Darwin, capital of the Northern Territory, had an estimated population of 45,000 as at 23 December 1974.

Darwin people on Christmas Eve, like most other Australian families, were enjoying the normal pre-Christmas festivities. Many were out visiting and parties were in full swing, others were preparing Christmas stockings and finalising cooking for Christmas Day. Few heeded the cyclone warnings being broadcast over the radio and TV.

Meanwhile 'Tracey', previously a low pressure condition, had matured to a fully grown cyclone and, unpredictable like most women, soared past Darwin, stopped, reversed and raced towards Darwin on a collision course.

Heavy winds of gale force strength struck at approximately 9pm Christmas Eve 1974. This was followed by the 'eye' of 'Tracey' which had narrowed and contained gales of up to 200 kmph. By 0830 hrs 25 December 1974 'Tracey' had passed and the population began to crawl from their shattered wrecks of homes to see a flattened Darwin. 'Tracey', in 11.5 hrs, had achieved what Japanese bombs could not do during WW2 - level Darwin and break communication with the outside world. By 4 pm New Years Eve a massive airlift had succeeded in evacuating 20,000 people from Darwin to other places to be cared for, pending their decision to return.

The Natural Disasters Organisation (a Government Body) had been formed late in 1974. The Director of the Organisation was Major General Alan Stretton. This experienced administrator was the undisputed leader of the Territory, and immediately set about reorganising the Civil authorities and began the mammoth task of clearing and cleaning up the disaster area. He also enforced law and order and control and issue of emergency stores and equipment. On leaving some weeks later, Major General Stretton saw a much happier Darwin. The 'Darwinites' had accepted a challenge and the community was working towards a common goal of rebuilding their city.

Throughout February 1975 many rumours of troop movement to Darwin were heard. The pitch of excitement was finally increased at Indooroopilly when an unscheduled briefing took place which resulted in warning orders being given for Section of Military Police to standby for detachment to 6 RAR. 6 RAR were to head a group of units which were to be called 'Field Force Group Darwin' (FFGD). This group were to relieve a force already operating in Darwin under command of 5/7 RAR.

On 11 March 1975, at 0500 hrs, our men paraded with 6 RAR and with little ceremony were quickly transported to Eagle Farm to emplane for Darwin. At Darwin, all troops were quicly conveyed to Larrakeyah Barracks where accommodation was allocated and troops allowed to settle in.

On 12 March 1975, a briefing was held by Commander FFGD. Our tasks were discussed and agreed upon, the MP Section was to set up its location at the 7MD guard room. Our role during the operation was: Maintenance of Good Order and Military Discipline both inside the Barracks and outside; support units with signing and traffic control; escort of plant and heavy vehicles; pay escort duties; security; and liaison with and support for the NT Police Force where possible (dual patrolling was used until the Group left Darwin).

The Commander FFGD had started building an image in the civil community by way of advertising using the slogan 'Your man in Green'. This slogan was the beginning of the FFGD operation in Darwin. Company or Unit areas were to be set up throughout the Darwin area; each unit HQ was to be staffed with an Officer who became 'Your man in Green' Army Assistance Officer.

Residents were to pass information through the centres to be processed and finally allocated to sections or sub-sections for tasking. Military Police were responsible for route signing from the City area to these operational areas. By using small figure targets painted green and with white arrows the route was signed. At each HQ a large metal plaque and figure 11 target was used to identify the HQ. The use of the 'green men' to sign the route worked in with the advertising and the civil community was aware of our presence until work was completed.

Military Police also manned the Army Assistance Office main HQ in a Government building for two weeks. Throughout the 'Man in Green' operation FFGD managed to clear 3,000 houses. Many trucks, dozers, tippers and various types of plant had to be used. Military Police were employed in escorting and traffic control.

Patrolling of Darwin was done by Police and MP joint patrols. Prevention was the keyword and due to good liaison with civil proprietors and excellent communications with the civil police network, few incidents occurred, or when they were in the making a Military of civil joint patrol would appear and the person responsible asked to leave the premises.

Very few incidents required offence reports. The 'Man in Green' image was not tarnished and the civil community were impressed by the discipline of all the troops.

On 2 May 1975 the last of the FFGD left for Brisbane. Prior to departure the Commander, Lt Col Hammett, had the MP Section paraded and presented a plaque to the section in gratitude for their support and the professional manner in which the section carried out its duties.