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Secretary’s Report 1997

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Secretary’s Report 1997

Jottings From The Secretary

I have received letters from old mates from all Batteries and many from wives and family members after the death of their loved one. They bring back many memories of events of years ago.

In a letter from Vic Kent’s daughter, Ann Lee said she would appreciate hearing from anyone who knew and served with her Dad. Ann’s address is 36 Orange Grove, Castle Hill, NSW 2154.

I have answered many questions asked by Eric MaxwelL son of Vern. Others in our Association have also helped Eric, so he has a picture of his Dad’s service not previously known to his family. We caught up with John Graham of Sydney who advised us of Bob Catchlove’s death.

Beryl, widow of Raleigh Hawkins, wrote to tell us that Raleigh would have been proud to know that his grandson Simon graduated from Duntroon and the ADFA and is now in the Artillery in Adelaide. (We’re proud to know that too).

We received a nice letter from Gwen, widow of Rol Tonkin (7). Rol was Mentioned in Despatches for his secret operations in Prison Camp. Whilst working for M15 he was also awarded the French/German Star.

Alan “Bushy” Read in Buderim wrote to say he couldn’t recognise Hughie Hill and Norm Marshall from photos in Take Post. So! Fifty years later!

Hec Bird hasn’t been so good.

Dave Owens sends his regards to old mates.

George Bartlett, Workshops, finds it a bit too far to get to reunions.

Ted Sands actually recognised himself in Take Post.

Bill Cassidy (7) has told his story of 4 years as a POW to his son Barry.

Good to see Bill Schack at the last reunion – keep coming Bill.

Rod, son of Richard Smith (7), attended the last reunion and found two of Richard’s mates who were able to relate some stories to Rod.

If anyone did not get a copy of “On Target” copies are available at Eastern Regional and Parkdale Libraries and we know several members presented copies to other libraries.

The December 1996 “Mufti” had a two-page spread on Neil Anderson (7) and a photo of the Dirty Thirteen; it’s well worth reading.

Were you camped at Caboolture? A history is being written by David Sinclair of 3 Henzell Street, Redcliff, Qld. 4020.

A display of a Bofors in a gun pit is about finished. David would appreciate any photos taken at Caboolture (with captions).

lf you are able, do help this great effort of the Caboolture Historical Society,

Did any POW’s Europe who contacted Dr. Barter in Canberra receive an acknowledgment from her? If so, would you please let me know by adding a note on your Reunion response note.

John Campbell.

The Sentry’s Log

During a visit to Adelaide, Les Harris contacted Laurie Brown and Murray Takasuka. Laurie is reported to be as cheerful as ever in spite of back problems, which seriously hinder his activities. “Taka” recalled his period at the Randwick School of Artillery where he attended a course with John Campbell.

Taka’s health has caused him problems; but he looks forward to being able to attend another re-union in Melbourne.

Since the last re-union, Tom Dawson and Frank Washbourne visited Mac McGillivray at his retirement village and he was going well, although they thought Mac could enter a lightweight event now.

Keith Wallace, Dick Hawting, Runner Williams and Frank visited Harry Reid at Garfield and lunched at the local, where they fought the battles over again.

Stan Baker (8) telephoned to advise that Bill Hillman had passed on, at the age of 81 years. Stan is keeping well looking after his house and gardens at Tweed Heads. He has given up caravanning since his wife died a few years ago.

George Howat (8) has had a stroke but is battling on.

George Young (8) has been at Kyneton Hospital for a few years; but seems to be slipping. Jim Russell (7) has also had a stroke and is at the Jones Nursing Home at Murchison.

Terry Gleeson who was a Sig with the Regiment reported in and said that he and his wife are well and keep busy giving a hand to look after the grandchildren. Terry said that Bill Waddell has not been so good.

Rockhampton’s Rats of Tobruk Association has a vision – a shrine of remembrance that will also serve the community as a pleasant parkland retreat. Rockhampton Council bequeathed about 2,000 square metres at the corner of Alma and Albert Streets to the Association.

The plan is to have a cenotaph – a replica of the one at Tobruk – surrounded by lawns, gardens and walkways.

Mal Webster (7) has his most comprehensive and detailed Diary in print. We are fortunate to have an extract from it in this issue telling something of his dramatic experiences after H M S Hereward was bombed and sunk .

Bill Dellar (7) also has his POW and other experiences in print.

Alex Barnett (8) has his story of POW days up to proof stage. His wife Lois has been very ill; but has been progressing slowly. In Lois’ absence in hospital, Alex developed some flair with micro-wave cooking.

Amongst other things, he discovered (using his pharmaceutical training and his POW experience) that the rendering of beetroot leaves provided a palatable source of magnesium.