680071 Cpl Christopher Reeves ALLEN                                                          20 January 2023

served in the battalion from 1995 through to 2001 deploying to East Timor with INTERFET, he was a member of B Coy and Spt Coy.  Chris joined the Army in 1992 serving. with 8/9 RAR, 2 RAR and finishing in 2004 with 4 RAR, 2 CDO Regt. Christopher Allen passed away in a vehicle accident on 20 January 2023 in Drake NSW, aged 48+, his funeral service was held at Ewingsdale NSW followed by a Private Cremation

 

2784837 Pte Gordon Phillip ASTILL                                                        23 Feb 1946 - 24 Mar 2023

 

235340 Lt Grant Alexander Charles CHASLING                                                           18 Oct 2022

Platoon Commander 5 Pl B Coy 2 RAR/NZ (ANZAC) Bn in South Vietnam until September 1970 when he was promoted to Captain and appointed Adjutant for the remainder of the Battalions tour. Grant passed away on 18 Oct 2022, peacefully following a battle with liver cancer, aged 75+.  Grant’s wake was held on 4 February 2023 in Toowoomba QLD attended by many Army friends and colleagues. Thank you, Paul “Cowboy” Jones

 

1202268 LCpl     Trevor “Bluey” James COLE                                                       19 October 2022

Served as Medic, 7 Pl C Coy in South Vietnam from 16 May 1970 To 1 June 1971. He passed away in Maryborough Qld on 19 October 2022, aged 71+. Trevor’s farewell was held at Kirks Funerals Crematorium, Maryborough Qld. Thanks to Merv Dicton and Viv Cole.

 

1202871 Pte Robert (Bob) David DANGAARD                                           2 Jun 1949 - 17 Mar 2023

Was posted to 1 ARU in South Vietnam on 2 Jul 70, then to 8 RAR (30 Jul – 4 Oct 1970), then D Coy 7 RAR (5 Oct 70 – 8 Feb 71), back to 1 ARU (9 Feb – 25 Feb 71) then to Mortar Pl, Spt Coy, 2 RAR/NZ (ANZAC) on 26 Feb 1971 before RTA. Bob redeployed to Transport Pl 2 RAR before Corp transfer to RASC and was a driver at 9 Coy RASC in Townsville. Bob from Gordonvale Qld passed away on 17 March 2023 after a very brief illness, aged 73+.  His funeral was held at Gordonvale Qld with members of Mortar Pl in attendance. Thanks to Tiny Riley and Grass Lloyd.

 

38157 Cpl Norman John DEVEREUX,                                                                   21 October 2022

Served as a Section Commander 5 Pl B Coy in South Vietnam in 1967-68. He continued to serve in the Army for over 20 years reaching the rank of Warrant Officer Class 2.  After his military service he served in the Queensland Justice system until retirement and in a voluntary capacity with the Returned Services League advocating for the wellbeing of veterans and their families. Norm joined the 2 RAR Associations Management Committee in 2010 until 2020 as Treasurer and in 2017 was made a  Life Member of the Association for his dedicated service. Norm passed away peacefully in his sleep on 21 October 2022, aged 75, his funeral service was held at The Great Northern Garden of Remembrance, Deception Bay Qld

Thank you to John B Hungerford.  

 

1735336 Pte David “Spider” Michael FERGUSON                                     8 Aug 1948 - 6 May 2023

 

1200960 2Lt Robin “Rib Fronklin” Gordon FRANKLIN                             4 Mar 1947 - 26 May 2023

 

2792874 Pte Ian William GREEN                                                             22 Sep 1948 - 16 May 2023

 

1411309 Gregory (Greg) Reginald HANSEN                                                19 Aug 1948 - 12 Jan 23

Served with 7 RAR, 1 RAR, 2 RAR, 8 RAR, 8/9 RAR, 2/4 RAR and 6 RAR as the Battalion 2IC in the late 90’s or early 2000’s.  Greg passed away in the early hours of 12 Jan 23, aged 74.  Greg’s funeral was held at the Mt Thompson Crematorium, Holland Park QLD.  

 

1731794 Pte David John HAYNES MM                                                                    19 May 1945 - 28 Jan 2023

 

35944 Pte Frederick Guyan (Jock) HENDERSON                                                          11 Jun 2023 Ex 2 RAR 1956-57 (then to 3 RAR) 1958 MALAYA.  3 RAR  MALAYSIA 1963-65 incl Thai Border, Sarawak/Borneo, including 2 tours SVN (2 Apr 1967 - 15 Mar 68 and 15 Feb 1970 – 4 Mar 71) with 7 RAR (WIA) . Jock passed away 11 Jun 2023, aged 89.  Don Cruden State Rep 7 RAR WA

 

8586749 LCpl Murray (Muz) A HORSFIELD                                                            Died 20 February 2023

 

26275 WO1 James (Jim) HUSBAND  OAM, BEM                                                 24 Jun 1933 - 21 May 2023

Joined Army on 3 June 1952. After Recruit Training was posted to 2 RAR, serving with the Battalion in Korea in from 17 Mar to 15 Oct 1953 as a signaller and participated in the Battalion’s battle on “The Hook”. In 1953 (after the Korean Truce) Jim was medically evacuated to Kure, Japan. Upon  discharge from hospital Jim was posted to Britcom Base Signals Regiment as a Despatch Rider and transferred to RA Signals Corps and later posted to the British Commonwealth Battle School at Haramura, Japan as an Assistant Instructor, Regimental Signals.

In late 1955 he RTA to 19 National Service Battalion at Holsworthy NSW as an instructor. Then posted to 1 RTB Kapooka, NSW and promoted to Sergeant. He was then posted to the Army Apprentices School at Balcombe, Vic and awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM).

Jim attended the AATTV selection course, promoted to WO2 and posted to the “Team” in South Vietnam from 14 Apr 1964 to 11 Apr 1965. When posted as Assistant Battalion Advisor, 2 Battalion, 5 ARVN Regiment in the 2nd Corps area awarded the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star. Posted as CSM 2 Commando Company in Victoria where he qualified for a Green Beret.  In 1969 Jim became CSM A Coy 7 RAR for their second deployment to South Vietnam (16 Feb 70 to 4 March 1971). On RTA Jim was posted to the Infantry Centre, Ingleburn NSW instructing on the WO’s  Courses and promoted to WO 1 and was with the unit when it relocated to Singleton NSW.  Jim was posted to the newly formed Army Parachute School as the first post-war School RSM and was a member of the original Army Red Beret Parachute Display Team. The main training drop zone was named “DZ Husband” as Jim was the first RSM.  Jim’s last posting in the Army was to 6 RAR at Enoggera QId as RSM and was awarded the Queens Jubilee Medal.  He was offered RSM 1 Division, however opted for retirement and then completed a further four years with the Army Reserve at Ingleburn NSW. Jim was awarded the OAM for services to the veteran community in 1999. Jim passed away on 21 May 2023 at St Marys Nursing Home Coolum Beach Qld aged 89+. His funeral was held at St Peter's Church, Coolum Beach QLD, followed by a wake afterward at Coolum Bowling Club.

 

2782603 Pte Peter Mcdonald (Jock) KENNEDY                                                    12 Feb 1945 – 6 May 2023

 

212938 WO2 James “Jim” Edward LANGHAM                                                    21 May 1936 -25 Mar 2023

                               

221123, 2400687, 2411009 Pte John Joseph LEE, joined the Army in 1951 and saw Active service in Korea with 1 RAR (6 April 1952 to 06 April 1953). On RTA he was posted to 4 RAR, then 2 RAR (1957-1959) before retiring in 1960.  John passed away at Goonellabah NSW on 22 November 2022, aged 91. 2 RAR Assoc Hon Chaplain Rev Graeme R Davis OAM CSM JP assisted at John’s Funeral Service at Parkview Funeral Home, Goonellabah.

 

311229, 15265 Sgt James “Jock” Bennett LINDSAY                                           7 Jan 1931 - 29 Mar 2023

Jock was born in Scotland in 1931. He joined a Scottish Unit.  In the UK signed up for General enlistment in the Australian Army Oct 1952 and emigrated to Australia and posted to 4 RAR (1952-4), Korea with 3 RAR (422 days – 12 Jul 53 – 6 Sep 1954), Japan 1954-55 with BRITCOM Sig Regt, 3 RAR (1955-57), 1 RAR (1957-62), including 2 years in the Malayan Emergency (1959-62). 3 RAR (1962-3), 2 RAR (63 -68) and was Pioneer Sgt in 2 RAR/NZ (ANZAC) Bn in South Vietnam from 7 May 1967 – 21 May 1968, Jungle Training Centre (1968-70), 1 RAR (CSM) (1970-72), Papua New Guinea Training Depot (1972-74, 25 RQR at Dalby as CSM (1974-76), 1 RTB (1976-78). Jocks last posting in the Army was as a WO2 Instructor at Land Warfare Centre 1978-80. Jock passed away in Brisbane on 29 March 2023, aged 92 and his funeral was held at Albany Creek Memorial Park & Crematorium, Bridgeman Downs QLD. Thanks to Bill Parry and Jo Braumberger.

 

5717234 Pte Henry MATEJA                                                                                        26 Sep 1948 - 21 Feb 2023

 

8579534 Laurence Paul MEACLE                                                                               Died on 12 Feb 2023

 

43427 Graham “Macca” Leslie MCLEAN, served with 4 RAR in Borneo, in South Vietnam A Coy 2 RAR (May 67 – May 68) and then 6 RAR from 1973 as Company Clerk and Orderly Room Sgt until retiring as a WO2 Chief Clerk in 1984. Graham passed away on 19 Nov 22, aged 76+. His funeral was held at Stafford Qld and a 2 RAR Banner was placed on his casket by Allan Whelan, Secretary 6 RAR Assn.

 

53411 WO2 Robert “Bob”/” Boof” James MILLWOOD, served with 2 RAR in Malaya 1961-1963 and 9 Pl C Coy South Vietnam 1967-1968. Bob passed away on 17 December 2022, aged 82+. Funeral service for Bob was held at Launceston RSL Club

 

1731905 Pte Noel “Buck” Frederick MORRIS                                                       25 Dec 1945 - 5 Mar 2023 

 

3790446 Pte Christopher (Chris) Richard MORTIMER                                      14 Aug 1946 - 18 Feb 2023

was born in Shepparton, Victoria. Chris was called up for National Service and served with 7 RAR (13 Nov 1967 – 3 Jan 1968) in South Vietnam then posted to 1 Pl A Coy 2 RAR/NZ (ANZAC) Bn (4 Jan to 13 Jun 1968). Chris moved to New Zealand from Victoria about 47 years ago and passed away at home 18 Feb 2023, aged 76+. A private burial was held in the RSA Section, Hillcrest Cemetery, Whakatane, North Island, New Zealand as per his wishes.

 

55751 Pte David (Dave/Polly) PERKINS                                                                  20 Sep 1949 - 18 Feb 2023 

was posted to 1 Australian Reinforcement Unit (1 ARU) in South Vietnam on 8 Oct 1969 to 11 Nov 1969, then 6 RAR/NZ (ANZAC) Bn (12 Nov 1969 - 13 May 1970), before completing his tour with 2 RAR/NZ (ANZAC) Bn (14 May 1970 - 13 Aug 1970), driving the Bn water Resupply Truck. Dave passed away peacefully in Perth on 18 February 2023 aged 73. His funeral was held at Karrakatta Cemetery, Karrakatta WA

 

44979 Pte Terry “TJ” John RANKIN was the Platoon Sig for 3 Pl A Coy 2 RAR/NZ (ANZAC) Bn in South Vietnam from 12 May 1970 until 1 June 1971 when he returned to Australia with the Battalion aboard the HMAS SYDNEY.  Terry passed away suddenly on 13 November 2022, aged 71+.  His funeral was held at Mount Barker SA.

 

5714177 Pte Allan William ROBARTSON                                                               9 Jan 1945 - 1 Mar 2023

 

44978 Rex Eric SEARLE was the Pl Signaller, 7 Pl C Coy 2 RAR/NZ (ANZAC) Bn in South Vietnam from 27 May 1970 to 1 June 1971.          Rex, late of Yorketown South Australia, passed away in Adelaide on 16 November 2022, aged 71+. Thank you to Dick Searl and Mike Bell.

 

2783005 Pte Terence Vincent TITMUSS                                                                 2 Sep 1945 -  6 May 2023

 

2784084 Pte Bruce Anthony WILBY was a member of Anti-Tank Pl, 2 RAR/NZ (ANZAC) Bn 1967-68. Bruce passed away on 19 December 2022 at Claremont QLD, aged 77+.  Bruce’s funeral was live streamed on the 6th January 2023. Thanks to Geoff Cantrill.