Death & Funerals

It is with sadness that I wish to advise that one of our members

Born 25 April 1949 sadly passed away on the 1st of March 2025 at the John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle

Gunner served with Artillery and then 7 RAR and 5/7 RAR before moving on to other units.

He also toured Butterworth with 5/7.

His funeral will be held at the Pettigrew Family Funerals, 12 Harris St, Wallsend NSW , at 12.30 on the 12th March 2025 followed by a get together at Wallsend RSL.

Dress and bearing is Suit or smart casual with medals and beret if in possession. There will be a live stream, TBA.

Rifle Company Butterworth

We have received advice of the death recently of Clifford Francis Dodds OAM. He was 89.

Cliff served in Vietnam with Headquarters, Australian Force Vietnam (Army Component) from September 1968 until August 1969.

In later life, Cliff was Co-Patron of the NSW Referees Association and a keen supporter of Rugby.

On Australia Day, 2007, then Lieutenant Colonel Dodds, was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the community through the Royal Australian Artillery National Museum, and through professional, service and sporting organisations.

A funeral for Cliff will be held at St Aidan’s Anglican Church, Christina Street, Longueville, on Monday 10 March 2025 at 2.30pm.

RIP Clifford Francis Dodds, OAM

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

02 Jan 1942 – 02 Mar 2025

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our esteemed former Regimental Sergeant Major of 1 RAR and distinguished veteran of both tours of South Vietnam, Bryan “Jazza” Smith.

Jazza served as RSM from February 1982 to December 1984 and was widely regarded as one of our finest leaders—respected by all who had the honour of serving alongside him. His unwavering dedication, professionalism, and leadership left an enduring legacy within the Regiment.

At the time of his passing, Jazza was in palliative care, surrounded by those who loved and respected him.

Our heartfelt condolences go to Jazza’s wife, his extended family, and his brothers in arms. May he rest in eternal peace.

Funeral Details

Date: Monday, 10th March
Time: 10:30 AM
 Venue: Victory Church, 32 Carseldine Road, Bridgeman Downs

A video link will be made available for those unable to attend in person.

LEST WE FORGET

We have just received the following sad news; Simone was a Medic with BSG on Op Solace. She is survived by her husband Jason Blakeman (C Coy 1RAR Op Solace) and two sons.

Our sympathy and thoughts are with her family at this time.

The Funeral is Wednesday 5th March at 2PM White Lady Funerals, Nambour QLD.

If you wish to send flowers please send to the chapel. More details are in the attachment about sharing memories and live Stream.

Rest In Peace

LEST WE FORGET

1 RAR Association

PLEASE AMEND THE FUNERAL NOTICE FOR MATTHEW RENNIIE’s FUNERAL

HIS FUNERAL IS TUESDAY 4TH. MARCH AT 12 PM, ST MARYS CHURCH 1B ELIZABETH STREET WOODEND, IPSWICH

Margaret Evans
tigg28@icloud.com

Gary King (Pl Sgt) asks please acknowledge the passing of Pte Wayne Hampson Kiwi soldier/ANZAC soldier

2 Platoon Victor 6 Coy (M60 Gunner) 4RAR/NZ(ANZAC)Bn. 1971-72 South Vietnam

Wayne passed away 23rd February 2025 after a period of aggressive cancer, a private family only service will be held in Christchurch New Zealand

Wendy M McLean J.P.(Qual) LM
Secretary/Membership Officer
4RAR Association Qld. Inc.’

I have been advised by Roger’s family that he passed away after a short illness on the 14^{th of} February 2025.

His funeral, Condolence address, and wake details are as follows.

Roger was a great supporter and a very loved member of the Association. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

May he Rest in Peace.

FUNERAL DETAILS:

• Is the funeral to be Private or Public?  Public
• Date of Funeral:  06 Mar 25
• Time of funeral:  1100 hrs
• Funeral Location:  St Michaels War Memorial Church
• Address as to where the service will take place:  250 Banks St, Ashgrove QLD 4060
• Is the service being streamed?   Yes
• If being streamed, then coding details enabling it to be viewed.  TBA
• Time of streaming:  TBA
• Snail mailing address for cards et cetera:  David Moon, 25 Station View St Mitchelton Qld 4053
• Email address for messages to be forwarded to:  traceywickham88@gmail.com   or Facebook page   https://www.facebook.com/tracey.wickham2
• (Note: Some do not work with Facebook.):
• Information as to flowers, donations et cetera:  No flowers.  Donations to your preferred charity supporting veterans
• Address for online Book of Remembrance.  TBA
• Any other relevant information provided by you:  Email photos to:  traceywickham88@gmail.com

WAKE:

Following the funeral service, a wake will held at:

• Broncos Leagues Club   https://broncosclub.com.au/
• 98 Fulcher Rd, Red Hill, Q, 4053

Sincerely,

Wendy M McLean J.P.(Qual) LM

Secretary/Membership Officer

4RAR Association Qld. Inc.’

A funeral service for the late Peter John Larkin will be held at Neilson Funeral Chapel, Korumburra Road, Warragul on Thursday 27 February 2025 commencing at 11am.

Peter died on 15 February 2025 (not January as previously advised). His service will be live streamed and can be accessed via the Neilson Funerals website www.neilsonfunerals.com.au/larkinpeter

Ex-Service personnel are respectfully invited to attend.

RIP Peter John Larkin

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

We have received advice of the death on 30 December 2024 of Raymond Percival White Jell.

Raymond served in the RAA from 1955 until 1962 with 122 Medium Coast Battery, and later, 11th Field Regiment.

A family service and cremation was held with a memorial service planned on a date to be advised.

RIP Raymond Percival White Jell

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

We have received advice of the death on 22 September 2024 of John Robert Johnston. John served with RAA from 1964-1978 as BK 121 LAA Bty Darwin and ‘stood to’ during the Indonesian Conflict. He also served as BK HQ Bty 13 FD Regt RAA Adelaide. John was a Foundation Member of RAAA(NT) and Darwin Military Museum, he served in various positions (Secretary, Treasurer Publicity Officer) in these organisations. A small service for John was conducted at Darwin Military Museum and a Plaque laid commemorating his service to RAAA(NT) and Darwin Military Museum. He was a member of RAAA(Q) from 2011 to date and became involved with Fort Lytton Historical Association providing his guidance to the committee. John donated his body to Queensland University of Technology (QUT). QUT are having a remembrance ceremony at 10.00am Sunday 2 March 2025. RSVP by Monday 24 February to Ian Mellor 07 3138 6944 or email bodybequestofficer@qut.edu.au

RIP John Robert Johnston.

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