ANZAC DAY 25th APRIL

2019

The Good Guts Official Newsletter of

39th AUSTRALIAN INFANTRY BATTALION (1941-43) ASSOCIATION INCORPORATED

PUBLICATION NUMBER 100018459

Views expressed in material submitted are not necessarily the views of this Association or the editor of the good guts. Responsibility for all comment is that of the author of the article. Information regarding member’s addresses may be published in the newsletter from time to time for fraternal purposes. Members not wishing this information to be disclosed must advise the editor accordingly. The Logo and Colour Patch may not be used without permission.

No. 218 April 2019

Jack Withers was delighted to be visited by Merren and Norman Stockdale. He said that despite his legs not working so well he was in good spirits. Jack was happy to share his stories of the 39th with Merren. Jack McLeod was also in a reminiscing mood when he was visited by Mary Holloway

Bill Young and Jack Mcleod at Darley 1941 Jack in Bachus Marsh on Christmas Day 1941. He was 17 years old.

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Dear 39th family and friends, The year is moving along quickly and by the time you read this April will have arrived, Autumn will be in full swing, and ANZAC Day and AGM plans will be taking shape. Unfortunately, many advertised events, both for those we are hosting and others we have been invited to, have clashed with Easter and school holidays. It has led to (putting it simply) chaos! Please thoroughly check this edition of Good Guts for date changes . . . there are many.

About the only date that remains unchanged is ANZAC Day. This year, for the first time ever, there will not be one of our WW11 veterans participating in a capital city ANZAC Day march. Age and frailty have finally caught up with them. This saddens me greatly, but I know from conversations with the veterans that although unable to march themselves they watch the televised reports and wait to see THEIR Banner and the people representing them. So, I urge you to consider joining the march in Brisbane or Melbourne to show just how proud you are of the outstanding history our magnificent veterans have left us. For those unable to muster behind the banner there is still the opportunity to participate in an ANZAC Day service by placing a wreath in your local area on behalf of the 39th Battalion. This is an ideal opportunity for the members living away from Melbourne who are inclined to feel left out of events. It enables them to be involved and at the same time publicly honor the memory of the 39th Battalion. Details of how you can represent the Association in this way are elsewhere in this newsletter. Wherever you are on the 25th April, whether in Australia or overseas, I do hope you can participate in a Memorial Service. When the Last Post is sounded bow your head and reflect on all who sacrificed so much on our behalf. Then, when the uplifting notes of the Reveille are heard, raise your head and think of the sacred responsibility we have been given to keep their memory and deeds alive. ‘Factis Non Verbis’ . . . Deeds not Words Merren Stockdale President

As we go to press, to our knowledge,

we have 15 surviving 39th Battalion Veterans.

DISTRIBUTION - Victoria 10: Queensland 3: NSW 1: SA 1

THANK YOU The 39th Battalion Association is very grateful for the support given by the Victorian Veterans’ Council and wishes to acknowledge our grant this year from the ANZAC DAY Proceeds Fund to support the publication of the Battalion Association Newsletter, The Good Guts, during 2019. This is the eighth year we have been the fortunate recipients of this grant and it has greatly assisted us to maintain the standard of the “Good Guts” that our veteran members have come to expect.

OFFICE BEARERS - 39th Australian Infantry Battalion 1941-1943 Association Inc PRESIDENT Merren Stockdale Email

president@39battalion.com Mob- 0408592608

VICE PRESIDENT

David Bellairs E-mail vp@39battalion.com

HON.SECRETARY David Howell Email secretary@39battalion.com

TREASURER Norman Stockdale Email treasurer@39battalion.com

MEMBER Malcolm Owen Email mocommittee39battalion.com.

MEMBER John Redmond Email jrcommittee@gmail.com

NEWS LETTER EDITOR

Mary Holloway Email gg@39battalion.com

Mob- 0407552891 MEMBER Ross Darrigan Email

rdcommittee@39battalion.com MEMBER Rupert Dalley Email

memorabilia@39battalion.com MEMBER Alfred Mallia Email

amcommittee@39battalion.com MEMBER 1/39 BATTALION WW1 1916-1919

Tim Fitzgerald Telephone [03] 54477213 Email: tfcommittee@39battalion.com

CO OPT MEMBER Alan Moore Email kangamoore@gmail.com

BATTALION BUGLER Darcy Manks BATTALION PIPER Ian Mckenzie 39th BATTALION WEBSITE and Mailing Address

www.39battalion.com PO Box 664 KEW Vic 3101

INTERSTATE CONTACTS

NSW Judith Matuschka 12 Fiona Avenue Wahroonga NSW 2076

Tel: [02] 9489 0401

QLD George Friend Qld 4032 rsf@kokoda.com

Mob 0418 418 0282

AN ANZAC REFLECTION In surveys conducted on what Anzac Day means to an Australian, 93% believed it is overwhelmingly important to commemorate ANZAC Day. It was seen as vital that by observing Anzac Day those who served in WW1 were remembered. It was also regarded as a part of our nation’s history and heritage that should never be forgotten. An interesting exercise would be to do your own survey and ask what ANZAC Day means to each individual to whom you speak. An internet survey revealed a few of the answers given below;

I thank the men and women who have gone before me for the peace and freedom my family and I enjoy today. ANZAC is the most sacred day of my calendar. My father was in WW2. I also have served and fought for

Australia. I love listening to that lone bugle player standing all alone playing the Last Post. It makes my hair stand on

end. It shows that we do truly understand as free countries how lucky we are. An effing lot. I have not missed a dawn service, or the march, ever in my 40 years alive. My family has had the

misfortune to serve in the majority of the theatres of war our grouse country has had the misfortune to be in. It is my main chance to let the men and women that have done our country proud know that I truly appreciate all the sacrifices done so I can live in a country that is the best in the world. I will be buying a digger a couple of beers and let him tell me how lucky I am, because of what all he and his mates did.

It’s a stark reminder of the lives lost when countries go to war, and have no concrete plans to ensure victory. It reminds me of the lives destroyed, when loved ones don't come home. It reminds me that as a people, we have a long way to go, and that the only way to get there is by moving

forward. Dr Brendan Nelson, Director of the Australian War Memorial believes it is so important that Australians look beyond the headlines and broad brushstrokes and appreciate that behind the number of Australians who have died fighting for their country there are real people with real lives. This ANZAC Day will you take time to reflect on what the day means to you? Particularly call to mind the service and sacrifice of our 39th Battalion veterans who answered the call of their country with Deeds Not Words. LEST WE FORGET

39th Battalion Events Proposed Calendar Dates for 2019. Events printed in bold are events the 39th Bn Association is running or helping to run. Italics are events to which Association invited * = cost

2019 January

February Sun 3rd Tues 19th

11 am 1800 for 1900

15th Ex POW Memorial Service Committee Meeting

Ballarat Ex Prisoners of War Memorial East Malvern RSL,

March 1800 for 1900

Committee Meeting East Malvern RSL,

April Sun 14th April Sun 21st

Tues 23rd Wed 24th Thurs 25th Sun 28th

1300 1800 13:30 10:30 11am

Anzac Day Service Anzac Church Service Anzac Day Visit Anzac Day Service Anzac Day March Post March Lunch Annual Meeting & lunch*

Kew RSL St Pauls Cathedral-Melbourne Belgrave Sth Primary School Austin Health- Heidelberg Hospital Melbourne_Step off from Swanston Street Near Finders Lane Rising Sun Hotel with 2/16th 2/14th 2/27th East Malvern RSL Bookings essential through the Battalion website.

May

Wed 1st Fri 3rd Tues 13th

11am 1800 for 1900

Anzac Day Service for Schools Placing Banner at Camberwell Grammar School Committee Meeting

Kokoda Terrace- Dandenong Ranges Natl Park Camberwell Grammar School Friday afternoon Cadet Parade East Malvern RSL,

June

Tues 10th 1800 for 1900

Committee Meeting East Malvern RSL,

July Tues 8th 1800 for 1900

Committee Meeting East Malvern RSL,

August Thurs 8th Thurs 8th Sun 11th Sun 11th Sun 11th Tues 13th

1300 TBC 1400 1100 TBC 1800 for 1900

Kokoda Day Service Kokoda Day Service Kokoda Day Pilgrimage Kokoda Day Service Kokoda Beach Walk Committee Meeting

Kokoda Memorial One Tree Hill Cascade Gardens, Gold Coast. Melbourne Shrine of Remembrance Sherwood/Indooroopilly RSL, Corinda Gold Coast, Qld East Malvern RSL,

September Tues 10th 1800 for 1900

Committee Meeting East Malvern RSL,

October Tues 8th Fri 25th

1800 for 1900 1900

Committee Meeting KTF Ralph Honner Oration Dinner

East Malvern RSL, Sydney *

November Tues 12th 1800 for 1900

Committee Meeting East Malvern RSL,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Many Best wishes for a wonderful day to each of our members who have Birthdays in April and May

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Descendants and members of the Association are encouraged and welcomed to participate in

the ANZAC Day March. It is a privilege to march behind the 39th Banner but one that should not

be taken lightly.

The ADCC (ANZAC Day Commemorative Committee) rightly expect a very high standard from

those participating and have set the following guidelines in place which this Association has

been asked to pass on.

Please note the new details:

The March Order has been reversed; Veterans of the latest conflicts will march in front.

Ø Form up: 39th Bn. will form up in SWANSTON ST, East side near St Paul”s (as part of Army 1 Corps) behind the Paratroops. However look for our banner because the marshals sometimes move our assembly point. If you intend to march with the Battalion please join at the beginning, not during the march itself. Please get there in time for a good chat before-hand. We will have a vehicle for those unable to march the full distance, please use it with the same pride as those still able to march.

Assemble from about8:45 am. Step off is estimated as 9:30am but may be up to 30 minutes early if groups in

front are smaller than expected. Time will be confirmed by email to members.

Dress code: As the Anzac Day March is an Act of Remembrance and Commemoration, dress should reflect the

dignity of the occasion. All marchers, veterans and non-veterans should be suitably attired and keep in mind that

this is a March of Remembrance not a Moomba Parade. Those offering to march must be at least 17 years old

(the minimum age of veterans in PNG), wear a dark jacket with white shirt and a tie or similar for women. We have

for the last few years had the best turned out banners bearers and we know this will be so again this year as well.

Veterans’ Medals worn by family members should be pinned to the right breast.

NO back packs

NO football attire

NO children under 17 years of age

NO prams

No photos or political banners.

March behaviour : Descendants and Association members will MARCH, in step, no chatter, no falling out for

photos or interviews, no calling out to people on the sidelines. Remember the march is a sign of respect.

Approaching the Shrine, at the order EYES RIGHT, men not in uniform are to remove their hats with the right

hand, hold it over their left breast until the order EYES FRONT when their hats will be replaced.

Ø Dismissal After the unit passes the Saluting Base at the Shrine please Follow the banner until well clear of the Flag Poles and dismissed by the President. “Please DO NOT just break off on your own initiative.

Ø Banner Bearers 2019. This year the Cochrane family, marching at the head of the Battalion, are proudly carrying the banner of the 39th Bn in honour of J.D. McKay.

Ø Transport. This year again the RACV is providing transport to the Shrine for those unable to march. As usual the transport will be door to door (home-seating-home). This is for those NOT marching. Seating will be provided near the saluting dais at the Shrine. Contact the Secretary as soon as possible if you require this service. Free travel is available 25th April on ALL Victorian public transport. Use medals, badge or DVA card for identification.

Ø Post March get together: The 2/16th Battalion Association has extended an invitation to all 39th members and family to join with descendants of the 2/14th and 2/27th Battalions following the ANZAC Day march at the Rising Sun Hotel, 2 Raglan Street, South Melbourne This is a great get together opportunity for the three Battalions, so do try to be there.

Ø Free meals are available at McDonalds on ANZAC Day to veterans wearing medals.

The 39th Battalion Association will have a designated marshal to ensure these guidelines are followed.

Please do not be put off by these requests . . . come along and march proudly

Each veteran in the March MUST carry the information listed on the form below, in writing. In fact it would be helpful if all Marchers also carried this completed form.

===============================================================================================

ANZAC DAY 2019

ANZAC DAY MEDICAL IDENTIFICATION CARD - CARRY IN TOP LEFT HAND POCKET NAME ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ADDRESS ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DATE OF BIRTH ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BRIEF MEDICAL HISTORY -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ALLERGIES ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MEDICATIONS [Name, Dosage And Frequency] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NEXT OF KIN 1.Name ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Relationship -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Phone Home----------------------------------------------------------------- Mobile----------------------------------------------------------------------- 2..Name ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Relationship -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Phone Home----------------------------------------------------------------- Mobile----------------------------------------------------------------------- ======================================================================================

39th Battalion AIF 1916-1919

Hi all families, descendants & friends of the 39th Battalion AIF 1916-1919 once again we are approaching Anzac Day. There will certainly be large crowds at the Melbourne March this year so if you are coming to march with the 39th's banner please try to be early. If you miss the banner, look for it in Flinders St. We will assemble on the grass after the March, and join the 39th Infantry Battalion (WW2) to place both 39th banners together. This is an excellent opportunity for the WW1 people to meet any of the brave men of the 39th present who served in PNG on the Kokoda Track. The day before Anzac Day this year, the 24th, will be the 100th anniversary of the disbanding of the 39th AIF. That date is listed in the 39th's official history by the last C/O Lt Col A Paterson. As such, instead of the 39th's descendants just laying a wreath after the Anzac March and dispersing, I will conduct a small ceremony at the 39th's tree and plaque for those assembled. It will be the same as the short service on Kokoda Day. I will read a brief history of the 39th, another descendant will read The Ode and 2 persons will lay the wreath. If anyone from the committee, association or 39th OSB is still around the Shrine area please come and join us, that is if you are not rushing off to another engagement. Afterwards the 39th's descendants will head off to Southbank for a coffee and snack. . Hoping to see you all on Anzac Day Regards Tim

Lest We Forget

2019 BRISBANE ANZAC DAY MARCH ARRANGEMENTS

We are able to formally advise Queensland based Association members details for the ANZAC Day March in Brisbane. The following provides that information and I hope to see as many of you turn out for the 77th Anniversary of the WWII Kokoda Campaign march in the State Capital, as well as lunch afterwards. The Queensland branch and march Contingent will be led by Association Vice President, David bellairs, direct descendant and Vietnam veteran. Members will fall in behind the Association Banner, being carried once again by Cadets from The Southport School (TSS) Army Cadet Unit Heritage Guard. Direct descendants, who are Financial Members of the Association followed by members who are Veterans, currently serving personnel, Returned Servicemen and women and RSL members, will follow in that order behind the Banner. Unfortunately, we no longer have any WWII Kokoda Veterans able to join us and we will march in their honour. The march will be commencing at approximately 10.00am THURSDAY 25TH, OUR CONTINGENT IS LIKELY TO START OFF FROM 10:30AM Could you all be in position by 10.15am for fellowship time. Our contingent will be marching immediately behind the PNGVR Assn, followed by the 2/14th Bn Association and in front of the 49th Battalion Association and are likely have been positioned in the Army Section of the march with the affiliated WWII PNG Units. We will line up towards the Southern end of George Street (roughly about Charlotte Street.) Use the Association Banner, which will be unfurled and mounted by the TSS Cadets as a point of reference and forming up point from 10.10am. Also, look for the PIR/PIB/NGVR Contingents, we will be co-located with them. If you have any trouble finding the Assn position phone me on my mobile at the bottom of this notice.

Wives, partners, infants, friends etc are welcome to meet at the “Sugar and Spice” Coffee shop on the northern side of Adelaide Street near ANZAC Square for a coffee and to watch the Parade, with the PNGVR party. Post march, a lunch may be organised. PLEASE RSVP to me on rsf@kokoda.com by 20/4/18 Looking forward to seeing as many as possible on the day! George Friend, OAM (Qld Representative) Mobile Phone Number 0418 418282 P.S. A reminder that all Queensland public transport is free for Veterans wearing medals and for their carers/family on the day.

RSL ANNUAL CHURCH SERVICE

SUNDAY 21st APRIL

Sunday 21st April, 6pm, the RSL Annual Church Service will be held at St Pauls Cathedral, Melbourne. All are invited to this service to honour those who serve and have served in the defence of Australia. Dress of the day should be suits or Sunday best with medals if you have them (right side of chest if not awarded to you) .

ANZAC DAY SERVICE FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN

DANDENONG RANGES NATIONAL PARK FERNTREE GULLY

WEDNESDAY 1st MAY 11AM

The Dandenong Ranges Schools ANZAC Day Ceremony will be held at Ferntree Gully National Park. Hosted by the 2/14, 2/16 and 39th Battalion Associations, the service is designed to commemorate the contribution that servicemen and women have made on behalf of their country in all theatres of war. It is also intended to provide school students with a better understanding of the sacrifices that our servicemen and women have made in ensuring that we are able to live in a free and fair society. Reserved parking will be available in the National Park car park and veterans will be seated under cover. Parks Victoria will have a golf buggy to ferry anyone who needs a lift to the guest area, so please come along and support this important occasion. During the service wreaths will be laid.

You are cordially invited to attend this important service which will probably take one hour. Parking will be available near to the start of the Kokoka Memorial Steps at the Ferntree Gully National Park.

KEW RSL ANZAC COMMEMORATION

Your committee has again accepted an invitation to join the Kew RSL Anzac March at Kew, on SUNDAY 14th APRIL, with other units including the VSR, with which the 39th has had a long association. Whilst not detracting from the ANZAC DAY arrangements, we do actively encourage members to join this march and show the 39th colours proudly for all to see. As the 39th Battalion was once the Hawthorn Kew Regiment, it is most fitting we fully support this day with similar rules to those for the city march.

Arrangementsareasfollows.ASSEMBLYAtKewRSL[pictureabove]islocatedatthecornerofCothamRoadandCharlesStreet{63CothamRd}KEW.FALLIN13:15Sunday14thApril2019behindthe39thBannerTIMINGTheMarchwillproceedtotheKewCenotaphwherewreathswillbelaid.Itisexpectedthatthecommemorationwillconcludeafterwreathsarelaidatthecenotaphpriortoa(optional)shortecumenicalchurchservice.REFRESHMENTSAllarewarmlyinvitedtoreturntoKewRSLforAfternoonrefreshmentswillbeservedattheconclusionoftheecumenicalchurchservice.

The 39th Australian Infantry Battalion (1941-43) Association

invites you to the

Annual General Meeting at 11.00 AM

On 28th April (note change of date)

at East Malvern RSL, Stanley Grose Drive, Malvern East, Vic.

Followed by the

Reunion Lunch 12.00 MD

Guest speaker is Dr. David Bird,

Dr Bird has written, published and spoken extensively on Australian history both in Australia and the UK. He has taught Latin at Camberwell Grammar School since 1997,

combining this with the role of School Historian and Archivist since 2013.

The day will offer time for solemn reflection, time to chat, and time for fun and games!!!

PLEASE JOIN US

Veterans and widows are welcome as guests, for all others it will be $30/head which includes a 2 course meal and soft drink at tables.

Alcohol available for purchase at the bar.

SEATS MUST BE BOOKED FOR ALL STAYING FOR LUNCH.

Tickets may be booked through THE SHOP

on WWW.39BATTALION.COM

or by ringing 0408592608

RSVP: Thursday 18th April

It was with great sadness that on the 4th March we learned of the passing of Una Cops, wife of veteran George Cops.Una has been a strong and loyal supporter of the Association for many years,

assisting her husband George during his long service on the committee.We will miss her home-made Melting Moments, served with a smile, at every function she attended. Una’s funeral was held at Tuckers Funeral Home in Grovedale VIC at 10: am on Friday, the 8th March. It was attended by members of the 39th. She will be sorely missed by her family and by the 39th .

v A Golf day fundraising auction was held at Kings Cove, Metung on the 3rd March to raise funds for the Arthur Grassby Scholarship, which sends East Gippsland Year 11 students to complete the Kokoda Track and walk in the footsteps of the Gippsland veterans. Last year three students undertook the trek and this year the organising committee is hoping to be able to give five students this opportunity. The purpose of the scholarships is to increase the awareness of the younger generation of the sacrifices made by East Gippslanders in serving their country and ensuring the way of life and freedoms we enjoy today. Veteran Arthur Grassby, after whom the scholarships have been named, was a member of B Company who first engaged the Japanese on the Kokoda Track. He was wounded during the battle at Isurava and walked back to Port Moresby with shrapnel in his shoulder. Arthur enjoyed meeting with the winners of the scholarship and was anxious to hear their stories on their return. Each year the students who participate are expected to speak at local service clubs, RSLs and commemoration ceremonies. The students who went last year described the experience as life changing.

v Jack McLeod has been keeping the doctors and nurses busy at the John Fawkner Hospital. He says he feels

like a long time resident there and is very grateful for the care they give him. At home he has been engrossed by the growth of new homes all round him. He says that he built some of the houses, which are being demolished to make way for town houses and apartments.

v Lt Col Kimberlea Juchniewicz has been very busy since she left her position as the CO of the 30th OSB. She

says that following her fabulous time as CO 39OSB she spent last year working on the organising committee for the Invictus Games, which was amazing! She says it was a very different experience especially working with event managements and sports types and also not wearing a uniform all year. Her role was to deal with the 18 nations competing so she had a great time getting to know all of the competitors and team staff etc. She thinks she might have to try and secure a role for the 2020 Hague Games so catch up with all of her new friends!

This year she finds herself posted back to the Army and undertaking a role in communications at Victoria Barracks in Sydney. All going well so far and she has spent time catching up on the last 5 years of technology changes – she says that at least it is keeping her busy. Kimberlea sends her greetings to all the members of the 39th especially as Anzac Day comes closer.

v Kew RSL cordially invites any members of the 39th Association who may not wish to participate in the Melbourne Anzac Day March to join them on Anzac Day. Their Dawn Service is at 6 am followed by a Gunfire Breakfast at 7 am and Two Up at 2:30pm.

v We are asking members, and others interested, what we have done well, what we could be better at and what

we have not done. This is your opportunity to share your views on how to make the association even better. You can do so by completing the link to the survey sent to all members on email on the 10th March by our Membership Secretary, Norman Stockdale. Have your say. Complete it now.

v As a way of thanking members, this year, we are offering a BIG 10% discount coupon on any SHOP

purchases when you bring your subs up to the end of December 2021 (maximum 3 years in advance). Veterans, Widows, Wives and Life Members are also included in the offer. This OFFER expires on 30 May 2019 and can only be used when your subs are paid up to 31 Dec 2021. The COUPON code is 2021. Enter at checkout.

MEMBER NEWS

nknouthor is licensed under CC

SHARE THE LOAD If we are to continue being a strong Association honouring the veterans of the 39th Battalion, we need a large group of volunteers to share the load of those who are currently doing several jobs. In 2019 the Committee would like to see more people given ‘official’ roles to better assist the newly elected office bearers

My sincere appreciation goes to those who have carried the load for so long. In particular, thanks go to Mary Holloway who stepped up to edit the Good Guts when her father, Peter, the former editor, died. Mary has sourced the material, compiled, edited, arranged printing then organized the mail out single handedly since 2013. It is time to give her a break. The plan is to have a sub-group of 3 or 4 working together to do what Mary has done alone. Does it sound like something you could do to help the Association? To ease the secretary’s life a minute secretary will also be appointed. Already nominations have come in for both the secretary and the minute secretary but that is not to say others can’t also apply. It is so exciting to see people stepping up for these often challenging roles. Over the last few years the treasurer’s role has been combined with that of membership officer. Someone with a book keeping or accounting background would manage it easily and this year the plan is to also have an assistant treasurer. Nominations are open, so speak out if you think this is a role waiting for you. The Memorabilia Officer keeps stock of items, responds to orders, and sells memorabilia at events. An assistant in this area would be a great help. The Social and Events coordinator plans and implements events hosted by the Association while working within the general Committee. That person needs a sub-group, not necessarily on the general committee, to help at functions. If you would like to serve in this area, whether at all functions of just occasionally we would love to hear from you. Finally, in 2019 we are forming an Education sub-group to develop education packages and co-ordinate speakers to schools and others to ensure the efforts of the 39th Battalion veterans are never forgotten. Members of this sub group do not have to be on the general committee. The constitution allows for a general committee of 12 with the power to co-opt more as required. Voting will take place at the Annual General Meeting and nominations are being taken now. Please give it some serious thought. If you would like to discuss this further or volunteer, contact can be made on PH 0408 592 608 or president@39battalion.com or secretary@39battalion.com Thank you, Merren 39th Battalion Representatives wanted It would be wonderful to have the 39th Battalion Association represented at more memorial services held in Australia and overseas every year. This is where you come in . . . Association members are invited to place a floral tribute, in memory of the 39th Battalion, at their local ANZAC Day ceremony or similar service. To participate in this program please contact me and I will forward a specially printed card to attach to a wreath, bunch of flowers or simple posy. The cards were printed by veteran, ‘Inky’ Wiltshire but only resurfaced a few years ago when going through old boxes. It would be great to see them used for the purpose ‘Inky’ planned so long ago. Distributing these cards from a central point will allow monitoring to prevent duplicating the honour in any one town. Please consider this invitation, it is an ideal opportunity for those living outside the major cities to be involved. It also enables younger folk to participate. For further information or to obtain a card just contact me. Remember, however, some ceremony organizers need to know in advance who will be placing tributes at their services so make sure you do not leave it too late to inform them. Merren Stockdale Ph: 0408 592 608 president@39battalion.com

WILBUR WHACKETT – ALAN MOORE MEMOIRS – 6 MARCH 2019

Wilbur Whackett. In our last GG we read of Wing Cdr L J Whackett – later Sir Laurence Whackett – Head of Australia’s Commonwealth Aircraft Corp (CAC) in producing Australia’s first fighter aircraft, the Wirraways. He was a pilot in WW1 Australian flying Corp, later the RAAF, and if I have been able to correctly work through records, was a fellow pilot in the same squadron as my father-in-law. They flew those primitive affairs that seemed to nothing more than a framework covered in painted fabric and held together with fencing wire. When CAC was moved from NSW to Fisherman’s Bend, near Melbourne, I think about the mid to late ‘30’s, the Whackett family moved from Sydney to Melbourne and their son Wilbur transferred to the school I attended. We shared a desk in Chemistry class. Although he always passed his exams, Wilber never seemed interested in study. He was a great athlete – a 100 yd sprinter and an excellent swimmer. All he really ever wanted to do was fly airplanes. In early 1942, following our 39 Bn being located in Port Moresby, one or jobs was to guard the Seven Mile Aerodrome. It is difficult to know what we were protecting and we did not have any aircraft. We did have a number of tired WW1 Lewis guns on tripods in pits that seemed to be randomly located around the drome. They were manned during air raids which occurred almost daily – a flight of Mitsubishi bombers followed by strafing Zero fighters. We shot at the Zeros with our Lewis guns and after spent the rest of the day filling in the bomb craters in the drome. For quite some time we were told that we were to have our own squadron of Kittyhawk fighters. We got around to referring to them as ’maybe hawks, tomorrow hawks, never hawks, etc.’. On 21 March 1942 we were unprepared and astounded when five fighter planes in indistinctly marked swooped down the Seven Mile Drome in exactly the same manner as the Jap Zero’s did following bombing raids. The air raid warning was sounded, we jumped into the nearest Lewis Gun pit and fired away at them. They were our ‘Tomorrow Hawks’ on reduced throttle putting on a show to tell us ‘We Have Arrived’. All eventually landed without pilot loss, but only two remained airworthy. I don’t know why but for some reason, I was well away from my area of responsibility. I had jumped into a pit with Sgt Les Martorana of B Coy. Les always maintained that he saw a tracer bullet from our Lewis Gun hit the pilot canopy of one of the Kittyhawks. A follow-up report told that the plane piloted by Peter Jeffrey had a bullet pass through his head rest. Could that have been our tracer? I worked my way across to the end of the Seven Mile drome and got close to the pilots, one of whom I recognized as Wilbur Whackett. It should have been a friendly meeting but what he called me that day – all those years ago – still cannot be printed. I never encountered Wilbur again after that meeting. He compiled a wonderful record of determination, endurance and bravery and soon increased his standing to Sqdn Ldr of a Beaufighter squadron. He lost his life in a most unfortunate accident. His story is told in detail in a book ‘Lost Without Trace’ by Leon Kane Maguire, published in 2010. It is well worth reading.

PANELS OF HONOUR

ONE TREE HILL Each month the Panels of Honour are changed on a rotation basis. We are very grateful to Alfred and Bernie

Mallia who take the time each month to change the panels. Each position is numbered. I being at the top of the steps and 20 i nearest to the Cairns at the top of the hill. These lists can also be found on the home page of

our website www.39battalion.com Panels Installed for April 2019

Battalion Veteran Militia Number AIF Number Position

2/16 Francis Gordon Sublet WX1598 1

39 Kenneth James Barkas V 40506 VX 135892 2

39 George Keith Bellis V 44779 3

39 Frank Albert Benjamin Gould V 24764 VX 148274 4

39 William John Guest V55242 VX103113 5

2/16 Thomas Neil Hill 6

2/14 John Arthur Metson 7

55/53 Augustine John Mansfield 8

39 Geoffrey C Gosney V65910 VX106086 9

39 Vernon Maxwell Kirk VX144834 10

39 Charles William Alexander VX67338 11

39 Harold Bould V 37378 12

39 Reginald George Edgell V 68439 VX 120253 13

39 James Learmonth Hardie V 54580 VX 117320 14

39 Joseph Dawson V 56140 VX 117313 15

39 George Albert Cops V58666 VX117679 16

39 Noel William Hall V 40106 17

39 Albert James Bull V23199 VX103097 18

39 Patrick Joseph Glennen VX 56744 19

39 Albert Fry V 42487 VX 141616 20

2/14 COMMITTEE PICNIC DAY- ONE TREE HILL It was a very informal but moving day as those present stood in front of their family panel and spoke about a father, or uncle who was killed in the Kokoda battles. 2/14 historian, Jill Bear told the story of other battalion panels.

MC for the service was 2/14 member Hamish Duff, grandson of 2/14 veteran Rod Eden

Darrell Clark left, and Chris Gaskell who brought a very special relic to the occasion: an Australian flag that his grandfather, Cpl Stanley David Briers, had carried with him through World War II in PNG. The flag was made by Stan's mother, May, during the First World War in honour of her husband, David, who died in France in 1918.

Lorraine Edwards and Darrell Clark, daughter and son of 2/14 veteran Walter Clarke who was killed at Brigade Hill, explain their father's life and service to the group.

Cherie, Jan, Darrell, Lorraine and Allison, family of 2/14 veteran Walter Clarke who was killed at Brigade Hill. Bianca, Eliza, Rohan, Avon, Gerard, Josh and Craig, family of 2/14 veteran Bob Iskov

HONOURING THE 39TH AND THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN

Randwick Barracks Sydney Rocky Creeky- Atherton Tablelands

Australian War Memorial

Awala –PNG

Heidelberg - Austin Health

Herbiton-Site of 39th Camp, Atherton Trawool Camp –site of training for many of the 39th