AWM52 1/11/18/5 - Headquarters London Victory March Contingent, 1946, part 4, Summary of events and correspondence - Part 2

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Date             Place                  Summary of Events
22 Apr. 46    At Sea        

Fine clear day, slight sea with a moderate to                           average swell. Majority of day spent in
preparation for march in PERTH on 23 Apr.
0900 hrs Parade without rifles, but with          

webbing including rifle slings. Webbing inspected  

to ensure blancoing carried out

satisfactorily. 0945 hrs - 1100 hrs PT and
organised games. 1400 hrs Good SD uniforms                         distributed. 1500 hrs - 1600 hrs PT and                           
organised games. 1900 hrs Rifles issued from
armoury. 1600 hrs Brig MOTEN held conference

attended by Maj WILLIAMS and Adjt to discuss
leave question whilst at    FREMANTLE. A policy                     of granting overnight leave only to those                                   personnel having relatives and friends in
PERTH was decided. This to be until 24

remainder until 24000 hrs. This arrangement was subsequently slightly altered by Gen EATHER.

 Female members of Contingent did approx 1½ hrs
 PT during the day under S/Sjt KNIGHT
23 Apr      At Sea               

                  FREMANTLE

A fine clear day. O750 hrs All ranks assumed
dressing ship positions preparatory to                                         entering harbour. Paraded with rifles and                                   sidearms and dressed as for the march.
Contingent stood at attention as the ship
steamed into No 5 Dock FREMANTLE, and berthed
at O820 hrs. There was a crowd of approximately
100 and Western Comd band on the wharf. O830
hrs Paraded on the wharf preparatory to arms
drill and marching. This was done not only
to practise all personnel for march hrough
PERTH, but to give them back their "land legs".
This proved to be very important as quite a
number of personnel had not got "them" completely 

back as late as the march itself. Both
foot drill and rifle drill were ragged after
first disembarking, but improved. Also training 

were 60 armed personnel of HMAs "SHROPSHIRE"
who were to take part in the march. 1000 hr:
Contingent and "SHROPSHIRE" party formed mass
at the rear of the wharf where Gen EATHER
addressed them about the standard of dressing
ship, and stating that it must show a distinct
improvement in the future. He also promised
that leave would be granted until 240900 hrs
or those staying overnight and until 240100 hrs
or the remainder. 1020 hrs Troops broken off
for a cup of tea and final polish-up. 1100 hrs
Fell in on wharf and marched to train. 1207 hrs
Arrived PERTH railway station. Detrained and
fell in, in front of station with the head of
the column at the EAST end. 1225 hrs Maj-Gen
EATHER arrived and took command of the Parade.
1230 hrs Contingent moved off in the following
order:¬
Western Comd Band
Naval Contingent
SHROPSHIRE" party
RAAF
Again female members of each Service marched
behind their respective contingents.
Route - WELLINGTON St - BARRACK St - HAY St -
WILLIAM St - ST GEORGE'S Tce - to Anzac House.
The Contingent passed the Saluting Base
situated in St George's Tce opposite TRINITY
Church at 1242 hrs. The Salute was taken by
His Excellency, the Lieutenant-Governor, Sir
Sir JAMES MITCHELL KCMG. When the head of the
column reached the Saluting Base, Maj-Gen
 

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Date         Place            Summary of Events

EATHER fell out and joined the official party.
Capt WIER who observed the march as a spectator
picked many faults in the calibre of the marching,
but they were mainly concerned with individuals
and not of the Contingent as a whole. The
Contingent was broken off at ANZAC House, where
rifles and sidearms were collected and transported

 back to the Ship. The entire Contingent
was entertained at lunch by the Citizens
Reception Council. After lunch, all ranks,
with the exception of a small security picquet
on the Ship, were given leave. 1345 hrs. Gen
EATHER together with all service heads of the
Contingent including Col SAGE, Chief Officer
CLEMENTS, Sec Officer CARTER and Maj DEASEY
made an official call on Sir James and Lady
MITCHELL at Government House. 1700 hrs Staff
Corps Mess, SWAN Barracks, entertained all
Officers of the Contingent. The opportunity was
taken for Western Comd to pay tribute to Col
SAGE for the job she has done as Matron in
Chief of the AANS during the war. Maj WILLIAMS,
the senior male Contingent officer present,
thanked the President and members on behalf of
the Contingent. 2100 hrs Officers were invited
to be guests of the CO and Matron of 110 Aust
Gen Hospital. 4 Western Australian members of
Naval Contingent joined at PERTH.

 

24 Apr 46       FREMANTLE

                          At Sea
Fine clear day with only a very slight breeze.
0900 hrs check parade held to ascertain whether
all personnel returned from leave. RAN and
RAAF were all present, approx 10 AMF missing.
0950 hrs Orders given to assume dressing ship
position. A crowd of approx 250 was present
on the wharf, and the Western Comd Band played
the Ship out, assisted by the Ship's Marine Band
laying on the Quarterdeck. 0955 hrs Missing
AMF personnel arrived in a body after gangways
had been drawn up. 1000 hrs The ship drew out
of the Dock with the Contingent lining Ship's
side. 1020 hrs Stood down. Good uniforms
returned during morning. Mail distributed.
WIER resumed his duties as Adjutant and
STAPMER resumed comd of his Platoon
100 hrs AMF Component of Contingent mustered
on maindeck 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 as long as they
"played the game". Any future incidents like
this morning's would result in a very drastic
curtailment of leave, both in CAE TOWN and in
LONDON. 1515 - 1600 hrs. PT and organised
games.

 

25 Apr 46    At Sea
O510 hrs. Heavy rain squall with wind rising
to gale velocity. Unpleasant, cloudy and windy
day. O830 hrs Officers' conference in Orderly
Room. Following training programme promulgated:-
0900 - 0915 hrs: Fall in, Administration and Inspection
0913 - 1015 hrs: PT and recreational training.
Arms Drill every second day.
1015 - 1030 hrs: Lecturette
1030 - 1045 hrs: Break
1045 - 1130 hrs: PT or Drill
1115 - 1130 hrs: Rifle cleaning every second day
1130 - 1500 hrs: Dinner Break
1500 - 1600 hrs: PT and Cames
 

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Date             Place               Summary of Events

26 Apr 46     At Sea
 Programme designed to be as flexible as possible 

and permit of ready alteration in event of
bad weather or other unforseen occurences. The
lecturette period to be arranged from day to day,
and lecturers to be provided from RAN & RAAF
to AMF and vice versa. It is also intended to
use this period to further by question and
answer, the Contingent's knowledge of AUSTRALIA.
Literature provided by the Department of
Information will be issued in the near future.
0900 hrs Parade and administration of paludrine.
0915 - 1015 hrs PT and recreational training.
Lecturette time used to ascertain men's views
on entertainment. Lt-Comd PURVIS has been
designated Ship's Entertainment Officer, and is
anxious to co-ordinate details of concerts,
quizzes, card parties, plays, deck games, and
cinemas as soon as possible. 1100 hrs Projected
church parade to commemorate ANZAC Day on
Quarterdeck, had to be cancelled owing to unsuitable weather. Broke Off. Church was held
in Cafeteria mess deck in lieu. After discussion
with 1st Lieut, it was decided to allocate all
men to Ship's duties. These to be carried out
when weather did not permit full training
programme to be completed. It was decided to
allocate duties as closely as possible to
firstly, men's civilian vocations and secondly,
military experience. This includes carpenters
fitters, storemen, sheet metal workers, mechanics
and gunners. Not only will this greatly
facilitate the working of the ship, but will
help considerably to relieve boredom. In
addition, a duty platoon will be detailed daily
for ship's duties as required. The Captain
kindly consented to allow two parties of six
daily, to be taken on a conducted tour of
engine rooms at 0930 hrs and 1040 hrs respectively. 

1315 hrs Parade. All ranks stood down.

 

26 Apr     At Sea
Fine clear day with very slight sea. 0845 hrs
Conference of all officers in the Orderly Room.
System inauguarated for the distribution of
information on AUSTRALIA. Decided to distribute
pamphlets on platoon basis, with platoon sjts
retaining copies that are not in sufficient
numbers to go round. 0900 hrs All ranks
paraded and allotted to ship's duties for the
morning. About 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. O930 hrs Brig MOTEN outlined
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. Platoon Comds will have to keep
comprehensive lists of visits to ensure that
each man sees as much of ENGLAND and possibly
SCOTLAND as possible. Brig MOTEN also directed
Lt FORBES to give thought to a method of obtaining
 prints of newspaper photographs 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 TOMN as well.
 

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Date               Place                Summary of Events

All Australian money was exchanged for Sterling
during the day, on the basis of One Pound
Sterling to 25/- Australian. All ranks have now
had their paybooks altered to include the
exchange allowance due on leaving AUSTRALIA.
Deck hockey has now become a popular and regular
sport for most members of the Contingent. It is
played on a court constructed in the starboard
waist on the upperdeck. Played with cane sticks
and a rope "puck", it is a strenuous and suitable
game. 1800 hrs A programme of recorded music
was played over the ship's SRE system with a
commentary by Lt-Comdr FAULKNER, the ship's
schoolmaster. Brig MOTEN was ordered to bed
frem for three days.

 

27 Apr 46           At Sea
Fine clear day, becoming quite cloudy and
threatening towards midday. Practically no swell.
O845 hrs Officers' conference in Orderly Room.
Notified inoculations for TAS and revac would be
done during afternoon. 0900 hrs Parade.
Paludrine administered and inoculation rolls
brought up to date. Majority of men require
revac and approx 50% TAB. Rifle rolls and
comprehensive system for storing produced for the
first time. Rifles cleaned and inspected. All
personnel warned to be careful of bedding as
blankets are readily saleable articles. Lists
of deficiencies in normal kit taken - these are
quite numerous. An attempt is being made to
issue from maintenance stocks during voyage.
1030 - 1100 hrs PT. Midday meal for OR personnel
now at 1130 hrs instead of 1200 hrs. This will
involve breaking off at 1100 hrs instead of 1130.
hrs as hitherto. 1043 hrs Maj-Gen EATHER interviewed each man who arrived after 0900 hrs at
FREMANTLE. He pointed out to each man individually 

the seriousness and implications of his
offence. No other disciplinary action has been
taken. 1400 hrs All ranks paraded for inoculation 

with the exception of RAAF who received them
before embarkation.

 

28 Apr 46        At Sea
Fine day but slightly overcast. 1025 hrs Fell
by platoons in torpedoe space. Dressed in
"off the hook" SD, gaiters, boots and SD berets.
Navy and Air Force in blues. Marched from
torpedo space to Quarterdeck where the lectern
was erected for church parade. At the conclusion
of the church parade, all ranks stood down for
the day. Holy Communion was celebrated in the
ward room. 1945 hrs Concert held in torpedo
space.

 

29 Apr 46            At Sea
Fine clear day with low average swell and slight
sea. 0845 hrs Officers' conference in Orderly
Room. Instructions given for marking of bedding
during day. Kit shortages to be in to QM by
1800 hrs. Narrative to date to be despatched from
CAPE TOWN and again from LONDON on arrival
0900 hrs Parade and administration. Lists of
personnel entitled to decorations and who have
not yet been invested, compiled. O915 hrs Rifle
frill by platoons. 1030 - 1100 hrs PT and
Recreational Training. 1100 - 1115 hrs Rifle
cleaning and dismiss. To offset the loss of
bedding and blankets previously mentioned, all
bedding was marked with its owner's embarkation
serial number. All ranks again impressed with
the necessity of observing right of way in
passageways. 1500 - 1600 hrs PT and organised
games. 1600 hrs No deck hockey but deck cricket
commenced for first time. It is played in the
 

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Date           Place                 Summary of Events

 

DECK HOCKEY AREA with over all nets, and solid
stumps. A "quiz" competition is being
organised on the ship. 64 teams are required
from all sections of the ship. Teams are to have
three members each, and questions will be asked
over the ship's SRE system. 1830 hrs Marked
the first appearance of "Dirithy Dox" on the
ship's SRE system. Questions were answered in
Dorothy Dix style, and the show proved to be
most entertaining and amusing. "Dirithy Dox"
will be on the air every Monday, Wednesday and
Saturday, and all ranks are invited to let her
sort out their troubles. 1930 hrs, "Love on
the Dole" and newsreels were presented on the
Cafeteria Mess Deck.

 

30 Apr       At Sea
Fine clear day with good visibility but very
little swell. O845 hrs Officers' conference
in Orderly Room. 0900 hrs Parade and administration 

of paludrine. O915 - 1015 hrs PT and
organised games. This was slightly varied by the
introduction of inter-platoon tug-of-war contests.
The sport when practised on smooth decks in and sho
involves the application of new principles, and
have everyone thinking. In addition some boxing
gloves were produced and used to good effect.
The usual training syllabus was carried through
without incident. During the morning the female
members of the Contingent were taken on a tour
of the engine rooms and 6"gun turrets. The
'Shropshire News" consisting of the latest wireless
news is now distributed daily by the ship. Lt
MAINWARING, War Artist, has been given the use of
a room in the Captain's quarters for his work.
His intention is to paint portraits on the voyage,
as the weather allows. To date, portraits of
Gen EATHER, Capt SHOWERS and Lt BARR AAMC are
in the course of production. In addition he will
do at least one full size painting in oils of an
aspect of shipboard life which will enable him
to include as much of the ship as possible. These,
combined with many water colour sketches, should
give an effective pictorial record of the voyage
Lt CUFFLEY, War Photographer, has also been very
taking both still and moving pictures of
every aspect of the Contingent's daily life on
board ship. This includes flash light photographs
taken at night at concerts etc. He will despatch
those taken to date on arrival at CAPE TOWN for
early release to the AUSTRALIAN public. Brig
MOTEN continues to be confined to his bed with
bronchitis.

 

1 May 46          At Sea
Overcast early with occasional rain squalls,
moderate sea and aversge swell. O845 hrs. Daily
Officers' conference. As a consequence of the
indifferent weather it was decided to put all
personnel on ship's duties for the day. As on
previous occasions they were split up on various
tasks throughout the ship. Most of them were
working below the maindeck on brass polishing,
scrubbing decks and carting stores. Women members
commenced the manufacture of felt animals. When
these "prototypes" are finished they will serve as
models for their manufacture on a large scale
by male members of the contingent, and possibly the
ship's company. It is intended to distribute them
amongst children's organizations on arrival in
England.
 

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Date               Place                Summary of Events
2 May 46         At Sea

Fine clear day, with heavy sea and powerful wind.
Practically impossible to stand up on deck and
SWR erected as a security measure. Although the
sea was heavy the ship was not rolling unduly
owing to the wind's being head on. Owing to
rough weather all ranks again out to work on
ship's duties, in lieu of the normal training
programme. Thisis the second day in succession

that the heavy seas have made this necessary.

 

3 May 46       At Sea

Fine clear day, with heavy swell. O845 hrs
Daily officers' conference held in Orderly Room.
All ranks handed over to the ship for duties for
the third successive day. More and more personnel
are being allocated as offsiders to members of
ship's company and not just casual work as
hitherto. 0900 hrs Ship practised action station:
is consisted of closing all doors and hatches
commensurate with Damage Control 1. Testing all
communications, checking receivers between
directors and guns, and all hands' closing up at
their alloted action stations while loading,
drills etc. are carried out. AMF and RAAF
personnel kept out of the way on the upperdeck,
and watched with interest, a procedure of which
they had often heard. 1010 hrs Action stations
concluded and all Contingent personnel resumed
ship's duties. 1745 hrs Dirithy Dox came on the
air with the third of her ever popular sessions.
Response to her request to let her help people
with their troubles, has resulted in her being
inundated with letters.

 

4 May 46        At Sea

Fine clear day with a very calm sea. 0845 hrs
Daily officers' conference held in orderly room.
Instructions were given for paybooks to be handed
in on Monday and pay on Wednesday, the day before
arriving at CAPE TOWN. All webbing to be reblancoed 

and ready for inspection by Tuesday. O900 hrs
Parade, inspection and administration of paludrine.
Particular attention was paid to the inspection of
rifles. O935-1015 hrs. Rifle exercises
1030-1045 hrs Rifle cleaning and stowing of rifles.
1043 hrs. Captain's Inspection. 1315 hrs.
Medical inspection by M.O. for pedicul e pubae.
Comprehensive sporting programme arranged for the
afternoon, in the form of two quiz sessions, numerous 

deck hockey games, deck tennis, deck quoits
tombols and other individuals sports. Brig MOTEN
appeared on deck for the first time since his
illness" Icecapades" and shorts shown in torpedo 

space and on quarterdeck.

 

5 May 46        At Sea 
Sky partly overcast with occasional rain squalls.
Smooth calm sea. 0930 hrs. Divisions and church
parade. Chaplin JAMES conducted the service, and
Rev J.O. WERE Chaplain RAN gave the address. The
Official War Photographer took very complete photographs both moving and still, of the service. 1020
hrs. Church parade broken off and all personnel
stood down for the day. Nothing definite has been
decided or promulgated on the subject of leave, or
on the other question of how much training will be
done whilst in CAPE TOWN. The usual Sunday night
concert was held in the torpedo space.
 

 

 - 12 -

Date               Place                Summary of Events

Perfect day with practically no sea. Best day for
rifle exercises since coming aboard. O845 hrs.
officers' conference. Pay on Wednesday. All webbing
to be reblancoed before Wednesday in preparation for
CAPE TOWN. The M.O. to deliver a V.D. Lecture at a
time to be notified before arrival. 0900 hrs. Parade
and thorough inspection of rifles. Rifles exercises.
1015-1030 hrs. Lecturettes. 1045-1115 hrs. Cleaning
and stowing of arms. 1500-1600 hrs P.T. and organize
games. 1600 hrs. deck hockey competition commenced.
The Adventure of the Western Star". A radio play,
was presented over the Ships SRE System at 2000 hrs.

 

7 May 46              At Sea
Fine Clear day with calm sea. O845 hrs. Officers
conference. Nothing yet decided on the question of
leave or drill in CAPE TOWN. Detailing of final
mailing times promulgated. 0900 hrs. Parade and
inspection. On the request of the ships authorities
all ranks were put on ships duties for the day despite 

the calm sea and good weather. 1330 hrs. Naval
instructional films shown in the war room-contingent
officers were invited to be present.

 

8 May  46            At Sea
Fine clear day and calm smooth sea. Day given up
completely to preparation for arrival in CAPE TOWN
the following day. 0900 hrs. Parade, inspection
and short period of rifle exercises. 0930 hrs. All
ranks mustered in the torpedo space for talk by Lt
CLARK RAN, who spent 3 years in CAPE TOWN. He warned
the troops about entering District 6, talk, the M.O.
said a few words about V.D. 1000 hrs. All ranks
were paid on the upper deck. 1030 hrs. Cleaned
rifles and returned them to armoury. 1100 hrs.
Officer's conference in orderly room. Representatives 

of RAN AND RAAF attended. RO No issued.
following programme for leave and training in
E TONN was promulgated.
Thursday :- 0845 hrs     Dress Ship

                      0900 hrs     Arrive CAPETOWN
                      0915-1100 hrs Return rifles
                       1100 hrs           Return rifles
                       1115 hrs            Change currency
                       1200 hrs           Leave parade on wharf
At conclusion of leave parade leave until 090830 hr
Friday  :-      0830 hrs           Leave concludes
                      0900 hrs.          Check parade
                      0915-1100 hrs   Drill on wharf
                       1100 hrs            Return rifles
                      1130 hrs              Leave parade and leave
                                                  until 100830 hrs
Dress for drill - off peg SD, boots, gaiters, hats,
rifles and side arms. Dress for leave; good SD
boots or shoes, web belts. Officers to wear
matt Browne Belts on leave and SD for drill. Out
100 personnel for bus drives the Contingent has
been alloted 25, and the ships company 75. This
will be subdivided amongst the three services over
the two days. 1145 hrs. The Captain spoke to all
on board over the warning telephone. He impressed
on all ranks the necessity for good behaviour whilst
in CAPE TOWN, not only because of past incidents,
but because of the peculiar and special nature of
this particular mission. He also said that only a
limited amount of fresh food was available for the
rest of the voyage and only one meal of fresh food
a day would be served until after arrival at the
first port onlleaving ENGLAND.
 

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Date               Place              Summary of Events

8   May 46    At Sea
1430 hrs.  Parade to draw S.D.'s and hats. 1530 hrs
Inspection by platoons in good SD. 1600 hrs. Deck
games were played as usual.

9 May 46      At Sea CAPE TOWN
Overcast day with quiet sea and tendency towards
ain. 0545 hrs. Contingent assumed dressing ship
position on starboard side. Ship steamed through
breakwater and berthed at J BERTH DUNCAN Dock
CAPE TOWN at approximately O900 hrs. CAPE TOWN was
shrouded in mist and there was only a handful of
people there to welcome the contingent No one
of any Official prominence we present. 0915 hrs
Port Medical Officer and Naval Representatives came
aboard with some press reporters and photographers.
0 45 hrs. Contingent went ashore and commenced
drilling by services in the ample space available
in the immediate docks area. The drill was of a much
higher standard than that after first coming ashore
at FREMANTLE. This can be attributed to the cold
and raining weather and a smooth trip. There were
several light showers during the drill period.
1100 hrs. Broken off to return rifles and have
sterling exchanged for SOUTH AFRICAN currency.
1145 hrs Maj-Gen EATHER and Capt SHOWERS left the

ship for SIMONSTOWN and lunch at Admiralty House.
1215 hrs Leave parade. Leave granted until 100830
hrs. 6 ORs detailed to accompany Naval Shore Patrol
1400 hrs. Men selected to take part in car drives
left. 1500 hrs. Maj-Gen EATHER and Capt SHOWERS
left the ship to call on the Deputy Administration
of CAPE PROVINCE, J.D. d VILLIERS esq. 2000 hrs
Dance given for HMAS SHROPSHIRE"S rating and ORs
of Contingent at the Major's Garden Canteen. 2100
hrs. The same organisation entertained the Officer
at a dance held at the Bohmia Club. Maj-Gen EATHER
Brig MOTEN Capt SHOWERS and Col SAGE were present.
During the afternoon the Mayor of CAPE TOWN 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 on which so much
depends in the future, and it gives us, moreover,
an added opportunity to participate more directly
in the Victory celebrations in ENGLAND in which they
and our own troops are to take part.

 

10 May 46      CAPE TOWN
Unpleasant day with intermittent rain storms. TABLE
MOUNTAIN still shrouded in mist. 0830 hrs. All
personnel returned from leave. O900 hrs. Check
parade. Owing to representations made by the CAPE
TOWN Argus and others, the Mayor requested that the
contingent plus members of the Ship's Company march
through CAPE TOWN at mid day. Orders (R0 22/93)
were issued for the march. Owing to fairly heavy
rain it was impossible to do any rehearsal for the
march 0945 hrs. Gen EATHER and Capt SHOWERS left
ship to call on His Excellency the Governor
General the Hon GE van ZYL. 1100 hrs Brig B F
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.
1130 hrs. Troops granted leave until 110830 hrs
after first being informed of the Mayor's invitation.
to the reception. A shore patrol party of 6 was
again detached. 1215 hrs. Mayor of CAPE TOWN'S
reception held at the Mayor's Garden Canteen. It

was attended by Gen EATHER, Capt SHOWERS who first

paid their official call on the Mayor and a great
proportion of the members of the Contingent and

Ship's Company
 

Date
Place
10 May 46 CAFE TOWN
11 May 46 CAPE TCNN
12 May 46 AT SEA
13 May 46 AT SEA
2
 

- 14 -
Summary of Events
The Mayor in a speech reiterated his published wel¬
come and said how glad he was that CAPE TONN had
been able to show their appreciation of AUSTRALIA.
Captain SHOWERS thanked the City of CAPE TOWN on
behalf of HHAS SHROPSHIRE. Maj-Gen EATHER in reply
thanked the City of CAPE TOWN for their warm hospit-
ality. 1400 hrs. Another party of 100 were driven
ound the Peninsula. 1600 hrs. Capt WIER, Sgt
RKS and Cpl WARNE made a recording for presentat-
ion on a session known as "The Passing Show". It con
sisted of questions about personalities, prospects
for the future and impression of CAPE TOWN. This
will be broadcast on National Stations. 1730 hrs.
A cocktail party was given for Women members of the
Contingent at the SAWWS Barracks by the SAWNS mem-
bers of SAWAS and WAAS were present. 1730 hrs. Of-
ficers of HMES SHROPSHIRE and the Contingent return-
d hospitality at a cocktail party given in the
ardrcom. 1913 hrs. Gen EATHER and Capt SHOWERS left
the ship for Government House, WESTEROOKE, RONDE-
bosch. 2000 hrs. Another ORs dance given by the
SAWAS at Mayor's Garden Canteen. Without a single
excention the CAPE TOWN press gavo the Contingent
and HMAS SHROPSHIRE an enthusiastic welcome.
Mitterly cold day with high wind and occasional
thowers. 0830 hrs. Leave finished 0000 hrs. Check
parade. All personnel returned on time. 0945 hrs.
The Deputy Administrator of Cape Province J.D. de
VILLIERS Esq., paid his return call. 1013 hrs.
Vice Admiral Sir Robert Burnett C in C South Atlan¬
sic came eboard to pay his return call on Maj-Gen
MITHER and Capt SHOWERS. 1030 hrs. Officer Command-
ing Cape Command Brig 3 F ARNSTRONG paid his return
all. 1045 hrs. Contingent dressed ship. 1100 hrs.
hip. sailed. Immediately on passing the breakwater
the ship ran into a heavy swell and all ranks were
warned to secure their gear.
Fine clear day with heavy swell. Church parade and
divisions cancelled owing to swell. Church services
were held during the day. Rest day for all ranks
of the contingent. 2000 hrs. Usual Sunday night
concert held in the torpedo space.
Fine clear day with extremely hot sun. Swell still
heavy. O845 hrs. Officer's conference in orderly
room. Naval and 2AAF components went into shorts
today. More attention to be shown in the future to
correcting individual faults during rifle exercises.
II ranks are to be complimented on parade on the
tandard of marching and drill on the morning of
rrival in CAPETOWN. Until a decision is made with
reference to shorts, dress in the morning will be
s previously promulgated. Dress in the afternoon
o ce optional. 0900 hrs parade with good SDs and
hats. AIF personnel then handed over to the ship
for the day. These duties were mainly connected with
getting the ship ready for the tropies. Awnings were
igged on each side of the upper deck and a canvas
wimming pool appeared on the quarterdeck. In addit-
n lighting fixtures were overhauled in prepartaich
ghting up the
ship,
2.Vie
Day. 100 hrs.
the Of
ficer
cond round of
s competion.
ak cricket was played but no competion
motches.
1743 hrs. Dirithy Dox came on the air. This time
ueries and anscers had a distinet CAPE TONN
flavouring. Maj-Gen EAIHER was ordered to bed with
an attack of bronchial flu,
 

.
Place
Date
14 May 46 AT SEA
15 May 46 AT St
16 May 46 AT S
17 May 46 AT SEA
 

- 15 -
Summary of Events
Fine clear day with occasional patches of cloud. Very
hot sun and calm sea. O845 hrs. Officers' conference
in orderly room. The following matters were brought up.
(i) Descriptive pamphlets about LONDON will be issued
this morning so that all ranks may familiarise themsel¬
ves with their contents before the end of the voyage.
(ii) The ship has no space available to stow in safety
the food parcels bought by quite a number of people in
CAPETOWN and at the ship's canteen
(iii) Three autograph books containing the autographs
of the whole contingent are being raffles by the can¬
teen, the proceeds to be donated to the Orphans Home
on arrival in ENGLAND.
0900 hrs. Parade, inspection and administration of
paludrin. O315 hrs. PT. 1100 hrs. All ranks stood
down for the day in acco dance with Naval Tropical
Routine of no work in the afternoons. 1000 hrs. Deck
Hockey competition continued.
Fine clear day with hot sun and smooth calm sea. 0845
hrs. Officers' conference. O500 hrs. Parade and in¬
spection. 1000 hrs. 3 Pl paraded for distribution of
felt animals and instruction by women members in the
art of their construction. It is intended to put each
platoon, RAN à RAAF components through a course of in¬
truction. 1040 hrs. Functioning trials for close
ange weapons carried out. Information is being obt¬
ained from all services and being consolidated for a
press statement. This will give all details likely
to be required by the press on reaching Er.
announced that fing -StmB. T'
s been officially
me aoard nexa
turday morning. The canvas pool on
the quarterdeck was filled for the first time. 1700
hrs. The second session of the second round of the
quiz session was held in the torpedo space. Two con¬
tingent teems are left in the competition. 1745 hrs.
Dirithy Dox came on the air. 2043 hrs. Tombola was
played in the Ward Room.
ne clear very tropical day with no sea. O843 hrs.
ficers' conference. The following information prom-
ulgatedi-
(i) PT ond lecturettes for days training.
(ii) Alr Officers' dress for evening wear whilst in
the tropies will be AD trousers, KD shirts and ties
or Safari jackets. F wear the same and RaN white
ness undress.
issued. 0500 hrs. Parade and inspection.
215-1015 Ars P.T. 1013-1100 hrs. Lecturettes and
mass production of felt animals. 1313 and 1713 hrs.
Tombola abreas
the crane. 1700 hrs. Quiz. 2000
hrs "Yokel Boy
and Newsreel shown on quarterdeck
end in Torpedo space.
Ine clear very hot and muggy day. Moderate sea.
343 hrs. Officers' conference in orderly room. 30
issued. O200 hrs. Parade with rifles and
spection. O323 hrs. At the r
quest of the sa:
fles vere returmed and all ra
vere detoiled for
ships duties. O330 hrs. Brig E
M held a conference
attended by senior representatives of all services,
in the Captain's Day Cabin. The objcet was to discuss
e question of leave and coping with invitatiens in

de following signal wes received
y Herald will welcome you in
the approcches to av Domain at 8 o'clock tonight
Friday." The following cas sent in reply "Je are
leeply honoured to receive your message. Your Herald
will be received with all the pomp and ceremony cus¬
tomary on this auspicious occasion." 2000 hrs. Pract-
ically ere
õbserve th
juty posi,
i thenselves to
a
's herald.
i King e