1955TH ORDNANCE DEPOT COMPANY (AVN)
49TH SERVICE GROUP
V AIR FORCE SERVICE COMMAND
IN AUSTRALIA DURING WWII

The 1955th Ordnance Depot Company (Avn) was activated 0n 16 November 1942 per General Order 45, Headquarters, Harding Field, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA and assigned to the II Air Service Area Command. 2nd Lt. William A. Gordon O-1551019 was the initial Commanding Officer. 2nd Lt Arthur F. Hermsdorfer O-1551223 arrived as Executive Officer effective 30 November 1942. The third Officre,2nd Lt. Nicholas V. Scali O-1551731 joined the Company on 6 December 1942. The first 3 Enlisted Men were assigned to the Company effective  7 December 1942.

Special Order 225, Headquarters, III Air Service Area Command dated 14 December ordered a change of station and assignment to the Army Air Force School of Applied Tactics at Orlando Air Base, Florida. The strength of the Company grew as time went on and on 25 January 1943 a Warning Order was received for overseas movement. Their construction work on a new depot was almost complete when the Warning order was received. They ceased construction work immediately and a rigid training schedule was mapped and implemented.

Captain Richard L. Johnson O-311676 assumed command of the Company on on 6 February 1943. On 8 April 1943, the Company was ordered to move to the Ordnance Unit Training Center, Flora, Mississippi. The Company strength at that time was 6 Officers and 181 Enlisted Men. Their 13 week training Course there was climaxed by a two week bivouac.

The unit was relieved from its assignment to the Army Air Forces School of Applied Tactics and reassigned to the Air Service Command without change of strength or station per an order dated 6 July 1943. The unit was then assigned to its new permanent station at Will Rogers Filed, Oklahoma per an order dated 15 July 1943. 1st Lt. William A. Gordon took over as Commanding Officer on 19 July 1943.

Paragraph 15 of Special Orders 172, Headquarters Mobile Air Service Command, Mobile, Alabama, dated 31 July 1943 ordered the unit to proceed by rail to Mount Rainier Ordnance Depot, Tacoma, Washington for a temporary change of Station. They arrived at their new location on 18 August 1943 where they were attached to Provisional Battalion for more intense training.

Warning Orders were again received on 5 September 1943 for overseas movement. The unit was at peak efficiency by December 1943. The unit received four hours explicit and interesting instructions into the causes and control of Malaria.

The final movement prior to overseas shipment was effected on 9 December 1943 to Camp Stoneman, Pittsburg, California, overseas staging area, per Movement Order 112, Headquarters, Fort Lewis, Washington dated 8 December 1943. The unit arrived at Camp Stoneman on 11 December 1943.

The 1955th left Oakland Branch, San Francisco, Port of Embarkation onboard SS-SF 1661. The entire unit was delegated the duty of being Military Police for the transport. 2nd Lt. Scali was appointed Provost Marshal, WO (JG) Jack C. Lype was appointed Assistant Provost Marshal and Technical Sergeant Sid Earl 19105161 was appointed Provost Sergeant.

1st Lt. William A Gordon was promoted to Captain effective 10 January 1944. The 1955th Ordnance Depot Company (Avn) arrived in Townsville Harbour, north Queensland on board SS-SF 1661 at 0900 hours on 13 January 1944. The Unit was relieved for its duties as Military Police and the unit disembarked at 1100 hours.

Unit personnel were immediately assigned to work as details of the Fifth Air Force Service Command Depot Number 2 at Mount Louisa. All woolen clothing was turned in and two more suits of khaki clothing were requisitioned.

2nd Lt. Paul R. Dean, having acted in the capacity of advance liaison and supply officer, returned from detached service at Fort Mason, California, via Brisbane, Australia, per paragraph 7, Special Order 9, Headquarters, 5th Air Force, APO 925, dated 9 January 1944.

On the 22 January 1944, 2nd Lt. Wilson O. Brown was stricken with a severe case of spinal meningitis and was immediately confined to the hospital. Immediate steps were taken by the Medical Department to prevent any further spread of the contagious disease and sulfa-diazene tablets were distributed to all personnel. Several suspicious cases were diagnosed but found negative, but on 25 January 1944 one enlisted man was also stricken by the dreaded disease. The administrations of the sulfa drugs eventually checked any further epidemics.

2nd Lt. Paul R. Dean was then sent by air transport to APO 928, on 28 January 1944, to supervise the loading and return of organisational impedimenta to Townsville. per Letter Orders, Headquarters Base Section 1, APO 922 (Townsville), dated 23 January 1944.

On 1 February 19411, M/Sgt Thedford C. Fry and S/Sgt John D. Gehl arrived from temporary duty as representatives accompanying the organizational impedimenta aboard the SS-SF 1661 to Townsville, Australia, per VOCO, Headquarters, Base Section II, APO 922. Immediately upon their arrival the organizational equipment was unloaded from the ship and properly stored under the protection of canvas in the close proximity of the Company areas at Armstrong Paddock, awaiting further movement orders to its ultimate destination.

2nd Lt. Nicholas V. Scali departed for APO 925 on 4 February 1944, for the purpose of gaining information regarding depot conditions at APO 921 (Darwin) and to arrive at a solution of the problems to be encountered thereat, this information gained from Colonel Miles, Ordnance Officer, above mentioned station. The previous day Lt. Paul R. Dean returned from his period of temporary duty from APO 928, having supervised the loading and return of organisational equipment therefrom. Lt. Scali rejoined the unit from temporary duties as indicated above on 8 February 1944.

Lt. Wilson O. Brown returned to duty on 11 February 1944 after a long period of absence, having been hospitalized with a serious case of spinal meningitis, and he immediately concentrated is efforts on his original assignment. The enlisted men who had been stricken with the same malady returned to full duty status on 14 February 1944.

Having previously received orders to prepare for movement to a new location, 1st Lt. Hermsdorfer departed on 24 February 1944 for APO 921 (Darwin) by air transportation, accompanied by two enlisted men, for the purpose of establishing proper accommodations and the construction of facilities necessary upon arrival of unit thereat, his authority for this trip being Letter Orders, Headquarters, Base Section II, USASOS, APO 922.

Prior to the proposed movement of the unit, one enlisted man at that time hospitalized indefinitely, was transferred from the unit in accordance with USASOS Regulation 50-25. Another transfer to the Air Corps proper of an enlisted man brought the strength of the organization to 6 officers and 178 enlisted men.

Having prepared therefor and having loaded all the organizational impedimenta aboard ship, the 1955th Ordnance Depot Co. (Avn) departed from Armstrong Paddock by motor convoy on 28 February 1944 and boarded the SS 1091, departing the same day for its destination, APO 921 (Townsville), authority for the movement Troop Movement Directive No. 9, Headquarters, Fifth Air Force, APO 925, dated 23 January 1944.

The total strength of the organization on 1 May 1944 was 179 enlisted men and 6 officers. With the exception of men still kept busy on the ammunition crew and those on construction details, the remaining personnel were steadfastly engaged in the prime mission of the organization, the operation of the Ordnance Depot of Fifth Air Force Service Command Depot No. 4. Difficulty was encountered in setting up and operating the depot simultaneously with very limited supplies of materiel on hand. Meanwhile, construction was proceeding on five large 47' x 54' warehouses of corrugated sheet metal structure with concrete floors.

On 11 May, the Office of the Ordnance Representative, V ASAC, APO 921 (Townsville), promulgated a letter of commendation for Lt. Paul R. Dean and his crew of forty enlisted men, commending them on their tireless devotion to duty and upon the complexity which they overcame in accomplishing and unpremeditated assignment.

Under the provisions of Executive Order 9323, and Army Regulation 600-68, for completion of one year of continuous active military service and exemplary behaviour and devotion to duty, 102 enlisted men of the unit were awarded the Good Conduct Medal on 15 May 1944, per General Order 1, Headquarters, 49th Air Depot Group, APO 921.

The ammunition crew was relieved of a great deal of burden on 16 May, upon the arrival of the advance detachment of 1 officer and 25 enlisted men of the 1909th Ordnance Ammunition Co. (Avn), and it made possible the release of a considerable number of men for use in depot operations.

On 17 May 1944, 1 enlisted man was transferred to the Finance Detachment, 49th Air Depot Group, and two enlisted men were assigned to this unit from the Ordnance Section, 49th Air Depot Group, on 21 May 1944, as replacements, inasmuch as the unit was under its authorized T/O strength. On 24 May, 1 enlisted man was transferred to Base Three Hospital for treatment unobtainable at this station; the same date another enlisted man was transferred to the Finance Detachment, 49th Air Depot Group, this again bringing actual enlisted strength to 178 men.

Effective 19 May 1944, the organization was relieved from assignment to the Fifth Air Force and assigned to USASOS, per letter, file GSXGA 322, subject, "Assignment of Units", Headquarters, USASOS, SWPA, APO 501, dated 21 May 1944. In confirmation thereto, the unit was on 25 May relieved from assignment to fifth Air Force per General Order 329, Headquarters, Firth Air Force, APO 925.

During this time, substantial progress had been made in the construction of warehouses, and at the end of the month these were completed, and upon completion were immediately binned so that all stock on hand could be re-stocked in the respective warehouses with the shortest practicable lapse of time.

The ammunition crew continued at their task pending arrival of the main complement of the personnel of the 1909th Ordnance Amm Co. (Avn). Eventually on 26 May, 10 enlisted men of the aforementioned unit arrived, and on 29 May an additional 10 enlisted man and 1 officer reported for duty. This relieved the entire ammunition crew of this organization, with the exception of two men, for other duties urgently necessary relative to depot construction and operation. On 31 May 1944, the unit was taking rapid strides to make possible the fulfillment of its primary mission to the fullest possible extent.

On 1 August 1944 one Enlisted Man returned to duty with this organization per VOCO from Detached Service with Headquarters Company, Base One.

The unit continued to operate FEASC Ordnance Depot No 4 with 179 Enlisted Men, 5 Officers, and 1 Warrant Officer.

On the 5 August 1944, 1st Lt. Wilson O. Brown was relieved of additional duty as soldier voting officer, and Captain William A. Gordon assumed said duty per Order # 15 dated 5 August 44.

Warrant Officer Jack C. Lype, was assigned additional duty as Ground Safety Officer for the unit per Order # 16 dated 9 August 1944, and Staff Sergeant Brooks V. Latham was appointed Ground Safety NCO per Order # 17.

On 12 August 1944 the unit was further assigned to VASAC, APO 922 pp 2 secret GO # 10 Hq, FEASC dated 23 July 1944 and effective 10 July 1944. On 8 August 1944, Headquarters VASAC, APO 922 further assigned the unit to the 49th Air Depot Group per Secret GO # 25 dated 8 August 1944 effective 10 July 1944.

The unit was exceptionally busy during the entire month of August 1944. The Automotive Section started assembling trucks, 1/4 Ton 4 x 4 C & R, around the 16 August and in six days assembled thirty-four. This work was done by three separate six man crews. Bach crew assembled over two jeeps a day. This section issued 88 and received 82 vehicles during the month.

The Depot Office processed 247 incoming requisitions during the month. critical items of supply were 7.50 x 20 tires, M & S for G.M.C.. trucks, and 5" sealed beam units for Jeeps. At the end of the month word had been received that enough of each had been shipped from Brisbane to alleviate the situation. Also parts for Harley Davidson Motorcycles are unobtainable through depot supply sources. Most critically needed parts were sprockets front & rear and drive chains. This was taken care of by having the Australian Navy machine the sprockets. Indian motorcycle chain was obtained from Australian 9th Stores Depot. This chain has the same link as Harley-Davidson, but had to be put together in the right length.

On the 29 August 1944 secret GO # 23, Headquartors FEASC, APO 925, dated 13 August 1944 was received reducing the authorized strength of this organization from 180 to 174 Enlisted Men.

A safety program was instigated by the unit with Mr. Lype & Staff Sergeant Latham in charge. Good results were obtained. Only one accident occurred during the month. One Pvt. cut the tip-end off his finger in the bread cutting machine, resulting in a loss of three man days. No serious disability occurred.

In the line of athletics the company was well represented. The baseball team played two games during the month, winning one game. During the month the 49th ADG organized a volley-ball league in which the unit participated. Also the unit had one boxer, Pvt Frank Sbarboro who fought three times during the month with Australians. Pvt Sbarboro won two and got a draw on the third fight.

The morale of the unit was good during the month of August 1944.

The unit was still operating the Ordnance Depot of FEASC Depot No. 4 in September 1944, with 177 Enlisted Men, 5 Officers and 1 Warrant Officer.

On 2 September 1944, one Enlisted Man was assigned and joined the organization from 261st the Replacement Company, APO 923 (Brisbane). S/Sgt. Bennett and Tec 5 Thezan were sent to Gorrie, N.T., with S/Sgt. Bennett acting as Supply Liaison N.C.O., to pick up parts for Australian International Jib-cranes on deadline in the area. The parts were procured on reverse Lend Lease and the vehicles were operating again.

One Pvt. was transferred to the 1909th Ammunition Company on 4 September 1944. Also on 4 September one Corporal and on Technician 5th Grade was reduced to the grade of private.

In compliance with FEAF Reg 35-51 a personnel classification board was appointed consisting of two officers and one enlisted man, per Company Order Number 18, dated 6 September 1944. Also three enlisted men were placed on detached service with Headquarters Squadron, Advanced Echelon, V ASAC, APO 921 (Darwin) on 6 September 1944.

1st Lt. Arthur F. Hermsdorfer, O-1551223, was appointed Unit Intelligence Officer, relieving 1st Lt. Wilson O. Brown, O-1552239 effective 11 September 1944.

On 20 September 1944, a detachment of 2 Officers and 45 Enlisted Men were placed on detached service with Headquarters Squadron, 15th Air Depot Group, APO 922 (Townsville), to operate the Ordnance Depot of Far East Air Service Command Depot Number 2 per par 4 SO # 169, Headquarters V ASAC, APO 922, dated 16 September 1944.

Under the stipulations of Company Order Number 20, dated 22 September 1944, the following changes were made pertaining to additional duties of Officers assigned to the unit; 2nd Lt. Nicholas V. Scali, O-1551731 was relieved of additional duties as Unit War Bond and Insurance Officer and also Alternate Unit Gas Officer, 1st Lt. Arthur P. Hermsdorfer, O-1551223, was designated Alternate Unit Gas Officer, W.O. (jg) Jack C. Lype, W-2107319, was designated Unit War Bond and Insurance Officer, 2nd Lt. Nicholas V. Scali, O-1551731, was appointed Commanding Officer of Detachment "A" 1955th Ordnance Depot Company and Ordnance Property Officer of FEASC Ordnance Depot # 2, APO 922 (Townsville), 2nd Lt. Paul R. Dean, O-1553061, was appointed Warehouse Officer of FEASC Ordnance Depot # 2, APO 922 (Townsville).

2nd Lt. Paul R. Dean, O-1553061, was relieved of additional duties as Unit Exchange and Unit Camouflage Officer and 1st Lt. Wilson O. Brown, 0-1552239, was assigned those additional duties per Company Order Number 21, dated 25 September 1944.

The unit baseball team played four games all of which resulted in victories. The volleyball team played 7 games winning 4 in the second half of the tournament. The unit boxer Pvt. Frank Sbarboro, fought two bouts during September 1944 with the results as follows; one technical knockout, and one draw.

Also during the past month the unit was informed that it would store and issue only those items peculiar to the Air Forces. All other stock was being issued until the supply was exhausted or movement was directed by higher headquarters.

The 1955th continued operation of FEASC Ordnance Depot # 4, APO 921(Darwin) in October 1944, and Detachment "A" composed of 2nd Lt Nicholas V. Scali, 2nd Lt Paul R. Dean, and 45 Enlisted Men operated FEASC Ordnance Depot # 2 at APO 922 (Townsville).

During October 1944, FEASC Ordnance Depot # 4 was instructed to close out the automotive section and revert to handling of items solely peculiar to Air Force. All incoming requisitions on automotive parts were being filled to the extent of stock on hand and items not available were back ordered by the Ordnance S & M Companies through normal supply channels.

The Depot Motor Pool salvaged eleven vehicles placing all serviceable parts into depot stock. Twenty eight (28) GMC trucks cargo, 2 1/2 ton, 6x6, were rolled off the assembly line ready for issue. A total of 202 vehicles of all types were issued to using organizations and 63 vehicles both serviceable and unserviceable were received during the month.

During the same period the Detachment operating Ordnance Depot # 2 at APO 922 (Townsville), in addition to its normal activities packed and crated two thirty-day stock levels as set forth in FEASC SECRET Guide list dated 12 Sep 1944.

During October 1944, the Depot was chiefly concerned with bringing the Air Corps groups up to their required levels of maintenance parts and vehicles as listed in the most recent Addendum and Standard Lists of Equipment.

The activity of all personnel was considerably increased when orders were issued involving shipment of one thousand boxes of clay pidgons. Many of these crates were in poor condition necessitating reinforcement. The chief handicap encountered was lack of tools. Lack of time made it necessary to operate on a twenty-four hour schedule for several days.

On 6 October 1944, Capt. William A. Gordon, O-1551019, was relieved from assignment to the unit and all additional duties and was assigned to the 12th Air Depot Group, APO 922 (Townsville). On the same date 1st. Lt. Arthur F. Hermsdorfer, O-1551223, assumed command and additional duties as Unit Transportation Officer and Presiding Officer on the Unit Personnel Classification Board per Company Order # 22.

Tec 5 Frank J. Pastorella, joined the Unit from Detached Service with the 12th Air Depot Group, at APO 922 (Townsville) and Tec 4 Louis J. Montuero was placed on Detached Service with the 12th Air Depot Group, APO 922 (Townsville), on 24 October 1944•

On 13 October 1944 Sgt Alexander Semenovich, was transferred in grade to Headquarters & Headquarters Detachment 2112 Ordnance Bn (Avn) APO 921 (Darwin).

M/Sgt Russell H. Kinseth was placed on Special Duty at FEASC Ordnance Depot # 2, APO 922 (Townsville), in order to coordinate activities between Depot # 2 and Ordnance Depot # 4. Sgt Kinseth departed for APO 922 (Townsville) on 19 October 1944 and returned to APO 921 (Darwin) on 24 October 1944.

Capt. Earl W. Traster, O-1574166, was assigned and joined the unit and assumed command plus additional duties as Unit Transportation and Unit Historical Officer and Presiding Officer on Unit Personnel Classification Officer vice, Lt Arthur F. Hermsdorfer was relieved, and WO (jg) Jack C. Lype, was relieved of additional duty as member of the Unit Personnel Classification Board on Company Order # 23 dated 25 October 1944.

The company baseball team participated in four games during the month, winning three and losing one. The unit's boxer, Pvt. Frank J Sbarboro fought two bouts, winning one by a technical knockout and losing the other by a knockout.

The first few days of November 1944, saw the unit preparing feverishly without advance notice for a move to Townsville. The did not know whether they would be moving by sea, overland convoy or by air, so they had to plan for all three possibilities.

Logistics were submitted several times each day for nearly a week, depending upon the whims of headquarters as to whether they were to travel by sea, land, or air.

During this period of chaos a number of changes occurred in the unit. Early in the morning of 3 November 1944, Lt. Arthur F. Hermsdorfer, a member of the company since its activation in November 1942, boarded a plane for Brisbane, Australia, where he became a member of the Ordnance Staff, Far East Air Service Command.

Before departing APO 921 (Darwin), a number of promotions were made. Staff Sergeant George H. Bender, Chief Clerk of Detachment "A" at Townsville, became Technical Sergeant. Technicians Fifth Grade Floyd B. Myers and Ronald McEwan, became Technicians Fourth Grade. Privates Russell H. Davis, Robert C. Moser, and Troy E. Sproles became Privates First Class.

On 6 November 1944, the 1955th Ordnance Depot Company (Avn) left Darwin for APO 922 (Townsville) by air. The first of six C-47s and 2 B-24s were loaded with 38,000 pounds of equipment, 2 Officers and 75 Enlisted Men. The 1,200 mile flight to Townsville was rough with a stop to refuel at Inverleigh.

The unit joined its forty-five man Detachment "A" at Townsville and proceeded to close the Ordnance Depot Affiliated with FEASC Depot # 2. At the time of their arrival at Townsville, 1st Lt. Martin H. Mauss, who transferred from the Ordnance Office, Far East Air Service Command, had already reported for duty•

Shortly after their arrival at Townsville, the unit was assigned to the 12th Air Depot Group, with Col. E. V. Pettis, as Commanding Officer. Other than VOCO the unit had no knowledge of orders moving it from APO 921 (Darwin) to Townsville •

Th main unit left behind, Detachment "B" in Darwin which comprised 3 Officers, 1 Warrant Officer, and 55 Enlisted Men to close down the operations of the Far East Air Service Command Ordnance Depot Number 4 . 2nd Lt. Paul R. Dean flew in from Townsville Depot #2 and assumed command of Detachment "B" in Darwin. The following personnel of the Detachment remained in Darwin:-

1st Lt. Wilson O. Brown was relieved from assignment with Detachment "B" on 7 November 1944 and assigned to duty with 1617th Ordnance S & M Company (Avn), 45th Service Group, APO 922, per par 6, Special Order 200, Headquarters, V ASAC, APO 922, dated 25 October 1944. 1st Lt. Brown's transfer did not become effective until he arrived from APO 921 (Darwin) on 8 November 1944.

Also on 7 November 1944, Detachment "B" became attached to Headquarters & Headquarters Det, 2112th Ordnance Battalion (Avn), per par 8, Special Order 77, Headquarters, 49th Air Depot Group, APO 921 (Darwin).

On 10 November 1944, two Enlisted Men formerly on Detached Service with Advance Echelon, V ASAC, were placed on Detached Service with 5288th Air Base Command, upon termination of duties of the aforementioned command at this base.

Warrant Officer (jg) Jack C. Lype departed Detachment "B" in Darwin on 11 November 1944 by water, for the purpose of accompanying organizational impedimenta to APO 922 (Townsville) for delivery to the Commanding Officer in Townsville.

2d Lt. Paul R. Dean was assigned the additional duty of Supply Officer and 2d Lt. Erwin L. Hamill was assigned additional duties as Detachment Censor, Gas officer, War Bond Officer, Historical Officer, and Transportation Officer per Detachment Order Number 2, dated 13 November 1944. 2nd Lt. Hamill also assumed additional duties as Information and Education Officer per Detachment Order Number 3, dated 13 November 1944, and as Personnel Officer per Detachment Order Number 4, dated 14 November 1944.

One Enlisted Man departed Darwin on Detached Service for the purpose of rest and recuperation at Adelaide, South Australia on 16 November 1944, per letter orders, Headquarters, 5288th Air Base Command, dated 15 November 1944, and returned on 29 November 1944.

On 19 November 1944, one Enlisted Man was transferred to Headquarters Squadron, FEASC, APO 923, per par 19, Special Order 213, Headquarters, V ASAC, APO 922, dated 8 November 1944.

On 30 November 1944, Detachment "B" in Darwin comprised 2 Officers and 54 Enlisted Men and was maintaining operations of 7 warehouses, an Ordnance Motor Pool, and Detachment overhead administrative and supply functions. Consequently each individual Officer and Enlisted Mean was busily engaged in his prime duties.

On 9 November 1944, Lt. Mauss, Master Sergeant Dawson, Technical Sergeant Bender, Technicians Fourth Grade Gannon and Montuoro, and Technician Fifth Grade Knauer, left by troopship for the Philippines to act as an Advanced Echelon in setting up the future Ordance Depot in the Philippines.

Also on 9 November 1944, the unit was handed three noncoms, none of whom they could use. To illustrate the apparently muddled personnel situation in higher headquarters it was noteworthy to mention that two of the sergeants wondered, upon assignment to the unit, just "what ordnance was supposed to do." The third of the three, a master sergeant, had five years of automotive shop experience, had been shop foreman for 1 1/2 years, was a career soldier, and obviously was excellently trained for a maintenance position. However, unfortunately, being an ordnance depot company and not a maintenance company, the unit classified the master sergeant as grossly mal-assigned. On 10 November 1944, a corporal reported for duty with the same Military Occupational Specialty as the two sergeants mentioned above.

On 15 November 1944, Lt. Nicholas V. Scali was transferred to the 1540th Ordnance Supply and Maintenance Company (Avn).

During the period of their short stay in Townsville, the Classification Officer of V Air Service Area Command was invited to look over the well bumbled classification situation in the unit. Up to October 1944, report form 127, the organization fitted everybody into a Table of Organization slot whether the individual knew anything about the particular job or not and regardless of whether the organization was even using the Military Occupational Specialty as shown on the Table of Organization.

Accordingly 62 Enlisted Men out of 112 present for duty were reclassified, though many were overlooked and many mistakes were made in classification. The classification non-coms would inquire of an Enlisted Man who, for instance, may have been a basic, "Can you drive a truck?". Of course the Enlisted Man, brightening up, would say "Sure". So he would become a truck driver. However, the net result of the visit of the reclassification team was a welcome clarification of the unit's occupational specialty picture.

On 21 November 1944, Mr. Lype arrived aboard the tramp steamer, "San Simeon", with the organizational impedimenta shipped from APO 921 (Darwin).

The unit was rather ideally set up in Townsville. There was plenty of space, shade, and room to work. However, after the Depot closed, the only work was the reboxing of the equipment off the "San Simeon". Approximately one third of all the company's organizational equipment was left at APO 921 (Darwin) for use of Detachment "B". Table H was loaded on the Liberty Ship "Louis Sullivan", as was all the organizational supplies and equipment, during the closing week of November 1944.

During the month of November 1944, morale seemed fairly high despite an influx of non-coms. Several factors were responsible for this. First, Townsville, such as it was, is still a city, which meant beer and women. After ten months at APO 921 (Darwin), the men relished this almost as much as a return to the States. The only limitations were time available and money.

Detachment "B" of the 1955th Ordnance Depot Company (Avn) was still maintaining the operation of the Ordnance Section of FEASC Depot No. 4 in Darwin in December 1944. The Ordnance Section consisted of seven warehouses and an Ordnance Motor Pool. The Detachment also had an overhead of Administrative and Supply functions due to the fact that the two Officers and Enlisted Men of the Detachment were not attached to an organization for those purposes.

On 18 December 1944, 2nd Lt. Paul R. Dean, Detachment Commander, was designated Ordnance Property Officer (as additional duty) of FEASC Depot No. 4, per par 1 Special Order No. 4, Headquarters, FEASC Depot No. 4, dated 18 December 1944.

Private Earl W. Row, 33366537, was relieved from Detached Service with Hqs. & Hqs. Sq., 5288th Air Base Comd (P), APO 921, per Verbal Order Commanding Officer (VOCO). On 9 December 1944, V.O.C.O. were confirmed and recorded per par 3 Special Order No. 20, Headquarters, 5288th Air Base Command (P), APO 921.

For a period of two days the Officers and Enlisted Men of Detachment "B" were interviewed by the Classification Survey Board. The Primary MOS number of twenty eight Enlisted Men was changed on Special Order No. 98, Headquarters, 49th Air Depot Group, APO 921, dated 28 December 1944. Authority for the Changes: FEASC, Classification Survey Board, and FEAF Regulation 35-5, dated 3 August 1944.

Six Enlisted Men departed Darwin on Detached Service, to Adelaide, S.A., for the purpose of rest and recuperation, per Letter Orders, Headquarters, 5288th Air Base Command (P), APO 921. The morale during the month of December 1944 was excellent, this being chiefly due to the quota of men allowed on Detached Service to Adelaide.

One Enlisted Man, Charles F. Henderson, 36477512, was hospitalized, in the 65th Station Hospital, APO 921 (Darwin), on 2 December 1944, and remained there for the entire month of December 1944.

Pvt Francis Moran, 12145723, was still on Detached Service with Hq & Hg Sq, 5288th Air Base Command (P), APO 921 per Special Order No. 1, Headquarters, 5288th Air Base Comd (P), dated 10 November 1944•

On 31 December 1944, the personnel of Detachment "B" in Darwin comprised 2 Officers and 54 Enlisted Men. No changes had occurred in the key personnel. These Enlisted Men were engaged in the primary duties of: Chief Clerk, Depot Motor Pool, Automotive Supply, Assistant, Chief Clerk, and Ordnance General Supply.

On 21 December 1944, the Personnel (Enlisted) of this Detachment had completed one year of overseas duty.

On 1 December 1944, the 1955th Ordnance Depot Company (Avn) in Townsville, tore down all its tentage in order that it could be either returned to the Quartermaster or deck loaded so as to facilitate its use immediately upon arrival in the Philippines. The sad part about this was that as soon as the tentage was disposed of Townsville had its first rain in ten months. Arrangements were quickly made to house the men in Helton Hall, the Depot # 2 recreation hall, but this was only after everything and everybody was well soaked.

On 1 December 1944, Master Sergeant Russel H. Kinseth was transferred to the detachment of Patients 89th Station Hospital. Sergeant Kinseth had been Depot Chief Clerk since coming overseas.

Early in the morning of 2 December 1944, the unit formed in front of Helton Hall, bag and baggage, boarded trucks which took them to the Townsville Harbour. Three Officers, and 115 Enlisted Men boarded the S.S. Louis Sullivan, operated by the American Mail Line, at 0830 hours. The S.S. Louis Sullivan sailed out of Townsville Harbor at 0925 hours. Aboard ship they were attached to the 4th Air Depot Group for rations. No orders were published on this.

As in the case of the unit moving to Townsville from APO 921 (Darwin), no orders other than VOCO ever came to the attention of the company.

On 8 December 1944, the S.S. Louis Sullivan dropped anchor in Humboldt Bay, off Hollandia, in Dutch New Guinea.

They sat there until 30 December 1944 when, as a member of a large convoy of cargo transports, they finally hoisted anchor and steamed northward, crossing the equator about noon on 31 December 1944.

Morale aboard the S.S. Louis Sullivan was surprisingly good in light of the almost unbelievably poor conditions in which the men were forced to live. The food was excellent. The Officers managed to get aboard beer, cokes, cigars, cigarettes, and a modest Post Exchange. The men, therefore, could then spend most of their time sweating out the three chow lines and three mess kit lines per day, plus the coke and beer lines, in addition to the daily Post Exchange line.

Detachment "B" of the 1955th Ordnance Depot Company (Avn) in Darwin was relieved from assignment to Headquarters, 2112th Ordnance Battalion (Avn), APO 921 (Darwin), without change of station, effective 10 November 1944, per General Order No. 1, Headquarters, 5288th Air Base Command (P), APO 921, dated 10 January 1945.

2nd Lt. Paul R. Dean, 0-1553061, was designated Assistant Administrative and Technical Inspector, 2112th Ordnance Battalion (Avn), additional duty, per par 4, Special Order No. 5, Headquarters, 2112th Ordnance Battalion (Avn), APO 921, dated 30 January 1945.

Under provisions of AR 615-5 and Sec II, USAFFE Cir. No. 110, dated 16 December 1944, 11 Enlisted Men, from Detachment "B", were promoted to the grade of Private First Class, per par 2, Special Order No. 1, Headquarters 2112th Ordnance Battalion (Avn), dated 13 January 1945.

On 17 January 1945 one Enlisted Man was promoted to the grade of Private First Class per par 2, Special Order No. 4, Headquarters, 2112th Ordnance Battalion (Avn).

During the month of January 1945 no changes occurred in the key personnel of Detachment "B" in Darwin. The unit strength remained at 2 Officers and 54 Enlisted Men. Three men were sent to the 65th Station Hospital, APO 921 (Darwin), during the month and all returned to Detachment "B" for duty.

Nineteen men departed Darwin on Detached Service to Adelaide S.A., during January 1945, for the purpose of rest and recuperation, per Letter Orders, Headquarters, 5288th Air Base Command (P), APO 921. Since the activation of Detachment "B" on 6 November 1944, a total of twenty six men have been placed on Detached Service, for the above mentioned purpose, the morale of the personnel in this unit was considered as excellent.

All personnel of Detachment "B" completed one year of service in continental Australia on 12 January 1945.

Every effort was made to thoroughly familiarize all personnel of Detachment "B" in Ordnance General Supplies peculiar to the Air Forces and very satisfactory results were attained.

During January 1945, the Ordnance Depot in Darwin began initial operations under the provisions of USAFFE Regulations 20-5, dated 17 October 1944, as amended. Also in compliance with that authority the initial monthly inventory of depot stocks were taken and completed within a two day period. One complete warehouse, formerly stocked with automotive parts, was relinquished to the Ordnance S & M Company at the station and subject stocks were removed to other warehouses.

In January 1945, Detachment "B" was operating a total of 6 warehouses, a Salvage Section, and a Depot motor Pool, the last mentioned being chiefly engaged in the proper, storage, issue, receipt, and necessary maintenance of motor vehicles then on hand.

On 31 January 1945, all the aforementioned phases of Ordnance Supply were being accomplished by a total of 2 Officers and 54 Enlisted Men and no serious obstacles were being encountered, despite an apparent minimum of operating personnel.

The main unit (less Detachments) of the 1955th Ordnance Depot Company (Avn) spent the first week of January 1945 aboard the S.S. Louis Sullivan. On 6 January 1944 they sighted Siardao Island, off Leyte, and early on 7 January they anchored off Dulag, Leyte Island.

They disembarked from the S.S. Louis Sullivan in the rain on the evening of 7 January 1944, by means of a Landing Craft Tank LCT. The state of the disorganization between ship and shore resulted in them having to leave on board their two deck loaded trucks with minimum essential equipment. But that state of disorganization was inconsequential compared to the situation on the beach. The people in the 4th Air Depot Group took care of themselves and the 1955th was left to shift for itself. One Officer would say, "Go this way" and the next one asked would say, "Go that way." The result of this shambles was that they slept on the beach that rainy night. Thus began their time no longer based in Australia.

On 18 February 1945, 1st Lt. Arthur F. Hermsdorfer, Ordnance Section, Far East Air Service Command, arrived at Depot # 4 in Darwin with instructions to supervise the necessary disposition of Ordnance Depot Supplies preparatory to movement of Detachment "B" to another predetermined location. Proper steps were initiated Immediately to adjust all outstanding accounts, and hurried preparations were accomplished to provide requirements for packing, crating, and marking of all depot stocks. Due to unpremeditated circumstances encountered with individuals in possession of Ordnance property, and also last-minute transactions which were prerequisite in attaining desired finalization of property records, unwarranted delay and interference with operating procedure was caused. Supreme effort and prolonged consecutive periods of laborious duty were put forth by a comparatively minimum number of personnel in comparison with the broad concept of the mission to be accomplished.

Just four days prior to receipt of the above assignment, personnel of Detachment "B" were busily engaged in the preparation and necessary transporting and supervision in loading of ninety-four unserviceable vehicles to appropriate consignee at APO 923 (Brisbane).

Despite the aforementioned difficulties, it became a certainty that this all-out combined effort would succeed in accomplishing the assigned objective. Consequently on 23 February 1945, the final details were completed and closing of Depot #4 in Darwin was effected. Pertinent property records and related supporting correspondence files were then boxed and prepared for shipment in accordance with existing theater regulations governing disposition thereof.

A total of fourteen C-47's were to be made available for movement of personnel and organizational impedimenta to APO 920. The initial plane arrived 24 February 1945, and one Officer, 2nd Lt. Erwin L. Hamill, and 3 Enlisted Men departed at that time for Biak. Detachment "B", comprising two Officers and fifty-three Enlisted Men closed its Darwin FEASC Ordnance Depot # 4, turning its meager remains over to the 1801 Ordnance Supply and Maintenance Company on 25 February 1945. On 25 February 1945, four additional Enlisted Men departed, and the succeeding day 2nd Lt. Paul R. Dean and thirty-six Enlisted Men loaded onto three C-47s. This phase of air movement resulted in ten Enlisted Men remaining at APO 921 (Darwin) awaiting transportation.

As per enclosed wire, Commanding General, Far East Air Service Command, the original allocation of fourteen planes was reduced to six, consequently, the major portion of urgently needed organizational equipment had to be left behind. This created a serious hazard inasmuch as forthcoming operations would be vitally affected thereby. On the last day of February 1945, two Officers and forty-three Enlisted men has arrived at their destination, and the remaining ten Enlisted Men were expected to join the Detachment within a very short time. Lt Dean, the capable Commander of Detachment "B", advised that they were ordered on the planes without the majority of their equipment despite the properly quoted logistics for air travel and the fact that the equipment was prepared for air shipment. Detachment "B" would then operate the Ordnance Depot at APO 920 (Darwin), relieving the 194th Ordnance Company Avn.

Restart page 148

REFERENCES

AFHRA Reel A0361

Can anyone help me with more information?

"Australia @ War" WWII Research Products

This page first produced 13 December 2024

This page last updated 14 December 2024