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Back to 1982 index or Main Index Makan No. 264 Official Journal 2/30 Bn. A.I.F. Association
Subscription Rate for Makan per year for both Life and Annual Members: $4.50
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY: Thursday, 1st
April - Friday, 16th
April – Sunday, 25th
April – Thursday, 6th May
– Tuesday, 18th May
– Thursday, 1st
June – Thursday, 2nd
June – Wednesday, 23rd
June – 17th October - Saturday, 20th
November SICK PARADE: Kevin Ward reports that those, who have been in hospital since last report, and in some cases are still there are: Ross Madden, Nugent Geikie, Edgar Dengate, Alf Austin, Des Duffy, Ted Bahnsen, Henry West, Gordon "Digger" Preen, Harry Brown. Don't forget to get the Admission Clerk at Concord to note on your papers, that you are 2/30 Bn., so that this information goes on the computer. Don't forget to ring Kevin Ward when you are sick. BATTALION TIES: REMINDER: SOME OF THE NEW BATTALION TIES ARE STILL AVAILABLE. YOU WILL NEED ONE FOR ANZAC DAY, AND OTHER OCCASIONS OR JUST FOR EVERY DAY WEAR. SO ORDER NOW FROM ALEX. DANDIE. JUST $8 EACH, POST FREE. A GREAT TIE AND GREAT VALUE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF MONIES RECEIVED: The sub-headings under this section will show Members' names under the sub-heading to which you have asked for your funds to be used, and that we will be dealing with them as set out. We again remind Next of Kin of our Deceased Members, who send in monies for donations, stamps, "Makan" Membership etc., that we are grateful to you for doing this "Naughty but Nice" action. We accept them gratefully because of the thought behind the action, BUT we DO NOT EXPECT YOU to do it. We like to keep in touch because of our feelings towards deceased comrades and it is still our privilege to send you "Makan". We thank you and will make our acknowledgements to you in the listing, as with all receipts. (Jock) NEW LIFE MEMBERS: E.P. (Mick) Hilton MAKAN SUBS & DUES: Arnie Ainsworth, George Aspinall, Alf Austin, Vernon Baynes, George Beard (2/26), Jack Black, Sheila Bridges, Harry "Cobar" Brown, Jack Carey, Athol Carey, Alf Carroll, "Zip" Charlton, Bernie Clarke, Cecil Dews, Walter Douglas, Frank Dyson, Ron Foster, Don (McG) Garner, Des Gee, "Joe" Geoghegan, Alan Gilbert, Vic Gordon, Charles Golledge, Stan Green, Harry Griffis, Joan Hanlon, "Curly" Hardman, "Heck" Heckendorf, "Mick" Hilton, Albert Hodge, Cliff Houghton, Ross Hutton, Ron Jackson, Harry Jarrett, Allen Johnson, "Joe" Johnston, Bernice Kentwell, Bill Lamping, Mick Lovell, Hilton McLaren, Jack Moloney, Peter Mason, Keith Mulholland; Vic Murphy, "Dadda" Olley, Ron Ollis, Vince O'Reilly, Marty Pearce, Claire Pluis, Ian Pryce, Alan Pryde, Harry Rhodes, Merle Rockett, Nev Riley, Alf Savage, Don Schumacher, Les Southwell, George Stephenson, Derek Smith, Ron Stoner, Bob Surtees, Dave Swindail, Charlie Taylor, Harry Teasdale, Neville Thams, Ed Wallis, Kathleen Wright. MAKAN SUBS. IN ADVANCE: Arnie Ainsworth, Bernie Clarke, Frank Dyson, Don. (McG) Garner, Albert Hodge, Keith Mulholland, Ron Ollis, Dave Swindail, Charlie Taylor, Neville Thams, Kathleen Wright. MAKAN DONATIONS: George Aspinall, Vernon Baynes, Tommy Davis, Val Friend, Des Gee, Harry Griffis, "Curly" Hardman, "Hack" Heckendorf, Albert Hodge, Ross Hutton, Les Hall, "Joe" Johnston, Norm King, Hilton McLaren, Ian Pryce, Alan Pryde, Gary Rickwood, Neil Sellers, Ross Madden. Donations Towards New Gestetner: Alf Austin, Alf Carroll, Stan Coultas, Vic Gordon, "Curly" Heckendorf, Jack Grossmith, Bill Lamping, Jack Lonie, Ashley Pascoe, Alf Savage, Phil Schofield, Sid Stephens, Dave Swindail, Charlie Taylor. WELFARE: "Joe" Geoghegan MALAYSIAN FAMILY: Ron Ollis PLAQUE: "Doc" Wilson, Keith Mulholland POSTAGE: Bernie Clarke KORSCH DIARY: Alf Carroll, Beatrice Dohrn, Vic Gordon, Allen Johnson, "Curly" Hardman, "Mick" Hilton, Ron Ollis, Les Southwell, Sid Stephens, Dave Swindail, Alan Charlton. TIES: Arnie Ainsworth, "Curly" Blomfield, Bernie Clarke, Bill Clayton, Stan Coultas, George Croft, Tommy Davis, Bill Elliott, Don (McG) Garner, Des Gee, Jack Grossmith, Les Hall, Jim Hill, "Mick" Hilton, Norm King, Bill Lamping, Jack Lonie, Ron Maston, Vic Murphy, Cec Palmer, Ashley Pascoe, Harry Rhodes, Garry Rickwood, Don Schumacher, Neil Sellers, Sid Stephens, Bill Pankhurst, and Ross Madden. BADGE: George Croft, Vic Murphy BOOK (JAPANESE THRUST): Jack Black, Bernie Clark, "Joe" Geoghegan, Les Melrose, Brian Williams We thank all the above for their generosity and please advise us if we have not included your name. Ed. GEMAS DAY Forty years ago, at approximately 4pm on the 14th. Jan 1942, the 2/30 Battalion engaged the invading Japanese forces in the "Battle of Gemas", which began with the now historically famous ambush at GEMENCHEH BRIDGE. This action inflicted probably the most severe blow to the Japanese Imperial Forces in the whole of the Malayan campaign, and although the victory was temporary, it was one of the 2/30 Battalions greatest triumphs. Forty years later, at 3pm on Sunday, 17th January 1982, this momentous day in our Battalion history was again commemorated with a ceremonial parade and memorial service at the Headquarters of the 17th Royal N.S.W. Regiment in Pymble. Appropriately enough, about forty Members of the Unit attended, with relatives and friends, and were supported by several of our increasingly active members of the 2/30 Bn. A.I.F. Auxiliary. We were again graced with the presence of Lady Galleghan, whose continuing interest in the Unit Association's activities is unflagging. Although the hair was greyer, the figures a little more bent, the hearing and eyesight a little less sharp, the bearing on parade still showed signs of our initial training - shoulders erect, thumbs at the seams of the trousers, dress regimental with Association ties, unit badges in lapels and medals gracing the left breast. One could almost feel "B.J." looking down on us with piercing but approving eye. The ceremony was simple but sincere. The troops formed two lines facing inwards, with Patron NOEL JOHNSTON and President ARCH THORBURN at their head, a few paces from and facing the permanent Memorial on the western perimeter of the parade ground. The 17th Royal N.S.W. Regiment mounted a guard with arms reversed at the Memorial, and supplied two Pipers flanking the other members of the Guard. Under the command of RON MASTON, all assembled saw the Laying of Wreaths; the reading of the Names of Members who departed our ranks in the year gone by; the minutes of reverent silence; the sounding of Last Post and Reveille; the rendition of "Amazing Grace" by the Pipers; and finally on the Bugle Call, "Come to the Cook House Door, Boys", the dismissal of the parade. With formalities completed, coats came off and the food and conversation came on. Plates of goodies appeared from nowhere and a fine spread was supplemented with thirst quenchers from the Other Ranks' Mess, opened for the occasion. Little groups engaged in animated chatter; energetic ladies attending the needs of the inner man; others examining the interesting exhibits in the Drill Hall; 17th Regiment uniformed soldiers mixing with their guests; all made up the convivial scene. President ARCH and Patron NOEL spoke of the occasion and expressed the Unit's thanks to the Officers, N.C.O.'s, and Other Ranks for their hospitality, their assistance and their participation in our Commemoration Day. The Officer of the Day responded and accepted our Good Wishes on behalf of the 17th Royal N.S.W. Regiment. (Thank you BERT FARR for the write up. Ed.) LETTER FROM OUR PATRON: "Greetings and Best Wishes to all for 1982. "It was a good gathering at Pymble on "GEMAS DAY", and the turnout for this special gathering, (at something over 40 Members) with up to a hundred altogether, was a good feature of a happy afternoon. "However it was sad to hear President ARCH read out the names of over 20 of our comrades who were "farewelled" for the last time, over the last twelve months - a sobering total, especially as it contained a number of names that somehow seemed to be "special" blokes, liked and respected by all. We salute their memories and thank the Good Lord for our fellowship with them. "Only last week I heard the news from Alex Dandie that ANDY HYSLOP had died suddenly that morning. What a good fellow Andy was? I well remember him amongst our original numbers at Tamworth, a man who seemed to be quite out of his element in the strange environment of army life, but who was obviously well in his element in the company of fellow Australians - a lover of mankind and a most likable chap - no wonder he became so well liked by all. "At the present time we are concerned about ALAN PRYDE. Alan still has a big fight on his hands, and he will "tick me off" for mentioning it you. "Boys, I think it behoves us to give some thought to the future of the Association, in what now looms up as its declining years. It would seem that in the next four years we may lose another 100 of our Members, time will not stand still. We need to do some positive thinking as to: (a) Perhaps new
priorities in the activities of our Association. Let "MAKAN" have your thoughts. God Bless you all, Yours sincerely, Noel Johnston EDITORIAL: It is appropriate that we give our "Salute" to JAMES HAROLD GREENWOOD, O.B.E., Hon. M.Ec. (Sydney), on his retirement from the position of DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS' AFFAIRS, N.S.W. in April. Four of our Members will be attending the Luncheon being held in his honour on Friday March 26th. We wish him Good Health in his retirement, when he will be kept busy with Legacy, Red Cross (that Lady has been busy recruiting) and all his other Honorary Memberships. We thank him for his very real interest in our problems. The "shy violet" standing on the dais with the microphone held very gracefully in his hand, is your Chief Correspondent on the night of the Battalion Smorgasbord, after Noel Johnston had presented him with an Honorary Life Membership Badge for services rendered to his comrades. Noel Johnston and Alex Dandie – 1981 Annual Battalion Reunion. Alex responding after presentation of Hon. Life Member Badge. We would also like to mention that his daughter, Jenny has presented the proud fellow with a pigeon pair (boy and girl twins). Congratulations Grandpa. We have printed a supplement in this issue of No. 264 and would appreciate if you will fill in details asked for, so that our records will be more accurate and up to date. Your Chief Correspondent is also compiling a list of all deceased Members and reasons for their deaths. It would therefore be very helpful if widows and next of kin of all deceased Members fill in the respective sections provided to the best of their ability. Present Members are also asked to fill in the sections provided and return to Chief Correspondent. Cost of Makan 263 issue Dec. 1981, of 84 pages, Gemas Day Supplement 8 pages and a Supplement of 6 pages was $1.72 per copy. The 2/30 Bn. A.I.F. Auxiliary is growing from strength to strength and the February Meeting was attended by over 40 Members. We would stress that Membership is MEN & WOMAN and would like to see more Members, widows of deceased Members and their Next of Kin coming to these meetings on the FIRST THURSDAY IN THE MONTH at the Ex-Ps.O.W. ROOMS 101-105 Clarence St. Sydney at 2pm. JAMES HAROLD GREENWOOD, O.B.E., Hon. M.Ec. (Sydney) DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS' AFFAIRS, N.S.W. JIM GREENWOOD was born in Melbourne 25.4.17, and attended COBURG HIGH SCHOOL. He then attended night school doing Accountancy, having commenced his career in the Commonwealth Public Service in February 1934, where he served as a Commonwealth Audit Inspector and Assistant Public Service Inspector in Melbourne. He enlisted in the Australian Military Forces in November 1940, and sailed for Malaya in the Queen Mary in February 1941. He was the original Pay Sgt. of 10 AUST. GEN. HOSP. in Malaya at Malacca and then Singapore Island. He was a Prisoner of War from February 1942 until released from Changi Prison Camp in September 1945. Whilst POW he worked on "working parties" into Singapore from Changi. Joining the REPATRIATION DEPARTMENT in 1956, he has held the following positions: Secretary, Repatriation Commission, 1958-61 Deputy Commissioner, Department of Repatriation, N.S.W. 1961-68 Dep. Chairman, Repatriation Commission, 1968-75 Deputy Commissioner, Department of Veterans, Affairs, N.S.W. from 1975, from which position he will retire in April 1982. Jim is on the Executive Committee of the "Keep Australia Beautiful Council" and is Chairman of the Education Sub-Committee. In this position he has developed an on-going programme for the schools in New South Wales. He is an active Member of Sydney Legacy, and was awarded the O.B.E. in 1968 for his services to ex-servicemen and women and their dependants. He is an Associate of the Australian Society of Accountants, an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Secretaries and a Fellow of the Institute of Public Administration. The Senate of the University of Sydney recently awarded him an Honorary Degree of Master of Economics. Jim recently had a big operation for a stomach ulcer, which when removed, was found to be cancerous and therefore he had had half his stomach removed, and although he has lost a stone in weight is back at work (Feb) fighting fit. LAST POST: NX47691 - CPL ROBERT A. DICKSON - HQ Company - Carrier Platoon Died December 1981 and whose funeral was held at Beresford Crematorium 30.12.81. Robert was a boilerman on enlistment and was wounded in the thigh in Action 9.2.42 and therefore remained at Changi during POW times. When he came home he worked on the Operating Staff of the Railways, but he had five operations on his leg and his health had deteriorated to such an extent, that he was classed as 100% disability in 1951. In 1959 he had to give up work permanently after being below par for the previous 10 months. He became a T.P.I. in 1973. He had latterly suffered from arthritis and failing eye-sight, and in 1977, following a further big operation on his leg, it was discovered that he had Leukemia and a heart condition, and had to visit Waratah Hospital regularly for further blood transfusions. His wife Mavis had a fall and as a result has Paget's Disease and has twice daily injections. He is survived by his wife, Mavis and son, born before the War, who joined the Navy back in 1951, when aged 17. We send our deepest sympathy to them in their sad loss. NX47570 - Pte. WILLIAM MAXWELL ROSS - known as "MAX" Was an original 18 Platoon D Company at Tamworth in November 1940. He was born 9.4.12 and died 2.12.81. Occupation given on enlistment as Storekeeper. He went with D Company on road making in Mersing / Jemaluang area just after we came to Malaya. He was in D Company bayonet charge at Gemas and fought all the way down the Peninsula. He was at Thomson Rd., No. 1 working party for the "Shrine" job and was on Train 5 Truck 16 with Abbie McAlister (D.12.12.41) and Arthur Isaac and "Curly" Blomfield to SHIMO SONKURAI. He then went to No. 2 Camp, SONKURAI on 2.8.43 with Capt. Ferguson's Party, and thence returned to Changi in Dec. 1943 and worked on the "Drome" job. When he came back to Australia on "Esperance Bay," he returned to Krambach, where he carried on his father's store until bad health made him give up the business in 1968. He then made his way firstly to Taree with his wife, Verna, who served in Radio Branch of W.A.A.F., mainly at Townsville, before they married in 1946. They then moved to Carlton. MAX was regarded in the Bn. as a country man to the core and one who was persistently active when able. He is survived by his wife, VERNA, and 3 children, KAY, GREG and COLIN. Twelve of his mates attended the Memorial Service held at Kogarah Soldiers' Memorial Presbyterian Church. See also reminiscences by HARRY GRIFFIS Page 19. We send our deepest sympathy to Verna, Kay, Greg and Colin in their sad loss. NX46739 - Lieut. ANDREW HYSLOP - Bn. HQ I Sect. Our records show that Andy Hyslop was born Nov 25,1906, and we regret to record his death on 31st January 1982. Apparently Andy played bowls on that day, and, although in seemingly good health, he suffered a sudden heart attack, which proved fatal. The funeral service was held at the Palmdale Crematorium, Ourimbah, on Wednesday 3rd February. Rev. Miller conducted the service, and our Patron, Noel Johnston, addressed the congregation. He spoke of Andy's service, from the time of joining the A.I.F. at the age of 34, in Newcastle, in July 1940. After attending a Junior Leaders' Course at Narellan in October 1940, he came to 2/30 Bn. at Tamworth, where he was posted to the Intelligence Section. As a Sergeant he played a very important role in the training of the "I" Section in Bathurst and later in Singapore and Malaya. When the Battalion went into action, the demands made on his Section were very great and Andy's personal example was outstanding. He was promoted to Lieutenant with effect from 14 Feb 1942. During his P.O.W. days, Andy led working parties in Singapore and Thailand and established a reputation for strength in mediating between the Japanese guards and his troops to obtain the best possible working conditions for those he led. On his return to Australia, Andy returned to his pre war profession of teaching and was Headmaster of schools in Mosman, Newtown, Croydon and finally at Lane Cove. The peak of his career was reached as the top Headmaster in the State. But Andy had other talents. He was good at sketching, a regular contributor to "Makan" and wrote moving verse, as well as (at the request of Brigadier Galleghan) composing the words of our Battalion song, "Galleghan's Greyhounds". This song was adopted by the Sutherland Shire Silver Band, who have played it during each Anzac Day march. It is a living memorial to Andy. In January 1979, Andy, with his. daughter Nola, joined a 2/30 Bn. group who made a pilgrimage to our battle areas in Singapore & Malaysia. He acted as Reporter and from his writings a 64 page "MAKAN" was produced giving a vivid account of the journey. Some 19 years ago, Andy retired and moved to Umina on the Central Coast. He was a keen and interested bowler and served in executive positions with Everglades Bowling Club. A large contingent of fellow bowlers at the service was tangible evidence of the respect and esteem felt for Andy. The 2/30 Battalion Association was represented by Lady Galleghan, Noel Johnston, Ron Maston, Fred Butt, Alex Dandie, Ray Rickards, "Doc" Wilson, George & Fifi Clarke; Fred Johnston, "Joe" Geoghegan, Jack Fell, Jack Grossmith, Darcy Pickard, Arthur Buckingham, Arny Ferry, Jack Black, Jack Carey, Luke Carey, "Curly" Hardman, Bill Clayton, Steve Allardice, and Bert Farr, Ray Kelly (2/20 Bn) was also there, as was the President of Andy's branch of the Probus Club. Andy is survived by his wife Beatrice, daughters Nola, Janet, and Wendy, sons-in-law John, Denis and David, and six grandchildren of whom Sandra, Darwin and Elissa were present. Also at the service were Andy's brothers Bob and Joe; sisters, Grace Howarth, Mary Love and Evelyn Brennan; cousins, Bill and Hazel McIntosh and old friends, Grace and Arthur Hicks. To all of them we extend our deepest sympathy and leave them with one of Andy's poems written in Changi in November 1944: "We will with
pride QX12282 - Pte. R. (Slim) CHARD: 3rd RNF to D Company 16.1.42 Trans. to 2/26 Bn. 31.12.42. We have learnt from a letter dated 21.2.81 from 2/26 Bn. of the death of "Slim", but with no other details. Our records show him also as being on working party at Thomson Rd., No.1 Camp, and River Valley Rd., and after returning from there in December 1943 to Changi, he transferred to 2/26. Bn. NX33393 - Pte. R.O. PEGRUM: “A” Company Transferred to 2/20 Bn. 18.10.41. Reveille Jan/Feb 1982 shows his death, but with no other details. NX33078 - Pte. ROBERT A. CUNNINGHAM “A” Company: Died 2.2.82, aged 77, at hospital. His occupation on enlistment given as labourer and next of kin, wife, Annie Amelda, who survives him and as well three daughters, Patricia, Robyn and Margaret. He was on "A" Force in Burma, and didn't become a member of the Bn. Association We extend to his wife Annie and daughters, Patricia, Robyn and Margaret, our deepest sympathy. We understand that Annie is living at Padstow. NX34992 - Lt. Col. W.D. JEATER (1st A.I.F. was Lieut. 8 M.G. Company. – 30 Bn) C.O. 2/20 Bn. 1940/41. Commanded 8 Div. General Base Depot 1941/42 - Architectural Draftsman of Newcastle - Born Penrith N.S.W. 2/8/96, and died 3/12/81. Aged 85. Page 29/30 of "Japanese Thrust" by Lionel Wigmore stated: "Jeater had enlisted in the A.I.F. in Aug. 1915 and gained a Commission in the course of that War. In 1926 he obtained an appointment in the Militia and for three years from 1937 Commanded a Battalion. We regret the passing of Lt. Col. Jeater from our affiliated Battalion. WE WILL REMEMBER THEM – LEST FORGET DEATH OF NEXT OF KIN Mrs. ESME VICTORIA ROSE CARTER - (Mother of BERT CARTER - B Company) Died 4.12.81 Aged 94. Mrs. Carter was originally living at "TALBALBA", BREWARRINA, before moving to East Roseville and then to Chatswood. She was privately cremated. We send our condolences to Bert in his sad loss. CECIL NORMAN DEWS (13th Battalion) Dearly beloved husband of INA and loving father and father-in-law of CECIL (C Company) and BETTY DEWS, Greg & Joan and fond papa of Melissa, Peter & David. Aged 83. Died 25/1/82. A service was held at St. Peters, Richmond and interment in the adjoining cemetery on 27.1.82. We send CECIL and Betty our condolences in the sad loss of CEC'S father. LANCE ADRIAN SCANDRETT O.B.E. Died 6.1.82. Aged 61. Late of Bellevue Hill. Loved and esteemed brother-in-law VIVIENNE and BILL DOUGLAS. The service was held at the Northern Suburbs Crematorium on 11.1.82. We send our deepest sympathy to Vivienne and Billy in their sad loss. MRS. ROSE RHODES: Died 26.1.82. Aged 85. Mother HARRY RHODES B Company, and Dora Pizarro, and Joan Koch. Mrs. Dora Pizarro advised us, that their Mother, who had been in Beecroft Convalescent Hospital, had died and that her body would be taken to Grafton for burial there. The burial took place on the Friday 29.1.82. We extend to Harry & Ethel and family, Dora and John Pizarro, Joan and Fred Koch and family our deep sympathy in their sad loss. PATRICK LANCE HOWARD Whose funeral service was held Wednesday 3rd February, at Pine Grove Memorial Park, Great Western Highway, Eastern Creek. We extend to Dorothy and Kevin Ward our deepest sympathy in their loss. RETURN THANKS HARRY & ETHEL RHODES: "To the Members of The 2/30 Bn. A.I.F. Association We thank you all most sincerely for your sympathy in the loss of our Mother, Mother-in-law and Grandmother, ROSE RHODES, and express deep appreciation for the beautiful floral tribute. Harry & Ethel and family, Dora and John Pizarro, Joan and Fred Koch and family." MRS. LEILA SIMMONS and family wish to thank you for your kind expressions of sympathy in the passing of Raphael Emanuel Truscott SIMMONS, 19th September 1981, aged 77 years. (We understand that Leila has been granted a War Widow's Pension. Ed.) JACK & HILDA GROSSMITH - HQ Company, Signals - WOY WOY 2256 Hilda writes in: "To thank you so much for your very kind letter on behalf of the Bn. The good wishes & thoughts of our friends, I am quite sure, has helped in my recovery. (You will recall that Hilda had a major operation, reported in Makan No. 263, page 81. Ed.). "I am improving every day although still have a few problems & now I have developed a bad cold, but Jack has been a tower of strength all through and has been very patient. "We are spending a few days with Majorie Overett (Arthur's widow - Bn. HQ) over Xmas and are looking forward to the change. We send our Best Wishes to you all for a very Pleasant & Peaceful Xmas and Good Health in the New Year, With Kind Regards. HILDA." MRS. "LEXIE" NEWMAN - (widow of DICK, D Company) - TOOWOOMBA "Would like to thank you for your kind letters you have written and also 2/30 Bn. for those lovely flowers sent to us. "Do hope this finds you well, as it leaves myself & family. I'm coming to terms with things, the only thing to do. I look back on happy memories, he was a wonderful person, Husband & Father. His suffering was far too much during the last seven months. We could not wish him to go on suffering, it would have been very selfish. Letters like yours and many other friends of his made things a lot easier to cope and the wonderful attention of his Doctors & the nursing staff at St. Vincent's Hospital. Would like to wish you a Very Merry Xmas & Happy & Healthy New Year. Sincerely, LEXIE" BERT CARTER - B Company - 11 NORFOLK ST. KILLARA 2071, "On behalf of the Carter family, I wish to sincerely thank you for extending the sympathy of the Executive and Men of the Battalion Regards BERT CARTER." MRS. EVELYN STEVENS (widow of FRANCIS ("SNOWY") - Mortar, HQ Company "The Family of the late Francis R.B. Stevens acknowledges with grateful appreciation your kind expression of sympathy. To all the Boys from, Ev." MRS. MARGE WHITE - (widow of GEORGE "Doughy" WHITE) - BEXLEY 2207 Marge wishes to express her Sincere Thanks on behalf of her family & herself, for the many kindnesses and sympathy shown to them." Mrs. VERNA ROSS & FAMILY - (widow of Max - D Company) - CARLTON 2218 "I am afraid that I am a poor hand at expressing my appreciation, but I want to thank you most sincerely for all you have done for me since MAX died. "I received your card with the history of MAX'S War Service & I thank you again for the trouble you have gone to. I would also like to thank the Battalion for the lovely flowers, and to all Members who attended the service in the church, I thank you, it was a great comfort to me & my family to have you there. Yours sincerely, VERNA ROSS. EXPRESSIONS OF GRATITUDE KEVIN & DOROTHY WARD - A Company - GREENACRE, 2190 KEVIN has asked us to give his sincere thanks to the following, for entertaining Dorothy and himself while on their recent trip to Malaysia: YUSOFF HASSAN, Sec. Malaysian Ex-Servicemen's Association. at Penang, WOO WEN KAY of Singapore for entertaining them and for the information provided and ATHOL HYDE-CATES (A Company) and his wife Beryl, for entertaining both of them in Singapore. BETTY & ALAN PRYDE "With countless other of 2/30 Bn - Betty is most appreciative all the help and interest she & ALAN have received from the REPATRIATION now WAR VETERANS' AFFAIRS over the years. She has heard of Mr. JIM GREENWOOD'S retirement in April and would like to send him Thanks and Best Wishes for Good Health in his retirement. CALL FOR OLD MATES: ALEX OLLEY - D Company: JACK CAREY says that he had had a letter from Mary Olley telling him that ALEX'S claim had been knocked back. JACK RAHILLY (QLD. Ex-Ps.O.W.) has interested himself in an appeal and wants more statements. BOB WELLS & LUKE CAREY will prepare statements, as they each slept either side of ALEX at KOBE HOUSE. ALEX DANDIE suggested that JACK contacted ARTY POWER, to get him to give a copy of his affidavit, which he had given for the War Crimes Tribunal, because of its reference to conditions at NOTOGOWA, deepening canals, clearing them of mud, and "Body-Press" punishment, said to be for not doing enough work. Please write to Alex Dandie if you can help. ALEX OLLEY is now in a Soldiers' Rest Home at MACLEAN. He was home for Xmas. This will be much better for MARY to go and see him. ADDITIONAL TO LAST POST LIST page 9 re: BOB DICKSON - HQ Carrier - Died 28.12.81. Both RAY GODBOLT and JIM WEBSTER phoned in the news of the death of BOB and that a funeral service would be held at Beresfield Crematorium at 11.30 on 30.12.81. JIMMY WEBSTER said that he well remembered BOB'S wounding at the Causeway, where BOB'S Carrier Section was posted with their Vickers, because it was JIM, who picked up BOB, to take him to the R.A.P. and BOB asking JIM to kill him because of the nature of the wound. Report of the funeral service gave those, who attended, as being: Jim Webster (who played a lament), Ray Body and Jack Black, Sid Stephens, Fred &Peg Hume, Sid Musgrove, Ray Godbolt, "Punter" Wallis, Jack Fell, Don Schumacher, Gordon McKnight, Frank Hayes, Alf Carroll, Tom and Helen Kennedy, and their son Brian. Adamstown R.S.L. were also represented. Ray Godbolt picked up Jack Black from the Sydney train and took him to Don Schumacher's home on the way out to the Crematorium and they returned to Don's place for lunch, with Jack catching the 5.45 train back to Sydney. DO YOU REMEMBER NOEL JOHNSTON writes in: "In the last issue of Makan I was interested to read the para re the friendship of JACK SALISBURY with JACK GREENBERG, and about JACK'S Daughter stopping with the Greenbergs for a few days when she was over in England last year. "JACK GREENBERG made his acquaintance with the 2/30 Bn boys up at Shimo Sonkurai Camp on the Burma-Thai Railway in 1943. He and eight others from a British Ambulance unit marched into our Camp at the time we were fighting the cholera epidemic. They were quickly grabbed by Bruce Hunt, who was desperately in need of medical personnel, whilst JACK and his mates were relieved to reach a "destination", after being on the road for 3 weeks. They quickly set to work in the dangerous and arduous work of nursing our cholera patients, and when back in Changi, 1 was asked to nominate names for special awards, I remembered JACK, who, by the way was the only man of the nine to get back to England. "JACK & I have been corresponding with each other for several, years now (ever since he came out to Sydney in 1975), and last year, when he came out with his wife, PEARL, and daughter, LESLIE, we spent quite a bit of time in each other's company. DR. LLOYD CAHILL also refreshed his friendship with the visitors on that occasion. "JACK was to start his retirement on 31st Jan 1982, and will no doubt now be relaxing with an itchy foot, but he tells me that he intends to come out to Australia again in mid year, and would like to see any of the boys who might remember him from those days in 1943. If anyone is interested, just drop me a line and I will be in touch with you and do something about it. Sincerely. NOEL" SID & ISOBEL GROUNDS - A Company - CARLTON. 2218 "BOB WELLS (D Company) and I are sitting in my home and talking of brave acts we saw during our POW days. Our opinion is that HARRY GRIFFIS is one of the most courageous men we ever saw. As you know HARRY worked on the same job as we did, namely Mitsui Soko and WAS and we suspect STILL IS a man who would NOT or could not "Steal". "We do know that he would not steal for himself. "There was in one of the warehouses, a stack of tinned powdered Milk, which was army supplies. Even the most forward of our "Thieves" were loath to touch these supplies. You know of course that ERNIE PHILLIPS was in the same Platoon as HARRY, and was lying at death's door in camp. "HARRY GRIFFIS stole a tin of that milk and took the chance we would not be searched on that particular day. We FEEL and you KNOW that would be about a 50-50 chance. He landed the tin of milk into Camp safely. If he had been caught with it, we doubt he would be here today. "Greater love hath no man". BOB WELLS 2/30 Bn. A.I.F. ASSOCIATION - TOUR OF THAILAND, MALAYSIA, SINGAPORE Consideration is being given to organising a Tour to the above countries, to take place in either NOVEMBER, 1982 or JANUARY, 1983. (1) Sydney to
Bangkok Time will probably be 21 to 25 days. If you are interested in obtaining further particulars, contact RON MASTON, who will be happy to hear ANY SUGGESTIONS FROM YOU. RON MASTON writes in and encloses a letter from NORAINI B.T. AHMAD, eldest daughter of the widow ZALIHA BTE ABDULLAH living at KAMPONG PONDOI TEBONG near TAMPIN. We give some support to this, family, to whom money is being sent by some Members of the Association. He says: "I had written to Cik ZALIHA on 15th Nov. to let her know of the coming visit of RON FOSTER & family. You can therefore imagine how pleased I was to receive such a well written letter from NORAINI", who is a cripple in a wheel chair, and is confined to the house. She is 24 years old and has another sister, NOREIDA aged 19, who is also a total cripple, confined to the house. Should any of the children of our Members care to write or send cards to these girls, it will greatly brighten their days. The address of the widow is: ZALIHA BTE
ABDULLAH Daughters are: NORAINI B.T. AHMAD, NOREIDA B.T. AHMAD, NORZILA B.T. AHMAD, aged 16 and speaks English and the two boys are, NOORWIZAM B.I.N. AHMAD, aged 21, and NORZAILAN B.I.N. AHMAD aged 22½, both of whom are working. Here is the letter, beautifully print written, I might add: Dear Mr. Maston, Dated Dec. 1981, We have received your letter with great happiness. Thank you for your nice introduction about yourself, your wife, and about your country. It's so nice to know you all. We met Mr. & Mrs. Johnston early this year. I knew your name from them and they gave me your address, tapi saya ragu-ragu untuk menghubungi anda. "My Mother was very glad when I told her about your letter. She asked me to tell you and all the Members of 2/30 Bn Association who subscribed to the fund - 'Thank you very much and we really appreciate your help”. Sure, my family will be very glad to meet Mr. Ron Foster and his family. We hope we shall be able to welcome them well. "I was very interested to hear about your story during the war. Can you tell me more about it? Do you still like rice Mr. Maston? What do you think about your first clash with Japanese and then were prisoners of war. My grandmother told me that the Japanese were very strict and cruel, most of people lived in troubled and frightened times, is it true? Yes right, we live at Pendoi, that is a small village in the Tampin district. Our father, AHMAD, was in the Royal Malay Regiment in 1952-71. He passed away in November '79. We really miss him. "I am sorry because there are many mistakes in my English, but I try my best to write to you, and I do hope you will understand when you read it. All my family send their kindest regards to you and your wife, Mrs. Gretta. I guess she is a nice and beautiful woman, am I right? Until next time good bye, Yours Sincerely, NORAINI" DO YOU REMEMBER HARRY & NOLEEN GRIFFIS - D Company - TAREE. 2430 "I regret not being present at the funeral of MAX ROSS. He will be remembered by all the Bn., for his cheerful nature and great sense of humour, which often did much to relieve the burden of war service. "One notable episode involving MAX, comes readily to mind from our earlier days in Malaya. D Company had moved into tents in the rubber forest near the village of JEMALUANG, with the task of cutting a track through the jungle, to the rear of positions near the East Coast. The first morning MAX emerged from his bunk, and seemingly, on second thoughts, before dressing, shook his trousers vigorously, dislodging from the folds a jumbo sized scorpion. As MAX gazed with awe at a creature of such appearance, with sting curled ready for action, his precaution & near miss was not lost on others present. "MAX & VERNA, following their marriage soon after the war, took over the family store at KRAMBACH, and for many years served the town & district, until health problems caused MAX to dispose of the business and move to Sydney about ten years ago. In prewar years MAX played rugby league with Krambach and was also a keen cricketer. "The passing of MAX ROSS follows that of BILL MELVILLE, D Company original Commander and again one's thoughts go back to a memorable moment during training at TAMWORTH. D Company, en route from the showground camp to the training area, had crossed the Peel River Bridge and turned left down a street near the river, when BILL for some reason decided to halt the Company, which responded with the most perfect drill movement, with over a hundred army boots hitting the street as one, with a mighty crash. A baker had left his horse to serve a nearby house. The startled horse bolted with the cart. Resuming the march, the horse was passed, in a side street, with the cart still attached. "This moment of comedy was a far cry from the scene a year later at GEMAS, with Captain MELVILLE waiting with his Company, behind the start line, whilst the artillerymen did their piece, then the Platoon Commanders' 'Good Luck' calls to their men, as zero hour arrived for the attack on the Japanese position and the enemy's furious response, which brought a severe wound to our skipper, thus ending his involvement in the Malayan Campaign. HARRY GRIFFIS". DICK & ANNE TOMPSON - HQ Company Carrier – HOWRAH, TAS. Dick writes his thanks for the Xmas & Birthday Card and says: "Your thoughts are very much appreciated. We had a very Happy Christmas, our sons, their wives and our FOUR grandchildren were all here. "I was interested to read of your talk to RAY DUNCOMBE (who I remember very well of course) about the last few days at Tyersall Palace. We rendered our remaining carriers useless by removing parts and with an axe we made a proper job of them. After that I took over a group of about 200 men (page 220 of History), with their officers in an area quite near the Battalion. They came from all arms of the service, except infantry battalions, and I remember one of the officers saying how pleased they were to be in the calm well conducted atmosphere of the 2/30 Bn. I think they had been pushed around a good bit before they came to us. There were a few shots directed towards us which I took to be from snipers, and PETER MASON took some of the carrier boys out on patrol to investigate. "I had one unpleasant experience there. I had attended a conference at Bn. HQ to be told of the impending surrender & that all ranks were to stand fast within unit areas. I called the officers of my group together and relayed the information to them. "A short time later I was summoned to Div. HQ and after informing the C.O., I found my way there to be confronted by a very angry, very senior officer, who demanded to know why I had told my troops that it was all over and it was a case of everyone for himself. I was dumbfounded and, in turn, I demanded that he bring some of the officers from my group over, so that he could question them as to the orders they had received from me. He finally believed that I had passed on my orders correctly and I was allowed to leave. He named the gunner officer from the group who took it on himself to tell his troops that it was every man for himself. I suppose it would be better not to mention his name, but the man was a fool then and continued to be a fool during POW days.... "Have just received the latest Makan, which I have read with great interest. Sorry to hear of 'SNOWY' STEVENS passing - another real character gone from amongst us. I already had a copy of DR. HINDER'S MESSAGE AS PUBLISHED IN THE MAKAN AND QUOTED IT TO THE REPAT. TRIBUNAL, BEFORE WHOM I APPEARED RECENTLY. THEY MADE SURE I HAD INCLUDED IT IN A COPY OF MY SUBMISSION, WHICH I HAD PREPARED FOR TIM, BUT THEY GAVE NO INDICATION OF WHETHER THEY WERE IMPRESSED by it - later results may tell! I have quoted various articles to them before and their reaction generally has been: 'Yes, this is all good stuff, but it does not necessarily relate to you personally. The only thing that has been of benefit to me in persuading them to accept disabilities refused by the Commission has been a favorable certificate from an outside doctor. "DAVE TATE'S case Page 11, Makan 263, must be typical of many who can produce no definite evidence of sickness suffered. I wonder whether he had Cardiac Beri-beri? BRUCE HUNT entered records of sicknesses in the back of Pay-books. I wonder if DAVE TATE'S Pay-book is still in existence? Did he have blood pressure prior to his death? His L.M.O. could provide evidence. Both Cardiac Beri-beri and blood pressure could be associated with heart attack. That section of DR. HINDER'S article, under the heading, 'Lasting Effects' should be sufficient in DAVE TATE'S case. Page 18 of Makan 263 also refers POW stress etc. "I have some good photos of the Carrier Platoon at Tamworth and Bathurst. If anyone would like copies I would be pleased to have them done. One is very good and similar to the Pioneer Platoon in the last Makan. Would you like it for reproduction in Makan? (Yes please Dick. Ed.) "Once again congratulations to all associated with the production of Makan, Kind regards to all, ANNE & DICK TOMPSON. (EDITOR'S NOTE: As you can all see it is becoming more & more important that sicknesses & disabilities are recorded. It is for this reason that we have included a supplement with this Makan for YOU ALL to FILL IN AND RETURN, so that our RECORDS can be fully completed. DON'T DELAY and PLEASE send this information to ALEX NOW. FACTS ARE WHAT WE WANT NOT HEARSAY. Ed.) We thought that this would be an appropriate place to publish a poem written by PAUL GREIG BARTLETT at age 10½, whose Father was JACK BARTLETT, who came to us from 2/19 Bn. and was in HQ Company Signals. JACK was on the Great World working party, then River Valley Rd., F Force, Train 5, Truck 1, with STEVE ALLARDICE and HARRY ABRAHAMS. JACK died at Kanburi No.1, from ulcers on 2/12/43. His widow PATRICIA lives at Maroubra. 2035. MY FATHER by PAUL GREIG BARTLETT - Homework - AGE 10½ My Father went to
war, When I was told
my Father was dead, They say life's a
gamble right from the start, I'm sorry, John,
the way things went, An 'In Memorium' for the Sydney Morning Herald, who rejected it, because 'it was threatening',….Poetic license is allowed. I understand from his Mother, Patricia, that she was never able to get the insertion money back...she says they must have needed it more than she did! Now matured and aged 42, married with three children, PAUL no longer has revenge, but is still saddened. JAMES W. WEBSTER B.E.M. - B COY - MEREWETHER. 2291 Alex, has written a letter of Congratulations to JIM on your behalf, for the recognition paid to him in the Queen's New Year Honour's List, for his Services to the Community. LEGAL ADVICE & ASSISTANCE: The Australian Legal Aid Office has established in N.S.W. a network of Regional Offices & Advice Centres in order to give Legal Aid to everyone in need. If you feel that you need Legal Aid and cannot afford it, call and see your Legal Aid lawyer, There is no formality, simply call at any Aust. Legal Aid Office. You will be seen by a qualified lawyer who will identify your problem, advise you on the spot and establish your eligibility for further assistance. You will have a better chance of having your problem solved if you seek advice early. LEGAL ASSISTANCE: Subject to a means and needs test the Aust. Legal Aid Office, (in Sydney, 8th Floor, SHELL HOUSE, 140 PHILLIP ST., phone (02)233-0233, provides assistance, including assistance before Courts & Tribunals, in matters arising under Federal Law, to all persons, and, in matters arising under the State Law, to persons, for whom the Australian Government has a special responsibility, such as persons in receipt of Social Services, newcomers to Australia, EX-SERVICEMEN, students & Aborigines. ADVICE & ASSISTANCE in all MATTERS relating to REPATRIATION BENEFITS including representation before a REPATRIATION REVIEW TRIBUNAL, is provided by the Australian Legal Aid Office for ALL MEMBERS and FORMER MEMBERS of the Defence Forces. THE MEANS TEST does NOT apply in such cases. How to obtain LEGAL AID: Ring for an appointment to avoid waiting, Write out short concise notes on what you wish to tell the Lawyer. At the interview, listen to the Lawyer's questions and do not withhold any information, remembering that all interviews are strictly confidential. Be early & do not delay in seeking help. ALAN & MYRTLE GILBERT - B Company - BEVERLY HILLS. 2209 Re ROSS MADDEN calling for remembrance of "Who was the 3rd barber with ROSS & SAM SOLWAY on X1 Tunnelling Party?" Alan says that he was the 3rd Barber. He says they cut hair in the Sultan's bathroom. Does ROSS remember Alan taking time off to smash up some beet sugar cakes to make smaller for use in their meals? RON & SHIRLEY POSTER - B Company - HORNSBY HEIGHT 2077 We had asked Ron, before his trip, to give us a run down, on his return, so here it is: "Shirley & I & our two children left Sydney for Singapore, on 29/11/81, arriving there that same evening. "Our first impression after leaving the airport was one of admiration for the new Changi Airport passenger Terminal Building. We subsequently visited the airport on three occasions for other flights which allowed as to see more of it, the most modern airport in the world today. After forty years, Singapore has certainly changed, as many of you, who have already visited, will know. "I was most impressed with the city and Island's cleanliness, greenery & orderliness. The pride the people have in their Island Republic is something many Australians should learn. Building construction jobs go on twenty four hours a day, 365 days a year, Xmas Day & New Year's Eve, work was in progress, yet no one works more than eight hours a day or more than five days a week. Everyone is housed and have plenty of sporting facilities. All workers retire at fifty-five on a pension, to which they contribute while working - National Superannuation. No unemployment, no strikes, & each is paid his or her worth. A new flat is completed every 24 minutes. Multi storied buildings go up in a few months, instead of years as in this country. "On the second day we visited Raffles Hotel and standing in the foyer, saw four Japanese soldiers, privates, stride in through the entrance. They were dressed in W.W.11 uniforms, just the same as we remember from so many years ago, steel helmet on their shoulder strap and carrying rifles of that period. I thought I was dreaming: my first thought was one of annoyance and disgust for them to be in Raffles of all places. The four disappeared around the corner and into an elevator. The following day while visiting Changi Prison, I discovered that a film was being made and the soldiers I had seen were actors dressed in Jap uniforms of the '42/'45 period. The film, soon to be released in Australia is called 'Under the Southern Cross'. "The visit to the Chapel inside the Gaol was most impressive, and going through that huge door brought back many memories of long ago. Our young prison officer escort into the Chapel was very interested to learn of conditions in the Gaol during P.O.W. days. "From Changi Prison we drove up to Selarang Barracks & stayed an hour there. The O.I.C. of the Barracks detailed a young Cpl. & a Pte. to be our escort with directions to take us where we wanted to go, & to allow any photographs that we wanted to take. We toured the Barrack Square & some of the surrounding buildings. From there we went to the old Robert Barracks, to see the now famous Changi Murals, painted on the walls of a room by an English P.O.W. Bdr. Stanley Warren. We then went to Changi Village, where for shopping, prices are much lower than Singapore City. "From Singapore we flew to Kuala Lumpur for two days, then on to Penang for five days. Penang is a delightful Island, our Hotel, the Casuarina Beach at Batu Ferringhi was first class, right on the beach.. We visited all the places of interest on the Island and were contacted by AHMAD KECHIK, Chairman of Penang Ex-Service Association and ZAINUL ARIFFIN B. HASHIM, a member of that Association. The following night Shirley & I were entertained by members of the Penang E.S.A.M. at Eden Seafood Village, (anything that swims they have it) at Ferringhi. This was a most memorable night, apart from the meal, so many dishes, the company left nothing to be desired. It was a night we will remember for the hospitality shown by that Association which reflected the people of Penang. Twenty four Members turned up and included THE HON DATUK HAJI ABDUL JALAL B. ABU BAKAR DY, Minister for Housing, HAJI MANSOR B. HAJI MAHAD, Director General Fire Services, JAAFAR SIDDEK, State Fire Officer, Penang, & AHMAD JALALUDDIN, Chief Instructor State Fire Services. "Reluctantly we left Penang for Bangkok, a city about one third the size of Sydney Metropolitan Area, but with 6 million people, all friendly, a noisy dirty city, which is sinking at the rate of 3cm a year, and now parts of it flood regularly during the rainy season & high tide along the river. A very cheap place to shop except electronics. I would never drive a car in Bangkok, there are no traffic rules & vehicles miss each other by inches. Most of the many accidents are side swipes. The most modern taxi is 25 years old, and many are immediate post war models, with dents, rust & broken windows. Not one of them would be allowed on the road in this country, or any other. In Singapore, once a vehicle is ten years old it goes off the road. The noise of Bangkok traffic is deafening. The buses are hot, old, slow, loud & greatly overcrowded. Their Motor-bike versions of the trishaw are very noisy & traffic jambs for long periods are common. The street noise could be heard 17 floors up through sealed windows. In parts of the city particularly around the few high rise buildings, raw sewerage is forced up through the manhole covers to flood back lanes, the system cannot cope. "After seeing most of the city sights, the many temples, worth seeing, the floating market & the Ancient Capital and river trip & usual tourist attractions in four days, we set off early one morning for Kanchanaburi & the River Kwai area. We travelled by air-conditioned mini-bus and, after a brief stop at Kanchanaburi reached the River Kwai Village Hotel, a safari type hotel located on the bank of the river at THA SAO SAIYOK, 50 miles past Kanchanaburi. Only the sleeping quarters are air conditioned, the staff are very friendly & the service good. We had rooms overlooking the river and the open verandah meal area and bar is a delight for jungle & river scenery. Ex-POW's are made especially welcome. We arrived in time for lunch and during the afternoon were transported by the hotel transport, a truck with seats on the back, to visit a jungle village occupied by MONS, the original inhabitants of Thailand, still speaking their own language and using Burmese characters in their writing. "The next day we were taken up river by long boat for an unforgettable full day tour in the River Kwai Valley. We travelled about 50 miles up river and returned the same way. A long boat is like a surf ski, but six times as long and a little wider, sitting on the floor with legs out in front. The boat is powered by a car or truck engine, mounted on brackets above the stern of the boat, with a propeller affixed to a long tail shaft, which also acts as a rudder, the complete motor, tail shaft and propeller turn as one. It skims the water like a rocket, churning up a dense cloud of spume. A stop was made to visit the Kaeng Lava Cave which necessitated a steep climb up a rough mountain side. I lost a couple of pounds in weight on that climb. Back to the boat for a further hour & a quarter skimming along the river, past dense jungle, outstanding rock formation, bamboo jungle and. many floating villages, (houses & shops built on bamboo rafts, secured to the river banks), to SAI YOKE YAI Waterfall & National Park, where one can walk in the bamboo & teak forests or swim in the crystal clear water above the falls which tumble down into the river. In the Park they have preserved the ruins of a Japanese Army Kitchen. I didn't bother taking a photo of that, I felt like knocking the rest of it down. "On the third day we went on the river again for an hour's trip by long boat, down river to alight on the river bank then walk a short distance to LUM SUM railway station to await the train for an hour's journey along the original track to NAM TOK. The two coach, 3rd. class, motor train arrived on time, with many passengers with their bundles & parcels &, when 9 Europeans boarded, much attention was paid to our party. The train travelled at a fair speed, stopping at WANG PO and three other villages before reaching its destination. It travelled slowly over the dangerously looking long wooden viaduct near WANG PO. The viaduct is the original one constructed by Ps.O.W., where many men lost their lives, so many years ago. I obtained some good photos from the train window during this trip. NAM TOK is the terminal station for the line, from there on, the tracks & sleepers have disappeared. The village of NAM TOK is on the site of former camp TARSAU, which was the main jungle base for up river railway construction camps. It is now a thriving village. Back to the Kwai Village Hotel, five miles further on for lunch. "Much of the jungle along the lower Kwai Valley has disappeared & is now under cultivation for sugar cane, tapioca & other crops. A large dam is under construction on the upper Kwai, by the Snowy Mts. Hydro Elect. Authority, where many Australian, British & other workers are employed. The construction is about 100 miles past Kanburi. When completed much of the water; at present lost during the rainy season will be stored & will open up the valley for more crops, & more farmers moving in. A lot of bamboo is floated down the river each day. After two nights at the River Kwai Hotel we went back to Kanchanaburi for a further two nights at the Rama of River Kwai Hotel in the centre of town, which enabled as to see much more of the area, which is now blessed with natural resources and beauty spread over the plains of KWAI NOI & KWAI YAI RIVERS, much different to 1943. "We had the use of the hotels mini-bus for transport around the Kanchanaburi area & were able to spend ample time at each place. We visited the two Allied War Cemeteries one at DON RAK on SAENGCHUTE ROAD near the railway station, where many 2/30 Bn. Men are buried, & the other at KHAV CHONG KAI across the river two miles from town, where many British & Dutch are buried. Both are impressive & are well kept. When I visited the 2/30 Bn. area, a lump came to my throat & tears to my eyes, it took some minutes to compose myself. We spent some time at the Bridge, which is now a famous tourist attraction & very commercialised, with stalls selling everything from tee shirts to models of the Bridge, from soft drinks to shoes. A couple of the old steam engines & a Japanese rail / motor truck & the trucks used in the construction of the line are on display. "Kanchanaburi has grown from the village of 1943 to a large provincial town. The old part of town still remains, with new areas opened up around it. We visited the JEATH MUSEUM (derived from Japan - English - America / Australia - Thailand - Holland). This museum was the brainchild of PRADIREK MAHAPUNYO, a Buddhist Monk of WAT CHICHUMPOL. Through his own personal effort he has erected in the grounds of the Temple two long attap huts, parallel & another shorter hut at one end joining the two long huts making a U formation. The bamboo bench for sleeping is in place & the floor of earth, just as they were erected in POW days. Inside he has installed an amazing collection of photographs, drawings, paintings & recovered material from the Railway, to form a most interesting museum, an eye-opener to the cruelty of the inhuman Japanese for those visitors who were not involved on the Railway and a bad memory of an earlier time for those who were. We examined the visitors' book back for the past four months & were interested in some of the comments. Only one Japanese name appeared and his comment was, 'We had a nice day'. Many entries from all parts of the world were heart breaking, especially from wives, sons & daughters of deceased Ps.O.W.. Some of the comments about the Japanese race, for the way they treated other human beings, shows that hatred still exists; one fellow wrote, 'cancel my order for a Honda'. Pradirek has built & assembled this museum without any financial help & all monies, collected as entrance fees, go to local charities. He is a young man but for some time has been interested in the history of the Railway. I have obtained copies of a Thai Tourist Authority recording entitled River Kwai Bridge Presentation, which I would like to play at one of the 2/30 Bn. functions. "Back from Kanchanaburi to Bangkok and on to Hong Kong. I have seen Hong Kong & never want to go again. Shirley liked it because of the shopping. A day trip by hydrofoil to Macau was worth while. Decided not to go into China as it was too cold. "After leaving Hong Kong we flew back to Singapore for ten days, the highlight of which was Xmas dinner at Raffles. Drove around Mt. Pleasant & found the large house where 2/30 Bn were quartered, it now being the private residence of the Italian Consul. The Chinese Cemetery between Mt. Pleasant & Caldecott Hill hasn't changed. Located part of the road built through the jungle from Thomson Rd., to the Golf Course around the reservoir. Climbed the wide concrete steps to top of the hill at Bukit Timah, still there but neglected, & the plateau on top is occupied by a high TV transmission tower. The 2/30 Bn position at Woodlands is now a large residential complex. Tried to locate the camp site of River Valley Rd., without success, & St. Patrick's school was on holidays with only a couple of cleaners. I was in hospital there for a short time after being wounded at the Causeway. Spent one day at Blakang Mati (Sentosa), then left in an Avis drive yourself for an overnight stay at Seremban, stopping at Gemas. Drivers in Malaysia have their own peculiar way of driving, but, once I got the hang of it, I held my own. Just as well, as there are no police patrols on the roads, "We made a visit to the Kranji War Memorial & Cemetery & paid respect to a number of 2/30 Bn Graves, Made a call on the Malaysian family of widow Zaliha Bte Abdullah, which visit is the subject of another report to Ron Maston." "Everywhere we journeyed I was surprised by the number of Japanese tourists - they were everywhere in Singapore, Penang, K.L., Bangkok, Hong Kong even the Bridge on River Kwai. They do not visit Changi Gaol, and only the odd visit to Museum at Kanchanaburi. Only a few visit the River Kwai Village Hotel - there they would be made most UNWELCOME. We returned to Sydney after a fully enjoyed and packed eventful five weeks. Regards RON." ARTICLE TAKEN FORM 'THE SUN' 19/1/82: "'Southern Cross' an Australian - Japanese war, film being made in Singapore, promises to receive an interesting reaction from Ex-Ps.O.W.. It is the story of the "Z" Force commando raids on Singapore Harbour during WW11 & the subsequent execution of nine Australians & an Englishman as spies. "The commandos were ceremonially executed on July 5, 1945, in a manner reserved for exceptionally brave Japanese warriors since the 17th century. They were put on trial for murder & espionage after they tried to slip into Singapore disguised as Malay fishermen." "All refused to divulge their orders, despite torture. They won the respect of the enemy & were described at their trial as, 'flowers of chivalry'. One Japanese officer is said to have pleaded for the 'bushido' execution because they were heroes." "Australian film-maker & former war historian, Lee Robinson, said on location: 'The film is a human story of how friendship can develop among enemies and how human spirit rises above the atrocities of war. It is an anti-war film set in a period remembered for 'horrendous slayings'. Wartime Singapore has been recreated for the film, which includes Australian actors, Steve Bisley & John Howard. The ten officers, who were executed, were part of the 23 man mission, code named "Operation Rimau". They set out from Australia to destroy Japanese shipping". 2/30 BN. ASSOCIATION AUXILIARY: THE SCHOONER TRIP 28TH. NOV., 1981 This was a very happy occasion, when members of the Auxiliary, family and friends enjoyed a day's sailing on 'Our Harbour'. Forty-one people boarded the schooner, 'Blue Skies', at Jeffreys Street Wharf shortly after 10 am. A slight nor-east breeze, which freshened as the day proceeded, gave easy sailing along the southern shores of the harbour to Parsley Bay. Here we met Joe & Georgina Geoghegan and Lesley Jordan, who had gone there by car. Two and a half hours were spent at Parsley Bay having lunch and a very pleasant get together. We rejoined the schooner at about 2.30pm and had a fast sail up the centre of the harbour with a strong nor-easter pushing us thru hundreds of yachts participating in Saturday afternoon sailing. We land types were interested to see 'Halsoll', 'Gretel' and other yachts that we only see on our TV screens. We sailed under the Harbour Bridge to Goat Island then back to Jeffreys Street Wharf at 4.30pm. The following were aboard: Fred & Jean Johnston and family and friends, Reg & Pat Nossiter and family and friend, Jack Maclay and son and family and friends, Norma Christensen and friend, Ray Rickards, Jack Black, Joan Crispin, Bruce Ford, Thelma Jones and friend, Muriel O'Rourke and family and Ron & Gretta Maston. It is planned to have a further schooner trip in 1982 and also an expedition on the 'Krait' on the Pittwater. RAY RICKARDS writes in and says: "I would like to congratulate the Committee of the 2/30 Bn. Auxiliary, for the organisation of a very enjoyable sail boat trip to Parsley Bay. A special thanks to Ron and Gretta Maston for the organisation, making the day such a success. Weather-wise and the location chosen for our stop-over could net have been better. I feel sure I speak for all who participated when I say THANKS for a wonderful day. (See Page 70 Ray) SMORGASBORD LUNCHEON - Thursday 3rd. December. 1981: 43 gathered at the Ps.O.W. Rooms in Clarence St., and then walked across the road to the Cosmopolitan Hotel for the Smorgasbord Luncheon, at 12 noon. Our hostess, the charming Mrs. B. McGettigan really worked hard to make the Luncheon a success, especially as they were still having staff problems because of the strikes of hotel employees. Two upstairs rooms were allocated to us and there were enough chairs for all to be seated and enjoy the beautiful and plentiful luncheon. Liquid refreshment could be purchased at the bar and wine was provided with the luncheon. Lady Galleghan very kindly presented the champagne to drink a toast to 2/30 Bn. and she was able to make a quick appearance between two other engagements. That Lady certainly gets around. It was good to see everybody enjoying themselves and mixing in so well, and to, see there Mrs. Christensen (mother of 'Sandy') and Mrs. N. Whitfield, Harold Russell's (B Company) sister. At 2.30pm we all returned to the Ex-Ps.O.W. Rooms for the monthly Meeting, finishing up with afternoon tea prepared by those wonderful Auxiliary workers. We suggest that more Members especially widowers, Members and their wives end widows of deceased Members should make the effort & come to the monthly meetings of the Auxiliary, where they will be made most welcome and will find that mixing in with the others for the afternoon makes for an enjoyable occasion. The Meetings are held on the FIRST THURSDAY in the month at the EX-Ps.O.W. ROOMS, GOLDBERG HOUSE, 101-105 CLARENCE STREET, SYDNEY. at 2 PM. EXTRACT from EX-Ps.O.W. ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE - Dec. 1981 issue: This opportunity is taken to thank the President and members of the Ladies Auxiliary, the 2/30 Bn. Auxiliary, who rostered their members for souvenir sales and attending to visitors' needs in providing coffee, tea, biscuits, sandwiches & scones with jam & cream. They made everyone welcome, and gave special care to those who needed it, 2/30 Bn A.I.F. ASSOCIATION AUXILIARY - LUNCHEON & FILM SHOWING 88 Members, their wives and relatives attended the Luncheon on 14th Feb., and our thanks go to Gretta Maston and her willing band of workers for turning on such a magnificent spread. George Aspinall showed 2 films: 1) 1981 NATIONAL
EX-Ps.O.W. - REUNION, SYDNEY. George also played the Cassette of the CHANGI CONCERT PARTY at the Monster POW Rally at Victoria Barracks in October last. Our thanks to George for all the work, that he has put into these films and for coming in to show them to us. Everyone enjoyed themselves very much in spite of the hot day. More detail in next "MAKAN". NEWS PROM HERE and THERE On Sunday, 8th November, 1981 - REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY - a Service was held at ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH, Macquarie Street, at 10am. in which Church is hung our Battalion Colours. Part of the flower arrangement being given by Lady Galleghan, "In loving memory of my dear husband, BRIGADIER SIR FREDERICK GALLEGHAN, D.S.O., O.B.E., I.S.A., E.D., and MEN of the 2/30 Bn., who gave their lives". Those of the Battalion present were Noel Johnston, who read the Old Testament Lesson, Ron Maston, Stuart Peach, Bruce & Betty Ford, Les Wharton, who quoted The Act of Remembrance, Fred Johnston, Alex Dandie, Steve & Gwen Allardice, Jack Black, & Heather McClelland. On Sunday, 8th November, 1981 - a Service was held at the Chapel, War Veterans' Homes, Narrabeen, at 3pm. During the Service the Padre, The Rev. Tom O'Brien, dedicated a Battalion Plaque, donated by ALAN PENFOLD - (see Makan 263, page 64 Ed.) After the Service GEORGE CLARKE hung the Plaque on the wall of the Chapel amongst the other Plaques. Padre O'Brien said he was very pleased to receive this Plaque, as it was the first Infantry Battalion Plaque hung, from the 8th Division. Those present at the Service were: Alan & Marj Penfold, Alex Dandie, George & Fifi Clarke, Beatrice (Bet) Dawson, (I might say hale and hearty in spite of being near 90), with her daughter, Mrs. Pam Lawton, just to keep an eye on Bet, Jack Black, Jock McDougall, and Miss Lorraine Blow, Stewart Blow's sister. There are now twenty five Plaques on the wall of this Chapel. After the Service, Alan & Marj Penfold very kindly invited all Members and wives present back to their Unit for a nice 'Cuppa'. Miss Lorraine Blow tells us that STEWART BLOW (HQ Company - Mortar) has had another stroke and will have to wear a caliper. We are sorry to hear of Stewart's misfortune, and hope that he will soon be able to get around again. LEGACY'S 1982 SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY We have received a Brochure of this Tour from Eric Hart, Chairman Sydney Legacy Appeals Committee. Departing from Sydney 10 Apr. for 20 days. Deposit of $100 per person on booking. Total cost $1,490. Brochures may be obtained from Legacy, 169 Elizabeth St., Sydney 2000 - phone 267-9155 or 267-9243. Prices are based on tariffs and air fares effective 1st Sept. 1981 and are subject to change without notice. Cancellations - fees that apply: up to 35 days prior to departure $50 per person within 35 days of departure up to 100% of land cost per person and 50% of air fare. The tour includes 3 days in Bangkok, 1 day Rose Garden, 1 day River Kwai, 5 days Penang, 2 days Kuala Lumpur, 1 day Malacca and 5 days Singapore including Anzac Day. A.I.F. MALAYAN NURSING SCHOLARSHIP 34th Annual Report has been received and in brief shows that the Board decided, that as it was concerned with the problem of re-organisation, it would not, in the year under review, (1/7/80-30/6/81) endeavour to bring candidates to Australia in that year, but would thereafter seek candidates. As the Malaysian Ministry of Health had not taken up their offer of some two years previously, they have made further enquiries in Melbourne and Sydney as to the availability of post-basic courses in neonatology and pediatrics (which were subjects of interest to the Malaysian Health Ministry) and with this new information made a renewed offer to the Ministry to finance a candidate from Malaysia. They then wrote to the Ministry offering to finance a candidate for 1982, but up to the middle of November 1981 had not yet received a reply. If the Malaysian Ministry has no immediate candidate available, the Board, having the necessary finance available, will have to give thought to seeking a further candidate from Singapore. Funds in hand show a ledger balance as at 30.6.81 as $11,868.52 of which $5,000 has been invested by Public Trustee in addition to $23,000 already invested by them at 13.5%. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALDERMAN LOCKE O.B.E. - on the well deserved honour, in the New Year's Honours List, extended by Alex on behalf of the Executive of our Battalion Association. We have been indebted to him over many years in helping with the. Memorial Cairn, Bathurst. THE GRAFTON RE-UNION. "The twentieth Annual Re-union on November 21st., was enjoyed by a gathering of 107 at Grafton. Proceedings commenced with the usual get-together at the Crown Hotel before marching to the Cenotaph led by Jack Williams of Sydney, for a brief wreath-laying Ceremony. Rain threatened but thankfully held off. "2/30 Bn. Members, wives, and relatives attending were: Tom and Marj. Davis with Marj's brother, Charlie, and his wife Lexie, Arthur Roberts, Jack & Iris Collins, Maureen and Graham Feltham (Maureen's father was Harry Head), Dulcie Korsch, Merle Rockett, Harry and Ethel Rhodes, Fred & Jean Winters, Bob Newman, Norm Lee, Con Hedwards, Joe & Norma Veivers and Neil Huntley. 2/30 Bn. apologies were received from Jack Newton of Cundletown (hope your daughter's wedding went off well Jack - please give her our Best Wishes), Artie and Nancy Power, Kyogle and Harry & Noleen Griffis of Taree. "Guest speaker at the dinner was Mr. Lloyd Johnson, M.B.E. of 2/19 Bn. (for services to Ex-servicemen and the Community), now a Trustee of the N.S.W. Ex-Ps.O.W. Association and a T.P.I. Lloyd stressed matters concerning claims for pensions and recent relevant enactments of the law. "Lucky prizes of the night went to Marie Andrews, Wauchope, (wife of Allan 2/3 M.A.C.), and to Arthur Roberts, again the 2/30 struck it lucky! "PLEASE MAKE A NOTE OF THIS YEAR'S GRAFTON RE-UNION - 20 NOV. 1982 (Thank you Harry Rhodes for the above information. Cliff Houghton of NSW POW Association, praised organisation by Harry Rhodes and Tom Davis.) STAN ARNEIL - A Company - COLLAROY 2097 "ONE MAN'S WAR": Our Members could be interested in that last week, (end Nov.) the fourth re-print, Third Ed.. 'One Man's War', was received from the publishers. The reason the change to a Third Edition is due to the inclusion of a page containing photographs of 16 of the 19 of our comrades who are mentioned in the Diary as having died during the War. "It was extremely difficult to obtain the photographs, but a bit of help, including from the Bn. Association & the 16 were obtained. "I do not think that we will be able to have the book a paper back. The big-publishers (four of them) have separately praised the book, but have all stated that the nature of the book would require it to be retyped for a paper back, which would make it too costly to print. 'However the translation into Japanese is going ahead and we hope for a large Japanese Edition. "BIOGRAPHY - 'BLACK JACK': I am on holidays at the moment and drafting two chapters. However I still have twelve months research to complete. My interviews so far are mainly confined to pre World War I stuff and as the people are all in their nineties it is at times quite laborious. I have very little on the 17th Bn. C.M.F. Dick Tompson gave me a contribution, but I wonder would you ask if any of our Members, who were in the 17th will give me some assistance by writing of B.J.'s effect on morale, esprit de corps, standard of training, discipline (very important) etc. It would help me a lot in the Biography, Thanks Alex, Your Friend. Stan." ARTICLE TAKEN FROM DAILY TELEGRAPH 9/11/81 VETERANS MAY HAVE DEADLY BUG "Thousands of World War II, Korean and Vietnam War Veterans may be suffering from a possibly fatal parasite that causes skin and gastric problems. "But many doctors blame these illnesses on 'nerves'. "The new theory was disclosed yesterday by Dr. Lawrence Pelletier, of the American Lake Veterans' Administration Centre in Tacoma, Washington State. "He said tests showed about 50 former American Ps.O.W. who helped build the Thai-Burma railway during World War II were afflicted with a tropical parasite called strongyloides. "Dr. Pelletier said at least one confirmed case of strongyloides has been found in a Vietnam veteran. It was possible there were thousands more. 'The parasite causes hives, 'creeping eruption' of the skin and raised red lines that can move along the body. It also can irritate the small bowel. ARTICLE TAKEN FROM AUSTRALIAN MEDICAL JOURNAL: Following the newspaper article printed in Makan 263, Page 18 we now print the full letter. of Dr. D. I. Graham of Yass: "Sir: Dr. Hinder (Journal, May 30, 1981), has made a major contribution to our profession and our ex-Ps.O.W. "Experience with ex-Ps.O.W. over 35 years prompts me to support his views which are timely, as World War II recedes into the past. His personal experiences must carry great weight. "I have held strong views for many years that Ps.O.W. under-went severe stress, physical and mental which unfavourably influenced subsequent health. The medical profession is in a special position to understand their problems and thus contribute materially to their welfare. "Opinions on stress are undergoing. a long overdue change. Stress was different for a P.O.W. who faced stresses of indefinite capacity, the lack of details of his Family's welfare, uncertain of whether his fate was known. He endured brutal beatings, harsh working conditions, untreated tropical disease, starvation and other stresses. "Stress can be different for different people, and long term effects significant. Starvation is bad enough, if there is hope of ending it. When combined with stress associated with cruelty, fear of death, seeing comrades die of brutality and neglect, it is demoralising. "At Kanchanaburi 1,370 Australians are buried in the lonely, beautiful War Cemetery - casualties of the infamous Burma-Thailand railway. Another 1,400 lie at the Burma end. Of 6,000 Australians persecuted, almost half died. "Under such cruelty, inhumanity, and hardship, stress played a major part in the lives (and deaths) of those subjected to it. "It behoves us, who are in a special position to understand, look with sympathy and understanding at these problems. YASS. N.S.W. 2582 D. I. GRAHAM. INFORMATION EXTRACTED from the official UNITED STATES ARMY MAGAZINE APRIL 1981 The BILL in question will be dealt with by the end of 1981 sitting of U.S. CONGRESS.: "Legislation recently introduced to Congress is to give expanded eligibility to former Prisoners of War for Veterans' medical and compensation benefits. The reason for the Bill is a recommendation emerging out of a two year study by the Veterans' Administration. (This body is similar to our R.S.L.) "Surveying more than 100,000 living Ps.O.W. the Veterans' Administration found a significant higher mortality rate and meaningful higher incidence of disability, both physical and psychological, among them, than among veterans, who had not been imprisoned. "This full survey was a 'complete control' one, that is, a comparison against an equivalent set number of U.S.A. veterans, who had served in various areas, Europe, Africa, and the Pacific regions and who were NOT Ps.O.W. (It is a great pity that our own R.S.L. has not done something similar, to help us over the many years. Ed.) EXTRACT TAKEN from 'THE SUN' Newspaper dated 25/1/82: This article was written by Reporter, MARK WALLACE (and our BLAIR TAYLOR may like to give us some follow up NEWS FOR NEXT MAKAN. Ed.) "Former Australian prisoners of war held in German concentration camps during WWII may soon be compensated by the West German Government. The men, some of whom were held at the infamous THERESIANSTADT camp in Czechoslovakia where 100,000 people died, have been campaigning for compensation for more than two years. ARTICLE TAKEN FROM 'THE SUN' 15/1/82: 'HERO' SAILS OUT FOR REPAIRS The World War II 'hero' ship, "KRAIT", leaves for the shipyards at Ballina tomorrow...and a new lease of life. "With the help of a $25,000 donation from the Federal Government, the Volunteer Coastal Patrol and a special Fund Raising Committee now have enough money to restore the hull of the vessel to top condition. "Planks and beams will be replaced and the 22 metre hulk recaulked. "Ballina Slipway & Engineering will do the work, expected to take four months. "The "KRAIT'S" Master, Capt. BILL COCKBILL, expects to reach Ballina on Monday afternoon, with a call at Coffs Harbour, during the 600 km voyage. "The work on the hull and the subsequent renovation of other sections of the vessel are expected to keep it seaworthy for at least ten years. LES & GLADYS HALL - HQ Company - HARBORD, 2096. Les sends a cheque to cover a Tie. (Thanks Les, rec'd 24/12/81). He says: "I contacted Bert Farr who graciously offered to mail it direct to the lad, for whom I am anxious to have one. "He, I am quite certain, will wear it in memory of the father he never knew, and who slumbers on and out of pain in far away Burma. "To you Jock and the whole editorial staff and to every Member of the Unit, Festive Greetings from my wife and self, Sincerely LESLIE GORDON HALL". P.S. HANK MASSEY & JACK MOLONEY request that I express similar sentiments on their behalf. L." (Thanks LES, HANK and JACK. - Ed.) MRS. THELMA JONES (Widow of "Bill") - B Company - NEUTRAL BAY Thelma rang to say how thrilled she was to get the Xmas Card and that we were all thinking of her. As you know Thelma is the Treasurer of 2/30 Bn Association Auxiliary and does a very good job in handling all the money, keeping the Books, and banking. ENGAGEMENT: 16/1/82. Lance & Pauline EARL of Killara, have pleasure in announcing the engagement of their elder daughter, Caroline, to ANGUS, only son of DAPHNE & ARCH THORBURN of LINDFIELD. We send our Best Wishes to ANGUS. CECIL & BETTY DEWS - C Company - RICHMOND 2753 Betty sends in Cec's dues, being the good wife and secretary unpaid that she is. (Thanks Betty, received 26/1/82 - Ed) JOE & MAVIS FIELD - HQ Company - BLACKALL'S PARK 2283 Joe phoned to advise change of address as above which is near Lake Macquarie, south side. It has taken him two years to move from Orange. He was in Sydney 4/12/81 as a grandson was to be operated on in Liverpool Hospital. NOEL & JANET JOHNSTON - NORTHBRIDGE. 2063 Noel says: "It was very nice to receive your Card on Monday 11th Jan., and many thanks for your Greetings and Good Wishes on my 76th Birthday. Janet and I had a nice day, quiet but pleasant. We had our lunch down at the Spit - the Endeavour Restaurant - a good spot in a nice environment, and afterwards browsed through a nursery at Terrey Hills before coming home. "My correspondence this week is 'dragging the chain' (including this to you, but I will drop a line to Dick Locke and Jim Webster and I will also write to BOB DICKSON'S widow, MAVIS. I wrote a few months ago to Bob when his 'terminal' condition received a mention in Makan. It was just to let him know he was remembered. I liked Bob, and respected his 'reserved attitude'. I am glad that JACK BLACK & RAY BODY managed to get to the funeral. "I look forward to seeing you and a good crowd - at Pymble on Sunday afternoon. These gatherings grow in important each year and will continue to do so. Many Blessings to all. Sincerely. NOEL." FRED & PEG HUME - Med. Ord. Bn. HQ. - EAST MAITLAND Fred and Peg are going for a bus trip to Western Australia so that they might visit a son, who lives over there. Fred also wants to see those of the Bn. who live over there, especially JOE MASON. MRS. EDITH BERMAN - Widow of 'IZZY' A.G.H. Staff - WEST RYDE, 2114 Edith's injury to her ankle 7 months ago has net been fixed., she said the congealed blood was deep seated and the movement of the bruise up the leg worries her. Her brother Aaron Bross was home from hospital, fitted up with the pace-maker for his heart. She is to go into Concord again for her ear to be given more attention. LES AND BILLIE MELROSE - HQ Company Signals - MATRAVILLE Les says that it is two years since he had new spectacles but needs fresh ones. He says that T.P.I. men may get spectacles for their wives thru the University of N.S.W. NORMAN ARMSTRONG - B Company - TIARO (near Maryborough) QLD. 4650 Norman is the youthful looking bloke in photo of 1981 Reunion in Makan 263. Our records show that he transferred to 2/26 Bn. in March 1945. He is also shown as QX23299, was at Thomson Rd., No 2 Company, Woodlands Rd.,& Blakang Mati Party and ended up as M. Ord. on X6 Party. He looked to be enjoying himself at the Reunion, so decided to join the Association. Welcome Norman, don't forget to let Alex know all your news, so we can let your mates in on it. COL O'DONNELL - C Company - DALVEEN Q'LD. 4374 Col was in Sydney end of October for the funeral of his youngest brother who died of cancer only 56 years old. Owen lived at Kangaroo Valley, but was cremated at Northern Suburbs Crematorium We sympathise with Col in his sad loss. Col informed our C.C. that he had had a heart attack at the and of July. Kathleen got the Doctor who brought an ambulance, and put him straight into hospital, where they drained the fluid. HARRY (COBAR) BROWN - A Company - MT. DRUITT 2770 Alex. had a phone call from Harry, whose wife, Florence, is now a bit hard to look after, will wander if not watched. Alex asked Max McClelland to go and see him. It was very convenient for Max is he was going up to Mt. Druitt that very Saturday. He did visit, when Heather arranged a lunch at her place for 'Cobar' and Florence, and Max brought down Ted Bahnsen from his Nursing Home and invited Alex to join them, so the six of them had a pleasant few hours on 12th November. (See also Page 83) GEORGE (DOUGHY) WHITE - HQ Company - Died 11/11/81 Les Hall was concerned to see if 'Doughy had been declared T.P.I. to see if it would help 'Doughy's' wife Marge, with War Widow's Pension. Kevin Ward says that Bexley R.S.L. Welfare Officer e working on it. STEVE KIRTON - HQ Company SIGS - CANADA Doc. Wilson back from his trip to Canada says that Steve had been sick - hiatus hernia. Doc also said that Veterans' Affairs lost his (Doc's) papers about last review, so Doc. has to go through tests all over again. JACK STUART - HQ Company Transport - NTH. HAVEN 2445. Gordon McKnight reports that Jack has had no disability pension and is only on an invalid pension. We're looking into this. JEAN BURBURY (Widow of REG - A Company) - PAGEWOOD 2035 Les Hall reports that Jean has got her War Widow's Pension. KEITH JONES - HQ Company Signals - BURLEIGH WATERS Keith has been ordered by his doctor to give up the QLD. Secretary job for T.P.I. on the Gold Coast. Over sympathetic with chaps' troubles plays up with his nerves and causes stress. THINGS WE HEAR If you have to have any tests ordered by your MO. insist. that they be carried out at R.G.H. Concord. It is our hospital and we would be the first to complain if the hospital closed through lack of patronage. RON FOSTER - B Company - HORNSBY HEIGHTS. 2077 Ron dropped us a note before leaving on his overseas trip 29/11/81. He says: "Through advertising an article for sale in the Weekly Trading Post, I had a phone call from an interested buyer, who turned out to be GEORGE TURNER from Lightning Ridge (HQ Company). "I convinced him that he should join the 2/30 Bn. Association so would you send him a copy of the next Makan and a bill for Life Membership. (It's a small world. Welcome aboard George. Ed.) GRACE BLADWELL - Widow of Fred HQ. Mortar - MIRANDA Sends in a 'bit' to put her on the black side of the ledger. (Thanks Grace, received Nov. Ed.) JACK & OLIVE MATHEWS - D Company - BEENLEIGH QLD. 4207 Jack says he is well, only for having 'sugar'. He says they have a new R.S.L. Country Club in Beenleigh, which would be opened for Xmas. He says it is an. asset to the Town. He sends in for a tie. (Thanks Jack, received Nov. Ed.) Mrs. N. WHITFIELD – PUNCHBOWL 2196 Sends in a donation for an 'occasional' Makan - says she is HAROLD RUSSELL'S sister (B Company) and CLIFF HOUGHTON'S Sister-in-law. CLIFF HOUGHTON, as you know, is well known in the N.S.W. Ex-Ps.O.W. Association and who has sent in an amount for Makan. (Thanks Cliff, rec'd Ed.) ROSS HUTTON - A Company – ROCKDALE 2216 Ross sends in for a tie and his dues for Makan bringing him to date. (Thanks Ross, received 24/12/81. - Ed.) RON JACKSON - B Company - CHATSWOOD 2067 Ron sends in a note to keep him afloat for a while. (Thanks, received 7/1/82 Ed.) He says "I have been pretty busy at work. Not much golf lately, too hot or wet or I am too old. (never say, Ron). Hope this finds you well and all the best to yourself and rest of the lads for 1982. Sincerely RON. ALLEN JOHNSON - HQ Company, Signals. – HARRINGTON 2427 Enclosed his cheque for Subs. & the Diary postage. He says: "Trust you and LES HALL are well. ALLEN. (Cheque received with thanks Allen, 2/1/82. Ed.) GEORGE & VIOLET CROFT - AAOC (Att'd) - PUNCHBOWL Sends in for a Tie & Badge (Thanks George, received 12/1/82 Ed.), Said he was sorry he was late but the old memory is not the best. (As long as you get there in the end George Ed.) 'MICK' (E.P.) & MONA HILTON - D Company - PARADISE PT. Enclosed for LIFE MEMBERSHIP, a Tie, Diary postage and Makan fees. (Thanks Mick, received 11/1/82. Ed.) He was, "Reading the Makan 263, page 56, and was sorry to read of my mate, DICK NEWMAN, he was a great mate; and sorry to hear of BILL MELVILLE's death. I hope you are keeping good health now. Wishing you and all Members 2/30 boys a Merry Xmas and Happy New Year. MICK HILTON. BERNIE CLARKE - HQ Company - CITY BEACH. WEST AUST. 6015 Sends in his cheque for Makan, book JAPANESE THRUST & a Tie. (Thanks Bernie, received 6/1/82. Ed.) He says his family & self are keeping well, and he sends his Best Wishes for the New Year to all. BERT HODGE - A Company – GILGANDRA 2827 Said he received the Tie and it's good. Sent in a cheque for Makan, balance as we think. (Thanks Bert, cheque received 5/1/82. Ed.) NEVILLE & LORNA RILEY - C to HQ Company CARRIER - EAST HILLS Nev sends in for Makan subs. He looks well when last seen. ALAN & MYRTLE GILBERT - B Company - BEVERLY HILLS 2209 Alan enclosed a cheque for Makan, but no note, so must be busy. VIC & CHRIS MURPHY - A Company - BELMONT NORTH. 2280 Newsy letter from Chris says: "I am writing on behalf of VIC who is currently, President of Belmont R.S.L. Sub-Branch, also on the Board of Directors. Both Vic & Myself would be glad to welcome any 2/30 Bn. friends and relatives to call and say hello, if passing through at any tine, "Please find enclosed a cheque for Tie, Badge, Subs, and postage (Thanks Chris received 30/12/81. Ed.). We wish to take this opportunity to Wish one and all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Sincerely CHRIS & VIC. (Hope you got the big surprise, Vic. Ed.) MRS. BARBARA LLOYD (widow of DAVID, C Company to G.B.D. to 2/29) - HUNTERS HILL. 2110 Sends Christmas Greetings with Best Wishes to the Executive & Men of the 2/30 Bn. and Association. "I did appreciate your Card so much. It means a lot to be thought of by the Men who spent those POW days with DAVID. (I might add that your Editor will be eternally grateful to the memory of DAVID LLOYD, who at Bathurst after final leave, when asked by a red raw recruit could he have leave to go into Bathurst to visit his newly pregnant wife, said, "I haven't seen you!". Jock.) MISS HEATHER BAXTER – Cousin of LES BAXTER, D Company – CAMPBELLTOWN 2160 Heather says she received the Battalion Plaque safely and that everyone is very taken with it. It is now doing the rounds of the family. She sends her Season's Greetings and Best Wishes for the Coming Year and Good Health, to the Executive and Men of the Bn. IAN & OLGA PRYCE - D Company - WAHROONGA. 2076 Enclosed a cheque for Makan and a bit extra. Wishing all a Happy Christmas. IAN. (Thanks Ian, received 30/12/81, Ed.) HARRY & ETHEL RHODES - B Company - SOUTH GRAFTON 2461 Harry, Wishes all a Happy Xmas when sending in for a Tie & Makan subs. (Thanks Harry, received 30/12/81) HENRY WEST - HQ Company A/A Has been in Concord and then sent to Lady Davidson - he has Spondylitis and arthritis in the back - nine years since he has been in hospital. IDA CAREW (widow of JOE Bn HQ Pay Clerk) - MIRANDA 2228 Ida had a stroke last year. It put her in hospital for six weeks, and her doctor has said that she cannot live alone, so she is now at her daughter's home at the above address. Bessie Ellis sent in this news. ALAN (SNOWY) & WIN MASON - D Company - DUNDAS 2117 Alan says that his wife, WIN, has been having some good games of TEN-PIN Bowling lately. On the day before he rang, Win had won at a competition at Hornsby. Daughter, DEBORAH, is making a name for herself in Tennis, playing with the R.S.L. Youth Club. Enquiring how his shoulder, hurt by burglars, was, we learnt that it is no good, not responding to treatment. Relaxation of muscles has not been a total success, and some on their relaxation unset others, which were hurt. Alan is unfortunate too, in that, because none of the burglars were caught and brought before the courts, he is unable to claim compensation of one type, and another type does not allow for him working on his own, so that loss of profits is not taken into account. Alan referred to the paragraph in Makan, seeking news of JIMMY NAY - although he served under the name of 'NAY', his correct name was 'DOUGLAS'. He had been a foster child, brought up by a MRS. NAY. 'SNOW' knew, by reason that he had been Best Man at Jimmy's wedding - a marriage that had broken up. VINCE & PEG LEONARD - HQ Company Transport - FAIRFIELD 2165 Vince reminisces - In Japan he had to work in a coal mine. One day his Jap Hancho tried to force Vince to go under a rock ledge to get clearance of what was under it. Vince did not want to go. He hit the Hancho right between the eyes and broke his glasses. "The Jap waited until they got top-side, and then Vince was given a belting from other Japs. Someone called out 'Happy Birthday’ to Vince as he took the punishment. JIM & BEVERLY WALSHE - HQ Company Mortar - ST IVES 2075 Jim has had cataracts so is not reading or playing bowls. Has need to have drops in his eyes, and these help for a while. Beverly's father had to have a serious stomach operation at Westmead Hospital, but he is doing well after it. BET DAWSON – (widow of LEN - GSM HQ Company) - WARRIEWOOD Bet who stays with her daughter, Mrs. PAM LAWTON at the above address, reported that she had to spend a week in bed. She phoned Alex to wish everyone a Happy Xmas as she was a bit worried that owing to the mail strike a card may not have got through. SID & ISOBEL GROUNDS - A Company - CARLTON 2218 Sid has had shingles. The pain abated after the first three days, but the soreness is still troublesome. 'DIGGER' & JANE PREEN - HQ Company Pioneers - UMINA 2257 Jane says that she had spent 6 weeks in hospital because of pulling a cup of tea, too close to the edge of the table, over herself. She had gone to Casualty at Woy Woy Hospital for treatment, but it was thought there, to be too serious to let her go home straight away. She came home but 'DIGGER' had had to go to Hospital in his turn, because his operation area had flared up. However his specialist had had him transferred up to Gosford, and was getting another specialist to look at him and would undertake another operation on 4/2/82. This trouble is all to do with the plumbing. Fred Butt says that he has seen 'Digger' and says that HE has guts to go through what he has to face. 'Digger's' daughter-in-law is also in Gosford, with too much fluid - a babe is due in February. (Arrived 17th Feb. - a girl) LEILA SIMMONS - (widow of RAY - HQ Company) Whilst in town, Leila tripped on one of the metal covers in the footpath, in Market Street, and broke her arm. In February she is going up to 'Craigieburn', at Bowral. She sends her love to all. LES & BILLIE MELROSE - HQ Company Signals - MATRAVILLE Les reports that he has had a Christmas Card from WOO WEN KAY and Les had sent one back in reciprocation. Les' daughter Sue will be going to Singapore on Boxing Day and hopes to contact WOO. GEORGE & FIFI CLARKE - C Company - FAIRLIGHT. 2094 Heard that George & Fifi have a grandchild, one year old. DES & THELMA KEARNEY - B Company - MOSMAN, 2088 Alex. saw DES in Hunter Street. He looks fit, but fat - he says two doctors have told him to get some off - he's obeying gradually. He said they had all the family home for Xmas; two daughters, a son, and their spouses and families. There was a queue for the shower. Des says he enjoys his sailing. GORDON & JEAN BAKER - A Company - WAHROONGA. 2076 The Sydney Morning Herald of 26/12/81, Saturday, in its section, 'THE GOOD WEEKEND', contained an article on MARRIAGE CELEBRANTS, amongst whom it named our friend, GORDON BAKER. The writers stated that Gordon has been a Marriage Celebrant for six years; that he is a retired businessman from Wahroonga, having retired about ten years ago; that he was always involved in Community Activities such as Police Citizens Boys' Clubs and Rotary and that he has performed over 1,000 such ceremonies. They described him as a smallish man with a neat silver moustache, in a grey pinstriped suit. The ceremony, which they reported, took place in. the gardens of Oatlands House, Dundas, and, in saying that he had done just over 1,000, Gordon remarked, that each one is individual, each one is like the first for me. You can't do them like so many sardines in a tin. I like to weave a little something special into each of them. I've married people in a plane going over the South Pole, on the Harbour in sailing boats, on the beach at dawn. He has cut out the "obey" and "till death do us part" bits: "People are equal....I cut out the death do us part bit, because why bring death into such a happy occasion". TOM COOMBES - B Company - PADSTOW. 2211 NUGENT GEIKIE, who by the way is in Concord, suffering from cancer, and is being treated for it, before operating, according to his daughter, Rosemary, who accompanied him back from his trip to Japan to see her, where he became ill, was asking after TOM. Old records showed the above address, and our scribe looked in the telephone book, saw a Coombes in Padstow and phoned him. TOMMY is well enough, by POW standards. He has re-married, but is not one for reunions. He said he would get in touch with 'GEEK'. BILL & VIVIENNE DOUGLAS - B Company - CROYDON 2132 Billy's brother-in-law had won first prize in an Art Union - house, car & boat, and Billy & Viv were off again on 29/1/82 to caretake. He is booked in for Yamba POW Cottage for April 3rd to 24th, and is thinking of going up to Ballina for their Anzac Day. ATHOL CAREY - A Company - CARLTON 2218. Athol has diverticulitis. He had had double hernia, also duodenal ulcer and had six disabilities to give him 100% pens-ion. His present trouble, he had thought was only diarrhoea. He also had a spot on his lung, which is being kept under observation by MO. GEORGE STEPHENSON - HQ Company A/A - MOLLYMOOK 2539 Cancelled booking for the Re-union because he became sick at Griffith and had to go home-middle ear trouble. With the treatment being successful he now feels better than the last 18 months. His correct age is 77. 'DOC' WILSON Doc Wilson reported on the trip, which he took up to the North Coast and back by New England Highway, to show a friend from Sydney, a 'Tobruk Rat', the country. Doc called at Macksville, on Gordon Cross, whom he thinks was 7 Pl. Gordon has retired and has a bad back. He says that Gerry Bailey is on the Board of his R.S.L. Club. The Golf Club greens look to be OK. Jessie Bailey insisted on them dropping off for a cup of tea and sandwiches. At Coffs Harbour he looked up Joe Veivers, who works for the Shire Council. He had broken his leg at sport, but looks fit. Doc reckons there will be no need to take up a collection or to get him a wheel chair. He called on 'Kingie' Martin, who was not to be found at home, and they missed him wherever he was in the township. The return trip was via Armidale, Tamworth & Muswellbrook but did not call on too many as his friend was not interested in Malaya and the Far East, as against the Middle East. GARRY RICKWOOD: As reported elsewhere has arrived in Sydney and attended, as a guest, the Executive Meeting on 2/2/82. He can be reached by getting in touch with the P.O. Palm Beach. He is out here for a few months and would like to see a few friends. He will be going to stay a while with his mate COL O'DONNELL . NEWS VIEWS & WHO'S WHO TOM HELLMRICH - A Company - MONA VALE. 2103 You will recall that Tom was transferred to O.T.S. at Bathurst and did not sail with us, but fought in Borneo. His name does not appear in the Battalion History Roll, for this reason. He writes in to give us his new address as from 6/11/81 and his new phone number. He also sends in a cheque, "To keep my nose in front for a bit longer. We see Yvonne Meillon frequently, (Widow of John - A Company - who died in 1961), and she has expressed a wish that she might be put on the receiving list of the 'Makan'. Her address is CAMMERAY 2062. Kindest regards to all, TOM" (Thanks for the cheque Tom and we will have pleasure in sending future copies of 'Makan' to Yvonne. Another thought, you may like to come in to the monthly meetings, of the Auxiliary on the first Thursday of the month. Ed.) STUART & JOY ROBERTSON - A Company - TOORAWEENAH Joy does her good deed and writes thanks: "Can't believe twelve months have passed since I last penned a note to you on Stuart's behalf but as proof here I am again, to thank you for this last Birthday Card, we received it on Tuesday. Thank you also for the good wishes and the pieces of news included. It's a truly noble effort on your part to be doing so much for all 'the boys'. We have had some great rains and it looks as if more could be on the way. Won't help the crops ripen in a hurry, but always welcome for the grazing. "We are sorry to hear that Clarrie Burgess is not the best, but, no doubt with Kevin Ward to battle for him at Lady Davidson, he'll be well cared for now. (See page 52 - Ed.) ''Enclosing Stuart's cheque for a tie and the extra to go to whichever cause is in most need for a little extra. "We sincerely hope that you have been in better health and we send our Best Wishes to all for Christmas and the Coming Year. Yours sincerely, JOY ROBERTSON". (Thanks Stuart for the cheque, received 18/11/81. Ed.) PHIL & VI SCHOFIELD - C Company - SEAFORTH, 2092 Your Ed. visited the 'old Maestro' on 19th Jan. and arrived just as he was sitting down to enjoy his midday glass of 'medicine': Vi looked well but still finds it hard to get about with her Parkinson's complaint. She can still give that knowledgeable grin and retains her good sense of humour. On the other hand Phil doesn't alter, still thumps the table and is quite downright in his speech. He gave me a handsome cheque as, a donation to the new Gestetner, as he said, for old times sake, as he has a deep feeling for Gestetners, as you will all appreciate. He had been doing some homework on his family tree, in preparation for the invitation from the Schofields District, for him and his family to attend there on Anniversary Day. The story being as follows: "John Schofield was born in the Manchester District of England in 1803. In 1820 he was a silk weaver living at Maccelsfield. "It was there that, at the age of 17, and in the company of James Robinson (a weaver and an old offender) he committed the offence of burglary. "He was originally sentenced to death, but, the magistrate had lamented his situation, and directed that he receive every, mercy of the court. His offence was changed to larceny and transportation for life. "On the 16th December, 1821, John arrived in Sydney on the 'Minerva'. He was assigned to Thomas Harley, of the Baulkham Hills area. (You could pass for membership of the Pioneers' Club. Ed.) "Thomas Harley was a free settler who had arrived in the Colony in 1801 on the 'Minorca', with his wife, Hester, and daughters, Hester and Bridget, aged 7 and 3. "John worked on the prospering Harley Farm, and in 1829 John and Bridget Harley were married at St. John's, Parramatta, by the Rev. Samuel Marsden. "John & Bridget settled on land near the Harley Farm and over the years acquired several properties around the area, now known as the suburb of Schofields. It was here that they started the multitudinous branches of the Schofield Family." (The area is shown on Gregory's Map G and extended west from Eastern Creek, Nor-east to Boundary Rd., Nor-west to Kensington Rd., & south-east to Schofields Rd., a further bit between Roberts & Park Rds. Space is short but do I recall that the new goal is near here? Ed.) KEL & PEARL ANDERSON - C Company - SOUTH DUBBO. 2830 Kel writes in to let us know that they are all well and says: "We are having some nice weather, also some rain, which will make plenty of feed. "I received the Battalion Plaque which was very nice, am enclosing money for same and also my membership money. (Thanks Kel, received 5/11/81. Ed.) "Pearl and I have a grandson of 10 weeks, his name is Michael and is our elder daughter's baby. Our younger one lost her baby girl two days after she was born, her name was Melissa Marie, a beautiful little girl. "We had Stan & Colleen Grainger down for a week and really enjoyed having them. Stan and myself went up to Lightning Ridge. We went down a mine which belongs to a mate of mine and really enjoyed it. (Next time you go up there Kel, look for JACK DOBBS at Lightning Ridge. Also GEORGE TURNER (HQ Company) C/o P.O. - Ed.) "Haven't heard from CHUM FARLEY for a while or ALF SAVAGE who was a good mate of mine. Well news is scarce up this way so will say all the best to the boys from KEL ANDERSON." (Kel recheck Page 32 of Makan 260 and Page 29 of Makan 262. You may then like to drop a line to ALF at C/o P.O. PASKEVILLE. S. AUST. 5552. We feel sure that he and May would like to hear from you, see also Page 86 this issue - Ed.) GARRY & MARIE EVANS - A Company - STRATHFIELD. 2135 Garry writes in to tell us that 'JOCK' McLEAN is now Vice-Pres. of Strathfield Golf Club, for which he thinks 'JOCK' will do a very good job. He says: "He becomes the second 2/30 that has held that position, as yours truly held down that position previously. "It must have done him some good in the new position as he has won three or four trophies since being appointed. "Hoping you are all well, as this note finds me, not really fit but getting there, Regards to all, GARRY." JOAN HANLON (Widow of 'RED' - B Company) QUEANBEYAN. JOAN writes: "I received Makan 262 quite some time ago, thank you very much. This note is to thank you, Billy Senior & 'Digger' Preen and the 2/30 for their kind thoughts. At times I still can't believe it has happened. 'RED' and I were so close, it seems half of me is missing. The Christmas Card was a very nice thought. "If any of the 2/30 are visiting this area, I would like to hear from them, as I could possibly show them some of Canberra. I would be very happy to show them around. God Bless you all, and a Happy 1982. From JOAN HANLON". (See page 45 re 'Digger', Joan. - Ed.) DON & SYLVIA SUTHERLAND - D Company - BOWEN. QLD 4805 Don writes in and sends money to cover a tie, Makan dues and a donation. He says: "Am getting a tie, although I have not used one for 33 year. My eldest son lost my Medals and Ribbons many years ago, when I let him take them to Collinsville to show some of his mates.” "Sincerely hope that the Re-union went off very well. I am very shaky this morning. Have been made a T.P.I. since April. "So pleased with your interest regarding Mrs. Muriel Tate, at Garradunga, via Innisfail, Nth. Queensland, for which I really thank you. Sid King of here brought the news down to me through the Ex-Ps.O.W. Branch, Townsville. "I am sorry but I will have to say cheerio, best of wishes to you and all, men and women alike, very pleased with the last two Makans, Yours sincerely. DON." (Many thanks Don, for your great effort in spite of the shakes and also for the cheque.- Ed.) WILFRED EVANS - HQ Company Transport - GUILDFORD. 2161 Wilfred writes a few lines to say thanks for the Birthday Card. He says: "I get very cranky with myself these days, don't get out much, only with a walking stick. Comes hard on one, when you have been active all your life. Went up the River fishing a week or so back. I can only go now when my son can go with me, to help me around. We had a nice few days and caught a few fish. (Curly Hardman take note. Ed.) "I might have to have an operation on my hip: the Doctor is going to get a specialist's advice as soon as he can. I am sorry to hear that Gerry Bailey's eyes are failing. If any of the lads come around near here, they are always welcome to call in, as I am mostly confined to barracks. I can still crack a bottle at home. "Hope you all had a nice Re-union - my thoughts are always with you all. Regards to all, WILFRED." CLARRIE & PAT BURGESS - A Company - REDFERN. 2016 Clarrie writes in and says he hopes Alex is feeling better, he also enclosed a postal note for fees and says: "Once again I must thank you all for the efforts you all do for us in Makan and wish everyone a Happy Christmas and New Year 1982. "I didn't go into Lady Davidson, as I feel it is better poking around here than closed up - 'perhaps later'. I feel OK only the 'iced water' doesn't seem to have any hop in it, but why worry, maybe in a few months time? (See page 48. Ed.) "The Re-union at Taree Wauchope with the boys was a bit much, and of course I played up. Thank Kevin Ward for ringing and I'm sorry I wasn't home. "Rex Bowman and his wife Barbara, from South Australia were over for the Ex-Ps.O.W. Reunion and I'm sorry I could not get to the Smorgasbord, as I was tied pp with them, and, thanks Bowlers, for the invitation down to Bankstown Bowls Club. Rex & I were going, but the rain?? - perhaps next year. The boys might remember Rex in A Force. He was the 'watch maker' at the Bridge - he used to get old watches going, and I used to sell them to the 'boongs'; water-proof of course, as long as they didn't get wet. Dinny Lane came round and had a yarn with us at the Wynyard Travelodge; he looked well. Remember me to anyone you may happen to see. See you all on Anzac Day. CLARRIE BURGESS." (Thanks for the P/N Clarrie, and the kind words, from the team. Ed) TED & THELMA CAMPBELL - HQ Company, Carrier - TUMBARUMBA Thanks us for seeking out VAL HENNING for him and letting him know. Thanks also to MONICA FOLKARD (Jack's widow) of West Wyalong, Ted, for her good sleuthing job (see Makan 263 Page 67.-Ed.) He says: "I will write to Val in the near future, I guess after 20 years, a day or so won't matter. "George Aspinall rang me a week or so ago and we had a brief chat. I was pleased to hear from him again, he did try to get me to drive to Sydney, but I'm afraid I won't be driving down there, unless it's very urgent. "I'm keeping pretty fit and busy painting the inside of the house, and Clyde Blencowe and I are both in Legacy, as Clyde being a storekeeper, is a good contact for the widows. "'Bluey' Gray keeps fit and we see each other fairly often. I delivered your Greetings. All the best to everyone. TED." DON & MONICA SCHUMACHER - D Company – BIRMINGHAM G'NS, Don sends in the news and says he has received the Plaque: "Which has pride of place, second only to the Kitchen Table, a work of Art to all our friends who have viewed it to date. Our son & grandson have trouble keeping their sticky fingers off it. Thanks for the Birthday Wishes, JACK CLUNE & I share the same date and I think age too. "Monica & I plan to set off for the Flinders Ranges towards the weekend, and hope to have a few weeks touring the south. The EK still responds to the touch, so we expect no problems. We propose to take in the Flinders, Mt. Lofty and other parts, then Victoria and so up the Coast home. This trip I will take the address book with me and hope to see some friends that I have not seen in years. "Hope your health has improved, you have an efficient helper in Jock McD. - does he remember picking me up at the Bus Depot one night many years ago and bringing me home? "The Festive Season approaches and Monica & I take this opportunity to wish you and yours and all the 2/30 the very best for 1982. Kind Regards to all. DON & MONICA." (I do remember, Don, who could pass by that GRIN, and from your letters it would appear that you still 'wear' it. Jock.) (See also page 75. - Ed.) LEN & MARGARET ROBERTS -HQ Company, Transport - WYONG 2259 Margaret does the good job of scribe and writes from their son's place in Bloemfontein, Orange Free State, Sth Africa, where they have been enjoying a holiday since 27th October. Vawn and his wife, Lynn, and two grandchildren, Heidi (4) and Mark (16 mths), met them at the Jan Smuts Airport in spite of the late hour of arrival, 11PM. They stayed in a caravan park that night and motored 250 miles to Bloemfontein the next day. "After a few days rest Vawn, who is General Motors area Manager there took Len around with him and Len enjoyed meeting his clients. "Bloemfontein is the Capital of Orange Free State. Much has been written and even more has been speculated about the name of Bloemfontein. Three theories are acceptable. The first that it is named after a certain Koranna Captain, Jan Bloem, who lived in the vicinity of the old fountain with a band of marauders at the end of the eighteenth century. The second possibility is that the original owner of the farm, where Bloemfontein was eventually laid out, had an ox by the name of Bloem. The ox had a bad habit of jumping kraal walls, and was caught by a lion near the fountain. After a time this fountain was called the Fountain of Bloem. The third and most popular theory according to historians is that the name comes from the fact that a vast number of flowers grew there, first planted by Mrs. Britz, and a neighbour, who called one day, suggested that they should name the place Bloemfontein, which was accordingly done. "The view from the central Naval Hill is of a typical modem city, and in a drive through the suburbs we saw well planned gardens exhibiting a wealth of indigenous trees and plants laid out among lush carpets of green lawns. Vawn's house is a very large one with landscaped gardens and swimming pool, looked after by a gardener, & a black boy comes 2 days a week to clean out the pool. To look out the front door and across the common, one could be anywhere in Australia. '"We leave Johannesburg on 11th January to fly back to Perth to spend some time with our daughter, Susanne, and family at Karrinyup, arriving Lack in Sydney on 23rd Jan. "Trusting that you are feeling better Alex; regards to all, Margaret & Len Roberts." FRANK DYSON - B Company - TOMAKIN. 2537. Frank drops a line to say he is still with us, enclosed a cheque for Makan dues and said, if he is ahead, he is sure we can find some useful 'whatever'. (Thanks Frank, received 2/12/81. Ed.). He says : "Hope your health is reasonable, all things considered as I seem to be, 'up' one day and 'down' the next, but no doubt there are so many of our Unit who are in the same boat, and probably worse than I am. "Hope the Re-union was successful, sorry I couldn't make it, wishing you and the fellows only the Best, particularly in Health for the Festive Season and the Coming Year. FRANK DYSON" DAVE & MARJ. SWINDAIL - B Company - LEICHHARDT. 2040 Dave sends in cheque for Makan, Diary and Gestetner (Thanks Dave, received 6/1/82. Ed.) He says: ''Here's wishing you & yours and all the Boys of the Bn. a very Happy New Year. Thanks very much for the Birthday Card which surprised me very much. "My health is not bad but the wife suffers very badly, from arthritis and does not get around much at all. We spend the best part of our time at Toukley, only going back to Sydney for one week each month, when Marj goes to the arthritis clinic for treatment and her swag of tablets. "A good workmate of mine for years (we painted Arch Thor burn's place many moons ago) lives in a villa opposite Alex. McWilliams (B Company) at Gorokan. I was going to call the other day to see Alex but he was at work. Will catch him one day and jog his memory, as he told my mate, he does not remember me. "Sorry to read about the deaths and illnesses of old comrades but pleased that Jim Webster is still going like a 'CUDDY' and his 'LUMB IS STILL REEKING'. All the best to MUM DUFF and tell him I often have a bit of a laugh when I think of his P.T. school under pommie instruction he sent me to in Singapore for punishment (OSSIE JACKSON was with me there), Sincerely, DAVE & MARJ." CHARLIE & MAVIS TAYLOR - D Company - BOURKE, 2840 Charlie sends in his cheque for Makan & Gestetner (Thanks and received 6/1/82, Charlie. Ed.), also sends his thanks for the Birthday card, "Which I was overjoyed to receive. I would also like to take this opportunity to wish a few of my mates in D Company the Very Best for the New Year, Clyde Blencowe, Les Perry, Athol Charlesworth, Keith Mulholland, Norm King, Andy Noble, Garry (Porky) Evans and would also like to wish everybody in the Battalion a very Happy and. Prosperous New Year, Sincerely C.E. TAYLOR". BILL & HEATHER DESMET - Bn. HQ. BAND - WEETANGERA A.C.T. 2614 Bill has sent 18 copies of Lionel Wigmore's book 'The Japanese Thrust', and monies received from the purchase of these have been donated by him to general funds. He said that he had such a grand time when he was in Sydney during Ex-Ps.O.W. week that it was the least he could do. This is a very nice gesture, Bill, and we thank you very sincerely. He says: "The girls were fantastic, nothing was too much trouble and their company had a country touch. "The 'Barby' at Japanese Gardens showed that they too can organise things well: it was really beaut. At the finish of the 'Barby', 'Sluggo' Jones, 'Hec' Campbell and myself decided to go over to the Auburn R.S.L. Bowls Club. 'Sluggo' had an esky full of cans, which he tried to manhandle by himself, but found that it was just too much, so I helped him, of course. We had to walk thru the inner Gardens and across a little half-moon bridge, over some water, which was the only way out. Blocking our way was a bride & groom, having their photo taken, so we waited, and soon they beckoned us across. They stayed in position while we passed. I got through and as 'Sluggo' was passing, he asked could he kiss the bride. Permission being granted, 'Sluggo' hung on like one of those big leeches that we had in those jungle streams. Event over, we had to pass through the guests' who were terribly amused at the action and of course the inevitable question was popped, 'What's in the esky?'. So it cost 'Sluggo' at least six cans. (Which proves 'Sluggo' that you can't win all the time. Ed.) "Sunday was Bowls Day at Bankstown R.S.L. Bowling Club and I had another good day there. Blotted my copy book, as I wanted to souvenir a sun umbrella, purple and gold colours, the President did not take too kindly to that -.hope I didn't offend him. "Cheerio and kindest regards to all, BILL." AUST. BROADCASTING COMMISSION On Wednesday 28th Oct. Ray Brown and Alex Dandie had a two hour interview with a Mrs. Howieson of the ABC, preparing an item for the 40th Anniversary of fall of Singapore. One hour of talk getting her in perspective - then one hour using a recorder and asking questions arising out of the talk. GRAHAM McLEOD - HQ Company Graham, who, last year, visited Japan has written of his experiences and states that he thinks we may chop a bit out-"Editors do it all the time!" (not this one Graham. J.). So here is his story: "I was undecided why Japan in the autumn appealed to me. When pressed for a reason, I said I was looking for two guards I remember unfavourably...'Ashcan Archie' and 'Piano Legs'...and if I found them, I'd give them such a push! Privately, I told myself the scenery was the attraction and it'd give plenty of opportunities to exercise my elderly Yashika. whatever my real motives; off I went. "The JAL pilot knew the way to the new airport at Narita and it was here my preconception that everything in Japan had to be small went out the window. Narita terminal is huge...3 to 4 times the size of that at Sydney. My previous ideas shriveled even further after we'd driven the 25 miles to Tokyo proper: It is B...I...G!!! Going on twelve million people. Impressions: Skyscrapers, teeming traffic, intricate patterns of raised roadways, wide parks with manicured lawns and magnificent trees, electric trains which are fast, quiet and remarkably clean, and PEOPLE! They're well dressed, prosperous and purposeful, yet they don't smile much. However they're polite and eager to help any stranger, who's lost, and standing there helplessly with a big question mark hovering over his head. "It would take pages to describe all I saw in Japan so I'll confine comments to what I feel were the most notable places: "NIKKO NATIONAL PARK: Travelled by private train to Nikko, and thence by bus to this jewel. There's a saying, 'Never say Kekko (splendid) until you've seen Nikko.' Tall mountains, waterfalls and a road which is known as the ABC, because there are 48 hairpin bends and there are the same number of characters in the Japanese alphabet. Ate a lunch of rainbow trout at the Lakeside Hotel, built by Americans over 100 years ago. As I dined, I wondered at the thoughts of the Yanks here 40 years ago, as the war clouds gathered over the Pacific. Saw the Toshogu Shrine (Shinto)...a blaze of colour and a mass of convoluted carvings. This was dedicated to the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate. I gather that Tokugawa was a character who reacted abruptly when thwarted. (sounds familiar. Ed.) Didn't go for this at all. "THE GINZA: Yes, it's claimed to be...but I discovered every city in Japan has it's Ginza. It means something like 'Shopping Street'. The Ginza is the home of the big department stores and night clubs where a couple of Scotch's can set you back $60, (I nearly fainted when I learned that!!) "TOBA: Just off shore is Mikamoto Pearl Island, the home of the cultured pearl industry. Watched the white-clad girls giving demo dives. When they surface, they emit a peculiar whistling sound that is part of their breathing exercises. "KYOTO: Ah, this is beautiful!! Was the capital for 1000 years before the honour was transferred to Yedo (Tokyo). Kyotoites regard those in Tokyo as pushy, upstart bounders. (Very 3rd eleven). Kyoto was spared bombing by the US Air Force during the war on the grounds its destruction would mean the irrecoverable loss of its treasures. Kyoto is HISTORY: A centre of arts and crafts and populated by a most polished and urbane society, which made me feel a right Ocker! Saw all sorts of things here ...geishas singing and dancing, the tea making ceremonies, a demo of how to commit seppuku, so that one may die like a gentleman, displays of swordsmanship and karate (pronounced Ka-ra-te) where-in one character busted a foot high pile of tiles with his elbow. Not to be outdone, another did the same with his forehead. Took yards of photos of the Golden Pavilion and the rain falling gently on the ponds and gardens. "THE INLAND SEA: Crossed this on the way to Shikoku. Very calm and peaceful and studded with islands. On a plateau over-looking Takamatsu, came across a placid pool known as the Pond of Blood. It seems the Minamoto Samurais scaled the cliffs and wiped out the forces of the defending Daimyo (inc. his infant son). They then washed the gore from their blades in this pond. "KURASHIKI: An art gallery crammed with Picasso's, Van Gogh's and Monet's. Must be worth millions. (Oh for a dark night and a big panel van, when no one was looking!! "HIROSHIMA: The name is derived from two words, Hiro (wide) and Shima (island) and is pronounced Hiro-shima, NOT Hirosh-ima. Without doubt Hiroshima was my favourite place. With the exception of the domed Productivity Hall which is kept as a memento of that day when history's path took a new turning, this city has been completely rebuilt. It is a place of wide streets and substantial buildings. A million people live here, some of them busily building Mazda cars. I'd say it was easily the friendliest place I visited in Japan. It's citizens are bookers about peace, which is understandable. It was an experience to stand on the exact spot beneath where the bomb detonated 1900 feet above. All around me was the wide Peace Park with hundreds of people who were making their pilgrimages to this historic site. Nearby was the Peace Bell where if you're inclined, you can bang this gong with a lump of wood. It was here 5 giggling Japanese schoolgirls insisted on having their photographs taken with me (as the star attraction). At the end of the Peace Park is the museum devoted to what happened that eventful day, and the aftermath. Grisly...not a bit funny... "BEPPU: Made acquaintance with the 3 tribes of monkeys, each with its own hancho. One is known as Muscles because he's a bully; another (can't recall his name but I think it was Hector) is said to be loved by all the females and babies because he rules them gently. Here, the ground steams and bubbles with volcanic activity. My hotel had a pond crammed with carp who'd come up with their mouths open begging for food. Very tame. "KUAMOTO: The main attraction for me was a superbly re-constructed castle which I climbed to the very top level. Easy to imagine the desperate battles as attackers and defenders set about carving each other up (with appropriate bellows of triumph or dismay). But what's Japan really like? Many adjectives came to mind...busy, polite, determined, thrusting, active, wealthy. The American influence is strong...no trouble finding McDonalds Hamburgers or Kentucky Fried Chicken or where to buy a Coke. Living CAN be expensive but it's not necessarily so. After all, a weekend at Dapto can cost a lot if you insist on drinking 12 year old Scotch and eating imported truffles. Eating is easy...most cheap restaurants have big display cabinets with remarkably life-like models of what's on the menu, and the price. All you do is point although this led to troubles at Kobe when I wanted noodles marinara and finished up with octopus. I like octopus but its a bit hard to chew. I started shouting and this provoked more shouting. It was beginning to look like chopsticks at dawn until a bemused customer arrived with my noodles. He wanted octopus. We exchanged plates and bows, domo-arigato'd each other, and then got stuck into our dinners...another international incident had been avoided. Visitors are advised to use their duty free allowances before entering Japan (which are more liberal than Australia's). You're allowed 400 cigarettes and 2 litres of spirits. Local beer is cheap when bought from vending machines but apt to he a bit pricey in hotels. I had three trips on the Shinkansen (Bullet Train. These were notable for the speed (the speedo in the dining car read 220kph) and the absence of noise. In addition to national railways there are a number of private lines of very high standard. "Japan., sets high store on education. 94% finish senior school (equivalent to our HSC) and 30% will go on to degrees at one of 443 universities. Competition for entrance to the universities is savage. Anyone with a degree from Tokyo (THE university) has it made for the rest of his life. All of which makes the attempts at superiority by the occasional Ugly Australian quite embarrassing. "The normal retirement age for company employees is 55 (on superannuation and the age pension (contributory) cuts in at 65. Japan's oldest living man was born in 1865; national longevity is exceeded only by Iceland's. A driving licence takes 3 months' intensive tuition and costs the equivalent of US$1,000. They drive much better than we do! And so on and on, for Japan is a land which thrives on statistics. "Did I enjoy Japan? Yes, I did! I was treated with kindness, courtesy and consideration. Nothing was too much trouble. And even had this not been the case, the scenery alone would atone for any other shortcomings. "Would I recommend it? That depends. I can understand those who still harbour bitterness and resentment' so I'd say Japan probably is not for them. But...were it possible to set these feelings aside...I believe the experience would leave very pleasant memories." 'ZIPPER' & PEARL CHARLTON - B Company - HARRINGTON. 2427 Pearl is the unpaid secretary and sends in a cheque for 'Zip's' subs. (Thanks Pearl, received 18/12/81. Ed.) She writes: We had a week away with JESS & DARCY PICKARD at Woolgoolga; the fish were scarce but the weather was very good. "We had no luck on the poker machines at the R.S.L. but didn't lose much. "'ZIP' keeps me supplied with plenty of fresh vegetables' as the tides are too high at present to do much fishing. Sincerely PEARL." DERRICK MASON - Brother of WALTER - A Company - BOOROWA. 2586 Derrick writes his thanks for the assistance given him to locate some of the chaps who knew his brother when he was a POW. He has received a long letter from ROY MOONEY & JACK O'MALLEY lives in the District. Alex has invited him to join the ANZAC DAY March. DEREK & ETHEL SMITH - A Company - BARGO 2574 Derek writes to send thanks for the Xmas Greetings with his Birthday Card - says he is 60 years YOUNG and gives thanks for continuing good health. He says: "We had a lovely Xmas period Ethel and I. Betty and Brenda and their husbands and our son Bennie and his girl friend all under the one roof at Janet's place. We are lucky to be a fairly close family. When I say we had a lovely Xmas, it was because of our enjoyment in each other's company and being close to one another. "Our eldest daughter, Janet, is still putting up a great fight against cancer. We took some photos up there including one on Christmas Eve night of Janet reading 'The Christmas Story' to all five grandchildren who were clustered around her. The weather was very hot, not much cooler at night, also very humid and sticky. The maximum in Sydney was 24 C most of the time, which is very pleasant - that was our minimum at night. "Spoke to Mrs. Lutz recently and I understand from her that she is now a member of Legacy. I saw her at the Senior Citizens' Party and she seems OK and had a little chat about Ted and his fishing expedition. You mentioned 'Snowy' Williams of 8 Pl. in your note - he must have been the chap I knew as 'Shorty' Williams; a real country boy, very stocky and all of nature's gentleman. He had a couple of close mates, who would recall something about 'Shorty' Williams. He had a great sense of humour also and seemed to have a half grin always (Shorty was Keith, Derek. CC) "Our garden is looking good now, roses in full bloom and carnations, zinnias and dahlias. I spend a lot of my time in the garden. Well Alex. am enclosing my subs. and Best Wishes to all, (Thanks Derek, Received 12/1/82. Ed.) Derek & Ethel" KATHLEEN WRIGHT – HORNSBY 2076 - Widow of Robert HQ Company, Signals. She joins the Naughty but Nice Club by sending in a donation (Thanks Kathleen, received 5/1/82. Ed.) and she says: "May I say that I was very happy to receive the 2/30 Bn. Xmas Card, which you so kindly sent me; it brought a few tears, as I remembered some of the lovely times that Bob & I had at the bygone Festive Seasons. Please say thank you to all the 2/30 Bn. boys & wish them all a Healthy 1982. I thoroughly enjoy the Makan and believe me, I feel that I, know some of the Boys: as names mentioned in it were often spoken of by Bob to me. "Where oh where is JACK LONIE?..he was a regular visitor on Anzac Day after the March when we lived in Chippendale, but, when we moved to this address, we lost touch with him. (Jack & Lorna Lonie Belmore 2192 Ed.) I keep in touch with George Stephenson, Thelma & Tom Massey at Xmas time. Read with interest in Makan of Les & Glad Hall and Frank & Nan Moore. I also got in touch with a very old friend - whom I lost track of during the war - through Makan. "After I was widowed I took up Lawn Bowls and joined Hornsby Ladies' Club, and now play twice a week and occasionally in a team at other Clubs and I feel very thankful that at 78 I still have good health. Thank everyone for making my Xmas with the Bn. Card. Kathleen W." MRS. WILGA MITCHELL – Mother of BRUCE, C Company - Cremorne "Thank you for the Lovely Surprise when you sent me the Xmas Card. I do miss Mrs. M. Mitchell...she and I were great friends especially at the meetings during POW. days, and now she is gone, its very sad for me. My son BRUCE had his 21st Birthday in Singapore - I still miss him. I have another son Barry who served in New Guinea, but he is well and married with two girls, both married. I wish you all the Best of Health for 1982. Wilga Mitchell." (Ed. note: You will recall that Mrs. Wilga Mitchell was in the old 'PURPLE & GOLD CLUB', with those other wonderful ladies Marguarite Jenkins and Bessie Ellis, who worked so hard to keep the 'Spirit' of the Battalion going before and after capitulation. Bruce and Bob Jack and I were made Corporals at the same time in 13 Pl. C Company and went all through action and "F" Force together until Bruce and Bob went further up the 'LINE' to No. 3 Camp -Kami Sonkurai - Bruce going on the 28/7/43 and Bob on 2/8/43. It was at Kami that Bruce became a very sick man with dysentery, Beri-beri and Malaria, as I saw, when passing through during one of the trips we made into Burma for rice supplies. He died at Kanburi on the way back to Singapore on 4.12.43 from these illnesses - aged 21 yrs. 10 mths.) PETER & AGNES MASON - HQ Company Carrier - KENDALL. 2439 Peter sends in subs and Makan fees (Thanks Peter, received11/1) He says: "Sorry if I am a bit late but this time of the year is rather hectic as I have my two Grandsons up for the holidays and between fishing and surfing with them I haven't much time left, but I should finish up the fittest Grandfather in the district. "Things are just the same up here. I haven't much news being a home and garden chap. I don't get around much. "With all the Best to you and the Boys, Peter." GARY & MARGE RICKWOOD - C Company Writing from his brother's Flat at London W1 late December, but asking for his Makan to be posted to C/o P.O. Palm Beach N.S.W. 2108, as he is hoping to spend a few months in Australia arriving on the 21st Jan. He says: "You'll be surprised to hear I'm changing my home again. I find Ireland was not suitable and made a quick decision and. sold up. I was lucky enough to make a good profit on the house I bought, so apart from the chores of moving no damage was done. "The Irish people are very nice but we felt very isolated. My brother keeps a flat in London which I have borrowed and, after organising my affairs, my wife and I are going to Australia on 21st Jan. and my address there will be C/o P.O. Palm Beach N.S.W. 2108, please send Makan there. "I still own my house in England, but I've not yet decided where to settle. Time certainly moves on, it’s over 18 years since I was in Australia, and although I keep pretty good health, I'll have to settle down I suppose before I reach the wheel chair stage. "I have a son and three grandchildren in Southampton so I'll probably end up in Europe, as I don't want to be too far away. We however intend to spend a few months in Australia and I am going to Queensland to see my old mate, Col O'Donnell, and no doubt will see many of my old friends also. "I think you fellows have done a wonderful job keeping the unit together. I myself don't have any fond memories of the war, except the mucking about with the radio and the news in Changi. I've always thought that it was three and a half years wasted in all 5 years in the army - a good Division wasted. I saw nothing in our war but boloney and incompetence. I only hope my son and grandson don't have a similar experience. (See also Page 47. Ed.) "Looking forward to seeing you all, Regards, GARRY." JIM & LEILA HILL - HQ Company Pioneer - ENGADINE 2233 Jim sends in for a tie (Thanks Jim, rec'd 8/1/82, Ed.) JACK & LORNA LONIE - HQ Company Signals - BELMORE 2192 Jack writes in for a tie and a nice donation (Thanks Jack, rec'd 111/1/82. Ed.) He enjoyed his talk to Alex on the phone very much. Sends his Best Regards to everyone and he plans on joining the Boys for Anzac Day. DON & JUDY GARNER - B Company - NAMBUCCA HEADS 2448 Don sends in for a tie and balance for his subs. (Thanks Don, received 8/1/82, Ed.) He writes: "Judy and I had a joyous Xmas with our three children home: Anne from New Zealand, David down from Queensland and Jane, our youngest, up from Sydney. Wishing all a healthy and happy '82, DON." RON & LESLEY OLLIS - HQ Company - HAWKS NEST. 2324 Ron sends in his cheque for subs and Malaysian Family. (Thanks Ron, received 7/1/82. Ed.) He says: "I was very disappointed I had to miss the Tamworth Re-union but was just recuperating from a fair bit of surgery at the time. Since then I have perfected the retired pace and keep pleasantly busy doing very little. Did stir myself for a trip to North America, which was a very interesting interlude, but am now enjoying life on the coast. "I would like to record my vote of thanks to Jock McDougall and Bert Farr, who with full knowledge(?) of the considerable demands editoring Makan would place upon them, volunteered to the breech on our behalf. I dips me lid and wish them success. However the above in no way diminishes my appreciation of all, who contributed their time and effort for us since the inception of Makan, and brought it to the present high standard, we enjoy so much. My regret is there are so many names I can no longer put a face to. "Was interested to read of Mr. Jack Bennett's comments at 8 Div. A.I.F. Memorial Service at Bathurst on the Sandakan March. It has always surprised me that in the early days Changi was the only place name the media associated with Ex-Ps.O.W. 8 Div. Then the Burma-Thailand railway. Whilst realising that most of our unit went on the railway, even Makan never mentions B,D,E Forces, etc., even in statistics. At least 40 of 2/30 Bn. O/R's died on B Force and the officers would have too, only they were moved to Kuching, following the execution of Capt. Lionel Mathews and the goaling of many others. Though conditions of working parties away from Singapore would have had much in common, so little is heard of Japan, Java etc. Enjoyed seeing Arch & Pet Dickinson up here recently and I am looking forward to seeing Lyn & Betty Booth soon. Would always be pleased to see any ex-greyhound should they get in the vicinity. You can find me in the Newcastle phone book. As this is being written at the start of a new year, my Best Wishes to all and may everyone achieve what they most desire during 1982. Kind regards to all. RON. (Ed. note: We regret we have so little information on B, C, D & E Forces, Ron. Pages 262, 385, 386, of the History gives us very little. A typed list we have shows: 8 Officers, 2 Sjts., 2 Cpls., 1 L/Cpl., and 47 Ptes., Total left Selarang 8/7/1942 for parts unknown, which finally ended in Borneo. The History says that Officers were moved 15/10/43, and also states that 6 N.C.Os and 44 other ranks died. Two other ranks survived, Sid Outram of A Company because he was sent to Kuching goal and who now lives at North Wagga, and M.P. Brown, B Company, sent to Outram Road Gaol in Singapore, but died in 1/4/55. Makan No. 263 Dec. 1981 issue Page 35 stated that Mr. Peter Firkins who served with the R.A.A.F., recently researched the tragic happening of SANDAKAN and produced a book on the subject, entitled, 'HELL TO ETERNITY". Your Ed. has read this book and it is quite an eye opener to those who were not there, although it was only written from deep research and not from personal experience. (Would you mind giving us a few of your experiences Ron? - only those who were there can fill the gap! We know little of your experiences and next of kin of our cobbers on those Forces would like to learn more. C.C.) ALAN & BETTY PRYDE - HQ Company - CREMORNE. 2090 Send Best Wishes for Xmas and the New Year, to the Executive of the Association, the Auxiliary, and other members of the 2/30 Bn. Association. May it be a healthier one with fewer losses of our Members & families. "We are sincerely appreciative of all the enquiries & offers of help to Alan & myself especially over the last six months. I feel confident many have, and others will be on hand to help in an emergency. You all have so many physical & health problems to contend with, that your offers are doubly appreciated. Sydney Hospital are certainly doing everything to help. Glad we somehow managed the Dinner on 16th. Oct. You are all doing a grand job. BETTY TOM & NORMA GRANT - 14 Pl. C Company - MURWILLUMBAH. 2484 Tom, who said in Makan 263 that he was thinking of retiring early in 1982, has made the grade and advises that he completed the deed on 11/12/81 after 27 years service.- A nice letter from the Chairman, Board of Tick Control, bucked him up and gave his morale a boost. He says "I am finding the change a pleasant experience & I am sure that I will not regret the step. (The secret, Tom, is to keep mentally & physically occupied & out of Norma's hair occasionally. J.) "Reading the latest copy of Reveille there is an account of a Capt. Bardal, a Canadian caught in Hong Kong. I was struck by how similar his thoughts were to ours. Among other things he remembered Hong Kong feet. This surely was what the called 'happy feet', I never did hear the medical explanation of this complaint." "I am enclosing a photostat of a letter I had written to my Mother from the Causeway. I had forgotten that I had ever written such a thing. When Mum died my sister found it among her personal things. She returned it to me - I would not write such a thing to-day. It may be of interest to those who had similar experiences. Reading it through I find it a strange mixture, trying I suppose to give my parents some measure of comfort - though God knows what it did to my father. He had a long experience on the Western Front, WW1." "On the subject of letters, C Company will remember old Ted Clyne QM Sjt. He came forward on one occasion with the rations, somewhere on the mainland. There was at the time a deep foreboding something was afoot, we knew not what. Ted with all good intentions came amongst us asking would we like him to write a letter for us? In our situation we did not have time to sit down & write. In a way, almost paternal he took our names, & addresses of our next of kin. I was indeed wishing him to hell out of the place, he gave us the feeling we were writing our last letter. That letter got home, my old Mum showed it to me almost demanding what it meant. I read it & nearly dropped through the floor. I had of course not seen the letter before he posted it. He had written it in the way a love lorn young husband might write to his young bride. He surely had a talent for such writings. As my father's name was also Tom & I had given the address as Mrs. T. Grant, don't think my old Mum was ever the same again. You may be sure I was pleased when she accepted my explanation. Best Wishes to all, TOM. Here is Tom's letter to his Mum, she didn't keep Ted Clyne's letter. Dear Mum, Well Mum no doubt you are very worried, but it has been impossible to write the last fortnight or so. I have been right in the thick of it up in Malaya. We were the first A.I.F. Unit to go in, and we were in it right through. So far I've come through without a scratch. We've been outnumbered, outflanked and anything else you can think of. The first day we met them we gave them hell, all day, till their dive bombers came - they were bad enough, but a bit later the tanks came - we were hopeless against them. We knocked six of them out, but we would have been all wiped out, had we stayed there. "That first day we copped everything possible, the Malayans are mostly pro Japanese and I can tell you it’s no joke fighting in a country, being stabbed in the back all the time. Well that first bottle was Gemas. We came back a bit, and outside patrols things were pretty quiet. However they got around us we had to go again. We slept under mortar fire which is not too pleasant at any time. Well I could tell plenty of tales, but I'll stick to our main fights. The last one was the worst while it lasted. Things were fairly quiet all day until about 2 o'clock in the afternoon when we found the cows once more on our flank, so all we could do was fight our way out. So a bayonet charge was the order. How we came through? God only knows. They had machine guns, tommy guns and everything else on to as, it was hard to make anyone hear, even a few yards away. We stopped them coming round and we cleared out again that night. The whole time we were there we never let up. We were chased by dive bombers by day & had to do all our marching by night." "I think the bombers were the worst and the machine gunning from the air gave you a pretty nasty sensation. Well I'll have to cut this short, we're on the Island now & there is plenty of work to do. I've got to go out wiring now. There is one thing about this place, the anti-aircraft guns keep the bombers away. Well Mum don't worry too much, tell Pop the same, I'm certain to come through after the Malayan stunt. I'll close now, keep your chin up, everything will come right in time, Your loving Son TOM." TOM & MARJ. DAVIS - D Company - Ambulance Stat. - GRAFTON. Tommy says: "I thank you for the Card. Is it any wonder that our Association continues to exist at such a high standard, with such wonderful expressions, as a card for Weddings & Birthdays. "At the Ps.O.W. Re-union held at Grafton on NOV. 21st., I posed the question to one of the biggest attendances at the 20th Re-union held in Grafton...'Why is the attendance at Ps.O.W. re-unions getting bigger, after 36 years?'. And now another question, "Why was the 263rd. issue of Makan, possibly the biggest ever printed?'" "My answer to this is...'No other group of men & women who experienced the trials of imprisonment, as Ps.O.W. did, depended on, and, one to the other, shared their very existence with each other, their food, their clothes, their very innermost thoughts, and without which, no doubt many of is would not be here today. "On our return we went about our daily lives, earning a living, to establish for our future, raising a family and ensuring that they had what we served our country for, and now the great majority... who, up to now have survived, have reached the age of retirement, and with more time on our hands, are seeking out our former comrades, to renew and relive the support one was able to give to the other." "I am sure that the Makan has up to now and apparently will in the future perform a very vital role in maintaining this bond, and you, together with all your band of helpers, are to be congratulated for the dedication, which is being maintained." "Well now, what do I know about ALAN & DAPHNE McPHERSON? I see Alan from time to time, he is still a working man, in the office of a firm supplying building materials, such. as doors, interior linings and such like, and could easily be located, if any are travelling the Pacific H'way between Grafton & Mclean, at Tyndale Timber Centre, which would be approx. 18 miles from Grafton & 10 miles from Maclean. Alan is as well as most of us, and for relaxation is a keen golfer with Yamba Golf Club. He does not appear to attend reunions and keeps very much to Yamba." "Best wishes to you & yours and the great band of workers for the coming year, TOM & MARJ. DAVIS". (Thanks for your cheque for tie, postage and...Tom, received 31/12/81 and for your kind remarks about the Slaves! Ed.) VIC. GORDON - B Company - NOOSAVILLE. Q'LD. 4166 Vic sends his thanks for his Birthday Card and says he had left for a two week 'stint' on Hayman Island the day the Card arrived. He says: "I suppose better late than never, as the critics say! Alex, it was lovely to receive the Card and all the good wishes of the old. 'B' GANG. Please remember me to them, and tell them that I shall never forget the loving remarks, and such a pleasure to know that one is still remembered as one of the gang. There have been times when I was called a lot worse, but you don't mind those, when you are dealing with a bunch of tough 'Aussies', and lovable ones at that! "One of the main reasons for holding up this reply, was a slight mishap, which caused the loss of the use of my right arm, thank goodness only temporary I hope; for it seems to be coming back again; so please excuse the scrawl. All the Best for the Coming Festive Season and the same to all my 'Boys' and the whole of the lovely lot of Bn. lads & family of the 2/30 Bn. Good luck to all. VIC". (Thanks for the cheque Vic, received 21/12/81. Ed.) 'HECK' & ROSE HECKENDORF - HQ Company I Sect - LOCKHART 2656 "A note to let you know I'm still going and appreciating the efforts of all you fellows with Makan & all that goes with it. "Have contacted SID OUTRAM, who seems ready to join up with us but who, like many, finds it hard to make a start. He has retired from work with the Mitchell Shire Council and lives at NORTH WAGGA, 2650, and spends his spare time fishing & shooting. (He was on BORNEO FORCE. Reported elsewhere in this Makan, page 65. All well with us - Tony has just finished second year at Uni & Rowan is at home, having finished his course at Wagga Ag. College. Joan our daughter has a daughter, making a pigeon pair. Harvest finished and quite good. "I've blossomed out into literature - having just published a sketch book of LOCKHART (don't freak - I only did the text - a young artist friend did the sketches), which has been selling quite well. I'll be in Sydney for the 'Windies' 2nd, test beginning early January, so hope to see some of our 'lads' then. Regards Heck". (Thanks for the cheque Heck, received 21/12/81. Ed.) NEIL & MOLLY HUNTLEY - B Company -PORT MACQUARIE. 2444 Nice long newsy letter from Neil, who, on his way up to the Grafton Reunion, called in to see Bill Cross (A Company) at Macksville. He finally tracked Bill down having a quiet ale with his wife, Norma. Bill was on crutches, as a result of a fall, nothing serious. He is well known at the MACKSVILLE R.S.L. and attended their meetings regularly. Bill appreciated our Association's interest in him and said he would still like to have Makan & other printed matter sent to him. Neil enjoyed the Grafton Re-union and says: "It was well run as usual by HARRY RHODES, and everyone enjoyed themselves. BRUCE CAMPBELL was away, in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand & Hong Kong, he and Dorothy had a very enjoyable trip, so I must screw his arm to write to you about it. Unfortunately Bruce has been in & out of hospital with kidney stone trouble, most painful; speaking to him over the phone today (12 Dec.), and he is hopeful that he may not have an operation after all. He mentioned that he had received a Card from you and would we look up JACK STUART, will do. "Lloyd Johnson, M.B.E. of Lane Cove and Trustee of the N.S.W Ex-Ps.O.W. ASSOCIATION & a T.P.I. gave a most interesting talk on matters affecting Ps.O.W. - was one himself (Jap), and he stated, if any of us had a problem with entitlements etc., he would be only too pleased to help. "Molly joins me in wishing you all a very Happy Xmas & New Year. NEIL". MRS. CLAIRE PLUIS (Widow of CYRIL - HQ Company Transport) - PARKES Claire sends in a cheque for Makan & keeps in the Naughty but Nice Club. She says: "Thank you and the Bn. for your kind Greetings for Xmas & the New Year. I also would like to wish you all the Very Best for 1982. "I hope RAY RICKARDS is feeling well again. I always remember how kind it was of him to call and see me once on his way through Parkes. Yours very faithfully, CLAIRE PLUIS". (Thank you for the cheque Claire received 14/1/82 and Ray has re-covered from his appendix operation well, he says it was only another temporary inconvenience. Ed.) MRS. BEATRICE DOHRN (sister of HAROLD PERANDIS - B Company) - KINGSCLIFFE. 2413 Beatrice sends a letter to Dr. K.D. MURRAY thanking him for the John Korsch Diary and enclose money for postage, which he sends on to as. She says: "I wish to thank you for sending me the Diary on behalf of my late brother, Harold Perandis. I attended the same school with JOHN KORSCH. Yours Truly, BEATRICE DOHRN". BILL PANKHURST - HQ Company - ARMIDALE, 2350 Sends in for a tie, "Wishes all Members a Merry Xmas & Happy New Year". (Thanks Bill, received 30/12/81. Ed.) The following have sent Christmas Cards to Alex, and he wishes to thank you all sincerely, Ron & Gretta Maston; Mrs. Christensen, Grace Ford, Norma Christensen; Clarrie & Cora Lattimer; Joe & Sybil Johnston; Harry Rhodes; Anne Craven & Family; Alf Carroll & his sister, Gwyn Hodges; George Aspinall; Phil & Ern McNiven; Sid & Isobel & John Grounds; Jack Black; Ray & Vera Rickards; Bill & Mavis Elliott; Jackie & Jock McDougall; Jim Speers; Kel & Pearl Anderson. (Others with further messages are mentioned elsewhere in this Makan. Ed.) BOB & SYLVIA SURTEES - C Company - GREENACRE. 2120 Bob says: "Many thanks for the Birthday Card received in time for my 67th. Birthday on Christmas Day, for your good wishes to my wife, Sylvia & the tit-bits of news concerning DINNEY LANE, STMT COULTAS & KEL ANDERSON & wife, Pearl, I also am grateful. "I trust you yourself are keeping your chin up and that the Year 1982, will be a much happier one for you in every way. "We did get together for Xmas, with most of the members of our family circle. Our eldest daughter, Judith, who lives in Taree was unable to be with us with her husband & family, but phones can cover many miles: "Now here's a little news item: we have lived in this home at Greenacre for the past 30 odd years, but have now decided to move; consequently our house is up for sale. We find the maintenance is getting a bit too demanding & we will be moving into a brick house, in an undetermined area, somewhere in the outer Western Suburbs. We will keep you informed. "My Best Wishes to you all on the Makan staff & to all who make up the 2/30 Bn. Sincerely SYLVIA & BOB SURTEES". (Thanks for the kind words Bob and we hope your move will be satisfactory. Cheque for subs. received 31/12/81. Ed.) HARRY & SHIRLEY JARRETT - B Company - LOFTUS. 2232 Shirley does the good deed and being an unpaid secretary writes: "So pleased to have met many members during the National Re-union, which we all enjoyed immensely. Such a marathon effort by all those concerned, also enjoyed the 2/30 Bn. dinner at the Combined Services Club. "Harry is well & settling into RETIREMENT and it seems with a family at home and a large block of land, one can't sit down for very long. "Happy Xmas and a Prosperous 1982 to you & all the 2/30 Bn. Members. Regards from SHIRLEY & HARRY JARRETT." MRS. MARY OLLEY - wife of ALEX. 'Dadda', D Company - LARNOCK via LISMORE 'Dadda' as you know was one of the KOBE HOUSE boys in Japan, he was also at Thomson Rd., No.1 camp before going on “J" FORCE.. Mary writes; "Thank you for thinking of ALEX on his Birthday. He isn't the best and is very vague now & doesn't know too much of what is going on around him. He is still in WALSTON PARK home in Brisbane. "I go up every now and again to see him and we are going up to bring him home for Xmas. He has to be supervised with his meals etc., and it's very sad to see him like this. We applied for a War Pension but he was knocked back. ''We have had two more grandchildren, one in November & the other in August, two little girls, that brings it up to five grandchildren, To think Alex. can't enjoy their company makes you very sad. "I would like to wish you & all the readers of Makan a Very Merry Xmas & a Prosperous New Year. Kind Regards, MARY OLLEY". JOE & SYBIL JOHNSTON - D Company KNOCKROW. 2479. Send many thanks for the Birthday greetings, and to thank Arch & the 'Boys' for a truly wonderful time at the International P.O. Re-union as well as the Bn. Re-union on the Friday evening. If they have a Bn. Re-union next year I feel that they will need a bigger room. The only problem with our October Re-unions is, that there does not appear to be enough time, day or night, to see every-one and do everything. "How lovely the evening and Concert Party at Victoria Barracks, meeting new & old chums, and the day at Randwick left nothing to be desired. The food at this wonderful day was handled the only way possible, and everything was fresh. Enjoyed seeing so many of our Nursing Sisters & some of the 'Boys' from overseas." "Joe's rose garden is doing well and we have had some lovely blooms. It's an interest for him and keeps him out of my hair. Our family will be home for Xmas. It is a family time isn't it?" (Comment: It's marvellous Joe, how many of the wives wear such long hair, that we all 'get into it'. Thanks for cheque received of 30/12/81. Ed. ALF CARROLL - D Company - C/- Mrs. GWYN HODGES, GRETA Alf. writes, gives apologies for being late with the correspondence, and says, "Better late than never. My unpaid secretary and sister, GWYN HODGES had a stroke last winter and is unable to do much except hobble about the house. I am keeping fit doing full time hut duties. "Thanks for John's Diary which I received some time ago, also the Birthday Card. Enclosed is a cheque for my subs, the balance to publication, postage etc...."Best Wishes for Xmas & the New Year to all. Sincerely ALF" (Thanks for the cheque Alf. received 24/12/81. Ed.) ARNOLD & JOAN AINSWORTH - HQ, Company, Transport - MOLLYMOOK Lots of news from both Arnold & Joan. Firstly Arnold writes and says "If you will forgive me for not acknowledging your kind thoughts of me on 1/6/81 I will be grateful. Have had a somewhat disturbed year, and particularly the latter half. However Joan is home from hospital and well again, which takes a load off me. "Very sorry about poor old Bill Melville - saw his death notice in the Herald and Joan told me about it while she was in hospital. Joan follows closely with the news that: "We really appreciated visits to both as, whilst we were in hospital, from Pat Nossiter and Joe Geoghegan. As you no doubt know, I was in Hornsby Hospital at the same time that Arnold was in Concord, so our daughter Jan (who now lives at Hornsby) was kept very busy, visiting us both. I'm pleased to be able to report, that now we are home, we're both feeling very much better and hope we'll soon be Al again; although we're taking things a bit quietly at present. We were lucky to have had some good rain whilst we were away (very badly needed), which kept the garden going along well, and now all we have to do is cope with all the weeds. Arnold has already been doing a little bit, but he'll have to be careful not to overdo things for a while. "Our thanks to you for all the help given as by the Association & all the very Best to you and all for Christmas & the New Year - JOAN" She adds later when sending in a cheque for a tie and subs.: "Arnold found that when he cleared away the weeds in the vegetable garden, there were quite a few vegs, coming on nicely underneath." (Thanks for the Cheque Joan, received 24/12/81. Ed.) BRUCE & MARJORIE PRATT - D Company Bruce sends in a note to let us know that he will be retiring on 1st Feb., and will be leaving Bathurst on that date. He says: "We intend to leave for England about the middle of February and will stay there for six to twelve months or indefinitely, if we like it as much as we did formerly "Should we come back we will be living up at Mt. Tambourine in Q'ld. When we decide one way or the other, I will advise you of our new address. Not sure what you wish to do about the CAIRN, possibly periodic visit from Sydney could keep it in order: With Best Wishes. BRUCE PRATT". (Alex. wrote back suggesting Fred Campbell's grandson, still living in Bathurst, may like to take on the job. Mrs. Jacqueline SMALL - daughter of Fred Campbell - has very kindly offered to take over as custodian of the CAIRN, as her son is only 12 years old. Ed.) BILL LAMPING - A Company - TANILBA BAY 2301 Bill enclosed a cheque for a tie, Makan subs and Gestetner, and wrote: "My health has not been the best over the last six months. I suffered a coronary last July that put me in hospital for eleven weeks. I have lodged a claim for acceptance with Veterans' Affairs and according to the heart specialist this claim should be accepted. "Early 1982 I'll be admitted to hospital for heart surgery. I have a cataract in the left eye, but doctor will not remove it until after the heart surgery. At present I'm clearing long service leave and annual leave prior to retiring on 1st March, 1982 from the Urban Transport Dept. I would like to wish all the members a Happy Xmas and a Happy & Healthy New Year. BILL LAMPING." ED (PUNTER) & RENE WALLIS - C Company - EAST MAITLAND. 2323 Rene does the good job of writing in as 'Punter' was out fixing the dividing fence by renewing same. "He hasn't had a chance to do any fishing for quite a time now, but hopes to get with them about the end of Jan., when he is looking forward to another trip up north. (Received subs. Rene, with thanks 24/12/81. Ed.) "We saw SID STEPHENS a couple of weeks ago and he looks well after his trip. Have only been speaking to Joan on the phone but she said she was fine. We have been having some very hot weather of late and one day in particular was a scorcher with boisterous westerly wind, which played havoc with the veg. garden. We both wish all the boys the Very Best for the Festive Season. RENE & ED. SID & JOAN STEPHENS - HQ Company Transport - EAST MAITLAND. 2323 SID says: "Firstly Seasons Greetings to you & yours and to all who make Makan worthwhile - I enclose a cheque for keeping out of trouble. (Thanks Sid, received 24/12/81. Ed.) Joan and I are both well and spent some time this year in South America, which is a most interesting but huge country. The facilities in most places were superior to what we had anticipated - sometimes I feel that I would like to live away from Australia, when one thinks of the damage being done by our politicians - strikers etc., - we have such a wonderful Country, but there is little respect for it. - must not get carried away..!" "Many thanks again to you and all who work so hard. Regards, SID. (Of course I think, the general idea of why we went away to fight, was to keep this Country safe and prosperous for our offspring and OTHERS. Ed.) DON & MONICA SCHUMACHER - D Company - BIRMINGHAM GARDENS Having had the trip (see page 53) to the Flinders Ranges, Don answers our request for a story about it and also sends in for a Tie. He says: "Just a short note to put in order for a Tie - I felt undressed at BOB DICKSON'S funeral. I haven't worn a tie for some years now, I thought at one stage I was going to strangle myself when putting it on. "Monica & I had a trip to the Flinders Ranges in November and enjoyed it very much although a bit late for the flowers. (Is that all Don?) On the way home we called on KEITH MULHOLLAND. We spent a very enjoyable time with him and his wife & daughter - we discovered that we were both married on the some day and our Birthdays are not far apart. "From there we called on LES PERRY, a couple of streets away, Had a yarn with him and his wife - I think that Keith and Les are losing their touch. We had lunch in the Park at Narrandera and in a log set up there, is a bee nest. I feel sure that it contains enough honey to keep them both going for a number of years. "Next we called on BRIAN HAYES at Parkes, where we spent some time with him & his wife, and then stayed the night in Dubbo. The next morning we called on RAY GREEN & had about an hour or more with him - still the same RAY - he has retired now. "Just had a visit from RAY GODBOLT, on his way up to the dump with a van load of rubbish, the heat isn't doing him any good, like the rest of us. "It was good to see JACK BLACK at BOB'S funeral. Please find enclosed some pennies for a Tie & subs. Regards MONICA & DON". (Thanks Don, received 14/1/82 - But I'll tell you what! - Get your elbows off that KITCHEN TABLE and give us a 'poetical' discourse on the Flinders Ranges...who knows if it is 'poetical' enough, others may wish to go there...for June Makan. Ed.) HARRY & FLO TEASDALE - D Company - LISMORE. 2480 Flo does a good job in writing and says "Many thanks for the Xmas & New Year Greetings from all concerned. Am enclosing M/0 for Makan subs. (Thanks Flo, received 15/1/82. Ed.) "We send our Best Wishes for the Year 1982 to all readers of Makan. Pleased to know that you are still on the job, Alex, and thanks to all connected with the news in Makan. The family were home early December and Harry is keeping about the same. Kindest regards to all, FLO & HARRY". JACK & PHIL CAREY - D Company - BUDGEWOI. 2263 Jack sends in Merry Xmas & Happy New Year to Alex & all the 'boys' for their efforts in the production of Makan throughout the year. (Many thanks, Jack, from the ('slaves'). BRIAN HAYES has suggested that LUKE & I have a large spider painted on our 'baldy' skull: to frighten the flies away. He said it would save a lot of money for 'aerogard'. He also said that during the period of hell on the Burma Railway that BENNY PEARCE was worth his weight in gold BRIAN'S words - 'He would thieve the bridle off a nightmare!!" 'DINNY' & KATHLEEN LANE - C Company - HEATHCOTE. 'Dinny' sends in a Christmas Card, wishing the Executive, the Committee, the Auxiliary, and all Members of' the 2/30 Bn. a big share of the fruits of our wonderful Country and hope all have a Happy Xmas & New Year. KATHLEEN & 'DINNY'." MRS. THELMA GIBBS - widow of ROBERT - A Company - TURRAWAN. Seeing Thelma at the Thirlmere Railway Museum Day and asking her for full details of ROBERT'S sicknesses, we have now received a very full & detailed reply. I hope that after receiving this Makan, Thelma, that many others will give us an equally complete rundown on all illnesses. VERNON BAYNES sends in Makan subs and a bit for a good cause. LES MELROSE sends in for JAPANESE THRUST. BRIAN WILLIAMS sends in for JAPANESE THRUST 'JOE' GEOGHEGAN sends in for JAPANESE THRUST NEIL SELLERS for Tie & Welfare 'DOC' WILSON for Plaque & JAPANESE THRUST. NORM. L. KING for a Tie. STAN COULTAS for a Tie and what is needed...says he's awfully busy at present. JACK BLACK for JAPANESE THRUST. 'RED' GOLLEDGE for Makan Fees. BILL PANKHURST for Subs ROSS HUTTON for Subs. BOB & ENID MORRISON - A Company - ST. IVES. 2075 Bob apologised for not being able to get to the Gemas Day gathering, but family commitment had called him in another direction. ISABEL KUSKEY - widow of RAY - D Company - EAST LAKES Phoned to say how pleased she was to receive the Christmas Card. ROSS & MOLLY MADDEN - A Company Ross was in Concord for a 'grease & oil change', while Molly kept a watchful eye on him, staying at the Red Cross Hostel, nearby. Saw Ross on 3/2/82, just as he came out of the anesthetic and he said he was feeling really good. ASHLEY & BETTY PASCOE - B Company ex 2/26 Bn. - BELFIELD Ashley sends in for a Tie and a bit for the Gestetner upkeep. (Thanks Ashley, received 18/12/81 Ed.). He says: "I was sad to read of DES DUFFY, how distressing for his wife, and who could forget the time he coached Sydney High to victory in the Head of the River. ( as bowside under Robson, Ashley, I would like to. Ed.) "Well I had the good fortune to receive a visit from NEIL SELLERS (B Company) from Brushgrove a few days ago. Neil is 60 & looking really well, still farming and I believe still a bachelor. He was only down in the city for a few days, primarily to attend the wedding of a niece. Neil was a great help to me when I was doing it tough in the latter days of POW. I don't forget! It was great to see him after-so many years. "Well I went to the National Reunion & was glad I did. I met quite a number of 2/26 Bn. chaps, one in particular being IAN FLITCROFT, who was a transport driver. He & I did a pretty horrendous trip just prior to capitulation, racing up to Johore Bahru with Mortar bombs. Everyone else appeared to be making for Singapore. The Nips had bombed the oil tanks and everything was pretty messy. I also met many others, whom I'd not seen for many years, including SIR REG SWARTZ, GEORGE BEARD, and BOYD McINSTREY, Patron, Pres., and Vic-Pres. of 2/26 Bn. It was very heart warming. "Regret I didn't recognise any other than RON MASTON at the Racecourse Luncheon from 2/30 Bn. I think he got me tied up with someone in the Liberal Party at Ryde. I doubt that I would be very welcome in that society. I regret that I was unable to attend the Smorgasbord Reunion at Barrack St., but my wife Betty was returning from the South Coast, so I had to be on hand. However, I was pleased to read that it was each an outstanding success. "By the way I hope you saw the report in S.M.H. 10.12.81 relating to War Widows' Pensions, (Yes Ashley - reported in 263 page 16) Perhaps it might be a good idea to get in touch with Ron Stoner regarding the backing given to the women by Perth Legacy (Reported in Makan 262, July/Sept. Page 13. Ed.) "No letter would be complete without expressing my appreciation to the Makan staff for the grand job they are keeping Members in touch. With the Xmas Season now upon us I would like to extend my very Best Wishes for a Happy Yuletide and a Joyous law Year to all our Members. Sincerely ASHLEY'. LAWRENCE (BILL) & MAVIS ELLIOTT - D Company - SCONE 2337 Mavis as unpaid secretary writes in a newsy letter, saying: "Thank you for Bill's Birthday Card & for your Greetings & cements it was very nice to hear from you again. Before I forget, thank you for your kind offer regarding the phone. We look like being without one for ever and a day, especially as we apply, then wait - apparently one pressures to get these things done these days, so we kind souls go without. - so it can do no harm to try, but we did not plead ill health on our application, I should tell you. "Bill is still keeping so much better than six months ago, when he was miserable, fearful and unable to get involved in anything - I just hope he keeps it up. He went to my sister's in Queensland in September, for a hectic week with some of my folk & we have just had a week at Fisherman's Bay (Nelson Bay area) with another of my sisters. I took some leave which went by too quickly, but I will have more vacation in March to look forward to. "Bert Stephen's wife, "Mona", found us shopping at Charlestown K Mart and we had a great old catch up on family & friends. Bert has retired, but busy with his family and grandchildren - Mona looks really well & not changed a bit, lovely to see her. She enjoys Makan she said. 'We celebrated Bill's Birthday with family to tea - just my sister & husband and our two sons who live here - John & Trish couldn't make it this time. Our new family member, who is nearly one, broke a plate, but was forgiven as usual. She walks now & is getting more like Errol - goes to a sitter since Maree resumed nursing & is very aware & knowing. "We have a nasty dry wind buffeting us & garden today, you can see the lawn & plants shrivel. We had hoped that this would be a good summer for a change, we have had enough droughts surely. "Bill has trouble remembering names & places, these days, until someone prompts a recollection recalling incidences, but he will be very interested in any 16 Platoon photos. I have heard him speak of ARTHUR ISAACS, & HARLEY FORRESTER often. He has a photo taken at Batu Pahat, Oct 1941, of himself, ARTHUR ISAACS, SID MUSGRAVE & 'KINGY' MARTIN - quite good studio photo, which really belongs to Bill's sister, since he sent it to her 40 years ago, but he won't part with it now, of course. I suppose he wouldn't have the only copy, since there are four of them in it. "I do hope the coming year is a good one for you and all the 2/30 - Warmest Regards, BILL, MAVIS & Family." KEITH & RUTH MULHOLLAND - D Company - NARRANDERA. 2700 Ruth does her good deed and writes: "Please find enclosed a cheque for subs. (Thanks Ruth, received 6/1/82. Ed.) "Received the Plaque and we are very pleased with it. Could you let me know about the tie, as I am very keen on getting one for KEITH. (See Makan Supplements 262 & 263, Ruth." Ed.) "Hoping you all had a very Happy Xmas and that 1982 will be a Very Good Year for you all. Thanking you, RUTH". MRS. SHIRLEY LUGTON - (widow of STAN - Bn. HQ, BAND) - WAGGA WAGGA 2658 Alex had sent a form for Shirley to fill in for an appeal, and her reply to this is: "What a pleasant surprise to receive your letter and I have signed the form and will enclose it with this. "A couple of months ago I gave a previous paper from you on strongyloidiasis, and a letter from Dr. Renshaw to Mr. Sanderson, a welfare officer here with the R.S.L., but so far I haven't heard a word from him on 11/1/82 I'll see what he has done with the papers. I am a Member of the Womens' R.S.L. Sub-Branch Aux. and the members pushed me into trying from here with Mr. Sanderson. We work pretty hard with the Aux. who are a great lot of women and we have had lots of fun together, catering for the Anzac Day Dinner and many other activities, so I am well occupied. "The member of the family in Scouting was me. I joined as an assistant Cub-Master when John was 8, in 1959, then went on to become Akela, for 12 years, then was appointed the first District Lady Cub-Master in N.S.W. I had nearly 18 years in Scouting and enjoyed every minute of it. I couldn't have done it without Stan's help, of course, he often minded the three children at week-ends, & was always ready to cook for us at weekend camps. The two boys were Scouts and he always helped them too. "Wayne is helping with a Scout group, but can't decide whether to become a Scouter full time. He had a heart valve replaced about 12 years ago and gets tired at times. By the time he does his eight hours at work and looks after the lawns etc.... he belongs to a radio club. "Thanks for the Xmas Card & Best Wishes and I Wish you all the Best & all other Members; you all do a wonderful-job in putting out Makan, Kindest Regards & Good Health, SHIRLEY LUGTON. P.S. Rang Mr. Sanderson & he said he had sent a letter to Sydney with the letter from Dr. Renshaw so guess they are at the Veterans' Affairs Dept. Thanking you. SHIRLEY." ALAN & YVONNE CHARLTON - HQ Company - C/o P.O. BEXHILL 2480 A couple of long letters from Alan, who said that on reading Makan 263, he felt like a paid correspondent, my reply of course to that was, ('If anyone takes the trouble and the time to sit down and write to us, then we will print - hopefully in the one place but at times not possible, Ed.). As most of his news may be sub judice we will only print some of his news this time. He says he & Yvonne will be in Sydney for about 4 days from the 22.1.82 for the wedding of their only single daughter (other 2 are married) on 24th Jan. at Darling Point. "We have the phone on now. We wish all the boys a Merry Xmas & Better New Year, Cheerio & God Bless., ALAN." GEORGE STEPHENSON - A/A. HQ Company - MOLLYMOOK, 2539 George sends in his Makan dues. (Thanks George, received 18.1.82) He says: "Hope you are keeping as fit as can be expected. I have had a couple of poor months. Had a middle ear infection and my usual bout of bronchitis. Thought I had missed it this year but no such luck. "Best regards to all the boys, and to you and yours, for a Healthy & Very Happy New Year. Sincerely, GEORGE." DES & SHIRLEY GEE - HQ Company. Carrier - MOONEE PONDS. 3039 Des enclosed his cheque for Makan, Tie and a little extra....(Thanks Des, received 18.1.82. Ed.). He says: "Shirley & I recently had a 2 week break at Lakes Entrance (Vic) and have come back really fit.& well. Fishing & golfing is a great life. "In reply to the Editorial in Last Makan in regard to illnesses I have not too much to report: 1. I have been
diagnosed as having nervous dyspepsia but I believe I have symptoms of
Strongyloides "So you can see that I don't have much to report and am fortunately quite fit and on that basis I have not applied for a pension, other than service pension. (That Strongyloides worries me, Des. A Service Pension alone will not get Shirley a War Widow's Pension. C.C.) "You must be rather happy with the reception of the Makan and I agree with all the praiseworthy comments. All the Best to you and all the Chaps. Yours, DES GEE." GEORGE ASPINALL - HQ Company - CANTERBURY 2193 Sends subs and a donation. (Thanks George. Ed.) 'CURLY' & BEATRICE HARDMAN - HQ Company, Transport - WOY WOY It was nice to see Beatrice (in her new American rubber corset making it a bit easier to get round) and "Curly" at the Gemas Day Gathering - JACK & VERA FELL brought them down. "Curly" gave us a bit for Makan & the Diary (Thanks Curly. Ed.) MICK & GWENYTH LOVELL - AAOC, BDE attached – SYLVANIA 2224 Mick sounds his sprightly self, sends in Makan dues (Thanks Mick, received 25.1.82 Ed.) Says: "Here we are in N.S.W: Shearing sheep as big as whales" "I have little to report, other than that Brother STEWART BLOW is not in good shape. He has had three strokes and is in a Nursing Home at GERRINGGONG, where he is being cared for in the best manner possible. (see page 32) "I was speaking to RUTH tonight and he is very bright, however his speech is not the best. If anyone goes down the Coast, he would be pleased to see them and I know that they would be able to have a reasonable conversation with him, and most of all he would welcome them in his old Berry way. It is a couple of hundred yards up from Mick Cronin's Pub, visiting hours all day. "'Joe' ALLARDICE & 'MOSSA' HASKINS have been down to see him - 'Joe' has been a tower of strength. "Gwenyth & I are taking off to Singapore and Penang the week before Easter, with our 5 grandchildren, Sue & son-in-law Graham, for 2 weeks rest - "Fight the War, spend my long service leave money, and come back broke". "What the hell!", we did it on the cheap, why shouldn't they have a "ball" and they will. "Alex. I wish you and the boys Good Health & Happiness for the Coming Year. Yrs. fraternally, MICK LOVELL P.S. I am still working. M." STAN GREEN - D Company - MANILLA 2346 Sends in his cheque for subs. & Makan. (Thanks Stan. Rec. 19.1) ATHOL CAREY - A Company - CARLTON 2218 Sends in for subs. & Makan. (Thanks Athol, rec. 22.1.82 Ed.) MRS. VAL FRIEND (widow of REG, Bn. HQ) MANLY VALE Val is a member of the "Naughty but Nice Club" and sends in a donation. She says: "I want to thank you and all the Members of the 2/30 Bn. for the lovely Christmas Card and Good Wishes you so kindly sent me. It was a wonderful surprise and helped to make my Christmas & Birthday a very Happy one indeed. "I look forward so much to receiving Makan and catching up on the news of the Boys and their families. Unfortunately I won't be able to be present at the "Gemas Day" gathering, where I have in the past been able to see so many old friends. "You have all been so kind to me over the years that I would like you to accept this donation to help in some way, the wonderful work you do. To you and your family and all the Members of the 2/30 Bn. Best Wishes for the New Year, Gratefully yours, VAL FRIEND (Thank you Val very much indeed, received 19.1.82 Ed.) MRS. BERNICE KENTWELL (widow of RON - C Company) BALLINA. 2418 Another "Naughty but Nice Club" girl send in a donation for Makan (Thanks Bernice received 22.1.82 Ed.) She writes: "Thank you and all concerned for the Xmas Card and I would like to Wish you all the Very Best for 1982. "At the moment its pouring rain here (19.1.82), we needed it but now we could do with a few day's break. We've had over 6½ inch since last Friday night, when we had 2 inches in 15 minutes. That was the best rain I have seen for a long time. Growth is rampant and the lawn mowers don't get cold. It's been so humid, very good growing weather, but not so good for the cane growers, trying to get the best of the crop off. "Heard from TED CONDIE'S wife, DORIS, at Xmas time. TED is apparently very well again. Must go and see NOEL HAMPTON soon and try to talk him into entering the next Garden Competition. He promised that he would, last year, so must remind him. "Once again thank you for remembering me, Kind Regards. BERNICE." JACK "MAL" MOLONEY - HQ Company Signals - CONCORD 2137 Mal sends in for his subs. (Thanks Mal, received 20.1.82 Ed.) HARRY & FLORENCE BROWN - A Company - MT. DRUITT 2770 Sends in Makan subs (Thanks Harry, received 26.1.82 Ed.). He writes: "Would have sent it sooner only I was in Concord for a few weeks over Xmas, and still go as an Out Patient. I feel OK, but I have another visit to go this week. Then I will know what's going on. Yours Truly, HARRY." HILTON & EVELYN McLAREN - C Company - BUNDABERG. Q. 467O Hilton sends his apologies for being so long in writing, sends in for Makan subs and a bit. (Thanks Hilton, received 27.1.82. Ed.) He writes: "Evelyn & myself are in reasonable health. Thank you for the Kind Wishes on my Birthday. I've seen very few of the boys in the last year or so. Am very pleased to receive Makan. It sure keeps one in touch. I think everyone connected with it is doing a marvellous job. Yours sincerely, HILTON." (On behalf of the team thanks very much Hilton. Ed.) NEVILLE THAMS - 2/10th Gunner - SOUTHPORT. Q. 4215 You will recall that NEVILLE was one who was rescued from the sinking Rakuyo MARU on its way to Japan, and is a regular subscriber to Makan. He send in his cheque (Thanks Neville, received 7.1.82).' "Only a few weeks to go to that much remembered date,15th Feb. only this time it will be the Fortieth Anniversary. Forty years to the younger generation today mostly appears to be a really long-time ago. I guess it really is a long time - but my, how the last 30 odd have raced by. Best Wishes for 1982 and the year to follow. "Unfortunately I have been "hospitalised at home", or perhaps "confined to barracks" since mid September. However I'm making progress, though the humidity is difficult these days. "I find Makan most interesting and particularly the added up-dating of Dept. of Veterans' Affairs news items. I visited Singapore last July with my two younger .sons, Graham 22 and Ken 19. It was during a University vacation. VINCE & GWEN O'REILLY holidaying now, with elder daughter, Helen, at Mt. Isa. Cheers for now. NEVILLE." HELEN PENMAN - Daughter of KARL SINCLAIR D Company - TAMWORTH She says: "Another busy year has just flown by. I have been working this year on a third class. I have really enjoyed it & the children have been beautiful. I may work again 1982, depends if they require me. Our family has been well this year, but we have been extra busy. John always says that the next year will be easier - or he will be home more - I am beginning not to believe him. Either it's busier or I am getting older! Actually he will not be on Disadvantaged Schools’ Programme next year, so that will help. "Mum has been with me almost all year. She went to JOL & MARJ at the beginning of Nov. She had a fall and cracked her rib, that caused her a lot of pain. "Margaret has had an upset. She had a lot of Chemotherapy for breast cancer and now they have discovered another lump - hopefully nothing to be concerned about, but she is to go to Brisbane in the New Year for treatment (just in case.) "We are having a quiet Xmas on our own and then going up to orange to stay with John's folk for a week. It will be nice to see them as we haven't had much time for visits of late. Hope the weather is a little cooler for our trip. Best Wishes for Christmas and the New Year to all, HELEN." MARTY PEARCE - Brother of TOM HQ Company Transport - STIRLING A.C.T. 2611 Marty has changed his address as shown above. Sends a money order to cover Makan dues. (Thanks Marty, rec. 29.1.82 Ed.) He says: "Hoping you continue on with your good work and I wish you and. the Boys all the Best for years to come." He also liked receiving the Xmas Card and sends his thanks. LES & ALTHEA SOUTHWELL - A Company - BATEMAN'S BAY, 2536 Althea does her good deed and sends in Makan dues and postage for John's Diary (Thanks Althea, rec. 29.1.82 Ed.). She says: 'Les sends his regards to all his .mates. He is keeping well, although he says he is "getting old". He is still. President of the Bateman’s Bay Bowling Club and that keeps him busy. "We still enjoy our holidays each year, this time Honolulu, which we like, find it very restful, just do our own thing. Yours sincerely, ALTHEA SOUTHWELL ." ALF AUSTIN - B Company - MILSON' S POINT Alf sends in a cheque to cover Makan and a bit to help Gestetner, (Thanks Alf, received 29.1.82) . He says: "I am writing this myself as, my Secretary-Manager is taking industrial action like everybody else and jacked up on me.. "Not much news, my little trip of six weeks to, Concord caused by a bright spark, in Macquarie Street, who took about 5 months, to muck up a simple little ulcer so I had to go there to get it fixed up. (How is it we did not know you were in Concord, Alf. C.C.) "Best wishes to everybody and I'll probably see you on Anzac Day. Yours. ALF AUSTIN." VINCE & GWEN O'REILLY - A Company - SOUTHPORT, Q. 4215 Gwen is the unpaid Secretary and writes: "We arrived home, earlier than planned, for our holiday at Mt. Isa with our daughter, Helen, and son-in-law and two granddaughters. We had a lovely Xmas. Then due to sickness, Vince got a very bad attack of Bronchial Asthma and the doctor said he wouldn't get better at Mt. Isa due to the hot humid climate, we had to go home. As soon as we got home, he went to his doctor in Southport and I am pleased to say, he is now fully recovered. "Many thanks for Vince's Birthday Card which was waiting for him on arrival. We are now playing bowls and like it very much. We have given golf and tennis away. "We spent 10 days in Sydney during the year with our other daughter, Janelle, who works in Sydney and lives in North Bondi. "Enclosing money for Makan and do hope you are feeling better Kind regards to all. VINCE & GWEN." (Thanks Gwen, received 29.1.82). FRANK & EDNA McDONALD - B Company - BANKSTOWN, 2200 Frank encloses a couple of "bob" (Thanks Frank, received 4.2.82) He says: "I hope that you will forgive me, I have just woken up to the fact that I haven't thanked you and the boys for the Birthday Card, received last year. I don't know if it is memory or just plain laziness. However I now thank you for the Card and hope that I am lucky enough to receive many more of the same from you and the boys, All the best, FRANK (MAC)." GORDON & MAY SAVAGE - C COMPANY - PASKEVILLE, STH AUST. 5552 GORDON writes in and says: "Many thanks for the Birthday Card received 3.2.82, (for the record it's 22nd Jan.) its nice to hear from you. "I have just received my special specs, which enable me to see a lot more. Before these I was unable to see in the sunlight. "Unfortunately May has got trouble with her eyes, which will mean operations within a few months. Also she has to have a hip operation and get a plastic joint fitted. But otherwise we are fine. "We are selling our house here and moving closer to Adelaide. I'1l write when we have got out new address. We are unable to get doctors up here, the nearest town is Kadina, but doctors there will not come out to Paskeville. With my many visits to the Repat. Hosp. it will be easier to move closer. "Thanks for the information about the hospital at Changi, I think that must have been for the operation on my left leg. As this year is the 40th Anniversary of the fall of Singapore, we are off on the 13th Feb, for a nine day visit to Singapore. I'm hoping that it will help me remember a few things. We are going there with a mate of Changi days. He was a Sgt. in the transport that picked us up at various areas at night when we made "strategic withdrawals". "I owe a few dollars for Makan and subs, so will enclose a cheque, please clear the book and any over put to some use. So for now all the Best to all. Yours MAY & GORDON SAVAGE." (Thanks Gordon, received 9.2.82. Ed.) MRS. SHEILA BRIDGES - widow of BOB - D Company - GOULBURN "Many thanks for your Xmas Card Greetings, it is very nice to be remembered, now that Bob has passed away. "I have at last settled into a new life, without Bob. I have taken up bowls and get a lot of enjoyment from same and enjoy the company very much. "We are having a wonderful season, so much different from last year, when we could hardly have a decent shower, but our gardens & lawns are really looking good, and we haven't had very much really hot weather. We had a very wet Xmas; it poured all day, but at least the country folk had no worry over bush fires, "Sorry to hear your health hasn't been the best, but hope that 1982 will be brighter for all our 2/30 Bn. men and their families. "Wishing everyone a Happy New Year, Yours sincerely, SHEILA." (Thanks for the cheque Sheila, received 8.2.82 Ed.) KEITH & RUTH MULHOLLAND - D Company - NARRANDERA, 2700 Ruth does her good deed and writes in: "Received the tie and thank you very much for same, even Keith thought the tie was a big improvement on the old tie. Am enclosing cheque to cover tie and Plaque - thanks again. (Thanks Ruth, received 3.2.82 Ed.). "Gave Keith the message from Charlie Taylor. Keith is going along steadily, but still having his bad days. Catherine (daughter) and myself were very pleased that Keith was re-appointed as Vice Chairman of the Narrandera Hospital Board. Keith has been a member of the Hospital at Narrandera for the past 28 years, and it is a great interest for him. "Bruce Upcroft came to Narrandera last week on business, but managed to have a good old yarn to Keith. "Regards to all the boys and their good wives from Keith, Catherine & myself, Thanks again, Yours, RUTH MULHOLLAND." "CURLY" & ROSE HECKENDORF - Bn. HQ I Sect - LOCKHART Heck writes his thanks for Alex fixing a wreath for him for Andy Hyslop. (Thanks Heck, received 3.2.82.A.D.). He says; "We are having a busy weekend (6.2.82) as our boys, Tony 20½, and Rowan 21½, are having a joint half way 21st birthday party on Saturday, so guess there won't be much rest for mum & dad with about a hundred youngsters around the place. "All well - season past has been good for crops and stock and middling prices. Regards “CURLY HECK " (see also Page 69) ARNIE & ELSIE TRUSLER - HQ Company - FAIRLIGHT 2694 Arnie sends in his cheque for 3 or 4 years in advance, badge and postage for Diary. (Thanks Arnie, received 2.2.82, badge sent. Ed.) "I haven't been too good in health as of late and hearing is not the best, but I guess there are others worse off than me. You made a wonderful job of Makan while you were handling it and you deserve a well earned rest, and I hope you have good health for the years ahead. I send my regards to the boys of 2/30. ARNIE TRUSLER." BUREAUCRACY AS IT IS SOMETIMES KNOWN: This may be the appropriate place to print an article, recently perused in a daily paper, and maybe an adjunct to the following article sent, to us by RON STONER. "TRAIN LETTER PLAIN LOCO": "A terribly annoyed chappie on British Rail wrote complaining of the lack of a dining car on his particular train. The bureaucratic reply speaks for itself: "Dear Sir, whilst I can readily appreciate your frustration at the loss of breakfast, since in the circumstances you describe it is unfortunately true that in many cases where a catering vehicle becomes defective and both stores and equipment need to be transferred into a replacement car, this can only be done during the train's journey. It is not of course possible to make the transfer whilst vehicles are in the sidings and the intensity of coach working is such that the train sets are not available to be put into a platform at other times to enable the transfer to be carried out." "Having read and translated all that, the passenger was no longer hungry." RON & DOT STONER - B Company - ATTADALE, W.A. 6156 Received a letter of thanks from RON saying he had received the Bn. Plaque & Tie and he enclosed his cheque for Makan dues. (Thanks Ron, received 20.1.82 Ed.). He says: "All well here. I had the pleasure of spending a day with FRED & PEGGY HUME (Bn.HQ) towards the latter end of November while they were holidaying in our exciting State. I also heard from CARPEL JONES (widow of FRANK, C Company), who is well and proposed spending part of the Christmas seasons with her son Garry, in Mandurah, our premier seaside resort, an hours run from Perth. "Makan 263 was a marathon publication. (Ed. Note: Let me put it this way Ron: 6 publications (every 2 months - as previously published) per annum x by average 52 pages gives = 312 pages per annum, 4 publications average say 84 pages gives 336 pages per annum. Q.E.D.) "The paragraphs from the many shining stars of the 2/30 Bn. always makes pleasant reading, and it is always interesting to note the successes of their children and grandchildren. "The only sad aspect of Makan is the increasing number of obituaries, a fact that is destined to multiply as so many of us get older. "I am enclosing an interesting paper, prepared by IVAN DAVIES of Legacy regarding War Widows Pensions, which I am sure will interest you. "For my age I am feeling terribly well just now, and full of mischief. At present I have a Presidency of a retired Bank Officers' Club, a few Treasurerships, am on Two Legacy Club Committees and two Corporate Body Committees. All-in-all I am keeping fairly busy and don't have much spare time on my hands. With warmest regards to the Makan Team and thanks for a job well done. Yours RON." THE PAPER PREPARED BY IVAN DAVIES: WAR WIDOWS' PENSIONS "In examining the proposition that all or some widows of men who served overseas, should receive a war widows' pension as of right, it may be opposite to firstly understand the Repatriation system and examine the possible savings at each stage. It can be accepted on the debit side that the extra cost to the Government would be $12.00 per week for all widows receiving or entitled to the civilian widows' pension (S.S.I. pension) and of course $78.65 for widows not so entitled. "When a widow makes a claim on the Department for acceptance for her husband's death as due to war causes, she must first complete the requisite forms of which there are two - one single page and the other of two folios (4 pages). Therefore the first cost saving is in the cost of these forms plus postage to & from, and the cost of a clerk employed in processing at this stage. It is not possible to make an accurate estimate of this cost saving, but I think that it will be agreed that a saving sufficient to pay a significant number of widows an extra $12.00 per week would occur. "After completion of the forms, the Act requires that the Secretary of the Commission "investigates" the claim. In fact the file is given to a Departmental Medical Officer, who examines it & completes as "Form KE 2". To properly examine a file takes a considerable time. I would doubt that it would be possible, in an 8 hour day to examine and report on more than four files - and this is probably over stated, and would require intense concentration without tea breaks etc., "Each State has a quota of medical officers, who do this work, and it is not unusual to note that two medical officers (one usually the senior Medical Officer) have examined the file. As we shall see when we come to examine numbers of cases, salaries etc., a very considerable saving could occur at that stage. "The file then goes back to a clerk, who arranges for it to go before the Repatriation Board. The procedure at Board level is not precisely known, but it is believed that the file is examined by one member and by the Chairman, and a decision given. "This decision is then typed up, as are the reasons for the decision - favorable or unfavourable - and this paper work usually involves about 4 pages of typing. From castings discussed I believe these pages could not be produced under $3 to $3.50 per page. The fair copy is then photographed for distribution to the requisite recipients. "As no obtainable figures give an accurate number of claims of widows dealt with per annum by Boards, we can only estimate that, of the 13,149 entitlement claims lodged in 1980-81, about 6,000 would be by widows. This figure could be erroneous; but one thing that is certain is that the number of widows' claims will increase (a) because of the age and death factor, and (b) because of the publicity given to Court Cases. "The number of personnel clerks and doctors - employed on claims at Board level must be considerable. If it is assumed that M.O.'s would receive not less than $30,000 p/a and clerks at various public service levels, about $12,000 p/a we can later attempt some estimates. "If the claim is refused by the Board, the widow can appeal. There would be a wastage at this stage; but the main wastage was from claims from ex-WW1 men who died in their 80's. This source of wastage is very quickly drying up. The other source - the claims of widows with no easily discernible cause of claim is now considerably reduced, because of interpretations of the Act. On the other hand we can expect that many more claims will be accepted at Board level. "When an appeal is made to the Commission, very rarely does any further investigative action ensue, and the Commission rejects the claim, with one page reasons supporting the Board's rejection. Nevertheless it must be assumed that a Senior Medical Officer with delegated authority from the Commission examines the file and M.O.'s report. If the examination is thorough, again the number processed per day will be small. The Commission's Annual Report for 1981 lists three Commissioners, 1 First Assistant Commissioner Appeals and 3 Assistant Commissioners Appeals. It is known that a number of Senior Officers have been delegated powers; but this number is not known to me. However it will be seen that this is another area for swing and it will be discussed later. "If the claim is rejected by the Commission the widow may then appeal to the Repatriation Review Tribunal. She is required to complete a form for this purpose and send it to a Tribunal Clerk. She is then notified by the Tribunal that her case will be listed for hearing and told that a "Summaries File" will be sent to her or a person or organisation nominated by her. These files vary in size from about 30 pages to more than 200 pages - the average would be about 70-80 pages. They are compiled from Service, Medical and Hospital files and often in consequence of information supplied and authority given by the widow, contain reports obtained from medicos, who had treated the ex-member, and Life Assurance Companies etc. "As the Minister has already stated these are very costly to produce. I would doubt that. the average file (six copies) could be produced for under $500 and it could be very much more depending on the competency of the staff members carrying out the work. If 2000 files per year are produced, this alone could afford a saving of $1m. On receipt of the Summaries File, Pensions Committee or advocates would, if they follow the practice in Perth, after examining the file and obtaining background information, forward the file to an appropriate specialist for opinion. "If the decision of the Commission is set aside, the medical fees incurred are payable by the Department of Veterans' Affairs, as are all appropriate expenses incurred by the widow from the date of claim - i.e. higher rate of funeral benefit and backdated pension. However, the costs of the medical report are the additional costs which may be saved. Amounts of specialist fees vary from $150 to about $40. An average would probably be about $75. Many medical men do not submit accounts, so the savings in this area are comparatively minor, but could, throughout Australia, be a significant amount. When the claim comes before a Tribunal it consists of 3 members. The actual salary range is not known to me, but I estimate that the combined salaries would be not less than $90,000 pa. I do know that a part time member receives an amount of $135 per day, so I believe if calculations are based on $100,000 p/a per Tribunal plus allowances of $10,000 p/a, inclusive of air freight of documents etc., the figures will be valid. "In addition in Perth there is a Tribunal Clerk and two typists wholly employed on Tribunal work, with a reduced work load it should be possible to draw staff as required from a Departmental typing pool - particularly if a considerable number of Summaries Files are not required. Travelling allowances for widows to attend hearings are a minor item, but transcripts and Reasons often require Tip to 20 pages. "The areas of possible savings are therefore seen to be: ASSUMPTIONS 1. Number of
widows’ claims eliminated - (say) 5,000 per annum - This number may be
higher than the 1980-81 figure; but will increase for the reasons
already given.
"There could however, be further significant amounts saved if the payment of all pensions was handled by the Department of Social Services. They are already computerised and the small extra additions would add only minimally to their costs, whereas quite a large number of staff of the Department of Veteran's Affairs are concerned with pensions. This latter suggestion however is not part of the proposal put forward. "The costs of implementing, either total acceptance of widows or the compromise proposal cannot be estimated without access to the figures. The required figures may be available from the Bureau of Statistics after analysis of the Census, but there are some matters which will place in perspective any increase in war widows’ pensions. a) In February
1980 it was reported that the Prime Minister had said that a cut in
income tax from 32c in the $ to 25c in the $ would cost $3,500 million
Note: These figures are calculated on the basis that the M.P. lives to a normal life span and the pension is paid to his widow who also lives to a normal life span. In a case before the Federal Court in which the Commission was charged with undue delay in dealing with claims, figures were produced by the First Assistant Commissioner of the Department to indicate the costs of paying war widows' pensions. These figures ostensibly calculated the cost of pensions to the Department if cases at present deferred were granted and one in-stance was given regarding the cases concerned with smoking and lung cancer. It was said that 278 cases were in this category and by computing an inflation rate of 10% and giving each widow a life expectancy of at least 20 years (making most of them over 80 years of age) the total cost over the period would be $49,111,672. "Because I thought it may be interesting to calculate what this one officer in the Department would be likely to cost the Government in the same twenty year period and calculated on the same basis, I obtained access to a computer and used an estimated salary of $35,000 I believe this is lower than he would receive. "On the 10% inflation rate the First Assistant Commissioner will receive $2,004,520 during the 20 year period; but if the calculation is made on the basis of the actual increase in average weekly earnings (to December 1980) of 14.3% the amount he will receive will be $3,300,320! He will have a salary of $443,513 p/a in the year 2000. "278 of them would cost the Government $917,400,000!, and this amount would, on his figures, maintain 5,200 widows for 20 years! "Incidentally, a young executive or university graduate on a salary of $14,331 today (the amount of average weekly earnings as at December 1980) and with a working life of 30 years would earn $5,423,720 during that period and his salary in year 30 would be $691,085! "The extra $624 per annum we are asking for all war widows , somewhat pales into insignificance in these contexts, does it not? "So far as community acceptance, or opposition, to the proposal is concerned some of these figures would, I believe, be useful in placing the proposition in perspective. We must also remember that while we can always expect vocal opposition from a minority who, because they did not serve, do not understand the reasons for the payments, and consider themselves disadvantaged, there are now many children and grand-children of ex-servicemen in the community and they will probably outweigh the "knockers". "One thing that must be kept in mind in all considerations is the table of average life expectancy of females in Australia. Figures are from the Bureau of Statistics.
'The age range of widows of WW11 servicemen is likely to be in the 54 years to 81 years bracket, with a preponderance in the 60’s. "I believe that the simplest procedure, would be a grant to all widows of men who served in combat areas; but would accept the minimum compromise proposal put forward by Co-ordinating Council." STOP PRESS SUPPLEMENT TO MAKAN No 264 - Jan./March 1982 NX12548 - JOHN ALAN PRYDE - CAPTAIN - QM 2/30 Bn. A.I.F. Alan was born 4/8/1911 and died at Sydney Hospital, 22/2/82. He joined the 17th Battalion Militia on 4/9/39 and received his Commission 1/5/40. He became Quarter-Master of 17 Bn on 1/5/40. On the formation of the 2/30 Bn in November 1940 the late Sir Frederick Galleghan invited him to become Q.M. of the Battalion. He was appointed 9/11/40. Together with the late George Ramsay and R.M.O. John Taylor he proceeded to Tamworth 13/11/40 to prepare to receive the rest of the Unit. He was promoted Captain on 16/12/40, and he did a very proficient job as Q. M., both in Australia and Singapore/Malaya, during the training period and subsequently in fighting the Japanese and during those very difficult days as Ps.O.W. Early in 1942 Alan left Singapore in "A" Force as QM in Ramsay's No 1 Bn at Tavoy and Mergui in Burma and later in Thailand. He had the difficult job of handling the meagre rations and purchasing whatever extra he could from the Burmese. He was a tower of strength to George Ramsay and was very approachable to all troops with their problems. He had a special ability to calm infuriated Japanese in dealing with problems, but he did take frightful beatings, meant for others. Alan was meticulous in keeping records, which were invaluable on our return to Australia. On his return he remained in the Army and was C.O. of 16th Training Bde Pool in Bathurst with the rank of Acting Major. He was discharged on 26/6/46 after serving 2053 days. In Battalion affairs he always took a keen interest and had a reputation of very rarely missing a Bn. Association function. He was elected to the Executive in 1971, which position he held until sickness and failing eyesight forced him to resign in early 1981. He was a tower of strength in organising the 40th Re-Union at Tamworth in Nov. 1980. Alan had a Degree of B.Ec.(Sydney) and worked in the Public Service. He was in the Mosman Swimming Club with Ward Booth, when they were both 10 yrs of age, and with him also in the 1st Mosman Scout Troop. We have lost a Comrade, with whom we were proud to be associated, and who conducted himself in all matters in the highest tradition. We send our deepest sympathy to his wife and our friend, Betty, to his sister, Mrs Leh Heywood, his nephew, Glen, & his sisters-in-law Marjorie, Dorothy and her husband, Frank. 35 of his comrades attended his funeral at Northern Suburbs Crematorium amongst the total of 94 of his friends. ALAN PRYDE - A PERSONAL TRIBUTE - LES HALL We called him "Gulah" Pryde; a nickname he never resented. He knew it was not bestowed upon him in an unpopular sense, but as a tribute. He was proud of it. Only recently, when I visited him at his home, we discussed the origin of the 'tag', as he called it, and why it was to remain with him throughout the post-war years. He merely laughed, when I said, 'as the name implies, for your "sweet nature”. As I look back now and recall the dark days of 1942-1945, I have good reason to know and understand why he was held in such high esteem. He earned his acclaim by his unselfishness, his thoughts for the sick and injured, and his protection of those under his care on the many work parties, firstly at Mergui, South Burma; Tavoy; and on the building of the infamous Burma-Thai Railway. In many ways he displayed the traits of a great diplomat. There is no question he was one of the most outstanding officers of the Unit, of which he was so proud. He proved his worth, more so as a POW, for it was in that field that he stood out as a protector, advisor, morale builder and absolute humanitarian. He held the rank of Captain in the military sense; but in the fetid, death-filled jungle camps in Burma & Thailand, his insistence on and determination to ensure the very best possible for those under his command, he ranked higher in the minds of his men than anyone, who carried the baton of a Field Marshal. The men of that part of “A" Force, known as "Ramsay Force", have much to be thankful for, that Alan Pryde elected to join the overseas party. He proved to be a tower of strength, not only to the late 'Gentleman George' Ramsay and his adjutant, Arthur Hence, but to every individual member. In the passing of yet another stalwart from the ranks of those whose honour it was to wear the "Purple & Gold", we farewell Alan and will remember him with feeling; a feeling epitomised in his name. I express sincere and lasting sympathy to Betty & family. WE INVITE YOUR COMMENTS RE THE SET-UP OF YOUR MAKAN AND YOUR SUGGESTIONS TO MAKE IT MORE READABLE. CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM WILL BE MOST WELCOME YOUR GENERAL NEWS OF WHAT YOU AR DOING NOW YOUR COMMENTS RE "DO YOU REMEMBER" SICKNESSES IN MALAYA, THAILAND JAPAN, BORNEO SICKNESSES SINCE BEING DEMOBBED (X ) MARK WHICH OF THE ABOVE ARE RECOGNISED BY VETERANS AFFAIRS NAME NEXT OF KIN DECEASED (DATE) AGED DIED FROM (SPECIFICALLY) (SECONDARY) ANY FURTHER INFORMATION THAT YOU FEEL IS NECESSARY FOR OUR RECORDS SUPPLEMENT TO MAKAN NO. 264 Jan/March 1982 CHANGI CONCERT PARTY IN PERFORMANCE RECORDED LIVE AT VICTORIA BARRACKS SYDNEY, ON OCTOBER 14th 1981 by arrangement with the EX-PRISONERS OF WAR ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA an AUDIO CASSETTE of the 1981 EX-Ps.O.W. REUNION IN SYDNEY now available SIDE 1: Features the CHANGI CONCERT PARTY'S vintage performance, Compered by SLIM DE GREY, with JACK BOARDMAN on piano, RAY TULLIPAN soprano sax., and FRED BRIGHTFIELD drums. Among the highlights: That unforgettable female impersonator KEITH STEVENS (have his charms faded?) sings "WAITING and PRAYING FOR YOU" Tenor BERRY ARTHUR (in fine voice) sings "CASTLES in the AIR" Finale - SLIM DE GREY leads the group in a rousing rendition of "WE'RE OUT OF THE ARMY" SIDE 2: The address by His Excellency the Governor-General, SIR ZELMAN COWEN At the Grand Re-union Luncheon at the A.J.C. Randwick Racecourse on October 15th including the moving and impromptu singing of GOD SAVE THE QUEEN by the assembled Ps.O.W.. Recorded by GEORGE ASPINALL SUPPORT your ASSOCIATION and order your souvenir cassette now on the order form below ORDER FORM
(PLEASE PRINT) P.O. BOX 17, NORTHBRIDGE N.S.W. 2063 NAME : ADDRESS: Please send me ( ) cassette(s) of the 1981 EX-Ps0W REUNION SOUVENIR CASSETTE. I enclose the sum of $6.95 for each tape (plus 90 cents packaging and postage). Damaged or Faulty cassettes will be replaced free of charge. SUPPLEMENT TO MAKAN NO. 264 PENSIONS EFFECTIVE FROM NOVEMBER 1981: WEEKLY RATES OF DISABILITY PENSIONS (Effective 12/11/1981)
With EFFECT FROM 1 JANUARY 1982, only 40% of any disability pension received will be treated as INCOME Disability
Income x 40 = READY RECKONER
TABLES FOR CALCULATING THE AMOUNT OF SERVICE PENSION PAYABLE
x shows loss of "fringe benefits". SINGLE PERSON RATE:
WEEKLY RATES OF PENSION PAYABLE TO WIDOWS: Where, death of VETERAN related to SERVICE $69.70 Where death of VETERAN NOT related to SERVICE: Same rate as at time of his death, while they remain eligible. Back to 1982 index or Main Index |