Pictured R-L George Richter, Len Anderson, Don Johnson, and standing Wally Kolasa MMT
A Day to Remember
George brought today to Mates Morning Tea (MMT) his medals from his active service which had been between 1961 and 1693 in Malaysia, Thailand, and Borneo. He said there were two days in the year when he felt really moved, today and Anzac Day. Today he had shed a few tears. The security achieved for Australia and the freedom gained for the Malaysians were the two main things that George said he was grateful for.
Only nineteen building bridges
As a nineteen-year-old Engineer, he joined the Four Field Troop RAE (Royal Australian Engineers). All the unit were of a similar age with the eldest being 21 years.
“We built bridges, roads, and helicopter pads, but then went back and blew up the bridges. I think I spent more time on patrol than in building,” he said today.
“I miss my mates. All 55 of the unit made it home, but now only 10 are left. We don’t have our reunion days any more as we are all too old to travel,” he said.
Despite this, in the Anzac Day Parade along Dean Street in Albury, you will see veteran George Richter in the jeep with his slouch hat. His medals include Australian Active Service, Australian Defence, Australian Service, and Jasa Malaysia.
I’d do it again
“I’d do it all over again,” He said, “When we returned home, we volunteered to go again to Vietnam. Before we could go, we were told to wait 18 months to readjust. By that time, most of us had left the army.”
“People used to say I was tough and tough on the football field. Now I’m not allowed to climb a ladder, mow the lawn, or do the vacuuming!”
Mates Together
Mates Morning Tea enjoyed remembering the active service of men like George and together stood for one minute’s silence with heads bowed at 11.00 am on the 11th Day of the 11th Month 2022.
Mates Morning Tea meet each Friday at Thurgoona Community Centre from 10 am to 12 noon. It’s a time to chat over a cuppa and enjoy good friendships. For more information ring 6043 1588.
One thought on “Mates Remembering Together”
So proud of all the mates at The Morning Tea Group – especially George.
A champion bloke, with such a brave history.