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Back to 1981 index or Main Index Makan No. 263 Official Journal 2/30 Bn. A.I.F. Association Subscription Rate for Makan for both Life and Annual Members per year: $1.50, '82 onward $4.50 or as set yearly by Executive.
Dates For Your Diary There will be no MEETING of the 2/30Bn.Association Auxiliary in January.
Sunday
17th Jan. -
Thursday
4th Feb. - Sunday 14th Feb. – a. 8 Div. & Services Council - Church Services at ST. ANDREWS and ST. MARY'S CATHEDRALS - Times to be verified, mid morning as usual. b. 2/30 Bn. A.I.F. Auxiliary - SHOWING of George Aspinall's FILMS (a) National POW Reunion, 1981 (b) Passing Years of 2/30 Bn. - in Ex-Ps.O.W. Rooms, Goldberg House, 101/105 Clarence St. City at 11.30am - BRUNCH
Monday
15th Feb. -
Thursday
4th March -
Sunday
25th April -
May - Sick Parade Kevin Ward reports that those, who have been in hospital since last report, and in some cases are still there are: Alf Austin, "Lofty" Gersbach, "Doughy" White, Ray Rickards, Des Duffy, Ted Bahnsen, Alan Charlton, Jim Dinnen, Don Frith. If you are sick in hospital or if you are sick at home and would like someone to call, please advise Kevin. The Hospital Visitors or the Auxiliary Members wish to help you, but are unable to do so, if you forget to tell Kevin. If it is into Concord see that you get the Admission Clerk to note on your papers, that you are 2/30 Bn., so that this information goes on their computer. Acknowledgement of Monies Received The sub-heading under this section will show Member's name under the sub-heading to which you have asked for your funds to be used, and that we will be dealing with them as you set out. We again remind Next of Kin of our Deceased Members, who send in monies for donations, stamps, "Makan" Membership etc., that we are grateful to you for doing this "Naughty but Nice" action. We accept them gratefully because of the thought behind the action, BUT we DO NOT EXPECT YOU to do it. We like to keep in touch because of our feelings towards deceased comrades and it is still our privilege to send you "Makan". We thank you and will make our acknowledgements to you in the listing, as with all receipts. (Jock) New Life Members Jack Matthews, Harry Brown, Colin Brewin, Jack Langley, Roy Mooney. Towards New Gestetner Harley Forrester, Jack Grossmith, Dick Tompson, Ron Foster, "Scotty" Harris, George Gough, Jack Fell, Stan Arneil, Gordon McKnight, Chum Farley, Allan Venn, Alan Gilbert, Andy Hyslop, Cec Palmer, Bill Desmet, George Brown, Vernon Baynes, Graham McLeod, Frank Moore, Arthur Buckingham, Albert Hodge, Colin Brewin, John Kreckler, Steve Allardice, Ron Chipps, Harry Teasdale, Alan Penfold, Tom Davis, Arthur Carroll, Col O'Donnell. Towards Korsch Diary Gordon McKnight, Jack Matthews, Norman Lee, Jack Fell, Arch Craig, Harry Griffis, Tom Kennedy, "Bill" Elliott, Don Schumacher, Keith Jones, Ken Parry, "Zipper" Charlton, Alan Gilbert, George Stephenson, Les Perry, Vic Hamlin, "Speed" Hollingsworth, Andy Hyslop, Harry Jarrett, Don Sutherland, Jack Carey, Ron McBurney, George Brown, "Dinny" Lane, Cliff Houghton, Roy King, Vernon Baynes, Graham McLeod, Les Hall, Les Hemming, Ray Duncombe, Arthur Buckingham, Albert Hodge, Jock McDougall, Bruce Upcroft, Jack Langley, Steve Allardice, Ron Chipps, Joe Noble, Nugent Geikie, Harry Teasdale, Alan Penfold, Nev Riley, Eric Spring, Mrs. J. Peterson ("Bluey" Neill), Jack Conn, Arthur Carroll, Gerry Bailey, George Aspinall, Ron Foster, Athol Hyde-Cates, Eric Stone, Don McIver, Arthur Isaac, Wally Scott, Joe Veivers, Clarrie Lattimer, Sid Grounds, Harley Forrester, Reg Milner, Ross Madden, Jack Graham. Bn. Plaques Allan Venn, Gordon McKnight, Keith Jones, Alan Penfold, Noel Johnston, Steve Allardice, Ron Stoner, Mrs. J. Peterson ("Bluey" Neill), Fred Johnston, Jack Maclay, Stan Arneil. Makan Subs "Bill" Elliott, Tom O'Scott, L. Gartner, Harry Brown, Colin Brewin, J.R. Langley, Roy Mooney, Lizz Salisbury, Charles Coutts. Welfare Sid Grounds. Advance Subs Ken Parry, Tom Kennedy, Bruce Pratt, Keith Jones, Les Perry, Vic Hamlin, "Speed" Hollingsworth, Cec Palmer, Doc Wilson, L. Gartner, Jack Wilson, J.R. Langley, Jack Conn, Frank Rampling, Gerry Bailey, Edna Bailey, Athol Hyde-Cates, Norm Armstrong, George Gough, Joe Veivers, Clarrie Lattimer. Makan Donations Sid Hart, Thelma Solway, Con Hedwards, "Dinny" Lane, Ray Body, Brian Williams, Neil Huntley, Henry West, Des Duffy, "Jock" McLean, Roy Mooney, Tom Davis, Eric Spring, Ron Stoner, Hilarie Backous. Malaysian Family Reg Nossiter, Eric Spring, Ron Foster. St. Patrick's School Ron Foster Please advise if we have not included your name. Ed. Letter From Our Patron Christmas Greetings It is good that we have a Christmas Festival that comes to us in the turn of the wheel each year; it is a reminder to us that we should not take love and affection for granted - it needs to be nurtured. Janet and I extend to all our friends in the Association of 2/30 Bn. A.I.F. people our best wishes for happy family gatherings at Christmas, and for healthy and prosperous months to follow in 1982. We thank all who have given service to our fellowship during 1981, and trust that their rewards will be great.
Many
Blessings to all, Sincerely, Letter From Our President What a delight it was to have in excess of 120 Members, wives and other members of their families at this year's Reunion. We go from strength to strength and, if the tales we tell and hear get taller from year to year, what does it matter. The important thing is that we continue to get pleasure and profit in keeping closely in touch with each other. We have a lusty infant in the new Battalion Auxiliary. Under the enthusiastic guidance of Ron and Gretta Maston it fills the gap that had become apparent in our ranks. We all wish them and their co-workers continued success in this very worth while venture. I extend Best Wishes to you all for a Happy Christmas in the bosoms of your families and a Prosperous and Healthy New Year. Arch Editorial In this issue we have published Dr. Hinder's message to his fellow medical practitioners, as published in the Australian Medical Journal, 30th May 1981, regarding their attitude to Ex-Ps.O.W. and their disabilities. We repeat his message which says, "To me the treatment of ex-prisoners of war of the Japanese, is a scandal and a disgrace. My colleagues do not agree with me and ask for scientific proof. There is no scientific proof for the privations of Ps.O.W. They have never been recorded before and are unknown, to science. It is my opinion that their experiences accelerated the onset of age & its complaints, as well as preparing the way for other disabilities. We suggest that the Department of Veterans' Affairs now have on its files enough proof of past and present disabilities of all prisoners of war of the Japanese, and if this information is collated and published to the present day medical profession, we feel sure that this profession would finally, "extend sympathy and compassion and perhaps benefit of doubt to your claims." Which benefit of doubt, by law, should be given to the applicant. We have therefore published some relevant facts about the three working parties of A, F & H Forces, who worked on the "Death Railway" consisting of members of our own Battalion only. Other Battalions on these Forces may have had more, or less factual figures than we report, but we are only able to publish facts as are on our files. Keep this issue of Makan 263 and show it to your medical practitioner for his enlightenment. Our Files are incomplete in facts regarding causes of death since our return, and we would appreciate it, if members would write in of their illnesses since their return, and that wives & relatives of deceased members would write in of their illnesses since return to Australia and the cause of their deaths. The cost of Makan No. 262 was $1.39 per copy including an expense of $0.27 per copy not included in cost of Makan No. 261. The fee for Makan starting Jan.1982 will be $4.50 per annum plus $0.50 Membership Fee, in the case of annual subscribers. With the forthcoming Festive Season the team takes this opportunity of wishing all Members, their wives & relatives, widows of deceased Members & their families, a Happy Christmas and Good Health for 1982. From Alex Dandie, Bert Farr, Fred & Jean Johnston, Ray & Marion Brown, Dutchy Holland, Ken Forward, Ray Rickards, Bob Surtees, "Doc" Wilson, Les Hemming, Max McClelland, Tom Yates, Jack Maclay & Jock McDougall. Last Post NX51616 - Lieut. Raphael Emanuel T. Simmons - HQ Company Born 21/6/04 died at Lady Davidson 19/8/81, aged 77 years. Ray joined the Battalion as 6 Rnf in fighting in February 1942, and his occupation on enlistment was given as Manufacturer. He was on the working party to Thomson Rd., and went on H Force to Kanu 2. During P.O.W. he taught Carpeting as a prospective Trade at "University of Changi." On his return he had his own business, named Celesco Pty. Ltd., interior decoration and carpet business, with some whom he had trained at Changi, and was an expert at his calling. He and his wife Leila then moved to Urunga and established a Motel business in the '60s. They later sold out and moved to Wyoming. He had a heart attack at Xmas 1970, and in 1973 he finally retired; in August 1976 they moved back to Sydney. He and Leila had been married for 51 years. He was a keen bowler but of later years suffered badly from emphysema and eye trouble, as well as his heart. Those attending the funeral were Noel Johnston, Ron Maston, Stuart Peach, Des Kearney, Bruce Greer and his younger son Euan, Joe Geoghegan, Alan & Win Mason, Alex Dandie, Ray Rickards, Vince Leonard, Bob Surtees, "Snowy" Stevens, Don West, Jack Black and Bruce Upcroft. Noel Johnston gave the Eulogy. He is survived by his wife Leila, daughter Wendell and son Mitchell and 7 grandchildren. We send them our deepest sympathy. NX46443 - Pte. Cyril Keith McFarlane - A Company Died 7.10.81 He is survived by his wife, Beryl, and 7 children. We send our deep sympathy to them in their loss. Keith was in the Con Depot at Changi in April 1943, but later joined J Force in May 1943. He had not kept the best of health since his return, and as Tom Grant, who attended his funeral, says, "I can only repeat what has been said a number of times, I don't know how he lasted so long." He was finally made a T.P.I. in 1975. He sold his house at Brays Park in 1980 and had moved to Stokers Siding with his wife, Beryl, where they were still in the Murwillumbah area. He lived, as he had died, quietly with no fuss, Beryl agreed to the Battalion Wreath on his coffin. A quiet Service was held at Tweed Heads Crematorium. We understand that Russ Baird of Legacy is looking after Beryl's interests. NX10901 - Pte. C.R. Erwin - A Company Born 2/10/06, Died Aug. 1981. Our roll shows that he was a Drover before the war and he came to the Bn. at Fort Rose on 16/1/42. He was on the Great World working party and from there went to River Valley Rd. He went on "F" Force and on his return to Changi worked on Xl Tunnelling Party. He is one who has not been mentioned in Makan and we do not know if he had been in touch with anybody. Death Of Next Of Kin Betty McIver - wife of Don ("Bluey") McIver Mortar Platoon, H.Q. Company who died on 30th August last. Betty had had a major operation last year, and by request there were no floral tributes at her funeral on Sept 2nd, at Pine Grove Memorial Park at Eastern Creek, but in lieu thereof, to the Cancer Research. We extend to Don and Judith, his daughter, our deepest sympathy. Merle Douglas - widow of Roy Douglas, B Company, deceased 4/7/68. Merle died at her residence on 24th August. She is survived by Frank, Leroy, Diane and 4 grandchildren, and we send our deepest sympathy to them in their sad loss. Maria Craig - wife of Arch Craig, 13 Platoon, C Company. Arch's wife, Maria, died in early August and we learnt of her death from Kel Anderson telephoning from Dubbo. She had had severe arthritis for some years. A Requiem Mass was held at 11am on Tuesday 4th August, at St. Patrick's Church, Beenleigh, followed by internment in the Lawn Cemetery at Beenleigh. Battalion members at the funeral to support Arch, were Stan Grainger and his wife, Colleen, and Keith Jones, who had been alerted from Sydney by Kevin Ward, after we had received Kel's message. We send our deep sympathy to Arch. Return Thanks Don & Daughter, Judith, McIver – Blacktown, 2148 - HQ Company Don's wife Betty died on 30/8/81 and he writes in his thanks: "Thank you for the kind thoughts on your own behalf and also those from the Men of the Battalion. I would also like to thank the Men from Mortar Platoon and those from the Battalion who attended the Ceremony. It helped me a great deal just to see them there. Once again I thank you all on behalf of Judith and myself. Yours sincerely, Don McIver." Mavis Jackson and John and Russell Jackson - Binna Burra “We deeply appreciate and will always remember your kind expressions of sympathy and love conveyed to us in so many ways in the passing of our loved Ossie, on June 2nd 1981. God Bless. Mavis, John and Russell." Return Thanks Mrs. Iris Lutz (Widow Of "Ted" - B Company ) Iris writes, "It was nice to hear from you, although under such sad circumstances - Ted often spoke of you. The Repat. hospital were very kind to him. He was in for his check up and did not come home again. He had many injections over three long weeks making him very sick each time and he had lost a lot of weight. He had a very rare type of cancer Dr. said and they did an autopsy, with my permission, as he was a case history with the students and it may be the means of helping someone else. I had one of Ted's mates scatter his ashes in his hunting grounds in Megalong Valley. I think he would have liked that don't you. I intend joining Legacy. I am in hospital and have been here a fortnight due to asthma and the worry of the last year. Thank you all again, Iris." Jim Speers - 16 P1atoon, D Company Hernia operation stopped him from sailing with us and he went to the Middle East & New Guinea. "On behalf of myself, son, Jim, & his wife, Pam, and grandchildren, Damen, Liette, Gavin & Knisty, we say thank you indeed for your kind words on my wife's passing. It was very sad in the last two weeks, but a blessing. She is now at rest & in peace & after so long suffering. Thank you all again, Jim Speers." Mrs. Gwen Dunlevey (widow of David - B Company then transf. to 2/15 Arty and was with us at Gemas) - LOCKHART. "The greatest comfort during our sorrow was the expressions of sympathy you conveyed to us. Gwen Dunlevey." Mrs. Joan Hanlon (Red's Widow) – Queanbeyan, 2620 Joan thanks all the Bn. Members for their kind thoughts, and says she hopes "Digger" Preen is getting a good pension, as Dick was concerned about "Digger", before he died. She is new getting a pension although tardily received, and hopes she can still get the Makan. (Certainly Joan we will have the pleasure of still sending you your copy. Ed.) Ron & Florence Chipps - Roseville - C Company "Thank you for your kind expressions of sympathy in Makan. We are most appreciative of and grateful for the messages we have received. Best wishes Ron." The Family of The Late Mrs. Merle Douglas Widow of Roy Douglas, B Company died 4/7/68 "We shall always remember with gratitude your kind expression of sympathy, with our very special thanks from Frank & Jan, Leroy & Marie and Diane & Garry." Ray Rickards – Yennora, 2161 - C Company Ray wishes to return thanks to his many visitors while in hospital recovering from an appendicitis operation. Ray, I might add, was in the middle of helping in the final printing of No.262 Makan on the Friday, when he complained of not feeling too well. The next thing we heard was that he was whipped into hospital the next day and had his appendix taken out straight away. Quick work, Ray. He says, "During my time in hospital I had many visits from my friends of the 2/30 Bn. Through Makan I would like to express my thanks and appreciation to Dorothy & Les Hemming, Alex Dandie, Merv Geoghegan and Ron Maston. During my illness, my wife Vera had a sore throat, which made her very ill. I would like to say thanks to Heather McClelland for visiting her and offering her help. Many thanks also to the many people who phoned and expressed their best wishes for a quick recovery. I am now looking forward, with anticipation, to the October Festivities in the hopes of renewing some old friendships. Ray." Alan & Betty Pryde - Cremorne Point 2090 - QM HQ Company Alan had finished his treatment for his throat and now he says, "I now feel able to talk more readily and concentrate on what is going on as regards other people." He was able to have a long talk to Alex and says; "We sincerely hope that the pernicious anaemia treatment is having a very positive improvement for your problem. Until you mentioned it, I had no idea that there was such a vitamin as B12, let alone the purpose it served. Modern medical knowledge has made such remarkable strides during the past couple of decades that, what formerly seemed to be dire results of a disability to the general run of people, are no longer incurable. For my part I hope to get back into the swing of 2/30Bn. activities within 2 weeks. By then I expect (and hope) to have been given the "go ahead" report by the specialist following a hospital theatre examination. Very sad about Ray Simmons. He & I had practically no association until about 10 years ago. From then on we seemed to be drawn to each other on such occasions as Reunions, Anzac Day, Gemas Day and so. Very sorry that I was unable to pay my last respects to him at the funeral service. You and your former production team on Makan did a mighty fine job for the Association, most of it because of your efforts. The re-structured production team seems to be keeping up the standard you set. Regrettably circumstances have precluded me from making more than a cursory drowse through Vol. No. 261 & 262, but I will remedy that in due course. Betty has acquainted me with the salient features. Ron Maston's team on the Auxiliary seem to be doing a very good job. Betty finds the gathering at the P.O.W. Club most enjoyable. The only outdoor excursion, we have been on, was that very pleasant sailing day last May. I was very sorry to miss out on the Thirlmere Railway Museum trip. It would be much appreciated if you can include a paragraph in the next issue of Makan: “Alan Pryde has asked that Makan conveys his and Betty's very grateful thanks to all those kind and thoughtful members of the Association who have made personal and telephone enquiries, to learn about his physical problems, involving cancer in the throat. At the time Alan was unable to "speak for himself", or up to writing notes of thanks. Thanks to modern medical knowledge the problem is now under control. The kind thoughts and good wishes expressed were very much appreciated, our regards and best wishes to you all, Alan." Harley & Irene Forrester - Condell Park 2200 - D Company Harley expressed his thanks for Grace Ford and Norma Christensen being so prompt in visiting Harley's wife, Irene, at her nursing home, after learning that she was there only on the previous Thursday at the Auxiliary Meeting. Reg & Pat Nossiter – Eastwood, 2122 "I am writing in appreciation of the two events we attended last week. (Oct.). First our Battalion Reunion on the Friday night, to thank and congratulate Jack Black for the wonderful time we had. Second the picnic on the Saturday, to thank Gretta Maston and her helpers, not forgetting Joe Geoghegan, Max McClelland and aides for the work they did; cartage and erection of tarps, tables, food, etc., and for making it a day of pleasure. The 2/30 Bn. cake was the highlight of the picnic - thank you Georgina Geoghegan, it looked that good I took three photos, but forgot to take the shutter off the lens. Regards to all, Reg." Kevin Ward - Greenacre - A Company Kevin, who was responsible for organising the B.J. Bowls Day at Bankstown R.S.L. Bowling Club on 18th October 1981, would like to give his sincere thanks to Danny Cole, Chairman of Directors of Bankstown R.S.L. and Cecil Bulner, Pres., for the luncheon, which the Club supplied. Call For Old Mates NX46503 – Cpl. Dave W. Tate - Mortars HQ Company Born 20/3/20, died 30/3/78. Our records show he was a farmer when he enlisted. His widow, Muriel Tate, Garradunga, Q'ld 4860. We have had a letter from Bob Rolfe saying that Muriel had applied for a War Widow's Pension after Dave passed on. After some months she received the reply that she was not eligible, as Dave's heart attack couldn't be related to war service. They advised her that she could lodge an appeal. This she did do, but in the absence of any definite evidence of the sicknesses that Dave had suffered whilst a prisoner of war, Changi and on the Railway, and that Dave's Doctor (John Taylor) had died previously, once again the result was negative. Our files state that Dave was in No. 3 Company at Thomson Rd., from there he went to River Valley Rd., and then back to Selarang in Dec. 1942. He is shown in our records as being in truck 2, train 5 on F Force with R.H. Etherington (Transp. HQ Company), W. Wallis (C Company), R. Mansfield (A Company), Cpl. F. Purvis (B Company), F.L. Winters (D Company), Most of train 5 finished up at Shimo Sonkurai, where rations were short and the work was hard. Some were later transferred to Kami Sonkurai. In both these camps cholera, dysentery, malaria, beri-beri, tropical ulcers, pellagra, were rampant. After returning to Changi in Dec.1943, Dave went on the X1 Tunnelling party on 27/3/45. Will any one of his mates, who recall any of his sicknesses, please send a line to Alex. This would be appreciated. NX37402 - Pte. J.C. Nay - B Company Born 22/5/19 - was a Glass Blower on enlistment - next of kin, Mother, Mrs. Mary Nay, Rockdale. He was a member of the Salvation Army. He was wounded in action 25/1/42, gun shot wound in both legs and right thigh. He remained in Changi, but went on X1 Tunnelling Party. Ross Madden would like to know. Can anyone help? NX4703 - Pte. H.B. McAndrew - HQ Company Born 31/12/15. He was a labourer on enlistment and next of kin was Father J. McAndrew, Tyalgum, Tweed River. He was in A.G.H. Changi 20/1/43, went on F Force, Truck 13, Train 5 with Alan McPherson, of Yamba. He was in the Police Force in 1940; was farming at Ballina 1950; 1954 Station Hand in Goulburn District; 1958 marched on Anzac Day, said to have been living at Hurlstone Park and last known at Coogee. He is not in the phone book, Ross Madden had been enquiring, he thinks he was a mate of Bertie Hodge of Gilgandra but is not sure. Can anyone help? Prisoners of War - Long Term Effects Article by DAVID HINDER, R.M.O. 2/19 Bn. A.I.F., published in the Medical Journal of Australia on 30th May 1981 and reproduced here in full in view of its importance to our Australian Medical Officers and yourselves. Dr. Hinder has been trying for 35 years, along with Colonel Sir Edward Dunlop to get the message through, but unfortunately all that your Dept. of Veterans' Affairs and local medical officers can repeatedly say is, "show us any reference to all this in any text book and we will extend sympathy and compassion and perhaps benefit of the doubt to your claims". A brief resume was written in the Sydney Morning Herald on 20th June, 1981. I ask all my colleagues to give all the help they can to former Prisoners of War (Ps.O.W.) who were members of Japanese working parties. Members of these parties worked about 10 hours a day and, when the pressure was really on, for 14 to 16 hours a day, seven days a week, for 3½ years. There were no holidays or rest days. For the first 12 months after capture I was attached to a party the members of which worked as wharf labourers in Singapore. For the second 12 months I was with a party which worked on the Burma-Thailand railway; during the third year I was attached to a party which spent 8 or 9 months in Japan working in an underground copper mine. When the members of this group were too ill, exhausted and worn out to work underground, they were brought to the surface where they spent the last 3 or 4 months of the war working in factories, In Thailand, and in the mine, they worked with picks, shovels and crowbars without any mechanical help. If the armed Japanese guards thought they were not working hard enough they were beaten with fists, rifle butts, shovels, or any other object at hand. Nothing stopped the work: neither tropical sun, nor monsoonal rain. In the Japanese winter, the workers left camp before dawn to march through the snow to work, where they spent the daylight hours in the mine, returning to camp again through the snow, after dark. Some never saw daylight, let alone sunlight, for days at a time. Conditions of Imprisonment As time went on clothing wore out. In Thailand and in Japan, very few had socks or boots. In Japan we were issued with Japanese canvas shoes which were not much protection against the snow & slush. In the Japanese winter we were also issued with ill fitting cast off Japanese uniforms which were too small for most of us. The great boon was an issue of captured British greatcoats. Nevertheless everybody wore all their clothing to and from work and slept in everything they had. Some parts of the mine were very hot and men worked in loin-cloths whilst others worked in freezing, draughty galleries. In Singapore the accommodation was grossly inadequate and primitive at first, but later improved. In Thailand we lived in leaky huts or tents and in Japan we had barracks with mud walls which were weather proof, but cold and draughty. Our party, working on the wharves in Singapore, did quite well in the early stages since we were able to steal European food, which, with everything else of value, was being shipped back to Japan. However after a few months this food ran out and we began to suffer malnutrition, a condition we remained in until the end of the war. In Singapore the first cases of Beri-beri and Pellagra appeared. The condition of patients with these diseases became worse in Thailand and, in Japan, everybody had these diseases in varying degree of severity. Many cases were very advanced. There were some patients with Cardiac Beri-beri. We were on the ship for three months going to Japan. We never once left it. We had cases of scurvy on the ship, and, in Japan, cases of night blindness. The Japanese ration consisted of carbohydrates; this caused Beri-beri and Pellagra which, because of the continual carbohydrate diet became worse as time went on. In Thailand we could buy duck eggs from the Thais; these saved the lives of many. In Japan we had nothing but the Japanese carbohydrate ration which consisted of rice, millet, barley and a stew made of the green leaves of the potato plant, seaweed and some root vegetables. At times there was a small amount of fish. Miners worked seventy hours a week on this diet, the energy value of which was about 7500 kilojoules. The miner had his breakfast of 2500 kilojoules of carbohydrate, took his crib of 2500 kilojoules of carbohydrate down the mine and returned to "dinner", another meal of.2500 kilojoules of carbohydrate. This watery diet caused great frequency of micturition and disturbed sleep. I kept count one night: I made 13 trips to the latrine between the hours of 8 pm and 6 am. This was usual. Some prisoners were too weak and exhausted to move with the obvious results. After 8 months the miners became too ill, weak, exhausted and worn out to do the work down the mine. They were brought to the surface where they worked in the factories. The hours of work remained the same, but since they were no longer working underground. their energy intake was reduced to 6300 kilojoules per day. At this time towards the end of the war, some prisoners weighed only 20 or 30 kg. Many weighed only half their normal body weight. There were some whose, weight was normal, but this was due to oedema from Beri-beri and malnutrition. These men could hardly shuffle their swollen legs and feet to work. Other Problems The other common and major complaints included Malaria in Thailand - recurrent relapsing, and new infections. For this there was sometimes some quinine; sometimes there was none; but there was never enough. Diarrhoea and dysentery, both bacillary and amoebic, were common and at times, almost universal. Some prisoners had tropical ulcers and, on their return to Australia many were found to have intestinal parasites, including hookworm. For all these diseases there was no treatment, no rest, diet or drugs. Most prisoners if not all, suffered from a combination of all of them. The only treatment was work, and, if any prisoner of war could not work he was of no use to the Japanese and was better out of the way - dead. One in three prisoners perished from their privations. Deprivation and Despair Ps.O.W. were always hungry, under constant strain and stress, suffering from untreated diseases, at risk from physical violence from the Japanese and exposed to the possibility of injury at work. Miners from Western Australia, Broken Hill, and the coal fields told me that the conditions in the mine would never have been allowed in Australia. Towards the end of the war there was the possibility of being blown up by our friends and allies, and at the back of everybody's mind was the question of what the Japanese would do when the United States invaded Japan. The only thing we knew was, that they were capable of anything. The atom bomb undoubtedly saved our lives. Lasting Effects Some of my colleagues are of the opinion that these untreated diseases (malnutrition, starvation, and overwork) did not leave any permanent or lasting, effects and that the treatment and diet of Western civilisation cured prisoners completely, without leaving any scars. I do not agree with them, for every system, every organ, every tissue, every cell, every enzyme, every hormone, must have been affected in some way by the privations of P.O.W. life and I cannot believe that any living tissue could make a complete and unscarred recovery. Having seen it, it is my opinion that these experiences accelerated the on-set of age and its complaints, as well as preparing the ground for other disabilities. My colleagues do not agree with me and ask for scientific proof. There is no scientific proof for the privations of Ps.O.W. They have never been recorded before and are unknown to science. Scientific colleagues remind me that exercise and starvation are good in the modern affluent society. I agree with them, when one is in the position to cry "enough", but, in applying their scientific truth to the toiling, expendable slaves of the Japanese, they show their ignorance of the effect of 70 hours of labour a week on, a 7500 kilojoule carbohydrate diet. The effects of this are worse when complicated by several untreated diseases and existing on the poverty line in an Eastern country whose code of honour was mediaeval and its own; the Japanese had never signed the Geneva Convention. To me, it is not scientific to compare and draw conclusions from a disease occurring in an individual, living in the twentieth century, amongst his own people, and having available proper hospitals, rest, diet, drugs and treatment, with the same disease occurring in the prisoner of war of mediaeval, feudal people, who was denied proper hospitals, was overworked, without rest, complicated by untreated diseases, suffering from extreme starvation and malnutrition and always subject to the possibility of violence and injury, either from the armed guards or from an accident at work. To me the treatment of ex-prisoners of war of the Japanese, is a scandal and a disgrace. At the end of the war, United States bombers dropped all the wonderful things of Western civilisation into our camp and, at the time, they saved the lives of at least 12 men, in our camp alone. If we had had to spend another winter in Japan I expected at least 30% would have perished. We were deluged with cartons of cigarettes; many men became chain smokers. We overate on butter, chocolate, milk powder, pork meats, bully beef and cake; some men doubled their weight within a few months. Overnight we had passed out of "hell" and into "heaven" and we knew overnight that instead of dying in Japan we would be going home. Our own people, with the best of intentions, had put our feet firmly on the road to the diseases of an affluent Western society. Today nobody, under any circumstances would be deluged with cartons of cigarettes or with untold packets of milk powder, butter, cheese, pork and beef. We had survived, more by good luck than anything else, our period as Ps.O.W. It is a paradox that the atom bomb saved our lives, whilst the ignorant benevolence of our own people showed us the way to these diseases scientifically accepted as being caused by a modern Western civilised lifestyle.
DAVID C.C.
HINDER M.B., B.S., D.O., F.R.A.C.O. Following Dr. Hinder's article we have taken out the following information regarding A, F & H Forces, who were working on the railway in Burma & Thailand. This information has been taken from our records and shows:
The main causes of death there were cholera, dysentery, cardiac beri-beri, cerebral malaria, beri-beri (oedema), malaria & tropical ulcers, pneumonia, peritonitis, and blackwater fever. Article taken from The Weekend Australian, Dated 17/10/81. Pension Win for Widow Of Smoker A five member Full Court in Canberra unanimously ruled that a widow should gain a War Pension because her husband died of cancer contracted after he took up cigarette smoking during World War 2. For the first time, the High Court has insisted that pension appeal authorities should strictly follow the rule, a pension should be granted, unless there is 'reasonable doubt' the claim is invalid. The man, who has spearheaded the case, which ended in the High Court yesterday, Perth Legacy official, Mr. Ivan Davies, said the decision was vital to all war widows in Australia. The Repatriation Commission and the Repatriation Boards will now know what they have to do. They have refused to listen to the Federal Court. Perhaps now they will listen to the High Court. The widow, who won her case yesterday, Mrs. Nancy Law, of Perth has been receiving her pension since early last year. Yesterday's refusal of an appeal by the Repat. Commission confirms Mrs. Laws' eligibility. The High Court ruled that the 14 Repat. Boards, the Repat. Commission and the Repat. Tribunal should follow to the letter legislation, which calls for authorities to grant a claim unless there is 'reasonable doubt’ about its validity. A claimant does not have to prove his total and irrefutable eligibility for a pension. This is the "onus of proof" which in normal court cases is on prosecutors to prove people guilty. But under the Repatriation Act, the onus of proof is reversed, and authorities have to prove an applicant is not entitled to a claim. Mr. Justice Murphy, in his judgement yesterday, said this was because 'it is better that some invalid claims be allowed than that valid ones be rejected.' In its appeal to both the Federal Court and the High Court, the Repatriation Commission argued there was reasonable doubt that Mr. Law's death in 1976 was not related to war service. But the five justices ruled there was insufficient "reasonable doubt" to refuse the claim. Mr. Justice Aicken said 'Mr. James Law, died on September 15, 1976, aged 67. When discharged from the forces in 1946, after serving in the Middle East and being held prisoner by the Japanese in Thailand for 3 years, Mr. Law was in a "wretched condition", ' Mr. Justice Aicken said. 'He remained in poor health for the rest of his life. Mr. Law began smoking during his service, and smoked as many as 20 a day until a heart attack in 1973 reduce it.' Mr. Justice Murphy said the evidence, together with common experience, was enough to establish that tobacco was a drug of addiction. Indefinite Nursing Care An article taken from "News Bulletin", official news organ of Ex-Ps.O.W. and Relatives Association of Victoria: "Following is a letter received from the Dept. Veterans' Affairs Victoria, which may be of interest to our members: "Dear Mr. Stuart, Thank you for your letter of 10th June 1981, requesting information with regard to payment for indefinite nursing care. As you are aware, free medical treatment is available through this Department to Australian Veterans, who were ex-prisoners of war, with certain limitations. Legislation was passed by the Commonwealth Parliament following agreement of State Authorities requiring that after 60 days hospitalization, long term nursing type patients will be required to pay a statutory patient contribution towards their maintenance, unless a medical officer certifies that acute hospital treatment is necessary. In Victoria, this ruling became effective on 1st Nov.1980 and the legislation applies to the public in general and involves public, private and bush nursing hospitals. The contribution is uninsurable and is not recoverable from other sources. Payment arrangements are identical to those applying with respect to nursing home care, and this aspect was explained in Sir Richard Kingsland's letter to you dated 9th September 1980. In brief, this indicated that "if the patient is eligible for nursing home care, as is the case with your members, the department will pay the relevant fees less a statutory patient contribution (in the cases where the condition requiring nursing home care is non-service related.)" If the patient's long term care requirement results from a condition accepted as war related, no patient contribution is required and the department accepts full responsibility. Trusting this clarifies the situation for you. Yours sincerely, T.M. Stephens Deputy Commissioner." P.O.W. Stress Is Showing Only Now An article taken from "The Daily Telegraph" Saturday 26/9/81. The stressful problems of prisoners of war are just coming to light - more than thirty years after the war. That's the opinion of a Yass doctor, who pays that the medical profession has not fully understood World War 11 Ps.O.W. problems. The doctor holds strong views that Ps.O.W. underwent severe stress - physical and mental - which influences their health unfavourably in later years. Such stress could be blamed for Ps.O.W. suffering heart attacks and vascular disease, as well as mental illness he says. Government "Mean With Ex-Ps.O.W" An Article taken from "Sydney Morning Herald". Former prisoners of war are dying prematurely but the Federal Government refuses to recognise it, according to an award winning author. Mr. Stan Arneil, a former P.O.W., says the Department of Veterans' Affairs refuses to recognise that premature ageing, illnesses and death are directly attributable to experience in prism camps. “There is no differentiation in the laws between the treatment of war veterans and former prisoners”, he said. A spokesman for the Veterans' Affairs Department, Mr. Noel Travinger, said legislation did not specifically recognise premature ageing as a result of the time spent at war. Mr. Arneil believes this responsibility is the greatest obstacle to the just treatment of former prisoners. The requirement should be removed so they automatically receive the pension they need. With younger veterans or their widowed wives, they must establish that time in service brought on their disadvantage. Their case is assessed by the Repatriation Board, an independent body. War veterans must prove that any disability is linked with their time at war before they can receive any extra compensation. But they are eligible for the aged pension at 60, five years earlier than civilians But Mr. Arneil said there should be a distinction because of the horrendous conditions suffered by prisoners. “There was almost an admission of the obvious distinguishing factors by the authorities when they first granted former prisoners free medical treatment”, he said. Mr. Arneil referred to an article in the May issue of the Medical Journal of Australia by another former P.O.W., Dr. David Hinder. "Dr. Hinder slammed claims of medical colleagues that there was no scientific evidence to say the years in captivity precipitated ageing or death." The Fishing Photo In Makan 262 The 2 photos: the one on the wharf and the one with the fish have caused many comments and phone calls, everyone trying to give the names so here they are with a few exceptions. So put your memory caps on and let us know the balance.
First
photo - the one on the wharf
Second
Photo - the one with the fish
Left to right - bottom row: See Page 42 for the information regarding the fishing party as explained by Iris Lutz, and page 66 by Henry West. 2/30 Bn. Association Auxiliary Christmas Greetings To all members of the 2/30 Bn. Auxiliary and other friends I thank you most sincerely for your most generous help and support during the year. I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a Prosperous and Healthy New Year. Gretta Maston, President Trip To Thirlmere On Sunday 20th Sept. the train left Central at 8.05am with 24 aboard, then we all got off at Picton and caught the Steam Train to Thirlmere. The weather was quite cold and a bit of a drizzle but not enough to spoil the day. We were able to all sit out in the open at tables and have our lunch. Another 19 turned up in motor cars for the picnic lunch, and the total of 43 was a very good turn out. George Aspinall very kindly showed us over the Museum and explained all about each exhibit of engines and carriages. It has cost about $80,000 so far to roof about a third of the Museum and will cost a further $130,000 to roof the rest. This of course will take a long time, as funds are not available from the Government and can only be obtained either by direct donations or by the small admission charge. Some of as went on the round trip by steam train to Buxton and to Picton during the afternoon. This was very enjoyable as we slowly went through the lovely countryside. All the grandchildren had a marvellous time at the Museum climbing in and out of the engines and carriages and I am afraid the washing machines worked double time the next day. We caught the steam train back to Picton at 4.10pm and then the Goulburn diesel back to Central arriving there at 6.50pm. A long day but most enjoyable and our thanks to George Aspinall for making it such an interesting and informative day. Those going on the train were, Georgina & Joe Geoghegan and Toddy Harper, Grace Ford and Norma Christensen, George Aspinall, Jean & Fred Johnston and friends Bob & Lomah Bulkham, Jock & Jackie McDougall and grandsons Andrew & Phillip and their friend Richard Luke, Maureen Webb (Jean & Fred Johnston's daughter) with children, Kim, Doreen and James and friend Michael, Jack Maclay and Robert & Anne Maclay with children Robert & Cara, Thelma Gibbs, Brian Williams & Marj & Fiona, Rodney & Barbara Gear with grandchildren, Ben, Fiona & Michaela, Les & Dorothy Hemming and sons Kevin & Brian, Jack Black and Jeffrey & Bernadette Black, Reg & Pat Nossiter & Melanie. News From Here & There Life Membership A letter from the Hon. Sec. 2/30 Bn. Association to Lady Galleghan:
Dear Lady
Galleghan,
With Kind
Regards, and Lady Galleghan's reply was:
Dear Mr.
Ford, It is with a sense of gratitude and the realisation that I am the widow of the Bn. distinguished Commander, and my very real interest in the Battalion's welfare, that this honour has been offered to me. It therefore gives me a great deal of happiness to accept Honorary Membership - an honour which I deeply appreciate. With sincere good wishes for the Battalions future. Persia Galleghan Australian - Malaysian - Singapore Association The above Association of which Lady Galleghan is Vice-President, had a very successful Fashion Parade run by "Prudence of Pymble" at the Wentworth Hotel. The Committee wanted to sell 300 tickets to make the Show a success, but in fact sold 364 tickets and made the sum of $2,595 for their fund. This fund is used mainly to enable professional people from Malaysia & Singapore to come to Australia, to meet their professional counterparts here, to discuss matters of mutual interest and to further cement relationships with each respective country. Fares and accommodation for successful applicants from both countries, are paid from the fund, for the 4 weeks that they are in Australia. Lady Galleghan Returned home in October from a trip to England and the continent, which took up an enjoyable two and a half months. We regret to advise that Lady Galleghan's sister Nan has died and we pass on these regrets and our deepest sympathy to Lady Galleghan in her sad loss. News From Here & There We have received a letter from MUBIN SHEPPARD, Kuala Lumpur. You will recall that Mubin was at one stage "a guest" of the Kempei tai, he has written about 13 books about Malaya, and was responsible for the National Archives & National Museum and the erection of the Ex-Services Association Building, Wisma Pahiawan, in Kuala Lumpur, he says: "Your air letter and Greeting dated 17/6/81 arrived while I was overseas and I have only just returned (end July) but it is no less valued and I think it is extremely kind of you and your brothers in arms of the 2/30 Bn. to write, I am most grateful. I spent my Birthday in Gstaad, in Switzerland, a delightful place, 3000 feet up, in a broad valley mainly covered with pasture grass and with lots of fat cows, each wearing a melodious cow-bell, the valley surrounded at a distance by mountain ranges, snow covered in every direction. The Swiss are great engineers and you can go to most of the peaks by cable car or by electric railway. I eventually rode in an electric train up to the top of the Jungfrau - 11,000 feet up, where one was breathless, partly from the shortage of oxygen and partly from the astonishingly beautiful view. It was about 3 degrees below zero, in brilliant sunshine, with a clear bright blue sky, all above the clouds. I met an old Judge who served in Malaya for many years before the war and retired to Switzerland: he is now 94 and going strong with a remarkable memory. Please convey my best wishes and thanks to your comrades in arms and I wish you "many happy returns" too. Yours sincerely, Mubin. Athol & Beryl Hyde-Cates - Singapore Athol sends in a cutting from "The Straits Times", which he thinks may be of interest to the boys. The article is headed "Oral History - Project on the Japanese Occupation" and says: "The Oral History Unit of the Ministry of Culture has started a project on the Japanese occupation. For Singapore, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour, the landing at Kota Bahru and the fall of Singapore, are significant events. In that three and half years of Japanese rule, the British Colony was turned into a politically conscious Asian State. Although the Japanese occupation of Singapore was for a relative short period of time, it was an unforgettable and vital moment of our history", says a statement from the Unit. It is important therefore that all evidence written or oral, that can be obtained, should be collected and stored, on this period of our history, to enable future Singaporeans and historians to learn and understand the history of Singapore better. The aim is to produce a comprehensive picture of the Japanese occupation. The unit is interested in interviewing Singaporeans, British, Australians, Japanese and anyone else who:
Persons with such experiences are requested to help by contacting the officer in charge, Madam Chua Ser Koon, Oral History Unit, 5th Floor, 15 Grand Rd. Singapore, 0923 phone 734.7301. Those of you, who may be in Singapore in the near or not too far distant future may like to participate. Vince Leonard – Fairfield, 2165 – Transport, HQ Company Vince reports that his son's wife presented him with a grandson recently. His wife had wanted a boy to make a pair with their other son, and so it was, a lusty 4.42kg (91b 9oz). Vince regrets that he is unable to make the Auxiliary Meetings on the 1st Thursday of the month, since he is a regular player at the piano at the meetings of blind folk at Fairfield every Thursday. This is a voluntary activity on Vince's part, but he gets a lot of pleasure out of it, choosing old songs, so the old folk can join in singing, while he is playing, and if they don't know the verses they can sing the choruses. Clarrie & Cora Lattimer - Kyogle 2474 – Transport, HQ Company Clarrie says that he may be at the reunion on 16th Oct. when full details are available. Hope you filled in the form at the back of Makan 262 Clarrie and sent it post haste back to Jack Black. T.V. Series "A Town Like Alice" Dave Miller, Secretary of 2/26 Bn. sends us a newspaper clipping, "While millions of Australians have been enthralled by the T.V. series, "A Town like Alice", the unsung hero of the story is living quietly in Queensland. He is Jim "Ringer" Edwards, cattleman, bush lover and former prisoner of war, on whom novelist Nevil Schute bases his leading character, Joe Harman. Mr. Edwards has an 89 hectare property at Kingaroy where he and his wife have lived for 3 years. Aged 68 he was forced to retire 2 years ago after an operation to remove cancer from his throat. A modest self-effacing man, he spoke of his meeting with Schute which led to the two becoming firm friends - and recalled a chilling wartime experience which inspired the graphic "crucifixion" scene. As Cpl. Edwards he served in the 2/26 Bn. and was captured by the Japs in Singapore. The Bn. was sent to work on the Burma-Thailand Railway and later on Changi Aerodrome. There are some very painful parts in me which won't let me forget that. The Japanese strung me up on a tree using wire, for 50 to 60 hours. I was given a solid whack on the small part of my back with a baseball bat. What had he done to incur that terrible punishment. I wasn't a very co-operative prisoner. As a legacy he walks with a limp and uses a crutch. A British Officer, who had known Mr. Edwards in Burma, told Schute about the tough Australian soldier, and Schute visited him in Normanton in 1950. Edwards said, “from that the book grew, he showed me the script before it was published, and I made a few comments.” While it's clear that Edwards was used as a model for Joe Harman, there was no real life love story to match the novel's yarn about Harman and one of the Captive British women in Malaya. That section of the book was based on the experiences of a group of Dutch women, who were forced by the Japs to march through Sumatra. Like millions of other Australian who watched the first two episodes, he liked the show. But he said that he wouldn't be jogging on a horse with 'his ass in the air' like Brian Brown did. 'He can't ride' Mr. Edwards said. “I didn't like the whitewashing of the Japanese”, he said, “that's a wishy-washy business, trying to make them cut to be nice people. The Japanese were not human”. A POW friend of Mr. Edwards, N.S.W. businessman Mr. Peter Larsen still has vivid memories of "Ringer" sitting crossed-legged in a hut in Burma, chanting in an Aboriginal dialect and pointing a bone at the Japs. “I used to wonder whether he did that to cheer us up, or whether he believed in the bloody thing”, he said. An Item of News Heard re the Ballina Reunion: Who was the gentleman who was regimentally undressed at breakfast time during the Ballina Reunion? We did hear that a person was without his pyjama pants, although suitably dressed in a dressing gown. When this missing item was pointed out to him and, on rechecking his suitcase, it was found that 2 coats had been packed but no pants. Just as well we are among friends. Muriel O’Rourke on holiday in Europe: We have received a card from Muriel who was in "Auld Reikie" (Edinburgh to you Irish), about to go to the Military Tattoo. She has had 2 weeks in Greece, a Coach trip in Europe and around England and is thoroughly enjoying herself. Travel Ex-Ps.O.W. Nostalgia Tour - Departs February 11th 1982 Here is a once in a lifetime opportunity for former Ps.O.W. and their wives to visit Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore to coincide with the historic 40th Anniversary of the Fall of Singapore - 15th February 1982 Your specially organised 15 day tour (15 nights) has been planned to allow time to visit some of the places which will hold nostalgic and lasting memories for you and will be led by Sir Harold Dickinson ex 8 Division. Highlights of the tour include:
All arrangements have been made by your friendly travel experts at Wales Travel Service. As experienced Tour Operators to the Asian region, the Wales are able to offer this unforgettable tour for only $1,359 per person, share twin room accommodation. Remember, space is very limited so it is important that you make a reservation as soon as possible. ANYONE INTERESTED PLEASE CONTACT MR. R.D. LEONARD Mrs. Ruth Bligh Widow of "Cappy". Armourer at Bathurst before we sailed and ended up in 53rd Battalion to Kokoda Trail during the war. Spoke to Ruth in October. She said she was adjusting very well, after "Cappy's" death in June aged 82. She is still working and was disappointed that she couldn't make the trip to Thirlmere, as it was her turn of duty at the local crèche that weekend. She is looking forward to a holiday in Tasmania in November with her friend, Dorothy Barke. "Lofty" Gersbach - Randwick, 2031 - HQ Company Joe Geoghegan had seen "Lofty" in August - he was 100% better - even walking. Billy Douglas had put a notice on the notice board of the G.P.O. Transport Section asking chaps to visit him. Reg Nossiter visited him in Lady Davidson. Lofty was a real help to all the fellows on A Force. Les Melrose went to see him at his home in Oct. Lofty's wife has not been well for some time. Arthritis is her trouble. (see also page 39. Ed.) Joe Geoghegan's son works with Digital Equipment Co., in Canberra. He has had the opportunity to go to the U.S.A. for 3 months to study computer equipment there. A Small Gathering at the "Three Swallows Hotel" Hume Highway, Bankstown, Ray Brown, Harley Forrester, Arthur Isaac, Ken Forward. This is a forerunner of a regular monthly gathering of any in the Bankstown area. Contact any of the above. Alf Austin was in Concord in August with an ulcer on the inside of his left leg. Mavis Jackson told of Joe Johnston's great help when Ossie died. He took over and ran things, so that she had not a worry about anything. She says that he does this not only for chaps in our own unit but for those in other units, where such help is needed. H.J. Brown - A Company - Your C.C. trying to get the first names of him, phoned Garry Evans. He knows everyone in the Bn. But when Garry came on the phone, he confessed that he could not recall what they were at the moment, but that he would give it some thought. Next morning Garry was back. "Yes it came to me in the night. H.J. Brown as "Scobie" Brown. He was a carpenter in the mines out at Cobar before the war." Next month (Sept) H.J. Brown. - queried where C.C. got the nickname "Scobie". He said that he used to be called "Cobar" Brown because he came from Cobar. He now lives with his wife, Florence, at Mt. Druitt. He has had a few misfortunes lately. He had 3 sons, but one had died when he was 21. His wife had, had a stroke and he had to look after her. A brother of his had died in August. He was on a War Service Pension and "Burnt out" pension. Les Melrose - both he and his wife Billie have had the 'flu . Les was interested in the Korsch Diary - but found it strange that John had been able to go fishing and be able to slip away from the Japs on so many occasions. Les advises that he and the two boys had clubbed together to buy a motor boat. Their first trip had been on the Harbour. It was quite a thrill to be on the water again. The new grandchild which had been awaited, has arrived and is a boy. Alan “Snow” Mason has been on a fencing contract up in the Tuggerah Lakes area. He had been sleeping in a vacant cottage at the job. At the end of a day's work he had gone to the local with the mates, but had felt too tired to stay with them later in the evening. He went back to go to bed, but, on entering the house, he disturbed 3 burglars, who were in it. It was bad luck for "Snowy" because it later turned out, according to the police, that they were in the wrong house. The burglars jumped "Snowy" and, in clubbing him, dislocated his shoulder. He had to go to the Killarney Vale Hospital and spent 5 hours there. In order to ease the pain "Snowy" had to have physio treatment every second day. He says that he can still play bowls, as the dislocation was to the other arm. Ted Bahnsen – B Company - Joe Geoghegan visited Ted and reported that he is T.P.I. and has to have physio treatment 3 times a week and 24 hour a day attention, so he cannot be in anything other than a nursing home - Kaloola Homes. Max McClelland was the good scout at the Japanese Gardens Picnic and called for and brought Ted for the day. Ted had a stroke 2/5/80 which left his left arm useless and although his left leg is not good, he can get around slowly with it in a caliper and a walking stick. He is otherwise in good form and lives up to his nickname "Happy". “Chubbie” Ramsay - had spent 5 days in Concord in August. It had been thought that she had had a slight heart attack. At any rate as a precaution they had kept her there for a "bed rest". She attended the Japanese Gardens Picnic and although she is blind in the right eye and can only see dimly out of the left one, she enjoyed the day, with people coming up and talking to her. She is still able to look after herself, but someone always comes in and has a look at her at the end of each day. She was having a shower recently and in getting out of the shower recess missed the handle and fell to the floor. She was still there, when her checker called. Graham McLeod - Bn. HQ - Had had news from his son, who is up in the Gulf of Carpentaria on a trawler. He was always an outdoor type. He had studied for his Master's Certificate and had been skipper of a 65ft trawler first, and with further study, had now charge of a 95ft boat, one of the biggest trawlers in the Gulf. At present (Sept.) he was in Cairns Hospital as a battery had blown up in his face. Edith Berman said her brother, Aaron Bross, had to see a Neurological Specialist in August. It was discovered that he had a malignant growth. She herself had knocked her ankle 5 weeks previously and it was still no good. She could only get to see her skin specialist, otherwise she was kept to the house. Lloyd Stuart - D Company - Lloyd remembers Wally Mason, who lived on a farm out of Boorowa. Lloyd went to the Public School and Wally went to the Catholic School, in their primary school days. Lloyd new that Wally had died in hospital at Selarang in Changi and thought that it had to do with malnutrition. (Died on 12/3/44, Lloyd of Peri-Carditas inflammation of the bag or sack surrounding the heart.) Andy Hyslop - who is well now and having some good games of bowls, rang to say he had received John Korsch's Diary. Brian Williams ("Snowy's" Son) Rang to say he had received letters from Harry Holden, Athol Hyde-Cates, and Jim Angus with information about his Dad. In appreciation of all the help that had been given to him, made an offer that he would be prepared to run a Disco for the Auxiliary, if they wanted to raise money, as he and his wife and son have all the gear necessary with the dancing that his wife teaches. J.P. (Jack) Newman - Brian Hayes took Jack Carey to see J.P. who he says was a practical joker and has a good dry sense of humour. When they met, Brian asked J.P. would he recognise him? J.F. came back at him, "Yes, as soon as you opened your bloody mouth....a little later he said "how do you chaps get on with your heads, being bald like that...I mean with the flies, they must use your heads as skating rinks? Leila Simmons will be moving from Bexley to down near Cronulla to be closer to her daughter, Wendel Watt and her husband, John, & family of Heathcote. Kevin & Dorothy Ward - went to Naromine to attend a wedding of a niece of Dorothy's in October. Kevin told us that his cousin at Waverley had died. He had to look after the arrangements for her funeral. Talking to Father Peter Consetta, the Parish Priest, who was one of the Padres of 8 Div., Kevin learnt that Father Bernard Quirk, whom Stan Arneil had reported as living at Waverley Presbytery, and being in poor health at that time, (1949) was still alive and in a retreat in Victoria. George Croft - Bn. Bootmaker - was rushed into Concord during October because of a heart attack, but was only kept at hospital over night and was sent back home next day. “Curly” Wright – Bn. Q. Store - was at the Bowls Day and it was good to see him there. We learnt that "Curly" had his old skills on the baseball, field when he returned from Malaya, to be selected to play in interstate games for New South Wales. Bowls - A team of 4 - George Gough, Vince Leonard, "Snow" Mason, with Fred Mills of 2/15 Regt. Artillery, as Cabra Vale Diggers Club, played at Cabramatta Bowling Club on its P.O.W. Day, proceeds to P.O.W. Benefit Fund, and won the competition game. Ray Rickards couldn't play because he hadn't recovered from his appendix operation. The Ballina Reunion From all reports coming in, this year was in fact, "a bumper". Of the 240 odd people attending 94 of our members, relatives & adopted members were there. Kevin Ward & Jack Black had the idea of sending round a card to ensure that all present were able to sign & were accounted for. The following were present:
Padre,
Paddy Walsh They assembled at the War Memorial about 2 mile from the Club and a non-denominational Service was held, then dispersed & gathered at the Club. The Auditorium was packed, the food was fantastic, and speeches were kept to a minimum. Those country people really turn on the hospitality and friendliness. (As per Phyl & Jack Carey's letter. Ed.) Stan Arneil - Collaroy 2097 - A Company We had asked Stan to give us a write up of the Reunion and here it is. "I knew that the Ballina Reunion would be a little different when, prior to the trip, Curly Blomfield told me that he was scared of the danger of Tiger Snakes in the coaches running up to the North Coast. (I thought I had heard rightly. Ed.) I was a little surprised at the comment, but had to agree, that there was such a possibility. Resourceful Curly solved the problem by taking a bottle of antidote. We didn't actually see any snakes, but it would not have mattered, had we done so, nor even had they bitten us. Reunions in a country town are a delight and it helped that not only is Ballina a pretty town but the weather was perfect. Arrangements for accommodation were made by Joe Johnston and went off without a hitch, as did all of the programme. The local R.S.L. took pride in hosting the Reunion and we were made so welcome, that it was almost embarrassing, and the presence of wives made it a very happy family affair. The official dinner was a mighty seafood banquet with oysters & king prawns. Snowy Hampton went up to Tweed Heads to get the prawns. There were so many 2/30th there that we had tables of our own & this added to the zest. Len Clavan & Hoot Gibson and Sid Jameson of 2/18 Bn. were the brains behind the organisation, they did a mighty job. On Sunday morning there were two barbecues, one at Joe Johnston's home and one "Official" barbecue at the R.S.L. Both were pleasant, indeed Onassis himself could not have found a better spot, and certainly not better company, than sitting on the verandah watching the boats go by on the beautiful river. I can't recall all the names but the Cody’s were there, Big Bull and Little Bull and. their wives, Thelma Gibbs, Curly & Beatrice Hardman, Jack & Vera Fell, Jack Black and a couple of dozen others. One couple I must mention is Laddie Newlands and his lovely wife, Olga. Laddie was always a larrikin, he still is, he hasn't changed one jot. It was like tearing away a veil of forty years to be with him, even the stupid jokes were still the same. A few years ago I spent a delightful evening at a reunion sitting beside our late beloved Johnny Parsons. Johnny said to me: “I hate to miss a reunion, we may not all be here next year”. They were prophetic words but are so true. My thanks to the organisers of the Ballina Reunion. I'll be there with my mate, Curly Blomfield, next year, even if there are tiger snakes in the coach." Jack & Phyl Carey – Budgewoi, 2263 - D Company Just returned from a lovely week in Ballina, the occasion being the Annual Ex-Ps.O.W. Reunion on Sat. l5th Aug. "Joe" & Sybil Johnston secured Phyl & me a nice flat in the main street with all amenities and close by the venue for the Reunion, Ballina R.S.L. Club, just across the road. It was an unforgettable experience for my wife & me, it certainly will not be the last Ballina Reunion for Phyl and me. Joe and Sybil Johnston took over the job of providing transport out to their place next day, for us and others for the Barbecue. It was all 2/30 Bn, and it was just about the highlight of the week. Joe and Sybil have a breathtaking view of the coastline, with cattle directly below (as big as full stops), cane fields, busy and finally the blue Pacific. I met lads, whom I had not seen since Changi, Con Hedwards, Ern Stratford, J.P. Newman and Harry Teasdale (at their homes), Jerry Myers and Brian Hayes (more about him later). Padre Paddy Walsh conducted a short and moving ceremony for our fallen comrades. The Padre looked in excellent health & spirits. It was a most beautiful day and the carnival atmosphere with wives and grandchildren for the barbecue; and the greetings and laughs with old comrades soon dispelled the cobwebs from the night before. Once again I met that wonderful and courageous little lady, Mary Olley, also Alex' eldest son, Lionel, and wife and children, and Marty Wallwork and four stunningly beautiful daughters. People started to drift away from 4pm onwards, finally when the dust had settled, there were only my brother, Luke & wife, Noeline, Bob & Betty Wells, Brian Hayes & wife, Anne, Ray Brown, Phyl & me and our lovely hosts, Joe & Sybil. Joe swiftly changed into old clothes to feed his animals and that great perennial joker, Brian Hayes, casually suggested to me that we go and watch Joe doing his chores. At this stage I would have considered to go for a walk to the seashore. Brian led me to and inside the great piggery. It wasn't until we got inside, that the full force of the peculiar odour hit me and I took off. I just made it with a slippery hold on my dignity and stomach. Brian yelled out that I still had to inspect the duck house. I had had enough for a city bred boy and I got going very smartly. I will have a look at the duck house next time, if I can secure a gas mask. The next day two car loads of us, piloted by Joe, had a trip around the district and places of interest, including the legendary Billinudgel Hotel, lunch at Mullumbimby R.S.L. and back to Joe’s home. Tuesday Joe & Sybil had to attend a funeral, so Brian & Anne took us to Evans Head, and on the way back, we made a call on Ossie Jackson's widow, Mavis, another lovely lady bearing up wonderfully well after her heart breaking loss. In conclusion an unforgettable week, Joe & Sybil Johnston, I salute you. Jack Carey". Those attending the barbecue at Joe & Sybil's were:
Padre
Paddy Walsh Padre Paddy Walsh – Rockhampton, Q'ld. 4700 Padre Paddy writes and thanks Alex for his Birthday Card and says, "Next year I'll join the ranks of the octogenarians, 80 plus. Had a wonderful reunion at Ballina. Was saddened to find that Ossie Jackson had recently passed away. Bruce Greer had lost his wife too. As to be expected our numbers grow less but the spirit of comradeship becomes stronger. Glad to know that you are still connected with Makan, even though you have resigned as Editor. Thanks for a good job over the years, Best wishes to all the boys, Kindest Regards Padre Paddy". Alan & Yvonne Charlton – Bexhill, 2480 – Sigs, HQ Company "We were at the barbecue at Joe & Sybil's. It was my first attendance at one of their 'do's' and I was able to introduce Yvonne to a lot of people for the first time. I had for years told Yvonne what a great man Padre Paddy is and there he was, so at last I was able to proudly introduce her. I was on "F" Force with Paddy and all can say as, that it is a pity, that the Good Lord threw away the mould because the world could do with a lot more Paddy's. I remember on the march on the way up to the camps in Thailand, how Paddy & John Taylor walked twice the distance back and forth along the line to see if anyone needed help and in No.3 Camp how he went and worked amongst the infectious cases, when another Padre of another faith sat under a mosquito net and played chess all day with another officer (they were in the British Forces). Saw Brian Hayes, whom I had not seen since our return. He once lived at Scone, while I lived at Murrurundi, (give that to Mike Bailey or some other journalist to pronounce). Ray Brown told me that an American was out here and was asking about me - well I remember 'Big Red', even if I did lose his name and address, and I am looking forward to seeing him next time he is out here. To Joe & Sybil a big thanks for their hospitality. Best wishes Alan." (See also pages 56, 63, 75 & 80. Ed.) Jack & Vera Fell – Cessnock, 2325 – B Company Jack sends us a note on the Ballina Reunion, “Which surely must be ranked as probably one of the best of all annual reunions. We travelled from home on Friday and spent the night with Jack & Una Clune. Leaving there early on Saturday morning we travelled as far as Urunga, where we had to pick up Curly & Beatrice Hardman. They had been in the caravan park there for about a fortnight to give Beattie a short holiday and to allow Curly to take part in his pastime of fishing. Unfortunately for him the fish must have heard that he was coming and they were conspicuous by their absence. However, after listening to Curly's laments we set off for Ballina, arriving there about 4pm. We booked in to the Fun N Sun Motel, as had Nancy & Gordon McKnight. Incidentally for anyone travelling to Ballina and looking for a Motel in which to stay, I can recommend this one. They are complete with two bedrooms, stove, refrigerator, colour T.V., in fact everything you need for a cost of $30 per night for four people. We were too late to attend the wreath laying ceremony, so went straight to the R.S.L. Club, arriving there only a matter of minutes before the main body of troops from the Memorial Ceremony. Once again the R.S.L. Club Management and staff left no stone unturned to make our evening a pleasant one. The food was once again in plentiful supply and of a good variety, and this coupled with the freely flowing amber fluid made for a most enjoyable night. Most of the troops batted on until fairly late and everyone seemed to be in a happy mood. About mid morning on Sunday we went back to the R.S.L. Club for a barbecue. Joe & Sybil Johnston had arranged a barbecue at their place for 2/30 Bn personnel, as in former years, and this divided the party, some staying at the Club, some opting for Joe's place. We returned to our motel for a cup of coffee and a game of Bards. Curly's eyes must have been playing up with him, as he was seeing more spots on the cards than there really were. We got away to an early start next morning, and after dropping Curly & Beattie off at Urunga, had a few drinks with the Clunes at Taree before driving home. Regards to all, Jack Fell." Mid North Coast Reunion Held at Wauchope, Saturday, 15th August Harry Griffis is our scribe for this Re-union and he says, “The Re-union was, attended by about 120 Ex-Ps.O.W., wives and escorts. The customary march was dispensed with, instead Ex-Ps.O.W. formed up in front of the Club for a wreath laying ceremony, whilst the women assembled nearby. This enabled everyone to be present and is something that will need to be considered at future Reunions, as age, health & physical problems become more apparent. At 6pm all sat down to a delicious dinner very kindly prepared and served by a group of wonderful ladies. Drinks were kept flowing by a number of cheerful young men. The get-together was a model of good organising by Ray Bain and Angie Shaw, together with their assistants. Those present from the 2/30 Bn were: Gerry & Jessie Bailey, Clarrie Burgess, Bruce & Dorothy Campbell, Jack & Una Clune, Jack & Agnes Conn, Harry & Noleen Griffis, Neil Huntley, Jack Newton, Harry & Ethel Rhodes. Regards to all, Harry Griffis." (Thanks for the Cheque, Harry, received 31/8/81, Ed.) Monster Ex-Ps.O.W. Reunion Friday 16th October was the occasion for Noel Johnston, Ron Maston, Joe Geoghegan and Alex Dandie to attend at The FM, 2 SER Radio at St Andrews House, City, to record a 16 minute segment of a programme on Prisoner of War life, aimed at educating the young folk, that there had been such as prisoners of war, during World War 2. This provided the last of a series in the programme with some Americans, Nurses and Concert Party representatives taking part. The lass on the programme showed the need for such a record by her ignorance of 'who was General Bennett?' We don't know yet when the programme will be on the air. 8 Div. A.I.F. Memorial Service at Bathurst, 16/8/81 Bruce Pratt sent us a clipping from the newspaper of a short but sincere gathering at the 8 Div. Memorial at Bathurst. The Service was in front of the City Hall, William St. More than 30 men and their wives saw a wreath placed by fellow soldiers, Bruce Pratt of Bathurst, and Gus Denholm of Lithgow, Brother of Alex. (Ike) A Company. Mr. Jack Bennett said that in past years the battles of the Malayan and. Singapore campaigns and the engagements in Timor, Ambon and New Britain had been recalled by members of the Division. “However there seems to be a lack of knowledge by many of the Sandakan tragedy," he said. "One of the most tragic experiences of World War 2 involved a force of about 2200 troops, mostly of 8 Aus. Div. and the rest of British soldiers. The men were captured after the Battle of Singapore and became Ps.O.W. of the Japanese Army. This force was transferred from Singapore to Sandakan in Borneo and because of starvation and brutality casualties were high. In 1945 the war was going against the Japanese. 9 Aust Div had landed in Borneo. The Japanese forced the Australian and British Ps.O.W. to march across Borneo under appalling conditions. Those, who could not continue, were either shot or executed by the Japs. When the Japanese surrendered on 15th Aug. 1945 there were only six survivors of the force of 2200, It is with pride and gratitude that we remember those, who have passed on, including the brave Nursing Sisters, who were killed," said Mr. Bennett. Peter Firkins, who served with the R.A.A.F., recently researched the tragic happening of Sandakan and produced a book on the subject, entitled, 'Hell to Eternity'. Bruce said that they had afternoon tea at the R.S.L. Club later to round off a pleasant gathering of old friends. Central Coast Reunion - 15 Aug/16 Aug. 1981 Joe Geoghegan reported on the Reunion held at The Entrance. He says that it was a very good show. A smorgasbord dinner was enjoyed. Those 2/30 Bn Members present were: Harry Brennan, Arthur Buckingham, Leo Hogan, Joe Halsall and his wife, all at Joe's table. Freddie Butt was also there. Paddy O'Connell was there in the morning. National Re-Union of Ex-Ps.O.W. in Sydney - October 1981 This started with Sir Harold Dickinson ex 8 Division being drawn in a rickshaw from the Town Hall down George St., to the old Head Office of the Bank N.S.W., where a very interesting display of many photos, souvenirs and a replica of an attap hut were shown. George Aspinall, Joe Geoghegan and Dutchy Holland had all given of their time over the long weekend to help in erecting the display, and they did a very good job to make it such a success. George had taken two weeks holiday from his job to fit in all his work for the reunion, including all the official movie photography and still photos. The following Tuesday, Oct. 13th, enrolments started and the reception area set up at the Travelodge Motel, Wynyard, was a hive of activity throughout the week. The response to the enrolment was apparently very good, with some 2,000 former war prisoners in all theatres of World War 1 & 2 and since. Contingents from America, Canada, Britain, and Holland joined with Australians from all States. Souvenirs specially produced for the occasion were on sale at the Reception Centre, and the Ex-Ps.O.W. Association rooms in Clarence St. Many voluntary workers, including ladies from our 2/30 Bn. Auxiliary, spent many hours dispensing these goodies, and in serving refreshments at these two venues. Our sincere thanks to them. The first official function was a “Get together" at Victoria Barracks on Wednesday, 14th Oct., commencing at 6pm. Logistics were really tested and there were some delays in moving the hundreds of beds by bus from Wynyard to the Barracks. Three large marquees erected on the Barrack square accommodated the guests and a short performance by original members of the Changi Gaol Concert Party, including Sid Piddington and his wife, provided entertainment. Despite some early confusion about what your free drink tickets would get you, (orange juice or wine but not beer!) and the food being slow to get under way, everyone eventually was well provided for and settled down to a good old chin wag about the past and the present. There was a sprinkling of our members in the large crowd in which the most prominent guest was probably Weary Dunlop, who was ear bashed by all and sundry. The next day saw the Official Luncheon at Randwick Racecourse. This left a lot to be desired, even to the non existent cuppa. The Sunday Service at the Cenotaph was, very inspiring, and the official end of the Re-union. Our own Re-union Smorgasbord was held on the Friday night at the Combined Services Club in Barrack Street and is separately reported. 2/30 Bn A.I.F. Association Annual Re-Union - Friday, 16 Oct. The Re-union this year was held at the Combined Services Club at 5 Barrack Street, Sydney and was indeed a credit to Jack Black for organisation and to the Club's staff for making it such a well run and tasty Smorgasbord. Everything went like clockwork and many of the wives being present made it a very enjoyable affair. The old spirit of comradeship was very marked, especially as time was allowed for everyone to move round and have a good talk before sitting down to dinner. Arch Thorburn gave the speech of welcome, Jock McDougall proposed the toast to the Battalion and Noel Johnston very suitably gave the reply. It was nice to see the country Members in such large numbers and after dinner there was plenty of time to move round and have further chats. 2/30 Bn Association Auxiliary Picnic at Japanese Gardens - Sat. 17 Oct. The venue was well chosen and although a bit windy, everyone enjoyed themselves very much. Gretta Maston and her willing band of ladies and men did a sterling job of organisation, erecting a marquee and providing all the lovely goodies of cold meats and salads, pavlovas, cakes and scones, tea and coffee etc., which made the day a memorable one. Georgina Geoghegan made the very large cake decorated in purple and gold. The roll up was very satisfactory, 104 members, wives, widows, relatives and children making a colourful display sitting round at tables and on rugs having their lunch. Food was plentiful and good and the small amount left was easily and eagerly purchased by a few of the wives. Our thanks and deep appreciation go to Gretta and her willing band of helpers for making the day such an enjoyable one. B.J. Shield Bowls Day - Held at Bankstown R.S.L. Club, Bankstown 18th Oct. As there had been a deluge on the Saturday night and Sunday, it was decided to hold the games inside the Club House. As it was indoors, rules were not strictly adhered to and teams were made up & substituted during play. Bankstown R.S.L. were the winners by 108 to 69. Danny Cole, Chairman of Directors of Bankstown R.S.L. and Cecil Bulner, President, Bankstown R.S.L. Club, welcomed us and were in attendance and our sincere thanks go to them for the beautiful luncheon which the Club supplied, at which luncheon we were welcomed by Cecil. There were 47 attending - 12 city, 8 country and 27 supporters, and a most enjoyable day was had by all. Do You Remember Jack Burke - Dalby Q'ld., 4405 - C Company Continuing Jack's news from Who's Who he passes on a few Memories, "Tom Grant, Danny Foran and I amongst 60 light duties went from Changi to an old Indian camp in the heart of Singapore. We were full duty when we arrived there. We weren't there long, when they rounded up all the Australians and took them off - must have been for the tunnelling job. I was left behind because of malaria, also two 2/4 Machine Gun in the camp. Rest were British and Dutch. The Dutch were in charge. The Nip Quarter Master had bought medical supplies for them in Java with his own money. Also in Singapore he pinched Nip supplies to help ours. Seemed strange to see our fellows giving a Nip a cigarette, after the release, and keeping an eye on him to see that he was well treated. We had to number there in Nip and after me getting the number wrong a couple of times and spending a few hours at attention at the guard house as a result, the chaps made sure I could count to five and THAT I was in the FIRST FIVE from then on. Going up on F Force, (you were on train 5 truck 3 with Doug Blanshard, Stewart Blow and Jack Fell. Ed.) I still remember the pencil rocks sticking up in a rice plain in Thailand; and on the march from Kanburi, at one of the ten minute stops, I looked at the left hand side of the road into empty space, as we were on a cliff face. You could have thrown a pebble into the river hundreds of feet below, and as it was not unusual for us to start marching again half asleep, this sight woke us up with a start. Never saw it coming back by trail so must have been asleep. Another night, while stopping for a rest, some kind of sand fly or midge attacked us round the nostrils and lobes of the ears. Getting into the smoke of the fire helped and tying a handkerchief round the ears. A big water buffalo pushed his way into the smoke amongst us to get away from them. Another night when marching through small trees, two Nip guards got into the middle of our group and stayed there with us all night. We found out the next morning that it was tiger country. Not that we heard or saw any sign of them. On the way to Burma Hospital I was interested to see the Three Pagodas on a low red clay hill. The Burma Hospital camp was different from ordinary camps only in that we didn't have to do work, other than camp duties, if we were not fit enough. No medical supplies - still ground charcoal for dysentery. We only had fresh meat if the yaks were too poor or sick. An officer from 2/29 used to do the killing. A Nip would go with him to look at them. If they were in a bad way, he would point one out while hitting another weak one alongside him behind the ear with a tomahawk. As it hit the ground he used to yell out 'bioke' (sick) and it always worked. Sometimes we would get the other one as well, but of course they were only skin and bone." (See also Page 57. Ed.) Jack Maclay – Rydalmere, 2116 – B Company Remembrances of Ted Lutz's prowess with the Baseball Bat and his playing in NestAnglo Team with "Curly" Eric Wright, and Jimmy Walker, recalled to Jack a match played on the Padang near the old Birdwood Camp, whilst we were at Selarang, between 2/30 Bn. and 2/26 Bn., when Jack broke his arm. Jack says that Major Tracey (2/26) was guarding first base and water from some recent rain was lying over the green. Jack was running for first base and tried a slide in, but slipped in a patch of water, so that, instead of going in feet first, he was thrown forward head first, into Major Tracey, cracking two of his ribs and breaking Jack's own arm. However Jack did not realise his own injury at the time, until his next turn to bat; when he swung the bat, the pain told him what had happened. Jack did not go to the R.A.P. that night but the next morning the arm had swollen considerably and he fronted up to Capt. Taylor. So Jack travelled up to Thailand with his arm in plaster. (You know! Jap tales of going to a land of 'milk and honey’ etc.) O.C. (Lofty) Gersbach – Randwick, 2031 - Carrier HQ Company "Lofty" was reported to be in Ward 3 at Concord by Joe Geoghegan, who found him there with both legs in a bad way, such, that it was thought, that he would have to go to a nursing home, since his wife, being severely troubled with arthritis, could not look after him satisfactorily. C.C. visited him and found him somewhat improved, but then he had had a visit from Billy Douglas during the afternoon and had enjoyed a few laughs with him. Billy used to work in the Transport Dept. of the G.P.O., until he retired, whilst "Lofty" was the boss of that Dept., so Billy has alerted a few more of the G.P.O. men and a notice is to be placed on the board at the G.P.O., so that other cobbers might pay him a visit. Latest reports from Concord are that "Lofty" has been picking up, and may be able to go home after all, after his treatment there. (He says that the staff of the Ward are all certificated sisters.) We wish him well after all his troubles. He was behind a Vickers at the Causeway, and was one of those on “A” Force, so we will be interested to see how his life there varied from John Korsch's as depicted in John's Diary. Athol & Beryl Hyde-Cates - Singapore - A Company We have noted Athol's new address and he has sent an appeal to Jack Black or anyone. He says that he has made several trips to Sentosa or Blakang Mati as it was called, but he cannot recognise the Barracks where he spent so much time. He says, "I know that Jack Black will remember, as he has also paid a recent visit to the Island, and, as I recall it, he was also in the same Barracks, with the Malaysian Volunteers. Could you please put me in touch with Jack Black, so that I may solve the mystery. Sincerely Athol." (Jack Black, Manly. N.S.W. 2095. Ed.) Jim & Gladys Saunderson - Sans Souci 2219 Jim suffers from glaucoma, emphysema, and. bad bronchitis. He is also suffering from a swollen spleen, or whatever, about the article we printed in Makan 262. He now wishes to correct a misunderstood telephone conversation with A.D. His daughter kindly typed the letter for him. "As I am blind, except for a small amount of vision in my left eye, I depend upon my wife, Gladys, to read Makan to me, and I was appalled at the mention of moving 'Wooden Pagodas - Buddhas on wooden wheels and rails'. I was actually referring to a type of railway bogie, which we had to push from camp site to working site, laden with heavy timbers etc. The name of this camp was PRATCHAI, and it was situated at the foot of hilly country, where we were employed blasting rock to make an underground ammo dump for Japanese position (I think). Nearby the camp vas a high rounded hill, at the base of which was a very large cave, in which was built a Pagoda. There was also a monastery and a well which was always filled with pure spring water. It is said that Buddha, during his travels, slept in this cave, and drank from the spring. Hence the Pagoda etc. I was with the last party of Australians to leave the 105 Km camp. Having missed being included in 'Japan Party’, with most of 2/30 Bn. mates, (thought I would never get away from there). I was sent to Kanburi - very ill with Cerebral Malaria - very skinny -then to Nakompaton to recover. I heard that my brother Bill - 19 Bn - was at TAMUAN - got myself on a working party to be with him. As we travelled up river by barge, we passed barges coming down. Bill was on one of these - missed him by about thirty yards - met after the war. Cobbered up with friends of my brother - 19 Bn, blokes. I can't recall names of any 30 Bn. blokes there at the time. Maybe Dutchy Holland or Stan Bruce would be interested to tell of others. I was at TAMUAN for several months. Left with working party - travelled via Bangkok -crossed many miles of paddy fields (don't know in which direction) to before mentioned PRATCHAI. When we arrived - no camp, just paddy fields - slept in water and mud until camp site drained and huts built. It turned out a nice clean camp. I was at this camp until the war ended. Great thrill - extra rice, eggs, bonfire, flag raised, singing and happy - I will never forget. Met Lady Mountbatten. Still there about three weeks before we moved to Bangkok -camped University - met Capt. Pryde. We were working there two weeks, then by plane to Singapore - beautiful camp near the beach - rich food - new clothes - blankets etc., - great. Met Lt. Col Ramsay and Lord Louis - long talk - there a week or two, then home by ship, 'Moreton Bay' - slow trip - had time to put on a little weight. Sincere regards to all. Jim Saunderson." (Abject apology from C.C. I am extremely sorry Jim, and confess to not being A1 in hearing. Jock has been at me, since he took over, to see Repat about it, which I have done at last. A.D.) (Comment from Editor: Although A.D. has now been tested and found wanting in the ear department, it could be some time before he can have all the necessary telephone equipment (volume control) and hearing aid that yours truly has. Even then a slow distinct enunciation is necessary for true clarity of understanding. Patience is the word.) Les Perry - Narrandera - D Company Continuing Les' news from his letter to Les Hall, he says, “Con Hedwards and I worked together in all our camps in Burma and finished up with Lofty Gersbach and Alfie Weeber in our last camp in Thailand. This was a reclaimed paddy field, and after heavy rain we had to trudge through inches of water. Dinny Lane was also in that camp, and the Japanese in charge was called 'Blue Beard'. One day he got some of us, who were recuperating from malaria and on light duties, to manure his garden from our toilets. We had no foot wear so did not have much chance of escaping hook worm. We had no soap for a wash afterwards. After the capitulation a big Yank officer parachuted from a plane to take over our camp, and soon 'Blue Beard' became quite docile. Les Perry." (See also Page 78) Frank & Beryl Rampling - Randwick 2031 - Sigs HQ Company Frank sends in for a couple of year’s Makan dues (thanks Frank, received 1/10/81 Ed.) and says "I have at last put myself in the position when I can no longer avoid putting pen to paper, I trust you are in good health, as I happen to be at the moment, although some days may be better than others. I suppose that we all at times wander down memory lane and recall incidents that took place. I would like to mention one that I was involved in, but, unfortunately, I cannot remember the name of the young chap, who was with me. It happened just after we had started on the rice diet and the Japs decided to give us an issue of meat. A party was sent over to the main gate with a lorry chassis, which we pulled up the slope and rolled down. On arrival at the gate, two large hindquarters of beef were thrown on to the truck, and our meat inspectors cut off a piece from each to check same. I noticed that they dropped these pieces and when the fellows carried the beef into the building for further inspection, I grabbed the pieces and made my way to a small fire a short distance away, accompanied by the young chap. I cooked the two pieces, but when I offered a. piece to him, I was amazed to hear him say, “I wouldn’t eat that, after it came off that dirty truck”. When I got my voice back, I said, “Well mate, you will eat a bloody lot worse than that, before we leave here.” I don’t remember seeing my companion again, but have never stopped wondering how he fared. Cheerio Frank " Iris Lutz (Widow of Ted) – Yanderra, 2574 – B Company Iris has found some more snaps which she has sent in following the fish photo in 262, which by the way has caused many phone calls re names. Iris says, "In the one with the net across the water Ted is the one with the hat on (all dressed up) and leaning on the stick, probably to stop the fish getting past the net. It was a deserted fish hatchery at Jemaluang, and at the sight of it they most probably thought, what a welcome change from bully beef and biscuits. Now in regards to cooking them, I think Ted said something about putting leaves around them before cooking them in the ashes, my memory is not the best at present. I am sorry I didn’t keep the scales now, as the 5 he sent home in his letter were certainly very big. (Photos in centre-fold) Please thank Joe Smith for sending in particulars about Ted. I am also enclosing a photo of the cricket team in Malaya, thought you may like to use it in Makan. I am picking up a bit now after spending 2 weeks with my sister at Top Ryde. Best of health, Iris." Roy Mooney – Brighton-Le-Sands, 2216 – A Company Roy sends in for a Badge, Life Membership and Makan dues. (Thank you Roy, received 18/9/81 Ed.) he says: "Thanks for sending the Birthday Card. Re Wally Mason, we of course were in the same truck going to Thailand. (You were in truck 13, train 5 on F Force, Roy). We had the same experiences as the rest - I left Sonkurai with Jimmy Cooper’s party. We went to Konquita, unloading barges of stores to feed the Nip soldiers on their way to Burma. I lost contact with Wally until we got back to Changi. I saw him every day. He was in hospital at Selarang, He died there and I attended his funeral there. He had a normal burial for there – Padre, Last Post etc. When we were at the Causeway, Wally & I were on a two man patrol, the night Lt. Smyth met his death. We were talking to him before he shoved off. He wanted me to change places with one of the boys he had. I told him, if he made it an order I would go. He said, “I won't do that”. A short time after Wally & I were walking back along the bank and we spotted a boat, which we thought was their patrol. On taking a closer look we realised it wasn't; it was a bigger boat and more men in it. They must have met with the Jap patrol and before we could report it, all hell broke loose. I will be writing to Wally's brother, what can you tell him, except, that he died as he did everything, without complaint. You remember Ross Mansfield? I met his family some time after the war and they seemed very ignorant of what happened to him. Wally and I and Jack Parsons were with him when he died. Of our original section I think there are only 3 left, Kevin Dowling, Jack O'Malley and myself. All the best to everyone, Roy." “Digger” & Jane Preen – Umina, 2257 – Pioneers, HQ Company 'Digger' was shocked at the news of 'Red’ Hanlon's death. He said that 'Red’ had been a good mate. One good turn Red had done, just after Dig and Jane were married, was to put in a good word with his landlady at St. Peters for them so that they were able to get the rooms, which Red and his wife, Joan, were then leaving. 'Digger' also said that, when he was down at Cootamundra, he and Red were often in touch. 'Digger' also reports that he has received a letter from Vet. Affairs re his claim for which in the main was very confusing to him. The letter said that the Board allowed claim in respect of incapacity from diabetes etc. extent of incapacity still to be determined and that he would be further advised. The claim is therefore granted. Further advice of amount to follow. Jim O’Connell – The Entrance, 2261 - A Company Patrick James known as 'Paddy’ was in the 8 I.T.B. before coming to the 2/30 - he was selected on draft by Maj. Johnston and Capt. Milliken. He went on F Force and was on the X1 Tunnelling Party in Johore. He was a victim of a fall like George Thompson. As 'Paddy' had been a miner, (although our roll says a labourer) he should have been more of a wake up to what might happen, the way they were being made to work by the Japs. Elizabeth Salisbury - (Jack's Widow) Manly, 2095 - A Company Elizabeth had not been in very good health, so she moved over to her daughter's place. Jack used to keep in touch with one of the English chaps, who had been with our Bn. men on F Force, Jack Greenberg, one of those helping on Cholera Hill. When their daughter had been in England on a holiday trip, she had been looked after by him. He was out here recently. Eric & Rhonda Arps – Kingsgrove, 2208 - A Company Eric says that he had visited 'Doughy' White. He was an old cobber of 'Doughy's', as they had been in the same Training Battalion at Wallgrove. 'Doughy' had been a cook there, but, when he arrived at Tamworth, he had decided to keep out of the cook house. One day out on the hills & dongas of Tamworth, made him change his mind, and he asked to be transferred to the cookhouse. 'Doughy' was on "A" Force, and one of John Korsch's sketches is of the inside of the Bakehouse at Tavoy. The ovens were 44 gallon drums cut in two down the sides, while the bricks were manufactured on the site. The building and the ovens were made under the supervision of members of the Pioneer Platoon of the 2/29 Bn; a notice on the ovens showed that 'Doughy' was one of the bakers, the other four being from other units, a Lt. A.E. Staples (thought to be 2/18), A.R. Bale, H. Clark and F. Johnston. Eric says that he himself has had blood pressure trouble for about four weeks. Keith & Cathy Chapman – Regent’s Park, 2143 – A Company Keith had been rushed to Concord late Sept because of his heart condition. He had been held in overnight, but had been allowed home again on the Sunday morning. He had been corresponding with a school teacher, Mike Mathews, who used to come into the camp, while the Bn was at Batu Pahat. Some years after the war a story on him appeared in the 'Mirror'. This said that he was teaching at Batu Pahat still. Chappie had written to him and kept in touch at least with an Xmas Card yearly. Mike had been transferred to St Andrews Boys' High School at Labuan, and later to Kota Kinabula (former James Town, Borneo). Three years ago he became very ill. He was put into a hospital at Kuala Lumpur, and a friend wrote to Keith on Mike's behalf, to tell him that Mike had cancer of the throat. There was no Xmas Card in 1980. Keith knew that Mike had a daughter in Singapore, Mrs. Lucy Yap, so he wrote to her, receiving a reply that told of Mike's death in August last, but not to grieve, as he had a merciful release from his agony. Keith thinks that Mike's eldest son is in business in Perth, and that the eldest daughter and her husband live in Auburn, here in Sydney, whilst another might be in Adelaide. Ray Duncombe - Balmain 2041 - HQ Sigs Ray rang to find Val Henning's address and phone number. Val and Ray had been Sig men manning the D Company phone, but Ray says that when the Bn was at Tyersall Palace, Dick Tompson was in command of the 'odds & sods' Company in the grounds of the Argentine Consul. It was not exactly a healthy spot, as Jap snipers were very busy, waiting for anyone moving around. Ray also recalled Cec Palmer, Sig D.R., giving him the password one night and within five minutes a ring on his phone and a Jap voice was telling him that, if he had not received the password for the night, it was…… So Ray immediately reported to HQ for a message to be sent to Bde, that the password for the night should be changed, as the Japs had it already. Another anecdote from Ray - While up at No.1 Sonkurai, Paddy Walsh asked Ray once, if Ray had a smoke. Ray thought Paddy was out of weed and said, "No, Padre, I am sorry, but I have not any." However it was the other way round, it was Paddy who wanted to make a hand out. He gave Ray some weed, apologising for it being boong weed, then asked if Ray had any paper, and the answer being "No", Paddy took out a Bible and tore some pages out, giving them to Ray, but saying, "Now, before you use them, you must read them." Ray says that he was possibly one of the first to get bomb blast. It made him numb down the right side, but the effects did not come to him until about four hours afterwards, after the Bn. had moved back out of Gemas. At that stage he had begun to shiver and 'Dadda' Duprez told Ray to wrap a blanket around himself, and he was sent back to the A.D.S. Ray was sent to Base, where he, and Bob Surtees tackled the orderly room work, with Jim Rutherford as O.C. Company. When a draft was being formed to go up to the front, Bob & Ray put themselves on it, but all the others were reinforcements. Bob & Sylvia Surtees - Greenacre 2190 - C Company Bob sends in a Tribute to Ray Simmons, with whom he worked for a number of years. "It is with deep regret that I learnt of the passing of Lieut. Ray Simmons. He was a man of strength and determination; fair and just and well received by all who knew him. My real association with Ray began, not in action, for he was in another Company, and came as a reinforcement officer, but in the early days of our P.O.W. existence. Many will remember those months, when time dragged, and education classes were started for those interested. It was then that Ray started lectures on the 'Furnishing Trades', dealing solely with carpet and lino laying. I went along and became very interested and attended all of the ten talks and demonstrations he gave. I took copious notes and copied the many diagrams, and today I still have the 30 pages of original notes written in Changi. The first lecture is dated 25th January, 1943 and the last 3rd March, 1943. The first heading in the lecture entitled Approach and Conduct to Customers was 'Act the gentleman'. Ray himself always did just that. He certainly knew his job, having learnt his trade at Beard Watsons. Before enlisting in the army, Ray had his own business known as 'Carpet Laying & Service Company'. This I understand, wound up during his absence overseas. However he had decided to start up again on his return, and I agreed to join him and learn the practical side of carpet laying and so become a tradesman. God was good to us and we both came home from those P.O.W. days. A year or so later I married and Ray and his wife attended our wedding at Ashfield. Ray started his new business and called it Celesco: taking the initials of the old firm and adding a couple of e's. I joined him some months later and stayed with Celesco for 18½ years as a carpet and lino layer. Our first job was in Ushers Hotel (now no more) repairing the worn carpets in the hotel bedrooms, using only the carpet in the room! Sometimes there would be 3 carpets on the floor, one on top of the other! Morning teas were a high spot in those early days. Initially we would take down our own billy to the large kitchen for hot water, but it wasn't long before we were being given not only hot water, but the tea as well, with cakes, biscuits, fruit cake, and sometimes choice pieces of hot fish and rolls! Ray was always a diplomat, and handled men firmly and capably. He was a born leader, and throughout the many years he was my boss, never acted 'bossy'; rather was he one of us. Celesco carried out some important assignments during its existence, for example we laid carpets in the King's Suite at Government House for the visit of His Majesty (I forget the date) and we did the Tivoli Theatre when the present Queen visited us. Speaking of the Tivoli, (now no longer in existence) it was while working there, that we met and talked with George Formby: saw part of the performance of the 'Follies': watched amazing juggling acts, pantomimes and stage shows for we worked while rehearsals were on; most of the time anyway! Ray never pushed us. He was a man, who understood human nature, and although at times he was justifiably annoyed, and showed and told folks so, he never ever harboured a grudge. Ray was a very strong man physically, being able to carry large rolls of ready-to-lay carpet on his back. Some jobs, like the one in Romano's Restaurant in Sydney, (now also gone - how time changes things!) took all weekend, from 11pm Sat. night to 3 or 4am Monday morning; and though Ray was older than any of us, he was able to keep up with the best, always bright and cheery and full of jokes and stories. Ray left Celesco 23rd Dec. 1953, & went to Urunga to look after a Caravan Park. I lost touch with him after that, only occasionally hearing from him and his movements. In fact, it wasn't until the funeral of Johnnie Parsons, that I saw him again. He was not well then and gradually grew worse. How tragic, that a man, who was so healthy and strong, should succumb to so debilitating a disease such as he had. And now Ray has gone from us. I attended his funeral and was very impressed with the service, and particularly with the minister, who spoke so appropriately and with genuine feeling. My sympathy goes out to his widow, Leila, to his family, and to all those, who mourn his passing. I salute my former comrade in arms, my former boss, and my former friend, Ray Simmons." Editor's comment: To prove what a dedicated memory Ray had, I also attended some of those lectures in Changi, and after one of them, I said to Ray, “I had Beard Watsons lay my carpet before the war at Mosman.” He replied, “Draw me a floor plan of your house and I will tell you whether I laid it or not.” On showing him the completed drawing, he said, ''When you go home, look at the foot of carpet against the wall on the left hand side of your fireplace and you will notice that, although it is the same colour, it is not the same carpet. We had to sew this piece of 1 foot by nine inches in, as we had run out of carpet, but you will have to look closely, as it is hard to tell". Sure enough, I remembered the conversation, when I returned, looked and there was the insert, exactly as he had explained it to me. Stuart Peach - Neutral Bay 2089 - Bn HQ Saw Stuart the other day; he doesn't look as if he could do that 100 yard record sprint round the lagoon under the shrine job these days. News, Views, And Who's Who Jack & Vera Fell – Cessnock, 2325 - B Company A nice long letter from Jack says, "No doubt you will get many tributes to Alex Dandie on the work he has done over a considerable period of years as Editor & Chief Correspondent of 'Makan', but I would like to add my comments as well. Alex has done a tremendous job in getting this publication out, as it entails such a lot of work in correlating all the snippets of news and putting them into a readable magazine. I have a fair idea of what he has had to do, as I have been Publicity Officer for my Bowling Club and the Editor of a monthly news letter, which unfortunately is now defunct, owing to lack of interest by members in supplying articles for publication. It is this aspect of editing a journal like this that is so frustrating. We salute Alex on a job well done, but feel sure that those chaps who have taken over the production of 'Makan' will maintain its already high standard. Following my disputation of the right of way with another vehicle and after getting it back from the repairers, Vera and I accompanied by another couple motored to Melbourne at the latter end of April. We arrived late on the afternoon of Anzac Day, but were too late to take part in any Anzac Day activities. We had a pleasant week taking part in the triennial Interstate Greenkeepers' Bowls Carnival. I was fortunate to be selected to represent this State in the test match series for three games, but unfortunately my form was well below standard. Melbourne as usual lived up to its reputation of having four seasons in the one day. On our return we had a brief visit from Frank & Ruth Purvis on their way up to Goondiwindi to see their daughter. We had Beatrice and Curly Hardman as guests over the long weekend in June, and we took the opportunity to drive out to Gresford to see Tom & Helen Kennedy. Tom is as well as can be expected. Whilst there, we had the privilege of meeting one of their daughters and her son and daughter. Later on we went down to Woy Woy for a night and day with them. Curly should have been a chef instead of a wharfie, as he turned out a good bit of tucker. Vera & I spent our honeymoon at Woy Woy in 1940, and we had a nostalgic visit to Ocean Beach, as we have not been there since those far off days. We did notice a slight change after 40 years! On the way back we had the misfortune to run into a stray cow that decided to cross the road at the wrong time. Fortunately we didn't suffer much damage, but it frightened hell out of our little dog that was asleep on the back seat. We have just returned from Coffs Harbour, once again playing bowls and, once again, with mixed fortunes, winning three out of five games. Whilst there, we had tea with Joe & Norma Veivers and their attractive teenage daughter. Joe and I went up to Coffs Harbour Hospital on the Thursday night to see Don (Hoot M'Glook), Garner, who was in for 'a grease & oil change' or something. Haven't seen Don for I suppose 10 years but despite the fact that he was in a hospital bed, he looked pretty good. On the way back we spent the weekend with Una & Jack Clune at Mitchell’s Island. They were both well and Jack is looking forward to retiring soon. Curly Hardman told me over the phone that Ted Lutz and Alf Lamacraft passed away. Please convey my condolences to the families of these two people. We are going to Ballina for the reunion again this year and hopefully Beatrice and Curly will be able to make it this time. What a pity that so many of these reunions clash with their dates. We expect to be able to make it in October to the Smorgasbord on the Friday night and the bowls on Sunday. Jack Clune will also be at the bowls, so you can tell Kevin to put our names on the list. That seems to be about all, so will close. Regards to all. Jack". Lyn & Betty Booth – Turramurra, 2074 – A Company Lyn writes his thanks for John Korsch Diary and encloses cheque to cover postage and finances. (Thanks Lyn, received 10/8/81 Ed.) He says, "It will be read with great interest. As you can imagine things are a bit hectic on the industrial relations front and don't show any signs. of moderating - still it keeps me out of mischief. Kind Regards, Lyn". Len & Win Clavan - Tintenbar, 2479 - Transport HQ Company Len says he hopes to be in Sydney for the big reunion and at the time of writing they were preparing for the turn out at Ballina. He said, "It looks like being a bumper." (From the list of signatures Len it looks as if it was, however I seem to remember that there were TWO Len & "Wyn" Clavans on the sheet, could it be your better half?). Ray & Elizabeth (Tup) Michell - Tamworth, 2340 – B Company Ray writes, "Sorry I am late sending you my - B Company subs - but have been so busy doing nothing. (good on you Ray, well put. Ed.) Had a trip to Mungindi and stayed with Ted Rickards (B Company) and his lovely wife, Cetress, and last week we went to the Moree Cup and stayed with Thelma Gibbs (widow of Robert - A Company) at 'Mullah' Turrawan, and had a beaut couple of days. Will be at Ballina, 15th Aug, so see you then. Regards to All, Ray." (Thanks Ray, subs received 6/8/81. Ed.) Curly & Beatrice Hardman - Woy Woy, 2256 - HQ Company Curly & Beatrice were both determined to get to the Reunion at Ballina this time. Beatrice has had so many setbacks stopping her from so many Reunions. Her bones are not that good still, but she'll worry the M.O., when she comes home again. They were to leave on the Wed. 5th Aug. giving themselves plenty of time to go up without any rush, with the first stop at 'Paddles' Clune's home, where they had left their caravan, then on to Urunga, where they were to join Jack Fell, with Ballina next stop. Beatrice had some bad news of the Kennedy family. Young Tom the son, who had won quite a few competitions with his Yamaha Organ playing, from when he was 14 years old, and in '75 winning a competition in the senior section in Newcastle, and then competing at the Opera House in Sydney, had been travelling from Sydney to pick up other members of the Band, in which he now plays, when at Wyong he was involved in a serious car accident, and was taken to Gosford Hospital, where he was in the intensive Care Unit at first, but recovered sufficiently to be transferred to the Surgical Ward. He had severe injuries to both legs below the Knee. Curly had gone to see young Tom on the Tuesday, but as he and Beatrice were leaving on the Wednesday, Kevin Ward contacted Fred Butt at Terrigal and he immediately paid him a visit, also contact was made with Ray Kelly, Secretary Central Coast Ex-Ps.O.W., and our Mick Lovell's brother-in-law, so that various families around Gosford will help in visiting, as Tom with his diabetes gets too shaken up to do much travelling up & down from East Gresford, and Helen has so much to do keeping farm and house activities going. Since the above news, we have received a letter from: Tom & Helen Kennedy - East Gresford, 2491 - C Company Helen wrote to Doc & Clover Wilson. They passed us the news: “Young Tom is now at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Surgical Ward A5 South, in Sydney. The skin grafts were not taking at Gosford, so they moved him down to Sydney for micro and plastic surgery. (At the end of Sept. young Tom said that the micro surgery had been successful, but that he would be in there for another couple of months.) "Anyone who could visit him, I would very much appreciate it, as, it is too far for us. I would like to express my thanks to Curly Hardman and Fred Butt, who were able to visit him at Gosford, and also others, enquiring as to his well being. Jack & Vera Fell from Cessnock came and they had with them Curly Hardman and his lovely wife, Beatrice, on her (four legs) and Tom was so happy to see them. Do you know, they didn't get time to see the bottom of their glasses, the tongues were doing so much overtime, and that's saying something, Also Stan Grainger and his lovely 'boss' called in to see us after the Ballina Reunion and gave Tom all the news. Stan looks in the pink of health, so his 'boss' is looking after him fine. Once again I will say that anyone of the boys and families are so very welcome to come and stay with us, God Bless, Helen." (Saw young Tom end of October and he informed me that he was doing fine, the micro surgery was successful and the infection had cleared up. His doctor had told him that he could have the caliper on his left leg taken off by the end November and then a fortnight later, he could probably go home for Xmas. He hopes to rejoin the band in the New Year. Ed.) Ken & Betty Parry - Chermside West, Q’ld, 4032 - D Company Ken writes his thanks for the Diary and sends a cheque (Thanks Ken, received 31/8/81 Ed.). "Thanks Alex for the card and note on our 33rd wedding anniversary. You always remember these dates & it is always pleasure to hear from you. He asks Alex of news of 16 Platoon members and sends his best wishes to all. Yours Aye, Ken.” Con Hedwards - Woolgoolga, 2450 - C Company Con was in a letter writing mood, which he says was unusual for him, "Having written to Les Perry, Big Johnno, Sid Grounds, all of recent acquaintance to you no doubt. Anyhow I don't know how I stand financially so would like to put the record straight. (Thanks Con, received 11/9/81 Ed.) I have retired to Woolgoolga and see quite a few old Bn. mates - Norm Lee, Bob Newman, Joe Veivers, Ben Pearce, who all live in this area. Retirement is a bit hard to get used to after a life of activity, but I feel that I am slowly getting there, doing a fair bit of fishing (deep sea), gardening and the odd beer to fill in the time. (Of course, if time hangs too badly, Con, you can always dig up Items of News for yours truly from around the district. Ed.) Big Johnno recently sent me a good photo of 14 Platoon, C Company, taken at Batu Pahat. Regards to all, Con.” Keith Murray – Grafton, 2480 – Friend of John Korsch Keith has received two lots of money to cover postage of the Diary and sends it down to Alex for banking. (Thanks Keith, received 11/9/81, also your own two donations previously received. Dinny & Kathleen Lane - Heathcote 2233 - C Company Dinny sent in for postage for the Diary, (Thanks Dinny, received 12/9/81 but what about leaving those accounts, seeing how much money you are making, for an hour and send us news from Heathcote. Jock.) Ray & Florence Body – Raymond Terrace, 2324 – Carriers, HQ Company Ray says, “No doubt this letter will come as a surprise to you, as I am one of those people, who does not do a lot of writing. Many thanks for Makan which I received today and always look forward to. I do not read a lot but can always find time to read through Makan, without missing out on any details. It is nice to know that through this publication you can keep in touch with the boys. Flo and I have had an upset, as Max, the eldest boy (40) had three heart attacks in two weeks after his discharge from Belmont Hospital. He was sent to St Vincent's in Sydney for further tests, and he was hoping that they would do a bypass operation, but was informed that, he had too much damage to the heart and that a bypass would not help him. He came home very upset but has accepted it and seems quite happy now. So much for our worries but we do realise that there are many people worse off - at least we still have him. Please find enclosed Makan dues for 81/82.” (Thanks Ray, received 14/9/81 and we are deeply sorry to hear about Max. Ed.) Roy King - Swansea, 2281 - B Company Roy sends in postage for Diary (Received with thanks, Roy, 14/9) and says he has been running around a lot lately chasing his Repat claim. He says, "Have just had a skin cancer cut off my nose and have to get another one cut out in a fortnight's time. My health is not the best, but at my age you can't have everything. Wishing all the best to the 2/30 Bn Boys, Roy." (Get out with you Roy, you are only a young 69, Ed.) Vernon Baynes - Edgecliffe, 2027 - D Company Vernon sends in his cheque for postage on the Diary and also a nice bit for the new Gestetner. (Thanks Vernon, received 14/9/81 and I hope retirement is still suiting you well. J)
Brian
Williams - Son Of "Snowy" - A Company – Beverly Hills Ian & Olga Pryce - Wahroonga, 2076 - D Company Ian says, "Thank you for the wonderful job in Makan. I was deeply touched by Ron Stoner's tribute to my friend Ken Crispin. I keep busy in Legacy with Ron Chipps, Andy Noble, Steve Allardice, Bill Ennis, Arch Dickinson & Noel Johnston. I have been Chairman of Education Committee for 21 years and Bulletin Editor - yes fortnightly - for three years. Kind Regards, Ian." Vivienne Douglas - Croydon, 2132 - B Company Billie says he has at last got a letter box at above address and so asks us to delete the P.O. Box Ashfield (Done, Billy. Ed)
He says,
"I met Brian Hayes and his wife Anne at 'Yamba P.O.W. Cottage', while
Viv and I were at Coffs Harbour. We have promised to go up to Ballina
for the next Reunion. 'Changi' did a great job of the photos at the
wedding. Regards, Billy" Clarrie sends in money for Harold Hogan, HQ Company, Taree for a Badge & postage. (Now received Clarrie thanks) Nugent Geikie - North Avoca 2260 - B Company Nugent sends in a cheque for postage etc., (Thanks Nugent, received 21/9/81 Ed.) and says: "As you know I moved up here in April and have been busy ever since. Digging agricultural drains, putting in terraces and a rock garden, and putting in surface drains. I have half painted the outside of the house which is a double story one. I am going to Japan on 19th October to stay with my daughter, Rosemary and will be returning first week January. I am completing all the jobs one keeps putting off every day but have to be finished quickly when the crunch comes. The weather here has been marvellous, but rain is wanted badly. There is talk of water rationing again. I want to say thanks to you (A.D.) for the very good and arduous job you have done for such a long time. Regards to all, Nugent." Sid Hart - Birmingham Gardens, 2287 - A Company Sid sends in fees for 1982 and a bit for postage of Diary and a bit…(Thanks Sid, received 7/9/81. Ed.) Doc & Clover Wilson - West Ryde, 2114 - A Company Doc sends in for tie & subs before dashing off for Canada & also sends in a donation from Mr. L. Gartner (Tobruk Rat). (Thanks Doc and Mr. Gartner. Hope the trip was good Doc. Ed.) ‘Curly’ & Olive Wright – Smithfield, 2164 – Q Store, Bn. HQ Olive writes in to thank Alex, Vince Leonard, Ray Rickards & Kevin Ward for helping her when 'Curly' had his stroke, "I don't think I could have managed without the help of all of you. I didn't know which way to turn, not having my son to help me. Thank you all once again. Yours truly, Olive Wright". Arthur & Claire Buckingham - Killarney Vale, 2261 - B Company Arthur writes, "Claire & I both thank you for your very kind wishes last week, and we hope you are feeling fit again. Fred Butt rang me and told me about the Diary and I will be very pleased to receive one. (Should have by now, Arthur, Ed.) I know that Joe Geoghegan would have told you all about the Re-union and what a wonderful crowd they had. Unfortunately, Slim De Grey was unable to attend this year. I was sorry, for I always enjoy Slim and remember back to the days, when he and the rest of the concert party put on such wonderful shows at Changi, in such adverse conditions. The Lake up here is open again, and I'm looking forward to the summer and hoping that there will be some prawns about this year. Last year the Lake was closed and they just didn't show up. Well I think that's all the news I have at present, wishing you and all the Bn. all the best, Arthur." Harry 'Scobie' Brown - Mt. Druitt, 2770 – Pioneers, HQ Company Harry writes in and sends Money Order to cover Life Membership and Makan dues. (Thanks Harry, received 11/9/81 Ed.) and, although he was writing in a hurry, didn't forget to send his regards to all the boys. George & Valerie Brown - Wagga Wagga, 2650 - A Company Got the name of your wife right George, thank you, and also for your cheque, received 14/9/81 Ed. Incidentally, Wally Mason was 9 Platoon, could you help his brother, Derrick please, see page 18, Makan 262? Ross & Elizabeth Madden – Armidale, 2350 - A Company Ross sends a cheque to keep the right side of the books (Thanks Ross, received 22/10/81 Ed.). He says: "Thought the Diary was very good reading, a couple of friends have been very interested not having read the likes before. Things are rather quiet up this way, the only members I have been talking to have been Reg & William Humphrey, who at the moment is down in Adelaide, I think he has a daughter down there. They have been keeping quite good of late. As to the Maddens, well, no complaints, Elizabeth has her good days and others not so good. Re Lady Galleghan's proposed bequest, I must say what a fitting memorial to 'B.J.' - 'Galleghan Grove'. Lets hope that it becomes a reality. As to location and type of cottages, I would have to leave that to the experts in that field. Have had some rain and the country looks good. Will end now, Regards to all, Ross." Col & Kath O'Donnell - Dalveen, Q'ld 4374 - C Company Col writes in and says, "I contacted Boyd McKinstry re Dick Newman. He reports that Lex and family are alright and are being looked after by Toowoomba Legacy. Boyd wasn't sure if Repat. had accepted his death as due to war service or not. The funeral was organised by the R.S.L. and Legacy. Boyd has been acting as her adviser, and I have asked him to write me any further details. The last Makan came through smoothly, the change over wasn't obvious at all, Jock is sticking to your style. (More or less Col - subtle differences could be discerned - however both being benevolent grandfathers and drilled in the same manner. it could be nearly the same. J.) Kath and I have just returned from 6 weeks in Cairns. The weather was lovely and warm every day, whilst at Dalveen it went as low as -5 C. The winters are always very cold here, so we always clear out for a while. We will be attending the reunion on 16th Oct. in Sydney would you let Jack Black know, will send money later. Cheers for now, Colin. (Thanks for cheque Col to cover postage on Diary, and balance for Makan, also your cheque for the Malaysian Family was duly acknowledged in Makan 262, with apologies. Jack Black advised re 16/10/81. Ed.) Cec Plews - Clarence Gardens, 5039 – Carriers, HQ Company Thanks us for John's Diary, and enclosed a cheque towards postage (Thanks Cec, received 10/8/81 Ed.) and says, "It was most interesting when considered against other publications I have read lately. I have dropped a note to Keith Murray, thanking him for making the publication available. Leading a quiet life owing to the extremely wet and cold weather we are having down here. Hope you are all well in the Makan organisation team. All the best to everyone. Cec." (Bearing up Cec and thanks for the good wishes for the team. Ed.) Bill Middleton – Lakemba, 2195 - Band Bn HQ Bill says he is sorry to hear of Alex’ health and advises him to take care, sends his cheque. for the Diary postage and balance for a fine for forgetting to acknowledge his Birthday Card. (All is forgiven Bill and thanks, received 11/8/81. The balance was allocated towards the new Gestetner. Ed.) "We are keeping well and in finishing I say good luck and good health from hereon. Yours sincerely, Bill." Ern & Phil McNiven - Southport, Q'ld. 4215 - A Company Ern writes in and says he is sorry to hear of Alex' bad health and hopes that he is now on the road to recovery. He says, "Pleased to know that you will still be around, and that we will hear from you from time to time. Thanks for a job well done Alex it is always good to receive the Makan although one does not contribute much to keep it going. I have a little news for you but sorry to say it is bad news, R. (Dick) Newman, known to some of his mates as "Cowboy" passed away at Toowoomba 27/7/81. He had cancer and from what I can hear, he had a pretty bad last five or six weeks. He was buried in Toowoomba on the Tuesday. Vince O'Reilly (A Company), Dick Henderson (B Company), Morrie Horrigan (D Company) and myself were at the funeral service in town and the service at the Crematorium. He is survived by his wife, Lexie, son Chris and daughter Susan. If you have not been notified of a change of address it is now, Toowoomba. (Thanks Ern, address duly noted. Ed.) The only other member of the Bn. I have been in contact with is Tommy Aspinall (A Company) who is keeping well. If you still need names for a reprint of the Bn. History add mine to the list for same. Enclosed my cheque to cover postage on John's Diary, Aid Abroad and Makan Subs. (Thanks Ern. Received 10/8/81, your names added to list, but no reprint as yet. Ed.) Here's hoping that you are feeling better each day Alex, and that Jock and his team will be able to continue the production of Makan. Our regards to all, Ern & Phil." (Report on C.C. - no furrowed brow - smiling face - good colour and enjoying life generally. Ed.) Alan & Yvonne Charlton – Ballina, 2478 - Sigs. HQ Company Alan was in Sydney recently to see Veterans' Affairs and he popped into the Auxiliary Meeting while down to say hello. He says, "Would have liked to have had some of those young Doctors in Repat. on F Force. (No thanks Al. They would not have coped. Remember P.O.W. ills are not in a text book, or so they say! C.C.) Had a recent letter from my old mate, A.A. Martin (Pioneers) He has now retired and may visit us for Lismore Show. He injured his thumb at work - a nice way to lead up to retirement. Yvonne and I are going to the barbecue at Joe & Sybil's place at Knockrow next Sunday and as Joe said, if I want a yarn to someone and it's too noisy, I can take him down the paddock - great folks! (Have the same trouble, Alan, so can sympathise - these microphones are hell in a crowd. Ed.) I was very sorry to read of Bruce Greer's loss, didn’t know about it until I read the news in Makan. Will give one of the boys some postage for John’s Diary next Sunday. Must away to bed now. Yvonne joins me in congratulating you (Alex) on the job you have done over the years and we wish you speedy recovery on your Vit. B. Best wishes to all. Alan." Jack Burke - Dalby Q'ld 4405 – C Company Jack sends a long newsy and interesting letter, six foolscap pages, and we thank him for making such an effort. He says, "First sending you the cutting re Dick Newman, Maurie Horrigan (D Company) says he knew him well, I remember but had not seen him since I came home. I went to the funeral with Maurie - there could have been over 30 ex Ps.O.W. there, mostly 2/26 & 2/29. Vince O'Reilly (A Company) was there. Well sorry to hear that you are not well Alex, but very few of us are. One of my worst complaints is hearing, as I can't hear, if more than one person is talking, and any noise affects it. I am taking 21 tablets a day at present, (I'd ask for a usage rebate from the pharmaceutical companies, if I were you Jack. Ed.) Can't do anything but a bit of gardening and house work, but if I do too much, I spend the next day in bed, sometimes more, but the ulcer is not troubling me at present. I go to sleep during the day, don't know if it's from the tablets, complaints or age. He thanks Alex for his Birthday Card and says he went into hospital with a bad knee infection for ten days on antibiotics and now has "no feeling". I can blacken a nail and not feel it, and can cut myself and not know until I see blood. Have had one heart attack last year, but seem to have got over it fairly well. I am now an old bachelor and stay with a sister and brother-in-law & am well looked after. Am a T.P.I. so have no medical worries. My only worry would be, if I got too crippled to get about and look after myself, and had to go to a home. Thanks for the Diary, sending cheque to pay for postage and also for Makan fees. (Thanks Jack, received 10/8/81. Ed.) Please pass on my thanks to Keith Murray. Have had floods here in Dalby. First one came in six inches deep. A neighbour helped us get things up off the floor and we spent the night mopping up. It was teeming: shades of Burma-Thailand and the water started to rise again - must have been two feet before it started to drop. It was down next morning, but left slimy black mud over everything. Some of the sister's and brother-in-laws friends came round and helped, spending all the morning getting the mud off the carpets. After a week drying out they got a chap to dry clean them and they came up alright. Mud on the driveway and lawns - killed most of the flowers, except the roses, they thrived on it. Cost us a few hundred dollars. My sister was inclined to complain, until she saw and worked in some of the places across the creek: lost all their floor coverings, furniture and everything. Have been in Dalby over 20 years, and never knew it to flood this far before. Maurice has been here for 32 years and says he had never had a flood near the house, only up on the back lawn. We had over half a year's rain in less than 2 days. All the best to everyone. Jack." Gordon (Bill) Cross - Macksville – A Company Thanks Alex for his Birthday Card and says, "The surprise was great. In your letter you mention Walter Mason. Yes I do remember him, but owing to the lapse of time since then the memory is vague. Wal’s trouble included Dysentery & malaria (Cerebral) and lack of nutritious foods. Thank you for your kind thought again and I hope this note finds every one in the Bn. Association in good health. Sincere wishes from all here. Gordon ( Bill) Cross." R.A. (Zipper) & Pearl Charlton – Harrington - B Company Zipper says, "Thanks for sending John's Diary, have enclosed something for postage. Please ask "Dutchy" Holland or yourself if you could get in touch with somebody from H Force to write to me, as I would like to know what Harold Russell died from. His sister, Mrs. Norma Whitfield, wrote to me asking for particulars. (C.C. wrote to Harry Holden who was Cpl. 9 Sect.12 Platoon and H Force, Harold, 8 Sect. He wrote back, "I have it that he was Kanu No.2 camp and was admitted and died the same day of Cholera. Probably he also suffered from Malaria and beri-beri - didn't we all? So far as I can recall no ulcers. Regarding the type of work done - I have an idea he was one of the "hammer & tap" crew, but then most of us did a bit of everything. Harold as you know was one of my "Belmore" Day Boys and a good mate. I will never forget how upset he was upon Teddie Gill's unfortunate death (from our own gunfire at the Causeway.) As a matter of interest I have Kevin Ward listed as a cholera suspect suffering from Malaria and Beri-beri." Harry & Joan Holden – Cooma, 2630 - B Company Harry carries on his news, "I received a letter from Brian Williams (son of Snowy - A Company) and wrote a reply. I have a record of his father in my "Little Blue Book", but I cannot for the life of me recall his appearance. He was admitted to hospital (at Kanu No.2 Camp) on 14/6/43 and died of malaria (probably cerebral or M.T. on 22/6/43. As you say there is a remarkable upsurge of interest in what happened "over there" no doubt caused by the various publications appearing. I saw somewhere that Cartoonist, George Sprod, either has, or is about to, have published a book of sketches showing the humorous (?) side of things. George and I shared the same "digs" at Bukit Timah for a while. He was in the 2/15 and a nice looking trim lad. Looks a bit different now and would be about 62 (Like me) Cheers Alex and thanks again. Hope things are going better for you these days. Maybe you should get on the coke? They have a slogan - "Things go better with Coke! Regards to all Harry." (Incidentally, those on H Force who are still alive are, Harry Holden, Alan Hudson (D Company), Ken Dale (B Company), George Hold, (C Company), Alan or Snowy Mason (D Company), J.W. (Jack) McGee (A Company), Kevin Ward (A Company), Jack Conn (Sigs. HQ Company), Mark Flew (C Company), R.J. Adams (C Company), Athol Carey (A Company)) Jack Wilson – Rocklea, 4106 - D Company Jack sends his Makan fees and apologises for his lack of news. He says, "There are not many of 2/30 patients at Greenslopes these days. Don Frith is the only one I know of, who comes in now and again, the last time about a month ago (Letter Aug.) They were investigating a lump on his leg, but before I could learn how the tests went he was gone again. I received that fine A Force Diary - very interesting - I myself was on F Force. I haven't been 100% of late, my age is showing, but compared to some I have nothing to growl about. Well I hope this note finds you and the rest of the gang fighting fit. Until I hear from you good luck and God Bless, Jack Wilson." (Thanks Jack, received 7/8/81). Cecil & Jean Palmer – Scone, 2331- Sigs. HQ Company Cecil sends thanks for John's Diary and says, "It brought back memories that I had forgotten about, I was in F Force but was in some of the Camps he mentioned. Jean and I are still plugging along, at the moment she has, two huge blisters on the bottom of her heels, they just come for no reason, it is caused by her diabetes. I enclose cheque for Makan and balance for what you want. Yours, Cecil, (Thanks Cecil, received 24/8/81 Ed.) Bill & Heather Desmet – Weetangera, ACT 2614 - Band Bn HQ Bill got quite a "kick" out of receiving the photo of himself holding the banner on Anzac Day and says, "A very big heartfelt thank you not only from myself, but from the whole family. The Diary duly arrived and read. I was surprised at the frankness of the whole thing. Well now that you have dried your tears, I'll get along and, tell you how much I enjoyed last Anzac Day. I met Bill Sorenson - Bill & I were on working parties together, and we did, on many occasions leave the work site together and go on a scrounge, which netted us a pack of sweet buck or tapioca. We had a real good yarn and I hope to go north for a holiday and spend a few extra minutes talking and drinking. Heather and I go down to the coast quite often and I make a point of seeing Arny and. George. Hope they enjoy it, because I do. Heather phones Arny Ainsworth every Saturday morning to discuss their mutual entertainment (racing.) Well for the first letter I've done pretty well, thanks again for the photo, till our next merry meeting, Bill Desmet." Garry & Marge Rickwood - Republic Of Ireland - QM C Company A good lengthy letter from Garry who says, "Many thanks for the Card for my Birthday. The pleasure was somewhat spoiled by the reminder of the number of years I've been round. Forgive the delay in replying but I was busy winding up in the U.K. before coming here to Ireland at the beginning of this month. Marjorie and I find Ireland quite delightful, it's like turning the clock back 40 years. We feel pretty confident we are going to like it here. The Irish are a happy-go-lucky, friendly outgoing people. In spite of what you may read in the media there is no bad feeling towards the English here whatsoever. In fact they bemoan the lack of English tourists here, caused by the troubles in the north. Strangely enough the English seem to be far the most popular of all the tourists here. The Americans seem to have the reputation of never spending any of their money. The Continentals, especially the Germans, usually camp out in some quite remote beauty spot and buy only bread and milk; say what a lovely country it is and how little their holiday cost. The English have the reputation of crowding out the pubs, joining in the evening sing songs and going home happy and stone motherless broke. Ireland is a Catholic Country, there is no divorce and birth control is illegal. This absurd situation causes much unhappiness and discontent. People are influenced by priests, whose main concern is to keep the Church strong, by brainwashing the people into believing in the mediaeval nonsense, which the more enlightened of us treat as fairy tales. (Padre Paddy do not read. Ed.) The influence of the Church causes too fast an increase in population and keeps the Country poor and backward. It makes it nice for old ones like me to retire to it, but pretty bleak for the young starting out in life. An article in today's paper states that the Irish Banks have received 35,000 applications for 600 jobs they have available. The Govt. is facing a hopeless task trying to find jobs for the ever increasing numbers of school leavers. The women seem to have a raw deal, most have about 6 kids. The future doesn't look too bright for them. To get back to the more cheerful side of things. The golf club we belong to, is in lovely parkland, beautiful fairways of soft green grass, the whole course is beautifully maintained and not too demanding - not that I have ever found any course easy. My wife and I are coming to Australia towards the end of Nov. This time we intend to spend a few months there. We will spend most of the time in Sydney, but will spend some time with my old buddy, Col O'Donnell, in Queensland. I hope I will be able to visit a few of my old friends en route. I hope your health keeps improving and I look forward to seeing you towards the end of the year. Regards Garry." Mrs. Thelma Solway (Widow of "Sam" Transport, HQ Company) Saratoga, 2251 Thelma writes in, feeling very worried about subscriptions to Makan, as she says, she doesn't know much about dues etc., and sends a cheque to cover Makan for a couple of years. (Thanks Thelma, but, as we say, you are one of the Naughty but Nice Club - you don't have to send Makan dues, as we take pleasure in sending you the Magazine in memory of "Sol", but if you feel that you want to send in, then we will acknowledge same in the monies received section amongst all other donations etc., Ed.) Thelma adds, "I've been with my daughter for the best part of 2 years, since the death of my husband, "Sam" or "Sol", as his mates used to call him. I hope you are feeling better now. Yours, Thelma." Don & Sylvia Sutherland – Bowen, Q’ld. 4805 - D Company Gives his thanks for John's Diary and sends in some for postage (Thanks Don, received 21/8/81 Ed.) and adds, "To you and the present and past Members of the Committee who, over the years, have done so great a job, in making the Journal what it is - A sincere thank you, all, also to the Members who write to make up each issue. I can recall so many of the fellows who write, both with us still and, with regret, those, who have passed on. Norm Lee (D Company) of Woolgoolga, called in for a few minutes on his way to Cairns a while back. I was very pleased to see him. Most of my late mother's family were from that area. He knew couple of Mum's sisters, maiden name Young. I was born at Maclean. Sid King, now in Bowen, came down to see me for a little while recently. He was at Kobe, Japan and worked in the mines. Well to one and all the teary best wishes and better health. Yours sincerely, Don." Harry & Shirley Jarrett – Loftus, 2232 – B Company Shirley does the good job of writing in and sending postage for John's Diary (Thanks, received 21/8/81. Ed.) and says that she and Harry appreciated reading it, "It is helpful to read about the conditions and trials which occurred on the Railway. Best wishes, to you and all 2/30 Bn. folk, Yours sincerely Shirley for Harry." Andy & Beatrice Hyslop – Umina Beach, 2257 - Bn. HQ Andy says that he will write a note of thanks to Keith Murray and sends in cheque for postage and whatever (Thanks, received 20/8/81) and says, "I wish to register my appreciation of your splendid personal service. The Diary is first rate and very touching when one reads beyond the matter-of-fact narrative and senses the travail of the body and the mental anguish suffered by the writer. I also kept a diary, I have it still. Such items as the Korsch Diary prompt me to bring my own special tale out into the light of day. Who knows? Kind regards and good wishes to all. Andy." A.D. 'Speed' Hollingsworth – Manly, 2095 - B Company Sends his thanks for keeping him in touch with news of the Bn., and for John's Diary and sends his cheque (Thanks, received 20/8/81). "Sad to read of the death of Frank Jones in West. Aust. Frank and I were mates from way back and many an hour we spent playing cards to fill in long hours between shifts in the gold mines. We last worked together in a mine about 500 miles north of Perth. We were both machine miners and the town was Radys and the mine Triton. I always made a point of seeing Frank, when I visited Perth. He and his parents lived close to each other in Victoria Park. I used to drop in and see him, he worked in Despatch with W.A. Newspaper. To use a miner's expression, he was 24 carat. Regards to all. Speed." Alan & Yvonne Charlton - Bexhill 2480 - Sigs HQ Company Alan sends us a note in early September and says, "As I write this from my very comfortable bed in St. Vincent’s Hospital in Lismore (to which my Doctor had me admitted last Friday because of an infected ulcer on my shin), my mind goes back to F Force, other mates and their ulcers; and I feel once again the compassion I felt for those unluckier than I (who was lucky enough to miss out up there). One of them was Bill Desmet (Band Bn. HQ) and I have never forgotten the courage and hope that he continually showed and I know now what pain he and others must have suffered, because mine is bad enough, though only small. You were a great bloke, Bill, and I am proud to have served with you. I hope you live to carry the Banner many more times yet. By the way I have told my Doctor and his Dr. wife (American) and the hospital staff about the spoon & blowfly treatment and they say they don't use it up here. The nursing staff here are terrific and I really feel pampered! and will most likely be here for another 10-14 days. I forgot to tell you in my last letter that on our way home from the Knockrow Barbecue we called to tell Jerry Myers that some of his former mates had been inquiring of him. He is far from being a well man and had 3 weeks in hospital recently. Best wishes to all. Alan." Les & Margaret Perry – Narrandera, 2700 - D Company Les writes to Leslie Hall who send it on for interesting reading matter, (Thanks Les. J.) also sends postage for Diary from self and Vic Hamlin, (Thanks Les, received. Ed.) He says "I read where we received a mention in the Diary, but I really can't remember carrying much of Johnny's gear on the way to Ye. Vic is looking well but has had a few ups & downs with a sugar complaint, and a nagging pain in the shoulder. He intends to get rid of his seven caravans in the near future and I think he will then be more relaxed, as, since Moyra died, he has had the house & business to himself, and the ever rising cost in petrol has not made things any easier. Any cheap pleasure a working man once had is now quickly diminishing. I, with everybody else, was sorry to see Alex give up the Editorship of Makan, but time finally caught up with him and he had performed so heroically with an excessive work load for so many years. The Tamworth Reunion was a magnificently organised affair and it was wonderful that so many of us were privileged to attend. My only grouch was that I did not have enough time to get around everybody, but, after catching up with Charlie Taylor from Bourke after a lapse of 38½ years, it was enough to knock the stuffing out of anybody. Even Donny Schumacher wrote that it took him a few days to recover after the reunion, and the tall & handsome Mick Lovell has only changed because of his grey hair. Margaret, Keith & Ruth Mulholland and I were privileged to hale a short holiday at Athol & Thelma Charlesworth's beautiful home at Leura, before we travelled to Tamworth, so we were all in good form before the start of the Reunion. Everything from the commencement at Leura, until we returned home, was all so wonderful, that we will never forget. We had a good look round Wagga recently and the Korringal - Lake Albert area has developed amazingly. There are that many homes built in the last few years around the $100,000 mark that it makes the eyes boggle. There is an election at the Bowling Club on Saturday evening for Directors for the forthcoming season. I have been the scribe on and off for several years, but this is the first time I have stood for the position of Director. I never ever thought that I would play bowls but football & tennis got too hard, so I turned to bowls and find it most relaxing. I went to Dave Dunlevey's funeral (see Makan 262). Dave is survived by his wife, who was the Matron of Lockhart Hospital, when they married. The day before that Vic & I were pall-bearers for local boy, Jim Turner 2/19 Bn., so it was a sad couple of days. Dave by the way was a Life Member of Lockhart R.S.L., and Secretary of the Local Bowling Club. Attended a Reunion at Numurkah (Vic.) and met Frankie Webb ("Spider") and his wife Ellen. They come from Griffith and he is still working at the Griffith Golf Club. I saw Major Reg Newton, 2/19 Bn. for the first time & he gave a most impressive speech. He said he was 75 years old and is a towering sort of man, and, as we heard, was a great officer on the Thailand side of the line. He was known as "Roaring Reggie". I also met Bob Skilton who used to sing at our A Force concert parties. He is crippled up with two walking sticks, but still sang one of his witty songs, even if it went on for 15 minutes. Vic sends his sincere regards. Les Perry." Alan & Marjorie Penfold - Narrabeen - I Sect. Alan sends his cheque for 2 plaques (Thanks, received 7/9/81).He says, "I will be glad to install one in the Local Chapel, to grace a wall with 20-30 others. I do not know of any other 2/30 men who have lived here - there may be some in the future, who will be glad to see it. Maybe I will attend there more regularly, Good health, from Alan." (see also page 76) Graham McLeod - Assist. Adj. Bn. HQ Graham sends in donation and postage for Diary and says, "I enjoyed reading this immensely. As always, I am saddened by "Last Post" in Makan. We all know what the war years were like, but some times I wonder at the untold stories of suffering and courage that are concealed behind the announcement that a comrade has passed on. Bravery can take many forms and perhaps it's those we never hear of which are most admirable. Yours sincerely, Graham." (Thanks Graham, received 15/9/81 Ed.) Frank & Nan Moore – Strathfield, 2135 - Sigs HQ Company Nan's the girl with the news and said how glad they both were to see Alex when he dropped the Diary into them. She says, "We wish to join Noel Johnston and the boys wishing you good health and congratulate you for a job well done. Frank was pleased to see you and enjoyed reading the Diary. He is keeping well at present, plays bowls several days a week and that keeps him well. We are both enjoying living at Strathfield, the Unit is much easier than a house. I hope Les Hall is feeling better, he is a great guy." Nan also sends in a donation with her kind regards. (Thanks Nan, received 16/9/81 Ed.) Neil & Molly Huntley - Port Macquarie, 2444 - B Company Neil sends in for a couple of ties and also a donation (Thanks Neil, received 16/9/81 Ed.) He says, "Thanks for your Birthday Card and Good Wishes, also thanks to Jack Maclay for his letter. Molly and I are now reasonably well and I am looking forward to seeing you all at our Reunion. We had a very good Reunion at Wauchope in Aug. quite a few 2/30 Bn. were there, and I understand that one of the boys from Taree was to have written to you about it. Regards to all, Neil." (Yes Neil, Harry Griffis was the news writer. Ed.) Leslie & Gladys Hall - Harbord 2096 -HQ Company Sigs. Les writes, "I was very pleased to read the justified tributes paid to your good self. No person was more deserving of the many plaudits. Every Makan you produced was a testimony to your uncanny dedication. Hate to be Jock having to fill your shoes. My personal appreciation knows no bounds. By the way the oven was valued at $725.00. News not too good today (2nd week Sept.) our 2nd son-in-law, who had open heart surgery last year, is back in Manly Hospital, Intensive Care Ward - very ill. Regards, Les." (News later was that the lad, Bede, went home, but then re-entered hospital for other troubles. Our best wishes, Bede, for recovery. C.C.) Sam & Joan Hall – Neutral Bay, 2089 – A Company Young Sam has been busy with the paint brush and his place is looking a picture, says he spends most of his time up a ladder. He sends his kind regards to everyone and asks for a tie. (Thanks Sam, and received 15/9/81 Ed.) Henry West - Dee Why 2099 - A/A HQ Company Henry thought it was about time for him to write in and send thanks for keeping him so much in touch with the members of our Unit through our Journal. He says, "I know of no other Unit Association with anything that could touch our own for information on all it's members. Sorry about your personal tribulations, the Architect of all things is putting you through one of your bad periods. I was sorry to hear about Les Smith, we did correspond a little after the war, but we lost touch. As for myself I have to retort some very sad news, I'm off the grog and will be until the weight gets down a bit. I'll give myself dispensation, if I can make it to the "Do" on the 16th Oct., my mobility fluctuates somewhat, but I'll be there if it is at all possible. The snap of the "Sportsmen" holding that good catch in No.262 was taken near Jemaluang just before we moved to Gemas. The "Sportsmen" at B Echelon, with a little digging simply ran the water off some fish breeding ponds and, "voila", enough fish to feed 3 Companies. The good looking one, right front, is yours truly, Bert Phillips is just left of centre and Bob Cahill is extreme left. If I could borrow the negative or if not, one of the original photos, so I could get some copies, I would be most grateful. Yours & regards to all. H." (Henry sends in for a tie & a little extra. Thanks received 23/9/81.) Betty Copley (Widow of Frank - Band Bn. HQ) - Bli Bli Q. Betty gives us her news, "I am writing at long last to thank you so very much for sending me all those past copies of Makan. How very interesting they are still, have not yet read all of them and now having received the last issue, I will take them up to Darwin at Christmas, when I go to see my children. My 2 youngest children & myself are making a new way of life; that's all one can do, isn't it. I am sure Frank wouldn't like us to be unhappy. My eldest son, Mark, who will be 16 in October, has taken on his Dad's job of doing the garden for me and odd jobs around the house, his father would be proud of him. I have had a visit from Stan & Colleen Grainger from Caboolture. They drove all the way up here to see me, it was lovely to hear a few stories he had to tell. Hope to see them again - it was a long drive. Over 100 km, I hope this letter finds you well and I see that you are kept busy, but I am sure it gives you many happy moments as well as sad. My Kind Regards, Betty Copley." Ken & Betty Parry - Chermside West, Bris. 4032 - D Company Ken sends in for a tie and also says that he ordered a Plaque at Tamworth, "Could you check and let me know how much I have to pay and when delivery is expected. (Ed. note; see Makan 261 May/July page 5. You should have it by now.) Monica Folkard (Jack's Widow – Pioneers, HQ Company) - West Wyalong Monica writes, "So sorry that I have taken so long to answer your letter, but I have been away, so have only just received it. However I have good news for you...have discovered the whereabouts of Val Henning. One of the advantages of a manual exchange is that one can ring the exchange lady and ask her some questions: I found out that Val's sister, Mrs. Albert Langford, lives in West Wyalong, so was able to ring her and get his address. He lives in Sydney, so it should be easy for you to contact him at: Hornsby Heights. I enjoy reading Makan, and one day might get to a Reunion, but at present am always so busy, that I don't seem to be able to fit it in. Do hope you all have a super time at the National Reunion in October and meet up with all your 2/30 friends. All the best, Monica." (You are getting as good as the old sleuth himself in the methods you employ to find things, Monica. Ed.) Arthur & Claire Buckingham - Killarney Vale - B Company Arthur sends a donation & postage for Diary. "Fred Butt dropped it in. Hope you are feeling better, Regards to all. Arthur." (Thanks Arthur, received 23/9/81. Ed.) Andy & Betty Noble – Longueville, 2066 - D Company Andy sends in for a tie and writes, "Thanks for the Birthday Card and good wishes. Son and daughter-in-law from Melbourne plus two grandchildren, daughter and her husband and two grandchildren Bathurst, daughter & husband and one grandchild from Sydney, joined with family and close friends to celebrate my 60th. I have retired as a partner of the firm as at 30th June last, but am retaining an interest and quite a bit of work as a consultant. I am enjoying the freedom after 44 years at Duesbury's, keeping fairly active in Legacy as a Vice-President. The 2/30 Bn. is well represented in Sydney Legacy with Steve Allardice, Ron Chipps, Arch Dickinson, Bill Ennis, Rex Hall, Ian Pryce, Noel Johnston and Athol Charlesworth all doing sterling service. My most sincere thanks to you & all the bays who do so much to make our Association the wonderful organisation it is. Kind Regards, Andy." Albert Hodge – Gilgandra, 2827 - A Company Sends in a donation, (Thanks Albert, received 24/9/81 Ed.) postage for Diary and a tie and says, "I am not bad, a bit of arthritis, had one cataract removed, the left one. The right eye is starting to go now. Regards to all. Bert." Colin Brewin – Stanmore, 2048 - D Company Colin sends in for Life Membership and a donation (Thanks Colin, received 24/9/81 Ed.) he says, “I am very sad to read so many chaps have passed. Ron McLean (A Company) used to visit us, when he was down and always sent a card at Xmas time. Then they stopped, and I was so worried for him. I am a T.P.I. pensioner now. I can't get about much now, as I have leg trouble, but I will try to get to some of the functions. All the Best, Colin Brewin. (Welcome aboard; all you have to do Colin is phone Kevin Ward at home and we feel sure that he can organize someone with transport who, when passing, can pick you up to go to any function. Ed.) Des & Ivy Duffy - Brighton-Le-Sands 2216 - B Company We have had a letter from Ivy who sends dues for Makan (Thanks Ivy, received 24/9/81 Ed.) and said that Des had had another bad turn. He still has his brain quite clear, but can neither talk now or see. They only thought he had a few days to live, but he is still hanging on. Ivy hasn't been well herself, but keeps going with strong willpower. Jack & Lyn Langley - North Curl Curl, 2099 - B Company Lyn does the unpaid secretary job and says, "Many thanks for sending Jack (Butch) the Diary. He was very interested in reading it, although, he says, John's experiences were quite a bit different to his. He has a copy of one of the race days mentioned in John's Diary (apparently the list was pinned to the betting board), anyway we have taken a Photostat of it, Jack thought you may be interested, also a copy of the Admonition from the Japanese Army, it may be of interest to those who didn't have a copy. Am enclosing cheque for his Life Membership, postage etc., (Thanks Lyn, received 23/9/81 Ed.). Jack is such a dreadful correspondent, I thought I had better write for him. (Good on you Lyn, I don't know what we would do without you, unpaid secretary wives. Ed.) On behalf of Butch, Regards to all, Lyn."
John
Kreckler – Ramsgate, 2217 - Mortar HQ Company Steve & Gwen Allardice - Beecroft, 2119 - HQ Company Steve sends his cheque for ties, Reunion, Plaque, Postage & Gestetner. (Thanks Steve, received 21/8/81. Ed.) He also gave yours truly a few names of those, who are in the fish photo. The response to that photo has teen terrific. We print all names this Makan. Keith & Cathy Chapman - Regents Park, 2143 – A Company Keith sends for two ties. (Thanks Keith, recd 21/9/81) Allan & Molly Venn - Murwillumbah, 2484 - HQ Company Allan says, "Due to 'unannounced' rearrangements at 15/8/81 Reunion at Ballina, many like myself must have missed John Korsch Diary. I left a Diary donation and other moneys with Ray Brown to cover Plaque, Life Membership & Makan supplies for the future. If any Diaries are available, would appreciate one in due course, Best Wishes, Allan." (Dinna fasht, yersel, Allan, by now you should have all. Ed.) 'Jock' & Norma McLean - Strathfield, 2135 - B Company Jock sends in for a tie and Makan Dues (Thanks Jock, recd 21/9/81. Ed.) Thanks Alex for his birthday Card and also Jack Maclay for his note included. He hopes to see folk at the Reunion. Joe & Shirley Noble - Fairfield, 2165 - B Company Joe sends in for 2 ties and balance for 'whatever’ (Thanks Joe, received 21/9/81. Ed.) He says, "We spent a week at Woolgoolga with Con Hedwards recently, also saw Bob Newman and Normie Lee. All seem to he fit & well, as it leaves Shirley & self. Regards, Joe." Reg & Pat Nossiter – Eastwood, 2122 - B Company Reg says, "Having been asked by various Members of our Association, is the Reg Nossiter from Lifesavers Ltd and myself one and the same? I would like to state categorically we are indeed 2 different people. I worked for the Meat Board for 40 yrs, including War Service. I rose to the 'dizzy' heights of Storekeeper of the Maintenance Store, until retired by the Board in 1975. Also I haven't a chalet in France; it's a villa in Eastwood. That is not news, but it's different. Regards to All, Reg." (I like that, Reg, a slight difference gives me a great renewal of energy. I'd like to inform readers also that wife, Pat, is doing a wonderful job in the Auxiliary, as the person responsible for getting to the sick, people. Ed.) (See also Page 10.) Neville & Norma Riley - East Hills, 2213 - HQ Company Sends in for a tie and says, "Ken Clift was most appreciative of the copy of John's Diary and offers a copy of his Book for Unit acceptance. He is interested in the way the Association remains active and close. Regards, Neville." Tom & Marge Davis – Grafton, 2460 - D Company Tom sends his cheque for Badge, Makan, and Gestetner (Thanks Tom, received 17/9/81 Ed.) He says, "In Feb. this year I attended Veterans’ Affairs for a medical in respect of hypertension accepted as a disability caused by wartime stress and nervous tension. (The latter condition has been accepted as a disability since the early 50’s.). Last week I received a letter from them advising that a decision had not been made, as they were waiting on the decision on their appeal to the court. As a similar situation apparently applies to the Repat. Tribunal, I attended a Tribunal in May, when I appealed against the 10% pension granted in respect to my painful right foot (this had been accepted disability since discharge). To date I have not had any advice in respect to this matter, but I would expect that the Tribunal is also waiting on the Court verdict. The blood pressure is causing a few problems, fortunately up to date the heart is 100% OK., but do find that, if there are staff problems, this is a sure fire way of affecting me, but fortunately my Senior Superintendent is very understanding, and takes the pressure off men if these unhappy problems arise. Providing the health holds out, I am planning to retire in July 1983, (I will then be 62½ years) and believe me, looking forwards to it. Marj & I spend most weekends out at home at Yamba, to where we will retire, and we are busy getting any additions, and extensions we want on the house, to meet the needs when the children and grandchildren come home for holidays. We had Reg Napper up recently and he built us a Barby and screen wall. It was pleasing to see so many of the chaps at the Ballina Reunion, especially those not seen since 1945. D Company certainly outnumbered any other group, 14 attending from D Company. Brian and Anne Hayes have been holidaying at the Ps.O.W. Cottage at Yamba for the past month, this being their second visit this year - must like the good sea air we can provide, after the dry air at Parkes. I will be commencing 6 weeks leave on 28th Sept., and will be spending some of the time with daughter, Pam, at Berkeley Vale and son, Graeme, at Coogee, but don't know if I will be able to attend any of the functions organised during October. Regards and Best wishes to all, Marj. & Tom Davis." George Stephenson – Mollymook, 2539 - A/A Platoon HQ Company George writes, "Thanks for all the publications you have been sending me, I enclose a few dollars to help with postage etc. This Diary was very interesting as it covered a period of P.O.W. life much different to some of mine. I see in the last Makan my old friend, Darby Young, had made a list of places he was at from Feb '42 to Aug '45. I think I should do the same. I was wounded at Mandai Rd., the day we moved from the Causeway, 10th Feb., and was in hospital at St. Patrick's and then went to Selarang Barracks. Thence Thomson Rd., Mt. Pleasant, Caldecott Hill, the Ford Works, where I had my first bout and relapse of malaria, then to River Valley Rd., and back to Selarang. Then F Force, to Shimo Sonkurai, and later to Major Hunt's Hospital Camp (50 kilo) Burma. Back to Changi on, I think, just about the first train over the newly completed line. I worked on the 'drome and in the final stages, after I had another bad bout of sickness, I put in the remaining few weeks making nails in the "Nail Factory". Just before the Bn. left for Australia I had to go back to hospital at St. Patrick's again and then left Singapore on the hospital ship "Manunda" for Sydney via Fremantle, arriving 23rd October. Well Alex, I do hope you are feeling fitter. I am reasonably well, the weather is rather cold and the wind has been very bad, so I am staying close to home, All for now, Yours sincerely, George." (George says he may have a chance to come to Sydney in Oct. Thanks George for the Cheque, received 25/8/81 Ed.) Keith & Thora Jones - Burleigh Waters Q’ld 4220- Transport, HQ Company Keith sends in cheque to cover plaque, postage & Makan dues (Thanks, received 26/8/81 Ed.). He writes, "Jack Matthews & Archie Craig from Beenleigh are keeping as well as can be expected, Archie holding up well after the loss of his wife. Mick Hilton is not enjoying the best of health these days, also had a loss in the family recently, and at present is away in Sydney, due to sickness in the family. (Sorry to hear this Mick C.C.) Had an enjoyable weekend on the 15/16th August, meeting a lot of old friends. The Ballina folk certainly put on a beautiful weekend. That's about all for the present, thanks for the Birthday Card and good wishes - much appreciated, Regards to all, Keith." Bill & Mavis Elliott - Scone 2337 - D Company Mavis writes the news and says, "It's been months and months since I wrote (keep it up Mavis, you are doing all right, Ed.) My request for a telephone installation three months ago was then "unavailable" - no move since, probably due to disputes, but most discouraging none-the-less. Thanks for the Makan & Diary – Bill did not recall the man himself but did know some of those mentioned. Am enclosing a cheque to defray expenses (Thanks Mavis, received 27/8/81.) It hasn't been good year for Bill as he had a series of downs since we lost Mum in December and my brother in January. We did gain a granddaughter on 19th December, and of course she figures largely in our lives, a constant source of delight. Bill is awaiting blood test results at present, and has had X-rays, but very little positive relief for all his aches and pains. One gets sick of pills, perpetual pills. After months of leg aches I'm told I have some arthritis in the lower spine, "just take Aspirin" Our oldest son, John, & his wife Trish, have opened a bulk Health Food Shop in Singleton, where they live - they have been in business roughly 6 months and are very keen - both work on fitness and look the part. (Please note, Dal Oldknow and Mrs. Tulloch. Ed.) Erol's wife has been on maternity leave from nursing, but is planning to return to work, organising baby Clare with a sitter. It won't be easy leaving her home & child for work, but due to interest rates etc., an economic necessity. I’m still working as a domestic at our local hospital, but the time is coming, when I will have to leave, & exist on our none too generous pension, like so many others. Gordon is still at home and works with the Water Resources at Glenbawn Dam, which is where I first went to school. The old building has long since gone and the whole area has been changed, but in there somewhere is where I learnt my ABC. My grandfather's farm, down river from the Dam is merged into a vineyard, just a small part of it and covered in grape vines. Grandfather never saw the Dam completed. I wonder what he would think of it all? Bes wishes, Mavis. Don & Monica Schumacher - Birmingham Gardens - D Company Don sends in postage and thanks for the Diary and says it was good reading. Athol & Beryl Hyde-Cates - Singapore Athol writes in for a copy of Stan Arneil's "One Man's War". (We have passed this request to Stan, Athol to post on to you. Ed.) I have had a letter from Brian Williams asking about his father "Snowy". I have done the best I could to give him information. (This may help Athol - NX78041 - Pte. G.F. "Snowy" Williams - 4th RNF to A Company on 2/2/42, Army age date of birth "30/10/16”, W.W.1 veteran and clerk on enlistment. Wife Mrs. D. Williams. Left Selarang 23/2/42 on working party to Great World, was in River Valley Rd., until Dec. 1942, then back to Selarang. H Force to Kanu No. 2 where he died of Malaria and cardiac Beri-beri, 22/6/43) Jim Webster – Merewether, 2291 - B Company Jim writes to say, "What a pleasant surprise that Birthday Card meant to me. I thank you most sincerely for your thoughtfulness. These are the sort of feelings that made the Battalion one of the greatest in the A.I.F. "B.J." was a personal friend of mine in Newcastle for many years, and we had so much in common as our duty to this country. I served with the Imperial Forces in Germany at the end of World War 1. I was a trooper in the 11th Prince Albert's Own Hussars, nicknamed the "Cherry Pickers", because our ceremonial uniform required crimson pants. This Regiment made the famous Charge at Balaclava in the Crimean War known as the "Charge of the Light Brigade, into the Valley of Death rode the Six Hundred." My time with the 2/30 Bn. was very happy and great memories I have of many fine mates, with whom I served. The phrase you (Alex) were asking for is as follows 'IN ENGLISH' LONG MAY YOUR LUM (Chimney) SMOKE (with other peoples' coal) and the wishes of the sender means a long and happy life to the person concerned. These were always the wishes of "B.J." at all times to his men. Yours Sincerely, Jim Webster." Harry & Flo Teasdale - Lismore - D Company Flo sends in for postage for Diary and towards the cost of Gestetner, (Thanks Flo, received 18/9/81 Ed.) she says, "Harry is as well as possible at present and hopes Alex' health is better. Our kindest regards to all. Harry & Flo." J.E. 'Scotty' & Marj Harris – Awaba, 2283 - Mortar HQ Company Marj sends in a cheque for tie, badge and towards cost of Gestetner (Thanks Marj, received 6/10/81 Ed.) on behalf of Scotty and says he is well, as she is herself. (Nice to have a good looking Secretary, Scotty. Ed.) Ron & Shirley Foster - Hornsby Heights 2077 - B Company Ron sends in a handsome cheque for a tie, Malaysian Family, St. Pat's School, Diary postage and Gestetner. (Thanks, received 6/10/81 Ed.) He says "Taking the family overseas - leaving 28th November - to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Penang - Bangkok, River Kwai area - Hong Kong - for 5 weeks. Regards to all, Ron." (Hope you give us a good run down on your trip on your return, Ron. Ed.) Arthur & Descima Isaac - Bankstown 2200 - D Company Arthur sends in for a tie. Thanks Arthur, received 2/10/81 Ed.) Dick & Anne Tompson - Howrah Tas. 7018 - Carrier HQ Dick sends in for a tie (received 2/10/81 with thanks, Dick, Ed.) balance to Gestetner. He says, "At last after 2 years I am now on a disability pension. I remember Graham McLeod telling me his hobby was fighting Repat. for recognition of his disabilities. It is a full time hobby and it's necessary to be one jump ahead of them all the time. They are experts at digging items out of a file, which suit their case, but ignoring items, which do not. I did no good at all, until I was able to get a certificate from an outside Doctor, expressing the opinion that my disabilities were service related. Anne & I have just had another trip to Bali, Singapore, Hong Kong, Manila and Ambon, which was most interesting, especially Hong Kong, which we had not seen before. Older buildings in Singapore are being pulled down in great numbers and it is difficult to recognise some areas. I went looking for a Chinaman I knew in Beach Rd., only to find his premises reduced to rubble. I still look forward to receiving Makan. There is no doubt that everyone connected with it has done a wonderful job. Regards to all, Anne & Dick Tompson. Arthur Carroll – Windale, 2306 - A Company Arthur sends in for Diary postage & Gestetner (Thanks Arthur, received 2/10/81 Ed.) he says, "'Thank you and the Boys for the very kind & thoughtful Birthday Card when it arrived I wasn't exactly 100%. It cheered me up and give me a great deal of pleasure. Also a big surprise, thanks to the boys and yourself. I'm sparking on all plugs now. Pleased to hear Roy Mooney is OK. Best wishes to Bert Hodge, hope he recovers from the op. for cataract. He can take it I'm sure. Wishing you all the Best, Arthur." Gerry & Jessie Bailey and Daughter, Geraldine – Bellingen, 2454 – Transport, HQ Company Geraldine is the dutiful Daughter and writes in with a cheque enclosed, (Thanks Geraldine, received 1/10/81 Ed.) Dad doesn't get around to writing these days, as his eyesight isn't the best, although he doesn't look his 67 years. Dad still potters around the garden, which really looks a picture at the moment, and he reckons his cabbages are as big as our heads. His health is pretty good, the only thing he complains about is the price of beer and cigarettes which he wouldn't go without, no matter how much they cost, (especially, the beer). He still enjoys his game of golf now and again. All his family are well, wife, Jessie, 4 daughters and seven grandchildren. Regards to all the 2/30 Bn., Geraldine Bailey." Alan & Yvonne Charlton - Bexhill 2480 - Sigs HQ Company Alan follows up with another letter after his discharge from hospital on 11/9/81, and says that his leg is nearly better, but that due to the "rest" in hospital, his arthritis is playing up a bit and he has joined the "non-golfers" Club, only being able to putt on the lawn, and to let Gary Evans & Lloyd Stuart know. Joe & Sybil Johnston - Knockrow 2479 - D Company Asks after Alex' health and says if he needs a break away from it all there is nothing like the Far North Coast's fresh air. We attended Jim Speer's wife's funeral: they had one son married with four children. There was a large attendance of relatives and friends at the Lismore Crematorium, where the Service was held. Unfortunately we had not met "Dardie" as she was affectionately known, and the last four years of her life were spent mainly in hospitals. Jim went to the hospital three times a day, just to be with her and to try and bring a little love and comfort to her. After doing this for four years Jim must feel quite lost now. We will be in Byron Bay next week and hope to see him then. They will both be down for the Reunion, and Joe was going to arrange for some Bamboo logs for the Reunion. They were for the P.O.W. Hut at the Bank of N.S.W. Exhibition. They send their best wishes to all. Eric & Eileen Spring – Benalla, Vic 3673 - HQ Company Eric said that the recent arrival of Makan reminded him to send a cheque (Thanks Eric, received 28/9/81 Ed.) He says, "Sorry you had to give up Editing Makan but am glad you are still Chief Correspondent. Have little to report personally, I continue in good health, any next week will "celebrate" my 76th Birthday by working as usual in my workshop. Had a five day rest in Beenleigh Hospital with an operation for hernia. Was working until I went in and resumed work the day after my discharge. Just a pleasant interlude. Good wishes to yourself and all members, Sincerely Eric." Ron & Dot Stoner - Attadale W.A. 6156 - B Company Ron sends in his cheque for tie, plaque etc., (Thanks Ron, received 28/9/81 Ed.) He says, "My brother-in-law is gravely ill with terminal cancer, and I regret that I will not be attending the Reunion, as I feel that I should stay close to my sister under the circumstances. Further, at this time of the year, a number of our friends from Eastern States trip across the Nullabor to enjoy our Spring weather and wildflower displays. We are entertaining one such couple from Sydney now and more from Armidale, Albury and Tasmania will be arriving here early October. Both Dot & I are keeping well and also busy. Daughter, Fiona, and her husband, Owen, together with our grandson, Julian, are off to Great Britain and Europe for their holidays next month. They have both been polishing up their conversational French & German since the beginning of the year. Flora conducts a small business in her spare time for the translation of scientific papers & journals in French, German & Spanish. Friends help her and she gets a lot of enjoyment from it. Nos. 261 & 262 of Makan were much appreciated and I'm glad the pressure has been taken off you, Alex. I don't know how you managed to keep the high standard of Makan going as long as you did. The present arrangement will, I am sure, enable the high degree of interest and newsworthiness to be maintained. (Hope so, Ron. J.) We've had good rains so far this year, and everything now seems set for a bumper and record wheat harvest from W.A. Had a farming friend here for lunch yesterday who said, "We're only in a small way and expect our first advance from the current crop will exceed a six figure sum.” It would seem the saying, "Go west young man" has born fruit for quite a number who heeded the advice. I salute you all and wish you well for the Reunion. Ron." Alan & Marjorie Penfold - Narrabeen – I Sect. HQ Alan writes, "Since speaking to you about the Plaque for the Chapel here at War Veterans' Homes, I realised how few 2/30 Bn. men live in or near Narrabeen, or have lived here at the Village, as it should be called and that there may be some, who would be interested to know more about life out here, and would care to pay a visit and have a look around, perhaps with a view to making an application for accommodation. Expansion has been approved for new hostel accommodation for bachelors and married couples and ex-members of womens' services, also, and some war widows. My wife Marjorie & I have a very pleasant "Darby & Joan" unit and we would welcome any 2/30 Bn. men to visit us and have a look around. Just a telephone call and we could arrange to meet. Several have already done so and applications lodged. I would like to take part in the 2/30 bowling activities, but the distance is a little too much - there is by the way an excellent green and Club here, everything provided for both sexes. Thank you, Alex, for your work and enthusiasm for 2/30 Bn. interests and to Jock & staff, my best regards and good future for all to do with Makan. Yours Alan." (Thanks Alan, for the good wishes on behalf of self and "Staff", also from C.C.) Jim & Peggy McGoldrick – Muswellbrook, 2333 - D Company Peggy writes in and says, "Jim is keeping well and always enjoys Makan. We called and saw Mrs. Dorothy Williams (late "Snowy's" wife) at the Retirement Village and she is a very pleasant lady, but suffers badly with arthritis. Fortunately she has two daughters living in Muswellbrook and knows some of our relations. Regards and best wishes to all. Jim & Peggy." Jack & Agnes Conn - Port Macquarie 2444 – Sigs HQ Company Jack writes in and encloses cheque for tie & Makan dues (Thanks Jack, received 25/9/81 Ed.) He says, "Am very pleased to hear that you now have a good team taking the load off your shoulders re Makan and they're making a good job of it too. Received my copy of John’s Diary last night - a good friend of mine, Tom Shadlow, of 2/15 Fd. Regt. brought it round to me. I think he said Darby Young asked him to deliver them to the Port Macquarie boys. Haven't read it yet but looking forward to doing so and will certainly drop Keith Murray a line re his kind thoughts and generosity. It is keeping very dry around these parts especially at the farm. If we don't get good general rain soon we're going to be in big trouble (again). Haven't recovered yet from the drought, just had an odd light fall to sort of keep us going. Had the misfortune to hit a cow on the highway not far out of Port Macquarie on 21/8/81. Killed the cow in the dark and wrecked my vehicle, and, after a lot of phone calls, have just wrung it out of the insurance company to write it off, and this was only today, 23/9/81. It has been very inconvenient getting to work and the farm, and will be still, until I get the Insurance company to procure another vehicle. Have had bit of trouble with my back and neck since (whiplash), and X-rays have shown that my back, both upper & lower, is not in very good shape, as the joints are starting to fuse together and are very thin. This, together with the failure of my left kidney a few weeks ago, means I am not feeling 100% lately, but considering everything: age, conditions years ago, etc., Agnes and self are not doing to badly, must be many much worse off than we are. Must "ring off" now, wishing you & the team all the very best. Please give my regards to any of the boys you run across, especially any of the Sigs., Bert Farr, Les Hall, Hank Massey, Frank Moore, etc., Hello Phil Schofield. Cheerio Jack Conn." Wally Jordan - Alexandria - Band Alan Charlton recently called on Wally and says he's OK. Harry "Dadda" Duprez - D Company and Another "A" Force Man Joe Geoghegan reports that "Dadda's" son, Norm, is on the dangerously ill list. He has been in Concord but is to be shifted to Lady Davidson. Mrs. June Peterson (Widow of “Bluey" Neil - C Company) – Fairy Meadow Writes in and encloses cheque for plaque etc., (Received with thanks 25/9/81 Ed.) and says, "Our son, Ray, was in the Scouts. He gained his Green Cord. He did well at school and then apprenticeship at A.I.S. He is now a qualified electrician. Regards from June Peterson." Les & Margaret Perry - Narrandera 2700 - D Company Les Hall received a letter from Les Perry and has passed it over for us to read his news. "Your terrific letter received, but I was embarrassed to read all the complimentary remarks and feel that you are at times getting me mixed up with another of our former Burma mates. It is sad now to fully realise that you will not be able to fulfill your wish, that the day you would visit the Riverina, when you, Vic and I, and others around the area could have had many a pleasant chat. So I will just have to make it to Sydney instead to visit you. Margaret would like to do likewise, but she is such a chronic asthmatic, the sea air appears to affect her more than anything else. The Makan appears to be functioning very well. You made the 40th Reunion at Tamworth which was your chief ambition at this stage in your life, so you have something to be proud of, as it was a great effort by you and your wife, and something you will always remember, and proud to be a member of such a great team of chaps. I was fortunate enough to be elected to the Committee of the Bowling Club at the Annual Meeting on 15/8/81. Before I left home I told Margaret I only wanted one job and that was to be elected to the Committee, but came home elected to three others: Publicity Officer, Green Director and Match Committee, which organizes weekend games. I am now kept a lot busier than I had ever expected, so, if I can last the year out, I will be more than happy. Like all small Clubs, caught up in this inflationary period, we are fighting for survival. The Ex-servicemen's Club, where Vic is a Director, and which is close to the main street, is flourishing. I had another letter from Con Hedwards and he reports that he is enjoying the retired life at Woolgoolga, where he regularly has a yarn to Norm Lee and Bob Newman. I told him our family would like to partake of some of the beautiful bananas grown in that area. He said that, if we went up there, we could have all the bananas we could eat for nothing. Kindest regards, Les. Perry." Tom & Norma Grant - Murwillumbah 2484 - C Company Tom writes in and says that he had been quite lax in his correspondence and thanks Alex for his Birthday Card. His sixty years carries him well so we hear. Tom is a pearl in the Area Reps and therefore needs no excuse. He says, "Yes I remember Jock McDougall a Corporal in 13 Platoon. Hope you don't mind me saying, you have given him a standard to keep up. (You can say that again, Tom. J.) I congratulate you on the job you did. I have for some time thought that you were doing work over and above the call of duty. I trust that you will continue in your present position for a long time yet, and in a much more placid rate than in the past. As for myself, I think I will retire early in the New Year. I feel I've done my share. Norma is quite well, but I wish she would put on more condition. Young Tom, as I said before, started at B.H.P., but was far from happy and has returned back here. The people for whom he worked before, gave him his job back, only a better one, when he came back. He is quite happy with them, so maybe things have turned out for the better. The rest of the family are all OK, Best Wishes, Tom." Keith & Thora Jones - Burleigh Waters Q'ld. - HQ Transport Keith says, "We rang Bet Dawson and she was very pleased to hear from us. She certainly is a grand old lady and it was good to speak to her again. Since returning from Sydney, I have been very busy attending Doctors, X-rays and the like, but hope in the near future to be able to deliver books and parcels as you requested. Further I hope to be able to contact the boys in this area and give you a report on their well being. Yours sincerely. Keith." Jack Graham - South Grafton 2460 - C Company Sends his thanks for the Diary and encloses for postage (Thanks Jack, received 14/10/81 Ed). He sends his regards to all the boys and hoped that everything turned out well for the reunion. Dinny & Kate Lane - Heathcote 2233 - C Company Dinny sent in for a couple of ties, (Thanks Dinny, received 13/10/81) and said that Kate had recently had a major operation, "but thank goodness is now well on the mend. The kids - the whole five of them are doing well, God Bless you and yours, Dinny." Eric & Betty Stone – North Bondi 2026 - HQ Mortar Saw Eric at the reunion - he doesn't seem to have put on much weight, but says he is well. Reports that Betty has had nine weeks of sickness, but is starting back at work again. "Zipper" & Pearl Charlton - Harrington 2427 - B Company Pearl writes in her thanks to Alex for getting a lot of information for them and Ack Ack Johnston, who also sends his thanks. She says, "It is very dry up here at present and we need rain badly. Zipper has been busy topdressing the lawn and keeps himself occupied growing all our vegetables. Kind Regards, Pearl & Zipper." Roy King - Swansea 2281 - B Company Roy sends his thanks for the Birthday Card, which he appreciated very much. He says: "I've had another skin cancer cut out since I wrote you last. What with ray treatment, cutting out, and two skin grafts, I take them all in my stride now, as it has been going on now for over 30 years. But when you think things over, there are a lot worse off than I am, so not to worry. Wrote to Reg Nossiter, and he was going to see me, but we missed one another, better luck next time. I have not had any reply yet on my claim for an increase in pension. It has been going on now for about 12 months or so. Repat keeps sending me a letter saying it is still under consideration. Wishing you and the staff and all the boys of the 2/30 the very best of health and good luck, Yours Respt. Roy King." Mrs. Honey Barnes - (Leonard's Widow, HQ Company) - Mirriwinni Q'ld 4871 We have received a letter from Bob Rolfe, who by the way is not too good in health himself, having to see the doctors for X-rays etc., He says, "I've heard from Mrs. Honey Barnes, she does receive a War Widow's pension. Also she has been ill for nearly 3 months, and because she can no longer look after her home and land has passed same into the hands of an estate agent to sell. I have written her to find out if she has contacted Legacy and have given her the necessary information to do so. Regards, Bob." Alan & Yvonne Charlton - Bexhill 2480 – HQ Sigs Alan had only just posted his last letter when he went into the post office and in collecting his mail he found a card wishing him and Yvonne a Happy 35th Wedding Anniversary for which he sends his grateful thanks. He says it was a quiet Anniversary and they were not able to go out and dine and dance the Anniversary Waltz, as he had accidentally knocked the scab off his leg, but it is now clearing up and in another week should be OK. I am pleased that the doctors have at last found the cause of your trouble, but it is only a small consolation, as it still leaves you handicapped. However I sincerely hope that you are now settled in the routine of the treatment, and beginning to improve. Best wishes, Alan." Jack & Hilda Grossmith - Woy Woy, 2256 - Sigs. HQ Company Jack sends in a donation (Thanks Jack, received 26/10/81 Ed.) and gives us the news: "My apologies for not saying thank you sooner for your note and kindly Birthday Wishes for 29th August. I suppose it is something to celebrate, being active and no disabilities at the age of 73, considering that I have survived a number of near calamities in my life apart from the P.O.W. period. The delay in answering is due to a major upset of our domestic bliss. My wife, Hilda, has had a serious operation; is now convalescing slowly, following the operation which was most successful, and she will be with us for quite a while yet. As you will know, Hilda was an active member of the 2/30 Bn. Wartime Comforts Fund and an attending Member for many years of the 2/30 Bn. Purple & Gold Club. I was very pleased to see you, when you called with the Korsch Diary - the 2 you left with me were delivered promptly - but as you now realise your round trip of the Central Coast was a little too ambitious. I too get overtired if I do too much at one go, so I confine myself to a little and often, which seems to work out okay. Until we meet again, my best wishes to yourself and the "Troops". Yours Frat. Jack G." Cecil & Jean Palmer - Scone 2337 - Sigs. HQ Company Cecil writes in and says: "Thank you for the Card for my Birthday, I was quite thrilled to get it. I always look forward to hearing about the boys from the Bn. You do a good job on the Makan, thank you. When I was in Sydney last, I went out and saw Tom Massey, he still looked the same to me, except that he was not as active, but of course that goes for all of us. Thelma was saying how he was remembering about people and things of the past, when we were reminiscing over his photo albums. He could remember names, when I could not, yet he could not remember, where he put his shirt, when he took it off. I am afraid I don't remember the episode of Ray on the pillion but there were lots of chaps I gave rides to, but my memory is bloody awful, I can't remember anything on the spur of the moment, it makes me so mad when people say "you know". (Sorry Cec, my fault, it was Allen Johnson who helped Ray at Gemas A.D.) I had a yarn with Les Hall on the phone. I have to go to an E.N.T. Specialist in Newcastle end Oct. to see if I can get fixed up. Jean is going to have cortisone injections to see if that will give her some relief from arthritis. The X-Ray shows a spinal deformity, which was caused by a fall from a car, when she was a teenager. Her eyesight is gradually getting worse, and she depends so much on me now, especially with the two insulin injections she has to have, it has to be mixed from two different insulins, so you see, it is very hard for us to be separated. If I have to go away for a time she has to go to hospital. We have had some good falls of rain here in the last three weeks and the lawns are growing madly. But Glenbawn Dam is still only about 27% of its capacity. There is strong talk about raising the height of the wall so as to increase its capacity. I hope they do, we cannot use fixed sprinklers. Thank you for sending me John Korsch's Diary. I enjoyed it, a lot of memories were brought back to me of the past on the railway job. It is about time I finished off. It has taken me ages to write this bit. (all the more appreciated Cecil, keep it up. Ed.) I have to go to the Day Care Centre at the Nursing Home to pick up Jean at 4pm. She goes up there 2½ days a week for therapy and she makes cane items and cleans and paints ceramics. She uses the eyes of her old friends to help her. Cheerio and all the best to everyone, Cecil." Jack & Vera Fell - Cessnock 2325 - B Company Jack says "What a great weekend it was. Your Committee should have heaps of praise showered upon them for the manner in which they organised each of the three functions, that Vera and I attended on the weekend of 16th-18th October. I have long been an advocate of mixed re-unions, particularly now that we are all getting on in years. It is so good to see our wives mixing in so well together and getting to know our mates, their wives and families. We didn't manage to get down to the National Reunion as I was involved in the organisation of a week long Invitation Bowls Carnival at our Club. We left home on Thursday afternoon and stayed overnight at Woy Woy with Curly & Beatrice Hardman. Beattie is coping reasonably well with her misfortunes. She has had to have a brace made, which, while being uncomfortable to wear, is giving her some support, and she is not quite so dependent on her walkers. Curly, of course, hasn't changed much. He still complains, if the fish are not biting. We stayed at Jack Maclay's place Friday and Saturday night. We were quite pleased with the service and may go back again, particularly if we get a cup of tea in bed. The picnic at the Japanese Gardens left nothing to be desired, and the organisation was a credit to the Members of the Auxiliary. The photos of Reg Nossiter of B Company taken during our training days at Batu Pahat were quite interesting, and quite a contrast to the portly and grey haired (and in some cases, balding) gentlemen that we have become. What a lovely place those Gardens are. I think they are better than the one at Cowra. It is no wonder that they are so popular for weddings. One of the brides had her day made a memorable one when she received a kiss from "Sluggo" Jones. (That would be typical, Ed.) It was unfortunate that we weren't able to play Bowls on the green on Sunday, particularly as we had the biggest contingent of bowlers that we have ever had. However the indoor bowls was played in good spirit, and, as usual, Bankstown R.S.L. did us proud with the smorgasbord lunch they put on. After lunch we set off to spend a couple of days with Frank and Ruth Purvis, at Cambewarra. What a lovely place this is, situated as it is, only a few miles from Nowra, in the foothills of the Coastal Ranges. Frank and Ruth have a lovely home there, with a lot of big gum trees shading the house and screening it from the road. Frank has two sons in the Air Base at Nowra, the youngest of whom lives at Home. The other is married and lives in Nowra. It was to be closer to the boys that prompted their move. Frank and I went over to Bomaderry on Tuesday afternoon and had a couple of drinks with Horry Cody. We left the Purvis' on Wednesday and after a leisurely trip arrived home on Thursday. Once again, thanks for a great weekend. I only hope that it can be an annual fixture to coincide with the Bowls Morning. For those of us in the country it is a fair way to come, just for a morning's bowls, so it would be better to have something else going as well. Best wishes to all those involved with "Makan" and keep up the good work. Regards to all, Jack Fell." Hilarie Backous (Late Dave Clarke's Wife) - Collaroy Plateau Hilarie sends in a cheque for subs, (Thanks Hilarie, received 28/10/81 Ed.) and says; "I really look forward to reading the Makan and catching up on the Bn. news. Third daughter Robin is being married on 9th January, that leaves one son to go." Charles Coutts - Kyogle 2474 - D Company Charles advises of his new address, and to thank the 2/30 Bn. Association., and whoever was kind enough to make it possible for the copies of "Makan” to be sent to him at his old address. They were much appreciated. Have been overseas for lengthy periods the last two years, so have not had much opportunity to keep in touch. The "Makan" brought back many memories and familiar names. Regards Charles." (Charles sent in his cheque. Thanks Charles, received 30/10/81) New Battalion Ties The Ensign tie people kept the promise mentioned in the last "Makan" and the pew Battalion tie was delivered just prior to the National Reunion of Ex-Ps.O.W. in early October. Those of you who ordered ties through Alex Dandie should have long since received them. If not, please check with Alex or Bert Farr. Many were purchased during the Reunion week directly from Bert. FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE NOT ORDERED YOUR NEW TIE THERE IS AN ORDER FORM INSERTED IN THIS MAKAN. The new tie has been very favorably received and is a big improvement on the old skinny one in the back of your wardrobe. The colour patch insignia is larger and more readily recognizable, even allowing for our generally failing eyesight. REMEMBER that the tie is unique in design and is exclusive to members, who served with the famous 2/30 Bn. REMEMBER too that the tie is not only for wearing at official functions but is very suited to everyday use. In fact unusual ties are real conversation pieces these days. And you don't need a blue suit either. REMEMBER too that Christmas is almost upon us and how often have you been stuck with the problem of "what inexpensive gift can I get for that mate of mine?" A new Battalion Tie can be the answer. LADIES what a nice surprise for that 2/30 man of yours who keeps putting things off! SO PLACE YOUR ORDER NOW AND AVOID THE DELAY, IF WE HAVE TO PLACE A FURTHER ORDER WITH THE SUPPLIER, THE NEXT LOT WILL SURELY BE MORE COSTLY. Supplement with Makan 263 - 2/30 Bn. Association - 15/12/81 Stop Press - Last Past NX34711 - Lt. Col. William S. Melville, M.I.D. Died on 8th Nov. in Dubbo Hospital. By occupation a Solicitor, he was the youngest of the Company Commanders of the 2/30 Bn, having command of D Company from the formation of the Battalion, through its training days. He led it in its bayonet attack against the Japanese at Gemas, until he was severely wounded. Page 112 of the Battalion History, "Galleghan's Greyhounds", relates that: "During this attack, unfortunately, Capt. Melville was wounded, and could not proceed. Nevertheless he continued by voice control to direct his company until it was out of range. He was later assisted to the R.A.P. somewhat compensated by having seen his men going into action like veterans. He was later recommended for a decoration for his able leadership and courage". His wounds caused him to be evacuated from Singapore by Hospital ship on 10th Feb. 1942. Back in Australia he became fit for further service and rose to the rank of Lt. Colonel in the New Guinea fighting. Page 174 of the Bn. History reports that Capt. Melville took home with him the first Japanese sword captured in battle by a member of the Unit. His wounded leg being stiff at the time "Big Bill" thought it a great joke to slip the sword down the trouser leg of his pyjamas for that leg with little chance of anyone being aware that he had it. He was handicapped by a stroke in 1980 and in Dec. of that year had a second one from which he made a good recovery. He moved to a Nursing Home at Dubbo to be near his son, Mark; seemed to be able to cope but three weeks before his death had another stroke and has now passed to his rest. We sympathise with his family in their loss. NX27159 - Corporal George Harold White Born in Elsternwick, Victoria, in 1914, was 67 when he died on Wednesday last 11/11/1981. Although already married with a young son, George White answered the call for enlistment in Jane 1940, and commenced as a "Day Boy" at Arncliffe Drill Hall. In August 1940 he went into camp at Wallgrove in 19 Infantry Training Battalion and in November 1940 he was selected in a draft to go to Tamworth to join the 2/30 Bn. When George enlisted, his occupation was that of a baker, so that he became a cook in the Battalion, to H.Q. Company. After the Battalion's first encounter with the Japanese at the Gemencheh Bridge and Gemas ambush and the continued withdrawals to Singapore, the life of the cooks was made difficult with the lack of air protection. Whilst in the final perimeter defence line around Singapore City, George became a rifleman again, as Corporal in charge of a fighting section, in the Singapore Botanical Gardens. George, was one of the 2/30 Bn. party of 98 men on "A" Force, which left Selarang for Burma on 14/5/1942. He was in various work camps in Burma, Thailand and finally Saigon in Indo China. He returned to Australia on the "Island Chief". George was noted for his sense of humour; a trait which he needed so badly in those P.O.W. days, as he was a sufferer from "Happy Feet". He was a staunch supporter of the Battalion Association and made the most of reunions with his old mates. He will be missed. We sympathise with Marge, his wife, Glenn and Stephen and their families in their loss. NX54474 - Pte. Francis Rupert Brotherson Stevens Familiarly known as “Snowy”, was born on 26/1/1912, so that it would have been in less three months when he would have reached the 70th Anniversary of his birth, but he died on 15/11/1981. He was with the main part of the Battalion on the "Shrine Job" in Singapore. He hid his stint on the "Burma-Thailand Death Railway" in "F" Force. The last job on which he worked was "X" Party, digging Tunnels in Johore. His expertise gained from his Water Board training helped his Team Mates on the Tunnel job to make it a bit easy. The Team men were: Snowy, Arch Thorburn, Ray Duncombe, Joe Geoghegan and Alex Campbell. He was a popular member of the Battalion. His priorities were the Mortar Platoon - No 1, and the Battalion - No 2. He was a staunch friend, particularly to his opposite, the long lean Dave Tate and also "Scotty" Harris. I felt that Dave's passing on 30/3/1978 greatly affected "Snowy". His friendly nature allowed him to enjoy himself, wherever he was on holidays. He was noted for systematically unearthing Members of the Battalion in the District, in order to spend a few hours with them, and savour the amber fluid. "Snowy" was prepared to have a go at all forms of sport in the Battalion - Soccer, League and Cricket, in his later years back home Bowls, and he was a good contestant. On our return to Australia he became one of the early Members of the Association as from 9 March 1946, when he put his money in, and was always ready to do his share of work for the cause. He was an outstanding exponent of the art of parting Members from their money, where raffles were arranged. Of course, his fame, as Stan Arneil dubbed it, as "The greatest ear basher of all times", could have quite well have had a lot to do with it, but he had his fun with one and all. He respected but was not overawed by "Top Brass". He was a willing worker, when the Children's picnics were being organised by the Association, and was an active Committeeman for years, from 28/3/1959, when first elected at the 13th Annual General Meeting, until the working hours and location of his jobs with the Water Board, where he held the rank of overseer for quite a long period, before he retired, prevented him from being able to attend the Committee Meetings and he had to bow out at the Annual Meeting of Apr.'67. "Snowy" had his ups and downs in life. He even tried to mix it with a taxi, but on recovery, was back at his cricket, as though it was an everyday occurrence. However, even iron men need listen to the order of their medico, especially when, as in "Snowy's" case he collapsed and had to be placed in the "intensive care" ward at Dubbo Hospital in May last year. We regret the passing of one more of our mates and extend our sympathy to Evelyn, and to Judy and her family.
“The
Japanese Thrust" - Vol 4 Series 1 (Army) Australia in the War of 1939-45 Who wants a copy of this Official History at price of $5 plus postage on 3½ lb package? Per favour of our Man in Canberra we can get you a copy, IF YOU ARE QUICK, since present stocks are getting low and a reprint will cost many more dollars than we can get it for you now. The narrative relates mainly to all the operations in Malaya in the 1st 10 wks of the war against Japan; experiences of the small garrisons over-run in New Britain, Ambon & Timor & experiences in P.O.W. Camps. 2/30 Bn. Association - New Unit Neckties The new Battalion tie is now available. If you have not ordered yours, do so now, while stocks last. Just $8.00 per tie, post free. To: Alex Dandie
Enclosed
is cheque / money order for $........for…..tie(s) at $8.00 each.
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