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Back to 1971 index or Main Index Makan – No. 193 Official Organ of the 2/30th Bn. A.I.F. Association MAKAN, the brain-child of the inimitable Stan Arneil, who was its first Editor, is in its 25th year of publication. From a very humble roneoed sheet Stan nurtured it, and with his imagination, his wit and literary style, plus the odd bit of information he literally had to drag out of the members, he developed it into a Family Bulletin of which he must have been justifiably proud. During that time he was considerably helped in the format by the insistence by Ron Foster that MAKAN should have a respectable cover, and having stuck his neck out, Ron subsequently produced a cover (which he continues to produce); while the presentation was further improved by obtaining the services of a first-class Duplicating Service. For 21 years Stan controlled the destiny of MAKAN, and set a standard of Editorship which had others fearful of the task of stepping into his shoes. But there came the time when the pressure of business caused Stan to relinquish the reins - and no one wanted to take them. So, Harry Collins was detailed to carry on, which he did, most successfully for about 12 months during 1967/68. Harry had only agreed to sit in the hot seat pending a permanent appointment, as he was himself a very busy man; and so it came to pass that Ron Stoner was detailed to take over the helm at the beginning of 1968. For three years Ron followed in the steps of the Master, and those of Harry who successfully followed for a short spell, and the further Ron strode, the further he emerged from under the mantle of greatness and spread his wings in flights of pathos and understanding and wit that further enhanced the reputation of MAKAN. Who amongst us, on returning from the Railway job to Kanburi, and finding Ron Stoner firmly established as Keeper of the Japanese Pleasure House, could ever imagine that he would make a successful Editor of MAKAN; but he did. At the height of his success, Ron obviously decided to retire on the crest of the wave, and since he could not put forward the pressure of business (he had retired from the National Bank some time previously, and, incidentally, had never worked harder in his life than he was now doing on charitable ventures) he decided to remove himself and his family to Perth, W.A., where he is engaging in a business venture with his brother-in-law. Thank you, Ron, for a good job, well and truly done in typical Stoner fashion. Once again MAKAN was at a loose end, and its present Editor (Phil SCHOFIELD) neither volunteered for the job, nor sought election to the high honour, but was merely detailed to pick up the torch and carry it on. Virtually in his dotage, and lacking the literary style of his predecessors, he craves your help in keeping the publication up to standard. It is your magazine, and information for publication can only come from the letters you write to Bessie Ellis. She, poor Dear, though overworked and certainly underpaid, plays the major part in the production of the real news in MAKAN, but, fortuitously for us, she doesn't appear to mind doing it. After 25 years we are all keen to hear how the other fellow is getting along, and what his family is doing, and though Bessie has a few of the good old regulars who provide her with this information, she would welcome a lot more. If you happen to live close by and suffer from writer's cramp, or are diffident about putting pen to paper and boasting about the achievement of your kids, then, ease the pressure on Bessie, spend 5c on the blower, and 'phone the information through to the Editor, who will do his best to record it faithfully. One way or another, will you help? ### The unveiling and consecration was conducted at a most rewarding and impressive ceremony at H. Q. 17 R.N.S.W.R., Pymble, on Sunday afternoon, 17th January last, in the presence of Army and Civilian dignitaries, and a goodly company of Members of the Association, Next-of-Kin, friends and relations, and guests of 17 R.N.S.W.R. The Guard, drawn from A., B. and Support Companies of the Regiment and under command of Major R.J. Crane E.D., marched on to the Regimental March of the 30th Bn. , which is now the Regimental Pipe March of 17 R.N.S.W.R., and promptly afterwards the C.O. of the Regiment, Lieut-Col. D.I. Aspinall E.D., was received by the Parade; followed by the principal Guests. The Guest of Honour, Our Patron, Brigadier Sir Frederick Galleghan D.S.O., O.B.E., I.S.O., E.D., was then received with a General Salute, and proceeded to inspect the Guard and the Band. Following an address of welcome and explanation of how the Memorial came into being by the C.O. 17 R.N.S.W.R., Sir Frederick addressed the gathering, unveiled the Memorial, and asked the three Chaplains to bid God's Blessing on the Memorial (one of these Chaplains was Rev. George Polain, formerly of 2/26 Bn.) Noel Johnston recited the Ode, and after a short prayer offered by the gathering, Arch Thorburn laid a wreath on behalf of the Association. The Last Post and The Rouse brought to a conclusion the Ceremony, after which a sumptuous afternoon tea was served in the Drill Hall. ### Sammy Hall subsequently complained that he couldn't hear the Old Man's address. For his benefit, that of others who also suffer from middle ear deafness or were subjected to fading of the amplifiers, and those who were unable to attend, the Old Man has been requested to send in his notes when they are returned from the Army P.R.O. A précis will be furnished if the notes are received in time for this issue - Ed. ### For the further benefit of those who were unable to attend, and who did not receive the Circular (sent to Metropolitan addresses only) it may be as well to advise some details of this latest honour accorded us. Major K. G. Mallinson E. D. (a former member of 30th I. B., C.M.F.) who at that time was serving with 1. Bn., R.A.R., was exercising with the Battalion in the Gemas area in 1970 when he found alongside the road on the Gemas Battlefield two of the concrete cylinders (each weighing 905 lbs) which we had used as part of the Tank Trap on that memorable occasion when we first made contact with the Japanese; and the cylinders had remained there for over 28 years. 1. R.A.R. undertook the recovery of the cylinders as War Relics, and forwarded one to the National War Memorial in Canberra, and the other to H.Q. 17 R.N.S.W.R. at Pymble. This latter Regiment was formerly the 17th Infantry Bn. C.M.F., and had absorbed the 30th Bn. C.M.F. (an Infantry Company in Black Watch Kilts and a Pipe and Drum Band are still maintained in honour of the 30th Bn.) and it was commanded by the Old Man prior to him taking over the 2/30 Bn. A.I.F. in 1940. 17 R.N.S.W.R. reveres the traditions of all past Regiments which carried the colours of the 30th, and decided that the concrete cylinder should be mounted beside the Flagstaff on its Parade Ground. 1. R.A.R. also sent out a Bronze Plaque for attachment to the cylinder briefly recording its significance. 17 R.N.S.W.R. have paved a semi-circular area around the Flagstaff with bush stone, with a U shaped garden insert, in which are planted Rosemary bushes. The cylinder has been mounted on the paving alongside the Flagstaff, and a further suitable bush stone has been mounted in front of the Flagstaff, , on which has been placed a further Brass Plaque relating to the unveiling and dedication on Sunday, 17th January, 1971. In a semi-circle immediately around the paving five special ornamental Palms (some 6' to 8' high) have been planted, one for each Company of the 2/30th. The grass verge of the Parade Ground, from the Entrance Gate to well beyond the Flagstaff, was already planted with Oleanders, and the intervals between these have been planted with 3' to 4' high coconut Palms, the gift of Len Barnes ; who not only donated the 10 Palms, but had them air-freighted down from his Plantation near Cairns, Q. (This was a magnificent gesture Len, enabling the provision of a most fitting approach to the Memorial, and a reminder of the days when a coconut was real food and meant so much to us all - Ed.) The grass verge is raised to the height of the kerbing and extends on the level for about three feet from the edge of the Parade Ground, from whence it drops away very sharply; so a large quantity of soil had to be carted and built in semi-circular fashion at the Flagstaff area to provide for the paving and the planting of the five Company Palms; and the whole arrangement has provided a delightfully simple but most impressive setting for what we consider a rather unique Memorial, placed in an area which it will always be respected and honoured. All of this has been achieved through the hard work and co-operation of quite a few well wishers, to whom our unbounded thanks and appreciation are extended. Firstly, Major Mallinson and 1. R.A.R. who conceived the idea of a Memorial, and sent the cylinder out with the Bronze Plaque (which set their funds back quite a bit); then the Ku-ring-gai Municipal Council not only provided the second Brass Plaque for the Memorial Stone, but also provided some of their Staff to assist with the work, while their Head Curator supervised the setting out and planting and worked in his own time, particularly on the paving, which he completed at night. The Officers of 17 R.N.S.W.R. did quite a bit of extra-curriculum activity in gathering and transporting the bush stones, and in site preparation; and, apart from all their duties before, during and after the Ceremony, if R.S.M.'s are anything like they used to be, a lot of Troops did a spot of extra duty in the preparation of the Guard, who turned out immaculately (one Section in Kilts and the other in Field Service) and were a credit to any Regiment - it is on record that the Old Man's microscopic inspection failed to find a flaw. The Pipe and Drum Band, too, must have put in a bit of extra work to enable them to pass the Old Man's inspection (and receive his commendation on their bonnets); and to play "Waltzing Matilda" without a toot out of place; while the long-suffering Adjutant must have sighed with relief when his unstinting efforts were crowned with a success with which even his C. O. could find no fault. One well-wisher donated the high quality paper on which the souvenir programmes were offset printed free of cost by another generous well-wisher; while Roseville R.S.L. and Hornsby R.S.L. gave generous cash donations towards expenses, which enabled the provision of a most sumptuous afternoon tea for all after the Ceremony. We are unable adequately to express our thanks and appreciation to the C.O., his Officers and Men of 17 R.N.S.W.R. for their development of the idea which originated with Major Mallinson and was sponsored by 1. R.A.R.; together with all the other well-wishers who gave so unstintingly of their services and cash to help bring the idea to fruition. Thanks again, and God Bless. For our part, we undertook to defray the cost of the five Company Palms, which, although they were provided at below normal price, will cost us $75.00. In view of your previous excellent response to their appeal for carry-on funds, the Committee are loath to make any further appeal; but some of you have already made donations towards the cost of the Memorial, and Bessie Ellis would be very pleased to acknowledge any further contributions. ### Copy of the Old Man's speech did arrive in time for publication. After thanking all those responsible for setting up the Memorial to the 2/30 Bn. Group (which included 2/15 Field Regt. , 8 Div Sigs. , 2/4 Anti Tank Regt.) and recapturing his feelings on the eve and during the Battle, the Old Man went on to say: "In these days the erection of memorials is often questioned by some of the younger generation. I think there is no future (as history shows) for any country that neglects to remember the dead, who died protecting democracy. I am glad to see so many children present, because the future depends on them. To parents I say, it is your duty to ensure your children grow up God-fearing, with a knowledge of the sacrifice made by men to whom Memorials are erected. I am often asked regarding my attitude to Japan and the Japanese. I think one of my last speeches in Changi when I announced the end of the War gave my views. I said to all the Troops: You will exact no reprisals from the Japanese for their inhuman conduct over the past 3˝ years, but you will show them how white men and Christians act. It is my opinion that the obedience to that order had a profound effect on the Japanese; and today I can accept them, and I do. It is not in our make-up to carry hatred in our hearts, and after so many years it is time to forget the stresses and strains of our fighting the Japanese. Perhaps the words of Francis Drake, as they are carved on the walls of Salisbury Cathedral, are appropriate; and I quote them as my message today: 'See that ye hold fast to the heritage we leave you. Yes, and teach your children that never in the coming centuries may their hearts fail or their hands grow weak. The hearts of the men to whom this memorial is erected did not fail, nor did their hands grow weak. ' " ### SICK PARADE Kevin Ward reports: In Concord: Bill Lamping - A Coy - Ward 4; Colin McKinnon - A Coy - Ward 29; Tom Rockett - C Coy - Ward 630. Discharged since last MAKAN: Ralph Bradley - A Coy; Reg Brennan - HQ Coy; Alex Finlayson - D Coy; George Ramsay - BHQ Discharged from Lady Davidson, Turramurra since last MAKAN: Walter Douglas - D Coy; Richard Skinner - HQ Coy ### NEWS, VIEWS AND WHOS WHOS Our Brunswick Heads Correspondent (Harry Riches, HQ Coy), writing to Bessie early in December, says: I fell at work 3 weeks ago and broke my leg. I have my left leg in plaster from the toes to the thigh, and have a broken bone in the knee. They have got the hobbles on me now, but I hope to be out of plaster before Xmas. We held a Smoko in Lismore a few weeks ago at the Gollan Hotel. A nice evening - about 50 turned up including 15 2/30th chaps. I went to Kyogle to see Karl Odgers (HQ Coy) about a month ago. He is not too good, and is having a lot of heart trouble. He has been in hospital for a year on and off, and is still there. I spent the day with him, and he enjoyed it very much (Chin up, Karl, and best wishes from us all for an early recovery - Ed.) While I was in Kyogle I went to see Clarry Lattimer (HQ Coy) and he told me that Karl has just been made a T.P.I., so that will help a lot. All the Kyogle boys go and see him - Alf Carroll (A Coy) Arthur Power (D Coy) and Bill Sorenson (D Coy) - they all look well, but like myself are looking a lot older. I went over to Casino to meet the train four weeks ago. I always go over an hour early and have a yarn to Nugget Crummy (D Coy), He doesn't look too good. He is a T.P.I, and has to get about with a walking stick, but is just the same old Nug. and likes to talk over old times. Ernie Stratford (D Coy) has had a bit of bad luck, but was lucky he did not lose his hand. As you know, he has a banana plantation. One of the local butchers was short-handed and got him to help for three weeks, and he got his hand caught in the mincer. The doctors had to take him to the blacksmith's shop, and the mincer had to be broken off on an anvil. Ernie is out of hospital, and is doing O. K. , but some of his fingers are not too good yet. But he was very lucky, and you all know Ernie - he is still smiling. Ron Chipps (C Coy) spent a few days with us, and we had a very nice time. We went round, and met all the boys up these parts. I took him to Lismore one day, and I think there were nearly all the 30th there. We came back through Ballina and saw Noel Hampton (B Coy) and Joe Johnston (D Coy), and arranged a meeting at Fred Arnett's (HQ Coy) Pub, to meet at 5 o'clock that evening. So you can guess that we had a good day; and to top it off, Karl Sinclair (D Coy) arrived that day. So we went down to see him, and he looks very well and was pleased to see us. He has a wonderful memory. By the time we got home, Dot was starting to get worried. I see quite a lot of Ernie McNiven (A Coy) and Ossie Jackson (D Coy) and they are both well. Jock Logan (D Coy) was down from the Gold Coast a few weeks back. He looks well and is doing O. K. Well, I can't think of any more news from up here. I hope I will soon be up and back at work again. I hope to see all of you on Anzac Day. (We join with you in your hopes, Harry, and thank you for some real news of so many of the boys - Ed.) ### Ruth Blow, writing from Berry and sending in a very generous idea of what Stewart's (HQ Coy) Subs amounted to, mentioned that Stewart had been suffering from a bad dose of sinus trouble, but was now O. K. and that they had recently spent a week-end with John and Pam Haskins (HQ Coy) and their place was looking extra well, and they were having a good season. ### George Clarke (C Coy) wouldn't bother to 'phone, but it was noticed that elder daughter, Pauline (16) managed to obtain a top level pass (6 A's) in the recent School Certificate Examination - obviously the child has inherited something from her Mother's side of the family. Kate (15) does the same Examination this year, and John (11) expects to go on to High School next year. George, meanwhile, manages the Wentworth Avenue Branch of the A.N.Z. Bank, and has so impressed his staff with the necessity to behave politely, while also keeping a close watch on the dollars and cents, that they reacted most favourably a few weeks ago. When a hold-up man presented a pistol at the teller and demanded cash, the teller obliged and politely filled up his bag; and the gentleman of the road was allowed to make his way to the footpath unmolested. By this time, the Accountant and a couple of the lads reckoned that they had been polite enough for long enough, so they took off after the said gentleman; brought him down with a flying tackle, and used him as a roadside seat until the gendarmerie arrived. Result: recovery of the cash, and one hold-up man off to the Bastille. Politeness, and a bit of guts, really does pay dividends. ### In Sept. /Oct. MAKAN John Bremner (HQ Coy) sent donations to the Bathurst Memorial Fund, and to the Association; and in sending his yearly sub along in December he included a further donation to Association funds. This type of generosity certainly helps us. A further letter in January expressed appreciation of the efforts of the Hospital Visiting team, and advised change of address. (Noted - Ed.) ### Clarrie Burgess (A Coy) in sending along his Sub. included a further amount as a donation, and very briefly mentioned "I am O.K. Three kiddies married. David (21) is in camp in South Australia. Regards to all". (Pretty brief, but some news after all - Ed.) ### General donations were also received from Heck (E. E.) Heckendorf and Les Hall (both of HQ Coy), without any news, other than Xmas and New Year Greetings. ### Andy Hyslop (HQ Coy) in sending in a donation towards the Gemas Memorial recalled the photo in the official War History "The Japanese Thrust" in which he and Wally Bell appear, sitting on the concrete cylinders at the road block, and also mentioned that the poem "Cairn on Limekilns Road" (MAKAN No. 191 Sept/Oct. 1971) has been set to music by musical director Alf Bourne, resulting in a beautiful elegy. ### Further donations for the Gemas Memorial, but without any news whatever, came from Ron Maston (C Coy), Jack Black (HQ Coy) and Joe Roxburgh (HQ Coy), the latter including some general donation as well. ### A short note from Stan Arneil dated 13th January, apologising for inability to attend Gemas Memorial Ceremony, added "Dorothy and I are leaving today for South East Asia via Honolulu". Maybe we will get some news when they return. ### Dinny (J. C.) Lane (C Coy) is reported to have sold his Newsagency business at Engadine, and to have retired. He was holidaying somewhere up on Cape York Peninsular, but managed to make it back for the Gemas Ceremony. ### Harold French (A Coy and Rose Force) wrote in from Walcha seeking the address of David Lloyd (C Coy and Rose Force) and mentioned that Herb Bullen (A Coy) was still going strong. He also enclosed some cash. ### Bob Wright (HQ Coy) wrote in advising that his correct address is 95 (Not 83) Hewitt Ave., Wahroonga (Chief Correspondent please note - Ed.) and that he is O.K. Some time ago he was on a visit to Gloucester, and managed to find Tom Dare (C Coy) at the local R. S. L. They yarned and had a few jugs together. ### Thelma, widow of Bill (Capt. F. A.) Jones (B Coy), continues to work at the A.B.C. when she is not indisposed through losing an argument with our Transport System. In any event, she reckons that buses and cars have long since declared an open season on pedestrians in the Quay area, and last October, when she hadn't quite recovered her land-legs after coming off the ferry, a bus got her. She managed to get mobile again in time to attend the Gemas Memorial Ceremony, but next day a bloke in a car considered her fair sport, and charged her down in practically the same spot as the bus had got her. Fortunately, she dived out of the way in time to be numbered amongst the "Quick", but sprained the ankle which had previously been smashed up by the bus, Our sympathy, Thelma, and the hope that you were back at work within a week, as you hoped. Meanwhile, eldest son, Bill (29), married with three young Australians, is a S/Sgt. in the Army (where he has been for the past 13 years) and is currently serving with 21st Engineers in Vietnam. Second son, Chris (23) is married, and was noticed taking photos at the Gemas Ceremony. Youngest son, Ian (21), enjoys his bachelorhood, and lives at home with Mum. ### Alf Lamacraft (C Coy) was looking a bit smug the other day when he announced that his son, Richard (22) with his own business as a Painter and Decorator, had married on 9th January last. ### Clarry Lattimer (HQ Coy) sent in his Subs, and a bit extra for the Gemas Memorial, as also did Charlie Golledge (D Coy), but neither bothered to add any news. ### Harry Griffis wrote from Taree, and sent in his Subs and donations for both the Gemas Memorial, and for General Funds. He almost got around to telling us some news, but knocked off at the information that his son, Dennis, attended the Cadet Camp at Singleton during December. ### Jessie, wife of Gerry Bailey (HQ Coy) apologised for Gerry's slackness, and sent in enough to bring his Subs up-to-date and provide some carry-on. They obviously have some family as she sent regards from Gerry, herself "and family", and they must obviously be O.K. , as she didn't say otherwise; but it would have been nice to hear a bit more - we rely on the wives for a lot of our news. It is an odds on certainty that Gerry is a lot fatter and fitter than he was at Sonkurai when the Editor carried him out of the so-called hospital, sat him on a stump and cut that black wiry mess growing on the top of his head, which he called hair - he was even rude about the Editor's tonsorial artistry. ### Ray Simmons (BHQ) looked reasonably fit at the Gemas Memorial Ceremony, but his letter from. Avoca Beach, sending in a healthy donation to the Memorial Funds, admitted that what with a heart attack round about Christmas time, and this and that by way of side effects, he is a bit of a wreck. As he put it "I'm getting old (not too old) ... but can still manage a grin now and then". (One peep out of you, Ray, and cessation of the grinning, and I'll tell all and sundry how old you really are - Ed.) ### It was good to see Maisie Nagle (Widow of Athol - B Coy) and her two daughters up from Wollongong for the Gemas Memorial Ceremony. You will recall that Athol was probably our first casualty in the Gemas action, as he was forward with B Coy at the Gemencheh Bridge position. ### The threat of a Dark Look caused a few to catch up on their neck wear - Alan Penfold (BHQ), Frank Craven (HQ Coy) and Dinny Lane (C Coy) were seen at the Memorial Ceremony sporting new ties. ### From a South Eastern Queensland source we have heard that Fred Arnett (HQ Coy), upon transferring from Mullumbimby to Coraki, received the signal honour of being made a Life Member of Mullumbimby League; and that Charles and Max Annand, sons of Charles (formerly D Coy, and who met his tragic end on "F" Force) have six healthy young Australians to their credit, with the male children displaying a keen interest in following Grandfather's love of football. It would appear that there are some 50 members of the Bn. in the Far North Coast, with about 12 in easy reach in Queensland, and it is possible that there may be an early move to have a reunion for those members, in the vicinity of Fred Arnett's Pub at Coraki. ### Jacko (W. R.) Jackson (B Coy) sent in his Sub for 1971, and a bit extra for MAKAN, and mentioned that he plays golf frequently at the same Club and sees Ron Johnston (C Coy) who is a Vice-President of the Club. Jacko also sees a bit of Curly (Harry) Scott (A Coy) at the Chatswood R. S. L. ### A welcome to Jack Korsch (C Coy) on joining the Association Family. We had sort of lost track of Jack, but Dinny Lane managed to run into him, when returning from Cooktown, and Jack couldn't resist Dinny's persuasion. ### Karl Sinclair (D Coy), writing from Armidale, sent in his Sub for 1971 and mentioned having met the Boys (largely referred to in Harry Riches' letter) including Harry Teasdale (D Coy) and Carl Martin (D Coy) whose wife unfortunately has not been in the best of health for some time, and has been in Dorrigo Hospital. Karl's wife, Edna, also has not been well, and had a spell in bed; which gave Karl an opportunity to brag about his prowess as a cook and nurse - Karl, incidentally, retired from work two years ago, which doesn't exactly make him one of our youngest members. ### There seems to be a lot about the Gemas Memorial in this issue, but it was a pretty big day in our lives. A special "Thank You" to all those who telephoned the Editor advising their intention of attending the Ceremony (from which we obtained a total of 191 adults and 36 children), and also to whose who didn't 'phone, but did turn up. From the knowledge that 420 chairs were placed out (and that all were occupied, with some people being required to stand) while the 17 R.N.S.W.R. acceptances (including friends and relations of the Guard and Band) totalled around 150, it is reasonable to assume that we mustered at least 300. First prize for personal effort - a very special doover with blachang topping, plus two modern girls - goes to Joe (Merv) Geoghegan, whose party totalled 12, and included some student nurses from the Philippines, war-torn Indo-China and Malaya. Another pleasing feature was the notification of attendance of 11 Next-of-Kin, who provided a total of 33 adults and children. Amongst the long-distance runners who attended were noticed Stuart Peach, back for a short visit from Laos, or Cambodia, or the latest bit of the Far East currently receiving the benefit of his advice (it is hard to keep track of his movements) looking as fit and as huge as ever; Wally Scott and Grahame McLeod up from the Illawarra; Freddie Butt from Terrigal and Andy Hyslop from Umina. Kevin Ward, holidaying at Wollongong, brought his tribe up for the day, and Dinny Lane made it back from Cooktown. Ray Simmons was down from Avoca. Quite a few apologies for inability to attend were received by 'phone, letter and telegram; and taking everything into consideration (School holidays, annual holidays and all) President Arch and the Committee consider that the response was particularly good - even the Old Man appeared to be satisfied; Johnno (Noel Johnston) on whom fell the burden of liaison, organisation and a certain amount of writing of material for publication, was also satisfied. So was I. (Ed.) ### DO YOU REMEMBER Do you remember when we had finished our bit of the line and were being transported back to Kanburi by train, over the line we had built? Due to a derailment just over that impossible long bridge, built on a curve out of telegraph poles, three tiers high like a stack of cards (and we knew how flimsily they were constructed with only dog spikes holding the poles together - we had built 'em further North) our silly boong driver took the train right onto the middle of the bridge and stopped. What with the height, the flimsy construction, and a bit of wind up top and water underneath, the whole structure developed a pendulum like swaying, and the train felt as though it would plunge off the top at any minute. Panic started to break out - it wasn't only the dysentery which affected us that day. Just when some of us were starting to show that we were panic-stricken, and things looked dangerous, the voice of Ned Keleher came floating over the train "Horsey (Stan Arneil, and a devout Catholic) for God's sake pass along those Rosary Beads of yours, and I'll tick 'em over, to help us get out of this b .....mess". The spectacle of that renegade Keleher "ticking over" Rosary Beads was just too much - the whole train burst into laughter - the panic was gone. Thank God for the irrepressible wit which the Keleher's of this world always seemed to be able to produce when things were at their worst. Do you remember on those endless horror marches up to the Railway, when the nights were pitch black and the track was rough and muddy - so bad that you often had to put your hand on the shoulder of the bloke in front (or follow the bit of phosphorous fungus stuck on his back) to maintain contact? Do you remember one night when the "G" sounded to move on, and we stood and waited for the leader of the group (it happened to be Bob Jack's turn) to move off ? When queried about the long delay, Bob thought he had better enquire from the man in front of him. The man turned out to be a decent sized tree, and we cursed and raved as we had to shamble along at an impossible gait to catch up with the column. Do you remember when Rex Rowe, as Leader, missed the sharp turn onto the makeshift bridge and disappeared into the ditch, with the others following? It was only when the ditch was full and the tail-enders started to tramp over bodies that the bridge was discovered. On the Editor's personal note: Do you remember, Wally Scott, the night you passed back the word "Hole on Left"; so, I lurched to the right - straight into three feet of mud and slush? When I subsequently politely asked you why, you innocently and sincerely replied "I've always had trouble with my right and left". Editor's Note: There must be thousands of incidents which, though somewhat serious at the time, can raise a laugh in retrospect. I remember seeing Porky Moore, Stan Arneil and a few others literally rolling on the floor in uncontrolled laughter, at one reunion, while Stan described the time Porky was ordered to climb a huge teak tree to put a rope over the first branch (a mere 30' up) helped along by a Jap with a dirty big Kurra stick. It wasn't funny at the time, and admittedly Stan is a good story teller, but it was funny 20 years later. Will you send me in the odd anecdote to keep this column going ? A TYPICAL "STONER STORY The typewriter on which copy for this MAKAN was typed by the Editor, laboriously by the "Hunt" method (hunting for the correct keys with no more than two fingers of each hand, then hunting for the place you were up to in the script) has a close association with Ron Stoner. When the Ed. was out on his last Work Party, tunnelling funk holes for the Japs into hills in Johore (Do you remember the day the Jap party tunnelled straight into the bottom of our 30' deep boreholes, and turned them into the pits which never filled?) he had, as usual, the pleasure of that Japanese Gentleman, Toyama, supervising returns, etc. , submitted for Jap H. Q. Toyama demanded the returns be typed, and was politely told that he would have to produce a typewriter. He eventually produced what looked like a tangled heap, and in his best sadistic manner advised that it was the last typewriter left in Johore. What Toyama didn't know was that the pieces he produced belonged to an "Imperial" typewriter (which normally pulled to pieces very simply), that there were enough pieces to make up a whole typewriter with some to spare, and that the Ed. (apart from some prior knowledge of Imperials in the Bank) liked messing around and sticking things together. So, Toyama got his returns typed, and when the Japs turned it in, knowing that Ron Stoner was struggling on a little portable at BHQ in Changi, the Ed. had the typewriter transported to Changi; and he gave it to Ron with the remark that it was probably better than the thing he was using. That was the end of it so far as the Ed. was concerned. In due course we were transported home, and a short time after our return the Ed. was astounded to receive a 'phone call from Ron, saying in effect: "I have finished with that typewriter you loaned me in Changi, it is at Stuart Peach's house with Bn. records, etc. Could you arrange to pick it up ?" Incredible though it may seem, because, in the confusion of getting home he had not had a chance to see the Ed. about it in Changi, he had lumped that awkward, heavy typewriter into the boat, and then all over the countryside here, until he found a safe repository for it, so that he could return it to the Ed. in due course. A typical Stoner act. Footnote: The Ed. 'phoned the local Agents for Imperials, told them the story, and requested that they pick it up, and do it up. They did, and returned it in brand-new condition, beribboned and a card attached "With the Manager's Compliments". After 25 years and a lot of pounding, particularly from Legacy kids in Melbourne who were learning typing, it is still going strong. Regretfully (?), Toyama isn't. Further Footnote: To appoint a garrulous old goat as your Editor was indeed risky, and the folly of it is undoubtedly evidenced in the almost uncontrolled reminiscing in which he has indulged in this first issue of MAKAN produced by him. He promises to try and become a true Editor, and efface himself from further issues; but how about some of his readers indulging in a bit of it and letting him have some copy for subsequent issues ? ### SERVICE CORNER PAINTS: Joe (M. R.) Geoghegan represents Ripolin Paints and can help with advice on what to do by way of treatment, etc. , to bring the attap hut up to standard, as well as providing the right kind of paint. 'Phone him at: Business 637 2234. Private 78 2428. REPAT: The Old Man is not getting any younger, and his Knighthood has meant more calls on his time. Please ease his burden and direct all enquiries to the Editor, who will put them through the appropriate channel. LEGAL: The same applies to Arch Thorburn, so far as pressure of business is concerned. Please 'phone the Editor. Are there any other Members who can help ? This space reserved for future offers of service. ADVERTISEMENTS, NOTICES, Etc. 8. DIV. SINGAPORE/MALAYSIA TOURS Arising from the interest displayed by many members of 8. Div. , Frank Gaven, a member of the 2/20 Bn. , has arranged three tours to South-East Asia which feature those places where the 8. Div. served and were interned as P.O.W. The tours were available from the end of 1970, and are now being marketed on a continuing basis. Departure dates are not pre-set, and tours have been structured for travel by two persons sharing accommodation, and the price includes air fare, accommodation and touring. TOUR 1: $595 15 days - Malaysia and Singapore. TOUR 2: $695 16 days - Bangkok, Malaysia and Singapore. TOUR 3: $735 20 days - Bangkok, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore. All provide side tours to places of interest to us. For further information contact: Mr. Frank Gaven, Managing Director, Intermedia Travel Pty. Ltd., 124 Phillip St. , SYDNEY. 2000. 'Phone: 221 1211. ### Try our Advertising Rates - you couldn't get anything cheaper than our charge of nothing for each insertion of any advertisement considered of interest to members. A similar service will be afforded with respect to genuine Notices to Members. For your information: 1VIAKAN is published every alternate even month, i.e. in February, April, June, August, October and December; and it is intended to have it printed and in your hands well before the end of the particular month of publication. If you are considering, say a Regional Get-together, or the like, why not plan it so that early notice can be given to members in your area by insertion of an appropriate notice in MAKAN. Back to 1971 index or Main Index |