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Home , Deputy Chief of Army, Peter Cosgrove, Peter Gration, Royal Canberra Golf Club, Sydney Rowell

NEWSLETTER 1/2013 APRIL 2013

th On Sunday morning John McGuire introduced us to 55 Anniversary Reunion ‘Magwa’s Walking Bus’ (MWB). This started from Rydges RMC Class of 1957 and, although short on wheels and seats, was OK going downhill. The MWB proceeded at a graceful pace and at one Peter Badman stage our ever-extending column was overtaken by a At our last reunion in 2007, the 1957 New Zealanders Kindergarten Crocodile. Our first destination was the proposed to host a ‘55 Years On’ reunion in Auckland rather Voyager New Zealand Maritime Museum. This is a place of than wait for ‘60 Years On’. Judging by the turn-out of wonder and surprise for those who appreciate the beauty and smart walking sticks and wheelchairs this year, it seems to grace of yachts. Don’t miss it. The guided tour lasts for 90 have been quite a good idea. While a number of us took minutes and the entry fee of $21 includes one hour sailing advantage of the trip to extend our stay and take in more of on the ‘Ted Ashby’, a ketch-rigged scow which may well be the magnificent New Zealand scenery, our main purpose a secret prototype for the next ‘America’s Cup’. A very remained centred on Auckland. No better place could have good lunch was served at the Waterfront Café, Viaduct been chosen for our reunion as Auckland is a beautiful and Harbour at a pleasingly affordable price. historic city with numerous attractions In mid 2012, the Kiwi planning group, led ably by John McGuire, went into action and before one could shout ‘stand fast’, hotel accommodation, transport, events and so on were lined up and the planning group was demanding more money. In no time 39 Aussie pilgrims were ready to make the three-hour plane trip across the Tasman (the intrepid O.J. O’Brien, as usual, showed true grit, great wheelchair skills and disdained to wear a Tiger Suit). Meanwhile, nine Kiwis were concentrating in Auckland. Our prearranged activities covered the period Saturday 8 December to Tuesday 11 December. Most of the Aussie crew flew in on Saturday and were accommodated at Rydges Hotel in time to meet old friends and sink a cocktail or two in the Hobson Ballroom. The gathering broke up reluctantly at 2000 hrs and most retired for a light dinner

and bed. Perhaps our carousing days are over? ‘Magwas’ walking bus stopped at a traffic light.

Meet and greet at the cocktail party. On the scow Ted Ashby on Auckland Harbour.

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Lunch at the Waterfront Café. Listening to the speeches at the Andrews’ BBQ. In the afternoon we were invited to take the MWB to the Sky Tower but the well known propensity for the elderly to fall off things and the need for pre-party grooming meant there were few takers. On the other hand, later that night, the barbecue hosted by Ray and Laurie Andrews in their delightful home at Remuera was a tour de force—good food, good wine, good conversation and the chance to enjoy the glorious military memories which are the fibres of our unique brotherhood. Many, many thanks Ray and Laurie. We certainly needed taxis that night. On Monday morning, MWB departed Rydges at 1000 hrs heading for the Auckland Art Gallery. (The stream of determined walkers now thinned out over a city block attracting many a curious look from passers-by). The gallery is New Zealand’s oldest and largest public gallery and has recently undergone a redevelopment by a trans- Tasman architectural partnership. Of particular note is the use of extraordinarily beautiful Kauri timber throughout the At the Auckland Art Gallery. new building. We had two senior guides allocated to us for 90 minutes. They were highly professional and extremely pleasant and helpful. After the gallery tour we took the MWB to the Queen’s Ferry Hotel for lunch. This ancient establishment distinguishes itself as the oldest pub in Auckland, pouring its first beer on 19 April 1865 (only the beer has been changed to protect the dyspeptic). Before dispersing to do some superior shopping and ‘stuff like that’, we spent a few charming hours unaware that we were slaking in the haunt of notorious 1963 machine gun murderers (maybe they didn’t like the beer?). That evening the pilgrims broke up into dinner groups or just went to bed. The MWB was having its effect. Tuesday was our final day, a time for some serious business, a day without McGuire’s punishing MWB. The intent was to visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum, a magnificent neo-classical building, reminiscent of a Greco- Poppies and a wreath for the 25 no longer with us. Roman temple situated in the Auckland Domain, on the hill known to the Maori as ‘Pukekawa’. Our purpose was to After the service we moved to another area where the have our own wreath laying ceremony for those members of local Maori tribe honoured us with a short cultural our class who have died. We travelled from Rydges by car performance. We lunched at the Museum’s Columbus Café and taxi, and were met and guided to the Halls of followed by a private one-hour guided tour of Museum Remembrance. The service was conducted by Chaplain highlights appropriate to the New Zealand/ Anthony Hawes, Principal Chaplain Air Force. It was brotherhood in arms. The five-hour day had been an relevant and touching, the names of the dead were read with emotional strain for most of us and we returned to our digs due solemnity and the bugle calls were superbly executed to get in a bit of a nap before the highlight of our trip, the and hair-raising. The unavoidable tears were shed. Reunion Dinner.

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55th Anniversary Reunion: Class of 1957 Back Row: Paula Hansen, Norm Hansen (1957), Arlene Howes, Alan Howes (1957). 4th Row: Bill Henderson (1957), Phil Rhys-Jones, Peter Tilley (1957), Sandra Tilley, Caroline Chapman, Graeme Chapman (1957), Ray Andrews (NZ 1957), Laurie Andrews, John Kemp (1957), Noel Allanson, John Ross (1957). 3rd Row: George Pratt (1957), Joan Pratt, Margaret Henderson, Gwen Rhys-Jones, Paul Greenhalgh (1957), Wendy Greenhalgh, Judith Kemp, Mary Badman, Peter Badman (1957), Mike Ford (1957). 2nd Row: John Willson (NZ 1957), Jan Willson, Shirley Phillips, Margaret Baker, Ken Phillips (1957), Charles Hepenstall (1957), Julie Hepenstall, John Stein (1957), Ailsa Stein, John Rowe (1957). Front: Don McIver (NZ 1957), Margaret McIver, Owen O’Brien (1957), Jeanette O’Brien, John McGuire (NZ 1957), Margaret McGuire, Wendy Whiddon, Bryan Whiddon (1957), Trudy Smith, Ian Smith (1957).

3 The venue was the Northern Club in stately Princes Street. Founded in 1869 as a gentleman’s club of the period, it was a splendid choice for the last event. Needless to say, the meal was presented impeccably and full bellies and fine wine encouraged a greater degree of humour than usual. Fortunately, Master of Ceremonies, (Class Orderly) John Willson conducted affairs with wit and aplomb and it was not until he yielded the floor to all and sundry that some well meant (and well known), slurred statements slipped through. Unfortunately there is insufficient space to include these witticisms.

The reunion organisers John and Margaret McGuire enjoy the dinner. In conclusion, although our bodies are creaking, our faculties may be failing, and our warrior days are definitely over, we are still able to renew and enjoy our long friendship. This reunion showed us once again that our New Zealand comrades and their ladies are people of very high quality. As for we Aussies, well we always knew that didn’t we? Farewell old pals till next time:

“And there’s a hand my trusty fiere Graeme Chapman, Caroline Chapman, Bryan Whiddon, And gie’s a hand o’thine Wendy Whiddon, Judith Kemp, John Kemp, and Joyce We’ll tak a cup o’kindness yet Rutherford at the dinner. For auld lang syne” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Class of 1956 Anniversary

The Class of 1956 gathered on 14 February 2013 to celebrate 60 years after entry to the College on 14 February 1953.

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4 turned out, they were not punished individually but The 1955 RMC Raid on RAAF participated with the rest of the class in a class punishment. Base Fairbairn This punishment involved the replacement of the Class Senior, D.M.M. (Duncan) Francis (deceased), by P.N. (Paul) Mike Ford (1957) Greenhalgh, stoppage of leave for the class for the two In 1952 two guns which had been captured by Australian weeks preceding Camp Training, and a week of late troops in the Boer War were placed at the Fairbairn Avenue afternoon route marches in full marching order along the entrance to RMC, which became known as the Gun Gates. road bordering the airfield. These marches amused the NSM In 1955 the guns were removed—for repair, the who lined the boundary fence on occasions and the whole of the time explained. event did much to bolster Third Class spirit. In October 1955, at a sports event, RAAF National ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Servicemen based at Fairbairn asked why there had been no reaction to their removal of the guns from the Gun Gates. It The Brick Dropped by the was only then that the Corps became aware that the RAAF Class of 57 NSM, in using a vehicle to remove the guns, had pulled them off their mounts causing some damage in the process. Mike Ford (1957) Third Class decided to retaliate with a night raid on the In May 1957, First Class attended the School of Military NSM accommodation to subject them to the ‘Wind and the Engineering for a week, for training in field engineering. Rain’. Unknown to Third Class, a member of Second Class One of the officers on staff was Second Lieutenant G.M. subsequently let slip the raid intent to a RAAF colleague so Lilley who had been at RMC the year before as part of an the NSM were well prepared and set up an ambush. OCS Portsea visit and had allegedly been involved in some Fortuitously the attack was put in from the west across the raids on CSC rooms. It was decided that some punishment airfield runway and so most of the class avoided the ambush for this event needed to be inflicted. and raided near-empty accommodation lines. There were On the Thursday evening at a farewell dinner to the class many struggles over the airport for some time, luckily in the SME Officers’ Mess it was decided that Lilley should without serious injury. Two NSM were taken prisoner and be abducted. As he was the Orderly Officer for the evening, taken back to RMC, along with a number of bicycles. a stand-in for him was organised. He was then abducted, his During the fracas someone (thought to be RAAF) Sam Browne ‘Badge of Office’ and shoes removed and tied extinguished the airfield lights without realising that this in the rafters of the ante room and he was then driven out to also turned off the aircraft safety lights on the surrounding the Georges River rafting site and dumped. [Those involved hills. This was a reportable incident to the Department of M.J. (Mike) Ford, G.W. (Graham) Gill (deceased), M.B. Civil Aviation and the highly annoyed RAAF Officer (Bruce) McQualter (kia), A.W. (Tony) Secombe (deceased), Commanding ordered that six cadets held were to be put in and M.B. (Bryan) Whiddon.] the Guard Room Cell for the night—the log read: ‘Captured The next morning in retaliation, reveille was a large TNT by the Security Police whilst acting in a suspicious manner explosion and the CO/CI of SME, Lieutenant Colonel I.D. crossing the tarmac. Alleged to be RMC Cadets’. Cameron (June 1941), lined the Class up and presented a Four of the Cadets detained for the night were P.W. house brick to the BSM, L.J. (Larry) Lynch (NZ) (Peter) Bourke (deceased), M.E.P. (Mick) Burge (deceased), (deceased), saying “This is the brick your class dropped in M.J. (Mike) Ford, and J.N. (John) Stein. The NSM were a the Mess last night.” When the guilty party was asked to bit concerned at the possible repercussions for the cadets step forward the whole class did so, so the CO decreed that and throughout the night provided company and cigarettes the class was to report to the ‘Brick Yard’ in the afternoon through the barred cell window. The build up of cigarette to shift some bricks before going on leave, under the ash made a good black slurry for the soles of Peter Bourke’s command of Second Lieutenant Lilley. This of course sandshoes. By doing a shoulder stand on his cellmates he rapidly degenerated into a fun competition to see who could walked up one wall, across the tall ceiling and down the move their allocation of bricks the fastest. opposite wall leaving a clear set of footprints. A suitable memento of this event had to be arranged and, The Adjutant of the Corps of Staff Cadets, Captain K.J. with the help of classmate Peter Tilley’s contacts, a full- O’Neill, MC (1947), arrived about 8.00am the next morning scale model of a house brick carved in polished granite was with a bus for the cadets’ return to RMC. It would be an mounted on a wooden base with a silver plate labelling it as understatement to say that he was silently fuming when he ‘The Brick dropped in the SME Officers’ Mess by Class of signed his six cadets out of the Guard House Log Book. The 57’. In August 1957 a group of the class, who were attached cadets were debussed at the top of the parade ground near to 17 National Service Battalion at Ingleburn as acting ‘Panic Palace’. They were quite a sight in their black track second lieutenants for two weeks, formally presented the suits and sand shoes, well stained with the remnants of flour granite brick to the SME Officers’ Mess. bombs and still damp from fire hoses. Second Class were Some years later in a chance meeting at C&SC drilling on the square and watched on with much merriment. Queenscliff the brick incident was discussed with the After a quick change the cadets were fronted briefly to Commandant of the Staff College [ex CO of SME at the the CSC Commanding Officer (then Lieutenant Colonel brick incident time]. He stated that the ‘Brick’ was often F.G. Hassett (1938)) who was very restrained in his informal used as a table centrepiece on Dining In Nights, and that the reprimand. On return to the Adjutant’s Office, all were story of the ‘Brick’ incident had been written down and informed they were on a charge. Staff Cadet Stein queried placed in a safe, with the intention of checking the ‘facts’ whether the whole class was being charged or only those with whatever story had since grown. that had been captured. Captain O’Neill replied that he It might be of interest to check the comparison now. would advise them later if any charges were to be laid. As it ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

5 a replica of the one that stands in the forecourt of the United Cowra – a place to reunite! Nations Headquarters in New York as a reminder of the (Duntroon Society Reunion 2014) continual need for all nations to work for peace. The Australian World Peace Bell was awarded to Cowra in 1992

for its long standing contribution to world peace and Branch is calling for registrations of interest for a international understanding. It is the only World Peace Bell Duntroon Society Reunion in Cowra on a weekend during in the world that is not located in a city. the period March to May 2014. The proposal is a weekend Cowra Japanese Garden is a simply stunning five- of activity similar to past reunions, with local tours hectare strolling garden, the largest of its type in the depicting historical and current features, winery visits, a Southern Hemisphere. The Garden was officially opened in Reunion Dinner, and of course plenty of opportunities to 1979 and remains a place of peace and a symbol of catch up with others from all over. reconciliation between Australia and Japan. The Garden is Please contact Bob Slater by e-mail at connected to the site of the Breakout and former Prisoner of [email protected] or 0418 317 057 to register War Camp by Sakura Avenue. Translating to Cherry Tree interest by 1 June 2013. Avenue in English, this commemorative drive connects the Cowra Japanese Garden with the site of the POW Camp, Why Cowra? and continues on to the Australian and Japanese War Cemetery. Additional monuments attributed to the Cowra Cowra meets the criteria used for choosing past Breakout include the Garrison Gates and Cowra Italy reunion sites, namely roughly equidistant from Eastern Friendship Monument. states capitals, points of general and military interest, suitable accommodation and good choice of food and wine. Cowra Shire is located in Central , 310 kilometres drive due west of . Population has shown steady growth and was 13,100 in the 2001 census.

The Cowra Breakout At 1:50 am on the clear moonlit night of August 5, 1944, the largest Prisoner of War breakout in modern military history occurred at Cowra. More than 1000 Japanese prisoners launched a mass ‘suicide attack’ on their guards, Australian soldiers of the 22nd Garrison Battalion. To the Japanese, the disgrace of capture could finally be overcome by dying in armed battle. Armed with crude weapons, four groups each of Cowra Shire was originally inhabited by the Wiradjuri approximately 300 Japanese threw themselves on to barbed people. The first white explorers entered the Lachlan Valley wire fences and into the firing line of Vickers machine guns. in 1815 (George Evans). A Military Depot was established Protected only by baseball mitts, blankets and coats and not long after at Soldiers Flat near present day Billimari. using their comrades as a human bridge to cross the tangled Settlers appeared to have moved into the Lachlan Valley barbed wire, more than 350 Japanese clawed their way to after 1835 and the township of Cowra had its beginnings in freedom. 1840. The town and district have since grown and All escapees were captured during the following week. prospered. Significant events such as the construction of A total of 107 POWs were wounded, 231 prisoners died Wyangala Dam in the late 1920s and early 1930s, the along with four Australian soldiers. Military Training Camp and the POW Camp, the migrant From the tragedy of war and the Cowra Breakout came a camp, the second Wyangala Dam all contributed to Cowra long lasting friendship between the people of Cowra and the economy where other towns may have struggled. nation of Japan. There is much in Cowra today which serves Cowra has at least 50 different cultures within the as a reminder to these events. community, a fine record and proof of the value of regional The POW Theatre, located within the Cowra Visitor integration of new cultures into the Australian way of life. Information Centre, tells the story of the Cowra Breakout Cowra celebrates this cultural diversity with the Annual and its aftermath. The story of Claire, the local girl, is Festival of International Understanding. inspirational and the display simply amazing. A must see for Cowra is also the home of Australia's World Peace Bell. any visitor. Located in Civic Square, the Australian World Peace Bell is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

6 event {This sign—and indeed the oval—are now no more. A Century of Cricket at the RMC We hope to report more in the next Newsletter. Ed}. Speech at the RMC Centenary Cricket Dinner The RMC never won a premiership before its move to by Steve Gower (1961) Victoria Barracks, Sydney, during the Depression. Its return in 1937 was again welcomed as a boost to regional cricket, but the RMC was to play, not at the top level, but in B grade initially. Cricket was a bit different then: one grand final I feel honoured to have been invited to speak to you tonight was scheduled to begin on 21 March and was played at three at this illustrious occasion celebrating cricket at Duntroon different locations including Duntroon before ending on 30 over the last 100 years and also the 55 years that the May when the loser forfeited! The bat obviously dominated Molonglo Cricket Club has existed. over the ball, with first innings scores being 342 and 414. Cricket has been played in the district since the Geoffrey Solomon (August 1940) in his book 1850s. The principal club originally was the Ginninderra A Poor Sort Of Memory said the 1939 team was an Cricket Club. It played social matches against enthusiasts in extraordinarily good one. It had three former the settlements at Hall, Gundaroo, Burra and Queanbeyan colts and two SACA first graders (Bishop (1939), who was and indeed Duntroon, which of course was pre- and in to be killed in action in North Africa, and Warhurst (August the days of the Campbells. Not surprisingly, there was no 1944) who died in the Malayan campaign). There were also formal Cricket Association, as such; that was not to come a number of stylish batsmen who had played good cricket in until many years later in 1922. Sydney. Unusually, in my experience, NZ contributed some The establishment of the Royal Military College on the very useful fast bowlers. Solomon said that the star was Duntroon property caused excitement in local cricket R.A. Hay (1939), who was later to be Commandant of the circles. It was predicted to be ‘the biggest boost to cricket in RMC. A great sportsman, he had played VCA first grade the region’. Given the influx of young cadets and their and was an excellent opening bat. As an aside, I remember instructors into a region with a population of only 1,600, this Solomon well from a match we cadets played against Army comment is understandable. HQ. I got him first ball with one that went with the arm. He At this time cricket clubs were regarded as the focal wasn’t happy, I recall, but one never is in those point of social activity. Cricket was ‘held in high esteem as circumstances. a social pastime, a sporting endeavour and a moral force’. The RMC played cricket during some of the war, but Sadly I doubt you could make that generalisation today, but formally re-entered the ACT first grade competition in the many of the old values live on, I believe, in the RMC and 1946/47 season. Some of the clubs were not happy that the Molonglo cricket. RMC had to forfeit matches because of the lengthy absence Lieutenant General , who entered the of cadets on Christmas leave, but the Association thought College in 1911, said in his book Full Circle that ‘sport access to Duntroon’s turf wicket was a sufficient benefit to played a huge part in our lives’. Fifty years later that was my put such complaints to one side. experience too at Duntroon. In 1951 Staff Cadet Ian McLellan (1954) played in the There were no women at the RMC at all in any capacity inaugural Prime Minister’s XI match against the West at the start, so Rowell recalled in his book. When it was Indies. He remains the only RMC cadet to have gained decided that women were needed as laundry assistants and Prime Ministerial selection. The RMC also provided the like, the commandant, later to become Major General Sir marquees for shade at , as well as radios and William Throsby Bridges, gave the instruction, operators to assist communication between scorers and the extraordinary by today’s standards, that those engaging such scoreboard. help should ‘make them darned old and ugly’. It seems he In the 1957/58 season, the RMC withdrew from the didn’t want the cadets distracted from focusing on studies competition because of its inability to provide a good team and sport. for the entire season. The RMC never won a single As for cricket, Rowell specifically mentioned in his book premiership, which is puzzling, but probably caused by the the first hat-trick taken at the RMC. Cyril Clowes (1914), inability to get good staff substitutes during the absence of later of Milne Bay fame, had Rowell stationed at long-on, in cadets on leave. Twice, in 1954–55 and again in 1956–57, which position he caught three batsmen in a row. Rowell the RMC came very close, but lacked the bit of extra luck feared he would be throttled if he dropped the final catch. needed in the key match. At least the RMC won a Strangely, it was not said what sort of stuff Clowes was premiership in Australian Rules, and several, of course, in bowling, but with three hits in a row to long-on, I doubt it Rugby Union. could have been fast, nor particularly threatening. But as any In 1958, I entered the RMC. I had played for the bowler knows, any wicket is a good wicket irrespective of Cricket Club U16 team coached by Clarrie the merits of the wicket-taking ball! Grimmett who, even at an advanced age, could hit a coin on When it was formed in 1922, the Federal Territory the pitch, ball-after-ball, as an example of the control we Cricket Association had Duntroon as a foundation club. Its should strive for. I then played grade cricket with Prince first patron was a Colonel J.T.H. Goodwin (who happened Alfred College. A future star in our team was one Chappell to be the Commonwealth Surveyor-General). Matches were I. In fourth class I went straight into the RMC First XI on played on ant bed wickets, which played very truly when arrival, the team being coached by the then Major John watered and rolled beforehand. There were also some Salmon (1946), whom I’m delighted to see here tonight. The concrete wickets on which either coir or canvas matting was first match I played in was against the RANC. They were stretched over. It is notable that Duntroon had the first turf badly outclassed, and I recognised that Duntroon had an wicket in the district when one was laid in 1917. You may excellent team which could easily have played in second if have all have seen the sign on the bottom oval noting that not first grade in any capital city. There was ‘Big John’ Moody (1958), a fast bowler and hard-hitting batsman

7 (father of Australian player, Tom), Dave Gilroy (1958), an I understand RMC cricket is now essentially of the T20 extraordinarily good athlete, John Bullen (1958), who had variety, with only three what I –as an old cricketer– would been coached by Bert Oldfield and an outstanding wicket call ‘proper’ matches. That seems quite a fundamental keeper well able to execute leg side stumpings, Alex Laing change to cricket at the RMC, for it must be hard to develop (1960), a persistent and accurate left-armer, who of course the full range of skills that are needed in the lengthier went on to play for Molonglo and make a great contribution, versions of cricket just from playing T20 cricket. But then I and Mike Dudman (1959), a very correct and fluent batsman am a traditionalist. from NZ. In that Easter we beat Old Sydneians at Turning to the Molonglo Cricket Club, it was founded in Rushcutters Bay Oval in Sydney. Their opening bowler was 1956 and played originally as GPS Old Boys. In their Jim O’Regan, a current NSW Sheffield Shield bowler. second match they comfortably beat the RMC Staff. There is no doubt the 1958 team was a great one. Whether it Emboldened by this success they then took on the RMC 1st was better than the 1939 team of Geoffrey Solomon’s time XI and promptly found themselves all out for 35 with that is best left to speculation. I will venture to say it would be outstanding cricketer, Gilroy, taking 6/4. Suffice to say, they an excellent game of cricket. have developed since then, and you only come across a Now, I’m sure someone might push the claims of the quality Gilroy type player infrequently. 1952 team with fine players such as Ian Way (1953) who is In retrospect, Molonglo were established at just the right still the only RMC cadet to feature in ACTCA record books, time for cricket at the RMC. With the demise of its thanks to his 74 wickets at an average of 10 in the 1951–52 involvement in the ACT competition, RMC cricket needed a season. Ian Way was also the prime destroyer of Kingston in regular opponent, one who played the game with a good their ACT record lowest ever total of 14. A year later he spirit, provided good competition, and who shared a home dealt similarly with Turner who struggled to 17 after being 9 ground. The relationship was cemented in the by the for 11. introduction of the annual Commandant’s XI versus I have asked John Bullen for a second opinion on Molonglo match, which goes from strength-to-strength. possibly the strongest RMC team of all, but he says it is too It is a great pleasure tonight to see present, amongst hard to choose between 1939, 1952, 1958 and 1983. Sadly I many other Molonglo players over the years, Laurie never saw the 1983 team in action. O’Donnell (1954), a former Chief of Army and patron of We played Molonglo CC during my four years at Molonglo, and Peter Blyth (1955), a great competitor who Duntroon. I recall the very good afternoon teas, and drinks loved his cricket and played it with a tremendous spirit. in the Officers’ Mess afterwards rather than the standard of Both were members of the RMC 1952 team. the cricket. But I do recall that the cricket was played in Could I wish both teams good luck tomorrow in the good spirit with excellent camaraderie afterwards. I did not Centenary match, and now I ask you to be upstanding to join play in the Jubilee cricket match against Molonglo, which with me in a toast to the RMC Cricket Club and to the was umpired by S.F. Rowell. However, my brother played MCC. It is certainly an occasion to celebrate. in that match, prompting a letter from the general afterwards ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ warning my brother to watch his tendency to get too close to Steve Gower entered Duntroon in 1958 and went straight bowling no-balls. into the 1st XI. He won the NSW Graduates’ Trophy in 1960 On graduation I went back to grade cricket in Adelaide and 1961 for the team’s best all-rounder. In 1961 he also and played for University. It was nothing like the social was awarded the Sword of Honour and the Queen’s Medal. cricket of my last four years at the RMC. For one, sledging After completing his Master’s degree in Mechanical was rife. It was played hard, and I found it was a big jump in Engineering at Adelaide University he served in the usual standard. In those days the Sheffield Shield and international variety of regimental and staff appointments in his military cricket calendar was not as busy as it is today, and you could career, including a year as an artillery forward observer play regularly against representative cricketers in grade with 5RAR and 6RAR in Vietnam. As a Major General he cricket. I remember the Australian opening batsman Les left the Army to become the Director of the Australian War Favell batting against University one day. It was my Memorial from 1996 to 2012. Already appointed an Officer brother’s first match as an opening bowler. Hitting Les on of the Order of Australia for his military service, he was the pads second ball, he appealed enthusiastically and later appointed to the same level for a second time for his hopefully. He earned a quick response from Les. Even outstanding service as Director of the AWM. He is the before the umpire had time to think about his decision, Les author of Guns of the Regiment covering all the guns of the retorted ‘Who the [censored] do you think you are?’. I knew Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery from the very what would happen next, a bouncer, as did Les! He hooked beginning until 1980. After a long involvement in ACT club deep and hard down to backward square leg where he was cricket he is currently Patron of ACT Cricket. caught. Many years later the fieldsman said he was 20 metres outside the rope. Les said quickly ‘Too bloody good ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ son’ and departed. I learnt a lot from that encounter in how to throw off young fast bowlers. I came back to Canberra in 1975 and had a practice with Molonglo. However, I decided to try grade cricket again with the old City club occasionally playing on a Sunday with Molonglo. With City, I ended up playing 1st Grade as a batsman (not as a bowler), became club coach, and then had ten years as President, and now Patron of a combined club, North Canberra. I must say I thoroughly enjoyed playing in the ACT cricket competition.

8 These days the Duntroon Public School badge is rarely Duntroon Public School seen. Paraded only on special occasions, it usually attracts Anne Claoué-Long attention and often mystifies. [These notes were extracted by John Bullen from a full On seeing the Duntroon article by Anne Claoué-Long, published in the March 2013 Public School badge for the issue (new series no 70) of the Canberra Historical Journal. first time, one can be Anne Claoué-Long is an Associate in Godden Mackay forgiven for thinking that it Logan Heritage Consultants who have been engaged by is a military badge. Made Department of Defence for advice on heritage aspects of of enamelled brass, it has a Defence properties. John’s interest in the badge was gilt crown on top, the word rekindled at the ACT Duntroon Society lunch last November Duntroon is prominently when Sheryl Lipczynski wore her old Duntroon School displayed, its colours are badge.] red and blue, and at the bottom there is a scroll bearing the words ‘Knowledge is Power’ – the English translation of the RMC Latin motto. Although not a military badge, this badge is indeed closely connected to the RMC. The establishment of the College in 1911 brought families of staff to Duntroon and their need for schooling. Initially this was done at the College by Miss Ada Curley, elder sister of Sylvia Curley (1898–1999) later to become famous in Canberra as a hospital matron and nursing administrator. This informal arrangement with Ada Curley lasted until 1914 when Duntroon Public School was established. Although now formally existing as a school with two teachers, it did not have its own building and operated out of various rooms in the College, including the former isolation ward and the old dispensary at the RMC Hospital. Children from neighbouring farms boosted the attendance which was between 30 and 50 in those days.

When the RMC moved to Victoria Barracks in Sydney in 1931, the consequent drop in attendance at Duntroon At the ACT Duntroon Society lunch last November [full School was compensated by the closure of Majura Public report pp. 11–12], Sheryl Lipczynski (née Starkey) proudly School further up the Majura valley. For the next few years wore her old Duntroon School badge. Duntroon School now used the vacated College classrooms ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ at Duntroon. In 1936, with the College soon to return to Duntroon, a Class of 56—The Other Reunion permanent school was at last built, sited just across the Woolshed Creek from Duntroon No 1 Oval. The new While the Class of 56 celebrated 60 years of entry at a resort Duntroon School consisted of classrooms, a shelter shed, a near Nowra 12–14 February, a break-away group, along headmaster’s residence and a garage. with some friends, celebrated with a cruise on the Queen It remained closely connected with the College however, Mary 2. making occasional use of the gymnasium, sporting fields, swimming pool and cinema hall. The School’s musical education benefited from its contact with the RMC Band. The RAAF base at Fairbairn also lent its facilities to support school activities. No doubt the active Duntroon School Parents & Citizens Association was a big help. Its preserved records show a wide range of army and air force ranks held by its office bearers, including that of major general. At its peak around 1960, the School had six teachers and over 200 pupils. Over the next decade attendance declined considerably, thanks partly to more service families living in Canberra suburbs rather than at Duntroon. In 1970 the remaining 135 pupils were transferred, mostly to Campbell Primary School, and Duntroon Public School closed after 34 years at that site. The school buildings beside the Woolshed Creek still remain however. From 1972 until 1977, the Association for Modern Education (AME) School was there and since 1983 John Simson, Genevieve Balzary, Annie Deacon, Nick the buildings have been used by the Richmond Fellowship Marshall, and Jock and Marguerite Jenvey. to provide, youth, family and mental health services to the ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ACT communities.

9 From the Chairman, Duntroon Saturday, 27 April:  Dinner at Doltone House on Jones Bay Wharf Society Committee Sunday, 28 April: Peter Evans  March through Windsor  Church Service, St Matthew’s Windsor The Royal Military College of Australia Association  Morning Tea provided by the Parish Ladies Incorporated Board met on 4 December 2012. The draft Auxiliary. Minutes include the following summary:  Tour of Scheyville National Park and OTU heritage “The Commandant summarised the way ahead, and site. the Board AGREED and understood the intent, that  Lunch at Scheyville. subsequent to Deputy Director (Financial Details are posted on the OTU website www.otu.asn.au. Accounting) – Army advice and legal advice, the Association would take the appropriate action to Greg Todd, Convenor, [email protected] wind-up the Association, and where: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1. Association funds, stock, and accrued liabilities From The Podmore Foundation would be transferred to the Duntroon Society; 2. The drink machines trading account funds would www.podmorefoundation.org be split between the Soldiers Club and the Corps All members of the Duntroon Society of Staff Cadets; are grateful to past generations for 3. That a further meeting would be scheduled to the inheritance of our great nation formalise the Association wind-up; and after their sacrifice and hard work. 4. The Commandant would be invited to be the But they have bequeathed unfinished Patron of the Duntroon Society.” business that the Podmore Board felt needed to be attended to before There has still not been advice from the Deputy Director handing Australia on to coming (Financial Accounting) – Army and, as yet, there has been generations. no transfer of funds but I expect this will happen in the near future. I do not have a timetable for the winding up of the The Podmore Foundation is very proud to update the Association, but I anticipate this will be in the next month or Society on its first two secondary school graduates, Kyol so. Note, however, that the Commandant has agreed to be Blakeney, from Werris Creek, NSW, (population 1,498) Patron of the Society. There will be a need for a minor re- who boarded at Scots College, Sydney, and completed Year write of the Charter of the Duntroon Society which I will 12 in 2011, and Mitchell Whiteley, from Geurie, NSW undertake with the assistance of Convenors. (population 466), who boarded at St Ignatius, Riverview, Two new Fellows of the Duntroon Society have been and completed Year 12 in 2012. They were awarded appointed: Doctor Michael Ryan (1980) from the ACT and Podmore scholarships in 2008 and 2009 respectively, Brigadier Graeme Loughton (1956), Convenor Queensland sponsored by a group of Duntroon graduates, Bob Breen Branch. I am certain all members will join me in extending (1973), John Hands (1973), Steve McLeod (1973), David congratulations. Ross (1973), Gary Stone (1973), Les Bienkiewicz (1974) Membership continues to grow and now stands at near and Glenn Crosland (1976). In addition to assisting Kyol 2,064 but we still struggle to attract serving ARA and ARES and Mitchell with school fees Podmore encouraged them officers. As always, I would welcome any suggestions on along their secondary school journey. Both were recipients how we might improve our attractiveness to new members. of the Professor and General Again I would like to stress that comments and Scholarship for Leadership. suggestions for content for the Newsletter and the web site Each boy represents what can be done by and for are always welcome and should be directed to the Editor, Dr Indigenous children from rural and remote communities and Mike Ryan, or myself. towns who have talent and determination, but not the opportunity for a first-class education. The success of these ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ two specially selected boys emulates the success of many From the OTU Representative Duntroon graduates from small rural towns who achieved their full potential through their military education and Wal Hall training at Duntroon. The OTU Association is planning a National Reunion to be held in Sydney in 2013 for the Cadets and Staff who shared the Scheyville experience, and their partners. The schedule of events is: Thursday, 25 April:  march  Commemoration ceremony, lunch and afters at the Masonic Club Friday, 26 April: General Peter Cosgrove (1968), Kyol Blakeney, and  Class reunions Professor Mick Dodson.

10 Indigenous boys from Werris Creek were not expected to victory over the New Zealand Schoolboys. Mitchell has catch the bus to attend high school at Tamworth because received a scholarship to St John’s College, Sydney most did not complete their primary school education. Kyol University, where he will continue his Rugby Union career Blakeney did and received a Yalari scholarship under management and study to be a physiotherapist—a (www.yalari.org) to Scots College in 2006. He was the only Wallaby in the making. Indigenous boy studying at Scots in 2007. In February 2008 The Podmore Foundation is pleased to announce the first he was awarded the Podmore Foundation’s inaugural named Duntroon Class scholarship. At their 40th scholarship. He and his mother, Sally, received support from anniversary reunion last year the Class of 1972 pledged to Podmore for the next four years. support a new Podmore scholarship in the spirit of both In 2010 Kyol received the inaugural Professor Mick Returning Opportunity and Learning Promotes Strength. Dodson and General Peter Cosgrove Scholarship for This Class challenges other Classes to follow their lead to Leadership. By this time he was the first Indigenous boy to express their gratitude for a good education in good become the Pipe Major of the Scots College Pipes and company at Duntroon by pledging a Podmore scholarship in Drums Band and would lead the band on an international their name to give boys like Kyol and Mitchell opportunities tour in 2010. In 2011 he was a Prefect and House Captain to reach their full potential through a first class education at and received a scholarship to St Andrews College, Sydney one of Australia’s finest independent boarding schools— University, in 2012. In 2013 Kyol will continue his studies Pass the Oil. to become a primary school teacher. He plans to encourage ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ other Indigenous youngsters to finish primary school and go on to achieve their full potential. From the Branches Australian Capital Territory Branch Office Holders Convenor: Brigadier P.J.A. (Peter) Evans (1958) Secretary: Lieutenant Colonel J.E. (John) Bullen (1958) Treasurer: Lieutenant Colonel M.J. (Mike) Ryan (1980) Members: Dr Moreen Dee (WRAAC OCS 1966); Brigadier G.T. (George) Salmon (1959); Colonel M.J. (Mike) Ford (1957); Major S.B. (Stuart) Althaus (RMC & OCS 1982) Mitchell Whiteley Annual Lunch & Speech, 2012 Our annual Lunch & Speech was held in Duntroon House on Tuesday 27 November 2012. Our speaker was to have been Brigadier Tan Roberts, but since he was convalescing after major surgery, we brought in our substitute from off the bench – Major General Ian Gordon and he did us proud. Ian spoke on his expectations in life and how very differently life had turned out for him, finishing up as a professional publisher. A polished public speaker, Ian entertained us all with his informative insights into life at senior levels of the of today and also in serving with the United Nations. As Commander of Training Command and also as he had the opportunity to mark his mark on Duntroon, but chose not to because he was too busy coping with unexpected difficulties which kept arising everywhere else. The audience was invited to ponder the crisis that arose at Kapooka when NCO instructors were Mitchell captained the Under 16 Australian Polocrosse prohibited from swearing at recruits. Overnight they lost all team on a tour to South Africa in 2010 their get up and go words as well as all their punctuation, and now had to be retrained to restore their powers of Growing up on a farm near Geurie, NSW Mitchell communication. And, after the normal repostings at the end Whiteley liked to ride horses and play Rugby League. He of the year, more verbal paralysis and further retraining enrolled at St Ignatius College, Riverview, on a Yalari followed. At one time in Ian’s UN career, a posting to the scholarship in 2007. He captained the Under 16 Australian Sudan had looked likely, but did not eventuate because of Polocrosse team on a tour to South Africa in 2010. He was what had happened to the last General Gordon sent to also a member of the Australian Institute of Sport U16 Khartoum. The audience of 34 was privileged to listen to Ian Rugby Union Development Squad. He received the Gordon’s highly enjoyable speech. Professor Mick Dodson and General Peter Cosgrove In thanking Ian afterwards, our Convener couldn’t help Scholarship for Leadership in 2011. He began playing for himself, noting that this speech completed a hat-trick of fine the Riverview First XV in Year 10 and captained the team in speeches in 2010, 2011, and 2012 by officers from the Year 12. In 2012 he was captain of the NSW and Australian Royal Australian Corps of Signals. Schoolboys teams, taking the Australian Schoolboys to

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Foreground: Associate Professor Syd Hodges, Yvonne Sheryl Lipczynski (née Starkey) (visiting from Sydney), Ross Bullen. Background: Jock Stewart (OCS Jun 1956), Pam Harding (1948), Yvonne Bullen, Associate Professor Syd Yonge, Paul Yonge (1943), Maxine Sheldrick, Hodges, Vin Musgrave (1956) (visiting from ). (1952). Neighbours at lunch today, Sheryl and Ross were next door neighbours 60 years ago in adjacent RMC married quarters in Plant Road. Back then, Sheryl was the schoolgirl daughter of Major Cec Starkey after whom Starkey Park is named and Ross was a Captain on RMC staff.

Reg Beesley (1959), Trish Beesley, Bob Breen (1973), and Jock Stewart.

Ian Gordon (1973) (guest speaker), and Peter Evans (1958). New South Wales Branch Office Holders Convenor: D.A. (Duncan) Spencer (1962), [email protected], (02) 9969 0772, 0414 573 574. Peter Gration, Margaret Morrison, Ann Gration, Treasurer: I.R. (Ian) Taylor (1965), Lady Daly, and John Sheldrick (1956). [email protected], (02) 9953 9441, 0407 539 441. Secretary: P.M. (Peter) Reid (1964), [email protected] (02) 9460 0741, 0417 274 090 Since our last report the NSW Branch conducted a Graduation lunch at Victoria Barracks, Paddington on 11 December 2012, incorporating the Class of 1951 Reunion— a total of 53 diners. It is planned to again have mid-year and December Graduation Lunches in 2013. 2012 saw two-thirds of the Committee of the NSW Branch ‘ex-duty’ in the latter few months. Duncan Spencer and Ian Taylor were both hospitalised and rehabilitated after running repairs/replacement to neck and a hip respectively. Our capable Secretary, Peter Reid shouldered the Foreground: Moreen Dee (WRAAC OCS 1966), George responsibility for the organisation of the December lunch. Salmon (1959), David Luhrs (1986) (Commandant). More recently in 2013 we learned that Roy Pugh, former Background: John Moyle (1956), Mike Ford (1957), Registrar at the RMC, previous Convenor of the NSW Trish Beesley, Bob Breen, Paul Yonge, Jock Stewart, and Branch and ongoing stalwart supporter has been hospitalised Pam Yonge. with leg problems. At last report he was moving to respite

12 care in a local nursing home. Roy has been doing it doubly cadet to a long career as an officer in the Royal Australian tough as his wife of 57 years, Margaret was also hospitalised Infantry, including operational service in Korea and and died on 4 February 2013 after a short illness. Margaret command of 3 RAR in . was an artist and art teacher. She was dubbed ‘mother to The Annual Graduation Luncheon is to be held at the staff cadets’ during their posting at the RMC. We offer our Naval, Military and Air Force Club, Adelaide on Tuesday, 3 sincere condolences to Roy, and the family. December 2013. During the reporting period we also farewelled Major General C.M.I. (Sandy) Pearson AO, DSO, OBE, MC Victoria & Tasmania (1940) who died 7 November 2012. Major General Pearson Branch Office Holders was a former Commandant of the RMC and also a stalwart supporter of the Duntroon Society (NSW) Branch. Most Victoria continues to operate by committee with occasional recently we have been advised of the death of Major meetings and primary contact by email. The committee General K.W. (Kevin) Latchford AO on 24 February 2013 consists of: (1947). Coordinator: R.A. (Bob) Slater (1963) Treasurer: A.M. (Alan) McDonald (1951) New Zealand Members: P. (Phil) Davies (1961), C. (Conrad) Ermert (1962) (Membership), and D.J. (Doug) George (1967). Branch Office Holders C.A. (Craig) Wood (1963) remains proxy for Canberra- Patron: Major General R.G. Williams, CB, MBE (1952). based meetings. Convenor: Brigadier M.J. Dudman, LVO, OBE (1959). Branch Social Functions Secretary/Treasurer: Major P.J. Skogstad (1964). Twenty seven members, partners and guests enjoyed the Golf annual Victoria Branch luncheon on Thursday 18 October The annual golf tournament was combined with the 2012, held at ’s Graduate House. Auckland Postal Golf tournament and played on Friday 16 Commandant RMC, Brigadier David Luhrs (OCS 1985; November 2012 at the Waitemata Golf Club. The organiser RMC 1986), honoured us by attending as our guest speaker was Brigadier M.J. (Mike) Dudman (1959). 16 members and and gave us a candid insight into life at RMC today, and the partners competed for the three Duntroon Society golf challenges facing the College and new generations of staff competitions. The winners were: cadets. Brigadier Luhrs commented that graduates of past Porter Cup for mixed pairs: Max Ritchie and June generations would find many changes, but that the more Dixon (74 pts) enduring traditions can still be found, and that the standard Acacia Bay trophy for ladies: June Dixon (36 pts) of cadets is as high if not higher than ever albeit that their Acacia Bay trophy for men: Max Ritchie (38 pts) demography (age, gender, background, and experience) is Participants enjoyed a light meal and prizegiving at the decidedly different. Recruiting remains a challenge with so Waitemata Golf Club. many other options available to young potential candidates. Tools available to recruiters of past decades (school cadet Membership experience, cadet visits to RMC, headmaster visits, and Membership of the New Zealand Branch is 127 including 14 junior captain full time liaison officers) are no longer spouses of deceased members. available. Victoria Branch has offered to host a luncheon for school principals to hear the same excellent presentation on Queensland Army career opportunities and leadership development offered by ADFA and Duntroon. Branch Office Holders Members and guests attending included: Convenor: G.J. (Graeme) Loughton (1956). David Luhrs (1986) Branch Social Functions John (1938) and Anne Sedgley Bob (1963) and Ruth Slater A small group of members continues to enjoy each other's Jim (1950) and Jan Hughes company monthly at lunch at United Service Club on the Rex (OCS 2/1953) and Noema Rowe second Wednesday of each month. Our ladies join us for a Pat Trost (1948) mixed lunch about twice a year. And where Queensland Alan (1951) and Maria McDonald raised two rather successful teams for the postal golf in the Lois Murchie previous year, we only managed the one team from the Doug George (1967) Sunshine Coast team in late 2012 and we await the results Jake Robison (1962) with interest. Bill (1942) and Vona Beiers South Australia & Northern Territory Stu Bryan (1951) Barry Spencer Branch Office Holders Robert Sutton (1942) Peter (1956) and Gwenda Swaab Convenor: N.R. (Neville) Bergin (1956). Evan McCrum Branch Social Functions James (1944) and Mary McCoy The Graduation Luncheon held on 4 December last year was Also included in the guests were Josh Gurtler, a year 12 well attended. Twenty five members enjoyed an interesting student at Princes Hill Secondary College, who has address by Colonel F. P. (Peter) Scott, DSO (1948) who aspirations for a military career as an officer, and his aunt spoke on his experiences in the transition from life as a Detective Senior Sergeant Fiona Richardson.

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Bob Slater, David Luhrs, Anne Sedgley, and John Sedgley. Jim Hughes, Jake Robison, Lois Murchie, Fiona Richardson, Josh Gurtler, and Jan Hughes. Vale Victoria/Tasmania Branch members were saddened to learn of the deaths in short succession of original Victoria/Tasmania Branch convenor Brigadier Ian Gilmore OBE, OAM on 1 January 2013, and his successor Colonel Don Fenwick on 13 January 2013. Both gave unstinted support to the aims of the Duntroon Society and were instrumental in stirring interest and involvement within Southern Region. Both will be sorely missed. John Sedgley, Ruth Slater, Alan McDonald, Maria General McDonald, and Barry Spencer. We are open to any ideas, and if serving members or more recently retired members from other than four year RMC members have ideas for a more active Duntroon Society in Victoria, we will be very happy to explore options with them. Western Australia Branch Office Holders Convenor: W.R.M. (Bob) Hunter (1985) Social Convenor: K.F. (Kevin) Poynton (1974) James McCoy, Stu Bryan, Gwenda Swaab, Peter Swaab, Note these positions are both endorsed by members but held and Pat Trost. informally as no specific constitution is in place. Social Functions The WA Branch continues to gather quarterly with an informal network and social drinks gathering attended by approximately 30 participants. The next gathering will be in mid-May. Contact detail for all functions is to WA Convener through e-mail at [email protected] or 0413 045 355. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Pat Trost, Robert Sutton, Bill Beiers, Vona Beiers, Mary Coming Events McCoy, James McCoy, and Stu Bryan. ACT Branch 28 May 2013. Autumn Lunch, Duntroon House. TBA November 2013. Annual Lunch and Speech, Duntroon House. NSW Branch 10 December 2013. Graduation Lunch at the Victoria Barracks Officers’ Mess. New Zealand Branch Mid-July 2013. Auckland Sub-Branch annual lunch (venue and date to be confirmed). Organiser: Brigadier M.J. Noema Rowe, Rex Rowe, Jan Hughes, Jim Hughes, Jake (Mike) Dudman (1959). Robison, and Lois Murchie.

14 3 March 2013. Wellington Sub-branch summer lunch at number 1580, he was delighted to meet his corps 8 × midday at Royal Wellington Golf Club. Organiser: great grandfather. Fortuitously, that unique moment Major General K.M. (Ken/Scotty) Gordon (1956). was captured on film and appears on page 9 of Mid-July 2013. Wellington Winter lunch will be held at the Newsletter 1/2000. If you are moved to see it, please Royal Wellington Golf Club hosted by D.J. (David) ignore the obvious error in the caption. Also worthy of Grant (OCS Dec 1961). note is the fact that John Sedgley has attended almost November 2013. The annual golf tournament combined with all of the Reunions both before and since that one. the Auckland Postal Golf Tournament will be played at  As most of the older readers well know, the years roll the Helensville Golf Club. on very quickly and we have now passed the Centenary Queensland Branch of the RMC with John Sedgley as the Duntroon Society Elder. Celebrating his 96th birthday was no bar to him Monthly (second Wednesday). Meet at noon for lunch at undertaking extensive travels in North America in 2012. United Service Club. He has written an entertaining description of his TBA June/July 2013. Mixed lunch. observations and adventures which can be viewed at: TBA August/September. Society postal golf competition (www.dunsoc.com/sedgley.pdf ). TBA September 2013. ADF Dinner, United Service Club. TBA (November/December). Mixed lunch. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ South Australia Branch (incorporating NT) Obituary 10 December 2013. Annual Graduation Luncheon, Naval, Since the publication of the last Newsletter we have learned Military and Air Force Club, Adelaide. of the deaths of the following: Victoria Branch (incorporating Tasmania) 18 October 2013. 1200 for 1230. Annual lunch at Graduate 14 Jun 93 Brigadier T.W. White (1924) House, 220 Leicester Street, Carlton. 9 Sep 09 Lieutenant Colonel P.G. Carruthers (1947) 24 Oct 11 Captain B. Duffy (2006) Western Australia Branch 26 Oct 12 Major General A.B. Stretton (1943) Mid-May. Quarterly drinks. For details, please feel free to 7 Nov 12 Major General C.M.I. Pearson (1940) 1 contact the WA convenor, Bob Hunter on 20 Nov 12 Brigadier R.D.F. Lloyd (1951) [email protected] or Ph 0413 045 355. 28 Nov 12 Professor L. McCredie (1948) 2 Dec 12 Lieutenant Colonel R.E.P. Cowley (1955) Retired Officers Luncheon Club 17 Dec 12 Captain J.R. Becker (1960) This Club meets on the first Thursday of every month for 22 Dec 12 Colonel H.M. Pickering2 lunch at the Royal Canberra Golf Club at 12 noon. Retired 1 Jan 13 Brigadier I.G.C. Gilmore (1946) officers meet in a very pleasant venue for a convivial 13 Jan 13 Colonel D.C. Fenwick (1956) monthly gathering which originated in 1985. There is a 4 Feb 13 Brigadier H.B. Honnor (1948) selected menu which ensures that the cost will be 8 Feb 13 Lieutenant Colonel Sir Guy d’Arcy Boileau approximately $30 including pre-lunch drinks and wine. (1956)3 Bookings are essential. If you are interested please contact 21 Feb 13 Mrs Jeanne Worth Don McDonough (1961) on 6259 6583. 24 Feb 13 Major General K.W. Latchford (1947) 3 Mar 13 Mr J.A. Strong (1964)4 RMC Ceremonial Parades 7 Mar 13 Major J. Cullens (Bangalore 1946) 8 June 2013 Queen’s Birthday Parade and Trooping of the 12 Mar 13 Major B.M. Illingworth (1954) Queen’s Colour. 16 Mar 13 Brigadier G.D. Birch (1960) 18 June 2013. The Graduation Parade. 17 Mar 13 Brigadier J.R. Salmon (1946) 10 December 2103. The Graduation Parade. 21 Mar 13 Mr M.G. Fotheringham (1948) Further information is available from SO3 Protocol and Visits, Ms Jenny Pieper—(02) 6265 9515. 1. As a captain he joined the staff of the RMC as the Instructor in Infantry Minor Tactics in 1956 and he became the Adjutant the Corps of Staff ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Cadets before he departed in 1958. 2. As a major from March 1967 to July 1958 he was the Deputy Assistant Shorts Quarter Master General in Headquarters RMC.

th  As the Elder of the Duntroon Society, Lieutenant 3. He was the 8 Baronet of the Boileau Baronetcy of Tacolneston Hall of the County of Norfolk, having succeeded to the title in 1980 on the death of Colonel J.G. (John) Sedgley (1938) has been around for his father the 7th Baronet. The family is of French aristocratic origins. longer than any of us. However, his name did not appear in any notable way until Newsletter 1/2000. 4. Although a member of the class which graduated in 1964, James Strong attended the RMC for only a couple of years and did not graduate. However This was in a report about the Fourth Inter-branch (now he subsequently achieved much distinction as the chief executive officer of Biennial) Reunion held at Rutherglen in March 2000. Australia’s biggest carrier Airways Ltd. and chairman of the The Victorian Branch Convenor, Lieutenant Colonel country’s largest retailer Woolworths Ltd, as a result of which he was A.M. (Tony) Stove (1963) organised that memorable invited to deliver the annual Harrison Memorial Address at the RMC a few years ago. His photo is among those hanging in the Harrison Room in the event. During his after-dinner comments Tony CSC Mess. mentioned that the oldest graduate present at 83 years was John Sedgley and noted his CSC number as 580. T.W. White At that moment General J.S. (John) Baker (1957) shot Since Newsletter 2/1981 the Obituary feature has been out of the gathering to grasp John Sedgley and to published in the hope that it is informative and accurate. announce to the startled participants that, as CSC From its introduction 31 years ago, there have been few

15 errors but, within that few, there was one that proved wildly premature. Since then even more care has been taken to Jeffrey Peter Meurisse Haydon ensure that such a mistake, or any other mistake, does not Peter Haydon was neither a graduate nor a member of the appear under Obituary. staff of the Royal Military College but his connexion with The majority of sources, such as notification by next of Duntroon is as firm as it is possible to be. Very few have kin, notices in newspapers and contacts from classmates are come to this place as he did. With the kind permission of relatively straight forward. Some are not so. Magazines the Editor of The Age, the following extract from a recent like Camaraderie and newsletters from clubs such as the obituary written by Murray McMillan and passed to us by United Service Club often list deceased members but never Lieutenant Colonel A. (Alf) Argent (1948), reveals the with the date of death. Brigadier White’s name was noticed manner of his arrival. Peter Haydon was born on 6 April in this manner but no details of any kind could be found. In 1913 and died on 29 October 2012. desperation his name and a plea appeared in Newsletter In the grounds of the Royal Military College at Duntroon 1/2010. Mrs Erica Clark, widow of R.A. (Ray) Clark (1953) is a heritage-listed timber cottage, Haydon House, currently contacted one of the Associate Editors to advise that the residence of the Regimental Sergeant Major – Army. Brigadier White had a son who once lived near the Clarks. Completed in 1913, the house was where Peter Haydon was At that stage efforts were concentrated on tracing the source born in the same year. of the magazine’s report, but to no avail. No further action Months shy of 100 years later at Brighton in Melbourne, was taken as the commitment to prepare Newsletter 2/2011 Haydon died, thinning further the ranks of the Australians became paramount. who flew and fought with Bomber Command in World War With that done, Mrs Clark was again contacted and II. His death ended a lifelong link with all three armed recalled that Mr Don White’s move was perhaps to services. He grew up with the Army cadets flowing through Warwick, among other places. In due course Mr Don White the RMC. As a young adult he flew bombing missions over was found in Warwick among a number of D. Whites. Europe and south east Asia. After the War he had a career as Unfortunately he was unable to give an exact date of death a civilian with the . but noted that his father had been buried in a small cemetery His birthplace at Robert Campbell Road, Duntroon, was on Mount Tamborine. Mrs Clark was then asked by that built to house the RMC’s first professor of modern Associate Editor if she knew what local council controlled languages, J.F.M. Haydon who came from Scotch College, that cemetery. She did not, but would contact a friend of Melbourne to fill the post in January 1912. Professor hers who later told Mrs Clark that there was a library at Haydon and his family were to become long-time residents Mount Tamborine within which was a Scenic Ring Council of Canberra. He and his wife Bev (née Price) had three sons representative. Our dogged researcher received from the who grew up at Duntroon and who would often join the said representative the telephone number of a person within cadets in hikes and sporting events and made strong the council administration and the date of death was finally friendships with many of Australia’s future military leaders. fixed. So it was that, just after the ‘publication’ of After he left Duntroon, Professor Haydon and Dr J.H. Allen Newsletter 2/2012, one of the Associate Editors was able to (1879-1964) were the first lecturers appointed full-time to clear for printing the name of Brigadier White, just below the teaching staff of Canberra University College, the the word Obituary. foundation of the Australian National University. Haydon Although we are 20 years late, the editorial team felt that was a senior lecturer in modern languages; Allen, senior Mrs Erica Clark’s ready response and subsequent help lecturer in English and Latin, had been professor of English should not go unheralded and, also, that this vignette may at Duntroon. The ANU’s Haydon-Allen Lecture Theatre is encourage others to rally when able to do so. At the same named after them. time it may be of passing interest for the readers to have a Peter Haydon believed his birth was the first to be brief glance at the backroom work of the Editor and his team registered for the new capital city after the founding and how much easier their life would be if contributors ceremony on Capital Hill on 12 March 1913. could provide all the necessary information at the time they ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ lodged the notification for publication. Profile of Corps of Staff Cadets Current strength (4 March 2013) P.C. and R.P Richardson CSC 394 In Newsletter 2/2012 we wrote that two previous newsletters First Class 76 had recorded Colonel P.C. Richardson as dying on two Second Class 168 different dates, the first on 28 July 2009 and the second on Third Class 124 20 July 2011. Graduates of the RMC are special breed, but Neville Howse VC Platoon 26 not in this way. Serious effort has to be given to correct this Cambodia 2 error. There are two wartime Richardson graduates, one Iraq 3 with the initials P.C. and a graduation date of 18 June 1941 Malaysia 1 and one with the initials R.P. and the graduation date of 12 New Zealand 3 December 1944. Information to correct this grave mistake Pakistan 6 has been gratefully received. We can now confirm the Papua New Guinea 8 following correct dates: Philippines 1 Thailand 1 R.P. Richardson (1944) 28 Jul 09 Timor Leste 1 P.C. Richardson (1941) 20 Aug 11 Tonga 1 Females 60 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

16 Readers will note the differences in the design of the From the Archives gates. The top of the c1955 gates are curved and of plain design with no badges affixed within the metalwork. The Identify the Class watercolour painting shows the front entrance at the time when the gates had been replaced (only one gate is visible). The Archivist would appreciate any information regarding The replacement gates have a horizontal top and OCS the year this photograph was taken, and of any of the badges are centred in the metal work of each. individuals. In the late 1960s, two six-inch barrels were placed at the OCS entrance after their recovery from the Proof and Experimental Establishment (P&EE) range in South Australia. Significantly the barrels were on the guns at Point Nepean which fired the first shots of WWI and WWII. By the 1960s a guardhouse had been erected and stood at the rear of the left gate with a boom gate across the road behind the gates. A lengthy search some years ago failed to locate the gates. We would be interested to know if the location of the later 60s gates is known so that they might be erected within the College grounds to complement those of the WRAAC School. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Annual Postal Golf

Competition 2012

Portsea Front Gates The results of the 2012 Annual Postal Golf Competition are given below, based on those received by me from The following photograph, (dated c1955) was provided by participating Australian states. We had a disappointing courtesy of I.C. (Ian) Teague (OCS Dec 1955) via J.L. number of teams participating this year, and it is obvious (John) Macpherson (OCS Jun 1954). that we need to make a concerted effort to revive this formerly extremely popular annual activity. As there is no membership fee to become a member of the Society, it should be possible to recruit more participants from the many serving and ex-service golfers out there, and I invite all those who have been involved in the past to actively seek new members for 2013. Details of how to register to join the Duntroon Society are given on the Society’s website (www.dunsoc.com). Only five teams participated this year, three from the ACT, one from Queensland and one from New Zealand. A sixth group from Queensland ( Metro) turned up on the day, but because of unavoidable last minute cancellations, were unable to make up a team. Like all good The following water colour sketch is provided by golfers, those remaining made the most of the situation and courtesy of artist Joan Bognuda, and is one of a set of four enjoyed a very pleasant non-competitive social game. water colours used in her book Gateway to Port Phillip Bay Once again my thanks to all who made the effort to published in 1980. participate in the 2012 competition. A particular vote of thanks goes to the organisers of each of the games. We have never yet seen all States and Territories represented in any one year—perhaps it may be achievable in 2013? As can be seen below, we are still well short of having coordinating representatives from all States and Territories, and I would be delighted to hear from keen golfing volunteers who would like to find out how they can become involved so we can keep this very enjoyable annual competition alive and well far into the future.

Good golfing,

Frank Lehman Match Committee Chairman

17 Team event results were: Equal 3rd: J.W. Kingston QLD 38 M. Ritchie NZ 38 1st: ACT (RCGC Reds) J.B. Wilson ACT 38 Royal Canberra Golf Club, 19 Nov 12 R.C. Mounic (USMC) 42 Best Fourball Scores J.B. Wilson (1967) 38 1st: R.B. Bishop (QLD) 48 B.G. Stevens (1969) 36 J.W. Kingston G.T. Salmon (1959) 32 Equal 2nd: W.H. Hall (ACT) 46 I.R. Smith (1957) 32 M.J. Eley L.G. O’Donnell (1954) 31 M. Ritchie (NZ) 211 J.W. Redward N.L Horn (1961) 27 J.M. Sanderson (1961) 27 Match Committee Contact Information I.G. Porteous (1954) 24 Chairman F.C. (Frank) Lehman 2nd: ACT (FGC) (02) 6282 5401 (H) Federal Golf Club, 19 Dec 12 0419 278 300 (M) W.H. Hall (OTU 1968) 43 email: [email protected] D.H.E. Gillett (OCS Dec 1964) 35 M.J. Eley 34 ACT G.T. (George) Salmon (02) 6288 5414 (H) F.C. Lehman (1960) 32 V.J. Gibbons (1971) 30 email: [email protected] I.F. Ahearn (1966) 28 NSW Coordinator Required 202 email: [email protected] G.C. Hay (1974) 25 G.R. Wainwright (1965) 21 NZ M.J. (Michael) Dudman +64 9 337 5892 (H) 3rd: NZ (Auckland) email: [email protected] Waitemata Golf Club, 16 Nov 2012 QLD G.J. (Graeme) Loughton M. Ritchie (RMA Sandhurst) 38 (07) 3376 3852 (H) C. Sinclair 36 email: [email protected] J.W. Redward (1964) 35 F. Burns 31 SA P.J. (Peter) Bridge J. Haman 31 0438 110 446 (M) G.M. McKay (1953) 30 email: [email protected] 201 VIC Coordinator Required P.J. Skogstad (1964) 27 C.M. Dixon (1954) 26 WA Coordinator Required TAS Coordinator Required 4th: QLD (Sunshine Coast) Headland Golf Club, 8 Dec 12 NT Coordinator Required J.W. Kingston (1964) 38 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ R.B. Bishop (1964) 37 G.W. Opray (OTU Scheyville 1/65) 33 Editor S.R. Hinton (1962) 30 J.M. Hinton (WRAAC OCS 1966) 30 Dr M.J. (Mike) Ryan R.P. O’Leary (OCS Jun 66) 30 School of Engineering and IT 198 UNSW@ADFA Academy 5th: ACT (RCGC Black) Northcott Drive CANBERRA ACT 2600 Royal Canberra Golf Club, 19 Nov 12 Telephone: (02) 6268 8200 Fax: (02) 6268 8443 P.J.A. Evans (1958) 37 E-mail: [email protected] R.A. Sunderland (1953) 32 G.R.E. Ellis (1966) 31 Associate Editors D.K. Baker (1954) 30 Colonel R.R. (Ross) Harding (Retd) P.R. Phillips (1955) 30 37 Quandong St. S.S. Agnew (RMC Staff 1960–62) 29 O’CONNOR ACT 2602 89 Telephone: (02) 6248 5494 J.E. Males (RAAF) 28 E-mail: [email protected] B.J. Stark (OCS Jun 1954) 28 Brigadier C.A. (Chris) Field Best Individual Scores E-mail: [email protected] 1st: W.H. Hall ACT 43 2nd: R.C. Mounic ACT 42

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