Please find the undermentioned notification from Association President Greg Stokie, concerning the passing of long time stalwart of the Association – Ron Costabeber.
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Ron Costabeber – RIP
Please find the undermentioned notification from Association President Greg Stokie, concerning the passing of long time stalwart of the Association – Ron Costabeber.
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Ron Costabeber – RIP
31st Bn Members We have received the sad news from President Greg Stokie that past member “Kyle Macleod” passed away Kyle was on the 31st BAttalion Association Committee for some years.
As an old Past Service member of 31st Bn – Kyle Macleod – Rest In Peace.
Kyle MACLEOD
AGED 84 YEARS
Late of Villa Vincent Nursing Home, Townsville and formerly of 119 Queens Road, Hermit Park. Loving Husband of Thelma. Beloved Father, Father-in-Law and Grandfather of Heather, Wendy, Geoffrey, Jennifer, Ross (deceased) and their respective Families.
All Relatives and Friends are respectfully invited to attend a CELEBRATION of KYLE’S LIFE which will commence at 10.00 a.m TUESDAY MORNING 22nd DECEMBER, 2020 at the Lakes Chapel, Morleys Funeral Home, Cnr. Hugh Street and Martinez Avenue, Townsville.
NO CORTEGE
For those unable to attend due to COVID 19 restrictions, Kyle’s Service will be live streamed at morleys.net.au/upcoming-services
National Servicemen’s Association of Australia (Qld) Inc. Townsville
Branch Members of the above are respectfully invited to attend the Funeral Service of their late Comrade-in-Arms 1713902 / 119934 KYLE MACLEOD which will commence as above. Nasho uniform and medals to be worn.
Ian Kuhl Secretary.
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Returned and Services League of Australia (Qld Branch) Townsville Sub Branch Inc.
Members of the above are respectfully invited to attend the Funeral Service of their late Comrade-In-Arms 1713902 / 119934 KYLE MACLEOD which will commence as above.
Val Clark Secretary.
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31st Infantry Battalion Assoc. Inc. Townsville Branch
Members of the above are respectfully invited to attend the Funeral Service of their late Comrade-in-Arms 1713902 / 119934 KYLE MACLEOD which will commence as above. Medals may be worn. Dariel Walker Secretary.
The following message has been received from the Secretary of the Brisbane Branch of the 31st Battalion Association Tony Wadeson
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It is with great sadness that I advise you of the Passing of our oldest WW2 Veteran – QX43769 WO2 Alf Cumberland. Alf passed away early this afternoon peacefully in his sleep at his residence, – The Lodge, Magnolia Aged Care, Coomera. Alf had just turned 103Yrs on the 2nd Sept. Alf joined the Army – “Artillery” on the 22nd Sept 1941. He joined the 2/31st Bn in New Guinea as a Reinforcement Nov 1943. He also took part in the later Invasion at Balikpapan Borneo. There are quite a few interesting stories to be told. Alf’s Company Commander was George Henderson, the Father of Alex Swan (nee Henderson). Refer 31st Bn Assoc Website – 31bnassn.org – Go to Archives refer to July 2019 & Sept 2019.
Members, Veterans & Friends. – FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS – ALF CUMBERLAND. as Follows:-
(1) WHERE:- The Funeral is to be held at:- Newlife Uniting Church – 4 Greenwich Ct. ROBINA Q’ld 4226
(2) WHEN:- Tuesday 20th October at 1.00PM
(3) DRESS:- 31st Bn Members – Jacket & Tie, – Beret, – Medals – Name Tag.
(4) It is our intention (with the OK from White Lady Funerals) to have the 2/31st Bn Banner Displayed & form a Guard of Honour at the Conclusion of the Service.
If anyone requires Transport assistance please contact me on my Mob 0427 337 177 or by email, & I will endeavour to help you.
The Nerang RSL are Handling the Poppy Service.
Tribute Designed & presented by our Honorary Member Pierre Seillier (France). This Tribute was presented to Alf on his 102nd Birthday last year. Due to the Magnolia Aged Care Centre being in lockdown on his 103rd Birthday this year we were unable to visit him.
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The following Record of Service was researched and compiled by Association Committee member Mick James
Vale – QX 43769 WO2 Alf Cumberland
WW2 – Veteran – 2nd/ 31st Bn AIF
Alf Cumberland was born on 2nd Sept 1917. He grew up in “Wellington St” Clayfield Brisbane.
MILITARY SERVICE – WW2
Mick James – 31st Bn Assoc. (Brisbane) Committee Member – 8/10/2020
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Peter Thatcher at last Octobers Reunion Lunch Meeting aged 102 Years.
Alex Swan (nee Henderson) with Alf in April 2019.
A few of us with Alf on his 102nd Birthday last year.
Alf and wife Stephanie on their wedding day 1946
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A few notes from Mick James after attending the funeral for Alf:
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The Secretary of the Brisbane Branch of the Association, Tony Wadeson has passed on the following sad message:
It is with great sadness that I report the passing of Merv Short, the optimum of an Officer & a Gentleman. A great Character and Entertainer, but above all a great mate & true friend to all who new him. Who could forget the Army CL Truck heading through the streets of Townsville on the way to a W/E Bivouac, with the sounds of a Piano being played from the covered back.
Merv passed away early Thursday morning (3rd September 2020) after a long Illness. Our thoughts and deepest sympathy go to Merv’s devoted wife Wendy who nursed him at home, until the end.
Merv’s funeral will be a private Service to be held next week.
Farewell old friend – RIP
Tony
Merv continued to be involved with the 31st Battalion long after his family and business commitments restricted the amount of time he was able to devote to specific postings. His was a continuing effective presence as Chairman of the Committee For Employer Support Reserve Forces (CESRF). In this capacity he continually liaised with other employers to smooth the way for many of their employees to complete their army commitments to the Battalion. His emphasis was always on the value adding that Army Reserve service gave back to an employer in the long run.
As Honorary members of the Mess, Merv and Wendy were always great supporters of many social occasions. Members will attest that, with a small amount of encouragement, Merv would to sit down and tinkle the ivories on many of these occasions. Wonderful evenings of song, enjoyment, and camaraderie.
I am sure many others know of the generosity of Merv Short but I, as a past member of the board of the Endeavour Foundation, can attest that Merv always was the first to generously contribute, whenever we sponsored an outing for the disabled young people in the care of the Foundation in Townsville,
Thanks Mate
Martin O’Sullivan
A Young Merv with a Group of Officers of 31st Battalion (Circa 1950’s)
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A message from Vic Nichol, Secretary/Treasurer of the Charters Towers Branch of the Association has advised us of the sad passing of Barry Renton. Barry enlisted as a private in 31st Battalion on 21 Jan 1958.
He was was a staunch member of the 31st Battalion Association Charters Towers Branch attending various functions. He was one of the first to offer help to whenever it was required. Much of his life was spent in the transport business.
He ran a successful business owning a fleet of trucks.
A email from Vic Nichol describes the service held on the 1st September 2020 at 10am.
“It was a well planned funeral and Barry would have been proud of his family. His coffin was carried on the side-car of a Harley Davidson with his grandson riding Barry’s Harley escorted by five more Harley motorcycles followed by the vehicles of relatives and friends, accompanying Barry on his last ride down Gill Street. Following this was the grave side and poppy service at the Cemetery. The wake was held at the RSL Club”.
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It is with a heavy heart I regret to inform members of the Passing of Don Page.
Don Page was part of the heavy furniture of 31st Bn. – Always Solid & Reliable. Always steady as she goes – with that smile of his, no matter what chaos & panic was on. – Always there to turn to, – AND Always there to offer help in any way.
Both Don & his wife Edna had been unwell for some time, & were both living in a Nursing Home in Townsville. We also learned that Edna had also passed away a few weeks ago. This is so sad.
Don’s Funeral was on Friday 14th August 2020, making it almost impossible to get up to Townsville at this stage due to COVID-19.
DON PAGE will be remembered fondly by all who new him. – Rest in Peace Mate. TONY
Emails of condolence and support were received from members who had served with Don or knew of his service to the Battalion. Two well known members of the association who served with him were Chris Pyke and George Stanger whose messages are included below
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CAPT Don Page was my first Coy Comd (B Coy 31 RQR) when I enlisted in 1966. He was a good bloke. Very sad,
Regards
Chris Pyke
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The following email was received from 31st Battalion Association (Brisbane Branch) Secretary, Tony Wadeson:
Members, its with a sad heart, I have to report the Passing of our Honorary Life Member, – Noel Pilcher – 31/51 Bn AIF – WW2 Veteran. Noel passed away this afternoon in his home town of Bowen – North Queensland. Noel was a month short of his 99th Birthday. For over 40 years Noel has travelled the 2280 Km round trip from Bowen down to Brisbane to march in the Brisbane Anzac Day Parade, (wheelchair past 3 years). He indicated to everyone, he had every intention of coming down to participate again next year.
Our deepest Sympathy goes to his family.
Noel’s Son in Law, – Russell Mayhew, has advised me of the Funeral Details:- If any member can attend The Funeral, it will be will be held next Wed – 14th August at 11.00 AM at the Catholic Church – Bowen.
Please find the attached Tribute on WW2 Vet. – Noel Pilcher – 31/51 Bn AIF. who passed away in Bowen on 8th Aug. The tribute was designed & produced by our Honorary Member from Fromelles – Pierre Seillier for Noel Pilcher’s Family. The 31st Bn Association appreciates this wonderful gesture, Pierre, & we thank you most sincerely.
Affectionately known throughout the 31st Infantry Battalion family of members and their partners, and in particular those of Charlie Company, for her contagious laugh and ever-ready smile, Patricia Hilary Gardner passed away peacefully on 1st May, after a courageous struggle with persistently failing health. She was 84 years of age.
Patricia was married to former C Company OC, Major (retd) John Gardner MBE, for 62 years. The couple met in the choir at St Andrews Church, South Brisbane in 1953 and were married in the Church in 1957, before moving north to Ingham where John took over his late father’s pharmacy.
“Patsy was a wonderful supporter of every aspect of my army career”, said John, “beginning with National Service and continuing on to my transfer to Infantry and Charlie Company. During the years to 1971, when I retired to the Reserve of Officers, Patsy rarely complained about the many times I was away from home. My CMF service would have been impossible without her understanding and patience.”
Patricia’s ashes will be placed in the Columbarium at St. Andrews Church.
Members of the 31st Battalion Association photographed with John (Front row -Second from left)
Following the service for Patsy Gardner in Caloundra on 13th May 2019
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Townsville 31st Battalion Association member Ron Whiting passed away on 8th April 2019. As well as being a past member of the 31st Battalion Ron was also a member of the National Servicemen’s association.
Ron’s Statement of Service | |
Full Name: | Ronald Alfred Whiting |
Service Number: | 1718271, 162852 |
Category of Service: | |
National Service
Citizen Military Forces Citizen Military Forces Citizen Military Forces |
17 Aug 55 to 22 Nov 55 23 Nov 55 to 30 Jun 60 22 Mar 61 to 15 Jul 64 13 Jul 66 to 21 Nov 66
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Rank on Discharge: | Private |
Postings: | |
11 National Service Training Battalion
11 Infantry Bde Light Aid Detachment 107 Coy, Royal Australian Army Service Corps 4 Coy, Royal Australian Army Service Corps |
11 Aug 55
23 Nov 55 22 Mar 61 13 Jul 66 |
Honours and Awards: | |
Australian Defence Medal
Anniversary of National Service 1951-1972 Medal |