The Good Guts Official Newsletter of 39th AUSTRALIAN INFANTRY BATTALION (1941-43) ASSOCIATION INCORPORATED Publication Number 100018459
Views expressed in material submitted are not necessarily the views of this Association or the editor of the good guts. No. 190 Responsibility for all comment is that of the author of the article. Information regarding member’s addresses may be August published in the newsletter from time to time for fraternal purposes. Members not wishing this information to be 2014 disclosed must advise the editor accordingly. The Logo and Colour Patch may not be used without permission.
KOKODA DAY COMMEMORATION SUNDAY 10TH AUGUST 2014 2PM MELBOURNE SHRINE OF REMEMBRANCE
KOKODA PLATEU TODAY
OFFICE BEARERS - 39th Australian Infantry Battalion 1941-1943 Association Inc. PRESIDENT Lt.Col.Daryl CLARKE 11 Lady Loch’s Drive, KEW Vic 3101 Telephone: [03] 9817 3775 Mobile 0477 034 530 IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Norman Stockdale Post Office Box 689, GISBORNE Vic. 3437 Telephone [03] [5428 8886 Mobile 0408 592 609 E-mail [email protected] VICE PRESIDENT Alan Jameson 47 Antibes Street PARKDALE Victoria 3194 & Telephone: H [03] 9587 5365 WELFARE OFFICER E-mail [email protected] HON.SECRETARY Malcolm Owen 2 Edenmont Road, EMERALD Vic. 3782 Telephone: (03) 5968 2965 Mobile 0402 089 077 Email [email protected] TREASURER Alfred Mallia PO Box 305 EAST MELBOURNE VIC 3002 Telephone [W] (03) 94174355 MEMBER John Akhurst 3/5 Tulip Street BLACK ROCK Vic. 3193 Telephone: [03] 9597 0989 E-mail [email protected] MEMORABILIA OFFICER Lorraine Cochrane 76 Tarongo Drive ASPEN0DALE Vic. 3195 Telephone: [03] 9580 1947 E-mail [email protected] NEWS LETTER EDITOR Mary Holloway 55 French Road GREENVALE Victoria 3059 Telephone [03] 9333 1214 FAX [03] 9333 1536 Mobile: 0407 552 891 E-mail [email protected] MEMBER David Howell 7 Balcombe Street, FRANKSTON SOUTH. Vic 3199 Telephone [03] Mobile: 0405 007 700 Email [email protected] MEMBER Alan Moore 1/2 Spero Avenue MOUNT ELIZA Vic 3930 Telephone: [03] 9787 1657 E-mail [email protected] MEMBER Merren Stockdale Post Office Box 689, GISBORNE Vic. 3437 Telephone [03] 5428 8886 Mobile 0408 592 608 E-mail [email protected] MEMBER Wayne Rotherham 20 Perkins Street, JAMIESON. Vic 3723 Mobile 0424951830 Email: [email protected]
MEMBER [Co-Opted] Rupert Dalley PO Box 247, KYNETON. Vic 3444 Mobile 0417016351 Email:[email protected]
AUDITOR Bruce Stockdale 411 Mc Clelland Drive, LANGWARRIN Vic. 3910 Telephone: [03] 9789 1888 1/39 BATTALION WW1 Tim Fitzgerald Telephone [03] 54477213 1916-1919 Email: bluesbrass@yahoo,com.au 39th BATTALION WEBSITE www.39battalion.org INTERSTATE CONTACTS NSW Marc Matuschka 12 Fiona Avenue Wahroonga NSW 2076 Tel: [02] 9489 0401 QLD George Palmer Unit 193, Ponciana, The Boulevard / 950 Tel: Gympie Road CHERMSIDE Qld 4032 [07] 3861 5181
RESPECT – A word used so often these days when there is an upset about some occurrence – we hear of the need for respect for the aged, respect for the infirm and disabled, respect for property and respect for the dead. The dictionary defines respect as a polite or kind regard; consideration of the feelings of others; an expression of esteem or regard. There would be few people who, on viewing the TV reports of the disaster, have not been horrified by the lack of respect shown to the victims of Malaysia Flight MH17 by the first people on the scene. But closer to home the intrusion of some sections of the media on their families and friends has also shown a great lack of respect .The argument that we, the viewing public, have a right to know shames our sense of consideration for the feelings of others. Freedom of the press and electronic media is one thing, important and essential as it is, but it must be balanced with respect for the terrible grief and loss of these families. However it is this right to freedom of the press to report as they see fit and for us to be able to read, hear and see what they report was a right hard won by our veterans. So this Kokoda Day let us respect the sacrifice of our veterans and hold their achievement of protecting a free and democratic Australia in high esteem. Lest We forget. A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
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!6C1!1!60% As we go to press, We have 44 surviving 39th Battalion Veterans.
DISTRIBUTION - Victoria 31; Queensland 6; NSW 5; SA 1; Tas. 1
From the Secretary’s Desk . Committee meetings are held at Caulfield RSL - 4 St George’s Road, ELSTERNWICK at 1015. on the 3rd Wednesday of each month [Jan excepted] - All members are welcome at the meetings and to to join the committee in the Bistro for lunch Wednesday 19 Feb 14 1015 Committee meeting – Caulfield RSL Sunday 23 Feb 14 1000 Ferntree Gully Barbecue [Gold coin donation] Wednesday 5 Mar 14 1130 Geelong Barbecue Eastern Park Wednesday 19 Mar 14 1015 Committee meeting – Caulfield RSL Friday 28 Mar 14 1830 Salute to 39th Dinner. Queen’s Hall, Parliament House. Melbourne Sunday 13 Apr 14 1315 Kew RSL ANZAC DAY March Wednesdsy 16 Apr 14 1015 Committee meeting – Caulfield RSL Thursday 25 Apr 14 0915 ANZAC DAY March - Melbourne Sunday 27 Apr 14 1100 AGM – REUNION LUNCH at 12 Noon – Caulfield RSL NOTE CHANGE OF VENUE FROM KEW RSL Wednesday 21 May 14 1015 Committee meeting – Caulfield RSL Wednesday 18 Jun 14 1015 Committee meeting – Caulfield RSL Sunday 13 Jul 14 1400 Committee meeting – Caulfield RSL Friday 8 Aug 14 TBA Kokoda Ceremony, Kokoda PNG Friday 8 Aug 14 1030 Kokoda Ceremony- Cascade Gardens. Gold Coast Sunday 10 Aug 14 1400 Kokoda Day – Shrine of Remembrance Sunday 10 Aug 14 1100 Kokoda Day – Sherwood RSL Queensland Wednesday 17 Sep 14 1015 Committee meeting – Caulfield RSL Sunday 5 Oct 14 1130 FORMATION DAY Barbecue – Darley Cricket Ground Wednesday 15 Oct 14 1015 Committee meeting – Caulfield RSL Sunday 9th Nov 1100 Opening Ceremony- kokoda Plateau Memorial One Tree Hill Tuesday 11 Nov 14 1045 Remembrance Day Service- Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital Wednesday 19 Nov 14 1015 Committee meeting – Caulfield RSL Sunday 7 Dec 14 1015 Committee Meeting & Christmas Lunch–All welcome Venue TBA
5-Aug-20 Ern WILSON HQ 49B Fewster Road HAMPTON Victoria 3188 [03] 9598 6559 SA 8-Aug-21 Jim MILLER Jim 47a Korinthas St Renmark SA 5341 [08] 8596 4954 HQ 9-Aug-20 Vic CUNNINGHAM 26 Banool St East Preston VIC 3072 03 94782274 HQ 10-Aug-25 Arthur GRASSBY 3 Hodgson St Bairnsdale VIC 3875 [03] 5152 5195 - Costa House, St Lawrences Park, Investigator Drive 3 Lara 15-Aug-20 Bill MAHNEY VIC 3212 24-Aug-18 Harry FITZGERALD HQ PO Box 1194 CAIRNS Qld 4870. [07] 4051 1053 D 25-Aug-21 Arnie FORRESTER Unit 13/1 Lindeman Ave Cranbrook Townsville QLD 4814 [07] 4779 8605 A 2 Sep-22 Jack MCLEOD 24 View Street PASCOE VALE Vic. 3044 03 9306 96892 HQ 18-Sep-20 Jim STILLMAN 22 Sunbrite Ave Mermaid Beach QLD 4218 [07] 5572 4414 HQ 24-Sep-21 Keith BELLIS Cohuna Retirement Village PO Box 8 Cohuna VIC 3568 [03] 5456 2310 To each of you, Birthday Wishes for a wonderful day.
KOKODA TRACK 1942
The Kokoda Day Observance, which this year falls on Sunday 10th August, commemorates the 8th August 1942 when the 39th Battalion was fighting the Japanese at Kokoda. This service gives us the opportunity to remember all those who gave their lives in active service, especially on the Kokoda Track, or who have subsequently died.
The 39th Battalion has Kokoda listed as one of its Battle Honours. Kokoda Day is the most important day in the Battalion Association’s annual calendar and all members and friends are invited to join us at the Melbourne Shrine of Remembrance for service. Any veterans who need assistance with transport or accommodation are asked to contact Merren Stockdale 03 54288886.
13:45 pm - Assemble in the Shrine Undercroft. Due to the work being undertaken at the Shrine, this year our service will be held in the Audio Visual area where we have traditionally had afternoon tea. All activities this year will be held in the same place. Move into the Audio Visual Area. Veterans to be seated to the front.
2:00 pm.- Service commences. Our guest speaker this year will be LT COL Selina Rowland C.S.M. Commanding Officer 39th OSB Lantana to be available At the completion of the presentation by our guest speaker there will be the traditional laying of wreaths at both the First and Second War 39th Battalion trees. Those who wish, will go to the 39th trees for that ceremony, meanwhile those remaining will start afternoon tea.
WE LOOK FORWARD TO AS MANY OF OUR MEMBERS AS POSSIBLE JOINING US AT THE SHRINE FOR THIS IMPORTANT OBSERVANCE FOR OUR BATTALION. SEE YOU THERE.
The Kokoda Plateau Today
This year, the 8th August 2014, will be a special day on which two of our veterans, John Akhurst and Alan Moore, will attend a commemorative service to be held on the Kokoda Plateau in front of the four memorial cairns now in place there. Our President and other members of the committee will also be present at this service.
KOKODA DAY 2014 - BRISBANE Once again this year we shall be gathering on Kokoda Sunday at the Sherwood RSL. This sub- branch continues to uphold their long-standing commitment to the memory of the men of the 39th Battalion by organising a ceremony to remember the Battle of Kokoda. We invite all family and friends to gather on Sunday 10th August at 10.30am for an 11am start. Visitors to Brisbane are most welcome to join with us on this special day. Our guest speaker will be Mr Trevor Prior. As always, the Sherwood RSL has kindly invited us to stay after the ceremony to join with them for lunch. We are always grateful for this generosity. Should you require assistance with transport on the day please Palmer contact George on 38615181 Kokoda Day 2014 – Brisbane
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KOKODA DAY 2014 – GOLD COAST
Friday 8 August * Plaques Dedication and Kokoda Commemoration Service, Rotary Kokoda Memorial Wall, in Cascade Gardens, Broadbeach at 10.30am. Conducted by Surfers Paradise RSL. (Limited covered seating. ANZAC Day dress and Medals may be worn if desired.) One Plaque will be dedicated to PIR, one to PIB/NGIB & Disciplined Forces, one to ANGAU/NGVR. Pavers dedicated to members of the 39th, 2/14 and 2/16 Battalions will also be dedicated during this service,
Saturday 9 August * Charity Kokoda Walk or Run from Southport to Broadbeach (various starting times & places) and finishing at Cascade Gardens Kokoda Memorial with a brief Service at 10am
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Last Saturday I travelled by train to St. Catherine’s Hostel in Wangaratta, to visit our oldest known 39th veteran, Eric Hodgetts. I found him sitting in the lounge, he looked well and was in good spirit. His daughter Margaret was also visiting. On 26th June 1913, Eric George William Hodgetts was born at Loxton, on the mighty Murray, part of the riverland region in South Australia. At the age of 3, the family moved to Curlwaa, near Wentworth and his father George worked a fruit block. Eric helped with the working horses, he had pet names for them all. Eric also hunted rabbits and went fishing in the local rivers to supplement the food supplies for the family. This was the late 20’s, early 30’s; Australia like the rest of the world was in a deep depression. For recreation Eric loved to row and play tennis. When Australian was under threat of invasion in 1941, by a rampaging Japanese Army, Eric and many other young men volunteered, so the 39th Battalion was formed. Eric was sent to the northern beaches region of Papua New Guinea, late in 1942, joining a badly depleted B Company as a reinforcement. Eric’s war was short, during his first action, a frontal attack on a heavily fortified enemy position at Gona, Eric was shot in the upper right arm. Those magnificent “Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels “carried him though swamp and mud to a Field Hospital at Soputa. here the doctor, Major Ackland made the decision to amputate his arm, it had become badly infected the doctor said” if I don’t remove it you won’t see tomorrow”, he did promise to “leave as long a stump as possible “ about 4 inches. To this day Eric still remembers that very painful jeep trip, to Popendetta for evacuation. However Eric still considered himself fortunate, his best mate, was shot and killed beside him at Gona
Eric was brought back to Australia, rehabilitated and fitted with a prosthetic arm and discharged in August 1943. When Eric arrived back home to his family at Curlwaa, he insisted on being treated “as he had left”, he was not an invalid. Eric got on with his life, worked at many jobs, his final job until he retired was 30 years as groundsman at the Mildura High School. Eric married Beth and the family was complete when daughter Margaret arrived.
Since joining the 39th Committee in 2000, I have had the privilege of meeting many of these great men,” the men who saved Australia”. Sadly there are so few left, so I would encourage all our members to seek them out (through the Association) and meet those you can. Eric Hodgetts war was short, but his sacrifice has endured for over 70 years, “Happy 101st Birthday Digger”.
Eric Hodgetts and Orm McAndrew Alan Jameson My father George Turner is getting about now after having his broken hip repaired and doing rehab. He is loving his renewed independence - especially still being allowed to drive his car with caravan Regards, Neil Turner
Norman and Merren Stockdale have recently returned from their camping trip to inland Australia. Not content with their own company they took along their grandchildren and had a wonderful time.
Tribute was paid to members of the 39th Battalion during the Memorial Service for the life of Thelma Suckling. Merrem and Norman Stockdale and Alan Jameson were particularly thanked for their willingness to provide transport for Thelma to attend Association functions.
Andrea Brien and her husband have decided to make “sea change” in thir lives and have moved Birregurra. As they are finding it quite cold, they are hoping the move out of Melbourne was a right decision.
A Sprig of Lantana The use of the 39 Bn. Logo, when inserting a Death Notice in a newspaper, for a 39th Bn. Veteran, helps draw attention to that notice. In Victoria The Herald Sun & The Age both have a copy on file. In other states newspapers in the same group MAY be able to access the logo if requested. It is not necessary to seek permission for its use on death notices for 39th Bn members. The Reference Numbers which must be quoted are: The Herald Sun - B004 The Age - A796 A metal replica of the 39th Bn Badge, for use on a gravestone, is available for purchase from the Memorabilia Officer
Roy Baxter who served his country as V22886, VX 103091 a Cpl in A Coy. passed away the 2nd July 2014 just nine days before his 94th birthday. Roy was recently reconnected with the 39th but after sustaining broken ribs frm a fall followedby 3 weeks in Nth Shore Hospital, he succumbed to his final call. Valerie Dorothy McCourt, widow of Ronald Robert Rotherham Lorna Timms, widow of Keith ‘Tiger’ Timms passed away on the 6th June 2014 aged 94. Until her health declined Lorna regularly attended Battalion events. Thelma Suckling, widow of Len Suckling passed away on Wednesdy 9th July 2014 aged 91 years. Thelma was an active member of the Association and kept in touch her many friends. Robert [Bob] Iskov who served his country as a member of the 2/14 Battalion passed away on the 13th June 2014.
Sick Parade
Christopher Holloway, son of Peter Holloway, is recovering from an encounter with the surgeon’s scapel
Bill [William] Blair, 2 The Quadrant, Narre Warren South. Vic 3805. Son–in–Law of Ted Stuart. Robin Brown, 63 Lloyd Street, Strathmore. Vic 3041 Gary Hondow, Lethbridge Road, Teesdale. Viv 3328. Nephew of Hedley Proctor Norman
Like all great travellers, I have seen more than I remember, and remember more than I have seen. Benjamin Disraeli 1804 – 1881
A Sprig of Lantana
Have you ever wondered why the “Good Guts” reports the passing of a veteran under the heading of A Sprig of Lantana? Or on Kokoda Day why lantana is placed in the urn at the Stone of Remembrance at the Shrine? Perhaps even more intruiging to you may be why sprigs of lantana are placed alongside red poppies on the coffins of veterans of the 39th at their passing.
To find the answer we must return to the battlefields of Papua New Guinea and to Padre Nobbie Earl, the much respected and loved chaplain of the 39th Battalion.
Since 1921 the symbol of the red [Flanders] Poppy has been used to salute the memory of those who sacrified their health, their strength and their lives so that we might live in a free country. But in 1942, in Papua New Guinea, there were no red poppies for the padre to use whilst conducting the burial services for the fallen.
But in the tropical jungle lantana grew in wild profusion. Each time Padre Nobbie Earl took a burial service of a 39th soldier he broke off a sprig of lantana and used it as the symbol of remembrance for the life given in service of his country. The poppy still has great meaning but lantana has come to symbolise so much more. The RSL Burial ritual for a 39th veteran has been adapted to conclude with this prayer: The service of the day is over and the hour has come to rest This blood red poppy, the traditional emblem of war sacrifice, the symbol of a life given for one’s country Together with this sprig of lantana traditionally used by the 39thBattalion in Papua New Guinea Link us with our late comrade. They are tokens of our affectionate and proud remembrance.
To this day the veterans of the 39th Battalion lay a sprig of lantana in memory of their comrades either fallen on the battlefields of Papua New Guinea or as age claims them.
The Harold Bould
This annual award that carries the name of a local Cardinia 39th veteran, Harold Bould, honours all the men and women who served Australia at war, but in particular those that paid with their lives. Now commencing its 7th year, the award is open to all Year 10 students, living or studying in the Shire of Cardinia.
Of course none of it would be possible without support and I am fortunate to have the assistance of local MP Edward O’Donohue and his staff. Not only do they do all the fundraising, but also they make available Edward’s office at Pakenham for presentaions.
2013 winners Chloe Melbourne from Pakenham Secondary College and Kyle Warford from Emerald Secondary College have been training with David and Clodagh of Kokoda Historical, preparing both for the physical and mental challenges of walking the Kokoda Track. A big thanks to both David and Clodagh, not only for their time and effort, but also for their company’s generous sponsorship, “factis non verbis”.
Chloe and Kyle leave on June 29th and will spend the next10 days not only walking the Track, but also visiting the northern beaches, meeting the locals, getting to see their culture and most importantly, learning the meaning of Courage-Sacrifice –Endurance and Mateship Entries for the 2014 Harold Bould Awards are now open and closes September 30th, for all details go to the 39th Association’s website, “www.39Battalion.com.au”
Photos taken at the recent send off for the 2013 winners and the launch of 2014 Harold Bould Award in the Shire of Cardinia
Report by Alan Jameson Local students set off to walk the Kokoda Track
Two Cardinia Shire secondary school students are about to embark on a journey to Papua New Guinea and walk the Kokoda Track in memory of a local Digger.
Chloe Melbourne of Pakenham Secondary College and Kyle Warford of Emerald Secondary College were today farewelled during a presentation to officially launch the 2014 fundraising campaign for the Harold Bould Memorial Award. Chloe and Kyle are the 2013 Harold Bould Memorial Award winners and will walk the Kokoda Track during the upcoming July school holidays.
The award was established in memory of Cardinia resident Harold Bould, who was killed in action on 29 July, 1942 while he served with the 39th Battalion during the Kokoda Campaign.The 39th Australian Infantry Battalion Association selected the two winners from entries of a literary competition open to all Year 10 students in the Cardinia Shire. Students wrote essays on the subjects ‘What Kokoda means to you’ and ‘What Kokoda meant to Australia’.
Mr O’Donohue said the award, now in its seventh year, nurtured the future leaders of the Cardinia Shire community.“This award gives students a unique opportunity to learn about the legacy of Kokoda and do so in memory of a local man who served in the Kokoda Campaign and sadly never made it home,” Mr O’Donohue said.Mr O’Donohue thanked the local businesses and organisations that are generous supporters of the Harold Bould Memorial Award.
Alan Jameson from the 39th Australian Infantry Battalion Association said Chloe and Kyle had a huge adventure ahead of them.“They will learn how the approximately 800-strong 39th Battalion held a rampaging enemy for five weeks until reinforcements arrived. The Japanese were attempting to capture Port Moresby via the Owen Stanley Ranges after their efforts to land by sea were thwarted by the Coral Sea Battle,” Mr Jameson said.
“Today’s youth must continue to learn of important historical events and when they do, will appreciate the sacrifice of the young men and women of Australia during those very dark days of 1942.”
Learning to Lead on the Kokoda Trek. Jobs Australia Foundation's, Indigenous Youth Leadership Program
Jodie Belyea My reflections from the plane on my return from PNG 13 June, 2014. What an amazing week.
We started off full of nervous anticipation as we sat listening to Aidan Grimes from Our Spirit and repacked our packs so that we only took essential items. You would have thought we were going for a year with the amount of chocolate and snacks that were left behind in Port Moresby.
On Day 2 we travelled from Port Moresby to Kokoda in open air trucks, passing through Popendetta to purchase final supplies and water. The stark reality of living conditions hitting us smack in the face as we toured the local hospital and visited the paediatric ward. Children and their parents who were malnourished and suffering from malaria and tuberculosis staring at us with big eyes but smiling back clearly enjoying the cheery hellos from the group. We spent the night at Kokoda Village on Judith's family block with her extended family. Here we learnt to make thatched roofing using local supplies and as a team spent 3 hours repairing accommodation for other trekkers for her.
The next day we stepped off to start the trek, eager to get on the way. The first three days rained, so there was mud, mud and more mud. Our clean squeaky boots no longer looked flash. Aidan Grimes provided us with many moving accounts of the battles and bloodshed that took place at Kokoda, Isurava and Brigade Hill. Pushing home key messages about the value of courage, mateship, sacrifice and endurance. Qualities that ensured the Diggers won the Kokoda Campaign in 1942. Qualities we would test in ourselves as we walked along the track.
The Our Spirit Legends, who supported each and every one of us, demonstrated unconditional care and support of us as we took each step. It was a lesson in humility; nothing was too much for them. They carried their load, our load and pushed, pulled and encouraged us every step of the way with huge smiles, laughter and song. This is my second trek of the Kokoda track and I can say without doubt there are many gifts you get from walking the track: -Resilience - Greater confidence and belief in self; and -A real understanding of how to walk in the spirit of reconciliation; and - Greater respect for difference and diversity in all its shapes and colours.
With your boots literally sinking into the mud for hours on end, one step after the other, you are grounded in reality and with that comes important messages about how to live life: -To slow down, focus and concentrate; -To be present and not sweat the small stuff; -To learn our history and respect what our elders from all cultures have done to make Australia the great country it is -To grasp the opportunities we are given and make the most of them; -To smile, laugh and sing often; and - Know anything is possible with courage, determination perseverance.
We arrive home with weary bodies, sore feet and a slow stagger. However we arrived home more resilient, with fresh ideas about what is possible for our future. We have each grown so much, thanks to the Jobs Australia Foundation's investment in this program and the incredible support of Aidan Grimes and the Our Spirit Legends. Individually and together, we have learnt, we have challenged, we have conquered and taken the opportunity to be the leader of our lives in hope that we can help and support others to lead.
Raising the Flag at Isurava Group photo at Isurava Battlefield
The Kokoda Youth Foundation was the initiative of Vietnam veteran Doug Henderson OAM. After hearing the Kokoda story he felt that trekking the Kokoda Track could be life changing to young people. A trip to Kokoda is the culmination of a 12 month program, this includes, learning the history, learning to give back, by serving their local community and I know, after trekking the track and all the experiences of interacting with the local Papuans, their life will be enriched forever. On their return many will become leaders in their local communities.
Similar events are held on the Gold Coast, Brisbane and this year in Toowoomba. As Melbourne is the home of two of the most significant Battalions to defend the Kokoda Track, the 39th Battalion and the 2/14th, together with the ideal location of the Kokoda Memorial Park at Ferntree Gully, it is believed this event will become the biggest of them all.
On Sunday 26th October 2014, participants are required for the 3rd Kokoda Challenge fundraiser in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges National Park. This event raises money that is used to educate the youth of Australia, about the sacrifice made in the defence of Australia in 1942.
The event starts at the Kokoda Memorial at Ferntree Gully, there is a challenging 30k and an easier 15k course. Participants walk (or run) as a team (2,3 or 4) men, woman or mixed. The 30k must be completed within 9hrs and the 15k within 5hrs.
Schools have a special category in which to compete and school teams are made up of 4 students and a teacher.
More information about the Melbourne event and the Kokoda Youth Foundation, can be found on their website, www.kokodachallenge.com
KOKODA TRACK FOUNDATION
EXCERPTS FROM THE LATEST NEWSLETTER
Dear friend of the Foundation,
It's hard to believe we are nearly halfway through the year. For the Kokoda Track Foundation this has been one of the most challenging and exciting years so far. While we are continuing our life changing programs, we are at the same time introducing new initiatives such as solar power systems, water infrastructure and the construction of the Kokoda College. It is with pleasure that we are sending you this month's update. Enjoy the read! The Kokoda Track Foundation Team
Capt Bede Tongs OAM MM The Kokoda Track Foundation is delighted to congratulate our much-loved Ambassador Captain Bede Tongs MM on his award of the Medal of the Order of Australia in the Queen's Birthday Honours. Bede is one of the heroes of the Kokoda Campaign, being decorated with the Military Medal for his gallantry at Templeton's Crossing in October 1942. He received the OAM for his service to veterans over many decades. We're delighted to have Bede as one of the Foundation's Ambassadors and to benefit from his tireless work on our behalf.
No Roads to Health Partnership In 2013 the Kokoda Track Foundation and No Roads to Health teamed up to mentor and coach our community health workers (CHWs) on the Track and in the Northern Beaches Region. As part of this, the No Roads to Health team and the CHWs jointly visit communities and conduct general health checks and family planning workshops. They also run special clinics. The program has been a success from the onset. The feedback has been overwhelming, not only from the CHWs but also from the communities that are visited on the trips.
Only 5 Days to go… Morrison Garth, a 2014 Archer Leadership Scholarship recipient, has his bags packed and is ready to enter the next stage of the Archer Scholarship. On Sunday he and five of his fellow Archer Scholars will arrive in Australia for their two-week leadership exchange. Morrison commented, "The trip to Sydney for me is a great opportunity to immerse myself in another culture and learn about the many good things outside of my country. It is a trip of a lifetime; I have been looking forward to it and preparing myself. It is a very good initiative of the Kokoda Track Foundation to have PNG students exposed to other parts of the world, especially Australia, to learn as much as we can. I really appreciate this trip and want to thank all the parties involved in organizing it." "I am expecting to meet some prominent leaders. I need to be prepared to meet them, rub shoulders with some of them, talk to them and get to know them. I want to show that, yes, I am aspiring to be one of them - a leader." Keep up to date with the Archer visit by following us [https://www.facebook.com/KokodaTrackFoundation] on Facebook
Melbourne Cocktail Party Due to our growing support base in Melbourne we will be hosting a cocktail party in Melbourne for the first time. The exact date is still to be decided, however, it will take place in September. More information will follow soon. However feel free to register your interest by emailing us on [mailto:[email protected]?subject=Melbourne%20Cocktail%20Party].
Save the Date: Ralph Honner Oration Dinner 2014 This year's Ralph Honner Oration Dinner will be held on the 24th of October 2014 at the Shangri–La in the Sydney CBD. We will sent out invitations in the next month, but please feel free to register your interest by emailing us on [email protected]
SOMETIMES, IT'S NOT REALLY JUST LUCK!!!!
Elmer Bendiner was a navigator in a B-17 during WW II. He tells this story of a World War II bombing run over Kassel, Germany, and the unexpected result of a direct hit on their gas tanks "Our B-17, the Tondelayo, was barraged by flak from Nazi antiaircraft guns. That was not unusual, but on this particular occasion our gas tanks were hit. Later, as I reflected on the miracle of a 20 millimetre shell piercing the fuel tank without touching off an explosion, our pilot, Bohn Fawkes, told me it was not quite that simple. "On the morning following the raid, Bohn had gone down to ask our crew chief for that shell as a souvenir of unbelievable luck. The crew chief told Bohn that not just one shell but 11 had been found in the gas tanks. 11 unexploded shells where only one was sufficient to blast us out of the sky. It was as if the sea had been parted for us. A near-miracle, I thought.
Even after 35 years, so awesome an event leaves me shaken, especially after I heard the rest of the story from Bohn. "He was told that the shells had been sent to the armorers to be defused. The armorers told him that Intelligence had picked them up. They could not say why at the time, but Bohn eventually sought out the answer. "Apparently when the armorers opened each of those shells, they found no explosive charge. They were as clean as a whistle and just as harmless. Empty? Not all of them! One contained a carefully rolled piece of paper. On it was a scrawl in Czech. The Intelligence people scoured our base for a man who could read Czech. Eventually they found one to decipher the note. It set us marvelling. Translated, the note read: *"This is all we can do for you now... Using Jewish slave labour is never a good idea."
HISTORICAL TRIVIA In the heyday of sailing ships, all war ships and many freighters carried iron cannons. Those cannons fired round iron cannon balls. It was necessary to keep a good supply near the cannons,
However, how to prevent them rolling about the deck? The best storage method devised was a square - based pyramid with one ball n the top, resting on four resting on nine, which rested on sixteen. Thus, a supply of thirty cannon balls could be stacked in a small area right next to the cannon.
Few landlubbers realise that brass contracts much more and much faster than iron when chilled. Consequently, when the temperature dropped too far, the brass indentations would shrink so much that the iron cannonballs would come right off the monkey; thus it was quite literally, ‘Cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey’ [All the time, you thought it was an improper expression, didn’t you?]
MORE HISTORICAL TRIVIA
Common entertainment included playing cards. However, there was a tax levied when purchasing playing cards but only applicable to the Ace of Spades. To avoid paying the tax, people would purchase 51 cards instead. Yet, since most games require 52 cards, these people were thought to be dumb or stupid because they weren’t ‘playing with the full deck’
JUST A THOUGHT
So live that you would not be ashamed to sell the family parrot to the local town gossip.
So live that you would not be ashamed to sell the family parrot to the local town gossip.
Reprinted from Queensland RSL News Edition 03 2014 HEALING THE WOUNDS OF WAR
This year marks the centenary of the beginning of the First World War, and the final Memorial Service at St. George’s.
ST. GEORGE’S EAST ST. KILDA UNITING CHURCH 4 CHAPEL STREET, EAST ST. KILDA SUNDAY 24th AUGUST 2014 ANNUAL MEMORIAL SERVICE 10:30 AM Remembering the 14 Battalion and the 99th anniversary of the death at Gallipoli of their Chaplain, REV. ANDREW GILLISON
GUEST SPEAKER Battalion Rev. John Bottomley flags and Deputy Director, Creative Ministries Network banners to be and St. George’s minister (1991 - 2004) marched into the Church. Medals to be THEME: “Transforming Tradition” worn. FEATURING Honouring 2/14, 14/32 and 39 Battalions, and Korean War, Malay Emergency, Vietnam War and Australian Peacekeeping and Peace- making Defence Veterans. Candle-lighting for remembrance Music by the Band of 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse Regiment
LUNCH Hosted by 2/10 Light Battery, 5/6 The Royal Victoria Regiment and St. George’s congregation. Lunch $10:00. RSVP 0423673273 if attending lunch
Lunch bookings: RSVP by 15 August by phoning 0423673273 or [email protected] All other inquiries: Rev. Angela Tampiyappa 03 9731 0604 Alan Moore spreading the message of the Kokoda Campaign in our schools. Pictured here at Wattle Views Primary School.
Selection of Photos contained in the articles of this Good Guts printed in Colour