On Tuesday, with his agreement, three of Tom’s four books joined his first – The Final Tally – in the Duntroon Museum. The books have a frontspiece added, based on Tom’s bio for the anniversary book.

Brenda and Warwick Elliott were there for the simple handover – Brenda is on the other side of the camera for the photo. The museum is undergoing refurbishment, so the team didn’t get inside: the whole building is being taken over, so it should be quite something to visit when we get back for our next reunion. It is assumed there will be access ramps for our walkers!

Also handed over was a copy of the order of service for Norm’s funeral – hope that gets appropriate treatment.

Tom has sent an update below:

“Thinking about it, during our time at RMC I often found myself “In the BOOK” and so now, some fifty years after our graduation, I find myself back at RMC, but this time “In the MUSEUM,” gathering dust.

Next stop “In the CEMETRY.'”

Speaking of which, after I got back to the US from our 50th Anniversary reunion I started to experience some “light headedness” (no not what you think – too many pints) and on consulting a cardiac specialist it has been recommended that I have a “pacemaker” fitted.

So, while I gather dust “In the MUSEUM” I will not have to worry about having a “heart attack,” sounds like a “WIN-WIN” to me..

However, as you would know the cost of any operation hear in the US is prohibitive..

But, as luck would have it, in 2012, in anticipation of her own retirement in 2018, Margo convinced me to join the US health insurance firm “Blue Cross Blue Shield,” as it takes five years to become fully vested.

Therefore, I have full coverage.

In closing, I will keep you informed of how I progress “In the HOSPITAL” over the next weeks.”

Chris Jones – aka Jabber – has returned more or less permanently to WA, only returning to Vietnam when he can for holidays, dental treatment, or whatever (he says forget the doctors, but many dentists are first class and about a tenth of the cost of Oz.)

Chris is battling a range of health issues. His contact details have been updated in the Class List.

He has sent through a range of photos – a couple of which show his medical conditions: I don’t plan to share those!

The photo below is of a happier time – at our 50th anniversary.

The Duntroon Society’s first Newsletter for 2024 is now available (if the link doesn’t work, go to www.dunsoc.com and follow the links to the Newsletter).

Canberra classmates and partners are meeting on Tuesday 2 April at The Duxton (https://theduxton.com.au) for a lunch time catch up. All are welcome: for non-residents of Canberra and surrounds, if you’re in town, or thinking of coming to here for some cultural enrichment not available in any of your home states, please add this to your itinerary. We’d all be delighted to see you.

For attendance, please let Kim MacMillan know at kymmac@ozemail.com.au

From 1YLI Old Mates re Max Carroll: Sad news from Uncle Max’s son Luke. More to follow.

“Sorry to bear this news to you mate but Max passed away on 24 Jan with Eve by his side and my sister Justine and I with them both.We have told people that a mighty oak has fallen but we know how deeply he was loved by so many, and this is an enormous comfort.We hope that you are okay when you receive this and we will be thinking of you.The funeral will be at 1300 next Fri, 2 Feb at Taree. Details will be on the Becker Family Funerals (Taree) website early next week. The service will be live streamed.”

The initial link to the COST book was somehow corrupted, and opened our Class book. That has been fixed. Apologies for any inconvenience.

The Anniversary Book of the Class of 1973 has been uploaded at https://duntroonclassof1972.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/duntroon-class-of-1972-50-years-since-graduation-master.pdf

A couple of our starting cohort, missing in our book, make an appearance.

Message from Kym McMillan:

“As the end of the year approaches, it’s time to organise a final Class lunch before your diaries fill up! 

At the last one (back in August), there was some discussion about a date and I believe we settled on Monday 27 November.

Please pencil it in – I’ll send out a final call and ask for numbers in the week before that. As always, partners are more than welcome, as well as any other classmates who might be in town.

And finally, the Duxton always seems a popular choice, but if anyone feels the need for a change and has a suggestion, please let me know asap.”

Peter Jenke has sent an email thank you to all who have contributed to his upcoming marathon in support of the Legs for Legacy event. He’s worried that it may not have got through to all recipients, so it is reproduced below:

“Good evening, all.

The Legacy Torch Relay is now approaching its final leg here in Melbourne, where it will arrive on Thursday the 12^th October when I will amble along my allotted leg to which so many of you have contributed.  What follows is a quote from my Editorial in the attached copy of Melbourne Legacy’s Bulletin magazine.

“Afterall, it’s not every charity in Australia which can boast the active support of HRH the King himself, an assortment of French, British and Australian politicians and ex-politicians, high profile individuals from all walks of life, as well as His Excellency, the Governor General and his wife who have both been extremely active in promoting the Relay, as well as personally participating in the Relay in the Governor General’s home town of Wollongong. Also of note and in the same vein, the GG will be receiving the Torch in Melbourne at the Relay’s conclusion.”

I’m still just short of $5k, so if anyone wishes to tip me over that benchmark, go for it. Legs for Legacy : Torch Bearer Fundraisers

Regardless, for those who have contributed to the Relay – either to me or to someone else you may have chosen to support, thank you. And Legacy thanks you. For those who haven’t, it’s not too late.

I’m attaching for your info a copy of the October edition of Melbourne Legacy’s Bulletin magazine which I produce.

Thankyou everyone

Peter Jenke”

Hi Men,

At the reunion in December, a number of classmates put their names down to receive a copy of their cadet record.

I can confirm from the Army Museum at Duntroon, that anyone who wishes to receive a copy of their records must apply using the procedure which can be seen by going to Anecdotes menu and scrolling down to the link under Your Cadet Record.

I also forgot to acknowledge Jim Campbell’s (Class of ’71) diligence in following this up – many thanks Jim.

Cheers

John Elph