AWM52 1/11/18/4 - Headquarters London Victory March Contingent, 1946, part 3, Naval log - Part 7

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

Page 1 / 10

121 deeralty kause e ad e tit 0020 Los. C CBs s to accarany vanen share mnal e ctyer 3 b am 12c hs til 2400 hos Yew relerted to take past Tept. They wene. an deve to af There was very little trey tthe cityd bing cumtyby th they by time th thipf <gga/ <<gp the we offered the hoapitality of hort at the cantr nstrip. Shave who taak hat ae deeply taped for the hounpitality nham. is he Gen EATHEK and Capt SHSWERS repects it the ship to callin the Adminiittion i cape Sone Is de Viliers Ecy sone given for bks of continent iwtings of ae SHRCNEHIRE the Mayar's Garden Cantain. The nce was given and dontered sowts commane 1s, besed abin a manay danatan e monation in CotEF. Apprc no ben atended, and the aughly poyed themselver. Many of them - ade contucts ic he
123 inig honpetality in CARETEWN mueret day A few the antame Cenne were of the tt 10. The namer caganeation tained the officers at a dance held Batemia Club Fer EATHER, Ping Capt SH0WCRS, and Cal EAct. ipercut. once again, it ams ighly enoged byt The majanity of the Camtie peant t the afternan ahappeing ad g in the City iteff. They al amaced by the lage orange tillesiproceable in te21 Pi pens he. Hathe has preces were the mant ily rought as teeler. Thy bid t es a adtiones doing a ing tade. thih ied ciganete ec and bee a caused a dead af consnent the partimately bad weathe e it imporible to and sowas mont fam an et t te FAP.CC MaGNTAIN by the the wailway. However, mart men ade up for tee by rceing activally everything ta he there to sec__ suring the afternoron the AsH Sesasete ts y of cape&own woned the following mage of weliome. The anal ofaur intar enables us to express divetty t cpet of compeation and goudwill il that vense afprational unity
125 --- hick no much depande in the and i gives us mancaver an f apportunity to partupate Mare ithe mitary cal al b in hich they and and am are to take past I have wo doubt that the waat weteae and of our lompetality t be the beant tarting of the_ at a of our cityy $.06 aneent an buth mice wet be of at the inhortnen of thei No entoward in cidents of sast were reported by LovePatral during the day ngLt -- 1 - ---
127 y 10 May CAPETOWN ipleasant day with inter metant FAELE MEUNTHINLR dn ment Att percomed returned from Leaver Chert pavade biving to reprecentation made the CoPE TENN Argu and ather requested that the contingent Maya ber of the ships Comaiy through CAPETEWN t id day was agnced to. The pattwring were cuid fo te ma it. cantinuent phs 100 member of the ships company to march, headed by the Ship's band 2) Salute will be taken by the Mayor of CAPE TowN, H.a H MICCM CEa.C AP The head of the cate tocart the saluting lave at t lit bat at 1200 Ls tomation a fer te PeDHai were as ssual irept members is to wea grationts Pante- ADDEKLY LF- WALE St -CECREES 16 St - SoROND Lt - HDBECY Et- BHBLINb Et 177 anbley livea appoinate ships berth B) Paade to march affat 12ah ) sipecal Point te Muyi arce behind the City Hatl. Riphes to be baded an a vehile at the dispercal pointe Reforrlments wil them be rewed in to Mayen. Garden_ ting to fairly heavy mai it was 11 narch - Es. Gen EATHER and Capt SHONERS lept the ship tcat an his taeteny
129 - Favenar generanl the Har Cl von £31 Eing BE AKMSTRONC Offi. a adandafter a with beI had thei It ma ant importeate t had to be sa inquite cdaacg gegate at this intuse smame The that cone rown would have were ectin at wtht at te Mayn hd tat 7 tt to dinbe at the Mayar dem canet ostid tnd__ apc granted seave tot 110020 tos, apter pirst being fheyt share patent paty of t wass ugan e 1 FoWNS ctia 15 Moya of CAPC. an a tendas by Gen t HtHCK 15 ThowERSp eadn t Maxot, and fferent ee eat praprotia of the of the contingent and ships campi t enenal atere dat and tatercntered and ant the om. Se May recturiequely attred in his clains faagte wit the enertafte city of corowa.
1F 430 The is my frest knowledge of this receding It wanld appear man appropiate that all thes kenie saed have taken part as the contingent is a centimed ane frem Rustatia Dur 12/ - --- 1371 p te the aya apee teated his sublinted welcame, it and low glad he wen tha HPE TEWN hand been able to mnhan app O 445t BOb 112 Eatd in ocpl tanked City of CRPaTever pa tai wm that if S481GHIRE by of CADE TENN the tingent would k fawith ure to anathes verit. Captai CH.C.N.t.R.S tased te AT0N an hehaf of LMAS at sttacc put of10 were drwen ----- atters& the enbuta Capt n1512 and Gte pan -a seam naw as the fct esrepect for the pretuve l she_ da tio__ a canlter harty wa given n ncabers of the cantingent at SRWNS Barrika by the ERWHS. tes bers of SAWAE and WAAS were tif 22 Ettecine of HHAC CARAFSHIRE and I continuut returni hanpitaityat a cakted paty y wern tily the were [event uncluding be adence guerts cancenting to seat swet and cemvine
2 133 ak and member of SAWA Gen EATHER and Capts H.C WC.RS thip pas owem BO.SARE RONDEROSCH anothe als dame given by 15 at Mayoni Sarden Cantetn thment a mnghe evenepto H5ow prer gave the et H an enterseactie we came. were bat very much lin te during te two dye of 1is such headline as Auaha inlaive cape an welm ahine Autahan Narys Hig owd tige appeared. The lake in a beading hthe san hptad of mae genknt tm a wane ever cated at this taxe of the meas- The perple of this city welame am and ter as oe the andnclude grat country with which south a is pandto be anouated. The e Times in another heading astite d We ascept their maderty; but see ten the representatives of a vegaan ak land whch never did, ad neve tfargandpugalianad hich, when coi arives blungs its fat eight into the fight an the side cop oing ascate the lbet Commnweath In addition tle stoied a very ea of the ation teodacda played in and alng the t was f fnthes
135 - SC.W Ac1N1o 14 again it was not harrible make the trip up ARIC o oing t indiffer the slare hatal pated c ------ - - ---
137 day 11 May CHPETOWN -MESEA iterly cold day with high chonea -heave fined aga. Check paae emona neturned antie. At this stage citying of coerown, te the bitterby aald weathers, were o camgegate at the to say goadlye to the te can check he ide e haming ds an the whatf were peameted the ship to rpert to thm kind mane people ban to as te time pain hing anied utt the what litealy prabed with cars beafte t o - o The Depety Adminitaton of Cape Provence t TDde Titeers tmg and his return aad. Fire Admirnt Co Pabest kurn? E South Attant? came aboand bay his return ant am ay ENCACR i the Capt SASHERC. For <a sert time b t the pisturegie performed when a aning Naval offe came boad. A heutenants guard ina up an the gaater deck, and hipeing tywas t thaed at the head of te brow is te lin I came alaast t sipe ted t ad Frented ann the aptatnd at te realite.
2 a 138 with Apoiian Conne exchanged - npebing the g the Com into belaw pr Commundering Cape Conndmat is Rt. Ao Sa han his returni nto 15 Contrgunt demed ship. pahe At wamteg wane nany to rany sadbye to co on Prananke without eception everyhandy made foends and sueme tweanted wuck the greatent caustery nd enfent. The ontay was wetiant i ptte unndert of any dicembliay bnd ut a publ slial conad to mreme the prentise of ACLTRA. 1A in SOUTH HF KICA - 1115 Staach diun te I seathy and farning the beakwater heavy sawet, and at sanks were waned to merse thei year. 1120 TRBLE MouNTAIN coudh be mrg completely for the first tie The costengent repent the remamniled of the day citibeing up but aheep tiret past of cast with be TREETOWN an 21 May, where the slip set be repueted per wth bel t -

121
at Admiralty House
1215. Leave parade and . Leave
granted until 09100830 hrs. 6 OR's
detailed to accompany Naval Shore
Patrol. This consisted of patrolling
the streets of the city under the
command of the Naval Officer in
charge from 1430 hrs till 2400 hrs.
1400. Men selected to take part
in car drives left. They were
divided into parties of 3 or 4 and
CAPE TOWN citizens took charge of
them. There was very little they
did not see of the city and
surrounding country, by the they by
the time their trip of approximately
3 hours was completed. Most of the
men were offered the hospitality of
the homes of their hosts at the conclusion
of the day trip. Those who took part
will always remember are deeply
grateful for the hospitality shown.
1600 hrs. Gen EATHER and Capt SHOWERS
left the ship to call on the ^Deputy Administration
of CA Cape Province, J D de Viliers Esq.
2000. Dance given for OR's of Contingent
and ratings of HMAS SHROPSHIRE
at the Mayor's Garden Canteen. The
dance was given and hostessed
by SAWAS Command 13, helped
by making a monetary donation
from The Australian - New Zealand
Association in CAPETOWN. Approx
400 men attended, and thoroughly
enjoyed themselves. Many of them
made contacts which led to 

 

123
their finding hospitality in CAPETOWN
homes the next day. A few
members of the Women's Service were
present.
2100. The same lady of organisation
entertained the officers at a dance held
at the Bohemian Club. Gen EATHER, Brig
MOTEN, and Capt SHOWERS, and Col SAGE
were present. Once again, it was
thoroughly enjoyed by all present.
The majority of the Contingent
spent the afternoon shopping and
sightseeing in the City itself. They
were all amazed by the large range
of articles unprocurable in AUSTRALIA,
available. Watches [[a??]] ^and fountain pens
all at cheap prices were the most
eagerly sought articles. They led to
jewellers & stationers doing a
roaring trade. Unlimited cigarettes,
tobacco, and beer also caused a
great deal of comment.
Unfortunately, bad weather
made it impossible to ascend
CAPETOWN'S most famous tourist
resort, the TABLE MOUNTAIN by the
cable railway. However, most men
made up for this by seeing
practically everything that else there
was to see.
During the afternoon the
Mayor of CAPETOWN ^Mr. A BLOMBERG MP issued the following
message of welcome. "The arrival of our
visitors enables us to express directly
that spirit of co-operation and goodwill
and that sense of fraternal unity 

 

125
on which so much depends in the
future, and it gives us, moreover, an
[[increased?]] opportunity to participate more
[[directly?]] in the victory celebrations in
ENGLAND in which they and our own
troops are to take part.
I have no doubt that the warmth
of our welcome and of our hospitality
will not be the least lasting of their
impressions of our city, and that
disappointment on both sides will
only be of at the shortness of their
stay."
No untoward incidents of
any sort were reported by
[[Naval?]] Shore Patrol during the day
or night. 

 

127
Friday 10 May. CAPETOWN.
Unpleasant day with intermittent
[[rain/thunder?]] storms. TABLE MOUNTAIN still
shrouded in mist.
0830. All personnel returned from leave.
0900. Check parade.
Owing to representation made
by the CAPE TOWN Argus and others,
the Mayor requested that the Contingent
plus members of the Ship's Company
march through CAPETOWN at mid day.
This was agreed too. The following
orders were issued for the march:
(1) Contingent plus 100 members of
the Ship's company to march, headed
by the Ship's Band.
(2) Salute will ^to be taken by the Mayor
of CAPE TOWN, [[Hon?]] A BLOOMBERG MP.
(3) The head of the column to reach the
Saluting Base at the City Hall at 1200 hrs.
(4) Formation - as per the PERTH march
(5) Dress - as usual except female ^women
members w to wear greatcoats
(6) Route - ADDERLY St - WALE St - GEORGES
St - STRAND St - ADDELY St - DARLING St
(7) Assembly Area - opposite Ships berth
(8) Parade to march off at 1130hrs.
(9) Dispersal Point in the Mayors garden
behind the City Hall. Rifles to be
loaded on a vehicle at the dispersal
point. Refreshments will then be
served in the Mayor's garden.
Owing to fairly heavy rain it was
impossible to do anyrehearsal for
the march.
0945hrs. Gen EATHER and Capt SHOWERS
left the Ship to call on His Excellency 

 

129
the Governor General the Hon GB van Zyl.
1100 hrs. Brig BF ARMSTRONG Officer
Commanding Cape Command came
on board and after discussion with
Gen EATHER it was decided to
cancel the march because of bad
weather. It was most unfortunate
that this had to be done, as quite
a considerable crowd had begun
to congregate at this stage, some
three quarters of an hour before the
march was due to begin. The
signs were that CAPE TOWN would have
given the Contingent a most enthusiastic
reception commensurate with the
hospitality already shown. However
[[?]] the Mayor insisted that his
invitation to drinks at the Mayor's
Garden Canteen still stand.
1130. Troops [[pro????]] granted leave
until 110830 hrs, after first being
informed of the Mayor's invitation.
A shore patrol party of 6 was again
detailed.
12:15. Mayor of CAPE TOWN'S reception
held at the Mayor's Garden Canteen.
It was attended by Gen EATHER,
Capt SHOWERS, and who first paid
[[their?]] official call on the Mayor, and
a great proportion of the members
of the cContingent and Ship's Company.
Beer & Mineral Waters were
served at small tables scattered
throughout the room. The Mayor, [[finely?]]
picturesquély attired in his chain
of office, moved amongst his
with the [[?]] city of CAPETOWN. 

 

130
[*This is my first knowledge of this recording. It would appear
more appropriate that all three services should have taken
part as the Contingent is a combined one from Australia
R. Peck
15/5*]
131
guests.
The Mayor in a speech
reiterated his published welcome,
and said how glad he was that
CAPE TOWN hand been able to show
[[their/its?]] appreciation of AUSTRALIA.
Maj Gen EATHER in reply thanked
the City of CAPETOWN for their warm
hospitality and that if SHROPSHIRE
returned by way of CAPE TOWN the
Contingent would look forward with
pleasure to another visit.
Captain SHOWERS thanked the
City of CAPETOWN on behalf of HMAS
SHROPSHIRE.
1100 Another Band ^party of 100 were driven
around the Peninsular.
1600. Capt WIER and Sjt's
made a recording for presentation
at a session known as 'The [[Passing?]]
[[Show?]].' It consisted of questions about
[[personalities?]], prospects for the future,
and impression of CAPE TOWN. This
will be broadcast on National
Station.
[[1730.?]] A cocktail party was given for
Women members of the contingent at
the SAWNS Barracks by the SAWNS.
Members of SAWAF and WAAS were
present. Most of
1730. Officers of HHMAS SHROPSHIRE and
the Contingent returned hospitality at
a cocktail party given in the
Wardroom. Approximately 160 were
present including 60 official guests,
consisting of local civil and service 

 

133
officials, and members of SAWAS.
1915. Gen EATHER and Capt SHOWERS
left ship for Government House,
WESTBROOKE, RONDEBOSCH.
2000. Another OR's dance given by
SAWAS at Mayor's Garden Canteen.
Without a single exception
CAPE TOWN papers press gave the
Contingent ^& HMAS SHROPSHIRE an enthusiastic welcome.
They were both very much in the
"news" during the two days of their
stay. Such headlines as "Australia's
Best Arrive" "Cape Town Welcomes
Australians" "Australian Navy's High
Prestige" appeared. The CapeCAPETOWN

Argus in a  leading article said "
No shipload of more gallant men & women
has ever called at this tavern of the seas."
and "The people of this city welcome
and honour them as worthy Ambassadors
of a great country with which South
Africa is proud to be associated." The
Cape Times in another leading article
said "We accept their modesty; but see
in them the representatives of a vigorous
British land which never did, and never
will, submit to foreign subjugation, and
which, when crisis arises flings its full
weight into the fight on the side of
its liberty loving associate of the
British Commonwealth." In addition
all articles showed in a very real
appreciation ^of the part AUSTRALIA played in
the war, and also in the
difficulties of the jungle fights [[?]]
[[?]] overcame in the early days 

 

135
in NEW GUINEA.
Again it was not possible

to make the trip up TABLE
MOUNTAIN owing to indifferent
weather.
The shore patrol reported
no untoward incidents. 

 

137
Saturday 11 May. CAPETOWN - AT SEA
Bitterly cold day, with high wind
and occasional showers.
0830. Leave finished. 0900. Check parade
All personnel returned on time.
At this stage citizens of CAPETOWN,
despite the bitterly cold weather, were
beginning to congregate at the
wharf to say goodbye to their
newly made friends. At the conclusion
of the check parade men having
friends on the wharf were permitted
off the ship to speak to them.
More and more people began to
arrived as it as the time for
embarking arrived, until the wharf
was literally packed with cars
and people.
0945. Vice admiral Sir Robert Bennett
0945. The Deputy Administrator of Cape Province
Vice Admiral Sir R J D de Villiers Esq.
paid his return call.
1015 Vice Admiral Sir Robert Bennett
C in C South Atlantic came aboard
to pay his return call on Maj
Gen EATHER & the Capt SHOWERS. For
the first time members of the Contingent
were able to witness the picturesque
ceremony that performed when a
high ranking Naval Officer comes
aboard. A Lieutenant's guard was
drawn up on the quarter deck, and
the piping party was drawn up at
stationed at the head of the bow. As
the C in C came aboard the pipes
[[started?]] shrilled, the guard presented arms,
and the Captain stood at the [[saluting?]]
[[base?]].

 

138 139
After inspecting the guard the C in C

went below.
1030. Officer Commanding Cape Command
Brig B.F. ARMSTRONG paid his return
call.
1045. Contingent dressed ship.
1100. Ship sailed.
All ranks were sorry to say
goodbye to CAPE TOWN. Practically without
exception everybody made friends, and
were treated with the greatest courtesy
and respect. The stay did was without
unfortunate incident of any description,
and it is felt, did much to increase
the prestige of AUSTRALIA in SOUTH
AFRICA.

[*→*]

^South African Currency exchanged.
1115 Stood down
After Immediately on passing the
breakwater the Ship ran into a
heavy swell, and all ranks were
warned to secure their gear.
1130. TABLE MOUNTAIN could be seen
completely for the first time.
The Contingent spent the
remainder of the day catching up
lost sleep.
Next port of call will be
FREETOWN an 21 May, where the ship
will be refuelled. No personnel
will be allowed to land 

Last edited by:
Alisa GordonAlisa Gordon
Last edited on:

Last updated: