AWM52 1/11/18/3 - Headquarters London Victory March Contingent, March - September 1946 - Part 2

- 10 -
Date     Place     Summary of Events
DECK HOCKEY AREA with over all nets, and solid
stumps. A "quiz" competition is being
organised on the ship. 64 teams are required
from all sections of the ship. Teams are to have
three members each, and questions will be asked
over the ship's SRE system. 1830 hrs Marked
the first appearance of "Dirithy Dox" on the
ship's SRE system. Questions were answered in
Dorothy Dix style, and the show proved to be
most entertaining and amusing. "Dirithy Dox"
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 on
the Dole" and newsreels were presented on the
Cafeteria Mess Deck.
30 Apr 46     At Sea
Fine clear day with good visibility but very
little swell. 0845 hrs Officers' conference
in Orderly Room. 0900 hrs Parade and administration
of paludrine. 0915 - 1015 hrs PT and
organised games. This was slightly varied by the
introduction of inter-platoon tug-of-war contests.
The sport when practised on smooth decks in sandshoe
involves the application of new proinciples, and
have everyone thinking. In addition some boxing
gloves were produced and used to good 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 engine rooms and 8" gun turrets. The
"Shropshire News" consisting of the latest wireless
news is now distributed daily by the ship. Lt
MAINWARING, War Artist, has been given the use of
a room in the Captain's quarters for his work.
His intention is to paint portraits on the voyage,
as the weather allows. To date, portraits of
Gen EATHER, 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 CUFFLEY, 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 average swell. 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 carting stores. Women members
commenced the manufacture of felt animals. When
these "[[prosotypes?]]" are finished they will serve as
models for their manufacture on a large scale
by male members of the Contingent, and possibly th
ship's company. It is intended to distribute them
amongst children's organizations on arrival in
England.

- 11 -
Date     Place     Summary of Events
2 May 46     At Sea
Fine clear day, with heavy sea and powerful wind.
Practically impossible to stand up on deck and
SWR erected as a security measure. Although the
sea was heavy the ship was not rolling unduly
owing to the wind's being head on. Owing to
rough weather all ranks again out to work on
ship's duties, in lieu of the normal training
programme. Thisis the second day in succession
that the heavy seas have made this necessary.
3 May 46     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 company and not just casual work as
hitherto. 0900 hrs Ship practised action statio
This consisted of closing all doors and hatches
commensurate with DamageControl 1. Testing all
communications, checking receivers between
directors and guns, and all hands' closing up at
their alloted action stations while loading,
drills etc. are carried out. AMF and RAAF
personnel kept out of the way on the upperdeck,
and watched with interest, a procedure of which
they had often heard. 1010 hrs Action stations
concluded and all Contingent personnel resumed
ship's duties. 1745 hrs Dirithy Dox 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 CAPE TOWN. All webbing to be reblancoed
and ready for inspection by Tuesday. 0900 hrs
Parade, inspection and administration of paludrine.
Particular attention was paid to the inspection of
rifles. 0935-1015 hrs. Rifle exercises.
1030-1045 hrs Rifle cleaning and stowing of rifles.
1045 hrs. Captain's Inspection. 1315 hrs.
Medical inspection by M.O. for pediculae pubae.
Comprehensive sporting programme arranged for the
afternoon, in the form of two quiz sessions, numerous
deck hockey games, deck tennis, deck quoits
tombola and other individuals sports. Brig MOTEN
appeared on deck for the first time since his
illness. "Icecapades" and shorts shown in torpedo
space and on quarterdeck.
5 May 46     At Sea
Sky partly overcast with occasional rain squalls.
Smooth calm sea. 0930 hrs. Divisions and church
parade. Chaplin JAMES conducted the service, and
Rev J.O. WERE Chaplain RAN gave the address. The
Official War Photographer took very complete photographs
both moving and still, of the service. 1020
hrs. Church parade broken off and all personnel
stood down for the day. Nothing definite has been
decided or promulgated on the subject of leave, or
on the other question of how much training will be
done whilst in CAPE TOWN. The usual Sunday night
concert was held in the torpedo space.

- 12 -
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.
1015-1030 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 Western Star". A radio play,
was presented over the Ships SRE System at 2000 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. 0900 hrs. Parade and
inspection. On the request of the ships authorities
all ranks were put 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, talk, the native quarter.
At the conclusion of Lt. CLARK'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 on wharf
1100 hrs        Return rifles
1130 hrs        Leave parade and leave
until 100830 hrs

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 for 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 whilst
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 meal of fresh food
a day would be served until after arrival at the
first port onlleaving ENGLAND.

- 13 -
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   CAPE TOWN
Overcast day with quiet sea and tendency towards
rain. 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 Naval 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 mu
higher standard than that after first coming ashore
at FREMANTLE. 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 th
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. All
personnel returned from leave. 0900 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 Mayor's 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
Ship's Company.

- 14 -
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 on
behalf of HMAS SHROPSHIRE 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 SAWNS 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, RONDEbosch.
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 an 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 46     AT SEA
Fine clear day with heavy swell. Church parade and
divisions cancelled owing to swell. Church services
were held during the day. Rest day for all ranks
of the contingent. 2000 hrs. Usual Sunday night
concert held in the torpedo space.
13 May 46     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 promulgated. Dress in the afternoon
to be optional. 0900 hrs parade with good SDs and
hats. AMF personnel then handed over to the ship
for the day. These duties were mainly connected with
getting the ship ready for the tropics. Awnings were
rigged on each side of the upper deck and a canvas
swimming pool appeared on the quarterdeck. In addition
lighting fixtures were overhauled in preparation
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 Dox came on the air. This time
the queries and answers had a distinct CAPE TOWN
flavouring. Maj-Gen EATHER was ordered to bed with
an attack of bronchial flu.

- 16 -
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 xxxxxx
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 established
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 defeated Naval Contingent 5-0. The
scores belie the good performance of the losers.
1745 hrs. Dirithy Dox came on the air again. 1930hrs.
"Scatterbrain" was screened on the F8cstle.
21 May 46     AT SEA
FREETOWN
Overcast day with intermittent rain storms. 0757 hrs.
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
leg 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. 0845
hrs. Officers' conference. It was promulgated that a letter
has been received by the Captain setting out details of
quartering and accommodation 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
"Tropettes", 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 EATHER instructed
that there would be no more rifle drill while the sea
was so rough. 1000 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 AND PORTSMOUTH
0845 hrs. Officers' conference. Signal received re photographers
coming aboard. 09.00 hrs. Parade and inspection.
Final preparations for entering port made. 1130 hrs.
Passed Isle of Wight. 1200 hrs. Dressed ship and berthed
wharf directly off HMS 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 AND PORTSMOUTH
1345 hrs. Leave parade March to dockyard gates. Leave
expires 0130 hrs 31 May 46. Lt-Col SHARPE, AAS, came
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 46     PORTSMOUTH
0100 hrs. Leave expires. Stretchers, kitbags and equipment
on wharf by 0830 hrs; handled by British Army
working party. 0900 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 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 Liaison officer.
Embussed for Kensington Gardens arriving at 1640 hrs.
After being issued with bedding and messing utensils,
troops were given leave at 1900 hrs.
1 Jun 46     KENSINGTON GARDENS (LONDON)
0900hrs. Parade and inspection. Embussed for starting
point of march to AUSTRALIA House. March without rifles
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 EATHER
responded, thanking Mr. BEASLEY on behalf of the Contingent.
1930 hrs. A dance was held in AUSTRALIA House for
the Contingent.
2 Jun 46     KENSINGTON GARDENS
Leave granted till 2359 hrs. The Rt Hon Lord COURTHAULD-THOMPSON
held afternoon party. 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 LEESE). Brig MOTEN represented
Gen EATHER.
3 Jun 46     KENSINGTON GARDENS
Parade 0900 hrs. Squad drill and marching till 1200 hrs.
6 signal personnel took part in a 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 4 Jun 46.
4 Jun 46     KENSINGTON GARDENS
Parade 0900 hrs. Practice march in twelves. Crown Film
Unit took pictures for newsreel. Leave granted same as
previous day.
5 Jun 46     KENSINGTON GARDENS
Derby Day - stand down. Party of 45 went by bus to
EPSOM. Maj-Gen BOASE visited camp. Crown film unit took
pictures.
6 Jun 46     KENSINGTON GARDENS
Parade 0900 hrs. Training till 1030 hrs. Womens Services
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
COBHAM,SURREY. 40 members of contingent attended.Party
i/c Maj WILLIAMS.

Date     Place     Summary of Events
7 June 46     KENSINGTON GARDENS
Parade 0900 hrs. Training till 1200 hrs. Womens
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 GARDENS
V. DAY. Reveille 0600 hrs. Parade 0900 hrs. Move
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 attached.
9 June 46     KENSINGTON GARDENS
Leave. Concert by Marjorie Lawrence, soprano, AUSTRALIA
House, 1500 hrs. Well attended.
10 June 46     KENSINGTON GARDENS
Parade 0900 hrs. Leave passes, food coupons, rail
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 GARDENS
Party visited Pinewood Studio for recording voices
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 GARDENS
All Contingent on Leave.
13 June 46     KENSINGTON GARDENS
Leave. 40 male and female members of the contingent
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     "     Leave.
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 EATHER, 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.