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2/18th BATTALION (A.I.F.) ASSOCIATION |
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Member of The Council of Eighth Division and Service Associates |
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#138, FB '08
NEWSLETTER NO 138 February 2008 Presidents ReportIt has been a busy period since the last newsletter. Colleen Czarnik has secured a room at the Bowlers Club, York St for our reunion and A.G.M. on Anzac Day. The Christmas Picnic in Lane Cove was great. Joan Okey did a wonderful job decorating and supplying food. Book sales have slowed down. I would like to see more members presenting books to schools, libraries etc. It was sad to see the notice in the “Herald re the folding of the 2/13th Battalion Association. A number of the 18th C.M.F. officers and men enlisted in this battalion. I missed out by two days joining it. 2/13th were the Rats of Tobruk. Our sympathy goes out to Ethnee Brooks and family for the passing of her mother Kath McLoughlin, Captain George McLaughlin’s wife. She reached the grand old age of 97. Also to Lynette Silver on the loss of her father who passed away recently. It is with deep regret that I accepted the resignation of John McGrory as Welfare Officer. Mac found he was unable to carry on. He did a wonderful job for many years.
His address [removed for privacy reasons. Use Feedback to contact the Association for John's address and phone number.] I have taken over the job Please advise any change of address and/or any deaths of members. My phone number [removed for privacy reasons. Use Feedback to contact the Association for Merv's phone number]. Please also tell me your latest news.
Fall of Singapore 66th Anniversary, Martin Place 15th February John McGrory, Connie Devenish, Thea Watts, Stan O’Grady, Larry Czarnik, Heather and myself attended. Tim Bowden, well known author, A.B.C. presenter, Antarctic adventurer gave the address, which follows. Most impressive.
By Tim Bowden AM
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I would like to see a few more members at the march. Our reunion will be at the Bowlers Club in York St. This venue is much superior to City Tatts. We have secured the same room as last years luncheon. It will be a sit down lunch, coffee and tea served. The Association is subsidising the cost…$15.00 adults; $5.00 children. It would be advisable to watch the march on the York St side of George St We have catered for 75. This will be a great day, so make an effort and come along. Colleen Czarnik has done a good job negotiating with the club. Our archivist Wendy Willcocks will have a display of our memorabilia. For the march assemble in Elizabeth St, rear of the N.S.W. Leagues Club at 10.30 am. St Johns Anzac Service. We are hopeful that our bugle and cabinet will be installed in the chapel before the service. I have the Changi Souvenir Song Album written by Slim DeGrey and our own Ray Tullipan. It brings back a lot of memories. Brian Farrell, a professor of history at Singapore University presented our book to the Director of the Changi museum and it is on display there. This was done through the auspices of our wonderful supporter Di Elliott. Di is co-author of the book. Bill Flowers, 2/9th Field Ambulance sent this poem written by Private Andrew Brand of the 2/18th whilst a P.O.W., which is as follows. “It’s Ours” The battle raged increasing With bursting bomb and shell Both dead and wounded lay about Amidst the earthly hell. When through the smoke of battle We saw it standing by The “RED CROSS”, plain for all to see. We heard a heartfelt sigh The wounded were soon loaded We wished them best of luck To the driver and his men For their courage and their pluck Back to the 9th Field Ambulance Where willing hands stood by To mend our wounded, soothe their nerves And see they did not die. Day and night these gallant men Worked on for hours and hours And when a shell burst nearby “Don’t panic boys, it’s ours” The words of praise are light enough To give these boys a name But through it all the 2/9th Stood by and played the game. Dedicated to the 2/9th Field Ambulance in appreciation of their services on active service in the Malayan Campaign 1941-42
WELFARE REPORT
Mostyn Pat :- Recovering from a bad fall. Hopes to be able to attend Anzac Day march and reunion. Hazlewood Norma :- Has had several weeks in hospital, but feeling much better. Daughter Lyn Rugg looking after well. With luck will be at the St Johns service. Forsyth Keith ;- Has sent the manuscript of his book which covers his life to the Australian War Memorial who are processing same. When finished it will be open to the public. Amos Dawn :- Keeping well. Has had some good rain. Am sending her 3 more books to present to schools etc. Sends regards to all. Johnson George and Mary :- Both reasonably well. George has problems with migraine. Goes to spinners and weavers at Bathurst. He is a spinner. George does voluntary work at the local cemetery. Caine Tony :- Apart from crook legs, he is reasonable. Tony, one of the youngest in the battalion is 86, is still driving after slight stroke. Sends regards to all. Trimmingham Jack and Marie :- Not real well, has good days and bad days. Great to see them at our Christmas picnic. Seaborn Pat :- Recovering well after a major operation. Now able to walk. Misses our picnics. Hopes to be at our March picnic. Stokes Nancy :- Crushed vertebrae in a bad fall. Able to get around now and looking forward to our reunion. Davidson Nancy:- Has changed address but still in Guyra. Nancy keeps very busy in C.W.A., Legacy, R.S.L. etc. Keeping well. Sends best wishes to all. Gimbert Slim :- Home after eye operation. He and Betty had their 60th wedding anniversary while in hospital. Legs not too good but still able to have the odd cleansing ale. Gwynne Amy:- Amy celebrates her 100th birthday on March 6th. Plans to go up in a hot air balloon that day. There’s no stopping her, she is a marvel. HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMY. Evans (Blue):- Eric and Phyllis celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary recently and are still together. Blue hasn’t lost his wonderful sense of humour. McGrory, John and Clarice:- John has joined Clarice at War Vets Narrabeen. He is very pleased to be there. Has joined their bowling club. Varley Jack:- Keeping reasonably well. Legs not the best. Keeps in touch with Judy Carey and Dawn Amos. Lowe Val:- Unable to play golf due to bad back. Otherwise in fairly good health. Sends best wishes. Crawford Vi:- Back home after hip replacement. She is keeping well. Bender Arthur (Shorty):- In nursing hospital at Burradoo. Legs giving him a lot of trouble. Apart from that he is in fairly good shape
Don’t forget : Please phone me to give me any news of members on [removed for privacy reasons. Use Feedback to contact the Association for Merv's phone number].
On Saturday February 16th Lynette Silver, Noel Simmons, Larry Czarnik, my wife Heather and myself attended the naming of the ‘Charlie’ Moore Reserve at West Pennant Hills. Address given by Lynette follows. :
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Dear All
I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a happy new year.
My name is Ethnee Brooks and my late Father was Captain George McLoughlin, and his wife Catherine passed away after Christmas .She was born on 11/03/1911 and died on 27/12//2007 , Mum and Dad lived on their property Yanolee Ellerston for 52 years after the war and were great Pioneers of the Upper Hunter Valley, She is sadly missed by her sons George Timothy Patrick McLoughlin and her daughter Ethnee Brooks and their families and her dear friend Imelda Mosher and Judy Carey. George McLoughlin , Ken Mosher and Jack Carey were great friends always. My Mother was buried beside her husband after a service at ST Mary's Scone.
My son Sergeant Matthew Brooks who is at Gallipoli Barracks Enoggera QLD has written a poem for his grandmother.
Thank you very much Ethnee Brooks NAN
From your ‘Karamea’ childhood at the dawn of Federation, Your pioneering family formed the backbone of our nation.
The Great Depression, Bradman, Phar Lap, World War I and II, What your life has witnessed, and what you have gone through.
No knowledge of your husband’s safety at the fall of Singapore, You bravely showed devotion while he served away at war.
A thousand ANZAC biscuits, and countless meals prepared, A warm and generous welcome, you always showed you cared.
‘Yanolee’s’ a feeling that reflects you in its seasons, It’s a place to heal and convalesce, without a need or reason.
You’ve never wasted anything, you’ve answered every call, You used love to conquer problems, you showed compassion to us all.
For everyone that knows you, a celebrity of Scone, Giving wise and gentle guidance, delivered softly on the phone.
A world class valued mother your devotion exponential, Hugs with first aid treatment came with love that’s unconditional.
Your Derry, Ethnee, Tim, and Pat, at this time, reflective sorrow, As they grow to understand their loss and look towards tomorrow.
For everyone who’s living cannot deny the fact profound, From the beginning, and the time since then, you’ve always been around.
In celebration of your long life there’s a reflective thought to savour - Perhaps an error with your birthday count should be placed towards your favour.
If the tally of the leap years sees your birthdays multiply, When the count rounds up the difference, you’ve seen a 100 years passed by.
Grandkids and great grandkids, beloved children, understand, For everyone who’s loved you, you still always be our Nan.
Matt Brooks, December 2007
Article entitled "Brave family spurned by land they served". report by Tony Stephens on Aboriginal family whose military service is unrivalled in the Commonwealth - yet largely unknown, in the SMH 28 May, 2007. Click here to see an online version minus one photo captioned "Samuel Lovett and his niece, Alice Lovett, during World War II.
Poem "I'm Fine Thanks You" with Origin Unknown.
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DATES TO REMEMBER. Monday March 3rd …Picnic Monday April 7th …Picnic Friday April 25th…Anzac Day March and Reunion Bowlers Club, York St Sydney. Sunday April 27th …Service at St Johns C of E Gordon. Service commences at 10 am. [Webmaster note: Erroneously listed for 10am in the newsletter. The service commences at 11:30am.] Monday June 2nd…Picnic Picnic is still held at Westside Lane Cove.
I Remember I remember the cheese of my childhood And the bread we cut with a knife When the children all helped with the housework And the men went out to work – not the wife
I remember the milk from the billy With the yummy rich cream on the top When the dinner came hot from the oven And not from the frig at the shop
The kids were not bored .. but contented They didn’t need money for “kicks” Just a game with their mates in the paddock And sometimes the Saturday “Flicks”
I recall when the loo was the “dunny” And the pan man came at night It wasn’t so terribly funny Going out to the “back” with no light.
I remember the slap on the backside And the taste of soap when I swore Anorexia and diets were unheard of And we had little choice what we wore.
I don’t think our ego was bruised much Or our initiative quelled or destroyed We just ate what was put on the table And I think life was better enjoyed. Spot of Humour This says it all Time passes Life happens Distance separates Children row up Jobs come and go Men don’t do what they’re supposed to do Hearts break Parents die Colleagues forget favours Careers end.
Two women at the pearly gates Two women are new arrivals at the pearly gates and are comparing 1st Woman : “I froze to death”. 2nd woman: “How horrible” 1st woman :“It wasn’t so bad. After I quit shaking from the cold, began to get warm and sleepy, and finally died a peaceful death. What about you?” 2nd woman :“I died of a massive heart attack. I suspected that my husband was cheating, so I came home early to catch him in the act. But instead I found him all by himself in the den watching TV” 1st woman: “So what happened?” 2nd woman::”I was so sure there was another woman there somewhere that I started running all over the house looking. I ran into the attic and searched, and down into the basement. Then I went through every closet and checked under all the beds. I kept this up until I had looked everywhere, and finally I became so exhausted that I just keeled over with a heart attack and died.” 1st woman: “Too bad you didn’t look in the freezer. We’d both still be alive.”
Reasons not to mess with children. A kindergarten teacher was observing her classroom of children while they were drawing. She would occasionally walk around to see each child’s work. As she got to one little girl who was working diligently, she asked what the drawing was. The girl replied, ”I’m drawing God.” The teacher paused and said, “But no one knows what God looks like>” Without missing a beat, or looking up from her drawing ,the girl replied, “They will in a minute.”
And finally :- Morris, an 82 year old man, went to the doctor to get a physical. A few days later, the doctor saw Morris walking down the street with a gorgeous young woman on his arm A couple of days later, the doctor spoke to Morris and said, ”You’re really doing great, aren’t you?” Morris replied, ”Just doing what you said, Doc: ‘Get a hot mamma and be cheerful’ The doctor said, “I didn’t say that. I said, ‘You’ve got a heart murmur, be careful.’”
Until next time Keep smiling Merv Page created 29 Mar, 2008. Last Updated 12 Feb 2009 15:51:41 +1000 |
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