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

Latest email from Pete Jenke re the Legacy Torch Relay:

“Just an update on my earlier emails.

By now I’m hoping that many of you, if not most, would have seen some of the quite incredible publicity which the Relay has generated since it began its journey in Pozieres, France, then onto England and then to Australia, landing in Albany from where our diggers departed for Egypt and Europe in WW1.

Many, many dignitaries have been involved with the Relay, not the least being HRH, King Charles, in London.  Again, hopefully you’ve managed to see or read about some of this coverage, both from France and England, as well as here in Australia.  Not surprisingly, although there’s been a constant national overview, most of the media focus has been locally based so that for those in Victoria, and particularly in Melbourne, we should see the media attention ramp up as the Relay approaches Victoria in the next month or so.  The Relay culminates here, in Melbourne, on Friday the 13^th October (perhaps a little unfortunate in the date).  Have a look at the Facebook link below to get a flavour of what’s been involved.

For those that have already contributed, I thank you and Legacy thanks you.  Thanks to your efforts, I’m currently sitting on a figure raised of $4,325, which sees me 11^th on the list in terms of total collections, an effort of which I’m very pleased and proud.  For those others amongst you, if you would like to contribute to me or any other Torch Bearer whom you may wish to support, you can do so via the link below.  You may also have friends and families, some of whom may even have been touched by Legacy, so by all means feel free to pass on this email.  It really is for a good cause.

Regards and Thankyou

Peter Jenke

Legs for Legacy – Peter Jenke

(2) Facebook“

Dave Forster has provided an analysis of the photo John Elph posted recently. He’s pretty sure it’s 4-2 in 1970. Noons (Paul Noonan) and he have both had a close look and tried to put names to faces. His assessment is attached and Dave agrees with most of his conclusions – although not convinced that he’s identified Dave as he notes.(I’ve paraphrased his email)

As he writes “Anyway, it does trigger memories for anyone so blessed to have have undergone their basic training at that delightful resort.”

A keen follower of our site from the class of 1973 has brought it to my attention that some of their class think that this photo is not 1972 but actually 1973!

My first response was surprise because to me I’d always thought it was WO Foster out the front . But now I’m not so sure – there was another Drill Sgt who stood with a slight bend.

What do you think?

Canberra classmates are to meet again on Tuesday 30 May at 1230 at The Duxton – see https://theduxton.com.au

As always, partners and any other mates in town are most welcome. 

Could you let Kym know your attendance by Thursday evening so he can get a table booked –kymmac@ozemail.com.au

The following email has been received from Peter Jenke, asking for our support for a very worthy cause which is close to our hearts:

Friends, Romans, Countrymen, greetings.  For those of you who may be shocked to hear from me after – in many cases – a significant time, I apologise, but I hope you will agree, it’s for a good cause.  If you’re not all that familiar with Legacy, look it up, there’s any number or links and references.

As I previously mentioned to many of you, this year, 2023, Legacy commemorates its Centenary and as part of that commemoration, we are conducting a “Relay” (albeit not continuous – thank goodness) – which commences in Pozieres, France, in April and ends in Melbourne, the home of the original Legacy Club, in October this year.   

Many of you, probably most – we’re of that age group – will be familiar with Legacy and the work that it does.  Some of you will be Legatees yourselves and will also be engaged in fund-raising for the Relay.  If this is the case, it’s not my intention to intrude on your territory, so please feel free to ignore me.  In the end it doesn’t matter anyway because it’s all for the same cause.

For those unaware, my other half, Kerry, is currently the President of Melbourne Legacy, the first female to hold that position and herself, a former Junior Legatee in Townsville.  I too, am on the Board of Melbourne Legacy and previously sat on the National Board.  I’m also Secretary For Melbourne Club matters.

Although I’m a ‘runner’ in the Relay in Melbourne, be aware that as many of the participants are my age or older, “running” is hardly an appropriate description for the 200 metres or so I will be walking so, unless anyone’s inclined to sponsor me by the metre (cm?), I would suggest a straight donation is all that’s required – but only if you feels so inclined.

I have no collection goal and no expectations.  The name “Legacy” conveys all the message I have, so if you would like to donate, please follow the link shown below:

Legs for Legacy – Peter Jenke       If you have difficulties accessing the link, please let me know – I will have done something wrong and probably quite stupid.   Sorry.

Thanking you all in advance

Peter Jenke

Legatee

Back in the day, many people of our parent’s vintage were very comfortable in their view of the world.

The war was over, the country seemed to prospering and there was plenty of technological changes coming out of the USA. Everyone seemed to be getting on with living and raising families.

What was very clear in people’s minds was what their roles in society were – to work and earn a living, to make a home and to raise children. Included in this was the clear understanding of what a housewife was . . . . . as best illustrated below.

But little did our families know that within the Army there was a quiet revolution going on. The Army knew best; the Army would decide who did what and more importantly what they were to be referred to as. Roles were redefined, and old norms were no longer the case.

The most telling of all was to be told

. . . .