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

HOSPITALITY
The hospitality accorded the Australian Victory Contingent
during the stay in Great Britain surpassed expectations. The first
week was spent in London, [[?]] being arranged for afternoon
entertainment and sight-seeing. The Hospitality Centre in Kensington
Gardens under direction of Mrs. [[?]] organized trips to the
House of [[?]], the B.B.C., and other places of interest, transport
being arranged by the [[?]] [[?]] the main centre of St. Martin’s Place,
Trafalgar Square [[?]] 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 [[?]] hard to cover every possible
[[?]]. Old [[?]] of hospitality centres throughout
Great Britain were reopened and implicitly [[?]] 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 feeling 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 organizations associated with them,
brought their charm and kind heartedness.
The lady [[?]] of the Contingent enjoyed all the priviledges
of hospitality shown to us all too, and when it is realised that
their camp quarters are 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 [[WOOD?]], the ladies formed a
“Home Away from Home”, their every wish in having the immediate attention

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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 [[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 oof 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
23 May 46 No 25
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 arrange
(b) All women's Services, less WRNS, will be accommodated in
a hutted camp in Busboy 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 availabl
for swimming. Troops mast 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 Ross. The
Royal Party, with a Captain's Escort of Household Cavalry, will
drive in a carriage from Buckingham Palace to Marble Arch and
then to the Saluting Base in THE WALL.
(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 BAR, 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 WALL.
No 101. CUSTOMS' DECLARATIONS
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 Cotton 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, Rasins, Prunes etc.
Ginger, Confectionary of all sorts
Stationary, Playing Cards
Pipes, Cigarette Holders, Mechanised Lighters, Matches
This applies whether or not the goods habe 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 item 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’ officers
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
29 May 46 No 27
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 45 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 finalized.”
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 MINGDOM 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 subject 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 copy are copies are to be sent and enclosing a remittance at
the rate of 6 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 [[Lt?]]
for Brigadier-
Commanding, London Victory March Contingent.