AWM52 1/11/18/5 - Headquarters London Victory March Contingent, 1946, part 4, Summary of events and correspondence - Part 8

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AT SEA
Monday 20 May
Weather Another hot tropical day with intermittent rain storms.
Conference  O845 hrs Officer's Conference in orderly room. The
following information received from LONDON was

promulgated;
(1) The Resident Minister, the Honourable John BEASLEY.
and official party will visit the Ship on day of arrival,
to welcome the Contingent.
(2) Male members of the Contingent will be quartered in
a camp situated in Kensington Gardens with British and
other Dominions Contingents. Women's Services will be
quartered at Bushy Park, near HAMPTON COURT.
(3) Australian Victory Forces Cantsen is to be establishe
at Australis House.
(4) Special ACF Hostel for women members will be at
Sloane Gardens to provide accommodation for leave periods.
(5) Arrangements are in hand to organise trips to various
parts of ENGLAND & SCOTLAND, with a possibility of a 

representative party to GERMANY.
0900 hrs Paraded and congregated in Torpedo Space, where
Address by  0900 hrs Parade and congregated in Torpedo Maj. Williams Space, where

addressed the AMF Component. He gave them
details on leave promulgated at the conference on 17 May.
He also promulgated the above information received from
LONDON. There were many questions, mainly unanswerable
until we gained an idea of our official commitments.
Lists are being prepared with reference to each man's
preference for leave and excursions.
As far as possible
these will be balanced with any official commitments. 0930
 hrs Broken off for the day on account of expected
frequent rainstorms and the intense heat.
The swimming pool on the quarterdeck was removed, and
preparations for the big concert TROPIC NICHTS were commenced.
The stage is being erected at the extreme rear
of the quarterdeck. It will be held on Tuesday and 

Wednesday 

nights weather permitting. On Tuesday Officers,
Petty Officers, NCOs of AMF & RAAF, Red Watch of Seamen,
Blue Watch of Stokers may attend; on Wednesday the 

remainder 

of the Ship's Company and Contingent. As the
cast have been rehearsing indefatigably for some time,
everybody is looking forward to it with keen anticipation.
Position 1200 hrs Course 320 degrees, Speed 14 knots, Wind WSW-
Force 2, Visibility 0/6, Sea & Swell 22, Barometer 1017.3
Distance run since 191200 - 325 miles, Latitude 5 degrees
45 minutes N, Longitude 13 degrees 02 minutes W.
Deck Hockey 1630 hrs The final of the Deck Hockey between Dustmen
(Stokers No 1) and Naval Contingent was a magnificent game.
Dustmen playing very good hockey defeated Naval Contingent
5-0. The scares belie the good performance of the losers
1745 hrs Dirithy Dox came on the air again.
Pictures 1930 hrs "Scatterbrain" was screened on the F'cstle.
Language It haes been announced that Cpl TARRANT Classes. Contingent, will
conduct classes in Spanish on the return journey. They
will be under the auspices of the Ship's schoolmaster,
and will be open to both Ship's Coy and the Contingent.
 

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Students should be able to read a Spanish Newspaper at
the end of the voyage.
Since arriving in the tropics the men have had ample
opportunity to get a good sun tan.
By the time they
arrive in LONDON they should be able to maintain their
reputation of sun bronzed Australians.
Tuesday 21 May

AT SEA- FREETOWN

Weather Overcast day with intermittent rain storms.
Freetown 757 hrs. Dropped anchor at FREETOWN.
Freetown, capital of the British Colony of
SIERRE LEONE, WEST AFRICA is situated on the south side
of the SIEREA LEONE estuary about 5 miles from the cape
of that name; population of 55,000 approximately of
which about 500 are European. FREETOWN is picturesquely

situated on a plain, closed in by wooded hills, the
SIERRA LEONE, rising 1700 ft. Nearly every house is
surrounded by a courtyard or garden which makes the town
unusually large for the number of its inhabitants.
FREETOWN derives its name and owes its origin to the fact
that it was here philanthropists who sought to alleviate
the lot of these negroes who were victims of the traffic
in human beings decided to set up a settlement and provide
shelter and refuge for these unfortunates.
It possesses few buildings of architectural merit, the
principal being the Governor's residence and government
offices, the barracks, cathedral, Missionary institutes,
fruit market, Wilberforce Hall, courts of justice, railway stations and the grammar school.
FREETOWN is known as the "White Man's Grave", the death
rate being 29.6 per 100 in 1901 - 1907. This has been
reduced considerably in later years, by strenuous efforts to provide better sanitation, drains, and fill in
xxxxx Mosquito breeding grounds.
The town is governed by a municipality (created in 1893)
with a Mayor and councillors, the large majority being
elective. FREETOWN was the first place in British West
Africa to be granted self government.
It has at all times been a strategic point in West Africa
and during the war, was a fuelling base and an assembly
point for convoys to England.
The Contingent did not line the ship, but kept out of
the way on B Deck whilst the ship steamed to its anchorage.
O845 hrs Port Director came aboard.
Shortly after arriving a tanker came alongside and the
ship commenced oiling.
Native Before the ship berthed native canoes were Bartering swarming out
towards it.
They had for barter many and various types
of merchandise. Chief amongst which were pineapples,
bananas, mangoes coconuts, wicker baskets, trinkets,
knives, silk and even monkeys. Most members of the 

Contingent 

spent the day leaning over the side bartering cigarettes and spare clothing for these articles. Most of
the natives spoke reasonably good English so this was
practicable without too much trouble. All canoes carried
 a basket fastened to a length of light rope. The
prospective buyer drew the basket up, placed his cigarettes or whatever he was bartering in it, lowered it to
 

 

Page 37
the canoe where his item of barter was replaced by his
purchase.
The natives also dived for coins, an accomplishment at
which they were extremely proficient. If, as was occasionally 

the case a copper coin was thrown wrapped in
silver paper, the native on discovering the hoax heaped
 a most embarrassing torrent of abuse and foul language
 on the culprit. Most of them did tricks of some
sort such as imaginary rifle exercises with their paddles
In short the Contingent on the whole found them
most entertaining.
1120 hrs Gen EATHER & Capt SHOWERS went ashore to pay
an official call on, and lunch with, the Governor
Position 1200 hrs Wind W, Force 2, Visibility c/6, Barometer
1010.5, Sea d Swell 21, Distance run since 201200 - 260
miles.
1400 hrs Gen EATHER & Capt SHOWERS returned.
1515 hrs Ssiled on last leg of journey to LONDON, which
will be reached on 30 May.
Owing to rain during the afternoon upsetting preparations,
the Concert was postponed until Wednesday and Thursday
nights. The weather, however, was quite clear in the
evening at the time it was due to be held.
Wednesday 22 May
AT SEA.
Weather Fine and clear. The hottest day of the voyage.
Conference O845 hrs Officer's Conference in orderly room. Officers were instructed to ensure that all webbing had been
blancoed as previously ordered. It was also promulgated that a letter has been received by the Captain setting 

out details of quartering and accomodation in
LONDON, and also details of the March. Relevant details will be promulgated in the near future.
0900 hrs Parade, inspection, and administration of
paludran. 3 Platoon were handed over to the ship;

the remainder rifle exercises. The Naval Contingent
still do PT on the quarterdeck every morning. During
the morning two large shoals of dolphins were sighted.
Position Course 324 degrees, Speed 15 knots, Wind WSW, Force 4,
Visibility: bc7, Sea & Swell 13. Barometer 1012.3,
Distance run since 211200 - 310 miles, Latitude 11 degrees 

13 minutes N, Longitude 17 degrees 22 minutes W.
Pay 1330 hrs Contingent paid in Cafeteria Mess Deck. There
will be one more pay just before reaching LONDON.
Deck Cricket 1430 hrs. Wallabies (AMF) 72 defeated Gunroom 22 in
the first round of the Deck Cricket. Competition.
Hotshots (Ship's Coy) 30 defeated RAAF 1 - 10.
Concert The quarterdeck during the afternoon was a hive of activity with preparations for the concert. The stage.
which hitherto had been bare, was draped with coverings
and flags; lights were installed; a curtain was rigged
and wings constructed, until it looked like a normal
professional stage. Awnings were erected down each
side of the complete length of the quarterdeck. Professional 

looking band stands were put in place, and on
excellent amplifying system introduced.
 

Paga 38
The Contingent were amazed at the depth of the Ship's
resources and resource. The setting was so organized
that everyone attending could get a good view and hear
well.
Concert 2000 hrs The Concert commenced before a most 

appreciative 

audience. As usual they were spread from the
quarterdeck over Y turret, onto the upper decks. The
concert compered by Flt/Lt DAVIDSON, ran from 

beginning 

to end without a hitch. The "Torpettes" a 

chorus of 6 members of the Womens Services with one
singing, were deservedly popular. In their first performance, they appeared in scanty costumes of a filmy

light blue material and enacted a normal chorus routine Their second appearance, the last on the programme, practically brought the house down at its conclusion. 

They were dressed in sailor's peacetime
white rig, which suited them admirably. They did a
sailor's hornpipe routine. The highlights of the show
came when suddenly Capt SHOWERS and Brig. MOTEN appeared
attired as sailors and did the same routine with
the girls in the background. This twist was enjoyed
all the more for its unexpectedness.
The "Tropettes" opposition the "Troppos", a male chorus
attired as females, was also very good. Their first
appearance was in an extremely scanty two piece 

costume. 

of a yellow material. The second, in AWAS
drill uniform.
The Wardroom officers presented a sketch interpreting
Nelson's reaction had he seen the Contingent aboard
HMAS SHROPSAIRE. Nelson played by Lt. BASSET indicated his reaction from a picture frame by facial 
expressions. It was cleverly interpreted, very topical,
and most amusing.
There were several vocalists including Flt/Sgt Caldwell
and Cpl Hird. Women's Contingent. Another act deserving
 of special mention was the "Moon Shiners" - five
members of the Ship's Coy, who sang, danced, and played
the accordian in old strolling player style.
From the Contingent's point of view it cas a grand show,
Thanks are due to Lt Comd PURVIS whose hard work behind
the scenes, made it possible.
Thursday 23 May
AT SEA
Weather Fine, clear day with a strong fairly cold wind. we
have left the tropics behind.
Conference O845.hrs Officer's Conference. The following information 

was promulgated.
(1) Details received from LONDON gave this information.
(a) (i) All  xxxx xxxx in the marching column,
less the British Merchant Navy Det., will be aocomodated in tented camps in Kensington Gardens
LONDON. This camp will close on 15 June 46, after
which, alternative accomodation will be arranged.
(ii) All women's Services, less WRHS? will be accomodated in a hutted comp in Bushey Park, LONDON.
(b) Male ORs will carry the Navy issue stretchers, but
all other sleeping requirements will be provided
at the camps.
 

Raising of the Victory March Contingent
Correspondence Many and various were the Administrative Problems created
by the raising of the AMF Component. The time available
for the raising, training and equipping was entirely 

inadequate 

with the result that everything went at too rapid
a pace. It was not possible to pass correspondence through
the normal Army channels owing to the considerable delays
experienced in this sphere and most matters were attended
to by telephone conversations or by personal liaison.
Where necessary written confirmation followed, the verbal
negotiations.
Initial Both the 2 i/c Maj B WILLIAMS and the Adjutant
Comd. CC Capt S P [[?]] arrived on Tuesday 2 Apr 46. Until RR & GBD this
[[?]] time Lt-Col STOKES, CO RR & GBD Watsonia, was 

responsible
for raising the component. To this end a camp site and
had been alloted and the services of the Ms, Capts Murphy
and SPROUZEN, were made available to assist on the [[?]] side.
The cooperation of the CO and staff of RR und Gdd Watsonia
was all that could be desired and helped immeasurably to
get the contingent organized and equipped on the time available.
The CO Brig M J MOTEN arrived on Thursday 4 Apr 46
to take over command. His first day was spent with the
Adjutant-General, Maj-Gen[[CLOWES?]], and Brig PRICE, Brig
i/c Administration [[?]] SOUTHERN COMMAND and Brig 
WITH DMS, BrigKINGHAM

Conference A profitable afternoon was spent at HQ 

AT HQ SOUTHERN

Southern Command COMMAND by the adjutant Capt S P WEIR on Tuesday, 2 Apr 46.
 The Officers responsible for the raising of the Contingent
were able to detail their requirements and all preliminary
instructions were made available to the Adjutant. On
Tuesday 

9 Apr 46, the CO and 2 i/c of the Contingent, attended
a coreference at HQ SOUTHERN COMMAND, at which Lt-Gen ROBERTSON

 Maj-gen EATHER and Brig PRIOR studied and set right
many of the major problems.
2 i/c had been to DFO where finance problems were discussed.
Reenlistments Since the Contingent was to be filled by both serving 

and ex-members of the AMF, the problem of reenlistments
came to the fore. The process of reenlisting ex-members
was rather hurried which the result that personal documents
more in many cases incomplete, dental treatment not given and pay records confused. It became necessary to

submit casualty returns promoting ex "RCOs to the rank previously
held by them and applying for Trade Groupings and Proficiency
Pay for reenlisted ORs. Furthermore the rush was so great
that the majority of ex-civilians had not finalized matters
in their civil occupations. This meant that special leave
had to be granted to attend to such details.
Officers It become necessary very early to post the officers
in accordance with the WE set down in HQ S0UTERN COMMAND Raising Instruction (30784 of 22 Har 46). They arrived one
at a time as they came from all parts of a scattered AlF -
from BCCF, BABAUL, WESTERN COMMAND, QLD L of C 

EASTERN COMMAND, SOUTHERN COMMAND and 4 Military District. As they
arrived Officers were given various temporary postings and 
it was not until Thursday 4 Apr 6 that the final postings
were made..
 

Officers were posted as follows:-

OfficerPostings
Commander     -    Brig M J MOTEN CBE. DSO. ED. 
2 i/c                      -    Maj  B     WILLIAMS, MC               
Adjt                      -   Capt S P  WEIR, MC 
QM                       -   Capt C M  JOHNSTON, MC 
[[?]] Coy,              -    Maj   A L   GLUTH,  
P1    Comd          -     Lt     J D    PECK.  DCM

P1    Comd          -     Lt      A J   deB  FORBES, MC
P1    Comd          -     Lt     L C    STARMER,  MC

Asst Adjt/GY      -      Lt     D V   MENTIPLAY, 

RMO                    -      Maj  H H   McLENNAN

CHAPLAIN         -      Chap 3 rd Class E A James,  MC

War Artist          -       Lt       G R MAINWARING

Cinematographer -  Lt       L E  CUFFLEY

Training was delegated to the 2 i/c and Maj Gluth
was appointed Finance Officer; otherwise the functions of the
various officers were quite normal.
Posting to fill WE On Wed 3 Apr 46 a parade of those members had 

 already reported was held and endeavours were made to fill the

vacancies in the WE. Certain specialist appointments were
required to be filled by certain states but in certain cases
this was not so - the chief discrepancy in this regard was
Record Sjt that of Records Sjt, to be provided by SOUTHERN COMMAND, but

fortunately the arrival of the 8 Military District draft
brought a Sjt experienced in records. He was detailed to fill
Discrepancies in WE the vacancy and the orderly Room w RSM  was set 

   of Sjt tailor and Cpl Shoemaker were not filled as required

from EASTERN COMMAND so the contingent sailed without these

 specialists. The RSM nominated by EASTERN COMMAND

did not
 measure up to the standards required a nd he was replaced by

the RSM from RHC, WOI G J Wilson who had served as a Gunner

in the 1937 Corination Contingent.
Drill Instructors To assist with drill instruction the services of

WOI T PELHIER were obtained and he was loaned by the HQ AMF

AFV School for the duration of the training period in AUSTRALIA.

His enthusiasm was much appreciated by all ranks of the

Contingent and as an expression of their gratitude for his

grand work the men presented him with an inscribed cane. WOI

WALKER and Sjt FARRELL were later loaned from HQ AMF School of

Infantry as Assistant instructors

Training Plan  The limited training period available in AUSTRALIA

influenced the training plan and it was decided that the object

would be to concentrate on preparing the Contingent for the

march through MELBOURNE prior to embarkation. This restricted

the syllabus to elementary foot and arms drill with periods

for PT and short marches.
PT INSTRUCTOR  Maj DICKENS MC, CI of [[?] AMF PT School, FRANKSTON,

was recalled from leave to train an Instructors Cadre of NCOs

in the contingent. For this he had four days and was able

to provide a refresher course for previously trained instructors.

Visits by Brig Price H SOUTHERN COMMAND

During the raising period considerable interest was

Shown by Brig C PRIOR CBE, Brig i/c Adm SOUTHERN COMMAND, in

the raising of the contingent. He was able to provide much

assistance in dealing with pressing problems of personnel

and equipment.
 

-3-

Visit by DOS HQ AMF 

Brig [[?]] CBE, [[?]] HQ AMF, put the whole of

the resources of Ordnance at the service of the Contingent

and spent a profitable afternoon at WATSONIA with Brig C

PRIOR clearing up Ordnance problem.

Visit by GOC SOUTHERN COMMAND.

Lt-gen [[?]] ROBERTSON CBE< DSO< GOC SOUTHERN COMMAND

visited WATSONIA on 10 Apr 46 and after inspecting

the training talked with the Officers. He Advocated PT

 

for developing posture and promised that Maj DICKENS, CI

of the HQ AMF PT School, would be available for instruction,

until embarkation. He was also instrumental in having

WOI PELHIER and drill instructors attached

Visit by Comd Victory March Contingent

Earlier the same day Maj-Gen K W EATHER, CBE DSO

ED, the Commander of the Contingent, had addressed the

troops and met officers. Both he and his ADC, LT RN

LYALL, continued to live in MELBOURNE

Visit by VCGS and [[?]] On Tuesday 16 Apr 46 a practice march past was

held. Lt-Gen S F ROSELL, VCGS, accompanied by Maj-Gen
C A CLOWERS, AG, took the salute and afterwards met the

officers. Mj-Gen K W EATHER and Brig C PRIOR were also

present at the practice which was the first occasion on

which members of the female services were training with

the rest of the contingent.
 Raising Policy The initial instructions for the raising of the

contingent made it clear that it was to be representatives of

the whole of the AMF. So follow out this policy meant the 

inclusion of many members of non-combatant units or of man

Sjt CURTIS whose standard of training was not high. An example was Sjt

CURTIS MM who for 4½ was an RAP Sjt in a Commando

squadron. He had never handled a rifle in his army career

and could not carry out elementary rifle exercises. The

Contingent at this stage being one over strength application

was made for his disposal but authority was not granted

until the last [[?]] by which time the other members of

the contingent raised a firm protest and permission was

obtained to carry him supernumerary to the WE. This was

authorised by HQ AMF 

Reserve On the day prior to embarkation the first reserve

arrived to replace a member who had been evacuated with

acute appendix.

Standard of Training The standard of training reached by

many members

was far from satisfactory and many weeks of parade ground

drill would be required before they would be working at all

well together. The short time available made such training

an impossibility but good weather during the voyage to

ENGLAND might allow finish to be added to their drill. It

Decorated Members is worthy of not that 90 members are decorated including 

Sjt R R RATTEY VC Pte FJ [[?]] VC and PTE R KELLIHER VC.

Liaison with [[?]] & RAAF Liaison with RAN and RAAF was rather restricted as

the selection of their contingent was considerably delayed

the [[?]] contingent being finally selected [[?]] week previous.

It had been though advisable to concentrate these two parties

at WATSONIA, but this was ruled out after discussion

with the services