CAMPBELL Arthur Richard (Dick) VX59334 C Coy [A Force]

Launch of Dick Campbell’s My Life

Marg Hogan

Photo left to right back row. Loris Fletcher, Marg Hogan Charles Lewis, front Lisa Clements (Author) Dick Campbell

It was an honour to travel to Barooga in October to represent the Association at the launch of Dick Campbell's book "My Life" as told by Lisa Clements. Dick was one of the C Company originals who trained at Darley. After Muar he became part of A Force before being sent to Japan to work in the coalmines.

Dick was also part of the Tavoy Cup story, when the Japanese allowed the men to run a race meeting on what would have been the date of the Melbourne Cup. Dick was one of the horses. Loris Fletcher was a speaker and was able to tell the story of Wiff Muir her father, another 2/29th man who as the horse Sweet Potato won the Tavoy Cup.

Lisa Clements story of Dick's childhood in the country, through his war and POW years and then on his return home establishing one of the early Soldier Settlement farms is one of humour, courage and optimism.

The large crowd in attendance was testament to the esteem in which Dick is held in the community.