2016 Reunion Luncheon
Our Reunion Luncheon once again followed the AGM on 24 April at the Rendezvous Grand Hotel. Almost 90 members and friends of the Association attended the luncheon.
Ryan Vague emceed the day and also delivered the Ode of Remembrance. Grant McKay gave the Loyal Toast and Colin Stiles gave an emotional Toast to the Battalion
Guest Speaker Andrew Warland (Grandson of Lieut. Col. John Robertson) provided an update of the work he has been undertaking in collating all things related to F Force. Andrew’s work can be found here.
Gary Simmons once again provided an excellent display of Battalion memorabilia. The display, along with the Battalion Shop, had pride of place in the Rendezvous foyer. Katie and Missy Lovett worked tirelessly managing with the shop.
A special thanks to Joy Derham, who without her enduring efforts, events such as these would not run smoothly.
2015 Reunion Luncheon
More than 100 friends and family of the Association attended the luncheon. Amongst the attendees were veteran Ben West and numerous members of his family. Ben spoke at the luncheon recounting his times as a POW.
Ben West
Dianne Cowling reflected on her first 2/29th Reunion Luncheon
My first 2/29th Luncheon – sadly our father didn’t think it was a place for us as kids and certainly NOT for his daughters – so this was a very exciting day for me.
It was thrilling to see the West Family over from Tassie and out in force – four generations. Ben (93 years young), ever positive, told us of his ‘lucky’ time as a POW and referenced my father in his most interesting account of his internment.
It was lovely to see the books that have been published by 2/29th and still for sale in case any had missed out. The time spent in setting up the display of photos and information about our father’s wartime experience showed great care and was very informative and moving. It was fantastic to finally be able to put faces to names we’ve known all our lives but not met before – new friends. The meeting before our lovely lunch was full of the same passion and dedication as our father’s before us had shown to our Association. How positive to see so many generations taking up the mantle – Lest we Forget
West Family
Ben West
2014 Reunion Luncheon
Almost 90 veterans, wives, widows, family and friends of the Battalion attended the Luncheon. This was an impressive attendance considering the timing being so close to Easter. Thank you to everyone who came along and to those who sent their best wishes for the day.
The President welcomed everyone to the luncheon, with special mention to our veterans, wives and widows, interstate visitors (Brenda Tranter (Qld), Jules Vovos (Sydney), our guest Dr Peter Brune (Adelaide), and especially the members of the Robertson and Warland families (Andrew Warland from Sydney). Berris Christie, Barb Boland, Betty Simmons, Dot Snowden.
Following lunch, the loyal toast was delivered by the Lindsay Garner and Ryan Vague led the silent tribute and recited the Ode of Remembrance. Janella Christie gave the Toast to the Battalion prior to the singing of the battalion marching song.
The Luncheon gave the opportunity to launch the book ‘Robbie to Dorie’ Lt Col John Robertson's letters from Malaya. 1941-42, written by our CO’s grandson Andrew Warland.
Dr Peter Brune, author of several highly regarded histories of the Papua New Guinea front in World War II launched ‘Robbie to Dorie’ with an inspiring speech.
Andrew Warland responded with an insight into his family and the development of the book, he also thanked the 2/29th family for their assistance in producing the book.
The luncheon concluded with instructions for the veterans and families marching in the ANZAC day parade.
2011 Reunion Luncheon
Report on the 2011 Annual Luncheon
116 people attended the Reunion Lunch held at the Rendezvous Hotel. The lunch continues its traditional format that has evolved for the last 65 years that reunions have been held. The tradition continues, as does the memory of the 2/29th veterans; our fathers, our husbands, and our grandfathers. It was very refreshing to see members of the younger generation attending the reunion. This years toast to the Battalion was proposed by Jock Robertson son of our original Commanding Officer LtCol J G Robertson MC, VD.
The photograph below shows Battalion Veterans Left to Right: George Garner, John Roxburgh, Bob Christie & George Tite. Hal Thirlwell is missing from the photo.
2010 Reunion Luncheon
by Bob Christie
by Bob Christie
Our annual 2/29th Battalion Association reunion was again held at Rendezvous Hotel on 24 April 2010. We had an attendance of 128 at this wonderful luncheon consisting of 8 returned men, with the remainder being wives, widows, sons, daughters and other relatives. This year's toast to the Battalion was proposed by Bill Young (C Coy) who had travelled from NSW. Bill had been sent to Borneo with B Force, escaped but recaptured and sentenced to 5 years imprisonment at Outram Road Jail. The photograph below shows the unit members that attended the reunion.
Left to right: Ben West, John Roxburgh, George Tite, George Garner, Bob Christie, Bill Young, Wal Snowden and Hal Thirlwell.
Since our annual service at the Shrine on 17 January 2010, it is with regret that the following Battalion members have passed on:
NX68547 Pte Richard Armstrong A Coy
VX60173 Pte Stanley Rossiter C Coy
2008 Reunion Luncheon
Report on the 2008 Annual Luncheon
170 people attended the Remembrance lunch held at the Rendezvous Hotel. The lunch continued its traditional format that has evolved over the 60 plus years the reunions have been held. The tradition continues, as does the memory of the 2/29th veterans; our fathers, our husbands, and our grandfathers
Left to right: 2/29th Veterans, George Tite, George Garner, Bob Christie, Wal Snowden, John Roxburgh, and Hal Thirlwell at 2008 Reunion Lunch
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