The 2004 reunion was held over the Queen's Birthday weekend 11-13 June. Once again, Woolgoolga was the venue with most activity being centred on the RSL. Peter Peddie was again the convenor and with the help of a group of able assistants, the organization was, as usual, first class.
Arriving early on Thursday afternoon, we found that many of our number had already arrived. After shopping for some necessities, the first person we met was Phill Toohey, formerly of Delta Company and now resident at Woolgoolga. Over coffee and a chat, Phill advised he was also to be involved in the reunion in that he was to be the 'dixie basher' each morning at breakfast in the caravan park.
It appeared that nearly all of the early arrivals had decided on the RSL for dinner, after exchanging greetings, we indulged in lots of 'catch up'. We were quite surprised that one regular early attendee, Ross Mangano, had not arrived. It later transpired that Ross had been involved in a motor vehicle accident near the 'Big Banana' on the north side of Coffs Harbour and had sustained injuries. Ross had then returned to Sydney and was reported to be in good condition. Ross and his pistachio nuts were however sorely missed.
The official 'meet and greet' commenced at 1700 on the Friday evening when the numbers of the previous evening had swelled considerably. The drinks and BBQ were very well attended and enjoyed. The Association of First Infantry Battalions' merchandise stall also opened for business and soon enjoyed a brisk trade, as did Bill Noble's Vietnam Veterans Museum of Victoria stall.
Saturday's march to the RSL Memorial was this year led by Peter Toohey's jeep, driven by the CO's driver from Bien Hoa. Unfortunately, Lou Brumfield was unable to attend this year, so the vehicle conveyed RSM Macca Mackay. The jeep carries a Vietnam's Veterans' sign plus the three Vietnam ribbons, but the tac sign is a classic, portraying the Black over Green background of the 2/1st Infantry Battalion and the 1RAR '55'.
This year OC, Ian McFarlane and the three original platoon commanders, Graham Bolitho, Bill Hindson and Peter Sibree, again attended the reunion. An added bonus this year was the presence of our CSM, Harry Smith. RSMs Macca Mackay and Jack Currie were also on parade and our own Jim 'Shad' Harper, the B Coy stretcher-bearer corporal, joined the naval cornet player.
The memorial service and wreath laying which included the reading of the roll of honour by Tom Prosser and the memorial address by Bill Hindson followed the march. Bill spoke of the company then and now and of how we had been so fortunate to serve under the leadership of Ian McFarlane. This statement was greeted by many 'hear hears'. Bill went on to discuss how the reunions had developed and how the bond between company members has continued to strengthen to the point where we are now more of a family than a gathering of soldiers. That we have become a 'family' can be attested to by the attendance of Mrs Beryl Cross and Mrs Beverley Haines, both B Coy widows who have unfortunately lost their husbands since the reunions began.
The attendance at dinner was 135, who were most ably attended by the courteous and willing RSL staff. Besides the usual toasts and addresses, we also witnessed a presentation to Harry Smith of a bunch of marigolds, reminiscent of his flower garden outside his tent at Bien Hoa. Carey McQuillan also attended and delivered a short address regarding the Society of the 173d Airborne Brigade's Annual reunion, which is to be held next year at Penrith.
Another highlight was the raffle to raise funds for a memorial plaque to Dave Foreman. Dave died late last year at Adelaide and as he was not known to anyone, he lay in the mortuary for three months and was about to be buried in a pauper's grave, when luckily the case became known and largely due to the efforts of Peter Rothwell, quite a large crowd gathered at the graveside to provide a fitting soldier's farewell. Most of the assembly did not know Dave, but this is another indication of how soldiers come together in times of adversity to take care of our own. At this time, Rusty Smith is endeavouring to contact Dave's family, as it is known that at one time he did have a wife and two sons, probably in western New South Wales.
Music and dancing ended the night and again all had a most enjoyable time. The reunion ended on the Sunday with breakfast at the caravan park and another buying spree from the stall before departure.
Although the reunion was officially over, it is certain that many stayed on at Woolgoolga a little longer, as is normally the case. Indeed PJ Watts arrived from England for the 2002 reunion and is still there, now as a resident of Woolgoolga. PJ has also now become an Association member, as has other reunion attendees Doc Taylor, Tony Ling and Ray 'Boris' O'Brien.
Planning has already commenced for the 2006 reunion and it is not too early to make accommodation bookings.