AWM52 1/11/18/5 - Headquarters London Victory March Contingent, 1946, part 4, Summary of events and correspondence - Part 6

AUSTRALIAN MILITARY FORCES
London Victory March Contingent,
Kensington Gardens,
LONDON,
ENGLAND.
31 May 46.
Military History Section,
Army Headquarters,
Victoria Barracks,
MELBOURNE, SC 1,
Victoria.
Subject  :  NARRATIVE OF EVENTS -

LONDON VICTORY MARCH CONTINGENT.
1. Reference London Victory March Contingent memorandum on the
above subject dated 9 May 46.
2. Herewith is a further report on the activities of the
Contingent covering the period from 4 May 46 to 22 May 46.
3. The report covering the period spent in the UNITED KINGDOM
will be forwarded on the return journey.
4. Copy of the Unit War Diary is being forwarded to HQ RAN,
Army Headquarters and HQ RAAF.
Kenneth William Eather Major-General.
Commanding London Victory March Contingent. 

Page 16 
Saturday 4 May   AT SEA
Weather

Fine clear day with a very calm sea.

Currency 

0845hrs. Officers conference 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. It is illegal
to land sterling notes in SOUTH AFRICA, English silver will
usually be accepted ashore. English notes will be exchanged
for South African after arrival, CAPE TOWN having been
signalled to have 5,000 pounds in readiness. All ranks were
warned that all South African notes should be exchanged back
to English before departure, and that no silver will be
accepted for exchange. The rate of exchange is one pound
English equals one pound South African.

Webbing
Parade 

All webbing to be reblancoed and ready for inspection by
tTuesday. 0900hrs. Parade, inspection, and administration of
paludrine.  Particular attention was paid to the inspection
of rifles. 0935-1015hrs. Rifle exercises. 1030-1045hrs
Rifle cleaning and stowing of rifles.

Captain's 
Inspection 

1045hrs. Captain's Inspection. This is carried out
every Saturday morning, the Captain accompanied by the various
divisional commanders and contingent service representatives
makes round of the living spaces of the ship between decks.
A considerable amount of time and trouble is spent in making 
everything spick and span. The main task of the contingent
is to remain on the upper deck, out of the way. No personnel
are allowed below decks during the inspection.

Position

1200hrs. Course 270 degrees Speed 15 Knots Wind SW Force 1
Visibility c7 Sea and Swell 12. Barometer 10264 Distance
Run 1026.4 Distance run since 031200hrs. - 378 miles Latitude
30 degrees 23 minutes S Longitude 48 degrees 48 minutes E
1315hrs. Medical inspection by M.O for pediculae pubae.

Sports

After inspection all ranks stood down. OAn unusually
comprehensive sporting programme arranged for the afternoon, in
the form of two quiz sessions, numerous deck hockey games, deck
tennis, deck quoits, tombola, and other individual sports.

Deck

Hockey

Todays deck hockey games resulted in Wallabies defeating
RAAF 3-0. 2 Platoon "A" defeating 2 Platoon "B" 1-0. 3 Platoon
defeating 1 Platoon 6-0. Naval Contingent defeating Notre
Dames 2-1. Interest in deck hockey continues unabated.

Quiz

Todays quiz contests resulted in AMF ( 2 Platoon)
defeating GALLEY SLAVES ( Ships Company) 13-6. SNAFU
(ships company) defeating LUG BASHERS ( 3 chaplains on board) 
7-6 Wizards ( ships company) defeating BAGGIES ( y  the 3 Platoon 
Commanders) 12-4. The last named team showed a lamentable lack
of knowledge. DUMBELLS ( Ships Company) defeating SPARROWS
(RAAF Officers) 12-5 The quiz contest becomes more and more
popular as it goes along. Many personnel who failed to enter
before, have now shown a desire to enter. An attempt is being
made to accommodate them at the end of the first round.

Tombola
"Tombola" or "Housie Housie" is played with gusto at a
stipulated time after working hours each day. It is
rigidly controlled by the ships authorities, and played
according to rules laid down as to proceedure, prices, profits,
organisers etc., This of course prevents any exploitation
Tickets cost 6d apiece.

Meals 

The meals in all messes have been really excellent. All
ranks are getting as good or better food than the've had in th
service carreer. Messing in O.R's messes is run on the

Page 17
cafeteria system which was introduced into the Navy as a
wartime expedient and has amply fulfilled the purpose for
which it was created. However, it provides no check on
personnel who endeavour to get more than one meal. The
ship's staff consider that the number of meals served of
late are excessive.

Brig MOTEN

Brig MOTEN appeared on deck for the first time since
his illness.

1830hrs. Clocks retarded 1 hour.

Pictures

"Icecapades" and shorts shown in torpedo space and on
quarterdeck.

Sunday 5 May     AT SEA

Weather

Sky partly overcast with occasional rain squalls. Smooth
calm sea.

Church
Parade 

0930hrs. Divisions and church parade. The proceedure
was similar to that detailed for last SUNDAY. The Captains
appeared, and during the inspection commented favourably

on the drill and turn out of the Contingent. Chaplain JAMES
conducted the service, and Rev. J.O. WERE Chaplain RAN gave
the address.

Position

Altered 

1010hrs Course was altered 45 degrees to starboard to

avoid rain squalls during church parade. As it was, the concluding
portion of the service was marred by a slight drizzle.
The Official War Photographer took very complete photographs
both moving and still, of the service. He was hampered in
his initial efforts by the conglomeration of personnel on the
quarterdeck, but was successful when he moved his sphere of
operations to X Deck, and the top of "A" 8" gun turret.
1020hrs. Church parade broken off and all personnel stood
down for the day.

Position 

1025hrs. Altered course back to 268 degrees. 1200hrs.
Course 268 degrees. Speed 14 Knots Wind NNE Force 2
Visibility bc7 Sea and swell 22 Barometer 1020.3 ( rising)
Temperature 748 Latitude 30 degrees 17 minutes S
Longitude 41 degrees 49 minutes E Distance run since 041200t
345 miles.

Berth

It has now been established that a berth is available in
CAPE TOWN, and we will not have to swing in the stream as
was previously thought possible

Leave

Addresses of members of Contingent having a place to sta
in CAPE TOWN were collected. Also the number who would
require overnight leave should it be granted. This was done
with a view to sending off a signal requesting accommodation
for the night for these personnel. Practically everyone
in the contingent requested overnight leave. As yet, 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.

Deck

Cricket 

1430hrs. Deck cricket was played as usual. Today's
games resulted in a Wardroom 71 defeating No. 1 RAAF 34
and WALLABIES 39 defeating No 2 RAAF 12.

Quiz

Two quiz sessions were held at 1430hrs and 1700hrs.
Lt. Comd FAULKNER appealed for more questions, as he only
had enough to last him till the end of the first round.

Page 18

Concert

2000hrs. The usual Sunday night concert was held in the
torpedo space. Gen EATHER, the Captain and Col. SAGE attended.
The contingent made up for last Sunday's lapse by producing
quite a number of talented performers. This included 3 members
of the Women's services, ^Two of whom sang, and one ^who played the piano.
Their efforts were deservedly popular. Community singing was
much appreciated and there did not appear to be that slight
atmosphere of restraint that was noticed in the last concert.

Monday 6 May      AT SEA

Weather 

Perfect day with practically no sea. Best day for rifle
exercises since coming aboard.

Conference

0845hrs. Officer's conference. Maj. GLUTH to 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.

Rifle
Drill 

0900hrs. Parade and thorough inspection of rifles. Rifles 
appear to be standing up to the voyage i.e. exposure to the sea
air, very well. 0915-1015hrs. Rifle exercises. Owing to the
unusually calm day this was done with most success this far.
At the end of the hour all platoons were exhibiting a
gratifying efficiency. 1015-1030hrs. Lecturettes. 1045-1115hr
Cleaning and stowing of arms.

Position

1200hrs. Course 351 degrees Speed 14 Knots Wind SW force 3
Visibility bc7 Sea Smooth Swell short low Barometer 1017.0
Temp 73 degrees Distance run since 051200hrs - 300 miles.
Latitude 31 degrees 02minutes S Longitude 41 degrees 49 minutes

Deck
Hockey

1500-1600hrs. P.T. and organised games. 1600hrs. Deck hockey
competition commenced. All aspirants have now played enough
of the game to put the Contingent on a more or less equal
footing, with the Navy. All portions of the Contingent are
represented. Todays games resulted in a win for the Naval
Contingent 2 over the DYNAMOES 1 Artisans defeated 2 Platoon
2-0 Army Officers defeated Gun Room 3-l.

1830hrs. Clocks retarded 1 hour Now on CAPE TOWN time.

Deck
Tennis 

The Officers Deck Tennis competition has now entered the second
round. Contingent Officers are holding their own with the
Ship's Officers.

Women's
Guidance

A very entertaining screed has been issued by the Ship for the
guidance of Women's Services in understanding naval terms and
customs. It parodies naval expressions, and sets out to
deliberately make fun of them. Not only the female, but the male
element of the contingent are grateful to the Navy for the
trouble they have gone to to elucidate hithertoeconfusing term
and expressions.

Radio
Play

"The Adventure of the Western Star", a radio play, was presented
over the Ships SRE System at 2000hrs. The play is an adaption
of the novel by Agatha Christe, done by one of the Ship's Offic
A mixed Ship and Contingent cast, including women, presented
the play. All ranks were delighted by the excellence of the
presentation, which in places, reached professional standards.
S/Sgt KNIGHT was the star. It is hoped that more of these
plays will be forthcoming, because of this type of entertainm
not only solves the lack of space problem, but requires less
preparation than a normal play or vaudeville act, where
parts have to be learnt by heart.

Page 19

Tuesday 7 May      AT SEA
Weather

Fine clear day with calm sea.

Mail

0845hrs. Officers conference. Nothing yet decided on the
question of leave or drill in CAPE TOWN as yet. Details of
final mailing times promulgated. Airmail letters to AUSTRALIA
cost 3d per ounce and 3d for each additional ounce. 3d stamps
are available at 5 for 1/-. Airmail posted in AUSTRALIA prior
to 30 Apr is expected to be available in CAPE TOWN. EFM
telegrams can be sent from the ship or from civil post Offices
in CAPE TOWN at a cost of 2/6 for three phrases. Shorts are
only to be worn for sport or when ordered.

Ships
Duties

0900hrs. Parade and inspection. On the request of the Ship's
authorities all ranks were put on ships duties for the day
despite the calm sea and good weather. Duties were mainly
connected with getting the ship shipshape for CAPE TOWN.

Position

1200hrs. Course 248 degrees C Speed 12 knots wind NW force 2
Visibility b8 Barometer 1020.0 Distance run since 061200hrs 
339 miles. Latitude 33 degrees 14 minutes S longitude 28 degre
53 minutes E.

Instructional

Films

1330hrs. Naval Instructional films shown in the wardroom-
Contingent Officers were invited to be present. The films were
highly entertaining as well as being instructive. It opened the
eyes of some of the Officers who had been inclined to judge
conditions in the Navy as shown on the voyage.

Hospitality
in
CAPE TOWN

A signal was received offering the following hospitality whilst
in CAPE TOWN by the South African Women's Auxiliary Serives
and Australian and New Zealand Society.
(a) Officer's Dance on 9 May 46.
(b) Ratings and O.R's dance 9 May and 10 May.
(c) Motor drives for 100 men each afternoon.
Further details will be communicated on arrival.

Deck
Cricket 

1600hrs. In the first round of the Deck Cricket Competition
Petty Officers 127 defeated Army Officers 94.

Quiz

1700hrs.  In the afternoon's quiz session ORACLES defeated
TOGS (Three Old Girls) 8-6. The latter team consisted of three
senior women members of the Contingent, and the former three
ratings from the Ships Coy. 

1830hrs. Clocks retarded 1 hour.

Wednesday 8 May     AT SEA

Weather 

Fine clear day and calm smooth sea.

Day given up completely to preparation for arrival in CAPE TOWN
the following day.

Parade

0900hrs. Parade, inspection and short period of rifle
exercises.

Lecture
on
CAPE TOWN

0930hrs. All ranks mustered in the torpedo space for talk by
Lt. CLARKE RAN, who spent 3 years in CAPE TOWN. He pointed out
the extent of the various racial distinctions, and warned against
accepting everybody as pro BRITISH, and in particular pro
AUSTRALIAN, as such was not the case. The Government of SOUTH
AFRICA was only held its position by a slender margin, and the

Page 20

element represented by the opposition were in most cases
openly hostile. He warned the troops about entering
District 6, the native quarter, as many people in the past
after being outnumbered had lost their lives. In conclusion
he pointed out the dangers of drinking local spirits, which
he said were very "sudden". There was unlimited quantities of
good beer, he said.
At the conclusion of Lt. CLARK's talk, the M.O. said a few
words about V.D.
Pay 

1000hrs All ranks were paid on the upper deck.

1030hrs. Cleaned rifles and returned them to armoury.

Conference

1100hrs. Officer's conference in orderly room. Representatives
of RAN and RAAF attended. The following programme for leave
and training in CAPE TOWN was promulgated.
Thursday
0845hrs  Dress Ship
0900hrs Arrive CAPETOWN
0915-1100hrs Drill on wharf.
1100hrs Return rifles.
1115hrs. Change currency.
1200hrs. Leave parade on wharf. 
At conclusion of leave parade leave until 090830hrs.

Time Table
in
CAPE TOWN

Friday
0830hrs Leave concludes
0900hrs. Check parade
0915-ll00hrs. Drill on wharf
1100hrs. Return rifles
1130hrs. Leave parade, and leave until 100830hrs.

Dress

Dress for drill- Off peg "SD, boots, gaiters, hats, rifles and
side arms. Dress for leave. Good SD, hats, boots or shoes,
web belts. Officers to wear Sam Browne Belts on leave and
S.D. for drill.

Bus Drives

Out of the 100 personnel for bus drives the Contingent has been
alloted 25, and the ships Company 75. This will be subdivided
amonst the three services over the two days.

Captain's
Talk

1145hrs. 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 on leaving ENGLAND. This was necessary because no
fresh food was to be taken aboard in ENGLAND. The quantity, he
said, would remain the same. Lt. CLARK talked for a few minutes
at the conclusion of the Captain's words.

Position

1200hrs. Course 268 degrees Speed 13 Knots Wind [[??]]N Force 3
Visibility bc7 Swell and Sea 22 Barometer 1015.5 Distance
run since 071200hrs 268 miles Latitude 34 degrees 36minutes S
Longitude 22 degrees 47 minutes E

1430hrs. Parade to draw S.D's a d hats

Inspection

1530hrs. Inspection by platoons in good SD, to ensure everythi
complete and ready for leave in CAPE TOWN.

Deck games

1600hrs. Deck games were played as usual. Land in sight all
day.

Page 21
Thursday 9 May     AT SEA - CAPE TOWN

Weather

Overcast day with quiet sea, and a tende^ncy towards rain.

Arrived
CAPE TOWN

0845hrs. Contingent assumed dressing ship position on starboard
side. Ship steamed through the breakwater and berthed
at J Dock DUNCAN Dock CAPE TOWN at approximately 0900hrs
Ships band played "Sarie Marais" as a gesture to SOUTH
AFRICA. 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 was present.
0915hrs. Port Medical Officer and Naval Representatives came
aboard, with some press reporters and photographers.

Drill
Ashore

0945hrs. 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 invigorating weather, and a smooth trip. Although
the Contingent did not march as a whole, all informed observers
agreed that the individual standard was high, and angered augered well
for ENGLAND. There were several light showers during the
drill period.

1100hrs. Broken off to return rifles and have sterling
exchanged for SOUTH AFRICAN Currency.

1145hrs. Maj. Gen EATHER and Capt SHOWERS left the ship for
SIMONSTOWN and lunch at Admiralty House.

Leave

12.15hrs. Leave parade. Leave granted until 10 0830hrs.
6 O.R'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 1430hrs till
2400hrs.

Car
Drives

1400hrs. 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 time their trip
of approximately 3 hours was completed. Most of the men
were offerred the hospitality of the homes of their hosts
at the conclusion of the trip. Those who took part are deeply
grateful for the hospitality shown.

Call on
Administrator

1600hrs. Gen EATHER and Capt SHOWERS left the ship to call
on the Deputy Administration of CAPE PROVINCE, J.D. de VILLIERS
Esq.,

Dances

2000hrs. Dance given for HMAS SHROPSHIRE'S rating and O.R's
of Contingent at the Mayor's Garden Canteen. The dance
was given and hostessed by SAWAS Command 13, helped by
a monetary donation from the Australian-New Zealand Association
in CAPE TOWN. Approx 400 men attended, and thoroughly
enjoyed themselves. Many of them made contacts which led to
their finding hospitality in CAPE TOWN homes the next day.
A few members of the Women's Services were also present.
2100hrs. The same organisation entertained the Officers at
a dance held at the Bohemia Club. Gen EATHER, Brig MOTEN
Capt SHOWERS , and Col SAGE were present. Once again, it
was thoroughly enjoyed by all present.

Shopping

The majority of the Contingent spent the afternoon shopping
and sight seeing in the City itself. They were all amazed
by the large range of articles, unprocurable in AUSTRALIA
available. Watches and fountain pens at cheap prices were the
most eagerly sought articles. They led to jewellers and

Page 22

stationers doing a roaring trade. Unlimited cigarettes,
tobacco, and beer also caused a great deal of comment.

Sight Seeing

Unfortunately, bad weather made it impossible to ascend
CAPE TOWN's most famous tourist resort, the TABLE MOUNTAIN
by the cable railway. However, most men made f up for this
by seeing practically everything else there was to see.

Lord Mayor's
Message of
Welcome

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.
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 at the shortness of  their stay"
No untoward incidents of any sort were reported by the
Shore Patrol during the day or night.

Friday 10 May     CAPE TOWN

Weather

Unpleasant day with intermittent rain storms. TABLE MOUNTAIN
still shrouded in mist.

0830hrs. All personnel returned from leave.

Parade

0900hrs. Check parade.

Proposed
March

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.
This was agreed too. The following orders were issued for
the march.

Orders
for
March

(1) Contingent plus 100 members of the Ship's Company
to march, headed by the Ship's Band.
(2) Salute to be taken by the Mayor of CAPE TOWN, Mr
A BLOOMBERG MP.
(3) The head of the colum to reach the saluting Base at
the City Hall at 1200hrs.
(4) Formation - as for the PERTH march
(5) Dress-as usual, except women members to wear greatcoats.
(6) Route - ADDERLY ST-WALE ST-CEORGES 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 Mayors Garden
Owing to fairly heavy rain it was impossible to do any
rehearsal for the march.

Call on
Governor
General

0945hrs. Gen EATHER and Capt SHOWERS left the ship to call
on His Excellency the Govenor General the Hon GB van ZYL.

March
Cancelled

1100hr.s 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. 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.

Page 23

The nsigns were that CAPE TOWN would have given the
Contingent a most enthusiastic reception commensurate
with the hospitality already shwon. However the Mayor
insisted that his invitation to drinks at the Mayor's Garden
Canteen still stand.

Leave

1130hrs. Troops granted leave until 110830hrs, after first
being informed of the Mayor's invitation. A Shore patrol
party of 6 was agains detached, detailed.

Mayor's
Reception

1215hrs. Mayor of CAPE TOWN'S reception held at the Mayor's
Garden Canteen. It was attended by Gen EATHER, and 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 .  Beer and Mineral Waters were served at small
tables scattered throughout the room. The Mayor, picturesq^uly
attended attired in his chain of Office with the crest of the city
of CAPE TOWN , moved amongst his guests.

Mayor's
Speech

The Mayor in a speech reiterated his published welcome and said
how glad he was that CAPE TOWN had been able to show their
appreciation of AUSTRALIA.

General
EATHER's
Reply

Maj. Gen EATHER in reply thanked the City of CAPE TOWN 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 CAPE TOWN on behalf of
HMAS SHROPSHIRE.

Car
Drives

1400hrs. Another party of 100 were driven around the
Peninsular.

Recording

1600hrs. Capt WIER, and Sgt PARKS and Cpl WARNE made a
recording for presentation on a session known as "The Padding
Show"  It consisted of questions about personalities, prospects
for the future, and impression of CAPE TOWN. This will be
broadcast on National Stations.

Cocktail
Party

1730hrs. 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.

Cocktail
Party in
Ward Room

1730hrs. Officers of HMAS SHROPSHIRE and the Contingent
returned hospitality at t a cocktail party given in the
Wardroom. Approximately 160 were present including 60
Official guests, consisting of local civil and service
Officials, and members of SAWAS.
1915hrs. Gen EATHER and Capt SHOWERS left ship for Government
House, WESTBROOKE, RONDEBOSCH.

Dance

2000hrs. Another O.R's dance given by the SAWAS at Mayor's
Garden Canteen.

CAPE TOWN
Press

Without a single exception the CAPE TOWN press gave the
Contingent and HMAS SHROPSHIRE an enthusiastic welcome.
They were both very much in the "news" during the two days
on their stay. Such headlines as AUSTRALIA'S BEST ARRIVE"
"CAPE TOWN WELCOMES AUSTRALIANS" "AUSTRALIAN NAVY'S HIGH
PRESTIGE" appeared.

Page 24

Press Reports.

The CAPETOWN Argus in a leading article said "No shipload of
more gallant men and 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 crises arises, flings its full weight
into the fight on the side of its liberty loving associates of
the British Commonwealth." In addition all articles showed
a very real appreciation of the part AUSTRALIA played in the
war, and also in the difficulties of jungle fighting as overcome
in the early days in NEW GUINEA.

Table Mountain.

Again it was not possible to make the trip up TABLE MOUNTAIN
owing to indifferent weather.

The shore patrol reported no untoward incidents.

Saturday 11 May       CAPETOWN - AT SEA

Weather

Bitterly cold day, with high wind and occasional showers.

Check Parade

0830 hrs. Leave finished 0900 hrs. Check parade. All
personnel returned on time.

Citizens on
Wharf

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
arrived as the time for sailing arrived, until the wharf was
literally packed with cars and people.

0945 hrs. The Deputy Administrator of Cape Province,
J.D. de Villiers Esq., paid his return call.

C in C
South Atlantic
comes
Aboard

1015 hrs. Vice Admiral Sir Robert Burnett C in C South
Atlantic came aboard to pay his return call on Maj-Gen EATHER
and Capt SHOWERS. For the first time members of the Contingent
were able to witness the picturesque ceremony 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 stationed at the head of the brow. As
the C in C came aboard the pipes shrilled, the guard presented
arms, and the Captain stood at the salute. After inspecting
the guard the C in C went below.

1030 hrs. Officer Commanding Cape Command Brig. B.F.ARMSTRONG
paid his return call.

1045 hrs. Contingent dressed ship.

Depart Cape
Town

1100 hrs. Ship sailed.

Relations
with South
Africa

All ranks were sorry to say goodbye to CAPETOWN. Practically
without exception everybody made friends, and were
treated with the greatest courtesy and respect. The stay
was without unfortunate incident of any description, and it
is felt, did much to increase the prestige of AUSTRALIA in
SOUTH AFRICA.

1105 hrs. South African Currency exchanged.

1115 hrs. Stood down.