107 Battery RAA Association
Rest Ye, Oh Warrior. You'll battle no more,
no longer to live the horrors of war.
Your duty was done with Honour and Pride.
Farewell ! Oh brother, until we march by your side.

Fathers, sons and brothers, together they fought and died
That we may live in peace together, while at home their mothers cried.
When that final bugle calls them to cross that great divide
Those comrades will be waiting when they reach the other side.
- Ken Bunker

WE REMEMBER:


18949 Cfn Ian Gifford ALLISON Born in Alexandria Scotland on 26th September1948. Ian was a member of the battery in Townsville & served in Vietnam from 7th May1970 to12th May1971. Ian was a member of the association and passed away at Darra after a long illness on 15th September 2007.



L/Bdr Bob (Sludge) ARTHURSON Bob passed away 21st June 2015 Bob served with the Battery at Holsworthy and Malaysia 1966-69.



41400 Capt Peter BADCOE VC was the founding Battery Commander on the Battery's re-raising at Holsworthy in 1965. He subsequently transferred to Royal Australian Infantry in late 1965 and was promoted Major. He was posted to the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) where he was killed in action while working with the 1 ARVN Divisional Reaction Company in Huong Tra District. He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross (VC) Australia's highest award for bravery under fire of the enemy.



Gnr Terrance (Terry) BECKHAM 6th intake National Service from Adelaide. Terry was a driver with 107 in Holsworthy & Malaysia. Terry attended the Sydney reunion in 2008 and donated many bottles of wine with him from the local wineries in Adelaide for the reunion. Terry Passed away in Sydney January 2015.



46637 Bdr D. C. BISSET passed away at the Tumby Bay Hospital on the 14 Jan 2013 aged 62. Dave served in 107 Fd Bty from 1972 to 1979 and was a Command Post Operator at Townsville. Dave died from a stroke as a result of a swimming accident at Cairns Army Holiday Homes. Condolences to his family and friends.



15926 S/Sgt William Raymond (Rocky) BOSTOCK MID Bill was born on 21/08/1940 at Murwillumbah NSW. Bill passed away in 1994 at Geebung Qld. He did two tours of Vietnam with 4 Fd Regt. The first tour was from 08 June 1967 to 28 May 1968. The second tour with 107 Fd Bty from 28 April 1970 to 05 May 1971. Bill is survived by his Wife Kim and his children James William and Richard Raymond. He was the loving son of his parents Raymond Douglas and Grace Isobel Bostock.



WO2 Jason Bourke serving as the A/MG (Assistant Master Gunner) of 4th Regiment and aged just 41 accepted his final posting to the Great Gun Park on 4th September 2017 after a short but strong fight with cancer. Jason served for 23 years in the RAA including BSM of 107 Battery in 2015- 2016. Jason was a life member of the Association and attended the Associations Reunion 2017 The Entrance as part of the six strong Battery contingent.



Gunner John 'JB' BRENNAN died in Wollongong on 12 September 2024 of cancer after a very short illness. Born in Sydney on 30 May 1946, John was conscripted into the Australian Army in 1966. He served as a gun number with A Battery in Malaysia, remained with several other Nashos to join 107 Battery on our arrival in Malaysia in September 1967. Post National Service, John served in the NSW Government, raising to senior management in the Families and Community Service area in Wollongong, where he lived with his wife and family. RIP John.



14518 T/Bdr Richard William BUCKMAN was born in Marrickville NSW on 13th October 1942. Richard was a gun number with the Battery in Malaysia and Townsville and served in Vietnam from11th March 1970 to 7th January 1971. Richard passed away in June 2007 from a heart attack.



Jeffrey John (Bucko) BUCKMAN passed away after a long illness on Sunday 5 November 2023. Jeff, a national serviceman, completed his basic training, then his Artillery employment training at 1st Field Regiment Holsworthy in 1967. He was posted to 107 Battery at Holsworthy and later in 1967 was re-posted to A (100) Field Battery in Malaysia as a reinforcement, along with around ten other 107 Battery Members. They all re-joined 107 when the Battery arrived in Malaysia in September 1967 to take over from A Fd Bty. He was discharged from the Australian Army on the successful completion of his National Service obligation in 1969 and spent most of his life in Esperance, WA. Bob was a foundation member of 107 Battery Association. He leaves behind his wife Stephanie and daughters Penny and Peta.



5716629 Gnr Allan Thomas CORCORAN Allan was born in Adelaide on 1 August 1948 and took his final posting to the Great Gun Park on 12 October 2018. Conscripted into the Royal Australian Artillery in April 1969, he served with 107 Battery at Townsville in late 1969-1970 and in Vietnam 7 May 1970 to 18 March 1971. Allan served as a gun number on Alpha Gun detachment commanded by Sgt Ray Gann in Townsville and in Vietnam, and then with Captain Ian Simpson's forward observer (FO) party with A Company 2RAR/NZ for the remainder of his tour of duty. Allan was discharged on completion of his National Service obligation on 24 April 1971. He attended the Association Reunion 2005 Townsville and several local South Australian Association reunions. His eldest daughter Sally passed away on 13 September 2010 at age 32. His late wife, Louise Nicholson passed away on 19 May 2011. Allan never found his mojo after her passing. A fine Rammer and his partner are gone but never forgotten.



Sgt Richard John (Dick) CREEK was the TARA Sgt (Technical Assistant Royal Artillery) with the Battery at Holsworthy in 1966-1967. Dick passed away on 6 June 2015 in Sydney aged 76. Condolences to his family.



Gnr Larry John (Father) DADD a Q Store member of the Battery in Malaysia in 1967-68 past away in Orange in late 2007 not long after retiring after selling his business in Orange. Larry attended the Association reunion at The Tweed in February 2004.



John (Jack) Frederick DAVIDSON Jack passed away from prostate cancer on 12th August 2012 aged 77. Jack was attached to the battery for R&Q during an exercise in Shoalwater Bay.



Captain Michael (Mike) Patrick DINNISON was born in Townsville on 29 December 1950, the son of a RAAF serving member. He died from a CJD infection on 9 July 2022, in Melbourne. Mike initially served in 4th Field Regiment as the Regimental Signals Officer from 1975. He was subsequently posted BK of 107 Bty. Later that decade, Mike returned to 4th Field Regiment as BC HQ Battery then Regimental 2IC, under Commanding Officer Arthur Burke. Mike attended Staff College in Canada and with the 1979-1980 Commonwealth Peace Keeping Force supervising the ceasefire in Rhodesia. Mike retired from the RAR as Lieutenant Colonel, after his final posting as head of the GLO Team in Darwin. He was founding member and on the Committee 107 Battery Assn for 20 years and active on the committee, then President, of the RAA Association of North Qld. Post discharge, he lived in Townsville for two decades, working with RSL Care then General Manager Freemasons Aged Care facilities in North Queensland. He completed his work life as a senior interviewer with Australian Bureau of Statistics and was the NQ Regional Manager for the 2017 ABS Census. In 2021 he relocated, with partner Ian to Melbourne, where his four children and grandchildren all reside.



WO1 Donald (Don) DONKIN MBE passed away on 30 July 2016. Don was our RSM at Townsville and in South Vietnam. Don was a very fair firm & friendly man who was highly respected by all. Don attended the Association Reunion at North Fort on North Head in April 2008 to join us in seeing the completed Memorial 107 Battery Paver and with the 100 individual pavers surrounding. Don did two tours of South Vietnam the first with the AATTV in 1963-64 and then as RSM of 4 Field Regiment 1970-71.



16343 Bdr Eric (Jock) DOUGLAS born in Glasgow 3 January 1943. Jock worked in the Q Store at Holsworthy & Transport in Malaysia Townsville & Vietnam. Jock died as a result of a car accident on Heathcote Rd Holsworthy 24/08/1989at the age of 46.



3797287 Gnr Michael (Blue) Henry FOLEY born 11/04/1949. Blue served in South Vietnam from 11/06/1970 to 05/05/1971. Blue was transferred to 107 from 106 Fd Bty and went straight to the gun line. Blue was murdered in Braybrook, Victoria (see below).



216550 David (Dave) James GILMER Dave passed at home about the 12 April 2024. Dave, born in Sydney on 30 Aug 1946, served in 107 Bty as a command post signaller at Holsworthy, Malaysia (Sep 1967 to Sep 1969), Townsville (Oct 68-Apr 70) then Vietnam 7th May 1970- 5th May 1971. One of his duties in Vietnam was, with a very small group of other signallers, man a radio relay station on Long Son Island to provide communications when the Battery was deployed to a remote Fire Support Base. Dave was a strong supporter of 107 Battery Association attending a number of reunions.



Bdr Lloyd Sidney GREENTREE was attached to 107 Field Battery as a Gun Number One from Headquarters Battery in 1969 for live firings of the 25 Pounders by the Battery Aust Component. Born on 30 April 1944 Lloyd passed away in Ingham North Queensland on 18 April 2016 from lung cancer a complication of his kidney transfer some 20 years earlier. Lloyd is survived by his wife Rhonda.



31401 Sgt Raymond Thomas (Bwana) HARPER was born in Albury on 26/08/1929. Ray passed away 05/12/2003 age 74 years after a long battle with cancer place of death unknown. Ray served with the battery as the transport supervisor in Malaysia. Also served with HQ & 107 battery in Townsville & Vietnam.



1201217 Peter Raymond HIELSCHER AACC Peter was born in Maryborough Qld om 18/09/1945. Peter served with HQ Bty from11/03/1970 to 06/05/1971. Peter joined the Battery 07/05/1970 to 12/03/1971 as the Battery cook in Vietnam. Peter passed away on 02/01/2000 at the age of 54. No further details are available.



311618 Bdr David John HOLMES born 2 August 1942 enlisted in the British Army as a boy soldier in December 1957 and served in the Royal Artillery with the British Army on the Rhine in Hong Kong and Borneo Malaysia where he was acting Sergeant. In July 1969 he transferred and enlisted in the Royal Australian Artillery as a Gunner serving with 107 Battery in Townsville and Vietnam as Operator Command Post Field being promoted to Bombardier. He then served as FO Assistant to Warren Feakes as call sign 12 Alpha in Vietnam. He returned to Townsville with the Battery where he was affectionally known as the (Egg on Legs). After posting from the Battery, he served as a sergeant instructor at the School of Artillery North Head and HQ 1 Divisional Artillery Enoggera. Promoted WO2 he served with the A Res in Sydney instructor at the School of Artillery and finally at PE&E Port Wakefield. Taking his discharge in June 1990 he lived a secluded life on the cattle property (Bollards Lagoon) in SA some 35 kms from Cameron Corner. David passed away on 12/04/2017 at the age of 74.



2792406 Gnr Donald "Don" James ISON was born in NSW on 12th January 1948. Don was conscripted into the Australian Army as a National Serviceman on 23 April 1969 and served in 107 Battery as a member of Echo Gun at Townsville 1969 and Vietnam in 1970 and 1971. Don was discharged on completion of his national service obligation on 22 April 1971.Don was a builder and returned to this in Sydney then on the Central Coast of NSW until his retirement. Don accepted his final posting to the Great Gun Park on Friday 4 August 2017 at Bateau Bay on the NSW Central Coast after a long battle with cancer. Don is succeeded by his wife Sue and daughters Melanie and Simone. Don's funeral will be conducted at Palmdale Lawn Cemetery and Memorial Park (just west of the M1 exit at the Ourimbah interchange) at midday Friday 11th August 2017. A wake will be held at the 'Diggers @ The Entrance'. Don was a life member of the 107 Battery Association.



2787599 Gunner Ian James (Bozo-Simmo) Simpson died in Newcastle on 5 October 2024, after a very long illness. Born in Sydney, he was conscripted into the Army in 1967 and joined 107 Battery at Terendak, Malaysia. During his time in 107 Battery in Malaysia, he was one of the funniest blokes ever and earnt the nickname of Bozo, which he accepted as a lifelong honour. Before Vietnam, Ian was a humble Postie and post conscription he rose through the ranks of Australian Post to senior management. Bozo was a founding member and strong supporter of 107 Battery Assn, attending all reunions until ill health prevented him. He met wife to be, Lorraine (Ginge) Mason later in life who accompanied him to Reunion Hobart 2009, and all subsequent RAMMER Reunions while his health permitted. Good shooting, RIP Bozo!



51587 WO2 Robert John JOHNSON Born 01/12/1927. Johno had an extensive service record. He served in Korea with 3RAR 27/05/1951 to 28/05/1951 T/Sgt 103 Fd Bty in Malaya between 1961 to 1963 Malaysia with 107 Fd Bty 1967 to 1969. He then served in Townsville 1969-1970. He then served with the Battery in Vietnam from 29/04/1970 to 05/05/1971. Bob was discharged from the Army on 04/03/1972. Cause and date of death unknown.



214187 Kevin (Kevvy) James JOLLIFFE Kevin was born in Manilla NSW on 14th July 1934. Kevin served in transport with the battery in Malaysia & Townsville. He also served as the Manager of the Ram Inn in Vietnam from 7th May 1970 to 4th January 1971. Kevin passed away at Unanderra NSW on June 19, 2016 aged 74 Years after a long illness, surrounded by his loving family. Beloved husband of the late Elaine. Kevin will be sadly missed by his loving family and many dear friends. A life well lived



Maj Michael KINGSFORD served as Battery Commander from 1998 to 1999 at Townsville. He later was promoted and commanded 4th Field Regiment from 2005 to 2007. He died suddenly and unexpectedly while still serving in the Regular Army as a Colonel in Canberra on the 14 May 2013.



16801 Bdr William Charles (Salty) KLASS Salty was born in Brisbane on 22nd January 1943 served as a gun number and Q Store Bdr in Malaysia and Townsville. Salty served as Q store Bdr in Vietnam from 7th May 1970 to 5th May 1971. Salty passed away in Brisbane on 3 October 2011.



Gnr Jan KOLARIC Jan was a National Serviceman who served with 107 Fd Bty as a Sig in Malaysia. Jan passed away on 26/11/2005 from cancer.



2149242 Chaplain Alexander (Lex) William Levey HQ 1ATF. Lex was born in Five Dock in Sydney on 01 Dec 1927 and passed away on 12/06/2021 aged 93, he was buried at East Maitland on 22/06/2021. Lex was ordained a priest on 21/7/1962. He was asked to join the army as a Chaplain in 1968. He completed five years army service and served as army Chaplain in Vietnam for 12 months. Lex served a lot of his time in Vietnam with 4 Fd Regt, most of this with 107 Fd Bty. After leaving the army he was appointed as Administrator at Maitland before being appointed as Parish Priest in East Maitland. His final position as Parish Priest was in Raymond Terrace where he remained until he retired at 75. He continued in a support clergy role and regularly filled in for priests. He gave his last service the Sunday before he passed away. Lex was well liked and admired by all of those that came into contact with him during his time with the battery. No Further details of his passing are available at the time of writing. You can read and/or listen to an interview by the Australians at War Film Archive Top of Form Bottom of Form with Lex recorded on 30/08/2004 at https://australiansatwarfilmarchive.unsw.edu.au/archive/2451



2411946 Bombardier Neil LUNNEY Signaller CP and OP. Neil passed away peacefully in the morning of 19 January 2020. Born 6 October 1940, Neil enlisted in the Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery and served with several Batteries. He met and married his first wife while serving with 102 Battery in Malaysia. He told many stories of travelling from Malacca to Penang to rescue his "wife to be" then "his wife" during the Malay riots in the early 1960s and again in 1968. He met his second wife Mim Moss, from WA, but originally from Bowen NQ, in the late 1990s. Mim and Neil married at Wallsend, Newcastle, by Rammer the Reverent Doctor Rick (Buzzard) Burley on 30 August 2006. RIP Neil you will be sadly missed.



36373 Maj Kenneth William (Ken) MacKENZIE accepted his final posting to the Great Gun Park on 26th September 2017 following a long battle with emphysema. Ken served as Battery Commander between March and December 1971 in Vietnam and Townsville. He was born on 31st May 1937 commissioned through the Officer Cadet School Portsea in 1962 and served initially with 1st and 4th Field Regiments. He served with the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam 1964-65. In 1970 Ken was appointed the battery commander of 105th Field Battery before moving to 4th Field Regiment for a tour of Vietnam as the battery commander of Headquarters Battery then battery commander of 107th Battery returning to Townsville in that position. Promoted lieutenant colonel Ken commanded the 8th/12th Medium Regiment at Holsworthy 1977-78. He retired from the Australian Defence Force in 1986. He is survived by his wife Jocelyn and son Scott.



311232 Sgt Ernest (Ernie) Scott MARTIN Ernie was born on 25th April 1929. He served with the battery in Townsville & Vietnam. He also served in Korea with 2RAR from 4th November 1953 to 29th June 1955. Ernie did two tours of Vietnam with 4 Fd Regt. the first being from 8th June 1967 to 28th May 1968 and then with the Battery from 7th May 1970 to 5th May 1971. Ernie was discharged from the Army on 24th June 1975 after a long and distinguished Career. Ernie/Jordy passed away on 15/08/1999. No other details available.



Gnr Robin Wallace "Wally" MATHERSON was a Gun Number in Malaysia and Singapore. He passed away in Victoria on 17 August 2008 at age 60 from a stroke.



27357 Sgt John Samuel McCONNELL BEM. John was gun sergeant of Alpha Gun in Malaysia between 1967 to 1969. He had previously been posted to 105 Field Battery in Vietnam in 1965 and 1966. He died at home at Wooli NSW on 9th July 2013.



216226 Bdr Garry Edward McDONNELL Born 24 October 1947 & passed away on 13 December 2016. Garry served with 107 Battery in Holsworthy, Malaysia, Townsville and Vietnam between 1966 and 1971. He served on the gun line then as transport NCO. Garry passed away after years of fighting cancer. He died from an infection complication after a successful operation. Garry was a life member of the Association. He is survived by wife Julia and family.



2793214Gnr Peter (Porky) McKINNON Porky was born in Temora NSW. He served in Townsville & Vietnam as a Gun Number on Bravo Gun He served in Vietnam from 7th May 1970 to 5th May 1971. Passed away at Yass 9th June 2005 from cancer.



Gnr Ross Charles MORRIS of Rozelle NSW passed away on the 11 May 2008 from Leukaemia. He was 6th intake National Serviceman and served with 107 Battery at Holsworthy in 1966-67. He was posted as a reinforcement driver to A Battery in Malaysia in May 1967 with seven other 107 Battery members. He along with the other reinforcements rejoined 107 Battery when the Battery arrived in Malaysia by ship and air from Australia in September 1967. He returned to Australia on completion of his National Service obligation.



2411931 Sgt Barry (Moose) MOSSMAN Born in Sydney on 23rd September 1941 enlisted in the Army 24th May 1960 Barry served as a Gun Sgt Malaysia with 107 Fd Bty from 1967 - 1969 and then in Townsville before going to Vietnam with the battery from 7th May 1970 to 5th May 1971. Barry also served in the Malay Peninsular & Borneo with 102 Fd Bty.



214987. Capt David Joseph (Neggers) NEGLINE David was born on 23/01/1941 in Newcastle NSW. David served as Forward Observer & BK in Vietnam from 07/05/1970 to 05/07/1971 with 107 Fd Bty. David passed away suddenly from a massive heart attack on 23rd April 2004 whilst visiting his home town of Newcastle for the ANZAC Day weekend.



2793014 Gnr Thomas Albert (aka Tom/Olly) OLIPHANT. Born at Westmead on 18 October 1949, Olly was conscripted into the Australian Army in late 1970 and joined 107 Battery shortly later. He deployed to Vietnam with the Battery and completed the full tour (7 May 70 - 5 May 1971) as a member of E Gun detachment under Sergeant Barry 'Moose' Mossman. Olly was renowned for keeping 'the Moose' honest in any good game of poker. He took his discharge on completion of his National Service obligation, shortly after RTA. Olly suffered for quite a few years with breathing difficulties. Olly was one of the true characters of the Battery both while serving and in later years at various Reunions and Battery gatherings at the Tweed, Townsville and of many times at Sydney. One of Hiltons fond memories is of around a decade ago in the Bowlers Club Sydney after an Anzac march, Olly holding court with two noticeably young and attractive Swedish female backpackers, one sitting on each side. To Maureen and all the family, we express our sorrow of Tom's passing. With Olly's passing, our Battery Association is one Great Character less. Olly, Good shooting old cobber, End of Mission and job well done!



3796814 Gnr Peter (Opie) OPRAY was born in Kyabram Vic on 22nd July 1948 Peter served in Townsville as FO Sig. Peter also served in Vietnam from 7th May 1970 to 5th May 1971. He was wounded twice in action once in the head and once in the neck. Peter died in Victoria of brain tumour on 11/04/2008 at age 51. Peter's widow Ann-Maree become the Associations first Widowed member.



Ann-Maree OPRAY wife of Peter Opray and the Associations first Widowed member passed away on 11 April 2008 at Shepparton Victoria.



1735223 Gnr Raymond (Ray) Neil PARRY Ray passed away on Tuesday 9th November 2021, cause unknown at this stage. Ray was born in Townsville Queensland in 18th October 1948. He was conscripted into the Australian Army and allocated to Artillery with 107 Field Battery at Townsville, where he trained and served as a Driver and then in Vietnam from 7 May to 14 December 1970. After his National Service, Ray married Mary. Ray & Mary attended several Rammer Reunions over the years. Ray's funeral will be held at the Church of the Little Flower, Bribie Island Qld at 11.30 hours on Friday 26 November 2021 and afterwards in the Bribie RSL from 1300 - 1700 hours. Details of how to stream Rays funeral will be available on Thursday 25th November 2021. RIP Ray, End of Mission, Good Shooting.



3796777 Gnr Barry PEARCE a national serviceman who served in the Battery as an Operator Command Post Field in Townsville and Vietnam. Barry passed away on 20 June 2012 after a long and brave battle with cancer. Barry was the founding Vice-President and first editor of the Association newsletter, The RAM Ramblings.



214452 Bill PRITCHARD Bill passed away on Monday 20th February 2024 at Marks Point NSW. Bill was a stalwart Gun Number and Driver during 107's service in Malaysia. Bill eventually reached the rank of Warrant Officer Class 2 and served with 8th/12th Medium Regiment at Holsworthy and with 133rd Divisional Locating Battery.



SSgt Brian George (Speed) REEVES died in Brisbane on 30 October 2013 age 76. He served in 107 Battery as a signals Bombardier and Sergeant at Holsworthy 1966-67 and Malaysia 1967-69 then as the signals Staff Sergeant at Townsville 1969-70 and Vietnam in 1970-71. He took his discharge on 5 Sept 1987 with the rank of Captain. Brian passed away on 30/10/2013. No other details are known.



Gnr Allan (Jock) ROBERTSON Gun Number Holsworthy and Malaysia died of cancer in Lanark Scottland on 8th July 2005 (see note below).



3796639 Gnr Peter Robert (Robbo) ROBERTSON passed away on 6 September 2012 at Rosebud Victoria after suffering from cancer for some time. Peter was a national serviceman who served as a gun number in 107 Battery in Townsville and the full 12 month tour in Vietnam 1970-71. Peter will be remembered for his never ending skills as the Battery carpenter at Nui Dat and our other gun positions.



3797553 Rex ROBINS Born in Melbourne on 12 March 1949 Rex accepted his final posting to the Great Gun Park on 27 March 2014. 3797553 Rex Robins was conscripted into the Australian Army and served in 107 Battery at Townsville and in Vietnam 7 May 70 - 5 May 71. Living at Ferntree Gully Victoria Rex is survived by his partner Susie and family our thoughts are with them.



4720834 John (Rusty) William RUSSACK Born 18Th August 1948. 6th intake National Service. John Passed away suddenly on 5th June 1986. John served with the battery in Townsville and Vietnam until the end of his national service in Oct 1970.John is buried in Centennial Park Adelaide. Derrick Gardens of Remembrance. Tree 37 Position 006. Never to be forgotten by his mates.



235161 Major George Thomas SALMON was born in Mossman NSW on 3 September 1938 and passed away on 5 January 2023, after complications from a heart operation. Graduating from RMC Duntroon in 1959, George was allocated to the Royal Australian Artillery, where he soon became known as an outstanding technical gunner. He served as Battery Commander 107th Field Battery in Townsville in 1969/70, bringing the recently returned from Malaysia battery up to war levels of manning, equipment, and training. He commanded the Battery in Vietnam from April to July 1970. Wounded during a danger close training incident in Vietnam, he returned to Australia. George subsequently was CO/CI of the School of Artillery at Manly and ended his career in Canberra, with the rank of Brigadier. His beloved wife of many years, Tess, died a decade ago. George leaves his children and grandchildren, who were at his side at his death. RIP George



216970 Gnr Chris (Sawtee) SAWTELL Gun Number Holsworthy. Too young to go with the Battery to Malaysia he was transferred to and subsequently went to Vietnam with HQ Bty 12 Fd Regt. He was Killed In Action on 13 May 1968 at FSB Coral Vietnam. Two Gunners were among those who fell during Operation Surfers involving FSB Coral and FSB Balmoral in May-June 1968.



3795734 Gnr Trevor SCHULTZ Trevor was born in Warracknabeal Vic on 24th June 1948. Trevor served was an Operator Command Post in Townsville and later served with the battery in South Vietnam from 7th May 1970 to 5th May 1971. Trevor passed away after a motor vehicle accident in 1974.



1735769 Gunner Charles (Charlie) Douglas SCOTT from Cairns unexpectedly passed away while on holidays in Townsville on 5th January 2023. He contracted Covid the previous month, which he appeared to get over, but some symptoms lingered. Born at Home Hill Qld on 05 September 1948, Charlie, a National Serviceman, served with 107 Battery as the Battery Commanders signaller both in Townsville and South Vietnam. His tour of duty in South Vietnam was 07 May 1970 to 05 May 1971. Charlie was a life subscriber and proud member of the 107 Battery Association.



214182 Captain Ian McGregor SIMPSON of Alice River NQ passed away on 12 March 2010 from a heart attack. He was a graduate of the Officer Cadet School Portsea Vic and served continually in 107 Battery from 1965 to May 1971 including Holsworthy Malaysia Townsville and Vietnam. He undertook two tours of Vietnam one in May/June 1968 when detached from the Battery in Malaysia to 12 Fd Regt at FSB Coral and the second for twelve months with the Battery in 1970-71.



2108089. Capt Donald McLeod SMITH was born on 09/03/1934 in Cooranbong NSW. Don served with 107 Fd Bty in Malaysia as the BK & BC. On his return from Malaysia on 05/10/1969 he went on to serve in Townsville & then in Vietnam from 19/05/1970 to 04/01/1972 with Headquarters 1 Australian Task Force. Don passed away in Sydney on 25/10/2011 from complications of a routine surgery



3796769 Gnr Lee John (LJ) SMITH 3796769 LJ Passed away on 05/03/2015 from a brain tumour. 'LJ' served in the Battery in Townsville and SVN as a gunner signaller with the BC's Party then as an OF Sig with C Company 2 RAR/NZ. He returned to Townsville with the Battery before taking his discharge on the successful completion of his National Service obligation.



2793911 Gnr Rodney Ronald (Rod) SMITH was born in Tenterfield in January 1949. He was conscripted into the Australian Army and allocated to the RAA. Trained initially as a Gun Number and subsequently as a driver, he joined 107 Battery in Vietnam, along with several other Reinforcements, on 12 December 1970. He served with Bravo gun both as gun number, driver and to quote Rod, a jack of all trades. I spent most of my FSB time on Bravo Gun with Jacko the Bombardier and the rest of my time as a driver under Twiggy and Jumbo, Rod advised by email in January 2011. With 107 Battery's Return to Australia in May 1971, he remained in Vietnam with HQ 12 Field Regiment until his RTA on 15 August 1971. Rod joined 107 Battery Assn in December 2006. Rod is survived by his wife Linda and family.



2785379 Gnr Anthony (Sob) SOBOLEWSKI Anthony was born on 12/08/1945 and passed away on 14/10/1983 at Penrith NSW as a result of a car accident at the age of 38. Anthony served in Vietnam with 12 Fd Regt from 20/05/1968 to 03/07/1968. His short service in SVN was due to him being detached from 107 in Malaysia with Capt Ian Simpson. During this detachment they fought at FSB Coral.



Gunner Michael John SOULSBY died on 13 March 2023, Michael passed away the age of 55. Michael served in the ARA from December 1984 until July 2006. His initial service was with 107th Field Battery of 4th Field Regiment in Townsville where he served as a gun tractor driver until August 1988. Michael then transferred to become an Army Firefighter and served in numerous postings until his discharge in July 2006. RIP Michael John Soulsby.



Gnr James (Jim) Ernest STAVELEY Born 10th December 1950. Jim served with the Battery on Charlie Gun in the mid 1970's and went with 107 to Hawaii in the 1970's. Jim eventually transferred to the RAAF. Not long after he retired from the RAAF in 2009 Jim was killed in a road accident on Buckets Way Stroud NSW. John's son Josh served with 131 Battery.



312920 Michael SULLIVAN Mick was a member of HQ Battery in Townsville and Vietnam and was the L/Bdr OF Ack of the Forward Observer party HQ Battery provided to Whiskey Company 2RAR/NZ. As such that OF party was under command of 107 Battery from 7 May 1970 until Whiskey Company returned to its parent unit the 1st Battalion RNZR in Singapore in October 1970. Those who had contact with Mick will never forget his cheeky smile and attitude regardless of the situation confronting him. Mick passed away on 12/03/2015 aged 66, cause of death unknown. Our thoughts are with Glenda and family.



Gnr Geoff James (Swifty) SWIFT aged 67 passed away at Wollongong early February 2016 after a battle with cancer to the brain and spine. Swift served with the Battery in Malaysia as an OP Signaller working with FO Warren Feakes.



Maj Tony THWAITES Born in Adelaide on 08/06/1955. Died in Sydney 05/08/2013 aged 58, whilst still serving in the Army in Sydney after 39 years service to the nation. Tony was the Battery Commander from 1987-1988 at Townsville. Dearly loved husband of Jo-Ann and father to Johnathan, Nicholas and father- in-law to Sarah. Beloved son of John and Elizabeth and brother to Richard and Tom. A Military funeral service for Tony was held on 13/08/2013 at Magnolia Chapel at Macquarie Park Cemetery & Crematorium, North Ryde.



Sgt Ruben (Timmy) TIMMINS RAEME Holsworthy & Malaysia passed away peacefully on 6 June 2007.



3796543 Bombardier John Francis TUCK Born in Dandenong Victoria on 26th December 1948 & passed away on 21st February 2017 aged 68. John served with the battery in Townsville. He also served in Vietnam on Charlie Gun from 7th May 1970 to 5th May 1971. John attended the 2012 reunion held in Mildura. Condolences to his wife Corry & family.



610554 Gnr Peter Leslie TURNER passed away on 12 November 2023, after a long illness. Born in Forbes, NSW, on 9 November 1948, Peter enlisted in the Regular Army from Tasmania and was allocated to RAA. He joined 107 Battery at Townsville in 1969 and deployed to Vietnam with the Battery from 7 May to 13 August 1970, as a FO Sig. Peter was a foundation member of 107 Bty Assn and attended every reunion until his illness prevented him from attending Canberra in 2023. He organised our very successful Hobart reunion in 2009. Peter is survived by wife Diane, daughters Malissa and Nicole in Tasmania and son Nathan in Queensland. Good shooting, job well done, Peter.



1735930 Gnr Helmet (Wally) WALDAU was born in Germany on 16th October 1947.Wally was a National Serviceman who served with the Battery in Townsville & in Vietnam from 29th April 1970 to 5th May 1971. Wally was returning from Cairns to Townsville with an empty semi-trailer and came across a flooded bridge. Some tourists talked him into testing to see how deep the water was. Unfortunately, he was washed away halfway across the bridge. Wally was unable to get out and drowned on 22/06/1999.



219080 Gunner Lindsay John (Warrie) WALPOLE passed away on or about 8 February 2019 from causes yet to be determined by the SA Coroner, but likely to be a result of one or more of his many DVA TPI accepted conditions. Born on 24 October 1947 at Caulfield Victoria, Warrie enlisted in the Regular Army in December 1968 and was allocated as a driver to the RAA at 4 Field Regiment Townsville. He deployed and served with 33 Dental Unit in Vietnam from 25 March 1970 to 13 November 1970 before joining 107 Battery in Vietnam on 14 November 1970 until his scheduled Return to Australia on 15 March 1971. He elected discharge on completion of his 3-year enlistment in December 1971. Not settling well into civi street, he reenlisted in the RAA on 13 June 1972 and was posted to 108 Battery. A posting to 2 Army Recruiting unit followed then back to 4 Field Regiment and in October 1979 to Central Army Records Office, Melbourne. He took his final discharge with the rank of Bombardier on 17 March 1981. Warrie attended the 2010 107 Battery Assn Reunion in Townsville but was unable to make Mildura 2012, due to his failing health. As a recluse, he made significant donations to the 'bar-tab' at that and subsequent 107 Battery reunions. He was instrumental in rounding up a number of 1970s vintage Rammers from Townsville back in to the flock of Black Sheep and 107 Battery Association, often quietly paying their life subscription himself. Suffering multiple disabilities including cancer to the brain in later years, Warrie lived as a recluse in Marleston, Adelaide, until his death. Cease firing, hook-up and drive on. Your duty to Australia is complete. Rest in Peace fellow Rammer.



Gnr Gill WARMAN served as a signaller in the Battery in Malaysia. He died of heart failure on 31 July 2001 while surfing at his favourite beach in WA.



Gunner Allan (Tex) WARREN. Allan (Tex) passed away passed away from cancer at Maryborough Hospital with his wife Jacki present. Tex served as a driver with the Battery in Malaysia. He joined the 107 Battery Association in 2004 but in 2005 was lost to the Association's contact list. RIP Tex. Tex was one of the great characters and a friend to everyone who knew him. Our condolences to Jacki and his family.



5716933 Gnr Gregory John (Spook) WILKINSON It is with regret that Greg passed away on 24th August 2018 from complications associated with Type 1 Diabetes which he suffered from since childhood but was not diagnosed until later in his adult life. If he had been aware of his condition he would never have passed his medical for National Service. Born Gregory John Wilkinson on 11 January 1948 in Adelaide SA, he was conscripted into the Australian Army in June 1969. Apart from his recruit training at Kapooka and his Command Post Operator course at North Head, Greg spent the remainder of his time in the army with 107 Battery from December 1969 to May 1971 including the full 12 months service with the Battery in Vietnam as an Operator Command Post (Op CP). In later years he worked as an accountant in Merredin, inland WA. Spook was a unique fellow, well-liked by all his mates. It is a shame that he slipped away without us knowing for so long. We all have wonderful memories of Greg He is survived by his two children Ramon and Jacklyn. RIP Spook



VALE END
3790149 Allan (Jock) ROBERTSON was a gun number. He was a tall, happy-go-lucky red headed British citizen travelling in Australia. He must have registered as he was conscripted into the Australian Army. After recruit training (3 months at either Puckapunyal (Seymour Vic) or Kapooka (Wagga Wagga, NSW)) and the gun numbers course at the School of Artillery (most likely 2 months at Manly – Sydney), he was posted to 107 Battery at Holsworthy (Sydney NSW) then with Bob Mercer, Brian Tate and six other national servicemen, went as a reinforcement to A (100) Bty in Terendak (Malacca) Malaysia. He rejoined 107 Bty on its arrival in Terendak in September 1967. He is immediately behind the then Lt Warren Feakes on this website photograph of Lt Bob Birse's funeral guard. He was well liked and respected by all. However, his broken service with the Battery appears to have confused most to believe that there was only one Robertson, the batman, yet most described characterises typical of Jock. At the completion of his two years national service he took his discharge in Malaysia and returned to Scotland via a RAF flight.
He died of cancer in Scotland on 8th July 2005.
3790149 GONE, BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN - By John Anderson, Aireys Inlet Victoria. Blue, Carrot Top, Red, Blood Nut, Red Knob – he had all sorts of names, but we’ll just call him as I knew him…… Blue! Yeah; he was Blue, and he was funny, he was tough, he was “salt of the earth” and for all too short a time he was my best mate. We met up at Holsworthy, just after rookie training. We were there for Corps Training (Artillery –Nine mile snipers, Drop Shorts, anything you cynical Grunts wanted to call us – but bloody hell! weren’t you glad to hear that first round come whistling over your heads when you wanted us!). From different sides of the tracks (Blue from Braybrook, me from Malvern)…. But, like many other Nasho’s, we discovered a lot of common ground - not afraid of a fight, not too rapt in Army discipline & authority (Green Machine sucks!), keen on a punt, we both chased skirt (chronically) and for those of you who can relate we enjoyed a cool drink on a hot day- could be a problem! Went to and did our thing in Vietnam- just a couple of blokes wandering the dusty tracks, bouncing of rubber trees, sniffing out a cold beer & a good time wherever we could in the metropolis of the Australian Task Force Base at Nui Dat, Phouc Tuy Province, South Vietnam. Neither of us hero’s, just two 21 year old Aussies doing our best not too let things get to us, not to get shot, just doing “what we were told” and having the balls to stand up and give it our best shot when we needed to. Five days of bar and bedroom terrorism in Honkers on R&R – two of us on a rooting, drinking, having a bloody good time, rampaging at Government expense just strengthened the bond between Blue & myself. The last six months of “Nasho” spent in a state of “working the system” – great times, great people in Townsville. Couple of “smart arse, but bloody cunning Vets for a month or two in Sydney- where we milked the “sympathy” attention from every nubile young miss we could lay our hands on. Then, September 1971 – it’s all over….. Blue goes back to Braybrook, I go back to the sanctuary of family and the leafy streets of Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. Sin Loi. Blue’s dead now, stabbed to death by some doped out freak after an argument about rights to a pool table at a Pub in Maidstone. Something that would have been sorted out by a quick “OK! Let’[s sort it out in the Car Park, couple of punches (it was Maidstone, so maybe a head but!), then arms around each other _ “better come & have a beer with me!” – Not necessarily mateship, but a bit of respect for each other. “So long Blue, I’ve never talked about this before, but I’m hoping nature will take me rather than the way you went. When the time comes I know I’ll find you there (probably at the Jade Bar) and j’eez mate…. I’m looking forward to having a beer or three with you”. Up the old Red Rooster…and you know the rest. Cheers & Beers. AndoHe died of cancer in Scotland on 8th July 2005.
Peter “Baldly” Moat advised of the tragic passing of his son, Brett Moat aged 53, who was involved in a motorcycle accident in May 2018. Peter had the sad duty to bury is son on Peter’s birthday. Brett was a Rammer ‘baby’ who lived at Terendak Garrison, Melaka, when he was between the ages of 2 to 4 years old.