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

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Monday 20 May    AT SEA

Weather

Another hot tropical day with intermittent rain storms.

Conference

0845 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 Canteen is to be established
at Australia 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.
Address by
Maj. Williams

0900 hrs  Paraded and congregated in Torpedo Space, where
Maj. Williams 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
0930 hrs Broken off for the day on account of expected
frequent rainstorms and the intense heat.
Concert
Preparation
The swimming pool on the quarterdeck was removed, and
preparations for the big concert TROPIC NIGHTS 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 scores belie the good performance of the losers
1
1745 hrs Dirithy Dox came on the air again.

Pictures.

1930 hrs "Scatterbrain" was screened on the F'cstle.

Language
Classes.

It has been announced that Cpl TARRANT 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

0757 hrs. Dropped anchor at FREETOWN.

Freetown, capital of the British Colony of
SIERRE LEONE, WEST AFRICA is situated on the south side
of the SIERRA 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
adequate 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 lines the ship, but kept out of
the way on B Deck whilst the ship steamed to its anchorage.
0845 hrs Port Director came aboard.
Shortly after arriving a tanker came alongside and the
ship commenced oiling.

Native
Bartering

Before the ship berthed native canoes were swarming out
towards it. They had for barter many and various types

of merchandise. Chief amongst which were pineapples,
bananas, mangoes cocoanuts, 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

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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 & Swell 21, Distance run since 201200 - 260
miles.
1400 hrs Gen EATHER & Capt SHOWERS returned.
1515 hrs Sailed 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

0845 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
paludrin. 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 an
excellent amplifying system introduced.

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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 "Tropettes" 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 SHROPSHIRE. Nelson played by Lt. BASSETT 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 was 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

0845.hrs Officer's Conference. The following information

was promulgated.
(1) Details received from LONDON gave this information.
(a) (i) All male personnel in the marching column,
less the British Merchant Navy Det., will be accomodated
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 WHRS, 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
Comd. CO
RR & GDD
WATSONIA

Both the 2 i/c Maj B WILLIAMS and the Adjutant
Capt S P WEIR arrived on Tuesday 2 Apr 46. Until this
time Lt-Col STOKES, CO RR & GDD Watsonia, was responsible
for raising the component. To this end a camp site and
had been alloted and the services of the QMs, Capts MURPHY

and SPROUZEN, were made available to assist on the Q side.
The cooperation of the CO and staff of RR and 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 PRIOR, Brig
i/c Administration HQ SOUTHERN COMMAND. The second day 
with DOS, BrigKINGHAM.
Conferences
at HQ SOUTHERN
COMMAND 
A profitable afternoon was spent at HQ SOUTHERN
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 conference at HQ SOUTHERN COMMAND, at which Lt-Gen ROBERTSON,
Maj-Gen EATHER and Brig PRIOR studied and set right
many of the major problems. Earlier in the day the CO and
2 i/c had been to DFO where finance problems were discussed.
Reenlistments
Promotions

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 with the result that personal documents
were in many cases incomplete, dental treatment not given
and pay records confused. It became necessary to submit
casualty returns promoting ex NCOs 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'
Postings

It became necessary very early to post the officers
in accordance with the WE set down in HQ SOUTHERN COMMAND
Raising Instruction (30784 of 22 Mar 46). They arrived one

at a time as they came from all parts of a scattered AlF -
from BCOF, RABAUL, 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 46 that the final postings
were made.

-2-
Officers were posted as follows:-
Officer
Postings

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
OC Coy,	Maj A L GLUTH
Pl Comd	Lt J D PECK, DCM
Pl Comd	Lt A J deB FORBES, MC
Pl Comd	Lt L C STARMER, MC
Ass Adjt/QM	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.
Postings
to fill WE
Records Sjt
Discrepancies
in WE
RSM
On Wed 3 Apr 46 a parade of those members who 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
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
the vacancy and the orderly Room was set up.  The appointments
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 and he was replaced by
the RSM from RHC, WOI G J WATSON who had served as a Gunner
in the 1937 Coronation 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 HQ 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
HQ SOUTHERN
COMD

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 KINGHAM CBE, DOS 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 problems.
Visit by
GOC SOUTHERN
COMMAND.

Lt-gen HCH 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 the officers. Both he and his ADC, LT R M
LYALL, continued to live in MELBOURNE.

Visit by
VCGS and AG

On Tuesday 16 Apr 46 a practice march past was
held. Lt-Gen S F ROSELL, VCGS, accompanied by Maj-Gen

C A CLOWES, AG, took the salute and afterwards met the
officers. Maj-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
Sjt CURTIN

The initial instructions for the raising of the
contingent made it clear that it was to be representative of
the whole of the AMF. To follow out this policy meant the

inclusion of many members of non-combatant units or of men
whose standard of training was not high. An example was Sjt

CURTIN 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 moment, 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
Decorated
Members

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
is worthy of note that 90 members are decorated including
Sjt R R RATTEY VC, Pte FJ PARTRIDGE VC and Pte R KELLIHER VC.
Liaison with
RAN & RAAF

Liaison with RAN and RAAF was rather restricted as
the selection of their contingents was considerably delayed -
the RAN contingent being concentrated the day prior to embarkation.

It had been thought advisable to concentrate these two parties 
at WATSONIA, but this was ruled out after discussion
with the services.

-4-
Conferences
with RAAF
Representatives
The Naval decisions to include their contingent
as part of the ships company of HMAS SHROPSHIRE relieved
a possible administrative worry. Points of mutual interest
with RAAF were settled at a conference with the CO,

Wing/Comd R KINGSFORD-SMITH and 2 i/c Sqn/Ldr SWAN and
later the Adjt Fl/Lt GRAETZ and Equipment Officer Fl/Lt
WRIGHT of their contingent. These were held at WATSONIA on

11 and 12 Apr 46.
Inspection of
HMAS SHROPSHIRE

RAAF representatives were also present on Monday
15 Apr when Brig MJ MOTEN, col AH SAGE and Capt S P WEIR
inspected accommodation and received details of the voyage
from the Captain and First Lieutenant of HMAS SHROPSHIRE

at PRINCES PIER PORT MELBOURNE. Also present on board
was Lt-Cdr PEEK, CO of the RAN Component.

Reconnaissance
of March Route

Sqn/Ldr SWAN accompanied Maj WILLIAMS during the
reconnaissance of the March route and assembly areas on

the day prior to the March through MELBOURNE.
AMF Womens'
Services 

AMF Women's Services were concentrated at 4 AWAS
Barracks, CAMP PELL and Capt KP BONNIN AAMS was appointed
Liaison officer. Lt RUSSELL OC AWAS LTD was detailed to

assist and proved an energetic and useful contact at CAMP
PELL. Each week the Adjutant visited CAMP PELL to ensure
things were running smoothly and the CO made two calls to
watch the progress of the Womens Services.

Press Publicity
Radio
Recordings

During the three weeks prior to embarkation much

publicity was given to the contingent and each day there
was reference to it in the press with occasional mention
on the radiox. Initially the publicity was not of the
right kind as some very poor photographs were displayed
and individuals were credited with some very stupid statements.
However as soon as the HQ was established control
was exercised and good pictures were displayed accompanied

by facts hitherto not available. The ABC made two recordings
and 3KZ, a commercial station, recorded for their

"Voice of the Voyager" programme.
Security Loan
Rally
A midday loan rally in MELBOURNE was assisted by 

the presence of three members of the contingent and a letter
of appreciation of their services was received from the organisers
of the Security Loan.

Cinematographers
Photographers from Military History and Fox-Movietone
News took a considerable amount of film covering phas
of training.

Military
History personnel
The addition on the day prior to embarkation of a
War Artist and a Cinematographer from the Military History
Section should assist considerably in recording the activities
of the contingent.
Entertainment
It was regretted that the contingent was not
able to avail itself of complimentary tickets for Matinee
performances at both His Majestys' and Tivoli Theatres.
However, their generous offer was acknowledged. 
Amenities
The RSL War Service League Representative arrived
on Wed 3 April and loaned the contingent a Radio Set and presented
50 packs of cards in addition to 2 handkerchiefs per
man.

-5-
Amenities
Cooperation
from C of E
The League of Soldier's Friends, Church of England,
were very generous with their contributions. In addition
to gifts of sports gear, library books, writing paper, they
donated fifty pounds for sports gear and library and fifty
pounds as an emergency loan, to be used at the discretion
of the Padre.
Army Amenities
RAAF AMENITIES
Army Amenities were not at all cooperative until
it was too late to take advantage of their change of policy.
By then it was only possible to accept a small quantity of
sports gear. Policy of the RAAF, however, was in direct
contrast to their Army equivalent. They proved to be 100%
cooperative and made available their complete resources. We
received from them a generous issue of sports gear and a
travelling library, with ample supplies of writing material
added.
Cooperation of
Higher HQ.
Both SOUTHERN COMMAND and HQ AMF were most cooperative
in all phases of the period spent in MELBOURNE.
They were prepared to deal through unusual channels in
order that swift action would ensure.  From the limited
transport at their disposal they made available all the
vehicles that were required by the Contingent prior to the
embarkation.
Advance Party
An Advance Party consisting of Sqn/Ldr SWAN, Lt
MENTIPLAY, WOII RISSON, the RQMS, and Pte MITCHELL, remained
behind in MELBOURNE to finalise unit matters prior to their
on movement by air early in May. They are due to arrive
in the United Kingdom two weeks before the main body.
They received their final instruction about their duties
from the CO just prior to the departure of HMAS SHROPSHIRE
at 1600 hrs 18 April 46.

Report on outfitting and Equipping
of AMF component Aust Victory Contingent.
Assistance
Given
All assistance practical and physical was given
by servicing ADOS and BODS. Owing to restricted
time available the final outfitting was not completed
until the 17th April, the evening prior to sailing.
This left no time available for the majority of
alterations necessary to uniforms.
Uniform
Measurements

Uniform measurements taken in States other than
VICTORIA resulted in many cases in the receipt of
poorly fitting uniforms.
Obtaining of
Requirements 

Delay in outfitting in most cases was due to the
non availability of required sizes in several clothing
items, namely, greatcoat, shoes, boots (larger
sizes) and shirts. Local purchase orders had to be
raised in the case of canvas shoes, leather shoes,
colour patches car pendants. These were speedily
approved but delayed owing to manufacturing delay
and obtaining of required items from other areas.
In the case of uniforms, manufacturing time caused
delay until the morning of the 17 April 46.
Maintenance
Stocks 

Maintenance stores were obtained or delivered
too late for contents to be checked. These had to
be loaded without knowledge of the contents.
No vouchers were received relating to maintenance
stores before sailing.

Aquittal

Owing to restricted space in Shropshire it will
be impossible to ascertain their contents until
arrival in ENGLAND. This will cause considerable
delay in acquittal and acknowledgement of these
stores.
Time Factor

The time factor for obtaining and issuing was
far too short particularly with the numerous extra
ordinary issues made available to the contingent,
all of which were not available together.
Duplication 

Despite close liaison with the various ordanance
groups several indents were duplicated without
Units knowledge resulting in unnecessary waste of
time in return to RSD of these items.
The main and most significant drawback to the
equipping of Unit was shortage of time available.