From Birth

To
Poppy Lyons
The

Malcolm C
Lyons Story
Includes articles about my dear step family
Clarence, Lurline, Leonard, Valda and Kenneth
Sheather

By Mal Lyons

1
Ancestors

My Great Great Grand Parents (Bell)

John Bell 4Th (John3, John2, John1) was born September 1807 in Tortworth, Gloucestershire,
England.

He married Martha F Dowzell 1832 in England, UK. She is the daughter of Thomas Dowzell and
Hannah Clark. She was born 1815 in Old Sodbury, Gloucestershire England.

According to his immigration records John Bell 4th, a farm labourer, was aged 46 years when he
came to Australian on board the 'Beejapore' arriving in Port Jackson on the 9th February 1853.

His records indicate that he could read and that his religion was Church of England.
These records also indicated that his wife, Martha, could read and of his children who
accompanied him on the journey, Elizabeth could read as could Joseph and Ann, while William
and Henry could both read and write. Neither Eliza nor John, the two youngest, could read or
write.

Following their arrival in Australia John, Martha and their family settled at St. Leonards near North
Sydney where their son William married Elizabeth Sharp at St. Thomas' Church.
For some reason some of the children seemed to have settled in the Goulburn district of New
South Wales. John, Martha and the other children travelled to the Armidale area.

John Bell died 14 Sep 1894 in Armidale, NSW.

Martha Bell (nee Dowzell) died 10 Dec 1868 in Tilbuster, near Armidale, NSW.

Children of John and Martha Bell (nee Dowzell)

Elizabeth Bell born Gloucestershire, Torthworth England
William John Hiscox Bell born Gloucestershire, Torthworth England
Henry Bell born Gloucestershire, Torthworth England
Joseph Bell born Gloucestershire, Torthworth England
Ann Bell born Gloucestershire, Torthworth England
Eliza Bell born Gloucestershire, Torthworth England and
John Bell born Gloucestershire, Torthworth England.

My Great Grand Parents (Bell)

William John Hiscox Bell was born 17 Jul 1836 in Tortworth, Gloucestershire, England. He
married Elizabeth Sharp, daughter of Daniel Sharp and Mary Isbell 22 Jul 1856 in (Church of St.
Thomas, North Shore), St Leonards NSW. She was born 1839 in Wisbeach, Cambridgeshire,
England.

William Bell was only 20 years of age and Elizabeth was 17 years old when they married.
William Bell had a lime kiln at Old Marulan and lived in an old cottage near Marulan railway
station near the Hume highway. Elizabeth Sharp acted as a Midwife while residing in the area.

William Bell died 16 Apr 1912 in Marulan, NSW. He was buried within the Church of England
section of Marulan cemetery. He died from cirrhosis of the liver from which he had been suffering
for a period of approximately two years
Elizabeth Bell (nee Sharp) died 20 Mar 1913 in Marulan, NSW Australia.

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Children of William Bell and Elizabeth Sharp

Eliza Bell, born 14 Apr 1857 in Lane Cove, NSW, died 08 Dec 1894 in Bundanoon, NSW.
Emma Mary Bell, born 28 Mar 1859 in Lane Cove, NSW, died 17 Oct 1928 in Emmaville, NSW.
Martha Ann Bell, born 09 Sep 1861 in Shelly’s Flat near Marulan, NSW, died 1948 in Young NSW
William Henry Bell, born 31 Aug 1863 in Gerara near Marulan, NSW, died 25 Dec 1934 in
Goulburn, NSW.
Edward James Bell born 04 Jan 1866 in Little Gerara near Marulan NSW Australia.
Elizabeth Florence Bell, born 30 Jan 1868 in Little Gerara near Marulan, NSW, Australia; died 20
Jan 1906 in Goulburn, NSW, Australia.

My Grand Parents (Bell)

Edward James Bell) was born 04 Jan 1866 in Little Gerara near Marulan, NSW.
He married Ada Matilda Guymer 20 Jul 1892 in Goulburn, NSW, daughter of Alfred Guymer and
Hannah Jones. She was born 17 Mar 1876 in Maxton (near Goulburn), NSW.
Edward James Bell died 03 Apr 1923 in Goulburn, NSW.
Ada Bell (nee Guymer) died 30 Jan 1948 in Yass NSW

Children of Edward Bell and Ada Guymer

Leslie Alfred Edward Bell, born 03 May 1893 in Marulan, NSW, died 31 Oct 1950 in Goulburn,
NSW.
Cecil Roy Bell, born16 Jul 1894 in 'Sterling bank', Marulan, NSW and died 1974 in Goulburn,
NSW.
May Bell, born 21 Dec 1896 in 'Sterlingbank', Marulan, NSW, died 07 Apr 1965 in Goulburn,
NSW, Australia.
Eva Amy Bell, born 12 May 1897 in Marulan, NSW, died 02 Jul 1958 in Goulburn NSW, Australia.
Hannah Elizabeth Maude Bell, born 09 Jan 1899 in Marulan, NSW, died 26 Mar 1987 in
Goulburn, NSW.
Hector Claude Bell, born 23 Sep 1900 in 'Sterlingbank', Marulan, NSW, died 01 Sep 1966 in
Warilla, NSW.
Edward Ernest Clifford Bell, born 13 Aug 1902 in Goulburn, NSW, died 02 Sep 1963 in Goulburn,
NSW.
George Arthur Bell, born 1905, Goulburn, NSW.
Ada Grace Bell, born 14 Nov 1906; died 1908 in Adelong, NSW.
Ethel Mercy Doris Bell, born 1909.
Vera Alison Bell. Born 27 August 1910 Adelong, NSW.
Maxwell James Bell, born 15 Sep 1912 in Adelong, NSW, died 18 Dec 1978 in Dapto, NSW.
Edna Grace Bell, born 01 Jun 1914 in Tumut, NSW, died 06 Jun 1988 in Braidwood, NSW.
Dulcie Edeline Bell.
Ada Mavis Bell, born 28 May 1918 in Goulburn, NSW, died 11 Nov 1989 in Nursing Home,
Burradoo, NSW’ Australia.
Mona Joyce Bell, born 28 Dec 1920 Goulburn, NSW and died 06 Jun 2002 in Bundanoon, NSW.

My Mother
Vera Alison Bell, the eleventh child of 16 children to Edward James Bell and Ada Matilda
Guymer was born at Adelong near Gundagai NSW on 27 August 1910. She married George
Frederick Charles Sheather the son of Charles Sheather and Adeline Podmore at Goulburn NSW
on 16 January 1933.

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Children of George Frederick Charles and Vera Alison Sheather (nee Bell)

Clarence George Sheather, born 13 January 1933 died from leukaemia 1 November 2000,
married Lorraine Evelyn Bowden. 2nd January 1954 at Port Kembla NSW
Leonard Lesley Sheather, born 13 November 1934 married Lillian Fay Lyons 20 February 1954 at
Port Kembla NSW
Lurline Joyce Sheather, born 22 December 1936 married Patrick Thomas Maher 21 April 1956 at
Braidwood NSW
Valda Janice Sheather, born 25 November 1938 married Colin George Barlow 14 June 1948 at
Braidwood NSW
Kenneth Charles Sheather born 4 August 1942 married Marjory Carey 18 April 1963 at Coolamon
NSW

George Sheather was tragically killed in a limestone cave on 4Th May 1943, at Marulan NSW
where he worked. Leaving behind his Widow Vera and five children aged from 9 months to 10
years.
******************

One hundred and three years before the birth of my mother and one hundred and eighteen years
before my father was born, Robert Stewart was born in Stirling Scotland. History unfolds to reveal
that he would become my great, great, great grandfather on my fathers side.

Great Great Great Grand Parents (Stewart)

Robert Stewart born 1807 Stirling Scotland was trialled and convicted at Glasgow in May 1830
for stealing butter. He was sentenced to 7 years penal fortitude and was transported to Plymouth
NSW Australia aboard the ship “Burrell 1”. He arrived on 19 December 1830 and was assigned to
roads special order.
Convict Indent Number, 730 RFf-032-627
He married Mary Neil a dairy maid who was born at County Kerry Ireland 20 August 1814. She
had been tried and convicted at Kerry Ireland in 1836 for stealing and sentenced to 7 years
imprisonment.
Mary was transported to Australia aboard the ship “Sir Charles Forbes” and arrived on 15
December 1937.
Mary gained permission to marry Robert Stewart; Convict Indent number 730 and they married at
Maitland NSW 15 September 1840

Robert and Mary Stewart (nee Neil) their daughter Ellen is in centre

Children of Robert and Mary Stewart (nee Neil):

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William Stewart born 27 December 1840 Sydney died 25 May 1892 never married.
Ellen Stewart born 30 March1843 married William Barker
Robert Stewart born 7 July 1845 Married Marianne Furner
James Stewart Born19 November 1840 Married Alice Brennan
David Stewart Born 19 April 1853 married Deborah Jane Furner

Great Great Grand Parents (Stewart)

David Stewart born 19 April 1853 at Newtown NSW married Deborah Furner born at Kiama
NSW 28 February1860.

Deborah Jane Stewart (nee Furner)

David Stewart death place and date are unknown.

Deborah Stewart (nee Furner) remarried after the death of David. She married Edward Charters
and died 1946 in Sydney and is interred at Randwick cemetery NSW.

Notes for Deborah; official records show that her given names were Jane Deborah. She is the
daughter of John Furner and Maryann Cooper.
Maryann Cooper is the daughter of William Willis Cooper a convict who was transported to
Australia aboard the ship “Phoenix” from London for cart theft in 1828. He was sentenced to
seven years.

Children of David and Deborah Stewart (nee Furner)

John David Stewart born 3 September 1877, died 7 May 1961, married Edith May Lewis born
1888
William Stewart born 22 April 1881 died 20 May1963, married Sarah Cooper
Lillian Stewart born 1 December 1887 married Fred Scally
Elsie Stewart born 1889 died 1937 married Leslie Smith
Maryanne Stewart born 1884 died 20 October 1894
Claude Loftus Stewart born 24 February 1897 married Alice Shomack
Lindsay Gordon Stewart born 25 February 1900, died 6 November 1988 married Margaret Smith

Great Grand Parents (Stewart)

5
John David Stewart born 3 September 1877 married Edith May Lewis born 1888

John David and Edith May Stewart (née Lewis)

John David Stewart died 7 May 1961 at Sydney

Edith May Stewart (nee Lewis) died 1969 at Sydney

Children of John David and Edith May Stewart (nee Lewis)

Lillian May Stewart born18November 1908, married George Henry Lyons born Mudgee 1897
Enid Stewart born 18January 1910 m Elijah Lyons (brother of George Lyons)
Elsie Violet Stewart born 23 September 1913 married Norman Winter
Edith Ann Stewart born 27 March 1916 married Harvey Winter (brother to Norman)
Rita Rose Stewart born 7 June 1918 married Leo Potts
William John Stewart born 9 February 1921 married Doris Player 1st Eileen Mills 2nd
Joan Carmen Stewart born4 July 1924 married Jack Morgan
Robert George Stewart born 12 March 1927 married Daisy Player
Thelma Merle born 15 November 1929 married Basil Howie

Grand Parents (Lyons)

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Lillian May Stewart born 18 November 1908 married George Henry Lyons at Mudgee NSW.
He was born at Mudgee 1897

7
 George Henry Lyons Lillian May Lyons (nee Stewart)
Old Wollongong Cemetery Wollongong Lawn Cemetery

Lillian May Lyons (Nee Stewart) died 15 August 1994. She is interred at Wollongong NSW
George Henry Lyons died Wollongong 1973. He is interred at Wollongong cemetery Wollongong
NSW.

Rest in Peace Grandma Lyons

Children of George Henry and Lillian May Lyons (nee Stewart)

Roy Cecil Lyons born 6 February 1925 at Mudgee NSW. He married Vera Alison Sheather
(nee Bell) at Goulburn NSW in early 1946.
Arthur Terrence Lyons born 2 January 1927 married Grace
Kathleen May Lyons born12 January 1928 died February 2008; married 22 June 1946 John
McHoul Hillhouse born 10 March 1924 died 8 January 2001
George Henry Lyons 2 born 21 October 1930 married Ester Elizabeth Smithton born 11 August
1933.
John William Lyons born 27 September 1932
Wilfred James Lyons born 27 July 1933 married Kathleen Lesley Tolfield born 23 November
1944.
Lillian Fay Lyons born 6 October 1935 married Leonard Leslie Sheather born 13 November 1934
on 20 February 1954
Margaret Anne Lyons born 24 September 1937 married Reginald George Phelps born 12 March
1937.

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Laurence John Lyons born 30 December 1939 married Robyn Anne Peck born 17 September
1940. She died 12 August 1978. He remarried to Beverly Anne Carter 27 July 1985.
Thelma Noelene Lyons born 4 December 1941
Ruth Carmen Lyons (known as Carmen) born 6 October 1943 married William Hugh Jackson
Robert Elijah Lyons born 10 September 1945 married Susan Kay Coombs.
Ellen Valerie Lyons, born 6 February 1947 and
Colleen Rose Lyons, born 26 November 1950.

Sheather and Lyons Unite

My Parents

Roy Cecil Lyons, born 6 February 1925 at Mudgee NSW married Vera Alison Sheather (nee
Bell} born 27 August 1910 at Adelong NSW. Vera is the widow of George Frederick Charles
Sheather.

They married in early 1946 at Goulburn NSW. He is the eldest of 13 Children to George Lyons
and Lillian May Stewart and Vera is the eleventh of sixteen children to Edward James Bell and
Ada Matilda Guymer.

Roy was 21 years old and 14 years younger than Vera who in her previous marriage to George
Sheather had five children now aged between four and 13. It must have been a daunting task for
one so young to take on such responsibility.
Lots of hard work and with the assistance of Vera and the Sheather children they managed
admirably.

My Story Begins

20 September 1946 to Early 1952

I am the first of 4 children to Roy and Vera Lyons and I was born on 20Th September 1946 at
Branston Private Hospital Goulburn NSW. My first residential address was at the little village of
Tallong about 20 miles south of Goulburn where I met my step siblings, the Sheather family;
Clarry 13, Lenny 12, Lee 10, Val 8 and Kenny 4.

Baby Malcolm Lyons with Aunty Edna Alley (nee Bell)

9
I do not recall ever being christened and according to my parents, I never was. They named me
Malcolm Cecil. I have never been happy with my middle name but I had no choice in the matter.
Being named after my father, I am proud, but I only wish his name was anything but Cecil. For
some reason I still dislike that name.

My earliest memory of life to this day is a white curved ceiling and rocking to and fro. In later
years I questioned my mother about this image that remains embedded in my mind and she
suggested that it must be the memory of my first train trip when I was taken to Mudgee to meet
my Lyons Grandparents not long after I was born. I was bedded on a seat of the Old Mudgee mail
train with my only view being the curved white ceiling of the carriage that rattled and rocked to
and fro along the tracks.

My father Roy, or Cecil as he was always called, worked at South Marulan Saw Mill, He also
done some cutting and carting eucalyptus.
It was at the Marulan Mill, he amputated the top joint of a finger in a saw accident. I can still recall
how he used to trick me by making me think that his finger would disappear up his nose when in
actual fact it was only the stump of the finger resting on a nostril.

The Nerriga Connection

Midway between Tallong and Braidwood is a tiny town of Nerriga and it was near here and
Windallema that we moved and lived for an unknown duration. My Aunty Edna and Uncle Ray
Alley Lived at Nerriga. Edna was my mother’s younger sister and Ray was a professional dingo
trapper, who earned a living by collecting bounties for dingo scalps. I spent a lot of time in my
early infancy in the Nerriga area and enjoyed being with my Uncle and Aunt.

About early 1949 Malcolm Cecil Lyons at Ollans Ford which crosses the Shoalhaven River between
Nerriga and Windellama NSW

On the 20Th of November 1947 when I was just 14 months old, and living near Nerriga my sister
Patricia Norelle was born at Braidwood NSW and so the Sheather Lyons family continued to
grow.

Although Patricia was named and registered as Patricia Norelle she has always been called
Norelle and this has continued throughout her life. Even during her schooling she has always
been recorded as Norelle Lyons.

10
Sometime after the birth of Norelle, we moved back to Tallong where our mother was kept busy
tending to us children and seeing the elder ones off to the one teacher school.
The teacher at that stage was Mr Morton Crawford.

Norelle and I were still pre school age and both of us would later attend this same School but not
before the family extended by one when our brother Gregory Roy was born at Goulburn NSW on
1 November 1949 and we moved to the Wollongong area early 1950.

The Wollongong Move

We lived in tents at Woodford Park Lake Illawarra which was run by the Elliot family.
Lee, Val and Ken were attending Windang Primary School, while Norelle and I were stay at home
pre schoolers and Greg was still a nursing baby.

Malcolm nursing Gregory with Norelle looking on at Woodford Camping Ground

I cannot remember the line of employment my father pursued but I guess he worked at Port
Kembla Industrial area which included the steel works, Metal Manufactures, Lysaghts and
Australian Fertilizers, all by far the biggest employers in the Illawarra area.

My father was a keen musician and particularly loved playing his button accordion. He would
often entertain us kids and family with renditions of old time favourites. In later years I learnt to
accompany him on the spoons.
Step brother Len was a keen country music fan and taught himself guitar. He played it well and
he would also entertain us with country songs of the style Of Buddy Williams, Reg Lindsay, Slim
Dusty who were all making big names for themselves on the country music scene.

Len was my hero and I took a great fascination to the way he played and sang. I always wanted
to be as good but only managed to strum along using three chords which Len taught me as I
grew older.

Malcolm with Lens guitar

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 Family Heartbreak
Dad was also a very keen fisherman and would often take Mum and the family beach fishing.
During one such fishing excursion in the later part of 1950 our brother Greg who was only 10
months old had a seizure. After many trips to Camperdown hospital in Sydney accompanied by
Mum, Dad and Lee he was diagnosed with epilepsy and was also mentally retarded. This meant
that he would need constant care for the remainder of his life and would also change the life of us
all especially Mum, Dad, Lee, and Val and later Ken who basically became full time carers.

From Left, Norelle, Malcolm ( dig the shorts Now back in fashion), Mum with Gregory and Ken

An acceptable reason on why a healthy baby boy at 10 months of age could suddenly become so
severely retarded was never explained but Mum had a theory that in her own mind she believed
that a mishap by staff at Goulburn hospital in the handling of Greg not long after birth was the
cause of his condition. Her theory was never pursued so one will never know

Gregory at 4 months

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 Nicknames Are Introduced
At the tender age of four going on five, my step brother Clarry who was approaching 18 started
calling me Sandy, and Norelle Blondie. His reasoning behind this was because I was always
playing in sand and forever had sand all over me including in my mouth and Norelle had blonde
hair. He was already calling Ken; Oscar.
Clarry later extended my name to Malcolm, Sandy, Sawn-off Cecil Lyons for reasons that only he
knows, and me, knowing no better assumed that this was my real name.
I can remember an occasion when I needed treatment for an abscess in my groin; the Doctor
asked my name and I replied with “Malcolm Sandy Sawn-off Cecil Lyons”.

I might add that I jokingly still use this title today when conversing with my granddaughters.

Malcolm (Sandy) aged 4 and Norelle (Blondie) aged 3 at our tent home early 1951 at Woodford
camping ground Lake Illawarra NSW

On the 21St of September 1951, the day after my 5Th birthday, our brother Jeffery Wayne was
born at Wollongong and was to be the last addition to the Sheather/Lyons family now totalling
nine.
Clarry again came up with a nickname for Jeff and called him, “Tiger”

13
 The Woonona Connection
At the end 1951, we secured a NSW Housing Commission home at Woonona on the North side
of Wollongong near Bulli and began the occupation of a real home for the first time. We could
now enjoy the comforts that we never previously had such as electric lights and hot water from a
chip heater.
Refrigeration was still from an ice chest and later a kerosene refrigerator.

I am not sure of the type of stove we had, but I do know that during one of our moves I destroyed
our old slow combustion stove when I engaged the truck hoist button which raised the tip tray of
the truck we were travelling in and the stove slid to the ground. My father was travelling on the
back and he clung on for life.
The stove which was constructed of cast iron was damaged beyond use and I am pretty sure I
was not a very popular little Malcolm for some time afterwards.

Life was great living at 71Wynn Street Woonona. We had daily deliveries of bread, milk and ice
and they were all delivered by horse and cart.
A special treat was when Mum would buy pies from the pie man who also delivered by horse and
cart. The pie cart was set up with wood fired oven to keep the pies warm.
To this day I cannot recall ever having a pie as nice as the ones we got from our pie cart in the
1950’s especially when they were served with a large helping of green peas.

Clarry completed three months compulsory National Service training at Ingleburn by the end of
1951or maybe early 1952. I was five and remember meeting him in his uniform complete with
his .303 rifle at the Woonona railway station. Clarry met and courted girlfriend, Lorraine Bowden,
who lived at Lake Illawarra, her family were a bit unsure of him at first because he was riding a
motor bike but all proceeded well.

Early 1952 to 1955

The start of 1952 and now at age 5 and 4 months it was time for me to get educated. I was
enrolled at Woonona Public School. My step brother Ken was given the task of starting me and
from all reports he had a rough time because I was not happy until eventually I learned that no
matter what I did to avoid going it was not working and so, I just had to get used to being a school
pupil for at least another 8 to 10 years. I believe Ken had greater problems when he was given
the task of starting Norelle at the same school a year later.

I can remember my first teacher’s name was Mrs Dunning and of course we soon shortened her
name to “dunny” which gave us a little chuckle because that is what we also called the lavatory,
our old outside toilet.
The toilet or outhouse which it was also known, was a small building in the back yard just large
enough to fit a tar painted can about the size of a 10 gallon drum with a seat covering it. This is
what we called a thunder box for obvious reasons.
These cans were taken away and replaced once a week by the “Dunny Man” and it was never too
hard to tell his truck was in your area by the smell especially on a windy day.

In my eyes, Mrs Dunning was a very old lady but I was only five so I guess she was in her early
twenties.
I cannot recall any other names of teachers or pupils at Woonona Public School, but I can
remember there was a little Dutch girl in my class which I instantly took a liking to.

My memory of Woonona School is very limited; we usually bought our lunch either a meat pie or
a nice fresh bread roll filled with sliced devon
Milk was supplied in small glass bottles with silver paper (foil) tops and it was plain cow’s milk
mostly a bit warm from sitting in the sun for an hour or two before it was consumed.

14
To get to school we had to walk passed a little general store and I distinctly remember getting
caught trying to steal a threepenny chocolate. I guess getting caught once out of a half a dozen
times offending wasn’t too bad. But I didn’t try for any more.

Outside the general store the shop owner left his Arnott’s biscuit tins ready for collection by the
supplier. He would let us check the tins on our way to school so that we could often get a handful
of broken biscuits which was a real treat.

I was starting to get a little mischievous by now and I recall getting under a neighbours house and
spilling his stored paint all over the place. I loved pinching fruit from the many fruit trees that were
growing in people’s yards but then again so did a lot of other kids.
My step brother Ken had a mate named Barry Peaver. When he visited I liked to hang around
with them but was more of a pest because I was 4 years younger.

Lee and Val had many friends and I recall the Roberts boys; Don and Ken would often visit. They
lived in the same street as us and became good family friends.
Len was courting his girlfriend Lillian Lyons who incidentally is my father’s sister. He had also
completed three months National service training at Ingleburn NSW by mid way through 1953. I
had turned seven in September of the same year and was completing first class at school.
January 2nd 1954, Clarence George Sheather (Clarry) married Lorraine Evelyn Bowden at Port
Kembla NSW.
February 13Th 1954 my step brother Leonard Leslie Sheather (Lenny) married Lillian Fay Lyons at
Port Kembla NSW.

Family outings were fairly rare and when we did go out it was usually fishing or prawning at Lake
Illawarra with a friend of my parents, Harry Eggleston.
Harry lived in a unit at Cliff road Wollongong with a partner Florence (Flo) Yearnshaw and drove
an old Chevrolet utility; we kids would ride in the back when we went anywhere. It was always a
bit scary when we drove up Macquarie Pass, while travelling to Tallong for fishing and camping
trips.
We could rarely do anything as a complete family due to the disability of our brother Greg but on
the occasions that we did it was tremendously enjoyable.

Clarry and Lorraine were living with us and now had a daughter, Lynette who was born at
Wollongong 1954. (Lynette later in life would meet and marry Bernie Edmonds)
Len and Lillian were leading a married life together and we still seen them regularly.
Val aged 17 was working at the Hardy’s rubber factory at Bellambi for a while until moving to
Braidwood NSW where Lee aged 19 was nursing at Braidwood hospital.
Lee met Patrick Thomas Maher and Val met Colin George Barlow.

We stayed at Woonona until the start of 1955. I was ready for third grade. Dad and Clarry got
jobs as fettlers on the NSW Railways and we moved back to Tallong.

15
 Return to Tallong

.
Tallong railway Station

1955 to April 1957

At Tallong, we moved into an old tin shack about a mile out of the village along the Marulan road.
It was on a large property near the Long Point lookout road and not far from Barbers creek where
we used to travel and camp with Harry Eggleston while we lived at Woonona.
The family now consisted of Mum, Dad, Ken aged 12, me aged 8, Norelle aged 7, Greg aged 5
and Jeff aged 3. Clarry, Lorraine and baby Lynn.

Ken, Norelle and I went to Tallong School to continue in the class we left at Woonona which in my
case was 3rd class and Norelle in 2nd class. Ken was in 7Th grade. It was a one room, one teacher
school. The teacher was Mr Morton Crawford and he taught all classes from kindergarten to 9Th
grade. I might add, there were only about 5 pupils in my class and the whole School consisted of
about 25 to 30 students with ages ranging from 5 to 15.

Morton Crawford left at the end of 1955 and I was pleased that he did. I took an instant disliking
to him when he held me back from school one day and questioned me about my brother Greg. I
was not comfortable with his questions so I took off for home. His attempt to grab me failed and
he lost my trust from that day on.

The old shack we lived in was only a bit better than tents, with walls of hessian bags lined with
newspaper. At least we could go to bed at night and read the walls by candlelight.
The main thing was, although we roughed it, we were always kept clean, well fed and had a roof
over our heads. We had loving parents who took great care of us. As a special treat every payday
we got lollies and oranges and there was never a shortage of apples. Tallong was the apple
growing district of the southern highlands.
Old Nat Wattling would scare the hell out of us kids for even looking at his apple orchard, I dare to
think what he would have done if he caught us pinching a few.

Bath time was water drawn from the well or tanks and boiled in the washing copper. It was then
poured into a galvanised washing tub, cooled with cold water and we were scrubbed with the best
Sunlight washing soap that we could afford. And yes we were made to wash behind our ears so
that potatoes would not grow there.

At the start of the school year 1956 we got a new teacher, his name was John Swain, a very
caring and well respected man. Unlike his predecessor, I took an instant liken to him and began
to enjoy being at school. I particularly liked his car. I think it was an MG or something similar.

16
We participated in School athletics and at the end of each year enjoyed a School sports Carnival
held at Exeter near Moss Vale NSW competing against other Schools all larger than us except
Wingello. I recall being the fastest runner in my age group at our school but always got stiff
competition from Kim Kirk. Unfortunately being the best at our school was not good enough to get
a placing in the annual sports carnival and Tallong would share the wooden spoon with Wingello
our neighbours.

We never got fresh milk for playlunch at Tallong School; instead we were given powdered milk
which we had to mix ourselves. This was mixed in a 10 gallon milk can. In the winter time we
would add cocoa to it and mix it with hot water which was much easier to consume. Everyone
was allocated jobs to do and I remember mine was once the music player. I had to put the 78rpm
vinyl record on the gramophone during assembly each day and play the Colonel Bogie march for
the other pupils to march in to class.

Living at Tallong was different to previous experiences, probably because I was getting older and
started to understand more of what was happening.

Some school friends and other local identities that I can remember were; of course Nat Wattling,
who could forget him. Kay and Billy Morris, Kim and Ken Kirk, Sue Bingham, the Davenports who
I think owned the local store, Alf (stepper) Morris he walked with a limp and was once Dad’s
sparring partner in a pub brawl in Marulan.
Then there were Margaret and Helen Read, I had a liking for Helen and would always offer to
carry her books to school. There were Michael and Bruce Rumsey, they sadly drowned and I
explain that a little further on. Dear old Mr and Mrs O’Keefe who lived near the railway station and
were so loving and kind.

When not a school I loved to go rabbit trapping and shooting with Dad, Clarry and Ken. Other
times we would take the ferrets out and put them in the burrows to chase rabbits out into the nets
that where placed at all warren entries and exits. Getting the ferrets out was sometimes a
problem because they would find a nest of rabbit kittens and would stay to eat them. I can still
hear Dad cursing those so and so ferrets as he dug deep into the burrow to retrieve them.

Sometimes we would go eel fishing in Barbers Creek and spear the eels as they lye in the clear,
shallow rocky streams. The best time to do this was at night and it was a two man operation, one
to hold the tilly lamp and bag and the other to do the spearing. Dad would skin the eels and cut
them up and Mum would cook them in a frying pan on the wood fired slow combustion stove after
she crumbed them with crushed corn flakes.

To earn extra money, Dad took on a weekend job felling and barking small gum trees. The timber
had to be axe cut into lengths and then have the bark removed whilst still green. It would be then
stacked and collected for transportation to the pulp mill.
I recall helping with this task along with Ken and Clarry. It was a hard task for me especially when
the axe was nearly as heavy as I was.

21 April 1956, Lurline Joyce Sheather (Lee) married Patrick Thomas Maher at St Andrews
Church Braidwood NSW.

We moved from the old shack on Marulan road and lived in a comfortable weatherboard house
closer to the village of Tallong and not far from the school. This house we rented from the Lewis
family. We had a phone and this was a real novelty. We also had electricity. The phone was a
you beaut wind handle job on a party line, just a bit more modern than two jam tins joined with a
mile of fishing line. I think our number was Tallong 21.

17
An unpleasant experience in mid 1956 has remained in my memory. It was during a morning walk
with Ken who was 14. On a rocky outcrop near the Tallong School and our place, we came
across the body of an elderly lady. Ken knew who she was but I did not, She was still conscious
so Ken took whatever action was necessary to raise help and I went home.
I found out later the person was Mrs Davenport and she had gone for a morning walk when she
collapsed.
She died soon after on 21 August 1956.

Headstone of Mrs Davenport at Rest with her dear Husband Tallong Cemetery

September 1956 I turned 10 and Jeff turned 5 so at the start of school year 1957 Jeff started
school while I was in 5th class and still enjoying the teaching of John Swain.

Dad was working as a fettler on the Marulan Tallong railway length, (a length was a distance of
about 5 miles). Clarry was working on what was known as the “extra gang”. They were assigned
to special jobs and were not restricted to any one length of track.
Clarry co wrote a song with a work mate which they called “The Extra Gang Lament” and sang it
to the tune of a country song that I cannot remember.
I do recall the first part of the song went like this,
Now come all you weary ramblers,
Take a job with the extra gang.
Old Snowy will be there, tearing at his hair,
When the crackers go off bang.
And Norman is our time keep,
He keeps us all on time
?????????????.
Cracker was a term used for detonator. They used these on the track to warn train operators that
workmen were ahead. It was system of code. For example they may place 3 detonators 100
yards apart and this would indicate to the driver to stop when he heard the third explosion.

The 5Th of January 1957 saw another tragedy occur. This time it was the drowning of two of our
school mates plus their father and uncle. The drowning occurred in the Shoalhaven River at the
bottom of a large gorge. It was a popular fishing and camping area for many locals and visitors,
including my dad and stepbrothers. It was a rugged, long climb down to the river from the
lookouts and of course a four times harder climb back out.

Michael and Bruce Rumsey as well as their Father and Uncle were drowned during a family trip.
Story has it that one of the group fell into a deep hole and in an endeavour to save each other
they all lost their lives.

18
The news of the loss of a couple of class mates along with their father and uncle was devastating
for the village of Tallong but in particular, the pupils at Tallong School.
Dad and Clarry had a good knowledge of the gorge from their many trips up and down on fishing
adventures. This knowledge was used by the rescue crew when they used Clarry to lead the way
out as the four bodies were carried back up the gorge.

Michael, Bruce, their dad Hilary and uncle Victor Rest in Peace at Tallong Cemetery

This was the biggest caravan in Australia at the time and was used by Public Works in the painting
of schools in NSW. Here the van is at Tallong School in 1957. Pictured 3rd from right is Jeff who was
in kindergarten.

Ken, Norelle and I were at the school when the above picture was taken however neither of us
can remember it. I guess we were helping Mum pack our belongings in preparation for another
move.

Dad had received a railway transfer to Cardiff a suburb of Newcastle NSW. However this was
cancelled and a transfer to Coolamon near Wagga Wagga NSW was issued instead.

19
 Coolamon

April 1957 to January 1959

We moved to Coolamon during the Easter of 1957. The time of this move I am sure of because at
the time of writing this (8 March 2008) I rang Ken who still lives at Coolamon. He assured me that
he has been there 51 years this Easter. A history check on Easter 1957 reveals that it was from
19 to 21 April.
Clarry, Lorraine and Lynette remained at Tallong.

The move to Coolamon was by train. All our possessions were transported in a furniture van
attached to the train while Mum, Dad, Ken, Norelle, Greg, Jeff and I all rode in a passenger
carriage.
The train carriage we occupied was commonly known as a “Dog Box” carriage because it
consisted of separate compartments. Each compartment was big enough for about 10
passengers.
Dad had a key to our compartment which he obtained through railway contacts and this ensured
that no other travellers could join us. It assured our privacy especially with the management of
Greg.

The journey to Coolamon took several hours and we passed though the major towns of Goulburn,
Yass Junction, Cootamundra, Junee, all of which were all on the main Sydney to Melbourne line
and finally to Coolamon on the Narrandera-Hay line.
The total distance is about 325 kilometres in current measures or approximately 200 miles as it
was in 1957.
On arrival at Coolamon, our accommodation was not yet available. We were to live in railway
tents provided for railway employees beside the railway track about 500 yards from the station.
We had to wait until the current tenants moved out and new tents and flooring was established
before we had a home to go to.

We had no option but to camp under the stars for a few nights using tarpaulin strung from the
wire fence as a shelter. This situation was only temporary and we soon moved into our four star
tent palace which was set up like a 4 bedroom house complete with kitchen, bath, laundry and of
course the outside dunny.

Coolamon Railway station the sight of our tents down the track just passed the crossing. This
picture was taken much later than 1957 but little has changed in this view. The station is now used
as a museum

20
It was a bit noisy when trains came passed but we soon got used to that. Steam trains were
slowly being phased out and diesel locomotives were replacing them, however, steam engines
were still operating and I believe it wasn’t until the 1970’s they were completely withdrawn from
service in NSW.
The fireman of the engine would regularly throw us a few shovels of coal as they passed so that
we always had a good supply to service our heating needs. Our job was to gather the coal which
was usually spread over a hundred yards or so.

Once established in our new residence, Jeff, Norelle and I enrolled at Coolamon Central School.
This was a much larger school than Tallong, but probably not as big as Woonona. Ken was 14
years and 8 months and was eligible to leave school so he did.

Coolamon Central School is a bit different these days, much bigger with more facilities and capacity
for better education than it was in the 1950’s and 60’s

We had a few little problems initially and got teased a bit because we were the “tent people”.
However once people got to know us, and realised we were not “feral” their attitudes changed
and we began to have some good friends.
I do recall an incident where the Postmaster’s son Graham Legg who lived close by us behind the
post office decided to tease me. He was very smartly sorted out and we became good friends
after that

Friends began visiting us. I think curiosity had a bit to do with their visit to see how the “tent
people” lived. Some of them thought it a novelty and would have readily traded their house for our
tent palace.

At school I moved into 5th class, Norelle was in 4th class and Jeff at only 5 years and 4 months
was completing kindergarten. Ken was seeking local employment and also assisting Mum with
the care of Greg.
I am not sure who my first teacher was but I think it may have been Mrs Curtis. It was definitely
not Miss Olive Iverach; she was teaching Norelle in 4th class and from all reports, Miss Iverach
was the meanest, angriest and most disliked teacher that was ever employed by the NSW
Education Department. I was fortunate enough to miss her class so I cannot talk from personal
experience. However, I have no reason to doubt the majority of her pupils.
Rest in peace Miss Iverach, I am sure you instilled a lot of knowledge into the people you taught,
and you meant well even if, your methods were a little stricter than your colleges

21
Our tenancy at the tent palace was brief because Dad and Mum soon succeeded in finding a
rental house. The home was a farm property we rented from Mr Stan Lucas and was situated
about two miles out along the Ganmain road.

Living on the Lucas farm was great and for a time we used a small school bus to transport us to
and from school. It was not really a bus but rather a seven seater station wagon type vehicle.
When we later could not afford the cost of this service we would walk to school. Pushbikes were
far too expensive for us, besides we enjoyed the daily walk.
Dad always walked to work and his work start and finish point was the fettlers shed about 200
yards passed the railway station and almost opposite the wheat silos.

Coolamon Railway Station. The fettlers shed about opposite the silos

We would sometimes pick up some items from the Co-op store or the butchers when Mum
needed them. Like many other locals we had an account at the Co-op, butchers and baker stores
so all purchases were booked up and paid for on each fortnightly payday.

Sometimes we would pick up the bread from the bakery but most times that was Dad’s job on his
way home from work. Four large loaves of bread was difficult for us to carry all wrapped together
in white wrapping paper.
Sliced bread was still in the future then. It was introduced in later years when the bakery
purchased a slicing machine. They would slice your bread for an additional cost.

We had a milking cow on the property which we milked daily for our supply of fresh milk and
sometimes cream. When the cow became dry we would resort back to what we were brought up
on; Sunshine powdered milk mixed with water from our corrugated iron tanks which was our only
water supply.

Early days at Coolamon at the Lucas farm house. From left Jeff, Norelle and Malcolm all in new
clothes and I am proudly displaying my first watch which I got for Christmas

22
Although we never lived in flash houses and were not as well off financially as a lot of other
families at Coolamon, we were rich with love and well being. Every year Mum and Dad would
travel to Narrandera and borrow one hundred pounds from the rural bank so that we could have
new clothes, a Christmas present and sometimes a holiday to Wollongong.

I will always remember the long, tiring and boring train trips to Sydney Central station. Once we
got to within about a hundred miles from Sydney and daylight had broken I would watch for the
mileage signs. Every mile along the track would be a bushels tea advertising sign which read;
100 miles to Bushels tea which translated meant 100 miles to Sydney Central. The next would be
99 miles and so on. It was a long slow trip. At central we changed trains for the Illawarra line but
had to wait a couple of hours for a connection.
Waiting time was good because we would go down to Pitt Street for lunch and always had fish
and chips with salad.
We went to the same café each time we visited Sydney and I can remember the cubicle style
seating and each cubicle had a small juke box on the wall. For sixpence we could play our
favourite song.
The train trip from Sydney to Wollongong was always enjoyable especially the views of the
coastline after exiting the tunnels.
At Wollongong we would stay with Harry and Flo in their unit at Cliff road near the lighthouses
and harbour and enjoy the beach life again, which was far different to the Country life at
Coolamon.
It was always sad to go home but only because we had to say farewell to new found friends and
face another long train journey.

Our long walks to school came to an end when Albert Furnell (more about him later) purchased
an old house at Wallace Street in the main town of Coolamon and offered it to us for rent. The
house was old and was known as a peasy place. I cannot find reference to the word peasy but it
was associated with the style of structure of the house. It was built of a mud substance and
rendered with plaster about a half inch thick on the external and internal walls. It had a veranda
on the front and sides and it also had a fireplace in every room including the four bedrooms. . Of
course we still had an outside dunny

Dad soon had a wonderful vegetable garden growing and we had apricot trees and almond nuts
all of which bore beautiful crops and peppercorn trees we could sit under to enjoy the shade
during the hot summers.
We were very comfortable in this house and it now took us just a few minutes to walk to school.

On the front veranda of the Wallace Street home at back from left, Mum, Dad, Flo, (a family friend
from Wollongong), Norelle, Lee and her son Wayne. At front sitting Jeff and that’s me kneeling.
Notice the wall of the house where the plaster was breaking away and exposing the mud substance

I was keen singer of country songs, as was most of my family and I would often sing for family
and friends who visited our home. I was selected to participate in the School amateur hour to
perform at the Cazna Theatre in Coolamon.

23
There were about twenty contestants all ranging from ages 6 to 15. The judging was done by the
audience and the way they done this was by placing money in containers which were passed
around after each performance. One penny equalled one vote so I couldn’t rely on family for to
many votes because they rarely had spare cash.
I did not like my chances, but I performed a Chad Morgan song titled “The Fatal Wedding” and
Neville Kashanka accompanied me on piano. At the end of that song I was given a rousing
applause and called for an encore. This time I sang another Chad Morgan number called “The
Dinkum Dill”. I did not win the night but got second place, beaten by a couple of girls tap dancing.
I think they also had a rich family. It was all a lot of fun and money was raised for the school. At
least I was the only one to be asked for an encore.

I enjoyed going to school at Coolamon and had wonderful friends.

Ron Crocker whom I will never forget comes first to mind. I can even remember his birthday being
13th September, maybe because it was exactly one week before mine.
Ron and I over the years had a number of enjoyable occasions including the day we wagged
school and headed bush for the day. No one ever did know about that.

Wether it was at school or on the Aussie rules football field playing for the under fifteen
schoolboy’s team it was great to have Ron on your side.
Two of the best that I have ever seen drop kick and stab pass a football were John Kew and Ron
Crocker.

Whilst Ron and John went on to bigger and better things in their football careers, mine barely got
passed the under fifteens. I did play a couple of under18 games under the watchful eye of Ian
(Heap) Gillett but lacked the ability to continue, so that ended my ambition to play Australian
Rules football.
I never lost interest in the game though and every Sunday, whenever Coolamon had a home
game we would head to Kindra Park and barrack for the Coolamon Grasshoppers.

My brother Ken went on to play at top level for Coolamon and won many awards as a ruckman in
the South West Football League. He had a long association as a player and a clubman. So much
so that he has been honoured with Life membership of the Coolamon Rovers Football Club and
still has an association with them today.

I acquainted with many other wonderful people and some of them were;
Billy Pearce, whose father was a proprietor of Hutcheon and Pearce Garage, George Crocker, He
was the older brother of Ron. Bill and Keith Hugler, Their father Bill worked with my Dad on the
fettler gang. Valerie Cross, she married John Kew. Beverley Merkel, I was a bit keen on her.
Heather, Barbara and Tommy Burke, their father Tom also worked with Dad.
Ron and Richard Munro, they became our neighbours when we lived on the Lucas farm.

There was John Seckold; his father had a school bus service which was independent to Amos
and Bob Allen. John and George Tokley (twins) their parents operated a café and shop next door
to the “Cazna” picture theatre.
Graeme Robertson, his brothers and he in later years worked the local butcher shop. More
recently, Graeme’s daughter, a Qantas flight Attendant made the news with coverage all over the
Australian and overseas media when she admitted joining the so called “Mile High Club” which in
plain terms is involving in a sexual act whilst on an aircraft.

Charlie Moses, he visited us at the tent palace and his father was the local wool and skin
merchant. There were Coddy Iverach, Fred Grimaldi, Neville and Lenny Karshanka.
Barry, Helen and Marylyn Brown, their father Wally also worked with Dad and I believe later he
was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his wife Hazel.
David (Fatty) Wybro, his father was the scrap metal merchant, Lance and Jimmy Crocker, Rex
Furner, Flo Warner and Peter Craig.

24
Geoff, Jennifer and Phillip Furnell, their father was our Sunday school teacher. Jennifer was my
first girlfriend but it never progressed because we were too young and her parents were very
strict on who she associated with.
I recall on a regular basis I would visit the Furnell farm on the pretence of visiting Geoff but more
to the point it was to see Jenny. On one occasion Jenny and I were in the shearing shed lying on
some stored grain bags. We were chatting and embracing in a little cuddle and did not see or
hear her father Albert approaching, but we sure as hell heard him when he arrived. I was lucky, I
got sent home but poor Jenny had to handpick buckets of bindi eyes for the rest of the day. I
guess it was only a matter of time before we got sprung and our relationship ended but we
remained good friends.

Coolamon was a region for growing crops of wheat and oats as well as sheep farming.
On weekends during the hot summer months of the harvest season my father took on additional
work, stooking hay. I sometimes worked with him and, although I was only a lad, my pay was the
same as an adult which meant I had to keep up or be docked pay.

It was very hard work, walking the paddocks, collecting the sheaves of hay and stacking them in
tepee style stacks with the grain head upright, this was called stooking and had to be done so
that the sheaves would not rot on the ground before being carted to either the chaff mill for cutting
or to a stack area to be stacked in the form of a haystack as shown in the picture below.

Sheaves of hay stooked Hay Stacks near Coolamon NSW

Pay rates for stooking hay was ten shillings ($1) per hour which was considered good money.
You only got paid for actual hours worked not for any breaks so this meant for an 8 hour day of
actual work, you earned 80 shillings which equalled 4 Pound a day or in decimal currency
today’s terms $8 a day.

25
January 1959 to December 1961
My final three years at school were of mixed feelings, they were my senior years and whilst I was
in First Year I had a teacher by the name of Tom Britton whom I considered the best school
teacher that I had ever had and I learned a lot from him.

My woodwork teacher; I can’t recall his name, nor do I want to, he delighted in punishment with a
three foot wooden T square. If you misbehaved in class, and his interpretation of misbehaviour
was his and his alone, he would send you to the storeroom where you were made to bend over
while he administered a hard wack across the cheeks of your arse. It only happened to me once
for saying “shit” when I stubbed my foot on a work bench. That was a one wack crime. Imagine
the punishment he would dish out if I had uttered the “F” word, maybe I would have been
sentenced to death. That word was definitely outlawed in mixed society back then and would
never be used in the presence of a female; it was a “male” word only.

On another occasion and this had nothing to do with the woodwork teacher, I called another kid a
bastard during a brief altercation, I was overheard by the playground supervising teacher and
sent to the office where I received four cuts of the cane across the hands by the headmaster.

In my second and third years my teacher was the headmaster Lance Charlton; suddenly my
interest in further education began to wane, and I began to focus on a working future. It was mid
1961 and I was into my final year. At the age of 14 years and 9 months I was legally eligible to
leave school providing I had parental consent.

At the time, Coolamon council were actively involved in building a nurses home and having small
extensions done to the local hospital. I used to pass the building site daily on the way to school
and often thought how good it would be to be working there instead of going to school.
Finally I stopped by the site and asked the manager for a job and he agreed to employ me. It was
for this reason that my parents gave me the permission that I sought and I began working full time
before my fifteenth birthday as a junior carpenter’s labourer.

I guess the lessons my woodwork teacher gave me were put to use but I didn’t need a lot of
knowledge to hammer nails into floor boards or clean mortar off old bricks. At least I had a job
and appreciated the instructions and help that I was now receiving from my employer.
I was only there for about 2 months when the job finished and my employer was moving back to
where his business was set up and that was Wagga Wagga.
He offered me an apprenticeship with his company which meant that I had to move to Wagga and
at the age of 15, my parents would not allow the move so that was the end of my chances of
becoming a carpenter and also ended my employment.
It was probably a good decision by my parents because as I look back now I don’t think I was
ever suited for that trade.

January 1962 to May 1962

I began working around several farms wherever I could get work; N Mutton & Co Pty Ltd, Farmers
and Graziers were the biggest employers in the Coolamon district. My brother Ken had been
working for them for some time and I also gained employment with them.

I was employed in many areas of farming which included shearing sheds, burr cutting, and hay
carting, lamb marking, stooking and stacking hay.
As part of hay carting, I tried truck driving (on private property only) but I wasn’t real good at that,
it was difficult operating the clutch and I only had to use first and second gear.

On Saturday mornings, my job was to wash John Mutton’s car. He was one of the sons of Nick
Mutton and also the boss of many employees so I had to make sure the task was done well.

26
I started permanent work in the Mutton chaff mill, firstly, taking the filled bags of chaff from the
sewer and placing them on a motorised elevator to be sent to the stacker. I did this until I became
proficient at sewing the bags, my job then changed and I would take the bags from the chute and
sew them, a task which had to be done very quickly or a build up of bags would occur and the
whole operation could fail.

Filling and sewing chaff bags was necessary but monotonous and hard yakka which did not need
a lot of skill so after a time of doing this, I decided that there must be a better way of earning a
crust than this.
My father had worked on the NSW railway for just about as long as I ever knew him so I decided
that I should follow in his footsteps and apply. Dad worked as a fettler in the department they
called “perway” which is an abbreviation of permanent way, they were the track maintenance
division. I did not want this; I wanted to work in the “Traffic Department which run the stations and
goods services.

June 1962 to July 1963

I applied and was sent to Sydney for the entrance examination and a medical test and was
successful in gaining a Junior Station Assistant position at the Ganmain Railway Station.

Ganmain was about 9 miles from Coolamon on the Narrandera line. This meant I had to rely on
hitchhiking to work each day which I did without a problem. I eventually got a regular lift with Brian
Carey, the milkman who would drop me off on his daily milk run. Brian was also the brother of
Marjory Carey whom my brother Ken was now dating and would eventually marry.

The station staff at the time was; Station Master, Milton Dempsey. Assistant Station
Master, ??????? and Station Assistant, Henry Boardman. I was replacing Henry who was moving
on to greener pastures and it was he who was responsible for my training before he left.
My tasks were the receiving and despatching of goods and parcels, issue and control of
passenger tickets, tarping and tying down of loaded rail trucks in the goods yard, signal
maintenance and general cleanliness of the station area including the toilets and platform
gardens. Plus any other tasks allocated by the Station Master.

Today, this is all that remains of Ganmain station. At left was the station area and at right the Goods
yard where I tarped railway trucks. Only a single line and the grain silos remain. From memory the
station and main platform were in the area of the lone pine left of the track in picture on the right.

I enjoyed my work as a station assistant at Ganmain and was proud to wear the uniform of the
NSW Government Railways (NSWGR). Some days were hard especially when working in the
goods yard tying and covering the trucks of freight which were usually bags of chaff, or wheat
grain from the silos. Most days however were spent at the station doing office duty.
The railway telephone system took some time to learn because it was an open line and no
numbers were allocated to stations; instead they were allocated a code. Whilst the phone would
ring many times during a shift I never had to answer it unless the sound was a short ring followed
by a long ring followed by another short ring this was the code for Ganmain ( # ----- #). The code
for Junee was continuos short rings and so it went with each station a different code.

27
To ring a code, you would wind a handle and at the same time press a button to what ever code
you required. A bit like sending Morse code I guess.
Of course this was only for the railway system. The public telephone was operated as normal
through the Postmaster General, (PMG).

Whilst on the job at Ganmain I would often communicate with the main telegraph office located at
Junee Railway station where the main switchboard was operated and goods train load lists were
received and issued to stations throughout NSW. I got to know some of the operators by voice at
first and then on weekends I would visit Junee with my friends Max Butler and Barry and John
Robinson, where I got to meet the telegraph office staff personally.

Being a young teenager; girls became an important part of my life and I already had a liking for
one at Junee so a job in the telegraph office would allow me to get on with my courting more
often, whilst at the same time be employed in a new department of the Railway network.
I subsequently applied for a transfer to Junee and commenced work in the telegraph office.

At Junee, I was initially boarding at a Greek ladies house, a very lovely but strict lady whose son
Andrew was also a railway employee but in a different department. She forbid me to bring a
girlfriend to the house and I respected her rules however this was not satisfactory to me so I
began staying at a place offered to me by John Butler, a relation of my friend from Coolamon Max
Butler.
It was here that I met Jeff Thornton, he was older than me but we formed a brief friendship along
with many others and would often hang out together. I met Jeff’s sister Helen also. I found out
that Jeff and Helen had a brother Barry who played guitar but I never met him. Barry would later
become a famous country artist and was the lead guitarist for Slim Dusty for about twenty years.

I took up judo for a while and then boxing at the police boys club. I done reasonably well at
boxing, won a few, lost a few but I learned enough for self defence should I need it and there
were a few occasions that I did.

My work on the railway was good, but now there were girls in my life and my priorities changed.
Dating became the most important however, not at the expense of my job because I still needed
money to support myself and my newfound social activities. I was now sixteen so a lot had
happened in such a short period since I left school.

Outside Junee Railway station as it is today and it hasn’t changed over the years

28
Although I had many friends both male and female at Junee I began travelling to Batlow with a
couple of mates where I met a girl during a tour of the “Mountain Maid” cannery at Batlow NSW.

July 1963
Not long after meeting Pam McCarthy, I got itchy feet again and resigned my job on the railway
and moved to Batlow.
For a while I was rich because on resigning from the railway I received holiday pay and a small
amount of superannuation pay. I was living with my friends the Butler family who had moved from
Coolamon to Batlow after Mr Butler committed suicide by hanging.

I had a strong relationship with Pam at Batlow but I needed work to support myself and my
relationship.
I could not become a freeloader on the Butler family so I had to seek regular employment.

The old Mountain Maid Cannery Batlow NSW

It was off season for fruit picking and the cannery had no vacancies so I had to go further a field
to find work.
At a little timber town called Laurel Hill just out of Batlow towards Tumbarumba, I got a job at a
saw mill. My task was making pick handles but after a couple of days I began to realise that
hitchhiking to and from work was unreliable and I had nowhere to stay.
Reluctantly, I ended my relationship with Pam and I returned home to Coolamon and back with
Mum and Dad.

August 1963
For a while I did some casual farm work again but felt that I had taken a giant step backwards
and was back to where I started. I needed to change direction and get back on track with my life
and to do this I needed to head for the “big smoke”. I made arrangements with my step brother
Len who agreed for me to stay with him until I could get established.

September/October 1963
I caught the mail train from Coolamon to Sydney where Len collected me and I began living with
him and Lillian at their unit in Illawarra Road Marrickville.

It was at Len and Lillian’s place that I could watch television for the first time other than what I had
seen in shop windows. It was good watching the black and white episodes of Maverick, Rawhide
and Gun smoke as well as programmes like Johnny O’Keefe’s six o’clock rock and Brian
Henderson’s Bandstand.

The Television was coin operated and I think for two shillings you would get two hours viewing
time so this was a different way of life than what I had previously experienced.
I knew this life style was temporary; it was only until I could find work and fend for myself.

29
I worked in a couple of jobs, one in a woollen mill and the other in a shoe factory in Sydney, but I
could not handle them or the hustle and bustle of city life. I was used to country living so after a
couple of months with Len and Lillian I was on the move again.

This move took me to Lake Illawarra in the Wollongong district to live with Clarry and Lorraine.
Thank God I had a wonderful family who cared for me, otherwise God only know where I would
have eventually ended up.

November 1963 to August 1964

Lake Illawarra area NSW

At the age of seventeen, I decided to reapply for the NSW Railways and a job again as a station
assistant in the Wollongong district. I was sent to Sydney again for the entrance exam and
medical as a mere formality. I had done it all before. I was successful again and was allocated a
job at Shellharbour Railway Station.
When I arrived at Shellharbour for my first shift, bad news awaited. The station master informed
me that a review of my medical examination revealed that I had failed the eye test and could not
be employed. I was devastated, and to this day I often wonder how my eye sight had deteriorated
to the point of failure in a period of less than two years when I worked for them before.
Life goes on and I learned to take the good with the bad but that news was my most disappointing
so far.

I met Stuart Bigalow and he helped me to secure a job on the Metropolitan Water Sewerage and
Drainage Board (MWSDB) in Wollongong. The minimum age to work with them was twenty one
so I told them that I was twenty one and they accepted my blatant lie. Just as well they did not
request proof because it was obvious I was far from that age but they employed me anyhow as
long as I could handle a pick, shovel, and jack hammer.

Wherever I travelled since leaving school I always had a guitar as part of my possessions, I could
still only manage the three chords that Len taught me but that was enough to get me through
most country tunes that I liked but was hopeless for rock and roll songs.
I annoyed hell out of Clarry and Lorraine with my constant practice singing and playing.
There is one song in particular that I am always reminded of by Lorraine even today; a song titled
“Time After Time” it was not only the title of the song, it was also the only lyrics.

Time after, time after, time after, time after time, after time. After time and so it went on and on.
The tune was ok but the songwriter had a poor imagination when he compiled the lyrics.
I was happy living with Clarry and Lorraine and family in their rented home at Purr Purr Avenue
Lake Illawarra and I was given a fair amount of freedom as long as they knew where I was.

30
My work consisted of a variety of jobs for the Water Board, from digging pipeline trenches to
cleaning out water supply reservoirs at Berkley. At times I even had to take my turn on the stop
go sign to control traffic. Mishaps occasionally occurred whilst digging trenches and bursting
waterlines was the most common. My worst moment was when a gas line was ruptured and
getting a gut full of gas was not real comfortable but no harm done at least it was the rest of the
day off work to recover.

On days off I would hang out with Stuart and a couple of other mates and go to the local stomps
and dances or the bowling alley at Warrawong as long as there were chicks, we would be there.

Stuart owned an old Singer car, I think about a 1957 model and he would do all the driving
because no-one else had a driver’s license.

Sometimes we would go to Sydney for a day but we would mostly drive around the local area,
cruising Crown Street Wollongong and keeping a close watch out for girls who may be interested
in a movie or a milkshake or better still just want to cruise with us.
Street cruising was a favourite pastime for most young teenagers who had access to a car and
Crown Street in Wollongong was the most popular.
The best known for this activity was a guy simply called “Rock-n-Roll George” in his FJ Holden.
He cruised Queen Street Brisbane and was still cruising until late in his senior years and still with
the same FJ. I briefly met him in 1979.

This is a Singer car similar to the one owned by Stuart Bigalow

I had a couple of brief relationships with girls that I met at dances, namely Sandra Malcolm and
Joy Dodds but they were never meant to become serious and based on friendship alone.
At the age of seventeen I met Diane Francis who lived at Lake Illawarra and not far from where I
lived with Clarry and Lorraine. We dated regularly and things became fairly cosy between us; so
serious that we became unofficially engaged, but only at our own terms and without any parental
consent.
The relationship did not last because she moved away with her family to Oak Flats and I could no
longer see her on a regular basis without having to catch a bus. The bus service was not real
reliable and did not exist after about 9 PM, so my visits were short and become less frequent due
to work commitments.

On weekends, I began cruising with Stuart and my mates again and it was during one of these
drives on a Sunday of June 1964 that I seen a stunning girl waiting for a bus in Crown Street
Wollongong. I had to meet her.

On the pretence of going to the gents in the park behind Coles store I had to pass by her which I
did. I am so glad that her bus had not arrived to whisk her away before I returned from the park
and had plucked up enough courage to chat her up.
We met, exchanged names and addresses and she told me that she had been to the Wollongong
hospital to visit her sick Aunty.
Before the bus arrived and took her away, we had agreed to meet at her place the following
evening.
She was fifteen and would turn sixteen in August which was two months away. It was important to
her that I meet her parents before any dating was considered.

31
Her name was Rhonda Beattie and she lived at 10 Buckland Street, Fairy Meadow with her
mother Sybil, her father Stan and younger brother Michael.
Stan drove buses for the bus company; John J Hill, Sybil was a stay at home mum and housewife
while Michael was still attending school. Rhonda worked for a company called Dandy Smallgoods
at Towradgi.
The Beattie family welcomed me and gave Rhonda and me approval to date. I somehow knew
that I had found the girl I wanted to spend the rest of my life with and I was soon to find out that
Rhonda had the same feelings for me. My courting days were over I had found the girl of my
dreams.

Rhonda and me at Fairy July 1964 Me at the Beattie home 1964

August 1964 Rhonda and me 1964

Me and Stuart Bigalow clown around Rhonda poses

at Rhonda’s 16Th Birthday party

32
September 1964 to March 1966
Rhonda and I became inseparable and even though she just turned sixteen and I was just under
eighteen we both knew we would spend our lives together. I was travelling from Lake Illawarra by
bus on a regular basis to be with her and we would go to the movies or just simply stay at home
with her record collection.
When we did go out it was always by bus or we would walk, as long as we were together is all
that mattered.
The bus service from Fairy Meadow to Lake Illawarra was not available after about 10PM which
meant I had to leave early or miss the last bus. I was invited by Rhonda’s parents to stay
overnight occasionally to give us more time together especially on weekends when neither of us
had to work. I would sleep on the settee bed in the dining area and enjoy being woken with a hug
from Rhonda when she emerged from her bedroom in the mornings.
My stay overs eventually became permanent and I soon felt part of the Beattie family.

Rhonda’s mum Sybil would even pack my lunch before I headed off to work each day. I was still
working for the water board.
Rhonda had left Dandy Smallgoods and gained a job, at Woolworths Fairy Meadow where she
was employed as a packer. She later transferred to Woolworths new variety store at Corrimal
working in the garden section and other departments doing counter service. No! She never was a
“check out chick”. Variety stores were all personal sales staff and there were no check outs.

I met some of the Beattie family relatives which included Stan’s brother Neil Beattie and his wife
Muriel and children, Neil junior, Peter, Marie, Fay and Betty. I also met Stan’s sister Joan and her
husband Merve Reid and their children, Mervyn Junior, Colleen, Neil and Pam.

Sybil’s mother Alma Neeld and family lived at Lithgow NSW. She was Rhonda’s Grandmother
and we simply called her Nanna. Her husband; Walter Weise Neeld was a Gallipoli veteran
during the First World War. He survived the war and died from heart failure at Wylong NSW in
1954. It was devastating for the Neeld and Beattie families to lose a husband, father and father in
law and for Rhonda who was only five and her brother Michael less than three it was the loss of
their beloved grandfather. He had passed away 10 years before I met Rhonda but through her
and her families conversations about him I felt as though I knew him well.

As well as their daughter Sybil, Wally and Nanna Neeld, also had two sons, Walter and Ronald.
Walter served in the Air Force in Australia during World War Two and after the death of his father
he took care of his mother Nanna Neeld and his brother Ron.

The Neeld family have a pioneering history in Australia. They are the founders of gold in the West
Wylong area and are well known in the district for their many achievements in the early gold
prospecting, development and growth of Wyalong and West Wyalong.

Walter Weise Neeld Stanley Beattie Walter Franklin Neeld

33
Stan Beattie; Rhonda’s father was a proud ex serviceman, having fought in World War Two in
New guinea and he firmly believed that his time in the Army was well worthwhile. He would often
tell me about his experiences both in Australia and his service abroad. It was as a result of these
conversations that I made up my mind to join the Army.
I knew that this would mean many separations from Rhonda but she was happy to support any
decision I made and the love we had for each other was strong enough to cope with any
separations we would face.

I applied and was sent for a medical examination in Wollongong and then issued a rail pass to
travel to Sydney for further tests and Interview.

I was accepted and consequently was sworn in at the Army recruiting centre in York Street
Sydney on Tuesday 16Th November 1964. I signed up for a minimum of six years.

At the swearing in ceremony I was joined by about fifteen others from NSW and together we took
the oath to serve our country. We were then transported to the Eastern Command Personnel
Depot at Watson’s Bay for overnight accommodation and haircuts before boarding the old south
west mail train for the journey to the First Recruit Training Battalion at Kapooka on the outskirts of
Wagga Wagga for a twelve week basic recruit training course. I was back in the area near where
I lived in my pre and early teenage years.

34
Military training would be twelve hard weeks of parade ground drill, field craft, weapon handling,
physical fitness, Military law, discipline, psychology testing and general learning how to be part of
a team in a military environment. No more could we please ourselves what to do and when to do
it, we were now told what to do and when to do it. The only question we could ask if told to jump
was “how high” Sir, Sergeant, Corporal whatever the rank of the person giving the order was.

The aim at the end of our twelve week course was to have us suitably trained to partake in further
specialised training within a Corps of the Australian Army. From within that specialised Corp we
would ultimately be trained for war should the need arise.

At any time during the initial training period if you presented an attitude that you would not be
suited for further training, the Army had the power to discharge you as unfit for Military service.
The soldier had no choice in the matter, it was the Army that made all the decisions and not you.

If you signed for a minimum of three or six years then that was the period you would serve unless
the Army declared you unfit or unsuitable. At the end of your initial engagement you had the
option of continuous service by signing on for a further three or six years.

I had already decided that the Army would be my career and whilst ever I was capable of serving
I would continue to do so until I had reached at least twenty years. After twenty years I could
apply for discharge at any time.
Prior to the commencement of training we were placed in a Platoon consisting of up to thirty other
men. I was placed in 10 Platoon B Company and the Platoon staff consisted of Lieutenant Parker,
Sergeant Dickie, Corporal Walker and Bombardier Glenndening. They had the task of turning the
newly formed 10 Platoon into basic soldiers.

Among the men I served with in 10 Platoon were Colin Bradley, Eddie Jardine, John Simpson,
Harvey Smart all from Queensland. John Kelly, Neil Wardell, Rodney Colvin, Graham Levick,
Graham Cotterill from NSW.

Me at Kapooka 1964
In Late 1964, the Menzies Government Introduced the National Service Scheme as a means of
boosting the strength of the Army. The first intake of conscripts would start training about mid
1965.

35
 Posing in PT gear I still have a guitar

20 Mile route march, Eddie Jardine, Col Bradley, Me wearing hat and Pecky at rear

Writing to Rhonda Ready for 5 days Xmas leave 1964

36
After five weeks of training, it was time for my first taste of leave. Five days of freedom at home
with Rhonda and family. The time of leave could not be better because it coincided with
Christmas.
During my first weeks of training Rhonda and I wrote letters regularly and during the course of our
correspondence we planned to become engaged. We decided that she would purchase an
engagement ring of her choice and that I would propose and give her the ring at midnight on
Christmas eve.

Everything went according to plan and in the company of Rhonda’s parents we were officially
engaged on Christmas day 1964. Our plans were to have a two year engagement and marry
sometime in January 1967.

No sooner had we become engaged it was time for me to head back to Kapooka to complete my
recruit training.
The final 5 weeks of training soon rushed by and I successfully completed the initial military
training. During the final weeks I was asked to nominate my choice of Army Corps that I would
like to be allocated to. I had to select three in order of preference. I selected Infantry 1, 2 and 3.
There was no guarantee that I would be given what I asked for because a lot depended on how
you trained and of course your ultimate aptitude for training within each Army Corps.
1965
Apparently I was suitable for Infantry training because I was allocated to the Royal Australian
Infantry Corp.
I was posted to the Infantry Centre at Ingleburn NSW which was on the outskirts of Sydney
between Liverpool and Campbelltown (not far from Rhonda at Wollongong).
Here we would be trained in Infantry, weapons, tactics and field craft for a further 6 weeks.

Of course not all of my mates in 10 Platoon B Company 1 RTB were allocated to the Infantry
Corps and posted to Infantry centre. For example those allocated Armoured corps went to
Puckapunyal in Victoria. Artillery trainees were posted to North Head in Sydney for their training.
Engineers trained at Casula in Sydney so we parted for all parts of Australia and never knowing if
or when we would ever cross paths again.

Those of my mates who were posted to Infantry included John Kelly, Neil Wardell, Colin Bradley,
John Simpson and Graham Levick. We joined others from different platoons marching out of
Kapooka to form 2 Platoon Battle Wing at Infantry Centre where we would complete our training
before being posted to a Battalion within the Royal Australian Regiment.

2 Section 2 Platoon on Bivouac about February 1965. From left at back John Simpson, Colin
Bradley, Mal Lyons, Neil Wardell, Graham Levick and Vic Reading, Front row, Graham Ackerley,
Dave Rose, Fred Stevens and Ron Allen

37
During Corps training we were granted week-end leave and this gave me the opportunity to go
home to see my dear Rhonda. The leave period was form 1630hrs on a Friday until 2359hrs
Sunday night. I would usually hitchhike home. It was only about 50 miles from Ingleburn to Fairy
Meadow and I never had a problem getting a lift because of the uniform. Some soldiers from the
Infantry centre had their car on base and those from the Wollongong area would always offer a
lift.
I was lucky that I lived so close and could go home, others form Qld and further afield would
remain in barracks or simply go on local leave around the Sydney area.
I would often take a mate home to enjoy the Beattie hospitality and the Wollongong area. John
Simpson who was from Dalby Qld was one. I introduced John to one of Rhonda’s girl friends
(Sharon Gaddie) who lived nearby and together, John, Sharon, Rhonda and I had many good
times together.

Rhonda, Mal, John and Sharon Rhonda and Mal

At the end of Infantry training I, along with John Kelly and Colin Bradley from 2 Platoon together
with Ron (Spider Webb), Deano Arnold and Graham Nesbitt from another platoon joined selected
soldiers from E Company First Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR) to become
foundation members of the newly forming Fifth Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (5RAR) at
nearby Holsworthy NSW.

1 RAR had been warned for active service in Vietnam and were deployed under United States
command in Bien Hoa province except for E Company who remained at Holsworthy to form the
basis of 5RAR under the administrative command of Major John Warr.
They were selected from all ranks. Officers, Senior NCO’s, Junior NCO’s and men who had
enough experience to effectively train the likes of me and my many mates who had no Battalion
experience at all. In April 1965 the command of the Battalion was passed to Lieutenant Colonel
P H Oxley and it was announced that he and Major Warr would be promoted in September 1965.

I recall some foundation members of 5 RAR were: Colonel Oxley, Major Warr, Warrant Officer
Class Two Hughie Hughson, Major Cassidy, Sergeant Stretch Witheridge, Sergeant Laurie O
Sullivan, Doc Halliday, Rowdy Hindmarsh, Bob Slater, John Chambers, Barry Hoskins, John
Smee, Bob Armitage, Danny Coupe, Dave Rose, Bob Searle, Rod Kanane and Graeme Waters.

5 RAR became known as the tiger Battalion

I began my training with 2 Platoon A Company which basically was the only established sub unit
within the Battalion at that stage. We participated in local company exercises at the nearby
Holsworthy range and also the Colo Putty and Gospers training area.

38
I well remember a training exercise aptly code named “Cold Comfort”, which was conducted at
Gospers Mountain NSW. Early in the exercise we were positioned atop Gospers ( Old Baldy) and
had established a defensive position including weapon pits with overhead cover. We were to
practice patrolling and ambushing skills by night and day.
During a night patrol on a very cold night it began to snow and within minutes there was a white
blanket of snow for as far as the eye could see.

All our gear was tropical issue stuff, light weight sleeping bags and uniforms so we were definitely
not prepared or equipped for training in snow. It snowed all night and into the next day,
equipment was buried under snow, some men had slept through it all in the sleeping bays of their
weapon pits. They were oblivious to what had eventuated throughout the night until they were
awoken. Some we had to dig out from under the snow covered pits.

Our Platoon Commander and platoon Sergeant assembled the platoon to ensure all was
accounted for. We formed a circle and continued walking around to keep as warm as possible
and maintain good circulation. This moment was my first ever taste of rum, it so happened it was
the Platoon Commanders birthday and he had brought a bottle of rum for a celebrative drink on
the day.
As we continually walked in a circle the rum was passed around while we all took a sip. The rum
didn’t last long when shared with about 30 blokes but it was warm going down.
Under advice from medical staff, the commanding officer called the exercise off and we began the
task of moving out.
We made a hasty retreat, leaving behind equipment including weapons buried under snow.
Trucks could not get in to transport us out so we moved to a clear area where helicopters were
brought in and we were choppered to waiting trucks outside the snow area and transported back
to Holsworthy.
All equipment was recovered over the next few days after the snow had melted and the area
became accessible by road again.

Taking into account that 1 RAR were now in the tropical jungles of Vietnam and we assumed that
our training was designed to eventually fight in Vietnam the only comparison that I could make is
that both us and 1 RAR where outfitted in tropical gear.

On the 1St September 1965 the newly promoted Lt Col John Warr took command of the Battalion
and Colonel P N Oxley was transferred to command the 3rd Training Battalion at Singleton NSW.
By November 1965, 5RAR began to receive the first intake of National Servicemen who were
basically trained infantrymen.

13Th November 1965, I with the rest of A Company boarded a DC10 aircraft at Richmond Air Base
and was bound for Papua New Guinea. We disembarked at Port Moresby where we boarded a
military caribou aircraft and flew to an airfield in the Wewak area.
I guess the writing was on the wall that we would soon be heading for Vietnam because the
training in PNG was appropriate, especially the climate which was similar to what we may
encounter in Vietnam. Rhonda and I had already brought our wedding date forward by one year
to 1 Januarry 1966 so that we would be married prior to my war commitment should it be ordered.

Over the next two weeks we conducted a patrol over an area of 100 miles through various terrain.
The first day took its toll on many but in particular me. Late in the day I suffered with heat
exhaustion and dehydration and was physically carried over the shoulders of a PNG Army
Sergeant (Sgt Pauza) to a village where we would camp overnight. A tropical downpour made the
ground slippery for Sgt Pauza but it assisted to keep my temperature stable.
Overnight I was monitored by our medical staff and the next morning I had recovered to continue
the patrol with no further problems.
The print media back in Australia got it wrong when they reported that a National Serviceman was
the first casualty of our patrol and then went on to tell the story of my experience.

39
The patrol finished at Marprik where some local people clad in full ceremonial attire entertained
us with dancing and music.

The New Guinea experience was good for me, especially as this was the first time I had been out
of NSW let alone overseas.

At the end of the exercise we spent a couple of nights at the town of Wewak and visited the local
Sepik Club which was then managed by an ex Wollongong citizen Norm, an acquaintance of my
soon to be father in law, Stan Beattie.
We also had time to relax on the beach at Wewak before boarding the Troop Carrier, (former
Aircraft Carrier), HMAS Sydney for a seven day cruise back to Sydney.

Mal on the beach at Wewak PNG HMAS Sydney

We arrived back in Sydney on 8Th December 1965 and returned to the barracks at Holsworthy.

Christmas was fast approaching and except for a rear details group we were sent on 4 weeks
annual leave in which time I was to marry Rhonda, go on a honeymoon and be back at
Holsworthy by mid January 1966.
It was just as well I did not have to assist with wedding plans because I had no time. Rhonda and
her Mum Sybil and father Stan had organised it all. I would marry in uniform to save the hassle of
buying a suit and all I had to do was turn up at the Methodist Church Fairy Meadow before 2PM
on Saturday 1st January 1966 with my best man, Barry Hoskins and groomsman, John Kelly
suitably attired in matching uniform.
New Years Eve 1965 I spent with a few mates and seen the new year arrive with celebrations in
Crown Street Wollongong, before staying at my parents place at Lake Illawarra. They had moved
from Coolamon about 1964.

1966
The morning of the 1st January, I nervously waited for the moment of marriage. Barry Hoskin, my
best man, and I dressed in our immaculately presented uniform, complete with spit polished
shoes and drove to the Charles Hotel at Fairy Meadow where we were joined by John Kelly my
Groomsman for a few nerve calming drinks. We only had one beer when Barry suggested that
scotch was a good nerve calmer so I had 2 nips which was my first time ever taste of whisky
before Heading to the church.
I realised that I should have had a breath freshener before Rhonda arrived because her comment
to me when she joined me at the end of the aisle was “You’ve been drinking”. Well I couldn’t deny
it and I didn’t want a domestic dispute before we had tied the knot besides, we were too much in
love to worry about my medicinal pre marriage drinks.

40
Mr and Mrs Lyons

41
The Bridal Party Bridal Party with Mum and Dad Lyons, left and
Mum and Dad Beattie, right

42
From left, Barry, Colleen, Sharon and John The Bridal Party

Arrival at reception

With Lee and Pat Maher With Ken and Marjorey Sheather

43
Left Photo is with Mum and Dad Lyons. Right Photo, front from left Lee Maher, Lillian Sheather,
Mum Lyons, Marjorey Sheather. Back form left Ken Sheather (wife Marjorey), Len Sheather (wife
Lillian), Dad Lyons and Pat Maher (wife Lee).

With Mum and Dad Beattie With Mum Beattie, Nanna Neeld, Uncle (Dook)
Wally Neeld and Uncle Ron Neeld

Happy Bride and Hungry Groom Bridal Waltz

Goodbye, let’s get out of here

44
After becoming Mr and Mrs Lyons or should I say Private and Mrs Lyons at the Methodist Church,
Daisy Street Fairy Meadow, we attended a great reception at the Balgownie Band Hall, where a
good time was had by about 100 guests.

At an appropriate time Rhonda and I left the reception with “Auld Lang Syne still ringing in our
ears as we boarded Barry Hoskins Volkswagen Beetle, chauffeur driven by Barry for our
accommodation at the Hampton Court Hotel in Kings Cross Sydney.
The hotel was very posh for 1966 standards, and the hospitality was great. We were
accommodated in the honeymoon suite; we dined on chicken and washed it down with a brandy
cluster which tasted terrible. The rest of the night, remains top Military secret. And as if I would
put it in print.

We did not have a car so all our travel from here was to be by train, bus, ferry, or taxi. This did not
bother us one bit as we trained it to Newcastle the next day and back to the Hampton Court Hotel
the following day.
The decor of the Hunter Hotel in Newcastle was even more disgusting than the brandy cluster we
had at Kings Cross the first night. The travel agent who booked us the Hunter Hotel found out all
about the blue and purple walls and ugly, dark and tasteless décor when they had to refund the
booking costs.

Our Honeymoon lasted one week and it was time for me to leave Rhonda with her parents while I
went back to Holsworthy Barracks for more military exercises and training.

5 RAR were well under operational strength but by early January 1966 had received a large
intake of Nashos which gave us the strength to effectively train for war. Many changes were
made. Those of us that were in the original A Company were moved to the newly formed rifle and
support companies to link with the newly arrived National Servicemen.
I was posted to D Company under the command of Major Paul Greenhalgh. The many mates that
I had in A Company were now spread throughout the Battalion. Notable exceptions were; Barry
Hoskins, John Chambers, Col Lee and Spider Webb who came across to D Company.

Within the Company there was a headquarters group consisting of 9 men plus a support/anti tank
section of 6 men. There were three rifle Platoons of approximately thirty four men each made up
of 3 rifle sections of 10 and a platoon headquarters group of 4 giving a total operational strength
per company of 117 plus any specialising attachments such as Artillery reps.
This was the ideal operational strength but it never was achievable for various reasons and we
always operated well under the ideal strength.

I was in the support section of Company Headquarters where I met Dave Rose, Bluey Harris,
Brian Cummings, Frank (Paddy) Buckle and Fred Reeves. We trained in various tasks including
anti tank.
The Battalion commenced full on training for Vietnam, however at this stage we still had not been
officially warned for active service because the Government had not announced if they were
committing National Servicemen to Vietnam. It was obvious to us that were training to go
because we were heavily training in Company and Battalion exercises at Gospers Mountain,
attending lectures on Vietnamese history, range practices and booby trap training.
February 1966 we participated in a gruelling 3 weeks training at the Jungle Warfare Centre at
Canungra Qld which ended in a week long exercise at Wiangaree State Forest near Kyogle
NSW.
All of this training culminated in a Task Force exercise code named “Iron Lady” at Gospers
Mountain in March 1966, where we were told by the Task Force Commander that we were now
ready and effectively trained for war.

45
 Sydney Daily Telegraph dated 12 March 1966

The Government finally announced to Australia that it would commit national servicemen to
Vietnam and 5RAR which consisted of a large percentage could expect to be in Vietnam by
April/May 1966 to relieve 1 RAR who was at the end of their tour of duty. 6 RAR would follow in
June/July to make up the First Australian Task Force.
Weeks of packing and final preparation of gear took place. I had hardly anytime with my dear wife
Rhonda and missed her terribly. The cold hard fact was that I would only be seeing her for 7 days
before I departed and was ever mindful that it could be the last time ever I seen her. Like all of the
other troops I tried hard to alleviate that thought from my mind and remain positive for a safe
return.
I spent my seven days pre embarkation leave with Rhonda and family after which I headed back
to Holsworthy and readied for immanent departure.
On the 6Th of May 1966 at about 1830 hours we boarded buses for transportation to Richmond Air
Base. I knew that Rhonda and her parents would be there to farewell me and we would have the
chance of a final farewell until my return.
After I weighed in complete with all my basic gear including my Owen Machine Carbine weapon, I
had about an hour o bid farewell.
Rhonda was very calm but I soon found out that the doctor had prescribed a sedative for her and
I am glad he did because it made the task of parting with her more bearable.

46
At about 2030 hours we boarded the Qantas chartered Boeing 707 waving from the boarding
steps to the many loved ones we were leaving behind and were soon jetting down the runway
and into the night sky. We had brief stop at Townsville to refuel and then on to Tan Son Nhat
Airport in Saigon Vietnam.

Boeing 707 similar to our aircraft troops deplaning at Saigon

The Fifth Battalion Royal Australian Regiment became the first Battalion that consisted of both
regular soldiers and national servicemen to serve in Vietnam. The Battalion already had an
advance party on the ground. They departed Australia early in April and C Company who had left
Australia on board HMAS Sydney with all the Battalion’s heavy equipment, stores and vehicles
arrived at Vung Tau after 12 days at sea and about a week before us.

We deplaned at Tan Son Nhat Airport Saigon mid morning 7th May and the first thing we noticed
on the tarmac was a USA truck loaded with body caskets. I guess it gave us a bit of realism to
what we were heading into.

We immediately boarded US military open back troop trucks and made the journey from Saigon
to Vung Tau where we were met by our advance party on the beach area which would become a
temporary base for two weeks to acclimatise and make final preparations before moving into the
Phuc Tuy province and commence operational duties.
There was some nervous tension as we moved in convoy from Saigon to Vung Tau because we
knew that from now on anything could happen and if necessary we would have to move into
action.
At Vung Tau beach we moved to our company areas and into the tents which were erected by
our advance party.

Temporary Base camp at Vung Tau prior to any operations in Phuc Tuy Province 1966

47
From our temporary base at Vung Tau we participated in Helicopter drills with the United States
Army and Airforce as well as final weapon test firing, and in my case, I test fired the 84mm Karl
Gustoff anti tank guns which we would be carrying into the war zone. I might add that this would
be the first and only time that this weapon would be fired because there was no armour threat
during our time and they were placed in storage after the first operation.

After 2 weeks at Vung Tau beach base which eventually became the Australian Logistics support
base, we were choppered into Phuc Tuy province to relieve the United States 173rd Airborne
Brigade who were maintaining a security roll in Phuc Tuy until our arrival.

This was the start of a 6 week long operation, the first in Phuc Tuy Province, code named
“operation Hardihood”. Over the 6 weeks we were to seek out, repel and destroy any Viet Cong
activity within and around the area of Nui Dat which was to become the main base of the First
Australian Task Force.

Detailed events of operations I do not intend to cover in this book but I recommend a Book written
by our Battalion Intelligence Officer, Major Robert J O’Neill called “Vietnam Task”. It gives a
detailed record of operations, the problems we faced and the solutions to those problems during
the 1966/67 tour of Vietnam by the 5Th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment. (The Tiger Battalion)

At the end of operation Hardihood, we made our home base at Nui Dat with the Battalion based
around the hill except for us in D Company. We were based on the side of the hill and were given
the task to establish a permanent base. Many long hours were spent during brief breaks in
regular operations, patrols, village clearance and search missions clearing bamboo, building
sandbag walls for protection around our tents, placing barbed wire around the perimeter and also
manning a 50 Calibre Gun position which we had established at the top of Nui Dat hill.

Most of our time in Vietnam was spent away from our home base on operations either at
Battalion, Company or Platoon level. The Support sections roll of which I was part was primarily
the protection of company headquarters, reconnaissances and assistance to the rifle platoons as
required. We participated in all Battalion and Company operations. At platoon level we mainly
assisted in ambushing where additional machine gun fire may be required.
At section level we conducted perimeter patrols and assisted with helicopter loading and resupply
under the command of the company Sergeant Major (CSM).

In base camp at Nui Dat we worked with the platoons in the continuous development of the base.
This was the only time the company could reasonably relax. We could relax knowing we had
good protection and early warning devices around our perimeter and our guns were manned. We
were always aware that we could be vulnerable to enemy mortar attack at any time.
It was very rare that the whole Company would be in base at any one time and on the rare
occasion this happened it was not for long because there was always the requirement to have at
least one of the platoons patrolling.

While in base and after all work for the day was complete, we had the privilege of having a beer
or two in the evening but ever mindful that we could be called into action at a moments notice so
strict control was placed on our drinking behaviour.

Under the control of our section leaders, we built a boozer, mainly of Bamboo and tarpaulin. Our
refrigeration system was a forty four gallon drum with top removed filled with whatever beer was
available from the main canteen at the Battalion area and covered with ice from the nearby town
of Baria. Beer cans were made of cheap steel then and they would rust if kept in melted ice too
long especially the export Swan Larger which we would only drink if there was nothing else.
Our Boozer on the Hill of Nui Dat; Home of Delta Company 5 RAR (the original and true owners)
was called “The Bull and Bra Boozer”.

48
I did say previously that I would not make mention of operations in Vietnam, however, I must
mention one in particular that seemed to age me from nineteen to thirty overnight and that was
the battle of Long Tan.
The battle was fought by 6RAR and in particular D Coy 6RAR. With fire support from Armour,
Artillery and helicopters, D Company 6 RAR was able to defeat a far greater force and inflict a
casualty list to the enemy of 245 dead with the loss of eighteen of its own. I, as part of D
Company 5 RAR played a role in the aftermath of this battle.

On the 17 August 1966 I was with my Platoon and Company on a patrol as part of a Battalion
operation. Word got to us that, in the early hours of 18 August 1966 the Task force base at Nui
Dat came under Mortar attack for the first time.

For fear that the whole task force base at Nui Dat was about to be attacked by a large enemy
force, the Commander ordered us back to base as quickly as possible
We arrived back at Nui Dat on 18 August and passed D Company 6RAR who were heading out
to locate the position of the enemy in the general area of Long Tan where the previous night's
mortars were fired from.
We, D Coy 5 RAR, were placed on immediate standby to move to Long Tan should D Coy 6 RAR
require assistance.

The Little Pattie, Col Joye concert at Nui Dat went ahead as planned in the afternoon of 18
August even though the Task Force was on high alert. However, as we were on immediate
standby we remained in our base on Nui Dat Hill to wait further orders. We could hear the sounds
of the concert from our base.

From our position on the Hill at Nui Dat which was later named SAS hill, we had good views
towards Long Tan from one side and the Long Hais on the other.
Late in the afternoon we were told that D Coy 6 RAR had come under very heavy enemy attack
at Long Tan and from our position on Nui Dat Hill we could see tracer bullets being fired from
helicopter Gun ships. We could hear the deafening sounds of continuous artillery firing support.

At this time we were ordered to immediately return to our Platoon areas and get ready to saddle
up for a move to Long Tan.
Some time during the night we moved to a waiting area outside the perimeter of Nui Dat and
waited to be picked up by Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) for transport to the battle ground.

We did not arrive in the battle field until early hours of the 19 August at which time the battle was
over and the enemy was hastily withdrawing. Our task was to assist the re-enforcements from 6
RAR in the clearing of the battle ground including the recovery of any remaining 6 RAR dead and
wounded diggers, the collection and mass burial of the 245 dead Vietcong and the collection of
many enemy weapons.

We camped in the battlefield, collecting bodies and equipment for most of the day. Heavy digging
equipment was brought in from Nui Dat and a mass grave was dug. All enemy dead were then
bulldozed into the grave and buried.
To this day I still see the horror of what war can do, I still picture the bodies strewn around the
battle field, the stench of death and the early decomposition of the bodies.
I still picture the mass grave and how there were still limbs protruding from the grave until more
earth could be placed over them.
I was 19 before Long Tan, but I think I aged quickly overnight and I was not involved in the main
fire fight.

49
Once again we camped over night in the now cleared battleground and the next morning we
moved out on patrol in search for the withdrawing enemy. We followed blood trails for a couple of
days. It is believed that for every Vietcong who got out of Long Tan, he was carrying one of his
own dead or wounded so the figure of 245 head count at burial, could have been far more than
that.
After unsuccessfully finding the remainder of Vietcong, we moved back to Nui Dat for what I and
many thought was a well earned few days of base rest before heading out on routine, Patrols and
ambushes further afield in Phuc Tuy Province.

Establishing a home on Nui Dat Hill

50
Building sandbag protection around tents at Nui Dat 1966, Barney Ruttle at right

Typical base camp accommodation

51
Approach to D company base on Nui Dat Hill 1966

Old shower point

Early kitchen area

52
 More established Shower area

Open air dunny with hessian screen

`
Observation post at top of Nui Dat

53
Nothing will get by Tony Templeton manning the 50 calibre machine

A view from the observation post

View from observation post atop Nui Dat

54
View from a Huey chopper over Nui Dat

Test firing the 50 cal machine gun

55
 Gary Lesley, Mick Babbage, Baldy Philips and me at Bull n Bra Christmas Day 1966

Barry Hoskin left, me centre and Ron Webb rest a while on an acquired USA jeep at Nui Dat

56
 Me with M60 machine gun Me with 9 mm sub machine gun (Owen gun)

Relaxing with a support section mate Fred Reeves in a bar at Vung Tau on a rest trip 1966

57
 Christmas Lunch 1966

The 1st of January 1967 should have been a happy day for Rhonda and I to celebrate our first
wedding anniversary but this was not to be. We were worlds apart with her at home in Fairy
Meadow and me patrolling out of Nui Dat and into the unknown again to seek out and destroy the
Vietcong in another operation.
February 1967, I and many others from the Battalion were given orders that we were to return to
Australia as part of the advance party to prepare the new barracks at Holsworthy for the rest of
the unit who would return in April 1967. This was good and exciting news, but we still had a job to
do and still had to participate in one last operation in February 1967.

The last operation was a bit nervy for me, knowing I still had to survive until I was safe in Australia
and anything could happen. Things did happen in a major enemy contact and minefield incident.
Unfortunately we lost some good diggers from B Company, which put us all into readiness for a
full scale battle.
I managed to remain unscathed and returned to Nui Dat feeling much relieved as I prepared for
and imminent departure for home.

58
The eve of our departure we had a few drinks with the rest of the Company in the Bull n Bra
Boozer and wished them well for the remainder of their tour. The Company had received orders
to move from Nui Dat hill and establish a new position and home for the remaining few weeks
code named “The Horse Shoe” so once again D Company 5 RAR were the first tenants of
another major operational area.

I left for Australia, D Company left for the horseshoe, the Bull n Bra Boozer was left on the hill and
the Special Air Service (SAS), claimed Nui Dat hill as theirs and it became known as SAS Hill.

I left Nui Dat airstrip with the remainder of the advance party by caribou aircraft and deplaned at
Saigon where we then boarded a charted Qantas Boeing 707 and took off for home. We stopped
at Darwin briefly before continuing to Mascot in Sydney and then going our separate ways on
some well earned leave with our loved ones.

Because we arrived a day earlier than I had told Rhonda, there was no one to meet me in Sydney
so I made my way to Wollongong by public transport. There was no one home; Rhonda had gone
shopping with her mother so I just had to wait. I was not short of company as I sat on a fence
surrounded by neighbours who all knew me and were keen to welcome me home.

Unbeknown to me, our good friend Keith Gaddie who is the father of our friends and bridesmaids;
Sharon and Tracey, drove to Tarrawanna in search of Rhonda and her mum. He found them and
asked Rhonda if she would like a hug. Rhonda was unsure of what he was referring to so he told
them to jump in the car and he would take her to someone who would give her a cuddle.

Rhonda tells me that all she could see when they rounded the corner into Madden street was a
crowd of neighbours gathered around. The rest is now history and another part of my life was
about to start and be shared with my dear Wife.

Identical car to Keith Gaddie’s FJ Holden

I had decided that I would remain in the Army for at least 20 years and at this stage I had only
completed a little over 2 years of my initial 6 year engagement so I still had about 4 years before I
was due to reengage and also receive a once only one thousand dollar sign on fee which had
recently been introduced by the government to encourage soldiers to remain in the service.

It was difficult getting used to being home without the constant fear of an attack by the enemy and
Vietnam was never far from my mind. The bad habits that were instilled into me during my tour of
duty were still with me, habits such as heavy smoking and drinking, constant nervous tension and
the ever thought of my mates still in Vietnam.
Being with Rhonda was always a huge comfort and her parents also helped me to settle in a
peaceful environment.

59
Rhonda and I enjoyed our leave time but it wasn't long before I was back to Holsworthy to
prepare for the Battalion homecoming. This time it was different because Rhonda was able to
come with me. We were granted an Army house in Bardia Parade at Holsworthy and we could
finally live together as husband and wife whilst I continued my Army career.

Delta Coy Tiger 5 March through Sydney after arriving home

We moved into a newly built house and lived a little uncomfortable until we could purchase some
furniture. The ironing board was our dining table for some time and we used some items
borrowed from the Army.

Thankfully Rhonda had a very large collection of household items that she had saved from her
early teen years. It was common back then for young girls to prepare for eventual marriage by
having a "Glory Box" and Rhonda's consisted of several tea chests full of items including a twin
tub washing machine, and of course there were also our wedding gifts. The boxes were handy as
chairs and matched our ironing board table well.

We had a black and white TV, no color back then and could watch popular shows like McHale's
Navy, Gilligan's Island, Gomer Pyle, The Man from Uncle. Australian shows such as Homicide,
Skippy, Number 96, Bandstand, Mavis Bramston and Pick-a-Box. Television stars were Graham
Kennedy, Leonard Teale, Gordon Chater, Denise Drysdale Ernie Sigley, Brian Henderson and
Bob Dyer.
Little Pattie, Normie Rowe and Johnny Young were popular entertainers, whilst Ron Casey and
Rex Mossop were the leading sports commentators.

Eventually and slowly we managed to furnish the house to a comfortable condition and even
purchased wall to wall blue carpet and tailor made white silky curtains for the whole house. That
was a mistake because we did not know how long we would be in this house and the carpet and
curtains could not remain when we left, which could be anytime.
Fortunately we stayed for about two and a half years and still paying the carpet off when we did
eventually move.

60
We had good neighbours; Noel and Clare Crawford on one side, Helen and Ron Sherringham
opposite, John and Jan Kelly at the back, Alan and Marion McNulty opposite John and Jan and
Barry and Joan Hoskin around the corner. All except Noel Crawford were in 5 RAR and had been
to Vietnam. Noel was in RAEME Corps and would go to Vietnam in 1968.

I was reappointed to the rank of Lance Corporal and continued my career with 5 RAR now
established back at Holsworthy and training other soldiers for Vietnam.

I got my drivers license which was issued at Katoomba Police Station whilst on a visit to
Rhonda’s Nanna and Uncles at Lithgow and we decided it was time to buy a car so we purchased
a 1961 FB Holden from Dwyer's car yard in Wollongong BZD 240.

Identical to our car FB Holden

At about the same time, Rhonda announced that we were going to become parents and I was
promoted to Corporal so it was an exciting time in the Lyons den.

The baby was due late February 1968 but it was a bit stubborn and the delivery had to be
induced. Shane Colin Lyons was born at Liverpool Hospital on 3rd March 1968, exactly one year

61
to the day of my return home from Vietnam. I was attending an instructors course at Infantry
Centre Ingleburn at the time but was able to find time to be with my wife and son after the birth.

Mal with Baby Shane Bardia Pde Holsworthy NSW

By mid March 1968, “A” Company 5RAR which I was now part of was detached to The Jungle
Training Centre at Canungra; we were the training and demonstration unit for Battalions, heading
to Vietnam. Most of us had been to Vietnam and our experience was invaluable in our tasks of
acting as enemy, supplying weapons and field craft instructors to teach and provide realism to
qualify their readiness for war. It was to be a three months detachment and that meant Rhonda
and Shane were to remain alone whist I continued my service commitments. Rhonda and Shane
actually went to Wollongong to stay with Mum and Dad Beattie until my return. That was good for
them because they had full access to their first Grandchild and could spoil him.

I drove to Canungra and took Alan McNulty as a passenger, he was my Platoon Sergeant and I
was one of his section Corporals at the time. We were kept busy at conducting various activities
by day and night and only had time off on a roster system which was usually no more than 3
days.
Easter 1968 I was rostered on leave and left my car at Canungra while I travelled to Holsworthy
with a mate and two others in his car.

Rhonda and Shane had gone to Lithgow for Easter to allow Shane to meet his Great
Grandmother; Nanna Neeld and great Uncles Dook and Ron.
Ron drove down and collected me from Holsworthy and I then joined the family at Lithgow. At the
completion of 3 wonderful days, the family returned to Wollongong and I returned to Canungra via
Holsworthy.

Back at Canungra, I realised that I had left my car keys at Lithgow and so I called Rhonda to
make arrangements to have them posted to me. Without them I couldn’t go anywhere. Anzac day
was approaching and I was selected to train my section of men to conduct the cataphalt guard for
the Canungra War Memorial and I was to be the Guard Commander.
We trained hard and my section had excellent drill skills and we looked forward to presenting
those skills to the Canungra public.
My car keys arrived in the post on the 24 April so at least I had my wheels for the day.
Unfortunately it rained so hard we were forced indoors at the bowling club for a short service and
denied our moment.
I had two small beers in the bowls club and then drove to Beaudesert to try and catch their
service but had to be back at Canungra because I was the rostered duty Corporal that night.
When I arrived at Beaudesert the club was closed in preparation for their service so I headed
back to my unit at JTC Canungra to mount duty.

62
I did not make it back to my unit and all I can remember was gaining consciousness and lying
beside my wrecked car in the grass with the rear window on me. I was then found by a local
farmer and his wife while I was dizzily walking along the road calling for my wife and son. They
first took me to their home and then to Beaudesert Hospital where I remained for the night under
observation.
A fellow mate of mine Cpl Max Haldane noticed my wrecked car as he drove to Beaudesert the
same day and conducted a search for me and also notified my unit of the incident.

On discharge from Hospital on the 26 April with a clean bill of health I was able to return to full
duties in my Unit. I had a few little aches and pains but otherwise unscathed.
To this day I cannot remember what happened in the time I left Beaudesert to the time I woke at
the accident scene. The police investigation reported that I would have rolled at least three times,
become air mobile for about thirty feet before hitting a tree about eight foot up its trunk. They
believe I was thrown through the rear window which popped out when I was tossed against it and
the window landed on top of me. I believe in Guardian Angels ever since that day.

I returned to Holsworthy soon after the accident to be with my wife and son and continued normal
duties within the Battalion.

July 1968

I attended an Air Portability Team Leaders Course at the RAAF base Richmond NSW where I
was trained in the characteristics and loading of helicopters, caribou and C130 hercules aircraft. I
had no car now so had to rely on fellow students on the course; Max Haldane and Ken
Scaysbrook for transport from our homes at Holsworthy to Richmond each day.
Max was even kind enough to drive me to Lithgow one night during the course to pick up a high
chair which Nanna Neeld had bought for her Great Grandson, Shane.

Rhonda and I were still paying the finance company for the wrecked car I left at Beaudesert
because the Insurance company refused to pay my claim. The fact that I told them honestly I had
only consumed two beers on the day of the accident meant nothing to them and they accused me
of lying. They refused to believe that because I had served in Vietnam and that I was a returned
serviceman; I would have only have had two small drinks.
Being on duty and a favourable police report could not convince them that I was not drunk.I could
not afford to take the matter further; They had made their decision and no matter how much I
protested they closed the claim without honouring their obligations to me.

Life goes on for Mal, Rhonda and baby Shane without a car. We could not purchase another
whilst we still had commitments in paying for the wreck. The Beaudesert garage where the wreck
was held was demanding twenty cents a day for storage fees. I refused to pay that and simply
deregistered the car. I don’t know whatever happened to it, nor do I care, I guess the garage got
their storage fees and more selling and using salvaged parts

After completing the Air Loaders course I joined D Company in the Battalion and again we
received a warning order for another operational tour of Vietnam to commence early 1969. We
commenced with appropriate training and readiness, including a farewell parade.

Rhonda and I were not too keen on me attending for a second time but we both knew that my
priority was to the job I enlisted to do and we both had to accept that I would soon be back in
Vietnam to face the unknown.
The second tour for me, did not eventuate, much to the relief of us all, instead I was detached to
7RAR also at Holsworthy pending a posting as a weapons and drill instructor at the Recruit
Training Battalion (1RTB) at Kapooka near Wagga Wagga NSW.
I moved to 7RAR on 24 January 1969 and completed a further 5 months service with them before
moving to Kapooka on the 12 June 1969 for a minimum 2 year posting.

63
I was forever mindful of my many mates in 5RAR and my heart was always with the “Tiger
Battalion”. They were now on operations in Vietnam and began suffering casualties of which I
was finding difficult to handle. Alcohol was playing an important part of my life when I was not on
instructional duties and I was missing Rhonda and Shane who were still at Holsworthy until the
Army could provide housing at Wagga.

News came to me that my ex Platoon (10 Pl) D Coy 5 RAR were involved in a minefield incident
and had suffered severe losses. Platoon Commander 2nd Lieutenant Brian Walker, Sergeant
Bernie Smith and section Corporals George Gilbert and John Kennedy had been killed in action. I
was devastated; I was training with them only a few months earlier and doing the job of acting
platoon Sergeant until Bernie was posted in to take my place when I was detached to 7 RAR.

I put maximum effort into my instructional duties to minimise my thoughts of the events in
Vietnam but it was difficult because the very people I was now instructing would eventually serve
there so I was effectively training them not only for Military service but also for war in Vietnam so I
needed to instruct them well and I did.

I was firstly a drill instructor, under the command of Warrant Officer Class 2, Vince Burns and
responsible for the training of both National Servicemen and Regular recruits in their 12 weeks
initial Training course prior to them being posted to a corps and regular unit. Most would
eventually serve in Vietnam. I later instructed in weapons, live firing, field craft and the M26 hand
grenade.

At about the time USA Astronaut Neil Armstrong was walking on the moon in July 1969, I
received good news that a house at Mt. Austin a suburb of Wagga was available to me and I
could now uplift my family, furniture and effects from Holsworthy. It was a new beginning for
Rhonda, Shane and I, we could now become a happy family with me at home after working
regular hours for at least the next two years.
We always wanted a little sister for Shane so now was the time to act whilst we had time
together.

Teresa Minette Lyons was born at Wagga Base Hospital on 18Th August 1970. This day was
significant because it was this day 1966 in Vietnam that the Battle Of Long Tan took place of
which I had minor participation in.

My Military career continued for 21 years. I was posted back to 5 RAR after Wagga and promoted
to Sergeant. I remained in the Sydney area serving in many positions including Army Reserve,
Army Recruiting until a posting to Brisbane in 1979 and promoted to Staff Sergeant.

In Brisbane I served with 1 Cadet Group at Moorooka/Kelvin Grove, then 1 Training Group Wacol
and finally 8/9 RAR at Enoggera. It was whilst serving with 8/9 RAR that I decided to pull the pin
on my Army career and elected discharge after serving almost 21 years.

QM Platoon 8/9 RAR

64
My Medals 216095 SSgt M C Lyons

A few Photos after Vietnam

65
 In Mess Dress Brisbane Exercise at Mount Royal NSW

Cadet Group Kelvin Grove A beer with mates me at rear

Further information about me the family man and my life with Rhonda, Shane and Teresa can
now be read in the book written by me titled “From Birth to Nanna Lyons, The Rhonda Alicia
Beattie story”.

66
 Whatever Became Of My Siblings and Their Families
Clarence George Sheather ( Clarry)

Clarence George Sheather, born 3 January1933at Goulburn NSW married Lorraine Evelyn
Bowden at Port Kembla NSW on 2nd January 1954.
Lorraine was born in Lane Cove Sydney 29 December 1936. They lived with us at Woonona,
during which time Clarry completed 3 months National Service in the Army at Ingleburn NSW.
They moved to Tallong with us and stayed in that area for a few years before moving to
Coolamon where we were then living. Clarry worked on the NSW railways for many years before
they moved back to Lake Illawarra near Wollongong and he worked in the steelworks industrial
area at Port Kembla.

Clarry and Lorraine stayed in the Illawarra area and moved into a home at Warilla where they
resided until Clarry died of Leukaemia at the age of 67 on 1 November, 2001.
Before his death he made arrangements with his family that his ashes be spread in the Village of
Tallong in the NSW Southern Highlands where he had spent his childhood days from birth and
his early school years. He also spent time as an adult and family man at Tallong. It was a place
that he loved dearly and would often travel from Wollongong for a day trip with his family.
His request was duly carried out by his widow Lorraine and his Children.

Lorraine stayed at the home in Warilla for a short time after his death and moved to Kanahooka.
She now suffers serious sight impairment but manages well with the help of her loving family. She
currently lives an independent life in the Hunter Valley region of NSW. She is now 74 years of
age.

Children of Clarence George and Lorraine Evelyn Sheather (nee Bowden)

Lynette Alison Sheather born at Wollongong 14 March 1955 married Bernard Edmonds on 28
January 1972 at Wollongong. They have four children.
Jason Bernard Edmonds
Darren George Edmonds
Gary Bruce Edmonds
Kylie Ann Edmonds.
Lyn and Bernie currently live in the Newcastle area.

Christine Robyn Sheather born at Sydney 7 December 1957 married Nick Higgins on 5
December 1979 at Port Kembla. They have three children.
Adam Thomas Higgins
Kelli Renai Higgins
Luke Higgins
Christine and Nick live in the Wollongong area and Adam, Kelli and Luke currently live in
England.

Patricia Lorraine Sheather born at Coolamon NSW 1 April 1959 married Kenneth Hope at
Warilla on 7 September 1975. They have three children.
Darren Ken Hope
Hayden James Hope
Melinda Lorraine Hope
Tricia and Ken live in the Wollongong area.

67
Leonard Lesley Sheather (Len)

Leonard Lesley Sheather, born 3 November 1934 at Goulburn NSW married Lillian Faye
Lyons on 20 February 1954 at Port Kembla. Lillian is the daughter of George and Lillian Lyons
(nee Stewart) and born 8 October1935 at Mudgee NSW. Lillian is also a younger sister to my
father Roy Cecil Lyons. She is my Step Sister in Law and my Aunty.
Len worked in many areas around Sydney. He was a Jack of all trades and would try his hand at
anything. He was mainly employed in policing and security. He associated with many celebrities
from pop singers to politicians in tasks of escort and protection. He also completed 3 months
National Service with the Army at Ingleburn NSW.

Len and Lillian mainly lived around the Sydney and Wollongong areas. They moved to Busby
near Liverpool many years ago.
Len has always been a great entertainer and would always be willing to show his guitar ability
and voice with country songs for friends and family. He is a great mate to Norm Bodkin
(deceased) who made a name in the country recording business playing electric pedal steel
guitar for many great artists and whose hand imprint is in the Hands of Fame at Tamworth. Len
often visited Rhonda and I when we lived at Holsworthy.

Len and Lillian currently still reside at Busby and they have three children. Len is now 75 years
and Lillian is 74 years

Children of Leonard Lesley and Lillian Faye Sheather (nee Lyons)

Susan Lillian Sheather born 31 August 1954 at Wollongong NSW, married Alan Peter
Henshaw on 2 January 1973 at Liverpool NSW. They have three children.

Jodi Anne Henshaw, born 27 March 1972 at Fairfield NSW

Scott Peter Henshaw, born 4 June 1974 at Fairfield NSW.
Mathew Alan Henshaw, born 13 May 1980 at Fairfield NSW

Susan and Alan live in the Sydney area.

Diane Lesley Sheather born 4 January 1956 at Wollongong, married Stephen Peter Brockwell
on 16 February 1974 at Liverpool, and later divorced. They have two children.
David Andrew Brockwell born 18 November 1974 at Fairfield NSW
Stephan Michael Brockwell born 3 February 1978 at Blacktown NSW

Diane married Ken Hird at Redland Bay Queensland and they live in the Redlands bay area they
have no children

Steven Charles Sheather born 21 January 1959 at Wollongong NSW, married Sharon Lee
Fensom born at Katoomba NSW on 2 June 1960. They married 8 August 1979 at Liverpool
NSW. They have two children.

Kelli Ann Sheather born 27 July 1980 at Lidcombe NSW

Sean Lesley Sheather born 27 January 1985 at Campbelltown NSW

Steven and Sharon live in the Sydney area

68
Lurline Joyce Sheather (Lee)

Lurline Joyce Sheather born 22 December 1936 at Goulburn NSW married Patrick Thomas
Maher born 14 December 1933 at Braidwood NSW. They married at St Bedes Church Braidwood
NSW on 21 April 1956.
Before they met, Lee was a nurse at Braidwood Hospital and Pat worked on his Parents dairy
farm where they supplied milk and made cheese.
Pat has since worked in a saw mill and also worked at Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory
where he guarded gold. He worked the old Zinc mine in the Braidwood are and was a well
respected Rugby League player in the district. He missed out on representative honours due to
being called up for National Service in the Army at Ingleburn where he served with Len Sheather.

Lee and Pat moved to Coolamon where they lived with us in the property on Ganmain Road and
it was here that he taught me how to milk a cow. They also moved with us to the old house at
Wallace Street Coolamon and Pat worked on the NSW Railways. They moved to a small town
just 5 miles from Coolamon called Marrar and resided in the old baker shop.

In 1964 they moved back to the Wollongong area to Lake Illawarra and then to Warilla. Pat
worked in the Port Kembla Steel Works Industrial area until they moved to Batemans Bay on the
NSW South Coast.
From Batemans Bay they eventually move back to Braidwood where it all began and now live on
a quiet property a few kilometres out of Braidwood. They enjoy retirement and keep active by
doing volunteer and charity work. Lee is now aged 74 and Pat is 76 years. They have seven
children.

Children of Patrick Thomas and Lurline Joyce Maher (neeSheather)

Wayne Patrick Maher born 1 November 1956 at Braidwood NSW married Glenda Faye Brooks
on at Oak Flats NSW They have no children together but have children to
previous marriages

Damian Maher born to Donna Pagent and Wayne Maher

Loren Maher born to Donna Pagent and Wayne Maher

Wayne and Glenda live at Smithton in beautiful Tasmania.

Trevor Michael Maher born 8 December 1958 at Coolamon NSW married Sharon Paget on 15
October 1983 at Queanbeyan NSW. Sharon was born on ???????? at ???????? They have five
children.

Paul Maher
Renai Maher, born 16 May 1984
Jennifer Maher
Thomas Maher
Jessica Maher

Trevor and Sharon live at ………………………………. NSW

69
Brian Anthony Maher born 27 April 1960 at Coolamon NSW married Christine Smith on
…………… at……………….. Christine was born on……………………… at……………………….
They have two children.

Meagan …………………………………
Anthony …………………………………

Brian and Christine live at ……………………………………….. NSW

Alan Gregory Maher born 11 February 1962 at Coolamon NSW. He married Donna
Cunningham on……………………at…………………….. She was born on…………………….
at………………………….. They have two Children.
Ash Cunningham
Sheree Maher …………………………………..
Alan James (AJ) Maher born 25 January 1986 at …………………………

Alan and Donna divorced and he married Helen Gayliff on …………………… at

They have no children

Alan and Helen live at ………………………………………

Michelle Leanne Maher born 6 October 1964 at Wollongong NSW. Married John Maxwell
Gorman on ………………………….. at Queanbeyan NSW. John was born on……………..
at……………………. They have two children.
Rebecca Leanne Gorman ………………………………………………………………….. Rebecca is
due to give birth to twins.
Hayley……………….. Gorman……………………………………………………………..

Michelle and John have separated and John lives at…………………………… with the children.
Michelle lives at……………………………………………….

Malcolm Andrew Maher born 17 November 1969 at Port Kembla NSW and has not yet married.
He is engaged to Martel Coffee and has been for the last 14 years. (He believes in long
engagements). They have no children.

Malcolm and Martel live at ………………………………………………………….

Gary Mathew Maher, born 29 January 1976 at Port Kembla NSW, has never married and has no
children.

Gary lives at…………………………………………………

Valda Janice Sheather (Val)

Valda Janice Sheather, born 25 November 1938 at Goulburn NSW, married Colin George
Barlow born 25 April 1938 at Braidwood. They married on 14 June 1958 at St Andrews Church
Braidwood.

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Val moved to the Braidwood area from Wonoona NSW in the mid 1950s and took on work at a
local hotel doing domestic duties. She met Colin who was working on his parent’s farm just out of
Braidwood. Colin was an experienced shearer and wool classer. They moved to Orange NSW
shortly after marriage and Colin continued shearing as well as working at the Conoblis Hotel
doing bar work.
About 1960/61 they moved back to Braidwood to the farm at Brookvale and Colin continued
shearing around the Braidwood area including travelling to properties out west. He later gave
away shearing and became the Manager of the Braidwood Services Club (RSL) where he
remained until semi retirement to work his own small farm.

I still recall Val and Col visiting us at Coolamon in their nice new car which was a blueish green
Morris Minor 1000.
Val and Colin still live at Braidwood NSW. They are both aged in their early 70’s and have three
children and 11 grandchildren.

Children of Colin George and Valda Janice Barlow (neeSheather)

Jill Alison Barlow, born 26 September 1958 at Orange NSW married Richard Clarke on 2
August 1980 at Braidwood NSW. Richard was born on 11 March 1958. They have four children,
Aaron Clarke b 1 Oct 1981
Luke Clarke b 9 Oct 1983
Thomas Clarke b 18 Jan 1989
Patrick Clarke b 14 Dec 1990
Richard and Jill live in the Braidwood area.

Brett Andrew Barlow born 23 April 1963 at Orange NSW married Lynelle Ann McCarron on 3
September 1984 at Brisbane Qld. Lynelle was born on 4 September 1961. They have 4 children,
Adam Marshall Barlow b 13 Sep 1985
Andrew Thomas Barlow b 10 Sep 1987
Campbell McCarron Barlow b 4 June 1990
Darcy Ross Barlow b 13 Apr 1993

Brett and Lynelle live in the Orange area NSW

Lisa Margaret Barlow born 8 September 1965 at Braidwood NSW married Ian Pearson on 6
September 1986 at Braidwood NSW. Ian was born on 15 December 1955. They have 3 children,
Christopher Andrew Pearson b 8 Feb 1987
Mathew James Pearson b 25 April 1989
Sara Elizabeth Pearson b 11 Sep 1990

Lisa is a widow and lives in the Braidwood area

Ian passed away on 4 August 1990 just one month prior to the birth of their daughter Sara

Kenneth Charles Sheather (ken)

Kenneth Charles Sheather, born at Goulburn NSW on 4 August 1943 married Marjory Carey on
15 April 1963 at Coolamon NSW. Marjorey was born on …………………………….
At……………… They have three children

Still under construction Please come back for up dates

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