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Back to 1981 index or Main Index Makan No. 260 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 For Your Diary
2 April Thursday –
3 April Friday - It is suggested that you have a meal there beforehand and a drink, gathering from 5.30 pm onwards on 1st floor.
5 April Sunday -
25 April Saturday - Usual arrangements - assembly point Elizabeth St. behind Carlton Hotel (facing south to King St.) After march gathering in N.S.W. ex-P.O.W. Association rooms, Goldberg House, 101 / 105 Clarence St., City, ground floor, harbour bridge side of Erskine St. Opposite Cosmopolitan Hotel and near Wynyard station.
7 May Thursday -
9 May Saturday -
4 June Thursday -
2 July Thursday -
6 August Thursday -
15 August Saturday -
15 August Saturday -
16 August Sunday - Sick Parade KEVIN WARD advises that those, who have been in Hospital since last report, and in some cases are still there, are: Stewart Blow, Ted Condie, George Stephenson, Alex Olley, Ken Crispin, Alf Lamacraft, Des Duffy, Eric Bahnsen, Chubbie Ramsay, Arthur Isaac, Jimmy Spears, Vi Schofield. Annual Meeting of the Association - Friday, 3rd April 1981 You are reminded that the Annual Meeting of the Association will be held in the Board Room of the Public Service Association Club, 151 Kent St. City (immediately behind the Hoyt's Theatres complex) within easy reach of Town Hall Station or a Car Parking Station is next door. The time for commencement of the Meeting is 8 pm. However the suggestion is put forward that anyone who works in or near to the City might gather together beforehand in the Club Building for a smorgasbord meal, as supplied by the caterers at the Club, and whatever liquid refreshments as may be desired either from the Bar adjacent, or tea or coffee from the kitchen. Anyone at all, whose timetable for that day will permit that they can join such early birds, is welcome too. A time for this gathering is suggested as say, 5.30 pm onwards. A short Committee Meeting will be held immediately after the Annual General Meeting, and an invitation is extended to those, who may so desire, to join the Executive on this occasion, before adjourning to the 1st Floor or wending the way home. Anzac Day – 25th April Arrangements are as has been in force ever the last few years.
Assembly Point: Medals to be worn; and Name Bars, if you have them in big enough lettering. We confess we are ageing and eyes and memory for faces, or ability to relate face and name, are not the best these days, and you must be the same.
Banner:
At Cenotaph: After March Get-Together: The Get-together will be in the Rooms of the N.S.W. Ex-P.O.W. Association, Goldberg House, 101 / 105 Clarence Street, City. Those, who are unable to march, are asked to meet the others there. The rooms will be open, early in the morning, as a rendezvous after the Dawn Service, and until late in the day, and this will let anyone make their way to the rooms at their leisure. Refreshments at the Get-Together: For the first time since 1958, when Betty Collins let the men have a box of sandwiches, to help with whatever it was that they drank, and, as the Ex-P.O.W. ASSOCIATION LADIES AUXILIARY has been extending the service, which it sells in the way of refreshments to strengthen the finances of the Association, especially in this year, with N.S.W. as the Host State for the NATIONAL REUNION set on 14th to 18th October next, sandwiches for 2/30 Bn men will not be there, but we ask that you choose a lunch from the variety offered by the ladies and pay their reasonable price for it. The Ladies' team of helpers on the day will be added to by various ladies from the 2/30 Bn Auxiliary, so we’ve got to give them support in what they do. Don't you reckon? Representation at Bathurst The Association's official representatives at the R.S.L. Services at Bathurst, including that at our Cairn in Limekilns Road, will be Jack Maclay, who will also present a Battalion Plaque to the Bathurst R.S.L. as an appreciation of the service tendered to the Men of the Battalion at all times since 1941 by the citizens of Bathurst, Joe Geoghegan and Jack Carey. Georgina Geoghegan and Thelma Jones (wife of Bill) will be there too. Battalion Plaques We have received the quote for these plaques. If an order is placed for 10 the cost for each one will be $45.00, but if an order for 25 is placed the cost will be $35 each. As was pointed out in last "Makan" the more that are purchased, the lower will be the individual cost. 10 are ordered. If you want one, please send your order in no later than 15th May next. We do not want money at this stage, but in the order please indicate, if you will only be in it at the $35 and drop out, if it has to be $45 or, if you will take at $45. 2/30 Battalion Auxiliary Announcement was made in last "Makan" that the Auxiliary had decided tentatively on a Bus Outing for Sunday 5 Apr. The regular monthly meeting on 5th March decided there are too many other activities, Easter and Anzac Day in this month, so the Bus Tour is now deleted from their programme. Schooner Trip - Sydney Harbour - Saturday, 9th May 1981 is definitely on.
Timetable:
Fare: $5.00 -
Adults and Children the same There is accommodation for 40 people on the schooner and, as we are hiring the schooner for our sole use, it is necessary to have firm bookings and money. Reservations will be taken on basis of first come, first booked. Once we get 40 people a reserve list will be commenced, so that if anyone has to drop out, their places can be filled. 40 is maximum of Adults & Children - Safety Regulation. There is good parking near Luna Park or you may come by train to Milson's Point Railway Station and walk down to the Luna Park. For further information and bookings, please contact: Ron Maston 89-1302, Jack Black 977-4152 or Norma Christensen 59-3342. The Auxiliary would like to invite more people to the regular monthly meetings on the First Thursday of the Month, at the Rooms of the N.S.W. Ex-P.O.W. Association, 101/5 Clarence St. Sydney, on the ground floor, and within easy reach of Wynyard Station. The next meeting is to be at 2 pm on 2/4/81, and that for May is on the 7th of that month. 2/30 Bn Auxiliary - Picnic Lunch The Picnic Lunch in Centennial Park, on 22nd February, was a success as the first outdoor function of the Auxiliary. At least 30 or more adults and about 10 children and grandchildren. The rain, which was threatening, resolved into a light shower at lunch time, but the heavy downpour was experienced by some, only as they drove home, and no one was still in the park at that stage. A cricket bat, ball and stumps, and a Totem Tennis set provided exercise for some of the grandchildren, not necessarily those of the owner. Those there were: Les and Billy Melrose, Jack Black, Doc and Clover Wilson, Mick & Gwyneth Lovell, Les & Dorothy Hemming and their son, Kevin, Max & Heather McClelland, Hugh (Snow) & Jean Martin, their children and grandchildren, Jack Maclay, older son, Robert and his wife and grandchildren, Alex Dandie, George Aspinall, Ron & Gretta Maston, Joe and Georgina Geoghegan, some of their children and grandchildren and the Christensen family, Mrs. Christensen (senior), a smiling 88 year old, with daughters, Ann Cochrane, Grace Ford and Norma Christensen, and Don & Betty Devey. Joe Geoghegan had seen to the ice cream and drinks for the children, and Georgina had another of her moreish cakes, whilst Grace Ford had slices of pie, to tempt folk to forget a diet regimen, and Gretta Maston had prepared a fish pie, thinking of the little extra for those who might not be able to provide for themselves. She found grateful takers in your scribe and George Aspinall, as well, of course, in Ron. Accommodation The Auxiliary has a problem at present. One of our mates, who has since died, had an older sister, whose husband died in January of this year. She is 70 years of age and is a bit nervous at being on her own in her cottage, at North Ryde, at night-time. She seeks a nice person of either sex, whom she could allow to have their own room in the cottage, to live with her and thus allay her nervousness. Her own interests are in her Church and in her Bowls. The cottage is not far from North Ryde R.S.L. Club and Channel 10. If anyone knows someone, who might fill the bill will you please get in touch with the Auxiliary's Secretary, Grace Ford, Arncliffe. Last Post NX25334 Pte. Robert William Foster of Leichhardt a member of 11 Platoon, B Company, and one who came to the Battalion at Tamworth, died on 29th August last year, aged 58 years; being born on 19/8/1922, his death occurred only 10 days after he had celebrated his Birthday in 1980. Bob had been in G.B.D. at Johore Bahru, when the 2/19 Battalion was being reformed after Muar and was drafted to that Unit on 26th January 1942. He fought with its C Company on the Island, but suffered the loss of a forearm with its amputation at the elbow, so that he was one, who remained on the Island, at first in the A.G.H. and Con Depot, and rejoined the 2/30 Bn on 27/12/1942 ex 2/19 Bn. Bob had not kept in touch with our Battalion after returning to Australia. The notice of his death came to our attention in the 2/19 Bn Magazine of March 1981. The Secretary of the 2/19 Bn Association has informed us that his last few years were spent in the Cottages at Rozelle. NX52728 L/Cpl Jack Green died at his home, at Lakemba on 11th February 1981. A Guard of Honour was formed at the Chapel at Rockwood Crematorium on tho following Friday from Members of his Lakemba R.S.L. on the one side with Men from the Battalion on the other, Dutchy Holland, Cec Howard, Alex Dandie, Vince Leonard and Ray Rickards. The Service was taken by Father Kelly, who gave a very meaningful address, but restricted his use of some of the ritual, in order to ease the pain of the family in the committal. Jack was a member of the Transport Platoon, coming to it on 22/11/41 in Malaya from the 2/18 Bn, to be Black Jack's Driver and Bodyguard, because B.J. wanted a driver experienced in driving on the Malayan roads, and, as well, he had demoted Stan Crummy, as Harry Riches explained in Makan 257, although in between that demotion of Stan and arrival of Jack Green, Red Macauley had lent B.J. his own driver, Vince Leonard. Jack went into Singapore with the Shrine Job working party. He was with the Brigade H.Q. of Black Jack at Mount Pleasant. He later did his stint on "The Line" as a member of "F" Force, and it seems that, his illnesses there caused him to be left off subsequent working parties. Jack had not had an easy time, since he came back to Australia, as he suffered from bad skin troubles with his legs. In recent years he had 2 coronaries and had Open Heart Surgery. Jack has left behind his wife, Marjorie, daughter, Shirley and son, John, each of whom is married with teenage children. In fact we met one of the grandsons last Anzac Day, when he marched with us, but he will not be with us this year, as he is now working in Perth. NX56712 Pte. Reginald Burbury, A Company Born 27/9/1908. Died 4th March 1981 at R.G.H. Concord. Reg was the off-sider in the A Company "Q" Store to John Gaden and, as he had been a Commercial Artist in civilian life before joining the A.I.F., he was often called on for any signs that were required for the use of the Company. When we were at Batu Pahat, and the first Anniversary Dinner, at which Battalion Personnel celebrated its Formation, was held in the H.Q. Company Mess Hut, Reg’s talents were made use of in the artwork on the Menu, which has become a treasured Memento of many of the men, as described on page 47 of the Battalion History. After the Capitulation of Singapore, when the British and Australian Troops were quartered in the Changi Area, and the University of Changi came into being, both to occupy the spare time of the Men and to prepare them for their return to civil life, Reg and John Korsch were fellow students in the Art Class conducted by Murray Griffin, the Official War Artist. Such study was very short, since both of them left Singapore on 15/5/42 in "A” Force, that Party, which the Japanese said was not a "Work Party"; for which any temporary ill-health of the troops would not mean hardship nor inconvenience, and which was refused permission, to take any tools, medical supplies and other equipment; because all such facilities would be available at the new camp; but all of which assurances turned out to be blatant lies. The hardships, to which Reg was subjected on "A" Force, caused so much deterioration of his eyes, that he had to retire early from the firm of Leigh Mardon Pty. Ltd., Flexographic, Gravure and Lithographic Printers, on account of that failing sight. At home he had to use small binoculars to watch television and an extra strong magnifying glass for reading. His older brother, Max, was the Orderly Room Sergeant for "A" Company. Being a commercial traveller Max had made Reg a member of the Commercial Travellers' Club in Sydney, before Max died in October 1974. This enabled Reg to meet his other two brothers regularly on Thursday afternoons in the comfort of the Club, as they had a close relationship. Reg and his wife, Jean, had 4 daughters, all married, and 5 grandchildren. A sister, Effie, also survives him. Les Melrose and Keith Broughton represented the Bn at the cremation service at the Eastern Suburbs Crematorium on the 6th March, as we were aware of his death only from the newspaper that morning, and did not know of his entry to A.G.H. Concord. The Welfare Officer from the Malabar R.S.L. recited the Ode.
NX32728 Lieut.
Selwyn George Winchester - C Company George said of himself that he was one of the very newest of new chums, as far as the Battalion was concerned, having arrived in Malaya 3 or 4 weeks prior to the fall of Singapore. He came out to Selarang Barracks, Changi, but only for a very short time, he has said, having, on the 4th or 5th day trodden on the toes of a Senior Officer of the AASC, so George was sent to Singapore with one of the first of Working Parties required by the Japanese, marching out on 23/2/1942 under Capt. Morrison to the P.O.W. Camp at The Great World, then transferring towards the end of October to the River Valley Road Camp, but only for another month, as most parties were returned back to Selarang Barracks. He missed out on leaving with the main part of the Bn. on "F" Force to "The Line", but was included on 8th May 1943 in a party of Officers who were sent to Siam to join "H" Force at Kenyu, a distance of about 126 kilo from Ban Pong, in a cholera area, and where the Officers were made to work on the same tasks as the O.Rs. George was by occupation a painter before the war and tackled that again on demobilisation, but eventually found that he was not able to cope with the type of work. He found employment with the Repatriation Dept., as a checking officer for the Accounts Section, from where he was retired in 1975 as T.P.I. He took great pride in the fact that he was a member of the 2/30 Bn. He became a member of the Association Executive at the Annual Meeting on 18th April 1974, and continued as such for the next few years. But, although re-elected in 1977, his state of health didn't allow him to attend any of the Committee meetings for the rest of that year and he did not stand for office in 1978. He delighted in showing practical support for the different organisations to which he belonged, and was an immediate volunteer on the "Makan" Team, when your present Editor was elected to his position in 1976 and an enthusiastic worker, until his illness stopped him from giving his help. He was a member of the various Battalion Bowls Teams, both in the competition with the Bankstown R.S.L. Club for the B.J. Memorial Shield and on other occasions, when a team was fielded at other Clubs' Legacy Days and the like. He was a member of Kevin Ward's Hospital visiting Team, and on occasion substituted for Kevin as the organiser, when Kevin was on holidays, being well fitted for the work as he was Welfare Officer for his own Pymble Sub-Branch of the R.S.L. He served on the Committee of his own Bowling Club at Turramurra and belonged also to the Club at A.G.H. Concord, being Secretary of the latter Club for some time. George spent quite some time in A.G.H. Concord or at Lady Davidson during the last four years of his life, and during those times, when he was home, merely convalesced and was not able to move around outside, so that his wife, Lee, was kept occupied in looking after him. Both daughters, Paula, and Donna, are married now, but Paula is in the U.K. whilst Donna is in the United States. The latter provided Lee and George with their first grandchild last June. George's Memorial Service at Northern Suburbs Crematorium was conducted by the parson from his own Church, (he is a Chaplain at R.G.H Concord). Bishop Kerle of St. Swithin's Pymble also participated. The Chapel seats were all occupied. Bowls Club Members and men of his local R.S.L. as well as the 2/30 Bn representatives, Jack Jackson, Don West (his brother in law), Max McClelland, Dutchy Holland, Ray Rickards, Jack Black, Geo. White, Alan and Betty Pryde, Noel Johnston, who recited The Ode, attended. T.P.I. Men supported their liaison Officer, Mr. Rowell, who had a cassette for "Last Post" and "Reveille", and provided poppies for our men to place on the casket.
NX27279 Pte.
Reginald Herbert Etherington, Transport Platoon Reg and Kathleen had married in 1935, so that he took his enlistment seriously and as a duty additional to that to his family, since their oldest son was born pre-war. Reg was with us at Selarang Barracks in Changi, but he went in with most of the Bn Transport Men to Adam Road, when the Japs wanted truck drivers, and then to River Valley Road at the end of 1942, before all Singapore Parties were sent back to Selarang. He was in Truck 5, Train 5 with "F" Force and did his stint on THE LINE, but as his name is not included in any of the lists of those who went on Tunnelling Parties, the hardships up there must have led to him being kept in Changi, and could have been the cause of the arthritis, which plagued him for years in his hands and feet and all his joints since the war. It was about 1960 that he became the Manager of the Wyong Bowling Club, and stayed there and later with the Wyong R.S.L. for a period of about 12 years, until the arthritis led to his early retirement from work at 60 yrs of age. He had three children, Malcolm, Robert and Carolyn, all married, with children of their own, to look after Kathleen, who has not been in the best of health these last few years herself. Horace David Chapman, 30 Bn. A.I.F. (1914/18) and 13 Garrison (1939/45) Secretary of 30 Bn Association, died on 1/3/81 at the age, of 84. He was one of the men of that 30 Bn who joined us at the Forbes Tavern in 1973, and was on our Makan Mailing List for their Association. WE SHALL REMEMBER THEM. LEST WE FORGET. Deaths of Relatives of Members We were saddened to see notice of the death on March 11th of Mrs. ELMA ROSE LENZ, sister of BETTY, wife of our DON MACIVER, at hospital at the age of 54. She leaves her husband, Harold, and three children and their families. Return Thanks Chum Farley - Moorooka, Q'ld, 4105 – B Company Chum says, "Please accept my sincere thanks for your thoughts, kindness and flowers. I am now back at work, well and truly, and have been able to some extent at least to come to grips with being alone. We were very close - I first met Ray in December 1945, only a matter of weeks after our return from Singapore, and we were married in April 1948. The loss of one's loved one at our stage of life is, of course, always a possibility, as we know, only too well, has happened to so many of our chaps or to their wives, but Ray was only 54 years old, and that is a bit too young. However I suppose that I must be thankful for the wonderful years we did have together. Jack Black - Manly, 2095 - HQ Company Jack writes, "My brother and I, and our families sincerely appreciate the kind message at the passing of our Mother." Far North Coast Branch of N.S.W. Ex-P.O.W. Association Reunion - 14 Feb. This Reunion was held at Lismore on Saturday, 14th Feb. Joe Geoghegan and Jack Maclay attended from Sydney. Jack made a family motor trip, with his nieces, Sue and Ann, driving, intending to make their stay a little longer than just the weekend, but the flooding, which followed that region's share of the torrential rains at the time, led to them being advised to quit Lismore on the Monday, lest they be marooned there longer than they had planned. Joe flew up with Georgina and represented the parent body of the Ex-P.O.W. Association as well as the Battalion. They also had a restricted time with the locals, finding to their dismay on the Sunday morning that their plane booking for the return flight was that afternoon. They reported that it was a pretty good turnout, with quite a lot of the 2/30 Bn Boys and families attending. Jack was particularly impressed by the seafoods, that were offered, particularly in the way of oysters, to which he is very partial, and expresses the opinion that Snow Hampton's organising must have been used there. Harry Gates – Ex Don Company Harry Gates has made himself known to Joe Geoghegan, and said that he had been in the Battalion, but was one of those transferred out at Bathurst to Dubbo Camp. He said that he knew Mick Broad and Clarrie Miller, also Wally Douglas, and that he was a cousin of Steve Kirton of the Sigs. Any of the Battalion, wishing to renew acquaintance with him; he lives at Blacktown, and may be contacted on the telephone. L/Cpl Reg. Stark - NX59092 - K.I.A. 28/1/1942 D Company Area Simpang Rengam - C Company, 14 Platoon & Rose Force Stan Arneil received a phone call from a sister of Reg Stark. She is Dr. Adela L. Hellestrand, French's Forest, N.S.W., 2086. She would like any of Reg's mates to contact her, and let her have details of Reg's Army life. Can anyone help her please? Church Services – 22nd Feb. - 8 Div. & Service Associates Council St. Mary's Cathedral Mass was attended by Clarrie Burgess, who reported a small gathering in the pews reserved for Ex-P.O.W. Representatives of Ex-P.O.W. Association, Army and Navy and, War Widows' Guild, and for Sir Colin Hines. He commented that the Mass was sung and that the Priest spoke well of the 8 Div. in his address. St. Andrew's Cathedral Morning Prayer was designated a "Singapore Memorial Service" conducted by the Dean, the Very Rev. Lance Shilton. The Lessons were read by Lt. Col. Ron Merrett and Lt. Col. W.E. Fraser. Here, as at St. Mary's, those representative of the 8 Div., seemed few. Cenotaph Memorial Service - 16 Feb. - 8 Div. & Service Associates Council This Service, held at 7 pm, on Monday, 16th Feb. was stated on the Order of Service Sheet, to be in Commemoration of those Men and Women, who fell in action in the Malayan Campaign or died thereafter, and that Council's Wreath was to be laid on the Cenotaph in their Memory. They remember the Nurses. The Service was very short but impressive - The Hymn, "O Valiant Hearts"; the laying of the Council's wreath; One Minute of Silence, Last Post, the Ode, Reveille; Laying of wreaths by Ex-Servicemen's organisations, when Ray Rickards was our Bn. representative to lay the 2/30 Bn wreath; The Recessional and the National Anthem. A rough estimate of the numbers participating in the service is that there were about 50 or 60 Men and many womenfolk. Battalion Men numbered 10. Bruce Ford sought out the lad, who lead the singing of the Hymns, and introduced him to the 2/30th party as Bruce Rixon, who was originally from Dorrigo, and was a great friend of "Kingie"" Martin, who, he said, has given up the farm and now lives in the town, very actively engaged in town affairs still. 2/26 Battalion Dave Miller, Secretary of the 2/26 Bn Association, has advised that their R.Q.M.S. W.O. Alf Armour is on their mailing list and his postal address is Tinaroo Dam, 4883, which address will find him, Tinaroo being a small community on the Atherton Tableland. Do You Remember Don Sutherland - With Sorrow And With Pride Don writes, "Many thanks to the Editor’s team, which makes it possible for us to receive the "Makan". I recall quite a few of Executive as of now. I think of many of the fellows who, during the P.O.W. Days, passed away; and remember many of those, who, since our discharge, have also passed on to join them. I also remember with pride those, who are with us now, and though I am not able to write to all those still with us, they are always in my mind, not that that’s much good. I can recall good deeds done by cobbers of the 2/30 Bn., while I was at times sick and again while in hospital. After a while out at Selarang Barracks a small party of us went to "Raffles Girls' High School" and I save such work places as Virginia House, Nestle's House, Sime & Darby, Frazer & Neave, the Singapore Railway Station, The Singapore Wharves, a Japanese warehouse, the Bottle Yard, the Old Indian Camp, other warehouses where there were Drugs, Flour, Rice etc. I was also in the Great World Camp in Singapore and then went on 22nd Apr. 1943 with "F" Force to near Christmas 1943 on "The Railway". I had my share of sicknesses, suffering pneumonia and pleurisy, scrotal dermatitis, Beri Beri, "Happy Feet", Malaria, six or so bouts of dysentery, which were not of the serious type thank goodness. When we moved along to the Changi Prison I worked on the aerodrome, until somewhere about March or April I had an appendix operation and, after coming out of hospital, I was put to work on the I.J.A. Gardens. I believe it was a British Doctor, who signed this order, dated 9/4/45, a chap named Gailley I think. My appendix operation was done by Major Fagan; Captain Taylor not being able even to witness the operation, as I had to have it straight away, due to it bursting, when he commenced to operate. It meant that I had to stay in hospital for many weeks. I was sent back to the Aerodrome job after my time in the Gardens. Thank you once again, Yours sincerely, Don. P.S. I speak only for myself on this issue, but two bombs on Japan were not enough, four or even six would have been better.” Wally Pont - B Company Dutchy Holland has given me a newspaper cutting, which is headed, "MEMORIAL TO WALLY PONT", and reads: “The Balmain Amateur Swimming Club will unveil a Memorial Shield to one of its former champions, Wally Pont, who was killed in Malaya, at a mayoral gathering at Elkington Park Baths neat Saturday. The shield will be for annual competition amongst the members, and pennants will be given for the races contested. During his swimming career, Pont won the State High and Low board diving championships in 1929-30, was second in the springboard championship of Australia 1930-31, and was a member of the State diving troupe between 1928-33. From 1924 to 1931 he was the all-round champion of the Balmain Club. He won many Western Suburbs' titles both backstroke and breaststroke and represented in water polo in the 1930-31 and 1931-32 seasons.” Alan Pryde has given me this further information: "Re your enquiry on L/Cpl W.J. Pont. He was one of the team, that I took with me from Batu Pahat in October 1941 to represent the Battalion in the 8 Div A.I.F. Swimming Championships at Malacca. The events were held at the Malacca Swimming Club Pool at Tanjong Bruas (generally called Palm Beach), six miles North of Malacca City on the Straits of Malacca. He won the 1 metre board diving and swam backstroke for us in the medley relay, which we won. I am almost positive that he was in the team I took from Bathurst Camp to North Sydney Olympic Pool for the 8 Div. Swimming Championships. However, I have no record of the placings of the other team members. Lance Corporal Pont was killed in action about three miles North of Ayer Hitam (which means "Black Water") near Lalang Hill, on 26th January 1942, and was buried north of Ayer Hitam 1 mile in rear of a Gravel Mixing Plant to the East of the road. (We do not know whether his body was recovered and reinterred at Kranji, but presume that it would have been. Ed.) My regards, Alan Pryde.” Blakang Mati One, who shall be nameless, says: “It is encouraging to read in Stan Arneil's Book, on 7/3/43, his opinion of that Blakang Mati Camp; "Trouble struck again 11 o'clock last night when news came through of a party to go to Blakang Mati Island just off the coast. It is the greatest bashing and punching party in Malaya." (At that stage no one knew “A” Force troubles, or of how other Forces were to fare. Ed.) Our correspondent says also, "Something I didn't know was that three members of "A" Company got 28 days clink for refusing to go there. It sure was no "Rest Camp". I tried to get out of going, but got short shift, as I had committed some indiscretion at the time. That probably saved my life, as we at least had somewhere to sleep, when we did get back from work parties to the island." Alan Charlton - Re Operations in Changi Hospital Alan remarks- "Reading of Peter Mason's adhesion of his Changi appendix operation, brought back memories - I had mine done in April 45 at Changi, after collapsing early 1 morning about 3 am, in a cell on my own, and was in agony when the time came for the Sergeant to wake us up, to get ready for work on the 'drome. When I told him I was sick, he said, "You are always sick" (He probably had had a bad night too). So I found my own way on to Sick Parade. John Taylor had diagnosed it several months prior to this, but had said that they were putting operations off, wherever possible, as they thought that, the war should soon be over. They opened me up, in the usual place, but could not find it, so had to go in again right over the belly and it was hiding behind my liver. Beauty! When I came out of my "sleep", I was ill from the Jap chloroform, and was holding my side until the surgeon came in, late at night, and told me about the extra "needlework" I had to hold. I'll never forget the comfort of that hospital! The horse-hair mattress, my piece of canvas and army pack and half a blanket made for a very comfortable recovery. Several years after we had returned to Aus., I had a pain running along the bottom scar. The L.M.O. of the day was a personal friend. He said that I had an adhesion and to claim it on Repat., but, if they knocked me back, he would operate, for free. The Repat had me in to see a surgeon, who called another surgeon, and he also stuck his finger in the "right" place and told me to cough. Result of examination? I had incipient bubonocele or something. (I've not bothered to find out what that was). But not satisfied at having received differing diagnoses, I made an appointment with a Macquarie St. Surgeon, who had been with us over there. He told me "No adhesion" but said that the trouble was that, due to sleeping on concrete floors etc. I had at some time had a chill in the spine, and it had left me with neuralgia of the spine, and pain ran along the scar, since a nerve runs that way. So I have never had the operation to clear any adhesion. Still I was amused at so many medical opinions, but our bloke was Kevin Fagan, and I would bet on him." Re 30th Battalions Alan continues, "Soon after our arrival home I boarded a train in Sydney and two chaps opposite me were wearing purple and gold colour patches and ribbons, but I did not have any ribbons von. They were staring at me, so I asked them, what was the trouble, hadn’t they seen a soldier before? (At that time I used to have my share, and had had a couple of sherbets with my three returned brothers, all A.I.F.) Soon one of them asked me “What Unit I was in?”. I replied “2/30 Bn 8 Div.” Then he said, "Never heard of it. We are 2/30th and we've been up in the Islands. We don't have any grey on our patch." "You know, the way things were going, I thought that I was going to cop it and would be called an impostor, until I showed them my pay book and leave pass; but I left them with the feeling that I still hadn't convinced them." Best wishes to all, Alan C." Jack Egan's Section - No 4, 11 Platoon - In the Jungle on Singapore Island, 12 February, near Nee Soon Village The Battalion History pages 211/2 states that, "the Bn. was attached to 53rd Bde 18 Div. (Brig Jukes) (British.), and the task was to hold Thomson Road to allow the 11th Indian Division to withdraw from the North east. B Company held an awkward position by the rentis, down which the Battalion had come." Jack Egan's Diary Letter says - "On this day we had a very nasty position in the jungle. The main attack was against the Indians on our right and we had a quiet day, except for a few patrols. That night, however, a strong patrol broke through between us (we were right flank section) and the 26th. We had been warned to prepare to withdraw, and to unload and unfix bayonets, as it is impossible to move freely in the jungle with fixed bayonets, and loaded rifles are dangerous in such a movement. When the patrol broke through, I had reloaded, but had not refixed. Our Corporal, Phil Paget, went up to Company Headquarters to make a personal report on the break through, which we estimated at 200 strong, and which was carrying machine guns. A Japanese machine gun makes a noise like two kerosene tins banging together, when it is being carried hurriedly, and like a chaff cutter, when it is being fired. We feared that the party was strong enough to threaten our line of withdrawal. So that Phil would not miss our position on return, I went to the edge of the jungle and signalled him, when he came back. You must remember how dark jungle is at night. He sat with me at the jungle edge and told me Company HQ had not been very interested in his news, being preoccupied by the fact that they were under the fixed lines of an enemy machine gun themselves, but that the withdrawal order would come at any moment now. At this stage we heard movement along the jungle edge on our right and remembered that the 26th was to send a patrol to contact us, before they withdrew, but we were nevertheless suspicious and kept silent until the leader was within six feet of us. Now time dulls our certainty on many points and already I an beginning to doubt the evidence of my own senses, as to what happened next; and to think we must have surely made a mistake, and it is surely strange, if we both made the same mistake. However that may be, but we both swore afterwards, that the leader said, "Are you there?" and repeated his question in a low voice, confirming our idea that it was a 26th patrol. The corporal leaned over to me and whispered, "This will be 26th", and I asked in a low voice, "Is that the 26th?" I had better explain that passwords had long been consigned to the limbo of forgotten things, as the Japanese seemed to always know them before we did. At my question the patrol stopped and the leader challenged several times in Japanese. We were in intense gloom, just on the edge of the jungle, and must have been quite invisible to them, even at a distance of six feet, whereas we could see them dimly. There were eight of them and immediately that I spoke, a couple of them, carrying a machine gun, dropped behind their weapon, which was presumably aimed in the direction of my voice. The leader had cocked his rifle and taken a pace towards me, so that his gleaming bayonet was only a couple of feet off. Phil rolled silently sideways behind a bush. There was nowhere for me to roll, so I just sat still. I pushed my safety catch forward and with one hand holding my rifle revolver fashion, slowly swung it round off my knees, until it pointed at his stomach. I held it like this and made no further movement for what, seemed, half an hour. During this time their patrol leader dropped back a pace and fired towards us. The cordite burned a distinct mark across Phil's jaws, I found later, and the bullet thudded into the ground on my right. A recent reinforcement, in our section on the left, lost his nerve and fired. The patrol leader fired at his flash and killed him. A runner approached with the order to withdraw and called to us softly. We could not reply, but the patrol leader fired at his voice. We heard the others withdraw, but could not follow. The section had suffered heavy casualties, so all but three of us, Carl; Phil, the Corporal, and myself, were new reinforcements, and even if the two of us risked the machine gun and opened fire, we feared that the new chaps behind us would open fire indiscriminately, when we would be caught between their fire and that of the Japanese. The Japs now dropped a man off into the drain nearby, and we assumed that, he was going back for help, and from that assumption concluded that they were not anxious to attack us as they were. By this time half an hour had elapsed and the rest of our mob had withdrawn some time, leaving us isolated and with only a general idea, as to which direction they had gone. It's strange, when men have been trained together for a long time and have put their training into practice together and have had the same experiences, how, in a given set of circumstances, their minds will work in the same direction, and how they instinctively know much of each other's thoughts. At this stage Phil, in the lowest whisper, that the world has ever heard, said "Tommy", and I guessed at once that he meant to get Carl, who had our Tommy-gun, to cover the machine-gun, whilst the section attempted to get back through the jungle in search of the others. My ears being, just then, the keenest in the world, I heard his silent whisper, and in the second lowest whisper in the world I replied, "Yes". I put out a hand to steady him, and he moved, as silently as possible, back into the jungle. The Japanese heard him and whispered amongst themselves, but did not fire. I moved back, after him and we found that Carl, thinking as we did, was already covering the machine gun at a distance of about 10 feet. The section commenced to move, crashing through bracken 10 or 12 feet high, and you can imagine the noise then, while Carl and I covered their rear. We could hear the Japs consulting in low tones, but it was not until we were 100 yards away that, help having apparently arrived, they opened up with all they had on the position we had vacated. We could hear the machine-guns, Tommy-guns, rifles and grenades, but 100 yards at night in the jungle is safe and we laughed at them. We called out, and the rest of the company, which had not gone far, answered us, and we soon joined them, and in the early of the morning found our way to the road, then down it to another one of those everlasting "new positions". I have described the above incident in some detail, partly because it was the most tense half hour of my life, and partly to give you some idea of the awkwardness of the situations, which were constantly arising, and of the confusion, that could easily and frequently did arise. We got out safely, but others were not always so for fortunate." "Old Scroungers Recall Changi" (S.M.H. News Cutting - 1969) All three were from "A" Company, Jack Brooks, Dick Fisher, and "Mick" Cutler, and out at A.G.H. Concord, but now at rest. Jack Brooks said, "I saw this bloke come in the door and I thought, Gee, I know him. When he got a bit closer - my eyesight is not too good at a distance - I recognised him as Mick Cutler. We started talking of P.O.W.. times and I asked him if he had seen anything of Dick Fisher, at which, someone sitting in the corner, said, "Who's talking about me?" The three of us were real good mates in the Army and through our P.O.W. days. We worked together, ate together, slept together, and what we scrounged, we shared. They recalled the time, that they were working on the wharves at Singapore for the Japanese, when Mick Cutler "liberated" some sausages from a freezer and hid them under his pith helmet. When a Japanese guard knocked the helmet off, Mick had stood there with the strings of sausages hanging over his ears. Then there was the time that they stole soap from the guards and itched and scratched all night after using it. Next day they discovered that they had got dog soap. They were grim days, but some funny things happened. Meeting again has done us the world of good." Gemas - Withdrawal of Vehicles Your scribe heard only the other day that it was Cec. HOWARD, who drove the Mortar Truck out from Gemas. Jimmy SMALL drove out one of the C Company Trucks and Phil SCHOFIELD took over from Tom PEARCE, when Tom was killed on another C Company Truck, and "Curly" HARDMAN drove out "Black Jack's" car. Can anybody remember if other trucks were driven out by anyone other then the usual Transport Platoon Driver, or if someone of the regulars rescued other than their own trucks? Stop Press - Last Post (additional) NX36301 - Pte Albert (Nookie) Griffiths - No 15 Platoon C Company and on "F" Force Born 2/5/1917. Died 9/3/1981, word was received from his cobber, Cliff Farlow, 2/19 Bn, who enlisted on the same day and said that he had known Nookie nearly all his life, who helped carry his coffin to the grave, and commented, "It was sad to see him go. He had been ill off and on for quite some time, (in fact, he had been in Concord Hospital as reported in last "Makan". Ed) and passed on after a heart attack last Monday, 9th March. Albert never married, but any correspondence may be sent to Mrs. Clare McDonald, Hay, 2711. "Nookie" had been a Station Hand at the time of his enlistment and came from the Hay District. He had been promoted to rank of L/Cpl on 4/2/1942 but reverted to that of Private in Changi. He went in to Singapore on the Working Party at Adam Road, and from there to River Valley Road, and back to Selarang Barracks. He did his stint on "F" Force, usual Changi Service Parties and was on Xl Tunnelling Party in Johore. Our informant, Cliff Farlow, asks to be remembered to "A" Force Men. He was in "Japan Party" to River Valley Rd after "The Line", was rescued by an American Sub 5 days after the torpedo attack on Hell ship "Rakuyo Maru" and home in Aust. Dec. 1944. News, Views and Who's Who "Jerry" Myers – Booyong Via Lismore But Moving To Bexhill Via Lismore, 2480 - D Company Jerry states, "I have enjoyed "Makan" and look forward to it arriving. You and your team have done a Great Job and I would like to sincerely thank all of you. With a team like yours the 2/30 will live on. (Thanks, Jerry, on behalf of the team, but it's the Men and their wives, whom we thank for the News. Ed). I will be retiring from work about the end of this month (letter was received 21 Jan. Ed.) after 28 years with the Board of Tick Control, owing to ill health, and have bought a house at Eltham Road, Bexhill, where I will be moving in a few weeks. We have 5 children (grown up) and 8 grandchildren. My health is not the best, but I still can enjoy a few ales with the Boys (Had a few with Len Clavan yesterday), but I don't go out much at night time, so I don't get to the Reunions. After we move to Bexhill we will be on the Main Road just about km from the village. The wife and I would be very pleased for anyone to drop in for a cup of tea, as may be passing there, or I usually have a couple of cold ones in the frig. Regards to everyone from the wife and myself, Jerry". (And Jerry took out Life Membership to show that he hopes to be enjoying those ales with the Boys for some time to come; his fee for "Makan" will cover a few years and his cheque extended to a donation to funds. Thanks, Jerry. Ed.) Don Frith - Kyogle, 2474 - A Company Don likewise extends thanks, "I would like to thank whoever was responsible for posting to me the copies of "Makan" that I have received. I should have joined 2/30 Bn Association years ago but, like most things that have happened to me since the War, my memory never seemed to concentrate too long on those, that were important. I have been a member of the T.P.I. Assoc. since Dec. 1957 and, although my health at times has been good, at others it has been plain lousy. I have kept in touch with Ted Skuse throughout the years, and on one trip, which I had to Sydney some 20 years ago, Ted took me to see Kevin Ward. I've run into Joe Veivers a few times, and I hear quite a bit that goes on from Clarrie Lattimer. Clarrie tried to bet me to attend the 40th Anniversary of the formation of the Battalion at Tamworth. My wife unfortunately does not share my hopes to attend various reunions, mainly due, I suppose, to the state of my health. I always seem to look O.K., but can collapse without warning at any moment. Enough about me. My purpose in writing was to join the Association, belatedly though it may be, and to receive the copies of "Makan", whenever they are published. If possible I would like to become a Life Member of the 2/30 Bn Association, if eligible and to that end I am enclosing a Bank Cheque to cover Life Membership Fee, "Makan" Sub for some years and a donation for whatever Battalion purpose may appear to require funds. ( Welcome aboard, Don. Your cheque will be faithfully applied, taking into account the change in the Sub for "Makan" as per Annexure sheet with this issue. Thank you for the Donation. Ed.) Yours sincerely and with my regards to Folk, Don." Tom Grant - Murwillumbah, 2484 - C Company Tom reports, "I called to see Freda Knox and her sister, Tina, before Christmas. They are a pair of good souls. I asked if she ever regretted coming up here. "No", she says, and I think that they have been happy here. Your "Salute to George Ramsay" was a wonderful piece of work. In my humble position I knew him only from afar. There are times, when their comrades seem to give a man a better name than their mothers were able. This I think was true of "Gentleman George". I enjoyed the Tamworth Show very much. In view of what others have said, there is not, much more to add. My kind Regards to Folk, Tom Grant." Keith & Ruth Mulholland - Narrandera, 2700 – D Company Ruth has sent a "Write-up" of the Tamworth Reunion as set out, in the R.S.L. News section, of the Narrandera local paper by their Sub-Branch Scribe and Welfare Officer, Doug Sheather, listing the thirteen, who made up the contingent from Narrandera Lockhart and Griffith, including the ex-Narrandera, Athol Charlesworth and Thelma, and adds herself, "still haven't got over how wonderful it was meeting everyone at Tamworth. Keith really enjoyed it all." Bob Morrison - St. Ives, 2075 - D Company It was the 40th Anniversary of Enid and Bob's Wedding Day on 16th January and Bob comments, "Don Company gave me a clock. (Westminster Chimes) at the time in '41. It was inscribed with the date, but of course the "16th" is not a hard date to remember for 2/30 Bn men. The Tamworth Reunion was to me a very moving event, and my wife and I enjoyed every moment. would like to be in Ballina in August. Time and events will, I hope, allow us to do that. My Regards to All, Yours sincerely, Bob Morrison." Kelvin J. Anderson - Post Office, 2830 - C Company Andy commences, "I am writing to let you know that we are all well up this way, hoping that this finds all the same. We had a quiet Christmas and New Year with our families. We have had no rain yet (late January); everything is very dry. We are hand-feeding our horses and foals, also a few sheep, so we are praying for rain. We had Jack and Olive Matthews here for a few days, and enjoyed their company, made us feel a bit lonely, when they went home. At the Club here in Dubbo on Friday night I was handed a letter, which had been left for me by a friend of Mark Flew. In it he said that he had seen Jack Dickenson. It made me wonder, if by any chance, you might have his address; also that of "Horse" Nicholls, his name was Roy S. Nicholls, as I would like to see them, not having been in touch with them since the war. (Can anyone help with the addresses, that Kel wants, Please? We have nothing on record of either, other than that Jack had been in Redfern at some time, and "Horse" or "Nicho's" folk were in Coolamon, when he enlisted. Ed.) All the Best to the Boys and Stan Grainger and his wife. Kel, "Andy"." Don Schumacher - Birmingham Gardens, 2287 - D Company Don writes, "Monica and I are agreed that we have never spent a better weekend ever than that at Tamworth. To see those fellows, some looking young, some aged, peering, through bifocals and magnifying glasses to identify one or the other - I can plead guilty to having a lump in my throat as I met them again after all those years. Jack Matthews left me speechless, when he gave me an envelope full of Jap money, which I had entrusted to him for safe keeping and had forgotten all about it. Charlesworth and I have reached an understanding - he looks after his tribe, the Aruntas - I don't set fire to the Blue Mountains. Charlie Taylor and Les Perry have to share the blame if I have any trouble, internal that is, as a result of their company. I don't remember, when I laughed so much. Monica and I attended Mass on Sunday morning at St. Nicholas RC Church, at which Padre Walsh was the guest and Celebrant of the Mass. (His eyesight is perfect - no specs). May he go on and on. Our thanks to you Padre on behalf of Monica and myself, and the rest of our Members, who attended on that day. Vee Gear, son of Neville, placed a wreath for his Dad and others, who were his mates - Shirley, his mother, deserves a five star rating for being present and providing the wreath, which he laid with reverence. It was a superb gesture. Your Father was a popular and respected Member of our Battalion - Thank you, Shirley and Vee. I vote that the credit for the success of the weekend go to those people, who worked hard to put it all together and to those, who were able to attend - Thank you one and all, and may you all enjoy good health, or near to it, in this New Year, 1981. Regards to All, Monica & Don Schumacher. P.S. Upcroft and Noble showed no remorse after all these years for having left me behind at the Cross Roads. Don." Chum Farley - Moorooka, Q'land, 4105 - B Company Chum acknowledges, "Tamworth was an excellent event and, I am sure, it must have been exceeded the organisers' best anticipations. It was a big thrill to see so many mates again after all these years. By the way, here's one for the record on 21 June 1941 one, Captain Lamacraft, was at the Sydney Showground selecting, from the new recruits, reinforcements for the 2/30. DOUG HICKS - BILL HUMPHREY and I went through in sequence and all our NX numbers are also in sequence. MICK FLETCHER enlisted there that same day, but he was NX71898. We were all at the Tamworth Reunion and we had gone in different ways as Ps.O.W. - Burma, Siam, Japan etc. I'm pretty sure Arch. Thorburn was another - but I don't know about his NX numbers. (You uncover quite a sequence - NX 37353 Les Rogers, NX37355 Ron Stokes, NX37356 D.A. Waller, NX37358 BILL HUMPHREY, NX37359 CHUM FARLEY, NX37360 DOUG HICKS, NX37363 Roy Nicholls, NX37364 V.G. Guy, NX 37365 L.K. Collins, NX37366 K.L. Towers. NX37369 Sid Outram, NX37372 W.J. Graves, NX37374 ARCH THORBURN, NX37375 Frank J. Graham, NX37377 A. Marshall. (Another similar selection of men for the Battalion by Captain Booth was when Ted Rickards was enlisting in Sydney. He was not selected that day but joined the Unit later. 'Ward' was standing, where the men had to pass him, and was pointing to the file, "I'll have you........I'll have you... ...etc. and so we have NX4333 Angus Denholm, NX4337 Blair Taylor, NX4383 R. Penberthy, NX4394 Cec Dews, NX4396 R.S. Murray, NX4401 Jack Stuart, NX4404 L.R. Wynn, NX4406 A.M. Hughes, NX4410 N.B.G. Byrne, NX4411 Jack Black, NX4413 Jack Folkard, NX4416 Vic Swain, NX4417 B.D. Pearce NX4427 Ted Rickards. (This was one way "Black Jack" selected his Unit. He worked over all those, whom he received at Tamworth; transfers were made for those, who were sick or bucked his rule, with the last big culling at Bathurst and off to Dubbo; and what were to come in at Bathurst, with this last big draft were the young, who looked physically fit. Ed.) Continuing Chum's letter, "Alex. McWilliams has been in touch and we are corresponding again. In case you do hot have it, as he has recently moved, his address is now Gorokan, N.S.W. 2263. I spent a few days in Dubbo with Kel Anderson aid his good wife. I was made very welcome and their hospitality was terrific. "Andy" is a fantastic chap, one of the best in fact, and it is good that he and his wife, Pearl, are now able to enjoy the fruits of their hard work. He and Stan Grainger had a "beaut" reunion. I was talking to Vic. Gordon on the phone recently, and he is well and just the same by the sound of his voice, etc. (and yet, Chum, he is listed in February "Barbed Wire & Bamboo" as having been in Hospital. Ed.) My regards and Best Wishes to All. Chum." Arnie Ainsworth - Mollymook, 2539 - HQ Company Arnie thanks Les Hall for getting him a tape of the recording of the Combined 27 Bde Bands at Bathurst, Bill Middleton and George Aspinall. "Bill Desmet and his wife, Heather, were here over the weekend. We sat on the front verandah and played the tape from the car close by. Again would you please accept my kindest thanks Les, and to all, who so kindly played part in making it possible. Naturally it would have been nice to have "Matilda" for the 2/30, and "Sussex by the Sea" for the 2/29th, but it is valuable just the same. It was indeed very sad and touching news of our dear old friend, G.E.R. I regretted not being able to go down for the Service, but I will remember him as one of the most understanding and humane; and the men in his force, who returned back home, have much for which to thank him. I would like to mention here one thing, and that is, that we (of his force), owe a debt to one, who was of inestimable assistance to G.E.R. in his task, and that was Captain Arthur Hence of the 2/18 Bn). Should Alex. think fitting to mention the latter in Makan I would have no objection, in fact, I think it worthy of him. Joan has been laid up for a few weeks with her leg trouble again, a fact that has kept me a lot busier. Yours sincerely, Arnold A." Walter Douglas – Bexley, 2207 - HQ Company (D Company) Walter is reported as showing his age now, (and well he might. He is the oldest of us, but only a little more than 8 weeks over Arthur Purdon. Ed.) He was not equal to going to Pymble this year. He still lives alone at Locksley Road and our reporter advises that he does some very fine weaving. Stan Grainger - Caboolture, Q'ld, 4510 - C Company We owe Colleen our thanks, "As usual I have the job of dropping you a few lines, as Stan seems to always have an excuse. It is very hard to express just how the weekend at Tamworth affected the three of us. What a wonderful Reunion it was. They are such a wonderful lot of men. The look on Stan's face, when he saw Kel Anderson and also Ted Rickards, our Son, Stephen, will never forget it. We were sorry that we could not stay for the B.B.Q. on the Sunday, butt we had to see Stan's Father at Singleton, he is nearly eighty-six. We three had a wonderful week at Kel. Anderson's at Dubbo a couple of weeks ago and were treated like V.I.Ps. What a lovely home to be in and we are so lucky to be associated with such lovely people. Stan is keeping well. Stan & I send our Best Wishes to everyone concerned with Makan, (thanks Colleen, on behalf of the team. Ed.) and our Kind Regards to All others of the Battalion. Stan and Colleen Grainger." Bob Howells - Tusmore, South Aust. 5065 - HQ Company Bob writes, "It was sad news that, after what was, obviously, a long struggle, George Ramsay has joined the ever increasing ranks of our former colleagues - a name on a roll - an integral part of so many memories, but no longer a presence in the physical sense. My recollections of George range way back. He happened to be near the door of the Manly Drill Hall one night in '37 when, out of one motive or another, I decided to take the first step towards the proverbial Field Marshall's baton and, almost immediately wished I hadn't. An awe inspiring spectacle was George and the cigarette, the slim black holder and his urbanity were all parts of the "King and Country" routine, to which I was submitted. Coming more in to the present, I sincerely regretted not making the Tamworth Anniversary, but it's a long way to go, and our involvements in Sydney are such, that we can never go near the place without planning a seven to ten day stay. It was time I simply did not have at that stage. Col O'Donnell dropped me a note, in which he lauded the efforts of you organisers and said that it was an outstanding success and a most enjoyable occasion. Congratulations to all concerned. Talking of Squire and I'm certain I'm not breaching a confidence. He tells me that he was recently treated for dehydration!!! - Moses and the Israelites had their seven lean years - Noah had his Flood - but - O'Donnell - dehydration - as he himself would say - "Coo - er". I am not still particularly involved in business activities. I have in fact taken a further two steps back from the arena over the last year or so. My five year term as a director of the State Bank was not renewed, and my six year stint as a trustee of the Savings Bank came to a similar end, when it was decided, presumably, that, at age seventy-three, I would no longer be capable of checking the petty cash and balancing the postages. "Sid transit gloria mundi!" Wow - I hope I'm right with that, but, if so, it's a classic example of blowing the dust off. (Well at least Webster agrees with you - His Dictionary sits at my right haul. I wouldn't be game to try something like that without him and for those, who have no such help and don't go in for T.V. Quiz Sessions - "So passes away earthly glory". Ed.) With best regards to All, Sincerely Robert." W. Sylvester (Tiger) - Belmore, 2192 - B Company Tiger advises, "Enclosed please find cheque to cover Life Membership of the Association and yearly subscription for "Makan", and many thanks to all those, who make “Makan" possible. My Best wishes to all for 1981. Sorry to hear of Colonel Ramsay's death. He was one of the Best. W. Sylvester (Tiger)." (17/2/81) R.A. (Zipper) Charlton - Harrington, 2427 - B Company Call it telepathy or what you will, here's Pearl writing on 16/2/81, "I am enclosing Zipper's Sub for 1981. He is keeping well at present. He has bought a mini-trail bike, to ride on the beach when going fishing, as his legs are getting too old. He was pleased to see Harry Holden and Ray Donald on last Anzac Day, and it must have been 33 years, since he had seen them, and he hopes that he will see them again this Anzac Day. His Regards to All, please. Pearl Charlton." Roy King - Swansea, 2281 - B Company Roy commences, "I was very sorry to hear about the death of Gentleman George Ramsay. Another good 2/30 man gone. I was pleased that the Tamworth Show was so successful. I would have been there only I was having Ray treatment for skin cancer on my eyelid of all places. I have developed an ulcer of the stomach, for which I was treated and will be tested again on 2nd March, and I'm hoping that the Doc has been successful. It gives me great pleasure reading the "Makan", as it jogs one's memories of fellows one had known. I will have to write to a few of them, to see, if they can remember some of the tricks we got up to, the humorous ones, not the morbid ones, we should forget them. My very best regards to all the 2/30 Boys and to all their good families. Respt. Yours, Roy King." (Thanks, Roy, on behalf of the "Makan" team for your kind words about us. Ed) "Jock" W.P. McKenzie – Narrandera, 2700 - HQ Company "Jock's" brother, George, writes from Katoomba, "I should have written to you earlier, but other things kept cropping up to delay the letter writing, but I have to tell you that Bill has returned to the Riverina since the New Year. He felt that he had to get back up country to get some of his affairs in order, and his address for the present will be - c/- Mrs. J. Brain, Narrandera, 2700. I was pleased that he felt and looked so well after his stay here with us, and that he was keen and able enough to make the trip to Narrandera. I have not heard from him since his return, so have to assume that "no news is good news". Cheerio and Many Thanks for all the courtesies from the members of the 2/30th. Yours faithfully, George Mackenzie (J.P.) Athol Carey - Carlton. 2218 - A Company We have to thank Stan Arneil and the publication of his book, "One Man's War" for putting us in touch with Athol, who turned 77 last August. Athol was on "The Line" in "H" Force. He tells me that his eyes are no good, which means that he does not go to many night activities. He has a bad leg, which has put him in hospital three times, and another 7 weeks in hospital was because of a double hernia, following which he was unable to continue with work that was too heavy, but he was able to obtain a light job as a cleaner and remained there for 20 years. He says that he remarried after he came home and they had two twin girls, who are now both married, Margaret having a boy and a girl and Dianne having 2 boys and a girl. His wife, Doris and the two girls keep in touch, with a meeting together at least once a week in Hurstville. Athol and Doris belong to the Penshurst R.S.L., which look after the old folk, with games in the Club and Bus trips, and cater for about 400 in an end of the year dinner annually. Frank Dyson - Tomakin, 2537 - B Company Writing in for a badge, Frank says, "I have spent most of the years in outback Queensland, but would appreciate having a badge, as I am still proud of being a small member of "purple and gold". I am using the patch off "Makan" on the windscreen of the car. Received confirmation last Friday, of being updated to T.P.I., or should it be downdated? Anyway, I think we earned it.
I think that the
same should apply to all 8 Div. at least. Harold E. Russell - Formerly of Canterbury, N.S.W. - 8 Sect. 12 Platoon, B Company, Corporal - Born 17/9/1918 - H Force - Died 20/6/1943 at Kanu No 2 Camp Of Cholera. Cliff Houghton, 2/5 A.G.H. and a P.O.W. Germany is a Brother-in-law of Harold Russell. He lives at Bankstown, 2200. Those of you, who were in A.G.H. Concord in the past, or who may be there in the future may meet Cliff, as he is one of the Hospital Visitors of the N.S.W. Ex-P.O.W. ASSOCIATION and those of you, who may visit the Association's Rooms, 101/5 Clarence St. City on a Wednesday, will be able to meet him there on that day, as he is a volunteer with Rusty O'Brien to staff the Rooms that day each week. He would be pleased, if any 2/30 Men, especially of 12 Platoon, will make themselves known to him, as having been with Harold Russell, when they might happen to meet. "Snowy" G.F. Williams - Formerly of Muswellbrook, N.S.W. - 8 Platoon, A Company Stan Arneil is once more the source. "Snowy's" Son rang Stan from Oberon to order two of the books, "One Man's War" one for himself and one for his Mother, who is still alive and still in Muswellbrook. Archie Craig - Beenleigh, Q'ld 4207 - C Company Archie states, "I am sending a cheque for a Life Membership and a Unit Association Badge. (Thanks, Archie, and badge is on its way. Ed.) I hope to be at Ballina Reunion and to see some of the boys. Please give my regards to everyone, Yours faithfully, Archie Craig." Clarrie Lattimer - Kyogle, 2474 - HQ Company, Tspt. Clarrie replies to a query on local weather, "for some years the weather pattern here has not resembled the usual in these parts. It has been usual for February and March to bring rain by the feet. But we experienced a very hot summer and the country round about has been very dry. About ten days ago (he was writing on 22/2/81. Ed) a cyclone on the Queensland coast gave us good rain and is being followed now with storms each day and the dry spell could be considered finished. Kyogle is nestling at the foot of Fairy Mount, which gives protection from wild storms. In my fifty three years here I cannot recall any severe damage by storms. I see by the latest "Makan" that there is a proposal to hold a Kobe House Reunion. I am interested in that. I had been giving some thought, as to whether I should join in that P.O.W. Reunion. My Regards to All, Yours faithfully, Clarrie." C.E.J. (Bert) Stephens - Merewether, 2291 - HQ Company Bert remitted up money for his subscriptions, told us that his house number in Glebe Road, where he and his wife, Mona, are living. A Hearty good welcome to you, Bert. He also sends, "Regards to all Members and their families for 1981. Yours faithfully, C.E.J. ("Bert") and Mona Stephens." Gordon Alf Savage – Paskeville, S. Aust. - 5552 - C Company May is our correspondent, "I am writing this on Gordon's behalf. He doesn't seem to be able to concentrate these days. We hope to get to Chatswood sometime this year, but these days one can not plan too far ahead. Gordon's left eye is not as good as it was after the operation. He cannot have lenses, still has thick glasses, and all he can see with them is right in front of him. He, has no side vision. Still we hope things will get better, by the time that he has to see the eye specialist again in June. Our Son, Ken, (Kenneth John), is off on a world tour on the 6th March. He hopes to be able to get to Kranji and the cemetery there and get some snaps for his Dad. Gordon has always wanted to go back to Singapore, but I think that he has left it too late, we will have to be content with Chatswood and a couple of visits to N.S.A.M.C. We have read the book "One Man's War", but I'm afraid it does not mean much to him because of his memory, but I must say that the Author has presented it very nicely. If we get to Chatswood we will phone you and perhaps be able to arrange a meeting. (That will certainly be arranged, May, not only with your scribe, but others of the Battalion here in Sydney, and we ought to be able to come up with some, whom Gordon will recognise.) We have little to go on; in what small details we have here, Gordon was shown as going to the Changi Hospital, Robert's Barracks, on 23/6/42, and being there on 20/4/43, but we do not know whether he was therefore the whole 10 months or whether he just happened to be there a second time, when the second list happened to be made up. He went with Xl Tunnelling Party to Johore on 27/3/45 from the Changi Gaol Area. Other than this he could have been engaged in camp duties at Selarang Barracks and in the Changi Gaol Area, and possibly on the aerodrome work. Ed) Kindest Regards to all the Boys. Here's hoping we meet them, All The Best. May and Gordon Savage." Claire Pluis (Wife Of Cyril) - Parkes, 2870 - HQ (Thanks for the donation Claire, Ed) Claire's welcome note says, "Please find enclosed cheque to cover Postage etc. on "Makan" and thank you for sending same. I feel now that I know so many of you by reading about you all from time to time, if any of you are up this way, I would like you to call. It was very good to see Ray Rickards and his wife, when they were passing through. I had not met then before. Wishing you All the Best of Health for 1981, Yours very sincerely, Claire Pluis, " Derek Joe Smith - Bargo 2074 - A Company Derek sends his Subs and his news, "We have had a nice drop of rain here at Bargo and the countryside looks real good; the recovery is remarkable with green grass everywhere. We had a visit from "Doc" Wilson over my holiday period (6 weeks school vacation). He was on his way back from Bowral. "Doc" looks well and also his wife, it was a pity that he couldn't stay the night. (Looks can be deceptive, Derek. "Doc" has been certified by 2 Repat. M.O.'s to knock off work, Ed.) "We have had our daughter staying with us, the one who lives in Beenleigh, Queensland. We hoped that the picnic day in Centennial Park went off O.K. I should think it would, as there's nothing like a family day. My wife tells me that the Southern Highlands Welfare Group are going to run a bus up to Bolton Point, Teralba, on Lake Macquarie, in July, and if anybody would like to go with us, could you please tell me how many and a convenient pick-up spot. The cost would be about $8. (Members will remember that Derek's invitation to join this bus trip was set out in "Makan" 255, Aug /Sept last year. If any one at all would like to go, Men and/or their wives, would you please let your scribe know and I will find out the exact date in July. Ed.) Thanks for the Soccer scores Spurs and Arsenal that were given you by the Pommy bloke. Eat your heart out, Joe, I and Ethel kid ourselves that we will be going away again, if the planes ever get off the ground again. All the Best to All and their Families. Derek Smith." Luke Carey - Budgewoi, 2263 - HQ Company, Mortars Last "Makan" we were able to say Luke was in touch again, and gave you a Lakemba address. He writes to say, "I have retired and by the time you receive this note, I will have decamped to the above address. I would like to continue with my membership in the Association, please accept enclosed cheque for this year's membership. The stay at the new address will be for a short time of, say, six months, as we are building on Lake Macquarie, Balcolyn to be exact. We are up to our necks in moving, so I will finish and I will be in contact, Yours, Luke Carey." (Time waits for no man. We all are getting older and those able to get out of the rat race are lucky. Good on you, Luke. The last time I saw you was in the M.O.'s Waiting Room at West Ryde, so I hope that you really get your feet up and enjoy yourself. Cheers. A.D.) Thelma Gibbs (Wife Of Bobby) - "Mullah", Turrawan, 2418 - A Company We have learnt, on the grapevine, that one of Thelma's daughters is in a hospital in Sydney and, it is understood, that the operation has been successful. Her three children will be glad to see their Mum again. Betty & Don MacIver – Blacktown, 2148 - HQ Company Betty acknowledges, "I'm very pleased to say that I am doing very well, since my operation, and am now able to do most of the household chores. I have been very well cared for by Don and our Daughter, Judy, (who came home from overseas, when she heard of my illness.) My Best wishes to All and your Kindness is very much appreciated. Sincerely, Betty MacIver." Kevin & Dorothy Ward - Greenacre, 2190 - A Company News from Kevin was that he and Dorothy enjoyed their sea cruise over Christmas and the New Year, but Kevin likened it to his experience on the "Johan", in that he had a "turn" on the second day out, just the same as he had on the "Johan". In February there was quite a gathering of the Ward family in Narromine (Dorothy's home town), even Kevin's Mother, went up from Sydney, for the wedding of Michael, the youngest of Kevin & Dorothy's family. E. P. (Ted) Condie - Gorokan, 2263 - C Company Ted's wife, Doris, gave us the information that Ted had felt an extreme pain in the stomach region, and had been sent to Gosford Hospital, there it was diagnosed that he had a burst ulcer requiring an operation. Our Central Coast contacts were alerted and Ray Kelly got his Ex-P.O.W. team on the job with their visitors. Ted is home now. Eric Arps - Kingsgrove, 2208 - A Company Eric is overworked at his job. The reason being that burglars broke in to the factory, but were unable to force some of the safes, so, out of spite, turned their blow torches on to enough other things in the rooms, so that a large part of the works was burnt down and records destroyed on 27th January. Eric was called in from his holidays and, being Bookkeeper / Secretary, had the job of recreating Order Books and the various ledgers. (Somewhat the same job Orderly Room Clerks had after 16th February in recreating Nominal Rolls, which had been torn up and burnt on the night of the 15th, before it was known that the Japanese were to leave British and Australian Troops in their own Army organisations. Ed.) Eric has been going straight to bed after his evening meal, so that he is able to cope with the strain during the day. The factory was commenced in a small way by his original boss, who had his wife helping with the bookwork, while he concentrated on the manufacturing. As expansion continued, Eric was the first clerk, to be put on the pay-roll, 43 years ago this March. He is hoping for a break and a holiday in April. Bet Dawson (Wife Of Len) – Warriewood, 2102 - HQ Company Bet has to go to War Vets Home at Narrabeen for therapy several days a week, but the clinic there sent her up to Lady Davidson Hospital for 6 weeks and, before Christmas, she was in Mona Vale Hospital for 2 months. Her bad back and arm never give her much peace these days. She has to wear a brace and has to use a walker for her balance, but she still tries to be cheerful, and enquires how folk are faring. Eye troubles, which she thinks might be existence of cataracts, are sending her to a specialist in April. She sends Best Wishes to Len's mates. Curly & Beatrice Hardman - Woy Woy, 2256 - HQ Company The Hardman home has been "Mecca" for a few Battalion folk lately. Doc Wilson called on your scribe one evening on his way home to report that he and Clover had called in on them that day. Then "Joe" Geoghegan phoned that a party had been arranged for the following Wednesday, and there would be room for your scribe; an invitation, which was eagerly accepted, but later cancelled, because from the beginning of the Macquarie University's first term, he became baby-sitter for his daughter's 4 year old on Wednesdays. Joe Geoghegan, Doc Wilson and wives, plus Jack Maclay made the trip and one comment was, that they talked, drank and gorged on Curly's cooking. Beatrice is moving round with the aid of walkers. Her doctor wants her to have as much exercise as possible to strengthen the hip. Curly and Beatrice will be going up to Port Macquarie early in April to enjoy that Mediterranean weather up there, and we suspect, so that Curly can see how he compares with Margaret Morgan's fishing prowess. Jim and Margaret will be their hosts. They will come back to Taree to Jack and Una Clunes but hope to make it to the Ballina Reunion, since Beatrice was cheated of getting up there last year. Tom Yates - West Ryde, 2114 - B Company Tommy revealed that he has had to have a few visits to the pathologist for blood counts. He also is having bathroom renovations done in the house, so he's out of the "Makan" team for a while. Stewart Blow - Berry, 2535 - HQ Company Mick Lovell had returned from his trip to Hong Kong, Bangkok and Singapore and rang Stew's home with the intention of a weekend trip down there to talk over the time away, but he found that Stew was in Nowra Hospital, having suffered a slight stroke, from which he was recovering, but at that stage one arm needed more therapy to it. Stew is home now, so Mick is to make the trip soon and is to keep us posted on how "Massa" progresses. Dalby Q' Land Floods We have two of the Battalion up in Dalby. Newspaper and T.V. reports of the town's severe flooding made us wonder how Maurie Horrigan and Jack Burke were faring. One of our reporters put a call through and got on to the Horrigan household first. Selina was in tears, as she talked, mud was 6" deep in the house and they had laid a new floor covering just before Christmas. They have received assistance from "Flood Appeal Money" and the Ex-P.O.W. Association and the R.S.L. had given help, and though they could cope; they may be able to get more help, in need, up there. Maurie is still at his part time cleaner job at the local school. Jack Burke was reported to be on higher ground and so the waters had not hit his house. Ray Brown - Bankstown, 2200 - B Company Ray had a worrying time lately, one of his grandchildren had to be rushed over to the new Westmead Hospital for an urgent operation. There was provision at the Hospital, so that Diane, the child's Mother, had meals and slept there to be near to the girlie. Ray and Marion had the other girl at their home. Ray had agreed to join the “Makan" team, and is looking to see, if a Kobe House Reunion of J Force men and others, who joined from the Kawasaki Shipyards could be arranged for one of the free periods of the NATIONAL P.O.W. REUNION this coming Oct. Arthur Isaac - Bankstown, 2200 - D Company Arthur has had the ordinary operation for a cataract removal, but the surgeon reckons that he is a bit too young for an implant, which it had been thought to do. The doctor says also that the implant only lasts for a few years. Arthur had been brought in to a holding room before going in to the Operating Theatre and told to lie flat on the bed without moving. He knew that there was another chap brought in alongside him, but, keeping to instructions, he did not look at him. However, this chap wanted to talk, and that could be done without movement, so he commenced with questions as to the Unit Arthur had been in, and, when Arthur replied 2/30 Bn, this other chap carried on, asking Company, Platoon and then said, I was in 16 Platoon too. Orders to remain still were ignored, both sat up and recognised each other straightaway. It was Jimmy Speers from Byron Bay, who, as we told in last issue, had come across to Tamworth to the Reunion in November. Jim had been brought to Sydney by Air Ambulance as an urgent job because of a detached retina. A third chap in the holding bay told them that he had been in the Air Force, and that he had been a cobber of Archie Thorburn for some years. He said that the little reunion, which had just gone on, was another example of how close the 8 Div. men had been compared to other Units. Stuart Peach - Neutral Bay, 2089 – Bn. HQ We have been informed by one of our reporters that Stuart Peach had been down at Sussex Inlet in January and was sorry to learn of the death of "Gentleman George" in that time, since he would have come to his Memorial Service to pay his respects, if he had known. Nugent Geikie - Hunters Hill, 2110 - B Company We had been told that Nugent was moving from Hunters Hill and going up to Avoca Beach in retirement. We've learnt that SALE notices are on his shop, as he is getting rid of all his stock, so if there any bargain hunters amongst you for his wares, this might make an opportunity for you. (This is NOT a PAID advertisement. We don't know if its in time. Ed.) "Bluey" Neil - C Company Fred Hume was asking if anyone knew what had happened to "Bluey" Neil. Phil Schofield says that he had been a permanent soldier, who had wanted to enlist in the A.I.F., and could not get permission to transfer, so he went AWL from the Army, adopted the name of "John Henry George Neil" and eventually came as a 6 Reinforcement to C Company, and was only 20 years of age then. He was known as "Bluey" Peterson back here in Australia, became married, had a little daughter and was managing an ice and carrying business at St. John's Park near Liverpool. He moved down the South Coast, was working at the Steelworks, and, after a few changes of address settled at Fairy Meadow. He began to show the effects of P.O.W. life with sinus and chest troubles from the mid-fifties; was made a T.P.I, when he was discharged from hospital mid-1963, which would have been when he was about 41 years of age, and it was said at the time, "young to be T.P.I. and does not take it too easily." He died in the early part of 1966 and our "Makan" Editor at that time, you might have guessed it, Stan Arneil, said of Bluey, "He was one of War's tragedies...I spent some time in Thailand with Bluey. He was a good mate....Bluey was a good Unit man; we heard from him regularly over the years and I used to see him occasionally. He was another part of our Unit and now he has gone." His wife is living in the cottage, which was his last home, Fairy Meadow, and, Wally Scott sees her now and again.
Joan & Arnie
Ainsworth - Mollymook, 2539 - HQ Company Joan and Arnie's Daughter and Son-in-law have moved from Canberra to Sydney. But Joan was on a visit to her sister-in-law in Sydney, when she rang about George Stephenson being in Milton Hospital. It was thought that George might have had a black-out as he had bruised his chest and arms. Milton Hospital looked after him for a while, then sent him up to Wollongong for specialist examination. He stayed at Wollongong until Friday, 27th February, until they had stabilized his condition, at which time the M.O.'s felt that he could go home. "Doc" and Clover Wilson - West Ryde, 2114 - A Company Daughter, Linda, came home from her trip to the U.K. & Europe on Sunday, 1st March. Doc says she put on a stone in weight, so her jaunting around could not have affected her appetite. Her return has been well timed, as her 21st Birthday is 27th March and Mum and Dad are seeking to let her remember that day with a good family Birthday Party. Doc has a bit of time on his hands to oversee some of the arrangements because Repat, after a 12 year battle, have put him on the "No more WORK List". Vic. Murphy - Belmont North, 2280 - A Company Vic. is President of his R.S.L. Sub-Branch and also is a Director of the Belmont R.S.L. Club; a Delegate from his Sub-Branch to District Council, and from there will be attending R.S.L. Congress in May as a Representative, and hopes to meet up with some of his old mates, of whom he says Keith Chapman was one, who looked, after him, when he was sick on Blakang Mati, and Keith's other cobber, Dick Henderson. He says that he and his wife, Chris, would welcome anyone, who called in at Belmont. Les Melrose – Matraville, 2036 - HQ Company Les tells me that his younger son, Warwick, has joined the Sports Staff at Scots College. He had missed out on selection, when he applied before Christmas, but they called on him later. It is a 6½ day working week, and in the summer time he has to be on the job at 6 am to supervise swimming, because of the number of boarders. Les' older son is an Electrical Ground Engineer with Qantas, where he had never been on strike before the last all Union call-out. Andy Hyslop - Umina Beach, 2257 Bn HQ It was in 1979 that Andy had his first time in hospital and operation and felt very badly knocked by it, but he is now one might say, full of beans, joining in with activities at his Bowls Club. He is looking forward to joining in the march on Anzac Day. John E. Martin – Greenacre, 2190 - C Company Jack, who joined the Battalion at Fort Rose Estate; was at Mt. Pleasant Camp, while on the "Shrine Job"; and went to Japan on "J" Force, turned 60 years of age in February, so he has made up his mind to retire around the middle of the year we are told. E. (Teddy or Happy) Bahnsen - 11 Platoon, B Company and "A" Force Cliff Houghton, who, incidentally, is a brother-in-law of Cpl. Harold Russell, 8 Sect. 12 Platoon, who died on "H " Force, a Hospital Visitor for the Ex-P.O.W. Association has passed on the information that Ted is in KALOOLA NURSING HOME. Joe Geoghegan went to see him and took Wally Scott, in Earlwood temporarily, with him. They found that he had had a stroke, had one arm in a sling and needed a leg support as well, nevertheless he was glad to see them, though they could not stay long, as the mealtime was on them. Keith Broughton - Summer Hill, 2110 - HQ Keith tells us that he and Joan took a trip to Hong Kong, Bangkok and Singapore, being away about a month, and were lucky that, it did not extend longer, because they were held up for one day by the Qantas strike, but their Tour Leader managed to get them to Manilla and they came back with a volunteer crew. He said that he was very impressed by the cemeteries, as are all who see them; the Rose Garden, and the way that Blakang Mati looks now and appears as though it will look, because reclamation work is still proceeding. He calls it fantastic. Jack Maclay - Rydalmere, 2116 - B Company Jack reported that he was busy at the present moment visiting both his sister and his sister-in-law in hospital. His sister has some trouble with her pacemaker and his sister-in-law has to have a hip operation. Padre Paddy Walsh - Rockhampton, Qld. 4700 Paddy writes, "I read in Makan of the passing of "Gentleman George". I would like to add my tribute to the rest. I am sure the Lord will look after him now. My very best wishes to all the boys. There's some chance I'll be in Sydney in the end of March. If I am I'll let you know. Yours sincerely, Padre Paddy - P.J. Walsh" Mark Flew - Narrabeen 2101 - C Company We have had 2 enquiries - Does any one know where Jack Dickenson may be these days? It was known at one stage after we were "demobbed" that he was living at Redfern. One of C Company Men, who are seeking Jack, has told us that the above address will find Mark Flew. National Ex-P.O.W. Reunion, Sydney, October 14-18, 1981 HAVE YOU RECEIVED YOUR BROCHURE FROM THE ORGANISERS OF THIS REUNION? IF NOT ASK, "1981 Ex-P.O.W. REUNION SECRETARIAT, 70 GLENMORE RD. PADDINGTON, N.S.W., 2021, for one with relevant APPLICATION FORM. It does not matter, if you do live in Sydney, you will NOT be able to attend any of their activities, unless you have paid the Reunion Enrolment Fee, to get your Reunion arrangements fixed up, as set out in the brochure, and on registration to get your REUNION BADGE, when you register on 13th or 14th morning at REUNION CENTRE, WYNYARD TRAVELODGE, 9 YORK ST. CITY, 2nd Floor. ENROLMENTS CLOSE TUESDAY, JUNE 30th, 1981. We're considering 1981 Battalion Reunion at this time, (mixed). Stan Arneil's Book, "One Man's War". Stan says, "I would appreciate it if any of our Members will examine their old Battalion and Company photos to see if we can get a clear face of any of the names on the list below, and let me have it for reproduction. Also, I would be grateful if any Member with a copy of "One Man's War” would examine the photo on page 22 - it has been suggested that the soldier in the hat, seated far right, might be Jack Collins of Sth. Grafton and on page 144 that the soldier on the left might have been Sandy McLean." L.J. (Stinny) REINHARD, L.K. COLLINS, Frank H. TUCKEY, Steve PORTER, Les. J. GALLARD, Harry GODBOLT, Val G. GUY, E.E. HURRY, Bruce ("Bullfrog") JOHNSTON. Back to 1981 index or Main Index |