AWM52 1/11/18/5 - Headquarters London Victory March Contingent, 1946, part 4, Summary of events and correspondence - Part 7

Page 25
Heavy Swell
Immediately on passing the breakwater the Ship ran into a
heavy swell, and all ranks were warned to secure their gear.
1130 hours. TABLE MOUNTAIN could be seen completely for the
first time.
The Contingent spent the remained of the day catching up
on lost sleep.
Next port of call will be FREETOWN on 21 May, where the
ship will be refuelled.
Sunday 12 May  AT SEA
Weather Fine clear day with heavy swell.
Church parade and divisions cancelled owing to swell. Church
services were held during the day.
Rest Day Rest day for all ranks of the contingent.
Position 1200 hrs. Course 312 degrees, Speed 14 knots, Wind SSE
Force 4 Sea and Swell 34 Visibility 7 Barometer 1023.4
Distance run since 090900 - 342 miles, Latitude 29 degrees
47 minutes S, Longitude 14 degrees 01 minutes S.
Concert 2000 hrs. Usual Sunday night concert held in the torpedo
space. Again members of the Contingent including members
of the Women's Services, did their fair show. The improvement
in the standard of the performance over its predecessors
was very noticeable. Not only was there more variety in
the acts, which were much improved by humourous and variety
sketches, but there seemed to have been more time and trouble
taken in preparation. If the improvement continues the
performances should approximate to first class standards in
the next few weeks.
Monday 13 May AT SEA.
Weather Fine clear day with extremely hot sun when it appeared.
Swell still heavy.
Summer Dress 0845 hrs. Officers Conference in Orderly room. As the
ship's company adopted tropical rig as from today, it was decided
to investigate the possibility of AIF component wearing
shorts. This will be limited by the number of personnel
who have shorts etc actually in their possession and not in
steel trunks. Navel and RAAF components went into shorts
today.
Bedding and
Smoking Rules
A number of personnel have been leaving their bedding on
the 4" gun deck where they have been sleeping. This is
contrary to naval regulations, and all ranks are to be warned
authorities report that smoking rules previously laid down
are note being observed. All ranks to be warned the Naval
Officers and Petty Officers will take action on offenders
if necessary.
More attention to be shown in the future to correcting
individual faults during rifle exercises.
High Standard
of Drill
All ranks are to be complimented on parade on the standard
of marching and drill, on the morning of arrival in CAPETOWN.

Page 26.
Dress
Until a decision is made with reference to shorts, dress in
the morning will be as previously promulgated. Dress in 
the afternoon to be optional.
Anyone who wishes may hand valuables to Major GLUTH for
safe keeping.
Parade and
Ships Duties
0900 hrs. Parade with good SDs and hats. After promulgation
of information brought up at the morning conference,
these were returned. AMF personnel then handed over to the 
Ship for the day.
Preparing
Ship for 
Tropics
These duties were mainly connected with getting the ship
ready for the tropics. Awnings were rigged on each side
of the upper deck and a canvas swimming pool appeared on
the quarterdeck. As yet it has no water in it. In
addition lighting fixtures were overhauled in preparation
for lighting fixtures up the ship on Victory Day.
Position
1200 hrs. Course 324 degrees, Speed 14 knots, Wind SE
Force 4, Visibility ba/7, Barometer 1016.1, Sea and Swell 21.
Distance run since 121200 - 335 miles. Latitude 25 degrees
18 minutes S, Longitude 10 degrees 14 minutes E.
Deck Tennis
1600 hrs. The second round of the Officer's tennis competition
took place. The KORDIES had a "replay" of
their match agains the OIKS & TOIKS questions had
been much harder than theirs. This time the OIKS & TOIKS
won 8 - 6.
Dirithy Dox
1745 hrs. Dirithy Dox came on the air. This time the
queries and answers had a distinct CAPE TOWN flavouring.
Maj-Gen EATHER was ordered to bed with an attack of bronchial
flu.
South Africa
on Silver
The Ship's Canteen has solved the problem of quite a number
of people by announcing they will take South  African silver
in exchange for articles sold. Previously there did not
appear to be any way of getting rid of it without making a
dead loss.

Page 27
Tuesday 14 May AT SEA
0120 hrs Sighted Portugese sailing vessel VOZBODOUN under
steam.
Weather
Fine clear day with occasional patches of cloud. Very hot
sun and calm sea.
0845 hrs Officer's Conference in orderly room. The following
matters were brought up:
London Pamphlets
(1) Descriptive pamphlets about LONDON will be issued
this morning, so that all ranks may familiarise
themselves with their contents before the end
of the voyage. They are specially printed for
Dominion and Allied troops visiting LONDON and
contain very useful information about places of
amusement, entertainment etc.
Food Parcels
(2) 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.
They will have to be stowed in either lockers or
kitbags.
Stretchers
(3) Quite a number of stretchers, and matress covers
belonging to the Contingent have been discarded
by their owners. All ranks are to be warned
that these will be taken off the Ship with them,
and it is not expected that any others will be
supplied for the stay in ENGLAND.
Autograph Books
(4) Three Autograph books containing the autographs
of the whole contingent are being raffled by
the Canteen, the proceeds to be donated to the
Orphans Home on arrival in ENGLAND. Tickets
cost 6d. each and it will be drawn a few days
before the completion of the voyage. Books
will be passed round and autographed by each
platoon in turn.
0900 hrs Parade, inspection, and administration of paludrin.
P.T.
0915 hrs P.T. organised games, and inter platoon tug of
war contests. The Autograph books passed round amongst
platoons.
1100 hrs All ranks stood down for the day, in accordance
with Naval Tropical Routine of no work in the afternoon.
Position

1200 hrs Course 324 degrees, Speed 14 knots, Wind S Force 1
Visibility C/7 Sea & Swell 12, Barometer 1019.7, Temp 69
degrees, Distance run since 131200 - 337 miles. Latitude
20 degrees 50 minutes S, Longitude 6 degrees 41 minutes E.|
Concert
Some of the members of the Women's services are busy practising
for the ballet they will present at the big Concert
to be held next Tuesday and Wednesday night. This will
replace the usual Sunday night concert, and it is expected
to be the best and biggest yet.
Deck Hockey
1600 hrs Deck Hockey competition continued. Naval Contingent
defeated Mongrels 1-0. No other contingent teams
are left in the competition.
Quiz
1700 hrs Second round of the quiz competition commenced.
All teams participating today were from the ship's company.
1830 hrs Clocksretarded 1 hour. Now on GMT.

Page 28
Wednesday 15 May AT SEA
Weather
Fine clear day with hot sun, and smooth calm sea.
0845 hrs Officer's Conference. Following information
promulgated. :
(1) Gen EATHER has signalled LONDON requesting information
as to accomodation and details of
disembarkation. As yet nothing is known on
this score.
Conference on Leave
(2) A conference will be held in the near future by
Brig MOTEN on the question of leave and dealing
with invitations in LONDON. The form to be
attached to invitations has been produced and
will, plus the relevant details as to committees
etc. be explained at the conference.
Blancoeing
(3) Blancoeing of remainder of equipment must be
done by next Monday. This includes shoulder
straps and havesacks. Quite a number of havesacks
will have to be left until arrival in
LONDON as they have been packed in steel trunks.
The blanco is running short, and it is impossible
to get fresh supplies, so a redistribution
amongst individuals has become necessary.
0900 hrs Parade and inspection.
0915 hrs Rifle exercises. These were interspersed with
signing of autograph books whick are being passed round
amongst platoons.
Felt Animals
1000 hrs 3 Platoon parade for distribution of felt animals,
and instruction by women members in the art of
their construction The men sat cross legged in the torpedo
space, whilst their instructors with demonstrations,
initiated them into the art of mass producing felt beasts.
This period was enjoyed a great deal more the the participators
than the normal parade period. It is intended 
to put each platoon, RAN & RAAF components through a 
course of instruction.
Naval Gunnery
Practise
1040 hrs Functioning trials for close range weapons carried
out. The Navigator for the benefit of the contingent
translated "functioning trials" into "firing trials",
which procedure proved to be wise as quite a few members,
particularly of the Womens Services, were caught by surprise
at the first report. Each of the Bofor and Pom Pom
guns were fired in turn to exercise both the guns and gun
crews. The Bofors fired SA Fuze, and the Pom Poms airburst.
The contingent as a whole showed a great interest
in the practise and swarmed around the guns taking photographs,
asking questions, and watching for the air or
water bursts. The reaction of members of the Women's
Services varies from the most intrepid who created history
by actually firing one of the guns, to those who moved
from spot to spot looking for the one where the noise was
least. It is doubtful whether Naval Gunners have ever
had such an interested and enthusiastic audience at a mere
routine practise.
Position
1200 hrs Course 324 degrees, Speed 13 knots, Wind SSE
Force 2, Visibility C7, Sea and Swell 22, Barometer 1017.0,
Distance run since 141200 - 339 miles, Latitude 16 degrees
08 minutes S, Longitude 3 degrees 04 minutes E.

Page 29
Press Statement
Information is being obtained from all services and
consolidated for a press statement. This will give all
details likely to be required by the press on reaching
ENGLAND, and will be kept ready to hand by senior officers
etc who are likely to be asked from them. The information
will ^be mainly personal and statistical.
Crossing the
Line Ceremony
It has been officially announced that King Neptune will
come aboard next Saturday morning. The "line" will be
crossed early on Sunday morning. H.M. will conduct his
ceremony for uninitiates soon after in a special pool
erected amid ships on the upper deck. The parts are
being taken by experienced "line" men and everything will
be conducted with the most rigid pomp and strictest ceremon
as becomes his most acquatic Majesty. No pains are being
spared to give the court the most elaborate of costumes.
Swimming Pool
The canvas pool on the quarterdeck was filled for the first
time. Unfortunately the new canvas leaked considerably
and although it held water enough for a most enjoyable and
refreshing swim, deck tennis and deck quoits were made
practically impossible owing to the slippery deck.
Quiz
1700 hrs. The second session of the second round of the
quiz session was held in the torpedo space. AMF defeated
Baby Buntings 9-6. This team consisting of Sgts HANNAFORD
HEATON and Cpl TARRANT and the LATERS (Pte PARTIRIDGE,
Sgt CLARK and Cpl  O'CONNELL) are now the only Contingent
teams left in the competition. The Contingent's hopes are
pinned on them.
Dirithy Dox
1745 hrs. Dirithy Dox cam on the air. Her sessions have
grown enormously in popularity and there are very few
people in the ship who are not "Dirithy" fans. Her identity
is now well known as Chief Officer McClements.
2045 hrs. Tombola was played in the Ward Room.
Thursday 16 May AT SEA
Weather
Fine, clear, very tropical day with no sea.
0845 hrs. Officer's conference. The following information
promulgated:
(1) P.T. and lecturettes for days training.
Dress
(2) AMF Officer's dress for evening wear whilst in the
tropics will be KD trousers, KD shirts and ties or
Safari jackets. RAAF wear the same, and RAN white
mess undress.
Pilfering
(3) Pilfering of Q Maintenance stocks is occuring at
an alarming rate. All ranks are to be warned of 
the seriousness of such losses and must report
the presence of any items illegally in the possession
of anyone on board.
Mail
(4) Mail for posting at FREETOWN closes 2000 hrs on
20 May 46. Letter rates are as follows:
(a) Airmail - 3d. per ½ ounce - 3d. for each
additional ounce.
(b) Ordinary - no stamps required.
Parcels.
(5) It is advisable not to send parcels as they may
be delayed in FREETOWN some time awaiting shipment
It is probable that AIRMAIL will be awaiting when
the ship arrives.

Page 30
Freetown
(6) Owing to cases of chicken pox on board, no leave will
be possible in FREETOWN. Previously it was considered
likely that Ship's boats would be able to take
a certain number of personnel ashore for a few hours.
0900 hrs Parade and inspection 09
P.T. 0915 - 1015 hrs P.T. This was difficult to begin with as
the deck was being washed down with water and lime.
1015 - 1100 hrs Lecturettes and mass production of felt
beasts.
1130 hrs Signal received from the Naval Liason Office, LONDON
containing the following information:
Information 
from London
30 May 46 - Arrive PORTSMOUTH
31 May 46 - Disembark 0800 hrs and move by special train to LONDON.
8 Jun 46 - Victory March through LONDON.
1 Jul 46 - Depart PORTSMOUTH.
14 Aug 46 - ETA MELBOURNE.
Authorities requested details of plans for Victualling Contingent
while disembarked, and amount of refrigeration required.
It was also advised that the Ship will not visit
other countries on the return journey. This effectively
squashes the very consistent rumours that the Contingent
would be returning via AMERICA.
Position
1200 hrs Cours 324 degrees, Speed 13 knots, Wind SSE,
Force 3, Visibility C/7, Sea & Swell 21, Barometer E2016.8,
Temp 76, Distance run since 151200 312 miles. Latitude
11 degrees 44 minutes S, Longitude 00 degrees 14 minutes W.
1315 and 1715 hrs Tombola abreast the crane.
Quiz
1700 hrs Quiz.
2000 hrs "Yokel Boy" and Newsreel shown on quarterdeck and
in Torpedo space.
Friday 17 May AT SEA
Weather Fine, clear, very hot and muggy day. Moderate sea.
Conference 0845 hrs Officer's conference in orderly room. Platoon
commanders are required to get information as to how many
men have visited; have lived in; were born in; have friend
and relatives in ENGLAND. This is for incorporation in the
press statement being prepared.
0900 hrs Parade with rifles and inspection.
Ship's duties 0925 hrs At the request of the Ship rifles were returned,
and all ranks were detailed for ship's duties.
Leave Conference
0930 hrs Brig MOTEN held a conference attended by senior
representatives of all services, in the Captain's Day Cabin.
The object was to discuss the question of leave, and coping
with invitations in ENGLAND. Brig MOTEN brought forward the
following points:-
(1) Leave - Major problem in LONDON
The march is the primary object of the visit followed
by certain official engagements, such as a visit to
the Cenotaph, HM visit, etc.

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Maximum
Leave
The GOC'S policy is to grant the maximum leave possible
consistent with official obligations.
System
To get maximum results and greatest benefit to every member
of the contingent leave can not be a haphazard affair
but will require to be systematically organized.
The Coronation Contingent in 1937 found it necessary to 
employ 12 typists from Australia House to handle the correspondence
associated with public and private invitation,
and although private entertainment may now be restricted
on account of the grim food situation in England, I still
think the weight of this invitation will be heavy.
Two important things.
Scope
(a) Want Contingent to see as much of England as possible
and not spend all their spare time in the streets of
London.
(b) Want the people of England to see as much as possible
of the Contingent.
(2) Invitation
(a) Where reasonably possible every invitation will be
accepted. Someone will attend.
(b) Every advice of honourary membership to Clubs,
Associations and the like will be immediately
followed by a personal call by one or more members
of the Contingent who will be detailed for this
purpose.
(c) All invitations acknowledged in writing or by phone.
(d) Letter of thanks sent from the Contingent after
each visit.
(e) Personal invitations and special places of interest
for individual members will be met wherever possible.
(3) Periods of Training, Leave.
Up to 8 Jun - no overnight leave. Work in forenoon -
early start - finish at noon - and then leave if no
commitments.
(4) After the March.
Our movements are uncertain, but present intention
maximum leave for all ranks.
But this leave will require some intense organization
and unselfish work by the officers particularly
if every member is to get the maximum benefit of our
visit.
It is proposed to ask for clerical assistance to
handle correspondence etc., under possibly an ATS
Officer with a social bump fully developed, a good
knowledge of England, and with some organizing ability.
This staff will require some guidance from us, and
I propose that we have an entertainment committee
representing all three services, say three from each,
RAN?, AMF and RAAF and three  from Women's Services.
This may sound a big committee, but all the personnel
will not be available at all times. It will be
sufficient if at least one from each of those groups
is available for say an hour each morning to handle
the invitations.

Page 32
(5) Amenities Fund
£1000, of which £750 at disposal of committee for
transport expenses - say £250 each week. Balance
£250 for return of hospitality for contingent as
a whole.
May be two parties at Australia House.
Pro forms for attachment to each invitation.
Duplicate copy for Officer of NCO i/c of each party.
Personnel not included in specific invitation organised-
(a) General leave in London
(b) Organised tours of London or Country.
Records on PI basis for each man to ensure that his
visits extend over as wide an area as possible.
After Brig. MOTEN finished his remarks the following
points were raised:
(1) Are leave schemes still in existence.
(a) Lady Frances RYDER scheme for Dominion Forces.
(b) Boomerang Club.
(c) Lord NUFFIELD Scheme.
(2) Whether rail and bus passes could be obtained.
(3) The question of coupons.
(4) Rationing.
(5) Whether visits to EUROPE are possible.
(6) What is the extent of camp duties.
Signal from
King Neptune
1100 hrs The following signal was received from 
[[H^HM?]] KING NEPTUNE, " My Herald will welcome you in the 
approaches to my Domain at 8 o'clock tonight Friday."
The following was sent in reply, "We are deeply honoured
to [[racoive?]] your message. Your Herald will be received
with all the pomp and ceremony customary on the auspicious
occasion."
Position 1200 hrs Speed 13 knots, Course 325 degrees, Visibility
C7, Sea & Swell 12, Barometer 1015.5, Wind SE, Force 3,
Distance travelled since 161200 - 313 miles, Longitude
07 degrees 22 minutes S, Latitude 03 degrees 08 minutes W.
Herald comes
aboard 
2000 hrs Practically every one not on duty positioned
themselves to observe the appearance of King NEPTUNE'S
Herald. There were men on the upper deck, astride the
A8" gun turret, on B Deck, and in the Bridge structure
stretching right up to the ADP; in short, anywhere that
overlooked the forecastle where the appearance was due
to take place. Sharp on the stroke of 8 O'clock some
powder was exploded, the lights went on, and there in
all their glory was HM Herald and his offsiders, presenting
a magnificent sight in full fancy dress. The
offsiders included Mermaids, Policemen, bears and numerous
other hangers on. HM Herald exchanged formal
greetings with the Captain and time and place were settled
for tomorrow's ceremony.

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March to
Quarter-Deck.
HM Herald and his train then moved off down the port side
led by the band, to the quarterdeck. There they were
again met by the Captain. One of the bears showed a 
great affection for Gen. EATHER. The Herald presented
the summonses for those persons who were to receive
particular attention in the ceremony on the morrow.
Among those so honoured were Commander MORROW, Fit/LT HOOK,
and Nursing Sister WILSON. The recipients read the damning
charges against them, and wondered what would be their
fate.
Everyone was delighted by the excellence of the costumes,
the good stage management; and the time and trouble that
must have been taken to produce it.
Saturday 18 May AT SEA
Weather Typical tropical day, with not a breath of wind, a very
hot sun, and glassy sea.
Conference 0845 hrs Officer's Conference. Dress after 0900 hrs para
will be optional. Dress for Church Parade on Sunday
will be Shirts, trousers KD, berets, boots, gaiters and
belts, waist, web. RAN & RAAF as usual.
0900 hrs Parade, inspection and dismiss.
Crossing the
Line Ceremony 
Long before HM King NEPTUNE was due to come aboard, men
had begun to assemble at the scene of operations. A
platform was constructed in the Starboard waist on the
main deck. At the end of the dais was a canvas swimming
pool; a swing seat stood ready for His Majesty's victims.
Men were crowded onto every vantage point that promised a
good view of the ceremony. There were some on B Deck,
many on various points of the Bridge structure stretching
right up to the top, and even some on top of the two funnels
not in use. Cameras clicked everywhere.
A few minutes before ten the King's train began to arrive
and assemble on the platform. It included mermaids,
bears, barbers, a dog, policemen, and the King's two
Chamberlains. The latter two parts were traditionally
taken by the Master at Arms and the 1st Lieutenant. They
were dressed in a manner very similar to a high court
judge. All the participants were dressed for the part
and it presented a very brilliant, andcolourful array.
On the stroke of ten the King and his Queen arrived, accompanied
by much pomp and ceremony. They both looked the
part. HM was played by the Ship's butcher and wore the
traditional dress. The Queen played by Lt. GREGORY,
looked very glamourous indeed in a long white dress.
When they were seated on their thrones the investitures
began. This consisted of presenting bakelite medalions
to about a dozen people commencing with the Captain.
After each recipient had mounted the stage and paid due
homage, the King read out an apposite piece of doggeral
from a large scroll. The "order" was then hung round
his or her neck, as she or he backed respectfully away.
At the conclusion of the investiture the most important
business of the day began - the initiation. Commencing
with the unfortunates who had warrants served on them they
mounted the steps where their crimes were read to them in
verse by the King's Chamberlains. They were then handed
over to the Barbers and Bears - the latter by this time
were grunting in anticipation in the pool. The victim
was placed on the swinging board and the barbers proceeded
to go to work on him with many and various types of die
and paint expertly applied with a paint brush. A rotten
egg on the top of the head and bitter sea egg forced

Page 34
into the mouth, and the victim was ready for the bears.
A swing of the board and he went backwards into the pool,
and was soundly ducked by the beards and mermaids in turn.
After all the people with warrants out against them had
been done, and a number of special ones had been rounded
up, all the commodities of the "bakers" shop were emptied
into the pool, and wholesale ducking began. Bands wandered
around the ship looking for malingerers. No one
from Gen EATHER downwards escaped. The Women members
of the Contingent presented a very bedraggled appearance
after being ducked, clothes and all.
The thanks of the Contingent are due to Lt-Comd PURVIS
who organized the show, and all the people who went to
the trouble of dressing up for the occasion. Few of us
will ever forget it.
1200 hrs Course 325 degrees, Speed 13 knots, Wind SE,
Force 4, Visibility 6C8, Sea & Swell 22, Barometer 1015.8
Distance run since 171200 - 312 miles, Latitude 3 degrees
05 minutes S, Longitude 6 degrees 15 minutes W.
Sunday 19 May AT SEA
Weather Fine, very hot day with hardly a breath of wind.
Church Parade
0930 hrs Church Parade and Divisions. The Contingent
took up its usual position for divisions. After the
"close" had been sounded they marched to the torpedo
space in lieu of the quarterdeck, where church parade was
held. This was necessary because of the extreme heat,
and the fact that there is no protection on the quarterdeck.
Rev. WERE took the service, Chap. JAMES gave the
address, and the Captain read the lesson.
After church parade all ranks were stood down for a rest
day.
Position 1200 hrs Course 322 degrees, Speed 13 knots, Wind SE,
Force 2, Visibility bc7, Sea and Swell 21, Barometer
1012.3, Distance run since 181200 - 312 miles, Latitude
01 degrees 26 minutes N, Longitude 09 degrees 30 minutes W.
Cricket 1400 hrs Women's Contingent played a combined services
team, deck cricket. The game provided a lot of fun for
the spectators as well as the players, and they provided
a most chivalrous audience. Some of the girls showed
definite signs of previous experience with a bat. Bowling
of course was underhand. The Combined Services ended by
winning with a small margin to spare.
Deck Hockey After the conclusion of the game, the semi finals of the
deck hockey competition were played. This resulted in
a win for the Naval Contingent against the Stokers 5-2.
They are now opposed to the Dustmen in the finals.
Quiz 1700 hrs The only Contingent team left, the AMF defeated
ASHCANS (Gun Room Officers) 12-5 in the third round of
the quiz competition. This performance was so good, that 
we are looking forward with confidence to the next round.
1830 hrs Clock retarded 1 hour.
Pictures. 1930 and 2045 hrs "Sailors on Leave" and a Newsreel shown
on the forecastle and the quarterdeck.