The Victorian Scheyvillian

Prepared on behalf of the Victorian Chapter Committee

Issue 2 (ANZAC Day issue) April 2008

A newsletter for all Victorian Scheyvillians

The Lady Cutler on her first river cruise on 7 December 2007

Brenton Ruffy Flatman, Dave Olive &

Dave Lewis at 21 Construction Squadron Plant Troop Reunion

February 2008 Some memories from Alistair Pope: John Carney (standing), Alistair Pope (4/66 sitting), John McAusland (Left squatting), Craig Davis (3/66) (In battle gear). Craig was killed in a road accident while driving home a couple of days after graduating.

Next Issue due out July 2008. Contributions and feedback via email to Neil Leckie (3/68). nkaleckie@optusnet.com.au All contributions will be acknowledged.

More 21 Planties photos. ‘Up the old Red Rooster and more piss’ and Mick Stone at the Pilatus Porter design airstrip, Puckapunyal, constructed by 21 Construction Squadron RAE, 1969-70

Bill Turner (2/68), king of the fishermen.

The Australian Army’s new ‘Tiger’ helicopter at Oakey, Queensland. (You old flyboys can eat your hearts out).

Australian Defence Industries ‘Bushmaster’ High Mobility

Protected Vehicle replacement for the M113. (The old RAAC boys can also heat their hearts

out)

EARLY WARNING: OTU VICTORIAN CHAPTER ANNUAL DINNER 2008 Members and Guests are cordially invited to the Naval & Military Club, 27 Lt Collins Street for the 2008 Annual Dinner on Friday 13th June 2008 at 1900 hours for 1930 hours.

OTU ASSOCIATION (VIC CHAPTER) CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2008

25 April ANZAC Day March Melbourne 13 June Annual Dinner N&M Club 18 August Vietnam Veterans (Long Tan) Day TBA 28 August Annual Geddes Dinner Toorak RSL 5 October Annual Golf Day Waverly GC 11 November TBA Remembrance Dinner William Angliss 21/23 Nov Weekend Away Mt Hotham TBA Dec Christmas Lunch Toorak RSL Notes: 1. Committee Meetings held first Wednesday of month at Toorak

Services Club, 72 Clenden Road, Toorak, commencing 6pm. Everyone welcome.

2. A combined OTU/OCS/RMC dinner is being discussed with the other Associations. TBC.

ANZAC DAY 2008 (Peter Don 3/69) Following a request to the RSL, the OTU Association has been granted permission to parade as a separate unit in this year's ANZAC Day march to Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance. To those of us who did not serve overseas or whose units do not join in the occasion, we now have an opportunity to be part of this great Australian tradition. We will take our place behind the National Servicemen's Association Group. For those who have never marched on ANZAC Day in Melbourne before, it is an amazing thing to participate in. The chapter would like about 20 marchers, so far we have about 12. Please put important event in your diaries and give serious consideration to joining your fellow Scheyvillians on the day. Please contact Frank Miller (4/67) 9561 3630, and advise if you are going to participate. After the parade the association will meet at the Toorak Services Club, 72 Clendon Road, Toorak (Coat and tie required). MEMBERSHIP UPDATE (Graeme Chester 2/67 at graeheath@optusnet.com.au) As a result of the action taken by the OTU Association (Victorian Chapter) to include Membership Renewal forms with our December newsletter, and after subsequent email, mail and phone follow-up contacts, we now have 107 Financial Members of the OTU Association in Victoria. Unfortunately, this is still well down on the 157 Financial Members we had three years ago before the national membership renewal

process fell by the wayside. However, the good news is that there are still a number of graduates who have indicated that they would renew but have yet to do so. The Membership Renewal process has been most beneficial in that some 19 new OTU graduates have been found in Victoria and the contact details of 98 other graduates have been corrected. Twenty-four graduates have indicated that they no longer wish to be members of the association whilst a further 165 graduates have not responded to the Membership Renewal process. Details of all our members (financial and unfinancial) have been maintained, and updated to the OTU Association website. The OTU website is www.otu.asn.au should members wish to update their personal details or check their class lists. Unfortunately, we have lost contact with four of our number and if anyone knows of their whereabouts please let me know. Our missing classmates are: Russell BARNES 2/68 Keith JONES 3/66 William ROBBINS 1/66 Bill WIGHT 1/65 MEDALS (Robin Hunt 3/69) National Servicemen are eligible for the National Service and Australian Defence Medals. Application Forms are available on the Directorate of Honours and Awards website, or by phoning the directorate in Canberra. The website is: http://www.defence.gov.au/medals/. Phone (freecall) 1800 11 321 The OTU Vic Committee is encouraging all members coming to the 2008 annual dinner (date) to wear their miniature medals. LONG TAN DAY (OTU Co-ordinator Robin Hunt) Robin Hunt is looking for members to attend Vietnam Veterans Day (“Long Tan Day”) on 18 August 2008 and to march behind an OTU banner. The parade normally commences about 1130 hrs in the forecourt of the Melbourne Shrine. Expressions of interest to Robin Hunt on rvmh@bigpond.net.au RE-COMMISSIONING OF THE LADY CUTLER (Jeff Gordon 2/72) On Sunday the 13 January Lady Cutler re-launched the former Sydney ferry Lady Cutler at Waterfront City in the Docklands of Melbourne. Many people will remember the Lady Cutler from her time as a Sydney ferry on the inner harbour run in the 1970s and 1980s. She was launched on the 10 August 1968 and finished her ferry service life in 1991.The Lady Cutler was sold to Melbourne interests in 1998 and after some steelwork to her hull was left to rust in the Maribyrnong River in Melbourne.

In January 2007 Scheyvillian Jeff Gordon (2/72) purchased the rusty hulk and commenced the restoration process. Now beautifully restored, this former ferry is presently operating as a charter vessel in Melbourne. In 1968 she was named after Sir Roden Cutler's first wife Helen to express thanks to Sir (Arthur) Roden Cutler VC, AK, KCMG, KCVO, CBE, KStJ and Lady Cutler for their long public service. Sir Roden a brave soldier and an outstanding diplomat, was the longest serving governor of New South Wales, serving for 15 years between 1966 and 1981. He was a very popular governor and was greatly supported by Lady Helen Cutler. Lady Helen Cutler passed away in 1990 and several years later he was blessed with another happy marriage to Joan, Lady Cutler. Lady Joan Cutler kindly came to Melbourne to officiate at this re commissioning. Also attending from Sydney on behalf of the family was Mark Cutler, one of the sons of Sir Roden and Lady Helen Cutler. He spoke of the family connection they had with the vessel as she ferried people around Sydney Harbour for 22 years during the 1970s and 1980s. Mark Cutler grew up in Government House in Sydney and would often see this fine vessel named after his mother on the harbour. The Rev. Guy Mason of the Docklands Church gave a blessing and offered a prayer for the vessel and all those that sail on her. Mark Cutler said: He was very pleased and proud [that]the former ferry had retained the family name. In maritime lore it is supposed to be bad luck to change the name of a ship and perhaps it was this that saved her in Bass Strait in August last year, when returning from Portland, [where] a storm forced her off course and caused her engine to fail". The project of restoration would not have happened without vision and perhaps a little madness. To think a small group of private individuals could take a rusting 40 year old hulk and transform it into a first class ferry over a year’s period is amazing.

Mark and Lady Joan Cutler with Jeff Gordon (2/72) on Recommissioning Day 13 January 2008

21 PLANTIES REUNION - PUCKAPUNYAL, 2/3 FEBRUARY 2008 (Mick Stone 1/68) Victorian chapter members Dave Lewis and Mick Stone, with wives Ros and Irene recently attended a reunion of the 21 Construction Squadron Plant Troop at Puckapunyal/Seymour. The reunion was a weekend in Seymour, with an initial meet and greet, registration etc at the Seymour Club (RSL) on Saturday afternoon, and later that evening a dinner at the Seymour Racing Club. Sunday was up and about early for a long (and privileged, in this era of ultra-security) fascinating morning tour of the

Puckapunyal area, including the backblocks and the old Squadron quarry at Mount Puckapunyal. The afternoon consisted of a very pleasant, salubrious and scenic barbeque on the banks of the Goulburn River with all (approx 60) present, and finally (for us) a nostalgic drive back to Melbourne, down the Melba Highway, via Yea - the "back way" home. The weekend was different in that rather the "horizontal slice" of a normal class reunion etc. this was a vertical core through time, and ranks, for that matter. Many of the attendees were 20 year plus army men, service periods ranging from the 1950's to the 1980's. Blokes that Dave and I knew in 1968/1969 (our years) had gone on to achieve very noteworthy army careers eg Ruffy Flatman (the organiser) a sapper then, had gone on to WO2, and similarly Cpl Bob Fitzsimmons, to SSM of the Squadron. Virtually all of the guys were Vietnam veterans, and some had done it pretty hard, but an indomitable sapper spirit and army brotherhood was clearly present with these men, and their women. Mick and Dave were there because of their involvement with the Plant Troop, and the squadron (Mick was Construction Officer, Dave was a Troop Commander) in the construction of the Pilatus Porter airstrip constructed by the squadron at the east end of the Pucka area during their time. The base material for the strip was all sourced locally, by investigations of the squadron personnel, including the much-loved WO2 Mick Mace (veteran from WW2 to Vietnam), who unfortunately could not attend the reunion. Further, all civil construction, including personnel, plant and equipment was supplied by the squadron. The OC of the Squadron during the main period of airstrip construction was Arthur Fittock. The mascot of the Squadron is "The Old Red Rooster", prominent on the car stickers and stubbie holders issued, and can be seen, along with an interesting inscription on the attached photo. Mick and Dave were especially please to meet Tony Morton there. Tony was an RMC man, who went from 21 to 17 Construction Squadron, Vietnam as Plant Troop Commander, and came back later in his career as OC of 21 Construction Squadron. Tony made some kind remarks and nostalgic memories at the dinner. "Pucka" was a bit hard to recognize, as many of the old familiar land marks, such as Area HQ, all the 21 Construction buildings and yards, Area Sergeants Mess, and half of the 2 RTB buildings were gone - razed to the ground - but to the 21st century

archaeologist there were plenty of markers left to anchor our memories from. (C and D Company lines have been refurbished and are now called the ‘National Service Lines” – Ed.) Left: Pam Morton, Ros Lewis, Irene Stone, Mick Stone, Dave Lewis, Tony Morton.

Of interest to lots of old Scheyvillians (remember, Ray Elder and Ian Dobie) is that the Area Officers Mess and accommodation is still there, just as it was, but alas now only used for administration - ahhh .. the stories it could tell) We finished off the Pucka tour with a visit to the area Golf Course HQ, built on the old 21 site - a plaque and a brick barbecue are built nearby, as a testimony of the presence of the unit, before it migrated to Enoggera in 1993. The weekend was a real treasure, and emphasised to Dave and myself, how those 2 years of call-up - an increasingly lesser proportion of our lives, was in fact a hugely significant part of our life-experience and to know that we are part of the greater Australian military family is very rewarding and satisfying. LORD AND LADY SOMERS CAMP JANUARY 2008 (Frank Miller 4/67) Once again the OTU Association played a prominent role in sponsoring young boys and girls to this year’s respective Lord and Lady Somers camps. The New South Wales chapter sent two girls and one boy and, Victoria, ten girls and seven boys. Of the Victorian contingent, in what has become a most valuable relationship, three girls and three boys were half funded by the Rotary Club of Healesville. It is also pleasing to report that there were two boys and two girls sponsored to previous camps by OTU returned as volunteer helpers this year. The boys’ camp ran from 5 – 12 and the girls’ 13 – 19 of January. Those of us who visited over that time were most impressed with what we saw. The enthusiasm and team spirit shown by the “groupers” was, as always, outstanding. So too was the quality of management and sheer dedication cheerfully given by the large number of Powerhouse volunteers. Guest speakers this year included Mr. Les Twentyman of Open Family Australia, Mr. Will Alstergren – Olympic Coach Australian bobsled teams, Mr. Simon Overland – Deputy Commissioner of Police and Mr. Julian Burnside QC. Other dignitaries, sportspersons and people prominent in the community also attended at different times throughout the fortnight. Given the great learning experience we all had at Scheyville and the value that we attribute to sound leadership development, our sponsorship of young people to the Lord and Lady Somers camps is most appropriate indeed. That we offer this opportunity to those from less advantaged backgrounds makes our contribution even more worthwhile. The Powerhouse – Lord and Lady Somers organistion and the “groupers”, too, are most grateful for our support. We look forward to Camp 2009! LORD SOMERS CAMP 2008 (David Ford DS 65-67)

I was given the opportunity to visit the Lord Somers Camp this year. There are two camps of a week’s duration for 16-18 year olds each year – one for boys and one for girls. I attended the boys’ camp for one day as a visitor.

What a fantastic experience. The participants are divided into groups of ten and undertake all manner of team sports, activities and challenges from early morning and well into the night. These are not wimpy activities watered down to make sure no-one loses and everyone is a winner. These are really challenging both mentally and physically. Everything relates to the team. Whatever you may do as an individual is only measured in the success and honour of the team. Mobile phones and MP3 players are removed on arrival, the team sleeps together in individual bunks and eats together in a communal mess hall. I visited on day 3 of the week’s experience and you could see the determination of the individuals and the pride in their team’s performance already well developed. The feeling of the team verses the DS was alive and well – the bastards will not wear us down. It reminded me very much of my own days as a cadet at Duntroon (I can just remember back that far) and certainly my fantastic posting to OTU where young men threw themselves into every challenge and developed by the week.

I came away totally stimulated with my faith in the younger generation renewed. It is an experience that I want my grandson to undertake in another 12 years. The OTU support for this programme is very much recognised by the camp staff. It was frequently mentioned. Could I encourage everyone to be as generous as possible by adding a substantial $ amount to each year’s subscription to support young men who would otherwise not have this fantastic opportunity. This is one way we can make a telling contribution to the development of tomorrow’s leaders in a way we all understand. GROUPER’S LETTER (Graeme Chester 2/67) The article at left that

appeared in the Lord/Lady Somers Camp "The Journal" March 2008 edition. This letter shows our members that their youth leadership dollars are well spent.

Joel was one of the young people from the Mount Lilydale Mercy College who were co-sponsored by the association and the Rotary Club of Healesville. He and three other of our sponsored boys and girls spoke at our Rotary meeting on 28 February about their Lord/Lady Somers experience. It was well received and elicited a good question time so the Rotary Club will continue to support it as part of its youth development program. It's part of Rotary's 'New Generations' avenue of service. Any OTU members who are Rotarians should consider getting involved in a 50/50 sponsorship of Lord/Lady Somers participants with the association. 4/67 “CREAM OF THE CREAM” REUNION (Frank Miller 4/67) Following a most successful gathering at Maroochydore in Nov 06, the “cream of the cream” – the class of 4/67 - held another reunion, this time in Western Australia. Starting with a restaurant get together in Fremantle on Feb 16, and along with our doting ladies, we headed to the Abbey Beach Resort in Busselton. This modest(?) establishment was to be our base for the following week. To break our journey from Fremantle we called in at Mandurah for a canal cruise and lunch. Our cruise was particularly impressive with the launch being followed by dolphins at one stage. The canal development and the homes really spoke much of that state’s wealth. That night we all went to the renowned Leeuwin Estate open-air concert. Here we were entertained by Tenor David Hobson and Soprano Yvonne Kenny. Accompanied by the Western Australian symphony orchestra, they sang a range of Operatic and Popular pieces to an enthralled audience. Fortunately the weather was kind. The rest of the time was spent visiting many of the superb Margaret River wineries, playing golf, fishing, touring, eating and, of course, having the odd tasting of the many whites and reds. We also had a cruise out to sea on a yacht to observe the WA sunset and walked the 1.84 km of the Busselton pier to see its underwater observatory. For an “Easterner” it’s hard not to be impressed with all that’s going on in this booming state.

The social side was fantastic. To catch up with a group of people who shared the Scheyville experience all those years ago – it was some six weeks off forty years ago since we graduated – was one of life’s great experiences. It brought home, once more, just what our time at OTU meant to us. I’m sure too, that in our reminiscing, some of the challenges and hardships of life there may have been just a little exaggerated. At our age, however, we’re allowed to embellish things – and, besides,

a time at Scheyville would do the current generation of twenty year olds the world of good! (Our ladies also had a marvelous time.) Our thanks go to Colin and Anne Cooper for all their work in organizing such a memorable event. INTERSTATE NEWS WA (Television report) Like the late Wally Foreman, Howard Sattler is also a 3/68 Graduate from Scheyville. For many years Howard has been battling the high cost of fuel. He was interviewed on a news/current affairs program on 20 March and spoke of the ‘fuel watch system’ which has been operating for several years in WA. With fuel watch, all service stations are required to log on to the fuel watch website and advise of the fuel price for the following day. Howard said that a high number of ‘hits’ are being recorded on the website when consumers check the fuel price before purchasing and he believes that this system is working in keeping consumers fuel costs down. Requests have been made in other states to adopt this system. 2790283 Howard Neville Sattler was born in Cootamundra in NSW and was employed by John Fairfax and Sons as a journalist before commencing National Service. On graduation he was posted to the Directorate of Public Affairs at Army Headquarters in the Royal Australian Army Education Corps. He completed his time in charge of Army PR in Western Command. He was a journalist on the Sunday Independent newspaper and became its managing editor. He has also worked as a reporter, editor, producer and chief of staff for TVW channel seven's news and current affairs programs and has produced many special reports for TVW Seven's Today Tonight program.

5716043 Walter John Foreman was born in Kalgoorlie in WA and was employed in the Crown Law Department before commencing National Service. On graduation he was posted to 3 RAR where he served out his time. Wally went into journalism and joined the ABC in 1975 where he remained working in the sports journalism field. Wally was the Citizen of the Year (Sport) in WA in 2000 and was awarded an AO for his service to

sport in 2003. At 58 years of age, Wally had a heart attack while jogging on a treadmill in a gymnasium and died two days later on 2 November 2006. It was reported that 3,000 people attended his funeral in Perth. Queensland Monday, February 4, 2008 Queensland Times Wyman’s shuts up shop after 125 years (Bill Turner 2/68) There were tinges of sadness and also contentment as Wyman’s Fashion Store closed its doors on Saturday for the final time. More than 100 people came to the store on Laidley’s main street to say hello and goodbye on Saturday morning. Wyman’s Fashion Store opened in Laidley in 1883 and the Wyman family has owned and operated it since. A monument to a fondly remembered past, it carried men’s and ladies wear, materials, haberdashery, wool and craft, manchester and school wear. But current owner Ross Wyman (2/68) said he had no choice but to retire and there was simply no one to pass it on to.

FINAL FAREWELL: Wyman’s Fashion Store owner Ross Wyman closes the doors of his shop for the last time.

1734217 Ross Trevor Wyman was raised in Laidley, Queensland (west of Ipswich). On graduation he was posted to the RAASC Centre for Corps Training and then t 126 Supply Depot Platoon. Post National Service Ross transferred to the CMF in Northern Command and was promote Lieutenant. Ross returned to the family business post NS and has worked there since. 3793893 Bill Turner (2/68 RAAOC) and 4719895 Neil Curnow (2/68 RAASC) both attended Ross Wyman’s 60th birthday in late 2007. SA & China (Alistair Pope 4/66) Peter Magerl was in Class 4/66, but unfortunately did not graduate as a commissioned officer. However, post National Service he served for 37 years and rose to become 'Commander of Police" in South Australia. Since leaving the police force he has been dealing with some very unsavoury people - most of them ‘Oz’ politicians who give ‘Oz-Aid’ then sit on the board and collect directors fees.

Peter and two Australian women were working in Beijing and confronted their employer, Michael Guo, over irregularities in their visas and contracts. Guo flew into

a rage and smashed several cups and a teapot before threatening one of the women with the jagged teapot. Shaken, the three locked themselves in a nearby office until security staff and police arrived. The Australian embassy sent an interpreter. No assault charges were laid because under Chinese law victims have to be physically injured.

The confrontation ended a chaotic, exciting, but troubling five months for Magerl as a project officer in Beijing for the Australian International Trade Association (AITA), an organisation that promotes educational, trade and political exchanges between China and Australia. It was also the start of a frustrating 2½-year quest by Magerl to expose the seemingly formidable and politically connected association as a house of cards. Back in Australia, retired and with time on his hands, he started what he calls his "little personal project"— investigating AITA.

FROM NATIONAL (John Peters 2/68) Between now and the end of the year, the National Executive intends to produce three Scheyvillians. I ask that you seek contributions for our members. Without articles, there will be no Scheyvillian. The next Scheyvillian will be distributed to all members of the Association, financial or otherwise. At about the middle of March 2008, we will be seeking current mailing addresses for all members. I ask that local mailing lists be updated. I also ask that all members be encouraged to update personal details on our website. The website is located here: http://www.otu.asn.au/ THE GAP YEAR(S) or “We’ll Meet Again, Don’t Know Where …” (Alistair Pope 4/66)

As we all know, it is currently fashionable for adolescents to finish school, get some life experience then go on to university or further education. I guess, in a way, that was what we were doing with our National Service experience … Well, this tale is difficult to tell, because in this case the gap involved a long-held guilt and a failure on my part to do what was right when I should have. It may also tear some scars of two other Scheyvillians who have no recourse until after this story is published.

“July 1966, 6th Intake – Fall in”. We had just piled off the buses and were now being herded like sheep into our sections by the Blue Heeler Drillies. I was sent to 17 Section, B Company. My neighbouring junior cadets were Peter (“Pete”) Magerl and John Carney. Under the unrelenting pressure of being a junior at Scheyville we soon formed a close friendship (along with John McAusland and Craig Davies). Hours, days, months went by and the bonds strengthened. Weekend leave passes were spent in each other’s company (though I missed some due to extras and CB). One thing that OTU fostered in spades was the Australian sprit of mateship.

Junior Class passed and now it was our turn. We were the senior class, the ‘Princelings’ of the castle. Finally, in December all three of us were called to the Commandant’s office and individually given the news: we would not be graduating! The news was devastating, but a small light shone through the gloom; we could come

back after Xmas and repeat Senior Class. We each accepted. Pete and John returned to Adelaide and I went to Perth.

I did not feel refreshed on our return in January 1967, but almost morose at having to go through hell again. What made it easier were the familiar faces of my tried and trusted friends, Pete and John. If they could face it, so could I! January came and went, Nowra Field Exercises in February (what a dismal place!) tested us even more than on our previous visit as the seasons changed hourly! I still have the scar on my hand from a small scratch that turned septic and ulcerated. It was not reported as the focus was on succeeding in the field exercises and graduating. Reporting an ulcerated hand did not promote this objective so it was ignored as painfully irrelevant.

Towards the end of February an unexpected catastrophe occurred. At morning Parade the Drill Sergeant called out: “Officer Cadet xx, Officer Cadet yy and Officer Cadet Magerl, fall out and report to the Commandant’s Office.” We all knew what it meant, though I hoped I was wrong. Sure enough, when we returned to the lines there was an empty room. John and I felt a huge sense of loss. Pete was gone: KIA.

Two weeks later the unthinkable happened again: at morning Parade the Drill Sergeant called for “Officer Cadet xx, Officer Cadet yy and Officer Cadet Carney, fall out and report to the Commandant’s Office.” I was devastated. My closest friends, both KIA in two weeks.

Finally, in the last week of March, after the final exercise I too, was called to the Commandant’s office to be told: “Officer Cadet Pope, I think you will make a fine officer, …… but never a gentleman. RSM, march the cadet out.” I obeyed the shouted commands, but I never heard them! I hope I lived up to Commandant Ian Geddes assessment, well part of it anyway.

I graduated, but at the back of my mind was a sense of guilt as I thought my friends. I knew they were at least my equal and that it was unfair that I was now 2lt Pope, ‘an OTU Graduate’ and they were not. In fact, when the OTU Association was first formed in Victoria in 1985 I drafted the original ‘manifesto’ of what we were about. In this charter I included the words “The Association is open to all those who shared the experience”. Pete and John were still in my mind when those words were written 18 years after the events that had instigated them. Of course, the Association then produced an OTU Port in 1990 and on this label these very words appeared. The ghosts of Pete & John remained present, though I was probably the only one who knew the background to it. They tell me Love & Hate are the two greatest motivators, but ‘guilt’ lies behind as a close third. I knew I had nothing to be guilty about, but strangely the feeling still haunted me.

Many people who survive a crash while the person next to them is killed suffer from a guilt complex. “Why have I survived while they did not?” I know the feeling, though graduating from Scheyville was not a life & death event. Well, maybe not …

In 1967 2Lt Pope was posted to Brisbane. Through the grapevine and from snippets of gossip I heard where both John and Pete were posted. I thought of contacting them. It was not rank, ego (I made it, you didn’t) that prevented me from doing so. It was guilt that I had graduated when two close friends I felt should have did not. How would they take my rank knowing they were my equal? I solved the problem by just not making contact. Moral cowardice, and I admit, a failure of character on my part. If I contacted them then the decision to resume our friendship was theirs, but I pre-empted it and cut off my best friends.

Fast forward 33 years until New Years Eve 2000. As I sat in the business lounge at Tullamarine Airport reading a magazine in which a mildly famous nobody was lamenting that he had failed to contact the son he had deserted in 1967, and now his son was dead. So much was unsaid and so unnecessarily too.

Pete John wasn’t this the same case? So much unsaid.

Maybe it was the free wine in the Qantas Lounge, but I think not. It was time to deal with the niggling, irksome past. I called Directory Enquiries and asked “How many P. Magerl’s are there in Adelaide?” One. I called. When Pete answered the phone the years melted away and it was as if we were again in the lines at Scheyville and there had been no gap in our friendship. I had to go, but before I did we made a deal.

I was in the UK for 19 months before returning to Melbourne in 2002. Finally, in 2005, Pete came to Melbourne, ate the best meal that the Saigon Orchid Restaurant has to offer and departed for Adelaide with a bottle of David Atkinson’s OTU Port, only to be drunk with Carney & I present. In 2007 I had some business in Adelaide and the three amigos finally reunited and finished the bottle. I remember the night well, John would recall parts of it but Pete did not do well at all and is still being counseled in rehab …

I have met up with Pete several times since then and we are in regular email contact, though John has faded again.

So what comes from all of this? Scheyville changed all our lives and the friendships I made there did not fade with time or changed circumstances. To me, Scheyville set a benchmark that set me on a course in life that is unsurpassed by any other experience. It also revealed a deficiency in my character that took me 33 tears to face. But finally I did and the ghosts have been laid to rest. Since that night in 2000, I have lived by the criterion of “"Do the right thing because it is the right thing to do" and the rest has followed. To reach that Nirvana I have to thank OTU, Ian Geddes, Pete, John and my parents, who gave me the genes to know right and wrong – and the ability to differentiate between the two. Not everyone I have met was given these gifts, but OTU was a great place to bring out the best in all of us. In my case it just took longer than it should have

Left: This is the only photo that is usable from the 40 year reunion dinner. Our Waiter, "Manuel" (from Fawlty Towers) just couldn't get the hang of how to use a camera. From the left: Don Stewart (OTU Class 1/65), Alistair Pope, Peter Magerl, John Carney (all 4/66 & 1/67)

VALE GORDON BARWELL (3/69) From: Len Avery <lavery19@tpg.com.au> via John Peters (2/68) It is with deep regret that I advise that 3796875 Gordon Richard Barwell (3/69) passed away on Sunday 02 March 2008 after battling cancer for past 12 months.

Unfortunately, we were not aware of Gordon's on going battle with cancer nor of his passing until I received a phone call from John Marsden this afternoon. A funeral service was held for Gordon on Friday, 07 March, in the chapel of the Virginia Veteran's Cemetery at Amelia, Amelia Country, Virginia where Gordon had been living. He is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Felicia, and their two children, Gerard Barwell of Richmond, VA, and Airlie Barwell of Melbourne, Australia; and a sister, Elaine Thorp and husband Alan of Melton, Victoria. Condolence message may be sent to Gordon's family on: < http://obits.jtmorriss.com/archives/004501.html > IN RETROSPECT: ARMY NEWSPAPER 8 MAR 2003 30 years ago The Chief of the General Staff, Lt-Gen Mervyn Brogan, told guests at the final graduation parade of National Servicemen from the Officer Training Unit, Scheyville, that it was hard to convince people that the days of instant armies were gone. Speaking on the future of the Army, Lt-Gen Brogan said most people conceded that a standing Army was necessary. MARCH 2008 DINNER AND WINE TASTING

At the March dinner and wine tasting held at the Toorak Services Club, 29 people were in attendance. These included Bill Turner (2/68) and some of his family. He used the event to celebrate his 63rd birthday and he and all the Turners have asked to convey their deepest gratitude for the chapter's warmth and friendly hospitality. A great night! Bill was attending his first OTU Association activity and said it will not be the last.

Doug Mellor, a Nasho who served with the Dental Corps, from DWB Wine presented 16 wines during the wine tasting and also donated a magnum of Great Western Shiraz to the chapter. Robin Hunt (3/69) donated a magnum of 1971 Coonawarra Shiraz and a bottle of OTU Port was also donated. With the stack of boxes waiting for members at the April committee meeting, Doug’s wine must have well appreciated. The club provided a good meal and a small profit was made on the night for our sponsorship for Lord and Lady Somers camps. Along with Bill, Peter Hateley (2/71) brought some of his family to the night. It has been suggested that a wine tasting become an annual event and that family become a part of it. Bill has sent along a story about his new found love of fishing and how 3 year old grandson Jack caught his first fish. It’s a fishy story for the next issue due out in July.

OTU ASSOCIATION,

VICTORIAN CHAPTER

Members and Guests

are cordially invited to the

The Naval & Military Club

27 Little Collins Street Melbourne

on Friday 13th June 2008

at 1900 hours for 1930 hours

Dress: Halloween masks and witches hats will not be permitted, however miniature medals may be worn.

NOTES

Location: The Naval & Military Club is situated in Little Collins Street at the Parliament end of the city, behind the Windsor Hotel. Parking: Car parking is available opposite the club in two commercial carparks, Kings & City Centre. The night rate is about $9.00. Cost: $85 per head, bookings through Roger Nation on nation@ncable.net.au or 5241 3441