Cancellation AGM – Brisbane Branch

Notification received on Saturday 21 Mar 2020 from the Secretary of Association (Brisbane Branch) Secretary Tony Wadeson:

ALL members & Friends to note:- Due to yesterday’s COVID – 19, – Govt. announcement, that a 4SqMetre spacing between individuals, must be adhered to, in an enclosed  Area.

It has been decided to CANCEL the AGM – LUNCH  MEETING scheduled for Friday 27th Mar. at the Sherwood Services Club. The Lunch will be re-scheduled to a later date determined by the Covid -19 situation in a few months time. We apologise for any inconvenience, but we must adhere to the Safety instructions of the Day.

Regards Tony 

Anzac Day Cancellation

The following message has been passed on by Association Brisbane Branch Secretary, Tony Wadeson:

Members Please find the attached Press Release re the cancellation of the Brisbane Anzac Day March. It is to be noted that this is the first time since its inception in 1916 that there will be NO ANZAC DAY MARCH IN BRISBANE.

Its not only the Older Diggers who would be at high risk – but the many thousands of spectators lining the streets, about 5 deep, would be unacceptable to Govt. authorities.

We may still hold our small service at the 2/31st Bn Memorial at Southbank if the 2/31st Bn descendants are still willing. We will keep you posted, on that one.

anzacNotice2020

Historic Photo – Ray “Dasher” Deed BEM

Association member Mick James came across a photo on a Facebook page entitled “On This Day”

The explanatory preamble is as follows:

On 30th Sept. 1970, – Members of the Aust. Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) were presented with a – “United States Meritorious Unit Citation” for its outstanding performance in Vietnam.   For 5 Members of the Training Team this was a special Occasion as previously in 1951, whilst serving with 3rd Bn Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR), they received a United States – “Presidential Unit Citation” for holding & repelling an Overwhelming Force of the Chinese Army at the Battle of Kapyong. Thus saving the the Capital of Seoul from certain capture.

Brisbane Branch Association Secretary, Tony Wadeson, gives us a brief background:

The second Man from the Left in the Photo, – is our very own  – WO1 Ray “Dasher” Deed BEM, – quite a handsome bloke, who scrubbed up pretty well, for the occasion. Dasher has had a few Health issues of late,  but is still going strong at 93 Years, living at Corinda, & conveniently close to the Sherwood Services Club. He is still an active Member of the 31st Bn Assoc. Brisbane Branch. And as you can all appreciate, we are extremely honoured, to have such a distinguished soldier as our Member.  At one stage of his career, Dasher was a Regular WO2 Cadre Staff attached to 31st Bn Townsville, & later  the RSM of 51Bn – Cairns. After retirement as RSM Northern Command, Dasher was seconded by one of Brisbane’s most prestigious Colleges – “The Anglican Church Grammer School – (Churchie), as a Disciplinary Master for many years. They still bring him back each year to Churchie for their ANZAC Day Service.

Mick continues the story:  On 30 September 1970 Five soldiers of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) are now entitled to wear two United States Unit Citations. They are seen here enjoying a drink after being presented at a parade. All were with the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR), at the Battle of Kapyong where it won the United States Presidential Unit Citation which they wear above the Meritorious Unit Citation presented to the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV), at Vung Tau on 30 September.
Left to Right :- Warrant Officer Class 1 (WO1) Brian Lawrance, 43, working in Quang Tri;
WO1 Ray Deed, 43, Phuoc Tuy Province;  WO1 Bill Eade, 44, Hue;  Captain Len Opie, 46, Phuoc Tuy Province, and WO1 Reg Bandy, 46, the Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) of 7RAR at Nui Dat, who is drinking a can of Victoria Bitter (VB) beer.
Heroes all. Ray Deed was awarded a BEM (British Empire Medal) for his service in Korea as a Sgt Platoon Commander during the Battle of Kapyong. He finished his service as RSM of Northern Command. As his birthday is on ANZAC Day, he didn’t celebrate in 1951 as he was still in the thick of the Battle of Kapyong, 22-25 April 1951.
(As an addendum Mick has pointed out:- The Presidential Citation was worn above the Meritorious award, & at that time it was worn on the sleeve at the shoulder, (refer Photo). Now its worn on Right Front Breast.)

Help from Cobbers School Fromelles, France

Pierre Seillier our Honorary Member from Fromelles, kindly sent a copy of the News item produced by Channel 7 European correspondent Sarah Greenhalgh. An edited version was shown on Australian TV on Saturday 22nd February 2020.

The news item tells the story of the help being offered by the children of the “Cobbers School”, Fromelles in Northern France after they had heard of the devastating fires in Australia and their effect on the wildlife. Pierre features in the Documentary.

Our thanks go to Pierre, who, by the way, instigated an appeal in Fromelles for Australian Bush Fire Victims. The Cobbers School was part of the this magnificent gesture by this small Town in France. The pupils of the school have each adopted a Grave of the fallen & their donations are being allocated to the areas of where some of these WW1 soldiers KIA at Fromelles in 1916. The battle of Fromelles was the first battle involving the AIF on the Western Front. Casualties in this battle were the highest (5513), experienced in a 24 Hour period in Australia’s history.

Each year on 19th July, the Anniversary of the Battle of Fromelles, Pierre represents the 31st Bn Association, wearing the 31st Battalion Association Beret. He lays a wreath on our behalf, at the Remembrance Ceremony held at Fromelles.

Pierre has produced thousands of tributes to Australian soldiers over the years. One of the many he has supplied for families of Australian soldiers is shown below. This one covers one of our own – Kev Thomas MM)

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