Homeward Bound By Maurice Smith

Homeward Bound
by    Maurice Smith ~ Oddbod (UK) 430064

Extract from Airletter to Family 18/9/1945
I’m coming home!
After V.J. Day we were given indefinite leave to take civilian jobs wherever we could find them.  I went to London to a clerical job with the Ministry of Works. My mail was being directed to the Boomerang Club, but I didn’t go in there until Tuesday when I found the following telegram had arrived on the previous Saturday.  “YOU ARE WARNED FOR DRAFT. RETURN TO YOUR UNIT IMMEDIATELY." 
By the time I packed and got paid off at the Ministry of Works, I didn’t get back to camp until the Wednesday, only to find I had missed the draft. So it was that I went back to London to farewell friends for a second time as there was no further Draft to leave until the next Monday.  I stayed at the Salvation Army Hostel near King’s Cross. I went to bed early on the Sunday night and put in an early call for 3am. Some hours after I retired, I woke, looked at my watch – 3.45am. I threw my clothes on, raced downstairs, swore at the orderly for not waking me and reached the railway station at precisely 4am. A final burst took me to the right platform and fifty yards ahead of me the train to Worksop pulled out. I’d had it! The next train to Worksop was at 6am and a slow train at that. Thus, it was that I missed Draft No 2. This time I was paraded before the Adjutant who was decent enough not to inflict any punishment, except to forbid me to leave the Station while I waited for the next available Draft.

Extract from Airletter written aboard Troopship “Orion” 14/11/1945
I seethe with anger as I sit down to write. Yes, I had embarked for home alright. Last Sunday 9th November was the exact date, after taking one look at the conditions on board, something like 500 blokes walked off the ship, we stayed. As the ship slowly pulled away, we listened to a tearful rendition of Auld Lang Syne by an R.A.F. Band on the wharf. We were homeward bound at last. We sailed on. Everything was okay for 24 hours until, all of a sudden, we stopped dead. For four hours, we were motionless in the Bay of Biscay, then the blow fell. “The Ship has developed engine trouble and we are returning to Southampton.” For two days now we have been limping back to our starting point at a steady eight knots. We expect to dock this evening and special trains will take us back to various holding camps. With my luck, I’ll bet I get sent to the most furtherly point in the country and spend all night getting there.

Extract from Airletter to family 3/12/1945
This time I really am coming. After travelling all night from Millom in Cumberland, we embarked again at Southampton last Friday night 30th November. This time we are on the Athlone Castle. She is a motor vessel of 25,000 tonnes, 720 feet long with a single squat orange and black funnel, but they till us she only cruises at 18 knots, slow but sure? Conditions are not crowded this time and the food, so far, has been good.

"Athlone Castle"

Extract from Diary kept on board Athlone Castle
This is the 2nd day at sea and we are driving through the Bay of Biscay into a gale of some considerable force. The ship is riding remarkably steady. Harry, Cliff, Lloyd and I have located the Roulette Wheel and are giving it an occasional work out as a change from our daily “500” card games. At 1.15pm on the third day at sea, we had an announcement of the Ship’s position, that at noon we were 66 miles west of Oporto. We will be entering the Straights at 5pm tomorrow morning and should pass Gibraltar around 7am. Meantime, I won two quid at Roulette. At 10pm, we passed the lights of Lisbon. I couldn’t help thinking what a mass of espionage and counter espionage must have gone on underneath those lights – the lights of the last neutral port in Europe during the war years. 
On the 4th day at sea we were up at 6am but no sign of Gibraltar or any other land for that matter. Someone must have miscalculated over the announcement. 11am and land was sighted on the starboard quarter – possibly Spanish Morocco. At noon, we were approaching Tangier and expect to be passing Gibraltar in two hours. Daily run 437 miles – best so far. 2.30pm, we’ve been up on the sundeck for a couple of hours. The African coast looks very rugged! Passing Gibraltar now but poor visibility spoilt our nearest view of it. 
5th Day – Algiers, one time pirates’ stronghold and a reputation of being one of the world’s beautiful, at the same time wickedest, cities is drifting by to Starboard. 7pm Harry and I have cooked up a brilliant scheme to break the Roulette Bank. One of us to keep backing the Red and doubling it till Red turns up. The other one to do likewise on the Black. A win at every turn of the wheel! What Novices! A run of eight Black and the Red bettor was looking for 128 chips which he didn’t have. Put it down to experience.
6th Day – At 7am we were passing Bizerta and will be leaving the coast soon. Much lighter in cash today after the disaster at the Roulette Wheel. Sticking to “500” Card game now. At 10am the rocky headland of Cape Bon, where the African Corps made its last stand and was liquidated in 1943, has come into view. At 1pm there was an announcement “we are now passing the Island of Pantelleria, highest point 2,287 feet.” It looks pretty rugged – more like a big rock. 7.30 pm – the lights of Malta, the little island the axis couldn’t break, are coming up to Starboard. 10pm – we were just finishing a round of “500” when we saw a red light out to sea. So, the four of us made our way to the Roulette Wheel confident this was the lucky omen “back the red”. Needless to say, another run of Blacks came up and a few more bob went up the spout.
7th Day – There is a rolling swell today. We were 170 miles north of Benghazi at noon. The Blue Mediterranean is at its bluest today.

Port Said 1940's - ANZAC Memorial In Foreground

8th Day – A quiet day. Played “500” but no Roulette! At noon, we were 100 miles north of Alexandria and are reducing speed to reach Port Said in daylight tomorrow morning.
9th Day – Arrived at Port Said this morning at 8am. It looks to be a fair mixture of luxury and squalor. The ship was immediately surrounded by a swarm of little boats crowded with hawkers and their wares. At 6pm our sister ship The Stirling Castle was pulled in and berthed right next to us. She is bringing troops back from the East. Did a spot of sunbaking and more cards.
10th Day – Moved off at 7am but stopped again in a wider part of the Canal for northbound shipping to pass. Only a couple of Dhows so far though. 11.15am a French Liner “The Pasteur” has just passed with troops aboard. 12 noon – an American Liberty Ship “P131” and Hospital Ship Atlantis, have just passed. Believe there are four more Ships to come, but I must have lunch. 
1.30pm – Three cargo boats and The Queen of Bermuda have passed and we are ready to move, but we can’t. We’ve grounded. 
3pm – We’ve lost too much time getting a start and as we can’t make Ismalia before the next lot of shipping is due, we have been stopped again.
8.30pm – Underway at last and should clear the Canal by morning.
11th Day – We’re stopped in Suez Harbour first thing this morning, but are now under way again.  We were paid Ten pounds each this morning – in the money again!
2.30pm – Passing Mt Sinai of biblical renown and will be leaving the Gulf of Suez about 5pm and entering the Red Sea. (to be continued)

Farewell To Peter Isaacson

Peter Isaacson, AM, DFC, AFC, DFM passed away on 7^th April 2017 and will be remembered by many Odd Bods for his significant contribution as an airman and publisher.

Our photo shows Peter in the middle with Jack Elliott and Doug Parry at last year’s VE Day Service at the Shrine.  

Peter Stuart Isaacson, AM, DFC, AFC, DFM (31 July 1920 – 7 April 2017) was an Australian publisher and decorated military pilot. He was owner of Peter Isaacson Publications, the publisher of various trade publications and suburban newspapers including the Southern Cross and the Sunday Observer in Melbourne. During World War II, he served in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) as a pilot with RAF Bomber Command and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Force Cross and the Distinguished Flying Medal.

Isaacson grew up in Melbourne and started working for a newspaper when he was sixteen. He joined the RAAF in 1940. Following his stint in Bomber Command, he became well known in Australia for his tours in the Avro Lancaster Q-for-Queenie to promote the sale of war loans and, in particular, for flying his plane under the Sydney Harbour Bridge in 1943. He transferred to the RAAF Reserve after the war, retiring as a wing commander in 1969. From 1956 he served as a Trustee, Chairman, and finally Life Governor of the Victorian Shrine of Remembrance. In 1991 he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his publishing and community work.

"When in doubt, do the courageous thing." 

Correspondence Received

Friends Of Odd Bods Inc.                                                                March 2017

Thank you for your information re Annual Reunion on Anzac Day, also information re march.

I am unable to attend either functions as I am now 86 years old.

I have always attended the dawn service at Chelsea, but this year I will attend the service which is held in the village where I live.

Best Wishes to you all,

Yours Sincerely,

Mabel Arnold

Thanks for keeping in touch Mabel. We are pleased that you are able to continue the tradition of attending an Anzac Day service. – Best wishes from the Friends.

Friends Of The Odd Bods                                                                26/3/2017

Dear Friends,

          I recently received notification from the French Embassy in Canberra that I was to be awarded the Legion of Honour.

          As requested, the medal arrived by post on 21/3/17 and is resting proudly alongside my other medals. To say I am pleased and honoured would be an understatement.

Yours Sincerely,

M.F.Sanders DFC.

An honour indeed. It is great to see Odd Bods being recognised for their service. Well done. Thank you for keeping in touch. Best wishes from the Friends.

Email Received                                                             24/3/2017

Hi,

Thanks so much for your letter and attachments and are much appreciated indeed – sure you can put me on your email mailing list.

Once again over the years I will be marching at Geelong where I live – but for the last couple of years or so I am the only ex RAAF WW11 in our contingent –  to me it is rather unique for me to be the only bod behind the banner, but as long as I am able I will keep proudly marching for my many mates.

Thanks again for your interest.

Regards,

John Ireland

Thank you John. Excellent that you can keep on marching. We’ve added you to our email list. Best wishes from the Friends

Shrine Highlights VE Day and Friends of the Odd Bods On Its Calendar

The Shrine of Remembrance Melbourne has highlighted VE Day and Friends of the Odd Bods on its list of ceremonies for 2017.

Here is the full entry from their website -

• Ceremony: 72 ANNIVERSARY of Victory in Europe (VE Day) Incorporating the Friends of the Odd Bods Association

  Monday 8 May 2017, 11:00am
  Wreath Laying on the Forecourt
  Shrine Representatives:
  Shrine Governor Major Maggie More RFD
  Shrine Governor Squadron Leader Steve Campbell-Wright
  RSL VICTORY IN EUROPE REMEMBRANCE SERVICE AT THE SHRINE OF REMEMBRANCE The RSL will hold a State Remembrance Service, in conjunction with the Friends of the ODD BODS Association, at the Shrine of Remembrance on Monday 8th May 2017 to commemorate the World War 2 Victory in Europe On 7 May 1945 the German High Command authorised the signing of an unconditional surrender on all fronts, just a week after the death of Adolf Hitler: the war in Europe was over. The surrender was to take effect at midnight on 8–9 May 1945. The following day, 8 May, was declared VE (Victory in Europe) Day, but in Australia, celebration was tempered with the knowledge that the war in the Pacific was still to be won. Australians serving overseas joined wholeheartedly in the celebrations and Australian prisoners of war in European prison camps were liberated and Australian sailors and aircrew began returning home. While in the major Australian cities there were similar outbursts of rejoicing, overall, the mood across the country was sombre. Churches held thanksgiving services, and on 9 May 100,000 people attended the service at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne. The Service marks the RSL’s recognition of this important day in our history. It is expected that, the service will attract people of all ages and has special meaning to those who have lost relatives and loved ones during that war. Students from schools are expected to attend.
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ANZAC Day Arrangements and Reunion Luncheon - 25th April 2017

Anzac Day is not far away and invitations to this year’s Anzac Day reunion have been sent out today via email to members with email addresses and via Australia Post to those without.

The reunion is being held at the same location as last year’s successful event -  The Riverwalk Amora Hotel on the banks of the Yarra in Richmond.

Arrangements for this year’s ANZAC Day march are similar to previous years. Details have been included with the mailout and we ask you to complete the forms as soon as possible particularly so that we can prepare transport arrangements for the day. Arrangements like car transport in the march, bus transport to the reunion and luncheon bookings, need to be organised well in advance. 

You can also access the day's arrangements by clicking on the "ANZAC Day 2017" tag at the top of this page.

We look forward to another great occasion and urge you to contact the following members if you have any questions - 
Peter Randell (0410271941), Greg Smith (0406222020), or Gary Elliott (0418523974).

Wesley College ANZAC Day Campus Commemoration Service.

Friends of the Odd Bods Association members are invited to attend the Wesley College ANZAC Day Commemoration Service to be held at their Glen Waverley Campus on Thursday 20^th April at 11:45am.

The Odd Bods have had a long association with Wesley and this year we will be presenting the inaugural George V. Smith Award to the year 10 student who has written the best essay about the ANZAC spirit.

Morning tea will be served at 11:15 am in the Alexander Room of the Senior School with the service to follow at 11:45 in the Prest Quad. Reserved parking will be available next to the Coates Pavilion. RSVP to Peter Randell if you wish to attend this service.

Some Links You May Like

We are forever grateful to those who send us links to articles about flying. They can cover a whole range of subjects from humorous, to serious, to down-right fascinating. Here is a recent selection –

Stealth Bomber Missions Against ISIS –

http://www.popularmechanics.com/military/aviation/a25070/to-libya-and-back-inside-obamas-last-strike-against-isis/

New Joint Strike Fighter –

From Terry Maher - The new JSF F35s unveiled today will be official designated No 3 Squadron which has an illustrious history to many Odd Bods.

As a young boy, I was a frequent visitor to No 3 Squadron at RAAF Base Fairbairn in Canberra when my Father Owen Maher re-enlisted in Air Force Reserve during the Korean War. It finally gave him access to the Officers' Mess that was denied him as a SGT from 1939-45.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No._3_Squadron_RAAF

The Amazing Paul Allen Aircraft Collection –

http://www.flyingheritage.com/

Air Show Veterans

Thanks to Peter Randell for these shots of various older aircraft taken at this year's Avalon Airshow.

Walter's Wisdom

"Roger, 85, married Jenny, a lovely 25 year old.

 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.

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.

Committee Member Receives Citizenship Award

Friends of the Odd Bods Association committee member, Jan Dimmick, was a joint recipient of the City of  Boroondara Citizen of the Year Award 2017. Jan is seen on the left in our photo.

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.

It all makes perfect sense and illustrates a great way to remember two special people.

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.

Bomber Command Cocktail Party

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

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.

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.

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."

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.

Farewell To Odd Bod Keith Gillespie

"Just to let you know that Keith Gillespie a member of the Odd Bods passed away peacefully on Saturday 19^th November 2016.

A thanks giving service will take place on Tuesday 29^th November

At Trinity Uniting Church, 15 Black Street, Brighton.

Many thanks

Kind Regards

Diana Gillespie"