DOCSLIB.ORG

Autumn 2019 Newsletter Editor: Warren Baker

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Autumn 2019 Newsletter Editor: Warren Baker Snake Tales Caboolture Morayfield & District RSL Sub-Branch Inc. Web Site www.cmdrsl.com.au Newsletter Autumn 2019 Newsletter Editor: Warren Baker President’s Report I have had considerable difficulty putting this report together as I have outlined below. However, let me welcome 2019 and hopefully we will all have a great year, although I think it will probably be more of the same. Both the military and the RSL have been under attack in the last year and it doesn’t seem to be getting any better. Soldiers are being taken to court to justify their actions in the heat of battle and Airmen are being blamed for civilian casualties in bombing attacks directed by our allies on the ground. The Productivity Commission has released a draft report that, if implemented will see DVA disappear along with many of the benefits currently provided to those service personnel who have returned from active service. A life in the services today is quite different from my time in the military and almost diametrically opposed to the days of our forefathers. Everyone seems to know the RSL badge, but it seems that the majority of people believe that it represents poker machines and beer. It is therefore difficult to counter some of the misinformation and outright false facts that are appearing in the newspapers and on television. The RSL has an important role to play in the support of serving and ex serving members of the defence force and I can assure you that this is our primary focus. With a dwindling active membership and the attacks from all sides it is our role as members of the RSL to keep the League’s name and its ongoing achievements to the forefront of public awareness. We need to raise our profile, be proud of our efforts and not be reticent in “blowing our own trumpet”. If you get the chance to speak to your non RSL friends and neighbours please pass on to them what the RSL is doing for ex-service personnel and the community as a whole. Last year this sub branch provided nearly $23,000 in donations to service and ex-service personnel, war widows and schools in our area and we are looking to increase that amount this year. We ran the Anzac Day and Remembrance Day activities for the community and participated in a number of community events. We are out there and doing things but we must tell the community what we are doing and ensure the RSL flag is flying high. Glenn Willmann and myself undertake a radio interview on a monthly basis on FM101.5 usually on a Friday morning so get your friends to listen in and find out what we are doing. Finally, as I mentioned earlier there are many people out there in the Caboolture community that do not know the difference between the RSL Club and the RSL Sub-Branch. Please make it a point as a sub- branch members to educate the public on this issue and emphasise the assistance they can provide us to identify those ex-service personnel in need. Bruce Miller President Sub Branch Centenary Dinner Date: Saturday 29 June 2019 Venue: RSL Services Club Chisel Room Time: 1800 for 1830 – dinner served 1900 Dress: Dinner/Lounge Suit for men Evening/Cocktail for ladies Mess dress if uniform Miniature Medals Cost: $75 (TBC) per head Includes:3 course sit down dinner Beer/Wine/Soft Drinks/OJ – BYO spirits Music: Mood music during dinner – dancing o/c The Totally and Permanently Incapacitated (TPI) Federation Made a submission to The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. I have scanned part of it in relation to the loss of DVA Gold Card Benefits if you or your Widow take up residence in a Residential Aged Care Facility (RACF). (continued on the following page) as to the possibility of visiting Veterans, the door is closed. Most of these Vet- erans have relied on Veterans Organisations to be their ’security blanket’ and to ensure they have the correct entitlement and benefits they are due. The major reason for a visit from as Ex-Service Organisation is to provide the Camaraderie they have had for years similar to what they had during the time they were enlisted. Who is going to look after the Veteran now? Certainly not the RACFs. The Government as a result of the way the MyAgedCare system is designed, is denying these Veterans and War Widows their rights to all the above. This is, what TPI Federation believes to be the situation, it is in fact mental abuse and a denial of the Veterans human rights. Kate Nesbitt receives the Military Cross from the Prince of Wales during investitures at Buckingham Palace in London. She stands precisely 5ft tall in her everyday shoes and her smile is dis- armingly sweet. Kate Nesbitt doesn't immediately fit the image of a fearless military hero, not off the battlefield at least. But there are probably few people a critically injured soldier would rather meet in the chaos of a desert gunfight than this 21-year old blonde in full flight. Kate Nesbitt receives the Military Cross from the Prince of Wales during investitures at Buckingham Palace in London. And the sight of her sprinting through an Afghan war zone under heavy machine gun fire is almost certainly one that Lance Corporal John List will remember for the rest of a life he now owes to her astonishing display of courage Kate, a medical assistant serving as an Able Seaman with the Royal Navy, raced 70 yards to the stricken soldier's side as he nearly choked to death from a gunshot wound to the mouth. She cut open a temporary air- way and treated him for 45 minutes as rockets whizzed overhead and bullets thudded into the ground nearby. Yesterday her 'inspirational' bravery was rewarded at Buckingham Palace when she became the Navy's first woman to be invested with the Military Cross. Then, with a few modest words, she underlined the remarkable spirit of loyalty that bonds Britain's servicemen and women on the front line. 'I promised my friends and comrades I'd be their medic,' she said. 'I promised I'd be there if they ever needed me. They needed me that day - so when the call came, that's just what I did.' Kate, from Whitleigh, Plymouth, stepped into the history books as only the second woman to be awarded the MC, one of Britain's highest gallantry awards, as well as becoming the only MC Wren. Presenting her award, the Prince of Wales bowed to what he called her 'extraordinary' heroism. Her citation read: 'Under fire and under pressure her commitment and courage were inspirational and made the difference between life and death. Roll of Honour We honour those members who have gone before us . At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them LEST WE FORGET None advised Ex-servicemen and women are reminded that they are entitled to the honour of having their casket draped with the Australian flag. Members should acquaint their families with this, so that arrangements can be made accordingly with the appropriate Funeral Director. Important Notices and Useful Information GREATER RECOGNITION FOR VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES NEW legislation introduced into Federal Parliament will provide better recognition of the unique nature of military service and further acknowledge the service and sacrifice of veterans and their families. The Government’s Australian Veterans’ Recognition (Putting Veterans and their Families First) Bill 2019 will establish an Australian Defence Veterans’ Covenant, and as part of a wider recognition package, a card and lapel pin will be provided to veterans. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester said it was a project he has been working on with ex- service organisations since becoming the Minister almost 12 months ago. “The Government has introduced this legislation to provide a formal way for all Australians to show their appreciation to the men and women who secured the freedoms we enjoy today and to their families who have supported them,” Mr Chester said. “I have consulted extensively with the ex-service community on the development of this Bill, including discussions with our 5-Eyes counterparts in the United Kingdom who have put in place similar measures. “The covenant, card and lapel pin will allow the community — whether they are employers, businesses, community groups, veteran or sporting organisations — the opportunity to recognise the service and sacrifice of the men and women who have served our nation. “Our government is committed to putting veterans and their families first and this legislation is part of a greater suite of measures we are putting in place. “This Bill will create a separate Act to provide symbolic recognition for all veterans, and does not change current entitlements.” “Importantly, the Bill before Parliament includes a statement requiring the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) to adopt a beneficial approach when interpreting legislation and applying a fair, just and consistent approach to veterans’ claims. It’s part of our ongoing efforts to transform the culture of DVA.” The Government has received a positive response from businesses which are supportive of the recognition program. The covenant includes an oath, which all Australians will be encouraged to take at community commemorative events, and is underpinned by the new Veteran Card and an Australian Veteran Lapel Pin and a Reservist Lapel Pin. Courtesy: Ray Payne Veteranweb Network This story was written by Corporal Francis Munro Fraser It is printed in the book st The 61 Battalion 1938-1945 The Queensland Cameron Highlanders’ War by James Watt Of the 22 men aboard Bronzewing, 11 were killed in the initial battle or later at the hands of the Jap- anese marines.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Perth, PH2 9EG
    The STRATHALLIAN Vol XVII, No 3 Strathallan School, Forgandenny, Perth, PH2 9EG CONTENTS Editorial 2 Staff Notes 3 Speech Day 4 Prizes 5 House Reports 6 Chaplaincy Report and Salvete 20 Music 21 Freeland Estate 28 Drama 31 Trip to the Alps 36 Girls’ Hockey Tour 38 Netball Tour to Barbados 39 Year in Focus 40 Reportage 44 Art 47 New Headmaster 50 Walk for Kosovo 52 Jigs and Reels 53 Bard to Verse 54 Work Experience in Sudan 55 French Trip 56 Design and Technology Trip 58 Millennium Ball 60 Sports and Other Activities 62 Pringle Trophy 84 Project Peru 86 Strathallian Club 89 Obituaries 91 Valete 92 Editor: I W Kilpatrick Art Director: A E C McMorrine Archivists: G R M Ross; R H Fitzsimmons Photography: Miss E A England; Miss J R S Hutcheon; Mrs T E Marlow; Mrs 11 McFarlane; Miss L J Smith; D J Barnes; Robert Mackenzie; P M Vallot Editorial Team: Alex Klein; Georgia Manson; Katie Mitchell; Laura Morley; Charles Wardman Aknowledgements Copy Typing: Miss V A Leighton Design: Pointsize Associates Limited The STRATHALLIAN PAGE 1 Editorial School Captain .^Aiter two years in the job, I can T„ give advice to future School vouch that there are very few Captains is a difficult job as every perks afforded to the Editor of year is different, but some general advice would be to face problems head on, accept everything The Strathallian magazine. thrown at them as a challenge and to enjoy it. In fact, quite the reverse. One has to endure all manner of There is no point in dwelling on any low points in the year, but disdain, excuse and delay in haranguing colleagues for copy and there is a point in learning from them and looking forward to the other material for printing.
    [Show full text]
  • Achieving Gender Equality: Lessons from the Front Line
    Confidence, Excellence, Feminism: Not dirty words Achieving gender equality: Lessons from the front line Major Anna Sharrock The Royal British Legion Centre for Blast Injury Studies National Heart and Lung Institute Imperial College London, UK. Senior Women’s Event 8th March 2016 Equality….. Gender balance in numbers Age and gender A fair employer Now? Always? In the future? Fitness testing The extraordinary women High ranking – outlook on life Outstanding acts of bravery A snapshot…. Few over 50 Gender equality, diversity and inclusion Big changes in the 90’s Direction of travel That said Exemption from the Equality Act 2010 ‘ combat effectiveness’ 78.1% of posts in the RN/RM, 70.6% of posts in the Army and 93.7% of posts in the RAF are open to women. Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) 2010 / Army 2020 Numbers in the regular forces reduced Announced on 8 May 2014 that a review into women serving in front combat roles in the Armed Forces, scheduled for 2018, has been brought forward. Fitness testing Commodore (Retd) Carolyn J Stait CBE 2004 to 2007 the first woman to command a Naval Base in Britain "I hope if anyone has any doubt about the Navy being a good career for a woman then they might take encouragement from the fact I have been given this job“ Telegraph interview, 2004 Brigadier (Retd) Nicky Moffat CBE "In situations where men and women were guilty of the same offence, some officers would award the woman a lighter punishment. Men would get hammered, and the women wouldn't. It comprehensively undermined the credibility of women.
    [Show full text]
  • A Batt Jan 2010.Pub
    President Ron Bassan’s Report From the President’s event. If this goes ahead it will be a function for all Chair. ‘A’ Bty members not just Vietnam Veterans’. I would like some feedback from the members, so G’day everyone, please let us know what you think of this proposal? On behalf of the Committee and There are still ten stragglers who have not paid their myself, I would like to wish subs for 2009/10, I will not name them as they know everyone a very happy New Year who they are, so please hurry up and and I hope you all stay well and pay as 2010/11 subs will soon be prosper. due. The Annual General Meeting I had a recent email from Lyn Worboys was a huge success; we are informing us that Joe Rouse has not getting new faces come along and been very well lately. He has been in enjoy themselves. We had several people travel and out of hospital with a few very long distances to be at the Reunion, Max Ptolomey, serious problems. He's not on the John Wilkinson, Rex Martin, Terry Jobson, David internet but his phone number is Harris, Reg Etienne, Don Green, Tom Caldwell, 0244439500. If any of Joe's old army mates are down his way he would be Mike Pitman and Harry Cook to name a few. more than happy to see them At our AGM, one of our long standing Committee Joe Rouse relaxing at the Garrison Club I have had a very nice letter from the Members (Ray Alcorn) stood down and was new Battery Commander of 'A' Field replaced by one of the national service men who Battery RRAA, he is; Major Nathan Laughton and the came to Malaysia in 1966 to serve with the Battery.
    [Show full text]
  • Issue104 – Aug 2010
    CASCABEL Journal of the ROYAL AUSTRALIAN ARTILLERY ASSOCIATION (VICTORIA) INCORPORATED ABN 22 850 898 908 Number 104 Published Quarterly in August 2010 Victoria Australia A Trench Mortar. Details on page 28 Article Pages Assn Contacts, Conditions & Copyright 3 The President Writes 4 Colonel Commandant 5 C O 2nd/10th 6 Editor’s Indulgence Apology 7 Membership Report 8 Vale MajGen Whitelaw 9 Employers take off to see Reservists in action 11 2010 Gunner Dinner 12 Editor’s indulgence 13 Origins of the 25 pdr - Part 2 14 Letter to the editor 20 Tomb of the Unknown Soldier 21 Medic awarded Military Cross 25 Britain’s behemoth submarine 27 Trench Mortar details 28 2/2 Fd Regt 29 Government surrenders guns to Townsville 30 Medal of Honour winner 31 SR-71 Blackbird 33 Aboriginal Soldier and Elder 36 Blowing lid on cannon 37 How to build an Army 38 The Aussie Gunners in Afghanistan 40 Digger hails wife as real hero 40 Regiment’s rich history 42 Parade Card 43 Changing your address? See cut-out proforma 43 Current Postal Addresses All mail for the Association, except matters concerning Cascabel, should be addressed to: The Secretary RAA Association (Vic) Inc. 8 Alfada Street Caulfield South Vic. 3167 All mail for the Editor of Cascabel, including articles and letters submitted for publication, should be sent direct to…. Alan Halbish 115 Kearney Drive Aspendale Gardens Vic 3195 (H) 9587 1676 [email protected] 2 RAA Association (VIC) Inc CONTENTS AND SUBMISSIONS Committee The contents of CASCABEL Journal are determined President: MAJ Neil Hamer RFD by the editor.
    [Show full text]
  • A Batt May 2010
    President Ron Bassan’s Report From the President’s Chair. G’day everyone, I hope this newsletter finds everyone well, if not, I hope you are on the road to recovery. I have had some enquiries as to where the AGM & Reunion is to be held this year, and of course it is to be held at the Maroochy River Coach House, Maroochydore, Qld, from the 10th to 12th September. You do your own booking, ring the Coach House on (07) 5448 4344, and make sure you book early. As I said in my last From the President’s Chair, the Committee was investigating the possibility of Sawtell is found on the beautiful North Coast holding a reunion for the 40th anniversary of the Bty of New South Wales just 6km south of Coffs returning from Vietnam; well this is going to happen. Harbour. Located 555 kilometres north of Sydney The AGM & Reunion for 2011 will be held at and 400 kilometres south of Brisbane, it enjoys Sawtell, NSW, from the 12th to 14th September, Australia's most temperate climate. inclusive. All activities will be at the Sawtell RSL Long sandy beaches, pristine rainforest, the Club, except for the service at the Cenotaph. magnificent Solitary Islands Marine Park and the The itinerary for the three days will be; Mon 12th, nearby Dorrigo National Park make Sawtell a must meet & greet, Tues 13th, AGM at 1000hrs, service at visit destination. Cenotaph (To be advised), Evening, 1800hrs for Sawtell is bounded to the east by safe surf 1830hrs, SEMI FORMAL Dinner, miniature medals beaches, to the north and south by unspoiled to be worn, Wed 14th, possibility of a bus trip, waterways and Bongil Bongil National Park and to barbeque in the evening.
    [Show full text]
  • Showbusiness and Social Action in Britain's Military
    Chapter Six Unsung heroism?: Showbusiness and social action in Britain’s Military Wives Choir(s) Catherine Baker At the end of 2011, the ‘Military Wives Choir’, wives and girlfriends of British servicemen from bases at Plymouth and Chivenor, Devon, reached number one in the UK Christmas singles charts. As subjects of that year’s BBC documentary The Choir: Military Wives , they had rehearsed with a professional choirmaster, Gareth Malone, to perform at the Festival of Remembrance in London’s Royal Albert Hall. They continued to participate in British popular entertainment and commemoration by releasing two albums, joining the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations and appearing in a special Prom in 2014 to commemorate Britain entering the First World War. Over the same period, military wives choirs became part of many British bases’ associational culture, as women moving with their husbands’ postings spread the idea. A ‘Military Wives Choirs Foundation’ (MWCF), formed in early 2012, affiliated with the Forces’ families charity SSAFA, claimed more than 75 member choirs in the UK, Germany, Cyprus, Belgium, Italy and Brunei as of January 2016 (MWCF 2016). These contributed to national performances but held many more localised events, seeking to offer the same emotional and practical support across service, regiment and rank boundaries that The Choir depicted in Devon. The dual function of the Choir(s), 1 simultaneously showbusiness figures and social actors, reveals both the gendered construction of UK ‘military heroism’ and the limitations of ‘heroism’ for understanding the everyday operation of militarised power. They emerged amid 1 UK government, mass media and civil society all mobilising heroism discourses to argue for the military’s sacrosanct place in British public life and, for government, to maintain popular consent for operations in Afghanistan (and initially Iraq) which the public did not necessarily esteem (Hines et al.
    [Show full text]
  • The Semaphore Circular No 672 the Beating Heart of the RNA August 2017
    The Semaphore Circular No 672 The Beating Heart of the RNA August 2017 The Submarine Museum from a different viewpoint featuring HMS Alliance. Shipmates enjoying the boat tour during the Central Office Open Day This edition is the on-line version of the Semaphore Circular, unless you have registered with Central Office, it will only be available on the RNA website in the ‘Members Area’ under ‘downloads’ at www.royal-naval-association.co.uk and will be emailed to the branch contact, usually the Hon Sec. Daily Orders [follow each link] 1. Project Semaphore – iPads Update 2. RNA Diaries 2018 3. RN VC Series – Lieutenant Commander Gerard Roope VC DSO 4. RNA Poppy Badge 5. RNA and Naval Associations Biennial Parade 10 Sep 17 6. NMRN- Rum Dinner in HMS Victory 7. November Cenotaph Remberance Parade – 12 Nov 17 8. Field of Remembrance 9. Guess Where? 10. Joke – RN Ski Championships 11. Naval Service Memorial Figurine 12. White ‘Civvy’ Looking Ship 13. SAIL Line (Seafarers’ Advice and Information line) 14. Joke Time – The B*****y Cat 15. Whale Island Heritage Weekend 16. Spotted in Cowes IOW 17. WRNS 100 Commemoration Glossary of terms NCM National Council Member NC National Council AMC Association Management Committee FAC Finance Administration Committee NCh National Chairman NVCh National Vice Chairman NP National President DNP Deputy National President GS General Secretary DGS Deputy General Secretary AGS Assistant General Secretary CONA Conference of Naval Associations Throughout indicates a new or substantially changed entry 2 http://www.royal-naval-association.co.uk/
    [Show full text]
  • Christ Church Magazine Serving the Community in the Parish of Christ Church Ashton-Under-Lyne
    Christ Church Magazine Serving the Community In the Parish of Christ Church Ashton-under-Lyne www.christchurch-ashton.org.uk OCTOBER 2019 Price 50p CONTACTS Ministers: The whole congregation Administration and Church Maintenance: Church Wardens: Adrian Roberts Stenton Withnall 07761822922 Deputy Warden: Barbara Gaskin 07484611191 Electoral Roll Officer: Andrea McGowan Flower Arranging: Audrey Jones 0161 330 5606 PCC Secretary: Andrea McGowan Verger: Chris Cunday 0161 343 5819 Children: Ministries and Uniformed Organisations: Canon Johnson Sunday School: Elizabeth Travis 0161 339 3681 Child Protection Co-ordinator: Janet Perry 0161 344 0195 Church Lads & Girls Brigade: Janet & Pete Davies 0161 370 2638 Mobile: 07957 333994 Email: [email protected] Rainbows: Jackie Buckley 0161 612 0746 Brownies: Colline Holness 07917633723 Guides: Colleen Roberts 0161 336 2922 or 07538769815 Email: [email protected] Scouts: Chris Wilson 0161 308 2231 Mobile: 07714 457478 (eve) Clergy Serving at Christ Church: Rev’d Dr David Jacks 0161 330 1601 Email: [email protected] Rev’d Alan Hills 0161 432 2964 Email: [email protected] Neil Craine Reader Emeritus 0161 301 2693 Finance: PCC Treasurer: Tony Hoskins 0161 330 5815 [email protected] FOCC Giving Scheme: Philip Blanchard 01457 874513 Gift Aid Secretary: Joanne Moores 01457 765302 Mothers’ Union: Bernice Howarth 0161 330 2002 2 ‘The Office Hour’ for booking weddings and baptisms is held in church on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month between 12 noon and 1pm. (Volunteers welcome; full
    [Show full text]
  • Fit2fight Fit2fight
    Issue 2 FIT2FIGHT April 2010 FITKhumbu2FIGHT Challenge 09 Exec Health World Masters Games Cairngorm Crusade Sports Round-up 2009/10 & HMS Illustrious What’s in it for me? Every year over £400,000 in prizes and £1 million of grants is invested into enhancing the lives of all in the Naval Service, with personal contributions of those taking part in sport, AT and challenging activities minimised. Your Sports Lottery also provides equipment - so even if you have not won a cash prize yet; you have almost certainly benefited from the funding provided. Why do we need a Sports Lottery? The RN/RM Sports Lottery (RNSL) was set up in 1991 to generate non-public funds supporting all levels of sport, adventure training and recreation in the Naval Service. This is achieved by enhancing existing public funds (money provided through the MOD) and by granting funds for approved activities and equipment that fall outside the scope of public funding. of 10 prizes of £50 and the occasional enhanced first prize, such as new cars. Who can join? Serving RN/RM and RNR/RMR personnel are How do I know if I have won? eligible to join the RNSL and membership Prize winners will be notified by letter and is mandatory in order to benefit from direct draw results will be published by email, grants that have a Lottery funding element. signal, on the RN web and in Navy News. To date, 73% of the Naval Service are Sports Amenities and Benevolence members. How do I pay and how much? Lottery tickets are 75p per ticket per week Scheme (SABS) is the Royal Navy and Where does the money go? and payments are taken from pay each Royal Marines charity payroll giving scheme.
    [Show full text]