Death & Funerals

53 Years ago tomorrow, I lost a very good mate and his family lost a son & brother. John was a bit of a rogue and when I think of some of the things we got up to, I smile every time. John had a red Triumph Bonneville that he treasured and he was forever in trouble riding it into our hut and keeping it at the end of his bed. Together we created so many great memories, his life was short, but I hope I have lived my life in his memory.

Ray

Bill Charlton wrote this poem about John.

JOHN H KALMA 1RAR

John was only 17 when he enlisted in ’64.

Born in The Hague he arrived here when he was 4.

The 6 foot 4 inch soldier did two tours of Viet Nam.

Nothing ever seemed to faze this young man.

His first tour with 1RAR was 1965-66.

On the second tour in ’68 promotion was in the mix.

He was appointed Lance Corporal in the line.

But on 19th December he was killed by a mine.

The young NCOs luck had finally run out.

He was headed for a fine career of that there is no doubt.

But tomorrow is not promised and to death we all are prone.

There were only 6 more weeks to go before he headed home.

Bill Charlton c 2019

Sad news has been received of the passing of Herb (Pawczynski) Dittman. He had been ill for some time (hard to imagine Herb ever being ill).

To his family and friends condolences are offered, he will surely be in deep conversation with his ‘One Tak Rosco’ discussing the condition and playing tactics on the Lord’s golf course in paradise. Or, maybe the last card game he says he should have won!

“Rest in Peace Herb, keep a place for me at the card table, and keep the drivers clean and polished.

Let Rosco know I place a poppy at the Woden Veterans Wall each ANZAC Day. ..you both will not be forgotten” (Speedie).

My kindest regards at this sad time.

John Sahariv

It is with a heavy heart that I have to advise that Albert John (Bert) Ollerenshaw, WO1, SN 172318, passed away on Friday, 10 December 2021 after a long illness.

Bert was 3^rd Intake, National Service, in 1953. He enlisted with 28 Fd Pk Sqn and eventually gained the rank of WO1 as Chief Clerk, 5 Fd Engr Regt, (at Kelvin Grove)

before it disbanded around 1985. Bert was a well-known member of our Corps.

His Family have advised his funeral will be held on Monday, 20 December 2021 commencing at 3.30pm at Mt Thompson Crematorium.

There will be an RSL Poppy Service. Attendees will be required to “sign-in “ with the QR Code and Alex Gow Funeral Directors have arranged for “live streaming”.

Afterwards, the family have arranged a wake at the Mt Gravatt Hotel.

Kind regards,
Bob Bannan,

Sad news from Mick Kelly, the passing of another Member 1339, Sapper John Cecil Woodleigh-Hutton, who passed away on 1/12/2021.

John served in 1Field Troop, in Malaya/Borneo 1959 – 1961, retiring after 9 years with the rank of Sergeant.

Johns’ Funeral will be held on Thursday 9 December 2021, at 11.00am, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Camden Valley Way, Leppington NSW 2179.

Unfortunately, this information only arrived in my inbox this morning. Ray

It is with a sad heart, that another Sapper has passed away, 342784 David William Wilson passed away at 7.20pm 06/12/2021.

Sincere Condolences to his wife Elaine daughter Jillian, family and friends.

When funeral details are available I will pass them on.

Rest in Peace Sapper your work is done, Lest We Forget.

Sadly, I have been advised of the death of Richard Jones. He served with 1RAR in Vietnam from May 1965 until June 1966.

At this stage I have no other details.

From Andrew Clinkaberry – 1RAR Assoc.

I have been in touch with Jock’s daughter Eileen to pass on our condolences, thoughts and prayers and have received the following response:

Hi Andrew, so lovely to hear from you, thank you very much. Given Covid and border restrictions, we will be having a private family-only service in the coming days. Though we are currently planning on a big celebration in late January, so everyone can join us. We will likely have a poppy service with a heavy nod to his army life. We welcome everyone to join us for that memorial service. I will be in touch when that is organised and look forward to raising a glass with you in papa’s honour.

Eileen x

Once details for the January Memorial Service are provided by Eileen I will let you all know.

Rest In Peace Jock.

A Memorial Service will be held for our departed comrade at Diggers Services Club, 44 Blackwood Rd, Logan Central on Sunday 19th December at 10:00am (meet and greet) for an 11:00am start.

1. ALL ATTENDEES MUST BE DOUBLE VACCINATED IN LINE WITH QLD HEALTH REGS.

ORDER OF SERVICE.

Introduction and housekeeping. Pipers play the Regimental March of 1RAR (Waltzing Matilda) and 6RAR (The Crusaders).

Family members recall Ray’s life.

Guests will then be invited to speak briefly of their memories of Ray.

Powerpoint presentation.

Recitation of the Twenty Third Psalm.

Eulogy and Poppy Service conducted by Mr Gary Sargent.

Last Post and Reveille (recorded).

Flag presentation to Mrs Trish Hughes.

Closure. Fellowship.

Medals to be worn.

For catering purposes please RSVP your attendance including partner by either email or SMS to Allan Ploenges. Email …  [email protected] Mobile…0490811220

Please also indicate if you wish to pay a tribute to Ray.

Kind Regards,

Allan Ploenges

Distribution:

Ray Payne OAM (Veteranweb Network)

Diggers Service Club

Springwood RSL Sub-Branch Pipers

Jan Stapleton Secretary Chapter 23 -173rd Airborne Assoc.

Greenbank RSL Sub-Branch

Southport RSL Sub-Branch

It is with sadness that I pass on the information of Capt Graham Moons passing. It is currently believed to be due to the COVID-19 virus whilst in Poland.

At this stage no further information is available.

Vale Major Jock Smith MC and BAR 

“Major Jock Smith was a proven, strong and fearless leader. It was not only the foe on the battlefield that experienced his wrath. Canberra suits were known to dive for cover, during many of his crusades seeking a fair go for soldiers under his command. Jock was a true blue cobber and dear comrade in arms.

George Mansford 

“Until we are all together again”

In the mist of time, Jock’s fond familiar image reaches out

Fleeting frames of determination, duty and a heart so stout

Forever, will be the sweet and glorious memories

Of his brotherhood, dash, daring and familiar cries of “follow me”

A proud history of brave deeds with his signature clearly seen

Of battle discipline where ever he had been

Yet in barracks, his voice, always strident and strong

So often heard defending soldiers who had been wronged

Now he is travelling to join his old column so far away

Where familiar laughter and song can be heard night and day

A camp with sentries alert for military ghosts leaving Aussie shores

A challenge “who goes there?” and JJ is with old comrades once more

George Mansford ©November 2021