Guide to the papers of Field Marshal Sir Thomas Albert Blamey
Collection Number: 3DRL/6643
Summary
Title: Papers of Field Marshal Sir Thomas Albert Blamey
Collection number: 3DRL/6643
Extent: 15m
Location: Private Records Collection, Research Centre, Australian War Memorial.
Abstract: The collection of Field Marshal Sir Thomas Albert Blamey is predominately concerned with his experiences as commander in both the Middle East and the South-West Pacific Area, 1939 - 1945. The remainder of his military career is only scantily represented in the papers. The strength of the collection lies in the range and level of administrative detail reflected in relation to the South-West Pacific Area. The diversity of his military and personal interests is overtly represented in the papers. Overall, the records reflect the work of an individual in control of a large military organisation and the non-military aspects of his life are rarely touched upon.
Administrative information
Provenance: The papers were loaned by Lady Blamey and Lieutenant Colonel T R Blamey in 1953 to Mr Gavin Long, General Editor of the Official History of Australia in the War. During this period access was restricted to the official historian, his staff and to Mr John Hetherington, biographer of the late Field Marshal. Control of the papers eventually passed to the Australian War Memorial in 1967 and limited access was granted to the papers in 1973. Processing of the material by the Memorial began in 1974. Further papers were sent to the Memorial by Mr Michael Morton in 1974, after being discovered in the basement of Sir Blamey's former South Yarra residence. In 1985, Mr T R Blamey deposited more personal papers and transcripts to the Memorial.
Access: Open
Restrictions on use: Copyright of material described in this guide is governed by copyright law in Australia. For further information contact the Curator of Private Records, Research Centre.
Preferred citation: Guide to the papers of Field Marshal Sir Thomas Albert Blamey, AWM 3DRL/6643
Additional information
Related collections:
Private Records
- 3DRL/2381, Papers of Major General A. S Allen
- 3DRL/2529, Papers of Lieutenant-General Sir S Savige
- 3DRL/6027, Letters of Lieutenant General S F Rowell
- 3DRL/6224, Papers of John Hetherington
- 3DRL/6288, Papers of General Sir C B B White
- 3DRL/6850, Papers of Lieutenant-General Sir I. Mackay
- PR83/180, Diaries of Captain D P Craig
- PR87/120, Diary of Captain N D Carlyon
- PR00019, Letter by Field Marshal Sir Thomas Albert Blamey
- PR00332, Papers of Field Marshal Sir Thomas Albert Blamey
- EXDOC095, Copy of Instrument of Surrender
- EXDOC116, Letter by Field Marshal Sir Thomas Albert Blamey
Official Records
- AWM 38, Records of C E W Bean, Official Historian
- AWM54, Written Records, 1939 - 1945 War
- AWM67, Records of Gavin Long, General Editor
- AWM113, Records of Military History Section (Army)
- AWM114, Written records, Japan (BCOF) and Korea
- AWM123, Defence committee records
- AWM127, Miscellaneous records transferred by CARO
Photographs
There is a strong representation of Blamey held in the Memorial's Photographs collection. The material primarily relates to his time in the Middle East and the
SPWA during 1939 - 1945. There is however material covering earlier aspects of his military career.
Sound
Three original recordings covering Blamey's activities during the 1939 - 1945 conflict are available in the Sound collection. These were recorded at the Caulfield Cup, 18 October 1941 and at the Melbourne Cup on 21 November 1942. They are listed as 3DRL/2286, Sound collection.
Other institutions
National Library of Australia
The National Library retains a small amount of material originating from Blamey. This is located in the Latham papers.
La Trobe Library, State Library of Victoria
The Library holds papers of John Hetherington in relation to his work on the Blamey biography. These are complimentary to the Hetherington papers held at the Memorial. The Library also holds a small collection of official papers originating from Blamey related to the special instructions issued to the troops on the Gallipoli Peninsula for the 24 May 1915 armistice with the Turkish forces. In addition to this, the library holds the unpublished biography of Lady Blamey.
Australian Defence Force Academy Library
The Library holds a small amount of material relating to Blamey, including a list of decorations and advancements throughout his military career, and a copy of an address delivered by Blamey to Lieutenant General Teshima, Commander Second Japanese Army, on the occasion of the signing of the Japanese surrender at Morotai on 9 September 1945.
Subjects: Crete; Middle East: Gallipoli; Greece; Libya; Western Front; Australian Military Forces; 1906 - 1953
Biographical note
Early years
Thomas Albert Blamey was born at Lake Albert, near Wagga Wagga NSW, on 24 January 1884, the seventh of ten children of Richard and Margaret Blamey. The young Tom Blamey was educated at the Superior Public School and later at Wagga Grammar School. It was at this school that he furthered his interest in the school cadet corps, rising to the position of head cadet. This interest progressed following his appointment as a pupil-teacher to the Lake Albert school in 1899 and later South Wagga Public School.
Teaching career
In 1902 he sat for the NSW Education Department examination for advanced teacher training. Despite his satisfactory results, Blamey was not selected amongst the top candidates. Rather than accept posting to endless country schools in NSW, he looked to the still fledgling state of Western Australia as a means of developing his prospects.
He resigned from the NSW Education Department in 1903 and was appointed to an assistant teacher's position at the Fremantle Boys School in July of that year. Blamey later sat, and qualified for the WA Teachers Examination. His interest in the cadet corps did not wane during his three year appointment at the school. He did however at one stage consider foregoing his teaching career to enter the Methodist ministry.
Early military career
Blamey's career took a different turn when he sat the examination for a commission in the Cadet Instructional Staff of the AMF. He was placed third across Australia. Failing initial selection, Blamey's protestations managed to win him a commission and a transfer to Melbourne as Lieutenant in the Administrative and Instructional Corps. His position as staff officer (cadets) made him responsible for the administration of school cadets throughout the State, a responsibility he pursed with vigor.
Blamey married Minnie Millard in 1909. Their first child, Charles, was born in June of the following year. At this stage, Blamey was promoted to the rank of Captain. Following a completive examination in 1911, he was successful in gaining entry to the Staff College in Quetta, India. His two years at the College were busy, stimulating and rewarding. Upon graduation in December 1913, he was attached to various British units in the Simla area before posting to the Wessex Territorial Division in England and eventually the War Office in 1914. During this period, a second son, Thomas, was born.
First World War
With the outbreak of the First World War, Blamey was well placed to assist the Australian Government. His work in the intelligence section led to his appointment as General Staff Officer III in the newly formed First Division of the AIF under General W Bridges. Recently promoted to Major, Blamey joined the Division in Egypt in December 1914. He landed on Gallipoli with the Division on 25 April 1915 and was actively involved in combat operations during his stay on the Peninsula. Following recall to Egypt in July to assist in the formation of the Second Division, he returned to the Peninsula as Assistant Adjutant and Quarter Master General of that Division. With the withdrawal from the Peninsula completed, Blamey sailed for France as GSO I of the First Division. His fine administrative skills kept him in this position at Divisional Headquarters until May 1918. He did however act briefly as Commanding Officer of the 2nd Battalion and later, of the 1st Brigade, in 1916 - 1917. He came to prominence in mid - 1918 when appointed as Corps as Chief of Staff to General J Monash and the Australian Corps. The success in operations of this Corps saw Blamey end the conflict as Brigadier General. He returned to Australia in 1919.
Between the wars
The inter-war years were a mixed blessing for Blamey. On completion of a period as Director of Military Operations, he was first appointed to the position of Deputy Chief of the General Staff and eventually in August 1922 as Australian Representative on the Imperial General Staff, London. While still in the United Kingdom, he concurrently held the post of Second Chief of the General Staff.
Facing limited prospects of promotion, Blamey resigned from the Army to accept the position of Chief Commissioner of Police in Victoria in September 1925. For the next eleven years he remained as senior police officer during a turbulent period in the Force's history. He resigned as Police Commissioner in 1936 amidst political bickering and public condemnation. This step from power saw Blamey removed from the public eye until the latter part of the decade. Although he had resigned as a Staff Officer in 1925, Blamey continued his military service in the militia. As first Commanding Officer of the 10th Infantry Brigade, and later as GOC 3rd Division in 1931, he was able to maintain his presence in the military hierarchy until the end of his term in 1937.
Minnie Blamey died in 1935 after a long illness. His eldest son, Charles, had been killed in a RAAF flying accident in 1932. Despite his knighthood, Blamey faced a struggle to retain the pre-eminence won over many years of persistence and service. With the assistance of friends, he began a series of radio talks covering international relations for 3UZ in 1938. Known as 'the sentinel', these talks continued for twelve months until his appointment to the Second AIF.
With the prospect of another war looming, the Federal Government, recognising Blamey's organisational ability, appointed him chairman to the Manpower Committee and as controller general of the Recruiting Secretariat in 1938. In April 1939 he married Olga Farnsworth.
Second World War
Blamey was recalled for full-time military duty by the Menzies United Australia Party Government in September 1939 and appointed GOC of the Sixth Division AIF with the rank of Lieutenant General. In April 1940 he became GOC 1st Australian Army Corps and embarked for service overseas shortly thereafter. Within the year, he held the position of GOC AIF Forces in the Middle East. He took an active role following the placement of Australian Forces in Greece. Sceptical of the military value of this commitment, he nevertheless took command of the Australian, and later briefly, the ANZAC Corps, for the strategic withdrawal from Greece. Blamey was made Deputy Commander in Chief of the British Forces in the Middle East, under General Wavell, in April 1941. In this position, he pursued a vigorous campaign to have the hard-pressed Australian Forces relieved from Tobruk and intervened in the Syrian campaign to hasten its completion. In September 1941, he was promoted to the rank of General.
The outbreak of the war with Japan saw Blamey return to Australia in March 1942 as Commander in Chief, Australian Military Forces. This gave him extensive powers to organise the total military effort in relation to the AIF, militia and the voluntary defence units. It brought together his capacity for administration, operational planning and command. With the arrival of American General, Douglas MacArthur, as Commander in Chief of all Allied Forces, SWPA, Blamey assumed command of all Allied Land Forces in April 1942. The alliance was not a comfortable one for either party, more so as MacArthur had the "ear" of John Curtin and his Labor government.
At the insistence of MacArthur, with his desire for offensive operations, Blamey assumed command of the New Guinea Force in September 1942. This move saw the successful blocking of Japanese aspirations in New Guinea, however it catapulted Blamey into direct conflict with some of his senior operational commanders, notable Lieutenant-General S Rowell. By 1943 American troop re-organisation had deliberately and effectively dismembered Blamey's Allied Land Forces command. Despite this, he pursued an active period of preparing the AMF for the planned offensive operations at Salamaua, Lae, Finschhafen and Sattelberg. In April 1944 he accompanied Prime Minister Curtin to the UK and US to discuss Australian strategic interests.
The re-direction of American troop policy had a direct effect on Australian manpower and usage. Blamey clashed with Curtin and the Secretary of the Department of Defence, F Shedden, over the size and manpower requirements for the AMF. Blamey looked to the operational effectiveness of the AMF in 1944 in New Guinea, around Wewak and on Bougainville and later in 1945 with the operation of Tarakan, Labuan and Balikpapan, to maintain Australia's presence in the lead up to the Japanese surrender.
Aftermath
Blamey had shown throughout his command of Australian forces, firstly in the Middle East and in the SWPA, a strong grasp of the changing nature of modern warfare and the effective use of large scale combined operations. His administrative prowess had served his country well.
Despite the accolades and his eminent position as the Australian representative at the official surrender of the Japanese in Tokyo in September 1945, Blamey was relieved of his command in early December of that year. He effectively retired from the Army on the 1 February 1946 and was transferred to the Reserve of Officers List.
Honours and awards
For his long and devoted service Blamey was made a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath in 1941, received the Greek Military Cross in the same year and was mentioned in despatches several times for his work in the Middle East. He later was awarded the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (1943), the American Distinguished Service Cross (1943), the Efficiency Decoration and the Grand Cross of the Order of the Oranje Nassau in 1946.
Postwar activities
Blamey spent his remaining years involved in various semi-official duties, including the Australian Battle Honours Committee in 1947, private business and writing. He took a keen interest in the establishment of what was later to become the Australian National University. He also was involved with the secretive anti-communist organisation, 'The Association.'
Death
His health failed in early 1950 and he was admitted to the Repatriation General Hospital at Heidelberg, Victoria in June of that year. Persuaded by the Prime Minister R G Menzies to re-enter the Citizen Military Forces General List, Blamey was promoted to the rank of Field Marshal on 8 June 1950. He received his Field Marshal's Baton from the Governor-General, William McKell, in hospital on the 16 September 1950. This made him the first and only Australian to hold that rank.
Blamey died on the 27 May 1951 as a result of his long illness. He was accorded a State Funeral and was cremated at Fawkner General cemetery.
Postscript
Blamey is the subject of three biographies, two by John Hetherington. The first, Blamey: the biography of Field-Marshal Sir Thomas Blamey, was published in 1954. The second,Blamey: controversial soldier was released in 1973. The third,Blamey: the Commander in Chief by David Horner was released in 1998. He has been the subject of numerous books and magazine articles. He is also the subject of two sculptures. The first, by Daphne Mayo, was commissioned by the Memorial in 1948. The second, by Ray Ewers, was completed in 1960.
References:
- Australian Dictionary of Biography Vol 13: 1940 - 1980 A - De, Melbourne University Press, 1993
- Hetherington J, Blamey: a controversial soldier AWM-AGPS, Canberra 1973
- Horner D M, The Commanders Allen and Unwin, Sydney, 1984
- AWM 43, Official History, 1914 - 1918 War, biographical and research files
- AWM 140, Official History 1914 - 1918 War, biographical cards
- AWM 76, Official History 1939 - 1945 War, biographical files
- AWM 168, Official History 1939 - 1945 War, biographical cards
Scope and content note
The papers of Field Marshal Sir Thomas Albert Blamey held at the Australian War Memorial document one aspect of the long career of Australia's foremost soldier of the twentieth century. His military career dominates in the records tot he exclusion of most other facets of Blamey's life.
The collection is relatively narrow in content. It is predominately concerned with the exploits and experiences of Blamey as Commander in both the Middle East and the South-West Pacific Area, 1939 - 1945. The remainder of his military career is scantily represented in the papers. The strength of the collection lies in the range and level of administrative detail reflected, particularly, in relation to the SWPA.
There is little documentation relating to the detailed operational planning for the Western Desert, Greece or many of the campaigns against the Japanese. The papers refer to Prime Minister John Curtin and General Douglas MacArthur but there is not material on Blamey's personal dealings with either individual. Overall, the records reflect the work of an individual in control of a large organisation. They do not detail the personal aspirations Blamey may have felt over the five years of his leadership of the AMF.
History of the collection
With the death of Blamey in May 1951, his papers were placed in the control of the executors of his estate, namely Lady Olga Blamey, his son Lieutenant-Colonel T R Blamey and a family friend, Lieutenant Colonel J Wilmoth. The collection was eventually loaned to the general editor of the Official History of Australia in the War, 1939 - 1956, Mr Gavin Long, in February 1953. The papers remained with the official historians until 1967. During this period access to the records was restricted to the official historian, his staff and Mr John Hetherington, biographer of the late field marshal.
Control of the papers eventually passed to the Memorial in 1967. Research interested had developed in the material by this stage and, following repeated requests to the Department of Defence to provide approval, limited access was granted to the papers in 1973. Internal processing of the material began in 1974 and the task of an item listing of the four major series was undertaken, first by Anne Lu, the donated records librarian, and then by Ron Gilchrist in 1982. The task was completed in 1985.
Further papers were forwarded to the Memorial by Mr Michael Morton in 1974 after being discovered in the basement of Blamey's former South Yarra residence. These appear to be the residue of records formerly held by Lady Blamey, the majority of the material having been previously destroyed due to their advanced stage of deterioration. IN 1985, Mr T R Blamey deposited further personal papers and transcripts with the Memorial.
Arrangement of the papers
The long period between the retirement of Blamey from the AIF in 1945 and the eventual partial release of records to the public in 1974 has made an accurate compilation of a guide to Blamey's surviving papers difficult. Unfortunately, there was little in the way of evidential material accompanying the papers to assist in the final arrangement of the collection.
With this in mind, only limited arrangement of the material has been attempted. The majority of the records (Series 1 - 4) form natural series, probably developed for Blamey during the Second World War. For convenience of access, the remaining material has been organised within artificial series. Additional material either directly related to Blamey or about him has been deposited with the Memorial since the early 1950s. This, and material compiled by the Memorial over a similar period, has been placed in Series 10.
SERIES 1: Middle East correspondence and administrative papers, 1940 - 1944
This series, part of the original 1953 deposit, forms the basis for Blamey's working files in the Middle East. They reflect Blamey's commentary on information received from both higher and lower formations, directives issued to the AIF and inwards and outwards correspondence, military appreciations, agenda items and subject files. relates to the placement of the Second AIF in the Middle East. Physically, the files are not discreet items broken down by format. Rather they are more often than not an amalgam of various formats such as correspondence, agenda items, messages and information items. The series is broken into two broad categories, primarily operational issues and policy/administrative concerns.
The operational aspects consist of reports and military appreciations carried out in Cyrenaica, Tobruk, Syria and particularly covering the disastrous campaigns in Greece and Crete. The policy/administrative concerns relate to the use and control of the AIF within the British Command structure, training, "Q" Branch including transport, supplies and amenities and the "A" Branch staffing matters. Later issues involve the redeployment of the AIF to the Far East, policy issues within Australia concerned with military organisation, and the eventual higher direction of the war.
| Series/Wallet | Title, date and description | Box |
|---|---|---|
| 1/1 | Correspondence relating to the role of the AIF, troop movements and equipment shortages, 1940 - 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/2a (i)] | 1 |
| 1/1 | Correspondence with R G Menzies in relation to the relief of Tobruk (Operation Battleaxe), 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/2a (ii)] | 1 |
| 1/1 | Report relating to ANZAC Corps operations in the campaign for Greece, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/2a (iii)] | 1 |
| 1/2 | Correspondence forwarded to Blamey from the Deputy Commander - in -Chief, Middle East Forces concerning troop preparations, the Syrian campaign and an assessment of enemy planning [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/2a (iv)] | 1 |
| 1/3 | Correspondence concerning the campaign in Greece, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/2a (v)] | 1 |
| 1/4 | Messages refer to the defence and later withdrawal of Allied Forces in Crete, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/2a (vi)] | 1 |
| 1/4 | Greece: Policy file on 'Lustre', 25/2/1941 - 5/4/1941 | 1 |
| 1/5 | Correspondence relating to the use of the 9th Division in Syria and the withdrawal of Allied Forces in Crete, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/2a (vii)] | 1 |
| 1/6 | Working papers involving policy toward the use of the AIF in the Middle East [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/2a (viii)] | 1 |
| 1/6 | Correspondence detailing recruitment and reinforcements for the AIF in the Middle East, 1940 - 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/2a (ix)] | 1 |
| 1/7 | Correspondence relating to the relief of the Australian Garrison at Tobruk, and later consolidation with other AIF units, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/2a (x)] | 1 |
| 1/8 | Working papers concerning the activities of the Free French Forces and preparations for the Syrian campaign, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/2a (xi)] | 1 |
| 1/8 | Working papers relating to the transfer of command in Libya to General Blamey, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/2a (xii)] | 1 |
| 1/9 | Messages covering motor transport supplies for Lustre Force, vehicle supplies to AIF-Middle East and supplies for Operation Stepsister, 1941 - 1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/3a (i)] | 1 |
| 1/9 | Correspondence referring mostly to the provision of motor transport for Lustre Force, equipment requirements in Greece and a rebuttal of criticism concerning the poor quality of equipment issued to AIF units in Greece, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/3a (ii)] | 1 |
| 1/9 | Report referring to the ration scale issued tot he AIF and an assessment of Australian primary produce supplied to the Middle East, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/3a (iv)] | 1 |
| 1/9 | Working papers reporting on equipment available to the AIF for Exporter Force, Syria, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/3a (v)] | 1 |
| 1/10 | Working papers concerning the control of local purchase stores in AIF areas, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/3a (v)] | 1 |
| 1/10 | Working papers relating to the control and organisation of AIF ordnance, 1941- 1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/3a (vi)] | 1 |
| 1/10 | Working papers referring to the provision of suitable motor transport to the AIF and the question of inadequate supplies from the United Kingdom, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/3a (vii)] | 1 |
| 1/10 | Working papers related to the supply of motor transport to the Middle East and the re-direction of equipment to coincide with Operation Stepsister, 1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/3a (viii)] | 1 |
| 1/11 | Report from the field on the Tobruk defensive, including estimates of German strengths and eventual casualties, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/4a (i)] | 2 |
| 1/11 | Papers containing messages received from the Supreme Allied Commander South-East Asia (SACSEA) concerning civil disturbances in the SEAC area, particularly the Dutch East Indies, use of SEAC Forces for internal security, report on the Australian mission to SEAC, and notes on the command structure [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/5a] | 2 |
| 1/11 | Weekly reports submitted by commander, 9th Division, AIF Base Area, Deputy Advocate General (DAG) AIF, and Officer Commanding (OC) details Cairo, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/5a (i)] | 2 |
| 1/12 | Working papers concerning the position of Red Cross personnel, and their activities with the listing of prisoners of war (POW's), and Greek refugees, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/5a (ii)] | 2 |
| 1/12 | Working papers covering the shipment of mail and newspapers, postage rates and personnel, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/5a (iii)] | 2 |
| 1/12 | Working papers referring to problems involved with the AIF reinforcement depot, Palestine, 1941-1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/5a (iv)] | 2 |
| 1/12 | Report relating to the statistics branch, the availability of equipment for processing the census, and an assessment of its value, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/5a (v)] | 2 |
| 1/13 | Papers referring to a range of subjects including personal requests, censorship, education officers, security, United Kingdom goodwill message, appointments and notes of thanks for assistance given to ANZAC personnel rescued in Turkey, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/5a (vi)] | 2 |
| 1/14 | Papers concerning British complaints of ill-discipline amongst the AIF in Palestine, Crete and Syria; including reports and statements on various incidents, and the report submitted by Lt Col J D Rodgers, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/5a (vii)] | 2 |
| 1/15 | Papers relating to the complaints made by K Slessor in Syria, and the War Cabinet position on the appointment and control of Information Services staff, 1941-1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/5a (viii)] | 2 |
| 1/15 | Working papers containing an administrative instruction for the raising of Lustre Force, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/5a (ix)] | 2 |
| 1/15 | Working papers associated with hospital amenities, the care of AIF wounded, recreation and Hospital Visiting Officers, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/5a (x)] | 2 |
| 1/16 | Working papers relating to complaints made against the poor handling of Toohey's beer, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/5a (xi)] | 2 |
| 1/16 | Correspondence with Maj Gen J Northcott, Acting CGS, in relation to troops and equipment to the Middle East, shipping and the role of the AIF in the Middle East, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/5a (xii)] | 2 |
| 1/16 | Working papers referring to the Australian Army Canteen Services (AACS) provision of amenities and entertainment, transport problems, and difficulties in dealing with the civilian population, 1941-1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/5a (xiii)] | 2 |
| 1/17 | Reports referring to the standard of canteen services in the Middle East, Central Control and HQ reports, and allegations made against Lt Col G L Gee of mispractice concerning canteen contracts, 1940-1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/5a (xiv)] | 2 |
| 1/18 | Papers concerning canteen funds, amendments to canteen regulations and difficulties faced providing officer amenities, 1941-1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/5a (xv)] | 2 |
| 1/18 | Correspondence delegating command of AIF-Middle East to Maj Gen L Morshead, 1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/5a (xvi)] | 2 |
| 1/18 | Working papers referring to the provision of amenities at 2nd Australian General Hospital (AGH) Kantara, the establishment of a directorate of amenities, and the demand for increased female forces in the Middle East, 1941-1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/5a (xvii)] | 2 |
| 1/19 | Working papers concerning the implementation of machinery for the higher direction of the war in the South-West Pacific Area (SWPA), including Defence Committee agenda, and organisational chart, 1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/6] | 2 |
| 1/19 | Papers referring to attempts to consolidate ANZAC Forces into Australian Corps and ANZAC Corps, appointment as Deputy Commander-in-Chief, Middle East Forces, and upgrading to General status, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/6a] | 2 |
| 1/19 | Correspondence concerning the recall of personnel from the Middle East or their retention in field service, 1941-1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/6a (i)] | 2 |
| 1/19 | Working papers relating to the demands for air support, and the need for effective use of such support in co-operation with Army units, 1941-1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/6a (ii)] | 2 |
| 1/20 | Papers, including the position and power of the GOC, the principles governing the AIF abroad, appointments made by the GOC, and Blamey's promotion to General, 1940-1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/6a (iii)] | 3 |
| 1/20 | Working papers relating to the recall of the AIF from the Middle East, Australian Government concern over the Far East situation, posting of the AIF to the Far East, and the setting up of ABDA Command (ABDACOM), 1941-1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/6a (iv)] | 3 |
| 1/20 | Papers covering the appointment of Maj Gen Sir Iven Mackay as GOC-in-Chief, Home Forces, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/6a (v)] | 3 |
| 1/21 | Correspondence relating to petitions for the appointment to senior staff officer positions, 1941-1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/6a (vi)] | 3 |
| 1/21 | Correspondence referring to the appointment and status of the Deputy Judge Advocate-General within the AIF, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/6a (vii)] | 3 |
| 1/21 | Working papers covering the efforts to organise ANZAC Corps and Australian Corps, general organisation of base area, and recommendations made by Brig S Rowell, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/6a (viii)] | 3 |
| 1/21 | Working papers relating to the feasibility and practicality of raising armoured units in both Australia and New Zealand, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/6a (ix)] | 3 |
| 1/22 | Papers including reference to Blamey's desire to return to Australia, appreciation of the Middle East situation, War Cabinet agenda concerning the re-organisation of the AIF, AMF establishments, raising of 1st Australian Armoured Division, and an appreciation on the structure of Home Defence Forces, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/8a (i)] | 3 |
| 1/22 | Report referring to enquiry involving allegations regarding the purchase of diesel Mack-Lanova vehicles and their poor suitability for the Northern Territory, 1943-1944 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/8a (ii)] | 3 |
| 1/23 | Correspondence concerning use of the AIF in the Middle East, air support, casualties in Greece, Official War Artists, Giarabub operations, promotion to General, the Order of Battle (ORBAT) for Lustre Force and dealings with R G Menzies, P Spender and F Forde, 1940-1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/8a (iii)] | 3 |
| 1/23 | Report relating to the provision of mechanical vehicles to the AIF and AMF, including reports by the Military Board and the Minister for the Army, 1940-1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/8a (iv)] | 3 |
| 1/23 | Messages received from the Mid-East Defence Committee, the Admiralty and the Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C) to Chiefs of Staff (COS), 1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/10] | 3 |
| 1/24 | Correspondence passed between AUSTFORCE, Cairo, General Headquarters (GHQ) Middle East and ARMY Melbourne relating to the withdrawal of the AIF to the Far East, 1941-1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/10a (i)] | 3 |
| 1/24 | Report referring to proposals submitted for the formation of an Armoured Brigade from three Australian Cavalry Division Regiments, and later reasons for rejection of the plan, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/10a (ii)] | 3 |
| 1/24 | Agenda covering the C-in-C Committee meetings, 1941-1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/10a (iii)] | 3 |
| 1/24 | Minutes taken at the Commanders Conference relating to the re-organisation of infantry units, notes on the Royal Armoured Corps, Exercise "North Front", and lessons from Cyrenaica, 1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/10a (iv)] | 3 |
| 1/25 | Minutes taken at C-in-C Committee meetings, 1941-1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/10a (v)] | 3 |
| 1/25 | Agenda prepared for the C-in-C Committee meetings covering assistance to Turkey, defence of Syria, aerodrome defence, shipping priorities, training of special troops and protection of Lines of Communication (L of C), 1941-1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/10a (vi)] | 3 |
| 1/26 | Minutes taken at the Commanders Conference relating to Indian military problems, the Baghdad Conference and a meeting between C-in-C India and C-in-C Middle East, 1941-1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/10a (vii)] | 3 |
| 1/26 | Working papers concerning the requests for detachment of officers from Middle East Forces (MEF) to ABDACOM, 1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/10a (viii)] | 3 |
| 1/26 | Working papers relating to the appointment and functions of a Minister of State, Combined Intelligence and report submitted to R G Menzies on ordnance, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/10a (ix)] | 3 |
| 1/26 | Report referring to the appointment of the intendant-general, Middle East, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/10a (x)] | 3 |
| 1/27 | Report relating to British appreciations of the Middle East situation, including the defence of Palestine, Syria and Egypt, Western Front policy, ORBAT-MEF, and enemy force material, 1940-1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/2b (i)] | 3 |
| 1/28 | Reports containing a mixed file of daily intelligence summaries relating to enemy tactics, lessons from operations, enemy ORBAT, and the translation of captured documents, covering both the Middle and Far East areas, Part 1, 1941-1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/2b (ii) Part (1)] | 4 |
| 1/29 | Reports containing a mixed file of daily intelligence summaries relating to enemy tactics, lessons from operations, enemy ORBAT, and the translation of captured documents, covering both the Middle and Far East areas, Part 2, 1941-1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/2b (ii) Part (2)] | 4 |
| 1/30 | Reports detailing events in Greece, including a summary of events, reconnaissance reports, operational instructions, report on Gerania village, and intention to withdraw, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/2b (iii)] | 4 |
| 1/30 | Messages relating to enemy troop movements in Greece, condition of Allied Forces in Greece and proposals for their withdrawal, and incoming messages from Cyrenaica and Tobruk, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/2b (iv)] | 4 |
| 1/31 | Reports covering British appreciations of German intentions in the Middle East and the Caucasus, and troop dispositions in Malaya, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/2b (v)] | 4 |
| 1/31 | Report concerning an assessment of enemy tank strengths in Libya, and enemy intentions, and possible withdrawal from Libya, 1941-1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/2b (vi)] | 4 |
| 1/32 | Report comprising an assessment of allied and enemy troop strengths in the Middle East, including the distribution of the AIF, and enemy dispositions at Tobruk, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/2b (vii)] | 4 |
| 1/33-1/35 | Reports relating to Operation Exporter in Syria, including German intentions, British and free French views on Lebanese and Syrian independence, assessment of Vichy Forces, summary of the campaign, armistice arrangements with Gen H Dentz, problems with Gen C De Gaulle, repatriation of prisoners, and the Spears Mission, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/2b (viii)] | 4 |
| 1/36 | Working papers covering Operation Stepsister, including the transfer of units from Syria, administrative instructions and shipping movements, 1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/2b (ix)] | 5 |
| 1/36 | Working papers referring to preparations for the bombing of the Baku oil installations following the Russo-German alliance [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/2b (x)] | 5 |
| 1/37 | Draft manuscript of an Army public relations pamphlet detailing the Western Desert, Middle East and Greece campaigns undertaken by Commonwealth units, (nd) [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/2b (xi)] | 5 |
| 1/37 | Working papers comprising an assessment of the Turkish situation in relation to German activity, Baghdad conference, and offers of allied assistance to Turkey, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/2b (xii)] | 5 |
| 1/38 | Report covering British appreciations of Joint Planning Staff (JPS) memorandum on Turkey, Iraq, Malta, Persia and the Northern Front, 1941-1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/2b (xiii)] | 5 |
| 1/39 | Report covering forecasts of personnel arrivals in the Middle East from the United Kingdom and Australia, 1940-1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/2b xiv)] | 5 |
| 1/39 | Report including a appreciation of the German attack on Cyprus, and defensive measures undertaken, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/2b (xv)] | 5 |
| 1/40-1/41 | Report comprising an appreciation of German intentions in Greece, use of Greek Forces, landing of LAYFORCE, troop dispositions on Crete, provisional plans to withdraw, casualty lists, and assessment of Axis Forces on Crete, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/2b (xvi)] | 5 |
| 1/42 | Working papers containing location statements of AIF units in the Middle East, ORBAT of 1st Australian Corps, Syria and directives for the maintenance of the AIF as a single unit, 1941-1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/2b (xvii)] | 5 |
| 1/43 | Report involving the defence of Tobruk fortress, enemy dispositions and reconnaissance, hypothetical appreciation of the Western Desert by Gen E. Rommel, Operation Battleaxe, reports from the Turkish General Staff, defence of El Alamein, withdrawal of the Africa Corps from Cyrenaica, and Axis intentions in Libya, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/2b (xviii)] | 5 |
| 1/44 | Working papers relating to code usage in Greece, including W Force temporary code, telephone lists and map co-ordinates for code lists, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/2b (xix)] | 6 |
| 1/44 | Reports referring to AIF situation in Greece, including summary of operations of ANZAC artillery, 21st New Zealand Battalion (Bn), 4th Infantry Brigade (Bde), engineers and a draft of Training Instruction no. 2 concerning troop morale, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/2b (xx)] | 6 |
| 1/45 | Working papers containing a typescript copy of the House of Commons debate on the campaign in Greece, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/2b (xxi)] | 6 |
| 1/45 | Papers comprising casualty statistics following the evacuation of Lustre Force from Greece, embarkation lists, report on allied POWs, welfare of troops returned to Palestine, and correspondence with the Minister for the Army, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/2b (xxii)] | 6 |
| 1/45 | Messages comprising evacuation procedures for the withdrawal from Greece, mention of shipping losses, AIF stragglers and casualties, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/2b (xxiii)] | 6 |
| 1/46 | Papers containing a report on the cessation of hostilities in Syria, including terms for the armistice, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/2b (xxiv)] | 6 |
| 1/46 | Working papers containing a directive from GHQ Middle East as to their control of important items of equipment, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/3b (i)] | 6 |
| 1/46 | Working papers relating to the maintenance of stores for the Western Desert and Palestine, including estimated tonnage, port capacity and rail facilities, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/3b (ii)] | 6 |
| 1/46 | Messages referring to the supply of tanks to the Western Desert, including an assessment of British armoured units in Operation Bruiser and Exporter, the need to reinforce Tobruk and the future role of light tanks, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/3b (iii)] | 6 |
| 1/47 | Papers concerning troop strengths of the AIF in the Middle East, and bulletins from the Military History and Information Section, HQ AIF (Middle East), 1941-1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/4b (i)] | 6 |
| 1/47 | Messages outlining AIF reinforcement requirements, and schedules of effective strengths, by function and division, of the AIF in the Middle East, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/4b (ii)] | 6 |
| 1/47 | Messages passed from ABDACOM concerning reinforcement requirements in Burma, Malaya and the Netherlands East Indies (NEI), 1941-1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/4b (iii)] | 6 |
| 1/48 | Papers relating to amenities in the Middle East, including audit reports, Australian Comforts Funds (ACF) distribution lists, weekly reports, conference notes of the amenities officer, Cairo, reports from the hospital visiting officer, andThe Recuperator, unit magazine of the 1st Australian Convalescent Depot, 1941-1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/5b (i)] | 6 |
| 1/48 | Message received from Gen V Sturdee concerning the War Cabinet decision on the deployment of AIF and AMF units within Australia and New Guinea, 1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/6b (i)] | 6 |
| 1/49 | Papers comprising notes on meeting with the Minister for the Army, deficiencies in stores and equipment and a minute paper from the Department of the Army concerning the extent of power of the Military Board, 1940-1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/6b (ii)] | 6 |
| 1/49 | Correspondence concerning the appointment of Lt Col E. Gorman as Consul-General, NEI; also contains correspondence with H V Evatt and E Gorman, 1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/7b (i)] | 6 |
| 1/49 | Report referring to an assessment made by the Australian High Commissioner to Egypt on the internal situation in Egypt, including resignation of the Cabinet, 1941-1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/7b (ii)] | 6 |
| 1/49 | Copy of the speech related to a review of the war situation delivered by the Prime Minister, Mr J Curtin, to the House of Representatives, 1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/8b (i)] | 6 |
| 1/49 | Papers referring to the Australian political scene, particularly the resignation of R G Menzies as Prime Minister, and a copy of Hansard covering the revised Budget speech delivered by Menzies, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/8b (ii)] | 6 |
| 1/50 | Papers, missing at time of research, (nd) [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/9] | 6 |
| 1/50 | Report relating to the financial adjustment for ordnance stores agreed to by the British and Australian governments, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/10b (i)] | 6 |
| 1/50 | Papers covering preparations for R G Menzies visit to the Middle East, Australian COS appreciation of the Far East situation forwarded to W Churchill by J Curtin, proposed directorate of opposed landings, Defence Committee (Operations) summary on the use of artillery, and proposals placed before the C-in-C, 1941-1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/10b (ii)] | 6 |
| 1/50 | Working papers containing a copy of the list of principal command and staff appointments in the MEF as supplied by the military secretary's branch, 1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/10b (iii)] | 6 |
| 1/51 | Working papers referring to personnel ceilings for British and Dominion Forces in the Middle East, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/10b (iv)] | 6 |
| 1/51 | Papers containing an agreement and interpretation of the Defence (Visiting Forces) Act 1939 in respect to Australian Forces, including a summary by the DAG, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/10b (v)] | 6 |
| 1/51 | Memorandum prepared by the directorate of opposed landings on tank landing craft, airborne forces, and the capture of Crete, 1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 1/10b (vi)] | 6 |
SERIES 2: South-West Pacific Area correspondence and administrative reports, 1941 - 1946
Description: The 361 files that comprise this series were part of the original 1953 transfer of records to the official historian. As with Series 1, the files are physically an amalgam of various record formats. The files consist of a range of reports, minutes, agenda, subject files and correspondence. This series would appear to be a refinement on Series 1 and were developed to cope with the heavier administrative demand made upon Blamey following his return to Australia in 1942. His appointment as Commander, Allied Land Forces, soon made it apparent that demands upon Blamey's time and energy would be more extensive than existed in the Middle East. The files reflect Blamey's direct involvement in policy and administrative matters. The correspondence with senior Allied officers and officials is predominantly outwards in nature. The Operational Reports were presented mostly for comment or clarification. 'A' and 'Q' branch matters represent a high percentage of the files. Matters of allied command structures, AMF operational formations and commands, training, operational reports and plans for the SWPA, special operations, and semi-official correspondence with senior military and civil administrators form the basis for this series. The material also reflects a noticeable change in policy issues. Developing relations with allied countries, the internal political and military wrangling within Australia, and a broader approach toward the higher direction of the war are clearly apparent in this series.
As Commander-in-Chief, AMF and later Commander, Allied Land Forces, Blamey's interests and influences were diverse. The outbreak of the war in the Pacific necessitated a review of the role of Australian troops, mobilisation within Australia and manpower requirements. Attacks on the Australian mainland and adjacent territories saw the need to control the civil populace in the war zones. The changing relationship with the allied nations, particularly the United States, is evident. Relations with the Supreme Commander, SWPA, General Douglas MacArthur, are highlighted, more so once the allies took the offensive in New Guinea. Later files concern preparations for the surrender of Japan.
The files also reflect Blamey's pre-eminence in organisation with an emphasis placed on supply, amenities, equipment and training for the army. Also apparent is the difficulty Blamey faced in dealing with matters of public relations, both in relation to himself and in convincing the Australian population of the crucial role being performed by the Australian Forces.
| Series/Wallet | Title, date and description | Box |
|---|---|---|
| 2/1 | Papers concerning Commonwealth relations, joint planning and interchange of information with the UK [previous item numbers 3DRL 6643 2/1 and 2/1.1] | 7 |
| 2/2 | Papers concerning British co-operation in the Pacific [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/1.2] | 7 |
| 2/3 | Papers referring to general liaison with the UK, particularly visits by the British Council, Empire Parliamentary Association and the UK High Commissioner, comments on officers presented to the CIGS, and the attachment of Australian troops to British Forces, particularly the Parachute Battalion and officers to European command areas [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/2] | 7 |
| 2/3 | Reports covering the war establishment and activities of the Australian Army Staff (AAS), London [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/2.1] | 7 |
| 2/3 | Papers referring to the British Army and RAF Liaison Staff, particularly Blamey's opposition to the nature of the organisation, appointment of Gen H Lumsden to liaise with W Churchill and Gen D MacArthur, and correspondence with the CIGS, Gen A F Brooke on the role of the Imperial General Staff (IGS) [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/2.2] | 7 |
| 2/4 | Working papers concerning assistance to be given to the visit by the Lethbridge Military Mission to the Pacific region [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/2.3] | 7 |
| 2/4 | Messages relating to the appointment of a successor to Brig E. Gorman at the AIF POW Reception Group, United Kingdom [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/2.4] | 7 |
| 2/4 | Papers involving liaison with New Zealand concerning the state of NZ Forces, proposed visit by Gen B Freyberg, and the use of NZ troops in the occupation of Japan [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/3.1] | 7 |
| 2/5 | Papers relating to the Australian-New Zealand conference on defence matters, including Blamey's observations of the proceedings, draft statement of defence in the SWPA presented by J. Curtin, comments on the draft agenda by F G Shedden, copy of the agreement, and a ministerial minute on Australian-New Zealand liaison for post-war defence planning [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/3.11] | 7 |
| 2/5 | Papers referring to relations with South-East Asian Command (SEAC) including the exchange of Australian personnel and the appointment of a military attachment to the High Commission, India [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/3.2] | 7 |
| 2/5 | Working papers relating to the exchange of AIF personnel to India including requests for assistance in jungle warfare training, posting of experienced officers to SEAC, and questions involving the placement of officers [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/3.21] | 7 |
| 2/6 | Correspondence mostly with Maj Gen V Odlum concerning the situation in Canada, including the appointment of a military attachment, and Canadian Government proposals on future use of Canadian Forces [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/3.3] | 7 |
| 2/6 | Papers concerning general policy matters with the United States including lend-lease agreements, diversion of Australian military and civil personnel to US requirements, financial arrangements relating to US installations, reciprocal aid to US Forces, requirements for a balanced Australian war effort, and US condolences on the death of J. Curtin [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/5] | 7 |
| 2/6 | Papers mostly referring to Gen D MacArthur, particularly his appointment as C-in-C SWPA, boundary disputes between SWPA and the South Pacific Area, and correspondence with Gen MacArthur and J. Curtin concerning the future use of Australian Forces in the SWPA [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/5.1] | 7 |
| 2/7 | Working papers referring to the relations between Australian and American Forces, particularly following riots in Brisbane, and attempts to impose co-operation between the two forces [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/5.2] | 7 |
| 2/7 | Papers relating to the Australian Military Mission in Washington, particularly the relief of Gen V Sturdee by Gen J. Lavarack, semi-official correspondence from Gen Lavarack concerning the United Nations conference in San Francisco, J. Wilton's report on Canada, post-war planning for the directorate of research, and papers on post-war planning [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/6.1] | 7 |
| 2/8 | Working papers covering the exchange of officers between US and Australian Forces, in particular the attachment of US officers to New Guinea Force (NGF), placement of Brig L G Binns at HQ SWPA, report of Brig W M Anderson attached to HQ US 8th Army, and attachment of Australian observers to Amphibious Task Force [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/6.2] | 7 |
| 2/8 | Correspondence referring mostly to the appointment of a French military attachment, comments on the French Metropolitan Army, French Forces in the Far East, support for Greece and the attachment of Latin American military observers to HQ, SWPA [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/8] | 7 |
| 2/8 | Working papers referring mostly to AMF officers serving with allied and special duties groups, and provisions for wives to join senior officers serving abroad [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/8.1] | 7 |
| 2/9 | Working papers concerning the Military Liaison Office Middle East, and eventual closure of the office [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/8.2] | 7 |
| 2/9 | Papers relating to the Republic of China, including correspondence with Maj Gen C Wang, summary notes prepared by the directorate of research and notes from the Naval attachment [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/8.3] | 7 |
| 2/10 | Papers referring to the Dutch East Indies including the Netherlands Indies Commission, liaison between AMF and Dutch Forces, placement of Dutch Forces in Australia, correspondence with Gen L H Van Oyen, messages relating to the Free Indonesian Movement, return of territorial control to the Dutch administration, and the relief of Australian Forces at Merauke [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/8.4] | 8 |
| 2/11 | Working papers covering general matters on Polish affairs [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/8.5] | 8 |
| 2/11 | Papers containing messages received from the Supreme Allied Commander South-East Asia (SACSEA) concerning civil disturbances in the SEAC area, particularly the Dutch East Indies, use of SEAC Forces for internal security, report on the Australian mission to SEAC, and notes on the command structure [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/8.6] | 8 |
| 2/11 | Papers relating to Prime Minister John Curtin, particularly his comments on the lack of operations reports presented to the War Cabinet, Blamey's comments on the reduction of AMF divisions, review of the Prime Minister's meeting, London, and correspondence with Curtin concerning Gen D MacArthur's claim on the "Brisbane line" [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/12] | 8 |
| 2/12 | Papers concerning the appointment of A N Kemsley as Business Adviser, consultation procedures, report from Assistant Adviser S Thorpe, and correspondence with Kemsley concerning improved publicity for the army, and his failure to be appointed to the Commonwealth Disposal Commission [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/14] | 8 |
| 2/12 | Messages relating to Gen Blamey's attendance at War Cabinet meetings [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/16] | 8 |
| 2/12 | Report prepared for the War Cabinet by J M Fraser on matters relating to the AMF other than equipment [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/16.1] | 8 |
| 2/13 | Working papers pertaining to the question of the attendance of the heads of Services at Advisory War Council meetings [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/18] | 8 |
| 2/13 | Working papers concerning the establishment of the Strategical Committee in pursuing the higher direction of the war, and Gen Blamey's comments on the proposed function of the Committee [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/20.1] | 8 |
| 2/14 | Papers relating to the higher direction of the war including the Allied Works Council (AWC), Allied Supply Council, War Establishments Investigation Committee, Manpower Authority incursions into Army areas, arrangement for Australian takeover from American Forces at Aitape, post-war defence planning, UK requests for preparations concerning Japanese surrender, and Soviet participation in the war against Japan [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/23] | 8 |
| 2/15-2/16 | Papers involving the Australian war effort, particularly War Cabinet review of war commitments, reduction in the ORBAT, Defence Committee report on the rationalisation of forces; J. Curtin's cable to Dominion Prime Ministers, Manpower Combined COS Committee report, reviews of industrial war effort and J M Fraser's report on Aitape [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/23.1] | 8 |
| 2/17 | Papers concerning the role of the AMF, including J M Fraser's report on operations in New Guinea and the Solomons, B Chifley's request for an appreciation on the future role of Australian Forces, establishment of a British Commonwealth Force, proposed re-organisation of the SWPA command, use of the AMF outside of Australian command, and correspondence with J. Curtin, Gen F. Berryman, Gen D. MacArthur related to the non use of 1st Australian Corps, and with F. Shedden and the AAS (London) concerning the use of the AMF in attacking Japan [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/23.11] | 8 |
| 2/18 | Papers concerning the reduction of Australian Forces following Oboe Operations, their future use, estimation of the war effort, information forwarded to Gen D MacArthur, appreciation of the situation in Borneo, and correspondence with Gen J. Northcott and Gen J. Lavarack related to a future ORBAT [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/23.12] | 9 |
| 2/19 | Working papers relating to the release of long-serving personnel, including early release, statistics, and criticisms [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/23.13] | 9 |
| 2/19 | Working papers concerning the demobilisation of the forces, including an appreciation by Business Adviser, A N Kemsley [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/23.14] | 9 |
| 2/20 | Papers relating to inter-service policy, particularly the amalgamation of service activities, including comments by A N Kemsley, and correspondence with F. Shedden concerning amalgamation [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/23.2] | 9 |
| 2/20 | Working papers covering RAN projects in Cairns and Port Moresby, messages to Adm Sir Guy Royle, and comments on the appointment of Sir Louis Hamilton [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/23.3] | 9 |
| 2/20 | Papers covering the RAAF, particularly aerodrome construction and defence, over water transport, AMF assistance, strength reductions, logistics problems in Moratai and correspondence with S.M. Bruce and J. Curtin concerning appointment of the AOC, and with Gen D. MacArthur related to command and co-ordination [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/23.4] | 9 |
| 2/21 | Working papers regarding use of civilian manpower in non-operational areas of New Guinea, including US requests for use of the Civil Construction Corps (CCC) [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/23.5] | 9 |
| 2/21 | Working papers referring to the utilisation of New Guinea native labour, including service in the Pacific Island Regiment (PIR) [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/23.6] | 9 |
| 2/21 | Papers concerning Army policy in relation to use of Army personnel as wharf labourers, report on the development and function of Command organisation, and comments on the Minister for the Army report on New Guinea by Lt Gen H D Wynter [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/23.7] | 9 |
| 2/22 | Papers referring to relations with the secretary for the Army, particularly matters of administration and financial responsibility, report by F R Sinclair, comments by Maj Gen L E Beavis, and comments by J M Fraser, B Chifley and Gen Blamey concerning operations in New Guinea [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/23.71] | 9 |
| 2/23 | Papers covering re-organisation of the AMF, including command structure within Australia, report to the Minister for the Army, and AMF strengths and reductions [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/23.72] | 9 |
| 2/23 | Working papers relating to the re-organisation of the senior command structure, including the appointment of Gen L. Morshead and Gen S. Rowell, and reports submitted to the Minister for the Army [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/23.73] | 9 |
| 2/24 | Working papers concerning the appointment and powers of the C-in-C, AMF, relations in regard to the Government, and re-organisation of the AMF [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/23.8] | 9 |
| 2/24 | Working papers enabling the C-in-C, AMF to delegate responsibility while abroad, and the appointment of a Deputy C-in-C [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/23.81] | 9 |
| 2/25-2/26 | Papers referring mostly to the surrender of Japan, including SCAP ciphers related to the surrender, control of Japanese weapons in the NEI area, Australian participation in the occupied areas, assessment of the military government of Japan, British requests for support, and planning for the formal surrender of Japanese Forces [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/23.9] | 10 |
| 2/27 | Papers concerning the occupation and surrender of Japanese territories, including Rabaul, Nauru, Ocean Island, Manus and Emirau Islands, proposals for the British Commonwealth Occupation Forces (BCOF), New Zealand units, and the raising of the 34th Brigade [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/23.91 (part 1)] | 10 |
| 2/28 | Papers concerning the occupation and surrender of the NEI area, Timor, instructions to the 2nd Japanese Army, and posting of the Australian Parachute Battalion to Singapore [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/23.91 (part 2)] | 10 |
| 2/29 | Messages relating to SEAC area of responsibility, particularly boundaries with the AMF, Australia-SEAC Mission, and SACSEA session on Japanese surrender [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/23.92] | 10 |
| 2/30 | Working papers involving the training of officers in civil affairs in preparation for Japan and the British Borneo Civil Administrative Unit (BBCAU), and support for the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration (UNRRA) [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/25] | 10 |
| 2/30 | Working papers covering civil affairs matters in the Philippines, Nauru and Ocean Island, and NEI government directives on Timor [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/25.1] | 10 |
| 2/31 | Reports outlining arrangements made with the NEI government in Borneo, Special Reconnaissance Detachment (SRD) activity in disarming the native population, and comments concerning the BBCAU [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/25.11] | 10 |
| 2/32 | Working papers relating to the suspension of the civil administration in Papua and New Guinea, including report by Gen Blamey, and the appointment of J H Barry to head inquiry into civil disorder [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/25.21] | 11 |
| 2/32 | Working papers concerning the imposition of civil control within North Queensland [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/25.31] | 11 |
| 2/32 | Working papers relating to civil control within the Northern Territory, national security regulations and future defence needs [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/25.32] | 11 |
| 2/33 | Papers referring mostly to post war defence planning, regional needs, repatriation plans, Army organisation, and question of Gen Blamey's retirement [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/27] | 11 |
| 2/33 | Working papers referring to the retention of Base HQ in New Guinea, New Britain and the Solomons, statistics and parades at Torokina [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/30] | 11 |
| 2/34 | Working papers regarding the organisation and functions of the Land Headquarters (LHQ), manpower wastage and dual provision of overseas establishments [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/30.1] | 11 |
| 2/34 | Papers covering the organisation and functions of Advanced LHQ, movement, Lt Gen F. Berryman's comments, and function of 1st Base Sub Area [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/30.11] | 11 |
| 2/34 | Working papers relating to the forward echelons of LHQ at Leyte and proposed attachment to GHQ, Japan [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/30.12] | 11 |
| 2/35 | Working papers referring to messing accounts and accommodation for Advanced HQ, Brisbane [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/30.13] | 11 |
| 2/35 | Correspondence mostly relating to the use and future role of 1st Australian Army including elements of the US 6th Army. Correspondence with Lt Gen V. Sturdee [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/30.2] | 11 |
| 2/35 | Working papers covering the war establishment and temporary command of 2nd Australian Army [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/30.3] | 11 |
| 2/36 | Papers including notes on Port Moresby and comments on HQ NGF, and the C-in-C staff [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/30.4] | 11 |
| 2/36 | Papers relating to the command and strength of Northern Territory Force (NTF) and combined command at HQ Allied Air Force [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/30.5] | 11 |
| 2/36 | Working papers mostly referring to co-operation between the RAAF and Merauke Force, Torres Strait Islander volunteers, and the gradual reduction of Australian Forces in both Merauke and the Torres Strait islands [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/30.6] | 11 |
| 2/36 | Working papers covering 1st Australian Corps including the 1st Australian Beach Group, 2/1st Pioneer Bn and the transfer of the 26th Inf Bde [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/31.1] | 11 |
| 2/37 | Working papers referring to the reinforcement of 2nd Australian Corps and transfer of command at Torokina [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/31.2] | 11 |
| 2/37 | Papers regarding the administration of 3 Australian Corps, including the operational boundaries of NTF, notes from Gen H G Bennett, directives from Gen D. MacArthur, formation of the 1/10th Light Horse Regiment and conversion of an Armoured Division [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/31.3] | 11 |
| 2/38 | Papers documenting the recall of the 9th Australian Division, appreciation by the CGS on the future use of the division, possible diversion to Burma, arranged transfer with a US Division, British attitudes to senior AIF appointments, and Gen S. Rowell's posting to AIF Details, Middle East [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/31.4] | 11 |
| 2/39 | Papers relating to the establishment of armoured units including requirements in the Middle East, conversion of AMF cavalry units, formation of a mixed tank brigade for New Guinea, and training notes [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/31.5] | 11 |
| 2/39 | Working papers referring to command and administrative positions in the Australian New Guinea Administrative Unit (ANGAU), water transport and native rifle competitions [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/32.1] | 11 |
| 2/39 | Working papers covering the proposed establishment and appointment to the Combined Operations Service Command (COSC) [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/32.2] | 11 |
| 2/39 | Report concerning the training of native units in the 3 Australian Corps area [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/32.3] | 11 |
| 2/40 | Papers relating to the formation of the Pacific Island Regiment (PIR), including rates of pay for native troops and labour units [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/32.31] | 11 |
| 2/40 | Correspondence passed to the adjutant-general concerning the L of C sub-area boundaries [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/32.4] | 11 |
| 2/40 | Working papers referring to the re-organisation of the Qld L of C including evacuation of the Atherton area [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/32.41] | 11 |
| 2/40 | Working papers relating to command of AMF Details, Melbourne [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/32.42] | 11 |
| 2/40 | Working papers covering the NSW L of C, particularly the return of Gen L. Morshead and the C-in-C's visit to Sydney [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/32.43] | 11 |
| 2/40 | Working papers involving the question of policy regarding use of the AIF in the Middle East [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/33.1] | 11 |
| 2/41 | Papers, AIF Malaya - missing from collection at time of research [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/33.2] | 12 |
| 2/41 | Papers mostly referring to the establishment of a military court of enquiry into the departure from Singapore of Maj Gen H G Bennett [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/33.21] | 12 |
| 2/41 | Working papers concerning Women's services, including the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry Organisation, female conscription and liquor [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/34] | 12 |
| 2/41 | Working papers relating to the Australian Army Nursing Service (AANS), including amenities, rates of pay, leave from New Guinea, release from service, sea ambulances, and participation in the 34th Brigade Group to Japan [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/34.1] | 12 |
| 2/42 | Working papers involving the control and organisation of the Australian Women's Army Service (AWAS), recruitment, exchange with Auxiliary Territorial Service, and placement in 1st Australian Army and NGF [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/34.2] | 12 |
| 2/42 | Working papers relating to the status and use of Australian Army Medical Women's Service (AAMWS) personnel in New Guinea, and the role of occupational therapists [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/34.3] | 12 |
| 2/42 | Working papers concerning the establishment and strengths of the Volunteer Defence Corps (VDC), equipment, transfer to other CMF units, and Tattoo [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/35] | 12 |
| 2/42 | Working papers mostly referring to the transfer of the 9th, 13th and 14th Garrison Bn [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/36] | 12 |
| 2/43 | Working papers referring to the status of the University Regiments in Sydney and Melbourne [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/37] | 12 |
| 2/43 | Papers relating to the establishment of Flora and Fauna Reserves in New Guinea [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/39] | 12 |
| 2/43 | Working papers covering the assessment and development of the Atherton Tablelands area for defence requirements [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/40] | 12 |
| 2/44 | Papers concerning the general operations of GHQ-SWPA, including notes on interview with Gen D. MacArthur, location of US units in Australia, and strategic overview of operations forwarded to F. Shedden [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/43.1] | 12 |
| 2/44 | Papers relating to discussions with senior officers, including the CGS and the BGS, on the operational use of Australian troops [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/43.2] | 12 |
| 2/44 | Correspondence covering the request to GHQ-SWPA for operations instructions, and need for LHQ operations instructions for New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Tarakan Operations to be forwarded to US Military Colleges [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/43.3] | 12 |
| 2/45 | Reports covering the defence of Port Moresby and north-eastern Australia, Gen S. Rowell's report on NGF, Solomon and Goodenough Islands, Amphibious Operations on Tarakan, F. Shedden's request for information on New Guinea and comments on Tobruk, Cyrenaica and Greece operations reports [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/43.4] | 12 |
| 2/45 | Reports involving operational plans for the development of Darwin port, preparation of 1 Australian Corps, outline of Operation Auburn, and appreciations of Reno III and Apparri Operations [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/43.5 (part 1)] | 12 |
| 2/46 | Report covering outline prepared for the surveillance and occupation of advanced LHQ area [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/43.5 (part 2)] | 12 |
| 2/46 | Working papers relating to the defence of the Australian mainland including Gen J. Lavarack's assessment of the defence of the east coast, passive air defence, Western Australia and comments by Justice N. O'Bryan on regional administration [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/43.51] | 12 |
| 2/46 | Papers, mostly relating to operations in Timor including Gen D. MacArthur's assessment, notes on discussion with F. Forde and Col L N Roach (Gull Force), Portuguese administration and evacuation of Lancer Force. correspondence between CGS and F. Shedden regarding the development of bulk spirits in Darwin [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/43.61] | 12 |
| 2/47 | Working papers referring to operations at Merauke, involving Gen J. Lavarack's assessment, command details and RAN minesweeper activity [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/43.62] | 12 |
| 2/47 | Papers covering operations at Kokoda, Buna, Sanananda and Goodenough Island. These include messages from Gen S. Rowell, Hat Force Operations, comments on Buna operations by Gen D. MacArthur, reports to J. Curtin and F. Forde, appointment of Gen G. Vasey, request for naval support, reports to F. Shedden, absence of 9th Australian Division and condition of 7th Australian Division troops, GHQ-SWPA advice to Gen T. Blamey, and ciphers related to HQ Escalator- Alamo supply [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/43.631] | 12 |
| 2/48 | Papers covering operations at Lae, Salamaua and Finschhafen, including details of Operations Postern, Diminish and Dayton, report by Lt Gen I. Mackay, notes on discussion with Gen D. MacArthur, Madang, fall of Lae, and directives to Gen L. Morshead [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/43.632] | 12 |
| 2/48 | Working papers referring to operations on Manus Island and Hansa Bay, particularly an appreciation by Lt Gen S. Savige on NGF operations in the Hansa Bay area [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/43.64] | 12 |
| 2/49 | Reports of the progress of operations in the Lingayen and Leyte Gulf areas, Philippines [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/43.65] | 13 |
| 2/49 | Working papers covering operations in the Solomon Islands, including an assessment of the allied offensive, US Navy activities and the readiness of the 13th Australian Inf Bde Gp [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/43.66] | 13 |
| 2/49 | Papers describing operations against Wewak, and the transfer of 1st Tactical Air Force [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/43.67] | 13 |
| 2/49 | Papers containing various reports and messages documenting 1st Australian Corps involvement in Oboe Operations, including Gen D. MacArthur's directives, Morotai conference and movements summary [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/43.68] | 13 |
| 2/50 | Working papers relating to preparations for Oboe 1 (Tarakan) Operations [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/43.681] | 13 |
| 2/50 | Papers concerning Oboe 6 (Brunei-Labuan) Operations, including brief of co-ordinating plan [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/43.682] | 13 |
| 2/50 | Working papers relating to Oboe 2 (Balikpapan) Operations [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/43.683] | 13 |
| 2/50 | Working papers referring to the movements and operations of the 9th Australian Division in the Middle East [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/44] | 13 |
| 2/51 | Working papers covering aircraft usage, particularly civil aircraft and personnel, US naval aircraft and the development of aerodromes in Papua [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/46] | 13 |
| 2/51 | Working papers outlining aircraft requirements for senior officers, including directives to J. Curtin [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/46.1] | 13 |
| 2/52 | Papers regarding the need for air support in the Army structure, close support in the Middle East, 4 Squadron RAAF, disposition of RAAF tactical units, Army co-operation wings, and correspondence with Lt Gen G. Kenny [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/46.2] | 13 |
| 2/52 | Papers covering the air maintenance of troops, particularly in NGF, and letter from Gen S. Rowell [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/46.3] | 13 |
| 2/52 | Working papers involving reports on parachute troop formation and selection, notes on Middle East use of paratroops including the German attack on Corinth, Air Force comments and CGS reports on airborne troops [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2.46.4] | 13 |
| 2/53 | Papers relating to Amphibious training and operations, including notes to Gen D. MacArthur, training of Beach Groups, RAN Beach Parties, Joint Operations Appointments, Joint Overseas Operational Training School, 12 Australian Small Ships Company, and lessons from Amphibious Operations [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/48] | 13 |
| 2/53 | Working papers describing production of Australian landing craft and directives issued by Gen D. MacArthur [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/48.1] | 13 |
| 2/54 | Working papers relating to the need for, and supply of, small craft, particularly for Far Eastern Liaison Office (FELO) and Army requirements [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/48.2] | 13 |
| 2/54 | Reports consisting of enquiry into small craft and comments by the master-general of ordnance concerning the result [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/48.3] | 13 |
| 2/55 | Working papers. Describing policy on offensive chemical warfare, blister gas and crop destruction [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/50] | 13 |
| 2/55 | Reports covering general intelligence matters including comments by Gen T. Blamey, appointments and report by the Director of Military Intelligence (DMI) on visit to the UK and the US [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/54] | 13 |
| 2/55 | Correspondence outlining the intelligence liaison problems with GHQ-SWPA, particularly Brig J D Rogers (DMI) friction with Gen C. Willoughby [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/54.1] | 13 |
| 2/55 | Papers. Containing statements on overseas conferences attended by Brig J D Rogers (DMI) following his visit to the UK [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/54.2] | 13 |
| 2/56 | Working papers incorporating Combined Operational Intelligence Centre (COIC) assessments of Japanese policy and intentions [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/54.3] | 13 |
| 2/56 | Working papers containing an account of Japanese strengths in the SWPA and troop movements, particularly in the NEI [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/54.31] | 13 |
| 2/57 | Information papers referring to Axis tactics and equipment, particularly German pilotless aircraft, Japanese suicide air attacks and German army units [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/54.4] | 13 |
| 2/57 | Reports concerning the recovery of Australian POW's rescued by US submarines following the sinking of Japanese transport vessels [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/54.5] | 13 |
| 2/58 | Papers referring to allied POW's including post-war repatriation, Australian internees, recovery of Australian prisoners from Europe and the SWPA, question of manacling prisoners, and prisoner reception groups [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/54.51] | 14 |
| 2/59 | Papers relating to the attempted escape of Japanese prisoners of war at Cowra, and the status and attitude of Japanese captives [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/54.52] | 14 |
| 2/59 | Papers containing material related to enemy atrocities particularly interrogation of allied prisoners, establishment of Military Courts to regulate War Crimes Trials, position of hospital ships, War Crimes Commissioners, statements by Maj E. Smith ANGAU, press censorship and correspondence between Sir William Webb and Mr Justice A J Mansfield [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/54.6] | 14 |
| 2/59 | Correspondence passing between Gen T. Blamey and Mr W. MacKay, Director General of Security, related to the Commonwealth Security Service, breaches of security in New Guinea, and radio security [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/54.7] | 14 |
| 2/60 | Working papers relating to the censorship of civil and military mail and telephone services [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/54.8] | 14 |
| 2/60 | Papers referring to the Special Intelligence Organisation and personnel, including comments by Brig G F Taylor and requests by Prof T G Room for transfer to Central Bureau, Manila [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/56] | 14 |
| 2/61 | Papers regarding structure and policy of Special Operations Australia (SOA), management and relations with Special Operations Executive (SOE), and disagreement with GHQ-SWPA [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/56.1] | 14 |
| 2/61 | Correspondence comprising comments from the CGS concerning control of the Allied Intelligence Bureau (AIB) and reports on operations [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/56.2] | 14 |
| 2/62 | Papers concerning the establishment of the Inter-Allied Services Department (ISD), relations with GHQ-SWPA and the departure of Lt Col G E Mott [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/56.3] | 14 |
| 2/62 | Papers relating to the control and financing of the ISD [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/56.31] | 14 |
| 2/62 | Papers covering the activities of the SRD, particularly co-operation with the BBCAU, GHQ-SWPA directive on the dissolution of the AIB, and requests for the retention of SRD units in the SEAC area [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/56.4] | 14 |
| 2/63 | Papers referring mostly to the origins, organisation and activities of FELO including Commander J C R Proud's visit to SACSEA, relations with SRD, SOA and GHQ-SWPA, and disbandment [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/56.5] | 14 |
| 2/64 | Working papers covering the war establishment of the COIC, activities in Port Moresby, and Australian coastal warning systems [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/56.6] | 14 |
| 2/64 | Notes relating to the work of the Allied Geographical Section [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/56.7] | 14 |
| 2/64 | Papers consisting of reports and correspondence related to special units, including intercept personnel, Central Bureau, "Z" and "M" Special Units, irregular operations within Australia, New Guinea Guerilla Force and North Borneo patriots [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/56.8] | 14 |
| 2/65 | Messages received through ultra secret sources related to Japanese troop movements [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/56.9] | 14 |
| 2/66 | Papers mostly referring to special missions including Moss troops, Operation Scorpion (Rabaul), reports on Operations Jaywick and Jockforce, Project Hippo, Sultan of Ternate, activities in Malaya, Tulagi and Aitape, and the insertion of Dutch and Chinese nationals into the NEI [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/58] | 15 |
| 2/66 | Working papers relating to special intelligence information, particularly intercept sources, security procedures covering ultra and the 1 Australian Discrimination Unit [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/59] | 15 |
| 2/66 | Working papers referring to the training of military personnel and animals, and an assessment of training programs [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/65] | 15 |
| 2/67 | Reports covering the Army-Air Co-operation School, Camberley Staff College, and various army schools [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/65.1] | 15 |
| 2/67 | Correspondence with F M Forde related to the appointment of the Commandant, Royal Military College, Duntroon, and notes on the British Military College of Science [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/65.11] | 15 |
| 2/67 | Working papers relating to the Senior Cadet Training Scheme and Military Engineering cadetships [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/65.2] | 15 |
| 2/68 | Papers mostly referring to military history matters including liaison with directorate of public relations, appointment of G. Long as official historian, organisation of the Military History and Information Section, appointment of Official War Artists, and comments by Capt I Hele, Capt J Flett, F Norton and W Dargie [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/67] | 15 |
| 2/68 | Correspondence referring to the installation of permanent commemorative plaques on battlefields in New Guinea, and the establishment of a 1939-45 War Memorial [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/67.1] | 15 |
| 2/69 | Papers relating to artillery matters, particularly anti-aircraft defence in New Guinea, 32nd US Division report on jeep-drawn artillery and reports on the London Conference [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/69] | 15 |
| 2/69 | Papers comprising of correspondence and reports concerning the training, war establishments and control of the engineers and activities of the docks operating companies [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/71] | 15 |
| 2/70 | Papers relating to signals matters, including reports and notes by the Signal Officer in charge, re-organisation of the New Guinea area, relations with GHQ-SWPA and security [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/73] | 15 |
| 2/70 | Working papers involving signal procedures related to the C-in-C, "guard" messages, and classification of signals [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/73.1] | 15 |
| 2/71 | Working papers referring to mapping and survey responsibilities [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/75] | 15 |
| 2/71 | Papers containing notes and correspondence related to the Australian Army Inventions Board [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/77] | 15 |
| 2/71 | Papers containing notes, agenda and correspondence related to the activities of the Scientific Liaison Bureau, particularly with Prof E Ashby and Dr J Vernon [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/79] | 15 |
| 2/72 | Papers containing general administrative matters including delinquent children, marriages, release from AMF and correspondence with J. Curtin [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/85] | 15 |
| 2/72 | Papers mostly covering appointments and promotions to military and civil personnel, particularly field and staff officers, British Military Mission China, post-war promotions and enemy aliens [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/85.1] | 15 |
| 2/72 | Correspondence with F M Forde concerning enlistment in the AIF outside of Australia [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/85.11] | 15 |
| 2/73 | Correspondence describing the appointment of various senior AMF officers, including overseas appointments, divisional command and posting to Occupation Bde. Correspondence with F. Shedden concerning 2nd Australian corps staff [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/85.12] | 15 |
| 2/73 | Notes describing appointment of state controllers for demobilisation, and structure of post-war Army [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/85.13] | 15 |
| 2/74 | Papers referring to the release, retirement and transfer of AMF personnel, and the work of demobilisation controllers [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/85.2] | 15 |
| 2/74 | Charts covering the release of personnel to industry on an occupational basis [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/85.21] | 15 |
| 2/74 | Working papers relating to the transfer of CMF units to the AMF, release of personnel and Mission "X" personnel [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/85.22] | 15 |
| 2/75 | Correspondence relating to reinforcements in New Guinea and the Middle East and the need for LHQ officers to undergo field service [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/85.3] | 16 |
| 2/75 | Working papers concerning the conditions of service for unattested officers of ANGAU and the New Guinea Volunteer Reserve, and specialist pay for trade groups [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/85.4] | 16 |
| 2/75 | Working papers referring to the service of underage personnel in New Guinea and Northern Australia [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/85.41] | 16 |
| 2/76 | Working papers covering the participation of members of the AMF in professional sport, their military status and usefulness [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/85.42] | 16 |
| 2/76 | Working papers relating to leave for troops in New Guinea and Northern Australia, and special category leave [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/85.5] | 16 |
| 2/76 | Working papers concerning public parades of troops, including returning units from the Middle East, and Allied Forces [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/85.6] | 16 |
| 2/77 | Working papers referring to the general discipline of troops, in relation to court martial sentences, detention barracks, relations between allied troops and the Queensland public, and the attempted court martial of Driver P. Henry, SRD [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/85.7] | 16 |
| 2/77 | Papers covering the problems of looting and theft, particularly in relation to Darwin and Port Moresby and problems at the Loveday Internment Camp. Also includes comments and correspondence from Sir C Fraser, J S Hutcheon and Maj Gen B M Morris [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/85.71] | 16 |
| 2/78 | Working papers detailing "X" list personnel and interview notes with the C-in-C [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/85.8] | 16 |
| 2/78 | Working papers relating to the policy of members of parliament serving in the AMF [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/85.9] | 16 |
| 2/78 | Working papers referring to the closure of the Wau War Cemetery [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/88] | 16 |
| 2/78 | Papers covering the education facilities offered to troops, including the Current affairs bulletin, report on education and vocational training in the pre-release period and post-war planning [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/90] | 16 |
| 2/79 | Working papers referring to the provision of amenities, particularly in the Middle East but also including facilities to allied troops, unit funds, assistance to POW's, report on the Australian Army Amenities Service, and supply to the RN [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/93] | 16 |
| 2/79 | Working papers detailing the C-in-C Special Amenities Fund, particularly financial papers, and proposed expenditure [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/93.1] | 16 |
| 2/80 | Working papers covering the provision of special amenities items for troops in the Middle East, New Guinea and Australia, and criticism of facilities [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/93.2] | 16 |
| 2/80 | Correspondence relating to the broadcasting of programmes to the forces, particularly in forward operations areas, contact with the Australian Broadcasting Commission (ABC), and the director general of public relations [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/93.3] | 16 |
| 2/80 | Working papers detailing the provision of cinema equipment and film entertainment to the forces, distribution of films to native groups, and legal arrangements with the Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/93.4] | 16 |
| 2/81 | Papers referring to the organisation of concert parties for the forces. Entertainers include Bob Dyer, Gracie Fields, Jim Gerald, Sir Benjamin Fuller, Eugene Ormandy, Gladys Moncrieff, Wallace Parnell and the 50/50 Concert Party [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/93.5] | 16 |
| 2/81 | Correspondence covering provision of unit bands and correspondence with J. Curtin concerning use of the Royal Papuan Constabulary Band for war loans publicity [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/93.6] | 16 |
| 2/81 | Correspondence relating to the Australian Services Cricket Team, including their retention for the 1945-46 season and list of available Victorian Cricket Association players [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/93.7] | 16 |
| 2/82 | Working papers concerning the Chaplains department, particularly the question of rank, complaints and the lack of Hebrew chaplains [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/95] | 16 |
| 2/82 | Correspondence relating to the return of missionaries to Papua and New Guinea [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/95.1] | 16 |
| 2/82 | Papers concerning general medical issues including the establishment of the National Medical Research Institute, visit by Sir Howard Florey, advisory committee on tropical medicine, establishment of the AAMC Dental Service and visits by senior medical officers [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/98] | 16 |
| 2/83 | Working papers covering the supply and equipping of general hospitals and casualty clearing stations, availability of sea ambulances and hospital ships, and the movement of Axis hospital ships [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/98.1] | 16 |
| 2/83 | Working papers relating to the appointment and powers of Hospital Visiting Officer [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/98.2] | 16 |
| 2/83 | Working papers relating to the treatment and prevention of various diseases including quarantine precautions in New Guinea, VD control, Khaki dermatitis, Australian production of penicillin, and malaria control experiments [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/98.3] | 16 |
| 2/84 | Papers, including reports on malarial problems in New Guinea, training of troops in anti-malarial measures, and the production of A-S (Sulphamerazine) drugs [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/98.31] | 17 |
| 2/84 | Working papers referring to the examination and medical fitness of senior officers [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/98.4] | 17 |
| 2/84 | Reports covering casualties incurred in the Tarakan Operation and reports on Gen H. Robertson and Gen J E S Stevens [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/100] | 17 |
| 2/85 | Correspondence consisting of letters of condolence and associated information. Correspondents include J. Curtin, Gen H Chauvel, Adm G Royal, Gen J Gellibrand and Gen H D Wynter [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/100.1] | 17 |
| 2/85 | Correspondence consisting of copies of letters of condolence from the 2nd Echelon list and replies, arranged alphabetically, by theatre of operation [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/100.2] | 17 |
| 2/86 | Papers referring to complaints made by next-of-kin in relation to the mismanagement of casualty information by the Department of the Army [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/100.3] | 17 |
| 2/86 | Papers detailing the aircraft accident which led to the deaths of Gen G. Vasey and Gen R M Downes [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/100.4] | 17 |
| 2/86 | Correspondence consisting of letters received from Brig B. Cox concerning the organisation of the military secretary's office [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/103] | 17 |
| 2/86 | Papers containing general information related to honours and awards for both operational and non-operational areas [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/103.1] | 17 |
| 2/87 | Working papers concerning the award of various operational stars and guidelines for the award of ribbons [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/103.11] | 17 |
| 2/87 | Papers containing recommendations, including correspondence, concerned with various awards to senior officers, the Red Cross and birthday honours [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/103.12] | 17 |
| 2/88 | Correspondence comprising copies of congratulatory letters forwarded to officers, periodical listings and civil awards [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/103.13] | 17 |
| 2/89 | Correspondence containing replies to congratulatory letters forwarded to officers. Alphabetically arranged [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/103.14] | 17 |
| 2/89 | Papers concerning the policy regarding the acceptance of US awards by Australian service personnel, and the granting of British awards to US personnel. Correspondents include J. Curtin, Gen D. MacArthur and Gen E. Herring [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/103.2] | 17 |
| 2/90 | Papers relating to the granting of British awards to US personnel. Missing at time of research [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/103.21] | 17 |
| 2/90 | Correspondence with F. Shedden concerning the establishment, policy and staffing of the Army Inspection Organisation [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/106] | 17 |
| 2/90 | Papers covering financial aspects of Army organisation, including various reports on finance systems, pay allowances within the Middle East and Australia; and approval of expenditure to senior officers [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/109] | 17 |
| 2/91 | Working papers relating to the pay scales and retirement allowances allocated to senior officers [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/109.1] | 17 |
| 2/91 | Correspondence with the Minister of the Army related to the inequalities and effects of the 1941 Income Tax assessment on members of the AMF/AIF [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/109.2] | 17 |
| 2/91 | Correspondence including copies of letters concerned with the formation of the Transportation Corps, and the rank of the officer commanding the movement and transport sections [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/114] | 17 |
| 2/91 | Papers concerning the general question of supply, particularly cooking equipment, fishing proposals for NGF, AMF responsibilities to the RAAF, United Australia Party allegations of food shortages and ration scales for Japanese personnel [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/114.1] | 17 |
| 2/92 | Working papers covering the supply of rations to the AMF in New Guinea, essential rations for POW's, and special rations [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/114.11] | 18 |
| 2/93 | Working papers concerning the supply and rationing of meat to the AMF [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/114.12] | 18 |
| 2/93 | Working papers referring to the production of vegetables in New Guinea and the Atherton Tablelands [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/114.13] | 18 |
| 2/93 | Working papers relating to the supply of liquor to allied troops in Northern Australia and New Guinea, beer issues and alcohol levels [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/114.14] | 18 |
| 2/94 | Papers relating to the provision of Christmas rations to US Troops and a report by A N Kemsley on ration scales and supplies provided to US Forces [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/114.15] | 18 |
| 2/94 | Correspondence with Lt Gen H D Wynter outlining the establishment of the Catering Corps [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/114.2] | 18 |
| 2/94 | Papers covering general transport matters including the formation of the Transport Corps, shipping and port facilities, return of POW's, and Occupation Force requirements [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/114.3] | 18 |
| 2/95 | Working papers describing the establishment of road and railway facilities, particularly strategic roads within Australia, Bulldog-Wau Road, coal supplies, and railway development [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/114.31] | 18 |
| 2/95 | Report referring to the investigation report into the passage of Australian troops abroad SS Both [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/114.32] | 18 |
| 2/95 | Working papers covering the provision of general accommodation for military personnel in Northern Australia and New Guinea, Mallee Children's Camp, and the Perth Military Hospital [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/114.4] | 18 |
| 2/96 | Papers concerning the requested early evacuation of 2nd Australian Army from the Burnside Homes and query on HQ accommodation in the post-war period [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/114.41] | 18 |
| 2/96 | Working papers referring to the provision of accommodation for US Forces in Queensland and New Guinea [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/114.42] | 18 |
| 2/96 | Working papers regarding security procedures for the movement of troops, particularly between Australia and New Guinea [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/114.5] | 18 |
| 2/96 | Working papers containing a summary of AMF officer movements within, and out of, Australia [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/114.51] | 18 |
| 2/97 | Papers concerning the utilisation of the Australian Forestry Company, and the development of timber resources in New Guinea [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/118] | 18 |
| 2/97 | Working papers referring to the development and production of rubber and copra in New Guinea, including ANGAU participation [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/120] | 18 |
| 2/98 | Working papers relating to the development of bulk petrol storage facilities in Darwin, and the Australasian Petrol Company [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/122] | 18 |
| 2/98 | Working papers referring to the investigation of coal supplies in the Upper Kikori area of New Guinea [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/123] | 18 |
| 2/98 | Papers covering general canteen service matters, including an outline of the Australian Defence Canteen Service, control of Gaza House, and civilian access to facilities [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/125] | 18 |
| 2/98 | Papers referring mostly to Canteen Service regulations and amendments [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/125.1] | 18 |
| 2/98 | Report involving assessment of report on the re-organisation of the Australian Defence Canteens Service prepared by Col G L Gee [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/125.2] | 18 |
| 2/99 | Working papers referring to the war establishment within the Canteen Service [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/125.3] | 18 |
| 2/99 | Papers concerning the distribution and disposal of canteen profits, particularly to the POW reception groups [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/125.4] | 18 |
| 2/99 | Working papers referring to a draft report on canteen finances and the Special Amenities Fund Account [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/125.5] | 18 |
| 2/100 | Working papers relating to canteen supplies and orders particularly in New Guinea, and co-operation with civilian companies [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/125.6] | 18 |
| 2/100 | Working papers describing the provision of clubs and hostels for service personnel, canteen facilities in New Guinea and wet canteens [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/125.7] | 18 |
| 2/100 | Working papers mostly referring to the provision of canteen services in the Middle East, and the establishment of facilities in Colombo [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/125.8] | 18 |
| 2/101 | Papers, mostly comprising correspondence concerned with postal matters, particularly in the Middle East, New Guinea and POW's [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/128] | 19 |
| 2/101 | Papers concerning the master-general of ordnance, particularly the directorate of ordnance production, corps responsibilities and the scientific mission to Japan [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/132] | 19 |
| 2/102 | Papers describing the supply and allocation of equipment including radar, weapons production, criticism of equipment and post-war policy and planning [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/132.1] | 19 |
| 2/103 | Papers referring to the supply of stores and clothing, particularly wastage, and clothing manufacture [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/132.2] | 19 |
| 2/103 | Papers mostly concerning disposal of stores within Australia and the appointment of a director general of disposals [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/132.21] | 19 |
| 2/103 | Working papers detailing the investigation into hirings in the Seymour area and NSW [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/132.3] | 19 |
| 2/104 | Papers referring to the lack of publicity connected with AMF Operations in the SWPA, and GHQ communiques [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/136] | 19 |
| 2/104 | Papers concerning publicity surrounding the C-in-C, particularly J. Curtin's statement on the operations in New Guinea, criticism of Gen T. Blamey and statement upon his retirement [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/136.1] | 19 |
| 2/105 | Working papers covering parliamentary criticism, particularly by Sir Earl Page, of the New Guinea operations, and comments by R G. Menzies [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/136.2] | 19 |
| 2/105 | Papers relating to parliamentary criticism of Gen Blamey including comments by Senator Foll, military service details and letters in support of Blamey [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/136.21] | 19 |
| 2/106 | Working papers mostly concerned with publications and publicity within the AMF, including unit publications and the Australian War Memorial Christmas books [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/136.3] | 19 |
| 2/106 | Working papers covering the establishment of Salt magazine and policy to be followed in relation to sensitive material [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/136.31] | 19 |
| 2/107 | Correspondence passed to K G Murray, editor of the Army magazine, concerning articles published in the journal [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/136.32] | 19 |
| 2/107 | Working papers concerning the appointment of R B Leonard as editor of Guinea gold, and policy matters [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/136.33] | 19 |
| 2/108 | Working papers relating to the Anti-waste publicity campaign [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/136.34] | 20 |
| 2/108 | Papers concerning the publication of Why Singapore fell by Gen H G Bennett, and the ensuing controversy [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/136.35] | 20 |
| 2/108 | Messages containing copies of speeches, messages and publication notes forwarded to various allied nations, schools and philanthropic organisations by the C-in-C [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/136.41] | 20 |
| 2/109 | Messages received by the C-in-C from allied countries concerning ANZAC Day [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/136.42] | 20 |
| 2/109 | Correspondence containing copies of official Christmas greetings sent to allied commanders and senior Australian staff [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/136.43] | 20 |
| 2/109 | Correspondence containing official Christmas greetings received from allied commanders, politicians and senior Australian staff [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/136.44] | 20 |
| 2/110 | Congratulatory correspondence forwarded to senior Australian staff, allied commanders and politicians. Alphabetically arranged [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/136.45] | 20 |
| 2/110 | Congratulatory correspondence received by the C-in-C from the Royal family, allied commanders, senior Australian officers and service organisations. Alphabetically arranged [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/136.46] | 20 |
| 2/111 | Papers containing requests for forewords to be written by the C-in-C in various books and pamphlets [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/136.47] | 20 |
| 2/111 | Drafts of addresses given by the C-in-C on civilian morale, and to various army units [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/136.51] | 20 |
| 2/111 | Papers referring to general broadcasting matters including beam radio at LANDOPS, inaccuracies by the ABC and talks by Lady Olga Blamey [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/136.6] | 20 |
| 2/111 | Drafts and copies of broadcasts made by the C-in-C relating to the US, New Guinea, Greece and the BBC [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/136.61] | 20 |
| 2/112 | Working papers relating to general comments and criticisms of various commercial film and newsreel releases [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/136.7] | 20 |
| 2/112 | Working papers containing copies of shooting scripts and newsreel messages featuring Gen T. Blamey [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/136.71] | 20 |
| 2/112 | Working papers relating to the provision of photographers and photographic equipment, development of the Army Cinematograph Section, and the Phonographic Library [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/136.8] | 20 |
| 2/113 | Correspondence concerned with press matters, particularly publicity, press representation and policy towards journalists [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/139] | 20 |
| 2/113 | Correspondence concerned with general press statements including information leakages, Murdoch newspapers and operations in the SWPA [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/139.1] | 20 |
| 2/114 | Draft press statements released to Australian newspapers by Gen T. Blamey [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/139.11] | 20 |
| 2/114 | Working papers covering policy directives for the issuing of press statements by members of the AMF [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/139.12] | 20 |
| 2/114 | Correspondence referring to the censorship of articles submitted to Smith's weekly [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/139.2] | 20 |
| 2/115 | Papers detailing format and notes for various press conferences convened by the C-in-C [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/139.3] | 20 |
| 2/115 | Correspondence concerned with press censorship of Australian newspapers and problems in reporting Australian operations in New Guinea [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/139.4] | 20 |
| 2/116 | Correspondence concerned with the position of war correspondents, particularly the withdrawal of accreditation to K. Slessor and J. Scarlett, and the appointment of an official reporter [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/139.5] | 21 |
| 2/116 | Correspondence concerned with the lack of accreditation for war correspondent Frank Clune and restrictions upon his access into New Guinea [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/139.51] | 21 |
| 2/116 | Papers relating to Chester Wilmot. This file is no longer held by the AWM [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/139.52] | 21 |
| 2/117 | Papers referring to the general powers and activities of the director of public relations, reports and posting of liaison staff overseas [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/142] | 21 |
| 2/118 | Correspondence concerned with the request for the posting of female workers to the YMCA in the Middle East [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/146] | 21 |
| 2/118 | Correspondence referring to the provision of facilities for the Australian Red Cross Society (ARCS) both within Australia and New Guinea, and the work of Lady Olga Blamey [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/146.1] | 21 |
| 2/119 | Correspondence covering the maintenance of the ACF, public relations and co-operation with the Army amenities section [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/146.2] | 21 |
| 2/119 | Correspondence referring to the arrival of HRH The Duke of Gloucester in Australia [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/150.1] | 21 |
| 2/120 | Correspondence concerning the appointment of Cpl J Green as groom to HRH The Duke of Gloucester [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/150.11] | 21 |
| 2/120 | Correspondence referring to proposed visits by the Duke of Gloucester, including operational areas in the SWPA [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/150.12] | 21 |
| 2/120 | Correspondence outlining the honorary rank accorded Lord Gowrie, and the proposed visit of Lady Gowrie to Queensland [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/150.2] | 21 |
| 2/121 | Correspondence concerning the assumption of office by Sir Winston Dugan [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/150.3] | 21 |
| 2/121 | Correspondence relating to the proposed visits by Lord Wakehurst to various Australian districts and the SWPA [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/150.4] | 21 |
| 2/121 | Correspondence consisting of general invitations and proposed official visits [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/154] | 21 |
| 2/121 | Papers, mostly containing correspondence concerning the air movements and travel arrangements for Gen T. Blamey's visit to the UK [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/154.1] | 21 |
| 2/122 | Personal correspondence, particularly related to Gen T. Blamey's discharge from the AMF [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/160.1] | 21 |
| 2/122 | Correspondence received from various individuals and organisations following announcement of the retirement of the C-in-C. Partially alphabetically arranged [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/160.11] | 21 |
| 2/123 | Correspondence received from various allied commanders [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/160.12] | 22 |
| 2/123 | Correspondence received from various individuals and organisations during Gen T. Blamey's visit to the United Kingdom. Alphabetically arranged [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/160.13] | 22 |
| 2/124 | Correspondence received by Gen T Blamey during his visit to the United States, and material concerning American personnel in Australia [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/160.14] | 22 |
| 2/124 | Correspondence concerning personal and financial matters including legal actions, Lady Olga Blamey and Gen T Blamey's knighthood [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/160.2] | 22 |
| 2/125 | Correspondence containing personal financial accounts and correspondence related to the purchase of land in Victoria and New South Wales [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/160.3] | 22 |
| 2/125 | Correspondence containing copies of letters of introduction and references written on behalf of various serving officers and civilians [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/160.4] | 22 |
| 2/125 | Correspondence relating to gifts forwarded to various allied commanders and civilians [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/160.51] | 22 |
| 2/126 | Correspondence concerning gifts received by Gen T. Blamey. Alphabetically arranged [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/160.52] | 22 |
| 2/126 | Invitations, referring to invitations to various social functions conducted by Gen T. Blamey, including notes of apology and appreciation [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/160.61] | 22 |
| 2/127 | Correspondence covering replies to invitations received from allied commanders, civilian organisations and the Australian government [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/160.62] | 22 |
| 2/127 | Correspondence consisting of congratulatory messages forwarded by Gen T. Blamey to service personnel and civilians [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/160.71] | 22 |
| 2/128 | Correspondence containing mostly congratulatory messages received from the Australian government, civilian organisations and allied commanders following various awards, appointments and the end of the Pacific war [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/160.72] | 22 |
| 2/129 | Correspondence containing birthday greetings received from various friends [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/160.8] | 23 |
| 2/129 | Correspondence consisting of copies of Christmas greetings forwarded by the C-in-C [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/160.91] | 23 |
| 2/129 | Correspondence containing Christmas greetings received by Gen T. Blamey from the Australian government, military associates and personal friends [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/160.92] | 23 |
| 2/130 | Notes consisting of preparatory notes for discussion on military and civil matters [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/163] [file missing since 2001] | 23 |
| 2/131 | Minutes containing various notes forwarded to the C-in-C office from LHQ, and correspondence prepared by Col N. Carlyon of an official and personal nature [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/163.1] | 23 |
| 2/132 | semi-official letter written by Col N. Carlyon to Maj D. Dwyer concerning publication of Gen H G Bennett's book [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/163.2] | 23 |
| 2/132 | Working papers covering weekly signals received by the C-in-C while in the US and the UK [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/163.3] | 23 |
| 2/132 | Correspondence relating to the appointment and transfer of personnel on Gen T. Blamey's staff [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/165] | 23 |
| 2/133 | Correspondence referring to official and personal correspondence received from Lt Col D H Dwyer [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/165.1] | 23 |
| 2/133 | Personal correspondence received from Lt Col T R Blamey [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/165.2] | 23 |
| 2/134 | Correspondence consisting of semi-official correspondence related to senior officers, particularly in the Army of Occupation, Japan [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/170] | 23 |
| 2/134 | semi-official correspondence received from Lt Gen J. Northcott concerning War Council meetings and New Guinea [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/170.1] | 23 |
| 2/135 | semi-official correspondence received from Lt Gen E. Herring concerned with operations in New Guinea [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/170.2] | 23 |
| 2/136 | Papers containing semi-official correspondence and weekly reports received from Lt Gen I. Mackay, particularly related to NGF, 2nd Australian Army and as High Commissioner in India [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/170.3] | 24 |
| 2/137 | Papers consisting of semi-official correspondence received from Lt Gen H G Bennett concerning 3 Australian Corps organisation and his request to retire, and the report of the court of inquiry into Gen Bennett's departure from Singapore in February 1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/170.4] | 24 |
| 2/137 | Papers comprising of semi-official correspondence received from Lt Gen Sir L. Morshead concerning Australian Corps, officer placements, fruit production in North Queensland, and NGF situation reports [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/170.5] | 24 |
| 2/138 | semi-official correspondence received from Lt Gen S.F. Rowell related to NGF and operations in the Milne Bay area [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/170.6] | 24 |
| 2/138 | Papers containing semi-official correspondence received from Lt Gen F. Berryman concerning NGF information and US naval problems [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/170.7] | 24 |
| 2/139 | Papers comprising of brigade semi-official letters received from Lt Gen F. Berryman related to the operations in the Philippines, Bougainville and Morotai, and Reports nos 1-53 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/170.71] | 24 |
| 2/139 | semi-official correspondence received from Lt Gen Sir J. Lavarack concerned with personnel requirements in 1st Australian Army [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/170.8] | 24 |
| 2/140 | Papers including semi-official correspondence received from Maj Gen J A Chapman related to amenities and notes on natural history in New Guinea [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/171.1 | 24 |
| 2/140 | semi-official correspondence received from Maj Gen G.A. Vasey concerned with operations at Milne Bay and Gona [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/171.2] | 24 |
| 2/140 | semi-official correspondence received from Maj Gen V P Stannate with reference to staff allocations and general information on New Guinea [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/171.3] | 24 |
| 2/140 | semi-official correspondence received from Maj Gen C H Simpson concerned with signals reports, personnel and equipment [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/171.4] | 24 |
| 2/141 | semi-official correspondence received from Brig L H Lemur concerning NORFORCE [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/172.1] | 24 |
| 2/141 | semi-official correspondence received from Brig E. Gorman relating to the repatriation of Australian POW's from the UK via the US [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/172.2] | 24 |
| 2/141 | semi-official correspondence received from Col J A Chapman, Liaison Officer Middle East Force, concerning Australian POW's [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/173.1] | 24 |
| 2/141 | semi-official correspondence received from Maj K Officer reporting from the Australian Legation in the USSR, and later China, on the internal affairs in both regions [previous item number 3DRL 6643 2/174.1] | 24 |
SERIES 3: Reports and working papers, 1940 - 1952
Description: It would appear that this series was commenced by Blamey's staff to complement Series 1 and 2 above. The strong emphasis on reports and other printed material suggests this series was used to supplement or evaluate the administrative papers of the earlier series. There is almost no documentary evidence to suggest either the overall extent of the collection nor the time in which it was commenced. Further material was added to this series by Memorial staff when the initial listing was commenced in 1974. This later material appears to have been drawn from both other series and from estrays located after the 1953 transfer. In most instances where possible, this later material has been returned to the appropriate series.
The majority of the 146 files relate to operational matters, particularly reports on Australian operations in both the Middle East and the SWPA, operational instructions and various military appreciations on training and operations. Further files are concerned with Blamey's correspondence with senior Army officers on a semi-official level, reports on scientific developments and newspaper cuttings covering his activities in the Middle East and the SWPA.
| Series/Wallet | Title, date and description | Box |
|---|---|---|
| 3/1 | Report to the Council of the League of Nations on the administration of the Territory of New Guinea, July 1939- June 1940 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/1] | 24 |
| 3/2 | Papers containing mostly correspondence, with attached reports, related to ABDACOM Operations in the SWPA, January-February 1942. Major correspondents include Gen A P Wavell, V. Sturdee and J. Northcott, 1942-1943 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/2] | 24 |
| 3/2 | Report covering US Naval Operations up to March 1944, compiled by Admiral E J King USN, 1944 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/3] | 24 |
| 3/2 | Memorandum detailing the recommendations of the Chief of Naval Staff, USN regarding the establishment of a naval base at Sewa Bay (North East Area), 1943 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/4] | 24 |
| 3/3 | Printed report,The Army war effort and supplement, prepared by the Department of the Army, 1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/5] | 25 |
| 3/4 | Printed report,The Army war effort and supplement, prepared by the Department of the Army, 1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/6 | 25 |
| 3/5 | Printed report,The Army war effort and supplement, prepared by the General Staff, AMF, 1944 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/7] | 25 |
| 3/6 | Printed report,The Army war effort and supplement, prepared by the General Staff, AMF, 1944 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/8] | 25 |
| 3/7 | Working papers containing the Order of Battle for the AIF in the Middle East, and allotment of unit serial numbers, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/9] | 25 |
| 3/8 | Report on operations in Cyrenaica for March-October 1941, prepared by Maj Gen L. Morshead. Report also includes information on the defence of Tobruk, 1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/10] | 26 |
| 3/9 | Report on operations for El Alamein, October-November 1942, as prepared by the 9th Division AIF, (nd) [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/11] | 26 |
| 3/10 | Report prepared by Gen T. Blamey outlining the operations in New Guinea, September 1942- January 1943 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/12] | 26 |
| 3/11 | Report prepared by Gen T. Blamey detailing the operations in New Guinea, September 1943-April 1944 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/13] | 26 |
| 3/12 | Report of operations for the 3rd Division AIF in the Salamaua area, as prepared by Gen S. Savige, 1944 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/14] | 27 |
| 3/13 | Unsigned copy of draft report detailing AMF Operations in Timor, (nd) [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/15] | 27 |
| 3/14 | Report prepared by A.R. Code and Lt Col A G V Parker on the investigation of the design and development of American tanks, 1943 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/16] | 27 |
| 3/15 | Supplementary report written by Lt Col A G V Parker entailing a general view of American technological development, particularly ordnance, 1943 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/17] | 27 |
| 3/16 | Outline of demonstration exercise performed by the First Marine Division, Amphibious Force Seventh Fleet, USN at Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, 1943 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/18] | 27 |
| 3/17 | Report referring to Japanese airfields and troop placements in the Wewak-Aitape area, 1945 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/19] | 27 |
| 3/17 | Report containing a COS appreciation of the forces required to capture and retain Timor, 1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/20] | 27 |
| 3/18 | Report prepared for GHQ SWPA, commenting on the suitability of sections of Western Australia for operations with armoured units, 1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/21] | 28 |
| 3/19 | Papers consisting of reports and correspondence exchanged between HQ and NGF and 1 Australian Corps concerning signals operations and personnel, 1943 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/22] | 28 |
| 3/19 | Pamphlet describing an advanced copy of a training pamphlet (no. 23) prepared on jungle warfare, 1943 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/23] | 28 |
| 3/20 | Correspondence with the CGS concerning censorship activities of the CGS Branch and the Post and Telegraph Censorship Report (no. 18), 1944 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/24] | 28 |
| 3/21 | Report covering the proceedings of the Board of Inquiry into the Australian Defence Canteen Service in the Middle East, 1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/25] | 28 |
| 3/22 | Report outlining an appreciation of transportation facilities in Northern Australia prepared by the directorates of docks, water transport (small craft), railway and road transportation, 1944 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/26] | 28 |
| 3/23 | Report compiled by Lt Col W J Reinhold detailing construction of the Wau-Labu road, 1944 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/27] | 29 |
| 3/24 | Report prepared by Maj Gen G. Vasey enquiring into the future organisation and post-war curriculum needs for the Royal Military College, Duntroon, 1944 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/28] | 29 |
| 3/24 | Printed matter consisting of the text of agreement reached between Australia and New Zealand following the Canberra Conference, published in Current notes on international affairs, Vol 15:1, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/29] | 29 |
| 3/24 | Working papers containing copies of the Italian ORBAT for Libya as of 26 September 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/30] | 29 |
| 3/25 | Printed Matter consisting of RAAF publication no. 422 outlining the distribution of duties at RAAF HQ, 1943 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/31] | 29 |
| 3/26 | Working papers referring to notes prepared by LHQ outlining the Amphibious Operations for the occupation of Woodlark and Kiriwina Islands, 1944 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/32] | 29 |
| 3/26 | Papers, including notes on the 7th (US) Amphibious Force Operations (November 1943- January 1944) compiled by Brig R N L Hopkins and reports on Operation Diminish, Director, Backhander and Michaelmas, 1944 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/33] | 29 |
| 3/26 | Report consisting of a copy of the operations reports for the 7th (US) Amphibious Force (SWPA), compiled by Brig R N L Hopkins covering Operations Postern, Diminish and Chronicle, 1944 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/34] | 29 |
| 3/27 | Memorandum describing Combined and Joint Operations preparations for Beach Development (Landings) as used in Sicily, 1943 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/35] | 29 |
| 3/27 | Report referring to the use of heavy bomber support on Army operations, particularly related to experience in the Caen area with possible application to Australian Army operations, 1944 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/36] | 29 |
| 3/27 | Report describing air co-operation during the battle of Damour with emphasis on experiments in close-air support, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/37] | 29 |
| 3/27 | Intelligence report submitted by Lt M H Wright RANVR outlining coast watching activities in the Cape Hoskins area, and Ferdinand guerilla activities, New Britain, 1944 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/38] | 29 |
| 3/27 | Report detailing the administrative landing at Santa Cruz, Mindanao, prepared by Amphibious Group 8, Seventh Fleet USN, 1945 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/39] | 29 |
| 3/28 | Report comprising lessons from operations, no. 6A commenting on the experiences gained against the Japanese in the Owen Stanley Ranges, New Guinea, 1943 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/40] | 29 |
| 3/28 | Report containing lessons from operations, no. 5, listing guidelines as to the use of air transport in the movement of units and material in New Guinea, 1943 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/41] | 29 |
| 3/28 | Report containing lessons from operations, no. 4, outlining training notes following the operations on Goodenough Island, 1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/42] | 29 |
| 3/29 | Report referring to lessons from operations, no. 3, detailing operations in the Solomon Islands, particularly related to combined operations, 1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/43] | 29 |
| 3/29 | Report on Milne Bay operations prepared by the CO of Milne Force, and the CO's of 7th and 18th Inf Bde AIF, 1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/44] | 29 |
| 3/29 | Report containing observations made by Chester Wilmot on the withdrawal of Maroubra Force from the Kokoda Gap, 1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/45] | 29 |
| 3/30 | Report containing a detailed report on operations at Milne Bay compiled by Maj Gen C Clowes, Brig J Field and Brig G Wootten, 1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/46] | 29 |
| 3/31 | Report on Operation Jaywick, including an account of the trip from Exmouth Gulf to Singapore and return by the MV Krait, 2 September-22 October 1943 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/47] | 30 |
| 3/32 | Report containing an account of the Malayan campaign, 7 December 1941-15 February 1942, as prepared by Maj Gen H G Bennett [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/48] | 30 |
| 3/33 | Working papers referring to administrative lessons drawn from the Eight Army Operations in Cyrenaica, 1941-1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/49] | 30 |
| 3/33 | Report covering operations in Syria as submitted by the 17th Australian Inf Bde, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/50] | 30 |
| 3/34 | Report consisting of a combined report on operations in Syria prepared by 1 Australian Corps, 6th Australian Division and 7th Australian Division, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/51] | 30 |
| 3/34 | Report detailing the operations in Crete, April-May 1941, as submitted by Brig G.A. Vasey, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/52] | 30 |
| 3/35 | Combined report submitted by the Inter-Services Committee (HQ Middle East) detailing operations in Crete, November 1940-May 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/53] | 30 |
| 3/36 | Report compiled by Brig S. Savige outlining the campaign in Greece and Crete with regard to the 17th Inf Bde AIF, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/54] | 30 |
| 3/37 | Report on the evacuation of Greece (Operation Demon) and shipping movements for the Mediterranean Station, RN, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/55] | 30 |
| 3/38 | Working papers prepared for the Commander's Conference, GHQ Cairo, particularly concerned with the formation of an Armoured Bde Group in the Middle East, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/56] | 31 |
| 3/39 | Working papers containing amendment no. 5 to the Index to the MEF ORBAT, including troop location statements, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/57] | 31 |
| 3/40 | Information papers concerning a policy statement delivered by Dr V Bush, director of the office of scientific research and development to the Select Committee on Post War Military Policy, 1945 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/58] | 31 |
| 3/40 | Report prepared by Maj Gen C H Simpson on Special Mobile Force exercises and reports on signals and morale in Western Australia, 1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/59] | 31 |
| 3/40 | Report submitted by Maj Gen C H Simpson, Signal Officer-in-Chief, covering communications developments in North America, 1944-1945 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/60] | 31 |
| 3/40 | Report detailing progress on the work of the Scientific Liaison Bureau submitted by the Director, J E Cummins, 1943 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/61] | 31 |
| 3/41 | Report outlining the extent of Australian Services Education Council activities in the Northern Territory, 1944 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/62] | 31 |
| 3/41 | First Annual Report submitted by the directorate of graves registration, 1943 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/63] | 31 |
| 3/41 | Memorandum containing details of SRD intelligence and operational activities in British Borneo, February-June 1945 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/64] | 31 |
| 3/42 | Extract taken from the American infantry journal, October 1941, giving an account of the German campaign in Greece [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/65] | 31 |
| 3/42 | Working papers referring to instructions for demonstration exercise Airborne conducted by the 2nd Division AMF in the Geraldton WA area, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/66] | 31 |
| 3/42 | Printed matter referring to a report prepared on the organisation and training of airborne troops, 1943 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/67] | 31 |
| 3/42 | Report prepared by the War Office Committee on Beach Landing Organisation concerning recommendations on the establishment, organisation and working of Beach Groups and HQ, 1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/68] | 31 |
| 3/43 | Working papers including agenda and programme for the Air Support Conference, Cairo, 1944 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/69] | 31 |
| 3/43 | Working papers containing a programme for the Air Support demonstration, Cairo, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/70] | 31 |
| 3/43 | Working papers containing a programme for the Air Support demonstration, Cairo, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/71] | 31 |
| 3/44 | Research report compiled by the Allied Translator and Interpreter Section (ATIS), SWPA, onHoko, the spy-hostage system of group control (no. 126, parts 1-11), 1945 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/72-73] | 31 |
| 3/45 | Report concerning Operation Manado, involving the evacuation of internees from Manado, Celebes, compiled by Lt Col R A C Muir, 1945 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/74] | 32 |
| 3/45 | Terrain study compiled on the Kendari area ( SE Celebes) by the Allied Geographical Section, SWPA, particularly related to future military use, 1945+ [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/75] | 32 |
| 3/46 | Working papers referring to a translation of documents submitted to Gen D. MacArthur by the Japanese Mission negotiating the surrender at Manila on 19 August 1945 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/76] | 32 |
| 3/47 | Report prepared by Sir Harold Clapp on the standardisation of Australian railway gauges, 1945 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/77] | 32 |
| 3/48 | Report compiled for Advanced HQ-Allied Land Forces detailing the operations at Tarakan (Oboe 1), c 1945 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/78] | 32 |
| 3/49 | Notes referring to the landing at Lingayen Gulf (Operation Mike One) as prepared by AMF personnel attached to the US 7th Amphibious Force and 6th US Army, 1945 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/79] | 32 |
| 3/50-3/51 | Papers containing mostly intelligence reports from Advanced ATIS and Advanced Netherlands Force Intelligence Service units concerned with Borneo. Reports detail guerilla activities in the Sulu area, enemy locations and strengths and Australian input, 1945 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/80] | 32 |
| 3/52 | Report documenting the situation in Bougainville, particularly in relation to troops, supplies and Japanese POW's, 1945 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/81] | 33 |
| 3/53 | Working papers covering the outline plan for the re-occupation of the southern Philippines (Operation Reno III) in 1944, 1943 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/82] | 33 |
| 3/54 | Report detailing the administrative and operational activities for 2 Australian Corps in the Northern Solomons area, October 1944-August 1945 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/83] | 33 |
| 3/55 | Report concerning the 7th Australian Division attack on the Balikpapan-Manggar area, (Operation Oboe 2), Borneo, 1945 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/84] | 33 |
| 3/56 | Report covering the proceedings of the Inter-Service Conference designated to establish the whereabouts of Australian POW's and missing in the Far East, 1945 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/85] | 33 |
| 3/57 | Report on operations in Borneo, including Tarakan, Brunei Bay and Balikpapan, May-August 1945, compiled by Gen Blamey [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/86] | 34 |
| 3/58 | Information paper consisting of an interrogation report compiled by ATIS outlining the social and economic character of Japan, and their attitude to post-war reconstruction, 1945 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/87] | 34 |
| 3/58 | Two draft maps of New Guinea showing Japanese strengths and formations in October-November 1944, c 1946 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/88] | 34 |
| 3/58 | Two draft maps of Borneo showing Japanese strengths and formations, 1945 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/89] | 34 |
| 3/59 | Report on water resources in NSW, compiled by Lt Col C T Madigan, 1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/90] | 34 |
| 3/59 | Blueprint drawings of Orbost POW Camp drafted by the Australian Works Council, 1943-1945 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/91] | 34 |
| 3/60-3/63 | Correspondence received from senior AMF officers, including Gen A S Allen, J. Northcott, S. Rowell and I. Mackay. The alphabetically arranged file also includes various staff appointments and recommendations, 1942-1944 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/92] | 34-to 3/62 35-3/63 |
| 3/64-3/66 | Correspondence with various organisations including the RSSAILA and War Savings, public letters requesting patronage, and support of war artists, 1942-1944 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/93] | 35 |
| 3/67 | Papers referring mostly to correspondence and reports concerned with operations in Cyrenaica and the Western Desert, (Operation Crusader), 1941-1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/94] | 35 |
| 3/67 | Information papers consisting of an appreciation on the possible German invasion of the Ukraine and a later winter campaign in Caucasus, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/95] | 35 |
| 3/67 | Report by the Minister of the Army, F. Forde, on his visit to the New Guinea area of operations, and Gen Blamey's covering comments on the report, 1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/96] | 35 |
| 3/68 | Papers containing correspondence and reports detailing the return of the 9th Division to Australia from the Middle East, 1942-1943 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/97] | 35 |
| 3/68 | Correspondence forwarded to Blamey concerned with HQ 1st Australian Army and army supplies and organisation, and personal correspondence, 1942-1943 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/98] | 35 |
| 3/68 | Correspondence forwarded to Allied Air Forces concerning the rescue of Indian POW's in the Sepik area, 1944 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/99] | 35 |
| 3/69 | Information paper referring to a report of operations in the El Alamein area, possibly prepared for press release, (nd) [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/100] | 35 |
| 3/69 | Working papers containing a summary of operations prepared by GHQ-SWPA for April 1944 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/101] | 35 |
| 3/70 | Reports from War Fronts, nos 954-955, compiled by the Short-Wave News Interception Service, 1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/102] | 36 |
| 3/70 | Reports from War Fronts, nos 957-960, compiled by the Special Wireless Group from the Short-Wave News Interception Service, 1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/103] | 36 |
| 3/71 | Papers comprising general information on operations in the SWPA, including Japanese troop deployments, intelligence assessments and reciprocal lend-lease arrangements, 1943-1945 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/104] | 36 |
| 3/71 | Working papers consisting of the ORBAT for the Japanese 18th Army, 1945 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/105] | 36 |
| 3/71 | Correspondence with A N Kemsley following the inaugural meeting of the Military Board, and Defence Committee agendum on post war Defence Forces, 1945-1946 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/106] | 36 |
| 3/72 | Correspondence received on matters relating to war correspondents, particularly W Courteney, and requests for access to documents on the part of Gen T Blamey, 1942-1948 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/107] | 36 |
| 3/72 | Blue print drawing, with annotations, of the penetration of Japanese Forces into the SWPA, December 1941- January 1943 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/108] | 36 |
| 3/73 | Printed matter containing a comparative note on the organisation of the British and Australian defence systems, titled The United Kingdom central organisation for defence, 1946 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/109] | 36 |
| 3/73 | Printed matter,The German attack on Greece, prepared by Gen A. Papagos, 1946 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/110] | 36 |
| 3/73 | Printed matter,The story of the battle of the Coral Sea, prepared for the Australian-American Association, 1946 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/111] | 36 |
| 3/73 | Printed matter,The Marshal plan: America's European recovery programme, prepared for the Australian-American Association, 1952 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/112] | 36 |
| 3/73 | Printed matter,Report of the Royal Commission into Palestine, 1937 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/113] | 36 |
| 3/74 | Printed matter, contains a personal copy of Jungle victory: the Wau-Salamaua Campaign, January-September 1943 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/114] | 36 |
| 3/74 | Printed matter Radio and electrical retailer, containing a segment on "Australian telecommunications at war", 1946 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/115] | 36 |
| 3/75 | Printed matter,Five fighting years: the Australian Army at war, 1939-1944 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/116] | 36 |
| 3/75 | Printed matter, consisting of an untranslated Japanese propaganda book outlining the war effort in the SWPA, (nd) [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/117] | 36 |
| 3/75 | Map containing an outline of Australian Army operations 1940-1945, with accompanying commentary, 1945 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/118] | 36 |
| 3/75 | Printed matter,The liberation bulletin, produced by inmates on Santo Tomas University Internment Camp, Manila following their release from captivity, 1945 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/119] | 36 |
| 3/75 | Printed matter containing five copies of the Guinea goldanniversary souvenir issues, 1947-1948 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3120] | 36 |
| 3/76-3/83 | Monthly summary of operations reports for May-December 1944 prepared by GHQ-SWPA. The reports also contain information on troop dispositions and training, 1944-1945 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/121] | 37 |
| 3/84-3/88 | Monthly summary of operations reports prepared by GHQ-SWPA, 1945 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/122] | 38 |
| 3/89-3/91 | Newspaper cuttings drawn from Australian papers covering Gen Blamey's activities in the Middle East, 1941 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/123] | 3/89-3/90-Box 39 3/91-Box 40 |
| 3/92 | Newspaper cuttings drawn from Australian newspapers concerning the war in the SWPA, 1941-1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/124] | oversize box no. 41 (in G stack) |
| 3/93 | Newspaper cuttings drawn from Australian newspapers detailing the war in the SWPA, 1943 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/125] | 40 |
| 3/94 | Newspapers cuttings drawn from Australian newspapers covering events within Australia and the war in the SWPA, 1943-1944 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/126] | oversize box no. 41 (in G stack) |
| 3/95 | Newspaper cuttings taken from Australian newspapers related to matters within Australia, 1944-1945 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/127] | oversize box no. 42 (in G stack) |
| 3/96 | Newspaper cuttings referring to articles taken from Australian and overseas newspapers covering the latter stages of the war in Europe and the Pacific, 1944-1945 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/128] | oversize box no. 42 (in G stack) |
| 3/97-3/99 | Working papers covering GHQ-SWPA Operations Instructions, nos 19-56/5, 1942-1944 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/129] | 43 |
| 3/100-3/103 | Working papers containing GHQ-SWPA Operations Instructions nos 57-71/2, 1944 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/130] | 43 |
| 3/104-3/107 | Working papers containing GHQ-SWPA Operations Instructions, nos 73-85/4, 1944-1945 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/131] | 44 |
| 3/108-3/111 | Working papers related to Operations Instructions nos 86-99/9 issued by GHQ-SWPA, 1945 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/132] | 44 |
| 3/112-113 | Working papers covering Operations Instructions, nos 100-110 issued by GHQ-SWPA, 1945 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/133] | 45 |
| 3/114-3/116 | Working papers relating to GHQ-SWPA Operations Instructions, second series, nos 4-6, 1945 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/134] | 45 |
| 3/117-3/118 | Working papers containing Army HQ Operations Instructions nos 1-35, 1940-1942 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/135] | 45 |
| 3/119-3/121 | Working papers containing an incomplete set of operations instructions issued by GHQ-MEF, NGF, GHQ, LHQ, First Australian Army, and Advanced LHQ, Morotai, 1942-1945 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/136] | 3/119-3/120-Box 45. 3/121-Box 46. |
| 3/122-3/125 | Working papers covering Operations Instructions nos 8-95 issued by HQ Allied Air Forces-SWPA, and Operations Plans, nos 7-44/10-45 provided by Allied Naval Forces - Pacific area. The latter contains reference to Oboe 6, 1943-1945 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/137] | 46 |
| 3/126-3/131 | Working papers concerned with Defence Committee agendum nos 16-299/45, 1945 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/138] | 3/126-3/128-Box 46. 3/129-3/131-Box 47. |
| 3/132-3/136 | Papers concerned with Weekly Reports by the C-in-C and the CGS, War Cabinet agendum and Defence Committee minutes, 1945 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/139] | 47 |
| 3/137-3/139 | Papers referring to agenda and minutes from the C-in-C Conference, CGS Conference and C-in-C (ME) Committee; and LHQ weekly staff notes and circular letters, 1942-1945 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/140] | 48 |
| 3/140 | Daily reports received from the Special Liaison Officer attached to First Australian Army, including operations on the Wewak Coast, Nauru and the Japanese surrender, 1945 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/141] | 48 |
| 3/141-3/144 | Papers relating to correspondence received from the Special Liaison Officer, First Australian Army; Weekly Reports, nos 25-41 and extracts of reports forwarded to branches, 1944-1945 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/142] | 48 |
| 3/145-3/146 | Working papers containing various instructions issued by GHQ-SWPA, including warning and standing operating procedure instructions, general orders, HQ Allied Air Forces general orders, and code words issued by GHQ, 1942-1945 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/143] | 49 |
| 3/147-3/151 | Diary consisting of regular entries in the C-in-C diary of events, 1940-1945 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/144] | 49 |
| 3/152-3/157 | Correspondence with various organisations including the American Legion, Legacy, the Australian women's weekly and the Veterans Welfare Association, and individual correspondents including Lt Col J. Bishop, John Hetherington and letters of support for Gen Blamey, 1943-1945 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/145] | 3/152-3/153-Box 49. 3/154-3/157-Box 50. |
| 3/158-3/160 | Correspondence concerned with personal requests for assistance, promotions, overseas postings, retirement and release and individual correspondents including Gen G. Vasey, J. Lavarack, S. Savige, S R Burston, J E S Stevens, Capt A Marshall and Lt F Packer. Contents partially alphabetically arranged, 1943-1945 [previous item number 3DRL 6643 3/146] | 50 |
SERIES 4: Middle East and South West Pacific Area papers, 1940 - 1945
Description: This is an artificial series of twenty-five files. Little is known about this material other than that it would appear to have been part of the original 1953 consignment. It is more than reasonable to expect that this material represents some of the numerous files extracted by the Official Historians Unit and not returned when the work was completed. Noted in 1982 as 'Unlisted material', the files, from the limited evidence available, sit comfortably with Series 1 and 2. Despite this, the files have been retained as a separate entity. Although the material is similar in content to Series 1 and 2, the basic identifiers found in these series are not apparent on this material.
The files are basically administrative in nature covering the organisation of the AIF in the Middle East and later policy developments in the Pacific, particularly associated with the establishment of SWPA Command, strategic planning involving military and civil requirements, defence of Australia and the higher direction of warfare planning. As with the larger series, this material is comprised of various reports, subject files, agenda, minutes and correspondence.
| Series/Wallet | Title, date and description | Box |
|---|---|---|
| 4/1 | Papers relating to the establishment of SWPA command, including W. Churchill's directives to Gen A P Wavell instigating ABDA area, assignment of Australian Defence Forces as compiled by the COS, Blamey's appreciation of the COS recommendations, and a directive from the Minister of External Affairs to the Supreme Commander, SWPA, 1942-1943. | 51 |
| 4/2 | Working papers containing the agenda and minutes for the Defence Committee meetings on the armistice and post-war planning, 1944-1945. | 51 |
| 4/3 | Papers referring to Australian-American co-operation, particularly the Administrative Planning Committee, approval for US works projects and USASOS demands for supplies and equipment, 1941-1944. | 51 |
| 4/4 | Working papers covering War Cabinet agenda and minutes concerned with the delegation of expenditure responsibilities to Service Ministers and senior military personnel, 1943-1944. | 51 |
| 4/5 | Report referring to the works priorities procedure submitted by the committee of the Principal Administrative Office (maintenance and materials), 1945. | 51 |
| 4/6 | Working papers relating to SWPA matters including an appreciation on the defence of Australia prepared by the COS, Joint Planning staff report on the defence of Darwin, cablegrams from the Australian Legation in Washington detailing the establishment of the SWPA organisation, Department of Army minutes concerned with manpower requirements, co-ordination of intelligence services, notes from the War Commitments Committee, access to GHQ-SWPA historical records, transmission of operational information overseas, and comments by the Post-Hostilities Planning Committee on the Australia-New Zealand Co-operative Agreement, 1941-1944. | 51 |
| 4/7 | Pencil sketch of the Tobruk mode of deep patrols. Origin unknown, (nd). | 51 |
| 4/8 | Papers comprising a report by the COS on the need for Australian participation in the joint US-British organisation for the control of supply, reports submitted to the Department of External Affairs on lend-lease and reciprocal lend-lease, and War Cabinet agendum on the pooling of Australian munitions production, 1942. | 51 |
| 4/9 | Correspondence with Sir F. Shedden concerning the duplication of services between the AMF and the RAAF, and submission procedures to the Board of Business Administration, 1943-1944. | 51 |
| 4/10 | Reports on the production of the ACI Cruiser tank within Australia, and a file report prepared by J M and F W Livingston concerning research into plastics, 1942-1943. | 52 |
| 4/11 | Notes covering a verbatim record of discussion from the LHQ Conference concerned with administration, future operations and General Staff problems, 1944. | 52 |
| 4/12 | Working papers containing indexes to miscellaneous material 1940-1943, and the index to Military Board papers, Vol 2-3 1944, 1940-1944. | 52 |
| 4/13 | Papers referring to cables forwarded to R G Menzies concerning the detachment of Australian troops to British commands and a request by Gen Blamey for appointment to the command of forces bound for Greece, 1940-1941. | 52 |
| 4/14 | Memorandum from the Department of the Army concerning reciprocal lend-lease finance, particularly the transfer of US goods and installations to Australian control, 1945. | 52 |
| 4/15 | Papers containing mostly Defence Committee agendum and minutes related to war establishments and manpower issues, particularly re-organisation and command of the AMF, reduction in ORBAT, and manpower requirements relating to the needs of the forces and mainland defence. 1940-1945. | 52 |
| 4/16 | Report prepared by Lt Gen G Brett on the need for a war plans staff to implement joint action, particularly in relation to Darwin and northern defence, 1942. | 52 |
| 4/17 | Papers forwarded to the Minister of the Army including War Cabinet procedures, Defence Committee agenda, Army remounts, supply policy to the MGO and various letters in reply from the Minister, 1941-1945. | 52 |
| 4/18 | Working papers containing policy directives for the AMF, 1943. | 52 |
| 4/19 | Correspondence with J. Curtin concerning manpower shortages and the critical need to review the supply of services to US Forces in light of such shortages, 1943-1944. | 53 |
| 4/20 | Working papers referring to a Defence Committee minute on the maintenance of a balanced war effort while providing for US-UK needs, 1945. | 53 |
| 4/21 | Working papers referring mostly to the COS appreciations on the defence of Australia, comments by the British COS, requests for comment by the War Cabinet and an appreciation on the scale of attack on Cyprus prepared by JIC (MEF), 1941-1942. | 53 |
| 4/22 | Working papers relating to strategic policy in the SWPA, particularly the Prime Minister's War Conference agendum covering the "Brisbane line" and an assessment of the 1942 Defence policy. The file also contains a policy statement, "The Australian war effort: The co-ordination of Australian-US Forces", 1942-1944. | 53 |
| 4/23 | Papers concerning the inspector general of administration (IGA), particularly a summary of the organisation and functions of the inspectorate, duties of the chief inspector, appointments and a report on Higher Army organisation, 1941-1942. | 53 |
| 4/24 | Correspondence concerning the activities of Tobruk fortress. Correspondents include Gen J E Auchinleck and Gen L J Morshead, 1941. | 53 |
| 4/25 | Correspondence comprising drafts and copies of a letter forwarded to Gen A P Wavell detailing the organisation of 1st Australian Corps, 1940. | 53 |
SERIES 5: School and family papers,1899 - 1940
Description: Originally known to Memorial staff as the 'Morton collection', the thirty-five files that comprise this artificial series were so named after the donor, Mr M Morton, who located the papers in the basement of the former South Yarra residence of Blamey, in 1974. The material, although damaged by damp and neglect, refers to Blamey's early career. The condition of the records supports comments made by the family that many of Blamey's papers suffered the same fate and, as a consequence, were destroyed or discarded sometime in the 1960s.
This series contains some of the few surviving personal letters of the young Tom Blamey preparing for his teaching career, and reflect his growing interest in military matters. The correspondence briefly documents his entry into the AMF Administrative and Instructional Staff however this does not continue with his posting to the Staff College at Quetta. This period is simply represented by various reports and academic papers.
Despite his rise to prominence after 1914, there is little evidence to document his endeavors over the next four years in Europe, nor of his return to Australia. Later material consists of sundry financial papers and lecture notes from the School of Law, University of Melbourne, a course undertaken while Chief Commissioner of Police during the mid-1930s. Series 6 contains similar personal material and should be consulted in conjunction with this series.
| Series/Wallet | Title, date and description | Box |
|---|---|---|
| 5/1 | Teaching certificates issued by the WA Education Department, 1903-1906. | 54 |
| 5/2 | Papers concerning military training in the WA education system, particularly preparation for the cadet officer examination, notification of results and refusal of transfer, 1903-1905. | 54 |
| 5/3 | Papers covering Blamey's appointment to the WA Education Department, rejection of NSW teaching qualification, and appointment to Fremantle Boys School, 1903-1904. | 54 |
| 5/4 | Papers containing correspondence requesting re-appraisal for admission to the administration and instruction staff of the Commonwealth Corps, examination results from the Staff College, Quetta, various certificates from Army instruction schools, correspondence regarding attachment to Indian and British units and notification of various awards, 1900-1921. | 54 |
| 5/5 | Papers covering correspondence with the NSW Department of Public Instruction concerning admission to Teachers Training School, examination results, certificates, and teacher appointment notification, 1899-1904. | 54 |
| 5/6 | Papers referring mostly to the 2nd Australian Division Report on operations including Mont St Quentin, and notes on legal history, 1918. | 54 |
| 5/7 | Miscellaneous papers containing a mixture of printed material covering teaching duties, untitled short-story manuscript, letter from the 1st Australian Pioneer Bn enclosing a drawing of the Pozieres Memorial Cross, examination board syllabus from the University of Adelaide, and a poem, A song of the Southland, 1905-1924. | 54 |
| 5/8 - 5/9 | Lecture notes relating to handwritten and duplicated notes on Roman law from the University of Melbourne, 1935. | 54 |
| 5/10 - 5/11 | Lecture notes containing an outline of lectures for the law of contracts, property and conveyancing and constitutional law at the University of Melbourne, 1936. | 55 |
| 5/12 | Lecture notes covering duplicated notes on legal history from the University of Melbourne, 1934. | 55 |
| 5/13 | Working papers relating to battle instructions and operations reports for the 2nd Australian Division, 6th and 7th Inf Bde and the 18th Bn AIF, with numerous trench maps, 1918. | 55 |
| 5/14 | Lecture notes on the American Civil War and Bohemian campaign prepared for the Staff College Quetta, 1912. | 55 |
| 5/15 | Working papers covering classroom notes and exercises related to mountain warfare prepared for the Staff College Quetta, 1913. | 55 |
| 5/16 | Working papers containing notes prepared for the Staff College Quetta, and sketch maps for the communications system to support the landing at Gallipoli, 1913-1915. | 55 |
| 5/17 | Working papers containing a report on operations for Australian Corps August-October 1918, lecture notes on the Gallipoli campaign and general comments on the Mountain Warfare Staff Tour, 1913-1918. | 55 |
| 5/18 | Lecture notes containing a precis of notes prepared on the Bohemian and American Civil War campaigns at the Staff College Quetta, 1912. | 55 |
| 5/19 | Lecture notes prepared on the Bohemian and American Civil War campaigns at the Staff College Quetta, 1912. | 55 |
| 5/20 | Lecture notes referring to precis notes prepared on the Mantua, Bohemian and American Civil War campaigns at the Staff College Quetta, 1912. | 56 |
| 5/21 | Working papers containing a mixture of maps concerned with the Mountain Warfare Staff Tour and later Gallipoli, general orders concerned with machine gun defence works and a report prepared by the armoured car commander, 1911-1918. | 56 |
| 5/22 | Printed material, Khwab O Khayal ("Visions of the past") in Hindustani, and English translation used for the higher standard examination in Hindustani, 1911. | 56 |
| 5/23 | Information papers including translations of captured German documents, particularly the Manual of position warfare for all arms, and the war office, Daily review of the foreign press, 1918. | 56 |
| 5/24 | Working papers referring to conference notes prepared by Blamey as Brigadier General of the General Staff (BGGS) related to Australian Corps, the advance to the Rhine, preparation of the 4th Army for demobilisation and numerous copies of the Australian corps weekly News sheet, 1918-1919. | 56 |
| 5/25 | Working papers containing mostly BGGS notes related to captured German documents, particularly concerned with a tactical appreciation of sectors of the Siegfried Line, operations reports prepared by 1st and 4th Australian Divisions, ORBAT and War Establishment for the Tank Corps, and the text relaying the terms of the armistice, 1918. | 56 |
| 5/26 | Working papers comprising BGGS notes on training leaflets for Bn in rest periods, confidential correspondence with Gen J. Gellibrand concerning the disbandment of the 37th Bn, precis notes on co-operation between aircraft and artillery, position of the commandant, Australian Corps School, and congratulatory letters to Australian Corps and Divisions, 1918. | 56 |
| 5/27 | Working papers referring to a General Staff memorandum on the use of the Armoured Car Bn, an appreciation of tanks and the use of armoured cars, operations report on Villers Bretonneux prepared by Australian Corps, the reduction of AIF Bn numbers, and neutral and enemy press supplements to the Daily review of foreign press, 1918. | 56 |
| 5/28 | Reports submitted to the BGGS related to the activities of the Special Brigade (Gas) operations, and reports on the Cambrai-St Quentin Battle, 1918-1919. | 56 |
| 5/29 | Miscellaneous papers relating to the by-laws of McMahon Masonic Lodge Quetta, Commonwealth Bank of Australia saving account books, and Statutes of the Order of the Bath, 1919-1924. | 56 |
| 5/30 | Working papers comprising field orders, maps and notes for the capture of Merris, with later lecture notes on the 1st Australian Division action at Merris and 4th Australian Division activities at Hamel, 1918. | 57 |
| 5/31 | Working papers containing Notes on recent fighting issued by the General Staff, with particular reference to the Australian Corps operations at Hamel, and extracts of 5th Division Intelligence reports on the use of aircraft for dropping ammunition, 1918. | 57 |
| 5/32 | Papers referring to the various reports submitted to the Commonwealth Section IGS following attachment to the Kohat Brigade at Simla, correspondence regarding permission to proceed to England, Senior Cadet registration chart and an incomplete personal diary, 1914-1935. | 57 |
| 5/33 | Working papers submitted to the Staff College Quetta, including a presentation of Staff Duties Exercise, a paper on "The British Empire and the Pacific problem", reports on attachment to the 4th Bn King's Royal Rifle Corps and a booklet on 4th Inf Bde manoeuvres, 1912-1914. | 57 |
| 5/34 | Papers containing a mixture of personal accounts, State Income Tax assessment and financial matters related to the Blamey family, 1936-1940. | 57 |
| 5/35 | Miscellaneous papers consisting of various savings and cheque account books, Savage Club dinner menu and a copy of Infantry training, 1914-1922. | 57 |
SERIES 6: Personal papers, 1905 - 1951
Description: This artificial series, designated PR 85/355, was donated to the Memorial by Mr Thomas R Blamey in 1985. As description of the four major series had been completed, it was decided to retain this later material as a separate entity although many of the items had a close similarity with Series 5.
The series contains additional personal correspondence from Blamey to his family related to his teaching duties in WA, early military training and reference to his experiences in both World Wars, particularly Gallipoli, the Middle East and New Guinea. There are also sundry financial records, evidence of the numerous honours and awards bestowed upon Blamey, and drafts of public speeches particularly related to defence matters. The series also contains five original letters written by, or in reference to, General Sir Charles Napier, during February 1852 and March 1853. There is no attached explanation as to the reason why this material should be found in the Blamey collection other than the letters were being returned by the Governor-General, Sir Ronald Munro-Ferguson to Lady Bridges in 1916.
Series 5 contains similar personal material and should be consulted in conjunction with this series.
| Series/Wallet | Title, date and description | Box |
|---|---|---|
| 6/1 | Letters forwarded to his parents concerning his teaching and cadet duties in WA; transfer to the Military Staff; posting to India and the UK; and Gallipoli, 1905-1915 [previous item number PR85/355 (1)] | 58 |
| 6/2 | Letters forwarded to his brother Jim from India, Gallipoli, the Middle East and New Guinea. Additional items either written by Thomas Blamey or concerning him are also included (1915-1936), 1914-1943 [previous item number PR85/355 (2)] | 58 |
| 6/3 | Official, semi-official and personal letters received and sent by Gen Blamey, including reference to his appointment as Chief Commissioner of Police, Victoria; principles of command in the 2nd AIF; letters of appreciation on his retirement; visit to Japan; recommendations for awards to senior officers; and correspondence with R G Casey and Lt Gen Sir B Freyberg, 1925-1950 [previous item number PR85/355 (3)] | 58 |
| 6/4 | Certificate of Marriage to Minnie Millard; cuttings relating to the death of F/O C M Blamey; passports, identification passes; letter to solicitor concerning defamation action re Lady Blamey, and crematorium certificate, 1909-1951 [previous item number PR85/355 (4)] | 58 |
| 6/5 | Soldier's pay books; record of service book, demobilisation procedure book and correspondence concerning final statement of account, compensation and repatriation claims, 1939-1947 [previous item number PR85/355 (5)] | 58 |
| 6/6 | Correspondence received and sent concerning various honours; and warrants including the DSO, CMG, CB; Commander in the Order of St John, KBE, MC - Greece and various MID, 1917-1949 [previous item number PR85/355 (6)] | 58 |
| 6/7 | Typescript addresses prepared; including themes of immigration; defence, peace efforts and Japanese policy in the Far East; the GOC speaks to the nation; Victory Day celebrations; Australia Day and Christmas message, c 1925-1947 [previous item number PR85/355 (7)] | 58 |
| 6/8 | Typescript accounts of operations at Lae; Wau; and summary of the strategic importance of the Solomon Islands, 1943 [previous item number PR85/355 (9)] | 58 |
| 6/9 | Draft and typescript articles, including correspondence with publishers, concerning Defence requirements and policy; immigration and Manus Island. Copies of newspaper articles and associated material also attached, 1945-1948 [previous item number PR85/355 (10)] | 58 |
| 6/10 | Letter from the Governor-General, R Munro-Ferguson to Lady Bridges, enclosing 5 hand written letters from Gen Sir Charles Napier to Mr Bridges (February 1852 - March 1853) and accompanying newspaper cutting relating to the death of Gen Napier in August 1853, 1916 [previous item number PR85/355 (11)] | 58 |
SERIES 7: Radio transcripts,1938 - 1939
Description: This material was received by the Memorial in 1985 as part of the PR85/355 deposit. The series consists of eighty-two draft manuscript and typescript copies of radio broadcasts that Blamey delivered for Radio 3UZ, Melbourne over an eighteen month period. Two of the draft scripts were missing at the time of deposit. Prompted by the general manager of 3UZ, A N Kemsley, Blamey launched into the project with vigor. Known only as "The sentinel" to his listeners, he presented the weekly broadcasts on a Sunday evening, discussing issues of world events, particularly covering the military changes in Europe and the Far East. Occasionally he presented special mid-week talks for interstate listeners. His final broadcast, and consequent identification, came upon his appointment as GOC, Sixth Division in September 1939.
| Series/Wallet | Title, date and description | Box |
|---|---|---|
| 7/1 | Probability of war, 1938; Causes of Spanish rebellion, 1938; Japanese system of government in relation to Army powers, 1938; Relations with Italy, 1938; Japan and China, 1938; Czechoslovakia, 1938; Position in Central Europe, 1938; Jewish persecution in Germany, 1938; Japan reaches out, 1938; The coming of the Nazis, 1938; Nazi Germany, 1938; The French parliamentary system, 1938; Poland, 1938; American neutrality law, 1938; The Palestine situation, 1938. | 59 |
| 7/2 | The Russian Revolution, 1938; Kemal Ataturk, 1938; The Mediterranean question, 1938; Russian purges, 1938; The general situation in Europe, 1938; August 8 offensive anniversary, 1938; Germany and Czechoslovakia, 1938; Russian developments in the Arctic area, 1938; German trial mobilisation and its relationship to Czechoslovakia, 1938; Situation in France: Social, economic and financial, 1938; Czechoslovakia and Hungary, 1938; The crisis in Czechoslovakia and German nationalism, 1938; Czechoslovakia: Historical outline leading to the position of the German minority, 1938; The position in Czechoslovakia: Following the second meeting of the British Prime Minister and Herr Hitler, 1938; The Czechoslovakian settlement, 1938. | 59 |
| 7/3 | After Czechoslovakia, 1938; Czechoslovakia - aftermath, 1938; Hitler and the beginnings of Hitlerism, 1938; France - political crisis, 1938; Sino-Japanese War: From beginning to the Shanghai incident, 1938; Sino-Japanese War: To the bombing of Canton, 1938; Sidelights on the service: Defence of Australia, 1938; Seizure of Canton, 1938; Conditions of the Sino-Japanese conflict, 1938; Mussolini, 1938; "Truly it is a muddled world that we live in.", 1938;"The older members of the community...", 1938; Review of the highlights of international affairs, 1938; The US and totalitarian activities in South America, 1939. | 59 |
| 7/4 | Reviewing the new year, 1939; US foreign policy, 1939; In reply to the recent talk on the Mediterranean situation, 1939; Present signs of developing power politics, 1939; Poland, 1939; Power politics, 1939; The Spanish situation, 1939; The Japanese seizure of Hainan, 1939; "This week has seen a further advance in the greatness of Britain...", 1939; Missing at time of research, 1939; British attitudes, 1939; German occupation of Czechoslovakia, 1939; "The democracies of Europe...", 1939; Special greeting: this is our anniversary talk, 1939; Italy and both sides of the Adriatic, 1939; "...news of President Roosevelt's approach to Herr Hitler and Snr Mussolini.", 1939; Hitler's answer to Roosevelt, 1939. | 59 |
| 7/5 | "...reactions of the two great Slav nations...", 1939; Maps, 1939; Anglo Russian negotiations, 1939; Agreement for common action between Britain, France and Russia, 1939; "The speech of the Foreign Commissar of the United Soviet Republics...", 1939; Negotiations for a pact, 1939; The Danzig problem, 1939; "We are still in the same dangerous position on two fronts...", 1939; The threat of force, 1939; "The tension this week in Europe has been relaxed considerably...", 1939. | 59 |
| 7/6 | Sino-Japanese War, 1939; China - settlement and concessions, 1939; Japan and the open door, 1939; Japan - fighting the Chinese nation, 1939; Missing at time of research, 1939; The situation in Europe - Danzig, 1939; The Russo-German pact, 1939; Poland's ordeal, 1939; "This is the tenth day of the Second World War.", 1939; Poland, 1939; "The tragedy of Poland is approaching...", 1939. | 59 |
SERIES 8: Maps, 1905 - 1930
Description: This material was included in the initial deposit in 1953 and later transfer to the Memorial in 1967. The thirty two maps contain a mixture of original hand drawn items compiled by Blamey during his time at the Staff College, Quetta, hand drawn and printed items of the ANZAC Cove - Gallipoli Peninsula area and various printed operational maps for France and Belgium.
This material is held in the Private Records section (Oversized Items) under the title of 3DRL 6643, Series 8, Blamey collection'. Additional map material may be located in series 1-4, particularly in various 'Reports on Operations'. These are the standard issue topographical maps accompanying the text of the reports. Some of these are annotated however this does not necessarily mean that the annotation was by Blamey.
| Series/Wallet | Title, date and description | Box |
|---|---|---|
| 8/1 | Quetta, India. Hand-drawn map by Blamey for the Staff College examination, 1912. | Located in Map cabinet |
| 8/2 | Peshawar and Kohat borders, India. Staff College Quetta, 1912. | Located in Map cabinet |
| 8/3 - 8/4 | Hand-drawn sketch maps of the quarters of the Fourth Division completed by Blamey as part of his course work at the Staff College, Quetta, 1912. | Located in Map cabinet |
| 8/5 | Punjab and North West Frontier Province, India. Scale 1:4 miles, 1913. | Located in Map cabinet |
| 8/6 | Mysore and Coorg, India. Scale 1:16 miles, 1907. | Located in Map cabinet |
| 8/7 | Poona, India. Scale 1:1 mile, (nd). | Located in Map cabinet |
| 8/8 | ANZAC, showing ANZAC Cove, Brighton Beach and Gaba Tepe. Scale 1:6, 000, 1915. | Located in Map cabinet |
| 8/9 | ANZAC area occupied by the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, Gallipoli. Contour map Z 2024A GHQ MEF. Scale 1:10, 000, 1915. | Located in Map cabinet |
| 8/10 | British and Turkish communications, with trench overprint, Gallipoli. Z 2024A GHQ MEF. Scale 1:10, 000, 1915. | Located in Map cabinet |
| 8/11 | Anafarta Sagir and Kurija Dere, Gallipoli, with HQ and trench locations annotated. Scale 1:20, 000. [MISSING], 1915. | Located in Map cabinet |
| 8/12 | Gallipoli, sheet 2, with piece added at the base to include Erenkeul Bay. Scale 1:40, 000, 1915. | Located in Map cabinet |
| 8/13 | Panorama of number 1 section, ANZAC position, Gallipoli. copy, 1915. | Located in Map cabinet |
| 8/14 | Panorama of number 2 section, ANZAC position, Gallipoli, sketched from 10th Light Horse Machine Gun section emplacement, 1915. | Located in Map cabinet |
| 8/15 | Balkan States, including northern Turkey. War Office. Scale 1:1 million, 1912. | Located in Map cabinet |
| 8/16 | Cambrai-St Quentin, France. Scale 1:100, 000, 1916. | Located in Map cabinet |
| 8/17 | Albert, France, 1916. | Located in Map cabinet |
| 8/18 | Thiepval, France with details taken from a captured German map, 1916. | Located in Map cabinet |
| 8/19 | Pozieres and Delville Wood, France including trench positions around Pozieres. Scale 1:20, 000, 1916. | Located in Map cabinet |
| 8/20 | Section of Pozieres, France with trench lines corrected in blue pencil. Scale 1:5, 000, 1916. | Located in Map cabinet |
| 8/21 | Section of Flanders, including Ploegsteert, showing trenches in right sector, 1st Australian Division from 24th Division, 1916. | Located in Map cabinet |
| 8/22 | Ferme de Mouquet and Courcelette composite map, with trench lines marked in blue pencil. Scale 1:5, 000, 1916. | Located in Map cabinet |
| 8/23 | Ypres and Poperinghe, Belgium. Reverse side of map has a hand-drawn diagram of the allied front line and German first, second and third lines. Scale 1:20, 000, 1916. | Located in Map cabinet |
| 8/24 | Thiepval, France with trenches marked in blue pencil. Scale 1:5, 000, 1916. | Located in Map cabinet |
| 8/25 | La Boisselle, including Pozieres, France, containing divisional boundary lines in blue pencil and Bde and Bn Headquarters of the 34th Division. Scale 1:5, 000, 1916. | Located in Map cabinet |
| 8/26 | La Boisselle, including Pozieres, France, with divisional boundaries, Bde headquarters and trench lines annotated in red and blue pencil. Additional note to top "Strong posts: south of Bapaume Road, strong points numbered A1, B1, B2 etc." Scale 1:5, 000, 1916. | Located in Map cabinet |
| 8/27 | Zonnebeke, Belgium. Scale 1:10, 000, 1917. | Located in Map cabinet |
| 8/28 - 8/30 | Composite maps of Peronne and Mont St Quentin, France with lines drawn in different colours to indicate advances made by Australian Corps, 7 August - 5 October 1918. Scale 1:40, 000, 1917. | Located in Map cabinet |
| 8/31 - 8/32 | Wiancourt, France. Marking positions of 3rd and 5th Australian Divisions and Australian Corps boundaries, with 27th and 30th American Divisions and American Corps. Labels attached headed "To accompany Australian Corps Battle Instructions Series E, no. 2", 1918. | Located in Map cabinet |
SERIES 9: Photographic material,c 1900 - 1930
Description: This series of black and white photographs was part of the original 1953 transfer and is located in the Archive store in the photographs section of the administration building, not available for issue (27/2/02) There are nearly 200 prints and negatives in all. Some of the earlier material, particularly that covering India, may well have been taken by Blamey. The majority of the material relates to Blamey's experiences on the Western Front, 1916-1918. This material originates from official sources and predominantly consists of aerial photographs of the frontline areas. There is little evidence to indicate the degree that Blamey may have used the material in his planning work. The few personal and family photographs are generally unidentified or uncaptioned
| Series/Wallet | Title, date and description | Box |
|---|---|---|
| Wallet | Title, date and description | |
| 9/1 | Eight large photographs covering the Western Front, including views of the trenches, refugees and tanks. Captioned, 1918. | |
| 9/2 | Three aerial photographs of the Western Front taken by the 1st Kite Balloon Squadron, RFC. Captioned., 1916. | |
| 9/3 | Fifty-five aerial photographs of the Western Front. Captioned, 1917-1918. | |
| 9/4 | Twelve aerial photographs of the Western Front taken by the RFC, with grid and map sheet details on the verso, 1916. | |
| 9/5 | Six aerial photographs of coastal defences. Some captioned, 1917. | |
| 9/6 | Thirty-two aerial photographs of the Western Front, including Zonnebeke. Captioned, 1917. | |
| 9/7 | Two photographs, anti-aircraft defences, Fourth Army. Captioned, 1918. | |
| 9/8 | Seven aerial photographs of the Western Front, including visit of King George V and of Australian Corps Headquarters, Bertangles, France. Partially captioned, 1918. | |
| 9/9 | Cloth Hall, Ypres destroyed by German shelling and guard on a canal bridge entrance. Not captioned, 1918. | |
| 9/10 | Blamey astride "Bronzewing", 1918. | |
| 9/11 | Group photograph of the Australian General Staff, Mena Camp, Egypt including Generals Bridges, Howse, Gellibrand, White, Blamey and C E W Bean, 1914. | |
| 9/12 | Signed portrait photograph of Lt Gen Sir William Birdwood, (nd). | |
| 9/13 | Toned glass positive transparency of horse-drawn artillery. Not captioned, (nd). | |
| 9/14 | Four photographs of a British Army Headquarters building, India. Not captioned, c 1912. | |
| 9/15 | Various family photographs, including a costume ball scene with Blamey dressed as the French clown "Pierrot". Not captioned, (nd). | |
| 9/16 | Thirty-eight negatives covering family, India, Gallipoli and military matters. Not captioned, c 1911-1915. | |
| 9/17 | Various photographs and postcards of European cities, (nd). |