4 Field Regiment (SVN) 'Old Boys' Sep 25 Newsletter

My brother David is also doing O.K. – he lives quite close and we catch up most weeks. Good to hear from you as always and thanks again. Eric Williams (Ed. I had a follow up call from Eric on 12 August. We reminisced about our time with Legacy in Melbourne when we ran the annual camp for Disabled Dependents of Legacy families. Some very memorable moments and a very rewarding two weeks down at Sommers on Westernport Bay. Eric and I would stay with the camp for the two weeks in a supervisory role, but the real work was done by lots of volunteer young people who did an amazing job working and caring for the Disabled Dependents.) Dave Alderton (HQ Bty 70/71) rang me back in late July. Great to hear from him and here what he is up to these days. He is off to Tasmania in August to catch up with family and attend the final reunion of a unit association one of his uncles served in during WWII. Like so many associations of that era, family members have held these associations together over the years, but many are folding as the last of the original Veterans leave their ranks. From Dave Billings (107 Bty) on 31 July 2025 Hi Peter. Thank you for your email, at first l was not sure it was meant for me, as I'm not sure if we have met, even though l spent most of my time on the Hastings. Yes, it's great to have grandkids, and spoil them a little, and at the end of the day, give them back to their parents lol. Not sure l can contribute to the newsletter, but a brief outline of what l have been doing. I emigrated from the UK in 1965, aged 18. Married a local Wauchope girl in 1969 and was called up in 69; sent to Vietnam 1970 joining 107 for 9 months. Sometime after discharge moved to family property up Toms creek, other side of Long flat, attending services in Wauchope and Port Macquarie. Lost my wife in 2008, to ovarian cancer. Married again in 2013, in Port Macquarie, then spent 14 years on the road as grey nomads, travelled the country, finally selling the motorhome this year, and settling down here in Hervey Bay Qld, but can't retire yet as we built a new home, and so much to do, don't know what l was thinking, and at nearly 79 years find l just can't do what l used to do, as you mentioned suffering from the dreaded dobs, in my head l say l can do that, but after a short time my body said hand on a bit old fella, so we just do a little at a time, which is frustrating, Health wise I'm pretty good for my age, no real health problems, so consider myself to be one of the lucky ones, as we have lost so many out of 107. Wish l could think of something for you to add to the newsletter, look forward to the next issue. Best regards, Dave Billings. I had a call from Adrian (Wally) Walford (107 Bty) on August 1. He has advised of an updated email address and is now back on our mailing list. Wal has been involved with advocacy for Veterans and Widows for many years and has handled some very high profile cases. He is currently still active on one particular long running claim. Wal gave a eulogy at the funeral of Colin (Bruiser) Bain recently and reminded family and friends of the time that Bruiser had rolled the gun tractor he was driving. Quite an interesting story. Ken (Doc) Barclay has been appointed the “Vale Officer” for the 107 Battery Association. Doc was the medic for 107 Battery in Vietnam. I have added Doc to our mailing list for newsletters and of course any death notices I receive.