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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 saw 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 liner "Laconia", the renamed "Johan van Oldenbarnevelt", our old Troopship of 1941. It had been on an 11 day Christmas Sunshine Cruise from Southampton and was about 180 miles north of the island of Madeira at the time that the fire broke out. It was said that the ship, listing to starboard, appeared to have had its sides torn open by what appeared to be boiler explosions. A salvage tug had her in tow at the time that she sank, 250 miles south-west of Gibraltar, and the picture in the later paper showed her deck in her last moments, before she slipped under the water.)

We had a small gathering around the 8 Division Memorial, in front of the Civic Centre, at 3.15 pm on Sunday, 16 Aug, Marjorie and I had the pleasure of Noel Johnston's company at lunch, and he later gave an interesting and thought provoking address to the 30 or so members of 8 Div. and their families at the Memorial. Later all collected at the R.S.L. for a pleasant afternoon tea.

Bruce has an apology, "I have delayed replying while waiting on a letter from England confirming the precise date, when Marjorie's English Cousins will be visiting us for 3 weeks.
We have received letter now advising that they will be arriving on Friday, 21st November, so the pleasure, with which we have been looking forward to their visit, will be tinged with some sadness, in that we will not be able to make Tamworth that weekend.

Marjorie and I send Best Wishes to all those, who will be participating and apologise for our absence.

With kind regards, Yours sincerely, Bruce Pratt."

L.F. ("Darby") Young - Port Macquarie, 2444 - HQ Company

Darby reports, "Some time back my wife, Merle, planted some small bulbs at foot of a bush fern-tree in our back yard, at the same time warning me to steer clear from the area with the mower, when the plants appeared. This I managed to do, and one recent morning I was rewarded by the sight of a small clump of purple freesias, flanked by a similar small clump of gold. It was a lovely sight indeed. This reminded me that it is some time since I communicated with you.

I am looking forward very much to the Reunion in Tamworth.

Earlier in the year Merle and I had a short visit to London and Europe on a conducted tour and enjoyed it immensely. It was a case of "here they come - there they go!”. However we saw a lot of territory and were shown many interesting places. Apart from London and its surrounds (Oxford, Blenheim, Windsor) we went through Belgium, West Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland and France, and stayed in Singapore for a short while on the way back.

All the Best to All old Cobbers, Darby Young."

Barbara Lloyd - Hunters Hill, 2110 - C Company & 2/29

We are told that Barbara, wife of "Togo" Lloyd, is in touch frequently with those of the Battalion, giving service to Legacy, because she is an active worker in the Women's Auxiliary for Legacy. She also works with the Auxiliary at the Royal North Shore Hospital.

Major Bruce Hunt

Your scribe made a 'blue' in Makan 255 on page 48 in calling Bruce Hunt's wife, "Mabel". My thanks to Betty Eaton, who has told me, that her first name was 'Matel'. Betty also made the comment, that any of the chaps on "F" Force would see in John Hunt, the living image of his father, Major Bruce Hunt, even at his present age to the same appearance of hair, as John has the same balding now, as his father had.

Last Makan you were told that John is the proprietor of a Leather shop in Sydney. It is styled "Hunt Leather" and is situated C37 MLC Centre, Martin Plaza, and another one is in Melbourne. John's sister is at Monash University, Victoria.

Oscar Nagel

Does anyone remember Oscar Nagel? Your scribe was to post a letter at the Sydney G.P.O. and, moving along the colonnade facing the Cenotaph, received a beaming smile from one coming from the Pitt St. end, and the greeting, "2/30th, I see". A badge in the lapel and a tie, showing the flag. We stopped for a chat and I learnt that he was Oscar Nagel, who had been 2/30, and was transferred to 2/33 Bn. He himself was wearing a Legacy badge in his lapel; he said that he was frequently in touch with those of our boys who were in Sydney Legacy. It seems that he is a member of the Mosman/Lane Cove Group; represents them on the Sydney Co-ordinating Committee of which Bill Ennis is Hon. Secretary, and also works on Sydney Junior Legacy Committee.

Alice Larkin - St. Evans Head. 2473 - B Company (Wife of Stan and Brother of George Lister).

Alice brings us to date on news of both families, "I had a visit from George recently. He and his wife, Nessie, keep pretty busy in their shop. They have had Marie home for the school vacation, and my Jeff has been with me, both being schoolteachers.

Ray Lister is doing hie final year at Sydney University and Don is now in the R.A.A.F. The boys' older brother, Bill, is also in the Air Force at Butterworth, Malaysia, and has his wife and little daughter there with him. They will have been there 12 months in November.

My Jeff is still teaching at Bulahdelah and my other son, Mark commenced last November (after doing year 12) with the Public Transport Dept. in Sydney. At present he is at the Randwick Workshops and lives at Hurstville.

At present my old home is being demolished, so that a new one can be built on the same spot. I have had a few problems but things are beginning to iron themselves out at last.

It being Legacy Week, I recently attended a dinner at our local R.S.L. Club, and had a most enjoyable time.

At present it is very dry up this way, with plenty of dust and smoke.

George and I are both sorry to learn of the ups and downs, health wise, of his mates, (unfortunately none of us are getting any younger), and we hope that, by this, they are all feeling better.

George keeps reasonably well himself, but is very thin. He sends his Best Wishes to his mates.

Kind Regards to All, from Alice (Larkin)."

Alan Penfold – War Veterans' Home, Narrabeen, 2101

Alan says, "It's been quite a move to here, and we are very pleased, so far. Please note our phone here is 981.4462.

Our kind regards to All, please, Alan Penfold."

Dulcie Korsch - Grafton, 2460 - D Company

Dulcie writes, "As you can see, by my new address, I have moved in here.

When I get settled and have found new homes for all of my possessions, I'm sure that I will be most contented.

Yours sincerely, Dulcie Korsch."

Les Perry - Narrandera, 2700 - D Company

Les claims, "By hook or by crook I hope to be able to book in at Tamworth for the 22nd and 23rd November for the Reunion. I will book in for an extra day to recover from the festivities. It is a goal I pray that all our loyal friends of the 2/30 Battalion will achieve.

My wife, Margaret, had an operation in August and feels a lot better. She hopes that the doctor will give her the O.K. for her to go to Tamworth with me.

Our rains here, in the early part of September, just came in the nick of time, and now it is a pleasure to drive to Wagga and back, witnessing such nice green fields and such lush growth. We hope for backup rains to come.

Keith Mulholland had another rush to Hospital but was there only five days, and is hoping for better health to be able to go to Tamworth also.

Vic Hamlin is still busy with his caravans. He has been Senior-Vice President of the Narrandera Ex-Servicemen's Club over the past twelve months. It is a big club with a big business and he is kept very busy.

Margaret saw Rose Heckendorf at the Sept. Meeting of the VIEW Club. About 70 ladies attend a function at the Bowls Club one Tuesday every month. She said that Curly was taking her to Tamworth, along with Dave Dunleavy, who was with us in the early days and transferred to 2/15 Artillery, and Dave's wife, who is Matron of the Lockhart Hospital.

During the war I had a Tommy Gun and a reinforcement named Dick Newman was my deputy on Singapore Island. He used to live at St. George, Q'land. I did hear of the death of one R. Newman, but I have now seen that another R. Newman has turned up at Mermaid Waters on the Gold Coast, and I have hopes that he may be the same chap, whom I knew for such a short time, because I left Changi after three months there for Burma (the country of beautiful sunsets, if you felt in the mood to enjoy them).

I also see that Joe Noble has been mentioned a few times in "Makan". I hope to see him at Tamworth.

With best wishes, yours sincerely, Les."

Arthur G. Buckingham - Killarney Vale, 2261 - B Company

Word from Arthur is, "The weather at the moment, near the end of September, is just beautiful up here and I'm looking forward to some prawning this coming summer.

All the Best to the folk, Arthur Buckingham."

Ian Grace - Jannali, 2226 - A Company

Levine writes, "Ian was made T.P.I. at end of April this year. He is all geared up to go to Tamworth for the Reunion, and I hope that his health keeps O.K. for him to make it. You could say that, if the both of us were put into a copper or a sawyer, you wouldn't get a good pot of glue, but we've managed together and both happy that we are together after 36 years of our wedded bliss.

Looking forward to the trip, Your's faithfully, Levine Grace."

"Jock" McKenzie – Katoomba, 2780 - HQ Company Tspt

George, "Jock's" younger brother, tells us, "I am pleased to give you a very favourable report on him. The recovery he has made from his last stroke has been remarkable indeed. His speech has returned to a very high degree, and, in the last few weeks, since I brought him home from hospital, he has improved immensely. One of the main factors, I believe, was the wonderful care and treatment, which he received from the Doctor and the Nursing Staff at Katoomba Hospital. He talks very highly of them all.

We had a call from George ("Changi") Aspinall, and a phone call from Keith Broughton wishing Jock a speedy recovery.

Bill passes on his regards to all 2/30 Bn comrades, wherever they may be and wishes them all well.

Your's Sincerely, George Mackenzie J.P."

(Your scribe and June took a trip up to Katoomba on the 6 Hour Holiday, so that we could visit Jock, and can bear out George's comments. Jock is 78, come 79 early next January; a little bent forward about the shoulders, but sharing in the conversation and on a few occasions getting up, going into his bedroom to bring out some of his photos, one of which was an autographed one of "Black Jack", and not much wrong with his sprightly movements.

"Jock" had felt the loss of "Jock" Logan. He wished his family to know of his high regard for "Jock".

Any, wishing to visit Jock, will be assured of a good welcome. To reach Katoomba, it is on the Sydney side of the Railway Station, two streets along the By-Pass road and at right angles to the Railway line. If coming from Sydney turn off the Highway into the road opposite the Police Station, follow that road to its T-intersection with Camp Road, turn left along Camp Road and Albion St is on top of the next ridge; turn left again and the cottage is quickly reached. Travellers from the West, cross the overhead railway bridge and come along the By-pass road, the Ambulance Station may be seen two doors on the Sydney side of Albion St. as you reach it. Ed.)

Chum Farley - Moorooka, Q'ld. 4105 - B Company

Chum advises that though his wife, Ray, is not very well, she is battling on.

Jock Logan was a real Battalion man, if there ever was one. He was very proud of the 2/30. I did see quite a lot of him, when he was in Greenslopes and I did manage to visit him at the Broadbeach Nursing Home, just a few days before his passing. It was very obvious that his end was near and he could not speak but nevertheless I am sure that he knew me. It's quite sad, as I have no doubt that he would have lived for many more years, as he was, prior to being stricken, still a big strong and active man.

This year's Reunion at Ballina was a beauty. On Sunday Joe Johnson took us all 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. Of course I was very interested, 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 this home is of a very high standard indeed.

It was good to read of Ray Donald's visit to Sydney for Anzac Day. No doubt his meeting with Zipper Charlton and Darcy Pickard would have been a memorable occasion, that would be for sure.

I'm keeping well, will be 60 next year and just might give work away and cop "all that Superannuation" that the Media is always carrying on about. You never know, the Fund just might make a mistake and pay me, what the papers say, we get. Bet they don't though.

I won't be able to come to Tamworth, but I cam sure it will be a great event and that a good time will be had by all, who attend.

Has anybody seen or heard of Alex McWilliams lately? I think that he may live still at Wentworthville.

My regards and best wishes to all, Chum."

Ernie McNiven - Southport, Q'ld 4215 – A Company

Ernie confesses, "I'm not on the Gold Coast often enough now to know what is going on. Sometimes it is a month between visits, according to how the construction of the golf course is at the time.

Hope to see you at Tamworth. Regards, Ern."

L.R. ("Red") Hanlon - Queanbeyan, 2620 - B Company

Readers may remember that Billy Senior looked Dick up last year, but could not lay his hands on Dick's address to tell us at the time. Well we have it now, as in the heading to this paragraph, and sent a bundle of old "Makan" to Dick, who replied, "I was very pleased to receive the "Makans", which brought back lots of memories.

I haven't been to Sydney for quite a few years, as I receive treatment from Canberra Hospital. Billy Senior told you that I was now a T.P.I.

I was glad to hear of "Digger" Preen, but sorry about his troubles.

I will be unable to attend the Tamworth Reunion due to ill-health; maybe next time.

Our Best wishes to All, Joan & "Red" Hanlon."

Jack Fell – Cessnock, 2325 - B Company

Jack’s news is, "Have just returned from the Annual Ex-Ps.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.

It was not, until we went to book in at the office, that we found out, that Curly and Beatrice Hardman would not be coming. Unfortunately, Beatrice had fallen down at their home at Woy Woy a few days before leaving to go up and spend a few days with the Clunes. She went to the doctor, who said that it was nothing serious and, although still pretty, sore, she and Curley went up to Taree to the Clune's home.

The morning after arriving at Mitchell's Island she could not get out of bed, so Jack arranged for an ambulance to take her to the Taree Hospital, where they found that she had smashed her hip joint. She had to have an operation to renew the joint. We called in to see her on the way home, but we could not stay long, as she was having treatment. She was cheerful enough, and would, I feel sure, welcome any visitors."

Curly & Beatrice Hardman - Woy Woy, 2256 - HQ Company

Beatrice takes up the tale herself, "No doubt with the heading above you think that I am writing to you from Home, but no, we are still at "Paddles" home at Taree, but we are going home to Woy Woy the Saturday of the October Holiday weekend, providing that my Specialist agrees, and I see no reason why not.
Firstly, I would like to thank you and the men of the 2/30 for the Birthday Greetings and Get Well Wishes. It is most gratifying to know that others are thinking of you, and I’m sure, it helps very much in one's recovery.

Also, through "Makan", Curly and I would like to say, "Thank You" to Paddles and Una Clune for the help and encouragement, that they gave me, and for allowing Curly and me to make their home our Headquarters. We are most grateful, Paddles and Una.

What a turn-out and mess-up. I was to get away from Woy Woy, as I was told by my G.P. that with my Sciatica and Arthritis getting worse day by day, I should, and I ended up in Taree Hospital with a fractured hip.

Now, as they say in "Mechanical Circles", I've had a "Rebore etc.", New Hip replacement, and all that I've to do now, is get used to "it" and "it" to me.

It will take awhile, but after 6½ weeks in Hospital and 2 weeks here, I am getting about on a 4 pronged walker and, according to the Specialist and the Nurses, Physics etc., I'm doing well. I'm very slow in walking. The leg troubles me at times, but I've been warned about that. So now all that I've to do is to get back to normal, so as to be at Tamworth, after missing Ballina and Kempsey. What a disappointment that was, especially to Curly.

Now for some other News. We have another Patient at Taree. "Paddles" Clune is now incapacitated.

Paddles was out working, on the Saturday, (first day of a break with 3 days off) in the paddock, with tractor, equipment and assistance from Trevor, who does a lot of work for them here. The job was felling some trees and dragging them away. One of the trees, being towed by the tractor, hit a branch, which flew up, hit Paddles on the leg, and the result is that he has a fractured ankle.

Curly took Jack into the Hospital and after X-Rays etc, it's in a temporary plaster, till the swelling goes down. He has to see an Orthopaedic Man on the Wednesday and will most likely get it really plastered then. So he is really "champing at the bit” but he will be immobile for a while.

Well, there's Paddles on crutches and me hobbling with my walker. It looks a little like a "Convalescent Home". Curly is chief cook and bottle washer and Una is Farmer, while I do what I can. Una is kept busy. Mamma Pig gave birth to 17!! piglets. Can you imagine it - Bottles, teats etc?

Paddles was due to take some of his holidays next week. Now he'll have to take sick leave.

I had quite a few 2/30 Men to see me, whilst I was in hospital; Jack and Vera Fell, Georgina and "Joe" Geoghegan, Horrie and Zelma Cody on their way home from Ballina. Ted and Edna Skuse and Jack Newton of the locals, and Greetings on 2RE "R.S.L. Session". To all of them my most grateful Thanks. It was lovely of them. My Thanks also to Jim and Margaret Morgan from Port Macquarie, we had a lovely day with them at the Port yesterday. Margaret would be one of the best, and I mean that, fisherwomen on the Coast. At the moment she is beating the men hollow in the Fishing Competition.

The Ladies Aux. of Taree R.S.L., and the Sub-Branch Men also visited me. So I had some good company with very thoughtful people.

Curly goes in to Sydney Hospital for a check-upon 13th Oct., but I'm quite positive that he will be A1.

I will close with Best Wishes to all the Men of the 2/30 and I'm looking forward to that wonderful Reunion in Tamworth in November. Hoping that it will be a great success,

from Curly and Beatrice Hardman."

Keith Williams - West End, Brisbane, Qld 4101 – A Company

Word came down from the Ballina Re-Union that Keith was in Greenslopes A.G.H. Lesley says, "I am glad to report that he is out of Greenslopes now, 2nd Oct and recovering very well, with thanks due to the Specialist and the whole staff and doctors at the Hospital.

I have been asked to send you a money order for the Life Membership of the Association. Then in came another letter and Keith adds, "I'm sorry that I've neglected the Boys for so long, and it's good to hear that so many are getting along so well. I'd really like to meet up with you all again. (See what you can do to getting down to Tamworth, Shorty. The Boys reciprocate your wish to see you too. Ed.)

After reading the Makans they brought back many old memories of long ago.

I’ve worked on the Brisbane City Council for just on 25 years and I've really enjoyed the best of health, until lately, and that was unexpected but what's to be is to be.

Good Luck to All, Keith (Shorty) Williams.

(Keith's Mother lives in Goonellabah, and Keith has a cousin, Mrs. Alan Davis, who lives at Tregeagle and to when she hears news of the family goes in to Goonellabah to relay it to Mrs. Williams. Another cousin is Jack Matthews of Don Company, 17 Platoon, 6 Section, he lives at Beenleigh and is listed in the address book).

Les Melrose - Matraville, 2036 - HQ Company

Les paid a visit to Cappy Bligh at Vaucluse the other Saturday. Cappy was the first Armourer for the 2/30 Bn and was with us at Tamworth, though he left us and Mick Lovell took his place.

Cappy's eyes are no good, as he has had an operation for Glaucoma, developed cataracts on both eyes after the earlier operation, and had them operated on in turn, but he has to be guided, when out of doors, and is unable to read to pass away the time indoors. He and Ruth, his wife, are away in Western Australia over the month of October; they left on the Tuesday after the 6 hr. Day Weekend.

Les commented that the outlook from Cappy's flat out over the Harbour, especially over to Watson's Bay, was glorious in the sun, but it is a view that Cappy cannot see. It brought back many pleasant memories to Les. He says that he used to take part in sailing 18 footers before the war, and had his capsizes like a lot of others. He reckons that it is an excellent sport. On one occasion he took a girl, who was working at the Paper Mills with him, he said, and during the race, with some of the activities not being just right some of the crew commenced swearing. Les called on them to cut it out, "There's a lady on board." But to Les' surprise, she was a good sport and, at her seat in the stern, called out, "Don't worry about me, if swearing is going to help you win the race, I'll swear with you".

Magic must have been in the air, or she proved a good mascot, because they did win. It was the first race that they had won, and they had the trophy presented to them at the Town Hall.

Les tells me that as far as his own family is concerned, the son, who is living at Banksia, has a boy and 2 girls. His other son, Warwick, has commenced his practice teaching at

Liverpool School in his Physical Education.

Stop Press – Last Post

NX30253 Cpl. Philip Thomas James Paget

Died on Sunday, 26th Oct. 1980 in Concord Hospital. A Funeral Service at Christ Church of England, Old Guildford on the following Wednesday Morning was succeeded by a cremation service at Pine Grove Crematorium, where Members of his Granville Sub-Branch and 7 of the Battalion (3 being from his B Company) paid tribute in his last parade.

NX4699 Pte. A.D. Holcombe (C Company) is in the List of "Last Post" in "REVEILLE" Nov/Dec 1980 issue.

Stan Arneil - Collaroy, 2097 - A Company

Stan confessed the other night, that he was in hot water with Dorothy. She was going crook at him because he had omitted to tell your scribe that their youngest daughter had presented hubby with a son and their first grandson.

If my memory serves me aright Stan was not the one to announce the arrival of the first babe to Dorothy and Stan. It was Reg. Ellis, who apparently got Cecilie to type the news as an addition to "MAKAN" on that important month's issue. "Happy Days to all, from the Boys of the Battalion, "

Stan did tell me though that Dorothy had had a small operation to each of her hands, but was out of hospital and at home. (We trust that you have continued betterment, Dorothy, Ed)

Ron Chipps - Roseville, 2069 - C Company

At last one of our correspondents from Perth has let us know the reason for some of Ron's trips to that city. His son, Jim, is said to be a Presbyterian Minister, and a delightful fellow to meet and to listen to, when he's speaking.

Stan Grainger - Caboolture, Q'ld, 4510 - C Company

We are sorry to learn that Mrs Mary Kathleen Watt, Mother of Colleen, has died and was buried at Moreyfield in the Tweed Heads Area.

Karl Sinclair - Armidale, 2350 - D Company

Edna has been back in Tamworth with Daughter, Helen Penman. Jolyon is getting on quite well at Mullumbimby, and his eldest daughter is in her final year of Nursing. She is training at St. Vincent's, will have her exams in April next, and will stay on there another four months, before she makes a move elsewhere.

Reg Quinton - Canterbury, N.S.W., 2193 -HQ Company, Mortars

Joe Geoghegan has been playing Mail Courier on days, when he lends a hand with the "Makan" posting. Reg has been one on whom he can call on the way home and only about a quarter of a mile from it. Reg writes "Hoping to meet some of the Boys in the near future. Please find enclosed cheque for Badge and Life Membership.

Your's faithfully, Reg Quinton."

Kel Anderson - Dubbo, 2830 - C Company

Kel commences, "Just a line to let you know that we are all well up here, though it is very hot, and things are beginning to look bad, as we do need rain.

My wife, Pearl, and I have been very busy, as our two daughters married this year, Sharon in January and Cheryl in August.

Pearl and I went up to the Ballina Reunion in August, taking Jack Ferris with us. We stopped the night in Tamworth and went to see our old C Company Sergeant, Wal Eather and his wife, Freda, who made us very welcome.

We went on next morning to Ballina, obtained rooms at All Seasons Motel, cleaned up and went to the R.S.L. Club for tea. We were made very welcome by that many, that it is hard to mention names, still there were Sid Jameson and Joe Johnston and their wives of the locals, Arch Craig, Tom Grant, Chum Farley, Jack Matthews, Kevin Ward, some of the visitors.

Sunday was spent on a visit to the Home for Returned Servicemen, where they had just finished the Hospital Section. A beautiful place.

I am enclosing the Menu Card, which we had at the 1st Anniversary Dinner at Batu Pahat, and a photo taken in Singapore of some of the C Company Boys.

Hoping to see you at Tamworth. My Regards to All the Boys. Kel Anderson."

(Both Kel's Mementos are worthy of treasuring, since on the Menu are signatures of many, who are no longer with us, 7 only being alive now of a total 34 names; whilst Kel himself is the only one alive of the 4 in the snapshot, which shows Tommy Dare, Freddy Breese, Harry Earea and Kel pouring boiling water down the barrels of their rifles, somewhere in Malaya, 1941. Ed)

"Porky" Moore - Belmore, 2192 - B Company

Porky says that he was very busy in August on T.P.I. activities, in that that Association has obtained a grant of an area of land at North Head on 99 year lease for a home for old T.P.I. Pensioners. As he says, "where they may last out the remaining years of their lives".

Jack Green - Lakemba, 2195 - HQ Company, Tspt Platoon

Jack says he may claim to have been the last to deliver a letter to General Gordon Bennett, before the General pulled out of Singapore. He had been sent to deliver a letter to him from Indian H.Q. at the Cathay. The General read the letter, had a reply typed. Gave it to Jack, at the same time wishing him all the luck in the world, saying, "We're pulling out tonight." The letter, which the General gave him had to be taken to O/C Air Force, Katong Airfield. At the airfield he was asked to take a wounded officer to the Hospital at Katong, where on going in through the gates, all weapons had to be surrendered to the guard, but on departing Jack did not get either his rifle or his revolver. He had to go to the Cathay Theatre, where one memory which remains with him, is that of a child mother of 17 years of age, a Chinese, being delivered of a baby, in the throng on the ground floor at the time when the Cathay was being bombed. He was ordered to take one of two trucks with thirty men, declared to be fit, in each, to the Gardens, but when he arrived, where they were supposed to be parked, the two trucks had disappeared. He took a car that had been dumped, and eventually came to where the Battalion was placed, prior to marching out to Selarang.

Jack is not able to march on Anzac Day, because of his leg and heart condition, but his son lives in the street behind him in Lakemba. Last Anzac Day a grandson proudly wore Jack's medals in Sydney.

Ron Stoner - Attadale. W.A. 6156 - B Company

Ron had let us know earlier, that he was visiting old haunts in the East here in September, so it was not unexpected to hear his voice over the phone. There were several family visits for him to make. He had had several brothers, you may remember that he himself was a Manager in the National Bank; one brother had been Manager of the A.N.Z. in Parramatta and retired to go to Brisbane, another brother in Brisbane was also ex-National Bank Manager; William had been in Canberra, and had died there, but his family were still there. All in all, when Ron set about making a tally he had 28 nephews and nieces. That does not take into account Dot's numerous relatives. So they did not have much spare time.

They spent one day in the City on their arrival from Perth, then took themselves to Palm Beach for cooler sea breezes than Sydney had to offer. A trip to Parramatta and a flight to Brisbane. An Avis car was rented and they came down south with stops at Tenterfield, Grafton, his old home town, his Dad had put the banker's blood in his boys, he managed the National Bank there for some time. Laurieton was the next stop and he was back in Sydney, and meeting up with this nephew, this niece and that one. Came 14th October and he and Dot were booked for the morning flight from Mascot for Perth, but after the leisurely pace of Perth traffic, he did not bank on what traffic they met travelling from Hornsby, where they had been staying. They were 5 minutes late for the plane, and had to poke around Sydney for the day, waiting for the evening plane.

Ron says that, if any of the Battalion would like to own a copy of "Blood on the Rising Sun" by John A. McGregor of 2/4 M.G. Bn; (the story of an escape from Changi to Johore and of the writer's incarceration in Outram Rd. Gaol, from which a determination to beat the Japs, allowed McGregor to get back to Australia after the Japanese Capitulation), Ron can get a copy for you, and have it autographed by the Author, and proceeds of the book's sales go to War Veterans' Homes.

Billy Douglas - Ashfield, 2131 - B Company

We have another first time grandfather. Billy's daughter, Marilyn, now has a baby daughter, Jodie Lee, and it goes without saying, of course, but is he proud?

Bill regrets that he won't be at Tamworth, and extends apologies to his old comrades, but he has his two licenses for training his own greyhounds and for Kennels, so that he can look after other peoples greyhounds, but more importantly he has 2 Maiden Dogs (regulars will know what that means) all ready to go but give him another month and he'll have papers and naming fixed, and be more capable of assessing their likely performances to be able to offer his tip as to how they are likely to perform. His enthusiasm is evident as he speaks. He holds the scales at 13½ stone. As he says, all solid muscle and no wonder with his dog training, and he cannot afford even a beer a day.

Billy is another of the Battalion, to be interested in George White's reference to Jim Strang's Father teaching him at Hurstville. Billy says that he was under Jim's Father too; he said that he lived in Caledonian St. Bexley at the time, and had Hurstville Tech. as his secondary school; he also named Ray Streatfeild as one, who used to join him on the way to the Tech. (Talking to Ray, he remembered that Jim's Father had had the arm off in the 1st World War on the opposite side to Jim's loss, but despite this loss, he was 'Dead-eye Dick' with the chalk. Anyone in the class talking misbehaving or not paying attention in any way, would get hit by a piece of chalk, and it could be thrown from anywhere in the room and still be on target.)

Tom Grant - Murwillumbah, 2484 - C Company

Tom declares, "Keith McFarlane keeps going, sticks at it. How, I could not say.

Stan Grainger was unable to be at Ballina this year. According to reports he was sick at the time, duodenal ulcer.

All is well here at the moment, I trust the same goes for all down South. My Regards, Tom Grant."

Jack Fell - Cessnock, 2325 - B Company

Jack remarks, "I've just returned from a couple of days at Jack Clunes' place. I have had my grand-daughter up from Melbourne for the school holidays and Jack was good enough to let me take her up there for a couple of days, so that she could have a ride on some of Una's horses.

Curly Hardman is still up there, as Beatrice is still in Hospital. We went to see her a couple of times. She seems to be doing well and expects to be home soon.

The day before we came home, Horrie Cody and Tom, his brother, with their wives, came out to spend the day before returning home to Bomaderry and Orange, respectively.

'Very and I, Jack and Una Clune, Curly and Beatrice Hardman have booked in to the Magnolia Motel for the Tamworth Reunion. It is reasonably close to the Golf Club.

Will see you on the 19th October at Bankstown R.S.L. Club for the Bowls Match against their Bowlers. That day is our 40th Wedding Anniversary. My Regards to All, Jack Fell."

Des Gee - Moonee Ponds, Vic. 3039 - HQ Company, Carriers

Des, one of our early enlistments for Tamworth has had to drop out, as Shirley is not too well; she has osteoarthritis troubling her. (Our Best Wishes, Shirley, and hopes for good treatment to ease things. Ed.)

Bob Dickson - New Lambton, 2305 – HQ Company, Carriers

Bob has been brought down from Newcastle to Concord; the Doctors have worked out a new method for treatment to his leg and he's ready to let them see, what they can do.

Harry Teasdale - Lismore, 2480 - D Company

Good reports have come that Harry is better and the therapy has made improvements to his speech. It just shows how he has stuck to it over the years, and how Flo's good care has helped him to make the grade. Good work, Mate.

Ege Wightman - Bega, 2530 – HQ Company, Carriers

Ege is in the field for Tamworth. He and Dorothy will be leaving Bega early Friday morning and drive through to reach Tamworth during the Friday evening. He says that he's looking forward to seeing old mates again.

Keith Chapman - Regents Park, 2143 - A Company

Chappie has had quite a bit of trouble going it and out of Hospital. He was on the operating table for kidney transplant, but the M.Os found that Chappie's blood circulation was not A1, and that had to be cleared up before the big op. could go ahead.

Chappie's stay in Hospital was to be prolonged somewhat, as he had a heart attack, the best place that he could be for immediate treatment. It is not his first attack. (We hope that you are on the mend now, Chappie. Ed.)

"Digger" Preen - Umina, 2257 - HQ Company

"Digger" has need to go to Concord for testing, however he hasn't been able to make it, each time he's been due to go, he's not been well enough at that time.

He is now a grandfather. Son, Charlie, was presented by his wife, Betty, with a baby girl, and according to Digger the little one had put on 13 oz in the fortnight after she was born.

Alex Olley - Larnock Via Lismore, 2480 - D Company

Alex Olley was in Lismore Base Hospital in Makan 254, we missed him in the Hospital List last time, but he was still there at the time of the Ballina Reunion and Joe Geoghegan and Kevin Ward looked him up in the Clinic at the Base. Word has been received that he is now back on the farm, and has improved to the extent, that Mary has him planning a new fowl house and run for the chickens. (Best of Luck, Dadda. A.D.)

Jimmy Webster - Merewether, 2291 - B Company

A little of news from Ballina Reunion on Jim's family is that his daughter, who used to live at Tamworth, is back in the Newcastle Area, as her hubby, Detective Sergeant at Tamworth had received promotion and a transfer down to there.

Harry Riches - Brunswick Heads, 2483 - HQ Company, Transport

We have received the sad news that Harry's younger, brother, Tony, died on 12th October and, his funeral took place on the following Tuesday, 14th October. I am sure everyone will sympathise with Marry and Dot in this parting.

Ernie Willis - Parkes, 2870 - HQ Company, Transport

Elsie states, "I really don't know where to commence. Firstly thanks for my gift of beautiful carnations. I still have the tube container and will put a fresh flower in it and think of you all and thank you very much.

I must admit that I have been very ill, 5 weeks, with one week in orange Base Hospital too. Ern has been standing up to all these weeks very well.

November is still too far away at this stage to say any thing about Tamworth, but if in any way possible Ern will be there. I thought at one stage it was a slight stroke, but that has been ruled out. All nerve muscles collapsed, (No legs or arms). I can only say thank goodness I'm home and Ern can relax again.

One thing I would like to do would be to meet once again 'The Tamworth Men'. Remember my week, 2nd honeymoon I think they called it.

If we don't make it, we can only say, May the Lord keep you All in good spirits and health and many happy days ahead.

Thanking you once more for your kind thoughts, it gave me a good boost of Cheer, I can assure you.

Your's faithfully, Elsie and Ern Willis."

George Cambourne - Lithgow, 2790 - HQ Company, Mortars

A very welcome note from George, "Please find enclosed cheque for Life Membership etc., as set out. (Thankfully received, George, and will be faithfully applied. ED.)

I have been out of touch with members of the 2/30 Bn for too many years, Phil Bailey is the only one with whom I'm in touch.

I am saddened by the deaths of my former mates of the Mortar Platoon and others from the rest of the Battalion.

I would like to hear from any member of the Mortar Platoon, as we are all commencing to grow old.

I have a wonderful family consisting of my wife, five sons and one daughter. Only one of the sons is married and my daughter, and those two have come up with 2 grandsons and one grand-daughter.

I am on 100% Pension, but life is treating me fairly well, with a few ups and downs.

With my Best Wishes to All Members of the 2/30 Bn, I remain, Your's Sincerely, George, Cambourne."

"Curly" Hardman - Woy Woy 2256, - HQ Company, Transport

Well you really would think that, after what you had read about Beatrice's difficulties, she should not have any more troubles wished on her. BUT YES. SHE'S BACK IN HOSPITAL.

Curly rang and let your scribe know that they had returned home from Taree, and Beatrice had turned round suddenly in the kitchen, when wanting to get something, and the other hip joint, to that, in which she had had the other break, also broke. The medico's now have the thought that there may be some side effects from some medicines, which Beatrice has been given, and so it is hoped that, if that is so, they may ascertain one other medicine, which will have a counterbalancing effect to strengthen the bones.

Our Best Wishes to you, Beatrice. Here’s, hoping that the medico's get you on your feet soon.

We also wish you better luck too, Curly. Will you be able to make Tamworth?

Fred Butt - Terrigal, 2260 - C Company

Fred's wife's, Paddy, has not been in the best of health for quite some time. Ray Kelly (2/20 Bn.), who is Mick Lovell's brother-in-law, reporting in "Barbed Wire & Bamboo", October issue, on the Annual Reunion and Bowls Afternoon, of the Central Coast Branch of the Ex-P.O.W. Association, , includes "GET WELL" wishes to Paddy in his notes.

On behalf of the Lads of the Battalion and their families, Paddy, we also extend to you their BEST WISHES too.

Northern Rivers Branch (Ex-P.O.W. Association of N.S.W.) - Annual Reunion on 15th Nov. at Grafton

With our own Battalion Reunion at Tamworth on the weekend after this one at Grafton, not every one will be able to be at the two, Harry Rhodes will be glad to see those who can make it, come along, but wants you to let him know, for catering, by Friday, 7th Nov. if you are to attend at Grafton.

He was re-elected Secretary/Treasurer of that Branch at their Annual Meeting on August 15, and according to our calculations he has been in this position, since he was elected to it in 1967, without a break. Would this, be correct, Harry?

Tom Davis was also re-elected to the position as President at the same Meeting, and we commend them both for their good work.

Arthur Isaacs - Bankstown, 2200 - D Company

How many of our chaps have developed cataracts on their eyes? Your scribe has been told that Arthur is troubled by two with one more advanced than the other, that he has had problems with his eyes, since his discharge. He is not able to drive the car, of course, Our Reporter said that the chap, for whom Arthur was working, had sold his business, but the new owners had been very sympathetic and had given him every help that they could to keep him with them.

Alan Hudson - Tottenham, 2873 - D Company

Another one with cataracts. Alan had come to Sydney to meet his wife, who had been on a trip overseas for the previous three months. He had taken the opportunity to look in on Lloyd Cahill for an examination of his eyes and had been told that he had the cataracts.

Alan said, that he had a trip to South Australia and he had contacted our three men there, Bob Howells, Cec Plews and Alf Savage by phone, when he was down in Adelaide,

He said he had been in touch with Brian Hickson's son, also named Brian, when he was in Parkes, from which he had gone to Fiji, but was now back in New South Wales at Emu Plains, and he was employed as an Electrical Engineer in that district.

Ernie Willis - Parkes, 2870 - HQ Company, Transport

Ernie is anxious to make the Reunion at Tamworth, but he rang on 19th September, to say that he had Elsie in Hospital at that time, but hoped, that she would be able to come with him. He would not be able to say what their arrangements would be, so like Ben Pearce, he is likely to be a late starter.

Speaking of his bowling, Ernie said that he has playing since 1949. He also said that if any of the Battalion Bowlers play with the Randwick Club, or visit there, Maurice Willis, one of their Greenkeepers is Ernie's nephew.

Granville R.S.L. Club - Western Suburbs Branch Ex-P.O.W. Association Annual Reunion

12 September was the evening for this Reunion and Joe Geoghegan was one of the organising Committee. He formed a party of 23, with 21 of them 2/30 Bn and Ernie Ross's friend, who had been in the Middle East and caught up in Crete. The food was excellent, more than the 250 or so could handle. The Guest Speaker gave an interesting talk on formation of 2/3 Artillery Unit, but he did not get to talking of his P.O.W. experiences, because he ran out of time.

Kel Anderson - Dubbo, N.S.W. 2830 - C Company

A short letter from Kel. He is looking forward with great anticipation to the Tamworth Reunion, and ends, asking, "Please give my regards to all my mates, Kel.”

Gordon "Doover” Brown - Mosman, 2088 - A Company

A letter from Gordon and he says, "The years are rolling by rather quickly now, and I am glad to be able to say that generally, all is well.

As I will not be at Tamworth, please pass on my regards to any of "A" Company. Gordon."

Cec Palmer - Scone, 2337 - HQ Company, Signals

Cec reports his ups and downs, "Scone missed out on the rain that fell earlier in October in other parts of the Hunter Valley, only receiving 15 points, but, as I am writing on 24th Oct. it is raining very well. We have had 80 points of rain from 10 am in just over a 3 hour stretch.

We have had water restrictions in Scone and Aberdeen. Our water is a pumped from the bed of the Hunter River at Aberdeen where the Hunter River Board has a stainless steel sieve buried in gravel, from which the water is pumped through a 12" Fibro Main for 3 miles into the Aberdeen Reservoir, and then a further 4 miles to the Scone Reservoir.

It looks as though the holes in the sieve are getting blocked, preventing enough water being obtained to keep the two towns going. The pumps were delivering water at a maximum rate of 120,000 gallons per hour, but the rate is down now to a minimum of 70,000 gallons per hour.

I planned to put in 150 tomato plants this year, and used milk cartons to set 160 of them, so as to make it easy to effect the transplant after the frosts, but, unfortunately, I had to take Jean to the Diabetic Clinic in Newcastle for a week, and the rotten things all died, except for only 14. I put them out, but so far there is not a sign of a tomato.

Oh well, I suppose it is those Dead Chinamen again!

The way things look, at the moment, I do not think that I will be able to make Tamworth. Jean is almost totally blind, she cannot even see me, when I am standing in front of her, and my blood pressure is acting like a yo-yo. My apologies to them but, All the Best to All the Lads, Cheerio, Cecil."

Supplement with "Makan" No 257 Oct/Nov 1980 - 2/30 Battalion Association

40th Anniversary of Formation

• Please Read Carefully.
• After the recent “B.J.” Bowls Day this list was compiled as AT 20 OCTOBER.
• We apologise to those wives who had their names omitted from earlier list (Makan 255) due to a misunderstanding.
• This list is as complete as we can make it, bearing in mind information has come to Alan Pryde, Wal Eather (Tamworth), Jack Black, Alex Dandie and others.
• Please note that many surnames on list are those of relatives, friends, of members.
• If your name is not on this list and you are intend to be at Tamworth please contact us urgently.

ALLARDICE, Steve & Gwen
ANDERSON, Kel & Pearl
ARNEIL, Stan
ASPINALL, George
BAILEY, Phil
BICKNELL, Tom & Fay
BLACK, Jack
BLOMFIELD, Alf (Curly) & Olga
BLOW, Stewart & Ruth
BOSS, Jack & Cecilie
BRENNAN, Harry & Joyce
BROWN, Ray & Marion
BUTT, Fred & Paddy
CAMPBELL, Bruce
CAREY, Jack & Phil
CHARLESWORTH, Athol & Thelma
CHATFIELD, Jack & Irene & Marion
CHIPPS, Ron & Florence
CLUNE, Jack & Una
CODY, Horace & Zelma
CODY, Ron (Bull) & Doris
COLLINS, Jack & Iris
CONN, Jack & Agnes & Christopher
CRISPIN, Ken & Joan
DANDIE, Alex, June, Daphne
DICKINSON, Arch & Pat
DONALD, Ray
DUNLEVEY, David & Gwen
EASTON, Bob
EATHER, Wal & Freda
ENNIS, Bill & Doreen
FELL, John & Vera
FERRIS, Jack
FERRY, Arnie
FORD, Bruce
FORRESTER, Harley
FORWARD, Frank (Ken) & Mollie
FREW, David & Cheryl
GALLEGHAN, Lady Persia
GEIKIE, Nugent
GEOGHEGAN, Joe & Georgina
GIBBS, Thelma
GILBERT, Allen
GODBOLT, Ray & Mavis
GOUGH, George
GRACE, Ian & Levine
GRAINGER, Stan, Colleen, Stephen
GRANT, Tom & Norma
GREER, Bruce & Billie & Son
GROUNDS, Sid & Isobel
HALL, Les & Gladys
HALL, Sam & Joan
HARDMAN, Curly & Beatrice
HECKENDORF, Heck (Curly) & Rose
HEDWARDS, Con
HEMMING, Les & Dorothy & 2 Sons
HENDERSON Dick & Florence
HENDY, Pam
HICKS, Doug & Beryl
HILTON, Mick & Mona
HOLLAND, Dutchy
HUDSON, Allan and wife
HUME, Fred & Peg
HUMPHREY, William
HUNTLEY, Neil
JOHNSON, George (Big Johnno) & Heather
JOHNSTON, Fred & Jean
JOHNSTON, Fred & Jean
JOHNSTON, Joe & Sybil
JOHNSTON, Noel & Janet
JONES, Keith & Thora
JONES, Sluggo & Sheila & Peter
JONES, Thelma
KEARNEY, Des & Thelma
KINSELA, George & Etta
KRECKLER, John
LAING, Ron & Sandra
LATTIMER, Clarrie & Cora
LAWTY, Ted & Gwenda
LEE, Norm
LEONARD, Vince
LOVELL, Mick & Gwyneth
McDONALD, Frank
McFARLANE/HOWARD Tom & Phillip
McGOLDRICK Jim
McKENZIE, Don & Daphne
McLELLAN, Lance
McNIVEN, Ernie & Phyl
McQUILLAN Allan & Sharon
MACIVER, Don & Betty
MACLAY, Jack
MADDEN, Ross
MARTIN, Carl (Kingie)
MATTHEWS, Jack & Olive
MICHELL, Ray & Tup
MILNER, Reg
MORGAN, Jimmy
MORRISON, Bob & Enid
MULHOLLAND Keith & Ruth
MUSGROVE, Sid & Rita
NEWMAN, Bob
NOBLE, Andy & Betty
NOSSITER, Reg & Pat
O'DONNELL, Col, Kathleen, John
OLDFIELD, Peter
OLDKNOW, Dal
OLIVE, Chris & Margaret
PARRY, Ken & Betty
PEARCE, Colin & Irene
PENFOLD, Alan & Marjorie
PERRY, Les & Margaret
POWER, Artie & Nancy
PRYCE, Ian & Olga
PRYDE, John (Alan) & Betty
RICKARDS, Ray & Vera
RILEY, Nev & Lorna
ROBERTSON, Stuart & Joy
SCHOFIELD, Phil
SCHUMACHER, Don & Monica
SCOTT, Wally & Angela
SIMMONS, Ray & Leila
SMALL, Jimmy & Frances
SORENSON, Bill & Flo
STEPHENS, Sid & Joan
SWEENEY, Ron (Rogo) & Gwen
THORBURN, Arch & Daphne
TRAPMAN, Ivor & Carol
VEIVERS, Joe & Norma
VENN, Allan & Mollie
WALSH, Padre Paddy
WALSHE, Jim & Bev
WARD, Kevin & Dorothy
WARTON, Alan & Elsie
WEBB, Frank & Ellen
WELLS, Bob & Betty
WIGHTMAN, Ege & Dorothy (Dottie)
WILLIS, Ernie, Elsie, Maurice
WILSON, Doc & Clover
WINTERS, Fred, Jean, Janeen
YOUNG, Darby
MASTON, Ron & Gretta

• Unfortunately some of those listed will not be at Tamworth for various reasons. We have heard with regret of the illness of Elsie Willis and Beatrice Hardman. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
• Don F. Garner and Des Gee, who had hoped to attend, now send apologies because of family circumstances. No doubt there will be others who cannot make it.
• No old comrade (or widow) will be turned away from the various functions even if a booking has not been made.
• Should you not be able to cover the cost of the reunion dinner ($11) or barbecue ($4) just mention the fact to any member of the organising committee. Any request will be completely confidential.
• We hope to set up a "Registration Desk" (probably at the Country Comfort Motel) on Friday 21 in the early evening and Saturday 22 in the morning. You will be able to pay outstanding money at the "desk" and this will help to reduce the expected congestion at the Golf Club.
• Lastly. If for some reason you do have to pull out MAKE SURE to CANCEL YOUR ACCOMMODATION DIRECTLY - and as quickly as possible to minimise the booking fee.
• We look forward to seeing you at Tamworth.

Confirmation of intention to attend is still urgently required from the following:

SPEERS, Jimmy & wife
ROBERTS, Len & Margaret
PYLE, Max
NEWTON, Jack
HAMLIN, Vic
REEVES, Ray
FRENCH, Harold

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