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Commanding Officers 30 Inf Bn 1948 to 1960
| 1948-1949 | 1949-1952 | 1952-1955 | 1955-1957 | 1958-1960 |
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| Lt Col I Hutchinson DSO,OBE,MC,ED | Lt Col A C Murchison AO,MC,RFD,ED | Lt Col C N B Peach ED | Lt Col D C MacDougal> | Lt Col W Crooks MBE |
| 30 Bn Officers 1950 |  |
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Guard of Honour for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother 1958 |
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Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother speaking to Drum Major MacDonald |
| 30 Bn Officers 1960 |  |
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Warrant Officers and Sergeants 1961 |
| Alpha Company forming part of 2/17 RNSWR Guard at the Garrison Church 2005 |  |
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| The Old | The Nearly New (for some of us) |
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| The Association | The Association on the March |
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| The Association Banner | Banner Party (Standard on the Right) |
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| Pipe Majors' Toast | Piper Roger Springer | Farewell Bill King |
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On Good Friday 2007, members of the Association attended a function at Richmond Air Force Base for families and friends of more than 100 Reservists from New South Wales who had been deployed overseas to the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI). Included in the contingent were 11 members of Alpha Company (Scottish) 2/17 RNSWR. Two of the officers had also served in Alpha Company
The deployment was history-making because it was, at that time, the largest independent deployment of NSW based Reservists since World War II.
The Reserve soldiers worked alongside personnel from New Zealand, Tonga and Papua New Guinea as they supported the Solomon Islands Police and participating Police Forces who are responsible for law and order in the Solomon Islands. The contingent, which was drawn from 8th and 5th Brigades of RNSWR, was highly skilled and comprised a headquarters and an infantry company supported by signallers, armoured corps personnel, engineers, drivers and medics.
The men and women who took part had undergone several weeks of intensive training at Canungra, Queensland and were well led, well trained and well equipped to undertake the task. Their
commitment to the deployment was extremely high and very taxing. To be eligible, the soldiers had to have a very high level of physical fitness and display high levels of proficiency across their military skills
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The Association members and their partners, pictured above with 8 of the A Company members and their partners, welcomed the opportunity to be able to farewell the young soldiers who are carrying on the Scottish traditions in New South Wales that have been such a source of inspiration to all of us.
LCPL Greg Smallwood sent the following photo of some of the Alpha Company members after their arrival in the Solomons.
Although the weather was cold and rainy, the Association, with the Manly-Warringah Pipe Band and our own Pipes and Drums, numbered 120 marched on ANZAC Day 2007. Once again we are indebted to the Manly-Warringah Pipe Band for their continuing support.
80 members and their guests then enjoyed the traditional ANZAC Day Reunion at the RACA where they were entertained, as usual, by the Association's Pipes and Drums led by Pipe Major Bill Campbell
At the Reunion members farwelled Drummer Ross Hilton, and his wife Coral, who are "emigrating" to Queensland. Ross joined the 30th Bn Pipes and Drums, then served in RNSWR and and has been a stalwart in the Association Pipes and Drums since their formation
President Frank Woodhams also had the pleasant duty of announcing that on every Reserve Forces Day since inception the Association had received a certificate of excellence of some sort but at the 2006 Reserve Forces Day the Association had been judged the best unit on parade. The Reserve Forces Day Committee had acknowledged this with the presentation of the following Certificate:
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As a consequence, Frank presented framed copies of the Award to the members of the Association judged to be most responsible for the excellence of the Association's turnout.
Certificates were presented to Pipe Major Bill Campbell, Association Sergeant-Major Mark Rickard, Secretary Don McNeice, Committeeman Barry Broadway, Colin Redshaw and Bob Cooke to acknowledge their contribution to the Association's turnout on the day.
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About 40 members of the Association and partners/guests attended the RNSWR Church Parade at the Garrison Church on 24 June. As usual the NSW Scottish Association had the largest attendance, indeed other Associations were not in evidence at all.
The Association Pipes and Drums also attended and provided one of the musical items included in the Service and also had the honour of playing the Regiment's colours into and out of the Church
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| Pipes and Drums at the Garrison Church |
After the Service, members enjoyed a Haggis and chips lunch at the Lord Nelson Hotel
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| Pipe Major Bill Campbell addressing the Haggis | |
| Assisted by David Newell and James Malcolm |
Photographs courtesy John Millard. The Haggis was supplied by Ron Layton's Butchery, Phone 9524 4513, specialists in Scottish fare.
At the Reserve Forces Day Council's Final Briefing Night for the 2007 Reserve Forces Day National Parade, the NSW Scottish Regimental Association paraded an Association Standard for the first time and was the first Association to do so.
The Standard was formally unfurled by the National and NSW Chairman, Sir Laurence Street AC, KCMG, QC at the function on 23rd May. In his address at the unfurling, Sir Laurence said:
"It is an honour for me to unfurl the NSW Scottish Regimental Association Standard. This Association Standard symbolically takes the place of the 30th Infantry Battalion Regimental Colour and is to be treated with the same degree of reverence. The Association Standard will be part of the Association Banner Party to be carried on all parades and displayed at Association functions. "
Sir Laurence added his congratulations to Frank Woodhams on the NSW Scottish being the first Association to obtain an Association Standard.
After unfurling, the Standard was paraded and displayed at the meeting
In replying to Sir Laurence Street's remarks, Frank Woodhams said:
"The Association has intended for some time to obtain an Association Standard. It will balance our Banner Party with the Association Standard, the Association Banner and the Australian National Flag in front with members in re-enactment uniforms forming a guard directly behind the Banner Party. The Standard will be marched in and displayed at all the Association's functions. When we hold the 30th Infantry Battalions' Church Parades, the Standard will be marched into St Stephens Church and handed to the Minister to be displayed in Church during the service. Dark green was selected as it is the colour of the 30th Inf Bn Regimental Colour. When a Battalion is not designated a Royal battalion, the backgorund is dark green. A dark blue background is used for a Royal designated Regiment such as the RNSWR."
The first occasion on which the Standard was paraded publically was at the Reserve Forces Day National Parade on Sunday 1 July 2007 (see above for a report)
The Association Standard was provided by PHA Promotions and we are indebted to Elaine Wylde of PHA for her help and assistance in the design and manufacture.
About 50 members with the Pipes and Drums attended the annual 30 Battalions' Church Parade on 11 November. Also attending were 6 currently serving members of Alpha (Scottish) Company who provided the Standard Party and members of the 2/30 AIF Bn Association and the 30th Bn 1939-1945 Association. Unfortunately the numbers of the latter are diminishing with time and we were not able to share the occasion with as many of them as we have enjoyed doing in the past.
Following the service, members and their partners enjoyed the Association's end of year function at the RACA
Some of the highlights of the day were:
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| The Pipes and Drums | The Parade |
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| Trooping the Pipes and Drums | The Standard Party |
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| Entertainment par excellence | The New Generation |
About 30 members and partners, with the Pipes and Drums, attended the 2008 Gemas day commemoration at Pymble on 13 January. This ceremony is conducted by the 2/30 Bn AIF Association to commemorate the battle at Gemas on 14 January 1942 at which the 2/30 Bn distinguished itself.
Some of the highlights of the day were:
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| The Pipes and Drums | The Memorial |
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| Laying Wreaths | March Off |
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| The Purple and Gold | Veterans |
NSW Scottish Regimental Assocation was presented with the following Certificate:
This is the second year in a row that the Association has been given the highest award for its performance at the Reserve Forces Day Parade.
Thanks for our success go to our ASM, Mark Rickard, Our Banner Party, Don McNeice(Commander), Peter Bryce (Australian Flag), Barry Broadway (Regimental Standard), Colin Redshaw and Darvill Malcolm (Regimental Banner), Bill Campbell, the Association Pipes and Drums and the Manly-Warringah Pipe Band and, of course, our members who marched as proudly as always. Adherence to the Parade Formation rules of the Association (see the Dress Page) was noted by the judging panel as one of the telling factors in awarding the day to the NSW Scottish.
The Association's Annual Meeting in conjunction with a Harbour Cruise was held in February. About 60 members enjoyed a day on Sydney Harbour, entertained royally, as usual, by the Pipes and Drums.
Highlights were:
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| The Annual Meeting (Starboard Side) | The Annual Meeting (Port Side) |
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| Don McNeice presents Black Watch Medal to Frank Woodhams |
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| Scottish Seafarers Part 1 | Scottish Seafarers Part 2 |
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| The only time you will see the Pipes and Drums at sea | Or under the Harbour Bridge |
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| It's enough to make you dance for joy! | We just can't get enough of them! |
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About 110 members of the Association and Pipes and Drums marched on Anzac Day 2008. As the weather can only be described at best as "ordinary", the turnout was an exceptionally good one and thanks are due to all members who braved the weather on the day.
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| The Banner Party |
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| It was wet on the Start Line | But got better as we moved off |
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| The Troops |
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Following the march about 80 members and wives/partners/friends enjoyed the Association's traditional reunion at the RAC
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| The Old and the New | More of the New |
Entertained as usual by the Pipes and Drums and enjoyed by all
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The Association's success on Reserve Forces Day 2007 was recognised by presentations to those most responsible
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| (Front) Pipe Major WO1 Bill Campbell, CPL Colin Redshaw, SGT Don McNeice, PTE Peter Bryce, CPL Barry Broadway (Back) SGT Darvill Malcolm, ASM WO2 Mark Rickard, with President MAJ Frank Woodhams |
And then there was the fundraising
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| Frank Woodhams, Barry Broadway and Mai Springer drawing her own ticket |
Our thanks to Colin Podmore for his expert photography
About 40 members of the Association and Pipes and Drums attended the RNSWR Church Parade on 22 June and enjoyed what is now traditional, Haggis and Chips at the Lord Nelson Hotel in the Rocks
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| A Coy Members on Parade | And admired by the Governor |
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| Supported by our Pipes and Drums | Who were also admired by the Governor |
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| The A Coy Members joined us | As did some of the old brigade |
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| And some more | Plus of course the Haggis |
The Parade in Newcastle was smaller than in previous years, because no overseas visitors had been invited due to the emphasis on the 60th Anniversary Celebrations
Neverthless the Association was represented by 10 members and our Standard.
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| The Newcastle Contingent |
Photo by Judy Mayo
The 2008 Reserve Forces Day Parade also celebrated the 60th Anniversary of the re-formation of the Citizen Military Forces after World War 2 on 1 July 1948. Members who joined in 1948 were specially recognised in the Parade and by an invitation to a function in Government House held on 1st July.
The NSW Scottish Regimental Association members responded to the occasion by parading 120 members including 18 Original 1948 members and the Association Pipes and Drums, supported as usual by Manly-Warringah Pipe Band and by a contingent from Alpha Coy (Scottish).
The occasion was the first on which each Association paraded its Standard, a symbol now considered with the same reverence as the Regimental Colour of a serving unit. As usual the remainder followed the lead of the Scottish. We first paraded our Standard on Reserve Forces Day a year earlier. The Association Standards were trooped through the ranks prior taking their places at the lead of the various Associations.
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| The Banner | Trooping the Standards |
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| Led by our Pipes and Drums | The Standards |
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| NSW Scottish on the march |
After the Parade, the Association held its traditional Formal Lunch at the Royal Automobile Club, where 130 members and their guests participated in the usual traditions of a NSW Scottish Regiment Formal mess and were entertained by the Pipes and Drums
On 11 September the Association executive attended a meeting organised by the Reserve Forces Day Council at which the 2008 Reserve Forces Day activities were reviewed.
Members will recall that NSW Scottish was the first Association to parade a Standard, which we did at the 2007 Reserve Forces Day Parade
Following our initiative other Associations acquired Standards during 2008 and these were paraded for the first time on Reserve Forces Day this year,
To commemorate the occasion, the 2008 Standard Bearers from all Associations were presented with a certificate. Our Standard Bearer CPL Barry Broadway was one of those who received a Certificate and a photo of him receiving his Certificate from BRIG David Leese is shown below
At the meeting preliminary plans for the 2009 Reserve Forces Day were revealed and members will be interested to know that the street march that has been the feature of Reserve Forces Day in the past will be replaced by a Parade and March Past in the Domain in Sydney. At that Parade Associations will form up in Brigade groups, according to the Brigades to which they belonged when serving. NSW Scottish will be part of the 8 Brigade group, to be commanded by BRIG David Leese, who is pictured presenting the Certificate to Barry Broadway.
On 12 August 2008 Association members were invited to Pymble to see a typical training night for Alpha Coy.
A number of members attended to support Frank Woodhams who presented a Cheque to the President of the Diggers' Club at Pymble to purchase a TV set for the Club. The Alpha Coy soldiers were also presented with a copy of each of two booklets produced by the Association.
The first of these booklets is the History of the Scottish Regiments in NSW, which traces the history of NSW Scottish Regiments from 1868, when the Duke of Edinburgh's Highlanders were formed, through the time of the Scottish Rifles from 1885 to 1912, the 30 Battalions in both World Wars, the 30th Battalion between the Wars and after WW2 and Alpha Coy since 1960. This booklet also contains a brief history of The Black Watch, the story of the Red Hackle and a summary of the correct way to wear The Black Watch uniform. It has been published to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the re-formation, 1948, of the 30th Battalion after World War 2.
It is intended that a copy of this booklet be presented to all members of Alpha Coy when they qualify as an infantryman and are issued with Scottish uniform.
The second booklet is a reprint of a booklet written by an ex-Commanding Officer of the Scottish Rifles and tells the story of Volunteer Reservists in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Both Booklets are available for purchase by members of the Association. See the Memorabilia Page
or Contact Ian Meek.
The Annual 30 Battalions' Church Parade at St Stephens Uniting Church was held on Sunday 16 November. Sadly the numder of members of the 2/30 Battalion A.I.F Association and the 30 Battalion A.I.F. 1939-1945 who are able to attend the parade is decreasing and we were not able to welcome the numbers that we have greeted in the past. Nevertheless about 50 members of the the two World War 11 Associations, the NSW Scottish Regimental Association and the NSW Scottish Pipes and Drums led by Drum-Major Geoff Leigh and Pipe-Major Bill Campbell marched from the Archibald Fountain to the Church, where the service was conducted by Rev Dr Matthew Jack and the sermon given by Rev Dr George Stewart.
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| The Associations' Banners and Standard | 30 Battalions March to Church |
30 Battalions on Parade
Following the Church Service, members repaired to the Royal Automobile Club for the NSW Scottish Regimental Association's End of Year Informal Luncheon where they were joined by partners and guests and welcomed by President Frank Woodhams.
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and were royally entertained, as usual, by the Pipes and Drums
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During their performance Bill Campbell introduced the latest member of the Pipes and Drums, Piper Dean Park (pictured below), who was born in Korea, came to Australia and thence to New Zealand where he leant to play the pipes and is now a welcome member of our Pipes and Drums.
Thanks to Graham Podmore for photos.
About 35 members and partners, with the Pipes and Drums, attended the 2009 Gemas day commemoration at Pymble on 18 January. This ceremony is conducted by the 2/30 Bn AIF Association to commemorate the battle at Gemas on 14 January 1942 at which the 2/30 Bn AIF defeated a Japanese force that was superior in numbers, being the first engagement by Austrailan forces with the Japanese in WW2 and the first defeat suffered by the Japanese.
Some of the highlights of the ceremony were:
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| The Pipes and Drums leading members of the 2/30 and 2/15 RAA Assocations | The Catafalque Party supplied by Alpha Coy 2/17 RNSWR |
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| The Memorial | Laying of the Association wreath by Frank Woodhams and CAPT Adash Janiszewski, OC Alpha Coy |
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| March Off |
Following the Reserve Forces Day Parade each year, the Reserve Forces Day Council awards certificates for various categories of Associations' perfomance on the Parade. The function to announce the 2008 awards was held on 26 March 2009. On this night it was announced that NSW Scottish Regimental Association had been judged Best Association in the Parade and Best Banner Party. Pictures of the Certificates are shown below.
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| Frank Woodhams and Mark Rickard receiving the Best Association award from Sir Laurence Street | Frank Woodhams and Barry Broadway receiving the Best Banner award |
The award of the Best Association in the Parade is the third such award in a row, the Association having also won it 2006 and 2007. This award is judged on consistency of dress, precision in marching and general demeanour of the members on parade. The award speaks volumes for the continuing esprit de corps and enthusiam of our members, not only for their attendance on the day but for their willing co-operation in dressing for the occasion. The number of kilted members is increasing and the willingness of all members to at least wear Balmorals and the Red Hackle has carried the day for the past three years. Our thanks go to all members who turned out in 2008 and especially to our Association Sergeant-Major, Mark Rickard for getting us into shape.
We also won the award for the Best Banner Party. 2008 was the first year our Banner Party wore Hair Sporrans, white belts, diced hose and spats and this no doubt was a major factor in our success on the the day. We are indebted to our Standard and Banner Party Commander, Don McNeice, and our Quartermaster, Barry Broadway, for their hard work in equipping the Party, and also to the members of the party, Barry Broadway who carried the Standard, Peter Bryce who carried the National Flag, and Colin Redshaw and Graham Podmore who carried the Banner, and the escort, Darvill Malcolm, James McCann, and Roy Rae , who all gave up their time at a weekend to practice.
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| The Standard and Banner Party - Reserve Forces Day Parade 2008 |
At the same Reserve Forces Day Council function, Certificates of Dedication of the Association Standards were presented to commemorate the Dedication Ceremony held on 29 November 2008, see RFD Launch 2009 Ours is shown below:
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On 29 November a number of members of the Association joined Members of Parliament, Senior Officers of the Australian Defence Force and other official dignitaries at the offical Launch of Reserve Forces Day 2009 at Shore School North Sydney
Prior to the Launch ceremony, the Standards of all the Reserve Associations were paraded and dedicated , with the parade being led, as usual, by the Association Pipes and Drums.
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| The Pipes and Drums lead the Parade | The Association Standard - carried by Barry Broadway |
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| The Others | Unit Commanders on Parade |
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| The Dedication |
A feature of Reserve Forces Day 2009, was the recognition of the 70th anniversary of the commencement of World War 2 and similarly to 2008, when the Original members of the Reserve Forces who joined in 1948 were honoured, RFD 2009 honoured members of the Reserve who joined the wartime military forces in 1939 - the 39ers. 39ers who have been identified to date were presented with ribbons after the Dedication ceremony.
Following the Parade and the Dedication ceremony, spectators moved to the Playfair Centre at the School where they were addressed by the Headmaster of Shore, Dr Timothy White, and by MAJGEN Warren Glennie, a Reservist and previous Commander of 2 and 3 Divisions.
LTCOL John Moore, the National Executive Officer and NSW Deputy Chairman, provided brief details of the 2009 Parade. In 2009 there will not be a street march. Instead, Associations will form up in the Domain with their Standards and will be inspected by the Governor-General, before marching past.
39ers who joined the Navy and Army in 1939, and a reservist who joined the Citizens Air Force after the war then addressed us to give their impressions of the role played by Reservists 70 years ago.
Finally a book entitled, The Originals, was launched. This book was produced as part of the 2008 celebrations and contains the accounts of some 40 Reservists who joined up in 1948. All Originals were given the opportunity to provide details of their enlistment and some 130 did so, but unfortuately not all could be included in the book. It does contain the stories of eight of our members, Bill Boyd, Geoff Browne, Jim Cameron, Clem Cumming,John Doak, Harry MacDonald, Bill Monteith and Frank Woodhams.
Copies of the Book can be obtained from the Reserve Forces Day Council, - cost $20, $25 posted. Contact Frank Woodhams.
The Reserve Forces Day Council has produced a slideshow with further photos of the Dedication Ceremony. This can be viewed by going to http://www.rfd.org.au/site/2009.asp and clicking on the SlideShow Button
Despite perfect weather (or was it because of it?) the numbers attending Anzac Day were not as high as previous years with about 80 members marching. Our thanks, as usual, go to the members of Alpha (Scottish) Company for providing the Standard and Banner Party, something that was well received by our regular Standard and Banner Party members, on a day of reasonably strong breezes.
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Following the march over 60 members, partners and friends enjoyed our traditional Anzac Day Reunion at the Royal Automobile Club.
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Again as is traditional, we were entertained by the Pipes and Drums with some old and some new tunes
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Continuing with the theme of tradition, It is now becoming a tradition for us at the Anzac Day Reunion to celebrate the success of the Association at the previous Reserve Forces Day.
It has been recorded elsewhere on this page that, for the third year in succession, the New South Wales Scottish Regimental Association was awarded the Certificate for the
Best Association on parade and for the Best Standard and Banner Party. Frank Woodhams presented certificates to the members of the Standard and Banner Pary and to the
Pipes and Drums to celebrate those successes.
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| The Guard of Honour featured A Coy members in the front rank | Who duly impressed the inspecting Officer |
Following the service, the traditional Haggis and Chips lunch was held at the Hero of Waterloo, where we were joined by ten of the A Company troops and their families, COL Kim Turner, ex OC of A Coy (Scottish), ex CO of 2/17 RNSWR and avid supporter of the Association, now at 2 Div HQ, and WO1 Bob Pink an ex RSM of 1/19 RNSWR and now Secretary of the 1/19 RNSWR Association. Bob joined A Coy (Scottish) when he first enlisted in the Reserves in the 1960s.
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| Members and Guests | Including the important ones |
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| And a future member? | As well as the old ones |
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| Bill Campbell and the Haggis | Enjoying rapt attention from the audience - or was it because they were hungry? |
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| And first rate entertainment |
Reserve Forces Day 2009 commemorated the 70th Aniversary of the ourtbreak of World War II and special guests this year were the "39ers", those who had joined the Reserve Forces prior to WWll and who subsequenty served in the War.
The 2009 Parade introduced a major change in the activity, being now a Vice-Regal Review held in the Domain with a march past, instead of a street march. A Vice-Regal review in the Domain carries on a Sydney tradition, whereby military revues in that location have been held since shortly after fomation of the colony on Port Jackson.
NSW Scottish mustered more than 70 members
Highlights were:
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| The Parade Ground was "held" by Ferret Armoured cars | And the Association Banners marched on to line the Parade ground |
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| 8 Brigade on Parade. Impressive numbers but it is hard to find us | The Governor was honoured with a mounted escort |
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| The Governor and her Red Hackle enjoyed a variety of transport | From the old to the new |
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| The Scottish marched past | And the Standards farewelled the Governor |
The traditional Formal Lunch at the RACA followed the Parade and 85 members and guests upheld the traditions of the Regiment - and very much enjoyed doing so
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| But first there were some thirsts to take care of | By more than a few of the members and guests |
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| We were welcomed by Frank Woodhams | And the Haggis was too |
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| A new ceremony saw Bro Kevin Herlihy, our Padre, presented with a Regimental Stole. (We are not sure whether there has been a Regimental Stole in the past but there is one now) | PTE Tim Reilly, a former member of A Coy and now a member of the Regular Army, proposed the toast to the Regiment |
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| The Pipe Major's toast was enjoyed by one and all | Special guest Jan Field was welcomed |
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| Bronwyn Hazlett presented the Association with a quilt for No.1 prize in the Raffle. It was won by No 1 but not with ticket No1 |
The 2009 30th Battalion's Church Parade again reminded us of the passing of time with only a few veterans of the 2/30 Battalion AIF and 30 Battalion 1938-1945 AIF being able to march with us. Nevertheless the parade was up to the fine standard set by the previous ones and, indeed, the march exceeded past standards with about 50 marchers covering all generations from the 2/30 and 30 Bn members to current Alpha Company 2/17 RNSWR members upholding the battalion traditions and led, of course, by our magnificent Pipes and Drums.
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| The Pipes and Drums | The generations of 30 Bn members |
It has become a tradition at our Church Parade for the Pipes and Drums to troop through the ranks.
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| The Trooping of the Pipes and Drums |
As is also our tradition the Chruch Parade was followed by our annual end of year of lunch, again at the Harbour Room at the Royal Automobile Club. Highlights below:
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| The Pipes and Drums do play other than on their instruments | Some of the "all and sundry" also enjoyed the lunch |
The president also took the opportunity to make presentations to Drum-Major Geoffry Leigh, and to Drummer Arthur Robinson to recognise their contributions to the success of the Association's activities
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| The sash Geoffrey is wearing was sewn by his wife, to whom we are very grateful | Arthur Robinson and Sandy enjoy the occasion |
30 members with the Pipes and Drums attended the 2010 Gemas Day remembrance at Pymble . The need for us to carry on their memory as the current representatives of the heroes who made Australian military history at Gemas on 14/15 January 1942, was highlighted by the very sad news that only six of the original members of 2/30 Bn who fought at Gemas and survived the horror years of Japanese prisoner or war camps were able to attend the ceremony. A list of those who had passed away in the last year was read and this seemed to total about the same number as those of us from the Association who attended.
A very strong plea is made to those who were unable to attend this year to swell our numbers next year to show the relatives of those of the 2/30th who have passed on, that the following generations do appreciate their sacrifice.
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| The Pipes and Drums | The Gemas Heroes |
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| The latest generation | The Memorial |
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| Memories |
A glorious day on the harbour was enjoyed by 76 members and friends on 14 March. In accordance with the theme set in recent years business was transacted first with Frank Woodhams presenting his report on activities over the past twelve months, the finances of the Association (which are in healthy state) and the activities planned for the remainder of 2010. 30 members were in attendance.
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| The Port side and President | The Starboard Side |
(The remainder of the cruise participants were not left on the Quay, they were enjoying the bar facilities and the sights from the lower deck)
Following the AGM those attending then got down to what we do best - having a good time on HMRNSWSR Good Time.
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| Bon Voyage | The Senior Contingent - Col Macpherson (joined 1939) and his wife, Mary (at rear) and Alasdair Macdonald (P&D 1948) in the foreground |
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| and the younger generation | and the rest |
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| and more of the rest | and still more of the rest |
The occasion was also marked by the promotion of Peter Bryce, the Association Standard Bearer, to Honorary Corporal and to celebrate James' McCann's birthday.
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| Peter Bryce, Association Standard Bearer | the aging James McCann> |
And of Course the Pipes and Drums, splendid as usual
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| In procession |
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The Starboard Side | And the Port |
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| And a Farewell - to the delight of the tourists at the Quay |
ANZAC Day 2010 was not one of Sydney's better days weather-wise but the rain held off for the Parade. The Association was not as well represented as in past years with only about 60 members on parade but we were very pleased to welcome MAJ Trevor Creber, one of the founding members of the Association, a former officer of 30 Bn and Company Commander of Alpha Company. Trevor now lives in Adelaide but travelled to Sydney for the day.
Photographs of the Association on the March are also less presentable than usual due to the absence of our usual photographer. What we have is shown below:
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The usual Reunion lunch was held after the Parade, but this year at a different location, the Orient Hotel at the Rocks where our numbers, with partners and friends had swelled to 75.
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And again we were well entertained by the Pipes and Drums
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But this time our story has a very sad ending. Pipe-Major Bill Campbell annonunced after the usual brackets of numbers that this would be the last occasion that the Pipes and Drums would lead us on ANZAC Day. This decision had been very reluctantly taken as members of the Pipes and Drums are reaching an age where they are finding it difficult to maintain the very high standard to which we have become accustomed.
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| Bill Campbell announcing the sad news |
Following this announcement, Frank Woodhams presented a Certificate of Appreciation to each of the members of the Pipes and Drums. A presentation that was warmly supported by those if us who were there to witness the historic but sad occasion as after 125 years, there are now no New South Scottish Pipes and Drums in New South Wales
Photographs of the presentations are shown on the Pipes and Drums page of this web site
The RNSWR Church Parade in 2010 was a special event in that it marked the 60th anniversary of the formation of the Royal New South Wales Regiment. 2010 also marks the 50th anniversary of the disbanding of 30 Infantry Battalion NSW Scottish Regiment, so it was pleasing to see a turn out of about 50 members of the Association for the occasion. On a sadder note the occasion was the second last appearance of our own Pipes and Drums who piped the Colours of the Regiment's Battalions into the church and also played a magnificient and moving rendition of Highland Cathedral during the service.
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| The Guard of Honour | The Governor and the 17Bn Colours |
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| Happy Haggis eaters | and some more |
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| As usual we were supported by A Coy members | and the Pipes and Drums |
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| Our Elder Statesmen. Harry Macdonald and Alasdair Macdonald |
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| Frank Woodhams and Bill Campbell show that we can take artistic photos - some times! |
Bill Campbell and helpers made the Haggis welcome as usual.
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| Another tradition |
Cost cutting in today's Army has resulted in the withdrawal of issue of any item of Scottish item of dress.
The Association is now assisting Alpha Company members by providing funds for some items of dress. Also with the demise of Pipes and Drums in the Army,
Alpha Company is sponsoring 2 members to learn to play the pipes.The Association has agreed to buy their pipes.
Frank Woodhams presented a cheque to LCPL Greg Smallwood, the President of the Alpha (Scottish) Coy Diggers Club
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| Frank Woodhams and LCPL Greg Smallwood |
To round out and finish the day on a high note were again marvellously entertained by the Pipes and Drums. We will miss them
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| Our magnificent Pipes and Drums | We cannot see enough of them |
The Parade on Reserve Forces Day 2010 was a special one in that it was the first Parade to be honoured by the first female Governor-General and Commander in Chief. Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AM took the salute and inspected the Parade.
We will let the photos tell the story:
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NSW Scottish members had the honour to carry two of the Standards on Parade:
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| Colin Boland with the 8 Brigade Standard | and Peter Bryce with the NSW Scottish Standard |
Our thanks to Debra Rodgers for the Parade photos
The Parade was followed by the traditional formal lunch at the Royal Automobile Club where the honours of the day continued with the NSW Scottish Association hosting His Excellency Mr Michael Bryce AM AE, the husband of the Governor-General.
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| His Excellency talks of his Scottish ancestry and visiting the Queen at Balmoral |
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| Tradition was maintained with the usual excellent entertainment by the Pipes and Drums |
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| And the Pipe Major's toast with our guests |
As the Formal Lunch was the last formal occasion on which the Association will be entertained by the Pipes and Drums, the opportunity was taken of His Excellency's presence to make a presentation to Bill Campbell for his outstanding contribution to the Association and to Reserve Forces generally since the formation of the Reserve Forces movement in 1998.
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| His Excellency and Bill Campbell | Frank Woodhams adds his thanks to Bill on behalf of all of us |
The NSW Scottish Regimental Association is one of the very few Associations that is strongly supported by currently serving Reservists. To recognise their support, A Company members were seated with His Excellency and introduced. He was very happy to recognise their support.
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The 30 Battalions' Church Parade is always a subdued occasion as we remember the departed members of the 2/30 Battalion (AIF) and the 30 Battalion AIF (1939-1945) who gave their lives during World War 2 and those who gallantly fought for their country and survived the War and returned, but whose numbers are sadly diminishing as the years take their toll.
This year the occasion was made even sadder because it was the last occasion on which our own Pipes and Drums marched with us and entertained us in the superb manner to which we have been accustomed since 1998. Here also the years are taking their toll
It also marks the occasion, the first since 1885 that New South Wales does not boast a Regimental Pipes and Drums
To pay tribute to the Pipes and Drums, this section of our web site is devoted to our Pipes and Drums and we show below as many photographs as our (very amateur) photographer was able to persuade his very basic camera to produce.
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This year the Pipes and Drums were supported by the rest us, some 80 marchers, the best attendance at any parade for some time. (Note that in past years we have reported that the rest of us were supported by the Pipes Drums, this year the other way round!)
Our sincere thanks go to those who supported the Pipes and Drums on this momentous but sad occasion.
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The traditional trooping of the Pipes and Drums took on a greater meaning in 2010
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Following the Parade the usual end of year function was held with some 95 of us attending. This caused considerable pressure on Frank Woodhams but he was grandly supported by the Royal Automoble Club management who upgraded our venue at the last moment to accommodate the increasing numbers
A special welcome was extended to previous members of the 30 Battalion and 17RNSWR Pipes Drums and and a very special welcome to Mrs Moira Playfair, widow of Major Playfair, 2IC of 30 Battalion when it disbanded and later OC of A Coy 2RNSWR. Moira remains a staunch supporter of the Association and on this occasion very kindly donated a sum that enabled the members and past members of the Pipes and Drums to attend the lunch at no cost to them
We also thank an anonymous donor who provided wine for the tables.
Once again the function was treated to the magnificent playing of the Pipes and Drums who included in their repertoire a number of tunes rarely played by other Pipe bands, or as suggested by the Pipe Major and enthusiastically agreed by the audience, if they were, they were not played as well.
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The traditional Pipe Major's toast followed
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Frank Woodhams re-presented the plaque which was the subject of a presentation previously presented to Bill Campbell
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Les Robertson reminded us of the previous members of the Pipes and Drums who were unable to join us. Bill Campbell added to the presentation presenting by presenting a momento to Les in thanks for his hard work on the bass drum for many years.
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Mrs Jan Field added her thanks to Bill Campbell for his help in making Jan's daughter the occasion that the bride wanted it to be.
We also thank Mrs Alison Phillips for adding some additional beauty to the picture.
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More style and decorum was added to the occasion by our Chaplain Kevin Herlihy
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Our thanks go to Jack Horsfall for the photo
Drummer Greg Hazlett added the thanks of the Pipes and Drums to Bill Campbell for his leadership and Frank Woodhams re-presented a presentation that was presented to Geoff Leigh on a prior occasion but where the photographer was not quick enough to record it.
If it appears that we are being hard on our photographer, perhaps it should be recorded that any critcism should be directed to the webmaster whose name appears on another page of the web site and who owns and operates the camera.
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Finally a very sorrowful good-bye to the Pipes and Drums with huge thanks for the very many hours of pleasure they have brought to members of the New South Wales Scottish Regimental Association over so many years.
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The last function each year - 30th Battalions' Church Parade - and the first of each year - Gemas Day are both solemn reminders of the traditions and history that we as the most recent generations have a duty to uphold. Gemas Day in 2010 was blessed with the attendance of 6 survivors of the historic and gallant victory at Gemas. In 2011 that number was down to 2.
Examination of the photos below shows that all the marchers are wearing medals on the left. The relatives remember the sacrifices of the members of the 2/30th. Those of us from the Association that attended the function were proud to show that we too, as representatives of other generations who served on the 30th Bn and its successor, Alpha Company 2/17 RNSWR remember those sacrifices and remain thankful that we did not have to undergo the horrors that were so magnificently borne by the men of the 2/30th in 1942 and beyond.
Let us reflect on the service of our forebears on 2/30th while looking at he following pictures of Gemas Day 2011 that tell the story of the day
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On a very much less sombre note what a very pleasant surprise to see members of our Pipes and Drums leading the march. Despite the formal disbandment of the Pipes and Drums when a request came for assistance on Gemas Day, volunteers came to the fore.
