Labor’s Natural Disasters Organisation was tested by the devastation of Darwin by Cyclone Tracy in December 1974. In support of the organisation, the Navy mobilised and transported supplies for reconstruction of the city and relief of its stricken and homeless citizens. The head of the Natural Disasters Organisation (Major General Alan Stretton) flew north and took control during the serious disruption that followed the violent winds and new flooding. Defence doctrine had assured us that the country was immune from unforeseen military attacks by an enemy. But Nature was not so predictable. Ministerial support and directions were made difficult by the dispersal of Ministers around Australia for the Christmas break and the absence of the Prime Minister abroad. Senior administrators (Service and civilian) were absent from Canberra. I myself was recalled from my mountain retreat by a message shouted across the river by a neighbour who had been telephoned. Legal authority for orders that had to be made affecting people and property in Darwin was obscure, but Stretton overcame this problem by force of personality.

Vice Admiral Synnot and I concerted in Canberra in conveying to Stretton whatever advice or instructions were called for. Among other things, we sensed that Stretton’s success in restoring reasonable order and confidence among the shattered population had imposed a stress on him. We made a point of being present at the airport when his flight south eventually bought him home (after a decision to stay overnight with the acting Prime Minister, Cairns). He later made his record of events, writing a book and by deciding to publish it while still in service.^[9]