The Wilkins Chronicle A selection of Wilkins-related Trove articles, incorporating advertisements and cartoons from the day

Please note * indicates that the photo used 29 March 1941 — Sydney “Daily Mirror” World Cable is taken from the Sir George Hubert Wilkins New York Help for Australia Service. Papers, SPEC.PA.56.0006, Byrd Polar and The Anzac War Relief Fund which is Truth (Brisbane, Qld), Sunday 29 June Climate Research Center Archival controlled by 300 Australians living in New 1941, page 23. Program, Ohio State University York has donated 55 ambulances to the https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/2 Australian Red Cross Society. 03207334 1941 The value of these ambulances is estimated at £25,000.

Among the well-known Australians on the executive committee are singer Majorie Lawrence, pianist-composer Percy Grainger, and polar explorer Sir Hubert Wilkins. Australian representatives are Mr. C. K. Gamble and Mr. C. H. Tovell, of the Vacuum Oil Co. Daily News (Perth, WA), Saturday 29 March 1941, page 33. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/7 8562504

12 April 1941 WAR BRINGS FORGOTTEN Adventures in Balkans Talking to Mr. T. R. Wilkins the other day about the services of his brother Sir An advertisement from (Truth (Brisbane, Qld), Sunday 29 Hubert Wilkins in the present war, I June 1941, page 23.). Looks like Marshal Wilkins has ridden into town. Photo reminded him that the present phase of the dated 1941. *OSU Polar Archives [wilkins35_11_7]. struggle would probably deepen that 12 July 1941 veteran adventurer's desire to be back in the Bombs Greet Explorer 17 January 1941 thick of things again. Sir Hubert’s SAYINGS OF SUZANNE. CHUNGKING. Saturday. adventures began in the Balkans and have Sir Hubert Wilkins, the Australian explorer, HURRAH FOR HUBERT. never stopped since. He is now on an arrived in Chungking on a meteorological Have just heard that, our very own Sir official mission in America after his visit to mission today a few hours before 60 Hubert Wilkins turned up after a long plane England with the object of joining one of Japanese bombers roared over the outskirts journey at the Day of Prayer arranged at the the fighting services, but, as his brother of China’s wartime capital. The bombers World’s Fair in New York. says, “He may be anywhere next week: did not reach the heart of the city, but Wonder if his lady accompanied him. when he moves, he moves quickly.” In the bombed suburban areas. No details of Last we saw of the pair Hubert was hiding Turkish-Bulgarian war he was a special casualties or damage have been released by in the bathroom at their suite in the South correspondent with the Turkish Army, and the Chungking authorities. for fear we interviewed him, but emerged to took the first moving pictures of the —A.A.P. eat bread and butter and drink pots of tea. campaign. It was his amazing exploits in Lady Wilkins, who wanted a star on her the Balkans which first attracted the bedroom door so to write, in true theatrical attention of Stefansson the explorer, who fashion, was in bed in a black astrachan after-wards made the young Australian collared suit, plus an eiderdown and a fire second-in-command of his own Arctic in the grate. expedition, and always held that Wilkins The Taubers were occupying the star was the bravest man he had ever met. suite upstairs, a fact which caused Lady The explorer’s brother, who lives at Wilkins to remark bitterly and dramatically Myrtle Bank, had his own share of early at the reception desk. “Don’t they know the adventures in Africa, and was decorated by Wilkins even, exist, in Adelaide.” Hubert’s King George V. at Buckingham Palace for troubles were that he hated publicity and gallantry in action. It would take a strong fuss of any kind, and was in the habit, of team of wild horses to get from him any disconnecting the apparatus he wore to story of his own exploits, but the fact that mitigate his deafness if he didn’t happen to they were temperamentally two of a kind take a fancy to the speaker. He assured us has given him the greater interest in his that he wore his famous face fur for warmth brother’s later ventures, which are always and not for swank. faithfully chronicled, from the ends of the Sport (Adelaide SA), Friday 17 January earth to the Adelaide home. Sir Hubert Wilkins. 1941, page 2. News (Adelaide, SA), Saturday 12 April https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/2 1941, page 5. Sun (Sydney, NSW), Saturday 12 July 16292220 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/1 1941, page 3. 31966603 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/2

31631084 29 June 1941 Norwegian Airmen 17 July 1941 LONDON, Saturday. — Sir Hubert Wilkins. Commander Riiser Larsen, well-known Coming To Australia. Polar flyer who has been associated with Sir Hubert Wilkins, the South Australian many famous explorers, including the Australian, Sir Hubert Wilkins, is leading explorer and lecturer, will arrive in A cinema advertisement from the (Sport (Adelaide SA) Australia soon on the last stage of a tour of Friday 17 January 1941, page 2.). the volunteer Norwegian airmen now training in Canada, it was revealed today. Pacific countries. He is making the tour in the interests of the Executive Business 1

The Wilkins Chronicle A selection of Wilkins-related Trove articles, incorporating advertisements and cartoons from the day

Men’s Clubs in 100 important cities in the Wellington Times (NSW), Thursday 11 in Australia at the end of August to United States, and the purpose is to enable September 1941, page 1. investigate forecasting on a universal scale. him to speak more authoritatively, in view https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/1 News (Adelaide, SA), Friday 1 August of recent developments, on American- 41621906 1941, page 3. Australian cooperation and the position in https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/1 the western Pacific and the Far East. 19 July 1941 31525337 Sir Hubert Wilkins left Los Angeles on To Visit Homeland June 2. In a letter to his brother, Mr. T. W. 25 August 1941 Wilkins, of Myrtle Bank, he said that he AUSTRALIANS MANOEUVRE planned to visit Honolulu, Japan, Shanghai, IN JUNGLE Manila, Hongkong, Chungking, the Burma road, Rangoon, Singapore, Batavia. —oOo— Sourabaya and Australia. He indicated that Mock Warfare in Native Villages. he planned to leave Sydney on his return to Tough Fighting Units. the United States on September 19. Australian troops in Malaya are rapidly Chronicle (Adelaide, SA), Thursday 17 becoming accustomed to jungle conditions. July 1941, page 19. Mock warfare in native villages, nights https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/9 spent in torrential rain, familiarity with 2416554 snakes, scorpions and other deadly pests that abound in the jungle, have rounded the 3 September 1941 Australians into tough units, eminently ???? of fighting in their new environment. Sir H. Wilkins’s Visit Sir Hubert Wilkins, the famous Australian SYDNEY, September 4.— explorer and lecturer, who has just returned Sir Hubert Wilkins, the Australian Oaks from visits to Japan occupied and free flora and lecturer, has arrived in Sydney to China and Thailand, made a tour through conduct an independent economic and Malaya, where he saw the Australians in social survey affecting cooperation between training. He said that, in physique and the United States, Australia, China and the morale, the men lacked nothing in Dutch East Indies. comparison with members of the Australian He said that he would submit the results Flying Corps, of which he was captain in of his survey with recommendations, to the last war. more than 75,000 business executives in Sir Hubert Wilkins, South Australian Sir Hubert visited an Australian bivouac 150 cities of the United States. explorer and lecturer, will be back in his in the jungle, where he found men sleeping Sir Hubert added that existing conditions homeland shortly. The visit will be on the in small shelters with water-proof sheets for had necessitated the postponement of last stages of a tour of Pacific countries roofing and mosquito netting for walls. further stages of his Arctic and Antarctic which he is making in the interests of the Bren guns were set up in fixed positions meteorological research work, in relation to Executive Business Men’s Clubs in 100 around the bivouac to provide a field of fire long-range forecasting, and in its general important cities, in the United States. This against attack. The men were very keen on economic bearing. World-wide cooperation trip will enable Sir Hubert to speak more jungle exercises, even in tropical rain, and was essential if such work was to be authoritatively on recent developments in preferred their nights out to comparative effective. American Australian cooperation. comfort in their usual quarters. The United States, he said was following Mail (Adelaide, SA), Saturday 19 July A highlight of Sir Hubert’s tour was an economic and political developments in 1941, page 17. “attack” on a native village. Dodging from Australia with extraordinary interest, and it cover to cover, the men “captured” a vital would be keenly interested, through its https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/5 bridge, dashed to a vantage point above the business executives, in his survey of 5833781 village and, from there, employed guerilla Australian conditions. tactics. Townsville Daily Bulletin (Qld), 5 1 August 1941 SAW OUR MEN IN MALAYA This mock-warfare at first scared the September 1941 page 5. villagers, but, when they became Visit by Explorer https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/6 accustomed to the fire of blank ammunition SINGAPORE, July 31. — 1798598 and the sight of Australians, drenched with Australian troops in Malaya have been sweat and yelling like dervishes, leaping visited by Sir Hubert Wilkins, the South 11 September 1941 over ditches, around the corners of huts, Australian-born explorer who has recently jumping from wood-stacks to lines of been in China and Japan. washing, they regarded the whole display as After talking with the men he told Maj.- a high-class entertainment staged for their Gen. Gordon Bennett, G.O.C., A.I.F., benefit. Malaya, that they obviously felt they were

now doing a vital job in view of recent In Deadly Earnest developments. The Australians, however, played their Sir Hubert Wilkins said that the Japanese game in deadly earnest. bombing of Chungking was intensive but In open country, Sir Hubert saw Bren gun futile. carriers manoeuvring. At another point he In addition to refugees, more and more inspected a casualty clearing station with an people were going to the city every day and operating theatre and an X-ray plant. the city’s business was increasing. Attached to the station was a mobile In Manchukuo and Japanese-occupied bacteriological laboratory, comprising two China, government was not being three-ton trucks and a car and staffed by a maintained with the goodwill of the pathologist, a sergeant who is a Batchelor Chinese. Many Japanese were tired of the of Science, and four men. The outfit can war and felt they could more readily move at half an hour’s notice, and is ready cooperate with China without military for service 30 minutes after, it reaches its occupation. destination. Sir Hubert Wilkins, who is interested in Sir Hubert Wilkins, noted explorer and economist, just long-range weather forecasting, will arrive arrived from the Far East, says he was popular in Russia, because he resembled Lenin. 2

The Wilkins Chronicle A selection of Wilkins-related Trove articles, incorporating advertisements and cartoons from the day

Anti-malaria patrols — natives carrying told his companions that a plane could be TO AID DISTRIBUTION cylinders from which they spray, kerosene used in the Polar Regions, and proved it If supply could be guaranteed, then he — were seen in the rubber plantations. conclusively in 1928 by navigating a plane thought there would be a better chance of “Everywhere native children gave the over the North Pole. arranging for distribution without having to “thumbs up” sign and piped “Hallo, Joe,” in He also had ambitions to go by set up tariff walls and trade for high profit newly-acquired Australian. submarine to the pole, but an attempt in as we did today in order to attain cash There was widespread evidence of 1931 failed by 200 miles. Wilkins missed security. goodwill and cooperation between the the start of World War I. through being in At present, Sir Hubert went on, only natives and Australian troops, a sympathy the Arctic, but he saw enough fighting to wastelands were being used to examine that may be of incomparable value if ever win the Military Cross and bar. He was the weather prospects, and research was needed guerrilla warfare in the jungle becomes a navigator on one of the early flights from in the Polar Regions to make a necessity. England to Australia, and once when comprehensive picture of air mass Armidale Express and New England pressed for money he sold his plane to two movement throughout the world. General Advertiser (NSW), Monday 25 fellow-Australians, who did not have much “It would be necessary to establish bases August 1941, page 5. money themselves but flew the plane across with scientists to collect information and to the Pacific. They were Kingsford Smith and cooperate with centres in different parts of https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/1 Ulm, the world. 92559582 News (Adelaide, SA), Friday 18 July 1941, “There is nothing more inter-national

than the weather,” Sir Hubert said. “The 1 September 1941 page 2. weather does not obey any flag or recognise GERMANS IN JAPAN https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/1 any frontier. 31522729 “Universal interest and universal cooperation are required to make long-

range forecasting a success and a valuable economic factor for the world in general.” Sir Hubert, who has visited Great Britain, America, China, Japan, Thailand, Malaya and the Dutch East Indies, will leave for Adelaide by the Westland on Saturday. Daily News (Perth, WA), Thursday 28 August 1941, page 11. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/8 3280332

30 August 1941 Sir H. Wilkins’ Plan Long-Range Weather Forecasting KALGOORLIE, Friday.— A plan for automatic radio weather reporting stations in the Antarctic and Arctic was outlined today by Sir Hubert Wilkins, the Australian explorer, who has

Australian Polar explorer, Sir Hubert returned, to Australia after a tour of East Wilkins, is in Australia after visiting Japan Asia. The perfection of the shortwave radio en route from America. He says thousands had been largely responsible for recent of Germans in Japan are trying to force advances in long-range weather forecasting, Japan into the war. He says Japan’s he said. The aim was to establish problem is 70 per cent, economic and 30 meteorological stations in the polar region, per cent. military. about 300 in the north and at least nine in the south, and take readings at any time of Daily Examiner (Grafton, NSW), Monday 1 the day in any part of the world. September 1941, page 5. These readings would be submitted to https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/1 observations and collation, and reliable 92149618 forecasts issued. The readings would be automatic and sent at pre-determined 18 July 1941 Above are cartoons from the (News (Adelaide, SA), Friday intervals by radio. No officers of any sort Passing By 18 July 1941, page 2.) would be required in these stations. The BY MR PIM long-range forecast would predetermine Local Boy Makes Good. 28 August 1941 periods of drought and plenty and would be A warm welcome awaits Sir Hubert Explorer His Aims of inestimable value to the economic Wilkins in South Australia, for this famous Sir Hubert Wilkins, noted Australian outlook of the world. That the plan was explorer, who is now on his way back to his Polar explorer, has arrived in Perth, after practicable was proved by the recent native land, was born at Mount Bryan 52 two years’ absence abroad. experience in America, where 90 per cent; years ago. He said today that his work must remain accuracy 12 months ahead, had been He learned electrical engineering at the in abeyance until after the war, when he obtained and a reasonable degree of School of Mines, but he wanted to live proposed to go right ahead with inquiries accuracy three and four years ahead. dangerously, and before he was 25 was into long-range seasonal forecasting in the After the outbreak of war the American taking cinematograph pictures of a war in Polar Regions. workers in this field were the only ones able the Balkans. His next ambition was to visit In his opinion this field offered one of to proceed. The validity of the scientific the Antarctic, but when a trip to the Arctic the solutions of the world’s problems, basis was demonstrated by the fact that was offered him he decided that the other because with information available in American business concerns claim to have end of the earth might be just as interesting. advance as to seasons in the various saved millions of dollars annually as the The ship Karluk drifted to its doom, and countries, the question of demand and result of the planning for production made the explorers had to escape over ice floes. supply could be regulated to advantage. possible by meteorological forecasts. While making their way to safety, Wilkins 3

The Wilkins Chronicle A selection of Wilkins-related Trove articles, incorporating advertisements and cartoons from the day

“The economic basis of the war,” said Sir Interest in Australia standard medium of exchange, according to Hubert Wilkins, “is one of the war causing Interest in Australia had been growing expert opinions he had heard. factors we can do something about. We very materially for some time, especially On his arrival in the East-West express have exploited the land and the sea and since Mr. Casey’s appointment he said. It on Saturday night, Sir Hubert Wilkins was must now depend on our exploitation of the reached a high peak when the A.I.F. made met by three brothers and a sister. Messrs. air to improve human conditions. We have the advances in North Africa, and again T. W. Wilkins (Myrtle Bank), F. J. S tried religion and politically-controlled Wilkins (Malvern), F. E. Wilkins (St. economics, but without success in Leonards), and Mrs A. Cockshell preventing war and other, economic ills. (Adelaide). Other brothers are Messrs. H. We must now try scientifically controlled W. Wilkins (Victor Harbor), and A. H. economics.” Wilkins (Strathalbyn). He left for Warwick Daily News (Qld), Saturday 30 Melbourne in the express last night. August 1941, page 6. Advertiser (Adelaide, SA), Monday 1 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/1 September 1941, page 8. 86811367 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/4 4955002

4 September 1941 “If the Axis Powers succeed in Russia, the Japanese will make more strenuous efforts to develop their new East Asia policy,” declared Sir Hubert Wilkins, Australian economist and explorer, today. “But I don’t think Russia will be defeated, and I think the Japanese would find it more profitable to trade with Australia than attempt an invasion. “Even if

An advertisement from the (Advertiser (Adelaide, SA), Japan succeeded in subjugating the East Monday 1 September 1941, page 8.). Asia nations, she would not be likely to attempt to enter Australia immediately.” when it put up a stand in Crete. The Sir Hubert, who has come from Japan and An advertisement from the(Warwick Daily News (Qld), Americans had a high admiration for what China to continue an independent economic Saturday 30 August 1941, page 6.). we had done in the war. “Some of them and social survey in Australia before were just as much grieved at our losses as returning to the United States, said that 1 September 1941 many Australians would be,” he said. “To what would happen in East Asia would de- U.S. READY FOR “SHOOTING WAR” some extent, the spotlight is on Australia, pend on the situation in Europe. “Would Respond To Appeal” and we must not under estimate the “The general opinion of people I spoke to America could be induced to start a attention paid to our politics.” in Japan — business people and military “shooting war” against the Nazis if Britain There was still a great need for much people also — was that it would be far made a frank appeal for that sort of help in more official publicity. Sir Hubert added. better to develop trade with Australia than an acute emergency, said Sir Hubert We had never yet efficiently undertaken the invade Australia. Wilkins, South Australian explorer and distribution of publicity in America, and They had no aggressive attitude towards lecturer, who passed through Adelaide at apparently had never realised die need for Australia as Australia. “Insofar as we are the weekend on his way to Melbourne and it. part of the British Commonwealth of Sydney. He is on the last stages of a tour of After the war this country would firm Nations, which is blocking Japan’s East Pacific countries making enquiries on itself in trade competition with America for Asia movement, there is a feeling against behalf of a private group in the United the sub-Asiatic and other markets, and there us: but this is against British policy, not States. should be a greater exchange of Ministers against the people here or in Britain.” “Americans are highly emotional, or other high representatives if we were sincere, and outspoken, and capable of fully to understand requirements. We could Chinese Pressure quick reactions,” he said. “So far Britain not take the role of leader in a sub-Asiatic Sir Hubert said he did not think Japan has told them, and they believe her, that sphere if we did not make fuller efforts to would be able to retain a foothold in China, materials only are needed. America is obtain a greater national knowledge of the even in occupied China. “I believe that, supplying these. The majority of Americans economic and social position of our with the development of the cooperative believe in our type of civilisation against neighbours. movement throughout China and occupied anything the Nazis would impose, and I So far as he could see, said Sir Hubert China, the Chinese will be able not only to believe that, if ever we really needed Wilkins, the only post-war economic resist Japan but to put forward enough American man-power to assist us in system in sight was an exchange plan. To pressure — economic, not physical — to upholding it, that manpower would be execute this would require long range force the Japanese to with draw. “ forthcoming.” planning, providing for surplus crops in one The Chinese in occupied territories will Sir Hubert visited 47 of the 48 American country, for instance, to be available to not produce more than the essentials for a States before he left on his tour some weeks another whose crops had failed. We would livelihood until the country is again under ago. He said that “war consciousness,” for have to know with certainty what their control. I have seen the tremendous some time noticeable mainly on the eastern commodities we would have at a given development made in Russia during the past seaboard, had spread through the so-called future date. There was a growing realisation 15 years,” said Sir Hubert.” I was prepared isolationist Middle West and percolated in most countries he had visited that such a for the magnificent stand the Russians have through to the Pacific Coast.” plan was necessary. made. “The Russians now realise that every Sir Hubert said it was important to Irrespective of who won the war there part of Russia is partly owned by every remove a somewhat common would be a Federated Europe he said, and individual, no matter to which union or misconception that Americans needed there would obviously be some sort of soviet of the union he belongs. Each man is “working up” by various subtle means into Federated sub-Asiatic sphere in which fighting for his own backyard.” a shooting stage. “Be frank and tell them Australia would play a prominent role. Sun (Sydney, NSW), Thursday 4 September the truth when you really need them, and Although barter would, no doubt, be 1941, page 2. they’ll come,” he said. practised to some considerable extent, gold https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/2 would undoubtedly continue to be the 31625947 4

The Wilkins Chronicle A selection of Wilkins-related Trove articles, incorporating advertisements and cartoons from the day

conflict he won a reputation for almost foolhardy, though never foolish, daring. He always had a purpose when he took, a risk. At the age of 10 he went, to England. His father became headmaster of Brentwood Grammar School, Essex, which Charlie attended for four years, transferring at 14 to Clifton College, Bristol, which includes among its ex-pupils Birdwood and Haig. Four years later young Bean went to Hertford College, Oxford University, and in clue course sat for the Indian Civil Service examination. Fate decided that this was no good for a future historian and Beau failed to get through. He then studied law, and A cartoon from (Sun (Sydney, NSW), Thursday 4 went to the Bar of Inner Temple in 1903, September 1941, page 2.). aged twenty-four. He came back to Australia in 1904, became member of the NSW Bar, Associate 1942 to Justice Owen, and amateur writer. T. W. Heney, the editor of “Sydney 30 May 1942 Morning Herald,” liked a series of articles DODGED BULLETS IN SEARCH OF which young Bean had written, offered him on in the dark, past the old Anzac boundary, TRUTH. a job, and in 1908 the judge’s associate still looking for the 4th Brigade. Its march became a junior journalist. had been delayed, and he was well on the It was on assignment from the “Sydney way toward walking into the Turkish lines. Morning Herald” that he wrote his two Fate reckoned this was no good, and gave well-known books of western NSW life — Bean a sharp reproof in the shape, size, and “On the Wool Track” and “The energy of a bullet in the right leg. Dreadnought of the Darling.” This forced Bean to return to the beach, C. E. W. Bean, accredited Australian but he refused to be invalided off the author, next spent a couple of years back in Peninsula. England as London representative of That is merely one illustration of his “SMH” and returned to his native land in conception of the job of a war 1914, where he was promoted to the correspondent and future historian. By position of leader-writer on his paper. reason of his natural sincerity, he was popular with all ranks, and soon had Endless Obstacles established himself on such a footing with In September of that year it was decided commanders that they would confide in him to appoint an official AIF war their plans of proposed action. He was thus correspondent, the understanding being that able to observe a battle with a basis of he would become official historian in due understanding not always available to men course. in his position. There were two applicants left in the final In France, as on Gallipoli, he had many round — Bean and Keith Murdoch. Fate, in narrow escapes from enemy bullets. Not the guise of the Australian Journalists’ being of robust constitution, he encountered Association, voted on the selection and Dr. Bean, War Historian additional risks from the severities of decided in favour of Bean, leaving campaign life. There is a man in Australia who ran more Murdoch to become a mere newspaper risks during the war than most of the On his return to Australia, after the war, magnate. fellow-journalists gave him a reception in soldiers ran, yet who was saved by that very At first Bean found he had to overcome war from an even more serious risk. the Press Club. He responded to their all sorts of obstacles. The AIF official war laudations by devoting most of his remarks He is Charlie Bean, alternately “CEW,” correspondent was not regarded in a kindly or, formally, Charles Edwin Woodrow to praising the cool courage of a young war way by some of the totalitarians of GHQ. photographer named Wilkins — later Sir Bean, MA, BCL (Oxon), LittD (Melb), just Bean dispersed, rather than broke down, retired from the position of Commonwealth Hubert. That is characteristic. such opposition by sheer force of Official War Historian. personality, a force which he exerted with As everyone knows, he has compiled the Modest and Sincere unassuming persistence and dignity. In civil Bean is essentially modest, more outstanding history of World War 1, life he had already shown that he as a covering the Australian part in that interested in sincere appraisement of others young man was not afraid to take risks. than of himself. That quality illumines the cataclysm. It is ironic that before he was As war correspondent he proceeded to able to complete the work he was overtaken Official History. It is the work of a man take many more. who combines with many other necessary by World War the Second. At Cape Helios and generally on C. E. W. Bean retires at the age of 62 qualities a scientific regard for fact and a Gallipoli, and afterwards in France, his sensitive understanding of mankind. from what has been a unique life-work. The daring became something of a legend. official history of the 1914-18 War is not After his return to Australia, Bean took Vivid accounts have been given of this up residence at Tuggranong, adjacent to only a monument to Australia, but to the rather lanky red-haired journalist marching Official Historian himself. Canberra, feeling that the Official History with swinging stride over battlefields where should have its foundation in Federal Dr. Bean has had a rare equipment for the soldiers were crouching, eager for cover. job — Australian born, widely-travelled in territory. There he met Ethel Young of Then, during the August, 1915, offensive Tumbarumba, then a nurse at Queanbeyan, and out of Australia, an established writer he almost took a risk too many. On the 6th about Australia before the war began, a whom he married in 1920. of that month he had watched the attack on He has been active in sport, was a good practical journalist, a scholar, and a man of Lone Pine, returned to the beach about nine cool courage. Before the war began he cricketer, got into the Oxford First Eleven, that night, sent off a cable, then went out on plays tennis, and has always been a great showed that, on occasions, he was willing the left, after Monash and the 4th Brigade, to take a risk, and during the course of the walker, even when there is no nearby attacking Abdel Rahman Bair. He pushed battlefield to go striding over. 5

The Wilkins Chronicle A selection of Wilkins-related Trove articles, incorporating advertisements and cartoons from the day

Latterly he has been active in such youth the Arctic Ocean, provides an important welfare activities as the Parks and pointer to a little publicised field of global Playground Movement and Physical Fitness strategy. Campaigns and, having retired from the job The German vessels are stated to have of War Historian, he appropriately acts as travelled along the narrow channels war news commentator over the air. between Siberia and the ice zone, emerging So he stands today an all-Australian into the North Pacific through the Bering figure, a man who has accomplished a great Strait. This fringe navigation off the work for his native land, a man who took Siberian coast is no new activity, as the first astonishing risks during the war, but who successful voyage was made by the was saved by the war from the greatest risk Swedish explorer Baron Nordenskiold in of all. Had the war not intervened, he might 1879. The Russians have used the route for have become a confirmed “Sydney Morning years, and American munitions are now Herald” leader-writer. frequently transported in the reverse “Genius, eh, Chief ? Now stand aside and direction to Soviet Arctic ports. watch the rush.” The possibility of the Axis using this northern route was foreseen when the Japanese occupied the seemingly insignificant islands at the extreme tip of the Aleutians. The subsequent tenacious occupancy by the Japanese suggests that they may have intentions of establishing bases there for Nazi raiders and U-boats, and the location would certainly furnish valuable meteorological information. However, any Axis exploitation of this Hubert Wilkins, is now testing out similar outfits for U.S. roof-of-the-world zone is likely to be of soldiers being sent to Arctic stations. trifling proportions compared with the

grand-scale manner in which the United Chronicle (Adelaide, SA), Thursday 24 Nations are qualified to operate. Whereas September 1942, page 16. Axis movements would be restricted to https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/9 small-scale, sneak voyages, hazardous and 2380298 difficult, and possible only during the two or three months of warm weather, the Soviet has built up over the past decade a gigantic Arctic organisation utilising the most modern equipment, including specially constructed ice-breakers and large freight planes, to open up the vast, rich Siberian territories. In view of the great distances involved, the Russians have made an exhaustive study of polar aviation, and even before the war had completed some noteworthy flights. Smith’s Weekly (Sydney, NSW), Saturday 30 May 1942, page 14. Shortest Route https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/2 Little has been heard, naturally, of 34586603 developments during the past, four years, but it is significant that an expert body of A cartoon from the (Smith’s Weekly (Sydney, NSW), opinion in America recently declared that Saturday 30 May 1942, page 14.). the shortest and most practicable air route between the United States and Russia lay 30 May 1942 over the Arctic Regions. The necessary THESE NAMES MAKE NEWS 1943 ground organisation is already functioning, Sir Hubert Wilkins, the Australian-born and ice and cold no longer embarrass the modern aeroplane. If such a service is not Antarctic explorer, who is now back in the 13 February 1943 USA, has offered to re-duplicate a stunt he already established it seems only a matter described in a recent lecture. of time, possibly pending the fuller development of Alaskan bases, before it Listeners heard him say that, after a fall Sir Hubert Wilkins, famous explorer, who has drawn upon through the ice, he stripped in 40 below himself much violent criticism for his Chicago speech, In comes into operation. weather, and dried his clothes in snow. which he suggested an attempt to cooperate with Japan In order to gain a proper appreciation of Two of them dared him to repeat it. after the war by ceding portion of Alaska to the Japanese. the strategic, layout of the Arctic zone it is

Sir Hubert said he would — for 10,000 necessary to study a polar equidistant Daily Mercury (Mackay, Qld), Saturday 13 dollars projection map in preference to the World’s News (Sydney, NSW), Saturday February 1943, page 1. common, distorted Mercator projection one, 30 May 1942, page 19. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/1 which depicts the world as a rolled-out 70883629 cylinder, thereby giving a false perspective. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/1 It will be seen that about one half of the 39908361 Arctic Circle (latitude 56½ deg. N.) cuts 24 September 1942 20 February 1943 through Finland, Sweden, Norway, PROTECTING AIRMEN FROM CONQUEST OF THE ARCTIC. Greenland and the archipelagos of Northern COLD. TRIUMPH OF SOVIET SCIENTISTS. Canada and Alaska, whilst the remaining POTENTIAL AIR ROUTE. perimeter traverses the huge expanses of By A.W. Though little heavier than a civilian suit of clothes, this The recent claim by the Nazi Admiral Northern Siberia. The greater part of the electrically heated outfit keeps U.S. airmen warm at a area within the circle is composed of the temperature of 60 below zero The Adelaide explorer, Sir Luetzow that auxiliary raiding cruisers had voyaged from Germany to the Pacific, via Arctic Ocean, in the centre of which is the 6

The Wilkins Chronicle A selection of Wilkins-related Trove articles, incorporating advertisements and cartoons from the day

North Pole, a mathematical point on the Nobile, accompanied, by Amundsen and and under the active sponsorship, of their frozen sea. In contrast, the South Pole is Ellsworth, successfully carried out a more Premier Stalin; Russian scientists set out to located in the midst of an elevated land ambitious undertaking when, under his study methodically the Central Arctic mass and, whereas icebergs infest the command, the airship Norge flew from Basin, to render it habitable, and to add its Antarctic Sea, there are very few in the Spitzbergen over the Pole to Nome, in natural resources to the general and Arctic Ocean; the ones that harass Atlantic Alaska, after a trip lasting 70 hours. economic wealth of the world. Systematic shipping break off the Greenland glaciers The South Australian born explorer Sir research was carried out by land, on sea and and drift southwards. Hubert Wilkins made most of the in the air and scores of meteorological The Arctic Ocean is the largest sea in the outstanding contributions to Polar science, stations were established, along the Siberian world with an area of approximately 5½ particularly as regards the practicability of coasts and on the northern islands for the million square miles, being nearly twice the plane landings on pack ice. Although transmission of regular weather and ice size of Australia. Its greatest depth is over Wilkins never crossed the Pole he carried reports for the guidance of shipping. 2000 fathoms. out many expeditions and survey flights in One of the first main objectives was to the Arctic regions. He was the first to prove open a regular service of cargo Vessels, and that a light plane could land and take; off, this was accomplished by 1936, when the on moving ice, and he is credited with first convoy of sixteen ships, carrying having made the deepest sounding recorded 24,000 tons, safely navigated during the in the Arctic Ocean — one of 2700 summer months the North-East Passage fathoms. from Archangel to the Behring Strait. The His most remarkable flight was made in successful commercial development of this 1928, when he and C. E. Eielson flew from northern sea route brought life into the dead Barrow, in Alaska, to Spitsbergen, a Siberian coastal regions, and new distance of 2200 miles, in 20 hours. Of this industries, factories and mines came into distance 1300 miles was over an unexplored existence, together with their attendant area, and the accuracy of aerial Polar ports, towns and settlements. navigation was demonstrated. It was for this The more spectacular achievements of achievement that the King conferred upon the Soviet Arctic development plans were him the honour, of knighthood. those associated, with aviation, and some In addition to his aerial activities, his world-thrilling flights were made. In 1936 submarine voyages in the Arctic Sea Levanevski flew a sea-plane from Los disclosed that, contrary to general Angeles to Moscow, and in the same year The only outlet to the Pacific is through expectations, the conditions of these Chekalov made a world’s long-distance the narrow Behring Strait, which separates northern waters were quite suitable and safe non-stop record of 5600 miles, flying from Alaska and Siberia, whilst the bulk of the for submerged craft. It is now known that Moscow to Franz Josef Land, and then North Atlantic waters enter between the Arctic Sea is one of the calmest large eastwards to the Behring Sea. In 1937 Greenland and Scandinavia. One important areas in the world, and much warmer than Chekalov performed a more brilliant feat by feature is that all the surrounding land would be supposed. flying the whole way across the North Pole masses, except part of Scandinavia, are in from Moscow to Portland, in Oregon, the hands of the Allies. U.S.A. This latter accomplishment was In any future scheme of trans-Arctic, air quickly eclipsed a short time later when transport Greenland (the greater part of Gromoff and two companions took off on a which lies within the Circle) is bound to similar venture, and, after being in the air play an important part, as its ice-covered for 2½ days, landed at San Jacinto, plains have been described as “one vast California, thereby creating a fresh world's natural landing field” and its northern long-distance record of 6300 miles. regions are only 1300 miles distant, across the Arctic Sea, from Murmansk in Russia. Professor’s Triumph

No reference to the Soviet exploitation of Path to the Pole the Arctic zone is complete without Exploration of the Arctic has fascinated reference and tribute to its presiding genius, and exercised the mind of mankind for the chief of the controlling Northern Sea centuries, and the path to the Pole is paved Route: Commission, Professor Otto with misfortune, catastrophe, tragedy and Schmidt. Entrusted with the whole planning death. The seafaring Vikings pioneered the of the mastering and developing of the way by colonising Iceland and Greenland in Arctic wastes, he took part personally in the the 9th and 10th centuries. From the 16th most important and responsible expeditions. century onwards numerous adventurers To him more than any other individual is made intensive searches for the North-East due the success attained in the conquest of and North-West Passages: but it was not, the Pole, and he is recognised as the until about 100 years ago that relays of foremost Arctic expert of, our time. The intrepid explorers from many nations set most notable of his many achievements was out to discover the elusive North Pole. Where to next? Another portrait of Wilkins. *OSU Polar his establishment in 1937, after five years The honour of first reaching, this goal goes Archives [wilkins35_11_70]. of preliminary organisation, of a scientific to Lieutenant (later Admiral) Robert E. station on the sea ice near the North Pole. Peary, the dauntless American who, after Methodical Study The main base was set up on one of the trying for twenty years, during which time The most amazing chapter in the story of islands of Franz Josef Land, about 600 he led eight expeditions finally achieved his the conquest of the Arctic has, however, miles away. Four large aeroplanes, carrying ambition in 1909. taken shape only during the past twelve stores and equipment, deposited at the Pole The next chapter occurred after the last years or so. When in 1928 the Soviet the four Russians who were to maintain the war, when aeroplanes and airships were formulated its first Five Year Plan, the station, and after a few days’ stay the introduced into the struggle. The first exploration of the Arctic Seas and lands machines returned to the base. Although aeroplane flight over the Pole was made by became a component part, which increased Professor Schmidt journeyed in one of the another American, Commander Byrd, who in importance with each succeeding plan. planes, he returned with it to Franz Josef in 1926 flew the 1500 miles from With characteristic thoroughness and far- Land in order to supervise research work at Spitsbergen to the Pole and back in 15 sightedness, with almost unlimited financial that end. The four scientists were encamped hours. In the same year the Italian Colonel backing from the republic’s exchequers, on a huge ice floe, about two miles in 7

The Wilkins Chronicle A selection of Wilkins-related Trove articles, incorporating advertisements and cartoons from the day diameter, which, as they knew, being at the 27 March 1943 Germany, Prance, Belgium, Denmark, mercy of winds and currents, would drift, An Australian Designs Norway, and the Argentine. and eventually, emerge somewhere in the His knighthood in 1932 was for his Polar open sea. They remained on the floe for expeditions. Besides what is required for eight months, keeping in touch with their the frozen regions’ he is credited with being base by wireless, and sending out regular, equally familiar with what the conditions weather reports. These reports were used by demand in such diverse climates as Brazil, Chekalov and Gromoff during their record Panama, Africa, India, and the South breaking flights. Finally the marooned Pacific Islands. scientists were picked up by an ice-breaker “For thousands of years,” he remarks, off the east coast of Greenland, more than “the Indians have been wearing turbans. 500 miles from their starting point, and just We've always thought it was for show, or when the floe was about to break into style, or tradition — or the like of that. But pieces. The whole project was brilliantly the fact is the turban gives unusual successful; no casualties occurred, and the protection under the weather conditions in mass of new knowledge acquired proved of India.” the utmost value. Just what feature of the turban provides the special protection has not been deter- mined. But research in Washington may reveal it. The secret, it is thought, will be of value in the making of hats or helmets for Allied soldiers in tropical climates. Civil Consultant to the United States Quartermaster Corps A problem upon which Sir Hubert is now Research and Development Department — AUSTRALIAN, SIR HUBERT WILKINS. working in the Quartermaster Corps is the design of a uniform to allow comfort in the ARMY CLOTHING FOR VARYING North African desert, where the temperature CLIMATES may be near freezing point at dawn and over 100 degrees Fahrenheit at noon. Today, Sir Hubert is anchored at an Army Professor Otto Schmidt, Russian organizer of Arctic desk, “applying his world knowledge to the He has in contemplation, too, the development, at the North Pole camp before leaving for problems of uniforms for Polar, desert, and development of a versatile garment which a the base at Franz Josef Land. soldier in Arctic areas may adjust in jungle fighting.” Branch in which he is serving is that of keeping with changes in temperature and the Quartermaster Corps Research and other conditions. Development. A desk isn’t always adequate for Sir Hubert’s work. He has already assisted in developing a soldier’s uniform for Arctic warfare. To test some synthetic materials, he went to a university which has a steel experimental chamber — the kind with glass portholes for observers. But Sir Hubert was no mere observer. Temperature and other conditions within the steel chamber were adjusted to simulate sub-zero weather in the Polar Regions. An artificial snowbank was created. Sir A cartoon from the (Smith’s Weekly (Sydney, NSW), Saturday 27 March 1943, page 10.). Hubert put on the uniform, went inside, and walked up and down for two hours to One of the Arctic camps established in 1937 by the Sir Hubert has passed most of the last 15 scientific expedition led by Prof. Otto Schmidt. In the observe what protection the outfit, would years in America. There are many who can background is the observation tower. provide for soldiers on the march. still recall him in his early, somewhat- Then he stretched out for a further two drifting days in Australia. (Age (Melbourne, Vic.), Saturday 20 hours to discover how a wounded soldier Among the occupations he followed, for February 1943, page 5.) lying helpless in snow would fare in the some time was that of a picture projector at https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/2 uniform. “I do all this,” he explained, a North Sydney theatre. 06854249 “because improper adjustment of equipment All the more interesting, therefore, is it to might easily lead to wrong conclusions.” find him now an officially accredited “The Herald-Tribune” refers to Sir pioneer in Army clothing — a capacity in Hubert as “a traveller in 78 countries, which his fellow-Australians may come to whose tussles with Polar blizzards and the share in the improvements he is devising to uncharted wastelands have been described lighten the hardships under which a global in superlatives by a generation of war compels them to live and fight. reporters.” War demands have led to the creation of Sir Hubert was born in 1888 at Mt. Bryan some surprising service positions, East, South Australia. His exploits in particularly in America, where it happens photography, exploration, and flying, with that an Australian in Sir Hubert Wilkins has the numerous distinction s they have earned just been found — in the words of “The him, really began with his appointment as New York Herald-Tribune” — to be “a very Photographic Correspondent with the valuable man to have around.” Turkish troops in the Balkan War of 1912- Smith’s Weekly (Sydney, NSW), Saturday 1913. From – Military, 1942 – 1958. 27 March 1943, page 10. *OSU Polar Archives [wilkins33_18_17]. Countries in which he has been awarded gold medals include Britain, America, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/2 35757937 8

The Wilkins Chronicle A selection of Wilkins-related Trove articles, incorporating advertisements and cartoons from the day

In crash landings a moulded plywood military aircraft programme for a moulded fuselage ruptures outwardly, whereas metal plywood cargo plane. folds like an accordion, to the greater peril “It is idle to suppose that wood can take of the plane’s occupants. There are many the place of metal in first-line planes, but I instances where occupants have escaped believe the military authorities must show unscathed from a plywood plane wreck. greater interest in wood aircraft if the nation Where planes are exposed to salt spray is to make the best use of its forest wood is more durable by far than metal. resources.” “One of the reasons for delay which Sunday Times (Perth, WA), Sunday 2 May eventually turned the 1917-1918 military 1943, page 5. aircraft programme into a fiasco was the https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/5 difficulty of finding suitable spruce for 9177427 structural parts of planes of the first world war,” writes Lockheed. 15 May 1943 “Only around 5 per cent, of a cut could be SARTORIAL EXPERT used, but by laminating the wood the ratio [From THE NEW YORKER rises to over 50 per cent. By arrangement with America’s most “Plastic or moulded plywood provides a famous weekly.] strong and durable skin for aircraft wings and fuselage. Mahogany, poplar, and many American soldiers in Alaska and the other kinds of wood can be used for Aleutians are wearing a modification of the plywood. In the past, moulding was done traditional Eskimo parka, for which they are with cold pressure and casein glue, but new indebted in part to Sir Hubert Wilkins, the An advertisement from the (Sunday Times (Perth, WA), methods, developed by the U.S. Forest explorer, who is one of a group of Sunday 2 May 1943, page 5.). Laboratories at Maddison, Wis., call for hot experienced civilians who are now working

presses and resinous glue. with the War Department on men’s wear 2 May 1943 “Resin impregnates the wood, creating a for the Arctic, desert, and jungle. Sir Hubert Wood Planes Better Says Designer structure fully the equal in strength and thinks that the Russian winter successes durability of aluminium. over the Germans are partly due to their “I produced the first moulded under mastery of adjustable apparel, that the air pressure streamlined ply-wood plane, using circulation provided by chimney-like mass-production methods. garments will also prove useful in jungle “The Winnie Mae, which twice carried fighting, and that American troops in the Wiley Post around the world, was a Aleutians have often got into trouble moulded plywood Lockheed plane, and through sartorial inexperience. another of the same type took Sir Hubert “A fellow’s fingers or toes get cold,” he Wilkins from Alaska to Spitsbergen safely said. “Then they lose all feeling, and he thinks they’re better. “Actually, they’re frozen. “He walks several miles, and when he comes back some of his fingers or toes have to be chopped off. “When he was off in the field, and his feet, for example, got cold, he didn't remove his socks.

According to Allan Lockheed, the famous aircraft designer, wood aircraft, once thought obsolete, are staging an amazing comeback. Both the British and Russians have built and used moulded plywood fighter planes. For a long while the Italians have employed two-motor and three-motor bombers of moulded plywood for Mediterranean duty. In the United States military authorities have chiefly used wood aircraft for training purposes. over the North Pole. Recently Curtiss-Wright started to build An advertisement from the (Sunday Times (Perth, WA), for the army a plywood cargo plane Sunday 2 May 1943, page 5.). originally designed for a four-ton pay load. Wood can give excellent service in all “The Winnie Mae now hangs in a place types of troop and cargo carriers. It has of honour in the Smithsonian Institution at certain advantages over all-metal Washington, testifying to what moulded construction. plywood aircraft can do. Wood burns slower than metal used in “If further evidence is needed, it may be An advertisement from the (Dungog Chronicle : Durham and Gloucester Advertiser (NSW), Friday 21 May 1943, planes, and is actually safer from fire found in the many old Lockheed Vega page 4.). hazard under most conditions. wood planes still doing duty on airlines in Wood can absorb shell fragments and Mexico and other parts of Latin America, “What he should have done was to take bullets better because of the tendency of the operating over mountainous terrain, often off the socks, rub his feet, and then put his skin on all metal fighters and bombers to with a high ratio of overload. socks on inside out. tear between the holes caused by “In the light of such performance, there projectiles, thus undressing the structure. would seem to be a larger place in the 9

The Wilkins Chronicle A selection of Wilkins-related Trove articles, incorporating advertisements and cartoons from the day

“This routine would have warmed his 21 May 1943 “Thoughts Through Space” by Sir Hubert feet.” 72 DEG. BELOW ON ALCAN Wilkins and Harold Sherman (Creative Age Sir Hubert, who was born to Australia, HIGHWAY Press). The first part of the book is Sir and has so far been in 72 countries, has a Sir Hubert Wilkins, famous explorer tells, Hubert’s own account of his Arctic flights desk in Washington a farm in Pennsylvania, in the latest issue of Australian Army covering over 49,000 miles, meeting danger an apartment in New York, and another one Education journal, SALT, of soldiers’ life and unforeseen conditions as part of the in San Francisco. on the great Alcan Highway, which runs ordinary day. It is an absorbing story of Lady Wilkins uses the last three far more through Canada to Alaska. peril, resourcefulness, dash and quiet, brave than he does. In 14 years of marriage, he's “The boys along the road have had a endurance. We see Wilkins amid the snow never been home for over two months in pretty tough time this winter,” he writes. at Point Barrow and Sherman in his any one year. Last year it was only 12 days. “Broadway is almost as far away in terms apartment at New York. The two men had When sighted by us, he was wearing his of accessibility as it is from the beaches of taken precautions for outside checking and customary beard and a dark blue non- Guadalcanal. On the Alaska Road they safeguarding the accuracy and good faith of tubular suit, made by Norton and Sons, of worked furiously all summer and were not their experiment. They continued the London; but we wouldn't want to guess too well prepared to spend the winter in experiment through five months and the what he’s wearing as you read this. com-fort. Uncle Sam’s Army, many from results are impressive. As he remarked to us, “I may be the warm South had little training in below- Every night Sherman matted a copy of anywhere next week.” zero temperatures. Equipment available was his “messages” to Dr. Gardner Murphy, or Smith's Weekly (Sydney, NSW Saturday 15 neither developed nor designed for sub-zero Columbia University. Other scientists and May 1943, page 15. weather. Different clothing, gloves, psychologists also checked the procedure https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/2 footwear and housing are needed to provide and developments. Not until long after was 35757628 comfort at -72 deg. F. from the kind worn it possible for the experimenters to compare on peacetime U.S. training grounds. It takes notes, Sherman also sent nightly a copy of time to provide for such extreme his notes to Reginald Iverson, the radio temperatures as are found during Alaskan operator of the New York Times, whose seasonal changes; at Fairbanks, for final comment is. “Despite my scepticism, instance, it might be 90 deg. F. in summer as it turned out. Sherman actually had a and -65 deg. F. in winter. more accurate telepathic knowledge of what Dungog Chronicle: Durham and was happening to Wilkins in his search for Gloucester Advertiser (NSW), Friday 21 the lost Russian flyers than I was able to gain in my ineffective efforts to keep in May 1943, page 4. touch by short-wave radio.” https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/1 They had arranged to attempt thought 41290520 contact at a certain hour on three evenings of the week. Sherman would concentrate on 9 October 1943 receptivity and Wilkins on transmitting CHURCH AMD PEOPLE messages. First we have Wilkins’s narrative Thoughts Through Space then Sherman’s story of the messages and By the Rev. C. IRVING BENSON D.D. then documentary attestations by observers When the brave explorer Sir Hubert and finally the literal day by day Wilkins set out to fly the Arctic regions in communications as sent and received in 1937 in search of the Russian aviator parallel columns. Levansky he arranged to conduct an Sherman kept strictly to his schedule but interesting experiment in telepathy. As a Wilkins’s arduous days and nights were boy in South Australia he had seen much of filled with interruptions. On the very first the Aborigines who often gave evidence of evening, for instance the explorer, as guest knowing of some event, which was taking of a League of Aviators dinner in place beyond their range of sight, or Winnipeg, was in the midst of making a hearing. With this early interest in telepathy speech when the hour came for his he had pondered much over the mind “appointment.” Not for many days did he responding to thought waves or thought learn that the night marked the first of “an influences originating in others. Like many astounding series of coincidences.” other people he had experienced curious Sherman. “seated in his room in New York, coincidences — such as telephoning others with his mind blanketed from other thought, who were about to telephone him about a received impressions which enabled him to matter which for no logical reason had write down an almost complete record of flashed into his mind. the things which had strongly engaged my When he was preparing for his flight attention throughout the day, and of my across the Arctic regions to search for the actual surroundings and actions at the time Russians lost on their journey from he was trying to receive impressions of or Moscow via the North Pole to the United stimulations from my thoughts” And States, he met Mr Harold Sherman in his although as time went on it appeared that club in New York. Sherman suggested that Sherman had a more compelling sense of as he would have no radio means of Wilkins’s closeness when the aviator was informing the world of his position they able to concentrate as they had planned the might carry out an experiment. Sherman latter’s “strong” thoughts feelings were, in explained that for years he had been amazing measure communicated even when interested in the possibility of receiving the “appointment,” could not be impressions from thoughts of individuals satisfactorily kept. some distance away. So these two men Some things Sherman recorded were not arranged to try to communicate with each correct, such as flash of chestnut horses other, at definite hours and clearly planned pulling sled”. A bad “miss” was when he procedure by thought alone. failed to record that Wilkins had toothache! A cinema advertisement from the (Herald (Melbourne, But taken as a whole these day-by-day Vic. Saturday 9 October 1943, page 6.). The whole of the detailed and records of what Sherman received of documented record has been published — Wilkins’s condition whereabouts and plans 10

The Wilkins Chronicle A selection of Wilkins-related Trove articles, incorporating advertisements and cartoons from the day and all sorts of happenings are deeply 17 November 1944 significant. UNDER THE ICE TO THE POLE There is abundant, evidence of the reality Ever since War broke out submarines of telepathy but this is the best documented have been front page news. Today the test. I have seen Dr John Watson (Ian average person knows very much more Maclaren told of an old minister whose about submarines than he did before colleague he was in his early ministry. One 1939. So it will probably be interesting to Sunday in Liverpool he was impressed by readers to learn about one of the most the thought that, his old friend was dying daring expeditions ever attempted by man. and without any other communication he Early in 1931 that intrepid Australian left by the midnight train for Glasgow. As explorer, Sir Hubert Wilkins, conceived the he whirled through the darkness it occurred idea of reaching the North Pole by to him that he was doing a very unusual Photograph from the (Courier-Mail (Brisbane, Qld), travelling under the ice in a submarine. thing Arrived in Glasgow he drove rapidly Monday 8 November 1943, page 1.). Little did Jules Verne think when he wrote to the well-known house and was in no way his famous “Twenty thousand leagues astonished that the servant, who opened the 8 November 1943 under the sea” that someday a practical door, was weeping bitterly. “He had a SOVIET SEND WAR GOODS TO under sea craft named after his fictitious relapse yesterday afternoon and he is . . . CHINA NEW YORK “Nautilus” would embark on a voyage dying now. The old man recognised him Nov. 7 (AA.P.). — almost as unbelievable as that of his and was content. Watson held his hand for Sir Hubert Wilkins, the Australian mythical submarine boat. 20 minutes until he died. explorer, addressing the opening meeting of Although Sir Hubert did not reach the Bishop Boyd Carpenter recounts in his the congress of American-Soviet North Pole he proved that it was possible reminiscences that when he was holding an Friendship, said that the Russians had been for a submarine to operate in Arctic ordination in his chapel at Ripon he noticed delivering war supplies to Chungking by temperatures — could get under the ice and in the middle of the Litany that the Bibles tractor roads developed in remote Soviet get out again. which were to be given to the candidates territories. These tractor roads, he added, Read how Arthur Blumberg, Chief had been forgotten. His wife was at the end had opened up vast fields for occupation Electrician of the Wilkins-Ellsworth Trans- of the chapel and he fixed his mind to and cultivation. Arctic Submarine Expedition describes arrest, her attention and fastened on the Moreover, Soviet researches in their trip under the ice. thought of the missing Bibles. He looked magnetism and ice movements in the north “Well.” said Mr. Blumberg, “to dive towards her and in a moment, without, would be valuable to military strategists. without a diving rudder was a peculiar hesitation she sent someone for the missing Courier-Mail (Brisbane, Qld), Monday 8 thing. In fact it was dangerous. But we did books and they were brought in. November 1943, page 1. it. Sir Hubert said we’d come all the way to The word telepathy was invented by https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/4 within 300 miles of the North Pole to show Frederick Myers in 1882 to denote “the 2020604 that a submarine could dive under the ice communication of impressions of any kind and that we were going to show it. Without from one mind to another, independent of a diving rudder we had to do some peculiar the recognised channels of sense.” Why 1944 manoeuvring. We flooded the tanks and sonic people should be able to transmit and then pushed the nose of the “Nautilus” receive these thought impressions we do not under the ice. We drove her forward so that altogether understand at present. But the she was pushed under the ice packs, significance of telepathy for prayer is scraping her top against the bottom of the obvious. If communication is possible in ice. We had the top side fitted with two some super-sensory way between one runners of steel like the runners of a sled human mind and another, it is possible turned upside down, and these went sliding between the Father Spirit and the human along the underside of the ice. There was a spirit. On the human side it is prayer, from terrific banging, rattling and thundering. the Divine side it is inspiration “It is the The ice was irregular and jagged, and it was inspiration of the Lord that giveth slam-bang all the way. As I said we did it— understanding. we did it twice. We drove the “Nautilus” Herald (Melbourne, Vic.), Saturday 9 for trips under the Polar ice pack — we October 1943, page 6. showed enough to prove a submarine trip https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/2 beneath the ice to the North Pole is a 45796951 possible thing.” As most readers are aware the Diesel engines which propel a submarine upon the surface cannot be used An advertisement from the (Courier-Mail (Brisbane, Qld), when she submerges. Instead, the engines Monday 8 November 1943, page 1.). are shut down and the task of driving the

boat forward beneath the water is assumed 19 September 1944 by a big storage battery. The “Nautilus” like Lady Wilkins Recalls British and American submarines was Her Home Town equipped with an Exide Battery. The If Lady Wilkins, wife of Polar explorer battery on the “Nautilus” was a small one Sir Hubert Wilkins, and who was before her compared with modern submarine batteries, marriage, Suzanne Bennett, has not nevertheless it weighed 60 tons and was so forgotten Walhalla, little mining town in the powerful that it could supply the current Gippsland hills, where she was born. requirements of nearly 3000 car batteries. She has a 200-acre farm in the Beaudesert Times (Qld), Friday 17 Pennsylvanian hills, which is called November 1944, page 5. Walhalla, after the old home town. Here she https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/2 proposes, in the old colonial farmhouse, to 16207613 make a rest-home for returning servicemen. Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), Tuesday 19

An advertisement from the(Courier-Mail (Brisbane, Qld), September 1944, page 7. Monday 8 November 1943, page 1.). https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/1 1361773 11

The Wilkins Chronicle A selection of Wilkins-related Trove articles, incorporating advertisements and cartoons from the day

1945 them in a submarine. The story will be A middle-aged woman, Mrs. Glass kept a presented tonight from 4IP at 9 o’clock. record which she referred to us “The Roll Queensland Times (Ipswich, Qld), Call,” and by which she followed the 3 February 1945 Thursday 22 February 1945, page 3. progress of all the airmen who had visited

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/1 her home. The boys communicated with her 14619612 when they left Winnipeg. Of their total, 67 were killed in air 25 May 1945 operations. Mrs. Glass wrote to their relatives in Australia. Newcastle Airman Golfed With Ginger It was so cold in Winnipeg, that street- Rogers cars were heated on the water radiation or Just returned from a long spell overseas, hot-air system. The conductors not only R.A.A.F. Air-Bombardier Sgt. Frank drove their trams, but collected fares, and O’Brien, of Broadmeadow, has a deal to shovelled coal into the small furnaces say about Canada and the United States. behind them. The street-cars were AUSTRALIAN AIRMAN ENTERTAINED. Sir Hubert An ex-college teacher, he graduated at an Wilkins, well known explorer, and Lady Wilkins entertain electrically run. Sergeant J. MacKinnon, jun., R.A.A.F. airman, at a New armament and navigation training centre Of New York, Sgt. O’Brien said: “Truly York night club when he passes through America. Sir somewhere over there. The course was the most amazing place, to put it mildly. It Hubert and his wife are frequent visitors to Anzac Club in topped by Pilot-Officer Col. Neilson, of New York, and entertain many Australian servicemen. is not an American city: it’s a cosmopolitan Waratah. city. Night life goes on a mammoth scale. Sgt. O’Brien was brought back to Australian Women’s Weekly (1933 - 1982), At some places, you can dance practically Australia with other Air Force personnel, 24 hours a day.” Saturday 3 February 1945, page 19. because his services were not needed in the https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/5 The sky-scrapers held Australians European theatre of war. spellbound. Naval League members 1281077 In a hotel at Banff, Sgt. O’Brien and three conducted tours, taking servicemen to every of his friends “discovered” Ginger Rogers. corner of the city, from the top of the She invited them to join her at golf. They Empire State to the vaults of banks to the played eight holes and then gave up in Bronx Zoo and the Statue of Liberty. favour of conversation and celebration. Of the “Lady in the Dark,” he said: She is Worked on Wharves extremely vivacious; her personality being To supplement their furlough pay, some the dominating feature, of course. Very airmen found themselves jobs on the charming and friendly, with a lot of innate waterfront, and often made between 18 and simplicity. She seemed genuinely wistful 20 dollars a day. Then, they would go out when we all had to part.” and spend it in the clubs at night. The star was on holidays. But Sergeant O’Brien said there was Also at Banff, he met Peter Law-ford, really no need to do this because tall, dark M.G.M. actor, who has the servicemen could live practically free in leading role in “Son of Lassie,” the sequel New York. to “Lassie Come Home.” “There was literally every conceivable The airmen watched the final sequence of type of canteen; so many of them that it the film being “shot,” when Lawford’s would take a whole lifetime to visit them stand-in leapt into Bow Falls with the “Son all,” he said. of Lassie” in his arms Directly opposite the Anzac Club was a Lawford, Sgt. O’Brien said, was “quite hotel called “The Great Northern.” unobtrusive and modest.” Australians were “Newcastle boys visiting New York got a surprised to find film stars were human, great kick out of that.” laughed the warm-hearted people. “We had expected sergeant. barriers of sophistication, which did not There were two clubs catering especially exist anywhere in America.” for men from “down under” — the Tours to Hollywood were popular, when Southern Cross and the Anzac. Lady leave came round. Wilkins, wife of Sir Hubert Wilkins, the The motion picture colony gave all explorer, was one of the Anzac Club’s servicemen a wonderful welcome. sponsors. Australians were not bashful in making “Every Australian or New Zealander in themselves known, and would approach New York gravitates there," said Sergeant top-ranking players without a moment's O’Brien. “They call it their ‘little bit of hesitation. Australia’.” An advertisement from the (Queensland Times (Ipswich, Sgt. O’Brien mentioned one party which At the Anzac Club servicemen were Qld), Thursday 22 February 1945, page 3.). was the talk of his camp for months. He given tickets for the city’s best

believed it was held at Hedy Lamarr’s entertainments. In this way, he saw 22 February 1945 home, but, anyhow, it lasted 30 hours. “Carmen” at the Metropolitan Opera House, STORY OF SIR HUBERT WILKINS Most actors and actresses professed a New York symphony concert at Carnegie Sir Hubert Wilkins, famous explorer is interest in Australia, and would regularly Hall, a piano recital at the City Hall. the third great Australian whose story will invite Australians to spend weekends at A lone Australian might turn up at any of be presented in dramatised form on Station their homes or on their ranches. these to discover that his companions were 4IP. He adopted moving pictures as a “In Canada, it was somewhat one Belgian, one Pole, one American, one hobby, and secured a job taking films on a embarrassing trying to keep pace with the British soldier. They would occupy seats sea trip from Australia to England. On invitations: people lavished hospitality on for which civilians would have to pay arrival he joined Gaumont. Soon after that us everywhere,” he said. between £5 and £7. he learned to fly, so that he could take Typical was the consideration shown by a Sgt. O’Brien: “If an American asks you pictures from the air, and he became the Mrs. Glass, in Winnipeg. Mrs. Glass, he to be his guest, you don’t offer to buy a first man to take aerial photographs of war, said, had entertained 311 Australians in 13 thing, or else he gets offended. Everything’s when the Turkish-Bulgarian war broke out months. Sometimes, between 15 and 18 on the host. in 1912. By 1938 he had made 10 trips to spent the weekend at her home. They were ‘magnificent’ people to us.” the Antarctic, and six to the Arctic, one of United States marines and members of the 12

The Wilkins Chronicle A selection of Wilkins-related Trove articles, incorporating advertisements and cartoons from the day army, who had been associated with Here is the announcement of the cast of England, which was interrupted by the Australians in South-West Pacific actions, “Smithy,” Columbia’s Australian film “Coffee Royal” episode in 1929, when were boosting the A.I.F. sky-high. “They about Australia’s great aviator — and, since Smithy was forced down in north-western give the A.I.F. a magnificent reputation,” every Australian wants to know exactly Australia. Stannage was with him both on Sgt. O’Brien said. “It is grossly wrong to who will be who, this story is mainly the trans-Atlantic flight and on the dramatic say the American servicemen are opposed statistical. The film has 150 speaking parts 1934 attempt to fly the Tasman — when to us. They spoke of the A.I.F. men as the alone, and will employ thousands of extras. Captain P. G. Taylor saved the Cross, and No. I soldiers, and it was not said with an “Walk-on” parts number some 500. its crew by crawling out on a wing and ingratiating attitude towards us.” Let us begin with the historical transferring oil from dead engine to live The boys met a large number of characters, whose film interpreters were engine in mid-air. Australian war brides during their journeys chosen by producer N. P. Pery and director American radio man Jim Warner (to be into the United States. Most of the girls Ken G. Hall, after months of auditions, played by G. Montgomery Jackson) and were extremely happy and contented, and film-tests, and interstate trips. navigator Harry Lyons (Gundy Hill, in the seemed to be enjoying their new Among these characters, you will not find film) flew the Pacific with Smithy and Ulm. environments. the names of actors to play the parts of Stage and radio personality John Dease is In Washington, however, he met an 18- William Morris Hughes, Captain P. G. growing a beard to act the key role of year-old bride who was homesick. Her Taylor or Smithy’s radio operator John Australian explorer Sir Hubert Wilkins, husband was “an extremely likable fellow,” Stannage. who sold Smithy the Fokker that became had built her a splendid home, and did John Stannage, a trifle heavier, a trifle the Southern Cross. everything in his power to make her happy. grey over the ears, will play himself in the Another well-known radio figure, John Although they were in love, she still wanted film. It is hoped that Mr. Hughes and Dunne — who had well over 12 years of to come home. In New York, he met two Captain Taylor will also recreate their real- stage experience before he went into Australian girls who had divorced their life roles. Captain Taylor’s plans will be broadcasting — is playing the late Harold husbands. known on his return to Australia soon from Kingsford Smith, eldest brother of the great Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners overseas. aviator, and head of a shipping company in Advocate (NSW), Friday 25 May 1945, Three of the leading roles have already San Francisco for many years before his page 7. been announced — Ron Randell, who will death in 1939. play Smithy; Muriel Steinbeck, who will The American millionaire Captain G. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/1 play his wife, and veteran actress Nan Allan Hancock, who financed the Pacific 35015291 Taylor, who will play his mother. flight, and who is today cooperating in the

Now for the others. The important role of production of the film by despatching Charles Ulm has been given to John Tate, records and pictures from his California well-known star of Australian radio and home, will be interpreted by actor Alec stage. Kellaway. Major Norman Brearley, who gave young Smithy his first Australian job with West Australian Airways, will be represented by Colin. McAlister, Cyril Maddocks by Don Sharp, Robert Blackburn by Charles MacCallum; Beau Shiel, Smithy’s business representative in the endeavour to found a Tasman service, by Edward H. Smith. The list of Smithy’s own family is large. Here are names and players: Smithy’s father, Patrick Scully; his sister Elsie, Anne Bullen; his brother Leofric, Douglas Stark; his brother Wilfred and wife, Frank Brooks In Columbia’s Australian film “Smithy,” these four actors, Gundy Hill, Ron Randell, John Tate, and G. M. Jackson, and Nan Baxter; his brother Eric (now play the parts of — Paymaster-Commander in the Australian Navy), Harold Batterham; his brother Harold’s wife and daughter, Betty Suttor and Melisande McNaughton. Mrs. Ulm will be portrayed by well- known radio actress Irene Harpur; Smithy’s secretary, Margery McGrath (now special Press officer on the film), by Elizabeth Downes; and his parents-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Powell, by Marshall Crosby and Alathea Siddons. Brigadier-General Wilson (chair-man of the Board of Inquiry after Coffee Royal) is Harry Lyons, Smithy, Ulm, and Jim Warner, seen above in the final figure in this historical group, and 1928 before leaving the United States on their flight William Bowker is his interpreter. across the Pacific. Only one role that of aviator Bert As Tommy Pethybridge, who made the Hitchcock, remains to be filled. The story- An advertisement from the (Newcastle Morning Herald characters who will appear in the French, and Miners Advocate (NSW), Friday 25 May 1945, page last flight with Smithy, you will see radio 7.). and stage actor Allan W. Herbert. The part of H. A. Litchfield will be taken by radio 9 June 1945 announcer and actor Dominic Harnett; that “Smithy” film — the leading actors and of T. H. McWilliams by Deryck Barnes, their roles. radio actor now in the Army. John Fleeting, “Walk-on” jobs for 500 film and stage actor, who is at present Captain Fleeting, of the A.I.F., will play By JOSEPHINE ONEILL Keith Anderson. Litchfield and McWilliams made the first Tasman flight with Smithy, and the flight to 13

The Wilkins Chronicle A selection of Wilkins-related Trove articles, incorporating advertisements and cartoons from the day

English, American, and Australian scenes of the film will be portrayed by a long list of actors, among whom you will see Hilda Dorrington, Richard Parry, George Sorlie, Vaughan Tracey, Ethel Gabriel, Tal Ordell, Syd Wheeler, George Cross, Madge Aubrey, Mayne Lynton, Peter Tate, Ronald Falk, Donald McNiven, John Sherwood, Margot Lee, Edgar Yardley, and Pat Craig. The most important children among the many in the film are Smithy's nephews and a niece, and the youngster who grew up to win fame as “Bluey” Truscott. These children have still to be cast. Since the Kingsford Smith youngsters must be shown at two or three stages of their youth on the screen, director Ken Hall Radio and stage actor Allan W. Herbert, who will appear is selecting their actors from among large in role of — families — so that an elder brother can take over from a younger as the film proceeds. Today, Rollo, Peter, and John Kingsford Smith, Wilfred’s three sons, are all distinguished pilots of World War II. Their — Smithy’s mother, known to her sons and daughters as sister, Margaret, is married, with an Air “Nan.” Force husband.

Main production of “Smithy” will commence in the first week of July. Some aviation scenes with the “Old Bus,” the Southern Cross, have already been filmed.

—Tommy Pethybridge, engineer-pilot, who died with Smithy in 1935.

Workmen on job this week, building one of 52 sets for “Smithy” at Bondi — interior of a 1919 American Pullman carriage, in which Smithy, en-route to San Francisco, hears that Ross Smith has flown to Australia.

Screen wife and husband, Muriel Steinbeck and Ron Randell, as —

Will probably play their own parts—P. G. Taylor with Stannage, photographed in 1934.

Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW), Saturday 9 June 1945, page 10. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/2

Scottish born stage and radio actress Nan Taylor will 48010642 appear as —

— real wife and husband, Lady Kingsford Smith and Smithy.

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