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HEADQUARTERS SECTION
The majority of the members of this Section were among the original personnel posted to the unit when it was first organized at Gordon Head. All were experienced tradesmen, some having worked at least four years at their trade before coming to the unit. For five months we laboured days (and many nights) with documents, inoculations, optometrists reports, leaves and furloughs and the many administrative tasks necessary to prepare the Unit for overseas service.
Proceeding overseas involved an adventurous trip which was at times, both exciting and dull. A little over a month and a half of travelling found us set up in a "fresh air" camp near Brisbane. It was at a seaside resort near here that a popular member of H.Q., D.J. Green, met with an unfortunate accident and was drowned in the surf. After a period of two short months which we spent accustoming ourselves to Australian life and enjoying, the generous hospitality, of the citizens of Brisbane and the surrounding country, we were given orders to march on Darwin. It is noted at this time, that none of the numerous eligible bachelors of H.Q. succumbed to the blandishments of the Australian female and all were able to proceed with a clear conscience (I wonder) on the rail and road trip to that Nemesis, Darwin, anathema to all Australian diggers.
Arriving at Darwin, we lost a number of our clerks to Intercomm Section. The following is the remains of H.Q. section:- CSM Addy, who was acquired from Vimy. We realize his presence most every Wednesday afternoon especially when he says "March On". Our Pay Office crew, S/Sgt. Ross, Sgt. Whaley ("Thank God I'll be too old for the next war") and then of course, our Orderly Room Staff, who think they have had many troubles but seem no worse for wear. Sgt. Flynn, in this day of accommodation shortage can always tell you where to get a hotel reservation. Ask him about the time he secured one in the Officers Annex to the Crosby Hotel. Cpl. Riley, hut gardening arranged at your convenience. Cpl. Simpson, shorthand artist. Sigmn. Fox, a gentleman and a scholar, who can swim farther, dive deeper, come up higher and drier than any man that ever lived, a sport and can't help it, too good for this world and heaven's bound to be his home (his own words). Sigmn. Scott, the boy from Newfoundland, who was with us in the Orderly Room until one month ago when he took over the management of the men's Rec. Hut, where he has done a swell Job. Cpl. Mills, as Officers Mess steward, has mothered the officers and made the Mess a home away from home. Sigmn. Ein, originally our postal orderly and now Men's Canteen steward is doing nicely as a bartender. Sigmn. Mizzi, our ex- Orderly Room runner is at present helping the cooks in the kitchen. Sgt. Markham (the Digger) who looks after our ailments and Cpl. Faulds, who minds the Post Office, are our two representatives from the Australian Army.
Last, but not least are our officers. Lt-Col. Wethey, our C.0. has given a considerable boost to the sale of that Canadian product, Buckleys "Canadiol", in this country. Great interest is being taken in our C.O. at present, a smile means we get out of here in two weeks, a frown, two months. It is rumoured that our 2 ic, Major Pick, has his eye on a certain cement mixer to take back to Canada as a souvenir. Major Rowland, who has always ensured an adequate water supply for the Admin. Bldg. has never been found wanting at the pay parades twice monthly. Captain Reid ("Oh, balderdash"), is our present adjutant.
In summing up, your writer would like to report that the Section, as always, is ready at a moments notice to pack up and move, in the direction of Canada this time we hope.
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