Anzac Day, Brisbane. 2001
Written by MAJ Bob Harvey-Hall, ED. RFD.
For some time now I have been thinking , used to say, to describe my feelings about why I travel to Brisbane from Melbourne periodically to march on Anzac Day with the PNGVR and to recall some of my thoughts, before and during that day, related to my service as a CMF soldier. Perhaps you know what I mean, maybe not, anyway.... per Angusta ad Augusta -Through Trials to Triumph sort of thing.
Dawn and I booked in at the United Services Club on the Friday 20th April 2001, especially for the Regimental Mixed Dinner Reunion to be held that night. I was sitting enjoying a pale ale in the Club when Colonel Bryan Todd, once the battalion Regimental Medical Officer, among more than a few notable jobs he has held, greeted me and sat down for what turned out to be a bit of a chin wag, mostly about our families. Bryan, who delivered our three children in Lae, suddenly said, "Bob, I can see a lot of your Mum and Dad in your face". What a thing to say given I am seventy plus. Still, yarning and observing are a great part of the spice of Life.
I've been a member of the USC for several years, before that I was with the Imperial Service Club in Sydney which I joined when I was commissioned. Unfortunately it amalgamated with the Royal Automobile Club which meant quite a few members looked further a field as I did. I really enjoy the United Service Club in Brisbane. The interior and exterior are of a traditional beauty which is often hard to come by these days. Loads of tradition from the front steps through to the lovely dining and club rooms. The mostly Queensland architecture overlooking the modern, and in some places, the not so aesthetic centre of Brisbane.
Dawn and I were on our way downstairs when we spotted Jack Goad (NGVR) coming in from the car park. We greeted him rather enthusiastically as a friend, special to us both. For my part, because of his NGVR connection, and to Dawn as he was her boss when she worked in Customs at Lae. Jack is a fountain of knowledge when it comes to NGVR matters. He has a marvellous collection of photographs and tales of his times in Papua New Guinea and it was pleasing that he was at the Regimental Dinner to toast his battalion.
Along with many men from all walks of life, such as Tom Lega, Jimmy Birrell, Lea Ashton, George Whittaker, Bill Money and Johnny Cook, to name but a few familiar to me, Jack Goad epitomises what NGVR stood for.
What a wonderful setting we had for the formal Regimental Dinner, where 57 guests including formally "Mess Dress" attired fellows, with their elegantly attired partners, sat down to a well organised, tasty and beautifully presented dinner. The Club chef and staff did us well with good food and service. We provided the fellowship and appropriate toasts.
It was certainly a privilege to serve our time that evening. It was another bit of those were the days my friend, we thought they'd never end. Remember that song? That is how it seemed to be during those heady days, living, working and being part of PNGVR.
One significant thing missing from the top table was the 'Flame of the Forest' which always seemed to be present on formal dining nights in PNG. There is also a piece of Pipers music called 'Flame of the Forest' and perhaps that could be played at a future dinner. Did you know that during the negotiations for the design of our Regimental Colours, PNGVR had a battle, perhaps not so royal, with the military hierarchy to get the OK to have Flame of the Forest instead of Wattle as the Unit's emblem.
The Club's ante-room reception allowed plenty of time for greetings and to meet some long forgotten faces. I was greeted by a chap who said "Remember me?". I said sorry, I don't remember you to which he replied "I was one of your platoon commanders, what can you say to that"? I was flabbergasted and thought of myself what a dick you are Robert. I am sorry that I just did not recognise Ron Strand. Just then, Brig. lan Hunter says "hello, I believe it's young Harvey-Hall, I reckoned it was you, wonderful to see you again." He recalled how he presented me with my first CMF gong and the Army photographer took a great shot of the occasion which largely featured the prominent company haus cook adjacent to the parade ground at Lae. No matter, I still treasure that photo.
A couple of days later I phoned Bill Guest, ex 39 Battalion, ex Warrant Officer instructor with A Coy during those salad days in Lae, when Emery House was A Coy training depot and my office and also married quarters for Pat and Bill Guest. We agreed to meet on Anzac Day just before the march.
Staying at Hamilton in Brisbane and about two blocks from Brett's Wharf makes it very easy to get into the city. On board the City Cat, the attendant reminded me that Anzac Day marchers travel for free on this day. Instead of looking at the sights, I did a bit of day dreaming about my first Anzac Day march in Lae in 1952 with some of the blokes who were there - Major Harry Thompson, MC, ex Signals Corp and P&T and OC `A' Coy PNGVR - John McKean, Lae's chemist, ex parachute battalion, and Bevan Murphy who went to war in the merchant Navy at 14 and a bit. He was brother of the somewhat famous Captain John Murphy, taken prisoner by the Japanese at Rabaul.
There was a time in 1952 when 'A' Coy had an ARA Corporal Storeman attached who was also a qualified bomb disposal chap and I remind myself of the times this bloke took me along to assist him in dealing with UXB's which included artillery shells. There was plenty of live ordinance in and around Lae.
The only available information I had on bomb disposal was a British War Office pamphlet. I think it was called `Protection Against Unexploded Bombs' and again if my elderly memory hasn't let me down, was somewhat lacking in specific details. Anyway I read this document at the request of our Corporal Storeman and bomb disposal expert before each sortie, and let me tell you that what we did to destroy UXB's bore absolutely no resemblance to the pamphlet.
The Corporal loved Rhum Negrita and poker and just about every night in Bagtown, where he lived in a small donga, he consumed copious amounts of the Bermuda - booze while trying to defeat established card sharps in games that went into the early hours of the morning. Although his hands perpetually shook, he always got the job done. Before lighting the fuse and moving back to cover he would always say "let us walk back, don't run''. He was recalled to the mainland before his term of duty was completed,
I also reflected on an Easter bivouac at Salamaua where `A' Coy, under the instruction of W02 Bill Shillaker, fired a 3 inch mortar from the narrow isthmus where the pre-war township used to be, aiming towards Kela Heights. At this time there were three Harvey-Hall's present who went `fishing" with the blokes after the firing session, which incidentally often resulted in several misfires. These keen fisherman never used lines, bait etc but always came back with a load of fish.
I can recall John Bretag not so well dressed in only a pair of boots AB, diving into the harbour water after fish. He got back on board very quickly when someone made casual mention of sharks in these waters. I also recall how pleased the local villagers were with the results of this not so new way of fishing. Of course there is no prize for guessing what we used for bait or how we disposed of the misfires.
Ross Wormald came later as WO Instructor, imparting his well rounded knowledge to the members. I next saw Ross in 1967 in Vietnam in the Long Hai hills during a search, fix and destroy mission whilst he was acting RSM of 5 RAR. He was collecting shell dressings from anyone because of the carnage a well sited and improvised land mind, set up by a local VC company, had caused amongst a platoon acting as vanguard during Operation `Renmark". Still a regular soldier, Ross came back to Nui Guinea in 68 or 69 in civilian dress and served in the border areas. I don't know where Ross went to after that stint.
The Brisbane City-cat docks at North Quay, and after a hearty breakfast in the city, I make my way to the Anzac Day march FUP for NGVR/PNGVR - looks like l'm first there - no Bill Guest. I move along to the 39th banner, and he is not there either. About twenty minutes later Norm Mundy says that there is someone looking for me but he is not one of ours. Bill Guest arrives and says, as if it is only yesterday in Lae "G'day Bob, there's been a change of plan, we are going to have our get together after the march at Emery House". Bill Guest was certainly one of us; he was a great help to me and the Battalion during his service with PNGVR.
Our numbers in George Street are starting to get more respectable. Brother Gill arrives and then Kel Williams and Don Hook. I wander up the street and meet Tom Lega and Peter Harbeck. By this time PNGVR chaps are arriving from all directions; hand shakes all round then we start to sweat in our smart looking Anzac Day Dress. Hey! There is Graeme Blanch and Joe Hall; Joe and I once worked for a major airline, come to think of it so did Tony Boulter. Along comes Bruce Johnson and Mike Larkin.
With over 90 members on parade, the march commences. A number of NGVR members joined the Regiment in the jeep transport provided courtesy of the Military Jeep Club of Brisbane.
The Anzac Day March 2001 was a splendid affair, by that I mean I felt that we marched well in spite of the fact that we did not have a dedicated band with us. We certainly looked smart in our berets, jackets and grey slacks and were in step most of the way despite the stops and starts.
There were big crowds in Adelaide Street and the number of children and young people watching the parade was impressive. We get many cheers including "Aussie Aussie Aussie" and "well done, PNGVR" from the saluting stand. The Australian Flag supporter who is usually near Anzac Square, was there again this year, proudly holding a large Australian Flag and shouting congratulations to the Regiment as we too take pride in carrying the Australian Flag alongside our Battalion Flag and the PNG Flag. Such support goes a long way to keeping our feet pounding along the roadway.
The Adelaide Street crowd, would have to be the largest I have seen on Anzac Day in Brisbane. We came to a tired and slightly raggedy halt and were dismissed. "Well done NGVR/PNGVR" for indeed we had done well especially with help from Carl Aschhoff and Mal Zimmermann calling the step now and then. Well done.
We moved across to the Shrine of Memories for a short memorial service for NGVR members who made the supreme sacrifice during the Pacific War and to those who were lost on the Montevideo Maru, always a touching ceremony.
At the request of one of the Legatees of the Yarra Valley Legacy Group, of which I am a member, I remembered NX191485, Bdr F J Herriot of the 2/22nd Battalion. Viv Humphrey's says `Hello!' and introduces his grandsons - or 4 I think all looked smart in their Association caps. I shook hands with each one which left me with a good feeling. onto the old Stock Exchange Hotel and just in time for the big dollars across the bar by our Secretary and the "freebies" are available. The nibbles are quick to go but never mind, hang onto your drink, circulate and say g'day to old mates. Some are first time marchers and there are more than a couple you haven't seen for ages. Meet up with a couple from the top end-Terry Farmer and Trevor Webb, then onto our remarkable Honour Board where you see the names of close comrades-it's time for a brief reflection. Ed Hardy's name is there. It only seems like yesterday when he marched with us on Anzac Day 2000. He has now gone into the great silence.
Mal Bishop is holding court not far from the bar. Mal doesn't have to get up for a refill as he has enough acolytes in attendance. I yarn with Bill Kelly and Col Gould stays for a couple of minutes, away from his ever going secretarial duties. I still miss his Dad, Stan, at our gatherings. Stan and I were good mates.
Jesse Chee comes over and we recall how it was for him before PNGVR became multiracial. Jesse used to haunt A Coy training depot and myself, wanting and insisting that he be allowed to join PNGVR, which, at the time he couldn't. We talked about the telephone calls to Canberra and the calls from Canberra to me from a senior bureaucrat in the Prime Minister's Department wanting to know why I hadn't enlisted Jesse. Would you believe not one call, but several over a couple of months. I recall that I invited Jesse and another chap to attend an A Coy bivouac to observe our training and to give them an idea of what they would be in for. Well at that time, a Major Worley from HQ was doing an inspection of A Coy working in the field and he insisted that two recruits of Chinese origin could not observe our military activities. Bill Guest was instructed by the Major to take Jesse and the other chap way to teach them how to `slope arms' while we got on with our military training.
Then one magic evening, a call from Canberra saying that Jesse could be enlisted. It was a breeze as we had already prepared the enlistment papers many moons before. Final approval came from Murray Barracks which not only affected Jesse Chee but became the watershed which helped make PNGVR the great unit it was. I also remember Sgt Michael Galore who was one of the first Nui Guinea nationals to join A Coy and who developed into a fine NCO. Michael wrote to me in some time back advising that some ex PNGVR nationals were in the process of forming an Association in Lae.
Over to Bill Bickerton to say g'day and to tell him I don't have the Presidential Citation. I only saw it once at 8 Coy Rabaul in the early fifties. I went to Rabaul with my great mate the late Noel Scott. Noel and I joined 25 Battalion, Darling Downs Regt in the late 40's. Noel was a Lt with B Coy PNGVR when he showed me the Citation in the OC's Office. I never saw it again.
Toasts are now made and some of our Ladies are presented with well earned kudos by the President-more announcements and more nibbles are circulated which disappear quickly, so much so that I recall Colonel Bill Harrington once saying to me during a dinner, "Bob get on with it, if you pause to say Grace the remainder will be starting on their sweet kai".
I drift over to the chaps from Darwin to listen to the somewhat disjointed conversation, after all, we have all been here for some time. Still circulating I get an audience with Colonel Mal, yarn to Alan Wadsworth, Carl Aschhoff, Mal and Mike Zimmermann and say cheerio to Jack Goad. With all the goings on around me, it is easy to understand clearly what brings me back to Brisbane to march on Anzac Day-the room is full of them.
Well, it's time to leave and once again the handshakes and some messages for Dawn. I ask for directions to North Quay and the City Cat to return to Hamilton.
What did you say? Oh yes, I plan to be back again next year. What about you?
For some time now I have been thinking , used to say, to describe my feelings about why I travel to Brisbane from Melbourne periodically to march on Anzac Day with the PNGVR and to recall some of my thoughts, before and during that day, related to my service as a CMF soldier. Perhaps you know what I mean, maybe not, anyway.... per Angusta ad Augusta -Through Trials to Triumph sort of thing.
Dawn and I booked in at the United Services Club on the Friday 20th April 2001, especially for the Regimental Mixed Dinner Reunion to be held that night. I was sitting enjoying a pale ale in the Club when Colonel Bryan Todd, once the battalion Regimental Medical Officer, among more than a few notable jobs he has held, greeted me and sat down for what turned out to be a bit of a chin wag, mostly about our families. Bryan, who delivered our three children in Lae, suddenly said, "Bob, I can see a lot of your Mum and Dad in your face". What a thing to say given I am seventy plus. Still, yarning and observing are a great part of the spice of Life.
I've been a member of the USC for several years, before that I was with the Imperial Service Club in Sydney which I joined when I was commissioned. Unfortunately it amalgamated with the Royal Automobile Club which meant quite a few members looked further a field as I did. I really enjoy the United Service Club in Brisbane. The interior and exterior are of a traditional beauty which is often hard to come by these days. Loads of tradition from the front steps through to the lovely dining and club rooms. The mostly Queensland architecture overlooking the modern, and in some places, the not so aesthetic centre of Brisbane.
Dawn and I were on our way downstairs when we spotted Jack Goad (NGVR) coming in from the car park. We greeted him rather enthusiastically as a friend, special to us both. For my part, because of his NGVR connection, and to Dawn as he was her boss when she worked in Customs at Lae. Jack is a fountain of knowledge when it comes to NGVR matters. He has a marvellous collection of photographs and tales of his times in Papua New Guinea and it was pleasing that he was at the Regimental Dinner to toast his battalion.
Along with many men from all walks of life, such as Tom Lega, Jimmy Birrell, Lea Ashton, George Whittaker, Bill Money and Johnny Cook, to name but a few familiar to me, Jack Goad epitomises what NGVR stood for.
What a wonderful setting we had for the formal Regimental Dinner, where 57 guests including formally "Mess Dress" attired fellows, with their elegantly attired partners, sat down to a well organised, tasty and beautifully presented dinner. The Club chef and staff did us well with good food and service. We provided the fellowship and appropriate toasts.
It was certainly a privilege to serve our time that evening. It was another bit of those were the days my friend, we thought they'd never end. Remember that song? That is how it seemed to be during those heady days, living, working and being part of PNGVR.
One significant thing missing from the top table was the 'Flame of the Forest' which always seemed to be present on formal dining nights in PNG. There is also a piece of Pipers music called 'Flame of the Forest' and perhaps that could be played at a future dinner. Did you know that during the negotiations for the design of our Regimental Colours, PNGVR had a battle, perhaps not so royal, with the military hierarchy to get the OK to have Flame of the Forest instead of Wattle as the Unit's emblem.
The Club's ante-room reception allowed plenty of time for greetings and to meet some long forgotten faces. I was greeted by a chap who said "Remember me?". I said sorry, I don't remember you to which he replied "I was one of your platoon commanders, what can you say to that"? I was flabbergasted and thought of myself what a dick you are Robert. I am sorry that I just did not recognise Ron Strand. Just then, Brig. lan Hunter says "hello, I believe it's young Harvey-Hall, I reckoned it was you, wonderful to see you again." He recalled how he presented me with my first CMF gong and the Army photographer took a great shot of the occasion which largely featured the prominent company haus cook adjacent to the parade ground at Lae. No matter, I still treasure that photo.
A couple of days later I phoned Bill Guest, ex 39 Battalion, ex Warrant Officer instructor with A Coy during those salad days in Lae, when Emery House was A Coy training depot and my office and also married quarters for Pat and Bill Guest. We agreed to meet on Anzac Day just before the march.
Staying at Hamilton in Brisbane and about two blocks from Brett's Wharf makes it very easy to get into the city. On board the City Cat, the attendant reminded me that Anzac Day marchers travel for free on this day. Instead of looking at the sights, I did a bit of day dreaming about my first Anzac Day march in Lae in 1952 with some of the blokes who were there - Major Harry Thompson, MC, ex Signals Corp and P&T and OC `A' Coy PNGVR - John McKean, Lae's chemist, ex parachute battalion, and Bevan Murphy who went to war in the merchant Navy at 14 and a bit. He was brother of the somewhat famous Captain John Murphy, taken prisoner by the Japanese at Rabaul.
There was a time in 1952 when 'A' Coy had an ARA Corporal Storeman attached who was also a qualified bomb disposal chap and I remind myself of the times this bloke took me along to assist him in dealing with UXB's which included artillery shells. There was plenty of live ordinance in and around Lae.
The only available information I had on bomb disposal was a British War Office pamphlet. I think it was called `Protection Against Unexploded Bombs' and again if my elderly memory hasn't let me down, was somewhat lacking in specific details. Anyway I read this document at the request of our Corporal Storeman and bomb disposal expert before each sortie, and let me tell you that what we did to destroy UXB's bore absolutely no resemblance to the pamphlet.
The Corporal loved Rhum Negrita and poker and just about every night in Bagtown, where he lived in a small donga, he consumed copious amounts of the Bermuda - booze while trying to defeat established card sharps in games that went into the early hours of the morning. Although his hands perpetually shook, he always got the job done. Before lighting the fuse and moving back to cover he would always say "let us walk back, don't run''. He was recalled to the mainland before his term of duty was completed,
I also reflected on an Easter bivouac at Salamaua where `A' Coy, under the instruction of W02 Bill Shillaker, fired a 3 inch mortar from the narrow isthmus where the pre-war township used to be, aiming towards Kela Heights. At this time there were three Harvey-Hall's present who went `fishing" with the blokes after the firing session, which incidentally often resulted in several misfires. These keen fisherman never used lines, bait etc but always came back with a load of fish.
I can recall John Bretag not so well dressed in only a pair of boots AB, diving into the harbour water after fish. He got back on board very quickly when someone made casual mention of sharks in these waters. I also recall how pleased the local villagers were with the results of this not so new way of fishing. Of course there is no prize for guessing what we used for bait or how we disposed of the misfires.
Ross Wormald came later as WO Instructor, imparting his well rounded knowledge to the members. I next saw Ross in 1967 in Vietnam in the Long Hai hills during a search, fix and destroy mission whilst he was acting RSM of 5 RAR. He was collecting shell dressings from anyone because of the carnage a well sited and improvised land mind, set up by a local VC company, had caused amongst a platoon acting as vanguard during Operation `Renmark". Still a regular soldier, Ross came back to Nui Guinea in 68 or 69 in civilian dress and served in the border areas. I don't know where Ross went to after that stint.
The Brisbane City-cat docks at North Quay, and after a hearty breakfast in the city, I make my way to the Anzac Day march FUP for NGVR/PNGVR - looks like l'm first there - no Bill Guest. I move along to the 39th banner, and he is not there either. About twenty minutes later Norm Mundy says that there is someone looking for me but he is not one of ours. Bill Guest arrives and says, as if it is only yesterday in Lae "G'day Bob, there's been a change of plan, we are going to have our get together after the march at Emery House". Bill Guest was certainly one of us; he was a great help to me and the Battalion during his service with PNGVR.
Our numbers in George Street are starting to get more respectable. Brother Gill arrives and then Kel Williams and Don Hook. I wander up the street and meet Tom Lega and Peter Harbeck. By this time PNGVR chaps are arriving from all directions; hand shakes all round then we start to sweat in our smart looking Anzac Day Dress. Hey! There is Graeme Blanch and Joe Hall; Joe and I once worked for a major airline, come to think of it so did Tony Boulter. Along comes Bruce Johnson and Mike Larkin.
With over 90 members on parade, the march commences. A number of NGVR members joined the Regiment in the jeep transport provided courtesy of the Military Jeep Club of Brisbane.
The Anzac Day March 2001 was a splendid affair, by that I mean I felt that we marched well in spite of the fact that we did not have a dedicated band with us. We certainly looked smart in our berets, jackets and grey slacks and were in step most of the way despite the stops and starts.
There were big crowds in Adelaide Street and the number of children and young people watching the parade was impressive. We get many cheers including "Aussie Aussie Aussie" and "well done, PNGVR" from the saluting stand. The Australian Flag supporter who is usually near Anzac Square, was there again this year, proudly holding a large Australian Flag and shouting congratulations to the Regiment as we too take pride in carrying the Australian Flag alongside our Battalion Flag and the PNG Flag. Such support goes a long way to keeping our feet pounding along the roadway.
The Adelaide Street crowd, would have to be the largest I have seen on Anzac Day in Brisbane. We came to a tired and slightly raggedy halt and were dismissed. "Well done NGVR/PNGVR" for indeed we had done well especially with help from Carl Aschhoff and Mal Zimmermann calling the step now and then. Well done.
We moved across to the Shrine of Memories for a short memorial service for NGVR members who made the supreme sacrifice during the Pacific War and to those who were lost on the Montevideo Maru, always a touching ceremony.
At the request of one of the Legatees of the Yarra Valley Legacy Group, of which I am a member, I remembered NX191485, Bdr F J Herriot of the 2/22nd Battalion. Viv Humphrey's says `Hello!' and introduces his grandsons - or 4 I think all looked smart in their Association caps. I shook hands with each one which left me with a good feeling. onto the old Stock Exchange Hotel and just in time for the big dollars across the bar by our Secretary and the "freebies" are available. The nibbles are quick to go but never mind, hang onto your drink, circulate and say g'day to old mates. Some are first time marchers and there are more than a couple you haven't seen for ages. Meet up with a couple from the top end-Terry Farmer and Trevor Webb, then onto our remarkable Honour Board where you see the names of close comrades-it's time for a brief reflection. Ed Hardy's name is there. It only seems like yesterday when he marched with us on Anzac Day 2000. He has now gone into the great silence.
Mal Bishop is holding court not far from the bar. Mal doesn't have to get up for a refill as he has enough acolytes in attendance. I yarn with Bill Kelly and Col Gould stays for a couple of minutes, away from his ever going secretarial duties. I still miss his Dad, Stan, at our gatherings. Stan and I were good mates.
Jesse Chee comes over and we recall how it was for him before PNGVR became multiracial. Jesse used to haunt A Coy training depot and myself, wanting and insisting that he be allowed to join PNGVR, which, at the time he couldn't. We talked about the telephone calls to Canberra and the calls from Canberra to me from a senior bureaucrat in the Prime Minister's Department wanting to know why I hadn't enlisted Jesse. Would you believe not one call, but several over a couple of months. I recall that I invited Jesse and another chap to attend an A Coy bivouac to observe our training and to give them an idea of what they would be in for. Well at that time, a Major Worley from HQ was doing an inspection of A Coy working in the field and he insisted that two recruits of Chinese origin could not observe our military activities. Bill Guest was instructed by the Major to take Jesse and the other chap way to teach them how to `slope arms' while we got on with our military training.
Then one magic evening, a call from Canberra saying that Jesse could be enlisted. It was a breeze as we had already prepared the enlistment papers many moons before. Final approval came from Murray Barracks which not only affected Jesse Chee but became the watershed which helped make PNGVR the great unit it was. I also remember Sgt Michael Galore who was one of the first Nui Guinea nationals to join A Coy and who developed into a fine NCO. Michael wrote to me in some time back advising that some ex PNGVR nationals were in the process of forming an Association in Lae.
Over to Bill Bickerton to say g'day and to tell him I don't have the Presidential Citation. I only saw it once at 8 Coy Rabaul in the early fifties. I went to Rabaul with my great mate the late Noel Scott. Noel and I joined 25 Battalion, Darling Downs Regt in the late 40's. Noel was a Lt with B Coy PNGVR when he showed me the Citation in the OC's Office. I never saw it again.
Toasts are now made and some of our Ladies are presented with well earned kudos by the President-more announcements and more nibbles are circulated which disappear quickly, so much so that I recall Colonel Bill Harrington once saying to me during a dinner, "Bob get on with it, if you pause to say Grace the remainder will be starting on their sweet kai".
I drift over to the chaps from Darwin to listen to the somewhat disjointed conversation, after all, we have all been here for some time. Still circulating I get an audience with Colonel Mal, yarn to Alan Wadsworth, Carl Aschhoff, Mal and Mike Zimmermann and say cheerio to Jack Goad. With all the goings on around me, it is easy to understand clearly what brings me back to Brisbane to march on Anzac Day-the room is full of them.
Well, it's time to leave and once again the handshakes and some messages for Dawn. I ask for directions to North Quay and the City Cat to return to Hamilton.
What did you say? Oh yes, I plan to be back again next year. What about you?
Alan Wadsworth and Col. Mal Bishop MM.
Bob Collins and Karl Aschhoff.
Karl had travelled from Charleville.
Jesse Chee, Tony Barlow , Les McAndrew, Mal Zimmerman, Gil Harvey-Hall, Michael Ahmat.
Joe Fisk (Juniper Greens), PNG Flag - Simon Hui, Association Flag - Bob Collins, Australian Flag - Colin Gould.
Banner carriers Ken Weare and Paul Brown.
Banner carriers Ken Weare and Paul Brown.
L-R. Ken Weare, Barry Wright, Peter Rogers DFC, ? , Paul Brown (Banner Carrier), ?, Mike Griffin, Jes Hansford, ??Tony Milan (leading L-hand row).
Front Row. Peter Rogers DFC, Stewart Lewis, Marchers behind Peter. John Mudge MBE, ?, Kel Williams, Douglas Ng, Rudy Buckley, ?. Gerry McGrade, ???
R hand row marchers. Douglas Ng, Rudy Buckley, ?. Gerry McGrade, Bill Kelly, Ken MacGowan, Joe Hall, Les McAndrew, Brian Jones.
Harry Green MBE, John Holland.
Tom Lega MM (NGVR/ANGAU) presenting flowers to "The ladies".
Jim and Joe Keenan - both NGVR/ANGAU
Stan Burton (NGVR, Aust Air Warning Wireless, Allied Intelligence Bureau), John Murphy (NGVR, Coastwatcher) ?.
John Holland, John Batze, Harry Green MBE.
