Melrose, Robert (Civilian, b.1890 – d.1959)

Collection relating to the Second World War experience of Robert Melrose, Department of District Services and Native Affairs, Australian Civil Administration, New Guinea, 1941-1985.

Wallet 1 of 1 – Consists of 2 folders of material relating to Robert Melrose’s experiences in leading an evacuation party of sick and wounded civilians from Lea to Port Moresby, New Guinea, dated 1941 to 1985.

Folder 1 of 2 contains one carbon notebook of notes and letters hand-written by Robert Melrose, dating from 22 April 1941 to 13 February 1942. Within this notebook, Melrose records details of civilian, service and New Guinean personnel. He also includes letters to an administration unit in Port Moresby, requesting assistance and rations. Additionally, this notebook contains one request form (and duplicate copy) from the Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales, dated 2 January 1985.

Folder 2 of 2 contains two notebooks hand-written by Robert Melrose, New Guinea, dated from 22 January to 19 February 1942.

The first notebook contains diary entries recorded by Robert Melrose while leading an evacuation party of civilians from Lea to Port Moresby, dated 22 January to 19 February 1942. The entries include details of the party’s personnel, movements, health and casualties, food rations, correspondence with the Royal Australian Air Force administration in Port Moresby, radio news broadcasts and assistance by local New Guineans.

The second notebook contains various lists by Robert Melrose [date unknown] of personnel, food rations, supplies and expenditure. Additionally, this notebook includes two loose-leaf sheets of paper containing a transcription of the notebook, and a list of addresses and contacts for appointments in Canberra, dated 7 January 1985.