Presidents Report

          At last our revised edition of “Against All Odds, “A History of 2/18th Battalion” is to hand.  Many thanks to Di Elliott, Lynette Silver and Larry Czarnik who were largely responsible for bringing this to fruition.
          Our picnics at Lane Cove National Park are still very popular but would like to see more there. If you intend to come please ring John McGrory.
          Anzac Day saw only five of our battalion march. However many of our Association and their kin made up the numbers. The Reunion was very well attended. Due to cramped conditions we have booked the Bowlers Club for 2008.
          Our Anzac Day Church Service at St Johns Gordon saw a good number in attendance. Particularly pleasing to see Dr Brendan Nelson, minister for Defence, Barry O’Farrell, leader of the Opposition and John O’Day, member for Davidson.

LAST POST

NX 40983 Private J Hughes.

NX 69497 L/Sgt Owen Smith
          Owen was a highly esteemed member of the Battalion, a very good soldier and great supporter of the Association. He bravely battled on despite illness in the last few years.

The Committee is unchanged.

President :- Merv Blyth
Vice Presidents :-Wendy Willcocks, Noel Simmons.
Country Vice President :-Bob Flint
Secretary :-Colleen Czarnik
Treasurer :- Diane Humphries
Auditor :- Richard Clive
Welfare :- John McGrory
Custodian Banner and Flag :- John Blyth
Honorary Archivist :- Wendy Willcocks
8 Div Delegates :- Colleen and Larry Czarnik
Committee :- Joan Okey, John Blyth, Stan O’Grady

          Five members made the march, John McGrory, Stan O’Grady, Gordon Richardson,
Joe Ferris and self together with a good number of Associate members and their kin. It was great to see so many there for the first time.
          Hurlstone Agricultural High School cadets led by Lachlan Simond and Lt. James Michell were once again flag and banner bearers. Lachlan presented our book to the school.
          Archivist Wendy Willcocks now has a larger filing cabinet and is eager to have any items that may be of interest.

Dates to remember

Picnics in the Park

June 4th:-…Monday
July 2nd :- Monday
August 7th :- Tuesday
September 3rd:- Monday

          Due to the closing of the Eastern side of the park until 23rd September we will now meet on the opposite side. Entrance is 100 metres over the bridge, the Delhi Rd entrance. The hut is on the right inside the park , known as Koonjerie Area.

On Anzac Day the medals of Jack Williamson who was killed in action, were worn for the first time by granddaughters Judy and Elizabeth Williamson. Father Ray was at the luncheon held at City Tatts, but Bills widow Jean Waddell who lives on the Central Coast was unable to be present on Anzac Day.

          Historian Jeannine Baker is researching Australian war correspondents and in particular the stories written from Malaya in 1941 by Australian Women’s weekly journalist Adele (Tilly) Shelton-Smith. The articles were criticised because they allegedly made light of the hard conditions in Malaya and concentrated on recreational activities rather than training. She would be interested to hear from any 2/18 Battalion members or their relatives who can comment on this story, and would especially like to access diaries or letters written at the time, which mention the incident and any repercussions. Jeannine can be contacted by e-mail jeannineb@optusnet.com.au or mail to 161A Victoria St., Dulwich Hill. NSW 2203

Also Chris Waterford, Bills son, left Sydney on April 10th to start his 10 week Pilgrim Walk on the Camino trail in Spain. An 800 km walk. Anyone wanting to follow his walk can go to chrisonthecamino.blogspot.com.
Gerard Waterford, son of John, a social worker living in Alice Springs, has just co-written and had published his book The Long Way Home: the life and times of Alec Kruger. This is an autobiography of Alec Kruger, an Aboriginal elder, born in Katherine on Christmas Day 1924. His mother. Yrambul Nungarai, or Polly, was a Mudpurra woman from Wave Hill. She married Frank Kruger, son of German and Irish immigrants .As a child of mixed Aboriginal descent, Alec was subject to the Aboriginal Ordinances of 1911. With his sister Gladys, he was taken into institutional care at the age of two. Snatched from his mother in Katherine, he went first to Darwin and the Kahlin Compound. He was later moved to a new boys home in Pine Creek .At the age of eight the government moved him from the Top End down to Alice Springs and the Bungalows. This book chronicles the life and times of Alec up until now.

2/18th Bn AIF Assn Welfare / Liaison Report May/June 2007

Pearson “Ginty” (Eileen ) :- Wreath laid for 8 Div and all soldiers at local Anzac march with a granddaughter and great granddaughter on each side of him. Both keeping reasonably OK. Sends regards to all.
Spratt Doug (Olga) :- Big day on Sunday 6th, Doug turned 90 years young. Had a party to celebrate this most important day. Have a happy day Doug and Olga. Best wishes for the future.
Richardson Gordon :- Looking very sprightly and marched that way on the Anzac Day. Very pleased to see him taking part.
Ferris Joe :- Pleased to see Joe who is a regular starter this time. He was joined by his son. Joe will never be dead while his son lives. He is the image of his father. Great to catch up with both of them.
Devenish Connie :- In very good condition, getting younger looking each year. She is keeping well and enjoys the company of 2/18th people. Great to see you Connie.
Cottee Mac (Linda) :- Keeping very well except for his legs which restricts him greatly, but the spirit is still strong. Keeps in touch with his old friend Helen Veitch, who turns 100 years on May 21st. What a great feat Helen, Congratulations from ALL
Veitch Helen :- Keeping quite well at present. Relaxing in Bayview Gardens Nursing Home, recovering from a broken wrist and a few other less serious conditions.She reaches her
big milestone on May 21st, she reaches her “ton”, yes 100 years of age. Congratulations from ALL of us Helen. I know it will be a great day for you, members of your family will make it a very Special Day. All the best
Ford Bob :- Feeling OK at present. Has had a few ups and downs recently. His medico has had him on quite a few antibiotics which have done the job and cleared up his infections.
Ford Bob (Pam) :- Bob has been in and out of hospital these last few months though he never complains. At the moment he is reasonable, hopes to stay out of hospital for a few months. They send regards to all.
Masling Caroline (Ray) :-What a great couple are these two, they support the Association in all our “doings”. This year Caroline phoned me a week or so before Anzac Day asking if I was going to march. I said I would be there but not marching, could not go the distance. She suggested a wheel chair, saying she would supply one, would not take no for an answer – she tried the local hospital, no luck, the local chemist, also no luck. She phoned a chemist in Dubbo ,Mr Tony Lawler,who not only loaned her a wheel chair but did not charge her any rental. She and her husband Ray, duly arrived on Anzac Day at our march meeting point in Elizabeth St with chair and my eldest son John wheeled me all the way in the march for which I was most grateful. He wheeled me back to City Tatts where I returned the wheel chair to Caroline and Ray for return to the chemist in Dubbo to thank him for his generosity.
Three cheers for the Maslings !!
Flint Bob :- Bob is keeping well. Unable to come to Sydney for this years
march. Had a project with Dubbo R.S.L. Service and march, which I am assured was very well organised and run. You can’t do everything Bob. Sends his best to everybody.
Auld George (Jean) :- They are keeping well now. A couple of days before Anzac Day, George phoned and said Jean was not well and for the first time in many years they would not be attending the city march due to her indisposition. You were both missed by everyone. Understand they are both back on deck. Take care dear friends.
Stokes Nancy :- Recently broke her arm between elbow and shoulder. In very much pain, bearing up in St Lukes Hospital where she is still in Rehabilitation Centre. Hope things are improving Nancy, and you will be back on deck. Everyone sends you their best wishes and prayers.
O’Grady Stan :- Another good strong marcher, went all the way on Anzac Day, then arranged to pick up Imelda Mosher and drive her to the Anzac Service and at St Johns at Gordon on the Sunday. He is a very obliging and caring member, was hoping to go to Sandakan with Lynette Silver, but ruled out on medical grounds. Better luck next time Stan, old mate.
Czarnik Larry (Colleen) :- Back from their trip to the U.S.A. to see Larry’s Dad. He is keeping well and has pleased them no end by agreeing to visit Australia, I think ,in October. Colleen and Larry both doing a wonderful job with our Association, particularly in relation to our book. They are selling quite well. Owen Smith’s daughter Sue Wilson sent a cheque for $150.00 which gives her six (6) books. Owen is very low at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with Owen and all the family.
Chapman Faith :- Keeping reasonably well. Has had a few falls recently, none really serious thank God. Keeps in touch with Owen Smith’s family and is waiting to be advised further re Owen, he is very low at present. Not looking forward to winter. I am with you there Faith. Mix more water with it and take care my friend.
Blyth Merv (Heather) :- Heather is hospitalised at R.G.H. Concord. Had a fainting fit on the train going home on Anzac Day, having all sorts of tests and scans while in Concord. Hopefully they will find out what’s causing fainting fits. Get well soon Heather.
Okey Joan :-Keeping well and still likes the cold weather, of which Katoomba has plenty. Has her hands full looking after our newsletter printing and doing a first class job. Thanks Joan.
Gemmell Lee :- Keeping reasonably well, generally, still looking after the Coleslaw for our Monday Picnics. A million thanks Lee, hope to see you on the 7th.
Hazlewood Norma :- Looking very fit and well was this lovely lady with her lovely daughter Lyn, and her handsome husband Bill and some of their children. A lovely family, and they do take good care of Norma. All are well and we trust all will continue in good health in the future. Great to see you all.
McGrory Clarice :- Had a couple of falls the day before Anzac Day and taken by ambulance to the Sydney Adventist Hospital in which she “rested” until Thursday May 3rd., when she was transferred to Rehabilitation at Lady Davidson Hospital for physiotherapy. Hope to get her home soon. Lots of love honey child.
Lowe Val :- Keeping reasonably well. Has the usual aches and pains that we all seem to have. Had nothing startling to report. Sends regards to all.
Atkinson Norma (Ballina) :-Keeping reasonably well, able to take part in Anzac Day ,march along the main street in Ballina, down to the Memorial outside the RSL, a long walk. She does volonteer work which keeps her busy. Said to say “Hello” to all.
McLennan J S (Lesley) Stuart was welcomed to our picnic on May 7th, son of H.J. McLennan (K.I.A.)
They have joined our Association and will in future, where possible, attend our functions and picnics. We had a very good Picnic Day, the weather was perfect.
Seaborn Pat :- Reasonably healthy. Happy with the beautiful weather we are having just now. Looking forward to our next picnic.
Endacott Ted (Klara) :- Ted is keeping quite well. Klara is not so good, did not come to our picnic on 7th. She is coming good slowly.

(Apologies for late addition.)

Jack Waterford named Canberra Citizen of the Year

JACK WATERFORD NAMED CANBERRA CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

One of Canberra’s best-known journalists, commentators and opinion-makers, Canberra Times Editor At Large Jack Waterford, has been named 2007 Canberra Citizen of the Year at a ceremony today.

Chief Minister Jon Stanhope presented Mr Waterford for the award in recognition of his services to local journalism — particularly in the areas of politics, public administration and the law — and to the community.

“Mr Waterford has informed this community — not to mention dissecting and analysing it — for many decades, as a reporter, editor, columnist and leader-writer for this city’s daily newspaper,” Mr Stanhope said today. “He is a household name, whose contacts and connections span political, religious and social divides.

“As a writer and a trained lawyer, he has championed issues such as accountability, public administration and governance and has brought the workings of the legal system — up to and including the workings of the High Court — alive, in plain English, to ordinary Canberrans.”

Mr Stanhope also acknowledged Mr Waterford’s work on Indigenous issues and his achievements in academia.

“Mr Waterford has an abiding interest in the challenges confronting Indigenous Australians, having been a part of Professor Fred Hollows’ National Trachoma and Eye Health Program and seeing at first hand the living conditions of this country’s first people,” Mr Stanhope said.

Mr Waterford was appointed Adjunct Professor of the University of Queensland in 1999 and reappointed in 2002. He has written a number of books on public administration, freedom of expression, the Petrov Affair and Aboriginal health.

He won the prestigious Graham Perkins Journalist of the Year Award in the 1980s and earlier this year was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia.

“Jack is an outstanding Canberran who has made a sustained and passionate contribution to this community over many decades and is a fitting recipient of the 2007 Canberra Citizen of the Year Award,” Mr Stanhope said.

HUMOUR STRIKES AGAIN

          I OWE MY MOTHER.

1. My mother taught me to APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE
“If you’re going to kill each, do it outside. I just finished cleaning.”
2 My mother taught me RELIGION
“You’d better pray that this will come out of the carpet”
3. My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL
“If you don’t straighten up, I’m going to knock you into the middle of next week”.
4. My mother taught me LOGIC
“Because I said so, that’s’ why.”
5. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC
“If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you’re not going shopping with me.”
6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT
“Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you’re in an accident.”
7. My mother taught me IRONY.
“Keep crying and I’ll give you something to cry about.”
8. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS.
“Shut your mouth and eat your dinner.”
9 My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM.
“Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck.
10. My mother taught me about STAMINA .
“You’ll sit there until all that spinach is gone”
11. My mother taught me about WEATHER.
“This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it.”
12. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY.
“If I told you once, I’ve told you a million times. Don’t exaggerate !”
13. My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE.
“I brought you into this world, and I can take you out.”

          MEN’S RULES
We always hear “the rules” from he female side………….. now here are the rules from the male side…….
1. Saturday =sports. It’s like the full moon or the changing of the tides. Let it be.
2. Learn to work the toilet seat. You’re a big girl. If it’s up, put it down. We need it up, you need it down. You don’t hear us complaining about you leaving it down.
3. Shopping is NOT a sport. And no, we are never going to think of it that way.
4. Crying is blackmail
5. . Ask for what you want. Let us be clear on this one.
          Subtle hints do not work !
          Strong hints do not work !
          Obvious hints do not work.
          JUST SAY IT !!
6“Yes” and “no” are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every question.
7. Come to us with a problem only if you want help solving it. That’s what we do.
Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for.
8. A headache that lasts for 17 months is a problem. See a doctor.
9. Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument. In fact, all comments become null and void after 7 days.
10. If you think you’re fat , you probably are. Don’t ask us.
11. If something we said can be interpreted two ways, and one of the ways makes you sad or angry, we meant the other one.
12. You can either ask us to do something or tell us how you want it done. NOT BOTH.
If you already know best how to do it, just do it yourself.
13. Whenever possible, please say whatever you have to say during commercials.
14. Christopher Columbus did not need directions and neither do we.
15. ALL men see in only 15 colours, like Windows default settings.
Peach, for example is a fruit, not a colour.
Pumpkin is also a fruit. We have no idea what mauve is.
16. If it itches, it will be scratched. We do that.
17. If we ask what is wrong and you say “nothing”, we will act like nothing’s wrong. We know you’re lying, but it is just not worth the hassle.
18.If you ask a question you don’t want answer to, expect an answer you don’t want to hear.
19. When we have to go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear is fine. Really.
20. Don’t ask us what we’re thinking about unless you are prepared to discuss such topics as ;
                    Sex
                    Sport
                Or Cars
21. You have enough clothes.
22. You have too many shoes.
23. I am in shape. Round is a shape.

Thank you for reading this.
Yes, I know I have to sleep on the couch tonight, but did you know men really don’t mind that, it’s like camping.

Share this with as many men as you can – to give them a laugh.

Share this with as many women as you can to give them an education.

I am currently trying to find out as much as I can about my Uncle Ron Jones who served in the 2/18th during WW2.

Most of the dates and information we have found below is from personal records and the 2/18th war diary.

We are trying to fill the gap of how and where Ron died.

Any information would be greatly appreciated. I can be contacted by email at pat.jones@act.gov.au, and I am more than happy to travel to talk face to face in the old fashioned way with anyone who may be able to assist.

Regards
Pat Jones
 

Webmaster's Note re: sections of newsletter #135 unable to be reproduced for the web at this time are:

• Article entitled "Savaged in battle, blotted from history" by Alan Ramsey
  • Includes map of Malay conflicts and photos of Burma-Thailand railway, Japanese surrender and POWs.
• Article entitled "Book keeps history alive" featuring Noel Simmons by Bev Jordan.

• Article entitled "A.A.N.S. Sisters in Sumatra" by Joan Duncan (Brodie) 113AGH

• Article entitled "Queanbeyan Solder Saw Europe - from Behind Bars" appearing in The Veteran Spring 2006 edition from the Castle Hill RSL Sub Branch.

• Photos from Feb 1992 Singapore Commemorative Trip

• And some additional humor, Why I Love Mum.

Now Thanks to Wendy Willcocks transcription to electronic form, we have -

• 2/18 BN AIF ASSOCIATION Newsletter ... No. 1 which includes
  • Summary of Inaugural General Meeting of Mon 29 Apr, 1946
• Minutes of Inaugural General Meeting of Mon 29 Apr, 1946
  • Details include Present, Formation, Gift, Constitution, Committee, Fees, General Meetings, Mrs. A.L. Varley, Newsletter & "Men May Smoke", Christmas Party, Decorations, Entertainment and Close
  • Signed by Chairman on 24 Apr, 1947 at 2nd AGM, 5 Hamilton St, Sydney