Welcome back. I hope you enjoyed Issue 6 .

In this issue we will be featuring:

• The 1970 Judd Cup

• Get Well Alistair Mackie

• Stan Bisset “Kokoda Wallaby”

by Andrew James.

The club has copies of this book

available for sale

Make sure you make your booking for

“The Brothers in the City Lunch”

Friday 13 July

If there is anyone you would like to add to the

mailing list let me know.

waughs@skymesh.com.au

Back issues of the Chronicles are now

available on the Brothers Website

http://www.brothersrugby.com.au/home/

chronicles/

Welcome to all past players and supporters

Player Profile Paul Campbell “Gunnedah”

Wallop’s Corner

Inside this issue: Player Profile Barry Artup

THE BROTHERS CHRONICLESTHE BROTHERS CHRONICLESTHE BROTHERS CHRONICLESTHE BROTHERS CHRONICLES A publication for the older CBOBA publication for the older CBOBA publication for the older CBOBA publication for the older CBOB

VOL 1 ISSUE 7VOL 1 ISSUE 7VOL 1 ISSUE 7VOL 1 ISSUE 7 JULY 2012JULY 2012JULY 2012JULY 2012

“Yeah mate I remember playing against CBOBS bloody hell you blokes “Yeah mate I remember playing against CBOBS bloody hell you blokes “Yeah mate I remember playing against CBOBS bloody hell you blokes “Yeah mate I remember playing against CBOBS bloody hell you blokes

just wouldn’t lay down” just wouldn’t lay down” just wouldn’t lay down” just wouldn’t lay down” –––– Tony Brunsden (RIP) Capt. Hunters Hill Kentwell CupTony Brunsden (RIP) Capt. Hunters Hill Kentwell CupTony Brunsden (RIP) Capt. Hunters Hill Kentwell CupTony Brunsden (RIP) Capt. Hunters Hill Kentwell Cup

BROTHERS RUGBY CLUB,SYDNEYBROTHERS RUGBY CLUB,SYDNEYBROTHERS RUGBY CLUB,SYDNEYBROTHERS RUGBY CLUB,SYDNEY

Vintage Rugby Photos http://www.lordprice.co.uk/

Brothers Rugby Club Sydney would like to acknowledge and

thank all our sponsors.

Our Major Sponsors are:

Flight Centre, RF Industries and The Orchard

Tavern

Gow Plumbing

Life Members

Terry Mico

David Mico*

Bob Towers

Brian Hadley*

Ian Meers

John Sullivan

John Andrews

Michael Lowry

John Waugh

Martin ichols

Barry Williams

Brian McElvogue*

John Punch (Snr)

Paul Muller

Steve Jaques

Michael Williams

Tony Padovan

Adrian Brannan

Robert Bruce

Damian Henry

Tom Burns

Milestones

400 + Games Michael Wren 350 + Games Michael Lowry Ian Meers Michael Bird Damian Henry Adrian Brannan 300 + Games Michael Cahill John Waugh John Andrews Terry Mico Martin Nichols David Taylor Matt Gibbs

250 + Games Michael Williams Roy Anderson Sean Brannan Steve Jaques James Mulcare Tony Padovan Greg Johnson

200 + Games Barry Artup Peter Gibson Dave Christie Neville Hall Greg Carew Greg Nixon Ian Welsh Peter Powell Paul Muller Phillip Colvin Phil Hogan Andrew Simpson Tim Parsons John Bezzina Tom Burns Dan Ridley Enda Winston Damion Eyre Robert Bruce Lino Anastasi Stephen Cahill

Milestones 150 + Games Tony Cannon Frank Mahony * John Carew * Tim Gibson Brian Gibson Pat Wheelahan Peter O’Connor Steve Chaney John Gibbs Kieren O’Hegarty Ian Davison Michael Sullivan James Vianellos Glenn Morrissey Thomas Broomfield Terry Woodward Noel Ponton Declan O’Connor Pat North Tony Hanrahan Ross Magee Dick Reading Hans Krenmayr

100 + Games Robert Towers Michael Stauton Chris Anderson Jim McCoy Michael Christie Steve Prosser * John McClean George Padovan Peter McDonald * Paul Church Steve Brouggy Peter Punch Dave Swan * Michael McKerchar Brian Kerwick Ian Gibson Dave Mico * John Molloy

100 + Games Don Gibson Steve Punch Jeremy (Jed) Carew Mick Wright Simon Griggs Warwick (Wal) Landers

Ian McPherson Terry Winder Arthur Oliver Craig Leckie David Becklie Roger Shanahan Dom North Billy Madgwick Keith Bromwich Adam Morrissey Pat Gourtley Christopher Ford Craig Swanson Scott James Greg Stacey David Cooper Jim Cahill Sean Nyssen Jon Evans Paul Tessoriero Liam Casey Dave Bullard Andrew Cansdell Tim Leibbrandt Hugh Errickson Beau Keller Peter Watkins Michael Hall Stuart Mangion Steve Gustafson Stephen Carrick Tony Hilliam Anthony Street Tristan Howes

Past Presidents

1947

John Clancy† 1948

Bob Travers† 1949

John Clancy† 1950-51 Barry

Curtis† 1952 Bernie

McGee† 1953

Kevin Grew† 1954-55 Tom

Tolhurst† 1956 Andy Lusurdo 1957-58

Dave Woolf† 1965-66

John Casey†

1967-68

Brian McKenzie† 1969 Des O’Brien 1970

Peter Taylor† 1971

Brian McKenzie† 1972-76 Bob Towers 1977-83

Brian Hadley† 1984-85 Ross Magee 1986-87 Dick Reading 1988-89 Tony Padovan 1990-91 Ian McPherson

1992-94 Michael Lowry 1995 Paul Muller 1996-99 Michael Williams 2000-01 James Mulcare 2002-04 Robert Bruce 2005-06 Adrian Brannan 2007 David Bullard 2008 John Sullivan 2009 John Sullivan / Adrian Brannan 2010- Scott James

PLAYER PROFILE Player’s Name: Barry Artup Nickname: Bazza How did you hear about the club and who introduced you to the club? From school What year did you join? 1966 What position did you play? Breakaway, Front Row, Everywhere What year did you stop playing? Last Game for CBOB’s 1975; played over 200 games Did you play for any other clubs? Northern Suburbs Canberra 1976 - 1980 Did any other members of your family play for the club (brothers, sons etc?) Brother Peter played in the 1954 First Grade Premiership side. Did you hold any executive positions at the club? No Did you coach any sides? No Did you captain any sides? No Did you win any premierships? No Did you go on any club trips or tours? The famous 1969 Blue Mountains trip away (Hydro Majestic Hotel) Are there any great moments or stories you would like to share? Yes but not here!!! Who were some of your more colourful colleagues/characters? Everyone I played with…… Was Dockers your main drinking spot? Yes

Under 20 B’s 1966

Barraclough Cup First Grade 1972

PLAYER PROFILEPLAYER PROFILEPLAYER PROFILEPLAYER PROFILE

Player’s Name: Paul Oswald Campbell Nickname: Gunnedah or Gunna How did you hear about the club and who introduced you to the club? Ed Lambie What year did you join? Can’t remember but I think it was 1966/67 (Colts?) What position did you play? Hooker / Front Row What year did you stop playing? I think it was about 1975 Did you play for any other clubs? Gunnedah “Red Devils “ Did any other members of your family play for the club (brothers, sons etc?) My young brother Patrick stood in for me for one game when I had to go away one weekend. Because he had the same initials no one was told anything, although because he was a better player than me, I think someone may have been suspicious. Did you hold any executive positions at the club? No Did you coach any sides? No Did you captain any sides? Not that I remember Did you win any premierships? Not that I remember Did you go on any club trips or tours? I think Campbelltown was about as far as we went Are there any great moments or stories you would like to share? We’re talking 40 odd years ago. My memory would have to be lubricated and then it may not be entirely correct Who were some of your more colourful colleagues/characters?There were heaps of them who frequented the “135 Club” and the after game drinks singsong at Chaplin Oval. Some that come to mind were Scruffy, Woody, Frank, RFT, the Shirvington boys and Screwy who used to give Manny at Dockers a hard time every night at closing Was Dockers your main drinking spot? Yes that and Chaplin Oval after home games

"Most Memorable Game and Why": One of the first games that I played for the CBOBS was at Newport and their coach was Big Tim Bristow. RFT would verify this because I think he was playing at the time, Big Tim would walk up and down the sideline

with a cane in one hand and a leash attached to a very large German shepherd dog in the other, bellowing orders to his players. For a young lad from the bush it was a little bit disconcerting. BIG Tim Bristow was one of Sydney's truly colourful characters. The late private eye, rugby player, bouncer and standover man was a huge man, renowned for his fitness and fighting ability, and a shameless self-promoter. He always claimed he was the original model for Chesty Bond, the singlet man, and as a young bloke he would tell anyone who cared to listen that he was good enough to flog any man in town. Legend has it that when Big Tim ran security at the Newport Arms Hotel, would-be pugs from all around the state blew into the pub to test him out, but they all went out feet first.

Early 70’s

THE 1970 JUDD CUP PREMIERSTHE 1970 JUDD CUP PREMIERSTHE 1970 JUDD CUP PREMIERSTHE 1970 JUDD CUP PREMIERS

A LOOK BACK AT THAT YEAR A LOOK BACK AT THAT YEAR A LOOK BACK AT THAT YEAR A LOOK BACK AT THAT YEAR ---- NO ANNUAL REPORT NO ANNUAL REPORT NO ANNUAL REPORT NO ANNUAL REPORT

AVAILABLE INFORMATION FROM RECORDS SUPPLIED BY NSW AVAILABLE INFORMATION FROM RECORDS SUPPLIED BY NSW AVAILABLE INFORMATION FROM RECORDS SUPPLIED BY NSW AVAILABLE INFORMATION FROM RECORDS SUPPLIED BY NSW

SUBURBAN RUGBYSUBURBAN RUGBYSUBURBAN RUGBYSUBURBAN RUGBY

.As a lead in a couple of photos from 1969

Judd Cup 1969

Under 21 A’s 1969

Coach Geoff Casey Judd Cup Premiers

1970 Supporting the Coach on the left is Bill York and on the right is

Bob Reynolds

Back Row: M. Wheeler, D. Christie, M. Hearn, B. Williams,

C. Anderson, P. Webber, G. Johnson, P. Gibson, R. Gow,

H. Wouters, N. Neate.

Seated: B. Reynolds, F. Mahony, T. Cannon, G. Casey (Coach),

D. Fowler, G. Jones, B. York, D. Mico

All members and supporters of the Brothers Club would like to

send out a huge G’day and Get Well to

@list[ir M[]ki_@list[ir M[]ki_@list[ir M[]ki_@list[ir M[]ki_

Alistair is doing it pretty tough at the moment battling Oesophagus

cancer. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Alistair and his family

during these difficult times.

Alistair was introduced to the club by Peter Gibson in 1979 and I

recall all the players, supporters and particularly the coaches thought

“what a find, a big, solid, lock/second-rower, watch out First Grade

Next year (1980)!”

Unfortunately Alistair picked up a serious injury which prevented

him playing in 1980.

But we were very lucky in having him as the coach of the

Richardson Cup in 1980.

As an entrée to the feature on CBOB’s Richardson Cup side of

1980. Here is an extract from the NSW Suburban’s Summary of

Season 1980

Best and Fairest shared :

Peter Gibson and Michael McKerchar

Runner-up: Steve Tokley

CBOB’s won the Minor Semi-Final Vs Barker OB

Lost the Final against St. Augustines OB

Guild Teachers and St. Augustines played out a draw in

the Grand Final and were declared Joint Premiers.

Note: Both these sides were one-team clubs.

Editor’s note: If anyone has the original of this photo, would

love a copy. This is copied from the 1980 Annual Report and as

such is very poor quality.

Extract below from Club President Mr Brian Hadley’s 1980 Report.

Random shot out of the 1980 Annual Report a “Young Panda”

FOUR GRANITE PILLARS STAND AS SENTINELS FOUR GRANITE PILLARS STAND AS SENTINELS FOUR GRANITE PILLARS STAND AS SENTINELS FOUR GRANITE PILLARS STAND AS SENTINELS

OVERLOOKING YODDA VALLEY BACK TOWARDS OVERLOOKING YODDA VALLEY BACK TOWARDS OVERLOOKING YODDA VALLEY BACK TOWARDS OVERLOOKING YODDA VALLEY BACK TOWARDS

KOKODA. A FITTING MEMORIAL OF THE BATTLE KOKODA. A FITTING MEMORIAL OF THE BATTLE KOKODA. A FITTING MEMORIAL OF THE BATTLE KOKODA. A FITTING MEMORIAL OF THE BATTLE

OF ISURAVA. EACH PILLAR IS ENGRAVED WITH OF ISURAVA. EACH PILLAR IS ENGRAVED WITH OF ISURAVA. EACH PILLAR IS ENGRAVED WITH OF ISURAVA. EACH PILLAR IS ENGRAVED WITH

A SINGLE WORD: ‘COURGAGE A SINGLE WORD: ‘COURGAGE A SINGLE WORD: ‘COURGAGE A SINGLE WORD: ‘COURGAGE ---- MATESHIP MATESHIP MATESHIP MATESHIP ----

SACRIFICE SACRIFICE SACRIFICE SACRIFICE ---- ENDURANCE’ ENDURANCE’ ENDURANCE’ ENDURANCE’

These four words fit well when thinking of Stan Bisset—war hero and

Wallaby.

In the following extracts I hope to give our readers a background to

Stan Bisset. It is intended to give you an appreciation and interest in the

book by Andrew James

“Kokoda Wallaby”

Kokoda Wallaby

Stan Bisset: the rugby international who became a Kokoda hero

Andrew James

The first full biography of the rugby legend and World War II hero.

Description

'A great story that is long overdue in the telling.' -Paul Ham

'Rugby is fortunate to have so many role models of the highest order. Stan Bisset is at the top of the game.' -

John Eales, former Wallabies captain

'Stan Bisset, like this remarkable story of his life, is timeless.' -Patrick Lindsay

'Stan was a man before his time. His leadership, forward thinking and standards were second to none . . . This

book is a fascinating and insightful read and I highly recommend it.' -Rod Macqueen AM, former Wallabies

coach

Stan Bisset was a real hero, both in battle, on the rugby pitch and in desperate armed combat against the

Japanese during the Second World War.

As a member of the ill-fated 1939 Wallaby touring team to England, he was a rugby legend. In the Middle East

and on the Kokoda Track, he was one of Australia's most distinguished and heroic combatants. But above all

else, he personified so many attributes of the Australian soldier: moral and physical courage, compassion,

selflessness, independence, loyalty, resourcefulness, devotion and humour.

Stan Bisset's remarkable life story is told by former Australian soldier and Afghanistan veteran Andrew James.

This is a truly inspiring book that crosses generations.

Twenty-six year old Andrew James enlisted in the Australian Army at the age of eighteen. He subsequently

served on combat operations in Afghanistan. Following his military service, Andrew continued his studies at

Sydney University where he read History and English. During his degree, he supported himself by working as

an expedition leader on the Kokoda Track where his first became interested in Stan's story.

Isurava: The Last Parade

http://blog.kokodatreks.com/2008/09/06/isurava-the-last-parade/

The opening of the Isurava Memorial on the 60th anniversary of the Kokoda campaign was a proud moment for

all who fought in the campaign and for those who are determined that their legacy will never be forgotten. The

journey began with the desire of a trekker, Graham Scott, to bring some of the veterans from the 39th Militia

and 2/14th AIF Battalions who fought at the battle for Isurava, back to Kokoda for a ‘last parade’. We were

then requested to find an appropriate site for helicopters to land as close to the battle site as possible and begin

the necessary planning to make it happen. As part of our research we obtained copies of Army Topographical

Maps which had been printed from data collected in 1942; some wartime sketch maps from the Australian War

Memorial; a portable Global Positioning System (GPS); and as much information as we could glean from the

books we had read.

According to the readings we took from our GPS, the battle site was located approximately one hour’s trekking

time south of the where the village of Isurava is located today. We then advised the local clan leader, Mr Ivan

Nitua, of our plan to bring the veterans back for a last parade and requested that he organise his people to clear

the site and set up some shelters.

Inspector John Rennie an Australian Federal Officer on secondment to PNG, then led a party to explore the

battle site. They did a remarkable job in identifying all the positions occupied by the 39th Militia and 2/14th

AIF Battalions during the battle for Isurava. The selection of this ground as the main defensive position to stop

the Japanese advance is testimony to the tactical brilliance of the Commanding Officer of the 39th – Lieutenant

Colonel Ralph Honner.

The logistics necessary to support such a group of veterans were beyond their resources. We then enlisted the

support of Senator Bill Heffernan who is well known as a bloke who ‘makes things happen’. At Senator Bill’s

urging the Australian Government agreed to provide a RAAF Boeing 707 and a medical team to support the

veterans. They also provided a RAAF Caribou to fly them from Port Moresby to Kokoda and positioned a

Hercules C130 with another medical team at Popondetta in case of emergency. It was a very generous gesture

and much appreciated by the veterans and their families.

When the advance party of veterans reached the site they confirmed it was the position they had fought their

desperate battle on during 26 – 30 August 1942.

Peter Dorman captured the feeling of these men at ‘The Last Parade’ in his book ‘The Silent Men’:

“It is August 1998, Bomana War Cemetery, Port Moresby. Stan Bisset kneels beneath Butch’s headstone and

places a wreath against it. He utters a silent prayer, and then stands to attention. With his head still bowed, he

clasps his right hand to his breast, and then with moistened eyes searching out into space, he offers a last, crisp

salute. A few rows away, Bruce Kingsbury’s sister Jean Pope is steadied by her son Dennis, a Vietnam Veteran,

as they both bid their silent farewells. Across the beautifully maintained cemetery, veterans, sons, daughters,

grandchildren and other kinfolk search for the last resting place of their brothers-in-arms or relative and

acknowledge the loss.

“They are here because Stan picked up the baton from idea sparked by Brisbane psychologist Graham Scott,

who had walked the trail. Along with two MPs, Charlie Lynn and Kerry Chikarovski, he has arranged and

coordinated a final cathartic pilgrimage to Port Moresby and the Kokoda Track. Forty-six veterans, aged

between 75 and 88, and 40 kinfolk and supporters, including me, fly into Moresby by ministerial jet,

compliments of the Australian Government.

“We are met by police and Defence Force escorts at Jackson airfield, and given a welcoming party by the

Australian High Commissioner, David Irvine. The veterans are overwhelmed by the welcome.

“Some apprehension and emotion is experienced as we board the Air Force Caribou and fly over the Owen Stanley’s towards Kokoda. Below, the jungle is compelling, triggering memories and misting eyes as repressed thoughts are confronted, forcing the years to roll back. From Kokoda, we are transported in a thrilling helicopter ride up into the mists of the ranges to land at Isurava. As the clouds part to allow us in, we are met by a colourful sight. “The children and grandchildren of the Fuzzy-Wuzzy Angels have gathered at Isurava over the last two weeks. They have cleared the jungle to make a helipad and prepared a bivouac camp with shelter to accommodate the diggers. In a display of homage, respect and love, they perform a traditional New Guinea Sing-Sing; they sing welcome and farewell songs and perform native plays. The smells of a roast pig fill the air, and women are cooking taro and chicken. The young natives stand by the silver-haired veterans shielding them from the sun with colourful umbrellas and assisting them as their forefathers did a half century ago, maintaining the bond. “The emotional ceremony proceeds as anthems, the Last Post and requiems from a lone piper pervade the jungle; however, a highlight for the men is the acknowledgement that the Australian Government is finally recognising the importance of the Isurava Battle. The Minister for Defence and Support, Bronwyn Bishop, who was flown in especially, formally reaffirmed the significance of the four-day battle. There are no dry eyes as the ceremony continues, the veterans trying to relate this peaceful, idyllic scene to the hell-hole of 1942 and its horrendous events. “After the ceremony, while the veterans search for signs of their old positions, I walk alone into the jungle and look for 9 Platoon’s area. I find an area that fits the description I have been given. The dimness and silence call the ghosts out. I see 9 Platoon lined up: Teddy Bear leading the charge, his Bren gun spurting death. I see Bruce Kingsbury take over as Teddy is wounded, the Bren barking as it continues its killings. On his right, I see Alan Avery grit his teeth and move forward firing his Tommy gun, while Jarmbe follows, firing his .303 with deadly aim. I see the Professor, Hi-Ho Silver and the extending line of men blasting their way into history. “No doubt, around the perimeter, the veterans are reliving their own personal battles and, with the advantages of time, and wisdom of age, hopefully they may finally come to terms with the killing, the sacrifices, the loss, the guilt, the heroism, the courage and the love experienced in this now sacred place. Hopefully they can put the ghosts behind them. They have saluted their mates and dedicated this mission to the memory. “For Stan Bisset, the Last Parade has been a triumph. He has celebrated his 86th birthday during the week, and two of his children, daughter Holly Huon and son Jim, have been able to accompany him. Together they have paid their respects to Butch. Amid tears, Jim and Holly have been able to understand the veterans. “For myself, ‘The Silent Men’ are silent no more. I understand now the reason for their perceived silence, for their reluctance to talk of the indescribable slaughter they have experienced, and the acts of nihilistic savagery they have witnessed. I understand now their comradeship and strong commitments to each other – an inbuilt support system that renders full credence and authority to the treasured Australian icon of mateship. Through these men, I have also come to know my father. I have come to appreciate the silent burden that war placed on his and their shoulders. In the process, I have also come to know myself more intimately, as I place myself beside him, scrambling and fighting over the stony hills of Lebanon, then stumbling through the mud and jungle of the Owen Stanley’s. I lie beside him in the putrid, stinking trenches and beaches of Gona, warding off disease as much as the enemy. Deep wells of grief and love flood me as I put my arms around him, as I would my children, and attempt to shield him from the surrounding horrors, the assist him to stagger out of the holocaust. “As the men bid farewell to the brothers and mates who didn’t come home, I feel a stronger bonding with them. After years of pain, examination and conciliation, I pray this Last Parade can release these Silent Men. I will not forget their sacrifice.” Lieutenant-Colonel Phil Rhoden OBE ED, 2/14th Battalion Commander at the battle of Isurava addressed the veterans:

“We have come here today as pilgrims to be reunited once again in spirit with our fallen comrades of 56 years ago. That is the essential ingredient of a pilgrimage. The journey into a sacred place has an act of spiritual devotion. For the true, the noble and the brave do die in body but their spirit dwells forever more in the habitations and the men they served and loved. Here in this lovely village of Isurava all is now quiet. But 56 years ago on this day the 26th August 1942, the 2/14th Battalion relieved the gallant 39TH Battalion to take on the Japanese who up until then had unrestrainedly pursued its conquest of South East Asia since that infamous day at Pearl Harbour on 7th December 1941. “The next four days at Isurava are best described by Bill Russell in his history of the 2/14th Battalion. He wrote: “mortar bombs and mountain gun shells burst in the tree tops showering the troops with shrapnel which crashed through to burst on the ground where the noise was de-doubled by the confined space of the jungle. Heavy machine guns cut their own lanes of fire as they chopped through small trees and ricocheted off large trees. Easily concealed snipers fired on our men as they desperately tried to scratch out shallow body holes with tin hats and bayonets. What the Japs had not reckoned with, as they swarmed up between the creek and the track, was the reaction they got. ‘In attack after attack they stormed out of the jungle to reel back before steady fire or violent steel. Those who survived the fire of Bren and rifle were met with tommy gun and grenade and those who came through were met with a bayonet”. “The Australian newspaper in 1994 published a series of anniversary essays edited by Dr David Horner entitled “Battles that shaped Australia”. One of those essays covered the Kokoda Track battle. The essayist, James Morrison wrote: “on the 30th August General Horii, frustrated at the delay to his advance, threw his large reserve into the attack. The Australians began their fiercely fought withdrawal from Isurava to Ioribaiwa. The Australians had held Isurava for four days. They strained General Horii’s supply lines and they held up his advance to Port Moresby. This was the culminating point of the campaign. The advantage passed from the Japanese to the Australians.” “From 31st August to 15th September the Australians including the 2/16th Battalion and joined by the 2/27th Battalion at Efogi on the 6th September, against vastly superior numbers fought, as Peter Brune describes in the book “Those Ragged Bloody Heroes”, “…a decisive military game of cat and mouse along the track. Company by company, platoon by platoon, section by section they defended until their comrades passed through their lines, broke off contact sometimes only 20 or 30 metres from the enemy and repeated the procedure again and again down the track. To withdraw too early was to allow the enemy too speedy an acquisition of ground. To withdraw too late meant outflanking, encirclement and annihilation”… ‘What enabled the 2/14th and 2/16th Battalions to turn defeat into victory? Outnumbered probably 6 to 1 and certainly out-gunned, the Battalions strained their undoubted professionalism and experienced to the limit. But there was something else, something that was almost intangible. Firstly, I believe it was the inter-dependence of the unit, one upon the other. Each had a job to do and all depending on the other. Secondly, it was the ability to hold on after all hope is dead, continuing to fight on until there was scarce breath left in the body. Lastly, it was the respect that we had for each other. Only a well trained and happy unit can survive in its hour of need. Nor should we discount Australia’s hour of peril, the troops did not, they were fully aware of Australia’s dependence upon them. Complete failure would have meant Japs at Port Moresby and then Australia itself. “Perhaps paraphrasing the words of Stephen Spencer’s poem is apt: “The 2/14th are men who in their lives fought for life and left the vivid air signed with their honour.” ‘Now is the time for sober thoughts. The time for remembrance with gratitude the fuzzy-wuzzy angels, those sincere, tender and humane people who did so much for our wounded. A time to recall the sacrificial deeds of Kingsbury, Mc Callum and many others, bringing to mind the immortal words of Alan Avery, “I reckon they all should have got a gong” he said. A time to endorse the thought that the Owen Stanley campaign was a close run thing and that the battle of Isurava was perhaps in the annals of Australian Military History second only to Gallipoli.

‘Those of us now reaching the end of our time should, continue to see that our children and their children embrace the notion that the death of the brave is never in vain and, a good action never lost to the world while there is but one actor or observer left to preserve the record of the event. We, these pilgrims to Isurava, should always remember the future that in the words of Shakespeare in “All’s well that ends well” he wrote, “Such a man might be a copy to these younger times. His good remembrance sirs lies richer in your thoughts than on his tomb.” Four years later, on the 60th Anniversary of the battle of Isurava the Prime Minister of Australia, The Hon John Howard, and the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, The Hon Sir Michael Somare, opened a magnificent new memorial on this site. The memorial is a simple structure based on four granite pillars that stand as sentinels overlooking the Yodda valley back towards Kokoda. Each pillar is engraved with a single word: ‘Courage – Mateship – Sacrifice – Endurance’ During the commemoration service at Isurava I was chatting with an old veteran who introduced himself as Albert Moore. He was the legendary Salvation Army officer on the track during the campaign who was captured on film by Damien Parer rendering assistance to our diggers. During the conversation I learned that I had grown up with him – he was the milkman and local Salvation Army officer in my home town of Orbost. We all knew him as a wonderful, kind and compassionate man – but none of us knew what a hero he was. The ‘Last Parade’ at Isurava was the first step in the proper recognition of the spirit of Kokoda. My chance encounter with Albert Moore was another reason why their stories should be enshrined in our arts and education systems. Posted by Charlie Lynn

Rugby Union's oldest Wallaby, Kokoda Trail survivor

Stan Bisset, dies at 98 · James O'Loan · From: The Courier-Mail

· October 06, 2010 1:25PM

ICON LOST: Former Wallaby flanker and WWII veteran Stan Bisset, who was 98

when he passed away overnight, will be missed by his family, friends, rugby admirers

and soldiers of the 2/14th Battalion. Picture: Graeme Parkes Source: The Courier-

Mail

AUSTRALIA'S oldest Wallaby and Kokoda Trail survivor, Stan Bisset, has

passsed away on the Sunshine Coast, aged 98. The World War II veteran - who had served in both the Middle East and in Papua

New Guinea - passed away at a Coolum Beach nursing home about 6pm last night.

His passing has brought great sadness to his wife Gloria, their four children - Sally,

James, Holly and Tom - step-daughter Ros and four grandchildren as well as a legion

of admirers.

It will also stir the emotions of past Wallabies and soldiers who have served with the

2/14th Battalion.

His death comes 68 years after Bisset, then a lieutenant in charge of an intelligence

section, watched his older brother, Hal "Butch" Bisset, die in his arms, after being

shot by Japanese soldiers near the Kokoda Trail in 1942. Both men had seen active

duty in the Middle East and PNG and Butch was a platoon commander. Prior to his war service, Stan Bisset, who was also renowned for his impressive baritone singing voice, was picked to play for the Australia rugby union team (the Wallabies) in 1939. The touring squad reached England by boat but the tour was cancelled just after arrival when England declared war on Germany as WW2 escalated. Years later, the Queenslander told The Courier-Mail's rugby writer Jim Tucker: ``We were all bitterly disappointed the tour was called off. It was to be 28 matches, yet I'll always be proud we played one as Wallabies.'' That one game came on the return journey when their ship called in to port in India and the team played against the Bombay Gymkhana Club. http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/rugby-unions-oldest-wallaby-kokoda-trail-survivor-stan-bisset-dies-at-98/story-e6freon6-1225934926501

Vale Stan Bisset MC OAM 1912 – 2010 7 October 2010 Stan Bisset was a remarkable man, a hero in the true sense of the word and a great Australian. His death at the age of 98 will sadden many people, those who knew and loved him and those who felt they knew him through the telling and reading of his life. For the thousands who have now trekked the Kokoda Track, or read anything about the Kokoda Campaign, Stan Bisset’s name will always be etched in our history and our hearts. As will his beloved brother ‘Butch’. Stan was an honourable man, a man who stood proud and lived by the ethos of hard work, honesty, compassion, kindness and of never giving up. He personified the qualities in a human being that most of us could only dream of emulating. Yet he didn’t think he was remarkable and that in itself is what made him an outstanding man. I feel privileged to have met Stan on a number of occasions and of being made welcome by him and his wife Gloria on those visits. Thank you Stan for the legacy you left us all. You will never be forgotten. Wayne Wetherall http://www.kokodaspirit.com.au/KokodaInfo/LatestNews-17/

Forever in debt to Stan Bisset Courtesy Sunshine Coast Daily 8 October 2010 By Caroline Hutchinson IS it just me or does everyone think some debts can never be repaid? One of the Sunshine Coast’s most important people passed away this week, quietly, in a Coolum nursing home. At 98, Stan Bisset was Australia’s oldest surviving Wallaby and veteran of the Kokoda Track. I had the privilege of meeting Mr Bisset one very hot Saturday last December. Clearly adored by the staff at Coolum, he was the consummate gentleman, insisting everyone in our party was seated comfortably, despite the fact we had arrived unannounced and had disturbed his rest. I imagine Stan Bisset was plagued by visitors like me, who had walked the Kokoda Track in peaceful comfort and wanted to touch a hero. There’s a special tree on the track named for Stan and his brother, Butch. Stan Bisset was one of five children but closest to his older brother, Hal (he wasn’t called Butch until army days). Together they were raised around Melbourne – rafting, fishing, learning to shoot a rabbit on the run and playing football. At the age of 26, Stan was named in the Wallabies team to tour England. But Churchill had other plans. The Australian team arrived in the UK on September 2, 1939, the day before WWII was declared.

Stan told us that while he got to meet the King and Queen, the rugby tour was cancelled. Back home, Stan immediately joined his brother Hal in the 2/14th Battalion. At first the 2/14th was sent to the Middle East but after the bombing of Pearl Harbour, Stan said they were pretty keen to get back home to defend Australia against the Japanese and that’s how they found themselves in PNG By this time, Stan was an intelligence officer and Butch was a platoon commander. Stan said all the soldiers were shocked by the conditions on the track. While they learned to cope with the vicious terrain, he said the driving rain and relentless heat were impossible. There was never enough food or ammo, and the Japanese outnumbered Australians more than 10 to one. Stan said while he and Butch were separated and busy, they felt lucky to be close enough to sometimes say hello and every once in a while get together for a sing-along. On one particular August day Stan said Butch and his team of 35 were sent to higher ground, supposedly to overlook the battlefield. Quickly discovered, in the next 48 hours Butch and his men were hit by 11 enemy attacks. In each attack there were more than 100 Japanese. Late on the second day of fighting, Butch was hit with a burst of machine gun fire to the abdomen, a guaranteed death sentence on the track. It was a couple of hours before Stan heard the news and more time still before he finally caught up with the stretcher bearers carrying his beloved brother. He told them to stop running and laid Butch down under a tree. In Coolum last year, Mr Bisset told me he sometimes got impatient with different versions he had read about the way his brother died, so I hope I do it justice. He said for six hours they sat together. Butch was mostly conscious and they talked – about their parents, their long ago summers, good times and bad. Around 4am, long after the battle had fallen silent, Stan felt his brother slip away. He said, “Hal, are you awake?” but he knew he was gone. Stan Bisset had a long, rich life after Kokoda. More than 20 years ago he and his wife Gloria moved to Cooroy, where they ran a business for many years. It was only in the past decade that Australia’s heroic efforts on the Kokoda Track came into vogue. I got the feeling that amused Stan Bisset somewhat, but he enjoyed the visitors, especially if they wanted to talk about rugby. Vale Stan Bisset MC OAM. We are forever in your debt. See this story on the Sunshine Coast Daily website

AS PART OF THE BROTHERS RUGBY CLUBAS PART OF THE BROTHERS RUGBY CLUBAS PART OF THE BROTHERS RUGBY CLUBAS PART OF THE BROTHERS RUGBY CLUB

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CORNER

Editor’s Note: For a bit of a change I

hope you enjoy a few random photos

in lieu of the monthly joke. Let me

know what you think?

View from outside Dockers Hotel looking towards Chatswood Railway Station circa 1958. Woolworths is the building on the left (later became the "White Elephant" store in the 1960s). The trams terminated at the Station. How so different it is today! (Thanks to Terry Mico for this contribution)

Kurtley Beale and Michael Wren (Pickle– Brothers “400 games

Man”) exchange a few Rugby tips Saturday 23 June 2012 after test

match Australia Vs Wales at Allianz Stadium

Bill Daley-Host and owner of The Crown– Cirencester in

Cloucestershire United Kingdom.

Bill played for the club in the Mid-70’s and was a member of

the 1974 Stockdale Cup Premiership side coached by Paul

(Babe) Chisholm.

We are on the

Web:http://

www.brothersrugby.

com.au/home/

Brothers Rugby Club Sydney (formerly CBOBs) aims to provide a competitive rugby environment in conjunction with an active social programme for all its playing and non-playing members.

Brothers Rugby Club Sydney was formed by Old Boys of St Pius X College Chatswood in 1947 and was at that time known as Christian Brothers Old Boys or CBOB’s. In 2005, it was decided to change our name from CBOB’s to the very familiar “Brothers” Rugby Club Sydney. Brothers being one of the most well known rugby brands in Australia. We will be fielding 4 senior grades and an U21’s colts team in 2012. Brothers has a long and proud history in the Sydney suburban competition with a long list of premierships won over the years. This is testament to the strength of the club, from its formative years, through to the modern era. Brothers are affiliated to the 5 Brothers clubs in Queensland including Brothers Brisbane and also Brothers Joondalup in Western Australia. Brothers are also affiliated to the Marist Rugby Federation in New Zealand, Tonga, Fiji and Samoa, numbering approximately 40 clubs in all. Brothers are and always have been a social rugby club, with an emphasis on enjoyment through participation. There is a grade of rugby for players of all levels of skill, ability, fitness and girth. We play competitively, but ensure that we enjoy our time representing Brothers. Players of any ability are welcome at Brothers, as it is a great place to continue your rugby enjoyment. Brothers will show you the best sporting and social experience of your life. We train on a Tuesday and Thursday night through the rugby season from 7pm. We are based at Roseville Chase Oval. If you would like to come and play please feel free to turn up and say hello. Or just drop us a note at play@brothersrugby.com.au