AWM52 1/11/18/3 - Headquarters London Victory March Contingent, March - September 1946 - Part 1

Conflict:
Second World War, 1939–45
Subject:
  • Documents and letters
Status:
Open for review
Accession number:
RCDIG1026317
Difficulty:

Page 1 / 10

ANNS2 Australlan Miitan; Forces, Amny headquaners, fomatonandunt dianes,1939-1945 1/11/18 MSCELLANEOUS Headquaners London Vcton March Contingent March - September 1946 l 1/II/180032
Zn sAnprxx Lomor unonx Mknnsonimen kommers of hyunte Datz risce Hg sourneen comin pemorandum 30784 - raising 22 Mar 46 Helbourne Instroction for London Vietory Harch Contingent TComponent - issued. Attsched as Appandix Major A.L. CLUTK and dreft of 12 zelected by 26 Kar e6 Nobaul Zej-Cen B.M. MORRIS Commanding Eighth Military Ner Britain District. It A.J. deB FORSZS, MC and draft of 8 selected 27 Mar d6 Kure by 2-io-C BCOF, Lt-Cen J. JORIKCOrT. Jaran Haj B. .IIIIAMS, NC and droft of 40 selected 29 Dar 46 Sydney by C0C Esstern Command, Lt-Cen F.B. BERRYZAN. sland draft errived batzonie, Lt A.C. 31 Mar 46 Watsonis ER, XC, OC Draft. Victoris 30 RR & CDD Jatsonie responzible for raising nit natil steff arrived. Camp Stte 3 alloc¬ sted and camp rescurces madc available to the Contingent. 1 Apr 66 Watzonia- Victorian Contingent concantrated at Reception Watzonia, It J.D. PEcK, DCE, celected as officer Victoris from Victoria and reported watsonis. 2 Apr 45 ZesSouth Sales draft srrives Netzonis, Major Watzonis- B. wIL Iaks, XC, 0C Draft. De took over res¬ Vietoriz tinz from CO of RR & CDD. ponsibility for rai Zc Victory March Ce tingent ras established. Cart 3.P. ZEIR, ZC, scloctod as Adjutant and after sponding the afternoon at Hg Southern Cesmand, reported Datzonia. Issues of kit coærenced at 2 BOD South Kenzington. Victor¬ ien draft joined Contingent. Gatzozis- Cnit organised to conform with WE ss laid down 3 APr 46 in Ed Southern Command raizing Instraction Victoris 30084, attechod. Officers appointed to fill vecancies in tbe wx. Issues of kit continued. 8 x0 draft errived, Major A.L. CLUrH OC Party. Car DS and Jeep evailable fror Rg Southern Comm¬ and until esbarkstion. 4 Apr s6 Watzonia- xa Draft arrived Watzonis after air journey from Vietcria Perth. Lt D.V. LY, OC Draft. Brig N.J. NOTEN, CXE. DSO, ED, arrived to nasue cocrand of af Component of the Contingent. He spent the day with tte Adiutant-Ceneral, Maj¬ Con C.A. CLO.Es and the Brig i/e ade, HO South- ern Command, brig C. PHICR. 5 Arr 46 Vatsonis- Equipping dontinned - 30 scmbers reported to Victoris 2 800. Training coonced with a short route merch. Copt C.M. JOHKSOY, XC, arrived and azxumed his appointment as oM. Car and 2 utilities atteched from Ordnance Vehicle Park, she:an's Bend. Brig PRIOR and Brig XIICHAr, S KC AIF, vizited 'atsonis with 0o. ir Component cocmenced concentration at 1 Perzonnel Depot, Exhibition Boildings, kslsoceam. 6 arr t6 tatsonim Victoris
Plase Dete s wetzonia- Victoris 7 Apr 46 totsonin. Victoris 8 Apr 46 Matzcais- Victoris 9 Apr t6 Watzonis- Victoris 10 Apr 46 Watzonis- Victoris 11 Apr 46 Tetzonis- Vietoris Letsonis- 12 Apr 46 Victoriz - 2. sugnars sf Brants Training carried out unitl 1200 hrz, when personnel departed on weck-end leave. Bcor Party arrived after sir journey from KURE, Japan, Lt A.J. DeB. FORBES, xc, OC Party. O I T. PELIEAR, BC AEF AFV School arrived to take charge drill instruction until embarkation. Rourine Order 1/12 and Fire Orders issued. Rest Day. Sccurity Picquet only remained in Camp. CO eddressed all ranks in the Hezs Hut. Yor the first time all troops were presont fer training, as no equipping was possible st 2 300 for all Arzy institutions were on holiday. tO PELXEAR coæsenced carrying out his training syllabus and troops core given instruction and practice in clomentary foot drill. The Cormander of the ctorg March Contingent, Eej-Cen K.". EATHER, 3E, D30, ED, srrived in Melbourne to sssune command after journeying by bost and then train from Rabsul. Training Syllabus and Standing Orders for Dress cere issued. Attsched as Aptendix "ce. Training continued and included marching in slos and quick time, turning on the march and marking tine. Rifles and bayonets were issued by ol. Issues of clothing and equipment cont- inned at 2 B0D. Dej-den EATHER, Brig NOfEN and aj [ILLIALS attended a conference st HC Southern Command at 1100 hrs. Prior to this the CO and 2 i/c had conferred with senior officers at DyO. BAAy concentration completed. Hifle Drill cozzenced and at 1100 hrs Zej-Gen xR addreszcd troops . Later Lt-Con R.C.H. xxror, COC Scuthern Command, wotched troops drilling mith rifles and met the officerz. RAAF Component, Ting Coxmander R. KINCSFORS- sxrr, pso, Dri, and his 2 i/e Squadron Leader P.H. Svi, DEO, DFC, visited Catsonia to discusz matters of mutual interest to the two Servicez. Heturn of Perzonal Farticulars of Personnel as requested by nç Southern Cocaand for the Depart- zent of Infermation cas submitted. 5 xile route murch along the mmin road to CREENSSOROCOH constituted the sornings train¬ ing. The pee ESX, EO I C.J. EATSOT arrived to tske up his duties. Flight Lieutenant G ad Flight Liotena ICRI of the BiAF Component visited tarsowla to co-ordinate their training and ecuipping. The AßC mobile rocording unit recorded itenz for a Nous Review. RAAF perzonnal cere still being equipped. Ax omes Sorvices received their final equipment. Rontine Order 3/23 issuod. At O530 hrs Col Sybil Irving, Costroller of izis, visited the Womons Sorvicez at Camp Pell. it 1100 krs Brig Moten also visited Camp Fall. Col LZE, 05 Southern Comme: nd, wetched the troops training. The RoM, so I tizSOT, was evacnated to bospital sith an infected car. 20.I MALXER and 3gt FißRFIt arrived from EQ axF School of Iafantry to assist 30 I PLwxiR with Drill Inst- ruction. Najor DIckxxs, CI EQ AMF Pf School, arrived to co-ordinste Pf Training. L: PxcX, Sgt KzICEI and Szt RuxsEIL sttanded a mid-day
Date 13 APr 66 14 Apr 46 15 arr 46 16 Apr 46 Dlacs rarsonix- Vistoris Watzoniz- Victoris Ratsonise Vietoris satronip- Victoria Somsurs of Byente Loen Rally in Helbourne. Wiiir and RAlF Hurzing Service mombers of the Contingen were sclected and concentrated at the wAAaF Berracks, Royal Park. Treining included revision of foot drill and rifle exercises. Rifle Drill, PI and Administration were carried out until 1200 hrs when mambers were allowed to procced week-and loave. The first iszue of tailored SD Unifores was made. RO 4/28 vas issued. RAAF stood domn the whole day. Pte F.J. Partridge, VC. Sst Stoddart, DOM, sat H.D. Genner, Dok and Cpl W.M. Smith, x attended and Investiture at Coveroment Houze s where they received their decorations from the Doke of Cloucestor. Rest Dey. Routine for the march through MEIBOURAE and embarlation Nominal Rollz prepared. Srig Moten, Col Sage, Capt Weir and /Lt Grests visited KDAS "SHROPIHIEr to check details of accommodation and facilities for the voyage. Treining incloded practice in ceremonial and in he Narch Pazt. Minor izzues vore made rom both cnp"C" Store and by our cun CM. 5 Aray tailors reportod for duty from 2 BOD - for attechment until emberkstion. Noutine Order 5/29 was izzued. Embarkation Hominal Rollz were delivered to Ech & RoC MELBOURME. Arrangepants were xnde vith DP & 88 for the printing of special headed Station¬ ery. Kemberz paraded in their Sp oniforas those requiring alteration vere sent to the teilors whose numbers were bolstered by the ærrival of 12 Civilian tailors. A strannous effort was nede by the tail- ers to beve uniforas correctly fitting with color patches and medal ribbons zcen on before the full dresz parade at 1400 hrs. Nai-Gen CALLAORAN, COC S Division vizited Watsonia to mcet the four members ropresenting 8 Div is the Contingent. A practice March Past zas ald at 1430 hre mith It-Cen ROERLL, xr Cös taxing tbe salute. He was eccespan wied by Maj-Cen CLOuES, the af. After the parade Cen RO-XLL met tho officers. Brig PRIOR vas also present. This was the first occassion on which pembers of the Comens Services paraded with the remainder of the Contingeut. Fox Zovie- tone Neus caseramen took moving pictures of the parade. The RiiF Cospanant drill ed doring the day and their representat- ives from the Korens Services vere elro present. Zo Soutbern Command Special Order 1/46 was rooeived. This xx contained details of the march throuch Nelboorpe of the Loxpox vieroxx xaxo? oxxf. Ihe Director of Ary Sarvioes vizited Matsonis and pexod os all availab Anformet o sboat Postal
Ratsonix- 17 Apr 46 Victoria 18 Apr 46 Vatsonis- victoria Services. Routine Orders 6/33 and 7/34 were izzued. Enbarkation Orders iszued. Final isaues of clothing and equigment wore made. failors continued with alterstions and mith the sesing on of patches, etc. Meintenance stocks of clothing and equipment zere losded on HEIS "SEROPSBIRE" st 1000 hra. The day cas sainly devoted to clesring up of administrative cetails. Vebicles arrived in the efternoon to be londed sith personal and "Canted on Voyage" geor. Saldiers Boxes ccre losded by 1700 hrs. Leave concluded at 2330 hrs as overnight leave vas not granted. Routine Orders 8/35 and 9/36 were izsued. Preparations were woll in hand for an carly move out in the morning. RAN Comp¬ chent cas concentrated and formed part of the Shirs Company of EEAS "STROPSSIaT". Reveille and hreakfast were carlier than normal in order that personal gear coold àe loeded and transported to Princes Peir by 0500 Ers. Parade vas held for the issne of estarkation nombers and for the reading of Instructions for the Voyeze. Approximately as hour was devoted to drilling and prect- icing for the march through Zelbourne. 1130 hrs the AXf Component embussed for the cove to the Asseably Aros for the march. The Riir Component cas inspected by the Chief of the Air Staff, prior to their movesent to the Aszembly Ares. At 1230 hrs the Contingent azzembled as e Conticcent for the first time. At 1300 hrs the march throuch Malbourne come¬ enced and received a magnificent reception fros ono of Helbournes largest crowds. o the garch Nai-Gen EATHKR and Brig boren attended e reception et the Town Ball. Eabarkation cas completed by 1500 hrs. Ihe Contingent lined ship and st 1600 hrs the cruizer departed from the wharf. Lt-Cen ROBERISOT. Maj-Cen CLOtES, Maj-Cen BTRSTON prig PRXOK rore present to farevall the entingent. Offioers vere eccommodated on the Ward Room Flat end in the Bridge Struct- -ore. ORs vere cccommodstod on the two Ness Decks, bedding in the form of stretcherz, ettreszes, blanketz being provieed by the ship. Zos and Eaav r/ägtz are pessing in equivalcnt meszes aboard ship. Sste and belor are messing in Cafetcriz. UR fermle senbers sesz in the zo's Zess. Officers are divided between Coptain's Mess, Ward Room end Cun Hoom, Ihe remeinder of the day ves spent in settl¬ siag in amd learming the Sirg gg... Sendor Orriegra of Kuls rerngpee. folloxs :- Capt H.A. SsOurRS, Ceptnin C, EAS Commander Comd J.C. IOEROd, DSO, DSC,BAN Cosmander(M)Comnd H.G.D.OLIVSS, RAI Commandor (M)Oond J.S. nESLzx. pac, nas Corsander(a)Comd R.r. narrn, psc, nax Sorgeon Comenoder C.R. DOCNEIRD, DEC, RAX Surreon Commander(D) D.O. S00-TRY, RAN
Date Plass At Sem 19 Apr 46 20 Apr 45 At Sca zv Apr 46 At so- - 5. Sumrary of Eventa Cloudy mith good visibility. Smooth ses wich long slow zwell. Routine Order serial 11/38 vas izsued, detailing slightly amended routine for the voyage. This was to commence on 20 Apr eé. 1030 hrs. Muster Parade. 1045 hrz. Church Parade all ranks, peroded separately. At conclusion of Church Perade, Commander MORROñ spoke to all members of the Cortingent. Desides urging cverybody's co-operstion in caforcing the rules and custorns of the ship, he pointed out several, he expreas- ed the dezire that the Contingent would onjoy thenselves during the months they would spond boerd. Capt bElz ovacuated Sick Bay sith Mal- -aria. Lt STARTEX assumed duties of adjutant his abzenoe. Lt PEcK evscuated Sick Bey with Sote Ihrost. 1400 hrs. Parade was hold to hang Number One oniforms in the Hoom provided below. These will not be porn on voyage. Ronninder of the day spent in tying up minor administration. Fine, clondy - strong cind and quiet seo. 8co brz. Coeneed first training aboard shi; Platoons paraced on the main deck amidshipz. sind and noise generally makes voice control very difficalt. Drill of any kind is almoat ispessible with the ship rolling even slightly. Palodrinc adnimistered for the first time. Ihere will be a bi-eckly issue throughout the trip for all razkz. O540 hrz. Practice drezz- -ing ship. The AMF and Baar Contingants take up a position on the "thorf Sid." of ship on estering ond lesving port. 1045 hrs. Cartein' Inspection accorpanied by Cen ZATZER. All renks resained in approximate dressing shig position on 'à- Deck thronghout the Inspection. li15 hrs. Rifles cleaned and returned to Armoury. Inst-netionz issucd thet all vebbing will be blansced by Monday in resdingss for the Karch through PPRfK at mid-day on 22 Apr 46 1400 - 1500 hrz. Pf and Recrestional Training. 1500 hrz. Pf for all officers on Quarterdeck. Noxens Services at 10000 hrz at their first Pf and Drill Parnde en boerd sbowed decided koenness. Second Parade eas beld at 1400 hrz. e RAAF hald one PT parade as the majority of thir Contingent are assisting their opporite tocial ber on the Ship. The Ha are employed dering the day on normel shipz dutiez, but zpand one hour in the merning on drill and Pr. Centin scent Libræry and Ships Library oos in fell e-in. 2030 hrs. I-promptu concert beld in Cofeteria. It is intended to hold a reekly consert. 2100 hrz. Heather co-ncod t detericrate. 2 10 hr. Very rouch - gear acrift everychers Zeevy rsin sgualls of chort ooration. 0000 hre xxxerxably good attondonoe at brockfast. Owing to rongh ocathar chorch paraie soboduled for t000 bre vas canoallol. Voluntary C of n 30 vervices were belddring toe dey. Best Deg for all ranks plns blaneoing of webbing. 1603 Seather improving. Sroll still averags long se moderats heigst bat rough. Lt P-CK rotorned to caty.
Dute 22 Spr 46 23 Apr 46 Placa At Son At Sca - FSNMANTLE sunnurs of Euanto Fino clear day, slight sea with a modorate to avorago swall. Majority of day spent in preparation for march in PEATH on 23 Apr. 0900 hrs Parado cithont riflas, but with rifla slings. Webbing in- pobbing incladi znectod to ensure blancoing carried ogt atisfactorily. 0945 hrs- 1100 hrs Pf and egamised garas. 1400 hra ßoed SD uniforms distribatad. 1300 hrs - 1600 hrs PI and iflos izzued from orrunizei gamos. 1700 hr soury. 1600 Srs Zrig Z conferanoe to diseurr tanded by Waj WILLLAHS ar stion whilst at Fn ENT DTE I A poliy gra ovrern eve only to thos tvos aad fricncs in roorsol having re vaz decldod. This to be until 290800 hrs ainder until ?e:00 hrs. This arrengeront wa trospe zlighalg altered by Gen MATzRH. rs of Contingest did arprox iz hra Femal the dey under s/Sit XSICHT Fr en å fine clear day. O750 hre All ranks assumod dressing shin positions proparstory to ontering barboxr. Pareded with rifles and sidesrmr and dresred as for tbe marc Contingent stood et attention as the shi; stesced isto No 5 Dock FRENANTLE, and berthed O820 hrz. There vas a crowd of approximatol 3C ond Western Comd band on tbe wharf. O8 hre Pæraded on the whorf preperstory to arm drill snd oorching. This was doce not only to proctise all parsonnel for march hrough aT, bat to give toez back their "land legs". This proved to bo vory important as quite a er of personnel bad not got "thos" con¬ plotely bock ac late as the march itzelf. Both foot drill e d rifle drill were reggod aftor Mrst disembarking, but iwproved. Also train¬ nø vere 60 armeé personnol of Hras eSuROPSIIRE æs vere to tørs part 19 ( grog Jorged snss Gortüirgent and Fggsogggg kæren. bok ur- at tho reor of the wharf whero Con SiTHER oddracped thes abont the standard of dressing ship, end stating toet it rurst shoc a distinct imrroverent in the future. Ne also promiced tnet leave wouhd be granted until 240900 hrs for those staving overnight and until 240:00 ar for the rogainder. 1020 hrs Troops broken ofr r a enp of nes and finzl polisb-un. !:C0 hrz 11 in or whærf und marchod to train. 207 hr Arrived PKRTH railomy station. Detroined and fell in, in front of station with the heud of the coluæn at the EKST end. 1225 hrs Ha5-Cen arrlvod end took oorsend of ube Parodc. $230 hrs Contingent poved off in the follosing order:- Gestern Cood S aval Cont sorgerm crar u wis Again fomals benberw of oach Servise marcod behind cirrespoctive contingen Bouto -MLTOS St - AARECX St - Mix st- sILULAN St - SI OROSRSS Too - to Inasc House. Ine Contingont passod the Salzting Sage aituaoed in St George's Toe opposlte I2IWIT? Church at t242 hrs. The Salnte was taken o äis Expallency, the Lieutenant-Covernor, Sir janns uxroLL, xon. When the hand of toe coluon roochod the Salnting Sege, Haj-Cor
plto Dle 24 apr 46 FK-ULNLE. At soa 25 irs t5 tSes Sunsars of Eynnts EEn fall out and joined the official party. t GløR who observed tho march os a spectator feults in the calibre of che narching ut thoy r¬ tre rainly concernod with individnals not of the Contingen ut ass obole. The ingent caz brakon of at AXZLC Houso, wbere fles and sideoros woro collected and trons¬ rted beck to the Ship. Tbo encire Contingent ses entertainod ut lunch by the Citizans' Rin r Afte r luzch, all ranks, ith tho oycoption of a ¬ mell secorlty picquet a the Snip, were given loove. 1343 hrs. Con ALAER togethor sich all service honds of the gent including Col SACS, Chiof Office iS. Soc Officor CARTER and Mej DEASEI cue en orficial call on Sir James ond LEdy IICHEII at Govormmont Ho: ase. 1700 hrs Staff Corps Wess, SCLN BSrrocks, entertaine: all Ofricers of the Contingent. The opportumity vos taken for Western Comd to pay tributc to Col SAOM for the jos ahc has donc a as Untron in Chier of the AHS drrirg the we Dr. Esj WILLIAES, the senior aale Contingent officer precont, thanked the President and members on behalf of the Contingont. 2100 hrsOfflcers tore invited to be gnests of the CO and "stron of tt0 Anst den Hospltal. * Hostern Anstralisa members of haval Contingont joined nt PrWI Mino clonr day mith only a very slight breere. 530d hrs chek parade hald to ascortain chotber a perzonnel ratorued frem lcave. RaN ond Lar ocru all prosent, approx 10 ASr missing. 330 hrs Ordera given to assune Gressing ship position. A cromd of approge 250 was presont o the wharf, and the Westorn Cord Band plaged the Ship out, assistod by the Ship's Marins Band plnying on the Gunrtordeck. 0955 hrs Hissing AF personnal arrivod in a bowy eftor gangeays hai beua dranea op. 1000 hrs Ine ship dres out of the Dock vith ühe Contingent lining Ship's side. 1920 hre Stood down. Good uniforms returnod Juring norning. Enil distribated. tape: IR rezued his dutios as Kcjutant and Lt an sused cond of his Platoon. 1300 hrz 23 Janpnt of Contingent mustered on peinjock asiüzhips, and Lon Härieh addrospod trcops. He reiteratod his remarko modo bofore Leaving ELLCEUE with roforence to his intennion to grant as m leavo as possible. He warned all athit ? Dhis only applied as long ns thoy uüe game'. Ang fuxure Ancidonts plage lfke drnxrie Sais zoxning's would rosult in a very curt zilsazt of leave, both in CAPS TOSS and is LGZDOT. 1515 - 1600 hrs. Pf and organised Zarsc. O510 hrr. Hazvy rein squall with cind rining to gals veleeity. Dnpleasant, cialy und windy 30 hra Officors' conference in Ordorly Jollssing ersining progromme promolgatod: Koc¬. C - 6913 Erz: Fall in, Administration and In poction. 2512 - 1075 hrs: Pf and rocreational training. Armz Drill overg socond day. 15 - 1030 hrE: Locturotte 32 - 1045 DrE: Breck 15 - 1130 Er: Pf or Drill 1115 - 3130 hrs: Rifle cleoning ereng socond o 7130 - 1500 hrz: Dinner Broak 1700 - 1600 hrs: Pf and Geoes
date 26 apr eé At Sez - 9 Suær ayy of Pynsis oce Pregrarne designed to be es flexible as poss¬ ible and permit of ready alteration in event ad weather or other unforseen occrenc lecturette period to be arranged from cey to "ay, lecturers to he provlded fros RAN & EAAF M and vice versa. It is also intended to use this peried to further hy question and the Tontingent' Fnowledge of ANSTRAllz. asvor, iatet ermatien will be issucd in the neor Psture. 0 hrs Porade acc administration of ralucrine. - 1015 hre 'T and reereational traising. Lecturette time used to escectain cen's views on cutertainment. Li-Cocd PTAVIS has ccen sigazted ship's Entertaingent Officer, and is ous to co-ercinnte detalls of concerts, 2, gard parties, p1ays, I,, ira 1vcjested. zible. Sck vames, aad a rrade to commeccrate AMZAC Day on ek. )né to be cnncelled oring to un¬ suitecle wcather. Proke 6ff. Church esheld a fctr*e dosz is lic. ofer discussion licut, it ens decided to allocate all ir's cntiez. These to e corried out XCST er did not permit full troining eidet oneities as clozaly az 3ossible to men'e civilies veeations and secordly, r experiesec. This includes cerpenters. ereren, shest actal porkors, mechanics ors. Wot only will this greatly cilitate the vorking ef the ship, but will cnsiderably to relieve borecom. In e, a dut platcon sill be deteiled daily hin'n detiss as required. The Cantsin iy coneente te allos two aties of slz y, to e taker en a cordueted tour of :: 0230 Ere and 1040 r-¬ re Parede. All ranks stooo ocwu. ne cloar cay mith very slicht ses. 6645 hrs fererce ef all cfficers in the Orderly Noom. stem inaguarated for the cistribation of rmatica os ACETMALlA. Decided to distribute aphletz ea platocc hais, with plstoon sjs ining copies that are not in sufficient ce nrers to go roune. (600 hrs All ranks radod and allot'ed to erip's du'ies for the Ant. Aben" ten personnel gives specizlist , remainder ssec on generel unsilllod e is Anelnded a reriety of jobs from bichisg end rerubbing decks to OfI0 hre Srig E0TME entlined LLIAS sucgested iceas for coning eith he expected fhood of invitations in E3GLLID. t 's proposce thet a pro ferrs outlining action cken, ja cctail, be attachej to ench invitatior ire. A crraitteeof to officers a ee is proposed, to dcal with the flood. It is hoped that secreterial ite ASIALII EOSE on arr'val. Tletoce Cods will bave to keey compre'ensise lists of visits to essure that ch eun sces az much o cLaND aad possily Lit a osible. ie TEZ alzo dirested CREES to give thought to a mthod of obtsin¬ a prists of neusyaper photographs for the er Wiary and chosocver say desire them. This : o give each en achne of oteisig all, oblizhed pbotographs and at the aanet certain of cventually recciving them. If toss¬ ible thiz will be dome in CiPE fO:N as well.
Tate 27 apr 45 25 Arr 66 2 AFF G6 Plses a seo At Sea at 5: Spæmary of Eyents All australian concy was exchanged for Sterling during the day. on the basis of One Pound Sterling to 25/- Anstralian. All rooks have noz ed their naybocks altercd to include the hanze alloreese due on leaving AUsTRALl. Deck becke: hos hos tecose o popular and regular port for the Contingent. It is CABCPE I sye 25 ted in the starbonrd rek. Ployed with cons sticks is on: A a ros isa socs a iale casc. 1èno hrs a rrerse of resorded ensic aas phoped over the syster with , the ship' gentary by It-Co- as ordered to bed aste.Fr - fer "hree eays. ine cleer day, bocon: ite coa hrectein o . "rscticolly no zwell. 2hr erence in Orderly Roon. ifi AS and revac would be one Juriag afteracon. 10 hrs Parade. alvérine scrisistered and d inoculation rolls rity of men require rought un to de evac ane aperos 2. Hifle rolls and anprehessive syszen ar stering produced for the fret tine. Rif. l ersonnel worned t a careJul of beoding as blalots are rdl aleable articles. Lists eie ¬ al Mit takcn - theso ere dite nunerous. An attespt is being made to -iszue fres meintene a es during voyage. 30 - 1100 hrE 27. Widda: or Oh persomnel .. This will at1110 hre i f 1200 zvolve brechin- a . 1100 hre instead of 113- e as hit orto. TOAS Ers Pej-Cn LAIHER inter¬ ee s trrived after OTOC Irs at MAETLK. " P bed sut to rach man individ¬ ly the seriousnes and Ey plications of his fence. o othe ry action has been iss:) tahen. 1 araded for inoculot¬ I fark oithe certi a of LAAF she reccived thes beforc cnherkatíon. Fine cay hut al! 1y evereast. hrFell 192 in by glatoana ' of thehe ssed in ice spaee. o os bereta. Navy end air Foree Tses. r tordock alerc the lectern torpedo ghees to ? sas creeted fer ehnech parade. At the conclusion of the church parae all ranks steed doan for the day. Foly CeFrt iw sas celeratcd in the ward room. 1945 he: Concert hele in toee spuce. Fine clear wey -i? le sterase seell one alight ca. Oe "conferense in Orderly ren for herkiag cf pom. Instructlons adle azes to be is to ? ring day. Kit he er aice date to he despatched froo Ci TOit again re (ê[N on arrival. 0200 Ers Parsde aS sdninistration. Lizt persomnel entitled te decorations an coc heve rs l not yet been imrertcd zupil frill by placconz. I 6- 11 birr. 1100 - II Kcrentonl? --- 21 I?¬ iz-ies. To fset the los¬ bedding and Plenbet: previchsly mente, all baddigg cas rarke: its oroer's ecbarkstion serial nomber. All r kz again imgrescce sith oeserviag ti right of ray in 300 - 1200 Ers I ari organised parey. aes.1¬ rs Jo deck bockey bt Geck cricket corsenced for first t rleged is tö¬ It is

AWM52
Australlan Military Forces, Army headquarters,
fomation and unit diaries, 1939-1945
1/11/18
MISCELLANEOUS
Headquarters London Victory
March Contingent
March - September 1946

[*barcode*] Diagram/Map - see original document
1/II/18-0032

 

Page 1
WAR DIARY

LONDON VICTORY MARCH CONTINGENT 

Date Place Summary of Events
22 Mar 46 Melbourne

HQ SOUTHERN COMMAND memorandum 30784 - raising

Instructions for London Victory March Contingent

AMF Component - issued. Attached as Appendix

"A".
26 Mar 46

Rabaul

New Britain

Major A.L. GLUTH and draft of 12 selected by

Maj-Gen S.M. MORRIS Commanding Eighth Military

District.
27 Mar 46 Kure -
Japan

Lt A.J. deB FORBES, MC and draft of 8 selected

by C-in-C BCOF, Lt-Cen J. NORTHCOTT.
29 Mar 46 Sydney

Maj B. WILLIAMS, MC and draft of 40 selected

by GOC Eastern Command, Lt-Gen F.B. BERRYMAN.
31 Mar 46 Watsonia -
Victoria		 Queensland draft arrived Watsonia, Lt A.C.
STARMER, MC, OC Draft.
CO RR & GDD Watsonia responsible for raising
unit until staff arrived. Camp Site 3 allocated
and camp resources made available to the
Contingent.
1 Apr 46 Watsonia -
Victoria		 Victorian Contingent concentrated at Reception
Watsonia, Lt J.D. PECK, DCM, selected as officer
from Victoria and reported Watsonia.
2 Apr 46 Watsonia -
Victoria		 New South wales draft arrives Watsonia, Major
B. WILLIAMS, MC, OC Draft. He took over responsibility
for raising from CO of RR & GDD.
HQ Victory March Contingent was established.
Capt S.P. WEIR, MC, selected as Adjutant and
after spending the afternoon at HQ Southern
Command, reported Watsonia. Issues of kit
commenced at 2 BOD South Kensington. Victorian
draft joined Contingent.
3 Apr 46 Watsonia -
Victoria		 Unit organised to conform with WE as laid down
in HQ Southern Command raising Instruction
30784, attached. Officers appointed to fill
vacancies in the WE. Issues of kit continued.
8 MD draft arrived, Major A.L. GLUTH OC Party.
Car DS and Jeep available from HQ Southern Command
until embarkation.
4 Apr 46 Watsonia -
Victoria		 WA Draft arrived Watsonia after air journey from
Perth. Lt D.V. MENTIPLAY, OC Draft.
Brig M.J. MOTEN, CBE, DSO, ED, arrived to
assume command of AMF Component of the Contingent.
He spent the day with the Adjutant-General, Maj-Gen
C.A. CLOWES and the Brig i/c Adm, HQ Southern
Command, Brig C. PRIOR.
5 Apr 46 Watsonia -
Victoria		 Equipping continued - 30 members reported to
2 BOD. Training commenced with a short route
march. Capt C.M. JOHNSON, MC, arrived and
assumed his appointment as QM. Car and 2
utilities attached from Ordnance Vehicle Park,
Fisherman's Bend. Brig PRIOR and Brig KINGHAM,
DCS HQ AMF, visited Watsonia with CO.
RAAF Component commenced concentration at 1
Personnel Depot, Exhibition Buildings, MELBOURNE.
6 Apr 46 Watsonia -
Victoria		  
 

- 2 -

Date Place Summary of Events
6 Apr 46 Watsonia -
Victoria		 Training carried out until 1200 hrs, when
personnel departed on week-end leave.
BCOF Party arrived after air journey from
KURE, Japan, Lt A.J. DeB. FORBES, MC, OC Party.
WO I T. PELMEAR, HQ AMF AFV School arrived to
take charge drill instruction until embarkation.
Routine Order 1/12 and Fire Orders issued.
7 Apr 46 Watsonia -
Victoria		 Rest Day. Security Picquet only remained in
Camp.
8 Apr 46 Watsonia -
Victoria		 CO addressed all ranks in the Mess Hut. For the
first time all troops were present for training,
as no equipping was possible at 2 BOD for all
Army institutions were on holiday. WO PELMEAR
commenced carrying out his training syllabus
and troops were given instruction and practice
in elementary foot drill. The Commander of the
Victory March Contingent, Maj-Gen K.W. EATHER,
CBE, DSO, ED, arrived in Melbourne to assume
command after journeying by boat and then train
from Rabaul. Training Syllabus and Standing
Orders for Dress were issued. Attached as
Appendix "C".
9 Apr 46 Watsonia -
Victoria		 Training continued and included marching in
slow and quick time, turning on the march and
marking time. Rifles and bayonets were issued
by QM. Issues of clothing and equipment continued
at 2 BOD. Maj-Gen EATHER, Brig MOTEN and
Maj WILLIAMS attended a conference at HQ Southern
Command at 1100 hrs. Prior to this the CO and
2 i/c had conferred with senior officers at
DFO. RAAF concentration completed.
10 Apr 46 Watsonia -
Victoria		 Rifle Drill commenced and at 1100 hrs Maj-Gen
EATHER addressed troops . Later Lt-Col H.C.H.
ROBERTSON, GOC Southern Command, watched troops
drilling with rifles and met the officers. CO
RAAF Component, Wing Commander R. KINGSFORD-SMITH
DSO, DFC, and his 2 i/c Squadron Leader
P.H. SWAN, DSO, DFC, visited Watsonia to discuss
matters of mutual interest to the two Services.
Return of Personal Particulars of Personnel as
requested by HQ Southern Command for the Department
of Information was submitted.
11 Apr 46 Watsonia -
Victoria		 5 mile route march along the main road to
GREENSBOROUGH constituted the mornings training.
The new RSM, WO 1 G.J. WATSON arrived
to take up his duties. Flight Lieutenant
GRAETZ and Flight Lieutenant WRIGHT of the
RAAF Component visited WATSONIA to co-ordinate
their training and equipping. The ABC mobile
recording unit recorded items for a News Review.
RAAF personnel were still being equipped. AMF
Womens Services received their final equipment.
Routine Order 3/23 issued.
12 Apr 46 Watsonia -
Victoria		 At 0930 hrs Col Sybil Irving, Controller of
AWAS, visited the Womens Services at Camp Pell.
At 1100 hrs Brig Moten also visited Camp Pell.
Col LEE, SS Southern Command, watched the troops
training. The RSM, WO 1 WATSON, was evacuated
to hospital with an infected ear. WO 1 WALKER
and Sgt FARRELL arrived from HQ AMF School of
Infantry to assist WO 1 PELMEAR with Drill Instruction.
Major DICKENS, CI HQ AMF PT School,
arrived to co-ordinate PT Training. Lt PECK,
Sgt KNIGHT and Sgt RUSSELL attended a mid-day
 

- 3 -

Date Place Summary of Evetnts
    Loan Rally in Melbourne. WAAAF and RAAF
Nursing Service members of the Contingent
were selected and concentrated at the
WAAAF Barracks, Royal Park. Training
included revision of foot drill and
rifle exercises.
13 Apr 46 Watsonia -
Victoria		 Rifle Drill, PT and Administration were
carried out until 1200 hrs when members
were allowed to proceed week-end leave.
The first issue of tailored SD Uniforms
was made. RO 4/28 was issued. RAAF
stood down the whole day. Pte F.J.
Partridge, VC, Sgt Stoddart, DCM, Sgt
H.D. Genner, DCM and Cpl W.M. Smith, MM
attended and Investiture at Government
House SYDNEY where they received their
decorations from HRH the Duke of
Gloucester.
14 Apr 46 Watsonia -
Victoria		 Rest Day.
Routine for the march through MELBOURNE
and embarkation Nominal Rolls prepared.
15 Apr 46 Watsonia -
Victoria		 Brig Moten, Col Sage, Capt Weir and
F/Lt [[Grests?]] visited HMAS "SHROPSHIRE"
to check details of accommodation and
facilities for the voyage. Training
included practice in ceremonial and in
the March Past. Minor issues were made
from both camp "Q" Store and by our own
QM. 5 Army tailors reported for duty
from 2 BOD - for attachment until
embarkation. Routine Order 5/29 was
issued. Embarkation Mominal Rolls were
delivered to [[Ech?]] & Rec MELBOURNE.
Arrangements were made with DP & SS for
the printing of special headed Stationery.
16 Apr 46 Watsonia -
Victoria		 Members paraded in their SD uniforms
those requiring alteration were sent to
the tailors whose numbers were bolstered
by the arrival of 12 Civilian tailors.
A strenuous effort was made by the tailors
to have uniforms correctly fitting
with color patches and medal ribbons
sewn on before the full dress parade at
1400 hrs. Maj-Gen CALLAGHAN, GOC 8
Division visited Watsonia to meet the
four members representing 8 Div in the
Contingent. A practice March Past was
held at 1430 hrs with Lt-Gen ROWELL, VC
VCGS taking the salute. He was accompanied
by Maj-Gen CLOWES, the AG. After
the parade Gen ROWELL met the officers.
Brig PRIOR was also present. This was
the first occassion on which members of
the Womens Services paraded with the
remainder of the Contingent. Fox Movietone
News cameramen took moving pictures
of the parade. The RAAF Component drilled
during the day and their representatives
from the Womens Services were also
present. HQ Southern Command Special
Order 1/46 was received. This detailed
contained details of the march through
Melbourne of the LONDON VICTORY MARCH
CONTINGENT. The Director of Army [[?]]
Services visited Watsonia and passed on
all available information about Postal
 

- 4 -

    Services. Routine Orders 6/33 and 7/34
were issued. Embarkation Orders issued.
17 Apr 46 Watsonia -
Victoria		 Final issues of clothing and equipment were
made. Tailors continued with alterations
and with the sewing on of patches, etc.
Maintenance stocks of clothing and equipment
were loaded on HMAS "SHROPSHIRE" at 1000 hrs.
The day was mainly devoted to clearing up of
administrative details. Vehicles arrived
in the afternoon to be loaded with personal
and "Wanted on Voyage" gear. S[[?]]oldiers Boxes
were loaded by 1700 hrs. Leave concluded
at 2330 hrs as overnight leave was not
granted. Routine Orders 8/35 and 9/36 were
issued. Preparations were well in hand for
an early move out in the morning. RAN Component
was concentrated and formed part of the
Ships Company of HMAS "SHROPSHIRE".
18 Apr 46 Watsonia -
Victoria

Reveille and breakfast were earlier than
normal in order that personal gear could be
loaded and transported to Princes Peir by
0900 hrs. Parade was held for the issue of
embarkation numbers and for the reading of
Instructions for the Voyage. Approximately
an hour was devoted to drilling and practicing
for the march through Melbourne. At
1130 hrs the AMF Component embussed for the
move to the Assembly Area for the march. The
RAAF Component was inspected by the Chief of
the Air Staff, prior to their movement to
the Assembly Area. At 1230 hrs the Contingent
assembled as a Contingent for the first time.
At 1300 hrs the march through Melbourne commenced

and received a magnificent reception
from one of Melbournes largest crowds. After
the march Mai-Gen EATHER and Brig MOTEN
attended a reception at the Town Hall.
Embarkation was completed by 1500 hrs. The
Contingent lined ship and at 1600 hrs the
cruiser departed from the wharf. Lt-Gen
ROBERTSON, Maj-Gen CLOWES, Maj-Gen BURSTON
and Brig PRIOR were present to farewell the
Contingent. Officers were accommodated on
the Ward Room Flat end in the Bridge Structure.
ORs were accommodated on the two Mess
Decks, bedding in the form of stretchers,
mattresses, blankets being provided by the
ship. WOs and RAAF F/Sgts are messing in
equivalent messes aboard ship. Sgts and
below are messing in Cafetcria. OR female
members mess in the IO's Mess. Officers
are divided between Captain's Mess, Ward
Room and Gun Room.
The remainder of the day was spent in settling
in and learning the Ships routine.
Senior Officers of HMAS "SHROPSHIRE" are as
follows :-
Captain Capt H.A. SHOWERS, CBE, RAN
Commander Comd J.C. MORROW, DSO, DSC, RAN
Commander(M) Commd H.G.D.OLIVER, RAN
Commander(N) Comd J.S. WESLEY, DSC, RAN
Commander(S) Comd R.F. HATTERAL, DSC, RAN
Surgeon Commander C.R. DOWHEARD, DSC, RAN
Surgeon Commander(D) D.O. SOUTHBY, RAN
 

- 5 -

Date Place Summary of Events
19 Apr 46 At Sea Cloudy with good visibility. Smooth seas with
long slow swell.
Routine Order serial 11/38 vas issued, detailing
slightly amended routine for the voyage. This
was to commence on 20 Apr 46. 1030 hrs. Muster
Parade. 1045 hrs. Church Parade all ranks, [[RN?]]
paraded separately. At conclusion of Church
Parade, Commander MORROW spoke to all members
of the Contingent. Besides urging everybody's
co-operation in enforcing the rules and customs
of the ship, he pointed out several, he expressed
the desire that the Contingent would enjoy
themslelves during the months they would spend [[on?]]
board. Capt WEIR evacuated Sick Bay with Malaria.
Lt STARNER assumed duties of adjutant [[in?]]
huis absence. Lt PECK evacuated Sick Bay with
Soire Throat. 1400 hrs. Parade was held to
hang Number One uniforms in the Room provided
below. These will not be worn on voyage.
Remainder of the day spent in tying up minor
administration.
20 Apr 46 At Sea Fine, cloudy - strong wind and quiet sea.
0900 hrs. Commenced first training aboard ship
Platoons paraded on the main deck amidships.
Wind and noise generally makes voice control
very difficult. Drill of any kind is almost
impossible with the ship rolling even slightly.
Paludrine administered for the first time.
There will be a bi-weekly issue throughout the
trip for all ranks. 0940 hrs. Practiced dressing
ship. The AMF and RAAF Contingents take
up a position on the "Wharf Side" of ship on
entering and leaving port. 1045 hrs. Captain'[[s?]]
Inspection accompanied by Gen EATHER. All
ranks remained in approximate dressing ship
position on "B" Deck throughout the Inspection.
1115 hrs. Rifles cleaned and returned to
Armoury. Instructions issued that all webbing
will be blancoed by Monday in readiness for the
March through PERTH at mid-day on 22 Apr 46.
1400 - 1500 hrs. PT and Recreational Training.
1600 hrs. PT for all officers on Quarterdeck.
Womens Services at 10000 hrs at their first
PT and Drill Parade on board showed decided
keenness. Second Parade was held at 1400 hrs.
The RAAF held one PT parade as the majority of
their Contingent are assisting their opposite
technical numbers on the Ship. The RAN are
employed during the day on normal ships duties,
but spend one hour in the morning on drill and
PT. Contingent Library and Ships Library now
in full swing. 2030 hrs. Impromptu concert
held in Cafeteria. It is intended to hold a
weekly concert. 2100 hrs. Weather commenced t[[o?]]
deteriorate. 2330 hrs. Very rough - gear
adrift everywhere.
21 Apr 46 At Sea Heavy rain squalls of short duration. 0700 hrs
Remarkably good attendance at breakfast. Owing
to rough weather church parade scheduled for
1000 hrs was cancelled. Voluntary C of E and
RC services were held during the day. Rest Day
for all ranks plus blancoing of webbing. 1600
Weather improving. Swell still average length,
sea moderate height but rough. Lt PECK returned
to duty.
 

- 6 -

Date Place Summary of Events
22 Apr 46 At Sea Fine clear day, slight sea with a moderate to
average swell. Majority of day spent in
preparation for march in PERTH on 23 Apr.
0900 hrs Parade without rifles, but with
webbing including rifle slings. Webbing inspected
to ensure blancoing carried out
satisfactorily. 0945 hrs - 1100 hrs PT and
organised games. 1400 hrs Good SD uniforms
distributed. 1500 hrs - 1600 hrs PT and
organised games. 1900 hrs Rifles issued from
armoury. 1600 hrs Brig MOTEN held conference
attended by Maj WILLIAMS and Adjt to discuss
leave question whilst at FREMANTLE. A policy
of granting overnight leave only to those
personnel having relatives and friends in
PERTH was decided. This to be until 240800 hrs
remainder until 240100 hrs. This arrangement was
subsequently slightly altered by Gen EATHER.
Female members of Contingent did approx 1½ hrs 
PT during the day under S/Sjt KNIGHT
23 Apr 46 At Sea -
FREMANTLE		 A fine clear day. 0750 hrs All ranks assumed
dressing ship positions preparatory to
entering harbour. Paraded with rifles and
sidearms and dressed as for the march.
Contingent stood at attention as the ship
steamed into No 5 Dock FREMANTLE, and berthed
0820 hrs. There was a crowd of approximately
100 and Western Comd band on the wharf. 0830
hrs Paraded on the wharf preparatory to arms
drill and marching. This was done not only
to practise all personnel for march through
PERTH, but to give them back their "land legs".
This proved to be very important as quite a
number of personnel had not got "them" completely
back as late as the march itself. Both
foot drill and rifle drill were ragged after
first disembarking, but improved. Also training
were 60 armed personnel of HMAS "SHROPSHIRE"
who were to take part in the march. 1000 hrs
Contingent and "SHROPSHIRE" party formed mass
at the rear of the wharf where Gen EATHER
addressed them about the standard of dressing
ship, and stating that it must show a distinct
improvement in the future. He also promised
that leave would be granted until 240900 hrs
for those staying overnight and until 240100 hr
for the remainder. 1020 hrs Troops broken off
for a cup of tea and final polish-up. 1100 hrs
Fell in on wharf and marched to train. 1207 hr
Arrived PERTH railway station. Detrained and
fell in, in front of station with the head of
the column at the EAST end. 1225 hrs Maj-Gen
EATHER arrived and took command of the Parade.
1230 hrs Contingent moved off in the following
order:-
Western Comd band
Naval Contingent
"SHROPSHIRE" party
AMF
RAAF
Again female members of each Service marched
behind their respective contingents.
Route - WELLINGTON St - BARRACK St - HAY St-
WILLIAM St - ST GEORGE'S Tce - to Anzac House.
The Contingent passed the Saluting Base
situated in St George's Tce opposite TRINITY
Church at 1242 hrs. The Salute was taken by
His Excellency, the Lieutenant-Governor, Sir
JAMES MITCHELL, KCMG. When the head of the
column reached the Saluting Base, Maj-Gen
 

- 7 -

Date Place Summary of Events
    EATHER fell out and joined the official party.
Capt WIER who observed the march as a spectator
picked many faults in the calibre of the marching
but they were mainly concerned with individuals
and not of the Contingent as a whole. The
Contingent was broken off at ANZAC House, where
rifles and sidearms were collected and transported
back to the Ship. The entire Contingent
was entertained at lunch by the Citizens'
Reception Council. After lunch, all ranks,
with the exception of a small security picquet
on the Ship, were given leave. 1345 hrs. Gen
EATHER together with all service heads of the
Contingent including Col SAGE, Chief Officer
CLEMENTS. Soc Officer CARTER and Maj DEASEY
made an official call on Sir James and Lady
MITCHELL at Government House. 1700 hrs Staff
Corps Mess, SWAN Barracks, entertained all
Officers of the Contingent. The opportunity was
taken for Western Comd to pay tribute to Col
SAGE for the jobs she has done as Matron in
Chief of the AANS during the war. Maj WILLIAMS,
the senior male Contingent officer present,
thanked the President and members on behalf of
the Contingent. 2100 hrs Officers were invited
to be guests of the CO and Matron of 110 Aust
Gen Hospital. 4 Western Australian members of
Naval Contingent joined at PERTH.
24 Apr 46 FREMANTLE -
At Sea		 Fine clear day with only a very slight breeze.
0900 hrs check parade held to ascertain whether
all personnel returned from leave. RAN and
RAAF were all present, approx 10 AMF missing.
0950 hrs Orders given to assume dressing ship
position. A crowd of approx 250 was present
on the wharf, and the Western Comd Band played
the Ship out, assisted by the Ship's Marine Band
playing on the Quarterdeck. 0955 hrs Missing
AMF personnel arrived in a body after gangways
had been drawn up. 1000 hrs The ship drew out
of the Dock with the Contingent lining Ship's
side. 1020 hrs Stood down. Good uniforms
returned during morning. Mail distributed.
Capt WIER resumed his duties as Adjutant and
Lt STARNER resumed comd of his Platoon.
1500 hrs AMF Component of Contingent mustered
on maindeck midships, and Gen EATHER addressed
troops. He reiterated his remarks made before
leaving MELBOURNE with reference to his intention
to grant as much leave as possible. He warned
all ranks that this only applied as long as they
"played the game". Any future incidents like
this morning's would result in a very drastic
curtailment of leave, both in CAPE TOWN and in
LONDON. 1515 - 1600 hrs. PT and organised
games.
25 Apr 46 At Sea 0510 hrs. Heavy rain squall with wind rising
to gale velocity. Unpleasant, cloudy and windy
day. 0830 hrs Officers' conference in Orderly
Room. Following training programme promulgated:-
0900-0915 hrs: Fall in, Administration and
Inspection.
0915 - 1015 hrs: PT and recreational training.
Arms Drill every second day.
1015 - 1030 hrs: Lecturette
1030 - 1045 hrs: Break
1045 - 1130 hrs: PT or Drill
1115 - 1130 hrs: Rifle cleaning every second d[[ay?]]
1130 - 1500 hrs: Dinner Break
1500 - 1600 hrs: PT and [[Games?]]
 

- 8 -

Date Place Summary of Events
    Programme designed to be as flexible as possible
and permit of ready alteration in event of
bad weather or other unforseen occurences. The
lecturette period to be arranged from day to day,
and lecturers to he provided from RAN & RAAF
to AMF and vice versa. It is also intended to
use this period to further by question and
answer, the Contingent's knowledge of AUSTRALIA.
Literature provided by the Department of
Information will be issued in the near future.
0900 hrs Parade and administration of paludrine.
0915 - 1015 hrs PT and recreational training.
Lecturette time used to ascertain men's views
on entertainment. Lt-Comd PURVIS has been
designated ship's Entertainment Officer, and is
anxious to co-ordinate details of concerts,
quizzes, card parties, p1ays, deck games, and
cinemas as soon as possible. 1100hrs projected
church parade to commemorate ANZAC Day on
Quarterdeck, had to be cancelled owing to unsuitable
weather. Broke Off. Church was held
in Cafeteria mess deck in lieu. After discussion
with 1st Lieut, it was decided to allocate all
men to Ship's duties. These to be carried out
when weather did not permit full training
programme to be completed. It was decided to
allocate duties as closely as possible to
firstly, men's civilian vocations and secondly,
military experience. This includes carpenters,
fitters, storemen, sheet metal workers, mechanics
and gunners. Not only will this greatly
facilitate the working of the ship, but will
help considerably to relieve boredom. In
addition a duty platoon will be detailed daily
for ship's duties as required. The Captain
kindly consented to allow two parties of six
daily, to be taken on a conducted tour of
engine rooms at 0930 hrs and 1040 hrs respectively.
1315 Parade. All ranks stood down.
26 Apr 46 At Sea Fine clear day with very slight seas. 0845 hrs
Conference of all officers in the Orderly Room.
System inaugurated for the distribution of
information on AUSTRALlA. Decided to distribute
pamphlets on platoon basis, with platoon sjts
retaining copies that are not in sufficient
[[?]] numbers to go round. 0900 hrs All ranks
paraded and allotted to ship's duties for the
morning. About ten personnel given specialist
tasks, remainder used on general unskilled
labour. This included a variety of jobs from
painting, polishing and scrubbing decks to
splicing rope. 0930 hrs Brig MOTEN outlined
to Maj WILLIAMS suggested ideas for coping with
the expected flood of invitations in ENGLAND.
It is proposed that a pro forma outlining action
taken, in detail, be attached to each invitation
etc, as it arrives. A committee of two officers
from each Service is proposed, to deal with
the flood. It is hoped that secretarial
assistance can be procured from AUSTRALIA HOUSE
on arrival. Platoon Comds will have to keep
comprehensive lists of visits to ensure that
each man see as much of ENGLAND and possibly
SCOTLAND as possible. Brig MOTEN also directed
Lt FORBES to give thought to a method of obtaining
prints of newspaper photographs for the
War Diary and whosoever may desire them. This:
to give each man a chance of obtaining all
published photographs and at the same time be
certain of eventually receiving them. If possible
this will be done in CAPE TOWN as well.
 
Date Place Summary of Events
    All Australian money was exchanged for Sterling
during the day, on the basis of One Pound
Sterling to 25/- Australian. All ranks have now
had their paybooks altered to include the
exchange allowance due on leaving AUSTRALlA.
Deck hockey has now become a popular and regular
sport for most members of the Contingent. It is
played on a  court constructed in the starboard
waist on the upperdeck. Played with cane sticks
and a rope "puck", it is a strenuous and suitable
game. 1600 hrs A programme of recorded music
has played over the ship's [[SRE?]] system with a
commentary by Lt-Comd FAULKNER, the ship's
schoolmaster. Brig MOTEN was ordered to bed
from for three days.
27 Apr 46 At Sea Fine clear day, becoming quite cloudy and
threatening towards midday. Practically no swell.
0845 hrs Officers' conference in Orderly Room.
Notified inoculations for TAS and revac would be
done during afternoon. 0900 hrs Parade.
Paludrine administered and inoculation rolls
brought up to date. Majority of men require
revac and approx 50% TAS. Rifle rolls and
comprehensive system for sterling produced for the
first time. Rifles cleaned and inspected. All
personnel warned to be careful of bedding as
blankets are really saleable articles. Lists
of deficiencies in normal kit taken - these are
quite numerous. An attempt is being made to
re-issue from maintenance stocks during voyage.
1030 - 1100 hrs PT. Midday meal for OR personnel
now at 1130 hrs instead of 1200 hrs. This will
involve breaking off at 1100 hrs instead of 1130
as hitherto. 1045 hrs Maj-Gen LEATHER interviewed
each man who arrived after 0900 hrs at
FREMANTLE. He pointed out to each man individually
the seriousness and implications of his
offence. No other disciplinary action has been
taken. 1400 hrs All ranks paraded for inoculation
with the exception of RAAF who received them
before embarkation.
28 Apr 46 At Sea Fine day but slightly overcast. 1025 hrs Fell
in by platoons in torpedo space. Dressed in
"off the hook" SD, gaiters, boots and SD berets.
Navy and Air Force in blues. Marched from
torpedo space to Quarterdeck where the lectern
was erected for church parade. At the conclusion
of the church parade, all ranks stood down for
the day. Holy Communion was celebrated in the
ward room. 1945 hrs Concert held in torpedo
space.
29 Apr 46 At Sea Fine clear day with low average swell and slight
sea. 0845 hrs Officers' conference in Orderly
Room. Instructions given for marking of bedding
during day. Kit shortages to be in QM by
1800 hrs. Narrative to date to be despatched from
CAPE TOWN and again from LONDON on arrival.
0900 hrs Parade and administration. Lists of
personnel entitled to decorations and who have
not yet been invested, compiled. 0915 hrs Rifle
Drill by platoons. 1030 - 1100 hts PT and
Recreational training. 1100 - 1115 hrs Rifle
cleaning and dismiss. To offset the loss of
bedding and blankets previously mentioned, all
bedding has marked with its owner's embarkation
serial number. All ranks again impressed with
the necessity of observing right of way in
passageways. 1500 - 1600 hrs PT and organised
games. 1600 hrs No deck hockey but deck cricket
commenced for first time. It is played in the
 
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