Nicho’s sister, Rhonda, advised me earlier today that ‘Billy Nicho’ passed away this morning.
Nicho served with 1 RAR in the Anti-Tank Platoon in Vietnam, as a LCpl, from 27 May 65 to 1 Jun 1966.
He also served in Vietnam with 7 RAR as a Sgt from 16 Feb 70 to 7 Jan 71.
His Regimental details are:
Kind Regards
Bill Kaine
I have been advised that Graeme Bayley passed away on the 13th of January 2025. Graeme served with 4RAR C Coy SVN1.
Graeme’s funeral details are as follows:
Funeral Director: Owen Mohan
Address: 111 Corio St, Shepparton 3630
Date: Monday 20th January 2025
Time: 11.00am
Lest We Forget
The funeral will be live streamed on their website.
Condolences may be sent to:
Christine Ryan & Meagan Sully
57 Kittles Road
SHEPPARTON VIC 3630
Sincerely
Wendy M McLean J.P.(Qual) LM
Secretary/Membership Officer
4RAR Association Qld. Inc.’
16 July 1940 7 January 2024
Ian’s Statement of Service reads: Ian Geoffrey Storey RFD
Citizen Military Forces 07 August 1958 to 14 July 1988
(Full Time Service 28 November 1960 to 08 January 1961)
Employment: Instructor, Signals Officer, Infantry Officer Rank on discharge: Lieutenant
Postings: 2 Commando Company 07 August 1958 Officer Cadet Training Unit, 3 Training Group 13 November 1985 Attachment:
6 Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment 04 February 1970 to 18 February 1970 Operational Service/Deployment: Vietnam 03 February 1970 to 18 February 1970
Honours and Awards:
Australian Active Service Medal with Clasp Vietnam
Vietnam Logistic and Support Medal
Reserve Force Decoration
National Medal
Australian Defence Medal
Returned from Active Service Badge
At the time of Ian’s posting to 2 Cdo Coy, the Company was commanded by Regular Army Staff that included the Officer Commanding Major Phil Bennett, the Adjutant Captain Jack Fletcher, and Warrant Officers Peter Askew, Col Barber and Staff Sergeant Jack Cousins.
Ian did his basic parachute course in 1959, with Roger Wood, Frank Wheatland, Leigh Power and other notable unit members. Ian recalls that back then, they jumped without the benefit of a reserve parachute! Ian was promoted to Corporal in late 1959, just prior to the infamous February 1960 Rip incident. During the Rip tragedy Ian was in a 3-man Zodiac with Rob Dunball and Roger Wood. Swept out through the Rip entrance, their outboard motor died. They eventually went aboard Maurie Priestley’s 10Z. With nine huddled in the 10Z, they were deluged by crashing waves. After a Chinese freighter, the Singkiang, failed to bring them aboard they eventually came alongside the Toscana, after Joe Lamb loaded a rifle and fired some blanks in the traditional pattern of the SOS signal. The men, wet and cold, climbed up the ship’s ladder, but Roger Wood was swept away after being hurled against the ship’s hull.
This account is from an interview with Ian conducted around 2017 by Capt Mike Knowles (Retd), formerly 2 Cdo Coy;- “The Rip, as public news spread rapidly the press arrived at Lonsdale Bight which was one of the landing points for those rescued on the Bay side of the Heads. When an interviewer with microphone in hand asked one of the work-worn soldiers as he was wading out of the water and onto the beach if he had anything to say, the mettle of the men and the camaraderie of the Company was reflected in his reply, “yes, gimme a cigarette. For his actions Ian Storey was promoted to Sergeant in July that year and it was in this capacity that I met him two years later when I joined the Company. As we became acquainted, we started to exchange stories and experiences and I remember him observing wistfully one time that “to get his platoon onto parade and ready to go takes him 1 minute; to get his young family into the car and ready to go takes 1 hour”. In the early 1960s the Unit Whaleboat, “Strike Swiftly”, under its skipper, Adjutant Captain Harry Smith, won numerous sailing races around Port Phillip. Ian was often one of its crew, with Barry Rust, David Waterston, and many others. Ian was a keen free-fall participant with the 2 Commando Company Sky Divers, later Commando Skydivers. Ian completed numerous advanced and special courses and qualified as an instructor on many of them, over a number of years. He was a qualified Stick Commander; among many other skills he developed over his years of dedicated service. He was appointed to Commissioned Rank in 1966 and later promoted to Captain.
One of Ian’s specialities was Submarines. He co-authored the Standard Operating Procedures for Army small craft operations with submarines and fast patrol boats. These were adopted by the RAN, providing a platform capable of clandestinely inserting and extracting Special Forces teams in their various roles. In early 1970 Ian did a short-term posting to Vietnam, as did a number of other 2 Cdo Coy officers during the Vietnam War period. Ian served for 25 years before retiring in 1983. He then spent a period at OCTU Training Group as an instructor. He did this alongside a distinguished career in the Victoria Police.
Ian was one of the early members of the Victorian Commando Association, serving as Vice President and as a long – time committee member. Late 1990s Company OC Mike Hoffman said Ian was, “a fount of wisdom and information”. Committee members agreed, especially when Ian told them the location of the Police booze bus, prior to them leaving the Association committee meeting to return home!
Ian was often the Top shooter for the day at Association rifle and pistol shoots, and it was a pleasure to also see his wife Di and the family at many Association functions. Di has also supported the Association in her role as a civil celebrant. The Australian Commando Association of Victoria offers Ian’s family it’s deepest condolences at this sad time.
A service for Ian will be at 1.00PM at the Fort Gellibrand Depot Dress- Tie, Beret Medals Post service will be at the Morning Star Hotel Electra street Williamstown (not Steam packet hotel as previously announced)
Almoner
Dick Pelling
I have been advised of Ralph passing from his brother Stuart. Please see his Funeral details below.
Ralph died at home peacefully on the 13th of December 2024
His funeral will be held on Friday 10th January 2025 at 11.00 AM
Mt Thompson Crematorium, East Chapel
329 Nursery Rd, Holland Park Qld
Thank you,
Stuart Bodsworth (brother)
0414 856 651
MAY HE REST IN PEACE
Wendy M McLean
Secretary
4RAR Association Qld. Inc.
Bill Hall served in 7PL C COY 1RAR in Vietnam and was awarded a Commendation for Gallantry, he was a very popular member of the company and will be greatly missed.
Late of Granadilla Drive, Earlville FNQLD, aged 80 years. Most dearly loved husband of Kath, loved father and father-in-law of Michael, Trevor, Darren and Devon, loved grandfather of Nirvana, Tina, Tyler, Jack and Layla, loved brother of Robyn, Brian and Joan (dec’d), Loved brother-in-Law and Uncle of their families.
All family, relatives and friends of Bill are respectfully invited to attend his funeral service, which will be held on TUESDAY AFTERNOON 7th January 2025, commencing at 1:00pm in the Chaple of Heritage Brady Funeral Directors Crematorium, 76 Maher Rd, Gordonvale.
LIVE STREAM – heritagebradyfunerals.com.au
We have received advice of the death on 20 December 2024 of Ross Whittle. Ross was a National Serviceman who served his time during 1970/71 in 8th Medium Regiment and at the School of Artillery as a Meteorologist Observer.
Ross died in a Nursing Home in Paddington (Sydney) following a relatively long illness. Ross was a long-term member of the Maroubra RSL Sub-Branch and Treasurer for some nine years.
A funeral with RSL Tribute for Ross will be held on Tuesday 7 January 2025 at Boland’s – Guardian Funerals, 29 Maroubra Road, Maroubra at 10.00am.
A wake will follow at Juniors Maroubra, 946 Anzac Parade, Maroubra from 12.15pm.
RIP Ross Whittle
Peter Bruce, OAM
Obituary Resource Officer
RAAHC
[email protected]
It is with much sadness that I inform you of the passing of Robert (Bob) Kennedy, veteran of 1 RAR First Tour SVN 1965/66.
Bob was the president of the North Queensland Rifle Association for 40 years and a member of the Townsville Marksmen Rifle Club here in Townsville. He was one of the original members who started the 1 RAR shooting award at the Club.
Deepest condolences go out to Bob’s family and friends, may he Rest In Peace
Funeral details will be provided once known
LEST WE FORGET
Andrew Clinkaberry
1RAR Association
07 Jul 1941 – 17 Dec 2024
Pl Sgt, 1 Pl A Coy and then Spt Coy 2 RAR/NZ (ANZAC) Bn South Vietnam (12 May 1970 – 1 Jun 1971).
Merv Dicton, advised that Albert, late of St Vincent’s Aged Care Douglas, Qld, passed away peacefully on 17 December 2024, aged 83, at the Townsville University Hospital, surrounded by family.
In keeping with Albert’s wishes a private service was held with the family.
May he Rest in Peace
2RAR Association
I would inform you of the passing of Rick Robinson on the 17th of December 2024 after a short battle with cancer.
Rick was a Lance-Corporal who served as an infantryman in Vietnam with 6 Battalion 2nd Tour May 1969 to April 1970.
A good soldier and friend to all who served with him.
Mike Sheahan
0477 063 244
I have been advised that Robert James Nock passed away last night in Townsville’s James Cook University Hospital.
Deepest condolences to his family and friends during this sad time
Rest in Peace
LEST WE FORGET
Andrew Clinkaberry – 1RAR