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Makan No. 241 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 Newcastle Ex-P.O.W. Association Branch Dinner
Saturday, 5th August
1978 at HAMILTON R.S.L. SUB-BRANCH HALL, Contact Secretary, Alf. Gee, well beforehand for timing and costs. Ex- P.O.W. Far North Coast Branch at Ballina Saturday, 12th August 1978
Wreath laying at
5.15 pm at Memorial Baths All 2/30 Bn are asked by their Bn mates on the Far North Coast to attend this Reunion; to make a Weekend of it, play bowls, golf, fish etc. Contact - "Snow" Hampton, Norm Watkins or Len Clavan 8 Div. National War Memorial Reunion at Bathurst. Sunday, 13th August. A repeat of last year's Reunion is being considered for Sunday 13th Aug. BUT COMMITTEE ASK FOR ADVICE OF INTENTION TO COME WITH MONEY BEFORE 27th MAY. Please see SUPPLEMENT with this "MAKAN" for details. Central Coast Ex-P.O.W. Association Reunion Sunday, 13th August, at TUGGERAH LAKES MEMORIAL CLUB.
Annual Dinner - 12
Noon, followed by Afternoon's entertainment. Mid-North Coast Ex-P.O.W. Association Branch Annual Reunion This year at TAREE on SATURDAY, 19th August. Contact for details - JACK CLUNE or HARRY GRIFFIS Riverina Branch Ex-P.O.W. Association Reunion THIS YEAR TO BE HELD AT GRIFFITH So far no details of date, time, cost to hand, we suggest you contact TERRY O'ROURKE or our man in the town - FRANK (SPIDER) WEBB "B.J." Memorial Shield Competition & Battalion Bowls Day on 15th October, Sunday, at BANKSTOWN R.S.L. BOWLING CLUB, KITCHENER PARADE, BANKSTOWN. 9a.m. Assembly for 9.30 start, MORNING GAME, followed by SMORGASBORD LUNCHEON for players and supporters. Please contact KEVIN to let him know who will be coming to play and who will be coming to support as spectators Tamworth 8 Div. Biennial Reunion So far I have had no advice that it is not 21/22 OCTOBER 1978 so I still show this date. Reunion on the Saturday, a mixed gathering. Widows, Wives and Children as well as 8 Div Personnel for Evening Dinner. Coupled with this a Golf Tournament. Contact - WAL EATHER, for details and, if you are a golfer, give him your handicap. Our Own 2/30 Bn Reunion in Sydney FRIDAY NIGHT - 10th NOVEMBER at PUBLIC SERVICE ASSOCIATION CLUB, 515 KENT ST. SYDNEY. GATHER at 6pm for 7pm SMORGASBORD. Further details later. Northern Rivers Branch Ex-P.O.W. Association SATURDAY - 18th NOVEMBER. GATHERING TOGETHER FROM 4.30p.m. onwards - MEMORIAL SERVICE 5p.m. 6.30p.m. DINNER at GRAFTON DISTRICT SERVICES CLUB. CONTACT - HARRY RHODES A Get Together OF 30 Bn Associations (30 Bn AIF, 30 Bn CMF, 2/30 Bn AIF, "A" Company 17 Bn R.N.S.W. Regiment) FRIDAY, 22nd Sept. Time 7.30p.m. for 8p.m. VENUE & COST are still to be advised. ANY ENQUIRIES in meantime Sgt. Don ROBERTSON Anzac Day in Sydney Our numbers on Anzac Day on the March were around the 90 mark in nice sunny weather. "Paddy" Walsh was with us and marched in the front line. He was not our longest distance runner. Ron Stoner had that distinction, being from Perth, so he was granted the honour of carrying the Association Banner. Jock Logan was the other Queenslander with "Paddy". Inside New South Wales "Hoot" Gibson from Ballina, Stuart Robertson from Tooraweenah and "Curly" Heckendorf from Lockhart added real country atmosphere and, I was told, that while Stuart had attended Reunions in Sydney, this was the first time that he had marched on Anzac Day, sharing this with "Paddy" as his first Anzac March, and didn't the boys welcome "Paddy" (please see page 40) Ted Skuse was down from Tuncurry, and Ray Body from Raymond Terrace, whilst Allen Warton was up from Malua Bay on the South Coast, and Norm King was there from Golspie near Goulburn to see his mates. We had the Lakemba Caledonian Pipe Band and the Epping District Pipe Band, front and rear, to give that steady pace, which the swing of the kilt requires, but, unfortunately, there was a lack of coordination, when one stopped and the other took over, so we had some unnecessary skipping to do and to make a worse plight at Martin Place, the Band, to play us through the plaza, past the Cenotaph, paid no attention to our Leading Band's pace, but swung into a much faster step. Our Patron, Colonel Ramsay, was at our Assembly Point and welcomed those who approached him for a few words. Mrs Ramsay and son, Max, were there to see to his comfort, but, when he knew that we were moving off, he struggled to his feet to lift his hat and salute the Battalion. Ted Barnes' sons were with us under "Snowy" Mason's care. Tom Smith of the F.M.S.V.R and then 2/10 Baluchi Regiment was there, but, we missed George Winchester with him and Maurice Black was with Andy Hyslop from Umina. George Aspinall was glad to have a sunnier day than last year, although he had a film with faster speed to counter dull conditions between the high rise buildings; patches of Sun along the route, though, were of great advantage to him. At the P.O.W. Rooms for the after March gathering we were greeted by "Sandy" Christensen and Ray Body, who claimed to being the first there; Ray Duncombe; Harry Wilson, who, under pressure from Jack Maclay, admitted that he was nearer 79 than that 73 next birthday credited him in the Roll; Alan McNickle, Porky Moore and George White. Betty Collins' sandwiches were greatly welcomed and very tasty they proved too. It should be placed on record that this is the twentieth year, for which she has provided the sandwiches. (Thank you, Bet). Some of the boys also bought lunches from the Ladies Auxiliary, who were doing an excellent job and the Executive made them an ex-gratia payment in appreciation of their assistance. Your scribe does not know, when the last of the men left or whether they had to be thrown out, but there were 3 groups, mainly B Company, D Company and Mortar Platoon in the respective groups and they were batting on, when he left at about quarter to five. Anzac Day at Bathurst Ron Maston had agreed to be a City Representative of the Association at Bathurst and Joe Field said that he would come down from Orange on the Anzac Day to be with him. Bruce Pratt as our Bathurst representative and "Official Custodian of the Cairn" joined in with them. Ron reported, "Gretta and I travelled up to Bathurst on Monday afternoon, the 24th, and, after booking into the Sunset Motel, went around to the R.S.L. Club and met the Secretary/Manager, Mr. Col Watson. Col went through the procedures to be followed on Anzac Day and gave me the order of Service to be followed at the Cairn - Limekilns Road. We had a meal at the R.S.L. Club and went to bed early, after arranging for the use of an alarm clock to rouse me at 3.45a.m. on Anzac Morning. The weather was cold, sky clear and a heavy frost was on the ground, when we gathered in George Street for the march to the Carillon at 4 am. Over 300 people attended a simple but impressive Dawn Service. Breakfast at the Club was most welcome as I found that my teeth were chattering with the cold, then I headed back to the Motel to have 2 or 3 hours sleep before the main March. Joe Field and Bruce Pratt joined me for the March and Service at the Carillon at 11a.m. Over a thousand people attended this service and there were at least 200 ex-servicemen on parade, as well as a Platoon of "C" Company, 17 Bn R.N.S.W. Regiment which provided the Catafalque Party. There were also contingents from Scots College Cadets, Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, St. John's Ambulance Brigade and the Air League. At the end of the Service the President of the R.S.L announced that representatives of the 2/30 Bn A.I.F. Association would be laying a wreath on the 8th Division Memorial in front of the Town Hall and invited people to attend. There were about 30 people present, when Joe Field and I placed this wreath. Bruce Pratt and his wife, Marjorie, entertained Joe Field and his wife, Mavis, Gretta and me to a most pleasant lunch in their lovely home, which has a most pleasant outlook over Bathurst towards the Mountains behind the old camp site. It was interesting to hear from Bruce the story of how he regained consciousness, after being wounded in the "D" Company attack at Gemas, and crawled and staggered back to the Battalion lines, to be placed in the C.O.'s car with other wounded; then was hit by a Japanese bullet when being machine-gunned from the air. I found the story of his experiences in hospital at Singapore; the escape of the Hospital Ship from Singapore on the Wednesday before the surrender; his subsequent trip to Ceylon on an Indian Hospital Ship and his ultimate trip to Australia, an aspect of the Battalion History, which was new to me. At the Cairn Service the Catafalque Guard was provided by Cadets of Scots College, Bathurst. Their drill was of a very high standard. Councillor Dick Locke, Vice-President of Evans Shire Council, gave the address. The President of the R.S.L. Mr. Roy Brownlow, introduced Joe Field, Bruce Pratt and me and in my response I thanked the R.S.L. for the way in which they conduct this Cairn Service and gave a brief history of the 2/30 Bn. Joe Field and I laid wreaths on the 9th Division Cairn and 2/30 Bn Cairn and Joe gave the Ode to the Fallen. Members of the 6th, 7th and 9th Divisions also took part in the laying of wreaths. Presentation of the 2/30 Bn Trophy to the most improved junior member of the Band was made by me to twin boys, who have been members of the Band for a short time. The Band has been reconstituted under a Mr. Grieves as Bandmaster, after being in a run down condition for 2 years. They led the main March in the morning and their timing was excellent; in a mile of marching there was no break in step. Mrs Campbell, Mother of Fred Campbell, who was cook to "B" Company and who died on the "Railway", was at the Cairn Service, with her daughter, Mrs Wilson. Bruce introduced Joe and me and our wives to them. Mrs Wilson has made a request, "Would any Battalion Member, who was with Fred (He was with "F" Force and died 3rd Dec 1943 at Kanburi No. 1) before he died, please get in touch with me, here in Bathurst, at 175 Durham St. Gretta and I went for a drive, after the Ceremony at the Cairn, along Limekiln Road and, on the way back, we stopped to look at the Camp site, which is mostly just green grass, trees and wheat fields. The Cairn is now in Bathurst City Council Area and the Camp Site is being split up into 20 acre blocks. Already some of these are being built upon." Impressions Of The Day
(1) The excellent
way in which all the Anzac Services were conducted. Anzac Day At Brunswick Heads
4.30a.m. - Blasted
out of the cot by the siren of the Local Volunteer Fire Brigade. Daybreak - Marched a hundred yards to Remembrance Cairn, there I was pleased to see a beautiful purple and gold wreath, made by Dot Riches with flowers out of her garden. I believe Dot has been doing this for years. The R.S.L. Wreath was laid by Harry Todd, our last remaining Gallipoli Veteran. The music for the hymns was played on cassette, with an attached speaker. Yes, we had a padre and the inevitable Member of Parliament. The changing of the guard was performed by three old diggers, complete with 303's and three school cadets. The morning was beautiful and the service finished as the sun rose out of the Pacific Ocean. An inspiring service, attended by about thirty returned men, scouts, guides etc. The 8th Division was represented by two 2/30 Bn and one 2/26 Bn, by the name of Henry Thomas, a political refugee from Queensland, but we are sending him back, as he doesn't like our beer. The march was around the village block, paying our respects at various churches. Music was supplied by cassette-tape - bagpipes. At last we arrived at the local, where the march ended; plenty of beer supplied by the R.S.L. Hot counter breakfast by the publican. Home to watch Sydney March on T.V. and an hour's shuteye. Dinner at 12.30 baked by the Ladies' Auxiliary at the R.S.L. Hall. Terrific. Then to the Bowling Club, where fines were imposed for wrong bias, using the measure and bad language - Proceeds to Legacy. It cost me some. Tom Nixon. P.S. Ross Madden was over on the Coast on a holiday and paid me a visit. I was glad to see him. He looks well. Tom." Last Post
NX6503 Cpl Dave W.
Tate - HQ Company (Mortar Platoon) He collapsed suddenly last Thursday night, 30/3/78; from a heart attack and I was the only 2/30 at the Church service. There was another ex-P.O.W. (Germany). Dave's remains will be transported to Townsville this afternoon for cremation. Heather and I drove over to Dave's farm yesterday afternoon to pay our respects to Muriel and their family; Margaret (Mrs Elker of Canberra) and children, Jason and Penny; Mary - also Canberra; George and Bill at home. Another son had been killed in an accident some few years earlier. Dave did not take part in local general activities, As he always said, 'I'm no social butterfly.' Everything had been quiet. Nothing on the radio and if Heather had not seen the Funeral Notice in Saturday's Cairns Post, I may not have known of his death either. Dave had reached the age of 60 only ten days before he died, so that he celebrated his 24th birthday just a little over a month after the Singapore Capitulation. I can easily build a picture in my mind of his tall lean frame, well tanned from the sun, because he had been farming before the war, and his softly spoken speech with his English accent, whenever he came in to the orderly Room on his duties. He was well liked and a good mate in the Mortar Platoon; his closest cobber, perhaps, being "Snowy" Stevens. One of Stan Arneil's tributes in 1952 was: We must ask Dave's cobber, Snowy Stevens, whether Dave has put on any weight since we knew him. To our knowledge Dave was one of the thinnest men we had ever met, but he was certainly one of the toughest and Dave was always on his feet and still going strong, when most of the others were on their last legs.” Dave did his stint on the Railway with "F" force also with X1 Tunnelling Party in Johore. He gave his occupation on enlisting as "Farmer" and it was only natural for him to take that up after the War. First the record shows that he tackled cane on the Richmond River; then it was growing strawberries at Runcorn about 11 miles from Brisbane; that was after he was married. In 1953 he was further north at Garradunga in the Innisfail District on a new farm, where he said that, it would be some years before he would have his full acreage planted. An understatement, when you knew he was cutting back jungle, but typical of his doggedness. 'Snow' has told me that Dave did not depend just on his cane crop for his living; when seasons were bad and in between seasons he used to seek a job on the railways, where he was always welcomed, because of his capacity for getting on with the job and making a good job of it as he did. It is a sad thing to learn that Dave has gone to his Maker. He is the third of the Mortar Platoon to die, all within the last four months. We extend the sympathy of all the lads of the Battalion to Muriel, his wife, to their children and the grandchildren, we mourn with them in their sad loss.
NX47200 Pte Clive
T.H. Bates - D Company, 5 Sec. 17 Platoon Jack Carey alerted me to the possibility that it could have been our Clive; that a report in one of the Sunday Papers had set the age of the victim at 50 years of age, but that, as this report specified 60 years, it seemed that it would be he. The Nominal Roll showed that Clive was born on 20th Dec. 1917. A phone call from Alfie Carroll, who lives at Greta with his sister, Mrs Hodges, indeed confirmed that another of the Battalion had passed to his last rest. Alf told me that Clive had been going to Singleton Station by taxi to pick up one of his boys; when, going over a narrow bridge on the Highway not far from Mrs Hodge's cottage the fatal collision occurred, when the taxi was passing a truck loaded with steel pipes and the truck driver was temporarily blinded by the sun in his eyes. The driver of the taxi was killed and Clive was seriously injured, dying in hospital. Alf told me Bob Wells was organising to have as many of the Battalion as possible at the funeral, which was expected to be on Wednesday, May 3rd and that a Battalion wreath was to be provided. Clive had been on the "Railway" with "H" Force and when he returned to Changi, went with X1 Tunnelling Party to Johore. He took part in community activities, as Bob Wells reported towards the end of 1971 that he was in touch with Clive by meeting him at District Council Meetings from time to time. We extend our sympathy to Clive's wife and their sons and families at Clive's untimely death.
NX53728 Pte F.W.
Dudley Bushby - B Company - Died In France 27/8/76 He was an Englishman and celebrated his 40th Birthday a couple of months after the Singapore Capitulation. It is shown in the Battalion Nominal Roll that his occupation was said to be "Investor" when he had enlisted. We are told that he could have been in receipt of moneys from England, pre-war. He had been living in France for quite some time and although a financial Life Member of the Association it would seem that he has not been in touch since 1972. Your Scribe had mentioned to the Executive Committee, in his August report last year, of the return of a letter, addressed to Dudley, but that he was not sure of what the French endorsements meant. A suggestion was made that possibly a letter to the Mayor of Nice, which was our last known address, might give some light. Accordingly such a letter was sent and the Mayor's reply came to hand this week, to report that Dudley died on the 27th August 1976 at Nice, though he had changed his address from that to which we had been sending his "MAKANS".
NX37593 Pte Jack P.
Commans - 15 Platoon, C Company Jack had been wounded at Gemas, shot in the upper forearm, and spent the duration of P.O.W. times in Changi. He was not a member of the Association, so that he was out of touch, but he was reported as having been in Concord in August 1976 and that he died on 27th Jan this year in the Queen Victoria Homes at Picton and cremated at Rookwood on 2nd Feb. Word of his death was passed to me by Phil Schofield, who had noticed it in the T.P.I. Magazine "Salute". It appeared that he used to live at Randwick, the last known address before he went into the Hospitals. His next of kin, we were told, was his sister, Mrs. Mavis Rogers, Frankston, Vic., and we extend to her our sympathy in his passing.
NX47903 Pte Roy
Dellwood Douglas, Original B Company Roy had been a Banana Grower before the War in the Murwillumbah District and went back to the same occupation, again at Murwillumbah and our last record of him was at the end of 1948, when Stan Arneil, our then Editor, commented on him "doing rather well 'Banana Bending' on the Tweed". Roy did his stint on "F" Force on the "Railway" and was on X1 Tunnelling Party in Johore. Merle lives at Campsie, 2194. She would like to hear from any of Roy's old cobbers.
NX46076 Pte Vic W.L.
Jones - Original D Company "MAKAN"' records in 1971, though looking as fit as a fiddle he had many troubles, in 1977 he was in Maclean Hospital due to heart attacks, and has been at home under the care of his wife, Jean, a former trained nurse of the Lismore Base Hospital. "Vic" had worked at the Sugar Mills before the War. As well as being on other Jap working parties he did his stint on "F" Force on the "Railway" and on X1 Tunnelling Party in Johore. He returned, on demobilisation, to the Sugar Mills, where he was an assistant to the Electrical Engineer. He was very popular amongst his workmates there and was accorded quite a send-off which was taped, so that he had the tape as one of his treasures and the Newspapers gave good space in their reporting of it. We sympathise with Jean and their relatives in the loss that they have sustained. WE WILL REMEMBER THEM. Sick Parade
Kevin Ward reports,
Discharges from Hospital, since last report, have been:
In Hospital now are:
Jack Folkard - West
Wyalong, 2671 - HQ Company "The Editor, "MAKAN", Dear Sir, "On reading Sir Colin Hines Editorial, April issue Reveille, May I ask you to grant me the space in your Magazine to mention my recent experience, in particular and in general at Concord War Veterans' Hospital. Last June I was sent to Concord by my L.M.O. for tests, which resulted in my being told that I had a lung tumour. Since that date I have not only received expert medical treatment under Dr. Hartnett, and his team, but have been treated with great care and consideration by the Nursing Staff, Canteen Staff and the Red Cross Ladies. My wife and I could not be more grateful for the help given to us at the R.G.H. and to the Dept. of Repatriation for making this possible. I have been taught that the tongue of good report always should be made known, wherever the occasion demands. "Yours faithfully, John F. Folkard. J.P."
Graham McLeod –
Randwick, 2031 Graham penned some thoughts on the reports coming in about Repat. "I'm concerned at your comments regarding the attitudes of some of the people in Repat. Whilst I'll always regard myself as one of the luckier Ps.O.W., it seems evident that, there are those, in control of our destinies, who have little interest or knowledge, in what was involved in being involuntary boarders of the Emperor. I have nothing but contempt for those, whom I term 'professional ex-servicemen', and by that, I mean, those who put so much effort into getting benefits, to which they may have little claim. Perhaps their efforts are so blatant, that they have wrecked things for those, whose needs are genuine. This could be. But, it seems reasonable to me that, our affairs should be judged by those who have a more personal acquaintance, with what was experienced or, if these are now unavailable, by those, who will take the trouble to find out. The war has been over a long time, but, perhaps it is because of this that many incapacities are now making themselves evident. I doubt whether there'd be many, in the light of what we discovered, who would voluntarily become Ps.O.W. It was something 'forced on us by circumstances. It's a dubious distinction, having been part of the greatest debacle in British Military History. But the fact, that we were, is unalterable. However, where disabilities arise as the outcome, I feel that these should be regarded with understanding and compassion. I'm not advocating that we should necessarily be given the benefits of doubts, but, at the same time, the conditions should be given consideration in the widest sense. Further, the treatment, which was handed out to prisoners, differed so widely. I'm not suggesting that those taken in the Western Desert, Greece, or Crete had any picnic, but I doubt if there is much comparison with their overall treatment, and ours. I know now where I'd have preferred being, given an option. I can speak only with authority, on what happened in Borneo and, in particular, in Sandakan, where not one 2/30 Bn member (aside from a few of us, who had pips) managed to survive. Indeed, out of almost 2,500 men (mainly Australians), who were there, only 6 came out alive. Mention the Burma Railway and there is a picture of disaster. No, we could all have had a pleasanter war. I feel that these things must not be disregarded, in fairness and justice. But I'm aware, that I'm not breaking new ground with such observations. We can only hope that these factors won't be disregarded; or, perhaps more practically, that we agitate that this is so." (CHECK- The message in last MAKAN? Ed) Following on his observations in Jan/Feb "MAKAN" on the beliefs in Astrology's predictions or the superstitions arising from Astrology; and the Chinese and Malay traditions in naming years as under the influence of one of the twelve animals of the Zodiac, although those animals are not necessarily those used by European believers in Astrology, Graham has told me that the Capitulation of Singapore in 1942, occurred in, the Year of the Snake. So, you can put your own interpretation on why the 8th Div. and associated Service Units were expendable. As for himself, he says, "1977, the year of the Snake was a dud one for me. Nothing seemed to go right. 1978, the Year of the Horse, isn't shaping much better." President's Report to Annual General Meeting – 7/4/1978 I take the opportunity to thank you for your attendance and have pleasure in presenting the Annual Report for 1977. Your Executive has met regularly each second month. We were saddened by the death of our Vice-President, Bob Jack and 12 other Battalion Members. The state of health of our Patron, George Ramsay, is something that gives us grave concern. The Treasurer will report on the accounts, following this brief address. Events During the Year It was pleasing to note an improvement in attendance at the 1977 Annual General Meeting on the previous meeting. Anzac Day, 1977 102 marched in Sydney. Andy Hyslop carried the Banner. Jack Fell and Bruce Pratt represented the Association in Bathurst. N.S.W. Ex-P.O.W. Association made its rooms available following the March in Sydney. I am pleased to advise that the same facilities are available this year. Gemas Day, 1978 I am pleased to say that, with the dedicated support of 17 Bn Royal N.S.W. Regiment, this day was just as successful as in previous years. Publication of "Makan" The Association owes a debt of gratitude to Alex Dandie and his helpers for the regular publication of "MAKAN" with its wealth of news. We would all agree that "MAKAN" is probably our most important undertaking. The strength of the Association would undoubtedly decline, if this vehicle of communication were allowed to lapse. Reunions You are all aware that the Sydney Reunion for 1976 lapsed for want of support. I am pleased to report a very successful Reunion on 4th Nov. last and trust that the same support will be forthcoming in the years to come. I am also happy to note that some of our Sydney members have been able to attend Reunions in Country Centres, such as Cooma, Grafton and Lismore, and Bathurst for 8 Div. Reunion. Our Association was represented at the 8th Division Memorial Service at the Cenotaph, Martin Place Sydney on 15/2/78. "B.J." Memorial Shield Bowls Day at Bankstown R.S.L. Bowling Club has become an important event and promises to attract further interest as more men are taking up the game. From Reports in "MAKAN" you will have noted that Kevin Ward is keeping up his splendid work with those who are admitted to various hospitals. He stresses that Garry Evans is doing a very remarkable job in helping him. A less publicised, but equally important aspect of his services, is Association Welfare Work. Kevin is our official Welfare Officer. Membership as at 31/1/78 was 339, being a decline of 7 on last year. On behalf of the Executive I take this opportunity to thank all those who have assisted in the functioning of the Association by way of items of interest for "MAKAN” and assistance in producing and despatching "MAKAN"; Our Regional Representatives and all those people in country areas, who have kept the Association's interests alive; also George Aspinall for his photograph display last Anzac Day and the other projects that he has in hand. Arch. Thorburn, President. Hon. Treasurer’s Report for the Year 1977 From the financial point of view the year 1977 was most satisfactory. Despite the considerable rise in cost of producing "MAKAN" - the media, which we all agree, is so important in keeping our Association together - we have been able to maintain a sound financial state. This happy situation is due, of course to the grand support given, not only by Members, but also by our Next of Kin and other "Specials". Your Executive is greatly appreciative of the support that it has received. Quite a lot of the incoming funds were specifically endorsed by the donor to be channelled towards keeping "MAKAN" in circulation to as many as possible, for as long as possible. Your Association has given pecuniary assistance by way of benevolent disbursements, in several instances, when the Executive considered the circumstances appropriate for it. There has been a very substantial increase in the costs of stationery and allied production costs in recent years. In consequence of the prudent purchases made by our Editor/Chief Correspondent and his predecessor, quite good stocks of various items of stationery, needed for the production of "MAKAN" are on hand. The very generous contributions, made by several of our staunch supporters, have been of great assistance in mitigating our problem of rising cost. Such support is very much appreciated. Unfortunately the mechanical equipment used in the production of "MAKAN" is steadily wearing out. It is apparent it will not be long before it will soon become unserviceable. An electric Gestetner Duplicating Machine, and eighteen inch carriage typewriter, and an addressograph machine will need to be replaced soon. A few comments to elaborate on the financial accounts as presented, could be of consequence:
The surplus of $38, shown in the Receipts section of the presented Accounts, arose from monies, received from Members, who had subscribed for the Annual Reunion, but had been unable to join us. Our thanks to them for their contribution and to those who sent in "a little extra", resulting in a slight surplus to the overall cost. The Association has stocks of ties and badges on hand, valued at a distribution value of $74. Although, technically, representing an asset, this amount, in accordance with the practice of previous years, has not been included in the accounting. At the end of the Financial Year under review, a total of $129 had been subscribed towards the proposed paperback reprint of our Battalion History, "Galleghan's Greyhounds". Incidentally, by the end of February 1978 such subscriptions had increased to $527 and as at tonight to $734. This suggests that a continuation of such interested response to the envisaged reprint, may bring the proposal to fruition, as there are another 48 ordered without moneys paid over as yet. At the time of preparation of this report, all commitments and accounts, brought to my notice, have been met, that is to say, there are no unpaid accounts. I wish to express my thanks for the very cooperative and valuable assistance given me by our Editor/Chief Correspondent, Mr. Alex. Dandie and our Honorary Auditor, Mr. Andy Noble. They made my task so much easier. J.A. Pryde, Hon. Treasurer - 17/3/78 Balance Sheet as at 31 December 1977.
Statement of Receipts and Payments for Year Ended 31/12/1977
Auditor's Report We have examined the above statement with the records of 2/30 Bn A.I.F. Association and in our opinion the statement is a true record of all monies received and expended by the Association during the year ended 31st December 1977. (Signed) Duesbury, Johnston & Marks, Auditors. Report of “MAKAN” Editor/Chief Correspondent for the Year 1977 In the 12 months period under review a "GEMAS DAY" Issue and 5 other "MAKANS" were produced.
Naturally some contributors have been good enough to write more than once during the year. My thanks goes out for all of them for the News Items. I would hesitate to try and count up references to individuals, but I think that they are such that the recipients of "MAKAN" are given a lot of news of some of their mates, and that is what "MAKAN" is for. Special thanks are due to all those who have taken time to write at some length on Gatherings, Trips to Singapore etc., Topics of Historical Interest, etc:- Ron Maston, Graham McLeod, Alan Pryde, Jack Fell, George Johnson, Ray Simmons, "Jock" McDougall, Garry Evans, Les Hall, Harry Rhodes, Alan Charlton, Dick Tompson, Clarrie Burgess, Ted Rickards (poems), Andy Hyslop (poems), Les Melrose, George Michell, Jock Logan, Col. Tuckfield, Harry Riches, "Joe" Johnston, "Joe" Geoghegan (His Syonan Times Photostat), Ray Streatfeild (Printing of double page of photos), Kevin Ward and Jack Maclay. I could not have done half of what I did, if it had not been for the team:- Jack Maclay, George Winchester, Fred Johnston and his son Ken, "Doc" Wilson, Jack Carey, Edith Berman, Val Pew and Susan Metzmacker. Supplements were produced also for:- 8 Div. War Memorial Committee Reunion; Plebiscite on Annual Reunion; Order Form for Paper-back Battalion History; our own Annual Reunion and "Joe" Geoghegan's gift of Photostat of "Syonan Times". There has been an increase over all in the number of recipients of "MAKAN". Some losses unfortunately by death of Members, though with some substitution of Widows as N.O.K.; some renewals of Membership, which had been allowed to lapse:-
Alex. Dandie, "MAKAN" Editor
To The President Dear Arch, Re Placing Of Memorial Plaque on Sungei Gemencheh Bridge in Negri Sembilan State, Malaysia. A number of members of the Association have from time to time expressed interest in the idea of placing a bronze plaque on the concrete approaches to the above bridge to mark the place, where the Battalion first clashed with the Japanese. At the last Annual Meeting I undertook to investigate the possibility of such a project. I wish to report as follows: 1) I have contacted the Malaysian High Commission in Canberra and have had a most favourable response from there. They have asked that a formal request be submitted to their Government through our Dept. of External Affairs, which will pass the request to the Australian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur. 2) I have contacted our Dept. of Foreign Affairs in Sydney and the Officials there have asked for the project to be submitted in writing, showing:
(i) Proposed plan. 3) A contact of mine can have the plaque cast in bronze at no expense to the Association. 4) In addition to the above I have contacted a Mr Tyrell of T.H. Tyrell Pty Ltd, 55 Delhi Rd, North Ryde, phone, 881714 who has expressed great interest in the project. This firm has had great experience in preparing plaques in bronze and, being professionals, I am inclined towards using them, so as to ensure that a first class plaque is forthcoming. Samples of costs:
5) When in Malaysia in 1976 I met Lt. Col. Mohammed Hashim. General Secretary of the Malaysian Ex-Servicemen's Association. I correspond with him regularly and he states that the Association will cooperate with us in this project. 6) I have a photograph of the Bridge, which is approximately 25yds downstream from the Bridge, which was blown up in the ambush. There is a concrete abutment on which the plaque could be placed. 7) There is a Malay township near the bridge, over which runs the main Kuala Lumpur / Johore Bahru Road, which as a trunk road is very busy. 8) Should the Association decide to sponsor this Project I visualise that some of us may be prepared to travel to Malaysia in order to participate in a dedication ceremony. At the same it could be possible to visit other battle sites and Batu Pahat, Kluang, Mersing and Singapore Island. I have taken the liberty of asking a Travel Agent friend to see what sort of deal he could arrange with Malaysian Air Lines for special air fares, travel costs, etc. Due to my having to go to Concord Hospital for 1 week on 3/4/78 there is a possibility that I may not attend the Annual Meeting. Therefore I have written this letter to set out the proposed plan, in the hope that the Association will undertake this project and I make the following recommendations: A. A Sub-Committee of 3 be appointed to plan the Project. I would be prepared to serve on this Sub-Committee. B. This Sub-Committee be responsible to prepare:
(a) The wording of
the plaque. I have spoken to a number of Members of the Association, since talking to you on the telephone and all have expressed great interest, in the idea. Therefore, I trust that the Association, as a body, will agree to sponsor this Project. Kind Regards, Yours sincerely, Ron Maston" 24/3/1978 News, Views and Who's Who
Mick Lovell -
Sylvania 2224 – BHQ The trip was taken with a friend of mine, Jack Shute, a member of one of our sister Battalions, the 30th C.M.F., about which we do not hear much. However this Battalion served for 2 years without a break, through New Guinea and the Islands and, I think, that this was the longest period spent by a Battalion in the Far East, without a break. We left Sydney on Saturday, 7th January, about 1p.m. on a Group Tour, with Jack and me the only ones to know anyone else in the Group. There were 24 others in the Group, a couple of grass widows and the rest, young folk aged from 20 to 30. Jack showed himself as a typical Army man; he had a kit bag with a plastic bucket inside, some underclothes, and the rest in a Jetway bag. At the weigh-in at the Airport they nearly had a fit, "Is that all you have?" they asked. The answer - "A soldier travels light with necessities." - "Pass Friend". He came back with 2 suitcases, in each of which you could fit a bullock. We arrived in Hong Kong about 8p.m. Sydney time and had a ball for 6 days, spending money like drunken sailors for buying for our wives and families. Thence to Bangkok and a couple of day's rest at Pattaya Beach, thence into Bangkok and out to Rose Gardens, about sixty kilos distance from Bangkok, close to Nakom Paton, where "A” Force was in camp for a while. This spot is out of this world - Roses (40, 000), Lakes and Glorious Gardens. We were there the day before the World Orchid Exhibition opened. It was a sight that anyone would never see again in a lifetime. Nine acres of lawns, gardens and fountains, as a setting for orchids everywhere. We proceeded to Kanburi Cemetery from Rose Gardens and this is where the knife started to turn and the few tears were shed. Until we came to the Bridge on the Kwai, I had thought that only Jack and I and the two grass widows knew, that I had been in camp there, but, apparently someone had spoken to the younger ones, since it happened that, as we got the bus, one young girl of 23 years said, "You walk over the Bridge first - I asked why? - she said, "Walk with your friends back in Kanburi, as you have done before." The condition of the War Cemeteries is indeed a credit to the War Graves Commission, even with the sad memories. It is indeed a pleasure to walk into these peaceful areas, with the glorious gardens and tidy lawns and it is good to see the dignity, with which these Touring Groups act and the respect which they show to our fallen comrades. As I walked back over the Bridge, another young lass stepped beside me and said, “You must be a bitter man” - I asked why? - She again asked, “Why not? You and your friends must have been through hell in those 3½ years as a P.O.W. I was stuck for words. The only answer, that I could give was – “No one forced me to join the Services, I did it of my own free will and a soldier knows that he will either survive or not, he doesn't bank on being taken a P.O.W., however that is part of the game.” She asked what all this had achieved? The only answer I could give was, “There are 26 people on this tour, two 'mad diggers', a Nanna of 70, the rest young folk and the way in which you have conducted yourselves, as Australians, on the trip evidences that you are the results of our efforts and have been worth anything that we have had to suffer”....... and to this the lass (a 25 year old-schoolteacher) said, “I did not realise what you folks think or talk about us young people, but I will pass the message on. You amaze me.” It was a pleasure to associate with these young folk, but, perhaps, we have to get this message across and explain to them that we don't want sympathy and that Servicemen are only human beings after all. Tamarkan was next, close to the Bridge. I took a couple of good shots of the Camp and the Hill, where we used to take water and makan up to the Shinto's. The place looks exactly the same as when we were there, even the Bunds around the Camp. We had lunch there and proceeded down the river to Chungkai. A couple of days in Penang, lying on the back, resting, then on to Singapore. Jack and I with some of the others hired a cab for the day, forgetting all tours, to go to Kranji, the Causeway, the Gardens and Changi Village. At. Kranji the first headstone I saw was that of Lofty Ambrose's son - it broke me up and I was left a while by the others. Part of the Tour arrangement provided a visit to Changi Gaol - I knelt down in front of the Altar for a few minutes and said a prayer for us and those, who have gone before us, and I looked around and there were seven 20 to 25 year olds beside me and we all had a tear in our eye. So the young do think of the Sacrifices our Comrades made. The Plaques for the Old Man and our Battalion in the Chapel (as would be expected) are outstanding. Best of Health to One and All, Mick" Mick finished his letter, putting me in the picture with his own family, as having two daughters; Suzanne and Kerrie. Each has a family of two, but Suzanne's is a pigeon pair, Lisa and Nathan, living in Mick's own home town, Gosford. Kerrie, however has a pair of Diggers, Joshua and Lawson, and lives at Carss Park. He was hit with Arterial Thrombosis and had some time in Concord over Easter; the Specialists arranged a by-pass, and he was discharged to home on 10th April.
Wilfred Evans -
Merrylands, 2160 - HQ Company Hoping that this note finds all well, Wilf.
Jack Boss - Hunters
Hill, 2110 - A Company
Jack Carey - Dundas,
2117 - D Company
Bob Wells –
Gresford, 2421 - D Company We spent a very convivial few hours over some cans of ale and cussed and discussed many activities past and present. During the conversation Dal admitted that he used to belong to the Association, but that he had let it lapse. Both Stan and I descended upon him. Stan held him down while I relieved him of $5. Dal has been retired from his P.M.G. job for some years now. He keeps himself occupied with the Boys' Club, which he still maintains. He has run it for 25 years and has been highlighted on Channel 3 Television. I have made good progress with the broken pelvis, from the tractor accident, though my shoulder isn’t going so good. I saw Bob on the Sunday before Easter at Syd Ground's home. The original intention had been a Barbeque, but that rain over that weekend, put a stop to outdoor barbequing. Bob said then that, if he had as many lives as a cat, he had used up all bar one and that he had had another trouble since the tractor accident. His properties lie on either side of the Paterson River, which at his farm has a gorge about 60 feet deep. Bob had built a suspension bridge over the river between the two properties, and had an old truck on the dairy side. A frequent practice was to start the truck engine by lifting a car battery from his car over to the truck, so as to get the truck engine started. He had done this and the car had been driven home; following it across the bridge and up the slope on the other side, the engine stalled before he topped the rise. He had one chap with him, he sent him to get hold of another battery but, while he was awaiting his return, the brakes ceased to hold and the truck commenced to run backwards. Luckily for Bob he steered the back of the truck so as to catch it on one of the supports from the suspension cable to the roadway, so that the support held the truck and it did not fall down into the river. Bob had intended to stay in Sydney for a few days, but he received word from the son, whom he had left on the property, that the floodwaters, coming down the Paterson River, had risen so high that they had carried the bridge away and this, despite being no more than the peak reached in any previous flood in the 100 years before. As he had taken those precautions Bob did not have insurance cover and it seemed that he might be financially troubled. The last I heard, however, was that Bob and his brother were working with some other men to rebuild the bridge. So we hope that everything will be O.K. now. Bob's letter ended "Greetings to all Battalion friends and comrades, with kind regards, Bob."
Martin Pearce -
Ballina, 2478 - Brother of Tom Peace - Transport Platoon Marty says, "Jack Carey certainly started something, when I met him in the boozer in Lismore. I am a member of the Ballina R.S.L. and if I can be of assistance to any of the boys, who visit here for a Reunion, I shall be only too happy to do so. I have a car and maybe I can help someone. I have moved down from Lismore and am living here at Ballina in a caravan. All the best for the coming year and please find enclosed a small donation for your journal. Martin Pearce. (Thank you very much for the donation, Marty. Ed).
Ron Eaton - Gordon,
2072 – BHQ
Alan Pryde -
Cremorne Point, 2090 – BHQ
George Kingston -
Woodstock, 2793 - A Company I bought a small place up here, just 200 acres so that I can keep the blood mares, and breed a few foals for something to fill in the time. I also have an interest in a stud at Kojonup in Western Australia, so I will be travelling over there at times and, now that I have plenty of time, I will be able to call in on George Michell. I have been over there a few times, but have always been in a hurry and never had the time to pay him a visit, but I will make sure that I see him next trip over that way. My regards to the boys, Yours, George Kingston.
Shirley Osmond -
Tregear, 2770 - C Company Since George's death, our eldest son, Ken, has married and has just presented me with a grandson, our first grandchild. Geoff, our second son, is a Lithography Printer at Interpack Australia and Michelle hopes to start her Nurse' training at Blacktown Hospital in September. Ross, our youngest son, died twenty months after his Father. (I am sorry to hear that, Shirley. AD) As for myself, I am fine, I keep that way, by playing Competition Tennis four times a week. The very best of Health and Luck to everyone, Regards, Shirley Osmond.
Gerry Bailey - Mount
Druitt, 2770 - HQ Company (and there's no doubt much family history has occurred since Darby Young reported in Sep. 1955, meeting Gerry and Jess and their two children, as they boarded the Dorrigo bus at Bellingen as it came down. - Remember back that far? Ed)
Marty Wallwork -
Billinudgel, 2480 – HQ Company At a dinner party of 24 of their immediate family and close friends, Mr. and Mrs. Martin Wallwork celebrated their 25th Wedding Anniversary. They were married in St. Martin's Church of England, Mullumbimby, on April 18 1953, and have lived in the area since. At the dinner party announcements were made of two engagements, that of Russell Wallwork and Merilyn Burke, and that of Ann Wallwork and David Brooker. Merilyn is the daughter of Mrs. J. Burke of Brunswick Heads and David's parents are Mr and Mrs Brooker of Byron Bay. (Hearty congratulations to Betty and Marty and to the four younger ones, may happiness be yours together for years to come. A.D.)
Ernie Stratford -
Main Arm Via Mullumbimby, 2482 - D Company
Bernice Kentwell -
Ballina, 2478 - C Company
Noel And Kathy
Hampton - Ballina, 2478, B Company (It would seem that the gardens up there must be a sight to see. So what about making the trip for August 12th? I could not resist the plug. Ed.)
Bertie Galbraith -
Wyoming (Near Gosford) 2250 Thanking you, M. Galbraith. Andy Hyslop went along with Padre Saunders (whom no doubt some may remember over there) to visit Bert and found that he is now classified T.P.I. and has to make use of one of those walk aids to get around, nevertheless he is still the same old Bert, with that neat dapper appearance, that the good tailor see to.
Garry Evans -
Strathfield, 2135 - A Company I had the pleasure of being entertained by Brig. General Ted. Niro at the Officers' Mess for a barbeque; the Governor General was in attendance along with a few Cabinet Members. They are all partial to the odd glass of ale. After spending the weekend in Port Moresby, we flew out to Rabaul on the Monday afternoon and for one week it was all golf. My good friend, Ray Wilson, the Strathfield golf professional looked after me, having access to a car, which was lent to him by his host. Rabaul is war-scarred still and we saw large tunnels dug into the hills like the ones on which we worked so hard on the Malayan Peninsular, only on a larger scale. Inside one large tunnel (about 1 mile long) were 5 large landing barges. We were told that the Japs (typically) had pulled them up there by hand and it was no mean feat, as it was a fair distance up into those foothills. I only met there one person, who had been in Rabaul during the occupation, but she, at that time, had been only 9 years old and could not give me much information as to how they were treated. We also had a look at the Coast Watchers Reserve, which had a shot down fighter (Japanese) and a few gun emplacements, also a very high lookout tower, which looked out all over the Coast. My regards to the boys, Garry Evans."
Bill Middleton -
Lakemba, 2195. - BHQ Band I do hope that members of the Association are enjoying good health. I have no complaints, Your's sincerely, Bill Middleton."
Clarrie Lattimer -
Kyogle, 2474 - HQ Company, Transport He stayed with his son, Gordon, who has a position in the Post Office, or rather it might be said hasn't a position. He has passed all his exams to qualify him for placement, but he is young, and the Public Service Appeals system, has meant that, on appointment, other older men have been able to shoulder him out, so that at present he is doing reliefs. Your scribe went over to see Clarrie the Tuesday after the Presentation, and, on being handed the medal, turned it over and showed his ignorance, by saying, "They might have put your name on it." Clarrie laughed and said, "It is on there, look at the rim. It's the same with your military medals, that are circular in shape, it's only the stars that have the name engraved on the back", Sure enough, I satisfied my curiosity, when I arrived home and looked at those medals. We did not get them until 1951, so, 27 years of handling them once or twice a year and I never knew that they were identifiable. Cora, who had accompanied Clarrie to the Investiture was off home on Tuesday's train, but Clarrie had been troubled at Christmas with his duodenal ulcers and had asked Repat. for a good overhaul, which they were able to arrange for him that week, but as President of the Kyogle Sub-Branch, he had to have all tests completed by Friday afternoon, so that he could catch the evening train and be ready for the Sunday' and Anzac Day Remembrances in Kyogle.
Allen Warton - Malua
Bay, 2536 - B Company
Reg Etherington -
Wyong, 2259 - HQ Company, Transport When I acknowledged his letter I enclosed a copy of the last "Makan" and a further letter came in from him, "When I read through "MAKAN" it sure brought back lots of names and memories of our Changi days and the Burma Railway. There are two names, for whom I would like the addresses, if possible, Peter and Joe Mason, with whom I was good cobbers in those grim days. I am now 65, but I had to retire from work, when I was 60, owing to bad arthritis complaints. I was practically crippled in my feet and hands and all my joints and have been in and out of Concord several times but, when I went back to Concord about four years ago, they put me on a course of gold injections which have had pretty good results, thank goodness, as I can get around fairly well now and all the swelling has gone down, so let's hope it stays that way. You mentioned Len Roberts being up here in your letter. We are both good mates here at Wyong and often have a good chat when we meet up town. My occupation at Wyong, before I had to retire, was Bar Manager at the Wyong Bowling Club for 72 years and then at the Wyong R.S.L. for 41 years, before I had to give it all away. I have three married children, 2 boys and one girl and have 8 grand, grand-children, all going to school. I will close now, but kindly give my regards to the boys. P.S. If anybody is interested, I still have a copy of the Menu from the big day we had at Batu Pahat. 2/30 Bn. "Onward The Greyhounds"
Once a Jolly Colonel
commanded a Regiment
Onward the
Greyhounds, Onward the Greyhounds, PPS. I found this written on the back of the Menu for the ANNIVERSARY DINNER, which took place while we were in camp at Batu Pahat. I also have photos of Peter Mason and A.A. Solway taken in Malaya. Peter and I had our photo taken on a Ten Dollar note.
Derek Smith - Bargo,
2574 - A Company Sorry I could not make it for Anzac Day, but we have had a few problems with the family. My eldest daughter had to have a kidney out and we have been back and forth to see her in Beenleigh, Q'land. Loganholme is the name of the place. I made a point of going to see Archie Craig, a C Company chap, whose name was in a recent "MAKAN" as having been in Beenleigh, and being a new member. He had a kidney out in 1948. It was good to see him, as we were on "F” Force and Johore Tunnelling Party together. My son, Bernard, had his 21st Birthday Party last Saturday (Congratulations to you, Bernard. Ed), and, with a big fire and barbecue it was very nice and the young people were very congenial company. As the night wore on they just sat around the fire eating and singing, finishing up about 12.30a.m. Ethel and I have booked to go to England at the end of July, returning at the end of September, I'm gonna show my wife dear old England and the beautiful English countryside. We will be staying at my brother's place in Surrey. In the next "MAKAN" could you please write down for me Garry Rickwood's address and I'll go and see if his stuttering has improved any. (Only too happy to oblige, Derek - Strangely enough the said Garry will think there's an exodus - I've provided Bill Ennis and Steve Allardice with his address too but they are over there by now, I think, they also could not make Anzac Day, since they were on their way. Ed. By the way, Garry reports having a good break on the Golf Courses in Spain, reckons they're really super). I have been Treasurer of our local Sub-Branch for the last five years. We are very small in numbers, but we manage to keep going; we could not without our Ladies' Auxiliary though. Ted Lutz will not come along to our meetings, but then it's a free country. I see him now and again. Still the same and likes to go walk about, shooting etc. "Best wishes to all the boys, Yours, Derek."
Arnie Ainsworth -
Mollymook, 2539 - HQ Company
Hylton Collins -
Eastwood, 2122 - B Company
Ray Brown -
Bankstown, 2200 - B Company
Col O'Donnell -
Dalveen, Q. 4374 - C Company It must be the good grog and food that we ate before P.O.W. days and since, that has kept us alive. I hope to be able to attend the 8 Div. Reunion in October at Tamworth this year and catch up on some of our blokes. All the best to all the boys., Yours sincerely, Col.
Fred Newlands -
Ballina, 2478 - A Company
H. Len Barnes
(Baldy) – Miriwinni, Q. 4870 WE WILL REMEMBER HIM
Johnny Kreckler -
Ramsgate, 2217 - HQ Company
Vince Leonard -
Fairfield, 2165 - HQ Company Vince asked me on Anzac Day if I would see if anyone can remember "Tim" Turner in the Battalion?
There were:- G.
Turner (HQ Company) F Force and X1 Party
Ted Skuse -
Tuncurry, 2428 - A Company
C.A. (Kingie) Martin
- Dorrigo, 2453 - D Company
NX51183 Pte P.J.
White - 3 Rnf B Company, on "F" Force – Coonamble
Alex Dandie - West
Ryde, 2114 – HQ Company It has come to the notice of some members of our Association that both our Editor/Chief Correspondent, and June, his wife, have each been awarded a very high honour by The Scout Association of Australia. From the information available to me in consequence of a fairly lengthy association with the Scouting Movement in my youth, coupled with enquiries recently made, the bestowal of the "Medal of Merit" on each of June and Alex is indeed a high tribute to each of them. Mention was made of Alex's award in "MAKAN" No 214 of Mar/Apr '74. Now it's June's turn. The Award is conferred for services rendered "far beyond the call of normal expectations of duty". Congratulations to June for what most obviously is a very well merited recognition. She has not been told, as yet, the terms of the citation, from which the Award stems, but she has been "Akela" of the 1st Beverly Hills Cub Pack for over ten years, for which she was awarded the Long Service Badge and, previous to taking out a Warrant as Leader, she had been working in office on the Layside, while her three sons belonged to that Group. In the last couple of years she has been doing a very meritorious job, for which she received laudatory mention in the Monthly Magazine "Scouting in New South Wales", when it's Editor repeated a note in the same terms in the October '76 Magazine of the Spina Bifida Association of NSW (a Division of the N.S.W. Society for Crippled Children) showing that June had taken some Spina Bifida Children into her Pack and used the methods of Extension Scouting with sympathetic understanding, inspiration and guidance to assist these boys to participate in Scouting, not only in the weekly Evening Meeting, but also to join them with the rest of the Pack in camps, for which activity she spent some of her time making a carrier, to be carried by older Scout Helpers and Adults, so that all of them could take part in a bush hike at one of the camps. Our Journal has often referred, so thankfully, to the "Unpaid Secretary/Wives", who send in News of (and Subs for) our Members. Not only are we so grateful to these ladies, but we must be especially so to the wives, who answer so many telephone calls, take messages, cope with expected and unexpected visitors. We are very fortunate to have June helping Alex. cope with this sort of situation so well. They have certainly maintained the high standard set by their predecessors. As I said earlier congratulations to her on her Award and we express our thanks to her for her grand job for our Association. ALAN PRYDE." Do You Remember? Do you remember how Australian O.R.’s were regarded in some Singapore circles as being 'uncouth Colonials' and therefore not to be allowed to set foot in some of 'the holy of holies'? They were set 'out of bounds'. JACK MACLAY reminds me that the 2/30 Bn fielded a team on one of these 'most holy places', The Singapore Cricket Club, so the 'out of bounds' criteria had to be lifted. He says that he was one of the team, as reserve cricket keeper to "Curly" (E.S.) Wright, who was wicket keeper.
Others were, as he
remembers: Can anyone fill us in on who else played? I was told of another experience. This time “East is East” and “West is West”. RON CHIPPS says that on one occasion he and GRAHAM SANDS were in Singapore. Graham's Father had arranged for him a contact with the President of the Singapore Branch of the world-wide movement, in which Mr. Sands held office in Sydney. It happened that the President was going out of Singapore on the day, on which Graham and Ron met him, but the Vice President, an Indian Businessman in the City, was only too happy to be the host; he suggested that they accompany him to his Golf Club. However, even although their Indian host was terribly embarrassed Graham and Ron were not allowed in the Club, nor to play golf on that course. The explanation, they found out, was that there were two Golf Courses in Singapore, white people were members of the one and would not allow coloured people to play there, the other was solely for coloured people; none of European descent allowed. (A laughable situation in Australian eyes.) Paddy Walsh Visits Sydney for Anzac Day, 1978. Paddy Walsh had said that he was going to try to get to Sydney for the Anzac Day March, as the first major activity in his retirement. Sure enough a phone call to your Scribe indicated his arrival, then he was in contact with some of the lads. Friday evening, a few gathered together at the Combined Services Club and welcomed him with a Dinner Party. Saturday afternoon, "Joe" Geoghegan picked him up, took him along to Belmore to "Porky" Moore, and hosted him to a family gathering.
Sunday morning, nine
of the boys and three wives had Mass with Paddy, as reported by Jack
Carey below. JACK CAREY REPORTS: I received a phone call from Kevin Ward inviting me and my wife, to a Mass being celebrated by our beloved Padre, Father Paddy Walsh. The Mass was held in a tiny chapel adjacent to St. Vincent's Catholic Church, Ashfield and was for the repose of the Souls of our dead comrades of the 2/30 Bn. Present, in addition to my wife, Phil, and me were, Bob and Mary McLaren, Dorothy and Kevin Ward, "Doover" Brown, Garry Evans, Harley Forrester, Arnie Ferry, Arthur Isaacs and Vince Leonard. Kevin Ward was the instigator of the service and he had done a magnificent job, in the short time, in rounding up enough to fill the chapel, small as it was, holding 20 at the most. Thanks Kevin. At the conclusion of the Mass we gathered outside the Chapel for a chat and to reminisce with Paddy. I found him as bright as ever, thrilled to bits to see some old faces again. After 40 minutes we bade him farewell with a promise to see him on Anzac Day (two days later) and maybe share a glass with him - which we did. Jack Carey. 8th Division A.I.F. National War Memorial Committee Invites Former members of the 8th Division and A.I.F. Malaya, Wives and Next of Kin and the Widows of Deceased Members to a Reunion at Bathurst on Sunday, 13th August 1978 While there have been many requests for a repeat of last year's Reunion, the Committee has decided that before entering upon the very considerable work and expense involved, a firm indication must be available that sufficient people will attend. Should not the arrangements proceed because of lack of support, those who send in their money get it back; intention is that the Reunion be on the lines as carried out last year. Members and Relatives will register at the Bathurst R.S.L. Club between 10a.m. and 12. 30p.m. and during that interval will be together for a period of friendship. At 1p.m. a hot Luncheon will be served. Members will fall in at 3.15p.m. and will march to the 8th Division National War Memorial at which wreaths and floral tributes are to be placed. Thence to the Carillon for the placing of another wreath. The day's activities will conclude with afternoon tea to be served at the R.S.L. Club, Bathurst. Mess Fee for the day (including some liquid refreshments) is $10 per person. Motel Accommodation can be arranged, for those desirous of staying overnight at Bathurst, Deposit $4 per person. It is requested by the Committee that Notice of intention to be present, with monies, be in its hands by no later than 27th May. Please forward Notices, with money, along to the Sec/Tres of the Committee, Leo Browne, Bathurst, NSW, 2795. Cheques etc. to be made payable to "8 Div. National War Memorial Committee", not to any person. The Committee asks that you please help to publicise this Commemoration by asking other Members of the Division to join you. Please gear Medals and Decorations.
President, Captain
Jack Bennett, E.M. 8th Division A.I.F. National War Memorial Reunion
SURNAME.........................................................UNIT.................................................. I will be attending the Reunion at Bathurst on 13 August 1978. I will be accompanied by (NAME OR NAMES)........................................................... ATTACHED please find MESS FEE of $10 per person $.......................................
DEPOSIT FOR MOTEL
ACCOMMODATION TOTAL REMITTANCE $...................................... To members of 2/30 Bn: If you are unable to Go to Ballina Ex-P.O.W. Association (Far Northern Rivers Branch) over this same weekend 12/13th August, as you are earnestly requested by 2/30 Bn lads up there, what about making it to Bathurst. Back to 1978 index or Main Index |
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