The joy and pride of the Unit was the "advice" given a month ahead for the allied landing east of Lae on 4th September 1943 and simultaneously the first use of paratroops. If, as often happens at that time of year, there had been low overcast, it would have suited the amphibious operation but not the Nadzab parachute landing. If it were clear, both paratroops and the sea convoy would require strong air cover. The latter condition would necessitate much careful planning and timing for the Air Command. The former would make the Air task less difficult. The Jap was ready to take advantage of a wrong decision. Largely on consideration of the upper winds that season, the section "forecast" good weather, which came to pass. The landing proceeded with adequate fighter cover (A.A.F. shot down 23 enemy planes) and the next day the successful parachute descent on Nadzab took place.

Being the G.H.Q. Met. Section it was called upon for all sorts of incidental jobs, even to week-end forecasts for Brisbane beach resorts for exhausted officers proceeding on short leave.

One very pleasing task was that of lecturing to the pupils of an A.I.F. School of Intelligence near Brisbane. It was found that the students of this school were keenly interested in the application of weather to army operations and were full of pertinent questions. The officer students fully realised the importance of weather in deciding the nature of air support and in amphibious and gas and smoke operations, and in the movement of troops and transport for operational tasks.

Bureau of Meteorology