AWM52 1/11/18/3 - Headquarters London Victory March Contingent, March - September 1946 - Part 8

Conflict:

Second World War, 1939–45

Subject:

Documents and letters

Status:

Open for review

Accession number:

RCDIG1026317

Difficulty:

26th July, 1946.

Colonel S. Irving.

Controller A. W. A. S.

HQ A. M. F.

MELBOURNE.

REPORT FOR PERIOD 14TH JUNE- 26TH JULY.

A summary of how Sgts Randle and Parks, Cpl Hird and Gnr

Millor spent their leave is attached.

JUNE 14th-17th

Major [[?]] left at midday on Friday for Cambridge and

returned on the 17th. That afternoon she met Lt [[?]]

(AWAS) who had come over from Ireland especially for the

March and who was most anxious to contact our personnel,

She sent us a telegram of good wishes before the March.

She is very interested in the Cobbers Club in London. NSW

and Victorian AWAS will be interested to hear that her

weaving industry is flourishing and that she is

Commissioner for Training Guides in Southern Ireland.

JUNE 18th- 21st.

On leave in [[Coramall?]] and Dorset.

June 22nd

On returning from Dorset called on Institute of Almoners

on behalf of Board of Social Studies at Melbourne

University. The [[Aust?]] Secretary, who is an ex-Wren, was

most helpful and has provided a large amount of literature

about their new courses which will interest Miss Kathleen

Best. [[Result?]] of this interview will be given on return.

Miss [[?]], Principal of [[?]] Collage, gave Major

[[?]] a copy of the Curtis Report on Child Welfare and

also gave her many introductions to people interested in

subjects controller AWAS asked her to investigate. It

was unfortunate that there was not more time to make use

of them.

In the afternoon called on Mrs Roberts at [[?]] Park and

delivered the parcel from AWAS. The locality has been

badly damaged, a 1,000 lb bomb having hit the building

opposite which Mrs Roberts lives. Details of this visit

will be delivered to Controller AWAS on return.

In the evening Major [[?]] had dinner with Major Helen

Hunt. Deputy Director Canadian Womens Army Corps, Senior

[[?]] Lady [[?]] ([[?]] ATS OCTU) and Snr [[?]] Taylor

(Deputy Director ATS for [[?]] Area). Britin,

Canadian and Australian W omens Army methods of administrat-

ion were discussed. Notes will be given in report to

Controller on return. Major Hunt extended an invitation

to see the [[?]] Arts and Crafts Exhibition on Monday but

other arrangements had been made with ATS for that day.

Spent the rest of the evening at Lady Hamilton's.

June 23rd

Rest Day.

June 24th

The day was spent at Luton [[Formation?]] College near [[Bedford?]].

-2-

Director ATS arranged this and an ATS Officer in Education

acted as guide. It was a most interesting day and

details will be given in separate report on return.

In the evening had dinner at Mrs Walter Elliott's to meet

Sir A. P. Herbert. After dinner a tour was made of three

girls and boys [[?]] in East and South London. This was a

great experience, not only because the journey included an

insight into some of the social conditions of the bombed

areas, but because Sir A. P. Herbert was collecting material

for a broadcast on the clubs and the party met many people

living in the dock areas.

June 25th

Morning spent at 32 [[Eaton?]] Square (ATS HQ) in conference

with senior ATS officers. Details will be given in

report on return.

Evening spent with Snr Odr Lady [[?]] Smythes the

organization of ATS OCTU was discussed.

June 26th

Morning. Called at Cambridge University Womens Employment

Board and Womens Employment Federation on behalf of

Melbourne Women Graduates. Some useful information was

obtained and will be delivered on return.

Afternoon. Attended Victoria League Reception at which the

Earl of [[Gowrie?]] His Excellency the Governer of Victoria and

Lady Dugan were present.

Evening. Attended BBC Concert at Albert Hall. Conductor

Adrian Boult and Soloist Elisabeth [[?]].

June 27th

Morning free. Lunched with Lady [[Somers?]]. A short visit to

Royal Academy. Called on Chief Cdr Cambridge (ATS) to

collect information concerning ATS [[Benevolent?]] Association

which is one of their most important post-war activities.

Chief Cdr Cambridge was most helpful and it is considered

that the act up of this organization will interest AWAS HQ.

Tea with His Excellency Sir Winston Dugan and Lady Dugan

at the Ritz Hotel.

Called on [[?]] Mrs [[?]]-[[?]], Vice President of

British Womens Conservative Association.

Evening free.

June 28th

Morning spent collecting films, inquiring re [[?]] dress- [[?]]

material on return voyage (the Trade [[?]] at Australia House

was unable to help in this matter) and visiting the bank.

Leave expired at midnight and heavy luggage had to be ready at

Sloane Gardens that night.

June 29th

Morning. Called on Miss Macdonald of the [[?]] All

contingent went to Kensington Gardens for photograph.

Afternoon-free.

-3-

Evening. Dance at Australia House to which each member

of the contingent allowed to bring a friend.

June 30th

Free.

July 1st

Contingent departed from Waterloo at 0915 and sailed from

Portsmouth at 1500. On arrival at Portsmouth an

opportunity was given to see over the Victory.

RETURN VOYAGE TO AUSTRALIA

We have called at Gibraltar, Malta, Port Said and Aden

Sightseeing and shopping have occupied all the time ashore.

At Malta we visited the 90th Gen H [[?]], St. John's

Cathedral [[Valetta?]], the Palace, and various churches. We

were entertained at two historic private houses in [[?]],

and Major [[?]] attended a party given by the [[Consul?]] for

Turkey at his home at [[?]]. AWAS called on the

Commissioner for Guides in Malta and she arranged for four

Guides to show us the sights on the following day.

At Port Said we had meals at the [[NAAFI?]] and spent the day

shopping.

At Aden we took a car to Crater and visited the [[?]] and

the Queen of Sheba's Wells.

Shooting Contest.

Gnr Miller formed one of a team of four from the W. S. in a

miniature rifle range shooting contest. She scored 16 out

of a possible 20 which was considered excellent shooting

in conditions involving use of strange rifles, sea winds

and a rolling ship.

Swimming.

The swimming pool has been erected on the Quarter-dock and

the ship has been stopped twice- once in the [[?]]

and once in the Bitter Lakes (off [[?]] canal) to enable

personnel to swim over the side.

Weather.

The heat in the Red Sea was very oppressive and [[?]]

personnel were permitted to sleep on the Quarter-dock on

three nights. After leaving the Red Sea monsoonal weather

entailed battering down hatches and closing [[?]] and

the temperature below decks was very trying, adding to the

discomfort caused by the rough seas. The seas are now calm.

Concert rehearsals have started for a concert to be given

between Columbo and [[?]].

Spelling Bee.

Members of Womens Services have taken part in this contest

which is broadcast over the ship's loudspeaker system.

French Classes.

Sgts Randle and Parks attend these classes every afternoon

including Saturdays and Sundays. The classes were cancelled

in the Red Sea and [[?]] Canal.

[[?]]

Major.

OC [[?]] Australian Victory March Contingent.

H.M.A.S. "SHROPSHIRE".

Colonel S. Irving

Controller A.W.A.S.,

H.Q. A.M.F.,

MELBOURNE. VIC

REPORT ON PERIOD 27th JULY- 7th AUGUST

COLOMBO.

This was one of the most interesting ports. Second Officer

Clifford WRENS came aboard and advised us about shopping. We went

ashore at 1000 hours and were met by Miss Laura Andrews and Miss

Morrison of the YWCA who took us shopping. Major Deasey called a

ATS HQ's. All AWAS and AAMWS Offrs and OR's and Matron Wheatley

lunched at YWCA. HQ Transport was provided by Army Amenities aft

lunch and we drove to Mount Lavinia and later visited the Buddhist

Temple. We returned to the ship and the other ranks changed into

civilian clothes and went to the Galle Face for dinner while Matron

Wheatley, Sq/Offr Carter and Major Deasey dined with J/Cdr Hill at

ATS Mess.

Next day Major Deasey and AWAS Cpl Warne AAMWS, Sq/Offr

Carter and WAAAF and Matron Wheatley left by Army Amenities truck

for Kandy at 0915 hours. We were accompanied by Captain Frew

RAOC and some male officers of the Contingent and Ship's Company.

Several stops were made on the road. one to buy hats, one

to have morning tea, and members of the Womens Services had lunch

at the ATS Camp 6 miles from Kandy. The Majority of ATS were on

local leave, but those who were in camp showed us their quarters.

As these girls are on draft to Singapore and hope to visit Australia

on leave, they were interested to meet members of our Womens'

Services.

After lunch we were shown the Botanical Gardens which are

very beautiful and then we visited the Buddhist "Temple of the Tooth",

and the shopping area. After dinner at the NAAFI we commenced the

return journey to Colombo. About 35 miles from Colombo the truck

developed engine trouble. Half the men in the party walked for 5

miles to the nearest village police station and telephoned to Naval

Headquarters in Colombo requesting that the "Shropshire" be informed

of the delay and that the Army send out a relief truck. We were held

up for 3 hours, but the fireflies in the trees and a neighbouring tea

house provided diversion for the party. After the relief truck

arrived the return journey was completed without further mishap.

Entertainments.

Concert. A Ship's concert was held on 3rd and 4th August,

two performances being given on the latter day. A programme is

enclosed. The majority of members of the Womens Services took part

in two items.

Films have been shown on the Quarter Deck at night, and Lt.

Cuffley's Military History film commentary on the Victory Contingent's

travels were shown this week. This series included the visit to

Germany. It is hoped that movie films taken during the trip will be

shown on Shropshire on successive Sunday nights in port in Australia.

Lt. Bassett (RAN) showed the films which he had taken of the voyage

for the RAN. All these films provide an interesting record. One

of Major Deasey's films has been processed and is quite successful.

It is hoped that the others will be done in Perth.

Health. of personnel has been fair only and this can be

attributed to weather conditions and the sustained period of living

in quarters where laundry and bathing facilities are most difficult.

All are looking forward to a period ashore at Fremantle. A radio

was sent to Major Hymus asking her to arrange accommodation in Perth

as we will be granted overnight leave there.

8 August.

[[?]] Major

O.C. A.W.A.S Australian Victory Cont.

Appendix "J"

[[?]] G

AUSTRALIAN MILITARY FORCES- 4th MILITARY DISTRICT.

CR 102. 1. 35.

Keswick Barracks, Keswick.

14 Aug, 46.

Memo No. 17211

VISIT TO ADELAIDE- AUSTRALIAN VICTORY MARCH CONTINGENT

The following are details of the visit of the Australian

Victory March Contingent to ADELAIDE:-

2. COMPOSITION

(a) GOC- Maj-Gen. K. W. EATHER, C. B. E., D.S.O., E. D.

(b) STRENGTH

MALES FEMALES TOTAL

Offrs ORs Offrs ORs All Ranks

RAN 1 22 1 - 24

AMF 13 129 4 5 151

RAAF 9 39 2 5 55

Totals 23 190 7 10 230

3. DATES

(a) E.T.A. OUTER HARBOUR 1600 hrs, 16 Aug 46.

(b) E.T.D. " " 1600 hrs, 20 Aug 46.

4. PROGRAMME DURING VISIT

The following arrangements have been made for the reception

and entertainment of the contingent: -

FRIDAY, 16 AUG 46

1600 hrs HMAS "SHROPSHIRE" berths at OUTER HARBOUR.

1730 hrs "AT HOME" - GOVERNMENT HOUSE, for all officers of

the contingent.

1730 hrs "AT HOME" - Garrison Sgts' Mess, KESWICK, for

40 Warrant Officers and Sgts of the Contingent.

[[?]] hrs Buffet and Dance for 25 officers at Surgeon-com-

mander Matters' residence, 1 Pembroke St.,

College Park (Private).

1940 hrs 40 seats available to the contingent at the following

theatres: -

YORK (Programme) "They were Sisters".

REGENT " "Dark Corner" and "Sing your

way Home".

WESTS " "This Love of Ours".

2000 hrs St. Peter's Old Collegians' Ball at Palais Royal,

North Terrace, Adelaide. All officers invited,

(Private).

2000 hrs Open [[house?]]- [[?]] St- Adelaide

Dance [[?]] and [[troops?]]

-2-

SATURDAY, 17 AUG 46

1000 hrs Official call by Maj0Gen. K.W. EATHER on

Rt-Hon. J. McLEAY, Lord Mayor of ADELAIDE.

1100 hrs Lecture to AWAS at A.E.S. Hall, KESWICK by

Major DEASEY, AWAS of the Contingent.

1300 - Races Victoria Park- Guests of Adelaide Racing Club.

1730 hrs Combined Women's Services "AT HOME" at

HMAS "TORRENS" to female officers of the

contingent.

SUNDAY, 18 AUG 46

0900 hrs Three 21 str buses available at OUTER HARBOUR

to take members of contingent on sight seeing

tour to MT. LOFTY. (LUNCHES required)

1930 - Open House- [[Grenfell?]] St- [[?]] Concert all Ranks

MONDAY, 19 AUG 46

0912 hrs Train leaves OUTER HARBOUR to transport contingent

to ADELAIDE for MARCH THROUGH CITY.

0945 hrs Train arrives ADELAIDE STATION.

Personnel detrain, move to RAILWAY RD., and

assemble for MARCH.

4 MD Military Band moves into position.

1008 hrs Head of contingent passes Start Point.

START POINT

Intersection of RAILWAY RD. and KING WILLIAM RD.

ROUTE

KING WILLIAM RD- East along NORTH TERRACE-

PULTENEY ST. - RUNDLE ST. - KING WILLIAM ST. -

East into ANGAS ST.

SALUTING BASE

ADELAIDE TOWN HALL.

TIME HEAD OF COLUMN PASSES SALUTING BASE

1030 hrs.

SALUTE TAKEN BY

His Excellency the Governor of South Australia,

Lt-Gen. Sir WILLOUGHBY NORRIE, K.C.M.G., C.B.,

D.S.O., M.C.

DISPERSAL POINT

Opposite HQ, RSS&AILA in ANGAS ST. after a brief

Arms Drill Demonstration.

NOTE: Rifles may be sent back to "SHROPSHIRE" by

MT at disposal of Contingent. (see para 5).

1100 hrs Refreshments followed by buffet lunch at

HQ, RSS&AILA.

1300 hrs S.A. Government Luncheon at Parliament House to

Captain and 14 officers from HMAS "SHROPSHIRE"

and GOC and 9 officers from the contingent.

-3-

1730 hrs Cocktail Party at Naval and Military Club.

1800 hrs Lecture to AAMWS at 105 (A) MH, Dawes Rd., by

Major J. CHRISTIE, AAMWS, Victory Contingent.

1830 hrs Dinner at Staff Corps Mess, KESWICK BARRACKS

to: -

Maj-Gen. K.W. EATHER.

Brig. M.J. MOTEN.

Capt. H.A. SHOWERS and Staff Officer.

One RAAF officer from Contingent.

1940 hrs 40 seats available to the Contingent at the following

theatres: -

YORK (Programme) "They were Sisters".

REGENT " "Dark Corner" and "Sing your

way Home".

WESTS " "This Love of Ours".

5. TRANSPORT

HQ, 4 MD will make available transport for HMAS "SHROPSHIRE"

and members of the Contingent as follows: -

Time of

Veh. Reports to Reporting Date Remarks

Hours

1 Car DS Maj-Gen. K.W. EATHER 1600 16 Aug Remains at disposal of

at OUTER HARBOUR. Maj-Gen Eather. Can be

called direct. L6262.

1 Car DS Brig M.J. MOTEN 1600 16 Aug Remains at disposal of

at OUTER HARBOUR. Brig Moten. 16/20 Aug.

Can be called direct

L6262.

2 Cars DS HMAS "SHROPSHIRE" 1600 16 Aug Available 16/20 Aug

at OUTER HARBOUR. for Capt. SHOWERS and

officers of HMAS

"SHROPSHIRE". Drivers

(male) may be vic-

tualled aboard.

2 Buses HMAS "SHROPSHIRE" 1600 16 Aug Available 16/20 Aug

21 Str at OUTER HARBOUR. for Contingent and

crew of "SHROPSHIRE"

can be called direct

L6262.

1 Bus " 1600 16 Aug To transport members

21 Str of Contingent to G.H.

1 Bus " 1600 16 Aug To pick up 1 offr

21 Str (female) 7 ORs and

luggage and deliver

same to LTDs at KES-

WICK and HAMPSTEAD

respectively.

3 Buses HMAS 'SHROPSHIRE 0900 18 Aug To convey Contingent

21 Str. personnel to MT. LOFTY

and return.

[[?]] [[?]] contingent 1030 19 Aug To convey rifles to

at RSL [[?]]

-4-

6. ACCOMMODATION

No accommodation for the Contingent has been arranged ashore

except for members of the Women's Services.

7. LIAISON

The following officers are available for information

and liaison: -

Office Home

Lt-Col K.E. WHEELER, Telephone L4181. Central 5022.

AA&QMG, 4 MD.

Capt G.A. BRANSON. " L4181 X2557.

Extn 214.

K. E. Wheeler

Lt-Col

AA&QMG, 4th MILITARY DISTRICT

Distribution -

As per List "A"

PLUS - 20 copies.

—————————

APPENDIX ~~appendix~~

'K'

War Diary

Routine Orders

[[?]] 1-134

([[?]])

ROUTINE ORDERS

Brigadier M.J. MOTEN. CBE, DSO, ED

Commanding LONDON VICTORY MARCH CONTINGENT

3 Apr 46 No 1.

Serials 1 - 11

——————————————————————————————————————————

DAILY ROUTINE

0630 hrs - Reveille

0730 hrs - Breakfast Mess Parade

0830 hrs - Roll Call & Parade

1030 hrs) - Morning Tea

1050 hrs)

1255 hrs - Lunch Mess Parade

1400 hrs - Afternoon Parade

1600 hrs - Leave Pass Issue

1700 hrs - Mess Parade

2. DRESS

Whether in camp during parade hours, on parade, or on

leave, dress will be either: -

(a) Hat or cap, trousers and jacket SD, gaiters, boots,

greatcoat if necessary,

(b) Hat or cap, trousers drill, shirt, belt waist, gaiters,

boots, chin strap, jumper woollen and/or greatcoat

if necessary.

Dress for daily parade will be (b) above unless notified

otherwise.

Personnel will be clean shaven, and will shave in early

mornings.

LEAVE

Until further notice, leave will be granted from 1615 hrs

until 0800 hrs.

LATRINES & ABLUTIONS

Latrines and ablutions in adjacent camp site opposite cook

house will be used. Latrines and ablutions at bottom of this

site (near YMCA) will NOT be used. Cookhouses, whether in use

or not, will NOT be used for washing purposes.

HYGIENE & CAMP CLEANLINESS

Occupants of all huts will be responsible for the cleanliness

of same before leaving camp on leave; blankets will be folded on

top of palliasses, and equipment, kitbags etc stacked neatly.

Huts will be swept clean.

MAIL

Mail (outward) will be posted by individuals at Post Office

next to the canteen by 0800 hrs, and by 1600 hrs daily.

Mail (inward) will be distributed to personnel at approx

1100 hrs daily.

Address for this camp is as follows: -

[[?]12345, Pte Smith, A.b.

Victory March Contingent.

WATSONIA CAMP. VIC.

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Nathan

Last edited on:

8 July 2025, 1:19 pm

Last updated: 8 July 2025