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 11

23.
APPENDIX I -
continued
BY AIR MAIL
15 September, 1941
 

NORTHERN COMMAND
RECONNAISSANCE PARTY FOR DUTY IN 7 M.D.
A reconnaissance party will be leaving Army Headquarters
Special Operations Section of Operations Branch, for duty in 7th
Military District as an early date.  You will be further advised
of their date of departure.  The personnel will consist of -
O.C. Squadron Leader D.F. Thomson, who has been seconded
from R.A.A.F. to Army Headquarters for a period of six
months.

MX 10665 Lieutenant MORGAN N.G., No. 4 Independent Company
MX 19653 Sergeant A.N. PALMER, No. 4 Independent Company
MK 51242 Sergeant F.H. ELKINGTON, No. 4 Independent Company.
and two other sergeants whose particulars will be forwarded
later.

2.  The above party will be concentrating at TOWNSVILLE where it
is proposed that they will take over the ketch "AROETTA" at present
under purchase by Army through Department of Interior.

3.  Northern Command will make the necessary administrative
arrangements for the Reconnaissance Party mentioned in paragraph 1
during their stay at TOWNSVILLE in route to 7th Military District.

4.  Sergeant A.S. PALMER will report to Headquarters, Northern
Command, on a date to be advised, where he will assist D.A.D.O.[[S?]].,
Northern Command in the collection of stores and in the purchase of
other stores to be advised by "Q" Branch.  Army Headquarters to
Northern Command, and required by the Reconnaissance Party.

These stores will be consigned and moved to TOWNSVILLE
where they will be taken over by Squadron Leader THOMSON.  Northern
Command will arrange Sergeant PALMER's movement to TOWNSVILLE.

5.  The O.C. Reconnaissance Party will be responsible for
advising Northern Command of the date of his sailing from TOWNSVILLE,
giving probable itinerary.  Northern Command will advise Army
Headquarters, 7th Military District C.D.H. TOWNSVILLE, [[F.I.?]],
accordingly.

6.  In connection with paragraph (f) of MOST SECRET SO/483
of 11th September, 1941 attached, arrangements are being made to
concentrate the six SOLOMON ISLANDERS in BRISBANE under the control
of Sergeant F.H. ELKINGTON.

It is desired that Northern Command take the necessary
action to obtain approval for the enlistment of the enlistment
of the following TORRES STRAITS Islander as a member of the crew
of the "AROETTA" xx 2nd Boatswain.

KAPIU - TORRES STRAITS Islander  Northern Command to 
advise Special Operations Section, Army Headquarters.  permission
has been obtained, and the wage decided upon.  Northern
Command will arrange for KAPIU to report to Sergeant PALMER at
TOWNSVILLE after being enlisted.

KAPIU was a member of Dr. D.F. THOMSON'S boat crew during
that officer's sojourn in Arnhem Land in 1936/37.

Northern Command will arrange movement of the boat's crew
(less KAPIU) and Sergeant ELKINGTON to TOWNSVILLE.
 

7.  Structural alterations to the "AROETTA" will be carried
out by Mr. Taylor Master Shipwright at TOWNSVILLE through Dept. of

24.
APPENDIX I -
continued

the Interior.

8.  Travelling and other expenses incurred by the Reconnaissance
Party will be charged under Finance Authority contained in War
Cabinet Minute 1893.  Claims will be endorsed accordingly.

Stores and equipment for ketch will be charged under Finance
Authority, Item No. 37 of War Cabinet Minute [[508?]].  Claims will be
endorsed accordingly.

9.  Please acknowledge receipt of this communication on the
attached form, and forward by return of post.

(Sgd) W.J.H. [[Sachs?]], Lt.-Col.,
for Colonel,
Director of Military Operations.
Copy to - 7th Military District.

___________________________________________________________________
 

SECRET
67/401/54
3rd October, 1941

SM 12642

MEMORANDUM FOR
The Secretary, 
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.

It has been decided by Army Headquarters to carry out a military
reconnaissance in certain areas on the north coast of Australia.
For this purpose a ketch will be used and it will be necessary to
draw six natives from the Solomon Islands to form part of the crew of
the ketch.

Permission has been granted by the High Commissioner for the 
Western Pacific for the following natives to proceed under a non-
commissioned officer appointed by these Headquarters, to Brisbane
and thence to Townsville where they will join the ketch. The names 
of the natives are as follows -
(1) [[?]] RICHARDSON
(2) [[?]] LAKAPOLI
(3) [[?]]
(4) [[TAUBIA?]]
(5) [[?]]
(6) [[?]]
Terms of service [[?]] enlistment in the Army, and wages will range
from 30/- to £2 per month, and in addition, clothing, rations and
medical attention will be provided.

It is now asked that permission be given by your department fro
the abovementioned six natives to land in Brisbane and proceed to
Townsville.

It is proposed to bring these natives from TULAGI by the s.s.
"MALAITA" on her next trip from Tulagi.

(Sgd.) (P.R. SINCLAIR)
S e c r e t a r y.
Secretary,
Draft letter herewith,
(Sgd.) E.A McKenzie, Col.,
for Chief of the General Staff.
3/10/41
 

25.
APPENDIX 1
continued
AIRMAIL
MOST SECRET
SO/612
15th October, 1941.
NORTHERN COMMAND.
RECONNAISSANCE PARTY FOR DUTY IN 7 M.D.

Reference SO/483 of 11th September, 1941, and SO/489 of 13th
September, 1941, and SO/569 of 3rd October, 1941.

1. I am directed to inform you of subsequent action taken by
A.H.Q. and action which will be required in Northern Command.

2. Reference para. 6 of SO/489 of 13th September, 1941, Sergeant
Elkington T.N. departs by Steamer from Sydney for Tulagi not later
than 18th October, 1941, where he will concentrate the six members
of Native Crew and will return to Brisbane by the same steamer. The
Department of the Interior have given the necessary instructions to
the Customs Authorities at Brisbane to allow these natives to land
as that port that they may proceed to Townsville and join the ketch
"Aroetta" as members of the crew. Northern Command will make the
necessary arrangements to enlist the 6 natives on arrival in Brisbane
as from the date of sailing from Tulagi. Northern Command will arrange
movement of the boats crew in charge of Sergeant Elkington to
Townsville. Terms of service for Natives, Enlistment in the Army.
Wages to range from 30/- to £2 per month. Clothing, rations, and
medical attention will be supplied.

Please acknowledge receipt of this communication on the
attached form and forward by return of post.

(Sgd.) W.J.R.Scott, Lt.-Col.,
for Colonel,
Director of Military Operations.
Copy to -
7 M.D.
"A" Branch
 

26.
APPENDIX 1 -
continued
SECTION iv.
11. Proposed plan for discussion with Commandant, 7 M.D.
Issued by DMO Army [[HQ?]]

PROPOSED PLAN FOR DISCUSSION WITH COMMANDANT, 7 M.D.

The following proposed itinerary of the Special Reconnaissance
Party is for use as a guide. Orders for the reconnaissance in 7 M.D.
will be issued by Commandant, 7 M.D. after discussion and
consultation with Squadron Leader D. F. Thomson, C.O. Reconnaissance
Party.

2. The Reconnaissance Party will use the auxilliary ketch "Aroetta"
which has been purchased for that purpose and is being fitted out at
Townsville. The personnel of the Reconnaissance Party is as follows -

O.C. Squadron-Leader D.F. Thomson, R.A.A.F. who has been
seconded from the R.A.A.F. on loan to the Army for a
period of six months.

2nd I/C - NX [[?]] Captain Morgan, R.G.
QX 19653 Sergeant Palmer A.E.
NX [[?]] Sergeant Elkington T.R.
NX 16122 Sergeant [[?]]
Qx 20003 Sergeant Mc Donald J R.F.

Wireless Operator
No. BR23 A.C. 1 Harvey K.M who has been seconded
from the R.A.A.F. on loan to the Army for approximately
4½ months with acting rank of Sergeant.

3. NATIVE CREW

Six Solomon Islanders have been recruited at Tulagi NX [[?]]
Sergeant Elkington T.R. is proceeding to Tulagi by "MALAITA" and
will return in that ship with the 6 natives to Brisbane. On arrival
in Brisbane, the Islanders will be enlisted by Northern Command
who will then arrange their movement, with Sergeant Elkington in
charge, to Townsville, where they will join the "Aroetta." The
Department of the Interior has arranged for the entry of these
natives at Brisbane. A Torres Strait Islander required for the
crew has been [[collated?]] under Northern Command arrangements at
Thursday Island, and movement to Townsville has also been arranged
by Northern Command.

TERMS OF SERVICE OF NATIVE PERSONNEL.

Enlistment in Army -

Wages - Solomon Islanders - from 30/- to £2 per month.
Torres Strait Islander - £6 per month.
Clothing, rations and medical attention will be
supplied.

4. CONCENTRATION.

Squadron-Leader Thomson - leave Melbourne 24th October, 1941
for Townsville by rail, arrive Townsville [[?]] October, 1941.
Supervise fitting of "Aroetta" at Townsville.

Depart Townsville by Air 7th November, 1941, arrive Darwin
7th November 1941, reports to Commandant, 7 M.D.

Captain Morgan, Sergeant [[?]], Sergeant McDonald, leave
Adelaide by overland route 30th October, 1941, arrive Darwin 6th
November 1941, reports to O.C Reconnaissance Party and Commandant 7 M.D.

Sergeant Palmer is in Townsville in charge of "Aroetta".

Wireless Operator - Sergeant Harvey reports Townsville 3rd
 

27.
APPENDIX 1 -
continued

November, 1941

7 M.D. will take necessary action through Milingimbi Mission
Station to inform the Aboriginal RAIWALLA that Dr. Thomson has
returned and arrange for RAIWALLA to report to Squadron-Leader
Thomson in Darwin on 7th November, 1941.

5. WIRELESS EQUIPMENT FOR "AROETTA"

Has been despatched by rail consigned to R.A.A.F. Townsville.
R.A.A.F. personnel will instal Wireless Equipment on "Aroetta."

6. STORES INCLUDING MEDICAL EQUIPMENT - ARMS AND AMMUNITION
Certain stores are being assigned to Townsville where they
will be taken on board "Aroetta" on charge O.C. Reconnaissance
Party. The stores for Captain Morgan's party are being consigned
to DADOS 4 M.D. where they will be taken over to Captain Morgan and
will accompany this officer.

7. OBJECTIVES OF RECONNAISSANCE.

(a) To carry out a reconnaissance of the area between [[?]]
on the McArthur River, Gulf of Carpentaria, to Wyndham? on the North
West Coast of West Australia.

(b) To re-establish friendly relations with the natives of this area
which were established by the O.C. Reconnaissance Party in 1935/7
To assess the kind and degree of influence exerted upon the
Natives, especially in Arnhem Land, by Japanese. To take [[?]]
steps to dispel any Japanese influence and undermine any prestige
which may exist.

(c) To provide flank protection for 7 M.D. by organising the natives
of the coastline (a) within an efficient coastwatching
organisation based on their own local organisation, and having
regard to any existing organisation and reporting stations
already functioning.

(d) To organise the natives into a potential mobile force or patrol,
retaining for the most part their local grouping, so that the
natives can be readily assembled into efficient units to carry out
guerilla warfare in the event of landing of enemy detachments.
Consideration will be given to the location of No. 2 Indep. Coy.
at Katherine and the ability of these natives as guides.

(e) To organise a small unit of these natives who possess in a
high degree special prowess in hunting, bushcraft, and are skilled
in guerilla warfare and ambush.

This unit to be used for the instruction of No.2
Indep. Coy in tropical bushcraft and in living on the resources
of the country.

8. ORGANISATION OF RECONNAISSANCE PARTY

The lateness of the season, bringing the rapid approach of the
North West monsoon period(January to April) make it undesirable for
using the ketch on the West side of Darwin during this season.

The ketch will make an initial visit to Darwin during December.

The ketch will be employed during January, February, and March
in the Gulf of Carpentaria and on the coast of Arnhem Land.

This will be followed by a visit again to Darwin and thence
along the coastal area to Wyndham in North Western Australia.
 

APPENDIX 1 -
continued
Owing to these conditions the Reconnaissance Party should be
organised in two separate units - one a land party and the other
a sea party.

The land party consisting of Captain Morgan, Sergeants Masaraki
and McDonald will operate in the Wyndham area during the wet season.

The sea party under O.C. Reconnaissance Party should meantime
complete its work on the Eastern side of Darwin.

9. On completion of discussion with Commandant 7 M.D. Squadron-
Leader Thomson and Captain Morgan accompanied by Sergeants Masaraki
and McDonald and the native RAIOLA should visit No. 2 Indep. Coy.
at Katherine by motor transport already arranged by 7 M.D. and proceed
from Katherine overland to Victoria River Depot where the land party
will remain.
 

The O.C Reconnaissance Party and RAIWALLA will return to Darwin
hand over motor transport to 7 M.D. and join "Aroetta."

10. All details and orders to the Reconnaissance Party will be
issued after the Commandant 7 M.D. has consulted Squadron-Leader
Thomson.

11. Commandant 7 M.D. will forward reports concerning the
Reconnaissance Parties, as may be desirable, to A.H.Q.

-----------
 

Appendix II

Operation Orders. Coastal
Reconnaissance Unit [[?]]
Nos [[?]]
Headquarters, 7 M.D.
Darwin.

SPECIAL RECONNAISSANCE UNIT.
MOST SECRET
Date Nov.11 1941
OPERATION ORDER No. 1 A
To:
Captain H. MORGAN,
7 M.D. Land Reconnaissance Party,
KATHERINE  N.T.

INSTRUCTIONS RE FLANK RECONNAISSANCE AND PROTECTION 7 M.D.
OBJECTIVES:
(i) to carry out a thorough reconnaissance of the area extending
from Bynoe Harbour and the Daly River to Wyndham and to

forward the information obtained to the Commandant,
7 M.D.

(ii) To carry out general intelligence work, building up and
extending the existing organisation into as complete an
intelligence and reporting system as possible.

(iii) To establish contact with and obtain the fullest possible
information from residents of the area, including station
owners and cattlemen, missionaries and police, and also the
natives; to be in a position to select immediately suitable
individuals from among these and to organise them into
"commandos" which would form the nucleus of a small mobile
force to operate, on a guerilla basis, against an enemy
landing force on the flanks of Darwin or its L. of C.
 

INFORMATION REQUIRED:
 

In regard to (i) above, it is desired to obtain detailed
information on the country and its resources; especially
the topographical features such as the location of surface
water, with particular regard to permanent water. Attention
should also be directed to determining the best means of
travel at various seasons. The effects of heavy rains
and other seasonal factors, on roads, tracks, routes and
crossings should be noted to determine the best means
and the most suitable places for crossing hills, barriers,
ravines, passes and swamps, and for fording rivers, gullies,
salt areas and estuarine waters. Possible enemy landing
areas and approaches to the flanks of the Darwin Area or
its L of C should receive attention. Potential emergency
landing grounds should be noted and the probable condition
of these in the wet season should be recorded.

i.e. Information is to be collected upon all matters which
might have a bearing, directly or indirectly, on military
operations, movement of troops, M.T., aircraft etc.
 

With reference to (ii) attention should be paid to the
nationality and general background of residents and of
visitors, and to their attitude and sympathies. Careful
and discreet inquiry should be made concerning any Japanese
encountered (e.g. at Wyndham) with particular stress on
their interests and histories, present and past. The
arrival or departure of any Japanese personnel or ships, or
any unusual events or movements should be reported by W/T
as soon as possible.
 

2.
Appendix II.
(continued)

It should be remembered that movements or incidents which
appear to be without significance to the man on the spot,
who sees only part of the picture may, when received at
Headquarters, supplement other such records, and thus supply
a valuable link in the chain of evidence. You should bear
in mind, in carrying out this work, the possibility of an
enemy landing, in which [[what?]] you should be able to furnish
any operational intelligence information on
the area which may be required by the Commandant. In
addition, you, and the two other members of your party,
should be in a position to act as guides or scouts in the
area, to provide suitable personnel to serve similarly
as guides and scouts, or to organise "Commandos" and direct
their operations against enemy landing parties on a guerilla
basis, the success of any of which activities would depend
upon the superiority of your knowledge of this country, and
its resources over that of the enemy.

Steps should be taken to make contact with the Northern
Territory Police, and with [[M.R.Os?]] in each area. Much
useful information will be available from members of
the police force, and their assistance will no doubt be
available in many directions, particularly in such matters
as obtaining horses and packing equipment. The assistance 
of  members of the police force might also be secured to aid
in compiling lists of suitable members of potential "commandos",
Nationality, age, physical condition and special experience
of these men should be noted briefly for record purposes.
A census of the [[?]] (horse, pack saddles, pack bags and
water containers etc.) as [[well?]] of fire arms, with name of
maker, calibre, condition and where possible, date of
manufacture, might also be supplied.

ESTABLISHMENT OF BASE OR DEPOT:

Although the nature of your work will require you to be as
mobile as possible, it is suggested that as the [[?]] of
the wet season is rapidly approaching, your first objective
should be the selection of the most suitable location for a
Base or depot from which to operate. In this matter, due
regard should be given to the following factors:-

(1) The suitability of the Depot as a base for carrying
out extended reconnaissance work during the wet
season.

(2) Facilities for communicating with Headquarters,
7 M.D. by W/T for the transmission of urgent
information and in case of illness. The proximity
of an emergency landing ground or aerodrome would
be an additional advantage.

(3) Health and well being of party and facilities for
safe storage and protection of equipment.

REPORTS :

All urgent reports should be made as soon as possible by W/T
through one of the stations forming the network indicated on the map
of this area supplied to you by the Chief Signals Officer, A.H.Q.
using the syllable code with which you have been issued.
 

3.
APPENDIX II.
(continued)

It is essential that you should keep Headquarters 7 M.D.

informed as to your movements and approximate location at all times.
It is suggested that this can be done most easily by reporting
briefly by signal your arrival in each area, and again your E.T.D.
as well as your intended destination, naming also the nearest W/T
Station. Although it is appreciated that you will not be in
direct touch at all times, your approximate location will thereby
be known to Headquarters or you can send a RUNNER to the W/T
station at intervals.
 

A journal or log should be kept regularly recording your
movements and activities, and regular reconnaissance reports
prepared at either weekly or fortnightly intervals, covering the
work carried out. It may not be possible for you to forward such
reports regularly during the wet season, when mails and communications
generally are interrupted, but the reports should be despatched
whenever opportunity offers. Sketch maps should be attached where
possible.

Reports must be sealed and sent either by "safe hand" through
the Northern Territory Police, or by registered post, addressed
to the Commandant, 7 M.D.

(Sgd.) DONALD F. THOMSON

Squadron Leader,
Commanding Reconnaissance Party and
Coastal Patrol, 7 M.D.
Distribution:
Copy No. 1 . . . . . .  Capt. N.G. Morgan A.I.F.
Copy No. 2 . . . . . .  H.Q. 7 M.D. Darwin.
Copy No. 3 . . . . . .  Special Operations Section, A.H.Q. Melbourne.
Copy No. 4 . . . . . .  File.
Copy No. 5 . . . . . .   War Diary.
 

 4.
Appendix II.
(continued)

S E C R E T.
Date March 28, 1942.

Instructions re [[?]] Aroetta en route Darwin: OPERATION ORDER NO.3
To: Lieut. A.E. PALMER, A.I.F.

1.  Following the instructions received from Headquarters,
7 M.D. by signal, you are to proceed with the Aroetta from
the Roper River to Darwin.

2.  On the voyage to Darwin the vessel is to be kept as close
inshore as practicable and consistent with the safety of the
ship, during the daylight hours, and the closest watch is to
be maintained at all times for enemy reconnaissance.

3.  Following instructions also received from 7 M.D. T.O.O.
2349/Z/27 you are to call at Yirrkala Mission Station, near Cape
Arnhem, and to pick up there a stranded R.A.A.F. pilot.

4.  On arrival in Darwin you are to report immediately to the
G.S.O. 1 at Army Headquarters, Larrakia.

(Sgd.) DONALD F. THOMSON

Squadron Leader
Commanding 7 M.D. Reconnaissance
& Patrol.

Distribution:
Copy No. 1 . . . . . Lieut. A.E PALMER.
Copy No. 2 . . . . . Advanced Headquarters, 7 M.D.
Copy No. 3 . . . . . File.
Copy No. 4 . . . . . War Diary.