Extract From the Diary of Pte James Wilkie

Regular contributor to the 31st Battalion Association Website, Mick James, in association with member Peter Nelson have posted the story of WW1 31st Battalion member Pte James Wilkie:

At the Fromelles Commemoration in Ipswich last year a Descendant of Pte James Wilkie gave us a copy of his Diary extract from July17th to 20th 1916.


Also Peter Nelson’s file on James Wilkie is below. you will note he joined 31st Bn in August 1915 & then in March 1916 transferred to 5th Div Signals & in this position he laid telephone lines between Brigade HQ & Battalion HQs,

Some older screens may have difficulty reading the Diary below.  If this is the case a link to the .pdf file is included here.      Diary extract of James Wilkie 31st Bn AIF

 

 

📷📷📷 📷 📷 📷

Service No 62
Rank Pte
Born Booval, Queensland
NoK Mrs J. Wilkie, 7 Slowman St, Booral, Ipswich, Queensland
Enlistment 26th Aug 1915 Ipswich, Queensland
Age 22
Status & Religion Single Pres
Occupation Clerk at Redbank Railway
Address 7 Slowman St, Booral, Ipswich, Queensland
Outcome RTA 8th May 1919
Notes Original, Reg Signallers-HQ, 31stBn/ 5th Dvi Sig Coy
Embarked at Melbourne, on HMAT A62 “WANDILLA”, on 9th Nov 1915
Disembarked HMAT Wandilla at Suez on 7th Dec 1915
Transferred to ‘B’ Coy at Tel el Kebir, on 1st Feb 1916
Taken on strength 5th Div Sig Coy as Sapper, on 16th Mar 1916
Embarked to join BEF at Alexandria per HMT “Manitou” on 17th Jun 1916,
Disembarking at Marseilles on 25thJun 1916
(Battle of Fromelles, 19th/20th Jul 1916)
Sick to hospital on 3rdNov 1916
Admitted 38th CCS and transferred to No 27 Amb Train on 3rd Nov 1916
Admitted 3rd Stat Hospital, Rouen, (myalgia) on 4th Nov 1916
Embarked at Havre for England per HS ‘Formosa’ (myalgia) on 4th Nov 1916
Admitted 3rd London General Hospital (myalgia) on 4th Nov 1916
Proceeding overseas to France, from Overseas Engr Trng Depot, Sig Section, ex Shefford, via Folkestone,
on 8th Sep 1917
Marched in to R.E. Depot, Abbeville, on 11th Sep 1917
Marched out to 5th Div Sig Coy on 12th Sep 1917
Rejoined 5th Div Sig Coy from RE Depot and hospital on 15th Sep 1917
RTA per ‘Devanha’ on 8th May 1919
Disembarked at Sydney on 26thJun 1919, thence for Brisbane
Discharged at Brisbane on 19thAug 1919
Died at Toowoomba on 6thMar 1972, aged 78 years

Buried Ipswich General Cemetery, Queensland
James, born 1893, was the son of John and Jane Wilkie. He was a Clerk at the Redbank Railway. During World War 1 he was stationed in England and served in France. He joined the 31st Battalion on 1 November 1915 and the 5th Division Signal Coy. on 16 March 1916. He was in Weymouth 1916 and Folkstone 1917 England at some stage. He was discharged in 1919.He married Harriette Palmer in 1919. His home was at 7 Sloman Street, Booval.
Service Number:
62
Enlisted:
26 August 1915, Brisbane, Queensland
Last Rank:
Driver
Last Unit:5th Divisional Signal Company

—-

31st Battalion Association Branch AGM – Charters Towers

The following email was received from Vic Nicol, Secretary, – Charters Towers Branch, advising details of their recently held Annual General Meeting.

Good Morning All,

On the 21st 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 (43rd) Chairman’s Annual Report for the Charters Towers Branch, of the 31st Infantry Battalion Association Inc.

During the year we held our committee meetings on the 3rd 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.

19th 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 130th Army Cadet unit holding guard at the Cenotaph, with myself conducting the Service and Mr Vic Nicol laying a wreath for the 31st Association.

On the flag was Mr Norm Snell who served in the 2nd World War, he was in the 26th 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 31st Association.

 

On the 1st 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 31st association at his gave side, with members from the 31st association and National service members placing poppies. There were around 250 people attending.

A funeral service was held on Thursday 6th 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 31st 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 31st 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.

31st INF Bn Assoc Inc.

President, Charters Towers Branch.

Norman Snell’s 100 Birthday

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

Norm Doing the Hard Yards

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

Norm’s Congratulatory Message From THe King and Queen

Wally Thomasson

Clement John Archer “Clem”

Head Table at Tunnellers 2024 Luncheon

Donna Baldey talks about her research into the Tunnellers

Charters Towers Branch, Christmas Luncheon 2024

31st Battalion Association Branch AGMs

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

The AGM scheduled for next Tues, 11th Mar, is cancelled, as is the meeting scheduled for that night.
The AGM for the Branch and the Association proper will instead be held on Tues 8th Apr at 19:30 in the Conference Room at the Townsville RSL.
Best regards,
Paul Ellems
Brisbane Branch AGM

Members. Please be advised that the AGM, for the year 2024 for the, – 31st Infantry Bn Assoc. (Brisbane Brch.) will be held on TUESDAY 25th March 2025, at 11.00 AM .

  • VENUE:- Bronze Room, – SPORTS CENTRAL CABOOLTURE CLUB. – Cnr Hasking St & Beerburrum Rd. Caboolture
  • TIMINGS:- REGISTRATION – 10.30 AM. – Bronze Room   –  AGM – 11.00 AM  –  LUNCH  – 12.30PM – Order Cafe, Eat in Bronze Room.
  • AGENDA & Reports to Follow. 
  • NOMINATIONS for the following positions:- (A) PRESIDENT  (B) SECRETARY  (C) TREASURER (D)    3 X COMMITTEE MEMBERS; Please have nominations for Any of these positions to me (Secretary) (EMAIL ACCEPTABLE) by no later than Thursday 20th March. 
  • FINANCE:- Pay for your Ordered Meal from Cafe Downstairs. We will eat it upstairs in the Bronze Room
  • RSVP to Me(Secretary) by Thursday 20th March – PH/TEXT – 0427 337 177 or Email:- wadesonriver@aapt.net.au        
  •  TRANSPORT :- I believe its about 150 mettres from Caboolture Train Station. There is ample parking at the Club.  I will be driving up from Brisbane & will be collecting George Stanger (Subject to Health) & Mick James. We would like a good Roll up to this meeting as one of the main Discussion Items will be the “Future of the Brisbane Branch” .

If any further info is required please ring me.

Regards,

Tony Wadeson (Secretary)

 

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

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.  
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.
Our thoughts go to Bevin’s Wife, Anette & His Family.
Rest in Peace Bevin
 LtCol Bevin Osmond Wigan
Bevin and Annette
A Final Salute by 31st Bn Association Members and other Veterans
Association Members with Bevin’s Daughter, Michelle
Members (L to R) Martin O’Sullivan, Alan Bruce, and Tony Wadeson
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.
“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!

Thankyou to Bevin’s Family

Unit Awards and Promotions in 2024

As expected in a vibrant Unit of the Australian Army The 31st/42nd Battalion The Royal Queensland Regiment has had a continuous flow of Awards and Promotions in the past year. The RSM reports and reflects upon these aspects:

RSM’s Reflections on 2024 – (Awards)
Our people have achieved great results – exceeding expectations week after week. We are privileged to have recognised the excellence, dedication and selflessness of a number of members within the unit. Congratulations to all that were recognised. Notable achievements are:
Federation Star – representing 40 years of service
• MAJ Smith, WO1 Bullock, WO2 Bacon
Department of Defence Silver Commendation
• MAJ Farrands
Army Group Gold Commendation
• MAJ Tetley
Army Silver Commendation
• WO2 Bacon
Army Bronze Commendation
• SGT Thackray (from HQ 3 BDE), SGT Martin, CPL Crane, CPL Armstrong (from 1 RAR)
Australia Day Medallion
• Mr Pittman
Soldier’s Medallion
• CPL Stanke, PTE Collins, PTE Jurgens.
Battalion Champion Shot
• PTE George
RSM’s Reflections on 2024 – Part 3 (Promotions)
The CO was privileged to promote 20 members in 2024. Promotions promote growth, engender job satisfaction and encourage peers to progress their careers. Congratulations to all that were promoted:
MAJ – MAJ Arends
CAPT – CAPT Hazlett, CAPT Long, CAPT Edwards
WO2 – WO2 Solis
SGT – SGT Pearson, SGT Anderson, SGT Papazian, SGT Connolly
CPL – CPL Taylor, CPL Wooler, CPL McGowan, CPL Sharp, CPL Patton
LCPL – LCPL Collins, LCPL Jurgens, LCPL George, LCPL Studdert, LCPL Anderson, LCPL Dewing
The unit welcomed five mini Minotaurs into the world. We look forward to their service in 31/42 RQR!
Thank you for your dedication and commitment in 2024! Stay safe, enjoy some time with family and friends, and reset for a cracking 2025!

Unit Year – 2024 – in Review

As the year 2024 drew to a close Unit Key Personnel took a breath to reflect on the achievements for the year. The following are the RSM’s Reflections published just prior to the year’s end:
It’s hard to believe 2024 is drawing to an end.
Given our dispersed nature, it’s challenging to come together and reflect on our achievements. When your achievements are consolidated into a few paragraphs, it’s striking and inspiring to see what a terrific year the unit had.
This is certainly not an extensive list, but it emphasises the broad and diverse range of tasks and duties we ask of our people:
– Mounting unit for TSE 112
– Deployed six members on TSE 112 and 1 x ADJT in support of 1 RAR on RCB 143
– Mounting unit and support to TC Jasper in Far NQ
– Executed the Basic Recon Course on behalf of 2 (AS) Div
– Support to 11 BDE ARRAS Series
– Support to Exercise AUSTRAL SHIELD
– Trialled a 9 day training block led by Cap Coy – Exercise SUPERIOR BULL
– Battalion range weekend at TFTA
– Army Combative Program levels 1 & 2
– Successful Inspector General Australian Defence Force audit
– Ceremonial support to ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day
– Unveiling of the 42nd Bn RQR King’s Colour
– Persistent and enriching community engagement
– Stayed on top of corporate governance
– Achieved steady growth throughout the year.

Texas Terror Commemoration – 2024 – Ingham

MEMBERS of the 31st Infantry Battalion Association and Ingham community members paid their annual tribute to the 12 United States airmen who died on December 18, 1942, when their B24D Liberator bomber crashed on Hinchinbrook Island. The aircraft, code-named the “Texas Terror,” was heading to Iron Range on Cape York when it crashed.

Also in attendance were visitors from Townsville, and Charters Towers.

The Ingham community erected a memorial plaque in 1999, and a local committee has worked earnestly over the years to ensure this part of Ingham’s military history will not be forgotten.

3st Battalion Assn Ingham Branch President, Felix Reitano has arranged a video of this year’s Commemoration Ceremony Sunday 15th December 2024 here:-

Also, photo taken with Peter Maltby’s camera also attached.

Regards,

Felix Reitano

 

Gathering of Assn Members with Ingham Community members at the

“Texas Terror” Commemoration Sun 15th December 

Part of the Wreckage on Hinchinbrook Island showing the “Texas Terror” Code Name

Identification Marks on the Wreckage on Hinchinbrook Island.

 

Cross with the Crewmens names

 

Visit By Johan Vandewalle – “Brothers In Arms”

Association Member Mick James has contributed this interesting story after meeting up earlier this month up with Johan Vandewalle who is one of the main proponents of the Brothers In Arms Memorial Park project. Mick takes up the story: –
A very interesting morning today. After advice from Lambis (Lambis Englezos AM Search this Website for his remarkable story), I met up with Johan Vandewalle and his Brisbane host, Len Kelly at Len’s residence. Johan was mainly responsible for the Brothers in Arms Memorial Park in Zonnebeke Belgium, including the Statue of the two brothers – see [Story | Brothers In Arms Memorial Park] (https://www.brothersinarmsmemorial.info/story)
Johan is in Australia to thank one of the main contributors to the Brothers in Arms Project, Bill Gibbins AM, who is also the instigator of the Jericho Cup Race Day at Warrnambool Vic since 2018- Johan is also meeting with relatives of the “Brothers in Arms’” around Queensland.
We had a lively discussion about the Brothers In Arms Project & the 31stBattalion AIF, particularly in the Battle of Fromelles & the Battle of Polygon Wood. Johan’s Café/Museum is adjacent to the Polygon Wood Battlefield. We discussed various men of the 31st in that Battle including Lt Col Fred Toll who received his Bar to the DSO for actions in this Battle, Pte Paddy Bugden whose VC was posthumously awarded for actions in this Battle, Lt James Danaher who was KIA in the Battle, and Pte WE “Billy” Sing DCM, who was awarded a Belgian Croix de Guerre for actions immediately after the Battle, leading a patrol out to locate & dispose of German snipers who were causing further casualties as the Battalion was digging in. Billy Sing’s Citation reads in part – “By his dash and success in dealing with these (enemy snipers), our front line was secured and consolidation continued. During his whole operation his skill in picking out and dealing with snipers was uncanny”.
I mentioned that Billy died a pauper in Brisbane in 1943 and is buried in Lutwyche Cemetery. In 2015 our 31st Battalion Association, with a Federal Govt Grant, erected a granite Plinth adjacent to his grave in his Honour.  At a subsequent Commemoration Billy’s Nephew was in attendance.
Johan was particularly interested in Billy and later today he visited Billy’s grave and the Memorial with Len. I should add that Johan has joined our 31st Battalionn Association & has been confirmed by Secretary, Tony Wadeson Some photos below–
LEST WE FORGET
Mick James and Johan Vandawalle
Johan Vandawalle and Len Kelly at Billy Sing DCM Croix de Guerre (Belgium)
Johan Vandawalle at Billy Sing DCM Croix de Guerre (Belgium)
Johan Vandaville at Grave Site Lutwyche Cemetery
Billy Sing DCM Croix de Guerre (Belgium) Plaque
Don Smith Nephew of Billy Sing
With President Ray Fogg
This was our 1st Commemoration in 2012 at Billy Sing’s graveside
 Our Brisbane Branch President, Ray Fogg at the lectern and
Former Senator, Bill O’Chee laying a Wreath.
Association Members are behind President Ray

31st Battalion Association Luncheon Gathering – Ayr – RSL

31st Battalion Association members gathered at the Ayr RSL ANZAC Club on Saturday 9th November for a lunch time get together. President of the Association’s Townsville Branch Paul Ellems together with other Townsville members joined with members from the Ayr/Home Hill area to share stories of good times at the Ayr Depot. Photos Below:

31st Battalion Association Life Membership Award – Vic Nichol

Charters Towers branch had a luncheon in March where long time and hard working Charters Towers Branch Secretary/Treasurer Vic Nicol was presented with the, 31st Battalion Association “Life Membership” Award.  Association President Greg Stokie presented the award at the luncheon in the presence of members of the Charters Towers Branch. Also present for the occasion was Townsville Branch President Paul Ellems. Congratulations on a well deserved award Vic.

Life Membership Award presented to Vic Nichol

L to R Vic Nichol, Greg Stokie (Association President), Raymond Barrett (President Charters Towers Branch)