The 31st Battalion Association (Brisbane Branch) held its Annual General Meeting. Minutes of the meeting and associated documents are presented below:

31^st Inf. Bn Association (Brisbane Branch)

Annual General Meeting – Tuesday 25^thMarch 2025

Bronze Room – Sports Central – Caboolture Club.

MINUTES of AGM – Tuesday 25^th Mar. 2025

11.00 AM – Meeting Commenced – Vice Pres Col Jackson was a last minute Apology

Secretary Tony Wadeson Chaired The Meeting

WELCOME:- Secretary Tony Wadeson:- Welcome – Members, Guests, and

Vale:- (1) JOHN VOLTER

(2) RON SPRINGER

(3) RAY FOGG – Founder and Inaugural President- Brisbane Brch. 31^st Bn Assoc.

(4) RAY “DASHER” DEED BEM MID

(5) BEVIN WIGAN

A/Chairman Tony requested Members and Guests to be Upstanding

We Honour these Members (READ NAMES) and all former Members of the:- 31^stBn, – 42^ndBn, & 31/42 Bn who passed away during the past year. RECITED THE ODE – One Minutes Silence observed.

COMMENCE AGM:-Acting CHAIRMAN – Tony Wadeson

• • APOLOGIES: –A/Chairman Tony W. MOTION:- That the Apologies Listed, be Accepted.

MOVED:- Tony Wadeson SECONDED Mick James. MOTION:- CARRIED

• • MINUTES of THE PREVIOUS AGM held 2024: – A/ Chairman Tony Wadeson Copies of these Minutes had been previously distributed and extra copies tabled.

No Discussion was necessary.

MOTION:- That the Minutes of the previous AGM, held on 27^th March 2024 at the Glass

House Mountains RSL Sub-Branch, be accepted as a True Record.

MOVED:- By Mick James SECONDED Chris Pyke. MOTION:- CARRIED

• • SECRETARY’S REPORT:- Tony Wadeson:-

Due to an Computer Problem Tony’s written report disappeared after he completed it. So he provided a Verbal Report. A Written report will be forwarded to members with the Minutes. (See Written Report Below)

Highlights:- Numbers reducing Fast.

Main Concentration will need to be Anzac Day & Battle of Fromelles Commemoration Service which is growing bigger each year.

Remembrance of Members who passed away during the Year.

MOTION:- That the SECRETARY’S Verbal REPORT for 2024 be received & the forthcoming Written Report be Emailed to members.

MOVED:- Tony Wadeson SECONDED:-Doug Hastie MOTION:- CARRIED

FINANCIAL STATEMENT:- Presented by Treasurer Paul Bertini:–

Highlight Points and discussion

(Copies of the Financial Statement had been previously Distributed & extra Copies Tabled)

Paul drew attention to (a) A typographical error on page 2 – Line 4 Date should read 31^st Dec 2024.

(b) Small loss for the year of Approx. $18. We need to source future income?

MOTION:- That the Financial Statement 1/1/24 to 31/12/24 be accepted as a true Record

MOVED:- Paul Bertini SECONDED:- Doug Hastie MOTION:- CARRIED

BATTLE OF FROMELLES:- Presented by Co-ordinator Mick James

Mick James’s Report has been previously Emailed to all members and Copies Tabled.

Mick James, advised that 10 Descendants of WW1 Diggers who took part in the Battle attended. We hope to add to this next year. It was probably our Biggest Service to date.

MOTION:- That The Battle of Fromelles Report be Accepted:-

MOVED:- By Mick James SECONDED:- Jack Sunner MOTION:- CARRIED

BATTLE for AUSTRALIA REPORT:- Presented by Co-ordinator Mick James

Mick James’s Report has been previously Emailed to Members – Copies Tabled.

Mick advised that Inaugural Pres. Pat O’Keefe OAM had retired after chairing every

meeting since 2000. COL Mark Plath (Rtrd) ex CO of 9RQR (Also a 31^st Bn Assoc. Member)

Has taken over as President.

MOTION:- That the Battle for Australia Report be Accepted.

MOVED:- by Mick James SECONDED:- Martin O’Sullivan MOTION:- CARRIED

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ELECTION of OFFICE BEARERS

A/Chairman Tony W. – Vacated the Chair and Chris Pyke, temporally took over as Chairman.

The following Nominations for the positions listed were received in writing by 6.00PM Thursday

20^th March. – If No written nomination received, then nominations will be called from the floor.

READ NAMES

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President Written Nomination Signed by George Stanger. Seconded by Paul Bertini

Nominating Tony Wadeson to be President was received. As there were no

other Nominations received – A/Chairman Chris Pyke Declared Tony

Wadeson as President for 2025.

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Vice/President Written nomination Signed by Tony Wadeson Seconded by George

Stanger nominating Colin Jackson, was received. However Colin Jackson

had sent Tony Wadeson a Message declining the Role of V/President.

Nominations were called from the floor. Chris Pyke advised he would be

willing to take on the Role. He was then NOMINATED by Tony Wadeson

SECONDED. Mick James MOTION Carried.

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Secretary Written nomination received from Tony Wadeson, – Seconded by George

Stanger, nominating Mick James as Secretary. As there were no other

Nominations received. – A/Chairman Chris Pyke declared – Mick James Secretary for 2025.

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Treasurer No written nominations received and Paul Bertini advised he was unable

to continue as Treasurer due to Family Commitments. A/Chairman Chris

Pyke called for nominations from the Floor. Martin O’Sullivan was

NOMINATED by Doug Hastie. SECONDED. Mick James MOTION:- Carried

A/Chairman Chris declared Martin O’Sullivan Treasurer for 2025.

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Committee Member (1) Doug Hastie NOMINATED by Tony Wadeson. SECONDED by Martin

O’Sullivan MOTION – Carried A/Chairman Chris Pyke Declared Doug Hastie as a Committee Member

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Committee Member (2) – Jack Sunner NOMINATED by Tony Wadeson. SECONDED Evan

Jenkins. MOTION Carried. A/Chairman Chris Pyke Declared Jack Sunner as a Committee member

Committee Member (3) Tim Lewis was NOMINATED by Mick James SECONDED:- Paul Bertini

MOTION:- Carried – A/Chairman Chris Pyke declared Tim Lewis as a Committee Member.

This Ended the Election of Office Bearers and Chris Pyke Vacated the Chair

and the new Chairman, Tony Wadeson resumed as Chairman of the Meeting.

President Tony W. advised:- Apart from the Elected Committee. –

Co-ordinator – Battle of Fromelles Commemoration Service. – MICK JAMES

WEB Page – 31^st Inf. Bn Assoc. – “Whispering Boomerang” – Martin O’Sullivan

Representative – Battle for Australia Committee. – Mick James

Represenative – Anzac Day Parade Committee – Tony Wadeson

BANK SIGNATORIES

MOTION:- That any two (2) of the undermentioned SIGNATORIES will be required to sign Cheques, and

Authorise withdrawals & Bank Transfers.

• • President – Tony Wadeson

• • Vice President – Chris Pyke

• • Secretary – Mick James

• • Treasurer Martin O’Sullivan

• • Committee Member – Doug Hastie

MOVED by Secretary – Mick James SECONDED:- Paul Bertini MOTION:- Carried

President Tony thanked members for their attendance and Declared the AGM Closed at 12.20PM

President Tony Wadeson then Opened the General Meeting

OPEN for GENERAL BUSINESS

• • ASSOCIATION President Greg Stokie’s Request to Branches to answer a list of Questions, to enable him to take each Branches views, to the Associations AGM.

1. 1. Pres. Tony W advised the list had been emailed to all members rior to the AGM for comments. Mick James had responded & his comments will be added to the List
   2. Pres Tony then went through each item of President Greg Stokies List

The Brisbane Branches Response to Greg Stokies List: Refer attached list

• • FUTURE of the BRISBANE BRANCH

• • New Members – Any past members of 31^stBn & 42^ndBn & 31/42Bn living in the area that we could contact to join.

• • ANZAC Day – Details will emailed to Members by President

• • Battle of Fromelles. Mick James & Tony Wadeson will be meeting with Ipswich RSL shortly

• • Future Meetings – Frequency/Type of Meeting – Suggest casual Meetings at This Club in Caboolture or at Grand Central Hotel Brisbane.

• • OTHER BUSINESS – Nil

PRESIDENT TONY WADESON DECLARED GENERAL MEETING CLOSED at:- 12.50PM

SIGNED PRESIDENT_________________________ SECRETARY________________________

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Below are Documents, Either Tabled or Presented Verbally at the Meeting:

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31st Infantry Battalion Assoc. (Brisbane Branch)

Annual Report – Year 2024

I write this 2024 Annual Report on behalf of our Founding President of the Brisbane Branch of 3lst Infantry Battalion Association – Raymond H. Fogg who passed away on the 22^{nd of} June 2024.

ANZAC DAY

1. 1. The year started with our first big obligation. – ANZAC Day. Warren Gunder & I attended a Dawn Service at the Residence of Ray “Dasher” Deed BEM. There would have been approximately 60 in attendance. Ray Fogg was not well enough to attend, on the day. Ray, Warren, & I have attended this Dawn Service at Dashers residence for the past four Years.

2. 2. After a Breakfast at Dashers, I (With all 3 Banners) met Tim Lewis and Evan Jenkins, at the 2/31^st Bn Memorial Southbank for the 9.00AM Service, arranged by the Relatives of those who Served with the Battalion during WW2. The Service was conducted by Lindsay & Elizabeth Timms. We then carried the Banners over the Goodwill Bridge through QUT campus and up George St. to our assembly point, to prepare for the Brisbane ANZAC day March. Unfortunately, only 3 of us could March this year Doug Hostie, Brook Hastie and myself. We were ably assisted, by younger Family members to carry the 31^st Banners of the 31^st Inf. Bn – 2/31^st Bn and the 31st/5lst Bn. As per previous years we adjoined lo the Grand Central Hotel after the March to partake in refreshments and a Bangers & Mash Lunch.

BATTLE of FOMELLES COMMEMORATION SERVICE

1. 1. Our next major event of the year was the Battle of Fromelles Commemoration Service, at the “Honour Stone”, Soldiers Memorial Hall – Ipswich RSL Sub-Branch. This event has become so big that we “Old Blokes” just could not handle the preparations, marketing, and organisation on the day without the assistance of the Ipswich RSL Sub-Branch, President Paul Rogers, and Super-Secretory Debbie Wadwell. Our Guest of Honour this year was “Keith Payne VC” who started his military career with the 31^st Bn way back in the 1950’s. Unfortunately, our planned Guest Speaker LTCOL Cam McKay – CO of 3I/42 Bn RQR was unable to attend, due to a I1th Brigade Exercise. However, he deputised – MAJ Ed Dahlheimer, OC Capricorn Coy who delivered an outstanding address.

BRIG Arran Hassell CSC, Commander 8^th Brigade, again acted as Host, assisted by

COL Mark Plath, direct descendant of COL Fred Toll, CO of the 3l’t Bn during WW1. We

had over 100 in attendance, and we now believe, it to be largest BoF Commemoration

Service, in Australia. Thanks to all members who attended on the day.

Mick James who was our Co-Ordinator of the event, covers the Service in his Annual Report.

It should be noted, that member, Keith Watts was “Mentioned in Despatches”. Keith, whilst walking down to attend the Service at the RSL, had a nasty fall over a low concrete seat, in the middle of the footpath, right outside the lpswich Council Chambers. Due to Ambulance ramping, Keith spent the next 6 hours on an ambulance stretcher in the Corridor of the lpswich General Hospital, awaiting a room in the Emergency Ward. He received medical attention the whole time and admitted into a room about 5.30PM He was eventually attended to, and discharged about l0.00PM that night.

From this period, after the Battle of Fromelles Service, – We experienced a very sad, six Months, with many, long term devoted Members passing away.

VALE:-

• John Volter passed away on 30^th May. – Funeral held on the 7^th June. I attended representing the Association. John, a CAPT, – Served with the 31^st Bn in Townsville during the 60’s
• Ron Springer – Ingham Company CSM. Died I7th June. I attended his Funeral Service on 25th June representing the Association. Ron was a Life Member of RSL Queensland.
• My best mate since 1959 and our Brisbane Branch inaugural President – Ray Fogg, passed away on 22^nd June. I had been calling on Ray frequently prior to his passing. It was a private family Funeral. – A memorial Service/Wake was held later on 2^nd July at the St Lucia Golf Club. Mick James, Keith Watts, and I attended the Wake, representing the Association. Both Col Jackson & George Stanger were unable to attend due to illness. I delivered a Eulogy and Mick, Keith, and I, honoured Ray with a Farewell Salute, after a Minutes Silence
• Our Oldest Member, – True Blue Soldier – Battle of Kapyong, Korea & Vietnam Veteran. – Ray “Dasher” Deed passed away, aged 97 years, on the 19^th September. Mick James and I visited him at Canossa House during the week prior to his death. Ray’s devoted Family were with him each day and at his passing. The Funeral Service was held on the 27^th September. The Church was packed, with many people outside. I was asked by the Family to speak as part of “The Words of Remembrance” on behalf of the 31^st Bn Association. Chris Pyke, Martin O’Sullivan, Paul Bertini, and Myself, with many of his old Army Mates, provided a Guard of Honour and a parting Salute to this Old Hero.

• Members Doug Hastie, Chris Pyke, Martin O’Sullivan, Allan Bruce, and I, attended the Funeral Service of Bevin Wigan at Caloundra on the 6^th Feb 2025. Another packed Church, of a large Family, many old Army mates, and local parishioners. Bevin joined the 31^st Bn in the early 60’s in Ayr. He rose through the ranks and joined the regular Army in the early 70’s. He retired from the Army 20 years later attaining the Rank of LTCOL. Bevin enjoyed overseas postings in Singapore and the USA. His last posting was CO of the Intelligence wing at Canungra. Doug, Chris, Martin, Allan, and I, with other old Army mates, formed a Guard of Honour and provided a farewell Salute.

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• The year of 2024 was a sad one for the Brisbane Branch, One to be remembered for the passing of so many old mates. Our membership numbers are diminishing as age catches up on us.Special thanks must go to Mick James who Co-ordinated the Battle of Fromelles Service and representation on the “Battle for Australia” Committee. Mick, although still suffering ill health during the year, still battled on.
• Pierre Seillier as usual worked his magic in providing the many Tributes during the year for the BoF Service, – Schools, and relatives of Veterans of the Fromelles Battle. Pierre also carried on working and organised the laying of the 31^st Bn Wreath at Fromelles, despite suffering ill health for most of the year. Our Association is indebted to you Pierre.

Thanks to Treasurer Paul Bertini who always seemed to end up with more than accounted for. Paul has been forced to step down this year due to Family commitments. Thanks Paul for taking on the job for the past 3 years.

Doug Hastie has also had a battle with ill health during the year, but still rallied to march in the Brisbane Anzac Day March.

Brook Hastie, Company Commander, – QUR, was heavily involved organising the Toowong

RSL, Dawn Service. He then went out of his way to arrive in time to march with Doug & I in

The Brisbane March. Many thanks Doug & Brook, who are always, there to help out.

I also thank Vice President Col Jackson, and Committee member George Stanger who both had

A battle with ill health, and were unable to attend most events. Both were always on call and

willing to offer help and support, whenever possible.

Finally to all members, I thank you most sincerely for supporting our Brisbane Branch by

your Membership, and turning up to Services when you were able to do so.

TONY WADESON

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Mick James Delivered the Fromelles Commemoration and the Battle for Australia Report as follows:

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Report to 31^st Bn Assoc (Brisbane Bch) AGM 2025 on Commemorations- Battle of Fromelles & Battle for Australia in 2024

Our 31st Bn Assoc conducted our 2^nd Commemoration in conjunction with the Ipswich RSL Sub Branch at their premises on 19^th July 2024 and our 6^th Commemoration overall, the first 4 being held at Ipswich General Cemetery.

Secretary Tony & myself met with Ipswich RSL Sec, Debbie Wadell, a number of times to plan the Commemoration & we are very thankful for Debbie taking on most of the Administration for the Event. Our hosts were Brig Arran Hassell CSC ,Commander 8^th Brigade & Col Mark Plath Retd, a great nephew of Col Fred Toll DSO & Bar MBE VD. Also we had Special Honoured Guest, Keith Payne VC AM, a former Member of both 31^st & 42^nd BNs RQR. The Commemorative Address was by Maj Ed Dahlheimer Coy Comd 31^st/42^nd Bn . We also had 10 descendants of soldiers who fought at Fromelles. A full report is on our webpage here – July 2024 – 31st Infantry Battalion Association

The Battle for Australia Commemoration was held on Wed 4^th Sept 2024. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend as I was recovering from leg surgery. However Tony & Tim Lewis did attend & lay wreaths. Of note was that Maj Pat O’Keeffe OAM Retd has stepped down as Chair of the Committee after Chairing every Committee since its inception in 2000. He is now replaced by Col Mark Plath Retd, a former CO of 9 RQR. I believe it was the 1^st occasion that the current Qld Governor did not personally attend the Commemoration.

Again, a full report is on our webpage including the speech of the Air Force Representative, Gp Capt Denis Tan from Amberley Air Base. There is also a video on the webpage here – September 2024 – 31st Infantry Battalion Association – Mick James

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Financial Report:

31^st Infantry Battalion Association (Brisbane Branch)

Statement of Income and Expenditure Year Ending – 31st Dec 2024

Contribution of Income Vs Expenditure for 2024 = (17-70)

31^st Infantry Battalion Association (Brisbane Branch)

Summary as at – 31^st Dec 2024

Paul Bertini

Treasurer

Good Morning All,

On the 21^st February the Charters Towers Branch held their 2025 AGM with eight members attending, at the RSL.

The executive positions have not changed with Raymond Barrett re-elected as President, Vic Nicol as Treasurer/Secretary, and all Members voted in as Committee.

Attached is our President’s Report.

As reported our Tunnellers Project has finally been completed. We will now make ready the Sellheim Army Camp Memorial for our ANZAC Day Morning service.

Kind Regards,

Vic Nicol

Secretary.

Ladies and Gentleman,

I have pleasure in presenting this Forty third (43^rd) Chairman’s Annual Report for the Charters Towers Branch, of the 31^st Infantry Battalion Association Inc.

During the year we held our committee meetings on the 3^rd Friday of each month. Our own Annual General Meeting, saw no new changes as Raymond Barrett remained the President Vic Nicol remained Secretary and Treasurer, of the Charters Towers Branch.

19^th January 2024 saw our oldest and newest member of the Charters Towers Branch Mr Norman Snell turn 100 years of age, 10 FSB doing an Honour Guard, the Local government doing a tree planting ceremony, then back to the local RSL for food, photos and drinks. Cards from the King and other officials giving congratulation and good wishes, an interview with channel 7, and with more than 80 people attending with President Greg Stokie and Paul Ellems enjoying the celebrations.

ANZAC Day saw us skip the Dawn Service held by the Charters Towers RSL, due to time restraints, A bit of car pool saw myself and others driving a few of our members out to Sellheim.

Sellheim saw approximately 60 spectators with the 130^th Army Cadet unit holding guard at the Cenotaph, with myself conducting the Service and Mr Vic Nicol laying a wreath for the 31^st Association.

On the flag was Mr Norm Snell who served in the 2^nd World War, he was in the 26^th Inf Battalion and has been doing the flag at Sellheim, since the flag pole was put up, around 40 years ago.

The main ANZAC Day service held in Charters Towers, had me as Parade Marshall, with Mr Vic Nicol again laying a wreath for the 31^st Association.

On the 1^st of March. Walter “Wally” Thomasson one of our members the Charters Towers branch had his funeral. He was 91.

A poppy service was conducted by the 31^st association at his gave side, with members from the 31^st association and National service members placing poppies. There were around 250 people attending.

A funeral service was held on Thursday 6^th June 2024. Mr Clement John Archer “Clem”. Much loved Husband of Joyce, cherished Father of Lynette, Julie, Robyn and Mark. He was 89.

FINALLY after a few years we (Vic Nicol) received the required information to get permission, place, and erect the headstones for the Tunnellers we also received permission to replace an old Headstone that had cracked and subsided.

Saturday the 19 Oct 2024 we had our Luncheon at the RSL for the unveiling for the Headstones.

Guest attended the Luncheon Included the Charters Towers Major, Mrs Liz Schmidt, Councillors, President of the 31^st Association, Mr Greg Stokie and Wife Janette, President of the Townsville branch Mr Paul Ellems. President of the Ingham branch Mr Felix Retano and Wife Judy. Descendants of the Tunnellers. Locals, members and their families.

A special thanks to Donna Baldey who passed on all the information regarding the Tunnellers.

13 headstones for Tunnellers have now been erected and we have been told they are final few.

Remembrance Day, saw us all attend the Charters Towers Cenotaph.

Raymond Barrett laid the Wreath for the 31^st Association as the Charters Towers RSL hosted the event.

December the Charters Towers, members, wives and partners had an informal lunch at the Sovereign Tavern, with 13 people attending.

Mr Norman Snell has since turned 101. Technically that is for next year, I figure it still worthy of mentioning.

In Conclusion, I would like to thank the members of the Association for their support.

Raymond Barrett.

31^st INF Bn Assoc Inc.

President, Charters Towers Branch.

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Norman Snell’s 100 Birthday

“They’re not going to make me dig the hole for this tree are they?”

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Norm Doing the Hard Yards

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10 FSB have a Guard of Honour for Norman Snell’s 100 Birthday celebrations.

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Norm’s Congratulatory Message From THe King and Queen

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Wally Thomasson

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Clement John Archer “Clem”

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Head Table at Tunnellers 2024 Luncheon

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Donna Baldey talks about her research into the Tunnellers

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Charters Towers Branch, Christmas Luncheon 2024

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Notifications of the Annual General Meetings ot the 31st Battalion Association and branches have been issued as follows:

31st Battalion Association AGM

and

Townsville Branch AGM

Regards,

Tony Wadeson (Secretary)

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