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Makan No. 242 OFFICIAL JOURNAL 2/30 Bn. A. I. F. ASSOCIATION Subscription Rate: $1.50 per Year Registered for Posting as Periodical: Category A
Dates For Your Diary As detailed in last “MAKAN”:
MID NORTH COAST - "Paddles" CLUNE advises - The Annual Mid-North Coast Reunion will be held at TAREE R.S.L. CLUB RECEPTION ROOM, Sat, 18/8/1978 (Wives invited) - Guest Speaker - Judge Phillip Head, Ex 8 Div - Staff Officer Comd. AIF. (then Major Head)
5p.m. March and
Wreathlaying Ceremony at Memorial Clock Cost of Dinner Tickets $5.00 per head. "Paddles" says he wants at least 20 2/30 Bn Lads and Wives to be there. Let him know or Harry Griffis. RIVERINA - Saturday, 9/9/78 - LEETON - commencing with wreathlaying at 6p.m. Contact E.B. SHEPLEY, Hon. Sec. A full representation of Riverina Members and wives and the same from Sydney and elsewhere is desired. TAMWORTH 8 DIV. REUNION DINNER - SATURDAY, 7th OCT (NOT 21st as previously given) - a Mixed Reunion - Followed on the SUNDAY by the usual Barbeque Lunch and DIAMOND JUBILEE of the DIGGERS' GOLF DAY - with Wal Eather as O.C. Committee. "B.J." MEMORIAL SHIELD and BATTALION BOWLS - SUNDAY MORNING 15th OCTOBER to be held, as usual, at BANKSTOWN R.S.L. BOWLING CLUB, Kitchener Parade, BANKSTOWN, on Sunday Morning - 15th October. MORNING GAME, please be there by 9a.m. for a start at 9.30a.m. KEVIN WARD wants to know early, who might be bowling so that he may make up the teams - last year there had to be some outside the Battalion to make up numbers - so please join in. The Bankstown R.S.L. Club also invite anyone else to come along as spectators for the encouragement of the Bn Team, and both bowler and spectator are invited by that Club to join in the lunch - Smorgasbord style, after the games. Please phone Kevin of your intention to be there, bowler or spectator, so that arrangements may be made. Wednesday, 20 Sep. GRANVILLE R.S.L. CLUB ANNUAL-Ex-P.O.W. REUNION. Last year Jack Carey was the only one of the 2/30 Bn to answer Max McClelland's invitation to join him at this Annual Reunion at the Club and Jack says IT IS A MUST, you won't regret it. We learn that, for the first time, this is to be a mixed function with wives and friends. It will be an all ticket show and you must make a booking by 8 SEP with Jim Winbank or the Secretary of the Club, Memorial Drive, Granville, Phone 637 78880. A Dance Orchestra will be in attendance. Price of the tickets $12 per couple or $6 single and, tickets MUST be picked up no later than 12 September, please. FRIDAY, 22nd SEPTEMBER - Get-together of 30 Bn Associations & RELATED SCOTTISH REGIMENTS. UNFORTUNATELY I CANNOT FILL YOU IN WITH DETAILS HERE. RETIREMENTS AND SICKNESSES HAVE DELAYED DECISIONS OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE. The Editor Apologises I am sorry to say that March /April issue of MAKAN contained on pages 15 and 22 a wrong explanation for the reason for Bruce Greer's stay in hospital in February of this year. I said that he suffered from 'gout'. He tells me, "Thank God! I don't have that". So I apologise to him and to Ray Simmons for my error and for any thought that Ray had given me the wrong report. Is It Later Than You Think? Last issue contained a statement by Jack Folkard on the high standard of treatment, that he had received at A.G.H. Concord as against complaints, that had been made to R.S.L. HQ and referred to in "Reveille". Your Scribe had no difficulty in printing Jack's comment, because it was true. BUT, one other of our Members, who had been in Intensive Care and was lucky enough, with that good dedicated treatment for such cases, to come through, found that he was side by side with a lady patient, when he was transferred to the No. 1 Bay in the Ward. HOWEVER it is not the TREATMENT, which we have been hammering in the last few issues of "MAKAN"; what has been stressed is HOW HARD IT IS FOR YOU, at this late date, almost 33 years after the end of the War, to have WAR CAUSED Disabilities, or Disabilities AGGRAVATED by War Service to be ACCEPTED AS PENSIONABLE BY THE TRIBUNALS. The Repatriation Act requires that a pension is to be granted only on proof that your present disability resulted DURING service; had ARISEN out of or is ATTRIBUTABLE to an OCCURRENCE DURING service, or was CONTRIBUTED to in any material degree or has been AGGRAVATED by the conditions of your service. It is not being fair to your wife or other dependants, if you have put up with disabilities and not gone to Repat. in a mistaken sense of, "It's not right for me to bludge on the country by getting a pension;” or "There are many worse off than I." or "I'm on a good wage, I don't need a pension." Have you, who have these thoughts, considered, What if I drop dead tomorrow from a cause that originated, whilst over there. It may not be death, which lays you low - it may be a living death; unable to look after yourself, unable to earn the money to keep you and your family in the same life style to which they have been accustomed. Will your wife and the children be able to keep going? Are you cutting her out of a widow's pension, or the children out of dependents' pensions, which will see them through their Vocational Training? Not all of you have all your children out of the nest with independent homes. It's impossible to prove an entitlement, from the other side of the River Styx, remember. It's harder still, if other mates, who were with you, when you went through those difficult times over there and might have been able to prove what happened to you, have predeceased you. Your evidence may well remain unspoken. IT MAY TRULY BE LATER THAN YOU THINK. Claims going forward now, must necessarily have a querying finger indicating the LAPSE OF TIME between War Service and whatever may be the disability on which a claim may be based. A Claim naturally requires to be in accordance with the approved Repat. Form, accompanied by evidence, which you consider would support the claim. At this point of time, 33 years later, there will be some claims based still on wounds, ulcers or the like, but most claims now would be in respect of diseases related to troubles over there; you need the help of a doctor's medical certificate on his opinion on the relationship between the disability and war time happenings. Recently two of our Battalion have told me that the Dept of Vet. Affairs Tribunals has rejected their claims for T.P.I. One of them has been told that his incapacities, whilst recognised as existing, ARE NOT RELATED TO HIS SERVICE, that, whilst mindful of the appalling conditions suffered by Ps.O.W. (Jap) his EVIDENCE BOTH LAY AND MEDICAL, THOUGH MATERIAL TO THE CLAIMS, IS NOT CONSIDERED TO HAVE A SUBSTANTIAL BEARING ON THE CLAIM. So his wife has said, "What can we do now? There is no doubt about it, he is sick, he has had one heart attack already and he is only 56.” The Tribunal's rejection then faced him with the statement, attributed to its Senior Medical Officer, saying, " It has NEVER BEEN SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN AND HENCE IS NOT ESTABLISHED BY PUBLISHED PROSPECTIVE STUDIES THAT STRESS CAUSES HEART DISEASE OR HYPERTENSION." As I understand it Dept. of Vet. Affairs believes in the proposition and treats it as no more than theoretical that the stress to which 8 Div men were subjected has made them the more susceptible to heart troubles because of that stress. However, Medicine is not an exact Science. It will never be scientifically proved what happened to P.O.W. (Jap), because no civilised nation would submit men as guinea pigs to experiment in the same way and under the same conditions as Ps.O.W. (Jap) had to endure. No experiment could ever be like it. The men wouldn't be found to be identical with those who were, on either side, the intelligence and temperaments of different men are not alike, a similar reaction to the same set of circumstances is not always forthcoming from the same man all the time and particularly for Australians, the Anzac characteristics showed up in adversity, it might be questionable if that can be artificially created. Your Scribe is not a medical man and he has not all the facts in relation to the deaths, which have occurred amongst 2/30 Bn personnel alone over the 33 yrs since Recovery of P.O.W. (Jap). But it is known that, of the 739 Recovered of 2/30 Bn, at least 174 are known to have died over the period 1945/78. That figure could well be greater, because there are 239 men, who are not members of the Association and we do not know how many of them may have died. Of the 174 causes of death are not known in all cases; so that we have a set of figures, which may be adjusted in some degree, but, so I am led to believe, the causes of death show as:- Chest Troubles - 3, T.B. - 4, Cancer - 14, Brain Tumour - 1, Kidney - 4, Liver - 2, Accidents - 15, Suicides - 4, coronary - 6, Cerebral Haemorrhage - 5, Heart Attacks - 63, Sundry - Debility etc - 5, NOT RECORDED - 48, TOTAL= 174. As I said, your scribe is not a Medical Man, he only graduated from Sydney University as a Bachelor of Economics, but he has done some study in statistics. Some of you may remember him as one of the lecturers in Economics in Changi before the departure of the large Work Parties. Those figures of 63 for Heart Attacks, 6 Coronaries and 5 Cerebral Haemorrhages out of a parcel of 174, even though there is, at this stage, the other group '48 - not recorded', pose quite a few questions; if that applies to one Battalion, what might similar take-out as regard the aggregate of the Ps.O.W. (Jap) show. We have not death certificate for each and everyone in the Battalion but we would expect that the Dept of Vet Affairs might have more information then it may be that the Dept could become more practically minded and get away from it's stone wall tactics. Our Association has not any figure of how many there may be amongst its 326 members, who may have suffered, but recovered from heart attacks, angina troubles and related problems, suffice it to say that there are quite a few and surer the Dept. of Veterans' Affairs has enough statistics in its files that it may be able to give a fairly close sum of how many of 8 Div. have died of Heart Trouble or Troubles stemming from Hypertension. The book "The Albert Coates Story" is now on sale at P.O.W. Rooms. It is to be hoped that the Dept of Vet. Affairs may see fit to purchase some for reading by its medicos and Tribunals. Unfortunately your scribe knows that medicos here in Aus and elsewhere do not credit what went on over there. Jack Maclay has told me that whilst an inmate at Concord, a friend on the Medical Staff learnt that Jack had been an R.A.P. Orderly in a hospital on 'the Line' and it being the custom of the Officers' Mess at the Hospital, to have guests from time to time to talk on talk on matters of medical interest, an invitation was extended to Jack to be such Guest Speaker. Jack knew from their queries and looks that there was disbelief in many of the things that he was describing, so told them that any verification that they might want could be obtained from John Taylor at any time and heard later from John that one of the medicos had approached him, to be promptly told that, if Jack Maclay had said, what was purported to be said, then Jack Maclay was correct, and as his M.O. there John would back him up. Returning to our Case History his letter of rejection went on to say that the claimant's report does record one certain disability, but states that that is a rejected disability in any case. I query whether the Act says it is so, or whether as adopted by the Dept. It certainly looks that, if you do have that disability from over there you're on the way out before you even get one foot in the door. It certainly is not satisfactory for the Dept. of Vet. Affairs to wash it's hands, like Pontius Pilate, by saying that "it is not satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that there are insufficient grounds for allowing the claim in respect of member's incapacity," and in the next paragraph to say "We recognise that you have an incapacity, we will treat you for it as a P.O.W." Is it not our right? You can feel the condescension. Such treatment dies with us in due course and does not give our widow or dependents, where they exist, a pension. SO IS IT LATER THAN YOU THINK? IT LOOKS LIKE THE SAME TREATMENT AS THE OLD 3/- a DAY AND SUBSTANTIAL JUSTICE WOULD NOT SEEM TO BE DONE. Battalion History - "Galleghan's Greyhounds" - Paperback. The number of orders, which have been received for the paperback copy of the Battalion History, has led the Executive to place the order for the actual printing. The Printer's working on the preliminaries. You are not too late, if you wish to order copies. We seek more buyers. But, this Edition, similarly to the original edition, is to be very limited in number. As at the time when this copy of "MAKAN" is being typed there are 100 histories to be available over and above those ordered already. Let me know if you want a copy. Please do not delay. When those 100 go it will be a case of , “I'm sorry Mate, You've missed the bus,” so as they say with the Pools, “Get your order in”. Bronze Plaque - Sungei Gemencheh Bridge Near Gemas, Malaysia In placing this plaque on the bridge the Association will mark the place, where the first major engagement between Australian and Japanese Forces occurred in 1939-1945 World War II. Where the 2/30 Bn went into action and stopped the Japanese advance (even, if only for 2 days). The Committee of the Association has agreed to the plan to place a bronze plaque on the concrete approach to the present bridge, which is located about 50 yards downstream from the bridge, which was blown up by the Engineers at the start of the Ambush by "B" Company on 14/1/1942. Agreement to this plan is subject to approval by the Malaysian Government. Request for permission to erect the Plaque has been sent to the Malaysian Government, through our Department of Foreign Affairs and the Malaysian High Commission in Canberra and a reply is expected any day. Senior Officers at the High Commission believe that permission will be granted. A sub-Committee, consisting of Bruce Upcroft, "Doc" Wilson and Ron Maston, has been given the job of organising the Project and, as well as dealing with the High Commission in Canberra, has been in touch with Tan Sri Mubin Sheppard in Kuala Lumpur, the latter is being most helpful. It is hoped to hold a dedication Ceremony at 4p.m. on 14 Jan. 1979 at the Bridge. This will be 37 years after the old wooden bridge was blown up, marking the commencement of the Gemas Battle, of which we in 2/30 Bn can be justly proud. It is felt that Members of the Association and their wives; Ex-Members of the Bn and wives, together with Widows of deceased members, also sons and daughters and friends could be interested in making a trip to Malaysia to participate in the dedication of the Plaque and to make a tour throughout Southern Malaysia and Singapore in order to visit those places that are so important to the 2/30 Bn. Therefore the Malaysian Airlines has been approached to prepare a tourist package for such a Tour and it is most interested. Depending upon the number of people making the trip a very special rate for travel & accommodation may be available. Several Tours are being investigated and, when a decision is made, as to which one to accept, a BROCHURE will be prepared by the Travel People, for sending to interested members of the Association and anyone else, who may be nominated by members of the Association as being interested. The type of Tour, being looked at, is e.g. for 16 days and 14 nights, as follows:
Such a Tour would be of interest and the opportunities for the "Do You Remember?" type of discussion would be many. During the trip that Gretta and I made in 1976 I was surprised at the ease, with which I found some places, but others were difficult to locate. However, where there is a group of people, there will always be someone, who can recognise a place. COSTS: If a minimum of 30 people make the trip an approximate price would be $850.00 per person, to cover Return Air Fare and Accommodation on a Double or Twin-bed Room only basis, Transfers from Airports and sole use by the party of air-conditioned coach. Where any one person has need to require bedroom on a single only basis, such would be available on payment of an additional $115.00. The cost of Meals is not included, except for the one occasion of the Group Dinner at Raffles Hotel, such expenses are to be regarded as personal and need to be allowed in your purse or pocket money apart from the above expenses. The above figures are given as an example; are subject to confirmation of hotel's; and is also at current exchange rates. The price includes accommodation in Kuala Lumpur at the Holiday Inn and in Singapore at the Hyatt Hotel. The more people, who make the trip, the cheaper the cost becomes per person. Anyone interested in making the trip is asked to contact RON MASTON, up to 28th Aug '78. Ron will then be in Malaysia-England-Europe until 12 Nov 78. During that time please contact either BRUCE UPCROFT or "DOC" WILSON. If you lose the above addresses advise Alex. Dandie, We would like to get an idea, as soon as possible, how many people would consider such a trip, so that Tourist People can prepare brochures etc. to give detailed particulars of Tour. At this stage approx. a dozen people have shown interest in going and one has offered to contribute a donation to costs with the plaque itself. As far as payment of money for the Tour, this is not required at this stage. In any case it will be payable to the Travel Agent and the brochure will give details of what is to be done in this regard. Ron Maston. 8 Div. A.I.F. National Memorial Committee - 1978 Reunion, The Memorial Committee had indicated, it felt that it should test out the feelings of, as many people as could be contacted, regarding their wishes to hold another Reunion similar to that of last year. Unfortunately the number of acceptances, received by the Memorial Committee, was very small and that Committee was left with no alternative, in the circumstances, not to proceed further with the arrangements. There will be the usual short wreath-laying ceremony, on the 13th Aug. '78 at about 3 o’clock outside the Bathurst City Hall at the 8 Div. Memorial, conducted by the Memorial Committee and should anyone of the Unit happen to be able to get to Bathurst that afternoon, a cordial invitation to join in the wreath laying ceremony is extended by the Memorial Committee to them. Last Post
NX27140 - Henry
Leonard ("Baldy'') Barnes At the Annual Reunion in 1950 Len was seen for the first time in years since demobilisation. It was learnt that he had been a very lucky man in having a wonderful wife, in Honey, and that they had been blessed with four beautiful daughters, Len and Honeys marriage at St. Mary's Cathedral, Sydney, on 15/3/41 was such an important occasion to his mates that a Guard of Honour was formed from the Battalion outside the Cathedral with Len Dawson keeping them under control. In that year it was found that he was living on Scotland Island in the Pittwater, where he carried on the jobs of local builder, wharf constructor and local launch service proprietor. He plunged into Association activities and helped the organisers of some of the Annual Balls of those times. He moved to Avalon and then to Yeppoon, Queensland, where the family ran the business, "Barney's Fish Bar" for three years with Len as the office Manager, but the popularity of the business, stemming from the effervescent, likeable nature of both Len and Honey, led, first, to employment of a staff outside the family and then, to the sale of the business, because it had grown so much, that it was taxing them too much health wise. Then in 1961 Len discovered - "Utopia" - a Coconut Plantation at Bramston Beach, which lay between Innisfail and Cairns, North Queensland; a holding that covered 160 acres and provided a tropical paradise, with 1000 tall coconut palms approximately 60 years old; and, shortly after purchase, they had 5000 young palms in a nursery and had a market for them just waiting. However, the success that they have made of the plantation has not been, of course, without hard work, on which Len seemed to thrive, also it was due to the mercurial temperament, which Len had, which lent that inborn talent to his salesmanship. It was the cause of him being such good company, with tales related, as Stan Arneil has put it, "with such a blandly innocent air that it is very amusing and we are sure that there will be a waiting list for a day out with Len." As far as the first point was concerned, it was Stan, who commented that "at that time Len had the misfortune to break two ribs so, at the moment, he has confined himself to only doing 3 men's work instead of his usual heavy tasks”, whilst comment by one other "MAKAN" Editor, Phil Schofield, on activities of Len & himself, travelling to a Tamworth Biennial 8 Div Reunion Dinner by train and I quote, "while Vi is of the firm opinion that your Editor can talk most people off their perch, after seeing the pair of us at it for 7 hours, she reckons young Len held his own and probably came out a winner." Len's business interests in the coconut plantation led to Honey and him making a few trips to Tonga and enjoying the hospitality of the people in those islands. Not content with receiving their freely given hospitality, Len sought to increase their happiness by donating trophies for different competitions in which his organizing ability was evident, with dancing competitions for groups from all the villages; for coconut husking competitions; donating a silver cup in the latter case to be held by the Tongans until the record time accorded to them for husking is beaten by some other Country. The record being sent to the Guinness Book of Records. That flair of imagination in Len was responsible for him winning a competition, from which the Lions Club of Yeppoon went ahead to put his idea into concrete form with the establishment of the Captain Cook Memorial Camp on South Keppell Island, just off Yeppoon, so that children of Australia could enjoy the opportunity of visiting the Barrier Reef. Len has not been well over the last few years, with heart, and liver not performing to perfection. We, in Sydney, saw him last at the Anzac Day March 1977, when he marched with us and we enjoyed his company later at the Ex-P.O.W. Club in Clarence St. A comment, made to your scribe afterwards was, that, although admitting to having had some heart attacks in the past, he just laughed them off, he would not let others be saddened by his troubles; to the outside world he lived in the great design of being happy and promoting happiness. Your scribe had received a letter from Honey to say that Len had been in Greenslopes Repat. Hosp. Brisbane for a fortnight in April and arrangements were made for him to return on the 17th May for more tests and possible open heart surgery on an exploratory basis. There was some risk in this procedure, but Len decided to go ahead. Accordingly preparations had been made at home for him to leave on the morning of the 17th, but the trip back to Hospital was not to be; he fell asleep watching the A.B.C. News that evening and Honey and their children were left with no chance to say Goodbye. Kevin Ward fixed it to get in touch with George Johnson, "C" Company at Wangan, the nearest 2/30 man to Miriwinni and through George's good offices a Battalion wreath was provided to honour Len at his funeral service and at the burial service in Babinda Cemetery. The Battalion has it's own memorial for Len in that the first set of the five palms, set in a circle around the Memorial at Pymble, came from Len's Plantation. We mourn with Honey, their four daughters and their families at his passing, but we are glad that we knew him.
Mrs Gwenyth Rea
Campbell She and Alex had known each other before the War and it was a happy reunion, when he came back, leading to them marrying in 1946. They were blessed with three fine sons, Ross, Andrew and Graham. She had become a secretary in a Solicitor's Office but that was not the vocation, for which she felt she was meant. She turned to nursing, her first three years of training being, not in a general hospital, but in one devoted to children, retarded and with abnormal defects at birth. It was after this period that she moved to general nursing to become fully trained. Her married life has been a full one, devoted to her family, but at the same time seeking to serve others: in the Kirk; in Health, still helping regularly at retarded children's homes in the Community, being a Helper in the Meals on Wheels Project but, not in her own suburb, where she felt that there could be many to serve, but in Leichhardt, simply because she felt that there might be more old and sick folk there, who might have more need of her help, because there might be fewer in number to do the helping. At this Service of Thanksgiving for her Life and Witness the I Section was represented by Curly Heckendorf (who flew up from Lockhart that morning), Alan Penfold, George Clarke, Ian Pryce, Ken Crispin, together with Marjorie Penfold, Fifi Clarke, Joan Crispin and her daughter, Ruth, Olga Pryce, Alf Hyem's wife, Myrtle, and Cliff Bayliss' wife, Florence, now Mrs Bennie. In addition Noel Johnston, Johnnie Parsons and Alex. Dandie were others of the Battalion. We sympathise with Alex, his three sons and Alex's aged Mother at her passing. We salute her for the good things that she had done with her life.
May Martin (wife of
Carl “Kingie” Martin) It was after a matter of only a few weeks that Sid rang to tell me the sad news that May had died. Norma Veivers (Coffs Harbour) was good enough to arrange for a wreath for the Battalion for the funeral service, so that Kingie would know that we knew and felt for him in his loss. Kevin WARD's family has had another loss in that Kevin's uncle, his Mother's closest brother, who had been in the 8 Div. in Malaya has died. Word of his death was received by Kevin on the same night, that he learnt of Len Barnes' death,
Clive Bates – Greta,
2330 - D Company He also commented, "Understandably his widow, Rena, and family were most upset'' WE WILL REMEMBER THEM. Return Thanks Honey Barnes has written to say that she had had letters and cards from many members of the Battalion Association and that she feels that she knows so many through reading "MAKAN". While she has tried to write to everyone to thank them, she has asked if I might also just give her sincere thanks in "MAKAN" - "the letters and cards and the esteem, in which he was held by his former mates has done a lot to give me the strength to still be here. Thanks again from the girls and myself. Honey", Gladys Odgers sends her most sincere thanks for the expressions of sympathy sent to her. Her eldest daughter, Shirley, had taken Gladys with her, Peter, her husband and their son, Richard, on a trip to Singapore and Philippines for a pick up after the strain of the last few months. Gladys is back here now, with Clarrie Lattimer giving her most wonderful help in the business arrangements at home. She feels that she does not know what to do, with the family all scattered, Shirley back in New Guinea; Jack at Bass Hill, Sydney; Frank at Caloundra, Queensland and Margaret, the Matron at Warialda Hospital. She has ideas of moving back to Lismore, where her own people are living, round about, but will adjust to everything in time. Muriel Tate has also expressed her thanks to all Dave's mates in the Bn. and says that she has appreciated more deeply than you can ever know the kindness of the different ones in writing to her; that it is comforting to know that Dave had many friends in the Bn. and that, while she may not have met them, Dave, used to talk about events that happened, whilst he was a P.O.W. in connection with names of his mates, as mentioned in the "MAKAN" at different times, so that they are not strangers to her, and she wants to keep the contact, which "MAKAN" grants, by continuing to receive it. (It will be our pleasure, Muriel, to see that your wish is granted. A.D.) Muriel also had a rest away. In her case she went to Canberra with her married daughter. She says that George, their older son, who is 16 years of age and had been working with Dave on the farm all last year, so that he knows the ropes, will try to carry on there on the farm until everything is settled. Jack Commans' Sister, Mrs Mavis Rogers, Frankston, 3199, has written, saying, "Thank you to the men of Jack's Battalion for your expression of sympathy. The pity of it as far as Jack was concerned was that we did not know how he was; that he was never really well after he had had a stroke, but he was an amazing man, after all that had happened to him and being in hospital so long, He had tried living in Melbourne with his brothers; but his arthritis had put him in agony, so that he could not stand the cold. He had become deaf, as he had osteomyelitis and Paget's disease in the head; so that he had to have everything written down for him. Jack had come of a very large family, but there are two only now remaining, as our other sister had died early this year at the Heidelberg Repat. Hospital in Melbourne; was buried on the one day, we were notified the next day that Jack had gone into a coma, and he did not recover from that. Jack and she were very close in looks and nature but now both are at peace.”
Geoff Alcock (B
Company) - Thornleigh, 2120 Sick Parade
IN HOSPITAL as at
28/7/1978:
DISCHARGED SINCE
LAST REPORT: News, Views and Who's Who
Reg Napper - Lane
Cove, 2066 - D Company He thinks that he was the last of the 2nd World War men. For 10 years now he had been with a Training Group for the O.C.T.U. and rough figures show that some 5/600 Officer Cadets must have owed some of their training to Reg. Appreciation was shown for the work, which he had put into his training by giving him a Farewell at a Formal Dinner of the O.C.T.U. His two Training Groups have been at Bardia Barracks, Ingleburn and he had another Farewell from it's Sergeants' Mess. He has been made a Life Member of that Mess, at least the honour they bestowed on him, is the right to walk into their Mess at any time he's passing and have a drink on the Mess. Reg was awarded the M.B.E. in the 1965 New Years Honours List. He received the Efficiency Medal for 12 years continuous service and has 3 clasps with it, one for each 6 yrs after the first 12. The third clasp he received from the Chief Instructor, Lt. Col. Hart, during a special Unit Parade of the Training Group, since it is rare that any man serves for 30 years. Reg also has one other rare award, The Infantry Combat Badge, which he received in 1973, being a serving member of the C.M.F. at the time of it’s issue to Korea and Vietnam veterans.
Ron Ollis – Hawks
Nest, 2314 – HQ Company I haven't made any dents in the fish population as yet, as I want to get all my chores done first, so that I can really concentrate later. Hope springs eternal. Regards to All, Ron.
Tom Grant -
Murwillumbah, 2484 - C Company It was only a week or so ago that Roy Douglas' name was mentioned. Ray, his cousin, lives opposite me and told me that he had died some years ago; from what he said, Roy was, at the time, employed by the P.M.G. and was living somewhere south of here; not having seen him for years prompted me to ask his cousin about him, Mention of a Plaque at Gemencheh Bridge in May / June copy "MAKAN". - This was mooted, of course, by Ron Maston, 2 I/c C Company in those days. While one certainly appreciates the sentiments expressed on the matter, I are inclined to question the wisdom of such a course at this stage, 36 years after. The site must be somewhat off the beaten track and in a foreign land, where it's significance may be misunderstood. Hope you do not think it wrong of me to express this view. It is said that wisdom comes from a variety of views on any matter. (It is far from wrong to let all know how you feel on any one matter, which is before the Executive. Only if everyone lets us know their views will the Executive know that it has the disapproval or approval of its Members. The majority view MUST be adopted; OUR's is a democratic Association, Not a Dictatorship - in theory at any rate, though with lack of numbers at Annual General Meetings it is at best a "Benevolent government." What is there the reason for naming this Section as it is, if it is not meant to give space to views of all? Ed) People, who have travelled back to various places, such as the Railway, Changi, Kranji and such places, seem to indicate an excellent job having been done in remembering those, who did not come back. I found the Mick Lovell story moving and it confirms, what other people have said, especially about the cemetery hard by the Bridge, somewhere near Kanburi. Graham McLeod's remarks May / June "MAKAN" were ones, that I wish I had said, April issue of "Reveille" on 'Private' Pensions' Page under the heading "Aggression - Anxiety and Depression" reported Dept of Vet. Affairs Psychiatrists' findings on such matters to be that, whilst disappearing with cessation of hostilities, they could return in civilian life. That there is a misconception in the theory that normal or stable individuals can stand virtually anything (P.O.W. (Jap) are one group studied in this sphere.) In our own case humiliation at the hands of our enemy was one thing in which he was well versed. On our return ignorance displayed by some of our own people did not help some. I see Tom Nixon has not improved much. What's he mean by harbouring Queensland political refugees at Brunswick Heads? We have enough trouble here on the Tweed defending our Poker Machines, without being stabbed in the back by Brunswick Heads. (At least you must give Tom credit for the grounds on which he bases a desire to deport him. Ed) Of myself and family, I am pleased to say that we are in pretty good shape. Am going to Ballina in August; must not miss that. Am hoping to go to Sydney next Anzac Day, I think that I would like that. I have not been back there for many years. I was talking to Joe Veivers a week or so ago. He and his wife, Norma, were up to the funeral of a relative. Both looked well. Joe is one of those people, who never seem to age, in order to kick the conversation along, I started to talk football; a grave mistake in Joe's presence. He turned to the other bloke and said to him, "Listen to him talking football. Never played in his life." I got quite offended; after all I reserve the right, like other people, to talk of things, about which I know nothing. That's what comes of having a son, who is a footballer and a cricketer. Besides, as a citizen and a ratepayer, I was only exercising my democratic right; ask the politicians of the day. Cheers to all. Tom."
Tom Bicknell -
Killara, 2071 - C Company
Reg Etherington -
Wyong, 2259 - HQ Company, Transport I am enclosing the copy of the Menu for that First Anniversary dinner at Batu Pahat on 22/11/1941, just in case somebody might be interested in seeing it. (Your Scribe has the Menu if anyone wishes to see it. The words, inscribed on the back of it, are the first verse and the chorus of the song, "Onward the Greyhounds" of which "Ward Booth" was the author, and of which the whole seven verses were set out in "MAKAN" No 189, Jan/Feb 1971, with the warning that it was not to be confused with Cpl. Bill Middleton's masterpiece "Purple and Gold", which is the Regimental Song.)
Bob Wells -
Gresford, 2421 - D Company
Les Hemming -
Yagoona, 2199 - HQ Company I lost my Mother in February, and coupled with not feeling A1 it knocked me quite a bit. (I am sorry to hear this, Dorothy and, on behalf of the lads of the Bn, extend to you our sympathy with you at her passing. A.D.) Les still has his nerve problems, but, is battling on at the Chullora Workshops. Found the accompanying piece on the front of "Service", Official Journal of N.S.W. Railway & Tramway Ex-Services Association. Thought that you might use it sometime." (Thank you, Dorothy, and there is no better time than now, with apologies to that Association. Ed) "Beatitudes For Friends Of The Aged"
Blessed are they,
who understand my faltering step and palsied hand.
Allen J. Gilbert -
Beverly Hills 2209 - B Company
"Paddles" Clune -
Taree, 2430 - A Company Also to send you a programme of our Reunion, set for Sat 19th August and hope that you will get some of the boys to come up for it. Yourself and 20 more. (Please see page 2. A.D.) All of our 30th boys are O.K. in Taree except for Bill Newton, who has not been too well and, in addition, he has his wife, Mary, in hospital, but she is not too bad. Well mate I will close this scribble, as I hate writing letters. Remember me to the boys and tell them I will see them at our Reunion. Best Regards, Jack Clune, ("Paddles")
Jack Ellis -
Condobolin, 2877 - HQ Company, Transport As you see by the above address, we have left the farm after 32 years and have retired into Condobolin. Jack has a job though. He works at the High School four days a week in the agricultural side of things - it suits him very well and keeps his hands and mind occupied still on the land. We have one Grandson and seven grand-daughters now. Our eldest daughter's husband is the greenkeeper of Double Bay Bowling Club. Our second son-in-law is the policeman in charge at Jugiong and the third lives in Hazelbrook, so they are all scattered, but do come up for their holidays. We see Ernie Willis occasionally in Parkes and Elsie. They have had a bit of a bad time, as Elsie hasn't been too good either. I hope this note finds you all in the best of spirits and we send an open invitation for any of Jack's mates, who are travelling through, to pop into the above address - All are welcome. Best regards, Val and Jack Ellis."
Ray Godbolt -
Merewether, 2291 - D Company I have been keeping fairly well of late. I went for bit of a trip around a couple of months back. I went North and saw some of the boys. I must say, we are all showing our ages now. I had a great time. The first town was Armidale. I called on Ray and Elsie Reeves for a while. They wanted us to stay, but we had to get on. Next stop was Grafton, where I saw Harry Rhodes and Tom Davis. Then up to Casino, to see the one and only, Nugget Crummy. He said that he hadn't been too good, but that he was much better now. After having a good yarn with him, we went on up to Artie and Nancy Power at Kyogle, where we stayed for a couple of days and what a time we had there. They rang up Dadda Olley and he came in that night, also Bill Sorenson. We sat in one corner and the womenfolk in the other, and it was a toss-up as to who did the most talking. The next day we all went down to Lismore to see Harry and Flo Teasdale. Harry is much better now and we were able to have a good yarn with him, although, when he became a bit excited, it took him a while to get it all out. After staying with the Powers, we went on to see Ossie Jackson, then on to stay with Joe and Sybil Johnston. They rang up everyone within a 50 mile radius to be at Ballina R.S.L. on the Saturday night and we had a great time. There were Bruce Greer, Norm & Raema Watkins, Len & Wyn Clavan, but I could not keep pace with them all. I usually only have 2 or 3 drinks at any time, but that night, I had about 3 lined up in front of me all night. The next day Joe took us up to see Harry Riches, who also rang up Ernie Stratford and he and his wife came down in the afternoon. The next move was on down the coast to do some fishing and to have a bit of a rest after such a hectic time. We called on Ben Pearce, who took us for a nice drive up to Dorrigo, but we missed seeing "Kingie"' Martin, as he was away in Sydney. We had Anzac Day in Wauchope and, when they found out that I knew Darby Young, I became the star guest. I only wish Darby would go back up there for an Anzac Day. Mavis said that she had never met so many nice people before, as we were welcomed into everyone's home like long lost relations. After we were home a few days, I learnt the sad news of Clive Bates' death. Most of the boys from around were at the funeral. I called in to see his wife, Rena, last week, to see how things were, and, whilst she has been deeply shocked, she is apparently handling things fairly well. My regards to all, from Ray Godbolt."
Keith McFarlane -
Murwillumbah, 2484 - A Company
Stan Grainger -
Caboolture, Q. 4510 - C Company Our daughter, Vicki, was married on the 13th May. It was a lovely day and, being a garden wedding, the good weather was welcome. Stephen is home, on nine weeks' holiday from Camooweal. He still enjoys his job as policeman. Of course, Stan is giving him plenty of jobs around the house. We hope to get down to the Reunion at Ballina in August so will have some more news from there. Kind Regards to all. Colleen Grainger." (Thank you; as it often has been said, "What would we do without our Secretary / wives? It was great to hear from you, Colleen. Ed).
Jack Grossmith - Woy
Woy, 2256 - HQ Company, Sigs. Activities hereabouts have been somewhat hectic of late - Must write to you about it soon. Jack"
Ron Johnston -
Broadbeach, Q 4217 - C Company I sold my property, "Blacksoil", in the Darling Downs, late last year and moved to the Gold Coast in October. We have a beautiful home on the canal, complete with swimming pool and gardens. Both Meg and I would welcome any visitors at any time. I intend to try to make the Ballina Reunion this year. Has any word been heard of Stan Coultas from C Company? (News from Stan is long out of date, I'm sorry to say, Ron, it appears that he went back to Stockinbingal, where his Dad had been; in 1949 he was running a carrier business; in 1956 he was married. "MAKAN" carries no later information. It would seem that "Darkie"' Despoges, who had a Carrier run from Cootamundra, might be our closest source of information. Ed.) I read with extreme interest the idea from Ron Maston of placing a Memorial Plaque on Sungei Gemencheh Bridge. Near 5 years ago I drove over this area, taking photos etc; and feel that the suggestion of Ron is terrific. Put me down for a donation, when ready, and also Meg and I would be interested in joining a group to travel to Singapore. Only last week (Mid May) I returned from my second visit to Singapore. It is becoming harder every day to find the old places, that meant so much to us all. If a group of us were together, I'm sure it would have so much more meaning than going by yourself. Since coming to the Gold Coast I have entered business again, namely being the Gold Coast Agent for Silicone Consolidated Industries Pty Ltd. It is a wonderful opening and a wonderful product, and, as I always need a challenge, I am getting right into the marketing of 'Silicone 18', which waterproofs mortar and bricks etc. Meg and I are both keen golfers and have become members of Southport Golf Club. Well, I will away. Kindest regards to all. Your old mate, Ron Johnston. P.S. Please note the correct address”.
Vernon Baynes -
Edgecliff, 2027 - D Company
Alan Pryde -
Cremorne Point, 2090 - Bn. QM.
Ted Skuse -
Tuncurry, 2428 - A Company
Arnie Ainsworth -
Mollymook, 2539 - HQ Company, Transport Please extend my regards to the boys, especially to Les Hall, Phil Schofield G.E.R. and Noel Johnston. Sincerely, Arnold A."
"Curly" Simpson -
Minnamurra, 2532 - A Company, 9 Platoon I thought I might be able to stir up something about it so I got out my box of 'evidence', Jack's letters home, practically all of which were written between the end of final leave and the beginning of hostilities, and look as though he wrote them with a tortured spider, pinned on the end of a stick. Quite a lot passed the censor, however, not from dereliction of duty but inability to decipher. In those days I was clever enough to be able to decipher them, but this old reprobate of mine has become cunning and no longer puts anything down in writing, with the result that I have got out of practice with the deciphering game and it will need more time than I've got at the moment, so I did not continue my search. Jack has to go down to the Tribunal tomorrow. It looks as though he might have to have another big operation as well; relief from the last op. was only temporary. No wonder the Jap found it tough going, when little blokes like Jack have so much courage. Oh well; time to revert to slavey again. "Our best wishes to all, Thelma and Jack Simpson".
Dennis Garland -
Collaroy, 2097 - B Company I guess any Association of our type and it's means of communication are only as good as the people, who contribute and those who manage the enterprise, so thank you and good health and good luck to you all. Kindest regards, Dennis Garland." (on behalf of the "MAKAN" staff and the Members of the Executive; I thank you and your friends for those kind words. I am glad that our members do contribute their stories, both past and present and we are very grateful for their assistance; both types of contribution, the cash and the anecdotes, are needed to keep our "MAKAN" in circulation. Ed.)
Ron "Jacko" Jackson
- Chatswood, 2067 - B Company Still, I had a game of golf last Sunday and drove home in the dark. The "Nineteenth!" was the best hole of all and I managed things quite nicely. My regards to the boys. and I hope this will find them in the best of health and spirits. Yours, Jacko."
"Curly" Heckendorf -
Lockhart, 2656 - BHQ (I Section) "Heck", "Curly" Curly also sent a clipping from the Narrandera paper, as he thought that it would be of interest to "MAKAN" readers, and I heartily agree, and so will you, when you read it, as it tells that TERRY O'ROURKE - c/- Forestry Office, Narrandera - C Company was the recipient of a Gold Medal. We quote from the Narrandera Argus, Thurs, 15/6/78: "The Public Service Association's gold medal for long and meritorious service to the Association has been awarded to a Narrandera man, Mr. T.P. O'Rourke. It is the highest award that the Association can award to its members. Mr O'Rourke has been the Secretary of the Murrumbidgee District Branch for the past 15 years, delegate to the Annual Conference continually for 16 years, County Councillor for the past 12 years. The decision to make the award was made by the Association's Central Council in January this year and it was presented to Mr. O'Rourke at the Annual Conference of the Association in Sydney recently. Mr. O'Rourke, who is employed with the Forestry Commission, received from the P.S.A. General Secretary a citation, which commended Mr. O'Rourke on his work for the Association. As well as his work for the P.S.A., Mr O'Rourke is active in community affairs at Narrandera, where he is the long serves Secretary of the Narrandera Sub-Branch of the R.S.L." (I received the same extract from the Argus from Terry himself, with comment only, "Cutting from local paper attached" ( Hearty Congratulations, Terry, from all your cobbers. Ed) Terry also says, "I will certainly try to attend this year at the Annual Reunion at the P.S.A. Club. I would like to see as many 14 Platoon and C Company blokes there as possible. Actually I prefer Saturday's Meetings, as this saves taking a day's Recreation leave. My son, Jim, and his wife Nellie, have gone to Europe for a 13 weeks tour. Five of them hired a Camper Van and will travel through Europe and Britain on this most enjoyable trip. As Nellie's relations are Dutch, they have made Holland their base camp. Muriel and I are both well. Daughter, Kathleen, is now at University of NSW; she is in second year, doing Arts-Law and is going quite well. Margaret is a teacher, but, as she resigned, she is finding it hard to get back. If anyone is looking for a job and is near Sydney, she works at the Commonwealth Employment Office in Bathurst St, as Employment Officer. John is also O.K. He is working on a farm up near Upper Lansdowne via Coopernook. Please give my regards to all, Terry O'Rourke.”
Les Hall - Harbord,
2096 - HQ Company (Sigs) I was so absorbed, I felt inwardly annoyed when my wife insisted that I have my meals. It is truly a wonderful, factual account of our lives in those wretched days. The authors deserve the highest possible praise and continuing publicity. As to the latter, I have requested the Editor of the 2/30 Bn Association Journal, "Makan", to publicise the book, so as to enable the surviving 2/30 Bn members of "A" Force to purchase and read one of the best writings concerning P.O.W. days. The late Sir Albert Coates was truly an amazing personality. He saved not only my left leg, but my life as well. I owe him a great lot; may he have a special place in Heaven. God bless his memory." (Your Scribe read that paragraph in his copy of the Ex-P.O.W. Magazine. He wondered – underline the three words, ‘I have requested' - and waited.....A phone call did come, with Les at the other end, wishing to tell me how serious Arnie Ainsworth's dog bite had been; to tell me that George Stephenson had given him a photo for me. The photo being the Bn Soccer Team, which had played opposite the Batu Pahat Soccer team on the Padang at Batu Pahat; to tell me that he and Gladys had been made great-grandparents for the 5th time on the 12 June, when Renee Lorraine was born at Ryde Hospital but not a word to do with a book, "The Albert Coates Story", so now your scribe knows that he is not the only one with a bad memory, because Les had to confess that he had thought he had been in touch with me. He apologised to the ‘young’ (his words) Alex Dandie and his apology has been accepted.) Les has asked that "I give as much publicity as I can to "The Albert Coates Story", which will most certainly interest 2/30 Bn Members of "A" Force or "Ramsay Force"; and others, it may be bought from the Ex-P.O.W. Association Rooms 101/105 Clarence St, Sydney personally or by post to GPO Box 5032, Sydney, 2001, sending in $10, giving your name and address in block letters. (Your scribe can endorse Les' remarks about the story being absorbing. I also put a few things aside, so that I had more time to devote to reading he book, which I completed in two days. I have read two other books on "A" Force's troubles after leaving Singapore, but neither had shown the fight by the M.O.'s against the inhumanity of the Japs so well, nor revealed the ingenuity and research carried out by some, whose civil life had given them skills, which Sir Albert Coates used to advantage; the improvisations, which were even more creditable than those carried out in Changi, because they were working in Jungle Hospitals. It may quite truly be said that many who were there in "A" Force and did come home, knew of the M.O.'s fight, but not of the background boys' work; the chemist's slow work to spread the benefit of 1 small phial of drug to 1 grain in a solution to allow of local anaesthetic being administered or the treatment of the gut of the yak to give antiseptic sinew for sewing up the operation wound, to mention only two jobs. I do earnestly advise everyone, whether on "A” Force, any other Force on the Line, or not, and anyone, who wants to know at least some of the life of the Troops there, not to pass up the opportunity of securing a copy of this book. Apart from the story of the 8 Division in World War II, it is the biography of a man from childhood, progressing through his medical studies by working in the Post Office, partly at night and then shift work; showing that he was a veteran of Gallipoli and France in World War I; and describing his administration of the Hospital, where he worked after demobilisation. A.D.)
Les Hall After the officers were separated from the O.R.s at Chungkai, I cannot recall what was the date, and a large number of O.R.s were taken away, supposedly en-route to Japan or Singapore. I cannot remember any other 2/30 Bn lads left with me on the Line. My last job on the accursed Line was at the bubonic plague camp, known as Brencassi, not very far away from the Three Pagoda Pass. Ten of the lads, who were sent back, there with me, were killed there in a bomb raid. In that group of 90 Australians were members of the 2/4 M.G. Bn, 2/20 Bn, 2/19 Bn, and other Units I quite forget now. Our guards were, as we found out the day, on which they rushed us out of camp due to the rapid development of fighting activity North of our camp - Kempe Tai - I hope I spelt that correctly, if I did not, you will know what I mean, - but surprisingly enough, they were no worse than the Koreans, whom we had had on other jobs; cranky and cruel, but, like us, almost starving, as food was as scarce as hen's teeth. They helped us steal from passing troop trains. It was there that one of the guards, "Whisky Bill ", trapped, killed and cooked a mangy dog, a piece of which, tasted like Manna from Heaven. Anyhow, to get back to what I seek, information as to how many "Ramsay (2/30 Bn) Force" Members were in Thailand, when the balloon came down. Yours, Les Hall".
Ken Crispin -
Jannali, 2226 - Bn HQ (I Sec) Ken is now past his 68th Birthday. He reached the retiring age for the Aus. Gaslight Co, where he worked in it's Advertising Department. He had home commitments, which inflation had increased, so he found a niche with Phoenix Assurance, but it's Head Office was in the U.K. and the hierarchy had decided that it had to put off it's aged employees, so Ken was retired, with a lot of others; but, leaving the Assurance Company on a Friday, Saturday's Herald offered a Govt. position, where age was no barrier and he had other work, on the Monday. He is appalled though by the feather bedding of young workers, who spin out their job by doing less and less; still that does not stop him from doing his stint and, as he is on flexitime, he is able to tailor his allotted times to be suitable to him, especially in regard to his weekends and family. His Boss, by the way, is Max Ramsay, "Gentleman George's" son. Ruth, his daughter, having completed her six years at High School last year, is doing a 12 months course in Advanced Secretarial work and Ken is backing her all along the way.
"MAX" McClelland -
Granville - HQ Company, Pioneers Best wishes to his Battalion Friends, Heather for "Max".
Ernie McNiven -
Southport, Q'land, 4215 - A Company The work was O.K., but the hours were long, from 10a.m. to 2 or 3a.m. Monday to Friday, though we did not have to start till 6p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. I was looking through my scrap book and found a little Poem, which I have copied out and am sending down. It was written by someone at Changi, but it reminded me of Doc Taylor and Jimmy Parsons, who so often told me, that I would be reprimanded for calling Doc Taylor "Skipper", but it never happened. Regards to all. Thanks for the "MAKAN", it is always good to receive it. Mac." The Little Group
Among the front line
soldiers
No guns or rifles
with their gear,
You and I would see
a case,
There are different
groups we all must praise, (Thank you Mac. Yes I would be glad to have any other poems and contributions. Those are the things which stamp it as the Magazine of the Battalion. A.D.)
Jim Strang -
Thornleigh, 2120 - C Company The Anzac Gathering was fantastic and the day was equal to the occasion, though the place of gathering could be improved.
Joe Veivers - Coffs
Harbour, 2450 - A Company Joe is enjoying very good health at the moment and the kids are O.K. We do not see many 2/30 Bn members, but we now have the phone on. If anyone is passing through, we would be pleased to hear from them. All the Best from Joe and myself." (Thank you very much for the help, Norma, very appropriate, A.D)
John Korsch -
Grafton, 2460 - C Company This year the last one of the family to commence teaching, Veronica, is now teaching Art at Dunheved while her husband teaches Industrial Art at Penrith High Russell, the eldest son has been offered a Fulbright Scholarship to do Geology work in the United States, to take in all next year, 6 months on the West Coast and 6 months on the East Coast. He won't know definitely for another 6 weeks or so as I write. Ken, our second eldest, teaching Art at Bellingen High; is the only one providing us with grand-children; Katrina is 3 years old and Nicole is 2 months as of now, 2nd last week of June. I can well understand the others not starting on a family yet, One can't expect them to spend 17 years at school, before they commence to earn money, then turn round and start a family. Incidentally Ken was born on the 15th august (1950), to keep up the incidence of the 15th coming into our lives.
Correct me anyone,
if I am wrong, but here are some dates: I have commenced writing up my diary from over there. Perhaps, after I've completed this task, other dates for the 15 might emerge. I commenced writing it up 21 years ago, but, as the writing was so small and not having a magnifying glass, I had to give it away. All the Best to all the boys, especially to Phil and Les. Regards, John." (I will take the opportunity to add a few 15ths for "J" Force:
15/5/1943 - Left
Selerang Barracks for Singapore.
"Joe" Geoghegan -
Earlwood, 2206 - HQ Company
Wal Eather -
Tamworth, 2340 - HQ Company, A/A Platoon I see Ray Michell .and Tuppy, Doug Hicks and Beryl and Bill Bailey quite frequently and can report that they appear to be still enjoying life. The Tamworth 8th Division Reunion Dinner will be held Saturday, 7th October this year. The Diamond Jubilee of Tamworth Diggers' Golf Day will be held on Sunday, 8th October, I am O.C. for the day again. I am fortunate in having an efficient and keen committee and can commend this weekend to all my 2/30 Bn mates, I shall forward publicity material and programmes, as soon as they are available. Freda and I will try and arrange our affairs, so that we can attend the Ballina Gathering on 12/13 August. We have happy memories of the warm welcome we received from the Ballina folks last November, All the Best and my regards to the Boys, Wal Eather".
Bruce Greer -
Ballina, 2478 - HQ Company Pioneers
Stan Coultas -
Cootamundra, 2590 - C Company The lass, whom Stan married, was a local Stockinbingal girl; by name Elsie, and she and Stan have been blessed with two sons, Allen and Mitchell, with Allen married now. Stan works for the local Shire Council as a truck driver and appears to have reasonable health.
“Darkie” Despoges -
Cootamundra, 2590 - HQ Company I am in reasonable health, but my weight is 98 kg, and I am not very proud of that. In order to try and keep fit I became interested in racing Greyhounds, mainly for the exercise and we manage an occasional winner. I am active in the Coursing Club, being a Committee Man. As well as the Plaster Works, I am the local Agent for Comet Overnight Transport, but do not run to West Wyalong now. Alex, to you and all the rest of the boys I convey my best wishes and may the rest of the time we have left on this earth be as peaceful and as happy as possible. Regards, Darkie. Do You Remember? Bathurst Days. JACK CAREY asks the remaining members of 18 Platoon, if they remember the last Brigade Parade, when 18 Platoon was not only the last Platoon of D Company, but the last Platoon of the last Company of the last Battalion to March past the saluting base, after having stood in the sun, whilst all the rest had moved and the first of the troops were no doubt relaxing. They had come back to their hut and some had not had the opportunity to take their kit off, when it seemed that all the Top Brass were in their hut on top of them, the Brigadier, who had taken the salute, "Black Jack", "Billy the Pig", they did not know who else. To their wonder, when attempts were made to button up coats and grab hats and gear; the words came, "No. No! AT EASE, MEN." The Brigadier had come down to the Platoon to congratulate the men; he said that the drill and movement of the Platoon had been the best of all the hundreds of men, who had gone past him that day and he wanted them to know his opinion of their fine effort. Phil Schofield was their Platoon Sargent at the time and so, despite, at times, being called the 'tail of the Battalion or other worse names, they had done something, which would always distinguish them. Then came the SUNNY CORNER episode; out in the bitterly cold snow, when orders were given that fires could be lit so as to keep warm. It was a Brigade Exercise and 18 Platoon had the honour of being posted as Protective Platoon to Brigade H.Q. in recognition of their good drill work on that Brigade Parade. It would have been a just reward, except for that snow, because all other troops had the enjoyment of their fires but not 18 Platoon until at last it was recognised that they were being penalised unjustly and not rewarded. Jack Carey had said that your scribe could check with Phil Schofield, who had been 18 Platoon's first sergeant, about the incidents, and Phil said, that it was a First Rate Platoon, but, in the first few days at Tamworth, being mostly country lads they had no idea of marching, sort of too used to walking over the furrows on the farm, so he waited until the other platoons had gone off, marched 18 Platoon over to the side under some peppercorn trees and pitched some sales talk to them on becoming, as we can now say, the "Dai ichi" or No. 1 Platoon. Phil went on to say one, Bob BEATTIE, had no equal as a Scout. His bush lore and keen eyesight were perhaps his best attributes and, Phil remembers when 18 Platoon was training at Tamworth and Bob told him that the "enemy” were in some scrub on a hill nearly 12 miles away. Phil queried how he could be certain of his claim and Bob replied that he had seen some birds flying round as having been disturbed, so there were the enemy and it proved that he was correct. Phil said that Bob was as mad as a hatter on bayonet training, and bayonet fighting was one thing that Phil had specialized in during his pre-war militia training and it gave him the edge on lot of others, so Phil had set to and had a bayonet assault course made for his troops. When the Old Man came along to inspect it, he said, "Good God, Man, I said to make a tough course but not to kill 'em."...."What's the time that you reckon it would take you to do it?" Phil reckoned on completing it in 70 secs. B.J. wanted to know, if he would test out one of the boys on it. Phil asked Bob Beattie to do it. He came through in 40 secs. Bob, you might say, was 'as mad as a hatter' on bayonet fighting. In the Nominal Roll - 'Missing List' - It says, NX 47652 Pte R.G. Beattie, 15/1/1942 'Last seen using bayonet amongst foremost enemy. D Company Attack'. Bathurst Days Once Again TOM GRANT writes, "Got talking to Joe Veivers a week or two ago. The matter of 'Lights Out' during Bathurst Days came up. It seems Joe objected to the custom enforced by various orderly N.C.O.s and Officers. I won't tell you what he said about them. Soldiers it seems are treated at times like children. At least it appears that way. Verbal protests are a natural reaction to such things. We got around to Sid Grounds. Sid was with C Company before he transferred to A Company. He also disliked the custom and said so. He loved a game of cards, so that the dousing of the lights was a sad blow to the game. He was not one to take that sort of thing lying down. Being a man of action, he and his card-playing mates purchased one of those lanterns run on kerosene. Enough light to play cards and dark enough to miss the roving eye of the Orderly Officer or NCO. They would sit at the end of the hut happily playing a game, together with a few bottles of beer before retiring to the old palliasse spread on the floor. Bathurst in winter was cold in those iron huts. A door at each end, windows spaced so often along its length. It was the custom, in those near blizzard conditions, if the occasion arose, to short cut the long walk to the latrines at the door. It so happened that on one occasion one of those card players found himself in such a state in the small hours of the morning, what with card playing, a bit of beer and being half asleep, that he was quite fuzzy. He arose from his bag of straw, blinked his eyes and made for the nearest light. A hell of a roar signalled the fact that he had mistaken window for the door.........Much cursing and animosity between the two was only settled by much peace making by those present. (While the description of what took place is hilarious, your Editor must leave it to the imagination or memory of those who shared the hut to recreate the scene). The last time that I remember seeing Sid was after we crossed that Railway Bridge, somewhere in Malaya in the dead of night. Those sleepers were none too even and the drop looked 100 ft or more to the river. The whole Unit had strung out in single file. In my section, with me bringing up the rear, I was suddenly aware that we had lost contact with the forward Company. The word was passed to the nearest officer. It may have been Johnny Parsons - not sure - however a hurried conference dictated that we press on with a better pacemaker up front. It was here that the word was passed to the rear to the effect that there was a gap in the line - soon to be mutilated - so that it became "there was a Jap in the line". Having crossed the bridge, one bloke, whom I saw, sitting on the embankment, was Sid. I was pleased to see him. Matters were such in those times as to realise, that we were all from time to time very close to our Maker. In response to my, 'How are you, Sid?' 'It's me feet,' he said, 'They are bloody well killing me'. Mention in "MAKAN" some time ago about everyone coming to see him in Hospital bar 2/30 brought him to mind. Anyway, hope you do not think unkindly of me for relating these things, Sid. Hope all is well again with you and you can still head-'em, as you would like. Tom Grant."
"Vic" - V.W.L. Jones
(Died 5/5/1978)
2/4 Training
Battalion
Fred Newlands – No.
8 Platoon, "A" Company Fred was Engine Driver, with a stoker, who had been in the Engine room of the "Prince of Wales"; he was engaged in driving trains up North to bring down the wounded. Kevin says that "A" Company was particularly interested to see, if he were on any of the trains, that went through, while we were at Batu Anam, but, at the same time, they wished him to be anywhere else, but there, when the Nip Zeros flew over machine-gunning the train. When your scribe asked Fred, how he felt under the shooting, he shrugged his shoulders, but did say, that there was one damn silly thing, that he was asked to do and that, was to bring a crane South from Malacca. When he reached Malacca he found that the crane had not been dismounted but was still standing and, those in authority, wanted him to stand there in the yard with steam up, while the crane was dismantled and even to help with the dismantling. Needless to say, Fred said, he made no bones about leaving straight away, it was just drawing the crabs to stay there in the one spot.
Ray ("Andy") Knox -
C Company Thelma Simpson was good enough to spare the time to give us a few 'bits of poetry'? from her box of 'evidence' as she thought that they 'might be of interest'. We're In Malaya Now
There was a certain
Regiment, and not so very old,
They moved us then
to Changi, gave us bed and box,
They sent us then up
country to fair Batu Pahat,
Now 'A' Company is
our Company, we think it is the best,
Now in among the
Company are a lot of funny blokes,
We have a tallish
Cpl. by name of
Cpl. Stan,
Our
C.S.M. young
Frankie, oft renders an epistle,
I know a funny
story, but won’t bore you with it's length,
Now here's three
cheers for
Arthur Smith, Australia’s greatest cook,
Now
Watty,
Korn and
Garry are up amongst the heads,
We know a lot of
loafers, who are not worth a dime,
We have two whips at
digging,
Jack Parsons and
O'Malley,
We have a
senior
Sgt, referred to as the 'Q’,
One day a budding
N.C.O., who talks a lot of bunk,
That is the finish
of our song, we don't know any more, ('Curly' Simpson.) This Itch
An Aussie Digger
rolled a smoke and gave his pants a hitch,
At night I think of
Aussie and the girls that sit and stitch, Curly Simpson
Here's a special
present for our newest Cpl. 'Curly'. Band Do You Remember Who They Were And What Instrument They Played?
2/30 Bn A.I.F. ASSOCIATION ANNUAL REUNION Please complete, attach your cheque or other means of payment and send them to Jack Black promptly. To be held at 7p.m. at PUBLIC SERVICE ASSOCIATION CLUB, 515 KENT ST. SYDNEY. (near Town Hall) on FRIDAY, 10th NOVEMBER 1978
ADMISSION CHARGE
$6.00 Come beforehand to suit yourself and cobbers for a 7p.m. commencement with a hot smorgasbord. Bar will be open for early folk.
I WILL BE ATTENDING
THIS FUNCTION To Jack Black Supplement to "MAKAN" No 242 Jul/Sep 1978 2/30 Bn A.I.F. Association Back to 1978 index or Main Index |
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