
swell from North. 0500 Rise nil from N.W. Turned out crew.
0505 Under weight 0510 Increased Revs 1000.
0545 Alt. Co. 175o 0500 Alt. Co. 150o Signalled E.T.A via N.E.A.
(1530 E.S.T) to Army and N.O.I.C.
0630 S and Fantome Isld to port. 0750 Engine cut out
0630 Resumed Co. 135o 1100 off Braman Point. Course Magnetic Isld.
150o 1EES Hove too for Naval Inspection Vessel.
1230 Received heist and proceeded under weigh. 1245 lay alongside Burns
Philp Co. wharf. 1315 S/L Thomson ashore on duty. Sft Barny
granted shore leave. 1500 S/L Thomson returned.
1500 S/L Thomson ashore on duty 1650 Ftmn. Makan and Kaput granted
leave until 1900 hrs.
O.C called at L of C at Major Fenderson and Hearne. Col. North
away. Called on A.O.C (Air Commodore [[Co?]] ) and Group Capt
Thomas.
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16.10.42
0900 At Townsville moored at Burns Philip's wharf. Awaiting arrival of
engineer from Ruston Hornsby.
S/L Thomson ashore to L of C H.Q. to contact various staff officers
regarding refit of ship. No definite arrangements have been made
for refit of vessel and there is some dispute as to whether it is
to be carried out by L of C. or 5 Aust Div. Arranging boms leave
for Lt. Palmer.
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17.10.42
At Townsville, Routine duties on ship. Called on Air Commodore
Cobby A.O.C. North eastern Area H.Q. telephoned to Lt. Col Huare
Director of Special Operations, L.H.Q. on secret phone from
Operations House RAAF H.Q. re arrangements for refit of vessel.
_______________________________________________________________________________
18.10.42
At Townsville, at Burns Philps wharf. Routine duties on ship.
Sgt. Harvey returned to duty with RAAF.
Lieut. Palmer left for Brisbane on leave by night train, C/C
remaining on duty until Lt. Palmer returns from leave.
Removed all RAAF secret documents and publications to H.Q. N.E.A
________________________________________________________________________________
19.10.42
At Townsville. Routine duties. Still waiting for Ruston
Hornsbys engineer and to proceed on to ship.
Arranged to store all equipment at Garbutt and worked with crew
to remove 3/4 tons of cargo to Garbutt for security.
44.
20.10.42 At Townsville. Routine duties. Awaiting slipping of ship
Several other craft within priority ahead of Aroetta.
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21.10.42
At Townsville. Taylor's slip ready to slip Aroetta tomorrow.
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22.10.42
At Townsville. Removed anchor chain dinghies etc. from vessel in
readiness to move vessel to slip.
Slipped at 2200 hrs after some difficulty. Obliged to use main
engine to assist in getting vessel into place on chocks owing to the
fact that tide not quite full enough for slipping.
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23.10.42
On slip at Townsville. Donald, fitter of Messrs .Ruston Hornsby
now at work on engine.
Endeavouring to obtain necessary labour. Most of crew sick and
unfit for duty and unable to find labour for engine overhaul.
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24.10.42
Clear and fine. Light SE breeze. On slip Townsville.
To HQ Garrison Battalion to give evidence against Pts. Payne placed
under arrest for insolence last night. Visited F/L Collis, RAAF
Security Service and Major Weaver, U.S. Army Base Ordnance.
Donald repres. of Ruston Hornsby, Brisbane aboard for about 3 hrs.
only working on engine, assisted by RAAF fitter. Shipwrights not
yet started work on ship; Called 41 Squadron to make arrangements
with armourers.
Crew at work cleaning copper and burning off paint from 16 ft.
motor launch. Short handed owing to fact that crew have been sick
injured back while lifting big launch with crew. Papal Lakapoli
off duty sick.
1930 hrs. O/C in cypher room. N.Z. H. Q. R.A.A.F. working on
cyphers to be used by this unit. Returned to ship 2100 hrs.
__________________________________________________________________________________
25.10.42
On slip Townsville. Clear fine and fresh SW. wind Nil cloud
Vis. 8 short rainstorms at night.
Routine duties on ship. Crew on guard throughout night. Washing
copper until noon work no completed. Pte. Papal Lakapoli off duty.
Saw Lt. Col Scholes arranged for his admission to hospital for obs.
and treatment. Q/C to RAAF Mobile Hospital Unit for treatment
to back injured while lifting [[?]] launch on Saturday.
24/10 Saw W,C Dalmoth C.O. Neither shipwrights nor
engineers working on ship since 1200 hrs. Sat. Oct. 24th.
Took advantage of fine weather today all sails. 0/0 at 41 Squadron
to make arrangements with armours a sergeant (Sgt. Hines) who is
working on single "50 cal. guns" Saw Maj. Hearne and Capt. Llewel-
lyn at Army and gave them required information about Aroetta.
0205 2/25 sent immediate signals to Q/I Landopa to inform them of
unsatisfactory position and lack of co-operation from Army.
1000 Armourer Sft of 41 Squadron aboard re .50 cal. guns and
necessary parts.
45.
26.10.42
On slip Townsville. Clear fine, Wind SE.
Pte. Papal Lakapoli off duty. Still in hospital. Army rations
not delivered: [[agald?]] sent Pte Kapui to Army to request that rations
be sent. O/C obliged to go 0620 are to RAAF Mobile hospital for
treatment for injury to back. Still very painful. Absent from
ship until 1200 hrs. Crew burning paint from dinghy and scraping
masts and spare. Ruston and Hornsby mechanic, Donald, working on
engine. Work not satisfactory abort hours and leaves engine parts
dispersed on deck. In after cabin, in engine room and ashore.
Still no labour and using services of RAAF fitter loaned by
Engineer Officer. Work now started on overhaul. Carpenters
employed on removing sheathing from vessel.
_______________________________________________________________________________
27.10.42
On slip at Townsville. Crew working on ship - chipping iron
anchor and chains, burning off and scraping boats and hull of Aroett
Guard maintained at all times throughout night.
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28.10.42
On slip at Townsville. Crew at work on vessel.
Endeavouring to obtain necessary parts for two single .50 guns
to mount on vessel. Nil success.
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29.10.42
On slip at Townsville.
0630 Crew at work on anchor chain, chipping, burning, tarring, scraping
mast and spare.
0850 5/L Thoson ashore to see Taylor to endeavour to speed up work on
ship. Called at Map Section RAAF to arrange for reconnaissance
maps to be copied for Norforue.
1215 Saw 7/Lt. St. [[Hesp?]] at RAAF (NEA) HQ. and Car. Feldt. Naval Staff
Officer Ashore in p.m. to see Area Armament Officer re .50 g
________________________________________________________________________________
30.10.42
On slip Townsville. Routine work on overhaul, crew working
on hull.
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31.10.42
On slip Townsville. Routine work on slip.
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1.11.42
On slip Townsville. Routine work on slip.
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2.11.42
On slip Townsville. Sheathing commenced, sails measured for
ordering of new suit. Lieut. Palmer ashore to Chandler re shaft,
stern gear and engine of launch to be installed.
1415 Lt. Palmer to Garhutt re storms.
1600 Lt. Palmer to Rly Wk. shops re davits. Crew scraping paintwork an
chipping anchor chains.
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46.
3.11.42
On slip Townsville. Crew scraping, painting dinghy and launch
and rigging. Shipwrights or sheathing of Aroetta.
S/Ldr, ashore to Garbutt in a..m. p.m. to 41 Squadron and to
N.E.A 1600 W/C Garrison Area Armourer Officer on board to
discuss position of two single .50 guns to be mounted by armourers
of 41 squadron. 2100 S/L Thomson and Lt. Palmer to cypher
officer to N.E.A.
__________________________________________________________________________________
4.11.42
On slip Townsville. Crew on motor dinghy and rigging screws
also davit sockets. Shipwrights now at work on sheathing of port
side of vessel. Still awaiting more sheathing [[de ?]]
0600 S/L Thomson to N.E.A H.Q 1200 Lt. Palmer to DLD re rations
1500 S/L Thomson to see W/Cdr. Garrison. 1000 Cpl. Egan new W/T
operator reported aboard for duty, in succession to Sgt. Harvey.
1700 All respirators sent ashore to armament Section RAAF. HQ for
overhaul & test.
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5.11.42
At Townsville on slip. 0640 Lt. Palmer to Garbutt to see RAAF.
Equipment Section. S/L Thomson to NEA HQ and 41 Squadron Workshops.
All guns including two .50 and Vickers being overhauled by Sgt.
Hines, Armourer, 41 Squadron. 1700 Major Hearne from L of C at ship
__________________________________________________________________________________
6.11.42
At Townsville on slip. Routine duties on refit and arrangements
connected with this for all personnel.
__________________________________________________________________________________
7.11.42
At Townsville on slip. Crew scraping paint from ship. Shipwrights
on sheathing of Aroetta and one man on motor launch. Work progressing
very slowly and likely to delay departure of ship for months.
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8.11.42
At Townsville on slip. E. thence NE with rain squall at night.
No work on ship as work of crew well in hand crew stood down.
Lt. Palmer at Cleveland Foundry in search of stern tubing. Lt Palmer
called again on Major Hearne to endeavour to speed up work, but report
"dead end" ^at every turn. Men from this vessel employed again
today on other vessels. S/L Thomson at work at N.E. Area on files
and reports. Comforts Fund Officer aboard Aroetta to lunch.
Received signal OS1/5155,7/11 from Norforce requesting advice of date
of departure of Aroetta.
__________________________________________________________________________________
9.11.42
Townsville, on slip. 0600 Crew ashore for drill.
0630 S/L Thomson to H.Q to resume work on reports and correspondence
0630 Lt. Palmer to CEE and L of C. HQ., reports that Army say no hurry
for work and no spares for jobs in hand yet arrived
1400 Brass tubing for stern tube and spares arrive. Crew at work on
chipping, iron work, burning off old paint on hull. Shipwrights
at work on launch and on sheathing but again short of sheeting
nails. Sails taken away for repairs. Davits and sockets to
engine shop.
__________________________________________________________________________________
LOG OF A.V. '"AROETTA"
FROM Nov 10th 1942 to April 12th 1945
(April 4 - 12th inclusive attached on loose leaves)
LOG KEPT BY
Lieut A.E. PALMER, 2nd I/C
Squadron Leader D.F. THOMSON R.A.A.F.
(Seconded)
Officer Commanding.
----------------------------------------
LOG OF A.V. "AROETTA"
10/11/42. Tuesday
0700 Crew burning off paint work on hull and bulwarks.
Shipwrights on launch and carpenter on sheathing. No nails for
sheathing. 1400, 1500. S/L Thomson left by Flying host for L.H.Q.
Melbourne.
Wine SE2 Sea 0 Sky B.C.
11/11/42 Wednesday
0600 Lt. Palmer to cypher office H.Q. NEA Crew scraping and
painting. Shipwrights on launch and carpenters on sheathing
0930 Sails arrived 1400 Lt. Palmer to H.Q. L of C and 41 Bgd.
armourers. Carpenter taking out fuel tanks. Requisitioned for
replacement of U.S. clothing and hats for crew. Inquired of C.R.E.
Stern Tube and glands still in engineers hands.
Wind SE1 Sea 0 Sky B.
12/11/42 Thursday
Crew burning off paint work, and red leading hull.
Stern goer still in engineers hands.
0800 Lt. Palmer to cypher office N.E.A. H.Q.
1400 Lt. Palmer to 41 Bgd Armourers still holding struments
Telescope returned. 1500 Was notified from C.H.E. that they were
doubtful whether they could obtain sufficient bronze to repair
old tail shaft and propeller.
Dismantling fuel tanks. Carpenters off sheathing on Minganas'
rudder. Dismantling steering gear. Shipwright on launch taken
off for sheathing. Rations arrived.
Wind E.N.H.2 Sea 1 Sky B.C.
13/11/42 Friday
0800 Lt. Palmer to cypher office N.E.A.
Crew chipping and painting hull.
Carpenters on sheathing and Taylor informed as impossible to obtain
sufficient timber for new hard wood shoe (10" x 5") and will only be
able to procure enough for half.
1600. Shaft and [[sta?]] gear finished and ready for installation.
No work so far been done on davits or sockets.
1400. Lt. Palmer to L of C H.Q. and 41 Bdg Armourers.
SE Wind force 1 Sea 0 Sky B.C.
14/11/42 Saturday
0800 Lt. Palmer to cypher office.
Crew standing down hull and painting.
Carpenters on false keel or hardwood shoe.
1600 Sheathing now completed.
Crew also dismantled Tanks and sent them to Chandlers.
ESE Wind fine and clear sea calm Sky B.C.
15/11/42 Sunday
Crew on checking all small arms and M.G's. on board. Stand down in p.m.
Carpenters [[repairing]] false keel. After consulting Mr. Taylor, it was
decided to launch vessel p.m. 17/11/42 am if this tide is missed
we will not have sufficient water to refloat vessel until 7th December.
N.S.E. wind fine and clear. Sea 1. Sky B.C.
16/11/42 Monday
Carpenters on false keel and stem tube also on taffrail.
Dismantled last of fuel tanks. Lt. Palmer to C.R.E. and L of C H.Q.
Require 20 feet ½ " copper tubing from C.R.E. difficult to obtain
locally.
Also material for new tanks.
1400 Lt. Palmer to Garbutt. Equipment and dispatch and receipt store.
Also no work has been done on windlass as yet.
N.S.E. wind. Fine and clear. Sea 1. Sky B.C.
17/11/42 Tuesday
0001 Lt. Palmer to cypher office to take watch
0645 Returned ship.
Crew painting hull 0800 Lt. Palmer to Security Office R.A.A.F.
[[Cla?]] safe hand to S/L Thomson.
1000 Lt. Palmer to Engineer Office R.A.A.F. and L of C H.Q.
1900 Ship anchored without mishap and as no tubing had yet been
received will have to place [[stern?]] on beach for fitting same and to
fit tail shaft and propeller.
E.S.E. wind fine and clear weather. Sea 1. Sky B.C.
18/11/42 Wednesday
0800 Lt. Palmer to L. of C. H.Q. re steering gear which has not yet
arrived
1230 Transport supposed to arrive at 0900 for [[U?]]. Clothing has
not arrived as yet.
Crew painting with red lead launch and small dingey. Carpenters on
launch and taffrail still unable to obtain copper piping for [[stern?]]
[[war?]].
1300 All carpenters and shipwrights taken off work on "Aroetta" for
work on "Mongans" They claimed "Mongans" list priority.
1400 Lt. Palmer to Carbutt. Dispatch and receipt Depot. Signal
went to G.C.. O.H.
Groote to hold stores until such time as ship arrives. [[Deadon?]] to find
whether medical and clothing goods have reached Groote Eylandt
Also equipment at Francis Street who claim that outboard motor and
sample requisitioned for by S/L Thomson still arrive next week. To
41 Sqd who have not yet finished repairs to instruments.
Wind Fresh ESE force 3. Sea 1. Sky B.C.
19/11/42 Thursday
Crew painting ships [[ball?]] launch and dingey
Carpenters and shipwrights still on Mongans]. No work being done on
"Aroetta".
Lt. Palmer to L. of C. H.Q. to report matters to Major [[Re?]]
Engineers finished two fuel tanks.
No work of hydraulic tubing or steering gear.
E.S.E. 3. Sea 1. Sky B.C.
20/11/42 Friday
0530 Took vessel ashore on bank to fit copper tubing to [[stern?]] [[?land?]]
M.T. arrived from D.A.D.O.S. for U.S. clothing.
Lt. Palmer to H.Q. and to C.R.E. was told that shaft and propeller had
to be sent to Brisbane for repairs as bronze could not be sent up to
Townsville. 1200 Shipped propeller and shift away on train. One
carpenterr working on bulwarks. E.S.E. wind 2. Sea 1. B.C.
3.
21/11/42 Saturday
Crew on Dingey and launch cleared out bilges and holds.
1000. We floated "Aroetta". Shipwright on launch, one carpenter on
bulwarks. One shipwright on intermediate shaft and bearing.
Lt. Palmer to L of C H.Q. Cpl. Egan overhauling dynamo and chargin
panel.
Wind N.N.2. Sea 1. O.C.
22/11/42 Sunday
No work by shipwrights or carpenters. Cpl. Egan on wiring and
dynamo. Crew on launch and overhauled all weapons and M.Gs.
Lt. Palmer to Garbutt. Still have not been able to get the windlas
fixed.
Stood down in p.m.
23/11/42 Monday
Crew overhauling and painting standing rigging.
Carpenters on chafing pieces forrad and bulwarks.
1200. Stearing gear arrived from customs. Bad condition. Crew on
clearing and overhauling steering gear and wheel.
Lt. Palmer to L. of C. H.Q. and N.X.A. H.Q.
Cpl. Egan on electrical equipment.
E.N.N. 2. Sea 1. B.C.
24/11/42 Tuesday
Crew on second coat of paint to dingay and launch.
Shipwright on launch and dingay. Carpenter on stearing gear.
0600. Lt. Palmer to Exhibition Grounds for fuel and kerosene, also
to Garbutt.
No work yet done on windlass.
Cpl. Egan on batteries and wiring of ship.
1400. Lt. Collins camouflage expert aboard.
Fuel tanks still in hands of engineer. N.E. wind 2. Sea 1. Sky B.
25/11/42 Wednesday
Crew on painting superstructure and deck houses.
Carpenter on steering gear and intermediate shaft bearing.
1000. Crew paid. 1330. Lt. Palmer to L. of C. H.Q. to report to
Major [[He?]] conditions re fuel tanks and non arrival of Hydraulic
tubing also overhaul and reconditioning of typewriter.
Lt. Palmer to 41 Sqd. Armourers. No arrangements re spare for
50 Cal. guns. Compass still unrepaired. Binoculars and telescopes
not finished, S.W. wind light in c.m. 5 in p.m. Force 1. Sea 0.
Sky B.C.
26/11/42 Thursday
Launched small dingy. Sailing skiff taken ashore. Crew burning of
paint. Fuel tanks rescraped and red leaded. Painting deck houses.
Shipwright on steering gear and launch. Also maligning shaft and
fastening mast step. Lt. Palmer to L. of C. and Garbutt.
Typewriters to Stott and Underwoods. Engineers on steering gear
standard and fuel tanks.
Wind E.N.2. Sea 1. B.C.
27/11/42 Friday
Taylors over to Magnetic Isld. Crew painting sailing skiff.
New joint fitted to main boom and saddle to main mast.
Repairing awning, chipping ironwork. Awaiting rigging screws for
forrad gear.
Wind E.2. Sea 0. B.C.
4.
28/11/42 Saturday.
Winch wheels from Garbutt not arrived yet.
Crew painting dingey and repairing awning. Shipwright on launch
fittings stringers and engine house.
American small ships have evidently got priority over us.
Lt. Palmer to L. of C. H.Q. S.E.2. Sea 1. B.C.
29/11/42. Sunday.
Overhauling cleaning and checking all small arms and W.Cs.
No shipwrights or carpenters working today.
Wind S.E.3. Sea 1. B.C. Stand down in p.m.
30/11/42 Monday.
Carpenters on after cabin floor and bulkhead, Crew burning off and
washing out after cabin. Picked up water tank from engineers. Red
leaded same. Maj. Hearne down about Hydraulic tubing, What was it
required for. Lt. Palmer to security section R.A.A.F. N.E.A.
Crew painting out cabin in p.m. Wire from S/L Thomson orig. 0930.
E1, Sea 0. Sky Cloudy.
1/12/42 Tuesday
0600 Lt. Palmer to H.Q. N.E.A. to wait for phone call. 1142 Phone
call came through. 1300 to L. of C. H.Q. Col. Eliott signal from
Norforce. 1645 Lt. Palmer awaiting call at N.E.A. till 1830, could
find nothing about call whatsoever. Crew painting cabin, cleaning
out ship.
Heavy rains in p.m.
2/12/42 Wednesday
0730 Lt. Palmer to Security Section, R.A.A.F. call from S/L Thomson
at 1030. Crew cleaning engine and engine room. Camouflage now on
board unable to work owing to rain. Copy of Norforce signal sent to
0/O via RAAF channels. 1300 Lt. Palmer to Francis Street re
outboard and power pump; also to Garbutt re wheels of windlass for
carting. 1550. To Engineers re: fuel tanks and davit sockets.
1700. U.S.A. Vessel Destiny collided with Aroetta breaking outrigger.
Heavy Rains in p.m. and electrical storm.
3/12/42 Thursday
Carpenters and Shipwrights installing tanks and davit sockets.
Lt. Palmer to L. of C. re: Hydraulic tubing and sails.
Crew painting and cleaning rifles. 1300 Signal to S/L Thomson.
1500 Lt. Palmer to Sydney Street re: .50 Cal. and respirators.
Heavy Rain in p.m.
4/12/42 Friday
0830 Lt. Palmer to Naval office to see Lt. Col. Harris. Lt. Comm. Lewis
U.S. MARINES, Carpenters on fuel tanks installations and davits
sockets. Shipwright on steering gear. Crew on Camouflage painting
of hull and spars. Heavy Rain in p.m. Wind from N.E.2
5/12/24 Saturday
0900 Crew on gas drill and checking respirators. Also gas chamber
under ∧ area Armament officer, N.E. Area, R.A.A.F. Carpenters and Shipwrights
on fuel tanks and davits and steering gear. Crew on Camouflage paint
in p.m. 2.50 gal. guns arrived no mounts. Wind N. & H. Rains in p.m.
6/12/42 Sunday
0900 Lt. Palmer to R.A.A.F. for transport picked up crew out to
Garbutt picked up all stores stored there by S/L Thomson during
refit of Aroetta. 1100 Returned to ship and unloaded truck and
loaded vessel. 305 74 39 C/B 150 14 C/3..
Shipwrights still on tanks and stearing gear. 1800 finished
installations [[?]], side. E. wind light overcast and dull.
Heavy Rains in p.m.
7/12/42 Monday
Overhauled and [[sh?]] all rifles and automatic weapons.
Heavy Rains in a.m. Shipwrights on launch and steering gear. 1000
Lt. Palmer to D.A.D.O.S. re: Clothing, Calico for crew, Paint and
leather. 1400 Lt. Palmer to Maj Hearne for non arrival of
tubing for davits, pumps rails etc., informed matter had been
handled by O/G in Brisbane, signal to this effect. Awning's canvas
and ground sheets to Camouflage Unit for treatment. Heavy Rain and
on and off all day Wind from N. Crew paid 1400. Heavy Rains in p.m.
8/12/42 Tuesday
0800 Lt. Palmer to L. of C. H.Q. for transport for fuel tanks.
1030 Transport from C.M.E. arrived with new sails from Sydney.
1100 Transport eventually arrived with fuel tanks also 25 x 4 gal.
water-tins. Shipwrights on launch and steering gear. Carpenters
or fuel tanks 1330 Lt. Palmer to A. of C. H.Q. re requisitions
for leather clothing and paint. [[1300?]] Sent crew in boat for last
two fuel tanks. Heavy Rains in p.m. Overcast and dull all day
Wind E.1.
9/12/42.
Took launch on trial very unsatisfactory. Carpenters finished
fuel tanks. Engineers on fuel lines. Carpenters on fuel tanks
and bulkheads. Lt. Palmer to D.A.D.O.S. nothing arrived as yet.
Lt. Palmer to instrument repair people. OFL away on leave Compass
not finished. Crew on launch and dingeys Cleaning rifles and
holds. Camouflage man on paint. Mizzen awning
arrival back. Heavy Rains all p.m. Wind N.[[??]]
10/12/42
Torrential Rains all day. Engineers from 71st Workshop or launch
fitting new carburetor. Engineers on fuel piping.
Lt. Palmer to L. of C. H.Q. and D.A.D.O.S.
Ft. Makan off duty bad foot, two other crew off colour coughs and
colds conditions very trying on board.
1700 Old sails from Brisbane arrived, having been repaired.
11/12/42
0800 Lt. Palmer to L. of C. to see Maj. Hearne re launch engine and to
report that D.A.D.O.S. had not supplied goods requisitioned 2 weeks
ago. Crew filling water tanks and fuel tanks. Installed Lub. oil
tanks Carpenters on wheel box.
Heavy Rains lasting all day.
12/12/42
Crew cleaning ship. Also brass work on engine and engine room,
Lt. Palmer to L. of C. re spare parts from Sydney also to D.A.D.O.S.
1200 Lt. Palmer and Col Egan on launch. Shaft [[?]] engine
out of alignment. 1500 Mounts for .50 Cal. arrived.
1930 Signal from S/L Thomson leaving Melbourne today. Wind N.W.1.
Sea 1.O.C. Rains in p.m.
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