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Makan No. 239 OFFICIAL JOURNAL 2/30 Bn. A. I. F. ASSOCIATION Subscription Rate: $1.50 per Year Registered for Posting as Periodical: Category A
Gemas Commemoration Our gathering at Pymble was held on Sunday, 15th January. We were there to Commemorate the dead of our Battalion. Almost 50 of those who served in its ranks, some accompanied by their families, some with friends and some on their own. With us, of course, some of the widows and bereaved sons and daughters grown themselves to manhood and womanhood. Also lined up in our ranks was JIM GREENWOOD, Commissioner for Veterans' Affairs whose presence was greatly appreciated. It was 36 years earlier on the 14th Jan '42 that ''B” Company, forward of the Battalion, in it's Company ambush, fired the first shots against our enemy, against whom for the next 32 days and nights we were to do our best to try to deny them their prey. Not all of those 50 were able to square their shoulders fully, some maintained their balance with the aid of walking sticks, but they were there on behalf of all those remaining and prevented by distance or daily tasks or sickness from attending themselves and he, whom nothing would have kept away, and who has my greatest admiration, was our Commanding Officer in the last days of that battle, our present Patron, COLONEL GEORGE RAMSAY. The true Gentleman he always is, he meant to lay the Association's wreath on our Memorial and struggled forward with the helping hands first of ARCH THORBURN alone and then, with him on the one side and NOEL JOHNSTON on the other, whilst MERV (“JOE") GEOGHEGAN marched behind protecting him with an umbrella from the fierce heat of the sun, and how hot it was! Tributes were also laid on behalf of the 17th Royal N.S.W. Regiment and by others, during which time two of the Pipers of the 17th played 'The Lament', this year without the assistance of our own Official Battalion Piper, JIM WEBSTER, whose family commitments prevented him from being present. ARCH THORBURN then read the names of the 13 lads, who had passed to Their Maker since our last Gemas Commemoration, then the Ode; following which CHARLIE BENNETT, who might by now be considered our Battalion Trumpeter, since he has faithfully been with us on these occasions for so long, sounded the 'Last Post' and the 'Reveille'. 'AMAZING GRACE' then being played on the pipes by the two 17th Pipers. We are grateful for the assistance of the 17th Royal N.S.W. Regiment in helping in this Commemoration, and are thankful that the Catafalque Party of its "A" Company are so well drilled in their duties. The suggestion by GEORGE ASPINALL that folk bring along family treasures and mementoes of Fighting and P.O.W. times had a good acceptance by those present. The table, made ready by the 17th, was covered with items and albums, whilst photos and newspaper cuttings covered two display boards and a good part of a third, and many discussions took place in front of them as memories were stirred up. This is, as PHIL SCHOFIELD has always said, our 'Family Gathering' of the year, accordingly there are no set formalities once we go back in to the Drill Hall from the Parade Ground, but Arch allowed "Gentleman George" to say a few words, the main parts being his giving thanks to his wife, for the tremendous job that she does looking after him and getting him there, and to thank Arch for his work as President. SID MUSGROVE, with ready assistance from different ones did his usual first-rate job in getting the eatables ready and the Tea and Coffee Pots on the tables, and then in getting the washing up under way. Thanks Sid. We had two long distance runners in the gathering, JACKIE FELL from Cessnock and WALLY SCOTT from Fairymeadow. I do not know how JACK BLACK did it, (he was O.C. Name Tags, etc), but I think Jackie was no sooner in the Door than he was co-opted on the job with a felt pen and the cards. Thanks Jackie, ANDY HYSLOP was middle distance man from Umina.
Gemas Day at Pymble
At Pymble on a
Sunday afternoon On Sunday afternoon at Pymble
Insights glimpsed,
windows out of time, Sunday's quiet afternoon at Pymble
Long-gone GEMAS -
still I see revealed Last Post
NX47538 Pte. Gordon
(''Saf") Saifallie. Died 8/12/1977 He was wounded in action at Gemas on 15/1/42 with a Gun Shot wound to the scalp; was evacuated from the Battalion area and rejoined his mates in Changi after the surrender of Singapore. It appears that he never went on any Singapore Work Party but he was one of "F" Force to Thailand, and suffered so much with the conditions of work and weather that, when the Railway was finished and the move back to Singapore was commenced, with the sick, who were congregated in the Base Hospital at Kanburi, in such great numbers, that a call went out for volunteers to be Hospital Orderlies; REG NAPPER, one to answer the call, was assigned to the "Death Ward", containing those who were considered to be past the stage, where the medical care and supplies could rehabilitate their health and, to his horror, found 'Saf' there. Apart from the normal care to others, he paid special attention to "Saf". Then came the day, when Reg was told, he was on the draft to board the train next morning for Singapore and that he was to see to packing of his kit. He declared that he would refuse to go; asked why? He explained "Saf's'' position, saying that he was picking up now, that he now felt a will to live, because he knew now that someone cared enough to try to look after him, but, if Reg were to let himself be put on that train, "Saf" would be certain to die, as he would lose that will to live without Reg. With the assistance of RON EATON, Reg was taken off that draft and he succeeded in bringing "Saf" down to Singapore and then back home in 1945, but his demobilisation did not come about until 1946, because leg ulcers were troubling him still at the time. "DUTCHY” HOLLAND tells me that "Saf's” father was of the Hindu Religion and used to live in North Lismore, where there was quite a colony of Indians and it was his job to attend to cremation of Hindus, not only from Lismore and its surrounds but from other areas on the North Coast. He had a big concrete ceremonial block on his property; the wood for the funeral pyre was stacked on the block; the body laid thereon and the wood set alight and some gallons of butter would be poured over body and wood, when the fire was seen to have taken hold, so that the high temperature, required for cremation, would be obtained. People seeing a huge column of black smoke over towards North Lismore, knew what it's significance was. The job, at which “Saf's” father earned his daily crust, was as curator of the Lismore Showground, but at the time of "Saf's" enlistment he had moved to Melbourne, where he worked as a gardener. After demobilisation "Saf" went up to Murwillumbah, then to Nimbin, where he tried growing bananas on his own land, but, his crop was affected so badly by 'Bunchy Top', that he gave away working on his own and joined an uncle on the latter's farm at Lismore. However he could not have stayed there for long, since he told me once that he had been 23 years with a Ceramic Firm in Ricketty St, Mascot, whilst in 1971 PHIL SCHOFIELD reported, that he was a packer in the Government Stores Dept. in the same area and it was from these that he retired about 1975. It was in December 1976 that he had to be admitted urgently to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown and then to A.G.H. Concord, being considered to be in a very bad way, and having some operations. He had never been a well man after those operations and he, who had been well known for trying to look on the humorous side of things; ready for a flutter at the races and liked his glass of beer, was thereafter condemned to having a tube into his waterworks and to carrying a plastic bag on the end of it for his relief. The news of "Saf's" death was a shock to everyone. Your scribe had visited him a few days before and REG NAPPER rang on the Friday night, to say, that he had died less than an hour before he rang me. "Saf's" brother and sister and their families live in Melbourne. The brother, Fred, at St. Kilda. It was he, who came up with his son to see to the funeral arrangements and was helped greatly by KEVIN WARD, as our Welfare man. The funeral service at the Undertakers in Dulwich Hill, and the following burial in the Lawn Cemetery at Rockwood was attended by those two, with a friend of "Saf's" from Newtown, together with 9 men from the Battalion to give a soldier's farewell. His brother, Fred, with his son, went back to Melbourne on the afternoon of the funeral. He sent up a letter thanking the Association for its help and wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Good Health. He is retired and has only Old Age Pension.
NX70443 Lieut.
Leonard F.G. Hendy, - Died on 9th Jan. 1978 While the Battalion was still in its training stages, LEN HENDY was posted temporarily to be 2 I/c D Company, but otherwise retained command of No. 18 Platoon and led it in the fighting in Malaya and on Singapore Island. When the Battalion was at Bathurst with the other Units of the 27th Brigade and competition was keen amongst the Units, Len lead the Ceremonial Squad, which took part in the Brigade Sports with distinction, aiding the 2/30 Bn to gain The MARSHALL Trophy. The men in this squad were selected from all over the Battalion, being chosen on height, build, and appearance of alertness, as well as on knowledge of drill movements. GARRY EVANS was one of this squad all being like him, but I am afraid that I have no records to tell me who the others were. Len was one of the officers with the Thompson Road Work Party on the Shrine job and Road, and was on “F" Force to the Thailand-Burma Railway. His occupation before the war was given as a Traveller in the Steel Industry and after the war he engaged in the same type of work with William Adams' Brisbane Branch but later took a job as a Real Estate Salesman. Len and Pam married after the war, their children being Geraldine (Mrs Cooper), Peter and David. Len died suddenly at 7.30a.m. on 9th January of a massive coronary. He had suffered from hypertension and blood pressure for years and also from Arthritis. We mourn with his family at his loss. He would not have been 60 until next April. The Funeral Service was held at St. Marks C. of E. Church Darling Point, where a congregation well over the 100 mark paid him homage. There were about 26 or more men of the Battalion, some accompanied by their wives; particularly in evidence were most of the Sydney men of No. 18 Platoon:- BOB MCLAREN, LLOYD STUART, BRUCE UPCROFT, JACK CAREY, MAX ROSS, SID MUSGROVE with others from D Company. A few of these chaps had to go back to work after the funeral service and did not accompany the cortege to the Northern Suburbs Crematorium, but they were replaced by some others of the Bn, whose homes or work places were on the North Shore CHARLIE GOLLEDGE and PHIL SCHOFIELD the two D Company men in this group. A contingent from the Anzac Memorial Club and North Sydney Sub-Branch were also at the Crematorium to also give him a soldier's farewell.
Mrs. Margaret
Hickson - Widow of Cpl. Brian M.P. Hickson - who Died of Illness at Kami
Sonkurai On 7/11/1943 Margaret and her sister, Miss DEY, had lived together at Wollstonecraft. JOHNNY BOSS alerted me to the fact that Miss Dey had been Headmistress of North Sydney Girls' High School, where Cecilie, his wife, and Elizabeth Hickson had been contemporaries; whilst Bessie ELLIS told me that two other contemporaries, who had married Battalion men, were MARGARET BLANSHARD and PAM HASKINS. No doubt there could be other old girls of that school, similarly, married to Bn. men, able to say that their schooling was with the help of Miss Dey, who told me that she read “MAKAN" as eagerly as Margaret, therefore knew quite a lot of the men, so that she wished that I continue her on our "MAKAN" mailing list. Margaret had been an active member of the 2/30 Bn Comfort Fund, calling at their shop in the Sydney Arcade. She used to work in the offices of the Northern Suburbs Crematorium and when REG. ELLIS died, Bessie was very grateful to find her there because of the help she gave in attending to details. She later occupied herself in a voluntary capacity in the Transport Section of Red Cross House. Elizabeth herself is a Journalist, writing under her maiden name in Woman's Day. We mourn with them in their sad loss. WE SHALL REMEMBER THEM Return Thanks
Shirley Lugton -
Wagga Wagga, 2650 Stan was not sick for very long. He had inflammation of all muscles and seemed to be getting better until 3weeks before he died, but, then he went down hill and was in pain for those last 3 weeks; could not eat and went down to 6½ stone. It was heartbreaking. He went through that type of thing during the P.O.W. days, but, as then, he didn't complain. But most people will remember him as a happy bright personality; his love of music and how he always helped anyone where he could in any way. His passing has certainly left a big gap in our lives and our 3 grand-daughters, who adored their Pop. I have, and always will have a high regard for any member of the 2/30th Bn, and you can let it be known, that anyone from the Battalion, passing through Wagga, would be very welcome if he did call here and they will be made very welcome. Thanks once again for your wishes Yours Sincerely, Shirley Lugton. Dates to note and remember in your diary
Friday, 7th April
1978 - Annual General Meeting 2/30 Bn A.I.F. Association
Saturday/Sunday
12/13 August or 19/20 August Ballina
Tuesday – 7th March
1978 Mr. Len Effeney, for the Organising Committee has sent me a letter, 'On behalf of St. Peter's Parish it is - my pleasure to invite you to join us in celebrating this Golden Jubilee Mass. We welcome you to the Mass and the function, which follows and we would appreciate it if you would inform us of your intention to attend. There will be seats reserved in the Cathedral for invited guests. We are looking forward to having you with us.'
I do not know if
dates have been mixed or whether Paddy has been granted some
dispensation by his superiors, but "MAKAN” No. 79 of 1/6/1953 stated
that Paddy's Silver Jubilee was to be celebrated on 16th June 1953. It
may be that he has been granted a remission of 3 months for good works
with the Bn., or, at least, we would like to think so. In that issue of
“MAKAN" STAN ARNEIL related Paddy's words then. "I would like to send
everyone (in the Bn) an individual invitation, but I'm afraid there are
too many. In your next ("MAKAN") would you send them all an invitation
from me. I know that (there are many) who can't be here but I would like
them to know that I did think of them ..”. I have made a quick research in the Bn Nominal Roll and, while it has not a complete record for everyone, for instance no details for those dying on work parties, there were over 200 of Paddy's Church, as I found, and 74 of them will be getting this "MAKAN"; whilst, no doubt, many others would like to pay him honour either by being there or sending him congratulations on this important date in his life, and I would feel sure that many Next of Kin of those of our Battalion, who paid the supreme sacrifice over there or since, would join those of us, who remain, in such an acknowledgment.
Friday – 30th March
1978 "Lady Galleghan, Council member of the Australian/Malaysian/Singapore Association extends an invitation to the wives, relatives and friends of Members of the Battalion and who are fashion conscious to attend a Fashion Parade given by PRUDENCE of PYMBLE on Friday 30th March, 10 a.m./12.30p.m. at St. John C/E Hall, Pacific Highway, Gordon. Donation $5.00 including morning tea." The hall is only a few minutes walk froth Gordon Railway Station. Parking is possible on the Pacific Highway and there is limited car space at rear of the church. Those interested may phone Lady Galleghan. The Fashion Parade is to raise funds for the Australian/ Malaysian/Singapore Association, who bring down, from both Malaysia and Singapore, personnel at postgraduate level for one month each year to Australia. The Association was founded by “B.J.”. A young woman doctor from Singapore and a university lecturer from Malaysia visited Australia in Nov. 1976. In 1977 it was an agronomist from Malaysia, who had the opportunity to work closely with the C.S.I.R.O. and a social worker/probation officer, who had an excellent opportunity to see a great deal of work which would be helpful to him.
On a date to be made
known later in "MAKAN" but maybe in June 1978 Exact details are not yet to hand but ALLAN CLUTTERBUCK, one of our hosts at "Gemas Commemoration" at Pymble on 15th Jan asked if I would make this preliminary announcement. Sick Parade Kevin Ward and, whilst Kev was on holiday, Garry Evans reported that since last "MAKAN"' the following have been in Hospitals and other Institutions: Bob Wells; Readmitted: Jack Dingwell, Jack Folkard, George Winchester; New Admissions: "Curly" Simpson, “Doc" Wilson, Carl Odgers, Bet Dawson, Johnny Parsons and "Jacko'' Jackson – All discharged, except Bet Dawson. Still in Hospital: Harry Law. "BARBED WIRE AND BAMBOO" alerted me to the fact that SID GROUNDS had been in and out without us finding him. I rang him up and gave him the opportunity to give me a verbal drumming. "I was in on the Monday and the P.O.W. Association was with me on the Tuesday but where was the 2/30th? Nowhere near me," he told me. (We're so sorry. Sid, AD).
Others in their
Magazine were: New Year's Day Honours List as in S.M.H. - 31/12/77
In the Commonwealth
List:
In the N.S.W. List: I extended to both these members of our Association, on behalf of you a1l, hearty congratulations on their respective awards to them by the Queen of their Community service. Lady Galleghan's reply was:- "I was delighted to receive your 2/30 Bn card of Congratulations on Her Majesty, The Queen Elizabeth II, conferring on me the Order of the British Empire and I offer you and all my dear friends of B.J.'s my very sincere thanks. I believe B.J. would have been pleased at this recognition of my Voluntary Service, as he would not let me resign from Red Cross and kindred organisations in which I was active when we married - although I wished to do so. His life was one of service to his fellow man in the truest sense. I am deeply conscious of all the help I have had from so many wonderful people in carrying out service and in particular the splendid Voluntary Aids, whom I have had the privilege to lead for so long. Surely they too must share in this wonderful honour of mine. That the "boys" of 2/30 are sharing this occasion with me - adds greatly to my happiness. Please thank them all - I do value their congratulations. Affectionately, Persia Galleghan. Clarrie was modest about his voluntary community work as he considers that what he does for folk, especially children, is only that for which R.S.L. Sub-Branches exist. Reprint of the Battalion History as a Paperback Edition The number of copies requested to date is at the quarter mark for us to go into production. Not bad considering that we only put out the order form last issue of "MAKAN”, but we need the next three-quarters, so a fresh order form is enclosed as a supplement. Please take these forms with you to your next Sub-Branch Meeting and ask that one be purchased for the Sub-Branch and one to be donated to the local school, and the local library. One of our members has asked for 10 as they are intended for people who are interested in our Battalion and “B.J." If you know where some of the 2/19th Bn History copies went in your District, get our's there too, as they complement each other. News, Views and Who’s Who
Geoff Alcock -
Thornleigh, 2120 (B Company)
Harry Griffis -
Taree, 2430 (D Company) He says, “I was saddened to hear of the passing of 'WARD' BOOTH and BOB JACK. I did not know Bob well, but then I went off to Japan with "J" Force; he was a very likable chap and one of our Battalion stalwarts. My memories of WARD BOOTH go back to Bathurst, where he persuaded me to play in his Rugby Union Team; later, of course, he took command of D Company in the later stages of the Malayan Campaign and so we became closely linked.
Nev Riley - East
Hills, 2213 (HQ Company) Nev also is one at the last Reunion. He says, "I believe our last Reunion was the most enjoyable and best ever - sincere congratulations to all responsible for it's organizing; perhaps the switch in Clubs was a blessing in disguise. My youngest child, Brett, starts University (Agricultural Science) next year - hopefully. Penny, my second child, has finished her teacher training this year, 1977, and should be trying to bash some learning into little heads next year.”
Ron Stoner -
Attadale, W.A. 6156 (B Company) "Compared with 1976, in which we were very involved with Flora Mary's Engagement, 21st Birthday and Wedding, 1977 has been somewhat less demanding. The days have been full and satisfying and we have become quite involved with our immediate neighbours and their young families, standing in as pseudo Grandparents for those living in N.S.W. and Abroad. The big news of the moment; Ron's approaching retirement officially on 31st Dec., but as he has to wind up the financial affairs of the partnership after that date, the guess is that the "melody will linger on". Flora Mary and Owen (Son-in-law) continue to make good progress in the Academic Sphere. Owen has completed the first year of his PhD and is having very good results from his Zoology projects. Flora Mary sat for her Diploma of Education two weeks ago and will be teaching at High School level next year. Fortunately she has been assured of a post and is looking forward to receiving a "pay packet" after 5yrs of intensive study. Following the exam, she went down to the in-laws' farm to help out at shearing time. Owen has been available previously but he is now working under a GMH Scholarship and could not leave his experiments. Apart from helping with the cooking she learnt to "throw a fleece and "stook" the oats so has qualified too as a "Farmer's Wife" and is rather popular with her Father-in-law as a result. We were delighted to be present at their graduation on 16 April, both receiving B.Sc. Honours Degree at a very impressive ceremony at W.A. University. Ron spent most of the year ironing out other people's problems and doing the "lions" share of the office work. The Thorogoods were overseas for three months early in the year, which added to the work load. However, he says he can still push "half" a train over and touches his toes ten times daily, so he is reasonably "hale and hearty". He continues to rise with the dawn, even if he "flakes" out rather early in the evening. All being well, we plan to visit "East" in April, as we miss the autumn colours in this "Mediterranean"' climate. This will also give Ron a chance to catch up with his 2/30 Bn mates at the Anzac Reunion. We are all very happy here in Perth - all social and cultural amenities within 15 minutes freeway drive and have made some very good friends in the past six years. However we cherish old friendships and wish you, one and all, a Happy Festive Season and Rich Blessings in 1978."
Clarrie Burgess –
Redfern 2016 - A Company
"Digger" Preen, G.R.
- Umina, 2257 - HQ Company One of "Diggers" boys is doing an apprenticeship at Garden Island and in that time he will become a Fitter and Turner Marine Engineer with Draughtsmanship thrown in and have a turn at sea; the Navy is building him up physically too, he is playing Rugby League, Soccer and Baseball. While Betty is a Sister at Prince of Wales Hospital at Randwick and fully certificated.
Edith Berman – West
Ryde, 2114 - (Widow of Izzy Berman, D Company) On a recent trip to the outpatients' clinic at Concord, she met up with LES HALL, whom she found quite cheerful despite his troubles.
Patricia Bartlett -
Maroubra, 2035 - (Widow of Jack Bartlett, HQ Company, Sigs.)
Horrie Cody -
Bomaderry, 2540 - (A Company)
Alan Penfold -
Manly, 2095 -(I Section BHQ)
George Aspinall -
Canterbury, 2193 (HQ Company)
John Korsch -
Grafton, 2460 - (C Company) I am a member of the Collectors' Club in Grafton and at our Christmas party, a Mrs McLaren asked me, where I was a prisoner and if I knew HILTON McLAREN. (It appears that Hilton is her brother-in-law). I said that I should know him, as he was one of our group, who used to knock around together and I have in my album several photos, which include him. This saves me writing to you Hilton, to tell you that I have met your sister-in-law.
Ray Michell -
Tamworth, 2340 - (B Company) "We (Tup and I) see WAL EATHER and DOUG HICKS quite often. Also I had a letter from brother, GEORGE, who is living in Perth. He is not healthy. But he has got it to carry on. Personally I am in very good health. Tup and I have arrived home from a three weeks trip to New Zealand. We left here in the last week of November. It was beaut. As we both love life and, of course, a few beers, everything is A1. Regards to all the boys. All the best for 1978. From Ray Michell and Tup Michell.”
Ray Body - Raymond
Terrace, 2324. - (HQ Company) My best wishes to all the boys for Christmas and the New Year. Flo and I have come back just lately from an overseas trip to Singapore and Malaysia. Singapore was very nice but it has changed from the Singapore, that we knew. There were not many places that I could recognise, due to the changes that have taken place. Changi is still Changi although it has changed a little from when we were there. We were able to do all our shopping for Christmas and bargain on prices; it would not be Singapore without that. We went on a bus tour of Singapore City and other areas, but there was little that I could place that I had known. Flo and I spent five days in Singapore and then left by bus for Kuala Lumpur. Parts of Malaysia, that I did know have changed little over the years. We followed the coast road to Batu Pahat then to Muar, where we stopped for lunch. This brought back memories of the 2/19th and 2/29th Battalions and their epic battle against the Japs. We went on from there to Malacca, Negri Sembilan and so to Kuala Lumpur, staying in the last town a further five days. After a good night's rest Flo and I commenced our sight seeing in Kuala Lumpur by visiting the National Monument, which is situated in the National Park. We found it really something to see. From there we went to the National Mosque, which is a beautiful sight. We also went to a Batik factory and watched how this material is printed. After our stay in Kuala Lumpur we travelled through the States of Selangor and Perak in our coach and then over to the Island of Penang, where we settled down and spent the next few days resting and sight-seeing as we felt like it. We returned to Singapore by plane and the following day flew home. Regards and Best Wishes to all, Ray and Flo Body".
Jack Goodwin -
Concord, 2137 - (HQ Company) I have little news of myself; am keeping reasonably well having had only one trip into hospital in 1977; I do a fair bit of fishing, and enjoy week-end bowling. (With that admission, Jack, what about making a note in your bowling diary for October next to join the Battalion team at Bankstown R.S.L. Bowling Club? "MAL" MOLONEY is only about 500 yards from you there in Concord and he joined the boys last October. One or other of you could bring the other along next time, I'm sure. A.D.) I am a proud grandfather of two girls and a boy, with a new one to be added to the list about July. Hoping everyone has a happy Christmas and New Year. Yours, Jack A. Goodwin.
Arthur Piper -
Orange, 2800 - (B Company) Wilma and I have our garden, in which we take about our only interest, and she also has her Ladies' Auxiliary of the R.S.L. with their monthly meetings. Give my regards to all the boys and I hope that they have a Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year. Arthur Piper.
Phil Paget -
Villawood, 2163. - (B Company) Phil and I wish all the boys and their families a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy, New Year. Cheerio, Dot''.
"Zipper" (R.A.)
Charlton - Harrington 2427 – (B Company) We have been retired to Harrington 6 months now and enjoying the quiet life. "Zipper" isn't catching many fish, but he has a very nice vegetable garden, which keeps us supplied. He was in Manning River Hospital in Taree for 2 weeks in September, following an operation to have an ulcer removed. While he was in hospital Zipper had a visit from GEORGE BUCKINGHAM from Krambach and DARCY PICKARD has also been up to see him. We now have another grand-daughter, Karen Lisa. The tally now is 15 grandchildren. Zipper is well now. Yours, Pearl Charlton".
Mick Bailey -
Sefton, 2162 – (HQ Company) As far as news I have not much to report. I am keeping well. I take the opportunity to wish you and all the boys a very Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. So once again, All the Best, Kind regards, Mick.
Alan Charlton -
Ballina, 2478 - (HQ Company) I met FRED NEWLANDS in the street a few days ago, he has had a bad run of health; heart trouble caused gangrene to affect his right foot and they had to amputate half of it. He also has a Cataract and is expecting to go into hospital soon for his operation. I had not seen him since our return. (We are sorry to hear of these troubles, that Fred has, and would be glad if you would pass on to him our concern. He is not a member of the Association, so I have not his address to write to him direct. Ed.) I saw in the 'local rag' that "SNOWY" (NOEL) HAMPTON has won first prize in the local Garden Competition. (That makes three keen gardeners mentioned up-to-date in this "MAKAN". It makes me wonder if perhaps they use the same liquid fertiliser as was used in the gardens in Changi. Ed.) Will close now, wishing all the boys and theirs everything that they would wish for themselves. Alan Charlton."
Les Southwell -
Bateman's Bay, 2536 - (A Company) Les sends Christmas Greetings and best wishes to all. Althea Southwell".
George E.T. Johnson
- Wangan, Q. 4860 - (C Company) It is too close to Christmas for me to write a larger letter, but will do so in the near future. Cheerio and all the best for Christmas and the New Year to all our old mates. George.
Bob Bridges -
Goulburn, 2580. - (D. Company) Wishing all the 2/30 Bn a Happy Christmas and New Year. Sincerely, Sheila and Bob Bridges.”
George Michell -
Wembley, W.A., 60114. (B Company) All is going along about the same. My second grandson, Ray, has been picked again in the State Baseball team and goes to Brisbane on 3rd Jan for the Claxton Shield Series. Eldest son, John, has been named Referee of the Year in Basketball and also received his "A" Grade Badge, so both sons are doing well at their sport. I am still going to Hospital twice a week on the Kidney Machine, which keeps me going. No more news, so all the best to the boys, George". After this letter came I kept an eye out for newspaper reports of the Claxton Shield games. First news was of other States, then S.M. Herald on 12/1/78 reported:-"Titleholders Western Australia retained their grip on this year's Claxton Shield baseball title by easily beating New South Wales 4-1 at Perry Park last night. Western Australia scored singles in the 3rd to the 6th innings to N.S.W.'s lone run in the 7th. "The star for Western Australia was left-handed pitcher, Ray Michell (shown in the paper as Mitchell), who collected 10 strike-outs and conceded only one walk. The next report in the S.M. Herald said:- "W.A. clinched the Claxton Shield Baseball series for the second consecutive year when they beat S.A. at Perry Park yesterday. The win gave W.A. 14 points for the series from eight games, with. S.A. second on 10 points, Victoria 8 and Q'land and N.S.W. on 4 points. "Both teams started slowly due to brilliant pitching by W.A. 'S Ray Michell and S.A.'s opening pitcher, Robert Surplice. “S.Aust. made the game interesting at the top of the 7th innings, when first base, Kevin Greatrex, came home from a two base hit by Dean Towll to trail W.A. 3 - 1. "W.A.'s left fielder, Don Fiscus, seated the match with a towering home run over the fence at the top of the 8th innings to clinch the shield for Western Australia." A later letter from George stated that in addition to W.A. winning the shield - Ray won the Helm's award, which is the highest award in Baseball in Australia and he was picked in the Australian Team to visit South Korea and Japan. I think that it is next month, that they go. I will find out, when Ray drives home. I attended Hospital today for 7½ hours on the kidney machine, so that I don't feel the best tonight; will be O.K. tomorrow. Kindest Regards, George Michell". (At this stage , George, I would not think that Ray will know on what grounds he will be playing in Japan, but if it is that he plays in Kobe, he might be on a ground, which was on the opposite side of the road to the warehouses, in which "J" Force was quartered with U.K. men from Hong Kong and U.S.A. men from the Philippines. The warehouses were burned down on 5th June 1945, whilst the American Air Force was in the process of bombing Kobe. The Baseball Ground was in a Park at that end which was nearest to Kobe Harbour, whilst the other end was not far from one of the underground railway stations, to which parties were marched and taken by train to suburban stations near those factories in which they worked each day. "J" Force arrived in Japan on 7th June 1943, and in Kobe the next day. Notes kept by me in somewhat of a diary form show "Finally the destination was reached. It seemed quite a large city. The Party was marched from the Railway Station, away from the high hills behind and soon came to a Park, in which was a baseball ground, as we were told, and it was here that we were lined up and subjected to a search once more. An American identified himself as one of the P.O.W. already in the camp and informed us that he was also the Interpreter for the Camp. He told us that we were in Kobe; that we would be drafted into work parties and would be living in quarters adjacent to the Park. "Once again we had to sign the Jap "Not to escape Form", to which was coupled a Promise to Work (Later the diary two years later states) ...5th June, 45 .. A bombing of the city of Kobe commenced just alter breakfast and "Kobe House" was hit by incendiaries. The fire, from the first bomb hit, was got under control with minor injuries to some of the English and Scots, who were on the 3rd floor of Block "B". However, when the second stick of bombs hit, the lack of sand and the spread of oil, soon had a fire, which could not be controlled. An order, requiring all men, other than those actually fighting the fires and practised as fire-fighters in previous drills, to evacuate the 3rd floor and move down to the 2nd floor, saved severe casualties as there were no deaths and only six injured in the whole camp. All men were evacuated to the baseball grounds in the park, on the opposite side of the road to "B" Block, after an earlier trouble, with the Jap guards keeping the doors on the ground floor closed, to prevent the Ps.O.W. getting out, but opening them at length, when it was seen that the building would not be able to be saved. As danger from neighbouring buildings increased, the men were moved to clear building sites bombed on previous air-raids and they remained there until nightfall, when they were marched to the camp, occupied by the men at Kawasaki Shipyards, all kit being carried approx. 5 miles up in to the hills.'')
Jim Walshe - St.
Ives, 2075 - (HQ Company) Bev and I wish all the boys All the Very Best for 1978. Kindest regards, Jim Walshe."
John E. Martin -
Greenacre, 2190. - (C Company)
Jim Dinnen -
Greenacre, 2190. - (B Company) Eileen has just returned from a 3 months trip to visit her relatives in Ireland and as she was just going to post some letters to Ireland I was reminded to drop you a line. All the best to you and the boys for 1978. Jim.
A.A. ("Bob") Martin
- Huskisson, 2540
Alf. Carroll -
Greta, 2330. - (D Company)
Jack Burke - Dalby,
Q. 4405 - (C Company) The reason that I have not been in touch with anyone, on the times that I have been in Sydney, is, that I can't hear on the phone and, if I sit long, my joints get so stiff and painful at times, that I have to be helped up and you would think that I was drunk; stairs up and down knock me about and generally I do knock up very quickly, and I have been off the beer for 20 years now. I liked my beer, but it did not like me. I never walk far. I always get someone to drive me, wherever I want to go, but, I am still a lot better off than some others of our chaps. There's plenty of room up home if anyone is passing and calls in. We can always put them up and be pleased to see any one. The phone number is under Charnock, but, as both my sister and brother-in-law work, it is not much good ringing before 5.30 pm. MAURIE HORRIGAN is janitor at a public school in Dalby. He has been there for years as cleaner up until a couple of years ago. He is not real well, and is on a small pension. He has had to cut back on the grog and take some weight off, but he still has a few. His family are all married except for the youngest son. He goes to any Ex- Ps.O.W. Meetings anywhere close to Dalby. A Happy Christmas and New Year to everyone. Jack Burke".
Peter Mason -
Kendall, 2433 - (HQ Company) No other news. Life is nice and steady up here. Just the way I like it. All the Best to the boys. Peter Mason.
Jimmy Hill -
Engadine, 2233. (HQ Company) All the Best to all from, Leila and Jim Hill'.
Walter Douglas -
Bexley, 2207. (D Company) He lives on his own. His house is a credit the way it is kept, also a very good vegetable garden. He is 80 years of age now. He sends his regards to all especially the Don Company men."
Bill Middleton -
Lakemba, 2195. (Band BHQ)
"Darby" Young -
Ashfield, 2131. (HQ Company) I am going fairly well and aiming at retiring this time next year. My wife and family, including grandsons are very important to me. With sincere Greetings and Yuletide wishes to all, 'Darby' Young.
Harry Teasdale -
Lismore, 2480 - (D Company) Thanks to you, one and all, who produce and send us “MAKAN". Best Wishes to All, F.E. Teasdale''.
Ted Rickards -
Mungindi, 2406 - (B Company) However, being isolated as I am, my contact with members is only once yearly. JACK FELL and RAY MICHELL are those with whom I spend holidays and regard as mates of the highest order. As for myself and wife, Cetress, health is still holding. After twelve years I'm back shearing sheep, but of course I'm only fifty-five years old. Wishing you and yours and Members a Merry Christmas, Ted Rickards. (Ted has sent down one of his wonderful poems on Anzac Day for inclusion in the “MAKAN" issue coming out at that time and I know it will give you cause to stop and think; the idea expressed in the poem is great. Ted began his letter by saying that he was sorry for not supporting as he should. But I, who know that I can't write poetry, although I can appreciate beauty in the poems of others, know also that poetry comes from the heart. It cannot be churned out as the printing press operates and I can truthfully say that I felt honoured that Ted should send me one of his poems, as he has done. Thanks, Ted. A.D.)
Tom Davis - Grafton,
2460 - (D Company) I am learning how to work like a "good public servant", doing as little as possible and keeping out of the way of the Boss. I am responsible for the good conduct of the 8 Ambulance Stations from Maclean to Macksville and up to Dorrigo, and next time I am up at Dorrigo I must call and see our old mate, "KINGY" MARTIN; also pop in to Sawtell and catch up with BEN PEARCE. 1977 has been indeed a very happy year for me, in that I was honoured twice by the Queen this year, firstly, with being admitted as Serving Brother in the Order of St. John, then the Silver Jubilee Medal, and I also received a Certificate of Appreciation from the R.S.L. Our only daughter, Pam, who, for the past 21 years has been with the Bank of N.S.W, Mudgee, has been transferred to the South Grafton Branch. May I wish you and yours and all 2/30th All the Best for Christmas and 1978. Kind Regards, Tom Davis.
Nancy Hart -
Essendon, Vic. 3040 - (Widow of Jim, Band BHQ) Although Jim died 22 years ago, I have just been notified that I am successful in my fight to have Jim's death recognized as "death due to war caused injuries". It has been a long hard fight, through Legacy and with the help of a Dr. Frew, who was on the "Railway" plus a little help thrown in by a Dr. White, who was also a P.O.W. Twice we got as far as the Final Tribunal, but had it deferred for more evidence to become available. Dr Frew argued his case on the fact that Jim had had cardiac Beri Beri, which evidently can give a false reading on E.C.G. Repat. argued that there was no evidence of Cardiac Beri Beri, only ordinary Beri Beri. However, tucked away in the medical records and, overlooked by Repat. and everyone else, Dr. Frew found these words, "Aug 43, Cardiac B.B." This, plus the fact that no E.C.G. was taken, prior to Jim's discharge, is what won the case for me, but only after a lot of hassle and only after Dr. Frew had a lot of argument with Repat. Doctors, who (according to Legacy) as good as told him "How to suck eggs" as the saying goes. Dr. White made out a report condemning the Repat. Doctors and said they had the audacity to query Dr. Frew's medical opinion, when Dr. Frew was himself a P.O.W.; had seen and treated hundreds of cases of Cardiac Beri Beri etc. etc. and these Repat. Doctors probably wouldn't recognise a case of Cardiac Beri Beri if they saw one. Anyhow the Tribunal finally decided in my favour on the points that I have already mentioned. Legacy was very good. At times I felt that we were butting our heads against a brick wall, but Legacy made me carry on until we got a result. I know that this money is not going to bring Jim back, nor will it atone in any way for my loss of my husband, but it does make me feel good to know that what he suffered as a P.O.W. has had some good come of it. Jim's one wish in life was to leave me provided for, when he died and this he has done now. At the moment I am keeping well, although this time last year I was in hospital undergoing a series of tests myself. I had had three minor strokes and was heading for a massive one so the Doctors wanted to find out the cause, before I did have the massive stroke. Finally, they found an artery in my neck was blocking, thus cutting off blood to the head. By taking 21 tablets a day - 4 times daily, I can live a normal life. Pill popping is not my thing, but it is a case of take them or else. Sometimes I think that people must be able to hear me coming, as I rattle a bit, when I walk. Then in April I commenced blacking-out and the Neuro-surgeon took an E.E.G. and a brain scan, but, decided my trouble was caused by a very deep seated grief, which was causing parts of my brain to shut down, in other words a form of "Subconscious death wish". I'm over that now (the worst of it anyway). However now I have developed a lack of calcium in my spine due to being on a very strict cholesterol-free diet. Not having dairy foods or eggs I now have no calcium producing, but a few more tablets daily plus injections are bringing me back to normal. The problem is now to keep the calcium in the bones and not let it build up in the kidneys (which are diseased) or I shall develop kidney poisoning. I can tell you, "It's a great life, if you don't weaken." However I can still have a good laugh, which is something Jim and I used to do a lot. I also play my game of Pennant Bowls each week; mind children in the crèche at the Royal Children's Hospital one day per week; have taken up oil painting as a hobby and do all my own gardening, including growing vegetables. So you can see, I am not a cot case by any means. Hope you do not find this letter too boring, but thought you might have been interested in how the widows are making out. Have a Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year, Regards, Nancy Hart. Nancy's experience was not boring to your scribe by any means and her letter provides me with a good lead up to a transcription of an item appearing in The Magazine of the 2/19 Battalion A.I.F. Association, "The Nineteenth" dated Sept. '77, and I quote: Repatriation Dept. Medical Officers and What They Think of Jap. P.O.W. Experiences Recently one of our chaps put in a claim for a heart condition and, after due deliberation, the Repat Dept sent him a reply, which read as follows: The increase in physical activity in Prisoners of War (Japan) is regarded as beneficial so far as the development of coronary heart disease is concerned. This matter has been taken up with the Minister concerned and we are trying to ascertain the name of the medical officer, who made this shattering statement. David Hinder (R.M.O. to the 2/19 Bn) comments, "When I first read this I was rendered speechless.” Ps.O.W. will be glad to know that the Japanese did just what the doctor ordered by forcing them to work 12 to 16 hrs a day, 7 days a week for most of the 3½ years. Starving them in the quantity and quality of their diet, producing all manner of disease, ailments and complaints, malnutrition, beri beri and pellagra etc. in ignoring and the non-treatment of all of the recurrent attacks of malaria, amoebic and bacillary dysentery and other diseases and in other words they were helping to preserve their coronary arteries and stopping them from getting heart attacks. There is no doubt that exercise in a civilised country is beneficial to the heart but I think that only those, who do not know, could regard the Jap. treatment as anything but detrimental to the body as a whole. (To your scribe, if the above is to be official Repat. dogma, it shows that that Department is in no way concerned to see that just claims are dealt with by our peers, i.e. that Medical, legal and civilian components of any Repat. Tribunal ought to be made up only of those, who have experienced the handling by the Japanese in their sadistic physical and mental torture with no regard for decencies of life, for the hygienic necessities, considered important, since Florence Nightingale won her battles in the Crimean War. No person of European descent, who was not a P.O.W. (Jap), can ever realise the Oriental innate hatred of any not of their own; the forms which their treatment took; nor could they ever have any conception of the strain placed on the Ps.O.W. (Japan). "PRIVATE PENSIONS" on p13, "REVEILLE", Jan/Feb '78 gives an insight into some Repat. M.O.'s minds and infers that they do not take note of the fact that, as soon as the statistics, on which they base their hypotheses, exclude other statistics then the medical science, which they profess to use to recommend the rejection of a claim before a Repat. Appeals Tribunal, is inexact. If doubt exists the benefit thereof should be given to the claimant. But is it? Please read his article in full. Returning to the 2/19 Bn Magazine again and carrying on from where I broke off the transcription, I again quote: Repatriation Dept again and the Attitudes and Knowledge of the Younger Generation What earthly hope have you of getting anywhere or any satisfaction from the Veterans' Affairs Dept. when you are confronted with this: One of our members had to visit Grace Building for Medical check and Examination during May 1977 and was asked the following questions by the young interviewing clerk: Were you in the war? Were you fighting? What was the Middle East all about that a lot of you chaps keep on talking about? Was there a war in Malaya and did we have any Australians there? Were the Japanese fighting us in the last war? - AND the Teachers' Federation wants millions more for the furtherance of education of the younger generations. The main trouble is that apart from the clerks, the younger generation medical staffs can only work on book knowledge and without any, cold, cold world practical experience, it must necessarily follow that, if any ex-Serviceman has not sorted himself out with the Veterans' Affairs Dept. well before this, then he has little hope from now on." - End of quote.
Colin Tuckfield -
Kenmore Q. 4069 - (D Company) Col commences. "My 6 times a year highlight is still the “MAKAN” and even if I can't recall faces after 30 odd years, the names still ring a bell. JACK CAREY's comments about ALLAN McPHERSON (p19 Nov/ Dec issue) inspires me to relate my experience concerning disc trouble, with which I am plagued from time to time. I applied for treatment and incidentally pension, before the Whitlam Govt. brought in free treatment for all ex-P.O.W. and, like Allan, was peremptorily knocked back. I appealed on the basis, not of actual causation, but of pre-disposition and actually got a magnificent 10% pension! A copy is enclosed, which may be useful to others in the same or similar boat. Please excuse the sob stuff, but it can be useful with whatever else an R.S.L. Sub-Branch Welfare Officer puts up for you. I seldom see any old comrades up here, but often march with the 2/26th on Anzac Day, as it is the only 8th Div Infantry represented - 2/10th Field Regt. also marches. For anyone interested my potted history is quite brief. I have had only one employer since before the War - State Health Dept. - and due to retire in a few years. Have two grandchildren - one in Guam of all places and one in Warwick. Mention of the "big guns" at Changi, reminded me of the brass plate I salvaged from one, containing, I think, instructions for elevating it or some such. I diced it when lightening the load for the march up the Railway on "F" Force and have often thought what a marvellous souvenir it would be today. I still have a few souvenirs, however - my mess tin, colour patches, pack of cards made from cigarette packs ("The Three Castles - W. D. & H.O. Wills - Remember them?) my diary and an Ordnance Map of Singapore Island, which I somehow carried through the lot. Well enough for this year. Kindest regards to all Battalion members with whom you are in contact. Sincerely, Col Tuckfield. Col's appeal cannot be used as it is for anyone other than they who were in the same camp as he, on the same jobs, and on the same dates that he quotes. It is, however, typical of what may be used. It is also historical and descriptive of conditions an the Railway. Ed. "I appeal to the Repatriation Commission against the Repatriation Board's rejection of Lumbo-sacral spondylosis. I UNDERSTAND THAT: (a) I will not be in attendance when this appeal is considered. (b) The appeal will be decided on evidence contained in the Repatriation Records, (c) I may state my grounds of appeal in writing. GROUNDS OF APPEAL: “My claim was based on PRE-DISPOSITION to spinal lesion caused by heavy work on Burma railway whilst in a condition of privation and illness. "The following are extracts from my diary kept at the time. Shimo Sonkurai (Thailand) - Saturday, 17th July 1943 "Started work at 0820 hrs and knocked off at camp at 2120 hrs. First job cracking stones with sledge hammer convict style. Got hit on head for not understanding Nippon-Go (Japanese language) hurled at me. A man was hurt carrying logs and I was put on carrying logs for the rest of day. Jap standing over me with "Kurrahs" and following and bashing us. I was on tail of log being tallest and he followed hitting me over head and body with axe handle. Told 10 of us to lift log 20'x12". Impossible, so more bashings. This kept up all day. Shimo Sonkurai - Wednesday 21st July 194 "Had short day - 0800 to 2010 hrs. Work hard but only one bashing. I think we have finished the road and tomorrow go on railway. Had relapse of malaria on job and will go on sick parade tonight. Entered hospital with malaria relapse Temp. 104.8° at 2200 hrs. Bad night. Poisoned finger and feet almost unendurable also touch of diarrhoea. Kami Sonkurai - Tuesday, 14th September 1943 "Push is on now. Reveille 0530 hrs, work through to 1300 without smoko, then to 0200 next morning. Filling in bridge boxing &c. "The above is not intended to be a comprehensive history but merely an indication of the type of treatment referred to. C.J.T. 15/8/72"
Jock Logan - Palm
Beach Q. 4221 - (D Company) ARCHIE CRAIG - Beenleigh, Q. 4207 – No. 13 Platoon, C Company - has 3 Girls and 1 Boy - two girls married, Mrs Dianne Perandis and Mrs Jean Kelly, whilst Rob and Maureen are single. JACK MATHEWS - Logan Village, Q. 4206 - Wife, Olive; Daughters (4) of whom the eldest is Mrs May Robinson, Logan Village, then Mrs Pauline Rodgers, Loganholme; Mrs Coral Miller, Beenleigh and Mrs Marjorie Newberry, Pacific Fair, Broadbeach. Sons (4) Bill Mathews, Ronald Mathews, Logan Village both married, whilst the single ones are Brian and Warren. Grand-daughters 6 and 1 Grandson. Jack works for the Main Roads. Plays bowls with the Beenleigh Club and has lived at Logan Village for 15 years.
Bet Dawson -
Narrabeen North, 2101 - (Widow of Len, CSM HQ Company) She is still going back and forward to Concord also she goes to the War Veterans' Homes 3 times a week for neck traction and treatment to her hand. She will be 86 years of age this year and finds it painful to stand, walk or write; she lives on her own in the house of which Len was so proud. (God Bless, Bet. A.D.) I found out today her Birthday is 4th Feb
W.R. (Jacko) Jackson
- Chatswood, 2067- (B Company) Can't make Pymble this year as I will be in hospital. I go into Concord on, of all days, 15th Jan. I didn't think that they admitted people on Sundays, but obviously they do. (At the time of preparing this "'MAKAN'" Jacko's eyes had not been done but he expects action in the week after the intended date. Ed)
Frank Silver -
Coalcliff, 2515 – (C Company) I'm getting older but still healthy. Frank Silver.
Ted Skuse -
Tuncurry, 2428. - (A Company) All our 4 children are well and between them they have 12 grandchildren the youngest being 6 months and the eldest 21. 2 grand-daughters are married, but I do not know if I'll be a great grandfather for a while yet. Well, give my Regards to all the boys and wish them All the Best for the New Year. Yours, Ted and Edna Skuse.
F.T. (Bill) Rooke -
Rainworth, Q. 4065 (B Company)
Johnnie Parsons -
Rossmore, 2171 - (C Company)
John F. (Curly)
Simpson - Minnamurra, 2532 relief with swirling side patterns and banners, which carry a wealth of information without being obtrusive. Pride of place on top is the replica of the Rising Sun and Australian Imperial Forces. Flanking this my nickname 'Tiny', which applied then and our wedding date, 31/12/1940. Pride of place at the bottom is a miniature 2/30 Bn colour patch made of the same material and riveted on, with the tiny "Purple and Gold” cut from someone's colour patch, scrounged from somewhere. Surrounding this is the added information, 'NX30772 J. Simpson, 2/30 Bn.' It does sound a lot but everything blends in beautifully. It has a stronger meaning for me, when I think that Jack could have bought added comfort with it, but he preferred to keep it hidden, to bring home to me, when war ceased. What a furphy those last three words turned out to be. When does war end? This I ask more than ever as Jack waits to enter Yaralla on 5th January for yet another operation, with still another to be performed, when he has recovered from that. Both of them are extremely serious and so it was with active war days, still I stand and watch and wait. He is now 6 stone 3 lbs, but what he lacks in weight, he makes up for in courage. Though he may never become know outside our large circle of friends and acquaintances, to all who know him, he has already become legendary - never complaining, always working around the place and in his lovely garden. I manage to keep busy too. My advanced story writing lessons are still going on, but beginning to pay off, as I had my first story published recently and, as my pioneering grandparents history is interesting, I have been doing a lot of research, with a goal of a novel as the end result. I have a publisher interested. I have also joined the Good Neighbour Council and I am teaching English to two Portuguese women. It is a voluntary effort and we, 'home tutors', teach in the students' homes, in my case from scratch. My two students spoke no English and I knew no other language - the result, both frustrating and hilarious. I haven't had much time for painting my landscapes but I want to be good at children's portraits, capturing not just a likeness but an inner feeling and so I practise, while I listen to the T.V. Lots of love to all we know and Best Wishes for Christmas and the New Year from Jack and Thelma Simpson.
Allan Prentice -
Walgett 2385 (HQ Company) All the best for 1978 from us here.”
Stewart Blow -
Berry, 2539 - (HQ Company) "FURZE-BLOW - Susan, youngest daughter of Mr. & Mrs. E.J.S. Blow of Berry, to Alister, son of Mr. and Mrs. F. Furze of Woomargama." Your scribe took the liberty of wishing the happy couple long and joyous life together, when the marriage knot is tied on behalf of the men of the Battalion and especially from those of the Mortar Platoon.
Ron Eaton - Gordon,
2072 - (BHQ) Ron took his wife, Betty, with him in order to make some sort of holiday of the occasion and they had a trip around the Lakes District in the U.K. and, on their way back to Australia they stopped off at Penang to laze away 5 beautiful days without any of the cares of the world to worry them., They can now swap experiences with Ray and Flo Body, last year at Penang and Ron and Gretta Maston, there in 1976.
John F. (Mal)
Moloney - Concord, 2137 - (HQ Company)
Phil Bailey -
Tamworth, 2340 - (HQ Company, A/A Platoon) He says, "Regards to all. Thanks for everything. Remember 15th" (and, as his letter came in January, you know which 15th he referred to.)
Ron A. Johnston -
Surfers' Paradise, Q, 4277 (C Company)
George Winchester -
Pymble, 2073, (C Company)
Gordon McKnight -
Kenthurst, 2154. - (HQ Company)
Ted Lawty -
Narrabri, 2390 - (C Company)
A.J. (Snowy) Mason -
Dundas, 2117 - (D Company)
R.T.S. (Sammy) Hall
- Neutral Bay, 2089 – (A Company) My eldest grandson had just got his two stripes in Newington Cadets and put me through an exhaustive test on all the things a Corporal should know. He had me scratching at times, but I can still duck for cover. Once again all the Best Wishes for the New Year to All the Boys. Sincerely 'Sammy'."
Don Sutherland -
Bowen Q, 4805 - (D Company) Best of luck to you, one and all, Yours sincerely, Don.
Carl Odgers -
Kyogle, 2474 – (HQ Company)
Don Schumacher -
Birmingham Gardens, 2287 - (D Company) We had a most enjoyable trip, coasting along until we commenced to get weary, then resting up. We covered about 8000 miles in all and neither of us felt any the worse, when we arrived home. We went via Broken Hill, Port Augusta, Ceduna, Norseman , Esperance, Bunbury, Fremantle, then to Perth, where we spent a week or so seeing the sights - we stayed in the bigger places a few days and went sightseeing. In Port Augusta I parked in the Pub yard, pushed open the door marked 'Public Bar' and, you have to believe this, apart from the Barmaid, who was about a half-caste, I was the only skin that wasn't jet - they were all very friendly, one lady in an advanced state even wanted to carry my two bottles to the car - I was afraid that she might drop them and refused the offer. All of them were very friendly and drunk. We got on to the Nullarbor, were going along steadily, and we met BOB HANLEY. He is pushing a wheelbarrow round Australia - making about 3 to 5 miles a day - He was attached to us at Changi and was on the Shrine Job - (Don - The Nominal Roll shows QX22757 Pte R.W. Hanley joined us 16/1/42 as a 3rd Reinforcement to D Company and that he transferred to the 2/26 Bn 22/12/42 and I would say it is he. Ed). He used to do a bit of boxing in his day. We spent about an hour with him, yarning about old days. Monica made him a cup of tea and some sandwiches, for which he was grateful, having had no breakfast that morning. We ran him down on the way back and again cooked bacon and eggs for him. He hopes to be back in Sydney by Anzac Day. I could not see myself RAY GODBOLT, 'HOOK' WELLS or any other of our crowd pushing a wheelbarrow (280 lbs) plus 2 Dogs around Australia - even on order from "B.J." himself - Can You? We had a very good trip and arrived back home, no worse nor better off in health for that matter, but much better off from having viewed the country and talking to the people, who inhabit it, both black and white. (Well at least you have done it, Don, I well remember that we used to spend hours talking about a few of us in "Kobe House" getting out on the track, when we got back to Australia, making our way round it leisurely and seeing all its beauty spots. We did that back there, but then we did not know of their rationing and coupons. We had not the mail to keep us posted. So, our dreams remained dreams, a few managed to do it since. You have done it, now and without any fuss or bother, much. I have managed one bus trip to the Centre, safari style, and enjoyed it, hoping for more later on. Good on you, Don. Ed.) On the humorous side some wit had painted a sign on a bit off a wreck, which read, "WET PAINT", smack in the middle of the Nullarbor. Another sign was written on the back of one of the D.M.R. Signs and read, ''KENTUCKY FRIED WOMBAT - 5 Kms" the arrow pointing into the Never-Never. We are planning another trip towards the middle of the year up the coast and round to Darwin, then back via the Rock. I was sorry to hear of the passing away of BOB JACK. I had the greatest admiration for him and extend to his family my sincere sympathy. If this Country had more BOB JACKS it would a better place. 'HOOK' WELLS must take the cake turning a tractor over on to himself. You don't have to enrol at the Tech or attend night school to be able to do it. RAY GODBOLT has kept me posted and will call on him, when he has recovered - he needs a lecture n tractor safety. This is the most that I have written for years. It has taken a few weeks to write and, since I started it, our Son and Daughter-in-law have taken off on a safari to the Rock. We had word of them a couple of days ago. Monica was worried about our grandson, the heat and all the rest of the hazards, but he seems to be bearing up under the strain. Will leave you now and I wish All the Best for 1978. PS. Was in Maitland, yesterday, Wednesday, 11th and ran into LEN DEVER at the markets. He looks well. He fills in a bit of spare time helping the Agents. Regards, Don Schumacher.
Norm King - Golspie,
2580 - (D Company) He says that he has not any news and feels guilty as he enjoys "MAKAN' so much. (Not to worry, Norm, perhaps one of these days you may be able to give us some humorous anecdote for the "Do You Remember" Paragraphs, and your suggestion, though you feel diffident about it, is something that I may be able to manage one of these days. Ed)
Ken Parry -
Cremorne, 2090 - (D Company)
Wal Eather - South
Tamworth, 2340. - (HQ Company - C Company) He also advises, "Freda and I are living a quiet life. We still play golf and enjoy it, though the advancing years have lengthened our handicaps to 18. I have a daughter and son-in-law living in Sydney, Pam and Brian Taylor. Pam until recently has been Supervisory Sister in charge of the Masonic Hospital, Ashfield on 3 nights of the week. Brian is a Senior Valuer with the Rural Bank."
Graham McLeod -
Randwick, 2031- (BHQ) I can't recall whether I told you what happened to me there. I discovered the Bungah Emas, which was the Symbol of Tribute to what was then Siam by the Native States in the north of the peninsular. I was gawking at this, when an Australian woman tourist, observing my fascination, asked me what was so big about the 'rotten little brass tree with the red flowers'? So I let her have it, right between the eyeballs, telling her how this had a history of war, pillage, rape, death and kindred unpleasantness. I became so worked up over this, that I didn't realise that her 8 companions were listening with bated breath to my erudition. A bit embarrassing. 'How come you know so much about this?' 'I read a lot'. I gained great face and did my best to give the impression that to me, all this was old stuff. Little did they realise it was about the only thing in the whole place that I knew some little about, as, with a lordly air, I drifted on towards the next display, hoping that they wouldn't ask me about THAT, since I hadn't a clue. Chinese New Year, now that's something that gets a bit abnormal over here, when you say 'Kong Hee Fatt Choy' and get involved in that lethal drinking game the Chinese play, when, glass in hand, they confront each other and say, 'Yam, yam, yam... ..Yam!' and down it goes. A fella needs to be in good training or that sort of caper, particularly when you're drinking whisky and you find he's on ginger ale. It's a Chinese idea of a joke. Chap Goh Meh is another time for traditional play, it is a time, when the virgins used to toss oranges into the sea and make their wishes, at the End of the New Year Festival:
You know the Chinese, and to a lesser extent, the Malays, are fiendishly complicated in their beliefs, superstitions and customs. For instance, the Year of the Dragon was in 1976 and in 1977 it was the Year of the Snake; in 1978 it will be the year of the Horse. There are 12 of these known as earthly stems, The Dragon is regarded as the top year for having children, particularly sons, for they will be brave, capable, clever, honest and all that stuff. Snake people, while allied, do not seem to have the same attributes, so you can imagine the frenzied activity that goes on in trying to procure a Dragon child. No wonder they all look so tired at that time. People should be careful in the Horse Years, since horses are unpredictable animals. The horse is very excitable, sometimes careless and tends to seek distinction. But the various year animals are split up into Yins and Pangs (female and male). Dragon and Snake are Yang, whereas the Pig and the Hare are Yin. There is a further complication, however, the Monkey is Yin AND Yang. On top of this the Chinese year is also named after one of the heavenly stems, of which there are Ten, based on the 5 natural elements: wood, fire, earth, metal and water and are e.g. Water in Nature or Mater in the home; Lighted Fire and Latent Fire, and so on. The Chinese believe wood kills earth, earth kills water, water kills fire, fire kills metal, and metal kills wood! They are called 'incompatible' combinations. If two people planned to marry and one's horoscope was dominated by fire, whilst the other's was metal, probably, the wedding would be called off since fire kills metal. Anyone got an Aspro? But it is fascinating, even if it is confusing. I'm gradually getting the hang of their 'Tontines' (a bit like our Credit Unions, I think) the 'Mui Tsais' and the 'Sinkehs' not to mention the 'Triads', which seem to me to be an amalgam of Freemasonry, Trade Unions and the Mafia. And we haven't even touched on Malay and Chinese virginity tests, which, I consider, were a bit rugged, as well as being damned embarrassing for any girls who'd, shall we say? strayed from virtue. Near where I live, there's a mosque and 5 times daily, the Faithful are called to prayer. Now, I'd be the last to criticise this, except for the fact that, willy-nilly I'm dragged in on the act. Each morning, well before dawn, the muezzin yanks everyone from their slumbers, including me. But I think I've got the direction pin-pointed, and a rough idea of the range, so it makes interesting conjecture, Oh Boy, What could be done with a 3" mortar? That'd liven things up and give an interesting subject for conversation. Best wishes to all and I hope that being a "MAKAN" Editor isn't giving you ulcers. I'll bet there are times when you sigh and ask yourself the obvious question, "How come I got stuck with this job?" Look at it this way. You were (a) Plain lucky. (b) Plain unlucky. (c) Best choice for the job. (d) You' re too soft-hearted and didn't like to say 'No'. (e) Everyone else could think of reasons, why you should do it, and they should not. I've an inkling of what it can be like, as, for some years I was Editor of a Lions' Club Magazine, which I had to thump out fortnightly. When you're in this position, doesn't it seem to you at times that somehow the word 'co-operation' has suddenly been expunged from the English language? Keep up the good work. (Thanks Graham, I think it was (b, d, e). Your cooperation has been great and amusing and it is with the help of so many that I am able to fill the “MAKAN''. Oh and incidentally, I heard up at Pymble on 'Gemas Day' from one of the 17 Royal N.S.W. Regiment; one who had been in Malaya with the 1 N.S.W. Regiment that it is as well to get to understand the local idioms before you go spouting Malay, since there is some one word when used after the word 'makan' just does not mean you can take your knife, fork and spoon, or chopsticks or whatever eating iron you use and fill your mouth with some luscious food and, you can end up being terribly embarrassed, if, by chance, you were to use it on your hostess, whom you wished to thank. I hope that you have steered clear, Graham). T.P.I.
I have been told
that some recent classifications as T.P.I. have been:
Colonel George
Ramsay - Epping, 2121.
Fred Johnston -
Epping, 2121 - B Company & Blakang Mati
Vince Leonard -
Fairfield, 2165 – HQ Company & A Force
Les Melrose -
Matraville, 2036. – HQ Company – Changi & X1 Tunnelling Party
Harry Hartnett -
Harlaxton, Q. 4350 – A & HQ Coy
Merv ("Joe')
Geoghegan - Earlwood, 2206.
Garry Evans -
Strathfield, 2135. Garry also says that on 15 Feb he leaves for New Guinea with fellow golfers for a series of matches over 10 days. His only worry is Malaria, having had 18 bouts, he does not want more. Do You Remember?
Jack Burke - Dalby,
4405 – C Company
Harry Griffis -
Taree, 2430 - D Company – J Force Incidentally, it was at this foundry, that 'Joe' JOHNSTON had his big toe nearly severed, when a piece of scrap iron, fell from a barrow. If my memory is correct, he was taken by rickshaw to a Jap Doctor, who sewed the toe back in place and did it well. Another memorable day at Toya was marked by a violent earth tremor, when towering chimney stacks swayed like trees in a gale and the ground rocked so furiously, that puddle holes of water swilled all over the yard. Together again at Nomachi, on the wharves, KEITH, although weakened by asthma, showed great courage in battling the conditions, under which we worked."
Arthur Purdon -
Tuncurry, 2428, (BHQ) GEORGE wonders if you brought that set of dies back to Australia, ARTHUR? Supplement to “MAKAN” No. 239 Jan/Feb 1978 – 2/30 Bn A.I.F. Association
2/30 Bn Reunion at
BALLINA R.S.L. CLUB An invitation is extended to all Men, Widows and Kinfolk of 2/30 Bn by the Men, Widows and Kinfolk of the 2/30 Bn on the Far Northern Rivers to join them in their Annual Get-Together over this weekend. The Organisers of old have been "Snow" Hampton, Len Clavan, Norm Watkins and their adopted 2/18Bn Cobber, Sid Jameson. Will any one attending to go please let one of the above 4 know that you will be coming and who will be with you. Whether you and others with you would like to play bowls, or golf, or to try your hand at Deep Sea Fishing, or just enjoy a tour of the District? What time of the day or night you will arrive? What may be your transport arrangements in arriving and departing? Whether you would like to be bedded down at some cobber's home, at a motel or hotel, or what else you may desire? This is a 2/30 Bn Reunion, it is not just an Ex-P.O.W. Reunion, though you will run into chaps whom you will know from Work Parties and the like. "Snow" Noel Hampton, Len Clavan, Norm Watkins, Sid Jameson. Ballina, 2478 Notice of Annual General Meting of 2/30 Bn A.I.F. Association Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the 2/30 Bn A.I.F. Association will be held on Friday, 7th April at the Public Service Association Club, 515 Kent Street, Sydney, commencing at 8 pm. Same Club as for our Annual Reunion last year. Parking Station is next door. Entrance to Club is on the Darling Harbour side of Kent St. between Bathurst and Liverpool Streets. The Meeting place allotted to the Bn will be in the Club's Sport Section downstairs in the Basement, so that as Members come in to the Club and book in at the office if going straight to the Meeting place, they will go downstairs to the Basement. Members, who work in the city, together with any others, who desire a meal in the Club and otherwise enjoy the facilities of the Club before the Meeting, as has been customary for some Members for years, since erecting at the Chinamen's in Dixon Street, may have the alternative of a Bistro Style meal or otherwise a set Dining Room Meal. Where any desire the latter type of a Dining Room meal, we have to let the Management of the Club know a week in advance of numbers, so, if you will be in this category, will you please give Kevin Ward or Jack Black a phone call to alert them of your intention no later than Thursday, 30th March. Any others may have the Bistro type meal. The bar is situated on the 1st floor, if any want to slake their thirst or to otherwise pass the time before the Meeting other than having a meal. Agenda of Annual General Meeting
1) Apologies -
Recital of and minute's silence for those who died since last A.G.M.
By order of the
Executive, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that it is intended to submit to the Annual General Meeting for it's consideration and, if thought proper, to pass the following Resolution: "That the Constitution of this Association be amended by deleting in Clause 1. MEMBERSHIP (a) in line 1, the words "any entrance fee and, so that line 1 shall read, "Subject to the payment of the Annual Subscription. hereinafter described."
(b) the whole of
lines 9 to 13 both inclusive together with that part of Line 14, being
the words, "the date of their arrival in Australia". The reasons offered in favour of the deletion of the requirement of an entrance fee are that it is over 32 years since the Battalion was returned to Australia and subsequently its members were demobilised and that, whilst an "Entrance Fee" was required in the formative years of the Association, it is felt that there is no necessity now and since not all members of the Battalion have joined the Association the "Entrance Fee” as at present required by the Constitution is out of date; also the practice of issuing a Membership Badge on payment of an "Entrance Fee" in view of the continued trends of inflation, such purchase price being separate now from the levy of an Entrance Fee, whether it were to have been applicable thereto or not in the past. 1. If written nominations for positions on the Executive of the Association are desired to be lodged with the Secretary, the persons to be nominated are required to attend the 2 monthly meetings of the Executive in Sydney; a simple form of letter may be used signed by two existing members of the Association and also signed by the person they nominate, setting out the position for which the nominee is put forward:
"We wish to
nominate.................................for the position
of................................... Such nominations are required to be in the hands of the Secretary at least one clear week prior to the date fixed for the Annual Meeting and, in this case, shall need to be in his hands by 30th March. 2. Voting at Meetings of the Association may be personal or may be done by proxies. Use of proxy votes is particularly suited to members, who are unable to be present personally at meetings. Such proxies may give the proxy full general powers as he may think fit, or may be restricted and direct the proxy to vote in a special way as desired by the donor. Such Instruments of Proxy are required to be in the hands of the Secretary not later than 72 hours before the time for the holding of the relevant meeting, that is, on this occasion, No Later than 8 pm on Tues. 4th April. The Instrument of Proxy has to be in or to the form of the following: "I..................... being a Member of 2/30 Bn A.I.F. Association hereby appoint.......................of................................(address) as my proxy to vote for me and on my behalf .................................................(if limitation is desired and donee requires a specific vote entered then that should be stated here) at the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of the Association to be held on 7th April 1978 or at any adjournment thereof. As witness my hand this......................day of.........................1978.
Signed by the
said.......................................) Order Form for Paperback Edition of 2/30 Bn A.I.F. History I wish to order.................copy/copies of the Paperback Edition of the 2/30Bn History, "Galleghan's Greyhounds" and forward herewith Cheque/Bank Cheque/Money Order (Please cross out what does not apply) for the sum of $11.00 per copy in favour of "2/30 Bn A.I.F. Association", to cover the cost of purchase price of the book @ $10 and cost of distribution @ $1. I clearly understand that, if the number of Applications does not reach such a figure as will allow for economical production of the paperback reprint, in these times of inflation, my money less cost of letter postage, will be refunded to me, and that the 2/30 Bn A.I.F. Association shall be under no obligation to me for not proceeding with publication of the projected Paperback Edition.
SURNAME OR NAME OF
ORGANISATION............................................................ Supplement to "MAKAN" No. 239, Jan/Feb, 2/30 Bn A.I.F. Association Back to 1978 index or Main Index |
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