ANZAC Commemorations In Isolation

The coronavirus pandemic has certainly changed aspects of our lives but the challenges of isolation have been successfully addressed by many when it comes to commemorating ANZAC Day.

A social media campaign encouraged participants to stand at the end of their driveways, in their front yards, or on their balconies at dawn on 25th April 2020.

Our lead photo shows FOTOBAI President Bruce Waxman and family standing at the end of their driveway in Merricks North Vic this morning as part of the #StandTo initiative set up by the RSL. It certainly helps to have a trumpeter in the family.

Australian War Memorial Canberra

Traditional centres of ANZAC Day gatherings like the Shrine of Rememberance and Australian War Memorial were eerily devoid of crowds this morning but there is a sense that individual commemorations like the one shown above have maintained the very strong association that Australians (and New Zealanders) hold with the ANZAC story. 

We are already receiving messages from members of the Odd Bod family in Australia and across the globe about their participation on this special day. Feel free to send us your experiences.

And just a note that the photo of the eternal flame at the Australian War Memorial was posted by the ABC this morning from the same courtyard that houses our Odd Bods bronze plaque.

Frank Sims With His Family In The Driveway Of Their Home On ANZAC Day 2020

Frank Sims has once again featured in the media with an interview from his driveway at dawn this morning. Frank talked about the way he normally celebrates ANZAC Day and although it is not the same this year he believes this is a very good way of commemorating the event.
You can see the full interview by going to this link - https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-25/melbourne-anzac-day-wwii-vet-frank-sims-celebrates-in-driveway/12184530

POSTSCRIPT:
25/4/2020 A message from Bryan Wilcockson in UK this morning: "My thoughts are with you all on this ‘virtual’ ANZAC day. Maybe the first time in history that social distancing means there cannot be a parade, hopefully the last, but that does not mean that we cannot remember.
I’ll be wearing my ANZAC badges (tomorrow for me, today for you) around forgotten airfields. Maybe nobody will see them, but heroes don’t have to be seen to be remembered.
Enjoy the day! - Wombat"

Posted By Carol McCabe on Facebook - "Fantastic ODDBODS. Well done. I was outside my house high up in Toowoomba with views to the east. My dad was a longterm ODDBODS member in Victoria and made the banner which is at Heidelberg Repat. Dad and mum came up to Toowoomba to be with me in the 90s and dad passed away peacefully at the local RSL nursing home some years later."

Last Post ANZAC Initiative - Even More Posts From Members

 ANZAC Day 2020 is taking place without the usual social get together, and we are inviting readers to post their stories as a way of celebrating this very special day in a slightly different way. 
The response has been wonderful and this is now the third article to include posts from members.
Details of how to become involved can be found here - ANZAC Day Initiative - The Last Post Award - Inviting Your Contributions  The deadline is this Friday.

From Fay & Gerald McPherson - 

This is a photo of the three McPherson Brothers, who all served in the RAAF in World War 2.  They all became Commissioned Officers, so this photo is very precious to Gerald, now the last surviving brother.

From left to right  -   Cyril McPherson, Vultee Vengeance pilot, based at Batchelor NT and also the islands north of Australia.  Harry McPherson, Halifax rear gunner and Gerald McPherson, Lancaster rear gunner, both in Bomber Command. 

Some Photos from David Davine - 

Anzac Day 2005

ANZAC Day 2008

ANZAC Day 2008

ANZAC Day 2014

Friends of the Odd Bods President Bruce Waxman tells us he will be joining his Daughter, Amelia Bicknell, paramedic with AV and trumpeter with the Stonnington Brass Band, both in uniform, as she plays the Last Post and he salutes, candle in hand, for #Standto at the front gate of his property at Merricks North on ANZAC Day 25 April 2020 at 0600 hrs.

ANZAC Day 2015

In a previous article we posted a photo from John Eacott of Odd Bods lining up in Flinders St. one fine ANZAC morning and we weren't too sure whether it was 2014 or 2015. Well, Gary Elliot has confirmed that photo was 2014 because this one was 2015 and the weather was quite different.







Georgina Akers sent us these photos of her Father, Colin (Bill) Akers DFC, and included a story published in a Wonthaggi newspaper on his return to Australia in April 1945. You will find a link to that story in the "Stories of Odd Bods" column on the left of this page.

Is This The Best Aircraft Sound Ever - (Turn up the volume)

Last Post ANZAC Initiative - More Contributions from Members

ANZAC Day 2020 is taking place without the usual social get together, and we are inviting readers to post their stories as a way of celebrating this very special day in a slightly different way. 
Details can be found here - ANZAC Day Initiative - The Last Post Award - Inviting Your Contributions

Here are some more posts - 

From FOTOBAI Member and regular contributor to these pages, Bryan Wilcockson, direct from UK - 

"Before COVID-19, ANZAC day meant the Bluebells were out, the Daffodils were on the wane and it was time for some fatigue duties for LAC ‘Wombat’ Wilcockson (gardener second class, acting, unpaid) on a certain Rowan Tree that acts as a Gate Guardian at the former RAF Elvington, dedicated to a certain ‘Odd Bod’ who cannot be there.

Social exclusion measures currently mean a walk along the deserted runways of the former RAF Burn and RAF Riccall, scanning east into the rising sun on the look-out for the spectres of Handley Page  Halifax Bombers limping back to their ghostly dispersal points.

For those Odd Bods that didn’t know they had Wombats in Yorkshire, they do. Specially bred for being a Waste Of Money Brains And Time.

 I hope that raises a laugh in these troubled times.

 Stay Safe - Wombat"

Editors note: For an explanation of the Rowan Tree and the Odd Bod dedication please read this article - https://friendsofoddbods.blogspot.com/2017/02/a-tree-two-brass-plaques-and-two.html

From Karin Watts, Daughter of Odd Bod Mervyn Kurts (25/12/1924 to 5/8/2017) a photo and a poem written by Mervyn - 

        ANZAC MORNING

On Anzac morn we gather round,    

To greet the dawn of day,

To pay respect to all our mates,

Old friends that passed away.

The bugler calls for those on hand,

Old soldiers of the nation,

To stand united as a band,

In solemn dedication.

A muffled cough, a heartfelt sigh,

A hankies sudden motion,

To dry a tear from lowered eye’s,

All hide a deep emotion.

They glory not in deeds of war,

And all its implications,

But can recall the part they played,

In service of our nation.

Their lives they offered cross the sea

In jungles dank and putrid,

On desert sands and oceans deep,

And in the skies of Europe.

They sacrificed that we might live,

In liberty and freedom,

Giving all they had to give,

Not asking rhyme nor reason.

But freedom comes at dreadful cost,

So many men and women,

The flower of our nation’s youth

Were taken from our bosoms.

So let’s ensure their suffering

Was not endured in vain,

Let’s fight to keep our liberties

With all our might and main.

And when we gather round,

Next April twenty five,

Let’s all express our gratitude;

That we are still alive.

From FOTOBAI Member Malcolm Gibson - 
ANZAC DAY 2020 - REFLECTIONS OF TWO GENERATIONS AT WAR                                     

Private William B. COCHRAN 

Private William Bennie COCHRAN 2147 from Beaufort in Victoria, served with the 21^st Battalion AIF, in the major trench battles of World War 1. He survived being wounded at the Battle of Pozieres only to be killed at the Third Battle of Ypres( known as 'Passchendaele') in October 1917. He has no known grave. 

Twenty five years later, his nephew, Flying Officer Eric William GIBSON 410049, from Yallourn, enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force. After completing pilot training, he was assigned to two Royal Air Force bomber squadrons, 623 Sqn. flying Stirlings and 115 Sqn. flying Lancasters. He completed his tour of 30 sorties and then became a flying instructor for the duration. He was lucky to survive his tour of operations having been attacked by enemy aircraft on several occasions and being hit by a bomb dropped from an aircraft above. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and after the war returned to his pre-war occupation in the power industry.

Private COCHRAN, who unfortunately never lived to relate his wartime experiences personally, is remembered in family retained letters sent to his mother. These letters contain details of his, and his compatriots, exploits in the trenches but also described the misery and suffering of his fellow soldiers. His loyalty to his home country and Great Britain were manifest, not unlike many of those who returned from that conflict,  

F/O GIBSON (my father), for many years, rarely spoke of his wartime experiences. However, during his working life in Yallourn, he formed a long lasting friendship with a workmate only to learn that this friend’s brother-in-law had also flown with 115 Squadron and had been killed over Duisberg, Germany on a raid which F/O GIBSON also flew on.

Initially, Dad joined an organization known as the ‘Tasker H. Bliss Association’ which was named after the ship on which he and other airmen (including Charles ‘Bud’ Tingwell) were conveyed to Great Britain and Anzac Day was observed with a luncheon at the Moonee Ponds Bowling Club. In later years, Dad joined the Odd Bods Association and although not able to participate in marches, enjoyed hearing stories and reading the various articles put out by them. Our family, and that of Frank SIMS, were well known to each other and lived in close proximity.

We, his family, remember with immense pride and sorrow, the service and sacrifice of these two family members. Lest we forget.

From Sqn Ldr Bruce Philip Waxman OAM RAAF (Rtd), President, FOTOBAI

Pressing on … remembering the NZ in the Anzac spirit

When we Australians talk about the Anzac spirit the focus is on aussie mateship, the A in Anzac and rarely the close ties with our kiwi mates ’across the ditch’, that form the important NZ in Anzac.

My Anzac story is about my dad, F/O Joseph Herbert Waxman DFC RAAF (Rtd) Halifax pilot with 466 Squadron RAAF, an Odd Bod and his New Zealand mate, and in retirement next door neighbour,Flt Lt James Blane Paton RNZAF (Rtd). Jim was seconded with the RAF and flew Spitfires and Hurricanes in the Middle East. At one time he landed his damaged Spitfire behind allied lines and often later recalled: ‘There I was, no oil pressure, no altitude and the mighty Rolls Royce kept running’.

They are pictured, after marching at Hastings RSL on Anzac Day 1985, on my dad’s farm in Merricks North, Victoria, Jim proudly wearing the RNZAF officers’ dress uniform with decorations.

The farm is not far from where dad’s RAAF career commenced in 1942 at No. 1 Initial Training School, Somers.https://www.ozatwar.com/raaf/1its.htm

Jim was very fond of the Odd Bods and before my parents moved next door Jim marched each Anzac Day with Flt Lt Norman Smithells RAAF (Rtd), fellow spitfire pilot.

Norm was initially seconded to 131Squadron RAF in the UK and later to 79 Squadron RAAF in Morotai (pictured there in 1945 with a Mk VIII Spitfire), and later President of the Odd Bods (UK) Association.

Dad had lost many of his close RAAF mates in WWII, a void Jim was able to fill.Indeed, if it wasn’t for Jim dad would not have marched on Anzac Day.

Now that is the Anzac spirit!

We should install Flt LtJames Blane Paton RNZAF (Rtd) as a posthumous honorary Odd Bod member, pressing on … remembering the NZ in Anzac.

I wish to acknowledge the information provided by Blane Paton, Jim’s son, and Betty Smithells, Norm’s widow.

From Odd Bod John Ireland recalling ANZAC Day 1945 - 

I was stationed at Broadwell on 575 Squadron in Transport Command using Dakota Aircraft.

Looking at my log book an entry on Anzac Day 1945 shows off we went from base to a place called Diepholz in Germany – never been there before but off we went.

We arrived safely and upon arrival we were informed that we were to pick up some prisoners of war – and eventually out they came with excitement because they were free and so glad to see us and the plane that was to bring them back home to  the U.K. In we loaded the 28 of them and gave our instructions for the journey home and be seated at all times.

Off we went – up. up and away we went – then with time to for them to settle down the different reactions you could see from them, some chatted, some just stared into space, some cried to themselves, some asked how long we will be in the air, where were we taking them and so on – but they were so happy all over because they had the absolute trust and faith in our crew of 3, because we belonged to them.

On and on we flew, some were air sick, some sang songs, others asked where we were and we had one Australian soldier who somehow knew that it was our Anzac Day, yes this was our day something special just for the two of us. Yes the other 2 crew members we both English.

It was a good day for flying at about 7,000 or so feet and just smooth and visibility was good.

Now as we approached the French coast we had to cross from Cape Gris Nez to Dover, as this was a 2 mile air channel and then I pointed out to them that this was your home that you fought for. As we neared the White Cliffs of Dover a burst of singing was heard, hands clapping, tears in eyes and some shouting ‘Were Home – Were Home”

Yes RAF Wing was not too far away, so on and settle down because your excitement was about to begin very soon.

RAF Wing in Buckinghamshire was specially set out for all these prisoners of war coming home – bands, streamers, people singing, next of kin looking for the men and of course plenty of tucker for them and so on. What a sight to behold for we 3 crew.

Yes on 575 Squadron I did some 83 trips to the Continent and various landings included but not all as joyous and heartfelt as this and other similar trips, because these made up for the difficult ones. 

Yes for this trip we were away from our base about 10 or so hours.

Last Post Initiative - Cheers To Bomb Aimers

The Friends of the Odd Bods Last Post initiative invites contributions about ANZAC Day from members and we are pleased to announce that an offer has been added to the mix.

Suppliers of Bomb Aimers Bitter have offered us a free case of their product to be added to the prize pool which already includes a $100 Shrine Online Gift Voucher. And this is more than a simple product offer because the men behind Bomb Aimers Bitter, Nayland Aldridge and Paul Giles, are very much connected to WWII veterans and Bomber Command. Naylands Father, Jim Aldridge, was a pilot in 576 Squadron, and Paul’s Uncle, Ron Giles, was an Aussie in his crew. Flight Sergeant (Arthur) Ron Giles RAAF was killed in Action on 12 September 1944.

Bomb Aimers Bitter is brewed in South Australia by Ashley Heath Estate (https://www.facebook.com/AshleyHillsEstate/ ) Ashley Hills Estate donates a portion of every bottle sold to the charity Soldier On.

We are very grateful for the offer from Nayland & Paul who will be delivering a case of their Bitter, free of charge, to our nominated recipient.

Odd Bod Hits Front Page Herald Sun

Frank Sims is a bit of a legend in Friends of the Odd Bods ranks and now he has hit the front page of Melbourne's Herald Sun newspaper.
You might remember that Frank featured in a TV interview during the 2019 ANZAC parade so he is no stranger to media exposure.

Here is some content from the newspaper. You might like to pick up your own copy - 

An ANZAC Post From Our Patron

AVM Peter Scully AO RAAF (Rtd), Patron of Friends of the Odd Bods Association Inc. has sent us this post as we prepare for ANZAC Day in unusual circumstances.

"I would just like to convey best wishes to all for this ANZAC DAY.  It is most regrettable we will be able to meet but I’m sure we will all be there in our thoughts and offer our thanks & appreciation for all those who were involved in that great battle for freedom during WW2.

However, I extend my thanks & appreciation to all members f the ‘Friends’.  Your efforts in keeping these precious memories alive is a vital and most creditable  ongoing endeavour.  The memories of all those Odd Bods – their service and sacrifices must never be allowed to fade away.

You are the only real protector of that history.   Your recent successful efforts to achieve the addition of the plaque in the AWM was a wonderful achievement :  well done!

I am so honoured to be your Patron – hearty congratulations and very best wishes.   Pressing On, Remembering

Peter"

The Last Post ANZAC Day 2020 - Readers Contributions

ANZAC Day 2020 is taking place without the usual social get together, and we are inviting readers to contribute their stories as a way of celebrating this very special day in a slightly different way. 
See this post for details - ANZAC Day Initiative - The Last Post Award - Inviting Your Contributions

Here are some contributions so far -

From Alastair Bridges of Australian War Memorial in Canberra. The Volunteer Guides at AWM are using this story for a special Anzac Day edition of Guide Post.
"25 April 1944 my dad was flying Wellington X HE489 O for Oboe (Oscar today). Their target tonight was the San Stephano Docks in Italy with six 500 pound bombs for 4.5 hours flight all at night. (Our Lancaster, G for George, flew with 460 Squadron which was originally a Wellington squadron.)

Four months later he was shot down by a German ME 110 while bombing Ploesti oil fields near Bucharest in Romania. His aircraft, Q for Queanie, lost an engine (twin engine) and he jettisoned his bombs near the Danube River and diverted into Yesilkoy aerodrome (now Istanbul). He destroyed his aircraft by firing into it with his very pistol (which I still have - don't tell the rozzers). He was interned with his crew (records have them as POWs). This was a few weeks after I was born in Scotland and not long after my mum was badly hurt by a V1 while she was doing volunteer work in London. Can you imagine what my poor mother was going through.

Much later in life, dad told me the internment was one of the best few weeks of his life! In a reunion in England, dad met the Luftwaffe pilot, Manfred, and they became good friends. Manfred described how he attacked a Wellington which, in the dark, rolled over and dived to tree top level. He said he was not going to do that! Manfred was trapped behind the iron curtain until it was removed in 1989."

From Editor Greg Smith - This photo is one of my ANZAC Day favourites not only because it features long time contributor to Odd Bods, Jan Dimmick, but because it illustrates the generational interest in the ANZAC story.

From FOTOBAI member Geoff Clark:

"I consider it a privilege to be member of the Friends of the Odd Bods Association and take great pleasure having lunch with the Odd Bods particularly on ANZAC Day, but alas not this year.

My memory is not of ANZAC Day but of just a month ago when I drove to Canberra for the Dedication Ceremony for the Commemorative Plaque to the Odd Bods at the Australian War Memorial.

As a lad growing up in England during the war, when my parents belonged to the Lady Francis Scheme hosting servicemen on leave, I knew New Zealanders, Canadians, three Poles and a Czech soldier and 24 Australians.

Of the Aussies three were in Fighter Command flying Hawker Typhoon ground attack fighters and all returned safely home. Flt. Sgt. Don Walker was lost over the North Sea flying a Beaufighter in Coastal Command.

The other 20 flew as crew members in Bomber Command, ten of whom  paid the ultimate price.

During that Ceremony on Saturday March 14th as I remembered what my parents had done for those young airmen and even more what they had done for Britain and the World I cried.

It was without doubt the most moving event I have ever attended.

Geoff Clark"

From FOTOBAI member John Eacott a photo giving us a rare close-up of marchers preparing for ANZAC Day featuring Walter Eacott, Frank Sims, Doug Parry, Weston Bate, Jack Elliot, and others. We think it might be 2014 or 15?

From FOTOBAI Member Paul Kerrins - a lengthy documentary that covers six years of wartime operations, and reviews the obstacles and challenges that the RAF (Royal Air Force) faced as they developed Bomber Command. Plenty of Lancaster content.

From FOTOBAI Member June Smith whose Father was an RAAF Mosquito Pilot in WW2 - 

"So many ANZAC days stand out in my memory.    Watching my father, a returned WW11 pilot , march  with his local RSL ;  watching our children  in St Kilda Road  being awed by the  long parade of veterans;  watching thousands of people  emerge from the gloom outside the Shrine to celebrate the Dawn Service;  and so many more.  

But the one I’ve chosen to write about was at Sorrento in Victoria.  My husband and I had attended the Dawn service by the water’s edge , and waited there again  for the  11 a.m. parade to arrive.   The main street was closed for veterans to march  through the town and down the steep hill  to the cenotaph  on the foreshore for the memorial service.   There were fewer veterans every year,  going ever more slowly down the hill ;  some clinging to a supporter’s arm and  some travelling slowly  in a ride-on machine.    But as they came , a great crowd  came behind them.  Not only the  sporting groups, the scouts, the schools, the clubs,  but a great assortment of people who had been in the town for  their coffee  or their  shopping  or their games  and who had stopped what they were doing to follow these old heroes. From the  bottom of the hill it looked like the Pied Piper being followed. 

And I realised yet again how the idea of ANZAC inspires us as a nation.   How it makes us value the contribution of ordinary people who became extraordinary, how it creates a bond between us, how it reminds us of our common allegiance to this wonderful country. 

This year there will be no treasured veterans marching down the hill at Sorrento or elsewhere, but they will be remembered as always. "  

ANZAC Day Initiative - The Last Post Award - Inviting Your Contributions

ANZAC Day is an important day for the Odd Bods family, and yet the current pandemic has restricted our ability to celebrate in the normal way. We will miss the get together, the camaraderie, and the telling of stories. But maybe we can all share our thoughts, and add to the recognition of the day in another way.

We invite you to send us your stories or comments on ANZAC Day for sharing with other members. You might like to use the themes, “What ANZAC Day means to me”, or “My special memories of ANZAC Day”. You might like to recall particular ANZAC Day events, the experience of marching, comrades, family members, or stories from history. Keep it short (maximum 300 words) or if you prefer, a simple comment or perhaps a photograph or two. If you are sending a photograph please explain why it is important to you.

We will post the contributions on the FOTOBAI website and share with the Odd Bods family. In recognition of these special circumstances a Last Post Award (a $100 Shrine shop online gift voucher) will be granted to the most worthy contribution.

How to post - perhaps the simplest way is to email the editor (gregandsuesmith@iinet.net.au) with your story and/or photograph. Alternatively you can post a comment directly from this article (see Comment option below). Or, if you prefer, message, or call Greg Smith on 0406222020.

Please get your comments, stories, and/or photographs to us by midnight 24th April.

Friends of the Odd Bods will join many other individuals, groups, and associations as we continue to remember ANZAC sacrifices and the importance of this day to all servicemen and their families in 2020.

Odd Bods Plaque Set In Stone At Australian War Memorial

The Odd Bods Plaque, dedicated on 14th March 2020, has now been installed adjacent to the main building at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra.

This article is intended to give you a first look at the plaque, and where it is located, and also act as a bit of a guide should you get the opportunity to visit Canberra.

More than 80 photos from the dedication ceremony are now also available online at this LINK