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Makan No. 237 OFFICIAL JOURNAL 2/30 Bn. A. I. F. ASSOCIATION Subscription Rate: $1.50 per Year Registered for Posting as Periodical: Category A
Christmas Messages Our C.O. and Patron I send to you all, my Best Wishes for the coming Christmas and the New Year to follow. I am mindful that there are a great number of members of the Battalion, who will never be fully recovered, have need of recommittal to hospital, are still in hospital, or sick at home after all these years. So, in addition to Good Wishes to All, I would that we spare a thought for those, who are not yet fully restored to their pre-war state of health, or never will; for the sacrifices they made and are still making, for the additional burden they impose on their kinsfolk. May God Bless and Keep You. As the years pass on we become more and more aware that our numbers are slowly dwindling, and I would hope that the ties of mateship, forged during our years together since 20th Nov 1940, may never lapse. Our thanks go to those members who have stepped into the breach and nobly carried on in the best traditions set by former comrades in all the Association's activities, and in this regard I am particularly grateful for Alex Dandie taking over the role of Editor of "MAKAN" and helping different members of the Battalion to keep in touch.
My wife joins me in
this Christmas Message. Our President By the time that this message reaches you I. hope to be preparing to spend a "White" Christmas in London. I send to you all Warmest Christmas Greetings and Good Wishes for the New Year and express the hope that I shall see those of you, who can manage it, with your families, at our Gemas Day Commemoration on the 15th January at Pymble. Arch Thorburn Editor and the "Gang'' To One and All we wish Good Health, Good Fortune and Good Cheer throughout Christmas Time and Throughout the Year, 1978. We, of the "MAKAN" Gang are very grateful for the expressions of Thanks for the job we do in "MAKAN", we aim to please, but, more than that, we aim to help you KEEP 'IN TOUCH and THANK YOU FOR YOUR NEWS. The Gang Report on Annual Reunion of the Battalion The Battalion Reunion on Friday, 4th November, saw a gathering of 54 Members, who seemed to enjoy themselves from the hum of their voices. Early arrivals at the Public Service Association Club made their way to the Bar on the first floor, then sat down at the tables to hail mates as they stepped out of the lift or came up the stairs. A move was made to the next floor up, when word came that we were awaited; a hot dish of prawns and rice was set out for a first course, with cold meat and salads covering the whole of a side table, to which the boys drifted to help themselves as their taste varied in smorgasbord style. Les Hall was unable to come because of sickness and Jim Strang and Charlie Golledge were forced to be in the country on work commitments. Apologies were received also from Lyn Booth, Hank Massey and Steve Allardice, 3 Metropolitan members; Neil Huntley rang from Port Macquarie to say he could not make it, he and Mollie had been on the Sick List again, whilst Mollie at the time would be down in Melbourne caring for two sisters who had gone down with sicknesses; Harry Rhodes, on his way back home from the Adelaide Ex-P.O.W. Reunion, expressed regret that the Reunion would be one week after he would get back to Grafton, otherwise he might have been easily persuaded to come back. "Sluggo'' Jones, as he had promised, was the long distance runner, coming from Booval (near Ipswich) Queensland. Stewart Blow (Berry), Con Hedwards (Coniston) and Wally Scott (Fairy Meadow); all from the South Coast, were the New South Wales Country representatives. Your Scribe was entrusted with the task of proposing the Toast to "The Regiment" and was introduced by Arch Thorburn, who commented that the proposer of this toast each year was chosen carefully from among those, who were considered to have had the interests of the Battalion at heart. Your Scribe let it be known that, on those grounds, it was doubtful, if he should have been selected, since there had been occasions, when he disagreed with some, superior to him in the Battalion, and said that at Tamworth he and one of the other Corporals in "A" Company had felt that there might be some truth in the saying of the time, "You'll never leave Australia," and had other grounds at the time for not wishing to stay in the Battalion, so that they sought transfer to the Armoured Division, but not in accordance with requirements of A.M.R. & O., i.e. through Battalion channels first. The Applications for transfer having come to "Black Jack", after we had arrived at Bathurst, we were paraded before him; stripped of our stripes; moved out of the Fighting Strength of the Battalion into the Reinforcement Platoon of "A" Company, but in my case, it having been decided that "I'' men were required in every platoon, I was accepted by Ron Maston into his platoon as his "I" man and later transferred to HQ Company as its Orderly Room Corporal. The gist of my proposition of the Toast was that the Battalion lived and died an intangible identity. It had been born at the time “B.J." received his orders to form it. It's infancy was characterised by his request of "Gentleman George" and Noel Johnston to be 2 I/c Battalion and O.C. HQ Company respectively and his selection of other officers, whose job it became to comb Training Battalions throughout N.S.W.; Wagga, Broadmeadow, Dubbo, Goulburn, Manilla Road, Wallgrove, for the men to make the strength of the 2/30 Battalion. It was blooded at Gemas. It died, metaphorically speaking on demobilisation of its manpower, after it returned to Sydney under its second C.O., "Gentleman George", Colonel G.E. Ramsay. To us, who wore it's colour patch, many a picture of the mind recalls memories of places peopled by our cobbers, some 65 of them dead, killed in action or died of wounds from our short campaign; some of them, another 310, no longer with us, because we remained in the front line for the duration of our incarceration and the barbarous treatment of the Japs sent them to early graves and I don't care what any feature writer in the Sydney Morning Herald may say, it was the front line for them and us all the time from the 14th January 1942 until 15th August 1945 and later for some. Some of them have passed to their Creator, since our return to Australia, and, as Editor of "MAKAN", I am engaged in the task of catching up on the card system of our records, which has established that some 162 have gone from among us, but that is not the lot, and even yesterday morning I had a phone call from "Curly" Heckendorf from Lockhart to say that he was going up to Wagga to the funeral of Stan Lugton, who had died on the previous Tuesday. They who have gone will not grow old as we, who are left many of our cobbers bear wounds, loss of limbs, sicknesses, which will plague them until they die. What I would ask you to consider is, that our Battalion was formed in November 1940. Its first Battalion Parade in the Tamworth Showground was on the 22nd November 1940, so that one full year and 80 days had passed, since the Allies had taken up the challenge of 3/9/1939 and, those of us, who were drafted to the 2/30 Battalion were not of the first flush of recruits. There were many who had their own farms and businesses; but something impelled the men to leave them; to join the 2nd AIF and they did their job, whatever it's position, in which they found themselves - Bob Wells told me yesterday that when his Corporal was killed he was 2 I/c to a Private in his Section - his cobber "Joe” Johnston - YOU COULD NOT GET ANY LOWER THAN THAT. Vic Gordon "B" Company Sgt/Major, our NGX33, was the son of a Colonel of a British Regiment in India and what a job Vic did. He was born and bred to the game. In my own case, I was a Bank Teller, a position, which was classified at that time as "reserved". I was on leave on a cycling trip, aimed to go as far up the North Coast as I could. I had left Maitland and stopped at Lorne to see the news in the morning's Herald. Hitler's Army had broken in to Belgium and the rape of the country and it's people had begun. I felt that I had to help them. I turned back; put my bike on the train; returned to Sydney and enlisted in Martin Place. I did not get permission from my seniors in the Bank. I told them a week or so later and they did not pull me out. Something the same will have applied to most of the men in our Battalion. We had those, who put their ages back to go. We had others, who added a few more years on to get passed. A check through the Nominal Roll of the near 1300 men, who were in its ranks, has shown that they came from all kinds of trades, professions, businesses and jobs. There were:
137 Farmers and
Graziers. and 190 or so of different ones, whose occupation is not recorded, because our Nominal Roll is not the original, but one made up after capitulation. They did their job well in training; fighting and suffering under the Japs and many a heroic act was performed - John Taylor, our M.O. without peer, as known to you "F" Force men, - "Jock" McKenzie, sharing his rice to nurse a cobber back to health, - "Don" Company boys with me on "J" Force buying milk to get Marty Wallwork on his feet. You know the sort of things that were done and only you, who saw were aware of them. Then there were other deeds, such as, going to Cholera Hill to nurse the sick. The list can go on and on. It is that "COMRADESHIP" that 'Intangible Spirit' that we toast. Noel Johnston responded to the toast; as our C.O. and Patron, "Gentleman George" was unable to be present; then the night was given over to the usual talk etc. that goes on at Reunions - it was felt that the Club had looked after us handsomely. George Aspinall brought in his movie camera and a set of Arc lights and now has this Reunion on film, which will go to make up the record of the Battalion that he has set himself to prepare. I have seen the portion which he took last Anzac Day and he is to be congratulated on the skill which shows in it. Granville R.S.L. Club's 13th Annual Ex-P.O.W. Reunion Dinner Jack Carey was the only one from the 2/30 Bn to respond to the invitation in last "MAKAN" to join "Max" McClelland at the Granville R.S.L. Club, but Jack rang me up to say that it was a very enjoyable night with about 100 blokes there, a large proportion of whom were 2/19th Bn men, and when those chaps get the call "to show the flag", they certainly do respond. At any rate Max wants to know, who will answer his call for next year, which might be turned into a "mixed" gathering, and try to come up to equal figures with the 2/19th men? Mark your diaries to watch for an announcement of the actual date in Oct '78 please. Northern Rivers Branch N.S.W. Ex-P.O.W. Association Grafton Reunion Harry Rhodes has provided us with a report of proceedings "Pleasant weather and a happy gathering of 96 augured well for a successful 16th Annual Reunion at Grafton on the 19th November. Local members and wives were well represented and we were pleased to welcome visitors from Maclean, Lismore area, Kyogle, Armidale, Woolgoolga, Coffs Harbour, Bellingen, Kempsey, Wauchope, Port Macquarie area, Newcastle, Sydney and Queensland. 2/30th members and wives present were: John and Dulcie Korsch, Jack and Iris Collins, Tom and Marj Davis, Artie and Nancy Power (with their son, Robert, and his wife Kayleen, who now reside in Grafton), Joe and Sybil Johnston, Kevin and Dorothy Ward, Fred and Jean Winters, Jack Newton, Arthur Roberts, Ray Godbolt, Tom Nixon, Ross Madden, Norm Lee, Harry and Ethel Rhodes and Mrs Merle Rockett. A special cheer acknowledged the greetings from the 2/30 Bn expressed in a letter from Bruce Ford, Hon. Secretary. The simple yet moving Memorial Service was followed by the Dinner at the Grafton District Services Club, again capably chaired by the President, John Korsch. Branch member Mrs Sylvia McGregor (i.e. Sister Muir 2/13 AGH) was guest speaker and gave a very interesting resume of the procedure governing her appearance on TV's "This is Your Life" to honour Matron Bullwinkel nee Mrs Statham. A Farewell Toast was tendered Jack Newton, as Jack has now joined the ranks of "gentlemen of leisure" and is leaving Grafton about 15th December to live in the Taree area. We are sorry to see Jack leave here, as he has been a good mate and a good worker for the Branch. Once again Jack, here's wishing you the best of good health and a long and happy retirement from all members of the Northern Rivers Branch. Several members at the Reunion were meeting again for the first time; the greetings at times were quite hilarious! From Norm Lee we had the news that Bob Newman is far from well - best wishes from us all, Bob, and we hope that you're feeling brighter ere this. Our next Reunion will be held on the 18th November, 1978. Please mark your diaries. Harry Rhodes. Reunions To Come Gemas Day The date for our commemoration of Gemas and those of our mates who died overseas or since our return home is SUNDAY, 15th January at the Headquarters of the 17th Bn, Royal N.S.W. Regiment. The Depot will be opened from 2.30pm for the Commemoration Ceremony at 3.00pm. Please wear medals and decorations. The Ceremony will be held regardless of conditions as there is ample shelter in the Drill Hall should it rain. This has developed into a family gathering and all wives and children of men of the Battalion, relatives, and next of kin of those members, who have made the supreme sacrifice, are asked to attend, and it is hoped that as many of you, who can, will bring along any photos, mementos or nick-nacks, made or used by the boys over there, in order to make a display in the Drill Hall, for others to see. Cooma Branch Ex-P.O.W. Association Annual Reunion The Date is Saturday, 11th Feb. 1978.
The Times are 6pm
Ceremony at the Cooma Cenotaph. The Cost - not determined as yet but expected to be kept at $5.00 per head. The Speaker - Matron Syer. The Invitation - extended to all Ps.O.W. and wives.
Booking - Letter to
Arthur Koerber, or phone him, if late. Harry Holden (B Company) will be
pleased to help too. Far Northern Rivers Branch of the Ex-Ps.O.W. Association The date is Saturday, 11th February 1978.
The times are 5.30pm
for wreath-laying at the Memorial in front of the Memorial Baths,
Lismore. It is a mixed gathering, Next of Kin are welcomed over 18 yrs. Cost - Somewhere about the $6 mark per head. Contact - G.E. ("Joe") Johnston, Knockrow, 2479. Recommendation - Your Scribe, "Joe" Geoghegan, Kevin Ward and "Andy" Knox really enjoyed the trip up there last February. Gemas Day, 1978 The Commemoration will be held at the Memorial at HQ. 17 Royal N.S.W. Regiment, 2 Suakin Street Pymble,. on Sunday 15th January 1978 at 3:00 p.m. Please arrive at 2:30 p.m. Please wear medals and decorations. Arrangements are now being completed with the C.O. of 17 R.N.S.W.R. and precise details will be furnished in a special "MAKAN" to metropolitan members and next-of-kin, which will be sent out early in January. However, it is expected that proceedings will be very much the same as previously. We will gather as a family (and, it is hoped, that all children, grandchildren and friends will be included) prior to 3:00 p.m. for the simple ceremony of laying a wreath on behalf of the Association (plus any other tributes, which individuals, may desire to place); the sounding of the "Last Post"; "Reveille" and the recitation of the Ode. There will be no speeches. We will then all adjourn to the Drill Hall for afternoon tea, and with respect to the latter; tea, milk, sugar, cups etc., will be provided, but each family group attending, is asked to bring along a "little something" to eat; which we propose to aggregate and place on tables for all. We do not anticipate nor desire a sumptuous repast - just a "cuppa" and a bite to eat. Any unaccompanied males, or others who find it a bit awkward to bring something along, are asked, please, not to worry, there is sure to be plenty to go round, as there has been in the past. Soft drinks will be provided for all children attending. This is our most important family gathering of the year, and, as there is ample shelter available, the Commemoration will definitely be held on Sunday, 15th January, irrespective of condition of the weather. Display of Mementos of Battalion Members at Pymble We look forward to receiving your co-operation in this display. Photos, sketches, nick-nacks, which might have been used over there, whether they be bamboo, wood, aluminium or the like, and brought back home and, which we could set out on a table or hang, whichever might be most suitable, if you could bring them along, together with a little note or card to say whose they are. Last Post
NX68236 Corporal
Stanley James Lugton – 1/11/1977 "Curly" reported later that the Funeral Service was very well attended, including some 30 Ex-Servicemen, George Brown (Lt) 2/30 and a number of ex-Ps.O.W. from other Units, including Dave Dunlevey 2/15 (ex early 2/30) were there. The casket was carried by Keith Lugton, Frank Lugton, Kevin Wheatley and Peter Kear and floral tributes by members of Wagga and District P.O.W. Association, who also formed a Guard of Honour at the Church and graveside. The Rev. John Griffiths, St. Paul's Anglican Church, Turvey Park officiated. The P.O.W. Service, as drawn up by Phil Schofield was read by "Curly" Heckendorf and the Bugler was from 1 R.T.B. Kapooka. The Wagga Daily Advertiser reported that in those present were Mr Herb McPherson MLC and Mrs Marcia Fife (wife of the local MLA), representatives of Wagga and District Ex-P.O.W. Association Ladies Auxiliary., President and members Wagga R.S.L. Sub Branch, Members and Ladies of Wagga Rescue Club, Members of Wagga Branch Australian Labour Party, Members of 2/30th Bn, R.C.A.E. Maintenance Staff; Phoenix Social Club, the pupils and staff of Kooringal Public School, 5th Wagga Scout Group; The Commandant and all ranks of 1 R.T.B. Kapooka; M.W.U. N.S.W. Branch, Staff of the Officers Mess 1 R.T.B. Kapooka, The Rock R.S.L. Sub-Branch, Lockhart R.S.L. Sub-Branch, Management and Staff of Wagga Motors, Members of Turvey Park Rugby Football Club, Commonwealth Dept of Works, also relatives and friends from Lockhart, Brookvale, The Rock, Yerong Creek, Osborne, Coolamon, Sydney, Forest Hill, Collingullie, Wagga and surrounding districts. Such a representation shows that Stan must have been highly regarded, although at the same time it is reported that he was a somewhat controversial fellow - very outspoken at times. Stan was Corporal of the Battalion Band. It was a very important part of the Battalion in training and on Ceremonial Marches. He was one of a group, which held "Jam Sessions" in the Company Mess Huts in rotation, while we were at Batu Pahat. An idea encouraged by "Black Jack" as a means of keeping the men occupied, instead of them going in to the township in order to sample its "delights?" Others in the group were George Gough, Jim Montgomery, Jack Elphick, Len Ryan. The Band was used in the fighting in Malaya as a Protective Platoon to Battalion H.Q. and, whilst they were thankful that the Rifle Companies kept the Nips away, they were still recipients of metal that was thrown at Battalion H.Q. and its surrounds. Stan went on "F" Force up to the Burma Railway; was on X8 Tunnelling Party camped at Adam Road, Singapore, after coming back to Changi and was one of Nl Party towards the end, so that having been subjected to the privations and ill-treatment on these parties, it is understandable that he was only 59 years of age when he died. Stan was born at Wagga and spent most of his life there, apart from the War years and the years just immediately after being repatriated. He worked as a house painter from the early fifties, and resided with his wife, Shirley, at his death. His three children are all married. He represented NSW in Basketball in his earlier years; he also played baseball. He was a playing member of South Wagga Bowling Club. He served on the Committee of the Turvey Park Rugby League Football Club for some years. Stan's other interest, as seems natural to the men of the 2/30 Bn was Band Music. He was a member of the H.Q. Eastern Command Band at Victoria Barracks, Sydney, just after the War, (living in nearby Paddington, incidentally Stan and Shirley's first child, born at that time, was delivered by Capt. John Taylor on one of his visits to Sydney from Perth) and it would seem from his Membership Card, whilst he was a member of the Association, that he might have returned to Wagga about 1950. His ability as a bandsman was quite exceptional. He served as Drum Major for the Wagga City Band; for the Wagga Police-Citizens' Boys' Club Band and for the R.C.A.E. Band. His services as a bugler at Anzac Day Ceremonies and on other occasions were keenly sought. We extend to his wife, Shirley, his sons, Wayne and John and his daughter, Sharon, and their families our deepest sympathy.
NX57019 Pte. M.J.
("Joe") McManus Joe was not a young man, he would have been about 44 yrs of age at the time of his enlistment, but he must have been quite fit; my informant says that he remembers that he used to carry himself erect. He was a storeman to Jimmy Peebles in B. Company Quartermaster Store. The record shows that he was transferred to the Convalescent Depot Staff before action at Gemas but that he returned to the Battalion on 15/7/1944. Joe had been born in Ryde and lived in the District all his life. He had been a member of the 51st Battalion in the old Compulsory Service days. After the War he was with C.S.R. at Rhodes and retired from there about 18 years ago. He would have been about 81 years of age, when he died. We do not know the circumstances of his death, but noticed it in the "Last Post" Column it "Reveille" Nov/Dec, 1977 issue. NX71886 Pte Keith A. Richardson - Died 31/11/1977 (See page 38) WE WILL REMEMBER THEM Subscriptions for 1978 The bugbear of subscriptions arises again and members are advised that the Executive has decided to keep the rate for "MAKAN" at the current rate of $1.50 for all members. Subscriptions for 1978 are therefore payable on the basis of:
ORDINARY MEMBER: 50¢
Annual Sub. $1-50 "MAKAN" Sub , TOTAL $2-00 With this issue of "MAKAN" each member will receive suitable advice, to meet his particular case, indicating:
(1) Transfer has
been effected from his Subs in Advance A/c to meet his Subs for 1978. We regret having to harp on the necessity for promptness of payment, suffice it to say that we feel that the reason has been put before you many times before and we would merely press for a response to the plea for prompt payment by sending your Subs in quickly. Sick Parade Kevin Ward reports that since last "MAKAN" admissions to Hospital have been: Jack Dingwell (C Company), Keith Chapman (A Company), Reg Brennan (HQ Company), Jack Folkard (HQ Company), back there again, Bob Wells (D Company), George Winchester (C Company), Jack Graham (C Company) and all out except Bob Wells. Bill Sorenson (Kyogle) reported Carl Odgers was in hospital, but did not mention whether it is Greenslopes (Q) or the local Kyogle Hospital. "Barbed Wire & Bamboo" lists:
for Concord:
for Greenslopes:
for R.G.H. Adelaide: Do You Remember? Frank Craven Keith Jones makes the comment on seeing the mention of the death of Frank Craven........”I, myself and, I am sure, many others will remember Frank, particularly as Book and Chip Keeper for the Poker games, which we enjoyed back in our early training days." Tamworth Greyhound Track At the Battalion Reunion Bob McLaren mentioned that he is often hard to contact at home because he makes many trips to the various greyhound racing tracks around the State. This brought to your Scribe's memory that at Tamworth the race track and the showground shared a common fence and that one memorable evening he went to the dogs with some of the other chaps in “A” Company, the means of entry being over the fence. I am not a racing man but someone in the party had a knowledge of form of some of the greyhounds and we were told to place our money on a particular runner in the first race, and it came home the winner. However your Scribe's winnings went back to the bookies in other races. At the end of the Meeting we went back to camp, over the fence once more with one more experience in life and nothing to show. George Aspinall - HQ Company - Canterbury, 2193 Overheard at the Reunion - Alex Campbell asking George Aspinall, "Remember that time at Changi when the American B29s shot down a couple of Japanese fighters and one crashed on the 'drome? When we left the job in the afternoon one Jap was hanging halfway out of the cockpit and another was stretched out on the ground nearby and, when we marched out again next morning, they were still there. What was it that you got off that plane George?" "Oh! a couple of Magneto's were the main things" said George. "But how was it possible, the Japs posted a chap there on sentry duty?" "Oh, that was easy. He was quite some distance away; I just got behind a coconut palm out of his view; I'd cock my head around the trunk from time to time to see the way he'd be looking; when it was O.K. I'd hop over to another palm; repeat the process and so on, till I reached the plane." "How much Duralumin or Aluminium did you get?" "I got a tobacco box from one of the Dutch; he said that it was made from some of the stuff from the plane." "I got a few strips, but the main things were those magnetos. Each one was placed at the end of one of the huts, with a bottle of kerosene and a wick, and when the blokes wanted a light for their smokes, they just had to get a spark from the magneto to light the wick, light their smoke and douse the light." Another queried if the Japs had kicked up any fuss about the magnetos in any searches, and the answer was that they did not, they were not looking for them, so it was alright, they only looked for what they were ordered were to be the subject of any particular search. George said that there was one occasion, when he felt things a bit sticky and that it might be curtains. This occurred at Caldecott Hill. He wanted some valves for the radio set to pick up the B.B.C. News, so he made his way up to the Wireless Station at the top of the hill; he found there a Chinese, whom he conned into getting him what he required, but for the valves he had to make a second trip. He had got them and was on his way back to P.O.W. Quarters, when he was picked up by a roving guard, who took him down to the Jap. Guard House, where George put on an act that he was an electrician and that he had electric light bulbs to get light to see in his quarters. They knew they were valves, but his continued miming to make belief that he was a bit off his nut, and a mixture of words some English, some a repetition of Japanese words for light and for electrician, finally got him off the hook. Much to his relief.. News, Views, And Who's Who
Harry Teasdale – “D”
Company - Lismore, 2480 Flo also says that she is keeping well (for which we are mighty thankful, because there is nothing like the family around when you are sick) and Max came home from Newcastle for a few days in September to cheer him up and, we guess do a few of the jobs that Alex Olley had riot been able to do. (Nice work, Alex, and that's no pun intended). Flo says that she reads the "MAKAN" to Harry. He is very pleased to have any of his mates call on him and sends his best wishes and regards to all.
Jim McIntosh – “A”
Company – Ainslie, ACT, 2602 Stuart the eldest, works for the NSW Public Service at the Stamp Duties Office in Sydney; daughter, Susan is a double certificated nurse and currently working at Canberra Hospital; whilst youngest, David, has completed his Economics degree and has started with the Commonwealth Public Service in Department of Defence. I am still interested in rifle shooting, I hold offices at the Club; State Association and National Level. The National Range at Canberra is known as "The McIntosh Range". (Beauty, Jim) Last year I surprised myself and everybody else by running 3rd in the Queensland Championship and winning the Southern District Championship. My other activity is fishing, to this end we have our own house and boat at Massey Point on the South Coast. I retired from teaching three years ago, but still do 4 hours a week part time. My kind regards to all the boys. Jim McIntosh.
Harry Rhodes – “B”
Company_- South Grafton, 2461 The next thing your Scribe knew Harry was in Sydney and on the phone announcing his arrival. He said that he was the only 2/30 Bn man there, however he met others whom he knew and felt that the Reunion went off very well. Other sources report that the bookings were over the 2,000 mark, so that menfolk and the ladies might have had to have the Dinner in separate buildings on the Saturday, Oct. 8th. The Reunion concluded on, Sunday, 9th October and Harry's party went via Wilcannia to Broken Hill;. back to Mt. Gambier, across Victoria to Cooma and called in at Canberra on their way to Sydney. Harry was ringing from his daughter's place and both he and Ethel had to see relatives in Sydney apart from their daughters, so it was left for him to ring me back, if he would be able to have time to meet a few of the Sydney folk, but I and June both must have had meetings that week, as we had no further contact, and Harry had his Grafton Reunion to get back to and complete his organisation for the 19th November. A later letter reported that, "the route taken in going to Adelaide had been through Tamworth, Nyngan, and Broken Hill, accordingly the trip was an eye opener for us as the country was so different to what we are used to and the highway was really super. The opportunity for the 8 days of official tours, and official functions with Pam and June really made it a grand Reunion in every way. I am in hospital at the moment, recovering from a knee operation to remove two "foreign bodies" under the knee-cap, all's well thus far. (Ethel then takes up the tale - "Plenty cheek already, Heaven help us in the weeks ahead. Seems they'll keep him immobile for about a week and try to get him moving earlier than at first intended because of the arthritic condition. I don't think that he will question any orders.) Happy Christmas to All.
Vince O'Reilly – “A”
Company - Southport, Q, 4215 "Since Vince retired, we have joined 'Helensvale' Golf Club, which is close by, we play at least twice a week, also do a spot of fishing, whilst our garden keeps us busy too. We are going out to Mt. Isa for Christmas, as both our daughters are living out there now. We still only have 2 grandchildren, both girls, aged 10 and 6 years. Vince still plays a little tennis; the girls challenge him each time we go out, but they still can't beat him.
Frank Rampling -
Sigs, HQ Company - Randwick, 2031
Bill Sorenson – “D”
Company - Kyogle, 2474 I'm still working on the N.S.W. Railways, have been for eighteen years now. Flo is in fairly good health. We have 5 children; two daughters married and 8 grandchildren. I often see Arty and Nancy Power; they both seem to be well, knowing Arty's eyes. Carl Odgers is not well. He is in hospital at the moment. Cheerio for the time being. Bill."
George E.T. Johnson
– “C” Company - Wangan, Q, 4860 Cheerio for now and my sincere regards to one and all of our old mates. George (Big Johnno)
Alf Carroll – “D”
Company - Greta, 2330 Alf's sister, Gwyn, adds a little note, that he is well, and potters round in the yard and garden.
Stan Arneil – “A”
Company - Collaroy, 2097
Jack Carey – “D”
Company - Dundas , 2117 Jack met up with Allan McPherson in Yamba, and says Allan swears that the Federal Govt. must be running the Repat. Dept as a lottery. Allan has some disc trouble in the spine and asked Repat to treat it as a disability due to war causes, but he was knocked back; however, as some sort of bonus, they gave him a pair of spectacles, for which he had not asked. On one occasion, when Jack and his party drove up to Lismore he wanted to know something of the area so went into the pub to enquire and struck up a conversation with a bloke on his own. It turned out that he had been in the Middle East and, asking Jack what was his Unit and learning that it was 2/30th, told Jack that he was Marty Pearce and a brother of our Tom Pearce; that he lived at Lismore and asked, would it be possible to get Jerry Bailey, in particular, and any other Transport men to get in touch with him and to let him know all about Tom. (What about it, Jerry, please? Ed)
Sid Musgrove – “D”
Company - Wahroonga, 2076 We also have a little grand-daughter, 18 months old, here in Sydney, and Grandpa is very popular with her, as we often do some babysitting, as Carol is a Nursing Sister and does some part-time nursing.”
Ernie McNiven – “A”
Company - Southport, Q, 4215 Ernie had a quick trip to Sydney to see his mother, but did not have much time for visiting. (He's done his best in other places though. Good work, Ernie. Ed) I was going through Dalby and called to see Jack Burke, but he was not home. (Well next go, Ernie, Maurice Horrigan is there, can you find out what he is doing, please; we have not much news from him. Ed) Called to see Padre Walsh, but he had shot through for the long weekend, there was a Bridge championship being played in Mackay and this he would not miss at any cost. I also went to say "hello" to Jock Logan, but was informed that he was in San Francisco visiting relatives. I did have some luck though and saw Vince and Gwen O'Reilly; both are doing well; both are regular golfers and Vince sneaks in a game of tennis too for good treasure. (Garry Evans, please, note that par on the golfers, and get Vince in a team for the Battalion when Wally Eather gets the Tamworth Diggers' Golf Day on again. Ed) Well, Alex, I had best put this note in an envelope and send it to you, or else you will think I have passed on. Keep up the good work. When you need some money out of me, put a small reminder on the front of the "MAKAN", because I would not like to see it discontinued. (Now, who told him about little notes. He was in order this year. Ed) Cheerio for now. Regards to all. Mac & Phyl.
Alex Campbell - I
Sect BHQ - Strathfield, 2135 We spent a most enjoyable three days in Leeton and the hospitality extended to us by "Jock" and his relations was something to marvel at. We were shown over Griffith, Narrandera and many spots of local interest. A highlight of our visit was the reunion with some old Battalion mates: Laurie Mountford of Leeton, Vic Hamlin, Keith Mulholland, Les Perry and Terry O'Rourke, all of Narrandera. We also had the privilege of meeting Mrs Mulholland, Mrs Perry and Mrs Mountford and their families. It was good to see the boys looking reasonably well, although, as is to be expected, the years have left their mark on them. While at Leeton we met Jock's father, an amazing old gentleman, originally from Aberdeen, Scotland. He is very erect and alert, although well into his nineties. He served in the First World War, in the Gordon Highlanders. While away we learned that "Curly" Heckendorf's wife, Rose, had not been too well. We had intended visiting them on our return journey, but, when we called at "Mountview" we were told that he and Rose were in Melbourne. (Curly told me, when phoning, the news of Stan Lugton's death, that Rose was back home from hospital. AD) Until the 4th Nov. Best wishes to all. Alex Campbell."
Brian Hickson – “D”
Company - Died 7/11/1943 At Kami Sonkurai You may be interested to know that in one of the photographs appearing in "MAKAN" recently is a very clear picture of Brian with other members of “D” Company. (Please note, Ray Streatfeild, and thank your printing team for their good reproduction, on our behalf, please, A.D.) I am sure that Brian's mates will be pleased to know that his two children are doing very well in their professions. Elizabeth is a senior journalist on "Woman’s Day" and Brian is doing well in the commercial world in Fiji. With Best Wishes, Yours sincerely, Margaret Hickson.”
Lyn Booth – “A”
Company - Turramurra, 2074 But no news. So you can guess that he is a busy boy.
Cec Palmer - Sigs.
HQ Company - Scone 2337 He writes, "I am not able to do anything that requires any strenuous activity and also get the occasional black-out. We went for our yearly holiday last May and decided to go to North Queensland, but only reached a few miles this side of Bundaberg, when I became sick from a 24 hour virus, which was fashionable in Queensland at the time, so we had to turn back. Jean has to have insulin injections twice a day and it does not take much to send her into a coma, in addition she has lost the sight of one eye and only has half sight in the other. The day before I was due to return to work about mid June I collected the flu and it has been with me ever since. Part of the trouble may be that it is very dry, we could do with rain, the water is getting quite low in all the streams. I don't seem to be able to give you any news, one has to be in the mood to write. So Cheerio for now. Cec.” (Sorry to hear of your continued troubles, Cec. It does not seem fair that one should have as much trouble as you, but I hope that you're not in a lane that has no turning. AD)
Max Pyle – “D”
Company - Berrigan, 2712
Hank Massey - Sigs
HQ Company - Merrylands, 2160
Johnny Parsons – “C”
Company - Rossmore, 2171 I'm a bit like Fred Bladwell, haven't got much news, but greatly appreciate the "MAKAN". The mention of so many names brings back a lot of happy memories.
Frank Webb - HQ
Company - Griffith, 2680
Bert Farr - Sigs HQ
Company - Turramurra, 2074 Bert went on, "It was ironical that on the day of Rohan Rivett's funeral we read of the passing of Dr. Sir Albert Coates probably the most famous medico on the 'Railway'. 'The work he did in the 55 Kilo Medical Camp will surely live in the memory of those who did not 'enjoy this privilege', may I recommend a reading or re-reading of Chapter XXVI (titled "Hippocratic Struggle") of 'Behind Bamboo'.
Keith Jones - HQ
Company - Burleigh Waters, Q, 4220 Keith says, "I was managing. one of our local sawmills in Burleigh Heads, a twelve man mill at that time. I had been with the firm for 16 months, starting as their Saw Doctor, then took over as Manager a month later and this gave me a great deal of pleasure, for I was able to convert what I termed a junk yard into a very profitable sawmill. (I feel I can say that Karl Sinclair, if he were here, would congratulate you, Keith, because he was so good in the sawmills. AD) Now while I wait for the powers that be to make up their minds about a pension increase, which I applied for last June, I am receiving Social Service Sickness Benefits, but I do sincerely hope that Repat. soon make up their minds, as trying to balance the budget is hard these days. We have been here nearly two years now and there is no chance of us ever moving south again. We have a very nice brick home in a quiet area and all the folks are garden and house proud, which makes the street look very neat and colourful when the gardens are in flower. We receive and look forward to the "MAKAN" regularly and both the wife and I read it from cover to cover with great interest. It was quite a shock to read of the passing of Bob Jack, as he was a great worker and a tower of strength to any person who knew him; also Frank Craven, I myself and I am sure many others will remember Frank. I see Jock Logan quite often, as his business is only a couple of miles from here. He seems to be better, since his operation to remove the deposit in his joints; he is kept fairly busy. Jock also gives me news of some of the other lads, whom he meets up in this area. (Jack Carey told me, Keith, that Jock can smell a P.O.W. in his vicinity and goes to the trouble of meeting up with him and seeing if he can help, and even said, that Jock could be passing on the Highway, will stop and go into the pub, and sure enough will find a P.O.W. True or False? Ed). I hope to be able to visit a few of the chaps here before long, but this will depend on Repat., as I have to go back to Greenslopes on the 8th Nov. for more tests. Should any of the boys be passing this way, I would be pleased to see them and, if there are any of them like myself a 'Lions' Member and, being the Secretary of the Lions Club of Burleigh Heads, I may be able to assist them information wise about clubs etc. in the area. Well I must away now, Alex, please give my regards to all the boys. Keith."
Ray Rickards – “C”
Company - Yennora, 2161
Steve Allardice -
Transport Platoon, HQ Company - Beecroft, 2119
Des Duffy – “B”
Company - Brighton-Le-Sands, 2216 She says, "He is an epileptic; has only 25/0 sight, i.e., blind in one eye and almost the same but not quite in the others so that he can dress himself and attend to himself but has difficulty in moving about outside, which restriction is worsened by not having much balance, so that he has to depend on good friends taking him as a passenger in their cars. Apart from that he is in good health and is always interested in hearing about his old friends, reading the "MAKAN" to him is a long business, because mention of the different names brings back memories of them to him." (Your Scribe and "Mum" Duffy both attended the same High School, Sydney Boys High, at a time when it was in a corner to the Sydney Technical College, fronting Mary Ann Street, Ultimo, and were involved in its transfer to its present position in Moore Park. "Mum" for that was his nickname even at school, was a distinguished rower when at the school, being a member of the School Eights, which won the 'Head of the River' races of the GPS Schools. We both left there at the end of 1929, he for a varied series of jobs, chief of which I remember as being with Hoyt's Theatres and David Jones Ltd, whilst your Scribe went to the Bank of New South Wales. It was at a time in the middle of the depression and we were both glad to get any job. Des was older than I; while I did only one year of the old compulsory Army Service in the Senior Cadets in the School and attached to the 19th Battalion, with its H.Q. at the rear of Victoria Barracks, Des served with the 45th Battalion with Drill Halls at Arncliffe and Kogarah and rose to commissioned rank, being a Major in that Battalion at the commencement of World War 2, dropping rank to come into the A.I.F. as Captain and O.C. “B” Company).
Stuart Peach - BHQ -
Neutral Bay, 2089 He also commented on the fact that he had injured his right hand, and although his letter was written in mid Oct. his right hand was not A1 at the time of the Reunion.
"Jack" Logan – “D”
Company - Palm Beach, Q, 4221 "I left Sydney on Wed 4th Oct at 7 pm and arrived at San Francisco Wed 4th Oct at 8 pm. (so he lost a day) In San Francisco I saw their team the Forty Niners (49) beaten for the 5th time. Admission fees were US $8.50 and $10. I paid $8.50 plus tax 5¢. I had to ask at least 5 people how to get to Candlestick Park, the main ground. The Lentz Furniture Co have a shop between the Airport and San Francisco with a sign on it 'The Largest Furniture Shop in the World'. I was told it covers 9 acres. The Hilton Hotel, San Francisco has an entrance facing 4 ways; along each street are from 6 to 12 massage parlours. In New York I stayed at a small hotel on 12 West 44th Street. The small pub in the same building, O'Lumeys has a jumbo jet hanging down just where I used to drink. The young Irish bartender said that the Manager of Qantas comes in regularly. He said he was one of his buddies. I again thought New York was great, until I read in a newspaper what could happen to women, if they came to New York on their own. A lady from Palm Beach, here in Queensland has a sister living in Delaware State. I visited them and learnt that they came from Hatton Street, Ryde Sydney. John Logan, who works for United Airlines in Washington is a second cousin. I visited him in Virginia, about l0 miles from Washington. He works at Washington Airport. As we were driving to his home the Concorde flew over. John says United Airlines employ 50,000 staff, being the world's largest Airline. I caught a bus to Greensboro, North Carolina, all planes were full, to visit the Furniture Mart. The Fall Mart (Oct.) is attended by 35,000 buyers, the centre of the Mart is Highpoint. There are over 400 furniture factories in North Carolina. The Hotels in North Carolina sell beer only. Customers are allowed to take in bottles of spirits. The barman sells about 6 types of soda, flavoured. Liquor shops sell spirits and grocery shops sell beer. Beer is 75 cents US to $1 for a 10oz beer over the counter plus tips. Grocery stores sell 6 cans of 12oz for $1.30 to $1.60. I arrived in Los Angeles, booked into the huge Howard Johnson Motor Lodge. I secured a Los Angeles Times Newspaper, which on top of the Classified Section says "World Leader in Classified Advertising since 1952" "Largest Circulation in the West, 1,020,987 Daily, 1,309,677 Sunday". The first page of the Classified Adds was taken up by Lyons Giant Buick & G.M.C. Truck Centre, and the top of their add says "The World's Largest Buick Dealer". (Jock sent me down the top of this page with the information that he has just related - on page 2 it shows that classifications are numbered; it would seem that, if there are no adds under some headings, those headings would not be shown, "Lost and Found 1050; Personals 1100; Announcements 1200; Hypnotism 1228; Schools, Training 1500; Painting and Papering 1813; Legal Notices 1900." Nine columns across the page and, although Jock does not say how many pages in this section, it could be seen how the paper's claim to fame might be established by splitting classifications. The USA Baseball Competition has just been won by New York Yankees, following several games each side of the United States, which is 3,000 miles from coast to coast. The competition is called the "'World Series". I flew home by Qantas, 'The World's greatest Airline' arriving home on the 26th October. I was quite happy drinking the World's 2nd best beer."
"Ossie" Jackson –
“D” Company - Binna Burra, 2480
Fred Bladwell -
Mortars, HQ Company - Undercliffe, 2206
Hilton McLaren – “C”
Company - Bundaberg, Q. 4670 Evelyn and I have two daughters only; the eldest, Wendy, 24 years and married (no grandchildren as yet) and Heather, who is 22 yrs and is never getting married, or so she says. We are not too bad health wise. Evelyn has some trouble with high blood pressure, but otherwise O.K. I have a duodenal ulcer and had some X-Rays done on my eyes yesterday. The eyes have given me some trouble ever since the P.O.W. days. I'll close now by wishing everyone Good Luck and the Best of Health possible. Hilton."
Jack Dingwell – “C”
Company - Chippendale, 2008 Incidentally Jack was one of those chaps in the small list of "Odd Bods", whom I found, when I was researching for the detail for my "Toast to the Regiment" at the Annual Reunion. He is shown in the Nominal Roll as having had the occupation of "Swimming Instructor". I am informed that Jack, in his day, was the best beltman on the coast.
Bob Wells – “D”
Company - Gresford, 2421 Bob says, that while in Lady Davidson, Sid Grounds was the first of the Sydney boys to visit him and, as some of the parts of Bob's body were still black from the bruises, Bob took it as an omen to back "Black and Gold" in the Melbourne Cup. Only a small wager but Sid, having invested Bob's money was able to give him some dividends. No! Sid didn't follow Bob! Sid kept to his own system. Bet had come down with Bob and was able to stop with her married daughter, Margaret at Ryde, but, while Bob was in Lady Davidson, the travelling round by public transport took hours. Margaret, by the way, is to commence teaching next year. She has been doing her Diploma of Education at Sydney University, having graduated in Maths at Newcastle University. Her husband, Bruce is working with O.T.C. having graduated from Newcastle also but in Electrical Engineering. Bet, herself, used to be a teacher and one of the coincidences, which add truth to the old saying, "It's only a small world", is that towards the end of the War and a while afterwards Bet was teaching at Warialda at the same school of which my elder brother, Eric, was Deputy Headmaster at the time and later Bet came down to Gresford School; met and married Bob and while I had never met Bet before this, my brother had met Bob on several occasions at Gresford, when visiting them. A letter from Bob took four months to arrive. He writes "My 21st birthday at Bathurst I remember particularly well, celebrated at McCauley's Pub. I left before most of the others and back at camp fell into a slit trench on the bayonet assault course as I made my weaving way to my hut. I had the very devil of a job to get out. I have just completed the box-ticking supplement, and I have made a couple of comments. I should like to see a Hunter Valley Reunion organised. Sure I know it's up to us, so this suggestion may bear fruit. I see some of the chaps up this way from time to time. (If you combine it with a wine tasting at one of the better known wineries you might be able to stack them in, Bob. Ed). It seems you had a joyous weekend at Knockrow with Joe Johnston and Co. We see them from time to time also. Joe was best man for me, when we were married and a close bond has always remained between our families. Bet has continued on in the letter, "Rob doesn't seem to have any family "boasting", so, being a proud Mum, I can't help myself. Besides Margaret there is Ken, who is in 2nd year at Armidale University now, doing Rural Science; Trev is still at High School; Julie, much, much younger, is still only in 3rd class at Primary - that is something Rob does like to boast about."
Ross Madden – “A”
Company - Armidale, 2350 I was talking to Ray Reeves. He has been granted a full pension and is much happier now in consequences. I also had a few words with an old friend of yours, Ashley Pankhurst. He is not a real well man, but is holding his own. I think that he is a full T.P.I. (Thanks, Ross, for the news. Yes, we were both in HQ Company and on "J" Force to Japan. Is he still living in that cold hole called "Guyra"? A.D.) Talking of Pensions, Ron Gibbs said that Thelma, Bobby's wife, had been granted a widow's pension. I think that the hold up could have been a mix-up in the papers, Ron's and Bob's. A while back Ron was complaining about his wrist not being the best, he was discharged at Bathurst after breaking the wrist. I told him to get his doctor to send him down to Repat. After a check up they discovered that the wrist had not knitted after all these years, so they gave him a part pension, after a lot of trouble sorting his and Bob's papers out. Some time back the question was asked about the fate of the 15 inch Shore Battery Guns. I do know that one was made useless, but I have forgotten if that applied to all. The wife's cousin was a Sergeant on one gun; he said that his was packed with scrap metal and a charge and fired. But I have an idea that I have seen a photo somewhere of one cut into pieces. The wife's cousin died of illness up on the line and is buried in "Kanchanburi" Cemetery. Well Alex that is about it for this time. Give my regards to all, and special thanks to past and present folks who keep the wheels turning down your way. Was Les Davidson, HQ Company Sigs, known as "Scotty" and was he in camp in The Great World, Singapore? Many thanks. Yours sincerely, Ross." (In answer to your last query, Ross, the answer is, No. There were two Sigs, "Les" was NX53639 Pte E.L. Davidson with a "D"; "Scotty" was NX46196 Pte R.S. Davison without a “D" - both are shown in the Nominal Roll as having died of illness at Kanburi No. 1 in December 1943; "Scotty" on the 4th and "Les" on the 8th. Scotty had had Cardiac Beri Beri and pneumonia, before the War he came from Lismore; he was a Mercer. Les' trouble was dysentery and he and his wife had lived at Maroubra, near his job, which was that of "Tanner". Ed)
Allen Gilbert – “B”
Company - Beverly Hills, 2209
George White - HQ
Company - Bexley, 2207 I have been retired for two years now, going out on the burnt out pension, as I am having trouble with my feet. I shall close with regards to all members of the Committee and while it may be a little early on the last day of Oct for it, I wish all the boys in the Battalion all the best for Christmas '77 and Health and Good Fortune for 1978, and especially to Eric Arps. Yours, George H. White.
Ian Grace – “A”
Company - Jannali 2226 Ian has not been in very good health lately, but always enjoys his "MAKAN" to read, likewise, I like my 'Khaki', our little journal from the A.W.A.S. It keeps us in touch with others, even though you do not know some of their names, but ? The Reunions - if one's health were better, what enjoyment one could have? - Well one day we will turn up at one of your turn-outs. (Can you make it to Pymble for the 'Gemas Day' Commemoration, Sunday, 15th January, Levine? together with any souvenirs Ian might have brought home. Ed) Good wishes from the both of us to all.
Vic. Gordon – “B”
Company - Noosaville, Q, 4566 In one brief page, Vic creates an image of himself in my mind, doubtless he will do the same for you. I quote, "Believe me it was rather lovely receiving the note and feel the remembrance after all these years. After all many Durians have fallen and many Sarongs have risen. Alex, to answer your question in re the years 77 and still fishing and pushing boats in and out of the water, and generally raising All Hell as per usual. As we have shifted into this new abode, we also seem to have inherited a flock of tame Magpies and Butcher Birds, who arrive every morning and evening to be fed. I have selected one already to be the Marker and I hope very shortly to have them all on Parade, Battalion Form. I have also selected the Rowdiest Bastard of all to be the Drum Major. Alex., some more later as I have an appointment with the Fish. Cheers to yourself and all the others who joined our family. Yours, Vic."
Allen Warton – “B”
Company - Malua Bay, 2536 A phone call from Allen on the 2nd Wednesday in November gave me the clues. Malua Bay is 8 miles south of Bateman's Bay. Allen found so many names, that he knew, in the "MAKAN" that his memories were certainly revived and, noticing that George Stephenson was just up the coast at Mollymook, he checked up in the telephone directory for his phone number and rang George. During their chat, when George realised that Allen was closer to Bateman's Bay than to Mollymook, he asked if Allen had been in touch with Les Southwell, who lived there. Luckily for Allen, Les and Althea were not away on one of their overseas trips, so they had a good old chinwag the Thursday before Allen had rung me. Allen was up in Sydney with an uncle, because he had another appointment with Repat. about his eyes. He had had one operation for a cataract on one eye and they were to have a look at the other. Allan said that he had moved to Victoria in 1961, and had lived at South Caulfield. He had retired about 2 years ago and had moved back into New South Wales, setting up house at Malua Bay. He had tried to bring himself to my memory by asking if I remembered the incident, when the gangs were cutting the road to the Shrine through the jungle and a tree had fallen on Jack Egan and killed him. Allen said that he had had his spine fractured and some ribs as well, at the same time. He then spent nearly five months in a plaster cast. He still has some arthritis in the back as a result. Allen said that he was in No. 10 Platoon, B Company, with Lt. A McK. ("Don") Garner and while not sure of his Section Number, he had been with Neil Huntley, Arthur Buckingham, Frank Purvis, Frank Sullivan and Geoff Alcock.
Wal Eather - A/A
Platoon, HQ Company - Tamworth, 2340
Richard F. Newman –
“D” Company - St. George, Q, 4393
Ted Rickards – “B”
Company - Mungindi, 2406
Kevin Ward – “A”
Company - Greenacre, 2190 If I have it correctly his people had farmed in the Banyabba - Whipporie area and he was born there and went with his family to Lismore, where his Dad had a milk run, whilst Kevin was at the Lismore High School. Kev's grandmother had come out from Ireland and was the Licensee of the Wine Saloon at Tullymorgan in behind The Broadwater; that was in the days when Wine Saloons ranked above Pubs in the sight of the general public. Kevin also told me that a week before our Battalion Reunion the South Grafton Bowling Club had come down as visitors to our old friends, Bankstown R.S.L. Bowling Club, and, while he was this time on the Bankstown team he could quite well have played with the South Grafton team because of his old associations with their town, and at any rate, Jackie Collins of the Transport Platoon is his cousin; lives in South Grafton and still follows his trade as a butcher, though now he has changed shops and is with Thompson's instead of the one, with whom he had been for years.
Gordon F. Mck. Jones
- 8 Section. 15 Platoon, C Company - East Victoria Park, W.A., 6101 Frank had been a member of the Association; an old card shows that he had kept in touch until the late 1950's. He is now retired from his job with a West Australian Newspaper. Ron tells me that Frank would most likely be remembered as one of the Battalion Soccer team.
Ron Stoner – “B”
Company - Attadale, W.A., 6156
Les Melrose - HQ
Company - Matraville, 2036 Les says that Warwick is 6'2" in height and 15½ stone in weight and well developed, since he also turns out on the beach with the Life Saving Club at Maroubra. Warwick now goes into camp with the other members of the Schoolboy Rugby Union Team for a week at Waverley College for teamwork together, so that they may have a trial game at Latham Park, Randwick at the end of the week. They fly out to Japan on the 24th November; play one match in Japan; fly straight to Paris for their second match; then on to England. In the whole of the 9 weeks, that they will be away, they have to play sixteen matches. One highlight in England will be that on the 1st Dec they go to Buckingham Palace to see the Queen. Les' older son, who is also a Rugby Union player and was a representative for the same school, now works at Qantas on the engineering side and will be taking holidays, so that he may go along with the team to watch Warwick in his matches. He will be coming back through America, so that he may see more of the world. Les himself is feeling a lot better in himself. He has suffered from Duodenal Ulcers for some time; has had to take all sorts of pills to try and alleviate the pains; lately his M.O. has had him on a 2 months course with pill called Tagamet. He had been to the surgery to find out the report to the M.O. on a Barium X-Ray, to be greeted by the Doctor with the statement, "Well, now you will have to shout me to a beer." The X-Ray showed clear. Les is still keeping on with the pills for a while to verify permanency, he does not want a recurrence.
Stan Black, HQ,
Company Storeman - Kogarah, 2217
"Jacko" Jackson -
"B" Company - Chatswood, 2067 Then another brief note came in from Garry Evans to say that, "Ron has done it again. On Sunday, 20th Nov, he won the "MIXED FOUR BALL KNOCKOUT". So he must be finding the form of old, as in the past he was a low-marker. So congratulations are in order for his two fine recent efforts.
Jim Webster – “B”
Company - Merewether, 2291
Ray Brown – “B”
Company - Bankstown, 2200
Reg. Millner - HQ
Company - Armidale, 2350
"Curly" Heckendorf -
I Section, BHQ - Lockhart, 2656 Jack Ellis has married off his three daughters, so he has disposed of his farm and spends his time now spoiling his grandchildren at his home in Forbes. Max Pyle's sons have taken a lot of the farm load off his shoulders, but he's finding it hard to give up work. Rose is much improved in health, thankfully, and with our daughter, Joan, married and the two boys still at school, only she and I are around. I have given up a couple of my occupations (age catching up I guess); the local Shire Council after 12 years and the Pastures Protection Board (Wagga) after 24 years. However as a member of the (Wagga Branch) National Trust of N.S.W. and as President of Lockhart Historical Society, I still manage to keep busy, when not doing farm jobs. All the Best, 'Heck' or 'Curly'." Paper Back Edition of Battalion History The idea of republishing the Battalion History in paperback form has progressed to the point, that one of our printer members has worked on what the cost of such a project might be and reports a probable cost per book of $10.00 plus costs of distribution. It is desired to know, however, before production is attempted, what will be the number of copies, which will be bought. This will be probably the last opportunity to purchase a copy of this War History, so early application is advisable. All enquiries to be directed to 2/30th Battalion AIF Association. We will welcome applications on the form over page, but, unless the demand warrants it, we might not be able to go into production, we therefore would take a leaf out of the 2/19 Battalion Magazine and ask you to go and do likewise. Their Committee asked all members to look around their areas; to seek prospects for the purchase of the book, from friends, relations or Members of other Units, both 1st and 2nd AIF and other personnel, who might be interested in War Histories; 2/30 Bn members, who might own a hard-back cover, 1st Edition, and wish to present a paperback Edition to their children, relatives or friends. Other types of prospects that were suggested for them were, Council Libraries, R.S.L. Clubs, School Libraries, both Primary and Secondary. It was suggested that their members might consider buying copies and donating them to Libraries and Clubs. Extra copies of the Application Form may be obtained, on request, from Chief Correspondent, with names of person or body desiring the Book. ------------------------------------Please Cut Here------------------------------------ Order Form for Paperback Edition of 2/30 Battalion AIF History I wish to order...........copy/copies of the Paperback Edition of the 2/30 Bn History, "Galleghan's Greyhounds" and forward here with Cheque/Bank Cheque/Money Order (Please cross out what does not apply) for the sum of $10.00 per copy in favour of "2/30 Bn AIF Association", to cover the purchase price of the book. The cost of distribution, at this stage seems it might be $1. I clearly understand that, if the number of Applications does not reach such a figure as will allow for economical production of the paperback reprint, in these times of inflation, my money less cost of letter postage will be refunded to me, and that the 2/30 Bn A.I.F. Association shall be under no obligation to me for not proceeding with publication of the projected Paperback Edition. .
SURNAME OR NAME OF
ORGANISATION ...................................... (Please use block letters.) Stop Press - Last Post NX71886 Pte. Keith A. Richardson - Died 30/11/1977 Keith was a member of the Mortar Platoon, HQ Company; was in "F" Force on The Railway and in X10 Tunnelling Party. Our Far Northern Rivers Rep, advised that he died in Greenslopes Hospital (Q) and that the funeral Service was to be held in Lismore on Saturday, 3rd Dec. Our sympathy goes out to Mavis and their family at the loss of a quiet, conscientious, brave man, a good husband and father. WE WILL REMEMBER HIM. Back to 1977 index or Main Index |