Papua New Guinea and New Britain (continued)

In September 1940, Hogan was succeeded by Bill Gibbs (later Squadron Leader) and when the station strength was increased to two forecasters, Keith Hannay (later Squadron Leader) became OIC. The latter told how the staff of four had to be augmented by borrowing individuals from other sections in order to meet requirements, which were rapidly increasing. He recalled how visits were made to Salamaua, Rabaul, Talasea, Kikori, and other places from time to time to observe and become familiar with weather conditions. Main new reporting stations were set up at Talasea and Misima. The occasion when the barometer was brought to Talasea and the station set up was the first alighting made there by a Service flying boat.

Hannay left Port Moresby on 8 December 1941 on posting to the Far East, 'heading into the teeth of the oncoming Japs'[43], and W. J. Gibbs took over as OIC. The meteorological section at Port Moresby had been unofficially absorbed by 11 Squadron by January 1941, and the date of final enlistment of the section took place at the general formal transfer to the RAAF of the Australian Commonwealth Meteorological Service on 17 April 1941.

Gibbs recounted how when he arrived in Port Moresby in September 1940 the RAAF had only Short Empire flying boats and the officers were accommodated in a private residence. 'Everything had a very colonial atmosphere' he reflected, 'with social life revolving about the doings of the Administrator and his staff, the local bank and store group, and a handful of Navy, Army and Air Force people. The war in Europe seemed very far away indeed'.[44]

Bureau of Meteorology