Ww2 occupation money

[Little Jo]

Originally Posted by Richard Coutts-Smith

Thanks Tony, certainly highlights an area of operations that I knew nothing about.
Well Done.
Rich.

Hi Richard

Thanks for your kind comment. Yes mate while doing the story and research, I like you learned a lot about events after the defeat of Japan and our "forgoten veterans". I don't know what goes through the minds of our governments, they are quick to get our troops involved in military problems around the world and have a history of forgetting you once the troops come home. Like our our Korean and Vietnam veterans. Reminds me of car salesmen, Your friend and best buddy, then when you return with a small problem they don't remember you. I hope the BCOF veterans win their case before they all pass away. I hope my small bit will help tell their story.

Cheers

Tony

[Mike Cecil]

Good job, Tony.

Mike C

[Little Jo]

Originally Posted by Mike Cecil

Good job, Tony.

Mike C

Mike I enjoyed doing the research and story. Thank you for your help to get me started, much appreciated. It will go into print in the magazines, April and May 2013.

Cheers

Tony

[hrpearce]

Seems to be topical at the moment. The headline on page 8 of yesterdays local paper,
Numbers dwindling, BCOF return.
Veterans who served in the BCOF will hold their reunion in Tumut Starting tomorrow. About 80 veterans and partners will be in Tumut with a number visiting for a week. More than 35,000 Australian men and women including 20 from Tumut served between 1946 and 1952.
The whole artical was about one third of a page in the Tumut and Adelong Times.

[cliff]

My Late Father, Harry Hutchings, was with New Zealands 'J' Force and they too had to fight for the right to be recognised. A few things he said was in 1946 it was a combat zone still as at night you and your mate walked back to back while patrolling or even the small kids would stab you in the back if they got a chance.

He was sent home with tropical Ulcers hanging from his ears and nose and once recovered returned to civilian life. The New Zealand Government finally in about 1996 had a medal made for 'J' Force vetrans but Dad would not let me claim his until after he died he felt so let down by the system.

Funny thing though when I cleaned out his drawers of clothing I found his Old Paybook and a small box of Box Brownie photos he had taken while he was in Japan. I made an album of the photos which now resides with my younger brother in New Zealand along with a framed medal, photo of Dad in army uniform, photo of the gates of the NZ HQ in Japan and a New Zealand beret badge which I proudly had framed. I never really knew just how much the short stay with the army meant to him as he had a reserved occupation during WW2 and was angry they would not let him go.

To all those 'Occupation of Japan' soldiers who are no longer with us I salute you

[Little Jo]

Originally Posted by hrpearce

Seems to be topical at the moment. The headline on page 8 of yesterdays local paper,
Numbers dwindling, BCOF return.
Veterans who served in the BCOF will hold their reunion in Tumut Starting tomorrow. About 80 veterans and partners will be in Tumut with a number visiting for a week. More than 35,000 Australian men and women including 20 from Tumut served between 1946 and 1952.
The whole artical was about one third of a page in the Tumut and Adelong Times.

Hi Robert

That is very interesting and appropriate that this is all being told now. I would love to see a copy of the newspaper clipping. While doing the research I learned so much about these guys and to think there are so few left to carry on with the fight for benefits. I am happy that I could do my little bit

Cheers

Tony

[hrpearce]

Tony send your address to me, hrpearce123 @ bigpond.com ( remove the spaces ) and I will send you a photocopy.

[Little Jo]

Originally Posted by hrpearce

Tony send your address to me, hrpearce123 @ bigpond.com ( remove the spaces ) and I will send you a photocopy.

Hi Robert

Email sent. Thanks mate.

Cheers

Tony