Lorrae Desmond concert party DPR/TV/1174

More than 1200 Australian Task Force soldiers sat through torrential monsoon rain for an hour today to hear Australia's top television entertainer, Lorrae Desmond, perform for them. The applause was sometimes muffled by the heavy rain but it didn't dampen the soldiers' enthusiasm although they were all soaked to the skin throughout. Lorrae's party included South Australian artists Anne and Susan Wills, Johnny Mac and they were supported by Organist Eric George, Drummer Jack Rayment and Guitarist Roy Wooding. The party was sponsored by the Australian Forces Overseas Fund. The concert was held at the Task Force's Luscombe Bowl and every off-duty soldier, who could get there, attended. For Lorrae Desmond, it was her third visit to the Australian soldiers serving in the war theatre during the past three years. Her performance has become something of a legend with the Diggers and although drenched, they joined with her in many of her numbeers. After the finale she received four encores and each time responded with a new song. Also identified: Craftsman Bill Reddin of Gawler, SA.