The sight and sound of WW2 aircraft can have quite an impact, and if you get goosebumps listening to those powerful engines, we have a youtube channel for you.
The Warbirds channel has videos on a number of famous aircraft, both Allies and Axis Powers.
Check out the link here - Warbirds
Jennifer (Jenn) Hibbens passed on 2/10/24. Jenn had been ill for sometime, but continued her valuable contribution to our Association as Committee Member and Welcoming Officer.
Jenn represented the Association at The National Battle of Britain Commemorations (Gathering of Eagles) in Hobart 2019, and the RAAF Centenary Celebrations in Canberra in 2021. In the photo below she is shown with Air Marshal Mel Hupfield, Chief of Air Force, with wife Louise (left).
Jenn wrote a fascinating story about her Father, Smokey Hibbens - The Habitual Escaper - Smokey Hibbens -by Jenny Hibbens.
We are grateful for Jenn's contribution to the Odd Bods, and pass on our commiserations to all who knew her.
Continuing a long Odd Bods tradition, we now support 4 disabled students at the Ryder Cheshire, Raphael Centre, in Northern India.
The centre is good enough to give us regular reports on the students and here are the most recent for Vaishnavi, Sarthak, Mohit, and Ishan.
As world leaders gather for ceremonies on the anniversary of D-Day, it is time to reflect on the contribution of Odd Bods.
D-Day (6th June 1944) is heralded as the largest seaborne invasion in history and one of the most important campaigns towards the end of WW2.
Aviators made a significant contribution towards the campaign known as Operation Overlord. Some 2,800 Australian airmen from the Royal Air Force and the Royal Australian Air Force provided crucial aerial support over Normandy during the landing and the battles that followed. On D–Day, 1,000 Australians served in the 10 RAAF squadrons that participated in the Allied invasion. A further 1,800 Australians who participated on D-Day were serving attached to RAF squadrons.
A big thank you to Bryan Wilcockson for sending us the following photos from this year's D-Day commemorations in the UK.
Have you ever wondered what the S.O.E reference on the Odd Bods banner stands for?
At Frank Sims funeral yesterday the eulogies included reference to Franks WW2 participation under the Special Operations Executive. The S.O.E was set up by Prime Minister Winston Churchill in 1940 to conduct espionage and sabotage in enemy held territories. Find out more here.
Frank flew in Sunderlands during the war and was involved in S.O.E sorties. Just one more aspect of an Odd Bod's amazing contribution during war service.
In WW2 Frank embarked from Australia on 27/9/1943, and trained in Canada before arriving in the UK. He was a Flying Officer, later to add Navigator to his credentials, and served in Ansons, Sunderlands, and Hudson's, although was most proficient in Sunderlands (he called them boats). His service included Coastal duties and the Persia and Iraq Command which was responsible for safeguarding oil supplies during the war.
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| Front row of the Odd Bods 2018 - (L-R) Bruce Waxman OAM, Peter Sculley AO, Frank Sims. |
We believe Frank was our last WW2 veteran marcher on ANZAC Day when he took to the pavement in 2018, at the age of 94 and, as you can see in our photo (above), strode out like a recruit. You daren't get out of step when marching with Frank.
Frank featured in a number of media interviews and can still be found on an ABC TV interview - click here.
Frank will be remembered with great fondness by the Odd Bods family. Like all Odd Bods, he made a very significant contribution to our way of life through his war service.
Our condolences to Frank's family and a special thank you to his Grandson, Huw Edwards, for liaising with us.
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| Short Sunderland Aircraft |
COMMENTS:
Michael Rossiter - You were a national treasure Frank and it was a pleasure to know you and march behind you. Condolences to the Sims family. (Facebook)
Anonymous - Thanks OddBods. Father-in-Law Frank deserves every bit of this, and more. Great fella.
Greg Smith - One of my favourite stories about Frank related to his fitness. He turned up at a memorial service and apologised for being a little late. "My round of golf took a little longer than I expected." ..... he was 93 years old.
Gillian Louth - Rest In Peace. (Facebook)
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| Wing Commander Mike Oram presents the address. |
VE Day is a special day in the Odd Bods calendar and 8th May 2024 was no exception.
In 1957 the Odd Bods conducted the first VE Day service at the Shrine. In later years the RSL took over the service, but when the RSL withdrew in 2019, the Friends of the Odd Bods eagerly took up the responsibility.
VE Day commemorates the day back in 1945 when the war was called to an end, veterans pulled down the blackout curtains, and dared to dream of getting back home to loved ones. It is another opportunity for us to commemorate their contribution to our way of life.
A commemoration service was held today in the Inner Sanctum of the Melbourne Shrine at 11:00am. FOTOBAI members attended with Secretary Peter Randell reading The Ode, and Wing Commander Mike Oram presenting the address.
Thanks to Bruce Waxman and Sue Bennett for sending in our photographs.
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| Peter Randell presents The Ode. |
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| The wreath in place in the Sanctum |
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| Bruce Waxman lays the wreath. |
We have plenty of photos from ANZAC Day but videos add an extra dimension. Above is the coverage of the Odd Bods from the official ABC TV broadcast.
What a fine looking bunch!
And below is a video taken near the Arts Centre.
The reunion after todays march was held at Amora Hotel Richmond, the same place as last year, but in a relaxed convivial environment in the main lounge.
It was a great occasion with plenty of old hands catching up, some new faces joining in, and the usual rich discussion around veterans and events of WW2. We talked about aircraft technology, the dangers of being an air-gunner in the front or rear turret, and we examined log books and old photos.
We had serious discussions, lighthearted discussions, and covered a broad range of subjects. Hopefully the following photos will give readers a feel for what was a lovely conclusion to a successful ANZAC Day.
Another ANZAC Day rolls around and the general consensus seems to be that this was a good one. The weather was kind, the march pretty much ontime, a good attendance by veterans families, and a strong contingent of Wesley students, all added up to a worthy and respectful acknowledgement of our veterans and the amazing contribution they have made to Australia.
Here is a selection of photographs from the march, and we will quickly follow up with photos from the reunion, and other items of interest from this important day.
A big thank you to all who participated.
The following has been judged the best essay about the Spirit of ANZAC by a student of Wesley College, Glen Waverley Campus in 2024. The student, Pranavi Dhame, received the George V. Smith Award from Friends of the Odd Bods, and the Smith family at a Commemoration Service at Wesley. Pranavi received a Certificate of Appreciation, and a $500 online book voucher.
Pranavi
Dhame Year 9
Before 25th April 1915, the acronym “ANZAC” held no meaning, and represented nobody. By the end of the First World War, it was a term encompassing hundreds of thousands of soldiers, and bringing with it an undying legacy of bravery, patriotism, and selflessness: what is known today as the ANZAC Spirit. This was described by historian Charles Bean as “reckless valour in a good cause, for enterprise, resourcefulness, fidelity, comradeship and endurance that will never defeat.” This was the unwavering belief that filled the hearts of many with courage and the faith that inspired over 400,000 Australian men to enlist during World War 1. Today, ANZAC day is strongly linked with the Gallipoli Campaign of WW1, as well as soldiers whose actions significantly influenced the ANZAC spirit.
One of these heroes was VC recipientCaptain Albert Jacka, who performed several feats of military bravery. The first of these was during the Gallipoli campaign, where he recaptured a section of military trench with two others despite being heavily outnumbered. Intelligently, he orchestrated a bomb throwing distraction while quickly firing at the enemy, forcing them to retreat.While this was only a small victory, the impact of Jacka’s actions rippled through the exhausted, demoralised ranks like a wave. Many soldiers were given a reason to keep fighting; a reason to keep going; despite being trapped in an overwhelming cycle of pain, fatigue, and fear. The ranks were motivated, bound together by a newfound willingness to sacrifice and a grim discipline to see the conflict through. The work of one man was the inspiration of thousands: extending past Gallipoli to home shores as well.
Another commemorated man was Private Leonard Keysor, another Victoria Cross recipient whose determination and devotion helped defend an important trench during the Battle of Lone Pine. Previously in the battle, Keysor was wounded twice, requiring medical attention. However, he vehemently refused to leave for treatment; instead helping Private James Tallon throw bombs at the enemy. Despite suffering through tremendous agony and weakness, Keysor continued to hurl bombs for a reported 50 hours, getting wounded again in the process. While still recovering from injuries, he once again returned to the bomb-throwing line the following day, continuing until the situation was relieved. This selfless act of commitment strengthened the resolve of the ANZACs as they drew motivation from their comrade. His dedication proved how deep his loyalties lied and displayed his willingness to bear his own suffering and fight for his country. Keysor served as a nationalistic example; a hero that any young man could aspire to be on the battlefield.
The examples set by these extraordinary acts led to the enlistment of thousands of ANZACs, all determined to honour their countries and return as heroes. However, nearly two thirds of the men that left never came back. Thousands were left to die slow, painful deaths on the battlefield. Many others died quickly, their lives seeming to end as soon as they had begun. The lucky few returned home, irreparably scarred as the rattling of gunfire rang in their ears and the sparks of grenades flashed behind their eyes. No number of medals could undo their suffering, and no amount of praise would erase the horrible memories. The sacrifice made by each of the ANZACs was to lay down the foundation for their country’s future, piece by piece, soldier by soldier. Their lives were violently cut short to ensure that we have a future beyond hurt and conflict. They suffered horrific conditions and painful wounds to ensure that we don’t endure the same.These sacrifices were made with the hope that future generations would live in safety and freedom; the hope that the ANZAC spirit would be passed from one generation to the next. It is like a flaming torch: fuelled eternally by the hopes, passions, and courage of millions of people.
This takes place at Wesley's ANZAC Commemoration service which was held today (24/4/2024) at the Glen Waverly Campus. Students from all levels attended the service, and helped contribute to the very special and respectful atmosphere that the school has become famous for.
George Smith's Grandson, Andrew Smith, presented the award to Pranavi Dharme, a year 9 student who receives a certificate of appreciation from FOTOBAI along with a $500 online book voucher.
Our lead photo shows various members of staff, and special guests, including the Mayor of Waverley, students and Friends Greg Smith, Bruce Waxman, and Gary Elliott.
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| Sam guards over veterans graves at Selby Cemetary |
Sam, the Veterans Grave Guardian at Selby Cemetary, U.K., has featured in a number of articles on this website. Sam would visit the cemetary with his owner to lay flowers at war veterans graves, including the graves of Odd Bods.
In December 2022 Sam received the Royal Air Force Long Service and Good Conduct medal at Selby Abbey. Sadly he passed away a few months later, and was laid to rest amongst the war graves. But, there is good news!
Meet 2 year old Teddy, who will carry on Sam's service in honouring our veterans. A big thank you to Darren Mark Walker who recently updated us on developments at Selby.
Teddy takes on Sam's legacy.
We remember the contribution of our war veterans in many ways and this story adds a unique and worthy perspective.
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Dear Friends,
A busy time for our association is just around the corner including the long-held tradition of getting together on ANZAC Day. Here is the diary.
Wednesday 24th April - Wesley College (Glen Waverley campus) ANZAC Commemoration Ceremony including presentation of the George V. Smith Award for the best student essay about the spirit of ANZAC. The service will take place at 11.40am in the Prest Quad (outdoors) with morning tea being served before the service at 11.00am in the Alexander Room in the Senior School. In the case of inclement weather, the service will be moved indoors to the sports stadium. All members are welcome. Please let us know if you wish to attend.
Thursday 25th April - ANZAC March and Reunion. Marchers are asked to form up at 9:45 am on Flinders St East (North side) - see map attached. ETA at the Melbourne Shrine will be around 11:20.
We have modified our reunion arrangements this year. The Reunion will still be held at Amora Riverwalk Hotel, 649 Bridge Rd. Richmond but instead of a formal luncheon with an upfront payment, we will gather in the general lounge area for a casual drop in and catch up after the march with attendees paying for their own food & drinks. We have done the sums and believe we will all be better off with this arrangement. We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible.
Wednesday 8th May - VE Day (Victory in Europe) at Melbourne’s Shrine. We will have details of this service soon.
Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest articles, and please contact us with any questions about upcoming events.
Best Regards,
Greg Smith
President
Friends of the Odd Bods Association Inc.
Cyril Arthur Polain 427258 Pilot 466 Squadron (Front Row, Right)
"My father was an ‘Odd bod’ serving as a Halifax pilot with 466 at Driffield, towards the end of the war (1945).
I have some photos from his war service, some of which include his crew (and aircraft) if you would like some copies for your website.
My father’s name was : Cyril Arthur Polain, born in Northam WA."
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"Dear Peter,
You asked about any stories, however my father said very little about the war. I have picked up a few things nonetheless. Most of them are pretty hair raising but one at least is quite amusing: my mother ( a Waaf on the same station) said that my father and his crew went out to Celebrate his 21st Birthday one evening and were unexpectedly scrambled the next morning. Due to unpressurised cabins, the alcohol soon reasserted itself. Apparently the landing was a sight to behold with my father collecting the boundary fence in the landing gear..
Another highlight was apparently watching the Americans come in to land, whereas the British/commonwealth pilots formed an orderly queue and followed each other down as quickly as possible, the American pilots apparently all dived for the landing strip at once yelling at each other over the radio. This was apparently quite fun to watch.
Nastier ones include a return from a bombing run badly shot up and losing height over the channel. By then it was daylight as they had made slow progress on one engine and they were highly visible.Their lookout spotted a group of fighters coming at them and apparently they all said their goodbyes. Fortunately the fighters turned out to be Americans and they formed up around my father’s plane and escorted them back to base. Not sure if this is the same occasion but until someone else did it in the closing days of the war, my father was the first pilot to get a Halifax back on just a Port engine( I think it was Port but could have misremembered) . I gather you had to bank / circle in the opposite direction to usual and Halifaxes were not easy to keep aloft in such circumstances.
Unfortunately my father’s original crew were all killed when they went up with a different pilot ( my father apparently grounded with an infection of some sort) .
I am unsure if the crew in the photos are they or not. Perhaps others might know who they are?
Kind regards
Polly Polain"
