AWM52 1/11/18/3 - Headquarters London Victory March Contingent, March - September 1946 - Part 7

APPENDIX 'H'
HOSPITALITY

[[INDEXED?]]
The hospitality accorded the Australian Victory Contingent
during the stay in Great Britain surpassed expectations. The first
weak was spent is London, trips having been arranged for afternoon
entertainment and sight-seeing. The Hospitality Centre in Kensington
Gardens under the direction of Mrs. Barr-Browne organized trips to the
House of Commons, the B.B.C., and other places of interest, transport
being arranged by them, while the main centre at 6 St. Martin's Place,
Trafalgar Square issued free theatre tickets for evening shows.
The "Boomerang Club", after years of hard work in caring for
Australians in England throughout the war, reassembled to
organise long distance travel, under the direction of Miss McKinnon
and Mrs. Troy. The basement in Australia House was opened and excellent
meals were supplied frommidday until early evening, at low cost, to
the members of the Contingent - most of the work being done by
voluntary helpers. The ladies worked long and hard to cover every possible
requirement. Old records of hospitality centres throughout
Great Britain were reopened and implicitly careful directions were
given to those who wished to travel throughout the country; addresses
of people who were prepared to accommodate visitors were produced, and
telegrams sent to make certain of a ready welcome. As s result of this
splendid work the members of the Contingent were able to see Great
Britain without the complications of booking into hotels in cities
unknown to them. The hospitality committee of the Lady Frances Ryder
Scheme also helped very considerably in this direction.
The Contingent was made very welcome indeed; the standard
of Britain's feelings towards us being well expressed in the "Welcome
Australia" dance given in Australia House, to which many lady members
of the Boomerang Club and other organisations associated with them,
brought their charm and kind heartedness.
The lady members of the Contingent enjoyed all the priviledges
and hospitality shown to us all too, and when it was realised that
their camp quarters were too far removed from London City to be
convenient, the A.C.F. centre in Sloane Square was opened for them.
Under the fatherly eye of Lt-Col YOUDALE, the ladies formed a
"Home away from Home", their every wish having the immediate attention
of the Colonel to whom they were all very grateful

-2-
of the Colonel to whom they were all very grateful. A.C.F. Comforts
parcels were issued at regular intervals to cover the need of the
troops, cigarettes and tobacco being very werlcome.
General Eather made arrangements with Australia House to
relieve the Contingent of the expense of travel by coach and train
and every member was issued with two rail warrants allowing free travel
throughout Britain. This covered the more expensive trips to Scotland,
Wales, Cornwall, etc, leaving us to pay only expenses by tube, bus and
train in London, the costs of this free travel being covered by the
Amenities gift of one thousand pounds made to the Contingent by the
Australian Government. Opportunity was given to 55 members of the
Contingent to visit the British Controlled area of Germany thereby
allowing us to have some ides of latest conditions in Europe. The
Australian Military Mission, under Brig T WHITE, was responsible for
the excellent arrangements made on this tour. Other members under
private arrangements were able to visit FRANCE and SWITZERLAND. The
British authorities greatly facilitated these visits.
As a final expression of gratitude for the magnificent spirit of
comradeship and the generosity shown to us the Contingent invited its
hosts and hostesses to a farewell party and dance at Australia House
and it is hoped that the people of Britain will have realised how deeply
concerned we all are for their well-being, and the depth of our appreciation
for the many acts of kindness shown to us during our stay in
the "Mother Country".

APPENDIX "I"
Controller A.W.A.S.,
H.Q. A.M.F.
VICTORY MARCH CONTINGENT - A.W.A.S. SECTION
Report on period 6 - 20th May.
Health. Health of all personnel is still very good. There
have been a few minor casualties amongst other female
members of the Contingent, but with the exception of
a small burn which Sgt Randle received whilst ironing,
all is well.
Training. P.T. is now reduced to one period a day. Personnel
are able to get plenty of exercise as they all play
games on the Quarter Deck at some period in the day,
and a swimming pool has been erected for use in the
tropics.
Reading periods have continued, and AWAS are discussing
plans for England. Pte Miller has read "In
Search of Scotland" and is anxious to visit Scotland.
Major Christie gave us a talk on organization and
functions of AAMWS. We have not as yet held any
discussions on part AIF has played, but the girls
have read some pamphlets on this. We have been
given a small guide to London and some pamphlets on
Australia's war effort.
Laundry. Our towels, sheets and linen are laundered, but we
are doing our own overalls, safari jackets and
skirts as the laundry does not starch them.
Uniform. Tropical dress has been worn for a week.
We intend to draw some further supplies of stockings
before reaching England and will put them aside for
the March, as it will be necessary to ensure that all
stockings worn on the parade are a uniform colour.
Spiritual Welfare. We have not heard yet where the service at which Cpl
Hird will be confirmed will take place but we hope
we can attend it. Sgt Parkes plays for the Sunday
night services.
Entertainments. Cpl Hird sang with the band at one of the Sunday
night concerts. She and Sgt Parkes are preparing
for a ship's concert to be given the night we leave
Freetown. They will both take part in the Ballet
which is composed of some members of the WAAAF and
Major Christie and Lt Barr. Sgt Parkes has
designed and cut out all the costumes which are made
of light blue silk, purchased in Cape Town. They
should be very attractive. Cpl Hird will sing a
solo item by herself, and the Ballet will do two
numbers - "Candy" and "The Sailor's Hornpipe".
Films have been shown on the Quarter Deck.
A cricket match was played by the W.S. Section of
the Contingent against O.R.s of all services.
The team consisted of Lt Barr, Sister Bonnin, Sister
Wilson, Sgt Randle, Cpl Warne, Cpl Hird, Pte Miller
and four WAAAFs. The spectators and players all
enjoyed it very much. Pte Miller took 4 wickets.
The men won by a few runs and then entertained us
at afternoon tea in the Cafeteria.

2. 

Crossing the Line - 18th May.
King Neptune's envoy arrived the night before and
the Ship's Company and Contingent crowded the
foc'sle to see the spectacle. The envoy issued
the Warrants on the Quarter Deck - Chief Officer
McClemens, Miss Sage, Miss Wheatley and S/Sgt
Caldwell (WAAAF) were commanded to appear at King
Neptune's Court next day and were decorated. All
members of the W.S. were ducked either in the main
pool erected for the purpose or at the pool on the
Quarter Deck - some being hosed first. Everyone
thoroughly enjoyed the day.
Conference - 17th May.
Brigadier Moten called a conference re arrangements
in England. All W.S. Officers attended. It was
explained that local leave would be granted before
the march, probably from noon till midnight each
day, and that after the March, provided official
functions were covered, as much leave as possible
would be granted to individuals.
It was decided to request Lady Frances Ryder to
arrange hospitality for individuals who might
require same after march. Controller AWAS will
recall AWAS Officer's recommendations concerning
this excellent organization prior to departure.
It is felt that all AWAS would appreciate meeting
the women who help visitors from Dominions in this
way and they will probably meet some who have
entertained their men relatives and friends in the
past years. A Committee representing all the
Services is to be formed from the Contingent to
consider invitations.
Since the Conference we have heard that the Women's
Services will be camped at Bushey Park near Hampton
Court, that a special ACF Hostel is being arranged
for women at Sloane Gardens where they can be
accommodated on leave, that trips will be arranged
to various parts of England and Scotland, and also
possibly a representative party to Germany.
We expect to arrive at Portsmouth on 30th May and
entrain for London the following morning.
Mail. A few received letters at Cape Town and hope for
some at Freetown.
Cape Town. All AWAs enjoyed the visit to this port very much.
There was no march because of the bad weather
conditions. On the first day we shopped and in
the afternoon the Lady Mayoress placed 2 cars at
the disposal of the other ranks of the Womens
Services and they saw all parts of interest within
immediate vicinity of the town. Both evenings
they attended a dance especially arranged for the
Contingent at the Mayor's Gardens Canteen. We
also called at the Alexander Club of which we were
made honorary members.
On the second day we were invited to visit the
WAASies' at the Castle (Barracks) who entertained
us at morning tea. The SWANS (Naval Service)
invited the ORs to a cocktail party the second
evening prior to their dance and the WAASies'
invited Womens' Services Officers to a cocktail
party. 

3.
Unfortunately we could not accept the latter as
there was a party on board, but three WAASie
officers came to the party on HMAS Shropshire.
The following morning they came down to the ship'
with native flowers and a large box of South
African fruit.
It was a privilege to meet the WAASie officers and
ORs. Their work and experiences have been very
similar to ours except that they have the Airforce
women as part of their organization. Their
numbers are much smaller and they were surprised
to hear of our 24,000. In Cape Town they did not
know that Australian servicewomen had served in
any other capacity than that associated with
Medical Services. Their Detachment Cdr - Major
Miss Wille has gone to England to lead the South
African Victory Contingent of 95 women (who have
flown). The head of their service is remaining
in Pretoria and will not be present at the march.
They have selected girls of a similar build of all
colours and chosen mainly those who have not had
the privilege of serving outside South Africa, as
although they had the same number serving in the
Middle East as we had in N.G. and N.T., they felt
that those who had worked at home should have
priority. Their service is divided into detachments
and the work of a detachment Cdr corresponds to that
of an Asst Controller. Average age of Detachment
Cdr seems to be early thirties. They showed us
the location of the gun sites where their A/A gunners
had worked overlooking the harbour, working and
messing in trenches underground. Their barracks
appear to be run on similar lines to ours combining
women of all arms. They were extremely interested
in our photographs and gave us some literature on
their post war planning and their signals activities
which we will bring back with us.
They wear khaki with berets, and the personnel for
the Victory March are wearing battle dress - blouses
and skirts.
They are writing to Major Miss Wille and asked us to
contact her. They were particularly pleased that
we had called on them and we all found them
charming. One officer was particularly interested
in the pictures of AWAS at special Wireless Croup and
those working on radio location, as she had been an
administrative officer in similar units. Needless
to say Pte Miller was interested to hear about their
A/A.
Their discipline is administered wholly by women and
they are not liable to Court Martial. They have a
Staff Officer WAAS in the AG's Department who signs
for AG and advises on all policy matters.
Their total number appears not to have exceeded 6,000
but we will verify this on reaching England.
General. Days are very full at present with rehearsals, sewing ^felt
animals, swimming, playing games, washing, ironing and
reading. Talk centres mainly on our return route (we
hear we are not returning via USA) and what we will do
in England. It is too hot at present to be very
active.
M. K. Deasey.
MAJOR
AWAS Officer Australian Victory Contingent 

Controller A.W.A.S.,
H.Q. A.MF.
VICTORY MARCH CONTINGENT - A.W.A.S. SECTION
Report on period 20 - 29 May.
Health. Continues to be very good.
Training. In the tropics study periods ware reduced to an
occasional reading or discussion period, as
personnel were too occupied with laundry and
preparation for entertainments to have much
energy for any other occupation.
We plan to have Dressmaking Classes on return
journey which Sgt Parkes will conduct, provided
we can obtain materials at ene of the ports on
the return journey.
Cpl Tarrant (AMF) will be conducting French and
Spanish classes (one hour per day) and two
members contemplate joining.
Entertainments. The concert was a great success. Two AWAS were
in the ballet and Sgt Parkes' work on the
costumes was very much appreciated. Cpl Hird's
solo numbers wont very well.
A cricket match between members of the^/male and
female ballets was held which the female members
won. All W.S. members were entertained by the
men at afternoon tea in their Cafeteria and
enjoyed it very much.
All members attended the finals of the Quiz
Competition between two male teams. The Quiz
Sessions have aroused much interest.
Sport. Sgt Parkes and Lt Gorrett (RAN) reached the
semi-finals of the Deck Tennis Competition.
Clothing. We will draw further supplies of stockings and an
extra pair of gloves immediately we arrive at
Bushy Park. All members require new stockings.
Canteen. All members have been purchasing food at the
Canteen to take ashore to friends.
Return Journey. News that we are returning through the
Mediterranean, calling at Gibraltar, Malta, Port
Said, Colombo, Fremantle and Adelaide has been
received with enthusiasm.
M.K. Deasey
MAJOR
AWAS Officer Australian Victory Contingent.
29 May 1948 

Colonel S. Irving,
Controller A.W.A.S.,
Victoria Barracks,
MELBOURNE.
VICTORY MARCH CONTINGENT - AWAS SECTION
Report for period 30th May - 13th June
30th May.
Arrival at Portsmouth.
There was a heavy mist until we reached the harbour,
but on our way in we were welcomed by a Naval band which
played Waltzing Matilda, and by numerous WRENS waving to
us at various points. We passed the Aircraft Carrier
"Formidable" and heard Gooses greeting us as we drew in.
The Womens Services lined the Quarter Deck immediately
beside the Naval Contingent.
Mr. Beasley came aboard and addressed us in the
foc'sle and later we met Lt.Col Sharp from General Smart's
staff and an ATS representative from Southern Comd HQs at
Aldershot - Senr Comdr Cook. We were informed that
Womens Services would be quartered at Bushy Park until
after the march, with the exception of officers of the
rank of Major and above, who would be quartered in London.
The WRENS came aboard and invited us to stay the
night, each member of the W.S. receiving an envelope with
the name of her hostess and quarters - Major Deasey went
with Major Christie, Sister Wilson to WRNS Quarters,
St. Michaels Rd. where the hostess was Second Offr Grant.
We were left entirely free until supper time when we were
due at a cocktail party given for all female ranks by
WRENS. Our quarters were in an old orphanage founded for
dependents of deceased sailors. No one could have been
more charming than our hostesses. We were taken round
to see the main sights of Portsmouth, sent some cables at
the Post Office, then met everyone at the cocktail party
which continued till about 2200 hrs. The party gave us
an excellent opportunity to exchange views with the WRENS.
31st May
We marched through heavy rain from the docks to the
station and then entrained for London. The NAAFI gave
us a pastie, sandwiches and cake to eat in the train.
Lt.Gen Smart and Maj-Gen Boase vere at the station.
On arrival at Waterloo we were met by Senr Comdr
Nimmo (ATS) from the War Office, and after some delay,
those going to Bushy Park left by truck and the remainder
by staff car for our quarters. Matron Sage, Chief Officer
McClemens and Matron Wheatley were quartered at Harrington
Gardens, the remaining senior officers at 13 Sloane
Gardens, and remaining officers and ORs at Bushy Park.
It soon became obvious that this arrangement was impracticable
as both Major Deasey and S/Offr Carter endeavoured to
telephone Bushy Park to ascertain how the party there was
faring and could not get a message through.
1st June
Party assembled at Cnr Horse Guards and Embankment
to march to Australia House but Contingent from Bushy Park
did not arrive owing to mistake concerning transport.
The remainder of the Contingent marched through London to
Australia House where a lunch vas given us by Mr. Beasley.
The Bushy Park section arrived about 1400 hours and were 

2.
fed and then arrangements were made for them to stay
the weekend at Sloane Gardens for they had been given
week-end leave passes. Settling down took the
remainder of the day. Those quartered at Harrington
Gardens also joined the Sloane Gardens section.
p.m. Dance at Australia House, was given to introduce the
contingent to some of the Australian community in London.
2nd June In the evening Major Deasey, Major Christie and Sq/Officer
Carter visited Lt-Gen and Mrs Smart at their flat.
3rd June Senior officers went to Bushy Park for a conference.
Major Deasey was unable to be present owing to a cold.
4th June a.m. Womens Services at Bushy Park lined the drive for
the entrance of the Princess Royal who later met
officers Individually.
p.m. Three AWAS visited Hampton Court.
5th June Sgt Randle and Sgt Parkes went to the Derby. Cpl Hird
and Pte Miller went to Madame Tussauds.
p.m. Major Deasey attended a party given by Director
ATS at the Rembrandt Hotel. This was most enjoyable
and contact was made with representatives from South
Africa, India, Canada and with all senior ATS Officers
including DDATS from BOAR.
6th June a.m. Trained at Kensington Gardens for march. King
and Queen and Princesses visited Contingent at
Kensington Gardens.
p.m. Major Deasey attended farewell party given by Mr.
and Mrs. Beasley for Lt-Gen and Mrs. Smart.
7th June a.m. Trained all morning at Kensington Gardens.
p.m. Major Deasey attended party given by ATs Officers
at Bushy Park to which all visiting Officers were
allowed to invite a friend. The Princess Royal was
present and Director ATS presented Major Deasey.
The cable from Controller AWAS arrived before the march
and was very much appreciated. It was placed on the
notice board at Sloane Gardens.
8th June Victory March
All W.S. personnel embussed from 13 Sloane Gardens at
0830 hours and joined the rest of the Contingent at Hyde
Park. We were concentrated behind the Canadians and in
front of the New Zealanders. There was a bare 3/4 hour
delay before we moved off, and in that time we saw the
Royal Carriage go along Park Lane proceeded by the Royal
Standard - also had an opportunity of viewing the
Contingents marching immediately before and behind us.
Directions were given through a loud speaker and a
warning command 5 mins before we moved off. At the
command we moved off 12 abreast and could glimpse the
enormous but perfectly controlled crowds. The noise
was deafening - a thunderous roar of cheering interspersed
with whispers. Every window was crowded, and people had
climbed on top of trees and monuments all the way along
the route. The Guards lined the route - at every point
where we divided into sixes, e.g. soon after leaving the
entrance to Ryde Park, turning corners and at the 

3.
Cenotaph, there was a Guardsman standing in the middle
of the road which greatly helped. We halted on the
Embankment just near Westminster and chatted with the
crowd. Some of the men gave chocolate and pennies to
the children and many asked for autographs. Women
came forward with drinks of lemonade for us and we were
glad to take them. These people had been standing
for hours before we arrived. In the Mall one family
had been camped for 48 hours before the March, and some
sailors had slung hammocks between trees and viewed
everything from a most comfortable position.
Everyone marched better after the rest, the salute was
given at the Cenotaph and then there was a noticeable
feeling of anticipation as we approached Admiralty Arch.
The Mall looked beautiful with its hangings of flags
all the way down to Buckingham Palace. At the saluting
base different people were glimpsed by us. Some saw
the Princess Royal in ATS uniform, others Mr. Churchill,
the Duchess of Kent, Lord Louis Mountbatten and Field
Marshal Smuts. All however saw the King standing at
the salute and a glorious combination of pastel chiffon
colours where the Queen, Queen Mary and the Princesses
were. The Queen's face broke into a beautiful smile
as the women came up to the saluting base. Rain fell
as we left the Mall, and by the time we arrived back at
Kensington Gardens there was a fairly heavy drizzle.
Some found their own way home by tube, for which large
queues were waiting, and others returned by bus. All
were tired although they stayed the course well but the
meal provided by the WRENS in the quarters opposite us in
Sloane Gardens was most welcome.
The majority rested until dinner time, some listening in
to the BBC broadcasts and then went out to dinner and to
see the illuminations. Some of us had intended visiting
the open air theatre at Regents Park to see "As you like
it", but owing to the rain the performance was cancelled.
The illuminations were wonderful, bonfires were burning
all over the City and crowds wandered round all night.
The crowds continued throughout the weekend.
9th June. Major Deasey visited Cambridge and the movements of the
other AWAS are given in their notes attached in the
appendix.
10th June Major Deasey and Sqn/Offr Carter lunched with Miss [[Keither?]]
Munro recently returned from UNRRA in Greece.
p.m. Major Deasey took Cpl Hird and Pte Miller to call
on Miss Macdonald of the Isles - Sgt Randle and Sgt Parkes
visited her at another time and arrangements were made for
all the AWAS (with the exception of Major Deasey) to visit
Scotland and stay with hostesses there. Sgt Parkes
arrangements were attended-to-later as she was one of those
drawn to visit Germany. altered
11th June a.m. The morning was occupied with visits to Pay Office,
bank and answering invitations.
p.m. Major Deasey, Major Christie and Sqn/Offr Carter
visited Windsor at the invitation of the Countess of Gowrie.
Lady Gowrie made us very welcome and showed us over the
Castle, the Library and the Chapel. One of the Knights
of the Garter explained the foundation of the Order and
this visit was one of the most beautiful experiences of the
trip. 

4.
Major Deasey had to leave early for London as Cpl Hird was
being confirmed at Fulham Palace by the Bishop of London.
Cpl Hird and Sgt Armstrong (WAAAF) were the only confirmees,
and the service took place in the Bishop's private chapel.
Afterwards the Bishop and Mrs. Ward showed us through the
Palace, parts of which have been badly bombed.
In the evening all women officers were due at Hampton Court
Palace at the invitation of the Government for a reception
held by permission of His Majesty the King. We had barely
time for a meal & as it was pouring with rain we got very
wet walking up the drive to the Palace. The illuminations
there were very brilliant, and it was an impressive scene as
the officers of all contingents were invited. We had a
buffet supper and talked with all nationalities. We saw
the King and Queen & Queen Mary easily as they chatted with
many members of the Contingent. We returned to 13 Sloane
Gardens about 1.30 a.m.
12th June p.m. Major Deasey visited ATS at War Office - then called
on at Lambeth Palace and had tea with the Archbishop of
Canterbury, Mrs Fisher and family.
13th June a.m. Major Deasey had conference with Director ATS, Deputy
Director ATS and senior officers & showed them photographs
of AWAS activities. They asked for the pamphlets on AWAS
accommodation and education which had been prepared by
Major Wood and Lt Macfarlane. Arrangements were discussed
concerning units which Major Deasey should visit and
interesting information was obtained which will be delivered
on return.
p.m. Staff Cdr Hunt (FANYS) then drove Major Deasey to
Windsor for OCTU passing out, the salute being taken by
Princess Elizabeth. It was a wonderful parade preceded
by a service taken by the Chaplain-General - Princess
Elizabeth attended this. She wore her uniform of Junior
Cdr (ATS) and her standard was flown on the parade ground.
Immediately after the parade we returned to London for atea
party at the Goldsmiths Hall at 1630 to meet Princess
Elizabeth. Miss Macdonald of the Isles presented Major
Deasey to HRH and all the AWAS were present at this function
and most of them were very close to HRH. HRH gave Miss
Macdonald of the Isles a special messiage for us to say that
she would be happy to have a photograph taken and it is
hoped that the one we took as she came down the steps will
come out.
Officers then left for a Victoria League Reception given by
the Duchess of Devonshire. Lady Gowrie was present, also
Lt.Gen Macallum (DCIGS). We expressed appreciation of
all the Victoria League was doing for our servicewomen with
offers of hospitality, theatre, concert and Wimbledon tickets.
13 Sloane Gardens.
The Monday after we arrived all W.S. personnel moved in.
Once a telephone was installed this house become a most
useful centre and after the WRENS invited us to meals we had
all facilities. It was taken for us by the ACF and the ACF
Commissioner Lt.Col Youdale would come at 0700 hours and stay
till late at night in order to see that we had all we required.
We had breakfast here and could also get cups of tea at odd
hours. Lt.Col Youdale fathered us all and we will never
forget the part he played in our stay in London.
More general notes will be added in the next report.
M.K.Deasey Major
AWAS Officer Australian Victory Contingent.