Ex RAAF Motor Transport Drivers Association

Sorry to hear abour Don Smith passing. He was always great to my father (Dough Bessell) and his wife Shirley was friends with my mother.

Rest in Peace Donny ... you were a great Woff to work under and a great man to know ... I will never forget you. You will be missed.

Col Antony asked me to advise all that today on RAAF: Death and Funeral Notices Group “Have been informed that Ex Woff Don Smith passed away Christmas Day"

Rest In Peace Don

Hi Col,

Just an addition to your guest book. A lady contacted me at the Lakes Entrance RSL yesterday inquiring if we would like to accept some memorabilia left by her husband. While gathering details she informed me that her husband had been in the RAAF and on enquiring further she revealed that she was Sandy SNELL, wife of LAC Kelvin SNELL MTD who had passed away back on the 4 December 2015. He joined in 1979 and was discharged in 1991. Not sure of all his postings but Adelaide and Darwin were mentioned. I ran a quick check on this site and didn't find any reference to his passing so thought I should let you know, so his past mates could be made aware. His memorabilia consisted mainly of aircraft photos gleened from Photographic section during his tenure. 2 of which now hang in my office the rest in storage for future displays.

Regards to all my fellow drivers. Hope all is well with you.

Regards, Terry Kavanagh

Dinga's wife Lucy has advised us that he will be celebrated at a private family funeral, at his request, in Nowra on the 21st of this month. She has asked me to thank all of his mates for their well wishes and support over this trying time.

I was just advised that Dinga succumbed to his medical problems. David's funeral will be held in Nowra some time next week..

Lucy Bell advises that her husband Dinga is currently undergoing treatment for the big "C". She has requested that contact be kept to a minimum at this stressful time so any well wish's etc should be sent via Col who has been passing on all such info direct to Lucy.

Narelle Griffin advises of the passing of her father Les (griffo) Griffin on thr 6 of this month. His ceremony of life  took place at the Altona chapel of Repose on the 12th of this month April 2018. Rest in Peace Rockbiter.

And again unfortunately I must post another lost comrade.

From the Hervey Bay RSL newsletter

We have lost another of our comrades.

GILVEAR, Betty Margaret W225896 RAAF 08.09.2017

Rest In Peace Betty.

It is with sadness that I have been advised of the passing of Bruce Treller this morning(29 Dec 2017). He was battling prostrate cancer along with other ailments. 

RIP  Bruce. We will raise a glass to you at our next reunion.

To all, I am going thru the Photos i have from Past Reunions and can't remeber the order of Reunions can someone send me an email (jack.brooks@bigpond.com) with Order.

From what I can remember it is as follows: 1. 95 Wake, 97 PtCk, 99 Wisemen Ferry, 01 Canungra, 03 Adel, 05 Echuca, and the rest i know.

Can someone let me know if this is the correct order please?????  

Bill Lange says...

Col, thanks for responding to my questions. It is a shame that this seems to be more a business, controlled by Acts, than an organisation of ex Drivers wanting to catch up with a barbie and a few beers. The group in SE Qld have definately the right idea with get togethers.

That may be the opinion of some Bill but the problem is a legal one. If you are found to be a member of a group of five or more people who meet on a regular or irregular basis the group is deemed by law to be an Unincorporated Association. The problem then is that each and every member of that group is responsible for any debts incurred by any member of the group or the group as a whole particularly in the case of a law suit. This then means that each member could potentially lose their house and income etc for life. Is it worth it?

Hi to all my old mates.

Peter Denny (LAC)

5045 Alfred Road, Golden Valley

Minnesota, USA 55422

Looking for Ross Kennedy ex raaf driver 2SD regents park 1970s discharged Amberley 1975 lived henderson Street Toowoomba 

Any help appreciated long lost friend

Hi All, 

Defence has launched a new website called ENGAGE to assist current and former members find support. 

ENGAGE simplifies the process of finding information and accessing free support and services.

ENGAGE connects users to FREE support and services from Government agencies, not-for-profit service providers and charities, based on a range of criteria including needs, geopgraphical location (local,regional and national), and the support or service needed. No registration is necessary and individual use of the website IS NOT TRACKED.

Website link is:  {{{http://https:\engage.forcenet.gov.au}}}-@@-{{{http://https:\\engage.forcenet.gov.au}}}

Blue

Col, thanks for responding to my questions. It is a shame that this seems to be more a business, controlled by Acts, than an organisation of ex Drivers wanting to catch up with a barbie and a few beers. The group in SE Qld have definately the right idea with get togethers.

Col Antony says...

[Bill Lange]

Col, while I am still waiting on the answers to a couple of questions I posed to you on 24 June a couple more for you. Was the AGM in 2016 at Hervey Bay invalid? If so why? Why this AGM have you called for committee nominations(by August 1st),Agenda(Sep 28th) and proxy votes? I cannot recall this occurring prior to previous AGM's.

Hi Bill. I have drafted a response for Committee comment and you will receive same shortly.

No complaints from the committee so below is my response.

Hi Bill. Sorry for the late response but I have been very busy with major family problems as well as moving. Plus you must remember this is a voluntarily run Association, none of the Committee of Management are paid nor are they required to work full time on Association business. Anyway as to your answers. Firstly the Committee of Management recorded very many years ago that the "off year" AGM was to be held purely for annual return basis as per the Incorporation Act and no business other than the annual return was to be done. This decision was made simply because any business has to be approved by the whole membership and that does not become possible, except at a biannual reunion as per the Association Rules. "motions" discussed at the meeting in question will be put to the Biannual AGM being held this year. In a nut shell the AGM you refer to was valid but only to the point as decided by the Committee of Management and the Incorporation Act. The reason for the requirement for nominations and motions to be received 3 months prior to the AGM is also written into the Rules and The Act. It is simply so that all members have exactly the same rights as every other member. The Committee of Management has previously allowed "late" nominations due to the fact that the membership is spread throughout the country and traditionally truckies are notorious for not making decisions until the last moment. This procedure has worked quite well up until the last reunion where some members indicated that they were not happy with the way the Association was being managed, hence the change in policy to reflect the Rules. Proxy votes are to enable any member not attending to nominate how or who they wish to represent them and required by both the Act and the Rules. Previously the membership has not really bothered to use that option, however as it appears that the Association will have to be run strictly as a business in full compliance of the Act's and the Rules that option now becomes important. Clearly it is the best interests of all if those members know in advance who is being nominated for any position and that cannot happen if late nominations are allowed. As I have said on numerous occasions this Association is a legal business run by a legally elected Committee of Management in compliance with the appropriate State Act's, NOT a haphazard group under the dictatorship of a Section Woff like the old RAAF Social Clubs. Despite the fact that the membership as a whole has been satisfied with how their association has been managed and run for the past twenty odd years, recently (during the last couple of years) comments, both verbally and in writing,has led us to believe that some members believe that they are entitled to do what ever they particularly want because they are the only ones who turn up at the reunions. This is not the case and we have been put into a position where we have to be more constrictive on how the Association is managed in accordance with the Act's. I will be explaining this and more prior to the commencement of the AGM if you are attending.

Col

wish to become a financial member have application need a payment address

[Bill Lange]

Col, while I am still waiting on the answers to a couple of questions I posed to you on 24 June a couple more for you. Was the AGM in 2016 at Hervey Bay invalid? If so why? Why this AGM have you called for committee nominations(by August 1st),Agenda(Sep 28th) and proxy votes? I cannot recall this occurring prior to previous AGM's.

Hi Bill. I have drafted a response for Committee comment and you will receive same shortly.

Col, while I am still waiting on the answers to a couple of questions I posed to you on 24 June a couple more for you. Was the AGM in 2016 at Hervey Bay invalid? If so why? Why this AGM have you called for committee nominations(by August 1st),Agenda(Sep 28th) and proxy votes? I cannot recall this occurring prior to previous AGM's.

Col, why do nminations for committee have to be in by August the 1st. That is nearly 3 months before the AGM where I thought the norm was 2 weeks. Can the latest list of financial members be released so people can find out if they are financial or not?

I am sad to inform the members that I was informed by my brother in Brisbane that Buck Donaldson passed away in Wesley Hospital in Brisbane about a week ago I don't have the date as yet RIP Buck.

Hi there

I just wanted to say thank-you for this site.

I was just searching for things and came across this.

My Father Doug "Bomber" Bessell was a Driver in Townsville, Darwin & Tindal

I loved it when dad would let me come to work with him when he was on shift.  

Although I cannpt remember all the names , a big hello to my father's fellow troops.

Cheers

Rob Bessell

We have been advised by John Walkere that he noticed in the QLD RSL news last month that Dennis Wakeland passed away but no date.

RIP Dennis

Hi. Does anyone out there remember a product similar to armourall, called estersheen (or something like that) that we used in the service?

Hello, I am researching the history of the BSA WD B40 350cc Motorcycles used by the RAF during the period 1968 - 1980.  In the course of this research I have been told that the RAAF may have also used these same motorcycles, and that they were painted in RAAF Blue/Grey.  May I take this opportunity to ask if anyone here in the RAAF Motor Transport Drivers Assocciation can shed any light on the use of the BSA WD B40 motorcycles by the RAAF and if possible provide any information and/or photographs of these machines please?  You may be interested in my website at www.rafwdb40.uk

Thank you.

Hi Guys, third time lucky!!

I am trying to track down Lofty Dawson.  He was the trainer of the 1974 Williamtown Aussie Rules Prmiership side. We are trying to get teh guys back together and Lofty was teh heart and soul of the team. I last saw Lofty about 15/20 years ago working as a security guard at the MCG.  If anybody can help it would be great.

Regards

Trevor Toholka

And now another. Peter Hoskins passed away yesterdat. RIP old friend.

It is my sad duty to notify you of the passing of two more of our comrades

Peter Rodgers sucumbed to his illness on the 31st Oct whilst Carl Joyce lost hois battle at 12:30 this morning

Rest in Peace gentlemen. You will not be forgotten by those left behind

Col Antony says...

Ok people. I have been asked to ;locate an ex MTD known as JJ Anderson. He served at Willytown in the 70's. Over to you for any info available

Found him. He lives in Wagga now.

Ok people. I have been asked to ;locate an ex MTD known as JJ Anderson. He served at Willytown in the 70's. Over to you for any info available

I`m saddened to read of the passing of Kevin Jennings.  "Blue" and I served together in the early 1960`s at Pt. Cook and I can say that a nicer bloke one would be hard pressed to find.  We were both young blokes at the time, as was the rest of the section, Fitters and Drivers combined in the good old days of the Running Transport Section.  I`m sure these many former workmates will share my memories.  I was aware that Kev was not enjoying good health in recent times, but it still comes as a shock when an old friend finally succombs.

VALE  Kevin Jennings.     David Fethney.

Kevin JENNINGS - MTD - Funeral Service Details

Coral and family would like to let you know that Kevin will be laid to rest and a celebration of his life will be held on

Wednesday 26th October 2016 at 2.00pm in the

Shoalhaven Crematorium Chapel

Worrigee Road, Worrigee (South Nowra)

And afterwards at their home in Sanctuary Point, NSW

Wearing of Medals is optional.

Hi all, with sad heart I write this post to inform you that another MTD has driven that final mile and is now with his family & mates who have passed before him. After a long battle Kevin Jennings passed away last evening (15th Oct). Be at peace now Kev.

Our thoughts are with Coral and their family at this sad time.

RIP now Kev!

It is with a sad heart that we let you know that Glen Willoughby passed away on Tuesday 14 Sep 16.  Late of Mount Low and formally of Wollongong.  His funeral will be at the Townsville Woongarra Crematorium Chapel on Monday 19th September 2016 at 12.30pm. RSL Service will be conducted by the Townsville Sub-Branch. In lieu of flowers donations to Blue Care, PO Box 5805, Townsville 4810.

Rest in Peace Glenn. Our thoughts are with your family at this sad time.

Sorry to here about Phil (Boris) Howatt passing, I will always have good memories of having a few beers with him ( and plenty of others) in the drivers bar at Laverton(Williams).

This has been a bad two months for the Ex Truckie family. On the third of June we lost Geoff Blanch and now a short 6 weeks later we have also lost Ian Hann (June), Phillip (Boris) Howatt (01 Jul),  Andy (Binno) Binnington (mid July), Jock Duff (Mid July), Graham (Dicko) Dickson, and this morning David (Cocko) Cock. I dont know about how others feel but personally I think to many are passing on far too early. Rest In Peace guys, you will be remebered by those who live on 

As posted on facebook by Dick Bellingham, another of our comrades has just passed on.

It is with great sadness that I have to inform you that Graham Dicko Dickson passed away at around 0630 this morning from a suspected heart attack no other details are known at this moment.

We have been informed of the passing of Phillip (Boris) Howatt early this morning. Another of our comrades now in peace.

RIP old friend

It certainly is not a good month for our comrades. We have just been notified that Ian Hann recently passed away. His funeral will be held in Morphett Vale SA on Friday the 10 Jun. RIP old friend.

It is unfortunately a sad time again. Geoffrey Blanch passed away suddenly last night (2 June). Geoff lived in Newdastle and will be mourned by his family both personal and military. Rest in Peace truckie.

Just found the site after nearly 19 of being out but good to see so many are still in contact with each other, I have not seen to many ex driver over here in Perth around Mandurah.

John Smallman says...
Ammendment A42578  MTD

Can you add me to your drivers list.

A42579  Lac Smallmsn  JohnBruce  MYD

I hope someone may be able to assist? I am an advocate with Legacy. I am representing a widow who's husband served as "Mechanical Transport Driver" 1958 - 1964 with 2 years of Operational service at Butterworth 1960-1962. The RMA have lowered the required amount of Benzene exposure to 1%. Benzene being contained in petrol and other products. Could someone advise of this veterans duties as a mechanical transport driver? I am of the belief that part of his duties would be to re-fuel, maintain the engine and possibly clean engine parts. Your assistance is greatly appreciated. I can be contacted on 02 9248 9007 or cevery@sydney-legacy.com.au

Noticed some familiar names - jeff lethbridge did my raaf truck licence - worfked with roger williams on Council buses and alongside glenn greenham at richlands depot - bumped into tom kenny a few times on the buses in Brisbane - haven't noticed any other 23 sqn tspt section names - harry simpson, kev prater, val callinan, megan cawcutt, john perry - we did lose fred brewer quite a few yearts ago

Regards Robbo

Service Details -  A129002 CPL MTD2 - Nickname Robbo - Served 23Sqn RAAFAR at Amberley Apr1982 to Apr1992

Regards Robbo

glenn did you ever find out about carol