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: –

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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)

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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.

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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”.

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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

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Mick James and Johan Vandawalle

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Johan Vandawalle and Len Kelly at Billy Sing DCM Croix de Guerre (Belgium)

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Johan Vandawalle at Billy Sing DCM Croix de Guerre (Belgium)

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Johan Vandaville at Grave Site Lutwyche Cemetery

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Billy Sing DCM Croix de Guerre (Belgium) Plaque

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Don Smith Nephew of Billy Sing

With President Ray Fogg

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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

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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:

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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)

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31st Battalion – Personnel WW1 – Alphabetical List

31st Battalion Association Honorary Member Peter Nelson has revised his list of 31st Battalion Personnel who fought in World War 1. This has been a monumental and ongoing project over some years. The revision features additional stories and photos uncovered by Peter’s continual research efforts. A big thankyou to Peter.

A new page has been established on this website to containing the Personnel lists.

See Menu Item: Unit Matters > 31st Battalion > 31st Battalion – WW1 Personnel Lists

Charters Towers Branch – Tunnelers Graves Project

Members of the Charters Towers Branch of the 31st Battalion Association hosted a luncheon to commemorate the placement of Plaques on the graves of Wartime Tunnelers who are now buried in the Charters Towers Cemetery. The project was an initiative of the Charters Towers Branch of the Association. The luncheon was attended by members of the Association with wives and partners. Also present were Association President Col (Retd) Greg Stokie, Towvsville Branch President LtCol (Retd) Paul Ellems, Ingham Branch President Capt (Retd) Felix Reitano.

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The project which has been ongoing, has been steered by branch executive members President Raymond Barrett and facilitated by a grant arranged by Secretary/Treasurer and Honorary Association Life Member Vic Nichol.

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Felix Reitano, Vic Nichol, Greg Stokie, Paul Ellems, Raymond Barrett

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Tunnelers Grave

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31st Battalion Assoc – Education Bursaries for – 2025

If you are a financial ex-31^st Battalion Association member or a Widow or widower of an ex-31^st Battalion member, or a current financial supporter or a current serving member of the 31/42 Battalion and you have a child, grand child or great grandchild who has just completed year ten or eleven, please consider having them apply for our bursary. If you are a serving member of 31/42 Battalion who is undertaking trade training or tertiary studies, you could also consider seeking the support of this bursary.

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Two/three Bursaries valued at $300 each, will be awarded on the results obtained in Education and training in Queensland to support continuing education or training. The Bursaries, valued at $300 each, will be awarded to entrants, in order of Merit, as decided by the Executive Committee of the 31^st Battalion Association, Townsville Branch.

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To be eligible you must be:

A descendant or a person under guardianship of a current Financial Member of the 31^st Battalion Association or of a Widow of a former member of the 31^st Battalion Association or,

A current serving member of the 31/42 Battalion and is a financial member of our Association.

The selection criteria will include:

Results in grades 10, 11 or 12, or tertiary education results or, trade training.

Activities undertaken within the community such as sporting or charities or social club work.

A 200 word essay on your aspirations for life and within the community.

And finally, there may be a personal interview with the applicants and their sponsor.

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APPLICATIONS WILL CLOSE ON THE 30^th OCTOBER , 2024.

Gregory Stokie
President
31^st Inf Bn RQR Assoc Inc.

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BURSARY APPLICATION

FULL NAME OF APPLICANT:………………………………………….………………………………….

ADDRESS:……………………………………………………………………….……………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………….

EMAIL ADDRESS: ……………………………………………..…PH NO: ………………………………

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION/S :……………………………………………………………….………

……………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………….

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL:……………………………………………………………………..……………….

FULL NAME OF SPONSOR (PARENT OR GRAND-PARENT OR SERVING MEMBER):

……………………………………………………….……………………………………………………………..

SERVICE NO:…………………………..BRANCH OF SERVICE:……………………………………..

SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT:

………………………………………..………. DATE:……………………………………….

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Please attach supporting documents and return the application and the essay to the Postal Address below or electronically to the Email Address.

31^st Battalion RQR (The Kennedy Battalion) Assoc. Inc.

PO Box 684

TOWNSVILLE.

QLD. 4810

EMAIL: pellems@gmail.com

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Link to Application Below

2024.09.27. 31st Bn RQR Bursary Application

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Colonel Commandant – Royal Queensland Regiment

The following information regarding changes to the the leadership position of Colonel Commandant of the Royal Queensland Regiment have recently been passed on from the Headquarters of 31/42 RQR.

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Brigadier Bruce Scott CSC, ADC (Ret’d) finishes his appointment as Colonel Commandant of the Royal Queensland Regiment this year. During his appointment, Brigadier Scott, showed steadfast leadership in advocating for the Regiment and its members, ensured that the long history of the Regiment is acknowledged, and championed its future.
31/42 RQR thanks Brigadier Scott and wishes him the best for his future endeavours.

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Major General Stephen Porter AO, AM takes on the role of Colonel Commandant this year. 31/42 RQR welcomes him and looks forward to the upcoming years under his leadership. There are challenges ahead but the Royal Queensland Regiment is in a strong position to take them on.

31/42 RQR thanks Brigadier Scott and welcomes Major General Porter.

Brig Bruce Scott CSCADC

Brig Stephen Porter AO AM

Battle For Australia – 2024 Commemoration

The Battle For Australia Commemoration was held on Wednesday 4th Septemberis. This year the Commemorative address was given by Group Captain Denis Tan on behalf of the Chief of the Air Force.

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Our Association executive Member Mick James has submitted a copy of this excellent address which is reproduced -below.

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Also mentioned at the Commemoration is that Pat O’Keeffe OAM (pictured at the head of this page) is stepping down as President of the Battle for Australia Commemoration Committee after being the founding and only President since 2000. His successor is former CO of 9 RQR Col. Mark Plath (Retd). Mark is also a member of 31st Battalion Association & a Descendant of 31st Bn WW1 CO Col Fred Toll DSO & Bar MBE VD.

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31st Battalion Association Brisbane members Tim Lewis and Sec Tony Wadeson

laying a Wreath at the Battle for Australia Commemoration on Wed 4th Sept 2024 at Chermside.

Tim’s father, Lt Aub Lewis served in the 2/31st Battalion in the Battle of Balikpapan

Borneo in July/August 1945.

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Group Captain Dennis Tan – Battle for Australia 2024 Speech

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Below is the link to the Video of the Battle for Australia Commemoration for 2024

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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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Olympians of 31st Battalion

In this Olympic games year we are grateful to Honorary Member Peter Nelson for discovering two members of 31st Battalion who participated in the 1906 games. Thanks also to our tireless Honorary Member in France Pierre Seillier for his efforts in creating the plaques for the members concerned.

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Peter, who has done so much research in producing alphabetical listing of members of the 31st Battalion of WW I, wrote up the story of these two members on the “31stBattalion AIF Memorial” Facebook Page. Peter, in commenting on Pierre’s memorial plaques for the men fills out the story. Over to Peter:

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Thanks Pierre you have correctly identified the symbol of the Athens “Intercalated Olympic Games” of 1906, which were to be held every four years between the Olympiads, and were at the time referred to as “Olympics”. Greg ‘Dad’ Wheatley competed in the 1906 Athens “Intercalated Olympic Games”. Both men were to represent Australia in the 1910 Athens “Intercalated Olympic Games” which did not eventuate as an international

event as envisaged. Both men at the time were referred to as Olympians.

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Both were well known sportsmen in the running events, along with many others who enlisted.

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Lieut Andrew Sime, is credited as the first Australian to win the ‘Marathon’ over the recognised distance of 42.195km (26 miles 385 yards). He achieved this in 1909. “Australians Victor Aitken, George Blake and Joseph Lynch started in the very first 42.195 km marathon in London, 1908, but none finished. Sydneysider Andrew Sime was the first Australian to finish a 42.195 km marathon in Athens, 1910.” He embarked as OC 2nd Rfts, 31st Bn.

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Lieut Greg ‘Dad’ Wheatley enlisted and embarked with the 29th Bn, serving at Fromelles, before transferring to 31st Bn. He was selected to compete in the 8th Bde Sports Unit for an AIF Sports event in Mar 1918.

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2lt Andrew Sime

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Lt Greg Alfred Wheatley

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