Lest We Forget...

Unfortunately our mates, heroes and role models pass on, we would like all to remember them. This page is dedicated to our fallen RAE comrades.

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Please note: As at 25 August all Lest We Forget entries will need to be completed via the new WA Sappers' Forum located at www.wasappers.com/forum. Once there, sign up to leave your message.

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It's is with great sadness that I must advise all sappers of the passing of Warwick Broomfield, senior vice president of the RAEA WA yesterday at 1615hr.

Warwick had been battling cancer for a considerable period before finally succumbing. He had continued working as an architect right to the end even whilst in hospital.

Warwick was the association's senior vice president as long as I can remember and has been invaluable. He designed our RAE memorial at Karrakatta and wrote our constitution. He was always a wise counsel when we needed it and kept us on the straight and narrow. Until his illness he never missed a meeting, a mate's funeral or just being there to help.

Warwick served his country as an RAAF navigator in late WW2 and flew in bombers. In the 50's he joined 13 field Sqn RAE CMF he was a captain troop commander there and also with the CMF troop of 22 Const Sqn an ARA unit. He continued his service through the RAE association and with many other organisations such as the Australian national flag association. A passionate Australian.

I would expect all sappers and attached troops to attend Warwick's funeral and show due respect to a man who put so much into his team. Call Nev Clark 08 9342 5808 or Mick Ryan 08 93072385 for details.

A banner party will be required subject to approval from his family. Volunteers pls.

Funeral details are not yet available but will be passed as soon as known.

I know all sappers everywhere will join me in sending our condolences to the family of Warwick Broomfield a man who was intensely proud to have served his country and his corps.

Requiem pace Warwick, your work here is done, but whilst ever the RAE gathers each ANZAC's dawn at Karrakatta ........you will still be with us.

We remember our own.
Facimus et Frangimus
Ubique
Mick Ryan OAM
RAEA WA

Dear All,

Terry Ward advises the passing of James Chisholme who served with HQ/21 Spt Tp in SVN.

UBIQUE

All Sappers,

We have received news that John Mason, who served with 7 Fd Sqn in Borneo around 1964, has passed away.
He died following an accident. While mustering west of Charters Towers his horse stumbled and rolled on him.
His funeral service will be held on Tuesday 25th October 2005, commencing at 11am. It will be conducted by Tucker and Nankivell Funeral Directors at the Memorial Gardens, Lakes Creek Road, Rockhampton.
Those wishing to send condolences to his family can reach his brother Barry by telephone 07 4787 3412
or write to:
Barry Mason
PO Box 554,
Charters Towers Qld 4820.

Regards
UBIQUE
Bob Bannan
President
The Sapper Association Qld

Dear all,

Regret to inform of the passing of another Sapper.
Jim Chisholm of Budgewoi passed on Friday. Funeral Thur 11:30 at Palmview Crematorium NSW. Jim would have liked nothing better than we all have a beer for him.

Regards Bill and Dawn Stinson

Dear All,

We are saddened to advise of the passing of Peter Otway due to cancer. Peter served with 22 Construction Sqn in Borneo in 1966 , during Confrontation with Indonesia. Peter recently retired as a Superintendent of the WA Police Service. He was a member of the RAEA WA and until recently attended the annual Waterloo Dinners here in Perth.

I ask all Sappers to attend Peter's funeral which will be held at Pinaroo Lawn Cemetery this Thursday 15 Sep at 1000hr. I suggest we get there around 0930hr. If we have volunteers we will carry the RAE Flag and the 22 Construction Sqn flag.

The WAPOL will have a full Police funeral .

Mick Ryan
RAEA WA

Hi Everybody,

It is with deep regret that I must let you know of the passing of Philip (Tiger) LYONS. Tiger passed away on Saturday 27 Aug 2005 after a long illness. His funeral service will be held at the Norfolk Crematorium Chapel on Friday 02 Sep 2005 commencing from the front gate of Karrakatta at 1530 hours.

Tiger, apart from being a real artificer, was an all round good guy and liked by everyone who knew him. Tiger had 2 tours of Vietnam (66-67 &
70-71) with SASR. He was one of the original members of the Regiment joining it in 1957, and serving as an Armourer in their workshop. Tiger got his butt well and truly kicked when he modified an SLR at the request of a member of the Regiment. This involved cutting down the barrel to shorten the weapon and make it more useful in a jungle combat situation. The "Bitch" as it was called is now mounted on the wall in the Officer's Mess at Swanbourne Barracks. Its a rather strange looking SLR with the Flash suppressor immediately in front of the gas block.

Rest in peace, Tiger

John Curtis

Dear Mick and R.A.E. Members,

It is with regret that I advise the passing of another S.S.M. SSM. 6779. Louis Michael MURRAY. South Vietnam: 24-Mar-1969 to 04-March 1970. 1st Field Squadron R.A.E.

He passed away at the Warwick Base Hospital on Saturday 23rd July 2005, (He had requested a total 'Private Cremation'.) He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Marie, a daughter, Grand-Daughter and Grand-Son.

A lot of the blokes would have known him and served under him. Any of his old mates or friends of Marie can call and lend their support during this time.

CLO. Barry E. Kelly. C.Dec
EVERYMAN'S WELFARE SERVICE
Defence Centre - Brisbane.

Vince Smith has passed away. His funeral is at 1pm, Friday 29 July at the Lakes Chapel, Morleys Funeral Home, Townsville. Vince was a CPL then SGT cook at 3FER about 1973-5. He played hockey with Derek Smith and others, for 3FER back then. Sappers from the Regt then, will remember him.

Mr Casserly passed away this morning in Melville at the age of 107. He is survived by his son Peter, seven grandchildren 14 great grandchildren and four great great grandchildren. Peter's wife of more than 80 years, Monica, passed away in 2004.

The funeral for Spr Peter Casserley will be held at St Patricks Church Fremantle at 1430hr Friday 01 July 2005. There will be a 100 man guard from the army and gun carriage etc.

He was 107 Years old and served in the RAE Light Railway in France in WW1. His family did not wish a military funeral initially but there will now be an Army Guard of Honour of 100.

All Sappers should attend and pay respects to our oldest ever Sapper, if at all possible.

MICK RYAN
Saturday, 25 June 2005

A great stalwart of the RAE has passed on. Bill Jones passed away last evening. The service will be held at 1100hrs on Thursday next the 30th June at 1100hrs RAE Chapel Steele Barracks followed by cremation service at Leppington with a get together afterwards at RAE Sergeants Mess.

He requested that there be no floral tributes, but he would like us to make donations to the Cancer Council.

Our sympathies go out to Lorraine and her family.

UBIQUE

LEST WE FORGET: Sadly another Sapper, Derric Ross passed away on Saturday morning. Derric had lung cancer and had been fighting it for sometime. Our sympathy goes out to Marg and children.

Don Cameron

LEST WE FORGET: Mick have just been informed that sapper Danny Moore ex 21 construction Sqn [ Borneo 1965-66] passed away due to cancer last Monday 28 Feb 05
he was a driver at Pandewan base camp.....

Moose

LEST WE FORGET: I have just been advised of the death of:

1411275 Brian Peter Davey
SVN 1968-69 17 Construction RAE

Funeral arrangements will be a family affair only.

Another case of the inadequacy of suitable treatment.

Noel Iszlaub

LEST WE FORGET: I deeply regret to advise that Major General Duncan Francis passed away this evening.

I understand that there will be a military funeral in Canberra but no details are available yet.

Messages of condolence can be sent to Duncan`s brother, Mr Nick Francis, at 26 Sulman Place, Swinger Hill, ACT, 2606.

Regards
John Stein

I cannot remember Ray ever loosing his temper and I don't know anyone who did... which was just as well for us with his fighting skills. I can remember him saying one day..."if you want to be a professional soldier young fella the one thing you need above all... is a sense of humour..." He was so right.

Ray epitomised that generation of WO's that help start the Regular Army after the war and worked so hard to maintain its standards. WO1 Ray Vercoe, gone but not forgotten ...at least not by this little wood duck.
Rest in Peace Verc... 3 falls to nil.
Mick Ryan
Messages : Barny Barnard 44 Swift St, Port Macquarie, NSW, 2444. (02) 6583 2918

LEST WE FORGET: I have just been advised by Mrs Donovan that her husband Keith passed away on Thursday night 29 July 04. Keith was the brother of the late Gerry Donovan also ex RAE and ex 22 Const Sqn. Both were nice gentlemen, who served their Country in WW2 and after.

The funeral directors will sort out arrangements on Monday and I will pass them on. Mrs Donovan has asked that we provide a flag party for Keith as we did with for brother Gerry. I am seeking volunteers to carry the National, RAE and 22 flags (poss the AIF flag if we get enough volunteers). I have promised to read his service history and the Ode.

Keith died of prostate cancer and Mrs Donovan urged all members to have the tests and to not worry about the embarrassing parts ...she is spot on the money there ....do it! Mrs Donovan also mentioned they were both moved by LTCOL John Tick driving home the point about prostate checks at his talk and through other means , she thought it was a very caring message , and must be given greater voice in the community .......well done John.

Mrs Donovan can be contacted at her sisters place 08-9378 3540 for messages of condolence from his comrades. Written messages or cards to U 215 34 Robinson St, Inglewood, 6057.

Mick Ryan
Pres
RAEA WA For attn: Blue Dupuy Ex 22
Note: Service History Keith Donovan : CMF 1942, AIF 1942 - 1946 Solomon Is, Bougaville, Lae NG, Emergo Is. 22 Const Sqn 1961 - 1964.

LEST WE FORGET: I have just received a call from WO1 Merv Woods (Rtd ) advising of the passing of Wally Marquet. Wally was suffering from bowel cancer.

Wally was the 2IC to Capt MacKenzie RAE of the Engineer Det, part of the ALSC with 1RAR at Bien Hoa in 1965. The first sappers to go to Vietnam.

Wally's funeral will be held next Monday 07 June @ 1100hr @ Prices Funerals, Station Street Penrith NSW. Merv will act as a conduit for the passing of condolences to Wally's family. His address is 79 Castelreagh Street, Penrith 2750. Tel (02) 4721 2071. email maxw@austar.metro.com.au

Another Sapper gone ... Wally was a nice gentleman and will be remembered fondly by those that knew him. Remember him today.
Mick Ryan
RAEA WA

Lest We Forget

LEST WE FORGET: I regret to inform you that Major John Eastgate died recently. His funeral will be held at 1500 hrs Monday 17 May 2004 at the Enoggera Chapel, Brisbane. No doubt John Pritchard will email this to everyone shortly, but I thought that you may want to give a "heads up' to Gino and others who may have known him. I don't have details on his death but I'm sure John will provide these shortly. I will be at the funeral and will be happy to pass on any messages from the West. John was a good mate of mine and a terrific Sapper. He served in Lebanon / Israel with the UN in the 70s and recently as OC of the NORFORCE unit at Gove (Nulanbuhy) in NT. He had recently retired fropm the Army and was living in Brisbane.

Regards,

Ross McMurray

Lest We Forget

LEST WE FORGET: We have been notified today of the passing of John "sarg" Shanahan of Lennox Heads NSW. John served with 1 Field Sqn. Vietnam 67-68. He was buried 29-4 04 at Lennox Head. He was survived by his daughter Natalie. John was well respected in the community and sorely missed.

Lest We Forget

LEST WE FORGET: Ernie Elmes died after a battle with cancer on 23 April 2004. Born in 1921 in Kent, England, Ernie served in the RAF during World War 2 in England, Egypt, Malta and Palestine. He emigrated to Australia in 1951 to join the Australian Army. During his 25 years of sevice Ernie served with U/L Eastern Command, 1 Fd Engr Regt, JTC, 26 Engr Stores Sqn, 7 Indep Fd Sqn, 7 Fd Sqn, 23 Const Sqn, HQ RAE 1 Div and HQ Trg Comd. Ernie spent two years in Korea with 5 Works Sect (Oct 53-Oct 55). He was posted to 1 Fd Sqn RAE on 12 April 1960 to 12 September 1967 which included overseas service in Sabah (3 Dec 64 to 5 June 65) and SVN (7 Sept 66 to 12 Sept 67). Vale written by Ernie's son Derek Elmes.

Lest We Forget

LEST WE FORGET: We have been advised that Snow Edmunds regretfully passed away on Sunday night and is to be buried at Redland Bay cemetary Qld at 1 PM on Friday 7 May 2004. Medals may be worn.

Lest We Forget

LEST WE FORGET: Sapper (Shakey) Reynolds, Shakey had a massive heart attack last week and passed away, he was buried at Cobram Victoria at 1400hr 28.04.2004.

Lest We Forget

LEST WE FORGET: It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a member and mate Danny Ayoub on 20 Feb 04, after a lively battle with cancer. Danny had survived a heart transplant 5 years earlier. He was visited by many old friends just prior to his death. Danny was well known by many in the two Corps he served RAE & RACT.

It wasn't the first fight Danny had been in, he had served in Borneo with 1 Fld Sqn in 1964/65 and later in 1965 went to Bien Hoa, South Vietnam with 3 Field Troop RAE, and then stayed on with 1 Field Sqn. Danny started his career as a Plantie and finished as a Major, a good innings. Danny lived every hour of his life to the full, despite suffering illness in his later years.

A large gathering of his mates farewelled him at his cremation at Great Southern Garden of Remembrance in Queensland.

Meggsie Dennis reported that the RACT arrived with two large bottles of Bunderberg for a toast.

We send our condolences to Wendy.

Rest now Danny.

Mick Ryan
RAEA WA

LEST WE FORGET: We have just been advised that Max Schultz died last Wednesday in Hollywood Hospital Perth. Max was a longtime member of 22 Const Sqn , its association and the RAEA WA.
Max will be cremated on Monday 2 March 04 at Karrakatta Cemetery at 1415 hr.
All sappers are asked to attend.
Mick Ryan
RAEA WA

LEST WE FORGET: It is with geat regret that we inform you of the passing of another great Sapper, Major D'Arcy Loundes, November 22, 2003. The funeral is 2pm Tuesday at the Anglican Church Macksville with family and friends gathering later at the RSL Club.

As Bill Jones would say "one of the really good guys".

Lest We Forget.

LEST WE FORGET: SGT Arthur (Zulu) Watkins Ex RAE 21 Const Sqn and Vietnam Veteran passed October 28, 2003, after a long and painful illness. It may well be a blessing in disguise.

Zulu was known and respected by many many sappers over the many years of his service to the Army and to the RAE. The RAEA WA sends its condolences to his wife Dianne who has worked tirelessly for her husband over such a long and trying time. Where ever you may be today and this Saturday raise a glass and make a toast to 'ZULU WATKINS, THE ZED ALWAYS A SAPPER'. Zed's funeral is on Saturday 1 November 03.
Rest in Peace Zed.

LEST WE FORGET: Peter Bayliss passed away 19 Oct 2003 at Townsville Hospital. Was in for by-pass but did not get to that stage. RAE Tn from 1953 then RACT until about 1981/82.

LEST WE FORGET: All Sappers and Surveyors please note the passing of Ray Sargent President of the RASurvey Association of WA. Ray passed away October 20, 2003. Ray's funeral is planned to be held on Monday 27 October 2003.

LEST WE FORGET: WO2 GEORGE JAMES ' JOCK ' TURNER RAE ( Rtd )
Jock Turner passed away in Hobart from stomach cancer 0n 9 Oct 03. A funeral service was held for him Tuesday 14 Oct 03, in Hobart and attended by members of the RAEA T.

Apparently Jock was diagnosed about 8 weeks ago with cancer. He is survived by his wife Margaret. Margarets address for messages of condolence is: 36 Clives Avenue, Old Beach, Tas, 7017.

Jock was 57 years old. It is sad to see such a young sapper passing. Rest in Peace Jock.

LEST WE FORGET: Peter Wells advises that Barry Grover an ex SSM of 13 Field Sqn has passed away. Barry was SM of the sqn in the 60'ss and was also a WAPOL Sgt. He passed away on the 17th September 2003.

LEST WE FORGET: Jim Smith from Riverview, Bundaberg has passed away and the family funeral service will be held at Mt Gravatt Crematorium Chapel, Mains Road (next to QEII Stadium), Brisbane Qld.
The service will begin at noon,Friday 12th September 2003. Jim served with 4 Troop in Malaya.

This page was last updated 31-May-2007

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