Secretary’s Report 2004

The Sentry’s Log

Many kind letters were received by our new President with best wishes, to him and to our members. Ron thanks all the writers for their good wishes and for their news.

Gwen Connor, widow of Gordon (7) is cheerily battling on, after overcoming a bad experience of a “break-in” by a crazy drug addict, who fortunately was picked up by the police. Gwen says that George Howat (8) has been in touch with her. He hasn’t been getting around much because of medical problems.

NSW members Howard Vipond, Lin Davis, Alex Burnett and Terry Gleeson noticed in “Reveille” the RSL journal in NSW a letter from one Bruce R. Stone, probably meant to be in light-hearted vein, purporting to be some of his experiences with 2/3 Light A.A.

The story was in fact disparaging, so responses were sent independently by Terry Gleeson and our President. Mr. Stone sent in an apology. He had been referring to his experiences as a reinforcement with some other battery which had no connection with our Regiment.

We were pleased that Reveille published our views of the original incorrect story, under the heading “Get your Facts Right!”

Jean Tom, widow of Bill (8) was at the funeral of Frank Washbourne (8), so our representatives there were able to have a few words with Jean. Members will remember a report on her activities in “Take Post” 2000. Jean has been involved with Country Women’s Association and numerous other organizations and causes for most of her life – a great lady who has never stopped working and giving her time for others.

Alan Jeffrey of 2/2 Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment kindly donated to our Committee a copy of the book “On Target” which has long been sold out. Good use was made of the book to replace one donated by John Hepworth’s daughter to the National Library, Canberra. (Incidentally, if any family has a copy of “On Target” which is no longer required, perhaps it could be returned to the Secretary as we occasionally receive enquiries for a copy from members’ descendants).

Tom Dawson (8) attained the age of 95 years in 2003, in good shape mentally and physically. Congrats were sent on behalf of members. (If you know of others reaching 90 or 95 years, let the President or Secretary know, and formal congratulations will be sent.)

During the last year or so, Mrs. Enid Hayes has been writing to us to ask whether we are able to locate George A. Miller and L.A.Miller of 8 Battery. Mrs. Hayes knew them when they were serving in Western Australia and would like to contact them. If anyone can assist, will you please let the President know.

Harry Goodwin who joined 9 Battery as a “Don R” and later became a cook with Arthur Hampson is in his 97th year. After many years’ absence he attended the last two reunions with the assistance of Harry Sauerberg. Harry Goodwin is in reasonably good health.

And There’s More – The Sentry’s Log Continues.

Education Age of 24/11/03 gave an account of an interview with Ron Barassi, former AFL footballer, coach, TV personality and a great supporter of Melbourne Legacy.
Ron’s dad, (Ron the 1st) who was a Melbourne premiership footballer, was killed at Tobruk. Ron’s devoted mother didn’t have an easy time as bread- winner. Ron was keen on many sports and games, especially football. When at senior Tech. level, he was giving too much time to sport to the extent that he failed some exams. A teacher named Dick Telford gave him a timely lecture reminding him that ‘his mother was working at two jobs to keep him at school’. Although Ron was playing with Melbourne thirds, he worked hard after that and passed his exams. [Dick Telford was an 8th Battery Sergeant who died in 1999.

“Take Post” of April 2000 reported on Dick’s career as a science/maths teacher in the technical school system. That report mentioned that ‘Dick’s tireless efforts and his inspiration lives on in many who were touched by one of the State’s great educational leaders.’]

Another anecdote about Ron – As a junior nurse, Les Harris’ (8) wife Lynwas working at the hospital where Ron Barassi was born. It was part of Win’s duties to take the new born Ron from the nursery to his mother to be fed.

Ron Bryant paid his respects to Mrs. Little of Eagle Point, widow of Charles Little (8), and correspondent of the Age and “Take Post”. Constance still fires a few shots at or through the newspapers. She sends her best wishes to all, especially to those who knew Charles.

Incidentally, Col McNaughton (8) has left his idyllic home across the water from Metung, and now resides at the same hostel at Eagle Point as does Constance. Col was in the picture at left but the light didn’t pick him up.

Mrs. Marj Cope wrote to say that Ern (8) was not well enough to attend last year’s reunion although he is still working his farm. They had been visited by Stan Rowan (8) and his wife Florrie, who had celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and who both do well on their farm.

Blue Page (8) and Frank Hands (8) have both had knee reconstructions or repairs. Blue has had his done so often that his surgeons are quite intimate with his knee.

Frank is going well enough now. Sadly Frank’s wife Shirley passed on last year after battling years of illness with fighting spirit. Frank’s close family has been of great assistance to him.

It was a long wait! – The waiting room was full of the afflicted. Directly opposite I caught the eye of the fellow with the stick. He looked faintly familiar. There was something about him. I wondered whether I had met him before.

“Hello Ian” he said quietly. I moved over, searching back through the years and gradually it came – Crete and the German invasion! “It begins with an R – Rex. “Don’t tell me”, I said – Ron, Roy – Roy West? “Nearly got it – Roy East!”

Back we went, We’d been on the same Bofors gun waiting for the parachutists to drop. And now after 62 years we met again.

“Well, well, you haven’t changed a bit we lied.

Did you know NX 30633 Sig. R. McDonald? David McDonald has been documenting his father’s movements throughout his war service. His father was in the Section attached to our Regiment in June 1941 in the Western desert. If any of our readers knew him, David would like to hear from you. David’s address is P.O. Box 1355, Woden, ACT, 2606.

Ralph Hawkey (8), now 86 years of age, has kept in touch with us over the years. Ralph eventually had to give up farming and, four years ago, moved into Ottrey Lodge, Cobram, where he has lovely landscaped gardens in which to relax.

His wife Phyl has been seriously ill and resides in Irwin House, also in Cobram. Ralph was pleased to read in Mufti of our return to Werribee racecourse, which brought back many memories to him. He sends his regards to 8 Battery – F Troop men in particular. Ralph has always carried the scar and the effect of his gunshot wound received during the retreat from Benghazi which caused his repatriation. Nevertheless, he kept the farm going until late in life.

Attention 9 Battery! Mrs. Nancy Futcher, widow of Charlie, is applying for a War Widow’s pension. Charlie apparently was a boxer and was knocked out on occasion in boxing bouts while in our Regiment. As Charles died of head problems it may prove helpful if the RSL advocate could get a letter from someone who knew him and who is able to state that he was a boxer.

Wally Webb remembers Charlie sparring around the tent lines.

If anyone can be more specific about his boxing, please write to:
Mrs Nancy Futcher, 40 River Road, Sussex Inlet, NSW, 2540