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Makan No. 276
Jan/March, 1985

Official Journal 2/30 Bn. A.I.F. Association

Registered by Australia Post, Publication No. NAS0819
Subscription: $6.00 per anum or as set by the Executive
Membership Fee for the Association: Life $10.50; Annual $0.50
Unit Association Badge: $2.50; Unit Tie: $8.00 both plus postage
 

COMMITTEE

Letter from our Patron

To all readers of Makan,

It was very nice early last month to receive from Sully a Card of Birthday Greetings on my reaching 79 years of age.

Sully (Frank Sullivan), like so many of our Association members, is doing a dedicated job in making contacts with our members to show we all enjoy any occasion which is important to them. Other members help in the Makan Team and in the interests of our Auxiliary. We all tender them our grateful thanks and our many blessings for their good health and welfare.

As we move forward into the future we can look at our Association and its concerns with great pleasure & satisfaction. Our fellowship with each other and the feeling of goodwill and ‘of belonging' is getting stronger all the time. Let us keep up the good work and not flag at any step. As we grow older, these values become more important & it is indeed good to feel that 'we belong.'

Gemas Day at Pymble on 13th January, was another pleasant gathering which was enjoyed by all who were there - about 100 altogether. It was sad to hear the names read out of those who were parted from us during last year, especially those for whom we had a high regard is a wonderful joy to have our memories - at such time and with over 40 years of memories to hold on to now, we feel that we have treasures which are beyond value. The best we can do these days is to "Remember Them". We can all do this & keep in touch with their loved ones.

"May God Bless you all, I am feeling advancing age is becoming a burden, but I think the main trouble is that I have lived longer than I should have. Despite everything, I still enjoy being with my friends and sharing life with them.

May Good. Health & loving concern be with you always,

Affectionately,

Noel Johnston
Patron.

Last Post:

Ross Mervyn HANN - NX2578 - A Company
Who died in Moree Hospital on 19th September 1984, aged 61 years and 10 months.

Rose joined the Battalion in Bathurst, and, although of a quiet nature, was popular with all other members of his Company & of those who knew him well in the Battalion.

He fought at Gemas and on the way down the Peninsular and on the Island. During POW days he worked at Changi - after developing Scrub Typhus but was drafted on "J" Force to Japan.

At Kobe House in Japan, he was on working parties unloading dried beans etc., from boats at the wharves, and during this time, he was one of those who used to eat as much as he could at lunch time so that, when he returned to Kobe House for his dinner at night - used to give his meal to one of his mates to supplement their light ration there.

On his return to Australia he worked as a wool-presser living with his mother until she died in 1979. He then retired because of ill health, living on his own money, for two years before applying for a pension.

He was a diabetic for many years and during the last two years had heart problems. At Easter last year, he became very ill and on examination at Tamworth, it was found that he had lung cancer.

His sister, Mrs Thelma Wells of Moree, nursed him, on his return, until he was finally transferred to Moree Hospital, two days before he died.

Burial took place at Moree Lawn Cemetery & the R.S.L. Service was conducted by Mr. Jim Ritchie.

We send our deepest sympathy to Mrs Thelma Wells and her family; his brother Lyle Hann; and nieces Mrs Jan Morley, Mrs Helen Fredrickson and nephew Douglas Wells and their families.

The Book, "Black Jack" will be presented to the Moree Regional Library by Jack Black with Mrs Wells, in memory of Ross.

George KINGSTON – NX42283 – A Company
Who died in a Nursing Home at Canowindra on 27th Sept. 1984, aged 67.

He joined the Battalion on 26 January 1942, in Johore, and became a very popular member of A Coy.

During POW days he worked in Singapore from the Great World Camp, returning to Selarang Barracks at Changi in Dec., 1942. He is listed as being in the Con Depot, in April 1943 and then worked in the Gardens until 1944, as well as on the 'Drome job. On 27th March 1945 he went on the X1 Tunnelling Party to Johore, where he remained until the Capitulation of the Japanese.

On his return to Australia he worked for the late C.M. McKenzie, firstly at Port Kembla, thence to the Opera House in construction, & then to a property at Cowra, 'Talenga', also owned by the McKenzie family. He enjoyed the outdoor and station life - amongst the horses & cattle - and worked for the McKenzie family in all for a period of 32 years.

In 1983 after a severe operation & in failing health, he was transferred to the Nursing Home in Canowindra, where he died. His brother Charles brought back his body, for burial in the family Cemetery at Moss Vale.

We mourn the death of George our comrade and send our deep condolences to his brother Charles and his family.

Neville Billsborough - QX18362 - B Company
We have been advised of the death of Neville, by our Don Sutherland (D Coy) of Bowen Queensland, who saw of his death in the Queensland 'Daily Sun' of 4th December, 1984.

"Bunny", as he was known to us, came to the Battalion on 16th January, 1942, at Fort Rose and fought with B Coy in the other engagements in Johore & on Singapore Island.

He was transferred to the 2/26 Bn. on 27th March, 1942, at Selarang.

We understand that he lived in the Goondiwindi area in Queensland since his return to Australia and we mourn the passing of another of our comrades.

Birdwood COOPER – NX37640
We have been advised of the death of B. Cooper in October 1984.

Our records show that he was Repatriated on the Largs Bay on 15th November 1941 and, regretfully he had not been in touch, since our return to Australia.

We mourn the passing of yet another of our comrades & would appreciate it if anyone, will advise us further.

Henry B. McANDREW – NX47037 – C Company
Who died on 19th December 1984, aged 68.

Harry as we knew him, was one of a large family from Alstonville, where they were held in the highest esteem.

He was in HQ Coy at Tamworth but later, transferred to C Coy. He fought at the Battle of Gemas, down the Peninsular & on Singapore Island.

During POW days he went firstly to Thomson Rd. No.1 Camp where he remained until Dec., 1942, returning then to Selarang. He left there in April 1943 on "F" Force in Train 5, Truck 13 with, Alan McPherson, Bob Millett, Sid Musgrove, Max McClelland and 22 others with names beginning with ‘M’. He worked on the 'Railway' in Thailand from the Shimo Sonkurai Camp & remained there until a few days before going to Kami Sonkurai & entraining to Bangkok & thence by ship to Singapore.

On his return to Changi he worked on the 'Drome before going with the rest of the Battalion to Changi Gaol.

His Funeral Service was held in the Alstonville Presbyterian Church where Noel Hampton, George (Joe) Johnston and Don McKenzie attended. Noel Hampton spoke of him and his service in the Battalion & conducted the R.S.L. Service. The three acted as Pallbearers & he was buried beside his grandparents, parents and a brother, who was killed in an air crash during the war, in the Alstonville Cemetery.

We send our deepest sympathy to his two daughters, Mrs Margaret Burke and Mrs Elizabeth Smith & their families.

Raymond John KELLY – NX57289 – 2/20 Bn
Who died on 26th December 1984, aged 63.

Ray was in the HQ Coy Q Store of the 2/20 Bn., and was mentioned in the fighting at Kranji, where he was responsible for driving out one of the trucks, during the Battle there.

During POW days he was on "D" Force, working at Tahsoa on the "Death Railway", until the finish of the Line, and then went to Japan where he was situated at Kobe House

On his return to Australia he firstly worked with the Government Stores Department & then in the Central West for about 10 years. He then returned to Sydney & joined Consolidated Press & John Fairfax & Co. Ltd., until he retired in 1978.

Ray was very active in R.S.L. & Ex-Ps.O.W affairs at the Central Coast and became a Director & Senior Vice-President of the Gosford R.S.L. Sub-Branch. He was also Secretary and a Past President of the Central Coast Ex-Ps.O.W Association, and in both these spheres did outstanding work for all Returned Servicemen.

Graham McLeod tells us that each Thursday there was a general gathering of Ex-Ps.O.W at the Grange Hotel, Wyoming to discuss with Ray on Ex-POW matters & problems of any in the Central Coast area. He had an encyclopaedic memory of names and happenings of life & people during our sojourn, and since our return to Australia.

Because of his untiring work on behalf of our Bn. Members living in the Central Coast area our Executive voted him an Associate Life Member of the Association in 1982.

His Funeral attracted a large gathering of mourners at the Palmgrove Crematorium. The Chapel could not accommodate the numbers and there were as many outside as could be seated within. Fred Butt laid a Wreath on behalf of our Association.

We send our deepest sympathy to his wife Pat and his family to Mick & Gwyneth Lovell, his brother-in-law & sister-in-law.

Harold James HOGAN – NX67852 – 87 L.A.D. Attached
Harold first became associated with us at Bathurst in working on LP1 & LP2 Carriers with 'Lofty' Ambrose, & then again at Batu Pahat, getting the Carriers in order before action.

During POW days he went on "A" Force and Lyell Powys remembers that he drove the first rice truck into their Camp through all the mud.

In later years he joined the Bn. Association & became a subscriber to Makan.

He died on 28th December, 1984 after a number of illnesses and the men of our Association living at Taree attended his funeral.

We send our deep sympathy to his wife, Mary and family at this sad time.

Eric Stanley WRIGHT – NX32560 – Bn. Q Store
Who died after a stroke on Friday 11th January, aged 70. He was known to all as "Curly" and, was one of the  identities of the Battalion, having joined at Tamworth, and was placed in the Bn. Q Store, where he was a most efficient Storeman.

He worked at Nestles before the War & was a very keen sportsman representing them in their Baseball Team. He also represented the N.S.W. Colt Team in Cricket. Prior to action, when the Battalion was encamped at Birdwood Camp, at Changi, he was a member of the Bn. Cricket Team as wicket keeper against the Singapore Cricket Club.

During POW days he was drafted to the Great World on the Singapore working parties & from there went to River Valley Rd., Camp, where he was made Acting Sergeant until his return to Changi in December, 1942. In April 1943 he went on "F'" Force on Train 5, Truck 21, with Arch Thorburn, Ray Streatfeild, Jack Stuart, Arnie Trusler, Frank Purvis, 'Punter' Wallis & 20 others to Bam Pong in Thailand & from there marched to the Shimo Sonkurai Camp, to work on the 'Death Railway'. He left Shimo Sonkurai in Jim Cooper's Party of 12 to Konkoita Camp on 28th June, 1943. During his time spent on the Railway he suffered many bouts of Malaria, Beri-beri & Dysentery.

After his return to Australia he rejoined Nestles and played in their Baseball Team. He also represented N.S.W. in the State Seniors at Baseball. He remained at Nestles until he & Olive moved to Smithfield, where he joined the Rheem Aust. Company as a trucker. He retired in 1976 owing to ill health.

He attended Battalion Functions regularly and even did so after his first stroke, when he had to use a walking stick and found it hard to walk. A further stroke in1983 made him immobile & since then he had not experienced good health.

We give our deepest sympathy to his wife Olive; their daughter Mrs. Denise Davies & children Kym, Dona & Troy; to daughter-in-law Mrs. Fay Wright (Rodney deceased) and her children Brett, Adam & Nichole; to Curly’s brother Robert who conducted the Service at Rookwood Crematorium and to Curly's three surviving sisters & two brothers.

Twenty members & four wives attended at the Service.

All the above names were added to the Gemas Day List of Commemoration and read, with the others printed, during the Parade of Remembrance by our President Ron Maston.

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM - LEST WE FORGET.

Death of Relatives

John Riches
We are saddened to learn of his death.  John was Harry Riches' brother, and we send our deep condolences to Harry and his wife Dot.

Return Thanks

Molly Huntley
We would sincerely like to thank you for the love and kindness shown to us in so many ways following the death of Neilson. Molly, lain, Campbell, Geoffrey and Ethel.

Kit McMahon
I would like to thank all Members of 2/30 Bn. for the kindness shown to me and my family on the passing of Bernie, and my appreciation to those who attended his Service and Burial. Kit McMahon and family.

Harry Riches
Would you convey our grateful thanks to the 2/30 Bn. Association for the very kind thought and sympathy in the loss of my brother and thank you for writing. Harry & Dot Riches.

Mrs Thelma Wells
Many thanks for your kind letter on the passing of my brother Ross Hann. I was so very pleased to receive it. Fortunately, with severe drugs, we were able to keep him relatively free from pain until the last couple of weeks at my home, with the help of community nurses.

I think your idea of presenting a book in his memory is fantastic, as so many people could benefit, & we would like to nominate the Moree Regional Library. Yours faithfully, Mrs. Thelma Wells.

Mrs Pat Kelly
On behalf of myself & family I would like to convey to your Members our sincere thanks & appreciation for the beautiful floral tribute you sent on the passing of our husband & father, the late Ray Kelly, 2/20 Bn.

Over the years I have met many of the 2/30 Bn., my own brother being one of them (Mick Lovell), and they always, made Ray & I feel like we were part of the 2/30 Bn.

Please keep Makan coming. It's what keeps your Bn. together. Sincerely, (Mrs) Pat Kelly.

(We will do just that Pat. Kind regards, Jock)

Deceased Comrades

Bernie McMahon
The last Makan tells us of the passing of Bernie, another link broken. As I recall, he took over 14 Platoon, as Sgt., from Edgar Dengate, who had gone to the O.T.S.

From time to time he has been mentioned as ' Stonja', and thanks for letting us know how he got this name. (Correction in Garry Rickwood's letter - this Makan. Ed.)

It was at Bathurst, I think, that we of the 'lower' decks so to speak, came to know him as 'Wakey-wakey'. He had the style & title, at that time, of hut Corporal and, being an early riser he had the habit of clomping up and down the length of the hut calling, 'Wakey-wakey', hence the name.

In those zero temperatures & the sure knowledge that ‘Black Jack' was at his Headquarters, thinking out some blister raising exercise filled us with dread, and not even Bernie’s rather back country grin could soften the blow.

He was looked on as a rather devout man and followed his Catholic upbringing closely. The story is told, which I cannot vouch for, but believe it to be true. At the time of the tank attack on the C Company front at Gemas, Bill Rankin, having sighted the monsters, is said to have turned round & yelled to McMahon, “Hey Mac, for Christ's sake, go to town on those Rosary Beads, look what's coming over the hill!”

Mention was made of him singing 'Danny Boy’. That is a beautiful song, no matter who sings it & I am just a little pleased, one of my grandsons was named Danny. Lest we forgot. Tom Grant.

Curly Hardman
I joined the 2/30 Bn. 1½ days before we sailed – I was 16 at the time, but had spent a few months in

the 15th Light Horse - so I wore the Light  Horse uniform, to make sure I was accepted into the Army.

When I arrived I was placed in the sane hut as Curly and the Bailey Boys! With the feather in the hat, jodpurs & riding boots on, boy did I cop some!

Curly filled my boots with water, Mick & Gerry placed a fine wire under my blanket & pulled it to the roof all night. They gave me hell! They sure broke a young kid in!

So it is with fond remembrance I think of 'Curly' & Mick & Gerry. I have the greatest respect for those three 'larrikins'. The foundation 'Curly’ & the Bailey boys set for me, saved my life so many times. I will always miss ‘Curly' and Mick and my kind regards to Gerry. Aub Clavan.

Do You Remember

Galleghan’s Grove
The characteristic name to be perpetuated in the new Bowling Green being completed, at the War Veterans' Retirement Village, Narrabeen, as a result of the great generosity of Lady Galleghan & as a Memorial to her late husband, Brigadier Sir Frederick Galleghan. DSO, OBE, ISO, ED, our own ‘B.J.’

No need to ask, we all remember the small cottage at one of the two entrances to the 2/30 Bn. campsite at Batu Pahat, & which 'B.J.' selected as his office (not BHQ) and was named “Galleghan's Grove”.

Batu Pahat was the first ‘up-country' training camp & was most welcome to the troops for its better climate and the great hospitality received & the sport and recreation provided.  War was not expected in Oct./Nov. 1941 and the news of the Japanese attack on Kota Bahru on 8 Dec., not only surprised the majority, but jolted everyone awake to the fact that we would be in the War after all. The C.O. responded to the war alert & his Unit was right behind him all the way as we turned our backs on the pleasures of Batu Pahat. From 'Galleghan's Grove' came the orders to move, up to the future battle zones of Kluang to be followed by Jemaluang, Batu Anam & Gemas. At Gemas, 2/30 Bn. fought & won the first battle against the Japanese by an Australian Infantry Battalion.

In retrospect perhaps we may regard ‘Galleghan’s Grove’ as a symbol for the C.O., where he, & we all, saw the War coming to us faster than we thought possible. So it did, but we may now transfer our thoughts to the peace & quiet of the new ‘Galleghan's Grove' at Narrabeen and, give our

gratitude to Lady Galleghan for such an appropriate and splendid gesture to our Commanding Officer. ‘B.J.’ was an enthusiastic bowler at Mosman and War Veterans' Bowling Club is extremely pleased to have the new green space provided.

You may pardon this last comment - just as the men of the 2/30 Bn. were slowly but surely drawn by that dynamic & commanding leadership of 'Black Jack' , so they may be drawn to the little 'White Jack' on the Bowling Green named after him at 'Galleghan's Grove' down at Narrabeen. Opening Day

is SATURDAY, 30th MARCH, 1985, & Lady Galleghan could find a number of 'B.J.'s' men there in support. Alan Penfold.

The Episode on the Royal Singapore Golf Links
I am writing this story in response to a request, by Ran Maston, motivated by Don Schumacher at the Maitland Reunion. Memory is a fickle jade, but I think I have most of the details correct.

“C” Coy was detached from the Unit at Changi fairly early in 1942 & moved to Adam Park Camp. I went with them. At the time we were employed as a 'working party' on the Royal Singapore Golf Links, building an ornamental bridge over the McRitchie Reservoir to some high ground, where another party led by Roger Cornforth was working on a shrine. It was, in fact, by comparison with other experiences, a congenial occupation. The Japanese in charge was Lieut. Kanamoto, an engineer; an earnest young man, and there was little real trouble although we were still adjusting ourselves to the idea of being Ps.O.W.

One day I was contemplating the world in general and nothing in particular when I noticed Roger (a big man who played Rugby for Australia) leading his team across a temporary footbridge just up to our left. He was heading past our site so I walked up to a green surrounded by bunkers to intercept them & pass the time of day.

It turned out that Roger had had a row with the Japanese & was walking off the job & returning to his camp. I thought this was a little strange at the time.

However, they passed on & I continued my contemplation on the side of the bunkers until I noticed a Japanese officer running across the footbridge & heading in my direction. He seemed angry and, as he approached, he drew his sword which he brandished in a most unpleasant way. He was frothing at the mouth and I quickly realised that he had mistaken me for Roger. I could not recall the unarmed counter to a two-handed Japanese sword so, when he became uncomfortably close, I decided I had better move on.

I was quite satisfied with my reaction, I did not panic (much) but managed at a standing jump to clear first one bunker (about 25 yards) on a low trajectory, and then another similar bunker on the far side of the green. The Japanese officer, no doubt without the same incentive, got bogged down in both bunkers which gave me the opportunity of moving down the hundred odd yards to Kanamoto with what shreds of dignity still remained, and reach him & safety, a short head in front of the angry one.

On my comment that I thought I was being followed - Kanamoto replied, “Ah, it is Capt. Aoki, I think he is very angry”. I agreed, as there was no doubt of this by the way he was continuing to wield his sword. However, Kanamoto explained all & in due course the captain turned to me and said, “I Captain Aoki make a mistake, I aporogise.”

Then followed further discussion in which Aoki said, “Kanamoto has very old family Samurai sword.” The swords were unsheathed & I noticed that Aoki’s sword was notched all down the blade. In reply to my question about it, he replied, “Shina”, & pantomimed the lopping of heads - in China.

Aoki again said, “I, Japanese officer - I make a mistake. I aporogise - we will fight - Mr Kanamoto will lend you his sword.” This did not look too good, and to make matters worse a number of my "friends" from “C” Coy had gathered around & appeared to be barracking: it was reminiscent of schooldays: when a fight broke out, the cry “Brawl on”, & a crowd would gather.

This still seemed to put me on the spot, so, to play for time, I requested a few lessons in the use of a Japanese sword. It appears that there is no parry, merely a matter of slash and thrust. There was no question, I felt really on the spot.

However the last remnants of adrenalin did not forsake me and I had an inspiration, I informed Aoki that I had been the champion swordsman at the Royal Military College, Duntroon and that, at graduation, I had become the champion swordsman of the entire Australian Army, & had never lost a fight. I told him that if we fought I would surely kill him. I added that if he went on with the whole thing, he would place me in a most difficult situation, because it would take a lot of explaining to his superiors. I said that, “If he was a Japanese officer & a gentleman, he really should not put me in such an impossible 'no win' situation”.

Further discussion followed & then to my relief Aoki said, “You are right, I put you in difficult position, I Japanese officer aporogise - we will not fight.” This was not the end of it, as I distinctly recall sighs of disappointment coming from my “C” Company "friends".

There seemed something odd about this, and I recall thinking “Who wants friends, when you have “C” Company?”. However we subsequently spent some time together at places like Second Ave., Hindhede's Quarry & Bukit Batok etc. I made many chums & we shared many experiences, e.g. Schofield’s rice grinders & kitchens (I always knew we were due for a move when we got the kitchen floor cemented); Bob Jack’s radio etc. I formed a tremendous regard for those wonderful chaps and have always greatly appreciated their friendship and companionship. Stuart Peach.

A Correction
Arch Dickinson writes: "I was reading the latest Makan over the Xmas period & found the photo of 'C' Company with names listed very interesting. However, I think there is an error in one of the names. I spoke with Ron Sweeney at Casino, & he is of the same opinion.

The person in the 3rd row (L to R) between Randle & Topham is not Blacker BUT FRANK REARDON, who was in 7 Sect.  15 Pl. Frank Reardon, I think, died on “B” Force. Arch Dickinson. (Thanks Arch, but where is Blacker - died Changi, June 45? J.)

Ron Stoner
On 29/10/1942, I was detailed to accompany a Japanese 3 star soldier in a truck to supervise a small working party of Ps.O.W.

We proceeded to a small forested area near the McRitchie Reservoir on Singapore Island. The Jap instructed us to fell several trees selected by him, which were to be used in the construction of Japanese Toris or gateways.

An axe was provided, and two men started felling the selected trees.

I was standing with Jack Egan from Lismore and Allen Warton of Temora and kept an eye on the first tree being felled.

When I saw the first tree being felled quivering, I yelled, “TIMBER”, and heard a crackling above our heads, & half a second later yelled, “LOOK OUT”, as I saw a tree falling towards us.

About 3 metres of the tree alongside us fell on us, grazing my right shoulder and hitting Jack Egan on the head, killing him instantly. It struck Allen Warton on the back and he dropped to the ground crying, “My back, my back”. The Jap panicked & did not know what to do.

We found a flat sheet of iron plate on the floor of the truck, moved Jack Egan's body to the truck & then lifted Allen gently on to it, put him on the floor of the truck and told the Jap to drive us to the hospital at Changi.

Jack Egan's body and Allen were handed over to the hospital & after being given morphia the surgeons encased Allen's body in plaster & he eventually came back to the 2/30 Bn. lines and, by the grace of God & stoical determination on his part, is thankfully still with us.

On ascertaining the cause of the accident, we found that the jungle vine believed to be a loyer vine about 2 to 3 inches in diameter stretched between the tree being felled & the one that shed about 3 metres of its top upon us. The vines have a tensile strength approximating steel rope strength and are quite common in rain forests.

This episode I found most stressful & it haunted me with a number of nightmares.

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