ANZAC Day 2026 - a beautiful day - the odd bods shine - where's our tree? - reunion vibe

 

A bright sunny (and warm) day in Melbourne allowed the Odd Bods to shine in the 2026 march to the Shrine.

We were well represented by members, ably assisted by our Wesley friends, and all in all, the day went very well. Our veterans looking down on us would have been very pleased.

Here are some photos of the March.

Not everything went smoothly, however. The Odd Bods tree was fenced off to house march organiser's facilities. Fortunately there was a gap in the fence, and nothing was going to keep us from our tree. As you will see below we managed to get some (cramped) shots in. A big thank you as usual to Jan Dimmick for providing our wreath. And a note to march organisers - "Please leave our tree free."

After the march we made our way to the Amora Riverside Hotel, and whilst our numbers couldn't compare to the good old days at say, the Melbourne Tennis Centre, our discussions were just as robust, heartfelt and informative. It brought back memories of the Odd Bods reunions (although we certainly consumed less beer).

We talked about war medals, the crowd, what brought us to ANZAC Day, and particularly the veterans we were related to. We discussed their reluctance to talk about the war, the trauma they must have experienced, and the importance of associations like ours as a way of healing.

A big thank you to all who attended - the committee members, the association members, family and friends, and the Wesley students.

More Photos:

ANZAC Day Communications 2026

ANZAC Day is understandably a busy time for the Odd Bods family as we remember service men and women from many theatres of war including WW2. Messages and memories flow freely and we thought it would be good idea to keep a log of communications over the next few days.

If you have written about a family member we are going to assume that you don't mind the text being revealed here, but if you would prefer it wasn't, please let us know.

Email to all members - 22/4/2026

Dear Friends,

ANZAC Day is upon us, and we will be marching behind our banner again next Saturday. Form up time is 10:00am in Flinders Street with an estimated step off time of 10:50. Full details are on the website.

We will gather at the Odd Bods tree adjacent to the shrine after the march, and for those interested, we will be gathering at the Amora Riverwalk Hotel in Richmond for an informal lunch and general discussion.

The ABC television coverage of the march commences at 9:00am, and we welcome any comments or photos from members, on what they have seen, or thought about on this special day. Simply reply to this email with your contribution.

Best regards - Peter

Peter Randell, President, Friends of the Odd Bods Association Inc.

June Smith Wed 22 Apr, 14:20 (2 days ago)

Best wishes to all Odd Bods .    I always feel proud of you.    June Smith 

Elizabeth Lusby Thu 23 Apr, 16:06 (1 day ago)

Hello Peter, 

I will be thinking of you all on Saturday. 

My father Pat Hogan always marched with the Odd Bods. He died in 1992. He was a Navigator with 466 & based in Driffield. His crew was shot down inn their Halifax on March 3/4 in 1945. He & 2 others baled out & survived. In 2018 I organised a memorial at an approximate location of the crash site, near Friday Thorpe, NW of Driffield. I will try to attach a photo. I'm in Wagga in NSW so won't be able to watch the Melbourne march. 

I hope you all have a good day.

Sincerely 

Liz Lusby(nee Hogan).

Monash Mayor Stuart James Friday 24th April.

Click here for Mayor Stuart James link to the Odd Bods - Facebook Link

Odd Bods Join the ANZAC Commemoration Service At Wesley College 2026

 

FOTOBAI Secretary Greg Smith, Vice-President Bruce Waxman, Student Willow Bednar, and FOTOBAI Treasurer, Gary Elliott at the service.

Friends of the Odd Bods and representatives of the family of our co-founder, George V. Smith, attended Wesley College's ANZAC Commemoration Service on Thursday 23rd April.

We were there to present the George V.Smith Award for the best student essay about The Spirit of ANZAC. The award includes a $500 book voucher the cost of which is shared by the Odd Bods and George V.Smith's family.

The 2026 winner was Wesley Year 10 student, Willow Bednar. Willow wrote a thought provoking essay about the existence of the Spirit of ANZAC, and whether it was displayed only by a few individual heroes, or was common in all services, or whether in fact, it was just a myth. Willow's contribution can be read in the article below.

The Wesley service involves the whole school community, and is a very moving occasion that has gained much praise from veteran groups over the years. We offer our congratulations to Willow, and our thanks to Wesley College for once again providing such a memorable service. 

   

Odd Bods join with Wesley School Captains and                            Head of Campus Sheriden Vella

 guest speaker Dr. Ross Bastiaan.                                                with Odd Bods Secretary, Greg Smith

The Spirit of ANZAC George v. Smith Award 2026 Winning Essay

 

Odd Bods co-founder and long term secretary, George Smith, was a regular attendee at Wesley College Anzac Services and was keen to foster student understanding of Australians in war.

When George passed in 2015, Wesley College and Friends of the Odd Bods joined in creating the George V. Smith Award for the best student essay about the Anzac Spirit. 

The essays from year 10 students were to be judged by college staff and the winner announced at the annual Anzac service at Wesley's Glen Waverley campus attended by all students. Friends of the Odd Bods and the Smith family contribute to a student prize of a $500 book voucher each year.

The 2026 winner was Willow Bednar who wrote the particularly thought provoking essay found below. Our photo shows Odd Bods Secretary Greg Smith presenting the award to Willow.

Mateship: Survival Mechanism or National Myth? 

The ANZAC spirit is often described as a cultural ethos shared by Australians and New Zealanders, rooted in the extreme conditions experienced at Gallipoli in 1915. During this time, mateship became integral to every ANZAC soldier’s life, as they drew on courage, bravery, and companionship to protect and support their fellow soldiers. Mateship is often celebrated as a defining aspect of the ANZAC spirit, when in reality, it was a survival mechanism fostered under the oppressive environment of war, helping not only to sustain morale on the battlefield but also to shape Australian identity, and national memory.

Mateship has been widely memorialised as a defining aspect of the ANZAC spirit, representing selflessness and sacrifice. This was demonstrated by the ANZAC soldiers who dedicated their lives to fighting Australia’s battles and protect their fellow comrades in World War I. As Sergeant Simon Fraser is captured carrying a wounded companion over the span of three days through ‘No Mans Land’, he reinforces how mateship depicts the humanity of soldiers. This is strongly reflected in the ‘Cobbers’ Statue in the Australian Memorial Park in France. This depicts Sergeant Simon Fraser lifting his fellow, wounded comrade from the battlefield and selflessly carrying him to safety (Corlett, 1998). This reveals that survival depended on mutual reliance among comrades rather than individual heroism. The statue further indicates that mateship, whilst a form of emotional unity, under the harsh conditions of the Battle of Fromelles, became a duty and necessity due to the extreme physical rigour of the front lines. This reinforces the idea that mateship was less of a moral choice but more of a necessity on the battlefield. In which men risked their lives for one another, emphasising loyalty and support which extended beyond friendship to neighbours and strangers. Whilst demonstrating the lengths which soldiers were willing to go to for one another, the ‘Cobbers’ statue also reflects how the myth of mateship on the battlefield has been memorialised. This suggests that mateship was not only an act of heroism, but of humanity, loyalty, and willingness to sacrifice life for another comrade.

In contrast to later representations, firsthand accounts reveal that mateship was something formed between comrades in the face of unknown danger. This is illustrated by a diary entry written during the first landing at Gallipoli on the 25th of April 1915. The entry details how “many […] stood shoulder to shoulder” the soldier described “look[ing] down the ranks of [his] comrades [and wondering] which of [them] were marked for the Land Beyond.” (Department of Veterans' Affairs, 2020). The phrase “shoulder to shoulder” reflects feelings of shared emotional dependence among soldiers and implies how mateship was prominent on the dawn of the Gallipoli Campaign. It illustrates both the emotional and physical unity accompanying proximity, reinforcing that mateship functioned as a psychological coping mechanism (Australian War Memorial, 2023). Moreover, the use of “comrades” indicates a shared sense of identity across men, highlighting that mateship was a form of emotional resilience, which empowered soldiers and encouraged support (Australian War Memorial, 2023). This is supported by references to the “Land beyond”, where the soldier exemplifies the shared awareness of death among the platoon, emphasising how soldiers were able to confront fear as one, openly, through support rather than alone. This supports the idea that mateship emerged from necessity in harsh conditions and served to embody the value of unreserved support (Australian War Memorial, 2023). Whilst this firsthand account does not describe physical rescue upon the battlefield, it reveals the emotional dependence established between men. The entry serves to further emphasises how mateship is not strictly established through physical acts of heroism, but the psychological resilience it enforced within Australian soldiers through courage. Therefore, mateship was not just an idealised value, but also a vital aspect to mental survival and the building of the Australian identity in World War I, reflecting how it was a necessary response to the reality of war.

At Gallipoli John Simpson Kirkpatrick embodied the values of mateship through his dedication, while his story was simultaneously romanticised in memory. During the Gallipoli campaign, Simpson Kirkpatrick repeatedly risked his life, using a donkey to rescue wounded soldiers and return them to safety between April 15, 1915, and his death on the 9th of May 1915 (Australian War Memorial, 2016). Kirkpatrick’s demonstration of devotion to his fellow men illustrates the extreme levels of sacrifice involved with mateship as he risked his life “[carrying] no arms” when saving his comrades (Australian War Memorial, 2019). Such actions highlight how mateship meant providing unreserved support in times of need, which is reinforced by Kirkpatrick who was described to have “often [exposed] himself to fire” whilst rescuing the wounded (Australian War Memorial, 2019). This underscores that mateship was more than emotional support, as it required individuals to prioritise their comrades' survival even at great personal risk (Australian War Memorial, 2023). However, it has become clear that Kirkpatrick’s story has been largely romanticised and retold across Australia. As it was described to have been “a vital contribution to the story of ANZAC” by the Australian War Memorial, the broader romanticisation could have affected its reliability in reflecting the broader soldier experience (Australian War Memorial, 2019). Whilst Kirkpatrick’s actions are undeniably heroic, commendable and an accurate illustration of the ANZAC spirit in action, the large focus on the individual heroism obscures the harsh realities of warfare. It further showcases how the courageous acts of people during the First World War have been memorialised and have fostered defining Australian values, including camaraderie, fairness, and unwavering support. Ultimately, John Simpson Kirkpatrick demonstrates how mateship was not only an aspect of wartime survival but assisted in building national identity and was a powerful element of Australia’s collective memory of the First World War.

Thus, the experiences recorded and remembered by the soldiers who fought for Australia in World War I reveal that mateship was not only remembered but was fostered as a necessity to survive on the battlefield. This has been seen through first-hand accounts, which reinforce the psychological bond that was a crucial source of strength to be drawn on under the harsh conditions of the First World War. Similarly, figures such as Simpson Kirkpatrick and Sergeant Simon Fraser depicted in the ‘Cobbers’ Statue in France further reinforce the memorable aspects of the ANZAC spirit. They reinforce the Australian national identity and stand as symbols of heroism on the battlefield, demonstrating how the moral of mateship has echoed through the decades. Ultimately, showcasing how mateship was not simply a lived experience upon the front lines, but a constructed mindset which sustained fighting soldiers and continues to shape the everlasting Australian identity.

Willow Bednar

Bibliography 

Australian War Memorial (2019). Forging The Nation - Simpson and his donkey | The Australian War Memorial. [online] www.awm.gov.au. Available at: https://www.awm.gov.au/visit/exhibitions/forging/australians/simpson.

Australian War Memorial (2022). Battle of Fromelles | The Australian War Memorial. [online] Awm.gov.au. Available at: https://www.awm.gov.au/articles/encyclopedia/fromelles.

Australian War Memorial (2023). Anzac Spirit | The Australian War Memorial. [online] Australian War Memorial. Available at: https://www.awm.gov.au/articles/encyclopedia/anzac/spirit.

Australian War Memorial (2016). Private John Simpson Kirkpatrick. [online] Awm.gov.au. Available at: https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/P11013269.

Corlett, P. (1998). Cobbers. [Bronze].

Curtis, M. (2023). Mateship in Australia. [online] Glasshouse Christian College. Available at: https://glasshouse.qld.edu.au/mateship-in-australia/.

Department of Veterans' Affairs (2020). Gallipoli diary and sketches by Signaller Ellis Silas | Anzac Portal. [online] anzacportal.dva.gov.au. Available at: https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/wars-and-missions/ww1/where-australians-served/gallipoli/landing-anzac-cove/ellis-silas-diary-extracts.

Department of Veterans’ Affairs. (2025). Australian Memorial Park, Fromelles | Department of Veterans’ Affairs. [online] Available at: https://www.dva.gov.au/recognition-and-commemoration/memorials/memorials-europe/france/australian-memorial-park-fromelles.

FBP International. (2025). The True Meaning of ‘Mateship’ and Why It Defines Australian Culture. [online] Available at: https://fbpintl.com/the-true-meaning-of-mateship-and-why-it-defines-australian-culture/.

IBA Marketing (2025). The True Meaning of ‘Mateship’ and Why It Defines Australian Culture - IBAPartner. [online] IBAPartner. Available at: https://ibapartner.com/the-true-meaning-of-mateship-and-why-it-defines-australian-culture/.

www.shrine.org.au. (n.d.). Cobbers |. [online] Available at: https://www.shrine.org.au/cobbers.

The Last Odd Bod – Maurie Smith

 

We regret to advise that Maurie Smith passed away on Monday 2^nd March 2026 at the age of 102. Maurie was the last active Odd Bod in our association, and highly respected not only for his contribution to the war effort, and his support of the Odd Bods, but the friendly, engaging nature he exhibited throughout life – a true gentleman.

 Maurice Smith 430064 WAG (Wireless Air Gunner) 1654 HCU

If you would like to write something about Maurie, a comment, anecdote, or simply expressing your thoughts, please click on the comment link at the bottom of this page or send an email to friendsofoddbods@gmail.com

Maurie has featured in many aspects of our association. His story “Homeward Bound” is our second most read article, and his regular attendance at functions and events meant we have seen his smiling face in many published photographs.

Maurie and Frank Sims ANZAC Reunion 2021

Maurie 2nd from right VE Day 2017

Maurie, on the right, Wesley College Service

Maurie at his 100th birthday celebration.

                                                 

A special article was written to celebrate Maurie’s 100^th birthday in 2023, and he featured in an article about the Odd Bods football team at the Calgary WirelessSchool in 1943.

He attended the Commemorative Plaque Dedication Ceremony for the Odd Bods at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra in 2020, and regularly attended ANZAC Day, VE Day, and Wesley College ceremonies. Maurie was a great contributor to the Odd Bods.

Maurie was also a long term member of the Melbourne Cricket Club, and often joked that he did not intend to leave this earth until he became the number one ticket holder.He did achieve number one, and in fact during the live telecast of the Collingwood/St.Kilda football match at the MCG on Sunday 8^th March 2026 commentator Brian Taylor mentioned that the MCC’s longest serving member had recently passed away at the age of 102. Yes, that was Maurie.

Not only did he become the number one member, but he was the longest serving MCC member ever, and he was mentioned on prime time TV during an AFL match. We think that Maurie has surpassed his expectations for MCC fame.

Maurie and Odd Bod, Weston Bate, had an interesting association, here recalled by our President, Peter Randell –

“So, from my understanding, Maurie and Weston grew up in the same town/suburb- not sure where unfortunately and went to primary and secondary school together

They lost track of each other after school until meeting in a hangar in the UK as part of Bomber Commands “find your own crew” system

Weston as a pilot needed a Wireless/air gunner and Maurie needed a pilot

Perfect match!

Neither knew the other had joined up to the RAAF but they were so happy to reconnect

They underwent their basic flying together, moving onto a heavy conversion unit flying the mighty Lancaster

I’m not sure whether they were still in an operational training unit or a formal squadron when the war ended but they hadn’t been on an op as such

Weston recalled how grateful they were for VE Day- “it meant we’d survived and were safe” he told me

They came back to Australia and kept in touch, being keen golfers and both joined the Odd Bods when it came into being, remaining members until the wind up

It was at one of the Leonda “ladies lunches” that Maurie celebrated his 90th birthday with Weston at his table, having also turned 90 earlier that year

After Weston’s death Maurie kept in close contact with Janice Bate, providing an ongoing link to Weston for them both

It was an amazing journey for both Maurie and Weston through all those years.”

 

As noted above, Maurie was a regular attendee at Wesley College ANZAC Commemorations, and at this year’s presentation of the George V. Smith Award at the Wesley assembly on 23^rd April 2026, he will receive a special mention.

Vale Maurice Smith, an aviation veteran, a significant contributor to the Odd Bods, and a true gentleman.

ANZAC Day 2026 March to the Melbourne Shrine

Details of the march to the Shrine on Saturday 25th April 2026 have been released. 

The Odd Bods will be proudly marching again this year, and as usual, gathering at the Odd Bods tree adjacent to the Shrine immediately following the march for a moment of reflection and general discussion. We will then gather informally in the lounge of the Amora Riverwalk Hotel, 649 Bridge Rd. Richmond. 

We have been asked to form up at 10:00am in Flinders St. with a march off scheduled for 10:50 am. The graphic below shows the assembly plan. We expect to arrive at the Amora Riverwalk Hotel around 12:15 – 12:30pm.

And if you are a veteran or know a veteran, you may wish to take advantage of the RACV home pick up service that operates on the day. Just call the RACV on 13 72 28 or go online by clicking here.

If you would like to march on ANZAC Day, or have any queries about the day, please contact Secretary Greg Smith on 0406222020

The Odd Bods will be forming up at Flinders St. East - look for no.20 in the image above and click here if you need a clearer image.

Strong Debate Over Government Sell-off of Defense History

 

The Australian Government has released plans to sell-off under-utilised defense properties including RAAF Point Cook. The idea is to release funds for important defense modernisation and expansion particularly in Northern Australia.

Many Odd Bods commenced their wartime service at Point Cook, and that site now houses an important RAAF Museum. The Government says any land sale will be conditional upon retaining important heritage aspects, but without a clear and robust protection plan, there is great concern about what might be lost.

RAAF Point Cook is just one of 67-68 defense sites expected to raise nearly $3 billion when sold. Concerns have been raised about the loss of historically significant sites, the displacement of defense reserve and school cadets who meet and train at those sites, and the possible lost opportunity for boosting affordable housing if private developers are given few limitations on what they can do with the land.

The RSL raised a petition calling for a thorough examination of the proposal to ensure it delivers long-term benefit for veterans, Defence personnel and the broader community. In response, the Government has now announced a Senate Inquiry.

Vice President of the Friends of the Odd Bods Association Inc., Sqn Ldr Bruce Philip Waxman OAM RAAF (rtd), is also President, of the Friends of the RAAF Museum Inc. at Point Cook. We will all be taking an interest in how this develops.

Odd Bods Link With Ex-Prisoners of War

 

Linking with other organisations has long been at the forefront of our association’s yearly activities. Like minded organisations get-together for instance when planning ANZAC Day or VE Day, and there are a number of organisations that we share committee members with. 

Susanne Bennett is an Odd Bods committee member and also on the committee of the Ex-Prisoners of War and Relatives Association (Victoria). Susanne recently attended the annual service at the Ex Prisoners of War Memorial in Ballarat, and laid a wreath on behalf of the Odd Bods. 

Former Governor- General of Australia, General (Retired) The Honourable David  Hurley, presented a speech that included some harrowing detail of POW experiences (see transcript below).

A good crowd attended this years event and here are some more photos from the day - 1.General (Retired) The Honourable David  Hurley chats with an attendee. 2. Susanne Bennett points out her Father's entry on the list of POWs. 3. Sue prepares to lay the Odd Bods wreath.

Thank you to Jan Dimmick for the Odd Bods wreath (blue flowers in the centre of the photo).

General (Retd) the Honourable David Hurley AC CVO DSC

Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial

8 February 2026

I would like to begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we meet, the Wadawurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung People, and pay my respects to their Elders, past and present, and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders gathered here today.

Acknowledgements

Hon Catherine King MP, Federal Member for Ballarat and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development & Local Government representing the Hon Anthony Albanese MP Prime Minister

Julianna Addison MP Member for Wendouree representing the Premier Hon. Jacinta Allan MP and Hon Natelie Suleyman

Councillor Tracey Hargreaves Mayor of the City of Ballarat

Captain Ben Esler RAN Senior Naval Officer Victoria representing Chief of the Defence Force Admiral David Johnston AC RAN

Ms Michaela Settle MP Member for Eureka and Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Victoria and Parliamentary Secretary for Community Sport 

Mr Tokuro Furuya - Consul-General of Japan

Commander Dean Uren RAN – HMAS Ballarat Commanding Officer

Mr Michael Harper -Deputy Commissioner Victoria-Department of Veterans’ Affairs

Delighted to be invited to become Patron of the Memorial and for Linda and I to return for today’s service.

Today we are honouring a very special group of Australians – those who sacrificed their lives, their liberty and their health in service of their country and fellow Australians. And equally as importantly we give our sincere thanks to the families who endured years of uncertainty when little or no news about loved ones was available and those families who lived with the consequences of captivity on their loved ones.

The experience of our EX POWs is a story that continues to reveal itself.  I recall during my last speech that I mentioned that in my family, my uncle on my father’s side had been a POW in Changi. I had memories of him as a child when we visited his home and, as children do, noticed something different in him, but could not understand what that might be and what had caused it.

I have since learned, in further conversation with my cousin, that Uncle Tup, as we called him, had not only been a POW in Changi but had slaved on the Burma railroad and that his captivity ended in Japan at the end of the war. He had also survived the submarine attacks on Japanese convoys sailing between Indochina and Japan– the convoys before and after his convoy were both successfully attacked – and he was sent into Nagasaki three days after the atomic bomb was dropped to participate in the clean-up. And I know that he would not be the only POW with this terrible set of experiences.

It is remarkable how widely the POW story extends in our society. I was mentioning to my nieces husband this week that I was coming to this service. His immediate response was that his grandfather, Phil Wynne, had been in Changi – his name is on this memorial. Similarly our driver, Tony Jones, was keen to tell his families POW story on our drive from Melbourne.

My thoughts on Uncle Tup led me to consider the experiences of two other Ex POWs that Linda and I have been fortunate to either meet or spend time with –Jock Cassells and Billy Young.

I met Jock at the presentation parade for the President of South Vietnam’s Presidential Unit Citation to 35 Sqn RAAF while I was the Governor of NSW. Some might say that the presentation was a bit late but apparently these things take time. I noticed Jock because of his medals. He wore a combination of World War 2 and Vietnam awards. Somewhat unusual. In discussion with him, Jock explained. As a young man he had been a Spitfire pilot in the RAF. He was shot down over Anzio, captured and sent to Stalag Luft, the main German camp for sir force POWs. Towards the end of the war, as the Russians advanced into Germany, he was forced marched to Berlin where at war’s end he was released. He returned to the UK and in time elected to continue his service with the RAF. In 1966 he saw a ‘wanted ad’ for pilots in the RAAF. A year or so later he found himself commanding the RAAF Caribou detachment in South Vietnam. Jock’s experience was different to his Australian brothers in Asia yet one that shared deprivation and the constant threat of death.

My memories of Billy Young will remain with me for life. I met Billy when I was asked to launch a book of his recollections of his time as a POW in Sandakan and as a prisoner in Outram Road Prison in Singapore. Billy’s book – ‘I was Teenage Prisoner of War’ – is a must read.

In the language of the day, Billy was a larrikin. Billy was orphaned at a young age and as a child and a teenager he lived by his wits and streetwise ways. In 1940, aged 14, he and a mate travelled to Melbourne by various means and stole some bicycles on which they intended to cycle around Australia. Their adventure ended on the Great Ocean Road when they were arrested. The following year Billy decided that the best way to avoid the consequences of his lifestyle, was to enlist in the Army. So at the age of 15 he joined up and was assigned to the 8th Division. After a short period of initial training, he found himself in Singapore three weeks before its fall. He was captured and shipped via Changi to Sandakan. Billy’s continuous mischief in that camp, driven I believe by a strong survival instinct, for example he would sneak out at night to steal food for his mates, lead him to repeated brutal beatings and finally to being declared by the Japanese to be a criminal thereby losing his status as a POW. At 16 years of age, he was shipped to Singapore and imprisoned in Outram Road Prison. 

Billy’s experiences in Outram Road have to be read to be believed. Such were the conditions he endured that he described his occasional visits for medical treatment to the Changi hospital as ‘going to a holiday camp’. That he survived I can only attribute to the tough character he developed in the streets of South Sydney.

Billy was the final speaker at the book launch. He walked slowly with his walking stick to the lectern, propped himself up, and spoke quietly without notes. He recounted many of his experiences and concluded with this story: We had had a good day at the airfield (the prisoners at Sandakan were building an airfield for the Japanese). In the evening everyone was resting on their hut verandas before our evening meal. A group of five of us stood out in front of the huts and practised the song that we intended to sing at the Christmas concert.

In a soft whisper Billy began singing the song, first in Bahasa Malay then English and again in Malay. With tears rolling down his face he said: and now I am the only one left. Being a thief had meant that Billy was spared the Sandakan Death March. At that time of his book launch, he was the only one left.

It’s difficult to describe silence . At that moment there was no sound but there was an almost physical sense of emotion. In time soft crying could be heard. We had been privileged to be present as another story had revealed itself. And not from a book but in flesh and blood before us. Another reminder of why this memorial and this annual service are so important to our understanding of ourselves as a country.

Your work to support this memorial and your attendance here today will allow these stories to continue to reveal themselves. This annual gathering continues the work of correcting past behaviours towards our ex-POWs and to reinforcing a pride in service that they all must be allowed to share. 

Our remaining ex POWs are very few in number. We, you, me, all carry the responsibility of revealing their stories to our fellow countrymen and women.

Lest we forget.

Progress Reports On Our Students At Raphael Centre India

 We have the latest reports on the students we sponsor at the Ryder-Cheshire Raphael School in Northern India. Ansh, Sarthack, Ishan and Vaishnavi are apparently performing well at school and learning the life skills necessary for their future.

A big thank you to Ryder-Cheshire for keeping us informed, and hearty congratulations to each student for their progress.

Vaishnavi
To our friends at the Odd Bods,

Warm greetings from all of us at Raphael!

We are pleased to share an update on Vaishnavi Gupta

Vaishnavi Gupta, who is 12 years old and is in Secondary 02 class. She expresses her needs and wants. She can make choices, answer social questions, and label verbs in pictures. Additionally, she can label objects by their function. She sits properly and maintains discipline in the classroom. She can state the names of the days in the correct sequence she identifies body parts. she can walk in a straight and a zigzag line, and she can throw and catch a basketball. She can also perform ball dribbling 5-6 times. In terms of fine motor skills, she can stack blocks, thread a needle (both small and large), and colour within a picture. When instructed, she puts her belongings in their proper place.

She attended the Janmashtami play, Independence Day, and Dusshera programme and also a fete at Raphael organised on the occasion of International Disability Day, which she enjoyed. She also participated race in sports day.

Vaishnavi’s progress and happiness are made possible because of your generous support.

Thank you for being an important part of her journey.

With gratitude,

The Raphael Family

Sarthak
 We’re delighted to share a brief update on Sarthak Belwal 22-year-old Sarthak continues in a prevocational class. He continued doing his daily tasks, such as washing his hands with soap. At lunch time, he takes his plate from the rack, places it on the table, and eats independently. In the class, he sits calmly and does colouring that he likes the most. He attended the fete that was organised by Raphael on the occasion of International Disability Day, which he enjoyed.

As Sarthak has multiple disabilities and limited understanding, his rehabilitation plan focuses on developing his independence in daily living skills and improving his communication skills.

Sarthak’s progress and happiness are made possible because of your generous support.

Thank you for being an important part of his journey.

With gratitude,

The Raphael Family

Ishan
We are pleased to share an update on Ishan Rawat

Ishan, a 14-year-old, continues with his training programme. He indicates “yes” or “no” by nodding his head when asked about using the toilet. He can apply soap to both hands and understands simple instructions. When asked, Ishan does dusting using a cleaner (e.g., Colin) and shows interest in sweeping. He listens attentively to poems and stories and can recognise common means of transport such as trains, cars, and motorcycles.

He attended the Janmashtami play, Independence Day, and Dussehra programmes, and also enjoyed the fete organised at Raphael on the occasion of International Day of Persons with Disabilities. He also participated in Sports Day events at Raphael. Ishan’s progress and happiness are made possible because of your generous support. Thank you for being an important part of his journey.

With gratitude,

The Raphael Family

Ansh
13-year-old Ansh Negi follows simple instructions and can put on his sandals when asked. He recognises vegetables by name, such as potatoes, onions, tomatoes, peas, and okra. He can fold a small towel four times. Ansh enjoys looking at large pictures on the computer and shows interest in listening to stories. After completing a task, he appropriately asks the teacher for a snack.

He attended the Janmashtami play, Independence Day, and Dussehra programmes, and also enjoyed the fete organised at Raphael on the occasion of International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Ansh’s progress and happiness are made possible because of your generous support. Thank you for being an important part of his journey.

With gratitude,

The Raphael Family

New Movie Featuring WW2 Aviation

 

A Memory Owed is a new movie about aviators in WW2, and it weaves some amazing action scenes into an emotional storyline. 

This short movie is being released on Youtube in a few days, and has already been nominated for awards. Below is a link to the trailer which can be found on Facebook.

A big thank you to Sally Dimmick for the heads up. 

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17S8PLwPRB/

Remembrance Day Report 2025

 Remembrance Day (11th. November) commemorates the end of WW1. In the UK it is conducted as Remembrance Sunday on the Sunday nearest 11th November. Australia adopted that practice up until the 1970's but now we conduct services on the actual date of the signing of the Armistice  - 11/11. Services are held in a variety of locations.

Repatriation Hospital Heidelberg.

On Tuesday 11/11/2025 representatives of the Odd Bods laid a wreath in the Remembrance Garden of  the Repatriation Hospital in Heidelberg, Melbourne. The Odd Bods have a long association with the Repatriation Hospital. One of the original Odd Bods banners was made by a seamstress in the hospital laundry. That banner served many good years at Odd Bods events including the Anzac Day March and is now on display in the hospital chapel. We also have a prominent brass plaque dedicated to Odd Bods in their Remembrance Garden. Nearby is a plaque dedicated to Odd Bod Joe Shuttleworth who was a Director of Administrative Services at the Hospital.

FOTOBAI President Peter Randell, Treasurer Gary Elliott, and Committee Member Robyn Bell attended this years service as shown in our lead photograph.

COMMENT: "I believe that was the original and only banner until our new one which we currently carry. The manager of the repat laundry at the time was an Odd Bod and he worked with some of the seamstresses to make it at the repat laundry." - Peter Randell

Poppies In Korumburra:

Amanda Riley is Daughter of FOTOBAI Secretary Greg Smith and Grandaughter of Odd Bods co-founder George Smith. She is also an ex Treasurer of the Medium Bombers Association in the UK. 

Amanda and husband Guy have a property at Korumburra in S.E.Gippsland, and their vegetable garden displays the Remembrance Day icon (RedPoppies) at this time of year. 

11th November is special to Amanda & Guy for a number of reason including the fact that their daughter was born on this day, and fittingly, her name is Poppy. Some lovely family connections.

Our photo was taken after the red poppies had been picked but the significance of these blooms has not been lost.