Following are articles taken from The First Post over the last 50 years. Many will not have read these previously but they form part of our history. The articles are not taken as a history of the Association or the Battalion but feature for those now getting on in years to help you remember some of the history that occurred in our time.

PRIMUS AGAT PRIMAS

This is the last edition of the First Post. It is a sad moment for me, a moment to reflect on a group of young Australians who came forward when their country needed them. They were the generation born from war (WW1) and were now stepping into the shoes of their fathers.

and continued at different times through to the return of the unit to Australia in July 1942. The 2/1st battalion had fought in North Africa, Greece, Crete and in Syria and had spent three months in Ceylon and now was looking forward to a break. But that was not to be.

Early September 1942 saw the battalion heading to New Guinea and a different type of warfare. I wonder if the historians who write about Kokoda and the tourists who The desperation, the mud, the mountains, the lack of food and sleep, a fanatical enemy, cannibalization by the enemy all with no end in sight. No-one can ever walk in their boots. 2/1st BATTALION ACTION NOVEMBER 1942

Interviewed by Daily Telegraph March 24th 1956

This cites the heroism of a force led by Captain B. W. T. Catterns, of the 2/1st Battalion, in an attack on a Japanese encampment during the advance on Sanananda in November, 1942.

During the week the writer sought out the officer mentioned in the history and asked his version of the incident that have gained them, immortality as an outstanding feat of Australian arms.

Captain Basil Catterns. M.C., who was educated at Fort Street and worked in a Sydney newspaper office before the war, is now the advertising manager of a big Australian tyre-and-rubber company.

Catterns, a dark, handsome warrior, told his story over a cup of tea in his Granville office. He had no difficulty in remembering the details. " he recalled.

Following the capture of a village called Soputa, the 2/1 Battalion, commanded by Lt Col Paul Cullen, resumed the role of the leading battalion in the advance,

Catterns, a company commander, was acting as second-in-command, the 21C having been recently killed.

Catterns said.

The battle that followed was one of the hottest and most dramatic of the New Guinea campaign.

The Australians swept through barricades of plaited vines protecting the camp and fell on the Japs, firing Brens and tommy-guns and lobbing grenades into the huts.

Screaming Japs ran from the huts only to be cut down and join the dead around the camp fires. In a few minutes the Australians had killed about 150 of the enemy.

The Japanese reorganised quickly and joined by reinforcements from another enca- mpment, fought back. Catterns formed his men to a defensive position - a sausage shaped perimeter about 60 yards long and 30 yards wide, into which they carried their wounded and then dug in.

The wounded were stacked round the precarious shelter of a tall tree, but the Japanese picked them off one by one. Throughout the night the Japs probed the Australian positions and swept them with heavy machine-gun and mortar fire.

When daylight came the Australians were in a terrible position.

The Japs picked out the two-man pits in which the Australians were holding out and enfiladed them one by one with heavy machine-gun fire.

Under cover of the fire, Japs crept forward and lobbed hand-grenades into the pits. Each grenade explosion meant the death of two more Australians.

But the Australians still fought back. A few who raised their heads above their pits in spite of the withering machine-gun fire managed to pick off the Jap grenade throwers as they crept forward.

All that day the defenders held out. The jungle around them had been cut down to ground level by the hurricane of fire, until it resembled flat field. The tangle of fallen trees and tall grass provided some cover for the wearied Diggers.

At sunset the remainder of the 2/1st Battalion fought its way down the main track and the Japs drew back, though enough were left to harass the men still holding that defence perimeter. By the following morning all the Japs had gone, leaving the Australians to count their dead. Of the gallant 90 who made the attack only 24 remained alive.

But the gun had been silenced. The Japs had to abandon it in their retreat and the way to Sanananda had been opened.

No awards were made for gallantry to the men who took part in that magnificent stand but their heroism has gone into history.

The 2/1st Battalion went on to fight again, but it had been terribly mauled and was relieved in December that year.

Only two officers, Lt-Col Cullen and Major Catterns, and 52 men were left.

Four months earlier the battalion, 1000-strong, had proudly marched through the cheering crowds of Sydney.

ANZAC Day 1940 (1st Edition)

This morning Reveille sounded at 3.00am. This was our cue to rise and dress quickly, form up and march quietly by the light of a fading moon to the Gaza cemetery. We formed up outside a small building set in an area dedicated to the thousands of fallen upon row of neat graves interspersed with cyprus pine trees and wondered. through the silent dawn. The two minutes silence which followed was unforgettable. Again the crisp notes of the bugle broke the stillness to complete the solemn strains of the call known through the ages.

As we marched off down the pathway to do silent homage to our fallen we were a ghostly, shadowy m marching feet grew fainter and fainter the dawn broke. It was unearthly, moving, symbolic and brought forth deep emotions in every man.

The Second First (Vol 3 No 1)

From the ANZAC landing onward,

From Helles to Lone Pine,

With blood in every line.

From Pozieres to Mouquet Farm,

Thilloy to Menin Road,

From Broodseinde down to Larnicourt,

They took their fighting code.

Suited them very well,

Their record gave them cause for pride,

That time shall never quell.

And when the call of battle rang,

Through-out the world once more,

And armed itself for war.

From the capture of Bardia,

From Derna to Tobruk,

To smoke filled hells in Greece and Crete,

Their gallant way they took.

Through the fever ridden Stanleys

Down the path of fame they came,

The Second First Battalion,

Immortalised their name. I first met some of these men at an ANZAC Day function in the early They had supported 1 RAR in Vietnam and had visited our wounded in hospital and so we had become a part of their association.

These men handed their association to us and entrusted us with the traditions and honours they had earned in war. We have kept the faith and will continue to do so.

The First Post has been produced by 1 RAR and supported by the informed us all but times and technology has altered the way this is done. The association has been handed over to the younger generation of 1st Battalions so it now time to close this chapter of the 1st Battalion Association. They will always live with me.

It has been an honour.

Mike Waldron

The very first Cover of The First Post July 1940

First CO of 1RAR - COL R.H.MARSON, DSO, ED

Dick Marson will be remembered by the Infantrymen with whom he served as the first Commanding Officer of 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment.

Dick served in the 14th Light Horse Regiment prior to World War 2. In 1940, with the rank of Captain, he was appointed as one of the original members of 2/25th Battalion. Dick served with the 2/25th throughout the War, including campaigns in the Middle East, Papua, New Guinea and Borneo. In October 1942, he was promoted in the field to Lieutenant Colonel and appointed to command the 2/25th Battalion. He was awarded the DSO for his part in the Owen Stanley Campaign and was Mentioned in Dispatches on three occasions.

With the end of hostilities, Dick was appointed to command the 65th Infantry Battalion, as part of the British Commonwealth Occupation Forces, Japan. The 65th Battalion, redesignated 1st Battalion, The Australian Regiment, returned to Australia in late 1948, however, Dick remained in Japan until 1952.

Following his retirement in 1954, Dick served for two years as a UN military adviser in Kashmir. In 1955 he was appointed an Honorary Colonel. In latter years Dick was a successful farmer in the Longford area of Northern and was a key figure in the local community. He died in January 1985.

By Brig E.J.H. Howard, CBE First Post 1992

P

1RAR Association leadership to the next generation. The HQ of the Association moved to Townsville, we formed a very close relationship with 1RAR supported strongly by LTCOL Jason Groat then LTCOL Ben McLennan next, and the new National Committee is a close-knit group of post-Vietnam veterans. Our Vietnam veterans who have led the Association for the last 30 years or more have served us all exceptionally well and they have shown great foresight and courage to set in train the events that have led to this successful transition. The evidence of our achievement is apparent to me in that I see all the other RAR Associations struggling to varying degrees to do what we have just done. I have no doubt they will all achieve what we have managed in due course and we have been helping where we can. The real evidence however was the overwhelming success of the CORAL50 and SOMALIA25 events held in May this year in collaboration with 1RAR and the Townsville City Council. The week of events and activities was a magnificent achievement of which the new National Committee of the 1RAR Association and its close relationship with 1RAR should be very proud. There are a few other combat indicators of the benefits that have accrued from the change of leadership. The first is the move online. From essentially a postal based approach to membership where all information was sent in the First Post to an online presence that has seen most of the membership register an email address and have access to information and alerts at the frequency they prefer and when they want. We only have a small proportion of the membership who we cannot communicate with by email or via the website. Rest assured they will continue to get a newsletter each year. The second indicator is the move to the online shop. Although we went through a few teething problems in competition for sales from 1RAR DPRI, we then moved to the professionalism of the Army Shop online, I am pleased to say our line of items is now fully endorsed by Army with the correct use of colours and crests. I am pleased to see the National Committee have taken on the task of ensuring the items available match member demands over time. The third combat indicator is the remodelling of the just under three years. And most of our new members have been our younger veterans.

With the rising problem of soldiers in need of support, I see our next big challenge and opportunity to do more to support our younger men and women who have served in the Big Blue One. We can do more than keep connected and be supportive. As many of us in later life are so well connected we should divert that energy into helping our younger brethren. I am very pleased to see that has already begun in several forms by individuals who are motivated to helping others and communities. In Townsville we have had members of the Association working directly with 1RAR to better prepare soldiers leaving the service. And there are organisations springing up that call on the brotherhood of service in 1RAR to help other communities. I am particularly pleased to see the efforts of the Kapani Warrior Program led by Tim White and Ant Blumer. This is important work for two reasons. It accesses communities in the north that could do with help and it helps those helping! These two initiatives are just the start. I am keen to see the National Committee take this up as a challenge when they feel they are ready to take the next steps as an Association.

Although sad to see the end of the written copy of First Post, I think it will become the marker in history of when the 1RAR Association began its next chapter. First Post has served us exceptionally well. We recognise some of our membership will not feel as well connected due to the lack of digital connectivity with the world, but we will do our best to bridge that gap. The generation that has held the fort for the past 40 years can relax assured they have done great service for the Association and have overseen a successful and smooth transition to their successors who have made them proud.

This report and all others are of course available online and if you have an email but are not getting news regularly in some form from the 1RAR association please let us know at [email protected] er each other as we did in Service. Do yourself and your mates a that keep an eye out for each other have survived the best and strongest. We all need a good friend to check in on occasions.

My very best wishes to every member of the 1RAR Association and your families as we enter the next phase of a successful 1RAR Association.

Duty First,

John Caligari AO, DSC

Patron 1RAR Association

As this is the last edition of First Post. I would like to thank Ric Culpitt and Mike Waldron for their dedication over many years in the production of the magazine. We plan to produce an annual news letter and mail it to those internet access. The primary means of communication will be by email, the Association Website and Face Book Page.

The Association continues to go from strength to strength and now has membership of over 700. In May this year we commemorated the 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Fire Support Patrol Base Coral. The Battalion and the Coral Veterans were awarded the Unit Citation for Gallantry (UCG) many of the Coral Veterans were presented their award during the week. By all accounts the week was an outstanding success. The Association Banner and Car Stickers will be updated to reflect the addition of the UCG.

On 17 May Somalia Veterans and other 1RAR Veterans marked the 25th Anniversary ner at the Ville Resort Casino in Townsville. http://www.1rar.asn.au/the-shop/ this link will take you to the Army Shop who sell merchandise on our behalf, we receive a percentage of the profits. You will receive a 5% discount by using the promotion code 1RARASSOC. You can also contact the Army Shop on 02 6123 2960.

I look forward to continuing to develop our excellent relationship with the Battalion this

Townsville. The soldiers of the Battalion are the future of the Association and we need to do all we can to foster their interest in it. There is no better example of the close cooperation between the Battalion and the Association than the joint planning that went into Coral 50 and Somalia 25. The Battalion and the Association will also jointly plan the Laying up Ceremony for the Old Colours which is planned for 3 November 2018 at the Army Museum at Jazzine Barracks Townsville.

Jim Masters, OAM President 1RAR Association

Jim Masters OAM National President

A Heritage is Given

It came to pass that a feature article was written for the Sydney Morning Herald and published on Anzac Day 1969. Entitled "A Heritage Is Given", (its author, Ian Allan MP}, the article invited readers to take as an example of Anzac Day recollections, the experience of some soldiers who spent Anzac Day 1941 on the beach at Kalamata in the south of Greece.

"Their trucks had been smashed with sledge-hammers, and these veterans of the Libyan and Greek campaigns now lay among the bamboos waiting for nightfall.

Very late that night they surged up into the Costa Rica, a passenger ship from the South American run. Ropes were strung across the ship to mount machine guns, and all ammunition was collected from the troops below for use on deck.

Every space was packed with soldiers, but those fortunate enough to bed down in the saloon found themselves looking up at another crowded saloon bordered all around by balustrades, and beyond that to a wide leadlight dome. The upper section contained a grand piano and opened out to the deck.

The Stukas attacked before dawn, while the ship was within easy range. They continued their raids at short intervals. Each sortie being heralded throughout the ship by the combined blast of klaxon buzzers. Then the guns would fire - a chattering roar from scores of small arms - the Stukas would circle overhead, peeling off to make their screaming runs, and the bombs would fall into the sea.

It could only be a matter oftime for the Costa Rica. Yet, incredibly, the barrage of small arms fire continued, hour after hour, fending off disaster and bringing down some of the attackers.

In the midst of this drama. those soldiers who stood filling the upper and lower saloons were entertained and led by a pianist ... a soldier pianist -- who knows who this virtuoso was! He sat at the piano throughout that chaotic day, playing and replaying the songs the troops loved. And the men sang. And when the klaxon sounded, he would break off in mid-verse to swing into "And the Captain's name was Captain Brown, And he played his ukelele as the ship went down".

Bedlam would break loose on deck, followed by wild and excited cheers. And the piano would pick up again. The sight and sound were infinitely stirring. Old panelled walls, gilded mirrors, fine furnishings - tired dirty, brave young men - the intoxicating compound of danger, comradeship. and tinkling music.

An event - an incident that ended as happily as it could. The last bomb of the last Stuka hit the stern of the Costa Rica. The ship sank in comfort and quiet. The soldiers escaped with their lives - and their memories.

Your later editor Charles Gelding, informed Herald readers in a letter published 29 April 1969 that the virtuoso was Sergeant Jack Pritchett of our battalion, who, during his long service with it was an eternal source of entertainment whenever he got near a piano: that he hadn't lost this wonderful gift and that he was one of Sydney's most prominent yachtsmen. Happily Jack is still with us - indeed the 1986 President of our Association - ever-ready to oblige on the ivories at old soldiers' gatherings and with plenty of subsequent memories to ruminate on also.

The First at War

AUSTRALIA'S MAN OF THE YEAR,1943.

He is in his twenties. There is no doubt of that until you look into his eyes, and there you see a lifetime of experience. His lean face,burned deep brown by the Suns of the Western Desert, of Syria, of Greece, of New Guinea, is shaded now by a battered slouch hat with a leather bootlace for a band. His faded green shirt is streaked with sweat. His high canvas gaiters are smeared with the black mud which cakes his brass- studded boots.

Sprawled on the bank of a creek that tumbles out of the Finisterres, he gulps his black tea, swirls creek-water in the chipped white enamel mug, and then lashes it to his belt with a bit of string. He shrugs his pack on to the shoulders which have hefted it for four years, picks up the green-and-yellow Owen gun which looks almost fragile in his calloused hands. His shrewd grey eyes sweep the tangled heights. Then he bows his head to the 50-pound load he is carrying and steadily begins to climb a native trail, a grade of one in four. He's getting on with his job.

Snow and jungle: Once, he was part of the harsh yellow desert. Once, he became merged into the stony Syrian hillsides. Once, he lived and fought in the bitter snowswept Grecian mountains. Now he has been more than a year in New Guinea; in his marvellous adaptability he has become the greatest single fighting force in that cruel and splendid island.

No warrior ever was so self-contained as he, so entirely individual, so calmly self- reliant. Cut off from his comrades, alone for ten days, fifteen days, twenty days, he has conquered the Jap and the jungle, because, early in his four soldier years, he learned to look man's greatest enemy, fear, straight in the eyes, and defeat him.

He is a sentimentalist. Always he carries in his shirt pocket a worn photograph, of his sweetheart, wife, his children, sometimes of his father. He clings to his pictures because they form a sort of abiding link with the life he knew, and to which he hopes to return--when, he doesn't even guess. He is, above all, a magnificent comrade.

His solicitude-interlaceded with affectionate oaths for a mate wounded, or stricken with that jungle terror scrub typhus, is of the essence of brotherliness.

His section is his family. His platoon is the best in the company. His company is the best in the battalion. His battalion is the best in the brigade. His brigade is the best in the division. His division is the best in this or anybody's army, and don't you damned well forget it.

His spirit of mateship carried him through the mud and the blood, the malaria and the monsoon, over the mountains and through the rivers, through Ioribaiwa and Efogi and Myola and Soputa, Sanananda, Buna, through Lae, and storming into Kaiapit.

He thinks war is a vast mistake and that there's no future in it, and that he was a great deal better off toiling back home for a few quid a week. But try to take him away from his cobbers, the men who are carrying on a biter, personal war with Tojo, and he'll tear you to bits.

This man is, of course the Australian Soldier, and besides being the salt off the earth, he is also the AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR, for 1943.

First Post 1944

Black over Green In Foreign Fields Stalag 383-Hohenfels-Bavaria

I recall it was 1943. 1 was in I Coy in the same but as Harry "Sailor" Gray CSM of D Coy, on the sad occasion of the passing of Cpl Mick Don, of the A/A PI. Mick died there of meningitis.

Immediately, funeral procedure became operative. For us and for the Germans. There were about 52 members of the battalion in that Stalag at the time, including Steve Young on one of his "In Camp" visits. (Steve, either was "in camp", "walkabout" or in the "boob")

All members were warned to be spit and polished to line up along the road near the main gate on the day of the funeral. The warning was unnecessary, of course. I decided that every member would be correctly clad and that he would sport the black and green colour patch.

By various means I was able to gain a piece of blanket originally issued in Ingleburn. This I dyed black, then a piece of green baize off a billiard table. Having the materials and colours I made up 52 sets of patches. Even before I was able to inform the fellows, they trailed up to my hut for their issues. Privacy or secrecy was unknown in Stalag 383.

I, being CSM of HQ led the funeral party of mourners and as the funeral procession went through the ranks they were excellent, wearing their colour patches with pride. After that, I am sure that many of the Hussies of other units were jealous and I am sure it increased their bearing, although they would not admit it.

By a coincidence, some years later, I was a patient in Ward 23 ("Steady Buffs"). This was at RGH Concord. and also there was one "Bluey", J.R. Rippingale. He was packing his bags pending discharge and on his kit was a large colour patch. Small world but MASSIVE PATCH. (NX 2635 J.J. Fitzgerald).

The First at War

by Terry Fairbairn, NX9822

The battle for the Mediterranean island of Crete began at 0900 hours on 20th May 1941 when German paratroopers fell on the Suda Bay area from Junker's aircraft. At noon paratroopers dropped on the Heraklion area and at 1600 hours another attack began in the Retimo. The 2/1st battalion from Sydney and the 2/11th battalion from Perth were in the Retimo area and we attacked the paratroopers as they fell. Many were killed and many wounded.

When shooting falling paratroopers ended, my Sergeant, Percy Gosper. Said, "I'll never go duck shooting again!" Three days later he was killed and I was wounded.

At Retimo we defeated the Germans but in the Suda Bay-Canea area and the Heraklion area the Germans won and invaded Crete. In the Retimo area we had no radio or telephone contact with our Brigadier or Major General Freyberg V.C. who commanded all British, New Zealand and Australian units on that island.

All our wounded were taken by the Germans to a Retimo school when we lay on a concrete floor without medical treatment. The man next to me was the terribly wounded Lieutenant Pat Lawry who could not speak at that time and during the afternoon two German soldiers carrying bayonetted rifles tried to take his watch. I placed my left hand out to cover his watch so both bayonets switched to my stomach, at that time I did not speak or understand the German language but I knew what they were saying and I extended my hand to let them take my watch. The ten wounded Australian Officers on that floor immediately knew that their future was not very safe. We all thought that the Germans were very angry because at Retimo they suffered their first World War II defeat.

The next day we were flown to Athens in a Junker's plane to be housed in another school and on another concrete floor. We had no medical treatment until the next day when an Australian, Dr Brook Moore, arrived. He created such a fuss with German Officers that some medical items were provided. As we recovered we were taken to a Prisoner of War camp in Salonika in Northern Greece. On arrival they called for men born in Ireland to report to a certain table where they attempted to have such people join them and fight with them in an Irish Regiment they were trying to form. Information about all these men were given to a German, Hauptman Rheinhaus.

A few weeks later two Australian Officers, two British Army Officers and a Merchant Ship Officer, plus ninety-two privates from British units were taken by train to Wustermark, Berlin, to what was supposed to be a special camp for men born in Ireland, who they thought could be persuaded to join an Irish Regiment to help them fight the British.

I have never told my parents, my brothers, my sister or my wife what the Germans did to me in that camp at Wusteunark (Camp 111D) or what Hauptman Rheinhaus, the nice, friendly German Army Captain had Germans do to me.

On being interviewed by Rheinhaus, at this Wustermark Camp, I again only told him that I had been born in Ireland. He horrified me by telling me exactly where I was born, the names of my parents, brothers and sister, that two of my brothers were in Egypt being members of the 2-2 Machine Gun Battalion and that my other brother had left the N.S.W. Police Force to join the Australian Imperial Force. This made it obvious that the German Fifth Column in Ireland did a good job for them, but it was very clear to me that the Fifth Column in Australia did a much better job.

During this interview Rheinhaus asked why I, born in Ireland, was assisting England to fight Germany and at that time I happened to glance at a charcoal sketch of Hitler above his head and a print of Field -Marshal Von Brauchitsh, Commander of the German Army fighting Russia. He asked if I was interested in art and what I thought of the two prints.

I examined both prints again and when he said, "Which do you prefer?", I told him I preferred the print of the Field Marshal. When he asked, "Why?" to which I replied. "Von Brauchitsh is a much more interesting person". Immediately Rheinhaus, the pleasant German Officer, the Foreign Office official, the kindly man, suddenly became the Teutonic bastard that he was and in a few seconds the S.S. and Gestapo guards were bashing and kicking me. I was dragged to a prison room, stripped of all clothes, knocked down, held down, and with an open blade razor my body was shaved; my eyebrows were also shaved and the hairs of my eyelashes were pulled out. When this shaving action ended, at least five of them, S.S. and Gestapo men, stuck big fingers in my anus causing dreadful pain and mental agony. When this punishment ended, I was ordered by Rheinhaus to dress and I was taken to a prison cell.

Outside this cell the S.S. and Gestapo produced a strong wire with which they secured the trouser fly, wired the trousers around my waist, wired the bottom of each trouser leg around the ankles and below each boot. Then I was handcuffed. They took me into the prison cell, sat me on a three-legged stool, very firmly held me as a mug of castor oil was poured down my throat and I was again bashed by the S.S. Huns. Then they left taking the stool with them and locking the cell door.

I had no light, no stool, no toilet, no bucket and no window. At 1600 hours they came back, beat me again and poured another mug of castor oil down my throat. Before then the castor oil had worked and I stank. For the next nine days I got two beatings per day and two doses of castor oil per day. Each day when they had finished their 1600 hours beatings they gave me a medium sized potato which I could not eat.

On the eleventh day I was stripped of the wired clothing, hosed down and then taken to a shower room where I tried to scrub the stink away. I think I weighed about six stone (about 38 kg). My chest, stomach and back was black and blue and very painful. I was then given British Army clothing, (no doubt obtained in France), but my stinking boots were not replaced. From that day I had a bed to lie on, a stool and a bucket for the next ten days. On the twenty-second day I was allowed to bathe prior to returning to my original room, but the Huns became very angry when they discovered that I had washed my stinking boots.

Sometime in October 1941 I was moved to an Officers' P.O.W. Camp (Oflag) at Lubeck and to another that month at Warburg, near Dusseldorf. In 1942 I was moved to a camp at Eichstatt, near Munich and in 1943 to a camp at Rotenburgam-Fulda, South of Kassall. I reached the Eichstatt camp a few days after British and Canadian forces had raided the Port of Dieppe on the French coast. Some British and Canadian Officers became POWs and were in Eichstatt when I arrived. A couple of days later the officers from Dieppe were arrested and handcuffed by the Huns because they said that two German soldiers at Dieppe were handcuffed and shot.

When news of the Dieppe British and Canadian handcuffed men reached England, they handcuffed some German Prisoners and when this became known in Germany, all the POWs in Eichstatt were paraded and a total of 361 of us were handcuffed. I was one of the Officers selected by the Germans and all of us spent nine months like that during which time none of us had a shower or bath but we were forced to shave each day.

During my forty-four month period as a Prisoner of War I was punished in other ways. I never received a letter during that forty-four month period, nor did I receive a food parcel. When men escaped by tunnel or the Huns found one, I was always questioned. (I was involved in some tunnel activity). In December 1944 the Huns thought that the American Army would enter the Rotenburg area and they took us out of that camp to march around various areas. Very early in February 1945 I escaped one evening and eventually got to the Third American Armoured Division and became the Divisional Interpreter. I served with the Division for 10 or 12 days until I became very ill and was taken to an American Army Hospital at Gottingen Airport. I was unconscious when I arrived and stayed that way for five days.

When I awoke I asked for water which was given me by a wounded American soldier in the next bed. I had several sips and he stated - "You're the luckiest guy in this hospital. A nurse looks after you all day and sits at your bed every night". Then I passed out again. Sometime later I awoke and found a nurse wiping my brow. I told her what the patient had said. The nurse, Ruth Johnson, told me that on the day of my arrival she got news that her husband, a U.S. Air Force Officer, had been killed in New Guinea and that I was the perfect image of the man she loved - hence the extra care.

Some days later a torrent of screams rang out from one of the hospital tents and eventually a Medical Officer asked me if I spoke German and on my reply he took me to the tent of screams. Here I found a starved and terrified old naked woman with long white hair, screaming. I commenced talking to her in German and the screams became louder, so I changed to the word "Americanisher", which I repeated over and over again and I have no idea how long I spoke this word but gradually the old woman calmed down. She seemed to recognize the word "Americanisher" and seemed to know that her torment was over. She sipped water from the glass I used as I wept at the knowledge that German men and women could so ill treat an eighty year old woman. How wrong I was. I discovered when she eventually told me that she was twenty-three years of age.

Eventually I returned to Australia and some years later I met one of my war-time soldiers in a country town. I cannot mention his name as I do not wish to upset his widow. In 1941, as a Prisoner of War, he was taken to the Polish coal mine area and, with other Australian soldiers, was taken down a mine to the 3,000 feet level. Here he was given the tools to mine coal and he told the Huns present that as a sergeant in the he was covered by the Geneva Convention and could not be forced to work, so he was taken back by lift to his accommodation area. Next morning he was taken down the mine again and told to dig. Again he told the Huns about the Geneva Convention and they removed the tools. They then produced a twelve foot chain with an ankle-cuff at one end and a long, sharp, spike on the other. The ankle- cuff was locked around an ankle. The sharp spike was hammered into the stone wall and he was chained up to that wall in that place until June 1944. He died in 1960.

Since those days I have been in Europe on seven occasions, but I have only flown over Germany.

First Post 1992

Terry Fairbairn speaking at The Australian War Memorial on the occasion of laying of plaques. Terry survived three attempts at escaping from the German POW stalags on the third he was successful

Overview by Michael Kennedy

Years after the event, when somebody learns of our misfortune for the first time, we are plagued with the words "So you were a prisoner of war. Tell me, what was it really like. The short response includes the phrase "bloody awful!" and is followed by silence that has nothing to do with reticence or feelings of guilt or any of those things that people, who were not captives, believe to be the reasons why prisoners are reluctant to talk about their experiences. The truth of the matter is that English, or any other language, contains no words strong enough to describe the real meaning of life behind the wire.

What can we say about the degradation of defeat, the humiliation of throwing your weapons to the ground or the shock which numbs the brain when these things happen. How can you describe the agonies of an empty belly that sudden fear which follows the shout of "Raus! Raus!'', the sickening thud of that rifle butt and the taste of blood as you lay helpless, looking into the eyes of that maniacal sentry?

Mere words can never recapture the ever present stench of unwashed bodies, the overpowering stink of open latrines, that bone biting cold in the winter and the filthy slush that followed in the thaw. Even if you could tell your grinning inquisitor, would he ever understand the meaning of real terror that comes when your own bombs fall from above and the sounds of explosions are mingled with shouts of frightened men, the groans of the injured and the silence of the dead.

"Bloody awful?" Of course it was bloody awful. We remember the miseries of months without mail and the awful gloom that followed the news of the fall of Singapore, disaster at Dieppe and the dreadfully long time it took the Americans to cross the Rhine. But we also recall the dizziness of smoking that first cigarette, the satisfaction ofdrinking real tea and the joys that came with that first Red Cross parcel. Our minds flash back to years of endless boredom, interspersed with short periods of excitement. Of victory at Alamein, the fall of Stalingrad and the invasion of Normandy. None of us will ever forget those last few months when the skies were filled with droning aircraft, or the day when we first heard the distant sound of American guns and finally the incredible sight of tanks crashing through the wire, the taste of wine in Brussels and of women and song in London.

As we think of all these things, our questioners are surprised to hear us reflect, "I don't suppose it was all that bad!" You, who make such innocent enquiries, must forgive us if we are unable to tell you all you would like to know. Like the camel which alone knows the one hundredth name of Allah, we, who were captives, are unable to tell much of that which shall remain locked in our mind forever.

Nonetheless, this appendix has been compiled in an attempt to describe some part of the story of life behind the wire and to give brief accounts of the experiences of the few men who escaped and lived to fight another day.

It has not always been possible to verify accounts of evasion and escape to the same degree as descriptions of battles and other military engagements. The very nature of escape activities prevents this. Many of those involved were "loners", who were at large for months on end. They had neither the time, nor the ability to record dates and places. In the very few instances when successful escaper / evaders were decorated for their efforts, their citations have formed the basis of accounts given in this chapter, but for each decoration given, a dozen or more were earned but never recognised. Some readers of this book may be inclined to the view that certain accounts border on the unbelievable, but we who lived behind the wire, know, from bitter experience, that the incredible was always possible in captivity. For this reason, the stories, which are recounted, are those that the author honestly believes to be true.

First at War

Lieut A.D.B. Murray MC A War Crime

After the armistace I was posted to a board of enquiry on War Crimes at 6th Division HQ. We went one day to the Island of Kiuru - the more remote of two sizeable islands off the coast opposite Cape Worn - Wewak. It took about an hour and a half by fast naval crash launch. We had heard that the old chief of the island had knowledge of the murder by Japanese of missionaries, eighteen months previously.

The island had a population of one (extended) family about twenty strong. We were conducted to a grave by an intelligent old man with a long grey beard who was introduced as Wilo. He told us in pidgin that he was quite sure that the Japanese had murdered Father Michael and Brother Joseph. We questioned him closely, and he said he knew because when the Japanese had conducted the two missionaries to the mainland side of the island, he had followed their tracks and found what he was sure were their graves. He had not touched the graves but could lead us to them.

An hour's march over the hills towards the mainland side of the island brought us to a spot where Wilo indicated what he said were the graves. The Graves Commission component of our party commenced digging and fifteen to eighteen inches below the surface came upon a body.

As one of the diggers brought a skull to the surface a young villager with the party exclaimed "Ah Brother Joseph", in a tone of recognition and affectionate greeting as if meeting a close friend face to face. The gruesome sadness of the occasion was somehow relieved by the unconscious and innocent humour of this very sincere villager.

We were further edified when, having inspected the pathetic remains of the convent flower garden, we returned to the village on the other side of the island, and Wilo had his son produce the sacred vessels which had been preserved in hiding at great risk during the occupation. A deep affection for the Australian missionaries was evident in the village.

The First at War

Cover of The First Post July 1943

Prisoner of War - Captain P J Greville, 1 RAR Korea from August 1952 to August 1953

Twenty three Australian soldiers were taken POW during the war in Korea. One, Pte H.W. Madden, died in captivity.

The highest ranking Australian soldier to be taken prisoner was Captain P.J. Greville. At the time he was Officer-In-Charge of the Assault Pioneer Platoon, Support Company, 1 RAR.

On the night of 22-23 August 1952, he was with a section of his platoon refencing the leading edge of an old minefield in front of a forward company. The task completed, the section was moving back to the forward company when it was ambushed. In the ensuing melee Captain Greville and Pte Dennis Condon were overcome and captured. They were to remain prisoners until the main exchange of prisoners in August 1953.

The first few months of captivity were the worst for Phil Greville, with constant interrogations, poor food and, for one period of four weeks, incarceration in a packing case 1.5 metres long, 0.8 metre wide and 1.0 metre high. Speaking to other prisoners was forbidden.

During the year he was to spend time at Camp 9, the Caves; Camp 5 at Pyoktong on the Yalu River; then a brief few hours at Camp 2 at Pinchon-ni before being walked to another camp about 20 kilometres away where he was eventually housed with 35 others. He valued their companionship as he had spent about 90 days out of the first three and a half months of captivity in solitary confinement. Phil remained in Branch 3 of Camp 2 until his release.

Phil Greville stayed in the Army, saw more active service in Vietnam, and retired in 1980 with the rank of Brigadier. He was awarded a CBE in 1971.

Herb Stacker First Post July 1990

OUR VIETNAM HEROES By the 2/1st Association

The dinner given by our 2/1st Association to 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, was probably the most enjoyable function the Second-Firsters have attended. It was a WOW of a show and was held at the Auburn R.S.L. Club on the 25th August 1966.

This function would have not been possible without the generosity and assistance of the committee of the Auburn R.S.L. Club who helped us with expenses and went out of their way to make it a success.

The chairman of the function was Vice-President Hughie McGuiness, who welcomed official guests. Among those seated at the official table was C.O. of the 1st Battalion Colonel Paddy Outridge, his Adjutant Captain Ron Ducie and the Mayor of Auburn, Alderman Hedges. Lady Killer Harry Horne moved a vote of thanks to the Ladies' Auxiliary, which was replied to by their President, Mrs Wright. Secretary Jack Gallon paid a very fine tribute to Treasurer Frank Brown. who was responsible for the organisation.

In all there were 225 present, including two original 1st Bn. from Gallipoli. Among the former 2/1st Battalionites seen at the "do" were the following: Herb Fohmsbee, Brian Ryall. Ralph Colville, Maxie Rice, Ray Wirth, Vince Kelly, Cec Simpson, Roy McLean, Jack Hawthorne, Harry Donohue, Frank Hilder, D Pollitt and H Hughes.

There is certainly a wonderful spirit among the Association's members who were most impressed by these young heroes from Vietnam. Australia should be proud that such a clear-cut and good type of fellow is in the Permanent Army. Colonel Outridge, you certainly brought to the function some of the cream of Australian manhood. We are grateful that we have been allowed to become associated with them. May this be the first of many get-togethers.

First Post 1966

2/1st Battalion soldiers in training North Queensland 1943

Cover of The First Post July 1944

THE UNLUCKY DOG

During a period of the Malayan Emergency, Support Company, 1 RAR, was based at a place called Sungei Siput. After enduring the rigours of constant patrolling the diggers would be granted seven days leave, most would spend their leave in either Penang or Ipoh. Diggers returning from leave would bring with them all manner of things. For instance, Dave Hains and Keith Noble two of the more notable characters of Support Company landed back with a monkey and a small hairy dog.

The monkey soon took up residence on the roof of the huts and took great delight in terrorising the little hairy dog. His favourite trick was to leap from the roof of a hut onto the dogs back and ride him like a buck jumper, much to the total displeasure of the dog.

One morning the CSM, (Nude Nut) Nord, had paraded the Company and was giving all the diggers a blast for the antics that they had been involved in the previous night, and just as he said, "All these monkey tricks must cease forthwith," the little dog ran past yelping with the monkey riding its back like a professional rodeo rider. Great roars of laughter went up from the diggers and poor old Nude Nut was stuck for words, he soon saw the joke and joined in the laughter.

Terrified of being ambushed from the roof tops, the poor wee dog would take a wider path around the huts always looking up for the monkey, but while doing so, ran into a 14 foot python that was also a guest in the camp, and that encounter brought about the end of that poor unlucky dog.

MORAL: If you're going to monkey around, watch out for DOG GONE snakes.

From Doug (Snow) Morley who served in Malaya with the Battalion during the Emergency.

THE "FIRST" POST 1992

2/33 Lt Col J.L.A. Kelly, DSO

On the 6th of May 1949 Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Lawrence Andrew Kelly DSO assumed his command, and in doing so became the second commanding officer of the 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment.

LtCol Kelly enlisted into the Pre-War PMF on 29 Oct 1931 and joined the 1st Heavy Brigade Royal Australian Artillery where he rose to the rank of Warrant Officer Class Two, he was then appointed a commission on the 1st of October 1939 in the Australian Instructional Corps.

LtCol Kelly's operational service began with the 2/13th Bn in the Middle East from 19 Oct 1940 to 27 Feb 1943. During this period he was promoted to Major and Mentioned in Dispatches. He also commanded the Bn following the Battle of El Alamein after his unit suffered heavy casualties.

His war service continued in the SW Pacific where he commanded 31/51 Bn over the period Nov 1944 -Feb 1946. During his command he was awarded the DSO and again Mentioned in Dispatches. Subsequent postings included the 3rd Reinforcement Bn and 2nd Recruit Training Bn prior to his appointment to command 1 RAR.

Service with the 1st Battalion was marked by the Bn role in the Chifley labour government's strike breaking policy. The Army group involved in the action consisted of men from all Corps and 1 RAR provided guards, escorts, cooks and drivers. LtCol Kelly was in command of the 990 man strong Norforce, working in the Muswellbrook area.

Following his tenure in 1 RAR LtCol Kelly commanded the 11th National Service Training Bn. He then served at the School of Infantry 1953-54, the Jungle Training Centre 1954-55 and culminated his military career at HQ Cadet Brigade, resigning on 10 March 1957.

LT D. C. Fortune OC 6 P1, B Coy, 1RAR First Post 1992

MEMBERSHIP RECRUITMENT FROM EX- 1 RAR The coming together of 2/1st and 1 RAR

Following contacts Jack Whittle made arising from the recent Vietnam Remembrance functions, an informal conference was held at the Combined Services Club on 15 October, 1987. On the one hand it was attended by John Pritchett, Tiny Sanders, John Whittle, Megs Madigan, Max Rice and Ted Givney. On the other were ex Korea veterans Brian Blade (from Queensland) and Jack Hawkins both ex Korea along with Ray Payne and Terry Loftus who served in Malaya and Vietnam (of Sydney).

Our case was that we regarded their men as our successors in the not too distant future. They expressed willingness to share the comradeship and said their immediate need was to have means of communication and in this regard would appreciate access to "The First" Post.

The result is as follows:-I RAR men who wish would join the Association of First Infantry Battalions as either Ordinary or Life Members (as they are entitled under our Constitution) and some of them in time would stand for office in our elections to our Committee. Brian Blade means to start an active group in Queensland and would invite men like Rocky Riley to participate.

The 1 RAR men realised the cost of "First" Post, including postage, will not be covered by currentt membership subscriptions and said their men would willingly donate more if required. Incidentally, the two Vietnam men are already Life Members of our Association, and the Sydney based 1 RAR members expressed the possibility of joining our Anzac Day March and Re-union.

First Post November 1987

27432 Cpl REGINALD JOHN CHARLESWORTH

All those who knew Reg Charlesworth would have been saddened by his death. I do not know where he was buried, or what was said at the funeral, but it seems to me that there should be some form of tribute that all of us can offer to mark his contribution as an Infantryman of the Royal Australian Regiment. After all, he was a warrior who never did receive any official recognition for the considerable military service to our Nation.

Equally, it is too easy to forget that he was of a generation that experienced poverty and hunger during the Great Depression, and who, at the peak of their youth were confronted with a war that none of them caused nor wanted, and yet they still volunteered.

No one recognised Reg's service in the bloody campaigns of the Middle East and South West Pacific, and like most of his magnificent generation, he did not expect it. This was the same Charlesworth who served with 3RAR in the early and most difficult phases of the Korean War - the same warrior who continued to step forward to serve in the Malayan Emergency and Vietnam. Despite such long service as an Infantryman in campaigns of varying intensity and duration, there were no extra gongs for Reg. Not that it mattered. Reg would not have expected such rewards.

No doubt there were very good reasons why Reg, despite such long service, never received official recognition. Perhaps it was because most of the military brass considered him a rebel. However, to many of us in the ranks, "Keg Eyes", as he was affectionately known, was much more than a rebel. It is not difficult to recall the fleeting images of him in various circumstances. The respected warrior with a chest full of campaign ribbons. A free and unfettered soul who found that regulated peace time soldiering never did offer enough to occupy or challenge him.

A very temporary senior NCO who had begun to climb the ladder while on operations, only to fall back down minus his stripes in a barracks environment. The rebel soldier who was frequently involved in CO's Orderly Rooms. The larrikin who pushed his luck to the very edge. The entrepreneur who organised and controlled the Crown and Anchor game in the crowded, noisy, Unit canteen.

The SP Bookie who took bets, be it in the barracks or in the field, the spokesman who often aired the concerns of the rank and file. The God Father who always ensured the behavior in the canteen was sufficiently controlled not to invite unwanted visits by seniors. The wary individual who always cast a critical eye on the performance of young officers and company commanders, but kept his observations to himself.

Like all old soldiers, he had developed the ultimate level of survival and was always alert for the orderly officer who might suddenly intrude into his domain. He was a mentor who always provided sound advice to the newly arrived reinforcements. The protector who always ensured there was no bullying or unfair treatment of new arrivals. The senior bush lawyer who prepared alibis for those about to face military charges.

No doubt he was responsible for many of the ulcers developed by COs and RSMs during their service with the Regiment. Like all of us, he had his strengths and weaknesses. One aspect is certain, Keg Eyes is a legendary fingerprint in our Regimental History that can never be changed nor erased.

What is not really understood by many is that he was a capable leader. The truth is that he played a major role in the development of young soldiers during an age when living in barracks was compulsory. It is also true that some seniors recognised him for his man management and organisational skills. A company commander records his Malaysia experience that "Reg served me very well, and as a result of his efforts, the company was able to pay in full `the barrack room damage' levied on the company without recourse to the individual soldier's contribution". Years later that same officer, LTCOL K. Outridge, as CO 1 RAR, experienced a shortage of junior NCOs and had major concerns in regards increasing poor behavior by soldiers in the Unit canteen. The Colonel states "I immediately thought of Reg Charlesworth. A ring to CARO and a request for the gentleman's presence resulted in Reg walking into my office a few weeks later. A short talk on what I saw as his main task was all that was required. In the months that followed, no further canteen direction was needed. Reg's leadership in the after-hour activities of the soldier's canteen was all that was necessary".

Jack Currie, as senior NCO, and who later served as RSM 1 RAR, recalls Charlesworth "as a first class combat infantry soldier" and strongly emphasises "unfortunately, there were those who saw him only as a rogue, and failed to identify his real values including leadership qualities".

Reg Charlesworth was part of the Regiment's column for many years than most, and many young soldiers who marched with him at different stages of the journey continue to remember him long after he had bid his final military hooray. He will be recalled not only for his mischievous exploits, but also for who he was, and what he was. Above all, he was a soldier who made a significant contribution to the strong heartbeat of our Infantry Corps. I do hope there is always a place in our beloved Regiment for the likes of Reg Charlesworth.

So, next time you are with some of the old mob, grab a beer and honour the memory of yet another legendary character, "Reginald Charlesworth, alias Keg Eyes". Whatever his shortcomings were, his military service certainly justifies such an accolade, and its London to a Brick that Reg would have appreciated such recognition from his mates far more than a bloody gong.

Editor's Note: It has been reported that `Keg Eyes' slipped his IOU book to Allen before he took off for his last posting. "Oh no" you hear some who thought they had fleeced him. "Who is Allen?" you ask. Well me cobbers you will be green in the gills when his hand taps you on the shoulder and passes you the IOU - but as l say, it's only a furphy.

First Post 1991

HISTORY WHERE OUR ASSOCIATION HAS ARRIVED FROM 1st Battalion, The East Sydney Regiment 1854 1st Regiment of NSW Infantry 1878 1st NSW Contingent to the Sudan 1885 Battle Honour Sudan

1st Australian Infantry Regiment 1901

1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, AIF 1914-1919 WW1 Battle Honours include Herbertshohe 1914

1st Battalion East Sydney Regiment 1922 1st Battalion, City of Sydney Regiment 1937 2/1 Battalion, , 6th Division AIF 1939-1945 WW2 Battle Honours 1st Battalion Royal New South Wales Regiment (old city of Sydney) 1952/53 1st Battalion and 19th Battalion RNSWR were combined to form the 1/19th Battalion RNSWR 1967 65th Battalion (BCOF) 1945 1948 1st Battalion Australian Regiment (BCOF) 1948-1949 1st Battalion Royal Australian Regiment 1949 Today based in Townsville 1 RAR

Painting of Jim Saad 2/1st Battalion

Peter or Verdun The Story of NX38754 Now Known As Peter Ward

Early on 20 November 1945. the 2/1st Battalion was in the lead in the approach of the I6th Brigade towards Sanananda. The in charge of the leading section of the leading platoon was badly wounded in one knee. It was many hours afterwards before he could be given a morphia injection to relieve the excruciating pain and be brought by improvised stretcher to the Regimental Aid Post. Here he was noted in the Medical Officer's records as Cpl V.W. Ward and this accorded with the battalion's records. However, he answered to the names of Peter or "Blue" and when the point was raised that these did not accord with the initials VW, he felt the time had arrived for him to account for the discrepancy.

Peter Ward enlisted in the AIF at Newcastle on 9 July 1940, was sent to Rutherford Camp for a few weeks, then to Tamworth Camp as one of the 6th Reinforcements for 2/4th Battalion. From there he was given final leave to his home town Casino, at the expiration of which, he was accorded a resounding send off. Returning to camp, one of his ankles became injured, how he is unable to disclose.

The following day his party left Tamworth to join the Queen Mary, sailing from Sydney on Good Friday. After two days, his ankle became too sore for him to put his boot on and he was forced to report to the doctor. The injury became worse with the result that he was put off the ship at Fremantle and admitted to the Repatriation Hospital at Perth. It did not improve with six weeks treatment there so he was sent back to Sydney and received honourable discharge at Sydney Showground on 5 July 1941.

The ankle began to recover almost at once. Still in Sydney on 14 July, he had just received his rail ticket to Casino, and was wondering what he could say to the good people there, when he bumped into a mate from that city, walking down Pitt Street. This man was on his way to enlist at the booth in Martin Place and suggested Peter to the Showground one night, then back to the same block in the camp at Tamworth. After a month or so, V. W. Ward was on the Queen Mary once again, one of the 13th Reinforcements to the 2/1 st Battalion.

While serving in the Middle East, Verdun's father forwarded on to him a letter from the Repatriation Department asking him if he intended to apply for a pension in connection with the injury to his ankle. He replied that he was on strength of 2/ I st Battalion and would let the Department know later. Subsequent correspondence to him was addressed "V.W. alias Peter Ward".

First at War

Kerry Benier known

Many of us start realising our own mortality when a fabulous Infantry character such as Kerry 'Slob' Benier leaves us all getting thinner in our hutchies. Slob was also a solid and aggressive rugby Union player to play alongside who'd never let you down. He and 'Dasher' Wheatley made a powerful front row indeed but as a lock or second- row forward, Slob's backside was more comfortable to push against than 'Dasher's'; just ask Denis Shergold!

Many of his old mates will be saddened by his passing and we will never forget his challenging but always humorous manner and his casual, relaxing and comforting no- nonsense style under any form of stress or pressure.

'Slob' was a fine rough-edged Infantryman, and a great Australian.

May he Rest-in-Peace in his choice of Valhalla where most of us will reside; or in Heaven. Where we'd all like to go.

Most Sincerely, and 'Duty First'

(Brigadier J. Essex-Clark, DSM, (Retd). In freezing Canberra

Indian Prisoners

The Japanese took 2000 Indians of the 4th Punjab Regiment ex Singapore to New Guinea as a labour force about 1943. Towards the end of the war about 160 escaped to our lines. At the end of the war only 13 men commanded by Jemedar Chint Singh, remained in their hands. The remainder had died privation or were murdered.

When, in the Sepik area, contact was made, the Australian party was deeply moved when the Jemedar lined up his ragged and emaciated men and they gave a proud salute to the Australian party as he formally brought them under Australian command.

These same men, after recuperating in hospital, visited and were entertained by the 2/1st Battalion men at Cape Worn. Although only the Jemedar could speak English, they quite won our fellows' hearts by their simple appreciative sincerity. Chint Singh, who was fluent in English and French, as well as in Hindustani and several dialects, had kept a secret diary during his period as a prisoner. He proved a valuable witness against Japanese war criminals, at least two of whom were hanged as a result of his evidence.

All the indians gave evidence and then arrangements were made for them all but Chint Singh, to be flown back to their homes.

They left one morning, and the same evening came, with shattering poignancy, news that their plane had crashed on New Britain with the loss of all lives. Such are the fortunes of war.

The First at War

Tony Murphy's Letter to His Mother 2/1st Battalion Dear Mum,

Yes, I was a prisoner for about a month in a German compound on Crete, but we tunneled out and managed to escape into the hills. It wasn't so bad for the first month, the Greeks looked after us giving us food (what they had) and an odd cigarette. So you see we were not too badly off. The weather was very warm so we did not notice sleeping in the open without blankets.

But then things started to happen and Jerry turned a blitz on, started killing Greeks right and left, and of course we were forced to go into the hills and hide. We had a few Greeks with us and they aided us as far as food was concerned, but we lived on grass most of the time which was rather plentiful at the time. Then things became quiet once again, but it only lasted about a week, then unexpectedly Jerry started again, this time he almost caught us. We just got away and that was all.

We went into the hills but this was no good this time, he chased us out of one place into another and so on, until things looked black and we were thinking of turning it in, as we had nothing to eat for two days, and believe me we were hungry. Once again the Greeks came to our rescue, fed us, and gave us a place to hide. After plenty of food we felt a lot better and would not entertain the idea of giving ourselves up.

This lasted about six weeks, then the Germans came and camped nearby and we were forced to leave. The Greeks did not want us to go, but it was not fair to them, if we were caught every man, woman and child would have been killed in the village. You may think that I'm romancing when I say this Mum, but I assure you I'm not. I've seen with my own eyes woman and children shot just the same as the men. I would not believe it myself if I had not seen it myself.

Well Mum I will finish my story now. After we left the village we went further down the island where we were told the Italians were. We knew we could look after the Italians. We even thought of a boat which we had tried unsuccessfully to get where the Germans were. We encountered quite a few of our boys on our way. We eventually developed into quite a party. We had to wait for an opportunity to present itself before we could do anything. Believe me, we had a lean couple of months. At one time we were without food for three days.

Everyone was eating snails, cooked of course, as the Greeks do. One night the opportunity came and away we went. After a bit of a set-to, we got away from Crete. What a sight it was (from the back of the boat).

We were unlucky we had very bad weather. It was only a fishing sloop, and was overloaded. We had very little water and still less food, and the bad weather set our timetable back. For four days everybody was wet to the skin for the whole time. We thought we must have been close to land. On the morning of the fifth day the boat started to leak. You can imagine how we felt after the way we had struggled. Then to go down. But the best Navy in the world came to our rescue.

It seemed we had been sighted by aircraft on the previous afternoon and thinking we may be an enemy vessel, had reported it. So the Navy sent a destroyer out after us. To tell you the truth Mum, I don't know who got the biggest shock, the skipper of the destroyer or me, when we told him who we were. They got us back to port right away, but the first thing we got was dry clothes and hot cocoa. Boy, was it good, then a nice hot meal. You can imagine how we cleaned it up. Well Mum that ends the greatest adventure of my life. I wanted adventure and believe me, I am certainly getting it.

Well Mum, now to answer your letter. I'm glad you have heard from George, and happy to know that he is still O.K. Yes, send me his address and I will write. He will be happy to know that I got away. He would probably be better off in Germany than we were on Crete.

Let everyone know I am twenty-one now and have done as good a job as any man. With all my love, Tony

The First at War

On the 9th September 1942, while on the way to New Guinea, a bren gun was accidently discharged while cleaning. A five round burst killed Pte Anthony Murphy, Pte M N Bannerman and wounded L/Cpl D Mackay. The two soldiers were buried at sea with full military honours.

Thank you to Herb Stacker

Herb has provided the details of the passing parade over the past 20 years. It is through his efforts and dedication during this time that I have been able to pass this information to our members. Thank you Herb.

The last surviving 2/1st member of the Association from Queensland

NX47118 William Hare enlisted into the 2/1st Battalion on the 26th August 1940 and served for almost 6 years. He sailed from Sydney 4th February 1941 and arrived in Egypt 16th March 1941. He served in North Africa, Egypt, Palestine and Syria on bren gun carriers with the 2/1st battalion.

The battalion was sent home via Ceylon and arrived in on 8th August 1942. Bill celebrated his 21st birthday during that trip. Sailed from Brisbane to Port Moresby on 29th September 1942 and detached to the 16th Brigade carrier company on coastal patrol duty east of Moresby.

The 16th Brigade carriers joined with the 17th Brigade to defend the airstrip and valley at Wau- sailed from Cairns on 11th May 1943 and rejoined the 6th Division training on the Atherton Tablelands in Queensland.

Bill trained with. They sailed from Cairns on 9th December 1944 and landed Aitape, New Guinea on 15th December 1944. Bill was a section leader and sometimes forward observer with the 6th Division Carrier Company and rejoined the 2/1st Battalion on 3rd July 1944 as a forward scout in A Company as they advanced from Aitape to Wewak.

His unit sailed from Wewak on 13th October 1945 and landed in Brisbane on 26th October 1945. Bill was discharged on 10th November 1945 after serving 1903 days in the service of his country.

Australia owes this man and thousands of others like him an eternal debt.

Where the Black and Green was worn.

Sudan 1885 Boer War 1899-1902

First Battalion Association Badge 2/1st Battalion Sweethearts Badge WW1 WW2

2/1st Association Badge 2/1st name change to 1st Infantry Bns 1946 2004

Both Battalions wore the Rising Sun hat and collar badges during the wars. The 65th Battalion initially wore the Black and Green in Japan until the adoption of You will note that we have had the black and green since 1885.

WO 1 John 'Don' McKay RSM 1 RAR

Don McKay was a 17-year-old looking for adventure when he put his age up to volunteer for the Citizen Military Force, or militia, in October 1940. His father had served in World War I in the Australian Imperial Force and wasn't keen on Don joining up. Don was posted to the 39th Battalion, which completed its infantry training in Victoria before shipping out to Port Moresby in January 1942

Don spent six months stationed at the Seven Mile aerodrome near Port Moresby where he was promoted to Corporal. During his time there, he experienced regular air raids by enemy aircraft that bombed and strafed the airfield.

In July 1942, the 39th Battalion began moving to Kokoda to engage any enemy force that might land on the north coast. Don was in A Company, which trekked along the Kokoda Track after the Japanese landed at Gona and began advancing over the Owen Stanley Range. The company reached the forward positions at Deniki and took part in the brief recapture of Kokoda on 8-9 August. On the morning of 9 August, when the Japanese counter-attacked, Don led his section forward to bolster the defences, coming under heavy machine-gun and mortar fire. His section was reduced by casualties to just three men occupying three posts, and Don moved from post to post under fire to bolster their defence. When ordered to retreat, his section was the last to leave the village. Don received the Military Medal for his actions.

The 39th withdrew to Port Moresby to recuperate and receive reinforcements. In early December 1942, Don flew with the 39th to Popondetta. The battalion was sent to the Gona area to reinforce the 21st Brigade, which had lost many men in the hard fighting around Gona, and Don took part in the final successful attack on Gona Village. He then took part in the final attack on Haddy's Village to the west, before moving to the Sanananda area. During the fighting at Sanananda, many of the soldiers, including Don, were suffering from tropical illnesses, mainly malaria. It wasn't until Don was suspected of having scrub typhus that he was evacuated in early January 1943.

When Don recovered back in Australia he was medically downgraded due to his illness and was posted to the 4th Advanced Base Ordnance Depot in Broadmeadows Victoria.

In September 1944, Don married Dorothy, who was serving as a clerk with the Australian Women's Army Service at Albert Park Barracks, Melbourne. Don was discharged in April 1946 as a Sergeant and was self-employed for the next two years making trousers (he had worked in the clothing trade prior to enlisting). Don then spent two years working for Victorian Railways as a shunter before re-enlisting in the Australian Regular Army in October 1950. After serving in various appointments, including as an instructor for national servicemen, he was appointed Regimental Sergeant Major, 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment and served a tour of duty in Vietnam with the battalion in 1965-66. In 1998, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for his service in Vietnam. He again served overseas in Papua New Guinea during 1968-70 and the United Kingdom in 1970-72. Don was discharged in October 1974 as a Warrant Officer Class 1.

Don and Dorothy had a son and a daughter, five grandchildren and six great- grandchildren. He was a member of the 39th Battalion Association and the 1RAR Association (Victoria Branch).

promulgated in ARO 1/49, dated 15th January 1949.

AUSTRALIAN REGIMENT OF THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN INFANTRY CORPS

His Majesty The King has been graciously pleased to give his approval to the prefix

Infantry Corps. The designations of units of the Royal Australian Regiment will in future be as follows;

1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment 2nd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment Dated 10th March 1949

Anzac Day Sydney 2018

1RAR South Vietnam

Bob Cockerill 1RAR/173rd Airborne South Vietnam

1RAR Korean Veterans

ANZAC DAY BRISBANE 2018

REMEMBERING BATTLE FOR CORAL TOWNSVILLE

Blessing of the new Colours presented to the Battalion

Former Commanding Officers including The Patron with his father, and the Governor General

The Governor of NSW with other former Commanding Officers

The foundation members who assisted with the move of the Association from Brisbane to Townsville

REMEMBERING POZIERES 2018

Pozieres memorial Service 2018

The Pozieres memorial Service has been held at Saint Columba Church since 1932 and has been attended by members of the 1st Battalion (WW1), 2/1st Battalion (WW2) and 1 RAR. This service is a reminder of the terrible Australian losses in that battle.

The 2/1st continued to support the service through the 194 the 1 RAR members took the responsibility. It is time to hand over to the 1/19th Battalion and the Association.

Major General Mark Kelly AO, DSC was the Official Guest of Honour. The Mayor of Woollahra, the 1/19th Battalion Association and RSL groups, the French Consulate and some descendants also attended. We will always remember them.

Mike Waldron OAM

FROM YOUR EDITOR RIC CULPITT

A wonderful part of our history has come to a close. 1940 to 2018. In my time as your Editor I have been blessed with communication and conversations with many of our current and older members. As your President for many years I attended many funerals where we laid to rest our older members from pre WW2 days and much more recently. It brought home to me that time waits for no man and, while not admitting it too quickly, that old man time has caught up with me.

I look back over all those years and the previous Editors of this magazine and in particular Bill Kaine MBE who performed this duty so well for so many years. During my time here I have been blessed to have assisting me Mike Waldron OAM who, without that assistance, this magazine would not have been published during my time.

To all those who have assisted with advice and the provision of material I am indebted.

We all want to be able to leave this place with a legacy to be remembered. I had felt so strongly that our Association, to go into the future, had to be co-located with 1RAR in Townsville and for a number of years had this dream to implement. It took a number

Patron, LTGEN John Caligari AO DSC who, on retiring from the Army, located himself in Townsville. I grabbed this opportunity with speed and our Patron accepted my invitation. During our discussions we formatted a way forward into the future for our Association and through him we have arrived at a marriage of 1RAR with our Association. I believe that is my legacy of which I am so proud.

The recent events earlier this year with the presentation of new Colours and the parades and regimental dinner confirmed to all that with the marriage of the Battalion and Association is well and truly in place. I watched with incredible pride as the events progressed.

This is the final edition and will rest in the Library of NSW with all earlier editions. I have a very deep sadness but keep positive with the future looking so good for all. In a world of such technology as we experience, the soldier of today looks for his information on a screen. The remaining members from the 2/1st Bn, 65th Bn and 1RAR Korea and many from our first tour of Vietnam have been overtaken by this technology. I would not have it any other way.

Finally, for the record, I reserved the right to include a photo of my wife with an old survived its lengthy life. A special thank you to my wife, Marcia.

Duty First

Ric Culpitt

Here is the repository of The First Post in the State Library of NSW. There for any one to have a read and undertake research.

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