Governor recognizes "39'ers", 70th Anniversary of the start of WW2

[Pedr]

Just a quick post to let everyone know of our movements. Attended yesterday ( 1st July 2009 ) by Darian and myself, the reception for the 70th Anniversary of the commencement of hostilities of World War Two and recognition of the "39'ers", the members of the Defence Force Reserve prior to WW2.

In fitting the theme of the "39'ers", Darian and I drove, Darian's father's 1939 Ford / Marmon-Herrington LP3 Gun Tractor, towing his 25 pounder to Government House Adelaide.

After taking the majority of the day to prepare and do some minor repair jobs on the tractor, we set off in torrential rain with side curtains closed and windows fogged on the 20 minute trip to Government House. Arriving at 16 00, we took the oportunity to snap some photo's before the dignitaries and invited guests arrived.

Ever under the watchful eye of the Governor - ( His Excellency Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce AC CSC RANR Governor of South Australia ); and his staff from the warmth of their offices, we negotiated under strict instruction and on fear of death, the gardens and paths , mindful of not standing on the grass or kicking gravel on the paving as we carefully manoeuvred the ensemble into a position that would allow luminaries to pass in their chauffeured cars - without getting on the grass !!

Breifly chatted with a VIP gentleman ( one of the "39'ers ), whom remembered to us some of his stories of service in Artillery. Presumably in his 90's, his first words to us were "Can you let a couple'a rounds go" To which we replied "Certainly Sir, in which direction would you like them?" and quick as a whip he responded "Anywhere, as long as it's not in my direction!". He explained that when he initially joined the Artillery in 1936, they were still using horse-drawn 18 pounders, and he wasn't all that happy as he felt he was not a horseman. "They tried to turn me into one but it never worked". He recalled being extremely happy when they became mechanised and the old World War One guns where replaced with the new 25 pounders. He breifly spoke of his time at El Alamein and Tarakan, and some of the events that he witnessed including an Italian pilot whom flew..."very low and slowly over our 40mm Ack-Ack gun, up and down the track. He must have wanted to get shot down as he turned and flew back over them. They couldn't hit anything and as he turned once more we saw he had one leg already out of the cockpit!", the plane was hit and the pilot bailed safely with Australian forces sent out to "round him up".

Guests duely arrived including Darian's father ( Ray Carn ), as Darian and I stood near the gun still drenched to the bone from the previous downpour.

On their depart from the reception, we were to receive alot of praise and appreciation for our efforts despite the weather and for the presentation and excellent condition of our restoration of the gun. We were also very privileged to meet the guest of honour WO2 (ret) Keith Payne VC OAM, who also gave us accolades for our turnout.


With many thanks CAPT Barrie Newman RFD ED (RETD) Chairman Reserve Forces Day Council - SA, for the invitation and opportunity to attend with our equipment.

All-in-all, a very enjoyable day and evening, even but not withstanding the wind and rain.

Pedr ( with the assistance and guidance of Darian by phone )

[Pedr]

Just some closer pictures of the gear.

Bigger images emailled on PM request.

Pedr

[Alex Blair (RIP)]

Originally Posted by Pedr

Just some closer pictures of the gear.

Bigger images emailled on PM request.

Pedr

Looks like a lot of condensation under the truck..must be from the air conditioning...
Nice stuff..

[Darian Carn]

Air Conditioning !! We wish.

We were requested to bring a Drip Tray with us to prevent any possible staining of the gravel driveway.

The "shiny condensation" means that it's not dripping!

A good day was had.

Regards,

Darian.

[Tony Smith]

Would 5000, aka Miss Adelaide, have marked the lawns much? It grows back, doesn't it?

[Pedr]

Are you kidding Tony,

The Barossa Light Horse Historical Association were also supposed to attend the event, but presumably due to the weather and the way horses are in wind, decided to pull out of the event.

The representative for Government House, a lady I think called Jeanette said " Keep off the grass with your trucks, and especially - and I don't care what happens, keep the horses off the grass!"

My thoughts, as yours - It's only grass....It'll grow back.

Pedr

[Alex Blair (RIP)]

Originally Posted by Pedr

Are you kidding Tony,

The Barossa Light Horse Historical Association were also supposed to attend the event, but presumably due to the weather and the way horses are in wind, decided to pull out of the event.

The representative for Government House, a lady I think called Jeanette said " Keep off the grass with your trucks, and especially - and I don't care what happens, keep the horses off the grass!"

My thoughts, as yours - It's only grass....It'll grow back.

Pedr

Maybe the lady meant "No smoking that crazy electric lettuce"..rather than "stay of the bleedin' lawn"...
Did any one ask for clarification..??

[Bob Moseley (RIP)]

Well done guys, but I hope you had permission from "Captain Mainwaring".

Bob

[Scrivo18]

Hi Everyone

I have just gotten home from Horsham where they had a reserve forces day, and also recognised 3 of the 39er's from that district.
There was agroup of light horse, I think 6 or 7 horses, 6 Austin Champs, about 6 jeeps including mine, a Austin ute of sometype, a Stuart M3 tank with no Turret and a V8 engine, several modern Australian army vehicles, my halftrack and two bren Carriers, on #444 very early and my own carrier.

What was very special was that 2 of the 39er's were Bren carrier driver's and had seen active service with Bren's in Syria and at El Alemain. I felt very proud to have been able to take the carrier to the display and have spoken to both of these gentleman.

I will try to get some photo's organised.

Tim

[Mike K]

My uncle was a 39 er .. he spent 4 years as a POW in Germany . I've a pic of him here somewhere in his unifrom prior to him going overseas. I think the whole battalion were captured on Crete or Greece or somewhere around there.
Mike

Record
Name KELLY, EDWARD JOHN
Service Australian Army
Service Number VX6350
Date of Birth 21 Oct 1915
Place of Birth EXETER, TAS
Date of Enlistment 27 Nov 1939
Locality on Enlistment NORTH MELB, VIC
Place of Enlistment MOONEE PONDS, VIC
Date of Discharge 6 Aug 1945
Rank Private
Posting at Discharge 2/7 AUSTRALIAN INFANTRY BATTALION
WW2 Honours and Gallantry None for display
Prisoner of War Yes

[Mike K]

I found the pic ..it believe it was taken at Puckapunyal ..I only met him a few times many years ago.
Mike