The Bismarck Sea Battle—1 March 1943 (continued)

RAAF meteorological sections frequently provided services for American aircraft at bases where there were no US weather units, and American meteorological stations provided similar services for RAAF squadrons in similar circumstances. At some stations, such as Garbutt (Townsville) and Port Moresby, RAAF and US meteorological units were located side by side.

By mid-1942, many of the original Met. personnel had just returned from operational stations taken by the enemy. It was, therefore, not surprising that much of the discussion and argument about the weather on mainland stations such as Brisbane, at times verged on the 'troppo'.[72]

The fact that the personnel of the station were for some time exclusively male allowed a certain gusto and piquancy of expression in the learned discussion which flowed so freely. It was often a welcome relief from worry and tension. Towards the end of 1942, the first WAAAF Meteorological Charters arrived, and later female Meteorological Assistants. 'While this can only be classed as a good thing', commented Gibbs, 'albeit, a certain exuberance and richness of imagery was henceforth lacking in our essential discussions'.

The contacts made with the weather men of the US Navy and Army were both congenial and productive. The resultant interchange of ideas was stimulating, as the enthusiastic RAAF meteorological group feverishly searched for the right answers.

The pressure was on all Allied personnel at this time. Everyone had to give his best in view of the slender resources of the Allied air forces in early 1942. General Kenney had every available squadron on the job. Something simply had to be done to combat the growing enemy concentration on Rabaul. At the same time, the Allies could not afford heavy losses, and the north-west monsoon season was a formidable reckoning with which to contend.

Bureau of Meteorology