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Back to 1968 index or Main Index Makan – No. 179 Dear Dig, ANZAC DAY IN SYDNEY A gathering of about 110 fellows and a fine day made the Anzac Day March a rememberable occasion for those who had not seen one another for a year or more. It was pleasing to see and have a yarn with may who do not turn up regularly every year. Amongst these were Ted Barnes, Harry Convery, Jack Dobbs, Bill Gilligan, Keith Jones, Alf Lamacraft, Jack Maclay, Jim O'Connell, Ray Streatfeild and Tommy Yates. We look forward to seeing them again at the Annual Reunion in November. The Old Man led the 8th Division in a jeep - as one chap said: "not just an ordinary jeep, but the biggest jeep that was ever made!" "Gentleman George" led the Battalion. Because of George's failing sight Ron Maston marched at his heels and acted as his radar throughout the march. It was pleasing to have Mrs. Jack Pope marching with the Battalion. Dick Franks had the misfortune to suffer an attack of angina and collapsed as the ranks were moving into Hyde Park. He was taken away by ambulance and was believed to be in a bad way, but giving the devil the cold shoulder, he turned up later in the day at the Occidental to warm the cockles of his fickle heart and hit it off with his mates. The Old Man was standing at the entrance to Hyde Park as the Bn. marchers reached it and as someone remarked "from the glare in his eyes it would seem our formation was anything but good!" After the march some 60 chaps turned up at the Occidental Hotel in York Street where Betty Collins' sandwiches were relished, together with Mrs. Mills' sausage rolls, fish balls, frankfurts, etc. We were pleased that Wal Day, Tommy Gardiner's father-in-law put in an appearance both before the march and later at the Occidental. ANZAC DAY IN BATHURST Joe Geoghegan and Ron Stoner were the fortunate guests of the Bathurst R.S.L. this year. They are both profuse in their praise of the generous hospitality and spontaneous friendliness of members of the Bathurst Sub-Branch. Throughout the whole of their stay in the gracious old Carillon City, they were given V.I.P. treatment. The Bathurst we worked and played in has progressed a great deal since our memorable training days there in 1941, and from all accounts is on the threshold of a further burst of expansion and development. DAWN SERVICE 4.30 a.m. (Bathurst) Before the cold light of dawn several hundred men and women assembled and to the tune of the bells marched to the Carillon for the Dawn Service, introduced by the President of the R.S.L., Clive Osborne, M.L.A., and conducted by the Parish Priest. The Guard was provided by Cadets of St. Stanislaus' College. Dozens of wreaths from various city organisations and from individuals in memory of loved ones were solemnly laid. Last Post and Reveille sounded as the light of day burst upon the impressive gathering assembled to do homage to those who died in two great world wars, the Boer War, in Korea and now in Vietnam. After the service everybody present was invited to the R.S.L. Club premises (recently extended at a cost of $300,000 and declared open on the following day by the G.G., Lord Casey) for coffee and refreshments. The traditional rum and milk was readily available and took the edge off the chill we had felt since we tossed off the blankets at 3.30 a.m. Citizens' Commemoration Service - 10.45 a.m. This was preceded by a stirring Anzac march through the city streets. Over 200 ex-servicemen and women with Joe and Ron in the front file were led by the R.S.L. Band and followed by cars containing disabled personnel, 8 Platoon "C" Coy., 17 R.N.S.W. Regt., which furnished the guard at the Carillon service, and an A.T.C. Detachment. Then came the St. Stanislaus' College Band and Cadets, The Scots School Pipe Band and Cadets, and marchers from a number of other local organisations. The Mayor, Ald. J.C. Matthews, opened the Service which was conducted by Canon E. Barker of All Saints Cathedral at the request of the R.S.L. President, Clive Osborne, M.L.A., who delivered the address - an inspiring oration. After the Service Ron and Joe repaired to the R.S.L. Clubrooms with Sub-Branch members and were again regaled with food and drink before setting out for the Anzac Day Race Meeting to see the running of the R.S.L. Flying Handicap and to be present at the awarding of the R.S.L. Trophy by that electrifying personality, Clive Osborne who, by that time we had learned, was a human dynamo putting energy and power into everything he did. No wonder he became the local member! The stay at the racecourse was brief as the Memorial Service at the Kelso Cairn was timed for 3.00 p.m. Cairn Service, Limekilns Road, Kelso - 3.00 p.m. The Cairn, near the entrance to the Bathurst Camp Site, in memory of members of 2/30 Bn. who have died, is cared for by Mr. Herb Pratley, its custodian since it was erected. It had been tidied up with fresh white marble chips around the base for the occasion, but is obviously well cared for all the year round. Mr. Pratley is a grand old gentleman and although not at present in good physical health, is most active of mind and has an alert personality. It was a pleasure to have a discussion with him. Mr. Pratley made it clear he will tend the memorial until he is compelled by failing health to give up. The highest praise is due to him for his invaluable regard for the maintenance of the Cairn even though it has been difficult for him at times. The service at the Cairn, which was organised by Clive Osborne, was attended by some 70 people including a group of ex-members of 9th Australian Division who now have a Memorial Cairn on the opposite side of the road. The ceremony commenced with the mounting of the Guard, provided by cadets of St. Stanislaus' College, who rested on Arms Reversed. Wreaths were laid and Clive Osborne introduced Councillor M.H.C. Locke, President of the Turon Shire Council, who delivered an inspiring oration on Anzac Day and our increasing responsibilities in this day and age. Mr. Herb Pratley and the two representatives of 2/30 Bn. were then introduced. Both Mr. Pratley and Ron Stoner spoke briefly, a prayer was offered by Padre (Archdeacon) E. Ellis of Kelso and the hymn "O, God Our Help in Ages Past" accompanied by the Bathurst District R.S.L. Band, was sung. Following the recitation of the Ode to the Fallen by Merv "Joe" Geoghegan the Last Post and Reveille were sounded and the service concluded with the Benediction or Blessing. It was a simple service, more impressive because of its being under spreading gumtrees on the side of a country road and because those present were not mere sightseers, but participants in an act of remembrance. The dear old mother of Fred Campbell (B Coy) who, having come through the worst of the Thai-Burma Railway experiences with F Force, died of malaria at Kanburi on 3/12/43, was there wearing a 2/30 Bn colour patch brooch. She was accompanied by her daughter and granddaughter. They have been attending the Cairn services regularly and were pleased to meet someone from "B" Coy who had known Ted. Following discussion with Clive Osborne, and having in mind the success of the Tamworth Reunion, consideration will be given by the Association to holding the 1969 Reunion in Bathurst which is only 130 miles from Sydney and easily accessible from the Southern Tablelands and Riverina areas where a number of our chaps are located. Clive Osborne, President of the R.S.L. and local State Member, and Col Watson, Secretary/Manager of the R.S.L. Club, have expressed their willingness to co-operate in every way and would welcome the opportunity of making the R.S.L. Club facilities, including the District R.S.L. Band, available for a Bn. Reunion. Mr. Herb Pratley would also be happy to meet members of the Bn. and allow them to enter his property to look over the old camp site. PERSONAL PARS about PEOPLE WE KNOW A number of our fellows have lately been in the news, T.V., or press, or in the lot! The Old Man was recipient of honours from overseas in the form of three further gongs presented to him before TV cameras by French dignitaries on 18th June. The awards were sponsored by the French Government and comprised the European Cross from the European Confederation of Ancien Combatant, and Ex-servicemen's Association of European ex-soldiers of all nationalities which has a membership of over 3 million; the Silver Medal of Merit and the Somme Medal. The awards were accompanied by parchments or Grants of Dignity. The document with the last mentioned medal was inscribed to "Sgt. F.G. Galleghan", the rank held by the Old Man when he fought on the Somme in the First World War. The fact that he was President of an organisation that arranged a pilgrim tour of France in co-operation with the European Federation of Ex-Servicemen's organisations triggered off the enquiries and recommendations which prompted French Governmental action leading to these well-deserved distinctions for the Old Man. Of course, in accepting the awards, the formidable "B.J." in French fashion, was kissed on both cheeks by the functionary bestowing them. As Harry Collins remarked: "I never though I'd see the day when our C.O. was kissed by another man!!" We share with our old C.O. these further honours in recognition of his leadership and hope he will in due course be remembered by our own Government in like manner. These medals are Commemorative and are not worn in conjunction with Campaign Stars and Medals and Decorations already worn by the Old Man. Jim Cooper, as President of the Sydney Stock Exchange, has been pictured and quoted in the press quite frequently lately. He has carried the mantle of his responsible post with great distinction and ability. Just as well Jim looks well and is well enough to bear the burden of steering the course of the Stock Exchange through its busiest year on record. Des Duffy made the headlines in "Granny" or Column Eight of the "S.M.H." on 26th June. This is what was said about the doughty Duffy's: Sydney High School cadets' annual ceremony yesterday turned out to be an unusual family affair. As reviewing officer, Colonel Desmond Jack Duffy was called on to present the sword of honour, named after himself, to the year's outstanding cadet, and who should that be but his son, Warwick Duffy? Duffy senior, himself a Sydney High old boy, was with the 2/30th Bn. in the Australians' first clash with the Japanese in Malaya on January 14, 1942. That was the ambush north of Johore Bahru, which temporarily checked the enemy advance. Before retiring from the Army he was attached to Headquarters staff, Eastern Command. Both Duffy's rowed in three High eights - Duffy senior in two winning crews, junior without success. Another press notice says that Mr. R.G. Clarke has been appointed manager of the Wentworth Avenue Branch of the A.N.Z. Bank. Obviously our "George" who was officially known to us as "G.R. Clarke". We tried to confirm the correct initials with George but like lots of busy bank managers, he was out. perhaps he was introducing the new bloke around to Annandale customers before leaving to take up his new post. Congratulations, George! Ron Eaton, as Managing Director of the multi-million dollar consortium of shipping interests responsible for the introduction and implementation of container shipping to Australia, and which will have a number of new container ships on the run in the near future, has been frequently in the news lately. His organisation was the target for criticism in the "Financial Review" about certain supposed delays in containerisation arrangements, to which Ron Eaton, who crossed swords with the Editor, aptly replied. Since then he has left for Great Britain to witness the launching of the first container ship and to keep the powers there pushing to keep up with the programme at this end. The Deputy Director of Repatriation, following a recent visit to the Riverina, spoke with John Folkard, Kilimbi near West Wyalong, Max Pyle, Berrigan and Terry O'Rourke, District Forester, Narrandera, and brought back greetings to the Old Man from them. Bill Skene (C Coy), who is a Deputy Registrar-General, has been through a severe bout of illness but has again resumed his responsibilities at the Titles Office. It is with deep regret that we record the death of the son of Bill Hodge. Our sincere sympathy is extended to Bill and his family in their sad loss. John Korsch, B Coy, continues his carpentering in Grafton but is occasionally troubled by his recurrent ulcer condition. Both he and his wife Dulcie are proud of their up-and-coming family. Russell, 20, won both Commonwealth and Teachers' College Scholarships, accepted the latter scholarship and attends New England University, Armidale. Last year he graduated B.Sc. and is now proceeding to do honours in Geology to be followed up with Dip. Ed. He missed out on his call-up and now has his heart set on being a High School teacher. Ken, 17, won a bursary of $150 p.a. and is in 6th Form and due to do Higher School Certificate this year. Barry is in 4th Form and Veronica, 13, who won an R.S.L. bursary of $100, is in Form 1. The Korsch's are an example of the kind of Australian family spirit we like to hear about. Our country is lucky to have many other families like them representing the responsible and saner side of this day and age. Another family about which we can feel proud is that of Bob Surtees (C Coy). Bob is in charge of Castle Caravans hiring service, Pacific Highway, Wahroonga, looks very fit and lives with his family at Greenacre. His daughter, Judith 19, is a typist stenographer with Fisher & Macainsh, Sydney solicitors; Donald, 17, is outstanding at sport and exhibits sound leadership qualities. He won the 100 yards State Junior Championship & was recently selected out of a group of High Schools to lead a combined Hockey Team. Patricia, 13, now in Form 2 at High School, was Captain of her school when she was at Primary School. Geoffrey is still at Primary School. Dot Riches, Harry's better half, wrote from Brunswick Heads, to say Bob Jack had called in on his way North. Harry Teasdale, still on the farm at Corndale and still as bright as a cricket, had been out to see them a few weeks previously. They had also been in touch with Jock Logan who has the furniture store on the Gold Coast. Jock reported that Russ Mackie has been far from well and had been up to Green Slopes on several occasions. Apparently Russ has been in better shape lately and doing a bit of work. Another wife has sent in subs for her husband. Thelma Campbell, wife of Ted, Wolseley Park via Wagga, said she kept on forgetting to remind Ted to pay up. Ted apparently had been too busy coping with drought conditions in the area to find time to "cough up". Things are now better, however. Good rains have fallen and it looks as though the season is going to be reasonably good. Ted and his wife send best wishes to all. Subs also came in from Bert Farr and Sid Hart but no news as to how they were faring. Bert send his regards to all but Sid merely gave us his name and address. That is all Sid has done since he started sending subs about 20 years ago. The mother of Norm Whitbread (C Coy) who was killed in action near Mandai on 11/2/42, wrote in expressing her thanks for receipt of "Makan", extracts from which have reminded her of her son Norm and one of his mates, Harry Weiss, who was wounded at Gemas and later died of Beri Beri at Kami Sonkurai on 30/9/43. Mrs. Whitbread was an active member of the 2/30 Bn. Comforts Fund during the war years and the names of many fellows mentioned in "Makan" are known to her. Stan Arneil has four boys playing football. The youngest, now 5 and who plays with the Under 7-years, started at the age of 3! He might have approaching four, but was definitely three when Stan launched him into the field of Rugby Union football. The lad's mother couldn't object at the time as she was in hospital . . . . This must be another Arneil record. I'll bet no three-year-old had ever played in District football before Stan booted his youngest son into the Union code. (Printers' Note: S.F.A. has another team - the three young ladies in his office are so well-trained that they are prepared, under Stan's insistence, to challenge the Wallabies, the Kangaroos or the Yah-hoos. They're known as "The Manly Maulers"......) Ron Sweeney, prominent Hereford cattle breeder of Rappville near Casino and Jim Small (C. Coy) also of Rappville and a well known beef cattle man too, are both members of Lismore Legacy Club The Sweeney's have a family of two girls and a boy. Susan at 19 is at Armidale Teachers' College, Leanne is in 4th Form and Warwick, 11, in 6th Class. The Small's have three girls and a boy who is doing Agricultural Science at Sydney University. Congratulations to Harry Rhodes of South Grafton on daughter June (15) who won the N.S.W. Ex-Prisoners-of-War Association Education Grant of $100 for Girls in 1968. June is now in her fifth year at South Grafton High School. A welcome note from Phil Stuart with Lloyd's subs – once again left for the wife to post. Not so welcome was the news that Lloyd had had two weeks in Canterbury Hospital and ten weeks off work following an operation for a ruptured peptic ulcer. It all happened at a quarter to midnight on Christmas Eve. Phil's best Christmas present after an anxious night was to learn on Christmas morning that the op. had been successful. Lloyd is back at his golf again and apparently is now in reasonably good health, putting on weight and looking his old self again. Thanks also to Althea Southwell for sending in subs for husband Les. They have both recently returned from an overseas jaunt which took in Canada, United States, Hawaii, Japan and Hong Kong. Althea says: "It was a lovely trip and we enjoyed every moment". Lucky people! Les sends greetings to all. Karl Sinclair, in forwarding his subs to Bessie Ellis, wrote: "I am late with my subs as usual, but at last I am sending them along. I hope this letter finds you well and that your daughter has completely recovered and is again enjoying perfect health. I also hope John Boss is well. You know Bessie, although I have never met you or your daughter I always feel you are both very fine people, otherwise you would not have given so much of your time over the years to the welfare of the Association. I would like you to know I appreciate your efforts in this field very much indeed." We endorse these sentiments written by Karl from the heart. We wholeheartedly concur in all that he has said and hope that Bessie Ellis and her daughter, Cecily Boss get as much pleasure out of giving to us as we get in receiving from them. Ashley Pascoe, in a long letter to Jack Boss, expresses sentiments similar to those expressed in Karl Sinclair's letter and forwarded a donation in appreciation of the work done by the Bn. Association. He ends up by saying "Please be kind enough to give my sincere regard to Mrs. Bessie Ellis. She is doing a super job for us fellows". One of our fellows, Jack Grossmith, was numbered among those shipwrecked on the "Wahine" in Wellington Harbour. We haven't had an opportunity yet of hearing from Jack an account of his unusual experience. He will no doubt see how the wind blows before he attempts another sea trip. Congratulations to the Bill Clayton's on the arrival of their 2nd baby in January (a son), and to Snowy Mason who is the very proud father of a daughter - Debra Lorraine - born close to Anzac Day. SICK PARADE - Since last
"Makan" Kevin Ward reports that the following have been patients at the
R.G.H. All have since been discharged: NEW MEMBERS - A sincere welcome to membership of the Association is extended to Tommy Yates, B Coy. NATIONAL REUNION OF
EX-PRISONERS-OF-WAR, GOLD COAST, QLD. One stipulation concerning the Reunion is that each POW proposing to attend is requested to register and forward the registration fee of $5.00 with application to attend. Wives and families are invited to be present and provision is being made to cater for all. Registration forms will be available shortly and may be obtained by application to Bruce Ford or may be obtained in copies of the Association's magazine "Barbed Wire & Bamboo". The Committee is at present working on the assumption that an estimated 3,000 people will attend the Reunion. Details of the Reunion will be well known to many of our members on the North Coast who are active members of the Ex-P.O.W. Association. BATTALION HISTORY It was originally offered to the War Memorial but because of lack of space it could not then be housed there. It was subsequently presented to the Scottish Regiment (30th Bn) at North Sydney who recently, because of reduction in strength to one Company, decided to pass the sword on to its more appropriate resting place. Already quite a number of items associated with the 2/30 Bn. are to be seen at the Memorial. Not only P.O.W. things but bits of equipment taken from our fields of battle prior to the fall of Singapore. Ron Maston, Bill Ennis, John Parsons, Ron Johnston and Arch Dickinson who were concerned in the incident relating to the taking of the sword, together with Bill Melville met together to reconstruct the event and prepared a narrative which is of historical interest to us all and which we are pleased to print hereunder for your information, NARRATIVE OF CAPTURE OF JAPANESE SWORD "C" COMPANY 2/30 Bn, 30/1/42 "C" Company was in position amongst old rubber trees on the right hand side of the main road from Yong Peng to Johore Bahru at the 23 Mile Peg. Fifteen Platoon was forward adjacent to the main road with Thirteen Platoon on the right towards the railway line and Fourteen Platoon was in reserve. The Company was still moving out of night perimeter into daytime positions when a Japanese patrol came swinging down the road in single file making no attempt at concealment. Members of 15 Platoon engaged them with L.M.G. and rifle fire and they scattered going to ground leaving four badly wounded or dead on the edge of the roads. The action was reported to the Bn. H.Q. and two armoured cars under Sgt. George Christoff went down the road and shot up those members of the patrol who had not been killed by 15 Platoon. Corporal (later Sgt.) Bill Ennis and Privates Ron Sweeney & Frank Jones were sent down to inspect the Japanese dead and to recover any items that would be of value. Cpl. Ennis' party found that one of the Japanese, although badly wounded, was still alive. They collected a map case, small L.M.G. basket and bayonet, but were unable to detach a sword from the dead Japanese officer. Cpl. Ron Johnston was ordered to take his section out to cover Cpl. Ennis and the stretcher-bearers. This extract from Cpl. Johnston's diary vividly describes what took place during the morning: "Myself and two others were detailed to cover Cpl. Ennis while he searched the three dead bodies and also while the stretcher-bearers brought in the fourth who was still alive. He was shot in several places in the head and looked in a bad way. No sooner back than I had to take a patrol out to our immediate front. It was only a short patrol & we reported in after about 30 minutes. Twenty minutes break & I was out again. This time we got caught by planes & lay for over an hour on a bare hill watching them dive-bomb & machine-gun a position forward of us where our artillery had been the previous day. The bombs shone in the sunlight as they dropped to their target. The planes came circling round & we could see the pilots quite plainly as they watched the ground for movement. Finished bombing they searched our Battalion area for us. Finding one of our armoured cars they dived on it as it raced for cover. Sgt. G. Christoff was killed from a bomb splinter in this attack. At last they swung around & were soon racing back for more bombs & petrol. We returned by the road, it being my intention to once more search the Nip. patrol. Leaving three of the section to cover us, Don McKenzie & I hopped out onto the road. The three bodies were in a shocking state, having been shot in numerous places & lying in the sun for several hours had not improved them any. I collected a bayonet, rice ration basket, L.M.G. spare kit, straw helmet, several clips of rounds and then being unable to detach a sword from the officer's belt I cut it loose with a jack-knife. Reporting back to Company H.Q. I gave my report and handed it in as it is routine with Nip equipment. Trying to draw the sword we found it stuck. I was recalled to Platoon at this stage by Johnny. The Company having to be ready to move in ten minutes, On my leaving the sword it was found to have a secret catch." Capt. Lamacraft sent the sword to Bn. H.Q. in the hands of Pte. Merv Shaw, who later died of cholera in Thailand. He handed it to Lieut. (now Brigadier) Col Galleghan with the compliments of "C" Coy. This was the only Japanese sword captured by Australian troops during the action in Malaya. It was brought back to Australia by Capt. W. Melville who was evacuated from Singapore in the flat bottomed Yangtze River Boat Wah Sui (Wusei) which had been converted into a hospital ship. On the voyage to Batavia the Wah Sui (Wusei) was stopped by a Japanese cruiser & inspected by a boarding party. Capt. Melville placed the sword under his bed mattress & lay on it. At Batavia he was transferred to the British Hospital ship Karapi & during this transfer he had the sword in his pyjama trousers. The Karapi made a safe voyage to Colombo where Capt. Melville was in hospital & convalescent camp for several months. He returned to Australia in the Sea Ambulance Transport Stirling Castle which made a non-stop, unescorted voyage from Colombo to Melbourne taking a route down towards Durban across the lower Indian Ocean & around the bottom of Australia. Capt. Melville handed the sword to Mrs. Galleghan when he reached Sydney. Back to 1968 index or Main Index |