We have lost one of the best, Ian WOMBAT Laurie who commenced as an Army Apprentice and progressed to the Armoured Corps then on to the Military Police.
He resided up near Dargo and while walking with a mate fell down a mine shaft today and was deceased when recovered by emergency crews.
82 years young. Wombat would have turned 83 on 20/01/2022.
He spent his whole working life in the Army and knows many and was mates with many throughout the service.
Newton Reynolds
Sadly, we have just received the following from Graham Smith:
I have just received news from Darren McDonald that his father, Vince McDonald, passed away suffering Covid 19, in Toowoomba at 1820h today, Tues 18th January. His loving wife Kay passed away just 6 weeks ago. Vince did two tours of Vietnam with 6 RAR. He was a good soldier, a good man and a loyal friend. Vince was surrounded by a loving family throughout his life. He will be sadly missed. Darren, Vince’s 2nd son, is available to take condolence calls and messages on 0418 829 297,
Funeral information will be provided by email and on Facebook, when known, however, the family are now all close COVID contacts, so it might be a while before we hear.
Please join 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
Received sad news today from Alex Turner – son of Andy, that his Dad passed away last Thursday. For some years now, Andy has had ongoing medical issues to which he has finally succumbed. Andy came to Assault-Platoon 9RAR as a reinforcement on 30 July 1969.
Before 9RAR he had served with Headquarters Australian Force Vietnam (HQ AFV) and 1st Australian Reinforcement Unit (1ARU)
A celebration of his life will be held at 1030hr, Tuesday, 27 January at Gympie Funerals, 236 Brisbane Rd., Monkland (GYMPIE) QLD 4570 and later at Gympie RSL Club
Rod (Slats) Slater
We have been advised by Peter Lonergan of the death recently of ex WO2 Bernie Trapp. Bernie spent most of his CMF/Army Reserve time with the 11th Field Regiment and in particular, 41 Battery on the Gold Coast. He was the Battery Guide of that Battery in the mid-60s.
In his civilian life, Bernie worked for Carl Robertson Ford in Southport before moving to Warwick in 1975 and setting up his own bearing shop with a mate. In his own words, “ he made a killing.” This move caused Bernie to transfer to 25 Bn RQR HQ in Toowoomba with a rifle company at Warwick. We do not know how long he served in 25Bn. He did say that as an ex Arty WO2, he was like a square peg in a round hole.
RIP Bernie Trapp.
Peter Bruce
Please see details below, Peter served in 1 RAR 1959-1964
The funeral service is to be held at Lakeview Chapel, Memorial Park, 400 Albany Creek Road, Bridgeman Downs. Monday 24th January, 11am.
Refreshments, Albany Creek, tea room 12.15pm
Wake, Bonny View Hotel, 2077 Gympie Road, Bald Hills. from 1pm
Family Notice will be in next Tuesday’s, 18 January 2022, issue of the Courier Mail.
15374 Peter Lawrence Healy was born at Sandgate Queensland on 29 August 1940.
He served in two (2) tours of Vietnam – 15 June 1966 to 27 January 1967 with 3rd Special Air Service Regiment and from 17 November 1969 to 23 February 1970 with C Company 8RAR. Peter also served with 8RAR in Malaysia 1967 to 1969.
REST IN PEACE MATE, UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN
From William L Krause
Mick Alcock (24/6/1925 – 16/01/2022) passed away this morning, he was over 96yrs old. Until recent times he was still driving and cheerful, he developed a brain tumour which took his life.
Mick served on HMAS Vendetta (D069) as a Supply Assistant during 1945 while the ship served in New Guinea waters and went on to be part of the HMAS Vendetta (D069) decommissioning crew.
To the best of our knowledge, Mick was the last surviving crew member of HMAS Vendetta (D069).
Mick served in the Royal Australian Navy from 08/06/1943 – 16/08/1946.
Mick has taken his final voyage across the bar; his watches are done, and he may now rest easy with his shipmates. Fair winds and calm seas.
From Mark Richard Wallace
Tragic news Brian Mann’s passed away today by heart attack today at Caboolture while mowing the lawn.
Brian was a member who served with 5/7 RAR and SOI Singleton, he will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
The sincerest of condolences and prayers go out to his family and friends.
RIP Brian Stand Down your duty is done.
It is with sadness I advise the passing of Sgt Barry Wynne. Barry died from a massive heart attack on 1 December 21. He had a stroke several years ago and had been disabled since.
Barry was serving in 17 Const Sqn SVN during the final days of the unit being sent home to Australia at the end of its many years in the Country.
Ron Meredith passed away on the 11th January as the result of a heart attack.
He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.
Condolences to his Daughter Christine, the family and friends, he is at peace and no doubt exchanging stories with old comrade’s past
I thank the Qld Sappers Assoc, Jethro Thompson and Ron’s daughter for passing on the sad news.
Francis Adrian Roberts MG MID OAM died on 29 December 2021 in Canberra. He was awarded his honours as a result of the Battle of Long Tan.
Adrian lead the APCs of 1st Armoured Personnel Carrier Squadron to the battle site on the day
A Service is currently set to commence at 1pm on Friday 28 January at Holy Trinity church Strangways Street Curtin ACT followed by the interment at the Woden Cemetery.
For anyone in Western Australia a function room has been booked at the Duxton Hotel 1 St Georges Terrace Perth where the service and interment will be projected onto large screens, and this will be followed by refreshments and the opportunity to raise a glass. Adrian’s family are all from WA and all are welcome to celebrate his life. FYI – There are no current gathering restrictions in WA
The room will be opened at 9am WA time and all guests are required to show proof of vaccination in accordance with WA requirements.