Thursday, 16 March 2017
Air Show Veterans
Thanks to Peter Randell for these shots of various older aircraft taken at this year's Avalon Airshow.
Walter's Wisdom
Since
her new husband is so old, Jenny decides that after their wedding she and Roger
should have separate bedrooms, because she is concerned that her new but aged
husband may over-exert himself if they spend the entire night together.
After
the wedding festivities Jenny prepares herself
for bed and the expected knock on the door. Sure enough the knock
comes, the door opens and there is Roger, her 85 year old groom, ready for
action. They unite as one. All goes well.
Roger
takes leave of his bride, and she prepares to go to sleep. After a few minutes,
Jenny hears another knock on her bedroom door, and it's Roger. Again he is
ready for more action.
Somewhat
surprised, Jenny consents for more coupling. When the newly-weds are
done, Roger kisses his bride, bids her a fond good night and leaves.
She
is set to go to sleep again, but, aha, you guessed it----
Roger is back again, rapping on the door and is as fresh as a 25-year-old,
ready for more 'action'. And, once more they enjoy each other.
But
as Roger gets set to leave again, his young bride says to him, 'I am
thoroughly
impressed that at your age you can perform so well and so often. I have
been with guys less than a third of your age who were only good once.
You are truly a great lover,Roger.'
Roger,
somewhat embarrassed, turns to Jenny and says: 'You mean I was here
already?’ "
The
moral of the story: Don't be afraid of getting
old, Alzheimer's has its advantages.
Thank you to Walter Eacott for this gem.
Tuesday, 21 February 2017
Following My Father's WWII Story
Friends of the Odd Bods
Association committee member, Michael Rossiter, recently completed a trip to
the UK during which he was able to follow his father’s (Tom Rossiter) World War
Two Story.
Michael visited East Kirkby
airfield where his father was based and recorded some wonderful detail about
Lancaster activities in WW2 including getting up close to “Just Jane” one of
the last remaining Lancasters currently undergoing restoration.
Michael’s story is a
wonderful tribute to “the men who fought both in the air and on the ground to
give us the world we have today” whilst paying homage to his father and
recording some fascinating detail about a legendary aircraft.
The full story including over
50 photographs can be found by clicking on this link. – Following My Father’sWWII Story.
Saturday, 18 February 2017
Committee Member Receives Citizenship Award
At the risk of embarrassing Jan we are going to record the detail of her achievements which of course includes the Odd Bods.
Jan Dimmick
Joint Boroondara Citizen of the Year
Jan’s contribution to various community, charity and sporting groups in Boroondara and Victoria has spanned more than 40 years. Some of the organisations she has volunteered her services to are, the Hawthorn Community Chest, Red Cross, Arthritis Association and St Johns Camberwell.
Jan is an active member of the Melbourne Cricket Club Australia Day Committee, Boroondara Australia Day Committee, Bomber Command Association Committee and the Odd Bods Committee.
A talented sports woman, she has been a long term Melbourne Cricket Ground volunteer tour guide, umpired at the Australian Open, and competed in the Masters Games in athletics. Jan carried the Olympic Torch in 2000 and participated in the first leg of the Presbyterian Ladies College 125th Anniversary Torch Relay in the same year. In 2001, she was awarded the Centenary Medal for service to community and sport.
Well done Jan!
A Tree, Two Brass Plaques, And Two Glasses Of Spiced Rum
At first glance it might seem like a strange
combination in this photo although it all make sense to Friends of the Odd Bods
Association, Secretary, Peter Randell.
One of the plaques is in honour of Peter’s Dad and it is
located under a Rowan
tree on the drive into the Yorkshire Air Museum. It was placed there by his old
bomb group leader, Ken Dean who passed away last year. Peter’s mate and FOTOBA
member, Bryan Wilcockson recently put a similar plaque under the tree for Ken
and part of the maintenance of the site involves polishing the brass, giving
the tree a water and occasionally a tot of spiced rum which was Ken’s
favourite.COMMENTS:
Loved the story “A Tree, Two Brass Plaques, And Two Glasses Of Spiced Rum”. For the keen gardeners amongst you, I always fertilize the magical Rowan on the ratio of ‘one for the tree and one for me’ - Bryan Wilcockson
Donald and Hillary Go into A Bakery
Donald and Hillary Go into A
Bakery on the Campaign Trail.
As soon as they enter the
bakery, Hillary steals three pastries and puts them in her pocket.
She says to Donald,
"See how clever I am? The owner didn't see anything and I don't even need
to lie. I will definitely win the election.”
The Donald says to
Hillary, "That's the typical dishonesty, trickery and deceit you have
displayed throughout your entire life.
I am going to show you an
honest way to get the same result.”
Donald goes to the owner
of the bakery and says, "Give me a pastry and I will show you
a magic trick."
Intrigued, the owner accepts
and gives him a pastry.
Trump swallows it and
asks for another one.
The owner gives him another
one.
Then Donald asks for a third
pastry and eats that, too.
The owner is starting to
wonder where the magic trick is and asks, "What did you do with the pastries?”
Trump replies, "Look in Hillary's
pocket"...From the Walter Eacott collection - thanks Walter.
Tuesday, 14 February 2017
Monday, 30 January 2017
Lancasters - Reunion of Giants
The last two remaining airworthy Lancasters in the world join for a moving tribute to an age long gone.
The movie "Reunion of Giants" traces the flight of Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum Lancaster, VeRA, from Hamilton, Ontario to meet her British counterpart, Thumper—the only other airworthy Lancaster in the world—operated by the Royal Air Force in England.
There were many compelling aspects to this story including a blown supercharger during flight which threatened the future of one of the aircraft, the emotive recounting of stories from Bomber Command veterans and the recognition of bravery and sacrifice in an era that had an immense influence on the world.
The video below shows a 3 minute synopsis. A DVD of the full length movie can be obtained here - http://www.warplane.com/gift-shop/dvds/reunion-of-giants.aspx
There were many compelling aspects to this story including a blown supercharger during flight which threatened the future of one of the aircraft, the emotive recounting of stories from Bomber Command veterans and the recognition of bravery and sacrifice in an era that had an immense influence on the world.
The video below shows a 3 minute synopsis. A DVD of the full length movie can be obtained here - http://www.warplane.com/gift-shop/dvds/reunion-of-giants.aspx
Flogging A Dead Horse
A universal problem at many different levels of business, government and the services is pursuing actions that are unlikely to achieve a result. The following explanation takes a light-hearted look at the issue -
The tribal wisdom of the Dakota Indians, passed on from generation to generation, says that:
“When you discover that you are riding a dead horse, best strategy is to dismount" .
However, in government and business organisations, more advanced strategies are often employed, such as:
1. Buying a stronger whip.
2. Changing riders.
3. Appointing a committee to study the horse.
4. Arranging to visit other countries to see how other cultures ride dead horses.
5. Lowering the standards so that dead horses can be included.
6. Reclassifying the dead horse as ‘living-impaired’.
7. Hiring outside contractors to ride the dead horse.
8. Harnessing several dead horses together to increase the speed.
9. Providing additional funding and/or training to increase the dead horse's performance.
10. Doing a productivity study to see if lighter riders would improve the dead horse's performance.
11. Declaring that as the dead horse does not have to be fed, it is less costly, carries lower overhead and therefore contributes substantially more to the bottom line of the economy than do some other horses.
12. Rewriting the expected performance requirements for all horses.
And of course....
13. Promoting the dead horse to a supervisory position.
If you don't understand this theory, you haven't lived long enough.
How Flying First Class Used To Be
These pictures of the pre WWII Handley Page show a luxurious aircraft from a different era - and just look at the spacious seating arrangement!
These aircraft flew much slower than today and only in daylight and fair weather because they predated instrument flying. But for 26 lucky passengers the experience was relaxed and comfortable.
The HP-42 flew at just 100mph and at only a few thousand
feet so there was much to admire on a journey. Overnights were spent in luxurious hotels before heading off for the next stage of the journey.
A trip from London to Capetown could take a week but there are no doubt many modern travelers who would swap that arrangement for modern "cattle car" expediency.
Thanks to Peter Randell for the link to this story.
Sunday, 25 December 2016
Farewell Arnold Kopp
Odd Bod Arnold Kopp passed
away peacefully on 21/12/2016 at Mount Waverley.
Arnold served on 466 squadron
earning a DFC and then later an MBE for his contribution to the social security
industry in Australia.
Our thoughts are with the
Kopp family.
Saturday, 24 December 2016
The WWII Veteran in Church
The WWII Veteran in Church
An old
Irish World War II Spitfire pilot and flying Ace was speaking in a church,
reminiscing about his war experiences. "In 1942," he said, "the
situation was really tough. The Germans had a very strong air force. I
remember," he continued, "one day I was protecting the bombers and
suddenly, out of the clouds, these Fokkers appeared."
There are a few gasps from the parishioners, and several of the children began to giggle.
"I looked up, and realised that two of the
Fokkers were directly above me. I aimed at the first one and shot him down. By
then, though, the other Fokker was right on my tail."There are a few gasps from the parishioners, and several of the children began to giggle.
At this point, several of the elderly ladies of the church were blushing with embarrassment, the girls were all giggling and the boys laughing loudly.
The pastor finally stood up and said, "I think I should point out that 'Fokker' was the name of a German-Dutch aircraft company, who made many of the planes used by the Germans during the war."
"Yes, that's true enough," said the old pilot, "but these fokkers were flying Messerschmitts."
Thanks to Terry Maher for this story.
Monday, 28 November 2016
Farewell To Odd Bod Keith Gillespie
Farewell To Odd Bod Ron Clarkson
"I
wish to inform the Odd Bods Association Victoria of the passing of my father in
law Ronald Victor Clarkson RAAF 417805. DFC. who passed away on November
9, 2016 at Lutheran Aged Care, Albury 2640 He was aged 98 years and 6 months.
Earlier this year Ron received the French Medal of Honour of which he was very
proud. He enjoyed hearing from the Odd bods via Newsletter, please cancel
his subscription.
Ron was born in Peterhead, South Australia and during
WW11 was sent to England and was posted to Lissett Air force Base in Yorkshire
and became a member of 158 Squadron, his plane being the famous “Friday the
13th” which was awarded the Victoria Cross and went on display in Oxford St,
London after the war. Ron did 40 sorties over enemy territory and was
awarded the DFC for his courage.
Ron’s beloved wife of 68 years passed away 5
years ago on November 15, 2011. Ron was a beautiful humble man and we
shall miss him so. He has two sons, Terry and Leigh. I am married to
Terry and Leigh’s wife is Marilyn.
I wish also to thank the lovely lady
who sent Christmas and birthday cards to Ron. Much appreciated.
Thank
you, Sue Clarkson. Albury. NSW"
Sunday, 13 November 2016
Always A Rookie by Jack Elliott
Jack Elliott passed away on 7th
November 2016 and like many veterans had recorded some of his wartime
experiences. His family have given us access to his memoirs and they contain
many fascinating stories.
Those of you who knew Jack
will understand that humour will be an inevitable part of his writing.
Jack
starts with the early process of selection as ACII’s into the Air Force, and
then training in Tiger Moths at Benalla in Victoria. He talks about the never
to be forgotten experience of flying solo after just 5 or 6 hours of tuition,
and progresses through his trip to the UK via USA and further training in Tiger
Moths at Fairoaks. He recalls the occasion when strong headwinds caused his
Tiger Moth to fly backwards and the skills he had to learn to combat those
types of experiences.
And Jack hasn’t left out
personal stories like the time he was “conned” into meet his wife to be, Laurel,
an event he never regretted. And did you know that Jack once appeared in a
movie, “Caesar and Cleopatra”?
The full story makes good
reading and can be found here – Always A Rookie.
Remembrance Day Service At Repat Hospital Heidelberg
Following
are a number of photos from the Remembrance Day Service at the Repat Hospital
Heidelberg in Melbourne 2016.
Friends of
the Odd Bods Association Secretary, Peter Randell, laid a wreath on behalf of the
association and in special memory of veterans George Smith who had a long association
with the hospital and Jack Elliott who passed just a few days ago. The hospital’s
veteran liaison officer, Robert Winther, mentioned both George and Jack during
the service.
Peter is shown with Odd Bod Joe Shuttleworth in one of the photos.
Wednesday, 9 November 2016
Farewell Jack Elliott
Jack Elliott passed away
peacefully on 7/11/2016 with family present after a brief illness.
J. W. Elliott 430131, PLT,
21OTU.
Friday, 28 October 2016
For Those Lighter Moments
From Walter Eacott's collection:
A man in Brisbane walked into the produce
section of his local Woolies supermarket and asked to buy half a head of
lettuce.
The boy working in that department told him
that they only sold whole heads of lettuce. The man was insistent that the boy
ask the manager about the matter.
Walking into the back room, the boy said to
the manager,
"Some old bastard wants to buy a half a
head of lettuce."
As he finished his sentence, he turned around
to find that the man was standing right behind him, so he quickly added,
"and this gentleman kindly offered to buy the other half."
The manager approved the deal and the man
went on his way.
Later, the manager said to the boy,"I
was impressed with the way you got yourself out of that situation earlier, we
like people who can think on their feet here, where are you from son?"
"New Zealand, sir," the boy
replied.
"Why did you leave New Zealand ?"
the manager asked.
The boy said, "Sir, there's nothing but
prostitutes and rugby players there."
"Is that right?" replied the
manager,
"My wife is from New Zealand!"
John Ireland - Legion D’Honneur Recipient
Another Odd Bod who has received the recognition of
the French Government for war service is John Ireland WAG 575 Sqn.
John received his Legion D’Honneur at Melbourne’s
Shrine of Remembrance on 29th September and in fact he is in the same
photo as Ron Fitch in a previous article. Our apologies for missing you John.
This is a great honour for recipients, and as John points out, it reflects well on the service of all Odd Bods during WWII.
Sunday, 16 October 2016
Presidents Message
It is that time of year when we call upon your generosity
of heart to support you Association, by renewing your subscription and enjoy
the collegiality of other Friends at the Annual Ladies luncheon at Amora Hotel,
Riverwalk, Richmond on Friday 4 November.
Your committee has been active this year with regular
quarterly meetings organizing those events that carry on the tradition of Pressing on Remembering, and at the AGM
on 22 May the existing executive and committee were re-elected.
The Anzac Day march and lunch was the highlight with our
patron Air Vice Marshall Peter Scully RAAF Retired as guest speaker and Walter
Eacott paying tribute to George Smith, and also having co-authored George’s Obituary that appeared
in The Age in March 2016, which immortalized the ‘Smith Hug’. George’s
contributions to the Odd Bods will be perpetuated in the George Smith Award to
be presented at the Wesley College Anzac Day service to the year 10 student who
is judged to have written the best essay about the Anzac Spirit
The Friends were
also represented at two functions at the Shrine; Victory in Europe Day,
featuring our vice-president Terry Maher on 8 May and the Battle of Britain 76th
Anniversary on 22 September.
So support your Association dig deep and renew your
subscription and join us at the lunch on 4 November
Cheers
Sqn Ldr Bruce P Waxman RAAF Retired
President
Friends of the Odd Bods Association Inc.
October
2016
PS – Veteran members and widows do not pay a subscription.
See Tab at the top of this page for Combined November Luncheon Application and
Subscription Form.
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