Death & Funerals

11/06/1933 – 13/02/2025

Matt served in the Korean War with 3 RAR between the 4th of July 1952 and the 4th of July 1953.
RIP Matthew David Rennie OAM (WIA), Aged 91.

His funeral service will be a private family service.

A Memorial service is being organised by Ipswich RSL Sub Branch for the communities of the Veterans and of the Korean backgrounds for tomorrow – on Wed 19th Feb 2025, 2PM.

Message from Debbie Wadell, secretary of Ipswich RSL Sub:
 ‘ … the Ipswich RSL Sub Branch will be holding a Memorial Service for Korea War Veteran Matthew Rennie OAM on Wed 19th Feb 2025. This will be held at Club Services Ipswich, 5a Lowry st, Ipswich, commencing at 2pm.

We believe the funeral is family only, that is why it is important for us to hold a Memorial Service.
Any wreaths or flowers that are laid will be brought back to the Memorial Hall and placed in front of the Korea Memorial.
I welcome …  to attend in his Memory and Wreath Laying is encouraged.
………… say a few words also…….. they are most welcome.
It is a very sad day for the Veteran Community with the loss of Matthew.
We will Remember him
Lest We Forget
Regards
Debbie Wadwell
Secretary’

I apologise for this very short notice, but I only saw this notice late last night in a Facebook page entitled “RAAF Deaths and Funeral Notices”.

The notice said that Bill passed away on Wednesday 12^th February, and his funeral is to be held at the Warrill Park Crematorium, in Willowbank on Wednesday 19^th February (yes – Tomorrow) at 9.00am.  Sadly, I am unable to attend due to other commitments, and it is about 100km from home.

Bill’s tour of Vietnam included both 2SQN and 9SQN.  Bill’s posting to 2SQN was from 14 APR 1971 to 02 JUN 1971, when the squadron left Vietnam and returned to Amberley.  Bill was then posted to 9SQN from 02 JUN 1971 until 09 DEC 1971.   Many of us will remember Bill as a fine Armourer and a good mate.  I served with Bill in 9SQN and we met much later at Amberley when I did an F111C Armourer’s course, and he was the instructor.

We extend our sincere condolences to Bill’s family and wish them well.

Kind Regards,

John Clarkson.

I have received the sad news of the passing of Bert Willmott.

Bert passed away at 1222hrs, 17/02/2025. His wife Karel and his stalwart mate and ex 1 RAR Russell Graetz Or Otway were with him when he passed.

May he Rest In Peace, a friend and best mate gone never to be forgotten!

Russell Graetz Or Otway

I received the following sad news of the passing of Robert (Bob) Hughs. Deepest condolences to Bob’s wife Val and his extended family and friends

Bob, served in the Australian Army, 1 RAR from 8th March 1972 till 7th March 1978. He also served as an Assault Pioneer during his service.

He passed away at home on the 15th February 2025.

There isn’t going to be Funeral. Just a small memorial at the Armadale RSL. WA.

29 Oct 1946 – 15 Jan 2025

We have received advice of the death on 15 January 2025 of Peter John Larkin. He was 78. Peter was a National Serviceman who served in Vietnam with the Detachment 131 Divisional Locating Battery from November 1968 to November1969. Peter had been in hospital for several weeks with an aggressive cancer.

No funeral details are available at this stage.

RIP Peter John Larkin

Peter Bruce, OAM

Obituary Resource Officer

RAAHC

[email protected]

2nd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment 15 May 1967     13 Jun 1968

3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment  25 Feb 1971      16 Oct 1971

We have received advice of the death on 25 January 2025 of Barry John (known as John) Forbes. He was 79. John was a National Serviceman who served in Vietnam with 1st Field Regiment RAA from September 1966 until June 1967.

John was a Life Subscriber of the 101 Battery RAA Association. John had suffered from Dementia for some time and did not respond to treatment for a kidney infection.

A private funeral was held for John. He is survived by his wife Joy, two daughters and a son.

RIP Barry John Forbes

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

The Association has sadly lost a Member, and our condolences goes to all of Macca’s Family, Friends and Members of the Association.

I have been in contact Macca’s Family and the following guidance is provided to his service, as follows:

• See Notices in Saturday’s West Australian – 08/02/2025
• Date: Monday 17^th February 2025
• Time: Services commences 1430 hrs ( 2:30pm). Muster time 14;00 hrs
• Location: Kalamunda Bowling Club – 18 Kalamunda Rd Kalamunda

Macca’s service to Corp is as follows:

• 3 Fld Sqn  1984 to 1990
• 5 Trg Grp 1990 to 1991
• 3 Fld Sqn 1991 to 1992
• Member RAE Assoc of WA 2002 – 2025 Member NO. 56.

Hope to see members that served with Macca to celebrate his journey.

Please consider summer dress with service medals and if you have a Corp Tie that would be great.

Regards to all.

Russell McEntyre
President
RAE Assoc of WA – Inc
[email protected]

The Funeral Service for Alfred Brian Wedgwood will be held at Centennial Park, 760 Goodwood Road PASADENA SA in the Florey Chapel at 1245 hours on Tuesday 11/02/2025.

Simplicity Funerals of Victor Harbor are managing the funeral arrangements. The service will be Live Telecast.