Death & Funerals

16/9/1931 – 12/7/2024

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of John Essex-Clark DSM, affectionately known as the Big E, on the night of 12th July 2024. John served in the Rhodesian Army before joining the Australian Army in 1963. His distinguished service included tours in Central Africa, Malaysia, and Vietnam, where he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for his leadership in action. John was the Officer Commanding Support Company 1RAR during the battalion’s first tour of Vietnam. He was an exceptional leader, highly regarded by both the commander of the 173rd Airborne Brigade and his soldiers. Although he had been unwell over the past few years, he received excellent care from Susan.
Funeral details will be advised when known.

Lest We Forget.

29 October 1945 – 7 July 2024

Aged 78 Years

Garry was called up for NS in 1966 and because he was a Member of the Victoria Police, he was allocated to RACMP. Garry served in Vietnam from April 1967 to March 1968.

On discharge, Garry returned to Victoria Police, where he remained

until his retirement as a Chief Superintendent.

LEST WE FORGET

Thank you for your service digger, you were a good soldier and a good policeman.

Condolences to :   Mrs. McKenzie & Family

9 Lapwing Place

Burleigh Waters   QLD   4220

Funeral Details :   Not available.

We have received advice of the death on 1 June 2024 of Patrick Harrington O’Hara.

He was 78. Patrick was a National Serviceman who served in Vietnam with108th Field Battery, of 4th Field Regiment from November 1967 until May 1968.

After Army service, Patrick became a high school teacher and later a TAFE Teacher in Canberra and at the Yirrakala aboriginal community in the Northern Territory.

RIP Patrick Harrington O’Hara.

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

We have received advice from 105 Bty Association of the death on 28 June 2024 of Alan Roy Johnston.

He was 74. Alan was an ARA Gunner and served with 105 Field battery in Vietnam on the 2nd Tour 1969-70 as an FO Sig in the D Company 5RAR FO Party, and later as a Bombardier in 1st Field Regiment. While in the D Coy 5RAR FO Party, Alan was wounded in a mine incident at Dat Do early in the tour in 1969, was medevac’d back to Australia, but later returned to 1st Field Regiment in November ’69 to finish the tour.

He was a Life Member of the 105 Battery Association. Alan and wife Deb had retired to live in Ballina NSW.

RIP Alan Johnston.

Ubique

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

We are saddened to announce the passing of Bill Devine, 2Pl A Coy, who left us last week in Western Australia. Our deepest condolences go out to his daughter Karen, his extended family, and friends. May he rest in peace.

Funeral details are tentatively set for Friday, July 12, at Fremantle Cemetery. We will provide confirmation once arrangements are finalized.

LEST WE FORGET

5 September 1944 – 30 June 2024

Aged 79 years

It is with deep regret that I inform you that Kel passed away after A long battle with cancer and other illnesses.

Kel joined the Army In the mid 1960’s and was allocated to RA Sigs.  He served in Vietnam with 557 Sig Tp in 1967 and on his RTA, he transferred to RACMP.

Kel served in Melbourne and Puckapunyal during his RACMP service and took his discharge in the mid 1970’s to pursue a career in the security industry.

Kel was a happy go lucky style of character who had a keen sense of humour and a good natured/fairness attitude to all.   He will be sorely missed.

LEST WE FORGET

Rest in peace digger, you have done your job and are no longer in pain. Thank you for your service, you are now in God’s hands. He will look after you.

We have received advice of the death on 26 June 2024 of SSgt Denis Tompkins.
Denis was well known in his role as Transport Sgt in 13 Fd Regt, which he performed in an exemplary manner. He diligently trained and coordinated his

team of drivers, who could be relied on to do their job well. In recent years he and his wife Jan lived in the Barossa, but notwithstanding the distance, they were regular attendees at Gunner Dinners in Adelaide. His
funeral service will be held on Friday 5 July at 1.00pm at Our Lady of the Catholic Church, 26 Gawler St, Nuriootpa. If you are able to attend, it will be appropriate to wear the Gunner tie and full-size medals.

RIP Denis Tompkins

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

We have received advice of the death on 27 June 2024 of Brian William ‘Cluffers’ Cloughley. He was 84. Brian died peacefully in France, his home for many years, on 27 June ’24. In accordance with his wishes, he will be cremated without ceremony in Auxerre this Wednesday.

Brian joined the British Army (RA) in 1959 and transferred to the Australian Army (RAA) in 1970. In the RA he saw active service in Borneo (including serving as an FO with an Australian battalion) and Cyprus and was attached to the Jordan Desert Police Force.  Whilst in the RAA he served in Vietnam (Civil Affairs). He was deputy head of the UN mission in Kashmir (1980-83) and, later, Australian Defence Attaché in Islamabad (1988-1994). In 1985 he was appointed to the Order of Australia.  Following retirement from the Army Brian was involved in analysis of sub-continent affairs and wrote extensively on the region, as well writing several books.

RIP Brian “Cluffers” Cloughley.

Peter Bruce, OAM

Obituary Resource Officer

RAAHC

[email protected]

Please be advised funeral details will be published on Parkview Funerals website shortly. This will include details of live streaming.

www.parkviewfunerals.com.au

The service will be at 12:30pm next Wednesday 10 July 2024 at Parkview, 21 Kalinga St Ballina NSW 2478.

Give me a shout if you need further details and thank you for sharing with your network.

Regards,

Jono

0400 101 113

I have been advised that Billy Babbs has passed away. I have not been given any further information other than he served in 1 Platoon, A Company 8 RAR.

More information would be helpful

Ray