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Makan No. 233 OFFICIAL JOURNAL 2/30 Bn. A. I. F. ASSOCIATION Subscription Rate: $1.50 per Year Registered for Posting as Periodical: Category A
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE ASSOCIATION Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Members of 2/30 Battalion . A.I.F. Association will be held in the Meeting Room, 2nd floor, of the Combined Services R.S.L.. Club, 5 Barrack Street SYDNEY on Friday, 15th April '77 at 8pm. AGENDA
1. Apologies.
by order of the
Central Executive Arrangements, similar to previous years, will be maintained. Those attending, who are not members of the Club, are asked to give their name and that of the Association to the doorman, and they will be signed in by one of our members, who is also a member of the Combined Services Club. Any members, who desire to do so, may dine at the Club at 6:30pm, for which time arrangements will have been made by Bruce Ford for a sit down dinner on the 1st floor; those, who wish to "gargle the tonsils", may do so in the Barrack Bar from 5:30pm onwards.
WAR WIDOWS PENSION - REPAT. REJECTS APPLICATION Bobby died on 24/5/76. He was on "F" Force, X8 and N1 Parties. Jock Logan has been helping "Thelma" with a claim to Repat. The claim has been rejected. Will any of Bobby's mates, who can substantiate disabilities, which he might have sustained, while with him on those work parties, pass the information to Jock. ANZAC DAY - SYDNEY In the absence of any other advices up to the present we assume, that our Battalion assembly point for the March will be as it was for last year; in Elizabeth Street, midway between Martin Place and King Street, facing south. Please gather at our usual time, from 9 a.m. onwards (Medals, Battalion lapel badge, and Battalion tie). The Banner will be carried this year by Arnie Trusler if he agrees to the Executive request. Garry Evans has been asked to be standby. The Forbes Tavern is not available for our usual gathering after the March. There has been a changeover in licensees, and the new chap, apparently is counting his bawbees with the result that he must consider costs not up to expected receipts. Kevin Ward has been active in seeking another place to meet, so that last year's troubles will not be repeated, and has made arrangements for us to have an area in the Ex-Ps.O.W. Rooms, Goldberg House, 101/105 Clarence Street, where we may gather. Whether any other move is made from there will depend on the thoughts of you chaps as you gather. Betty Collins will be continuing her donation of boxes of sandwiches, so welcome and helpful in allowing the Battalion to keep together without any need to go fossicking for meals. She has endeared herself to the boys by making this gesture, which she commenced way back in the 1950s, in memory of her brother, and, although Harry will not be with us, for the first time and able to bring her boxes, she will be making them for us as usual and have other helpers. Of course the day will sort out the young and the old, but I'm sure that there will be enough able and willing to see that the jugs of the amber fluid and the soft drinks or even pure 'aquavitae' for those, whose M.O.'s have decreed such to be their form of liquid refreshment, will be available. We shall expect those of you, who are not able to manage the March, to come along as usual and meet the blokes. ANZAC DAY - BATHURST Jack Fell proposes to make the trip this year, and we look for others to join him. Those, who will go, please let Bruce Ford know, as soon as possible. Bathurst's commemorations include the Battalion Cairn in Limekilns Road opposite the former Camp entrance. GEMAS DAY COMMEMORATION Despite a warm day there was quite a good attendance of members and relatives at the Ceremony at the Memorial at the Headquarters of the 17th Royal N.S.W. Regiment at Pymble on Sunday, 16th January last and, as usual, the members of the 17th R.N.S.W. Regiment honoured us by their attention to detail in their drill. Wreaths were laid on behalf of the Association and the 17th Royal N.S.W. Regiment. Names of members of the Battalion who had passed on within the 12 months, since the last Commemoration, were read. Charles Bennett, who has become our regular trumpeter, sounded the "Last Post" and "Reveille'' and the Regimental pipers and Jimmy Webster provided that touch that only pipes can have. Country members who attended were: Wally Scott and Alan Charlton from Wollongong; Jackie Fell and Jimmy Webster from Newcastle way. Jimmy's son, Bill, from Griffith was there, as Jimmy and he had seen Bill's daughter off the previous day to Japan on a Rotary Exchange Fellowship. Jimmy was complete with kilt and pipes as our official piper. There were some noted absentees, who had sent apologies. Amongst them were Arch Thorburn, our President and Jim Greenwood Deputy Commissioner Repatriation Commission. "Gentleman George" Ramsay was seated in his usual place at the entrance to the drill hall and the blazing sun was ignored by him, as he held court for one after another, who came up to him. His wife, Chub, was watching him, to see he did not overdo things, as also was his son, Max. The men of the Battalion owe Chub a great debt for the way, in which she looks after our Patron. Des Duffy, certainly slimmer than of old, was settled to one side, but enjoying the chance of a yarn to one and all. Ray Simmons, escorted by his brother-in-law, was happy to be with us once again after his sojourn at Wyoming. Later he was in touch to say that he had improved enough to be able to take up bowls again. Sid Musgrove was on the go to oversee the afternoon tea arrangements and the clearing up in due course; he did a mighty job. Noel Johnston provided quite an unusual interlude in the afternoon's proceedings, by producing and asking the 17th Royal N.S.W. Regiment to look after a trophy, which had been won by a team consisting of members of the 2/30 Battalion together with members of the 2/4th Machine Gun Battalion in a Divisional Sports Meeting on the Padang fronting the Convalescent Depot on 25/12/1942. The trophy had a base of dressed timber, strips of duralumin for a metal frame to hold a cup, a polished half coconut shell on which shields showed the winning team; the date of the Rally; "The Changi Cup; "For retention if won consecutively for 5 years". (Did anyone say, "You'll never get off the Island."); the donor's name "Gunner Lyall R.A.A.” Noel had it in his kit trunk for the trip on which "F" Force set out. When No. 6 train, on which his party of 2/30th had travelled, arrived at Ban Pong on 27th April 1943 and, it was found, that they had to march for the rest of the way, so that they had to reduce their loads to a minimum, Noel left the trophy, with what he had to regard as non-essentials, in the trunk, which was supposed to have been placed in store. When time came for "F" Force to go back to Changi, Noel found that the only thing left in his kit trunk was the trophy; everything else had been looted. He had brought it back to Australia, at times cogitating, what should be done with it. The 17th Royal N.S.W. Regiment was custodian now of the "Marshall Shield" which the Battalion had won in the Brigade Sports at Bathurst, so it seemed to him appropriate that Major Cuddy, O.C. "A" Company, 17th Royal N.S.W. Regiment be asked if the Regiment would preserve this trophy too. FAR NORTH COAST BRANCH EX-PRISONERS OF WAR ASSOCIATION REUNION DINNER A contingent of Alex Dandie, Joe Geoghegan, Andy Knox and Kevin Ward with their wives made the trip to Lismore from Sydney for this year's Reunion there and, of the total of about 130 people at the Reunion Dinner the 2/30 Battalion folk; men, wives, grown-up children, widows, accounted for over 50 of that gathering. The Ceremony at the War Memorial in front of the Lismore Baths was at 5:30pm on the Saturday evening, and with the R.S.L. Club standing in the same side street, which flanked the baths, it was only a short walk to reach it. The guest speaker for the Reunion was to have been our Padre, Paddy Walsh, but a letter had been received that he had been unable to obtain someone to take over his duties for the weekend in his parish and he could not come. In any case he is retiring next year, which, incidentally, will be the 50th Anniversary of his ordination as a priest and they had let him off the chain to go to Ballina Reunion last August. All visitors from Sydney are very appreciative of the "red carpet" treatment afforded to us. "Andy" Knox, who was the first to reach the North, went to his nephew's place at Murwillumbah, coming down from there for the dinner. He declared to me, that, seeing so many old friends, had given him another 10 years on his life, and it was worth it to go up disregarding what the doctors wanted to do with him. Your scribe and June arrived on the "Motor-Rail" on the Friday morning and were greeted by "Joe" and Sybil Johnston at Lismore Railway Station, and, as I and “Joe" had not seen each other since 1945 in Japan, there was a wonder would we recognise each other, but there was no trouble in picking his tall figure. We were whisked out to their home, where they looked after us for the weekend. “Joe” and Georgina flew up and were greeted at Casino Airport and looked after there by Rogo Sweeney and Jimmy Small with tea, before they brought them up to their Motel. Kevin and Dorothy arrived on Saturday morning by "Motor-Rail", were met and taken to their Motel, then two car loads went out to Ballina, where Len Clavan and Aub Clavan were located, and Bernice Kentwell looked up, following which the cars travelled up to Joe's place for lunch. On the Sunday morning we paid a visit to Harry Teasdale in hospital and saw Edna Standing, who is within the same complex of buildings in the Ozanam Villa Hostel. A visit was paid to Alstonville to Sister Blanche's home (now Mrs. Eaton-Lee). She was amongst the nurses imprisoned on Sumatra. Sunday lunchtime was a barbeque meal at "Joe" Johnston's place and, what rain came, was nothing to worry about. Some 24 joined in the barbeque, where tongues were well loosened. Kevin Ward was particularly glad to be in Lismore on the weekend. In fact it could have been regarded as a pilgrimage by him, because he grew up in Lismore, and enlisted from there. All the weekend he was showing everyone his knowledge of the township, and who lived here or who lived in that street. How his Dad was able to sell milk ½d per pint cheaper than the other milkmen, because they delivered by cart and Kev's Dad delivered on foot. How he learned to swim in the river, because he found himself out of his depth. He was renewing a particular friendship with Jimmy Crawford of the 2/18th Battalion, because, on the night of Kevin and Dorothy's wedding day, they were booked in to Carl Odger's "Log Cabin" Hotel on the banks of the Nepean River at Penrith and, on arrival there, Carl had said that Kevin would be meeting an old friend, who was to come along later and it turned out to be Jimmy Crawford and his bride. The 2/30 Battalion boys on the Far North Coast have adopted Jim Crawford and Sid Jameson, both 2/18th Battalion boys, but the only ones of their Battalion to be in the area. COOMA EX-PRISONERS OF WAR REUNION – 12th FEBRUARY Stewart Blow reports that he and Ruth and Mick and Gweneth Lovell made a weekend of it in attending the Cooma Reunion and really had an enjoyable time. He says, “it was quite hot, so it was good drinking weather. We were glad we went, the friendship and hospitality were top odds. There were over 100 there and many have been going for years. Mick ran into a few from “A" Force and of course Harry Holden was there and looked after us very nicely. The Battalion telegram of good wishes was read out, and was received very well. I can recommend this Reunion to anyone.” 8 DIVISION MEMORIAL SERVICE AT CENOTAPH, MARTIN PLACE, SYDNEY 15th FEBRUARY The ceremony in Commemoration of those men and women, who died in the Malayan Campaign and of those, who have died since, was held on Tuesday 15th February with the laying of wreaths at 6.45pm. A wreath was laid, on behalf of the Battalion, by Kevin Ward. He was supported with a small gathering of 2/30 Battalion men, Bruce Ford, Jack Black, Ron Maston, Alan McNickle and Bruce Upcroft. The number attending this short service was not as large as on other occasions, but that did not detract from the solemnity of the occasion. Kevin Ward commented that an old man of over 80 sang “Oh Valiant Hearts”. He was a baritone and despite his age, his voice filled the place magnificently. LAST POST
NX73786 PRIVATE ROBERT ROBINSON, "B" COMPANY, DIED AT 11/1/1977 Russ Mackie (Clunes), Ron Sweeney, Jimmy Small and Nugget Crummy (Casino), also our adopted mates, Sid Jameson (Ballina) and Jimmy Crawford (Lismore), 2/18th Battalion. The pallbearers at the graveside were Joe Johnston, Harry Riches, Norm Watkins, Ron Sweeney and Jim Small 2/30th, Jimmy Crawford (2/18th), a family friend. There was a large congregation in St. Andrew's Church of England, Lismore, with only standing room at the back. The flowers from both 2/30th Bn and Ex-P.O.W. friends were with purple and gold flowers, or as many as were available and purple and gold ribbon. At the Church Ex-Ps.O.W. carried wreaths and sheaths and formed a Guard of Honour with other R.S.L. members. The R.S.L. Service conducted at the graveside was carried out by South Lismore R.S.L., of which Bob was a member. He leaves a widow, Shirley, and six children; Cheryl, Jann, Robert, Kerry, Carol and John. Cheryl, Jann and Robert are married and Kerry was married on 5th February. Harry Riches writes that, “we have lost one of our best friends out of the 2/30th in Bob. Any of the boys who were at Thomson Road will remember Bob. He came to “B” Company as one of the 6th Reinforcements to the Battalion. He slaved up on the Railway with “F'' Force and was in Xl Tunnelling Party in Johore Bahru. Bob was only 55 years old when he died. It was a sad turnout, as he has been a great worker, since he came back and has worked very hard. He tried to make his farm a model for others to see. He had a very nice family and I feel very sorry for Shirley, as she has worked very hard and helped him all the way. I don't know how she has done what she has and reared the family. Bob has been a power of strength for the Far North Coast P.O.W. Association. I think that he has been the Treasurer since it first began. He will be missed as nothing seemed a trouble to him. He had been sick for some time, but still kept going. The doctor had tried for some time to get him to ease up, but Bob argued with him, that he just could not stop work on the farm, just at the word 'stop'. He had animals and crops at certain stages of growth. They had to be looked after before he could lay down his tools and let someone else take over. He even compared the doctor's job with his own and queried the doc whether he could walk out of his surgery without planning for a successor, as a reason for his carrying on at the farm. Bob had been in to the doctor on the day of his death and it was on the way home that the tragedy occurred. His farm, which was just beside the railway line, was reached by driving over a crossing and then turning in towards his gate. It appeared that Bob might have been on the crossing, when the car turned along the railway line and capsized. Bob was dead when they reached him.” After the service had finished a chap stepped forward and made himself known to one of the boys and said that he would like to meet as many of the 2/30 Battalion chaps as he could, if they would come and speak to him. He was Alan MOSES, brother to our late Ted MOSES (NX47489 Pte E.S. MOSES., one of the original members of "Don" Company; he had enlisted from Mooball on the Tweed River and was killed in action on 28/1/1942 in the vicinity of the 41 Mile Peg, Johore and where "Don"'' Company were in position). Alan had read the funeral notice in the paper and so had come to speak to as many as was possible. Each and every member there went and made himself known to Alan..
ROSS HALL
NX37530 Pte E.R.
BARNES
FREDERICK ALLAN
SHEARING (Major, 2/20 Battalion)
SISTER EILEEN
MARY SHORT Jack Burke has sent down a cutting from the local paper and apologises for its delay, because he never got around to sending it down although he had intended to do this earlier. Jack says that he saw Sister Short a couple of months before her death at a Ps.O.W. Reunion at Maurie Horrigan's home. Sister Short trained at the Kingaroy Hospital and at the Women's Hospital Sydney, after which she was Sister in Charge at a Maitland (NSW) Hospital and later became Matron of the Isisford Hospital in Queensland. On 18/8/41 she enlisted in the Armed Services and went to Malaya with the 8th Division as an Army Sister. On 12/2/42 she was evacuated from Singapore on the S.S. “Vyner Brooke", which was bombed, strafed and sank. Sister Short or "Shortie" as she was more affectionately known was one of the 25 nurses out of the original 65 on board to survive, and was evacuated home a mere 3½ stone at the end of World War II. After restoration to health, she took up her profession again and served as Matron at hospitals at Richmond, Augathella and Isisford. Members of the Dalby R.S.L. formed a guard of honour outside St. Mark's Lutheran Church and the pallbearers were ex prisoners of war.
HARRY COLLINS Bruce Greer commented that "he was shocked to read of Harry's death in "Makan". Jack Conn, "I was extremely saddened to read in the last "Makan" of the death of our old friend, Harry Collins, who was indeed one of nature's gentlemen with a helping hand for every one, who needed it and is so sadly missed by so many. Then I read of his passing I thought back on how fortunate I was to be able to have had those few hours once again in his company last Anzac Day.”
FRANK ''DUSTY"
MILLER THE WILL REMEMBER THEM RETURN THANKS HENRY EDWARD COLLINS - DIED 16th NOVEMBER 1976 BETTY COLLINS "Wishes to express her sincere appreciation of your kind thoughts and sympathy in the loss of her beloved husband. And to each and every member of the Battalion I thank you for your words of comfort to me. To me Harry was a very special person and all the messages I have received have been of great comfort and support. Bet." SICK PARADE REPORT Kevin Ward reports:
Discharged from
hospital since last report:
Still in hospital: CANCELLATION OF 1976 REUNION Last issue of "Makan" contained comments on the cancellation of last year's Reunion. I also present other opinions received since:
Clarrie Burgess:
Les Hall:
Derek Smith:
Jack Fell: My job as a greenkeeper ties me down to the extent that I cannot always get away to attend these functions and I am inclined to agree with Tom Nixon, that these reunions could be timed to coincide with some other event so that the weekend could be spent in enjoyable company. Having attended several country Reunions in places like Grafton, Ballina, Taree, Tamworth and Wauchope some thought could be given to making these events a mixed dinner/dance type of evening. They have proved highly successful and also give our ladies a chance to get together. Most of these functions are held at an R.S.L. Club and, after the dinner, tables are reserved in the auditorium, where we join in the evening's entertainment.
Joe Geoghegan:
One who has asked
to be anonymous:
Far North Coast
Boys have asked: Their suggestion is those who desire it could have bowls or golf arranged for them and, for others, who are non-players in either, a tour of the district could be arranged. Folk from Sydney could come by coach; fare return to Ballina is only $38. Dinner could be had at the Ballina R.S.L. Club on the Saturday night; deep sea fishing for those who so desire on the Sunday morning; further tours of the district and a barbeque lunch at the R.S.L. on the Sunday; then back on bus at 6pm for return trip to Sydney, arriving there in time for work on Monday morning. If we are allowed to arrange this function a small committee of the chaps up here will be formed and all arrangements made. Accommodation is no problem, as there are plenty of private homes, motels or hotels, whichever they so desire. It is intended that wives are invited to accompany their menfolk. We have no hesitation in saying that those attending will have an enjoyable time, and we suggest that at the conclusion of this weekend, there be someone to say, who will arrange the 1978 Reunion, and for the boys in each area to take turns in doing this as it is not hard to do, when full co-operation from all is given.
Phil Schofield: "Although your contributors put forward some helpful suggestions, I do not feel that any of them would do much to solve the problem; with the possible exception that our widows, wives and grown up sons and daughters be invited. I am definitely in favour of that. City members just do not seem to want to travel to a Reunion. I and others have tried to influence members to attend the excellent country Reunions, but the most that we have ever mustered have been one or two city members and the same would more or less apply to country members visiting the city. The Reunion at Bathurst, held about 5 years ago, was a success but a lot of phoning and persuasion was done by the organisers and more importantly our wives attended with us. The recent attempt at an Eighth Division Reunion in Bathurst failed miserably. The events, which caused cancellation of our last Reunion were unfortunate, as we have 40/50 regulars who always turn up. I would deplore the complete cancellation of our Reunion and, I am sure, so would those regulars who comprise approximately one third of the city membership; in any event, we are committed to hold one, under the terms of our Constitution. I am also concerned, as are the Executive, at the falling off in attendance over the past few years. I am sure that if we included widows, wives and grown-up children, we would increase the attendance; but, would it merely mean that the regulars would turn up with their womenfolk? I fear that it would and that they would be up for double expense yet we might not get any more actual members in attendance. I am sure you are fully aware of how I feel regarding the important part our womenfolk play in the well being of the association and of the equal importance of fostering the family image, so there is no need for me to develop these themes. Although I. am very much in favour of including our women folk, I suggest as an alternative, and on a trial basis that we hold a mini reunion after the next Anzac Day March at the Forbes Tavern; the Association would supply a copious amount of sandwiches, biscuits and cheese, etc. free of cost to those attending and find out from the members there their views on alteration of the Annual Reunion to Anzac Day, and what sort of a function they desired. With our 60/80 there a reasonable consensus of opinions should result. This sounds (and is) a pretty tame affair and a poor substitute for an Annual Reunion, and is a complete reversal of form on my part, as I was very much against it as a member of the Executive, at the time, when the idea was put forward by one of the members. However, I feel that we have to try some alternative and this might be a starter and it could lead to a more suitable venue and the holding of some more formal function in subsequent years."
Harry Riches:
Steve Allardice:
Johnny Parsons: WHO DUNIT?? Phil received one last year and now, I have another one this year. Who is it please? Someone has sent in the sum of $3 made up by one postal order for $2.00 and one postal order for 50c, both of which were purchased on 28/1/77 at Murwillumbah, with another postal order for 50c, this time purchased on 4/2/77 and again at Murwillumbah. The envelope was posted at Murwillumbah at 2:30pm 4/2/77 and received by your Chief Correspondent on 7th February. Again there is NO INDICATION EITHER INSIDE THE ENVELOPE OR ON THE OUTSIDE from whom it may have come. Please let me know: who sent the subs? NEWS, VIEWS, and WHO's WHO
JIM WALSHE - ST. IVES 2075 (HQ COMPANY) We sold our home unit and have gone back to a house and garden at St. Ives, in anticipation of my retirement in the next year or so. I felt that I might have been driven up the wall if I was confined to a unit as a retired gent. For the past 28 years I have worked for the Department of Civil Aviation (now the Department of Transport) and I hold the position of Superintendent of Air Transport Policy in the NSW Region of the Department. It is an interesting job but I am a little weary of aeroplanes and the type, who operate them by now and am looking forward to my retirement, when I can hopefully spend my declining years playing bowls, working in the garden, travelling around a bit perhaps and generally enjoying myself.
COL TUCKFIELD - KENMORE Q 4069 (D COMPANY) He also says that he was very interested to read Graham McLeod's account of Tyersall Palace - a coincidence as Col was also in 17 Platoon at the time, and comments that it looks as if most of the Battalion is making the pilgrimage.
BLAIR TAYLOR - DEAKIN ACT 2600 (C COMPANY)
SID STEPHENS - EAST MAITLAND 2323 (HQ COMPANY) Sid and Joan were to leave on 30/12/76. for tie East, including Burma. Joan reports that Sid enjoys very good health considering that he has a lot of trouble with arthritis, especially in the knee and he is getting hard of hearing. They had a welcome visitor the day before she wrote in that Don Devey had called in on his way to Foster for annual holidays. Joan says that he also was hard of hearing but Don had had an operation at Concord giving good help. Joan includes news of Fred Hume, who is not a member of the Association, but who was in C Company, on "F" Force and X8and Nl Parties. Fred suffered a heart attack but is better at the time of her writing.
DEREK SMITH - BARGO 2574 (A COMPANY) Derek wrote his letter on Christmas Day after an enormous dinner. He writes that "he knew his wife was asleep, the young San Bernard had gone round to his girlfriend, and his 2 married daughters have gone visiting friends", and says, "I have never been a very active member of the Association but, as the years roll away and the ranks are thinning down, my memories of the army days and also the comradeship we had amongst ourselves in my mind I hold very close, more so now than I did in the early post-war years. Being an active member of the community here in Bargo, R.S.L. and Progress Association etc. I know how you fellows, who work to get our "Makan" printed must feel at times but, for the sake of Auld Lang Syne, may God Bless You and Keep You, because there are not many of you left, capable of doing a job that you do". (Break it down, boy, there has to be. AD) Derek reports that on a recent trip to Narrabri he called in to see Stuart Robertson at Tooraweenah and, not having seen him since the war finished, it was a great experience for him. He says that he has a photo, which was taken at Batu Pahat, "its "A" Company's Soccer team, which did it the hard way, as all the glamour boys of Rugby League of "A" Company received all the publicity and we did all the work?" Derek says that there are now only 6 out of the 11 living today and, would you believe, Clarrie Burgess and "Doc" Wilson are in it. Derek is hopeful of getting a print made to send to each one of the six.
TED SKUSE - TUNCURRY 2428 (A COMPANY) Youngest daughter was married on 5/6/76. the Anniversary of Ted and Edna's own marriage, so a good time was had by all. After the wedding Ted and Edna set off for a trip to Queensland. At Coraki they called in on Mrs. Arnett for a chat and cup of tea; also meeting Harry Riches' brother-in law, who is the Postmaster there at Coraki. At Kyogle they stayed overnight with Don and Bernice Frith. After visiting their son and his wife and 3 boys they returned south calling on Harry Riches at Brunswick Heads and their eldest daughter at Kempsey, staying there for a short time then back home for a well earned rest. Ted also reports that he called on Arthur Purdon in his caravan at Tuncurry, on his birthday, which was Christmas Eve. Arthur was 76 on that day. Ted signs off with all the best wishes for all the chaps.
MAX ROSS - CARLTON 2218 (D COMPANY) Max acted on the advice of the Pensions Officer of his R.S.L. Sub Branch at Kogarah, to receive a nice rise in pension from Repat., and is in hopes that the visit to Grace Building might put him into T.P.I. bracket, as he had to sell his country business at the end of 1968 and has not worked since. Some brighter family news was that, on 22/6/76, son Greg and daughter-in-law, Maureen, presented them with their first grandchild - a son - Clayton Geoffrey, whilst Max's daughter, Kay, was to be married on the last Saturday in January, so that Verna, his wife, has been very busy as they were to have the reception, in their home, so that she would have a fine family send-off.
IAN PRYCE -
WAHROONGA 2076 (D COMPANY)
GEORGE MICHELL - WEMBLEY 6014 (B COMPANY) George himself has on and off days because both kidneys have failed, causing him to go to the hospital twice a week on the kidney machine for 7 hours each day and that keeps him going but, he says, Shirley, his wife, has not been the best. George ends by wishing you all that you may have all the best for Christmas and the New Year,
FRANK McDONALD - BANKSTOWN 2200 (B COMPANY) Frank came to the Battalion at Bathurst, from Greta just prior to our going overseas. At Greta, he recalls, his 21st birthday was spent doing a stint of guard duties, so that, as his 22nd birthday occurred, whilst the Battalion was at Batu Pahat, he decided to make up for lost enjoyments and really celebrate with a few of the boys and, he says, B Company boys might remember the occasion, because they had to endure a late slap-up breakfast the following morning. Frank comments that he had a visit from Ray Donald, down from the bush for the birth of his latest grandson and found Ray looking very well, so life seems to be agreeing with him.
CLARRIE LATTIMER - KYOGLE 2474 (HQ COMPANY)
LEN LANSDOWN - ASHFIELD 2131 (D COMPANY)
LES HALL - HARBORD 2096 (HQ COMPANY)
HARRY GRIFFIS - TAREE 2430 (D COMPANY) Harry was with me all the time in Japan, even when " J'' Force began to be split up, the Japanese thereby hoping to nip in the bud any organisation of breakouts by Ps.O.W. and has commented, that my reference to Christmas 1943 in Kobe, in last "Makan" brought back some memories including some of the last desperate weeks at Nomachi on the northern coast of the Island of Honshu away from Kobe.
MIKE GARRARD - KINGSCLIFF 2413 (D COMPANY) He says that he did not fare too badly in the heavy hail storm that swept Kingscliff before Christmas, "only lost one window, one fly proof door and one fly proof window cut to ribbons plus cost of $600 damage to car, as we were at the Club for dinner, when the storm broke." Mike is a bowler and does a little fishing but confesses to mixed luck at both. He does not get about much these days, was boarded from work two years ago through illness; had a couple of ops, got an infection in one ear and that really made him crook. On the second operation the doctors found that Mike's ticker was not in the best of shape and that was mainly the reason for being boarded out. He is still only on 100% pension, though he supposes one should be counting one's blessings even for that, as he reckons that there are many worse off than himself. Mike concludes his letter by wishing all members and the Committee all the best for 1977.
HAROLD FRENCH - WALCHA 2354 (A COMPANY) He has a family of three, two daughters, one 15 years and the other 30, whilst his son is 26 years. He says that he sees some of the boys now and again and issues an invitation that, if any of the Battalion are up his way, he and his wife would like them to drop in, his house being the fourth last on the right going through Walcha to Port Macquarie. He includes his regards to all the boys, wishing you all the best and a happy 1977.
JACK FELL - CESSNOCK 2325 (B COMPANY) Jack says, "Ted had arranged a game of bowls for us on Sunday but this involved a trip of over a hundred miles return to Dirranbandi. The fellows out there think nothing of travelling anything up to 200 miles for a game of bowls. A little different to the chaps at our Club, who dislike the idea of going more than 20 miles to play pennants. On Wednesday we travelled to Moree to play bowls but arrived in the middle of a stop work meeting of the club stewards. However they returned to duty a bit later on and it was business as usual. I don't know who arranged the draw for the afternoon's bowls but I was drawn to play against Ted. Much to my disappointment he proved too good for me on the day. We had a very pleasant week with them and visited the Aboriginal Training Station some 12 miles out of the town. Ted is a very active member for the aboriginal welfare and is most highly thought of by everyone in the town. He is known to most people as "Yogi", and this name must have stuck pretty well as I met a fellow in Taree R.S.L. who knew him as "Yogi". After leaving Mungindi we travelled via Walgett to Lightning Ridge. We spent one night there and that was plenty; on through Brewarrina to Bourke, where we spent the weekend and so home from there, as reports of road conditions deterred us from continuing as planned. We were home a couple of days and then went to Taree for the weekend at Jack and Una Clune's Ranch, going up to Gloucester on the Sunday to take part in the annual R.S.L. day. Whilst in Taree R.S.L. Club I saw Bill Newton whom I last saw in hospital on my way to the Ballina Reunion. Bill looks well and has shed some of his unwanted weight."
"ZIPPER" CHARLTON - PUNCHBOWL 2196 (B COMPANY) Our youngest daughter, Valerie, who lives in Darwin, has had another son, which makes the total of grandchildren 14. He are hoping to move to Harrington, when Zipper retires in early 1977 and we are both looking forward to it, as for the last few years his work in the Railways has had him on shift work. (Thanks Pearl, as Phil used to say, "what would Makan do if it were not for the unpaid wife/secretary").
BOB DICKSON - NEW LAMBTON 2305 (HQ COMPANY) I had an operation on the same leg in April 1975, from which the leg has never fully recovered despite antibiotics and intensive surgical treatment, to be followed now with a blood disorder. I had my seventh blood count just prior to Christmas. I'm to have a stomach X-ray first week in January and will know results a week later. However I am still on the improve, as I spent Christmas' 74 and 75 confined to bed, so, at least, this year, I was on my feet taking things very quietly but hoping that 1977 will be a much better year this time. Best wishes to all the boys. I do hope that they and theirs had a very good Christmas and wish them and everyone a brighter and better good. year.
MRS. LORNA CROSSMAN - ARTARMON 2064 (Wife of ALAN B. CROSSMAN - BAND) arrangements. She mentions that for many years at the end of the war she was working in Tasmania away from contact with NSW and presumes that this was how she missed out on general news of the 2/30th.
JACK CONN --PORT MACQUARIE 2444 (HQ COMPANY) He says, Agnes and self keep reasonably fair health; have our little ups and downs as does everyone but considering every thing and the time that has elapsed can't complain too much. Family are all well and were with us over the festive season, daughter, Jillian Bennett (teaching) her husband, Stan, and son Mathew; daughter, Dianne Rankin (Receptionist at El Paso Motel), her husband, Max (Rural Bank) and son Christopher, Apprentice Electrical Engineer with BHP Newcastle, (all, incidentally love to read the "Makan", shake the finger and insist that I keep all copies, so that they can catch up). I Since 29th Nov I have been working with the local D.M.R. 3 days a week on Divisional Office lawns and gardens, and 2 days a week in the soil testing laboratory, nice people to work with and nice surroundings and, above all a permanent job, which, at our age and in these times, is a big thing. Please give my regards to Les Hall, Phil Schofield, Bob Jack and any of the other boys, whom you may run into. I was terribly pleased to be able to make it down for the last Anzac Day and to meet up again with so many, and I really enjoyed the afternoon we had together after the march, not to mention the amber fluid, that flowed so freely at the different clubs that the boys got us into and the great old yarns we all had.
CLARRIE BURGESS - REDFERN 2016 (A COMPANY) All the best for 1977 to all."
BILL ROOKE - RAINWORTH 4065 (B COMPANY) He says that he does look forward to his issue of Makan. Phil, God Bless his heart, and his willing helpers did such a lot to make "Makan" what it is today. He also sent in a card "wishing all the 2/30 Battalion boys and families, Christmas Greetings and Best Wishes for a Happy New Year, from Bill and Sylvia."
MICK BAILEY - SEFTON 2162 (HQ COMPANY) He also sends Seasons Greetings to all and his kind regards.
TED CAMPBELL - TUMBARUMBA 2653 (H COMPANY) With Clyde Blencowe and several other chaps we manage Legacy for the Wagga Wagga branch in the Tumbarumba district. Bluey Gray retired a few weeks ago and looks and acts as though he's the fitter for it. Clyde is a ball of energy and I'm sure they would like to be remembered to their many friends. Give my regards and best wishes to Phil Schofield and thank him from us for the good work he did in keeping us in touch. I'm in the process of reading "Grim Glory", the 2/19th record of their days in Malaya. A monstrous tome and certainly covers their doings completely. They must have access to a lot of private files our fellows couldn't have been able to get. I'd like to send Christmas Greetings to all my friends and mates who seem to be widely scattered.
FRANK HANNAN - WOLLONGONG 2500 (HQ COMPANY)
BETTY DAWSON - NARRABEEN NORTH 2101 (LEN - HQ COMPANY) Betty has been to hospital 3 times in the last year and endured another operation. She still lives in the house that she and Len bought at Narrabeen North, and is lucky to have one of their twin daughters nearby. However she has to have a nurse in each morning and a heating lamp on her back 3 times a week. With kind regards she wishes that you all had a Merry Christmas and says, "my best wishes to all Len's mates".
PETER MASON - KENDALL 2439 (HQ COMPANY) Over Christmas there was quite a spate of visitors, and we will be glad of a little quiet on our own again.
HORRIE CODY - BOMADERRY 2540 (A COMPANY)
BRUCE GREER - BALLINA 2478 (HQ COMPANY) He and Billie enjoyed a car trip across to Western Australia and several trips to son, Ross', cattle property in the Megalong Valley. On the last trip to Megalong Bruce was giving a hand with branding, vaccinating, drenching and cutting this season's calf drop, whilst he and Billie hopped in and helped plant 5 acres of spuds, so it was no wonder he was glad to be home. He confesses that checking up on the calendar his absences from Ballina over the last year totalled in all just on 6 months. While Bruce and Billie were at Megalong Valley their eldest son Evan, and his wife, Liz, decided to bring their two daughters down from Pearce's Creek (15 miles out of Lismore) and so, after many years, they all had Christmas together as a whole family. Also, whilst they were down, Evan and Liz had their second daughter, Kate, who is the second grand-daughter, christened.
BRUCE UPCROFT - PYMBLE 2073 (D COMPANY) Whilst the cairn shows it is attended to, he said that there was a survey peg nearby so that it seemed that some road widening might be contemplated
"HOOT” GIBSON - NORTH ROCKS 2151 (C COMPANY) At the time of writing "Hoot'' was in Concord hospital having cut a couple of tendons in the leg and hand. But, in general, he claims he would be classed as fairly fit, if it were not for a bad back, yet the particular work that he does, seems to ease the pain and frustrations that the back gives, Hoot's work took him up the coast into Queensland and he decided on Ballina for a future home. He has sold out in Sydney and will be moving up north in the middle of February and anticipates that he will meet many of the north coast lads. He says that his 2 daughters are keen travellers and now spend a fair bit of their time away, so that he and his wife are on their own quite a bit, therefore there is no problem as to the immediate future as far as the girls go. Hoot's wife, his sister and brother-in-law (a 2/19 Bn man) took a jetabout trip to Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand 18 months ago and are saving for another. Hoot felt very sad about seeing scenes of Bampong and Kanburi; since being on "F" Force, it brought back a lot of memories, but says that he hopes to go back there again but to spend more time than a jetabout tour allows. In closing Hoot says "hoping all goes well with all our members and their kinfolk, best regards to all."
ARCH THORBURN - EAST LINDFIELD 2070 (C COMPANY) "MEDAL WIN FOR ARCH Past President and life member, Arch Thorburn, won monthly medal at Balgowlah Golf Club on Saturday. Playing off a handicap of 23, Thorburn won with 57 points. He has been a member of Balgowlah for 40 years and it was his fourth medal success."
JACK GROSSMITH - WOY WOY 2256 (HQ COMPANY) "Makan" subs $1.50
Fine for
non-attendance "Gemas Day” $1.50
KEN CRISPIN - JANNALI 2226 (I SECT) Ken says that he is now back home doing reasonably well and on blood-thinning tablets and a low fat diet, both of which he feels, he will probably have with him, for the rest of his life. He has become adjusted to that treatment satisfactorily and, as he had said, is doing reasonably well, and, By the Grace of God, hopes to continue that way. Naturally with such health problems, heat of the day and the distance and changes in going by means of public transport Ken and Joan did not make “Gemas Day". Ken reports that there was a small "I Section" gathering at the New Year, when Marj and Alan Penfold invited the others in Sydney, Ian Pryce, Alex Campbell and Ken, with wives, to their flat, where they had a most enjoyable night, as he says, "..and boy was there some talking done! One wouldn't believe that it is over 30 years since we returned home from Changi and came back into civvy street. Somehow there seems to be a special bond that one doesn't find anywhere else."
ARCHIE DICKINSON - TURRAMURRA 2074 (C COMPANY)
VAL FRIEND - widow of REG. FRIEND (BHQ) - MANLY VALE 2093
ANDY NOBLE - LONGUEVILLE 2066 (D COMPANY) Andy must thrive on having grandchildren around him although he is glad to see them go. He was to have son, Steve and wife and babe up for Christmas, plus eldest daughter, now Ann MacPherson, her husband and their 2 children down from Tooraweenah. Andy was involved in a car accident recently at Barraba, bad enough for him to spend a night in hospital, but he is alright now, and soon leaves for another New Zealand holiday.
LES SOUTHWELL - BATEMAN'S BAY 2536 (A COMPANY)
HARRY RICHES - BRUNSWICK HEADS 2483 (HQ COMPANY) He saw "Nugget" Crummy at Bob Robinson's funeral writing that "Nugget" looks well, considering that he has not been too good. Tom Nixon he sees quite a bit as Tom virtually lives up there now; at least he and Nicky have been in their caravan up there for almost a year now, and Tom has made up his mind "city or the bush" and it's the bush for Tom, who says that he will be coming back to Randwick after Easter, so that we will see him on Anzac Day, then, he is going to sell his house and make for the north coast to buy his retirement house. Harry and Tom took a trip over to Kyogle early in January to see Carl Odgers, who is not too good, but was very pleased to see them. Clarrie Lattimer was met up with also and they had a great old talk over old times. Clarrie, he reports, looks well, although news, from Steve Allardice, is that Clarrie is another heart case: (there's one thing, Clarrie has not that slim figure that he used to have, corpulent may be the description now, as I saw him at the Lismore Reunion weekend. AD). Ron Cody from Shellharbour called on Harry, he and Doris having morning tea with Harry and Dot, a good old talk, and Ron filled Harry in on the doings of the boys down the south coast. Harley Forrester and Ossie Jackson also called on Harry and, he did not recognise Harley, for it is quite awhile since he had seen him, and, of course, as Ernie Stratford said, Harley, has put on quite a bit of weight. Jock Logan called in just after Christmas for the day, so Jock and Harry went off to Lennox Head for a swim in the fresh water lake, on the way out calling in at the hotel, where they ran into Jack Carey and Alex Olley. Ernie Stratford is often passing as he comes down for a surf quite a lot and drops in to pass the time of day. He looks well. Harry could not understand why the Battalion Reunion could not be held last year. He likes to go to Reunions and they have 3 big shows, at Lismore, Grafton and Ballina each year because he does enjoy a good old talk with the boys. Harry finishes off by saying "'Well Alex I have to close now, as I have to get up early every morning, to meet Tom Nixon as we have to walk to Byron Bay to turn the lighthouse light out." Dot sends her regards to all the boys that she knows and Harry asks that we give you his regards.
TOM DAVIS - COBAR/GRAFTON (D COMPANY) Secondly, he says "Australia Day 1977 was an extremely happy day for the Davis family. Why? It was on that day that the Queen approved of my admission as a Serving Brother of the Order of St. John (S.B.St.J.) The Order is an ancient Christian Brotherhood, devoted to works of charity and humanity and was awarded to me for over 40 years association with learning, teaching and examining over 1500 students in First Aid. I attended my first, First Aid Class when I was 15 years old and by the time that I had been enlisted I had been awarded a Gold Medallion (5 years). In typical Army fashion when I enlisted I applied to join the Medical Corps but was drafted into the Footsloggers where I remained. After my discharge I recommenced my First Aid activities at Grafton being an honorary Ambulance Officer for over 6 years before becoming a permanent officer in 1952. During the past 21 years since I became a lecturer/instructor/examiner for the St. John First Aid Association. I have been associated with over 70 first aid classes which has resulted in a number in excess of 1500 people receiving their First Aid Certificates. All this is independent of normal work as an Ambulance Officer with the State's Ambulance Service; is voluntary and is done in one's own time. A task, which I have enjoyed to the fullest and from which I have received much satisfaction. My Investiture will take place at Government House Sydney on 30th April next at 1100 hours."
JOCK MACKENZIE - LEETON 2705 (B COMPANY) Jock wanted to take issue with Jock Logan on his comment that there had never been a Reunion in the Riverina. But you can't argue if you are on the wrong track. Jock Logan was saying that there had never been a 2/30 Battalion Reunion in the Riverina only at Tamworth and Bathurst, whilst Jock Mackenzie is thinking of the reunions of the Ex-Ps.O.W. Association as a whole regardless of what war, or what branch of the Armed Forces, in which one served. So both are right in their own way. Jock Mackenzie says, that he thinks Narrandera was one of the first to have a Reunion after the war; that Narrandera has had two, with one each at Leeton and Griffith, and closes off with the remark, "We'll say cheerio for the present from that old B....Jock.”
BOB HOWELLS - TUSMORE 5065 (HQ COMPANY)
RAY RICKARDS - YENNORA 2161 (C COMPANY)
HARRY TEASDALE - LISMORE 2480 (D COMPANY) He is now in the rehabilitation centre of St. Vincent's Hospital here in Lismore and is not very far from where we live. Harry is looking better and getting colour back to the face. He is not able to use his right arm or leg much yet and there is very little speech yet. However he is having speech therapy and exercises in the gym every day with slow progress and the doctors and staff are hopeful of a recovery but it will take time and patience."
AUB CLAVAN The paper detailed that it was another chapter in Aub's hard-luck saga; that the story began, when he ran away to war aged 16 and served with “Galleghan's Greyhounds", a crack 8th Division Battalion; that he spent most of the war as a prisoner of the Japanese in Changi prison and on the Burma Railway - that he was one of the youngest Australians to be captured; that Aub said, he and friends were cleaning up his house after the flood, when an R.S.L. official from Ballina came to his home and offered him help; that now, it is said, that difficulties have arisen on an interpretation of what was the R.S.L. offer, and that, although Aub has some new furniture, he does not know for how long, because the retailer, from whom he bought them, says that they are not paid for and wants to repossess them.
VIC W.L. ("MORGAN") JONES - HARWOOD ISLAND 2465 (D COMPANY) They made their entrances to see Vic one after the other acting that well known T.V. show "This Is Your Life". Vic was able to pick Reg; was a little puzzled with Harley but, who wouldn't, when one after another, says "He's too fat", but he could not pick Bruce, until after Bruce started to speak, whereupon Vic immediately named him. A bit more on that stay in hospital was, that he had talked himself out after 7 days, whereas his doctor said that he would be there at least 14 days. Vic's wife, Bruce Ford says, was formerly Jean McPhee, who trained as a nurse at Lismore Base Hospital during the war years, when Bruce's sister, Clarice, was Deputy Matron there. Both Bruce and Reg say that Vic has had to go back into Maclean Hospital since they were up there. Reg says that Vic had retired from the Sugar Mills, in where he had been working; that he had a great send-off from his workmates, an account of which featured in the newspaper at the time and he was given a tape recording of the send-off and this is now one of Vies treasures.
REG NAPPER - LANE COVE 2055 (ID COMPANY) Through Harley Forrester he had learnt that Harley had found Neil Sellers farming well.
HARLEY FORRESTER - CONDELL PARK 2200 (D COMPANY)
STEVE KIRTON - BURNABY 1. B.C. CANADA (HQ COMPANY) Steve came back to Sydney, in the week before his departure date to return to Canada, so that it was another round of telephone calls to see who could be collected, to do him justice again in a convivial gathering at the Combined Services Club on Friday, 11th February. "Doc" Wilson was convenor again and called on your scribe for assistance this time in the roundup, mainly concentrating on Signal Platoon, as it was with them Steve had soldiered.
KEITH RICHARDSON - TULLERA 2480 (HQ COMPANY)
RON EATON - GORDON 2072 (BHQ)
JACK LONIE - BELMORE 2192 (HQ COMPANY)
STUART ROBERTSON - TOORAWEENAH 2817 (A COMPANY)
THELMA GIBBS - widow of BOBBY GIBBS (A COMPANY) - TURRAWAN 2418
DICK TOMPSON - HOWRAH, TASMANIA He thinks that he might be one of the last members of the Battalion to become a grandfather but he now glories in the fact that Anne and he were presented with a grandson by their younger son, Andrew, and his wife, Janie, in August last. Welcome to the Club, Dick.
LT/COL S.A.F. POND - NORTH BALWYN, 3104 DISPLAY OF Ps.O.W. MEMENTOS
GEORGE H. ASPINALL - CANTERBURY 2193 (HQ COMPANY) George suggests that it may be possible to have some sort of a display of any material that members may have kept of Ps.O.W. days, such as photos, sketches, drawings, or any little thing that they had had while Ps.O.W. that perhaps Gemas Day would be a good time to hold it. Of course with permission of C.O. 17th Royal N.S.W.'s Regiment. It would give friends and relations a chance to see all these things. His suggestion came in too late to do anything about it on 1977 Gemas Day but, he thinks, that maybe it is something to think about and discuss with other members. George says that, he has spoken to several people about it and they seem to think that it would be a good idea. What do you think? Would anybody be prepared to act on a committee for the purpose of seeing, if such a project is feasible and then to prepare an exhibition. George had some of his photos included in a display of Ps.O.W. items conducted for the Bank of New South Wales by the Secretary of that Bank's Sub-Branch of the R.S.L., so that he knows something about what he is suggesting. MALAYSIA - SINGAPORE - 1941 to 1976 Gretta and I had talked of making a trip to Malaysia aid Singapore for years writes Ron Maston. Before leaving Australia I had been referred to the Secretary General of the Malaysian Ex-Servicemen's Association, at present Lt. Col. Mohammed Hashim, and he went out of his way to help make our journeys interesting and also to help us locate the special places which mean so much to me of the 2/30 Battalion. The Malaysian High Commission in Canberra had been very co-operative also, in supplying some helpful introductions and we have to thank Mr. Jois of the Commission for such assistance. We packed copies of "Galleghan's Greyhounds” and The Japanese Thrust" by Lionel Wigmore in our cases. I would recommend anyone going on a trip through Malaysia and Singapore to take these books with them. The former book covers in very great detail the lead up to the Japanese invasion of Malaya, as it was then, and the campaign from both sides. It makes very bitter reading, as we were part of the defeated force, however the maps and photographs are a great help in locating he sites of the various engagements and battles which occurred. Our own Battalion History, "Galleghan's Greyhounds", is also a great help in locating the areas, where the 2/30 Battalion trained and fought. The warm sticky tropical night engulfed us as we stepped out of the 'Touch of Gold” Malaysian Airlines System's 707 at 8:30pm on the night of 28th October last. It had provided the magic carpet from Sydney to Kuala Lumpur; 31 years were swept away as the smells and feel of tropical Malaysia took hold and it seemed that I had never left there. Kuala Lumpur with a population of over 1¼ million’s the capital of Malaysia and, like Canberra, has its Federal Capital Territory. It is a mixture of the old type Malaysian township of narrow streets and lanes with shops of all types contrasting with skyscrapers up to 40 storeys, shopping complexes, public and government office buildings and roadside stalls. There are thousands of taxis, which are cheap to hire and they tend to dash everywhere with little concern for the rules of the road. Traffic jams occur, just as in Sydney and there was considerable pollution from car fumes. It is a thrusting thriving city with a great amount of building being done. There are extensive blocks of flats which have been built to house people on lower incomes but there are also large housing estates, where middle income people have built their own homes, as in Sydney. These suburbs now spread for miles out of Kuala Lumpur and freeways and road construction appears to be going on everywhere. We stayed at the Equatorial Hotel, which has all the up to date facilities of the modern hotels anywhere in the world but does have the charm of the East. Members of "F” and "H" Forces will remember the spires of Kuala Lumpur Railway Station. These are still there but the station is kept very clean and is very busy. We travelled by train from Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth opposite Penang Island over the same railway line, on which we had travelled 50 to a rice truck in 1943. We sat in lounge chairs in an air-conditioned carriage and were waited on in an excellent manner. This first day's travel showed us the whole pattern of the Malaysian countryside. Young and old rubber; palm oil plantations, in all stages of development; patches of jungle; rice padi; tin mining and timber hauling and saw mills. The villages and towns with their typical Malaysian style house - chickens, goats, ponds, washing tongs and outside toilets. Yes the Malaysians in the kampongs still wash in the streams using their sarongs as swimming clothes. Towns like Ipoh and Taiping have large factory complexes where all sorts of goods are manufactured. Interestingly enough a large number of them are Japanese, who have a great amount of money invested in Malaysia. I was able to pick out the towns and districts, where there had been heavy fighting between British/Indian forces and the Japanese - Tanjong, Malim, Slim River, Trolak, Taiping and Kuala Kangsar. The Butterworth Railway Station has very long platforms to accommodate trains with up to 20 carriages and, when we alighted from our air conditioned carriage, the noise and babble of people speaking in all languages was most interesting. A brisk walk of about a quarter of a mile to the ferry wharf was necessary to make sure that our luggage did not disappear. There were people of all sorts on the top deck of the ferry; whist the bottom decks were given over to vehicles, including hundreds of motor cycles. It was Sunday evening but ever so many of the people were returning to Penang after working in factories at Butterworth. We stayed at the Ambassador Hotel in Georgetown and were able to meet and mix with Chinese and Malay people. A 2 hour tri-shaw ride was a very interesting experience. Rather nerve shattering when motor cars and lorries seemed set on running one down. However the motorists do not like tangling with tri-shaw drivers as the latter can be most abusive. Highlights of our stay on Penang Island included an excellent fish meal at the Dragon Gate restaurant, which is built out over the bay and all the fish waste is washed direct into the sea. Gretta's nose was wrinkled up but the fish and crabs were delicious. Our hosts at this meal were the Chairman of the local Ex-Servicemen's Association and 2 of his Committee men. They were Malays in their late 30's speaking excellent English, one being an administrator in the Education Department, one an Insurance Assessor and the third a technician in the Postal Communications Department. These chaps had all had years of service in the Malaysian Army and were an example of the excellent type of Malaysian, who are proud of their country and are working hard to develop it. Another highlight was a superb meal at the Eastern and Oriental Hotel known as “The E & O” - sitting at a table under coconut palm trees on the lawn with water from the Straits of Penang lapping the stone wall in front of us. We had 3 Malay waiters to serve us, one of whom had been at "The E & O" for 35 years and was there, when it was a Japanese Club, 1942 to 1945. Soaking up the atmosphere we could feel the ghosts of British rubber planters; district officers; tin miners; servicemen and their wives around us. One could easily imagine this hotel as Rudyard Kipling and Somerset Maughan saw it in the colonial days of British rule. To here we must return some day, if only for a brief stay. Kota Bahru on the north east of Malaya, where the Japanese first landed, was our next stop. We flew there in a Fokker Friendship by way of Alor Star, the capital of Kedah State. The whole of the countryside from Penang to Alor Star and beyond is given over to hundreds of thousands of acres of rice padi. There are several big irrigation projects in which the United Nations Organisation is involved to help Malaysia become self sufficient in rice production. Alor Star is a very modern looking town set in the heart the rice fields and seemingly to be completely surrounded by water. Our route then took us over the Kra Isthmus and lower Thailand and we looked down on the railway line, over which we had travelled in 1943. The rugged valleys and hills, covered with jungle, provide a hiding place for the communist insurgent bands. As I write, today's news mentions that 2,000 Malay soldiers are co-operating with Thai soldiers in a drive against the communists in Southern Thailand. Malaysia has over 40,000 soldiers in their regular Army; these are volunteers, organised for jungle warfare and are very well equipped. At Kluang Aerodrome we saw commando troops practising parachute drops and the standard of their training was as good as anywhere in the world. I’ve met and spent some time with the Brigade Major at this Army centre and it is very apparent that there is a very high standard of “espri de corps" and morale in their Army. The sleepy, easy-going Malay soldier, whom we knew in Johore, just does not exist. They have a field police force trained and armed similarly to the Army. Their job, in particular, is to search out and capture any communists around the countryside. Singora and Patani, where the Japanese had landed in Thailand and the East Coast Railway line were easily seen. There appeared to be a lot of development of coconut, rubber and rice in that part of Thailand. Kota Bahru is a flourishing Malay township on the banks of the Kelantan river near the South China Sea. It is a mixture of narrow streets; old shops and houses and buildings of 5/10 storeys, one of which latter buildings had been burnt out a couple of days before we had arrived there. It has a well developed aerodrome with a large Army Barracks close by. From the air it was easy to see how the Japanese plan of attack had been made to capture the aerodrome. It does not take much imagination to visualise how the Hudsons from the R.A.A.F. No. 1. Squadron fought so valiantly and effectively attacking and destroying several Japanese transports. What a different story that landing would have been, if there had been fighter aircraft to back up the bombers and some properly trained ground forces to counter-attack the Japanese after they landed. Through the local Ex-Servicemen's Association we had the use of a land rover and Malay driver, who took us to the places where the Japanese landed. We found one machine gun post still intact in the area defended by 3/17 Dogras. Some very heavy fighting occurred on this beach and, according to Japanese reports, the Dogras inflicted many casualties as the Japanese were trying to force their way through the barbed wire and beach defences. The hotel of the Beach of Passionate Love sounds like an ideal place for a romantic interlude but the beach is dirty; there are sandflies and the surf had a rotten flatness. The hotel is designed with a central single storey building, the walls of which lift up, giving complete tropical air conditioning, allowing breezes from the sea to flow through. Sleeping quarters consist of individual bungalows set amongst coconut palms. Each bungalow is self sufficient with sleeping quarters, shower, toilet, entertainment area and air conditioning. All buildings have high ceilings and are attap roofed. We had an excellent Malay curry prepared by a Malay cook. There are plenty of tropical fruits available, especially pawpaw and pineapples. The Hotel Manager told us that a good number of Australians stay there and that they are anxious to encourage visitors to this part of Malaysia. Our flight back to Kuala Lumpur was made in a jet aircraft and we had a broad panoramic view of the mountains and valleys of Central Malaya. Curry Tiffin at Tun Sri Mubin Sheppard's house, prepared by his Malay cook, was an excellent meal finished off with the usual Gula Malacca. We had lots of common ground as he was in the Malay Straits Volunteers during the Japanese invasion and was a P.O.W. at Changi. When the Japanese surrendered, he had the pleasure of helping to round up officers in the Kempe Tai, after they had fled to the islands south of Singapore in the hope of being able to blend in with the local population there and thus avoid capture by allied troops. He is an expert on Malaysian history and has written several books. He built and organised the Malaysian National Museum at Kuala Lumpur and also organised the raising of the 2 million dollars required to build the Ex-Servicemen's Association building. Gretta and I were fortunate in that he showed us over the Museum and, in two hours, we saw the whole scope of the Malaysian history, culture and way of life, with an expert explaining it to us. Two days later we left Kuala Lumpur on a car trip, which was to take us across Central Malaya to Kuantan down the east coast to Mersing, across to the west coast through Jemaluang, Kluang and Ayer Hitam to Batu Pahat, thence up that coast to Malacca, inland to Gemas and down the main road through Batu Anam, Segamat, Labis, Yong Peng, Ayer Hitam, Simpang Rengam, Kulai to Johore Bahru. This was a most successful venture, due to the help that we were given by the Malaysian Ex-Servicemen's Association in arranging accommodation at rest houses. The Sect/General of the Association also arranged for an ex-army sergeant to accompany us as a guide driver. Thus it was our good fortune to meet Raja Abi Bakar Bin Mohammed, who had been a signaller in the Malaysian Army for over 22 years and had seen service with the United Nations' Forces for 22 years in the Congo in Africa. The father of 5 children, ranging in ages from 17 years to 17 months, he speaks perfect English and works as a repairman on the Wisma Pahlawan Building in Kuala Lumpur, which building is a modern 10 storey office block owned by the Malaysian Ex-Servicemen's Association and which provides the Association with a very substantial income from rents. Raja was born in Mersing and left from there with his parents when the Japanese attacked the town. He spent the war years at Batu Pahat and attended high school in Johore Bahru. His knowledge of the geography of the States of Johore, Malacca and Negri Sembilan was a great help in locating the old battle areas which we wished to reach. The pride of the Malaysian, irrespective of racial background in his country and its future shone through when we were speaking to taxi-drivers, technicians, rubber workers, bank clerks, shop assistants and businessmen. It is good to see their willingness to work hard and accept responsibility. The hearts and minds of the people show this pride and feeling, which belief will help them to overcome and keep in check any communist threat. They have a very great regard for Australia and know that our armed forces have been operating in their country for years. This is a Nation, with which we should foster most certainly a close relationship, as they are our nearest neighbours on the Asian Mainland. GEMAS - 1942 to 1977 Like a moth to a lighted candle the name of Gemas had been driving me back for years. Therefore the highlight of our visit to Malaysia was the half-day's visit we made to the ambush scene and the main Battalion position, says, Ron Maston. I guess that this was brought about because in this district the Battalion went into action for the first time and gave the Japanese a jolt, which affected their conduct of the balance the campaign in Malaya. Colonel Masanobu Tsuji, Chief of Operations and planning Staff, 25th Japanese Army, has written a book "Singapore, The Japanese Version” telling the story of how the battle for Malaya and Singapore was won by the Japanese and I feel that the following extracts from this book set the scene and show how effective the Gemas battle was. Page 160. “The Mukaide Detachment, which consisted of 1 tank regiment, 1 battalion of infantry, artillery and engineers was to attack opposite Gemas, (the barrier to Johore and hotly pursue the enemy.” Page 161, paragraph 3. “When close to Gemas the Mukaide detachment met with obstinate resistance and was unable to break through unaided........the 5th Division moved forward quickly over repaired bridges and carried on the advance without delay - this consisted of a regiment of infantry under command of the Suzuira Brigade Commander.” Page 162. "The, 8th Australian Division, which had newly arrived on the battlefield, relying on the advantage of its position, fought with a bravery we had not previously seen.'' (This I consider a tribute to the 2/30 Battalion . RM) Wigmore's "The Japanese Thrust'' on pages 209 to 214 covers, firstly, the broad strategic position in Malaya; secondly, the development of westforce; thirdly, the planning and preparation for the ambush and the main Battalion position. Pages 214 to 221 of that book graphically describe the ambush battle on the afternoon of 14th January 1942 and the battle at the main Battalion position on the next day. "Galleghan's Greyhounds” pages 80 to 134 gives a very detailed description of the battle as seen from the Battalion level and describes the experiences of all companies, patrols, rear parties and cut-off parties. Lionel Wigmore sums up as follows; "In 2 days action the Battalion's casualties were - 1 officer and 16 other ranks killed, 9 men missing, and 4 officers and 51 other ranks wounded. The Battalion had taken a heavy toll of the enemy and, although the withdrawal took place in daylight, a clean break was made, The behaviour of the Australians under intense fire did great credit to them and their training.” Our Malaysian driver, Raja Abi Bakar Bin Mohammed, drove us from Malacca on the morning of 11th November '76 through Durian, Tunggal, Ayer Pasir, Tebong and Kampong Sungga to the main road East of Tampin at Pondai. We then followed the main road to the Gemencheh River Bridge and the ambush location. I used a map of Peninsular Malaysia with a scale of 1” to 10 miles - printed in 1975 in Great Britain by George Philip & Son Ltd. The mileage from:
I have recorded this in case anyone else from the Battalion wants to locate these places. The road has been straightened and crosses the Gemencheh River approximately 50 yards downstream from the old bridge, which has been destroyed and only some of the old bearers can be seen in the river. The approach to the old bridge from the Japanese side is occupied by a small garage and several roadside shops. One of these is owned by a schoolteacher who teaches at the Gemas High School. His name is Zaimuddin C.H. Hanin. He speaks excellent English and said that an Australian and his nephew had been there one month before our visit. I let him read the story of the ambush as told in "Galleghan's Greyhounds” and “The Japanese Thrust” and he was most interested. He told me that extensive development is planned for the western side of the road approaching the Gemencheh Bridge and by having a food stall he will be able subsequently to build a large store. Page 82 of “Galleghan's Greyhounds" is faced by photos of the Gemencheh Bridge and the scene of the ambush. We took a number of photographs of this area and believe that they correctly show these places as they are today. There is now a first class tarred road going north to Rompin and Bahau from a point on the main road between the ambush location and the main Battalion position. We found the main Battalion position by watching the mileage and looking at the contour of the land. The cutting, which contained the tank block, has been widened but is still easily recognisable. There are 3 of the concrete cylinders from the tank block, pushed off the side of the road amongst the rubber trees in the old “C" Company position. A Chinese rubber planter has a house amongst rubber trees located in the area between 13 and 14 Platoons’ positions, though the rubber trees are bigger and closer together than in 1942. Obviously the old trees have been knocked down and fresh rubber planted. The young rubber between the road and the railway line has given way now to a palm oil plantation with the palms about 18/20 feet high. We were able to follow a gravel road through the palm oil almost to the railway line and a scramble of 10 yards brought us on to the north-south railway, which I photographed. We then drove up through the palm oil towards the crest of the ridge, towards which "D" Company and the 2 Platoons of "A" Company had attacked the Japanese. I was able to get photographs of this area also. Battalion HQ area is covered with undergrowth but one could clearly see the stream, which ran along behind Battalion HQ and, on the other side of the road, behind "C" Company HQ. In all I managed to get about 35 photographs of the ambush and Battalion area and they have come out very well. As I stood in the area of "C" Company Headquarters my thoughts went back to what happened in this place on 15th January 1942; being part of "C" Company, the happenings, as seen from cur Company area, came uppermost to my mind. With closed eyes I could hear again the noises of that eventful day. The sounds of rifle fire and explosions before dawn. The noise of heavy transport from the enemy area. The sharp crack of the anti-tank guns as they engaged the enemy tanks. The crump of mortars exploding. The rattle of machine gun fire and the deep bark of the 25 pounders. The high pitched scream of the dive bombers and the mind numbing burst of bombs in Battalion HQ area. The noise of those tanks as they came through 15 Platoon and moved around in 13 and 14 Platoon positions. The intensive rifle and machine gun fire and explosion of grenades as the men of the Company engaged the tanks. Fred Breese and the 50 rounds that he fired from his Boyes Anti-tank rifle. I experienced again the feelings engendered on receipt of the electrifying news, which came through in the mid morning, of the success of “B" Company ambush. I recalled the impressive sight “D" Company made, as it attacked across the young rubber, as if on a training exercise. I relived the movement of my own Company back behind the creek, so as to use it as an anti-tank obstacle, then, the Company's move forward to its original position, as the Japanese tanks withdrew. I thought about the men who were lost, Mick Clemens, Tom Pearce and the others, who were killed or missing in this action. The Battalion Honour Roll in the War Memorial at Canberra with the names of all those lost in action and as Ps.O.W. The sadness that I felt vas tempered by a tremendous feeling of pride that I had been privileged to serve with such wonderful men and good Australians, who so effectively beat the Japanese. The 2/30 Battalion was raised and trained and led, so that on those 2 days it proved its strength and spirit; justifying all the vigorous training and the ruthless drive of the Commanding Officer to develop a group of volunteer soldiers into such a fighting unit. Leaving the Battalion position we drove on to Gemas, which is bigger than it was in our day and has a number of flourishing factories. We were unable to obtain any photographs of the Fort Rose area as it proved too hard to locate. However there is a sign, which says "Fort Rose Estate" and this we photographed. CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR' S DAY GREETINGS
DARCY PICKARD -
CHITTAWAY SOUTH 2259 (B COMPANY)
RUSS PERKINS - WESTMEAD 2145 (B COMPANY)
ALAN PENFOLD - MANLY 2095 (I SEC . B.H.Q.)
JACKO JOHNSTON - CHATSWOOD 2067 (B COMPANY )
ANDY HYSLOP - UMINA BEACH 2257 (I SEC. B.H.Q.)
ROSS HUTTON - ROCKDALE 2216 (A COMPANY)
TOM GRANT - MURWILLUMBAH 2484 (C COMPANY )
ALF CARROLL - GRETA 2334 (D COMPANY )
JACK CAREY - DUNDAS 2117 (D COMPANY)
LAURIE MOUNTFORD - LEETON 2705 (B.H.Q.)
RON FOSTER - HORNSBY HEIGHTS 2077 (B COMPANY) 8th DIVISION MEMORIAL REUNION, BATHURST - 14th AUGUST, 1977 The Eighth Division A.I.F. National War Memorial Committee extends a cordial invitation to you to attend a Reunion at Bathurst NSW on Sunday 14th August 1977 of former members of the 8th Division and A.I.F. Malaya. Since the 8th Division National Memorial was unveiled and dedicated on the 15th August 1970, a ceremony has been held at the Memorial each year on the Sunday afternoon nearest to the 15th August, the anniversary of the end of the war against the Japanese. Because of the declining number of former members of the Division, the Committee is especially desirous of having an increased attendance next August including some from other States. Accordingly, arrangements are in hand to ensure the day will be one of remembrance and the occasion of a happy reunion. Wives and relatives will be very welcome. Members and relatives will register at the R.S.L. Club between 10 am and 12.30 pm and during that interval will be together for a period of friendship. At 1 pm a hot luncheon will be served. Members will fall in at 3.15 pm and will march to the Carillon where a wreath will be placed, thence to the 8th Division National Memorial at which wreaths and floral tributes will be placed by a representative of the 8th Division and other A.I.F. Divisions and Units. An address will follow. The day’s activities will conclude with afternoon tea to be served at the Bathurst R.S.L. Club at 4.30 pm. Motel accommodation can be arranged for those desirous of staying overnight at Bathurst - deposit $10. Mess fee for the day including some liquid refreshments is $10 per person. Deposit of $10 is required of those wishing to stay overnight. It is desired that remittances be forwarded to the President of the Committee, Jack Bennett, or to Hon. Secretary/Treasurer, Les Browne. Cheques etc to be made payable to 8 Division National Memorial Committee and forwarded with the memo set out below. The Committee requests that you extend this invitation to former members of the Division known to you. Members are requested to wear decorations and medals.
President, Captain
Jack Bennett E.M. 8 DIVISION NATIONAL MEMORIAL REUNION
SURNAME.............................................................
I will be attending
the Reunion at Bathurst on 14th August
1977...............................
MESS FEE of $10 per
person
enclosed.................................................................. TOTAL REMITTANCE............................................................................................ Back to 1977 index or Main Index |