royal marine association queensland

ROYAL MARINE ASSOCIATION

QUEENSLAND

_______ ______

1954-2014 i

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Patron

Royal Marine Association

60th

BIRTHDAY


QUEENSLAND

1954-2014

iii

The Royal Marines

He ain’t exactly a Tommy; he ain’t exactly a tar,

He ain’t too cocky or nothing, like the best blokes never are.

They christened him Leatherneck, Jolly and a Ruddy Old Bullock he’s been,

For if there’s a war afloat or ashore,

They call on the blooming Marine.

When poor little Belgium was wobbly and o’errun by a torrent of Huns,

Antwerp lay naked and listened wide eyed to the sound of the bombs and the

guns.

It was a chance in a million for Willie he wasn’t so green,

But we weren’t far wrong when we sent him along,

The Leatherneck bloke, the Marine.

He’s frozen in ice of the arctic; he’s sweated in African heat,

He’s smiled at the trouble in Ypres; he’s popped off the guns with the fleet.

But where the trouble is brewing or something wants doing,

Then send for the blinking Marines.

They say that all dumps have a dud shell, well-I once saw a Hun that was

kind,

I once saw a Yank that had no swank and a skipper who’d never been mined.

But if you saw the Mole at Zeebrugge, when machine guns were sweeping it

clean,

Then you’ll agree that there’s no such thing,

In this world as a dud Marine.

When earth’s little canter is over, and the sun burns the colour of lead,

And the last bugle call is sounding to summon the quick and the dead,

There may be panic by people who can’t know what discipline means,

But I’ll wager my pay that the first to obey,

Will be- The Royal Marines.

Anonv

Acknowledgments

A work like this does not come together without the invaluable assistance of many people

who have given of their time, knowledge, photographs and other items necessary to make this

history of the RMAQ worthwhile. Firstly I would like to thank my wife Denise for her

dedication in proof reading this document several times and her very helpful suggestions with

the layout. For supplying many photographs thanks go to Roy Leaney, Jo Collins, Tom

Baker, Bill and Carol O’Donnell, George Steel, Tony and Lena Eden, Emily Aspinall and

Terry for giving me access to photos from our website. Also thank you to those who have

placed photos on that site. A special thank you to anyone who I may not have mentioned.

Other thanks go to Tony Cude who supplied invaluable material in the way of documents.

Also thanks to Steve Eden for the art work on the Association Crest. Last but not least to all

members of our association, past and present, who have contributed in any way to making us

such a great Royal Marine Association in Queensland without whom this history would not

exist.

Cleve Whitworth BA Hons IIA, Dip Ch, JP

President Royal Marine Association Queensland

November 2014

v

Contents

Page

The Royal Marine Association 1954-2014 ............................................................................................ i

The Queen ............................................................................................................................................. ii

RMAQ Crest ........................................................................................................................................ iii

Poem. THE ROYAL MARINES ......................................................................................................... iv

Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................................ v

Contents ................................................................................................................................................ vi

Royal Marines 350 Glorious Years .............................................................................................. vii-xii

ROYAL MARINES ASSOCIATION 1954-2014 ............................................................................... 1

The Formation ...................................................................................................................................... 2

Eddie Naylor and Harry Slater ........................................................................................................ 2-3

First and Second meetings ................................................................................................................... 3

Life Memberships and meeting venues ............................................................................................ 3-4

Permanent Home .................................................................................................................................. 4

Sports and Socials .............................................................................................................................. 5-6

Visiting Ships ........................................................................................................................................ 7

HMRY Britannia and ‘Cockleshell heroes’. ........................................................................................ 8

British Week and other Associations .................................................................................................. 9

Ex RM’s Assisted Immigration ......................................................................................................... 10

Suspension of the RMAQB. ................................................................................................................ 11

PART TWO IN THE Life OF THE RMAQ

Re-Formation ...................................................................................................................................... 12

Venues .................................................................................................................................................. 13

Newsletters ..................................................................................................................................... 14-16

Parades ........................................................................................................................................... 16-22

Padre’s ................................................................................................................................................. 22

Branch and Association Standards .............................................................................................. 23-25

Gold Coast Branch ........................................................................................................................ 25-26

Change of title ..................................................................................................................................... 26

Web Site .......................................................................................................................................... 26-27

Other Associations .............................................................................................................................. 27

Security and the IRA ..................................................................................................................... 27-28

Visiting Ships ................................................................................................................................. 28-29

Expo ‘88’ ............................................................................................................................................. 29

Museum Display ............................................................................................................................ 27-30

Sister Branch’s ............................................................................................................................... 30-31

Branch Memorabilia and Gifts .................................................................................................... 31-33

First Fleet Memorial ...................................................................................................................... 34-36

Queensland RMA National Re-union .......................................................................................... 36-37

Australia Remembers ......................................................................................................................... 37

Visitors ............................................................................................................................................ 38-41

Social Events .................................................................................................................................. 42-43

350th

Celebrations .......................................................................................................................... 44-46

Appendices

Appendix

1. Past Presidents. ................................................................................................................

2. Executive .........................................................................................................................

3. Members .........................................................................................................................

4. Life Members ..................................................................................................................

5. Across the Bar ................................................................................................................

6. Primary and Secondary Sources ...................................................................................

7. RMAQ Prayer ................................................................................................................

vi

The

Royal Marines 350 Glorious Years

Genealogical and Corps Memorable Dates

1664 Birth of the Corps 28 October

Born on the 28th October when

King Charles II sanctioned the

formation of a regiment

specifically for sea from the

Bands of London. To be called

the Duke of York and Albany’s

Maritime Regiment of Foot.

1664 - 1685 The Admirals Regiment

1685 – 1689 The Prince’s Regiment

1690 – 1698 Two Marine Regiments

of Foot

1698 – 1699 Four Regiments of Marines

1702 – 1713 Six Regiments of Marines 1704 The Capture of Gibraltar 24 July

The Spanish War of Succession

was carried out by a Brigade of

British and Dutch Marines.

The title Gibraltar is the only

battle honour borne on the

Colours of the Royal Marines.

This was granted for the seizure

and holding the Rock in the face of numerically

superior forces. vii

1739 – 1748 Six Regiments of Marines

1740 – 1748 Four Regiments of Marines

1761 The Battle of Bellisle 7 June

On this island, off the north

coast of France, two

Battalions of Marines served

with great distinction at this

siege during the Seven Years

War. The laurel wreath in

the Corps insignia was

awarded in honour of this

distinguished service.

1775 Battle of Bunker Hill 17 June

During the American War of

Independence, after two unsuccessful

assaults up the steep hill, which failed

to dislodge the rebels, the 1st Marines

and the 47th Regiment were

committed

to the battle. They took the position

after which it was reported that the

‘Marines unshaken steadiness was

conspicuous’.

viii

1788 First Fleet Arrives Australia 26 January

Captain Phillip RN proclaimed Australia to be a British possession. The flag

was raised and saluted by a

detachment of marines from

HMS Supply. Some 210

arrived with the First Fleet.

Marines have been in Australia

in one way or another since that

time.

1802 – 1855 The Royal Marines

1805 The Battle of Trafalgar 21 October

Trafalgar was the most decisive sea

battle in the history of the Navy in

which 2,867 Royal Marines took

part. They bore a very real part in

Nelson’s success.

1855 – 1862 The Royal

Marines (Light Infantry)

ix

1804 – 1862 Marine Artillery Companies

1862 – 1923 Royal Marine Light Infantry

1862 – 1923 Royal Marine Artillery

1915 Gallipoli 28 April

The Royal Marine Brigade landed on

the peninsula as part of the expedition to

drive up towards Constantinople during

WWI. Together with 1 RN Brigade

they bore the brunt of the Turkish

attacks. They displayed great bravery

and resolution in this amphibious

operation.

1923 – Present Day The Royal Marines x

The Raid on Zeebrugge 23 April

Towards the end of the First World

War, the 4th Royal Marine

Battalion landed on the Mole to

enable the blockade of the entrance to

the canal which was being used by the

Germans as a submarine base. Due

to the heavy loses no other battalion

has ever been numbered ‘4th’.

1944 The Landings in Normandy 6 June

On D-Day over 17,500 Royal Marines

took part in the largest amphibious

operation in history. The Marines crewed

most of the minor landing craft. They also

manned the guns providing support to the

troops on the beaches. Five Royal

Marine Commandos landed during the

assault phase.

xi

1944 The Assault on Walcheren 1 November

Royal Marine Commandos and Support Craft guns’ crews

successfully played a gallant and leading part,

which resulted in clearing the entrance to the

River Scheldt, thereby re-opening the Port of

Antwerp to Allied shipping.

1982 The Recapture of

the Falkland Islands 14 June

The Royal Marines were involved in virtually ever significant

aspect of this campaign. The main landing was planned and

executed by 3 Commando Brigade with RM detachments in

many ships of the task Force and with all landing craft

manned by Royal Marines.

2001 – 2013 Afghanistan

Royal Marine Commandos from 3 Cdo Brig

served in Afghanistan for 12 years with the loss

of 61 men and many hundreds wounded.

History would have it told that Afghanistan is

unconquerable but the Royals have given it

their best.

xii


QUEENSLAND

1954-2014

FORMERLY ROYAL MARINE ASSOCIATION QUEENSLAND BRANCH

The history of the Royal Marine Association is that it was formed in 1946 when tens of

thousands of H.O. (Hostilities Only) ranks were released for civilian duties. Many of these

men wanted to maintain the camaraderie and esprite-de-corps that they had developed during

their service life. The former RMOCA the Royal Marine Old Comrades Association founded

circa the time of the amalgamation of the Royal Marine Artillery and the Royal Marine

Infantry in June 1923, known now as the Corps of Royal Marines, had limited membership

entitlements being reserved for discharged personnel who in the main were C.S, (Continuous

Service) ranks serving between 15 and 20 years in the Corps.

In writing the history of the Queensland Branch there was no reasonable way to tell the tale

chronologically. To do so would require that each meeting and each year be taken as separate

entities. This would not, therefore, allow for the overall picture of the RMAQB to be shown.

It was necessary, however, to allow for the two distinct times of our branch’s existence to be

shown. This has been done by treating the years 1954 to 1970 separately from 1981 to the

present day.

Reading through the Branch’s minutes in minute detail it is possible to feel the mood of the

meetings and, at times, the egos that were at play. This is, of course, understandable given the

leadership qualities of many of the members. However it is apparent that some people’s

attitudes in the early period were detrimental to the long term survival of the RMAQB.

Having said that, it can in no way be permitted to detract from the enjoyment, the fun times

and the hard work those same members participated in and undertook on behalf of the

Association.

Prior to 1954 ex-Royal Marines had gathered each Anzac Day to participate in the march and

to have a few drinks at its conclusion. In 1953, following the march, Eddie Naylor suggested

to Harry Slater that a Royal Marine Association should be formed in Brisbane. On Tuesday

24th February 1954 there appeared the following article in the Brisbane Telegraph newspaper.

Harry had started the ball rolling by providing the paper with this article. Harry stated that he

knew of at least eight other ex-Royal Marines living in the Brisbane area. It later transpired,

in an article published in the Truth on May 16th 1954, that there were more than forty ex-

Royal Marines living in, and around, Brisbane.

Two months later the following photograph was taken prior to the

Anzac Day march.

From left to right W

Clarence, L Stevens, W

Webb, R White, T Wood

and two unknown on the

right.

Everyone has a history

and a story to tell and in

the life of the Branch we have had some very interesting stories from and about members. As

the two architects for the formation of our branch these two members deserve to be

mentioned, Eddie Naylor and Harry Slater.

At the time of the formation of the Royal Marine Association

Queensland Branch (RMAQB) Harry Slater was a serving

Warrant Officer with the 9th Infantry Battalion, Royal

Australian Army. Prior to this he had been a Colour

Sergeant in the Corps. Roy Leaney tells the tale of

Harry. On 13th November 1941 Harry was on board

HMS Ark Royal, 150 miles east of Gibraltar when she

was torpedoed by a German submarine. Ark Royal

was taken in tow but began to list badly. She finally

healed over and sank. At that time Harry was on the

flight deck. As she rolled Harry fell into a pom pom gun deck; injuring his back

and legs. He was picked up and as a consequence of his injuries he was returned to

the UK. When he had recovered sufficiently to return to duty he was not deemed

fit for active service. He was drafted to Eastney Barracks as a Drill Instructor. On 6th May

1942 enter one very young HO recruit Roy Leaney. Roy was placed into 185 Squad with

Harry Slater as his instructor. When Roy and family arrived in Brisbane the then President

Bill Clarence took Roy to meet Harry who was then living on the Gold Coast. They both

recognised each other straight away and many a yarn was shared. Harry went on to do nine

years in the Australian Army after his 22 years in the Corps. Harry Slater passed away in

1976 and lays at peace beside his wife, Dorothy, at the Alliance Memorial Gardens Nerang.

Edward Naylor was born in Thatcham, Berkshire on 4th November 1865. Eddie joined the

RMLI in 1884 and served for the next twenty-one years. He was discharged in 1905.

Mr Naylor and his wife came to Brisbane in 1910. Brisbane was then a very different city

from the one we know today. This photograph taken in 1910, it was to become Anzac

Square.

At the outbreak of World War I Eddie Naylor was mobilised for service so he returned to

England. He rejoined the Corps on August 25th 1914, barely a month after war had been

declared. Eddie was discharged at the end of hostilities; very proud of the fact that he had

retained the rank of Private throughout his career. He remarked to the Truth on 24th March

1955 that “your mates like you better if you duck promotion,” he said with a grin. Eddie was

awarded his Life Membership on the day before he was due to fly home to England. He

wanted to go home before he attended his last parade. He died in England in 1956 at the age

of 91.

The inaugural meeting of the Royal Marine Association

Queensland Branch was held at the Carlton Hotel, Queen Street,

Brisbane on 27th February 1954. The attendees at this first

meeting were Messrs H Black, W Clarence, R.S Croucher, T

Major, J.A Cruickshank, P Cartwright, A.C Heathcoat, L

McCandless, H.V Mannel, G Patterson, H Slater and L Stevens;

twelve in all. Of those twelve, two, Cruickshank and Cartwright, were never heard of again.

A further two, Black and Heathcoat, only attended one more meeting and were not seen again.

During the first twelve months of the RMAQB forty two different ex-Royals attended

meetings. Of those, sixteen would only attend one or at the most two meetings. Obviously

the Association was not for everyone for whatever reason. The first meeting saw the election of officers and those elected office bearers were: President

Mr Harry Slater, Secretary Mr Bill Clarence and the Treasurer was Mr Len Stevens.

The Queen, under the Constitution of the Royal Marine Association,

would automatically be the Patron-in-Chief of the Queensland Branch.

After much discussion it was decided to approach and invite Colonel

the Rt Hon Sir Leslie Wilson to be the Patron. Not only had Sir Leslie

Wilson been a Colonel in the Royal Marine Light Infantry (RMLI) but

he had also been the Governor of Queensland in

the years 1932 until 1946. Colonel L Wilson

had also served in the second Boer where he

had been wounded. During WWI he had

commanded the Hawke Battalion which had

fought gallantly at Gallipoli. Later whilst

fighting on the Western Front he was to be

severely wounded. Unfortunately Sir Leslie and

his wife had returned to England and felt that he

could not accept the position. Subsequently he

died the following year, 1955.

The second Branch meeting was held at 1930 on Wednesday

17th March in the Normanby Hotel. It was at this meeting that

the annual membership fees were set at one pound; to be paid

six monthly at ten shillings. The ladies were to be invited to

attend the next meeting for their views on forming a Branch

Auxiliary.

Eddie Naylor was the first Life Member but a further seven Life

Memberships were awarded between 1955 and 1970, five, for

service to the Branch. Notably these were Bill Grainger, Harry

Slater, Bill Clarence, John Coe and Mr H Lewis (Branch Auditor).

There were a further two Honorary Life Memberships. The first

was to Captain Eugene Foxworth, United States Marine Corps;

later to become a US Senator. The Captain was shown the sights of Brisbane by the RMAQB

President Ralph White and the Secretary Bill Clarence.

When they were invited back to the USS Bremerton Captain Foxworth was made an

Honorary Life Member of the Branch. The US Marines onboard were formed up and

performed a minor display of drills for our members. Ralph White in return gave a

dissertation on the history of our Corps. Afterwards the US Marines said that they had had

such a good stay in Brisbane that they were sorry to be leaving.

The second Honorary Life Membership was awarded to

Colonel B.J Lumsden RM who was, at the time, Sword-

Bearer to His Worship, the Lord Mayor of London, Sir

Bernard Waley-Cohen. The Mayor and Colonel Lumsden

were on a good-will visit; visiting Brisbane to meet the

Mayor and then travelling on to Sydney, Melbourne,

Canberra and Adelaide. The photograph to the left depicts

the Mayor shaking hands with Prime Minister Sir Robert

Menzies with Colonel Lumsden on the right of the

photograph. Some of our members had met with the Colonel during his stay in Brisbane. A difficulty arose very early in the life of the RMAQB. During the first year the venue for

meetings changed eight times and over the period until 1970 there were fifteen changes of

venue. The venues were as follows:-

Carlton Hotel Normanby Hotel Carlton Hotel YMCA

Queen Street Musgrave Road Queen Street Edward Street 27 Feb 1954 17 Mar 1954 5 Apr/17 May 1954 31 May 1954

Kia-Ora Hotel YMCA UK Club Loyal Hope Lodge

Ascot Terrace Edward Street Felix Street Morgan Street 15 Jun/20 Dec 1954 24 Jan 1955 21 Feb 1955 21 Mar 55/23 July 56

Orient Hotel Australian Legion Missions to Seamen Ship Inn

Queen Street Church Street Petrie Bight Stanley Street 20 Aug/22 Nov 1956 13 Feb 57/3 Sept 59 7 Oct 59/7 Sept 60 5 Oct 60/4 Oct 61

Toc ‘H’ Rooms HMAS Moreton Naval Memorial Club

College Road New Farm Charlotte Street 13 Nov 61/8 Oct 66 30 Oct 66/17 Apr 69 21 May 69/21 Nov 70

From the first year the RMAQB saw a very real need to have a permanent home for the

Branch. This would have made sense when all the changes of venue, listed above, are taken

into consideration. RMA London was approached for a loan to facilitate this. Several banks

were also contacted re the possibility of a loan. Unfortunately the loans from banks, at that

time, were only given to individuals under 45 or businesses. It appeared from the minutes no

funds would be forthcoming from the UK for this venture either. The Branch members had not been idle whilst waiting to see

if monies would be available. Fundraising commenced in

earnest with the pantomime, ‘Snow-White’, inclusive of

scenery, backdrops and stage settings, being presented by

members of the Branch at the Toowong Hall.

Members had also been in search of a possible site for the

Association. There appeared to be a good site at

Indooroopilly but another site at Kangaroo Point, alongside

the river, probably offered the most economical building if

somewhat doubtful in its construction. This was previously

the home of a Merchant Navy Sea Cadet organisation. In the

final analysis it was put to the Branch members and the vote

was lost. No further action was ever taken to establish a

permanent home for the RMAQB.

The RMAQB in those early years was very different from the Branch we now know. This is

not surprising in that it is a very different world today, with different values. Maybe the lack

of television played no small part in the activities of the Branch. It was very much a case of

providing one’s own entertainment. This is very apparent in the minutes of those early years.

One of the first actions of the Branch was to set up a darts

team to play in the Brisbane League. Many of these darts

teams not only do not exist today but the places they

represented are no longer here. Teams such as the ‘South

Brisbane Dry Dock Social Club’, ‘Bulimba Brewery’

(seen on the left), the ‘Tramways Association’ and the

‘Australian Legion’ et al. It was not long before the ladies

of the Branch formed their own darts team and from all

accounts were quite successful; more so, in fact, than the

men’s team. Somewhere out there is a cup donated by the RMAQB to the Darts League for

the top team.

Another sporting venture was a fishing club within the Branch which was definitely a great

success. On one fishing trip four members caught over two hundred whiting in three and a

half hours. This fishing club lasted for many years. A sports committee was set up due to the

number of teams that existed within the Branch. Members were invited to sports nights every

fortnight. Indoor bowls was a great favourite and table tennis a close second. Other teams

raised by the Association were a bowls team, a soccer team and an attempted but failed bid to

form an RM Marching Girls team.

It wasn’t only sports that were played on these nights. For the less agile there were always

card nights or tombola and whist drives. Some evenings were given over to music or film

nights. At this time films were flown out by the RMA UK; the films were 8mm. These

nights were extremely popular with such films as ‘The Longest Day’, ‘The Battle of the River

Plate’ and the ‘Bridge over the River Kwai’.

There always seemed to be something going on for the Branch to enjoy in the way of

entertainment, amusement or just time out. There were car rallies, B-B-Qs, picnics, garden

parties, Christmas parties for both children and adults, mystery nights, ‘free and easy’ nights

and stag nights.

At one time the social calendar was so busy that a separate committee was formed just to

cope. This committee adopted the name, ‘Gangway Club’ for a time. Some of the most

enjoyable nights were those of the supper dances; that’s back in the day when people knew

how to dance. The first of these was held in April 1955. So much enjoyment was derived

from these dances whether they were tea or supper dances it made no difference. Added

pleasure was gained from trying out many of the dance floors in and around Brisbane.

Cloudland with its sprung floor was obviously a favourite but other venues for the Branch

included, Toowong Hall, Victoria Barracks, C of E Hall Kelvin Grove, Loyal Hope Lodge

Fortitude Valley, the Naval Depot on Alice Street, O’Connor’s Boathouse at North Quay, the

Orient Hotel, Lennons and HMAS Moreton where, for some time, dances were held every

third week. Jo Collins, who has been with the Branch since

its second meeting in 1954, told of a night at the Riverside

Ballroom where the entertainers for the Branch, had

travelled down from

Redcliffe, they were the

Bee Gees.

The Association hired

several dance bands

during this time.

https://www.google.com.au/imgres?imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcloudlandaustralia.files.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F02%2F2e519a7e-dd71-4dc6-bb0b-d5ab6eacc8461.jpg&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fnostalgiaandnow.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F02%2Fcloudland-ballroom.html&docid=uAGhA0kYdO8l9M&tbnid=ENdaPrvA9SEFCM%3A&w=712&h=482&ei=e4RIU5btAcmFkwX5w4GQAQ&ved=0CAIQxiAwAA&iact=c

A couple of bands

popular with the

Branch were Frank

Hurst’s Band and the

Hot Spots Dance

Band. There were

other venues but one of the highlights and certainly the largest dance ever organised by the

RMAQB came in December 1959. It was on the occasion of Queensland’s Centenary

celebrations. Elements of the ‘Far East Fleet’ were to

visit Brisbane. This news was the cause

of much excitement in the Branch. In

liaison with the Captain of Marines aboard

HMS Centaur it was arranged that the

RMAQB would host a supper dance for

Centaur and her escorts HMS Llandarff,

Sole Bay, Lagos, Finisterre and HMS

Alert on Friday night 11th December.

This was to be

held at Lennons,

George Street.

There were to be

two hundred and

fifty guests of the

Branch with the

officers, sailors

and marines as

guests of honour.

This was to be a

very busy

weekend for all

concerned. On the following evening,

Saturday the 12th December HMS Centaur

would host a cocktail party for six

hundred and eighty guests. This, of

course, included the members and wives

of the RMAQB. Both events were very

successful and enjoyed by everyone.

During the 1950’s and 60’s, when security was much less tight around the world than it is

today, notice of pending ship arrivals was readily available. The Branch certainly took

advantage of this. The RMAQB would contact any Royal Naval ships visiting Brisbane,

especially if marines were onboard, with a view to either entertaining the officers and crew or

visiting their ship. As mentioned previously much was made of the visit of the Far East Fleet

for the Queensland Centenary celebrations. However on many occasions, during the years

from the Branch’s formation until it went into recess in 1970, the RMAQB provided

entertainment for several naval ships. Several of these ships can be seen in the attached

photographs.

On one such occasion, 5th October 1970, when the ship HMS Caprice visited, a variety

concert was provided for the officers and crew. A party was thrown for HMS Bulwark and

when HMS Intrepid, with elements of 3 Cdo brigade onboard visited Brisbane a social night

was held at HMAS Moreton. It almost goes without saying that many of these functions were

reciprocated with invited visits to the ships; the officers, senior sailors or sergeants’ messes

plus, of course, the guided tour of the ship. These visits were not made just by RN ships

either. There were ships from New Zealand, the United States, India and of course visiting

Australian ships. In particular an invited visit to HMAS Sydney was thoroughly enjoyed by

certain members as they had served aboard before when she was HMS Terrible during WWII.

Many of these ships can be seen on the preceding page.

One of the highlights of ships visits was that of the visit by HMRY Britannia in 1963.

On the morning of 6th March, the

Royal Yacht Britannia steamed up

the Brisbane River in glorious

sunshine and tied up at 0945. The

Branch President, Mr Rod Croucher

and Mrs Croucher were our

representatives to witness the arrival

of H.M. the Queen and the Duke of

Edinburgh upon special invitation. The Secretary and Treasurer met Captain Neville and

Drum Major C Bowden at the wharf gates to finalise arrangements for the “Informal At

Home,” for all R.Ms, RMB and some CPOs at the club rooms, in College Road, for that

evening. Tentative arrangements had been made, in December of the previous year, by mail.

At 1945, dressed immaculately in white dress uniforms, our guests arrived led by Drum Major

Bowden and Sergeant Triggs. Captain Neville presented the Branch President a Britannia

plaque and he received a Queensland RMA plaque in return. The members were very pleased

to have the Scottish singer-comedian, Bill Raymond with them for the latter part of the

evening. Bill Raymond had arrived at the airport earlier in the day with Vera Lynn and Eddie

Calvert. Members of the Branch had been the only ones there to greet them. Vera and Eddie

were happy to chat with our members but later sent their apologies for not being able to attend

the function. Earlier when the arrangements had been made for the evening W. Clarence and

W. Webb had been taken to the Wardroom aboard the Britannia to meet some of the officers

They were to meet and present HRH the Duke of Edinburgh with a RMAQB plaque

especially made by Bill Webb. The Royal party were running late but

at 1800 the two Bills were escorted to the gangway. At 1815 the

Royal Party arrived back and by 1848 Bill Webb and Bill Clarence

were introduced to Prince Philip by Captain Neville. Bill Clarence

said, “Sir on behalf of the Royal Marine Association of Queensland I

would like you to accept this Queensland plaque as a memento of your

visit here.” The Prince in reply said, “It is lovely; thank you very

much”. He then spent twenty minutes chatting and joking with the

two Bills before saying, “thank you very much for coming, good luck

and good bye.”

Some of the best publicity ever garnered by the RMAQB was the

screening of the “Cockleshell Heroes”. This also resulted in five

new members for the Branch.

The film had its Brisbane Premiere on 30th January 1958 at the

‘Tivoli Theatre’, Albert Street. Members of the Queensland

Government, Australian service personnel and local civic

personalities attended the premiere. At the screening eight members

of the RMAQB formed a Guard of Honour; four either side of the

entrance and another member was wearing a sergeants dress

uniform.

The eight were dressed in their blazers, berets and wearing their medals. An eight page

programme along with a brief Corps history was to be sold at each showing of the film

however they proved so popular that by the end of the premiere all copies were sold out.

To coincide with the screening at the ‘Tivoli’ one of Brisbane’s

grand department stores, ‘Allan & Stark’ in Adelaide Street,

gave one of their large windows for display purposes to be used

by the RMAQB for the run of the film in Brisbane. The display

consisted of a cockle, two model limpet mines made by Bill

Webb, one complete frogman outfit with flippers and goggles, a

holdfast, our RMA Standard, pennants, a set of miniature Royal

Marines, one mannequin in full dress uniform and another in

battle dress with commando flashes. A very impressive shop

window display put on by the Branch.

This was, however, not the only occasion the RMAQB was to

have a large window display. Brisbane, during the 60’s, had a

whole week dedicated to Britain. This week was aptly titled ‘British Week’. This took place

in April of each year. In 1964 British Week ran for a little

longer and commenced on April 8th and concluded on

April 18th. The Fortitude Valley store of Walton Sears,

now commonly known as Waltons, gave one if its

windows to the RMAQB to dress and display items

relating to Britain. The Branch had sent a request to RMA

London for something appropriate for display. Members

were exceedingly pleased to receive six period uniforms of

the Royal Marines. These were, consequently, dressed on

mannequins and displayed with other accoutrements

supplied by our members and of course the Branch

Standard.

However it wasn’t all darts, dances and displays. It had become a very hard working and

busy association. The Branch did not always work or play alone. Members, usually two,

attended such various organisational committee meetings and functions as the Combined Ex

Service Council, the Diggers Assoc, Darts Assoc, United Council of ex-Service

Organisations, the Australian Legion, Royal Naval Assoc, British Ex-Serviceman’s Legion,

the New Settlers League, the Ex-Imperials Assoc, National Association of Ex-Servicemen,

Anzac Day Committee, AIF Units Council, Toc ‘H’ Committee, the Australian Desert Rats

Assoc and the British Social Club Committee. It’s a wonder some people in the RMAQB

found time to go home; but find time they did. Three of our members at any one time took on

the responsibility of running, organising and

training the Grange Sea Cadets, supported by the

Association. Probably the best known of these

were Bill Clarence, Roy Leaney and Bob Kennish.

The two Royals in the photograph are Roy Leaney

and Bill Clarence. Once again an annual trophy

exists out there donated by the Branch for the best

cadet group on their sports day. This support

came to an end in 1969 with a dispute, not stated

as to what, with some of the parents of the cadets.

For all the work that the Branch was undertaking on its own and in concert with other

associations and organisations a certain amount of infrastructure was required. It’s a wonder

that a small office block wasn’t needed. The RMAQB was receiving so much

correspondence a post office box was acquired at the Brisbane GPO. Due to the high number

of phone calls to be made and received the Association was listed in the phone book. As the

Branch was doing quite a lot of fund raising in the way of Art Unions they registered as a

Charitable Organisation. It is little wonder that meetings were held fortnightly.

There was always so much to do; dances or sporting meetings to organise and various other

associations to deal with. As a result separate committees were needed to help with these

events.

Although extremely busy, with all that was being undertaken within the branch, it never lost

sight of the need to look after its own; as has always been the case with the Royal Marines.

There were several cases of extreme hardship, especially in the 1950’s, within the Branch

membership. These hardship cases were often given interest free loans and on the odd

occasion tobacco was supplied to those who could not afford the luxury. When reading this it

is prudent to remember that all members at that time were WWII veterans and times then

were very different to today. It is interesting to note at this time the Branch held a Tobacco

Licence. At the ninth

meeting of the

RMAQB it was

decided to contact

the Department of

Immigration. This was to inform them of the existence of the RMA in Brisbane with a view to sponsoring ex-marines coming out to Australia. This was no doubt prompted by articles that appeared in the daily newspapers and can be read here. Little did they realise the amount of work and time this would involve. Not that work or time was ever shirked when it came to the sponsorships.

According to the Branch minutes, between 1954 and 1970, over sixty families of ex-Royals

were sponsored from Britain to Brisbane. The rate of sponsorship was to be two families per

month. Three of these families still represented within the Branch today are the Eaves 1959,

Whitworth 1964 and Leaney 1965. Each family was met on arrival at the dock, plane or train

by a member or members of the Association. The families were provided with food in the

fridge, a job, accommodation and the basics to start a new life i.e. sheets, towels, crockery and

some kitchen utensils. All this was sourced and provided by the RMAQB. The Association

can be truly proud of itself for the selfless way in which it assisted former Royal Marines and

their families to settle in Australia.

It would be remiss not to mention the General Meetings and the AGMs of this earlier period.

Searching through the minutes it would appear that to finish the meeting at midnight was

nothing out of the ordinary and these meetings commenced at 1930. Perhaps the longest

meeting was the Annual General Meeting of 1964 that ran over two meetings and lasted a

total of six hours and forty-five minutes. Those who attended meetings back in those days

would know, but to save others from looking it up, the Chairman at that time was the

redoubtable Rod Croucher.

By late 1969 and into 1970

attendance at the meetings

was so poor that a motion was

passed that a quorum for a

meeting would be four and

five for an AGM. At the

October meeting of 1969 a

motion was put that the

RMAQB be discontinued due

to the lack of interest shown

by the members. It was

decided, however, that the

meetings should continue into

the New Year. The last

minutes recorded, prior to the

final meeting, was on

Wednesday 19th August, 1970.

A letter was sent out (see

opposite) to all members by

Secretary Roy Leaney at the

request of the President, Bill

Clarence. At the December

16th meeting there were only four members present. It was then decided that a holding

committee be formed and that the RMAQB would be suspended for the foreseeable future.

The Branch Trustees would be W Clarence and R Croucher. The holding committee would

consist of W Clarence, R Croucher, R Leaney, R Clements, W Webb, A Rose, C Grant, G

Lund and H Slater. The meeting closed at 2245. Sixteen years had come and gone. So many

happy memories of parties, dances, ships visited, people met and some sad memories of those,

from the Branch, who had passed on. Also not forgotten was all the hard work that the

members had undertaken and the hours given to fundraising. Also the many happy ex Royal

families that the Branch had settled in Brisbane were remembered.

This then is the conclusion of the first period 1954 to 1970 of the RMAQB but by no means

the end of the Branch or the Association.

Part two in the life of the RMAQ

On the 5th May 1981, after an eleven year hiatus, a meeting was held at the Port Office Hotel

on the corner of Edward and Mary

Streets in Brisbane, to reform the Royal

Marine Association Queensland Branch.

Rod Croucher, the last President and

Administrator whilst the Branch was in

recess, convened the meeting. Rod had

been very busy and had spent many

hours chasing phone numbers and

addresses of those he thought may be

interested in reforming the RMAQB.

The list to the left is the list

that Rod had to work from

to ensure enough people

were interested. The

meeting was scheduled to

be held at the UK Club in

Felix Street but the key

holder didn’t turn up so the

meeting was hastily moved

to the Port Office Hotel.

The meeting was opened at

1945. There were 18 in

attendance and as per the

Minutes these were

Croucher, Leaney, Rose,

Taylor, Dunn, Randall,

Batey, Johnson, Mathews,

White, Watts, Kelly,

Weston, Webb, Shaw,

Tiebney, Ward, Hilton and

Mrs J. Dunn.

At this meeting Rod

Croucher gave a résumé of

activities since 1970 and

how the meeting was

proposed by a few Anzac

Day marchers in 1980 and

subsequently seven people

had donated $5 each to

organise the reforming of

the Branch. An election of

officers was then held with Rod Croucher being elected as

President and Ralph White as Senior Vice President. No

Secretary or Treasurer was elected at this meeting. On the 3rd

June 1981 the second meeting was held at the UK Club in Felix

Street with 16 members present. Further elections took place for

those needed to fill the roles on the Executive.

Those elected were Roy Leaney as Vice President, Alan Ryman as Treasurer and from the

Minutes it was never made clear as to who the Secretary was. The

subs were set at $8 for the year. NSW RMA had donated $100 to

help with the reformation of the Branch. By the end of the first year

there were 32 financial members. Also the State Governor, Sir

James Ramsey had accepted the invitation to be our Patron. Commodore Sir James Maxwell Ramsay KCMG, KCVO, CBE,

DSC (27 August 1916 – 1 May 1986) served as Governor of

Queensland, from 22 April 1977 until 21 July 1985. Ramsay was one

of six surviving children; he attended the Macquarie Street State

School and The Hutchins School in Hobart. He proved himself to be

quite adept at what he attempted in these schools; he was successful

in becoming a cadet captain, excelled in Rugby, and was a high

achiever in academic and professional subjects. He graduated from

the Royal Australian Naval College at Jervis Bay in 1933 and had a distinguished naval

career. In 1945 Ramsay attended Royal Naval Staff College, Greenwich, England, and in the

same year married Janet Grace Burley. During World War II he served on British and

Australian ships in the Indian, Atlantic, and Pacific Oceans, and 1972 he retired from the

Navy. He served as Lieutenant-Governor of Western Australia from 1974 until 1977. Ramsay

married Janet Burley, a Red Cross welfare officer, on 24 November 1945 at the parish church,

Denham, Buckinghamshire.

Although we were nowhere nearly as nomadic as the years between 1954 and 1970 the

Branch, nevertheless, has moved premises on seven occasions. The following are a list of

those venues. On the 6th May 1981 the first meeting was held at the Port Office Hotel. The

second meeting took place at the UK Club in Felix Street in the City, unfortunately photos of

this venue do not exist and the street is

now nearly all high rise apartment blocks

Two meetings were held in Felix Street

before moving to a more suitable site at

HMAS Moreton. The meetings remained

at Moreton in New Farm until 9th October

1985 when they moved to the Caledonian

Club, Shafston Avenue Kangaroo Point.

The first meeting at the Caledonian was

held on 13th November 1985 and we

remained there for six months. There does

not appear to be any photos relating to this

club. The Branch then moved back to

HMAS Moreton holding its first return meeting on 10th June 1986. This was to be the regular

meeting place for the next five years until HMAS Moreton was closed and sold for

redevelopment by the government of the day. The last meeting was held at Moreton on 8th

October 1991. It was a sad day when we left HMAS Moreton as we had a very good

relationship with the CO, officers and other ratings. Next move was

to the Australian Legion Club in Church Street, Fortitude Valley.

This lasted for four years and it was a great place to have a game of

darts after the meeting and a few beers at the club bar. The next

venue was to be the longest in the Branch history. This was the

Missions to Seamen (Seafarers) at Hamilton. Our first meeting at

this site was on 10th December 1995 and we didn’t leave until 11

th

March 2007. This was probably the happiest time for the Branch as

we were to remain there for twelve years. It was a great venue

allowing us to have our own room and bar with all accoutrements. The room was called ‘The

Barracks’. It allowed us to have many of our plaques, pictures, posters and photographs on

display.

Unfortunately the reason we had to move from here was redevelopment once again. The last

meeting at the Seafarers was held on 11th March 2007.

From the Seafarers Centre to the Queensland Maritime Museum, where we now meet. The

QMM has quite a lot going for it in other ways. It is central for everyone, there is secure

parking and on such occasions as Remembrance Day we have the use of the quarter deck on

the HMAS Diamantina. We remain here for the foreseeable future.

To keep our association informed and in some cases educated we have needed our monthly

Newsletters. They haven’t always been monthly but have been that way since we reformed.

Newsletter 1958 Newsletter 1987

Newsletter 1988 Newsletter 1989

Sea & Land 1990 Sea & Land 1992



As can be seen from the illustrations of the front covers of our news letter cum Sea & Land

we have, over many years, refined our form of keeping members and others around the world

informed as to our comings, goings and doings. We have, over the years, had five principle

editors. The first was Bill Clarence and there are nine of his News Letters still in existence.

These span the period from April 1958 until September 1959. The cover of this first News

Letter is shown and has obviously been hand drawn. From there Rod Croucher took over as

Editor. At this stage the cover was dispensed with and printed in an A4 format. After the

reformation of the Branch Rod continued to do the News Letter and in the same format. In

November 1988 I took over as Editor and recreated the News Letter in A5 size. In 1989 I

once again changed the cover and the amount of pages and the content was increased. By

1990 the cost of postage over the period of a year was proving to be an impost on the

Branches funds. I managed to sell eight advertising spaces on the back of a glossy and slicker

edition of our News Letter and renamed it the Sea & Land (S&L). The advertisers more than

covered the cost of postage and printing. In 1992 our next Editor Tony Cude took over and

by 1994 it had gone back to the A5 format but retained its name. Tony obviously enjoyed and

took much joy in producing the S&L as he held on to the editorship until 2009. From 2009

until the present the S&L is in the very capable hands of Buster Brown. I might add that

producing our news letter, each month, is not an easy task and it is one that relies very much

on you, the members, to send articles, for inclusion, to the editor. When was the last time you

contributed to our Sea & Land?

Parades we do well. Ever since we have mastered the parade ground most of us have loved a

parade; especially if we are part of it. After so many years have elapsed since that early

training the marines and ex-marines, including our own members, are still the smartest on

parade. Many parades have been attended here in Brisbane by our members even before the

formation of the Branch in 1954. Since our reformation in 1981 not much has changed

although we are somewhat older and not as many of us can still march the distance. The

Branch has attended every Anzac Day march for the past 62 years. Even during the period

when the branch was at rest between 1970 and 1981 members still marched on Anzac Day.

On the first Anzac Day after reforming the Branch marched behind the Royal Australian

Navy Band. The march was from the fig tree in Eagle Street to the top of Charlotte Street.

In those days we were thirty plus strong on

the march but very much younger than we are

today. The marches from the old fig tree

ended in the mid to late 90’s. Now we form

up on the corner of Charlotte and George

Streets and wait for our place in the march to

come along. In our time we have caused a bit

of a commotion within the Anzac Day

Committee. In 1986 we sent a request to the

Committee in that we march at the head of the

parade in 1988; the Australian Bi-Centennial

year. Our argument was that as we were the

first troops to land in Australia it would

be appropriate for us to lead the parade.

Over a period of three meetings this was

discussed and after a ‘special meeting’

was called to discuss the matter it was

decided in the negative. The Branch

received a letter to this effect at the

March 1987 meeting. However we did

manage to stand out on the parade for

the year 1988 in that several of the

members wore vintage marine uniforms

on the parade.

During the years that HMAS Moreton

was still a naval depot many of our members attended the inspection and service there prior to

the Anzac Day march. This took place on the jetty at the base and as can be seen generally

enjoyed. Blazers were part of our uniform then

but in 1997 we changed to our present day shirt

sleeve order. This was to make us more

comfortable as the weather was invariably hot

on these days. The Anzac Day parade and

service are only one of many that we as a

Branch have attended over the years. In 1987

the Guards Association organised an Armistice

Day parade. The parade formed up in Little

Edward Street and then proceeded to St Paul’s

Church

on St Paul’s Terrace, Spring Hill. Some of the

associations that marched were, ourselves, of course,

the Guards Assoc, SAS Assoc, Dunkirk Vets, the

Paras and the French Vets Assoc. On the

presentation of the Standards at the altar there were

seven in number from the different associations. The

Armistice Day parades lasted until 1994 These two

parades and services, Anzac and Armistice Day, were

not the only ones we were involved with. There were

either services or parades for the anniversary of VE

Day, Dunkirk Memorial Day, US Memorial Day, VJ

or now known as VP Day.

Since 2007 we have held our own service for Remembrance Day in November on the Quarter

Deck of the HMAS Diamantina.

Another parade so important to members of the

Association is that of

any Royal who

departs for the parade

ground up above.

Not necessarily a

member of the

RMAQ but any ex

Royal who comes to

our attention.

Wherever possible we will attend the funeral and

if the family is in accord we will parade with the Standard and our members in uniform with

medals and we will also provide an escort for the coffin. If they are a member of our

Association and known to us we will also offer a eulogy.

The Following photographs are a random selection from Anzac Day parades we have

participated in over the years.

Anzac Day 1954

Anzac Day 1978 Anzac Day 1984

Anzac Day 1985

Anzac Day 1995


Anzac Day 2008

Anzac Day 2009


Anzac Day 2012

Anzac Day 2013

Anzac Day 2014

Several of our more official and ceremonial functions require the services of a Padre and Our

Association has been very fortunate to have had two very fine Padres. In March 1991 the

Reverend Philip Manktalow agreed to look after us spiritually and to attend services such as

funerals and

commemorations

as and when

required. Phil

remained with us

for six years. He

resigned in

September 1997

when he felt he

could no longer adequately tend to our needs as he was, by then, living on the Gold Coast.

Two months later we had a more than capable replacement in the form of Reverend Bill

Pearson. Bill also looked after the Seafarers Centre in Harbour Road, Hamilton. When Bill

took us under his wing we had already been holding our meetings at the Centre for almost two

years. Both our Padres have been there for us whenever we have needed them. Bill was

presented with his RMA Stole or Prayer Scarf on 9th November 1997 by President Tony

Cude. Bill remains with us today.

One of the most important items to any Regiment are their Colours. In this regard we are no

different with our Association Standard. On the occasion of changing our Standard we have

needed the services of a Padre as no Colours or Standard can be destroyed unless under threat

of capture and then it is mandatory to destroy them. When they have come to the end of their

service they must be laid up in a church. In any military organization carrying the colours or

standard historically acts as a rallying point for the troops and to mark out the location of the

commander. The origins for this go back to ancient Egypt some 5,000 years ago. However

the formalisation took place in Britain and Europe in the Middle Ages.

e

During the course of the Branch history there have been three RMAQB Standards. The

original standard was designed by Bill Webb, father of Jo Collins. Jo and her sister made the

standard on an old treadle sewing machine in the kitchen of their home. The two girls did all

the embroidery work by hand. The first outing for the Standard was on Anzac Day 1956.

Seen in this photograph is the first Branch Standard. On the left

are Peter and Jo Collins. To the left of Jo is Thomas Smith. At

the head of the table is Robert Jones and on the right of the

picture are Rod and Marjorie Croucher. By 1967 a new Standard

was required and was ordered at a cost of

$40. A service was held at St Mary’s

Church, Kangaroo Point on 7th April, 1968 to

dedicate the new Standard and to lay up, in

the church, the old Standard. In

recent years several attempts

have been made to discover the

whereabouts of the original

Standard. Neither the present

day clergy, nor the staff has any

knowledge of its existence. This

is extremely disappointing as

there is a protocol that has

obviously been ignored. After

service, Colours or, Standards are

laid up in sacred or public

buildings in order to maintain an

atmosphere of veneration. Colours

or Standards are not disposed of or

destroyed when their appearance

has deteriorated beyond

recognition, they are meant to be left to turn to dust as

do the bodies of the fallen who served them. The fact

that the Standard had been consecrated gave them an

aspect of sacredness, which could not be wholly

ignored when consideration was given to their

disposal. It is not then surprising that care was taken

to ensure that they ultimately reposed in the sacred

church of St Mary’s. How our Standard could just

disappear without any ones knowledge is

incomprehensible.

Our second Standard was eventually given to the Gold Coast Branch, then a sub branch of

RMAQ on 10th April 1985. The third Standard, the one we now

have, was found to be much more expensive. The cost to the

Branch was $350. However a quote to re-supply a new standard of

the same quality today would cost approximately $3000. This

Standard was dedicated at a service in Enoggera Barracks at 1130

on 21st April 1985. Above can be seen the order of service and the

photograph on the left is of the Standard being marched from the

church by the Standard Bearer Roy Leaney escorted by Tony Cude

and Harry Young.

As well as three standards we have had four Standard Bearers who

have borne the Standards for a period of time. The first was Gerry

Lunn ex Sgt PTI who lived in Toowoomba and was an instructor at Boys Town. The second,

who carried the Standard for 25 years, was Roy Leaney, one of our D-Day veterans.

The third was George Steel who carried our Standard for 20 years, veteran of the Cyprus

campaign and who took our Standard to parade before the Queen and the Captain General at

the Royal Tournament on 15th July 1996. This was to celebrate the 50

th anniversary of the

RMA. The RMA Chairman, Colonel R.F Preston reported in, ‘The Royal Marine Association

Newsletter 1997,’ “that 1600 members of the RMA attended the Royal Tournament.” He was

in the Royal Box when 71 RMA Standards, from around the world, including our own, were

marched into the arena. Each flanked by 2 escorts. They paraded in front of our Patron and

the Captain General. As this took place the Queen made a direct comment to the Chairman

and the Duke that the parade of Standards had afforded Her much pleasure not least the

unscheduled, as far as the tournament organisers were concerned, three rousing cheers as a

climax to the parade. As far as was known this was the first and only occasion on which the

massed RMA standards had been paraded in front of the Sovereign on their own and not as

part of some larger event such as D Day and the end of the 1939-45 war celebrations. Our

fourth and current Standard Bearer since 2012 is Julian Bates.

Returning to the early years of the RMAQB reformation

several of the members lived on the Gold Coast. This

obviously required quite a bit of travelling time to attend

the meetings each month. To alleviate this problem,

somewhat, the occasional meeting was held on the Gold

Coast at various venues. It was decided between the Gold

Coast members and the Branch that the easiest solution

would be to form a sub branch on the coast. To facilitate

this a meeting was held at the Grand Hotel, Labrador on

31st March 1984. The first official meeting of the new Sub Branch was held at the Southport

Service Club on 12th April 1984. In 1987 it was agreed that the GC should form their own

Branch. An appropriate donation was made from our Branch to help them get established.

For the first few years members of our Executive travelled to the coast a couple of times a

year to participate in their meetings. This was also reciprocated, on occasions, by GC

members. The two Branches also shared social events such as B-B-Qs and picnics and these

were most enjoyable events. However the feelings between the two Branches deteriorated

when the RMAQB was informed, by Central Office, that a letter had been received by them

from the GC Branch requesting that the RMAQB change our name to RMA Brisbane Branch.

This was done without any consultation with us. We immediately contacted Central Office to

inform them that under no circumstances would we consider changing our name. Later we

received a letter from the General Secretary RMA Major George Montgomerie that he agreed

with our stance on this matter and no name change would take place.

In 1998 there was a major disruption within the RMA which was to affect overseas Branches

around the world. As a result of advice received from the Central

Committee, that because certain financial regulations imposed on

the overseas branches, these would, in future, be considered

affiliated, autonomous associations. At the 14th February 1999

meeting of our Branch it was decided that we would become

autonomous and delete the word Branch from our title. A letter

was sent to the General Secretary, Captain Gibbs, following this

decision informing him of the outcome. In reply it was reported

that the Central Committee approved the change at their meeting

held on 20th February 1999. This then made us the first

autonomous RMA outside of the UK. At the same meeting of the

RMAQ it was decided that the word Branch would be removed

from our Standard. The other benefit to our association was that

we would, in future, be able to retain all of our subs. Although in

the first year it was decided to send ten percent of our subs to Central Office as a sign of

goodwill. Besides having to change our letterheads and our banking detail a new Constitution

was required and this was duly drawn up and presented and passed at the meeting in July

1999.

Further to the letter to the RMA Central Office over the RMAGC wanting us to change our

name there was another source of dispute that affected the two Branches. This was the setting

up of our website. In 2006 there was a discussion within our branch as to the merits of having

our own web page or should we join the Royal Marines Association Australia link run by the

RMAGC. Already on this site were the RMA’s of NSW, Victoria and WA. The cost to the

Branch would be $65 per annum. We were also in contact with a Tony Smith in the UK who

owned a web site called UKinOZ. He offered to set up a site for us for free although there

would be certain costs involved to lodge onto a ‘domain’. During this time our Secretary

Alan ‘Busta’ Brown drafted a ‘discussion paper’ for everyone in the Branch to consider which

way we should go. However an email from Peter Brooke, then President of the RMAGC, was

less than helpful in its attitude and language.

The email is as follows: Good Day Allan,

I would appreciate you accepting the attached email as part of your correspondence and

ensure its contents are given to your members at tomorrows meeting. I have always been

concerned as to how much of the subject is known by your members and has it just been

glossed over because quite frankly I find it hard to believe that members would knock back

the web site proposition if they knew the full facts and in particular the fact that an agreement

was reached with all RMA’s in 2003 and that by not going ahead they were breaching that

agreement and even worse breaking that bond which ties us all together……………… The outcome of the ‘discussion paper’ was that RMAQ would have its own web site and thus

remain autonomous. Alec and Margaret Crichton’s son Stuart volunteered to set up the site

for us. This was done in October 2006. Buster was to become the web site manager. With

little or no experience Buster did an excellent job. Later our present site manager, Terry

Aspinall, was to take over and make it into the site that it is today. There can be very little

doubt in anyone’s mind that we did the right thing going out on our own and that the site we

have today is the finest RMA web site in the world. Our web site is available to anyone who wishes to view it and this is happening more and

more often enabling others to contact us and to stay in touch with the RMAQ. As in our

previous life as a branch we do and have liaised with many other organisations and

associations. Despite the internet however as the years have passed the number of other

associations we stay in contact with are becoming less and less as these associations cease to

exist due to declining numbers. In the earlier years of our Branch, members, mostly from the

executive, attended meetings and functions with these other organisations. This very rarely, if

ever, happens today. The only meeting we have a representative at consistently is the ‘Anzac

Day Parade’ committee. Just to give you some idea of the associations we have corresponded with at different times

since 1981 they are listed here and this list is by no means definitive. The Wrens Assoc,

Guards Assoc, Airborne Forces Assoc, Red Berets International Assoc, Dunkirk Vets Assoc,

British Pensioners Assoc, Sandakan Memorial Foundation, Master Mariners Assoc, the Dutch

Marines Assoc, the VE Day Committee, the American legion, RM Historical Soc, the

Australian Legion, British Ex-Services Assoc, Royal Navy Assoc, Royal Air Force Assoc,

Commando Assoc, Sappers Assoc and our own RMA’s around the region. Despite so many

of these associations falling by the wayside we remain strong. The reason for this has been

discussed on several occasions and the conclusion is that of our Esprit de Corps and the

brotherhood that was so well established within us during our time in the Corps. Something that is done less today than in the past is the number of ships that we visit, as

Branch members. The reason for this appears to be twofold. The first is that the

promulgation of ships visiting has ceased to take place. The early cause for this was when the

IRA began blowing things and people up and as a consequence it was considered to be too

dangerous to pass out information on ship

movements. We in the Corps first experience this

when Deal barracks was attacked by the IRA. The

Deal barracks bombing was an attack by the

Provisional Irish Republican Army. It took place at

8:27 am on 22 September 1989, when the IRA

exploded a time bomb at the Royal Marines School

of Music building. The building collapsed, killing

11 marines from the Royal Marines Band Service

and wounding another 21. Lt-Gen Sir Steuart Pringle RM, later he went on to be Chief of

Staff to the Commandant-General Royal Marines in 1979 and Commandant-General Royal

Marines in 1981, was also targeted by the IRA bomb makers. Pringle was injured by an IRA

car bomb attached to his red Volkswagen car outside his home in Dulwich, South London as

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Provisional_Irish_Republican_Army

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_bomb

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Marines_Band_Service

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commandant-General_Royal_Marines

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commandant-General_Royal_Marines

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he went to take his pet black Labrador, Bella to the park for a run. One of the first questions

he asked was, “How’s my dog?” His dog, Bella, was unscathed but Pringle lost a leg in

the incident. Of course the loss of our Colonel-Commandant Lord

Louis Mountbatten who, despite security advice and

warnings from the Garda

Síochána, on 27 August 1979,

went lobster-potting and tuna

fishing in a thirty-foot wooden

boat, the Shadow V, which had

been moored in the harbour at

Mullaghmore. IRA member

Thomas McMahon had slipped onto the unguarded boat that night

and attached a radio-controlled fifty-pound bomb. When

Mountbatten was aboard en route to Donegal Bay, just a few

hundred yards from the shore, the bomb was detonated. The boat

was destroyed by the force of the blast, and Mountbatten's legs were almost blown off.

Mountbatten, then aged 79, was pulled alive from the water by nearby fishermen, but died

from his injuries before being brought to the shore. Others killed by the blast were Nicholas

Knatchbull, the 14-year-old son of his elder daughter Lady Brabourne; and Paul Maxwell, a

15-year-old from County Fermanagh who was a crew member. The second reason would appear to be the cost factor of ships sailing from the UK to us here

in Australia. The Far East Fleet had been disbanded on 31st October 1971 and this certainly

cut down on the number of British ships in the antipodes. Since the ending of the Vietnam

War American ships in our region have also become fewer. Between the 1990s and 2000s,

the American Pacific Fleet, formerly the Seventh Fleet, lost many of its larger units. Within a

few years after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Fleet lost all its aircraft carriers, and by

early 2000 only one cruiser remained active with the Fleet. By the end of the 2010s, the Fleet

consisted of one large missile cruiser, five destroyers, ten nuclear submarines, and eight

diesel-electric submarines. This then would account for far fewer visits from foreign ships

than in earlier years. We have however managed to visit four ships and these have been:

USS Truxton USS New Jersey (Grain Silos Brisbane)

HMS Ark Royal (Expo 88 Brisbane) HMS Rothesay 1983

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_McMahon_(IRA)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donegal_Bay

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/County_Fermanagh

The USS Truxton visited us in May 1982. We had to wait until 1988, the year of Expo, for

another visit and then we had two. The

first was the

battleship

USS New

Jersey which

several of us

had the

privilege to

visit on the 24th September. On the

same day HMS Ark Royal was tied up

in Brisbane allowing visits by some of

our members. Both these ships were

showing the flag of their respective

countries for Expo 88. Expo 88 also gave us, as a Branch of the RMA, the opportunity to

hoist our own Standard up the mast, so to speak. Not only did the Ark Royal visit but with

her she

bought the

Band of the

Royal

Marines who

on the 24th

September

marched the

length of the

expo site and

the crowd were enthralled. The Corps of Drums

also displayed a pyramid of drums on the quarter

deck of HMAS Diamantina To add to this we had been allocated a large space onboard the

Diamantina, in dry dock at Southbank, to set up a

display for

the Expo.

What an

opportunity

this was.

During

Expo 88

there were

15,760,000

visitors and

our display was to do us proud. Our display was

spectacular. The RMAQB had excelled with 93 different items of Corps memorabilia on

display. Many of these items had come from our existing display, on the Diamantina, which

was in the old Chiefs Mess. The display included uniforms, weapons, photographs, posters,

miniatures and much more. As can be seen by the photographs our members also took the

time to enjoy the Expo. Didn’t they dress well for the occasion!

The museum display had been aboard the Diamantina since October 1985. Many items had

been donated by our own members and other marines from around the globe. One of these

items was an RSM’s lovat green uniform donated by ex RSM Frank Agass, from Poole in

Dorset, who was a great friend of our branch. Unfortunately in recent years there have been a

couple of break-ins aboard the Diamantina and several items have been stolen and Frank’s

uniform was one of these along with a No1 uniform, donated by Roy Leaney, a pigskin belt, a

bugle and a Union Flag. The Royal Marine museum in Portsmouth was contacted and they

have helped replace many items we had stolen. The bugle and the lanyard attachment were

replaced by the School of Music.

We have found great satisfaction by forming liaisons with RMA Branches in the UK. This has

also helped us keep in touch. In May 1982 a ‘Chummy Ship’ status was established between

the Poole Branch of the RMA and ourselves. By September 1988 this had grown to a sister

branch status. From the minutes it would appear that our President Tom Challis and an old

friend of his and the branch ex RSM Frank Agass were the driving force behind the friendship

of the two branches. For many years now this has lain dormant. However in 1993 the

RMAQB twinned with the Plymouth Branch of the RMA. This has remained a strong

association since that time.

An acknowledgement of our

alliance was given in a

document drawn up, here in

Queensland, on the 330th

anniversary of the Corps.

This charter was signed by

Major General Nick Vaux

and presented to the

Plymouth Branch. In their

meeting rooms the Plymouth

RMA have a section

dedicated to our branch. Part

of this display is the

Queensland State Flag and a ‘Friendship Bell’ that was

sent to them from us. On the

60th anniversary of the RMA

Plymouth presented to us a

very fine plaque to

commemorate the Diamond

Jubilee. This has been

expertly boxed, for display,

by Roy Leaney.

At the

meeting

on 15th

May

2011 we

had a

visitor

from the

Plymouth RMA Don

Ligertwood. Don was over here on holiday and we were fortunate to have him visit us at our

monthly meeting. During the course of his visit Don presented our Association with a

memento from the Plymouth Branch.

On the left is a photograph of President David Hornby

accepting, on behalf of the branch, a gift to us. It is a lump of

rock and on top of the rock is a figurine of a Royal Marine. This

gift was a rock collected from Mt Harriet in the Falkland Islands

by Don’s son when he was working there replacing the surface

of the airfield. This is a very special gift to our branch and

reinforces our links to the RMA Plymouth. In return Tony Cude

made a plaque representing our branch that Don assured will

take pride of place on the wall at RMA Plymouth and I would like to thank Tony for liaising

with Don arranging for him to visit the Branch. This item is now on display at all our

meetings on the top table.

This is the wall at the Plymouth Branch of the RMA that is dedicated to the RMAQ.

It is now 20 years since the twinning of our two Branches and long may it continue.

It has long been the lament of our association that we have no-where to display our own

items. Over the years we have had many items given, donated or bought by our members.

The list is far too long to individually itemise but suffice to say that the majority of these

items consist of books, plaques, uniforms, paintings, prints, photographs and other

memorabilia. Although all these items have had their moment with our members and all have

been appreciated there are a few stand-out items worthy of note. In no particular order of

value or time-line these items are the ‘Rum Fanny” and tot measuring cups donated by Tom

Challis and the other most used item is the collapsible bar built for us by George Steel.

The Rum Fanny and several sober members

There is a splendid silver plated ‘Brunswick Star’, donated by Ron Sturzaker of the Plymouth

Branch and beautifully encased by Roy Leaney. There are several notable items presented to

us by our twin branch in Plymouth but these will be dealt with separately. Back in 1965 our

Branch purchased from the Admiralty a ships bell, ‘The Jutland Bell’. This was bought and

paid for by individual members and presented by them to the Branch on 29th October 1966.

These members were H. Slater, W. Clarence, W. Webb, K. Greeley, R. Leaney, R. Strong, A.

McArthur, R. Kennish, T. Husted, G. Jones, R. Ward and W. Edwards. These names are

engraved on the bell. The postage to Australia for the bell was not inconsiderable but paid for

by the Branch. This amounted to £15 14 shillings and 8 pence.

The Jutland Bell

Once again Roy Leaney has done an excellent job of mounting the bell on its own stand. The

history of the bell is that it was from a ship that never was as related in an article in our own

Seal & Land of October 1996 by Tony Cude. It was one of 24 ‘Battle’ class destroyers laid

down between 1944-1946 which were designed for operations in the Pacific; HMS Jutland

was originally named Malplaquet and was laid down at Stephen’s Yards on 20th February

1946. Sixteen of these orders were

cancelled before completion due to

the Japanese surrender, Jutland was

one of these.

Probably the most outstanding item

we have ever been presented with is

‘The Netherlands Liberation Plate’.

On Wednesday the 10th May 1995 a

delegation led by the President

Tony Cude, attended a presentation

ceremony at the Netherlands

Consulate in Brisbane. The

presentation was of a specially

commissioned Delft plate to honour

those services who contributed to

the liberation of The Netherlands

and also The Netherlands East

Indies.

Those members accompanying

Tony were Roy Leaney, who served

at the Walcheren Landing in

Holland.

Doug Alexander who served with 46 Commando in its drive through Holland and Germany

and Ted Bates who served in The NE1 with Naval party 2482 as those islands were also

liberated. The magnificent inscribed plate was presented by the Honorary Consul for The

Netherlands, Mr Kasper Kuiper who is a retired naval captain. Opposite is a letter from His

Royal Highness Prince Bernhard of The Netherlands.

Ted Bates Roy Leaney Kasper Kuiper Doug Alexander Tony Cude

HRH Duke of Edinburgh

HRH Prince Bernhard

The inscription on the reverse of the plate reads:-

“Gratitude”

An initiative on behalf of

The Dutch people of

Foundation Fundraising

Military victims

National Committee 4 and 5 May

Committee “Thank you Liberator”

It hasn’t all been donations to our association. We have on many occasions given items, time

and or money to worthwhile causes. There have been many charities, funds and memorials

that the RMAQ has contributed to. However the one with most historical relevance to us, as

marines, is the memorial plaque to the First Fleet Marines. In the Sea & Land of February

1996 the following appeal was made by the then President and S & L Editor Tony Cude:-

FIRST FLEET MARINES MEMORIAL.

AN APPEAL FROM THE PRESIDENT

The part performed by our Corps, not only in the founding of this nation but also in its early

free settlement, is known to us as marines, even if it is not so well known by the average

Australian, with those who do know of the First Fleet marines often confusing them with their

successors, the NSW Corps.

What is not well known is the fact that there does not exist, in this country, a monument or

memorial to those of our corps who came with the First Fleet to found this nation. There is a

monument in the Rocks area of Sydney, supposedly, to the First Fleet but regrettably this

granite obelisk has carved in its three faces a convict, a sailor and a soldier in the uniform of

the NSW Corps of 1802.

This Branch, in partnership with the NSW Branch, in a desire to correct this anomaly intends

to launch a worldwide appeal, through the Globe & Laurel, for donations from all branches of

the RMA as well as individual members to have a cast bronze memorial tablet to their

memory. The tablet, we hope, will be placed either in the Rocks or in the old garrison church

in Sydney. We are aiming for the dedication ceremony to take place at the time of the

Canberra RN/RM/WRNS Reunion in 1997 so that as many members of the RMA as possible

will have to opportunity to be present.

The design of the 420mm x 300mm tablet is quite simple consisting of the current corps

insignia, chosen because we have been advised by a member of the Royal Marines Historical

Society that there was no specific marine badge at that period other than an anchor worn on

the belt plate. The use of the crest will also help emphazise the connection between the

marines from 1788 and the Royal Marines and RMA today. The words are those written by

David Collins, Captain Royal Marines, Judge Advocate and Secretary of the Colony.

The target for the memorial fund was set at $4000 and the funds began to role in from not

only our own members and all the branches in Australia and NZ but from many branches and

individual members around the world. These included a donation of £200 from the RMA

Central Committee and a $1000 grant from the Dept of Veterans Affairs here in Australia. It

had been decided by November 1996, by our members, that Sydney would be the most

appropriate site for this memorial. The NSW authorities were contacted as to where a

historically significant site could be found. It was decided that the Garrison Church at Millers

Point would be the most appropriate site. This then had to be negotiated with the church and

approval given by them. The design had to be submitted to the church council and approval

given by the Archbishop of Sydney. The original plaque was to read as per the following.

The final design is the one on the right. The change was required by the church because they

place a limit of 60 words on such plaques and the size was also altered to fit their

requirements and is now 30cm x 30cm. The rector informed the branch that a meeting would

be held by the church committee early in May and as a consequence all was approved and the

Dedication Service would be held on 28th January 1998.

The report of the dedication service written by Tony Cude appeared in the S & L of February

1998. Here is part of that report:-

At 0940 hrs, in the brilliant sunshine of a hot Sydney morning some forty odd members of the

NSW and Qld Branches of the Association in full dress, with shoes and medals gleaming and

berets at the approved 1 inch above the eyes, paraded with their standards, the Nation flags of

Australia and the United Kingdom and the White Ensign in Argyle Street, Sydney.

Promptly at 0945, led by the NSW Corps of Drums we stepped off to march the short distance

to the Holy Trinity (Garrison) church. The salute was taken by Major Ian Dunn RM who had

taken time off from his busy schedule as an Amphibious Operations Instructor to the RAAF

Station at Williamstown, near Newcastle to represent the serving Corps at the ceremony.

At 1000, the exact time, when 210 years ago the 28th January 1788, the marines that had

accompanied the First Fleet finally began to disembark from their ships to set up camp close

to where the Garrison church now stands. The standards were marched in and the Service of

Dedication conducted by the Reverend Brian Seers, Rector of the church began with the

singing of the anthem, “God Save the Queen”. The first lesson, taken from the Old

Testament was read by Ted Bates, Secretary

of the Qld Branch and the second by Dennis

Emerton, Immediate past President of the

NSW Branch. Prayers were said for the

Queen and the Royal family, those in

Government and for those in need and

finally for the Association.

Following the bestowing of Grace by the

Reverend Seers, Major Dunn read the

Reason D’être I had the privilege of

introducing Mrs Cecily Nielsen, a direct

descendent of Private William Tunks, a marine of the First Fleet and invited her to unveil the

memorial. John Satchwell, President of the NSW Branch played the “Last Post”, Dennis

Emerton spoke the Ode to the Fallen and John sounded “Reveille”. The service then

continued with the hymn “Onward Christian Soldiers” a sermon by the Reverend Seers, the

hymn “Jerusalem”, the Act of Dedication, the Benediction and the singing of the “National

Anthem”. The Standards were then received from the chancel steps and retired to the west

door of the church. The service concluded with singing of “Land of Hope and Glory”.

The unveiling of this memorial to the marines of the First Fleet in Australia was only made

possible by the generosity of those RMA Branches, Officers and Senior NCOs messes of the

Corps and the individuals who gave so willingly of their funds. To them I say thank you, not

just for your financial support but for showing the Esprit-De-Corps that made the Corps and

the Association what it is today.

This had, of course, given the RMA’s in Australia a common cause in which to unite.

Another fairly regular coming together was the re-unions. It was to be every year but this

didn’t always work out and now due to the high cost of travel and accommodation they

seemed to have come to a stop altogether. However in 1989 RMAQ in Brisbane was to

become the hosts. After many years of RM/RN/WRNS re-unions in other states, principally

SA, NSW, VIC, Canberra and Auckland, New Zealand, it was

proposed at the July meeting in 1988 that we should hold the

next re-union in 1989 here in Brisbane. The Branch was given

time to consider this as it was a large undertaking. The Branch

gave the go ahead for the event at the August meeting. It was

suggested, at the time, that a committee be set up to organise the

re-union. Peter Collins as the mover stated that he would do the

ground work and when he thought a committee was required he

would let the Branch know. The committee was subsequently

formed in February 1989 and consisted of Peter as Chairman and

Alan Ryman, Norm Coombes, Arnold Rose and George Fogg.

Initially the dinner and gala ball was to be held at Lennons but a

larger venue was required and this was to be the Grand Ballroom

at the RNA Showgrounds. Representatives came from all Branches of the RMA, RN and

WRNS Associations throughout Australia and New Zealand attended with their Standards. In

all 193 people attended the dinner and ball. The Royal Australian Navy dance Band filled the

ballroom with the appropriate music for the evening. Of course the ball was not the only

function provided by the branch as on the Friday evening a welcoming evening was held at

the RSL HQ in New Farm with several different coach trips organised for the Saturday taking

visitors and members around the Brisbane area. On the Sunday morning, following the ball,

there was a farewell B-B-Q at HMAS Moreton.

All in all it was agreed by everyone that the whole weekend had been a resounding success.

Credit must go to Peter Collins and his redoubtable committee for this success. As can be

seen from the Expenditure sheet for the re-union it was, even then, a very expensive exercise.

Apart from the First Fleet memorial in

the 90’s we also participated in another

memorial

closer to

home. In

November

of 1994 a

meeting was

called by

the Brisbane

Lord Mayor, Jim Soorley of all ex-service associations in Queensland. This meeting took

place on a barren hill overlooking the Botanical Gardens at Mt Cootha. The mayor spoke of

the Council’s desire to build a National ‘Australia Remembers Freedom Wall’. This

monument was to commemorate all those who have bought peace and freedom to Australia

and the Pacific. The wall was to be built on the spot

where we were meeting that day. It was to be part of the

50th anniversary of the end of World War II. I attended

this meeting on behalf of the RMAQB and was very

pleased to find that any ex-service personnel or

association could purchase a plaque for the wall to be

displayed in perpetuity. Our Branch decided that a plaque

commemorating Royal Marines who had served in the

Pacific theatre of war would be appropriate so this was

then purchased and now resides on the Wall of Remembrance. I and other ex Royals have

also purchase plaques in memory of loved ones or mates. These plaques can be seen on any

day in the Botanical Gardens at Mt Cootha. The wall itself was unveiled by Lord Mayor Jim

Soorley on 11th November 1996.

Apparently Australia is still seen as a challenge for some members of the Corps. In 1982 four

marines, one being our own Bill O’Donnell, undertook to cycle across Australia, for charity,

from Perth to Sydney. This was

no mean feat covering 4,500kms.

It was to be called, and rightly so,

‘Expedition Nutty Pom’. This ride

was to be repeated by Bill, now a

Lt Col in the Australian Army,

once again for charity, in 2012.

With the motto ‘One team, One

Country, One Cause’ they raised

funds for wounded servicemen

and women. With a team of eight and support staff. There were two ex bootnicks and six

Australian Army personnel, seven if you count Bill in both roles as ex bootie and regular

Australian Army. The Ride4Recovery Team left

Perth on 12th October 2012 and arrived in

Sydney’s Martin Place on 11th November 2012,

Remembrance Day. A successful job well done

and a job done well.

Apart from Bill O’Donnell, who is a member of

the RMAQ and the nutty pom boys from 1984,

we have, over the years, had many occasions to

welcome guests to our

Branch. In 1985 more

marines accepted a challenge in Australia. At the end of 1984 it was

announced, in the news papers that ten marines, from the Commando

Logistical Regiment in Plymouth, would attempt to cross the Simpson

Desert to Alice Springs and then continue on across the Gibson Desert

to Perth. During the attempt that took four weeks none of the four

Land Rovers survived the trip. The marines

did, however, make it to Perth. For some

reason eight of the ten marines ended up in

Brisbane which gave us the opportunity to give

them a warm welcome in the form of a party at

Norm and Pegs on 11th May 1985. A great

night was had by all, some more than others, but

no names no pack drill. Pendants were

exchanged and everything in sight was signed by our guests.

11

th May 1985

The challenge of Australia was not always a team event. In July

of 1986 our own George Steel, at the age of 48, ran in the Gold

Coast Marathon. His time was remarkably good running the

marathon in 3 hours 6 ½ minutes. As can be seen from the

photograph George is wearing a branch t-shirt giving us some

very valuable mileage; excuse the pun.

We always make visitors most welcome and some have come

from far and wide. One of the regular visitors to us was George

Jackson one of the last surviving members of the RMLI. George

was a member of the Victorian RMA but visited

us when he came to Brisbane to visit his family.

George was a real gentleman and well respected

by all who knew him. The records would indicate

that George’s last visit to us was at the meeting of 14th July 1987. Visitors

from around the world have continued to visit us over the years. This of course

includes many a visit from Branches in Australia and New Zealand with

‘Ticker’ Ayling from NZ being notable in his visits. So notable that he

managed to keep some discipline on the Anzac Day parade 2012. It’s always a

pleasure to have a DI or DL on parade that knows which foot goes with what

order. It just seemed for us, on parade that day, that our shoulders were just

that much squarer and our heads just that much higher. Thank you Ticker!!

In March of 1991 Major General Sir Jeremy Moore KCB, OBE, MC & Bar, Colonel

Commandant of the Royal Marines was in Brisbane to attend a Defence Media Conference.

Some of our members acted as ushers for the Generals speech at the conference. Sir Jeremy

was invited to join us for a BBQ at President Tom and Margaret Challis’s home in Kingston.

As the general was due to leave Brisbane the night before the party the Branch paid for him to

stay an extra night at the Royal On The Park, in

Alice Street opposite, the Botanical Gardens. Sir

Jeremy was more than happy with this

arrangement. I was designated to collect Sir

Jeremy from the hotel and drive him to the party.

I was assigned the job as driver because at that

time I was driving a very nice Jaguar and this

was thought to be an apt mode of transport for

our distinguished guest. On arrival at the hotel I

was met by three very serious looking gentlemen

in plain clothes. Two introduced themselves as

Federal police officers and the other one, who

was very British, was introduced but with no acknowledgement as to whom he was working

for. Due to the IRA still being very much on the radar at the time I was instructed that there

would be two other vehicles with me and if the

vehicle behind me flashed his lights I was to drive

as fast as I could go. When I mentioned a speed

limit on the freeway I was told that not to worry

about any speed limits. Fortunately or

unfortunately I didn’t have to put this to the test.

Whilst driving to Tom and Margaret’s Jeremy

Moore could not have been more friendly if had he

been a squadie. He really was one of the boys

when away from official business. On arrival at

Kingston two of the security officers joined in the

party but there was always a third in the street.

Having said that we the members of the branch and Sir Jeremy had a wonderful night.

The General gave a short speech in response to a welcome from President Tom and he spoke

about the Corps and its purpose in the world at that time. At the end of the evening Sir

Jeremy was most reluctant to leave as he was enjoying himself so much. Many of the

evening’s conversations revolved around the Falklands War where the General was made

ground commander when he arrived in the Falklands aboard HMS Antrim on 30th May 1982.

He was later to accept the Argentine commander, General de Brigada Mario Menéndez’s

surrender in Port Stanley on 14th June 1982.

On the evening of Monday 4th October 2004 we had the honour and

privilege of hosting another Royal Marine General the CGRM, Jim

Dutton. The reception for the Commandant General and his staff was

held at the Stamford Plaza Hotel, formerly The Heritage Hotel, between

1700 and 1900. With the backdrop

of the river stretching from the

Story Bridge to the floodlit cliffs

above the old Naval Stores it was a perfect setting. Just

before leaving for another official function at the

Queensland Club General Jim Dutton remarked to our

President Tony Cude that it had been a most enjoyable

evening. It was the first time on his visit to Australia

where he had been able to

relax, share a beer and chat

with ex Royals and their

wives without formalities and prepared introductions and long

winded speeches. The only formalities for the evening were

when Roy Leaney presented General Dutton with a hand crafted

inscribed plaque as a memento of his visit to Queensland and

when the General presented an inscribed Corps plaque to

President Tony Cude. The CGRM was escorted on the evening

by Colonel’s Bill Dunham, Will Taylor, Lt Col Garth Manger and Group Captain Steven

Duffill RAF of the Consulate staff all who agreed that it had been a most pleasant evening.

The only sour note from the evening emerged some months later in a letter to the editor of the

Globe and Laurel from the President and Secretary of the Gold Coast RMA, Peter Brooke.

This letter complained that the RMAGC Branch had not been invited to the evening with the

CGRM. This was patently untrue in that he had had a personal invite from President Tony

and told that he could bring two others with him. Later Peter told Tony that there would be

eight there on the evening from the Coast. This was put to a meeting and due to the lack of

room at the venue it was decided to withdraw the invitation. That withstanding Tony still

invited Peter as a personal guest but this was declined. This letter to the G & L did nothing to

improve the relationship between the two Branches. This is an unfortunate situation in that

we of the Corps are all brothers and it would appear that sometimes personalities get in the

way. Not that that doesn’t happen in all families occasionally of course.

Another visitor of note and our guest at the Corps birthday celebrations in 2010 was Brigadier

Taylor RM. The following is an extract from the November 2010 Sea & Land by Buster:

And a many happy returns it was too! I refer of course to the 346th year of our Corps

existence and our RM Corps Birthday Luncheon on 31st October at the Old Officers Mess,

Victoria Barracks. The excellently prepared and presented lunch was well attended by 60

people, including our honoured guests. Our guests were Brigadier W.J. Taylor OBE RM, the

Defence Advisor, British Consulate, Canberra, Capt. Kasper Kuiper, Honorary Consul,

Netherlands Consulate, Brisbane and Mr. Ian Jempson RAN (Retd), CEO Queensland

Maritime Museum, Brisbane. Our members scrubbed up well in their flannels and blazers

displaying impressive arrays of medals and awards from all eras and parts of the world.

It was a magnificent day, and as normal, only due to the stirling efforts of a few people behind

the scenes who worked very hard to make the function the success that it was. They were Sgt

Brad Millen ARA, our skilled chef, Bill and Carol O’Donnell for their assistance in the

preparation, final set up and for hosting Brigadier Taylor. Thanks also to our hardworking

ladies; Jo Collins, Glenda Brown and Audrey Knowles. If I have missed anyone, I humbly

apologise. I must also thank the lads who made an emergency dash for a beer resupply. Well

done Sam and Julian!

Our guest and keynote speaker, Brigadier Taylor, gave an

interesting and enlightening speech in relation to the future of

the corps after the recent Strategic Defence and Security

Review (SDSR). I believe he managed to allay a lot of

concerns as to our continued role and future within the

defence force. Whereas we all accepted that the corps would

be affected by the defence cutbacks, we are relieved that we

will still remain as an integral part of the Royal Navy. A

major element will of course be the reduction of the number

of ships that carry/employ Royal Marines. We shall have to

wait and see as more detail becomes available.

It was apparent that our guests enjoyed mingling and talking

to our members and were impressed by the amount of

experience and history collectively retained within the

RMAQ. The photograph shown is of the Brigadier and Betty

Leaney cutting the birthday cake with an ever watchful Roy keeping an eye on proceedings.

It is always a pleasure of the first degree to have visitors to our association and even more so

when they are from our Corps. I’m sure we can look forward to many more such occasions in

the future.

If there’s one thing we really, really know how to do well and have done since 1954 it’s

enjoying ourselves. This can be seen by the following two pages of, once again, random

photographs taken over the years. Even when in the Corps and it’s no different now it hasn’t

taken much of an excuse to have a party and of course some know how to do it better or more

thoroughly than others. You may notice that no names have been mentioned in relation to

this. Even some of our members who must have joined back in Victoria’s time still seem to

be able to enjoy life to the full. Just kidding but it has to be said that even our meetings are

very enjoyable occasions and everyone seems to leave with a smile on their face.

To conclude this history of the Royal Marine Association Queensland I can think of no better

way that to go over the preplanning and events that took place on 1st November 2014. On this

day we celebrated the birth of our beloved Corps. The first committee meeting took place at

our then President, Dave Hornby’s house at Woody Point on 9th June 2012. Plenty of time in

which to organise but there was much to do and much work to be done. The initial committee

consisted of (President) Bill O’Donnell, David Hornby (Chairman), Gail Hornby (Treasurer),

Carol O’Donnell (Secretary), Tony Eden as (QM), Tony Cude as (Liaison Officer), Cleve

Whitworth and Buster Brown as (VP’s). This committee was to change drastically during the

following 18 months. At this initial meeting a broad range of subjects were canvassed on the

best way to culminate in the birthday celebrations. Due to the fact that Sydney having a

national 350th celebration and several of our members were attending it was decided that we

would hold our event on the 1st November 2014. Possible venues were suggested and this

was left open for costings to be assessed. It was decided that it would be a formal mess

dinner and it would take place in the evening. All of the last few years entertainment had

taken place during the day because people found it more difficult driving at night however

this function was to be an exception. The official guests to be invited were to be the Premier

of Queensland and the British Consul. Amongst others, such as our Captain General HRH

Prince Philip and the Commandant General RM, we knew would be unable to attend. Fund

raising was to be a big part of the preparations and this was discussed. The most popular and

financially rewarding fund raiser we did was at Bunnings Hardware at Aspley where we held

a BBQ. This was a day where those that took part will probably never forget. It was great for

team building and left many of us with the feelings we had in the Corps of working for a

common cause and with a purpose. Those that came for a couple of hours stayed for the

whole day it was that sort of meaningful occasion. Tony Eden, our QM, had already begun

amassing quantities of merchandise for sale of 350th memorabilia. During the ensuing 18

months an awful lot of work, most of it unseen, was to take place to make the 350th a

memorable occasion for everyone. The changes to the committee during that time were Cleve

Whitworth to take over the Presidency and Chairman’s roles, President Bill had been drafted

to Afghanistan. David Hornby moved into the Treasurers role. Carol O’Donnell returned to

the UK for the duration of Bill’s draft. We were to lose Tony Cude when he passed away in

July 2014. The only two to remain in their original positions were Buster and Tony Eden.

We did however pick up two new members for the committee and they were George Steel and

John Kehoe. George and Tony, before he passed, worked on a magnificent stand to display

our flags on the night. Tony had also made a memorable plaque to be presented to the NSW

Branch of the RMA during the Corps birthday in Sydney. Dave Hornby would do this.

Invitations would be prepared and sent out to the four

corners. Every member in our association received a

invitation. An

invitation in the

form of a letter

was also posted

to our official

guests for the

night. We did receive a very nice reply from the

Captain General through his aide. The Premier Mr

Campbell Newman was also unable to attend but he

did offer us a substitute which was the member for Logan Mr Michael Pucci and his wife

Anna. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise as Mr Pucci had seen 20 years in the US

Marine Corps and had seen active service in the Middle East. As a venue the Geebung-

Zillmere RSL Club was chosen because it was such a good fit for our requirements. Prices

from other venues were anything from $185 per head to somewhere in between. At $50 a

head Geebung RSL was a great choice.

RMAQ PRESIDENTS

1980-2014

Rod Croucher Ch/x 114018 Peter Collins CH/x 114372

Pres 1980-84 Pres 1986-87 Pres 1985 Pres 2001

Tom Challis Snr RMB/x 694 Tony Cude CH/x 5002

Pres 1988-91 Pres 1992-93 Pres 1995-00

Pres 2002-07

Buster Brown RM 24864 Dave Hornby PO 38606R

Pres 2008-10 Pres 2011-12

Cleve Whitworth RM22113

Pres 1994 Pres 2013-14

RMAQ EXECUTIVE

Date President Vice President Secretary Treasurer

1954 H. Slater R. White P. Clarence L.Stevens

1955 H. Slater R. White P. Collins R. Croucher

1956 R. White H. Slater P. Collins R. Croucher

1957 R.White H.Slater P.Collins R.Croucher

1958 R.White P.Collins L.Stevens A. Michie

1959 R.White P.Collins W.Clarence A. Michie

1960 J.McGuire R.Croucher W.Clarence A.Smith

1961 R.Croucher F.West W.Clarence W.Webb

1962 R.Croucher F.West W.Clarence W.Webb

1963 R.Croucher T.Smith W.Clarence W.Webb

1964 F.West R.Mason K.Crocker W.Webb

1965 R.Croucher R.Mason W.Clarence W.Webb

1966 W.Clarence W.Webb K.Greeley R.Croucher

1967 F.West W.Webb E.Husted R.Croucher

1968 W.Clarence W.Webb R.Leaney R.Croucher



1981 R.Croucher R.White A.Ryman

1982 R.Croucher T.W Challis G.Loudon A.Ryman

1983 R.Croucher R.White A.Miller R.Ryman

1984 R.Croucher R.White A.Miller R.Ryman

1985 P.Collins R.White B.Wren A.Ryman

1986 R.Croucher R.White B.Wren A.Ryman

1987 R.Croucher R.White N.Coombs A.Ryman

1988 T.J.Challis R.Leaney R.Croucher A. Ryman

1989 T.J.Challis P.Collins C.Whitworth E.Bates

1990 T.J.Challis P.Collins C.Whitworth R.Russell

1991 T.J.Challis P.Collins C.Whitworth R.Russell

1992 A.Cude H.Young E.Bates R.Russell


1994 C.Whitworth R.Croucher E.Bates R.Russell


1996 A.Cude H.Harkins E.Bates R.Russell

1997 A.Cude R.Croucher E.Bates R.Russell

1998 A.Cude R.Croucher E.Bates R.Russell

1999 A.Cude P.Collins E.Bates R.Smith

2000 A.Cude P.Collins E.Bates R.Smith

2001 P.Collins R.Russell E.Bates R.Smith

2002 A Cude P.Collins E.Bates R.Smith

2003 A Cude P.Collins E.Bates R.Smith

2004 A Cude P.Collins E.Bates J.Wells

2005 A Cude P.Collins A.Brown J.Wells

2006 A Cude A.Crichton A.Brown J.Wells

2007 A Cude A.Crichton A.Brown J.Wells

2008 A Brown A.Crichton G.Brown J.Wells

Date President Vice President Secretary Treasurer

2009 A Brown A.Crichton G.Brown J.Wells

2010 A Brown A.Eden G.Brown J.Wells

2011 D.Hornby C.Whitworth J.Holder J.Wells

2012 D.Hornby C.Whitworth J.Holder G.Hornby

2013 C.Whitworth D.Hornby M.Crichton G.Hornby

2014 C.Whitworth D.Hornby M.Crichton G.Hornby

MEMBERS

RMAQ 2014

Surname First Name RMAQ

No.

RMAQ

Type

Service or

Relationship

Remarks

Aspinall Terrance

(Terry)

231 Full RM 21414 Website

Manager

Aspinall Emily 232 Family RM Spouse

Ayling Dennis

(Ticker)

210 Full Po/x 5779 Ex RMANZ

President

Baker Tom 160 Full Ch/x 106727

Bates Julian 233 Full PO 42931V Standard

Bearer

Bates Mavis 219 Family RN Widow

Bek Bob 251 Full RM 23902

Bek Lorraine 255 Family Spouse

Brown Alan

(Buster)

171 Full RM 24864 VP Admin.

Brown Glenda 199 Family Spouse

Burrow James 252 Associate RN & RAN

Carr H.(Ray) 55 Full Ply/x 112313

Carr Michael 156 Family Son

Cassidy Ken 188 Full RM 15664

Challis Tom 3 Full RMV 204613

Clark John 211 Full RM 16030

Clarke Jean 130 Family RM Widow

Collins Jo 131 Life RM Widow

Crichton Alec 170 Full RM 24867 Steward

Crichton Margaret 200 Family Spouse Secretary

Cude Cynthia 138 Family RM Widow

Dyer Rick 215 Assoc RAN S120782

Eaves Jack 59 Full Ch/x 111853

Eden Tony 235 Full RM 17129 QM

Eden Lena 236 Family Spouse Social Sec

Eden Steve 260 Family Son

Eden Theresa 261 Family Daughter in Law

Gilbert Barry 240 Full RM 28882

Hammell Pauline 259 Family Daughter

Hepburn Eric 182 Full Po/x 106234

Holder Les 223 Full Ch/x 115952

Holder Jill 224 Family Spouse Welfare

Hornby David 229 Full PO 38606R VP (Exec)

Hornby Gail 230 Full WRNS 134769R Treasurer

Howse Peter 254 Family Son

Howse Lucy 262 Family Daughter in Law

Jefferies David 144 Full RM 13662

Kehoe John 104 Full RM 26559

Kelly Douglas 192 Full RMVFR203772

Surname First Name RMAQ

No.

RMAQ

Type

Service or

Relationship

Remarks

Kelly Liz 198 Family Spouse

Kiellor Les 181 Full Ply/x 5798

Knowles Kevin 185 Full RM 12907

Knowles Audrey 184 Family Spouse

Kuiper Kasper 246 Honorary Dutch Consul

Leaney Roy 2 Life Po/x 110850

Leaney Betty 213 Life Spouse

Long Keith 257 Assoc RAR(Cdo)

386732

Pres ACAQ

Mawby David 153 Full RM PO22828H

McAfee Kay 222 Family Widow USMC

Mitchell Graham 208 Assoc REME24534673 (CDO)

Murray Carole 243 Family Daughter

O’Donnell Bill 241 Full PO 37443F

O’Donnell Carol 242 Family Spouse

Osborn Nigel 247 Full RN Pilot

Pearson Bill 167 Honorary RAN Padre Chaplain

Pearson Lorna 168 Family Spouse

Penn John 105 Full RM 12684

Pray George 162 Full Ch/x 116505

Rose Arnie 6 Full Ply/x 106753

Russell Sam 218 Full PO 51822C

Ryman Alan 4 Full Po/x 104167

Shaw Craig 258 Assoc RAR (Cdo)

Snell Mark 256 Full RMFVR995312Y

Steel George 30 Full RM 132729

Steel Geraldine 217 Family Spouse

Taylor Frank 7 Full Po/x 117055

Tomkins John 14 Full RM 20782

Weir Alan 226 Assoc RE 24288533

Weir David 225 Full RM 23146

Whitworth Cleve 5 Full RM 22113 President

Whitworth Denise 221 Family Spouse

Wood Bill 209 Assoc (Grenadier

Guards)

23252052

ROYAL MARINE ASSOCIATION QUEENSLAND

We honour those who have earned the title of Life Member.

Those members are:

EDWARD NAYLOR HAROLD SLATER

WILIAM GRAINGER JOHN COE

WILLIAM CLARENCE WILLIAM WEBB

RAY CLEMENTS ROY LEANEY

RODNEY CROUCHER RALPH WHITE

PETER COLLINS NORMAN COOMBES

THOMAS CHALLIS (Snr) ROY RUSSELL

TONY CUDE DOUGLAS ALEXANDER

EDWARD BATES THOMAS BAKER

We are also proud to have our Honorary Life Members.

Those members are:

HAROLD LEWIS (Branch Auditor)

Captain EUGENE FOXWORTH USMC

Colonel B.J. LUMSDEN RM

ROBERT McAFEE USMC

JO COLLINS

BETTY LEANEY

Members of the Royal Marine Association

Queensland who have Crossed the Bar

NAME No DOB DEPARTED Agass, Frank Po/x 3381 Unknown 10 Apr 2009

Alexander, Doug Po/x 110710 1 Jan 1924 15 Feb 2012

Allan, Laurie Po/x 110681 5 Dec 1923 10Sept 1994

Almeroth, Peter Po/x118408 13 Aug 1925 25 Sept 2013

Bangham, David RM 22655 14 April 1945 Unknown

Barber, John (RN) P/FX 98921 4 Jun 1924 Unknown

Bates, Ted (RN) P/JX 711722 24 May 1927 28 Dec 2008

Batey, Dick (RN) D/JX 200319 23 Nov 1906 7 Dec 1993

Bealing, Alan (RN) C/JX 549337 18 Sept 1923 Unknown

Begent, Eddie Ply/x 108580 6 Nov 1924 15 Apr 2012

Bennett, Arthur (RN) O/MX 729010 11 Dec 1917 Unknown

Bertie, Ernie (RN) C/JX 556421 28 June 1926 Unknown

Betiens, Claud (RAN) R 20723 26 Sept 1914 11 May 2000

Birch, Eric Ch/x 104780 17 Dec 1920 Unknown

Blake, John (RN) EX 5154 18 Feb 1917 25 July 1993

Bowles, Syd Ch/x 104286 17 July 1922 Unknown

Boyd, Ian RM 14637 25 May 1936 Unknown

Brandon, Don RM 17924 5 April 1940 Unknown

Brown, Dave (RN) C/SSX 948185 24 June 1937 19 Dec 2008

Brunt, Jim Ch/x 3632 20 Oct 1918 28 Dec 2001

Bryant, Ted Ch/x 115066 22 May 1926 Unknown

Bryson, Eugene RM 18965 7 Aug 1942 26 Apr 2009

Bush, George Po/x 3846 19 Oct 1921 22 May 2014

Challis, Tom RMB/x 694 15 Apr 1920 19 Jun 1998

Chapman, Bob RM 11374 28 June 1934 Unknown

Church, Daz PO 42965N 18 Apr 1962 8 Nov 2011

Clarence, Bill Ch/x 2884 29 May 1921 13 May 1992

Clements, Ray Po/x 4124 Unknown 1976

Cline, Hugh RM 13805 25 Nov 1933 Unknown

Coe, Bert (RMLI) Ch/x 16301 1 May 1890 Unknown

Collins, Peter Ch/x 114372 29 Mar 1925 30 Nov 2007

Coombs, Norm Po/x 105359 21 July 1923 6 Jun 2007

Cooper, Barry RM 15441 11 Jan 1940 Unknown

Cooper, Eric (RN) CH 903136 19 Mar 1933 15 Oct 1996

Cox, Reg Ch/x 113449 11 July 1925 Unknown

Croucher, Rod Ch/x 114018 4 Nov 1925 May 2001

Cude, Tony Ch/x 5002 3 Jan 1930 11 July 2014

Dabbs, Cliff RM 131066 10 Feb 1936 26 May 2011

Davidson, Tom RM 136794 30 Dec 1935 May 2011

Dodd, Roy EX 890T 28 Dec 1918 Unknown

Druitt, Bill Ch/x 18679 31 Dec 1897 Unknown

Drysdale, RM 129209 10 July 1923 10 Sept 2009

Dunn, Peter Po/x 112939 24 Sept 1926 9 Sept 2011

Dwan, John Po/x 2464 9 Dec 1919 16 Aug 2007

NAME No DOB DEPARTED Edwards, Bill (RN) P/QX 34732 18 Mar 1919 Unknown

Farley, Arnold RM 12211 12 May 1934 7 Jun 2007

Fogg, George Ply/x 113277 4 Jan 1926 14 Aug 1990

Fountain, Bob Ch/x 115360 28 July 1925 16 Oct 2012

Fry, Tom (RAF) 627163 31 Jan 1919 17 Jan 2007

Gamner, Derek (RN) D/MX 119556 12 Dec 1922 Unknown

Gerard, Gene (RAN) R 46200 13 March 1934 Unknown

Good, Ted Po/x 121131 23 June 1926 Unknown

Graham, Keith RM 19248 27 Sept 1942 9 Oct 2005

Grainger, Bill (RMLI) PO ‘A Coy’ 9949 14 Dec 1878 26 Feb 1958

Greely, Ken Po/x 5370 27 Jun 1925 23 Mar 2011

Green, Reg Ply/x 111737 30 Jan 1924 Unknown

Gunstone, Wilf Ply/x 100714 27 May 1922 Apr 1987

Haggart, George Po/x 116031 3 Aug 1923 Unknown

Harkins, Hugh RM 99975 2 Feb 1933 Unknown

Hawkyard, Mauri RMB/x 2276 11 Oct 1930 19 Oct 1994

Heath, Tony RM 10016 19 Apr 1932 Unknown

Higgins, Mark Ply/x 3144 22 Sept 1921 Unknown

Hilton, Charles (RN) C/JX 300331 21 Aug 1921 Unknown

Hinton, Fred Ch/x 113585 22 Nov 1924 Unknown

Holland, Ron Ch/x 119075 9 Apr 1929 4 Nov 2005

Holmes, Syd Ch/x 2118 15 Sept 1919 Unknown

Hooker, Arthur Ply/x 3942 6 Nov 1922 Unknown

Hopkins, Ken Po/x 127032 9 Jan 1928 Unknown

Howse, Bob Po/x 11962 11 Oct 1925 26 Jun 2013

Hudson, John Ply/x 113862 7 July 1925 6 Sept 2011

Hughes, David RM 15512 16 Oct 1938 Unknown

Husted, Fred Po/x 6592 28 Oct 1929 17 Aug 2000

Jackson, George (RMA) 1494 4 Nov 1898 24 July 1998

Johnson, Leo Po/x 113959T 23 Apr 1921 Unknown

Jones, Doug Po/x 2730 9 May 1920 Unknown

Jones, Trefor Ply/x 109602 9 May 1925 8 May 2010

Kennish, Bob (RN) P/JX 725178 21 Dec 1926 22 Sept 1998

Kerton, Frank Po/x 114865 31 Oct 1925 16 Sept 2003

Langdale, Geoff RMB/x 1238 Unknown 6 Sept 1989

Leavesley, Dick Ch/x 107397 11 July 1924 Unknown

Lewis, Fred Ch/x 116797 13 July 1926 8 May 2009

Longstaff, George (RN) X 19817A 23 March 1919 Unknown

Loring, Bill Ch/x 113292 18 Nov 1924 Unknown

Loudon, George Ch/x 114971 16 June 1925 Unknown

Lund, Harry Ch/x 4781 6 Aug 1920 Unknown

Machin, Rob Ply/x 105606 Unknown 12 Sept 1988

Maclou, Robbie (Sth Africa) 589899V 8 April 1922 23 Dec 2009

McAfee, Bob (USMC) 367882 18 Apr 1923 1 Mar 2009

McArthur, Archie Po/x 776 4 June 1894 1963

McPake, Mal RM 8257 4 Sept 1922 3 Mar 1988

Maguire, John RMB/x 1128 21 July 1922 Unknown

Major, Jack Ply/x 101253 20 Jan 1921 2 Nov 1967

Martin, Eric Ch/x 975 12 Jun 1916 Unknown

Mason, Bob (Capt) Ply/x 100977 1 May 1917 Unknown

Mathews, Fred Ch/x 23547 28 Sept 1900 22 Aug 1987

Middleditch, Stan Ch/x 1839 8 Jan 1923 Unknown

Mitchell, Ray Ch/x 100977 3 Nov 1920 30 Aug 2001

Mitchie, Alex Ch/x 109038 31 Jan 1909 19 July 1998

Mundy, Jack Po/x106175 26 July 1921 15 June 2014

Murray, Aug Ch/x 3320 28 Aug 1922 Unknown

Naylor, Eddie (RMLI) 5386 4 Nov 1865 26 May 1956

Newman, Peter Ply/x 106458 4 Jan 1924 Sept 2003

Newman, Ted (RMLI) Unknown 6 Mar 1905 10 Jan 1994

NAME No DOB DEPARTED Norcott, Jim Po/x 103171 4 Sep 1922 Unknown

Osment, Roy Po/x 2453 28 Mar 1920 Unknown

Perrett, Les Ch/x 101205 4 Feb 1920 8 July 1981

Powell, Doug (REME) 7619775 Unknown 13 Jan 2009

Purkiss, Jack Po/x 5605 9 Sept 1927 8 Feb 2010

Randall, Gordon (RN) D/JX 136900 4 May 1916 17 Jun 1987

Richardson, Dick (RN) P/J 930683 21 July 1938 Unknown

Roast, Reg (RN) C/SX 453985 5 Mar 1925 23 May 1980

Robb, Jim (RN) X 201214 9 July 1917 Unknown

Robertson, Bill Ply/x 112283 Unknown 2 Jun 2002

Rogers, Fred RM 10547 15 Mar 1933 Unknown

Russell, Roy Po/x 120785 2 July 1925 18 Jun 2014

Ryman, Vic (Capt) No197480 12 July 1914 Unknown

Shacklady, Tom RMB/x 907 15 Nov 1917 22 Jan 2006

Sharpe, Alan 13 May 1922 13 May 1922 5 Oct 1988

Shaw, Bill Ch/x 112495 8 Jun 2007 8 Jun 1989

Shettler, Jon RM 7545 6 Apr 1922 Unknown

Slater, Harry Po/x 772 10 Dec 1907 11 Nov 1976

Smith, Bert Po/x 103648 6 Nov 1911 22 Jan 2011

Smith, Fred Po/x 3890 Unknown 13 July 2010

Smith, John Ch/x 101389 7 Apr 1917 Jan 2009

Smith, Ron Po/x 101701 31 Oct 1922 12 May 2011

Smith, Tom Po/x 3606 10 Dec 1918 Unknown

Steel, George J Ch/x 102927 18 July 1910 10 Sept 1992

Stevens, Len Ch/x 1935 18 July 1919 11 Sept 1994

Stevenson, Fred Ch/x 109519 27 Dec 1924 Unknown

Strong, Ray Ch/x 1991 14 Jan 1920 Unknown

Sullivan, Bob (USMC) Unknown 6 Apr 1928 Unknown

Tant, Frank (RN) C/JX 151517 22 Nov 1921 1 Apr 1987

Thorn, Jim Ply/x 2100 10 Sept 1919 Unknown

Thorpe Harry Unknown Unknown 3 Nov 2005

Tilyard, Jim Po/x 107662 4 Jan 1021 Unknown

Vaughan, Glyn Ch/x 4312 12 Apr 1928 13 July 2014

Walker, Gerry Ply/x 4198 1927 17 Apr 1993

Ward, Ron (RAR) QX 4191 28 Apr 1916 14 Sept 2009

Webb, Bill (RAF) 1456203 29 Dec 1912 6 Jan 2006

White, Ralph Ch/x 105446 15 Mar 1921 27 Jan 2000

Whitworth, Arthur Ply/x 1982 6 Nov 1919 7 Aug 1992

Wicks, John Ch/x 1652 7 June 1919 15 June 2006

Wilkinson, Dennis (RN) CK/X 903076 Unknown 21 Aug 2014

Williams, John Ply/x 2803 4 Dec 1920 Unknown

Wilson, Laurie (RN) PSR 59086 25 Feb 1920 Unknown

Wood, Tom Ch/x 1660 30 Aug 1919 30 July 2006

Wilson, Norm Po/x 114351 Unknown 15 Nov 2009

Wilson, Vic RMB/x 3034 3 Oct 1910 7 Oct 1999

Witcherley, Henry (SAS) 1874661 26 May 1920 28 Nov 2011

Worsley, Cliff (RN) C.JH 150774 22 Feb 1921 Unknown

R.I.P.

Primary & Secondary Sources

The Royal Marines 350 Glorious Years:

Concept 350 Glorious Years-Beating Retreat programme 2014.

1664 Officer- British Sea Dogs. John Sinclair Ltd. Newcastle-on-Tyne. (cig card).p vii

1664 Marine- British Sea Dogs. John Sinclair Ltd. Newcastle-on-Tyne. (cig card).p vii

1704- Capture of Gibraltar. Fr Cannon’s “Records of the 4th

Regiment”.p vii

1704- Marine- British Sea Dogs. John Sinclair Ltd. Newcastle-on-Tyne. (cig card).pvii

1761-Marine-Britain’s Sea Soldiers. Col. C. Field RMLI. Vol 1.p viii

1775- Battle of Bunker Hill- Britain’s Sea Soldiers. Col. C. Field RMLI. Vol 1.p viii

1775- Marine- Britain’s Sea Soldiers. Col. C. Field RMLI. Vol 1.p viii

1778- First Fleet- Britain’s Sea Soldiers. Col. C. Field RMLI. Vol 1.p ix

1778- Marine- Uniforms of the Royal Marines-Charles Staddin.p ix

1805- Battle of Trafalgar- Christa Hook. Osprey publishing.p ix

1855- The Royal Marines (Light Infantry) Stamp Publicity, West Sussex.p ix

1804- Marine Artillery Companies. Stamp Publicity, West Sussex.p x

1915- Gallipoli- photo, Imperial War Museum UK.p x

1918- Zeebrugge- Britain’s Sea Soldiers. Col. C. Field RMLI. Vol 11.p xi

1944- Normandy- Commando. David Reynolds. Sutton Publishing.p xi

1944- Walcheren- Commando. David Reynolds. Sutton Publishing.p xii

1982- Falklands- Commando Forces News Team.p xii

2001-2013- Afghanistan. telegraph.co.uk.p xii

MARINES TO MEET. Telegraph, Brisbane, 24 Feb 1954.p 1

Fighters Uniters- Truth, Brisbane. 16 May 1954.p 2

Anzac Day photo 1954- RMAQ Archives.p 2

HMS Ark Royal photo. www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk. p 2

Harry Slater photo- Telegraph, Brisbane. 1st January 1955.p 2

Anzac Square photo. maps.bonzle.com.p 2

Eddie Naylor photo- Truth, Brisbane. 24th

March 1955.p 2

ANZAC 90 READY- Truth, Brisbane. 24th

March 1955.p 2

Carlton Hotel photo. downundas.blogspot.com.p 3

QUEEN IS PATRON. Telegraph, Brisbane, 23 March 1954.p 3

Sir Leslie Wilson and wife photo. Wikipedia.p 3

Normanby Hotel photo. tripadvisor Australia.p 3

Captain Foxworth USMC photo. Courier Mail, Brisbane.p 3

Col B.J Lumsden RM photo. National Library of Australia.p 4

Toowong Hall- Toowong Historical Society.p 4

Kangaroo Point Building- Truth, Sunday, April 17, 1955.p 4

Bulimba Brewery photo- John Oxley Library.p 5

Cloudland- www.mustdobrisbane.com. p 5

Bee Gees- copperraildepot.com p 5

BIG APRIL OCCASIONS- Telegraph, Brisbane 23 March, 1955.p 6

COMING HERE- The Courier Mail, Wednesday Oct 7, 1959.p 6

Lennons Hotel- postcard photo Sidues Series No848.p 6

Warships various- Google.p 7

Royal Yacht Britannia- www.computescotland.com. p 8

W. Clarence/Bill Webb photo. RMAQ Archives.p 8

Cockleshell Heroes- Tivoli Theatre poster. RMAQ Archives.p 8

Allan & Stark photo- www.chermsidedistrict.org.au. p 9

http://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk.p/

http://www.mustdobrisbane.com/

http://www.computescotland.com.p/

http://www.chermsidedistrict.org.au.p/


Walton Sears- www.flickr.com.p.9

Sea Cadets photo- Roy Leaney collection.p 9

EX-MARINE SEEKS HELP- Telegraph, Brisbane 1st June 1954.p 10

Wants to Migrate- Truth, Brisbane 20th

June 1954.p 10

MAN OF THREE TRADES- Telegraph Brisbane. 1965 Roy Leaney.p 10

CAN’T BE POLICEMAN- Truth Brisbane, November 1958.p 10

RMA Letter- Secretary Roy Leaney-RMAQ Archives.p 11

Port Office Hotel- Getty Images, News.com.au.p 13

Address List- RMAQ archives.p 13

Rod Croucher-. RMAQ archives.p 13

Sir James Ramsey-. Photo unknown source.p 14

Members at HMAS Moreton- RMAQ archives.p 14

Legion Memorial Club- monumentaustralia.org.au.p 14

Members Seafarers Centre- RMAQ archives.p 15

HMAS Diamantina- open.abc.net.au.p 15

Newsletters 1958-2008- RMAQ archives.p 15-17

Anzac Day parade- RMAQ archives.p 18

Members in uniforms- RMAQ archives.p 18

On parade HMAS Moreton- RMAQ archives.p 18

George Steel/Harry Young- George Steel collection.p 18

Members formed up 6 photos- RMAQ web site.p 19

Anzac Day 1954- RMAQ archives.p 19

Anzac Days 1978-2014- RMAQ web site.p 20-23

Our Padres- RMAQ archives.p 23

Standard Dedication- RMAQ archives.p 24

RMA Standards Royal Tournament- George Steel collection.p 25

RMA Standards Royal Tournament- Globe & Laurel.p 25

Grand Hotel- image source unknown. Google.p 26

RMAQ Constitution- RMAQ archives.p 26

Deal Barracks bombing- oralhistorynoticeboard.wordpress.com.p 27

Lt Gen Sir Steuart Pringle- independent.co.uk.p 28

Lord Louis Mountbatten- The Commons Getty Collection.p 28

USS Truxton- image seaforces.org.p 28

USS New Jersey- RMAQ archives.p 28

HMS Ark Royal Expo ‘88’- en.wikipedia.org.p 28

HMS Rothesay 1983- RMAQ archives.p 28

Logo World Expo 88- Foundation Expo.worldexpo88.p

Royal Marines Band Expo ‘88’- bbc.co.uk.p 29

RMAQ Museum display- RMAQ archives.p 29

Members at Expo ‘88’- Jo Collins collection.p 29

RMA Plymouth/RMAQ scroll- RMAQ archives Tony Cude.p 30

Diamond Jubilee plaque- RMAQ archives.p 30

Presentation Don Ligertwood/Pres David Hornby- RMAQ archives.p 30

Plymouth Branch wall- RMAQ archives.p 31

Rum Fanny and members- RMAQ archives.p 31

The Jutland Bell- Roy Leaney collection.p 32

Plate Certificate- RMAQ archives.p 32

Plate presentation- Roy Leaney collection.p 33

http://www.flickr.com/


Plate- Roy Leaney collection.p 33

HRH Duke of Edinburgh/HRH Prince Bernhard- aftermathnews.wordpress.com.p 33

First Fleet Memorial dedication- Sea & Land Feb 1998.p 35

First Fleet dedication- RMAQ archives.p 35

Australasian Combined Ops Reunion ball programme- RMAQ archives.p 36

Standard Bearers- RMAQ archives.p 36

Letter from Commandant General RM- RMAQ archives.p 37

Costings reunion- RMAQ archives.p 37

Logo ‘Australia Remembers’- brisbane.qld.gov.au.p 37

Memorial Wall- brisbane.qld.gov.au.p 37

Cyclists- Bill & Carol O’Donnell collection.p 38

IS THIS A RECORD- newspaper article unknown source. RMAQ archives.p

Logistic Reg Rm’s- RMAQ archives.p 38

Gold Coast Marathon- George Steel collection.p 39

‘Ticker’ Ayling- RMAQ web site.p 39

Major General Sir Jeremy Moore/ Margaret Challis/Jo Collins- Collins collection.p 39

Major General Sir Jeremy Moore/ Jo Collins/ Tom Challis- Jo Collins collection.p 39

Commandant General Jim Dutton- linkedin.com.p 40

CGRM’s party- Roy Leaney collection.p 40

Brigadier Taylor/Betty & Roy Leaney- Roy Leaney collection.p 41

43 photographs- RMAQ web site & RMAQ archives.p 42-43

RMAQ Presidents 1980-2014- RMAQ web site & RMAQ archives.p 47-48

RMAQ Executive. p 49-50

Members RMAQ 2014.p 51-52

Life Members- RMAQ archives.p 54

Crossed the Bar- RMAQ archives.p 55-57

Primary & Secondary Sources 59-61

RMAQ Prayer-Tony Cude.p 63

Royal Marine Association (Queensland Branch)

THE ROYAL MARINES PRAYER

O Eternal Lord God, who through many generations has united and

inspired the members of our Corps, grant your blessing we beseech thee

on Royal Marines serving all around the Globe.

Bestow the crown of righteousness upon all their efforts and endeavours,

and may their Laurels be those of gallantry and honour, loyalty and

courage.

We ask this in the name of Him whose courage never failed, our

Redeemer Jesus Christ.

Amen

royal marine association queensland

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