IT may be 57 years late but the ex-defence personnel involved in flood rescues during the 1955 flood were finally recognised yesterday.
With the certificate promised by the then Singleton Mayor Clive Bourke clutched tightly in their hands, the men (many represented by relatives) left the stage to a loud cheer and a standing ovation at the Australia Day ceremony at Singleton Civic Centre.
It was a moment Colonel Jim Hodgson (Retd) had spent the past seven years of his life trying to achieve, a period he described as a nightmare.
He had a busy military career and it was only seven years ago that he was made aware by Northern District Miners Federation president Jim Comerford that he had ‘let his troops down’ by failing to ensure they were recognised for their bravery during the 1955 flood.
From that moment on he tracked down the men who volunteered to assist and the Colonel could not have been more proud then to see his men come together for the recognition they so deserved and had waited so long to receive.
While the event may have been 57 years ago, Colonel Hodgson described the experience as if it was yesterday.
Sixteen volunteers from C Company, 2nd Infantry, city of Newcastle Battalion quickly put their hand in the air when the Army was called in to assist stranded women and children at Dalwood.
“When I saw the flood waters moving at such high speed, full of huge trunks of trees and branches I asked my men could they swim and row boats and they all said yes,” the now 88-year-old said.
“Being an old soldier I could see from the twinkle in their eyes that some were not telling the truth,” he said.
The flood waters were moving so fast that the current would see them a mile downstream by the time they reached the opposite side of the river.
“There were mothers and babies, small children all screaming their heads off and we would row them back to the other side of the river,” he said.
“I often think one of those babies will be 57 years old this year and right in the middle of the stream, when the current was at its worst the little baby misjudged and I had to offer my singlet,” he said.
“I’d like my singlet back one day.”
It was hard for the grownups to cope but quite another thing for the children but the soldiers showed no fear, he said.
Five times they crossed the river and at the end of that day Col. Hodgson said they were buggered, absolutely done.
He called roll three times during the rescues, fearful a name would be unanswered.
He was propped up by the people in the area who created meals and cups of tea.
“I suppose we were heroes to them,” he said.
On their way back to Cessnock, the crew received a call that they were needed in Singleton.
It was unusual but given the physical challenge the men had endured that day, the Colonel put that decision to the vote.
“Without one hesitation, the hands went in the air and we were on our way to Singleton,” he said.
The crew were travelling in Army dukw (pronounced ducks) and at one stage the wheels of the dukw got caught in telegraph lines and started to take in water.
“In a flash the late Jack Parsons jumped over the side of the boat with a pair of pliers and cut the wires, it could have been power lines or anything, he save us and we got back on with it.”
On arrival at Singleton, meeting Cr Bourke at Singleton Railway Station, the crew was asked to help set up communication but were soon also transporting unwell and injured people and setting up a welfare area.
“Thanks to the gracious hospitality of the Albion Hotel, we set up a welfare area there and then we were asked if we wanted to clean up Singleton.
“A fellow said he had 3000 miners coming down to help and I thought whoopee,” the sarcastic storyteller said.
After a week on their feet with little or no sleep the brave lads finally returned to Cessnock.
On reflection, Col Hodgson said what really made him feel wonderful was the cooperation given by the community at all levels.
“They couldn’t do enough to help each other, they made themselves available to us with meals, we were a bit on the nose towards the end but we had accomplished our aim.”
State Member for Upper Hunter George Souris and General Peter Cosgrove (Retd) presented each of the men with certificates.
Of the group, two have died and a further six could not be traced. Col Hodgson has high hopes those men will one day be located to receive their award.
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