The Good Guts Official Newsletter of 39th AUSTRALIAN INFANTRY BATTALION (1941-43) ASSOCIATION INCORPORATED Print Post Approval No. PP307790/00001
Views expressed in material submitted are not necessarily the views of this Association or the editor of the good guts . No. 183 Responsibility for all comment is that of the author of the article. Information regarding member’s addresses may be June published in the newsletter from time to time for fraternal purposes. Members not wishing this information to be disclosed 2013 must advise the editor accordingly. The Logo and Colour Patch may not be used withou t permission.
OFFICE BEARERS - 39 th Australian Infantry Battalion 1941-1943 Association Inc.
PRESIDENT Lt.Col.Daryl CLARKE 11 Lady Loch’s Drive, KEW Vic 3101 Telephone: [03] 9817 3775 Mobile 0477 326 680 IMMEDIATE PAST Norman Stockdale Post Office Box 689, GISBORNE Vic. 3437 PRESIDENT Telephone [03] [5428 8886 Mobile 0408 592 609 E-mail [email protected] VICE PRESIDENT Alan Jameson 47 Antibes Street PARKDALE Victoria 3194 & Telephone: H [03] 9587 5365 WELFARE OFFICER E-mail [email protected] HON.SECRETARY Geoffrey Pledge 11 The Helm FRANKSTON Vic 3199 Telephone [03] 9775 2946 Mobile 0488 097 026 E-mail [email protected] TREASURER Alfred Mailia PO Box 305 EAST MELBOURNE VIC 3002 Telephone [W] (03) 94174355 MEMBER John Akhurst 3/5 Tulip Street BLACK ROCK Vic. 3193 Telephone: [03] 9597 0989 E-mail [email protected] MEMORABILIA OFFICER Lorraine Cochrane 76 Tarongo Drive ASPEN0DALE Vic. 3195 Telephone: [03] 9580 1947 E-mail [email protected] NEWS LETTER EDITOR Peter Holloway 55 French Road GREENVALE Victoria 3059 ASSISTANT EDITOR Mary Holloway Telephone [03] 9333 1214 FAX [03] 9333 1536 Peter Mobile: 0408 552 662 Mary Mobile: 0407 552 891 E-mail Peter [email protected] or Mary [email protected] MEMBER Alan Moore 1/2 Spero Avenue MOUNT ELIZA Vic 3930 Telephone: [03] 9787 1657 E-mail [email protected] MEMBER Malcolm Owen 2 Edenmont Road, EMERALD Vic. 3782 Telephone: (03) 5968 2965 Mobile 0402 089 077 Email [email protected] MEMBER Merren Stockdale Post Office Box 689, GISBORNE Vic. 3437 Telephone [03] 5428 8886 Mobile 0408 592 608 E-mail [email protected] MEMBER [Co-Opted] David Howell PO Box 8014 CAMBERWELL NORTH 3124 Telephone: 0405 077 700 Email [email protected]
AUDITOR Bruce Stockdale PO Box 6038, KARINGAL Vic. 3199 Telephone: [03] 9789 1888 39 th BATTALION WEBSITE www.39battalion.org INTERSTATE NSW Marc Matuschka 12 Fiona Avenue Wahroonga NSW 2076 Tel: [02] 9489 0401 CONTACTS QLD George Palmer Unit 193, Ponciaana, The Boulevard / 950 Tel: [07] 3861 Gympie Road CHERMSIDE Qld 4032 5181
`Recently your scribe, as almost certainly all of our members have been at one time or another, was a recipient of a telephone call from one of those most pestiferous of all creatures, a telemarketer whose opening words were; “I have great news for you, mate!” This evoked a spontaneous response indicating that the caller was indeed no mate of mine. We, of the 39 th Battalion have a high regard of mateship. It is an attribute which became highly developed during our time of wartime service and which we have proudly maintained in the seventy plus years since that most sad of all times. Mateship Is based on trust – absolute trust and a total faith that no matter whatever may happen mates will never let us down. Mateship develops friendship – even love – that will continue through “thick and thin”. A friendship that lives by the Golden Rule of doing unto others as we would wish them to do unto us. Mateship demands dedication. The old latin word from which our word “dedication” is derived implies the total destruction or annihilation of anything that may destroy the relationship. We saw so much of that sort of dedication during our war service, and it still exists today. A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
The Association’s Annual General Meeting this year was a great success with after lunch speaker, Mr Lambis Englezos, OAM providing a most moving presentation on the story of reclaiming the missing Australian soldiers from the tragic battle of Fromelles. The luncheon was very well-attended and thoroughly enjoyed by all. This wonderful event capped off a very busy period, including the opening of the Kokoda Memorial Wall at Ferntree Gully on Sunday, 21 April; participation in the ANZAC Day March at Kew on Sunday 21 April as well as a very successful ANZAC Day March at Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance. It was also pleasing to hear of all of the other 39 th Battalion activities during this period, in Sydney, the Gold Coast and elsewhere.
The Annual General Meeting also marked the transfer of Presidency of the Association from Norm Stockdale, who has done a sterling job over the past year as President and over many years in various other committee appointments. I would like to take this opportunity to say how humble I am to be asked to be the President of this fine Association and I to commit to doing everything possible to continue the fine efforts of those who have gone before me.
For those with whom I have not had the pleasure of meeting, I am a currently serving Army Officer (due to retire on 29 July 2013), a husband to Amanda and the father of two sons, James (16) and Thomas (13). I am very conscious that I am also the first ‘non-family’ member President. My relationship with the Association started in 2005, when it was my great privilege to have been the Commanding Officer of the ‘new’ 39th Battalion and to have helped in the re-raising of the 39th Battalion back onto the Australian Army’s Order of Battle.
I now look forward to meeting with you all and working with the broad membership of the Association to further the objectives of the Association and ensure that Australians will never forget the deeds of our wonderful veterans or those of the 39th Battalion.
Yours sincerely,
Daryl Clarke
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IMMACULATE CONSWEPTION Two brooms were hanging in the closet and after a while they got to know each other, so, they decided to get married. One broom was, of course, the Bride broom, the other the Groom broom
The bride broom looked very beautiful in her white dress The groom broom was handsome and suave in his tuxedo The wedding was lovely.
After the wedding, at the wedding dinner, the bride broom leaned over and said to the groom broom, "l think l am going to have a little “broom!" "lmpossible!" said the groom broom. "We haven't even swept together”. Rotary CIub of Albury, NSW
From the Secretary’s Desk . Committee meetings are held at Caulfield RSL - 4 St George’s Road, ELSTERNWICK at 1015. on the 3 rd Wednesday of each month [Jan excepted] - All members are welcome to join the committee at the Bistro lunch Friday 7 Jun 13 TBA Salute to 39 th at Victorian State Parliament House Fri/Mon 7/9 Jun 13 39 th & 49 th Return to Atherton Tablelands WEEKEND. Contact Peter Holloway Wednesday 19 Jun 13 1015 Committee meeting – Caulfield RSL Wednesday 17 Jul 13 1015 Committee meeting – Caulfield RSL Thursday 8 Aug 13 1000 Kokoda Day Service – Cascade Gardens Wall – Gold Coast Sunday 11Aug 13 1400 Kokoda Day – Shrine of Remembrance Sunday 11Aug 13 1400 Kokoda Day – Sherwood RSL Queensland Saturday 17 Aug 13 1100 Arrive 1015 90 Years Legacy Races at Caulfield. Veterans FREE Sunday Aug 13 1030 “Healing the Wounds of War” Service – Uniting Church East St Kilda Wednesday 21 Aug13 1015 Committee meeting – Caulfield RSL Sunday 25 Aug TBA National Services-Kokoda Day Commemoration, Geelong - vets invited Wednesday 4 Sep 13 1045 Battle for Australia Service – Shrine of Remembrance Wednesday 18 Sep 13 1015 Committee meeting – Caulfield RSL Sunday 6 Oct 13 1130 FORMATION DAY Barbecue – Darley Cricket Ground Wednesday 16 Oct 13 1015 Committee meeting – Caulfield RSL Sunday 27 Oct 13 TBA Kokoda Challenge – Ferntree Gully Wednesday 6 Nov 13 1600 TSS Passing Out Parade Wednesday 20 Nov 13 1015 Committee meeting – Caulfield RSL Tuesday 10 Dec 13 1015 Committee Meeting & Christmas Lunch Caulfield RSL –All welcome
Coy
3-Jun-21 MOLLOY LES 9/74 Blaxcell Street GRANVILLE NSW 2142 [02] 98972016 D 8-Jun-21 CARR WH 8/171 Robinsons Rd BAXTER VIC 3911 03 5971 5857 A 15-Jun-21 EDWARDS M T 5 Freda Court, WHEELERS HILL Vic 3150 HQ 16-Jun-22 DUFFY JJ 8 Jacob's Court PAKENHAM Vic 3810 [03] 5941 5025 D 25-Jun-21 PALMER George Unit 193 Ponciana, The Boulevarde, CHERMSIDE Qld.4932 [07] 3861 5181 B 26-Jun-13 HODGETTS Eric St Catherine’s Hostel – 59 Ryley t.WANGARATTA VIC 3677 [03] 5722 2891 D 12-Jul-22 PERKINS RA 69 Topping Street SALE Victoria 3850 [03] 5144 3916 A 12-Jul-24 TUCK Alf 91 Keong Road, Albany Creek, Qld. 4035. (07) 3325 5245 E 28-Jul-22 COPS George 54 Powell Street West OCEAN GROVE VIC 3226 [03] 5255 1233
EMAIL ADDRESSES Do you receive emails from us regularly? If not, could you please send an email to [email protected] so that we can amend our records and
keep you up to date with news. Do it now, before you forget !
The editor reeceived the following two iitems quite some time ago but they got caught up in another file and were so overlooked. We print them now with apologies to the writers.
Peg Daniels sent Christmas greetings to all Don’s friends, as well as all other members.
Nance Henley wrote saying that the past year had been very hard and that she is unable to attend most functions. Her daughter came down from Wangaratta and took to the Healing The Wounds of War Church Service. She was disappointed that so few 39 th Bn members attended. She sent best wishes to all..
Neil McDonald wrote:- I know it must be a challenge putting together a regular Newsletter (particularly with one finger), but having just read the diatribe in "Snowy's Corner", I think it might be time for "Snowy" to hang up his boots. His piece lurched from right wing tripe, thinly veiled racism, and finished insulting the overwhelming number of the world's Climate Scientists including NASA and our own CSIRO. Best wishes for a full recovery from your surgery .
George Friend OAM writes:- I note Snowy's piece in the latest GG & apart from lifting a line from the American constitution to frame his comments, I couldn't agree more. The sacrifices made by members of the 39 Bn (in both WWI & WWII) was all about defending the freedoms & rights of a democratic society. Snowy's comments & observations should not be out of place in this august publication. On the contrary, the pages should be used to remind everybody of not only those sacrifices, but also when they are being devalued, or taken for granted, by governments of the day. I say, hear hear Snowy, keep the conversation going! Whether you're right or wrong, democracy is about the freedom to express your opinion, not suppress it. Factis non Verbis.
Greg Ivey wrote:- I write again as a member to compliment you on your Newsletter which is one of the best of Australia's newsletters for veterans. I appreciated your Editorial and your exhortation to remember why such wartime sacrifice of life was made. I believe that one major legacy of our victory in both World Wars is the continuation of Australia as an independent and democratic nation. What a shock, therefore, to read the conclusion of "Snowy's Corner" in your April 2013 edition: "Democracy? I don't think so." This article denigrates the legacy of the soldiers who served in the two World Wars. Of course Australia is a democracy by any rational, international standard. I do not criticise the Association or the editor because you have rightly stated that "responsibility for all comment is that of the author of the article." But there is no author's name attached to this article - did "Snowy" write it? Or, more likely, did "Snowy" take it from the internet which is presently replete with anonymous, anti-government chain letters like this one. The publication of anti-government articles in national newsletters such as yours gives the lie to claims that Australia is not a democracy. May I suggest that these anonymous, party-political articles from other newsletters or the internet be given a low priority by our editor, especially during an election year. *Cheers,*
Jessica Evans who is the great niece of Lieut. Hercules Crawford SX1034, who was killed in action on 8 th August 1942. He was 34 years of age and came to us from 2/10 th Battalion. Jessica’s Nana, Lucy Rymer (96) is his sister, and is still with us today. Jessica received an email from Carl Johnson to say that the remains of her Great uncle have been found and in order to start the appeal process for a grave at Bomana War Cemetery she needed to get in contact with our Association. If any of our surviving veterans can still remember anything of Hercules will you please get in contact with Jessica either by mail at 4 Seaham Way, MINDARIE WA 6030, or by email at :- [email protected] ?
Just visited the 39th Bn. website and found it very interesting. Reason being my uncle George Henry ANDERSON (father’s brother (Dec'd)) served in the 39th Bn. albeit for a very short time until KIA. Thank you for keeping the Website going, despite the years that have passed since they served. Regards, Robert L. Anderson Ex 39675
Rob Kimm wrote to say:- “I have just got back from Tasmania, where Heather and I have been travelling throughout for the last 9 weeks. I visited Athol Geale in Georgetown earlier this month, the only 39th veteran living in Tasmania. He was previously interviewed for the Mud Between The Toes project in February 2007. He is fairing pretty well and has a good sense of humour, considering at 93 years old he is still living independently on his own, with the help of arers and his nephew. I have attached a photo taken on the day with Athol and myself, which may be of interest to the Good Guts, for Athol to see. Hope everyone and everything is well. Keep up the good work.
The Council of the Australian War Memorial [Canberra] has decided that all Australian servicemen and servicewomen who die on operational service, including non-warlike operations, will be included on the Roll of Honour.
A Sprig of Lantana The use of the 39 Bn. Logo, when inserting a Death Notice in a newspaper, for a 39 th Bn. Veteran, helps draw attention to that notice. In Victoria The Herald Sun & The Age both have a copy on file. In other states newspapers in the same group MAY be able to access the logo if requested. It is not necessary to seek permission for its use on death notices for 39 th Bn members. The Reference Numbers which must be quoted are: The Herald Sun - B004 The Age - A796 A metal replica of the 39 th Bn Badge, for use on a gravestone, is available for purchase from the Memorabilia Officer
George Mackenzie Robert (Bill) KIRKHAM died peacefully at home on Anzac Day. Although Bill was not a veteran of the 39th Bn, he was a CO of the RVR and long-time friend of many of our veterans who also served in the Victorian Scottish Regiment. Bill was always a great supporter of the 39th Association. His Funeral Service was held in the Le Pine Chapel, 981 Burke Road, (Cnr Victoria Rd) Camberwell on 3 May 2013
Sick Parade
! Jack Duffy is recovering from knee surgery. ! Ted Stuart, like most of our veterans, is showing signs of ageing. ! Peter Holloway has been in hospital for a couple of weeks with a somewhat serious bowel obstruction. However, he is home now and feeling fine. He is looking forward to his trip back to the Atherton Tablelands over the Queen’s Birthday weekend !
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Robert Williams, 105 Osborn Rd., BAYLES, Vic. 3981 Robin Knight, 1 Jessica Dve., HAMPTON PARK Vic.. 3976 Greville Ingham, 6 Canberra St., Lane Cove North, NSW, 2066 Kerry Sumbler (grand daughter of Noel Hall), 10 Hyperno Court, New Gisborne, Vic, 3488 William Sumbler & Erin Sumbler (great grand children of Noel Hall), 10 Hyperno Court, New Gisborne, Vic, 3488 David Sumbler (Norman and Merren’s son in law) 10 Hyperno Court, New Gisborne, Vic, 3488
Pictures taken at the Annual General Meeting–Ferntree Gully and the Schools’Legacy Service at Kokoda Memorial Wall.
L e t t e rs t o t he E d i t o r ! ! ! ! ! Readers are invited to write letters to the editor for publication in The Good Guts . The views expressed in these letters are not necessarily the views of the Association or of the editor and the writer must accept all responsibility for any views expressed therein. As space is always a consideration the editor reserves the right to edit all submissions as may be seen fit. ! Subject: Kokoda Trek - August 2013 Secretary 39th Infantry Battalion Association, `I am a 60 year old proud Australian planning to walk the Kokoda Trek in August with my dear friend Peter. As part of my preparation, I am reading as much information as I can find on the campaign. The more I read the more I am astounded with the bravery, and dedication of the men of the 39th. I salute them. Whilst I have attended many Anzac Day ceremonies, and had a general understanding of the Kokoda campaign I never ever appreciated the real situation that faced the 39th until now. The poor training, the little supply, lack of higher command support, the terrible conditions (jungle, food, disease, stress) and the fierce close fighting with the Japanese that the 39th had to endure were unbelievable. All unappreciated at the time by many Australians. I am forever grateful to these young men of the 39th who gave so much. My friend Peter and myself would be delighted if we could do something for anyone from the 39th, or their relative, during our Kokoda trek in August. Whether it is to place a flower on a grave, or bring back a photograph from a site or grave, or any other activity that could be helpful to the Association or a member. After all they have done and given, it is the least we could do for them. Please pass on our gratitude and our appreciation for the life they have given us and our families, for their bravery and their unselfish dedication during the Kokoda Campaign. Hope we can be of service the 39th Battalion Association and we look forward to your reply. God Bless the 39th. Warm Regards, Robert Thompson – Sydney - Mobile Tel: 0408 415 765 - EMAIL [email protected] ! ! ! !""#$%&'(&)$
$How Peter Williams gets Kokoda Completely Wrong !!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !"#$%&'()$* !!
Many Australians would probably view the defence of Port Moresby from capture by the Japanese in 1942 as an event marked by extraordinary heroism on the part of Australian soldiers fighting overwhelming odds. This book by Peter Williams rejects the accounts of the Kokoda Campaign to be found in the official Australian and Japanese histories that were written by military experts. It turns everything we have believed about Kokoda on its head by significantly diminishing the achievements of the Australian soldiers whose fighting spirit and sacrifices ground a powerful Japanese army to a halt only 40 kilometres from Port Moresby. If the Japanese had captured Port Moresby, Australia would have faced a grave threat. I have formed the view that much of this book by Peter Williams consists of absurd claims based upon inadequate and/or selective research, distortions of what really happened on the Kokoda Track, obscure references, and failure to address authoritative historical sources that contradict him. I believe that I can prove this in the present and following newsletters from Battle For Australia Historical Society .
A full review is published on the American and English Amazon websites that contain reviews of this book. To access this review on the internet go to
OFFICIAL OPENING of KOKODA MEMORIAL WALL
The Dandenong Ranges National Park, at Ferntree Gully, is the home of this spectacular monument which was officially opened on Sunday 21 st April 2013. It is the culmination of many years of hard work but the end result justifies all the efforts that have been put into its completion. If you have no already seen it then you should put it on your list of “ must do” things ! It consists of three parts with hopes and plans for even further development. At present we have the magnificent Terrace where our veterans are honoured by name. Directly across the walking track stands the most impressive sculpture designed by David Yardley ( see picture) personifying the “mateship” which was so prominent during the campaign in Papua New Guinea. Moving onwards and upwards is the “1000 STEPS” representing the famous Kokoda Track along which our veterans fought to defend Australia. Along the Track walkers have their attention drawn to a number of plaques telling the story of various places along the original Track. Future plans are for the development of a fully resourced Information Centre at the start of the Track and ultimately, we hope, a replication of the Kokoda Plateau with its Memorials at the top. This will be on One Tree Hill and hopefully remind visitors of the actual Kokoda Battle Site as well as provide a picnic area accessible by both the walking track and by road vehicles. The project was funded by the Government of Victoria so it was appropriate that the speakers on the day should be mostly state politicians. The first speaker was Major General Paul McLachlan, AM, CSC, representing the Chief of Army. He said; “ Ministers, Members of Parliament, Veterans, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls - on behalf of the Chief of Army, Lieutenant General David Morrison, I thank you for the opportunity to speak at this marvellous occasion - in the run up to ANZAC DAY 2013.
In February 1942 the Japanese force that had swept all before it in China and South East Asia landed on mainland Papua New Guinea. They captured Lae and Salamaua and penetrated the Sepik Region to the west. in June 1942 the Japanese suffered a major setback at sea during the Battle of the Coral Sea. It forced Tokyo to consider a new line of attack; an overland invasion of Port Moresby. The Japanese commander Maj Gen Horii Tomltaro was placed in charge of an elite ten thousand strong invasion force - his mission to cross the Owen Stanleys as quickly as possible and secure Port Moresby.
Standing between the Japanese and Moresby were the 'Ragged Bloody Heroes' of the 39 th B n and the 21 st Bde, consisting of the 2/14 th , 2/16 th and the 2/27th Bns. What these men achieved is now a revered legend among those who about this campaign. They were under-trained, poorly equipped and completely outmatched by the forces they were facing. Their higher command never really understood the conditions they were facing and the support offered to them was woefully inadequate. They were expected to fail, though there was a faint hope that they would delay the Japanese long enough to allow fresh troops to form a viable defence around Port Moresby. No one reckoned on their strength, their courage and commitment. No one reckoned on their sheer, bloody minded determination to stand by each other. they believed they were the only force between a brutal enemy and their homeland and they were prepared to sacrifice everything to stand between their loved ones and the evil that would have been done to them. They were young Australians, conscious of the ANZAC legacy of their forbears, but I expect, like our soldiers today, probably uncomfortable with the comparison. At Buna, Gona, Isurava and many other places along the track, they wrote their own chapter of the Anzac legend, carved out a place in our nation's history and inspired many of subsequent generations to follow in their footsteps and to try and live up to their example These stories of sacrifice and mateship in adversity and hardship are seminal to our nation. so are the individual acts and the little things that helped these men hold firm from the breathtaking courage of Private Bruce Kingsbury to the songs and poems that brought the men together and gave them the lift they needed. We as a community need to know about these thing we need to remember and honour them as we face trials and hardship in our current circumstance. That is why memorials such as the Kokoda Walk are so important. This beautiful place will draw Australians of all ages and backgrounds to walk in freedom in a country they love. This memorial will remind them of the sacrifice necessary by brave men and women to maintain these freedoms. Hopefully it will inspire them to learn more about the Legend of The Kokoda Track and the men who gave their lives along it. This memorial is a credit to all that have been involved in its development and I would thank you all for your vision and commitment. I have no doubt that the men we remember by the dedication of this memorial would be honoured and humbled and it is an important commitment in our promise that WE WILL REMEMBER THEM “.
Next on the program was the Hon Hugh Delahunty, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs. He said :- “My ministerial colleagues, Major General David McLachlan, Kokoda Veterans and their families; members of 2/14 th , 2/16 th ,39 th .and 2/27 th Battalion Associations, distinguished guests, ladies, gentlemen, boys and girls. As Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, with ANZAC DAY only a few days away, it is a great honour to join you today, particularly our Kokoda veterans and their families, for the opening of this new Kokoda Memorial Wall. We are privileged to have with us today a number of veterans who fought at Kokoda. And l know that many other surviving veterans couldn't be here today l want them to know that today we are also thinking of them. I know that there are brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, grandchildren and even great grandchildren of men who fought at Kokoda here today. Thank you for your attendance. I think that says a lot about what Kokoda means to us all – that even after seventy years, families, communities and even the whole nation, gather to honour the memory of these men. Those who fought, those who died, and indeed those who are here today. In 2008 I walked The Track and that gave me a greater appreciation of the sacrificial effort made by those gallant men. Kokoda veterans have made a significant contribution to our nation; not only through their service in defence of their country but also back home as they returned to, or started, families, made contributions in their working lives and within their communities. . Sadly, this wall is a reminder to us all of those men who did not return home. Their families and loved ones could not celebrate their homecoming, or look forward to the contributions they would make to those around them in the years to come. But they are loved and remembered! Private Bruce Kingsbury is one of the names listed on this honour roll. From the 2/14 th Australian lnfantry Battalion - he was killed on August 29th 1942 at the battle of lsurava. He was just 24 years old. Private Kingsbury was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest award for acts of bravery in wartime. The suburb of Kingsbury, in Melbourne, is named in his honour. While he paid the ultimate price, Kingsbury's incredible bravery and devotion to duty in the face of great odds were not in vain. The stories of the men who fought, and the men who died, at Kokoda - like Bruce Kingsbury - are an important part of our collective inheritance. This Memorial Wall, and the Memorial Terrace that is another part of this impressive two year project to enhance the Kokoda presence within the Dandenong Ranges National Park, will ensure they continue to be part of our future as well. l warmly congratulate everyone who has been a part of this important project. Lest we forget He was followed by the Hon Kim Wells, Minister for Police & Emergency Services who added the following remarks: Today is a great day for the Kokoda Veterans and their families as they survey this fantastic memorial. This park with its steep hills and dense forest, seems such a suitable site for a place for others to gain an insight into the experience of Australian troops fighting on the Kokoda Trail. Battling not only an enemy force that outnumbered and outgunned them, but also the environment of the Owen Stanley Ranges - steep, difficult terrain, constantly pounded by torrential tropical rain that left them wading through mud. Conditions most of us could not even imagine – even those of us who have actually walked the difficult track itself. And yet despite these difficulties, against unimaginable odds, the Kokoda qualities shone through. 624 men are named on the Honour Roll of the Kokoda Memorial Wall.
624 men who showed the Kokoda qualiti.es - of Courage, of Endurance, of Mateship - and sadly of Sacrifice.
Many of the fallen are buried at Bomana War Cemetery outside Port Moresby.
This Kokoda Memorial Wall will be a place a little closer to home than Bomana for the families and loved ones of these men to come to and honour their memory. Captain Claude Nye of the 2/14th is one of the men named on the Memorial Wall's Honour Roll. Captain Nye was killed in action at Brigade Hill near Efogi on the Kokoda Trail on the 8 September 1942. Only 25 years old, he left a loving family and young wife grieving back at home in Australia. Like many of the fallen, Claude Nye is buried at Bomana War Cemetery. Claude Nye's sister, Margaret Briggs, has been a driving force for many years in the development of this area as a place to remember the Kokoda campaign and the men who were part of item I know how much it will mean to Margaret, and other family members, to be able to come here to place a poppy beside Claude's name. To remember a brother who made the ultimate sacrifice. It has been a privilege for a group of us to have been involved with the development of the Kokoda Memorial in this park for around 16 years. More than 15 years ago we were pleased to be part of the dedication ceremony of the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk in this park. To be here today for the opening of this Kokoda Memorial Wall means a great deal to me. The completion of the Kokoda Memorial Wall represents the culmination of two years work to create an impressive and unique Kokoda Precinct here at Ferntree Gully. It also represents the sustained efforts of a dedicated group of people over the last 25 or so years. Particular mention must be made of the representatives of the 2/16 th , 2/ 4 th , 39 th and 2/27 th Battalion Associations for their tireless work over many years to raise awareness about the Kokoda Campaign and to honour the veterans fought for our country. They have certainly demonstrated the Kokoda quality of endurance. Whilst their commitment may have been inspired by the memory of those they loved and lost, the broader community owes them a debt of gratitude for making this important part of Australia's past alive for us today. `The Kokoda campaign is served proudly by this precinct - the Memorial Terrace opened last year and now the Memorial Wall. l warmly congratulate all those who have been involved in its development . A special thank you to Parks Victoria who have been so helpful and professional Matt; Judy; Craig; Shoal and Zoe Your efforts honour the memory of those who made the Kokoda story the integral part of Australia's history.
The final speech was made by the Hon Ryan Smith, Minister for the Environment. He summed up the day’s proceedings with these comments:- It is a great honour to join with you today as we pay tribute to the brave men of the Kokoda campaign. lt is a pleasure as Environment Minister to have the privilege of being involved with the development of facilities in our parks that educate visitors about Australia's war history This park, the Dandenong Ranges National Park, is a wonderful place for people to learn about Kokoda. Visitors can walk up the 1000 Steps and have some small sense of the physical challenges that these men faced The trees and hills that surround us breathe life into that story, and make the story tangible and real. When people visit this park - whether to test themselves on the new fitness challenge steps or the 1000 Steps, to enjoy a picnic with family and friends, or a gentle stroll amongst the rainforest, they can learn something about the Kokoda Campaign. . They can visit the Memorial Terrace and learn more about some of the key Battalions who fought at Kokoda, and the feats of individual soldiers. Now, they will be able to pay their respects to those who served. The completion of the Memorial Wall, crowned with the marvellous bronze statue 'Mates' and Honour Roll, concludes the two year project to further develop the association with Kokoda that this park has become renowned for. let is a wonderful way to honour and respect the history of Kokoda. The opening of this Memorial Wall today signifies the completion of a significant addition to the park's Kokoda memorial. lt represents the dedication and commitment of a number of individuals - in particular Kokoda veterans, like Alan 'Kanga' Moore, John Akhurst, and relatives of Kokoda veterans and active members of the Battalion Associations such as Margaret Briggs, Trevor lngram, Geoff Pledge and Malcolm Owen. Representing the 2/14 th , 2/16 th , 2/27 th and 39 th Battalions Associations, they have all provided enormous guidance to Parks Victoria in the development of the Kokoda precinct here in the park. l would like to acknowledge the many hours they have given to working with Parks Victoria staff, not only in the last two years as this significant project has been underway, but for their dedication over many years. `l also want to pay tribute to my parliamentary colleague, Kim Wells, who has been an integral part of this work. Kim has been personally involved from the beginning, and has helped in many ways facilitating the initial instalment of the first commemorative plaques up the 1000 Steps, and helping to install additional plaques over several weekends. Thanks to the dedication of Kim, and the 2/14 th , 2/16 th . 2/27 th and 39 th Battalions Associations, over 16 years this park has evolved as a place for visitors to learn, remember, and pay tribute to those who fought to defend our country in its hour of need. I would like to thank Parks Victoria, particularly staff from the Dandenong Ranges National Park, who have worked together with representatives of the Battalions Association over many years. l know they find their connection with the Battalion Associations a very rewarding part of their work here in the park, and they willingly go above and beyond what’s required where the Battalions and Kokoda are involved. I would also like to thank those who have at a practical level, helped realise the vision of the Battalions Associations. l'm sure you'd agree that the bronze statue, conceptualised by David Yardley, and sculpted and cast by Philip Peperides, beautifully captures the experience of soldiers on the Kokoda Trail. l warmly thank David and Philip for their work which brings Kokoda to life on this Memorial Wall. `Thanks also go to Coolabah Landscapes for the civil and landscaping works and their infinite patience and perseverance through the construction phase. And thank you to Michael Smith and Associates for the landscape design of the setting. On behalf of the Victorian Government, we are very pleased to have supported this major upgrade to the Kokoda memorial in the Dandenong Ranges National Park. Thank you
Kipling’s Korner ~ The Final Inspection ~ The soldier stood and faced his God, ! . !! Which must always come to pass, ! He hoped his shoes were shining, ! If you've a place for me here, Lord, ! Just as brightly as his brass. !! (It needn't be real grand, ! I've never expected, or had too much), ! "Step forward now, you soldier, ! But if you don't, I'll understand." !! How shall I deal with you? ! Have you always turned the other cheek? ! There was a silence around the throne, ! To My Church have you been true?" !! Where the saints had often trod, ! As the soldier waited quietly, ! The soldier squared his shoulders, and! said: For the judgment of his God. !! "No, Lord, I guess I ain't, ! Because those of us who carry guns, ! "Step forward now, you soldier, ! Can't always be a saint. !! You've borne your burdens well, ! Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets, ! I never passed a cry for help, ! You've done your time in Hell." Though at times I shook with fear, ! And sometimes, God, forgive me, ! ~ Author Unknown ~ I wept unmanly tears
Eric William George Hodgetts was born 26 th June 1913 in the small town of Pyap, near Loxton in South Australia. The eldest of 5 children, his father Bill had a 26 acre fruit block, at Curlwaa, between Mildura and Wentworth, 24 acres under irrigation. The family grew mostly stone fruits and grapes for the dried fruit industry, but also plenty of oranges. In those days Curlwaa had a football team, Eric played alongside Billy Knights. He has been a Geelong supporter all his life, happy for their recent success, but remembers when they weren’t so great. Eric enlisted in the Army at Wentworth 24 th March 1942 and was sent to New Guinea as a reinforcement, joined the 39th Battalion, “B” company at Gona West. He fondly remembers his mate Wally Taylor from Cardross, KIA on 13/12/1942 a couple of days after Eric was wounded and withdrawn. Eric was shot in the right arm and treated at a RAP, which was in a swamp and septicaemia set in. He was taken on the back of a jeep, over very rough roads to a field hospital near Soputa and he remembers to this day how painful that trip was. At Soputa Dr. Ackland, assisted by an American, told Eric there was no choice, take the arm off, or he would die. Dr. Ackland managed to leave a 4 inch stump, which did support a prosthesis, Eric did wear it occasionally. Back in Australia, after rehabilitation,, Eric married Beth Langton, from Merbein. Beth’s father was a Military Medal Winner in WW1; Eric fondly remembers his boss Billy Bryant and working on his fruit block. Eric and Beth were blessed with just one daughter, Margaret, but not for the want of trying, Margaret has given Eric three grandchildren Lisa, Daryl and Bruce and 5 great grand children. After Eric left the fruit block, he worked as a groundsman at the Mildura High school for over 25 years. Eric’s only remaining sibling, his youngest sister Myra, who lives in Mildura, will join Eric, family and friends celebrating Eric’s special birthday at St Catherine’s Hostel in Wangaratta, where Eric now resides. Welcome to the Centenarian’s Club - Go well Eric ! Orm McAndrew with Eric Hodgetts
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NEW FORMAT AND DATE FOR ANNUAL ROTARY KOKODA MEMORIAL WALK
ONE of the Gold Coast's most successful annual charity events will adopt a new format and move to a later date this year. Under the management of 2012 National RSL Leadership Award winner Aiden Grimes, the eighth Rotary Kokoda Memorial Walk has moved from ANZAC week to Sunday 4 th August. Significantly, this is the Sunday before Kokoda Day (8th August). Over $500,000 has been raised in the past, culminating in the construction and July 2008 opening of the Rotary Kokoda Memorial Wall at Cascade Gardens at Broadbeach. According to Rotary Club of Broadwater Southport spokesperson, George Friend, the changes will increase awareness of the Kokoda campaign. "We've re-formatted the event to better incorporate Rotary youth projects and greatly increase the involvement of schools," Mr Friend said. "The WWII Kokoda values of Courage, Endurance, Mateship and Sacrifice will continue as the foundations of the new-look event. "Underpinning these are the continuing themes of education, commemoration and reflection which have anchored the event since 2005," he said. The 2013 Walk will also highlight efforts by the Club to have the Kokoda and Korean memorials and the surrounding precinct at Cascade Gardens recognised by the Federal Government as a Memorial of National Significance. "Walk proceeds since 2008 have been distributed annually to the Rotary Memorial Hospital at Kokoda, Legacy and other Rotary projects such as ROMAC. "The Club has also made significant donations to the SES and St John Ambulance for the purchase of equipment and meeting operating expenses in support of the Walk," Route details of the 2013 Rotary Kokoda Memorial Walk will be announced shortly. For further information please contact: George Friend Mobile Telephone 0418 418 282
We are indeed fortunate to have the support that is given to us by the Cadet Unit at The Southport School and this was evident again on ANZAC DAY 2013.
The picture to the left was taken on the occasion of that parade.
BRISBANE ANZAC DAY MARCH 2013 The weather was sunny and warm with two veterans George Turner & Jim Stillman attending the march. Unfortunately George Palmer was taken to hospital in the early hours of Anzac Day and was unable to attend. He was later released and is now doing fine, although his Collingwood did not fare well during the football at the MCG later that day. A contingent from The Southport School provided the banner guard and escorted the veterans and families along the route through Brisbane. Annette Ross and son Matty together with George Friend, Neal Turner, Glenda Gill and Geoff Stillman all marched with the veterans The crowds were up in Brisbane this year and they gave the 39 th a great rousing reception, both veterans were particularly pleased. After the march the group retired to the Brisbane Irish Club for a well-deserved lunch and some particularly loud Irish pipe music. The boys from TSS should be thanked as they provided great support and commitment for the march.
George Palmer, his son Richard Palmer, and grandsons Peter Wynne & Scott McDermott who have walked the Track gathered at the Brisbane Kids of Kokoda Luncheon. The other two pictures show the ANZAC DAY march.
ARMY BISCUITS Biscuits! Army Biscuits! What a volume of blessings and cursings have been uttered on the subject of biscuits – army biscuits. What a part they take in our daily routine: the carrying of them, the eating of them, and the cursing of them! Could we find any substitute for army biscuits? Surely not! It is easy to think of biscuits without an army, but of an army without biscuits – never! Biscuits, like the poor, are always with us. Crawling from our earthly dens at the dim dawning of the day, we receive no portion of the dainties which once were ours in the long ago times of effete civilization; but, instead, we devour with eagerness biscuit porridge. We eat our meat, not with thankfulness, but with biscuits. We lengthen out the taste of jam – with biscuits. We pound them to powder. We boil them with bully. We stew them in stews. We fry them as fritters. We curse them with many and bitter cursings, and we bless them with few blessings. Biscuits! Army biscuits! Consider cracking of your plate, the breaking of this tooth, the splintering of that! Call to mind how your finest gold crown weakened, wobbled, and finally shrivelled under the terrible strain of masticating Puntley & Chalmer’s No’s. Think of the aching void where once grew a goodly tooth. Think of the struggle and strain, the crushing and crunching as two molars wrestled with some rocky fragment. Think of the momentary elation during the fleeting seconds when it seemed that the molars would triumphantly blast and scrunch through every stratum of the thrice hardened rock. Call to mind the disappointment, the agony of mind and body, as the almost victorious grinder almost missed its footing, slipped, and snapped hard upon its mate, whilst the elusive biscuit rasped and scraped upon bruised and tender gums. Biscuits! Army biscuits! Have you, reader, ever analysed with due carefulness the taste of army biscuits? Is it the delicious succulency of ground granite or the savoury toothsomeness of powdered marble? Do we perceive with just a dash of iron railings? Certainly, army biscuits, if they have a taste, have one which is peculiarly their own. The choicest dishes of civilized life, whether they be baked or boiled, stewed, steamed, fried, frizzled, roasted or toasted, whether they be composed of meat or fish fruit or vegetable, have not (thank Heaven) any like taste to that of army biscuits. Army biscuits taste like nothing else on the Gallipoli Peninsula. It is a debatable question indeed whether nor not they have the quality of taste. If it be granted that they have this faculty of stimulating the peripheral extremities of a soldier’s taste buds, then nit must be conceded that the stimulation is on the whole of an unpleasant sort. In short, that the soldier’s feeling, apart from the joy, the pride, and the satisfaction at his completed achievement of having transferred a whole biscuit from his outer to his inner man without undue incident or loss of teeth, is one of pain, unease and dissatisfaction. It may seem almost incredible, wholly unbelievable indeed, but armies have marched and fought, made sieges, retired according to plan, stormed impregnable cities, toiled in weariness and painfulness, kept lonely vigils, suffered the extremities of burning heat and of freezing cold, and have in the last extremity, bled and died, laurel crowned greatly triumphant, the heroes of legend and song, all without the moral or physical, or even the spiritual aid of army biscuits. Agamemnon and the Greeks camped for ten years on the windy plains of Troy without one box of army biscuits. When Xerxes threw his pontoon bridge across the narrows and marched 1,000,000 men into Greece. His transport included none of Teak Green and Co.’s paving stones for the hardening of his soldiers’ hearts and the stiffening of their backs. Caesar subdued Britons, Gauls and Germans. Before the lines of Dyrrhachium his legions lived many days on boiled grass and such like delicacies, but they never exercised their jaws upon a rough, tough bit of – army biscuit. Biscuits! Army Biscuits! They are old friends now, and like all old friends, they will stand much wear and tear. Well glazed, they would make excellent tiles or fine flagstones. After the war they will have great scarcity value as curios, as souvenirs which one can pass on from generation to generation, souvenirs which will endure while the Empire stands. If we cannot Harry Boyle cooking a stew of get physical strength from army biscuits, let us at least catch the great spiritual M & V with Army Biscuits at the ideal of enduring hardness, which they are so magnificently fitted to proclaim MG Company Bootless Bay campsite
Notice in a Nairobi restaurant: CUSTOMERS WHO FIND OUR WAITRESSES RUDE OUGHT TO SEE THE MANAGER .
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! LEGACY ! ® ! Caringforthefamilies of incapacitated and deceased veterans
! ! ! ! ! Caulfield Racecourse- Gates open at l0.30am Legacy Lone Pine Ceremony at ll.OOam followed by morning te a Lone Pine Ceremony will be located on Level I of the Rupert Clarke Grandstand ! To commemorate BACK TO CAULFIELD and the 90'h anniver sa ry of Legacy, Caul field will be holding the 19'b Legacy Lone Pine Ceremony, as well as various Military a nd Legacy displays. The1 ·e will also be complimentary morning tea and Milita ry Band performances including the Australian National Anthem. ! Admission is FREE for War Veterans, Members of Legacy, Member s of RSL, War Widows, Nurses and Nursing Associations , Shrine ofRemembrance staff and the Defence forces a nd Corps of Commissionaires in uniform or upon presentation of appropriate identification. ! Melbou rne Racing Club is very proud t o mai ntain the 'Back to Caulfield' tradition as a tangible acknowledgement of the courageous deeds and contt ·ibutions made for om · nation by the men and women of Australia's Defence forces, past and present. ! for further information please visit caul fiekh ·acing.com.au/backtocaulfield or phone the Melbourne Racing Club on (03) 9257 7200 ! ! • CAULF IELD
F16 vs. DC3
A DC3 was lumbering along when a cocky F-16 flashed by. The jet jockey decided to show off. The fighter jock told the DC3 pilot, 'watch this!' and promptly went into a barrel roll followed by a steep climb. He then finished with a sonic boom as he broke the sound barrier. The F-16 pilot asked the DC3 pilot what he thought of that? The DC3 pilot said, 'That was impressive, but watch this!' The DC3 droned along for about 5 minutes and then the DC3 pilot came back on and said: 'What did you think of that?' Puzzled, the F-16 pilot asked, 'What the heck did you do?' The DC3 pilot chuckled. 'I stood up, stretched my legs, walked to the back, used the toilet, then got a cup of coffee and a Cinnamon roll.'
The moral of the story is.... When you are young and foolish speed and flash may seem a good thing ! When you get older and smarter comfort and dull is not such a bad thing! Us older folks understand this one Have a Nice Day
The Kokoda Track Foundation
Welcome to our 'redesigned' newsletter, aimed at bringing you more exciting updates from the Track. Our work would not be possible without our great team in Papua New Guinea. In this
edition we will introduce you to Saii, our project officer based in Port Moresby. We would also like you to 'meet' KTF's new Patron and Ambassador. As usual we have an update on our projects. We have exciting news about the Naduri Elementary School and an update about the Kokoda College. Last but not least, our sporting ambassador Will Genia has a tooth-brushing message for the children along the Track that we wanted to share with you. Enjoy the read! Welcome to our new patron HE Mr Ian Kemish - The Kokoda Track Foundation (KTF) is proud to announce its new patron, His Excellency Ian Kemish. Mr. Kemish is the former Australian High Commissioner to PNG. He is a passionate advocate for the continual flourishing of the relationship between Papua New Guinea and Australia. Both he and his wife Ms Roxanne Martens are long-time supporters of the Kokoda Track Foundation. Mr Kemish is replacing outgoing patron Major General Michael Jeffrey.
Capt Bede Tongs, our new Ambassador – Welcome! Another exciting announcement is that Captain Bede Tongs is our new Ambassador. Bede is a Kokoda veteran and enthusiastic supporter of the Foundation. At 92 years, Bede is already planning his next trips to Kokoda to meet the descendants of the people of Papua New Guinea who helped him and other Australian soldiers in 1942. Bede visited Kokoda twice in 2012, appearing on television in the 'Lighting up the Track' report on The Project with our own CEO Gen Nelson, and returning as one of the KTF-sponsored veterans who were there for the 70th Anniversary of the re-occupation. Bede joins Queensland Reds halfback Will Genia and HE Mr. Charles Lepani in KTF's Ambassador Program.
Naduri Elementary School finished. As part of our Infrastructure program, KTF will be undertaking different construction initiatives in 2013. One of them has been started and finished already. In February, whilst the KTF team was on the Track, they spent some time in Naduri village to start the construction of Naduri Elementary School. Teio, KTF's carpenter, stayed behind with Wampy, KTF's Project Officer to finish the job. Within two months of commencing the construction Naduri village now has a finished, state-of–the-art elementary school (above image] ` Saii Faole is KTF's project officer in POM. Saii joined the Foundation in 2012 and manages our operations out of our office in Erima in Port Moresby. Saii is originally from Menari and was previously a director of Brigade Hill Mission Tours. He knows the Track inside out and has a great understanding of the needs of the local villages. Saii also has a fantastic network in PNG and can arrange just about anything KTF needs him to do! He is responsible for the operational delivery of our aid programs and is a very valuable member of our team. Saii is married with five children and is a leader of the Menari community. Brighten a smile – 'Strong teeth are important' according to Will KTF will be enrolling phase two of our 'Brighten a Smile' program which will include training and distribution of tooth brushes and paste to a broader catchment area. Check out this video message [ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JSqPjRaovg ]from Will Genia for the children along the Track on 'why strong teeth are so important'. Update on the Kokoda College ; There has been little new news about the Kokoda College lately, but behind the scenes things are in full swing. KTF's CEO, Gen Nelson, was in KouKou village recently with our volunteer engineer, Morgan Sheehy from Partridge, to survey the site and develop a construction plan. Additionally, the development of the curricula for both the School of Education and School of Health is well underway. KTF is aiming to open the College's doors in February 2014. The survey featured in the previous e-newsletter received an overwhelming response – thanks so much to all of you for sharing your thoughts with us. The main outcome of the survey is that you would love to hear from us about once a month, and that you are interested in hearing about all our programs. Thanks again – we will continue to bring you up to date KTF news from the Track!
The organisation is growing having proudly established our own Camp Kokoda outdoor education property at Lake Maroon, Qld. On 16 March the inaugural Kokoda Grunt obstacle event was held. As you will see, from the pictures below, it was a tough course, complete with 30º+ sizzling temperature, but an incredibly fun day at the same time. They were honoured to have our treasured veterans, Clarrie Meredith, Cec Driscoll, Jim Stillman and George Palmer in attendance at the Start line. This is special for our competitors, who love to meet and chat with them and often recall this as being the highlight of their day. Information may be sought from Megan Sweeney Administration & Projects Officer Ph: (07) 5539 4141*|*Fax: (07) 55974373 > www.kokodachallenge.com
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Most pictures in The Good Guts can be obtained by request to the editor.
They will usually ! be larger than appearing in the magazine.
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Copied from the December, 2008 issue of MUD & BLOOD
ln the Owen Stanleys
This extract, reprinted from the Moresby Army News A Human Touch Sheet, was printed in the Aprit-June, l959, edition of The men slither down a cIay slope, and then, miracle Mud and Blood, Australian dailies, and a set of graphic of miracles, they see round a bend in the track a native verses from the pen of Driver Callaghan, R A E., grass shelter, a tent, and a Salvation Army written on the Kokoda Track banner. Cauldrons of water are boiling, and each man gets a From T. Fairhall, of Brisbane, 'Courier-Mail' : Troops mess tin of steaming hot coffee. They mumble their in action against the Japanese in the Owen Stanleys thanks and sprawl on the ground, giving themselves up are facing greater hardships than Australians have to the enjoyment of it. This post has become famous, had to face on any other front in this war. Even because every man going up to the front line, or Malaya was only child's play compared with the damp, coming back sick or wounded is sure of a cup of tea or dark, tangled jungles of the Owen Stanleys. No a stick of chewing gum when he passes through. It6 is sunlight penetrates the matted branches of the forest run by a brisk and cheerful Adjutant Albert Moore who giants. made his name in Syria by setting up a canteen under the French guns. A direct once messed up his truck In clothes wet with sweat and the slow, heavy drops of and peppered him with shrapnel but he laughed it off. light but constant mountain rain, our party They were only small pieces he said ! struggled for hours up and down a slippery muddy track which is impassable even for mule teams And now the verses of Driver Callaghan, wbo tells us Beyond this, deep in the unmapped jungles, our why we are fighting in - patrols are hacking their own trails. Engineers and pioneers, stripped to the waist, were working day and The Owen Stanley Range night repairing trails or building new ones to reduce the almost perpendicular grades. Forbidding, dark and gloomyi The cloud-tipped peaks rear high - When they rest at nights, the troops lie down on bark An everlasting challenge beds, covered by a ground-sheet to keep out the wet. To the everlasting sky. Beside them lay their rifles and hand grenades in case A masterpiece of nature they are suddenly disturbed by Japs Daily the A barrier, in a land Australians are getting used to the jungle, and are Which we, of Austral Burture, beating the enemy at his own game. May not hope to understand.
From footbridges over the jungle streams, the troops The ragged native pathways have fixed long lengths of lawyer vines They climb Were not made for white men's feet, down the vines into the swirling stream to cool off after Nor the steamy, sodden showers long jungle treks. Or the hazy, humid heat. On we plod through jungle fastness Along the track to the Australian positions, Y.M.C.A Through this God-forgotten land and Salvation Army rest tents are doing excellent work And why the hell we do it providing hot coffee & tea, biscuits and tobacco for Only we can understand! the weary troops Ceoffrey Hutton, of Melbourne 'Argus': After a few We get weary, worn and fevered miles in a jolting lruck, we were emptied out near a But we stick it just the same native village of grass huts, and hit the mud road into For we've something big to figtht for the forest. There is something about New Cuinea mud And it isn't just a name. which recalls to old soldiers the rich and riotous mud of There's a land depending on us the Flanders battle areas. Churned up by the wheels of Girt by sea and golden sand, the jeep or blitz buggies with heavily chained wheels, it And the reason why we're fighting is - boils up in ridges, surges over your gaiters, and clings We've leamed to understand to your feet like glue. Farther on, where mules and pack-horses wallow up the winding track and toboggan That our folks must live in freedom, down with splayed feet, it is softer and deeper. In these As they have ia days gone by, ranges there is usually sun in the morning after the And our job’s to see they do it mist has cleared. As the sun warms up and the trail Not to stand and wonder why! grows steeper, the jungle green outfits are stained dark So we’ll beat the mocking ranges with sweat. Coming over a rise there are a few minutes And we’ll leave red Japan-ed for a smoko, but the cigarettes are already and match So that Tojo and his cronies heads crumble like putty. The forest is quiet again, Ijn their turn will understand. except where a few engineers are hacking trees and ASC men are lumping packing cases at a dump. Butterflies are as big as bats over the mud! The 39th Personnel Support Battalion
Isurava Lines – Randwick Barracks – Sydney
The final words from WO1 A P McKindley Regimental Sergeant Major 39 PSB
Since taking up the position as Regimental Sergeant Major 39 PSB it has been a great pleasure to have been associated with the 39 th Infantry Battalion. During my time as the RSM, I hope that in the past two and a half years, I have been able to assist the association with all its activities, functions and services they have requested and conducted.
During my time as RSM I have had great satisfaction in meeting outstanding men, who as young soldiers, with little or no training, faced more terrifying hardships imposed by an enemy that would never die in such unforgiving terrain and conditions anyone could have imagined during those testing years so close to our shores. Your stories and the hardships you all endured on that infamous track is testament to your dedication to each other, mateship and your ultimate sacrifices. This lives on with us as a legacy to us all in the military. It is these great actions that will be remembered not just by us, but by the future guardians of the Australian book of history. I can say I had great pleasure in meeting some true hero’s who can stand tall when marching on ANZAC Day.
For all the activities that I have been privileged to be associated with and attended I thank you for your hospitality in looking after me and the officers and soldiers of 39 PSB who have represented these activities and occasions. It’s often upon their return they remark how great the experience was to meet and talk to members of the association who served in that era and in particular last year during the 70th Anniversary. The visits to Melbourne are always emotional and always ask if they can experience it again next year if possible. This highlights the importance of the connection they share with the association and its members. They appreciate being involved the veterans who tell their stories about the time on the track and what things were like so many years ago.
Soon I will be departing 39 PSB for service overseas and have asked WO1 Anthony (Tony) Newbery to fill in until the new RSM 39 PSB takes over in January 2014. I trust you will show him the same friendship you afforded me over my time and that the unit has the opportunity to assist you where it can. You might already know 39 PSB has certain commitments that need to be done as a priority in this current busy climate. That said, I am positive the new command team will do it’s best to preserve its binding commitment to the Association and members in 2014.
Again, finally I would just like to say thank you to you all. To know and to be part of the association and to discover in the process that a distant relative of mine, PTE Keith McKindley, who unfortunately was one of the many that lost their lives on the track, served with such great men who exemplified the meaning of mateship is something I will remember for ever and will be passed on through the McKindley generations to come.
Yours faithfully A.P. MCKINDLEY Regimental Sergeant Major 39th Personnel Support Battalion “Deeds Not Words”
REMEMBERING OUR COMRADES
As an Association we believe it is so important to remember the legacy our veterans have passed onto us and keep their memories alive. In future issues of the Good Guts we hope to have a new section called “Remembering Our Comrades”. We will be delving back into the past and retelling the stories many of our veterans have left behind. Maybe, if you are veteran, we have not yet included your story and we would love to do so now. Family members and friends are also invited to contribute by building a profile of their veteran which includes photos, information on their military service and stories of their time in the Battalion. Not only will this profile assist us in putting together the articles but will also contribute to building a lasting historical legacy for the Battalion Association. We look forward to hearing from you and, please, send all contributions to the Editor. Thank you.
`For some time now your Association has been sponsoring the education of a child in Papua New Guinea. His name is Siriel Jove and he is a pupil at the Dobadura Primary School in Oro Province. If you would like to follow our example, and sponsor the education of a potential community leader in PNG please contact the Kokoda Track Foundation, PO Box 1674, NORTH SYDNEY NSW 2059 .______ADOPT AN ANGEL Welcome to Adopt an Angel! For only $25 per month (or $300 per year), you can change the life of a primary school student by giving them the gift of education. Or for $83 per month (or $1,000 per year) you can support a high school or tertiary student to get an education they may not otherwise get. Please help us make a real difference in the lives of the children of the Kokoda Track. Your sponsorship covers the tuition fees, school resources and stationery, and boarding, food and uniform costs (where applicable). Help change a life today!
The good news is that bad news can be changed into good news when you change your attitude.
Robert Schuller
39 Bn Thanks all our Sponsors for their Generous Donations Last Year
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ustralian Public Service Benevolent Society have served our public servants since 1905 their contribution of $7,000 last year was originally to assist with the construction of the memorial wall, it has now been redirected to our education programme. APS now offers a range of services Funeral Benefits, Member Loans, Insurance Brokerage, Mortgage Brokerage, Legal Services, Taxation Services and Financial Advice Service $ Getaway Trekking has conducted treks over the Owen Stanley Ranges for approximately the last 10 years. Last year they conducted a “Walk in the Spirit of a Digger “campaign where trekkers were given a name of fallen digger and then undertook some research on that fallen digger. Whilst trekking the Owen Stanley Ranges at night a trekker would talk about the digger that they were walking in honour of to the other trekkers. This was one part of the 39th Battalion education programme and proved to be very successful for both the trekkers and the 39 th Battalion. A total of approximately $14,000 was raised and donated to our education programme. Getaway are taking on board our new programme which this year is “Walk in Honour of Surviving Diggers and their fallen mate” hopefully this programme will yield good educational results as the previous programme. $ PwC have been serving the community dating back since 1874 when the accounting practice was established by Joseph Flack. Over the years PwC merged with several practices to become one of the four largest accounting practices world-wide. PwC offers a large range of services ranging from Estate Planning, Franchise Developments, Accounting & Taxation Advice, Consulting with entrepreneurs and high growth business and offer many other services to the government and corporate sectors. PwC conducted leadership development seminars during the year and invited one of our committee Lt Colonel Daryl Clarke to attend and address the leadership group throughout the year. These sessions formed part of our educational programme and the committee of the 39 th Battalion wish to thank PwC for their support last year and their donation of $3,000 which has been added to our educational. We look forward to a long standing relationship ______Our gratitude is also extended to the 70 th Anniversary Committee; the Ferntree Gully Primary School; Alan Moore and the BELGRAVE SOUTH Primary School which supports the EFOGI 2 School PNG.
Anzac Day, a time for remembering and meeting up with old friends. Alan Moore and his two daughters, Liz and Ro enjoy a drink together, whilst on a visit back to Queensland, Cec Driscoll catches up on old times with Jim Stillman.
Many friends gathered for the Reunion lunch. A special welcome from George and Una Cops to our new President, Lt Colonel Daryl Clark, his wife Amanda and their two sons.
As part of the 39 th education program Alan Moore has visited many schools. Students at Wattle Views Primary School were entranced by all he had to say. This year the Schools’ Legacy Day service was held at the Kokoda Memorial Terrace
The fundraising Kids of Kokoda” lunch, in the members Dining Room at the MCG, was a special day for Alan Moore, John Akhurst, George Cops, Peter Holloway and Bob Iskov from the 2/14. Our veteran panel answered questions and later they lined up for photos with the army band and Jeff Kennett “
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