As operations proceeded into enemy territories the position became much more simplified. The aircraft weather reporting system was improved and extended, and W/T communications were made more effective. Information available and applicable from other areas was intercepted and provided to the section and gradually the data aided these experienced officers in providing a very effective service. New Radio-Sonde and Radio-Wind networks added their quota of reliable information and effective methods became more practicable.

Perhaps one of the most interesting duties was the daily conference held in the Operations Room. The Meteorologist, delivering his summary of prevailing conditions and suggesting major changes likely to affect current operations was frequently faced with a withering barrage of questions from either Naval, Air or Army Commanders concerning areas where the operations were pending or were under consideration. As one of the officers said "the amount of gold braid at these conferences was somewhat overpowering". In addition to General Kenney, Commander Allied Air Forces, there was generally at least one other USAAF General, one or two U.S. Army Generals, a US Naval Admiral and Captain, one or two AIF Generals and last but not least Air Vice Marshal W.D. Bostock, A.O.C. RAAF Command, present. It was arranged that the weather summary covering the operational areas should be given first on the list of proceedings. In the earlier meetings the Weather Officer had to withdraw before he heard anything "secret" until it was realised that Meteorological Officers were of the select few who must know beforehand of projected operations in order that the weather factor might be duly considered.

Invariably the Commanding General of the AAF sought the information of the Weather Unit as to weather conditions for any particular strike he was preparing. If it was considered that the weather would be adverse to the job on the day he had in mind, the Unit was required to give a further opinion as to when the strike would be possible. This "rocked them a bit" at times and there was a fair horsepower of prayer ascending heavenwards on the nights of some of the major strikes in the earlier days.

Bureau of Meteorology