Odd Bod Hits Front Page Herald Sun

Frank Sims is a bit of a legend in Friends of the Odd Bods ranks and now he has hit the front page of Melbourne's Herald Sun newspaper.
You might remember that Frank featured in a TV interview during the 2019 ANZAC parade so he is no stranger to media exposure.

Here is some content from the newspaper. You might like to pick up your own copy - 

An ANZAC Post From Our Patron

AVM Peter Scully AO RAAF (Rtd), Patron of Friends of the Odd Bods Association Inc. has sent us this post as we prepare for ANZAC Day in unusual circumstances.

"I would just like to convey best wishes to all for this ANZAC DAY.  It is most regrettable we will be able to meet but I’m sure we will all be there in our thoughts and offer our thanks & appreciation for all those who were involved in that great battle for freedom during WW2.

However, I extend my thanks & appreciation to all members f the ‘Friends’.  Your efforts in keeping these precious memories alive is a vital and most creditable  ongoing endeavour.  The memories of all those Odd Bods – their service and sacrifices must never be allowed to fade away.

You are the only real protector of that history.   Your recent successful efforts to achieve the addition of the plaque in the AWM was a wonderful achievement :  well done!

I am so honoured to be your Patron – hearty congratulations and very best wishes.   Pressing On, Remembering

Peter"

The Last Post ANZAC Day 2020 - Readers Contributions

ANZAC Day 2020 is taking place without the usual social get together, and we are inviting readers to contribute their stories as a way of celebrating this very special day in a slightly different way. 
See this post for details - ANZAC Day Initiative - The Last Post Award - Inviting Your Contributions

Here are some contributions so far -

From Alastair Bridges of Australian War Memorial in Canberra. The Volunteer Guides at AWM are using this story for a special Anzac Day edition of Guide Post.
"25 April 1944 my dad was flying Wellington X HE489 O for Oboe (Oscar today). Their target tonight was the San Stephano Docks in Italy with six 500 pound bombs for 4.5 hours flight all at night. (Our Lancaster, G for George, flew with 460 Squadron which was originally a Wellington squadron.)

Four months later he was shot down by a German ME 110 while bombing Ploesti oil fields near Bucharest in Romania. His aircraft, Q for Queanie, lost an engine (twin engine) and he jettisoned his bombs near the Danube River and diverted into Yesilkoy aerodrome (now Istanbul). He destroyed his aircraft by firing into it with his very pistol (which I still have - don't tell the rozzers). He was interned with his crew (records have them as POWs). This was a few weeks after I was born in Scotland and not long after my mum was badly hurt by a V1 while she was doing volunteer work in London. Can you imagine what my poor mother was going through.

Much later in life, dad told me the internment was one of the best few weeks of his life! In a reunion in England, dad met the Luftwaffe pilot, Manfred, and they became good friends. Manfred described how he attacked a Wellington which, in the dark, rolled over and dived to tree top level. He said he was not going to do that! Manfred was trapped behind the iron curtain until it was removed in 1989."

From Editor Greg Smith - This photo is one of my ANZAC Day favourites not only because it features long time contributor to Odd Bods, Jan Dimmick, but because it illustrates the generational interest in the ANZAC story.

From FOTOBAI member Geoff Clark:

"I consider it a privilege to be member of the Friends of the Odd Bods Association and take great pleasure having lunch with the Odd Bods particularly on ANZAC Day, but alas not this year.

My memory is not of ANZAC Day but of just a month ago when I drove to Canberra for the Dedication Ceremony for the Commemorative Plaque to the Odd Bods at the Australian War Memorial.

As a lad growing up in England during the war, when my parents belonged to the Lady Francis Scheme hosting servicemen on leave, I knew New Zealanders, Canadians, three Poles and a Czech soldier and 24 Australians.

Of the Aussies three were in Fighter Command flying Hawker Typhoon ground attack fighters and all returned safely home. Flt. Sgt. Don Walker was lost over the North Sea flying a Beaufighter in Coastal Command.

The other 20 flew as crew members in Bomber Command, ten of whom  paid the ultimate price.

During that Ceremony on Saturday March 14th as I remembered what my parents had done for those young airmen and even more what they had done for Britain and the World I cried.

It was without doubt the most moving event I have ever attended.

Geoff Clark"

From FOTOBAI member John Eacott a photo giving us a rare close-up of marchers preparing for ANZAC Day featuring Walter Eacott, Frank Sims, Doug Parry, Weston Bate, Jack Elliot, and others. We think it might be 2014 or 15?

From FOTOBAI Member Paul Kerrins - a lengthy documentary that covers six years of wartime operations, and reviews the obstacles and challenges that the RAF (Royal Air Force) faced as they developed Bomber Command. Plenty of Lancaster content.

From FOTOBAI Member June Smith whose Father was an RAAF Mosquito Pilot in WW2 - 

"So many ANZAC days stand out in my memory.    Watching my father, a returned WW11 pilot , march  with his local RSL ;  watching our children  in St Kilda Road  being awed by the  long parade of veterans;  watching thousands of people  emerge from the gloom outside the Shrine to celebrate the Dawn Service;  and so many more.  

But the one I’ve chosen to write about was at Sorrento in Victoria.  My husband and I had attended the Dawn service by the water’s edge , and waited there again  for the  11 a.m. parade to arrive.   The main street was closed for veterans to march  through the town and down the steep hill  to the cenotaph  on the foreshore for the memorial service.   There were fewer veterans every year,  going ever more slowly down the hill ;  some clinging to a supporter’s arm and  some travelling slowly  in a ride-on machine.    But as they came , a great crowd  came behind them.  Not only the  sporting groups, the scouts, the schools, the clubs,  but a great assortment of people who had been in the town for  their coffee  or their  shopping  or their games  and who had stopped what they were doing to follow these old heroes. From the  bottom of the hill it looked like the Pied Piper being followed. 

And I realised yet again how the idea of ANZAC inspires us as a nation.   How it makes us value the contribution of ordinary people who became extraordinary, how it creates a bond between us, how it reminds us of our common allegiance to this wonderful country. 

This year there will be no treasured veterans marching down the hill at Sorrento or elsewhere, but they will be remembered as always. "  

ANZAC Day Initiative - The Last Post Award - Inviting Your Contributions

ANZAC Day is an important day for the Odd Bods family, and yet the current pandemic has restricted our ability to celebrate in the normal way. We will miss the get together, the camaraderie, and the telling of stories. But maybe we can all share our thoughts, and add to the recognition of the day in another way.

We invite you to send us your stories or comments on ANZAC Day for sharing with other members. You might like to use the themes, “What ANZAC Day means to me”, or “My special memories of ANZAC Day”. You might like to recall particular ANZAC Day events, the experience of marching, comrades, family members, or stories from history. Keep it short (maximum 300 words) or if you prefer, a simple comment or perhaps a photograph or two. If you are sending a photograph please explain why it is important to you.

We will post the contributions on the FOTOBAI website and share with the Odd Bods family. In recognition of these special circumstances a Last Post Award (a $100 Shrine shop online gift voucher) will be granted to the most worthy contribution.

How to post - perhaps the simplest way is to email the editor (gregandsuesmith@iinet.net.au) with your story and/or photograph. Alternatively you can post a comment directly from this article (see Comment option below). Or, if you prefer, message, or call Greg Smith on 0406222020.

Please get your comments, stories, and/or photographs to us by midnight 24th April.

Friends of the Odd Bods will join many other individuals, groups, and associations as we continue to remember ANZAC sacrifices and the importance of this day to all servicemen and their families in 2020.

Odd Bods Plaque Set In Stone At Australian War Memorial

The Odd Bods Plaque, dedicated on 14th March 2020, has now been installed adjacent to the main building at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra.

This article is intended to give you a first look at the plaque, and where it is located, and also act as a bit of a guide should you get the opportunity to visit Canberra.

More than 80 photos from the dedication ceremony are now also available online at this LINK

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.

Video of AWM Commemoration Service

Friends of the Odd Bods retained a videographer to record the commemoration service at the Australian War Memorial on Saturday 14th March 2020. Click below.

VIDEO LINK

Canberra Commemoration Service - 14th March

This is a quick photo update from Saturday's Odd Bods service at the Australian War Memorial.
We expect to have a video link to the complete service in the next 2 days and a full report on the event.
Let's just say that some comments include - "Wonderful event", "An amazing effort", "An incredibly moving and fitting tribute".

Odd Bods Dedication Ceremony AWM – Covid-19 Update

We confirmed with the Australian War Memorial today that they are open to visitors and the dedication ceremony will go ahead on Saturday 14^th March with a negligible risk of Covid-19 infection.

Nevertheless, we suggest that all participants take precautions as recommended by the Department of Health, Victoria here: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/victorian-public-coronavirus-disease-covid-19

Odd Bods Plaque Dedication Ceremony – On The Day

The Odd Bods plaque dedication will take place at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra at 10am on Saturday 14^th March 2020.

The location is the Captain Reg Saunders Courtyard adjacent to the main memorial building. We are anticipating a number of veterans attending along with officials from the AWM, Air Force, kindred organisations, and Friends of the Odd Bods.

The service will include an address from our patron AVM Peter Scully AO RAAF (Rtd) and a formal dedication of the Odd Bods plaque. A videographer has been organised to record the event and we expect to have photographs up on our website within a few days.

It has been suggested that Poppy’s café at the Memorial would be a good place to meet before the service for a coffee and catch-up. The café opens from 0830.

We have also been kindly offered a tour of the Memorial on the day and if you would like to participate please let us know in advance.

Dress Code and medals - Business attire and full medals with your aircrew relatives on the right, yours on the left of your chest in line with AWM protocol.

We look forward to seeing participants on the day and in the meantime please direct any queries to FOTOBAI committee members.

Date Set For Odd Bods Plaque Dedication Canberra

Plaque in its wrapping, soon to be unveiled.

As previously advised, Odd Bods are to get their own bronze plaque in the grounds of the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, and we now have a date - the dedication ceremony is happening at 10:00am on Saturday 14^th March 2020 in the Captain Reg Saunders Courtyard.

The Guest List includes representatives from RAAF including Chief of Air Force, representatives from AWM including Dr. Brendan Nelson, representatives from RAAFA, Bomber Command Association, the RSL, and of course a contingent from Friends of the Odd Bods including veterans. The RAAF Band will attend.

Recognition of the Odd Bods at Australia’s National War Memorial follows a campaign over many years.  FOTOBAI members and their families are invited to attend this very special occasion and encouraged to contact committee members if they have any questions or need assistance.

Commemorative Plaque Dedication Ceremony

in recognition of the service and sacrifice of members of the

Odd Bods Association - RAAF

10.00 hrs Saturday 14 March 2020

Captain Reg Saunders Courtyard

Australian War Memorial - Canberra ACT

Odd Bods Support For Disadvantaged Children

Friends of the Odd Bods financially support 3 students receiving special help from the Ryder Cheshire organisation in India. This continues a tradition set up by the founders of the Odd Bods (UK) Association.
Ryder Cheshire keep us informed of the students progress and here are the latest reports.

Dear Odd Bods (UK) Association, 

From us all here at Raphael, we wish you a very

happy and peaceful Christmas. Thank you again for

your much appreciated support of Abbas Asma and

Sarthak. The following are their six monthly reports 

which we hope you will find of interest.

Abbas reads and writes short words and can answer questions by pointing to a chart. He can now write numbers up to 70 from memory. He counts objects (for example, beads) up to 50 and can group them into Tens, which helps him understand numbers and maths in a conceptual way. He can identify English alphabet letters from A to M. He writes his name from memory and copies his father’s name. Abbas is currently being trained in domestic activities.

9-year-old Asma goes to the local primary                    school. She enjoys being in class and the teacher

says she has shown improvement both

academically and cognitively. The teacher helps

her maintain her posture and keeps reminding

her to sit straight.

Sarthak is learning to throw waste-paper or

wrappers in the dustbin. He can identify

kitchen items. He is also extending his social

skills and now greets others. He loves to sit in

the sun during the winter season. He never

says no to food and occasionally takes out a

lunchbox from a classmate’s bag and finishes it

before they realise! He loves to dance and sing

in music class.

Lancasters In Flight

Nice view of between the two airworthy Lancasters flying in Europe.

Some Famous Churchill Quotes

War time British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, had a way with words and here are just a few of his more telling observations.

Selby UK’s Unique Way of Remembering

Under the heading “Selby Rocks” our esteemed correspondent and Friend Of The Odd Bods, Bryan Wilcockson, sent us these photos showing the unique way the town of Selby in North Yorkshire celebrated Remembrance Day.

Odd Bods At Battle of Britain Commemorations Hobart

The National Battle of Britain Commemorations (Gathering of Eagles) are being held in Hobart 13 -15 September 2019. Our Patron, AVM Peter Scully (Rtd) has been joined by FOTOBAI President Bruce Waxman, and Committee Member Jennifer Hibbens.

President Bruce Waxman,
and Jennifer Hibbens

Jennifer Hibbens, Air Marshall Mel Hapfield
 AO, DSC, Chief of Air Force, Marjorie
Fitzpatrick and AVM Peter Scully (Rtd)

Following the commemorations an exhibition is being staged at the RAAF Museum, 61 Davey St. Hobart with the theme “Australian Airmen in the European theatre WW2”. If you happen to be in Hobart in the near future, make sure you check it out.

SNAP-SHOTS OF AIR FORCE HISTORY

From fragile beginnings to the War in Europe

Over 30% of all the battle fatalities in the Second World War,

across the Army, Navy and Air Force were Australian Airmen in Europe.

What was behind this frightening statistic??

In this exhibition, selected objects and their associated stories from the Royal Australian Air Force Museum (Tasmania),aim to provide some insight into this question…

Some more photos -

Peter Scully presents prologue.

Fly over Hobart