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Back to 1980 index or Main Index Makan No. 258 Official Journal 2/30 Bn. A.I.F. Association Subscription Rate for Makan for both Life and Annual Members per year: $1.50 Registered for Posting as Periodical: Category A
Dates To Remember
18 Jan. Sun., 1981 -
5 Feb. Thurs., 1981
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14 Feb. Sat., 1981 -
14 Feb. Sat., 1981 -
15 Feb. Sun., 1981 -
15 Feb. Sun., 1981 -
16 Feb. Mon., 1981 -
22 Feb. Sun., 1981 -
15 Aug. Sat., 1981 -
14 - 18 Oct., 1981 -
21 Nov. Sat., 1981 - Sick Parade Listing as presented to Executive on 2/12/1980 of those, who have been in Hospital since last report:
Please let Kevin Ward know when you go to Hospital, be it local or to Concord. The President's Christmas Message To those of you, all 275, who made the trip to Tamworth, I say thank you for demonstrating that the spirit of the 2/30th still lives and to those, who were not fortunate enough to be there for one reason or another, I say we missed you. May Christmas bring to You All a Measure of Good Health and I wish you ‘A Guid New Year and MONY may Ye see.' Arch Thorburn. The Vice-President's Seasonal Greetings To All On behalf of 'Gentleman George' and on my own behalf, I extend to All Members of the Association and Readers of "Makan" a sincere message of Goodwill and Best Wishes for a Happy Christmas Season and a Healthy and Rewarding New Year. Looking back over the 35 years, since we returned from active service abroad, we find we have many blessings to be thankful for, not least the blessing of just 'being alive', especially in the circles of our loved ones. Our Association continues to be strong and continues to give us all pleasure and satisfaction in the efficiency and dedication behind the services it renders to us, for which our affectionate thanks go to the President, Arch Thorburn, all Members of the Executive and the various Committees, which spring up from time to time, and especially to our Chief Correspondent, Alex Dandie, who maintains a lively fellowship between mates in the city and in the country, and even interstate, as well as our widows in the family of the Battalion. On behalf of every Member and All, who place great worth on the continued maintenance of these services, I express a grateful, 'Thank You, with the Blessings of us all.' Noel Johnston. Greetings of President, the 2/30 Bn. A.I.F. Association Auxiliary I wish All Members of the 2/30 Bn Association and their Families, especially the Members of the Auxiliary, a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous and Fortunate New Year. Gretta Maston. Editor "Makan” & The Team We thank you all for your messages and your contributions to "Makan" throughout the year. You make it. We extend to You All our warmest Greetings. May you and your families enjoy the Happiness of every Christmas Blessing and may you have Peace, Contentment and a reasonable Health throughout the coming year. Alex Dandie and the Team. 2/30 Bn A.I.F. Association Auxiliary The Auxiliary of the 2/30 Bn A.I.F. Association is gathering momentum and its 2nd general meeting was held at the Ex-Ps.O.W. Clubrooms on Thursday, 6th November. A Committee Meeting had been held the previous week at the home of Gretta and Ron Maston to discuss matters relating to the best methods to achieve the aims of the Auxiliary. At the general meeting on the 6th November it was resolved that the annual subscription to the Auxiliary be $1.50 per person. It is hoped that as many members of the Association as is possible, together with their families, will join the Auxiliary and participate in activities, that will be organised. These activities are to include bus trips to various localities of interest, films, luncheon and dinner parties, picnics, fashion shows, harbour cruises etc. A welfare committee has also been formed, which will organise hospital and home visitation and general assistance in time of need. The members of this committee are drawn from the various districts of the Metropolitan area, so that each section is adequately covered. It was resolved that meetings be held monthly on the 1st Thursday of each month at the Ex-Ps.O.W.. Clubrooms at 2 pm. The first Annual General Meeting will be held on the 1st Thursday in October, 1981. These Clubrooms are at 101/5 Clarence St. City. Following the meetings afternoon tea will be served at the cost of 20c per person. Arrangements for the afternoon teas are in the capable hands of Georgina Geoghegan and Grace Ford. The December meeting was held on Thursday, 4th Dec. and., as there will be none in January, the following meeting is to be held on Thursday, 5th February, 1981. So come along and join us, we can guarantee good fellowship, together with a range of activities. We hope that all of you reading this will assist us to bring about our main aim, the gathering together of all members and their families into one big, happy family under the 2/30 Battalion Banner. It is planned to have a picnic on SUNDAY, 22 Feb. in CENTENNIAL PARK, SYDNEY, further details will be announced later.
Muriel O'Rourke 8 Div. Biennial Reunion - Weekend 11/12 Oct 1980 - Tamworth "Joe” Geoghegan reported that, he had gone up from Sydney to this Reunion and had had a good weekend. There were about 180 there and all gathered at the Golf Club Barbecue on the Sunday Afternoon. Thelma Gibbs (Bobbie Gibbs' wife) was over from Turrawan, (between Boggabri and Narrabri) and was looking forward to returning for the Battalion Reunion in November. Ray Michell had not been too good and was sojourning in Hospital at the time. (He had recovered by the time of the Battalion Reunion). Phil Bailey had to offer an apology for not being at the Reunion, but he had family concerns to occupy himself, since his son was being married that Saturday, and family comes first. 2/30 Bn Bowls Day v Bankstown R.S.L. Bowling Club – 19th October The "B.J." Shield game was washed out by the rain. At the time of the stop on the play the uncompleted score stood at 36 for the Battalion Men against 31 for the Bankstown opponents, so it was decided to accept that as the score for the day, when the continuance of the rain showed that there could be no resumption. 4 Rinks of 4 were fielded, with some help:
No 2 Rink was declared the winner of the trophies, on a draw from a hat. Strangely enough last year a rink of 4 Mortar Platoon men had the luck of the draw, and this year 3 Mortar men and 3 of the 4 of last year had the same luck. The day had special significance for Jack and Vera Fell. It was the 40th Anniversary of their Wedding Day, which was recognised by Georgina Geoghegan bringing along a cake made for the occasion, whilst Dorothy and Kevin Ward provided from their garden a suitable bouquet of roses. Molly was there with Ken Forward and it was discovered that it was the 34th Wedding Anniversary for them. Ray and Marion Brown were there, they are also Members of the Club. They were accompanied by a friend from Scotland, one of the Royal Marines, staying in the Bankstown area for 3 months. Our reporter says that Bennie Gale, President of the Club is a brother-in-law to Ray. Others in the Battalion Support Team, were Doc and Clover Wilson; Fred and Jean Johnston; Georgina and "Joe" Geoghegan and daughter, Judith, and her friend; Garry Evans; Nan Gough; Snowy Stevens, who is somewhat better than when last reported upon, though not good enough to take part in the bowling; Win Mason; Elsa Kinsela; Lady Galleghan; Jack Black; Bruce (Dutchy) and Rita Holland, with Dutchy listed to go to Concord Hospital on 1st December, which will let him get up to Tamworth Reunion; and Les and Dorothy Hemming. Lady Galleghan received the "B.J." Shield from Cyril Bulmer, who is back again as President of the R.S.L. Bowling Club. There have been 7 games in this competition. 5 of them have been won by the R.S.L. Club and 2 by the Battalion Team; a first game is not counted, as having been one of the series, more as just a get-to-know-you match. A note from Jack Fell says, "On behalf of Vera and myself I wish to say thank you for the good wishes extended to us on the occasion of our 40th (Ruby) Wedding Anniversary on the 19 October. As you know this just happened to fall on the day, in which we played bowls at Bankstown R.S.L. Club. It was completely unexpected for Vera to receive a bouquet of flowers from Dorothy & Kevin Ward and later a beautiful Anniversary cake made and decorated by Georgina Geoghegan. I would like to thank all those people, who extended to us their good wishes and made the day a memorable one for us. Northern Rivers Branch - N.S.W. Ex-P.O.W. Association - 19th Reunion Harry Rhodes was able to let us know that, the nineteenth Annual Reunion Dinner of this Branch was held at Grafton with a happy gathering of 95 on the 15th November 1980 and was very capably chaired by President, Tom Davis. 2/30th Representatives were: Jack and Iris Collins, Tom Davis, Ray Brown, Noel (Snow) Hampton, Neil Huntley, Fred & Jean Winters, Arthur Roberts, Len Clavan, Artie Power and his son, Robert, Ethel and Harry Rhodes, Merle Rockett, Dulcie Korsch, and Maureen & Graham Feltham (Maureen's father was Harry Head). Apologies came from Marj. Davis, Harry and Noleen Griffis, "Joey” and Sybil Johnston, Nancy Power and Marion Brown. (Your scribe notes that quite a number of the above were at Tamworth on the next weekend for the Battalion 40th Commemoration of Formation), At the Wreath-laying Ceremony prior to the Dinner, President, Tom Davis, gave a brief address, quoting excerpts from a speech made by the late Brigadier Galleghan at the dedication of the Bathurst Memorial. Official Guest Speaker at the Dinner was Mr. A. Verne Toose, President of the N.S.W. Ex-P.O.W. Association. He emphasised the close bond that exists between all ex-prisoners of war, inconceivable to anyone else, because of the many hardships and trials, unique in their situations, be it that they were in the Japanese or German Camps. Mr Toose urged Members they register early for the National Reunion, quoting numbers already registered from everywhere. He also urged Members to encourage more ex-prisoners of war to join the Association, stating there were approximately 6,000 known to be in N.S.W. but the Membership total is only about the 2,000 mark. During the evening, Mr. Jack Williams, on behalf of the N.S.W. Ex-P.O.W. Association presented Ethel Rhodes with a Certificate of Merit. Lucky prizes were won by Ruby Anderson, wife of Bert (2/19th) and Tom Rankin (2/20th). Please note the date for our next Reunion - 21/11/1981. We are looking forward to hearing glowing accounts of the Tamworth Reunion and only wish that Ethel and I were to be there with you all. Re the query about my length of office here in Grafton in the Northern Rivers Branch Ex-P.O.W. Association, I was elected in 1967 and have held the position ever since. The Members reckon that I'm riot entitled to Long Service Leave yet. My Kind Regards to All. Harry. Church Service – 9th November 1980 - St. Stephens, City A Party of 15 - 8 of the Battalion, with their wives in most cases, together with Mrs Huxley, sister of Les Baxter of D Company, joined in the Commemorative Service on 9th November last. This Sunday is the nearest Sunday to 11th November, so that it is known as "Remembrance Day" to pay respects to the dead of the 1st World War, and it is very appropriate for our Battalion to pay respects to those of our Bn. dead, both those we left over there and those, who have passed on since. The Church invites gifts for the placing of flowers within the Sanctuary in memory of loved ones. The Order of Service Sheet was accompanied by another sheet detailing those, who had made themselves responsible for this Remembrance Sunday. It was noticed that Lady Galleghan was one of these donors…."in loving remembrance of my dear husband and men of the 2/30th, who gave their lives." (We thank her for thought of the men. Ed.) An opportunity was offered to partake of some light refreshment in their Ferguson Hall, downstairs from the Church. The Battalion Party took advantage of the Tea & Coffee and the biscuits, enabling Mrs Huxley, Les Baxter's sister, who had come from Unanderra for the service, to obtain quite a lot of information from Andy Noble and Bruce Ford concerning Les' time with the Battalion. We have received from Miss Heather Baxter, a cousin of Les', an apology for not attending, but illness prevented her from achieving her wish to be with us. Commemoration of Formation 2/30 Bn - 40 Years Ago The Reunion on Saturday, 22nd Nov. and Sunday, 23rd Nov. has come and gone. 137 of the Bn. attended one or both days. Much effort on the part of the organising committee in Sydney and its counterpart in Tamworth resulted in what has been expressed to have been Wonderful Get-Together. Alan Pryde has said that, "from his many discussions with Jack Black he felt that arrangements were proceeding very gratifyingly; that they had received splendid co-operation from everyone, to whom the Organising Committee turned for assistance; that Wal Eather and his Tamworth team had gone about their end of tho proceedings quietly and with much efficiency, and it must not be forgotten how much we were dependent on Wal and his team for their work up there.” He is very grateful for the splendid part played by Jack Black throughout, despite considerable home problems, not the least of which was that his Mother had had to be sent back into Manly Hospital, in the last week before the Reunion. He expresses his thanks for his wife's assistance. He acknowledges that, without the whole hearted co-operation of Betty, his end of the job could never be completed. "As Secretary, typist; proof-reader and draft adviser in connection with the considerable amount of correspondence, reports, invitations, replies and so on, she has done a grand job for me - for the Association." A message was received in Sydney on the 19th Nov. on behalf of the 2/29 Bn, “Please extend to all Members of your Association our very best wishes for a very successful Reunion at Tamworth, Yours sincerely, Bob Christie, Hon. Secy. 2/29 Bn Association." Different ones were arriving in Tamworth from North, South, East and West, during the week beforehand Fred and Jean Johnston had left Sydney to tour up along the Coast and by the last weekend of October it was calculated that they would have reached Coffs Harbour, so they would be turning round for Tamworth leisurely. Noel Johnston was to leave Sydney on the Wednesday before the Reunion, intending to reach Tamworth on the Thursday and relax Friday to be ready for the weekend. Paddy Walsh rang on the Tuesday to say that he had flown down and was in Sydney; to an enquiry as to how he could get to Tamworth the phones were soon busy, he was accommodated in Keith Broughton's car with Bruce Upton. He did not have to worry anyone about accommodation; in Sydney a room was available at St. Mary's and at Tamworth his fellow priests looked after him. Your scribe took advantage of his sister-in-law living in Tamworth; he and June motored up on the Thursday night; on the Friday it was quite not noticeable that the 2/30 Bn was in town, while doing some shopping Reg and Pat Nossiter were the first to be met; Sammy and Joan Hall were noticed passing the Post Office; it was almost full strength of the "I" Section, which we met in Marius Street; they were in the Zebra Motel, and further along at the Country Comforts Motel was still a much larger party, whose members had arrived at different times. Apologies had come in from many, who wished that family or their own sicknesses did not prevent them from going, or whose work made calls on them. Gerry and Jess Bailey sent their apologies from Bellingen. Keith McFarlane would not have been able to stand up to the trip. Harry Riches had had some teeth out, the anaesthetic had upset him, and, though he was back at home he also would not be A1 to travel. Len Roberts had had a bout of sickness at Moss Vale on the way back from Perth, some further collapses at home later and was to go to hospital for the medicos to check to see what was wrong. Harry Teasdale and Alex Olley were not A1; Harry Rhodes & Ethel could not get away from Grafton. Lyn Booth phoned to say that he would have to go to Adelaide and then Perth on Public Service Conciliation work, which would involve him both sides of the Reunion Weekend, he sent his apologies and Best Wishes to All. Stuart Peach was another to phone. In his case the lapse of time has constituted him as virtually Head of his family; there was to be a wedding in the family on that weekend, it had been set for that date by a longstanding arrangement, and he wouldn't like to miss doing his duty by the family and he hoped that folk would appreciate his position. He extended his apologies and sent his Best Wishes. Dick Tompson wrote to say that he would like to take part but distance was against it. He asked to remembered to everyone. Les Southwell explained that his position in the administration of Bowls on his area of the South Coast did not allow of him coming, but sent his Best Wishes. Garry Evans sent a Telegram to the Golf Club House, "Regret unable to attend Reunion. Hope you all have an enjoyable weekend." Ernie Willis, Des Gee and Ege Wightman were three, whose wives illnesses caused them to cancel their arrangements. Don McIver's wife, Betty, had had to go into Blacktown Hospital for a major operation, so they had to pull out. Don Garner remembered that his Dad had his 96th Birthday that weekend and felt it his duty to go down and see him instead of attending, Phil Schofield's doctor was against him driving, we're told. Others, who might have been able to be there, if their circumstances had not been against it; Gordon, (Doover) Brown, Clarrie Burgess, Alan Charlton, Billy Douglas, Joyce Dare, Bob Dickson, Frank Dyson, Laurence (Bill) Elliott, Harry Griffis, Jack Grossmith, Dick (Red) Hanlon, Beatrice Hardman, Bert Hodge, Andy Hyslop, Roy King, Jock McDougall, Cec Palmer, Ray Rickards, Ron Stoner, A.A. Johnson, George Winchester. The messages for a pleasant time from all these folk must have assured us having a very good Reunion, but think what it would have been like if at least some of them had been able to come. The commencement of the march from the Railway Station Parking area was set down for 4.30 pm on the Saturday. The comparison of the bareness of the area about 2.40 in the afternoon, when the Sydney train pulled in, with the crowd that was there just before Mick Lovell, as Marshall for the march, commenced to get the men into position, showed that there had been an extraordinary response. Alan Pryde was able to report that the head count, as the tail of the file cleared the railway lines, made it 117 on parade. These were joined at the last intersection by another 10 or 12, who had been driven up to that point. At the Memorial Gates the files were turned into line, and wives and children crowded the footpath. Good assistance was given by the Police in diverting traffic away from the gathering, so that its solemnity was not upset. Padre "Paddy" Walsh spoke on the fact that it was 40 years of comradeship, which had been created for us, with the formation of our Battalion in November 1940. When we had come to Tamworth we were all young men and were composed of different groupings as we came from our Training Camps. However the difficulties, which we had encountered, had caused us to be a well knit body. Quite a lot of our mates did not come back; others of our number have since passed on, amongst these was our "Black Jack", but it was nice to see Lady Galleghan with us and such a large gathering of Men of the 2/30 Bn, their wives and families and wives of those, who have since gone to their rest. Thelma Jones, wife of "Bill" Jones, 2i/c B Company, and Kevin Ward had the honour of laying the official wreaths from the Battalion. Other wreaths were laid also on behalf of some families. Padre "Paddy" asked for the Lord's Blessing on all, who were gathered there, and also for our comrades, who had gone before us to their Eternal Rest, and those absent on the day. The Last Post and Reveille Trumpet Calls sounded out and then the Pipers, one from Tamworth, as arranged for by Ian Goss, R.S.M. of 12/16 Hunter River Lancers and the other, our Jimmy Webster, played a Lament. The next official gathering was at the Golf Club as from 7 pm that Saturday night. On entrance through the doorway the chatter and laughter to be heard from the dining area augured well for a happy evening. Jack Black's figuring showed that 280 people were catered for and, although there was some delay the dishes provided for the Smorgasbord were adequate and tasty whilst the liquid refreshments were well looked after by a team of volunteers from the Tamworth R.S.L. Sub-Branch. Toast of the Regiment - Arch Thorburn The Toasts were confined to the Royal Toast and the Toast of The Regiment. In proposing the latter, Arch Thorburn coupled with the Battalion the names of its successive Commanding Officers, Brigadier Sir Frederick Galleghan and Colonel George Ramsay, saying, "We'd have been a good Battalion without these two men. With them we were a magnificent Battalion. It would be difficult to imagine two more dissimilar men. One a Martinet of the old school, tough, unbending and demanding - a born leader. He was the man, who said to the Vice Chancellor of one of our Universities, whom he believed to be an Englishman, who shall be nameless, because he is still alive, during the course of an acrimonious conversation, "By God, I wish I had the power I had in Changi", to which his victim said, "and what would you do?" The Old Man said, "I'd bloody well deport you"? from which I gather he disapproved of him. The Old Man later told me with a grin, "I found out that he was as Australian as I was and I could not have deported him". He was not without a sense of humour. One bitterly cold winter morning in Bathurst Camp, when the Officers were awaiting their turn to take a cold shower, B.J.'s eyes lighted on his Headquarter Company Commander apparently standing up to the freezing conditions better than his colleagues. He was in his birthday suit and he is a man with a very hairy chest - a sign of masculinity, I am told. The Old Man growled out, "Get that fur coat off, Johnston". And yet, there was a softer side to his nature that we were not to see during the War years, but to which, I am sure the gracious Lady Galleghan will testify. He held high office on his discharge to civilian life, but the humblest of us only had to mention at the barrier, that surrounded him, that we were of the 30th to obtain instant access to the great man. Once in his presence there was nothing that he would not do for one of "his boys". As Stan Arneil so aptly described him in his famous article in the Reader's Digest of April 1975 and later elaborated upon in his booklet, "Father of a Thousand Sons", he certainly regarded each and every one of us as his son. When Colonel Ramsay was his 2 i/c he complemented B.J. perfectly. Later to become Commanding Officer of the Unit in his own right, he demonstrated that not only was he, a gentleman in the accepted sense of the term, but that he was also, a gentleman with a thread of steel running through him. He too got the best out of his men and usually got what he wanted, but in a different way. You have read the eulogies that have appeared in the special edition of the "Makan". I can only say that I endorse every word of them. George is fighting for his life today and our thoughts and prayers are with him and his wife and family in what could well be his last battle. A fighting Battalion is not made up of only two men, giants though they were. We were there too. The discipline, that had been instilled in us stood us in good stead during our brief period of action, I believe that we acquitted ourselves well. It stood us in even better stead during the difficult P.O.W. years. Those of you, who were not privileged to be there (although we did not count it a privilege at the time) do not understand the meaning of the word hunger. We literally wasted away through lack of food. I went from 13 stone down to 8 stone and every other member of the Battalion lost proportionately the same weight. Ordinarily, when a group of Soldiers is indulging in an animated conversation, the subject is usually, to use a modern expression, "booze and birds". In the P.O.W. days any such animated discussion would be about food. I recall waking up one morning and thinking, "something good is going to happen today. I know, the Back-up is on the "T"s. That meant that at midday the Korean Guards' leavings would be distributed, 2 dessertspoonfuls, to a man alphabetically and that day, since my surname commenced with T, would entitle, me to a part of the remnants of the Koreans' meal. The Korean is a dirty feeder - he slobbers in his bowl and most of them had V.D. to our knowledge. My subconscious mind had obviously been dreaming of this mind bending experience all night. I recall being beaten unmercifully over the head by one of our guards, for what, I considered, a minor breach of discipline. They were strange people, those Koreans. When he had finished his beating he offered me a cigarette. I accepted it, flung it on the ground, glared at him and turned my back, waiting for something pretty dreadful to happen to me. Nothing happened. On our return to camp at the end of the day, I was summoned before the Senior Officer. There I saw my erstwhile belter with an Interpreter and it was explained to me that, when the Japanese Soldier had occasion to discipline me, I had looked resentful. Was that true or false. I said that I did not know how I looked, but that I certainly felt resentful. This was explained to my accuser, who looked puzzled, but said, through the Interpreter, "Would the Australian Soldier shake hands with him. I thought that this was not the time for mock heroics. I want to get home to propose the 40th Anniversary toast, so I said, "Certainly". His face broke into a great smile and we shook hands heartily. But you forget hunger, pain and indignities - and we had plenty of them - but one thing, that you do not forget, is the sense of comradeship, that was forged over the period we spent together, albeit reluctantly. It is manifested in the fact that over 250 of us, including our families have travelled over 300 miles and in some cases many more, to be together again tonight, and the bond, that unites us, is membership of one of the finest Units ever to leave these shores. "I give you the Toast of the Regiment". The Response was made by Noel Johnston You have just honoured the Toast to the Regiment - It did not have to be specifically referred to as the 2/30 Bn of the 2nd A.I.F., because that great Battalion is always uppermost in our minds. You have also honoured our two Commanding Officers in Brigadier F.G. Galleghan (known to the 8 Div. and elsewhere, as "Black Jack") and our second Commanding Officer, Colonel Geo. Ramsay (known to us as "Gentleman George") with both of whom I have personally served for many years in both the Aust. Military Forces and the A.I.F. On their behalf, both for honouring the Regiment and for linking their names in your Toast, I thank you sincerely for your great compliment. This is a toast, which I have heard proposed on a great many occasions, and it is always done with pride and even with affection, even as it has been done this evening, for, whilst we indeed have great pride in having served in a famous regiment (with its battle honours going back a century into our country's history), the affection - real affection - we feel is basically for the human fellowships of the Regiment. As the years roll by, these human fellowships, with all the memories, which they carry with them, become more and more valuable to us. Within the last couple of years we have had some severe shocks in the loss of many of our more colourful and lovable mates in the 2/30th, to name but two, Fred Bladwell and John Parsons, bringing home to us the pointed fact that the love of our Regiment is really the sum total of the love of all and each of the chaps, with whom we served. Today our numbers are less than half, what they were, when we fought in the front line against the Japs. Nevertheless our feelings of pride and affection for the Regiment are, if anything, stronger than ever. It has been one of the great blessings of my life, that I shared with so many wonderful Australians in the service experiences of the 2/30 Battalion, and I am proud to share with you here, this evening, the experiences and fellowship of this 40th Anniversary Reunion Dinner. If "Black Jack" and "Gentleman George" were both with us here tonight, they would join with me in saying, "God Bless you all." Noel Johnston also made a presentation to the R.S.L. Tamworth Branch of a Battalion Plaque, sayings: The Executive of the 2/30 Bn A.I.F. Association resolved early this year to arrange for the special manufacture of a Regimental shield or Plaque of the 2/30 Bn A.I.F. and for the subsequent presentation of one each to three special organisations with close ties to the original battalion. The first was to go to the Tamworth R.S.L. Club for display as a memento to the people of Tamworth, the second to the Bathurst R.S.L. Club as a similar memento in Bathurst, the third to the 17 Royal New South Wales Regiment, where we celebrate "Gemas Day" each year at the H.Q. of the Militia Battalion, that carries on the traditions of the 30th Bn. in the present day Army Organisation. Tonight I have been accorded the honour and privilege of making this presentation to the Secretary of the Tamworth R.S.L. Club, who is here to represent his President, Mr Francis, and whom I would now ask to move forward to join me. The colourful grey oval in the centre, with the purple and gold again centrally placed, of course, is a replica of the colour patch worn by all members of the 2/30 Bn A.I.F. in the 8 Div. Also worn by every member of that Battalion was the Rising Sun Hat Badge and the curved "Australia" badges on each of the shoulder straps of our uniforms. The selection of the R.S.L. shape for the wooden shield, on which our Regimental Badges are displayed, was quite deliberate, for we have always supported the R.S.L. and our Association has been officially affiliated with the R.S.L. ever since our demobilisation in 1946, which immediately gave strength to the formation in 1943, whilst in Changi, of our 2/30 Bn A.I.F. Association for the post-war representation of our Battalion. Mr. Gulliver, it is appropriate that, in making this presentation to your Club that I should specially refer to some facts about the 2/30 Bn A.I.F. that should be known to all your Members: (a) The 2/30 Bn A.I.F. was the only A.I.F. Battalion formed in the City of Tamworth in World War 2. (b) From the camp on the Tamworth Showground from 22 Nov 1940 until 9 Feb 1941 it carried out its preliminary training before going to Bathurst to pursue advance field training. (c) It embarked for abroad at Sydney on 29 Jul 1941 & arrived in Singapore on 15 Aug 1941 - exactly 4 years to the day before the Pacific War ended. (d) It was the first Australian Battalion ever to engage in action the Japanese Imperial Army. This was on 14 Jan 1942 at Gemencheh River near Gemas. (e) Their first battle which commenced with a successful ambush of part of the advancing enemy forces down the mainland of Malaya on 14/1/42 and continued until late afternoon of the following day, inflicted on the enemy forces (which included tanks on the ground and dive bombers in the air (none of which we had) such a severe setback from the very heavy casualties sustained, that the particular Japanese column - the Mukaide Force - was thereafter withdrawn from their battle line and took no further part in the Malayan Campaign. (f) Apart from this first major action against the Japanese forces in that campaign, the Battalion was engaged during the following month in a whole day battle at Ayer Hitam; an afternoon battle at Simpang Rengam and was in front line action for several days on Singapore Island. During the whole of its period in action as a front line fighting Battalion of the A.I.F. its defences were never at any time penetrated by the enemy. (g) Finally, by reason of its effectiveness in battle and its battle discipline, the ultimate casualty list of killed and wounded in front line action was less than any other Battalion of that Division, and I can personally vouch for the fact that, when we were ordered to "Cease Fire" on 15 Feb 1942, our Battalion strength was complete in all details down to the last section. That is a brief resume of the Battle record of a fine Australian Battalion, but I can also assure you personally of a great and proud record of achievement over the 3½ years of suffering and severe hardship, which became the lot of every man, who thereafter had to fight to live irrespective of the pains of starvation, brutality and all conceivable form of sickness and hardship, before eventually the survivors only got home to loved ones. Because of these terrible P.O.W. conditions, the 8 Div. had at the end of the war, a greater total of war casualties, than any of the several A.I.F. Divisions, that were raised, and naturally, the 2/30 suffered by leaving behind over 300 of its wonderful men. So I ask you, on behalf of your President and all members of your Club, to receive this memento of a proud and a great Australian Battalion, and to convey to your members this feeling of pride that every man of the 2/30 Bn here tonight shares with me. At this stage of the proceedings Lady Galleghan was called on to present Kevin Ward with a special badge of the Association as an Honorary Life Member as decided on by the Executive and the Annual General meeting in April last. George "Changi"" Aspinall provided a flashback in history by playing, from a tape, a recording of the combined bands of the 2/30 Bn and 2/29 Bn playing under the direction of Capt. T. Crosby-Brown, Musical Director of Eastern Command at the time, at Bathurst on 5/6/1941, relayed by land line from the camp to Station 2GZ Studios, Orange, where it was recorded. The two pieces of music being - "Washington Greys" and "Queen of the North". He said that he had been able to tape the music from one of the original records made at the time and in the possession of Bill Middleton of 2/30 Bn Band. A third piece on the tape was Andy Hyslop's "Galleghan's Greyhounds". Ted Rickards (B Company) recited two of his poems for the gathering: "Our Day" his reply to unjustified criticism of Anzac Day, and "The Lord's Plea", for all to join together in the spirit of true fellowship. The Sunday morning bus tour of the Training area and a gathering at the Showground afterwards was rearranged to provide for the Assembly point to be at the R.S.L. Club first, and from there to go to the Showground, thence the Training Area with the Barbecue being indoors in the air-conditioned R.S.L. Club, where folk were able to move around quite freely and the food and liquid refreshments most adequate for all. Here too the special cake made and iced by Ian Grace's wife for the Reunion was cut, and enjoyed by all. Alan Warton comments, "Back home again after a memorable visit to Tamworth for our 40th Anniversary. It was really great. I pay tribute to those members at Tamworth and Sydney, who arranged and worked for this occasion, which proved to be wonderful days of celebrations. There were many, many folk, whom I met up with and had not seen since leaving Singapore for home. Elsie and I really enjoyed ourselves and now, Elsie having met many, of whom I speak, shares with me the real 2/30 feeling of mateship, and says that it will help her as she reads the History of the 2/30 Bn and also Stan Arneil's "One Man's War". To those, who had cars, and drove Elsie and me from place to place, as we travelled up by train, please accept our warmest thanks.” Jack Fell says, "What a great weekend the Tamworth Reunion was. Right from the time that the idea was first proposed, it seemed that everyone, who could, would make an effort to get to Tamworth for this occasion. I feel sure that it must have been gratifying to those responsible for organising this to see so many people attend. The Service at the Memorial Gates was simple and dignified. We took Curly Hardman up with us, but it was unfortunate that Beatrice wasn't well enough to make it. She had been looking forward to this very much and was most disappointed, as she couldn't be with us. However Curly enjoyed the weekend to the fullest, particularly having quite a session with Sid Grounds on the Sunday. Curly told me some stories about himself and Sid, particularly about a fight he had at the "Great World" Camp with some bloke; during the fight Sid stood Curly on his feet each occasion he was knocked down, and this was 9 times but in the end Curly finished up sitting on the other chaps head. It was great to see Reg Nossiter, Harry Brennan, Ross Madden and so many others, whom hadn't seen for so long. “B” Company was well represented by Ray Brown, Dutchy Holland, Neil Huntley, Harry Brennan, Ray Donald, Frank McDonald, Nugent Geikie, Allan Gilbert, Chum Farley, Jack Maclay, Reg Nossiter, Des Kearney, Arnie Ferry, Jim Webster, Dick Henderson, Ted Rickards, Ray Michel, Alan Warton, Fred Johnston and myself. The Atmosphere at both functions was most informal, and gave everyone a chance to a chance to circulate. Our thanks must once again go to the organisers of the weekend, the staff at both Clubs and particularly those volunteer stewards, who made sure that our lasses were kept charged. I met one of these fellows, they were all from the R.S.L. Club, on the Sunday afternoon in the downstairs bar. He professed his amazement at the amount of beer that we consumed and more particularly, how all we fronted up Sunday morning after a very heavy night, Yours faithfully, Jack Fell." Sid Grounds declares, "I wish to thank the Association and all the Members concerned wit the organisation of the 40th Reunion for the excellent job they did in running the said reunion. It was a terrific turn-up and the mere act of serving the grog, mostly free, was incredible. How they did it was an act of financial wizardry. There was the pleasure of meeting fellow's, whom I had not seen since 1942, I met Andy Anderson, whom I had not seen since that year. He was then about 16, which makes him 56 now. There was not much chance of me recognising him. Another thing, which I would like to mention is the granting of Life Membership to Kevin Ward. He well deserved the honour, but I think that there are several others, who, by their self sacrifice and devotion, are just as entitled to be honoured. I refer to all previous editors of "Makan" and those Members of the Committee, who have given us such good service over the years I had Arch Moles at my place last weekend and he wishes to be remembered to all the "Kobe House" Boys, He was sorry that he could not stay longer and meet more of them. I wish the Boys and Theirs the best of Health and Good Luck, Yours sincerely, Sid Grounds." Jack Carey - "Just a few thought on our "Return to Tamworth"; firstly, Congratulations to the Committee for the wonderful success, that you made of it. Obviously a lot of hard work over a long period of time was put into it, and I'm sure that I will be speaking for every member, when I say, "Thanks a Million". A very deep personal thanks for my part to Mick Lovell for taking the opportunity to give me a very clear photo of my brother's grave, plus four other photos to show the cemetery at Kanburi and the Bridge. Thanks Mick. I won't forget. The accommodation and food at the Country Comfort Motel was first class and left nothing to be desired. The March itself was memorable; the long line on the road to the Anzac Park was truly magnificent and what a thrill to be alongside our old mates from the Country once again! "Joe" Johnston, carried our Banner in a style that brought back many memories for us all. The ceremony at the Gates was highly emotional and beautiful. Padre Walsh and Col. Johnston combined to make a very moving occasion for us all. The organization for the Dinner was another example of the hard work, which went into the whole operation. I have been told that Alan Pryde deserves a lot of the credit for it from the Sydney end and Wal Eather at Tamworth. Once again I say, Thanks, Alan and Wal. The Sunday Barbecue was just the thing to finish off the whole lovely weekend. Everybody circulated informally and the food and liquid refreshments flowed freely. It was a stroke of genius to transfer from the Golf Club to the Air-Conditioned comfort of the R.S.L. Club because of the heat outside. I met old "Don" Company Comrades, whom I had not seen since Changi, to name a few: Keith Mulholland, Artie Power, Sluggo Jones, Charlie Taylor and that old Westerner, Stan Green, and a lot more. As a matter of fact, towards the finish, things commenced to get a bit hazy, and you may take it from me, that it wasn't All the Fault of the Liquid Refreshments! Before I close and returning to the Dinner, I must congratulate Ted Rickards for his beautiful rendition of his two poems. Your old mate, Jack Carey, (slowly recovering from Tamworth, it was worth it.) Vince Leonard expresses appreciation, "Many thanks to all concerned in the organisation of the Reunion at Tamworth. It was something to which I was looking with great anticipation. I met quite a few, whom I had not seen since "A" Force left Changi in 1942, and had a great yarn with different ones once again, Regards, Vince Leonard." Ron Maston gives us some impressions - "From the moment that we all began to gather under the trees outside the Tamworth Railway Station the feeling of being re-united with members of one’s family after a long absence became uppermost in my mind. It is 35 years since some of us have been together and it was difficult to place names to people, whose faces were somehow familiar. There was George Johnson, no longer a big man, but still with that square jaw and the same voice. Don McKenzie, slight of figure but with the bright smile that one remembers of him in 14 Platoon. I could not but think of what pleasure John Parsons would have had, if he could have been with the Members of his Platoon. Col O’Donnell, no longer a young man, but, when one met his son, John, there was Col, as we knew him during 1940/45. Kel Anderson, no longer the young stripling, whom we knew in "C" Company, but still with the same mannerisms and his ways of standing and walking, that were so distinctive. Do you remember the Japanese sword, which you obtained for me after the Nips surrendered, Andy? I brought it home in a tin trunk and still have it. You must forgive me for writing of "C" Company, but you have to allow for my pleasure in being with those, whom I have named already, and also the following men and their wives: Tom Bicknell, Ron Chipps, Arch Dickinson, Wal Eather, Stan Grainger, Tom Grant, Con Hedwards, Ted Lawty, Jimmy Small, Ron Sweeney, Arch Thorburn and, of course, there was Vic Hamlin up from Narrandera. When one heard the facts and figures quoted by Noel Johnston, we can be proud of the fact, that the Japanese never ever penetrated nor surrounded our Unit. But what losses the Division suffered as, P.O.W. and how high were our losses, as a Bn. It was a pleasure to have wives and young people at this Reunion and the interest taken by the sons and daughters augurs well for the future of our country. This shows how important will be the 2/30 Bn Auxiliary to which everyone may belong. Members of the Association, wives, widows of deceased members, children, grandchildren and, friends. The friendship and close feelings that were so evident during the weekend at Tamworth will, I feel, be preserved and will grow in our families during the many years ahead. We all owe a deep vote of thanks to Alan Pryde, Wal Eather, Jack Black, Joe Geoghegan and the other Members, who worked so hard over the last 12 months planning and organizing to make the weekend such a tremendous success. I only wish it had been for a week, so that I could have had time with so many, to whom one could only say, "Hello"! Well let's hope that there will soon be another get-together at, say, Bathurst or what about making a special effort for the Ex-P.O.W. Reunion in Sydney from 14th to 18th October 1981. Edith Berman states, "What a lovely time we all had together, meeting so many from the 2/30th. It was lovely meeting you all and I'm sure that it made the Boys happy to have us ladies with them. 'Twas pleased that Legatee Allardice had a word with me and also Legatee Noble. It is nice to know that you're not forgotten. It was also lovely meeting Norma and Joe Veivers to be remembered from the time when I was at Coffs Harbour and they looked after me, so that I was not so lonely. I hope to see them whenever they come to Sydney. I also wish to thank Alex and June Dandie and Alex' Sister-in-Law, Daphne, for taking me under their wings and providing transport from my motel to the various functions. I want to thank Doc Wilson and Clover and their son, Robert and wife, who met us at Strathfield Station and brought me home to my door at West Ryde. Once again it was lovely meeting you all, and I hope that we meet again in the near future. God Bless you all". Jack Black has commented that, the plastic knives, forks and spoons, which were available for our use at Tamworth, and as far as the knives were concerned, were commented upon as being very easy to cut the victuals with, were a gift to the Association for the Reunion from Pennicook Davidson Pty. Ltd., Telopea, by kind favour of Mr. Ken Vellovitch, Sales Manager, and we are grateful for their assistance. Col O'Donnell has placed a proposition before the Executive of the Association, "I would like you, on my behalf, as the original Secretary of the Association, to put before the next meeting of the Executive, the following motions: "In recognition of the outstanding service rendered to this Association by the following members, Arch. Thorburn, Phil Schofield, Alex Dandie, that they be made Honorary Life Members of this Association and presented with the appropriate badge. I intended moving this motion at our recent Reunion but time did not permit it. I am sure that if I had, the motion would have been carried unanimously by the 200 present. Let us honour these men now, not wait until they are dead to pay tribute. What a marvellous feeling of affection everyone displayed towards each other. I have never experienced anything like it before. My congratulations to the Executive for their decision to hold it at Tamworth in 1980 and not wait till 1990. Yours sincerely, Colin O'Donnell.” Les Hall declares that he had had a MOST WONDERFUL WEEKEND at Tamworth for the Reunion and wished to inform the organisers of his gratitude and to express his thanks for what they had done to get so many old friends to Tamworth for the weekend. He also says that his joy really came to a climax on the Monday. He and Gladys were at the Airport and boarded the East-West Airlines plane for the return trip to Sydney to hear an announcement concerning the 25th year of Fokker Friendship Planes in use by East West. Les remarked to a stewardess about the trip being the end of a wonderful weekend, and she asked him why the morning had so much significance for him, so he told her of the Reunion and said, "to cap it all, today is my Birthday." She congratulated him "on his youthfulness" and went away, to return with a bottle of champagne, a gift from the establishment for him to toast his Birthday. Heres a Dorothy Dix It occurred at Tamworth, so I'm told. "Who was the popular bloke in the battalion, unable to find the key to his motel room, so slept in his car on the Saturday night?" Col. George E. Ramsay - "Gentleman George" "Makan" No. 256, "Salute to Gentleman George" has been greeted with acclaim - Dr. Hamilton - Lt Col 2/10 Fd Amb., Merewether, 2291 "This is to thank you very much for the gift of the "Makan" and the fine tribute to Col. G.E. Ramsay. I was Senior Medical Officer with "A" Force on the Burma Thailand Railroad and worked in close association with Col Ramsay, Col Anderson VC and Brig. Varley. Your eulogy is well deserved and I'd like George to know that it is much appreciated by his war time comrades. With best wishes, Yours sincerely, Tom Hamilton." J.V. Green – Principal, Primary School, William St., East Maitland "I was delighted to receive the October edition of your journal and read the heart warming tributes paid to Colonel Ramsay, an ex-pupil of this East Maitland Public School. At the weekly assembly of this school the tributes paid to "Gentleman George" in your journal, were passed on to the pupils and no better moral or character building lesson could they receive. Thank you most sincerely for your kind thought in sending this edition of "Makan" and it was with pride that we place it in a special spot in the School Library. Your's faithfully, Jack Green, Principal." Dr. Higgin - Capt 2/4 CCS - Orange, 2800 "Just a note to say how much I appreciate you sending me a copy of "Makan" with the articles on George Ramsay. My first acquaintance with him was at the 26 kilo camp. I was with "Green Force" and came back to 26 Kilo from 40 Kilo. Quite early it was clear that the Colonel was not only a decisive leader but that he had an incredible skill at knowing how far he could go in dealings with the Nipponese. On several occasions I accompanied him to report on the incredibly bad medical situation and frequently during the interviews wondered if we would be lined up and shot, but G.R. always seemed to be able to tame the animals and we occasionally got unexpected concessions. Of us he expected the standards, which he set himself and I fear a lot of us let him down from time to time. I also remember, what in retrospect, was a very restrained dressing down that Norman Carter and I got for putting on a dreadfully blue show, called "Radiosities", which strained our relationships for a few weeks. However in matters dealing with the welfare of the men G.E.R. was never failing and tireless, and would endure all sorts of rebuffs and humiliations from the Japanese to try and get what we needed. I have no doubt that a lot of us, who were with him, owe our lives to his ability to deal with the Japanese. Sincerely, John Higgin." W. (Bill) Hood - Hon. State Sec. Ex-P.O.W. Association of W.A. “Thank you for sending a copy of the Tribute to "Gentleman George". From my own personal knowledge, I would endorse, all the remarks in that "Makan". He was a remarkable Man and I join in tribute to him. But for people like him, I am sure that many more of us would not have returned. He deserves better than he has got health wise, but that is Life. Too few remember such as he was. Yours sincerely, Bill Hood." Jack Wyllie - Chatswood, 2067 "Many thanks for the copy of "Makan" 256 and congratulations on the production of such a fine tribute to Col. Geo. Ramsay, who richly deserves such recognition. He is indeed and always has been a true "Gentleman" in every sense. Sincerely, J. Wyllie.” Dr. "Tom" Selby (2/7 Fm. Amb.) - Cremorne, 2090 As usual I enjoyed my gift of "Makan". The widespread influence of "Gentleman George" and the depth of appreciation of him by his juniors are a moving example of how good Australians can react to the good example of high standards of behaviour. A.W. Hence - (Adjt 2/18 Bn & "A" Force) - Pymble “Thank you for sending me a copy of the October 1980 issue of "Makan". Although not a member of 2/30 Bn I had very close associations with George Ramsay during P.O.W. days and I would have welcomed an opportunity to make my contribution in extolling his many fine qualities. Now, I can only endorse the tributes of your correspondents and say that his inspiration and leadership were a great help to me, as his Adjutant, during those very difficult years. However there is one quality, which none of your contributors have touched upon and one, that I consider to have been of great importance, when the going was toughest - that was his never failing sense of humour. This quality alone gave all our problems a different perspective and carried those, who were close to him, through many trying situations. You ask for an anecdote relating to him - I consider this to have been one of his gems: The Japanese had asked for a man, skilled in the management of ducks, to take charge of 2000 ducklings, which they hoped to fatten for their own use. An American Sergeant was selected on his own say-so, as an expert and became "shiru Kantoku". As the ducks grew to edible size they were taken away in batches by the Japs until only about 200 remained. It was at this point that the Sergeant panicked. He came to H.Q. and said that now the numbers were down they would be able to be counted. Knowing that he and his friends had "knocked off" a few, I asked what he expected us to do about it. I admit that I was not very sympathetic, as we had enough problems without this sort of thing to worry us. Col Ramsay, however, asked how many he was short and then came up with this answer. "What happens to them, when they die?" The Sergeant replied, "We show them to the Japs and then bury them". "O.K." said the Colonel, "go back and wring the necks of a dozen, leave them strewn about the yard and report to the Jap. When he had sighted them, bury them as usual. After half an hour dig them up, dust them off and report another ten dead. Do this a third time and you should balance. But, Sergeant, don't push your luck by giving them a fourth exposure." It worked, but it also involved having a P.O.W. doctor summoned, when the first lot "died" to pronounce that they had died of "ricketts" and were not fit for eating; also, that the disease was contagious and more were likely to die. In conclusion, I would like to quote from the 2/18 Bn. Magazine. In retrospect, we of "A" Force were more fortunate than many other groups - the outstanding feature of the years spent in "A" Force was the comradeship and unfailing high morale, even when things were blackest. This I'm sure was largely due to the confidence the Force had in the sound policies of Lieut. Col. G.E. Ramsay E.D. Sincerely, Arthur Hence." Last Post NX30253 Cpl. Philip Thomas James Paget Died 26/10/1980 in Concord Hospital. He was 67, having been born 21/4/1913. He was wounded in action behind the left knee on 15/1/42, and for the last few years had been dogged by sickness, with blood pressure and heart illnesses some of the main troubles he had to face with the help and the good care of his wife, Dot. At the time of his enlistment Phil gave his occupation as "Station Overseer", he came from the Hay District. Phil was posted to No. 10 Platoon under Maurie Lewis at first, but then went as Corporal to No. 4 Section in 11 Platoon so that, as a member of B Company, he was in the Ambush of the Japs at the Gemencheh River Bridge on the 14th Jan 1942. He was wounded at the Crossroads at Ayer Hitam. After the capitulation he was at Selarang Barracks at Changi; was with the major part of the Battalion at Thomson Rd. Camp, while it supplied workmen to the "Shrine Job"; next he was at River Valley Road Camp engaged in stevedoring work on wharves and in Warehouses. He was in Hospital at Changi on 20th April 1943, and did not go up on The Railway with "F" Force, but was shown next as being added to a Party of the Battalion in what was known as "Woodlands Road and Blakang Mati" Party, a mixed group of English and Australians, mainly working on the island of Blakang Mati, now known as Sentosa, working mainly on loading of barges and ships with Bombs and Ammunition, or in cleaning Petrol tankers. On demobilisation he suffered the many housing troubles common to ex-servicemen at the time. He was employed with Government Tramway Services and later transferred to be a bus driver at the Pagewood Govt. Bus. depot. While in this employment he became a member of the Govt. Transport Dept's 1st Aid Corps, a voluntary organisation, with a membership of over 3300 men and women, approximately 29% of the total of the employees of the Department. In 1955 Phil was the recipient of a trophy, established by the then Commissioner for Govt. Transport, to be awarded annually to a Member of the Corps, who had performed the best practical case of First Aid Treatment within the previous twelve months. In his case Phil calmed a terrified horse in a baker's cart, involved in an accident on the Hume Highway, on his way home from work at Pagewood, to where he lived at Villawood; freed the baker from the cart and applied 1st aid from a kit, which he carried in his car. Police and Hospital authorities considered that his actions had prevented a serious accident. A comment, at the time, had been that he was named in the list for consideration for award of this trophy on two previous occasions, both in 1952. Phil was a Justice of the Peace and, on applying for a position with Colgate-Palmolive Pty. Ltd, but being unsuccessful on that occasion, was called up later by the Staff Manager, for that Company, to see, if he would be prepared to take on a Security Officer's job with the Company, because Phil had disclosed that he was a J.P. in his original application. He remained with that firm for 15 years, until his retirement from work in 1977. Phil had not been well for some time before his last hospitalisation. Blood Pressure and Heart Attacks and this last sickness taking him from our midst. We mourn with Dot, his sister, Irene Schade, and her family at his passing. A Funeral Service for Phil was conducted at Christ Church of England, Old Guildford on 29th October. The Church was filled by mourners including Members of Granville R.S.L. and Ray Brown, Alex. Dandie, Joe Geoghegan, Dutchy Holland, Vince Leonard, Jack Maclay and Ray Rickards from the Battalion and at the Pine Grove Crematorium later, where we joined Frank Ashton, Welfare Officer of the Granville R.S.L. in a Military Farewell; a eulogy and the playing of the "Last Post" and "Reveille" being in the hands of Alex Dandie. A Return Thanks Card has been received from Dot Paget and Irene Schade and Family with sincere thanks for sympathy expressed by the Battalion Representatives, and Dot herself has penned a line to say "Thank You very much". Sheila Bridges has written, "Many thanks to you all for the lovely flowers and letter of sympathy to us all on the passing of our beloved Bob. He passed away peacefully after a massive stroke early on the Saturday morning. We could not wish him to keep on living under the stress he was having, not being able to see or speak for all those years. He was a great patient and bore his condition wonderfully well. We had the family wreath on his coffin in the 2/30 Bn Colours and he was buried in the lawn cemetery here. I have had cards from some of his mates and wish to once again say, many thanks. Yours sincerely, Sheila Bridges and Family." Deaths of Members' Kinsfolk Garry Rickwood's Sister, Margaret, lost her husband, John Luke BURKE, on 20th October last. He died at his home, and was privately interred the next day at Cessnock. He was 75 years of age the time of his death. An expression of sympathy was extended to Margaret on behalf of the Battalion and especially Garry's friends. In sending Return Thanks, Margaret has said, "It filled my family and me with special pride to receive the message of sympathy from you all. I am sending your message to Garry in England. God Bless you all." Chumleigh Farley's wife, Ray, died on 8th November in Hospital, and a cremation service was held on the following Monday at Mt. Thompson Crematorium, Brisbane, when a large gathering of her friends, Associates of the Pacific Golf Club, of which she was a Past Captain, and Members and wives of 2/30 Battalion supported Chum and his family. Those of the Battalion from Ballina area were "Hoot" and Marge Gibson, Len Clavan and "Joe" and Sybil Johnston, some of those, who had learnt to know Ray, since Chum met up again with Len Clavan, whilst on a holiday at Ballina during April 1978, and had commenced to bring his wife with him to the various Reunions there from that time on, whilst Stan and Colleen Grainger came down from Caboolture to pay tribute. Our Reporter says that the Minister spoke most sincerely about Ray's love of her husband, family and home, and as well of what a warm and sunny person she was. It is said that, "We of the Battalion Men and wives, who had had the honour of knowing Ray, have lost a true and loving friend. Vale Ray Farley, We'll miss you." Jim Webster's eldest son, Jim, died from Cancer in October. He had been a Pilot in the R.A.A.F. both in Europe and also in the Pacific, and had been with flights assisting General Macarthur's forces in the sweep back to the Philippines and on towards Japan whilst Jimmy languished in Changi. He had been the President of the R.S.L. New Lambton. We sympathise with Jim in his loss. Pre Embarkation Pains Your Scribe appealed for the name and author of the verses on pages 8/9 of last "Makan" 257. "Dutchy" Holland names the verses, "Pre Embarkation Pains" and says that Terry Trevor lent his copy to "Dutchy" and "Dutchy" copied them, and "Dutchy" believes that Terry was the author. "You will have realised from the numbering of those verses, which were printed last time, that quite a lot of the original was left out. We have found also that there is quite a variation of the wording of lines in each of the versions - Here are additions:
21.
22.
23.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38. Error Again a reference to "MAKAN" 257. On pages 34/6 we reported on Father Lionel Marsden - "H" Force - and the Reconciliation Mass celebrated on 14/8/1980. The Commanding Officer of “H" Force Australians was NOT "OKEY" BUT "OAKES". Major Douglas Okey of 2/18 Bn, the officer commanding "C" Company, later, the Australian Officer commanding the Australian Party on Blakang Mati, was not on the Line. It was Lt. Col. Rowley Oakes who was in charge of the 600 Australians, and was the 2/ic to the British Lt/Col H. Humphries, who commanded the whole 3,270 on "H" Force. Accordingly on page 34, last para, line 3 substitute "Oakes" for "Okey" and on page 35, para 2, line 2 do the same, in "Makan" 257. John McGregor (2/4 M.G Bn) describes on page 35 of "Blood on the Rising Sun", how he and Lt. Dean bluffed their way out of a gate in the wire at Changi on 17/3/42. This reminded your scribe of the nightly trading that went on through the wire with the Chinese shortly after we all went out to Selarang, and of a report to him by one of the men of HQ Company, that he had been asked by the Chinese, with whom he had been trading, if he and any others would be prepared to come out through the wire and become armourers for the Chinese, to fix up the rifles and automatic weaponry, which the Chinese had been salvaging from the different battlefields, or otherwise acquiring. (Page 79 of that book relates how McGregor and Dean arrived at the camp of the Chinese Anti-Jap Troops' Headquarters in Johore and the next few pages deal with the desire of these Chinese to have them and other Australians remain with them to instruct their troops. So apparently the request for armourers, was genuine.) (Discussion of the book with the "Makan" team led to Ray Rickards talking of under the wire operations during 1944). He said that one day he and his brother, Ted, were with Mark Flew in a wood party, which had been directed to a fresh area. They spotted a good field of tapioca, in that area, and the next night they were back to the tapioca, where they filled up a bag with good roots by "bandicooting" the vines. On the way back to the Gaol, they were lucky enough to hear a Jap patrol coming, so, were able to take cover till it passed. They went back through the wires, cooked sufficient tapioca to provide a good feed, hid the bag of the rest, intending to have other good meals, but the next night, when they went to get their cache, the "larder" was empty. Ray said that the only conclusion was that someone else had been out the previous night, spotted what they were doing, and had helped him or themselves. Another occurrence, and this happened earlier, 1942 a search for some chooks. Besides Ray and Ted, there were Stan Grainger, Andy Anderson, Jack Nichol and Chum Farley. It was bad luck that not enough care was taken and cackling of the fowls roused their owners. In the chase that followed one of the men, whom we won't name, raced round the back of a shack, went into an outhouse, but found too late that it was the "Benjo", so, down he went, up to his neck, at which depth he struck bottom, luckily. He hung on to his chook and his friends came back and hauled him out, when they judged the coast clear, but, back inside the wires, the rest of the party had to hose him down, he was so nauseating. Yasme Activities, (If You Had a Yasme) - Horse Racing How many can remember the excitement of the broadcast the betting, the atmosphere of the "Races"? It was not confined to only one camp. Various camps had their own activities. “Dutchy" Holland has this listing: P.O.W. Handicap - 1½ Miles - Prize Money - 70 Cents Run at "B" Bn. Course - Mount Pleasant (Thomson Rd) - 26/6/42
(Bob Surtees has provided this further information) The Meeting was held on one of our "in camp days" and created a deal of interest throughout the Company. A Bookie, "Popeye" CHANDLER took bets and even a sweep run. The whole thing was purely imaginary, except the money, which was freely placed, just like a real race meeting. The names of the horses were placed in a hat and three withdrawn, these being 1st, 2nd and 3rd placed horses. Only 3 men knew the winning horses, the organisers (Sgts. Blow and Doolan) and Bob Surtees. Bob knew, because, being a disinterested party, he was given the official paper to hold, on which were the names of the lucky horses. Upon this drawing the description of the race was based and run. When the time came for the race to be held, the whole Company turned out to hear the "Broadcast". Sgt. Blow, posing as Jim Carroll, gave the description in racy and realistic style, working up to a well feigned excitement as the race finished. He was assisted by "Lachie Melville" (Sgt Doolan.) The winner was "The Crow", with "Sour Rice" 2nd and "Tip Tap" was 3rd. The Race was held at the "SHRINE RACECOURSE" at approx. 11.30 hrs after Pay Parade, 26 Jun 1942.
Frog Racing
Programme (From Bob Surtees' notebook)
Main Event - Bukit
Timah Bracelet Rules (1) Entry Fee - Heats 2 cents; Finals 5 cents, Winner takes all. (2) No nominations accepted unless colours are worn. (3) The Committee has the right to reject nominations of any frog. Judge's decision is final. (4) No throwing of missiles at frogs, during event or race declared "No race". (5) Winners of each heat will be kept by officials until final. (6) Three Official Bookmakers are operating - No. S.P. (7) Each frog must appear in the name registered - No name changing allowed. (8) All post entries in each event. Total number of frogs in each event restricted to 8.
Judge: D. Pierce Note: The above is a copy of one of the frog racing programmes used at a Frog Meeting on the "Frog Ville Race Course", No 5 Camp, Bukit Timah Road, Bukit Timah. The craze arose when "War" was declared on "Two-up" and it proved to be an excellent substitute; great interest being shown by a large number of men. Date of this meeting was: 14 Oct, 1942 Glamour Boy's Holiday A REPORTER ON THE "WOMENS' WEEKLY" will never live down her views on the 8 Div. Malaya. Kel Anderson sent home these verses portraying A.I.F. views on Adele Smith's words. They were received by Kel's mother the day before he was captured:
The Sixth are
getting battered,
But in the distant
jungle
Because there are no
shells there,
Battling through the
jungle
Fighting "mossies"
by the million
If you don't believe
us
Every man is buried
Although we need the
rubber
So give the Japs
Malaya -
And take us to the
Middle East,
Now, if they grant
this favour News, Views and Who’s Who’s Peter Mason - Kendall, 2439 - H.Q. Company, Carriers Peter says, "I wish to thank the Boys, who helped with information about my appendix operation in Changi. The Repat. accepted the adhesion as caused by War Service. I don't get any more pension, but at least they have accepted it and it is on my file. It's still very dry up here (mid October). We need rain. I'm managing to keep my garden alive by hand watering, but will have no fruit this year, as my fruit trees are half dead, through the lack of water, since I have no water down at the back half of my block as yet. There are no fish around either, as the lakes and the beaches are full of red weed. Things are crook, but we still have enough to eat and drink. So all the Best to All the Boys, Peter." Col O'Donnell – Dalveen, Qld., 4374 - C Company, 15 Platoon Col reports, "I returned home mid October, after staying a month in hospital in Brisbane for the cataract operation and it has proved 100%. I can see just as well with my temporary glasses, as I could before the cataract commenced. My specialist turned up at the hospital eye clinic every morning for a fortnight to dress the eye himself, just to be sure that I didn't pick up any infection in the wound. I will be able to see all the old mates at Tamworth on 22/23 November. I am hoping for a good turnout of 15 Platoon and am still phoning or writing to some in the coming week, now that I am home. I have retired from my Directorships in Sydney as of last June owing to ill health. I tried to ring you, when I was in Sydney last, but I guess that you must have been at the pub. I must congratulate those responsible for the Oct. issue "Salute to George Ramsay". It was well merited and long overdue. My first contact with him was in 1938, when I joined A Company of the 17th Militia Battalion at Balmoral, its O.C. being Capt. Magno, later C.O. 2/17 Bn. A.I.F., D.O.W. in Middle East. We are experiencing our worst drought ever here now. Fortunately, when we missed out, our wet season 2 years running we sold off over half of our stock. It is going to be very expensive buying stock, when the drought breaks, so we hope to be able to breed up again. Cheers to all for now, Yours sincerely, Colin." Stan Black - Kogarah, 2217 - HQ Company, HQ Stan's letter states, "I wish to congratulate the Bn. Committee for having, after so many years, been keeping an organisation going, so as to keep all informed throughout Australia of the events occurring and the tragedies suffered by Members. I read all the Makans with great interest. I am very sorry to hear of the death of Bob Bridges. It is only through the Makan that I could have known I was at Maibara after Kobe with him and the other A.B. and Cs from "Kobe House". It was by no means a haven towards the last months of the war, being opposite a Locomotive Depot, a "Prime Target". Liberation saw me rounded up and taken to Yokohama, thence to Manilla by the Yanks, who were treating us like VIPs. We came back to Sydney on the H.M.S. Formidable, (English Aircraft Carrier) to a welcome by my wife Phyllis never to be forgotten. Here in Sydney, I had to be taken to Ingleburn for treatment to my eyes. They call the trouble Nutritional Amblyopia, with the optic nerve being slightly dead. I went back to my old position at W.D.& H.O. Wills, where I remained until retirement 2½ years ago. I have taken an active part in the work undertaken by the Kogarah R.S.L., serving on Committees of the Sub-Branch, Delegate to S.M.D.C., Club and Youth Club. Phyllis and I have had two trips overseas, visiting Singapore twice and Japan once, so she has seen Changi and most importantly Kranji Cemetery; whilst, in Japan, we visited the site of "Kobe House", our old warehouse abode. I hope that "Makan" can be kept going. Such articles as that on Col. Ramsay and his experiences can be appreciated by someone, who knew little of "A" Force. My kind regards to old mates, Yours sincerely, Stan." (Thanks for the cheque, Stan. Ed.) Tom Kennedy - Gresford, 2497 - C Company Helen has written, "Tom is still not well as his Diabetes is not in control. It is hard for me to get into town as I don't drive. If at any time any of the Boys and their families would like a holiday in the bush, we would just love to put them up, and Tom would be so happy, as he does not get out anywhere now, just does not feel up to it. It would break his life for him, something different. Tom has been a Member of the Adamstown R.S.L. since 1946, I, of course, joined the Ladies' Auxiliary. One of the propositions, which we put forward there, was that the Daughters of the Returned Soldier and the Ladies' Auxiliary Members could become a Member of the Auxiliary. This was adopted and our four Daughters joined the Adamstown R.S.L. Ladies' Auxiliary at the same time. We were very proud of this, I thought I would like to tell you, as it is a rare thing to happen in any Ladies' Auxiliary. I only hope that they will be a good asset, as we do a lot for the different charities. I am enclosing Tom's fees and the rest for welfare, and have ordered one of Stan Arneil's books, I hope that he has a good sale for them. God Bless one and all of the Battalion and their families. Yours sincerely, Helen Kennedy." Wilf Evans - Guildford. 2161 - HQ Company, Transport Wilf remarks, "My son and a few friends had some days fishing a couple of weeks back, towards beginning of October and landed a few nice fish. We are going up the first weekend of November, when we hope that the rain would have done a lot of good. My eldest son is on the Invalid Pension. He is only 39, but he had Polio, when he was 12 years old. He worked on the Water Board for 17 years as a Time-Keeper. I hope that you all have a nice time at Tamworth Reunion, my thoughts will be with you all. I enjoyed reading all about "Gentleman George". My Regards to the Battalion, Wilf Evans." Roy King - Swansea, 2281 - B Company Your scribe learnt that Vic Murphy was in Belmont but the first letter to the address given was returned, "Not at this address". A Query then parent to Roy, who replied, "As far as I know, and that 'is reading the local papers, Vic Murphy is the 1980 President of the Belmont R.S.L. I really enjoyed reading the October Makan and I do compliment the people and the thought that went into the compiling of the write up of "Gentleman George" Ramsay. It is worthy of such a good man. Please give my Best to All the Boys of the 2/30 and their good wives, and especially to my old mate, Jack Black. Yours, Roy King.' Mrs. Shirley Twyford (formerly Gear) - Glendale, 2285 Shirley reveals, "By chance I have just read the August issue of "Barbed Wire and Bamboo" and noticed the little piece about "Galleghan's Greyhounds". My late husband, Neville Gear (Cpl., 5 Sect. 17 Platoon, Died 1958. Ed.) was a Member of the 2/30 Battalion and I would be very interested in obtaining copies of the book for my son and daughter. I would be very grateful if you could please forward me any further information on the book's publication. Yours faithfully, S. Twyford." (The sequel to your scribe's reply to Shirley was that Vee, the Son, rang from Newcastle; revealed that he was a Vietnam veteran; that he had read my letter, and asked if I could give him some addresses of chaps from 17 Platoon in the Newcastle Area. Sid Musgrove and Don Schumacher were two, who came to mind. Vee not only was in touch with them, but next rang Jack Black to see if he could attend the Reunion weekend at Tamworth with us and be in the march from the Railway Station to the Memorial Gates for our commemoration of our Dead. This he did and wore Neville's medals on his right breast and his own on the left. "Kingie" Martin had the pleasure of being seated between Vee Gear on the one side and Richard Hudson (son of Alan Hudson) on the other at the Smorgasbord Dinner on the Saturday night and asked your scribe to "let the Boys know that by their conduct and conversation he found that they were both good representatives of the younger generation". Stan Arneil in "Makan" No 132 said of Neville Gear "Your quiet young cobber from Don Company has died prematurely and left a widow and two young children. Nev was stricken down with illness some months ago and sent to Yaralla for examination and treatment. However, it was found there that his expectation of life was almost Nil and he was sent back immediately to his home, where he died within a few weeks." (3rd Edition of "Galleghan's Greyhounds". Orders, which have come in so far, are not large enough in number as to justify ordering the printer to go ahead. Vee Gear and His Sister are but two of the children of our former mates desirous of reading of the activities of the Battalion, to which their Dad belonged; a Dad, whom they remember just faintly. Please do not hesitate, if you, or any family you know, has not the History, send in an order now. Ed.) "Ack Ack", Allan Alfred Johnson - Harrington, 2427 "Don R." - Signal Platoon Your scribe learnt that Allan lived in Harrington, so a bundle of old "Makans" was sent to him, but there was a problem. "Ack Ack" is how he was known in the Platoon, but a reply in each of three phone calls to other Sig. Men was, "We only knew him as "Ack Ack". Ray Duncombe added the information, "at Gemas he got me up behind him on his Motor cycle, when we were coming out, because I was laden with so much gear." Allan writes, "Thank you for sending me the "Makan" as it is one way of keeping in touch with former members of the Bn. Please note that I have changed my address, as above, from that which you had. I am enclosing some funds. (Thanks Allan. Ed.) Much water has passed under the bridges since I have seer most of the old Sig. Platoon. I met Jack Conn one day at Kew; had a few beers with Lyle Powys some time ago; worked near Cec. Palmer for some considerable time in Scone. I would be interested to know about Jack Lonie. Jack and I worked near each other as boys and I was in Concord about 2 years ago, when one of the 2/30, I think it was Garry Evans, told me that Jack was having turns and black-outs. I have had a slight stroke and, without glasses, am nearly blind. I would appreciate it, if I could get to the Reunion at Tamworth on the 22nd November, but afraid that I will not be able to make it. I was at a reunion at Tamworth somewhere about 1952. Harold French lived close to me at that time in Walcha, where I was working at the time. It's possible that I may be in Sydney for some days in the New Year and will try to see those of you, whom I can. I do a lot of fishing here and catch some beauties along the Breakwater, so, if ever up this way, call in. Trust that the Boys are all well on the Home front, with my Best Regards to All, Allan Alfred Johnson." E.E. (Jock) McDougall - Mosman, 2088 - C Company Jock expressed regret, "Sorry, I won't be able to be at the Reunion at Tamworth. It is indeed an imposing list of those, who are able to be there. Please give my regards to Wal Eather and Col. O'Donnell. I am off to England pretty shortly, and expect to be back about March 1981. Please hold my "Makan" until I return. I hope and know that you will all have a very happy time at Tamworth. I offer my regards to everyone as well as a very Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year. Yours Sincerely, Jock McDougall." Bert Hodge - Gilgandra, 2827 - A Company An apology also from Bert. "I will not be going to Tamworth. I can't go, where there is a crowd about, as my heart won't take it. I have to remain quiet. I am able to still do a bit of gardening and, though I have cataracts in both eyes, I am otherwise O.K. My Regards to All, Bert Hodge." Frank Dyson - Tomakin Via Moruya 2537 - 8 Section, 12 Platoon, B Company Frank acknowledges, "I know not who is or was responsible for sending of "Makan" to me for the last few weeks, but I thank, whoever caught up with me, for the good deed. Enclosed is a cheque for Subs etc and anything left please put to welfare or whatever, as there must be someone, who could be worse off than I am. My wife and I are now living in this quiet little village, after finishing work last November on Medical advice. We live very quiet lives, because, I'm afraid that the inevitable is creeping up on us, as is the case with the few of us from the old Unit, who do remain. Sorry to say that we cannot make Tamworth or any of the other festivities planned for the rest of the year, so I say, "Good Luck" and Good "Greyhounding" for those, who are able to go. Will be thinking of it all. Maybe next year(?). So I say, So-long and Good Health to all. "Tid apa". Yours sincerely and thanks again, Frank Dyson." Tom Massey - Merrylands, 2160 - HQ Company, Signals Short and sweet - "I don't know when Subs are due, but please find enclosed cheque for mine. My kind regards to all, Hank." Stuart Robertson – Tooraweenah, 2817 - A Company Joy regrets, "Shame forces me to pen a letter for Stuart. The Battalion card is a heart warming reminder of the many friends, whom you all made through the good times and the not so good and makes us realise how fortunate we are after all these years, to be able still to enjoy our special family occasions and Reunions. Stuart and I are looking forward to Tamworth on the 22nd November - sincerely hoping harvest will not stop our plans, as it's a "flat-out" job for all once it begins. Our Regards to all and thanks from Stuart, sincerely Joy Robertson." Alex G. McWilliams - East Gosford, 2250 - B Company You may remember that Chum Farley's letter in the last "Makan" ended by querying, if anyone knew anything of Alex McWilliams, and said, "surely he must still be living at Mount St. Wentworthville." Chum must surely have some idea of the habits of his cobber, because it seemed too easy. A glance through the Telephone book and it was so; there was a McWilliams, but the address was: "49 Lower Mount St. Wentworthville". An attempt to get in contact through, the post came back, with a note on the outside, "Moved to Gosford". Now Gosford is a mighty big place, but there's only one Central Coast Branch of Ex-P.O.W. Association, and its Secretary is Ray Kelly (2/20 Bn) and Brother-in-law of our Mick Lovell. An appeal to Ray and a quick reply said, that the above address would get him. We hope that we may be able to keep in touch from now on, Alex, and on behalf of the Boys of the Battalion we extend to you their Hearty Good Wishes. Ed. Harry Griffis - Taree, N.S.W. 2430 - D Company Harry tells us, "I had delayed a decision on the Tamworth Reunion, hoping that I may have been a late starter, but regret that I will not be able to attend, so I tender my apology. Indications are that there will be a good attendance for the big occasion. Like others, who cannot go, my thoughts will be with all those present. I trust that the weather shall be kind and that everyone will spend a happy weekend. With Best Wishes to All and Kindest Regards. Harry." Dick Tompson - Howrah, 7018, Tas. - Carriers Dick also apologises, "I only write to say I won't be making it to Tamworth Reunion. It's a bit far from Hobart! I am sure that it will all be a huge success and I would very much like to be taking part. Please apologise for my absence and remember me to everyone. I was Officers' Mess Secretary in Tamworth and can well remember the first meal, that I organised in a big open sided tent - a dust storm blew up and ruined the whole thing. The event became known as "Aunty Toss's Tea Party". Best wishes for a very happy weekend. Kind Regards. Dick Tompson." Arthur Buckingham - Killarney Vale, 2261 - B Company Arthur relates that, "Claire and I have been down in Tasmania. We went over with our oldest daughter, our son-in-law and their two children and had a lovely trip. They took their station wagon over, so we were able to see most of the places of interest. We really enjoyed it very much. I found your mention of Don and Sam Watts very interesting, as only a few weeks before Darcy Pickard and I were talking about them and having different opinions as to what force they were on and where unfortunately they died. I am enclosing some subs to put me ahead for a while as Claire and I get a lot of pleasure from reading "Makan". Ruth and Frank Purvis spent some days with us before we went away - they both look well and I think that Frank is enjoying his retirement. Hoping this finds all in the pink. Arthur." Heather Baxter - Cousin of Les Baxter, 9 Section, 18 Platoon, D Company - Campbelltown, 2560 Heather states, "Many thanks for the card and best wishes. I am much improved now. Trouble is that I get a bit ambitious and do more than I should. I was sorry that I missed the Commemorative Service at St. Stephens, though my cousin filled me in, and was very pleased to meet up with 2/30 Members, particularly as one was in Les' Section. Thanking you once again, Heather Baxter." Keith Jones - Burleigh Waters, Qld. 4220 - HQ Company Keith reveals, "I have been on the sick list for some weeks, though I am thankful to say I'm now on the mend and feel more human. Since hearing from you I have been in touch with E.P. (Mick) Hilton. He is no longer able to work and was granted T.P.I. a few months ago. He suffers from a lot of back trouble. As a matter of fact he found me, when he was granted his T.P.I. because of my being Secretary for the T.P.I. Branch Association, here on the Gold Coast, and was quite elated to find that I was 2/30 Bn. We have been in contact frequently and recently he rang to say that he has the phone on now. His address is PARADISE POINT. I know that Mick intends going to Tamworth Reunion. I spoke with Arch Craig and Jack Matthews at the Ex-Ps.O.W. Reunion at Ballina 16 Aug, and many others of our Unit, some of whom I had not seen since we left Changi. It sure was great. Tommy Aspinall's wife, although far from well, is a keen Orchid grower. That's about all for now. I'll see you, God Willing, in Tamworth, and for now, Best Wishes to All, Your's faithfully, Keith." Joyce Dare - Wife of Tom (C Company) - Gloucester Joyce writes, "Thank you so much for the years of pleasure, that I have had, reading the "Makan". I read with pride the "Salute to Col George Ramsay". Tom had spoken always in glowing terms of him. I had a wonderful weekend in Bathurst on 1st Nov. for my youngest son, Michael's wedding. He drove me round to the old Army Camp site and a few other places of interest, however I had little time for sight-seeing. But I shall spend some time out there later and hopefully, meet some of our members from that area. My family (3 boys) are slow starters. I only have one 12 year old Grandson, Paul; Tommy and Rhonda's son. Brian, the middle one is far too busy travelling the world. He is in Australia at present, working hard (he is a Commercial Artist) to return to France, so has no time for lasting relationships. Gloucester is looking fresh and green (mid November), we've had a few good showers, after months of drought, but we do need a lot more. My health has improved somewhat these last few months I should take it easy. The heart is an unpredictable organ, so I get bored a bit at times. Best wishes for the 40th Anniversary of Formation of the Battalion at Tamworth, Sincerely, Joyce Dare." Kel Anderson - Dubbo, 2830 - C Company Pearl reports, "Just a note to let you know that we have been keeping well. Up here at Dubbo, at time of writing, mid November, it is very dry. We need rain badly, but the rain clouds just keep coming and going, with no good falls for us. Kel had his older brother, Mick, over from Oneyu. He has lost his wife lately, so he is feeling low. But we all have that cross to bear sometime or other. (Please convey to him our sympathy in his loss, Pearl. Ed) Mick brought over an old newspaper, which his Mother had treasured and had given to Mick, before she passed on. There is a poem on the front page; it is a response in verse to a lady reporter, Adele Smith's views on the "Holiday in Malaya"" being her impression of our life over there at the time. (Please see the "Do you Remember” Section, page 35. Ed) All the Best to the 2/30 Lads. Pearl & Kel." Alan Charlton - Bexhill, 2480 - HQ Company Alan agrees, "Thanks for your tribute to Lloyd Cahill. He certainly earned a Life Membership on "F" Force. I know, as I was in the same camp. I was saddened by the news of the death of Fred Bladwell, because another link with my pre-war days has been broken. We first met at Jack Dunleavy's Gymnasium in 1937, where we fought three rounds, and believe me, they were hard ones too. The above is now our address, changed from Ballina. Our new house will be finished in about two weeks time as from the date of writing, early November, so we are now in the Lismore District. We have a wonderful neighbour, from whom we purchased the land. He was in the R.A.A.F. (England and the Islands). We are not farming, just living in a peaceful place with birds serenading us (magpies, kookaburras etc.) and lots of shady trees around us. I was glad to hear the news of Bruce Hunt's son. As Bruce Hunt was another, who, like Lloyd Cahill and John Taylor, just to mention a few, were men, with whom I consider it was an honour to serve. I am not going to Tamworth, but please give my best wishes to all, and, on the bus tour, check if any of the bayonet "wounds" we inflicted on the corrugated iron fence of the Shell Depot whilst on Oil Guard are healed. I don't know if you have learnt that Ossie Jackson's brother had died, but I learnt of it only on the day after the funeral. He has not been in on the three occasions that I have called to express my sympathy. (We also grieve with you, Ossie, at your loss. We know that you were together with him there for years. Ed.) Coming from Lismore to our place you would need to follow the Bangalow Road 10 km to Bexhill, where you would turn left over a bridge, then turn immediately right on to the Corndale Rd, and our property is about 6/10ths km. past the school. Hoping all goes well at Tamworth. Best wishes to All. Alan Charlton. L. Elliott (Bill) - Scone, 2337 - D Company Mavis expresses her regrets, "It's been quite a while since I wrote. I'm sorry to say, but there does not seem to be time to keep in touch with family; friends do not even get in the draw! It's practically Remembrance Day again and Christmas coming up fast - I'm sure some of the time must have been mislaid, I don't seem to have had a year's worth this time. Bill and I must apologise for not going to Tamworth, when it is only an hour and a half away from us. It's too bad to be unable to go - apart from my working weekends, we have family sicknesses on our minds. My brother is battling cancer against the usual odds in Prince of Wales. Mum is well into her eighties and my sister and I have to share the going to George and staying within call of Mum. Bill is having a good run right now, apart from his usual aches and pains in his joints, which are worse in Spring, for some reason. He is trying to cut down on his medicines too. Number 3 son, Gordon, finally had to have a gall operation last May, after nearly wrecking his car, coming home from work, when a cow thought that she had the right of way and putting him at the mercy of the panel-beaters for 6 months. Gordon did not take so long to get his health back, but it just wasn't his year. He seems to be right now, I am glad to say, happy with his wheels freshly painted and never still long. We are looking forward to our first grandchild around Christmas time. Errol and Maree will have just about moved into their new house by then - Bill was beginning to think that he was never going to be a grandfather, but I tell him that we have only been married thirty years, so we must be too young to be grandparents. We see Cecil and Jean Palmer often. Unfortunately Jean is in hospital a lot, though mostly on short stays. I can usually see her before she goes home, when I work as wards maid. She and Cecil keep cheerful and busy despite their setbacks, it is well too that their family is close, happily. Jean's sight is very bad now, so she relies upon her hearing, and she does not make many mistakes with identifying voices. We have been searching the sky for signs of rain for quite a while now. The most that we have had is around an inch, but it dried up after sun and wind. Today the clouds built up and then rolled away to some other place. The wind has risen again, so there is not much chance of the rain, which we need badly. Glenbawn Dam is getting really low, and the folk down river call for more water, but there has been very little to be let run off, so that the ground is bare and cracked. Bill enjoyed the latest "Makan" very much with its many recollections from the forties and the names of old mates. Best wishes to all at the Reunion - It will be most successful, Tamworth is a friendly place. Sincerely, Bill and Mavis Elliott." Clarrie Burgess - Redfern, 2016 Clarrie is early as usual with Subs for next year and says, "I hope one and all are keeping well. Once again I must thank all the people involved in the production of "Makan" and also wish All the Members and Wives of the 2/30 a Happy Christmas and I hope that we can push through 1981. A few weeks back I took my time by train, calling in to Newcastle and Port Macquarie and a few other towns to break the monotony of travelling. I had a few pleasant days at Grafton. A few hours talking with Mrs Dulcie Korsch and inspected her new Unit, which she has done up very well. As she does quite a lot of welfare work, she has bought herself a car and is driving very well. I had dinner with Harry and Mrs Rhodes and, of course, a few ales, but Harry is not drinking much these days. I also met the President and Secretary/Manager of the Grafton R.S.L. Club and a couple of other P.O.W. chaps. The trip home was bad, but am feeling O.K. again now. Just the same the old back won't take that travelling, hence No Tamworth - which I would have liked to attend. All the Best and Remember me to Les Hall and all the Boys, Clarrie Burgess.” Alan Pryde - Cremorne Point, 2090 - Bn HQ Many like your scribe might have wondered the front cover of October "Barbed Wire and Bamboo". Alan explains that "quite a few of the 'Lost Battalion' American personnel came on board the 'Celebes Maru', when 'A' Force convoy called in at Belawein Dili in Northern Sumatra, on the way to the aerodrome jobs in Lower Burma - as was the case with survivors of H.M.A.S Perth. They had all been sent to Sumatra from the Batavia P.O.W. Camps. They proceeded to the Tavoy job after our group had been off-loaded at Mergui. Ramsay Force joined up with them again at the commencement of the Railway Job about the 26 Kilo mark (Tan Besar). They were a good crowd, both U.S. and 'Perth' men; it was pleasurable to associate with them and have the accounts of their experiences at first hand. As was usually the case, all of us were split up and sent in different directions thereafter. The U.S. Field Artillery men were from the National Guard - something like, I understand, our C.M.F. My regards to all, Alan." Jeff Gillespie - Cobargo, 2547 - B Company Jeff's half-brother, Trevor Gillespie, Beecroft, called in the other night to give your scribe Jeff's Subs. He says that Jeff had been put into hospital earlier in the year again, but was now out and about. Bob Dickson - New Lambton, 2305 - HQ Company, Carriers Bob has written to explain the reason, why he was in Concord Hospital recently and sent home so quickly. "My visit to Concord was at the request of the specialist, who is treating me up here. When I arrived at Concord early in the morning of 31st October they were waiting for me, going to work as soon as I settled down - blood count, X-Rays, dressing of wound. Then on the Friday the No 1 Surgeon gave me a full working over. But on the Saturday I was told that, they had discovered that I had an infection in the leg and with that trouble they did not want to operate until I was rid of infection, so after some transfusions and a visit to the eye clinic, they sent me home. Wishing everyone a pleasant time at Tamworth. Yours faithfully as ever, Bob Dickson.” Eric (Curly) Wright - Smithfield, 2164 - Bn. Q. Store One of our Metropolitan Reporters advises that he’d rung Curly to let him have some details of the Tamworth Reunion and learnt that he has his wife, Olive, sick. This must create quite some difficulties for both of them to be sick, it was bad enough, when Curly was the only one sick. Reg. Etherington - Wyong, 2258 - HQ Company, Tspt Reg says, "I would like to wish all the boys of the 2/30 a very Merry Christmas and a Healthy New Year. I am still attending Gosford Hospital for treatment, but not for my tumour on the lung, as they have cleaned that up, thank goodness, but now the old arthritis is giving me hell in the back and legs, so they are going to give me more treatment for that. Season's Greetings, Reg and Kathleen." W.P. (“Jock") McKenzie - Katoomba, 2780 - HQ Company, Tspt Jock's brother, George, writes, "Thought I would leave this letter until you had got the 2/30th Reunion over. Athol Charlesworth, who had Les and Margaret Perry and Keith and Ruth Mulholland at Leura prior to taking off for the Reunion, called and took Bill out to his place for lunch and I guess something of a Mini-Reunion. I would like to thank Athol and Mrs Charlesworth for their kind thought and hospitality in having Bill with them and of being able to give him such a boost in being able to accept the invitation and to meet the visitors from Narrandera. Bill is keeping up really well, although we had him in hospital for a few days. He was a little off colour, so I took him in for a check-up and the Hospital decided to hold him for a few days. I am pleased to report that he is quite O.K. again and real chirpy once more. We at Albion St. wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a Bright and Prosperous New Year, and thank you one and all for the kindness that has been given to Bill. Yours very sincerely, George Mackenzie." Vince Leonard - Fairfield, 2165 - HQ Company, Tspt. Vince sends his best wishes for a "Happy Christmas to all and my kind regards, Vince Leonard." Jack Carey - Budgewoi, 2263 - D Company Phil joins Jack in "Wishing you All every Christmas Blessing and Peace and Happiness in the New Year." Jim Speers - Byron Bay, 2481 - Formerly 18 Platoon Jim, having enjoyed our company at Tamworth once more, has sent a card, "Its knowing and remembering you that makes the season bright. Wishing You All a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, Jim Speers." Sid Grounds - Carlton, 2218 - A Company Sid reported that Isobel's brother, who lives at Beecroft had had a slight stroke in October. You may recollect he would have been brother of our former comrade, Arthur English, as Well as Isobel's. (We trust that he is making a recovery, Ed.) Allen Gilbert - Beverly Hills, 2209 - B Company After 30 years driving taxis around Sydney, Allen has sold his plate, though you may see him behind the wheel of an odd taxi or two, because he will keep his license and help out his friends, who may have sickness in the family or may be wanting to have a holiday. Stop Press - Last Post NX54449 Pte. George Francis McKenzie Jones, 15 Platoon, C Company Born 19/8/1911, Died 15/11/1980. Word has come from Garry, Frank's son that his father had passed away on 15th November last. He has not said what had happened, but, in his last letter, Frank had told us that he had spent a month in hospital, earlier in the year, undergoing a big operation, and we presume that his trouble had re-surfaced. Garry also said that his Dad used to look forward to receiving his copy of "Makan" and gained a lot of enjoyment in reading it, as it kept him posted on the goings on of old mates. We mourn with his wife and family at his passing. Bruce Ford - Hurstville, 2220 - D Company One of our Reporters has told us that, when Bruce had some holidays in mid October, it was so that he could go up to Wardell; a sort of farewell look at the old farmhouse, which his grandfather had built and has been in the family ever since, but which is to be sold. George Croft - Punchbowl, 2196 - Bn. Bootmaker George is another, who has had cataracts on his eyes. He has had them removed, and was due to go home mid November. George Stephenson - Mollymook, 2539 - HQ Company George sends his fond regards to all and extends to his mates, Best Wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. “Sluggo” Jones - Booval, Qld. 4304 - D Company Sluggo had the misfortune to fall ill whilst visiting his daughter at Wollongong, but had recovered sufficiently to be able to go back to Booval on Monday, 10th November, and be at Tamworth at the Reunion Weekend. I did not show any outward after effects. Len Roberts - Wyong, 2259 - HQ Company, Tspt Margaret reported that the baby, which daughter, Susanne, had been expecting, turned out to be a boy, so there is a pigeon pair in West Australia, whilst son, Vaux, in South Africa, and his wife have adopted a little boy. Len's illnesses are to put him back in to hospital, whilst attempts are made to try and find the causes. Leo Thompson - Transferred to 27 Bde Protective Platoon 7/10/41 - "G" Ward - Repat Divn. Broughton Hall, Rozelle Mrs Irene Cragg had been doing Hospital Visiting for N.S.W. Ex-P.O.W. Association and reported that she had seen Leo on a visit to Broughton Hall, Balmain Road, Rozelle, and had found him quite ready to talk with her. Acting on this information Ray Rickards paid him a visit, but said that Leo did not seem to recognise Ray, and as well, either did not remember past war events or does not want to remember them. He looks well, and is allowed to visit the local TAB, so that he lives in the present, but not the past. George Gough - Cabramatta, 2166 - Bn HQ George advises that on a trip to Canberra he had seen Stan Desmet one afternoon. Stan had been hoping to get to Tamworth, but he is in charge of so many of those on the Public Service Pay Roll, who looked like being in Industrial trouble at the time, that he had to cancel his arrangements. Edna Bailey - (Wife of Mick) - Sefton, 2162 - HQ Edna is another, who has suffered from cataracts on the eyes, has had operations and is awaiting new spectacles. Rod Anderson - Hermit Park, Q. 4812 - A Company We have learnt Rod recently spent a week on Norfolk Island. He did not have any records with him, but having seen the impressive list of the Quintals, who had served in the last War, he wished that he had known more details of Laurie Quintal so that he could have made the acquaintance of his family. Thelma Gibbs - (Wife of Bobby Gibbs) - Turrawan, 2418 – A Company Thelma says, "Congratulations to Allan Pryde, Jack Black, Joe Geoghegan and the rest of the Committee in the organisation of the Reunion and what a success it turned out to be. But what would the Reunions do without Wal Eather at Tamworth? Sending out the list of names was a great idea and I enjoyed meeting Bob's old army mates and their wives. Quite a lot I had known before. Others looked me up and introduced themselves. The men and their wives of the 2/30th have been outstanding in extending their very sincere friendship to me. When left a widow there are many adjustments to make, and to conquer loneliness, one has to start by leaving self pity behind, get out and contribute by meeting new people and making new friends. I do appreciate the friendships I have made through the Association, and I'm looking forward to visits from some of them. In March I will have STD phone, instead of the present manual exchange with restricted hours, so will be easier to keep in touch. I felt very proud to be present at the Anniversary Reunion, which was so capably organised. I wish you every success with the next one, wherever it may be. Yours sincerely, Thelma Gibbs." Supplement with "Makan" No 258, Dec. 1980 The "Gemas Day" Commemoration will take place at 3 p.m, on Sunday, 18th Jan. 1980, at the Memorial at the H.Q., 17th Royal New South Wales Regiment, 2 Suakin St., Pymble. Entry to the Depot is from Ryde Road, about 200 yards west of the crossing of the Pacific Highway, via West St. (on the left hand or north side, coming from Ryde), or, if from Bridge St. (alongside Gordon Fire Station), then, at the intersection at the bottom of the hill, make turn right into Suakin St., thence into the Depot. We have received again the utmost cooperation from Lt. Col D.R. Leece (C.O. 17 R.N.S.W.R.) and his adjutant, Capt. Perkins; they have arranged to have the Depot opened at 2.30pm for the Ceremony at 3 pm. A Catafalque Party of 5 from A Company will be arranged for the Ceremony by Capt. T.G. Permewan, O.C. that Company, 2 Pipers a Drummer and such other details, as may be provided. As the Regiment treat the day as a Formal Parade, all Members of 2/30 Bn are requested to wear medals and decorations. It is most gratifying that such a helpful response, both now and in the past, has been made for our needs to be met during the rather difficult holiday period. This event is our FAMILY GATHERING of the year for those, who at any time wore. the 2/30 Bn Colour Patch, with Next of Kin of those, who are no longer with us, their families and friends.
14/1/1942 -
GEMENCHEH BRIDGE 2/30 Battalion A.I.F. was formed at Tamworth on 22 Nov. 1940, and in Feb 1941 became part of 27 Infantry Brigade, 8 Div. The officers and men of the Battalion were drawn mostly from the Metropolitan, North Coast and Riverina Areas. It left Sydney on 29 July, 1941 and arrived in Singapore early in the morning of 15 August, 1941. On 9 Jan 1942 General Gordon Bennett ordered 2/30 Bn to take up a defensive position astride the Main road from the north of Malaya in the vicinity of Gemas. Training had been made in ambush procedures and tactics, whilst the Bn was at Jemaluang and, though a recce of the area showed that the whole Battalion might not be used in an ambush of the approaching Japanese, Lt. Col. Galleghan sought and obtained permission of General Bennett to use a Company in the ambush some 3 miles forward of the main Battalion defensive position which was about 3 miles north of Gemas. B Company commanded by Capt. D.J. Duffy (later Lt. Col. D.J. Duffy, MC. ED) took up the forward ambush position, occupying the rims of a cutting along a stretch of road behind the Gemencheh River, with the forward platoon covering the bridge and about 150 yards of straight road on the other side. At 16.20 hours on 14/1/1942 B Company opened the A.I.F. Malayan Campaign by engaging the Japanese in this Gemencheh ambush at the instant of Capt Duffy giving the order to the Div. Engineers to blow the bridge. The Company was able to break contact and move back. The following day, 15 Jan, saw the Japanese in contact with the Battalion as a whole. Despite the fact that the Japanese had moved tanks across the Gemencheh River, along with their main body, they made no impression on the 2/30 Bn defence, assisted as it was by 30 Battery, 2/15 Field Regt. Artillery; a Section of 13 Battery, 4 Anti-Tank Regt; a Party of 8 Div Engineers; and a Party of 8 Div Sigs. Despite the circumstance, with not even a slit trench, so as to retain the advantage of the ambush, the Battalion casualties for the two days were very light:- One Officer and 16 other ranks killed, 9 O.Rs missing and 55 wounded. The TOTAL of CASUALTIES throughout the Campaign was, 83 killed, Died of Wounds or Missing Presumed Dead. The Battalion lost a further 310 during P.O.W. days and since its return to Australia, many of our comrades are known to have answered the "Last Call". Since the printing of "Makan" 251 with the 1979 Call for the "Gemas Day" Commemoration of that year, we have learnt of the passing of these 20 comrades as well:
NX46825 Pte Mick A.
Bailey In this "Gemas Day" Commemoration we join with their families and remember all our Comrades, who are no longer with us. WE WILL REMEMBER THEM. LEST WE FORGET. The Memorial The concrete cylinder, which forms the focal point of the Memorial, was one of those used as a Tank Stop at the Battle of Gemas. It remained at the side of the road, until found in 1970 by Major Ken. G. MALLINSON ED, a former member of 30 Inf. Bn. CMF at that time serving with the 1 Bn Royal Australian Regiment. 1 R.A.R. undertook the recovery of the cylinder and, subsequently forwarded it to 17 Royal New South Wales Regiment as a War relic. They included with the cylinder a bronze plaque briefly recording its significance. The 17 Royal New South Wales Regiment was formerly the 17 Battalion CMF, The North Sydney Regiment, which had been amalgamated with the 30 Bn, The New South Wales Scottish Regiment CMF. An Infantry Company in Black Watch Kilt, "A" Company, is maintained still by 17 R.N.S.W.R, in honour of 30 Bn. The 17 Royal Near South Wales Regiment has revered the traditions of all past Regiments, which carried the colours of the 30 Bn and decided that the concrete cylinder should be mounted by the flagpole on it Parade Ground, in a suitable setting. The 17 Royal New South Wales Regiment organised all of the arrangements and construction in setting up the Memorial. The 5 Palms, set in a semi-circle around the Memorial, were provided by our Association, with help from NX27140 Cpl. Barnes H.L. (Dec’d 16/5/1978), and represent the 5 Companies of 2/30 Bn. Kuringai Municipal Council provided the second Brass Plate for the Memorial Stone and helped with advice and assistance to the 17 R.N.S.W.R. in the construction and setting up of the Memorial. The Official Consecration and unveiling of the Memorial was held on 17 Jan 1971, when our then Patron, Brig. Sir, Frederick G. Galleghan DSO OBE ISO ED, who died later in that year on 20th April, performed the unveiling. Notes On Procedure for the Afternoon. The procedure, which is to be followed during the afternoon is set out on the centrefold. It will be seen that provision has been made for laying of any kind of floral tribute by any, who may desire to do so, from amongst those present. A small posy may be considered to be the most suitable. A member of the Battalion will escort each tribute bearer to the Memorial. Ample time is allowed for the Afternoon Tea and Get-Together. In order to provide for this, Family Groups are asked to please bring something by way of eats, sufficient for their own requirements, plus a little extra to provide for unaccompanied menfolk; and for any others, who find it awkward to bring something, also for our hosts, who have made the gathering possible. Lt. Col. Leece has arranged to have the Depot opened at 2.30 in the afternoon and has arranged also the provision of tables, crockery etc., and hot water for tea and coffee making, and then for washing up of utensils afterwards, in order that we may have the comfort of the afternoon tea and a yarn after the Ceremony. All donations for the afternoon tea will be aggregated and for this purpose may be placed on the tables on arrival for all to partake later, after the Ceremony, as a Family. Tea and Coffee, Milk, Sugar etc., will be provided by the Executive for our "Cuppa". However will you please bring along a tea towel for the drying up of the crockery etc., before we depart. The Executive especially appreciates the C.O.'s gesture in opening the Regimental Messes, in order to assist with the refreshment, but would all Members please remember that this is a Family affair, so it is essential that all move freely among the gathering and refrain from a tendency to congregate near to the Bar almost exclusively. Children's drinks will be provided by the Regimental Messes. The children may pick up their drinks at the serving point and the Messes will keep a tally, so that the Association Treasurer will attend to payment at the end of the afternoon. Because of the difficulty in making personal introductions of each one to the other, we confess to age and eyesight trouble, which affects most of us, we will have on hand a supply of name cards, thus making for ease of identification. However we would ask that those of you, who have such cards at home, as may have been used at former Battalion gatherings, please bring them with you for use. Just a case of saving a few "bawbees"', if we can. The Ceremony will be held, REGARDLESS OF THE STATE OF THE WEATHER, as there is ample shelter in the Drill Hall. Formation for the Ceremony Catafalque Party will be positioned with rear rank behind the Memorial, front rank in front and behind the kerbing, with NCO of the Party beside the front rank. Flag Attendant will take post beside flagpole. Pipes and Drums will stand on opposite side of flagpole to Catafalque Party, and Trumpeter by the kerbing nearby. Battalion Members will march from Drill Hall in two files, one file to each side of the flagpole; Leaders will halt about 10ft from kerbing and turn inwards, each successive member halting and turning inwards as he reaches his position. Noel Johnston (to represent Geo. Ramsay) and President, Arch Thorburn, take position with Wreath, midway between lines of Members. Lt. Col. Leece and Capt. T.G. Permewan, also with Wreath will take position behind other pair and also midway between lines. Floral Tribute Bearers amongst the rest of the Gathering place themselves to close the square in line with the last Members in the line on either side. The last Bn. Members in those lines to please act as escorts to those, who wish to place their personal tributes on the Memorial. Balance of the Assembly help to close the square behind Tribute Bearers, but with children to the front of the group, please, where possible. There will be no parade, as such, but President will ask one of Bn. Members present on the day to act as Marshall. Procedure To Be Followed This is essentially a family gathering, with a minimum of ceremony. There will be no parade, as such, or the undue issuing of orders and instructions, but some form of procedure is essential in order to avoid chaos, and to enable us to observe a reverence and dignity befitting the occasion. The following will be observed:
2.30pm - Upon entrance to Drill Hall, please place afternoon tea contributions (unopened) on the tables set up there. Name cards will be provided by Members of the Battalion, who will move amongst guests, in order to see that they are distributed, but please bring one from home, if you have one still from previous Battalion activities.
3.00pm -
3.05pm - The following order will please be observed: (i) Bn. Association. Representatives, bearing the Official wreath, will stand in front of the Assembly. (ii) C.O. 17 Royal New South Wales Regiment and Aide in rear of Association Reps. (iii) All others, wishing to place tributes, take up positions, to form square with lines of Members, the remainder of the Assembly in rear of them. It may be that several lines will be formed. Children in front line if possible.
3.10pm - During the Ceremony the Pipes will play a Lament.
The Assembly will move, in their own time, to the Drill Hall for Afternoon Tea and Refreshments, to be joined by Members of the 17 R.N.S.W.R and their friends. Soft drinks will be provided for the children.
4.30pm -
5.00pm - Death Railway Pages 19/20, "Makan" 254, carried a few extracts from Sydney Morning Herald article of its issue of 3/5/80. Now of interest to us are the words, "The Australians exploring sections of the old line are collecting sleeper spikes and bolts". Alan Gilbert (B Company) mentioned at the Tamworth 40th Anniversary, that a friend had sent him some of those spikes and said that he wanted them placed, if possible, in a museum, where they could be retained as historical relics, because it has been said that, the Japanese managed to complete the Burma-Thailand Railway, but only at the expense of a life of the Ps.O.W. and of the impressed civilians for every sleeper on the Railway, and for every sleeper there were two spikes. Alan's friend is VX61588 G.P. McLennan MIE Aust. a River Improvement Engineering Consultant with the Snowy Mts Engineering Corporation. Mr McLennan says, "These dog spikes and bolt were dug out of the ground by me June 1980 from the Burma Thailand Railway formation. The Snowy Mountains Engineering Corporation is supervising the construction of a Dam on the Khwae Noi (Little Kwai). The Dam site is called Khoa Lem (KIM) and is about half way up the river between Kanchanburi (your Kamburi) and The Three Pagoda Pass. The railway formation is on the left bank of the River (looking downstream). During the preliminary construction work on the Dam they cleared and used part of the old railway formation as an access road. I went past the end of the cleared section of the old railway formation to get the spikes. I could not go far because the jungle has overgrown it since. The rails were removed not long after the war finished. The timber sleepers, small timber culverts and rock headwalls on the culverts are generally in quite good condition, considering the time and the jungle growth. Russell Braddon in his book "The Naked Island", said that trains did not run on the line, but they apparently did run for about 18 months before the Kwai River Bridge was bombed and made unusable, until the Thais repaired it after the war. (your scribe found at p 223 that Braddon said, “no train ever got through"). The line at present only extends from Kanchanburi to Nam Tok, a distance of about 50 km and Khoa Len is about 80 km further upstream and approximately 90 km downstream from Three Pagoda Pass. The British pulled up the rails in Burma after the war and the Thais were apparently forced (or urged or something) to pull up the remainder from Burma to Nam Tok. These spikes etc. are given to you by me and by the courtesy of Snowy Mountains Engineering Corporation, which provided me with all the facilities to get them. Yours faithfully, G.P. McLennan." If Lt. Col. Leece may see fit, we would request that he accept these relics from the "Death Railway" as some tangible memory of the months some part of the 2/30 Bn in "A", "F" and "H" Forces spent in Burma and Thailand, and of the comrade left behind, and hold them in the Regimental Museum. Dedicated To The Fallen
The Lord has taken
him, where there is no pain,
He has fought for
his King and Country with courage and pride
Man of gallantry to
foe and friend, Ted Rickards Battle Honours The Scottish Rifles, renamed 30 Bn after World War 1, had nearly 100 of its men in the Boer War in South Africa. It was presented in 1903 with the Battle Honour: South Africa 1900-1902 The Battle Honours won by the 30 Bn in World War 1. were:
The Battle Honours won by 2/30 Battalion in Malaya:
Malaya, 1942
Johore The Battle honours of 30 Bn, New South Wales Scottish Regiment, won in New Guinea 1941/5 were:
South West Pacific Beatrice Hardman (Wife Of Curly) - Woy Woy, 2256 Beatrice writes, "To the Men of the 2/30 Bn Christmas Greetings and a Happy New Year and a Healthy one too. Many Thanks for your Get Well Cards and Flower. They certainly make one feel good. I'm so glad that you had a wonderful Reunion. My legs are still not good. Best Wishes from Beatrice and Curly." Horrie Cody - Bomaderry, 2540 - A Company Zelma says, "We had a lovely time at Tamworth. Horrie really enjoyed, meeting the men, he had not seen, since arriving home. Best Wishes and Season's Greetings, from Horrie & Zelma. Cec Plews - Clarence Gardens, S.A., 5039 - HQ Company Just a short rote and a query. During our recent visit to Tamworth, which I thought was a huge success and a credit to those, who must have worked long and hard to make it so, I naturally spent some considerable time with other ex-members of the Carrier Platoon, who were present there also. I took up with me a sheet of paper, on which I had recorded various information regarding members of the Carrier Platoon. I had commenced writing this up, on our arrival in Changi as a P.O.W. and I added to it, from time to time, throughout our stay as 'guests' of the Japanese. I managed to keep it and bring it home with me. We had a lot of discussion on the information, that I had set down, in particular concerning E.C. Harrington, who has been listed as "Missing, presumed Dead". I would be really interested, if any one might be able to let me have any information concerning his last movements or anything known of him, just prior to him being posted as "Missing". Thanking you all in anticipation, May I wish all the Boys and Theirs a very Merry Xmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year. Yours faithfully, Cec. Plews. Alan Pryde - Cremorne Point, 2090 - Bn. HQ Alan advises, "I am required to attend at Concord General Hospital on 6th Jan, next, to undergo an operation designed to improve my close vision, one of the many problems of so many of our mates. It is with more than a little regret that I have to let you know, that I shall not be able to submit my name for nomination as Treasurer in subsequent elections."
Battalion History All copies of the reprint, in the 2nd Edition of our Battalion History were sold last year. Enquiries for copies are coming in still. We would like to satisfy the demand, but so far the number of orders has not reached a total, which the Executive could consider, at the price we quoted of $15 in the supplement with "Makan" May/Jul 1980. We MUST have another 100 orders in addition to those, which we hold, before we can go to print. WHAT ABOUT IT, PLEASE? "One Man's War", By Stan Arneil THE FIRST PRINTING HAS BEEN A SELL-OUT. THE PUBLISHER IS SEEKING TO HAVE ANOTHER PRINTING READY FOR CHRISTMAS ORDERS. ANOTHER EDITION BY 15 FEB. NEXT YEAR. Stan would like to be able to include the names, of MEN NOT IDENTIFIED in the photos on Page 22 and Page 144. CAN THOSE OF YOU, who have bought the book already, help him, please? The photo of the man on page 68 is known to be of 2/15 Arty but the other two are believed to be 2/30 Bn. This book is History. It is not only of 2/30 Bn Men, in that it speaks for all Ps.O.W. It is a Memorial to those we left behind. The Battalion Association has not been concerned in production of this book, it is solely the work of Stan Arneil, your scribe has helped him of his own inclination. Back to 1980 index or Main Index |