A group of 2/29th Battalion Association members set out on a journey enthused by Doug Ogden and Kerry Barker and motivated by ‘The Exceptional Melbourne Cup’ written by Charles Lewis. The aim was to commemorate the running of the Tavoy Melbourne Cup that was run and organized by members of the 2/29th Battalion as POW’s, 75 years ago.

Heather McRae, daughter of Corporal Donald F. McRae VX27725, HQ Company, 2/29th Battalion, reflects on her 2007 pilgrimage to Singapore and Malaysia.

By Doug Ogden, Son of Private J.D.W. Ogden VX28730 2/29th A.I.F. Battalion

Colin Stiles, Son of Sgt Leo V Stiles VX40201 A Coy 2/29th Bn, his wife Marion, their son Terry and daughter Kate were in Thailand as part of an organised ANZAC Pilgrimage tour 19th to 30 April 2008.

Doug Ogden (son of Pte Jacob (Jake) Ogden A Coy 2/29th Bn) organised a Pilgrimage tour to Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. This pilgrimage followed the footsteps of the men of the 2/29th Battalion during World War II and included attendance at the dedication service for the Memorial at Parit Sulong in Malaysia.

Granddaughter Kerry Barker was a member of the 2/29th Pilgrimage tour of Singapore/ Malaysia/ Thailand in September 2007 and wrote this article for her work magazine.