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

Date     Place     Summary of Events
7 June 46     KENSINGTON GARDENS    Parade 0900 hrs. Training till 1200 hrs. Womens
Services present. Practice marching past, dividing etc
The Rt-Hon Winston CHURCHILL spoke to members of the

Contingent whilst halted after returning from training.
The Secretary of State for War and Adjutant
General, visited camp. Leave granted from 1300 hrs
to 0100 hrs 8 Jun 46. 
8 June 46    KENSINGTON GARDENS    V. DAY. Reveille 0600 hrs. Parade 0900 hrs. Move

to FUP 0930 hrs. Assembly Area Hyde Park 1000 hrs.

March commenced 1045 hrs. Break off at 1315 hrs.
Weekend leave granted. Appendices of March attached.
9 June 46    KENSINGTON GARDENS    Leave. Concert by Majorie Lawrence, soprano, AUSTRALIA

House, 1500 hrs. Well attended.
10 June 46    KENSINGTON GARDENS    Parade 0900 hrs. Leave passes, food coupons, rail

warrants, issued. Subsistence paid. Blankets, bedding

and rifles returned to Q store. Steel trunks stacked
in office marque. Leave commenced at 1400 hrs.
11 June 46    KENSINGTON GARDENS    Party visited Pinewood Studios for recording voices

for newsreel, including Gen EATHER and representatives

of Army, Navy, Airforce and Womens Services.
Reception at Hampton Court Palace at 2100 hrs. All
officers attended - many spoke to their Royal
Highnesses the King and Queen. Allied Welcome Committee
Cocktail Party held at the Dorchester.
12 June 46    KENSINGTON GARDENS  All Contingent on leave.
13 June 46    KENSINGTON GARDENS    Leave. 40 male and female members of the contingent

attended a tea party at Goldsmiths of LONDON and

Met HRH Princess ELIZABETH. Officers including Gen

EATHER and Brig MOTEN attended cocktail party at 8
Cromwell Road given by the Duchess of Devonshire.
14 June 46    "    Leave.
15 June 46    "    Contingent on leave.
16 June 46    "    "  "  "
17 June 46    "    "  "  "
18 June 46    "    Party for GERMANY tour report at 1300 hrs.
19 June 46    "    Party for GERMANY tour departed tour 1100 hrs. Sqn/

Ldr SWAN i/c of party. Party of 8 officers 39 ORs
including 5 women service personnel.
20 June 46   "    Contingent on leave.
21 June 46    "     "  "  "  Maj-Gen EATHER, Brig. MOTEN and 

Lt. LYALL visited the pottery works at STOKE-ON-TRENT
ENGLAND.
22 June 46    "    Contingent on leave.
23 June 46    "    "  "  "
24 June 46    "    "  "  "  Maj-Gen EATHER, Brig. MOTEN and

Lt LYALL flew to BRUSSELS en route to BERLIN.
25 June 46    "    Contingent on leave.
26 June 46    "    "  "  "  Party returned from GERMANY tour
27 June 46    "    Contingent on leave.

Date    Place     Summary of Events
28 June 46    KENSINGTON GARDENS    Contingent on leave. Maj-Gen EATHER held cocktail
party at CLARIDGES. 60 guests attended.
29 June 46    "    Contingent returned from leave. Parade 0900 hrs. Steel
trunks and kitbags landed on the trucks 1000 hrs. Vehicles
departed for HMAS SHROPSHIRE PORTSMOUTH. Subsistence
paid to members who had not already collected same.
Weekend leave granted 1300 hrs.to 0100 hrs 1 July 46.
2000 hrs Contingent gave farewell dance at AUSTRALIA
HOUSE. Mr. BEASLEY responded to Maj-Gen EATHERs’ words
of thanks for hospitality and fine work on behalf of
all the volunteer workers at the BOOMERANG Club.
30 June 46    "    Contingent on leave.
1 July 46    "
PORTSMOUTH
AT SEA
Day of Embarkation for AUSTRALIA. Reveille 0515 hrs.
Breakfast 0600 hrs. Parade 0745 hrs. Embus 0800 hrs.
Depart Kensington Gardens 0815 hrs. for WATERLOO
Station. Entrained and departed WATERLOO 0915 hrs
and proceeded to PORTSMOUTH. Band from HMAS SHROPSHIRE
met train and contingent marched to the ship. Embarked
1130 hrs and sailed for AUSTRALIA 1500 hrs. Mr. BEASLEY
and Maj-Gen BOASE were present at ships side to
say Bon voyage. Weather calm with slight fog.
2 July 46    AT SEA    RO No 28 Serial 105-109 promulgated. 0845 hrs. Pl
Sgts conference. Pl Sgts having taken over administration
of pls as several officers have remained in
UK, namely Capt WEIR, Lt FORBES, Lt PECK. S/Sgt
ATKINSON, Cpl HALL have been marched out for attachment
to Australian Military Mission BERLIN. Sgt R
RATTEY VC and Pte R KELLIHER VC are remaining in
LONDON for investiture by HM the King on the 9 Jul 46.
These two members of the contingent will fly by plane
to Suez to embark for AUSTRALIA. Col-Matron SAGE of
AANS is remaining in UK to study hospital conditions.
After embarkation it was found that VX65680 Pte
HAWKINS JL was AWL from Army Component and WO CARROLL
M from RAAF, also AWL.
3 July 46    AT SEA    0845 hrs. Pl Sgts conference. 2 Pls to ship, to assist
ships' company.
4 July 46    AT SEA    0845 hrs. Pl Sgts conference. 2 Pls to ships duties -
instructions issued re dress for leave in GIBRALTAR.
5 July 46    AT SEA
AND
GIBRALTAR
Weather, clear sunny day. Arrival at GIBRALTAR 0900
hrs. Leave granted 1030 hrs to 2359 hrs. Admiral
CRUTCHLEY VC came aboard and met Capt SHOWERS, Maj-Gen
EATHER and Brig MOTEN.
6 July 46    GIBRALTAR    Weather, sunny and warm. Maj-Gen EATHER AND Brig MOTEN
spoke to several members of the contingent who had
been involved in an unfortunate incident which took
place in the township. Leave was granted from 1300 hrs
to 1900 hrs. 1430 hrs. A conducted tour of the Rock.
All services were represented.
7 July 46    GIBRALTAR
AT SEA
1000 hrs Depart GIBRALTAR. Tropical routine. Passed
HMS DUKE OF YORK in afternoon.
8 July 46    XXXXXXXXX
AT SEA
Sunny day with strong wind. Tropical routine. 0845 hrs
Pl Sgts conference. Ships band played music in the
torpedo space. .22” rifle competition commenced today.
9 July 46    AT SEA    Bright sunny day. Tropical routine. .22” rifle shooting
practice. Band concert from 2000 hrs in torpedo space.

Date    Place     Summary of Events
10 July 46    AT SEA
MALTA
Fine and hot. Tropical routine. 0900 hrs arrived MALTA
and anchored in Grand Harbour. 1300 hrs leave granted
to 2359 hrs.
11 July 46    MALTA    Fine and hot. Tropical routine. 0930 hrs leave granted
to 2359 hrs. Rear-Admiral McCARTHY came aboard and met
Capt SHOWERS, Gen EATHER and Brig MOTEN.
12 July 46    MALTA
AT SEA
Very hot and fine. Departed MALTA 1000 hrs. Tropical
routine. Officer practice for .22” rifle shooting
competition.
13 July 46    AT SEA    Very hot. Tropical routine. 2000 hrs Gramophone recital.
14 July 46    AT SEA    Tropical routine. Divisions and church parade. Stopped
ship for half hour for swim in Mediterranean. Ships
photo taken by official photographer from ships sea
boat.
15 July 46    PT SAID    Fine and hot. 0900 arrived Pt SAID. Contingent on
leave 1030 hrs to 2100 hrs. Officers of KSLI were
entertained by ships officers in wardroom. Official
party including Brig MOTEN visited HMS ANSON.

HOSPITALITY
The hospitality accorded the Australian Victory Contingent
during the stay in Great Britain surpassed expectations. The first
week was spent in London, trips having been arranged for afternoon
entertainment and sight-seeing. The Hospitality Centre in Kensington
Gardens under the direction of Mrs. Barr-Browne organized trips to the
House of Commons, the B.B.C., and other places of interest, transport
being arranged by them, while the main centre at 6 St. Martin’s Place,
Trafalgar Square issued free theatre tickets for evening shows.
The ”Boomerang Club”, after years of hard work in caring for
Australians in England throughout the war, reassembled to
organise long distance travel, under the direction of Miss McKinnon
and Mrs. Troy. The basement in Australia House was opened and excellent
meals were supplied from midday until early evening, at low cost, to
the members of the Contingent – most of the work being done by
voluntary helpers. The ladies worked long and hard to cover every possible
requirement. Old records of hospitality centres throughout
Great Britain were reopened and implicitly careful directions were
given to those who wished to travel throughout the country, addresses
of people who were prepared to accommodate visitors were produced, and
telegrams sent to make certain of a ready welcome. As a result of this
splendid work the members of the Contingent were able to see Great
Britain without the complications of booking into hotels in cities
unknown to them. The hospitality committee of the Lady Frances Ryder
Scheme also helped very considerably in this direction.
The Contingent was made very welcome indeed; the standard
of Britain’s feelings towards us being well expressed in the “Welcome
Australia” dance given in Australia House, to which many lady members
of the Boomerang Club or other organisations associated with them,
brought their charm and kind heartedness.
The lady members of the Contingent enjoyed all the priviledges
and hospitality shown to us all too, and when it was realised that
their camp quarters were too far removed from London City to be
convenient, the A.C.F. centre in Sloane Square was opened for them.
Under the fatherly eye of Lt-Col YOUDALE, the ladies formed a
“Home Away from Home”, their every wish in having the immediate attention

- 2 -
of the Colonel to whom they were all very grateful. A.C.F. Comforts
parcels were issued at regular intervals to cover the need of the
troops, cigarettes and tobacco being very welcome.
General Eather made arrangements with Australia House to
relieve the Contingent of the expense of travel by coach and train
and every member was issued with two rail warrants allowing free travel
throughout Britain. This covered the more expensive trips to Scotland,
Wales, Cornwall, etc, leaving us to pay only expenses by tube, bus and
train in London, the costs of this free travel being covered by the
Amenities gift of one thousand pounds made to the Contingent by the
Australian Government. Opportunity was given to 55 members of the
Contingent to visit the British Controlled area of Germany thereby
allowing us to have some idea of the latest conditions in Europe. The
Australian Military Mission, under Brig T WHITE, was responsible for
the excellent arrangements made on this tour. Other members under
private arrangements were able to visit FRANCE and SWITZERLAND. The
British authorities promptly facilitated these visits.
As a final expression of gratitude for the magnificent spirit of
comradeship and the generosity shown to us the Contingent invited its
hosts and hostesses to a farewell party and dance at Australia House
and it is hoped that the people of Britain will have realised how deeply
concerned we all are for their well-being, and the depth of our appreciation
for the many acts of kindness shown to us during our stay in
the ”Mother Country”.

ROUTINE ORDERS
by
Brigadier M.J. MOTEN, CBE, DSO, ED.
Commanding LONDON VICTORY MARCH CONTINGENT.
No 25
23 May 46  Serials 100 - 101
No 100. INFORMATION FROM LONDON
The following particulars regarding the Victory March, are
promulgated for the information of all ranks:
1. ACCOMMODATION
(a) All male personnel in the marching column, less the British
Merchant Navy detachment, will be accommodated in tented camps
in Kensington Gardens, LONDON. This camp will close on
15 June 46 after which alternative accommodation will be arranged.
(b) All Women's Services, less WRNS, will be accommodated in
a hutted camp in Bushey Park, LONDON.
2. BEDDING
Male ORs will carry the Navy issue stretchers, but all
other sleeping requirements will be provided at the camps.
3. BATHING
The River Serpentine close by Kensington Gardens is available
for swimming. Troops must provide their own costumes.
4. PROVOST
Regimental Police are being provided to patrol unit lines.
5. PRIVATE MOTOR VEHICLES.
No privately owned motor cars or motor cycles will be
allowed in camps. There will be a space available close to
each camp where privately owned cars and motor cycles may be
parked at the owners' risk.
6. DETAILS OF THE VICTORY MARCH ISSUED BY THE CHIEFS OF STAFF IN
THE UNITED KINGDOM.....
(a) SALUTE
The Salute will be taken by His Majesty, the King. He will
be accompanied by Her Majesty, the Queen, and Their Royal
Highnesses, Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret Rose. The
Royal Party with a Captains Escort of Household Cavalry, will
drive in a carriage from Buckingham Palace to Marble Arch and
then to the Saluting Base in THE MALL.
(b) COMPOSITION OF THE PARADE.
The Parade will comprise a detachment of each of the three
Fighting Services, Civil Defence Services and Industrial Contingents
from the Allies, Dominions, India and the Colonies.
(c) THE PARADE
The Parade will be divided into two columns:
(i) A motorized column
(ii) A marching column.
There will be a fly past by the Royal Air Force at the
conclusion of the march past.
(d) ROUTE OF THE MARCHING COLUMN.
TYBURN GATE, MARBLE ARCH, OXFORD ST, CHARING CROSS RD,
ST MARTIN'S PLACE, TRAFALGAR SQUARE (east side), NORTHUMBERLAND

 -2-
AVE, VICTORIA EMBANKMENT, BRIDGE ST (sharp right turn), PARLIAMENT ST,
WHITEHALL, ADMIRALTY ARCH, THE MALL, CONSTITUTION HILL, QUEEN'S RD,
HYDE PARK CORNER, APSLEY GATE into HYDE PARK.
(e) DISTINGUISHED COMMANDERS.
Ten or twelve high ranking officers who have commanded Armies,
Corps, or their equivalent, during the War, will precede the motorized
column in suitable vehicles, with a motor cycle escort.
(f) COLOURS
National flags of Allies, Dominions and Colonies, Standards and
Guirdons of the Cavalry, King's and Regimental Colours of the Brigade
of Guards and Infantry of the Line, will be carried. The Australian
Contingent will carry the Australian Flag.
(g) DRESS
Battle Dress will be worn.
(h) SEATING ACCOMMODATION
No stands are being erected for the general public, but there will
be an official enclosure at the Saluting Base in THE MALL.
No 101. CUSTOMS' DECLARATION.
All personnel are required to declare any dutiable goods in their
possession. These include:
Tobacco, Cigars, Cigarettes, Spirits
Silk and Artificial Silk in all forms
Wearing Apparel, including Hats, Gloves and Shoes
Woollen, Linen and Cotten Articles, including Household Linen
and Handkerchiefs
Leather goods of all kinds
Toilet Requisites and preparations of all kinds, including
Scent, Soap, Toilet waters, Powder etc.
Clocks and Watches. Jewellery
Cameras
Sugar, Tea Coffee, Chocolate, Dried, Preserved and Candied
Fruits including Currants, Raisins, Prunes etc.
Ginger, Confectionary of all sorts
Stationery, Playing Cards
Pipes, Cigarette Holders, Mechanised Lighters, Matches.
This applies whether or not the goods have been worn or used.
Forms S569(a) will be filled in on 23 May 46 under platoon and
flight arrangements. Women's Services will be separate. Where applicable
the word "nil" will be inserted alongside the signature of any member
having no dutiable goods to declare.
The following concessions apply to their Contingent:
CIGARETTES AND TOBACCO: Quantities up to 200 cigarettes and ½ lb
tobacco may be taken ashore duty free.
FOODSTUFFS: A total quantity of 25 lbs of foodstuffs may be taken
ashore duty free providing that no one foodstuff (whether rationed or not)
exceeds 5 lbs.
FOOD PARCELS: Food parcels addressed to individuals in the UK
may be taken ashore duty free providing that they contain no more than 11
lbs weight, with no one tiem more than 2 lbs, with a declaration of contents
written on the parcel, and no dutiable goods whatsoever therein.
Very heavy penalties are imposed for attempting to evade payment
of Customs’ duties because smuggling encourages Black Markets. This
particularly applies to tobacco and cigarettes. However, Customs’ Officials
generally are most understanding, especially to Service personnel
providing they are straight forward.
DV Mentiplay Lt.
Adjutant, LONDON VICTORY MARCH CONT.

ROUTINE ORDERS
by
Brigadier M.J. MOTEN, CBE, DSO, ED.
Commanding LONDON VICTORY MARCH CONTINGENT.
No 27
29 May 46  Serials 103 - 104
No 103. DRESS
No 1 - Training - SD (No 2), Hats, belts web, sidearms,
rifles, boots, gaiters.
No 2 - Training - Shirts khaki, slacks khaki, hats, belts
web, sidearms, rifles, boots, gaiters
(sweaters if ordered).
No 3 - Parades - SD (No 1), hats, belts web, sidearms,
rifles, boots, gaiters.
No 4 - Leave - SD (No 1), hats belts leather, shoes,
gloves.
Hats will be worn turned up at all times.
Berets will NOT be worn whilst in ENGLAND.
Colour Patches - 3 sets have been issued for sewing on
SD's (1 & 2) and greatcoats.
No 104. LOCAL POSTAL ADDRESS IN LONDON
The following postal address will apply whilst at Kensington
Gardens:-
Number
Rank and Name
Australian Victory Contingent
Site "C"
Victory Camp
Kensington Gardens
LONDON.
This address should only be used on local correspondence.
DV Mentiplay Lt.
Capt.
Adjutant, London Victory March Contingent.

ROUTINE ORDERS
by
Brigadier M.J. MOTEN, CBE, DSO, ED.
Commanding LONDON VICTORY MARCH CONTINGENT
No 28
3 Jul 46  Serials 105 - 109
No 105. RETURN TRIP TO AUSTRALIA
The following is a copy of a signal received:
“AMF Component. Programme approved provides for HMAS ‘SHROPSHIRE’
calling at FREMANTLE, ADELAIDE, MELBOURNE and SYDNEY when
returning from the UNITED KINGDOM. Members of the AMF Component
London Victory Contingent, will disembark in their home states
excepting Tasmanians and Queenslanders who will disembark MELBOURNE
and SYDNEY respectively for homeward routing, and those
members required in cadre for disbanding unit who will disembark
MELBOURNE where unit will be finalised.”
RAN and RAAF Components
Information is being sought in reference to port or ports of
disembarkation of the above Components.
No 106. ITINERARY – HMAS “SHROPSHIRE”.
The following itinerary has been approved for HMAS “SHROPSHIRE"
returning from the UNITED KINGDOM with the Victory Contingent:

No 107 DUTY OFFICER
A Duty Officer will be appointed daily and will report to
the Adjutant at 0845 hrs daily.
No 108 ORDERLY SERJEANT
An Orderly Sjt will be detailed daily by the CSM, and will
report to the Adjutant at 0845 hrs daily.
No 109. POSTAL
Rates of Postage: Air Mail up to 1 oz. - 3d.
Surface Mail - free.
Arrangements have been made for mail for the Contingent
to beforwarded to ports of call en route.
DV Mentiplay Lt.
Adjutant, London Victory March Contingent. 

AUSTRALIAN MILITARY FORCES
LONDON VICTORY MARCH CONTINGENT
ADMINISTRATIVE INSTRUCTION NO 1
1. The Army Christmas Books published during the war - "Active
Service", "Soldiering On", "Khaki and Green", "Jungle Warfare" and
"Stand Easy" - were produced and distributed by the Australian War Memorial.
They were so successful that it has been decided to bring out
another at the end of this year. The production of the book is now proceeding.
2. Amongst the subjects to be dealt with will be the Victory Parade.
3. Contributions are invited from members of the Contingent. These
could be in the form of stories of verse, black and white drawings, or
paragraphs. They should deal with personal experiences, observations,
or thoughts.
4. To encourage members of the contingent to contribute to the book,
a competition will be conducted and the following prizes made available
by the Australian War Memorial :-
First Prize - TEN POUNDS
Second Prize - FIVE POUNDS
Third Prize - THREE POUNDS
and
seven prizes of ONE POUND each.
5. All the entries received will be forwarded to the Australian War
Memorial and if any entry not awarded a prize is used by the publishers,
payment will be made.
6. The Army Number, Rank, Name and Home Address of each contributor
(not necessarily for publication) will be attached to each entry and
cheques will be sent to the prize winners immediately on our return to
Australia.
7. All contributors will submit their entries to the Contingent
Orderly Room by 27 July 46.
8. The GOC of the Contingent has appointed the following to judge
the entries submitted in this competition :-
Brigadier M.J.MOTEN, CBE, DSO, ED.
Wing-Commander R. Kingsford-Smith, DSO, DFC.
Lieut-Cdr G. J. Cliff, OBE, G.M. RANVR.
9. Copies of the 1946 Book may be ordered in letter form direct to
The Director, Australian War Memorial, CANBERRA, ACT, giving the address
or addresses to which copies are to be sent and enclosing a remittance at
the rate of six shillings per book. Applicants should also give their
home addresses so that official receipts may be forwarded to them.
OFFICIAL NARRATIVE FOR PUBLICATION IN
THE 1946 CHRISTMAS BOOK
(in addition to the above competition)
1. Is there in the Contingent an experienced writer who would
prepare a story of the Contingent, the voyage home, the March, and other
highlights, the length of the story to be about 3,000 words. As it will
be published at the end of the year, it is thought that it should deal
with the subject in a broad and general way, and it would, of course, be
an advantage if it could include facts which have not been featured in
the newspaper report.
2. Any member of the Contingent who is prepared to undertake this
task please discuss direct with Brigadier M.J.Moten.
DV Mentiplay Adjt
for Brigadier-
Commanding, London Victory March Contingent.