Death & Funerals

We have received advice of the death recently (Jan/Feb 2024) of Brian James

(Macca)McDowell. He was 86. Macca was a career soldier who served in Vietnam with 12th Field Regiment from May 1968 until May 1969.

He served again with ‘A’ Field Battery, 12th Field Regiment in Vietnam from February to May 1971 when he then transferred to the workshop of the Detachment 131st Divisional Locating Battery until returning to Australia in July 1971.

Macca served 21 years in the ARA.

RIP Brian James (Macca) McDowell

Peter Bruce, OAM

Obituary Resource Officer RAAHC

[email protected]

Bob Piper’s funeral service will be held at Forest Lawn cemetery, located at Camden Valley Way, Leppington, NSW 2179, on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, commencing at 2:00 pm (Sydney Time).

Following the funeral service, a wake will be held at the Willowdale Hotel, situated at 175 Barbuda Road, starting from 3:00 pm.

Clive Williams (Bobby Piper was one of my Lance Corporals in 1 RAR)

It is with much sadness that I advise you on the passing 52612 CAPT Brian HICKS on 26 Jan 2024. Brian served with 1 RAR in Korea and Maylasia and later with 7 RAR 1970-71 SVN

Deepest condolences to Brian’s family and friends

Rest in Peace

LEST WE FORGET

I have been advised by Allan Whelan Secretary of 6RAR Association that John (Blossom) Gasson passed away on the 26^th January 2024. John served with 4RAR in Malaya, 2 & 8 in SVN, 6 and 8/9 in Enoggera.

Currently, I have no further details.

Condolences may be sent to:

Mrs Dorris Gasson

10 Patricks Road,

FERNY HILLS QLD 4055

Sincerely

Wendy M McLean J.P.(Qual) LM

Secretary/Membership Officer

4RAR Association Qld. Inc.’

Find funeral info regarding the passing of Kevan John REILLY (Army nickname ‘Doc’)

Kevan was a life member of the Geelong & District Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia sub branch and past president of Carry On – Geelong.

He had been ill recently and in residential care at Baptcare Coasthaven Community in Norlane (Geelong Suburb)

Funeral: February 5^th at 10:00am. Tuckers Funeral Chapel cnr Torquay & Pioneer Roads Grovedale Vic.

Lest we Forget.

Andrew (Andy) TREFFRY

0409930746

It is with much sadness that I inform you of the passing of 1RAR First Tour SVN Veteran Robert Keith Piper (LCPL 3Pl A Coy)

Deepest condolences go out to his wife Margaret, Bob’s family, friends and brothers in arms.

Funeral arrangements will be advised once known

Rest in Peace

LEST WE FORGET

Max’s funeral will be at 1300 next Fri, 2 Feb at Taree. Details will be on the Becker Family Funerals (Taree) Funeral Services in Taree – Becker Family Funerals. The service will be live streamed.

25 September 1931 – 24 January 2024

MAJ Owen ‘Max’ Carroll, died in the Manning Base Hospital, Taree, on Wednesday 24 January.

Max enlisted in the CMF in 1949 before joining the ARA in 1953 and attended the Officer Cadet School, Portsea. he served as a rifle platoon and tracker team commander in 3 RAR, during the Malayan Emergency. He graduated from the Army Staff College in 1965 and was immediately posted to 5 RAR. Max served as 5 RAR’s operations officer (while also commanding Support Company) and, later he commanded A Company. Post-Vietnam, he served on loan to the Malaysian Army, and as an instructor at the Officer Cadet School, Portsea, and the Royal Military College, Duntroon. Max held multiple staff appointments including on the Australian Army Staff in London. He was Mentioned-In-Despatches during his service in Malaya and again in Vietnam. Max retired as a colonel after 31 years’ service.

No funeral details are available at this stage.

Regards,

Gary Townsend

5 RARA Membership Officer/Tiger Tales Editor

[email protected]

I have been informed that Alan passed away on Thu 25 Jan in Rockhampton after a long illness. Live streaming of his funeral on a date to be advised. Alan was a NS soldier and served in B Coy 6 RAR, 1966/67. Condolences to his wife Fay and his immediate family.

Henry Chisholm

We have received advice of the death on 1 December 2023 of Raymond (Hutchie) William Hutchinson. He was 83. Hutchie was a regular soldier who served in ‘A’ Field Battery, 102nd Field Battery and 132nd Divisional Locating Battery. He served in Vietnam as a Bombardier with the Detachment 131 Divisional Locating Battery from April 1967 until April 1968. Hutchie died at the Nihl Hospital. He had lived in Dimboola and had served as Secretary of the Dimboola RSL Sub-Branch and was a Life Member of the Wimmera Football Club.

RIP Raymond William Hutchinson.

Peter Bruce, OAM
Obituary Resource Officer
RAAHC
[email protected]