Semper Paratus

5 FIELD AMBULANCE RAAMC ASSOCIATION Established 1982

AUTUMN ISSUE 2019

ANZAC Day NEWSLETTER A PROUD SUPPORTER OF THE RAAMC ASSOCIATION Inc.

WEB SITE: www.raamc.org.au

Coffin of the Unknown Warrior –Westminster Abbey-7-11-1920

2

5 Field Ambulance RAAMC Association

Patron: COL Ray Hyslop OAM RFD

Office Bearers PRESIDENT: LTCOL Derek Cannon RFD– 31 Southee Road, Richmond NSW 2753

(M) 0415 128 908

HON SECRETARY: Alan Curry OAM—35/1a Gordon Close, Anna Bay NSW 2316

(H) (02)4982.2189 (M) 0427 824 646 Email: curry36@bigpond.net.au

HON TREASURER: Brian Tams—453/1 Scaysbrook Drive, Kincumber NSW 2251

(H) (02) 4368 6161

COMMITTEE: WO 1 Warren Barnes OAM Mobile: 0409 909 439

Fred Bell (ASM) Mobile: 0410 939 583

Barry Collins OAM Phone: (02) 9398 6448

Ron Foley Mobile: 0422 376 541

Ann Jackson Mobile: 0407 236 724

CONTENTS

DISCLAIMER:

Opinions expressed in our quarterly newsletters are not necessarily those of our Patron, Executive or

Committee. We welcome any input as long as it is not offensive or abusive but if any member has a

problem with a printed article we would like to be informed in order that the author may be contacted. We

do encourage your opinion.

LIFE MEMBERS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Page 3

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE/SICK PARADE ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Page 4

SECRETARY’S MESSAGE/KIND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ---------------------------------------------------------------Page 5

VALE/MESSAGES FROM MEMBERS/POEM-”The Rats” ------------------------------------------------------------ Pages 6-13

NEW MEMBERS ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pages 14-15

POEM-Dedication of Peace/ANZAC DAY DETAILS ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 16

HAPPY BIRTHDAY/PRE-ANZAC DAY CEREMONYat the KTMW------------------------------------------------------ Page 17

5 CSSB HEALTH COY NEWS/POEM-’War and its Wake’/STORY- “The old phone on the Wall” (Part) ---- Page 18

CLARENCE POWER W W 1 DIARIES (Part 2) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pages 19-25

HMAS SYDNEY & HSK KORMORAN-Health Personnel/STORY-”I am a little Cross but proud” ----- Pages 26-27

POEM-”Rain from Nowhere”/55 Bn IN PORT STEPHENS IN 1942/STORY-USS Constitution --------- Pages 28-29

MESSAGES FROM MEMBERS (Cont.)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pages 30-31

ITEMS OF INTEREST/FUND-RAISER/LATE SUBSCRIBERS/THANK YOU ----------------------------------- Pages 32-34

SNIPPETS/STORY-”The old phone on the Wall” (final) ------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 35

Activity Sheet -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 36

ADVERTISEMENTS: Any enquiries for advertisements in our magazine, please contact Alan Curry or any

committee member (details are listed above) We are not a Charity, we are a ‘Not-For-Profit’, community-

based organisation and we are unincorporated, and have been since 1982.

3

* 2/5th Australian Field Ambulance # Associate

LIFE MEMBERS (Please contact me if I have omitted your name or if any corrections are needed)

All eyes were on the radiant bride as her father escorted her down the aisle. They

reached the altar and the waiting groom; The bride kissed her father and placed

something in his hand.

The guests in the front pews responded with ripples of laughter. Even the priest smiled

broadly. As her father gave her away in marriage the bride gave him back his credit card!

4

SICK PARADE

Dick BOURKE, Bob BUTLER, Derek CANNON, Kevin CARTER , John CLEGG, Barry COLLINS OAM, Roy CROSSLEY, John DAVIES, May DENNIS George DONNELLY, Nelson FIORENTINO, Garry FLOOD, Richard FORD, John GALLAGHER, Joe GATTY, Gordon GRANT, Tomas HAMILTON, Norma HUTTON (Minnamurra Aged Care, 12-14 Clements St, Drummoyne NSW 2047), Ken ILES, Vic INESON, Brian INMAN, Terry IRVINE, John LAYHE, Robert LOVE, John McCARTHY, Hugh (Macka) McCARTY, Peter O’GRADY, Mike O’KEEFFE, Chris O’REILLY, Barry & Heather PERIGO, Karen PHILLIPS (nee Stead), Bob REID, Alan ROBINSON, Robert SHILLINGSWORTH, Rob STEWART, Judith STRACHAN, Harry STRONG, Natalie SWAN (nee Lloyd), Brian TAMS, Irene TROY, Keverell TURNBULL, John WEAVER, Warwick WILKINSON, John WILSON, Margaret WOODHEAD and Jim ZORBAS.

Welcome to the 2019 ‘AUTUMN’ ANZAC DAY Newsletter of the 5 Field Ambulance RAAMC Association. Edna and I trust you had a safe and peaceful Festive Season and enjoying and anticipating a healthy and active 2019. Our Association activities program is contained later in this Newsletter.

My sincere commiserations to the next of kin of four of our members, who sadly passed away during the first three months of 2019. MAJ Neville ROTHFIELD OAM, Noel TAME, Gavin DRISCOLL and Huss MAHOMET. LEST WE FORGET.

I am attending monthly meetings of Richmond RSL, when possible, and will be present at their ANZAC DAY march on Sunday April 22

nd to Richmond War Memorial. I have mixed feelings regarding the future of the RSL who are

battling to agree on a new constitution and a way forward.

I plan to attend the Sydney march on April 25th

to wish attending members well.

This year, apart from the Newcastle contingent carrying on with RFD it means we have one less function in Sydney where RFD has ended.

I think it is pertinent to reflect on the History of our Association which started in 1982 with Lt Col Jim McGrath (Dec.)

as President and the engine room run by Kevin Findlay (Dec.) with Alan Curry OAM as his assistant.

Since 1982, 5 Field Ambulance had been off the Order of Battle but was to return in 1989 to replace 1 General Hospital. Then in 1995 the unit became Health Coy. 5 BSSB. It was changed again to its current status as Health Coy. 5 CSSB located at Holsworthy Barracks.

Our Association, in summing up, has had three Presidents, Lt Col Jim McGrath, Col David Rothfield and Lt Col Derek Cannon. two Secretaries Kevin Findlay and Alan Curry OAM, two Patrons Maj Gen Broadbent, Col Ray Hyslop OAM and one Treasurer, Brian Tams.

Our Association now comprises members from a wide range of Medical and Nursing unit backgrounds and other

key military personnel and relatives and friends of current and past members.

I wish to acknowledge the support of our member Noel Christensen who introduced Alan to his daughter Pamela.

She has printed all our quarterly magazines since 2017. (Some 120-140 copies per print and delivered to Alan to

post to members without E-Mail addresses.

My special thanks to Anne Jackson for her Facebook announcements in respect of RAAMC, RAANC and her family

activities of course. A special thanks to Heather and Barry Perigo and Scotty Boyd for their continued contact for

personal health updates and a special congratulations to Betty and Tomas Hamilton on their recent Golden

Wedding Anniversary.

To all our long-time and recently enlisted members and with constant thought for our sick, Edna and I wish you all

the very best for the future. Good reading and I hope to see many of you, joining our ranks on ANZAC DAY or

joining us for the after March get together at the Sanctuary Hotel on the corner of Liverpool and Kent Streets.

Derek Cannon ———————————————-

Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you sit down quietly, may alight upon you. (Nathaniel Hawthorne)

* We could learn a lot from crayons: some are sharp, some are pretty, some are dull, some have weird

names, and all are different colours…but they all exist very nicely in the same box.

5

Message from the Secretary

Welcome to the new year of 2019. How quickly the years fly by! I hope that our sick members

start to enjoy a much better health outcome as this year progresses. The summer heat has

been unbearable in many states with the bushfire danger ever present and the recent devastating

floods in Townsville, Queensland. Your many friends in our Association are thinking of you as they read

this. If you have a story to tell us please let me know.

I now have to put a “Feeler” out for one of us to take over the reins from me and become our next

Honorary Secretary! I have loved doing this wonderful job (with much help from many people) since 1990.

As I am approaching 83 years of age, I would not like to depart this world (suddenly or otherwise) without

a caring successor to keep us all together.

We need “someone” who has the time and commitment and the desire to make sure our Association’s

name is kept alive and that all our members are treated like family. Do I have an INTERESTED MEMBER?

We have written a “Welcome Letter” to the new incoming CO of 5 CSSB, LTCOL Reuben Bowd and the OC

of the Health Company, MAJ Glenn Sissons (who takes over from MAJ Jane Currie) and to each of their

staff to wish them all a successful tenure with 5 CSSB. We also sincerely thanked the outgoing CO LTCOL

Jason Ingham and the OC Health Company, MAJ Jane Currie for all their past support and especially

Jane’s quarterly ‘Reports’ in keeping us informed of the activities of the Health Company.

I had the honour of representing our Association at the NS Newcastle region National Servicemen’s

Ceremony at Maitland Park on the 2nd March. (I am also a proud member of my Port Stephens NS Sub

Branch.

I look forward to being in your company throughout 2019.

Alan Curry OAM

KIND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS (Please advise us if your payment has not been acknowledged)

Anonymous (EFT $215) for Donation, with kind thanks.

Anonymous (EFT $35) for ?? No name to thank!

Tony ARMSTRONG (EFT $30) for Subs to 2020.

Greg BROWN (Cheque $100) for New Associate and Life Membership.

Michael CARLSON (EFT $20) for Name Badge.

David EMANUEL (EFT $25) for Subs $15 and Donation $10.

Leo FINN (EFT $45) for Centenary Calendar $15 and Coin & Token Set $30.(Non Member)

MAJGEN Warren GLENNY AO (Cheque $50) for Subs to 2021 and Donation $5.

Ken HELSBY (Cheque $130) for Life Membership $100 and Donation $30.

Joanne HOVELING (EFT $15) for Subs.

Brian INMAN (Cheque $25) for Subs $15 and Donation $10.

Ann JONES (Cheque $45) for Subs to 2021.

Patrick JONES (Cheque $100) for Life Membership.

Sarah JONES (Cheque $100) for Life Membership,

Peter KROGER (EFT $50) for Subs to 2021 ($45) and 5 X $1 Raffle tickets in yearly raffle.

Bryan LINDSAY (Cheque $70) Subs for daughter, Adriana, $60 (to 2022) and 10 X $1 Raffle.

Paul MISTO (EFT $85) for Book-”Little By Little” $70 and RAAMC Lapel Pin $15.

National Servicemen’s Association & Affiliates Inc. (Cheque $15) for Subs.

Ian PFENNIGWERTH (EFT $60) for Subs to 2021.

Frank RITCHIE (Cash $15) for New Associate Membership.

Joel RUNCEVICH (EFT $60) for ?? Person is unknown to us! Received with kind thanks.

Rod SEARLE (EFT $100) for Life Membership.

George SIP (Cheque $25) for Beret Badge

Ross SMITH (Cheque $50) for Donation.

Harry STRONG (EFT $15) for Subs.

Irene TROY (EFT $20) for Subs $15 and 5 X $1 Raffle Tickets.

John VASSAROTTI (Cheque $50) for Subs $15 and 35 X $1 Raffle tickets for 2019.

Jenny WEIR (Cheque $50) for Subs $15, 20 X $1 $1 Raffle Tickets and donation $15.

Dr. Phillip YUILE (Cheque $150) for RAAMC Tie $50 and Donation $100

—————————————-

6

MAJ Neville ROTHFIELD OAM was a well-respected

member of our Association.

He joined us in 2015 when he saw that a number of his friends were also

our members..

His funeral service was held in the St Peters Anglican church in Hamilton

(Newcastle) attended by a large number of family and friends.

Neville’s son, Mark, and granddaughters, Lucinda Hill and Emma Rothfield read their beautiful and

touching eulogies. It was a fitting tribute to a man who was loved by his sons, Mark, John and Phillip and

his daughter, Jacqui. A work colleague, Dr. Olga Ostrowskyj, also spoke glowingly of a dedicated man

who loved his work and those who worked with him.

What a wonderful and full life Neville had. Apart from all his medical studies and his practice, he raised his

four children in an exemplary manner with many happy and fond times they recalled and enjoyed.

The local paper (Newcastle Herald) said he was a most revered doctor who only retired in 2016 (at 93

years of age). Neville was a general practitioner and a very caring paediatrician who had an untiring

dedication to his work. He had graduated from medicine in 1945 and worked in Queensland, Sydney and

Hobart. He furthered his studies in England and on returning to Australia he set up a group practice in

Hamilton (Newcastle). The last 15 years of his career was working as a GP at the Broadmeadow Medical

Centre. He would walk to work every morning from his home in Hamilton to the practice in Broadmeadow.

I had been in contact with Neville since his joining our Association and it was a pleasure, on one

occasion, to be in his company at a 1 Field Ambulance “Dinner” in North Ryde in 2016.

Our Association sincerely thanks the Hamilton RSL Sub Branch for presenting the RSL Tribute to Neville.

We thank Fred Bell, Michael Carlson and Stu’ Jones for representing our Association and from 1 Field

Ambulance Mike Yeo, Dixie Duggan, Phil Proust and Graham Quinn (not forgetting that Stu’ and Michael

are also 1 Field Ambulance members)

Neville signed up in the Militia on the 29th August 1940, with Army No: N42298, with the Sydney University

Regiment until the 11th February 1942.

He joined the CMF with 2 Bn, RNSWR on the 27 October 1967 (Army No: 2239877) until the 7th May 1970

and was posted to 1 Field Ambulance 8 May 1970 until his discharge as a Major, on the 21 August 1978.

Neville had no Operational Service and was awarded the War Medal 1939-45, Australian Service Medal

1939-45 and the Australian Defence Medal.

Our Association, and also on behalf of 1 Field Ambulance Association, we offer our sincere condolences

to Neville’s family and friends.

Michael Carlson’s memories of Neville

“I first new Neville when he was the RMO of 2 Bn at Lindsay Street, Hamilton (Newcastle) as a Captain.

Neville was then transferred to 1 Field Ambulance at Michael Street, Maitland where I was the CSM. He

was a good instructor of both medical and army subjects. He was soon promoted to Major and was the OC

of the Medical Company of 1 Fd Amb.

On his promotion, I remember we had a function in the Mess to celebrate his promotion and he was given

a ‘yard glass’ of beer to drink! As he was drinking, and not spilling a drop, I suggested he lean it on my

shoulder…”Good Idea Mick” he said, and as he started drinking again, I lifted my shoulder up a bit and the

beer went straight down the front of his Mess jacket. On another occasion we were ‘On Exercise’ with the

Hunter River Lancers. Neville was in the lead APC and I was in the one behind. The driver of Nev’s APC

negotiated a wrong turn over a creek bed and the APC rolled over. Neville, luckily, ended up with a broken

arm!

On Neville’s retirement from the army I organised a function at the Beresfield Bowling Club. A great many

members attended with our ‘Special’ guest being his ex RSM Nigel Fitzgibbon (AKA Gordon Grant), who

came all the way from Wacol in Qld (Gordon stayed at my place for the night). Neville also marched with 1

Field Ambulance on many Reserve Forces Day Parades in Newcastle”. (Vale cont. on next page)

7

(Vale cont. from page 6)

Noel TAME passed away peacefully on the 6th February. His daughter, Leanne, was at his

side. Noel is well-remembered by his army friends who served with him. He joined our

Association in 2007 when he read one of our quarterly magazines and saw a lot of army

mates were also in our Association.

Noel has always attended our ANZAC Day March in Sydney and our yearly reunions.

I received a disturbing message from Noel in 2018 when he told me of his recently diagnosed

illness and the treatment he was undergoing. We spoke on a few occasions after that.

What a very pleasant surprise to see Noel in attendance at our 2018 Annual Reunion, at the

Paddo RSL Club, in November. Our good member, Theo Dechaufepie, had contacted him to see if he would

like to come and Noel had no hesitation in accompanying Theo.

I must say Noel looked wonderful. I did take some photos but the ones I took were no where as good as the

ones Leanne and Amanda sent me (hence the one above—and this is how he looked to me back in

November)

The celebrant, Carolyn Wilson, read a eulogy on behalf of Noel’s family.

We heard that Noel had two brothers, Keith and Peter, who were deceased, and a sister, Beverley, who is

with us all today.

Noel had two daughters, Leeanne and Amanda and two granddaughters, Larrah and Shelby and a great

grandson, Austin.

EULOGY from Noel’s daughters, Leeanne and Amanda

“We remember as small children Dad ringing the church bells at St. Clements church every Sunday as we attended Sunday school, he played “twinkle twinkle little star” so we knew he was there. He rang the church bells at his sister’s wedding and Christmas day at the Cathedral in Sydney. Dad had a passion for sailing, Saturday afternoons where spent sailing on our yacht - Boronia Grove and in 1976 he sailed with Tasman Tigers and won the NSW title with his daughter Leeanne. He also worked on numerous famous yachts such Helsal and Ragga Muffin. As we got older Dad being in the Army, we would go to the barracks at the Rocks and afterwards everyone heading to The Spaghetti Factory, Uncle Scotty and Leeanne giggled at wanting to open a baked bean factory, Amanda always wanted pancakes. The girls also remember attending numerous ARMY games days, where Leeanne and Amanda would cheer everyone on. They were a part of the St George Police Boys Club they learnt to ride motor bikes on various tracks and Noel volunteered his time. Noel and Dianne had a dairy farm in Wards River/Gloucester (JINDALEE) in the 80’s where they did a lot of growing up and learnt a lot of things such as herding cattle, milking cows, feeding calves, fencing and horse riding and general animal husbandry. They remember one cow, Noel called Sunny Jim as she was wild as ever and every time she was yarded, she would climb and jump the fence, Noel would say, “There she goes over the fence Sunny Jim” The girls remember going to the Show with the Clarke family, where they had a Guernsey heifer called Miranda, where they started learning about showing cattle. Noel loved it so much he became involved with the RAS in the cattle section as a Steward and judge for many years. We know Noel was very proud of all their achievements whether they are big or small, he will always have a place in their hearts and be dearly missed. They will always love their Dad”. EULOGY from Noel’s partner, Judith “Noel and I met 20 years ago, we had a great relationship throughout those years. We were friends, partners and had each other’s backs – even when living apart. We both shared joyful and some very low times together. We were there for each other when we lost special family members and good friends.

When we moved to Western Australia (my home state) for a few years and Noel became a treasured member of my family and we returned to Sydney, I had the pleasure of watching Noel’s joy at being here for the arrival of his second grand-daughter Shelby in 2008 and his great grand-son, Austin in 2016.

He shared a special bond and loved being Pop and Poppy to all grandchildren including my own.

There were times when we tested each other - like when he argued with the television on a daily basis.

…...(Cont on next page)

8

(Cont. from previous page)

Judge Judy and Dr. Phil. had nothing on Noel…. or when I came home with more plants to add to what Noel called… the jungle.

Noel, it was an honour knowing you, you were a great mate. You will be missed; you will always have a special place in my heart. Love Jude”.

Special Tributes were also expressed from his eldest granddaughter, Larrah, and a past work, Troy.

A Tribute from Noel’s army mate, Robert “Scotty” Boyd (read by Carolyn Wilson)

“My Memories of Noel Tame, an Army Reservist mate.

Life as I remember it fondly working alongside a competent and exhilarating NCO. In late ’76, with 5 Field

Ambulance being disbanded, I pondered resigning from the A RES. However, it was suggested that I could most

likely get a posting to 1 General Hospital at Millers Point, holding my current Rank. I toyed with the idea, arranged

an interview with the RSM, WO1 John Layhe, where I met some of the Senior NCO team including Noel. I was

fortunate the Unit could find a posting and I became a member of this very efficiently led and capable team.

My previous 15 years had been with 3 different Field Ambulance Units and I found life in The Hospital

establishment was considerably more complex than that of The Ambulance.

Fortunately I was able to integrate into the team and one of the reasons was Noel (in particular - but there were

also many others). He helped me assimilate thru my early days at the Unit depot, but it was even more so during

our Annual Camps, as these involved the most significant changes to my previous workload experience. There is a

vast amount of tentage and stores required when setting up a working Hospital Ward of 22 Beds, plus the

associated structures for it to operate efficiently. X-Ray, Sterilisation and dedicated Operating facilities, all require

heavy electrical equipment, lots of water storage, kitchen facilities etc., so movement was a much more

complicated affair than required with a Field Ambulance structure. Transportation requirement was high and Noel

being an extremely competent driver excelled in this task and enjoy the varied challenges involved. He particularly

favoured a 5 Tonner with trailer attached. We regularly worked in tandem, so I got to know him quite well on these

movements and he got me thru some tough trips. At one time, driving out of the city, my truck kept stalling at any

traffic lights and as the battery was ineffective (quite common at the time), Noel stuck behind me and continually

shunted me to start it in gear until we got clear of the traffic and less stops. On another occasion en route to

Sally’s Flat Camp, my truck had a mechanical problem when it jammed in first gear. While the rest of the convoy

continued, I was fortunate to be allowed to park it at the local Air Force Base, near Blackheath where I arranged

for assistance next morning. It was a late night followed with a very early start and repairs took way longer than

expected. Consequently a delayed afternoon long slow drive went well into the night. I had a full load plus a trailer

of tent equipment, urgently required, but when I finally arrived in the exercise area, it also took time to track down

my Unit’s location in the pitch black darkness. By then, the previous few days workload had caught up with me I

was so tired that Noel, with the RSM’s approval, stepped in to unload my vehicle, plus he also changed one of my

front wheels, even though I hadn’t realised it was flat; the sheer weight in the rear had counter balanced my load

and it wasn’t noticed by me in the steering at all. I was very relieved and extremely grateful to get a meal and

some rest at that precise moment.

Although we had diverse backgrounds, I’m sure that the Military side apart, we also became good friends forming

an easy going relationship, as we worked together extremely comfortably and each enjoyed a sense of humour.

We joined our “ponchos” for sleeping on night exercises and shared tents at Camps with the Late Bob Hamilton

( our Transport NCO ), so this tended to increase the bond. Then when the pressure dictated some extra effort,

together with the other great members in the team, we would just get on with the task, covering each other’s backs

and generally get it done, one way or the other. Dochra and certainly Sally’s Flat Camps, are names notably

engraved in most of our minds, and the experience gained when some of us were attached to 1 Aust Field Hospital

on a Kangaroo Exercise, at Emu Park, Queensland was certainly valuable and memorable. We even managed to

show them some unknown tricks of trade.

Noel’s engineering and handyman skill provided a useful combination for many of the tasks we, as a smaller 7 day

Advance Party, needed to complete in preparing the site for the Main Unit moving in a week later. He developed

an extremely efficient blue print for a more logical layout of individual sections of our tentage, which proved a

labour saving boon for everyone and was used to great effect. Erecting a 22 bed Hospital Ward and associated

facilities required an immense number of 20 X 30 tent combinations and much ground had to be cleared and

levelled. With The RSM directing operations for the core group in action throughout the day, and also happily

eradicating the hoards of ants, usually biting and annoying everyone. (His method was extreme to say the least.

But it was effective! No questions taken!!!) ….(Cont .on next page)

9

(Cont. from page 8)

Noel would be in the thick of it, generally wielding his chainsaw, but when any obstacle arose elsewhere, he would

quickly be involved with the other NCO’s, in a “think tank” until a solution was found. Fortunately we had a very

diverse group of “characters” with a wide spread of knowledge, so it was rare that defeat featured, although

sometimes not quite “By the Manual “.

The workload involved in the daily routine was strenuous and demanding and because it was during the hot

summer, work would commence very early in morning with a delayed 09.30ish brunch, and then followed by a tea

break and a rest period in early afternoon; then back into toil with renewed energy as the day cooled. Eventually a

quick Dhobi, prior to late dinner, was followed by a “spirit” lifting session in The Combined Mess. This is where

Noel and I differed. His extra third water bottle contained secret emergency Rum, whereas I was definitely a

Scotch man. However if either ran out, then we would happily condescend to share. That’s true mateship eh!!!!

There was constant laughter and ribbing during these breaks but it was controlled, and it toughened our bond to

get the task done.

Towards the end of the 2 week camp period, Camp dismantling commenced, as all facilities were removed and the

area returned to its natural state; give or take a bit of foliage. Whilst, there was always a Rear Party on the Monday

after Main Unit Breakup, a lot of work was involved during this weekend and was usually long hours and tiring. I

particularly remember one Sunday, being the last Land Rover to leave the site at Singleton. The late Tom Kightly,

our Ward-master, elected to drive, as I had already done a trip back to Sydney and had been in a vehicle all day.

Our route was along the infamous winding Putty Road and it was closing on twilight. This was not a great time to

be on that difficult road, and LandRover lights were not great.

Noel was about 45 minutes ahead, in another heavily laden Land Rover and Trailer with 2 other troops, all on the

one bench driving seat. A full load.

Unfortunately, during the trip, Tom dozed off and our vehicle collided with a large rockface on the roadside,

severely damaging it. Luckily neither of us was hurt and we managed to manoeuvre it safely away from the road,

but it wasn’t going any further. In those days there weren’t mobile phones and we had no radio contact.

Fortunately, I was able to flag down one of the very rare vehicles usually on this road late at night, so got a lift to

only garage further along the road. (It was closed as it was well after 2200 hrs), however there was a public phone

outside and I managed to contact The Army Recovery Unit, who would arrange a tow for the damaged vehicle the

following morning. I was then contemplating, how to get back to Tom (it was some distance) and the thought was

real of a very uncomfortable night, when out of the night Noel arrived in the other vehicle. They had stopped,

waiting for us to catch up and became concerned at the long time in between, so came to investigate. Boy was I

relieved, so we returned to the stranded vehicle, collected Tom, moved all the valuables onto the other Rover and

trailer. Then Tom and I piled in on top of it all. It was a big load and an extremely uncomfortable long trip back to

the city, (though certainly much more comfortable than the alternative). We sang and told jokes to keep awake and

Noel insisted on taking each of us to our own homes. I was the last out and it was about 0300 hrs, and Noel still

had another 30 mins to go. We had been at it since 0400 hrs the previous day, but his loyalty to us was greatly

appreciated and never forgotten by me. A true mate again.

Noel had a very friendly personality, loved a joke, and could be quite mischievous. He was described by someone

once “as a bit of a wildcard”. One of the tasks at the end of all Camps, was the washing and cleaning of every

vehicles prior to their return to the Stores Depot. They had to be spotless and it was a dirty, time consuming task

which most of us hated. But out of the blue, Noel would suddenly direct his hose at the closest unsuspecting body

and the next moment, everyone was into a water fight. We’d be soaked, but laughing and his action always

relieved the tension and pressure that would be building up as the day wore on.

Noel had a small business, making masts, rigging and other yachting equipment. From memory, I think he

employed 4 or 5 in his team and he treated them well with generous wages. Regrettably, the local Union decided

to impose their might and even though his team members were happy with their conditions, the Union insisted on

Noel accepting their demands or there would be problems for him. He decided it was no longer going to be

profitable and much to the dismay of his men, he reluctantly closed the business down. I am sure this hurt him

immensely and I don’t think he ever really recovered from that decision.

However, he did return to truck driving, which he did enjoy and to a degree, he was his own boss. Unfortunately,

unusual hours and conditions meant that he could no longer commit fully to the Army Reserve and he resigned.

Like many I missed his general presence, comradery and skill.

Back in our civilian environment, Noel went out of his way to regularly invite me to his home for a weekend BB Q or

an evening meal, or I’d call in sometimes if just passing by. ….(Cont. on next page)

10

….(Cont, from page 9)

To me, they were a close knit family and during my short time living in Sydney, I came to thoroughly enjoy being

with them all. Boisterous fun and laughter were prominent, as his 2 girls, Leanne and Mandy (quite young at the

time) were always a great source of vitality and mischief. They also attended our Corps Day Weekends, with lively

vigour and encouragement for our team and were very popular. I am aware that later on circumstances changed

within the family, but these are my memories from that period of time.

In 1985, a few years later, I received a transfer in my employment, returning to Tasmania and although we had a

chat on the phone occasionally, we did lose a bit of contact. However, I did get back to Sydney several times over

the ensuing years, and it was a priority that we caught up and spent some time together. It was always great to

see him and the girls and relive earlier days. It may appear that I only knew him for a short time, but Noel was a

very influential part of it and I have fond memories of that experience.

My thoughts are with all who have been involved during his recent illness. Looking after someone and having to

make decision on the run, isn’t easy and there can be a struggle to come to terms with all that is occurring. We,

humans, live longer than most in the Natural World, but it is still a short span of time. So please cherish the good

memories and discard the rubbish in the recycle bin.

Life is for living, so enjoy it while you can.

I and his many Army Reservist mates will now only have fond memories of the times when we were all together.

“WE WILL REMEMBER “ RIP Noel. Your mate Scotty

We kindly thank Mr Elwyn Spencer, the Welfare Officer from the Campbelltown RSL Sub Branch, for

presenting the RSL Tribute to Noel.

Noel joined the Army Reserve (No:2207102) on the 28th February 1969 with 1 General Hospital and

discharged 15 years later on the 30 April 1984 with the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was awarded The

Reserve Forces Medal, Australian Defence Medal and the Anniversary of National Service 1951-1972

Medal. Elwyn presented Leanne with the Australian Flag.

Our Association thanks the following members who were able to join me to ‘Farewell’ Noel, viz; Fred Bell,

Theo Dechaufepie OAM, Nelson Fiorentino, Ann Jackson, Stuart Jones, Robert Love, Fiona McAulay (past

member), Michael Moroney and George Sip, a good friend of Noel’s from 1 General Hospital, SGT Johhny

Wong, was also there to pay his respects. Our thoughts and prayers were with Noel’s family and friends.

—————————————————-

Gavin DRISCOLL passed away peacefully on the 13th February, in hospital, with

family by his side.

He was 91 years of age (and just a few days short of his 92nd birthday).

His health deteriorated over the last couple of months and he was admitted to

Wyong hospital.

Gavin was an active member of the Tilligerry RSL Sub Branch until he moved out of

the area (Lemon Tree Passage) a few years ago. He went into a Retirement Village

at Lake Haven on the Central Coast of NSW and he was near his sister, Jean, who

was also a resident of this village.

Gavin quickly became very popular in his Retirement Village and ‘settled in’ nicely. He is fondly

remembered with all who knew him and was a very passionate and feisty Labor man.

It was a pleasure to listen to the below eulogies from his grandchildren;

EULOGY from grandson-Tim Blundell

Gavin John Driscoll was born on 20th February 1927 in Newcastle. He was the third of eight children to his

parents, Mary and Jack Driscoll.

His nickname was “Chicken” — he said this was because he played a chicken in a play at school.

The family moved to Yurong Creek in 1928 and he attended Yurong Creek Public School. They later moved

to Farm 766, Amesbury, Leeton. He attended St Josephs in Leeton.

As a young man he worked at the cannery in Leeton and he played AFL. At 18 he joined the army and

served in the Pacific in Borneo. After leaving the army he became a bricklayer.

Gavin met his future wife, Mary, in 1950, when he was 23. They married on the 7th December 1957. Their

first daughter, Kerrie, was born in 1959 and their second daughter, Tracey, was born in 1961. He built a

home in Chamberlain Street, Campbelltown and moved in shortly after Tracey was born. He grew an

amazing veggie garden and the flowers were beautiful too.

He coached AFL for many years starting with the U/11’s “Demons”. He became a “Swans” tragic when the

team moved to Sydney….(Cont. on next page)

11

(Cont, from page 10)

Gavin and Mary retired in 1989 and they moved to Lemon Tree Passage. Their garden in Lemon Tree was

beautiful and they won many prizes for it over the years.

He also played bowls, and fished, and was in the RSL. They really enjoyed retired life. When Mary got sick

he stepped up and became her carer, with help from Tracey and Jean. Mary passed away nearly ten years

ago.

Gavin moved to Lake Haven Masonic Village in 2014, but lost his leg not long after. He recovered really well

and was able to walk around on his prosthesis with no problems. When he gave up driving (not by his

choice), he bought a motor scooter and would drive way too fast to the shops and back. Gavin is survived

by his daughters, Kerrie and Tracey, son-in-law Roland, grandchildren, Amy, Toby, Jake, Kurt and Matthew

and great grandchildren, Patrick, Samuel and Tristan. WE WILL MISS YOU POP.

Eulogy from Granddaughter, Amy Clark

“Pop was a complicated person. He came from a time and place when men were tough. While we did see his

tough side, Toby and I were incredibly fortunate to also see a wonderful, giving and caring side of Pop. I like

to think we saw his true colours. For us, Pop gave us a home, stability, a safe place and love.

In my early years my Pop was my boyfriend. I wanted to marry him when I grew up. We would have ‘pretend’

wedding ceremonies and I would clean the cubby house and make him mud pies. He would dance with me,

with me standing on his feet, and he would bring me posies of flowers. I also questioned Nan at the time if

Pop was, in fact, Jesus?

Later on, he was a father figure, taking me for swimming lessons, going for trips to the city to watch the

“Swans” play or to go up in Centrepoint and to ride the monorail—having adventures.

We would go on holidays in the caravan, and listen to John Williamson over and over, and over again. He

would take us fishing in the boat, or on the beach in Lemon Tree. Sometimes the motor wouldn’t start and

he would have to row us back in.

Pop taught me a lot. While he didn’t attend church regularly, he did believe in God and the Catholic Church.

Pop was a passionate supporter of unions, the ALP and social justice. One time at my swimming lessons,

he refused to pay the entry fee on principle, as he was only there to watch. He argued the point until the

police were called and a story was put in the newspaper. He liked to argue. He liked to be right. And he often

was. Pop was a man who stood up for what he believed in.

He loved his country. He had no interest in travelling to other countries when there was still more to see in

Australia. He and Nan had a beautiful map of Australia, covered in highlighted roads from all of their travels.

Pop was a country boy and he loved the bush.

He taught me to play dominoes and all about angles in sinking the ‘8’ ball on his pool table.

He loved AFL. “Swans” were his team, and he coached juniors at the local Collegians Club in

Campbelltown. He took me along to join the ‘Cheer Leaders’.

He loved his veggie garden and would grow so much that he had to give food away. I have so many

memories of eating fresh food straight from his garden.

He loved his porridge to be cooked just right and he loved to ‘drown’ his dinner in gravy.

He love bowls, until his knees got too sore. He loved a ‘drink’ and would often give us shandies when we

were quite young.

Friends were incredibly important to him, and he loved his family, even though he sometimes struggled to

show it. He worked and laboured hard for his family’s future.

Pop had a difficult few years at the end, particularly since Nan left us. He was lonely and missed the love of

his life. He battled much illness, and still recovered after he lost his leg. He had endurance and strength that

cannot be matched.

I will always be grateful for his knowledge, his influence, and most importantly, his safety and love.

And I will miss him forever”.

Eulogy from Grandson, Toby Earnshaw

“Gavin John Driscoll was a lot of different things throughout his 92 years on earth. He was a husband, a

father, a grandfather and even a great grandfather. He was a complicated man who had a lot of complicated

relationships. To me, he was Poppy the dad I never had and in a way I was the son he never had.

He taught me how to swim, how to ride a bike and how to drive. …(Cont. on next page)

12

….(Cont. from page 11)

I spent every single school holiday at Nan and Pop’s. Pop would try and cram in as much work and

activities as he could, so much that I would want another week off to recover when I got home. We were

always gardening, cleaning or doing DIY stuff around the house. We built his veggie garden and Nan’s fern

house, including the sprinkler system that exploded the first time we turned it on. We laughed about this for

weeks.

He took me camping and fishing every chance he could, he’d have it planned for weeks, maybe even

months in advance ready to scoop me up and go as soon as school finished.

He was always excited to show me the country that he loved so much, he saw so much beauty in nature and

always shared it every chance he could.

I’ll never forget the time we spent together, all the fishing and camping trips, the Swans games, the time he

drove all the way to Brisbane to see me when I had my tonsils out, the look on his face the first time I

bought him a beer.

He was my dad, my Pop, my best mate. I love you Pop”.

—————————————

The past President of our RSL Sub Branch, Noel Cartwright (now the Patron) presented the RSL Tribute to

Gavin. He was accompanied by other Sub Branch members; Paul Carleton (President), John Head and Alan

Curry OAM.

Noel said when Gavin turned 18 he joined the Army. He was given Army No:N481549 and enlisted in the

Citizens Military Forces on the 21 February 1945 on Full Time Duty. He spent seven days with the Recruit

Reception and General Details Depot and on the 28 February he was transferred to 2 Australian Recruit

Training Battalion until the 2nd May.

On the 3rd May he was transferred to 37 Australian Infantry Training Battalion until the 4th October.

On the 5th October he was transferred to 1 Australian Supply Reserve Depot until the 11th March 1946.

On the 12th March he was transferred to 6 Australian Advance Reinforcement Depot until the 11th April.

On the 12th April he was transferred to 99 Australian Supply Depot Platoon until the 7th July.

On the 8th July he was transferred to 2 Australian Supply Depot Platoon until the 11th October.

On the 12th October he was transferred to 107 Australian Supply Depot Platoon until his discharge on the

9th January 1947.

His rank on discharge was Private. Gavin had overseas service in New Britain from 23rd March 1946 to the

27th December 1946.

He was awarded the War Medal 1939-45, Australia Service Medal 1939-45, Australian Service Medal 1945-75

with Clasp PNG, General Service Badge.

At the conclusion of the RSL Tribute, Paul Carleton presented Gavin’s eldest daughter, Kerrie, with the

Australian Flag.

——————————————

Hussen (Huss) MAHOMET passed away on the 5th March with family by his side. He was 78 years of

age. Huss had been on dialysis for about the last 20 years and the last six months saw his

health decline rapidly.

Huss’s family arranged for him to be brought back from Redcliffe (QLD) to their Catholic

Church in Greystanes (NSW), for his funeral ceremony on the 19th March.

Huss and his family were devout Christians and Our Lady Queen of Peace Church was their

church when they lived in western Sydney.

The priest, Fr. Paul Marshall, spoke in glowing terms about Huss and his faithful commitment to his faith.

His loving family all took a part in his ‘Farewell’ and I take great pleasure in thanking his daughter, Claire,

for allowing me to place her Eulogy, on behalf of the family, in our magazine. It gave us wonderful insight

into a loving, father and husband and grandfather.

I was very grateful to the Fairfield RSL Sub Branch for the services of their Welfare Officer, Paul Bryant, in

conducting the RSL Tribute.

Paul informed everyone that that Huss enlisted in the CMF (Citizens Military Forces) on the 21st October

1958 with Army Number 2127067 until his “Call Up” for National Service on the 11th August 1959. His NS

Number was 2779895 and underwent 3 months Full Time Service with the 13th NS Training Bn at Bardia

Barracks, Ingleburn until the 26th October 1959, and was then transferred to 5 Field Ambulance from the

27th October 1959 until his honourable discharge from the CMF on 17 July 1967 with the rank of Corporal. (Cont. on next page)

13

(Cont from page 12)

Huss was awarded the ANSM 1951-1972 Medal and is also entitled to be awarded the Australian Defence

Medal.

Paul invited all serving and ex-serving members of the ADF to come forward and place a poppy on Huss’s

casket. After the LAST POST, ODE, and REVIELLE was over, Paul presented the Australian Flag to Huss’s

widow, Judith.

I would like to thank our members, and other ADF personnel, who attended and also formed an “Honour

Guard” as Huss was brought into the church prior to, and as he was escorted out at the end of, the service:

- Fred Bell (our ASM), Paul Bryant, Alan Curry OAM, Nelson Fiorentino, Norma Jensen, Stu’ Jones, Bill

Rylands, George Sip, Brian Tams and John Weaver. (I am waiting for Huss’s daughter, Claire, to ‘forward’ me the insightful eulogy she presented on behalf of her family so I can print it in

our Newsletter).

MESSAGES FROM MEMBERS (see Pages 30 & 31 also)

Brian INMAN passes on his good wishes to his friends in the Association. He said he is grateful for the

friends he has and their support they give to him. (Good on you Brian. I know how hard it is and thankfully you have family and friends to support you. I hope when you read this you

are in a good place.)

———————————-

Ross SMITH enjoys reading all the news and passes on his good wishes to all our members. Ross wrote

to wish us a Happy Christmas and is looking forward to our next magazine. (Good on you Ross. I hope you and Jean are in good health. For a man in his nineties I compliment you on your handwriting.)

——————————-

Roy CROSSLEY passes on his good wishes to all his friends in our Association. His wife, Betty, had a

nasty fall a while back and busted a couple of ribs. She said Roy has slowed down a lot and was very sorry

to hear about the passing of his old mate Huss Mahomet. Betty said Roy would have liked to have visited

Huss but travelling for him is not good any more. She doubts if Roy will be well enough for their local AN-

ZAC Day Ceremony. (Thank you Betty, for your messages. We hope when you read this you are back to your normal self. I am pleased that Roy has you by

his side. Pass on our good wishes to him.)

———————————

POEM-”THE RATS”

ALL DOWN THROUGH HISTORY, RELIGION HAS BEEN A CURSE FOR IT’S CAUSED TOO MANY PROBLEMS, LIKE FAMILY ROWS AND WORSE

SO THE GOOD LORD SENT A PLAGUE OF RATS, TO UNITE MAN WITH ONE CAUSE AND FREE THEIR MINDS FROM EVIL THOUGHTS, LIKE BIGOTRY AND WARS

THE RATS DESCENDED ON THE EARTH AND MADE THE PLACE THEIR HOME

BEFORE SCAMPERING OFF TO EVERY CHURCH, ON ITS’ SACRED LOAM THE PEOPLE CRIED IN ANGUISH, “LORD KEEP THESE PESTS AT BAY”

BUT THE LORD REPLIED “JUST DEAL WITH IT, EACH IN YOUR OWN WAY”

WELL THE BAPTISTS MADE A WATER SLIDE, FOR THE RODENTS TO SLIP DOWN WITH A GREAT FONT AT THE BOTTOM, IN WHICH THEY’D SURELY DROWN

BUT IT PROVED TO BE TOO POPULAR, WITH THE QUEUE LINE ON THE FLOOR SO THE CHOIR JUST SANG OUT OF TUNE, AS THE VERMIN SHOT OUT THE DOOR

NEXT UP WERE THE ANGLICANS, BUT BEFORE THEY WENT INSIDE

KING RAT GAVE THEM THIS ADVICE, “DON’T GO IN THERE, JUST HIDE THESE ENGLISH HAVE LONG MEMORIES, BUT SOME MAY SEEM QUITE VAGUE

WE’VE NEVER BEEN FORGIVEN’ FOR PASSING ON THE PLAGUE”

THE CATHOLICS THEY HAD A PLAN, BUT NOT A TOTAL FIX WHEN IT COMES TO TRICKY ISSUES. YOU CAN’T GO PAST THE MICKS

THEY MADE THEM ALL LEFT FOOTERS, BUT ON THE BOTTOM TIER NOW THEY ONLY COME TO MASS ON CHRISTMAS DAY EACH YEAR

THEN THEY FOUND THE BORN AGAINS, WHOSE FERVOUR NEVER FAILS

SHOUTING HALLELUYA AND STOMPING ON THEIR TAILS SPEAKING IN THE STRANGEST TONGUES, AS IF HEAVEN SENT

WHEN THE PLATE WAS PASSED AROUND, NO ONE HAD THE TEN PERCENT

WHEN THEY SWARMED INTO THE SYNAGOGUE, THE HEBREWS HAD A PLAN THEY MADE KING RAT ONE OF THEM AND HE JOINED THE CHOSEN CLAN

THEY FOLLOWED THE TRADITION, THAT GAVE THEIR MATES A FRIGHT THE RABBI HAD HIM CIRCUMCISED, NOW THERE’S NOT A RAT IN SIGHT.

Tomas Hamilton-Feb 2019

14

WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS

Frank RITCHIE is an old friend from my working days as a tally clerk. He

has always enjoyed reading our newsletters and our paths often crossed at

Defence ceremonies like the AHS Centaur Commemoration at the chapel in

Concord Repat Hospital and ANZAC Ceremonies at the Kokoda Track

Memorial Walkway.

Frank gladly accepted our invitation to join us as an Associate Member and is

in the process of writing ‘something’ about himself. When it is to hand I will place it in our newsletter for

your benefit.

In the meantime Frank is sincerely welcomed into our Association and I hope we get the chance to

introduce both he and his wife, Barbara, to some of us in the near future.

———————————————

Gregory BROWN is also ex Tally Clerk friend during his working days when he was with P & O Ports. I

can’t recall his dad, John, who was also a Tally clerk and worked for Patrick’s Stevedoring. Greg said his

dad passed away in 1977. He was only 52 years of age. He had been medically discharged and spent some

time in the psychiatric ward of Concord Repat Hospital. Greg vividly recalls his dad screaming blood-

curdling yells in the middle of the night. He has been laid to rest in the cemetery at Frenchs Forest (NSW)

and has a Commonwealth War Grave plaque in Rookwood Cemetery.

Greg said his dad was in WW 2 and was sent to New Guinea. He was a “Chocolate Soldier”. (an early derogatory term put on our CMF soldiers who were quickly dispatched to Port Moresby, New Guinea, to face the first advance of the elite, previously undefeated, Japanese Army as they started south from the Buna and Gona beach-heads toward the Kokoda Track with the aim of capturing Port Moresby, in early 1942. The battle-hardened troops of the 7th Division, who were brought back to Australia from the Middle East to ‘relieve’ the ‘Chocos’, very quickly changed their opinion to admiration for their ‘brothers-in-arms’ when it was realised the enormous sacrifices the ‘Chocos’ had endured, in stemming the Japanese advance)

I received this poem from Lyn Lockrey whose father served in New Guinea in World War II and wanted to acknowledge in his poem the heroism of the heavily outnumbered young militia soldiers of the 39th Australian Infantry Battalion who blocked the advance of an elite Japanese army towards Port Moresby for a month until relieved by battle-toughened 2nd AIF troops returned from the Middle East.

In the early days of World War II, Australia began to recruit a volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force (2nd AIF) for service overseas in the defence of Britain and its colonial empire against Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy. Australia's conscripted militia army was only permitted to serve in the defence of Australia and its external territories. The limited service options for militia troops earned them the dismissive label "chocolate soldiers" or "chocos" from the AIF who were headed for the Middle East. The implication being that the militia "chocos" would melt if exposed to the heat of battle. As it turned out, it was not the 2nd AIF but the "chocos" who first met and blocked elite Japanese troops of the Nankai Shitai crossing the Kokoda Track and capturing the last Allied base on the large island of New Guinea - Australia's Port Moresby.

The neglect by Generals MacArthur and Blamey to send seasoned AIF troops to New Guinea at the earliest opportunity could have had disastrous consequences for Australia when six thousand battle-toughened Japanese troops began their determined push along the Kokoda Track towards Port Moresby in late August 1942. When that happened, all that stood initially between a powerful Japanese army and Port Moresby were several hundred inexperienced, poorly equipped, and poorly supplied militia troops of the 39th Battalion who were determined to make a fighting stand at the village of Isurava

located on a high northern ridge of the rugged Owen Stanley mountains. Although exhausted from constant battle, reduced to rags of clothing, and starving, every member of the 39th Battalion knew that if the Japanese broke through they could reach Port Moresby and threaten the Australian mainland. Although always outnumbered by at least five to one by Japanese armed with artillery, mortars, and heavy machine guns, the lightly armed "chocos" of the 39th Battalion held the Japanese for over one month under appalling conditions until relieved by battle-toughened men of the 2nd AIF Seventh Division.

After Isurava, the Australian militia troops were accepted as brothers-in-arms by the men of the 2nd AIF who never again referred to the militia as "chocos"…

.(Cont. on next page…..)

The 'Chocolate Soldiers' of New Guinea By A. E. Lockrey

The heat and the haze of the jungle Enshroud them on every side, The dank and the damp so insistent They contend with in youthful pride: Dark terrors are there in the lurking, In shady concealment they hide, But the defiant Chocolate Soldiers Have suffered and bled and died.

Through the trackless mountain passes, Through the deadly swampland drear, In the slush of endless mudlands They plod; and the enemy near Is crafty, and cunning and silent, But the Chocos have no fear As, shedding their blood in the jungle They fight for their country so dear.

And who will dare with sneering To say they cannot face, All this, and more if needs be For the honour of their race? And how can mind forget it, And how can time efface, Such valour must be given In history’s page a place.

15

(...Cont from previous page)

Greg’s dad was with the 73rd AASL and mainly stationed at Port Moresby and Lae airstrips. Greg said his

dad had seen an American B-17 Bomber land on the airstrip and saw what was left of the tail gunner being

hosed out of the aircraft. The airfields he was at were continually bombed and strafed by Mitsubishi Zero’s

and bombers.

Greg said an amusing incident concerning his dad, John, and a fellow soldier friend, which is recorded in

the narrative history of “The Long White Finger” book. It seems that John was intent of ridding the smell

that emanated from the unit’s “thunderbox” and he ’procured’ a few gallons of 100% octane petrol and

poured it into the smelly ’thunderbox’, struck a match and whoosh.

That was not the end of it because some time later his mate came to use toilet and was unaware of what

John had done. His mate had settled comfortably on the ’throne’ and proceeded to read a magazine and

have a fag. He doesn’t remember too much after he finished his cigarette and threw the butt between his

legs and into the ‘thunderbox’, because another explosion occurred which blew the ’thunderbox’ to pieces

and shot him and his trousers into the air. Luckily, he did not sustain any lasting injury. John’s mate

thought John should give up his ’smelling’ addiction whilst John said his mate should give up smoking—at

least when he is on the toilet!

I have taken much interest in recording Greg’s messages to me, such as his dad had a great uncle who

served in WW 1, in France. His name was Cornelius Danswan ( a study on him was carried out by Monash University)

and, interestingly, Cornelius’s sister, Elizabeth, was involved with a man by the name of Robert Hall, who

was the brother of the infamous Australian bushranger, Ben Hall!

Cornelius’s father, Thomas, was from China and worked on the Wirrah station on the Liverpool plains in the

late 1800’s. The station carried over 200,000 head of sheep and over 30,000 head of cattle. It was the largest

shearing shed in the southern hemisphere with nearly all (cheaply imported) Chinese shearers and

labourers!

Another past relative was a William Hunt. He earned a ‘free’ trip to Australia-a life sentence for horse

stealing. He was a bigamist! He met a tragic and gory death by their farm boar which ‘turned’ on him in the

pig’s feeding pen. (The tragic event was recorded in the ‘Shoalhaven Advertiser’ on the 21st October 1875)

There was another great uncle, Staff Sergeant Arthur Thwaites. He was in the Australian Army medical

Corps. He was ‘on board’ the HMAT Boonah (another interesting story later) and fell overboard, when in a

delirious condition, in the Indian Ocean. His body was never recovered and it was recorded as ’suicide’!

Greg understands the Brown family were assisted immigrants, in 1885, from Berwick-Upon-Tweed. He can’t

find much evidence of the marriages except that Berwick-Upon-Tweed is not far from Lamberton Toll,

indicating a Scottish border wedding (records of which are scarce) with the wive’s surnames being Liddle,

Gray and Anderson from the area of Glasgow-Edinburgh.

Anyway Greg we are very pleased to welcome you into our Association as an Associate Member and

hopefully meet up with you in the near future.

Your diet is not what you eat. It is what you watch, what you listen to, what you read, the people you hang

around….be mindful of the things you put into your body—emotionally, spiritually and physically.

16

ANZAC DAY

SYDNEY MARCH DETAILS The 25th April is regarded as inviolable in Australia’s military history. It is a day when those able to take

an active part meet with fellow unit members and march in remembrance of fallen comrades.

It had its beginnings during the first world war, with those who were killed at Gallipoli and later on in

France and the Western Front. The 25th of April is a Public Holiday and we REMEMBER, and we are

extremely mindful of all those who have paid the supreme sacrifice in ALL the conflicts that our

Australian forces have and are still involved in.

To all our past and present serving members we hope you seek out your old or current unit (no matter

where you live) and be proud to march alongside your mates.

For those taking part in the Sydney March, the details are:-

MEET & FORM UP: In O’Connell Street (Near the corner of Hunter Street). LOOK for our Medical Banner.

TIME: 10.30am

DRESS: Cadets and ADF Personnel IN UNIFORM, Gents—Lounge Suit, Tie, Beret, NAME BADGE. Ladies-

as appropriate. MEDALS TO BE WORN.

After the march (about 12.30pm) we will meet at the Sanctuary Hotel, 545 Kent Street (at the corner of

Liverpool Street).

Lunch and beverages will be at our own expense. If you are unable to march please know you will be

made most welcome at the Luncheon.

—————————————-

17

HAPPY ”AUTUMN” BIRTHDAY TO OUR FOLLOWING MEMBERS

MARCH APRIL MAY

Tony ARMSTRONG Ashleigh BORG Rosemarie ALLEN

Trevor BARNES Scotty BOYD Alan BECKERLEG

Warren BARNES OAM Kevin CARTER John CHARTER

Barry COLLINS OAM David COOPER OAM Pat CURRY

Mavis DENNIS Joshua EVANS Gordon CURTIS

Dr. Ken DOUST OAM Richard FORD Theo DECHAUFEPIE OAM

Julie EVANS Ray GREENFIELD Madeline EVES

Brian HARTLEY Doreen FORD Ron FOLEY James HOOLAN Jr. Joe GATTY

Kevin HURRELL Greg HUBBARD Victoria GORRIE

Paul MISTO Vic INESON Ken ILES

Charles MURRAY Stuart JONES Brian INMAN

Yvonne McLEAN Anthony JORDAN Terry IRVINE OAM

Ken McNUFF Igor LEMECH Colin LEE

John O'BRIEN Greg LEWIS-PHILLIPS Kathleen LOADSMAN

Peter O'GRADY Don MELVILLE Dr. Richard NG

Charles O'MEALLY Maurice PORTER Robert PEARSON

MAJGEN John PEARN AO Karen PHILLIPS Dr. Geoff. PRIOR

Reg PERRY Mitch PICKETT Matthew VERCOE

Dr. Ian PFENNIGWERTH John PRICE David WASSON

Dr. John ROCHE OAM Dr. Bob REID Don WIKNER

Ross SMITH Bill RYLANDS

Harry STRONG Natalie SWAN Silence and Smile are two very powerful Debra TAYLOR Barbara SEPHTON tools. Smile is the way to solve many Lindsay WASSON Ian TUCKER problems and Silence is the way to Alex WILLIAMS Dr. Michael TYQUIN avoid many problems.

Don’t let your emotions overpower Thomas VELLA God never shuts one door without

your intelligence. Kimberley WARNOCK opening another.

PRE-ANZAC DAY CEREMONY The Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway committee have sent our Association an Invitation to attend a Pre-

ANZAC Day Ceremony at the KTMW on the 24th April. I will be replying to accept their Invitation and will

be displaying our Banner as well.

This may be an opportunity for any of our Sydney, or visiting, members who might be unable to make the

Sydney march, to at least, attend this Ceremony in stead.

Seating will be available and a sandwich and a ‘cuppa’ available after the Ceremony.

The arrangements are:-

DATE: 24th APRIL. TIME: 10.30am. DRESS: Lounge Suit, Medals and Name Badge.

PLACE: Killoola Street, Concord NSW (Parking is available)

Please contact me if you would like to be present, so I can notify the organisers (Alan 0427824646)

18

5 CSSB HEALTH COY NEWS (Courtesy Ryhse Vaughn)

ORs Update

The 5 CSSB end of year function occurred after the publication of the Summer issue of the magazine- so first and foremost it would be prudent to note that 5 Health Coy had a large number of promotions and awards presented by Commander 5 Brigade, BRIG Bond. 2 ORs were presented their long service medal and 5 were presented with the Australian Defence Medal. Both LCPL Salmon and LCPL Vaughn were promoted to Corporal. The function also served as the farewell for the outgoing OC, 2IC and Sydney Platoon Commanders. Photos can be seen on the 5 Field Ambulance Facebook page, shared from the 5 CSSB Facebook page.

The 2019 tempo has been incredible-multiple medical support requests from units both in NSW and the ACT and a strong start with both clinical and all corps soldier skill training.

There have been 4 new soldier march ins-all awaiting to complete their initial employment training at the Army School of Health. February saw the conduct of credentialing for the Combat Medical Attendants, covering off on patient assessment skills, IV therapy and medications. This was topped off with a visit

from the Commander 2nd Division and RSM 2nd Division (who happens to be from RAAMC) who talked to the soldiers to get their perspectives and ensure issues were discussed with the highest levels of command.

The March weekend included a shakeout of the resuscitation team and bay, some off-road driving simulations with the two ambulances and treating patients under fire at the Weapon Training and Tactics Simulation facility.

We welcome our new OC, MAJ Sisson; and new platoon commanders LT Tran Estepa (Sydney) LT D'Ambrosi (Canberra) and LT Rowe (Remote).

WAR and its WAKE

…Centenary of Armistice Day, 11/11/2018…

All is now dark, an unkindness of ravens

has settled in the ramparts of our being,

the dying, departing consciousness of now,

watching with the glitter of devouring eyes

the final moves, our every faltering breath

and through the prism of recent memory,

the realization, once again, of the sacrifice

of lives that were not lived to their fulfilment

but taken in their budding, youthful dawn

and spread about conflicted fields, a carnage

of carrion, for those beneath, a maceration,

and those watching from the ramparts, wait-

ing to

scavenge, to clean up the putrefaction of war

in the flayed flesh of the flower of youth.

© Charles Murray

STORY—THE OLD PHONE ON THE WALL When I was a young boy, my father had one of the first telephones in our neighbourhood. I remember the polished, old case fastened to the wall. The shiny receiver hung on the side of the box. I was too little to reach the telephone but used to listen with fascination when my mother talked into it. Then I discovered that somewhere inside the wonderful device lived an amazing person. Her name was "Information Please" and there was nothing she did not know. “Information Please” could supply anyone's number and the correct time.

My personal experience with the genie-in-a-bottle came one day while my mother was visiting a neighbour. Amusing myself at the tool bench in the basement, I whacked my finger with a hammer, the pain was terrible, but there seemed no point in crying because there was no one home to give sympathy.

I walked around the house sucking my throbbing finger, finally arriving at the stairway. The telephone! Quickly, I ran for the footstool in the parlour and dragged it to the landing, climbing up, I unhooked the receiver in the parlour and held it to my ear.

"Information, please" I said into the mouthpiece just above my head. A click or two and a small clear voice spoke into my ear.

"Information." "I hurt my finger." I wailed into the phone, the tears came readily enough now that I had an audience. "Isn't your mother home?" came the question. (Cont. on Page 35)

19

Clarence Oscar POWER MM (Part 2 of Clarence’s WW 1 Diary. With very kind thanks to his daughter Mrs. Margaret Tanner)

NOVEMBER 1915 (Continued from our SUMMER Issue 2018) 2

nd

Melbourne Cup today. Papers but no letters arrived on Sunday. 4

th

8 letters today. Mary, George, Ann, Alice, Sgt Maj Stradley. Turks blew up No 6 Post, “Quinn’s Post”. Charge on the right by the Light Horse. 14

th

Nearly received a ‘smack’ from a machine gun while attending to a wounded man. Closest shave I think I’ve had. 18

th

Great bombardment on left and right (Adi Babi getting it). Caught a dose of influenza through tramping through swamped……off duty 19

th and 20

th.

20th

Rifle grenade fell just in front of dug-out and missing my mate, Alf Ray, by 2 feet. We are keeping the grenade as a memento. Only the cap exploded otherwise both he and I would have been hit. 28

th

Woke this morning to discover snow falling and all the country white. A pretty sight. For the past 4 days we have been trying to kid ‘Johnny Turk’ that we are evacuating and keep out of sight as much as possible. 29

th

Snow and rain stopped but weather cold. Am wearing two pairs of sox but suffering agony with cold feet. Fortunately no work so can stay under blankets all day. Tucker getting very poor.

DECEMBER 1915 9

th

Weather fine and pleasant again. Red Cross and canteen eatables to hand so we are once more feeding well. Water had been very scarce but has been restored and I had a wash—the first for weeks. Had letter from Bowen from Heliopolis. He has had typhoid. 27 Reinforcements have arrived for us. “B” Section making houses for themselves at Head station in case we have to join up. New boots issued today. Mail very tardy in reaching us. 10

th

Fleet bombarding somewhere on the right. Ships off Gabo Tepe. 2 ozs of butter per man today—fresh potatoes, leeks and cabbage cooked for dinner. 11

th

“B” Section moved to ‘Mule Gully’ to relieve 7 Field Ambulance who are to leave for unknown destination. 12

th

Orders received to have everything packed ready to leave here (‘Mule Gully’) at any minute. Something in the wind. Stopped a piece of shrapnel in the hand but it was nearly spent and merely stung for a minute. 15

th

We are evacuating ANZAC. The news was rather a startler but we think another place has been selected for us to operate. For the past 2 or 3 nights Australians, New Zealanders and Indians have been going off. The Ordnance Stores were thrown open to the community at large and thousands of pounds worth of clothing and other stores were scrambled for. Each man on the beach almost completely renovated his wardrobe. The hospitals have been cleared and we have been living on patients’ comforts—chicken, porridge, cornflour etc, in addition, Christmas hampers for individual men have been abandoned and anyone could take the case, so we dined sumptuously on some other poor devil’s hamper. 5

th Brigade has been selected

for the distinguished role of Rear Guard and of course the 5th

Field Ambulance stays with the battalion. This morning I was appointed L/Cpl and also with the newly appointed L/Cpl Bailey was sent with 5 men to attach ourselves to 20

th Bn, holding ‘Walker’s Ridge’ which is the last position to be vacated. During the

afternoon we were sitting in a dug-out lately occupied by the CO of the 20th

when General Holmes (Secretary

of the Water Board where I worked before joining up) came up to see him. He spoke to me and recognized my face and asked me where he knew me. I enlightened him and had a nice chat with him. Tonight we had one call. Two men being wounded with bombs but otherwise everything was quiet. The R/S Bearer Sergeant is a decent fellow and looks after us well. The Turks have removed the barbed wire from the parapets so they have a good idea of what’s happening. Yesterday afternoon I went round to see Norman whose post is at the end of ‘Walker’s Ridge’. 16

th

Enemy placed many high explosive shells along here during the afternoon and 4 men were killed a couple were wounded. 17

th

Still waiting for finale. We were under shrapnel and shell fire at this point but they either fell short or went just too far. 18

th

Saturday. Everything points to evacuation today. We have been served with 48 hours iron rations. The stores on the beach were burnt last night and today. I called on Norman who states he goes off before the final rush. There are 50 5 Field Ambulance men left at the various posts. About 200 men from this post have gone down—4pm. 5pm men came back and were taken off by the path at the other end of the ridge (possibly to deceive the enemy).(Cont on next page)

20

(Cont from previious page)

19th DEPARTING GALLIPOLI

Still we are here (‘Walker’s Ridge’) and have given up speculating when the final “Imshi” will occur. Those 200 men I referred to yesterday were taken down by another path to the boats yesterday. A fatigue party is clearing “Broadway” so that it will be exploded by machine guns at “Russell’s Top”. Half a dozen H.E, shells fell pretty close this morning but only wounded one man and him not seriously. At 4pm another 200 men including ourselves were formed up and about 6.30/7pm we had embarked on HMS “Mars”—an old battleship, not one of our men being wounded and only man among 2,000 men, English, Australian, New Zealand and Gurkhas who came off on “Mars” was hit. On Board we were treated to coffee and freshly baked bread, while goods can be bought at the canteen on board at very cheap prices. Between 1am and 2am we arrived at Mudros and cocoa was served to the men.

20th ARRIVING MUDROS

About 7am we disembarked on to a ferry steamer, very much like the old Parramatta boats, and on our way to shore. Passed warships of all descriptions. On landing we marched, or rather straggled along for about 4 miles to a very rocky camping ground where we rejoined our unit. 23

rd

Since arriving we have been on fatigue duties—clearing away countless stones, digging the various sanitary conveniences and pitching tents for ourselves and the hospital. This morning we were out doing the old section exercises. 25

th

Christmas Day. Turned out much more pleasant than we expected. Of course everyone was ‘off duty’ excepting a few on piquet etc. We received a pudding between two and a Christmas ‘billy’ each. Mine was packed and sent by A. Wood Esq., a solicitor from Essendon, Victoria. It contained a mouth organ, a Bulletin newspaper (which I had read), tins of milk, sardines, luncheon cheese, pack of cards, safety pins, bachelor buttons, writing material, pencil, a tin of shortbread and a pair of sox. The pudding was from Master Henry, also from Victoria. Our daily rations here are almost the same as Queens Park. To make things better—a big mail to hand. I had 14 letters and 10 newspapers—this being the first mail for 6 or 7 weeks. 31

st

The old year was shoved out with much tooting of whistles, bugle marches etc. Someone sent up a half a dozen rockets and the noise continued for about half an hour.

JANUARY 1916 3

rd

Embarked on troopship “Maniton” together with 20th

Bn, she also carries Indian troops and English A.S.C. and R.E units, with mules and horses. 5

th

Moved from anchorage to stream 5pm. 6

th

Sailed about 4am with a couple more transports. Convoy of 3 ships of war.

8th

BACK IN ALEXANDRIA Arrived Alexandria 2.30pm. 9

th

Disembarked and entrained for Tel el Kebir, reaching there about 7pm. All the Australians are here except the 4

th and 8

th Brigades who are at Ismalia.

13th

Frank Butler came up for me to go down to Brigade HQ to take the place of their typist who had gone to purchase a new machine. 15

th

Have seen Jack Brown (my brother-in-law), Morrie Ohlsson and today George Wheatley appeared, having come up from Ismailia to see me. 21

st

Yesterday received 5 letters and newspapers dated 22/12/15 less than a month ago. 23

rd

Returned to 5 Field Ambulance today. 24

th

Went into hospital today with ‘flu. 27

th

Came out of hospital with 3 days diarrhoea. No duty. 29

th

Had a trip to Cairo today. Our black kit bags came along yesterday so I was able to clothe myself decently. Journey to Abassia to see Pony but didn’t find him.

FEBRUARY 1916 7

th

Ambulance left Tel el Kebir by train for Ismailia. 3 wagons with 12 men and Sgt Long left behind, there being no room on the train for the wagons. I was one to stay behind and we followed at 9.30pm. Arrived Ismailia at midnight….. (Cont on next page)

21

….(Cont from previous page)

8th

Our wagons commandeered by 6

th Brigade Artillery who had come down on our train and we transported

their baggage for 2 or 3 hours. Met Len Hyman who is a gunner. Our horses came for us about midday and after lunch we went through Ismailia which is very pretty (what we could see of it). On to the canal and over it to our camp about ¾ mile. 10

th

George Wheatley camped nearby and went down to see him a few days ago. 12

th

Went out to front line where 5th

Brigade HQ are, to get our mail. Saw Frank Butler who gave me many packets of cigarettes. 18

th

“B” Section out on a field day, Transport accompanying us. Marched out with full packs and pitched camp in the desert, erecting 6 “Bell” tents, one operating tent and one hospital tent. In the afternoon we did some collecting of wounded, loading wagons and bringing them to the camp where our work was criticised and the best treatment explained by Capt. Savage. 19

th

6 Men from my tent had leave to Ismalia today. We arrived in about 11am and knocked about until noon when we stowed away a big dinner. Afterwards we strolled around the native bazaars, French, Italian and Greek quarters and the public gardens. Stopping frequently to have something to eat and drink. The town is not very big but the European quarters are rather nice, especially the French. The native quarters, as usual, dirty and squalid but nevertheless very interesting to inspect. We met an Egyptian youth named Ali Moustafa, aged 13 years. He was attending the English school at Ismalia and speaking English rather well. He attached himself to us, explaining things as we walked. George Wheatley is in the 2

nd ACCS with pain in

his back. He is not very bad so should be out soon. 20

th

General Birdwood attended Divine Service at our Church Parade and after the service he ‘addressed’ us,

starting off with…”Boys…” which put us at our ease at once. Everyone on parade thoroughly enjoyed his speech. He seemed to be the right sort for the Australians and is proud of his command. On reaching camp we (“B” Section) were told to pack up to move to the railhead (end of the railway) to relieve 7 Field Ambulance. Marched 7 or 8 miles to our new camp which is 3 miles from the trenches. 24

th

Had a trip into Ferry Post (2nd

ACCS) with patients. Went in on the train which runs from the canal to our camp. 26

th

Visited Frank Butler who gave me “Mungaree Kateer” and smokes. Scored a ride home on a camel.

MARCH 1916 2

nd

Staff Capt Hale brought news that we will depart for England in 3 weeks’ time. We will train in England for a few months and then go across to France. We hope to heaven the news is right. 3

rd

Yesterday and today sandstorms blowing, consequently we have to keep to our tents, only the essential duties being carried out. Our food is full of sand and the tents being closed up the temperature in them is humid. 5

th

Third trip to Cairo today. Had to walk 8 miles in from Rail Head last night. Slept at “A” Section and started off at 4.30am today. Owing to misunderstanding of orders received, the guard at the canal didn’t let us across until 5.30am and we had to catch the train at 6am at Ismalia 3 & ½ miles away. By doubling most of the way we just caught the train. Passing Tel el Kebir camp we noted that there were probably more troops camped there than before we left. The 4

th & 5

th Divisions are being formed there. On reaching Cairo and after

eating, shaving and having a general clean-up I went to Zeitoun and found Bob (Bob Jackson-best friend). He was ‘on duty’ but I prevailed on him to take the afternoon off. We hied ourselves back to Cairo and had a pleasant time ‘til 7pm. When we went to the station, who should we see up there but Jack (Bob’s brother) he had been out to get Bob too but was too late. On arriving back at “A” Section camp we were informed that we were all going to Moascar, which is close to Ismalia. The New Zealanders are taking over this post and we think in a few weeks we will be off to England. 7

th

Marched from Rail Head to Ferry Post—stayed there all night and then marched on to Moascar. 8

th

Arrived at “A” Section about noon. Pitched all our tents. Norman (step brother) I am told is in the School for Signalers at Cairo. 30 Reinforcements arrived today. 9

th

60 more reinforcements arrived. 10

th

Our packs to be lightened. 13

th

8 L/Cpl’s and Cpl’s examined for position of Sergeant of “B” Section. I was one of the L/Cpl’s to be selected for the examination which was conducted by two Captains and one Lt. L/Cpl Christmas got the job. (Cont. on next page)

22

(Cont. from previous page)

George Wheatley says his Company moves off tonight. Norman back from Zeitoun, called over here tonight.

16th

SAILING TO FRANCE Leaving here tonight—all ready waiting to move off. Left Moascar some time after midnight and arriving at Alexandria 11am when we embarked on HMS “Arcadian”, a very decent ship but overcrowded. 17

th

Sailed at 6pm. Slept on deck and got wet owing to the rain and the scupper becoming choked. 18

th

Another inoculation today. 20

th

This afternoon we are having read to us subsections of “King’s Regulations”—dealing with crimes and punishments. 3 officers have been reading out in turn so far and only about half-way through. Only the men near the reader can hear. Passing Malta about 5pm. Buildings clearly visible. 22

nd

Steering northward now. Should be west of Sardinia or Corsica now. Expect to land at Marseilles tomorrow. Reached Marseilles at midnight and anchored off the town ‘til morning. 23

rd

We were all day unloading and marched off about 3pm. Some of the troops went straight away in trains and the rest of us to a camp where we stayed overnight. 24

th

Advance Party marched thru’ Marseilles to railway station. Train started about 11.30am. On board also French and Annamites (French native troops). At each station the “Kangaroos” make themselves conspicuous and attract plenty of attention. At Macon, four of us took advantage of a 40 minute ‘stop’ to go down the town and have some breakfast, on coming to pay we had great difficulty stumping up the necessary French money. Reached Lyons at 2.30am. Left there 6.40am. 25

th

Slow progress made today. Stopped at Voirgeot about 5 hours. 26

th

Nearing Paris. No rations were issued so we have to buy our own tucker—“marfish faloos”. Detrained at Villeneux St George about 1pm. At 7pm we entrained but only travelled for a few hours and detrained somewhere near Paris. 27

th

4.30am we again entered a train and are travelling northward. Things are getting pretty rough as our money is petering out and of course no rations are available. Passed through Amiens, Calais, Boulogne and Dunkirk. 28

th

Reached Thiennes this morning. Detrained here and marched to where our Corps is billeted in barns. I am in charge of “E” billet (29 men). 29

th

Very cold weather. Sleet falling. 31

st

Australians reviewed by Lord Kitchener at Aire. At the conclusion of the Inspection he said…”Boys I am glad to see

you here in France. You only want to keep up the reputation you made at Gallipoli and you will be popular with everyone—except the Germans”

APRIL 2016 1

st

Fools’ Day. Nine aeroplanes flying over us. 3

rd

Had a growth cut out of my lower lip inside my mouth—two stitches inserted. 4

th

Letters from Mary and Alice and a birthday card from Alice. 6

th

Orders to be ready to move off tomorrow. The husband of the lady whose barn we are billeted in is a corporal and is a prisoner in Germany. 7

th

Marched from Thiennes to Onttersteau?—about 16 miles with full packs up. Billeted in a one-time school. 8

th

Ready to continue our march 8am. Announced my birthday and scored a stick of chocolate from Ken Price. Marched about 8 miles to Steenwerck (6 miles behind the firing line) where we took over a hospital from 103 Field Ambulance. I am in charge of the skin and scabies ward. The hospital is in a one-time convent. 11

th

My wards are being gradually filled up—Australian and British troops. One V.D. 16

th

Mail from home today. 18

th

Weather has been rainy for some days and we have great trouble to keep the wards clean and tidy. (Cont. on next page)

23

(Cont. from previous page)

21st

Still at Steenwerck running the hospital but under orders to move very soon. This time last year I was at the R.A. Show with Arthur Reidy—no hot cross buns today. 23

rd

Easter Sunday. Had a trip on the motor ambulance to Baieleul, a town of some size. 26

th

Moved to LeEstarde, a couple of miles from Steenwerck where we are in a large farm building. I still have 4 patients. 27

th

Les Higham is a patient of mine now. 29

th

Take over another ward—13 cases. Mail today.

MAY 2016 11

th

Parcel and letter from T.R. Selkirk. 13

th

Letter from L. McKinnon yesterday. Letters from Mary and Alice today, with photo. 17

th

Hospital inspected by General Birdwood. 20

th

Inspection by General Legge. I have a boil on my right forearm. Beautiful weather again. 26

th

George Wheatley came over from Chapelle Armentiers a few days ago.

JUNE 2016 2

nd

In hospital with laryngitis—being treated well. 6

th

Letter from Norman saying he’d been operated on for appendicitis. 9

th

Resumed duty today. 12

th

Parcel and 5 letters today. As usual plenty of rain. Great ‘box-on’ all night on our left. 16

th

Had a gas attack tonight. The fumes were not intense but the chloride could be smelt quite plainly after we removed our helmets. No one hurt. 18

th

Parcel from T.Ramsay (A lady Mary worked with in the woolen mill) and a letter from Norman. 20

th

Went through gas school. Proved to us that helmets and goggles are very effective 22

nd

General Legge and General Holmes visiting hospital. 25

th

Anniversary of our departure from Sydney. Had a dinner at Steenwerck (13 of the originals). 26

th

Transport Sgt Hardwick sent to Base Detail. 10 German captive balloons brought down. 27

th

Broncho transferred to machine gun section-5th

Brigade.

JULY 2016 THE WESTERN FRONT 1

st

Sudden orders for 10 men and Capt Frizell to form Advance Party to proceed to Kandahar Farm to take over from a ‘Tommy’ Ambulance. Left LeEstarde in motor ambulances and were soon in Belgium. Held up along the road as “Fritz” was shelling Newe Eglisse just ahead of us. Made a dash for it and got through safely without trouble. Arrived at our destination and I was shown over the place by the sergeant. In the afternoon I accompanied Capt Frizell and an R.A.M.C. Officer to the different Dressing Stations. There is not a building around here that has not been ruined by shellfire. 2

nd

Our 8 men sent out to R.A.P’s, expecting some more men out tonight. “Fritz” has been sending some over fairly close. 4

th

Mutual bombardment this front. Had a very busy time all night. Every available man is carrying. 6

th

I was one of the Burial Party for Sherwood Forrester who was killed yesterday. 8

th

Relieved by the 73rd

Field Ambulance and we returned to HQ at Baillieu. We had one week at Belgium trenches. 9

th

Marched from Baillieu to Borne where we billeted for the night. (Cont. on next page)

24

(Cont.fom previous page)

10th

Continued march through Hazelbrouk to Renescures. 11

th

Marched to St Omer embarking on trains and travelled through the night passing Calais, Boulogne, Etaples and detrained at a place about 4 miles from Amiens. 12

th

Marched through Amiens to Picquiny. Billeted in a very nice chateau (used previously as a D.R.P.). 5th

& 6th

Brigades billeted here and along the road. Bought a watch for 15 Francs. Met Bob Lambert and Darley Carr and also Frank Butler. 17

th

Marched from Picquiny to Longpre (about 6 miles) billeting there for the night. Not much of a place. 20

th

Marched to Harponville (17 miles). 22

nd

72 Stretcher bearers sent up the line to act with 2nd

Division. Unfortunately, I and a dozen other bearers were detailed to a ‘Tommy’ C.C.S. to assist them. 23

rd

Our party (Capt Davenport in charge) marched to C.C.S. where we were attached to the 3rd

C.C.S. and carried stretchers car after car of 1

st Division fellows brought in. They did well this morning capturing

trenches and a village (Poziers). 25

th

I have been assistant in Operating Theatre. Ptes. Fahey and Connors wounded today and brought through here. 28

th

Left 3rd

C.C.S. at 1.30pm by motor lorry and after dumping packs at Harponville proceeded to Albert and joining our HQ. 29

th

Party of 20 moved up to Field Dressing Station. Dan Brown (brother-in-law) passed through before my arrival—with a wound in the head, not serious. 30

th

L/Cpl Bailey and I walked out to German’s original first line trenches (about ½ a mile from our Dressing Station). Found that our artillery had battered them about almost out of recognition. Was much surprised to see the dug-outs at frequent intervals. A timbered shaft with steps leading down at a slope for 20 or more feet and then a timbered gallery. Stove piping ran up the side and these places were nearly all intact, showing what effective shelters they had been. On jumping into the trenches our boys threw a couple of bombs down the shaft, thus accounting for numerous Huns.

AUGUST 1916 1

st

Sent up to nearest post to the front line trenches. Last night the Huns bombed this ‘gap’ considerably. 5.9 inch shells dropping all around our perimeter dug-outs. We are thankful to get through unhurt. 2

nd

3pm. Our artillery has ‘opened up’ and ‘Fritz’ is replying. So far only a few shells have burst here. About 8pm a furious bombardment over the trenches commenced and whilst carrying a wounded man, we passed our relief. We then proceeded to get back to Capt. Savage’s Dressing Station. The shelling was terrific now but we all got through and arrived at our destination at 12pm. 3

rd

Went for rations and took out trench party’s share. 4

th

2nd

Division charged and took out German trenches, gaining the ridge. Many prisoners taken. 7

th

2nd

Division relieved and we slept in Reserve trenches at Albert. 8

th

On the march to Rubempre. 9

th

Marched to Canaples. 14

th

Letter yesterday from Jack Brown (in England wounded). 20

th

Marched to rest station at Verdun court where ‘tent’ Division took over from 7th

Field Ambulance. 21

st

Bearers of the 5th

, 6th

and 7th

Field Ambulances marched on to Albert. 22

nd

Went to Advanced Dressing Station which is in “Valley of Death” where the Battalion Aid Post was last time 26

th

Not having such a rough passage this time. So far none of our fellows wounded. Pte F. Ridge was awarded the Military Medal. (Cont. on next page)

25

(Cont.from previous page)

27th

Relieved by 4

th Field Ambulance. Marched to Becourt Chateau. The Sausage Valley was heavily shelled as

we passed through. Inspected the great crater exploded on the 1st

July. Missed the main party and with 3 others reached Vadencourt next day. Letter from Jack in which he informed me of Bob Jackson’s (my best

friend) death. 31

st

Relieved by 3rd

Field Ambulance Canadian Expeditionary Force. We move off tomorrow.

SEPTEMBER 1916 1

st

Marched to Beauval. 5

th

Marched to Doullens at night and entrained in the usual cattle trucks. 6

th

Detrained at Poperinghe leaving for a station tonight. Reached “The Mill” Dressing Station at Vlamertinghe. 13

th

R.Jennings, G.Noakes, C.Stuart and myself ‘on leave’ to Poperinghe. Had one photo taken. Letter from Norman saying he was returning to France. Sent ‘Squid’ post cards. 21

st

Sent photos to Alice, Mary and Dad. 27

th

General Birdwood, Andrew Fisher and several lesser lights presented L/Cpl Ridge with the MM Ribbon at this station today. Party from “B” Section relieved “C” Section at the “Bund” near the line past Ypres. 28th Met Norman at Signal Station 19

th Bn.

OCTOBER 1916 2

nd

8 Hour Day. Raining all day. I hope to be home next 8 Hour Day. Parcel and cakes from Teenie Ramsay. 13

th

“A” Section relieves “B” out here (Zielelieke) tonight, I stayed for a day or so to show them round. 14

th

Relieved by “A” Section. Went back to Vlamertinghe. 15

th

Marched to Poperinghe. 20

th

Marched to Steenvoorde. 22

nd

Marched to Westrove, arriving after dark. We were lost and tramped miles out of our way. 24

th

Suffered last night with rheumatism in left leg and knee. Had parcels containing muffler and balaclava in one and mittens in another and one book of “Views of Sydney”. Marched to St Omer entraining there for Longpre. 25

th

Marched to Bouchon. 26

th

Wet and chilly. My boots are leaky consequently my feet are wet all the time. 27

th

Early start to march to Mouflers where motor char-a-bancs (French army) conveyed us about 30 miles and then we marched a few kilometers to Buire.

NOVEMBER 1916 2

nd

Tent sub division all gone to Fricourt. The bearers today have come to Rest station at Buire. 3rd Stretcher bearers at this station. 5

th

Sheepskin jackets issued to stretcher bearers. Letter from Jack (my brother-in-law) at Salisbury. Left C.R.S. in motor char-a-bancs and travelled to Longueval. Tramped around all night looking for our station. 6

th

Went to our station “Goose Alley” Flers. The mud is knee deep and raining hard. Rations are short and in fact we are having a rotten time. 8

th

Back to HQ for 24 hours. Sent Christmas cards. 9

th

Out again for two days. Weather clear this trip. 6th

Field Ambulance suffering again. Killed and wounded about 15 up to date this stunt. No casualties in our crowd.

PART 3 To Be Continued in next Issue (From 10th November 1916) _________________________

26

WW 2 HMAS SYDNEY AND HSK KORMORAN-MEDICAL PERSONNEL (With Kind thanks to our Life Member, CAPT James Roche OAM)

(This story is edited from a more in-depth article presented by James to the Medical Journal “Scalpel & Tongs” Vol 55, Jan-Mar 2011.) The HMAS Sydney was built in England and launched in September 1934. It was a Modified Leander Class light cruiser (it was originally HMS Phaeton). She weighed 7,198 tons and was 562 feet long with a draft of 15 feet 8 inches. Her armament was six 8 inch and four 4 inch anti-aircraft guns, 8 torpedo tubes and other weapons. She also carried a “Walrus” Airplane. She had a speed of 32 knots. In the early part of WW 2 she was in the Mediterranean, where, in the Battle of Cape Spada, she engaged and sank the Italian destroyer “Espero” and helped to sink the Italian Cruiser “Bartolomeo Collioni” and damaged another Italian cruiser, the “Giovanni delle Bande Nere” In early 1940 whilst in Fremantle a number of her crew were replaced and she returned to convoy duty. She had a crew of 645 men which included the below mentioned medical personnel. Surgeon Commander John Reid Hasker. He had joined the RAN in 1928 and after extensive medical experience on various ships was promoted to the senior medical officer on the HMAS Sydney. The other two medical doctors were Surgeon Lieutenant Commander Francis Harrison Genge and Surgeon Lieutenant (Dental) Mervyn Clyde Townsend. The Sick Berth Attendants were Petty Officer Eric Ralph Barham, Acting Leading SBA David William Boyd, Second Class Stewart Thomas Laxton (Dental), Lindsay James Medlen, Leslie Charles Minns, John Robert Payne and Roderick Richard Wilson. In early November 1940 the HMAS Sydney escorted the Australian troopship “Zealandia”, which was carrying over 1,000 Australian Reinforcement troops of the 8th Division and RAAF personnel, to Singapore. On her way back to Fremantle on the 19th November 1941 about 4pm, she was off the West Australian coast and sighted a merchant vessel about 20 klms away and sought its identity. When the HMAS Sydney was about a mile away, it turned out to be the German Auxiliary Cruiser HSK Kormoran disguised as the Dutch vessel “Straat Malakka”. The Kormoran then dropped her disguise and opened fire. Both ships fired “point blank” when they were parallel with each other. Both ships reeled away and both very badly damaged. The HMAS Sydney was last seen drifting to the south and on fire. Later, that night an explosion was seen and she presumably sank at this time. There were no survivors. 645 men of the HMAS Sydney died that evening. The Kormoran was severely damaged and eventually scuttled. 323 survived and 78 perished. Five Allied ships, “Aquitania”, “Centaur,”, “Koolinda”, “Trocas” and “Yandra” rescued the “Kormoran’s” survivors. Two of the German lifeboats came ashore near Carnarvon and one was rescued by the “Centaur”. Their lifeboat was towed because of the fear that the German survivors, who outnumbered the crew of the “Centaur, might overpower and take control of their ship! (Ironically, some months later, the “Centaur” became the hospital ship-AHS Centaur- which was sunk by a Japanese torpedo off the coast of Queensland in May 1943.) The medical officers assigned to the “Kormoran” were Friedrich Lienhoop and Siebelt Habben and medical mate Bernhard Van der Twer. Van der Twer died in the battle. Lienhoop and Habben were in separate lifeboats when beached at Carnarvon and saw to the health of the survivors prior to their rescue. On the 16th March 2008, both ships were discovered on the ocean floor in a depth of two and a half kilometers and were about 12 miles apart. In 1981, the 40th Anniversary of the loss of the HMAS Sydney, the Naval Association sub section of Carnarvon erected a monument in memory of the 645 men who perished. The monument is at the High Rock Quobba Station, WA. Another Wall of Remembrance was erected at the Cenotaph in Carnarvon and a Memorial was erected at Mt Scott in Geraldton on the 60th Anniversary. (Cont. on next page.)

27

(Cont. from previous page)

In 1993, WW 2 Australian ships were commemorated with a series of Australian stamps being issued viz; Cruiser HMAS Sydney 11 (45c), Corvette HMAS Bathurst (85c), Destroyer HMAS Arunta ($1.05c), AHS Hospital Ship Centaur ($1.20c).

-------------------------------------------

I AM A LITTLE CROSS BUT PROUD

Me and my Aussie mates have been bunched together for a while now, all straight and tall - funny that, we all look alike but we talk amongst ourselves. We know previous friends have left the timber yard destined to adorn Australian family homes full of kids and laughter. We are happy for them but we know our future is going to be different, so we wait and wonder. “Guys here comes a buyer with shining silver hair and he is inspecting us so look sharp and straight” “Gosh he needs lots of bundles of us and did you hear him say he needs to make 7,000 WHAT?? All of us placed end to end measure three and a half kilometres. We feel our future is going to be so far, far away over the sea as we are swept up for a short delivery to Mick’s back yard where we rest on the green lawn - only briefly though. Here comes Mick with his measuring tape, drop saw and sets about cutting us neatly into smaller lengths - we now number 14,000 in fact. Mick drills, glues and screws then adds a neat hole in our tummy region and this is a mystery to us. We hear the process to prepare

us will take about 9 months and many of us will be taken to Men’s Sheds and Mick’s brother, Bob’s shed far away to be worked on but we know in the end we will all be together again. We can hear the important discussions taking place about us and the long and short of it is we are being handmade and twice coated and turned into beautiful snow white crosses and already we feel so honoured. We have so many questions we hope will be answered. Well the mystery hole at least is solved when a lady with knitting needles and bright red wool picks up one of us and places a beautifully knitted flower over our tummy hole. We learn it is a Poppy and 7000 were knitted by so many wonderful Grandmothers, Mothers, and Daughters over a period of one whole year and will be secured to me and my 6,999 mates. One Hundred Years ago in 1916 during, what we have heard, was The First World War, red poppies were among the first plants to spring up in the devastated battlefields of Northern France and Belgium. In soldiers' folklore, the vivid red of the poppy came from the blood of their comrades soaking the ground. So we are going WHERE? It is hard to remember the name of our final destination, we have never heard it mentioned before, but we believe it is The Village of POZIERES in an overseas country called France. We are carefully packed into 33 very large cardboard cartons then loaded by a great Father and Son Courier Company and transported to a huge shipping depot where we are placed on pallets and shrink wrapped to keep us warm and cosy in a shipping container for our 5 week journey by ship, first to Singapore then across the world’s largest oceans to Le Havre France for unloading. Our journey by sea is only possible thanks to the very generous companies who donated their time and shared the huge cost involved in shipping us and managed many important documents, constantly checking on us. What a mammoth effort, to ensure we all arrived safely and are welcomed by the Mayor of Pozieres and placed in a warm barn awaiting the arrival in France of our friend Mick. We are happy to be reunited with Mick who, with many helpers, will place us crosses and poppies in this special part of France where visitors will bow their heads and honour all those brave young Australian soldiers who fought in the Battle of Pozieres 23 July 1916 which lasted 6 weeks liberating this village of Pozieres from the German Enemy. Now we know the significance of 7000 crosses - that's how many young Australians died in this part of the world and 4,112 of them have never been found. Mick and Bob’s Uncle Leonard was one of these brave soldiers who was never found. He was only 20 years old and was killed in action on the first day of the battle. For the first time in 100 years these Australians who rest with us in the fields have never had a cross to mark their bravery. I have taken pride of place at the very tip of the design of the Australian Rising Sun hat badge in what is the first stage of Pozieres Memorial Park - all thanks to the generous donations by so many Australians LJL June 2016

28

Rain from Nowhere By Australian Storyteller, Murray Hartin

His cattle didn’t get a bid, they were fairly bloody poor, What was he going to do? He couldn’t feed them anymore, The dams were all but dry, hay was thirteen bucks a bale, Last month’s talk of rain was just a fairy-tale. His credit had run out, no chance to pay what’s owed. Bad thoughts ran through his head as he drove down Gully Road. “Geez, great grandad bought the place back in 1898, “Now I’m such a useless bastard, I’ll have to shut the gate, “Can’t support my wife and kids, not like dad and those before, “Crikey, Grandma kept it going while Pop fought in the war.” With depression now his master, he abandoned what was right, There’s no place in life for failures, he’d end it all tonight. There were still some things to do, he’d have to shoot the cattle first, Of all the jobs he’d ever done, that would be the worst, He’d have a shower, watch the news, then they’d all sit down for tea. Read his kids a bedtime story, watch some more TV, Kiss his wife goodnight, say he was off to shoot some roos Then in a paddock far away he’d blow away the blues. But he drove in the gate and stopped – as he always had To check the roadside mailbox – and found a letter from his Dad. Now his dad was not a writer, Mum did all the cards and mail But he knew the writing from the notebooks that he’d kept from cattle sales, He sensed the nature of its contents, felt moisture in his eyes, Just the fact his dad had written was enough to make him cry. “Son, I know it’s bloody tough, it’s a cruel and twisted game, “This life upon the land when you’re screaming out for rain, “There’s no candle in the darkness, not a single speck of light, “But don’t let the demon get you, you have to do what’s right, “I don’t know what’s in your head but push the bad thoughts well away “See, you’ll always have your family at the back end of the day “You have to talk to someone, and yes I know I rarely did “But you have to think about Fiona and think about the kids.

“I’m worried about you son, you haven’t rung for quite a while, “I know the road you’re on ‘cause I’ve walked every bloody mile. “The date? December 7 back in 1983, “Behind the shed I had the shotgun rested in the brigalow tree. “See, I’d borrowed way too much to buy the Johnson place “Then it didn’t rain for years and we got bombed by interest rates, “The bank was at the door, I didn’t think I had a choice, “I began to squeeze the trigger – that’s when I heard your voice. “You said ‘Where are you Daddy? It’s time to play our game’ “I’ve got Squatter all set up, we might get General Rain.’ “It really was that close, you’re the one that stopped me son, “And you’re the one that taught me there’s no answer in a gun. “Just remember people love you, good friends won’t let you down. “Look, you might have to swallow pride and take that job in town, “Just ‘til things come good, son, you’ve always got a choice “And when you get this letter ring me, ‘cause I’d love to hear your voice.” Well he cried and laughed and shook his head then put the truck in gear, Shut his eyes and hugged his dad in a vision that was clear, Dropped the cattle at the yards, put the truck away Filled the troughs the best he could and fed his last ten bales of hay. Then he strode towards the homestead, shoulders back and head held high, He still knew the road was tough but there was purpose in his eye. He called his wife and children, who’d lived through all his pain, Hugs said more than words – he’d come back to them again, They talked of silver linings, how good times always follow bad, Then he walked towards the phone, picked it up and rang his Dad. And while the kids set up the Squatter, he hugged his wife again, Then they heard the roll of thunder and they smelt the smell of rain.

55 Battalion in Port Stephens in 1942 (With kind thanks from our neighbour, Pam Cleare)

Pam recently received a card from her cousin, Adrian Nall, in Queensland and enclosed with the card were

some interesting articles concerning the 55th Bn.

Part of the card said…”On December 7th 1942, Japan bombed Pearl Harbour in Hawaii. As a result my Bn

was at Greta and swiftly sent to Nelson Bay to build fortifications in the area. On the 8th May 1942 the

‘Battle of the Coral Sea’ took place and we won. On the 26th April the Battalions on duty at Nelson Bay

were swiftly returned to the Greta camp. The Battalion was inspected by General Blamey, who spoke to

me. After the Parade we were told to make out our wills and get fully equipped. On the 15th May 1942 the

Bn was entrained at Greta and travelled to Brisbane, where we changed trains for Townsville. At 2359 hrs

18th May we were handed our embarkation pay cards, marched up the gangplank and sailed for New

Guinea. So events from 26th April to 18th May were very active. When we got to Port Moresby we marched

7 miles to the aerodrome to ‘settle in’ in the area to cover it in case of enemy paratroops landing…”

The attachments with the card consisted of three A4 typed sheets; One was dated “Exercise 2 -SECRET”

The object of the ‘Exercise’ was …”To exercise troops located in the vicinity of Bn HQ in operations

against hostile paratroops”. Parts of the instruction showed troops taking part...55 Bn HQ, HQ Coy, ‘D’ Coy

less 16 Platoon. The ‘skeleton enemy’ were 40 men from ‘B’ Coy with each man representing a Jap section

of 12 men. There were Umpires and Adrian was one of them. The Umpires were Sig Pl (Lt Adrian Nall), Int,

Pioneer Section, Mortar Detachment, Carrier, ’D’ Coy (less 16 Pl) and Enemy (Lt Graham)….(Cont next page)

29

THE U.S.S. “CONSTITUTION” (with kind thanks to member Chris O’Reilly)

The USS Constitution (‘Old Ironsides’ as she was known– even though she was made of oak) was a combat vessel. Her ship’s log recorded…..”27th July 1798 USS Constitution sailed from Boston with a full complement of 475 Officers and men.” MISSION: “To destroy and harass English shipping” She had loaded the following provisions to sustain operations, at sea, for six months. 48,600 gallons of fresh water (she had no evaporators i.e. fresh water distillers)

7,400 cannon shot 11,600 pounds of black powder 79,400 gallons of rum. She docked in Jamaica on the 6th October and took on board 826 pounds of flour and 68,300 gallons of rum. She arrived in the Azores on the 12th November and loaded 550 pounds of beef and 64,300 gallons of Portuguese wine. She set sail for England on the 18th November. In the ensuing days she defeated five British Man-of-War ships and captured and scuttled 12 English merchant ships, salvaging only the rum which was on board each ship. By the 26th January, her powder and shot were exhausted and although unarmed she made a night raid up the Firth of Clyde in Scotland. Her landing party captured a whiskey distillery and, by dawn, had transferred 40,000 gallons of single malt Scotch to her hold. She then headed for home. She arrived back in Boston on the 20th February 1799 with no cannon shot, no food, no powder, no rum, no wine and no whiskey but with 38,600 gallons of water!! GO NAVY

----------------------------------------

(Cont from page 28)

The General Idea and Opening narrative of the ‘Exercise’ said…”At 1800 hrs 25th March 1942 and enemy

fleet was reported 100 miles out at sea east of Port Stephens. At 0615 hrs 26th March 1942 a large force of

planes flew due north over BN HQ area and passed on. At 0630 hrs the sentry at the Water Tanks sighted

an enemy force of about 500 men which had apparently landed by parachute in the low land between Water

Tanks at MR 028483 and Old Nelson Bay Road MR square 0248”.

The other attachment (Lt Nall’s copy) were for “Instructions for “STAND TO” and Stations in the event of an

alarm”. There were 7 Instructions. No 3 said...BAYONETS will not be fixed by office staffs, cooks and mess

orderlies, who will have rifles within reach. No 6 PATROLS said...Evening “STAND TO” until morning

“STAND DOWN” Carrier Pl responsible western wire from Nelson Bay Road to 500 yds North. Res. Coy.

Western wire from 500 yds North of Nelson Bay Road thence North to PUMPING STATION thence EAST to

wire in front of WATER TANKS. HQ Coy will maintain contact with Res Coy. Patrol on wire NORTH of

WATER TANK thence EAST to EASTERN WIRE thence SOUTH to NELSON BAY ROAD. Res Coy will

maintain 24 hour guard on PUMPING STATION and WATER TANKS. When there is no Company is Reserve

in Bn HQ area the HQ Coy will take over Res Coy Guards and Patrols.

No 7 SIGNALS (in part) “STAND DOWN” will not be ordered until visibility is normal. Fog or mist may delay

the order to ‘Stand Down’. In the evening “STAND DOWN” will not be ordered until it is dark.

The third attachment was “Movement Order” for 55 Bn issued on the 26th April 1942.

It showed the Bn would move from their START POINT –Junction BAR TRACK, Nelson Bay Road 032482 to

their first bivouac area at Williamtown Trig 887443.

ROUTE from SP proceed WEST along Nelson Bay Road, turn LEFT at Junction 957465 along Salt Ash Road

to bivouac area.

The MOVE took place on the 28th April 1942 with “D” Coy moving off at 1500 hrs. It seems that the whole

move finished at 1801 hrs that evening.

Pam also loaned me a ‘clipping’ from “The Argus”- Week-End magazine (Sept 15, 1945) which showed a

picture of Pilot Officer B.A. Nall (Adrian’s brother I presume). The article, written by Bruce Kneale, was

headed “There’s a boy coming home” —What does the Returning Serviceman expect , now that the war is

over? It was a wonderful in-depth article of men returning from a war overseas. Some had not seen their

families for 5 or 6 years. Some children wondered who this strange man was who was hugging and kissing

their mother! What work or jobs would these men fit into?? (Thank you Pam.)

30

MESSAGES FROM MEMBERS (see also on Page 13)

George DONNELLY emailed to pass on his good wishes to his friends in our Association and is

looking forward to a healthier 2019. (Thank you George and good health to you and Lorna.)

————————————

Rod HOGAN emailed to say he enjoys reading all the news in our magazine and passes on his good

wishes, for the coming year, to all his friends. (Thank you Rodney. And the same to you and Robyn)

————————————-

Phillip YUILE passes on his good wishes to his friends and enjoys reading all the news.

(Thank you Phillip and Kathryn for your letter and your support)

————————————

James JORDAN emailed to pass on his good wishes to all his friends in our Association. Jim is still

keeping busy with his National Service Sub Branch in Tamworth but says his health problems are causing

some ‘set-backs. (Thank you Jim for all your support and for sending me the Email copy of the “Royal Historical Society” and “Contact” which I show

in Item 1 of our “Items of Interest” pages. I hope 2019 is a good year for you and Carol)

———————————

Brian TAMS (Our Treasurer), emailed me to pass on his, and Gail’s, sincere appreciation for the

concern, help and support he received from his friends in our Association (and on “Facebook”) during his

recent heart operation and hospitalization. Brian is back home now and undergoing rehab to help him get

back to full recovery. (Good on you Brian. I thank Gail for keeping me updated so we could advise our committee and friends. Take care)

————————————

John GALLAGHER is also an old work mate. He sends me Emails of interest and some I pass on to our

members. John passes on his good wishes to his friends in our Association. (Thank you John for your info and support. I hope this finds you and Sue in good health. It was a very pleasant surprise to see you

both and with your brother, Michael and his wife, Kerrie, at the “Servants Quarters Tea Rooms” in March)

————————————

Michael CARLSON was a respected RSM of 1 Field Ambulance during his time in the CMF. He often

sends me very interesting info on past and present members he has had the pleasure to serve with.

Michael attends most functions with us since he joined us in 2012. We are honoured to have him as one of

our members, even though he will never lose his allegiance to his beloved 1 Field Ambulance. (Good on you Mick. You are like few other members who will never lose their allegiance to their original unit and we are grateful that

5 Field Ambulance Association has you and others like you in our Association.) ————————————

Ian PFENNIGWERTH is a Navy man and a naval historian. He has just released his new book “BRAVO

ZULU”. It has been nearly six years in the making and Volume 1 covers any Award that has been

presented to any Australian Navy Personnel from 1900-1974. His team’s painstaking work has revealed

there were more than 3,750 Australian Navy personnel who have received an Award from 1900-1974. His

book was written so that those of us with little or no understanding of the knowledge of Naval things will

see the significance of each recipient’s Award. (Well done Ian, what magnificent research you and your team have done. Although I have not read your book as yet, I have heard

some well-deserved ‘feed-back’)

————————————

Peter KROGER is a good friend and enjoys reading all our news. He passes on his good wishes to all in

our Association for 2019. (Thank you Peter for your support. I hope when you read this your back problem is becoming more tolerable)

———————————

Jenny WEIR is thanked for her card and good wishes. She wrote that dad (the late John de Witt) would

be thrilled to see his 18th grandchild is on the way! What a legacy he and Betty have left). (Thank you Jenny for your support and letters etc. They are appreciated.)

————————————

Charles MURRAY enjoys reading all our news and passes on his good wishes to all in our Association

for 2019. Charles is an accomplished writer and poet and sends me some of his notable work from time to

time. It is always a pleasure to place them in our magazine for your thoughts. (Thank you Charles for your emails and support. We thank you for your poems. I hope when you read this you are in good spirits.)

(Messages cont. on next page)

31

(Cont from previous page.)

James HOOLAN Jr.is one of our International members who lives in the United States. We constantly

keep in touch via emails and letters. It is interesting to read his views on US Politics. Jim is a Vietnam Vet

and had a distinguished army career.

Jim and his wife, Gia, enjoy their home life in Williamsburg, Va and enjoy occasional visits to relatives in

Ireland. (Than you Jim for all your mail and emails. I hope when you read this that you and Gia are in good health.)

————————————

Sue JONES wrote on behalf of her family, (Stu’, Patrick and Sarah) to wish all their friends in our

Association and very happy and healthy New Year in 2019.

She said they are looking forward to being with us on ANZAC Day. (Thank you Sue and Stuart for all your support. I hope this newsletter finds you all in good health and I look forward to seeing you all

in the future.)

———————————

Tomas HAMILTON is very kindly thanked for the poems he sends for us to enjoy. He has not enjoyed

the best of health over the last 12 months and is most thankful to his wife, Betty, for all her care and being

his ‘backstop’. His health has improved slightly to the extent that he was able to attend some of his RSL

Sub Branch functions recently. (Thank you Tomas and Betty for your emails and poems, they are much appreciated. I hope when you read this that you are in much

better health. Good wishes are passed on to you from your friends.)

————————————

Ken HELSBY wrote to thank us for sending him some past magazines. Ken is a Clinical Educator in

Trauma Management with Rural and Remote Health Care. He said the magazines are eagerly read and

passed around.

He recently returned from the far north town of Pormpuraaw, which is an Aboriginal community in the Gulf

region and situated on the west coast of Cape York Peninsula.

Ken said that a number of the indigenous members are reservists with 51 Battalion, Far North Qld Regt.,

(their HQ is in Cairns) and he has been out on week-end exercises with “A” Company.

Ken also liaises and works with the Royal Flying Doctor Service whose HQ is based at Cairns Airport, and

he covers a number of isolated communities/clinics/hospitals in north Qld and the Gulf country.

He is going to put together some articles (some humorous) relating to some clinical incidents both in and

out of the Defence Force. (Thank you Ken, for your letter, emails and support. All those isolated places you visit would be eagerly welcomed by you and your

team’s presence. We are grateful and proud to have people like you helping these isolated communities.)

————————————-

Paul MISTO wrote to say he enjoys all our news and other items of information. He passes on his good

wishes to all his friends in our Association. He was grateful for some info in our last magazine that enabled

him to follow up on past friendships. (Thank you Paul. I was pleased to receive your emails and your support. I hope to make contact with you on ANZAC day. I hope this

newsletter finds you in good health.

———————————

Ann JONES enjoys reading our newsletters and has done since she joined us in 2015. Ann’s late

husband Bill was a Navy man in WW 2 and passed away in 2013, he was also a member of our Association. (Thank you Ann for your letter and support. It is very much appreciated. I hope this finds you and your much loved little dog ‘Mia’

keeping each other happy)

—————————————

John VASSAROTTI passes on his good wishes to all in our Association. John is also a good ex work

mate from my tally clerk days. He enjoys reading all our news and ‘snippets. (Thank you John, for your letter and the gesture you made re our yearly ‘Fund-Raiser’. It is very much appreciated. I hope when you

read this you are in good health.)

————————————-

Bob GRIEVES wrote to say he and wife, Daphne, were going on holidays. They went with their daughter,

Deidre, and son-in-law, Mark, on an island cruise, they then flew to Adelaide for four days including a visit

to Kangaroo Island. It was then boarding the Ghan to Darwin for more ‘sight-seeing’ before boarding the

cruise ship, “Sea Princess”, back to Sydney via New Guinea. Then in mid-June, Bob and Daphne will take

their van to Qld to escape the winter! Their plan is to have two weeks in Coolum on the Sunshine Coast and

then a leisurely two weeks drive back home. Bob is planning to march with us on ANZAC Day before

attending the ANZAC Day Rugby League match. (Thank you Bob, good to have you back home before journey No 2)

32

ITEMS OF INTEREST

(1) BOOKS, MAGAZINES, ETC (With kind thanks from our Govt, Army Newspaper and members/friends)

(a) Tobruk House News. Dec ‘18, Feb ’19, (courtesy Sect Graham Gibson)

(b) AHS Centaur Assn Newsletter. Nov ‘18 (courtesy Sect. Jan Thomas)

(c) The National Serviceman Newsletter. Dec ‘18 (courtesy NSW committee)

(d) The Royal Australian Historical Society Newsletter Dec ‘18 (courtesy James Jordan)

(e) FRONTLINE. Journal of the 1/19 RNSWR Assn. Dec ‘18, Mar ’19 (courtesy Bob Pink OAM)

(f) CONTACT Newsletter 85 (courtesy James Jordan)

(g) REVEILLE RSL NSW Jan ‘19, (courtesy Alan Curry OAM)

————————————————-

(2) A WW 1 EMOTIVE PHOTO The photos (presumably taken at Edenborough Castle), show a 1914 picture of

the Cameron Highlanders Regiment as they prepare go to war.

The bottom one shows the remainder who were left in 1918.

There is no doubt I could fill our magazine with photos like this one!

The staggering loss of life ran into the millions and there would not have been

one unit , on either the Allies or the Enemy’s side, which would remain

unscathed.

Lest We Forget

—————————————————-

(3) OPERATION “MARKET GARDEN” -W W 2 This was a planned Operation devised by the UK Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery and sanctioned by the

Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces, General Dwight Eisenhower.

It involved allies of the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Free Polish Forces, Free Dutch Forces and

the Dutch Resistance, to capture nine bridges in Holland, from the German occupiers, and thus shorten the

war by Christmas 1944. It was NOT successful.

“MARKET” was the planned airborne assault involving over 34,000 troops.

14,000 troops to be landed in gliders and over 20,000 troops dropped by parachute.

As well, the gliders also landed vehicles, artillery, ammunition and other supplies.

“GARDEN” was the planned land assault to coordinate with the airborne assault.

This brought me to a story kindly sent to me (from my Email friend, Richard Jackson)…... About six miles from Maastricht, in the Netherlands, lie buried 8,301 American soldiers who died in "Operation Market Garden" in the battles to liberate Holland in the fall of winter in 1944. Every one of the men buried in the cemetery, as well as those in the Canadian and British military cemeteries, has been adopted by a Dutch family who mind the grave, decorate it, and keep alive the memory of the soldier they have adopted. It is even the custom to keep a portrait of "their" American soldier in a place of honour in their home. Annually, on "Liberation Day," memorial services are held for "the men who died to liberate

Holland." (A US Airforce historian noted that “MARKET” was the only large airborne operation of WW 2 in which the

USAAF “had no training program, no rehearsals, almost no exercises and a low level of tactical training”)

—————————————

(4) OPERATION “RENDER SAFE” Operation RENDER SAFE is the Australian Defence Force's (ADF) annual series of operations that aims to safely dispose of World War II-vintage Explosive Remnants of War from South Pacific island nations. Operation RENDER SAFE 2014 was the largest mission in the series yet undertaken. It involved some 500 personnel and was conducted in the district of Torokina on the west coast of Bougainville. Some 16 tonnes of ordnance was disposed of, which involved the clearing of 109 sites of 2293 ammunition items. The ADF-led mission involved Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams from Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Canada and Solomon Islands. The operation was conducted at the request of the Autonomous Bougainville Government and with the approval of the Government of Papua New Guinea….(Cont. on next page)

33

((cont. from previous page)

Major ADF assets and platforms assigned to the operation included the amphibious operations ship HMAS Choules, an LCM-8 landing craft and an MRH-90 multirole helicopter and driving the success of the operation was the extensive community engagement preparation conduct in the months leading up to the mission to explain to the local population the safety procedures that were used during the operation.

————————————-

(5) MILITARY WORKING DOGS A lot of credit is rightly given to these very faithful and worthwhile assets to our ADF. Their major assets in the theatre of operations is their ability to track, patrol and scent detection (of IED’s etc). Since Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom (from 2001-2013), 92 dogs have died. US Vet stats showed that nearly 32% died from GSW, 26% died from explosion or blast, 10% died from heat stress and 23% died from various diseases and roughly 9% died whilst retired and usually living at home with their handler.

———————————-

(6) INDONESIA HIT AGAIN BY ANOTHER TSUNAMI The deadly tsunami which hit Indonesia struck late on Saturday 22nd December killing over 370 people and injuring over 1,400 and leaving over 1,600 homeless. It was caused when a huge chunk of the Anak Krakatoa volcano collapsed and fell into the ocean. It struck without warning along the rim of the Sunda Strait between the islands of Java and Sumatra. This action caused an underwater landslide which started the tsunami. Because the tsunami was ‘triggered’ by the volcano and not by an earthquake meant no tsunami warning was registered. A spokesman for the Indonesian Disaster Agency said the tsunami buoy network has not been operational since 2012—due to vandalism, a limited budget and technical damage. The system needs to be re-built and strengthened. A student of the University of Portsmouth said sonar surveys were needed to map the sea floor around Anak Krakatoa because the activity around the volcano is still very high.

———————————-

(7) ASIA-PACIFIC ECONOMIC COOPERATION (APEC) MEETINGS These are an inter-governmental Forum for the 21 Pacific rim Member Economies. They promote free trade throughout the Asia-Pacific region. It was established by the Hawke Labor Government in 1989 and the member countries, at that time, met for the first time in Canberra, Australia in November. The Forums rotate annually to a different APEC Member and are attended by the Heads of Government of all APEC members (except the Republic of China (Taiwan) which is represented by a ministerial-level official under the name of Chinese Taipei as Economic leader). APEC leaders are from:- Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Peoples Republic of China, Republic of China (Taiwan) (Chinese Taipei), Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, United States of America and Vietnam. APEC HQ is situated in Singapore. APEC leaders have met in 30 different locations to date. The most recent was in PNG last November and the 2019 Forum will be held in Chile in November.

—————————————

(8) Mrs Margaret TANNER (the wonderful lady who kindly sent me her dad’s WW 1 diaries which I am serializing now)

wrote to thank us for sending her our quarterly magazine with the first instalment of her dad’s diaries. Margaret said it was very possible that Albert Webb and her dad would have met! Margaret is a volunteer with Glaucoma Australia and she wrote that around 2006 another volunteer (Keith McNee) said his father was in 5 Field Ambulance in WW 1. I read in your dad’s diaries that he mentioned a L/Cpl McNee on he 18th September 1918 in the Orderly Room! Hopefully, I might be able to get his details to show he was with 5 Field Ambulance, so I can insert his name on our “Honour Roll”.

—————————————

(9) NEW DVA CARD & LAPEL PIN As we know The DVA issues Gold and White Cards for veterans to access health and other benefits. They have now introduced an ORANGE CARD? which will be made available to any person who has had any service with the ADF, be it Full Time OR Part Time. This new card does not entitle you to health benefits (as yet!) but it does have other benefits and you will receive a Lapel Pin to show you served your country. To our members who have a computer you need to go to the DVA Web Site www.dva.gov.au and ’click’ onto FORMS and go to Form D9213, fill this in and post it off. To any member who does not possess a computer, please contact me (Alan Curry, 02.4982.2189 or 0427.82.4646) and I will post one out to you (There are three pages to complete).

———————————— (Cont. on next page)

34

LATE SUBSCRIBERS A gentle ‘reminder’ to our members who pay yearly ($15). We very much rely on your subs to keep our magazine in circulation. When you read this and if you are not sure if you have paid your $15 would you kindly phone or email me and I will let you know if you are ’up to date’ with your subs. With our kind thanks, Alan Curry (0427824646,

A Proud Supporter of 5 Field Ambulance Assn.

(Cont. from previous page)

(10) ADF EQUIPMENT MOVES BY RAIL: Anyone travelling by road in the red centre of Australia, in early March, may have seen the unusual sight

of 40 rail carriages going south, carrying military equipment.

This huge logistical exercise was undertaken early this year and saw over 2,000 tonnes of equipment

moving from Darwin to Port Augusta. A 2,700 klms rail journey. The equipment consisted of Heavy and

Armoured vehicles, Plant equipment, Emergency Response Equipment and Artillery guns.

At Port Augusta they were unloaded and then transported to the Cultana Training Area.

——————————————

(11) 2019 DEFENCE CENSUS All ADF personnel will, again, have the opportunity to contribute to ‘Who we are’ and ‘How we work’.

The census is completely voluntary and confidential. No individual can be identified. It has been

commissioned the Morgan Research Group and will include a series of questions to gain an understudy

of the Science, Technology, Engineering or mathematical qualifications, study and use in the Defence

workforce.

The Census is divided into THREE categories:-

(a) ADF Permanent, (b) ADF Reserves and (c) Defence Public Servants

The permanent ADF personnel will be able to complete the Census either ‘On Line’ or on paper and the

Reserves will be sent their Census through the mail.

2019 FUND-RAISER We will again be conducting our $1 raffle to be drawn at our Annual ‘Mixed’ Luncheon on the last Saturday

in November (30th) at the Paddington RSL Club on Oxford Street, Paddington.

We very much appreciate your participation in our yearly raffle because it goes a long way to keep us in

touch with each other by the circulation of our quarterly magazine.

35

GRANDPARENTS' ANSWERING MACHINE MESSAGE:

Good morning . . . At present we are not at home, but please leave your message after you hear the beep....

If you are one of our children, dial 1 and then select the option from 1 to 5 in order of "birth date" so we know who it is. If you need us to stay with the children, press 2 If you want to borrow the car, press 3 If you want us to wash your clothes and do ironing, press 4 If you want the grandchildren to sleep here tonight, press 5 If you want us to pick up the kids at school, press 6 If you want us to prepare a meal for Sunday or to have it delivered to your home, press 7 If you want to come to eat here, press 8 If you need money, press 9 If you are going to invite us to dinner or take us to the theatre; start talking .... we are listening!

(STORY—”The Old Phone on the Wall” Cont. from Page 18) "Nobody's home but me," I blubbered. "Are you bleeding?" the voice asked. “No," I replied. "I hit my finger with the hammer and it hurts. “Can you open the icebox?" she asked. I said I could. "Then chip off a little bit of ice and hold it to your finger," said the voice. After that, I called "Information Please" for everything. I asked her for help with my geography, and she told me where Philadelphia was. She helped me with my mathematics. She told me my pet possum, that I had caught in the park just the day before, would eat fruit and nuts. Then, there was the time Petey, our pet canary, died. I called, "Information Please," and told her the sad story. She listened, and then said things grown-ups say to soothe a child. But I was not consoled. I asked her, "Why is it that birds should sing so beautifully and bring joy to all the families, only to end up as a heap of feathers on the bottom of a cage?" She must have sensed my deep concern, for she said quietly, " Wayne, always remember that there are other worlds to sing in. "Somehow I felt better. Another day I was on the telephone, "Information Please."

"Information," said in the now familiar voice. “How do I spell “fix”?", I asked. All this took place in a small town in the Blue Mountains. When I was nine years old, we moved across to Perth. I missed my friend very much. "Information Please" belonged in that old wooden box back home and I somehow never thought of trying the shiny new phone that sat on the table in the hall.

As I grew into my teens, the memories of those childhood conversations never really left me. Often, in moments of doubt and perplexity I would recall the serene sense of security I had then. I appreciated now how patient, understanding, and kind she was to have spent her time on a little boy. A few years later, on my way to college, my plane touched down in Sydney, New South Wales. I had about a half-hour or so between planes. I spent 15 minutes or so on the phone with my sister, who lived there now. Then without thinking what I was doing, I dialled my hometown operator and said, "Information Please. “Miraculously, I heard the small, clear voice I knew so well. "Information." I hadn't planned this, but I heard myself saying, "Could you please tell me how to spell “fix”?" There was a long pause. Then came the soft spoken answer, "I guess your finger must have healed by now." I laughed, "So it's really you," I said "I wonder if you have any idea how much you meant to me during that time?" I wonder," she said, "if you know how much your calls meant to me. I never had any children and I used to look forward to your calls." I told her how often I had thought of her over the years and I asked if I could call her again when I came back to visit my sister. "Please do", she said. "Just ask for Sally." Three months later I was back in the Blue Mountains. A different voice answered, "Information." I asked for Sally. "Are you a friend?" she said. "Yes, a very old friend," I answered. "I'm sorry to have to tell you this, Sally had been working part time the last few years because she was sick. She died five weeks ago."

Before I could hang up, she said, "Wait a minute, did you say your name was Wayne?" "Yes." I answered. "Well, Sally left a message for you. She wrote it down in case you called. Let me read it to you". The note said, “Tell him there are other worlds to sing in. He'll know what I mean."

I thanked her and hung up. I knew what Sally meant.

36

ACTIVITY SHEET (Please advise your choice/s. Any item ordered includes postage)

Please find enclosed my Subs for 2019 ($15) (cover from January to December) or LIFE

MEMBERSHIP ($100) or Donation (See my details below).

I would like to pay for ____$1 Raffle Ticket/s in our Yearly Fund-Raiser for 2019.

Please post me a “Surplus” Newsletter @ $7 each. (If available)

Please send me____”Special Edition” 2015 Centenary Calendar/s @ $7 each.

Please order me a Centenary “POLO” Shirt (with pocket) @ $70 each. SIZE_______.

Please order me____copies of the DVD of our 50th AND/OR 100th Anniversary Parade @

$20 ea. (The 50th also includes a brief history of the 2/5th Australian Field Ambulance)

Please send me____ RAAMC Centenary “Coin and Token” set/s @ $30 each.

Please send me a RAAMC coat/jacket Lapel Pin for $15.

Please send me a RAAMC Red Cross Arm-Band @ $10 each. (7 left)

Please send me a 5 Field Ambulance RAAMC KEY RING ($20). (With my membership number on it, if

possible.)

Please ORDER me a NAME BADGE ($20)

Please ORDER me a (XL/Large/Medium/Small) BERET ($40),*BERET BADGE ($25),*COLLAR

BADGE ($10), *CORPS TIE ($50) ---please indicate size of Beret & whether Badges/Ties are to be

RAAMC, RACT or RAEME.

(Please make any Cheques/Money Orders etc payable to:- “5 Field Ambulance Association” and post to

either:- Alan Curry OAM (Hon Sec) 35/1a Gordon Cl., ANNA BAY NSW 2316 OR Brian Tams (Hon Treas.),

453/1 Scaysbrook Dve., KINCUMBER NSW 2251—All acknowledgements will be in our next issue.

Our EFT details are: BSB: 637000, Account Number: 717253825, Account Name: 5th Field Ambulance

Association, BANK: Greater. (Please Identify your name)

COMMENTS/ORDERS ETC: FROM:_________________________________

CONTACT No:_____________________MONEY ENCLOSED $_____________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________