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After Cowra, Alan was transferred Soon after the war in the Pacific Following the untimely death of
to the Army Cinema Unit and was ended, Alan was invited as part of the Alan’s wife in the early 1980s. Alan
soon posted to New Guinea, where he occupational forces to take over the started to photograph and also record
operated a mobile cinema with both operation of one of the largest cinemas on super 8mm film many of the picture
35mm and 16mm equipment using the in Tokyo. Having been away from theatres in Melbourne and Victoria, a
trusty C&W 35s and Victor 16mm home and family for quite a long time, number of which were in the process of
projectors. The outdoor film shows Alan was anxious to return home and being demolished. This photographic
were often interrupted by enemy air so declined the offer, an offer he later record developed into an ongoing and
attacks. Alan also operated a mobile regretted turning down. historically valuable project. By the
cinema in Borneo. Alan was discharged from the army mid 1980s Alan became aware of the
in 1946 and in later years he married existence the Theatre Historical
Phyllis, They had two children, Frank Society, then based in Melbourne.
and Julie. Alan continued his interest Harry Gratton Jnr. encouraged Alan
with the army by being involved in the to join this group thus giving Alan a
CMF for a number of years. During his much needed focus in his life. When
post-war service working life Alan was THS moved to Sydney, Alan became a
a driver for the publishing house, founding member of the Victorian-
Gordon & Gotch, moving later as a based CATHS, remaining an active and
driver to the PMG/Australia Post valued member up until the time of his
where he remained until he retired in passing.
the early 1990s. Ironically, Alan died on ANZAC
Day, 2010, the day he planned to
march. The day following his passing,
twin great grandchildren were born.
Alan had a great sense of humour
and was a great fan of Al Jolson, often
giving a pretty good rendition of a
Jolson tune….. “NO-one could be
finer.”

Farewell Old Friend

CINEMARECORD 2010 27