Despite these problems the Bureau was in good shape when Timcke retired in April 1955. His management style was less spectacular than Warren's but Bureau staff came to respect his dedication to the task of directing the Bureau through a somewhat difficult time. When, after due consideration of the best course of action to be taken, he made a decision, Timcke was not easily swayed from the course he had set.

Throughout this difficult period Timcke, a quiet and somewhat reserved man, maintained a stoical and dignified attitude. Although somewhat sombre at times he enjoyed the opportunity to relax when attending functions organised by the Bureau's social club.

Len Dwyer's style of management was as different from Timcke's as Timcke's was from Warren's. Like Warren, Dwyer had a clear vision of a Bureau of the future and was eager to make his vision a reality. He was a man of considerable imagination, innovation and determination.

Some of the Bureau's staff, myself included, felt that Len did not have the experience as a professional meteorologist desirable in a Director of Meteorology. After completing his forecasters' training course in 1937, which he shared with John Lillywhite and the other students and which John mentions in Metarch Papers No 4 (Lillywhite, 1992), Len remained in Central Office to take over the Training School, while most of the class served as forecasters at recently established field offices on aerodromes. He had little experience as a practising professional meteorological forecaster when appointed Director of Meteorology in 1955.

Bureau of Meteorology