This is a website that is dedicated to the memory of the 2/15th Battalion
Second AIF.

The following is an extract from the December 2011 issue of Caveant Hostes.

THE PRESIDENT'S REPORT

With our last journal being a bit late due to the book launch and Steve's illness, it seems no time since my last report. However quite a lot has happened in the interim, with Steve having gone down to Canberra to attend a dinner at Alamein company, which was a great success, and which he enjoyed greatly. So far this period we have had no deaths, which is a bit of a break. Let's hope it is able to be carried on for a decent period of time.

Had a pleasant time at my ninetieth birthday party, and enjoyed the company of family and friends. I did not want presents; but, I received some wonderful gifts, not so much money wise; but, wonderful in the great ideas behind them. To all who sent me E-Mails of good wishes, I send my grateful thanks, and of course those who sent cards as well.
 

I still have ideas of going to Rocky Creek next year, all going well, so I will be making an effort to find out what will be the best way to go about it. For those who don't know of Rocky Creek, it is a significant memorial of an unusual kind. The Atherton Council have supplied large rocks, and the various units represented there have had brass or bronze plaques fitted to the rocks, so each unit has an individual memorial of its own. Rocky Creek is close to Tolga and Atherton, and was the site of Army hospitals during World War Two.

Hospital trains used to travel from the coast and unload in that general area, as well as the fact that all divisions trained in that area and as well in the Ravenshoe area. It is a forested area and is not advertised as well as it should be considering the historical importance.

Anzac Day next year is under discussion, and so our commemoration of the day will again be well looked after. Ideas from members are always welcome, so please write in. Inwards correspondence is on the wane, so before you forget how to write letters, with the advent of electronic mail and devices, please practise with letters to our secretary Steve.

My very best wishes for everyone in the coming festive season , and remember, Christianity needs all the support it can get.

Gordon Wallace

 The new book - "Tobruk's Easter Battle" - was officially launched on Thursday, 1 September 2011, at the Geebung-Zillmere RSL Club. Well over 100 veterans, family members, friends and supporters attended the morning tea and listened attentively to the proceedings .

Speakers included the author, John Mackenzie-Smith, who outlined how he had researched and then written this book "which changes the way the country thinks about an important Tobruk battle". He told a very interesting story about how he had pieced together the new story using an old map that he had found in his late father's papers. He outlined the "battles" that he had had himself with those who had been committed to the previous version of the event.

Other speakers included Keith Payne VC, who officially launched the book, and who outlined how he had learnt about the Easter battle from an old 2/15th Battalion member when they were both in Korea in 1951!

The Club President, Gordon Wallace, spoke about his personal experiences during the battle, and about how important it was to battalion members even now that the correct story be told.

Copies of the book can be purchased from the Secretary using a print of the order form on this website.

Those who know something of the 2/15th Battalion's history will be aware that the date of 1 September was carefully chosen for the launch, since that day is the anniversary of another significant event for the battalion - Operation Bulimba.

Here is a small selection of photos taken during the launch.

01/13 

   

Copies of the book can be ordered through the Secretary - see here to print the form

Here are some videos from the launch.

Caveant Hostes

Let Enemies beware!

Introduction to the Battalion

The 2/15th Infantry Battalion of the Second AIF was raised in Brisbane on 1 May 1940, and was disbanded in Brisbane on 21 January 1946.  It was an infantry battalion that was primarily raised in Queensland, as is shown by the army identification number prefix (QX) of most of its members during its life.

The Club held its annual ANZAC Day Lunch today.  As usual it was straight after the Brisbane ANZAC Day Parade.  There were well over 100 people in attendance - veterans, their spouses, their widows, their families and friends.

The following photos show some of the proceedings.  This year the group photo of veterans was expanded to include photos of them with wives and widows.  Amongst the photos are some of: the transport back and forwards for veterans, the menu, and the venue.

As usual, loads of thanks are due to Steve Rowan, Gordon Wallace, Doug Leslie and Greg Snow for their organisation of the event.

01/10 

   

If anyone has some more photos from the event, then please send them in!

Here is the official photo of the 2/15th Battalion Memorial Plaque, and a map of how to find it at the AWM. Below these photos are ones taken at the Dedication Ceremony that was held on 18 March 2011 in Canberra.