Training

Harry's term with the Training School was interrupted by my absence at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1951–52 during which he acted as Supervising Meteorologist (Research) and by Harry's involvement in supplying meteorological service for the AWRE tests of nuclear weapons. During this period John Lillywhite acted as OIC Training and Publications Section and when Harry became Supervising Meteorologist (Climatology), John continued in charge of training.

A fine crop of cadet meteorologists were students in the Training School in the early 1950s. They included Clifford, Handcock, Rainbird, Spillane and Streten, all of whom made significant contributions to the development of the Bureau, some only retiring in recent years. As cadet meteorologists they gained experience in the Bureau during their university years and it was this early experience which was important in providing a very special grounding for these young men. With the retirement of Tommy Camm in 1953 John Lillywhite was appointed Deputy Director in the Victorian Divisional Office and Neil McRae took over the responsibility as OIC Training.

Bruce Kell and Geoff Tyler were two especially interesting post-war trainees who joined the Analysis Section. As a very young recruit in the Australian Army Bruce spent some time in a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp. During their training they had decided that they could make their fortunes by gambling on horse races. I do not know how well they fared but know that Bruce had a wealthy father and would not have been concerned if their system was not successful. They were both very bright and their work was of a high standard which suggests that their training had been effective.

Bureau of Meteorology