Neil and the ABC ’ s John Nutting broadcast a description of the Townsville ANZAC Day parade together for almost two decades . John also interviewed Neil for his Behind The Face series on the ABC . Click on the photograph to listen to that program
“ When Mum confirmed it , he begged forgiveness ,” Maree said . “ He said he was expecting a giant of a man about 6ft 4inches tall and who was ‘ two pick handles ’ across .” Maree said Neil did on occasions stand 6ft tall , but it wasn ’ t when receiving medals or promotions , it was when one of his children or grandchildren achieved at something . “ He was a gentleman and he was noble ,” Maree said . “ He would take on anyone who was treating another unfairly , and I can see that quality in all seven of his grandchildren .” She said sadly as an adult she realised some monsters were not afraid of swords and medals , and brain cancer was one of them . “ Dad fought it so fearlessly but it cut him down and took him from us in agonising bites ,” she said . “ We lost him to it long before it stopped his heart and his last few months have been very traumatic for us , as we watched him slip away and lose the fight .” The Governor-General said Neil was one of the first 1RAR men he met after graduating in 1968 .
“ We were together in the Australian Component of 1RAR , awaiting the Battalion ’ s return from its hugely hardfought second tour in Vietnam ,” he said . “ Neil had performed outstandingly on that tour , especially in May , 1968 at the Battle of Coral . “ His award of the MC spoke volumes to us new officers of his courage , professionalism and leadership . “ These qualities characterised the Neil Weekes we all so much liked and admired for the rest of his life .” After reading from the citation accompanying the Military Cross awarded to 2nd LT Weekes for his actions during the Battle of Coral and subsequently in South Vietnam , Sir Peter said : “ The boy from Mackay had become a man of whom the Australian Army had become very proud ”. He said Neil was a very caring person . As the assistant adjutant preparing the Battalion ’ s families for the return of their menfolk from war , and their imminent departure for two years in Malaysia and Singapore , he showed his strong regard , even a passion , for the welfare of those men , women and kids who make up the Army family .
Sir Peter told the story of Neil being caught out in the Mess with his ribbon bar on upside down , a slip very much out of character . “ A teetollaer , he would enjoy a soft drink in the Mess before heading home ,” Sir Peter said . The several members already in the bar noted the mistake immediately , but instead of pointing it out , so he would have to shout the small handful there a beer each , they stayed quiet about it . “ One of us slipped out to make a few phone calls and soon enough the bar was teeming with officers rushing in to join the throng ,” Sir Peter said . Eventually a major “ innocently ” pointed out the dress irregularity and that there should be beers all round . “ Poor Neil was mortified - it wasn ’ t the big shout or the dastardly connivance of his evil mates - just that he was a perfectionist who was very hard on himself ,” Sir Peter said . He said Neil was one of the leaders of the Army that the Diggers looked to - a straight shooter who worked tirelessly to help Diggers and veterans doing it tough . “ He was wise and compassionate ,” Sir Peter said .
26 | APRIL 2017