Vale – Capt Don Page ED

It is with a heavy heart I regret to inform members of the Passing of Don Page.

Don Page was part of the heavy furniture of 31st Bn. – Always Solid & Reliable. Always steady as she goes – with that smile of his, no matter what chaos & panic was on. – Always there to turn to, – AND Always there to offer help in any way.

Both Don & his wife Edna had been unwell for some time, & were both living in a Nursing Home in Townsville. We also learned that Edna had also passed away a few weeks ago. This is so sad.

Don’s Funeral was on Friday 14th August 2020, making it almost impossible to get up to Townsville at this stage due to COVID-19.

DON PAGE will be remembered fondly by all who new him. – Rest in Peace Mate. TONY

Emails of condolence and support were received from members who had served with Don or knew of his service to the Battalion. Two well known members of the association who served with him were Chris Pyke and George Stanger whose messages are included below

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CAPT Don Page was my first Coy Comd (B Coy 31 RQR) when I enlisted in 1966. He was a good bloke. Very sad,

Regards

Chris Pyke

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Very sad news Tony.

I had a very close association with Don and a better bloke you would never find.Yes Tony, he certainly will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Rest in peace Mate.

George Stanger

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Messages were also received from:

Phil Ainsworth – NGVR/PNGVR ex Members Association

Mark Dillon – 51st Battalion Association

Steve Vokes – 9 Battalion Association

Patrick O’Keeffe – Battle for Australia Commemoration Committee

Members observed a 1 minute silence at the AGM held at the Sherwood RSL of Thursday 20th August 2020 in honour of Capt Don Page ED and Col Hugh Gaffney AM RFD ED both of whom have passed away since the previous AGM

—0—

Coommemoration – 104th Anniversary – Battle of Fromelles

On Sunday 19th July, the 31st Bn Assoc (Brisbane Branch) held a Commemoration Service to Honour the Casualties sustained at the Battle of Fromelles. The Battle took place on the 19th/20th July 1916. This Battle, planned and organised by the British High Command, was the first battle in which Australian troops took part on the Western Front. It proved to be a disaster and was responsible for 5533 casualties, the highest sustained over a 24 hour period in the British Army, in WW1. The 31st Bn, took a major part in the Battle and we commemorate this day as most important in our history. We again draw your attention to the fact that the 31st Bn is the only battalion from the 5th Div. AIF on strength in the ADF today.

The Service was held in Ipswich, at the Graveside of Lt. Arthur Adams DCM, – 31st Bn. Lt Adams came from Rosewood, fought in the Battle & survived, later to become the Rosewood Shire Clerk and the First President of the Rosewood RSL. We were honoured to have COL Mark Plath (Ret’d) as our Guest Speaker. Mark is a descendant of Col Fred Toll DSO & Bar MBE VD, the CO of the 31st Bn in WW1, and who led the Bn into Battle at Fromelles.

We were also honoured to again have in attendance, LTCOL Damien Green & WO1 John Stafford, the CO & RSM of the 31st/42nd Battalion RQR. – LTCOL Green has stated that in his Opinion – “The Battle of Fromelles is the most significant war time action in our history, worthy of remembering to encourage our younger generation, so we never forget. To be a member of the current embodiment of a Battalion involved in that Battle puts increased emphasis and responsibility on us to ensure that happens”.

We were greatly supported by both the Rosewood & Ipswich RSL Sub Branch’s. Five of our friends from the 49th Bn Assoc attended, and joined us for the lunch afterwards at the CSI Club.

Thank you all who attended, and a special thanks to Mick James who was our chief organiser of the Event.

There was also a private Wreath Laying Service held in Fromelles France, organised by the Aust. Dept of Veteran Affairs & the Fromelles Council. Due to the Corona Virus Situation in France it was closed to the Public. A wreath was laid on our behalf by our Honorary Member Pierre Seillier.

Our special thanks go to Pierre, who also designed & produced the Tributes that we presented to COL Mark Plath & to the Presidents of Rosewood & Ipswich RSL’s.

A copy of Col Mark Plath’s address is below the photos>

Members who attending the Fromelles Commemoration

Honorary 31st Battalion Association Member Pierre Seillier

Laying wreath at the commemoration at Fromelles, France

Colonel Mark Plath (Rtd), Descendent of Colonel Frederick William Toll, DSO and Bar, MBE, VD

Address of Commemoration – ‘Service Above Self’

Before we commence the Commemoration of the 104 th Anniversary of the Battle of

Fromelles, let me take this opportunity to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the

Land on which we meet today, and pay my respects to their Elders past, present and

emerging.

Let me also gratefully acknowledge the following distinguished guests:

Mr Ray Fogg, President, 31 st Infantry Battalion Association, Brisbane Branch
Mr Tony Wadeson, Secretary, 31 st Infantry Battalion Association, Brisbane Branch
Mr Rob Wadley, President, Ipswich RSL Sub-branch
Padre Peter Woodward, Ipswich RSL Sub-branch
Mr Ken Savage, President, Rosewood RSL Sub-branch
Mr Shane Walker, Vice President, Rosewood RSL Sub-branch
Mr Brad Strong, Bugler, Rosewood RSL Sub-branch
LTCOL Damien Green, current Commanding Officer, 31 st /42 nd Battalion, Royal

Queensland Regiment

WO1 John Stafford, Regimental Sergeant Major, 31 st /42 nd Battalion, Royal

Queensland Regiment

Mr Mick James, Liaison Officer for my part in this important service

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning, and welcome to this important commemorative

service. Tony Wadeson advised a while ago that due to the COVID-19 pandemic

limitations in France, the annual commemorative ceremony at Fromelles is unlikely to

proceed, so today’s service is perhaps the only such recognition anywhere in the world

this year.

Thank you for being here today to honour the memory of those who so gallantly served

our nation. We remember especially those in the 31 st Battalion, Australian Imperial

Force during The Great War in general, and at the Battle of Fromelles in particular.

Moreover, thank you for the invitation to address this morning’s service which I

consider to be both an honour and a privilege. In titling my address, I have borrowed

the motto of Rotary International, ‘Service Above Self’, which epitomises the

sacrifices made by our forebears.

We stand here this morning at the graveside of Lieutenant Arthur Edward Adams, DCM

a clerk from Rosewood, who enlisted on 15 July 1915, nearly 19 years old, and despite

surviving the war, died at the tender age of just 28 years and 6 months. Not only did

Arthur Adams serve his Unit and country during conflict, but he was also the Founder

and President of the Rosewood RSL Sub-branch, hence that particular connection.

But my duty this morning is to remember and pay tribute to another member of the

31 st Battalion.

You see my mother’s maiden name was TOLL indicating my family relationship with

then Lieutenant Colonel, later, Colonel Frederick William Toll, DSO and Bar, MBE, VD.

At 43 years of age, LTCOL Toll as the inaugural Commanding Officer of the newly raised

31 st and LT Adams as initially a Quartermaster Sergeant, joined together, served

together and successfully survived the war together, although I have not discovered if

they were especially well known to each other. But the unifying theme today for these

two great men and soldiers, was the attack at ‘Fleurbaix’ or sometimes referred to as

‘Petillon’, which would later become known as the Battle of Fromelles.

The attack was the début of the Australian Imperial Forces on the Western Front. The

British high command devised the attack as a feint to hold German reserves from

moving south to the Somme where the large allied offensive had begun on the 1 st of

July.

The Australian War Memorial described it as, ‘the worst 24 hours in Australia’s entire

history.’ Of 7,080 British Expeditionary Force casualties, 5,533 were suffered by the

5th Australian Division (of which the 31 st was part); while the Germans lost 1,600–

2,000 men and 150 prisoners. This was perhaps the greatest loss by a single division in

24 hours during the entire war. Indeed, many historians consider Fromelles the most

tragic event in Australia’s history.

To the soldiers who fought at Fleurbaix, the Battle of Fromelles, was to quote, ‘an

unmitigated military disaster, the dismal culmination of muddled planning and reckless

decision-making by both British and Australian commanders and staff.’ Moreover, the

attack had little to no effect on the Somme battles, and even became cynically

dismissed by surviving soldiers as ‘that Fleurbaix stunt’.

In an official field record dated 27 July 1916 and titled ‘Total Casualties – Fleurbaix –

19 th /20 th July 1916, the 31 st Battalion reported 576 casualties, more than 50% of its

posted strength.

Almost 12 months prior, the 31 st Battalion was raised as part of the 8 th Brigade at

Enoggera Camp, then on the outskirts of Brisbane, in August 1915. As an aside,

Corporal Frederick Vivian Toll, son of the 31 st Commanding Officer was tragically killed

in action at Gallipoli on the 8 th of August 1915.

‘A’ and ‘B’ companies were formed of Queenslanders while ‘C’ and ‘D’ companies were

raised at Broadmeadows Camp in Victoria. In early October 1915, all elements were

united at Broadmeadows, and on the 5 th of November 1915, the battalion sailed

aboard His Majesty’s Australian Transport ‘Wandilla’ (A62) from Melbourne.

The 8 th Brigade joined the newly raised 5 th Australian Division in Egypt, and in June

1916 proceeded to France, destined for the Western Front. The 31 st Battalion fought

its first major battle at Fromelles on 19 th & 20 th of July 1916, having only entered the

front-line trenches three days previously.

But what of the man LTCOL Frederick William Toll or Fred Toll, as he was often called.

I distinctly recall my grandmother, who sadly passed many years ago now, talking

enthusiastically and respectfully about ‘Uncle Fred Toll’. From her reflections and

recollections, I always formed a clear view that Fred Toll was certainly a man’s man,

who went to great lengths to ensure the welfare of his men, right up until his passing

in Greenslopes Hospital on 6 November 1955. My grandmother recalled ANZAC Day

marches including the 31 st Battalion AIF Association being led by Fred Toll, with the

parade commentator proudly announcing, ‘here comes the men of the 31 st , the pride

and joy of Colonel Toll’ or words to that effect.

Frederick William Toll’s military service commenced well before The Great War,

initially when he joined military cadets in 1888 whilst undertaking his secondary

education at Brisbane Grammar School. After graduating, he returned north and

amongst other things, was commissioned in the Kennedy Regiment on 2 February 1892

and promoted captain in 1897.

Toll then volunteered for service in the South African War. He sailed with the 2 nd

Queensland Contingent as a special service officer in January 1900, and from Cape

Town, joined Lord Roberts’ army in the occupation of Bloemfontein, commanding an

infantry company of the 44 th Essex Regiment. Toll saw action during the advance to

Kroonstad, Johannesburg, Pretoria and Belfast and after the capture of Nellspruit, was

appointed provost-marshal and commanded troops who then returned to Australia.

He returned to South Africa in March 1901, this time as Second-In-Command of the 5 th

Queensland Imperial Bushmen and was soon after promoted to Major. Toll

commanded the contingent from 1 August in actions in the Cape and Orange River

colonies and the Transvaal. In January 1902, he was captured briefly by Boers. Noting

the extensive number of major operations and lesser skirmishes in which the 5 th was

involved, Toll gained the reputation amongst this men as ‘the Fighting Major’.

Ultimately, Toll arrived in Brisbane aboard the transport ‘St Andrew’ in April 1902 and

his appointment was routinely terminated in July of that year. During his service in

South Africa, he had been Mentioned-in-Dispatches and of the eight clasps possible,

was awarded the Queen’s South Africa Medal with five clasps and the King’s South

Africa Medal with two. Toll’s South African service is often remembered at the

commemorative services for the Battle of Onverwacht.

With the outbreak of war in 1914, Toll enlisted again for overseas service. He embarked

for New Guinea in January 1915, leading the 3 rd Battalion, Australian Naval and Military

Expeditionary Force, with the rank of Major. As Lieutenant Colonel from 1 March and

Officer Commanding the troops in Rabaul, he was twice acting administrator of New

Guinea in the absence of Colonel Sir Samuel Pethebridge. At his urgent request for

active service in 1915, he was given command of the 31 st Battalion, which he formed

and trained, leaving later that year for Egypt.

As a result of the 31 st Battalion’s actions at Fromelles, Toll was recommended by his

Brigade Commander, Brigadier-General Edwin Tivey, and was subsequently awarded

the Distinguished Service Order or DSO. The citation for this award Gazetted on 12 th

October 1916, reads as follows:

‘This officer has been with the Brigade since its formation and has always done his duty

in a most conscientious and efficient manner.

During the operations in the Suez Canal Zone he was untiring in his efforts to obtain a

high standard of efficiency and has always been an example to his Officers and men.

Lt.Colonel Toll displayed great gallantry all through the operations of 19/20 th July 1916,

at PETILLON. He was slightly wounded at the commencement of the action and before

the assault was made and (sic) he lost heavily in Officers and men. He led the 3 rd and

4 th waves over the parapet himself. Before reaching the enemy trenches 13 Officers

has (sic) been killed or wounded, including three Company Commanders. Lt.Colonel

Toll personally took charge and pushed on, making vigorous efforts to consolidate the

position won, reconnoit-ring (sic) the enemy’s defences and taking prisoners. On the

retirement he organised the troops on our original front line.’

During the Battle of Polygon Wood, Frederick William Toll was again decorated with a

Bar to the Distinguished Service Order for his, ‘… conspicuous gallantry and devotion

to duty .’ Seriously injured and gassed at Polygon Wood he was evacuated to Britain in

January 1918. In addition to his two Distinguished Service Orders, he was also twice

Mentioned In Dispatches by General Haig.

After The Great War, Toll became commissioner for war service homes. He initiated

and led the establishment of the 31 st Battalion Social Club and took an enduring

interest in the welfare of his former charges. He was also a foundation member of the

Returned Sailors’ and Soldiers’ Imperial League of Australia, its Brisbane vice-president

1924-27 and Mackay president in 1928-30. Toll was also the Government

representative on the Mackay Hospitals Board, Director of the Mackay Rotary Club,

President of the Mackay Rifle Union, and Commandant’s representative on the North

Queensland Rifle Association.

For his services to returned servicemen, Toll was made a Member of the Order of the

British Empire in 1939. Not content with retirement, during World War II he was

district manpower officer, then services liaison officer.

Ladies and gentlemen, in conclusion, let me reprise the notable and distinguished

service in war and in peace of Lieutenant Arthur Edward Adams, DCM and the

distinguished service and post service career of Colonel Frederick William Toll, DSO

and Bar, MBE, VD, a competent accountant and successful business manager,

marksman, athlete and Rugby footballer, in my mind certainly and I now hope in yours

too, both of whom epitomised the ethos of ‘Service Above Self.’

Lest We Forget

Battle of Fromelles Address by Col Mark Plath (Rtd)

Presentation to Col Mark Plath by Brisbane Sub Branch President Ray Fogg

Battle of Fromelles Comemoration at Fromelles, France.

Commemoration at Fromelles, France

Honorary Member Pierre Seillier Saluting at Commemoration at

Fromelles, France

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Jimmy Gordon VC – Portrait

The William Dargie portrait of Jimmy Gordon VC holds pride of place alongside of the picture of Patrick BugdenVC on the home page of the 31st Battalion website. Last week marked the start of the what became known as the Syrian CampaignIn in 1941. Almost a month after that Jimmy Gordon, a member of 2/31st Battalion distinguished himself against forces of the Vichy French. The details of the battle are contained in the <Archive February 2019> of this website.

William Dargie was commissioned to paint the portrait ‘Corporal Jim Gordon’ [5900231 (WX2437)], shortly after Gordon was awarded the Victoria Cross. Born in Western Australia in 1909, James Gordon, a private in the 2nd Australian Imperial Force, received his VC for his actions at Greenhill, near Jezzine, Lebanon, on 10 July 1941. Under intense machine gun fire, Gordon approached an enemy machine gun post, and charged and killed four machine gunners with a bayonet. This action demoralised the enemy and allowed Gordon’s company to advance, taking the position. Gordon was greatly admired for the courage demonstrated by these actions.

Gordon’s portrait served a dual purpose: it was a realistic likeness of a distinguished individual and it was also a deliberately constructed image of an Australian ‘type’. Facing the viewer, his eyes slightly averted from directness, with an expression of seriousness and reserve, Gordon is presented as a modest soldier yet he is also the heroic embodiment and glorification of the bronzed ANZAC. The figure, close to the picture plane, dominates the hastily sketched landscape. His rolled up sleeves suggest both the heat of the Middle East and the pragmatism of a man of action. Gordon’s face and forearms, ruddy from the exposure to the sun, have been painted in a detailed manner. By contrast, his uniform and the background sky have been applied rapidly in broad expressive brushstrokes. This work won the Archibald prize in 1942 and was extremely popular due to patriotic sentiment combined with a high public regard for the depiction of the typical digger.

Dargie noted his experience of painting the portrait that Gordon was, “Not the smiling, happy-go-lucky “Digger” of legend, but the slightly older-than-young man with a very definite sense of responsibility. A farmer from Western Australia, he had all the countryman’s modesty and reticience of speech. He rather deprecated heroism as such, and said “No-one likes wars. It’s just a matter sticking with your friends.” As I was painting this portrait, and was discussing with him the action at Merjayoun, in which he won his V.C., I noticed he was trembling. Thinking he was feeling the strain of the pose, I said, “Have a rest. I’ve had you sitting too long.” “No, that’s alright.” he said, “but I always get like this when I think of that action.” I felt sorry I had reminded him of it, and said so. He replied: “My cobber and myself often talk about it.” ”

Place Middle East: French Mandate for Syria and Lebanon, Lebanon
Accession Number: ART26993
Collection type: Art
Measurement framed: 100 x 80 cm; unframed: 76.2 x 55.8 cm
Object type: Painting
Physical description: oil on canvas
Location Main Bld: Hall of Valour: Main Hall: Western Art Wall
Maker: Dargie, William
Place made Syria
Date made 1941
Conflict Second World War, 1939-1945
Copyright Item copyright: © Australian War Memorial

Kieth Payne VC AM – Coming Documentary

Members PLEASE NOTE:- Mick James has advised of this item of Interest about one of our National Treasures and a past Member of the 31st Bn from Ingham – KEITH PAYNE VC AM. (Keith was a member for a brief Period prior to joining the Regular Army) A Documentary on Keith will be broadcast on SBS at 8.30 PM on WED 27th May. The action for which Keith Payne was awarded the Victoria Cross occurred 51 years ago on the 24/5/1969. Keith is our oldest living Victoria Cross recipient.

Mark your Diary’s to tune in. Regards Tony

Major Percy Black DCM Croix de Guerre (France)

Association Member Mick James, a regular contributor of articles for our website has provided this interesting piece of history: –

In line with one of the suggestions from the CO of 31st/42nd Battalion RQR, Lt Col Damien Green (see the previous post on this website and also 31st Battalion AIF Memorial Association Facebook page), in his ANZAC Day message, I offer this story on an original ANZAC. I have recently also posted it on Facebook page “100 Years of ANZAC”.

Percy Black was born in Beremboke, near Bacchus Marsh, Victoria on 12th Dec 1877, the eleventh child of William and Anne (née Longmore), farmers originally from Antrim, Ireland. He trained as a carpenter before moving to Western Australia as a prospector in the Western Australian gold rush.

He joined the Army in Perth (16th Inf Battalion) on 8th Sept 1914 and was promoted L/Cpl on 16th Oct. He trained on the Maxim Machine Gun with Harry Murray and they became firm friends. They initially trained at Blackboy Hill Camp outside Perth and then travelled to Broadmeadows in Melbourne where 2 Companies from South Australia joined them to complete their strength.

Percy shipped out with the 16th Battalion in late December 1914 and arrived in Egypt in early February 1915. After further training there they landed at Gallipoli on 25th April 1915. He was awarded a DCM for his actions on 2nd/3rd May 15 . His citation reads –

“On the night of 2nd-3rd May, 1915, during operations near Gaba Tepe, for exceptional gallantry. After all his comrades in his machine-gun section had been killed or wounded, and although surrounded by the enemy, he fired all available ammunition and finally brought his gun out of action.”

Harry Murray was with Percy and also was awarded a DCM. Harry Murray was promoted 2nd Lieut on 13 Aug 15 and transferred to 13th Battalion. Harry was still in the same Brigade as Percy (Brig Commander was Col. John Monash) and was involved in some of the same future Battles.

Percy was commissioned as a 2nd Lieut on 7th May and promoted Temp Capt on 9th Aug 15 . He was made substantive Lieut on 1st Jan 16 and then Capt on 20th Jan 1916. He returned from Gallipoli to Egypt at the end of 2015 and subsequently moved to France in June 2016 with 16th Battalion. Percy had been promoted to Major on 27th April 1916. So, after 1 year and 2 days in action Percy had risen from L/Cpl to Major. No doubt being awarded the DCM at Gallipoli played a part in his promotions. He was also mentioned in Despatches while at Gallipoli and again while on the Western Front.

He was in the Battles of Pozieres and Mouquet Farm. At Mouquet Farm, which the Germans had turned into a fortress, Black and the 16th Battalion battled through dugouts and cellars. The Australians were unable to hold the fortress, a determined counter-attack threw the Australians back to their start lines. Black was wounded—shot in the neck—and the severity of wound required specialist treatment in London.

While recovering in the 4th General Hospital in London, Percy shared his ward with Albert Jacka who was recovering from wounds received at Pozieres, and his old mate, Harry Murray who was also wounded at Mouquet Farm. Both Harry and Percy subsequently received DSO awards for actions in which they received wounds that they were now recovering from. Percy also was awarded the French Coix de Guerre for actions at Pozieres and Mouquet Farm. Percy rejoined his Battalion on 25th November 1916.

Percy’s DSO citation reads –

“Maj. Percy Black, Inf. For conspicuous gallantry during operations. He led his company over “No Man’s Land” against an enemy’s [sic] strong point, which he captured and consolidated under very difficult circumstances, and under heavy artillery and machine gun fire. On a subsequent occasion he did similar fine work.”

Percy remained with the 16th Battalion and in April 1917 they were south east of Arras with the 4th Division AIF. 2 Brigades (4th & 12th) were committed to the first Battle of Bullecourt together with the British 62nd Division to attack the strong German position. This description is from the Sir John Monash Centre –

The Battles of Bullecourt, on 11 April 1917 and 3 May 1917, involved huge losses and invoked a sense of distrust between Australian troops and British commanders.

Some of the heaviest criticism came from General John Monash who wrote:

‘Our men are being put into the hottest fighting and are being sacrificed in hair-brained ventures, like Bullecourt and Passchendaele …’

In 1917, the village in northern France was heavily fortified by the Germans and absorbed into the Hindenburg Line, with machine guns, belts of barbed wire, and frontline trenches.

Australian commanders were apprehensive about the British level of planning for the attack, believing it would leave their men hemmed in and vulnerable on three sides. They were also concerned there was not enough ammunition for artillery, which was still an experimental technology.

The attack was planned for 10 April but the Australians did not proceed because their 12 tanks did not arrive on time.

Communication within the Allied forces broke down and the British 62^nd Division began the attack as planned, but were not told until later that the Australians had been stood down. Nonetheless, the British managed to get through the first belt of entanglements and close to the Hindenburg Line.

The next day, the Australian troops were subjected to withering machine-gun fire, and nearly a third were killed or wounded.

They broke through the German line but at terrible cost, and they fought ferociously until – as suspected – they were hemmed in and forced to retreat.

In addition, the tanks failed to be a decisive breakthrough weapon and left many bitterly disappointed. Despite this, they had sown confusion and terror among many German defenders, with the German 124^th Regiment record noting:

‘The men in the trench stood there, defenceless, not knowing how they could beat the monster back. It was completely impossible to attack it from the trench …’

The 16th Battalion was one of the two 4th Brigade Battalions in the attacking waves and took the first line of German trenches. However they were ahead of the few remaining tanks . Before they breached the first line of trenches, Percy, leading his men on, is reputed to have said “Come on boys. Bugger the tanks”.

The barbed wire in front of the second line of trenches was largely in tact and the attack had to file through the Sally Ports (gaps for movement between the trenches). It was at one of these where Maj Percy Black was reputedly shot in the head and killed instantly as depicted in the painting.

While Black was renowned for his courage, Murray claimed that “Percy never went berserk and never sought death” and “had all the fear of the unknown”. He was described by the Australian war historian C. E. W Bean as “the greatest fighting soldier in the A.I.F.”, while Murray, himself a recipient of the Victoria Cross, called Black “the bravest and coolest of all the brave men I know”.

The 1923 painting “The Death of Major Black” by Charles Wheeler highlights the snow covered land on which they fought. It is held at the Australian War Memorial. The artist, Charles Wheeler is an interesting character himself. A New Zealander born in 1880, he developed his skill as a painter in Melbourne and held exhibitions until 1912 when he travelled to Europe. Based in London he travelled on the Continent and exhibited in Paris. Returning to London just prior to the outbreak of WW1 he joined the Royal Fusiliers and was awarded a DCM in the Battle of Vimy Ridge in 1916 as a Sgt. He returned to Melbourne after WW1 and was one of Australia’s distinguished Painters, winning a number of prizes including the 1933 Archibald Prize. He would have certainly experienced conditions such as he painted here.

As we approach ANZAC Day this year, we should pause and remember Percy Black, a brave Digger who landed at Gallipoli on 25th April 1915, fought with distinction for almost 2 years, and gave his life on 11th April 1917

LEST WE FORGET

Percy Black has no known grave. He is commemorated on the wall at the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial.

A group of researchers including Lambis Englezos have been researching the location of Maj Percy Black’s grave for more than a decade.

They have uncovered a statement of an Allied POW captured during the the Battle of Bullecourt on 11th April 1917 who was forced by his captors to bury Allied bodies in mass graves in shell holes behind the German front line. While they emptied pockets, they didn’t remove dogtags.

The group have done further research and believe they have located the grave. They have forwarded their research to the Australian Army’s Unrecovered War Casualties Unit last year and await their response,

For those unaware, Lambis and a group of friends with various skills researched and discovered what they thought was a mass grave (5 pits each holding 50 bodies) dug by the Germans for Allied bodies KIA in German trenches during the Battle of Fromelles in July 1916.

They battled the Government and the Army from 2002 before any action was undertaken in 2007. Evidence was found early in the non invasive check of the ground and a full dig was authorised in 2008. The result was 250 soldiers’ bodies were recovered in 2009 and were all buried, in the new War Cemetery “Pheasant Wood” at Fromelles with DNA taken, in 2010.

To date, 166 of those have been identified as Aussie diggers and now have named headstones.

Research into identification of those remaining unnamed continues. Lambis was awarded an “AM” in the 2009 Honours List for his efforts in discovering the missing diggers. Many of the graves of the 1900 odd Aussies who died in the battle remain unknown.

Anzac Day 2020

Dawn service at home was the most unusual feature of Anzac Day 2020. Like so many others, the old digger in the picture started the day listening to the service from Canberra courtesy of ABC radio whilst watching the dawn rising over Lake Magellan, Pelican Waters, Caloundra. A local bugler added some realism to the scene by playing the Last Post at 6am and later by playing Reveille at different points around the lakeside. Many of the local residents, like those in Cities and Towns all over Australia, gathered at the ends of their driveways to commemorate the dawn service.

Lest We Forget

——-

Tribute by the Coomera Anglican College

Members, Peter Grogan, our good mate from the 49th Bn Assoc., has passed this tribute on to us, as quite a few diggers of the 31st Bn, 41st Bn, & his 49th Bn, get mentioned. A moving tribute, produced by the Students of the Coomera Anglican College to pay homage to those Diggers from the Northern Gold Coast Area – KIA. This was produced by the students as they were unable to attend their Normal Anzac Day Service this year.

Most of Our Members will Parade at 0600 Hrs tomorrow morning, in front of our Homes, or on our Balconies in high rise Units, dressed in Jackets, Ties, Berets & Medals, to observe the Silence & remember the fallen. Radio 4BC will be playing the Last Post at 0600 hrs so if you can have your Radio blaring, it will be almost real. –

Our Thoughts however will be. – LEST WE FORGET.

Click on the link below:

CommeraAnglicanCollege

https://www.dropbox.com/s/3vul7dbhl0mdzir/ANZAC%20Day%202020%20final.mp4?dl=0

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Cancellation AGM – Brisbane Branch

Notification received on Saturday 21 Mar 2020 from the Secretary of Association (Brisbane Branch) Secretary Tony Wadeson:

ALL members & Friends to note:- Due to yesterday’s COVID – 19, – Govt. announcement, that a 4SqMetre spacing between individuals, must be adhered to, in an enclosed Area.

It has been decided to CANCEL the AGM – LUNCH MEETING scheduled for Friday 27th Mar. at the Sherwood Services Club. The Lunch will be re-scheduled to a later date determined by the Covid -19 situation in a few months time. We apologise for any inconvenience, but we must adhere to the Safety instructions of the Day.

Regards Tony

Anzac Day Cancellation

The following message has been passed on by Association Brisbane Branch Secretary, Tony Wadeson:

Members Please find the attached Press Release re the cancellation of the Brisbane Anzac Day March. It is to be noted that this is the first time since its inception in 1916 that there will be NO ANZAC DAY MARCH IN BRISBANE.

Its not only the Older Diggers who would be at high risk – but the many thousands of spectators lining the streets, about 5 deep, would be unacceptable to Govt. authorities.

We may still hold our small service at the 2/31st Bn Memorial at Southbank if the 2/31st Bn descendants are still willing. We will keep you posted, on that one.

anzacNotice2020

Historic Photo – Ray “Dasher” Deed BEM

Association member Mick James came across a photo on a Facebook page entitled “On This Day”

The explanatory preamble is as follows:

On 30th Sept. 1970, – Members of the Aust. Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) were presented with a – “United States Meritorious Unit Citation” for its outstanding performance in Vietnam. For 5 Members of the Training Team this was a special Occasion as previously in 1951, whilst serving with 3rd Bn Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR), they received a United States – “Presidential Unit Citation” for holding & repelling an Overwhelming Force of the Chinese Army at the Battle of Kapyong. Thus saving the the Capital of Seoul from certain capture.

Brisbane Branch Association Secretary, Tony Wadeson, gives us a brief background:

The second Man from the Left in the Photo, – is our very own – WO1 Ray “Dasher” Deed BEM, – quite a handsome bloke, who scrubbed up pretty well, for the occasion. Dasher has had a few Health issues of late, but is still going strong at 93 Years, living at Corinda, & conveniently close to the Sherwood Services Club. He is still an active Member of the 31st Bn Assoc. Brisbane Branch. And as you can all appreciate, we are extremely honoured, to have such a distinguished soldier as our Member. At one stage of his career, Dasher was a Regular WO2 Cadre Staff attached to 31st Bn Townsville, & later the RSM of 51Bn – Cairns. After retirement as RSM Northern Command, Dasher was seconded by one of Brisbane’s most prestigious Colleges – “The Anglican Church Grammer School – (Churchie), as a Disciplinary Master for many years. They still bring him back each year to Churchie for their ANZAC Day Service.

Mick continues the story: On 30 September 1970 Five soldiers of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) are now entitled to wear two United States Unit Citations. They are seen here enjoying a drink after being presented at a parade. All were with the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR), at the Battle of Kapyong where it won the United States Presidential Unit Citation which they wear above the Meritorious Unit Citation presented to the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV), at Vung Tau on 30 September.

Left to Right :- Warrant Officer Class 1 (WO1) Brian Lawrance, 43, working in Quang Tri;

WO1 Ray Deed, 43, Phuoc Tuy Province; WO1 Bill Eade, 44, Hue; Captain Len Opie, 46, Phuoc Tuy Province, and WO1 Reg Bandy, 46, the Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) of 7RAR at Nui Dat, who is drinking a can of Victoria Bitter (VB) beer.

Heroes all. Ray Deed was awarded a BEM (British Empire Medal) for his service in Korea as a Sgt Platoon Commander during the Battle of Kapyong. He finished his service as RSM of Northern Command. As his birthday is on ANZAC Day, he didn’t celebrate in 1951 as he was still in the thick of the Battle of Kapyong, 22-25 April 1951.

(As an addendum Mick has pointed out:- The Presidential Citation was worn above the Meritorious award, & at that time it was worn on the sleeve at the shoulder, (refer Photo). Now its worn on Right Front Breast.)