Back to 1980 index or Main Index

Makan No. 257
Oct/Nov, 1980

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

 

COMMITTEE

 

1. If you have a name shield, please bring and wear it.
2. Remember to take your medals, decorations, Battalion tie (if you have one) and lapel badge for Wreath-Laying Ceremony.
3. Battalion ties (if you have one) and lapel badges to be only decoration, with name shield at Dinner.
4. Casual wear is the order of the day for the Sunday activities. But, please wear your name shield.

It is the opinion of the Reunion Organizing Committee and your Executive that $15 per person will suffice to cover the costs entailed in the Dinner, B.B.Q. and bus hire. This will include a fair provision for liquid refreshments at table and Barbeque. Additional grog and the poker machines are on your account.

Collection of Balance Monies

Will be made at the door of the Golf Club on the Saturday evening and the suggestion is made that there could be a registration office somewhere in the town also to suit some.

Alan Pryde.

Anniversary of Formation of 2/30 Bn - 40 Yrs After - 22/23 Nov 1980

The nominations of intention to attend this Reunion are coming in quite satisfactorily. We know, that in a few cases the condition of health of some members of the family has made it so difficult, that they will be late starters, one way or the other. We request that they do not worry on that account. There will be a welcome for all. We hope that they may come.

The Executive at its last Meeting on Tuesday, 7th Oct decided to set a figure of $15 (Fifteen Dollars) to cover both catering of foodstuffs and drink for the Smorgasbord dinner on the Saturday evening and for the Barbeque on the Sunday.

It is suggested that no further monies be remitted to Jack Black after receipt of this "Makan", whatever is required, to make up above figure, will be collected on the Saturday night.

This stop on committing monies to the post will apply to anyone at all, whether the registration fee has been paid or not, so long as late ones, if such be your situation, let Jack Black know that you will be along.

The caterer has suggested, (bearing in mind that the weather could be very warm to hot) the Menu or the Dinner be:

1. Biscuits and Cheese
2. Smorgasbords - Two hot (one to be chicken mushrooms) – rice
   Two cold salad vegetables.
3. Sweets
4. Coffee

(Anyone with special medical problems, requiring diet which may not be satisfied with the above, please let us know.)

There will be wine and beer set out on tables up to a limit, after which group or individual purchases from the steward on duty will need to be made, as folk may desire.

Phil Bailey and Ray Michel have the arrangements for the Barbecue in hand, with its catering and cooking, and the Golf Club will be lending cutlery for our use.

Hannaford's Bus Service is providing a bus with a capacity of 60 seated, at a cost of $70. The Bus is booked from 9.30 to 12 Noon on the Sunday, which will be adequate in view of the arrangements for it to be back at the Showground by 11 am, it will have a P.A. System aboard for a compere to give a running commentary.

The bus will remain at the Showground, so that the bus P.A. System may be used during the course of Stan Arneil's commentary about the first parade in 1940. We are assured that, if those there at the Showground stand close to the Bus, and those inside see that all windows and the doors are opened the P.A.S. will be heard effectively.

Saturday's March and Wreath-Laying Ceremony calls for an assembly ready to move off at 4.30 pm.

Assembly point is in the vicinity of the Parking Area in front of the Railway Station (Marius St. and Brisbane St. Cnr of the New England Highway).

The Marshall for the Bn. will be Mick Lovell.

The Banner will be carried by "Joe" Johnston.

The R.S.M. of 12/16 Hunter River Lancers (Ian Goss) is arranging for a side drummer or piper to lead the March from the Railway Station.

The destination of the March will be Anzac Park Memorial Gates, where wreaths will be laid to honour our dead, and Padre "Paddy" Walsh will offer prayers and have a few words to say.

Medals and Decorations, Association Badge and Tie are requested to be worn on the March and at the Memorial, but on no other occasion during the weekend, please.

It is suggested that anyone, who is unable to take a part in the March, proceed to the Memorial Gates, at their leisure and to be there by 5 o'clock, at which time it is proposed that the wreaths shall be placed on the Memorial.

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE.

IN MAKAN No 255 WE CALLED ON YOU TO SEE THAT BOTH YOU AND YOUR COBBERS WERE BOOKED IN. DID YOU RESPOND? IT IS NOT TOO LATE. WE'LL SQUEEZE YOU IN, EVEN IF YOU DON'T REGISTER WITH JACK BLACK. WE WOULD PREFER SOME NOTICE THOUGH.

WE'VE FORGOTTEN TO ASK BEFORE, BUT, ARE ANY OF YOU SEEING, IF ANY WIVES OF OUR DECEASED COMRADES WOULD COME, AND YOU MIGHT BE ABLE TO OFFER TRANSPORT IN YOUR CAR?

Padre "Paddy" Walsh, has advised Alan Pryde, "Count on me to be there, unless something extraordinary happens.

I haven't decided yet how I'll travel, plane or car, but will let you know in due course.

In the meantime, please give my regards to all the Boys and their families, and I shall be looking forward to seeing them all again.

My very best wishes, Padre "Paddy" Walsh."

A Year Ago Today
by Cpl. T.H. Higgins 22/11/1941

It was in the town of Tamworth,
On a bright November Morn,
Neath the dinkum Aussie sunshine,
Another Babe was born.

A brand new Babe with a brand new name,
Now known in many towns,
A name that will never alter,
"Galleghan's Greyhounds".

Most of you remember,
That early morning scene,
A bunch of eager soldiers,
Upon a Showground Green.

A team of youthful leaders,
A stern Old Colonel too,
What memories it must bring back,
Of a year ago to you.

From the rolling hills of Tamworth,
To the jungles of Malay,
Did you realise, that you'd be here,
A year ago today.

No matter what your thoughts were,
No doubt all were the same,
To do a job and do it well,
And win your share of fame.

In one short year, from infancy
To manhood, the Babe has grown;
Its records, in the field of sports
And conduct, both well known.

Although now the Babe is eager,
And strong enough to fight,
It thanks the Good Lord up above,
That it's still intact tonight.

So in this Malayan setting,
Enjoy life while you may,
Fill up your glass and drink a toast,
To the "Greyhounds" First Birthday.

(Do You remember? Ed.)

History

1.
Perhaps you've heard of Tamworth,
Some people have you know,
It's up the line a little way,
No hundred miles or so.

2.
A land of weeping willows,
Of hills and rolling plains,
Of thunderstorms and dust storms,
Of droughts and flooding rains.

3.
It's where we formed a Uni,
Of courage and renown,
The thirtieth Battalion,
Was formed in Tamworth Town.

4.
'Twas forged from tough Australia,
Moulded true and strong,
Each link was bound with friendship,
And tempered with a song.

5.
The thirtieth Battalion,
Think of it with pride.
We had but one ambition,
To see the other side.

6.
And when the job was over,
Return with conscience free,
To dear ones, who'd be waiting
At home across the sea.

7.
Now Ingleburn was pretty good.
And Wallgrove wasn't bad,
But that dusty bloody Showground,
Was enough to drive you mad.

8.
Though Reveille was at five o'clock,
You were woken up at four,
By the buzzing of the hornets
On the Aerodrome next door.

9.
And then we started training
For the job that lay ahead.
By the time we’d had a week of it,
We were just about half dead.

10.
With aching limb and body
And blisters on the feet,
We'd charge like hell up Rocky Knoll
And down through Howells' Retreat.

11.
Old Black Jack used to watch us,
With a frown upon his face.
"That's no good to me, Lads,
I want a bit of pace.

12.
For a Regiment of Greyhounds,
You're pretty bloody slow,
But, when I'm finished with you,
You'll have a bit of toe.”

13.
"For it's mainly speed and discipline
That I am aiming at,
And if I don't succeed,
I'll eat "My tiger-shootin' hat."

14.
As weary weeks turned into months,
With hotter days and longer.
We raced as only Greyhounds can,
Around each hill and donga.

15.
Then there came a rumour,
The news spread up and down,
That shortly the Battalion,
Would be leaving Tamworth Town.

16.
So we saddled up for Bathurst,
And they popped us on a train.
It was cheerio to Tamworth
For we won't be back again.

17.
We stopped at Mount Victoria
For sausages and scram.
They put a piquet on the Bar,
But we didn't give a damn.

18.
When we got to Kelso,
We did a little tramp,
Time staggered on and so did we,
Right into Bathurst. Camp.

19.
Now Bathurst is a beauty spot
Or so some folk declare,
But we didn't see much'-beauty,
While we were board’n there.

20.
The only thing that struck us
About this bloomin' place,
Were the cursed hills and gullies,
And the bloke, who set the pace.

24.
When we fought our first big battle,
The loss of life was cruel,
It was just a bloody massacre,
Was the “Battle of Wambool".

40.
We won an Army record,
Very shortly after that,
For the fastest running jog trot,
To a place called Wattle Flat.

41.
Then came the Orange Handicap,
The great race of the year,
As we galloped down the homestretch,
You should have heard 'em cheer.

42.
So life went on at Bathurst,
Just about the same,
There wasn't much excitement,
And we found it pretty tame.

43.
The passing months brought rumour,
Of ships that sailed away,
But they sailed away without us,
I am very loathe to say.

44.
Five long-months we waited,
With ever sinking heart,
Until at last we reckoned,
We never would depart

45.
But like a ray of sunshine,
That follows after rain,
We heard a little whisper,
That raised our hopes again.

46.
And the whisper was no Rumour,
For there really came a day,
When we found ourselves embarking
On a ship that sailed away.

47.
The band played Annie Laurie,
And waltzed Matilda too,
While Quartermaster Peebles
Shouted "Cook-a-doodle-doo".

48.
So we waved goodbye to Manly,
Bid the Harbour Bridge farewell,
And soon the "Oldenbarnevelt",
Was or the Ocean swell.

49.
We watched the shore receding,
In a haze of misty blue,
Saw the City lights grow dimmer,
And disappear from view.

50.
And thus we left Australia,
Beloved native strand,
May God protect and keep you,
A peaceful, Happy land.

51.
And as the years roll onward,
When we have grown old,
Our thought will often wander
With the "Purple and the Gold".

52.
Such names as “Donga" Billy,
And "Bogeye" Don McColl,
Will stand out in our memories,
Like the Rocks on Rocky Knoll.

53.
We will think of Duffy's Dong,
And a place called Howells' Retreat,
And the hills that once resounded,
To the tramp of marching feet.

54.
And when we shift our quarters,
To that Camp way down below,
No doubt Old Nick will greet us
With a fiery, "Hello Joe".

(Please, Does anyone know the author and what name he gave to his verses? Ed.)

1939-45 This is the war-time segment of a longer poem in which Ted Rickards gave thanks to his Mother for her care and up bringing of the family, after the death of their Father.

The blight of wax had spread across the nation,
A call to arms went out to every city, town and station,
I was just 18 - yes - my salad years,
Young and green, I still had my doubts and fears;

But I donned the khaki uniform and marched away to war,
Where the young and innocent fight and die, amid the slush and gore.
My serenity was lost in the noise and din of battle,
No longer did I hear the bell bird call, or the lowing of the cattle.

To one so young, this seemed a fruitless and futile war.
But Churchill said, “we must persist and preserve peace for evermore."
We trudged through the jungle, fought and died in this sad affray,
But the fight was lost before it had begun, in the Battle of Malay.

We surrendered and were thrown into hell,
Which contained hunger, disease and atrocities, too ghastly to tell.

And when the war was over and peace had arrived,
I was still in the land of the living - Yes, I had survived.
Survived the horror, hunger, disease and humiliation,
Handed out by a country, which today is a leading nation.

And now the time had come to leave the prison camp and the smell of Singapore,
We were homeward bound, we men of the 8th Divvy Corp,
Discharged from the Army, I boarded a North bound train,
Oh! How I yearned to see my folks, my friends and the sun drenched plain.

Tonight as I soar home with my disease ridden frame,
My thoughts take a stroll down memory lane.
I think of my mother, my childhood, my wanderings and the joys of yore,
The sick, the wounded, the widows and the orphans - the aftermath of war.

And now my wanderings are over, no longer will I roam,
I've just one more journey, that is when the Master calls me home.
With all my troubles, I still count my blessings, I had my cup of joy.
The world around me and the world above has been kind to this plain and simple country boy.

Changi

When we were fighting to hold Singapore,
We knew the time was nigh, when we would hold it no more,
Yet our soldiers fought on and made their guns roar,
But the Japs marched us all, into Changi.

A great- service was rendered by doctors and nurses,
Through filth, grime and wounded men's curses,
They'll not be repaid from the richest of purses,
Yet they still worked on, in Changi.

The injured in hospitals were wounded again,
For on those walls Jap shells did rain.
Dear God in Heaven, relieve them of pain,
And we'll lay them to rest in Changi.

A little white cross marks each sandy grave,
For they are the Britons, who would. never slave,
They lost their all, their lives they gave
For that little white cross in Changi.

They lost their all, but not in vain,
For mark you, we will fight again,
And our little army will rise to fame,
When we march out free from Changi.

And when the wars are over and battles won,
And we are all home, having parties and fun,
Just think of the boys, who died by their gun,
And their neat little crosses in Changi.

Edward Millward.

Jack Fell tells that, "having a look through "Paddles" Clune's copy of "Galleghan's Greyhounds" we came across this poem. It was written by an Edward Millward and Jack does not know how he came by it. Can any of our readers fill us in on its origin and who Edward Millward might have been, please?"

Stevedore's Swing

1.
Swing is the thing.
Yes, swing is the thing.
S.W.I.N.G. is the thing.

Now young Miss Blues met Mr. Rhythm,
And they got together with this marriage thing,
And to the happy union,
One fine morning in Spring,
A lovely baby was born called Swing.

In dancing it became the latest craze,
The bands played it in many different ways.
It even reached Kobe, where it was the latest thing.
And the Horios named it the "Stevedore's Swing".

Chorus

Its the Stevedore's Swing, the very latest thing,
Yarsa, Dock Hi ni I day.
The Stevedore's Swing makes you want to sing,
Hi Diggy Dock Hi Nay.

Without that rhythm, you can't be with 'em.,
Without it you can't do a thing,
It's the Stevedore's Swing, the latest thing,
Currah, wanchi, piggy, ja ni I day.

2.
A11 the boys get in the swing,
With bags of sato do the Highland Fling.
All the archers begin to sing,
Yoroshi ji ni to the Stevedore's Swing.

Jeffers is the Rhythm King, Charlie makes those cymbals ring,
Willie whips his whistle out, and we all sing,
Yoroshi ji ni to the Stevedore's Swing.

The Stevedore's Swing is very willing,
The Stevedore's Swing is very thrilling.
To make you work at a pace that's willing,
No matter how many trucks you are filling.

Chorus

Down at Takki, where the looters go,
At Mitsubishi and Kobe-Go,
What earns you a little brown ring?
Brother you've guessed it - the Stevedore's Swing.

Even down at Toya Steel,
The Piggy Women do the Scottish Reel.
At Showra Dinki the boys all sing
Those black-eyed babies do the Stevedore's Swing.

Hunger a Good Sauce in Japan???? Not Quite .... But...

When Jack Carey was told of Bob's death, he reminded your scribe that Bob and he had been shifted away from the original 300 Australians on "J" Force at Kobe, Japan. Their little party being sent from Kobe to a place called Maibara. The method of selecting the men to go on the party, being an arbitrary one of detailing those, whose surnames commenced with the first letters of the alphabet, A.B.C. etc until the quota was filled. The reduction in numbers on their departure was filled by the arrival of an equal number from one of the other P.O.W Camps in the neighbourhood, the Japs thinking to break-up any sort of organization towards a break-out or the like.

The work carried on at Maibara was reclaiming of land which was intended to be devoted to agriculture, the Allies activities having reduced the Japanese import of foodstuffs from nearby countries.

At the lunchbreak, the P.O.W. occupied themselves fishing for clams in the mud. Those, who were good divers, stripping, to dive down into the waters of the lake, feeling round in the mud, and landing their catch on the bank, where they were taken by men, who were not so very good at swimming, and cooked for all to eat. The party did not have salt and the shellfish when chewed were tough, as though they were chewing rubber, but yet they provided something other than plain rice for the meals.

Bob Bridges, not being one off the expert swimmers and divers, pulled his weight in helping with the cooking.

Others of the Battalion there being Jack's brother, Luke, and Ray Brown, Merv. Anderson and Stan Black.

V.J. Beggs

We are told that Vince was kicked in the chest by a horse, when he was a boy, and that the muscles had become knotted together, though no difficulty to being accepted in the Army and had come to Battalion, “B” Company, as a 3rd Reinforcement.

He is remembered also as having had a box-on with one of the B Company Sergeants and beaten him.

He was on "F" Force and, when he arrived at Sonkurai, he was so exhausted, that he had discarded all his kit except the clothes in which he stood up, his spoon and dixie, and that the pain in his feet was so intense that he cried because of it. An occurrence, which was completely out of character for him.

Has anyone heard how and where he is?

Tales of "B. J. " and "Nugget" Crummy, as Related by Harry Riches as we motored to "Nugget's" Funeral in Casino, from Tom Grant

After the war "B.J." was given the acting rank of Major General and posted to Berlin as head of the Australian Military Mission to the Allied Control Council for Germany in that City. Crummy came round to Harry's place in Casino, where he was living at the time, and told how Bill Jones (Captain) had been contacted by phone by "B.J." “Would Crummy contact him by phone as he wanted to speak to him?" Bill made Crummy welcome to use his phone. So he rang. "Would he like to come with him to Berlin, as his driver?" As "Nugget" said, "he was completely taken back. He regretted so much having to refuse, but, being tied up with horses and dogs and other business commitments just commencing to get going, as it were. He thanked "B.J." most sincerely for the offer and expressed his deep regret at having to refuse". The Old Man understood and said, "no harm done and good luck”.

No more came of this till Harry, some time later, was in Sydney for an 8 Div. Reunion. A good time was had by all and at the end of the evening Harry wended his way down the street, only to run into "B.J." and George Ramsay standing on the corner. "Where's Jack?" said "B, J." "Well, said Harry, "I think he’s helping the women wash-up". "He would be", was the reply, "You know, he drove us down here and now he's posted us like this".

Harry, gentleman that he is, tried to tide things over till their driver appeared. He mentioned about Crummy being so sorry about not being able to go to Berlin as his driver, and how Bill Jones made his phone available to contact him. The Old Man listened intently as the story unfolded. As Harry explained Crummy's predicament, his hand went to his pocket and came out with 10/- in it. "Harry", he said, "I want you to do one thing for me. When you get back to Casino, take this Ten Bob round to Crummy and tell him, he is still the biggest bloody liar in Australia”.

Some years ago "B.J.” was up on the Far North Coast as Legacy Week Guest. Harry, of course, knew him possibly as well as any one, so he stayed with Harry and Dot one night.

As they sat to dinner that night, Harry said, "Sir!” "Don't call me, Sir, Harry". "Sir", Harry continued, "You are one bloke I will always call, Sir". Harry appeared to win this round.

"Sir", he continued, "I don't wish to intrude, but, why did you sack Crummy?" "B.J." denied this explaining that he had merely demoted him. "Demoted him", said Harry, "I don’t understand"?

"Well I’ll explain", said "B.J.". "I was on a reconnaissance. It had been rather a long day. By the time that I’d had a shower and clean-up, I was rather late at the Mess. When I arrived there, I noted that most of the young blokes had been having a few drinks; talking quite well, and all seemed to know, where I had been.

I said nothing and things took their normal course. Next morning I called him up. "Crummy I've decided to demote you, I said. "Demote?" said Crummy, "I don't understand"? "Well" "B.J.". continued, "After being to Mess last night, I’ve decided that this Unit cannot stand two Colonels, so I've decided to demote you, while there is still time. Transferred to other duty”.

"And that is how Crummy lost his job, driving for the C.O.”

A Note for "J" Force Men - Bert James

SGT JAMES (AAOC), Sgt. Armourer 2/19 Bn, spent all his time in Japan at the "Kobe House Camp". It was recorded in the Sept 1978 issue of the 2/19 Bn Magazine that, "2/19 Bn A.I.F. Association was indebted to Mr. Eric Cooper, the Hon Treasurer, of the 4 A/Tank Regt. for his thoughtfulness and interest in taking snaps of 2 of our chaps, whose graves are in the Shai-Wan Imperial War Graves Cemetery in Hong Kong. One of these was, Sgt. Arthur James, whose death occurred on 10 Sept. 1945. The movement of some of Recovered Prisoners from Japan involved some being sent to Naha in Okinawa on their way home, being sorted out and drafted to U.S.A. planes moving through to Clark Field, Manila, in the Philippines. It was a gradual slow process and with the return to an administrative set-up, where rolls had to be produced for each draft on the planes, many of the chaps were becoming impatient and anxious to get away and home to Australia. Arthur (Bert) James left Okinawa, but his plane crashed and records showed, "Died at sea, location unknown".

Our 2/30 Sgt. Dick Noble was on that plane also, together with W.O. Roger Rogerson (2/29Bn)

The Sydney Morning. Herald of Sat, 19th July last contained a Review by Helen Frizell of two books. The article was headed "Tribal Twins". Those twins were a Clive James and the Revd. Roger Bush of the Wayside Chapel, Kings Cross. However Clive James is the one, in whom "J" Force Men would be interested. His book is called "Unreliable Memoirs" and was published by Jonathan Cape. In her review Helen Frizell poses the question 'How Ginger Meggs, how Australian, were the early years of Clive James, born 1939.....................Clive James' father, a World War 2 soldier, endured Japanese captivity, and survived it, only to die in a plane crash on his way home. Both families struggled to educate their children - the widowed Mrs James in Jannali. The boys hurtled downhill on billycarts. Clive ending up in Mrs Braithwaite's poppy garden on the Irene Street corner. They were hell on their mother's nerves. (Your scribe's records from 'Kobe House' showed Bert James' home address to be 6 Margaret St. Kogarah, N.S.W.., and it was here that he called on Mrs. James when repatriated himself, and that street tallies with the Irene St. corner in the review, since Margaret St is a dead end street at right angles to Irene St, which runs off Sunbeam Ave between Rocky Point. Rd and Scarborough Park.)

Helen Frizell continues that, “Surviving billycart crashes, red-back spiders, collapsing tunnels (Clive) the boys grew up. Clive James went to the University of Sydney, then to Cambridge, became television critic for 'The Observer' in London, and wrote books of literary criticism. Unreliable Memoirs ('This autobiography is a disguised novel') is his first departure from criticism Some of his anecdotes will cause you to laugh aloud in the bus. Others have the tragedy of Androsmache in the Iliad, quoted at the start of Unreliable Memoirs. ("Husband, you are gone so young from life and leave me in your home a widow...........Clive James ends his good book well....)"

Graeme McCabe - R.A.A.F. - Sandy Bay, Tas. 7005

"The names you quoted brought back a flood of 'Kobe House' memories of that fine bunch of blokes we were locked up with so long ago. I would like particularly to be remembered to Sid Grounds.

Brian Gordon is still on deck in Launceston - Secretary of the Local Chamber of Commerce and a Public Accountant.

I worked as a Public Relations Officer in the Tasmanian Premier's Office for 30 years, retiring at 60 in 1976. I earned my B.A. (1962-67) and L.L.B. (1973-78) and am now finishing off my apprenticeship, as a Judge's Associate, before going to the Crown Law Department for six months, before I get admitted to the Bar in February 1981, when, hopefully, I will be 64 10/12.

I still play tennis and snooker; have four grown up children and ten grandchildren.

For the past 12 years I have gone to Melbourne march on Anzac day with my old R.A.A.F. Malaya cobbers, but there are very few left now.

I have often thought of those of our lot, who pranged on the way home - Roger Rogerson, Dick Noble, Jack Gilding, Bert James and Ron Cooper, plus Major Hortin and the Middlesex blokes.

"Dapper" Dean did a good job with those news sheets, which he brought out in the early sixties. I wonder how many of our Kobe lot are still alive and licking. Many of the Tasmanians, who were on the Burma Railway have passed on in latter years. I have been lucky apart from a gastric ulcer and hiatus hernia, which nearly ended me in 1971 - my main bugbear has been bronchial asthma, which can be kept in check.

Strangely, I drive a Mazda car, and have lots of Japanese electrical equipment, etc - I bear no rancour. The wheel has to turn while one could never forget many of the vile things, that they did in the wartime, our economy would be lost without them.

Remember me to any of the "Kobe House" blokes, who you encounter - they didn't come any better than the "Kobe House" mob - there were many wonderful fellows - back in those dismal days of 1943-45, when McArthur was slowly coming up the Pacific to free us.

Warm regards, Yours sincerely, Graeme McCabe."

River Valley Road Camp – Andy Hyslop

I went down Memory Lane to the year 1942, when I lived rent free in the River Valley Road Camp, Singapore.

We marched into River Valley Road Camp in Nov. 1942. It was a flat, muddy place near a malodorous canal. Nearby was the GREAT WORLD pleasure house and an adjacent steam laundry.

The accommodation consisted of long, threadbare, attap huts, which must surely have constituted the most squalid establishment in Japan's "greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere". These huts were over-run by a teeming population of thin, ill clad prisoners of war, who toiled daily as forced labour for the victors of the recently concluded Malayan campaign.

Our party came from another labour camp at Bukit Timah about nine miles away. We marched, and to make it a sorer trial in the equatorial heat, we waited in the sun for three hours.

Some men in my squad keeled over, and Japs slapped indiscriminately, as they mustered and counted us for the nth time.

A Chinese kid of about nine was bowled over and trampled on for trying to give one of our blokes a cigarette.

When the men saw their new quarters, one called out to his mate, "Hey, . Blue! What's Fair Rent for livin' in a fowl house?"

The day of December 2, 1942 dawned in much the same as any other day in the snared frustration of P.O.W. life. Nothing significant could be resolved, isolation was complete, the future seemed as precarious as the present was unpleasant.

I was given 50 men and joined on to 150 from 2/19 and other Units. We left camp at 9 am (Tokio Time) and trucks came and took capacity loads away. The rest of us waited. From where we stood, I could see a house with a mirror hung over the door. This was a brothel. We were content to admire it from a distance. Soon the trucks came back and with my squad I was driven to the wharves.

The "Hakone Maru", one of the N.Y.K. Line showpieces, was tied up alongside one of the least damaged wharves. Her white rails and cream painted superstructure set off a vessel of about 10,000 tons, with what looked to be 1st class accommodation for 80 passengers. She carried a vast amount of cargo.

The Nips were edgy, on account of a security risk to their prized vessel, I suppose, or perhaps, it was just on account of wartime jitters, they were famous for this. We were detailed to positions and set to work. We unloaded continuously with Chinese down below filling slings, and mixed teams of natives on the wharf to carry, wheel and manhandle the cargo out of sight. The pace was a cracker, the heat terrific, amenities non-existent. I was whacked with a wide board, when I mentioned Smoko to our little yellow squad boss, so I gave him up as dead loss. Up on a tally bale was a 3-star. In my priceless, halting Japanese, I said, "You want cargo off quick smart?" He looked at me suspiciously, but as he did not offer to bash, I went on: "My men work quicker with Yasume now. Very tired. Soon bioki". I pointed to a couple of our chaps, they were in the act of staggering alarmingly under the falls. "O.K., Smoko", he said.

When our sling stopped, he didn't have to tally, so I closed in on him, pulling a battered wallet out of my pocket and taking out a photo, said "Wifu". It was a postcard of a peroxide blonde from Show-Biz, showing ample charms. It was from a small store I kept for occasions such as this. He showed immediate interest, and what amount was lecherous, sentimental or just curiosity didn't concern me greatly; the smoke time went on.

Although we got smokos after that more or less regularly, and lunch-break was lengthened, while he drooled over my 5 children and numerous, young unmarried sisters (all fictitious), the job was tough.

It went on all day, then the night. Hatch 3 cut out before midnight. Hatches 1 and 2 contained heavy machinery and required slow handling. We worked continuously for 23 hours. I heard one irrepressible comment in an Australian drawl from a weary hand-trolley operator, "Ay, Snow, 'ave you paid yer sub to the Waterside Workers Federation this year? How about bungin' on a blue for overtime rates?"

We had an hour for the lunch rice, that we had brought with us. The evening ration, which came from camp was rice and stew, and the Japs put on stewed vegetables (jungle juice) but no meat, for a midnight snack.

In the small hours of the morning, about 3 am, I felt that I was going to pass out from weariness and sleepiness, but a cup of cha from a dixie, sent up by the Japs, helped us all a good deal.

About 3.30 I was lucky enough to buttonhole a chirpy jo-to-hi, by name Watanabe. He was not the tense front line type, more of an A.S.C. grocer and housekeeping man.

I said to him, "Yoku deki mashita" (It is well done?) Watanabe said "Hai" (Yes). I, "Manzu ku shimasta ka" (Are you pleased?) Watanabe, "Hai". I "Kutabira mashita". (I am tired). Watanabe - (catching on and seeing the point) "All men tired". So I prevailed upon him to let some men spell ("shiftu"), while the rest worked slings and "All work, Yoroshi, OK". Shift work took over thereafter and some respite was had by all.

Mercifully trucks came for us at knockoff time and we arrived back at camp at about 8 am.

All men "Yasume", and "Hakone Maru"; "Get Sunk!"

Ron Stoner - Singapore Working Parties – No. 5 Camp – Thomson Road - "Shrine Job"

"Do you remember the 3 Star Jap soldier, known to us as "The Yank". He'd lived in California for a number of years, had gone back to Japan on a holiday and was conscripted, and to his disgust sent to China with the Nipponese Army.

Whilst we were on the Bukit Timah Working Party we saw him quite often and got to know him well.

One day, when I happened to be Orderly Corporal, he asked me for two men to assist him on a job. I asked two chaps who had come from Changi, that morning, to accompany "The Yank" in a small panel van, which he was driving. They jumped in the back of the van and later told me of their experiences on that job.

Not aware that The Yank himself spoke English, one said to the other behind the Jap's back, "How much longer will we have to do work for these little yellow slit-eyed bastards?" "The Yank" overhearing, turned his head and chipped in, "You can grumble about having to work for them. Not only have I got to work for them, I have to live with them."

Shortly after leaving Bukit Timah, they arrived at a dump and helped "The Yank" to load a 44 gallon drum of petrol on to the van. They were driven over the Causeway to Johore Bahru and out to a Kampong on the outskirts, where the petrol was delivered to a Chinese villager's house. "The Yank" came out from the house with a bundle of notes, peeled off two ten dollar bills, and, handing them to his helpers, said, "I guess you guys know what that's for."

Some days later "The Yank" arrived at out Bukit Timah quarters in a natty red sports car and asked for all men to be paraded in front of the Guard House. When we were all assembled, he stood up on a wooden box and addressed us, "Gentlemen of Australia. My C.O. has told me petrol pilfering by men of this working party has got to stop." (We had been in the habit of siphoning petrol from Jap trucks into 5 gallon drums and selling it to the Chinese. One man, caught by a Jap guard, was carrying a 5 gallon drum across the parade ground and was asked, what it contained. He truthfully: replied, "Gasoline". The Jap asked, "What do you want with all that gasoline?" He replied, "I want it for my cigarette lighter." After detention and further questioning at the Guard House, he copped the customary bashing.) "The Yank" in friendly vein went on to say, "If you don't stop pilfering petrol, both you and I will get into trouble. To avoid any pain between us, I appeal to you guys to lay off, while I am associated with your party."

"The Yank" then smilingly left the rostrum and got in his little red roadster. He waved as he took off to cries of "Good old Yank" from some of the men. About 300 yards along the Bukit Timah Road his car stopped - out of petrol...."Padre" Dean had milked it, while he was talking to us.

You will remember the Australians earned a reputation of making things go round by selling to the Chinese, what the Japanese had commandeered from the British.

NX77799 - Pte. Sydney Herbert Thomas Busine

Pte. Sydney Herbert Thomas Busine enlisted on 10th December 1941. He sailed from Sydney on the last Troopship to arrive at Singapore and was marched into G.B.D on or about 18th January 1942.

We have not the details as yet as to what happened to him, nor to which Unit he was drafted on Singapore Island, nor what Unit he was with at Selarang after 15th Feb 1942.

Les Hall met him on "A" Force at the 55 Kilo alleged "Hospital” Camp, Burma in August 1943.

Tom Busine, like the late "Tankie" Phillips, a former workmate of his at The Sydney Glassworks, and a neighbour of his at Chippendale, Sydney, had contracted a tropical ulcer on his right lower leg.

On or about 21/8/43 Les Hall held Tommy, as the late Sir Albert Coates amputated the gangrenous lower extremity, and personally cared for him, together with "Tankie", and 31 other amputees, of which group 22 now rest in The War Graves Commission Cemetery at Thanbyuzayat (Tan Besar), Burma.

A son Jimmy was born to Tom Busine and his wife four days before Tom was attested into the A.I.F. He has been searching for some years for someone, who, may have known the father, whom he never knew.

Tom died on 20th Sept. 1943. One of the regrets that he had expressed, in those last few weeks, was that, as a 4th reinforcement to the 2/30 Bn, he was never taken on strength of the Unit, Les Hall remembers the night on which he died as an occasion, when, above all the sounds in the hut, the Les Darcy song was to be heard, being sung quite clearly. Les stopped what he was doing and walked down to the singer, who was Tommy, knelt by him, whilst he was still singing, but on the last word of that song, Tommy breathed his last. He was released from all further pain.

Whilst still kneeling by Tommy, Les says that he felt a drop of moisture on his arm. He looked up and realised that it was a tear from Colonel Coates' eye. He could do no more for the lad, and he felt so helpless, because of the inhumanity of the Nips in refusing even the most simplest of medicines and of instruments. He worked his heart out striving for all in his care; every one, whom he lost, was a tragedy he felt most intensely.

Last Post

NX604 Pte. Robert George Bridges, at one time 18 Platoon, then 5 Sec 17 Platoon, Wounded 11 Feb 1942 at the Causeway. Shot wound above Left Eyebrow and Blast of Shell affected hearing of Left Ear.

Bob was with that part of the Battalion, which was at Mount Pleasant and Caldecott Hill, Thomson Road, in No. 1 Company under Capt. E.H. Booth; went back to Selarang and was included in "J" Force, when it left Singapore on 15 May, 1943 for Kobe, Japan and was transferred from Kobe to a place called Maibara.

He came from Breadalbane, approx. 31 miles west of Goulburn and, on enlistment, gave his occupation as "Labourer".

Jack Carey remembers him as a quiet fellow, with quite a good sense of humour.

After Recovery from Japan little was known of Bob, but Norm King reported in 1974 that he say Bob occasionally in the town in Goulburn, still a bit deaf, as a result of being blown out of a slit trench at the Causeway, the same shell, that killed Corporal Alexander. They were there together and Bob was so dazed by the blast, that others in the platoon had to grab hold of him, as he was tottering towards the wiring, and get him back to the rear of their position.

P.O.W. Conditions, especially the hardships in Japan naturally did not help Bob, and he had a bad stroke October '73 and another in December '76, the last affecting his movements, so that he had to use a walking stick, and causing him to lose his speech. He fell and broke his hip at Easter 1974 requiring to have it pinned; suffered pneumonia in mid 1977, and by 1979 had lost his sight.

Bob had the pleasure of knowing that his children, Helen, Robert and Marion had all married, and that his oldest grandchildren would have commenced their schooling.

Confined, as he was, to a bed in the Nursing Home and having no interest in anything, we must thank the Lord that he will have no more suffering, and extend our sympathies to Sheila and their family. He would have been 66 yrs of age in December.

NX4564 Pte. Ronald Roy Jones, was a member of the Carrier Platoon, joining it in the last big draft to come to the Battalion at Bathurst, before final leave. He sailed with us and at Batu Pahat transferred to 2/3 Motor Transport on 9/10/1941. He is said to have been in "Bicycle" Camp in Java, was transferred to Changi and went up on the Railway. We have become aware that he died on 12th October 1971, his address at that time being Guildford.

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM - LEST WE FORGET

Deaths of Next of Kin

Lady Galleghan suffered the loss of her younger sister, Miss Nan Blaiklock on the 1st August last. They had been very close and had shared many activities together; "Makan" previously reported a Tour to South East Asia in 1975 and, both fond of the Opera, had been together at a performance just two evenings before her passing. The Battalion was represented at the Service at the Northern Suburbs Crematorium by Arch Thorburn, Stuart Peach, and Alex. Dandie. Betty Eaton was there too.

Lady Galleghan has expressed her thanks for our representation sharing with her and her family the Service in memory of her sister.

Jim and Marjorie Strang & Doreen and Bill Ennis

After these of our friends shared a loss in the death of Marjorie's father on 7th July last, they had an added burden on 18th Aug, when Jim and Doreen's Mother, Mrs. Cordelia Caroline Strang passed away.

A Cremation service was held at Woronora on the following Thursday and the Battalion represented by Joe Geoghegan, John Kreckler and Alex Dandie.

Jim has expressed the thanks of the family and commented, "It was nice to have your support at Woronora and to see "old" comrades sticking by me and my family.

Edith Berman

Edith had to call off coming to help with the posting of last "Makan", since her sister, Rosie's husband, Rudolph Hoening, who lived at Casula, passed away on 28 September and a memorial service was to be held at Rookwood Cemetery on the day of our working bee. We sympathise with Edith and her family.

Thanks - Fred Bladwell

Grace has written and given thanks for the many cards and letters from the large number of Fred's friends. She says that she feels that she cannot do them justice. "So many are from his old mates in the 2/30 Bn. and, while I am filled with pride that Freddie engendered so much respect and admiration in his friends, at the same time, they can still reduce me to a quiet tear."

Grace has moved from their former home, actually the change had been in the making before Fred's death, and on the exchange of contracts, the two of them had a week away before the hassle of collecting together what treasures they wished to take to the new house after 31 years in the old spot.

Son, Frank, has shared in these arrangements, indeed initiated the move, and lives upstairs in the new house, while Grace occupies the ground floor, and, in making the move out to Miranda, it has been to the centre of their family, as Grace's Sister and Cousins and Freddie's Brothers are all within ten minutes drive.

"Chubby" Ramsay - Epping, 2121

Chubby's sight is not yet the best, she hopes that an improvement will come, when her specialist gives the prescription for new spectacles.

Your scribe has received a card of thanks and appreciation, saying, "Chubby Ramsay would like to thank one and all in the Battalion for their kind thought, while she was in Hospital. Yours faithfully, Eileen Brown for Chubby."

"Gentleman George" had developed a bad sore on one of his ankles, and was transferred by Ambulance to Concord at the Doctor's direction, so that they could have a look at the leg, and give him a bit of a checking over, so he is temporarily in Ward 19 at the time of this "Makan" being prepared.

Your scribe should be taken to task for omitting to let folk know that George and Chubby have a great grand daughter born 9th May last when Max's daughter, Robyn, was delivered of a 71b 12oz girl, 23½", to be named Kerrie Leigh. Congratulations to all the family. They already have two great grandsons.

Ray Rickards - Yennora, 2161 - C Company

Ray is another, who really did appreciate the visits while he was in Concord, the enquiries and cards, and insists on your scribe adding, that he is grateful for your scribe and June's visits to see him at home as well as in the hospital.

He will be acknowledging the cards himself, but also asks for mention here of Jack Carey's thoughtfulness, for which Ray is grateful.

The land around Ray's house is flat, so that he can easily cope with the walking required by the physiotherapist and M.O. and at the same time exercise his dog, and he is looking forward to the 6th November, when he hopes to be mobile once more in the motor car, with himself behind the wheel.

16th August 1980 was the date for Far North Coast Branch of Ex-Ps.O.W. Association Annual Reunion at Ballina commencing with a Memorial Service at the Baths, 5.30 pm

Jack Fell reports - "Have just returned from the annual ex-P.O.W. Reunion at Ballina. As usual it was a great show.

Vera and I arrived at our motel about midday, after driving down from Coolangatta, where we had spent a few days with friends.

Vera and I went in to the R.S.L. Club for lunch, then went upstairs, where we found Len Clavan, Sid Jameson and Jimmy Morgan having a pre-reunion drink (at 1.30pm). We stayed for a while and then returned to the motel to wait for Jack and Una Clune. Following their arrival, we went to the War Memorial for the Wreath Laying Ceremony, and from there back to the Club.

One fellow I was pleased to see was Chum Farley, whom I hadn't seen since we came home. He looks particularly well.

Len Clavan, Sid Jameson and their band of workers had done a great job of decorating the auditorium with palms and coconuts, together with replicas of the colour patches of all the Units, whose Members had been prisoners of war.

Ballina had maintained their usual high standard of food served as a smorgasbord. I didn't see too many line up for a back-up. Speeches were cut to a minimum and Jim Webster piped the Lament, prior to the reciting of the Ode. Incidentally Jim came up a week early, arriving the previous Saturday, which he thought was the date of the reunion. After the meal it was on with the dancing and mixing with the fellows. Unfortunately the music was very loud and conversations had to be almost shouted.

We returned to our motel sated with food, drink and talk.

After a late breakfast, it was back to the R.S.L. Club for a barbecue lunch, which was held here instead of at Joe Johnston's place. It was more convenient for all concerned. Sid Jameson and "Snow" Hampton did a good job in cooking the steaks and sausages, and once again there was plenty of everything, both to eat and drink.

All in all it was a great weekend, and our thanks to Len, Sid, Snow and all the others, who worked so hard to make it the success it was.

The weekend at Tamworth promises to be a beauty. Practically everyone, to whom I spoke, is going.

Well that 'is about all for this time. No doubt you will receive other reports on the weekend at Ballina, and I'm sure, that they will all agree that it was a great weekend.

Jack Fell.

Chum Farley expresses his agreement with Jack, "Well this year’s Reunion at Ballina, as I am sure you have been told already, was a beauty, and, of course, there was such a good roll-up of 2/30 Members. Chaps, whom I had not seen, since coring home on the "Esperance Bay" or even before that were there - Jimmy Webster, Jack Fell, Ray Michel and Kel (Andy) Anderson, to name a few.

Like all of us they have changed somewhat, but underneath it all they're just the same I guess. Jim Webster still gets around at the rate of knots, but was a bit of a will o' the wisp, and must have shot off early on Sunday, as I didn’t see him again, and I was looking forward so much to having a yarn with him.

As usual the Ballina Boys did a wonderful job and deserve all of credit for a good time had by all. It seems that Snow Hampton was quite a bit worried at one stage, as to whether they would be able to meet their commitments. But I noticed he was all smiles at about 6.30 pm and "Hoot" Gibson commented, "We're right - Snow is smiling now".

"On Sunday Joe Johnston took us to see the new Nursing wing at the R.S.L. Rest Home, which was all but finished and just about ready to take its first patients. I was very interested, of course, as I have been involved with the Nursing Home Industry for many years now. Like everything else in Ballina they had done a great job and the new Nursing Home is of a very high standard indeed. Chum."

Kel Anderson adds his praise, "Pearl and I went up to Ballina, taking Jack Ferris with us.

Arrived at Ballina, we booked in at the motel, cleaned up and went to the R.S.L. Club for tea. The food was very good and we were made very welcome.

We were not there very long before we met with Kevin and Dorothy Ward, Sid Jameson and his wife, Arch Craig, Tom Grant, Chum Farley and his wife, Jack and Olive Mathews and "Joe" and Sybil Johnston. There were a lot more there, but too many to mention.

On the Sunday we went to have a look at the Home for Returned Servicemen. It is a beautiful place, which will be all the more able to look after folk, as they have just finished the Hospital Section”. Kel Anderson

Tom Grant - Tom, brief in his comment about the Reunion, also joined in the praises, "Was down at Ballina for Reunion. It was a great show. The catering would be hard to beat."

Kevin Ward - Kevin added other comments, that Fred Newlands and his wife were accompanied by one of their sons, “A strapping big lad", according to Kevin.

He said Sid, Joe, Snow and Len donned Butcher's aprons, quite the professional touch, as they worked at the Barbecuing. A side salad was prepared at the Club, an arrangement made earlier, because Joe Johnston had a standing promise to go down to the Mid-North Coast Reunion, which was usually held on the same night as that at Ballina, but this year their Reunion was held at Kempsey on Sept. 20th.

Joe Geoghegan - Joe says, "Georgina and I left Sydney by train on 12 August at about 6.40 and had the roughest train trip on record. The only difference to the trip on "F" Force was that we could lay down in comfort. We arrived at Casino about 9 am on Wednesday and, after having the car washed, set sail to the Johnston’s at Knockrow, arriving about 10.45.

After a 'cuppa' and a snack we went to visit Harry and Dot Riches with Joe and Syb Johnston. After the visit, Joe and Syb took us to Ballina to meet Harry Jones, the chap, with whom we were to stay during our time in Ballina, and who is well known in the town.

Our stay with Harry was the highlight of our trip. He took us sightseeing and bowling at the Ballina Club (indoor bowls).

On Saturday 16 with Joe Johnston, Brian Hayes, Kevin Ward and myself, we went to see Alex Olley at Lismore Base Hospital, then to see Harry Teasdale at his home. He seems to be making fair progress.

The Reunion at the Ballina R.S.L. on the Saturday was a great success. There were 33 2/30 men present. I did not get a list of the wives and children, but there were over 80 people connected with the 2/30 Bn. The Barbeque on the Sunday was a good show. This year it was at the R.S.L. instead of at Joe's home at Knockrow.

After the Barbeque, Jack and Iris Collins, Jim and Margaret Morgan, Len and Wyn Clavan came back to Harry Jones' place with us at Harry's invitation. We played records, danced, talked till we were as dry as a Pommy's towel, so proceeded to knock over a can or two till time caught up as usual and our visitors headed for home. A good night was had by all.

The next morning we set off for home. We stopped at Taree on Monday night to see Beatrice Hardman, who had had the misfortune to break her hip and had it replaced with a plastic joint, at the Taree Hospital. Off the next day to Swansea for an overnight stop; then off home on the Wednesday.

A great trip, and meeting great people, made it all the better.

The List of those at Ballina, as Joe prepared it, without any attempt to make any order of it, just as he saw them:

"Joe" Johnston
Jack Matthews
Marty Wallwork
Harry Riches
Jack Fell
Jim Webster
Horrie Cody
"Paddles" Clune
Tom Grant
Tom Cody (6 Div.)
Keith Jones
Jack Collins
Les Cody (Lismore)
Fred Newlands
"Sluggo" Jones
Ossie Jackson
Stan Scarabellotti
"Andy" Anderson
Brian Hayes
Bill Sorenson
Jack Ferris (Dubbo)
Kevin Ward
Ernie Stratford
"Snow" Hampton
Len Clavan
Jim Morgan
Tom Davis
Aub. Clavan
Chum Farley
"Joe" Veivers
"Hoot" Gibson
Ray Michel
"Jim" Small
Arch Craig
Sid Jameson (2/18)
"Joe” Geoghegan

8 Div. Memorial Committee Service of Remembrance, 17 August, Bathurst

Noel Johnston went to Bathurst for this Annual Service. This year marked the tenth Anniversary of the Unveiling of the Memorial and some 30 ex-servicemen and their wives gathered for the Ceremony.

The Memorial is on the concourse of Bathurst City Hall in William Street, Bathurst, and this Service is held each year on the Sunday nearest to August 15 to honour the memory of comrades, who lost their lives in the Malayan Campaign or who died as a result of illness or privation, whilst prisoners of war of Japanese, and since. Of the whole of the 8 Division’s men of about 17,000, all ranks and services, 2,178 were killed in action; 136 Died of Wounds; 4,250 died during the time they were held as prisoners of war, making a total of 6,564 deaths, the highest total of deaths in comparison with the other Divisions. Also it has been calculated, that only some 8,000 of 8 Division remain alive throughout the whole of Australia, 2,500 approximately of that 8, 000 being in New South Wales. In other words some 4,500 of the survivors, who were recovered, after 15th August 1945 have died since then.

Noel was asked by the Committee of the 8 Division Memorial to give the address this year. The Bathurst "Advocate'' Newspaper carried a report of the Service in its issue on Monday, under the heading "8th Div. Blocked attack on mainland."

The theme of Noel's address was allied to that, which he has given before, "that a majority of Australians had a false impression of the reason for the 8 Division becoming prisoners of war in Singapore, Timor, Rabaul and Ambon.

When Japan declared war in December 1941, Australia had only one of its four A.I.F. Divisions placed in the Pacific, it had two Brigades in Malaya, and its third Brigade split up, with each of its three Infantry Battalions on Islands with thousands of miles between each.

The location of those three Battalions, however, with their support airfields, were of strategic importance. The Japanese had to attack and capture those positions before pushing further into the region.

It could be said that by reason of the Japanese experiences in Malaya, when opposed by Australian Troops, each of the Battalions on Timor and Ambon and at Rabaul was confronted by a Japanese force at least the size of a Brigade.

The 8 Division's activities in those three positions had given Australia a breathing space of nine months to return A.I.F. Divisions from Cairo and Middle East to bolster the Country's defences. It gave time for Australia to prepare and cause Japan's first reversal of the war in September 1942.

The 8 Div., had saved Australia from invasion - but at the cost of every man in the Division."

Les Browne of Bathurst, the Secretary of the Committee outlined the concept of the granite memorial; two 8 Div Members, Noel Harvey of Oberon and Tom Cambridge of Lithgow, placed a wreath at the foot of the memorial, and Padre Ussher said a closing prayer, after the Recital of the Ode.

The gathering adjourned to the R.S.L. Club for a pleasant afternoon tea, as the completion of the day.

Pension Troubles in Victoria

One of Victoria's Sunday papers recently highlighted "A massive wave of protest building up against the (Victorian Branch of the) Repatriation Commission, which the (Victorian Branch of the) Returned Servicemen's League branded soul-less in its treatment of, sick ex-diggers

The Victorian president of the R.S.L. condemned the attitude of the medical officers employed by the Repatriation Commission. The repatriation medical officers seem to be there for one purpose only and that is to knock back application from ex-servicemen. They dispute and reject the opinions of the most eminent medical brains in Australia. It's become a national disgrace.

Sir Edward Dunlop said many specialists were unhappy with the manner in which their opinions were discounted by repatriation doctors, who were not of the same professional standard. The sincere convictions of those, who have seen the sufferings of the claimant on the spot, appear secondary to the attitudes of those, who serve policies of the department, and who seldom saw war service.

Anger has been building up since the case of Mr Lance Oram, 61, a one legged army veteran, who was refused a full pension, even though he had seven disabilities acknowledged as due to war service. In another case that has alarmed the R.S.L. the Repatriation Commission has appealed against a Federal Court decision that a war widow's pension be paid to a woman, whose husband died of lung cancer.

Having read that newspaper cutting, your scribe felt that he should let you know an item in the Sept. issue of "The Nineteenth", the Magazine of the 2/19 Bn. "We recently received a letter from Charles Stuart, the Hon Sec., of the Ex-Ps.O.W. and Relatives Association of Victoria, in which he states that the R.S.L. HQ of Victoria now decline to have their advocates appear before certain Chairmen due to their pronounced bias against appellants, and that this bias is also appearing in other States of S. Aust., W. Aust., and Tas. Let us hope that N.S.W. Tribunals see more reason and compassion and apply the Repat. Act as it was originally intended with the benefit of the doubt.

Strangely enough that item and the hope expressed in the last 2½ lines appeared under a heading "TRIBUNAL CHAIRMAN" and comment, "There are some nice types around on the Tribunals and one would readily obtain the opinion, that they think, that they have to pay for any pensions, they grant to any applicant......the Chairman of No 2 Tribunal at Kippax Street. Rude to the most objectionable degree.....(and the man to whom he was rude).....a Bank Manager of 20 years training in telling people No.

Again strangely enough the "Sydney Morning Herald" of 17/10/1980 had an item on page 3, titled, "Sick, memory gone - but fit for work”, by Graham Williams, and the story reads:

"A 78 year old man with a peptic ulcer and an anxiety state had been deemed fit for full-time work by a repatriation board.

Mr. John Featherstonehaugh of Normanhurst, has also suffered complete loss of memory and an unpleasant change in his personality, which his doctor says stem from his war disabilities. The doctor said he was "shocked and appalled" by the board's statement, that he was fit for full time work in relation to his war disabilities.

Mr. Featherstonehaugh has been receiving a 60% war disability for these conditions for several years. Three years ago the doctor said, that ulcer began to bleed, his blood pressure dropped greatly and he suffered a cerebral thrombosis.

We applied for a 100% pension for him. It was my view that the thrombosis resulted from the bleeding ulcer, and was thus a war related disability.

A three member repatriation board of the Dept. of Veterans' Affairs has rejected the claim for the 100% pension on the advice of a departmental medical officer.

It said in its reply: "He is fit for full-time work in respect of his accepted disabilities" (for which the 60% pension is being paid).

Would you say, "strangely enough" when we have an item like this, which was to have been set on another page?

Harry Jarrett - Loftus, 2232 - B Company

One of our Metropolitan reporters says that Harry was called into Repat. for a review, and received a snarling welcome from the doctor, who had to examine him, "I suppose you're here for more money?" Harry naturally objected, saying that the initiative had come from the Department not from him. He put it to the doctor that he supposed they wanted to take the pension off him. You can guess what happened. They did drop Harry's pension. Say "loaded dice".

You'll get sick of me saying, "Strangely enough", but we must give credit, when its due.

The Claim is Therefore Allowed

The above line is the last in a "REASON FOR DETERMINATION" of a Repat. Board here in New South Wales, where one of our Cobbers died early this year, and his wife made a claim for acceptance of his death as being service related.

She was able to write in September, "I felt I would like you and the Association to know, I have just received word of my having been granted a pension. I'm most grateful for your suggestions and help in this matter."

However the case was not all plain sailing, The Repatriation Medical Officer opposed the claim. Nevertheless, the Board took note of the provisions of Section 47 of the Repatriation Act (as amended, following the Toose Report, so that deciding authorities in the Repatriation System are required to grant an application, unless they are satisfied beyond reasonable doubt, that there are insufficient grounds for granting the application) notwithstanding the opposing medical opinion of the Departmental medical officer, saying, "the Board is not satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that there are sufficient grounds for rejecting the claim in respect of death. The Claim is therefore allowed."

Naturally you would be interested to know what this Departmental Medical Officer had to say. It is said that, "In discussing the nature and cause of the incapacities that led to death, and their relationship to service, a departmental medical officer stated, in part, as follows:

"Member died from coronary artery disease at the age of 62 years. Risk factors in this member were his age (62), being of male sex, hereditary, cigarette smoking and western diet and lifestyle. Coronary artery disease is a common cause of death in men of member's age group irrespective of war service.

Noted letters from widow and local medical officer, and accompanying documents re conditions of prisoners of war during World War 11. (This refers to Noel Johnston's Memorandum to the Minister for Veterans' Affairs of Jan. 1979, "Makan" No. 245). However, on discharge from service in 1945 (i.e. 35 years before he died) member was passed medically fit. His heart and lungs and blood pressure were normal and he had "nil disabilities". Coronary artery disease is common in 62 year old Men and member's death is not related to war service which ended 35 years ago."

It will be seen that the Victorian Outcry against experiences of rejection of claims on Repat., could well apply here in New South Wales, and in this very case, if this not seen the false logic of the Departmental M.O.'s conclusion.

Your scribe has furnished copies of Noel Johnston's Report to the Minister for Vet. Affairs to 27 Members. This is the first time, that we have known that a Repat. Board has said that it had noted the contents of that report. In one previous case in another State it was said that the Members of the Board wanted our Member to be identified, as having suffered, as was described in the Report. With that want in mind your scribe has advised, "Of itself the Memo is not effective, when sent in with a Claim Form. It is necessary that the Report be made an annexure to a Statutory Declaration, which identifies you (your husband) as having been a Member of 2/30 Battalion, and as having been in that part of the Battalion, that was comprised in “F” Force on the "Death Railway" in Thailand, and for the local doctor, who has been looking after you (your husband) for Repat., to certify, that the conditions, which are described Noel's Report were such as had a debilitating effect on you, your husband, as to have been a cause for such sicknesses as you (your husband) has had and which were a cause of his death. That is the worst part of our fight; to get the link between the sufferings and sicknesses over there and the death. We feel that there has been early degeneration, Repat. M.O.’s do not accept it. They can't prove it has not, but don't give benefit of a doubt.

The disabilities which were described in Noel’s Report could be used by men, who were in other Forces, where it is able to be proved that the Japanese and Koreans acted in identical manner to those on “F" Force, although only "F" and "H”' Forces had remained with the administration from Changi and the guards on those two Forces not recognised as being within the jurisdiction of their fellow Nips on the line as regards supplies of food and medicine.

Some points to be observed in lodging a claim are outlined on page 1 of the Aug 1980 issue of Barbed Wire & Bamboo, under the heading, "The Importance of your Claim", where Lloyd Johnson says. "Firstly, because you were a P.O.W., it does not necessarily mean that a claim should be accepted, "particularly as the condition claimed may have a POST WAR origin.

Having said that, it is a purely personal matter to establish the validity of the claim in the first instance.

On the assumption that the condition is due to war causes (in your opinion), when making out your form, state in the broadest terms the nature of the condition claimed; i.e. BACK TROUBLE .... HEART CONDITION .... or whatever it may be. Do not be specific, because, as a layman, your chance of a medically accurate description may be the one reason why your claim is denied. (the use of the wrong medical term for what is wrong with you, in other words, will be against you; leave that to the Medical Men, if your local doctor is putting in supporting evidence for you.) ...support your views with a carefully compiled statement, supported by a Statutory Declaration from a friend .... Do this with your initial claim, as this is regarded as vital evidence.....The Members of the Board, that considers your claim in the first instance, require every assistance to arrive at their decision and every bit or evidence is important to them and to you."

Reconciliation Mass

Father Lionel Marsden was chaplain attached to 13 A.G.H. and sailed with that Unit from Sydney on 29/8/41 for Malaya. He was attached to "H" Force, when it went to Thailand to work on "The Railway".

"H" Force had a very heavy death rate, it was in the cholera region, but, even before they had their first cholera case, the Japanese were inhuman in their demands for numbers of men on the daily railway work. They allowed only a day and a half for camp work after arrival there, and on the third day the order came that the Jap wanted 500 out of 530 men in the party. The balance of 30 men in camp was hopelessly inadequate for all general camp duties, officers had to toil out on the cutting, 70 yards long by 10 feet wide and at its highest point 40 feet deep across the side of a hill, just the same as the other ranks. The condition of the men became progressively worse and up to 300 men was a common number of the Sick Parade, which rarely ended before 10.30pm. Sick and exhausted men were forced by the Japs to go out on the line to make up numbers and were treated by the guards as if they were fit and strong.

Father Marsden has related that, when the cholera was raging, it was a common thing for the Commanding Officer in the camp, Lt. Col.. Oakes, a few others and himself to go to the cemetery at 9 am to dig a grave for one man. Even before 10 am word could come that another cholera patient would have been taken to hospital. Father Marsden would leave his pick and shovel; return to the camp; give the Last Sacraments, if the lad was a Catholic and if not, say with him acts of Faith, Hope and Charity, Contrition and an act of love of God. Then back to the Cemetery to help increase the size of the grave. It happened that on one day he was recalled seven times to the camp, and by dusk they had made the grave big enough and deep enough for 8 of the victims. Then the Japs became so afraid of catching the disease themselves, that they insisted on burning of the bodies of the dead. He said that it was hard to know whether the work chopping up sufficient wood was a greater hardship or a more heart rending task than digging the graves.

Father Marsden said that 500 Australians under Lt. Col Oakes were in the particular camp, to which he was allotted. By Sept. 7, 1943, when about to evacuate the camp, he had buried approx. 149 of those Australians, and of a group of British sent to join them, 350 in number, towards the end of June, he had buried 150. During the last few days of work on the line only 50 men out of the combined Australian and British of 850 were able to work.

He termed it a veritable hell on earth, however, on the first Sunday after arrival, Mass was offered on a table, which had been hastily erected the previous day for an acute appendix operation, with Mass every Sunday thereafter, before work was commenced, and a daily Mass, whenever possible at any convenient time from six in the morning till 10 at night.

He was fortunate in obtaining one concession from the Japs, not granted to other chaplains. He was allowed to visit other camps, along the track, to which no chaplain was attached, and was, therefore able to bring the Sacraments to men, who otherwise would have been completely deprived of them.

He has phrased it, that "the men of "H" Force, having had the heart worked out of them by slave conditions, were just discarded and left to die".

He had the view, what a waste of life it had been, that so many men had died in Thailand, and that the only thing that would make their sacrifice worthwhile was that he, and other priests should go to Japan to take Christ to the Japanese.

In April 1949, he and 4 other Australian Marists set out for Japan to establish a Mission there, and it was not long afterwards that the Marist Japanese Mission League was set up.

The League helped with prayer and material gifts and to provide a hostel for university students; then some time later Marist Missionaries were given charge of parish areas and provided staff for kindergartens and other parish activities.

Father Marsden came back to Australia because of ill health and died in 1971 after a long illness from cancer.

ERROR - Again a reference to "MAKAN" 257. On pages 34 to 36 we reported on Father Lionel Marsden - "H" Force - and the Reconciliation Mass celebrated on 14/8/1980.

The Commanding Officer of "H" Force Australians was NOT "OKEY" BUT "OAKES". Major Douglas Okey of 2/18 Bn, the officer commanding "C" Company, later, the Australian Officer commanding the Australian Party on Blakang Mati, was not on the Line. It was Lt. Col. Rowley Oakes who was in charge of the 600 Australians, and was the 2/ic to the British Lt/Col Humphries, who commanded the whole 3270 on "H" Force. Accordingly on page 34, last para, line 3 substitute "Oakes" for "Okey" and on page 35, para 2, line 2 do the same, in "Makan" 257.

Stan Arneil and Garry Evans represented the Battalion at a Mass of Reconciliation in memory of Father Lionel Marsden at St. Patrick's (Catholic) Church, Grosvenor Street, Sydney on Church Hill, on the 14th August last.

The Mass was conducted by Japanese priests from Japan wholly in the Japanese language, although interpreters were present. The Mass was largely undertaken in a spirit of thanks for Lionel Marsden's missionary work in Japan.

Lady Galleghan was a Guest of Honour and was presented with a Japanese poem, especially composed for the occasion, and hand painted on a scroll of silk.

At the time of his death, the statement was made that he had sought to make it his aim to convert to Christianity one Jap for every sleeper on the railway. Kevin Ward has said that on his first leave back to Australia, after commencing the Mission he had commented that he had not quite converted the number that he had set himself. But on his second leave he had said that he had passed that original quota.

Gibraltar Hill

That name does not mean much to most of the Battalion but to D Company it does, because they had the task of building a track from the main Road to Jemaluang through the jungle in the early stages of our training in Malaya. That story is told in the Battalion History, and it relates there that one might one of the guards shot a prowling feline.

It was only recently that your scribe learnt that the guard, who fired the shot that night, was Alex Olley.

The men of the Company did not sleep on the ground in that camp, but made hammocks from supporting their groundsheets on sticks at each corner and in between. Then the sound of the .303 shot sounded through the still night, many of those sticks were broken, as men tried to get out of their blankets quickly. Len Hendy yelled out, "Who fired that shot?....I'm going to check on your record in the morning." Alex. explained that he saw 2 eyes gleaming in the dark, he did not know what it was, so he got the shot off.

In the morning, when Len Hendy checked on "Dadda's" record, he found it showed that he was a "crack" shot. No 1 as the Nips would say. It transpired that "Dadda" shot the animal alright, and Bill Dainton, the cook, came in on a part of the act, because Bill went down behind a log, just over from the camp and the civet cat, for that was what it was, was disturbed by him. Its last dying act was to go for him with claws out, so Bill suffered some bad scratches from those claws.

Japanese Propaganda Story of Their Movement Down Malaya

Here is a further item from the translation of the Jap. book, made available to us by "Blue" McDonald. It is interesting because it deals with the Jap. Troops, which were met by B Company in the Ambush.

The Bicycle Force

The bicycle force was one of the striking forces that made its appearance in the swift attack on the MALAYA Front. The roads on the MALAYA Front were highly developed in comparison with the China Front. They were made to order for the bicycle force. They accomplished their duty, independently, by pedalling through 1,100 km with a speed superior to that of the truck force.

Their record was no child's play. For instance, after the landing, the heat was unbearable and punctures were very frequent. It was not uncommon for one bicycle to have two or three punctures in one day. The heat caused the air in the tyre to expand and the tyre patches to fall off. Bicycle repair squads were organised in various units, but they were all busy beyond their capacity. In cases of puncture rubber trees were conveniently plentiful. Rubber liquid could be had by simply jumping into the rubber plantation with a small pocket knife in one hand. It was as if repair shops were lined along the road.

One of the difficulties of the repair squad was that during the advance usable pedals and chains had to be taken from broken bicycles along the road and kept as spares. No matter how much the burden increased, they had to fulfil their duty and exhibit their speed.

During the pursuit, there were occasions, when the tyres were thrown away and the bicycles ran on their rims. If time had been taken to patch the tyres, the enemy might have escaped. The noise of the metal rims running along the paved road was similar to that of the caterpillars of the tanks.

There is an interesting story of a bicycle force purposely removing the tyres of 4 or 5 of their leading bicycles during a night attack. The enemy retreated screaming, "Tanks. JAPANESE. Tanks." (????? Ed.)

The bicycle force also suffered from the jungles and swamp areas. There was one occasion when an advance was made through the waist high JOHORE swamps under enemy fire by grasping overhanging vines, trampling through the mangrove roots and carrying the bicycles high overhead.

In an emergency, an advance was made without bicycles. Five or six guards stayed behind and guarded 100 to 200 bicycles. After the battle, the bicycles were re-distributed to the fighting force. This was another big job.

The MALAYANS, INDIANS, and CHINESE in the vicinity, whose language we could not understand, were used to convoy the bicycles. One JAPANESE soldier would lead a bicycle force of mixed humanity of several hundred bicycles through a path in coconut grove with the Rising Sun ahead, a humorous picture of a scene in GREATER EAST ASIA.

Even if the roads were good, they were not always paved and level. During the course of the campaign, detours were made through rubber plantations and jungles. After a squall, the mud would stick to the tyres, the wheels would stop revolving and the bicycles would not move. When carried on the back, the feet would slip and everyone would fall into the swamps. It was a march full of tears and laughter.

The force raced the tank force for 24 hrs to cross the 80 km distance across NEGRI SEMBILAN State. The seats of the courageous warriors of the bicycle force were swollen red. (So that is the explanation why B Company had to deal with the bicycle force instead of trucks and tanks in the ambush. Ed.)

Other references were:- The vanguard force of this West Coast Advance Attack Group advanced fiercely, speeding along for 5 days without sleep or rest from the time they left KUALA LUMPUR on 12 Jan until the capture of MALACCA at noon on the 15th. (??? Ed.) 120 km were covered on bicycles on certain days. 60 km was the minimum distance covered in one day. This speedy bicycle force enduring the searching heat in the daytime, advancing steadily in the evening, breaking through the rubber plantations, flying through mud and carrying their bicycles across bridgeless rivers, gave the fleeing enemy no rest. This force was, indeed, an essential feature of the history of the MALAYA Campaign.

Again.- The West Coast Fighting Force, that stormed JOHORE State, reached the MUAR River line on the evening of the 15th. The leading bicycles of the Vanguard Bicycle Force reached MACHI, a village near the MUAR River, about 1200 (? the time is indistinct in the copy. Ed.) hrs on the 15th and defeated approximately 100 of enemy, who were deployed on the North edge of the village.

News, Views And Who's Who's

G.E.T. Johnson Wangan, Q'ld 4871 - C Company

Big Johnno's letter of early August commenced, "My activities are somewhat cramped, due to miserable weather, which we are experiencing this year. We did not get our usual wet season, when we usually get up to 10 ft of rain by end of March, but we have had quite a lot of nuisance rain, the sort that is not consistent, but just too heavy to get out to do anything for any length of time. We also have not had any winter, due to the rain, consequently I am getting about still in only a pair of shorts.

Heather and I will be at the Reunion at Tamworth. We will be driving something like 2,300 km each way to be in it.

In the last few months I have had Rod Anderson call. He stayed for dinner and it was good to have a yarn with him. Two weeks ago Athol and Thelma Charlesworth dropped in. Quite a lot was said in a short time. We will catch up with them at the Reunion.

We are in good spirits. Heather is much better health wise and, since I have stabilised at 12 stone, I'm on top of the world.

Till the Reunion in November, Cheerio. Your old mate, George, "Big Johnno"."

Harry Holden - Cooma, 2630 - B Company

Harry acknowledges, "I really enjoyed Anzac Day this year - it must be the best part of 20 years since I last marched in, Sydney. I had a marvellous day with my old "B" Company mates. The years sure rolled back for awhile.

Sorry to hear of Dutchy and Rita's troubles at the time of writing, and hope things are going well with others in the Battalion. Cheers to all, Your friend, Harry Holden."

Bruce Pratt - Bathurst, 2795 - D Company

Bruce says, "While rummaging through a stack of papers etc. collected, while living in the United Kingdom, I found two copies of "The Daily Telegraph", a paper printed in London, for the 24th and 31st December 1963. (Both papers showed photos of the burning Greek owned cruise