Death & Funerals

We have received advice of the death on 13 August 2024, after a chronic illness, of Gavin (Big Gav) Costello. He was 55. Gavin served with 13th Field Battery and 5th/11th Field Regiment over the years, reaching the rank of Bombardier.

Memorial Gathering to celebrate the life of Gavin COSTELLO (Big Gav).

Gav’s wishes were that he did not want a formal service, that he would rather know that his family and friends had come together to think of him and see him off in his favourite style, a backyard get together. As Gav wanted, the family would like to invite his friends to the family home at Kallangur this weekend for a get together for Gav. Please come over any time from11am this Saturday 7th September 2024 and wear your finest loud Hawaiian shirts, Gav’s favourite attire. Please send a text and the family will reply with the address. 0424 873 024 or 0415 904 828.

RIP Gavin Costello

Peter Bruce, OAM

Obituary Resource Officer

RAAHC

pjbruce8@bigpond.net.AU

Today we  honour Squadron Leader Norm Cooper, who served our nation for 35 years, including overseas postings in Malaya and South Vietnam. Norm’s military career began after completing National Service as a Bren Gunner, leading to a distinguished RAAF tenure, where he played a crucial role in reconnaissance and intelligence operations. His dedication extended beyond his service, impacting his family, friends, and the ex-service community. Norm’s legacy as a devoted serviceman and sportsman will be cherished.

Live stream is set up ready to go. See link below. Please forward to those who would like to watch. https://attnd.com.au/norman-cooper (https://attnd.com.au/norman-cooper)

Graduated to RA Inf from the OCS Class December 1964.

Geoff died on 29 August 2024, aged 83 years.

South Vietnam service; 6RAR  8 June 1966 – 4 July 1967.

Geoff was the commander of 10 Platoon, 6RAR during the Battle of Long Tan.

A well respected and well-liked officer.

Rest In Peace.

We have received advice of the death on 26 August 2024 of Myles Charter. He was 77. Myles served as a cook attached to 104th Field Battery in Vietnam during 1968/69. Condolence messages may be forwarded to mc104@bigpond.com.

No funeral details are available at this stage.

RIP Myles Charter.

Peter Bruce, OAM
Obituary Resource Officer
RAAHC
pjbruce8@bigpond.net.au

29/01/1938 – 23/08/2024

We have received advice of the death on Friday 23 August 2024 of Desmond James Hansen. He was 86. Des served as a Bombardier in Vietnam with 4th Field Regiment from April 1967 to April 1968. A private cremation for Des is planned at his request.

RIP Desmond James Hansen

Peter Bruce, OAM
Obituary Resource Officer
RAAHC
pjbruce8@bigpond.net.au

Ben passed away on the 17^th August.

Ben was 100 years old and served on the Corvette HMAS TOOWOOMBA during the second World War, sailing mostly around the Mediterranean.

May he rest in Peace – Lest We Forget

Thank you

Neil Haseldine

WSM01938

We have received advice of the death on 9 August 2024 of Hugh Lawrence Stewart. He was 92.

Hugh graduated from RMC in 1953 and served with 101^st Field Battery in Malay as Battery Captain from September 1959 until October 1960. On promotion to Major, he served in New Guinea in 1964, and as an instructor at the Royal Military College Sandhurst in 1964.

Hugh later served in Vietnam as the DAAG with HQ AFV (Army Component) from January 1968
to June 1968. Hugh discharged in 1974.

A private funeral was held at his request.

RIP Hugh Lawrence Stewart

Peter Bruce, OAM
Obituary Resource Officer
RAAHC
pjbruce8@bigpond.net.au

We have received advice of the death overnight, 19/20 August 2024 of Rex Raymond Martin, aka “the Sultan of Bondi”.

Rex grew up in South Bondi, thus the title, and joined the Army in 1957. He deployed to Malaya in 1958 with “A” Field Battery and remained there with 101st Field Battery until 1961. He again deployed back to Malaya with 103rd Field Battery later in 1961remaining there until 1963.

Rex lived in Foster for many years before spending his final months in Bundaberg where he was supported by his daughter Desiree.

RIP Rex Raymond Martin.

Peter Bruce, OAM
Obituary Resource Officer
RAAHC
pjbruce8@bigpond.net.au

As many are now aware our great mate and stalwart of 1RAR, Grahame Tucker passed away on Sunday night while on a Battlefield Tour in Vietnam with 1RAR Veterans of the Vietnam War.

I have spoken with Tuck’s wife Dianne Tucker, and she has advised me that the Tour Guide in Vietnam has been very helpful in liaising with Vietnamese Authorities and the Australian Consulate.

Tuck’s cause of death is not yet known, however Dianne said she last spoke to him on Saturday night and he wasn’t feeling very well. Sadly, he passed in his sleep Sunday night.

On behalf of the 1RAR Association and the wider 1RAR Community, our deepest condolences and sympathy goes out to Dianne and their extended family and many friends.

Tuck was a legend of 1RAR, a bloody good soldier and a great mate to us all. I will advise you all further on any details as they came to hand.

Rest in Peace old mate, until our next reunion

LEST WE FORGET

1RAR Association

29/10/46 – 10/08/24

I have been advised George passed away on Saturday 10^th August 2024. George was a reinforcement to C Coy 4RAR first tour. His funeral will take place at:

MARY MOTHER OF MERCY CHAPEL

ROOKWOOD CEMENTRY NSW

On Thursday 22^nd August 2024

At 1100hrs

LEST WE FORGET

Sincerely

Wendy M McLean J.P.(Qual) LM

Secretary/Membership Officer

4RAR Association Qld. Inc.’