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Makan No. 240 OFFICIAL JOURNAL 2/30 Bn. A. I. F. ASSOCIATION Subscription Rate: $1.50 per Year Registered for Posting as Periodical: Category A
Dates For Your Diary Annual Meeting of the Association
DATE: Friday, 7th
April 1978. "B. J. " Memorial Shield And Battalion Bowls Day
DATE: 15th OCTOBER
1978 ALL BOWLERS from 2/30 Bn, no matter where you may be, are welcome, whether you have ever been in this competition or not. Last year "Sluggo" Jones came down from Booval, Q'land. NON-BOWLER SPECTATORS, Other members, their wives, & wives of Bowlers are welcome to encourage the Battalion Teams. ALL those attending are invited to a Smorgasbord Luncheon by the Club. KEVIN WARD would like to know, who will be coming & who will be accompanying them; Firstly so that he may be able to arrange the teams, and also for the Catering. Ballina Gathering - Weekend of 12/13 August, 1978 - Ex-P.O.W. This is an Ex-P.O.W. Association gathering but the 2/30 Bn Far-North-Coasters have issued an invitation to anyone of the Battalion to join them on this weekend. It is a mixed gathering, so wives and over 18 children are welcome. A message from "Snow" HAMPTON says: "If you like Oysters, Prawns, Crabs, Fish and other Gastronomic Delights, then COME TO BALLINA IN AUGUST. If you enjoy Golf, Bowls, Fishing and all Aquatic Sports they are readily available. Above all it is the biggest 2/30 Bn Gathering outside Sydney. THE FAR NORTH COAST WOULD LIKE TO SEE YOU THERE. " Jack Maclay says, that Snow personally guarantees the seafood. If you will be in it please let "Snow", Len Clavan or Norm Watkins know and say what would be your preference for accommodation be it at the home of one of the Bn folk, at a Hotel, Motel, in your own Caravan, and your preference for sport or whether you would be just a spectator or like to tour the District.
Len and Wyn CLAVAN,
Tintenbar, 2479. There are other Reunions Around "V. P. Day" at other Centres. We do not know which particular weekend and night near 15th August may be selected in each case, but we list them with the name of someone to contact for information:
Bathurst R.S.L. & 8
Div Memorial Committee
Central Coast
Ex-P.O.W. The Entrance R.S.L. Club
Newcastle Annual
Ex-P.O.W. Dinner at Hamilton R.S.L. Club
Mid North Coast
Ex-P.O.W. At Taree
8 Div. Biennial
Reunion at Tamworth - Saturday, 21st October, '78 A mixed gathering, enjoyed each two years by those who attend. Please contact Wal Eather, South Tamworth, 2430 for more details and advise your handicap, if a golfer. Anzac Day In the absence of any other advices up to the present, we are assuming that the arrangements for the March are the same as last year, that is:
Assembly Point:
Elizabeth Street, halfway between Martin Place and King Street and
facing South towards King Street. Non-Marchers please gather at the Rooms at your leisure. The Rooms open early in the morning. ANZAC
A day revered from
days of yore,
We offer thanks, our
Blessings count,
Qualms had they
none, they only asked,
So long as we, those
left behind, Ted Rickards - NX4427 - Mungindi, 1978. Last Post
NX71886 Pte Keith A.
Richardson - died 30th Nov. 1977 He was with "F" Force on the Burma/Siam "Death Railway" and in X10 Tunnelling Party after the remnants of "F" Force returned to Changi. Unfortunately, it cannot be said, that all has been well with Keith since demobilization. Financially he has had a hard row to hoe. He had his small farm out from Lismore and banana growing on it had its difficulties multiplied, when a cyclone flattened his bananas, wiping out months of hard work one year, whilst in other years he made little more than his expenses, so that Keith took on a job at the Lismore Hospital, but the 65yr retiring age forced him back on to the farm in 1975. His quiet conscientious workmanship, for which he was noted, earned him a citation from the Hospital, when he left it. The heavy capital expenditure, which was required from small dairy farmers by the Milk Legislation, put any thoughts of getting a milk quota out of his mind, so that the farm was but a place to live, with as much produce from the farm, as was possible, going towards their daily needs. Way back in 1954 Keith and Mavis lost their then only child, Fay, a lass of only 4 years of age at the time. Since then they had been graced with Ronald, Kevin and Judith, but even late in 1976 one of the boys had a nasty accident, a head on collision with a motor car, though by good fortune he was to recover from his injuries. Now at the age of 67 years Keith has passed to his Maker having had a tumour on the brain. He died in Greenslopes Hospital. Report has come to hand that Keith's funeral was attended by 100% of all the 2/30 Bn chaps from all over the Far North Coast, and they acted as the wreath bearers, whilst his family carried the casket. St Paul's Presbyterian Church, Lismore was overcrowded and there were many people outside. Hugh Halcrow from the Lismore R.S.L. conducted the League Service and there was a full Masonic Service also. Purple and Gold flowers were made available on behalf of the Bn Association, and we are told that there were many phone calls from Sydney from men, who were close to Keith in the Battalion and other 8 Div Units. Our sympathy goes out to Mavis and to the children's families at their loss of a good conscientious, brave man, a good husband and father. SO MOTE IT BE
NX26539 Pte John
Arthur Goodwin - Died 25th February 1978 Jack was married at the time of his enlistment and, when returned from overseas, he went back to the same cottage in Concord, where he had lived with his wife, Dorothy, and resumed his trade as a Venetian Blind Maker with the firm that Ray Simmons formed, while still in Changi, from there he ventured into a Furnishing business of his own, but he was never free from sicknesses for long. In fact, "MAKAN" in 1971 recorded that he had had a lengthy period of illnesses with at least 20 operations for this and that, although he shrugged them off and said, that he was 100% plus. He gave up his own business and joined Grace Bros in their Furnishings Depts at Broadway and Top Ryde. Jack was always a chap for a bit of humour. So much so, that, it is reported, the Annual General Meeting of April 1955 held at the "Great Eastern" Cafe, Dixon Street, had a delightful touch added to the Meeting by Jack, who popped up, if the discussion appeared to be getting nowhere, and in a loud voice declaimed - "There's too much verbosity here, etc, etc. . . " Cries of "Sit down, Jack" had only a temporary dampening effect on him and five minutes later he would be on his feet again with, "There's too much verbosity here, etc. , etc. . . " The circumstances of his death were, that he had enjoyed a Saturday of Bowls; was driving home from his Club at Croydon Park, when he felt the first pains in his chest. He was able to drive the car into the gutter and stop; he got out, but then collapsed. Luckily he was seen to be in trouble. An ambulance took him to the Western Suburbs Hospital, however he had another seizure in the morning and died. Jack was unfortunate in that he lost his wife on 9/8/75 and we mourn with Michelle, his only daughter, and her husband, Chris, and their three children at his passing to his Maker. The Funeral Service was held at 9.15a.m., 2nd March at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Concord, with a Cremation afterwards at the Rookwood Crematorium. The Services were attended by JOHNNY KRECKLER, "SNOWY" STEVENS and DON MACIVER on behalf of the Mortar Platoon, and also RON MASTON, JACK BLACK, BRUCE UPCROFT, "PORKY" MOORE, JACK MACLAY and ALEX. DANDIE, together with one of "Porky's" mates, another Digger.
NX47632 - Pte. J.
Carl Odgers - Died 9th March 1978 He was one of the Ammunition Truck Drivers for WO11 LEN DAWSON, at first on the Mainland. At Gemas, Carl's truck was sheltered under a tree, near to the road, at a point selected by the Anti-Tank Gunners for their position; he was lucky that no Jap plane, aiming for the Anti-Tank site, settled his truck and load with a mishit. He was unlucky, though two days later to suffer Bomb Shock in another bombardment. Carl served his time with "F" Force on the "Railway" and was with X1 Tunnelling Party in Johore, even although he was one of the older soldiers, having been near the 40 year mark, when he enlisted. Back here in Australia Carl and his brother ran the "Log Cabin Hotel" on the banks of the Nepean at Penrith first, then the "Hotel Katoomba" from about the middle of 1950. However on the death of his brother, Carl moved back to Kyogle to run the family property, a good proposition at that time, whilst cattle prices were high. Reports commenced to drift through from about 1970 that Carl's health was not too good and, that he was having a lot of heart trouble. He was made T. P. I. Old soldiers never die ............... it seemed to be the case with Carl. He was in and out of Hospitals and yet keeping a good frame of mind. He was down at Yaralla at the end of February this year, at that time for test because of diabetes. Carl died early on Thursday night, 9th March. A service was held in the Kyogle Uniting (Methodist) Church on the 13th and he was buried in the Lawn Cemetery at Goonellabah, Lismore. Clarrie Lattimer, as President of Kyogle R.S.L. and probably no better could have done it, in the circumstances, since Clarrie had been the 2/30 Bn Transport Corporal, rendered the R.S.L. Service in the Church, associated with the Church Service. Several 2/30 Bn members were at the funeral and Clarrie was speaking to them. He includes Harry Riches and Stan Crummy as other Transport Platoon representatives plus "Joe" Johnston, Ron Sweeney and Arty Power. Names of others, who Paid their respects have not reached me yet because of mail strike. A wreath was provided on behalf of the Battalion. The purple and gold ribbons were used and the natural flowers were as close to the colours as possible. Clarrie said that he had spent quite some time visiting Carl in the Hospital on the previous Sunday and on the Tuesday night. He found him a very sick man. On both occasions he was speaking mainly about members of the Transport Platoon. Three of Carl's family were able to get to the funeral but the daughter living in New Guinea could not come to Kyogle because of an air strike up there. Our sympathies are extended to all Carl's family.
Mrs Elsie Adelaide
Yates - Wife of Tom Yates, (B Company) A Service was held at the Northern Suburbs Crematorium on the following Wednesday, 15th March. The Service was attended by Alex. Dandie and "Dutchy" Holland, who had been in Tom's Platoon though in different sections, and it was pleasing to see the thanks in Tom's face, at seeing "Dutchy”. We extend our sympathy to Tom, his two daughters, Elaine and Valerie and his son, Kenneth, and to their families.
Mrs Ross - Mother of
Ernie Ross - (A Company) We understand that she died earlier in the year, but the sad news has only been reported to us lately. WE SHALL REMEMBER THEM Sick Parade
Kevin Ward reports
as at 30/3/78: DISCHARGED FROM HOSPITAL SINCE LAST REPORT: Cecilie Boss, Bet Dawson, Donald Black, Athol Charlesworth, Des Duffy, Jack Green, Tom McMahon, Bob Wells, Carl Odgers (discharged from Yaralla but, soon after, admitted to Kyogle Hospital where he died 9/3/78) IN OTHER INSTITUTIONS: Jack Dingwell, Harry Law. Do You Remember? It was only a few weeks ago that JACK MACLAY was telling me of "The Incorrigibles" of "B" Company. If there was any devilment going on they would be somewhere around. The Orderly Officer for the night would be in their hut most likely five nights a week trying to get them to shut up after lights out because he would be fearful that they would wake the remainder of the Battalion. Some of the young chaps in the Company, but when those, who survived the "culling" at Bathurst, were in the thick of it in Malaya, they proved themselves good soldiers. I am told there was Ken Dale and the Collett brothers, but who are the others and where are they now? Does anybody know? A Tribute to Len Hendy HARRY GRIFFIS says, '"Remaining members of 18 Platoon wil1 mourn the passing of Len HENDY, who, as O.C, of that Platoon, was closely linked with our war service, A calm and dedicated man, Len shared with us the heavy demands of training, combat and captivity always with guiding hand and thought for the welfare of those in his charge. To his wife and Family, we would like you to know that we share your loss and you have our deepest sympathy, " Our Padre Paddy Paddy's letter came in ahead of reports, so this is a Stop-Press. He says, "The presence of 5 of the 2/30 Bn helped make my night. Had letter and cards from many others, through "MAKAN" I would like you to tell them that I thank them most sincerely for thinking of me. Hope to be in Sydney for the Anzac Day March, Padre Paddy. Plebiscite - Annual Reunion No doubt you would like to know what was the result of the Plebiscite. Unfortunately many members did not submit their opinions. 60 Members sent in their answers, approx 17½. However for practical purposes those sixty answers gave a trend of thought, which allowed the Sub-Committee to submit a summary and recommendation. Question No 1. - that Anzac Day Commemorations NOT be changed. A total of 44 replies agreed with this view. Also there are a few, who thought that it should be combined with our Annual Reunion (in the afternoon gathering). Obviously the Association should continue to arrange a suitable "Meeting Place" for 2/30 Bn Members after each March - in a central and convenient venue. (there were no adverse criticisms of the Ex-P.O.W. Rooms, used in 1977, as our venue.) Question, No 2. - that 2/30 Bn A.I.F. Association Reunion be held on a Friday or some other week night in future. 50 replies favoured this view - only 3 against, 7 didn't offer their opinion, although they answered other questions. An augury for the future came from the fact that the Executive in going ahead to arrange the 1977 Reunion, pending the outcome of the Plebiscite, set it for a Friday in November and had an attendance of 53, showing that it would be supported. Question No 3. - that no other 2/30 function be arranged in the Aug/Sep/Oct period each year. This was agreed to generally. (but the issue of Special "Days" Like "Bowls Day" was not intended to be relevant.) Question No 4. - that future Metropolitan Reunions be "mixed" gatherings. There were 39 replies in favour and 19 against, 2 had no opinion to offer. At it's last Meeting the Executive decided, that a decision (at this juncture) to have our wives at Annual Reunions would be too divisive in its effects. The above figures bear this out. "No further action" is recommended therefore. Question No 5. - that the future venue of Reunion Dinners be more central and be suitably staffed and catered. Since this question was put to our members, the Executive did arrange in Nov. '77 that the 1977 Dinner be held in the Central City Area (the Public Service Association, Club being selected), and the consensus of opinion, expressed by those attending that successful function, was that ALL future Reunion Dinners be held centrally and be well publicised for several months before each fixture. (See also Q2) This general policy is now recommended for adoption - in conjunction with the decision to Q4. Question No 6. - that the Association adopt a policy of subsiding the cost of Annual Dinners, both in Sydney, and Country Areas. Whilst the Sub-Committee's recommendation on this issue, went into some detail of possible implementation, it transpired that the Plebiscite replies did not embrace the basic issue, (whether or not a subsidy scheme was supported), but only the sub-issues represented by items 6a to 6e of the Sub-Committee's Report - the Sub Committee itself having proposed a Subsidy. Nevertheless, it is apparent, that a majority of replies supported the proposal - 44 to 10. BUT, after examining the comments made by those submitting answers, it is clear, that the proposal - if implemented in any form, would be divisive in its effects, in much the same way as the proposal for "Mixed Reunions", ''I quote two comments in particular 'I think we have reached a sorry state in our affairs, when we have to attract members to our Reunions by dangling a "subsidy" carrot in front of them.' 'The interest received from the Special Fund (Sir Frederick Galleghan Bequest) should NOT be included.' To summarise: the plebiscite results, and the comments we have made thereon, the following recommendations are made:
(1) The Executive to
continue the practice of arranging a central gathering place for 2/30 Bn
Personnel & their friends after the March. As a personal comment, it would appear that the Executive should bear in mind the desirability of a periodical get-together in a social setting, of members, wives and widows as a "Special Event" of some significance - say, every three (3) years - not only in the Metropolitan Area, but also in approved Country Centres. Such occasions to be "Subsidized" to the point of all ladies being accepted as guests of the Association.
(5) Future Reunion
Dinners to be in Central City Areas for Annual Reunion and be well
publicised beforehand, over several months. Enquiry Re Photographs of "Thai Burma Railway"
Bert Farr -
Turramurra, 2074 - HQ Company I have lost my list as well as Photos Nos 8 & 12, would you have or know anyone, who has the key list to this set of photographs. I am not sure if the photos were made available to the “A” Force survivors only or distributed generally, either in Bangkok or in Singapore after the War ended. If we could trace a list, I would like to get a copy, so that I may properly identify these shots of something that no longer exists. I do not know who might have taken them, as they carry no identification, other than the number on the back of each of the photos. Thanks if you can help track down a copy of that key list. Best regards, Bert. Reunions
Far Northern Rivers
Branch of the Ex-P.O.W. Association Our Executive was represented by Kevin Ward and myself - our respective wives accompanying us, together with "Andy" Knox as the Sydney Contingent. The hospitality and friendliness shown us was the most outstanding feature of the weekend. The four of us were met at Lismore Rail Station by "Joe"' Johnston and conducted to our Motel to unpack. We were allowed ten minutes for this chore, then all four of us were given a brief but thorough tour of sections of Lismore, out to Alstonville and thence to Ballina R.S.L. Club to meet Len Clavan and other Club Members. From the R.S.L. Joe, Kevin and I crossed the road to the local and had a couple with Aub Clavan. From Ballina to Lennox Head, where we studied and checked the "Purple Lagoon"; completely fresh and drinkable water yet with the Pacific Ocean just across the small sand stretch between lake and beach; to Knockrow and a late lunch with Sybil and Joe. Back to Lismore for a short spell and a clean up prior to the Service at the Memorial in the Park adjacent to the Lismore Baths and R.S.L. Club. At the R.S.L. Club a gathering well in excess of the 100 mark sat down to Dinner. "Andy" Knox joined us from his niece's home further up the coast and, including the five from Sydney, thirty-eight members of our Battalion and wives plus sons, daughters etc attended. The 30th members were as follows:
Stan ("Nugget")
Crummy, Jimmy Small, Ron Sweeney – Casino What a night! Reminiscences, tall stories, repartee, in a gathering of old mates, who talked together of their lives, successes, failures, health - family - those things near and dear to us all, when we meet in company after many years. There was much of the Brown liquid consumed - much banter exchanged. In all it was a splendid Reunion of good friends from a good common family, the family of man, that had faced dangers, tribulations and privations and come through welded into the organization of Ex-P.O.W. So to bed and Sunday was another day, faced with fortitude and head pains, plus a packet of aspirins. Sunday morning at 9.30 in company of "Joel' Johnston and "Dadda" Olley and his good wife, we visited Harry Teasdale and Flo in their home. It is pleasing to report that Harry is making a slow but definite recovery from the illness, that laid him low some twelve months prior to our visit. Our admiration goes to Harry and Flo; to Harry, for his fight back from the very depths; then to Flo, for her help and assistance in what must have seemed an impossible task at times. May Harry completely recover and may we have the pleasure of meeting again, when that recovery is complete. Then on to Eva Standing and some twenty minutes conversation with her. It is pleasing to report that Eva is enjoying good health and has great pride and joy in children and grandchildren. From Eva to Lismore Hospital to see Tom Wright, partly confined to bed with recurring heart trouble. Partly confined is the term I use - for the floor sister told me, "It is impossible - short of strait-jackets - to confine Tom." When leaving Tom, he complained about us not bringing a bottle of ale to celebrate the occasion. Who would think of taking the cup of cheer to Hospital at 10 am on a Sunday Morning? I ask you. On the same floor, we visited Bruce Greer. Sick from gout and arthritis. He also was pleased to have the visit. Bruce is the same old Bruce with one exception. The exception he appears to be about twice as big as of yore. He admits to having lost some mobility and tends to a quieter life. Return to a more stringent life style - say, the life style of 1943-5 for some 6 months might allow to a return to the Bruce we all remember well. From Lismore to Tintenbar, more specifically to the home of Len and Wyn Clavan for a Bar-B-Q Luncheon, that extended to around 5 pm. No doubt the Ballina Crowd can turn on the Hospitality. Our glasses remained full and our gastronomic ability was severely taxed. But I hope all attending suffered no serious side effects. At Tintenbar to see Jock Logan drinking soft stuff, after a previous evening of informing all and sundry that N.S.W. beer left the Northern Grog for dead and proceeding to attempt to dry up the supply, was a sight worth seeing. Kevin Ward played back tapes of a Sydney Reunion. The comments both coarse and complimentary were good to hear. To see Gayle and John, daughter and son-in-law, of Wyn and Len, operating the Bar-B-Q and to eat the end result, well magnificent, was the word for it. The atmosphere engendered by the climate, the cheer, the food and the most excellent company is beyond description. "Snow" Hampton arrived with Kathy, a bottle of Rum, an Esky, that aroused curiosity and a fulsome apology for not attending the Reunion. The Esky (foam) being formally opened, then closed, was presented to Kevin Ward with instructions the contents were the City Party's train supper. Contents: freshly cooked, beautiful crabs. At the Bar-B-Q "Joe” and Sybil, Len and Wyn, Gayle and John, "Snow" and Kathy, "Dadda” and Mary, "Hoot" Gibson and Marjorie, "Jock" Logan, Harry Riches, Tom Nixon, Sid Jameson and Joyce and Jim Crawford and Vi. "Dadda" Olley and "Snow" Hampton saw our party back to Lismore, thence to the train. Kevin Ward arrived home with two additional packages, the Esky of Crab and a box of Mangoes. I had an extra parcel, a box of Mangoes. The Mangoes a gift from "Joe" and Sybil, for which Kevin and I were truly thankful. A glorious weekend and our thanks go to one and all, who contributed to make it such. In particular to Joe Johnston and Sybil, to Len Clavan and Wyn, to "Dadda" Olley and Mary. Their kindness and hospitality in Army language, "was far beyond the call of duty".
Kevin and I salute
you all and we look forward to Lismore at some future time. Our local Reporter up there adds some more comments, viz: "Well, another Reunion is over and, once again, we can report a great success. Dot Riches was not with Harry because she is not very well. (Look after yourself, my dear. AD.) If Jack Maclay says he was sick, after his week-end here it was the amount of Mangoes he ate, not the beer that he drank”. Flo Teasdale adds their thanks, "It was a great pleasure for Harry to see Kevin Ward, Jack Maclay and wives visiting him after the Reunion. He is still keeping well, and has a Monday morning visit to the Rehabilitation Unit. My best wishes to you all from Harry and myself. God Bless, Florence Teasdale. "
Cooma Ex-P.O.W.
Reunion - Saturday, 11th February Proceedings on the Saturday Evening commended with a Memorial Service at 6 pm at the Cenotaph. Dinner was at the Ex-Servicemen's Club, with the Guest Speaker for the night, Matron Syer. Our Paddy Mail Strike hold-up - Report not in - see next issue. News Views and Who's Who
Bruce Campbell -
Port Macquarie, 2444
Dick Tompson -
Howrah, 7018 – HQ Company, Carriers Someone said once, "How will you fill in your time, when you are retired." Believe me, I wish I had twice as much time. All the best to the Boys, Dick.”
Horrie Cody -
Bomaderry, 2540 - A Company He is thinking of retiring in a couple of months, as he has arthritis in his neck and spine and is in some pain at times."
“Hank" Massey -
Merrylands, 2160 - HQ Company, Sigs. His health has much improved of late, but his memory is not the best at times.” (Many thanks, Thelma, as a mere man, I know how good it is to have a good backstop. AD).
Tom Nixon -
Brunswick Heads 2483 - HQ Company He then goes on, "Also read in the local rag that MARTIN WALLWORK received a merit award for 25 yrs in the volunteer Fire Brigade (Congratulations, Marty. AD); also that Marty’s brother, FRANK, has sold his farm." Tom says that he met up with ERNIE STRATFORD and comments, "He looks a ball of muscle. Whilst I am keeping well, myself. Regards to All. Tom."
Bill Douglas -
Leichhardt, 2040 - B Company. I have retired now from the Transport Branch of Australia Post (P.M.G. ) after 24 years. I have taken to training greyhounds (two). I have won two races with one, "Milo's Conquest", the other is not ready to be started yet. I saw '"JOE" GEOGHEGAN at Harold Park. All the Best to all the Boys, Yours, W.J.D.
Ashley Pascoe
-Belfield, 2191 - B Company, Ex 2/26 Coming from the Lismore Area (Ashley had an NX number) I knew a few of the chaps and I cobbered up with FRED HODGES, and NEIL SELLERS. Neil was a particularly good mate to me, when I was doing it tough. I haven't seen him in years." THELMA and "CURLY" SIMPSON please note, Ashley sends his best wishes and hopes that "Curly" is recovering. He also says "As THELMA states, "it is as in War Days, she still stands and watches and waits." I feel those words should be emblazoned at places like Yaralla and Greenslopes etc. Wars will never end, while man's greed and avarice are the paramount ideas of our age and, it is immaterial, if one's political views are of the right or left, when one looks out on the world today, one cannot help but fear for bur young generation, with mass unemployment throughout the Western world and with no prospects of improvement in the immediate future, according to the gnomes of O.E.C.D. By the way, I noticed your reference to BOB HANLEY, his wheelbarrow and his dogs, pushing along around Australia. As you say, Bob was of the 2/26 Bn. The reason that he is doing this mammoth task is, because Doctors told him that he had only a short time to live. So Bob, with typical courage, grabbed his wheelbarrow and his two dogs and set off. I believe that he has been on the road now for about two years. "Willessee at Seven" on Seven has been giving Bob quite a deal of publicity. In the last segment, that I saw, he was approaching Melbourne. They even had Mrs Hanley on the show in one programme. It is good to know that so many of the guys still keep in touch with each other after all these years. I don't know of any around my neck of the woods, but, if anyone cares to look in at any time, they would be most welcome. Looking back on Changi days at the Gaol, I recall the various skeletons sitting up on the slats. One I recall is ARCH. THORBURN, just one of the guys. Little did I know what a great character he was to turn out to be for the 2/30 Bn A.I.F. Association. Many of us have a great deal to be thankful for from the advice and generosity of ARCH THORBURN. Well now, as to myself, I'm getting along O.K. I am approaching 69 years of age. I guess I'm not active in anything now. Public Transport around here is not what it once was, and Betty, my wife, does not like me wandering around the City at night attending meetings and then coming home late by train, so as there are just the two of us, I have given meetings away. However, I still keep in touch via the cheque book with Amnesty International, Civil Liberties and a few others. I have a bit of skin cancer on the dial, so I have to go to Concord next month, nothing serious. I had some type of neuralgia in the jaw a while back and the pain was pretty intense, so much so that I collapsed on Campsie Station on the way back from Bankstown. It gave Betty a bit of a scare, but it seems to have cleared up now. It seems to be similar to the complaint that the guy over at North Sydney had, you might recall that he built a wooden pyramid at Cammeray Park and then lay in it. I think that he had his complaint for five years or so. Best wishes always, Ashley P."
G.E. ("Joe")
Johnston - Knockrow, 2479 - D Company
Harry Rhodes - South
Grafton, 2461 - B Company The party was met at Harwood Bridge by local members and wives and escorted to Yamba, where they inspected the Ex-P.O.W. Holiday cottage there; enjoyed a tour of the views; thence to the Look-Out at Maclean, which impressed them very much, despite the overcast conditions. A 1 pm Luncheon was enjoyed thoroughly at St. Stephen's Presbyterian Church Hall, South Grafton, catered by the Church Ladies, before a tour of the City with many an exclamation, as they viewed the flowering trees. A rest period was appreciated at the Crown Motel, where they were welcomed and accommodated overnight. We do believe a few enthusiasts ventured a swim in the Big River. Dinner at night was at the Grafton District Services Club, where local members and wives and official guests entertained the visitors and the Mayor, Alderman Bob Liddiard, gave them a civic welcome to the City. A really delightful evening was enjoyed by all and, we were assured, that their stay in the area was indeed a memorable one. We can assure them likewise, The touring party departed at 8a.m. Sunday Morning for yet another stage of their Journey south. They were to arrive in Sydney on the Friday. The party was to return by jet to Auckland on Monday, 30th January.
Frank Topham -
Eastlakes, 2018 - C Company Hope this finds all the Boys well. We are all O. K. Frank and Zena.
Lennie Lansdowne -
Ashfield, 2131 - D. Company
C. T. ("Joe")
Veivers - Coffs Harbours 2450 - A Company Joe saw Benny Pearce recently, and he is enjoying his retirement. He says he seldom sees any 2/30 Bn Members. Our son, David, is playing cricket in the local competition and is doing well. The kids have been enjoying the holidays. We are all keen on the beach, not Joe though, he reckons that he gets enough sun at work. David goes into 4th year and Kathy into 2nd year in '78 rather, Year 10 and Year 8, they call it now. They both do well at school. All for now. Norma".
Kevin Ward -
Greenacre 2190 - A Company Marian arrived back in Sydney by plane, says Kevin, "not only having the infants but also a pet dog, which had had four ribs broken, and which TAA allowed to be brought down in a wicker basket, as excess luggage, seeing it was only small, for a fee, of course, but far more of a satisfactory sum than if the dog had been in the baggage section. While we were walking across the road to where our own car was parked outside the Terminal, I was loaded with the luggage and a car driver nudged me with his car, it seemed almost deliberately," says Kev, "I walked over to the other side of the road and put the baggage down, then I turned back to his car. In the beginning I was only going to tell the bloke off, but the Irish in me reacted by the time I reached his car; changed my mind. I was going to hit him. My sight, of course is not good, and I did not see that he had wound up the window, so, when I threw a punch, my knuckles rapped on the glass and made me jump. He got going and soon disappeared, under the urging of a lady in the front seat beside him; but none of my family thought to get his registration number, so that the TAA men could have hauled him in."
Bob Howells -
Tusmore 5065 - HQ Company, Mortars I admire the way you boys (Hell - that was thirty odd years ago) keep the old spirit and old associations alive and I express some feeling of guilt that other preoccupations have deflected me from making any worthwhile contribution. With kindest regards to all, Sincerely, Robert. "
Col O'Donnell -
Dalveen, 4374 - C Company, 15 Platoon Col enquired the dates of Reunions to take place in the Northern parts of N.S.W. this year. He wants to get down to Tamworth Biennial 8 Div Reunion in Oct. as it is not a bad drive from near Stanthorpe, and took note of the August show of the 2/30 lads to be at Ballina near the 15th of that month.
Allan Hudson -
Tottenham, 2873 - D Company
Allan Charlton -
Ballina, 2478 - HQ Company, Sigs. It is very dry up here (writing on 18th Jan) like most places at present and very hot, however we have a good cooling breeze every day. It comes up, mostly, about 10 a.m., In recent weeks I have called to see HARRY RICHES, TOM NIXON, ERN STRATFORD and BERNICE KENTWELL and everyone appears able to get around. I also visited HARRY TEASDALE. FLO says that he is a lot better than he was. Yesterday we met BRUCE GREER in the street. He has a cold in the kidney at present and is feeling the pain a bit, but otherwise appeared to be well. I noticed the name "QUINTAL" in the paper, the address given was Ballina, so I must find out, if the person is a local resident and, perhaps, a relative of our former mate, LAURIE QUINTAL in the Signal Platoon from Norfolk Island, and whom I got to know very well on "F" Force. What a fine young man he was. I will never forget him! While we were "resting" at Selerang before going up North, he had found a guitar and used to sing, in quite a good voice, a song about 'The Singing Hills'. He like a lot of our mates, is still 'up North'. You know, I got to thinking about that trip a few days ago; spending 5½ days jammed in those 'box cars', that were like furnaces during the day; taking turns to sit in the doorways (what a treat! I'll never forget how exciting it was to be told it was one's turn); we also had to take turns in lying down at night, because 28 men couldn't all lie down at the one time and, of course, so that we wouldn't mutilate each other, we'd hung our boots across a line rigged diagonally across the car after we had entered it. We were fed six times in that 5½ days. The last meal was made up from tinned rations, that we had carried, (unknown to the Japs) and the meal was issued, when we had gone 40 hours without (seemed like 40 days!) and looked like it could be another 40 hours before our 'Hosts' came good. I remember sharing the door with the late JACK CARROLL, "A” Company (what a wit); after about 30 hours of the fast and it was late in the afternoon, he turned to me, as I watched that jungle hurrying the other way and said, "Charlton, Old Boy, I'd like to meet face to face with a Tiger - I'd bite him to death. No trouble!" We detrained at Bampong in the early morning darkness and, do you know what? My boots were missing! Someone must have taken them, as we all had boots, when we got into the 'box car'. So, I had to march that 199 miles in 15 nights and work there for months with bare feet. No wonder I was rotten with Hookworm (they had to start treating me on our return home here to Australia). I got to remembering some of the men, that were with me on that trip and their devotion to their mates. That was an education that was, and now, from the security of my present life I realise, that it was an experience that I am not sorry I had, in one sense. We all know of the way JOHN TAYLOR walked twice as far as we did on that march, up and down the line, looking after his men, - What a man! - a credit to his profession, but, how many of us remember that his batman, SID MUSGROVE, carried his own gear plus that of JOHN TAYLOR. Then when we were in camp, the work done by NEIL HUNTLEY, working as an orderly in the Hospital and those are only two, that come to mind, (Of course, there were those whose actions were just the opposite, but I'd rather forget about them, ) Oh! JIMMY PARSONS was another I remember with affection, also ERNIE MCNIVEN. Then there were, of course, the funny bits, like the day the Japs had us on a special parade at No. 3 Camp and, on the way back to the hut, I got "caught short" and had to go to the nearest latrine, that happened to be for "Officers Only", it had a low Hessian wall around it and a Bastard of a Pommy Captain was abusing me for being there; the dysentery was nearly turning me inside out, and the boys were cheering me on! Oh, two others I have great respect for PETER and JOE MASON. I was surprised that TED RICKARDS has gone back to that shearing at 55 years of age. That job will not do his back any good. I used to work in the sheds in my young days and put up my highest tally in the one afternoon, which was my last, never again did I pick up a handpiece. I am hoping to go across to the Opal Fields for 2 or 3 weeks in the early part of April and have a browse around, so, I may be able to see ALLAN PRENTICE over that way. I met FRED NEWLANDS in the street. His address up here is Ballina. He was born up this way and is now about 66 years of age. He has had his share of trouble lately what with amputation of part of his foot, a Cataract removed from one eye, now causing him to wear glasses and he needs to go to hospital for ray treatment to a part of his lip, from where he had a skin cancer cut off.
Claire Pluis -
Parkes, 2870
George Kinsela -
Grenfell, 2810 - HQ Company I have had a fair run at the bowls. I skippered the Mixed Four Champions last season; we won 35 to 15 from the runners up. We lost our youngest son, April '76. He was killed in Queensland, when a semi-trailer went over him at a set of lights. He only lived 2 hours after the accident and has left his wife and two kiddies. (We are sorry to hear of this, George. A.D. ) Elsa, my wife, had a major operation last July, but she is back to her old self again and, as for myself, well I'm fine. I haven't seen any of the boys for some time now. If any of you come this way, call in and have an ale, or a bed or a chat. You'll be made most welcome. George.
Gordon ("Doover")
Brown - Mosman, 2088 - A Company
Clarrie Lattimer -
Kyogle, 2474 - HQ Company Transport. I have now a cutting from one of the North Coast Papers, whilst I am told, that another Paper's report concerned itself with his R.S.L. and Ex-Servicemen's and Ex-Servicewomen's activities as a background to a large photo of him. I quote from the cutting that I have, "Mr Clarrie Lattimer, well-known Kyogle citizen, was awarded the British Empire Medal for his services to the Community and Ex-Servicemen. Mr Lattimer, who is a clerk at Hitchcock and Farrell, Real Estate Agents in Kyogle, has lived and worked here for the past 50 years. He was born in Lismore in 1910 and was educated at Nimbin and the Rural School, Lismore, now the Lismore College of Advanced Education. He moved to Kyogle at the age of 18. Mr Lattimer's history of both Community work and Service to the R.S.L. is extensive. It includes being Chairman of the Urban Area Committee (connected to the Council) for six years with funding by the Local Government. He was with the Memorial Institute at the time of remodelling the Memorial Hall, including extensions to the Library. Since World War 2 he spent 18 months compiling the list of some 1100 names for the Kyogle Soldiers' Fighting Fund, which was a fund to help families and beneficiaries of ex-Servicemen from the District. He has been the Honorary Secretary of the Kyogle Repatriation Local Committee for 21 years and has been an officer in the Friendly Services for approximately 50 years. In 1977 the was appointed to the NSW Housing Commission Local Kyogle Committee. He was also President for 10 years of the Kyogle Community Centre, during which time they built a Community Room (now the Art Club Room) and also the Cenotaph. A Life Member of the Returned Services League, Mr Lattimer has been President of the Kyogle Sub-Branch for 28 years. During these years their main fund raising project was awarded, when 7 years ago they built the R.S.L. Sub-Branch Building in Bloore St. Kyogle, allowing the R.S.L. Auxiliary Ladies to cater there for Wedding Receptions, etc. Mr Lattimer said that an unsuccessful attempt had been made on three occasions to obtain a License for the Club. During the Second World War Mr. Lattimer served in Malaya and spent 3½ years as a prisoner of war in Singapore and in Japan ("J" Force.) These days he is still an active Committee member for the Ex-Servicemen's Home at Ballina, being an original member. He has been 13 years the Hon. Secretary, Road Safety Council, Kyogle Branch.” I am told that this report was compiled by a young lass, who had just one week's journalistic experience, and she tried to cover a large list of activities with the space allotted to her, so, therefore, she was able only to list some of Clarrie's activities. What might he do when he retires? A letter, in from Clarrie also informs me, "1977 was not kind to me health wise. From the end of May to 20th Dec. I had 4 illnesses, of which the last was the most serious with internal bleeding and a small ulcer was revealed, putting me in Hospital (intensive care) over Christmas with discharge on 2 Jan. on condition that I stayed at home. I can say that I am slowly gaining strength, though the very hot weather in Kyogle so far this year is worrying me. Cora keeps good health, although I think that she is feeling the years. She still thinks that she can do the work that she did years back."
Ray Duncombe -
Balmain 2041 - HQ Company, Sigs I have no news of consequence, as I don't get around so much now-a-days to see any of the chaps. However I hope that I will be able to get in on Anzac Day. All the best to the Boys, Ray"
Shirley Lugton -
Wagga, 2650 I always have had a very soft spot for the people of the 2/30 Bn. I knew Stan before he left Australia and was always very proud of the Purple and Gold colour patch. I am coping very well and I have all my family here in Wagga with four grand-daughters, who keep me moving. Best wishes, Shirley Lugton and family"
Sammy Hall - Neutral
Bay 2089 - A Company In Tom Selby's letter Tom says, "Sammy Hall lent me your No 239 issue of your "MAKAN". What a marvellous woman is Nancy Hart; your Battalion can be proud of her. I do believe that the Department of Veterans' Affairs should give a much more sympathetic ear to the pleas of 8 Div. Ex P.O.W. Personnel and their Widows. Your members may like to know that other people and Legacy are trying (and have been for years) to get a better spin in relation to the effects of stress, privation, tropical diseases etc on "early aging", a euphemism for arterial disease. I have written recently to Dr. Sir Edward Dunlop on this subject; as he is obviously sympathetic, understanding and knowledgeable and has helped by expressing his views on other long range effects, which only now are becoming recognised. I have been pushing in this direction, not only to help your excellent mob, but for others, who had obviously excessively stressful service: stokers in action, operational fliers and forward infantiers. I would suggest that you appeal to "Repat" through all avenues, to have the benefit of doubt more generously given and I suggest that you try and get the "Attendant's Allowance" Regulations altered to make them more flexible and, subject to a means test, give some reward to all those marvellous wives, who have kept husbands from Rest Homes, thus saving the Government much money. Yours sincerely, Tom Selby." 2/19 Bn Experience - Repat. Dept. Claim Again I quote from 2/19 Bn Magazine. One of their chaps sent in a copy of a determination by the Repat. Board on his claim for acceptance of total replacement of left hip - osteoarthritis right hip and lumbar spondylosis. This being in addition to acceptance of cervical spondylosis (neck) and aortical fibrillation (irregular heart beat.) It is said that the most significant point admitted in the determination would seem to be that MALNUTRITION COULD HAVE DISTURBED CARTILAGE HEALTH and that this fact would seem to be APPLICABLE TO LUMBAR SPONDYLOSIS, and did not we all suffer by Malnutrition. (One significant point, however, is that there had to be an appeal to a Board against the observations of a Departmental Medical Officer. AD. ) The extracts show:
a) In discussing the
nature and cause of the incapacities and relationship to service, a
Departmental Medical Officer stated in part, as follows: There is no evidence of any occurrence during his eligible period of service, that I can find in his service documents, which, in my opinion, could have caused these conditions. Member became a P.O.W. in Feb '42 in Singapore, worked for a period on the Thai-Burma Railways. He then went to Japan and was recovered there in Sept. 1945, He gave no history of any injury to his back or hips during his period of eligible service. On medical, examination, when repatriated on 28/9/45 the examining medical officer noted, "Nutrition good. Bones, joints, muscles clear. Fairly good condition; weight 161 lbs. No disabilities were noted in discharge examination." All of the above extracts are expressing the opinions of the Department's Medical Officers at various times prior to the appeal to the Board. Now here is the final opinion of the Medical Officer to the Board: "In my opinion left total hip replacement, osteoarthritis right hip are not attributable to his eligible period of service. I note that he was a Japanese prisoner of war from Feb 1942 to September 1945 and suffered from ill treatment, privations and malnutrition. He did not have any low back or hip injury as a prisoner of war. "Whilst cold and damp are not causal factors MALNUTRITION might have played a part in disturbing cartilage health and might have contributed in accelerating or aggravating the age degenerative changes in the joints during the aging process. "My above opinion that malnutrition could have disturbed cartilage health is also applicable to Lumbar spondylosis”. The Board has carefully studied all the evidence, presented in this claim, including the member's statement and his medical history. Based on the recorded evidence, the Board accepts the opinion expressed by the Departmental Medical Officer as to the cause of total left hip replacement, osteoarthritis right hip, lumbar spondylosis and their relation to the member's service. The Board has decided that left total hip replacement, osteoarthritis right hip, lumbar spondylosis are related to the member's eligible service. The claim is therefore allowed."
("Porky") Moore -
Belmore, 2192 - B Company Driving back from Rockwood a stop was made at the "Freemason's Arms" at Burwood and attention was drawn to a painting in the corner above a certain door, through which men were passing in and out. "Porky" did not know, who had painted the picture, but he had been told that it had been given to the licensee prior to the present one. If anyone had been in Changi and on the Railway, then that painting needed no words to decipher its meaning. It ranked with any one of the photographs in the book by Douglass Baglin and Barbara Mullins, "Dinkum Dunnies". At the top were some Oriental characters and some English, "Paper Shortage", and there, was the front of a "Dinkum Dunnie" door just slightly ajar with a hand reaching out at the bottom right hand corner, pulling up a handful of grass.
Jack Lonie -
Belmore, 2192 - HQ Company Sigs.
Ken Dale - Wagstaff
Point, 2256 - B Company Over the Easter break my brother and I spent five days at Wagstaff Point, a place, that I have been visiting for many years. We spent some considerable time fishing and sightseeing with Ken (Not much Fish) Wagstaff - a beautiful spot on our Central Coast, adjacent to Kilcare, Hardy's Bay and Pretty Beach, has been Ken's home for many years. Ken gives welcome to his old mates and would like some of them to get in touch. Welcome to the family, Ken. J.R.M." (Jack tells me that Ken holds down the job of Foreman Carpenter with the Main Roads Board and his job has kept him busy with the formwork for bridges, flyovers etc. on the Expressway and other Main Roads up near Gosford. Ed)
"Curly" Heckendorf -
Lockhart, 2656 - I Sec. BHQ Hope to be with you for Anzac Day this year, as we are going to Sydney in April, (have Tony rowing in School Regatta) - so will wait for the March about 10 days later. We are in a fairly dry area at present (early March), but not yet destitute for stock fodder. Regards to all, Heck."
Bruce Greer -
Ballina, 2478 - HQ Company, Pioneer Pl.
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