It is in sadness and respect that I offer this Commemoration (attached) for Jim our fellow Sappers passing around 1300hrs yesterday.

To his family and friends Condolences are offered for a stalwart of the unit, one of those who set up on that beach in 1966 the unit we all ended up serving in in much more comfort.

Thanks to Jimmy and his cohort of those early years in country.

He had many a tale to tell, which kept us entertained in the years following the war, as we all have, about the ups-n-downs of that sandy place.

To his family and friends’ condolences are not enough (in my opinion) but, the thanks to them, for having Jim be a part of our lives also.

I first met Jim in country when serving on the LSM AV 1355 Vernon Sturdee. At that time, the De Long Pier was being constructed alongside the hard the Sturdee was beached.

The hammers were knocking in the massive pylons and shaking the innards out of our ship. I had a bitch to Jimmy about the rattle and noise, and he quickly offered to change units with me

and see if I would like the sandy beach side area of 55. Needless to say, I declined.  At our many meetings into later years, his first greetings to me were “Wanna swap Speedie”  (Aha! The truth is out!)

Aye, the lad from Birkenhead England,  will be sorely missed by us all!

I wish to thank Rod Bourke for his call yesterday afternoon with the sad news, and Mick Salienko our erstwhile Chief and 55 Custodian for his confirmation.

On a personal note, you may have not heard much from me in the past year or so, suffice to say, I have been unwell and through a heap of help from the medical fraternity, hospitals and last but not least,

DVA who have done so much to assist in my domestic and other et al issues.  I am on the mend and as Jimmy would say “bugger off Speedie get of your arse and live again” which I plan to do with some moral help and assistance from those who have persevered with me.

Might also add that I send my notices of this kind (and AM PLEASED TO CONTINUE WHERE I LEFT OFF) on to the Sapper Fraternity et all for their information.

My kindest regards at this sad time

Hans-Joachim (John or Speedie) SAHARIV

Update on Vic`s Funeral

East Maitland RSL sub Branch received  a request this afternoon From Fry Bros  to conduct a RSL tribute & Eulogy for Vic.

His Funeral will be held on Tuesday 1^st August  at 11am at Fry Bros Funeral Chapel on the New England Highway Rutherford ( Maitland).

I will conduct the RSL Tribute and military service part of the service, it will be a privilege as a fellow veteran and member of the 173^rd Airborne Association .

Regards

Neil Cromarty OAM

East Maitland RSL sub Branch

Secretary Chapter 11  173rd Airborne Association

Katherine Louise Cowen (Murray) RAN. This is an updated notice of the late Katherine Louise Cowen (Murray) who was released into Gods hands 2 weeks ago and a low key funeral and wake services is as follows. Katherine’s life will be celebrated at Veterans Hub Australia, Rose Farm Lane Logan Village Queensland, with fellow veterans and family for light refreshments and gathering at 10:00am. At approximately 11;00am those who wish to attend the release of Katherine’s ashes at Moreton Bay, Redcliffe are welcome. It is requested that all serving and ex serving members wear their medals in honour of Katherine.
For further information please contact
Phillip Bond
Defence Advocate
Veterans Hub Australia
0411957952
[email protected]

08 August 1939 – 21 July 2023

With a sad heart I advise that Vic Lagettie passed away yesterday at 1300hrs. Vic was a good mate and a larger-than-life character. He served in Vietnam with 1ALSC 1965-66 as a Sergeant cook and then again with 2RAR in Vietnam in 1970. During his career he also served as WO Caterer in 1RAR.

Vic was an inaugural member of the Down Under Chapter 11 of the 173d Airborne Brigade, US Army. When the Queensland Chapter 23 was formed in 1996 Vic was the inaugural president. His leadership style brought forward a strong social strength and built a camaraderie that remains the foundation of the Queensland Chapter today.

He had been unwell for a while now and talking to his wife, Helen, last night Vic is now at peace. He will be missed by all who knew him, particularly me.

I will advise funeral details when known.

Lest we forget

Ray

Past President and esteemed Life Member RANCBA, called to the Main Wireless Office on Sunday 9th July, aged 95, following a long illness. A life well lived. Deepest sympathy to Keryn and family. President, Committee and Members RANCBA WA.

David MacLean

WA President RAN Communications Branch Association

Sadly, we have received word that, Patrick Brian DEVINE, passed away in Perth in recent days.

Brian served with 1RAR Mar 66 – June 66 and D Coy 6RAR until he was wounded in December 1966 and casevacced home.

Funeral information will be provided by email and on Facebook, when known.

LEST WE FORGET

Sadly, we have received the news that Terrance Patrick MARTIN passed away on 2 July 2023 in Geelong Victoria.

Terrance served the full 2nd tour of Vietnam with 6 RAR 1969/70.

At the time of his death, Terrance was living in a home for homeless veterans run by the Victorian Branch of the Vietnam Veterans Federation of Australia.

VVFA is trying to arrange funeral funding through various sources (including DVA) but out of respect, will not be running a Go Fund Me page.

A Memorial Service will be held in Geelong during the 1st week of August 2023 – more information on the Funeral & Memorial Service was information is received.

Please join with us in offering our deepest sympathy to those who will mourn the passing of a loved one.  Another 6 RAR family member, taken too soon.

LEST WE FORGET

Allan Whelan
Secretary

Please find attached a death notice for my good friend Dennis Gorton who crossed the bar on Sunday 13th July, aged 95, following a long illness.    Funeral details to be advised.

Yours aye
David MacLean

ED: The death notice could not be opened.

It is with sad regret that we have lost one of our veterans suddenly on Friday after not coping with mental health issues. Katherine L Cowan who served in the navy. Further details will be revealed in relation to funeral arrangements soon.

Phil Bond,

[email protected]

Jim Box, secretary of the 105th Battery RAA Association has advised of the death recently of Graham John Newstead. He was just shy of his 76th birthday.

Graham was a National Serviceman who served with 12th Field Regiment in Vietnam in early 1969 and then with 105th Field Battery until RTA in January 1970. Graham also spent some time in country with the 1st Civil Affairs Unit.

Graham was a South Australian and a Double Life Member of the 105th Battery RAA Association and active with the Association.

RIP Graham John Newstead.

Peter Bruce, OAM
Obituary Resource Officer