Advice has been obtained of the death recently of Gregory Robert Jackson. Greg was called up for National Service in 1966 and served with 108th Field Battery in Vietnam from June 1967 until February 1968. He was 76. No other details are known at this stage.
I regret to inform you of the death of Dave Kibbey. Dave has been sick for some three years but in his “never give in” fashion, he fought until he finally succumbed on Christmas Eve.
Dave was OC 9 Platoon C Company 7RAR 1970-71, a former 7RAR Association President and Commanding Officer of 1 Recruit Training Battalion, Kapooka.
Dave was so full of energy, vitality and seemingly bulletproof that it’s hard to imagine him not being around. Rest In Peace Dave, you will be sadly missed by the 7RAR Family.
I would expect the funeral to be held in Canberra and with COVID running our lives, I don’t know if we will be able to attend. However, when I have confirmed details I will advise.
Sadly, I advise of the passing of Brig. Rod West’s (Rtd) wife Dianne.
For those who crossed paths with Rod (Skipper/Sir) and Diane West, you would know that Rod and Di were joined at the hip. Rod’s loss is compounded with such a sad and sudden happening at this time of year.
Julie and I wish to extend our personal condolences to Rod and their Family as we stayed at their home in Washington DC in June 2010, when Rod was the Military Attaché. Ray.
Di’s funeral will be held on Tuesday 21 December 2021 at The Southport School Chapel commencing at 1500h. Followed by a wake at the Southport Golf club.
With apologies for the late notice, we have received advice of the death of Rodney Allan Law on 28 November 2021. Rod served in the Regular Army from January 1983 until April 2018 when he transferred to the Active Army Reserve until discharge in November 2021. Rod served overseas in New Zealand, East Timor (Operation Tanager), Middle East (Operation Mazurka), Afghanistan (Operation Slipper), and Afghanistan again (Operation Accordion/High Road). Rod served with 1st Regiment, 4th Regiment and 23rd Regiment as well as various Combat Support Units. Rod was discharged as a Warrant Officer Class Two.
RIP Rodney Allan Law.
53 Years ago tomorrow, I lost a very good mate and his family lost a son & brother. John was a bit of a rogue and when I think of some of the things we got up to, I smile every time. John had a red Triumph Bonneville that he treasured and he was forever in trouble riding it into our hut and keeping it at the end of his bed. Together we created so many great memories, his life was short, but I hope I have lived my life in his memory.
Ray
Bill Charlton wrote this poem about John.
JOHN H KALMA 1RAR
John was only 17 when he enlisted in ’64.
Born in The Hague he arrived here when he was 4.
The 6 foot 4 inch soldier did two tours of Viet Nam.
Nothing ever seemed to faze this young man.
His first tour with 1RAR was 1965-66.
On the second tour in ’68 promotion was in the mix.
He was appointed Lance Corporal in the line.
But on 19th December he was killed by a mine.
The young NCOs luck had finally run out.
He was headed for a fine career of that there is no doubt.
But tomorrow is not promised and to death we all are prone.
There were only 6 more weeks to go before he headed home.
Bill Charlton c 2019
Sad news has been received of the passing of Herb (Pawczynski) Dittman. He had been ill for some time (hard to imagine Herb ever being ill).
To his family and friends condolences are offered, he will surely be in deep conversation with his ‘One Tak Rosco’ discussing the condition and playing tactics on the Lord’s golf course in paradise. Or, maybe the last card game he says he should have won!
“Rest in Peace Herb, keep a place for me at the card table, and keep the drivers clean and polished.
Let Rosco know I place a poppy at the Woden Veterans Wall each ANZAC Day. ..you both will not be forgotten” (Speedie).
My kindest regards at this sad time.
John Sahariv
It is with a heavy heart that I have to advise that Albert John (Bert) Ollerenshaw, WO1, SN 172318, passed away on Friday, 10 December 2021 after a long illness.
Bert was 3rd Intake, National Service, in 1953. He enlisted with 28 Fd Pk Sqn and eventually gained the rank of WO1 as Chief Clerk, 5 Fd Engr Regt, (at Kelvin Grove)
before it disbanded around 1985. Bert was a well-known member of our Corps.
His Family have advised his funeral will be held on Monday, 20 December 2021 commencing at 3.30pm at Mt Thompson Crematorium.
There will be an RSL Poppy Service. Attendees will be required to “sign-in “ with the QR Code and Alex Gow Funeral Directors have arranged for “live streaming”.
Afterwards, the family have arranged a wake at the Mt Gravatt Hotel.
Kind regards,
Bob Bannan,
Sad news from Mick Kelly, the passing of another Member 1339, Sapper John Cecil Woodleigh-Hutton, who passed away on 1/12/2021.
John served in 1Field Troop, in Malaya/Borneo 1959 – 1961, retiring after 9 years with the rank of Sergeant.
Johns’ Funeral will be held on Thursday 9 December 2021, at 11.00am, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Camden Valley Way, Leppington NSW 2179.
Unfortunately, this information only arrived in my inbox this morning. Ray
It is with a sad heart, that another Sapper has passed away, 342784 David William Wilson passed away at 7.20pm 06/12/2021.
Sincere Condolences to his wife Elaine daughter Jillian, family and friends.
When funeral details are available I will pass them on.
Rest in Peace Sapper your work is done, Lest We Forget.
Sadly, I have been advised of the death of Richard Jones. He served with 1RAR in Vietnam from May 1965 until June 1966.
At this stage I have no other details.