| Place | Oceania: Australia, Queensland, North Queensland |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | MSS0806 |
| Collection type | Manuscript |
| Measurement | 1 item |
| Object type | Typescript |
| Maker |
Newman, Richard H |
| Date made | 1942-1943 |
| Access | Open |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
| Copying Provisions | Copyright restrictions apply. Only personal, non-commercial, research and study use permitted. Permission of copyright holder required for any commercial use and/or reproduction. |
Newman, Richard H, Lieutenant, Demolition Unit, Karumba
Description
Newman's account "A Motley Crowd" written in conversational style covering his appointment and the organisation and running of the secret guerilla demolitions unit in the Gulf (of Carpentaria) area. They were tasked to prepare for demolition of key sites around Normanton, Karumba and Burketown plus a proposed scorched earth policy should the Japanese invade. He also described the recruitment and enlistment of his men and the locals from the VDC, administration, difficulties encountered in supply and pay and isolation and his delayed commissioning as Lieutenant passed over as Captain. Following disbanding of the unit his work in Thursday Island and Cairns administering the islands.