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.

–

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:

–

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.

–

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

–

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.

–

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.

—

2lt Andrew Sime

–

Lt Greg Alfred Wheatley

—

Vale – Ron Springer RFM ED

Sad News of the passing of one of our long term Members – Ron Springer who passed away 17th June, surrounded by his Family in Hospital.
Ron joined the Regular Army – RAR, with an intention to fight in Korea. That was not to be, but was sent out to “Maralinga” – Woomera Area as part of an Australian Army Contribution to run the Camp set up for the British Gov. – Atomic Bomb Tests between 1956 – 1962. There were many Military & Civilian casualties resulting from these Tests.
After Ron left the Regular Army he rejoined the CMF – 31st Bn, – ended up as CSM of Charlie Company Ingham. The family then moved to Mackay in 1977 where Ron continued his Service with 42 Bn. The family eventually retired to Brisbane, & Ron then became a very active & long term member of the Centenary Suburbs RSL Sub Branch.
Ron was one of our original 31st Bn Assoc. Brisbane Branch Members accompanied by John Gardner his old OC Charlie Company..
RIP – Ron Springer – Great Family Man, – Great Soldier, – Great Aussie & Great Mate.
A Memorial Service for Ron was held Tuesday 25th June at 2.00PM – Centenary Memorial Gardens Federation Chapel – 353 Wacol Station Rd, Sumner. Refreshments later at Centenary Suburbs RSL Sub Branch – Jindalee Bowls Club.
Dress:- Jacket, Beret, Medals, Name Tag.

Battle of Fromelles Commemoration – Ipswich, Australia and Fromelles, France

A very moving 108th Anniversary Commemoration (19th July 2024) held at the Ipswich RSL Honour Stone by the Ipswich RSL in conjunction with the 31st Infantry Battalion Association (Brisbane Branch). Honoured Special Guest was Mr Keith Payne VC AM,, a former member of both the 31st Battalion (1951) & 42nd Battalion (1975).

–
Other honoured Guests were Brig Arran Hassell CSC, Commander of 8th Brigade Aust Army, Duputy RSL Qld President, Ms Wendy Taylor, Group Capt Dennis Tan, Senior Officer RAAF Base Amberley . Her Worship the Mayor of Ipswich Cr Teresa Harding, Mr Alain Etchegaray Hon Consul representing the French Ambassador to Australia, Maj Ed Dalheimer, Company Commander 31st/42nd Battalion RQR, The Hon Shayne Neumann MP, Member for Blair, Senator Paul Scarr ,Jennifer Howard MP, State Member for Ipswich.

–
We were honoured to have the following Descendants of Soldiers who fought in the Battle of Fromelles –
Col Mark Plath Retd – representing– Lt Col Fred Toll DSO & Bar MBE VD, CO of 31st Battalion
Mr Keith Beardsmore – representing– Lt Col Henry Breardsmore DSO , 30th Battalion –
Ms Ann Kirby – representing – Sgt Cyril Kirby MM 31st Battalion
Lt Col Russell Linwood ASM Retd – representing – Pte Issac Linwood 31stBattalion
Mr Leo Rawlings – representing– Pte Frederick Rawlings 31st Battalion
Mr Bernie Delaney, Ms Siobhan Bouma & James Danaher 3rd – representing – Lt James Danaher 31st Battalion
Robert Doncaster- representing – Charles Christopher Doncaster 53rdBattalion
Additional we had Ms Deborah Gower representing the Mayor of Fromelles & the Fromelles Community lay a Wreath
Some photos of the Descendants at the Honour Stone after the Service. More to follow
We also mention the Service was live streamed on Ipswich RSL Facebook & can be viewed here – https://www.facebook.com/ipswichrsl/videos/1455856535298547

–

Brig Arran Hassell CSC – Comd 8th Bde – Delivering Welcoming Address

–

Group of 31st Battalion Association at 108th Commemoration of Battle of Fromelles at RSL Honour Stone Ipswich, Qld, Australia.

Members of the 31st Battalion Assoc with Keith Payne VC AM (Centre Front)

Maj Ed Dalheimer, Coy Commander 31st/42nd Battalion, (In Uniform).

After the 108th Anniversary Commemoration of the Battle of Fromelles at Ipswich.

Lt Col Russell Linwood ASM Retd (on the left of Keith) renewed their acquaintance & stories

from when Russell was a Cadet at Duntroon & Keith was an Instructor there.

–

Wreaths Laid at the Fromelles Commemoration in Ipswich

–

Keith engaged in conversation with fellow Vet.

–

Overhead photo of 31st Battalion Assoc Battle of Fromelles 108th Anniversary Commemoration held at the Honour Stone at Ipswich RSL Memorial Hall, in conjunction with the Ipswich RSL sub branch.

A great attendance of over 100.

Grave Stone for William Brumby – One of the Missing 200 – Identified 2024 – Reinterred Pheasant Wood Cemetery, France – RIP – Lest We Forget

BRUMBY , William Christopher S/N 585 Pte
Born -Cones Homley, England
NOK (m) Mrs Eliza Rowle, South Someroakes, Lincolnshire, England

Enlistment Date 12-Jul-15 Melbourne, Victoria
Age 28 yrs Single C.of E. Labourer Address Sorrento, Victoria

Outcome KIA 2 0th Jul 1916 at Fromelles.

Remembered at Villers Bretonneux – France

Original, ‘C’ Coy, 31st Bn

–

Pte William Christopher Brumby

–

Pheasant Wood Military Cemetery Fromelles France 19th uly 2024

–

31st Battalion Association Wreath placed during the Ceremony

Fromelles France 19th July 2024

–

108th Battlle of Fromelles Commemoration at Fromelles, France

Commemoration Ceremony Fromelles France 19th July 2024

—

Also From the Gallery

–

—

The 2024 Kennedy Regiment Commemorative Service

The 2024 Kennedy Regiment Commemorative Service was held at St James Cathedral, Townsville on Sunday 18th August 2024. Members of 31st Bn and 42nd Bn Assoc from Townsville, Charters Towers, Ingham and other centres around North Queensland joined with Serving and Past members of 31/42 RQR and 11Bde.

Members Attending the Service

Members and partners

–

Above Pictures 31Bn Assn Members and Wives/Partners At Assn Commemorative

Church Service at St James Cathedral, Townsville

–

Darryl Walker, Lindsay Elmore and Andrew Gill 31Bn Assn Members

–

Neville Homes and Darryl Walker 31Bn Assoc. and National Service Assoc.

–

Rob Donkin (LTCOL Retd) Delivering Reflections Address

–

11Bde Officers (L to R) Maj Daniel Farrands, Lt Alexander de Camp, Cpl Kenton Harvie,

RSM 31/42RQR WO1 David Nicholas, COMD 11Bde BRIG Richard Pearce,

A/RSM WO1 Ryan Snell, Lt Joshua Borquin, Cpl Jackson Pearson, Pte Hugo Boyd (Bugler)

–

Service Notification:

Presidents and Members of the

31st Infantry Battalion Association

and the

42nd Infantry Battalion Association

have great pleasure in jointly inviting

All Association Members and interested public citizens

—————————

to attend the

2024 Kennedy Regiment Commemorative Service

to be held in

ST. JAMES CATHEDRAL

36 Cleveland Terrace, North Ward, Townsville on

Sunday, 18th August, 2024

at 9.00 a.m.

The Service will be conducted by the

The Very Reverend Dr Kenneth Lay

Dress:

Servicing Personnel: Ceremonial Dress Polyester

Civilians: Smart Casual (with Medals)

Coat and tie for participants

–

The service will be followed by

Refreshments in the Cathedral Hall

Battle of Fromelles Commemoration – 2024 – Ipswich

IMPORTANT MESSAGE:

Members, – OUR MAJOR EVENT OF THE YEAR – Your support is required.
“THE BATTLE of FROMELLES” – Commemoration Service
WHEN:- FRIDAY – 19th July 2024 at 1100 Hrs
WHERE:- The Honour Stone – Soldiers Memorial Hall – Ipswich RSL Sub Branch – 63 Nicholas St, Ipswich
DRESS:- Jacket & Tie – Beret, – Medals, – Name Tag

Special Guest:- Mr. Keith Payne VC AM – (Ex Member of 31st Bn & 42nd Bn)
Other Guests:- BRIG Arran Hassell CSC Commander – 8th Brigade – (31st Bn was part of the 8th Brigade at the Battle of Fromelles – WW1)
Members, – THIS IS NOW OUR MAIN EVENT FOR THE YEAR – PLEASE MAKE A SPECIAL EFFORT TO ATTEND.

Wives/Partners are most welcome.
It is our intention to have a Lunch at the CSI Club after the event. (Your expense)
If you have a Transport Issue, – please contact me.

RSVP – By WED – 10th July – Email:- wadesonriver@aapt.net.au

Please advise (1) Attending the Service (2) Attending the Lunch at CSI Club.

–

Lt James Danaher – One of the many Heroes of the Battle of Fromelles

Plaque produced by our Honorary Member in France Pierre Seillier

–

Map showing Parking in Central Ipswich, Qld and

available parking for Battle of Fromelles Commemoration

–

Vale – Ray Fogg ED – President – 31st Bn Assoc (Brisbane Branch)

The Brisbane Branch Assoc Secretary, Tony Wadeson has passed on the very sad news that our 31st Battalion Brisbane Branch Founding President (in 2002), Ray Fogg, has passed away on Saturday 22 June after an extended illness.

–
Ray has led the Brisbane Branch of the Association for 22 years since its inception. One of the highlights of Ray’s time as President was arranging the construction of the Billy Sing Memorial Plinth at Lutwyche Cemetery in 2015 with financial assistance from the Federal Govt. Photo below.
Rest in Peace Ray.

President Ray Fogg at the Inauguration of the Billy Sing DCM Croix de Guerre (Belgium) Memorial

Association executive member Mick James gives further information regarding Ray’s efforts to bring the Billy Sing Memorial to fruition.

–

I mention that the 31st Battalion Association Brisbane Branch conducted Memorial Services at Billy’s grave side in 2012 & 2013 which influenced the Federal Govt to approve us to manage the construction of the Memorial. We also had another Commemoration in 2018 with Billy’s nephew in attendance

Lists of 31st Battalion Diggers from WW1

A list of Diggers from 31st Battalion from World War 1 is in the process of being compiled by Association Member Peter Nelson. This monumental work is an ongoing work in progress over a period of years.

The alphabetical lists have appeared on the “31st Battalion AIF Memorial Association” Facebook pages over a long period. The work thus far has been consolidated on this website page. A big thanks to Peter for this huge effort.

We will add further lists as they become available.

N.B. These lists have now been revised and they appear on their own page under the

Unit Matters Menu Item at the head of this website. See:

Unit Matters > 31st Battalion > 31st Battalion – WW1 Personnel Lists

—

Anzac Day – Brisbane – 2024

Anzac Day for members of the 31bn association in Brisbane started with the Dawn Service at “Dasher” Deed’s place followed by the 2/31st Bn commemoration service at the Cenotaph at SouthBank. Our Secretary Tony Wadeson represented the Association there before taking the Banner to the main march through the City. Some of the pictures of the SouthBank Service and Main March below.

Preparing for the SouthBank Service

–

Student Playing the Last Post and Reveille on the Trombone

–

Welcoming and Service at SouthBank

–

Association Members Participating in the Main March Through Brisbane

–

—

Dawn Service 2024 – At Dasher’s

Please find the attached Photo taken Yesterday at Ray Dasher Deeds own Dawn Service at his Residence. There were over 60 in attendance.

Dasher turned 97 Years yesterday on Anzac Day. Ray turned 24Y, at the ending of the Battle of Kapyong in Korea, & reckons he’s still awaiting an apology from China for stuffing up his 24th birthday.

With Dasher in this Photo are 2 of his Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) Mates, – Miles Farmer, & our own Member Warren Gunder, who served with the 31st Bn in the late 50’s & early 60’s before transferring to the Regular Army & the AATTV & then to one of the Regular Battalions after the Vietnam War. Warren was our Vice President for many years on establishment of the 31st Bn Assoc. Brisbane Branch in 2000.

Happy 97 Dasher.

Regards to all Tony

–

–

Brisbane March – 2024

Carrying Banners of the 31st Bn Association, 2/31st Bn and 31/51 Bn

Birthday Wishes to Ray “Dasher” Deed BEM

Memberl 21 is Our oldest Member – Korean War (“Battle of Kapyong”) and Australian Army Training Team Vietnam, (AATTV) Veteran –

Ray “Dasher” Deed, – turns 97 Years old this ANZAC Day – 25th April. I’ve attached 2 Photos of RAY (One of them with Doug Angus RIP) at the age of 90Y. Photos were taken at ALSTONVILLE in 2017, when a few of us went down to attend the Commemoration Service of the Death of Paddy Bugden VC – 100 years previously in 1917. The Third photo is of a younger Dasher Deed taken in Vietnam (2nd on Left) where these five ex 3RAR “Battle of Kapyong” Veterans, had just received their “Second” US PRESIDENTIAL Unit Citation Award (AATTV). Ray hasn’t been very well of late, but he told me yesterday he is definitely going to make it until after ANZAC DAY.

–

Ray will be holding his own Dawn Service at his residence again this year. There will be Tents erected in his Front yard, in case it rains. There will be about 60 people attending & he has a Guest Speaker from the RSL arranged. I will be attending, representing 31st Bn Assoc. – unfortunately President Ray Fogg is not well enough to attend this year.
Dasher spent some years as a Regular Army WO2 Cadre attached to 31st Bn in the late 1950’s & was WO1 – RSM of 51 Bn prior to Joining the AATTV in Vietnam.

–

Above is a new Tribute to Ray “Dasher” Deed, produced by our French “Life Member Pierre Seillier OAM”. I will have this printed & framed & present it to Dasher on Anzac Day – his 97th Birthday. I forgot to mention in my previous email That on retirement Dasher was immediately contacted by Brisbane GPS College, – Church of England Grammar School, – referred to as “CHURCHIE” to join their staff as The Discipline Master? (or a term Similar) he remained there for 15 years. He redeveloped the School Army Cadet Corps, had them doing drills, no one thought possible & as well as the Royal Military College Duntroon Cadets, . On retirement the College used to arrange to have him back at the College for their Anzac Day Ceremony each year, prior to the Brisbane Parade.

–
Our thanks to Pierre who produced this Tribute immediately after receiving my email below & emailed it back to me within a couple of hours. Pierre is a legend.
Regards Tony