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Introduction
These tributes and obituaries have been reproduced as originally received. Please contact the Secretary if you have additional information that you would like to have included.
Vale William "Bill" Monkhouse - Macca 48
On 13 August 2012 aged 90 years old, Bill passed peacefully away at home surrounded by his family.
Bill was a meteorologist from South Australia who was a member of the first expedition to Macquarie Island in1948 and he reported that the expedition party of 13 mainly comprised scientists.
Prior to his time at Macquarie Island he spent one year on tiny Willis Island in the Coral Sea with two others in a similar capacity. He found this to be a real contrast to Macquarie in so many aspects.
This information was provided by his widow, Audrey Monkhouse.
Extracted from Frosterly Newletter (Retired BOM staff) for info
Additional Information received 15 Sep 2012 and extracted from Frosterly, a newsletter for retired BoM staff:
We have had a letter from Mrs Audrey Monkhouse advising of the death of her husband William
Monkhouse on 13th August 2012 at the age of 90. After serving in the R.A.A.F. At Onslow, he
spent 1946 – 1947 stationed on Willis Island. He then joined the ANARE and was on the first
expedition to Macquarie Island in 1948.
“MONKHOUSE – William Major 20-5-22 to 13-8-12. Beloved husband of Audrey and father of
Jeffrey and Jan. Father in Law to Marita and Robin. Grandfather to Dean, Kim, Tom, Steph and
Louise. Billy Gramps to Mia, Jack and Max. Brother to Max (dec), Majorie and Barbara. Died
peacefully at home surrounded by those he loved. Heartfelt thanks to RDNS for many years of
caring support. A life well lived, a rest well earned.“
The additional information was supplied by Denise Allen, ANARE Club Social Secretary.
Bill was a meteorologist from South Australia who was a member of the first expedition to Macquarie Island in1948 and he reported that the expedition party of 13 mainly comprised scientists.
Prior to his time at Macquarie Island he spent one year on tiny Willis Island in the Coral Sea with two others in a similar capacity. He found this to be a real contrast to Macquarie in so many aspects.
This information was provided by his widow, Audrey Monkhouse.
Extracted from Frosterly Newletter (Retired BOM staff) for info
Additional Information received 15 Sep 2012 and extracted from Frosterly, a newsletter for retired BoM staff:
We have had a letter from Mrs Audrey Monkhouse advising of the death of her husband William
Monkhouse on 13th August 2012 at the age of 90. After serving in the R.A.A.F. At Onslow, he
spent 1946 – 1947 stationed on Willis Island. He then joined the ANARE and was on the first
expedition to Macquarie Island in 1948.
“MONKHOUSE – William Major 20-5-22 to 13-8-12. Beloved husband of Audrey and father of
Jeffrey and Jan. Father in Law to Marita and Robin. Grandfather to Dean, Kim, Tom, Steph and
Louise. Billy Gramps to Mia, Jack and Max. Brother to Max (dec), Majorie and Barbara. Died
peacefully at home surrounded by those he loved. Heartfelt thanks to RDNS for many years of
caring support. A life well lived, a rest well earned.“
The additional information was supplied by Denise Allen, ANARE Club Social Secretary.
Vale Bruce "Gangles" Neilson - Wilkes 66 and Macca 69
Sad to advise the passing of Bruce”Gangles” Neilson on 6th August at Tatura Victoria.
Bruce was a Radio Operator highly regarded by his fellow Expeditioners.
He was one of about a dozen of so Radio Operators, over the years, recruited from the Melbourne Chief Telegraph Office that served with ANARE.
He did two stints, Wilkes 1966 and Macquarie Island 1969.
I reckon him and Narra would be knocking a few back and sharing a story or two right now!
This information was supplied by Noddy Fletcher, friend and ANARE Club Councillor.
Bruce was a Radio Operator highly regarded by his fellow Expeditioners.
He was one of about a dozen of so Radio Operators, over the years, recruited from the Melbourne Chief Telegraph Office that served with ANARE.
He did two stints, Wilkes 1966 and Macquarie Island 1969.
I reckon him and Narra would be knocking a few back and sharing a story or two right now!
This information was supplied by Noddy Fletcher, friend and ANARE Club Councillor.
Vale Alan Parker - Macca 66 and Davis 77
It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Alan Parker who wintered at Macca in 1966 and as OIC at Davis in 1977. A recipient of the Polar Medal, he passed away peacefully on the night of 26 July.
He also lectured on tourist vessels out of South America and was, at times, accompanied by his wife, who passed away last October and shared his love for the Antarctic.
This information was supplied by his daughter, Sue Hilliard.
He also lectured on tourist vessels out of South America and was, at times, accompanied by his wife, who passed away last October and shared his love for the Antarctic.
This information was supplied by his daughter, Sue Hilliard.
Vale Robert Thomas - Macca 1980s

It is with great sadness we report the passing of Robert Thomas.
He died peacefully in his sleep due to complications with lung disease and myeloid dysplasia.
He was a communications officer on Macquarie Island for two expeditions in the late 80's.
He is survived by his wife and three children all currently living in Perth.
This information was submitted by Chris Thomas, his son.
He died peacefully in his sleep due to complications with lung disease and myeloid dysplasia.
He was a communications officer on Macquarie Island for two expeditions in the late 80's.
He is survived by his wife and three children all currently living in Perth.
This information was submitted by Chris Thomas, his son.
Vale Zeb Jeffrey - Macca 51

Zeb Jeffrey past away quietly at a Nursing Home near Willunga, SA, aged 88yrs. Zeb is survived byhis wife Gwenda and two children.
Zebulon (Zeb) R. Jeffrey, 26 March,1924 -- 3 April,1012
Zeb served with the RAAF (pre 1950) and was Radio Physicist, Macquarie Island 1951-52 conducting studies in Ionosphere, Troposphere and Auroral Physics.
He also worked with W.R.E.and later in partnership ran a company called "Systems Analysis".
Zeb served in Vietnam as a "Systems Advisor" with the rank of Major. (Army).
He is credited with many "papers" in his field and the design of a new micro barograph. Zeb, a keen conservationist, was well over 70 when he retired.
He was buried at the quiet Willunga country cemetery with the music of Bach's "Sheep May Safely Graze" playing and sheep indeed looking on.
Zeb and Gwenda were regular and popular attendees to the Adelaide ANARE Midwinter Dinners.
Zebulon (Zeb) R. Jeffrey, 26 March,1924 -- 3 April,1012
Zeb served with the RAAF (pre 1950) and was Radio Physicist, Macquarie Island 1951-52 conducting studies in Ionosphere, Troposphere and Auroral Physics.
He also worked with W.R.E.and later in partnership ran a company called "Systems Analysis".
Zeb served in Vietnam as a "Systems Advisor" with the rank of Major. (Army).
He is credited with many "papers" in his field and the design of a new micro barograph. Zeb, a keen conservationist, was well over 70 when he retired.
He was buried at the quiet Willunga country cemetery with the music of Bach's "Sheep May Safely Graze" playing and sheep indeed looking on.
Zeb and Gwenda were regular and popular attendees to the Adelaide ANARE Midwinter Dinners.
Vale Reginald Thomas (Pat) Lee
Reginald Thomas Lee, PM passed away 6 June 2012. He was 90 years old.
Pat Lee, as he is more commonly known, was a member of the City of Parramatta RSL sub-Branch, and a Life Member of the RSL. Pat was that somewhat eccentric character that amused the crowds each ANZAC Day by wearing a tin hat with “Lest We Forget” painted across the front. This year was the first ANZAC Day parade that Pat missed in memory.
Pat lived with his sister Margaret, and her death shortly before ANZAC Day affected him greatly. Pat served almost six years in the RAAF and served in New Guinea in 1944-45. After the war, Pat joined the Merchant Navy as an engineer.
He served as tractor driver and explorer on Antarctic expeditions 1956 - 1958 and again in 1965 - 1967. Pat was decorated with the British Polar Medal, and at the Australian Mawson Base in Antarctica, Lee Island was named after him.
Pat Lee, as he is more commonly known, was a member of the City of Parramatta RSL sub-Branch, and a Life Member of the RSL. Pat was that somewhat eccentric character that amused the crowds each ANZAC Day by wearing a tin hat with “Lest We Forget” painted across the front. This year was the first ANZAC Day parade that Pat missed in memory.
Pat lived with his sister Margaret, and her death shortly before ANZAC Day affected him greatly. Pat served almost six years in the RAAF and served in New Guinea in 1944-45. After the war, Pat joined the Merchant Navy as an engineer.
He served as tractor driver and explorer on Antarctic expeditions 1956 - 1958 and again in 1965 - 1967. Pat was decorated with the British Polar Medal, and at the Australian Mawson Base in Antarctica, Lee Island was named after him.
Vale Alan Charles Hawker
Born: 17 April, 1930.
Died: 19 April, 2012.
In 1953, he applied for and was accepted as the Radio Operator at the ANARE (Australian National Antarctic Research Expeditions) base on Macquarie Island. It was during this period he developed a love for the harsh and often inhospitable environment that he and his fellow expeditioners endured.
December, 1956, saw Alan sail from North Wharf, Melbourne aboard the Kista Dan bound for Davis Station in Antarctica again as the station Radio Operator. Here along with a small party they commenced and completed the construction of the new base.
During his time based here, many day and extended expeditions were undertaken to explore this wild and untamed environment. At the end of this expedition they were noted as saying they had spent the busiest and most eventful year of their lives in Antarctica's unique 'desert of stone', the Vestfold Hills.
Died: 19 April, 2012.
In 1953, he applied for and was accepted as the Radio Operator at the ANARE (Australian National Antarctic Research Expeditions) base on Macquarie Island. It was during this period he developed a love for the harsh and often inhospitable environment that he and his fellow expeditioners endured.
December, 1956, saw Alan sail from North Wharf, Melbourne aboard the Kista Dan bound for Davis Station in Antarctica again as the station Radio Operator. Here along with a small party they commenced and completed the construction of the new base.
During his time based here, many day and extended expeditions were undertaken to explore this wild and untamed environment. At the end of this expedition they were noted as saying they had spent the busiest and most eventful year of their lives in Antarctica's unique 'desert of stone', the Vestfold Hills.
Vale Neil Adams - Casey 94 and Many Summers
Dr Neil Adams, the Manager of the Bureau's Antarctic Meteorological Section, based in Tasmania, died on Friday 23 March 2012 from meningitis after a short illness.
Neil's death is a huge loss to the Bureau and the Antarctic community. He was well known and respected both nationally and internationally for his extensive work in polar meteorology over a 30 year period.
He was a member of various committees including SCAR (Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research), the Expert Group on Operational Meteorology, the International Commission on Polar Meteorology (ICPM), and the Steering Committee for the annual Antarctic Meteorological Observation, Modelling, and Forecasting Workshop (AMOMFW).
Most of all he was much liked by his colleagues and friends, and his death is a huge loss on a personal, as well as a professional level. Neil was warm, funny, friendly, and always an adventurer!
He will be very much missed.
An article in the Hobart Mercury describing Neil's achievements is available on the Mercury's website.
Neil's death is a huge loss to the Bureau and the Antarctic community. He was well known and respected both nationally and internationally for his extensive work in polar meteorology over a 30 year period.
He was a member of various committees including SCAR (Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research), the Expert Group on Operational Meteorology, the International Commission on Polar Meteorology (ICPM), and the Steering Committee for the annual Antarctic Meteorological Observation, Modelling, and Forecasting Workshop (AMOMFW).
Most of all he was much liked by his colleagues and friends, and his death is a huge loss on a personal, as well as a professional level. Neil was warm, funny, friendly, and always an adventurer!
He will be very much missed.
An article in the Hobart Mercury describing Neil's achievements is available on the Mercury's website.
Vale Peter Gormly - Casey 73, Mawson, AAD HO and Round Trips 1978 - 1995
Des Lugg and Jeff Ayton have advised of the passing of Dr Peter Gormly, formerly Senior Medical Officer of the Australian Antarctic Division.
Peter died after a brief illness at the Royal Hobart Hospital on 24/3/2012 just shy of his 75th birthday and is survived by his wife , Mrs Lorraine Gormly, and daughter, Kirsty Gormly and family, of Adelaide, and his son Andrew in London.
Peter was born and studied in New Zealand. While working as an orthopaedic surgeon in the remote Isles of Scotland he applied for ANARE in 1972 and was interviewed by Sir Vivian Fuchs.
He wintered at Casey Station in 1973, returning to Melbourne AAD Head Office in 1974 to complete human biology and medicine research projects. After a sojourn at the Canberra Hospital, Peter wintered at Mawson Station in 1977. His medical and surgical expertise was well utilised during the year in medicine and veterinarian practice including a laparotomy for bowel obstruction on Deefa, the Husky.
Peter was permanently appointed to AAD Head Office as a Medical Officer on 22 November 1978 and was Senior Medical Officer until his retirement in 2007. He was well known for his skills and experience in first aid, field survival and celestial navigation. On the former, he was responsible for the famous guides and first aid manuals used by Antarctic expeditioners, mountaineers and trekkers around the world. His short course and guide to celestial navigation was attended by many.
He will be widely remembered for his realistic and stomach churning simulations and presentations during the pre departure period that put the fear of God and torrid seas into us all!
In recognition of Dr Peter Gormly’s significant contribution to the Antarctic, he was awarded the Australian Antarctic Medal in 1991. He retired from the Australian Antarctic Division in 2007 after an association of 35 years with ANARE and the AAD.
Information supplied by Des Lugg and Jeff Ayton with thanks.
Vale Don Walker - Wilkes 62
Don Walker was born 24/07/1936; He died in the Perth Hospital on 04/06/2011 after a short illness.
Don was a geophysicist with the 1962 Wilkes Expedition. He was part of the 6-man Wilkes to Vostok siesmic survey;3,000 kms return traverse which lasted 100 days. Along the way he recorded ice thickness of 4,645 meters, the thickest ever measured at that time.
Don's nickname was 'Bwana' from his host of stories of his years in North Africa and discovery of huge oilfields.
I have a fond memory of him playing a Russian piano-accordian in the dining room at Vostok,on the day we arrived there.
Regards, Neville (Gringo) Collins
Don was a geophysicist with the 1962 Wilkes Expedition. He was part of the 6-man Wilkes to Vostok siesmic survey;3,000 kms return traverse which lasted 100 days. Along the way he recorded ice thickness of 4,645 meters, the thickest ever measured at that time.
Don's nickname was 'Bwana' from his host of stories of his years in North Africa and discovery of huge oilfields.
I have a fond memory of him playing a Russian piano-accordian in the dining room at Vostok,on the day we arrived there.
Regards, Neville (Gringo) Collins
Vale Fred Prant - Casey 74, Macca 76
Fred served as the Carpenter at Casey in 1974 and at Macquarie Island in 1976.
Fred was a regular at Midwinter Dinners in Queensland from 1977 to 1992, missing only 1991 according to records held. He regularly kept in touch with Antarctic affairs, apologied for non-attendance at functions and maintained his (financial) membership of the ANARE Club.
Fred's wife, Frieda, pre-deceased him. Family, Loani and Alan, are listed in the funeral notice. The funeral notice for Fred Prant appeared in the Courier Mail, Brisbane, Wednesday 27 July 2011, and the funeral was held the following day. Info supplied by David Carstens.
This information was provided by David Carstens and was posted on 1 August 2011.
Fred was a regular at Midwinter Dinners in Queensland from 1977 to 1992, missing only 1991 according to records held. He regularly kept in touch with Antarctic affairs, apologied for non-attendance at functions and maintained his (financial) membership of the ANARE Club.
Fred's wife, Frieda, pre-deceased him. Family, Loani and Alan, are listed in the funeral notice. The funeral notice for Fred Prant appeared in the Courier Mail, Brisbane, Wednesday 27 July 2011, and the funeral was held the following day. Info supplied by David Carstens.
This information was provided by David Carstens and was posted on 1 August 2011.
Vale Simon Gaddes - Casey 77

Val Gaddes has informed us of the recent death on 9th May 2011 of her husband, Simon Gaddes.
Simon was an electrician at Casey in 1977. Simon had been ill for 3 years with Mesothelioma and died 2 weeks before his 73rd birthday. Simon lived in Armidale, Western Australia.
This information was provided by Bob Watson and was posted on 7 July 2011.
Simon was an electrician at Casey in 1977. Simon had been ill for 3 years with Mesothelioma and died 2 weeks before his 73rd birthday. Simon lived in Armidale, Western Australia.
This information was provided by Bob Watson and was posted on 7 July 2011.
Vale Leo John Wolyniec - Army Larcie
‘...Just a short note to notify you of the death of Leo John WOLYNIEC(aged 50), former member of the Royal Australian Army who served with Army detachment ANARE Antarctica from Sep 1980 - Apr 1981 and Macquarie Island Sep 1981 - May 1982. Leo discharged from the Army in 1986 and later served with the NSW Police Force. He passed away following a brief battle with... cancer...’
The funeral was held on Wednesday 29 June 2011 at Armidale NSW.
This information was received by Bob Watson from Tony Woods and was posted on 30 June 2011.
The funeral was held on Wednesday 29 June 2011 at Armidale NSW.
This information was received by Bob Watson from Tony Woods and was posted on 30 June 2011.
Vale Jon Stephenson
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Vale Russel Pardoe - Mawson 61
John Gillies has advised me that Russel Pardoe died in February 2011. Russel was the Mawson 1961 doctor and is legendary for drilling burr holes on mechanic Allan Newman who had suffered a cerebral haemorrhage.
A tribute in the Sydney Morning Herald can be accessed here and reads in part...
‘Pardoe contacted a surgeon in Melbourne and, communicating by Morse code, got advice on what to do. He was required to fashion medical equipment out of dental tools and testing his techniques first on a seal, he set about his surgery using a cook and two geophysicists to assist.
Pardoe drilled through the skull twice to relieve the critical pressure, then kept the dangerously ill man alive for two months before enlisting the aid of Russian, US and commercial aircraft to take his patient the 9600 kilometres to Sydney. The trip was in stages in forbidding weather and Pardoe stayed with his patient throughout. Newman, who was carried off the aircraft on a stretcher at Sydney Airport in January, 1962, made a full recovery’.
The Age newspaper also posted an obituary.
A tribute in the Sydney Morning Herald can be accessed here and reads in part...
‘Pardoe contacted a surgeon in Melbourne and, communicating by Morse code, got advice on what to do. He was required to fashion medical equipment out of dental tools and testing his techniques first on a seal, he set about his surgery using a cook and two geophysicists to assist.
Pardoe drilled through the skull twice to relieve the critical pressure, then kept the dangerously ill man alive for two months before enlisting the aid of Russian, US and commercial aircraft to take his patient the 9600 kilometres to Sydney. The trip was in stages in forbidding weather and Pardoe stayed with his patient throughout. Newman, who was carried off the aircraft on a stretcher at Sydney Airport in January, 1962, made a full recovery’.
The Age newspaper also posted an obituary.
Vale Richard (Dick) Saxton - Wilkes 63

Richard (Dick) Saxton, OIC Wilkes 1963, died in
hospital last Sunday the 27th of Feb, after a long illness.
The funeral arrangements are:
On Saturday the 5th of March at 2.30 pm.
At the United Church, Toorak Road Camberwell. One block to the East from Burke Road and on the corner of Park Road and Toorak Road. Melways Map 59 J5
The Saxton family have requested that instead of a wreath of flowers, they would prefer you direct your donation to a charity, one that maybe exemplifies Dick's character.
Joan Saxton and her son Clive have asked me to deliver a eulogy on behalf of his ANARE connections. In my dialogue I will be making it known how passionate Dick was for his ANARE Club, for , as well as serving two 2 year terms as President, he has an outstanding record of 30 continuous years serving on the Council of the ANARE Club, 1974 - 2004.
Regards Ray McMahon
This was posted on 1 March 2011.
The funeral arrangements are:
On Saturday the 5th of March at 2.30 pm.
At the United Church, Toorak Road Camberwell. One block to the East from Burke Road and on the corner of Park Road and Toorak Road. Melways Map 59 J5
The Saxton family have requested that instead of a wreath of flowers, they would prefer you direct your donation to a charity, one that maybe exemplifies Dick's character.
Joan Saxton and her son Clive have asked me to deliver a eulogy on behalf of his ANARE connections. In my dialogue I will be making it known how passionate Dick was for his ANARE Club, for , as well as serving two 2 year terms as President, he has an outstanding record of 30 continuous years serving on the Council of the ANARE Club, 1974 - 2004.
Regards Ray McMahon
This was posted on 1 March 2011.
Vale Mike Cosgrove - Mawson 1959
A friend of Mike Cosgrove, Don Skierk, wrote to tell us that Mike Cosgrove had died recently. Mike had been living in Canada since 1960.
Don is keen to make contact with any old friends or family of Mikes, and can be contacted on:
Don is keen to make contact with any old friends or family of Mikes, and can be contacted on:
Vale Leon Fox - Heard 53, Mawson 55, Macca 58 and 66, Davis 60, Wilkes 62 and 64
I was contacted by Astrid Simms, the sister of Leon Jennings Fox last night. She told me that Leon had died on Tuesday 22nd February 2011. A service is planned for 2pm Tuesday 1st March, in the garden at St Michaels Aged Care (where Leon had been resident for the last few years) at 1 Ormana st, Murumbeena, Victoria.
I suspect a lot of you knew Leon, or the ‘Antarctic fox.’ He’d certainly been down South as a ‘met man’ a lot with 7 winters under his belt. When I asked for memories of Leon, the comments were universal and along the lines of ’...a wonderful man, a wonderful expeditioner..he had a real twinkle in his eye...mischievous...indefatigable, nothing seemed to faze him... he was the only person personally recommended by Sir Douglas Mawson...’
I recently visited Leon at St Michaels. Verbal communication was tricky as Leon had severe motor neuron disease and had great difficulty expressing himself through speech. But he certainly understood my part of the conversation well enough. He smiled and made comments when I mentioned the ANARE Club, the names of Fred Elliott and Jack Ward with whom he had wintered on several occasions and had sent their best wishes, and bought him up to date with the latest news from the Antarctic and subantarctic stations.
But Leon positively sparkled and became very animated when I mentioned that I had heard he had been a dog man. Leon sent me off to his room to search out his prized photo album filled with pictures of fellow expeditioners, seals, stations and his beloved dogs, and we spent a good hour pouring through it.
I couldn’t understand a large part of his conversation about the photographs, but I was in no doubt that his time down south was important to him. Vale Leon...
An obituary by Mark Forecast can be accessed here.
I suspect a lot of you knew Leon, or the ‘Antarctic fox.’ He’d certainly been down South as a ‘met man’ a lot with 7 winters under his belt. When I asked for memories of Leon, the comments were universal and along the lines of ’...a wonderful man, a wonderful expeditioner..he had a real twinkle in his eye...mischievous...indefatigable, nothing seemed to faze him... he was the only person personally recommended by Sir Douglas Mawson...’
I recently visited Leon at St Michaels. Verbal communication was tricky as Leon had severe motor neuron disease and had great difficulty expressing himself through speech. But he certainly understood my part of the conversation well enough. He smiled and made comments when I mentioned the ANARE Club, the names of Fred Elliott and Jack Ward with whom he had wintered on several occasions and had sent their best wishes, and bought him up to date with the latest news from the Antarctic and subantarctic stations.
But Leon positively sparkled and became very animated when I mentioned that I had heard he had been a dog man. Leon sent me off to his room to search out his prized photo album filled with pictures of fellow expeditioners, seals, stations and his beloved dogs, and we spent a good hour pouring through it.
I couldn’t understand a large part of his conversation about the photographs, but I was in no doubt that his time down south was important to him. Vale Leon...
An obituary by Mark Forecast can be accessed here.
Vale Ed Reid - Macca 61, Heard 64/65
Fitting farewell for ‘Ed’
by Allison Rogers, 3rd February 2011
Byron Shire News (Byron Bay, N.S.W.)
Members of Marine Rescue Brunswick paid a fitting, final tribute to their mate and colleague Edwin Reid from Ocean Shores on Thursday (Jan 27) as their rescue boat safely cleared a big swell, allowing family members to release Ed’s ashes into the ocean. Mr Reid died on January 16, after a battle with cancer...
...Marine Rescue Brunswick's unit commander, Owen Danvers, said Ed had been a 'part of the furniture' at the Marine Rescue base since he joined as a volunteer radio operator in 2005.
"We very quickly realised his abilities and he became our marine training officer, at a time when competency-based training was being introduced," Mr Danvers said. "He brought so much expertise to our unit at a time that we greatly needed it, and with all his marine training he just stepped up and got the job done."
Edwin Reid’s life story was an amazing one, and an inspiration to all, Mr Danvers said. He did service in the Royal Australian Navy as a radio operator/damage control party/fire fighting party, all as one position. Part of his time in the navy was on loan to the US Navy as radio liaison officer.
He also served on HMAS Melbourne assisting the Royal Navy during the Malay campaign. Some years later while radio operator on the cod boat fleets in the Atlantic, he found himself at conflict with the Royal Navy during the cod boat wars.
Mr Reid twice joined the Australian Antarctic Expedition as radio officer, fire fighting officer and search and rescue co-ordinator.
"He was also member of the Bill Tillman expedition to Heard Island, was chief instructor at the Outward Bound School on the Hawkesbury River, and was an established artist and great teacher ¨C his list of his achievements and adventures reads like a novel," Mr Danvers said.
"We were so pleased to be able to see him safely across the bar today, to have his ashes scattered by his family in the sea that he so dearly loved, and to have the chance to show our great respect for him.
"He will be greatly missed by us all; he was a man who lived very much respected by all who ever had the opportunity to be in his company."
Article forwarded by Liz Chipman and posted on 4 February 2011.
by Allison Rogers, 3rd February 2011
Byron Shire News (Byron Bay, N.S.W.)
Members of Marine Rescue Brunswick paid a fitting, final tribute to their mate and colleague Edwin Reid from Ocean Shores on Thursday (Jan 27) as their rescue boat safely cleared a big swell, allowing family members to release Ed’s ashes into the ocean. Mr Reid died on January 16, after a battle with cancer...
...Marine Rescue Brunswick's unit commander, Owen Danvers, said Ed had been a 'part of the furniture' at the Marine Rescue base since he joined as a volunteer radio operator in 2005.
"We very quickly realised his abilities and he became our marine training officer, at a time when competency-based training was being introduced," Mr Danvers said. "He brought so much expertise to our unit at a time that we greatly needed it, and with all his marine training he just stepped up and got the job done."
Edwin Reid’s life story was an amazing one, and an inspiration to all, Mr Danvers said. He did service in the Royal Australian Navy as a radio operator/damage control party/fire fighting party, all as one position. Part of his time in the navy was on loan to the US Navy as radio liaison officer.
He also served on HMAS Melbourne assisting the Royal Navy during the Malay campaign. Some years later while radio operator on the cod boat fleets in the Atlantic, he found himself at conflict with the Royal Navy during the cod boat wars.
Mr Reid twice joined the Australian Antarctic Expedition as radio officer, fire fighting officer and search and rescue co-ordinator.
"He was also member of the Bill Tillman expedition to Heard Island, was chief instructor at the Outward Bound School on the Hawkesbury River, and was an established artist and great teacher ¨C his list of his achievements and adventures reads like a novel," Mr Danvers said.
"We were so pleased to be able to see him safely across the bar today, to have his ashes scattered by his family in the sea that he so dearly loved, and to have the chance to show our great respect for him.
"He will be greatly missed by us all; he was a man who lived very much respected by all who ever had the opportunity to be in his company."
Article forwarded by Liz Chipman and posted on 4 February 2011.
Vale Keith Cole - Macca 56
Keith was the auroral physicist on Macquarie Island in 1956, and is well known to many early ANARE UAP people. Keith then worked at CSIRO until 1962 before spending several years working in America. He returned to Australia in 1966 and was the Foundation Professor of Physics and Head of Theoretical Physics at La Trobe University in Victoria. He has been at La Trobe since 1966 and was appointed Emeritus Professor in 1995.
Throughout his illustrious career, Cole has made many scientific breakthroughs and has built a reputation as one of the world's leading solar-terrestrial physicists. In 2003 he was awarded the Centenary Medal from the Australian Government and Life Membership of the Scientific Committee on Solar-Terrestrial Physics, SCOSTEP. The latter is a rare honour which had been bestowed on only nine other people at that time. Cole is a former President of SCOSTEP and has also been honoured with Fellowships of the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism, the Australian Academy of Science, the Australian Institute of Physics, the Institute of Physics, UK and of the Explorers Club of New York.
A Service celebrating the life of Prof. Keith Cole will be held in the Le Pine Chapel, 741 High St, East Kew on TUESDAY (Dec. 21, 2010) at 12 noon. A Private Cremation will follow
Initial notification from John Gillies and posted on 17 December 2010.
Throughout his illustrious career, Cole has made many scientific breakthroughs and has built a reputation as one of the world's leading solar-terrestrial physicists. In 2003 he was awarded the Centenary Medal from the Australian Government and Life Membership of the Scientific Committee on Solar-Terrestrial Physics, SCOSTEP. The latter is a rare honour which had been bestowed on only nine other people at that time. Cole is a former President of SCOSTEP and has also been honoured with Fellowships of the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism, the Australian Academy of Science, the Australian Institute of Physics, the Institute of Physics, UK and of the Explorers Club of New York.
A Service celebrating the life of Prof. Keith Cole will be held in the Le Pine Chapel, 741 High St, East Kew on TUESDAY (Dec. 21, 2010) at 12 noon. A Private Cremation will follow
Initial notification from John Gillies and posted on 17 December 2010.
Vale David Wigg - Mawson 62
Dr David Wigg, the medical doctor at Mawson in 1962 died on Thursday afternoon 9 December 2010.
A number of Mawson 1962 Party have been keeping in touch with David and Christine over the past many weeks when David has been most unwell. David had open heart surgery and during recovery sufferred a stroke.
Rex Filson, Mark Single and Snow Williams have been in touch with Christine, and have occasionally spoken to Dave when he has been home. Dave has had difficulty in speaking after the stroke.
Rex had advised a few of us that David had been admitted to hospital and was in intensive care a few days ago, with little expectation of living much longer. Christine undertook that she would advise Rex as the situation developed.
Rex was advised this morning that David had died.The funeral is in Adelaide on Wednesday 15 December 2010 at 10am.
Information provided by David Carstens and posted on 11 December 2010.
Vale Brian Ball - Davis 76 and Mawson 80
Kathy Ball has advised us that her husband Brian Ball, the carpenter at Davis '76 and Mawson '80, died on 18th November 2010.
Posted 2 December2010
Posted 2 December2010
Vale Barney Thorp - Wilkes 61
We have been advised that Arnold Stuart Thorp (Barney) died on the 5th October 2010. Barney wintered at Wilkes in 1961 as an electrcal fitter mechanic.
No further details are available.
No further details are available.
Vale Pancho Evans - Mawson 58 and Wilkes 62
Multiple Tributes:
A friend of Pancho’s has rung to tell us that Pancho died today (15th November 2010) after a short illness. Pancho was the diesel mechanic at Mawson in 1958 and Wilkes in 1962. While at Wilkes he participated in several traverses including Totten Glacier and Vostok.
Pancho requested that no funeral be held,and that he be cremated and his ashes be scattered out in western port bay,where he spent much of his time fishing.
Lorraine Dolan.
This was posted on 16 November 2010.
So without a memorial service or funeral we have but our memories of Pancho, I would imagine that a glass will be raised in his memory in various locations around Australia, and without a doubt at the next luncheon of the Chelsea Pensioners.
Regards Ray ( Gaffer) McMahon
Vale – Desmond “Pancho” Evans
Pancho recently passed away after a long struggle with ill health. He had told me that his organs could not keep up with the fast pace of his early years. Also some seven years ago, Poncho was stricken with a case of shingles that doctors on the Morning ton Peninsula said they had not seen the like of before. The discomfort and pain he suffered dogged him until he end.
I first met Des in February 1949 when I joined the Army Apprentices School at Balcome in Victoria. Des was already a 1st Intake apprentice (Aug 1948) and a tall handsome bloke at the age of 17. He had a good-looking woman tattooed on one shoulder and he stood out amongst us 15 to 17 year olds. He had a quiet nature that never left him, a great dry sense of humor and was a very popular figure crooning and strumming his guitar. He always seemed to be sun tanned, said he could get a tan under a 40W light bulb!
Pancho wintered at Mawson in 1958 after getting seconded from his DUKW maintenance duties on that re-supply trip. Later in 1962 he was to serve at Wilkes and with his great mate “Gringo Collins, formed the dieso team that performed the miracles that enabled the six man party to successfully complete the Vostok traverse. Accounts of that then historic journey are worth reading in The Silence Calling or The Coldest Place on Earth.
On that traverse, Pancho proudly carried a small flag of his Corps, the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RAEME). He donated the flag to the Army Logistic Museum at Bandiana where it is on display. He explained to a lady who enquired as to what the three colours represented, that the blue was for the sea that was never crossed, the yellow for the sands that were never fought on and the red for the blood that was never shed. He was too polite to tell her as he would to male enquirers that RAEME stood for the Royal Arse End of the Military Establishment. He did not mean that of course as he was proud of the service he gave to his Corps, both in the Antarctic, Australia and PNG.
Sadly the shingles finally prevented Pancho from pursuing his love of fishing in Western Port Bay where he lived. Eventually he could no longer drive a car and he became even more reclusive than he had been in recent years.
It was no surprise to learn that Pancho's ashes were scattered on the waters of Western Port Bay.
Noel Cooper
This was posted 5 December 2010
A friend of Pancho’s has rung to tell us that Pancho died today (15th November 2010) after a short illness. Pancho was the diesel mechanic at Mawson in 1958 and Wilkes in 1962. While at Wilkes he participated in several traverses including Totten Glacier and Vostok.
Pancho requested that no funeral be held,and that he be cremated and his ashes be scattered out in western port bay,where he spent much of his time fishing.
Lorraine Dolan.
This was posted on 16 November 2010.
So without a memorial service or funeral we have but our memories of Pancho, I would imagine that a glass will be raised in his memory in various locations around Australia, and without a doubt at the next luncheon of the Chelsea Pensioners.
Regards Ray ( Gaffer) McMahon
Vale – Desmond “Pancho” Evans
Pancho recently passed away after a long struggle with ill health. He had told me that his organs could not keep up with the fast pace of his early years. Also some seven years ago, Poncho was stricken with a case of shingles that doctors on the Morning ton Peninsula said they had not seen the like of before. The discomfort and pain he suffered dogged him until he end.
I first met Des in February 1949 when I joined the Army Apprentices School at Balcome in Victoria. Des was already a 1st Intake apprentice (Aug 1948) and a tall handsome bloke at the age of 17. He had a good-looking woman tattooed on one shoulder and he stood out amongst us 15 to 17 year olds. He had a quiet nature that never left him, a great dry sense of humor and was a very popular figure crooning and strumming his guitar. He always seemed to be sun tanned, said he could get a tan under a 40W light bulb!
Pancho wintered at Mawson in 1958 after getting seconded from his DUKW maintenance duties on that re-supply trip. Later in 1962 he was to serve at Wilkes and with his great mate “Gringo Collins, formed the dieso team that performed the miracles that enabled the six man party to successfully complete the Vostok traverse. Accounts of that then historic journey are worth reading in The Silence Calling or The Coldest Place on Earth.
On that traverse, Pancho proudly carried a small flag of his Corps, the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RAEME). He donated the flag to the Army Logistic Museum at Bandiana where it is on display. He explained to a lady who enquired as to what the three colours represented, that the blue was for the sea that was never crossed, the yellow for the sands that were never fought on and the red for the blood that was never shed. He was too polite to tell her as he would to male enquirers that RAEME stood for the Royal Arse End of the Military Establishment. He did not mean that of course as he was proud of the service he gave to his Corps, both in the Antarctic, Australia and PNG.
Sadly the shingles finally prevented Pancho from pursuing his love of fishing in Western Port Bay where he lived. Eventually he could no longer drive a car and he became even more reclusive than he had been in recent years.
It was no surprise to learn that Pancho's ashes were scattered on the waters of Western Port Bay.
Noel Cooper
This was posted 5 December 2010
Vale Max Flutter - Macca 53 and 55, Davis 58
It is with great sadness that I inform you that Max Flutter passed away.
Max Flutter was born on 17th May 1917 and passed away in the early hours of the morning of Tuesday 28th September 2010. Max was 93 years of age.
Max was one of 250 personnel out of 3000 who was selected to join the Darwin Mobile Force. Max served in the “Top End” from 1938 to 1942. In 1942 he briefly joined the AIF but he then re-mustered and joined the RAAF where he was posted to Canada on a pilot training course.
He travelled back to Australia in 1944 on an American troop ship with 44 other Australians on board. In the six or less degrees of separation in life, among those 44 Australians was Len Forbes. They had never met at this stage, but after both joined the Bureau they were to meet and remained very good friends for the rest of their lives. In retirement they were almost neighbours.
Max had a distinguished career with the Bureau. He served in two tours of Macquarie Island in1953 and 1955. He also served on the Mainland at Mawson in 1956 and OIC Davis in 1958. Max has the distinction of having a small island near Davis Station named after him and a penguin rookery. (Which is still visited to this day.)
He also worked in remote postings such as Forrest, Norfolk Island and Lord Howe Island. He later served at Mascot and upon completion of the Technical Officer Course was posted to Bankstown Airport.
He was the doyen of forecasters at Bankstown Airport, the pilots fully trusted the advice given them by the “MET MAN” when Max was on duty. He trained so many of us newer style technical officers in the art of forecasting and the briefing of light aircraft pilots. A few of us who worked with Max were, William Edward Henderson, Geoff Smith, Steve Symonds, Geoff Naughton and Brian Lee. My apologies for those who I have missed out.
Max retired in the early eighties to Blackheath in the Blue Mountains with his house backing onto the golf course. Len Forbes lived one house down from Max on the corner.
The R.D. NSW, Vic Bahr once bought a delegation of Chinese meteorologists up to Blackheath for a B-B-Q. Their introduction to the Australian way of life.
Health problems in 2008 forced Max to leave his beloved home and move to once again to be close to Len and Phyllis Forbes at the “John Paul Retirement Village” at Heathcote in Southern Sydney.
Len saw Max yesterday afternoon and Max passed away in his sleep in the early hours of Tuesday morning (28th sep 2010).
Max, from all of us who worked with you, thanks for your wisdom, advice and fond memories.
Geoff Smith and Len Forbes.
Sent in by Denise Allen and posted on 13 November 2010.
Flutter Island, near Davis Station Antarctica.
An irregular-shaped island, almost cut in two, about 3 km north of Davis station in the Vestfold Hills. Mapped by Norwegian cartographers from aerial photographs taken by the Lars Christensen Expedition (1936-37). Named after M J Flutter, Officer-in-Charge at Davis Station, 1958.
Flutter Rookery Antarctica.
An Emperor penguin rookery situated in a group of icebergs on fast ice adhering to the eastern side of Bjerkx Peninsula, Mac.Robertson Land. Discovered on 3 August, 1958, by Flt. Lieut. H.O. Wilson, RAAF whilst on a flight from Mawson to Davis. Named after M.J. Flutter, Officer-in-Charge at Davis in 1958.
Max Flutter was born on 17th May 1917 and passed away in the early hours of the morning of Tuesday 28th September 2010. Max was 93 years of age.
Max was one of 250 personnel out of 3000 who was selected to join the Darwin Mobile Force. Max served in the “Top End” from 1938 to 1942. In 1942 he briefly joined the AIF but he then re-mustered and joined the RAAF where he was posted to Canada on a pilot training course.
He travelled back to Australia in 1944 on an American troop ship with 44 other Australians on board. In the six or less degrees of separation in life, among those 44 Australians was Len Forbes. They had never met at this stage, but after both joined the Bureau they were to meet and remained very good friends for the rest of their lives. In retirement they were almost neighbours.
Max had a distinguished career with the Bureau. He served in two tours of Macquarie Island in1953 and 1955. He also served on the Mainland at Mawson in 1956 and OIC Davis in 1958. Max has the distinction of having a small island near Davis Station named after him and a penguin rookery. (Which is still visited to this day.)
He also worked in remote postings such as Forrest, Norfolk Island and Lord Howe Island. He later served at Mascot and upon completion of the Technical Officer Course was posted to Bankstown Airport.
He was the doyen of forecasters at Bankstown Airport, the pilots fully trusted the advice given them by the “MET MAN” when Max was on duty. He trained so many of us newer style technical officers in the art of forecasting and the briefing of light aircraft pilots. A few of us who worked with Max were, William Edward Henderson, Geoff Smith, Steve Symonds, Geoff Naughton and Brian Lee. My apologies for those who I have missed out.
Max retired in the early eighties to Blackheath in the Blue Mountains with his house backing onto the golf course. Len Forbes lived one house down from Max on the corner.
The R.D. NSW, Vic Bahr once bought a delegation of Chinese meteorologists up to Blackheath for a B-B-Q. Their introduction to the Australian way of life.
Health problems in 2008 forced Max to leave his beloved home and move to once again to be close to Len and Phyllis Forbes at the “John Paul Retirement Village” at Heathcote in Southern Sydney.
Len saw Max yesterday afternoon and Max passed away in his sleep in the early hours of Tuesday morning (28th sep 2010).
Max, from all of us who worked with you, thanks for your wisdom, advice and fond memories.
Geoff Smith and Len Forbes.
Sent in by Denise Allen and posted on 13 November 2010.
Flutter Island, near Davis Station Antarctica.
An irregular-shaped island, almost cut in two, about 3 km north of Davis station in the Vestfold Hills. Mapped by Norwegian cartographers from aerial photographs taken by the Lars Christensen Expedition (1936-37). Named after M J Flutter, Officer-in-Charge at Davis Station, 1958.
Flutter Rookery Antarctica.
An Emperor penguin rookery situated in a group of icebergs on fast ice adhering to the eastern side of Bjerkx Peninsula, Mac.Robertson Land. Discovered on 3 August, 1958, by Flt. Lieut. H.O. Wilson, RAAF whilst on a flight from Mawson to Davis. Named after M.J. Flutter, Officer-in-Charge at Davis in 1958.
Vale Garry Clark - Mawson 74
Bill Griffiths wrote;
It is with great sadness that I am obliged to write to the ANARE club to inform you of the death of Garry Clark, motor mechanic Mawson 1974.
Shortly before his death Garry asked me to write the enclosed obituary and submit it to the Aurora magazine for publication. He wished his many friends be aware of some of his RTA achievements. I read once, author forgotten, that 'there is only one success and that is to be able to spend your life in your own way'. Garry's life was a success.
Born Perth WA 09/07/1947
Died Albany WA 29/08/2009
This was posted on 15 November 2010.
It is with great sadness that I am obliged to write to the ANARE club to inform you of the death of Garry Clark, motor mechanic Mawson 1974.
Shortly before his death Garry asked me to write the enclosed obituary and submit it to the Aurora magazine for publication. He wished his many friends be aware of some of his RTA achievements. I read once, author forgotten, that 'there is only one success and that is to be able to spend your life in your own way'. Garry's life was a success.
Born Perth WA 09/07/1947
Died Albany WA 29/08/2009
This was posted on 15 November 2010.
Vale Gary Bradley - Davis 62, Mawson 64 and 72/73
Dear all,
It is with regret that I pass on from Bill Scherek, the news of the death of Gary Bradley last night. Gary was a TO(met) who worked in VRO before retiring from the Bureau in the early 90's. He was aged in his late 70's. Gary suffered from diabetes and lost a leg several years ago. He had been in a nursing home for the last 6-8 months.Bill doesn't know of any funeral arrangements and any such funeral is expected to be very low key with surviving family members spread across the country.
Regards, Peter
The funeral service was held on Saturday October 30,with a burial service at the Blackwood Cemetery in Ballarat. For further details you can contact Gary's daughter Alison on 0409680963
This was posted on 29 October 2010.
It is with regret that I pass on from Bill Scherek, the news of the death of Gary Bradley last night. Gary was a TO(met) who worked in VRO before retiring from the Bureau in the early 90's. He was aged in his late 70's. Gary suffered from diabetes and lost a leg several years ago. He had been in a nursing home for the last 6-8 months.Bill doesn't know of any funeral arrangements and any such funeral is expected to be very low key with surviving family members spread across the country.
Regards, Peter
The funeral service was held on Saturday October 30,with a burial service at the Blackwood Cemetery in Ballarat. For further details you can contact Gary's daughter Alison on 0409680963
This was posted on 29 October 2010.
Vale Des Addicoat - Davis 91, Mawson 94
Jennifer Muir wrote:
My friend Des Addicoat was an ANARE expeditioner D91 & M94. Sadly, Des has died and since he spoke fondly of the people and his time in the Antarctic, I thought they might appreciate knowing.
I spoke to his friend Steve Courser who mentioned that Des worked for defence signals directorate (defence intelligence) for many years, but always spoke of going back down south one day...
This was posted on 26 August 2010.
My friend Des Addicoat was an ANARE expeditioner D91 & M94. Sadly, Des has died and since he spoke fondly of the people and his time in the Antarctic, I thought they might appreciate knowing.
I spoke to his friend Steve Courser who mentioned that Des worked for defence signals directorate (defence intelligence) for many years, but always spoke of going back down south one day...
This was posted on 26 August 2010.
Vale Frank (Narra) Johnson - Mawson 68, 70 and 74, Macca 75
Dear friends,
John O'Shea phoned Lorraine and I this morning to inform that our old pal, Narra, passed away in the early hours of this morning, Wednesday 20 October, at Tamworth Hospital, and asked that all be notified. Please pass on if you will.
Narra took ill at the weekend at was admitted to his little local hospital at Bingara, Northern NSW. He was fairly quickly transferred to the larger, Tamworth hospital the same day, and remained there in their high dependency unit.
Even in that time he made an impression on the nursing staff, and we were told by one young nursing sister what a fine, gentlemanly chap he was. John and I were in touch with him while in hospital. John spoke to him on Monday.
Narra was a great friend to us - a Gentle Giant with a great deal of generosity, and a kind heart. We will miss him sorely.
John O'Shea (Darwin) and Alan and Lorraine Moore (Canberra)
This was posted 20 October 2010.
John O'Shea phoned Lorraine and I this morning to inform that our old pal, Narra, passed away in the early hours of this morning, Wednesday 20 October, at Tamworth Hospital, and asked that all be notified. Please pass on if you will.
Narra took ill at the weekend at was admitted to his little local hospital at Bingara, Northern NSW. He was fairly quickly transferred to the larger, Tamworth hospital the same day, and remained there in their high dependency unit.
Even in that time he made an impression on the nursing staff, and we were told by one young nursing sister what a fine, gentlemanly chap he was. John and I were in touch with him while in hospital. John spoke to him on Monday.
Narra was a great friend to us - a Gentle Giant with a great deal of generosity, and a kind heart. We will miss him sorely.
John O'Shea (Darwin) and Alan and Lorraine Moore (Canberra)
This was posted 20 October 2010.
More tributes:

Narra. Photo by Werner Haymann.
Words can't express my sorrow on reading this. Narra and I formed a unique relationship over the last few years exchanging e-mails on a regular basis. Quite simply Al, they don't make them any more like Narra. At least he got to see Collingwood win a premiership and he was estactic about that.
Another silent keyboard.
Noddy Fletcher
'...Sad to hear about Narra . He was a great character. Met him on the Nella enroute to Mawson 75 and he certainly made his presence felt and gave the new chums a memorable introduction to Anare culture. A character as big as his stature - its a bit like another Nella sinking .
Regards to all 75'ers
Russell Marnock aka Mad Dog
'...A good man and excellent drinking partner!...'
Werner Haymann
Another silent keyboard.
Noddy Fletcher
'...Sad to hear about Narra . He was a great character. Met him on the Nella enroute to Mawson 75 and he certainly made his presence felt and gave the new chums a memorable introduction to Anare culture. A character as big as his stature - its a bit like another Nella sinking .
Regards to all 75'ers
Russell Marnock aka Mad Dog
'...A good man and excellent drinking partner!...'
Werner Haymann
Vale Kevin Lionel Smith - Macca 68

20th January1942 to 11th Sept. 2010
Meteorological Observer Macquarie Island 1968
It is with deep regret that I advise the passing of one of the most popular and respected members of our 1968 party. Kevin lost his well-fought battle with cancer in the early hours of September 11th.
Kevin had an incredible general knowledge and always enjoyed a lively debate that usually resulted in the dreaded call of “cans” which meant that the treasured issue of Fosters was at serious risk. There were not many occasions that the cans travelled from his possession. At Macquarie, Kevin held the running record for the Met hut to Wireless Hill aerials and return in a time that I believe was not lowered for many a year. Not a bad effort for an oversize “Irishman”, (though born in Victoria), who loved his food and drink!
After his year at Macca, Kev and his Family spent several years in India where he worked for the Australian Government Agricultural aid programme. Jacinta, the fourth of the Smith clan of 5 children, was born in India during this overseas experience. Upon returning to Australia, Kevin worked for several Victorian State Government departments including those covering Forestry, Correctional Services and the Environment. Kevin’s much loved wife Maxine passed away in 1999.
Following his retirement, Kevin, or the “Wild Irishman” as he was often called, sold his Melbourne residence and moved to his idyllic little farm at Woodend where he painstakingly restored the heritage farmhouse to an extremely high standard. There he was surrounded by scores of different types of poultry, emus, goats, horses, dogs, kangaroos etc.
Everything was just falling in place with his life when his cancer was diagnosed. Kevin’s partner Josie did a marvellous job of caring for him and looked after him right to the very end.
Kevin was a true friend who will really be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Peter Cutler
This was posted on 29 September 2010.
Meteorological Observer Macquarie Island 1968
It is with deep regret that I advise the passing of one of the most popular and respected members of our 1968 party. Kevin lost his well-fought battle with cancer in the early hours of September 11th.
Kevin had an incredible general knowledge and always enjoyed a lively debate that usually resulted in the dreaded call of “cans” which meant that the treasured issue of Fosters was at serious risk. There were not many occasions that the cans travelled from his possession. At Macquarie, Kevin held the running record for the Met hut to Wireless Hill aerials and return in a time that I believe was not lowered for many a year. Not a bad effort for an oversize “Irishman”, (though born in Victoria), who loved his food and drink!
After his year at Macca, Kev and his Family spent several years in India where he worked for the Australian Government Agricultural aid programme. Jacinta, the fourth of the Smith clan of 5 children, was born in India during this overseas experience. Upon returning to Australia, Kevin worked for several Victorian State Government departments including those covering Forestry, Correctional Services and the Environment. Kevin’s much loved wife Maxine passed away in 1999.
Following his retirement, Kevin, or the “Wild Irishman” as he was often called, sold his Melbourne residence and moved to his idyllic little farm at Woodend where he painstakingly restored the heritage farmhouse to an extremely high standard. There he was surrounded by scores of different types of poultry, emus, goats, horses, dogs, kangaroos etc.
Everything was just falling in place with his life when his cancer was diagnosed. Kevin’s partner Josie did a marvellous job of caring for him and looked after him right to the very end.
Kevin was a true friend who will really be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Peter Cutler
This was posted on 29 September 2010.
Vale Bill Denham - Macca 49 and Mawson 61
Bill Denham was a met observer at Macquarie Island 1949 and Mawson 1961. His daughter Debbie Hayman has written to Richard Unwin (QLD branch president) to inform him of her father’s death on the 20th September 2010 at age 88 years.
‘...Dad passed away, very peacefully, last night....The funeral is on Friday at 2.30 George Hartnett Funerals, Anzac Ave. Redcliffe...’
Debbie can be contacted on and would be pleased to hear from any ANARE expeditioners who knew her father.
David Carstens wrote:
Hello Debbie Hayman,
Thank you for letting us know about your Dad, Bill Denham's death. The information has been circulated by Queensland Club President, Richard Unwin, and further by the Federal President of ANARE Club, Ingrid Mccaughey.
Bill Denham was one of the regulars at Queensland Midwinter Dinners for many years; he and Ken Bott usually travelled together to attend. The records I have, although incomplete in more recent detail, show that Bill attended every Midwinter Dinner from 1986 to 2001 plus the Jubilee Dinner in 1997. I have not analysed the records after 2001 but am aware that Bill regretted not being able to attend these reunions in more recent years but recorded his response / apology each year.
I travelled to Mawson with Bill as part of the 1961 Party, but then I returned to Melbourne on Thala Dan, due to the loss of the aircraft in the blizzard in December 1960. I returned to Mawson 1962 on the Nella Dan, which was the relief ship for the 1961 Party. ( I then stayed for the year in 1962.)
It was always highlighted at Midwinter Dinners that we had two 1949 Macquarie Island expeditioners present, Bill and Noel Haysom. These were normally our "oldest" expeditioners. Of course there were also Ken Bott from Heard Island 1951 and Trevor Boyd from Macquarie Island 1950.
The Queensland Branch of the ANARE Club always enjoyed the company of Bill Denham at Club Gatherings.
Please accept my personal condolences on the death of a great fellow and a good expeditioner.
David Carstens.
This was posted on 22 September 2010
‘...Dad passed away, very peacefully, last night....The funeral is on Friday at 2.30 George Hartnett Funerals, Anzac Ave. Redcliffe...’
Debbie can be contacted on and would be pleased to hear from any ANARE expeditioners who knew her father.
David Carstens wrote:
Hello Debbie Hayman,
Thank you for letting us know about your Dad, Bill Denham's death. The information has been circulated by Queensland Club President, Richard Unwin, and further by the Federal President of ANARE Club, Ingrid Mccaughey.
Bill Denham was one of the regulars at Queensland Midwinter Dinners for many years; he and Ken Bott usually travelled together to attend. The records I have, although incomplete in more recent detail, show that Bill attended every Midwinter Dinner from 1986 to 2001 plus the Jubilee Dinner in 1997. I have not analysed the records after 2001 but am aware that Bill regretted not being able to attend these reunions in more recent years but recorded his response / apology each year.
I travelled to Mawson with Bill as part of the 1961 Party, but then I returned to Melbourne on Thala Dan, due to the loss of the aircraft in the blizzard in December 1960. I returned to Mawson 1962 on the Nella Dan, which was the relief ship for the 1961 Party. ( I then stayed for the year in 1962.)
It was always highlighted at Midwinter Dinners that we had two 1949 Macquarie Island expeditioners present, Bill and Noel Haysom. These were normally our "oldest" expeditioners. Of course there were also Ken Bott from Heard Island 1951 and Trevor Boyd from Macquarie Island 1950.
The Queensland Branch of the ANARE Club always enjoyed the company of Bill Denham at Club Gatherings.
Please accept my personal condolences on the death of a great fellow and a good expeditioner.
David Carstens.
This was posted on 22 September 2010
Vale Lindsay Meades - Casey 81

The 1981 Casey Expeditioners regret to record the passing of Lindsay Meades, one of our radio operators. He was a great Expeditioner who always had a sparkle in his eyes and was always prepared to go the extra mile if he thought that was needed of him.
He was always a pleasure to have on the Expedition and was remarkably good at his work. His artistic abilities were very useful on the Station and he was a good cartoonist as well.
Joe Johnson, OiC.
This was posted on 14 September 2010
He was always a pleasure to have on the Expedition and was remarkably good at his work. His artistic abilities were very useful on the Station and he was a good cartoonist as well.
Joe Johnson, OiC.
This was posted on 14 September 2010
Joe also wrote in a separate email:

Lindsay really was a very good expeditioner and is sorely missed by the Casey 81 community. We still meet every five years in a different part of Australia and keep in regular touch with each other.
It was an interesting group - back in those days winter parties were larger than in the 90s - Lindsay was the youngest expeditioner and Don Reid, of clothing store fame, then on his first trip south, was the oldest.
Vale "Red" Ryder - Mawson 61, Wilkes 63 and 65, Macca 67 and 71 and Davis 73
Mark Forecast and Chompers Currie have informed me of the death of Brian ‘Red’ Ryder on Sunday night 5th September. Born 15.4.1935 at South Grafton, New South Wales, Australia, Red was well known, having been south as a radio operator many times: M 61, W 63 & 65, Q 67, D 71 and Q 73. Mount Ryder (66.57 S, 52.15 E) is named after him. He was also a polar medal recipient.
He served in the Royal Australian Navy between 1953 and 1959 as a radio operator, and also had A Radio Operator by Profession with interests in Surfing, opal mining and race horses.
Red will be farewelled at the Narooma cemetery next Wednesday 15th September at 2pm. Afterwards at the Dalmeny Bowling Club.
Mark Forecast wrote:
"Great friend and colleague, Loved and Respected by literally hundreds of Antarctic and Navy people as well as every one else that knew him. After his Radio Shifts he loved to 'pick up his shovel' and help out every one and any one. Expeditioner Extraordinarius: Crapper Runs, Water Runs, Garbo, expert with the Huskies, Scientists best friend on Field Trips a-many . Homers and wine connoisseur. Life and organiser of many Parties.
You name it and Red and would be involved with significant and dedicated contributions ."
Other message include:
‘The passing of a legend..’ Chompers Currie
"One of the nicest people I ever met, so we feel very sorry." k&rs.
Ros Shennan wrote:
Between his 1967 and 1971 ANARE trips, he worked in the North-West Territories of Canada and later for Esso on Bass Straight oil rigs. Red was married to Dot who pre-deceased him some years ago. He leaves two adopted daughters: Julie (Canberra) and Robyn (Narooma) and a grand-daughter Lara. He loved his family, his mates, red wine, and the Sydney Swans. On a personal level, I don't think I ever met anyone who didn't like Red.
"He was so good at surviving against the odds. Sad here." j&im.
This was posted on 6 September 2010.
He served in the Royal Australian Navy between 1953 and 1959 as a radio operator, and also had A Radio Operator by Profession with interests in Surfing, opal mining and race horses.
Red will be farewelled at the Narooma cemetery next Wednesday 15th September at 2pm. Afterwards at the Dalmeny Bowling Club.
Mark Forecast wrote:
"Great friend and colleague, Loved and Respected by literally hundreds of Antarctic and Navy people as well as every one else that knew him. After his Radio Shifts he loved to 'pick up his shovel' and help out every one and any one. Expeditioner Extraordinarius: Crapper Runs, Water Runs, Garbo, expert with the Huskies, Scientists best friend on Field Trips a-many . Homers and wine connoisseur. Life and organiser of many Parties.
You name it and Red and would be involved with significant and dedicated contributions ."
Other message include:
‘The passing of a legend..’ Chompers Currie
"One of the nicest people I ever met, so we feel very sorry." k&rs.
Ros Shennan wrote:
Between his 1967 and 1971 ANARE trips, he worked in the North-West Territories of Canada and later for Esso on Bass Straight oil rigs. Red was married to Dot who pre-deceased him some years ago. He leaves two adopted daughters: Julie (Canberra) and Robyn (Narooma) and a grand-daughter Lara. He loved his family, his mates, red wine, and the Sydney Swans. On a personal level, I don't think I ever met anyone who didn't like Red.
"He was so good at surviving against the odds. Sad here." j&im.
This was posted on 6 September 2010.
Vale Rowan Webb - Mawson 69
Frank ‘Narra’ Johnson wrote:
‘...I've just received notification from a friend at University of New England, Armidale NSW advising of the death of Rowan WEBB, Mawson 1969 Physicist...’
No further details are known.
Regards
Narra
The UNE website notes that Rowan had ‘researched plant ecology in the Antarctic, been the Director of Steiglitz School Camp and taught at Lynall Hall Community School; both places pioneered changes in education. He has been a volunteer involved with emergency services for many years, starting with Search and Rescue in Victoria and later as an instructor/assessor in the NSW Rural Fire Service. A folklorist for much of his life he also has sung in the Opera House, played concertina and melodeon, and called bush dances around Australia and overseas’.
This was posted on 27 August 2010.
‘...I've just received notification from a friend at University of New England, Armidale NSW advising of the death of Rowan WEBB, Mawson 1969 Physicist...’
No further details are known.
Regards
Narra
The UNE website notes that Rowan had ‘researched plant ecology in the Antarctic, been the Director of Steiglitz School Camp and taught at Lynall Hall Community School; both places pioneered changes in education. He has been a volunteer involved with emergency services for many years, starting with Search and Rescue in Victoria and later as an instructor/assessor in the NSW Rural Fire Service. A folklorist for much of his life he also has sung in the Opera House, played concertina and melodeon, and called bush dances around Australia and overseas’.
This was posted on 27 August 2010.
Vale John Erskine - Mawson 67
Andrew Erskine wrote:
A quick message to let you know that my father John Erskine died peacefully yesterday evening. (25th July 2010) He was 95.
My father was the OIC Mawson Expedition 1967-68. He had a life-long fascination with Antarctica, and deeply valued his experience at Mawson and the comradeship there.
I would be grateful if you could make mention him so that his Antarctic friends know of his passing.
John is survived by his wife Betty (91) and his children and grandchildren.
John’s funeral was in Manuka, Canberra on Friday 30th July.
Andrew is happy to be contacted by any of John’s old Antarctic friends on anerskine at bigpond.com.au
This was posted on 26 August 2010.
A quick message to let you know that my father John Erskine died peacefully yesterday evening. (25th July 2010) He was 95.
My father was the OIC Mawson Expedition 1967-68. He had a life-long fascination with Antarctica, and deeply valued his experience at Mawson and the comradeship there.
I would be grateful if you could make mention him so that his Antarctic friends know of his passing.
John is survived by his wife Betty (91) and his children and grandchildren.
John’s funeral was in Manuka, Canberra on Friday 30th July.
Andrew is happy to be contacted by any of John’s old Antarctic friends on anerskine at bigpond.com.au
This was posted on 26 August 2010.