A Grand Day For Odd Bods

Photo courtesy of Gail Tregear

 The Commemorative Plaque Dedication Ceremony for the Odd Bods at the Australian War Memorial on Saturday 14th March 2020 was indeed a grand day with a comprehensive tribute to Odd Bods, and a wonderful  turnout of dignitaries, officials, veterans and families.

Canberra turned on a touch of winter for the day, so the Captain Reg Saunders Gallery, rather than the courtyard, proved an ideal location to formally recognise the service of Odd Bods in WW2.

Welcome - Major General Brian Dawson, The Assistant Director, National Collection, AWM, opened proceedings with a welcome to all and a special tribute to Odd Bod Edward Fleming, an ex-guide at the Memorial, who is credited with stimulating then Director, Brendan Nelson’s interest in a plaque for Odd Bods.

RAAF Address - Then we had an address from Air Commodore David Hombsch of the RAAF who admitted to initially not being sure of what the service was all about, but with 2 uncles in the air force not surviving WW2, he was quickly able to place his family’s connection with Odd Bods, and understand the importance of the occasion.

Prayer - Chaplin Haydn Lea led us in prayer followed by a hymn sung to music from the “Dam Busters March”.

Commemorative Address by
AVM Peter Scully AO RAAF (Rtd)

 Commemorative Address - AVM Peter Scully AO RAAF (Rtd), Patron of Friends of the Odd Bods Association Inc. gave the Commemorative Address. He detailed the history of the Odd Bods and the immense importance of their often over looked contribution to the war effort. He highlighted the contribution of co-founder of the Odd Bods, George Smith, and the continuing efforts of Friends of the Odd Bods to keep “Pressing on Remembering.”

Peter Scully ended his address with a proposal that the records of Australian Odd Bods be systematically updated with their war service records in foreign (usually RAF) squadrons so as to truly reflect their war contribution.
(Click here for complete text of the Commemorative Address - COMMEMORATIVE ADDRESS)

The Unveiling - veteran Odd Bods Wing Commander Edward Fleming RFD RAAF (Rtd), Warrant Officer John Ireland CStJ Ld’H RAAF (Rtd), Flying Officer Geoffrey Conacher RAAF (Rtd), and Squadron Leader Bruce Waxman OAM RAAF (Rtd) performed the delicate task of unveiling the magnificent bronze plaque that is to be installed in the grounds of the AWM.

The unveiling performed by Bruce Waxman, Geoff Conacher, John Ireland, and Edward Fleming.

 The Ode - Terry Maher gave us an impeccable rendition of Ode To The Fallen Airmen - “They shall grow not old.....”

Sqn Ldr Bruce P Waxman OAM RAAF ( Rtd)
gives Farewell address.

Thanks & Farewell - Our President, Bruce Waxman, acknowledged the many contributions to the day’s events particularly from the Odd Bods themselves over decades since the mid 1950’s. He referred to the  Odd Bods who were not able to make it to Canberra including Doug Parry, Maurie Smith, Gerald McPherson, Alan Couper, Jack Bell, Arthur Atkins, Frank Sims, Bill Cavanagh, and Bill Kilsby. Bruce went on to thank the professional assistance from AWM staff and all who helped make this a very special day.
(Click here for complete text of the THANK YOU & FAREWELL ADDRESS)

Special Mentions - The presence of so many family members, friends, and associates of Odd Bods contributed immensely to a successful dedication ceremony. - David McKenna representing Wesley College, Geoff Clark, Phillip Moss, Rosemaree Matta, Alistair Bridges and his guides who arranged tours of the AWM, members of the FOTOBAI Committee, and others. Thank you all.

A sad postscript received from Alastair Bridges of AWM on 19/4/2020 - "Sad news. Some may remember after the dedication ceremony two of my mates took some Odd Bods on a tour. One of those was Doctor Gordon Adler, a cancer specialist. He died unexpectedly a few days ago. Those on his tour will remember a fairly old, slightly stooped gentleman with hearing aids. He told me after the tour that he had learnt so much from the Odd Bods. He will be sadly missed as a volunteer guide when our doors open again."


(Click here for complete text of the Commemorative Address - COMMEMORATIVE ADDRESS)

(Click here for complete text of the THANK YOU & FAREWELL ADDRESS)

(Click here for a link to a VIDEO of the complete commemoration.)

FOTOBAI Committee Members and Patron enjoy the occasion.

The Ode presented by Terry Maher

From our Facebook page -

Air Force Band Our members reported that they were honoured to be able to contribute to this moving service. Congratulations on a successful event.

Rosemaree Matta Thank you to all those who made this well deserved occasion take place. My regret is Dad (Owen Matta) did not live to see this happen. It was wonderful to be there. Thank you.