Commando Magazine edition 3 2020

‘CROSSING THE RIP’ COMMEMORATIVE BOOKLET
TThe booklet was distributed to those who
attended the 60 th anniversary ‘Rip’ Com me mo -
rative Services held in February.
The caption of the photo on page 18 shows Ian Storey
and Joe Lamb meeting with the captain of the Toscana
when it returned to Melbourne late in 1960. The woman
beside Captain Armante was Ian’s mother, Mrs Doreen
“Dorrie” Storey.
Also, Maurie Priestley’s name was omitted from the
1960 Annual Camp nominal roll on page 49.
Apologies to Maurie – although his photo did appear
elsewhere in the booklet!
By Mr Barry Higgins – ACA VIC
From WO2 Chris Smith
joined the Reserves. I was once the CSM at C Coy based
Chris Smith, the son of Sergeant Dan Lorkin who at Royal Avenue, Sandringham, and have many a time run
took part in the ill-fated 1960 ‘Rip’ exercise, along the beach near Pt Lonsdale. I was also posted to B
wrote a reflective email at the time of the 60 th Coy the Victorian Scottish Regt in the 90s, the lineage to
anniversary commemorative services last February. Dan the Victorian Scottish Regiment Taffy Drakopoulos joined
died in a training accident in 1966 when the Company was in Melbourne. (Yes, I wore a kilt!)”
doing a roping demonstration at the Royal Melbourne Chris is a Sea Kayak Instructor with the Army and has
Show.
completed civilian parachute and SCUBA diving courses.
Chris wrote: “It is an opportunity to reflect on the He wrote: “I think my father and I would have been good
deeds and sacrifices of the men that make up the mates had the ‘cards been dealt’ differently.”
Commando family. I reflected on the irony that my father Chris is currently posted to the Royal New South Wales
and I enjoyed many similar passions and paths in life. My Regiment in Sydney.
last posting was to 2RAR, now the Amphibious Bn and I Footnote. The Royal Avenue depot in Sandringham
can relate to Zodiacs, Landing Craft and the angry winds briefly housed 2 Commando Coy in 1957 after its Picnic
and tides. I see Doug Knight is the Commando Asso - Point HQ was destroyed by a fire.
ciation President – I worked for him at 5/6 RVR when I first
Sent in by, Mr Barry Higgins – ACA VIC
COMMANDO FOR LIFE
AUSTRALIAN MILITARY FORCES -
SOUTHERN COMMAND, 2 CDO (CMF) - RAISING
Asignal with the above heading and dated 14
April 1955 was sent giving approval for the
raising of 2 Cdo Coy (Royal Australian Infantry).
In the peculiar way familiar to those who know the
workings of the army two copies of the signal were
actually sent to “2 Cdo Coy", as well as copies for
information to various affected commands and units. The
signal stated that the Order of battle would be amended
accordingly, and that Major Peter Seddon would
commence raising the unit in accordance with the
instruction by not later than 30 May 55. The unit was to
be under the control of Head Quarters, Southern
Command. The unit was to be located at the training
depot Picnic Point Sandringham, with the temporary
location of unit HQ to be in Room 31A, "D" Block, Albert
Park Barracks.
Correction!
COMMANDO FOR LIFE
(L-R) CPL Ian Storey, Mrs “Dorrie” Storey, Captain Armante and
PTE Joe Lamb on the Toscana in late 1960.
FROM THE ACA VIC ‘INBOX’
EARLY YEARS OF 2 COMMANDO COMPANY
By Mr Barry Higgins – ACA VIC
BIG OAKS FROM LITTLE ACORNS GROW
Major Peter Seddon made history by raising and
commanding 2 Commando Company for the
first fifteen months of its existence, from April
1955 to July 1956. In March 1955, from an office in Albert
Park Barracks, Major Peter Seddon began recruiting
members of the Australian Regular Army and Citizen
Military Forces (CMF) for service in 2 Cdo Coy. The first
parade was held on the 14th July 1955. On the 27 th
August 1955, Sgt M B McDermott arrived as an instructor
on loan from the UK Royal Marines. This personal
recollection of the beginnings of the Unit were written
recently by Colonel Seddon, who lives in retirement in the
Canberra suburb of Deakin.
‘Big Oaks From Little Acorns Grow'. So, it was for 2
Commando Company.
“On 5 April 1955 I reported for duty to the Colonel
General Staff, HQ Southern Command in Albert Park as
COMMANDO ~ The Magazine of the Australian Commando Association ~ Edition 3 I 2020 15