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Makan - No. 147
June/July, 1961

COMMITTEE

Dear Dig,

ANZAC DAY

An excellent roll up and a fine day made the Anzac Day March a credit to the Unit and a fitting demonstration of our respect for our deceased comrades. The Old Man led the March as usual whilst the banner was carried by Eric Arps. This year the Assembly Point was near the Qantas building and allowed enough room for all to assemble in comfort, prior to the March. The troops looked well and several remarks were made by the radio and T.V. commentators as to their orderly appearance. This was partly due to the fact that the lads were "sized up" by the Old Man prior to the March with tallest on the flanks and shortest in the centre.

The marching was excellent as was the band. A contributing factor to the success of the March this year was the excellent timing and marshalling of it by the R.S.L. One matter did not enhance the good impression given by the unit, and that was the indiscriminate breaking off towards the end of the march, of some of the lads. Indeed the ultimate was reached when the peg holder decided to leave the March and thrust the peg into the hands of another marcher well back from the front of the column. The Committee urges all who commence the March to finish unless forced to break off because of illness.

The gathering of the lads at the Rawson Hotel after the March was most relaxing and most enjoyable. Fresh sandwiches were prepared and donated by Mrs Harry Collins for which gesture we have made known our appreciation to her. The sandwiches enabled the troops to remain in the front line until closing time and due to the happy relaxed atmosphere most of them were reluctant to leave even then.

Anzac Day for a Unit has a twofold Purpose. It allows us first and foremost to show public respect to the fallen comrades of our unit and secondly to renew acquaintance with and enjoy the company of war time friends. If you have not attended one as yet then think seriously of coming along next year, you will not regret it.

ANZAC DAY – BATHURST

The sentiments behind the erection of the Cairn, at Bathurst, made a big impression on the civic leaders of Bathurst District. The Anzac Day ceremonies were in keeping with the spirit of the day. We give you in full a report of the proceedings, from a local paper.

CLAIMS KELSO CAIRN "LOGICAL PLACE" FOR DAWN SERVICE

The custodian of the 2/30 Bn. memorial cairn opposite the entrance to the former Bathurst military camp, said yesterday that the logical place for the Anzac Dawn service was at the cairn, and not in Bathurst. He is Mr. Herb Pratley, who with his wife, has been caring for the cairn almost since the day it was completed.

"I say this with all due respect to our good friends in Bathurst," said Mr. Pratley.

"What the reaction will be to that suggestion, I do not know."

"It may eventuate in my time, it may not, but nevertheless I would ask that every consideration be given to this suggestion."

Mr. Pratley pledged himself to tend to the cairn while ever he was able to. (Later Mrs, Pratley said that no matter what the occasion, or special seasonal observation in the year, flowers were always placed on the cairn.) The service in front of the cairn was attended by about 200 people, a record. There were over 30 cars parked along the roadside, and a bus arranged by the R.S.L. The memorial was erected by members of the 2/30 Bn. in memory of their comrades who left Bathurst camp to sail direct to Malaya. This unit the first of Australian troops to engage the Japanese in their Malayan push in 1942.

The 2/30 Bn. Association was represented yesterday by Mr. David Clarke, of Collaroy Plateau, Sydney. He was for 3½ years a prisoner-of-war at the hands of the Japanese in Changi. He was accompanied to Bathurst by two close friends, Mr. Cliff Headford, of Mascot, and Mr. Wally Haywood, of Greenacre.

"This is the first time I have been to Bathurst for one of these ceremonies," said Mr. Clarke. I was 12 months at Bathurst military training camp - all the 'boys' of the 2/30 have a soft spot for this city," he said. Mr. Clarke revealed that he travels through Bathurst regularly - as a representative for a sweets firm.

WILL RAISE CAIRN

"So far as the 2/30 Bn. Association is concerned, we will make more of this ceremony. I have been sent here officially to observe what has taken place," he said. It was disclosed by Mr. Clarke that because of water damage to the cairn, it was planned to raise it at least 18 inches all-round.

He was invited to participate in the form of service, and recited the Ode of Remembrance. (Before leaving Bathurst last night, Mr. Clarke and his colleagues expressed gratitude to the Bathurst R.S.L. sub-branch for hospitality extended to them.)

The nature of the service was explained to the 200 odd people present by Mr. Clive Osborne, President of the Bathurst sub branch of the R.S.L. The attendance was a record, he said, and he extended thanks to the congregation for the interest.

The President of Turon Shire Council, Cr. M.H.C. Locke, said that neither the passage of time, nor the changing international situation would darken the memories and appreciation of the Men of Anzac, and those who fought in other theatres of both World Wars. "The true significance of this great day is that it meant the coming of age of this young country of Australia," he continued. "It placed upon those people the seal of quality. Many of us remember not only with sadness but also with pride and satisfaction that these men did not fight and die in vain."

He said that Anzac Days did not just happen. They were made and were interwoven with the tradition of the land, love of country and faith - all the type of thoughts that were right and just. "This cairn is a symbol of the brave, and pays tribute to those young Australians who completed their military training in the old Bathurst camp.

"We have erected many memorials to our country's heroes, but by far the greatest of these is what we can achieve by working for a great and free Australia, where we hope future generations may live in days of continued happiness and goodwill," In this task we must pay honour to our Queen and fear no other than God," added Cr. Locke. The prayer was offered by Padre (Archdeacon) Ellis of Holy Trinity, Kelso. The Bathurst District R.S.L. Band provided appropriate music and accompanied the hymn "O God, Our Help in Ages Past." "The Last Post" and "Reveille" were played by Bandsmen, Aub Deveson and Bill McDougall. A number of wreaths were laid at the bass of the cairn - by Mr. Ray Lloyd, Hume Clapham, of the Air Training Corps, Bathurst, Cr. Locke and Mr. Bob Dasy (on behalf of Turon Shire) and Mr. Clarke (2/30 Bn.). The wreaths were received by Mr. W. Henderson, secretary to the R.S.L. Sub-branch. The inscription on the cairn reads: "They went from here, July 28, 1941. In memory of the members of 2/30 Bn. who did not return".

Don Garner (Sgt) was disappointed to miss out on our Anniversary Dinner as he was in the country. Don lives French's Forest. He is still as cheerful and as mercurial as ever.

A nice little letter from Les and George Parfrey of Deniliquin. They are both well and say "we have a few growls and moans about prices, like all the rest of us on the land, but one way and another we manage to make a living and have a few grogs!" Well we say what more can a man ask for?

Douglas McLaggan and wife are rejoicing in the birth of their third baby, a daughter Merris. She is a beautiful child apparently and a solid one as she started life at 8 lbs. Doug is living at East Lindfield and we would say "is doing well." Bobbie Gibbs of "Mullah", Turrawan is making a crust from the land as all the landed gentry do. Bob has had his ups and downs but has landed fairly well on his feet. You will recall that Bob was one of those wonder boys whose heart kept him going long after his body tried to call a halt.

Lloyd Stuart is still playing good golf, but is growling because his handicap is down to 1. Lloyd is living at Rockdale. Ray Ferry of Menangle is another who has booked early for his Regimental Tie.

Frank Ryan is still moving around in the advertising world and, by all accounts is doing fairly well. He is shifting. from Coogee to St. Ives, where he is building a new house.

Some of you might remember a Dr. Barber from the War days. He was with the 'chooms' and was quite a nice bloke. He returned to England after the war but has now settled in Pinjarra, Western Australia. His area includes Dwellingup, the town that was razed to the ground by bushfires earlier in the year, George Gough of Cabramatta was in the Riverina at Christmas time and met Sergeant Billy Brown and Bill Hodge, both of whom were in the pink of condition.

We received a nice letter from our friend Karl Sinclair recently. Karl is well thought of in the unit and his letter which is typical of him is too good to edit. Here it is:

"I haven't been very happy this week as my brother passed away in Sydney on Wednesday night, he was one of the youngest Pilots in the Flying Corps, in the first World War and was a Captain in the last war but did not leave Australia. There were four brothers who served in the first World War, Clarrie enlisted in 1914 and was killed in action in August, 1918, Ray enlisted with Clarrie and returning in 1919 with a Commission and the M.M. & D.C.M. Cyril was a Sgt. in the 33rd Bn. and also returned but passed away about two years ago, so you see we were a soldiering family, I suppose. I was the poorest soldier of them all but I did try to do my best.

Jolyon my son is in the N.S.W. Bank at Bingara and his little daughter Susan is the light of our lives, Helen our daughter is teaching at Parramatta and is doing alright, Jean my oldest daughter is in England at present and will be returning in April. I am still working in the timber industry, I have been a member of the Timber Workers Union for 38 years, A long time eh. I am a machinist in a Joinery Works and I like my work and find it very interesting and not heavy. You know Jack for years I was a sawyer in hardwood mills and it was heavy work, I often wonder why I stuck it out, but I did and I was considered a pretty good sawyer too although I say it myself. I cut some 10 x 10 45ft, long for the P.W.D. before the War and the Inspector told me he never saw timber cut so well before. I loved to do my job well when I was young and in those days I used to go to dances and parties and enjoy life generally but now we never go out at night I can't see the pictures clearly and I have a job to hear them so it is not much good going, but I get a lot of pleasure in helping my neighbours painting houses, building sheds and cementing tanks etc. and I have lots of good friends so life is not so bad"

Keith Richardson of Leicester via Lismore had a poor season from his bananas this year making little more than expenses. Keith is married with two boys and one girl.

REGIMENTAL TIES

If you have not received your Regimental Tie by the time you receive this Makan you will receive it shortly as we have been promised delivery soon. The Committee hope that you will be pleased with the tie which has been rushed by the members. Orders for ties are still open but, it now appears that even though the Committee ordered 200 ties the number will be insufficient to cope with the demand. Send your order to Bessie Ellis as soon as possible. Price One Pound per tie

LAST POST

CYRIL PLUIS

It is with great regret that we record the death of your friend Cyril Pluis. Cyril died of a heart attack at Scone, in the district in which he was living, but was returned to his home town of Parkes for the burial. His funeral was held on Tuesday 20th June at the Church of England Church and was attended by crowds of his friends from that district, who, by their presence, did honour to his memory.

Ellis, Willis, and Pluis. The names ran together for years and one did not think of one without the other. After the war the three refined friends and Cyril and Jack Ellis partnered together for a time until Cyril branched into the Stock and Station business. Cyril was a real man. His sincerity and his love for his fellow men made an impression on all who came in contact with him and his influence for good will have effect for many years to come. Last Anzac Day he made a special trip to Sydney to enjoy the company of the Unit and to participate in the Anzac Day celebrations for the first time in eleven years. It was a great day for Cyril who enjoyed every minute of it. Cyril will always be missed by those of the unit who remain and wherever the names of Jack Ellis or Ernie Willis are mentioned we will remember with joy the fact that we were privileged to know him. Cyril died at the age of 46 years and leaves a wife and child. The sympathy of all members of the Unit go out to them on their great loss.

ANNUAL REUNION DINNER

The next Annual Reunion Dinner will be held at Anthony Hordern’s on Saturday 18th November commencing at 6.30 p.m. The reunion will be along the lines of our successful anniversary Dinner with a full "sit down” dinner. Anthony Hordern’s have consented to allowing us an extra half hour this year and this will be very welcome, the reunion finishing at 11.00 p.m. instead of 10.30 p.m. The full price for the dinner and refreshments will be £2 per head and we hope that you will start to budget for the dinner now. Further details will be given in the next Makan.

Your friend Porky Moore has been in hospital at Yaralla for some time. He's got the Sisters eating out of his hand of course. He will probably be there for some time yet.

Alan Penfold has retired from his Bank and is now living in Manly. Alan is enjoying his retirement very much although he is still working hard doing all the jobs he has put aside for years. Dave Tate is still at Garradunga via Innisfail, North Q'land.

Les Southwell of Braddon, sends his regards to all his cobbers. Les, you will recall, lost a log in Malaya.

A letter from Harry Riches of Mullumbimby is a good one and we give it to you intact:

"I am a bit late sending my sub but I have been waiting until after the reunion at Lismore which was on the 11th of this month. It was a good turn out there were about 20 2/30 chaps there and we had Col. Williams from Sydney (Guest of Honour). There was a four course dinner and all the beer you could drink-and it was a very pleasant night. I think a lot of you will remember Col Vincent at Thomson Road. He had just come back from Singapore and gave a very interesting talk on his trip. Fred Arnett has got the Hotel Wardell where they are building the new bridge over the Richmond River. He is doing very well so at any time you are going through that way a very nice place to have a couple of beers. I am sorry I did not get down to the reunion last November. There was a group of us to go but right at the end sickness stopped a lot from making the trip. I hope to get down next time as I would like to see you all again as it is 11 years since I was at a reunion in Sydney. I am kept very busy on the farm. When I came here I was not going to do any work but it has got me in, when I came here I ran the farm now the farm runs me. We have got everything very nice now and are doing very well."

Some of the boys will remember Bert Newell, an English boy who was at the Burma Hospital, he is in Brisbane now and he came down to the reunion and met a lot of the boys he remembered. He came home with me and stopped the night and I put him on the bus for Brisbane next day,. Whilst we were waiting for the bus there was a chap waiting for the same bus and I recognised his face. I looked at him and he had a good look at me so I scratched myself below the belt and he said I thought so (Burma) it was George Riley of the 2/26 he was holidaying at Brisbane. He lives at Cootamundra never know when you're going to meet them.

If it were not for Mrs. Heather Johnson of Mina Creek via Innisfail, North Queensland then Johnno would be receiving neither his Regimental ties, nor his badge nor his Makan. Johnno and his wife Heather run a dairy farm but Mrs. Johnson writes all the letters. Thank heavens she does!! They have two small children, Sally aged three and Ian aged two.

Ray Donald of Liverpool is one who enjoys only moderately good health. He liked his Makan though, and is a keen Association man (his wife tells us all this). Stan Desmet of June led the Anzac Day March at Junee this year. We know this because his wife told us. Bill is getting like the rest of you lazy urgers, too so and so tired to write four lines on paper.

Big Malcolm MacDougal is in town until the end of July. He is not what one would call a big man now or even huge. He is a giant with a great frame like an oxen, seemingly feet through. Malcolm is stopping at his brother's place at Beecroft telephone.

Fred Abbot is in the Manning District Hospital following a slight coronary recently, He is slightly paralysed down one side at the moment but the doctors are hopeful for a full recovery. Fred is a very tough man and we hope that he will recover quickly.

Sammy Hall is now living at Neutral Bay. Sammy is a great Legacy worker and gives all his spare time and some over to this wonderful work.

Jim Deveigne of Westmead missed the Anniversary Dinner as he was a patient at Yaralla Hospital at that time. Jim lives in the same district as Scobie Brown and Jim Angus.

Cheerio,

STAN. ARNEIL

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