The Log of the "Scorpion"

The Log of the "Scorpion"

Details of the escape of 12 Australian aircrew from Indonesia.

17 printed sheets

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[underlined] THE LOG OF THE “SCORPION” [/underlined]

[underlined] FOREWORD [/underlined]

84 Squadron, Roya Air Force was withdrawn from the Western Desert on 3 January 1942, re-equipped with an increased establishment and sent to the Far East as reinforcements. The squadron operated from Sumatra, Singapore and Java, where it lost all its aircraft by land attack (1 March 1942). The ground personnel were left at Bandoeng with the Equipment, Cypher and Engineering Officers while aircrew were sent to Tjilatjap, a port on the South coast for evacuation.

No ship arrived and the squadron was given the choice of returning inland or making an escape as best as they could. An effort was made to escape in two ships life-boats, all that could be rescued from the fires raging in the port; but this was found to be impracticable owing to the crowded state of the boats, and personnel were put ashore in a cove, one boat being wrecked in the process.

It was decided that the remaining lifeboat with a crew of twelve should try to reach Australia and get help for the people left behind. The CO and F/O Streatfeild [sic] were the only two people who knew anything about sailing. P/O Turner was chosen as navigator as he could handle a sextant, and S/Ldr Passmore was taken as second-in-command and to look after the rationing. The remainder of the party were chosen from the Australian aircrews as it was felt that they should be given a chance of reaching their home country. The crew consisted of;-

W/Cdr J.R. Jeudwine Captain
S/Ldr A.K. Passmore 2nd i/c and Purser
F/O C.P.L. Streatfeild 1st Lieutenant and 2nd helmsman
P/O S.G. Turner Navigator
P/O M.S. MacDonald
Sgt G.W. Sayer
Sgt W.N. Cosgrove
Sgt A. Longmore
Sgt J Lovegrove
[underlined] Sgt A.C.E. Snook [/underlined]
Sgt P.M. Courney
Sgt P Haynes

Personnel remaining behind consisted or three officers and 50 sergeants and aircraftsmen. In addition, four other officers who had come to Tjilatjap (S/Ldr Tayler, F/Lts Wylie and Holland and F/O Owen) were in the vicinity but had become separated from the main party.

Before leaving Tjilatjap a considerable quantity of rations and other foodstuffs had been collected and divided between the boats. Also a quantity of American canned beer had been

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obtained from a [inserted] DUTCH [/inserted] canteen. This latter undoubtedly largely contributed to the wellbeing of the crew of the “Scorpion” as the water had to be very strictly rationed and the beer was a food in itself.

It was calculated that the nearest point on the Australian coast was Roebourne, 950 nautical miles away; with Port Headland and Onslow a little further away to the West and East of the aiming point. It was hoped to cover the distance in 16 days, as an illustration in Bartholomew’s Atlas showed favourable winds and currents at this time of the year; but double this time was allowed for. Some rations were therefore unloaded from the serviceable boat until it was estimated that there was ample food and water for 12 men for 30 days. Water was contained in three breakers, one full and the others two-thirds full, and seven tubs each holding about 12 gallons.

Aids to navigation consisted of a sextant, a 1/15,000,000 Mercator’s projection of the world, a portion of the Nautical Almanac giving declination tables and time apparent noon, a large scale chart of Java and Bali, and a general navigation chart of the world (this was not found until land had been reached). There was no chronometer, so the CO’s watch was used which was estimated to lose four minutes per day.

In view of these preparations, or lack of preparations, the following pages show the enormous luck which attended the “Scorpion” and her crew on their 47 days’ voyage.

[underlined] LOG OF HMRAFS “SCORPION” [/underlined]

[underlined] Tjilatjap to Frazer Islet, 7 March to 20 April [/underlined]

[underlined] Sat. 7 March [/underlined]

1700 Crew embarked. A very haphazard procedure. Found 13 people on board so, after count, had to send Sgt Jeanes ashore.

1730 Under way. Boat had to pull out of ‘Scorpion Cove’ as wind was against us.

2300 Heavy thunderstorm and a little wind. Made a few miles SSE. Reverted to oars as soon as wind fell. Navigator, much to his surprise, was sea-sick.

[underlined] Sun. 8 March [/underlined]

0800 Rudder came adrift. Damage had been caused by tow rope fouling on night of 6/7. Repair effected by lashing rudder hinge-pin with rope.

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[inserted]R[/inserted]a[inserted]tio[/inserted]n fixed at 10 ozs [inserted] M.V. [/inserted] or ‘Camp Pie’, 1/2 pint of water and four [inserted] RATION [/inserted] biscuits per man per day. If bully beef was u[inserted]s[/inserted]ed rations fell to 9 ozs per day. Cigarettes limited to three per man per day, two good ones and one ‘good-bad’ ie one which had been soaked and dried out. Crew suffering from cramped positions on the boat and from sunburn. One or two people got bad burns on their feet. Considerable mental effort required to move about. The hot sun seemed to sap our strength and, although an awning was found and rigged, the heat under it was stifling. Any moving about had to be done on all fours and this in itself was quite an effort.

1615 Breeze from SSW. Made slight Easterly progress.

[underlined] Mon. 9 March [/underlined]

0300 Heavy rain squall which enabled us to collect some extra water. Becalmed again at 0530 hours.

1200 Position approx. 20 miles south of Tjilatjap.

1545 Moderate breeze from South West. No sooner had we got under way when a Japanese submarine bearing the markings ‘56’ surfaced about a mile astern and steered towards us. She closed to within a 100 yards and we were scrutinised through a pair of binoculars by an officer on the conning tower: one rating was standing by a 5-lbr [sic] gun forward and another was manning a machine-gun on the conning tower. We expected to be shot at or captured; but, after describing a half circle round us, the submarine made off towards the East and eventually submerged. This was regarded as a lucky omen. Passed round a can of beer each on sighting submarine in case we were captured or killed or the submarine turned out to be an American and therefore dry. Typical 84 Squadron.

1800 Very heavy thunderstorm broke and all water casks full replenished. Most of the water casks had leaked considerably but they were now soaked enough to hold water. Rain was so heavy that a 12 gallon cask was refilled in half an hour. All members of the crew drank a lot of water which revived them considerably after two days of calm under a blazing sun. Wind very variable and gusty so hove to. Tot of whisky issued to combat the soaking rain which turned from a blessing to a nuisance. Whisky enabled everyone to sleep in the most extraordinary postures.

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[underlined] Tues. 10 March [/underlined]

0530 Set sail to fresh breeze. Course SSE.

1200 Wind dropped to flat calm. Position approx. 40 miles SE of Tjilatjap. Rudder giving trouble but temporary repair effected. Rough check on provisions shows we have enough for 45 days. We hope it will not take us as long as that.

1500 Sighted two large whales.

1700 Crew bathed; shark-watch kept. Exercise very welcome after cramped positions in boat. This bathing was adopted as a daily practice when possible. Crew encouraged to swim once round the boat for exercise and also to scrape marine growths off the boat bottom.

[underlined] Wed. 11 March [/underlined]

0130 Ran into heavy thunderstorm. A fireball rested on the boat for a few seconds only a couple of feet away from the crew. It took the form of a bright light and was presumably caused by a static charge. Lightening was flashing all round the boat incessantly and the noise was terrific. No damage, no casualties. Began to run before Northwest wind but rudder came adrift: so hove-to and spent another miserable night.

0830 Serious repairs began on rudder. The handle was cut off an 8” screwdriver and the metal portion driven into the keel by Sgt Cosgrove and self. This was to serve as the bottom pintle. A 1/4” iron ringbolt was filed down to a spike and driven into the rudder for the centre attachment. Utilising the remains of the original fittings the rudder was then replaced, the operation being made very difficult and very painful by the heavy swell. Tools used – 3-cornered file, small screwdriver, cold chisel, small axe, Javanese knife and twine. Sgts Courney and Lovegrove put up most magnificent effort in fixing rudder in face of great difficulties. Their language was in proportion to their success.

[underlined] Thurs. 12 March [/underlined]

0230 Ran into thunderstorm whish gave us a sailing breeze. Course SE. Rudder came adrift again so carried on steering by oar but boat very difficult to hold, so limited spells to 15 minutes.

0600 Rudder repaired. A comparatively simple job this time.

0900 On our way to a slight breeze. Although the general course has been SE we have been close-

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haul [inserted] most [/inserted] of the time. [inserted] CAN [/inserted] Mr Bartholomew be [inserted] WRONG [/inserted]

[underlined] Fri. 13 March [/underlined]

0300 Got a good wind then lost rudder again. Only to be expected on a day like this. When we tried to repair the rudder, we found that the metal pintle had dropped out; so we made a wooden one.

1200 Estimated noon position 210 miles on track to Roebourne but longitude very doubtful. Becalmed since 1130, so lay sweating under the awning. A shark paid us a visit during the forenoon. Fired about 20 rounds of .303 at it but it was too deep.

1630 More trouble with the rudder.

[underlined] Sat. 14 March [/underlined]

0715 Extra ration of water from barrel into which a cake of Lifebuoy soap had fallen a few days previously. This was intended as a laxative as we had no No 9s on board and most of the crew were suffering from constipation. Results not all we hoped for.

1730 Seven days at sea and ‘Saturday Night’. Extra rations and a tot of whisky issued. Drank the King’s health and followed up with ‘Sweethearts and Wives’. Youngest member, Sgt Snook called upon to reply to toast but for once words failed him. The crew has become more acclimatised to living in an open boat, but it is obvious from various conversations how few realise the hazards of this voyage. Some people seem to think that they are being taken for a nice pleasure trip and that, there is no need for them to exert themselves. Luckily these are very few and morale is generally high.

[underlined] Sun. 15 March [/underlined]

0630 Rudder repaired.

1200 As the navigator gets more proficient so the results become less optimistic. Estimated noon position 111 degrees East 10 degrees South.

[underlined] Mon. 16 March [/underlined]

Fa[inserted]i[/inserted]r sailing all day in choppy sea with beg swell running. Sky gives indication of coming storm.

[underlined] Tues. 17 March [/underlined]

Storm has not materialised but that has not prevented the rudder from parting company with the sternpost. The two chippies get it fixed again.

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[underlined] Wed. 18 March [/underlined]

Have been befriended by a sea bird, who sits on the rudder-head performing amazing balancing feats. He is however inclined to peck away the binding around the tiller. Received a visit from a shark. This time the 1st Lieutenant put a .38 bullet into him. Most of the crew suffering from pimples on the posterior. These very painful when at the tiller as we have no Rumbold upholstery on the quarter deck. Cures for pimples were ‘Mercurcrome’ of which there was a small bottle on board and sun-bathing. Former cure produced some astonishing sights, while the latter was apt to be painful if applied for too long a time.

[underlined] Thurs. 19 March [/underlined]

Very light sailing conditions with sea still choppy. Crews sleeping quarters rearranged to take some weight out of the bows. Positions were then two in the bows, where they always got wet if there was any see running; two on the thwart abaft the mast; two on the next thwart aft; two on side benches amidships and four in the stern. A small snack (two biscuits and two sardines or a little potted meat and a mouthful of water) being issued at noon each day. This gives us something to look forward to and helps pass the time.

[underlined] Fri. 20 March [/underlined]

0100 Becalmed with very heavy rain storms all around. These eventually met overhead and a good water catchment was made. Under way soon after dawn. One of the “Queen’s” garters (type Barbara) hoisted on the signal halyard. Wind from SSE as usual in this bloody ocean.

1630 Wind increasing and heavy clouds forming.

1800 Wind dropped and rain storms visible. Another foul night. Pouring rain and no wind. Whisky passed round to keep out the wet and cold and to enable us to sleep in spite of the discomfort.

[underlined] Sat. 21 March [/underlined]

0630 Under way. Breeze freshening.

1830 Had to heave-to as we were shipping water over the bows faster than we could bale. The boat started to become waterlogged and the lee gunwale remained awash. As soon as we hove-to the rudder came adrift. Our position is pretty serious. The ‘Saturday Night at Sea’ customs were observed with the evening meal.

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[underlined] Sun. 22 March [/underlined]

1030 Rudder f[inserted]IX[/inserted]ed. This was a v[inserted]er[/inserted]y difficult job owing to the mountainous seas and the very sharp movement of the boat. More praise to the chippies. Under way again making about 5 – 7 knots. A very wet process.

11.30 Hove-to again as sea and wind too great. There is no reefing devise on these sails and we cannot afford to run before the wind which is from the SW. Found that, even with the sea anchor streamed, the “Scorpion” still insists on lying beam on to the sea and wind, so hoisted sail and put jib aback. This made her ride easier and she was actually making headway without a rudder which, of course, had come adrift again. Our actual track was E by S, speed approximately 1 1/2 knots. According to our sailing plan, we were about halfway to Roebourne. Another foul night but everyone taking it very well. Still think in most cases it is a question of ‘where ignorance is bliss’. Am later proved right.

[underlined] Mon. 23 March [/underlined]

0630 Wind dropped sufficiently to start sailing again as soon as rudder was fixed. Found we had to jettison three water barrels as the sea water had got into them.

1200 Rudder came adrift again. Position 113 deg. East 14 deg. 15 mins. South. Very strong repairs made to rudder. This held until we reached land.

1445 Under way. Sun coming out which enables us to dry one or two garments. 1st Lieutenant and I sharing all watches at the helm. Sea running very high. Everyone given two quinine tablets as a precaution against the recent wettings.

[underlined] [missing letters]es. 24 March [/underlined]

A gentle day’s sailing with a favourable wind. Sea going down but still coming on board every now and then.

[underlined] [missing letters]d. 25 March [/underlined]

1200 Becalmed. Most uncomfortable in the swell wh[inserted]ic[/inserted]h is still very heavy. Will we never get a real break in the way of a constant wind? Mr Bartholomew is a complete liar about the winds in this part of the world. I bet he has never been here. Think there are grounds for an action against him as he is misleading school children.

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[underlined] Thurs. 26 March [/underlined]

Un[inserted]de[/inserted]r way most of the day, but only just. Luckily there is quite a lot of cloud about so it is not too hot. Had a really thorough check of the foodstuffs and found that we are very well placed, there being enough to enable us to increase rations and still have plenty in hand. This is a great relief. Also a number of delicacies, such as canned plumbs and tomatoes were found.

[underlined] Fri. 27 March [/underlined]

Still becalmed. See like glass. We have been adopted by another sea bird. Noon position showed that we had drifted North, but some doubts expressed as to the accuracy of the sight. Crew playing Crosswords to pass the time.

[underlined] Sat. 28 March [/underlined]

Same old calm. Noon position shows a further drift to the North but everyone refuses to believe the navigator who keeps his temper reasonably well. General impression is that the sextant suffered damage during the gale.

[underlined] Sun. 29 March [/underlined]

Becalmed. Rations reduced to former scale as things do not look too good. A few more of these calms and we would be up the creek. Northerly drift still apparent but everyone except navigator expressing silent disbelief. Navigator’s attitude is ‘take it or leave it’. 1st Lieutenant nice and gloomy about chances of reaching Australia. As a diarist said, “Mr Streatfeild’s morale very low”. Had to give him (Stretty) a pep talk. Not the first, but rather excelled myself this time.

[underlined] Mon. 30 March [/underlined]

“As idle as a painted ship . . . “ Am not at all surprised that the Ancient Mariner went nuts. Noon position now confirms the Northerly drift. This is very upsetting as, if this current has been present all the time, our sailing plot, which has been used as a check on our estimated position, is quite false. The navigator, with great forbearance, has not yet remarked, “I told you so”. Northerly drift since 28 March reckoned at 82 miles.

[underlined] Tues. 31 March [/underlined]

Still becalmed. Further check of rations shows that the tinned fruit and some of the rations are going bad through heat, rust and being shaken about. In view of our drift, the uncertainty of our position and our lack of progress generally, things are starting to look most unpleasant. A blissful air of unconcern reigns forward. During this calm we have rigged the awning after breakfast and organised games competitions between the quarter deck and the fo’castle. These have kept us occupied and helped to pass the time; but we found that the mental exercise made us

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ve[inserted]RY HUNGRY [/inserted] and the talk[inserted]ED AN[/inserted]d arguing brought on [inserted] A THIRST. [/inserted]. These are easier to bear than the monotony

[underlined] Wed. 1 April [/underlined]

Still becalmed and not many April Fool jokes. The penalty for April Fools, about ships or land, was loss of beer ration for the rest of the voyage. Slight breeze sprang up during the morning. No notice taken in spite of MacDonald’s continuous comments as we were busy with the finals of the ‘Letters Competition’. Eventually, MacDonald became so insistent that that we had to set sail. Score in competition eight all and one to play. Wind increased from NW during afternoon. Is this our break?

[underlined] Thurs. 2 April [/underlined]

Still sailing at dawn. Noon position puts us about 390 miles from Roebourne. Wind has backed and we are close-hauled again. Obviously Mr Bartholomew is a liar of the first water and has no idea what he is talking about. We still have our bird companions.

[underlined] Fri. 3 April [/underlined]

Wind fresh but variable. Course SSW. Sgt Haynes, i/c house, declared closing time at sunset as he has rigged his bed there.

[underlined] Sat. 4 April [/underlined]

Sailing comfortably but course still W of S. The “Scorpion” will not sail at all close to the wind, so we are making our Southing while we can. We have been joined by another bird.

If this goes on we will become an aviary. They are the most peculiar creatures. Apparently they do not keep regular meal times and they are very tame. Also they keep their balance remarkably well for web-footed birds, even when asleep, but if a particularly sharp roll almost upsets one of them, it always puts the blame on its companion. Perhaps everything goes nuts in the Indian Ocean. Had an issue of soi-disant Creme de Menthe for the ‘Saturday Night at Sea’ celebration. A most peculiar concoction, later identified as a patent cough cure.

[underlined] Sun. 5 April [/underlined]

Nothing of interest. Wind freshening.

[underlined] Mon. 6 April [/underlined]

1200 Wind veered enough for us to make due East. We do not want to go Westwards more than w[inserted]e CAN HE[/inserted]lp. Wind dropped in the afternoon.

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[underlined] Tues.7 April [/underlined]

0345 Put about to SSW as wind backed. Had to pinch to make that course but better than making NE.

2300 Becalmed.

[underlined] Wed. 8 April [/underlined]

1200 Becalmed all morning but noon position shows us 140 miles from Barrow Island and 180 from Onslow. Smoked last cigarette this evening. Had made a contract with four members of the crew to save their butts. These were carefully saved and kept in a tin. It meant that I could have an occasional pipe. Will never again despise old men picking up fag ends from the gutter. I know just how they feel.

[underlined] Thurs. 9 April [/underlined]

Becalmed. Young whale 50 – 60 feet long or about twice the size of the “Scorpion” surfaced about 200 yards away and decided to give us a close inspection. Eventually came to rest lying in a curve with its tail under the boat and poked its head out of the water certainly not more than three feet from the rudder. We could see the eye and mouth under water. “What does A do next”. We all hoped it would not become playful or try to make its toilet on the bottom of the boat; and luckily, after looking at us for about half a minute – which seemed like half an age, it submerged and went to join another whale which looks about four times as big. I hope the other one was its mother and that she ‘tore him off a strip’ for going and staring at strangers. When we had regained the power of movement, we passed round a bottle of Australian 3 star brandy which we had been keeping for an emergency, after which we did not care if we saw elephants pink or otherwise flying over us in tight formation. Wind sprang up in the afternoon, probably as a result of this morning’s vertical breeze, but possibly as a result of hoisting red garter in place of ‘Barbara’.

[underlined] Fri. 10 April [/underlined]

Wind strong and increasing in force. Sea also getting up. Unfortunately, wind is from SE so we have to tack and pinch to make E and W of S. As the “Scorpion” will not go about in a seaway, we have to wear ship every time and it is tantalising to see the speed she gets up with the wind abaft the beam. 1st Lieutenant and self sharing watches on the tiller. We demanded extra issue of food to keep us awake and were allowed to open a tin of ships biscuits. Found these very palatable and also a magnificent laxative, presumably due to increased bulk. Rest of crew dodging waves or trying to.

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[underlined] Sat. 11 April [/underlined]

Win[inserted]d WHICH [/inserted] reached gale force during the night, now mod[inserted]er[/inserted]ating [inserted]bu[/inserted]t considerable sea running. Lack of swell and shortness of sea make me think that we are E of North West Cape.

1200 Noon position shows plenty of Easting but only 13 miles Southing. This not compatible with sailing plot. Reviled navigator, who both kept his temper and refused to be shaken from his calculations. He was right of course.

Got inspected by another whale during afternoon, but from a safe distance, thank God. These visitations occur when I am trying to write up the Squadron history, so I am giving this up for the time being.

[underlined] [missing letters]n. 12 April [/underlined]

0600 Wind dropped until we barely made steerage way. Most of crew very depressed wondering whether we are going to have another long calm after the last gale.

1800 Becalmed.

[underlined] Mon. 13 April [/underlined]

During daylight catspaw kept us moving. It is better to pretend to sail than lie about doing nothing. Boat making water fast. The last gale must have opened up a seam.

Becalmed after sunset.

[underlined] Tues. 14 April [/underlined]

1200 Noon position 115 deg. 45 min. E, 20 deg. 9 min. S. We are now on the same latitude as Port Headland. Wind sprang up during afternoon. Squadron colour garters hoisted in place of red one.

[underlined] Wed. 15 April [/underlined]

1200 Noon position shows that we have made 45 miles Easting. Regard this as extremely doubtful but am now wary of arguing with the navigator.

Made some Easting during the day but breeze slight.

[underlined] Thurs. 16 April [/underlined]

Sgt. Corney swore he smelt Spinifex on the dawn breeze. Soon he had everyone smelling something but, personally, put it down to the purser who suffers from flatulence. However, everyone very cheerful. Plans for first meal ashore widely discussed.

1200 Noon position 118 deg. 50 min. E, 20 deg. 11 min. S. or 30 miles from Port Headland. Great excitement all round.

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[underlined] Fri. 17 April [/underlined]

Dropped a bombshell this morning. Had spent a sleepless night working out times of sunrise and sunset during the past few days and had come to the conclusion that the recent large amount of Easting shown by the noon sight was due to my watch – the only one to survive – losing more than four minutes a day and that it may have lost as much as 40 minutes. This would have put us 600 miles W of Port Headland and about 250 miles W of the Western-most point of Australia. Rations, water and beer drastically cut down, and an accurate check shows that we can last for another six weeks on this new scale. We shall all be in pretty poor condition by the end of that time. Thank God the water will last that time, as that is one of the most important items, ranking equally with the beer. A breeze sprang up during the morning and lasted until evening. We were becalmed by sunset and tried to row, but we were already so weak from six weeks on the boat that it was not very effective.

[underlined] Sat. 18 April [/underlined]

0200 Breeze sprang up. Much seaweed noticed but nobody dares say whether it indicates the proximity of land or whether it is commonly found right out to sea. We assume the latter to avoid disappointment. A swallow-tail butterfly seen during the afternoon. That must mean that we are somewhere near land.

[underlined] Sun. 19 April [/underlined]

0300 Wind sprang up. If we do 10 miles a day in the right direction our rations will last out, even if we are right out to sea. During day several butterflies seen and some new type jellyfish. Even I think we must be nearer land than I feared, but still dare not increase rations.

2230 Most members of the boat thought they heard a motor working, possible a small motor-boat. Lit a distress flare but had no reply.

[underlined] Mon. 20 April [/underlined]

0200 1st Lieutenant electrified everyone by shouting, “Land ho”. Sure enough, there was a beach about 50 yards away. It appeared to be a small island and as the only island marked on our map was Barrow Island, which was quite a big piece of land, we reckoned that this was a spit of the mainland and decided to carry on until we could make certain. We soon discovered that we were surrounded by small islands and reefs which we had crossed at high water and which were now appearing as the tide went down, so we decided to

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Wait f[inserted]OR THE [/inserted] dawn.

Dayli[inserted]GHT SHO[/inserted]wed us a sea dotted with small islands but no mainland; so we put ashore at the point where we had first struck land, almost too literally, which we found to be Frazer Islet from a plate on a beacon which had been erected there. This did not convey much to anyone but, the mere fact that it was land, was very heartening.

0730 Put foot on dry land for the first time since 7 March – our 45th day at sea. All members of the crew very weak but looking forward to a hot breakfast. Food issued ad lib and cocoa made, but people found that they could not eat as much as they thought, with the exception of the 1st Lieutenant who proved a fine trencherman. Purser feeling sick; probably reaction but may be the sight of so much food being issued at one meal.

1000 Navigator reported finding a chart (general navigational) of the World in the boat. We would – after 45 days. Chart showed we had reached Dampier Archipelago between Onslow and Roebourne, so we decided to make for the mainland not far distant.

1030 Set sail, course SSE.

1300 Sighted mainland or perhaps Barrow Island. Hard to tell, but think that it is mainland. Later proved correct.

1500 Altered course NE along coast. Winds appear favourable for us to reach Roebourne. Sighted unidentified aircraft high and about 10 miles to the West. Probably a Catalina. Flashed mirror and waved clothing but failed to attract attention. Some people rather disappointed, but general feeling that we have reached Australia by the grace of God and little else matters. Also if Catalinas are flying about, the Japs are not in occupation of the coast.

1600 Anchored in the lee of a small island as not considered safe to carry on through the reefs at night. Spent the night ashore after a hot meal. What a joy to lie on a stationary bed, and a soft one too. (Sgt Corney made up Spinifex mattresses. His sense of smell was proved to be in good working order and accusations against purser withdrawn).

[underlined] Tues. 21 April [/underlined]

Boat grounded on ebb tide so crew spent morning ashore fishing from beach. Several butterfish caught and cooked for an early lunch. Called island “Butterfish Island” as a result. Fish damned good to eat after tinned food. Found boat leaking all along one of the starboard strakes.

1145 Under way, course NE.

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1230 Sight[inserted]eD SEVER[/inserted]al kangaroos ashore. This proves that we are off the mainland and also indicates the presence of fresh water in the neighbourhood. A suspected water pump and tank turned out to be a tree.

1430 Flying boat (Catalina of Patrol Squadron 101 US Navy) appeared dead ahead at about 1,500 feet. Pyjama jacket hoisted to peak in best “Razzle” style and all members of crew waved clothing etc.

Afterwards learnt that Catalina crew thought we were having a free fight. After much signalling persuaded Catalina to alight but its crew very suspicious and displayed artillery. After exchange of semaphore signals (of a sort) I swam over to the flying boat, beating all existing records for ocean swimming in my anxiety to dodge any sharks that might be around. Was given a rope to hang on to but, in spite of the fact that I was mother naked except for my beard, I was menaced by a man with a Colt .45 who would not let me on board until he was quite satisfied that I was harmless. Maybe he was right, but someone ought to have told him about sharks. Was told our position was about 50 miles from Roebourne. Captain of aircraft offered to take six of us off to their base, but only three of our crew accepted the offer – Sgts Cosgrove, Longmore and Haynes. Remainder determined to sail the “Scorpion” into port.

1700 Anchored for the night in a creek. Intended having a bit of a party since we had so much liquor left, but, after an enormous hot meal, everyone felt drowsy and went to sleep.

[underlined] Wed. 22 April [/underlined]

0830 Set off again. Decided to call our stopping place “Catalina Creek”, but some members of crew gave it a less euphonious name owing to increased bowel activity caused by large meals.

Continued on NE course and expected to turn East fairly soon; but, as each headland was passed, another one was raised. However, no alarm was felt as food and drink were plentiful and we were off the mainland.

1200 Noon position gave our latitude just North of the Fortescue, much further from Roebourne than we thought. If latitude five miles out, we should be much nearer Roebourne; in fact, where we estimate we should be. For a change we take the optimistic view.

1230 Catalina appeared from SW and made towards us. This time we displayed little interest, thinking that the Catalina was merely being curious. The Catalina, however, alighted and signalled that she had orders to take off all remainder of crew. Great disappointment as, having got so far, it seemed a pity not to complete the trip. Lowered sail, unstepped mast and

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gathered all belongings, [inserted] SUCH AS [/inserted] they were.

1300 Crew transferred to flying boat and “Scorpion” cast adrift. Unfortunately, in the hurry, Squadron shield (scorpion embossed in copper on a wooden plinth) was left in the forward locker. Had intended hoisting this to masthead as we sailed into port. Disvovered that information given on previous day regarding our position was inaccurate and that we were nearly 100 miles from Roebourne. So after 47 days, having sailed approximately 1,500 statute miles, leaking like a sieve but still serviceable, with a jury rudder fitting in use since the second day, our HMRAFS “Scorpion” was cast adrift off the NW coast of Australia without the honour of being sailed into port. She was a cow into wind and would not go about without assistance, but she was very strong and a magnificent sea boat. No member of the crew wishes to make another trip like that; but, if fate should ever decree that any of us are again at sea in an open boat, we all pray that it will be as good as the “Scorpion”.

[underlined] EPILOGUE [/underlined]

The crew of the “Scorpion” spent the night of 22/23 April on board USS “Childs” – captain Lieut Commander Frank O’Bierne USN, who was the pilot of the Catalina which picked up the main party on 22 April. Great hospitality was shown and everyone was made very comfortable.

On 23 April the whole party was flown down to Perth in another Catalina. OC 84 Squadron got in touch with the US Naval Authorities through AOC Western Area, Air Commodore de la Rue, RAAF and arrangements were made for a US submarine – the “Sturgeon” to call at ‘Scorpion Cove’ Java on her way back from Corregidor and attempt to pick up the 84 Squadron aircrews who had been left there with orders to wait for two months if possible.

The “Sturgeon” went into the cove on the night of Thursday, 30 April and sent her boat to within 50 yards of the beach. The officer in charge of the boat, who had been notified of the signal arrangements, flashed the recognition signal and later hailed, but got no reply. A hand searchlight was then shone ashore, but all that was seen was a deserted lean-to. There was no sign of a cross of stones on the beach, denoting a voluntary departure; so the fate of the stranded aircrews of the squadron is problematical. Thus, apart from personal satisfaction and the escape of 12 members of the squadron, the voyage of the “Scorpion” was a failure; for although help was sent within the time limit, the rescue of the remainder was not effected.

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[underlined] The ‘Queens Garters’ [/underlined]

S/Ldr Passmore, F/O Streatfeild and P/O Turner called their (Blenheim) aircraft the “Queen of Shaibah”. ‘Stretty’ carried a selection of feminine garters around with him which were put on the pitot head fairing when going on an operational flight or on a special occasion. During the voyage the garters were used as pennants and as one set failed to produce a favourable wind so another set would be hoisted. The garters had nothing to do with Mr Streatfeild’s [sic] morals.

[underlined] Our Feathered Friends [/underlined]

These were a type of deep-sea gull. Owing to lack of human contact they were very tame and, even if knocked off their perch for becoming too free with their beaks or for insanitary habits, they would come back for more. Their first efforts at deck landings were pretty poor; but they improved with practice until they were able to make landings with negative ground speed.

Other birds seen were Stormy Petrels, Man o’ War birds, Albatross, some curious gulls with a long tail feather and some small sea birds which looked very like sand martins.

[underlined] Flying Fish [/underlined]

From a close and prolonged study it appears that these fish always leave the water in the wind. The ‘wings’ are used to keep the body of the fish airbourne; [sic] but, as the tail touches the water, it gives a few flicks thus regaining flying speed and lifting the whole fish clear of the water again. This flicking of the tail causes the whole fish to shimmer and gives the appearance of flying.

On one or two occasions the ‘flying fish’ turned out to be young squid. These would leap out of the water to a height of 6 – 8 feet and, on one occasion, one came on board – striking the 1st Lieutenant a shrewd blow on the left ear.

Other denizens of the deep seen during the voyage were sharks with their pilot fish, whales (and how), porpoises, dugongs (sea-cow), tunny, stingrays, skipjacks, blue mackerel, garfish, snappers, sae-snakes, butterfish, turtles and a variety of jellyfish including blue-bottles.

[underlined] Depor[missing letters]ent [/underlined]

In order to get the most out of every meal it became a habit to lick one’s plate clean. This became a bit awkward when our beards grew, but the habit persisted and we had to watch ourselves very closely when we got back to civilisation. Also there was a great competition to get any tins after their contents had been dished out in the hopes of finding a few scraps in the less accessible corners. Sgt Cosgrave earned himself the nickname of “The Alley Cat” from his habit of begging twice-scoured tins and opening them out flat with a tin-opener so as to get any bits which could not be extracted with a knife. He was lucky not to get lead poisoning.

1942 [indecipherable name]

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[underlined] LIST OF 84 SQUADRON PERSONNEL [/underlined]
[underlined] WHO LEFT TJILATJAP HARBOUR 6.3.42 [/underlined]

ARGENT D.C.G. Sgt
BELL G.C. Sgt
BENNETT R.C. Sgt
CAMERON F. Sgt RAAF
COLEMAN S.G. A/c
*COSGROVE W.N. Sgt RAAF
*CORNEY P.A. Sgt RAAF
DALEY Sgt
FIRBY A. Sgt
FRYE E. Sgt
HARDING H. Sgt
HARE W. F/Sgt
*HAYNES P.A. Sgt RAAF
HIRST G.P. Sgt
HOOPER D.R. Sgt RAAF
HOUGH H.H. Sgt
*JEUDWINE J.R. W/C
JONES D.A. Sgt
KEBLEWHITE M. F/O
KINAHAN J.W. Sgt
KING J. Sgt
*LONGMORE A.C. Sgt RAAF
*MacDONALD M.S. Sgt
McKILLOP M.S. Sgt
MILLAR R.D. P/O
MILLER W. Sgt
MILSON G.W. P/O
MONEY G.L. Lac
MORLEY J. Sgt
NORWOOD Lac
PALMER G.C. Sgt
*PASSMORE A.K. S/L
PHILIPS J. Sgt
PROCTER W. Sgt
ROSS A. Sgt RAAF
RUSSELL D. Sgt
*SAYER G.W. Sgt RAAF
SHARLEY F/Sgt
SMALL L F/Sgt
*SNOOK A. Sgt RAAF
*STREATFIELD C.P. F/O
THOMPSON S.C. Sgt RAAF
*TURNER S.C. P/O
WAKEFIELD A.W.G. Sgt
WHIBLEY K.H. Sgt

*Denotes those who sailed to Australian in the life-boat.

According to Sgt P.A. HAYNES RAAF there were 28 in each of the life-boats and 6 on the motor boat.