Papua New Guinea and New Britain (continued)

When Salamaua was evacuated as the Japs poured down the north-eastern coast of New Guinea, Warrant-Officer (later Flight-Lieutenant) Les Burke, with enemy bullets whizzing around him, lit flares in order to clear weather-bound RAAF aircraft. Then, with Pilot-Officer L. G. Vale, each equipped with a radio transmitter, they worked as unofficial weather and intelligence stations, transmitting information to the Allies while on the run. As a result, five Japanese ships were sunk by the Allies in the Huon Gulf. Crossing crocodile-infested creeks and evading the Japanese, Burke then walked 120 miles across New Guinea carrying his radio and a theodolite. Over the Owen Stanleys, toting the heavy instruments he trudged. On the way along the Kokoda Trail he maintained regular weather observations and reports for the embattled AIF. Considerable use was made of weather conditions in dropping supplies to the Australian troops. One interesting use of the theodolite on clearer days was to accurately calculate the height of Japanese aircraft for anti-aircraft batteries. After travelling another 100 miles on foot with his equipment, Burke made it to Port Moresby where he managed to board a ship bound for Australia.

Squadron-Leader Gibbs recorded 'that at all times during the period in which I was in charge at Port Moresby, the personnel of the meteorological section showed commendable calmness during enemy air raids; and at a time when the situation appeared almost hopeless, they continued to work with enthusiasm and efficiency'.[48]

Bureau of Meteorology