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Back to 1980 index or Main Index Makan No. 252 Official Journal 2/30 Bn. A.I.F. Association Subscription Rate for Makan for both Life and Annual Members per year: $1.50 Registered for Posting as Periodical: Category A
Dates for Your Diary
15 Feb. Friday -
15 Feb. Friday -
16 Feb. Saturday -
16 Feb. Saturday -
2 Mar. Sunday -
11 Apr. Friday -
25 Apr. Friday -
15 Nov. Sat. -
22 Nov Sat/ 23 Nov
Sun. - Wanted - Our present back-up typist is leaving for England. A volunteer typist is wanted to help Editor with Stencils. We'll take the typewriter to you. Is there anyone in easy reach of West Ryde, who will volunteer, please? Notice of the Annual General Meeting of 2/30 Bn A.I.F. Association In accordance with the Constitution of the 2/30 Bn A.I.F ASSOCIATION, Notice is hereby given to all members of the Association, by posting to the last known address or otherwise delivering to such members this copy of "Makan", that the Annual General Meeting of the Association will be held on Friday, 11th April 1980 in Auditorium on 2nd Floor, at 8p.m. at the Public Service Association. Club premises, 151 Kent St., City. Agenda of Annual General Meeting. 1. Apologies 2. Confirmation of Minutes of last Annual General Meeting - Matters arising there from 3. Annual Report and Financial Statements, Reports of Hospital and Welfare Convenor and of Editor, "Makan" and Overseas Contact Convenor. 4. Election of Office Bearers for the ensuing 12 months. 5. Appointment of Honorary Auditor. 6. Appointment of Honorary Legal Officer. 7. Appointment of Official Representatives for Bathurst - Anzac Day. 8. Annual Reunion at Tamworth - 40th Anniversary of Formation of Battalion. - Sat 22/Sun 23 November 1980 – Mixed 9. Amendment of Constitution, of which Notice has been received 10. Any other Business, which may be brought forward properly Dated at Sydney this 5th day of February 1980 By order of the Central Executive Bruce Ford. Hon Sec. Amendment of the Constitution. Notice is hereby given, in terms of the Constitution, that Alex Dandie has lodged with the Secretary a copy of an amendment to the Constitution, which he proposes to move at the Annual General Meeting, as follows: "that Clause 1. MEMBERSHIP be altered by the insertion of a Sub Clause (c) after the present Sub-Clause (b) as follows: (c) On the death of a Member of the Association, as set out in Sub Clause (a) above, his nearest Next of Kin automatically becomes an Honorary Member of the Association, which Honorary Membership shall extend to all nearest Next of Kin of Members and Ex-Members of 2/30 Bn A.I.F. already deceased." Any Members, who so desire, may attend in the P.S.A. Club beforehand, making themselves known as of the 2/30 Bn, and have an evening meal, with whatever liquid refreshments they may favour, at their own expense and at any time suitable to themselves and their mates, before the convening of the Association Meeting at 8p.m., but please let Jack Black know so that usual Club requirements are met.
Battalion Annual
Reunion at Tamworth. and again for a BARBECUE LUNCH on SUNDAY they have Gas Hot Plates. Other activities will be announced later. The invitation is extended to your wives and any of your family over the age of 18 years to come with you. We would also like you to bring along the wives and any of their family, like-wise over the age of 18 years, of any of our mates, who have answered the “Last Call". The age restriction applies only in the Club House, all other times we'd like to see the whole of a family. PLEASE LET US KNOW YOUR NUMBERS. Advices of Entry in to Hospital It's happened again - One of our chaps in Concord and NO ONE visited him for 7 weeks - WHY? The Admission Clerk did not enter him as "2/30 Bn". He never came up on the Computer Print-Out. We never knew until his wife rang to complain about the lack of visits. PLEASE, DO LET US KNOW, NO MATTER WHAT HOSPITAL. Kevin Ward has a new work number. His home number is unchanged. Either will do to let him know. Dorothy will take details at home. Commemoration at Pymble, Sunday, 13th January - "Gemas Day" A rainy afternoon was a change from our usual hot occasions. Approaching the drill hall at Pymble about 2.30 pm the rain was sufficiently troublesome as to lead to cars being driven up to the entrance to the Drill Hall for the passengers to alight before the car was parked, but later it required the use of umbrellas, especially, when the call sounded for the "Fall in". Some were prepared to share umbrellas, but enough were produced to allow one to each of those, who went out and only 3 or 4 remained under the roof. There were approx. 40 Men of the Battalion there to pay tribute to our departed comrades. In the absence of George Ramsay and Noel Johnston, Alan Pryde accompanied our President, Arch Thorburn, at the laying of the Association wreath. Col. D.R. Leece accompanied by the O.C. "A" Company, 17 R.N.S.W.R. laid the Regiment's wreath. Lady Galleghan honoured "B.J." and Joy Parsons, representing the wives of those of our comrades, who have gone to their last rest, also laid a wreath, and commented that she felt honoured to be asked to do so. Despite the rain teeming down, the members of the 17 Royal New South Wales Regiment, who did us honour, were particularly to be congratulated on their steadiness, although the uniform was shirt and kilt and those shirts were sopping wet, and we are grateful to Colonel Leece and to Captain Permewan for all their assistance. We were also pleased to have Charlie Bennett with us once more as trumpeter, especially as he stepped out from under Jack Black's umbrella, without protection from the rain, to make the calls. Chubbie Ramsay was there to represent "Gentleman George" having visited him as usual, as she does every day, to help him at his lunch time. It was noticeable that there were many younger ones in the family groups and your scribe knows that he was not able to get around to see everybody. However the, atmosphere of the gathering had the "Family Reunion" character that has always characterised similar afternoons in the past. Wally Scott and family were up from Fairy Meadow. Neil and Molly Huntley came down from Port Macquarie and Ted with Edna Skuse from Tuncurry. Arthur Isaac's brother-in-law honoured us once more, by coming down from Toowoomba. He makes this trip for this weekend a regular feature of his year. Phil Schofield was showing the benefit of his eye operations, by being able to recognise people more easily. Your scribe was pleased to meet Ian Grace and his wife, Levine. The face was familiar but I had to ask what was his name, then I found that others of "A" Company had been quicker in recognising him. We have a strong supporter in Levine, who has offered to help at other functions, as she is able. In past years, before he moved to Wallsend, we have been fortunate to have the very willing and efficient services of Sid. Musgrove and the helpers, whom he gathered around him to attend to the refreshment side of the occasion. This year, Committeeman, Fred Johnston, was asked if he would do the job. A very spontaneous acceptance was forthcoming. Fred and his wife, Jean, did a grand task for us. It is quite amazing how people, some not directly linked to our Unit or Association, rally around to do the washing-up chores and similar tasks. Our grateful thanks to those, who did so. If any of the helpers were to be singled out as really "getting stuck into it", then Jean Johnston and Mrs Tom Jones (affiliate, 2nd Baluchi and F.M.S.V.R.) are the ones. Sick Parade Kevin Ward advises that the following are in Hospital since the last report and as at 31/1/80: IN HOSPITAL - Mrs Black (Mother of Jack), 'Sandy’ Christensen, Reg Nossiter, George White, Ray Simmons, George Ramsay, Des Duffy, Mrs Ivy Duffy, Harry Law. DISCHARGED - Tom Bicknell, Mrs June Dandie, Les H. Payne, George Winchester, 'Digger' Preen.
15th February -
Commemoration of Those Who Died This Ceremony was carried out by the 8 Div. & Service Associates. Little publicity was given it. 2/30 Bn Representatives were, Jack Black, Bruce Ford and Alex Dandie and the Bn wreath was laid on the Cenotaph in company with those of other Units. Col. Ken Mosher (2/18 Bn) gave the address. He made a good appeal at the end of his address for support for War Widows from the Government. Toast to the Battalion - Annual Reunion, 1979 Proposed by Fred Bladwell and responded to by Noel Johnston (on behalf of George Ramsay (omitted from last issue). "I have worked very very hard to think of something to say, that would be different to what others have said in the past. I bring to mind that in the last two years, Alex Dandie and Ken Crispin were proposers of this important toast. They both set a hard act to follow.... Previous men always seem to have been saying how we were formed at Tamworth; we trained there and at Bathurst; we went to Singapore and Batu Pahat; and then, we went into action; then they seem to have spoken of some of the courageous, heroic experiences, in which some of our men were involved, and then we reminisce a little on Prisoner of War days. Each individual, who has proposed the Toast has said it somewhat along these lines, varying it with his own experiences, and its variations have centred more or less on that difference. "I felt, in my humble way, that I would try to be a little different, sort of grab a theme, we might phrase it as FREEDOM. In the world today we see turmoil, strife, or whatever you may like to call it on different sides trying to suppress freedoms, but the whole frightening part of it is that we all love our freedom and that's how it was that our Battalion came about. In the formation of this Battalion there were about a thousand free young fellows, who of their own free will went along and joined the Army. They were put into all sorts of Barracks, the Showground, Day-Boys, all sorts of funny places. They thought that they were made, when they were transferred to about thirty camps around the countryside, and there would not be one man among you, who did not enjoy it. It was Utopia. We didn't get much money, we didn't need much. We made a lot of friends and kept them as time went by. Such was the situation in the early years. "When we were wondering what next was going to happen, when we reckoned that we were trained and we were getting a bit restless about getting into the real thing, the Powers that be seem to have decided that there would be an 8th Division formed, as it were, in that Division one of the Battalions was to be the 2/30 Bn. and for that Battalion one grand gentleman, Mr. "B.J." Galleghan was to get himself a thousand of you fellows and make something of you. He was a bit lucky, in as much as he had some very good officers, but apart from that there were not too many of us, who had very much army experience or you might phrase it disciplinary experience. They came from different sides of the Harbour, different sides of the Tracks; they had different approaches towards acceptance of discipline, as it were. I think that in my particular instance I resented being pushed around too much as a civvy person, but, as I joined the Army and the man told me to do this, I sort of did it, but I often wondered why? It was just part of an inbuilt thing, I guess, that you accept, what you are supposed to do, once you join something. We found that we were in this institution called the A.I.F. We joined it. Nobody stood behind us with a big stick and made us do so. We joined it for all it held for us, as part of the life of our Dads before us. Not very much for the fear of whatever would happen, if they didn't, well younger blokes of my standing at the time didn't think too much about it, but I think of what it did do to us. It taught us to have a National Pride and I don't think that too many young men of 21 years of age, 24 or 25, mainly in that bracket most of us were, I guess, thought too much of those sort of things at the time. We imagined that we were loyal creatures, I suppose, but we didn't think, to what we were loyal. We loved living because we were free, because nobody had queried that we shouldn't be. We did what we wanted to do. So, we joined our beloved 2/30 Battalion and we were trained, as the Old Man wanted us to be trained, the training was tough and sometimes the food was just as tough, but you had to eat it before you went to bed, but, even with this, I don't believe that, as we came home at nights, there wasn't one person, who didn't enjoy it, and to me, Australian Youth even as it is again today, is really crying out for a type of general discipline because that creates people, creates men, creates manhood. It helps a person to grow up and to live among his fellow men. Of course I will agree or I will suggest that we had a greater advantage than anybody else, because I do not believe that there is any greater comradeship than that, which can be felt in the men, who had belonged to an Infantry Battalion, and I think that it is the thing accepted by most free thinking people, as the way of life makes it, that it has to be that way, because we need each other, and when you do need each other that is when you've really got something, and there would be nobody say that we had too many pussy-foot blokes. As you look around, even tonight, they're still rough and toughs a lot of them, and it's a good way to find them. But we had it made that way with strict discipline from the Old Man, an example we had given to us by him, given by the officers, that he chose to lead us, I don't know what inbuilt radar system he had, by which he made a thousand men into the magnificent Unit that his 2/30 Bn was at the finish. It may sound funny phraseology for me to be saying this, as one of you, but I believe it still, and I was proud to be one of you. He didn't choose the field, they came of their own free will, some of them to get away from the dreary I.T.B. bit, some guys thinking that they might get away a bit earlier overseas, some joined just for the hell of it, (any way it was a bit of a Hell of it too, for a while), but it was all to become part of what people were. There weren't too many fell by the wayside. Young men, as they were then, (and as they are today, I believe) accepted the standard, that what was then, and is today, expected of them in something, which they have joined freely, as what they should do. If anyone of them were to whinge, someone would be sure to say, "You're in Pal - You might as well be 'in it'." and then it grew, on you a bit and you grew to like it, that is why I believe that the Unit turned out such a magnificent thing that it was. "A short time ago I was fortunate enough to be overseas. We had a car and went motoring around Scotland, and I would say that I have the good fortune to have a wife, who was an English and History School Mistress, so that I saw more castles and churches than the usual tourist. At Berwoden they tell a lovely little story. It is a place where there are some of the graves of the Clan Chiefs. All around it is such a terrifically fertile area, but these 13 or 14 Clan Chiefs' graves were completely bare on top. The fable is that no heather grows on them at all, due to the treachery of the British at the time, when they allowed Bonnie Prince Charlie to escape to Skye and Scotsmen laid down their lives there. But they do say that, if you get up early enough, you will see a Scotsman slipping over to the spot, clipping here and there, and pulling any little twig of heather, that may commence to grow just the same, just to preserve this little story. "On our last days in Scotland we were motoring down towards Glasgow to get back to London and landed at Bannockburn. Now there's a place to go, but, if you want to have trouble in finding anything in Bannockburn, be there on a wet Sunday morning, and try to understand a Scotsman, who's telling me not to drive. Eventually I did get my directions and it's a beaut-iful sight, that old battlefield of Bannockburn. The war was fought there, I understand, in 1314, so it is a fair few years ago, isn't it? But there is a beautiful great sculptured horse with Robert the Bruce mounted on it, and the particular exhortation that we saw written on it, I believe, applies to us today, even as it did to those Scots over 650 years ago. It reads, "We fight not for Glory, nor wealth, nor honour, but only in the lonely fight for freedom, which no good man surrenders, but with his lot.” "Gentlemen, I thank you for your attention and ask that you join me in the Toast - "The Regiment". Noel Johnston, called on to respond, said, "Mr President, Pals of the 2/30 Bn A.I.F. Association, the Toast has been proposed by one, to whom we are proud to have listened tonight as he went along Memory Lane. I, personally, am always proud to respond to this toast on behalf of “Gentleman Gorge", who of course is unable, not only to be here to accept that toast, he's an invalid; he can't see; he's deaf, so that he cannot listen to music, one of his relaxations, in which he delighted; he can't converse well; he's a diabetic; he's unable to walk and so is completely bed ridden or moves about in a wheelchair and so is unable to be here with us. "There are a lot of things, which we remember about our regiment and for which, I feel, we have a great sense of pride. We were the first Australian Unit into action against the Japs. How well did we serve? How well did we get on?' I would like to draw your attention to one thing: during the whole campaign and time of our Battalion being in action, and we had 4 major engagements, without taking into account the Ambush at Gemencheh River, namely - Gemas, Ayer Hitam, Simpang Rengam, the Causeway position on Singapore Island, at no time were our defences penetrated by the enemy. But, you might say, what about the Tank attack into "C" Company's position at Gemas? Well, "C" Company defence held and the tanks withdrew. Also whatever job we commenced on we completed. "The other thing is in relation to the 8 Div. There might be a feeling that the Division didn't do its job. Well I've done a lot of research into this in the last few months and one thing stands out clearly about the 8 Division, and you know, that we had but two brigades in Malaya, the 23 Brigade was spread across the north of Australia in three different positions and the fact that they were in those 3 positions forced the Japanese to mount the first stage of their projected invasion of Australia against those 3 positions. They had to mount a very strong sea and airborne force on Ambon, Timor and Rabaul. The odds were 10/1 in, favour of the Japs and they had enough aircraft and sea borne supporting forces. "I ask you one question to give the answers as to whether the 8 Div. did a conspicuous role in those early days of 1942. Had we not been in Malaya, forcing the Japanese to have an extra couple of Divisions there, would we not have had an attack on Milne Bay in January 1942 in the first wave of their attacks, instead of in September 1942, which was the actual time that the attack was felt, 9 months later? By that time Australia had Middle East Troops back there. It had Militia Troops up there. The Japs had their first major defeat there. Our strength was built up in those 9 months sufficiently for them to be thrown back from Milne Bay and they never got on to the south coast of Papua-New Guinea, so that they never got a launching-off point anywhere in that area to make an invasion of Australia. That is the answer to what did the 8 Div. do? "Fred has spoken for all of us this evening in proposing this toast, and in thanking him on your behalf, I say that it was very well done and a credit to him. "We remember that, at this time too, we are not the only reunion in the year of the 2/30 Boys. They have a great reunion up at Ballina, another big reunion at Port Macquarie and out in the South West at Narrandera. "Next year, our 40th Anniversary, for a Reunion Gathering, the main centre is to be at Tamworth. We have Alan Pryde working with a Sub-Committee making the arrangements, because we do want a big roll-up at Tamworth. I'm telling everyone now that I shall be on the bus from Sydney and we want that bus filled and more than one if possible. We want to see other buses from other centres. Wal Eather, of course, is the ex-President of the R.S.L. and of the Golf Club, and is making arrangements for us on the spot, and you can be assured of a very happy weekend. Alan Pryde mentioned, "We are commencing already. I'm circularising all of our Area Representatives. We have not a fixed date (Yes, now - 22/23 Nov. Ed) but it so happens that it was the formation day of the 2/30 Bn yesterday. In 1980 the 22nd November is a Saturday and we are hoping that that may be a very appropriate evening to commence. We are doing all of the preliminaries now. As Noel Johnston has indicated we are trying to book the R.S.L. Club or the Golf Club. Wal Eather should have a pretty good leg in there, but we need to book now. We want to give you as much notification as we can. We will be circularising this activity through "Makan" and on any occasion, that we have, we'll be drawing it to your attention. But please remember, that, although we have a year, let's keep working on the thing from now on, so that we may have a really successful time up there at Tamworth. For Outlook: 2/30 Bn A.I.F. Association - Ex-Service Associations of Malaysia & Singapore A Sub-Committee was formed at the last Annual Meeting to sponsor goodwill between members of 2/30 Bn A.I.F. Association. and the Ex-Services Associations of Malaysia and of Singapore. It comprises George Aspinall, Jack Maclay, Ron Maston, "Doc" Wilson. This good-will is to be developed through encouraging members to exchange letters and photographs with people, who were met during the visit by the 2/30 Bn. Group in Jan 1979. To send copies of Makan giving the story of the Tour to all people, who entertained our Group. To ensure that any members or families of the Malaysian and Singapore Ex-Service Associations, who come to Australia, are met and entertained. To encourage members of our Association to make a contribution, so that 2/30 Bn A.I.F. Association supports the R.S.L. "Aid Abroad Scheme" in Malaysia. To encourage membership of the Australia-Malaysia-Singapore Association. Financial Aid for Ex-Service Association of Malaysia Orphans in Australia During the visit to Malaysia in January 1979 our Battalion Group was entertained to afternoon tea by the Selangor Branch of the Ex-Service Association of Malaysia at their H.Q. in the Wisma-Pahlowan Building in Kuala Lumpur. We met widows and children, who receive financial support from the R.S.L. "Aid Abroad Scheme" and Lady Galleghan presented cheques to widows on behalf of the E.S.A.M. as a gesture to show the link with the R.S.L. Over 35 widows and families are helped by Australian R.S.L. Clubs, Sub Branches and individual Members of the R.S.L. An annual amount of $Aus250 makes a significant difference to the life style of a Malaysian widow. Donations are normally sent to R.S.L. H.Q. in Canberra and are sent from there to the Selangor Branch of the E.S.A.M., as that Branch is very well organised, and handles distribution of money most efficiently. This is a practical way in which goodwill can be developed between our two countries and on our tour we experienced this goodwill at all the centres we visited. Therefore your Sub-Committee recommends that members of 2/30 Bn A.I.F. Association be invited to make Annual Donations so that an amount can be sent to the E.S.A.M. to help support an Ex-Service Malaysian family. Please forward donations to Alex Dandie, who will ensure that they are passed on to the Sub-Committee for recording and sending to Malaysia to a selected family. Donations to be made out to "2/30 Bn A.I.F. Association". Details of the family will be advised to those who contribute and photographs will be encouraged, names, ages, and scholastic achievements will be shown, thus giving a personal interest in the family being helped. Should anyone wish to obtain further information regarding this scheme please contact Ron Maston.
Showing of Film of
Malaysian Group Tour Back To Gemas Last "MAKAN" had a paragraph about George Aspinall showing his films in the Far North Coast on 29th December last. One of the Newspapers in the Area up there, "The Northern Star", reported on the showing; "200 View Horror Films of life in Death Camps" - By Andrew Stone. "The rare photographs show hollow-bellied men standing beside railway wagons designed to pull tonnes of rice. "But there was no rice on board the trip the men had just survived. "For them, it was a train to hell. "Ossie Jackson, who rode inside one of the hard-edged iron boxes, said yesterday the train took hundreds of prisoners of War to build the 'railway of death'. "He was one of 50 Ps.O.W., who joined a crowd of 200 at the Ballina R.S.L. Club yesterday to view three films made by the remarkable George Aspinall. "A tough wiry man, Mr Aspinall secretly photographed Allied soldiers during their stay in prison camps on the Malay peninsula during World War 2. His record - collected on tiny fragments of film, buried and later recovered, (when prisoners were freed)- was also on show yesterday. "Mr Aspinall, an electrical engineer, said he took the black and white photographs with a small folding Kodak Camera. He used it for more than a year before deciding to destroy and bury it. "Some of the officers in camp were not keen about the camera,” he recalled. “And if the Japs had caught me with it, I would have got the ''chop”. "Now retired and living at Binna Burra, NSW, Mr. Jackson said he remembered George Aspinall as a loner during the war. "No one could pin him down, " Mr. Jackson said. "He got into and out of everything. When we were held in Singapore, he used to slip out at night between double walls and down a water pipe. "Another time, when a plane crashed not far from Changi prison, George got out a couple of times and recovered parts of the plane and brought them back to the prison. "Anything electrical and practically any gadget whatsoever George Aspinall could do something with it." A comment from one of the chaps was, that the Ballina R.S.L. recently had spent a very large sum of money in extending the Club Rooms and yet the curtains could not be drawn enough to darken the room sufficiently to do justice to George Aspinall's films. National Ex-Ps.O.W. Reunion The date has been set for 14th to 18th October 1981, and it is to be held in SYDNEY. Registration forms are being prepared and will be distributed about Mar/April 1980, with the deadline for closing applications to be 31st July 1981. A Ladies' fund raising committee, headed by Matron Syer, will begin activities as soon as possible. Tours, a dinner, sightseeing and entertainment, as well as souvenirs, are in mind to add to the enjoyment of a gathering of visitors, it is hoped, will be in the vicinity of 3/4000. Unit Reunions are hoped to be arranged to suit the programme of events. Of course there is no restriction on whether those who may attend were Ps.O.W. in Germany and other parts in Europe or held by Japs; likewise it is not restricted to males only, men are expected to bring their wives. Postal address for the National Ex-P.O.W. Reunion Committee is G.P.O., SYDNEY, 2001. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION will appear in "BARBED WIRE & BAMBOO" from time to time and we will cooperate. Alphabetical and Geographical Address List of Members of Battalion Association, Next Of Kin, and Of Battalion. It is over 5 years since Phil Schofield produced the last Address List, and 35 "MAKANS" have been printed and sent out. In nearly all "MAKANS" there has to be some reference to a change for someone and that even applies as soon as one is printed, see Supplement to the Supplement to this issue. An up to date List is a supplement to this "MAKAN". When stencils had been cut, it was notified that one chap had been left out, a cautious recheck found a few more omissions and we beg forgiveness of those, whose names have been inserted in margins of some pages, for our errors. We have to thank "Joe" Geoghegan for help with the printing, not the errors, the Editor is solely at fault there. Last Post
NX32747 - Albert
Thomas Galbraith - Bn Tailor He had been classified as T.P.I. some time ago. It was in 1978 that we received a note from Bertie's Sister-in-law, to let us know, that Bertie had come down from old Bonalbo, where he had been for some years, to Wyoming. She said then that he had been very sick, was then an invalid, and would be living with her and his brother, John. We have been told that he was but skin and bone towards the end. Bertie did not have an easy life, when he returned to Civvy street. He had remarried and gone to the Far North Coast to live. His troubles had caused him to take too much to hard drink, but that did not deter his good friends from sticking up for him and helping him, when needed. His last years, spent within the family circle, were at least as happy as they could be, helped by the strength of the affection, that they had for him. He was a brave man with his suffering, a good soldier to the end. His sister-in-law, Milly, had noticed in hospital that there was something wrong internally, but it appeared that the nurses had not noticed, "because he never complained." Bertie was by profession a tailor, before he joined the A.I.F. He was classified as an 'Acting Unpaid Staff-Sergeant' and reverted to the rank of Private, by the inscrutable wisdom of Army Brass. He will be remembered by all the Battalion, who were at Mt. Pleasant Working Party Camp, because of "B.J.'s" action in calling him to his Group H.Q. as the Battalion Tailor to repair and even remake the ragged uniforms of the Jap Guard at that H.Q., as he wanted to stress the point to the Japanese that they could not hold him as a P.O.W. under any sort of a guard, comprised of what seemed 'rag-tag and bob-tail' elements of the Japanese Army, and rubbing it in to them, that it was an insult to their Emperor as well as to "B.J." that that guard should have ragged uniforms.
Back at Changi,
Bertie used his tailoring talents to the benefit of his P.O.W. mates,
i.e. all those who attended the Australian Theatre in Selarang and the
"Playhouse", when it was running in Changi Gaol. Alan Penfold has
expressed the opinion that Bert did a useful job in the dressing, which
was a feature of the action on the stage. In 1946 Captain Greener, 8
Div. H.Q., contributed an article on 'Laughter in Changi' in the S.M.
Herald Magazine, remarking that "In the heyday of the old Changi
theatres the level of production was incredibly high, no makeshift camp
concerts, but streamlined, big city performances, with lighting,
scenery, costuming and acting good enough to be lifted intact on to any
stage in England or Australia without the audience ever knowing that it
was watching anything but a normal show in which materials, money and
talent had not been stinted......properties for interior scenes were
found in the abandoned bungalows, together with a range of elegant
women's dresses. Nothing was slipshod in Changi theatres. When a dress
had done a big time show, it was not foisted a second time upon our - by
now - discriminating audiences, but remodelled in excellent taste for
another star to appear in......in the dark days the (Changi theatres)
had lifted us out of our plight into the world from which we had been
taken. Their tonic illusion and merriment did not cease to brace us,
immediately the show was over, but they lasted us through the days until
the next one ...". On being demobbed Bertie was soon back at his tailoring, "Makan" No 35 of 1/10/49 reported, "He works at a tailor's shop on Wynyard Station. His eyesight is still good enough to allow him to see close work, but he cannot see clearly for more than a few yards." Your scribe was one of his satisfied customers with a remodelled suit on the premises of the "Little Tailor", as it was called. He dropped out of sight here in the city, but only because he had gone north, with his new wife. He was reported by 'Big McNiven' as one of the gathering at the Ex-Ps.O.W. Reunion of the Far North Coast at Lismore in February 1957. We mourn with his family at his passing; we remember his wit of old and also remember him for his skill in his tailoring. The Battalion was represented at his funeral service at the Palmdale Crematorium at Ourimbah near Gosford by Freddie Butt, who had gathered 'Curly' Hardman from Woy Woy, and Arnie Ferry from Gorokan, with him, and also met the train from Sydney to drive 'Joe' Geoghegan, Ray Rickards and Alex Dandie to the Crematorium, and thereby hangs a tale, that Bertie would have appreciated, because they had jumped the Newcastle Express on which 'Booked passengers only' were permitted, since a railway spokesman the night before had not elaborated on his statement of $2 per ticket, to say, that bookings were required, and they were apprehensive that, as that train was late, any later one might not get them to Gosford in time. They had to brave the wrath of a ticket inspector, but he was sympathetic to their tale, especially with the evidence of the rosemary and the cassette player with the "Last Post " Call with them. Ray Kelly, Secretary of the Ex-P.O.W. Central Coast Branch, 2/20 Bn, and a brother-in-law of our Mick Lovell, conducted an R.S.L. Burial Service, and Alex Dandie assisted on behalf of the Battalion. There was a real touch of Singapore to the afternoon, as rain began to fall as Freddie Butt drove out to the Cemetery, it continued, during the service and the following lowering of the casket into the grave, but the skies were clear by the time that the Sydney trio were ready to depart.
NX37482 - George P.
Michell,
No 1 Section, 10 Platoon, B Company and on the "Shrine Job" (Mt.
Pleasant and Caldecott Hill Camps in No 2 Company); River Valley Road
Camp; and on "F" Force. George married Shirley on 12th July, 1947 and had four children - two boys and two girls - John the eldest, Yvonne the elder girl, Raymond and Shelley in that order. Both boys have been prominent in the sports, which they selected, John in Basketball and Ray in Baseball. Yvonne and Ray are married and Shelley, who is only 13, is in 2nd year High School and is very fond of sport too. George and his family moved to Perth in 1956; he bought a mixed business there; however he had not been well since the move to Perth and had to spend quite a lot of time in the Repat Hospital there, being classified T.P.I. by 1969. In fact a report in 1972 declared that he had not been able to work for the last five years previous to that report; that he was not allowed to drink, smoke or ride in busses, he had to travel by taxi, at Repat expense. Both his kidneys had failed and he had to go to Repat. Hospital twice a week on the Kidney Machine for 7 hour stretches at a time. In addition he suffered some heart attacks early in 1973, even having one in hospital, where he was at the time. George's brother, Ray, has commented that George had not been very healthy, but said, "He had it, to carry on." He and Shirley had a very close-knit family, whose members had the custom of coming to see their Mum and Dad every Saturday and having tea with them. Shirley advises that George died on 22nd Nov. 1979 after a long illness, and that over the last 5 years she had had to bath him, whilst he was at home. His death occurred in Hospital. Having been born on 26th Jan 1913, George had only another couple of months to go before he would have been 67 years of age, when he died. We are sorry to hear that such a brave sufferer has passed on. We admire him for his pluck. NX26705 Private Henry Creswick Wilson (Harry) No 7 Sec. 12 Platoon, B Company; on the 'Shrine Job' (Mt. Pleasant & Caldecott Hill Camp No 2 Company) then to River Valley Road, back to Selarang and on "J" Force to Kobe, Japan, 15/5/1943. Harry had his age recorded, for Army purposes, as having been born on 3/7/1905, but in 1978, confessed to being nearer 79 years of age than the 73 as based on the Nominal Roll, so that he would have been about 80/81 years old, when he died on Saturday, 2nd Feb 1980. Harry was a shipping clerk with North Coast Steam Navigation Pty Ltd before the war and had expressed the intention of returning to work with them on demobilization, for awhile, testing the situation in the business world immediately after the war, but he had hopes, that he might be able to take on a small Newsagency, as his brother-in-law had been Secretary of the Newsagents' Association, before the War and there were hopes of his assistance. Harry had remained a Bachelor. He was, what has been described as "a changeless type of chap, who, despite the march of time, does not look his age." Perhaps one of the causes of this was his practice of having a regular daily swim at Collaroy and other Northern Beaches. Harry was one of the regulars too whenever and wherever a Reunion of Battalion Men gathered in the City. He never let the fact that he had been separated from most of the Battalion men for the period a little over two years, whilst he was with the 50 of the Battalion with "J" Force in Japan, have any influence on his enthusiasm for yarning with other Bn. mates. It might have been that as he had been a keen card player in his younger days, that contributed to his love of the company of others, and he had maintained that attitude throughout life. Whilst in the Convalescent Hospital at Wahroonga, he had enjoyed talking to "Jacko” Jackson of his caddying and golfing days, when young, on the Northern Beaches courses. "Speed" Hollingsworth, another B Company lad, who had also been on "J" Force and lived in Manly after the war, was a staunch friend of Harry's and looked after his business interests, banking and so on in his later years. Harry's sister, Wyn, some 15 years his junior, predeceased Harry and, with her three married daughters, we mourn at his passing. The Battalion was represented at Harry's funeral by Jack Black, Alex Dandie, 'Dutchy' Holland, 'Speed' Hollingsworth, Jack Maclay, Alan Pryde, Ray Rickards. NX41357 Lieut. Alan Renouf Cameron - Born 10/10/1918 and died 15/2/1980, suddenly, at Deniliquin, where he and his wife, Moira, lived. (This note is virtually a Stop Press more details later.) WE SHALL REMEMBER THEM - LEST WE FORGET Mrs. Jean Jones - Wife of Vincent W.L. ("Vic") Jones - 16 Platoon, D Company, was reported by Reg. Napper to have died on 14 Dec. last and buried in Maclean Cemetery on 18th Dec., not quite 18 months after the death of "Vic" himself, who died 5/5/78. Reg said that the funeral service was well attended, and that he and his wife, Madge, together with Neil Sellers represented the Battalion. Reg met Jean's sister there and learnt that Jean had suffered cancer of the breast. Jean had been a Jean McPhee, a nursing sister, who had trained at Lismore Base Hospital first and then did her Obstetrics course at Crown St. Women's Hospital.
Ralph Youl -
Tamworth - Died 19 Nov. 1979 - Aged 96 Years A Battalion tribute to this grand old man was sent to his cremation service at the Northern Suburbs Crematorium on 21 Nov. last and Bruce Ford received an acknowledgment from Mrs. Wilson, "How can I possibly tell you how sweet your wonderful thought in sending flowers to the crematorium in memory of my Father, Ralph Youl, meant to my family and to me. "We were completely astounded to see them and to know that so many years later you all would find it in your hearts to send a tribute to a friend in troubled times from so long ago, but then you were exceptional men, the real cream of Australia, much loved, much revered and much respected. "Thank you All from the depths of our being - Marge, Sally, Guy and Michael Wilson”. Your, scribe has been favoured to sight what our "Gentleman George" Ramsay had written as far back as July 1942, whilst at Mergui, Lower Burma, expressing the thoughts of the Men of the Battalion in regard to the help, folk like Mr Youl, his wife and daughter, offered us in those days:- "I feel that I would be tried and found wanting in appreciation and, more than likely, would incur also the displeasure of most of the original members of the Battalion, were I to fail to pay tribute, on their behalf, to the sterling services of the many friends, who did much to assist the Unit, in so many different ways, both before leaving Australia, and since. We have reason to be thankful, also, for the assistance given to us in Tamworth and Bathurst; particularly in Tamworth, where the Unit had its birth and infancy and experienced all its growing pains, and where Mr. Jack Treloar came to the fore with immediate offers of assistance, and the Ladies' Committee opened a Canteen for the troops; while in West Tamworth, we remember with affection the Reverend Father Carroll, who gathered together a little band of ladies of all denominations, to perform the marathon job of sewing the new purple and gold colour patches on the jackets, greatcoats and hat bands of practically the whole Battalion."
Nugent Geikie -
Hunters Hill, 2110 - B Company Olga had the operation, but we were informed that she had passed away on 23rd January. We sympathise with 'Geik' and his family in their loss. Especially do we realise how great a part her sympathy for others in times of bereavement in their families helped to mould one facet of her character, when we remember that it was she, who suggested first that the Battalion should have a Cairn in Limekilns Rd. Kelso, outside the gates of the Bathurst Camp, and, when the idea was taken up by the Association, should we remember that she did the lion's share in organising functions to help defray expenses of that memorial. Truly will her name be coupled for evermore in the minds of all connected with the Battalion with that monument, so that, whenever any one of us visit the site, whether it be on the occasion of the Anzac Day Ceremony, or just that we happen to be passing, along the Main Highway and turn off to visit the Cairn and spend a few moments thinking of those others, who went from there and, did not return and of those, who did return but have since passed on to their Creator, and we will have cause to treat it as her Memorial too. The Association was represented at Olga Geikie's funeral by our Vice-President; Noel Johnston and Janet Johnston, Ron Eaton and Betty Eaton, Ron Maston and Gretta Maston, Alan Pryde and Betsy Pryde, Tom Hellmrich, Lady Galleghan, Des Kearney, Jim Cooper and Alex Dandie. The card on our floral-tribute:- "Our sincere condolences to you on the loss of your wife - the lady, who did so much to foster our interests. 2/30 Battalion A.I.F." The flowers themselves were in purple and gold with similarly coloured tie ribbon. The Requiem Mass was celebrated at St. Peter Chanel Catholic Church, Woolwich and the church held about 200 people, with all seats in the main blocks filled, as also most of a wing to the left, and many standing at the rear and sides of the church.
Dr. John Sands -
Brother of Dick Sands, C Company, KIA Gemas The Sydney Morning Herald published an obituary in its columns the next day, and we crave indulgence to quote from it. "Dr. John Sands (was) a former head of the renal unit of the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and founder of the kidney transplant program in 1967 . "He was chairman of John Sands Holdings until 1978 and a Director of the Bank of New South Wales from 1974 until his death. "His main interests centred on kidney disease, and he was responsible for the establishment of the artificial kidney Unit at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. "He graduated from the University of Sydney in 1941, after which he served as an army medical officer in New Guinea and Indonesia until 1940. "Appointed honorary physician of the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in 1954, Dr. Sands became a senior physician and then a consultant physician. "Dr. Sands, who was educated at Sydney Church of England Grammar School is survived by his wife, Lesley, and two children, Jenny and Richard." A Memorial Service for him was held at St. Stephen's Uniting Church, Macquarie St. Sydney on Friday 1st Feb at 2p.m. Those present representing the Battalion Association: Our President, Arch Thorburn, our Vice-President, Noel Johnston, Alan Pryde, Ron Maston, Fred Johnston, Jack Black, Les Wharton, Alex Dandie and also Lady Galleghan. Very Revd. J. Fred McKay officiated at a Service, which was simple but impressive:- Opening Sentences and Prayer, 23rd Psalm, Readings from the Bible, and the Minister's Appreciation of Dr. John Sands, followed by Memorial Addresses concerning his Medical Career by Dr. Geoffrey McDonald, and his Business Activities by Sir Robert Norman, one of his fellow Directors on the Board of the Bank of New South Wales. After further prayers, the Hymn, 'Praise my soul, The King of Heaven.' A rough estimate of the number in the congregation for the service is that about 300 people attended.
Alfred George
Stratton - Died 6/12/79 "A long and active life has come to a close and we thank God, that he was spared a prolonged illness and suffering. We do appreciate you thinking of us. Sincerely Gwen Allardice."
Harry Wilson - B
Company "The 2/30 Bn Association certainly stood by him and he would have been proud of your support and faithfulness. "Many thanks to those members who attended his service, and those others, who were not able, and for the floral tribute so kindly sent. Warm and sincere thanks Gerry, Clare & Frances."
Michael Albert
Bailey - Died 12/12/79 "Firstly, thank you for the fine flowers, that were a comfort to my Mother, even before I was able to return to her side. (He had been in the U.S.A. on business. Ed) "We both deeply appreciated the presence of so many 2/30 Battalion Members at the funeral. "I am sure that I speak for one, and suggest it likely also for many others, who have passed away, in further thanking sincerely those, who gave valuable time to visit and brighten my Father's final months. "To name names is to run the very real risk of neglecting someone important. "But, he did enjoy so much the Thursdays – laughing with Garry Evans; discussing his problems early on with "Doc” Wilson; the visits from "Makan" Editor, Alex Dandie; Noel Johnston's call (himself a patient for a time); Kevin Ward's rounds; and the concern and actions of so many others. "My Generation missed the agony of the War Years, and for that we're grateful. But, if we have also missed the joys of such lasting comradeship born of those years, we must question our lot. "Thank you, all, again, Yours faithfully, Mike Bailey." Jessie Bailey has written also, "On behalf of Gerry and myself I would like to thank the Members of 2/30 Bn for your attendance and sympathy at Mick's funeral: It must have been a great pleasure for Gerry to meet his mates at such a sad occasion, " A.I.F. Malayan Nursing Scholarship (See also Page 29, Please) On Page 4 of last "Makan" No 251 - I made a special appeal to all Members to consider making some donation to the above appeal to boost it’s Capital sum from which it is able to assist Malayan Nurses. I made special reference to a quotation in the Ex P.O.W. Association Magazine that donations were tax-free. They are not, and I am very sorry I was led to make the error. The Fund Secretary only received a letter from Tax Office on 27 Dec. to say that the exemption applied only to donations prior to 1/7/74. Amending legislation about that time changed the situation since. Japanese Propaganda Story of their movement down Malaya We continue extracts from the translation of the Jap book that was picked up in New Guinea, and made available to us by "Blue" McDonald. One part appeared in '"MAKAN" No 250. Please remember to read "enemy" as "British Forces". Check their date listing & with our own Bn. History and see how often their gains so often are made on positions already vacated by us. Powder Smoke over Johore State - The First Line of Johore. "The MUKAIDE Force, the first line force of the Central Group, which broke through the Gemas Line, arrived at a position 12 km east of GEMAS in the evening of the 18th. The KAWAMURA Pursuit Unit led the quick striking tank force, working in collaboration with the MUKAIDE Force, and trampled over the fresh crack AUSTRALIAN 8 DIV., which was sent out to defend JOHORE at this position. BATSUANAMU, the key point in the enemy's second line of resistance, was captured at 1030 hrs on the 19th. Continuing on, a fierce battle was fought with a more obstinate enemy resistance in a solid high ground position south of BATSUANAMU. One position after another fell steadily as the force gradually pushed on. "The sudden appearance of new crack Imperial forces in the vicinity of the Y forked road west of SEGAMAT position, that was the third defence line located south of BATSUANAMU, around 1030 hrs on the 19th, surprised the SEGAMAT defence forces, whose minds were focussed on the BATSUANAMU Area. . This new crack force was the ANDO Force of the Central Group. They had undertaken an ingenious encircling pursuit attack battle. Starting from the vicinity of TAMPIN, they had taken the centre sector between the central pursuit attack road and the west coast pursuit attack road and broken through the GEMAS-MUAR Defence line. "The re-organised enemy field forces were about to be caught in a trap. The vanguard unit of the Central Pursuit Attack Forces, hearing the report of the successful flank encircling attack made by the detouring fresh crack force, captured SEGAMAT on the rear edge of the positions in depth at 1130 hrs on the 20th. Approximately 15,000 AUSTRALIANS of 8 Div attempting to hold this position, were dealt a staggering blow. In this manner, the first position in the northern JOHORE STATE, the most heavily responsible position for the defence of SINGAPORE, was easily wiped out by our skilful and fierce attack. "Again in pursuit of the fleeing enemy, 1000 of the enemy, possessing eight guns were annihilated at an area 10 km north-west of LABIS on the morning of the 22nd and the strategic position of LABIS was eventually defeated. "The special characteristic of the campaign after the break through at GEMAS was the fact that the Imperial forces always took the enemy by surprise. For instance, the detouring battle method was used, where a portion circled to the flank of the enemy by moving away from roads, time and again through the jungle belt simultaneously with a frontal attack. This method was very effective. The prisoners from the Various Malayan fronts all said in surprise, "The jungle, which was expected to be such a natural barrier, was of no avail. The concealed JAPANESE would suddenly peer out from the jungle. How in the world do they do it?" This was one of the wonders of MALAYA. "The Central Advance Attack Group continued their swift advance south towards the decisive battle, which awaited development in the central sector of JOHORE. The Rising Sun Over Kluang "The front line was, transformed into a line extending from MERSING on the east-KLUANG-AERHITAM-YONPEN-to BATOPAHA on the west. This line was indeed the last stronghold of the SINGAPORE DEFENCE. To JOHORE State, YONPEN was the nerve centre of principal roads coming in from all directions. To the BRITISH MALAY Army, this line crossing the Peninsula was a lifeline extending east past the KLUANG Air Base to MERSING on the eastern coast and extending west to BATOPAHA. "The Central Group, led by the WATANABE Force, arrived on the evening of the 23rd at a point, where the strategic position of YONPEN could be observed. The SUGIURA Force immediately made a night attack giving the enemy no rest. After the capture of YONPEN on the morning of the 24th, the enemy position 4 km north of AERHITAM was stormed. The fate of SINGAPORE hung here. The great battle that developed in the central sector of JOHORE reached its climax, when the Imperial forces closed in on the KLUANG-AERHITAM defence line. AERHITAM was captured by a dawn attack, a speciality of the Imperial forces. The bicycle force rode to a short distance in front of the enemy at 0300 hrs on the 26th.Under the unit commander's orders, they left the bicycles on the moonlit road and stormed the unsuspecting enemy positions. By the time the confused enemy began to fire, our quick moving force had already jumped in for the kill. The enemy facing this daring attack quickly deserted the position and fled pell-mell. "The dawn broke suddenly. Looking into the position, the Rising Sun was fluttering in the scorching sun to the east and to the west. The war again turned south towards SINGAPORE. It had become impossible to check this attack by the Imperial Forces. "One portion of the enemy, that fled the KLUANG and AERHITAM Defence lines, attempted to resist the JAPANESE forces, again, in the vicinity of RENGAM (railway) and SHINPAN-RENGAM - (Main highway). Our two Vanguard Units KAWAMURA on the left and SUGIURA on the right, began the attack the evening of the 26th to crush (with one swoop) the hastily constructed defence line connecting the east and west positions. "The KAWAMURA Vanguard Unit, the left column (railway) immediately annihilated 400 enemy troops, who were resisting with mortars in the vicinity of Rengam and completely captured the position at 1615 hrs on the 27th. The Unit, continuing the swift attack, captured LAYANG LAYANG at 1500 hrs on the 28th and pressed against SEDENAK following a fierce advance through the night "The SUGIURA Vanguard Unit, the right column, swiftly Pursuing the enemy along the main highway, crushed the SHIMPAN-RENGAM resistance on the 28th and closed in on AERBENBAN after advancing through the night, "The KAWAMURA left column vanguard unit, continued pursuing the fleeing enemy on the morning of the 29th and hourly shortened the distance to SINGAPORE. At noon, the Unit closed in on SEDENAK (13 km northwest of KULAI) only 5 railway stops from JOHORE BAHRU. In the evening; simultaneously with the Unit's attack on SEDENAK, the SUGUIRA left column vanguard unit, advancing south along the main highway, attacked AERBENBAN. Capturing SEDENAK on the sane evening, the Unit advanced towards KULAI. “The main highway force also captured the first line of resistance on the north side of AERBENBAN on the same evening and early on the morning of the 30th, started to attack the second line position, where an enemy of 500 resisted with 3 mortars and 8 field guns. "In this manner, the left and right column Vanguard Forces respectively broke through SEDENAK and AERBENBAN. Their high spirited determination to win burned like a flame. "The strategic position of KULAI, only 30 km north of JOHORE BAHRU, the terminus of MALAYA, is the third station on the railway running lengthwise across the Peninsula. Furthermore the Central Main Highway running north and south through the MALAY Peninsula runs parallel with the railroad from here into the city of JOHORE BAHRU. The source of 80% of SINGAPORE water supply is southwest of KULAI. Therefore capturing this area was equivalent to cutting SINGAPORE's supply line. The enemy had constructed the final position in JOHORE STATE in the vicinity of the reservoir south west of KULAI. "The Central Group, which attacked this essential key point of Kulai, like a tidal wave of raging billows, engaged in a fierce battle 10 km north of KULAI on the 29th. Launching a fierce night attack around midnight of the same day, KULAI was completely captured at 0345 hrs on the 30th. The combined left and right column units advanced south along the road following the railway. They pursued the enemy towards SENAI as they pushed fiercely towards JOHORE BAHRU. The town of SENAI was already in flames. The enemy had desperately set a pineapple factory on fire, in order to deprive us of food. JOHORE BAHRU and SINGAPORE were now directly ahead. A.I.F. Malayan Nursing Scholarship - (See Also Page 25.) The Secretary of the above Fund a year or so past enquired verbally of the Tax Dept. and was informed that donations to the Fund are acceptable Tax deductions. He wrote on 26 Nov. last for written confirmation, as that was requisite to be able to give potential donors a Tax Reference file Number for quotation in their Tax returns, but as pointed out on Page 25 earlier the answer was, "not an allowable deduction". Donations have come in from several Members, including one from a Mother in memory of her sons, but may I maintain the appeal on its humanitarian grounds alone. This Fund is a Memorial to those of our comrades, who lost their lives. It's aim is to make a contribution to the welfare of the people of Malaysia and Singapore. Some 30 odd nurses have been brought to Australia so far. They helped us. Can we still help them, please. News, Views And Whose Who's
Bob Bridges –
Goulburn - D Company, 17 Platoon & "J" Force Bob is still in the Nursing Home, now he takes no interest in anything,
To All the Boys of
the 2/30 Bn our best wishes.
Alf Carroll - Greta
– D Company I had six weeks in hospital myself, early in the year, with the prospect of ending up in a wheelchair, but, thanks to good orthopaedic specialist and spending some time in traction he got me on my feet again. We are going up to my granddaughter's place at Taree and the whole family will have Christmas and the New Year together. It will be a very nice occasion, as I hope to become a great grandmother in April! (That should make Alfie a great grand-uncle. He'll be whistling around the place then, more than he ever did whilst we were at Kobe. Ed) We both wish all the Boys Good Health in 1980. Sincerely, yours, Gwyn E. Hodges."
G.E. ("Joe")
Johnston - Knockrow - D Company Christmas is closing in very quickly. We will have Cheryl home on Saturday and Greg and Chris the following week. Cheryl and two other teacher friends are attending a wedding in Henty on 5th Jan, and then they are going to Adelaide for three weeks, so we won't see much of her this time. They feel that it's time that they saw something of our country. Ken has had the plaster removed now from his broken foot and is able to return to work again. Good Wishes to All, and all the best for Christmas and the New Year. Joe."
Dick Tompson -
Howrah, Tas. - HQ Company The ship is only small, but we had an excellent cabin near the swimming pool and bar and we really enjoyed ourselves. The Russians were a good lot and language problems were minimal. Graham McLeod had given me lots of information about Penang and a very good sketch map. We found it a very interesting place. A curry at the E and O. Hotel, as recommended by Graham, was magnificent. I look forward eagerly to "MAKAN", as I am so far away from any personal contact with members of the Battalion. I am saddened, of course, each time I read it, when I learn that fellows like Scotty Wallace, Tom Nixon and Johnny Parsons, to name but a few, have passed on. Our grandson is now 3 years of age, and we also have two unmarried grand-daughters, both of whom turned one in October. (Underlining is by the Ed. but look at what else he says.) They are, of course, all beautiful children. A Happy Christmas to. All from Anne and myself, Dick."
Karl Sinclair –
Armidale - D Company It has been a hectic year, one way or another. I honestly can't believe that we are around to Christmas again. Mum has been home at Armidale for almost a month on her own now, the first time this year ('79). She had about 8 weeks in hospital at the beginning of this year and it was really July, before she could get about at all by herself. She says that she does not do much, apart from clothing and feeding herself, but she has many old friends up there, and went to one of her Christmas Parties, thoroughly enjoying herself amongst them. We have been busy this year. My husband, John, has a lot of travelling still in his work, but he still seems to be enjoying his job. He is off to the Solomon Islands again in January. He is helping them to set up a Higher School Certificate Course in their High Schools. We had a couple of weeks at Nambucca Heads. We usually have a wonderful time, but, this year, John's Father had a nasty fall on a boat ramp and broke his hip. Of course we had an anxious time until we got him to Macksville Hospital and then transferred to Orange for a hip operation. A wait of eight weeks has to pass before we know that the operation will be really successful. John spent the last two weeks in the Solomon Islands again on his programming of their Higher School Certificate innovation there. He enjoys it very much, but, always comes home tired out. The children are back at school once more. Doug is in year 8, he thoroughly enjoyed his first year at High School, and Geoff is in year 6. I'll be back into the routine before I know it. On Mum's behalf, will you please extend to all Karl's old mates the wish that they may have a very enjoyable, Christmas. Helen Penman." (Your scribe forecast in last "MAKAN" that Karl Sinclair would have had the pleasure of seeing his son, Jolyon, most likely receiving a promotion to Manager in the Bank of New South Wales, following his attending a Training Course and so it has turned out. The Jan 1980 issue of that Bank's 'Staff News' announces in its latest "Managerial Moves" 'Jolyon Sinclair, Accountant, Belmont NSW to Manager, Bangalow'. Over to you Ossie Jackson, I think that you might be the closest. He was down at Mullumbimby in 1971, so that he's no stranger to the North part of the Coast. Ed.)
"Bill" Elliott –
Scone - D Company Bert Stephens lives at Glebe Road, Merewether, as far as his niece knows, who is a nurse at the Scone Hospital, where I am working. She was not able to remember the street number at the time. We often get "Annual" letters from Anne and Brian Hayes but have not seen them for some years. Happy Christmas to All and Theirs, Bill & Mavis Elliott.”
Ashley Pascoe -
Belfield - B Company So many good men have passed on, so many families have a vacant chair at the table this Christmas tide. We are indeed fortunate that such goodwill is so manifest amongst those, who run our Association. May All of the Battalion and their families enjoy good health and happiness during 1980. Sincerely, Ashley Pascoe."
Muriel O'Rourke –
Petersham - C Company I have transferred to the Anzac House R.S.L. Women's Auxiliary, in order to keep serving the R.S.L. The President of this Auxiliary is Lady Yeo, who presented me with my Life Membership in 1968. I was surprised and pleased to learn that a fellow member was Shirley Jarrett, wife of Harry Jarrett, B Company. My youngest daughter, Kathleen, and I are going for a trip to Bali and Singapore in January to mark the end of her first three years of a B.A./LLB Degree. Two more years to go to finish. May all Members of the 2/30 Bn A.I.F. Association enjoy a good time over the Christmas Season and I pend them my Good wishes through the years ahead. Muriel."
Don Schumacher -
Birmingham Gardens – D Company Monica took me to Moree to the hot spas, but I found it too hot. We went on over to Bourke and looked up Charlie Taylor, who hasn't changed one bit. He works as a boiler attendant at the Hospital. I will be out to visit Sid Musgrove shortly, as he is living now only a couple of miles from our place. Ray Godbolt was out recently to see me. He was in fair health, but his legs are not very kind to him. The photo of "Black Jack", which Jimmy Webster presented to the T.P.I. Association in Newcastle, and which was mentioned briefly in last "MAKAN" looks very good in our rooms. I am sending down the Newspaper report by Mercia Delprat, who made a half page story on Jimmy's presentation and researched her story on "B.J." and also on Jimmy well.
Tom Grant –
Murwillumbah - C Company I went to see Freda Knox about a week ago, only to find that she had had a nasty fall in the shower. She broke her hip putting her in hospital for some weeks. They have put in some plastic parts, so that she is now at home recovering from the unfortunate business. She did not seem as comfortable as she could be, but no doubt another week or so will see her back on deck again. (We do hope so. Ed.) I rang Meg Johnston about 'Changi' Aspinall bringing his film to Ballina on 29th December. She is well and cheerful. Poor old Keith McFarlane is far from well. He has been in hospital for some weeks now. He has said that they will let him out for Christmas Day, so that he may be with his family. The weather conditions have been most trying for him. They have him in a specially air-conditioned room to ward off its effects for him. I was saddened indeed to hear of the untimely passing of Johnny Parsons. I first knew Johnny at Tamworth. He became 14 Platoon Commander. Those that knew him came to respect him greatly. It is true that of the C Company Platoon Commanders, who went into action, only Johnny served throughout the campaign. Mick Clements was killed at Gemas. Bill Clayton was wounded a few days later, at Fort Rose I think. It seemed that Johnny could walk through a fire and not be hurt and somehow some of this seemed to brush off on his men. My best regards to all, Tom Grant."
L.F. Young - Port
Macquarie - HQ Company It was a most pleasant surprise to meet Jack and Cecilie in the R.S.L. Club at Port, and I am indebted to them for an hour or two of happy conversation and an agreeable lunch. The Mid-North Coast Reunion provided the opportunity for me to meet many friends of long standing. This Reunion, which is held alternately in Kempsey, Wauchope, Taree and Port Macquarie in August of each year, originated in Kempsey in (I think) 1950. The originators were Scotty Wallace, Bruce Jones (2/15 Field Regt.) and myself. Bruce was at that time in the Bank of New South Wales at Kempsey. He is now retired and living at Taree. I was very pleased to find him at the reunion in August last, looking very well indeed, but saddened that Scotty had passed away recently. Whilst I was aware of Scotty's death, I was unable to attend his funeral, as my car was under repair and I had no means of transport. One of the most striking features of the reunions these days is the obvious loyalty and deep interest of the wives, who are present. This aspect is clearly demonstrated in the number of "unpaid wife/secretaries" as shown in the various copies of "MAKAN". It was a cause of regret to me that in my role as the Chairman of the recent Reunion that, as I was so occupied with attention to detail, I was unable to get around and meet many of the good ladies personally, but the few that I did meet, including Ethel Rhodes, Heather McClelland, Una Clune, Beatrice Hardman and Vera Fell left me with warm feelings of goodwill. Merle and I have had no problem settling into residence here, as we were both 'born and bred' in this vicinity and have relatives and many friends here. With Hearty Good Wishes to all the Battalion, "Yours fraternally, L.F. ("Darby") Young."
George Winchester -
Pymble - C Company Our daughter, Donna, and her husband, Stephen, went to America early in December. They will be away two years. Stephen received a posting to Harvard University and they are living in Boston. Paula is still away in Europe. It will be six years this January, since she left, alternating working holidays and her touring. Happy New Year to one and all. Lee Winchester."
Don Sutherland –
Bowen - D Company I recall many of the chaps, who have passed on, as I read their names in "MAKAN", also many of those still with us. I hope one and all enjoyed Christmas and the New Year. We had a very quiet time ourselves here, and find the countryside very dry, we really do need rain. Cheerio, with the Best Wishes to you, one and all, who read our "MAKAN". Yours sincerely, Don."
Freda Knox -
Bilinga, Qld - C Company I guess Tom Grant told of my mishap, as I kept it quiet till Tom received a shock, when he called on Christmas Eve and I greeted him. I was only home the day before and I was and still am on a 'walker'. Tom seems better himself and was to be 'Santa' to his grandchildren the following day. Our Sincere Wishes and Thoughts for Good Health and a Peaceful 1980 for all, Yours sincerely, Freda Knox."
Ernie McNiven
-Southport - A Company "I did wander off the line a little on the way from Brisbane to Gladstone, where I am supervising the golf course construction still, and called into Wondai, where I found 'Slim' Cranitch, who is officer in charge of the local Police Station. He looks quite well and said that he is contented to stay there until his retirement next June or December. He has the intention to retire somewhere down the Gold Coast, from where he has hopes to be able to attend some of the Reunions and look up some of the Boys. We were down in Southport over Christmas and wandered off the road again on the way back, calling into Noosaville to see Vic. Gordon. He also looks, fit and well. We did not spend much time with him, as he was ready to go out to a Ballet Performance, which he enjoys, as he used to do Ballet himself. We saw Vince and Gwen O'Reilly and Tom and Anne Aspinall over Christmas. Tom said that he had seen Jock Logan, who had put on a bit of weight, whilst on his tour, but he did not know where he was staying, so I could not pay him a visit. My regards to all the Boys please. Mac"
Matt ('Slim')
Cranitch - Wondai, Q'ld – D Company You can imagine how surprised I was, when out of the past 'Big Mac' called at my Police Station recently and we had a long chat and reminisced. Give my regards, if you see them, to Bruce Upcroft, Bob McLaren, Max Ross, Dal Oldknow and Lloyd Stuart and to all other Members of the Battalion. I was very sorry to hear of the death of our old friend Len Hendy. Immediately after the war, Len, Col O'Donnell, Harry Riches, 'Speed' Gordon and the late 'Tommy' Gardner had many happy sessions in Brisbane with me as one of the participants. Regards, Matt ('Slim') Cranitch."
Bert Carter -
Killara - B Company
Alan Penfold - Manly
- Bn HQ Marj. and I enjoyed our trip to U.K. and Switzerland, but found everything very much changed since our last visit. London still has great attractions for us, despite the difficult times for visitors. We were glad to meet Olga and Ian Pryce one day and had a pleasant lunch with them prior to their return, and also pleased to know that Ian's health is improving. On his suggestion I visited the British War Museum in order to see the tribute to "B. J.”, in the form of a good picture, in a glass case, with an excellent eulogy and tribute to his Battalion. I did feel it quite a tribute to him, since apart from the Service Members of the Royal Family and the top Generals, Admirals, Air Vice Marshalls and V.C. Winners, there were few of the lower orders given pride of place on the walls and in the showcases of the Museum. (At Pymble on Gemas Day, Lady Galleghan advised that the Director, at the War Museum in London, is Dr. Noble Frankland, who would appreciate having Members of the Battalion or their relatives call on him at the Museum not only to see exhibits, but to offer suggestions or criticisms from an Australian point of view). I must pay tribute to good old Stan Arneil, for undertaking the compilation of a Biography of our first C.O. I do not think that anyone could do the job better than Stan, as I would be sure that he will have all the co-operation he may need. Marj and I give all the Battalion our best wishes for 1980. Yours, Alan Penfold.
Charlie Golledge -
Padstow - D Company It seems that Charlie really does need that luck, or is it that he has Lady Luck looking after him, since last year he had to have a heart operation, and there was no fooling round with it. He had a lucky escape. As he had retired, it was necessary for him to have a medical check-up, which was done for him by a lady doctor, who discovered that he had a crook aorta, and you just don't muck about, when there is anything wrong with that. In fact it hastened things for him and came up like a balloon and in no time they had him out at Prince Henry Hospital at Little Bay for the op. As Charlie's wounds at Gemas were serious enough for him to be repatriated on 10th Feb. '42 he does not come under the Ex-P.O.W. Repat Treatment, but he did not belong to any Medical Fund, still, that has been no financial trouble to him in this case, as he had been admitted as a Public Ward patient and all costs were on the Government. Charlie does not contemplate selling his Unit at Hornsby just yet, and he repeats his invitation to all members of the Battalion, that, if any of you are likely to be in Sydney and, want accommodation, he will be only too happy to put you up in the unit, while he has it. It happened that one of our country folk rang your scribe, to let him know, that he was coming down for the Gemas Day Commemoration, at Pymble, on 13th January and as his son, who usually looked after him, was to be away from Sydney, was there the possibility of some accommodation on the North side, as his son's house was out at Macquarie Fields. The immediate thought was Charlie's offer. It turned out that this was the first time that Charlie had been asked. Everything was arranged and carried out to the mutual satisfaction of everyone concerned.
Mrs G.B. Feltham
(Maureen - Daughter of Harry Head) - Grafton, 2460
Kit Vollheim - Mount
St Thomas, 2500 - Bn HQ Wishing the Boys All the Best. Regards from Kit Vollheim." (Owing to the foresight of one of the Executive, Ian's hopes are being fulfilled, luckily for him. Ed.) (The Executive has asked your scribe to ascertain details whether a third Edition may be brought out.)
Jimmy Hill -
Engadine, 2233 - HQ Company Jim sends his New Year Best Wishes to all 2/30, Leila."
W.L.G. Jordan -
Alexandria, 2015 - Bn HQ I also wish to thank Garry Evans for his visits to me whilst I was on my stay in Concord. My wife, Lorna, and I are both going well at the time of writing. Yours truly, Wally Jordan." (Wally is the latest to come in as a Life Member and in his cheque he included a nice donation. Thanks Wally. Ed.)
E.A. (Sandy)
Christensen - Arncliffe, 2205 Sandy has been moved to a Convalescent Hospital, called "Botany Gardens Nursing Home" at 90 Botany St. Carlton. Your scribe got his suburbs mixed and sought help from Les Melrose, who lives at Matraville, to see if Les would pay Sandy a visit. Les' immediate request was, in which suburb would the hospital be? Botany Road stretched from Redfern to La Perouse. Les's wife found out first that the Botany St. we wanted was at Carlton, but that did not deter Les from making the visit to Sandy, who was mighty glad to see him. (Thanks Les and Billie, Ed.) Sandy's sister, Grace Ford, who accompanied Sandy on the Battalion Group Tour back to Gemas last January, also has cleared up our misunderstandings. Joe Geoghegan has also visited Sandy, in hospital, and has an amusing tale to tell. Sandy has a 6 Div. bloke in the bed next to him, and it is a coincidence, but he is a brother of Ross Hutton, A Company, who has been visiting his brother and also talking to Sandy. The brother had to go in to Grace Building to one of the clinics. The interview completed, he went down to the ground floor and was placed in a cab for the return trip. The driver asked, where he was to go and was directed to Ross' brother's former diggings, as he wanted to fix things with his landlady and it was on the way back to the hospital. The next call, however, was to the Club, where Ross' brother was a member. The driver put him in his wheelchair; up to the Club and left. Hospital staff realized that their patient was long overdue; Ross was called into the search and the culprit was located at the Club, where he had been sinking a fair quantity of the cup that cheers, and railing at all and sundry for not coming up to the hospital to visit him. Back in his bed in the ward he was quite unrepentant, laughing his head off; he had had a glorious afternoon and did not care who knew it. It had been a real tonic to him, and Sandy was infected with the humour of it all. It could be that such a spree, while not medically for the best, could be a great psychological uplift to some patients and, perhaps, that there should be more of it. Alf Gordon Savage - Salisbury, S.A., but as from 31/10 Address to be: Paskeville, S.A. 5552. - C Company The delay in my writing has been due, unfortunately, to the fact that I have not been in fit state to write. I have had a good run health-wise since the War, but it all caught up with me on Friday, 10th August last, when without warning I had a stroke, which affected my right side completely, but again I have been lucky, my speech has come back satisfactorily, and my right leg and arm are only partially affected, but I have lost the sight in one eye. The Repat has decided that with the high blood pressure I must give up work, so my wife and I are moving to a little cottage in the country, where we can have a few chickens and do a bit of fishing. We move on 31/1/80 and our address will be Paskeville, 5552. Since leaving Sydney in 1946 I went to South Africa and the United Kingdom, where I married an Irish lass, and we are now 34 years married. We came back to Australia via the Middle East and we liked Adelaide, so this is where we stayed. There was an intention to move back to Sydney, when we retired, but our son has given us 2 lovely grandchildren, a boy and a girl, so you can see we won't move far from them. Before I had the stroke we went to Sydney once a year, normally Anzac Day, but, as I am now not allowed to drive far, we shall have to wait and see how things go. By the way, a lot of the Boys would not know me as 'Gordon'; thereby hangs a tale. After two attempts to get in to the A.I.F. and being only 16 years of age I changed my name and used the middle name of 'Alf' It got me in, but, since the war I have reverted to 'Gordon'. All the best to the Boys, Gordon Savage. (Alf).
Ray Body - Raymond
Terrace, 2324 - HQ Company The Metropole Hotel is almost alongside Raffles, so that first week for much of our time we were at both hotels, Raffles for entertainment and the Metropole for accommodation. Regards to All the Boys, Ray Body."
Ray Godbolt -
Merewether, 2291 - D Company I am in favour of a Reunion in Tamworth to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the Battalion, as I agree, there will not be too many of us around, if it is left to the 50th. I don't know how I am going on your books, but take out 12 months from the note enclosed and put the rest into the Malayan Nursing Scholarship Fund, please. Ray." ( Thanks, Ray, shall do. Ed.)
George Michell -
Wembley, W.A. 6014 - B Company The Sydney Morning Herald's Sports Page of 12 Jan showed a "Thrilling Baseball Win to W.A. Defending Champions Western Australia fought off a mid-match slump to beat Queensland 7-4 in the opening round. The hero for Western Australia was the pitcher, Ray Michell, who turned on a fine performance to strike out eight Queensland batsmen. Michell’s controlled pitching, combined with big hits, by Don and John Kyle, powered W. A. to victory over the closing stages of a thrilling match. The same paper on 21st Jan. reported a dramatic final round the day before. "Former champions Western Australia set the stage for the play-off on the 21st by crushing Victoria, 5-0. Western Australia pitcher, Ray Michell snuffed out Victoria's shield dreams with a polished display of precision pitching. Michell shattered Victoria's strong batting line-up, pitching a complete shut-out. Michell, who took out the Helms Award, as the player of the series, in the 1978 Brisbane Claxton Shield series, conceded only three hits, while striking out 11 batters. The result of the day's play left N.S.W. and South Australia contendants in the Play-off."
John F. Moloney -
Concord, 2137 - HQ Company Reminiscing on Militia days in the early part of the War he recalled that he had been with the 36 Bn of Haberfield in camp at Rutherford under Col. Burroughs, who was to be C.O. of the 13 Bn. in the Middle East and in Tobruk, and one of their duties had been to provide guards at Fort Wallis in Newcastle, although they had not been trained on such duties previously.
George Gough -
Cabramatta, 2166 - Bn HQ He also commented that he had been asked to take part as a Blood Bank "guinea-pig" in some research, which the Blood Bank was making on hepatitis, in order to make their service more free from infection for Heart operation patients. He says that Liverpool R.S.L. had had an invitation night at which he and Ron McBurney had been included in the guests.
Wilfred Evans -
Merrylands, 2160 - HQ Company
Tom (Hank) Massey –
Merrylands, 2160 - HQ Company
Edith Berman - West
Ryde, 2114 - D Company Edith is booked to go for a coach trip with other Legacy War Widows in March down South, but she will not be looking forward to it, if she has to retain the bandage over her eye, with the operation failing to be settled beforehand.
Derek J. Smith -
Bargo, 2574 - A Company Knowing that Derek had a long unfilled yearning to see a Football Final at Wembley and that he had gone across to England in 1978, your scribe sought to find out, if they had made it. Derek replied that they did go, and "It was a wonderful experience for us to be there, in the flesh, instead of watching on TV. We often talk about the game. I offered them my services as substitute, if they were short, but unfortunately somebody had beaten me to it. We also were able to go to Edinburgh to see the Tattoo. It likewise was as good as the experience at Wembley. It was far more dramatic to see the whole yourself than what the TV Man might train his lens on. We went to some lovely places in and around London. If you get off the beaten track and wander off, they are there to be found. Coming from the East End of London myself, I much prefer that part, and often went walking about that area, and the East Enders are easy to get on with. I found my way to Upton Park to watch West Ham play; but, if you like Fish and Chips after the game, you have to know the local area well to find one, it's easier to find an Indian Curry Shop now. We are looking forward to a family reunion next month, when our three daughters are having their babes christened. The Minister, who is going to do the job, now retired, officiated at their weddings. Janet, our eldest, lives in Brisbane, Brenda is at Narrabri, and Betty lives here at Bargo. We have a lovely garden here at the moment in spite of the dry weather. Plenty of roses and dahlias are there. We counted our rose bushes up and have over a hundred Bush Roses now and this year we'll put in another 15 new ones. We get them from Premier Nurseries in Griffith. Best Wishes to you All from Ted Lutz and Joe Smith and family at Bargo. Good Luck from Joe Smith."
J.E. Martin -
Greenacre, 2190 - C Company
Arch. Craig -
Beenleigh, Q'ld. 4207 - C Company
Clarrie Lattimer -
Kyogle, 2474 - HQ Company
Ray Rickards -
Yennora, 2161 - C Company We left Sydney on Tues. 22nd Jan. and on Wednesday we stayed in Parkes, so that Vera could see some relations. So I took the opportunity to visit some of the ex-30th Members. The first was Ernie Willis, whose health at present is well, although his wife, Elsie, suffers with bad bouts of Asthma. Ernie has been retired for quite a while. I then called on Brian Hayes, who appears to be in good health, relatively speaking, although he had a stroke down the right side of his body, paralysing that area. However due to quick and efficient medical attention he made a good recovery. His wife, Anne, also seems well. Vera and I had lunch with Anne and Brian and then had a look over their vegetable garden, which keeps them both busy. We spent an hour next with Claire Pluis, who was very happy to see us. She is well, except sometimes thyroid gland trouble flairs. She says that she goes to Sydney to get treatment. She says that she enjoys getting the "Makan". On our way through Condobolin we called on Jack Ellis. Val and Jack are keeping reasonably good health, of course you know that Jack had a severe heart attack a while ago, hence the move from the farm to the town. His part time job as a Horticultural Instructor at the High School gives him an activity, which he likes. We have been invited to stop the night with them on our return trip. We will then go south again to West Wyalong, so that I may call on Mrs. Folkard, because I worked with Jack for a few years after we came home; our aim then will be for Temora, Cootamundra, Gundagai and home. Our regards to all, Ray and Vera Rickards."
Geoff Alcock -
Pennant Hills, 2120 - B Company Then the inclusion of that local newspaper item on me in the "Makan" brought a phone call from "Speed" Hollingsworth, whom I had not seen since our early days at Changi. (Speed and I were together on "J" Force at Kobe, until the Japs commenced splitting up camps. Ed.)
Stan Grainger -
Caboolture, Q'ld, 4150 - C Company We really enjoyed the Reunion at Ballina last Aug. and are looking forward to going to as many as we can this year. Just mentioning the Tamworth Reunion brought the comment from Stan, 'Any weekend will suit me'. We spent Christmas with Stan's Father at Singleton. He is 84 and keeping well. While down there we also had an hour with Tom Kennedy and that was enjoyable too. Our son, Stephen, is coming down from Townsville so as to spend six week's holiday with us later in the year, so we are hoping that we can do another trip down South. Stan and I want to wish everyone a very happy 1980. Yours sincerely, Colleen Grainger."
Ron Foster - Hornsby
Heights, 2077 - B Company He also adds the news, "Over Christmas I spent three weeks with the family at Forster. The weather was good the whole time, and we caught plenty of fish and some prawns. We went for a run up to 'Timbertown' at Wauchope one day and ran into Bruce Ford and his wife, Betty, there. I trust that folk are keeping the best of health. Kind Regards, Ron."
Athol Charlesworth -
Leura, 2781 - D Company I was through Narrandera during November and visited both Les Perry and family and Keith Mulholland and his family. Keith is retired and is looking well after a set-back earlier in the year. Les retired the week that I was there and looks very fit, but then, he always was a fitness fanatic. My regards to all the Boys, Athol."
Bet Dawson - (Wife
of Len) - Warriewood, 2102 It was dreadful around here with the bushfires in December. Have a Good Christmas, with Love from Bet Dawson." Bet was 88 years old on 4th Feb. and she had a good celebration Dinner out with the family, a pleasure that they have given her quite a few times of late.
Alan Charlton -
Ballina, 2478 - HQ Company This malfunction of the eyes and no production of tears caused the Repat. to fly me down to Sydney for a Specialist's examination. I have traction twice a week for my osteoarthritis of the spine. Never mind, our golf cadets resume next Sat. An 8 year old, a miniature of Greg Norman, came to me after he had finished his round, quite excited because he had had a par 3, on a 153 metre hole. His second ball earned him a ball for the nearest to the pin. To share that lad's happiness for 5 minutes just made my day. Tell "Garry, the Golfer" that, if he’s ever up this way, I can easily get him a game. Our 1978 "A" Grade Cadet Champ. is now 15 and plays Senior. Comp. off 7. He and another 13 yr old tied in '78 with a 2 over par 75 each for the 18 holes. Vie have some good prospects here. Best wishes to all, Alan Charlton."
"Joe" Geoghegan -
Earlwood, 2206 - HQ Company Whilst at Saratoga he left Georgina with her sister and looked up Harry Brennan at The Entrance in the butcher shop. He says, "I went in and said to the bloke serving, 'Give me sixpenny worth of dog's meat and don’t drop it in the sawdust." The chap looked at him, then came closer and said, 'I suppose you reckon I should know you?' and Joe replied; “Well, if you don't, you ought to, I'm "Joe” Geoghegan”, and then they commenced talking. Leaving Harry, Joe then looked up George Buckingham at Killarney Vale and had another good old natter, but he was sorry that time sent him home before he was around to Darcy Pickard at Chittaway South. Then in the later part of January, Joe and Georgina made tracks for Bomaderry and Joe, ringing first to find if they were home, because of the distance that he had to travel, went down to Mollymook and looked up George Stephenson and Arnie Ainsworth, whilst on the way back he detoured a little to Huskisson to see A.A. ("Bob") Martin. George Stephenson is 76, Arnie Ainsworth 72 and Bob Martin 64. All are reported to be looking reasonably well in the circumstances. Bob is working for the Dept. of Works still. He has hearing aids now and does use them at times.
Mrs Mildred Collett
- Penshurst, 2222 - B Company I enjoy going through my copy of "Makan" and remember a lot of names. I have been ill for the last six months, but I am on the mend now. (Sorry to hear of the illness, and it's good to know that you are on the mend now. A.D.) Wishing you All the Happiest of New Years. Yours sincerely. Mildred Collett."
Gerry Bailey -
Bellingen, 2454 - HQ Company Should at any time folk be passing please do call in and see us, we would love to have you. I remain, yours sincerely, Jessie Bailey."
Wanted - Back Copies
of “Makan”
Tom Hellmrich -
Manly, 2095 - B Company
Des Duffy -
Brighton-Le-Sands, 2216 - B Company All the Best to the Boys on Des' behalf, Ivy Duffy."
"Digger" Preen -
Umina, 2257 - HQ Company Other news is that Charlie, their son, and his wife are touring round Tasmania, and expect a grandchild later this year.
Shirley Michell -
Wembley, 6014 - B Company Yvonne has two boys, Paul 5 yrs and Mark 2 yrs. Paul has his Birthday on the 26th Jan, the same as George's. Shelley is in 2nd year High School and is very fond of sport. This is all for now, Yours sincerely, Shirley."
Reg G. Quinton –
Canterbury, 2193 - HQ Company Back to 1980 index or Main Index |