It is with great sadness that we advise of the passing of LTCOL Michael Hall, RAEME (Retd). OCS Class December 1984.
Michael died peacefully in Melbourne on 20 January 2023 after a long illness.
https://www.ocsportsea.org/class-lists/class-of-dec-84/
Arte et Marte
Rest in Peace
Barry Shipway (Welfare Rep)
(Please note, any updates including funeral details will be posted on the RAEME Vale Page)
I have been advised of the passing of Maj Andrew (Andy)BEARD a younger member of our cohort.
Andrew enlisted into the Infantry and went on to be selected to the Officer Cadet School at Portsea
and graduated with the rank of Second Lieutenant in December 1979. He transferred to the RAE.
and served the Corps in varying postings including the SO2(Works), South Queensland Logistics Group.
Andy died in Victoria on 21 January 2023 after a battle with a long illness.
A highly respected officer and a great mate to his cohort.
To his family and friends, condolences are offered, he is at peace now and no longer suffering is pain.
I thank John Pritchard, Paul Asbury, and Mark Heinrich for the information on this sad event.
My kindest regards at this sad time.
John Sahariv
Fellow Sapper
Sadly, we have received news via Facebook that Michael (Moot) Allen DENCH passed away on Friday 20 Jan 2023.
Michael served with 6 RAR 12 Dec 66 to 28 May 67.
Michael was awarded the Military Medal for actions with 5 RAR in February 1969.
Funeral information will be provided by email and on Facebook, when known.
Please join with us in offering our deepest sympathy to those who will mourn the passing of a loved one. Another 6 RAR family member, taken too soon.
LEST WE FORGET
Allan Whelan, Secretary
We have received advice of the death recently of John Paul Ianson. He was 77. John was a National Serviceman who served in Vietnam with the Detachment 131st Divisional Locating Battery from April 1968 until April 1969. John died in Thailand after a heart attack.
RIP John Paul Ianson
Peter Bruce, OAM
Obituary Resource Officer
11 April 1950 – 16 January 2023
Retired Major General and Liberal Senator, Jim Molan, has died aged 72, after a battle with cancer.
He died peacefully in the arms of his family.
The 72-year-old was elected as a federal senator for NSW in 2019.
His family said he had suffered a “sudden and rapid” decline after Christmas before dying peacefully on Monday, surrounded by his family.
He was many things: a soldier, a pilot, an author, a volunteer firefighter and a senator.
Most of all, he was an adored husband, father, grandfather and brother.
During his military career, Molan was commanding officer of the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, commander of the 1st Brigade, commander of the 1st Division and its Deployable Joint Force Headquarters, and commander of the Australian Defence College. In April 2004, he deployed for a year to Iraq to serve as Chief of Operations for the new Headquarters Multinational Force in Iraq.
He has been awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, as well as the Legion of Merit by the U.S. government. He retired from the Australian Army in 2008, and later that year released his first book, Running the War in Iraq.
Funeral details will be posted when known.
We have received advice of the death on 15 January 2023 of Raymond John Smith. He was 77. Ray was a National Serviceman from Tasmania who served with the Detachment 131 Divisional Locating Battery in Vietnam from May 1966 until May 1967. No other details are available at this stage.
RIP Raymond John Smith
Peter Bruce, OAM
Obituary Resource Officer
Sadly, we have received reliable information that former RSM, Kevin Duncan Stockley passed away on 6 Jan 2023 followed by his wife within 24 hours.
Due to the circumstances, the family are holding a private funeral at 2.30pm Friday 20 Jan 23 at White Lady Funerals, 210 Kelvin Grove Road, Kelvin Grove, Brisbane – however the family has extended an invitation to those who served with Kevin to attend.
Please join with us in offering our deepest sympathy to those who will mourn the passing of a loved one. Another 6 RAR family member, taken too soon.
Allan Whelan, Secretary
Sadly, we have received confirmation via numerous sources that GREG HANSEN passed away in the early hours of 12 Jan 23.
As you can see from the heading, Greg served in many RAR Battalions including 6 RAR as the Battalion 2IC in the late 90’s or early 2000’s.
The funeral will be at the Mt Thompson Crematorium, 329 Nursery Rd, Holland Park QLD ((07) 3349 2001), at 2pm 20th of January 2023.
Medals to be worn.
Please join with us in offering our deepest sympathy to those who will mourn the passing of a loved one. Another 6 RAR family member, taken too soon.
LEST WE FORGET
Allan Whelan, Secretary
Ray, Keep up the great work.
We have a ‘worthy’ that you may wish to mention.
Wellington Lee ~ who passed away on Christmas Day.
September 17, 1925 – December 25, 2022
We were privileged to be able to conduct the RSL segment of his Funeral Service on Friday 6th January 2023.
Attachments: Royal Canada Air force 26 MAY 44 to 19 FEB 45
Honours and Awards:
Member of The Order of Australia
Officer of the Order of the British Empire
War Medal 1939-45 Australia Service
Medal 1939-45 Australian Active Service
Medal 1945-75 with Clasp ‘VIETNAM’ Vietnam Logistic and Support Medal
Reserve Force Decoration with First and Second Clasp
National Medal with First Clasp Australian Defence
Medal General Service Badge
Returned from Active Service Badge
Deputy Lord Mayor of Melbourne and many other Achievements & Endeavours.
Regards, John
John C. Saunders – Secretary Clayton RSL Sub Branch Inc.
OCS Portsea Class December 1968 & awarded the Sword of Honour.
John died at Rathdowney, Qld on 12 January 2023, aged 75 years.
Before selection to OCS, John served in South Vietnam:
Other postings included Pacific Islands Regiment PNG, 7 DEO Gurkha Rifles on exchange and Royal Australian Regiment
Attended Army Command & Staff College, Queenscliff in 1982.
A man of immense integrity and abounding love for his fellowman, particularly for youth at risk.
John will be missed by so many.
Rest In Peace.