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Melbourne born Russel David (Russ) Humphries, 105 Battery Association’s oldest member passed away peacefully in Sydney on 16 March 2018 at 94 years of age.
Russ was truly an old soldier having served in the 2/9th Field Regiment from 1943 during the Second World War, with A Field Battery in Vietnam as a bombardier in 1965-66 and again as a gun sergeant in 1969-70. He then saw out his time in the Q store with the CMF 5th Field Regiment in Brisbane and discharged in 1975. In retirement Russ settled in Bondi NSW and then Forster on the mid north coast of NSW
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During 105 Battery’s second tour of Vietnam, Russ commanded B Gun. This was known as the ‘Wog Gun’ (politically correct, it was the ‘International Gun’). Why, well with names in his detachment like Cerone, Schembri, Kikeros, Agombar, Jupp, Linnell, Howard and Manley … what would you expect? Nevertheless, Hump patiently, professionally and without any fuss welded (some have said ‘mothered’) this heterogeneous group into a loyal, hardworking and fun-loving team.
Vale Russ Humphries – salt of the earth professional soldier, dedicated Gunner and respected leader. Gone to the Great Gun Park up above for his final posting.
Acknowledgements:
First published in ‘Tiger Rag’ Issue 50, July 2018 |