Update To: A Dog, A Cemetery, And An Odd Bod's Act Of Bravery

 

Back in January we posted an article entitled "A Dog, A Cemetery, And An Odd Bod's Act Of Bravery". It featured Odd Bod Robert Baxter from Colac in Victoria. 

Robert received the George Medal for outstanding bravery when his aircraft landed back in UK after a German raid, and burst into flames. At great personal risk, Robert saved a crewmember from the blaze, but sadly, died in an aircraft crash shortly after, and is buried at Selby in the UK.

The story came from FOTOBAI member Bryan Wilcockson, who resides in Selby and is a regular correspondent. Bryan will be visiting Robert Baxter's grave on ANZAC Day 2023 in what he describes as a "nich ceremony" to honour the ANZAC Spirit.

The other part of our article concerned a dog named Sam who was a regular visitor to the Selby cemetery. Sam received a Royal Air Force Long Service and Good Conduct Medal for his duty as he and his owner placed flowers on the RAF and RAAF aircrew war graves each year.

Yesterday we received this news from Bryan - "I am sad to report that LAC Sam, who received the Royal Air Force Long Service and Good Conduct medal at Selby Abbey in December, passed away early this morning in his owners arms. The ‘Gate Guardian’ of our commonwealth war graves will be sadly missed."

Vale Sam.

POSTSCRIPT: Sam has been cremated and his ashes taken to Pocklington Airfield near York.

ANZAC March Report 1955

 

One of the very earliest ANZAC Day marches that involved Odd Bods was in 1955, and we have an on the spot report from then Secretary Bruce "Tich" Marshall. Here it is - 

ODDS and ENDS – May 1955

Good Roll Up For 1955 ANZAC March

120 ODD BODs Form Ranks Behind New Banner

 

The 1955 ANZAC Day March in Melbourne was well patronized as over 120 Odd Bod’s came along to help swell the ranks of the R.A.A.F. Section of the march.

 The ODD BODS were led by our EL PRESIDENTE – Dave Beyer – complete with dog collar and gongs but no sword – (says he is non combatant type).

The front rank looked like a hardware store with all the gongs – and the banner held down by four of the heftiest members – namely Tom Rossiter, Syd Smith, Jack Beagley, and Les James.

 As the march moved along ST.Kilda Rd., Johnny Oram did a beautiful job of ON TRACK – ON TIME – MOST OF THE TIME, case of in the groove Jack?

 Several latecomers joined in – but next year we hope to have adequate publicity for this event.

 It was gratifying to see that we did not pull the same black that 78 Squadron boobed on when they gave an “Eyes Left” as they passed the Governor’s Stand. We just pressed on rapidly – as the usual Melbourne ANZAC Day rain came down.

 Dave Beyer’s navigating of the left wheel at the Shrine was perfect – Using H 2S Dave?

 The 1955 reunion was a great success both socially and financially – Our worthy Treasurer, Bob Way, has informed me that after paying all expenses incurred we have a credit balance in the bank to the tune of £20-2-4. Not bad for first time up.

 Our thanks are due to the good ladies who signed the necessary leave passes to enable the lads to attend – Incidentally the attendance was 42 – 39 members and 3 visitors – Next “do” we want 100% increase – so get those fingers out please.

Our lead photo is from the1955 reunion. That looks like Tom Rossiter in uniform holding the banner pole, and the more observant might note the spelling mistake on the banner. In the list of aircraft Stirling is spelt Sterling. Apparently that was corrected later.

ANZAC Day Arrangements 2023

Friends of the Odd Bods Association Inc. - ANZAC Day 2023

A Letter From Our President

Dear Friends,

               We are pleased to confirm arrangements for this year’s ANZAC Day reunion and our participation in the traditional march to the shrine.

               Our booking for the Amora Hotel in Richmond on Tuesday 25^th April has been confirmed, and you can now book your attendance. The cost will be $48 per head which is the same as last year.

Details of the Reunion Luncheon and an application form are available by clicking on the TAB at the top of this page (see above). We have nominated a closing date of 22nd April which will hopefully give veterans the flexibility they require as we get closer to ANZAC Day. Due to new vehicle restrictions, taxis and private vehicles will not be given access to the shrine precinct. March participants will need to make their own way to the reunion lunch.

At this year’s reunion we will be screening a selection of photographs from the Odd Bods archives including past ANZAC marches, reunions, special Odd Bods events, and of course, the veterans themselves. If you have photographs you would like to submit for the presentation, please email them to us or MMS from your mobile phone to Greg Smith on 0406222020.

Wesley College have confirmed that their ANZAC service will be held Thursday 27 April at 11.30am with a morning tea beforehand at 11.00am. The George V. Smith Award for the best student essay about the Spirit of ANZAC will be presented at that service.

We look forward to seeing you on Anzac Day and in the meantime if you have any queries please direct them to Peter Randell (0410271941), Gary Elliott (0418523974), or Greg Smith (0406222020).

 I will be absent for both events as I will be on a cruise between Darwin and Broome and but will lead a ‘march’ on board ship on Anzac Day.

Best Wishes

Bruce

Sqn Ldr Bruce P Waxman OAM RAAF (Rtd)

President

FRIENDS OF THE ODD BODS ASSOCIATION INC. 

23/3/2023