A personal tribute to former Patron Michael Jeffery, 1937-2020
[Major General the Honourable Philip Michael Jeffery AC AO (Mil) CVO MC (Retd)]
by Major D.D. Graham (Retd)
Introduction
In January 1959, having completed my first tour with the PIR, I met then-Lt. Mike Jeffery at 17 NS Training Company, Campbell Barracks, Swanbourne, WA where he was a Platoon Commander training National Servicemen. Our friendship was immediate and remained so for the next 61 years, throughout both our Military service and retirement.
We served in PNG in the 1960s. Mike was OC ‘C’ Company, PIR, Taurama Barracks, whilst I was Staff Officer Recruiting at HQ PNG Command, Murray Barracks, for my second tour.
Because of my 1956-58 service with PIR, Mike invited me to attend the official opening of the new PIR Officers Mess at Taurama Barracks. The opening was preceded by a Battalion Parade and drinks, to be followed by Dinner at his house in the married quarters in order to meet his new wife Marlena whom he had married in the (old) Taurama Barracks Chapel.
The Jeffery Scar
After a most positive Officers Mess opening, Mike and I departed for his house. Rather than taking the bitumen roadway, Mike insisted on a short cut across country, through shoulder-high kunai grass in pitch-black darkness. “Don’t worry D.D., I am SAS-trained!” said Mike. As taught, the two of us proceeded, me keeping tight behind his larger frame.
Shortly after, Mike disappeared! To establish his whereabouts, I called, “Where the hell are you?” He answered from the bottom of the dry creek bed, “I missed the picket bridge – you can’t miss it, about 5 yards to your left!” I took two paces and fell into the creek bed to join him. We clambered out with much difficulty and finally arrived at the house, late, and somewhat dishevelled. New wife Marlena took one look at us and almost fainted!
My white “planters order” slacks were covered in bright red blood as a result of my unplanned free fall into the dry creek bed. Going down, I had severely sliced open my right knee on the sharp rock outcrop. Mike kindly provided Rugby shorts and a tourniquet, and we returned to the Officers Mess which was still in full swing. The members were understandably amazed to see our unscheduled return.
Having located the RMO at the bar, we demanded that he open the RAP for immediate repairs to my sliced right knee. No, this was not a joke! Lying on the table whilst the Doctor sewed my knee together with what I thought was fishing line, I noted that Mike, who was standing over me, was turning white! The gash was 8 inches long. When the stitching was completed, we returned for a late dinner.
My scar still remains visible to this day – we christened it “the Jeffery Scar”.
Our missing Medal
During an afternoon together at Taurama Barracks, we lamented that our Infantry peers were on Operations in South Vietnam, with Infantry units and the Training Team (AATTV) thereby securing Service theatre ribbons and decorations whilst we were developing the PNG Army for their Independence with none!
We thought (thanks to Swan Lager) that a locally-made Juniper Green Medal ribbon was appropriate – if ever our PNG Service was recognised. We agreed that if it ever eventuated, we would present each other with such a “PNG Medal” regardless of our rank or locality.
On 31 October 1995, I received a Registered package from the local Post Office in Qld. It contained the “Australian Service Medal 1945-75” with PNG clasp. I immediately phoned Government House in Perth where Mike was then the Governor of Western Australia. He confirmed that he had also received the same Medal. We related our agreement from PNG in the 1960s – that on receipt of such a “PNG Medal” we would present it to each other. Mike’s reaction and recollection was immediate.
“Get on a plane and stay with Marlena and I at Government House. You can invite our friends from the 1959 era but please keep the numbers below 20 for a formal Dinner and Presentation. I recall that when you were ADC to the GOC, you organised formal functions for over 50 guests.” Soon after, my wife Barbara and I thoroughly enjoyed the Perth Government House hospitality and accommodation. Our PNG medals were presented as agreed .
Association Patron 2009 to 2012
Upon the retirement of Mike as Governor-General of Australia, I phoned him to seek his agreement to become our Inaugural Patron. Mike’s acceptance was immediate, and the Association enjoyed his loyal and positive support for four years as Patron. For example, Mike and Marlena attended a Kokoda 70th Anniversary Commemoration Lunch during July 2012 in Brisbane where Mike was Guest Speaker, and they attended the PIB 75th Anniversary event at Broadbeach in June 2015 at our invitation.
The last time we attended a Commemoration Service together was in 2017 when we both laid Wreaths at the Melbourne Shrine of Remembrance in honour of the 75th Anniversary of the Kokoda Campaign.
Vale
Mike’s passing on 18th December 2020, due to his brain cancer, was a particularly sad day for all who had the privilege and pleasure of his company, be it during his Military service or his vice-regal appointments. Unfortunately, because of COVID-19 restrictions on inter-state travel and the limited funeral attendees, I was unable to attend Mike’s State Funeral in Canberra on behalf of our Association. We were only able to watch the Funeral Service remotely (thanks to ABC TV).
Mike and I had shared great times together, everywhere over 61 years.
Em tasol.
Further tributes: The PNG Association of Australia has placed 2 Tributes to Michael Jeffery on its Website – one from their current President and another from a past President.
( See under News at https://pngaa.org/).