AWM52 1/11/18/3 - Headquarters London Victory March Contingent, March - September 1946 - Part 2
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| Date | PLACE | SUMMARY OF EVENTS |
DECK HOCKEY AT SEA with over all nets, and solid stumps. A "quiz" competition is being organised on the ship. 46 teams are required from all sections of the ship. Teams are to have three members each, an questions will be asked over the ships SEE system. 1830 hrs marked the first appearance of "Dirithy Box" on the ship's SEE system. Questions were answered n Dorothy Dix style, and the show proved to be most entertaining and amusing. "Dirithy Box" will be on the air every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, and all ranks are invited to let her sort out their troubles. 1930 hrs " Love of the Pole" and [[?]] were presented on the carcter's mess Deck. |
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| 30 Apr 46 | At Sea | Fine clear day with good visibility but very little swell. 0645 hrs Officers' conference in Orderly room. 0900 hrs Parade and administration of paladrine. 0915 - 1015 hrs PT and organised games. This was slightly varied by the introduction of inter-platoon tug-of-war contests. The sport when practiced on smooth decks is sandshoe involves the application of new principles, and have everyone thinking. In addition some boxing gloves were produced and used to need effect. The usual training syllabus was carried through without incident. During the morning the female members of the contingent were taken on a tour of the caring rooms and S" gun turrets. The "Shropshire news" consisting of the latest wireless news is now distributed daily by the ship. Lt MAJ [[?]], her artist, has been given the use of a room in the Captains quarters for his work. His intention is to paint portraits on the voyage, as the weather allows. To date, portraits of Gen MATHER, Capt SHOWERS, and Lt BARR AAMC are in the course of production. In addition he will do at least one full size painting in oils of an aspect of shipboard life which will enable him to include as much of the ship as possible. These combined with many water colour sketches, should give an effective pictorial record of the voyage. Lt [[?]] War photographer, has also been very busy taking both still and moving pictures of every aspect of the Contingent's daily life on board ship. This includes flash light photographs taken at night at concerts etc. He will despatch those taken to date on arrival at CAPE TOWN for early release to the AUSTRALIAN public. Brig MOTEN continues to be confined to his bed with bronchitis. |
| 1 May 46 | AT SEA. | Overcast early with occasional rain squalls, moderate sea and severe swells. 0845 hrs Daily officers' conference. As a consequence of the indifferent weather it was decided to put all personnel on ship's duties for the day. As on previous occasions they were split up on various tasks throughout the ship. Most of them were working below the maindeck on brass polishing. Scrubbing decks and sorting stores. Woman members commenced the manufacture of felt animals. When there [["prossirys']] are finished they will serve as models for their manufacture on a large scale by male members of the Contingent, and possibly the ships company. It is intended to distribute them amongst children's organisations on arrival in England. |
3 May At sea Fine clear day, with heavy swell. 0845 hrs
Daily officers' conference held in Orderly Room.
all ranks handed over to the ship for duties for
the third successive day. More and more personne
are being allocated as offsiders to members of
ship's compsay and not just casual work as
hitherto. 0900 hrs Ship practised action statio
This consisted of closing all doors and hatches
commensurate with Damage Control 1. Testing all
communications, checking receivers between
directors and gues, and all hands' closing up at
their alloted action stations while loading,
drills etc. are carried out. AIF and RAAF
personnel kept out of the way on the upperdeck,
and watched with interest, a procedure of which
they had often heard. 1010hrs Action stations
concluded and all Contingent personnel resumed
ship's duties. 1745 Dirithy Box came on the
air with the third of her ever popular sessions.
Response to her request to let her help people
with their troubles, has resulted in her being
inundated with letters.
4 May 46 At sea. Fine clear day with a very calm sea. 0845 hrs
Daily officers' conference held in orderly room.
Instructions were given for paybooks to be handed
in on Monday and pay on Wednesday, the day before
arriving at [[?]]. All[[?]] to be reblanced
and ready for inspection by Tuesday. 0900 hr
Parade, inspection and administration of paludrin
Particular [[suspension]] was paid to the inspection of
rifles. 0835-1015hrs. Rifle exercises.
1030-1045 hrs rifle cleaning and storing of rifle:
1345 hrs. Captain's Inspection. 131- hrs.
Medical inspection by M.O. for pedicule pubae.
UNABLE TO READ FURTHER ON THIS PAGE DUE TO POOR COPY. SORRY!
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Date Place Summary of Events
6 May 46 At sea Perfect day with practically no sea. Best day for
rifle exercises since coming aboard. 0845 hrs.
Officers' conference. Pay on Wednesday. All webbing
to be reblancoed before Wednesday in preparation for
CAPE TOWN. The M.O. to deliver a V.D. Lecture at a
time to be notified before arrival. 0900 hrs. Parade
and thorough inspection of rifles. Rifles exercises.
10.15-1030 hrs. Lecturettes. 1045-1115 hrs. Cleaning
and stowing of arms. 1500-1600 hrs. P.T. and organized
games. 1600 hrs. deck hockey competition commenced.
"The adventure of the Eastern Star". A radio play,
was presented over the Ships SEE system at 2200 hrs.
7 May 46 At Sea Fine clear day with calm sea. 0845 hrs. Officers
conference. Nothing yet decided on the question of
leave or drill in CAPE TOWN. Detailing of final
mailing times promulgated. 0900hrs. Parade and
inspection. On the request of the ships authorities
all ranks were out on ships duties for the day despite
the calm sea and good weather. 1330 hrs. Naval
instructional films shown in the war room-contingent
officers were invited to be present.
8 May 46 At sea Fine Clear day and calm smooth sea. Day given up
completely to preparation for arrival in CAPE TOWN
the following day. 0900 hrs. Parade inspection
and short period of rifle exercises. 0930 hrs. All
ranks mustered in the torpedo space for talk by Lt
CLARK RAN, who spent 3 years in CAPE TOWN. He warned
the troops about entering District 6, the native quarter.
At the conclusion of Lt. Clarke's talk, the M.O.
said a few words about V.D. 1000 hrs. All ranks
were paid on the upper deck. 1030 hrs. Cleaned
rifles and returned them to armoury. 1100 hrs.
Officer's conference in orderly room. Representatives
of RAN and RAAF attended. RO No issued.
the following programme for leave and training in
CAPE TOWN was promulgated.
Thursday :- 0845 hrs Dress Ship
0900 hrs Arrive CAPETOWN
0915-1100 hrs Return rifles
1100 hrs Return rifles
1115 hrs Change currency
1200 hrs Leave parade on wharf
At conclusion of leave parade leave until 090830 hr
Friday:- 0830 hrs Leave concludes
0900 hrs. Check parade
0915-1100 hrs Drill of wharf
1100 hrs Return rifles
1130 hrs Leave parade and leave
until 100830
Dress for drill- off peg SD, boots, Gaiters, hats
rifles and side arms. Dress for leave, good SD,
hats, boots or shoes, web belts. Officers to wear
Sun Broune Belts on leave and SD fro drill. Out
of 100 personnel for bus drives the Contingent has
been alloted 25, and the ships company 75. This
will be subdivided amongst the three services over
the two days. 1145 hrs. The Captain spoke to all
on board over the warning telephone. He impressed
on all ranks the necessity for good behaviour while
in CAPE TOWN, not only because of past incidents,
but because of the peculiar and special nature of
this particular mission. He also said that only a
limited amount of fresh food was available for the
rest of the voyage and only one small meal of fresh food
a day would be served until after arrival at the
first port onlleaving ENGLAND.
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Date Place Summary of Events
8 May 46 At Sea 1430 hrs. Parade to draw S.D's and hats. 1530 hrs.
Inspection by platoons in good SD. 1600 hrs. Deck
games were played as usual.
9 May 46 At Sea Overcast day with quiet sea and tendency towards
CAPE TOWN 0845 hrs. Contingent assumed dressing ship
position on starboard side. Ship steamed through
the breakwater and berthed at J BERTH DUNCAN Dock
CAPE TOWN at approximately 0900 hrs. CAPE TOWN was
shrouded in mist and there was only a handful of
people there to welcome the contingent. No one
of any official prominence was present. 0915 hrs.
Port Medical Officer and Navel Representatives came
aboard with some press reporters and photographers.
0945 hrs. Contingent went ashore and commenced
drilling by services in the ample space available
in the immediate docks area. The drill was of a mm
higher standard than that after first coming ashore
at FREEMANTLE. This can be attributed to the cold
and raining weather and a smooth trip. There were
several light showers during the drill period.
1100 hrs. Broken off to return rifles and have
sterling exchanged for SOUTH AFRICAN currency.
1145 hrs. Maj-Gen EATHER and Capt SHOWERS left the
ship for SIMONSTOWN and lunch at Admiralty House.
1215 hrs. Leave parade. Leave granted until 100830
hrs. 6 ORs detailed to accompany Naval Shore Patrol
1400 hrs. Men selected to take part in the car drives
left. 1600 hrs. Maj- Gen EATHER and Capt SHOWERS
left the ship to call on the Deputy Administration
of CAPE PROVINCE, J.D. d VILLIERS esq. 2000 hrs.
Dance given for HMAS SHROPSHIRE'S rating and ORs
of Contingent at the Major's Garden Canteen. 2100
hrs. The same organisation entertained the officers
at a dance held at the Bohmia Club. Maj- Gen EATHER
Brig MOTEN Capt SHOWERS and Col SAGE were present.
During the afternoon the Mayor of CAPE TOWN Mr. A
BLOMBERG MP issued the following message of welcome.
"The arrival of our visitors enables us to express
directly that the spirit of co-operation and goodwill
and that sense of fraternal unity on which so much
depends in the future, and it gives us, moreover,
an added opportunity to participate more directly
in the victory Celebrations in ENGLAND in which
it and our own troops are to take part.
10 May 46 CAPE TOWN. Unpleasant day with intermittent rain storms. TABLE MOUNTAIN still shrouded in mist. 0830 hrs. Check
parade. Owing to representations made by the CAPE
TOWN Argus and others, the Mayor requested that the
Contingent plus members of the Ship's Company march
through CAPE TOWN at mid day. Orders (RO 22/93)
were issued for the march. Owing to fairly heavy
rain it was impossible to do any rehearsal for the
march. 0945 hrs. Gen EATHER and Capt SHOWERS left
the ship to call on his Excellency the Governor
General the Hon GB van ZYL. 1100 hrs Brig B F
ARMSTRONG Officer commanding CAPE Command came
on board and after discussion with Gen EATHER it was
decided to cancel the march because of bad weather.
1130 hrs. Troops granted leave until 110830 hrs
after first being informed of the Mayor's invitation
to the reception. A shore patrol party of 6 was
again detached. 1215 hrs. Mayor of CAPE TOWN'S
reception held at the Mayors Garden Canteen. It
was attended by Gen EATHER, Capt SHOWERS who first
paid their official call on the Mayor and a great
proportion of the members of the Contingent and
Ships's Company.
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Date Place Summary of Events
10 May 46 CAPE TOWN The Mayor in a speech reiterated his published welcome and said how glad he was that CAPE TOWN had
been able to show their appreciation of AUSTRALIA.
Captain SHOWERS thanked the City of CAPE TOWN for their warm hospitality. 1400 hrs. Another party of 100 were driven
around the Peninsula. 1600 hrs. Capt WIER, Sgt
PARKS and Cpl WARNE made a recording for presentation
on a session known as "The Passing Show". It consisted
of questions about personalities, prospects
for the future and impressions of CAPE TOWN. This
will be broadcast on National Stations. 1730 hrs.
A cocktail party was given for women members of the
Contingent at the SAWS Barracks by the SAWNS members
of SAWAS and WAAS were present. 1730 hrs. Officers
of HMAS SHROPSHIRE and the Contingent returned
hospitality at a cocktail party given in the
Wardroom. 1915 hrs. Gen EATHER and Capt SHOWERS left
the ship for Government House, WESTBROOKE, RONDE-
bosch. 2000 hrs. Another ORs dance given by the
SAWAS at Mayor's Garden Canteen. Without a single
exception the CAPE TOWN press gave the Contingent
and HMAS SHROPSHIRE and enthusiastic welcome.
11 May 46 CAPE TOWN Bitterly cold day with high wind and
occasional showers. 0830 hrs. Leave finished 0900 hrs. Check
parade. All personnel returned on time. 0945 hrs.
The Deputy Administrator of Cape Province J.D. de VILLIERS
esq, paid his return call. 1015 hrs.
Vice Admiral Sir Robert Burnett C in C South Atlantic
came aboard to pay his return call on Maj- Gen
EATHER and Capt SHOWERS. 1030 hrs. Officer Commanding
Cape Command Brig B F ARMSTRONG paid his return
call. 1045 hrs. Contingent dressed ship. 1100 hrs.
Ship. sailed. Immediately on passing the breakwater
the ship ran into a heavy swell and all ranks were
warned to secure their gear.
12 May AT SEA Fine clear day with heavy swell. Church parade and
divisions cancelled owing to swell. Church service
were held during the day. Rest day for all ranks
of the contingent. 2200 hrs. Usual Sunday night
concert held in the torpedo space.
13 May AT SEA Fine clear day with extremely hot sun. Swell still
heavy. 0845 hrs. Officers conference in orderly
room. Naval and RAAF components went into shorts
today. More attention to be shown in the future to
correcting individual faults during rifle exercises
All ranks are to be complimented on parade on the
standard of marching and drill on the morning of
arrival in CAPETOWN. Until a decision is made with
reference to shorts, dress in the morning will be
as previously promelgated. Dress in the afternoon
to be optional. 0900 hrs. parade with good SDs and
hats. AIF personnel then handed over to the ship
for the day. These duties were mainly connected with
getting the ship ready for the tropics. awnings wor
rigged. on each side of the upper deck and a canvas
swimming pool appeared on the quarterdeck. In addition
lighting fixtures were overhauled in prepartaio
for lighting up the ship on Victory Day. 1600 hrs.
The second round of the officers' tennis competition.
Deck cricket was played but no competition matches.
1745 hrs. Dirithy Box came on the air. This time
the queries and answers had a distinct CAPE TOWN
flavouring. Maj-Gen EATHER was ordered to bed with
an attack of bronchial flu.
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Date Place Summary of events
14 May AT SEA Fine clear day with occasional patches of cloud. Vary
hot sun and calm sea. 0845 hrs. Officers' conference
in orderly room. The following matters were brought up.
(i) Descriptive pamphlets about LONDON will be issued
this morning so that all the rank may familiarise themselves
with their contents before the end of the voyage.
(ii) The ship has no space available to stow in safety
the food parcels bought by quite a number of people in
CAPETOWN and at the ship's canteen.
(iii) Three autograph books containing the autographs
of the whole contingent are being rafflee by the canteen,
the proceeds to be donated to the Orphans Home
on arrival in ENGLAND.
0900 hrs. Parade, inspection and administration of
paludrin. 0915 hrs. PT. 1100 hrs. All ranks stood
down for the day in accordance with Navel Tropical
Routine of no work in the afternoons. 1600 hrs. Deck
Hockey competition continued.
15 May 46 AT SEA Fine clear day with hot sun and smooth calm sea. 0845
hrs. Officers' conference.0900 hrs. Parade and inspection.1000 hrs. 3 P1 paraded for distribution of
felt animals and instruction by woman members in the
are of their construction. It is intended to put each
platoon, RAN & RAAF components through a course of instruction. 1040 hrs. Functioning trials for close
rage weapons carried out. Information is being obtained
from all the services and being consolidated for a
press statement. This will give all details likely
to be required by the press on reaching ENGLAND. It
has been officially announced that King NEPTUNE will
come aboard next Saturday morning. The canvass pool on
the quarterdeck was filled for the first time. 1700
hrs. The second session of the second round of the
quiz session was held in the torpedo space. Two contingent
teams are left in the competition. 1745 hrs.
Dirithy Box came on the air. 2045 hrs. Tombola was
played in the ward Room.
16 May 46 AT SEA Fine clear very tropical day with no sea. 0845 hrs.
Officers' conference. The following information promulgated:-
(i) PT and lecturettes for days training.
(ii)AIF Officers' dress for evening wear whilst in
the tropics will be KD trousers, KD shirts and ties
or Safari jackets. RAAF were the same and RAN white
mess undress.
RO No issued. 0900 hrs. Parade and inspection.
0915-1015 hrs. P.T. 1015-1100 hrs. Lecturettes and
mass production of felt animals. 1315 and 1715 hrs.
Tombola abreast the crane. 1700 hrs. Quiz. 2000
hrs. "Yokel Boy" and Newsreel shown on quarterdeck
and in Torpedo space.
17 May AT SEA Fine clear very hot and muggy day. Moderate sea.
0845 hrs. Officers' conference in orderly room. RQ
No issued. 0900 hrs. Parade with rifles and
inspection. 0925 hrs. At the request of the ship
rifles were returned and all ranks were detailed for
ships duties. 0930 hrs. Brig MOTEN held a conference
attended by senior representatives of all the services,
in the Captain's Day Cabin. The object was to discuss
the question of leave and coping with invitations in
ENGLAND. 1100 hrs. The following signal was received
from HM KING NEPTUNE "My Herald will welcome you in
the approaches to my Domain at 8 o'clock tonight
Friday" The following was sent in reply 'We are
deeply honoured to receive your message. Your Herald
will be received with all the pomp and ceremony customary
on this auspicious occasion." 2000 hrs. Practically
every one not on duty positioned themselves to
observe the appearance of King NEPTUNE's herald.
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Date Place Summary of Events
18 May 46 AT SEA 0845. hrs. Officers' conference. Dress after 0900
hrs parade will be optional. Dress for Church Parade
on Sunday will be shirts, trousers KD, berets, boot
gaiters and belts, waist, web. RAN & RAAF as usual.
0900 hrs. Parade. inspection and dismiss. 1000 hrs.
HM King NEPTUNE'S court, was conducted on a specially
constructed platform in the starboard waist on the
main deck. The traditional ceremony of ducking the
uninitiated was indulged in for the rest of the morning.
19 May 46 AT SEA Fine very hot day with hardly a breath of wind. 0930
hrs. Church parade and divisions. The Contingent took
up its usual position for divisions. After the "close
had been sounded the marched to the torpedo space in
lieu of the quarterdeck, where church parade was held.
This was necessary because of the extreme heat. Rev.
WERE took the service , Chap JAMES gave the address
and the Captain read the lesson. After church parade
all ranks wore stood down for a rest day. 1400 hrs. Woman's Contingent played a combined service team,
deck cricket. 1930 and 2045 hrs. " Sailors on Leave"
and a Newsreel shown on the forecastle and the
quarterdeck.
20 May 46 AT SEA Another hot tropical day with intermittent rain
0845 hrs. Officers conference in orderly room. The
following information received from LONDON was promulgated. (i) The Resident Minister, the Honourable John BEASLEY and official party will visit the ship on day of arrival
to welcome the contingent.
(ii) Male members of the contingent will be quartered
in a camp situated in Kensington Gardens with British
and other Dominion Contingents. Womans services will
be quartered at Bushy Park, near HAMPTON COURT.
(iii) Australian Victory Forces Canteen is to be
lished at Australia House.
(iv) Special ACF Hostel for woman members will be at
Sloane Gardens to provide accomodation for leave periods.
(v) Arrangements are in hand to organise trips to various
parts of ENGAND AND SCOTLAND, with a possibility
of a representative party to GERMANY.
RO 24/99 issued. 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. 0930 hrs. broken off
for the day on account of expected frequent rainstorms
and the intense heat. 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 defasted Naval Contingent 5-0. The
scores belie the good performance of the losers.
1745 hrs. Dirithy Box came on the air again. 1930hrs.
"Scatterbrain" was screened on the F8cstle.
21 May 46 AT SEA Overcast day with intermittent rain storms. 0757 hrs.
FREETOWN Dropped anchor at FREETOWN. The contingent did not
line the ship, but kept out of the way on B deck
whilst the ship steamed to its anchorage. 0845 hrs.
Port Director came aboard. 1120 hrs. Gen EATHER and
Capt SHOWERS wnt ashore to pay and official call on,
and lunch with, the Governor. 1400 hrs. Gen EATHER
and Capt SHOWERS returned. 1515 hrs. Sailed on last
l eg of journey to LONDON, which will be reached on 30 May.
Date Place Summary of Events
22 May 46 AT SEA Fine and clear. The hottest day of the voyage. 0245
hrs. Officers' conference. It was 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. 3 PL were handed over to
the ship, the remainder rifle exercises. The Naval Contingent
do PT on the quarterdeck every morning. 1330 hrs.
Contingent paid. 2000 hrs. The concert commenced. The
"Tropeltes", a chorus of 6 members of the Womens Services
with one singing were deservedly popular. There were several
vocalists including Flt/Sgt Caldwell and Cpl Hird,
Womens' Contingent.
23 May 46 AT SEA Fine clear day with a strong fairly cold wind. 0845 hrs.
Officers conference. RG 25/100 issued.
24 May 46 AT SEA Fine clear day with a strong breeze. 0845 hrs Officers'
conference. As we are now out of the tropics normal
routine has been resumed. 0900 hrs parade and inspection
by Brig MOTEN. Instructions passed to the Adjt to prepare
syllabus for the contingent on arrival in ENGLAND up to
the time of the MARCH. During the voyage under ships
supervision all ranks manufactured felt toys and at this
date were requested to finish their tasks. Clocks put
forward one hour.
25 May 46 AT SEA Fine clear day, overcast at intervals. Wind still strong.
0845hrs. Officers' conference. The CANARY IS were passed
during the late morning and afternoon.
26 May 46 AT SEA Fine clear day. 0930 hrs. Divisions and church parade in
torpedo space. After the services all ranks stood down
for the day. Information received from LONDON that bedding
and messing gear would be supplied by Camp Staff
at Kensington Gardens.
27 May 46 AT SEA Cold, windy cloudy day. Rising seas during the day. 0845 hrs. Officers conference, Drill on the quarterdeck. After
drilling for a short while Maj-Gen MATHER instructed
that there would be no more rifle drill while the sea
was so rough. 100 hrs. Brig MOTEN had a conference
with Maj WILLIAMS and Capt WEIR. Points of discussion
were trg syllabus to 8 Jun and procedure for disembarkation.
1145 hrs. The Captain of the ship spoke to the tps
and emphasised the importance of correct customs declaration, explaining the methods used to prevent exploitation and warned them that crime didn't pay.
28 May 46 AT SEA Fine day in patches. 0845 hrs conference. 0900 hrs.
Parade and paludrine issued. Dates and route of return
to Australia received. Steel trunks stacked into torpedo
space.
29 May 46 AT SEA Fine day in patches. 0845 hrs Officers conference. Signal received re procedure on arrival at PORTSMOUTH. Promulgated to troops. 1330 hrs. First meeting Entertainments
Committee. 1415 hrs. Officers' conference for procedure
Thursday and Friday. 1800 hrs. Entered English channel.
Light until 2130 hrs. Numerous small craft seen.
30 May 46 AT SEA 0845 hrs. Officers' conference. Signal received re
AND photographer coming aboard. 09.00 hrs. Parade and PORTSMOUTH inspection. Final preparations for entering port made. 1130 hrs.
Passes Isle of Wight. 1200 hrs. Dressed ship and berthed
wharf directly off [[ED'S]] VICTORY. 1215 hrs all personnel
to f'castle for welcome by Mr BEASLEY, resident Minister
in LONDON. Invitation at any time to visit AUSTRALIA
HOUSE, where the Boomerang Club had opened for the purpose of entertaining members of the Victory contingent.
Date Place Summary of Events
30 May 46 AT SEA 1345 hrs. Leave parade March to dockyard gates.
AND Leave expired 0130 hrs 31 May 46. Lt- Col SHARPE, AAS, came
PORTSMOUTH aboard with mail and further instructions for movement
to Kensington Gardens. Press conference held in Wardroom
by Maj- Gen EATHER, Brig MOTEN, Maj WILLIAMS and
Capt WEIR.
31 May PORTSMOUTH 0100 hrs. Leave expires. Stretchers, kitbags and equipment on wharf by 0830 hrs. Check parade and detail of
days procedure. 1115 hrs. Parade for March through
PORTSMOUTH. Capt SHOWERS spoke to the Contingent
wishing them a pleasant stay in ENGLAND. Brig MOTEN
took over the parade. Gen EATHER met Gen SMART, GOC
AAS, LONDON prior to Contingent marching off. Marched
to PORTSMOUTH station. Latter part of the march in heavy
rain. Public reception keen. Moved off from PORTSMOUTH
station for WATERLOO, LONDON, at 1232 hrs. 1555 hrs.
Arrived WATERLOO. Met by members of AAS and Lt MENTIPLAY and Maj N VILLIERS, Guards Liason officer. Enbussed for Kensington Gardens arriving at 1640 hrs.
After being issued with bedding and messing utensils,
troops were given leave at 1500 hrs.
1 June 46 KENSINGTON 0900hrs. Parade and inspection. Embussed for starting
GARDENS point of march to AUSTRALIA House. March without rifles
(LONDON) from SCOTLAND YARD. Horse- guard Avenue, to AUSTRALIA
House for official reception given by Mr. BEASLEY.
Gen SMART and Gen BOASE, who observed the march commented on the good turn-out. Arrived AUSTRALIA House
1200 hrs. Mr BEASLEY, resident minister for Australia
in LONDON, accompanied by Mr. SM BRUCE, Lt-Gen SMART
and Maj-Gen BOASE. Mr BEASLEY spoke welcoming the
Contingent to the Boomerang Club. Maj-Gen MATHER responded, thanking Mr. BEASLEY on behalf of the Contingent. 1930 hrs. A dance was held in AUSTRALIA House for the Contingent.
2 June 46 KENSINGTON Leave granted til 2359 hrs. The Rt Hon Lord COURTHARD-
GARDENS THOMPSON held afternoon pary. 3 officers attended-
Lt- Comd CLIFF, RANVR, Maj B WILLIAMS, AMF, Ft/Lt GRAATZ, RAAF. EASTERN COMD held Luncheon Party for Dominion Commanders (Gen Sir Oliver [[BMESE). Brig MOTEN represented Gen EATEN.
3 June 46 KENSINGTON Parade 0900 hrs. Squad drill and marching till 1200 hrs.
GARDENS 6 signal personnel took part in the review by HRH Princess ROYAL at St JOHNS WOOD. Gen EATHER also present at
Review. Crown Film unit took shots for newsreel. Leave
granted from 1300 hrs to 0100 hrs Jun 46.
4 June 46 KENSINGTON Parade 0900 hrs. Practice march in twelves. Crown Film
GARDENS Unit took pictures for newsreel. Leave granted same as previous day.
5 June 46 KENSINGTON Derby Day - stand down. Party of 45 went by bus to
GARDENS EPSOM. Maj-Gen BOASE visited camp. Crown Film Unit took pictures.
6 June 46 KENSINGTON Parade 0900 hrs. Training till 1030 hrs. Womens services
GARDENS present. Parade on camp road for inspection by their
Majesties King GEORGE VI, Queen ELIZABETH, Princesses
ELIZABETH and MARGARET ROSE. Gen EATHER, Gen BOASE Mr. BEASLEY were present to meet their Royal Highnesses who spoke to many of the Contingent. Dance at AUSTRALIA House for Crown Film Unit to take newsreel. EASTERN Command garden party at home of Gen Sir Oliver LEESE at [[?]] [[?]]. 40 members of contingent attended, Party i/e Maj WILLIAMS.
Date Place Summary of Events
7 June 46 KENSINGTON Parade 0900 hrs. Training till 1200 hrs. Womens
GARDENS Services present. Practice marching past, dividing
The Rt-Hon WINSTON CHURCHILL spoke to members of the
Contingent whilst halted after returning from training.
The secretary of State for War and Adjutant
General, visited camp. Leave granted from 1300 hrs
to 0100 hrs 8 Jun 46.
8 June 46 KENSINGTON V. DAY. Reveille 0600 hrs. Parade 0900 hrs. Move
GARDENS to FUP 0930 hrs. Assembly Area Hyde Park 1000 hrs.
March commenced 1045 hrs. Break off at 1315 hrs.
Weekend leave granted. Appendices of March attended.
9 June 46 KENSINGTON Leave. Concert by Marjorie Lawrence, soprano, AUSTRALIA
GARDENS House, 1500 hrs. Well attended.
10 June 46 KENSINGTON Parade 0900 hrs. Leave passes, food coupons, rail
GARDENS warrants, issued. Subsistance paid. Blankets, bedding
and rifles returned to Q store. Steel trunks stacked
in office marque. Leave commenced at 1400 hrs.
11 June 46 KENSINGTON Party visited Pinewood Studio for recording voices
GARDENS for newsreel, including Gen EATHER and representatives
of Army, Navy, Airforce and Womens services.
Reception at Hampton Court Palace at 2100 hrs. All
officers attended - many spoke to their Royal
Highnesses the King and Queen. Allied Welcome Committee Cocktail Party held at the Dorchester.
12 June 46 KENSINGTON All Contingent on leave.
GARDENS
13 June 46 KENSINGTON Leave . 40 male and female members of the contingent
GARDENS attended a tea party at Goldsmiths of LONDON and
met HRH Princess ELIZABETH. Officers including Gen EATHER and Brig MOTEN attended cocktail party at 8
Cromwell Road given by the Duchess of Devonshire.
14 June 46 KENSINGTON Leave.
GARDENS
15 June 46 " Contingent on leave.
16 June 46 " " " "
17 June 46 " " " "
18 June 46 " Party for GERMANY tour reported 1300 hrs.
19 June 46 " Party for GERMANY tour departed tour 1100 hrs.
Sqn/Ldr SWAN i/c of party. Party of 8 officers 39 ORs
including 5 women service personnel.
20 June 46 " Contingent on leave.
21 June 46 " " " " Maj-Gen EATHER, Brig MOTEN and
Lt LYALL visited the pottery work at STOKE-ON-TRENT
ENGLAND.
22 June 46 " Contingent on leave.
23 June 46 " " " "
24 June 46 " " " " Maj-Gen MATHER, Brig MOTEN and
Lt LYALL flew to BRUSSELS en route to BERLIN.
25 June 46 " Contingent on leave.
26 June 46 " " " " Party returned from GERMANY tour.
27 June 46 " Contingent on leave.
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