AWM52 1/11/18/4 - Headquarters London Victory March Contingent, 1946, part 3, Naval log - Part 3

Conflict:
Second World War, 1939–45
Subject:
  • Documents and letters
Status:
Open for review
Accession number:
RCDIG1020020
Difficulty:

Page 1 / 10

57 42 Weather Check paade- tme - pot Rer Augget mention of eariig st 1000 iiteed of 1100. Numbre of retative. ad fiend mused last minate______ whch tie h hl being aquired the venel. B t2 Boen 7- --- bi Sanation 43 Wednerday 24 Apr. FREMRNNE-ATSEA e dear day with andy a very slight breeze ogos there parade held to ancetain whete at persoue returned lrain leave RANL RAAE were a revent apprasc 18420 missing. 6950 terders given to arrive drening ship prition. A crowd of approse 250 were arenent and the whatt, and the weater cand band payed te ahip out anunted by the ships Marie hand playing an the guater deck $0950 Taring AME personnet anrwed, apter ganways lad een dawnup b dcdandt to still astly e ea mant undegnified last menute entry into the ship through the lowe part hotes S in dinue ewantin diplay of idpe and bast manyar did ytingy to fartes te sputation of the contingent, and it is left bet, eoen it if is cety to pcystai alt segse in te ptture everyting menthe dt present ept cepetition 1000. The chep drew out of the dack with the contingent lining ships sidei ant udealy paraden, pombly due to the effecte. of then night before 1020 Stood daven. Good unifers ereing during monning. Maw distributed. Capt MIER returned to ditya recoived his dutier a adt t EoDRMER reauned cand of his LBo0
entdam has ad ---:- - Course 278 Speed 15 Knots Eeane since 1000 l 173 inder hatitude 3156 Langlitucle 115 26 t 1201 Mai engines parted and shil becalued 1258. Engues repaired. 1500. AME companent of contingent mustered an mane decl amidships, and Gen E ArAtR addressed troops. He recterated hs remaks made before teaving MEL RoveNE with neperence his intention to grant as much leave as isintte. He wawed at rants that tis anly applied. as lng as they saned the jame lng future incident like ths mamning would neanth in a very anastie custarment of leave batt in CoRC ToWN and CoNsoN 1815- 1600. Pt a aggained James big Natsa 26/4 Wig land Lengelard Smith: Seen 26/4. Bub 26/0 44
Weeithe n Tagran - - hectua 46 - 47 Thureday 25 Ap. AT SEA. B510. heavy wamsquat with nd mng to gabe clocity dinlemant claily a wdy day O83D Affie o canference un aderly moa. aening tg agamme promupated:- 0900 - 0915 talin, administation i Irpecha 0915 - 1015 P. and Recreationat Fng. domg sait evary reeand day 1515 - 1030 rectuucte 20 -1045 Freak PT on sact 143 -1130 1115- 1130 Riple cleaning every recond day 5-1500 Einened Brenk -- 150t that 1t games tPragamme designed to be a- plesible as passible, & reimet of ready attenation in event of had weaker an ater in for seen accurences. The testurete periad to be awanged pain day to day, and lecturers to be pravided fom RAN &RAAt to HME & vica veria. This ats intented use tis period, to further by quention & answer, the contingents knowledge of WUSTRACIA Leesature i provided by the repartment of Infarmation will be essued in the near pature. It is cansidered that at members of the continent whould have a many detaik about Aol11 hate statistical ageneral, a haste at thei fungertips ao they may providea ready hswert queanes whitet in LNELAND Fxan CAPETEWN E PoxrsyaUTH
47 46 Thursday 25 ap. A7 SE1 3510. Heavy rai sgual with nd Weeither ming to gale entorcity. Ampleaiant. cludy a windy day O83D. Affve comfecence cnderly woom. akewing tog ay amoe poudgated:- - 0900 - C915 talin, administation a Vipecta 6915 - 1015 P) and Reereationat Frg Prngram hm sait every recand day: 1515 - 1020 lecturete 13C 1045 Ercal. 005 -1130 P1 or Doct 11.15- 1130 Riple clearing every recand day 5 -10c Kmoned Brenk 1500 - 160t Games t of Pragramme designed to be a plessible as socrible, & semet of ready attenation in event of had weater a ltter former accuences.in ectue The lecturete period to be an anged fam day to say, and lecturers to be 1 bavided fom AAH & RAAt to HMF t oica versa. Tis ats intended tese his period, to further by quention & answer, the cantingents of 4 knowledge of HUSTRACIA Letesature w praveded by the repatment of Infamation wed be cied in the near puture. it is cansidered that at members of the cantingent whould have a many detack about AUCtPAlIH bat - statistical ageneral, a paritle at their fungertips 10 they may prsoidean ready lnme- & queries whiket in LRCLAND. Fxow CAPETEWN t PoRTSMaUTH
48 29 FFstnment gac Chucl was held in laptena then dict tt F.. Rute 49 it is intended to encrease the scape to include a know ledge of ENCCAND Ogoe. Parade a adminiatration of patud 6915- 1015 DI and necrcational eng dane as wet as passible with canside able manment in the rhep, and ahits campany icinbling daan the upperdeck. whreth time aned to ancertain ens seens an entertumment and PURVIs has been decigiated chips. tadment offe and is anous & conniiate I stank of concerts guiges, card hastier, de plays, decl nddn esuste. Yany men made senrible and unspet auggentian and guits a bit of prospective tatent was sated diniovered. 100. Proseeted church harde to ammemorate An2AC AAY an gua Teek had to be caneded awang t unontable weaker. Brake off lfte discunsion with the 1s seent it was decided to atscate it men to whip duties. There to be carried out when weake sid nat pernet put ing pagsae be campleted. It was desided to alocate dutie as clarely as passible to pirtty, qens cwelia vocation and secandly meltary expenience. This encludes caspentess, liters, stremen, abectmetal warkes mechaniss andenes. Not andy and this greatty faulitate the
50 ouof Engushe t - . ----- ----- - 5F warking of the ship, but wit lep consideratly to relieve baredam. In addibion a doty at wil be delated daily has ships duties as. reganred. she ciptains kindly consented to alaw two partiers daily of si to be taken an a conducted toad o segent noam at Eng3a brs & 104cLs 1200. Course 276 6 Speed 15k Bend 11-15t sistance traveted since 241200 - S6t sits latitude 31010S longitade 108 39E 1215 Paade Abranks abod Town 1620 Chils retarded tho -
52 tatacemenatm ap p si HCI - W persnnet a hp i uutian toughand - 1 55 A7 5E2 Friday 26 Apd tae chear day with very rlight sea By for the mant Dennant day ncamtered an ha wayace6045 td for the 1 the ange d lc 1 the sand to laped that sectnadk he poocured Dam Te SNIA se an awat. F Canel: wit wc to beek camprehenrive bate o verits to ensure that each man res hs much of tach AaDa parribly EeanA
54 1 Tha osaphi Pork --- - --- Ae n seil la 1 ooe 57 inLoruble Eng MSTEN aks directed at 05 to give thought to a method b tehate tead ad e tem the ack aa anf nting at publicted thatagapds and w as nage ois it 21 t Fam e ca bath ta in btan n g 0barke tsnc e th o Caunic 275 Cees WKnat Gntoc 30 105 e 10213E1 e2. Naw touncled 2400 mahe since leaving MELL.IRNE. rec wckey lad an e a popeteregut most meaber of the cantingent. It is plaged an a court cantructed. in teoterboard waint an the
56 . . --- 5½ ain deck. Mayed with cana white d a mke pack it is a talienos suetable same. The tinstan to caust is ave ted an there e decl which pvee a al al ampletiate fod the an the apetota 1ac $2 5te hae g<< did mae was ted the inhep a de 7
Mea 1 B I dant think tis shand be said as it is libellans. We rtg her been chegid suith either sollings atraiig blannst and the streeg apprais to be money -:- 4 N41 - 59 Saturday 27 Aps AT SEA as day becaming griate dy and treateniig to warde midday. niticalyno nen sswet. office confirence on adely iennation par FHB id hewae wauls be same duriing san C900. Pesade. Patudune andaccato araught nt Maonity of men require and appras 50/ PAB. Kifle 1 and a pbenive mate for tag beadured has te peent time weamnly no man could be cestain Teting hes awn iple for we rase hitter cleaned nd inspected. All perioused as C a repetn a2 cadily natiable the atb a 1 affceng t hute depee most but tiken in there to te umeour e setempt mad renie g 00 tae eabing offe 1100 entead of 120 a litter too 1045 1 Te FLTHR Tene He poted to each man indivedualy &c

42 43

  Wednesday 254 Apr.          FREMANTLE - AT SEA

Weather.

 

Check
parade.

 

Lined Ship.
 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


AWOL Late
Arrivals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Departed                
Fremantle.

 

 

 

Adm.

 

Offr
Casualties.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fine clear day with only a very
slight breeze. 0900 check parade held
to ascertain whether all personnel
returned from leave. RAN & RAAF
were all present approx 10 AMF
missing. 0950 Orders given to assume
dressing ship position. A crowd of
approx 250 were present on the
wharf, and the Western Comd Band
played the ship out, assisted by the
ships Marine Band playing on the
quarter deck. Th 0955. Missing AMF
personnel arrived ^ in a body after ganways had
been drawn up. They were hardly
dressed and at least two still partly
drunk, as they attempted to make ^and made a
most undignified last minute entry
into the ship through the lower
port holes. This incident denigrated
and confirmed a wanton display of
ill discipline and bad manners, did
did nothing to further the reputation
of the contingent, and it is felt that
even if it is necessary to curtail
all leave in the future, everything
must be done to prevent it's reputation
repetition 1000. The ship drew out
of the dock with the contingent
lining ships side. [*X *] A most unsteady
parade, possibly due to the effects
of the "night before" 1020 Stood
down. Good uniforms returning during
morning. Mail distributed. LtCapt
WIER returned to duty a resumed
his duties as adjt Lt STARMER
resumed comd of his pl. 1200

[*Suggest mention of sailing at 1000
instead of 1100. Numbers of relatives
and friends missed last minute
farewells because of this which was
due to berth required for 
another vessel.
RPark*]
 

44 45

Position.

 

Engines
Breakdown.

 

Muster.

 

Gen EATHER'S
Address.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Course 278 ° Speed 15 Knots Distance
since 1000hrs 17.3 miles Latitude 31 ° 56 ' S
Longlitude 115 ° 26 ' E. 1201 Main engines
failed and ship becalmed. 1258.
Engines repaired. 1500. AMF component
of contingent mustered on main
deck amidships, and Gen EATHER
addressed troops. He reiterated his
remarks made before leaving
MELBOURNE with reference to
his intention to grant as much
leave as possible. He warned
all ranks that this only applied
s long as they played the game.
Any future incidents like this
morning would result in a very
drastic curtailment of leave, both
in CAPE TOWN and LONDON.
1515 - 1600. PT & organised games. 

MJM ✓ Brig Moten 26/4

Wing Comd Kingsford Smith: Seen 26/4

RPark 26/4

 

46 47

  Thursday 265 Apr                          At Sea

Weather.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trg

Programme.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0510. Heavy rain squall, with wind
rising to gale velocity. Unpleasant,
cloudy & windy day. 0830. Offrs
conference in orderly room. Following
trg programme promulgated :-

0900 - 0915 Fall in, administration & Inspection
0915 - 1015 P.T. and Recreational Trg.
  Arms Drill every second day
1015 - 1030 Lecturette
1030 - 1045 Break
1045 - 1130  PT or Drill
1115 - 1130 Rifle cleaning every second day
1130 - 1500 Dinner Break
1500-1600 PT & Games

Adjust of Programme designed to be
as flexible as possible, & permit of
ready alteration in event of bad
weather or other unforseen occurences.

Lecturette.

 

 

Knowledge
of AUST.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 The lecturette period to be arranged
from day to day, and lectures to be
provided from RAN & RAAF to AMF
& vica versa. It is also intended
to use this period, to further by
question & answer, the contingent's
knowledge of AUSTRALIA. Literature w
provided by the Department of Information
will be issued in the near future.
It is considered that all members of
the contingent, should have as
many details about AUSTRALIA both
statistical & general, as possible
at their fingertips, so they may
provide any ready answers to
queries whilst in EANGLAND.
From CAPETOWN to PORTSMOUTH
 

48 49

PT & Rec
Trg.

it is intended to increase the

scope to include a knowlege of
ENGLAND. 0900. Parade & administration
of PALAUDIN palaudine. 0915 - 1015. PT
and recreational trg done as well
as possible with considerable movement
in the ship, and ships company

scrubbing down the upper deck.
Entertainment.

Lecturette time used to ascertain
mens views on entertainment. Lt.
Comd PURVIS has been designated ships
entertainment offr, and is anxious
to co-ordinate details of concerts,
quizes, card parties, de plays, deck
games, and cinemas as soon as 

possible. Many men made sensible
and useful suggestions, and quite
a bit of prospective talent was
[[located?]] discovered. 
Anzac Day

1100. Projected church parade to
commemorate ANZAC DAY on quarter
deck had to be cancelled owing
to unsuitable weather. Broke off.
[*Church was held in

Cafeteria Mess deck*]
Allocation to 
Ships Duties.

After discussion with the 1st
Lieut it was decided to allocate
all men to ships duties. These to
be carried out when weather
did not permit full trg programme
to be completed. It was decided
to allocate duties as closely as
possible to firstly, men's civilian
vocation and secondly, military
experience. This includes carpenters, 

fitters, storemen, sheet metal workers,
mechanics, and gunners. Not
only will this greatly facilitate the 
 

50 51

  working of the ship, but will help
considerably to relieve boredom.
In addition, a duty pl will be
detailed daily for ship's duties as
required. 
Tour of
Engine Room.		 [[?]] The Captain kindly consented
to allow two parties daily of six
to be taken on a conducted tour
of engine rooms at 0930 hrs & 1040 hrs
respectively.
Position. 1200. Course 278 ° G Speed 15 K
Wind Force of 11 - 15 K Distance travelled
since 241200 - 360 mls. Latitude
31 ° 10 ' S Longitude 108 ° 39 ' E.
  1315. Parade. All ranks stood down
1830. Clocks retarded 1 hr
 

52 53

  Friday 26 Apr.                                AT SEA

Weather.

 

Dissemination
of Information
AUST.

 

 

 

 

All Personnel
on Ship's
duties.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fine clear day with very slight
sea. By far the most pleasant day
yet encountered on the voyage. 0845

Conference of all offrs in the orderly
room. System inauguarated for the
distribution of information on AUSTRALIA.
Decided to distribute pamphlets on
pl basis, with pl sjts retaining
copies that are not in sufficient
numbers to go round. 0900. All ranks 

paraded & allotted to ships duties
for the morning. Abotut ten personnel
given specialist tasks, remainder 

used on general unskilled labour.
This included a variety of jobs
from painting, polishing and
scrubbing decks to splicing rope.
The men pitched in with a will 

and presented a most unusual
sight for a battle ^ war ship. All other
training was cancelled for the morning.
Invitations in
England.

0930 Brig MOTEN outlined to Maj
WILLIAMS suggested ideas for coping

with the expected flood of invitations
in ENGLAND. It is proposed that a
pro forma outlining action taken in
detail be attached to each invitation
etc as it arrives. A committee of
two officers from each service

is proposed, to deal with the flood.
It is hoped that secretarial assistance
can be procured from AUSTRALIA

House on arrival. Pl Comds will
have to keep comprehensive lists of
visits to ensure that each man sees 

as much of ENGLAND & possibly SCOTLAND
 

54 55

  as possible. 
Photographic
Prints.		 Brig MOTEN also directed Lt
FORBES to give thought to a method
of obtaining prints of newspaper
photographs on for the War Diary and
whosoever may desire them. This
is to give each man a chance of
obtaining all published photographs and
at the same time be certain of
eventually receiving them. If possible
this will be done in CAPE TOWN as
well as in LONDON.
Sterling
Currency.		 All AUSTRALIAN money was exchanged
for sterling during the day, on the
basis of  £1 Sterling to 25/- Australian.
This is causing some dofficulty in the
ship's canteen, who are still dealing
in both Australian & Sterling. As a
consequence change in Australian is
likely to be received for sterling proferred,
causing a loss. This has been taken
up with the ships authorities & is
now in the course of adjustment
All ranks have now had their paybooks
altered to include the exchange allowance
due on leaving AUSTRALIA.
Position. 1200. Course 278 ° Speed 15 Knots Distance
travelled since 251200 - 360 miles.
Latitude 30 ° 10 ' S Longitude 102 ° 13 ' E Wind
Force 2. Now travelled 2459 miles
since leaving FMELBOURNE.
Deck Hockey. Deck hockey has now become
a regular popular & regular sport for
most members of the contingent. It
is played on a court constructed
in the starboard waist ion the
 

56 57

 

main deck. Played with cane sticks
and a rope "puck" it is a strenuous

& suitable game. The position of
the court is overlooked on three sides 

from "B" deck which provides a
natural amphitheatre for the many
enthusiastic spectators. 1600. RAAF
offrs played RAAF O.R's resulting in
a win for the OR's. 1615 Ward room
played AMF offrs with an easy
win for the Ward Room 1630 Gunroom
played Stokers, with a 5-1 win
for the Stokers. At present the
contingent is at a slight disadvantage
over the ships company who have

played the game before. However
it is felt by all ranks that it will
not be long before this state of
affairs is conclusively & emphatically
remedied.
Music. 1800. A programme of recorded
music was played over the ships
PA system with a commentary by
[[?]] FAULKNER the ships [[?]]master.
Brig. MOTEN. Brig MOTEN was ordered to
bed for 3 days.
  1841. Now steaming dead along
30th paralled of latitude. Ship will
steam along it now until it arrives
at approx 40 ° E Longitude

MJM

 

58 59

  Saturday 27 Apr.                            AT SEA
Weather. Fine clear day, becoming quite
cloudy and threatening towards mid day.
Practically no sew swell.

Conference.

 

 

Parade.

 

 

Rifle
Rolls.

 

 

 

 

Bedding.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kit
Deficiencies.

 

0845 Officers conference in orderly
room. Notified inoculation for TAB
and revac would be done during

afternoon. 0900. Parade. Palaudine
administered and inoculation ^rolls brought
up to date. Majority of men require
revac and approx 50% TAB. Rifle
rolls and comprehensive system for
[[?tan]] storing produced for the first time.
Previously no man could be certain
of getting his own rifle for use
on morning parades. Rifles cleaned
and inspected. All personnel warned
to be careful of bedding ^ as blankets at [[? ?]]

are a readily saleable article. [[until?]] [[informed]] [[that?]] [[members?]] of the ship's
[[contingent? [[? ?]] seven bedding blankets
in FREMANTLE a [[?]] [[was?]] made
[[? ?]] by trading? Anzac
[[? ? ? ?]] of the contingent.
Ship's officers were attempting to wait
until lights out.  [*I don't think this should be said as it is libellous.
No rating has been charged with either selling or
stealing blankets and the story appears to be hearsay*] Lists of deficiencies
in normal kit, taken - these have are
quite numerous. An attempt is
being made to re issue from
maintenance stocks during voyage.
Midday
Meal.		 1030 - 1100. PT. Midday meal for OR
personnel now at 1130 instead of 1200.
This will involve breaking off
at 1100 instead of 1130 as hithertoo
Interview. 1200 1045. Maj Gen EATHER interviewed
each man who arrived after 0900
hrs at FREMANTLE. He pointed
out to each man individually the

[[AH?]]

Last edited by:
Alisa GordonAlisa Gordon
Last edited on:

Last updated: