Life And Times Of Walter Eacott 1922-2017

In June 2004 Walter was asked to prepare a brief chronology of his life for fellow Odd Bod and friend, Jack Elliott, who was giving a talk. What follows is taken from Walters notes and includes his terminology and impressions.

Walter Alexander Eacott

1.    Born 28 August 1922 at Chingford, an historic town on the outskirts of London, famed for its associations with Queen Boadicea who fought the Romans there; for Queen Elizabeth 1 who had a hunting lodge on the edge of Epping Forest (the lodge is still there); for Winston Churchill who was its MP between wars 1 and 2.

2.    Joined the Air Force Defence Cadet Corps, (forerunner to the ATC) in 1938 and became very air-minded. When he was 18 he volunteered for the RAF and joined in December 1940 to be trained as a pilot. He got his wings in December 1941, became a night fighter pilot after OTU and was posted to 219 Squadron on the English south coast near Chichester. Didn’t last long; El Alamein was in the offing and at short notice he was sent with a number of other expensively-trained night fighters to the Middle East (Egypt) where they were remustered to day fighters after several months of kicking their heels doing nothing!

Walter (middle) with a couple of pals.

3.    Walter was posted to 603 Squadron in December 1942, flying Beaufighters on Coastal Command convoy escorts, desert patrols, supporting the Sicilian and Italian invasions (all from the N. African desert) then on Greek Island “armed rovers” until 10 November 1943, just at the end of ops, when he was shot down in the Aegean Sea and became a PoW the next day, 11 Nov.

4.    Transferred to Germany, Walter was in Stalag IVB for 3 months before exchanging ID with an Irish soldier, in order to get out of the main camp into a working sub-camp in order to escape.

5.    Post-war, Walter joined London’s Metropolitan Police in 1950 (looking for excitement) and was promoted through the ranks to Inspector in 1960. He became disenchanted and, in 1967, was appointed to the RAAF as an Administrative Officer, came to Australia, and served until 1979, retiring as a Squadron Leader.

6.    He served in local government circles as Director of the Western Region Commission (a Gough Whitlam/Tom Uren invention) until final retirement in 1986.

7.    Walter became “Citizen of the Year” in Werribee 1992 for his service to the community.

8.    In 1993 he was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for services to youth and to the retired (Area Commissioner for Scouts, Probation Officer, Probus, Freemasonry, RAAF Association, U3A etc.)

9.    Walter joined the Odd Bods in 1983 and was elected President in 2001. “Still my favourite association!” wrote Walter in June 2004.

Our Tribute To Walter Eacott In Today's Press

Walter Eacott- Memorial Service

Farewell To Walter Eacott

Immediate Past President of the Odd Bods Association, Walter Eacott OAM, passed away suddenly on Thursday 30^th November 2017.

Walter A. Eacott 162637 PLT OAM 219,272,603. Goldfish – Med, 1943- POW.  Immediate Past President Odd Bods Association. Passed 30/11/2017.

Our thoughts are with the Eacott family and all Walter's friends.

From Facebook:
"Vale Walter. Your Company and jokes will be sorely missed." - Rosemaree Matta.
"So sad to hear XX" - Amanda Riley.

The Last EATS Luncheon

The Empire Air Training Scheme luncheons have been a feature of the Odd Bods calendar for many years as veterans meet to socialise and reminisce. Faye & Gerald McPherson have organised the luncheons in recent years and agree that last Monday's event would be the last as time takes its toll on those available to attend.
Faye was good enough to sent us this great photo of the attendees.

Weston Bate Memorial Service - On The Day

Friday's service at Leonda paid a great tribute to Weston Bate and his family. Around 400 people attended the service and were treated to a variety of heartfelt stories from friends and family members. There was music, poetry and plenty of photos on large screens.
 Weston spent a very busy life and tributes included reference to his school years, his sporting prowess, his war service, teaching years, book writing, and contribution to our understanding of Australian history.

One of Weston's poems was put to music and the stirring conclusion included audio of Weston reading part of his poem "The Summit".

Perhaps the highlight of this celebration were the very personal and funny stories told by his 6 children and even Janice was brave enough to step up to the microphone.

Odd Bods attendees included Walter Eacott, Doug Parry, Alan Couper, Gerald & Faye McPherson, Gary Elliot, Terry Maher, and Greg Smith. Best wishes were passed on to the family on behalf of all Odd Bods and the Friends Of The Odd Bods Association.

A formal letter of support was sent to Janice and family by  President, Bruce Waxman OAM RAAF (Rtd)

Weston Bate Memorial Service

Recent News And Links

Mosquito Aircraft Association - a link to their latest news bulletin including details of their AGM and 25th Birthday celebrations - https://1drv.ms/f/s!ApU6F7-h3l2kg70qMA-8_mA2i4PYaA

Ryder Cheshire News - http://ryder-cheshire.org/

Ryder Cheshire Christmas Cards are available for ordering - enquiries to Helen Newton at phnewton@ryder-cheshire.org

Berlins Flak Towers - a story about the giant flak towers constructed in Berlin during WW2 - http://quadrant.org.au/opinion/travel-qed/2017/11/inside-hitlers-dark-tower/

A tribute on ABC News to 78 Squadron veteran Michael Atkinson - http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-09-29/air-force-tribute-to-lieutenant-michael-atkinson/8998580

Tributes For Weston Bate

Weston Bate was well known for a variety of reasons. He was of course a key member of the Odd Bods and his wisdom and wit contributed to many official and social gatherings. 

His role as an historian and author has been lauded in a number of tributes including this article in the Ballarat Courier - http://www.thecourier.com.au/story/5031719/ballarat-mourns-the-loss-of-prominent-historian-weston-bate/

Weston had his own wikipedia page and has been described as an academic giant particularly for his roles at Deakin University. In 1997 he was awarded the Order of Australia for his contribution to academia. He passed away on 31st October and will be sorely missed.

More Links:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weston_Bate

https://melbournehistoryworkshop.com/2017/11/01/vale-weston-bate/

COMMENTS:
12/11/2017
To be told of the death of Weston Bate, OAM came as a shock to me. That learned, capable Professor of History was my Vice-President when I was President of the Odd Bods. Weston was a wonderful back-up when I was unable to attend functions, and he would take my place any time at short notice. He was a wonderful speaker, with a large amount of knowledge stored in his lively brain. He was trained as a pilot in the Empire Air Training Scheme (E.A.T.S.) that became an important part of Odd Bod activity.

Weston had a long and happy marriage with his lovely wife Janice, and I’m proud to have known them both.

Walter Eacott, OAM.

Farewell Weston Bate OAM

Weston Bate OAM passed away peacefully on Tuesday 31st October 2017. A Celebration of his life will be held later in November.

Our thoughts are with Janice, Chris and family.

Weston Arthur Bate - 430354  PLT  OAM  27 O.T.U. 1654 HCU  24 September 1924 - 31 October 2017

If you would like to leave some words about Weston please click on the "Comments" link below.

Passing The Baton With Birthday Cards

Lorna Fitch has done a remarkable job of keeping up an Odd Bods tradition of sending out birthday cards to wives and widows of Odd Bods. 

This process was started by Shirley Smith (wife of Odd Bods Founder George Smith) back in 1973 and then taken on by current Friends Of The Odd Bods member Jean Smith in 1994 before Lorna became involved in around 2012.

Lorna has now asked to pass the baton on to a younger generation and we are very pleased to advise that Anne Jones and Willa Whitewolf will be sharing the honour with Willa telling us that her sister Amy will also help out. Our photo shows Lorna and Anne during the handover.

During the handover we were able to view the collection of correspondence and record books that have accumulated over the years and from pages of the "Birthday Book" we thought these words written by Shirley Smith more than 25 years ago were worth recording.

Our thanks to Anne Jones and Willa Whitewolf for helping us to maintain the Odd Bods motto - "Pressing on.... remembering."

Battle Of Britain Commemorations Hobart

The 77^th anniversary of the Battle of Britain was celebrated at a ceremony in Hobart over the weekend and Friends of the Odd Bods Patron, AVM Peter Scully (Rtd) has been good enough to send us a report and photos.

Our B of B commemorations went very well his year;  DCAF AVM Gavin Turnbull, AM  was Guest of Honour and overall attendance was probably the best yet.

Events started with a ‘hails & welcome’ at the RAAF Memorial Centre which was bursting at the seams.   A long standing supporter Gordon Kennett, a past owner of Rosebank Engineering in Melbourne, provided $1000/- for ‘drinks for the boys & girls’ at this function.  Gordon has been a long standing supporter of RAAF Veterans and was closely involved with the ‘Save Point Cook’ campaign and the replica Box Kite project.  Indeed, if it were not for Gordon, the Box Kite would not have got off the ground.

A Memorial Service at St David’s Cathedral was held on Saturday afternoon, conducted by the Dean, the Very Rev. Richard Humphrey and the RAAF senior chaplain at Air Command, Group Captain the Rev Peter Friend.  The Cathedral was packed for the occasion.

Then followed a formal Dining-In Night at Luxbet Reception Centre which has looked after us for many years.  There were over 170 in attendance, including the Defence/Air Attaches from Canada, Germany, The Netherlands, Poland (all the way from Djarkarta where he resides), New Zealand, United Kingdom and the United States.  Also present was a Senior Vice-President of Rolls Royce, all the way from the UK.  She observed that:  this was the last place in the world where a traditional Air Force Dining -In was held.

The following morning a wreath laying service was held at the Hobart Cenotaph in bright sunny weather, attended by all & sundry including representatives from the Federal and State Governments and Oppositions.  A flypast of Hawks from No 79 squadron and a Harvard warbird coincided with the first wreath.  At the conclusion of the service which was conducted by GPCAPT Peter Friend  the Roulettes put on a splendid aerobatic display followed by a lone Harvard ‘Warbird’.  The address was given by the DCAF, AVM Gavin Turnbull, AM.

Following the Service there was a BBQ at the RAAFA which was again very well attended. All together a most successful weekend.

The final photo shows Peter with the Roulettes all in mess kit. Peter was an earlier member of the roulettes for three years and this occasion brought back fond memories. 

A Visit To Yorkshire Air Museum

One of our UK Correspondents, Bryan Wilcockson, has made another pilgrimage to the Yorkshire Air Museum, primarily to tend the Rowan tree dedicated to F/Lt Harvey Randell (Father of our Secretary, Peter Randell) and Harvey’s Pilot Ken Dean DFC.

Tending to the tree and the brass plaques usually includes a ceremonial drop or two, in this case Norwegian Firewater. Bryan has informed our readers in the past that he usually works on the ratio of “one for the tree and one for me.” We notice that the tree is bearing fruit in this photo so the fertilising seems to be working fine.

Bryan was good enough to send some photos from around the museum as well.

Happy Birthday Odd Bods Style

One of the wonderful traditions held by the Odd Bods is the posting of hand written Birthday Cards to wives and widows of veterans.

It was a tradition started in the early days of the Odd Bods, by Shirley Smith, wife of Odd Bods founder George Smith, and carried on down through the years.

Remembering birthdays requires a system. A diary and an information book are just two of the tools held by Lorna Fitch who is the current Birthday Card scribe.

The information book includes details of past cards and events in the lives of each recipient usually gleaned from their written replies. Lorna sends out about 100 cards per year and recalls a number of wonderful exchanges with recipients either via phone calls or letter.

In today’s digital world a hand written card can have special meaning.  It is all part of keeping in touch. Lorna feels it is now time to pass on the baton and if you, or someone you know, would like to take on this worthwhile task we would love to hear from you.

Contact Us

Peter Scully Interviews – Peter Isaacson

AVM Peter Scully (Rtd) has recorded a number of excellent interviews with veterans over the years. The interviews cover various aspects of wartime including initial sign-up, training, war experiences and returning home.

Peter Scully’s conversational style adds a wonderful element to the interviews. His own knowledge of wartime events means he inevitably asks the right questions and reveals real insight into the experiences of war – both good and bad, happy and sad.

This first interview is with Peter Isaacson AM, DFC, AFC, DFM. Peter’s story starts with his school years and his first job with a newspaper which was to translate later in life to a publishing career. He goes on to talk about training as a Pilot in Canada, and various wartime stories including how his crew used to bet on who got closest to the target on bombing raids.

There is much to read here and the full story can be found by clicking on this link – Peter Isaacson Story.

Some Links You Might Like To Check Out

Video of re-vitalised 1939 Douglas C41A - https://vimeo.com/203544093

Video of unfortunate Spitfire accident in France  - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-uQqXKBYAg

Amazing restored photos from WWII  - http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4625430/John-Dibbs-historian-Kent-Ramsey-restore-WW2-images.html

Donating Wartime Memorabilia

The handling of war time family memorabilia has been discussed on a number of occasions at meetings of Friends of the Odd Bods and clearly this is an issue for many.  

We covered the matter back in July 2016 (https://friendsofoddbods.blogspot.com.au/2016/07/what-to-do-with-war-time-memorabilia.html) and we are pleased to advise that further progress has been made.

Committee Member, Michael Rossiter, has taken on the task of evaluating options for the handling of veterans memorabilia and specifically how they might be donated to the RAAF Museum at  Point Cook.

Michael recently met with David Gardner, the Director of the museum. Further discussions will take place with the Museum later in the year or early next year but in the meantime some key points were discussed.

 1) Number One item - The family has to be sure that when donating items (medals, logbooks, maps, clothing, etc) all family are 100% confirmed as once the items are donated, the museum is in full control;

 2) The items accepted by the museum are for RAAF servicemen/servicewomen only;

 3) Items donated to the museum can be loaned by the museum to places such as The Shrine, however the family will be notified of this;

 4) Items may take up to 10 years to be placed on show without request;

 5) If family wants to view items, they must give the museum around 8 weeks to organise this to occur;

6) Items will be receipted into the museum and the family will be given written acknowledgement of this. The family will then receive formal advice of this at a later date with further detail relating to the terms of the museum. This is in accordance with the museum's procedures.

If you have any queries about this process please pass them on to us by email or phone (see Contact Us tab at top of page) so that we can include them in discussions with the museum.

Some More Mirth From Walter Eacott

Yesterday I was at my local Safeway buying a large bag of Purina dog chow for my loyal pet, Jake, the Wonder Dog and was in the check-out line when a woman behind me asked if I had a dog.

What did she think I had---- an elephant?

So because I'm retired and have little to do, on impulse I told her that no, I didn't have a dog, I was starting the Purina Diet again. I added that I probably shouldn't, because I ended up in the hospital last time, but that I'd lost 50 pounds before I awakened in an intensive care ward with tubes coming out of most of my orifices and IVs in both arms.

I told her that it was essentially a Perfect Diet and that the way that it works is, load your pants pockets with Purina Nuggets and simply eat one or two every time you feel hungry. The food is nutritionally complete so it works well and I was going to try it again. (I have to mention here that practically everyone in line was now enthralled with my story.)

Horrified, she asked if I ended up in intensive care, because the dog food poisoned me. I told her no, I stopped to Pee on a Fire Hydrant and a car hit me.

I thought the guy behind her was going to have a heart attack he was Laughing so hard.

Safeway won't let me shop there anymore. Better watch what you ask retired people. They have all the time in the World to think of crazy things to say.

Having A Dig - Air Force Style

Having A Dig 1.

I recall an old Navigator at an Ansett pilot retirement function putting heaps on the pilots landings.

The pilot then told the story that they crewed together on Wellingtons early in the War when pigeons in cages were carried in case of ditching.

This cage resided between the Pilot and Nav, and after ditching the survivors would write a note, fasten it to the pigeons leg and it would flap on home to Base.

Strangely enough that is true.

Story has it that outbound to Germany one night the Navigator slowly and nervously drew a track line on the chart.

Looking up he noticed the pigeon slowly shake its head sideways.

--The Nav drew another track line !.

Having A Dig 2.

Thanks to Ken Broomhead for these gems.

Homeward Bound Part 3 Conclusion By Maurice Smith

Continuing the story of Maurie Smith's journey home after the war on board M.V."Athlone Castle".


Day 29
10.30pm – Knocking back a steak, chips and eggs with a Pot of Beer in the approved manner. We’re a little out of practice but it sure tastes good! 
12.05am – Back on board. What struck us most on our return to Australian soil? 
        A) The abundance of good food and its availability and;
        B) The Australian accent – particularly issuing from the mouths of Australian women. (Remember we have only heard Canadian women, American women, English, Scottish and Irish women for years until now) The Australian accent sounds just like the drawl which outsiders have always been telling us overseas, we speak. We couldn’t notice it when we lived here. We can now.

Perth 1945 viewed from Kings Park.

30th Day – The Ship’s engineers have found a repair job to do and we are staying another 24 hours. Time enough to be off to Perth for the day.
10.15am – Arrived in Perth. Certainly, a nice little place. Someone has described it as a country town with a City Centre. The financial situation with our foursome is a bit light on but with skilful budgetting, we may get by.
1.30pm – Having another steak with the trimmings with a Pot of Ale for lunch.
3pm – Visiting King’s Park and admiring the view overlooking the city. Also, watched some lawn tennis being played, the first we had seen for a long time.
9.15pm – Off to the Trotting at Gloucester Park. Strained finances limited the punting but Harry’s knowledge of horseflesh limited the damage and we came out with as much as we went in with.
11.30pm – Having yet another steak at a Café in Fremantle before returning to the ship. To bed after a busy day.

31st Day
8am – The gangplank is up but we haven’t pushed off yet. A couple of late comers are clambering aboard via a rope ladder.
8.10am – We have cast off but an even later comer is doing a war dance on the dock. Maybe the pilot boat will take pity of him and deliver him safely on board.
12.30pm –Have covered 51 miles by noon and should round the Cape about 8pm tonight. There is a strong southerly wind. The temperature just about 60o. The swell is heavy causing the Athlone to pitch a bit.

8.10pm – A tannoy announcement has ordered Duty Personnel to remove crockery from the tables as we are about to change course and this will mean we will be taking the swell on the beam.
9.15pm – We have been rolling quite a bit. Discretion being the better part of valour have decided to turn in for an early night!

32nd Day – The last day of 1945. We are still running along the swell but it seems less noticeable this morning. The weather is cool and cloudy.
9.30am – Playing “500” again in the lounge. Lloyd is using his last Bank of England note to keep the score then take home as a souvenir of the voyage.
12.30pm – At noon we had about 1200 miles to go to Port Melbourne.
8.30pm – New Year’s Eve. The first I have ever spent on board a ship. Last year Harry and I spent a freezing night in Llandwrog, North Wales huddled round a wooden stove in a Nissen Hut on the Station, eating from a food parcel sent from home. Next year? Who knows? A broadcast from the ABC Radio in Melbourne advises that the New Year will be a quiet one there. There is a shortage of electricity and gas due to a coal strike.

33rd Day – Welcome to the Year 1946. Our noon position was 300 miles south of the Head of the Bight – 770 miles from Port Phillip Heads.
2pm –We have just caught up to a Ship – “The Rangatata” which, the tannoy broadcast tells us, has several hundred War Brides on board. However, it is almost out of sight on the horizon.

34thDay -A run of 418 miles has put us 130 miles south of Kangaroo Island. There is a heavy cross swell and the ship seems to be rolling more than previously. Having a final card game before going to a cinema show.
10.15pm – Have just seen the show – Joan Fontaine in “The Affairs of Susan” a sophisticated comedy. Excellent entertainment.

35th Day – The final day of the voyage of M.V. Athlone Castle from Southampton, England to Melbourne Australia.
8.30am – We have entered the Heads and picked up the Pilot
9.40am – Air-Marshall Jones, Chief of Staff, is following us in a launch. A radio report informs us that he will board the ship and give us a welcome home address.
10.15am – We have stopped while the Port Doctor and Quarantine Officials come on board. The morning is dull, cold and drizzling rain, reminiscent of the North of England! The crowds of people waiting on the docks must be experiencing dampened clothes if not dampened spirits.
12.15pm – We are being pulled alongside now. Despite orders to the contrary everyone is crowding the port rails.

“WELCOME HOME MAURIE” SHOUTS A HOME-MADE SIGN
 HELD ALOFT IN THE CROWD 
BY MY MOTHER, FATHER AND SISTERS.”

Links to previous parts of Maurie's story -
https://friendsofoddbods.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/homeward-bound-by-maurice-smith.html

https://friendsofoddbods.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/homeward-bound-part-2-by-maurie-smith.html

https://friendsofoddbods.blogspot.com.au/2017/06/homeward-bound-part-3-by-maurice-smith.html