Australian War Memorial – VC Awardees Display

The following story was uncovered by Association member Mick James. Having just returned from a visit to the AWM, I totally agree that this new display is a fitting addition to the Hall of Valour. At its centre it features our most recent posthumous awardee – Ordinary Seaman Edward ‘Teddy’ Sheean VC – 78 years after his selfless act of bravery (description below).

Martin O’Sullivan

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Mick takes up the story:

I’ve just come across this new AWM display of V C awardees. See photo.

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While it doesn’t say so, it is the 1st occasion where the AWM could mount a VC Display including the 3 Services. All VCs were in WW2.

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We have (from left to right) John Edmondson VC, for actions at Tobruk, our own 2/31st Battalion Jimmy Gordon VC, Sir Roden Cutler VC AK KCMG KCVO CBE, Teddy Sheean VC, Sir Hughie Edwards VC KCMG CB DSO OBE DFC, Flt Sgt Rawdon Middleton VC, and Flt Lieut William Newton VC.

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The RAAF Victoria Crosses are probably less well known. This is an outline of them-

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Wing Commander Sir Hughie Edwards VC Citation reads – “On 4th July 1941 over Bremen Germany: Wing Commander Edwards led a formation of bombers, in daylight, at a height of about 50 feet through telephone wires and high-tension cables to attack the heavily defended port. The bombers successfully penetrated fierce anti-aircraft fire and a dense balloon barrage. Further fire over the port itself resulted in the loss of 4 aircraft. His task completed, Wing Commander Edwards brought his remaining aircraft safely back to base although all of them had been damaged.”

The Bust in the right corner of the display is that of Sir Hughie.

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Flt Sgt Middleton was awarded his VC for a raid over Turin, Italy on 28-29 November 1942.he was in command of a Stirling Bomber which was hit by anti-aircraft fire over the target. One shell burst into the cockpit destroying his right eye & wounding the co,pilot and Wireless Operator. Although there was heavy flack, he released his bombs on the target and continued his return journey over the Alps in a heavily damaged aircraft. He managed to cross the Channel and ordered his crew to bail out over land with only 5 mins fuel left. Five landed safely while 2 remained with him.

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He then turned the aircraft out to sea to avoid crashing into civilians. The 2 crew parachuted into the sea but drowned. He did not survive the crash. His VC was awarded posthumously. In Feb 1943 his body was washed ashore at Dover and he was buried with full Air Force Honours.

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Flt Lieut Newton was awarded his VC for completing 52 operational sorties over the Salamana isthmus, New Guinea from May 1942 to 16 March 1943.

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On 17 March 1943 he returned to the same target and at a low level successfully bombed a single building, but his aircraft burst into flames. With great difficulty, he turned the aircraft towards the sea to give the crew a chance to survive. Two members of his crew swan to shore.

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Although his cockpit didn’t open initially, he also managed to swim to shore. However he and his Flt Sgt were captured by the Japs and later executed. The brutal beheadings on 29 March 43 were described in a captured Jap Diary in October 1943. The VC Award was posthumous.

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The No. 4 airfield at Nadzab New Guinea, was named in his honour. This airfield played an important part in landing the 25th Brigade (including the 2/31st Battalion) in their push down the Markham Valley to capture Lae in September 1943. It was later a major Allied Airfield for the remainder of the War.

LEST WE FORGET

Mick James

The new Display in the Hall of Valour

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It is also appropriate to include the story of Teddy Sheean

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Edward ‘Teddy’ Sheean was born on 28 December 1923 at Lower Barrington, Tasmania, fourteenth child of James Sheean, labourer, and his wife Mary Jane, née Broomhall. Soon afterwards the family moved to Latrobe. Teddy was educated at the local Catholic school. Five foot 8½ inches (174cm) tall and well built, he took casual work on farms between Latrobe and Merseylea. In Hobart on 21 April 1941 he enlisted in the Royal Australian Naval Reserve as an Ordinary Seaman, following in the steps of five of his brothers who had joined the armed forces (four of them were in the Army and one in the Navy). On completing his initial training, he was sent to Flinders Naval Depot, Westernport, Victoria, in February 1942 for further instruction.

In May Sheean was posted to Sydney where he was billeted at Garden Island in the requisitioned ferry Kuttabul, prior to joining his first ship as an Oerlikon anti-aircraft gun loader. Granted home leave, he was not on board Kuttabul when Japanese midget submarines raided the harbour and sank her on 31 May. Eleven days later he returned to Sydney to help commission the new corvette HMAS Armidale (I), which carried out escort duties along the eastern Australian coast and in New Guinea waters. Ordered to sail for Darwin in October, Armidale arrived there early next month.

On 29 November Armidale sailed for Japanese-occupied Timor, in company with the corvette HMAS Castlemaine, to withdraw the exhausted Australian 2/2 Independent Company, evacuate about 150 Portuguese civilians and 190 Dutch troops, and land soldiers to reinforce Dutch guerrillas on the island. Arriving off Betano before dawn on 1 December, the ships rendezvoused with the naval tender HMAS Kuru, which had already taken the civilians on board. When these people were transferred to Castlemaine, she sailed for Darwin, leaving the other two vessels to carry out the rest of the operation. From 12:28 Armidale and Kuru came under repeated attack from Japanese aircraft. Despite requests, no air cover was received.

The Loss of HMAS Armidale (I)

Shortly before 14:00 on 1 December 1942, Armidale, by then separated from Kuru, was attacked by no less than thirteen aircraft. The corvette manoeuvred frantically. At 15:15 a torpedo struck her port side and another hit the engineering spaces; finally a bomb struck aft. As the vessel listed heavily to port, the order was given to abandon ship. The survivors leapt into the sea and were machine-gunned by the Japanese aircraft. Once he had helped to free a life raft, Sheean scrambled back to his gun on the sinking ship. Although wounded in the chest and back, the 18-year-old sailor shot down one bomber and kept other aircraft away from his comrades in the water. He was seen still firing his gun as Armidale slipped below the waves. Only 49 of the 149 men who had been on board survived the sinking and the ensuing days in life rafts.

Recognition

Sheean was mentioned in dispatches for his bravery and in 1999 HMAS Sheean, a Collins Class submarine, was named after him – the only ship in the RAN to bear the name of a sailor.

In 2020, following a sustained public campaign to have Ordinary Seaman Sheean’s selfless actions appropriately recognised, an expert panel recommended to the Australian Government that he be considered for the the award of a Victoria Cross.

On 12 August 2020 His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d) Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia announced that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II had approved a posthumous award of the Victoria Cross to Ordinary Seaman Sheean.

In doing so, Ordinary Seaman Sheean became the first member of the Royal Australian Navy to be awarded Australia’s highest honour for valour.

On 1 December 2020, 78 years to the day since the death of Ordinary Seaman Sheean and the loss of HMAS Armidale (I), the Governor-General presented the insignia of the Victoria Cross for Australia to Teddy Sheean’s family at a ceremony held at Government House in Canberra, ACT.

Source: http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/sheean-edward-11671.

Vale – Ron Costabeber

Please find the undermentioned notification from Association President Greg Stokie, concerning the passing of long time stalwart of the Association – Ron Costabeber.

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Ron Costabeber – RIP

Tony

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Sadly Ron Costabeber passed away on Tuesday morning (2nd February2021). He was a long time supporter of the Association and the Treasurer of Townsville Branch for many years. He will be missed by all.

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There will be no funeral as per Ron’s wishes.

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Greg

Vale – Mrs Gwenyth Lewis

I regret to advise the passing of Mrs. Gwenyth Lewis. Gwenyth was the wife of Major Aub Lewis (Decd) former Platoon Commander of 10PL – B Coy 2/31st Bn at Balikpapan WW2. After discharge from the AIF he served in the CMF with 9Bn & the 2/14th QMI. Gwenyth was the mother of our Member Tim Lewis – Coordinator of the 2/31st Bn – Veterans, Family, & Friends.

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Gwenyth Lewis was the niece of LTGEN Sir Reginald Pollard KCVO, KBE, CB, DSO a former Brigade Major of the 25th Brigade on its departure to the Middle East and CO of the 2/31st Bn during the Syrian campaign. Sir Reginald continued on a brilliant career in the Military after the war, attaining the rank of LTGEN and appointed Chief of the General Staff, prior to his retirement.

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Gwenyth attended our last Special Association meeting in October 2019 with Guest of Honour – 102Yr old WO2 Alf Cumberland and Descendants of members of the 2/31st Bn, prior to the Covid-19 pandemic disrupting our lives.

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Our thoughts and condolences go to Tim Lewis and his Family on this sad occasion.

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Gwenyth Lewis – Rest In Peace.

Ray Fogg (President, Brisbane)

Visit to Alstonville – Home of Paddy Bugden VC

Regular contributor of articles to our website, Mick James, tells us of his visit over Christmas to the hometown of Patrick Bugden VC:

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I spent Christmas in Ballina with family and had a relaxing time. We visited Alstonville (about 10 klms west on the road to Lismore) and had lunch at the Federal Hotel there. This was owned by Paddy Bugden VC’s family and he worked there before joining up in 1916.

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The Hotel has a Tribute to Paddy in the Hotel (see photos). We also visited his Memorial around the corner in Bugden Ave.

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I also include my photo of Paddy’s grave with Pierre’s tribute that I placed on it when I recited the Ode during my visit together with Pierre in Sept 2017.

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LEST WE FORGET

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I should also mention that local Rotarian, John Barnes OAM wrote a slim book about Paddy, titled “So i fear nothing”, which is part of a quote taken from a letter Paddy wrote to his mother. It is detailed on the memorial stone that forms part of his Memorial in Bugden Ave, see photo. The Rotary Club of Alstonville may have copies of the book.

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Anzac Dawn Service – Origins

Members please find the attached article prepared by our own:- WO1 Ray “Dasher” Deed BEM LS MSM MID, (Retrd). – (Korean & Vietnam Veteran) in relation to the “Dawn Service on Anzac Day.”

Wikipedia refers to the “first Dawn Service” being held on the Western Front on 25th April 1916. It also refers to a Service held in Rockhampton at 6.30AM on 26th April 1916, where 600 people attended, as well as the Albany Dawn Parade Service in 1923. But claims no definite proof has been found to corroborate any of them.

However they claim the Dawn Service held at the Sydney Cenotaph in 1928 can lay claim to be the first of a continuous tradition. Well, we all know from experience that anything that happens in a major City, especially Sydney (where apparently the world first started) goes down in history! – whereas anything from the Bush is always hearsay. I tend to believe that both episodes at Rocky & Albany took place.

This story of the Padre sounds to me to be very true. We can thank Dasher for bringing it to our attention. Dasher, who is now 94Yrs, is planning to conduct a “Dawn Service” at the front of his house at Corinda on Anzac Day this year. A few of us 31st Bn members are planning to join Dasher at 6.00AM prior to our attendance at the 2/31st Bn Service at their Memorial at Southbank at 9.00AM then hightailing it down to the Exhibition Grounds for the Brisbane Anzac Day Commemoration Service in lieu of the March thru the Streets. Our 31st Bn Assoc. will have 3 Banners in the March around the Main Arena:- The 31st Bn Main Banner, plus the 2/31st Bn & the 31/51Bn -WW2 Banners.

Attached Photo of Dasher Deed (2nd from left) with other Veterans of the Battle of Kapyong 3RAR – Korea, receiving their 2nd US Presidential Citation as part of the Aust. Army Training Team Vietnam. (Note the two Bars Left Sleeve) (Photo taken in Vietnam)

TONY

Wo1 Ray “Dasher” Deed with other Veterans of Kapyong – Korean War and AATV – Vietnam

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The Dawn Service – Anzac Day

The Dawn Service on Anzac Day has become a solemn Australian and New Zealand tradition. It is taken for granted as part of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) ethos and few wonder how it started.

This story as it were, is buried in a small Cemetery carved out of the bush some kilometres outside the north Queensland town of Herberton. Almost paradoxically, one grave stands out by its simplicity. It is covered by a protected white washed concrete slab with a plain cement Cross at its top end. No epitaph recalls even the name of the deceased. The inscription on the Cross is a mere two words – “A Priest”. No person would identify the Grave as that of a dedicated Clergyman who created the Dawn Service, without the simple Marker, placed next to the Grave, only in recent times.

It reads:-

“Adjacent to, and on the right of this marker, lies the grave of the late Reverend Arthur Ernest White, a Church of England Clergyman and Padre, – 44^th Battalion, First Australian Imperial Force”.

On the 25^th April 1923 at Albany in Western Australia, the Reverend White led a party of friends in what was the first ever observance of a Dawn Parade on Anzac Day, in Australia, thus establishing a tradition which has endured Australia wide ever since.

The Reverend White was serving as one of the Padres of the earliest Anzacs to leave Australia with the First AIF in November 1914. The Convoy was assembled in the Princess Royal Harbour and King George Sound at Albany West Australia.

Before embarkation at 4 in the morning, he conducted a Service for all the men of the 44^th Battalion.

When Reverend White returned to Australia in 1919, he was appointed relieving Rector of St. Johns Church in Albany. It was a strange coincidence that the starting point of the AIF Convoys should now become his Parish.

Albany, he is quoted to have said, was the last sight of land these Anzac troops saw after leaving Australian shores, and some of them never returned. We should hold a Service (here) at the first light of dawn each Anzac Day to commemorate them.

That is why on Anzac Day 1923, he came to hold the first “Commemorative Dawn Service”.

In later life Reverend White moved to Herberton, North Queensland where he became the Chaplain of the Anglican Convent. However, shortly after his arrival, (on 26^th Sept. 1954) he died, to be buried so modestly and anonymously as:-

“A Priest”.

Ray Deed – 31^st Bn Assoc Brisbane. (Jan. 2021)

Farewell Message – LtCol Damien Green

The following message of farewell was received from CO 31/42RQR LtCol Damien Green prior to moving on to his new posting. Many of us have had the pleasure of meeting Damien during his tenure as CO of the Battalion. Membersof the Associaion have been particularly grateful for Damien’s efforts to keep we old diggers across the activities of the Battalion via the “31st/42nd Battalion Newsletter”. Over to LtCol Green:

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

I hope this email finds you well and not too impacted by COVID and/or the High Risk Weather Season.

The purpose of this email is to pass on my thanks to everyone for your support to the 31^st/42^nd Battalion, The Royal Queensland Regiment during my tenure in command of the Battalion. We very much appreciate the time you have given to us when we have visited or participated in events throughout Central and North Queensland. Without the support of the community, the Army Reserve ceases to function as it should and I am pleased to say we have been well supported.

I will be handing over command of the Battalion to Lieutenant Colonel Dave Gandy as of 18 Jan 2020 when I depart on posting to the Combat Training Centre in Townsville. I have had a great time meeting all of you and I know Dave is very keen to get around and introduce himself to all of you during his tenure as Commanding Officer. I am extremely proud of the support 31/42 RQR has provided to the community and state over the last two years which has included deployments on OP TOWNSVILLE FLOOD ASSIST, OP BUSHFIRE ASSIST, OP COVID-19 ASSIST and now the Emergency Support Force for Central and North Queensland. We certainly hope that the requirement to deploy on domestic operations reduce and we can all start enjoying a relatively normal life free of pandemics and weather events.

The Battalion is very keen to visit the communities in our area of operations to raise awareness of the unit that is North and Central Queensland’s own and provide people an opportunity to join our ranks. Many of you already know of the qualities an Army Reserve soldier or officer brings to your community and workforce, so we are keen to ensure people know about the opportunities available in or around Gladstone, Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville and Cairns. We believe the more involvement we have with the community, the better our chances are of growing our numbers to ensure the Army Reserve remains a viable part of defence capability and a positive contributor to our region.

To keep you informed of what we have been up to in the last part of the year I have attached a copy of our newsletter for 2020 for your reading pleasure. Thank you once again for your support.

Finally, I would like to wish you all the best for 2021 and I look forward to seeing you at some stage in the future.

Best wishes,

Damien

Damien Green
Lieutenant Colonel Commanding Officer 31/42 RQR

Welcome to 2021 – from Pierre at Fromelles

Members, The attached Tribute from our member in Fromelles, – Pierre Seillier, – His final for 2020, sums up the situation beautifully.

With reference below Pierre wishes us all a Happy New Year, in the Best Way he knows. “Just Brilliant” Tony

Hello my friends, I wish you a happy New Year, and I hope that 2021 will be better than 2020.

All the best to you and all members of the 31st Infantry Battalion Association.

Cheers.

Pierre.

Dear Pierre,

On behalf of all of us 31st Bn blokes in Australia, I thank you most sincerely for all the Tributes you have prepared, & help provided to our Members. You are indeed – True Blue.

Unfortunately this past year has been a disaster for travelling and I can’t see any Australian Tourists departing Australia any time soon. They are talking late 2021, but that will depend on the Success of the “Covid-19 Vaccines”. We do hope that things are going to improve for you all in France.

Pierre we all wish you & your family A very Merry Christmas & all the Best Wishes & Good Health for next year. STAY SAFE PIERRE
Kindest Regards, from all of us – 31st Bn Assoc. (Brisbane)

-o-

Vale – Kyle Macleod

31st Bn Members We have received the sad news from President Greg Stokie that past member “Kyle Macleod” passed away Kyle was on the 31st BAttalion Association Committee for some years.

Kyle has lived at Villa Vincent for some time. I will pass on best wishes from the Association at the Funeral

As an old Past Service member of 31st Bn – Kyle Macleod – Rest In Peace.

The following notice appeared in the Townsville Daily Bulletin:

https://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/tributes/notice/funeral-notices/kyle-macleod/5609840/

Kyle MACLEOD

AGED 84 YEARS

Late of Villa Vincent Nursing Home, Townsville and formerly of 119 Queens Road, Hermit Park. Loving Husband of Thelma. Beloved Father, Father-in-Law and Grandfather of Heather, Wendy, Geoffrey, Jennifer, Ross (deceased) and their respective Families.

All Relatives and Friends are respectfully invited to attend a CELEBRATION of KYLE’S LIFE which will commence at 10.00 a.m TUESDAY MORNING 22nd DECEMBER, 2020 at the Lakes Chapel, Morleys Funeral Home, Cnr. Hugh Street and Martinez Avenue, Townsville.

NO CORTEGE

For those unable to attend due to COVID 19 restrictions, Kyle’s Service will be live streamed at morleys.net.au/upcoming-services

National Servicemen’s Association of Australia (Qld) Inc. Townsville

Branch Members of the above are respectfully invited to attend the Funeral Service of their late Comrade-in-Arms 1713902 / 119934 KYLE MACLEOD which will commence as above. Nasho uniform and medals to be worn.

Ian Kuhl Secretary.

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Returned and Services League of Australia (Qld Branch) Townsville Sub Branch Inc.

Members of the above are respectfully invited to attend the Funeral Service of their late Comrade-In-Arms 1713902 / 119934 KYLE MACLEOD which will commence as above.

Val Clark Secretary.

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31st Infantry Battalion Assoc. Inc. Townsville Branch

Members of the above are respectfully invited to attend the Funeral Service of their late Comrade-in-Arms 1713902 / 119934 KYLE MACLEOD which will commence as above. Medals may be worn. Dariel Walker Secretary.

Commemoration – “The Texas Terror” Crash –

From Felix Reitano and the Ingham Branch of the Association comes the news of the Commemoration of “The Texas Terror” aircraft accident.

The Ceremony commemorates “The Texas Terror” Crash during WW2. of a USAAF – B24 Liberator Bomber known as the “Texas Terror” which crashed onto the summit of Mt Straloch on Hinchinbrook Island 18th Dec 1942, during a fierce tropical Storm. It was on its way to Iron Range. It had just departed Garbutt Airbase Townsville after picking up passengers, & probably still climbing through the Storm when it hit the Mountain.

This Ceremony is organised each year by Felix & the Ingham Branch of the 31st Bn Assoc. often attracting relatives & friends from the USA of those who perished in the crash. Unfortunately with current restrictions on travel it was not possible to have visitors from the USA. – Refer photos below.

Thanks for your attendance yesterday at our “Texas Terror’ ceremony.

hope you all had a safe trip back home.

Stay safe,

Regards, Felix

“The Texas Terror” Commemoration