First in last out War Bride An ANZAC at Gallipoli

BRISBANE WATER (NSW ) LEGACY
No 74 April 2015
An ANZAC at Gallipoli
First in last out
War Bride
Volunteer of the year
It’s all in the name
In the Australia Day Awards, 2015 we are very proud that
one of our vibrant and caring Widows was recognized.
Mrs. Joan Sykes of The Entrance Long Jetty Widows
Club (seen here) was presented with volunteer of the
year award.
Mayor Doug Eaton said “We received 55 nominations
across all categories; every volunteer is a local and
should be very proud to be recognized by their peers in
the community.”
Whilst attending Toukley Torch Bearers fete in
November I met a lady, Mrs. Sally Mason who raises
horses.
In conversation she mentioned the name of the
magnificent beast pictured here at a show jumping meet
in SA. Name of the horse? “Torch Bearer”
Legatee Max Davis
© Brisbane Water (NSW) Legacy. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without prior
written consent from Brisbane Water (NSW) Legacy. All rights reserved. Brisbane Water (NSW)
Legacy does not warrant that the information available in this magazine is accurate, complete
or current. Opinions expressed are those of the respective authors and not necessarily those of
Brisbane Water (NSW) Legacy.
Born 1915
Early this year I was delighted to be invited to attend
the 100th birthday of one of our ladies Mrs. Alice Jones,
seen here (photo right) with her granddaughter Mrs. Jan
Dixon.
Event was held at Toukley RSL and attended by some
sixty plus family members.
Congratulations to a spritely and lovely lady.
Legatee Max Davis
Copy deadline is
2 June, 2015
Editorial Committee
Legacy Executive
Legacy Complex
Editor – Max Davis, 0410 541 999
Members – Russell Swinden,
Betty McCleary, Mark Gattenhof
51 Masons Parade, Point Frederick
President : Michael Hickey
Phone (02) 4323 4977
Vice President : Elizabeth Ward
Fax (02) 4323 4458
31053~0415
NEXT ISSUE – 75
President’s
Message
The catch phrases “How sweet it
is” and “How great thou art” are
certainly well known. It is indeed
“how sweet it is” to be a member
of Brisbane Water Legacy. As a
volunteer to be involved in the field
of welfare, health and education it
is both an honour and enormously rewarding. In regards
to “How great thou art” - well, members of our legacy
here on the Central Coast take a bow! We Legatees
think the world of all you lovely ladies. Our rewards
are witnessing your smiles and hearing appreciative
remarks.
I would certainly encourage each and every one
of you who do not attend a Widows Club or Laurel
Club meeting, to give strong consideration to this,
and to make a special effort to attend at least one of
these. It is good just to see so many people gathering
together enjoying each other’s company and gaining an
CEO Update
Aged Care
In July 2015, the Federal
Government will continue
the expansion of information
available ‘on-line’ or through
contact centres for people
requiring any form of
support at home or for those
considering a move into an Aged Care Facility. This will
coincide with the introduction of Regional Assessment
Centres for assistance in being evaluated for Aged Care
support. To ensure all of our widows are able to gain the
necessary information, our Welfare and Administration
staff will be able to assist in accessing the information
through the internet (www.myagedcare.gov.au) or
through the national contact number 1800 200 422.
Personal Emergency Response
Brisbane Water (NSW) Legacy has recently changed
our supplier of this service to Tunstall Healthcare, and
widows who have this in their home will have been
visited recently for the change.
This system will now enable information to be
reported to the Welfare Staff (the initial call goes
directly to the operator for immediate response) in the
event that a call is made. Our staff will then follow up
after the event to ensure correct support services are in
place.
Peter Lawley – Chief Executive Officer
CHATTERBOX 74
opportunity to make new friends. Luncheons, bus trips
and entertainment are there to entice you.
Just a phone call to Brisbane Water (NSW) Legacy
at Point Frederick, Gosford on 1800 534 229 (free call)
is where you will find all dates, as well as venues for
meetings i.e. Toukley, Gosford, Woy Woy/Ettalong,
The Entrance Long Jetty and additionally the Younger
Widows Group.
Toukley Torch Bearers are also indeed a very active
group. Whilst they are well known for their drive in
actively raising funds for Legacy they are always looking
out for new members.
Special birthday celebrations this year so far have
seen Mrs Alice Jones from Gorokan enjoying her one
hundredth (100 years) and Mrs Helen Miller from Erina
celebrating her one hundred and first birthday (101
years).
By the time you are reading this latest edition of
Chatterbox many a large ship will have sailed under the
bridge. I will look forward to reporting the “strength
of the current” in my final report as President in the
August edition.
I keep reminding you if ever you have the chance why
not take the time to visit us at Pt Frederick. The gardens
and lawns are so meticulously maintained they are a
credit to our ground staff. There you would find 64 selfcontained units available to ladies 55 and over. They are
always being updated and maintained and they have the
best position available on the edge of Brisbane Water.
You would be pleasantly surprised with what you would
find. They are only available for rent, security is assured
and the cost is quite affordable. All you would need to do
is call into the office or ring prior for an opportunity to
inspect. Maybe this could be your future home.
Special thoughts to you all on ANZAC day.
Michael Hickey – President
Would you consider
becoming a Legatee?
Brisbane Water (NSW) Legacy is constantly trying
to recruit Legatees from our Widows, the veteran
community or indeed the general public.
As a volunteer you can give as much time or as
little time as you are able – it is obviously rewarding
and often a lot of fun.
If being a Legatee seems too intimidating, you
might consider joining the Torchbearers group in
Toukley.
If you are interested or know someone (relative or
friend) who is interested, call, or have them call the
office on 4323 4977.
1
Editorial
Is it really April of 2015? Seems
like it was only last week that the
Christmas issue was being put to
bed!
Anyway a lot has happened
since then, particularly the
100th anniversary of the ANZAC
landing. I know that many of us
have well remembered fathers, grandfathers, brothers,
cousins, uncles and in a few cases, husbands who were
there on those fateful shores so long ago. May their
memories live forever.
An article in the Express Advocate of 4th March made
special mention of Central Coast ladies knitting poppies
for the special commemoration at the Cenotaph at
Gosford. Prominently featured were our Legacy ladies of
the craft club, whose aim was to knit 5,000 poppies! Well
done ladies it was a spectacular display, most worthy of
the occasion.
As seen on the inside front cover I was proud to
attend a 100th birthday celebration earlier this year.
After making a brief address on behalf of Legacy, as I
returned to my seat another very spritely lady stopped
me and proclaimed that the guest of honor, although
one hundred, was not the oldest person in the room, she
was, she proudly announced, 102!
Allow me to share another event that happened to me.
Whilst visiting a new Legacy lady (actually a transfer in
from QLD) her history with Legacy came to light and
hopefully will be featured in a future Chatterbox. She,
as a young girl became a Legacy Ward ( as was then
the title used) later in life she became as you all have,
a Legacy Widow and if that is not enough she lost a
grandson in Afghanistan. Surely enough is enough?
If you have a story that you would like to tell, just
contact the Legacy office and we will pursue from there.
To those who have submitted items and not yet been
published be assured your pieces are valued and held for
future copy.
Until next time
Legacy Independent Living
Units, Point Frederick
Our village at Point Frederick is situated on the
magnificent Brisbane Water. It provides 64 rental
bed-sitter units. These units are available to single or
widowed females, age 55 and over. Legacy Widows will
have priority, however, all applications will be assessed
on a needs basis.
Choice of ground floor and first floor units, with
shared laundry facilities on each floor. A lift is also
available to access the first floor level. Security is also
a high priority, with 24 hour, 7 days per week cameras
at each access point. Personal key locked boxes for each
resident are also available.
There is a Social Calendar full of activities for
residents including weekly shopping trips, bus trips to
local areas, morning and afternoon teas, and luncheons.
On site there is a library, lounge area and hall, which are
surrounded by manicured gardens.
Local transport is available at the door, with regular
trips to Erina and Gosford. Plenty of walking trails along
the beautiful Brisbane Water, and a variety of Clubs and
Cafes to choose from.
It is registered as a Retirement Village, and operates
under the Retirement Villages Act 1999.
For further information, please contact the Team
Leader Village on 4323 4977.
Max Davis – Editor
Cover Image
“Original Painting is in the Collection of the Australian
War Memorial”.
On 12 November 1918 a British fleet did something
it was unable to do in 1915 and sailed through the
Dardanelles bound for Istanbul. With the fleet were
warships of Royal Australian Navy serving with the
2
British 5th Destroyer Flotilla - HMA Ships Yarra,
Torrens, Warrego and Parramatta. It is this moment of
triumphal passage which Louis McCubbin has caught
in his painting ‘RAN tribute to Anzac dead, Dardanelles,
12th November 1918’. The Parramatta is shown in the
painting flying an Australian blue ensign to the left of
the main mast to honour Australians killed at Gallipoli
in 1915.
CHATTERBOX 74
FROM THE WELFARE TE AM
Welfare Report
Are we glad
summer ended?
According
to the World
Meteorological
Organisation,
2014 was the
hottest year on
earth and IN
AUSTRALIA, it was the third hottest ever since records
begun dating back to 1910. Well fancy that!
If we are to believe what we’re told, the records also
indicate that daytime temperatures have warmed by
0.8 degrees Celsius and extreme heat days are now
outnumbering extreme cool records by almost 3 to 1.
Whether it be… El Nino.. climate change, or, for most
of us simply as a result of getting older (pretty sure it
was HOT back in the day!) and less tolerant, there’s no
doubt, we’re ALL feeling it!
So where does that leave us? Looking forward to
Winter? Suggestibly winter must then be less intensely
cold, but who’s to say? COLD is COLD. Sometimes we
just need to raise a sceptical eyebrow and prepare for
WHATEVER may be.
Here are some thoughts which may help us all
through this season:
Keep Moving – try not to stay sitting down for long
periods. Get up and move around a bit at regular
Social Group Report
The year is speeding past us with Easter fast
approaching, I can not believe it. It was lovely to
welcome back the ladies at the beginning of the year and
to see all their happy faces.
Toukley Legacy Group
The last meeting saw a good roll up of ladies.
Unfortunately we had some sad news, Mrs May McCotter
passed away in Jan 2015 at the age of 90. May had been a
much loved and productive member of our club; she was
a wonderful hostess for many years.
The ladies were advised that Legacy will be assisting
any ladies who wish to come in to Gosford for the
100th Year Commemoration of ANZAC at Central Coast
Stadium. There will be buses coming in from Toukley
and Ettalong which Legacy has booked especially.
The day trip to Nelson Bay with Chris in our Legacy
bus was most enjoyable, sight seeing along the way and
a yummy lunch at the bowling club. The views from the
club only enhanced the meal.
The ladies have welcomed their new Legatee, Narelle
Goiser. Narelle will be attending the meetings in place of
L/Smith who has taken up another position within Legacy.
CHATTERBOX 74
intervals. Any kind of activity gets your circulation
going and makes you feel warmer. If you have difficulty
walking, simply moving your arms and legs and
wiggling your toes and fingers will help. If you feel
that moving is getting more difficult, perhaps you may
require a little bit of physiotherapy to maintain your
mobility.
Eat for warmth – During cold weather, regular hot
meals and hot drinks will provide warmth and energy.
If you require assistance with meals, please let us know
and we’ll be in contact with you about the various meal
providers on the Central Coast.
Dress for warmth – Wrapping up warmly, both indoors
and out, is very important. Thermal underwear and
layers of thin clothing will keep you warmer as they trap
the air between their layers.
Keeping your home warm – Try to warm your
bedroom at night before you go to bed. Ensure your
heating devices are located in a safe position and that
you don’t drape any items over the top, as this can be
a fire hazard. Remember to turn off all heating when
unattended.
Stay Social – Even if its just a phone call with a close
friend or family member, the natural endorphins from a
happy ’ inclusion’ can, genuinely, warm you up.
Just remember that no matter the weather our Welfare
Team will be out visiting you all AND will be there to
help should you require our assistance.
Groom, Binns and Parsons – Welfare Officers
I would like to thank you, Mrs Eileen O’Kane, for all
your wonderful efforts over the years in running the
Trading Table. Unfortunately, Mrs O’Kane has seen the
decline in interest in the trading table and decided that
it is time to wrap up trading.
Woy Woy/Ettalong Legacy Group
The ladies kicked the year off with the lovely vocals of
Julz who entertained us after the meeting. Julz, is one
half of a duo, who loves the idea of brightening life with
song. I know that the ladies enjoyed her performance as
there were many fingers and feet tapping along in time
with the music and some ladies even breaking into song,
joining in with Julz.
The girls enjoyed their trips with Chris, in our Legacy
bus, to Swansea and Gladesville. It is always a treat to
travel down to Sydney, to see what has changed over the
years.
At the last meeting I reminded the ladies of the
dangers of scams. Unfortunately, there are people in the
world who prey on the older members of society. Ladies
please, always remember DO NOT give your bank or
credit card details to anyone over the phone. If you feel
unsure or uncomfortable about a situation then hang up.
Continued on page 5.
3
LEGACY WIDOWS CLUBS
Gosford Legacy Widows Club
Welcome back ladies and hope you have had a very
enjoyable Christmas break with family and friends.
The weather hasn’t been the best, not only in Australia
but throughout the world. However, we are now in
autumn, so hope it will settle down. Our President and
Committee are at present discussing events for this year.
This year we have the AGM in March, Easter in April
and followed by Mothers Day in May. When you receive
the edition it will be around Easter. Our President and
committee wish you and your families a very happy
Easter (don’t have too many Easter eggs). Remember you
always have a friend at Legacy.
Mrs Mary Ewen – Secretary
Brisbane Water Legacy Laurel Club
Here we are again in 2015, another year ahead with good
friends.
A thank you to the Legatees for hosting our luncheon
in Legacy Hall.
Being early in the year our Club hasn’t got into its
swing yet. We did have a short trip to Terrigal for a Fish
n Chips lunch at the Haven, which was very enjoyable.
The Club will be looking forward to more outings and
visitors in the coming months.
Mrs Betty Cogan – Honorary President
The Entrance Long Jetty Legacy
Widows Club
A Happy New Year to you all and many thanks to Legacy
management and staff for the wonderful Christmas
lunch we all enjoyed.
Well this year is proving to be as fast moving as last
year next week we will be into our third month. We held
our first meeting for the year on the 2nd February 2015
and we have had two bus trips already. The first was our
mystery Legacy bus trip, seventeen members were on
board. After a scenic drive we enjoyed a delicious lunch
at East Maitland Bowling Club. It was good to see Chris
our trusty driver again he looks after us all so well, he
even told us a couple of jokes, now I must be honest
and say his jokes have improved on previous ones but ! I
must also be honest and say he still has a long long way
to go. Keep trying Chris.
Wyn Sawyers our social organizer arranged our
first coach trip to “Bay to Beaches”, where we visited a
number of areas in Sydney – Bondi, Potts Point, Kings
Cross, Woolloomooloo and more, we had a guide on the
coach who told us the history of the areas. We stopped
for lunch at Yarra Bay Sailing Club for a delicious lunch.
Now for some Big News.
Joan Sykes our Welfare Officer was nominated for
volunteer of the year award in the Wyong Shire. At
the Wyong Shire Australia Day awards dinner it was
announced that Joan had won the award. Joan was
presented with a certificate and trophy for winning.
Congratulations Joan.
Mrs Marie Nichol – Publicity Officer
TOUKLEY TORCHBEARERS
MEETING DETAILS
2nd Monday of each month
9.30am @ Legacy Aged Care –
Norah Head
The Laurel Club Ladies had an interesting outing to
Central Coast Interactive War Exhibit at Wyoming. It
was most interesting, and enjoyed by all.
For more information call
Sue Richards – 43592202
Pat Young – Hon. Secretary
4
CHATTERBOX 74
WIDOWS SOCIAL CLUBS
Younger Widows
Torchbearers Report
It is great to be back into our meetings and outings after,
which seemed to be, a long break.
Our first outing for the year was to the Mounted Police
at Surry Hills, it was a really interesting day and the
commentary of our guide was excellent, everyone had a
great day.
We have made bookings for the next two months
outings, one to Tanilba House, Tanilba Bay in March,
and the other to the Australiana Pioneer Village at
Wilberforce in April. They both sound very interesting.
Our three day getaway in being looked into at the
moment, further details later.
I trust everyone has a great Easter and not too many
chocolates.
Torchbearers ended 2014 with a fund raising BBQ at
Bunnings Lake Haven on the 22nd December, a big
thank you to Bunnings for providing the facility. We
have started 2015 with a stall at Morisset Show on the
weekend of 31st Jan and 1st Feb.
Torchbearers will be at Gosford Show over the weekend
of 2nd and 3rd of May, so if you are coming to the show
come and say hello.
Torchbearers AGM will be held on the 9th March, I will
not be standing for President this year. I have enjoyed
being President for the last two years and would like
to thank all of our members for their support, also
everyone who cooks, sells raffle tickets, make all the
craft and helps out on the stalls which can be very long
days.
Torchbearer’s are always looking for new members to
help, you can help as much or as little as you wish all
help is good help. We also need a volunteer bus driver
to take our goods to the big events we participate in, eg
Gosford Show, Food and Fun at Toukley, Clans Day.
Mrs Judy Howard – Co-ordinator
Social Group Report
Continued from page 3.
Mrs Susan Richards
Day Trips
Every month, each of our Legacy Widows groups is
assigned days where our Legacy bus is available to them
to use for a day trip. I ask the ladies at the meetings for
suggestions of where they would like to visit and then
arrange the outing for them. These days are usually very
cost effective as the girls are only required to pay for
their lunch and entry if necessary.
The only requirement is that there is a minimum of 10
ladies on each trip. Ladies, please remember this when
you put your name down, check your diaries before
putting your name down. By putting your name down to
go on a trip is your commitment.
The first Combined Legacy group coach trip was to
the Premiers Seniors Concert in Sydney with lunch at
Chatswood RSL. The girls enjoyed a full day out and the
wonderfully professional entertainers who treated the
audience to all the glitz and glamour. Each year we enter
a ballot to get tickets to attend the show and most years
we have been lucky and received our quota. I know that
venue has stairs but there are lifts and access is pretty
good. This was a free day for the girls who attended.
There will be other Combined trips, which are trips
that are offered to ladies in any of our Legacy social
groups. I am hoping to be able to have a Combined trip
nearly each month this year, enabling more ladies to get
out and to also meet ladies from different Legacy groups
across the coast.
With the Combined Coach trips the ladies are expected
to pay a ‘contribution’ towards the trip which is their
commitment to attend.
Wishing you all a fun filled year.
CHATTERBOX 74
Are you having trouble
attending Widows Clubs
because of mobility
or transport reasons?
Call Jessica Peterson on
4323 4977 for assistance!
COMMENTS ON GROWING OLD
Growing old is like being increasingly
penalized for a crime you haven’t
committed.
Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
A man knows when he is growing old
because he begins to look like his father.
Gabriel Garcia Marquez
5
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Social Calendar
This calendar is to be used as a guide as not all venues are
confirmed.
April
7th – The Entrance/LJ Widows Social Club – ‘Mystery’
Legacy bus outing
8th – Woy Woy/Ettalong Social Group– Morning
Melodies, Laycock St Theatre
10th – Laurel Widows Social Club – Ken Duncan Gallery
14th – Younger Widows Social Group – Australian
Pioneer Village
16th – Toukley Social Group – Maritime Museum,
Newcastle
18th – Commemoration of ANZAC – Central Coast
Stadium, Gosford
22th – Woy Woy/Ettalong Social Group – Nursery at
Mingara
24th – Gosford Widows Social Club – CC Interactive War
Exhibit
28th – Combined Social Groups - Postman’s Run
(Hawkesbury Cruise)
May
1st – Laurel Widows Social Club – Kulnura One Stop
shopping
5th – The Entrance/LJ Widows Social Club ‘Mystery’
Legacy bus outing
12th – Younger Widows Social Group – Sculpture on the
Greens
13th – Woy Woy/Ettalong Social Group- Rouse Hill
Homestead
21st – Toukley Social Group – Taste of the Bush
22nd – Combined Social Groups – Rathmine’s RAAF
WW2 Seaplane Base
27th – Woy Woy/Ettalong Social Group - Manly Ferry to
Quay (fish n chips)
June
2nd – The Entrance/Long Jetty Widows Club ‘Mystery’
Legacy bus outing
5th – Laurel Widows Social Club – Rouse Hill Homestead
10th – Woy Woy/Ettalong Social Group – The Entrance
‘Greens’
16th – Younger Widows Social Group- CC Interactive War
Exhibit
18th – Toukley Social Group – Firescreek Winery &
Bamboo Buddha
23rd – Combined Social Groups – Bingo Sydney Harbour
Cruise
24th – Woy Woy/Ettalong Social Group – Regional
Gallery
26th – Gosford Widows Social Club – Spencer Village
NB: These outing are subject to change due to availability
/ weather etc.
Chatterbox on audio cassette
Many of our Widows receive copies of
Chatterbox on audio cassette. We are
pleased to acknowledge the generous
sponsorship of Vision Australia.
If any other sight-impaired Widows would
like a copy of Chatterbox on audio cassette,
please don’t hesitate to contact Jessica
Peterson on 4323 4977.
Woy Woy-Ettalong Widows
Social Club meets at Ettalong War
Memorial Club Ettalong Beach
on the 1st and 3rd Friday of the
month at 10.00 am.
The Entrance-Long Jetty
Widows Club meets at Diggers @
The Entrance on the 1st and 3rd
Monday of the month at 10:00am.
Contact Marie Nichol
(02) 4332 3114.
Brisbane Water Legacy
Laurel Club meets at Legacy
House, Point Frederick on the 2nd
and 4th Wednesday of the month at
10:00am. Contact Pat Young
(02) 4322 8923.
Legacy Younger Widows Group
meets North and South of the
Central Coast. For details Contact
Judy Howard (02) 4332 6106.
Legal appointments
available at
Legacy House
each Wednesday
Phone
4323 4977
Gosford Legacy Widows Club
meets at Legacy House, Point
Frederick every Thursday at
10:30am. Contact Mary Ewen
(02) 4324 0743.
Toukley Legacy Widows Social
Club meets at Legacy Aged Care,
Norah Head on the 1st Monday of
the month at 10:00am.
All Widows Clubs members can also contact Letitia for any information on 43234977.
6
CHATTERBOX 74
Legacy Aged Care
Norah Head
Girls Rule
Legacy Aged Care at Norah Head
and Wyoming offers both shared and
single accommodation as well as
catering for couples.
Staff have had training in
customer service, and coloured
brochures as well as an information package have been
developed.
Prospective residents or their representative are
offered a tour of the facility and during that tour the
services on offer are discussed.
Legacy Aged Care offers a wide range of activities
including regular outings, arts and crafts, games and
competitions and celebrations of significant events.
Clinical care is of a high standard in both facilities
and those residents requiring specialist nursing care
will have access to allied health professionals, registered
nurses and specialist medical teams.
A process of consultation with residents, their
representative and staff is carried out for all residents to
ensure the resident’s care is tailored to their individual
needs.
During the recent re-accreditation audit at our
Wyoming facility it was noted that the clinical care was
of a very high standard and 44 outcomes of the audit
were met.
To ensure that all care and operations at the facilities
are of the highest standard a program of self assessment
using audits from a reputable Aged Care Benchmarking
company have been introduced this year.
Both sites enjoy a very low staff turnover which is
indicative of the happy and relaxed atmosphere that is
evident to those who visit the facilities.
Girls are in the family. Local resident Gwen Pellew of
Woy woy (herself a mother to 6 girls) was doubly excited
when her 4th daughter, Norma Northey & her husband
Robert Northey of Springwood in the Blue Mountains,
welcomed their first great-granddaughter into the world
on 27th March 2014 thus creating a fifth generation of
all girls. The double excitement came in the realisation
that, with Robert’s mother, Gladys Northey of Concord,
it also created the unusual event of a double five
generations within the same family.
It wasn’t until August that all members of the
families could be united at Baulkham Hills from Woy
Woy, Concord, Springwood & Mackay to obtain the
memorable photograph (see photo 1).
Great-great grandmother Gwen Pellew from Woy Woy
(front left), Great-great grandmother Glady Northey
from Concord (front right), Great-grandmother Norma
Northey (nee Pellew) from Springwood (rear left), Greatgrandfather Robert Northey from Springwood (rear
right), Grandmother – Jodie Northey from Mackay (rear
centre), Mother – Natasha Perkett from Mackay with her
baby daughter Dakota Brown (centre front).
Gwen, who celebrated her 90th Birthday on 21st
October, was overwhelmed when the five generation
girls paid a surprise visit from Springwood & Mackay
to join the rest of her children, grandchildren, step
grandchildren, great-grandchildren & step greatgrandchildren at her birthday celebrations held at
Kincumber on the Central Coast on Sunday 19th
October (see photo 2).
Five generations of girls, clockwise from front leftGwen, Norma, Jodie, Natasha & Dakota.
2
Deborah Maher
1
CHATTERBOX 74
7
A N A N Z A C AT G A L L I P O L I
William John Aldred Luxford was born in Wellington in
1854, though the exact date of birth is not recorded on
the Register of Births, Deaths and Marriages. However
his NZEF Attestation Form, completed on 15 August
1914, shows his birthdate as 26 March 1854. His diary
entry of 26 March 1915 records that it was his 61st
Birthday.
His parents were Charles Edward Luxford, a farmer,
and Elizabeth Ellen Luxford (nee Fairhall). He was
educated at the school of the Rev W Fell, then at
Wellington Grammar School (later Wellington College).
In 1875 he moved to Christchurch as a Methodist
ministry student, attending classes at Canterbury
University.
After probationary periods in Christchurch and
Lawrence he was ordained in 1880. He married Emma
(Emmie) Allen Mansfield Aldred, the daughter of the Rev
John Aldred, on 6 April 1880.
One of his grand children was Fred (our Treasurer and
valued Legatee) seen here with Pat on their wedding day.
Chaplain Luxford
JAL had served as Honorary Chaplain to the New
Zealand Armed Constabulary as early as 1881 when
he was serving at Patea and visited Parihaka on 26
September 1881. On returning to Patea he preached
against the coming invasion of Parihaka which occurred
on 5 November. He also spoke strongly against the loose
morals of the Armed Constabulary in their relationships
with Maori womenfolk.
JAL maintained his involvement with the military for
the next twenty years, attending camps and exercises
and conducting services in the field. He served briefly
in the Boer War, leaving with the 10th contingent but
arriving in Durban just two days before peace was
declared. In all he was away for five months in what
turned out to be something of an extended training
exercise.
After the outbreak of WW1 JAL, now sixty years of age,
left New Zealand on 16 October 1914 as the most senior
of the thirteen chaplains who accompanied the NZEF
Main Body, 8,400 men, 3,800 horses on board ten troop
ships.
EXTRACTS FROM THE DIARIES
Friday October 16th 1914
We left Wellington at 7am under a bright sky and over
calm seas. The scene was unique. The first to leave was
HMS Minotaur followed by the Japanese’s Ibuki, then
came the warship Psyche, the flagship Maunganui No 3
following in order.
After passing through the straits the second division
came abreast with the Psyche 3 miles to port, the
Philomel astern, the Ibuki about 3 miles to starboard
and the Minotaur leading. The ships were so close that
it was easy with a good glass to read their numbers.
I suppose they were three cables apart. The men on
board the flagship were kept busy at drill and attending
8
ambulance lectures and receiving elementary lessons
in French. Everything was in good order. The men were
happy and interested in the novel scenes and military
exercises of the day. In the evening posts were sounded
and with the exception of navigator’s lamps all lights
were extinguished. The weather continued calm and all
were free from depression of spirits or inconvenienced
from Neptune’s visits.
Nothing could be more propitious than our start. How
will it end?
This is far the largest force that has ever left New
Zealand at one time and probably will not in the life
time of any one now living ever be repeated.
October 17th 1914
Dirty weather. Southerly gales most of the men suffering
from sea sickness. I went the ships rounds with the
Colonel this morning and found the arrangements
were satisfactory and men contented. All drills and
lectures were dispensed with. We seem to be steering
S.W. probably making for Hobart. Col Chaytor related
to some of us the remarks of the Capt. (Japanese) of the
Ibuki. He said he had new guns but old gunners.
Lemnos Island – Wednesday April 21st 1915
A rainy day. The first steady rain we have experienced
since leaving N.Z. Everything on board very dirty and
sloppy. The Col called all officers into cabin and read
the war instructions. We are to land on the west of
Peninsula between Fisherman’s Hut and Gaba.
Tepe. Of this I must write after the event. I am to land
with the first echelon which will take me right into
battle.
Good night, Emmie.
Sunday April 25th 1915
GabaTepe – Gallipoli – Turkey
Off Peninsula Archipelago.
Boom of cannons. Over 50 ships. Warships firing.
Queen Elizabeth taking part, men landing. A lovely day
9am. As I conducted services we heard the cannons roar.
Heavens calm, clear sky. The cannons roar is incessant.
Steering due N.E.
1pm: Balloons, aeroplanes, cannons, bursting of shells,
capsized boats, shrapnel bursting. Machine guns firing.
Lighting sky up with red flashes.
3pm: Came ashore in destroyer Beagle. Wounded
everywhere, sights appalling. I did what I could. It
seemed so little. Poor fellow with eyes protruding,
another with a bullet in his throat, men bleeding to
death. Oh what sights. I slept here there and everywhere.
Rain came down, poor Col. Stuart is dead. We have lost
heavily. I must leave the scenes for future description.
Saw several dead. Many wounded and left and dead are
not yet brought in. Shrapnel bursting all around us,
men hit within 3 yards of me. The Turks were on the
shore when the Australians landed.
Continued on page 18.
CHATTERBOX 74
A N A NZ AC AT G A L L IPOL I
1
1: HMS Minotaur leading NZEF.
2: Emmie, wife of Rev. Luxford.
3: Rev Luxford 1914,
Senior Chaplain NZEF.
4: Rev Luxford 25/3/1876.
5: Pat & Fred Luxford,
newly wed.
3
2
4
5
CHATTERBOX 74
9
SOME VIE WS OF TORCHIE S AT THEIR A NNUA L FE TE
Brisbane Water (NSW) Legacy recognised the hard and tireless work that the Torch Bearers carry out on our behalf
at the Torch Bearers Thank You Luncheon held on Friday 27 March 2015 at Point Frederick.
10
CHATTERBOX 74
CHATTERBOX 74
11
The Gallipoli campaign of 1915 has assumed myth like
status for Australians and quoted by many as when the
nation came of age. The Diggers of the 1st Australian
Imperial Force, and their Kiwi mates, became the now
immortal ANZACs and the reason for the landing on 25
April 1915 is often forgotten. In reality the campaign in
the Dardanelles began as a purely maritime campaign
and evolved into, at that time, the greatest amphibious
landing every undertaken. The role of the Royal
Australian Navy in the campaign was small, with the
submarine HMAS AE2 involved in actions behind the
lines during the initial landing and the RAN Bridging
Train serving at Suvla Bay during August-December
1915. These small but important contributions are often
lost in the khaki clad propaganda machine of ANZAC.
The maritime campaign in the Dardanelles commenced
not long after war was declared in August 1914.
Turkey entered the war in support of Germany and
the Dardanelles was closed to Allied shipping. German
and Turkish warships kept the Dardanelles closed to
Allied warships, but in turn could not break out into
the Mediterranean due to the presence of patrolling
British and French warships and submarines. This
stalemate had the effect of cutting off a major sea line
of communication and trade to and from southern
Russia (via the Dardanelles, Bosporus and the Black
Sea). Russian wheat crops had for many years been the
mainstay of British food supply. By early January 1915
the Russian Government was desperate for supply of
military hardware, munitions and currency earned by
grain sales. The Russian Army was also performing
poorly in the Caucasus against well led and tough
Turkish soldiers.
The British War Council, which included Winston
Churchill, First Lord of the Admiralty, devised a plan to
seize control of the Dardanelles and ‘knock Turkey out of
the war’. The maritime strategist Norman Friedman has
stated this was a high risk – but high return action.
Success would have the effect of side-lining Turkey in
the war, re-open the sea line of communication to
southern Russia and provide military support to the
hard pressed Russian forces. If the campaign had
succeeded it is even possible the 1917 Bolshevik
Revolution and the rise of the Soviet Union may not
have eventuated.
12
In December 1914 the second convoy of Anzac troops
departed Australia and the submarine AE2, commanded
by Irishman Lieutenant Henry Stoker and with a
mixed crew of Australian and British ratings, sailed
with them for the
Mediterranean.
Australia had two
E Class submarines
at the outbreak of
war but HMAS AE1
was lost, with her
entire crew of 35
men, during the
capture of German
New Guinea in September 1914. The cause of her loss
remains unknown and the wreck has not been found.
AE2 arrived in the Mediterranean in late January 1915
and was immediately attached to the Royal Navy and
sent to the forward submarine operating base at the
Greek island of Tenedos; south of the Dardanelles. By
mid February she was conducting patrols off the mouth
of the Straits.
The combined British and French fleet was soon
involved in preparatory attacks on the coastal defences
of the Dardanelles. On 19 February some 16 British and
French warships conducted a bombardment of the outer
forts which protected the mouth of the waterway. These
bombardments continued through February and into
March and minesweepers also began to move forward to
sweep the several minefields laid across the Dardanelles.
Finally on 18 March 1915 a force of 14 British and
French battleships began to steam up the Dardanelles
with the plan to destroy the Turkish forts and break
through into the Sea of Marmara and then threaten the
Turkish capital of Constantinople (Istanbul).
This was not to be as, on 9 March 1915, the small
Turkish minelayer Nusrat had secretly laid a new
minefield and this took its toll on the Allied warships.
The British battle ships HM Ships Irresistible and Ocean
were sunk and HMS Inflexible was badly damaged. The
French battleship Bouvet was also sunk with the loss of
600 men. The failure to destroy the Turkish forts meant
CHATTERBOX 74
that Allied minesweepers could not conduct effective
sweeping operations. With the naval attack of 18 March
an unmitigated disaster the seeds were sown for a land
campaign which was designed to capture the Gallipoli
Peninsula, neutralise the coastal forts, and allow the
minesweepers to do their work with relative safety.
Once the peninsula was captured the fleet would again
attempt to push through and attack Constantinople and
force Turkey out of the war.
General Sir Ian Hamilton was appointed as the
commander to seize the Peninsula in late April 1915
and rapidly gathered as many troops as he could
which included the Australians and New Zealanders
then training in Egypt. In the interim the Royal Navy
commander in the Eastern Mediterranean, Admiral
de Robeck, decided to employ his submarines more
aggressively in the Dardanelles. On 17 April the British
submarine HMS E15 attempted to force its way,
submerged, through the Dardanelles to attack Turkish
shipping. Unfortunately E15 struck the sea bed near
Kephez Point, some 10 nautical miles from the mouth
of the Dardanelles, and forced to surface. She was
immediately engaged by the Turks, badly damaged and
ran aground. Her crew were either killed or captured.
Meanwhile Hamilton’s army of 75,000 British, French,
Indian, Australian and New Zealand troops were
gathering on the Greek island of Imbros to the west of
the peninsula. The plan was to make a three pronged
attack with the French landing at Kum Kale on the
eastern shore of the Dardanelles, the British at Cape
Helles and the ANZACs further north near Gaba Tepe.
A feint landing was to occur further north near Bulair
to draw Turkish troops away from the main attacks.
Warships were to escort the troopships to the landing
zones and bombard the Turkish defences as the troops
went ashore.
Aerial observation of the peninsula was conducted
before the landings, by the Royal Naval Air Service, and
the original landing place for the ANZACs was moved
north to Ari Burnu when heavy defences were spotted
near Gaba Tepe. The long held myth that the ANZACs
were landed on the wrong beach is incorrect; they were
CHATTERBOX 74
actually deliberately landed on the least defended but
extremely rugged coast to the north.
Undeterred by the loss of E15, Henry Stoker in AE2
requested the opportunity to take his submarine on
the same mission and this was granted. He was given
the orders to ‘run amok generally’. An attempt on the
night of 23/24 April failed due to a broken hydroplane
coupling which prevented the submarine from diving.
The defect was quickly repaired and Stoker set out again
the following night. At Midnight, on 24 April 1915, AE2
sailed from Tenedos and at 2.30 am was approaching
the Straits. By 4.30 am (the same time the first ANZACs
landed on the Peninsula) AE2 was well ‘behind enemy
lines’ and approaching Kephez Point. Not long after she
was spotted by Turkish lookouts and dived to avoid the
shellfire which soon followed.
Stoker took his vessel down to 90 feet and began
to slip through the many minefields blocking his
way. The men could hear the scraping of the mine
mooring wires on the hull as they moved further north
towards the Narrows. Every time the submarine used
its periscope for navigation she was fired upon by the
Turks, but this also had a positive effect as a Turkish
battleship which was bombarding the Anzac forces saw
the periscope and ceased fire and steamed away. Later
Stoker spotted a Turkish warship and fired a torpedo
at it and claimed a hit. Finally at 9.00 pm on the 25th,
after being submerged for 16 hours, AE2 broke through
the Dardanelles into the Sea of Marmara. The air in
the submarine was now putrid and the men took it in
turns to come on deck for fresh air. The AE2’s wireless
operator, Telegraphist William Falconer from Richmond,
Victoria, sent the message that AE2 was through the
straits and behind enemy lines. No response to this
message was received but the message had got through.
At midnight of the 25th, onboard the battleship HMS
Queen Elizabeth, a council of war was held by Hamilton
and his commanders. The news from ashore was grim
with the Anzac attack bogged down due to stiff Turkish
defence and casualties were mounting. Several officers
recommended the men be evacuated and the attack
abandoned. At this moment AE2’s message arrived.
13
Hamilton immediately wrote to General Birdwood, the
Anzac commander, the following note:
Your news is indeed serious, but dig yourselves right
in and stick it out. It would take at least two days to reembark you …. Meanwhile the Australian submarine
has got up through the Narrows and torpedoed a
gunboat at Chanak. Make an appeal to your men to
make the supreme effort to hold their ground. PS. You
have got through the difficult business. Now you only
have to dig, dig, dig until you are safe.
The greatest amphibious landing to date had actually
succeeded but the vital breakout from the beach-heads
had failed and the campaign fizzled away into static
trench warfare. Eventually the ANZACs were withdrawn
in December 1915 having suffered 8,000 Australian and
2,000 New Zealand deaths. The Royal Navy continued
to support the eight month campaign ashore with shore
bombardment, landing reinforcements and evacuation
of the sick and wounded.
But what of AE2? On 30 April 1915 after ‘running
amok’ in the Sea of Marmara attacking Turkish shipping
she was in turn attacked and sunk. Her crew all survived
the sinking and became Prisoners of War; but four later
died from disease. The survivors of the first submarine
to penetrate the Dardanelles finally returned home
in 1919. This was however
not the end of the RAN
involvement in the Gallipoli
campaign. In August an
equally unlikely Australian
naval unit arrived at the
Dardanelles.
In early 1915 the RAN had
a problem on its hands. It
had thousands of reserve
personnel who wanted to
serve in the Navy; but not
enough ships to put them in.
One idea put forward was to
create a RAN Bridging Train; a horse drawn engineering
unit for service with the Royal Naval Division (RND).
The RND was the British answer for the effective
employment of a large number of RN Reserve and Royal
Marine personnel and they later saw service as infantry
at Gallipoli and on the Western Front. Lieutenant
Commander Leighton Seymour Bracegirdle, RAN who
had recently returned from active service in German
New Guinea was given the task of forming this unit. He
was ideally suited to the task having seen active service
ashore in China in 1900-01, during the Boxer Rebellion,
and the South African War in 1901-02.
Bracegirdle commenced recruiting naval reservists
in every state and set up a camp in the Domain, in
Melbourne, for training. His second in command was
Lieutenant Thomas Arthur Bond who had also recently
returned from German New Guinea and was later
awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) for his
bravery.
14
Three hundred men were
recruited throughout midMarch to late May 1915 and
these included several men
who had served in China in
1900-01 and German New
Guinea. There were also
men who had prior service
in the Royal Navy and even
a few men who claimed
prior service in the United
States Navy and might have
been deserters from the
Great White Fleet which
visited Australia in 1908.
As well as naval
reservists Bracegirdle recruited blacksmiths, saddlers,
farmers, stockmen, horse breakers, wheelwrights,
coach builders, farriers, carpenters, bridge builders,
pearl divers, boilermakers and fitters and turners to
man his horse drawn engineering unit. The training
was intense – particularly turning men who had never
ridden a horse before into accomplished riders as well
as the difficult work of using horse drawn wagons to
carry the unit’s pontoon bridges; which would be used
on the western front to ford
rivers and streams. The men
wore Light Horse uniforms
but with naval badges of rank
and a metal anchor badge on
their hats and tunic collars.
Later a red anchor on a blue
cloth patch was worn on
the upper sleeves of their
jacket. The RANBT sailed
from Australia on 4 June
1915, in the troopship Port
Macquarie, and upon arrival
in Egypt in late July 1915
were diverted to the Gallipoli campaign. On 7 August
the Bridging Train landed at Suvla Bay (to the north of
ANZAC Cove) and commenced pier building operations
to support the re-supply of British forces ashore. The
main camp was set up on the northern side of the bay at
a small cove which became known as Kangaroo Beach.
Over the next few months the Bridging Train took on
more and more work as a shore based engineering unit.
This included building and maintaining the wharves,
pontoon piers and small harbour facilities at Suvla Bay,
unloading the lighters which brought in supplies from
the island of Imbros, constructing and maintaining a
water supply pipeline from the beach to the front line,
trench and dugout construction, maintaining a large
stockpile of engineering stores, setting up a blacksmith
and carpenters workshop, and building a light railway
for hand trucks to assist with unloading the stores
lighters.
Continued on page 23
CHATTERBOX 74
SPECIAL NEEDS DEPENDANT S & JUNIORS CHRISTMAS PART Y
Junior and Special Needs Dependant Christmas Party on the 23 November 2014 in the Legacy Hall.
CHATTERBOX 74
15
LEGACY HAPPENINGS
1
1: The Residents of the Legacy Village enjoyed
a morning tea for Valentines Day.
3
2
2: The Residents of the Legacy Village Craft
Group have been busy making Poppies.
4
3: The Residents of
the Legacy Village
Craft Group
donated hand
made bears to
Gosford Hospital.
4: Induction of
Legatee Narelle
Goiser with
Legatee Cheryl
Smith and Legatee
President Michael
Hickey.
16
CHATTERBOX 74
WA R BRIDE
Thousands of young Australian men were sent to
England to serve during W.W.II. Many lost their lives.
many were injured and many fell in love and convinced
their sweethearts to marry and follow them, to the other
side of the world.
One of those sweethearts was Joan Rix, who served in
the Army Royal Corp. Signals as a Teleprinter Operator
for 3 1/2 years.
Joan met her future husband at the Nuffield Services
Club in London. He was R.A.A.F. W.Off. Bryan Meade, a
Rear Gunner in 462 Squadron. Bryan asked Joan for a
dance and although according to Joan, he had two left
feet, this did not affect the relationship. They continued
to meet, whenever Bryan came to London and after a
few months became engaged. They were married in St.
Peter’s Church, Paddington, London.
Bryan returned to Australia in 1945. Eventually
Joan received notification that she was to sail on the
Rangitata, she was 6 months pregnant. Joan shared a
cabin with 11 other brides, all with a surname beginning
with the letter M, apparently this was how they were
allotted to their cabins. The cabin had 6 double bunk
beds, no storage facilities so all their belongings had to
fit under the bunks.
They suffered sea sickness in the Bay of Biscay. It was
to take 6 weeks to reach Australia, they had many hours
to fill in and as no entertainment had been organised,
they talked and talked and played cards. Their first stop
was Port Said, which was quite daunting, as the locals
CHATTERBOX 74
pestered them to buy or give them money.
The next stop was Aden, where they were not allowed
to get off, due to the political position at that time.
Eventually they stopped in Melbourne and disembarked.
Some of them were taken to billets for the night. The
following day they were put on the train to Sydney.
Joan was met by Bryan and taken to live with his
mother and stepfather. Bryan’s mother was very
welcoming and had given up her work to be with Joan
until she had her baby.
Joan settled down very well, however, her main dislike
was the outside toilet without sewerage (the dunny).
Laundry was done in the copper and then put into tubs to
be wrung out, before putting on the line with the poles to
hold it up. There was a chip heater in the bathroom.
After years of rations, Joan was amazed at how
plentiful meat and food was.
Much to her dismay, she discovered that mosquitos
loved her English blood.
Although Joan came from a big family, her years in
the Army had taught her to be independent. She missed
her friends and family at times, however, she came to
love Australia and had a very satisfying marriage.
Joan and Bryan were married for 63 years, they had 2
boys and 1 girl, sadly one son died. Bryan died six years
ago.
Joan is now 94 years of age and lives on the Central
Coast with her daughter and son-in-law.
Legatee Betty McCleary
17
A N A N Z A C AT G A L L I P O L I (c o n t i n u e d)
Continued from page 8.
They misled our troops by running away thereby
drawing our men who were caught by superior numbers.
We had no artillery with which to cover our men and no
reinforcements to help them. I am to sleep in wireless
station tonight. Doctors gave me splendid cup of Bovril,
it was good.
Good night Emmie.
Sunday August 8th 1915
The Saddest Day I Ever Spent
Slept soundly amid all the noise last night. Early
this morning I went up the hill, Chunuk Bair, and said
a short prayer with some of the companies. The hill
is gained but that is all. It is slaughter to go across.
I saw the dead bodies lying about which could not
be recovered. Wounded have been coming down in
hundreds. I am feeling very unwell. Nothing to drink
but water and only biscuits for food. Must try to hold
out. The Maoris have suffered heavily. A welsh regiment
has lost nearly all its officers. Wellington is holding an
outpost at great cost. No one knows particulars but we
can all see the casualties. It is climbing steep hills, living
on biscuits and water, witnessing the saddest scenes
on earth, hearing the most hideous noises and feeling
weak and weary oneself. As a man said to one slightly
wounded “You are among the fortunate”. A man slightly
wounded is lucky.
I feel utterly useless. Cannot get to the wounded
up here. Cannot bury the dead and cannot make
arrangements for my work. All are bent on one thing –
everything else is subservient – gaining the position.
In the evening about 8.30 I saw the Otago men make
their charge. Many of the poor fellows will never come
back. Ten minutes after it seemed to me that there were
as many returning as attacking. Men were streaming
back wounded. I helped Lieut Turnbull to dressing
station. Spoke to Gen Johnston. He was very downcast,
hear that Col Malone is killed also Major Chapman
wounded. Men of Auckland mounted regiment tell Frank
has been sent back to NZ I wonder if it is correct.
Went with Father Dore and my orderly into the valley to
help the wounded. Found the SBs doing their work well.
Was sorry to find some Tommies (Welsh) taking cover in
shelter among the wounded. No NZer was doing this.
Went home and fell asleep after having a drink of water.
Must trust memory for particulars of this dreadful day.
Good night Emmie.
Thursday 12th
(IN VERY SHAKY HANDWRITING)
I was struck on Monday with a bullet about 3 o’clock. It
entered above my right knee and severed the principal
artery. I bled profusely. I got to the ship and had some
relief. My right leg is swollen and the doctor says it must
come off. I don’t think there will be need for this – I would
18
have loved to have seen you all again. I shall often be near
you.
God Bless you Emmie.
•••
Recognition of his efforts came in the award of the CMG
in the King’s Birthday Honours of 1916 “for outstanding
services on the beaches of Gallipoli in the execution of his
religious duties among the soldiers placed in his care and
promotion to Lieutenant Colonel. He was mentioned in
despatches in September 1915 and again in March 1916.
His wife Emmie and daughter Gladys were able to
join him in London in 1917, with Gladys working as a
V.A.D at Walton-on-Thames. At the end of the war they
returned to New Zealand, contemplated retiring in
Christchurch but eventually purchased a property at 2
Burwood Crescent, Remuera, naming it “Chunuk Bair”.
On his return to New Zealand complications from
his wound led to him having an x-ray treatment at a
military hospital in Trentham in November 1919. He
died at home in Remuera on 28 January 1921 and was
buried at Waikaraka Cemetery.
With thanks to Legatee Fred Luxford.
Gallipoli
G
O SERVE YOUR COUNTRY!
Excitement rushes throughout Australia and New
Zealand. Men all want to be picked for the voyage to the
Great War. “Me! No me”. But they don’t have to worry.
The volunteers will ALL be chosen.
A
NZAC SPIRIT
Heroes with courage and compassion. They’re
mates, they’re buddies and they will risk their lives
together. Even the dying are shouting encouraging
words to their comrades to help them on their way.
L
IFE BOATS
take them to the white sandy beach. They look
high up and their hearts sink. Huge cliffs tower above
them. But that does not make them give up. Some start
climbing with their bayonets while others work away
digging out trenches. And this is only the beginning.
L
ONE PINE, THE NEK, ANZAC COVE
These are all calm places when they get there but
not for long. The Dardanelles, a huge strait east of the
Gallipoli Peninsula and west of Turkey. The soldiers know
they’re in for something big, but they don’t know what.
I
NVASION
Enemy battles, two sides fighting for victory. The Turks
and the ANZACS charging at each other. Commanders
shouting “ADVANCE, DEFEND, HOLD THE LINE!”
CHATTERBOX 74
Book review:
ANZAC Treasures
The Australian War
Memorial has a unique
collection of Gallipolirelated objects,
photographs, artworks,
diaries, letters, maps and
personal memorabilia.
Dr Peter Pedersen,
formerly Head of the
Research Centre at the
AWM, has produced
a commemorative
book drawing on this
collection.
This beautifully produced publication commemorates
the centenary of the Gallipoli campaign from 25
April 1915 to 9 January 1916. ANZAC Treasures deals
with both the military perspective and social impact
including its role in commemoration and nation
building. This volume would make a perfect keepsake
or gift for those with an interest in Australia’s military
history.
Dr Pedersen is one of Australia’s leading military
historians. He has written eight books on WWI and led
many battlefield tours to Gallipoli, the Western Front
and other battlefields in Europe and Asia. He is currently
consultant historian to the Australian Department of
Veterans’ Affairs.
P
ETRIFIED
Gun-fire every day, cannons and bullets whizzing
around everywhere. Soldiers running, dodging out of the
way. So scary! Sky so dark with smoke it is almost like
night. More shots ring out. All the soldiers jump again!
O
UTBREAK OF DISEASE
Flies, rats, the stinking stench in the summer. And
in the winter the snow is bitter cold and the soldiers
are shivering. Uncomfortable nights sleeping in the
trenches, rucksack as a pillow.
L
IVES LOST
8000 missing, 8000 dead and 18,000 wounded. 8
months of trauma, blood of the fallen staining the
ground. The agony, the pain, and the sobbing soldiers
with the dead resting all around them.
I
N THE MORNING…. WE WILL REMEMBER THEM
Poppies bloom and the bugle plays a sad and lonely song.
Tears, pride, the shiny medals gleaming in the sunlight.
Everyone is remembering. Remembering their loved ones.
Poem submitted by Mrs. Jenny Sprige. Written by her 9
year old Grandson Jesse.
CHATTERBOX 74
Kathy’s Kitchen
Sour Cream Slice
• 1 packet cheap butter / vanilla cake mix
• 125g melted butter
• ¼ cup desiccated coconut
Mix and press into flat pan. Cook at 180 degrees for
about 15 minutes. It should rise a little.
• 1 tin fruit drained
Arrange on top of mix.
• 1 carton sour cream
• ½ cup castor sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 egg
Mix and pour on cake. Cook until ready – it should be
wobbly in the middle and golden on the top.
Turkish Tribute
Below is an inscription inscribed on the Turkish
memorial to the ANZACS at Gallipoli written by Kemal
Ataturk, the Turkish leader.
Those heroes who shed their blood and lost their lives
You are now lying in the soil of a friendly country.
Therefore rest in peace.
There is no difference between the Johnnies and the
Mehmets to us.
Where they lay side by side here in this country of ours.
You, the mothers, who sent their sons from far away
countries.
Wipe away your tears.
Your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace.
After having lost their lives on this land they have
become our sons as well.
Obviously, our troop’s sacrifice and the way they
conducted themselves impressed Ataturk deeply.
Lest we forget
19
CONTINUING OUR LEGACY OF CARE
Headache and migraine
Nearly everybody will experience a headache at some
stage in their lives. Headache is one of the most
common minor ailments. Although it is quite unusual
not to have at least one headache, a lucky few will go
through life without ever experiencing one.
The reason some people never experience a headache
is unknown. It may be linked to chemical transmitters
in the brain that pass messages from one nerve
cell to another. The brain uses these chemicals as
a control mechanism for pain impulses, and these
neurotransmitters also play a part in emotions. As a
general rule, happier people have fewer headaches, but
that is not the complete picture and we need to know
more about this common health issue.
Headache and Migraine Awareness Week (15–21
September) aims to create a wider understanding of
headache and migraine as major public health issues.
Headache and Migraine Awareness Week is an initiative
of Headache Australia – the only organisation in
Australia supporting
the more than 5 million
Australians affected by
headache and migraine.
So what is the
difference between a
headache and a migraine?
Headaches are usually
harmless but can create
concern about their
origin. Occasionally
headaches may indicate a
more serious underlying
disease state, such as
brain tumour or stroke.
This is why many
people seek advice from their doctors and, in some
cases, are referred to neurologists. However, according
to Headache Australia, the severity of the headache
generally has no relation to the seriousness of the
diagnosis.
The types of headache can be categorised in various
ways:
• ‘Normal’ headaches including those caused by
time spent in front of a screen (excessive nerve
stimulation), ‘ice-cream’ headache from cold, ‘hotdog’ headache (food reaction), excessive consumption
of alcohol, drugs and other substances, fasting
headache, rebound headache, exercise headache,
coital headache, and headache from excessive
coughing.
• Recurring headaches including tension-type and
cluster headache.
• ‘Nerve’ headaches, produced by direct irritation
or compression of the nerves supplying the head,
face, or neck. These include trigeminal neuralgia,
20
glossopharyngeal neuralgia, neuralgia after shingles,
atypical face pain, pain from the eye, sinusitis, head
pain caused by teeth, temporomandibular joint
dysfunction, and neck headache.
• Muscle-contraction headaches.
• Medicine-misuse headaches.
• Head injury headache.
• Headache caused by serious health issues. These
include hydrocephalus, sub-arachnoid haemorrhage,
meningitis, encephalitis, brain tumour, cerebral
oedema, high blood pressure, stroke, temporal
arteritis and benign intracranial hypertension.
Migraines are usually much more serious. These are
headaches that typically last from 4–72 hours, during
which time the sufferer may experience nausea and
vomiting as well as sensitivity to light or sound.
Migraine sufferers frequently report throbbing pain that
worsens with normal activity.
In some people, migraines are associated with
auras, which may occur before a person experiences
a migraine. Auras are
warning signs which
usually consist of visual
disturbances such
as flashing lights, or
changes in smell or
perception. Migraine is a
very common condition,
yet many people
remain undiagnosed
or untreated. There
are almost two million
migraine sufferers in
Australia, meaning
that more people suffer
from migraine in Australia than diabetes, asthma, or
coronary heart disease.
Migraine is also a very debilitating condition, affecting
a person’s ability to function in everyday life. Nearly all
people who suffer from migraines report a reduction in
social activities and work capacity.
Your local pharmacy is your health destination and
your pharmacist can provide advice on headache and
migraine, including causes of headache and migraine
such as medicine use, alcohol consumption, and
treatment options such as medicines and relaxation
techniques. Your local pharmacy also supplies products
used to treat headache and migraine including over-thecounter and prescription medicines. Many pharmacies
also offer services to assist you with managing chronic
pain.
Pharmacies providing the Pharmaceutical Society of
Australia’s Self Care health information have a range
of helpful Fact Cards including Headache, Migraine,
Relaxation Techniques and Smoking.
CHATTERBOX 74
REFLECTIONS
“A good name is to be chosen rather
than great riches, and favour is better
than silver or gold. The sick and the
poor have this in common. The Lord
is the maker of them all” – Proverbs
22.1
Lately I have found myself considering the origins
of many names; finding some names so naturally
applied; ring tailed possums; brush tailed possums; red
kangaroos; rock wallabies; wedge tailed eagles etc.
A child recently asked me why one of Brisbane’s
Airports is called Eagle Farm; my answer (I believe it
to be right). The Americans called their aircraft ‘eagles’
(1940-1945), thousands came to Australia; very many to
Brisbane; Broken Bay obvious!
A name can challenge:- who, what, when, where, why?!
School years meant many of us studying history –
Who? What? When? Where? Why?
The questions are the same now as we study ourselves
as individuals:- Who am I? What have I done? What am
Phyliss Aird
Jean Allen
Dorothy Baber
Nola Bailie
Joy Bastin
Elsie Bayly
Patricia Bernasconi
Enid Berry
Joan Bevan
June Bickle
Mary Bidmead
Beryl Brodie
Marie Bromley
Sheila Brown
Jessie Butcher
Winifred Cafe
Ann Campbell
Joan Chisholm
Margaret Christie
Doreen Clugston
Audrey Cooke
Charlotte Cox
Dorothy Cunynghame
Marina De Bruin
Georgina Emerton
Marie Evans
Joan Fagan
Dorothy Fleming
Marie Franklyn
Betty Gaffney
Eleanor Gibb
CHATTERBOX 74
I doing now? When was the last time I did a good deed/
turn? Where do I go for inspiration? Do I care for others
– if so why?!
I am nobody else, I’m just me. One of the many things
I remember about the auctioneering was the statement
when selling livestock, the auctioneer would say ‘selling
with all faults, if any’. I believe (with many others) that
this is the way God loves us – “with all faults – forget the
if any” yes!
So, what’s in a name?
The Bible has within it many descriptive names:
meaningful names; one name means just so much to so
many.
“Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him
the name that is above every other name, that at the
name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and
on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should
confess that Jesus Chris is Lord to the glory of God the
Father” – Philippians Chapter 2, Verse 9
Father Max Sainsbury – Legacy Chaplain
Beryl Glen
Edith Glohe
Evelyn Goggins
Nancy Goodman
Billie Harlum
Dorothy Headon
Esther Hickey
Dulcie Hume
Betty Johnson
Mary Johnston
Clive Jolly
Margaret Jonas
Laura Jones
Gwendoline Judge
Dorothy King
Joan Lloyd
Ethel Long
Shirley Manners
Gwen McCarthy
Gertrude McCotter
Jean McDonald
Nelsie McDonald
Dorothy McHattan
Joan McMahon
Irene Mitchell
Gweneth Newling
Elizabeth Newling
Ethel Nolan
Valda Passlow
Thelma Payer
May Piggott
Patricia Powell
Joan Randell
Dorothy Roach
Faye Rohr
Agnes Sansom
Jennifer Seccombe
Kathleen Sharpe
Genevieve Shaw
Evelyn Shepherd
Marion Sidlow
Jean Skepper
Pamela Smith
Ruth Smith
Nancy Spurway
Mary St John
Jean Sullivan
Dilys Taylor
Hazel Taylor
Barbara Taylor
Mary Thomsen
Stella Thorp
Mabel Tiernan
Dilys Timmis
Joan Van Drempt
Vera Vincent
Mavis Wallace
Hazel Watling
Eileen Wheeldon
Edna Wilson
Merlene Wyborn
Thelma Young
21
My very sincere
thanks for you
r kind thoughts
which I apprec
with my Birth
iate very much
day card
.
How very fortu
so many things
nate us “girls”
you do for us it
are with
is great to know
need help.
you are there w
hen we
Thank you for
the beautiful
flowers and go
od wishes for
my 90th birth
day. It certainly
made my day ve
ry special.
Thank you also
for all the
work you do al
l year round fo
r
those in need.
BS
You never forg
et very much
appreciated, I
wish you all w
ell this
coming year.
AW
Thank you so
much for your
birthday
ca
rd and good w
Many thanks fo
ishes, and the
r my 90th
beautiful
flowers. They w
Birthday card
ere truly exquis
and the most
ite with
their pastel pin
beautiful flower
k roses, lemon
s, they were
ca
rnations
an
d gerberas, they
lovely.
gave me such
pleasure. Again
, many thanks
for your
MW
lovely gift. Wit
h warmest wis
hes to all for
MS
good health an
d happiness in
2015.
Thank you for
the
DP
beautiful flower
Thank you for
s which
yo
u
r
ki
nd thoughts an
Thank you so
I received on yo
flowers for my
much for the
d
ur behalf
90th birthday.
beautiful Birth
for my 90th Bir
day card you se
thday.
nt me
on the 11th Nov
My daughter or
N
G
ganised a
ember. Legacy
does
a great job in re
party with the
help of family
membering th
os
e
who are left.
and friends. Eve
rything went
off well. Thanks
I want to than
again for the
k you all for
BC
flowers.
all you achieve
for ever yone
and also thank
you for the won
BB
derful flowers
I wasn’t home
I received. I’m
when they arri
sorr y
ved as my fam
ferr y to Palm B
il
y
took me on th
each. Thank yo
Thank you so
e
u
for the lovely ca
very much
appreciate all yo
rd as well. I re
u all do.
for the wonderf
ally
ul hamper
which was so w
ell delivered by
Legatee Max D
MB
avis. I was over
whelmed by th
shown to me by
e
kind generosit
your wonderfu
y
l people. Than
I am writing to
I wish to take
k you again.
this opportunit
thank you for
the
y to thank you
be
dedication, un
autiful floral ar
all for your
tiring efforts an
ra
n
ge
m
en
t you
d never falterin
presented to m
circumstances.
g no matter of
e on behalf of
My best wishes
the
Legacy and
to you all for th
also the time yo
you undertake
e programmes
in 2015.
u give to have
a little
chat. I know th
e time and the
work
Legatees put in
is much apprec
Just a short not
EH
iated.
Thanking you
e to thank
all and wishing
you for my beau
yo
u all
a Merry Christ
tiful flowers
mas and a hea
delivered by a
lt
hy and
very lovely
happy new year
Thank you for
.
lady for my 90
the
th Birthday.
chatterbox mag
Thank you Car
azine and
oline, it was
DD
al
so thank you fo
a pleasure to m
r my
eet you. My
B
irthday card I
very best wish
receive ever y
Being remembe
es to ever yone
D
red in such a n
ec
ember and I en
at Legacy.
ice
joy reading
way, means a lo
Chatterbox an
t
more that just
d what all the
thank you can
other Legacy C
say.
GM
lubs are doing.
MG
MN
22
CHATTERBOX 74
FIRST IN / LAST OUT!
The Royal Australian Navy
at Gallipoli
Continued from page 14.
The official historian Charles Bean visited the Bridging
Train in October 1915 and later wrote; If you want to see
the work, you have only to go to Kangaroo Beach, Suvla
Bay, and look about you. They have made a harbour.1
All of this work was done under Turkish shell-fire
and two men (Chief Petty Officer Edward Perkins and
Able Seaman Charlie Schenke) were killed and dozens
more men were wounded including Able Seaman Colin
Atkinson who had his right leg blown off. Many more
men suffered from work injury or diseases, such as
dysentery and malaria, and Petty Officer Philip Le Sueur
and Able Seaman Thomas McDonnell died as a result.
Edward Perkins now lies at rest in Hill 10 Cemetery at
Suvla Bay and Philip Le Seuer is buried on the island of
Lemnos. Charlie Schenke and Thomas McDonnell died
onboard hospital ships and were buried at sea and their
names are inscribed on the Lone Pine Memorial to the
1
.W. Jose, Official History of Australia in the War of 1914-18, Volume IX,
A
Royal Australian Navy, Canberra 1927, Page 396.
Missing. The Bridging Train remained working at Suvla
Bay right up until the evacuation in late December 1915.
On 16-17 December the bulk of the men were evacuated
from Suvla Bay, however, a 50-man detachment under
the command of Sub-Lieutenant Charles Hicks was
kept at Lala Baba (in the southern part of the bay) to
maintain the evacuation wharf there that would be used
by the rearguard defending the southern sector. Hicks
and his men did not leave Suvla Bay until 0430 on 20
December 1915 thus making them the last Australians
to leave the peninsula.
Upon return to Egypt in January 1916 the Bridging
Train was given control of the swing bridges on the
Suez Canal. These pontoon bridges were in constant
use to allow troops and equipment to cross the Canal
and then ‘broken’ at regular times each day to allow
ships to transit. It was hard, boring but highly essential
logistics work. In early December 1916 the Bridging
Train provided a 50-man detachment to support the
British advance along the northern coast of the Sinai.
Bracegirdle commanded this group that landed, via
lighters, at El Arish on 22 December to build a wharf
which would be used to provide logistics support for
the advancing Allied forces. While the landing was
unopposed, as El Arish had been captured the day
before, there was still the threat from Turkish mines and
artillery. After constructing the wharf this detachment
returned to the Bridging Trains main base at Kubri, on
the Suez Canal, In March 1917 and began to prepare for
its next task to support the Allied forces advancing into
Palestine. This was, however, not to be as in late March
the Australian Government approved the disbandment
of the unit and its men were either transferred to the
Australian Imperial Force or returned to Australia for
discharge.
The RANBT became the navy’s most decorated unit
for the war with Bracegirdle awarded a DSO and three
Mention in Dispatches and a further 16 Mention in
Dispatches awarded to other officers and men.
CONTINUING OUR LEGACY OF CARE
Please send me information on
Helping as a Legacy volunteer
Enclosed is my gift of $____________ to the Legacy family
How to make a bequest to Legacy
My cheque is enclosed or
|___ |___ |___ |___ | |___ |___ |___ |___ | |___ |___ |___ |___ | |___ |___ |___ |___ |
Visa
Debit my Credit Card
Amex
MasterCard
Name on card _____________________________________________________
Expiry Date ______ /______
CVN number* __________
Signature ___________________________________
Address ______________________________________________________________________ * This number provides extra
security for online payments. It
____________________________________________________________________ P/C ______ is a 3 digit number on the back
Telephone (______ ) ____________________________________
All donations over $2 are tax deductible.
of Visa or Mastercard credit
cards, or a 4 digit number on the
back of an AMEX card.
Please return this coupon to: Brisbane Water (NSW) Legacy, PO Box 4252, East Gosford, NSW 2250
CHATTERBOX 74
23
Two old codgers, Harry & Tom, decided that
they needed something to occupy them in
their twilight years so they set up a canoe hire
business on Tuggerah Lake.
One sunny afternoon they were snoozing
in their deck chairs when Harry wakes up,
looks across the water and then picks up the
megaphone, puts it to his lips and calls out
“Number 61, come in, your time’s up!” Nothing
happens so he tries again, “Number 61, come in,
your time’s up!”
This wakes up Tom who asks Harry what’s
happening. Harry explains that he has twice
called on Number 61 to come in as his time is
up. Tom scratches his head for a moment and
then says to Harry, “We don’t have a Number
61”. Harry looks puzzled, then picks up the
megaphone, puts it to his lips and calls out
“Number 19, are you in trouble?”
***
Last Wednesday a passenger in a taxi heading
for the airport leaned over to ask the driver a
question and gently tapped him on the shoulder
to get his attention.
The driver screamed, lost control of the cab,
nearly hit a bus, drove up over the curb and
stopped just inches from a large plate glass
window.
For a few moments everything was silent in
the cab. Then, the shaking driver said “Are
you OK? I’m so sorry, but you scared the living
daylights out of me.”
The badly shaken passenger apologized to the
driver and said, “I didn’t realize that a mere
tap on the shoulder would startle someone so
badly.”
The driver replied, “No, no, I’m the one who
is sorry, it’s entirely my fault. Today is my very
first day driving a cab. I’ve been driving a hearse
for 25 years.”
24
Grandma’s Birth Control Pills
A doctor who had been seeing an 80 year old
woman for most of her life finally retired.
At her next check-up, the new doctor told her
to bring a list of all the medicines that had been
prescribed for her. As the young doctor was
looking through these, his eyes grew wide as he
realized she had a prescription for birth control
pills. “Mrs. Smith, do you realize these are Birth
Control pills?”
“Yes, they help me sleep at night.”
“Mrs. Smith, I assure you there is absolutely
nothing in these that could possibly help you
sleep!”
She reached out and patted the young doctor’s
knee. “Yes dear, I know that. But every morning
I grind one up and mix it in the glass of orange
juice that my sixteen year old granddaughter
drinks. And believe me, it helps me sleep at
night!”
***
A woman, calling a local hospital, said, “Hello,
I’d like to talk with the person who gives the
information regarding your patients. I’d like to
find out if the patient is getting better, or doing
as expected, or is getting worse”.
The voice on the other end of the line said
“What is the patient’s name and room number?”
She said “Sarah Finkel, in room 302”
“I will connect you with the nursing station”
“3-A nursing station. How can I help you?”
“I would like to know the condition of Sarah
Finkel in room 302”.
“Just a moment. Let me look at her records.
Oh yes, Mrs Finkel is doing very well. In fact,
she’s had two full meals, her blood pressure is
fine, her blood work just came back as normal,
she’s going to be taken off the heart monitor
in a couple of hours and if she continues this
improvement, Dr Cohen is going to send her
home Tuesday at twelve o’clock”.
The woman said “Thank God! That’s
wonderful! Oh, that’s fantastic, that’s wonderful
news!”
The nurse said “From your enthusiasm, I take
it you must be a close family member or a very
close friend”.
“Not exactly, I’m Sarah Finkel in 302! Nobody
here tells me anything!”
CHATTERBOX 74
Advertisement
WE’LL LOOK AFTER YOU
We’ve been caring for the Central Coast for over 30 years. Our expert team of
GP’s, Specialists, nurses and support staff are the best in their field.
We offer unrivaled support in the most loving and caring environment available, coupled with absolute precision and professionalism in everything we do.
It doesn’t matter if you need a basic consultation or major surgery, we’ve got
the facilities to take care of you and have you on your way in no time.
Ask your doctor for a referral to us today. Alternatively, give us a call to find out
how we can help you.
BRISBANEWATERSPRIVATEHOSPITAL.COM.AU
4341 9522
21 VIDLER AVE, WOY WOY
ADVERTISEMENT
PERSONAL
INSURANCE
FOR VETERANS AND ADF
MEMBERS
COVER
PLUS
THE
CARE
WWW.DSH.GOV. AU
TO COMPARE THE FEATURES CALL
1300 552 662
(The Defence Service Homes Insurance Scheme
underwrites the DSHI Home Building policy. All
other policies are underwritten by QBE Insurance
(Australia) Limited ABN 78 003 191 035. AFS Licence
239 545). Please consider the Product Disclosure
Statement of the particular product before making
any decisions about the product.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Home
Contents
Landlords Liability
Car
Caravans
Trailers
Private pleasure craft
Motorcycles
Travel
Pay your premiums by
direct debit at no extra cost
(not applicable to travel and CTP)
Authorised by the Australian Government, Capital Hill, Canberra
Printed by Aartworks Pty Limited, 598 Gumma Road, Gumma, NSW, 2447
DVADHIS2_BWL