'Tis said of old England that if ever an army was to be gathered in a hurry all that need be done is to march a band through the streets and gather in the followers. This indeed is true. A well disciplined race, they have seen many marchers and ceremonies through London streets, right down through the ages - this march, the triumphal victory march of the victorious Allies and their own men would go down in minds and history as another epic in the glory of the famous City of London. The first island was reached - we were marching twelve abreast and approaching the built-in lamp standards in mid-road which necessitated opening all the ranks into two columns of sixes. At a given signal we spilt into two neat bodies, which continued on at either side in perfect formation. Having passed each island, the ranks would neatly converge again and resume as before.

'BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!' Our bands were taking turns to supply the music and pace and the timing down Oxford Street was perfect. The buildings towering into the sky were gay with the flags of all nations, at every jealously-won window serious and smiling faces waved and cheered wildly.
Spontaneous bursts of applause came from everywhere. The tiny tots seemed to be well to the fore in front of grown-ups as they remained in an orderly mass along the route - the kiddies seemed silent and shy as they stood with vacant staring eyes, gazing at the feet of the marchers and getting their first lesson, perhaps, of the awe-inspiring spectacle of the magnetism of marching feet. Boxes of pretty flowers in full bloom with foliage green peering from amid arrays of colour adorned each available space not taken up by spectators.

Many were the spontaneous comments by the people, and always could be heard: 'Here comes the Aussies - don't they look good!' In some places the audience seemed to be held as if spellbound and a hush settled down over the throng, only to be taken up by a roar afresh which swelled in every throat as it gained momentum until to us the band music ahead was non-existent, and only the base drums could be heard over the roar. Along Charing Cross Road the parade advanced and crowds seemed to gather in density, the same wild cheering continued, children waved flags and added tiny voices to the roar of adults. Many people and even families had sat and waited for days in the places which they now occupied, so as to get a front view of the victory parade.

Nearing the broad opening of Trafalgar Square, it seemed as if we would never get through. Far ahead could be seen just a vast sea of humans, countless colours of dresses, women's hats, each inch of space was a precious place for the feet of spectators, and even those in the far back of this throng were straining on their tiptoes to just catch a glimpse of the various contingents as they passed along. So vast were the crowds that the cheering was continual, it seemed to us that it must abate sometime for people to take a fresh breath, but, no, the female voices seemed to predominate and the '- ra - ay!', as we continued on, was constant. Occasionally one group cheered together and that put an extra lift into the roar of the voices of those already cheering. So, we came into Trafalgar Square and passed into Northumberland Avenue.

Although the weather was mild, we began to feel the heat of the pace, and perspiration could be felt under our hats and on our brow. The rhythmical precision was never slackened, we marched with heads erect and firm tread just as well now as at the beginning. The wild shouting and applause of tightly packed people had not abated and, as the miles of marching men and women came along, these people of England cheered until it seemed they could not cheer any more.

The embankment was soon reached, and a neatly executed turn into Parliament Square completed, the Dominion contingent straightened out after negotiating the corner and breathed a sigh of relief. This was the stopping place where we were to be halted and a rest of half an hour, scheduled, so as to allow the mechanised column to complete the route. Each contingent halted in turn and as the order Australian contingent - HALT!!' was given we all came to a stop with military parade ground precision.

The swarms of spectators were cheering and wildly applauding as we approached, but, as each contingent halted a hush fell over the area. It seemed just as if someone called out 'SILENCE'. 'Order - arms'. - click - click - CRUNCH - the butts of rifles came down as one. The Army were at their best. 'Stand at - hease' - CRUNCH. 'Stand - heasy - Click!! - what a relief, complete relaxation. Brows were mopped - arms fixed - backs stretched - the cramp worked out of stiff joints - Oh! for a sit down, or a cool drink to soothe the parched throat. We were able to gaze at the crowd in the vicinity.

Conversations were struck up, children began gambolling around and soon in true Aussie style, pennies were being thrown to the kiddies. They were shy at first but soon caught on to the idea. A fair amount of Australia currency changed hands and the youngsters vied with each other for pennies stamped with the kangaroo. One young lass produced a flask of tea and a cup, others lost their timidity and offered bottles of cool drink and sandwiches. These heavily rationed people, who had sat and waited for days to see this march, were offering to us the little they had. The friendly spirit of these great people brought a feeling of comradeship, which surely is the link which holds this vast empire of ours into one unbroken chain.

Autograph books and souvenir programmes were soon being passed around and members of the contingent were signing their names with pen and pencil. The ever-ready spirit to oblige with one's signature was ever a novelty to us.

Everyone chatted away, even little children became bolder and tiny tots were getting their tousled hair and rosy cheeks admired. Cameras were clicking all over the place. At our request one of the Australia officers went over to the Canadians who were just ahead of us and complimented the girls on their marching, much to their delight.

As Big Ben nearby, boomed out the chimes prior to the hour of twelve, we knew it was nearing the time for us to step off again, and precautionary orders were given for everyone to resume correct place in the ranks. Far up the road ahead could be seen the neat rows of leading contingents preparing to start. Although at this juncture, we were on the roadway abreast the Thames, nothing of the river could be seen. All that met our vision on either side was a sea of faces and packed onlookers, eagerly watching our every movement, waiting to see us on the move again. The famous London 'Bobbies' came along the ranks now, asking the spectators who joined us in conversation, to stand back and clear the roadway as the march was about to resume.

Movement came rippling along the contingents now as the last of the mechanised column had passed, and from directly in front of us came the order 'Canadian contingent - 'Atten - SHUN'. Then came the order from our leader, Major-General Eather 'Australian contingent - 'Atten - SHUN' Contingent slope - ARMS'. When the Canadians were on the move we braced ourselves in readiness 'Contingent by the centre - Quick MARCH!'. BOOM - BOOM - BOOM!! We were off again. With the stamp of marching feet, came the cheers and roars as before.

At the southern end of Victoria Embankment, as we advanced in twelve abreast, two right wheels manoeuvred us around into Whitehall past Big Ben, and here again we encountered the islands in mid-road, which necessitated our opening out into two neat rows of sixes again. The crowd seemed to thicken, if that were possible, and here could be seen the tops of peculiar box-like contrivances protruding from the rear and showing over the heads of those in front. In a flash it dawned on us just what they were. 'Periscopes' reminded one of a lot of children playing submarines, but at least the owners were so far back that it would have been impossible to see the march without them. Many and varied were the types of periscopes used, and it brought an inward chuckle to us as we saw them in passing. The wild cheering and clapping continued all the way. The power of a continual cheer can be deafening even in the open, but here, as the voices swelled and cheered, it echoed to and fro off the surrounding buildings and blanketed all sound of the band, but the bass drum could be faintly heard still and pace maintained by watching the marchers in front.

'HURRAY - RAY - RAY!!' The cheering rose and fell - and to us it was really wonderful, the smiling faces and admiration as they cheered us. These people had seen almost as much action as the best of us and definitely more than some in the ranks, not to mention their long period of war and heavy rationing, more apparent now than during war years, were cheering us, as heroes. Perhaps some of them were looking at us in envy of the fact that we were bronzed and brown, which was a particularly noticeable fact, despite our recent spell in cold weather where we had lost a little tan. Others of the older people well remembered the diggers and their slouch hats of World War I whose names will ever rank among the heroes in their minds. Many of the younger were caught with the rhythm of marching feet and were hysterical with glee, jumping up in their excitement, cheering, screeching, tears in their eyes and on their cheeks.

Then a sad sight came past us. Along the insides of the crowd a stretcher borne by two ambulance men and on which lay on old lady. Poor soul, evidently overcome by the excitement of the march and found that the crowds had become too much for her, had fainted. As we advanced along the highway many such cases were seen and several persons were lying out on the road near the edge of the crowd, quite oblivious to all that was going on around them. But the marching feet moved on, ever advancing with heads erect and arms aswinging.

Ahead of us now in the centre of our path could be seen the glorious Cenotaph - strewn with soft petal flowers and shapely wreaths. We knew what to expect as we neared this memorial and pricked up our ears waiting for the salute: 'Naval contingent inwards - salute'. Head and eyes came inward from ranks on either side. So we passed the Cenotaph, thinking of all the many millions who had passed this spot and paid homage to the heroes of yesteryear, who had gone on before. We hoped that they were watching from their world, and marching side by side with us, knowing that they, too, had done their bit towards winning this freedom which was still ours. The curt order, 'Naval contingent - eyes front' brought us back to earth. A little further on the cheering began again and ever on as we marched, fresh voices and crowds acclaimed us.

The direction was towards Trafalgar Square, and this time we could see Lord Nelson's Column looming up over the surrounding buildings. Fair in the centre of our path this tall column reared, high and clear. The statue itself was facing us and seemed to be alive as it stood there, the familiar headpiece, arm in a sling, telescope under arm. One could picture him gazing down with his one eye, thinking his thoughts. Had he been able to speak, what a wealth of information he could divulge of marches in bygone years, storm and sunshine, brimstone and fire, heartaches and dread, fun and romance - yes, if only Lord Nelson could speak. But he stood there grim and silent, with the lions, his watchdogs, perpetually gazing out onto the passing parade.

Wheeling left around the column, we opened out somewhat as the approach to Admiralty Arch drew near. The arch stood massive and tall, with its gigantic iron gates open wide, gay flags flying in the breeze. Crowds coo-eed and cheered, and as we came close to the footpath many hands reached out to touch us. At this spot had gathered some sailors from the Shropshire who added an extra cheer to the voices of the excited throng.

The gates being successfully manoeuvred, we now closed in to twelve abreast and as far as the eye could see, opened the Mall. On either side were visible long lines of flagpoles from which flew the ensigns of each country taking part in the parade. The orderly crowds stood their ground, each straining eagerly to catch a passing picture of the marchers, but they never seemed to overstep the line and held their places, until the open roadway was like a field of grown wheat through which a path had been cleared by one sweep of a reaper.

The leading contingents showed far ahead, in one long dead straight line, and here we straightened up and checked our spacing. Our colours, with its colour escort exactly in front centre of the leading flank, now gave us a lead and so we advanced towards the saluting base. The same firm step continued and the beat on cobble of marching boots kept time to the music in front. Above the roar of cheers could be faintly heard the strains of another band and as we drew near the saluting base, the band of the Dominion contingent died away and the step taken over by the band at the saluting base.

Quickly catching step we began anew, this stage seemed to be the real climax of the march. The great moment when the marchers threw off all feelings of fatigue and marched as they had never marched before. With heads held high, eyes to the front, shoulders squared and arms swinging, we approached the saluting base. The strains of that ever popular, 'Waltzing Matilda' came to our ears from the band at the saluting base, and seemed to automatically lift the contingent up in the clouds. The tune, well liked in our own country, is symbolical of Australia in England and very well known.

Many remarks were made as we passed the admiring millions, and compliments such as: 'Here comes the Aussies' - 'Just look at these men' - 'blimey, aren't they wonderful' - came to our ears. It made one's chest swell with pride; spontaneous praise, in the face of so much competition, was indeed praise. To the men in the ranks marching seemed so simple and easy, we were not doing anything extraordinary - just marching with precision. Not mechanical and machine-like, or slovenly but with thoughts concentrated on the occasion, and that something in our manner and bearing which seemed to say - 'Advance Australia Fair'. 'Naval contingent - eyes left' - the order came very clearly and as one man heads came around. There they all were. In that twenty seconds every eager eye took in more mental photographs than they had ever done before. Here at the saluting base, gathered together in such a small area, were more famous people than had congregated in one spot for many a day.

The King, in the uniform of Admiral of the Fleet stood in the centre of the dais, which was a raised platform gaudy with the Royal Standard and flags of all nations of the world, returning our salute. The Queen, standing on his left was interestedly taking in every detail of the parade. To the left - seated on the left was the Queen Mother, Mary, grand old lady of yesteryear, a wistful expression on her face. On the right, seated together were the charming Princesses - Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret Rose.

Our eyes swept the famous men seated in front of the dais now, and it took a fraction of a second to register, who some of the famous personalities were. Lord Louis Mountbatten, more conspicuous perhaps in blue, amongst the war leaders. Field-Marshal Lord Wilson, Air Marshal Viscount Portal, and the familiar Admiral of the Fleet, Viscount Cunningham. On the opposite side as we came in line showed the political leaders Mr Attlee, Churchill, McKenzie, King and Smuts. In a flash came a glimpse of yet another group and our familiar Mr Beasley sat there smiling at us.

It was impossible to take mental photographs of everyone, there was so many to be seen in such a short space of time. Then in a flash it was over: 'Eyes front'. We couldn't look again, straighten up the ranks now and carry on as before. The strains of Waltzing Matilda died away and from ahead came the beat of the drum as our own band took up the step. The Mace could be seen raised - three extra loud beats on the drum, and the band commenced to play.

Along the Mall it led the contingent through the ever cheering throngs until at the end of this great stretch we could see Queen Victoria's memorial which stood out white and clear. As we drew close, the road opened out to a circle around the statue and there sat the obese old lady with her set features, long marble robes and regal bearing. She appeared to be scowling down at us and one could almost hear her say, 'Huh - mere earthlings'.

Cheering had not slackened in density at any stage along the Mall nor had the crowds thinned and first sign of us nearing the end was at the top of Constitution Hill which we now entered. By sheer willpower it seemed we could have gone on forever, fatigue was banished as we got second wind, but the overcast sky was beginning to loom angrily overhead and misty wet drops began to be felt on the face. From Constitution Hill we came to Hyde Park Corner and entered the road adjoining Lake Serpentine.

The crowds definitely petered out here and even though stragglers were only in bunches, they continued to clap and cheer as the contingents marched along. A few more drops of rain were felt and then a steady drizzle set in and cooled us down. It gave a feeling of being sorry, not for us, but for the crowds of people thronging the streets of London, whom we knew would remain to see the end of the march even though it teemed with rain. Through the rain we continued, around the roadway and over the pretty little bridge spanning the Serpentine Lake and into Kensington Gardens.

A little later we came to the camp and at the order 'contingent - HALT' - we knew it was finished - The great march - The victory march - for which we had all travelled 10 000 miles to participate, was completed, our task done. 'Australian contingent - dis - miss'. After the excitement of the victory march through London the ship's routine returned to normal.

Captain Showers entertained the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Portsmouth accompanied by their Town Clerk, together with the Mayor, Mayoress and Town Clerk of Gosport, to lunch on board on 11 June 1946 as well as escorting parties of 12 senior Allied and Dominion officers for a tour over the ship to not only advertise Australia, but to exhibit the role of the Royal Australian Navy during World War II.

A further party (the second) was given ten days shore leave on the 14th to enjoy rest and recreation (some played cricket) whilst ten officers of Shropshire were invited to a luncheon by the King's Shropshire Light Infantry Regiment and to hear General Sir Charles Grant give a talk. Captain Showers responded and that night he attended the victory ball at the RN Barracks, Portsmouth to complete a very busy and tiring day of activities.

On 21 June, Captain Showers was delighted to receive an invitation to visit Shrewsbury the seat of administration of the County of Salop (Shropshire) and with Captain(s) Foley and a party of forty-eight of the ship's company enjoyed the arranged programme. Captain Showers was presented with a book of views of Shropshire from the Reverend T.A. Lewis on behalf of the Shropshire Photographic Society before leaving. Later the Mayor of Shrewsbury kindly agreed to present toys from the crew of Shropshire to patients in the children's ward of the Royal Salop Infirmary. Lord Powis, while welcoming the Australians, said the County of Shropshire was proud of being linked to this famous heavy cruiser which had fought with distinction as part of the Australian Squadron in enemy waters in the South West Pacific.

Captain Showers in his response stated the ship's company was also proud to be associated with the county which had provided so much towards the war effort as well as raising funds to build Shropshire in the first place. A cocktail party was held on the quarterdeck during the evening of the 25th attended by the resident Minister, Mr Beasley, the C-in-C Portsmouth and many other notables from London. The next day 150 officers and ratings from HMAS Shropshire were invited by the Lord Mayor and the Corporation of Portsmouth to luncheon in company with a group from HMS Sirius their adopted ship.

After a visit to the navigation school on Thursday 27 June and discussions regarding future layouts for carriers, cruisers and destroyers, the next day a visit to our ship was arranged for the presentation of a silver plate to Shropshire by General Sir Charles Grant (who substituted for Lord Bridgeman and three members of the Shropshire Society in London. Sir Charles further surprised Captain Showers by presenting the ship with a silver bugle from the King's Shropshire Light Infantry Regiment.

That evening at 2030 a dance was held on the quarterdeck to return the magnificent hospitality the ship's company had received from the people of Portsmouth and surrounding areas. As the time was approaching for our departure the heavy baggage was re-embarked on 29 June 1946. Three officers joined on the 30th for passage to Australia.

Lieutenant-Commander R.I. Peek, OBE, DSC, RAN, Officer-in-Charge of the naval contingent, gave a brief report of the role the Australian naval visiting contingent played throughout the march. The contingent spent their time in Kensington Gardens under canvas and in spite of unfavourable weather all arrangements for drilling were most satisfactory. Lieutenant-Commander G.J. Cliff, RANVR, arranged entertainment and use of facilities for the contingent and in particular organised use of the Australia House Club and issue of free theatre tickets. General Sir Oliver Leese, Bart KCB, CBE, DSO, MC, entertained at his house and later an outstanding party was held in the Goldsmith's Hall.

The officers were given honorary membership to the Naval and Military Club, United Services Club and the Royal Automobile Club, as well as receiving extended hospitality from the Overseas League, the Victoria League and the British Government at Hampton Court. There were few that missed the chance to take advantage of these most welcome offers. While in Kensington Gardens camp, their Majesties King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret Rose visited and spoke to the Australian Naval contingent.

It was Lieutenant-Commander Peek's view that the march was inspiring. The bearing of the men was exemplary although a piece of bad luck befell ERA W. B. Schwann and he had to withdraw from the march at the embankment - he suffered an attack of malaria. In the group were eight ratings from Shropshire to complete a rank of twelve and with minimal training, marched and gave an excellent performance: some of the names may be familiar to old Shropshire hands, A.F. Coleman, G.E. Watts, E.J. Eyre, M.J. Andrews, R.J. King, K.J. Brannan, N.E. Overson and A.F. Tobin.

While on this special duty all the men received food coupons as well as special leave tickets and warrants. Lieutenant-Commander Peek's final comment was the 'conduct of the contingent had been excellent and they have proved good ambassadors for Australia'. After embarking the victory march contingent and being farewelled by C-in-C Portsmouth, Admiral Sir Geoffrey Layton and the resident Minister The Right Honourable Mr J.A. Beasley at 1500 on 1 July 1946. Shropshire slipped from Pitch House Jetty to commence her voyage to Australia.

After the dockyard pilot was dropped, Shropshire set a course through Spithead and the Solent with the visibility becoming poorer and it rapidly closed to a scale of three as we approached the Needles. It remained poor down the English Channel until it finally cleared at 2300 to make things a little easier in the minds of those unaware of how effective our surface radar was whilst steaming in relatively dangerous surroundings. General quarters was exercised during our passage to Gibraltar as we passed in sequence Cape Trafalgar light, Cape Spartel light, Point Malabata light and Tanja light and secured alongside No 46 berth (South Mole) Gibraltar at 0916 on the 5 July 1946.

Captain Showers called on our old Officer Commanding the Australian Squadron in the South West Pacific, Vice-Admiral V.A.C. Crutchley VC, CB, DSC, for a round of pleasantries as well as making arrangements to visit His Excellency, The Governor. This could not be arranged as the Governor was ill and the acting Governor, the General Officer Commanding Gibraltar was unfortunately overly occupied in carrying out the two tasks.

During our brief stay an unfortunate fracas occurred on the 5th between 2100 and 2245 with the local police and personnel from Shropshire, according to PO Steward Darcy Hatwell, (ex Nizam, Canberra and Australia). A few sailors, under the influence of liquor, causing a few minor altercations between themselves and the local inhabitants, created too much noise, attracted the attention of the local police who intervened causing greater friction, and a subsequent complaint to the Officer of the Watch of Shropshire. The consequence of this incident brought swift action from Captain Showers who restricted leave for the following day with the concurrence of the General Officer Commanding the victory contingent.

Departing from Gibraltar at 1000 on 7 July, Shropshire headed into very boisterous weather. However, the crew and passengers certainly enjoyed the sunny weather as opposed to the inclement weather experienced in England during the previous month. Identities were exchanged with the battleship HMS Duke of York wearing the flag of Admiral, Lord Fraser GCB, KBE on the 7th and later on the 9th fired a 13-gun salute to the French Cruiser Georges Leguse wearing the flag of Rear-Admiral Boenet. They returned the salute.

Gozo Island was sighted on the 10th and another 13-gun salute was fired for the Flag of Rear-Admiral E.D.B. McCarthy CB, DSO, in HMS Phoebe, as we entered Grand Harbour, Valetta, where we secured to buoys 6 and 6A. After securing, shore leave was given and after waiting our turn to travel to the top of the cliff by lift, some of the more daring headed for the old haunts in the 'Gut', a street well known for all sorts of entertainment, many quite seedy. PO Hatwell was very descriptive of the more notable behaviour of the Gut-birds.

After official visits and receiving some airmail Shropshire slipped from the buoys and sailed on the 12th for Port Said arriving there on the 14th. During the passage the ship hove to and hands were allowed to swim over the side. Armed guards were placed at strategic points to keep a sharp lookout for sharks. On the 15th a pilot came on board and at 0845 a twenty-one gun salute was fired to respect the Egyptian National Flag and we secured at No.4R berth at Port Said.

During an inspection by the engineering staff some 'white metal' was discovered in the strainers as they examined eight main bearings of the foremost turbine. It was decided to continue through the Suez Canal and carry out further examination of the remaining twenty-six bearings whilst underway in the Red Sea with the foremost shafts locked to prevent further damage.

HMS Anson wearing the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H. Edelsten entered at 1420 and Captain Showers later met him at dinner with the NOIC Port Said, Captain C.C. Hardy, RN. While in Port Said the crew were entertained by the local Gilly Gilly Man who was permitted to come aboard to demonstrate his skills as a magician. He was well received and applauded for the entertainment provided. Following an earlier invitation by the captain for both the First and Second Battalions of the King's Shropshire Light Infantry serving at Haifa and Suez respectively, thirty-seven officers and other ranks visited Shropshire and after a tour of ship's interesting areas were entertained on board.

It was reported to the Captain that it was the first time in 400 years that both these Shropshire Battalions had met outside the United Kingdom and for this to take place on board their county's named heavy cruiser HMAS Shropshire, was an added bonus indeed. One interesting but rather annoying incident was the purchase by the supply party headed by George Cox of bags of potatoes. He found he had been 'gypped' because on further inspection the bags were found to be weighed down with large stones.

The captain gave permission for Lieutenant Ayres and four ORs of the King's Shropshire Light Infantry to remain on board for the brief passage through the canal and to disembark at Suez on the 16th as they enjoyed the calm cruise. On 16 July 1946 the canal pilot embarked for the passage through the canal and we slipped and proceeded, stopping to secure briefly on the port side to allow HMS Ausonia and the SS Mount Dairs to pass. Under way again, we were caught up by a much welcome mail truck travelling fast down the canal road from Port Said to catch us. After slowing to take on the mail bags we entered Lake Timsah at 1240 and the Great Lake at 1413 to anchor and allow HMS Formidable to pass.

Commander 'Ginger' Morrow, Shropshire's executive officer, gave permission to bathe over the side and after armed lookouts were posted many of the crew and passengers enjoyed a swim. A near calamity was the only exciting incident to occur whilst in the Bitter Lakes. The Chief WRAN officer was caught in the rather fast running tide and was carried away, but lookouts saw what was occurring and alerted the officer of the watch who ordered 'away lifeboat' and thankfully what could have been a possible drowning was quickly averted. A much relieved commander (E) reported that all the bearings had now been checked and that one port forward pinion bearing had been cleaned and replaced enabling the captain to give the order to unlock the shafts and warm up the forward engines.

Darcy Hatwell a font of knowledge, again advised the presence of five VC winners on board as well as a notable Australian descendant, Group Captain Kingsford-Smith, Officer-in-Charge of the RAAF contingent. In addition to the three officers who came on board on 30 June as passengers to Australia, three more 'passengers' joined - one (a greaser) was discovered on 18 July whilst the other two (Army privates) were discovered on the 19th. After being questioned regarding their presence as (stowaways) unauthorized passengers, these three fresh complexioned 'gentlemen' were put ashore. One accepted one month's imprisonment in lieu of paying a 300 rupee fine while the other two were handed over to the Royal Air Force Command as there was no military establishment in Aden.

Adding to this aggravation the general officer commanding the contingent reported that large amounts of military clothing had been stolen from the ship's stowage. The captain understandably was very annoyed and a search of the ship was carried out mainly to absolve the ship's crew from blame. With justified faith in the crew only one item was found in a sailor's possession - a pair of military boots - the majority of the missing clothing was found secreted in the sergeant's mess space. The ship stayed in Aden only briefly at No 4 fuelling berth. She secured at the berth at 1040 and completed fuelling at 2025, taking on 1950 tons before slipping and sailing for Colombo.

On arrival, 28 July 1946, the captain took the opportunity to call on the flag officer, Ceylon, Rear-Admiral J.M. Mansfield CD, OSO, DSC as well as arranging an official visit to pay his respects to His Excellency the Acting Governor, Sir John Howard. After refuelling, taking on another 850 tons of oil, Shropshire slipped from No 5 head and stern buoys and proceeded for Fremantle at 1000 on Monday 29 July. To maintain the morale of crew and passengers and to prevent boredom from developing into mischievous actions, Commander Morrow organised a concert to be held on the upper deck on consecutive days, on 30 and 31 July.

The remainder of the cruise from Colombo to Fremantle was uneventful and Shropshire arrived off Rottnest Island at 0750 on Thursday 8 August 1946, after sighting the Rottnest light five hours earlier. After the pilot embarked, the ship was secured at 'G' berth Fremantle at 0850 to be welcomed by a large crowd who also cheered the WA segment of the victory contingent as they disembarked. All Western Australia ratings were given long leave and told to rejoin Shropshire at a later date in Sydney. While the ship was in Fremantle she was inspected by thousands when an open day was declared on Sunday 11 August and once again the favourite spine-bashing areas adjacent to ladders were quickly taken up by the ship's layabouts and girl-watchers.

Shropshire slipped from No. 5 berth at 1007 on Monday 12 August and in contrast to our westward crossing of the Great Australia Bight in April, the weather was pleasant and the sea calm. We arrived and secured at the Outer Harbour Wharf, Port Adelaide at 1545 on Friday 16 August 1946. During the first dogwatch on the 16th Captain Showers called on His Excellency the Governor, Lord Norrie and a half an hour later attended a garden party in the grounds of Government House with representatives of the victory march contingent crew members of Shropshire.

While in Adelaide the captain met the Lord Mayor, Sir Lavington Bonython, the Chief Secretary, Mr McEwen, the Speaker, Sir Robert Nicholls, the General Officer Commanding, Brigadier Barker and many other officials and reported that during the ship's stay, hospitality was extended to all members of the ship's company Two members of the victory contingent, Major-General Eather and Brigadier Moten left the ship in Adelaide after the victory march contingent had marched through Adelaide on Monday, 19 August The salute was taken by His Excellency, the Governor, Lord Norrie.

In Adelaide eighty radio mechanics under training at the trade's schoolwork afforded the opportunity to visit Shropshire to view and be instructed on the use and effectiveness of the latest ship's radar installations Open day was on Sunday the 18th and greatly welcomed by visitors. However, as said before, to gain the best available 'crash' area it was well known you had to be fast to flake out on the hatch covers beneath the ladders and Adelaide was no different to Fremantle, Melbourne Sydney or Hobart, etc.

The departure from Outer Harbour, Port Adelaide, on Tuesday, 20 August was delayed for a half hour due to a short spell of bad weather and a curtailed rail service The passage to Melbourne was normal with near perfect weather and we arrived and secured at Princes Pier 1025 on Thursday 22 August The captain called on the First Naval Member at 1100 and later they returned to Shropshire and had lunch on board After securing ship, the General Officer Commanding the London victory march continent came on board and presented the ship with a silver tray as a token of appreciation of the wonderful experience they all had on board Shropshire both travelling to and returning from London Many senior naval officers came on board. Commodore H B Farncomb CB, DSO, MVO called 1 145, Friday 23 August and the Naval Board had lunch on board Other visitors were the Naval Officer in Charge Port Melbourne and the drafting officer who discussed ship's complement changes.

The same day the captain in company with four of the ship's officers attended a Government House garden party whilst the majority of the Victorian members of the victory continent disembarked. Our Tasmanian crew members were given long leave to travel to Hobart and to rejoin Shropshire in Sydney at a later date. The New South Wales members of the victory contingent remained on board to test their sea legs as we steamed through the 'rip' at the entrance to Port Philip and and the eastern end of Bass Strait and then northwards up the east coast of Australia.

Shropshire arrived in Sydney at 0630 on Wednesday 28 August and secured to No 2 buoy at 0700 The victory contingent was landed with their equipment during the forenoon Captain H S Showers CBE, RAN left Shropshire at 1115 to call on Commodore J A Collins, Commanding the Australian Squadron at 1130. The ship was officially transferred to the control of the Commodore Commanding the Australian Squadron on the 28th and on 30 August 1946, Commodore Collins transferred his broad pendant from Hobart to Shropshire making her once again the Australian Squadron's flagship After completing the transfer to Shropshire Commodore Collins returned that evening to Hobart to attend a small dance given by Captain D H Harries (Shropshire's first executive officer) in his honour.

The first watch was given twenty-eight days long leave on the 30th but not without some apprehension by some ratings as to the possible outcome regarding the foolish attempts to smuggle beer aboard. Captain Showers had gone on leave and these facts were reported by Shropshire's Executive Officer, Commander J.C. Morrow During September and October Shropshire was surveyed for refitting in the superstructure areas, as well as docking in the Captain Cook Dock from 1 to 31 October. She received a 'bottom' cleaning and checking of the propellors, shafts and the steering gear, etc. Commodore Collins entertained all naval officers and their wives from Australia warships in harbour including several widows of those officers whose lives were lost by enemy action. He called on and dined with His Excellency Lieutenant-General J. Northcote CB, MVO, and received the Lord Mayor of Sydney, Mr Bartley and the Town Clerk, Mr Hendy aboard.

The proposals of Captain Nichols to improve the airconditioning from air blowers to some other form of effective cooling and to accommodate the skipper on the bridge in a more suitable and proper captain's sea cabin appear to have been shelved and was indicative that the rumours of being 'mothballed' in the near future were close to the truth. On 25 September the Commodore entertained at lunch Mr Stuart-Codde, the RAN honorary cinema liaison officer with eight of the principal film executives of Sydney, hoping a better supply of films might result. Only the future could indicate success or otherwise.

The Commodore attended another official function on the 30th, a reception to meet the Governor-Designate of Queensland, Lieutenant-General, Sir John Lavarack, KBE, CB, CMG, DSO. During October when Shropshire was in 'dry dock' many officials were entertained on board. Opportunity was also taken to entertain some of the captains of Australian warships: Quickmatch - Commander J K Walton RAN, Rear- Admiral G.D. Moore CBE, and four councillors of the Royal Naval House; MacQuarie - Lieutenant-Commander L.M. Hinchliffe DSC, RAN as well as meeting Mr and Mrs Allbright, Managers of 20th Century Fox in Australia who were most anxious to help in supplying films to RAN ships.

Captain H.J. Buchanan DSO, RAN assumed command of Shropshire after this refitting period on 2 November and although no activity could be reported as to seagoing exercises he did his sums and reported statistically that since commissioning in 1943 HMAS Shropshire had steamed 127 302.41 miles at an average speed of 14.24 knots, being under way for a total period of 8936.2/60 hours. Shropshire was undocked on 31 October at 1230 and moved by tugs to No 2 buoy.

The Commodore entertained members of the Maritime Services Board and Australian Jockey Club on board. He was entertained by the Ex Navalmen's Association, the Royal Society of St George, at the home of Rear-Admiral H. J. Feakes CBE and had the honour of being received by His Royal Highness, the Governor-General at Admiralty House on the occasion of the commodore relinquishing his appointment as Commodore Commanding the Australian Squadron on Saturday, 26 October 1946. He later handed over command of the Australian Squadron to Commodore H.B. Farncomb CB, DSO, MVO at 1100 on Saturday, 9 November 1946. After a most enjoyable farewell dinner with his staff officers and Commodore Farncomb as his special guest to dinner the previous evening, the commodore's final comments when he relinquished command, are as follows: 'During my period in command, I saw the defeat of Japan and the change from war to peace with the transformation of Task Force 74 originally consisting of two cruisers, two RAN destroyers and four USN destroyers, to a composite squadron of two cruisers, six destroyers, six frigates, three surveying vessels and three tenders'.

He had carried out a job well done for Australia, and the RAN in particular, and was to be rewarded at a later date by becoming a Knight of the Realm as well as being promoted to Vice-Admiral. Rumours were again strong the Shropshire was heading north to join with other ships as part of the Occupation Forces in Japan. Crew members who had been on long leave were now returning and new drafts joining and others leaving. At last, after a long spell in Sydney and in dry dock for one month, which was always an uncomfortable experience due to the necessity to go ashore to use the dockyard facilities, our old heavy cruiser was to put to sea once again to fly the Australian flag in pursuit of peace.