I Volume 6, No I 2001 1

ECHOES FROM THE PAST AND PRESENT -1 -

"What is history but a fable agreed upon. J J

Napoleon Bonaparte (1 769- 182 1)

44 Radar Wing Darwin 1943 - 44

I Can you help? I The photograph above was taken in the Officer's Mess at 44 Radar Wing in Darwin. Although there are some christian names written on the photograph itself, the individuals' sumames are not annotated anywhere. From my perspective the names read (from left to right):

Ray(Roy?) Arthur, Joe, Ivan, Bob, Hibbins, Don, Clem Do you know any of these men? If you do, can you provide their sumames and an approximate date for the photograph?

I Drop me a line at Radar Returns if you can assist in any way - Pete Smith [Editor] I

Volume 6, No I - 2 - 200 l

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Tim Jones's history of 37RS is FORMING available from the publishers and, 44 RADAR WING

Can You Help? I if you would like your own copy, DARWIN NT the details are on page 3. This is a story which has needed to be told

The following is the lead article

2 and is finally in print for all to from 44 Wing's first wall Formrng 44 Wrng Darw~n NT 'newspaper'. The title was

read. Reform~ng 44 Wrng W~ll lamtawn NSW 3 The Faded Echoes column in this

"Forming of This Wing" and was

issue is rather long (unfortunately) written by F/Lt Clem Morath, the

Where Are They? and it contains the passing of Les Senior Administrative Officer.

Mllne Bay Radar 3 Bell. An unforgettable individual "The publication of this, our first

whose contribution to the success 'literary' effort, does not Faded Echoes 4 of RAAF radar in the field during represent an attempt to build UP

the war cannot be overstated. the esprit de corps or morale. It 13RS Cape Otway Morrie Fenton is, once again, is, we believe, conclusive proof

13RS Photographs 7 producing a radar unit history. In that such already exists.

this case, it is 13RS at Cape Our little show - that 'little' is to Reun~ons 7 Otway. Neil Trainor has some deceive the enemy and visiting

interesting updates on the radar officers who expect four course US SAW Bns ~n Australro ' site itself. Morrie would like to meals from three cooks on P

contact anyone who may have picture nights. Our little show photgraphs of the site for his was formed on Dec 14, 1942; book. All the details are on pages that is, it formed in the mind of 6 and 7. Maybe you can help. the then Area Radio Officer F/Lt

Welcome to the latest edition of Some other people as asking for Harold W. Hannam, who was Radar Returns. You may have help in finding old comrades and soon to become the Wing's first noticed a slight change in the their request for 'Where Are CO, since followed by F/Lt format. There is no dramatic They' are on page 3. Wadsley.

for this a need Thanks to the efforts of gentlemen ~ i , ~~~~d took F ~ L ~ HannamIs to make the newsletter look a such as Bob Fullenwider, I am little more interesting. advice - tendered through the

starting to put together a picture of ~co,ect~ channels - and an This edition continues the aims of the US Army SAW which the earlier editions by collecting a operated radars in and around

establishment was soon compiled wide range of radar history topics Australia during the war. Very

and issued. On Dec 17th the

into one location. I have started writer became personally little is recorded in Australia of

off with a photograph of the 44 interested in its formation as a their support and activities during signal from ~i~ ~~~~d posted him Wing's Officers' Mess in Darwin the early days of the war. The

~r i th some unknown people in the article on pages and 8 start to as the Wing's first administrative

photograph. This is joined by the give you an insight into this officer.

n . .

-- article ol.~pa?e 3 shortcoming in our recorded Sonnfollowedsignals posting, reforming of 44 Wing at RAAF various members already in the

history. The numbers and Base Williamtown. To add a area and several of them are still

locations of these radars may little history to this event, I have surprise some of you.

with us. Under real difficulties included an article from 44 they all lent their weight to the

Scattered through this edition are Wing's first newspaper describing questions to test tough job of getting the Wing their original formation back in functioning.

your radar history knowledge. There are no prizes but the Airmen who had passed

questions should generate some successfully through hard

Please address all correspondence interesting discussions. The technical courses were soon for Radar Returns a s follows: answers will be in the next covering themselves with mud Posta l Address: edition. Good luck. and glory building a camp which

Pete Smith [Editor] has since become our home. WgCdr P.G. Smith (rtd) There were growls aplenty but no 18 Pandian Crescent BELLBOWRIE QLD 4070

moans, and it can now be

or disclosed without fear of E-Mail Address disciplinary action, that the Radar~Returns@Hotmail.com

Volume 6, N o I - 3 - 200 1

rudest remarks about the Works (ATC) Facility of Williamtown in Milne Bay Radar Authorities were made by the CO addition to a Dining-In Night in Unit History of the No 37 and the Adjutant. They were also the Officers' Mess. Jack Fraser,

the oldest and longest serving Radar Station 1942 - 1945

made in the right places but not, perhaps, through the "correct" member of the wartime Wing HQ Tim Jones's history of 37RS

channels. present, was introduced has arrived from the

by the Branch President, Walter publishers and is ready for As we go to press that stage is almost over - we have a camp Fielder-Gill, who also spoke purchase. This is a hardcover

with messes, our own showers, briefly of the Wing's wartime book of 85 pages with a etc, to which all of us have history. Jack was then asked to significant number o f very

contributed something in present the Wing's Crest to the good quality photographs. thought, sweat, and even blood youngest member of the reformed The reason for the high (vide sick reports and check with Wing. The 44 Wing standard of photography is the singing messmen for gory incorporates all the Air Traffic explained in the book itself. details). Control Units outposted on the

various RAAF Stations located This is an excellent unit

Most of us are now settling down around Australia and naturally history and covers the actions into the particular jobs for which plays a vital role in the o f a radar unit from its we were trained (more or less) air activities. formation in the early days of and others are soon to taste life in * the war with Japan, coming the raw in this tropic paradise. under fire during the Battle for It is hoped that this, our own Where Are They ? Milne Bay, and surviving the brain child, will thrive in spite of

Joe Lynam is hoping to hear from rigors of the SWPA. the likely vicissitudes of climate, some of his colleagues from circumstances, and changing Radar veterans will recognise

parents. The first producers are 306RS at Bulolo PNG. In some of names o f the particular he is trying to get in

to be congratulated on their participants as they went on to

enthusiasm and energy in touch with Sgt Jack (Smokey) become well known identities Smith (last seen in NSW) and

undertaking the care and feeding Radar Operator LShorty, Whetton in the radar fraternity.

of the infant. May it thrive and from Qld. If you know of their If you would like to receive a

prosper and tind blips in the right whereabouts, Joe can be copy of this unit history, papers." contacted at: contact: + 1/76 Bendigo Avenue Warbooks Australia

Bentleigh VIC 3204 13 Veronica Place REFORMING Keith English would like to Loftus N S W 2232

44 WING contact any of the ex-members of Ph: (02) 9542 6771 WILLIAMTOWN NSW 46RS. Keith was the Sgt WOM Fax: (02) 9542 6787

The Radar Air Defence Branch who was in charge of Cost $33.00. (Includes (NSW) was invited to RAAF communications from Aug 1944 postage & handling) Williamtown Base to witness the until Sep 1945 when the station reformation of the WWII 44 was closed.

(Cheques should be made

Wing, Darwin. In addition, Keith can be contacted at: payable to ' Warbooks')

members and others whom we 67 Benchaven Avenue could identify as having served Thornlie WA 6108 on this Wing andlor its Radars

RADAR QUIZ

were also invited. The RAAF 3. On which base were radar

organised an impressive parade RADAR QUIZ operator's trained during

during the morning, reviewed by 1. Which was the RAAF's WWII and where are they Air Vice-Marshal Alan longest serving radar station: trained now?

Titheridge, Deputy Chief of Air a. During WWII, and 4. When did WAAAF Force, accompanied by the first b. Post War? personnel first enter training Officer Commanding of the 2. How many Fighter Sector's as radar operators? reformed Wing, Group Captain were established in Terry Delahunty. The visit Australia and where were 5. What was unusual about the included an inspection of No 3 they based? location of 1 RIMU during CRU and the Air Traffic Control WWII?

4

Volume 6 , No I - 4 - 200 l

FADED ECHOES R.L. Steele spent his post war life serving at given in Radar Yarns,

Diet1 January 2001 senior administrative levels in the commencing on page 108.

Bob Steele served as a Radar Engineering Division of the then [Gerry Cranage VIC]

Technician with the RAN during PMG Department? Telstra). Austin Wilder World War 11. He served on John will be remembered as a Died in Tampa Florida USA HMAS Hobart and HMAS thorough and capable gentleman 24/01/2001 Map borough. He had just and a good Australian. He is a sad Austin served throughout the returned fi-om visiting his son in loss to us all. SWPA during WWII and, with England ivhen he died of a sudden Bombardier R.A. McPhee, his wife Joyce, visited Australia heart attach. VX 78166; 16 '~ Australian Field for the BLIPS reunion in 1995. A close friend who will be Regiment; 2nd AIF Our best wishes go out to Joyce. ~iiissed. Bob was born on 20/12/1918 and ~d Walsh T.L. Lynch passed away on 2411 212000. Died July 2000 ___- _----. Died 05/12/00 Bob, sadly, had not enjoyed good Ed was 80 when he died from a From the small amount of history health for several years, having massive heart attack in Gosford I have, Mr Lynch graduated from been an inmate of the Beulah Hospital. He joined the radar No 49 Radar Mechanics Course Nursing Home (Northern fraternity through his initial (Air) in February 1945 after Wimmera, Victoria) for most of training at Parkes, NSW and went

a' completing three months of that time. on to serve in Melbourne, Point training. I have no fi~rther records Bob and I had kept in touch over Cook, New Lambton, 323RS of his service career. If anyone the years and my wife and I had Mascot, Boepel, Mappi Post, and can add to this brief entry I would been able to visit him and his Merauke. Ed was the Sergeant In be most grateful. family both before, and after, his Charge of the WIT Section at [Pete S17iith - Editor] admission to hospital. Friendships 323RS in Dutch New Guinea. To

John Hamel Bartley formed in those close knit radar the day he died, Ed could do

Died 08/01/2001 communities seemed to last Morse Code although he said it

John died peacefully in hospital forever. was very hard to learn. He must

aged 76 years. Well, you may ask, what has the have received some very good

Our deepest sympathy is extended death of a former in training!

the 2" AIF got to do with radar The conditions in Dutch New to Marie Bartley and family on the sad loss of John, a foundation and Radar Returns? Guinea were terrible with supply

member of the Radar Branch, To briefly fill you in, I would like irregular. At one stage

founded on 23 August 1961. to give you the following the unit lived on spaghetti for 6 information; weeks - not the sauced variety, John and Marie have given Bob, together with Sgt. Eric just the flour and water pasta

outstanding support to our .- . . . , .

rancn s acmlr~es, ~e rrftnzac type. Whenhe talked ab~-ul his - Regiment, 2"d AIF, had been time in Dutch New Guinea he

Days, Tours. our Christmas seconded to 326RS, Cape Leveque mentioned the names of Keith

Lunches. or National Reunions. WA, to take charge of, and Flynn, Tony Craig, Charles

He was trained as a Radar Mechanic (G) on No 40 RDF instruct, we radar bods in the McCoy, Eric Penfold, Frank

Mechanics (G) Course from operation and use of 18 pounder Falvey and a Dutch Padre who

3/5/43 until 25/7/43. John served guns. We would like to think that had been in the jungle with the

on 20RS Nelsoll Bay, 37RS Port We became very proficient in the natives for years.

Moresby and Milne Bay, 336RS art, under their expert tutelage. [The above information was

Trobiand Islands, New Guinea Bob and Eric played an integral provided by Ed's widow Beryl

and on 165RS Quakers Hill, part in the capture of the spy who resides in Toukley.]

Bargo NSW. He was in the thick vessel, Bandeong Maru, and its Max Grant of the Battle for Australia in 1942 full complement off the coast of Died 22/09/2001 partici~larly at Gurney, Milne Bay Cape Leveque on the 15th August Max Was One the . in the very early days of RAAF 1944. Eric, sadly, passed away operators at Port Keats and he

radar, and in an area regularly some years ago as well. arrived soon after 39RS had been

attacked by enemy aircraft. He Full details of that incident are set up on Mt Goodwin, just north

Volume 6, No I

of the mission. In civilian life Max enjoyed amateur stage productions. The CO became aware of his talents and he was asked to organise a ballet. Max created the costumes at the mission using their sewing machine and even persuaded Father Dogherty to lend the mission harmonium for the performance. After 39RS, Max was posted to 132RS, and, although he did not attend any of the radar reunions, he kept in touch with a number of radar friends. He died of heart attack. Kelvin Howard Scudds Born 09/12/1923 Died 23/03/2001 Kelvin was a Sergeant Telegraphist, and his service was known to include a posting to Drysdale, when the airstrip there was part of the early frontline against the Japanese. His service also included the Gawler W.T. where he was 1.C. of one shift. From there he was posted as I.C. to 7RS on Wedge Island which was then on a care and maintenance basis. While at Wedge, he was able to take a series of first class photos of the beautiful cliffs and coastline of the place. In recent years, Kelvin has been an able supporter of the 7 Radar Reunions. Kelvin was also a TPI man. [Morrie Fenton SA]

Leslie William Gordon Bell Born 28/01/1904 Died 11/12/2000 The first time I met Les Bell was at Williamtown Airport in 1995. He was arriving to take part in the BLIPS reunion to commemorate 50 years since the end of the war. After having read so much of his wartime exploits in the history of RAAF radar, I was not sure how I was going to greet him. Here was an individual who is held in very high regard by all of the radar

fraternity. A common response from the radar veterans, when asked about Les Bell, was "I owed my life to Les." How does one greet someone like that? My nervousness was completely removed when I saw him walking confidently across the tarmac, talking to two of the female airline attendants as if he had known them for years. He greeted me warmly, put me at ease, and did not slow down for the entire reunion. I have accounts of people half his age having difficulty keeping up with him. He walked10 the top of Tomaree Head, complete with his briefcase, passing younger and fitter(?) people on the way. Over those next five days I learnt some much about the early days of radar in the RAAF I became fully occupied just trying to record everything he recalled. Les joined the RAAF in September 194 1 as an AC I Category 'G' RDF Mechanic. His enlistment papers revealed some of the secrecy surrounding radar at this time as his enlistment originally stated 'Radar Mechanic' but this had been ruled out and 'RDF Mechanic' added above it. Prior to his enlistment his stated occupation was a 'Coconut Planter' and his 'Previous Trade & Qualifications' were Engine Driver; Electrician in Rabaul; and Partner & Owner of Kavieng Engineering Works. His experience in the SWPA alone would have made him an asset to any unit to which he was posted. He commenced his radar training on No 3 RDF Mechanics (Air) Course in November 194 1 but was then transferred, along with his fellow course members, to No 1 RDF Mechanics (Ground) Course. This course was terminated early and the course members were attached to RAAF Base Williamtown to assist with the erection of the first RAAF

' radar at Shepherd's Hill in Newcastle. It was here that his practical engineering skills and leadership abilities began to be noticed by those in charge. At the end of the Newcastle installation Les was an Acting Corporal. He was returned to Radar School but was soon back at Williamtown to install 20RS on Tomaree Head. The radar site, and its isolated location, made this a real challenge and, by the end of the installation in May 1941, Les was an Acting Sergeant. This meant that Les, four months out of basic training, still officially an AC l , not yet reclassified as LAC, was supervising men in the installation and operation of vital defence equipment. This was a sure sign of things to come. He returned to Richmond but was soon on his way north to Milne Bay with 37RS. Some of his exploits at this unit have been recorded in Radar Yarns and Tim Jones' book on 37RS, but suffice to say, he was a vital element in the success of this radar installation. His ability to be able to locate crucial equipment in isolated areas, his skills in working with the local population to assist in establishing the station and his practical engineering skills made him the 'jack of all trades' in this tropical outpost. He remained at 37RS right through the Battle for Milne Bay and returned to Australia in December 1942 to serve at l RIMU. Here Les was able to assist in the establishment of a number of the mainland stations, including 19RS (Bombi NSW) and 5 1 RS (Point Danger). The RAAF then decided that Les could be more valuable in a different capacity and he was 'Discharged on Being Granted a Commission". Les became Pilot Officer L.W.G. Bell on 19 June 1943. During his short career as an RDF Mechanic his character always assessed as 'Very Good';

(Continued on page 6)

Volume 6 , No I - 6 - 200 l

I ( 'o~~tr~lr~ecl frorr~ puge 5 )

his Trade Proficiency as .Superior'; and, he was always 'Specially Recommended' for prolnotion. Once he completed his AS&D Course he was posted to 4 1 Wing in Port Moresby. From this location Les ranged far and wide assisting personnel establish radar sites and ensuring radars remained on the air. Tracing his movements through the SWPA area is ver) difficult but he would have to hold the i~nique distinction of serving at more radar stations than any other member of RAAF radar. In March 1944 he was very outspoken about tlie use of Bat Island as a radar site. He based this opinion on his local kno~lledge of the area and knowledge he gained from the natives in the Admiralties. The strength of his convictions and his vocal opposition to this location meant that he was ordered to .keep quiet'. The end result was that six lives were lost and an entire radar station was incapacitated after it was placed on Bat Island. One of the casualties was Les Bell himself. He spent a month in hospital, 16 days of this time on the Critically I11 List, recovering from Scrub Typhus. Not many people fully recovered from this affliction and ,. . returnedT61~iTl tlme auty. Les \\as back on full time radar duties in June 1944. He was posted to 3RIMU in October of the same year and continued his roving troilbleshooter duties in the SWPA. In December 1944 Les was attached to 335RS when it landed with tlie assault troops at Pilelo Island. His actions during this time earned him an MBE. The citation read: Courage and distinguished service in Northern Command. FIgOffBell has been engaged in the installation of several radar stations. In December, an

installation party was landed and commenced erection without delay other than that due to continued bombing and straJ;ng by the enemy. FlgOffBell was able to keep the personnel employed to the best advantage and the station became operational three days later. During three weeks after the completion of the station the island was subjected to 60 bombing and stra$ng attacks and it was mainly due to FlgOff Bell's outstanding courage, resourcefulness and leadership that the nzorale of the personnel was maintained at a high level. As with most citations, they do not accurately portray the conditions or the actions involved. A more detailed description has been portrayed in Echoes Over The Pac$c. During his officer career Les was formally given command of five radar stations but his presence was noted in a lot more unit A50 history sheets. He was demobilised in January 1946. To quote Tim Jones in his book Milne Bay Radar: "Les Bell's knowledge of the country and the native people, coupled with his engineering and radio skills and his down-to-earth practical common sense did a tremendous amount for RAAF radar. At 37RS he looked after me unlt's youngsters and he wlll always be remembered as a father with affection and respect." Leslie William Gordon Bell is one of the truly legendary characters in the history of RAAF radar. As well as his family, Les will be missed by those who served with him, those who have read about his exploits and those who were fortunate to meet him at any time during his life. Pete Smith [Editor]

13RS Cape Otway You may be interested in a little story I have regarding 13RS at Cape Otway. I was there for 5 months in 1943.

A few years ago my wife and I were on holidays in the area and decided to have a look at the lighthouse. From the lighthouse you could see the remains of the concrete building which had housed the radar gear. We were given permission to go and have a look at it. Naturally the radar gear had been removed. The building had three sections. On the left, on entering, was the transmitter room. This had housed a large English unit. On the right was the receiver room. This had housed an LWIAW receiver. Both of these were completely empty. The central section which had contained the motorised turning gear for the antenna had a large gear wheel several feet in diameter attached to its shaft which ended at roof level.

Apparently, when they came to dismantle the equipment, it had proved too difficult to get this gear out and the antenna shaft had been cut off with a welder at roof level. (I later sent them some information about the station).

Naturally, the land around the areanaau-

plant growth since my stay there and we didn't explore further. But I told the tour guide about an underground dugout which used to have a Ford V8 240 volt generator [maybe there were two dugouts]. Late last year I had a phone call from an old friend who had visited the lighthouse, who also had been taken over to see the old doover building, AND shown the underground power supply dugout.

So - there are still a couple of

~ (Continued on puge 7)

I Volume 6, No I - 7 - 200 l

(Conrmtred from page 6)

signs of the old Radar Station at Cape Otway for any old-timers who happen to be in the area. And there is a good road all the way from the Great Ocean Road to the lighthouse. Neil Trainor 05 Jan 2001

13RS Photographs Neil Trainor's article has been very timely. Morrie Fenton is presently putting together a printed history 13RS at Cape Otway and would really like to hear from anyone who may have some photographs of the station or the personnel. If you can help him out, you can contact him at: 27 Lasscock Avenue Lockleys SA 5032

I REUNIONS I Perth, September 2001

Preliminary registrations of interest in the reunion, proposed by the Western Australian Branch of the RAAF Association and supported by RAAF Radar Veterans, have reached a level which seems to assure its viability. The first newsletter has been distributed and it provides information about accommodation and transport, with a preliminary idea of the program. The second newsletter, 1 with an accompanying final registration form, has been scheduled for publication around the end of May. The closing date for registrations will be approximately July, and the reunion will open at the Air Force Association Club at Bull Creek

1 on Monday, 10th September with ' registrations beginning at 2.30. This will be followed by a 'get- together' buffet meal. It will wind up with a final dinner on the , evening ofThursday 13th September.

If there are still people (other than those already registered)

who might be interested in attending this reunion, they should contact Warren Mann, RAAF Radar Veterans, 39 Crisp Street, Hampton, Vic 3 188 Tel: 03 9598 2193 Fax: 03 9521 6724 as soon as possible. A note, phone call or fax to this address should provide your name and address, phone number, the number of people interested in attending, the kind of accommodation you would be 10- for MotelL -

hotel, caravan park, or other) and the means of transport you might use (train, air, coach or private car).

A deposit of $10 (preferably cheque or money order, made out to RAAF Radar Veterans) is payable and should also be sent to the address above.

South Australia, Autumn 2002 March, 2002 marks the 6oth Anniversary of the establishment of radar services in the RAAF. The possibility of marking this occasion with a national reunion is being considered, somewhere not too far from Adelaide. The RAAF Base at Edinburgh is thought to be appropriate. Edinburgh, as many will know, contains the operations centre for the JORN (Over-the-Horizon Radar) project. An announcement can be expected quite soon.

RADAR QUIZ

6. Where are the present RAAF Air Defence radar units currently based (ie 2CRU, 3CRU, l 14MCRU and 1 RSU)?

7. How many personnel died while serving on RAAF radar units during WWII?

US SAW Bns in Australia Three US Fighter groups -the ath, 55th and 4oth arrived in February and early March 1942. The gth Group settled down to the defence of Brisbane, the 55Ih went into operation in Sydney and the 4oth established itself at Darwin to stave off a Japanese threat from the Netherland East Indies. Besides the three fighter squadrons, each of these groups had a Fighter Control Squadron, trained controllers and sufficient personnel to run a fighter sector. In Australia they operated in

h e c o ~ ~ a w i t h the ihree major fighter sectors then functioning, IFS in Sydney, 8FS in Brisbane and 5FS in Darwin, There was plenty of work to set up the Fighter Sectors and keeping them going, in the W 0 Wills building in Brisbane and in the Sydney Metropole Hotel. The 4oth Fighter Control Squadron, on the other hand, found Darwin a hot bed of trouble. When the 4oth set up in Darwin on April 30 they discovered it practically deserted and found themselves in the position of delaying the Japanese who were expected to land at any time.

On 10 June, the Fighter Control units were reinforced with the arrival in Brisbane of the 565th Signal Air Reporting Battalion (Sacramento) with Major D.H. Malory in command. This battalion, newly activated, was prepared to furnish 10 radar equipped reporting platoons to support the Allied warning system then in operation in the area. By the end of July these platoons were operational all along the Queensland coast. They fed into 8FS and 3FS in Townsville. Only a handful of these personnel had ever seen radar prior to arrival. The Battalion was composed of the 1 " and 2"* Reporting Companies with 7

(Continued on page 8)

Volume 6, N o I

/( ~ 0 1 1 l 1 1 1 l 1 ~ ~ ~ / / l 0111 page 7)

platoons each plus a Reporting Cornpan. They were located as follo\is: jth Reporting Platoon 2nd Company-Coolangatta, Cape B) ron. Billbourough's Lookout [Burleigh Heads];

2nd Reporting Platoon 1'' Company-Cape York (Horn Island) 61h Reporting Platoon ls t Companq-Stradbroke Island - Point Lool\out;

7"' Reporting Platoon IS' Company-Iron Range; I " Reporting Platoon 2nd Compan y-Mackay;

2"d Reporting Platoon 2nd Compan y-Bundaberg;

5'" Reporting Platoon IS' Cornpan)-Toowoomba;

7'" Reporting Platoon 1'' Company plus Plotting Company with 3 Platoons-Cairns;

71h Reporting Platoon I S'

Cornpan)-Portland Roads; 1 " Reporting Platoon l'' Conlpan-cook to^ n: ,

3rd Reporting Platoon ls t Company-Double Island Point;

41h Reporting Platoon IS' Company-Rockhampton;

41h Reporting Platoon 2nd Company-Redland Bay;

7"' Reporting Platoon T"' Company-CooE~igatra: - - p

3rd Reporting Platoon 1 " Company-Innisfail; and Coen, Emu Park, Mt Ayr, Mt Spec.

I n July. the Fighter Control squadrons began to move up into the for~vard areas with the 551h arriving at Port Moresby on 3 1 July. There its personnel joined the hard-pressed Australians who had been operating 4FS for four months. On 7 August the Squadron moved from Brisbane LIP to Milne Bay. There they established 9FS. On 13 September the 4oth started to set

- 8 - 200 l

up a Fighter Sector at Cairns. painted. They returned to the When the Fighter Control ship on 12 Feb and crossed the arrived at Milne Bay they found Pacific with a convoy of seven that, beginning in June, the ships and the light cruiser New Australians had expanded from Orleans. The unit landed in Port Moresby into the Milne Bay Brisbane on 6 March 42 where area. they were billeted on Ascot

It was not until 9 September that racetrack. The l st platoon was

any American radar units were left in Caloundra. The rest of the

operating in New Guinea. On outfit departed for Perth, Western this date the 61h Reporting Australia on 6 March 42, aboard Platoon, 2"* Reporting Company, the Monterey. They docked in

5651h SAW Bn arrived in Port Melbourne when Corregidor fell.

Moresby. The outfit consisted of They remained in Perth until

48 enlisted men and two officers October when they 'enjoyed' a

with Lt Roscoe C. Sparks in four day trip across the Nullabor

command. Their equipment back to Brisbane with a changeof

consisted of an SCR 5 16 - an four different rail gauges. They

SCR 268 modified for early moved back into race track for

warning [MAWD]. As soon as short time, then moved to a boys'

unloading was completed the school in Nundah. On 18 Jan 43

platoon moved to Waigani they departed for New Guinea

Swamp - seven miles north of aboard the Jansen. Once in New

Port Moresby. The radar station, Guinea they were transferred to

RS473, went into operation 565 SAW Bn. as CO A on 11

shortly after arriving at the site. March 43 at Oro Bay with Capt.

At this location the station was Boyd. able to discern plots at a range of 69dth HHTORY 60 miles. This unit was located in

Melbourne and later became CO E 6 9 9 t h ~ ~ ~ HISTORY of the 565'h SAW. The 699th was activated in Fort Dix, NJ. This SAW outfit was made up of men from the artillery, cavalry and the infantry. The time was 1600 hrs 22 Jan 42 with a complement of 200 men an 1 1 officers. Moore Greenwood was the commanding

- - - - -

After a short training session they were shipped to Fort Slocum for embarkation. Everyone thought they were going to Europe. Not so. The new unit boarded a train in New Rochelle, NY and travelled across the US to Oakland, California. From there they boarded a bus for the dock in San Francisco where they boarded the SS Maui. The ship was supposed to lift anchor at midnight to sail the Pacific but a generator failed. All aboard were put ashore on Angel Island until ship was repaired and the hold

RADAR QUIZ 8. On what date did a RAAF

radar first detect enemy aircraft during WWII and where was the radar sited? f

~~y K A

have operated in locations north of the Equator? (Bonus points if you can name them.)

10. In which frequency band did the LWIAW Mkl A operate?

1 1 . What was the major difference between the ACO radar station antenna and the rest of the RAAF's WWII radar stations?

12. During its time in Brookvale in Sydney, I CRU employed how many types of radar and what were they used for?