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Table of Contents

Memories of the Bureau, 1946 to 1962

Foreword

Terminology

Prologue

Preface

Chapter 1: The Warren Years, 1946 to 1950

Chapter 2: International Meteorology

Chapter 3: The Timcke Years, 1950 to 1955

Chapter 4: A Year at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Chapter 5: The Dwyer Years, 1955 to 1962

Chapter 6: A Springboard for the Future

Appendix 1: References

Appendix 2: Reports, Papers, Manuscripts

Appendix 3: Milestones

Appendix 4: Acknowledgements

Appendix 5: Summary by H. N. Warren of the Operation of the Meteorological Section of Allied Air Headquarters, Brisbane, 1942–45

Endnotes

Index
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Appendix 5: Summary by H. N. Warren of the Operation of the Meteorological Section of Allied Air Headquarters, Brisbane, 1942–45 (continued)

The unit made many contacts with the weather men of the US Navy and Army and this association was both congenial and highly productive. With the exception of the work of a few pioneers, not much light had been shed on the vagaries of tropical weather before the Pacific war, and now the up and coming weather men were feverishly searching for the real "gen". The interchange of ideas was stimulating and knowledge of this tricky area increased rapidly.

The original officers and assistants of the section had just returned from operational stations and it was not surprising that vociferous argument raged from time to time in the office and provided welcome diversion in difficult task of grappling frequently with the unknown, but, be it said, not completely unknowable. The fact that the personnel of the section were for some time exclusive male allowed a certain gusto and piquancy in the expression of viewpoint.

Towards the end of 1942 the complement began to include members of the WAAAF, at first Met. Charters and later Met. Assistants. These proved excellent and enthusiastic helpers. It had, however, a restraining influence on certain exuberance and richness of imagery in the discussion of the weather men. They became probably more scientific.

The Unit had to be on the ball at all times in view of the slender resources of the Allied Air Forces at that time, when General Kenney had every available squadron on the job.

Enemy concentration at Rabaul was assuming such proportions that something had to be done about it—and quickly. On the other hand heavy losses could not be afforded and the Air Commander had good reason to fear the weather—it was the north-west season of 1942–43.

The General called on his weather men for the favourable period. After prayer, fasting and close technical discussion, the Unit advised him of a time when conditions would be favourable and the strike proceeded with outstanding success. The Unit was delighted when the General came personally to the section to congratulate it on its effort, later telling some of his experiences as a pilot in the last war. At this stage he also told them that the Jap, because of the rate of his 'plane losses, was already beaten—and although this later proved to be so it was not apparent to the section at that time. Two things will always be associated with General Kenney in the minds of the officers of the Unit—his ability to get things done with maximum results, and his confidence in and admiration of his fighting men, including those of the RAAF.


People in Bright Sparcs - Warren, Herbert Norman

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Gibbs, W. J. 1999 'A Very Special Family: Memories of the Bureau of Meteorology 1946 to 1962', Metarch Papers, No. 13 May 1999, Bureau of Meteorology

© Online Edition Australian Science and Technology Heritage Centre and Bureau of Meteorology 2001
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