Vale – Maj Warren Gunder

The following message was received from Brisbane Branch President Tony Wadeson.

Members & Friends, I regret to advise the passing of a a 31st Bn Association old mate since 1959 Warren Gunder. As Warren lived in Nambucca Heads, I only learned Friday (30th May 2025) of his passing on the 16th May 2025.

Warren had been unwell for some time. He came to Brisbane for last Anzac Day for a reunion of the AATTV. Unfortunately, we didn’t catch up, he was unable to march & wasn’t well at the time. He returned to Nambucca Heads soon after. I’m endeavouring to obtain Warrens Full Military record to advise you correctly of his Service.

Warren joined the 31st Bn as a Digger in the late 1950’s. I was transferred to Townsville & arrived on the 1st April 1959. I met both Warren & Foggy (Ray Fogg – Late President of Brisbane Branch of the Association) a week later on the first Parade Night I attended. If I recall correctly, we were all CPLs. at that time. We were all promoted to SGT’s & received our First Appointments within a year or so of each other. We all served as PL Commanders under Hughie Gaffney during the Pentropic Division era. I was transferred to Lismore in 1964 & joined 41st Bn – The Byron Scottish Regiment. From this point I’m assuming the following:- I believe Warren transferred to Permanent CMF the following year & was transferred to 51 Bn Cairns as ADJT. Foggy was also transferred to Cairns with the Royal Insurance the following year & actually boarded with Warren & his Family for a period. I believe Warren was transferred back to Townsville as ADJT in 1968 for a short period prior to transferring to the Regular Army & joining the Aust. Army Training Team Vietnam. He Stayed on with the Regular Army & for a period was a Company Commander with one of the Bn’s of the RAR. he retired from the army ranked a MAJ.

Warren was one of the initial 31st Bn Association Brisbane Branch Members & was our first Vice President. He regularly marched with us on Anzac Day in Brisbane until unfit to do so.

Warren was a dedicated Soldier. He loved the Army & he loved his time with the 31st Bn. And he was proud to have served as a Regular Soldier in the Training Team

Rest in Peace Wazza .

Bn Officers at Annual Church Service in Townsville in 2017 (L to R) Graham Harris,

Warren Gunder, Max Flohr, Col Hugh Gaffney, Kev Thomas, Tony Wadeson, Ray Fogg

Graham,Warren, Tony and Ray all served as Platoon Commanders

Under Hughie Gaffney as CO.

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Three AATV Members Gather at Anzac DayDawn Service at Ray “Dasher” home in 2024

(L to R) Col Miles Farmer, Wo1 Dasher Deed and Maj Warren Gunder

Anzac Day 2024 Coincided with Dasher’s 97th Birthday

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31st Bn Association Anzac Day March (Circa 2012) Warren is on the left of Dasher Deed.

Although the Photo is a little out of Focus Dasher is recognizable at centre Front

(wearing a few more Campaign Medals than the rest of us)

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Vale – LtCol Bevin Wigan

On Thursday 6th February 2025 Members of the 31st Battalion Association and other Veterans joined members of the family in saying farewell to our member, LTCOL Bevin Wigan (Rtd). Bevin passed away on 30th January. A service was held at Our Lady of the Rosary Church at Caloundra

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Bevin Joined 31st Bn in the mid Sixties. He transferred to the regular Army 1970 & served for a further 20 years as a regular Soldier in various postings in the Intelligence Corps. He has always been a staunch & dedicated member of the 31st Bn Association attending many of our Brisbane Meetings despite living in retirement on the Sunshine Coast, and in latter years, not always being in the best of health.

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Each generation of the family were involved in various parts of the service celebrating Bevin’s life. The family have kindly allowed us to to use the extracts (below) from his Eulogy to highlight the life of a much respected member and Officer with whom many of us have had the pleasure and privilege of knowing and working.

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Our thoughts go to Bevin’s Wife, Anette & His Family.

Rest in Peace Bevin

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LtCol Bevin Osmond Wigan

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Bevin and Annette

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A Final Salute by 31st Bn Association Members and other Veterans

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Association Members with Bevin’s Daughter, Michelle

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Members (L to R) Martin O’Sullivan, Alan Bruce, and Tony Wadeson

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The Eulogy was a well structured and well delivered tribute by Bevin’s sons. It started and continued to tell his story on a light hearted theme, likening the story of his life to a Saga that Hollywood would like to get their hands on.

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“Townsville was where Dad and Mum began life together and dad worked with chemicals in the CSIRO, and soon after five children arrived, before moving into the army life.”

“Once their first house went up, Dad’s workmanship in concrete began. A trend that was to continue as we moved from place to place… along with the cement mixer.”

“To his credit his handy work remained standing after the Tropical Cyclone Althea hit in 1971. Well, most of it.”

“Then the moving began with a short tour to Melbourne where we lived in two different houses in a six-month period and discovered Dad’s love of AFL. We fondly remember a trip to see Collingwood play Hawthorn. Despite Dad being a staunch Carlton fan, his father followed Collingwood. We have many memories of AFL grand final parties which were made even more special if it was a Carlton and Collingwood match up.”

“Next a transfer to Canberra where Simon joined the team making us a family of 8 and Dad’s life as an intelligence officer began with him working at Australia’s version of the Pentagon and of course the cement mixer made a return.”

“Dad constructed two long retaining walls using the many large stones from the local hillside and our yard. He also created two long driveways and an entertainment area out the back.”

“Then one night dad brought home our first experience of Chinese food along with the message that if you don’t like this then I have some bad news for you.”

“We were heading to live in Singapore. The whole experience was like something out of a book. Opening our eyes to the world – where we developed an acceptance of different people and cultures.”

“We also learnt to shoot guns. It’s okay it was part of a school trip to the army base. Along with visiting the many naval vessels.”

“Dad … well he was doing what intelligence officers do … attending the country club … golf … overseas trips … martinis – shaken not stirred and the rest has been wiped from the record. No truth to the rumor that he was known as Double O Bevin.”

“After two years, we were back in Canberra for 12 months and the meat pie made a welcome return to the diet.”

“In a visit to Canberra recently, we found the house had been removed. The only things that remained were Dad’s two retaining walls and the cement out back with our initials still etched in the concrete.”

“We then had a shift to Brisbane and while dad worked in Canungra, he still found time to put in more concrete driveways.”

“Memories from this time include the many trips in the camper van. We looked forward to the adventure each holiday and it also meant we got to spend time with dad outside of his busy work schedule.”

“It was literally a military operation – organizing gear for six kids, food for the trip, the best route was calculated and all safety features checked off. Mum and Dad would have it all sorted and ready to roll out at 0600.”

“Then one night dad brought home hot dogs and apple pie along with the message well if you don’t like that then I have some bad news for you.”

“We are heading to live in USA. It was an amazing experience and totally due to the respect dad had gained in the international intelligence community.”

“Again, he did what intelligence officers do … attending the country club … golf … overseas trips. And Double O Bevin creates another chapter.”

“Along with the usual trips people take around the US, Disneyland, Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, Florida, and New York City there was the bonus extra of been welcomed into the community and joining in the block parties celebrating American holidays particularly fourth of July, with Pig on the spit, hayrides and of course store bought fireworks.”

“When most people tour the Pentagon they get to the souvenir stand. But not so for Simon and Stephen (the littlies). They went with Double O Bevin past the souvenir stand, past the security guards, past the marines, down a number of levels, past the men in black …”

“Another example of Bevin’s work recognized, as he got to work closely with American Intelligence.”

“Then back to Canungra and meat pies were back on the menu. Memories of Walking through Canungra army barracks to go play squash and everyone saluting Dad as they walked past him. So Cool!”

“Hash House Harriers after running 3km through bush and Dad (as the boss) organising super large trays of chips and bread from the army kitchen.”

“Again, he did what intelligence officers do … attending the country club … the Canungra golf course where there were lots of quality games … of course if our dog (Pepsi) wasn’t chasing and stealing the balls.”

“Sydney was next on the list with the older children now at university and the younger two at boarding school. Mum and Dad finally had some peace and quiet with just Paul in the house. How’s the serenity. That was until holidays …”

“Then there was the return to Brisbane and exit of military life. With ‘the littlies’ in the final years of High school, Bevin became the first ‘Tuck-shop’ Dad and was affectionately nicknamed as ‘The Bevsta’ by the other students.”

“Now retired from the army, double-0-Bevin put his Intelligence skills to good use, gathering all the gossip from the tuck-shop mums, always making it difficult for us to get away with anything sneaky on the weekends (…not that we ever did anything sneaky).”

“Shortly after the Grandkids followed… all 20 and of course the latest addition, Caroline the “GGD””

“They are grateful for everything Grandad taught them and have many great memories of learning new things with every visit. Whether it was the phonetic alphabet, how to play chess or just having a sense of humour about things and having good people around you.”

“There was always something to look forward to whenever visited”

- Train rides to Maccas (with Grandmum) were the best

- Lots of things to do. Playing in the back yard full of pathways and gnomes and also the carving of Wilson, the stump man. You didn’t have to go far to have an adventure.

- Lolly snakes in the bottom of the ice cream cone and sprinkles on the Weetbix. The world famous BB cookies.

- The secret arm-in-arm handshake.

- Singing around the house with many songs … and we’re sure most were made up … something about wet cement and apparently “There’s a bear in there, and a Charlie as well”. And the classic “there were green alligators and long neck geese, humpty-back camels and chimpanzees, cats and rats and elephants and sure as you’re born but the loneliest of all was the unicorn”

“Granddad and Grandmum would come to visit no matter where we lived and watch sport or come to Grandparent’s Day and made us feel special.”

“We love that on all our adventures, our family has played games together, whether it be board games or card games. Where Tactics and playing by the rules were well instilled and just as important as winning. Developing a healthy level of competition that some may consider slightly over competitive.”

“Something we have all passed on to our grandkids and I’m sure they will pass it on to theirs…”

Always there to help

“Dad’s example of helping others through his involvement with the Church and Lifeline were influential in developing the values that hold us in good stead today.”

“Some solid advice received was:

“It’s great to do well and try your best but just remember, there may be someone bigger, stronger and faster just around the corner so don’t get too far ahead of yourself and enjoy what you achieve.”

“And these are just a few of the memories. Great support over the years and the grounding we received growing up.”

Role model

“We are the products of a wonderful and fortunate family. You and Mum have given us so much of yourselves over the years and have provided us with loving role models for our own families. Your calm approach to life’s challenges has provided us with tools to help us cope with changes and challenges we face. You’re always there for us with advice and support whenever we’ve needed it.”

“Bevin led a very rich life by doing things thoroughly without the fuss.

“He enriched all our lives”

- By valuing family – he made time for family and friends whenever he could

- By providing laughter with the never-ending dad jokes

- By always helping others in need

- By showing respect for others and he was in turn, respected by many

- And By his example of a strong sense of duty

“Bevin you were a wonderful person and role model – and we are all wealthier for having you in our lives.

We will always love you!

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Thankyou to Bevin’s Family

Vale – WO1 Ray “Dasher” Deed BEM MID

Dear Members & Friends of the 31st Bn Assoc. It is my sad duty to advise you of the passing of our Oldest Member, – Soldier Hero, – Our Mentor in all things Army, – Our Great Mate, – Great Family Man, – True Blue Aussie. – WO1 Ray “Dasher” Deed BEM MID. Dasher died peacefully, surrounded by Family, in the aftrnoon of Thursday 19th Sept.

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If you wish to post a Card to the Family – Post it to – “The Family”of WO1 Ray Deed BEM MID (Retd), 11 Hassall St. Corinda Q’ld 4075.

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I have been advised that the Funeral service will be held at St Josephs Church Clewley St. Corinda on Friday 27th Sept at 11am.

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For those members who live Cabooture north to the Sunshine Coast, who wish to attend the Service, you can catch an Ipswich or Springfield Train to CORINDA Station. It is a short walk to the Church just past the RSL Sub Branch on the Other side of Oxley Rd. For those unable to walk I will arrange transport from the Station to the Church.

However as there are Rail line Upgrades taking place, on the north side of Brisbane you may wish to check prior to planing your trip.

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For those travelling by car please Note, – the Indooroopilly Bridge is Closed, so it would be necessary to travel via Ipswich Rd.

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DRESS:- Jacket & Tie, Beret, Medals, Name Tag.

Please RSP to me by Wed 25th if you will be attending

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Tony Wadeson

Secretary (Brisbane Branch) 31st Bn Assn

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Further information from Tony:

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Members, & friends – 97 year old Ray “Dasher” Deed, – 3RAR, & one of the few surviving “Battle of Kapyong” Veterans. – Vietnam Vet – AATTV. – Our oldest 31st Bn member, (Regular WO2 Cadre attachment) Townsville in the 60’s – WO1 -RSM, 51st Bn, Cairns.

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In the fortnight before his passing he had been seriously ill in the PA Hospital Brisbane (Intensive care).

Age has now caught up with our great mate, and a week before his passing he was transferred to Canossa Private Hospital (Pallative Care) Magdalene Wing- OXLEY.

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Dasher’s son Michael contacted me and advised that family members visited him, & Dasher was his normal self, – asking Questions & issuing instructions almost up to the end.

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Recent Photos of Dasher. First with Keith Payne VC & others, Taken at our 31st Bn (Brisbane Brch) – Battle of Fromelles Commemoration Service on 19th July at Ipswich RSL

Photo of Members of the AATV & Korean War Veterans on receipt of their Second – US – Presidential Citation (Dasher second on left)

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Regards To all.

Tony.

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“Dasher”with Keith Payne VC & others, Taken at our 31st Bn (Brisbane Brch) –

Battle of Fromelles Commemoration Service on 19th July at Ipswich RSL

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Members of the AATV & Korean War Veterans on receipt of their

Second – US – Presidential Citation (Dasher second on left)

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Tony has received the following email from Assn Member Warren Gunder who has fond memories of his service with Dasher:

Hi Tony, I am saddened by the passing of Dasher and hope that you will pass on my condolences to the family. Dasher was a significant person in my time as an officer. He was there when I was first commissioned and cadre WO of the coy. When posted to 51RQR on FTD he arrived as the RSM and of course later we both served in the Trg Team. Since then I have been involved with him to some degree on a social level. He was a very special soldier, always calm and collected and very wise with his advice. He is one person from my army career of whom I will have very fond memories. Vale Dasher.

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Final Tribute to “Dasher”

By Our Honorary Member in France Pierre Seillier

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Memorial Service Cover

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Ray’s Family Gathering for his 90th

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Vale – Ron Springer RFM ED

Sad News of the passing of one of our long term Members – Ron Springer who passed away 17th June, surrounded by his Family in Hospital.
Ron joined the Regular Army – RAR, with an intention to fight in Korea. That was not to be, but was sent out to “Maralinga” – Woomera Area as part of an Australian Army Contribution to run the Camp set up for the British Gov. – Atomic Bomb Tests between 1956 – 1962. There were many Military & Civilian casualties resulting from these Tests.
After Ron left the Regular Army he rejoined the CMF – 31st Bn, – ended up as CSM of Charlie Company Ingham. The family then moved to Mackay in 1977 where Ron continued his Service with 42 Bn. The family eventually retired to Brisbane, & Ron then became a very active & long term member of the Centenary Suburbs RSL Sub Branch.
Ron was one of our original 31st Bn Assoc. Brisbane Branch Members accompanied by John Gardner his old OC Charlie Company..
RIP – Ron Springer – Great Family Man, – Great Soldier, – Great Aussie & Great Mate.
A Memorial Service for Ron was held Tuesday 25th June at 2.00PM – Centenary Memorial Gardens Federation Chapel – 353 Wacol Station Rd, Sumner. Refreshments later at Centenary Suburbs RSL Sub Branch – Jindalee Bowls Club.
Dress:- Jacket, Beret, Medals, Name Tag.

Vale – Ray Fogg ED – President – 31st Bn Assoc (Brisbane Branch)

The Brisbane Branch Assoc Secretary, Tony Wadeson has passed on the very sad news that our 31st Battalion Brisbane Branch Founding President (in 2002), Ray Fogg, has passed away on Saturday 22 June after an extended illness.

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Ray has led the Brisbane Branch of the Association for 22 years since its inception. One of the highlights of Ray’s time as President was arranging the construction of the Billy Sing Memorial Plinth at Lutwyche Cemetery in 2015 with financial assistance from the Federal Govt. Photo below.
Rest in Peace Ray.

President Ray Fogg at the Inauguration of the Billy Sing DCM Croix de Guerre (Belgium) Memorial

Association executive member Mick James gives further information regarding Ray’s efforts to bring the Billy Sing Memorial to fruition.

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I mention that the 31st Battalion Association Brisbane Branch conducted Memorial Services at Billy’s grave side in 2012 & 2013 which influenced the Federal Govt to approve us to manage the construction of the Memorial. We also had another Commemoration in 2018 with Billy’s nephew in attendance

Vale – Wally Thomasson

Members, I refer you to the undermentioned Notice from Victor Nicol Charters Towers- re the Passing of Stalwart Member Wally Thomasson Friday evening 24rd Feb.

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Tony

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Vic subsequently informed us of the funeral arrangements for Wally:

The funeral for our past member Wally Thomasson will be held on Friday 1^st March 2024 at 10.00 am at the Church of Christ, 25 Anne Street, Charters Towers, followed by internment at the Charters Towers cemetery.

Could you please advise your members.

A sad loss, R I P Wally. Regards,

Vic Nicol

The only information I have at this time is taken from his statement of service.

Walter James Thomasson, service no. 1701805,

National Service, 05 January 1952 to 11 April 1952.

Citizen Military Forces 12 April 1952 to 04 January 1957.

Rank Private.

I have been told he was in the Assault Pioneer Platoon, Support Coy.

RIP -Wally

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Vale – Darryl Somerville

Emails were received from Tony Wadeson Association Secretary (Brisbane Branch).

6/7/2023

Members, I refer to the email (below) from John Tannock President of 2/25th Bn Association, advising of the passing of Member Darryl Somerville.
Darryl was the son of – CPL Ray Somerville 2/31st Bn who was – WIA – 27/11/42 at Gorari in New Guinea.
RIP Darryl Somerville

A Funeral Service held on 7th July 2023 at 10.30AM at All Saints Anglican Church – 501 Hamilton Rd Chermside.

Tony

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9/7/2023

Members, I refer to the above mentioned email regarding the Passing of our member Darryl Somerville. I wish to advise that Mick James attended the Funeral Service last Friday on behalf of the 31st Bn Assoc. & the Veterans, Families, & Friends of the 2/31st Bn. I have also forwarded a Condolence Card to Darryl’s family on behalf of us all.

Darryl Somerville RIP

Regards TONY

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The following background to Darryl’s story and that of his father( 2/31st Bn member) Roy comes from our Association member Mick James:

Darryl was the son of a 2/31st Bn digger who visited Gorari on the Kokoda Track, where his father was wounded and others from 2/25th & 2/31st Bns were KIA during the battle of Oivi – Gorari (4 – 11 Nov 1942). In 2018 Darryl unveiled a Memorial with members of 2/25th Bn Assoc in honour of those who died.
Pte Roy Somerville served with 2/31st Battalion in the Middle East and New Guinea on the Kokoda Track. While on the Kokoda Track he was promoted Cpl & subsequently to A/Sgt on 1st Oct 1942. On 11th Nov 1942 Roy was wounded at Gorari, north of Kokoda, during the Battle of Oivi – Gorari where members of both 2/25thBn & 2/31st Bn were KIA. Roy was subsequently evacuated to Australia where he was later discharged.

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Roy’s son, Darryl, in honour of his father’s service, travelled to Gorari with relatives of 2/25th Bn members on 11thNov 2017. They also returned in Nov 2018 and unveiled a monument in memory of the Battle and those who died there.

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I met Darryl after his second trip to Gorari and he was very interested in the history of the 2/31st Bn. He subsequently attended an Anzac Service at the 2/31st Bn Memorial at South Bank and joined our 31st Infantry Battalion Association. I only learned of his death on Thursday and attended his funeral on Friday.

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Darryl lived a full life and achieved much with his wife and 3 sons. He was Managing Partner of Accountants Coopers & Lybrands for 10 years until his retirement in 2005. From 2005 until 2011 he was Chairman of Brisbane Broncos Football Club and loved to remind friends & relatives that he was the last Chairman to win a Premiership.

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The funeral was held at All Saints Anglican Church, Hamilton Rd Chermside, and was overflowing with mourners. The Church played a large role in the Somerville Family life. Darryl’s father, Roy, helped build the Church, Darryl was baptised, confirmed and married there. There was much mirth during the Eulogy, given by his 3 sons, David, Paul & Craig, which Darryl had requested.
Rest In Peace, Darryl.

FUNERAL NOTICE
SOMERVILLE Darryl Craig
Aged 74 years.
Late of Everton Hills.
Passed away peacefully on 2nd July 2023.
Much loved husband of Elizabeth. Adored by his sons Craig, Paul and David, Daughter in-laws, Grand daughters and his entire family.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Darryl’s funeral service to be held at the All Saints Anglican Church, Chermside. Service commencing at 10.30am on Friday 7th July, 2023.
In lieu of flowers, relatives and friends are asked to please donate to Dementia Australia via their website.
ALEX GOW FUNERALS

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Cliick on the Link Below for the ABC’s story of the Oivi – Gorari Battle and the Monument.

Oivi – Gorari Battle and The Memorial

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The following tribute is from 2/25th Bn Association John Tannock:

I have a number of issues to update everyone on, but I thought I would get a quick update out to advise of the passing of my good mate Darryl Somerville.

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Many of you would remember Darrryl from our trips to Gorari, firstly to discuss the possibility of installing a monument with the villagers of Gorari and secondly for the unveiling of the monument. Our connection was that our fathers were both wounded in the Oivi/Gorari Battle near the village of Waju. In fact, we often used to muse about the similarities between the war experiences of our fathers ……… both were from the bush and joined up at the same time. Although they were in different battalions (2/25 th & 2/31st), the two battalion supported each other through the Middle East and New Guinea campaigns. Both were wounded at Waju in the Oivi/Gorari Battle, both spent several days lying on the floor of the Kokoda Hospital before being flown to Port Moresby. They were then transported back to Brisbane on the same ship before spending several months recuperating in the Warwick Hospital…….and both had devilishly good-looking sons (Daryl loved that bit).

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I found Daryl to be great company with an infectious laugh and the ability to see the humour where others saw disaster. I remember one night in Gorari when a couple of dogs barked for hours on end. Everyone was lying in their tents unsuccessfully trying to sleep. Finally, around 3:30am, the dogs stopped barking. A collective sigh of relief went around the tents until about a minute later when a rooster started crowing amongst the tents. Suddenly Daryl roared laughing with the laughter spreading around the whole camp.

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Through the project to erect the monument at Gorari, Daryl was my go-to person when I needed advice. He advice was always practical and full of commonsense……….and we would have a lot of laughs at the same time.

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From John Tannock:

Vale – Keith Hearne

Message from Association Brisbane Branch Secretary, Tony Wadeson:

Members I regret to advise that our 2/31st Bn Life Member, – WW2 Veteran & Victorian Past President of the 2/31st & 2/25 Battalions Association – Keith Hearne passed away on Christmas Day. Attached is a Photo taken of Keith receiving his 31st Bn Assoc. Honorary Life Membership Tribute at the Frankston RSL Club on 7th Sept last. We had been trying to present it to him since 2020 but were unable due to Covid State Border lock downs. The event was covered on this website (See “Keith Hearne – Honorary Life Membership” in Archives for October 2022 for his wonderful history of service to the RSL and the Community )

I’ve attached Keiths RSL Bio & you will note amongst other things that he was a Life Member of the RSL.

Funeral Arrangements have yet to be announced. – I will update you when they become available.

If its possible I would ask if our Melbourne Based Members, Peter Nelson & Brian Mullarvey & any 2/31st Bn Veteran, Descendants, could attend the Funeral. The Frankston RSL Sub Branch will be involved as The Victorian RSL State President apparently will be involved. Berets, Medals, & Name Tags Should be worn.

Keith Hearne – 2nd/31st Bn – WW2 Veteran – Life Member RSL – Life Member 31st Bn Assoc.

Rest in Peace.

Regards Tony

Keith was also mentioned on this website in the article “2/31st Battalion Memorabilia” (Archive March 2019).

He was also featured in the article “Keith Hearne” (Archive September 2020) that tells a brief story of his experience in Balikpapan and of his subsequent service to the community. Also of his determination to go to PapuaNewguinea for the reinterment of some of his 2/31 Battalion mates who perished when their aircraft repatriating wounded from Balikpapan and Moritai crashed in West Papua in the latter stages of the war.

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Keith receiving his Honorary Life Membership of the 31st Battalion Association

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Frankston RSL Notice of Keith’s Passing

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Vale – LtCol (Retd) Geoff Barlow

I regret to advise the passing of a good mate and a former proud member of the 31st Bn – Geoff Barlow. Geoff passed away yesterday at the Mater Hospital Townsville. Geoff had suffered from Cancer & had many Operations during the past couple of years.

Geoff was a member of the 31st Bn during the late 50’s & early 60’s rising up through the Ranks to Sergeant prior having to transfer to Brisbane to complete his Pharmacy Degree at Q’ld University.

He transferred from the 31st Bn to the 2/14th QMI. Brisbane. Whilst completing his Degree at Uni Geoff managed to transfer to Full time CMF with the Medical Corp. at – 1 Camp Military Hospital Yeronga. After Graduating as A Pharmacist Geoff then transferred to the ARA – RAMC as a “Pharmacist” an Officer Posting.

During his Military Career Geoff served in Singapore & also an Extended posting to Vietnam based at the 1st Australian Field Hospital Vung Tau.

Geoff rose to the rank of LTCOL in the RAMC before he retired from the Army. He and his wife Pam & family retired to Magnetic Island Where for a time he operated a Pharmacy. He was the President of the RSL Sub – Branch at Magnetic Isl.

Geoff Barlow – RIP

Regards TONY

The following pictures are some of a collection previously sent by Geoff Barlow.

Memories of Battalion Parades held in Townsville during the 50s and 60s.

Freedom of the City

Pre 60s Khaki Uniforms and Blanco’d belts and Gaters

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ANZAC DAY TOWNSVILLE

60s Jungle Greens Black Belts and New Gaters

Vale – Passing of Mme Marie Paule Demassiet

The 31st Infantry Battalion Association was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Mme Marie Paule Demassiet.
Our Association President in Townsville, Col. (Retd) Greg Stokie expressed our thoughts in a letter to Marie Paule’s family. Our Honorary Member in France Pierre Seillier, has tells us how he heard the sad news himself:

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Pierre continues:

·Hello to all my Aussie friends, many of you know that Lambis Englezos my great friend is in France, I’m back from Fromelles where I caught up Lambis at Pheasant Wood… But I was surprised to see him with tears in his eyes… He told me the sad news and asked that I inform all our friends in France and Australia. It is with a great sadness that I must to inform all the friends of the great Fromelles’ Family that Ms Marie Paule Demassiet passed away this morning… Ms Marie Paule Demassiet was the great lady who gave the permission to do the researches for the mass graves at Pheasant Wood because she was the owner of the land, She was the lady who said after the discovery of the remains of our brave soldiers “I give my Land to Australia…”
We are all devastated, because we loved her so much, by a strange coincidence the funeral will take place on next Tuesday, 19th July at 10.30 am…gathering at the church of Fromelles at 10.15am. She will have been with her “beloved young soldiers” as she said always, until her last breath… If some of you want to send condolence message, they can do it on my email ( pierreseillier@hotmail.fr ) and I will pass it to Marie Paule’s daughter, Ms Annie Moreel and her family, who are my friends since a long time…

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Bonjour à tous mes amis Australiens et Français, vous êtes nombreux à savoir que Lambis Englezos mon grand ami est en France, je reviens de Fromelles où j’ai rejoins Lambis à Pheasant Wood… Mais j’ai été surpris de le voir les larmes aux yeux … Il m’a annoncé la triste nouvelle et m’a demandé de prévenir tous nos amis de France et d’Australie. C’est avec une grande tristesse que je dois prévenir tous les amis de la grande Famille Fromelles que Madame Marie Paule Demassiet est décédée ce matin… Madame Marie Paule Demassiet est la grande dame qui a donné l’autorisation de faire les recherches pour les fosses communes à Pheasant Wood parce qu’elle était la propriétaire de la terre, elle était la dame qui a dit après la découverte des restes de nos braves soldats “Je donne ma terre à l’Australie…”
Nous sommes tous dévastés, car nous l’aimions tant, par une étrange coïncidence les obsèques auront lieu le mardi 19 juillet prochain jour anniversaire de la Bataille de Fromelles à 10h30…rassemblement à l’église de Fromelles à 10h15. Elle aura été avec ses “jeunes soldats bien-aimés” comme elle le disait toujours, jusqu’à son dernier souffle… Si certains d’entre vous veulent envoyer un message de condoléances, ils peuvent le faire sur mon mail ( pierreseillier@hotmail.fr ) et je le transmettrai à la fille de Marie Paule, Mme Annie Moreel et sa famille, qui sont mes amis depuis longtemps…
Marie Paule nous t’aimons tellement, tu nous manque déjà…

Mme Demassiet with John Fielding (L) and Lambis Englezos AM (R)

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Mme Demassiet Signing the Official Documents to allow the Search for the Missing Diggers

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The start of the Pheasant Wood Cemetery

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Mme Demassiet with Pierre Seillier and her Family at the Pheasant Wood Cemetery

At a Service where another Australian Soldier has been Identified

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At Pheasant Wood Cemetery

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Mme Demassiet with a relative of one of the Soldiers who has now been Identified

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The story of Lambis Englezos AM and his search for the missing 200 diggers from the Fromelles Battle is in the archives of this website (see Archives of June and July 2021) The 31st Battalion association and indeed all Australians are indebted to this great and generous lady, Mme Marie Paule Demassiet for allowing the recovery and reburial of our missing diggers.

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