Training Camp
THE BOYS IN CAMP:
Katanning Detachment
11th Battalion in Training.
Great Southern Herald
18 November 1939
Some nought-o-naught militiamen of the Katanning Detachment, 11th Battalion, entrained on November 10th for one month’s continual training in the metropolitan area, and from “Somewhere in Melville” comes news of their activities.
Travelling to Perth, they somewhat let down the reputation of the A.I.F.; but, although the engine-driver was obliged to wait on them at every station before proceeding, they at least did not pull the Railway Department’s property to pieces, and all arrived sound in wind and limb. They were met at Perth and transported to their future home by motor ‘buses, arriving tired and hungry shortly after noon.
The camp itself is ideal. Situated amid towering red-gums, it presents the appearance perhaps more generally accepted as fitting a tourist camping ground than a military training camp. Row on row of tents pitched in a hollow amid the trees house the troops, while on the slope, well-constructed and airy iron mess-huts are a popular rendezvous for a seemingly endless stream of men at the mess parades.
Situated so close to civilisation, extra conveniences are available in the form of a decent water supply which operates in excellently constructed showers and wash basins, and all mess huts are electrically lighted.
Work for the day concludes at 4.30 p.m., and after tea at 5.30 troops can obtain leave till 10.30 pm. Many take advantage of the opportunity of getting out of camp, but a great number adjourn to the nearby Y.M.C.A. or Salvation Army tents, where letters may be written, or books read, and a wireless enjoyed.
Entertainment is also to be found within the camp confines, and Ken Gosper, an ex-Katanning lad, is ever popular with his piano-accordion. It is a common sight to see anything up to a hundred men grouped around his tent in the evening, enjoying his gifted playing and wholeheartedly singing any familiar tune; nor is his audience confined to the “ungodly” and non-coms, for often Sam Browns can be seen glistening in the light of the swinging lantern.
The camp of some nought-nought-o-o men rise at 5.30 am and, after a morning run at 6 o’clock, clean up tents and prepare for the day’s toil till 7 am., when breakfast is ready. Getting under way at eight, the troops work till the welcome break for lunch at 12.30 and recommence at 2 pm for a further 2 hours’ work.
The need of the inner man is well catered for, a three-course meal being served at night while breakfast and lunch are all one could ask for.
Saturday afternoon and Sunday were spent cleaning up the camp site, and on Monday real work began. Troops worked on Tuesday morning, but in the afternoon only one parade was held – a M.O. parade at which they were “shot” for typhoid. “Shot” is the ideal word to use, as some of the lads, well primed beforehand with camp gossip, gently but most ungracefully passed out in the process, some before and others after.
CAMP LETTERS.
The camp is served with a daily in ward and outward mail service, and all letters should be addressed to “C” Company, 11th Battalion Camp Melville,” giving the rank of the addressee.
This article is merely to serve as an introduction to the camp giving a background to the life under training conditions. Next Saturday we shall publish some of the lighter side of camp life.
KATANNING BOYS IN CAMP:
The First Week Passes
Great Southern Herald
25 November, 1939
Militiamen from the Katanning detachment of the 11th Battalion have now settled down to life under canvas and are thoroughly enjoying every minute of their training. The first week has passed and they are used to camp conditions and familiar with their fellow trainees.
Perhaps the first thing which struck the Katanning lads entering the camp was the vast profusion of “stripes” and “pips.” At first glance there appeared to be nothing but “Non-Coms” and “Sam Browns,” but as soon as they grew accustomed to their surroundings it became apparent that there was a job for every man.
THE MOUNTING OF THE GUARD.
An undoubted feature of the camp is the guard, which is mounted every night at retreat, with full honours, for twelve hours’ duty. In the first place, the 11th Battalion band is recognised as being one of the best, while the friendly rivalry and tradition of the posting of the guard puts every man on his mettle and presents a truly impressive scene.
On Friday last the guard was composed of Katanning lads entirely and was the best of the camp to date (no small honour). So good was their effort that the huge crowd of trainees, which assembles of its own accord each night to watch the mounting of ” the guard, showed their appreciation by wholehearted clapping – a thing that had never before happened.
CAMP TRAINING
In our last report we left the boys mourning after their “shot” for typhoid, and Wednesday found most of the battalion non-combatants
Swanbourne Rifle
However, Thursday saw the majority back in harness again and the syllabus followed for the remainder of the week. On Monday the second inoculation was given, but with hardly as drastic results. No one “passed out” either before or after the needle, although there were many casualties the following day; in fact, Tuesday afternoon was spent entirely preparing for the range exercises at Swanbourne on Wednesday. Actually, this will be the first range parade that the Katanning militiamen take part in, and will consist of both rifle and machine-gun training.
OFF DUTY.
Off duty, entertainment is catered for by a camp concert every Wednesday and a show put on by the Y.M.C.A. every Friday, when visiting artists present a varied and most welcome programme. On Monday night, Colonel A. R. Baxter – Cox arranged a picture show in one of the mess huts, when a wide variety of local films was shown and greatly appreciated.
The proximity of civilisation provides both metropolitan daily papers, and Herbert Wanke and his portable wireless are in great demand round about news service times. Many things are learnt by those in camp during duty hours, but off duty such thoroughly domesticated affairs as making “beds” and washing all eating utensils are part of the daily routine – not taught, but excellent training for future years!
KATANNING MEN TO THE FORE.
On the training field the Katanning representatives more than hold their own, and the day following inoculation volunteers were called to construct an assault course for battalion training. Eighteen of the twenty men were from Katanning – a matter which brought most favourable comment from the powers that be.
NEW STRIPES.
Since going into camp, three new N.C.O.’s have received their stripes. Frank Beste, who has acted as corporal since the N.C.O. examinations were conducted at Katanning some months ago, has been gazetted. Jack Holland and Carl Dilworth also qualified at the same examinations, and as vacancies were rendered by two corporals joining the Second A.I.F., they were gazetted as corporals as from the commencement of the camp. Congratulations, boys!
One thought on “TRAINING CAMP”
Thank you.
My father was WX 713 Chris Kealley
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