The History and Activities of the 1st Battalion VDC

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No 1 Perth Battalion

C.O. Lt. Col. R. E. Renner

Adjutant Lieut. T. Sly

Manning details 30 September 1942

N. D. Offs. 28

N. D. O/rs. 742

Total 770

Officers

Major Renner F. E. Battalion. Commanding Officer.

Capt. Gostelow C. A. P. Battalion. 2 i/c

Capt. Dent A. L. C. I. Unit Cadre

Capt. Morris E. E. Company Comd.

Capt. MacNamara S. A. Company Comd.

Capt. Crowe W. M. W. Company Comd.

Lieut. Ridley H. B. Intelligence. Officer.

Lieut. Cruckshank J. T. Asstistant Adjutant Quarter Master

Lieut. Holden J. W. Company Comd.

Lieut. Mead W. J. Company Comd.

Lieut. Jorgensen W. Company Comd.

Lieut. Yelverton M. W. Company 2 i/c

Lieut. Ogg R. W. Company 2 i/c

Lieut. Love W. A. Company 2 i/c

Lieut. Wickens C. V. Company 2 i/c

Lieut. Thompson R. J. Pl. Comd.

Lieut. Winterbottom K. Pl. Comd.

Lieut. Sadlier VC C.W. Pl. Comd.

Lieut. Mettam G. W. Pl. Comd.

Lieut. Johnston R. A. Pl. Comd.

Lieut. Roberts J. A. Pl. Comd.

Lieut. Taylor W. A. Pl. Comd.

Lieut. Wilton H. H. Pl. Comd.

Lieut. Birtwistle I. T. Pl. Comd.

Lieut. Bantock K. Pl. Commander

Lieut. Tandy J. T. 2 i/c Company

Lieut. Marshall G. S. Pl. Commander

Capt. Wallace A. G. S. Bn. M. O.

No. 1 (Perth) Bn. Page 2

When 655 men marched through Nedlands from Claremont along Stirling Highway on August 17, 1941, it was the climax to a recruiting campaign conducted by the C. O. Perth Bn., Lt. Col. J. S. Denton D.S.O., and those associated with him since his appointment to Comd. on May 12 of that year.

No. 1 Bn. extended from Perth to the outskirts of North Fremantle and contained 8 companies with the following foundation leaders:

Coy "A" (Press) Coy Leader Capt. J. Chappell

Coy "B" (Perth) Coy Leader Mr. J. Tandy

Coy "C" (Subiaco) Coy Leader Mr. H. F. Klopper

Coy "D" (Shenton Pk) Coy Leader Mr. R. Off

Coy "E" (Nedlands) Coy Leader Mr. A. L. Dent

Coy "F" (Cottesloe) Coy Leader Mr. J. W. Waltho

Coy "G" (Mosman Pk) Coy Leader Mr. R. B. Roy DCM

Coy "H" (Claremont) Mr. F. E. Renner

Adjutant Mr. T. A. Sly

Int. Officer Mr. H. Ridley

Recruitment of these companies was much helped by the rifle clubs, and the association of Perth and East Perth clubs with the original "A" and "B" companies (now "A" Company) has been continuing. The spirit in which the Nedlands Road Board had lent a room in its buildings rent free for the war for use as Bn. H. Q. was reflected in the support of various Militia Bn. Comds. who helped with .303 rifles, Lewis and Vickers Guns, and other training equipment together with Officer and N.C.O. instructors who gave their spare time freely in instruction. On 19 March 1942, the first issue of .310 rifles was made to the Bn. These small single-shot rifles disappointed the men who had expected the service rifle. On April 8, 1942, Mr. C. A. P. Gostellow was appointed to take charge of training and to superintend the newly formed Bn. Training Cadre. A series of musketry courses with service rifle was appreciated by all personnel. After a period of night guard of various vulnerable points in the Bn. area the guards were gradually reduced until the Bn. was only guarding its own stores - a change due to the pressure on men who felt it a strain to work at their civil avocation all day and do guard duty all night. When Col. Denton relinquished the Bn. Comd. on 15 May 1942 he was succeeded by Lt. Col R. E. Renner. For the first time since August 18, 1941, the whole Bn. paraded in uniform on Claremont oval on Sunday, June 6, 1942, to say farewell to Col. Denton.

Later, the Bn. was re-organised on Army lines and the original 8 companies were merged into 4 as follows:

"A" (Press) & "B" (Perth) became "A" Coy under Coy Comd. E. E. Morris

"C" (Subiaco) & "D" (Shenton Park) became "B" Coy under Coy Comd. S. A. Macnamara

"E" (Nedlands) became "C" Coy under Coy Comd. A. L. Dent.

"F" (Cottesloe) & "G" (Mosman Park) & "H" (Claremont) became "D" Coy under Coy Comd. W. H. Crowe.

As training of the Bn. proceeded the equipment was greatly modernised except for the retention of the .310 rifles.

Leading Personnel (Past and Present)

First Bn. Comd. Col. James Samuel Denton, born Pt. Adelaide S. A. December 11, 1875. Educated Martin's Model School S. A. and Charples, Melbourne. Appointed 11 Bn. A.I.F. as Capt. Hon. Major August 1914, promoted Major 11 Bn. A.I.F. Egypt, proceeded with Bn. to Gallipoli, awarded D.S.C 1915, proceeded France with 11 Bn. A.I.F. (Twice mentioned in despatches), promoted Lt.-Col, commanding 11 Bn., appointed Comd. 10 Bn. A.I.F. 1916, appointed Comd. 70 Bn. A.I.F. and later Comd. 49 Bn. 1917, appointed Comd. 3 Tng. Bde Hurdcott, England 1918-1919, returned Australia 1919. Awarded Volunteer Decoration 1923. Retured Hon. Colonel December 31, 1935. Appointed Comd. No. 1 (Perth) Bn. 12 May 1941, relinquished that comd. on 15 May 1942. Profession since last war; farmer and grazier, secretary, Member Legislative Assembly Irwin-Moore 1921-1927. Recreation - Bowls, fishing, gardening. Residence: 3 Florence Rd. Nedlands.

Present Bn. Comd. Lt. Col. Frederick Emil Renner, born Albany W.A. 16 March 1892. Educated Albany, Geraldton and White Gum Valley State Schools W. A., and Christian Brothers High School, Fremantle. Enlisted 1915, 8th Reinforcements 1 Bn. A.I.F., servedin Egypt, Gallipoli and France, transferred 51 Bn. February 1916, promoted Cpl. February 1916, Sgt. March 1916, C.S.M. August 1916, R.S.M. November 1917, Lieut. J. S. Denton D.S.O. Profession since last war: sales manager and director, Captain Fremantle Swimming Club 3 years, member Fremantle Rowing Club 4 years, Commodore Claremont Yacht Club 1 year, Vice Patron Claremont Football Club 3 years, member Sports Committee Rottnest Board of Control 4 years. Recreations: swimming, football, rowing, yachting and fishing. Residence: 57 Clifton St. Hollywood.

Bn. M.O. Capt. Alexander Guthrie Semple Wallace, born at Castle-Douglas, Scotland 3.5.1887. Educated at Dunfries, Scotland and Glasgow University. Served with 142 Field Ambulance R.A.M.C. 1915/18 France. Awarded Military Cross. Present rank VDC: Capt. Profession since last war: medical practitioner. Recreations: golf and fishing. Residence: 13 Leake Street, Cottesloe W.A.

C.I. UNIT CADRE Capt. Alfred Leopold DENT, born at Sawley, Derbyshire, England on 5 June 1897. Educated at Mansfield School and University College, Nottingham, England. Served with University College Officers Training Corps 1915 6th Bn. Sherwood Foresters - 1916-1919 as Lieut. Present rank in V.D.C.: Capt. Profession: Civil Engineer. Vice President Nedlands Tennis Club, also Vice-Captain 3 years, President Nedlands Sub-branch R.S.L. 1 year, Vice President 2 years, Hon. Treasurer 4 years. Recreation: tennis. Residence: 69 Stanley St. Nedlands, W.A.

COY COMD. Capt. Ellis Eaton MORRIS, born Fremantle W.A. 25 August 1899. Educated Bunbury State School. Enlisted 3 Reinforcements as Pte. 15.5.18 discharged 17.1.19. Present rank in V.D.C.: Capt. Profession since last war: Chartered Accountant. Recreations: Swimming, tennis and golf. Residence: 199 Stirling Highway, Claremont, W.A.

"B" Coy

R.S.L V.D.C

At a general meeting of the Perth Subbranch R.S L held at "Monash" House on June 9 1940 it was decided to form a Unit of the R.S.L. V.D.C and ex Sergt Mjr T.J. Tandy M.M. was offered and accepted the Command.

Sunday June 9 1940 saw the first parade with a muster of 30, which in 3 months grew to 250.

The unit was fortunate in having the services of Lt Colonel F.R Fitzgerald as an instructor. Having no weapons or equipment the exercises consisted of drill, reconnaissance, range finding, judging distance & scouting. Later, when Y Coy Garrison Battalion was formed, enlistment was so large as to reduce the unit to 60. For a time, at the invitation of the Press Sub-branch, the units combined for exercise. When allowed to recruit from civilians the Perth Rifle Club under Mr. R. Ryall joined en masse & the unit could then muster 120. In addition a cadet corps of S.S.L of over 20 was formed - these lads are now in the Military Forces. On a further reconstruction, the unit was joined to Press and became A. Coy.

The following were officers under Commander Tandy:

H.M. Reid MC, who later resigned owing to ill health

ex Staff sgt Slater of International Staff

G. Tubman ex Life Guards & South Shropshire Regiment

W.G. Hood ex Imperial Air Force as Sgt Mjr

W. Holder ex 28 Battallion as 2.M.S.

Letter from Headquarters No 1 Battalion V.D.C., Nedlands

Dear Colonel Robinson

Re V.D.C. History

Further to my letter of 31 Jan 43 and your verbal instructions of 3 Feb 43, herewith please find attached a sketch of the Military and Civil history of the remainder of my Company Commanders.

Yours faithfully

F E Renner

Dated 4 February 1943

NOTES OF INTEREST OF THE ACTIVITIES OF NO.I (PERTH) BN. YOLUNTEER DEFENCE CORPS. 1. Extract of Corps Routine Order No. 1 of 12.May,41. "1. Approval has been given for V.D.C to be formed in Australia as an adjunct to the A.M.F. and to function under the operational and general administrative control of Army Commands. 5. The following appointment to the Staff of the Commander has been approved Lt. Col.J.S.Denton,D.S.O. - C.O. Perth Battalion. 2. In accordance with the foregoing the following R.O. was promulgated by Col James S. Denton, D.S.O., V. D. the Bn.Cond. 'Routine Order No 1: Command: 1. In pursuance of Corps Routine Order No. I, I have assumed Command of the Perth Battalion as from this date. Headquarters: The Headquarters of the Battalion will be in a room in the offices of the Nedlands Road Board situated at the corner of Stirling Highway and Smythe Road, Nedlands. Conference: In order to discuss matters concerning the future welfare and efficiency of the Battalion, I would be pleased if you will make arrangements to meet me on Monday night next, 26th. inst. at Bn.Hqrs. at 8 p.m.

(SGD.) J.S. Denton BATTALION COMMANDER.

3. Emanating from the resultant meeting of the Company Leaders with the Bn. Comd. a Committee was formed to carry on a recruiting campaign in the Bn. area. In passing it should be remembered that the various Companies, were those formed in their respective localities under the R.S.L. V.D. C. scheme, but now that the V.D.C had been taken over by Army, they automatically came into the various Bn.areas formed; No. 1 Bn extending from Perth to the outskirts of North Fremantle, and being formed of eight Coys. follows .- Company Leaders "A" Press Capt. J Chappell "B" Perth Mr. J. Tandy "C" Subiaco Mr.H.F.Klopper "D" Shenton Pk Mr. R. Ogg Adjutant Mr. T. A. Sly. "E" Nedlands Mr.A.L.Dent. "F" Cottesloe Mr.J.W.Wa1tho "G" Mosman Pk Mr. R.B.Roy D.C.M. "H" Claremont Mr.F.E.Renner Intelligence Officer Mr. H. Ridley.

4. B.H.Q. was situated in a room loaned for the purpose by the Nedlands Road Board, in the Nedlands Road Board building, Stirling Highway, Nedlands. The Headquarters is still in the same room which has been lent rent free for the duration.

5. Specialist Platoons such as Signals, M.Gs., A.M.C. etc. were reorganised and continued on with their training commenced in the old R.S.L V.D.C. Coys., much of the specialized training being done with improvised equipment and dummy guns etc. As early as possible contact was made by Col. Denton with various Militia Bn.Comds. whose assistance was given in the way of .303 rifles, Lewis and Vickers guns, and other equipment necessary for the training of a Bn. together with Officer and N. C.O. instructors who gave their spare time freely on Sundays and certain evenings the week. The various Coy. Leaders also formed night classes for lectures on subjects necessary to training. A Battalion B was also formed and went into intensive training.

6. On 17.8.41 as a grand finale to the recruiting campaign, the Bn. marched through Nedlands from Claremont along the Stirling Highway (the Main Rd. from Perth to Fremantle). The Parade State was 655 for this Parade, which was a great success. The Salute was taken by the Corps Commander Brig.Genera1 A.J.Bessell—Browne C.B.,C.M.G. , D.S.O. on the steps of the Nedlands Road Board Offices. 7. The Bn. had by this time settled down to solid training, and the mobile units from the Militia Bns. 11th. & 16th. were augmented by Mobile Units from the 5th.Garrison Bn. and Trade Training Coy.

8. The following changes took place about this time in Coy. Leaders: — "A" Coy. Mr.E.M.Barker to be Leader vice Captain J. Chappell resigned to be effective as from 26.8.41. "C" Coy. Mr. S.G. McNamara was appointed Leader vice Mr. H.F.Klopper resigned — to be effective as from 1.9.41. "G" Coy. Mr. W. Mead to be Coy. Leader vice Mr. R. B. Roy, D.C.M. resigned — to be effective as from 14.9.41. BN Hqrs. Mr. P.E. Renner transferred from "H" Coy. and appointed Deputy Bn. Comd. to be effective as from 11.9.41. "H" Coy. Mr. W.H. Crowe to be Coy. Leader vice Mr. F. E. Renner transferred to B.H.Q. - to be effective as from 18.9.41.

9. On 26.10.41 the Bn. commenced its Musketry Courses at Swanbourne Rifle Range using .22 Rifles and continued the courses until a fair degree of efficiency was attained.

10. On the 19.11.41 Mr.J.W.Holden was transferred from "C" Coy. to B. H. Q. and appointed Machine Gun Officer. Mr. Holden had just passed out of the Western Command School at Guildford with distinction.

11. A very esteemed member of B.H.Q. Staff was the Bn. M.O. who was also the Corps Deputy Principal Medical Officer, Dr. Wallace M. C. late Major R.A.M.C. whose energy was extended, when not in his private surgery, to training the A.M.C.Section and Stretcher—bearers, proving himself a most popular M .0. both with his section and in the Mess, where his cheery genial presence and his many anecdotes were much appreciated and looked forward to. Dr. Illingworth his assistant was a kindred soul who was greatly missed when he was transferred to another Bn.

12. Commencing in the New Year of 1942 series of Schools of Instruction were made available to the V.D.C. by Army, and the Personnel took great advantage of these to improve their training and knowledge of Military matters.

13. At this time also a full—time duty staff was appointed to the Bn in the persons of the Adjutant - Lieut.T.A.Sly, W.O.ll H.Wells and H.M. Blee and Staff Sgt. K. Wishart. This greatly relieved the great burden of work of the B.H.Q. Staff which was on duty every night, after completing their daily avocations, in addition to the weekends and holidays.

14. Attached to the Bn. at this time were certain full time duty personnel engaged on Coast watching, with Posts extending from North Beach to Rockingham, a distance of approx. 30 miles.

15. Following on the re—organisation of "A" Coy. Mr. E. E.Morris was appointed Coy. Comd. vice Mr E.M. Barker resigned — To be effective as from 5.1.42.

16. The Bn. was issued with Camp equipment on 29.12.41 and on 12.1.42 four 3" Mortars were made available to the Bn. A Mortar Platoon was then formed under the command of Bn.Machine Gun Officer, Mr.J.Holden, and quickly made itself efficient under his able instruction.

17. On 13.2.42, four Thompson Sub—Machine guns were made available by Army; these weapons also were placed in the charge of Mr. Holden who trained personnel in their use.

18. On the formation of the the Bn. the Bn Comd. Col. Denton issued instructions that on Monday night of each week all B.H.Q.Officers were to attend at the Orderly Room for a discussion on the previous week's training, and the creation of a new syllabus of training for the ensuing week, or alternatively an amendment of the previous syllabus. As a result of this conference the weekly R/O was promulgated — this work usually taking from 7.30 till 11 o'clock and at times until midnight.

19. On 4.2.42 Mr. Chas Gostelow M.C. was appointed Assistant Adjutant. Mr.Gostelow served in the 11th.Bn.A.I.F.1914/18 war, gaining the Military Cross and the rank of Captain. He was always a most popular and consciencious officer, with a fünd of amusing anecdotes. The Bn was fortunate in obtaining the services of so efficient an officer.

20. On 19.3.42 the first issue of rifles was made to the Bn. and the fact that these were sm 11 single shot Cadet Rifles caused a deal of adverse comment among the men, who were naturally disappointed at not being issued with the Service Rifle.

21. The attestation of personnel and the issue of uniforms commenced on 23.3.42. After so many previous disappointments in this regard the men were very jubilent at the news, but the jubilation was somewhat dampened when the colour of the uniform (Olive Green) was made known, as it had been expected that they would have been ordinary Khaki. However, the disappointment soon wore off, and the men settled once more to training.

22. In accordance with Bn. R/O.44 of 8.4.42 Mr. C.A.P.Gostelow was appointed to take charge of training operations and to superintend the work of the newly formed Bn Training Cadre.

23. One of the duties allotted to the Bn was the guarding at night between the hours of 7. p.m. and 7 a.m. of various important vulnerable points in the Bn. area. This occasioned after some time a fair amount of discontent as the men had to work at their civil avocations all day, go on duty all night, then go to work next day, and although the men had only one turn of duty per week, and in some cases per fortnight, the broken period of rest made the men unfit for their work the day after guard duty, and it was felt at this juncture that the guards should be undertaken by permanent troops. The guards were gradually cut out until the Bn. was doing only guard duty on its own stores etc.

24. The Bn. at this period was engaged on its second Musketry Course, this time with Service Rifles, which was greatly appreciated by the personnel.

25. At this period the Bn suffered a very great loss in the retirement of Col.J.S.Denton,D.S.O, V.D. His final R/O as Commander of the Bn. is given hereunder:— "Appointment: The following extract from Corps Routine Order No. 26 is promulgated for general infomation:—

        To be Battalion Commander, No. 1 Perth Battalion:— 
        Mr. F. E. Renner, vice, Colonel J.S.Denton,D.S.O. V. D. retired.

"General: 2. In reliquishing the Command of the Battalion at this stage of our Nation's ordeal and trial, it naturally grieves me that my age is such that the authorities, under the Regulations provided for the V.D.C, see fit to place me on the retired list. My training as a soldier, however, enables me to accept the decision of superior authority without resentment. The one great consolation to me is the many true and lasting friendships I have formed within the Battalion which it has been my pleasure to command. I desire to place on record my appreciation and gratitude to all Ranks for their devotion and loyalty under the many trying and exasperating difficulties, and am confident that if and when the time comes for them to actually participate In the real defence of our beloved country, they will well and nobly do their duty. My only regret is that I will not be there with you to share your dangers and troubles. To my Staff I tender my warmest thanks for their assistance at all times in assisting me to build up the Battalion to its present state of efficiency, and ask them to continue that aid and assistance to my successor. It is with a heavy heart I say farewell. I wish you all the good luck possible, and if and when the time comes you are called on to do your duty in the field in defence of our beloved native land, the Almighty will watch over and guard you and bring you safely through the perils to which you may be subjected. May God bless you all. (SGD.) J.S. Denton Battalion Commander

Colonel Denton was chosen by the Nedlands Sub-Branch R.S.L. to command the Nedlands unit of the V.D.C when it was under the jurisdiction of the R.S.L. and when later the organization was taken over by Army, he was chosen by the Corps Commander, Gen. Bessell—Browne to command the No. 1 (Perth) Bn. His kmowledge of Army work gained during 40 years service including 4 years war service, was of inestimable value to the Bn. and his charming personality and approachableness made him very popular with officers and men alike. He was particularly popular with the men because apart from his personal charm they were aware that he knew his job thoroughly, consequently placing themselves under his command unreservedly. To those officers and N.C,O.'s on his personal staff he was a tower of strength. It must here be remembered that his officers were with one exception young in the military sense, and had a lot to learn, and to the "Old man" as he was affectionately called, fell the task teaching them, which he did thoroughly, guiding here, censuring there, and smoothing over somewhere else. He was a father and a friend to us all, and a natural diplomat, and although he had to on occasions, reprimand some one of us, his reprimand was given in such a manner as to leave no sting, only a resolve to do better in future. His retirement on account of age came as a shock to those members of the Bn. who were not aware of his age, as although if they thought about it at all they reckoned he was in his 50s, his young active brain and slim active figure were those of man of 40. He is indeed a loss to the Bn. and the Army as a whole. He however left the a very fine legacy in the person of his successor, the new Bn. Comd. Mr. F. E. Renner, who was the Colonel's own choice, and who received much of his training from him. Mr. now Lt. Col. Renner is ably carrying on the training and traditions of the Bn. in a manner worthy of his old Chief and friend.

26. On 8.6.42 certain personnel were posted from Coys. to B.H.Q. to form a Transport Platoon, and at this period the Bn. was being reorganized on true Army lines, the original Coys. being merged into four Coys. as follows;— "A"(Press) & "B" (Perth) became "A" Coy.under Coy. Comd. E. E.Morris. "C" (Subiaco) & "D"(Shenton Pk) became "B" Coy under S.A.MacNamara. "E" (Nedlands) became "C" Coy under A. L. Dent. "F" (Cott) "G"(Mosmon Ok) and "H"(C'mont) became "D" Coy under W.H. Crowe.

Although this reorganization occasioned great deal of work and created a certain amount of discontent at the time, it was really a blessing insofar as it made the Bn more compact and easier to administer.

27. A Parade of the whole Bn. to say farewe11 to Col.Denton was held on Claremont Oval on Sunday 7.6.42. It was the first occasion the Bn had been on Parade as a Bn since the 18.8.41, but whereas they were then clad in civilian clothes they were now uniformed, and made a most impressive sight. The Bn. was inspected by the Corps Comd. Gen. Bessell—Browne, and was complimented by him on its general bearing. On 15.6.42. Colonel Hoad, Commanding 12th.W.A.L.of C. Area made an Inspection of Units of the Bn. and expressed great satisfaction with what he had seen, stating that he was deeply appreciative of the keenness and enthusiasm shown by all ranks.

29. On 6. 7. 42 the following appointments were made— (a) The following is an extract from corps Routine Order 28 and is promulgated for general information— Mr F. E. Renner to be Acting—Major as from 9th June, 1942. Authority L.H.Q. MS 28728 of 25th June, 1942. (b) The following appointments, transfers, and attachments will take effect as from 0900 hours Tuesday, July 6th, 1942- W48432 MARSH, WILLIAM GILBERT. Transferred from "C" Coy. and taken on strength B.H.Q. and appointed to be Regimental Sergeant Major. W66674 DEAN, Jack Geoffrey Youle. N.H.Q. Staff. Transferred to Intelligence Staff of Battalion Headquarters. W66802 HALL Maxwell Clarence Transferred from "C" Coy, and taken on strength B.H.Q. and transferred to Intelligence Staff of B.H.Q. Battalion Headauarters Company. W48343 HOLDEN. John Walker. To be in command of B.H.Q. Company and O/C Headquarters Mortar Platoon. W66803 WINTERBOTTOM. Keith. Transferred from Battalion Headquarters Signals to B.H.Q. Coy. , to be in Command of No. I Platoon (Signal). W66846 AMES, Rodney Leo Transferred from "C" Coy, and Taken on Strength Battalion H.Q. and transferred to B.H.Q. Company. To be in command of No. 2 Platoon (A. A.) . W66676 THOMPSON, Harold Leslie Transferred from B.H.Q. Mortar Platoon to B.H.Q. Coy, To be in command of No. 3 Platoon (Mortar). W67203 THOMPSON, Reginald Transferred from B.H.Q., to B.H.Q. Company. To be in Command of No. 4 Platoon (Transport). W66890 KENSITT, Walter Gilbert Transferred from B.H.Q. to B.H.Q. Company To be in command of No. 5 Platoon (Pioneer) • W66805 CRUICKSHANK, John Taylor Assistant Adjutant and Assistant Quartermaster to be attached to B.H.C. Coy, and in Command of No. 6 (Admininstrative Platoon of B.H.Q. Company.)

30. The first practice shoot of the Mortar Platoon was held on Sunday, 19.7.42 and was carried out very successfully.

31. About this time personnel who had attended the Guerilla Course in the Eastern States, were formed into a training Cadre for the purpose of imparting the kmowledge gained, to the Bn. This cadre was most popular among the men, who assimilated this form of training with great enthusiasm. The cadre personnel knew their job well and were particularly keen.

32. Bn. R.O. 62 of 27.7.42 gives the first list of appointments of W.Os., and N.C.O's. These ppointments to Army Rank together with the issue of Chevrons had an encouraging effect on the personnel — it meant another step forward in the battle to be considered "Army" troops.

33. Popular appointments made as from 1.8.42 were that of Capt. C.A.P. Gostelow from O/C Training to 2 I/C Bn., and C pt. Dent Leader "C" Coy. to B.H.Q and appointed O/C Training. Lieut. Jorgensen was then appointed A. O/C "C" Coy., Vice Capt. Dent.

34. One of the duties of the Bn. is to provide personnel for Coastal Defence work. This duty consists of erecting Barbed wire entanglements on the Coost in the Bn. area. These were full day Parades and the work was enjoyed by the men who felt they were doing something towards the defence of the country.

35. Bn. R.O. 67 of 24/8/42 gives the first list of appointments to Commissioned Ranks. "The following appointments are approved and will take effect as from July 31st 1942. Authority A. GAO-177A

W66842 GOSTELOW, Charles Arthur Pearson To be Acting Captain. Battalion Second-in—Command. W668338 DENT, Arthur Leopold. To be Acting Captain. Battalion Chief Instructor of Training. W66811, MORRIS, Ellis Eaton. To be Acting Captain. Officer Commanding "A" Company . W48374 MACNAMARA, Sydney Alfred. To be Acting Captain. Officer Commanding "B" Company. W66816 JORGENSON, Walter. — To be Acting Lieutenant. Acting Officer Commanding "C" Company. W48492 MEAD, William John — To be Acting Lieutenant. Acting Officer Commanding "D" Company. W66805 CRUIKSHANK, John Taylor. To be Acting Lieutenant. Assistant Adjutant and QM. and O/C. No. 6 Platoon of Battalion Headquarters Company. W66673 RIDLEY, Harold Bernard — To be Acting Lieutenant. Intelligence Officer. W48343 HOLDEN. John Walker. To be Acting Lieutenant. Acting Officer Commanding Battalion Headquarters Company. W43488 YELVERTON, Mervyn Wilfred- To be Acting Lieutenant. "A" Company. A/Second in Command.

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