The beautiful Ovens Valley

[Heather]

Ration packs. From memory not a lot Stephen! I know there were very, very hard biscuits (the Army obviously hadn't changed the recipe since WW1) and a can opener and the sweetner was a block of chocolate. Whatever was he thinking? Four growing children, out in the depths of the Australian bush, forced to eat army rations to save about 2 pounds of weight! But, we survived and got to scare a young Canadian half to death - can't remember much else really!

Heather

[Stephen Whiteside]

Were the cans labelled? My memory from Cadets was that it was always a lucky dip whether you were opening braised steak and tomatoes or sliced peaches. The Army felt that was a way to make us better soldiers.

[Heather]

I honestly can't remember whether the cans were labelled or not. Dad would remember I'm sure. He was in the army reserves - commandos based at Williamstown. I can remember being dragged out of bed at ridiculous hours to go and watch him parachute down at Point Cook. Aah Stephen you have revived some very old memories. Dad was always into something - starting with Scouts, army reserves, 4WD club (that was the best!), gliding, bee keeping, diving, bike riding, conoeing - and you know what? He never threw anything out and I'm sure it is all still under the house somewhere!

Heather

[Bob Pacey]

Ah ha good
Man.

Never throw any thing out if it does not take up room cause you will need it about a day after you do.


Bob