Share this post:

SPREADING THE LOAD – WEBSITE ASSISTANCE NEEDED

Published by Neil Leckie
  • Victorian Scheyvillians
  • With Ian Kelly having withdrawn from the Webmaster role, the  National and Victorian Committees are looking for a Victorian OTU member who would like to take over a small role previously undertaken by Ian and be responsible for the sending out of Emails through the OTU Website. This is not an onerous task, as some weeks there are no emails needed to be sent out.
  • It is preferable that the person undertaking this task has an IT background, so that they can easily navigate their way around the OTU website.
  • It would be appreciated by both the National and Victorian Committees if a Victorian member would take on this small role.
  • If you would like to take on this role, please contact Frank Miller on 0401 140 762 or at millerfw@netspace.net.au
  • Neil Leckie, Editor, The Scheyvillian, 0400 573 802
Share this post:

PAUL BURZA’S PASSING

Published by Neil Leckie
  • Class 3/69 Members
  • The Queensland Chapter has advised of the passing of Paul Burza, believed to have happened last Tuesday.
  • The following is what I have been able to find out about Paul. I cannot find a grave for his Parents to confirm that they were Gestow and Lilian, but it seems too much of a co-incidence that a Paul Burza, some three years old, left England and headed to Brisbane, where our Paul was brought up.
  • If you have information on Paul and his post-Army life, I would be pleased to add it to the Draft Vale.
  • Paul Francis Robert Burza was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, on 14 December 1948. (Immigration records show that) along with his father Gestow and mother Lilian, Paul departed from Southampton, England, and arrived at Fremantle on 26 February 1951 on the Migrant Ship Largs Bay. Their destination was The Clachan, Howard Street, Grange, in Brisbane’s north. However, as the Geraldton Guardian of 8 March 1951 reported: ‘Shipping officials said to-day that a Shaw Savill liner (Largs Bay) had not made much real progress since it arrived in Australia. When it arrived in Fremantle last Monday week no berth was available. It berthed on the Tuesday but no labor was available. On the Wednesday a stop work meeting was held. Unloading took place on Thursday and Friday during the day time, but no work was done on Saturday and Sunday, while Monday was a holiday. The shipping man said that, having called at only one Australian port, the Largs Bay was now eight days late. It was expected the vessel would arrive in Melbourne next Monday, which is a holiday. The Largs Bay sailed from Fremantle at 4.35 p.m. yesterday (Wednesday, 7 March).’
  • The family did arrive in Brisbane and Paul grew up there. He completed his secondary education at Brisbane State High School and was still a student when called up for service as National Serviceman 1735820. Paul enlisted for National Service on 9 July 1969 and like most Queenslanders commenced Recruit Training at 3 TB, Singleton. He was selected for officer training and commenced at OTU Scheyville with Class 3/69 on 25 July. He was allocated to Corporal Parr’s 11 Section, in Sergeant Ian Coulson’s 6 Platoon, B Company, in the last OTU Class to have a three-company structure. Paul’s ‘Father’ was Cadet David Clyde Lewis, who did not graduate, while his ‘Brother’ was Rod Sutton. In the revamped four-company structure Paul’s platoon became 5 Platoon. In his Senior Term, Paul was the Section Commander of 10 Section in Sergeant Bernie Gleeson’s 5 Platoon. His ‘Son’ was Don McNaught. Paul graduated with his class on 18 December 1916, was allocated to the Medical in Administration and the Technical field and posted The School of Army Health at Healesville, Victoria. Paul remained at the School of Army Health as an Instructor, discharging from the Army after two-and-a-half years on 8 January 1972.
  • Post-Army, Brad and Dunstreet list Paul as being involved with Metal Ore Mining in the Central Highlands Region of Queensland with Pee Bee Mining, along with Financial Investments and Related Activities.
  • Paul lived alone with little contact with neighbours. Some of his old schoolmates had been trying to contact him since Tuesday 9 April with no reply, so on Thursday they finally decided to request that the Police undertake a home visit. Paul was found dead. It is believed that he probably died of a heart attack on the Tuesday. A small family cremation and a memorial ceremony is to be planned for about a month’s time.
  • Neil Leckie, Editor, The Scheyvillian, 0400 573 802

 

Share this post:

ANZAC DAY 2025, MELBOURNE – REMINDER

Published by Neil Leckie
  • Victorian Scheyvillians, we are having some issues with sending out emails from the Website. So, in case you missed the last one, here ia another reminder about ANZAC Day in Melbourne.
  • Please find below the full details of the March to the Shrine of Remembrance and following luncheon.
  • We look forward to seeing you there.
  • Please note: the assembly time is 8.30 am.
  • On behalf of Frank Miller, Chairman, Victorian Chapter, OTU Association.
  • PARTICIPATION IN 2025 ANZAC DAY MARCH TO THE SHRINE OF REMEMBRANCE AND MIXED LUNCHEON
  • Victorian Scheyvillian, the OTU Association will, once again, be parading as a separate unit in this year’s ANZAC Day March to Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance. To all Scheyvillians the march presents an opportunity to be part of this great Australian tradition. We would be keen indeed to have you join us.
  • The details are as follows: Dress. Suit/Jacket and tie – preferably the OTU tie! Medals. Please wear all medals you have been awarded.
  • Assembly. The RSL advises we are to assemble on the Flinders Street to the Western side of Swanston Street at 0830 hrs. It is strongly urged we gather at the assembly point before time! RSL Marshals will direct you to the precise location. Our contingent will be behind the National Servicemen’s Association Australia.
  • After the March. We will once again be a having mixed get together after the march. This will be held at the RACV Bistro, RACV Club, 501 Bourke St, Melbourne 1200 hrs for 1230 hrs. (Tel 9944 8888). Enter via the front door. Tram No. 58, caught in St. Kilda Road, will carry marchers from The Shrine to the Club.A fine two course menu along with selected beers, house wines, soft drinks, tea and coffee has been ordered.
  • The luncheon price will be $70.00 per head with payment required before the event. Please note the cost for this gathering has increased over last year as the RACV Club will be adding a surcharge of 15% to cover additional public holiday expenses. The full price on the day will be subsidised from Vic Chapter funds.
  • EFT Payment: OTU Association (Victoria) Inc, Bank: ANZ BSB: 013304 Acct: 2599 69777
  • Please advise A. whether you will be marching, and B. whether you (and wife/partner) will be joining us for the luncheon to:
  •  Frank Miller: millerfw@netspace.net.au Mob 0401 140 762 or Home 8900 8607.
  • The march presents a great opportunity for our Association, and we urge all who can do so to participate. Please let your classmates who shared the ‘Scheyville Experience’ know of this (and ask them to attend!) They would be most welcome. Frank Miller, Chairman, OTU Association, Vic Chap.