Farewell To Odd Bod Keith Gillespie

"Just to let you know that Keith Gillespie a member of the Odd Bods passed away peacefully on Saturday 19^th November 2016.

A thanks giving service will take place on Tuesday 29^th November

At Trinity Uniting Church, 15 Black Street, Brighton.

Many thanks

Kind Regards

Diana Gillespie"

Farewell To Odd Bod Ron Clarkson

"I wish to inform the Odd Bods Association Victoria of the passing of my father in law Ronald Victor Clarkson RAAF 417805. DFC.  who passed away on November 9, 2016 at Lutheran Aged Care, Albury 2640 He was aged 98 years and 6 months. 

Earlier this year Ron received the French Medal of Honour of which he was very proud.  He enjoyed hearing from the Odd bods via Newsletter, please cancel his subscription.  

Ron was born in Peterhead, South Australia and during WW11 was sent to England and was posted to Lissett Air force Base in Yorkshire and became a member of 158 Squadron, his plane being the famous “Friday the 13th” which was awarded the Victoria Cross and went on display in Oxford St, London after the war.  Ron did 40 sorties over enemy territory and was awarded the DFC for his courage. 

Ron’s beloved wife of 68 years passed away 5 years ago on November 15, 2011.  Ron was a beautiful humble man and we shall miss him so.  He has two sons, Terry and Leigh. I am married to Terry and Leigh’s wife is Marilyn.  

I wish also to thank the lovely lady who sent Christmas and birthday cards to Ron. Much appreciated.  

Thank you, Sue Clarkson. Albury. NSW"

Always A Rookie by Jack Elliott

Jack Elliott passed away on 7^th November 2016 and like many veterans had recorded some of his wartime experiences. His family have given us access to his memoirs and they contain many fascinating stories.

Those of you who knew Jack will understand that humour will be an inevitable part of his writing. 

Jack starts with the early process of selection as ACII’s into the Air Force, and then training in Tiger Moths at Benalla in Victoria. He talks about the never to be forgotten experience of flying solo after just 5 or 6 hours of tuition, and progresses through his trip to the UK via USA and further training in Tiger Moths at Fairoaks. He recalls the occasion when strong headwinds caused his Tiger Moth to fly backwards and the skills he had to learn to combat those types of experiences.

And Jack hasn’t left out personal stories like the time he was “conned” into meet his wife to be, Laurel, an event he never regretted. And did you know that Jack once appeared in a movie, “Caesar and Cleopatra”?

The full story makes good reading and can be found here – Always A Rookie.

Remembrance Day Service At Repat Hospital Heidelberg

Following are a number of photos from the Remembrance Day Service at the Repat Hospital Heidelberg in Melbourne 2016.

Friends of the Odd Bods Association Secretary, Peter Randell, laid a wreath on behalf of the association and in special memory of veterans George Smith who had a long association with the hospital and Jack Elliott who passed just a few days ago. The hospital’s veteran liaison officer, Robert Winther, mentioned both George and Jack during the service.

Peter is shown with Odd Bod Joe Shuttleworth in one of the photos.

Farewell Jack Elliott

Jack Elliott passed away peacefully on 7/11/2016 with family present after a brief illness.

J. W. Elliott 430131, PLT, 21OTU.