Back to 1976 index or Main Index

Makan No. 231
Dec, 1976

OFFICIAL JOURNAL 2/30 Bn. A. I. F. ASSOCIATION

Subscription Rate: $1.50 per Year

Registered for Posting as Periodical: Category A

 

COMMITTEE

EDITORIAL - Jack Maclay

ANNUAL REUNION - 30th October 1976 - CANCELLED

Are we all so apathetic that the metropolitan area cannot muster sufficient numbers to run a reunion? Have you all lost interest to the extent that our Association could wind up and we would have no regrets?

I cannot believe that such is the case. Perhaps you did not respond on grounds of costs - the location - the date. It was a little earlier than usual - but the only date available. Is holding the reunion worthwhile?

These are the things that the executive of your Association must know.

So, write or phone our MAKAN Chief and tell him your opinions.

Better still, attend as a family group at our GEMAS DAY at Pymble on January 16th and discuss it with the men that head the Association.

The first cancellation for 30 years.

Does it make you feel a little sad, or perhaps a little ashamed, that ties that were forged some 35 years ago are being allowed to wither and die?

Did not the sight of that yellow sticker advising cancellation of the annual reunion, stuck over the details for the holding of it, stir you up? Have you done anything about it? Did you voice any complaint in writing to any of the Committee? Apparently not, the comments below are all your C.C. received.

MEMBERS VIEWS

Jock Logan sent off a telegram:

B.J.’s attitude would have been don't cancel reunion. Two war widows are interested in attending from 400 miles. Country reunions wives and widows mostly are welcome. Writing, and his letter, when to hand:

“In one way. I am pleased that the reunion has been cancelled.

Two war widows, Mrs. Thelma (Bob) Gibbs and Mrs. Rita Cameron (Vic, husband 2/18 Bn, brother Ossie Vincent 2/30 Bn, were interested in attending. I cold not tell them they could not go, yet there was nothing to say that they could not attend.

My experience has been that the guest speaker has been very important at reunions. A good speaker is a good draw. The price must be kept low.

I think I have attended 5 Anzac Days and 5 reunions in Sydney over the years, travelling 1,000 miles each time, which means that I have travelled 10,000 miles.

I have also attended reunions in Tamworth, Brisbane, Ballina, Lismore, Mullumbimby and Coolangatta plus Gold Coast P.O.W. reunions.

I suggest that the Association consider adopting the same as the 2/4 Bn. Association. I understand that they have a different place every year. This year, I think, was Southport and last year or the year before was Yarrawonga Vic. We all used to sing and laugh about Yarrawonga. Only a member of the 2/4 Bn. could tell you or confirm their idea.

There has never been a reunion in the Riverina. There are enough there to hold a reunion. Country chaps all have to travel to reunions.

I think that the members should have felt honoured to have Thelma Gibbs or Rita Cameron at a reunion.

I will be in Sydney next time that there is an Anzac Day falling on a Sunday. It suits country chaps; less loss of time.

Reunions are always good to read about even if we don't attend.

According to the "Makan" we had to notify before 20th October and I am sorry it had to be put off.

Regards, Jock Logan. "

Tom Nixon also wrote. He addressed his words:

"To the Committee, 2/30 Battalion A.I.F. Association,

Having attended every reunion in Sydney since its inception (and always been an advocate for keeping it a male preserve) I have now changed my opinion, after attending two bush reunions, one in Lismore and the other in Ballina, where widows wives, daughters and sweethearts are welcome. If only some of you city slickers could go to one of these reunions, you would realise what an attraction these girls are, good drivers too.

We have fought the war over that many times, eaten hundreds of kilos of rice; built dozens of railways, that I think it is high time that the conversation should change, and what better way than to invite the girls.

I would also suggest that, if halls are expensive or unavailable, we have a barbeque, with cover, (where the sons could do the cooking).

Further, that it should be arranged at a time when there are other important things on in Sydney, such as Football Grand Final, "B.J.'' Memorial Shield Bowls with Bankstown R.S.L. (these bush boys are good bowlers), Sydney Cup.

Also that some thought be given to the accommodation aspect.

If none of these suggestions are acceptable, my last suggestion is that we hire Tamworth Showground and ALL go into camp.

Tom Nixon."

Col Tuckfield had some paragraphs at the end of his letter and said:

"What a disappointment that two reunions (the Bn Association to honour the Formation of the Battalion and the Purple and Gold Club Christmas Party) had to be cancelled for lack of interest. With the magnificent work done by the executive and by the successive editors of "Makan" over the years better things are deserved.

Driving past Selerang (on my tour to Singapore, see page 35) reminded me of the day when we all sat down and founded the Association with such high hopes. That it still flourishes today is little short of a miracle, and testifies to 34 years hard work by those whose names have appeared on the first page of 230 issues of "Makan".

I wish the executive the best of luck, good health and continued support from members.

Col Tuckfield."

Ray J. ("Andy") Knox - in speaking to your editor, expressed his disappointment at the cancellation and commented that, if finance were the trouble and the cause of the cancellation (and that was apparent from the fact, that the Committee felt it had to cancel at a date, when it could safely do so without expense to members) why not call for a levy of members, of a sum, that could be decided upon, and that money be set aside in a special fund to meet the expenses of the reunion, at and around the 22nd November; that if the response was not great that there be some consideration given to the holding of the reunion, say, only every second year; thirdly, why not have, the place of the reunion at different places each time (one has been held at Tamworth and one at Bathurst). There are many other centres from which groups of the members of the Battalion came, and although all have not gone back to the places, from which they enlisted, or have moved around since returning home in 1945, there are many in the different centres now to warrant them as the place or places of a reunion on a rotating basis."

Gordon Saifallie ("Saf") - when visited at Concord Hospital on 23rd November, commented that the previous day, 22nd November was the anniversary of the forming of the Battalion at Tamworth in 1940. He had time to sit on the verandah out there, and to him, the very date brought memories. He talked of the gathering together, after the Anzac Day march last April, when Jock Logan signed some of the chaps into the Masonic Club; others were brought back from the Combined Services Club and, at 2 o'clock accompanied the Club's "Diggers" to the Cenotaph for their remembrance of their club members, who did not return, and the breaking off from the marchers on the return, to go to the Combined Services Club for renewed refreshments and nattering. Saf would be very sorry to see the state, when we could not have reunions.

Ray Duncombe (HQ Coy - Sigs) Balmain - Phoned concerning the "Makans" missing from the Association's records, and expressed sorrow at the cancellation of the reunion for he, not being able now to manage the march on Anzac Day, watches his T.V. for the marchers on that day and, when he sees the Battalion contingent, he gets ready, catches a bus into the city and joins the boys at the "Forbes Tavern” for the rest of the day; but it is not possible for him to try going to a night function, as his mobility is so poor he could not attempt it.

CHRISTMAS MESSAGES

Our Patron

"I am glad to take this opportunity to wish all members of the Battalion Association, together with their wives and families a very Happy Christmas and, for the New Year, Health and Happiness. I also wish at this time to express my gratitude for the loyal assistance given to me during the comparatively short time that I had been in charge of the Battalion through its last days of Battle.

George E. Ramsay (Col)”

Our President

"I am writing this under the shadow of the passing of dear old Harry Collins. Perhaps because I was very close to Harry, it has been brought home to me how our ranks are thinning. Let us make the most of the friendships that remain. I extend to you and yours Christmas Greetings and hope that the New Year will bring happiness and health to you all.

Arch. Thorburn (Pres)"

Your Editor and Chief Correspondent

"I wish all of you and all your families a Happy Christmas and may the New Year be blessed for you with a closer knitting of the ties of family and friendships, not forgetting that it is the little things in life that give the greatest happiness; the cheapest, just a ready smile, a hand under the arm to guide a stumbling step; far better than what money can buy, let your loved ones see that you care.

Looking back on P.O.W. days and diary I am reminded of the Christmas Eve 1943, when we returned to "Kobe House”, Kobe, Japan after the day's toil, we found that the walking sick in camp, the camp staff and the officers had been able to festoon the lights on the stairs with Christmas Greetings; for us Australians on the 1st floor "Merry Christmas Digger"; for the Royal Scots "Merry Christmas Jock", just made up from brown paper and cardboard and coloured with chalk. A small job but what a buzz of laughter at the sight of the signs.

The Makan Gang also join with me in these wishes.

Alex Dandie, Editor
Valerie Pew, Typist
Production Team: Jack Maclay, Fred Johnston, George Winchester, "Doc" Wilson

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

16th JANUARY 1977 - GEMAS DAY - SUNDAY AFTERNOON

Battalion Commemoration at the Memorial at H.Q. 17 Royal N.S.W. Regiment, 2 Suakin Street, Pymble. Assemble 2:30 pm for Wreath Laying 3:00 pm

Please come. Family groups if possible. Yourself at least otherwise. Ample time for refreshments and a natter afterwards.

12th FEBRUARY 1977 - FAR NORTH COAST Ex POW ASSOCIATION REUNION

Saturday 5:30 pm. Wreath Laying Ceremony at Lismore Memorial Baths.
Dinner to follow at Northcott Auditorium R.S.L. Club.
Guest Speaker: Padre Walsh.
Cost: $6.00 single; $12.00 double.
Contact Bob Robinson, C/- P.O. South Lismore, 2480.
All Ps.O.W. and their children over 18 years welcome.

12th FEBRUARY 1977 - COOMA Ex POW REUNION - SATURDAY

Rendezvous 1700 hrs Cooma ex Servicemen's Club.
Short march to Memorial.
1800 hrs Service and Wreath Laying followed by dinner at above Club.
This is the 21st anniversary of this reunion.

Guest speaker, Matron A.C. Syer formerly 2/10 A.G.H. Matron Bullwinkel, a former guest has been invited and may attend.

Cost $5.00 per head for dinner.

Contact Arthur Koerber, C/- above Club, Postcode 2630. If accommodation is required, contact above, ahead of time if possible, but invitation is “come anyway”

SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR 1977

Members are reminded that subscriptions for 1977 are now due and payable on the basis of:

Ordinary Member: Memb. Fee $0.50c; Makan Sub $1.50; Total $2.00
Life Member: Makan Sub $1.50

With this issue of MAKAN, each member will receive appropriate advice, to suit his particular case, indicating (1) transfer has been effected from his subs in Advance A/c to meet his subs for 1977; or (2) his subs in Advance A/c does not have quite enough funds to meet his subs for 1977 and a further remittance is required to meet the balance; or (3) a full remittance is required to meet his subs for 1977; or (4) a receipt for subs paid.

Promptness of payment is needed, if we are to retain our Category “A'' Registration. If we lose that Registration, the cost of posting each issue of MAYAN would increase. We could not afford that increase without a substantial increase in the annual subscription rate, so please heed the plea and respond promptly.

GEMAS DAY, 1977

The Commemoration will be held at the Memorial at H.Q. 17 Royal N.S.W. Regiment, 2 Suakin Street Pymble, on Sunday 16th January 1977 at 3:00 p.m. - Please arrive at 2:30 p.m.

Arrangements are now being completed with the C.O. of 17 R.N.S.W.R. and precise details will be furnished in a special MAKAN to metropolitan members and next-of-kin, which will be sent out early in January. However, it is expected that proceedings will be very much the same as previously.

We will gather as a family (and, it is hoped, that all children, grandchildren and friends will be included) prior to 3:00 p.m. for the simple ceremony of laying a wreath on behalf of the Association (plus any other tributes, which individuals may desire to place); the sounding of the "Last Post”; “Reveille” and the recitation of the Ode. There will be no speeches.

We will then all adjourn to the Drill Hall for afternoon tea, and with respect to the latter; tea, milk, sugar, curs etc. will be provided, but each family group attending, is asked to, bring along a ''little something” to eat; which we propose to aggregate and place on tables for all. We do not anticipate nor desire a sumptuous repast - just a "cuppa” and a bite to eat. Any unaccompanied males, or others who find it a bit awkward to bring something along, are asked, please, not to worry, there is sure to be plenty to go around. Soft drinks will be provided for all the children attending.

This is our most important family gathering of the year, and as there is ample shelter available, the Commemoration will definitely be held on Sunday 16th January, irrespective of condition of the weather.

SICK PARADE REPORT

Kevin Ward reports:

Discharged since last Report:
Keith Chapman, Ernie Ross, George Cambourne, Ken Crispin, Bill Brown, Hylton Collins, George Gough, Harry Green

Still in Hospital:
Gordon Saifallie, Harry Laws, Frank Topham

"B.J." MEMORIAL SHIELD and BATTALION BOWLS MORNING

Kevin Ward reports, that the Battalion competition with the Bankstown R.S.L. Bowling Club for the "B.J." Memorial Shield took place on the morning of 17th October, despite the dismal weather outlook on Saturday afternoon with the State-wide rain, as it transpired that the greens of the Canterbury Tennis/Bowling Club had very good drainage; coupled with this was a very good wind, which dried out the greens.

Kevin had been so downcast at the conditions on Saturday that he had telephoned Jack Fell at Cessnock to tell him that it did not seem worthwhile his coming down for the match.

The Battalion was able to mount 2 rinks of four for the match, but for the third time in succession the Bankstown R.S.L. Bowling Club have the honour to be entitled to have its name recorded as the winners for 1976 with a score of 59 points for the Club against 32 points for the Battalion team.

The members of each of the Battalion's teams were: Kenny Forward, Lead; John Kreckler, No. 2; Alan Mason, No. 3; and Jack Maclay, Skipper, in the one team; Vince Leonard, Lead; Kevin Ward, No. 2; "Snowy" Stevens, No. 3 and Andy Hyslop, Skipper in the other team.

Lady Galleghan was present and presented the Shield to the R.S.L. Club, as the winners of the match; trophies to various players and a mini-bannerette in the Battalion colours to the highest scoring player, Bertie More of the RSL Club.

As always there were a few non-playing Battalion men and their wives to support the teams. Bruce Ford, Eric Arps and his wife Rhona, and "Doc" Wilson and his wife Clover.

Amongst the R.S.L. Members was a member of the Mobile Laundry Unit, 8 Div., Jimmy Hand, who made himself known, and one of the chaps taken in Java, who recognised one of the Battalion men there, having been on the "Burma Road" at the same time, with the Java Party.

The R.S.L. had prepared a marvellous lunch with plenty of hot food, most acceptable in the weather conditions of the day.

After the lunch all settled down for an afternoon's chit chat. Vince Leonard found his way to the piano to add to the enjoyment. Lady Galleghan favoured the gathering with singing and Kevin Ward was most complimentary in speaking of her voice.

It is thought, that the morning games might be continued in future years, as it gives chaps the time to spend the afternoon reminiscing and really getting to know the R.S.L. Club members better. What are your thoughts on the times? Will you please let me (Kevin) now, by phone or by letter.

NORTHERN RIVERS REUNION

Harry Rhodes has given us a report of this reunion:

"The Northern Rivers Branch of the N.S.W. Ex P.O.W. Association held its 15th Annual Reunion Dinner on 13th November 1976. Jack Williams, from Sydney, conducted the Wreath Laying ceremony at the Cenotaph, assisted by Bugler Rod Cowell. The Reunion continued at the Grafton District Services Club, where Branch and visiting members and wives and representatives of kindred organisations enjoyed a delicious four course dinner, liquid refreshments and the amenities of the Club. The Chairman, John Korsch, President of the Branch, who welcomed every one to the reunion and wished one and all a happy-get-together. Attendance was on a par with last year; seemingly we clashed again; a flood last year, this year Armistice dinners. Nevertheless it was an enjoyable gathering.

Toasts were proposed by John Korsch, Keith Murray, Harry Rhodes and Fred Winters, with respective responses by John Dey, Kevin Dalton, Jack Williams and John Korsch.

Roy Tingay, of 2NR, entertained briefly with some light humour, which was appreciated by the gathering. 2/30 Bn members and wives present at the reunions were; from Grafton and District: John and Dulcie Korsch, Harry and Ethel Rhodes, Jack and Iris Collins, Fred and Jean Winters, Arthur Roberts and Jack Newton and Merle Rockett; whilst others - Arty and Nancy Power from Kyogle, Norman Lee from Woolgoolga, and Jack Maclay from Rydalmere Sydney. Apologies were received from Joe and Norma Veivers of Coffs Harbour, Bob Newman of Woolgoolga, Alan and Daph McPherson of Yamba and "Snow" Hampton of Ballina (Snow at the time would be in Fiji). Greetings and best wishes were gratefully received from the 2/30 Bn A.I.F. Association as per letter from Bruce Ford."

Harry includes an item for your 1977 Diary -THEIR ANNUAL REUNION next year, 1977, will be on 19th November 1977.

JACK MACLAY (C COY) - RYDALMERE, SYDNEY

Jack paid a special visit to Grafton to attend the above reunion and reports:

“On 12th November I was met by Harry Rhodes at Grafton City Rail Station and escorted to The Crown Hotel for dinner. On the Saturday until 1630 hrs I was left entirely alone to stroll around Grafton. At 1600 ready for the evening's reunion I was waiting outside The Crown when I was accosted by Jack Newton who was about to gargle his tonsils in the bar. I met a few of his mates and enjoyed a convivial half hour before assembly and the service in the park opposite. Then to the Grafton Service Club where we met so many that the mind boggles. Thence to dinner.

John Korsch being President of the local Association, chaired the proceedings and a fine job he performed ably assisted by Harry Rhodes.

Reminiscences were the order of the day. When you consider that I had not met some of the members since 1945 the chit chat was considerable.

It was a glorious evening amongst old comrades, their wives and friends with a common interest - all ex Ps.O.W.

The highlight of the weekend was the hospitality extended to me by local folk and, in particular, John and Dulcie Korsch who, on the Sunday, took the opportunity of showing me Grafton and the surrounding district during the morning.

John took me to those streets, where jacarandas were at their best, where the flame trees were coming to bloom and the cape chestnuts were showing some flower, but in heavy bud. Onto a drive through the Federal Match Co's plantations of poplar trees. Then to John's place for lunch, but firstly to his rock room to see the collection. You would expect to see rocks in a room set aside for a collection of same. But the Korsch Rock room is somewhat different. It includes Johns rocks for sure, also a collection of butterflies, a collection of match boxes from years ago, some invasion monies from numerous countries. But, the highlight, is his collection of wartime sketches, done mostly on work parties from Changi to the Railroad. Sketches of mates in camps along the road; of camp scenes; of Nippon guards; of the ill, depicting the bad effects of malnutrition of legs and bodies, scarred by tropical ulcers; of the ulcers themselves, so true in detail that  they take you back to those dark days of ours.

After lunch a visit to Yamba and return. An evening meal and John saw me to the evening train. A very memorable day in very congenial company. Thanks to John and Dulcie.

I enjoyed the weekend so much that I feel that a return in 77 shall not be out of place.

I am counting the folding stuff to see if I can afford a trip to Lismore in February."

LAST POST

NX46620 Pte BRUCE E. KRUSE

Bruce was one of the original C Coy men when the Battalion left for overseas on 29th July 1941. He did his stint on Japanese work parties in Singapore and was with "F” Force on the Burma Railway and X8 and N1 Tunnelling parties. He was a T.P.I. and only 56 years of age.

Tom Grant (Murwillumbah) page 33 writes of efforts to help Bruce when word of his condition was received by Tom.

Bruce's sister, with whom he was very close, Mrs. H.G. (Iris) Hankin, Pymble, is our informant of Bruce's death. We had noticed his name in the Hospital List for Greenslopes (Q) in "Bamboo and Barbed Wire".

NX27118. Cpl HENRY EDWARD (''HARRY") COLLINS

Died on 16th November 1976, in London, whilst on a world tour with his wife Betty.

Harry was admitted to Middlesex Hospital, London on 6th October, having suffered a very serious collapse, other attacks occurred and his sister and brother flew to London on word that the illness was indeed very grave. Harry, however, made a sufficient recovery that he was released from hospital, but he passed away, whilst he slept, on Wednesday, 16th November, one week after his 69th birthday. A Requiem Mass was held in London followed by Cremation and a further Requiem Mass was held at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, Balgowlah on Saturday, 27th November after Betty had arrived back in Sydney. Some twenty members of the 2/30th with a few of their wives attended this later Mass.

Harry was one of the original members of A Coy and was a Corporal in No. 6 Platoon. At Bathurst, when your Editor was with that Platoon as an Intelligence runner for its Platoon O.C. Ron Maston, many hours were spent with Harry and Alan Cameron in one of the back rooms of one of the hotels in Bathurst; for Harry, having been a fruit buyer by occupation before the war visiting orchards and, if he approved the crop on the tree - purchasing the whole crop with instructions that when picked and packed, it be sent to his firm in Sydney, was well known in the district. It was a bit of an anomaly for the three of us being there because, whilst Harry and Alan savoured their whiskies your Editor was kept happy with small glasses of advocaat, and Harry showed that he had a philosophy of life, which was deepened by wartime and later experiences.

Harry resumed his connections at the Sydney Fruit Market when he returned to civvy life, but was soon the proprietor of his own stand which he carried on until a few years ago, but on retiring, he could not get the markets out of his blood and he was back there again, but only in the position of a clerk, with which he was quite happy, leaving the worries of the trade to those for whom he worked.

When the 8th Division was placed at the Changi end of Singapore Island, Harry was one, whose marketing expertise was made use of in the canteen, which was soon established.

He was a member of "F" Force when it went up on the Burma Railway.

Harry was elected to the Committee of the Association in 1952. I think that it was in 1958 that Harry arranged for a private bar for the Battalion at the Rawson Hotel, Haymarket, in George Street and there he and Betty were responsible for the great box of sandwiches, which were prepared by Betty, to help keep the Battalion together in a Reunion after the Anzac Day, and they have kept up that custom year after year since.

He also was elected to the position of Vice President of the Association.

At the Annual Meeting of April '67 he was elected as the Editor of "MAKAN" in the place of Stan Arneil, that mighty war horse, who had been the inspiration and "stirrer" of the Battalion Association, since its formation at Changi. Harry's own comments about this change, as set out by him in his first ever "MAKAN" were: "Stan was still in America at the time of the Annual Meeting but knowing the tremendous demands on him that his new job (formation and managing of an insurance company for credit unions all over Australia) makes, the meeting decided, that it would be unfair to ask him to carry on with the "MAKAN". However, I made it clear that if Stan decided to stand for re-election next year I would not oppose him.'' However, Harry donned the mantle worn by Stan, well, for he had the welfare of the Association so much at heart, that he commenced wielding the big spoon and stirring straight away. He reported: "The attendance at the Annual Meeting can only be described in one word "LOUSY" (the capital letters were his). The Feb 1968 issue made a classic with his "photo of the interior of the bus to the Tamworth reunion. As he said "It is reproduced for the benefit of those who didn't go, to point out where they might have been sitting, if they had gone. Those, who did go, have been opaqued out to confuse the issue." and on the next page: “Are you aware that we could not even half fill a 45 seat bus from Sydney. For all the work, for all the effort, that went into this show by so many people, in so many places, the result can only be described as poor."

Arch Thorburn has given me Harry's last letter to him dated Friday, 22nd October and written at Hallam Hotel London:

Arch commented that the letter speaks for itself.

"This will of necessity be brief. It is the first I have written since I became ill, but today is such a red letter day I feel compelled to write and tell you a little of it. Today I am sitting in a chair. Pro Semple congratulated me on a great recovery, and I congratulated him and his staff, but I well know where the credit belongs. Today I lost both intravenous drip and catheter, so now am only shackled to a recorder. (In theory) in practice I shuffled three steps, it was all I could do. Bet, as you know, rose to the occasion very capably and nobly.            My brother and sister are over here, but I expect them to go home next week. Arch, this represents 3 hours concentrated effort, so will let it finish with my kindest regards.
Harry."

MOIRA HAMLIN - wife of VIC HAMLIN (C COY) - NARRANDERA NSW

Terry O'Rourke reports the sad death of Moira Hamlin. Vic was a member of C Coy and he and Terry joined up the same day. Vic and Moira were only married several years ago and all felt sad, when Moira died. The 2/30 Bn was represented at the service by all of Vic's mates from Narrandera and Leeton.

VERA NEWMAN - wife of BOB NEWMAN (HQ COY) - WOOLGOOLGA NSW
Harry Rhodes reported the death of Bob's wife Vera, last March. John Korsch represented us at the funeral.

JOHN FRANCIS WARD - brother of KEVIN WARD (A COY)- GREENACRE

John was very close to Kevin. He died on 12/11/1976 at hospital as the result of a car accident.

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM

NEWS , VIEWS AND WHOS WHOS

JIMMY HILL (HQ, COY) - ENGADINE, SYDNEY

Jimmy's wife, Leila, has the job of looking after Jimmy at home but she says that Repat. takes him to Concord twice a week for therapy.

HARRY HOLDEN (B COY) - COOMA NSW

Harry was one of the instructors, who was in charge of your Editor, whilst he was at Belmore Day Boys. Harry recalls that he had his 21st birthday at that time. His squad presented him with a money belt and a plaited swagger cane, which action he says, "really knocked me all of a heap". Many off the lads who went from Belmore to Wallgrove Camp subsequently joined the 2/30 Bn.

Harry also comments that he cannot think of adequate superlatives to describe the job that Phil did, even if he had not been so severely handicapped.

RUSS PERKINS (B COY) - WESTMEAD, SYDNEY

Russ' news is that having always been fond of horses, not gallopers, just show horses, an Arabian gelding has kept him fit for the past 5 years as he has been able to ride him every day, and that he follows the shows, having won many ribbons including 4 Champions, this year. The reason that Russ has had the time to ride every day is that he has been working locally in the Parramatta Branch of one of the Permanent Building Societies over those five years.

LES HALL (HQ COY - SIGS) - HARBORD, SYDNEY

Les was down the South Coast at Mollymook recently and reported looking up George Stephenson, whom he found, has had chronic bronchitis and related troubles.

Les also ran into Arnie Ainsworth down there from the Canberra area, for a holiday, but who is contemplating retiring to Mollymook for good.

It seems that Les has made a promise to Arnie that he would get him one of the records of the bands of the 2/30 Bn and the 2/29 Bn playing together, while we were at Bathurst - the recordings having been made by Radio Corporation of America in their Sydney Office on a landline from Bathurst, and being ordered by Les for several members of the Battalion. If anyone has one of these records CAN YOU HELP Les, please, by letting him know that you have it, as he himself has not one.

PETER MASON (HQ COY - CARRIERS) - KENDALL NSW

Peter has moved back to the bush as he predicted earlier in the year and naturally was rather busy with the change-over. He says now, that he has been able to ease off but will always have plenty to keep him from stagnating. He has an acre of ground to look after. He claims to having a good garden with both vegies and flowers going and the family have been eating some of those vegies. (I'll bet the hard work was not done swinging a Chunkel, Peter. AD). Peter continues, "The wife and I are very happy here in the rural area; everything is so peaceful and quiet. I have not done much fishing yet but will be."

BILL NEWTON (D COY) - TAREE NSW

Harry Griffis reporting on Bill's stay in hospital, as mentioned in Jackie Fell's notes in last Makan, said, that it followed on a severe turn in the street in Taree, however, as at end of September Bill had made a good recovery and was getting around again. (Best of luck, Bill, but take it easy.)

CLAUDE WORTH (D COY) - TAREE NSW

Harry Griffis also reports on Claude and Joyce Worth who after many years in the Wauchope area have settled in Taree. He was a member of "J" Force in Japan with Harry and your Editor. When Claude enlisted he was farming in the Krambach area and had hoped to take up where he had left off. He was quiet but a solid bloke. He joined Don Company at Bathurst and his first leave was final leave, so he was one of the really unlucky men. Claude has not maintained his membership of the Association although he did belong when he first came back.

JACK CAREY (D COY) - DUNDAS, NSW

Jack was not in the best of health, when he was working for the P.M.G. but is managing to keep going. He has a job now closer to home at James Hardies at Camellia.

BILL HUMPHREY (HQ COY) - ARMIDALE NSW

Bill reports that life goes on as usual up there in Armidale and he is managing to survive in the building jungle, even though his old trouble shooter, Ross Madden, has now retired. His family news is that Marje, Bill himself and the family are all well and that they now have half of their six children married with two grand-daughters already for them to spoil.

TOM KENNEDY (C COY) - CARDIFF NSW

Helen as Tom's unpaid Secretary has written to say that Tom passed the 60 mark on 23rd July and has not been well for a few years now, so he has decided that he would leave work on 2nd November, and as he has a love of the country life, he has been looking around Gresford way for a small spread with a home on it. (So looks as though you will have a new neighbour, Bob Wells, if Tom is successful in his search AD.)

Helen also comments that they had a new grand daughter (Tracey Patricia) that was No. 23, so she guesses that Tom is still a good close runner in the Grand-dad Stakes.

BILL CLAYTON (C COY) - HUNTERS HILL SYDNEY

Bill must be as forgetful as a lot of us these days. I know, I sometimes make a remark to June, that I had been reminded by someone of something I had forgotten, and she just says "that figures". Tough when your wife takes it for granted that you are going to forget something. At any rate Bill came good with his subs and the remark, "Discovered this (Phil's subs reminder) the other day amongst a stack of old papers. Regards" and that was it, but he still showed that he was forgetting something else and that was to add some news about himself and his family. Please let us have some news next time Bill.

LEN HENDY (D COY) - CAMMERAY, SYDNEY

Len advised that Pam and he were leaving for Singapore and other parts on a holiday trip and, although the note was brief, we can excuse him, because the date of departure was the day after he penned his note, so that he would have been in the throes of last minute packing, and best of all, he does promise some details of his trip, when he comes back.

ROY KING (B COY) - ADAMSTOWN NSW

Roy sends in a "Hi!" to his old mate Jack Black. I note from the records that they were together at Blakang Mati, the island just off Keppel Harbour. AD and also told of Tom Kennedy intending to retire.

Roy says, "I still enjoy reading about the boys in the "Makan" as you get pleasant surprises as their names jog your memory." He sends best wishes to all the boys.

FRED CAMPBELL (B COY)

Fred was one of the boys left behind in Thailand. His sister Mrs. Wilson of 175 Durham Street Bathurst, has become one of Phil's "Naughty but Nice Club" in sending in a donation as she says, "A small token of my thanks for sending "Makan" to me for so long." You know you have not to do it, but we do appreciate your gesture just the same. In her letter she has given some news of the family, in that Fred's daughter, Jacqueline, was born after his departure to Singapore, so he never had the pleasure of seeing her, but he did know that he had a daughter. Jacqueline did well at school, went to the University and gained her B.A. and Dip. Ed. then, after working for some time, she married and is now the mother of four fine kiddies. On Anzac Day this year, her son aged 6 years, who bears his grandfather's name, Ewen Frederick, was a very proud little boy to wear his granddad's medals at the Anzac Service on the King's Parade Bathurst.

Another very interesting piece of news she has added is that their mother, Mrs. Campbell, will be 100 years old on her next birthday and keeps very well considering her years. On behalf of all the Battalion, Mrs. Campbell, I wish that it may be a pleasant family gathering for you. AD.

BRUCE PRATT (D COY) - BATHURST NSW

Bruce writing towards the end of September said:

Life goes on much the same here with the frosts beginning to tail off and the whole city becoming a splash of colour after the winter. Marjorie and I keep well, happy and busy with more activities than we can cope with or, maybe, it is we are getting older." (Well Bruce, we cannot stop the clock and we have to keep active to grow old gracefully and keep ourselves out of mischief. Thanks for your help. AD.)

OSSIE JACKSON (D COY) - BINNA BURRA NSW

A letter from Ossie just shows how these north coasters and Don Coy men were and are a close knit family, in it he gives news of many of them; "HARRY RICHES (Brunswick Heads) has not been so well, his leg has been giving him trouble, much better at time of Ossie writing, mid October. HARRY TEASDALE (Lismore), is not well. He is a T.P.I. ERNIE STRATFORD (Main Arm) has just turned 60 and has applied for the service pension. Ernie enjoys good health. He has 10 acres of ground and has some cattle and a host of pigs. RUSS MACKIE lives at Clunes and is up and down healthwise. JOE JOHNSTON lives at Knockrow, plays a big part in the R.S.L. and Legacy. LEN CLAVAN is at Tintenbar and is just as big a scoundrel as ever. NORM WATKINS lives at Ballina and is working with the P.M.G. as a linesman. I see JOCK LOGAN occasionally, still as fit as ever; as you probably know Jock has a furniture shop at Palm Beach (Gold Coast Q). Jock drives a utility truck around and you might have heard, but it bears repeating; on the back of the truck Jock has printed "THIS TRUCK IS BEING DRIVEN BY A BLIND MAN" and further down is printed "BUY VENETIAN BLINDS AT LOGAN'S" and, still on Jock, on his shop he has "LOGAN'S LINOS LAST LONGER". Jock is still as sharp as ever.

Ossie signed off and added to his signature "X 2/30 BTN and very proud of it."

STEWART BLOW (HQ COY - MORTARS) - BERRY NSW

Stew says that they look like having a great season coming up with plenty of rain, but comments that Mr. Day looks like tearing the industry into, what he terms "shape", but it is a matter of opinion.

He is another one to say he is always glad to get the "Makan" since "when you don't often see a lot of the fellows it is very enjoyable to hear about them". He pays tribute to Phil for "the great contribution that he made, as Editor of "Makan", to everyone who read it. He soldiered on well."

Stew concludes, by saying, "Just had some grandchildren here for 10 days; peace has descended on Ruth and me at the moment, and sometimes its nice." A fellow feeling for a lot of the aged and not so aged gentlemen. Andy Noble expressed the same sentiments in another way only a little while ago AD.

ALF CARROLL (D COY) - GRETA NSW

Alf's sister Mrs. Gwyn Hodges puts pen to paper on Alf's behalf, reporting that he was in Kyogle mid October, making his way up there, after being in Taree for Gwyn's grand-daughter's wedding on 2nd October.

Gwyn says that Alf is keeping well, his eyesight seems to be deteriorating gradually but there's nothing that can be done about it and he still has a cheerful outlook on life.

MARTIE WALLWORK (HQ COY) - THE POCKET, BILLINUDGEL NSW

Again Betty is the one to let us have the news. She says that she is left to do all the business these days, Martie seems to have retired and yet she has a lot of time taken up with the family. (Well Bet, I echo Phil's heartfelt thanks that the men of the Bn have their womenfolk to keep us posted on the family news. Without you all we would be scratching the barrel to keep "Makan" full. I say too, "Thanks a lot." Alex)

She reports that Martie notched up the 60 last May; is looking better than he ever did since giving up banana work, but his back does give him a lot of pain and his feet swell up on him if he has been on them too long.

Bet says that Martie's dear old Mum is still alive, that she'll be 88 in Feb. '77 and is keeping well for her age.

Bet claims that she does not get sick but enjoys fairly good health (or is it Bet, that the family keep you too busy so that you can't afford to be sick. Alex)     My comment might be right because she then goes on to report on the family, sorry, her BIG family who are growing up fast.

Janet the eldest, is married, is 22½, living in Brisbane and she has almost finished her D.D. Sister in Nursing.

Russell, 21½, is a Plasterer by trade, and also a builder's Labourer. He has just changed the kitchen around at home with new ceiling, walls and cupboards etc. making a very good job of it, although he has only been at the carpentering for 18 months.

Helen, the twin, she lost her brother twin, when he was only four months old, is nursing at Southport Hospital and progressing satisfactorily so far.

Anne, 17½, works in a drapery shop, called Geo Mallam & Co. in Mullumbimby (about 9 miles from home) and where Mart's mother has dealt for 61 years.

Joan, 15½, is a 3rd year student at high school and thinking of going nursing too.

Ruth, 12½, is to go to high school next year. She has set her mind on being a schoolteacher.

John will be 10 in November.

Clare has just turned 8 and she and John have not decided yet what they want to do.

They still live at the same place, the only difference being, that they have bought another ½ acre of ground, which makes it a lot more money outlay and work to do, though they have the satisfaction that they are, at least, improving things as they go along. There is a beautiful vegetable garden which helps Mart to pass the time, a few fowls and a house cow.

Bet raises the point of Reunions, saying that they try to make the reunions on the North Coast as it does Mart good to see his mates from war days and with a bit of luck she is going to try and take Mart to the reunion in Bathurst next year depending on how things are on the farm. Although the driving in a car plays up a lot with Mart's back, especially on long trips she thinks that he would enjoy such a reunion. She herself has never been down that way and knows that she will enjoy the trip they don't get around much because of the little ones.

Bet concludes by saying that, "Anyone that comes up this way will always be welcome."

HARRY HARTNETT (HQ COY) - HARLAXTON Q.

Harry was 66 inn October and his sight is so bad, that he cannot write now, even to signing his own cheques, so his wife is our correspondent. She says that Repat has been good to them. In May Harry took a bad heart attack, being unconscious; was on oxygen for a week; did not know anyone and they did not think that he would come through. He came home, was home for three weeks and took another turn, which however was not as bad as the first one. He is on tablets, but does not go out much and when he does, she says, she puts him on the bus, which stops at the door, and another very good friend, who is also T.P.I. meets the bus; they have a few drinks and go to the T.P.I. Rooms and, when it is time for Harry to go home, this friend takes Harry to the bus and does not leave him. She says, that sheds taking them both, her daughter and her two grandchildren, away for 3 weeks to Bribie Island on 11th December and is hoping for some good weather.

Harry sends his kind regards to all members, especially to Joe Geoghegan and his family and hopes that they are all well.

BERT HODGE (A COY) - GILGANDRA NSW

Bert is one who has responded to my appeal in last issue for old copies of "Makan". He is still living in Gilgandra - but is now at Gilgandra. He writes, "I am still going. I can't go to any turnouts; got to keep quiet; the heart won't take it; had a bit of an attack - end of Oct."

DEREK SMITH (A COY) - BARGO NSW

Phil has had a query from Derek, whose boss and even the Taxation Office did not know the answer, when it was approached by the boss on how he was to treat Derek, who wanted just to go into basic Medibank for his wife. Phil wrote back to Derek but has suggested, that I might like to mention his query, and gave a short form of the reply as: Verbal advice to the boss, that he is to deduct the levy at the rate of 1.25% really is sufficient, as Repat will be advising the Taxation Dept our chaps are Repat beneficiaries and that will be in with the amount of levy received from the boss. However, if the boss wants some confirmation for his action, our member should get a Levy Exemption Claim form, filling it as showing himself as a Repat beneficiary; give full particulars regarding his wife; then write on the form: "Please deduct levy at the rate of 1.25% to cover Standard Medibank for my wife (or family as the case may be).

Derek is a bit sarcastic about the M.O. to whom his folk are used to going, when he says, "They don't make them like John Taylor any more."

Contributing some family news, Derek's letter being dated 21st October, he says, "The bloody rain has stopped. How the hell we survived the rainy season on the "Railway" beats me. I lose a lot of time at work, when it rains. It always makes me think of the days in 2 and 3 Camp on "F" Force, waiting to be counted, while you were keeping count of the number of motions you looked like having for the day, or the chap back in camp, with ulcers. I think of myself, what a lucky bloke I am, spend the day pottering around the house doing all the little jobs, with which you never seem to catch up. I've even spent all day playing scrabble with my wife. The boss never asks me now, why I did not turn up for work, it's one of those things that have grown on him. The two young apprentices wonder why he never asks, why I didn't turn up and yet, he gets on their backs, as soon as they turn up after a "sickie".

I ran into Doug Walters, in Picton, a fortnight ago and had a good talk with him about cricket. Since then he has made 89 'run out' in Queensland, and I hope that he is in for a good season, as he is my pin-up boy; you can have your Chappell's, Thompson etc. Doug is a very unassuming character and has no tickets on himself.

My wife just tapped my shoulder and said "tell him that we now have a grandson". So, our eldest daughter, in Southport Queensland, had a son, who is now three months old and already kicking a soccer ball about.

We have been twenty seven years in Bargo now and look like spending the rest of our days here. Its, funny how life treats you. I was born in London, which I left in 1938, to come out here and although I still have a lot of Pommy still in me, like the story of Jim Webster, Bargo is my home now, where all our children were brought up and I would not swap the old shack for anything.

My wife, Ethel, is President of the Ladies Auxiliary here and I am Treasurer of the Sub-Branch, but sadly as the years go by it keeps harder to keep going. Out of a membership of 22 we always average 4/5 at a meeting. The war has been over too long now and it seems that the boys are getting tired; its 30 years since the war finished and the 1914-18 Diggers, who did such a great job passing on to us the R.S.L. organisation, are now few in number. We do not have any of them at our meetings now.

Well Phil, your wife, if she is reading this letter to you, you must be suffering from eyestrain and my eyes are getting heavy and tired. Do you remember at Gemas, stopping in the truck you were driving and picking up a couple of chaps carrying a stretcher case. I was one of them, but I forget, who was on the other end. The driver, Tom Pearce, had stopped a shell and you had to drive. I just thought I would mention this as you might remember a bit better than I, who am writing.

ALAN CHARLTON (HQ COY) - FIGTREE NSW

Alan writes, that he and Yvonne left home on 13th Sept., the day before their 30th wedding anniversary) and stayed the first night at Narrandera. He called at the Bowling Club there and had a quick drink with Keith Mulholland and Les Perry. They are both able to sink a beer, so I guess, they could be worse off, he says and through him they send their best wishes to old friends. He continues, "Next day we went to Mildura and spent an enjoyable afternoon walking around the town. On to Mariootpa, in the Barossa Valley, the next day and what a lovely area it is with very friendly people. We spent five happy days there visiting the various wineries, that lurk around every corner and studying the local history. There are several marble quarries here and the local stonemason very kindly gave me some samples to bring back. That part of the trip was very enjoyable indeed.

Then! We set out for Adelaide on the Monday and by the time we arrived at midday it was raining with a strong wind blowing, with the temperature 6º Celsius. Next day, it was no better so we only saw a little of the city and left at 12:30 pm. So did the bad weather and it followed us across Victoria all along the way and back to Wollongong, but according to the news was warm and sunny the day after we left everywhere.

We had two days at home and left on Sat. 25th Sept. for Ballina arriving there on the Sunday. On the way I called on Sunday morning and saw our old mate, Bob Newman, at Woolgoolga and, on enquiring at the local service station for direction, was given the sad news of the passing away of his wife Vera. Bob was very pleased to see me but I could not stay more than a few minutes. We hadn't seen each other since we returned home either.

At Ballina I phoned Bruce Greer. He came and had quite a yarn to us at our motel on the Monday morning. Bruce looks well and seems to be thriving on fishing and his other activities. Bruce told us, which farm belongs to Joe Johnston at Knockrow.

We took a run out there on the Monday afternoon (tried to phone them on the Sunday but the phone was out of order) but all were working on the cane harvest. However on phoning again on the Tuesday I was lucky, a daughter was home from Teachers' College, so I was able to leave a message and from there on Joe's organisation was terrific. Next morning Sybil phoned our motel early asking us to meet Joe at the R.S.L. Club between 5 and 6 that evening, but to ask for Joe Finn, who very kindly had another friend take Yvonne upstairs to have a drink with his wife. I haven't seen Joe Johnston for 31 years, but he doesn't look much older somehow - must be all that "sweet life" growing cane. We weren't able to meet Sybil as she lets Joe off the chain on Wednesdays. I was also able to renew acquaintance with Noel (Snowy) Hampton and Norman Watkins (haven't seen either of them since our return either) and also met Snowy's son who was having a beer with his Dad.

Now we hear from time to time about some bloke being the oldest member of the Battalion but - who was the youngest to enlist? To start the ball rolling I'll nominate a Red - Scotty Anderson who had his 15th birthday on the Aquitania on his way over (although he was officially 18 when he enlisted).

Cheerio and regards to all.

Alan."

"SLUGGO" JONES (BADEN S.) (D COY) - BOOVAL Q.

Speaking of who is the youngest, "Sluggo" is also of the opinion that it is a "Red" Anderson.

"Sluggo" was down in Sydney to visit his daughter, now 26 yrs of age and married, living with her husband in Glebe Point Road, Glebe, where they run a health food factory and devoted two of his days to looking up Phil Schofield, as the immediate past Editor of "Makan" and the next day your present Scribe. He was made welcome in both places, Vi turning on a wonderful meal for their guest and I forget, when he left their place at Seaforth to get back to Glebe, but June invited him to lunch on the Friday; "Sluggo" and I were still talking at ten minutes to six, when June tapped me on the shoulder and said, that I only had ten minutes to get down to the Scout Clubroom for a meeting of the Cubs, so it was a hurried change, no tea, "See you when I get back after 9:30" to "Sluggo" and I left June to get him tea and to entertain him. When I did get back our talk went on and on and it was after midnight, that I drove him to Glebe to his daughter's place. "Sluggo" had been one of the young boys of the Battalion, celebrating his 21st birthday on 21st June, 1942 on Singapore Island. When he enlisted he was farming at The Pocket via Billinudgel, Far North Coast but is now with the Railways - Ipswich Q. He tells me that he hopes to get to the Ex Ps.O.W. Reunion in Adelaide, 5th to 9th October 1977 making the trip via Goondiwindi and Cunnamulla and thence Bourke. "Sluggo" had with him a photo, taken at Batu Pahat of some of 18 Platoon, and I borrowed it for reproduction by electronic scanner and duplicating it with this issue of "Makan" (see below).

Some of 18 Platoon "D" Coy - Photo taken at Batu Pahat, Christmas 1941, and lent to your Editor by "Sluggo" Jones.

Back Row: Bruce Upcroft, Lloyd Stewart, Jackie West (died Borneo) Tommy Morgan (Killed Bukit Timah) Bill Galbraith, Luke Carey.
Front Row: Ernie Phillips (died "Kobe House" Kobe, Japan) "Sluggo” Jones, Bob Wells, Jack Carey, Leo Hogan, Snowy Brace.

"Sluggo" is one, who has some of the old "Makans", which I am seeking and, which he has promised he will send down. Any more around? AD.

J. ("ANDY") KNOX (C COY) - COLLAROY PLATEAU, SYDNEY

Andy is not yet up with the veterans. He only rates 64 years of age, but is almost a month senior to your Editor and because of that closeness and also because he says that he will be able to help with some of the old "Makans", I made the trip around to his home, an area where I had never been before so it was a case of June being Navigator, once I passed through Beacon Hill.

Andy has to be careful, healthwise, but he keeps himself busy with copper tooling, and he has some very nice specimens of his work around his living room. The Repat. sends a car twice a week to take him down to the War Veterans Home, to its Medical Centre, where he works with others in these activities. They have suggested, that he take up lapidary too, and, when he is truly proficient, for him to instruct some of the other chaps in the use of the machines, which they are prepared to install.

He hopes to be able to make the trip to Lismore next February for the reunion in that month.

WALTER ("DARKIE") DOUGLAS (D COY) - BEXLEY, SYDNEY

Research in the Bn records, as they were made up again in Changi, reveals that our oldest living member of the Association as shown in the nominal roll, would be Walter Douglas, Don Coy's cook .

Walter tells me that he put his age up to go to 1914/18 war and put his age down to go to the 1939/45 war.

When he enlisted in the First World War, he was in the 34th Battalion, in which "Black Jack" enlisted.    Their first major activity as a Battalion was to march to Newcastle and then return to Rutherford where they trained. Walter transferred to the 1st Light Horse going with them to the Middle East.

There he moved to the Camel Corps. He was wounded when a bullet passed through his horse into his leg. He was again in the 1st Light Horse in between wars in the militia days. He was in Greta first in the 2nd World War and was sent up to Tamworth as cook, to be there, when the first drafts of men came from the training battalions to the showground, and remained to become Don Company's cook.

This year his birthday fell on the same day that the Melbourne Cup was run. His birth date, at one time, showed in the record as 2/11/1900 and in fact a tattoo on his arm made in Egypt in 1917 shows the age of 17 yrs, but the record was changed at some time or other to 2/11/1898.

Arthur Purdon is shown as born Christmas Eve,1898, whilst "Gentleman George" Colonel G.E. Ramsay is shown as 8/1/1899.

Walter Douglas lives by himself in a neat house in Locksley Road, Bexley and he issues an invitation to any of the 2/30th, who may be visiting Sydney, that he would be only too pleased to put them up, as he has beds in a couple of rooms, and could accommodate them.

He has very bad sight when he removes his spectacles, in fact is T.P.I. for that reason, as well as other troubles, but he looks after himself with the help of a friendly neighbour just down the street. The Red Cross supplies him with talking books, and with television and radio he is not cut off from the world. He is always keen to hear how other folk of the Battalion are getting on, but confesses that it is a while since he went into the Anzac Day March or Reunions. His photo with Bruce Ford near the entrance to the Gardens by the Registrar General's Office (see below) was taken three or four year’s ago now when that was the point of gathering for the Bn for the Anzac Day March.

Bruce Ford and Walter Douglas. Photo was taken near the Assembly Point for one of the Anzac Day Marches, when the Bn had to fall in near The Registrar General's Office entrance to the Domain so that it would be three or four years ago.

Walter is no stick in the mud. He has been on several cruises; Hong Kong, Honolulu, Malaya. Although his ship was only one day in Singapore he was able to get up to Batu Pahat, but was disappointed to find that the camp area was neglected and overgrown.

Max Ross (Don Coy) penned these lines in Changi to describe Walter:

"He came to us at Tamworth
No one knew from where
And told us he could make a stew
With which none could compare
We saddled up for Mess Parade
And wondered what we'd get
But we've saddled up for three years now
And he hasn't killed us..........yet."

TOM GRANT (C COY) - MURWILLUMBAH NSW

Tom reported that he, Keith McFarlane and Allen Venn went down to Pottsville to see Bruce Kruse, having heard that he was staying there on holidays at the caravan park, also that he was not well.

Unfortunately it was apparent that the message had taken some time to get through, so that by the time they arrived Bruce had returned to Brisbane. Enquiries revealed that his brother was camping there still, so they dug him up and had a good long yarn. It appeared from what the brother said that Bruce's condition was serious, even grave. He was a T.P.I. so they collected as many particulars as possible, and Allen, who was considered by Tom as having his finger on things, as far as T.P.I. men are concerned, was to contact the Brisbane T.P.I. Association to find him and check on his welfare. A letter with particulars, as far as was known, was also posted off to Col O'Donnell.

Tom Grant said that Bruce was with C Coy and looking through "Galleghan's Greyhounds" he noticed in the photo on page 271 under the caption "Homeward Bound Re-embarkation at Singapore", Bruce is at the head of the column carrying a basket. His comment was, "My God, we were a motley crowd at the time. But never happier waiting to board the "Esperance Bay". Looking down the line in the photo, I find myself trying to name them. So for what its worth here goes. Behind Bruce, Ray Rickards, Frankie Silver with kit bag, who else with that much gear. It was said he got himself adopted by a section of Indian troops, who were placed around Changi at the time. He does appear to have improved in condition more than the average. Then Tommy Bicknell, Ron Grubb, can't place next bloke (can anyone else please?), Snowy Randle, Major Des Duffy, in cap, Zipper Charlton, Stan Granger, the writer. The bloke at the rear, looking as though he might fall over, I cannot place (again can anyone else please?).

The little fellow with arms and legs crossed wearing a slouch hat, which one could suspect Charlton has just presented him, looking at peace with the world, Indian or Malay I know not but he is typical of a few little blokes, who from time to time attached themselves to us.

Of myself and family I must say that we are well, of course this is a blessing.

It was nice of Phil Schofield and Bob Jack to visit us on their North Coast Safari some time ago. I trust that they enjoyed their time in Murwillumbah as much as we enjoyed having them.

Reporting on the local blokes, Keith McFarlane could be better, he is T.P.I.; Alan Venn up and down, also T.P.I; Mike Garrard, still have not seen him, saw his wife though. They run the Kingscliff Post Office. She says that he is a very good cook but a cow of a housekeeper. (how did the hail affect you Mike?).

TOM DAVIS (D COY) – COBAR, NSW

Tom reported a change of address as from 1st January 1977 by saying that, "after 14½ years in Cobar, I now have been caught up with finally by the powers that be, and, as the man said when informing me that I was to be transferred, "give you a chance to get the dust out of your lungs", and I am going to Grafton, which is my home town; the town from where I enlisted and returned home to and worked as a carpenter-joiner from 1946 to 1952, when I joined the Ambulance Service at Tamworth., moving to Coffs Harbour, Berrigan and finally Cobar; and so, after 24 years, we return from whence we came, to become an Assistant Regional Superintendent, N.S.W. Ambulance and in charge of ambulance stations at Maclean, Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Woolgoolga, Bellingen, Dorrigo, Urunga and Macksville, and I will be living at the Ambulance Station Grafton, which of course, is only 40 miles from Yamba, where only earlier this year we bought a brand new home as a holiday and future retirement home.

This move is part of a big movement within the Ambulance Service, which becomes part of the Health Commission on 1st Jan and I will be one of four Regional Superintendents for the North Coast Region, which covers an area from Taree to the Queensland border along the coast.

My wife Marj, who, you may be aware, is Reg Napper's sister and I, will miss being out in "the town in the real west" and perhaps I may be able to take life a little easier, because

in small communities like Cobar, 4,000 people, I became active in various organisations such as: Sec/Treas. Cobar Sub Branch R.S.L. for nearly 11 years for which I received a life membership several years ago; Sec/Treas Far Western District Council R.S.L. 12 years; Vice Pres. Cobar Memorial Services Club 12 years and late in September this year was elected President, awarded life membership 2 years ago; Past President 2 terms; Zone Chairman 2 terms; Bulletin Editor 11 years; 100% attendance 13 years Cobar Lions Club; and, of course, in between times was able to conduct an efficient Ambulance Service, otherwise I would not have been appointed to the "plum" location.

I saw our old mate, Charlie Taylor, up in Bourke last seek. He looks and acts the same. He, you would remember, was the chap with the loudest laugh and was the quickest eater in the camps.

Earlier this year we entered the Grand-Pa and Grand-Ma Stakes with our first grandson, Andrew Gordon, our son is in the Commonwealth Bank, Coogee, our daughter is in the Bank of New South Wales Mudgee, but when the news came that we were heading up Grafton way she put in for a move up that way also.

My address up to the end of the year will still be Cobar but as from 1st January I change to "Ambulance Station Grafton, 2460". Best wishes to all the boys."

COL TUCKFIELD (D COY) - KENMORE (Q)

Col says, "Having just returned from a cruise, which included Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, I thought you and readers of "Makan" might be interested in a few impressions of our old stamping grounds. Being a cruise, we were confined to set tours and had little opportunity to poke about independently. This was unfortunate but - "Tid'apa!".

Singapore itself is, of course, unrecognisable. A few landmarks remain, if you can find them among the forest of high rise buildings – The Cathay, Raffles, Change Alley, Lavender Street (no mirrors now!), Tiger Balm Gardens, the various Worlds etc. etc. It is a very busy port indeed. I counted 110 ships at anchor in the roads, awaiting their turn in the docks.

The inhabitants, as in all the countries mentioned above, are intensely nationalistic, and whether of Chinese, Malay, Tamil or Sikh extraction, describe themselves proudly as Singaporeans. Lee Kwan Yew keeps their noses hard to the grindstone, and is mad keen to make Singapore a highly industrialised nation.

In order to make way for more factories, he is aiming to place 75% of the population in low cost high rise housing commission units" (here in after referred to as LCHRHCUs). The rent is about $45 p.m.($15 Aust) from wages ranging from $300 p.m. - $500 p.m. ($100 - $167 Aust). Most of the old British bungalows are in a state of ruin, although a few are occupied by wealthy Chinese.

Vast areas of the Island are covered by these LCHRHCUs; which all have ample playing areas for the children. "Family planning" is well to the fore with families being limited to 2 offspring on pain of a fine of $50 for the third, $100 for the fourth etc. and no social security.

One of our tours took us to the Botanic Gardens and I was able to take a photo of the grounds of Tyersall Palace, an unhappy memory, through a barbed wire fence which looked as if it had survived 34 years - very symbolic. (Please see Graham McLeod's story on page 37 this issue. AD)

A trip to the Changi end of the island was marred by typical torrential rain and the inability to get out of the bus and explore. The jail is now obscured by an iron fence and only the top of the wall and the upper storey of the jail block are now visible. A similar situation exists at Selarang Barracks which still exist. Changi Village has all but disappeared under LCHRHCUs. All that remains unchanged is the view across the Straits of Johore to Pulau Ubin. However our aerodrome still remains and is destined to become the International Aerodrome. The present drome at Payar Lebar, which replaced Kalang, will then become the principal defence aerodrome.

We hired a taxi to take us to Johore Bahru, and having cleared Malaysian Customs, were caught up in some ceremonial involving the Sultan and had to turn back without seeing anything. From the Causeway, now doubled in width, that most unpopular mosque is still visible, but half obscured by high rise buildings. Battalion positions on the island appear to be gardens now, except for Don Coy's, which seems now to be (you've guessed it!) LCHRHCUs. Somewhere beneath those foundations is a large tin of Navy tobacco, left on the shelf in my dugout, after 17 Platoon was cut off on patrol down the Pipeline. Alas!

Kranji, to the west of Bukit Timah Road, is a large new industrial estate. I think there were a couple of pineapple factories among the rubber in our day. Down through Mandai Rd. and Woodland Village (little changed) to the Ford Works and Bukit Timah.

Nothing remains of our hard toil there, the hill being entirely covered with timber and quarries. Do you remember the official opening of the Memorial? We had to stand on a lower level, so as not to look down on the Royal Personage, who was doing the honours. One of his escorts was a high ranking Army officer, clad in a beautifully tailored coat, much beribboned, proper cap, Samurai sword and shorts, socks and suspenders! The opening was followed by a sports meeting for the Ps.O.W., fully filmed by the propaganda unit of the I.J.A. and the winners received magnums of Sake. Unfortunately, on return to camp, the 'sake' was found to be cold tea.

The highlight of the trip, and my wife, Perena, fully agreed, was Kranji War Memorial. This Memorial and Cemetery is a credit to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. I recognised many Battalion names on the headstones, all of which had an individual flowering plant. I would have liked to have taken a photo of each one. Unfortunately this was impracticable.

I won't bore you with details of the rest of the trip. At Kuala Lumpur, however, I was interested to see the outside of the famous Moorish Railway Station, which we had previously seen, only from the inside, en route to Thailand. That was on Good Friday, 1943, when we received, ironically, our first "ration" of meat for a year. Mine, I recall, was a cubic inch of meat in soup - but the meat was gristle, and mine lasted a full hour." (Your last comment Col reminds me of the division of the first Red Cross parcels that "J" Force received in Kobe, when one had to be shared by 9 men and the sharing was by lot. I got a quarter tin of bully beef, and, as I had lost my upper dentures down the "Benjo"', I could not chew, but I mumbled that bit of bully beef between my gums for about an hour and a half, being able to sit by my bed place, it being a yasume day. AD.)

GRAHAM McLEOD (BHQ) RANDWICK, SYDNEY

It is appropriate to follow Col's account of Tyersall Palace by the reminiscences of Graham, and the latter's account is: "I made my third pilgrimage, this time to Tyersall Palace, and, to me, this place has a deep significance. It is a moment in our history. For we of the 2/30th, it was here, that in a sense it ended and yet began. This was where we surrendered and ceased being combatants and hence, this was where we really began being prisoners of war. None of us could have realised the significance of what happened that night of 15th February 1942, nor during the next two days, as we rested in the strange quiet after the battle. And it was here that we began that long trek out to Selerang.

I caught the bus to Holland Road and, after careful map checking, I decided when I'd gone far enough - and pushed the buzzer in the roof to indicate that the Singapore Bus Service Ltd. had completed their part of the bargain and I wanted to terminate the agreement (I wanted to get off). The bus rattled off and I was left standing there. But, something was wrong. Where there should have been a nicely mowed hollow with the “istana" (residence of the Sultan) on the low crest beyond, was nothing but heavy foliage, not quite jungle, but a real tangle, too thick to penetrate. A barbed wire fence was an additional deterrent. Slowly I checked the map. I just could not be wrong, but I'd have to find another way in.

I went back to Tyersall Avenue, and after a short walk, I came to a barred gate with the explicit sign "no entry" and on either side of this, still that unfriendly fence. Inside I could see a tarred road meandering out of sight over a hill, but there was simply no sign of life at all and the place had the appearance of somewhere that is utterly forgotten. This in itself was singular, for in Singapore one thing they don't waste is any land, particularly close to the city. There just had to be an explanation.

There was no point in giving up so easily, so I kept on walking, skirting the perimeter of this problem. Then I came upon an Indian, who was busily occupied keeping the seat warm in a yellow Mercedes. I asked him about the place. What had happened? Why was it deserted?

I got an explanation. It still belongs to the Sultan of Johore, who, maybe, can't make up his mind what to do with it (if it were mine, I'd be flogging it for big dough). The ''istana,". He looked sad. It was demolished years ago. Just nothing left at all.

This was bad news and it looked as if my trip was for nought. Something compelled me to keep on. I left the Indian "Cassandra" behind. Eventually I came to an open gate; through this I could see four figures having a "yesume". I entered and explained my purpose, asking whether it would be permitted for me to have a look around. Nods, smiles, agreement. I passed around the Marlborough's and we all lit up, great mates. It transpired that there was a small problem. One of them would have to accompany me and a member of the group, Mahomud, drew the short straw. Off we went, and he gave me some good news. The Indian had been bulling, for the "istana" was standing. Could I see it? Of course.

We made our way over the neglected roads, which were starting to crumble at the edges and through a tangle of under growth. Desperately I tried to orient myself and remember where everything had been in those last hours.

Don Company had been along a ridge and mine had been the farthest platoon. On my right had been A Coy and suddenly, I remembered, that Rod Anderson had told me, that he was in the grounds of the French Consulate and to prove it, he produced champagne and a stack of cigarettes, that he'd decided, that the Consul would not miss. I asked Mahomud about it. Oh, yes the French Consulate was still there and he pointed the direction. Suddenly it all came back to me. Here was our ridge; here was my old position, and here had been the site of the burnt-out Indian Hospital with a few wood and attap huts still standing with dead bodies lying on the charpoys. I recalled how unwillingly and sullenly the flies had fled from their feast, as I wandered through the silent huts, and the stench of decay and death.

The Jap Artillery had done their best to wipe out 17 Platoon that last day. I don't suppose that they were picking on us, but it seemed that way. They set the remaining huts on fire and we had the choice of being roasted or blown up. The latter seemed the better odds so we bailed out. Ward Booth was not at all happy, when I told him we'd lost our water purifying kits in the excitement.

O.K. so the “istana” had to be behind me. Obligingly, Mahomud led the way and there it was but not as I really remember it. Now it is deserted, forlorn, neglected. An upper door was open, but that was the only sign that someone may have been there recently. Every window was shuttered and the strange part was the silence, even though busy Holland Road was only a short distance away. It must have been the heavy trees that shut out the noise. It took little imagination to picture the place as it had been in those piping days of peace, with sleek cars, obsequious servants and a plethora of burnished Sam Browne's and polished brass. Then, as we'd known it, when the “istana" served as a hospital, where John Taylor and his team slaved so hard on the wounded. I recalled going inside and, on a mantelpiece, seeing a photo of a very beautiful girl, who must have been feeling the heat when it was taken, since she wasn't wearing any clothes. I think it was signed ''Cecily”.

The mowed area, where we waited, after laying down our arms has gone and thick timber blankets it. The concrete drain is still there. In it Ken Parry and I washed ourselves, ignoring an unexploded shell lying nearby. And I remember lying in some shade and reading a condensed book in a battered Readers' Digest, “What Makes Sammy Run?”. Enterprising scroungers went across the road to the deserted British barracks returning laden with useful gear. Still there were no Japs to be seen and we waited patiently until the order came to move back to Changi.

To me there's something singular in the way the "istana" still stands, there, alone, aloof and with the air of one, who is content to let the present bustle pass, satisfied to brood on days, that have gone forever.

With regret, I said goodbye to Mahomud, “presento-ing” a few more Marlborough's and I made my way back to teeming Holland Road. Now the "istana" was behind the trees and suddenly I was in another world.

And I found my sadness hard to bear."

JOHN KORSCH (C COY) - GRAFTON NSW

John is one of the few chaps concerning whose age the Bn Roll, as it was recreated in Changi, after the capitulation, is silent, but a letter from him commences:

"I have really enjoyed my retirement for the past two years, largely, because I have given up doing carpentry jobs for other people. I have plenty to occupy my mind. In fact, I do not have enough time to do all that I want to do. Dulcie and I enjoy our little trips away, sightseeing and looking for rocks, and they could become more frequent in the future.

Jack Maclay was up for our reunion dinner here in Grafton, and I entertained him on Sunday, 14th Nov. Among other things, he looked over my collection of rocks, minerals, fossils and my P.O.W. drawings. The original drawings of quite a number were purchased by the War Museum, one stipulation being that I received a photo (9” x 6") of each of the ones they have. While showing Jack some of the sketches of fellow Ps.O.W., which I used to execute in about 20 minutes, I came on one of Clarrie Burgess and there may be some other 2/30 Bn chaps in the books. I will check up soon and let them have the sketches.

Some of us met Lady Galleghan the day that she was guest speaker at a C.W.A. Function during Jacaranda Week. I arrived at the Club and found Fred Winters already there. We arranged with Sylvia McGregor (Sylvia Muir of "White Coolies") to find out, if we could talk to Lady Galleghan for a few minutes. We had to wait until after all the speeches and the cups of tea.

In the meantime Arthur Roberts had arrived, and, when Sylvia appeared to give us the nod, the three of us went in, met and talked to their distinguished guest for a few minutes. Lady Galleghan confided in us that she had been dying to enquire if there were any 2/30 Bn chaps in the Club, and, as for us, we could not let the opportunity go by without someone from the Battalion saying "hello" to her.

MRS. MERLE ROCKETT - GRAFTON

Merle has retained her position in the "Naughty but Nice Club” with a donation, sent down per favour of Harry Rhodes. Thanks very much Merle. It is appreciated, although, as Phil has said before "you don't have to do it".

LEN AND MARGARET ROBERTS (HQ COY) - WYONG NSW

Rhodesia being so much in the news these days, here is a fuller account of the visit to South Africa made by Len and Margaret Roberts last year:

Len and Margaret travelled by 707 Jet from Sydney International Airport, Qantas flight. They saw the lights of Canberra; stopped for 45 minutes at Melbourne; next stop Perth for another 45 minutes and to stretch the legs; over the Indian Ocean to Mauritius, a hop of 7 hours, arriving 4 a.m. third 45 minute break; then on. At 5:30 a.m. dawn had broken and cloud below the plane could be seen, clouds of white fairy floss, huge black cloud, then grey cloud. At 6:30 a.m. land was seen like a patchwork quilt, in browns of various hues, reds and greens. The plane came down to land at Jan Smuts Airport, about 20 miles out of Johannesburg. Their destination was Berwoerdt Airport at Port Elizabeth and transport to it was a light plane leaving at 9:05 a.m., with first stop East London for 5/10 minutes. Their son Vawn, his wife Lynn, and her folk met them at Port Elizabeth and took them to their home.

They recounted that since arriving in South Africa they travelled 125,000 miles and had been to 3 other countries in Africa. They used a 1970 Vauxhall Viva G.T. with no trouble motor wise, and also a small modern tent with 2 large windows and 2 zippers at the front.

They went over many steep mountain passes with fantastic scenery and crossed the Great Karoo, where the mountains were high and bare and parts were so desolate and dry, that they wondered what the people lived on, and yet, just over a rise or round a corner, they would discover a beautiful green valley with river and irrigation between the mountains. They were told that the Great Karoo is covered with wild flowers in Spring.

There are windmills across the Karoo, some farmhouses having 4 windmills around the house. They saw grapes, citrus and stone fruit orchards and corn all growing side by side. They also saw hundreds of sheep and cattle and more goats than they had seen in a lifetime in Australia.

Some of the pamphlets, which they sent Phil, deal with the ostrich farms near Aodtshoorn, in the Little Karoo - details in them are that eggs take 6 weeks to hatch, and visitors to the farms can see all stages of development of the birds from hatchery to chick to bird farm; also there are the manufacture of ostrich feather nick nacks, leather and shells into artefacts. It is also related that wild ostriches were captured first in 1850 near Oudtshoorn and now they provide a national industry.

They visited the Kruger National Park and the Sudwala caves.

At Graaf Reneit they went to see the Valley of Desolation, which is reached by a 14 km gravel road, which winds up a steep incline to a height of 1400 metres. Leaving the car in a car park, they had to walk a short distance through wild shrub and flowers to the brink of the heights above the valley. Sheer cliffs rise from the floor of the valley 120 metres. The floor of the valley is strewn with huge rocks and flanked by grotesque and weird columns of precariously balanced piles of basalt rock. The first time they saw it, it was bare and dry, yet the next visit found it green from recent rains.

The other countries visited were Swaziland, Rhodesia and South Wrest Africa. They were deterred from visiting a couple of more countries by the delay and hassle in getting visa and re-entry permits; with a wait of 6 weeks each time, for their passports to return from Pretoria.

Their favourite city in Rhodesia was Bulawayo, with its wide clean streets, wide enough for an oxen drawn wagon to turn round in, and for its parks.

At the Wankie Reserve they saw many elephants as well as other animals both great and small.

They found the Victoria Falls fantastic. They walked to them two days in succession and were soaked to the skin both times from the spray in the rain forest, which is also beautiful and has much game roaming round there.

They also camped in Salisbury and Fort Victoria, where are the Zimbabwe Ruins.

Margaret provided us with the report, but, she says, that when she had finished writing her letter, Len commented that, she had not really got going, on what they had been doing over there.

GEORGE CLARKE (C COY) - FAIRLIGHT, SYDNEY

George reports that he has reached the age when he feels he can let others carry on doing the worrying in the banking world. At present his branch of the A.N.Z. Bank is North Sydney but in January he is leaving the managerial chair to retire, or as he puts it, "I'm being bowler-hatted". Warmer climate in Queensland has an attraction for him and Fifi for their future home. Best of Luck George, and going up the North Coast don't forget to take your "Members and Next of Kin Index" in the car glove box.

“SAF” GORDON SAIFALLIE (D COY) - NEWTOWN, SYDNEY

“Saf" was described as one with a good sense of humour. However he has been under great misfortunes lately. Your Editor's first intimation, that “Saf" was not well, was a phone call from Phil Schofield, who had heard from Reg Napper that "Saf" bad been in Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in the intensive care ward; but had been discharged and sent home; but with a second attack he was taken again to R.P.A. Hospital and it was then that Reg had phoned Phil. Phil wanted all the particulars on “Saf" in the Bn Nominal Roll, especially Army number, so that he could get on to Repat and stir them up to get "Saf" into Concord, as he had no one to look after him at his diggings and he was far from well.

"Saf" was transferred by Repat from R.P.A. to Yaralla; news was, that he had gone to the Lady Davidson Convalescent Hospital, but Harley Forrester rang and I found out that "Saf" was still in Yaralla and still under tests.

Don Company was not going to let one of their chaps lie in Yaralla to be lonely and the word was passed around. Reg Napper, Bruce Ford, Bruce Upcroft, Harley Forrester, Arthur Isaac have all visited him; Bill Brown himself in Yaralla for testing because of bronchial troubles, and being down from Griffith, was able to get down to see "Saf".

"Saf" was not discharged early after we came back because of leg ulcers, so that it was not until April 1946, that he was back in civvy street. He first went north to Murwillumbah, then to Nimbin on a banana plantation of his own, but "bunchy top" through the crop made difficulties for him. Then he joined an uncle at Lismore on his farm. He came down to the city and for 23 years has been with a ceramic firm at Mascot.

"Saf" passed the 67 mark last August but he is neither the youngest nor the oldest of his family, who are all living in Victoria.

W. (BILL) H. BROWN (D COY) - GRIFFITH NSW

Bill has been in Yaralla for a while due to bronchial trouble and was due to go home the day after he was seen but they have not yet finished testing so he will be having another stay in Yaralla before Christmas and then again in the New Year.

Bill had been with the P.M.G. after his return to civvy life, and at least one of the sons is also with the same Dept. as a relieving postmaster around the Riverina.

FRANK TOPHAM (C COY) - EASTLAKES SYDNEY

Frank was in the news in Makan some time back as one who would be hard to beat for the number of times that he had been in Yaralla, so many that, while he has kept a rough count for some years, he has more to his file, for which he had not kept an accounting, but he is back there again, after his longest spell out, and not for his usual asthma troubles. This time it is, his arm that has been worrying him, but ice pack, injections and physiotherapy treatment, with a varying of his pill dosages has been working to his advantage, so that he can move his left arm, which has been troubled. He says that he will soon be able to take his share of "duties" in helping around the ward with other bed mates, and in doing his leatherwork down at the Red Cross.

Frank wants to know if anyone is aware of the address of George Croft, who was the Battalion boot maker, and if so, would they please let Frank know at Eastlakes.

KEVIN WARD (A COY) - GREENACRE, SYDNEY

Kevin has had the misfortune to lose his brother, Jack, in a car accident on the Forbes Road beyond Orange. They were very close and Kevin knows that it will be quite some time before he and their families do become adjusted. The Battalion was represented at the Requiem Mass at Saint Joseph's Catholic Church, Riverwood by Eric Arps, Alex Dandie and Alan Pryde on Wednesday, 17th November.

All of us, who were at Mt. Pleasant and Caldecott Hill, while the Shrine job was in progress, will remember that Kevin was one of the worst cases of beri beri, who became incapable of walking and had to be sent back to Changi to the hospital on a stretcher. In a reminiscent mood Kevin has recounted some of his medical treatment. At Caldecott Hill Captain Taylor had been trying one thing after another on those coming to his RAP. Red Palm Oil, various mixtures for painting on troublesome spots, so that "flaming onions" often had to be fanned vigorously, but in Kevin's case contact had been made with an old Chinaman, who must have had something to do with herbalists from the nature of the cure. He brought along dried citrus skin, which seemed to have been mandarins, brown sugar, some tincture of opium and pineapple. The instructions were to hollow out the pineapple by taking out the fruit and put all the other items in the centre, using only a few drops of the tincture of opium, put the pineapple into a Billy with a lid and steam it. The inside of the pineapple and the ingredients became a sodden mass, and when it was reduced to that state and allowed to cool, it was to be eaten by Kevin, by taking small cubes, cut off from the whole. Kevin said it was vile tasting stuff and terrible to eat but both Stuart Robertson as his Sergeant, and Joe Geoghegan as the cook saw to it that Kevin took the stuff. Capt. John Taylor examined the ingredients and pronounced them not prejudicial to Kevin's health. This treatment was commenced just before Kevin went back to Changi; the Chinaman had said something about 14 days and at about that time Kevin started to improve, and eventually was sent north on "H'' Force. However lack of that type of cure caused other troubles so that on return to Changi, with the collection of Ps.O.W. in and around the civil goal block, Col. Bye, who made himself responsible for Kevin's care, saw to it that he was not put inside the concrete building, and helped by putting him on the egg participation roster with the hospital.

BOB NEWMAN (HQ COY - CARRIERS) - WOOLGOOLGA NSW

Bob was unfortunate to lose his wife Vera in March last. The Battalion and the Northern Rivers Ex-P.O.W. Association were represented by John Korsch at the funeral. We are sorry that we have not mentioned Bob's loss earlier, and thank Harry Rhodes for letting us know of the omission.

HARLEY FORRESTER (D COY) - CONDELL PARK, SYDNEY

Harley having been in Concord Hospital for an operation some years ago, because of bronchial trouble, has been eager to see that Gordon Saifallie lacked not for visitors.

Harley says that his living is as a carrier, being under sub-contracts with Mayne Nickless for container carrying.

ARCH THORBURN (C COY) - EAST LINDFIELD SYDNEY

We now have the sequel to the notice in Makan No 228 and this is a paragraph in Jim MacDougall's column in the North Shore Times of 24th November 76: "41 yrs ago Fred Deer CMG, who has been General Manager of the M.L.C. Insurance Coy, moved for admission of Arch Thorburn as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of N.S.W. 38 years later he moved for the admission of Arch’s daughter, Diana. Last month he presided at the celebration following the wedding at P.L.C. Chapel of Diana with fellow solicitor John Townsend, B.A. LLM. The toast of Diana's parents at their wedding was proposed by the late Mervyn Finlay, well known Sydney Solicitor. The toast to Diana and John was proposed by the late Mervyn Finlay's son, Mervyn Finlay, Q.C."

TERRY O'ROURKE (C COY) - NARRANDERA NSW

Terry has been awarded life membership of the R.S.L. His badge was presented to him on 14/11/76 by Jim Brooks, the acting State President, at the Veteran's luncheon at the Narrandera Ex-Servicemen's Club.

The occasion was a memorable one for Terry, not only because of the presentation, but because his four children in Sydney made the trip down to be with Muriel, his wife, for the occasion,

Terry mentions that Muriel is already a life member of the R.S.L. Women's Auxiliary.

The citation of Terry's good works are that he was a committee member of the Narrandera Sub Branch from 1955-62, when he was appointed Treasurer. He served in that capacity until 1965, when he was appointed Hon. Secretary, a position which he has held since.

He has also been a delegate to the Riverina District Council and Annual State Congress for the past 22 years. He represents the Sub Branch on the Housing Advisory Council and is the local honorary recruiting officer for the armed forces in the Narrandera area.

JIM RUTHERFORD - 2/29 Bn - CRAWLEY, W.A.

Jim is one of our subscribers to "Makan” but we lost touch. Stuart Peach let us know that Jim had moved to Western Australia and gave his address there, whilst we learnt from Betty Eaton that he had retired from his position in Sydney with William Adams & Co. Ltd. before moving to W.A.

We now have a new address for him: "Illinois" 1 Wingfield Avenue, Crawley, W.A. 6009.

RAY DONALD (B COY) - GLEN INNES NSW.

Well, what do you know? It seems Ray has been a dark horse in the Grandpa Stakes. Jean has taken up the pen on his behalf again to let us know that they will have seven natural grandchildren at Christmas and 2 adopted, so that will bring the total to 9, and wants to know "how do we go"? Ray is averse to wearing a hat and has had several skin cancers burnt off, one recently, which meant going to Tamworth to have it removed. Jean says that otherwise he is keeping pretty well but does like his snooze of an afternoon.

RON MASTON (C COY) - HUNTERS HILL, SYDNEY

Ron was Harry Collins' first Platoon Commander in A Coy, and was among those who paid their last respects to Harry at the Requiem Mass. Conversation revealed that Ron had been back to Malaysia and Singapore recently on a battlefield tour, with "Galleghan's Greyhounds" and "The Japanese Thrust" being his guide books for the 17 days spent there. We are not able to devote the space to all his experiences this time, but we have been promised an account for later use.

However we have another one of our "CAN YOU HELP” enquiries. Blakang Mati or Sentosa, as it has been renamed, is the site of a Maritime Museum for Singapore in one of the Forts that have been rehabilitated on the Island, and Ron has received request from Singapore, "Could he possibly find someone, who has some knowledge of what happened to the big 15" guns, which formed part of the armament on the Island?" Ron has a vague memory of a reference to the Japs cutting some up and sending the pieces back to Japan for melting down. If anyone has any news of them would you please contact Ron by letter or phone at Hunters Hill.

NORM H.C. WHITBREAD (C COY) Killed vicinity Mandai Mother - Mrs. S.C. WHITBREAD

Norm's mother has been a hard worker for the Battalion and attended the Gemas Day Remembrance at Pymble from the first occasion until she was too sick to go. Norm's sister, Mrs. Rose Forest, has let us know that their mother is 86 years of age and can neither read nor hear now. She has been in hospital for five months.

FRANK WEBB (HQ COY) - GRIFFITH NSW

News of Frankie, gleaned from Bill Brown (D Coy) Griffith is that he gave the smallgoods shop business away and is now caretaker at one of the Caravan Parks around Griffith. A good life out in the open.

RAY SIMMONS (BHQ) - BEXLEY SYDNEY

Ray reports that he has recovered from a turn, which put him to bed, that, with eyesight deterioration has caused him to sell his car, but his new home is handy to the Bexley shopping centre. His daughter, who lives at Heathcote is a teacher at Engadine High, whilst her husband is a leading scientist at the Lucas Heights Atomic Energy Centre. In fact one of the leading men in his own sphere throughout the world, which fact has caused him to go four times overseas to lecture on his work. Ray's son lives at Canberra.

BATTALION ANTECEDENTS

The 2/30 Bn A.I.F. is connected with the C.M.F. 30th Battalion (New South Wales Scottish Regiment) and the 30th Bn. First A.I.F. and the New South Wales Scottish Rifles, which was founded in 1885. A New South Wales Scottish Regimental Association is in existence and held a reunion dinner on the 95th Anniversary of the founding of that N.S.W. Scottish Rifles, as reported in the "Mosman Daily" of 10th November 1976.

Supplement with "MAKAN" No. 231 - December 1976 - 2/30 Bn ASSOCIATION

13th December, 1976

CIRCULAR re SUBSCRIPTIONS

SUBSCRIPTIONS for 1977 are now due. Your Executive is retaining the same rates of subscriptions as for the last two years. This has been possible because the greater majority of members do heed the plea for an EARLY REMITTANCE.

Rates therefore are:

ORDINARY MEMBER: 50c Member Fee $1.50 Makan Sub. TOTAL $2-00
LIFE MEMBER: $1-50 Makan Sub.

Registration for posting of "Makan" as "PERIODICAL CATEGORY "A" means a considerable saving on the postage that we would have to pay if we didn't have the facility of that category.

Withdrawal of that registration will come about, however, if members fail to send in subscriptions promptly, so please heed the plea, AND RESPOND BY RETURN MAIL.

Members fall into four categories:

(a) Those members who have built up a more than adequate "subs in Advance A/c" have had sufficient deducted from the amount standing to their credit to meet the subs for 1977 as quoted above, leaving a balance of $? remaining for future use.

As it is not proposed to issue an official receipt for this internal transfer in our books, will you please accept this advice as acknowledgment of the fact that you are now shown in our records as "Paid for 1977".

(b) Those members who have a "subs in Advance A/c" but the amount standing to credit at present is not sufficient to make up the total required to pay subs for 1977 are requested to remit sufficient to make up the required amount, namely $?.

(c) Life Members who pay "Makan" Sub year by year and have no "subs in Advance A/c" are requested to send in their "Makan" sub of $1.50 by return mail.

(d) Ordinary Members who pay both member fee and "Makan" sub year by year and have no "subs in Advance A/c" are requested to send in the total sum of $2.00 to meet the 50¢ member and $1.50 "Makan" sub by return mail also.

Yours,

Alex Dandie
CHIEF CORRESPONDENT

Back to 1976 index or Main Index