A DEFENCE SERVICE JOURNAL A DEFENCE SERVICE JOURNAL A DEFENCE SERVICE JOURNAL

CONTENTS

OFFICIAL JOURNAL CONTENTSCONTENTS OFFICIAL JOURNALFromFrom the President the President …………………………………...... CONTENTS.……………………. ..…2-3 2-3 OFFICIAL JOURNAL From the President…………………………………...……………………...…2-3 1ST/19TH BATTALION ValesVales….………………………………………………...... From the President…………………………………..……………….……………………..…….… 4-6 ..…2-34-7 ST TH Coming EventsVales… ./……………………………………………….. Office Bearers...... ……………….…….… 4-6 8 1ST/19TH BATTALIONANZACLast Day Post SydneyVales Ceremony… –.……………………………………………….. March 15 & FEBReunion 18 Australiancruise..……………………………7 War Memorial……………… Canberra-8 .……...... … 4-6 9 ANZAC Day Sydney – March & Reunion cruise..……………………………7-8 THE ROYAL NEW ComingCan EventsYou ANZACAssist / Office PleaseDay Bearers….. Sydney ? Copy –……………………………… March of ‘”Borneo & Reunion Burlesque” cruise..……………………………7…… sought……..….9...... -8 9 Can You Assist Please – Brigadier Duncan Maxwell’s Diaries & Papers...... 10 THE ROYAL NEW Coming Events / Office Bearers…..…………………………………………..…9 SOUTH WALES DonationsA Correction & NewComing Memfrom Eventsbers Bill …Fogarty / ………Office …………………….…….……….…Bearers…...... ……………………………….…10…… ……..…9 10 Donations & New Members ……………………………….…….……….….…10 PTESick Thomas Report DonationsBaker & Congratulations- Commemoration & New Members .Sunny...... ………… Corner…………………….…….……….… – LCPL Terry Nixon.11 .…10 11 SOUTH WALESDonations & New Members ...... 12 SOUTH WALES PTE Thomas Baker - Commemoration Sunny Corner – LCPL Terry Nixon.11 REGIMENT SickPreserving Report &P CongratulationsTE our Thomas Military Baker Heritage ……..………………………………………1 - Commemoration – Rod White, Sunny AM, Corner RFD –...... LCPL2-14 Terry Nixon.1112 Did You KnowSick Report ? Mick & CongratulationsPass...... ……..………………………………………12-14 13 REGIMENTDid You KnowSick ? Brigadier Report & Paul Congratulations Couch CSC ……..………………………………………1RFD - Peter Hughes….……..15 2-14 Centenary of the Battle of Beersheba… Peter Hughes...... 14 ASSOCIATION & Did You Know ? Brigadier Paul Couch CSC RFD - Peter Hughes….……..15 ASSOCIATIONSeenVisit & Around to Suda DidThe You Traps…………Bay Know (Robert ? Brigadier …..Binns)……………………………………… Paul & Kranji Couch War CSC Cemetery RFD - Peter (Cass…. Hughes….……..15.16 Gill)...... 15 ASSOCIATIONCambrai & SeenWar CemeteryAround The LTCOLTraps………… John …..Howells………………………………………...... …..1616 ND TH Seen Around SeenThe Track……………..…………………………………………..17 Around The Traps……………..……………………………………… …..16 2 /19 BATTALION Sydney Commemorations – VJ Day; Vietnam Vets Day; ND TH Seen Around The Track……………..…………………………………………..17 2ND/19TH BATTALIONWalRemembrance Williams honouredSeen Around Day by...... Pittwater The Track……………..…………………………………………..17 RSL………………………………………18 17 Mural at ParitWal Williams Sulong honoured – Lynette by RamsayPittwater RSL………………………………………18Silver...... 17 A.I.F. ASSOCIATION. Fall of SingaporeWal CommemorationWilliams honoured – Kranjiby Pittwater CPL Ian RSL………………………………………18 Dahlenburg…………..19 Bill Baird Commemorative Ride – Highway to Hell - Marj Flack A.I.F. ASSOCIATION. Fall of Singapore Commemoration – Kranji CPL Ian Dahlenburg…………..19 MEMBERS OF THE Fall& of Susan Singapo FallJohnstonre Commemorationof Singapore...... Commemoration– Sydney & Ballarat – Kranji……………… CPL Ian Dahlenburg…………..19….20-22 18 Seen AroundFall of The Singapo TrapsTributesre Commemoration to Rocky– Sydney Walshaw & Ballarat & Graham……………… Yetman….20..19-20-22 Return of PTEFall Gilbert of Singapo Mant’s reMedals Commemoration –Di Elliott…………………………….…– Sydney & Ballarat………………23 ….20-22 MEMBERS OF THEA COY Wagga Wagga Dinner 25 NOV 2017...... 21 Return of PTE Gilbert Mant’s Medals –Di Elliott…………………………….…23 AUSTRALIAN AWMA COYLast Post DinnerReturn Ceremony Address of PTE PTE Gilbert by Charles The Mant’s Colonel Buchanan Medals Commandant ––Di Di Elliott Elliott……………………………………….… The …..2Royal4 New South23 AUSTRALIANWales .43-45AWM Regiment Last Post CeremonyMajor General PTE Charles The Honourable Buchanan – JusticeDi Elliott………… Paul Brereton,…..24 AUSTRALIAN8th Division Battle Run LTCOL Graeme Davis (Retd)……………………..25-30 AM, RFDA...... WM Last Post Ceremony PTE Charles Buchanan – Di Elliott……………..222-234 DEFENCE 8th Division Battle Run LTCOL Graeme Davis (Retd)……………………..25-30 DEFENCEBook Association Review 8- th John Division 2017 Donovan……………………………………………. AGM Battle Meet Run LTCOL& Greet, Graeme Gosford Davis RSLClub (Retd)…………………...... ……31 …..25-3024 DEFENCE Association Book 2017 Review AGM - John Wreath Donovan……………………………………………. Laying Gosford RSL Club...... ……3124 FORCES NorAssociation All Thy TearsBook 2017 - Review Dvr AGMJames - John Dinner McNamara…… Donovan……………………………………………. Gosford.………… RSL Club.……...... ……..…32-33 ……3125 Nor All Thy Tears - Dvr James McNamara…….………….…….……..…32-33 FORCESDown Minutes Memory ofNor Lane……………………………………………………… Association All Thy Tears Annual - Dvr James General McNamara…… Meeting 28.………… OCT.…... 2017.…..3….4...... ……..…3225-33-33 RESERVES Book ReviewDown - Memory John Donovan Lane………………………………………………………...... ….....34 34 Down Memory Lane……………………………………………………….….....34 RESERVESNor All Thy Tears - Dvr James McNamara...... 35 RESERVESDown MemoryCOPYRIGHT Lane...... © 36

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I decided to open this edition of the “President’s Report” with some good news because I am getting very cross with all of the beautiful ladies who are dying on us. The widows of our World War 2 veterans are very dear to the hearts of all members and I absolutely forbid any more to pass away for at least six months. Wednesday, September 6 was Battle for Australia Day and there were ceremonies around the Nation to commemorate this event. The Association was represented at the Sydney ceremony by Bob Pink and Major Bryan Schafer, the Assistant Secretary, as I was engaged elsewhere. His Excellency, The Governor was represented by his Official Secretary, Colonel Mike Miller RFD, as His Excellency was also engaged elsewhere. I was unable to attend because I was at Government House in Sydney to be invested with my Order of Australia Medal. It was a splendid occasion, enhanced by the charm and graciousness of the Vice Regal couple and I was very proud and humbled by the honour done to me in recognition of me fulfilling a role that I see, in itself, as an honour. I was also pleased to receive the congratulations of the Colonel Commandant of the Royal New South Wales Regiment, MAJGEN Paul Brereton AM, RFD, who was present representing the Chief Justice of NSW. Association member Keven Marshall, ESM, who was also recognised in the June 2017 Queen’s Birthday Honours List with an Emergency Services Medal, was due to be invested at a similar ceremony on Wednesday afternoon. Our Association Secretary, who was similarly honoured in Queen’s Birthday Honours List was to be invested on Thursday, 7 September after he and I were both guests at a luncheon at Parliament House in Sydney to recognise the new Order of Australia members. Bob will have found it very frustrating because the taking of photographs during the ceremonies is forbidden! How he will overcome this stricture will be revealed as this edition goes to press. Tuesday, September 5, saw the passing of a much loved Association member, Mrs Joan Bye, at the age of 94. Joan was the widow of Corporal Allan Bye of 2/19th Battalion who, himself, passed away on 10 February 2000. Joan had, in recent years resided at Blakeney Lodge in Tumut NSW and will be sorely missed by her son Howard and her family and friends. Joan was farewelled in the Anglican Church in Adelong NSW on Wednesday 13 September and the Association was represented by Robert Watson. I was away for the early part of October and things turned fairly quiet in the lead up to the Annual Weekend on 27/28 October with the only event of note being Joe Coombs having a fall, connecting with the concrete and, as a result, spending some extended time in hospital where he celebrated his 97th birthday on 18 October. After a few days in Concord Joe was off to a respite care facility before, hopefully, returning home in the near future. The Annual Weekend was held at Gosford and was an unqualified success. Numbers were down a little on the previous year and those attending looked a lot older than the previous year. The Meet & Greet on Friday evening was the usual jolly occasion, with some members forgetting where they were sleeping and partying on till the wee small hours. Saturday started with the Commemorative Wreath Laying at the Gosford RSL Club Memorial and wreaths were laid on behalf of 1/19 RNSWR, 2/19 Battalion AIF, The Association, Gosford RSL Sub-Branch, Gosford RSL Club and private tributes. Again we were privileged to have Luke Meehan, whose skill as a trumpeter is one of his main claims to fame the other being that he is Colonel Tom Crawford’s grandson, sounding Retreat and Reveille and playing the National Anthem, with Luke’s father Bill Meehan acting as a music stand and holding up the music. We are indeed fortunate that Luke and his parents, Bill and Nancy are such staunch supporters of the Association. Mick Pass arranged for his sub-branch to lend him their bus and organised a tour of the surrounding area for a number of members, the remainder seemed to divide their time between shopping and napping. In the afternoon Lieutenant Colonel Peter McGuinness MBE OAM RFD ED, presented a dissertation on the Battle of Amiens that had been prepared by the late Lieutenant Colonel Peter Morrissey RFD and delivered to the Naval & Military Club in Tasmania. A fitting tribute to a great Commanding Officer and a wonderful man taken from us much too early. The AGM passed without too much incident apart from Lieutenant Colonel Gary Beltrame RFD JP, misbehaving and incurring the threat of a six-hour drinking ban and the auditor having the temerity to point out a typographical error in the Financial Report. The Committee was re-elected unopposed and George Fisher was elected from the meeting to take the place of Kevin Jones OAM, who had, at my request re- nominated but expressed the desire, due to poor health, to be relieved of the responsibility if possible. Kevin was one of the earliest members of 19 RNSWR, having transferred in from 2 RNSWR when Lieutenant Colonel Tom Crawford MBE ED was scouring the country looking for senior NCOs and Officers to staff the

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newly raised Battalion. Kevin, similarly, was a founding member of the Association and served with distinction as a member of the Committee for twenty years. His service, advice and input has been of inestimable value and he goes into retirement with my grateful thanks and the thanks of the whole membership. At the Annual Dinner we were pleased to host the Commanding Officer, 1/19 RNSWR, Lieutenant Colonel Ian Pattingale, the Colonel Commandant Emeritus of The Royal New South Wales Regiment, Brigadier Paul Couch CSC, RFD and his charming wife Carmel, Mr Cliff Hobson representing the Gosford RSL Club and Mr Greg Mawson, Mrs Patsy Edwards and Mr Michael Edwards representing the Gosford RSL Sub-Branch. Other distinguished guests included Mr Glen Scriven of 2/19th Battalion AIF who was looking hale and hearty at 100 years of age accompanied by his granddaughter Sally and her husband James, Mrs Shirley Drum and our revered Chaplain, Lieutenant Colonel The Reverend Colin Aitken OAM, RFD, ChStJ with his lovely wife Patricia. Colin celebrated his 74th birthday on the Saturday. Unfortunately, His Excellency, The Governor of New South Wales, The Honourable General David Hurley AC, DSC (Retd.) together with his wife Linda was unable to attend due to other commitments and the Colonel Commandant, The Royal New South Wales Regiment, Major General The Honourable Justice Paul Brereton AM, RFD was prevented from attending due to his wife’s illness. Both gentlemen sent their best wishes to the membership and their regrets at their absence. Sadly, the RSM, 1/19 RNSWR, WO1 Simon Foley was also unable to attend as he was tasked with collecting his replacement as RSM from Sydney Airport and conveying him to Orange. Simon will be leaving the Battalion at the end of the year and heading to North Queensland. The evening was a great success with good food, good wine and good company. Shirley Drum again excelled herself with the donation of a number of quilts as raffle prizes and David Ring was not far behind with his contribution of some excellent prizes. David also performed extremely well in extracting money from the diners and the total takings were $900. The fact that some members won a number of prizes and some tables won none raised some mutterings but I am assured by Mick Pass that everything was conducted in an upright and probative fashion. The 2018 Reunion will be in Orange on the weekend 26-28 October 2018.. I was saddened upon returning home on Sunday, 29 October to receive an email from Major General Warren Glenny AO RFD ED advising of the passing of Mrs Dorothy Maitland. Dorothy the wife, and valuable mainstay of Major General Gordon Maitland AO, OBE, RFD, ED, a former CO of 4 RNSWR and a former Regimental Colonel of The Royal New South Wales Regiment. Dorothy had been in ill health for some little while and her death will be a sad blow to Gordon. Saturday, November 11, was Remembrance Day – the 99th Anniversary of the cessation of hostilities in World War I. In company with Bob Pink I represented the Association at the official ceremony at the Cenotaph in Martin Place, Sydney in the presence of His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC, DSC (Retd) and Mrs Hurley and laid a wreath in honour of the memories of members of both 19th Battalion AIF and 2nd/19th Battalion AIF. A large crowd was present but it was very disheartening to see the stepped up security in place. Saturday, 25 November saw Bob and I, together with my fellow Trustees of the Peryman Trust, Martin Hanson, Dennis Zalunardo OAM JP and Colonel John Jackson RFD in Wagga Wagga to attend the 1/19 RNSWR combined end of year Dining In Night and welcome to Charlie Company of 4/3 RNSWR who have transferred into the Battalion and will retain the title of the Werriwa Company. I was pleased to have the opportunity to present the Peryman Awards for 2017 before a very large gathering of members of the Battalion and their partners. Sadly, it marked the last official function for the RSM, WO1 Simon Foley who will be leaving the Battalion to take up a new posting in North Queensland. I have enjoyed working with Simon during the two years that he has served in 1/19 RNSWR and am sorry to see him leave us. Needless to say, he goes with very best wishes for his future employment. We were delighted to learn of Maree Derrick’s promotion to Lieutenant Colonel on 8 December 2018 and our heartiest congratulations and best wishes to Maree in her new appointment. While I very much doubt that you will receive this before the Festive Season, I wish each and every one of you, and your families, every best wish and blessing for a very happy Christmas and a bright and prosperous New Year.

Roger Perry

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2147615 LIEUTENANT COLONEL John Bernard FOGARTY, RFD, JP, BEd, AFACM, MAITD, MAHRF 1st/19th Battalion The Royal New South Wales Regiment, John Bernard Fogarty was born on the 12th July 1949 at King George V Hospital in Camperdown (Sydney) to loving parents Jack and Betty. His father was delighted as he had always wanted a son to be named John. His second name, Bernard, was chosen by his mother as Jack had served on the Burnie during his service in the Second World War. He had a good start to life weighing in at 10lbs 3ozs so he was never going to be a small person. About 18 months later John became a big brother when his little sister and playmate Judith was born. They were great friends and spent many days together until Judith was tragically killed when hit by a truck. She was running across the road outside the family home in Concord to play with her Johnny and their cousins in the local park. She was just 3 and he was 4 and a half. This event stayed with him for the remainder of his life. Around this time his father was establishing his own successful painting and decorating business. The family, which now included John’s brother, Alan, moved to Narwee, and then to Chester Hill. The family had grown again with the addition of twins Ian and Stephen. John assumed the role of big brother and whenever there were any backyard squabbles, the twins would run to him for protection. The family then moved to Homebush before finally settling in Strathfield. John attended Homebush Public School and Homebush Boys’ High as a selective student. He very much enjoyed his primary school years achieving excellent academic marks. It was here that his love for cricket developed and he began playing Rugby league for the local Enfield Federals team. At Homebush Boys’ High School his lifelong interests in English, History and the languages, especially Latin, developed. John was a gifted student who realised that he could still do well without putting in too much study. This pleased him greatly as that meant he could indulge himself in playing even more cricket and rugby. However he did get a wakeup call when he failed to achieve a place at University. That was never going to be a problem for him as that meant he could go back to school and keep playing his beloved cricket and rugby. He was fortunate enough that the school allowed him to return, and he played in the successful first grade cricket and rugby teams. He successfully completed his final year at school, and received the university offer that had eluded him the year before. He embarked on an Arts degree at the University of New South Wales with the intention of becoming a high school teacher of English and History. In true John fashion, there was always something that got in the way of him completing a task. And this time it was part time work - he did not want to burden his parents with the expenses incurred as part of his study. His University studies became less important when he was offered work selling insurance for AMP. He soon realised that he did not have to sell too many policies to make a reasonable income and Uni was hence abandoned in favour of full time work. Soon after he joined the Commonwealth Public Service working for the Department of the Army at Victoria Barracks. This career lasted for 40 years. It wasn’t long before John realised that if this was going to be his future, Sydney was not the best place for advancement. Being a very ambitious person he decided to move to Canberra where there would be more opportunities for promotions through the ranks. It didn’t take long before he had reached the level where time would no longer be his own and he would be expected to work outside of normal hours without overtime payments. He decided then that he had achieved as much as he could in Canberra and began seeking positions to return to Sydney. During his time he Canberra he met Dianne who has been known to say that when she first saw him her first thoughts were “my goodness! Where have you been all my life” Apparently John was thinking the same thing and it was not long before they became engaged and were married five months later. They built a house in Fraser in North Canberra. 3 years later their first daughter Belinda was born. He was so proud of her and loved being a father. Almost two years later another daughter Louise was born. He was absolutely thrilled to have two healthy little girls. In 1981 John was successful in obtaining a position at the Special Broadcasting Commission in Sydney. SBS was just being established and he embraced the huge responsibility of helping to establish this organisation. He was involved in purchasing equipment and hiring staff. Working in this environment developed his interest in technology. I think the Fogarty home was one of the first to have a home computer in 1986. John’s career in the Public Service continued in the Department of Defence and the Australian Tax Office working at Bankstown, Penrith and Parramatta offices. He was involved in staff training and completed many work based courses. Combined with his degree in Adult Education he was highly qualified in this position. In 2001 John was becoming disenchanted with his work and had heard that redundancies were soon to be offered. Subsequently, he was offered and gladly accepted a redundancy which effectively meant retirement from full time work at the age of 52. Being retired meant that he could then pursue other interests. He was very soon fulfilling his thirst for developing and increasing knowledge by enrolling in a writing course, a gardening course and golf lessons. He also enrolled in Irish Gaelic classes, an interest that he continued to follow and attempted to perfect. He could speak it but unfortunately for him he could not be easily understood by native Gaelic speakers ! He returned to university studies. Firstly he enrolled in an Arts degree as he wanted to complete what he had started more than 30 years earlier. He enjoyed his studies in psychology and linguistics over two years but then decided to change to a teaching qualification. He decided to do a degree in Primary Education to complement his Bachelor of Adult Education. He worked casually in a number of schools and was very proud to have achieved his lifetime dream even if it was in a different sector of education. John also had another career as an officer in the Australian Army Reserve. He had always aspired to be in the Army and decided upon the role of an officer as he would rather give the orders than have to take them. He completed 18 months of training with 19 Course Officer Cadet Training Unit in August 1974. When a 30-year reunion was organised, this group enjoyed being together so much that these get-togethers have continued every year since. No one should ever underestimate the camaraderie that exists in the armed services. Upon graduation from the Officer Cadet Training Unit he was appointed as a Second Lieutenant with 1st/19th Battalion at Ingleburn. He thoroughly enjoyed the weekend trainings and two week camps. He remained with this Infantry Battalion rising through the ranks to Major. He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and continued working at 2 Training Group, the Sydney University Regiment and Division Headquarters. He missed being out in the fields crawling through muddy grounds and firing mortars and eventually retired after 28 active years of service. John became a Justice of the Peace in 1989. He believed that he should use this role as a service to the community. He worked each week at Strathfield Library and at the Berala Community Centre. He always looked forward to doing this service and it gave him a high level of satisfaction in assisting others. He has always been community minded and served on many committees in whatever capacity he could. At different times he has been Treasurer of organisations where Belinda and Louise were involved including Guides, the girls’ skating club, and school P&C’s camp. He was also Treasurer of the Royal New South Wales Regiment. He took great pride in producing his local Church’s newsletter for eight years. He was the computer coordinator for the 1st/19th Battalion Association for a number of years during which time he established the unit’s web site. As a volunteer during the Sydney Olympics he worked in the athletes village. He really enjoyed mingling in the international atmosphere. He would come home excitedly each night to tell his family whom he had encountered during the day In recognition of his community service he was awarded an Australia Day Medal in 1996. He was the family historian and enjoyed nothing more than researching to find more information. He was pleased to discover that he originated from a First Fleeter who married a convict on the second Fleet and their involvement in the development of the country we now know. He travelled extensively to many interesting places ticking off all destinations on his bucket list. These included Egypt to see the pyramids, China to see the Great Wall, Turkey to go to Gallipoli, France to go to the Somme and Villiers-Bretonneux, Belgium to be at the Menin Gate to hear the Last Post and to see the Fields of Flanders. More experiences included Edinburgh to attend the famous military tattoo, Lords Cricket Ground in London and his favourite of all - Ireland - from where his family name originated. We were fortunate enough to have only recently returned from seven weeks in Ireland, Scotland, England and Paris. In Ireland John found his family’s ancient home - Fogarty Castle. Although it is now a ruin since it was damaged by fire in 1922 during the Civil War in Ireland, it was a most amazing place to be. Dianne says that she has not seen John happier than he was that day just 12 weeks ago. There’s no doubt he would have died a happy man at that point in time. Almost five years ago John became a grandfather to Charlotte. He was totally besotted by her and she put a special glow in his eyes every time he saw her. In November last year Belinda and Ryan presented him with another granddaughter, Lucy whom he absolutely adored. John had a heart of gold and would do whatever he could to help wherever and whenever he could. I have been asked by John’s mother in law, Dianne’s and my mother, (who is unable to be here today due to a heavy cold) to mention the love and care that he has shown to her over the years. When she decided to sell the family home and move into a unit, John travelled to Brisbane to assist her in the move and resettlement. For her last six birthdays John has taken Mabel to the Sunshine Coast for a holiday. To make this possible has been greatly appreciated. John led a very fulfilled life. He always made the best of every situation. The glass was always half full. More recently he had become less mobile than he would have wished but he never dwelled on what could have been. He will always be remembered as a kind, gentle and loving person who was there for anyone at any time when needed. We won’t see his smiling face anymore but he will live on in our hearts forever. Our thanks to John’s Brother-in-law Gary Hewitt for the above very fine tribute to John.

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MRS Joan Elizabeth BYE (nee SUMMERS) 22 October 1922 – 5 September 2017 Howard Bye advised with much sadness of his Mother’s passing in her 94th year on Tuesday afternoon 5 September 2017. Late of Blakeney Lodge , Tumbarumba NSW, Joan was the widow of NX35419 CPL Allan BYE of C Company, 2/19 Australian Infantry Battalion AIF, who predeceased her in February 2000.

Joan was farewelled at The Anglican Church ADELONG NSW 2729 on Wednesday 13 SEPTEMBER 2017

(FROM THE TUMUT & ADELONG TIMES ON JOAN’s 90th BIRTHDAY 13 OCT 2012 by Kirsty ROCHE) Great friends Dot Kell, 99, and June Bye, 90.

JOAN Bye has a wonderful life. At 90-years of age, the mother of five remains vibrant, charismatic and quite cheeky. Her welcoming smile and the air of familiarity that surrounds her makes her a loved resident of Blakeney Lodge and a woman you just want to spend time with. Born on October 8, 1922 in Mittagong, she grew up with her brother Fred and her parents, her father running a mixed property growing a bit of everything but mainly apples. Joan would lose her only sibling after he was shot down in the skies above Germany during the war years, and the memory of her older brother remains strong. Joan is a woman who in some ways was born before her time, her quick wit and intelligence, that is a strong trait throughout her family, saw her achieve solid academic success during her schooling years. After completing school in Bowral, she headed off to teachers’ college to learn the profession, even attending university for one year. “I found there were a few too many counter attractions at university so I headed to Liverpool for my first teaching position,” Mrs Bye said. “After a year there I was sent to Adelong in 1943 to teach.” During the war years, in a time of petrol rations, sugar, butter and tea coupons and uncertainty, Joan would hop onto her push bike and ride from Adelong to the Murrumbidgee River, crossing on a boat, to spend the weekend with friends. “Things were a lot different in those days,” she said. “People with a cow would swap butter and milk for sugar rations and women were getting sent out to small schools. I taught at Sharps Creek School and had 20 students for a time, I really enjoyed my time at that little school.” In Adelong at a community dance, Joan met her future husband, Allan Bye, a man who was affectionately called Wimpie and a man who with whom she would spend her life with, building their own family. “My husband was a prisoner of war to the Japanese army and found it quite hard to settle when he returned home,” Mrs Bye said. “We moved from Adelong to Bethungra and Cootamundra working on properties before settling back in Adelong where I taught again.” Raising two boys and three daughters, Joan became a wonderful cook and an avid sewer, making her own outfits and clothes for the children. Her earlier interest in study saw Joan enrol in a technical college sewing course in the 1960s in a bid to further her ability. As the years passed 11 grand children and six great-grand children would join the ranks of the family, her birthday celebrations last Saturday at the Golf Club reminding her how precious they all are to her. “It was a lovely celebration with a lot of the family coming,” Mrs Bye said. “They came from Queensland and Canberra and locally. It really was lovely to everyone at the one time again.” Joan is showing few signs of slowing down and since beating Non- Hodgkin Lymphoma several years back, she moved into Blakeney Lodge aged care facility and hasn’t looked back. “I moved around nine years ago or so and although would have liked to stay in my home a little longer, I didn’t want to be a worry to the family,” Mrs Bye said. “I am very happy here, anyone who’s not would be hard to please I think.” Not one to sit around and ponder life’s progression, Joan is involved in everything. She takes part in all the activities on offer and enjoys the social aspect of the centre. “I have no trouble in occupying myself,” she said grinning. “I read a lot of books still, do puzzles and join in whatever is happening here.” Seeing the world change dramatically has not phased Joan. Some changes she described as for the best, others not so good, she is enjoying life and the challenges that accompany it. “I feel pretty good at 90,” Mrs Bye said. “Considering I’ve had cancer and a broken hip, I’m going along alright. I can’t walk as far as I used to but I still like to get out. I am happy.”

HOWARDS EULOGY Our mother, Joan Elizabeth Bye was born at Mittagong, the daughter of John and Ada Summers of nearby Aylmerton, on 8th October 1922. She was raised on a small orchard together with her only brother Frederick John Summers who was born six years earlier. Mum’s childhood was a happy one and she was very close to her parents, particularly her father with whom she shared many of his friendly personal traits. Her primary schooling was at Aylmerton Public School which was a one teacher school, long since closed. Mum did not start school until age six but went straight into second class as she was already a very good reader. She had to ride a bike eight miles every day to secondary schooling at Bowral High School where she did her Leaving Certificate in 1938. This was at a time when many did not complete schooling let alone sit for the Leaving Certificate matriculation. Mum never forgot how fortunate that she was to have received a good education and this reflected in her desire to help everyone later on in life, particularly those who had not had the same opportunities. She then enrolled in an Arts degree at Sydney University in 1939. Her mother Ada, had also attended Sydney University in 1902 winning first prize for English in the entrance examination. After the first year Mum transferred to Sydney Teachers’ College where she graduated as a teacher at the end of 1941. In January 1942 she commenced her first teaching appointment at Liverpool Girls’ High School where she commuted daily from a flat in Kings Cross. At this time, Mum’s only sibling Fred was in England serving with the famous RAAF 460 Squadron in World War 2. Tragically, Fred was to make the ultimate sacrifice when he was shot down while on operations over Germany in August of that year. Mum was home on holidays and remembered the Post Mistress knocking on the door to deliver the telegram containing the terrible news from the War Department. This devastated the family, like many other Australian families at the time who received similar dreaded telegrams. Losing their only son and sibling had a great effect on her parents and Mum for the rest of their lives. At the end of 1942 Mum was notified that she would be appointed to Adelong Central School in 1943. As she had lived her life up to that time in the Southern Highlands and Sydney this appointment came as a huge surprise to her as she had no idea where Adelong was located on the map. She travelled to Adelong by overnight Mail Train and under normal circumstances would have been entitled to a sleeping berth however these were not available due to war time restrictions. This was the longest journey that Mum had ever undertaken so it was a real adventure especially when she changed to the now defunct Tumut branch line at Cootamundra. She arrived at Mount Horeb expecting it to be Adelong only to realise there was still an 8 mile journey still to go. She was soon made aware of this by Jack Prowse who operated a mail coach service between Mount Horeb and Adelong who gave her a lift and put her mind at ease. On arrival in Adelong Mum was met by Mrs Hilda Tonkin a well known local identity who had returned to teaching as there was a shortage of teachers due to war commitments. This meeting with Mrs Tonkin was the start of a long and dear friendship which lasted to Mrs Tonkin’s passing in 1980’s. Mrs Tonkin helped her find board at one of the local hotels where she stayed for the first year. After teaching at Adelong for a year Mum transferred to Sharpes Creek where she was the sole teacher for the next two and a half years. Although it was a little isolated Mum always said that the years spent at Sharpes Creek were some of her happiest ones. She is still fondly remembered by the families of those whom she taught. It was 10 miles into town and she managed to obtain a permit to purchase a bike which was required due to war time restrictions. The bikes had no gears so you had to walk up hills. If she went to town to go to a dance she would ride home in the dark as bikes had no lights on them. Sometimes

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she would get a lift with the Whiting brothers (Ken, Gordon and Trevor) who used to cut eucalyptus in the area. Whilst at Sharpes Creek Mum boarded with Mr and Mrs Bert Whiting who ran the local post office. She always said that she had a wonderful time living with them where she stayed until she married in 1946. At the end of 1945 mum’s life would change forever when she met Dad at a local dance. Dad was still in the army and had returned home following three and a half horrible years as a prisoner of war. He was discharged in January 1946 and they were married in this church on 20 April 1946. Shortly after their marriage they moved to the Cootamundra area where Dad obtained employment in the rural industry, an industry that he had worked in prior to enlisting in the army. Like many ex-serviceman, in particular ex- POWs, Dad found it very difficult to re-adjust to civilian life and to forget the war atrocities that he had seen. Life for Mum during this period was far from easy but in her usual manner she carried on. Barbara was born in 1948, Bunty in 1951 and myself in 1952. They returned to the old family home in Gundagai St in ‘54. Russell was born in that year and Robyn in 1957. Dad worked as a truck driver for Noel Hosken and in ‘55 he obtained employment with Tumut Shire Council where he stayed until 1972 when he retired early due to war related illnesses. In late ‘57 Mum returned to full time teaching at Adelong Central School where she stayed until retirement in ‘72. She taught many children during that period, (some of whom are here today) where she became well respected and well loved both by the pupils and her fellow teaching colleagues. She taught maths and commerce and was also the librarian. Most ex-students remember her as a proficient and accurate chalk thrower to gain their attention in class. After leaving teaching mum worked part time as book keeper for Grahame Matthews at his garage and also did relief work in the Secretary’s office at the now closed Adelong Hospital. At the end of 1972 our grandfather moved from Mittagong to live with us. He suffered a stroke in ‘73 and resided at the Adelong Hospital until his death in ’82 Such was her love for her father that mum visited him every single day until his passing even though he had Alzheimer’s for the last 4/5 years. She would just sit with him with no conversation during that time but just sharing love. Mum and Dad continued to live in Adelong and were continual support to us children where ever we were in the world. They were very proud parents with traditional values and who wanted things done correctly and to be respectful of other people. Unfortunately Mum did not have the opportunity to travel except to the South Coast, like we have done as Dad was not the travelling type. She also spent many years caring for Dad when his health started to deteriorate. This was by far not an easy task but she was never one to complain. She also had three major hip operations after suffering falls at home during this time. Dad passed away suddenly on 1 January 2000. This was a blessing for him and Mum as she was being faced with having to have him admitted to a nursing home which he would not have handled well. Mum remained in the old family home in Adelong for 6 years. During this time she suffered Non-Hogkins Lymphoma cancer and spent several months in Sydney undergoing treatment. She was given a low chance of survival as she was very ill and 82 at the time but she persevered and won against the odds. It was her very strong willpower that got her through. In her usual style she never complained of her plight when family members visited her. Mum was very happy to return home after her illness and shortly after this she entered the next and last stage of her life when she moved to Blakeney Lodge in Tumut where she resided for the past 11 years. It was her decision to move to Blakeney Lodge as she didn’t want to be a burden to her family, and she never regretted it. She loved the companionship of the other residents and taking part in activities that were organized. She spent much time to doing her cross words and puzzles as well as keeping everyone on their toes with maths, spelling and history topics. Every time that I phoned her she always said how well she was treated by the staff and that she was fortunate to be there. The staff always knew this and went out of their way to do things for her. They really loved her and she loved them. Mum passed away peacefully at Blakeney Lodge on 5th September at approximately 4.00 pm. She was afforded magnificent care by Kerry Kelly and her staff and all our family will never forget the compassion that was shown to her as well as the support and love that were given to the family on those last days that we spent with her. Mum did not want to spend her last days in any other place or with any other people. In summing her character up, we believe Mum had many outstanding qualities, many of which have been reinforced to us by many local residents over the years. She was great company to be around – always friendly, good fun and possessed a great positive attitude to life. She was a great listener who considered her statements carefully before speaking and did not dominate conversations. She had a very respectful, elegant and gracious manner. She was non-judgmental nor did she discriminate against her fellow person. Mum was a trusted confidante who was highly respected by the community many of whom sought her advice or to act as a referee, especially past students for employment references. She had a very intelligent and agile mind particularly linguistically and numerically but was not intellectually aloof. She was an avaricious reader and did many puzzles all her life to keep her enquiring mind active and agile. From the family perspective, undoubtedly, she was the outstanding member across many generations of the Bye family. She was the rock, the foundation on which our family was built. Possessor of sound judgement, unemotional, the largest financial provider, selfless, forever giving and thankful to the end. Dad had his strengths but would have really struggled without Mum’s strong support and endurance over the years. All of us realized this in spades. Mum was the go to person when challenges arose or mishaps occurred. She was so inspiring and was such a great family role model that her loss is extremely painful for all of us. Having said that we are glad that she is now at peace as her quality of life had diminished dramatically recently. Her long life was partly a result of her leading a very heathly life both in mind and body. Plus of course some of life’s luck. Mum was a member of what we believe has been a great generation of Australians. This generation was born in the ‘20’s and ‘30’s and lived through the depression, WWII and the rationed aftermath. This was the generation that set the country up for the baby boomers and future generations that are now gaining the benefits of their sacrifices and hardships. Many of that generation came from this town. We also thank them. We are forever grateful for being her children and will never forget Mum’s sacrifices.

Individually the following will always be remembered:

Barbara very thankful for her unconditional love, support, guidance and encouragement. Bunty: admired her superior intellect and her ability to act with grace under fire. Howard: Mum was always available for advice when needed and her advice was always sound. Russell: never forget her inspirational sacrifices that she made for me to get a top university education. Robyn: grateful for lessons to cope with life and to always treat others with respect.

Russell and I would like to acknowledge the care and assistance given to Mum by Barbara, Bunty and Robyn. They were always on hand to do messages for her and took her on holidays on more than one occasion. Robyn being a Tumut resident for a long time and Barbara in the last four years have shared the biggest load while Bunty came home from overseas and was of big assistance during Mum’s Sydney cancer treatment. Finally, as well as being a loving wife and mother, Grandmother, great grandmother and great great grandmother, Mum was a dear friend, teaching colleague and respected teacher to many who are present here today,. On behalf of the family I would like to thank everyone and particularly those who have travelled long distances for their kind support and the many tributes to Mum since her passing. As she lived an uncomplicated life she would have been overwhelmed with this acknowledgement.

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MRS Dorothy Bowness MAITLAND It is my melancholy duty to advise you of the death last Saturday, 28 October 2017, of Mrs Dorothy Maitland, wife of Major General G. L. Maitland, AO, OBE, RFD, ED, former Commanding Officer of 4 RNSWR and Regimental Colonel of the Regiment. There is to be a private funeral.

Mrs Maitland was General Maitland’s life partner in every way, and immensely supportive of his service, his role as Regimental Colonel (and subsequently adviser to his successors), and his writing. Until ill-health prevented them from attending, she was a stalwart participant in Regimental activities, notably the Soudan Dinner, for as long as most of us can remember. She was a charming and urbane lady, hospitable and welcoming to newcomers. She will be very sadly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her.

Our thoughts and deepest sympathy, and those of the Regiment, are with General Maitland.

Letters of condolence may be addressed to General Maitland at Unit 56, Huon Park, 381 Bobbin Head Road, North Turramurra NSW 2074.

P. BRERETON Major General Colonel Commandant The Royal New South Wales Regiment

2274928 STAFF SERGEANT Raymond John 'Ray' BERRY 72 years RAP Sergeant 1st/19th Battalion The Royal New South Wales Regiment ROYAL AUSTRALIAN ARMY MEDICAL CORPS

Martin Hanson advised with sadness of Ray’s passing at the Mercy Hospital Albury on the 2nd November 2017 in his 72nd year, after a four year battle with Leukaemia. Dearly loved husband of Gayle. Much loved father, father-in-law & Ray of Christopher and Amanda, Annie, Jack and Sam. Much loved father, father-in- law & poppy of Martin and Tippy, Vivienne and Oscar. Loved step father of Ike and Karen, Amanda and Scott, Nathan and Maree. Adored Poppy Ray of Jacob, Nicholas, Lucy, Hayley and Jasmin. Great Poppy Ray of Ella. Loved daddy of Brutus. Ray was farewelled at the Evergreen Chapel, Lester & Son Funeral Home, North Albury on Friday 10th November 2017

SERGEANT Christopher Michael “Blue” O’HALLORAN Australian Regular Army Cadre Staff and 1st/19th Battalion The Royal New South Wales Regiment Chris served with 1/19 RNSWR during the late 1970’s - early 1980’s. Formerly of Granville and Macksville, Chris’ son Daniel advised with sadness of his passing in his 64th year at Sydney on 21 November 2017.

Much loved husband, soul-mate and devoted carer of Betty (dec) for 40 years. Cherished Pop of Seantelle, Ryan, Edith and Eliza. Brother of Carolyn and Helen (dec), brother-in-law, uncle and friend. Proud father and father-in-law of Jason, Daniel and Gemma.

He was a fine leader, both serving his country and to the many people he worked with.

Roy Schmidtke represented the Association at Chris’ farewell at the Holy Family Catholic Church, Granville on Friday 1 December, 2017.

2303996 PRIVATE Don Charles WAYNE 1st/19th Battalion The Royal New South Wales Regiment

Following an intensive search over the past year of Australian and United States records, Association member Adrian Schlieper advised with much sadness that a death notice for Don had been located notifying of his passing in the USA on 2 October 2016. He was born on 29 April 1963. Late of Oroville California, Don enlisted in 1/19 RNSWR on 25 September 1985 serving until discharging on 7 October 1991 when family commitments in the USA necessitated his return.

He is survived by his wife Kelsey Anne WAYNE.

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LAST POST CEREMONY SEE NOTICE & FURTHER AUSTRALIAN DETAILS NEXT PAGE NX33630 PTE William Maxwell THU 1645 th 15 FEB 2018 FERGUSON, 2/20 AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL Jacket & Tie - Decorations & Medals INFANTRY BATTALION AIF CANBERRA died 10 February 1942 in Malaya Jacket & Tie ANZAC DAY SYDNEY Decorations & Medals WED 25 APR 2018 0945h FORM UP IN SPRING STREET SYDNEY REUNION SYDNEY HARBOUR CRUISE REUNION VENUE: SYDNEY HARBOUR CRUISE Jacket & Tie - Decorations & Medals ANZAC DAY CANBERRA ACT Further details Garry LEWIS WED 25 APR 2018 1000h Mobile: 0433 987 423 CANBERRA/DUNGOG DUNGOG NSW [email protected] FORM UP IN ANZAC PDE CANBERRA RESERVE FORCES DAY St John’s Anglican Church Afternoon Tea follows ssevice SAT 23 JUN 2018 1300h FURTHER INFORMATION WREATH LAYING CANBERRA REID, CANBERRA Ian SAYERS 02 6254 5347 Parade details to be REUNION VENUE: SUN 01JULY 2018 0930h RESERVE FORCES DAY SYDNEY TO BE ADVISED confirmed Decorations & Medals

St COLUMBA CHURCH 22 JUL 2018 Coat & Tie SUN TO BE 0930 Ocean Street POZIERES DAY Decorations & Medals CONFIRMED WOOLLAHRA

Mess Dress / Coat & Tie Late JUN - early 1800h ROYAL NEW SOUTH WALES REGIMENT HOLSWORTHY SAT Miniature medals JUL 2018 (TBC) TBC BARRACKS NSW (TBC) OFFRS/WOS/SNCOS DINNER Late JUN - early 1000h ROYAL NEW SOUTH WALES REGIMENT Coat & Tie SUN TBA JUL 2018 (TBC TBC ANNUAL CHURCH PARADE Decorations & Medals Refreshments after Service at the Combined Services RSL WED 1045h SYDNEY CENOTAPH 15 AUG 2018 VICTORY OVER JAPAN DAY 5-7 Barrack St SYDNEY Coat & Tie Decorations & Medals

76th ANNIVERSARY Coat & Tie - WED 06 SEP 2018 1030h SYDNEY CENOTAPH BATTLE FOR AUSTRALIA DAY Decorations & Medals 20th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING & REUNION DINNER WEEKEND – ORANGE NSW ORANGE EX SERVICES CLUB ASSOCIATION The Association has reserved 29 rooms at ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (CUT OFF DATE IS 01 OCTOBER 2018) the TEMPLERS MILL FRI 26 OCT 2018 WEEKEND NOW “HOTEL MERCURE ORANGE” SAT 28 OCT 2018 ORANGE EX SERVICES CLUB NSW Tele 6362 5611 SUN 27 OCT 2018 PLEASE MAKE YOUR BOOKINGS EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT Members of 'Le Club Accor Hotels' Loyalty Program should be entitled to a discount. Decorations & Medals Refreshments after Service at the SUN 11 NOV 2018 1045h REMEMBRANCE DAY SYDNEY CENOTAPH Combined Services RSL 5-7 Barrack St SYDNEY ASSOCIATION PATRONS & OFFICE BEARERS PATRON & LIFE MEMBER Lieutenant Colonel P.E.M. (Peter) McGUINNESS, MBE, OAM, RFD, ED PATRON Colonel B.E. (Brian) MARTYN, RFD, psc (r) CHAPLAIN & LIFE MEMBER Chaplain Lieutenant Colonel The Reverend Canon C.G. (Colin) AIKEN, OAM, RFD, ChStJ CHANCELLOR Philip GERBER, LL.M., M.Crim. PRESIDENT: TREASURER: WEBSITE MANAGER R.J. (Roger) PERRY, OAM NOTE NEW R.J. (Joy) NEWTON RN BHSc R.A. (Sandy) HOWARD GPO Box 890 SYDNEY NSW 2001 HOME & FAX 146 Fragar Rd SOUTH PENRITH NSW 2750 33 Peacock Parade Email: [email protected] Telephone: 02 9130 3408 Numbers FRENCHS FOREST NSW 2086 Mobile: 0414 961 969 Telephone: 02 9401 9130 Facsimile: 02 9130 3713 ASSISTANT TREASURER: Mobile: 0411 145 077 Email: [email protected] R.W. (Bob) WEIR Email: [email protected] 2/46 Wilma Street CORRIMAL NSW 2518 COMMITTEE Telephone: 02 42851278 VICE PRESIDENT & PUBLICITY OFFICER: J.A. (John) ELLIOTT M.J. (Mick) PASS Mobile: 0408 639 168 Email:bob [email protected] “Moira Plains” 15 Gwydir St BATEAU BAY NSW 2261 . WILCANNIA NSW 2836 Telephone:02 4339 5040 Telephone: 08 8091 9492 Mobile: 0412 993 417 ASSOCIATION HISTORIAN: G.P. (Geoff) BRADDON, OAM, JP Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] “Briar Corner” CARCOAR NSW 2791 Telephone & Facsimile: 02 6367 3139 G.H. (George) FISHER, JP HONORARY SECRETARY & NEWSLETTER EDITOR: Mobile: 0457 898 063 260 Malton Road R.J. (Bob) PINK, OAM, OAM (Mil) NORTH EPPING NSW 2121 P.O. Box 224 INGLEBURN NSW 1890 Telephone: 02 9876 4713 Telephone: 02 8747 0941 MERCHANDISING & MEMORABILIA: R.N. (Ray) WARDEN Mobile: 0413 967 778 Mobile: 0414 907 427 Email: [email protected] Email: bob pink@optusnet com au 3 Avery Way NARELLAN VALE NSW 2567 . . . Telephone: 02 4647 7670 Mobile: 0407 055 448 HONORARY AUDITOR: ASSISTANT SECRETARY: Email: ray D. (Dennis) ZALUNARDO, OAM, JP [email protected] 1 Jacaranda Ave BAULKHAM HILLS NSW 2153 B.J. (Bryan) SCHAFER, OAM, JP 42 Delaunay St INGLEBURN NSW 2565 ASSOCIATION WEBSITE ADDRESS: Telephone: 02 9639 4673 Telephone: 02 9605 5841 Mobile: 0418 230 446 Mobile: 0412 432 464 Email:[email protected] Email: [email protected] www.http//www.rnswr.com.au

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LAST POST CEREMONY – AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL

CANBERRA ACT

4.45 p.m. THURSDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2018 Every evening at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra there is a Last Post Ceremony that shares the story behind one of the names on the Memorial’s Roll of Honour. On February 15 2018, and on that date each year thereafter, the story will be about a soldier from the 8th Australian Division AIF.

I n 2018, the story will focus on: NX33630 PRIVATE William Maxwell FERGUSON of the 2nd/20th Australian Infantry Battalion AIF, 8th Australian Division, who died on 10 February 1942 in Malaya.

A small group, with close family ties to the 8th Australian Division, has arranged for a dinner after the Last Post Ceremony for any of the families and friends who may choose to attend on 15 February 2018.

The dinner will be held at the PAVILION ON NORTHBOURNE HOTEL (242 Northbourne Avenue DICKSON ACT 2602 Tele: (02) 6247 6888) at 6.30 pm and will be a buffet menu costing $49 per head.

The organisers view this as an opportunity to meet family and friends of the 8th Australian Division members and, hopefully, establish a wider network of friendships and contacts with each other.

If you or your family are interested in attending the dinner would you please email Bruce Brideoake at: [email protected] Telephone: 0418 624 817 Final numbers will be required by 31 January 2018.

Dear Bob.

My father Alec F. Bathgate (NX70190) was a member of 2/19 Battalion AIF and passed into captivity of the Japanese following the Fall of Singapore in 1942. He spent some time in Changi and went with B Force to Borneo firstly in Sandakan and then in Kuching. During the 3 ½ years of captivity a variety of shows were put on by the prisoners for the camp's entertainment. After the war a book was produced featuring the posters advertising the coming shows and also included pencil portraits of all the prisoners. This book was "Borneo Burlesque". My mother kept our copy and after her death it was "snaffled" by a family member and the family refuses to let it out of their sight. I wonder if there is a copy somewhere out there that is superfluous to the owner's needs. I realize this is a BIG ask and I am prepared to purchase it and to cherish it. My grand-children are keenly interested (as indeed am I) in how we now live in a free society in Australia and how this has been achieved. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Yours sincerely

Bruce F. Bathgate

Ph (02)9327-7106 Mob 0412 075 569 e-mail: [email protected]

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Bob,

Some years ago we corresponded when I was trying to get some information on BRIG D W Maxwell 1st CO 2/19th. You kindly published a letter of mine in Frontline but there was no result from that.

I am still trying to source his diaries, and any of his personal papers.

His diaries were used as prime source in “Grim Glory” but there was no reference to their source

I am still trying, after many years, to find some of the Grim Glory source material Reginald Newton used in compiling the book.

Can you help or point me in the right direction.

Sincerely

Roland Torrens CMDR RAN rtd Tele: 02 6282 1125 Mobile: 0404 037 836 Email: [email protected]

Hi Bob

Just finished reading your great Journal Frontline. Regret to report that a tragic error has occurred on page 53. The action of Cpl Edmondson that resulted in the awarding of his Victoria Cross occurred outside post 33 at Tobruk in April 1941, not at El Alamein in July 1942. I have walked the ground at post 33 on a number of occasions and believe the seven soldiers from the 2/17 Battalion AIF who left the safety of the post to attack 30 Germans who were armed with a mortar and eight machine guns, all deserved the Victoria Cross.

Great to see such a fine body of men in the photograph at Bodo’s wedding. The 1/19 Battalion must have bribed the Commonwealth Clothing Factory to have all pictured in choker collar blues. As an Officer in 1 RVR I was issued with those blues in 1965. However as a Sergeant at RMC in 1971 all I got was the 1937 collar and tie blues.

Had lunch 2 weeks ago with John Reed. He believes he is well on the road to recovering from his recent medical scare.

Kind regards

Bill Fogarty

Thanks for drawing our attention to the error Bill – I will speak to our Proof Reader !! Your keen eye very much appreciated once again.

Kind regards

Bob

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:

Our Best Wishes for a speedy recovery and return to Good Health to Joe and Muriel Coombs - we’re all thinking of you folks !

TO: Steven Davis FLACK and Mardi Davis FLACK and overjoyed Great Grandmother Marjorie FLACK (Norm’s widow - 2/19 Battalion AIF), on the safe arrival of their Daughter Lola Grace Davis FLACK on 12 July 2017 at Griffith NSW.

TO: Maree DERRICK on her promotion to Lieutenant Colonel on 8 December 2017. – Well Done Maree !!

CAPTAIN Mario Lemmers PERYMAN 1st October, 1897 - 9th March 1991 19th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force & 13th Garrison Battalion, Australian Military Forces The trophy was instituted in April 1992, by the Peryman family, in memory of Captain Mario Lemmers Peryman, for competition within the 1st/19thBattalion, The Royal New South Wales Regiment, which has been a focal point of the family for many decades. The trophy is presented in an expression of thanks for the joys shared over these years. The benevolence of the bequest provides for three books, dedicated to the military arts and sciences to be awarded annually, and in perpetuity, one each to an Officer, a Senior Non Commissioned Officer and a Junior Non Commissioned Officer/Private soldier who exhibits outstanding qualities in the performance of their military duties and is symbolic of Captain Peryman's Commissioned and Non Commissioned service during World War I and World War II. 8259488 MAJ Scott FERGUSON OC B COY 8234178 SGT Wendie SPARKS CATERER A COY 8545950 PTE Kelsey J. BORGSTAHL SECTION 2IC 4 PLATOON B COY

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It isDONATIONS a pleasure to once again acknowledge the generosity of the following members & friends of our Association which is gratefully received. Our Thanks folks WO1 Warren BARNES, OAM BRIG Paul COUCH, CSC, RFD MRS Shirley DRUM WO2 Martin HANSON LT Peter HUGHES SGT Jim HURT CPL Dan JOHNSTON LT Corinna KELLY MAJ Bob LIDDEN, RFD PTE Tony OHLBACH PTE David RING MS Angie VALENTINE-FLINT SGT Bob WADE PTE Robert WATSON

NEW ME MBERS No new members have joined since the last June 2017 newsletter.

Hello Bob, This is the plaque on the site of the former drill hall at Crows Nest. I am also proposing to Local Councils for plaques to be installed elsewhere including Ernest St North Sydney, Chatswood, Hornsby. Thereafter some regional NSW centres. Most Councils have a local plaque fund, otherwise the DVA - Salute Their Service - Grants programme, will support these projects. Regards Rod White

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FRONTLINE

A series by Association Member LT Peter Hughes

Michael (Mick) J. PASS Life Member & Vice-President, 1/19 RNSWR Association Mick was born to Frank and Marjorie Pass at Maroubra on 13th January 1946. Mick was the youngest of 5 children; brothers John and Frank and sisters Marilyn and Barbara both deceased.

He was raised and lived in Kingsford, Sydney and attended St. Michael’s College, Daceyville.

Mick’s father Frank served in HQ Eastern Command at Victoria Barracks and in New Guinea. Frank’s 103A show he was sent from Port Moresby to Sydney via Cairns and Brisbane in late April 1945 and returned to New Guinea in late May 1945. He did not have far to travel from Victoria Barracks to Kingsford most likely by tram and, surprise, young Mick was born 9 months later.

Mick left school at the age of 15 and took on an apprenticeship for 5 years, as they were in those days, as a wall and floor tiler and was self employed for some time. He worked for Dally-Brambles transport for a short time before joining H M Customs in 1968 until 1972.

He joined Qantas Airways in 1972 as a Flight Steward. At that time Qantas was known as Australia’s around the world airline. Mick served with Qantas for 30 years and rose to a Chief Flight Steward and then Cabin Supervisor.

Mick’s interest in the army was supported by Frank and, at age 17 while still an apprentice, Mick joined the CMF at Moore Park Barracks on 23 March 1963 and served until 1 April 1984. The unit was HQ Coy 1 DIV and was a composite unit made up of ARA and CMF.

When the Pentropic Division was formed the CMF/RESERVE came under 2 Division and HQ Coy 1 Div became HQ Coy 2 Div. HQ Coy trained as an infantry company and was used for defence and employment of Divisional HQ. The company was often seconded to 8 Task Force, now 8 Brigade, for training and camps. Mick was a section leader and Platoon Sergeant before taking on the job of CQMS and promoted to Staff Sergeant.

In 1972, trying to juggle Army training and shift work, Mick decided to transfer to 1/19 RNSWR a special conditions unit. His transfer was accepted and Mick moved to 1/19 when they were at Bardia Barracks Ingleburn and took on the job of RQMS under the watchful eye of the ARA RQMS L. (Bluey) Jackson, BEM.

Mick moved with the Battalion to Padstow training depot and then back to Mount Olympus Lines at Ingleburn. Mick also served as CQMS Admin/Log Company and A Company and ration clerk. Mick served for 21 years and took his discharge on 1 April 1984.

Mick was married in 1972 to Margaret (Maggie) they had 3 children Joanna, Phillip and Matthew. After a 2 year battle with cancer his beloved Maggie passed away at the age of 43. Mick now has 11 grandchildren. Mick is a member of The Entrance Long Jetty RSL sub-branch and also served on their Committee and keeps their bus rolling.

Mick has been involved with Community Transport on the Central Coast since the year 2000 when he was a volunteer driver while still employed at Qantas. He has been with them for 17 years and is at present a casual driver.

Mick joined the 1/19 RNSWR Association at its formation in 1998. He has served on the Committee for some years as Vice President and in 2016 was made a Life Member.

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THE CENTENARY OF THE BATTLE OF BEERSHEBA 31 OCTOBER 2017 - From Peter Hughes Judy and I visited Israel from 22 October to 3 November 2017, so that we could attend the official Battle of Beersheba Centenary commemoration ceremony; witness a "charge" re-enacted on the then rail bridge to the town and also to visit the battle sites in Israel where the Australian Light Horse and the soldiers of the then British Empire and allies fought in the Middle East during World War 1. We also had the opportunity with 2 great Israeli ex-military guides to see numerous historical sites including Jerusalem (and the Old City), Bethlehem, Sea of Galilee, River Jordan, Tiberius, Nazareth, Haifa, Beer’Sheva, Jaffa, Massada, Bet She’an (old Roman city) and the Dead Sea, sites of the Israeli War of Independence (1948), Six-Day War (1967), Yom Kippur War (1973) and viewed life in Syria from the Golan Heights. We also were welcomed into 5 different kibbutzim where we enjoyed the hospitality provided and observed the highly technical and scientific contributions that are being provided to the world from these communities. The entire trip was a great experience.

Some of the historic battlefield sites – haven’t changed much except for the roads and power stanchions.

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SUDA BAY WAR CEMETERY CRETE

12 September 2017 From Bob & Cheryl Binns

Yesterday 23 NOV 2017 we visited the 42nd Street Memorial in Chania, Crete. Given that it was only created in May 2016 it is in a rather sad state, and in a most unfortunate location. It sits on a tiny plot on a minor road in a semi rural area under the shadow of a highway overpass.

The accompanying inscriptions give a good description of the action, but have already weathered and some parts are illegible. From there we went to the Suda Bay War Cemetery and the contrast could not be greater. As always, the CWGC does a wonderful job and the location is really beautiful. There are many graves there for men of the 2/1 Battalion AIF.

I once thought that visits to war cemeteries would have a lessening impact with familiarity, but in fact it's just the opposite. I find myself deeply moved by the simplest thing, and when I least expect it.

Thank you for the copy of the minutes. I actually read it through (well, nearly all of it) and I was able to conjure up images of some of the interactions. All things being equal, I'll be there next year in Orange. Kind regards Bob BINNS

KRANJI WAR CEMETERY SINGAPORE July 2017 From Ian & Cass Gill Hi Bob, Hope you are well. Cass and her Mum Helen called into The Kranji War Cemetery in late July. Here are a couple of Cass at Grandad’s headstone. Andrew GILL

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From LTCOL John HOWELLS, RFD MILITARY HISTORY TOURS Today (7 October 2017) I saw Cambrai, thus the influenza that has been making me splutter can do its damnedest, I have seen Cambrai. No Australians in this action. First we drove to the town of Cambrai, then the old Roman road to the Memorial. Driving through the low rolling chalk hills that even today is good tank country, you can understand why such a site was chosen for the iconic battle. On the morning of 20 November 1917 1,000 silently registered guns opened up on the unsuspecting Germans and 378 Mk IV tanks rolled out of the mist. En masse for the first time the tanks cut the wire, and rolled through the defences in depth. The infantry had but to mop up taking 7,500 prisoners by mid-day. They were by then 6.5 km into the enemy defences. Then the weather turned for the worst excusing the waiting cavalry their task to exploit the gains, and not enough infantry was LTCOL John HOWELLS, RFD available. By the end of the first day, the MK IV’s mechanical reliability became an issue with about half the tanks unable to proceed further. On 29 November the offensive halted after an advance of 10 km. It was then the German’s who showed their innovation. In preparation for Operation Michael in early 1918, German infantry trained in close fire and manoeuvre; and the newly trained storm troopers were deployed for the first time. Storm troopers were trained to scout for weak points in the enemy’s position, then lead infantry in striking at and exploiting the vulnerable locations. 20 Divisions attacked, driving the British back to the line they struck from on 20 November. Both sides equally suffered around 43,000 casualties. These innovations: the tank, accurate silent artillery registration, and close fire and manoeuvre by infantry were to eventually end the stalemate of trench warfare. We also saw the re-vamped Tank Memorial under construction. If it is intended to have this completed by the time of the Battle's centenary next month, they will need to get a wriggle on.

In the adjacent cemetery we found two lone Australian graves - a 19 Bn and a 15 Bn soldier. Our minds buzzing with such knowledge, we drove to Arras, marvelled at the town, then checked out the market before returning to our hotel for a final dinner together before we were to drive to Brussels on the morrow and go our separate ways home or on to further adventures.

Leonard Charles KING 194 PRIVATE R.F. BURNS 4824 PRIVATE L.C. KING TH Robert Frederick TH 19 BN AUSTRALIAN INF. 15 BN AUSTRALIAN INF. 8TH MAY 1917 AGE 19 BURNS 4 FEBRUARY 1917 AGE 28

194 Private Robert Frederick BURNS, A Company, 19th Battalion AIF, of Tamworth, NSW. PTE Burns enlisted aged 19 years on 10 February 1915 and embarked from Melbourne aboard HMAT Ceramic on 25 June 1915. On 27 July 1916 he was wounded in action, receiving a gun shot wound to the left leg and also suffered from shell shock. PTE Burns was taken prisoner of war at Bullecourt on 3 May 1917 and died of wounds on 8 May 1917, aged 19 years. He was buried by the Germans at the town cemetery in Abancourt France before being exhumed and re-interred by the War Graves Commission at Flesquieres Hill British Cemetery 5½ miles east of Cambrai. Robert was the son of Thomas and Theresa Burns. (Given his death at age 19 years in 1917 it is very likely he enlisted in 1915 when he was just 17 years of age.)

4824 Private Leonard Charles KING, 15th Battalion AIF, of Warmiate New Zealand enlisted aged 27 years on 28 September 1915. On 1 February 1917 has was taken prisoner of war and after being wounded in action, receiving a gun shot wound to his chest died of wounds on 4 February 1917. He was buried by the Germans at Ribencourt Cemetery before being exhumed and re-interred by the War Graves Commission at Flesquieres Hill British Cemetery 5½ miles east of Cambrai. Leonard was the son of William John and Mary Eleanor KING of Ohaewai New Zealand.

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VICTORY OVER JAPAN DAY SYDNEY CENOTAPH 15 SEP 17 SYDNEY CENOTAPH 18 AUG 17

VIETNAM VETERANS DAY REMEMBRANCE DAY SYDNEY CENOTAPH 18 AUG 17 SYDNEY 11 NOV 17

A huge mural has recently been painted on the end wall of the shop houses just to the north of the memorial at Parit Sulong. It is enormous, and depicts Hackney, Colonel Anderson, the PWD buildings and the garage. The soldier featured is holding an SLR, not a .303 (image was taken from AWM post-WW2 collection) but, apart from that, a great contribution to putting our story on the map! The pics are attached.

This is the link to a youtube clip of the artists at work. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_udjaCfEt4

I'll be there in FEB next year so will have a good look and take photos, which I will send to you.

BTW: I now have all the remaining Parit Sulong books - about 100 - left of the print run. The publisher is retiring. I got them at a good price, so if you want an extra copy before I offer them to others, please get back to me. $35 (posted anywhere in Australia - 2nd copy in same postbag is $20) RRP was $39.95). The books are printed on very high photographic quality paper (not recycled pulp!) and are quite heavy! EMAIL: [email protected]

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It was a chilly morning when contestants lined up for the second Highway to Hell Challenge vying for the Billy Baird Blitz award. Participants on the Challenge fill in a questionnaire, answers are found along the way to Ivanhoe, and first correct out of the barrel is declared the winner. This year's challenge winner is Pom Seaman. Travelling from Hay to Booligal and onto Ivanhoe, and return, the challenge raises funds for Booligal and Ivanhoe schools. Billy Baird touched the lives of everyone on the Challenge, either as relative, or friend. Nothing was too much trouble for him. Picking up groceries etc from Hay and taking them to Ivanhoe on the mail run. OUR THANKS to Marj FLACK and Susan JOHNSTON of the HAY TIMES for the photos and story

Pep talk before the start: Dave Cooper and Peter May

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FROM TOM FLETCHER Gday Bob, Coincidentally, my grandson figured in the news recently. He, like his grandfather, dad and uncles is also a muso. This time, on the drums. Don't know whether you can use it in the magazine, too. Cheers, Tom 23 Sep 2017 Lismore NSW Congratulations to Northern Rivers Conservatorium Drum student Angus Fletcher on his nomination to perform in ENCORE. We are super proud of you Angus!!! Encore is a joint venture between the Board of Studies Teaching Educational Standards and the NSW Department of Education, where outstanding performers and composers from the Higher School Certificate are showcased in the Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House. Angus has learnt for the past four years from Conservatorium Drum tutor Adam Gardiner and plays in our Youth Jazz Orchestra with Musical Director Julius Hofstetter. He has played in the Northern Rivers Youth Orchestra, the Silver Jubilee and the Building Still Lives. Also a student of Trinity Catholic College he gigs with Luke Fawcett and Hugo Jones in Love Your Mother. Pictured here in a workshop with one of the country's best drummers Paul Derricott.

11 SEP 2017 Just out from Bourke 20 AUG 17 Charles JENSEN cooks a bush Les FORDHAM at Mt Fuji breakfast

12 SEP 17

Les FORDHAM in his Tank at Cober Pedy

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Recently Rocky Walshaw hung up his uniform and put away his highly-shined shoes for the last time. The Forbes local says he has spent his whole life in one uniform or another, but the most familiar is his Army Reserve ‘greens’, which he’s been donning for 50 years now. As he has for years, Walshaw attended a night parade in Orange to find they had a surprise waiting for him. The unit presented him with an incredible plaque marking his 50 years since he had first signed up with the Citizens Military Force. Walshaw actually reached mandatory retirement age with the Army Reserve, but he was granted an extension of service so he could pass on his trade as an armourer. It’s a trade he has practised for more than 40 years, repairing and maintaining weapons for the region’s Army Reserve battalions. Roc (Robert Owen Clive) joined the Citizens Military Force as a 17- year-old in 1966. He served with 11 Platoon Delta Company 17th Royal NSW Regiment and then the 1st/19th Battalion NSW Regiment - all around a career with the railways. “When I transferred to the 1st/19th Battalion I was a country boy who had never driven in the city,” Walshaw said. “I did my training in a left- hand drive Studebaker that had a mechanical arm you pushed out to indicate you wanted to turn right.” In 1975 he started to train as an armourer, inspecting and repairing weapons, and joined the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers ranked a Lance Corporal. “They were short of armourers so I transferred to RAEME, did the courses in the inspection and repair of weapons, and I have been there ever since,” Walshaw said. The plaque prepared by his colleagues to mark his 50 years of service cites “regular reporting of his high standard of performance and knowledge of his trade”. In 2008 he offered his skills at the Australian Army Skill at Arms Meeting and there are “requests for his support to the competition due to his professionalism and contribution to its success,” as the plaque prepared by his colleagues says.

The Forbes region’s NSW State Emergency Services (SES) volunteers have been recognised for their incredible work to prepare for and protect from last year’s major floods. Forbes local controller, Rocky Walshaw received the Commissioner’s Commendation for Service for his leadership and commitment to SES and the Forbes unit, along with recognition for outstanding efforts and leadership during the 2016 flooding. Graeme Yetman of Condobolin received the Commissioner’s Certificate of Appreciation for outstanding efforts during Western NSW flooding events in 2016.The honours were announced at the Lachlan Region SES’s presentation, with NSW SES Deputy Commissioner Greg Newton attending to commend volunteers. Heavy rainfall from May last year saw the Lachlan River reach major flood levels at Nanami, Forbes Iron Bridge, Jemalong, Condobolin and Euabalong last September. The communities of Bedgerabong, Corinella, Waroo, Jemalong and Garema were isolated by floodwaters and 1000 people were evacuated. Lake Cowal properties and the Newell Highway went underwater for weeks, Trundle and Gooloogong were isolated and 56 homes were inundated in Ungarie. Rainfall and flooding continued into October, and a number of the rivers peaked on multiple occasions. In mid-October, in the midst of the flooding, Parkes was hit by a severe thunderstorm cell bringing heavy rain, hail, violent winds and a tornado. The SES was tasked with leading the flood response across an enormous 85 days, carrying out 59 flood rescues, 838 other flood- related activities and 1685 storm tasks. Their work included rescuing people and animals from flooding, communicating flood warnings, coordinating the provision of emergency food and medical supplies to isolated people, and coordinating the collection of flood information. Mr Walshaw estimated volunteers filled 20,000 sandbags in their efforts to protect property, which also included lifting of moving furniture, stock and equipment. Photos and article reprinted (with some minor alterations) from Forbes Advocate with their kind approval. 20 Frontline Journal 20

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DINNER ADDRESS BY MAJOR GENERAL THE HONOURABLE JUSTICE PAUL L. BRERETON, AM, RFD COLONEL COMMANDANT THE ROYAL NEW SOUTH WALES REGIMENT AND THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW SOUTH WALES REGIMENT

AT THE 1/19 RNSWR TRAINING DEPOT DOCKER STREET WAGGA WAGGA NSW ON SATURDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2017

ON THE OCCASION OF THE TRANSFER OF THE WERRIWA COMPANY FROM 4/3 RNSWR TO 1/19 RNSWR

Dining President, Commanding Officer, Officers, NCOs and soldiers of the 1st/19th Battalion, Ladies and Gentlemen:

First may I thank you for your hospitality this evening, I always enjoy visiting the 1st/19th Battalion, and this evening is no exception. Secondly, may I offer congratulations again to all those who have been recognized tonight, and to all of you on the achievements of your Battalion this year. From a Regimental perspective, I was absolutely delighted with the support that was provided to our regimental weekend in Orange — the first ever outside metropolitan Sydney, but I am sure the beginning of a new tradition.

Today marks a significant event for the 1st/19th Battalion, and a significant occasion in the history of the Royal New South Wales Regiment: the transfer of Charlie Company of the 4th/3rd Battalion — the Werriwa Company — to the 1st/19th Battalion, and it is about that that I mainly wish to speak this evening.

It is an idea which has been spoken of for many years, and one which I confess, nearly 20 years ago when I was Commanding Officer of the 4th/3rd Battalion, I fiercely resisted; indeed I made some offensive comment at the time about the Bushmen's Rifles from the black soil plains of western New South Wales coveting the treasures of the national capital and aspiring to become instead the Public Servants rifles.

But, despite my parochial views of 20 years ago, and although it was not my decision, and although I am personally very cautious about changes in our affiliations of this kind – because a sense of belonging is an important aspect of Reserve service, and Reservists identify strongly with the unit that they join – I am convinced that, taking a broader view today, it is the right thing to do. Since the 1st/19th Battalion moved, in 1997, from being a special conditions unit, headquartered in Sydney, to command the depots in the Central West and the Riverina, it has not had a major metropolitan centre – and the population it brings - within its boundaries. That can be compared, for example, with the 2nd/17th Battalion which has the northern half of Sydney, the Central Coast and Newcastle; and the 4th/3rd which has had the southern half of Sydney, Wollongong and Canberra. So it is unsurprising that it has been a challenge for 1st/19th to recruit and retain the numbers which would assure its continued viability as a Battalion, and it has been particularly challenging to find men and women from the region to be its officers; many of those who have served your battalion with distinction, have in fact done so from Canberra. Frankly, if we are to sustain all four battalions of the Regiment, then 1st/19th had to access a major metropolitan centre; while 4th/3rd has ample demographic base, and the exciting prospect of raising a new company in the St George district, close to the traditional home of the 4th Battalion.

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This presents tremendous opportunities for 1st/19th Battalion, almost doubling your strength and capability. If I can venture a word of advice, it is to exploit your new size, to achieve things on a larger scale. My advice to reserve commanders, at all levels, has always been to "think big". The larger and more ambitious the activity you conduct, more people will learn more lessons. In this way you can build on the already close relationship between Charlie Company and the 1st/19th Battalion, which have shared a fluid and frequent exchange of personnel between them over many years. Many of the present and past officers of 1st/19th have had previous service in Charlie Company, and it has been a two-way street: for example the current Officer Commanding Charlie Company served as a young officer in 1st/19th - here in Wagga, commuting each Tuesday from Canberra to do so.

Though I never served in it, I have always had a particular fondness for Charlie Company; and not only because the after-party for my wedding reception was held, almost 20 years ago, in the Mess at the Werriwa Training Depot in Allara Street. In my study at home is a plaque designating me a "Friend of Charlie Company", declaring that I will always be welcome on their exercises and activities, which was presented by the then Officer Commanding, the late Major Peter Morrissey as he then was, when I relinquished command of 4/3; he would of course later himself be a distinguished commanding officer of the 1st/19th. Colonel Morrissey was a great steward of the heritage and traditions of the Regiment, and of both its Battalions in which he served, and I am sure he would be concerned to foster them through this next step in their evolution, as am I.

Before the 4th and 3rd Battalions were linked in 1987, the 3rd Battalion was headquartered in Canberra; on linking, its heritage passed to the 4th/3rd Battalion. The 3rd Battalion itself had many forebears, originating from Goulburn and from Western New South Wales, but notably including 3rd Australian Infantry Battalion, 1st AIF, and 2/3rd Aust Inf Battalion, 2nd AIF. Not all of them bore the numeral 3. The territorial designation "Werriwa" appears to have first been associated with the 43rd Werriwa Infantry, in 1914, which became 5th Battalion 3rd Infantry Regiment in 1918, and 3rd Battalion in 1921, acquiring the title "The Werriwa Regiment" in 1927. When the state regiments, including the Royal New South Wales Regiment, were established in 1960 under the pentropic structure, there were only three (very large) battalions: 1 RNSWR (Cdo) was located in Sydney and its personnel were specialists drawn mainly from Sydney. The state was divided, by the line of the Parramatta River, between 2 RNSWR to the North, and 3 RNSWR to the south; 3 RNSWR included C Company (The Werriwa Company), in Canberra. The immediate predecessors of our current linked battalions arose from the abandonment of the pentropic experiment in 1965 —when 3rd Battalion covered Goulburn, Canberra and the Riverina; 4th Battalion encompassed South Sydney and the Illawarra, and 19th Battalion was a special conditions battalion headquartered in Sydney. Then came the linkages, in 1987, into our current linked Battalion; and in 1997, 1st/19th moved to the central west and assumed command of depots which had previously belonged to 4th/3rd and 2nd/17th My point is that our current arrangements are themselves the product of many previous changes of affiliation, and that the heritage of today's battalions are drawn from diverse sources. Today, you the members of Charlie Company take with you to 1st/19th Battalion the heritage of the Werriwa Regiment, and with it its name: henceforth, you will still be Charlie Company, and you will still be the Werriwa Company, but it will be in a different battalion of the Regiment. Not for the first time in our history, the heritage of our lineage ancestors will be shared - while the 4th/3rd Battalion will remain the custodian of the heritage of the 3rd Battalions, the heritage of the Werriwa Regiment is invested with Charlie Company, the 1st/19th Battalion, The Royal New South Wales Regiment (The Werriwa Company).

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OUR THANKS TO THE WEEKEND’S “OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHER” PHIL WILLMOTT FOR THE PHOTOS TAKEN DURING THE AGM WEEKEND – WELL DONE PHIL !

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MINUTES OF THE 19th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF 1/19 RNSWR ASSOCIATION PROUDLY INCORPORATING I/XIX 2/19 AUSTRALIAN INFANTRY BATTALION A.I.F. Primus agat Primas –Fortiter et Fideliter ASSOCIATION Fortiter et Fideliter HELD AT GOSFORD RSL CLUB ON SATURDAY 28 OCTOBER 2017 at 1530h OPENING: The Chairman, Mr Roger PERRY, OAM opened the meeting at 1530h and noted the apologies.

ATTENDANCE & APOLOGIES: It was MOVED by Bob WEIR and SECONDED by George FISHER that the apologies be accepted. CARRIED

IN ATTENDANCE (41) LTCOL Colin AIKEN, OAM, RFD, ChStJ MRS Joy NEWTON, RN, BHSc WO1 Warren BARNES, OAM By Invitation MR Reg NEWTON LTCOL Gary BELTRAME, RFD, JP PTE Larry NOLAN SGT John BURNS PTE Tony OHLBACH MAJ Barry CHAPMAN, ED MB BS FRACP FCSANZ FICA FRSM RACI PTE Alan PALMER MAJ Harry COLE, JP SSGT Mike PASS MRS Hazel COOPER WO2 Roger PERRY, OAM LT Tom COOPER, OAM WO1 Bob PINK, OAM, OAM (Mil) CPL Alan DRINKWATER SGT Peter REYNOLDS MRS Peggy DRINKWATER PTE David RING MRS Shirley DRUM PTE Graeme ROBBINS CAPT Bill EDWARDS CPL Graham ROSS, JP SSGT George FISHER, JP MAJ Bryan SCHAFER, OAM, JP SGT Ken HARPER MAJ Dave TAYLOR SGT Sandy HOWARD MRS Gai WARDEN CPL Dan JOHNSTON LCPL Ray WARDEN LT Corinna KELLY MAJ Charlie WATSON, RFD SGT Malcolm LE COMTE MAJ Bob WEIR MAJ Bob LIDDEN, RFD CPL Phillip WILLMOTT LTCOL Peter McGUINNESS, MBE, OAM, RFD, ED CAPT Dennis ZALUNARDO, OAM, JP MAJ Ken McKAY, RFD, ED

APOLOGIES (99) LTCOL Tony ANG MEd BEd JP psc(r) SQNLDR Philip GERBER LL.M., M.Crim. MAJ Martin PALL SGT Rick AVERY JP PTE Geoff GREEN WO2 Barry PARSONS WO1 Terry BEER, OAM LT Leon GRIFFITHS MAJ John PARTRIDGE MAJ Robert BINNS, RFD CPL Peter HALL LTCOL Ian PATTINGALE LCPL Geoff BLAIR WO2 Martin HANSON, JP, AIMM MR Fred POWER MRS Joy BOURKE MRS Dorothy HOWARD MAJ John RALPH, RFD MAJ Allan BRABY LT Peter HUGHES WO2 Ron RICHMOND SSGT Geoff BRADDON, OAM, JP SGT Jim HURT WO1 Roger RUMBEL PTE Tony BRAY MRS Beryl IRWIN LCPL Eric SAVILLE COLONEL John BRENNAN COLONEL John JACKSON, RFD, ED MRS Joy SAVILLE MR Bruce BRIDEOAKE CPL Charles JENSEN SSGT Roy SCHMIDTKE MR Howard BYE SGT Felicity JESS, JP MR Glen SCRIVEN SGT Joe CLARKE WO2 Kevin JONES, OAM SGT Noel SELWAY MS Betty CLENDENNING GNR Alby KOLBUCH MR Douglas SEYMOUR WO2 Bob COLLIGAN PTE Garry LEWIS CPL David SMALL LCPL Brad COLLIS SSGT Bruce LOFTUS, OAM LTCOL Geoff STEVENTON, MBE, RFD WO1 Kevin CONNELLY, OAM, JP SGT Alan LOWE PTE Jim STEWART MR Joe COOMBS MR Bruce LOYNES, FCIS, FIPA MAJ George THOMAS RFD MAJ Glenn CROSLAND SQNLDR Alan LYONS MRS Jan THOMAS, OAM, MStJ BRIG Paul COUCH, CSC, RFD MRS Maureen MARINER LCPL Graham TIPPETT WO2 Ken CURRAN OAM MR David MARINER SGT Peter TRACEY WO2 Michael DANIELS WO1 Keven MARSHALL, ESM, JP SGT Bob WADE LTCOL Graeme DAVIS psc (r) COLONEL Brian MARTYN, RFD, psc (r) MR John WALSH PSM GCM BCM JP MRS Shirley DRUM PTE Ross McINTOSH PTE Robert WATSON WO2 John ELLIOTT MRS Ethel MELVILLE CAPT Peter WATT MRS Dorothy FARLOW MR Bob MIDDLETON MR Alex WHITE MAJ Ken FITZGERALD MAJOR Leo MONZO WO2 Jeff WILLIAMS MRS Marjorie FLACK PTE Juanita MOON MR Wal WILLIAMS MR Jack FLAHERTY WO1 Roy MUNDINE, OAM PTE Les WILSON CPL Tom FLETCHER SSGT Don NEWMAN WO2 Gavin WINTER SSGT Bill FOGARTY LT Mervyn NG MAJ Maree WINTER WO1 Simon FOLEY PTE Terry NIXON, JP SGT Rod YOUNG CPL Les FORDHAM SGT Bob O'CALLAGHAN PTE Anton YUSWAK

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FALLEN COMRADES RELATIVES & FRIENDS: The Chairman requested all present to stand and observe a period of silence in solemn memory of Fallen Comrades, Relatives and Friends: PTE William Frederick DEMPSEY E COY 2/19 BN AIF NX52470 24-FEB-12 MRS Dorothy Joan URQUHART Widow of NX1000 SPR William Boyd 28-NOV-15 URQUHART - 25 Field Park RAE AIF Widow of N20052 NX10280 MRS Betty HEYDON 17-SEP-16 CPL Eric "Mick" HEYDON 129 AGT COY AIF PTE Clifford Edward LOWIEN D COY 2/19 BN AIF NX53593 28-NOV-16 PTE Jack PRICE 55/53 Bn AIF Father & father in Law NX11438 9-DEC-16 Denise & Noel SELWAY 1/19 RNSWR Womens' Royal Australian Air Force – CPL Rita Mary DEAN 98685 11-DEC-16 Widow of NX59496 CPL Roly DEAN 2/19 BN AIF PTE Frederick CLARK C COY & HQ COY 2-19 Bn AIF Husband of Evelyn NX48182 25-DEC-16 QX42540 MAJ Thomas Lloyd MUGGLETON MBE 2/5 BN AIF - 3 RAR - RSM RMC Duntroon 1314 13-JAN-17 Widow NX35511 PTE Neville John STEAR MRS Joan STEAR 21-JAN-17 HQ Coy 2/19 Bn AIF NX44834 WO2 Alan Henry DAWSON 2/19 BN AIF & Australian Regular Army 29931 27-JAN-17 MRS Edna May WILLMOTT Husband of William, 27-FEB-17 Mother of CPL Phil WILLMOTT 1/19 RNSWR 275298 WO1 Hugh Beresford GORDON 18-APR-17 3 RAR 3-4-19 RNSWR Second RSM 19 RNSWR 23639 2782925 WO2 Peter Joseph PHILLIPS 17 RNSWR - 2 RAR - 18 LAA REGT – 5-MAY-17 1/19 RNSWR - HQ 5 BDE 2 DIV BATTLE SCHOOL MRS Milagros Emily HURT Wife of SGT Jim HURT 1/19 RNSWR 2-JUN-17 RAASC - RACT - 2 TRG GP WO2 Albert Edward Bert LAWTON 3-JUN-17 Postmaster Bardia Barracks MRS Nancy Lynette ELLIOTT Sister of NX58314 PTE Keith Douglas GOUGH 11-JUN-17 2/19 BN AIF Murdered at Parit Sulong 19 JAN 1941 Widow of NX50396 MRS Gladys Eleanor POWER 23-JUN-17 PTE Charles Gilbert Roy POWER 2/19 BN AIF Murdered at Sandakan 20 JUL 1945 MRS Patricia Anne HOWARTH Widow of Victor, Sister of SSGT Geoff BRADDON, 5-JUL-17 OAM, JP 19 & 1/19 RNSWR SX9461 BRIG Olof Hedley ISAKSSON MC OAM 2/48 BN AIF & Australian Regular Army 47505 6-JUL-17 LTCOL John Bernard FOGARTY RFD 1/19 RNSWR - Husband of Dianne 2147615 25-JUL-17 SGT Barry John GISSELL 7 RAR & 1/19 RNSWR husband of Jody 2793072 1-AUG-17 WO2 Bodo SCHWARZ 3 RNSWR 4 RNSWR 19 & 1/19 RNSWR 2275497 11-AUG-17 Widow of NX35419 CPL Allan Howard BYE MRS Joan Elizabeth BYE 5-SEP-17 C Coy 2/19 BN AIF

MINUTES OF THE 18th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD AT ORANGE EX SERVICES CLUB ON SATURDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2016: The Chairman reported that the Minutes of the previous AGM held on Saturday 19 NOVEMBER 2016 had been circulated to all members via the Association’s December 2016 Frontline Newsletter.

It was MOVED by Gary BELTRAME and SECONDED by David RING that the Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 19 NOV 2016 be taken as read. CARRIED It was MOVED by Bob WEIR and SECONDED by Sandy HOWARD that the Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 19 NOV 2016 be adopted and signed as a true and correct record. CARRIED MATTERS ARISING: There were no matters arising.

CORRESPONDENCE: The Honorary Secretary tabled the Inwards and Outwards Correspondence since the last Annual General Meeting. In all a total of 55 items of Inwards Correspondence and 1,916 items of Outwards Correspondence. These items include the Association Newsletters, but do not include the many email messages received and sent including exchanges between committee members and the general membership. They also do not include the despatch of Association Merchandise sent out by our Merchandise Manager Ray Warden and his wife Gai – whose assistance and exceptional contribution is again highly valued and much appreciated.

It was MOVED by Gary BELTRAME and SECONDED by Sandy HOWARD that the Correspondence Register be taken as read and the correspondence be accepted.

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PRESIDENT’S REPORT: The President advised that details of the various activities and functions, attended by him and members of the Executive representing the Association, were contained in the Association’s “Frontline” Newsletters. The Association has maintained the presence of 2nd/19th Battalion AIF at all ceremonies involving the 8th Australian Division. The President pointed out that, with the passing of so many members of the 2nd AIF the 8th Australian Division AIF Association had decided to wind itself up and this had been done in June. The excess funds held had been donated to Sydney Legacy. The President of the 8th Australian Division Association, Colonel David Ross, CSC, will continue with the title of “President Emeritus” and will be available to represent the Division members should the occasion arise in the future. The President also advised that, as part of the discussions that had been held prior to the wind-up, it has been arranged that the Sunset Ceremony held at the Australian War Memorial on 15 February will, going forward, feature a member of the 8th Australian Division. The President expressed his concern, and those of the Executive, at the lack of younger members of the Association and the seeming inability to attract younger people who will be needed, in reasonably short order, to take over the running of the Association. Discussion ensued and a number of suggestions will be followed up. The President conveyed his sincere thanks to the Association’s Patrons and the Committee Members for their continuing efforts and assistance throughout the year and, once again, singled out the Association Honorary Secretary for his efforts and said that, without the vast amount of work performed by Bob Pink, the Association would cease to function. The President also made special mention of the ongoing work undertaken by our Committee Member and Website Manager Sandy Howard in his work to build and enhance the Association’s website. While a continuous work in progress it is a very impressive site and well worth a visit. While acknowledging the work of all members of the Committee who stepped up whenever asked he made special mention of Vice President, Mick Pass, and thanked him for all of his work in arranging the Annual Weekend, in particular securing the bus for this morning’s tour of the area. The President also thanked Committee Member and Merchandise Manager, Ray Warden, and, more particularly, his wife Gai, for their ongoing efforts in the handling, despatch and management of all of the Association’s merchandise. The President informed the meeting that Charlie Company of 4/3 RNSWR (The Werriwa Company) based in Canberra is to be transferred to 1/19 RNSWR and he, in company with members of the 19 RNSWR Sergeants’ Mess Property Trust will be attending the Battalion Dinner in Wagga Wagga next month to welcome the “new arrivals”. The President pointed out that there was some feeling about the re-alignment and he had reached out to the 3 Battalion Association to see what could be done to ease the transition. The President concluded his remarks by expressing his thanks to all those who had made the effort to be present on the weekend and to all members of the Association for the many acts of kindness, generosity and affirmation that had been received during the past year.

It was MOVED by John BURNS and SECONDED by George FISHER that the President’s Report be accepted. CARRIED TREASURER’S REPORT: The Chairman conveyed his personal thanks and that of the Association to the Treasurer, Mrs Joy NEWTON, for her continuing efforts in support of the Association and tabled the following documents on her behalf: . Statement of Receipts & Payments and Income & Expenditure Account for the year ended 30 June 2017. . Balance Sheet for the year ended 30 June 2017 . Statutory Reports by the Committee . Auditor’s Report on the Financial Statements . Form A12 - Annual Statement. . Certificate of Currency of Public Liability Insurance. The Chairman advised that the Association had operated at a loss in the year under review largely as a result of the costs associated with hosting the Battalion at the 50th Anniversary Dinner in Orange in 2016. Despite the cost he expressed the view that the expenditure was well merited and while, sadly, it did not attract any serving members to join the Association, it did serve to “showcase” the Association, its values and purpose. The Chairman also referred to the increased cost of mailing Frontline, which was caused by two factors – a general increase in postage costs and an increase in the size of the magazine. He informed members that he had raised the matter with the publishers and that he and the Secretary will be having talks with the publisher with a view to obtaining an increase in the subsidy. Notwithstanding, as a result of the continuing and continuous generosity of a large number of members the cash balance is healthy. 1/19 RNSWR ASSOCIATION INC STATEMENT BY MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE The Committee have determined that the Association is not a reporting entity. The Committee have determined that this special purpose financial report should be prepared in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards in so far as they are relevant to the members of the Association. In the opinion of the Committee the financial report as set out on page 3: 1. Presents fairly the financial position of 1/19 RNSWR Association Inc. as at 30 June 2017 and its performance for the year ended on that date. 2. At the date of this statement, there are reasonable grounds to believe that 1/19 RNSWR Association Inc will be able to pay its debts as and when they fall due. This statement is made in accordance with a resolution of the Committee and is signed for and on behalf of the Committee by:

ROGER J. PERRY ROBERT J. PINK President Secretary 30 September 2017 28 Frontline Journal 28

STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS & PAYMENTS AS AT 30 JUNE 2017 AS AT 30 JUNE 2017

2016 2017 2016 2017 ASSETS RECEIPTS 20,782 Cash at Bank & on Deposit 16,708 4,255 Subscriptions 5,550 0 21,435 Stock for sale at cost 18,827 204 Bank Interest 117 21,435 2,000 Prepayments 2,000 473 Sales – Merchandise 1,010

2,000 44,217 37,535 600 Sales – The Grim Glory 1,710 LIABILITIES 545 Sales – Boldly & Faithfully 627 3,741 Donations 4,054 3,227 Subscriptions in Advance 3,393 13,517 Functions 20,191 3,329 Other Creditors 0 0 Sundry Income 0 6,556 3,393 23,335 33,259 37,661 NET ASSETS 34,143 PAYMENTS Represented by: 72 Bank Charges 73 34,044 Accumulated earnings1 July 2016 37,661 0 Donations 100 3,617 Add:Accumulated Surplus/(Deficit) earnings for 1 July year 2016 (3,518) 1,078 Insurance 550 11,798 Functions 26,026

Postage, Printing, Stationery 37,661 MEMBERS FUNDS 34,143 518 & Phone 1,599

375 Presentations & gifts 974 1,562 Purchases – stock for sale 336

STATEMENT OF 0 Sundries 0 INCOME & EXPENDITURE 200 Subscriptions 0 FOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2017 238 Welfare 862 0 Website 242 2016 2017 (300) Magazine 1,199 INCOME 55 Filing fees 44 4,942 Subscriptions 5,385 2,000 Prepayment for ANZAC Day 2018 2,000 204 Bank Interest 117 0 Prepayment to Creditors 3,328 275 Profit Merchandise sales 404 741 Donations received 4,054

0 Miscellaneous Income 0 17,596 37,333 SURPLUS/DEFICIT OF PAYMENTS 9,162 9,960 5,740 (4,074) OVER RECEIPTS

15,042 Cash Book Balance at 1 July 2016 20,782 Less: EXPENDITURE CASH BOOK BALANCE 72 Bank Charges 73 20,782 16,708 at 30 JUNE 2017JUNE 2017 0 Donations 100

1,078 Insurance 550 352 Net Cost of Functions 7,835 Postage, Printing 1,535 Stationery & Phone 1,599 Magazine costs 1,206 net of subsidy 1,199 54 Filing fees 44 375 Presentations & gifts 974 0 Repairs to Banner 0 200 Subscriptions 0 673 Welfare 862 0 Website 242 5,545 13,478

NET OPERATING SURPLUS/DEFICIT FOR YEAR 3,617 (3,518)

Discussion ensued on various aspects of the Financial Statements and the Chairman provided the answers required by the meeting.

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INDEPENDENT AUDIT REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF 1/19 RNSWR ASSOCIATION INC Scope

I have audited the financial report being a special purpose financial report of 1/19 RNSWR Association Inc for the year ended 30 June 2017 as set out on pages 1 to 4. The Committee is responsible for the financial report and has determined that the accounting policies used are appropriate to meet the needs of the Associations Incorporation Act (NSW) and the needs of the members. I have conducted an independent audit of this financial report in order to express an opinion on it to the members. No opinion is expressed as to whether the accounting policies used are appropriate to the needs of the members.

The financial report has been prepared for the purpose of fulfilling the requirements of the Associations Incorporation Act (NSW). I disclaim any assumption of responsibility for any reliance on this report or on the financial report to which it relates to any person other than the members, or for any purpose other than that for which it was prepared.

My audit has been conducted in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Procedures included examination, on a test basis, of evidence supporting the amounts and other disclosures in the financial report and the evaluation of significant accounting estimates.

These procedures have been undertaken to form an opinion whether, in all material aspects, the financial report is presented fairly in accordance with the accounting policies adopted by the Association so as to present a view which is consistent with my understanding of the Association’s financial position and performance as represented by the results of its operations.

These policies do not require the application of all Australian Accounting Standards and other mandatory professional reporting requirements.

The audit opinion expressed in this report has been formed on the above basis.

Audit Opinion In my opinion, the financial report presents fairly in accordance with the accounting policies adopted by the Association the financial position of 1/19 RNSWR Association Inc. as at 30 June 2017 and the results of its operations for the year then ended.

DENNIS ZALUNARDO, OAM, JP Honorary Auditor

30 September 2017

1 Jacaranda Avenue BAULKHAM HILLS NSW 2153

It was MOVED by John BURNS and SECONDED by Gary BELTRAME that the financial documents be accepted.

CARRIED It was MOVED by Bryan SCHAFER and SECONDED by George FISHER that the Treasurer’s Report be accepted. CARRIED

HONORARY SECRETARY’S REPORT:

MEMBERSHIP REPORT: A warm welcome was conveyed to the following 7 new members who had joined the Association since the last Annual General Meeting: CPL Eric CARRIGLIO MINCHINBURY NSW 2770 LT Leon GRIFFITHS PENRITH NSW 2750 MRS Dorothy HOWARD TURRAMURRA NSW 2074 SSGT Bruce LOFTUS, OAM CUNDLETOWN NSW 2430 PTE Dallas MARTIN GLOUCESTER NSW 2422 LT Mervyn NG TANA MERAH QLD 4128

CPL Scott RODHAM WOOLGOOLGA NSW 2456 CURRENT MEMBERSHIP: UN WRITTEN MAIL CATEGORY LIFE FINANCIAL TOTAL GRAND FINANCIAL OFF RTS TOTAL TOTAL 1/19 RNSWR ASSN 7 147 154 32 63 7 102 256

2/19 BATTALION AIF ASSN 12 N/A 12 N/A N/A N/A N/A 12

2/19 BATTALION AIF ASSN 31 52 83 29 28 2 59 142 ASSOCIATES

TOTAL 50 199 249 61 91 9 161 410

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DEATHS: Sadly, 13 members passed away during the year and, since the Association’s formation in 1998, 279.of our members / friends have passed on.

ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER: The Association's newsletter continues to be produced on a quarterly basis in a professional format. The Honorary Secretary acknowledged the valued assistance of our Publisher, Flight Publishing. The Association maintains contact with other unit Associations and 78 copies of the quarterly newsletter are currently sent to the following kindred associations and organisations: 1. Association of First Infantry Battalions (Now 1 RAR Association) 2. Friends of the City of Newcastle Regiment 2nd Infantry Battalions 3. 3rd Battalion RNSWR and 3rd Inf Battalion Association 4. Association of 4th Battalions 5. Association of 17th Battalions 6. Ex 22 Battalion RVR Association 7. 30th Battalion NSW Scottish Regimental Association 8. 8 Division Council Association 9. 2/4 Anti-Tank Regiment Association 10. 5th Field Ambulance Association 11. The Australian Intelligence Corps Association NSW Branch 12. UNSWR Association 13. Integrated Service Peoples Association 14. Defence Reserves Association 15. Reserve Forces Day Council 16. 14 Field Squadron Association 17. Royal Australian Ordnance Corps Association 18. 3 Transport Company Association 19. Royal Australian Naval Reserve Association 20. Colonel Commandant & The Regimental Council, The Royal New South Wales Regiment 21. CO 1/19 RNSWR 22. OPS OFFR 1/19 RNSWR 23. ADJT 1/19 RNSWR 24. RSM 1/19 RNSWR 25. QM 1/19 RNSWR 26. Australian War Memorial 27. National Library of Australia 28. State Library of NSW

Additional copies are also sent to the families of our deceased members, and friends and 1/19 RNSWR Depots at Orange, Bathurst, Dubbo & Wagga Wagga, Newsletters are sent with application forms to enquirers throughout the year. A total of 550 copies of the newsletter continue to be despatched each quarter.

The Honorary Secretary spoke on the continuing generosity and the kind donations received from the membership which have been gratefully received and appreciated.

ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER: The Honorary Secretary reported the Electronic Funds Transfer system continues with problems – mainly due to members still not recording their names or sufficient means to readily identify their transfer/deposit into the Association’s Bank account and/or failing to advise details by post or email of the date and the bank’s details and location of the transaction.

Members are again asked to ensure the following: If they are making Electronic transfers, ensure their name is provided as part of the transaction. If they are making a cash deposit at a St George branch, ensure that they advise the Hon Secretary by email or phone that the deposit has been made and the date and location where it was deposited.

YEAR 2018 SUBSCRIPTION PAYMENTS: Fall due and payable on 1 JANUARY 2018. A subscription slip will be enclosed with the December 2017 Newsletter to all members. The Honorary Secretary advised that the annual subscriptions had risen to $25.00 per annum – a fact which had, unfortunately, been “lost” on some members and that a further reminder would be contained in the December 2017 Newsletter. It was MOVED by Tom COOPER and SECONDED by David RING that the Honorary Secretary’s Report be accepted. CARRIED SOCIAL COMMITTEE’S REPORT: Vice President Mick PASS reported that next year’s activities and prominent Commemorative Events would be published in forthcoming issues of the Association’s Newsletters and our Website Manager Sandy HOWARD will also post activities on the Association website as they come to hand.

31 Frontline Journal 31

The Vice President delivered a brief on the arrangements for this evening’s dinner in the Coral Sea Room and advised that 2 x bottles of wine would be placed on each table.

The Association had been represented during the past year at the following commemorative events:

11 NOV 16 REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICES – SYDNEY/CENTRAL WEST/CENTRAL COAST 04 FEB 17 1/19 RNSWR PERYMAN AWARDS/REGTL DINNER ORANGE 15 FEB 17 FALL OF SINGAPORE- THE LAST COMMEMORATION - SYDNEY CENOTAPH 23 APR 17 ANZAC SUNDAY SERVICES - SYDNEY/CENTRAL WEST/CENTRAL COAST 25 APR 17 ANZAC DAY 02 JUL 17 RESERVE FORCES DAY PARADES – CANBERRA, NEWCASTLE & WONDAI QLD 22 JUL 17 THE ROYAL NSW REGIMENT OFFR/WO/SGT DINNER BATHURST 23 JUL 17 THE ROYAL NSW REGIMENT CHURCH PDE BATHURST 06 AUG 17 SANDAKAN COMMEMORATION BURWOOD PARK 09 AUG 17 VICTORY OVER JAPAN DAY LUNCHEON SYDNEY 15 AUG 17 VICTORY OVER JAPAN DAY – SYDNEY CENOTAPH 18 AUG 17 VIETNAM VETERANS’ DAY COMMEMORATION SYDNEY

The Association was with regret unable to attend the National Servicemen’s Commemoration at Bardia Barracks on 12 FEB 17 nor POZIERES Day 23 JUL 17 at St Columba’s Church Woollahra which regrettably clashed with the Regimental Church Parade in Bathurst,

The Vice President thanked the membership for their support, particularly those who had travelled long distances to be present at this weekend’s functions and looked forward to an increased attendance at the Association’s activities and functions next year, particularly the ANZAC Day 2018 Cruise in Sydney and the Association’s Annual General Meeting Weekend 2018.

It was MOVED by Tony OHLBACH and SECONDED by David RING that the Social Committee’s Report be accepted. CARRIED ELECTION OF OFFICE BEARERS 2017-2018: The President reported that Committee member Kevin JONES, OAM had advised that he did not wish to nominate for a Committee position due to ill health, The President placed on the record his personal thanks for Kevin’s many years of willing service since the Association’s formation and his assistance and advice in the early days.

Nominations were then invited from the floor.

George FISHER being the only nominee was NOMINATED by Larry NOLAN and SECONDED by Bob PINK.

The following were elected to the positions shown. This declaration was endorsed with acclamation by all present.

POSITION ELECTED

PRESIDENT Roger PERRY

VICE PRESIDENT & PUBLICITY OFFICER Mick PASS

TREASURER Joy NEWTON

HONORARY SECRETARY/ NEWSLETTER EDITOR / ASSOCIATION PUBLIC Bob PINK OFFICER

ASSISTANT SECRETARY Bryan SCHAFER

ASSISTANT TREASURER Bob WEIR

COMMITTEE MEMBER & MERCHANDISING MANAGER Ray WARDEN

COMMITTEE MEMBER & WEBSITE MANAGEER Sandy HOWARD

COMMITTEE MEMBER & ASSOCIATION HISTORIAN Geoff BRADDON

COMMITTEE MEMBER John ELLIOTT

COMMITTEE MEMBER George FISHER

32 Frontline Journal 32

The Chairman congratulated all on their election and again thanked Sandy HOWARD for his exceptional contribution in managing the Web Site and Lieutenant Colonel Peter McGUINNESS, MBE, OAM, RFD, ED, for his valued ongoing close support and assistance to Sandy on the recording of the Battalions’ histories and the preparation of Unit History presentations at our Annual General Meetings and also by way of assistance to 1/19 RNSWR members called upon to deliver dissertations at Regimental Dinners. He also thanked Ray and Gai WARDEN for their continuing efficient and valued efforts in handling the Association’s merchandise throughout the year. He reminded all members that there were still copies of the 19th Battalion AIF History “Boldly & Faithfully” for sale. The President also congratulated Dennis ZALUNARDO, OAM, JP on his re-appointment as Association Auditor for 2017-2018 which was greeted by the hearty acclamation of all present. The President thanked Dennis ZALUNARDO, OAM, JP for his valued assistance for which the Association was very grateful.

GENERAL BUSINESS: David RING conveyed the sincere thanks of Mr Glen SCRIVEN and family for the attendance of a number of Association members at his 100th Birthday Celebrations at Wyee Community Centre on Saturday 8th July 2017.

The President advised for general information that: Joe COOMBS has suffered a fall and after a period in hospital is now recovering in respite care, together with his wife Muriel.

The Colonel Commandant, The Royal New South Wales Regiment, Major General The Honourable Justice Paul BRERETON, AM, RFD, had advised with regret earlier today of his inability to attend the Association’s Dinner this evening due to illness in his family.

1/19 RNSWR RSM, WO1 Simon FOLEY, has been posted to 51 FNQ Regt and his replacement WO2 Jamie OSBORNE will march in to the unit early in December 2017 on completion of the WO1’s Course at LWC Canungra.

Discussion ensued on the Association’s declining membership and problems in attracting younger serving and former serving members to join the Association. Lieutenant Colonel Gary BELTRAME, RFD, JP and Lieutenant Colonel Peter McGUINNESS, MBE OAM, RFD, ED, spoke on current issues and difficulties.

Lieutenant Colonel Gary BELTRAME, RFD, JP, rose and congratulated Roger PERRY and Bob PINK on their awards of the OAM in the Queen’s Birthday Honours 12 June 2017.

GRANT OF LIFE MEMBERSHIP: The Chairman then spoke on the offer of Life Membership to the widows of former members of 2/19 Infantry Battalion AIF Association. Letters were sent on 5 February 2017 and 31 Widows had replied, warmly accepting their Life Membership which was very pleasing.

NEXT ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING: The Chairman reminded the meeting that it was “convention” that every alternate AGM be held in Orange to enable interaction with 1/19 RNSWR and the Orange Ex-Services Club who have been staunch supporters of the Association during its existence.

The Chairman iterated his comments from previous years that details of suggested venues in writing should be sent to the Committee for consideration prior to the Association’s Annual General Meeting and no suggestions would be considered unless the Committee had received timely notice of the proposal, with a detailed plan as to the operation of the weekend.

Following further discussion, it was MOVED by Roger PERRY and SECONDED by Corinna KELLY that the Association’s next Annual General Meeting be held at the ORANGE EX SERVICES CLUB on the weekend 26-27-28 OCTOBER 2018. CARRIED

As accommodation at Orange Hotels and Motels is likely to be at a premium on the AGM weekend 26-28 October 2018 members are especially reminded to make early bookings for their accommodation to avoid disappointment.

The following is the Outline Plan for the 2018 AGM weekend:

MEET & GREET FUNCTION 1800-2130h FRI 26 OCT 18 ORANGE EX SERVICES CLUB

WREATH LAYING 1030h SAT 27 OCT 18 ROMANI BARRACKS 1/19 RNSWR ORANGE (TO BE CONFIRMED)

PRESENTATION “1918” BY LTCOL Peter McGUINNESS MBE OAM RFD ED 1400h SAT 27 OCT 18 ORANGE EX SERVICES CLUB

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 1530h SAT 27 OCT 18 ORANGE EX SERVICES CLUB

REUNION DINNER 1800h for 1900h SAT 27 OCT 18 ORANGE EX SERVICES CLUB

CO-ORD ARRANGEMENTS Association Vice President Mike PASS will liaise with ORANGE EX SERVICES CLUB and the MERCURE MOTEL (formerly the Templers Mill Motel) in arranging accommodation reservations and the booking of facilities and rooms and catering arrangements for the functions.

CLOSURE: There being no further items of business the Chairman thanked all for their attendance and closed the meeting at 1600 H.

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MARGIN OF VICTORY: Five Battles That Changed the Face of combat power … for strategic effect’. MacGregor also Modern War compares the polyglot German command system

Douglas MacGregor unfavourably with the integrated, joint, Soviet system. Naval Institute Press, 2016, 270pp The Soviet reforms were based on theoretical concepts ISBN 978161251968 developed in the 1930s, but temporarily abandoned

after Stalin’s purge of the Red Army. They became the REVIEWED BY John DONOVAN basis of the Reconnaissance-Strike Complex of the

1980s. The fourth study is on the Egyptian crossing of Reading a book by the Suez Canal during the 1973 Yom Kippur War. retired US Army Colonel MacGregor compares Egyptian military reforms, Douglas MacGregor is a implemented with deep understanding of Egyptian challenging experience. It is culture with Israel, which learned incorrect lessons from REVIEWED BY John DONOVANnot necessary, however, to earlier wars. agree fully with MacGregor The Egyptians specifically planned to counter to gain valuable insights known Israeli tactics. While the Israelis eventually from the research and prevailed using manoeuver, the victory was costly, in analysis behind his part because Israeli supporting firepower and infantry proposals. In this book, were not closely integrated with tanks. MacGregor MacGregor studies five considers that Israel’s unified military command battles to glean lessons structure provided the necessary margin of victory. relevant to army reform in the 21st Century. He MacGregor’s final case study is of the US Battle of 73 differentiates between wars of decision, choice and Easting, against Iraq in 1991. He sees the 1991 conflict observation, focussing particularly on wars of decision, as perhaps the ultimate expression of World War I and seeks reforms to ensure that the US is victorious in tactics. He considers this war a lost opportunity to move the first battle in such wars. ‘beyond industrial-age warfare to … highly mobile, joint, The first battle studied is Mons in 1914. integrated, aerospace and sensor dominated forces’. MacGregor attributes British success during the retreat Instead, the US services each fought their own wars, in from Mons through Le Cateau largely to reforms their preferred manner. MacGregor notes that airpower implemented before 1912 by Richard Haldane, was not able to defeat the Iraqi army in the field, but did Secretary of State for War. Despite budget constraints, prepare the way for the ground attack. He criticises the where priority was given to the Royal Navy, these failure to combine the air and ground efforts in an early reforms prepared the British Army (just) enough for a joint operation, which might have produced a clear continental war. Resistance within the Army diminished victory. the effect of the reforms, but MacGregor notes that The final chapter is the core of the book. In it, sufficient remained to provide a margin of victory when MacGregor proposes a way forward for the US in the needed, despite deficiencies in British leadership. The 21st Century. He sees little use for light infantry (or even next study is on the Japanese capture of Shanghai in special forces) in conflicts with a peer or near peer 1937. MacGregor introduces General Ugaki Kazushige, opponent, dismissing them as ‘[a]thleticism in uniform’. who in the 1920s attempted to move the Japanese Rather, MacGregor favours fully mechanized ground Army from a focus on infantry numbers towards greater forces, operating with air support as a strike/manoeuver mobility and firepower. force under a joint and integrated command structure. Reaction to Ugaki’s proposals arose, however, Whether such a force is affordable by any nation other and opposition was more successful, delaying many than an economic giant is a question for non-American reforms until the 1940s. Shanghai was a battle between readers to ponder. One element of MacGregor’s thesis masses of infantry, with limited mobility and fire support. that is relevant to Australia is defining the nation’s ‘core, While Haldane had given the British Army a margin of existential interests’. MacGregor does not see nation victory in 1914, opposition to Ugaki’s changes left the building/counterinsurgency in the Third World as core Japanese Army strong enough to prevail in individual for the US. Without US support, there can be little battles, but not able to win against China. These first realistic belief that these could be core functions for two case studies emphasised the need to implement Australia. reform before a war, as more immediate priorities might constrain implementation during one. In his next two John Donovan worked in the case studies MacGregor introduces command Department of Defence for over arrangements. The third study, on the destruction of 32 years, principally in the fields of intelligence, force Army Group Centre in 1944, differentiates between development and resource German military reforms between the wars, which management. He also served ‘focused on marginal, tactical changes to … [a] …World for several years in the

War I army’, and Soviet reforms implemented during the Australian Army Reserve. war, which focused on ‘integrating and concentrating

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Carrier Pl, HQ Coy, 2/20 Battalion A.I.F. NX45804 Driver Herbert James McNAMARA, Continued from September 2017 Newsletter:

As to the significance of the request we same bone structure, weighed never got a clue, but I think that some of the just this amount and it was motive, at least, came from a national craving for possible to see the shape of his the gift that Bobbie Burns valued so highly. I was teeth when he had his mouth never able to assess their reactions to our efforts closed. I could say quiet to deputise for the Giftie, but we were soon to see certainly that he would have that all blood-brothers of the Mad Mongrel had not died if the war had lasted been exported to Thailand. another six weeks. Or to take We never approached Thailand standards another example : Most of us were working to the for consistency, and, in fact, I think it may be said last, sometimes on work that would be classified that the majority of our bosses were quite as hard by any standards, and output was quite tolerable fellows considering our standard fair, but muscles were almost completely relations, but many of the guards and some of the specialised so that it was much worse to go to an bosses took out the military reverses on the easier job employing different muscles than to prisoners until the last few months, when one by continue on the hard job. Everything went to feed one they all saw the light. the muscles that were being used. This was true The appalling condition of our health, the to a fantastic degree. For instance, when still able lack of food and the villainous climate, took more to do heavy shovelling work, we used to actually from us than all the ill-treatment. In fact, for my grasp our hands under our legs to lift them onto part, though I suffered from various forms of the bed, there being more strength in our arms animality I was never actually bashed in Japan. than in the unused muscles that would ordinarily When I was in a pool of greasy water one day the be used for this operation. Bull threatened to hit me with a hammer for not Again, when we were subsequently given pulling the baskets of slush out fast enough, but pills containing an oily substance, probably cod- realising that he did not have what it takes. I dared liver or halibut oil, we used to chew them to get him to do it, and he put the hammer away, and as the oily flavour, and yet the same pills were soon as face would permit it, ordered me out of sickening to swallow unchewed when our the unpleasant spot and made me the whitehead stomach grew accustomed to being filled again. boy, to my embarrassment. But he was a stranger And yet you could have all these things wrong who made an error of judgement, and if you got with you and even be deliriously happy while on such a villain all the time he soon learnt to make the other hand you could be made miserable by things pretty unpleasant for you. In fact it is the psychological upsets that seem trifling by less dramatic disabilities of P.O.W life that are comparison. among the most depressing. Hunger, which ranks Tantalus is rightly depicted as under- so high in imagination, rates comparatively low in going additional agony from having the water he actual experience. People who have missed a craves just out of his reach, but such is not the meal are inclined to multiply the discomfort by case of the hungry man in the same position. His astronomical figures to form a conception of what torture is almost analogous to that of a Dorothy it would be like to starve over a long period, but Lamour film on dameless troops on active service. this calculation, valid enough for thirst, does not A battered copy of Mrs Beetons cookery book apply to hunger. It is not cumulative. The first served the same purpose for the gastronomic contractions of the stomach are agony enough, perverts of the Eighth Division, as the Pretty Girls but after that, it adjusts itself to the new size and did to their comrades on the outside. subsequent discomfort is more comparable to an But there were some almost indefinable excessive tiredness mixed with a profound but not disabilities that were always enough to dominate entirely unpleasant craving. I emphasise that I am our thoughts no matter what out physical talking about real starvation and am not belittling it condition. By far the most pressing of these was in the light of imperfect knowledge, for before we the need to maintain the delicately balanced left Japan we really were starving and men died of equilibrium between the bended knee and the that and nothing else. broken back. There were both physical and moral To translate it into objective language I reasons making it necessary that equilibrium be will give a couple of examples. I, myself would preserved. On the one hand, to seek martyrdom have been classified as being the fittest fifty in the interests of prestige might well mean that percent in the camp, but at that I had fallen from you would achieve it not only for yourself, but for twelve and a half stone to seven stone seven. A others, including the sick. man slightly taller than myself, and of about the To be continued………………………….

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PRESENTATION BY MEMBERS OF THE 2nd/19th AUSTRALIAN INFANTRY BATTALION AIF ASSOCIATION OF CABINETS, MINIATURE SLOUCH HATS AND PEWTER MUGS INSCRIBED WITH THE NAMES OF THE OFFICERS, WARRANT OFFICERS AND SENIOR NON COMMISSIONED OFFICERS OF 2/19 AUSTRALIAN INFANTRY BATTALION AIF LOST IN ACTION OR AS PRISONERS OF WAR DURING THE MALAYA CAMPAIGN 1941-1945 TO THE 1st/19th BATTALION THE ROYAL NEW SOUTH WALES REGIMENT OFFICERS’ MESS AND THE 19 RNSWR SERGEANTS’ MESS PROPERTY TRUST AT BARDIA BARRACKS INGLEBURN NSW AUGUST 1973. L to R: MAJ Mark COX, 1/19 RNSWR Bn 2IC, LTCOL Reginald NEWTON, MBE, former OC HQ COY 2/19 Bn AIF, Ex WO2 and former RSM 2/19 BN AIF Samuel THOMPSON, MM, WO1 John CHRISTENSEN, RSM 1/19 RNSWR (OUR THANKS TO CAPTAIN Bob BURRAGE, BM, RFD, FOR THE KIND DONATION OF THIS PHOTOGRAPH AND OTHERS FOR REPRODUCTION IN FORTHCOMING ISSUES OF THE ASSOCIATION’S NEWSLETTERS

Bob Pink Honorary Secretary, 1/19 RNSWR Association Proudly Incorporating 2/19 Australian Infantry Battalion AIF Association PO Box 224 INGLEBURN NSW 1890

PHOTOS OF THE PAST.

Dear Bob I was going through some old papers of earlier times in my life, and I came across these photos, now forwarded. Given that time is slowly eroding the quickness in remembering the past, I think these photos were given to myself, by former LtCol Anderson VC MC when I resided in Canberra. At the time I had visited his home in Red Hill, I was representing the Offrs Mess of 1/19 RNSWR in passing to the Colonel, a neck tie of the Unit, in the good old days when the Unit was strong and had such things as neck ties, and other sundry items. I spent an enjoyable two hours in the presence of the Colonel, and thankfully I had looked up his citation in the award of the VICTORIA CROSS he had been awarded. The reading of the Citation in formal words, was nothing like the description of the action that had won him such award! He explained far simpler what he had done in winning the award and I had to sit there and smile as I listened to the great man, talk. I would not like these photos to simply be discarded because no one else has any connection to the identities within these photos. I certainly do not recall any one individual that I have known, but I am sure yourself and select others, would recall who the people were for the moment. As you are directly involved with the past history of the Unit, and have greater knowledge of people involved, perhaps you might see these photos being lodged ’somewhere in the future where they will retain some 'historical value' ? Kind regards R.L. Burrage Bob Burrage BM RFD 30 JUL 2017

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