Semper Paratus RESERVE FORCES DAY NEWSLETTER WINTER ISSUE-2018
A Proud Supporter of the RAAMC Association Inc. Web Site-www.raamc.org.au A “Thank You” and a tribute to the various RF Day committees who have overseen, and supervised, the past 20 years, in Sydney, of a ‘movement’ intent on highlighting the enormous contribution and benefit that our ADF Reserve Forces have been, and still very much are, for the Commonwealth of Australia. Our President, Derek Cannon, thanks ALL 5 Field Ambulance Association members, PAST and PRESENT, for their voluntary attendance in the RF Day Parades, whether they were held in Sydney or other capital cities on their designated day. This includes the personnel of 5 CSSB health Company, our various Standard Bearers and 202 and 206 cadet units who also gave their time to carry our Banner. 2
Welcome to the 2018 ‘Winter’ Reserve Forces Day Newsletter of the 5 Field Ambulance RAAMC Association. I attended the 103rd Commemoration of ANZAC on Sunday April 22nd at Richmond War Memorial conducted by Richmond Sub-Branch of The returned and Services League of Australia (NSW Branch). The ceremony was very moving and a highlight followed the “Last Post”, one minutes silence and “The Rouse” when our own member of 5th Field Ambulance Association Betty Hamilton read the Poem “The Armistice Bell” composed by her and husband Tomas. Their Poem is enclosed on page 5 The ANZAC DAY March in Sydney was blessed with great weather and a good turn out with support marching behind the three “Dull Cherry” Banners. It was great to have support from 5 CSSB Health Coy and their Officer Commanding, Maj Jane Currie who marched behind our Banner which was carried by two of her unit members. May I add at this point the granting of permission for active corps members to parade in uniform was a massive lift to the stature and bearing of all who paraded. The names of all marchers and photographs of the parade and at the reunion are included later in the newsletter. The Sanctuary Hotel in Kent Street was the venue for the post March re-union which was well attended. It provided me with the opportunity to present Theo Dechaufepie with our Association’s Tankard Mug, suitably engraved, honoring his excellent OAM awarded in the 2018 New Year’s Honour List. Also present were RAAMC NSW Inc. current committee members who are also members of 5 Field Ambulance Association who I would like to thank for their continued stewardship of RAAMC issues at State and National level. David Czerkies State President, Theo Dechaufepie State Secretary and Webmaster, Ron Foley Assistant Secretary, Ann Jackson State Treasurer, Alan Curry Newsletter Editor, and Publicity Officer, Also present was, Stu Jones (Patron 1 Field Ambulance Association) and current secretary of RAAMC Inc National. All marched as proud dull cherry members. Due to illness I was unable to travel to Canberra to attend the 30th Anniversary of the successful 1988 Australian “Everest” and “Baruntse” Expeditions mentioned in my message in the last Newsletter. To all our long-time and recently enlisted members and with constant thought for our sick, Edna and I wish you all the very best for the future. Good reading and I hope to see many of you, joining our ranks on the final Reserve Forces Day Parade to be held in Hyde Park Sydney on Sunday 1 July 2018. Derek Cannon
SICK PARADE Dick BOURKE, Bob BUTLER, Derek CANNON, Kevin CARTER , John CLEGG, Barry COLLINS OAM, Roy CROSSLEY, John DAVIES, George DONNELLY, Gavin DRISCOLL, Nelson FIORENTINO, Garry FLOOD, Richard FORD, Joe GATTY, MAJGEN Warren GLENNY AO, Gordon GRANT, Tomas HAMILTON, George HARRIS, Norma HUTTON (Minnamurra Aged Care, 12-14 Clements St, Drummoyne NSW 2047), Ken ILES, Vic INESON, Brian INMAN, Terry IRVINE, Ann JACKSON (nee Williams), Neville JOHNSON, John LAYHE, Robert LOVE, Huss MAHOMET, John McCARTHY, Hugh (Macka) McCARTY, Ken McNUFF, Peter O’GRADY, Mike O’KEEFFE, Chris O’REILLY, Barry & Heather PERIGO, Karen PHILLIPS (nee Stead), Bob REID, Alan ROBINSON, Diana ROTHFIELD, Robert SHILLINGSWORTH, Rob STEWART, Judith STRACHAN, Harry STRONG, Natalie SWAN (nee Lloyd), Irene TROY, Keverell TURNBULL, John WEAVER, Bruce WHITTET, Warwick WILKINSON, John WILSON and Margaret WOODHEAD. 3 5 Field Ambulance RAAMC Association Patron: COL Ray Hyslop OAM RFD Office Bearers PRESIDENT: LTCOL Derek Cannon RFD– 31 Southee Road, Richmond NSW 2753— (M) 0415 128 908 HON SECRETARY: Alan Curry OAM—35/1a Gordon Close, Anna Bay NSW 2316 (H) (02)4982.2189 (M) 0427 824 646 Email: [email protected] HON TREASURER: Brian Tams—453/1 Scaysbrook Drive, Kincumber NSW 2251 (H) (02) 4368 6161 COMMITTEE: WO 1 Warren Barnes OAM Mobile: 0409 909 439 Fred Bell (ASM) Mobile: 0410 939 583 Barry Collins OAM Phone: (02) 9398 6448 Ron Foley Mobile: 0422 376 541 Ann Jackson Mobile: 0407 236 724 CONTENTS President’s Message/SICK PARADE ------Page 2 CONGRATULATIONS ------Page 3 LIFE MEMBERS ------Page 4 VALE/POEM ------Page 5 Secretary’s Message/Reserve Forces Day details/Poem ------Page 6 ANZAC Day (Summary)/Poem ------Pages 7/8/9 5 CSSB Health Coy Reports/Items of Interest ------Page 10 AHS Centaur (summary) ------Page 11 Bunkers around Sydney (WW 2)/Items of Interest (Cont.) ------Pages 12/13 Items of Interest (Cont.) ------Page 14 HAPPY BIRTHDAY/Something about Senior Citizens/ITEMS of INTEREST (Cont.) ------Page 16 LATE SUBSCRIBERS/THANK YOU ------Page 17 NEW MEMBERS/Messages from Members/Items of Interest (Cont) ------Page 18 Items of Interest (Cont.) ------Page 19 MY STORY (Bob Grieves)/Messages from Members ------Pages 20-24 Messages From Members/Items of Interest ------Pages 25-29 Kind Acknowledgements/STORY “Once I loved My Country” ------Page 30 Activity Sheet ------Page 31 ADVERTISEMENTS: Any enquiries to advertise in our magazine, please contact Alan Curry or any committee member (details are listed above) We are a ‘Not-For-Profit’, community-based organisation and we are unincorporated, and have been since 1982. To John OVERTON AM on the occasion of a presentation at a NSW Ambulation Station Meeting, in June. John will be presented with the “Commissioner’s Meritorious Service Medal” after 50 years of service with the organisation. Our Association is honoured to have you as a Life Member.
(In adding to this ‘Congratulatory Notice’ we wish your wife, Charlotte, a speedy recovery from her very recent DISCLAIMER: knee replacement operation) Opinions expressed in our quarterly newsletters are not necessarily those of our Patron, Executive or Committee. We welcome any input as long as it is not offensive or abusive but if any member has a problem with a printed article we would like to be informed in order that the author may be contacted. We do encourage your opinion. 4 LIFE MEMBERS (Please contact me if I have omitted your name or corrections are needed)
Mr. Samuel ALEXANDER Mr. John HEAD COL John OVERTON AM RFD WO 11 Michael ALI OAM MAJ Eileen HENDERSON OAM RFD MAJ Peter PAISLEY (Rtd) COL Suresh BADAMI OAM RFD (nee Anderson) WO 2 Steve PARIS (Rtd) # Mr. Adam BAILEY LTCOL Kym HENDERSON RFD MAJGEN John PEARN AO RFD CStJ Mr. Trevor BARNES RFD Mr. Rodney HOGAN MAJ Robert PEARSON (Rtd) WO I Warren BARNES OAM MAJ James HOOLAN Jr. USMC (Rtd) Mr. Barry PERIGO Mr. Alan BECKERLEG Mr. Edward HUNG # Mrs. Heather PERIGO Mr. Fred BELL LTCOL Sandy HUNT-SHARMAN RFD Mr. Peter PETHER Mr. Robert (‘Scotty’) BOYD (Ret’d) LTCOL David PHILLIPS RFD Dr. Harding BURNS OAM # Mrs. Norma HUTTON Mrs. Karen PHILLIPS (nee Stead) Mr Bob BUTLER COL Ray HYSLOP OAM RFD WO 1 Ken PHILLIPS OAM LTCOL Derek CANNON RFD Mr Ken ILES RFD Mr. Bob PINK OAM # Mrs Edna CANNON CAP Jim ILIOPOULOS Mr. John PRICE Mr. Greg CANT CAP Natalie ILIOPOULOS (nee Dr. F.G. (Geoff.) PRIOR WO1 Mick CARLSON (Rtd) Polydoropoulos) +Mr. Thomas (Tom) PRITCHARD Mr. Kevin CARTER Mr. Terry IRVINE OAM COL Robert (Bob) REID ED (Rtd) CMDR James CHAPMAN (Rtd) Mrs. Ann JACKSON (nee Williams) CAP Alan ROBINSON (Rtd) Mr. John CHARTER # Mr. Don JARMAN CAP James ROCHE OAM Mr. Noel CHRISTENSEN RFD Mr. Ernest JOHNSON MAJ John ROCHE OAM Mr. John CLEGG Mr. Richard JONES Mr. Michael ROWLEY Mr. K.B. (Barry) COLLINS OAM # Mrs. Sue JONES Mr. Bill RYLANDS Mr. David COOPER OAM LTCOL Stuart JONES RFD Mrs. Cathy SALMON Mr. Roy CROSSLEY Mr. Anthony JORDAN LT Susan SALVI # Mr. Joseph CRUMLIN OAM MAJ Robert (Bob) KENYON Mr. Paul SHERGOLD Mr. Gordon CURTIS Mr. Doug KERSEY Mr. Robert SHILLINGSWORTH Mr. Alan CURRY OAM Mr. Colin KLINE Mr. George SIP Mr. Greg CURRY LTCOL Edward KREMER OAM Mr. Ross SMITH Mr. John CURRY # Mr. Anthony LAING CAP Stephen STEIGRAD (Rtd) Mr. Patrick CURRY COL Frank LANG OAM RFD ED (Rtd) Mr. Robert STEWART # Mr. Stephen CURRY # Mr. Terry LANGWORTHY # M/s Judith STRACHAN MAJ David CZERKIES Mr. John LAYHE EM Mr. Chris STRODE MAJ Peter DALGLEISH RFD LT Igor LEMECH Mr. Peter SULLIVAN WO 11 Theo DECHAUFEPIE OAM # Mr. Bryan LINDSAY Mr. Noel TAME # Mrs. Olive DODD # Mr. Geoffrey LINDSAY Mr. Brian TAMS Mr. George DONNELLY # Mrs. Maureen LIVINGSTON # Mrs. Debra TAYLOR Dr. Ken DOUST OAM MAJ Kathleen LOADSMAN # Mr. Trevor TAYLOR LTCOL Marie DOYLE Mr. Robert LOVE Mr. Bill THOMPSON Mr. Stuart DOYLE Mr. Edwin LOWERY Mr. Peter THOMPSON Mr. Gavin DRISCOLL Mr. Alen LUCIC Dr. Peter TRALAGGAN LTCOL Andrew ELLIS OAM Mr. Huss MAHOMET Mr. Ian TUCKER # M/s Brittany EVANS Mr. Nick MARSHALL Mr. Keveral TURNBULL # M/s Felicity EVANS Dr. Helena MARTIN Dr. Michael TYQUIN # Mr Josh EVANS # Mr. Don MELVILLE Mrs. Ruth VAUDIN (nee Corbet) # Mrs. Julie EVANS Mr. Gordon MILLS LCPL Rhys VAUGHN # Mr. Tony EVANS Mr. Paul MISTO Mrs. Kate VERCOE (nee Rose) MAJ Madeline EVES RFD COL Bill MOLLOY RFD ED Mr. Matthew VERCOE Mr. Phillip FAGUE Mr. Michael MORONEY Mr. Don WALKER Mr. Laurie FARRUGIA JP # Mr. Charles MURRAY # Mr. Kim WARNOCK Brett FERRARI # Dr. William McBRIDE AO CBE # Mr. David WASSON Mr. Nelson FIORENTINO Mr. John McCARTHY # Mr. Lindsay WASSON Mr. Garry FLOOD Mr. Hugh McCARTY LTCOL Darren WATERSON # Mrs. Adrienne FOLEY # Dr. Philip McGRATH Mr John WEAVER Mr. Ron FOLEY # Mrs. Trish McGRATH Mr. Ronald WEBB Mrs. Frances FOOKES (nee Henderson) LTCOL John McKEOWN RFD (Rtd) MAJ Bruce WHITTET (Rtd) LTCOL Paul FOOKES CAP Tom McLANDERS (Rtd) CAP Don WIKNER ED JP Mr. Richard FORD # Mrs. Yvonne McLEAN # Mr. David WILKINSON MAJ John GALLAGHER Mr. Ken McNUFF COL Warwick WILKINSON AO RFD ED Mr. Joe GATTY # M/s Marion NEWMAN MAJ Alex WILLIAMS CAP John GORRELL RFD (Rtd) CAP Richard NG Mr. David WILLIAMS # Mrs. Margaret GORRELL # Mrs. Rayda NOBLE (nee Prain) Mr. John WILSON Victoria GORRIE MAJ John O’BRIEN (Rtd) Dr. Phillip YUILE Mr. Gordon GRANT MiD # Mr. Peter O’GRADY Mr. Jim ZORBAS Mr. Barry (Bob) GRIEVES Mr. Barry O’KEEFE Mr. George HARRIS WO 1 E. (Bill) O’KEEFE (Rtd))
+ 2/5th Australian Field Ambulance # Associate 5
Stephen STANSFIELD Stephen joined our Association in 2013 and also became a Life Member.
You may recall his introduction, which I placed in our Christmas magazine of 2013. I placed the two photos (at left )in that article. Stephen, in his earlier years, served as a medic with the 9th Field Ambulance and when he discharged he stayed on in the medical profession as a paramedic until his health deteriorated.
He met Barbara, fell in love with her and they married. They produced three loving children, two boys, Matthew and Paul and a daughter, Anna. However, the rigours and stress of Stephen’s work took a toll on their marriage and they divorced after 18 years.
Since his divorce Stephen immersed himself with his quest for army memorabilia. As all his friends knew (and also a lot of the people who had heard about his army museum), he had built up quite a collection. His major acquisition being his ‘restored’ 1965 Land Rover army ambulance, which he affectionately named “Norma Jean”!
Many years ago he fell off a ladder and severely injured his back and since then it curtailed much of his activities. He became very disillusioned and unhappy as his health deteriorated. I often had conversations with him in the time he has been with us and I could tell he was not good. He had worries about the health of his mum and dad and the lack of contact with his family.
Stephen had a good name with various organisations, not the least being the Queensland Ambulance Service. He has received Certificates and Commendations from many well-known institutions, both in Queensland and Victoria.
Over the last 12 months he developed throat cancer, to which he succumbed on Saturday 26th May at about 8am, in Boonah Hospital (Qld). He is survived by his dad, Ken, (who lives by himself in a unit in Cootamundra. His mum passed away in 2017, (he was not well enough to attend her funeral) and his children, Matthew, Anna and Paul.
Sadly, Stephen did not have much relationship with his family since the divorce but he did have a few close friends who did keep in touch from time to time, including his neighbor, Susan Hopper, of 17 years. They would send me emails or phone me up to give me an ‘update’ on his health.
Stephen is out of the woes and worries of this life and his faithful companion dog, “Buddy”, has just found a new, loving family. Stephen had said to me a while back…”What will happen to “Buddy”? His much-loved “Norma Jean” is going to the Maryborough Military Museum where it will be put to good use at Parades and suchlike.
Stephen joined the Army Reserves as a Medical Assistant on the 19th August 1982, with 9 Field Ambulance until 28th May 1991 when he went on to the Inactive Reserves. He went back to the Reserves with 4/19 Prince of Wales Light Horse from 30th March 1993 until 30 March 1994. He went back to the Inactive Reserves and again joined the Army Reserves on the 20th January 1996 with 25 Bn RQR the transferred to 49 Bn RQR in July 1997 and then transferred to 1 Field Regiment on the 1st April 1998 until he discharged on 23rd March 1999 with the rank of Corporal. Stephen had overseas service, with 9 Field Ambulance, to New Zealand from 9th of February 1986 to 23rd February 1986. Stephen was awarded the Australian Defence Medal. LEST WE FORGET
“THE ARMISTICE BELL” They battled on from Pozieres, to the quagmire of the Somme, (With kind thanks to authors (who are both our members)-Tomas At Passchendaele they asked themselves, how much longer can and Betty Hamilton) this go on. They were stunned and shell-shocked from the thunder of the They all lay down their tools of trade to become the stuff of lore guns The first time as a nation, they sailed away to war. And stumbled on through history, a nations tragic sons. They’d all be home for Christmas and had no cause to fear, But what they didn’t tell them was, Christmas in what year. They were different denominations and many a prayer was said, But they had been forsaken, the wounded and the dead. Gallipoli came and went, and months turned into years Still, they fought right through the gates of hell and into the While back at home, memories were recalled with loved ones tears. demon’s den They buried comrades where they lay, under foreign sod And when at last peace was restored, they were down to half their A tragic epitaph that said..”A soul known only to God”. men.
They thought of home so far away, and for families they did yearn We haven’t learned from past mistakes, to one thing we are blind But little did they realise, sixty thousand would not return Man can conquer seas and mountains but can’t live with his own And those who had been spared, would shun future fame kind. For deep down in their souls they knew they’d never be the same. If you learn this lesson only time will tell, as ghosts recall the mates who died to the toll of the Armistice Bell.
6 Message from the Secretary
Dear members, my first thoughts, as I write this message, is for all our sick members and any who may be in hospital or recovering from an operation. You are very much in our thoughts and we trust you are keeping warm on these winter nights. If any member is aware of a sick mate who is not on our Sick Parade, please contact myself or any of our committee members so that we may contact them to offer our support. In writing this I am thinking of our member, Stephen Stansfield, who, like a few of our members on our Sick Parade, is going through a hard time. We are thinking of you Stephen.
I have had a left eye cataract operation in early May and as of writing, it is all good. I can’t believe the wonderful difference it has done and my sincere thanks goes to my ophthalmologist and his team.
We look forward to seeing you in either Newcastle or Sydney on Reserve Forces Day and also if you can meet us after the Sydney Parade at the Paddington RSL Club for a lunch.
A “Reminder” to put our ‘mixed’ Reunion Luncheon in your diary for the 24th November. Dress is casual and informal. Your friends and family are most welcome (see our Activity Sheet further on).
RESERVE FORCES DAY (Details) NEWCASTLE SATURDAY 30 JUNE. 10.30 AM. FORM UP in Lamen Street (above Civic Park) and a short march down hill to Civic Park DRESS: Lounge Suit, Medals, Beret and Name Badge. Any member is most welcome to march with me behind our Association’s Banner. After the Parade we will have a lunch at a nearby facility.
We are proud to be a small part of honouring our Reservists on this day. Some think it creates a problem with the FULL TIME serviceman/woman and those who serve in a PART TIME capacity. Nothing could be further from the truth. They both work toward the same objective I.E. to answer the call to protect Australia and her Allies if, and when, called upon. The major difference being one is “ON DUTY” 24/7 and the other is ON DUTY some of the time (because of their civilian employment jobs).
SYDNEY SUNDAY 1st July—10 am FORM UP: South West corner of Hyde Park SOUTH (bounded by Elizabeth and Park Streets) DRESS: Serving Personnel —Ceremonial, Gents-Lounge Suit, medals, Beret and Name Badge. Ladies-as appropriate.
We will be parading with the 5 Brigade contingent! MARCH OFF will be 11am. As this will be the LAST SYDNEY PARADE we hope you may be able to join us. If unable to Parade with us, you are most welcome to join us for a Luncheon at the Paddington RSL Club from about 12.30pm. This date also marks the occasion of the RAAMC Birthday.
Poem- SMILING Smiling is infectious, you catch it like the flu’, when someone smiled at me today I started smiling too. I walked around the corner and someone saw me grin. When he smiled I realised I had passed it on to him! I thought about the smile and realised its worth. A single smile like mine could travel ‘round the earth. So, If you feel a smile begin don’t leave it undetected, start an epidemic and get the world infected. (Credited to the late actor and comedian-Spike Milligan. With kind thanks from my neighbour Geoff Walker)
When I read about the evils of drink….I gave up reading! 7 ANZAC DAY (Summary) On Sunday, 22nd April, we were invited to the DAWN SERVICE at the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway near Concord Repat Hospital in Sydney. I was accompanied by our ASM, Fred Bell and we ‘set up’ our Banner to pay our respects. It was a very solemn event and a credit to the KTMW committee and M/s Alice Kang, (the hospital’s very efficient Coordinator). There would have been about 200 present with light snacks and coffee provided afterwards.
Prior to our State Governor, The Hon. David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d) and other dignitaries arriving, the RSL Youth Choir gradually appeared from out of the dark. They were in two files. The ladies and girls were all dressed in WW 2 nurse’s uniforms and the young lads were dressed in khaki battle dress. They did a marvellous performance of which their teachers would have been justly proud.
The stirring ANZAC Address was given by The Hon. David Hurley.
One of the ‘Highlights’ was toward the end of the Ceremony, when the MC, John Gatfield, introduced four WW 2 veterans to come to the front of the stage. They were assisted by carers and were joined by a choir member. The choir then sang a composition called “Extraordinary Strangers” and the individual choir member who was standing with a veteran was holding his hand and quietly singing up to his face. It was a very touching moment to also see the veteran looking into the eyes of the singer. (The photos on the left are from the DAWN SERVICE.)
The SYDNEY ANZAC March was well attended. A huge crowd greeted all the marchers as they marched south down Elizabeth Street. It appeared to me that the march is still as big as ever!
I have not received any ‘feed-back, as yet, from any of our interstate members who would have marched with either the 2/5th Australian Field Ambulance Association or some other medical units.
We met at our usual location in O’Connell Street from 9.30 am. Our President, Derek Cannon, met us all prior to marching off. He thanked MAJ Jane Currie, the OC of Health Company, 5 CSSB, for organising some of the Health Company to march, in uniform, under the leadership of her 2ic LT Mel Robson. Our member, MAJ David Czerkies, in his role of President of the NSW Branch of the RAAMC Association Inc. led all the RAAMC units. Derek was not able to march and he asked me to lead our Association for which I was most honoured. Because apologies were received from COL John Overton AM and our Patron, COL Ray Hyslop OAM one of those members would have led us.
The members of Health Company who marched in uniform were: LT Mel ROBSON, CPL Glen EAST and LCP Rhys VAUGHN. Glen and Rhys carried our Banner (without ‘frogs’-I forgot to check the carry bag!-what a sterling effort from them and very much appreciated)
We sincerely thank the following members and friends who were either able to march in the ranks behind our Banner, or meet up after the march at the pre-arranged Sanctuary Hotel in Kent Street. Viz; Samuel ALEXANDER, Michael ALI OAM, Fred BELL (our ASM), LT Joshua BISHOP (3/6 RNZIR), Derek CANNON (our President), Greg CANT, John COX (4 RNSWR), Jane CURRIE, Alan CURRY OAM David CZERKIES, Peter DALGLEISH, Theo DECHAUFEPIE OAM, Selina DUDLEY, Brittany, Julie and Tony EVANS, Matt ELLERY (4 RNSWR), Madeline EVES, Nelson FIORENTINO, Ron and Adrienne FOLEY, John GALLAGHER, Jo HOVELING, Ann JACKSON, Patrick, Sarah, Sue and Stuart JONES Anthony LAING, Robert LOVE, Edwin LOWERY, John McKEOWN, Michael MORONEY, Charles MURRAY, Peter PETHER (marched with 3 TPT ASSN), Bill and Shannon RYLANDS, Paul SHERGOLD, George SIP, Carmen and Wendy STRASKYE, Chris STRODE, Brian TAMS, Deb and Trevor TAYLOR, Darren WATERSON Ian and Paloma WHITE and David WILLIAMS. (My sincere apologies if I have omitted your name) 8
Sydney’s ANZAC Day March and Reunion photos—with kind thanks to all who contributed. 9
APOLOGIES were received from:- Suresh BADAMI OAM, Warren BARNES, Ashleigh BORG, Edna CANNON, Mick CARLSON, Noel CHRISTENSEN, Barry COLLINS OAM, John DAVIES, Olive DODD, Marie DOYLE, Josh EVANS, Richard FORD, Joe GATTY, John and Margaret GORRELL, Bob GRIEVES, .George HARRIS, Eilersen HENDERSON OAM (marched with the RAANC), Kevin HURRELL, Our Patron, Ray HYSLOP OAM, Huss MAHOMET, Hugh McCARTY, Bill O’KEEFE, John OVERTON AM, Barry and Heather PERIGO, Bob REID, James ROACH OAM, Cath SALMON, Rob STEWART, Michael TYQUIN, John WEAVER, Jenny WEIR, Bruce WHITTET, and Alex WILLIAMS POEM (Author unknown) “A Life Well-Lived” A life well-lived is a precious gift of hope and strength and Grace From someone who has made our world a bright and better place It’s filled with moments, sweet and sad. With smiles, and sometimes tears With friendships formed and good times shared, and laughter through the years A life well-lived is a legacy of joy and pride and pleasure. A living, lasting memory our grateful hearts will treasure. ————————————- # Don’t regret growing older, it’s a privilege denied to many. # If you are depressed you are living in the past, If you are anxious you are living in the future, if you are at peace you are living in the present 10
5 CSSB Health Company (Previous) Report (inadvertently omitted from our ANZAC Newsletter) It has been a busy start to the year, with mandatory training, medical credentialing activities, a battalion shake out at Holsworthy, and a ten day 5 Brigade exercise in Singleton, not to mention the many support tasks being undertaken. Recent support activities include medical support to 51 Far North Queensland, by PTE Tristan Scott, RAAMC, and the delivery of a Combat Paramedic Course at Holsworthy Barracks, led by LT Ryan Looney, RAANC, SGT Atkins and LCPL Vaughn, RAAMC. The tempo of activities is still rising and will not abate until after our main exercise in June, EX HAMEL in Queensland. Such a high tempo of activity commands the commitment and enthusiasm of 5 Health Company and I am personally in awe of the professionalism, contribution and service that our members provide. Well done everyone, and thank you to 5 Field Ambulance Association for your ongoing support. We are very much looking forward to parading with you in Sydney on ANZAC day morning. Such a high tempo of activity commands the commitment and enthusiasm of 5 Health Company and I am personally in awe of the professionalism, contribution and service that our members provide. Well done everyone, and thank you to 5 Field Ambulance Association for your ongoing support. We are very much looking forward to parading with you in Sydney on ANZAC day morning. Finally, congratulations and farewell to our CSM, WO2 Watson, RAINF who will be transferring to a new position at Holsworthy Barracks and we welcome WO2 Connell, RAAOC, as our incoming CSM. Regards MAJ. A.J.Currie OC Health Coy CURRENT HEALTH COMPANY REPORT It was wonderful to march with 5 Field Ambulance Association on ANZAC day, and to see so many familiar faces. Thank you each for your support to 5 Health Company. Our main focus within the Company is preparation for EX HAMEL, an exercise in Queensland, which will occur in June and July. We have been busy conducting training and readying and packing our equipment. Best wishes to all who are participating, I know you will be fantastic ambassadors of 5 Health Company. Our training in May also focused on our preparation for providing role one health care. We joined the Special Casualty Access Team at Bankstown Airport and undertook training on casualty extraction, use of emergency vehicles and helicopter transportation of casualties. It was a fantastic weekend and we were joined by colleagues from 8 CSSB and from the Navy. Thank you to all who participated and special thanks to SGT Atkins and WO2 Connell for organising such a fantastic training opportunity. Regards MAJ AJ Currie OC 5 Health Coy 5 CSSB ITEMS OF INTEREST (1) BOOKS, MAGAZINES ETC (Received with kind thanks from other sources) (i) FRONTLINE (official journal of the 1st 19th/2nd 19th Association) March. (courtesy Bob Pink OAM-editor). (ii) The National Serviceman (official journal of the NSA &A Inc.) April (courtesy Ron Brown OAM). (iii) The Shrine of Remembrance Monthly Newsletters (courtesy. Rayda Noble) (iv) Royal Historical Society Newsletters (courtesy, James Jordan) (v) Contact Newsletter (courtesy, James Jordan) (vi) Tobruk House News (JUNE). Courtesy Graham Gibson) (vii) 2/3rd AHS Centaur Newsletter-May (courtesy, Jan Thomas OAM) ——————————————— (2) AUSTRALIAN ARMY RESERVES The current approximate strength is 12,500 (FULL TIME is approx. 17,000). In 2008, 1 Cdo Regt became the first Reservist unit to take part in war since WW 2, when it was deployed to Afghanistan as part of Australia’s SOTG (Special Operations Task Group). Between 2004 and 2017, 2,400 Reservists have deployed on operations overseas. (Cont on Page 13) 11
AHS CENTAUR CEREMONY (Summary) Our ASM, Fred Bell, and myself attended this memorable yearly Ceremony of Remembrance held in the 113 AGH Memorial Chapel of Concord Hospital. I hope some of our interstate members were able to be present at any of their other locations.
I had the honour of being asked to present the Naval Psalm (Psalm 107: 23-32). M.s Alice Kang (Director of Marketing & Community Relations) and her staff are sincerely thanked for all the effort they input. It is a beautiful program with wonderful support from harpist, Alex Cronin. The hymn “Make me a Channel of your Peace” was a duet and sung by two nurses, Mses Chastine Clidero and Olga O’Connor. It was beautiful to listen. Another memorable gesture was everyone was given a small lighted candle in a jar and invited to come forward, at the conclusion, and place the candle on a small altar.
The ‘Centaur Address’ was given by Rear Admiral Ken Doolan AO (Ret’d). I would have liked a copy of it except he spoke for about 10 minutes without one piece of paperwork. It was a most evocative and memorable ‘address’ and one that had you imagining you were aboard this fateful vessel. He received a wonderful acclamation at his conclusion.
No one could imagine the shock and utter confusion as one minute you were quietly sleeping, at 4.10 am, to the hypnotic, peaceful sound of the throbbing engines driving the propellers, to the next finding yourself, somehow fighting for your life in the ocean and you might have witnessed your ship sink within a matter of minutes! This heartless Japanese submarine commander would have seen this hospital ship lit up like a beacon in brilliant white lights with giant red crosses along its structure and funnel, and yet he ordered the sub to fire a torpedo at it. He would have seen the devastating effect of the explosion and the subsequent sinking as he watched through his periscope. What an unforgivable act he committed.
Many doctors, nurses, soldiers and crewmen, including the ship’s captain, perished in the early hours of that morning of the 14th May 1943, a few kilometres east of North Stradbroke Island off the coast of Queensland. Out of 332 on board only 64 survived. They were in a vast ocean, floating in groups, on damaged life rafts and flotsam etc for about 36 hours before they were located and rescued by the US Destroyer, “Mugford”. Sister Ellen Savage was the sole survivor of 12 nurses who were on board the “Centaur”.LEST WE FORGET
Always find time for the things that make you feel happy to be alive.
WORDS HAVE NO WINGS BUT THEY CAN FLY 1,000 MILES 12
BUNKERS AROUND SYDNEY DURING WW 2 (With kind thanks to Mrs. Mavis Dennis, “Torch” newspaper, Wikipedia and Sydney Historical Society) No doubt this situation took place in nearly every town and city in the Commonwealth during WW 2, especially around our coastal areas in those uncertain years of 1942 and 1943.
Our good friends, George and Colleen Halls, are our neighbours in our “Over 55’s Retirement Village in Anna Bay (NSW) and Colleen mentioned to me that her mum (Mavis) worked in a RAAF bunker in the Bankstown area in the early 1940’s.
Collen then loaned me some newspaper clippings from the local paper in the Bankstown area. It was called “The Torch” and it produced a number of articles, in mid to late 2006, on a well-known bunker in the Bankstown Municipality. It was on the corner of Marion Road and Edgar Street.
State Records reveal that in 1939 the “National Emergency Service” was established …”to protect, educate and provide aid on the home front”. Efforts increased in the 1940’s due to the blitz on London and the, ‘without warning’, unprecedented air attack on US war ships and land facilities on Hawaii in December 1941 and the subsequent fall of Singapore in early 1942.
In NSW, from the Hunter to the Illawarra, during this period, it is recorded that 464 Air Raid sirens were installed, 70,000 feet of trench shelters were dug, 36,000 feet of covered trenches were built, 139 ‘Pill-Box Air Raid Shelters’ were constructed, they were six foot deep! ‘zig zag’ patterned Anti-Aircraft trenches were also built into parks and other open spaces—including school playgrounds. These shelters were often lined with sand bags and sheets of corrugated iron. Purpose-built bombproof air-raid shelters were built inside schools, pubs, back-yards, hospitals and other public buildings.
There were four air-raid shelters constructed in the Domain (behind the Sydney Hospital) in 1940. These were ‘exhibits’ to show the public how to build one! They consisted of concrete, sand-bags and corrugated iron. A square in front of Customs House, at Circular Quay, was made into a bunker in 1942. It had a 14 inch thick concrete roof and could house 500 people! Another ‘shelter’ was constructed at, what is now, The Rocks Police Station.
A ‘Staff Reporter’ for “The Sun” newspaper was given a guided tour, in 1942, of various bunkers and shelters and wrote that he was not impressed with what he saw!
A number of smaller shelters were built at the Eveleigh Rail yards (near Redfern) for the workers. At Lunar Park the staff built a chamber in the base of the cliff face at Milsons Point and they, and some local residents, found safety there when Japanese midget subs attacked shipping in Sydney Harbour in May, 1942.
Records show application was made by Tooth and Co brewery to construct a ‘shelter’ for the Station Hotel in North Sydney, in 1942. Also for tramway land for public air-raid shelters in Five Dock, Woollahra Public School, North Sydney Tech, College and the Infant’s School in Australia Street in Newtown. Recent construction work (2017) for the light rail in the Randwick area uncovered an air-raid shelter at High Cross Park.
The most well-known public air-raid shelters were in tunnels constructed under the CBD for proposed underground rail lines that had not yet been completed or never eventuated.
The major one was in the rail tunnel to the west of Circular Quay station. The tunnel was built in 1918 but trains did not use it until 1957. In 1941 it was converted to a shelter.
At St James station, two single-line tunnels were built below Hyde Park in the 1920s for proposed train lines to Bondi and Randwick. The Australian Railway Historical Society said the tunnels were converted into bomb shelters, with concrete blast curtains installed at intervals. Access was via steps in Hyde Park. These shelters were capable of holding 20,000 people. Messages, written by soldiers in the tunnel walls during the war, are still visible today. At the end of the war, some of the blast curtains were removed, others were partly dismantled and others were left untouched.
I now come back to Mavis and the Bankstown bunker!
This bunker became the Air Defence HQ of Sydney, for the RAAF and was used by the RAAF as the Headquarters. (Cont. on page 13) 13
(Cont. from page 12) Bankstown airport, during WW 2, was established as the “key strategic air force base” to support the war effort. It became an important RAAF HQ from 1945 until its closure in 1947. It is currently buried under a public park, which lies at the end of Taylors Street!
Mavis (or May as she likes to be called) Hemsworth left school at 14 and was a volunteer observer employed by Bankstown Council. Her dad, Leopold, worked for Bankstown Council during the war and was also in the “Emergency Services”. He told May the council was looking for volunteers to work in the bunker, on the phones.
May applied to volunteer her services and was hired. She was sworn to secrecy about her work because the bunker she worked in was the main hub for the RAAF. It had direct connections to 211 Radar Station RAAF in Mascot and Home Hill in Queensland. (The “Hill” became the ‘nerve centre’ for “The Battle for Australia”)
May worked inside the bunker on Tuesday and Saturday nights. She was on duty the night the Japanese midget sub entered Sydney Harbour and torpedoed shipping. She remembered sirens sounding but they had only heard rumors about the shipping. After this incident the council asked if they could take on ‘secret’ work to do with phones and maps.
May said we were picked up at Bankstown Station and taken along Marion Road and somewhere close to Edgar Street and then driven into a tunnel which led into Bankstown airport. May said they were led into a large Operational Room which was set up with a large map. She said they had to learn how to ‘plot’ planes and ships!
May said there were sleeping areas for those staying on duty. Some even slept under the Plotting Tables because it was much warmer than in the accommodation huts! She still has in her possession a copy of the actual drawing of the bunker layout (the writer has seen this!). This bunker was called Bankstown 101 Radar Station
After the war May met and fell in love with a soldier, Ron Yarham. He was in the 14 Australian Field Regiment. They had many happy years of married life and produced four children, a boy, Barry and three daughters, Jeanice, Sherrie and Colleen. Sadly, Ron passed away in February 1967.
May had joined the Woman’s Auxiliary of the Panania RSL Sub Branch and was their Secretary for a great many years before it ‘folded’ in 2018.
May’s childhood home, in Sweethaven Street, is now the site of the Bankstown Sports Club!
She is currently in a Retirement Village in Rutherford (Newcastle) and I had the distinct pleasure, recently, of meeting May and her loving husband, Bernie Dennis, of the last 16 years.
May had had a bad fall about two years ago and damaged her knees so badly that she was no longer able to walk without much pain. She and Bernie are very happy in their new surroundings and live together in a most beautiful unit within the Nursing Home complex. Bernie is a very caring husband. ______ITEMS of INTEREST (Cont. from Page 10) (2) The army Reserve structure is currently being reformed under “PLAN BEERSHEBA”. The plan is designed to deliver specific capability and support and sustain the ADF preparedness and operations.
There are six Army Reserve Brigades and they are “paired” with the three Regular Brigades, viz; 4th and 9th Brigades will ‘pair’ with 1 Brigade (Darwin), 5th and 8th Brigades will ‘pair’ with 7 Brigade (Brisbane) and 11th and 13th Brigades will ‘pair’ with 3 Brigade (Townsville). ————————————— (3) MEETING OF CHIEF’S OF DEFENCE: Chief of Defence, Air Chief Marshall Mark Binskin and New Zealand’s Defence Chief, LTGEN Tim Keating, met in February, in Canberra, Sydney and Wellington, to co-host a number of international Defence Chiefs. They discussed the broader global security, including the ongoing campaign against DAESH in Iraq and Syria, regional security issues and defence engagement. This meeting built on Air Chief Marshall Binskin’s recent discussions, in January, with counterparts in NATO’s Chief’s of Defence. ———————————————— (4) DEFENCE PATHWAYS IN SCIENCE FOR WOMEN & GIRLS The ADF has ‘highlighted’ world class training opportunities for Women and Girls who are interested in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).(Cont on Page 14) 14
(Cont from Page 13) A senior Military Recruiting Officer, CMDR Cath Hayes (the FIRST female to command a warship in the Middle East) advises young women to study and pursue a career in STEM, as it opens doors to exciting Defence careers. Flight Lieutenant Belinda Pavlovic, a Specialist Recruiter for women, joined the RAAF in 2004 as an aircraft technician. She studied and completed a Bachelor of Aeronautical Engineering to become an Aeronautical Engineer with the RAAF ———————————————- (5) HMAS HOBART: This is the RAN’s NEWEST warship and it will visit its namesake city -Hobart– for the first time in 18 years! The guided missile destroyer featured as the Flagship of the Royal Hobart Regatta in February. The next two warships of the same class, HMAS Brisbane and HMAS Sydney, are due in 2020. ——————————————— (6) OPERATION MANITOU: Is Australia’s contribution to support the international efforts to promote maritime security, stability and prosperity in the Middle East region. In March, the RAN frigate, HMAS Warramunga intercepted two vessels in the international waters of the Arabian Sea and seized, and destroyed overboard, $400 million of hashish. These seizures save lives and deprive terrorists and other criminal organisations the money needed to carry on their illegal activities. ———————————————— (7) HUMANITARIAN SUPPORT TO PNG: In late February/early March Papua New Guinea was hit by three devastating earthquakes which hit the Highlands region of the country. It affected about 270,000 people. Our Government immediately dispatched 80 ADF and 75 AFP personnel to the affected areas. The RAAF made nine flights in C-130 aircraft to deliver much-needed humanitarian supplies which included tarps, bed mats and water containers, also PNG medical supplies as well as supplies from the Red Cross, WHO, The UN Population Fund and CARE. All ADF Personnel and aircraft returned to Australia in mid-April. Our Government, in partnership with UN Women and UNICEF, also provided up to $1,000,000 to support vulnerable women and children in the affected areas. Australia’s Development Assistance to PNG will total $546.3 Million this year. ——————————————— (8) ADF ASSISTS “FLOODED OUT” CAMPERS IN TULLY: 85 adults and children were cut off when floods had them stranded in the Echo Creek Adventure Camp in the Tully Valley (Qld) in early March, on a Friday afternoon. Repeated civilian attempts were unsuccessful and a call for assistance was made to the to the army base in Townsville. Two MRH-90 Taipan helicopters were dispatched with supplies and also removed a child with a health concern. The helicopters returned safely back to base on the Friday evening. Queensland Police and the SES coordinated further stages of support as the flooding subsided. ————————————- (9) JAMES CAMERON EXHIBITION: For the benefit of us who do not know who James Cameron is? James is an Academy Award winning director (movie film –”Titanic” and later “Avatar”) and deep sea explorer. He has an Exhibition at the Australian National Maritime Museum (beside the Pyrmont Bridge in Darling Harbour in Sydney) from 29th May to the 30th January 2019. It is expected that over 5,000 people will be enthralled with his exhibition which .will show his history- making expeditions to the deep and the Mariana Trench and views of the Titanic to name just a few. ———————————— (10) AE 1. AUSTRALIA’S FIRST SUBMARINE HAS BEEN FOUND: Late in 2017, a successful search led by “Find AE 1 Ltd” located Australia’s first submarine. The AE 1 was built in England and launched in May 1913. It was commissioned on the 28th February 1914. Contact was lost with the sub on the 14th September 1914, in the vicinity of the Duke of York Islands in Papua New Guinea. It had 3 Officers and 32 OR’s on board at the time of its disappearance. The search was supported by Silentworld Foundation, Australian National Maritime Museum, Fugro Survey and the Government of PNG. —————————————— (11) TELECOMMUNICATION INDUSTRY OMBUDSMAN (Cont on Page 16) 15
A Proud Supporter of 5 Field Ambulance Association 16
JUNE JULY AUGUST MAJ Jane CURRIE Adam BAILEY Derek CANNON John CURRY Lee CASTLE Michael CARLSON Paul FOOKES Alan CURRY OAM John DAVIES SOMETHING ABOUT ‘SENIOR CITIZENS’ Tomas HAMILTON Stephen CURRY Phillip FAGUE (with kind thanks to Eileen HENDERSON OAM Marie DOYLE Nelson FIORENTINO James Hoolan Jr.-by Email) Dr. Jim ILIOPOULOS Garry FLOOD Barry FOSTER Senior citizens are constantly been Richard JONES John GALLAGHER John HEAD criticised for every conceivable deficiency of the modern world, real Hugh (Macka) McCARTY Patrick JONES Ken HELSBY or imaginary. We know we take responsibility for all we have done Trish McGRATH Edwin LOWERY Sue JONES and DO NOT try to blame others. Tom McLANDERS Huss MAHOMET Peter KROGER However, upon reflection, we would Ron PALMER Dr. Helena MARTIN Bill LAIDLAW like to point out that it was NOT senior citizens who took:*the melody Bill THOMPSON John McKEOWN John LAYHE out of music, *the pride out of appearance, *the courtesy out of Keverell TURNBULL Alan ROBINSON Bryan LINDSAY driving, *the romance out of love, Ruth VAUDIN George SIP Fay LYNCH *the commitment out of marriage, *the responsibility out of parenthood, My wife and I had words, Ron WEBB John MAIR *the togetherness out of the family, but I didn’t get to use John WILSON John McCARTHY *the learning out of education, *the mine. service out of patriotism, *the golden Donna PEACH rule from rulers, *the nativity scene out of cities, *the civility out of *******And, we DO understand the meaning of patriotism, and remember David PHILLIPS those who have fought and died for our country. behaviour, *the refinement out of Tom PRITCHARD language, *the dedication out of Just look at the seniors with tears in their eyes and pride in their hearts, as employment, *the prudence out of they stand at attention with their hand over their hearts as the “Ode of Rod SEARLE spending, *the ambition out of Remembrance’ is recited or a military parade goes by. Paul SHERGOLD achievement or God out of Yes, I'm a senior citizen! I’m the life of the party-even if it lasts until 8 PM. I'm government and school. Robert SHIL- very good at opening childproof caps-with a hammer. I'm awake many hours And we certainly are NOT the ones LINGSWORTH before my body allows me to get up. who eliminated patience and I’m smiling all the time, because I can't hear a thing you're saying. I'm sure Ken SMITH tolerance from personal relationships and interaction with everything I can't find is in a safe, secure place, somewhere. I'm wrinkled, Bruce WHITTET saggy, lumpy, and that’s just my left leg. others! ******** I’m beginning to realise that ageing is not for wimps. Yes, I'm a senior citizen and I think I am having the time of my life! Now if I could only remember who sent this to me, I would send it back to them. Or, maybe I should send it to all my friends anyway. They won't remember, even if they did send it.
ITEMS OF INTEREST (Cont from Page 14) (11) The TIO’s half-yearly report (July-December 2017) showed there were 84,914 complaints regarding mobile phones, fixed land lines, pre NBN and NBN broadband. This represented a 28.7% increase over the previous half-year. Our government has ordered a “Review” for consumer protection for a ‘post 2020 environment’. The ‘Review’ will consist of three parts:- # To ensure consumers have access to an effective complaints scheme. # To ensure reliable service, including time frames for connections, fault repairs etc. # To ensure consumers are able to make informed choices and are treated fairly by their provider. ——————————————- (Cont. on Page 18)
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A proud supporter of 5 Field Ambulance Association LATE SUBSCRIBERS A gentle ‘reminder’ to our members who pay yearly ($15). We rely on your subs to keep our magazine in circulation. When you read this and if you are not sure if you have paid your $15 would you kindly phone or email me and I will let you know if you are ’up to date’ with your subs. With our kind thanks, Alan Curry (0427824646, (02) 4982.2189 or email:- [email protected] 18
Anthony LAING is sincerely welcomed as an Associate Member and Life Member. He was introduced to us on ANZAC Day by his partner, (and our Life Member) Brittany Evans. Brittany is one of the granddaughters of our President, Derek Cannon whom, I might add, has been most instrumental in encouraging all his family members and partners to join our Association. Anthony gladly joined us back at the reunion venue after the march. I am waiting on Anthony to tell me a little about himself so that I may introduce him more formally to our members. ———————————————-
MESSAGES FROM MEMBERS (Cont. to Page 24) Susan SALVI emailed me to thank her for notifying her about the death of her service friend, Maureen Patch. Susan knew Maureen in the late 1990’s during their time together at Duntroon. Susan said she was great to work for and was tough but fair. Susan was sorry she was unable to attend at Maureen’s funeral. Susan is now a Captain in the Reserves, in Canberra. She has had 21 years service in the Reserves and thinks it might be time to re-evaluate her future! (Thank you Susan. You have given great service to the army Reserves in your medical capacity. I hope whatever direction you take in the future will see you happy and contented.) —————————————— Bob REID sends his good wishes to all his friends in our Association. He responded to our email on the death of Malcolm Ritchie. Bob and Malcolm’s father, Tom, worked at various times together. Tom was in partnership with Freddie Grace and Bob was in partnership with Roy McDonald. They had their practices in Bondi Road for more than 20 years and they both worked their practices, out of hours, to provide 24/7 medi- cal coverage for their patients. (Thank you Bob. It's always good to hear from you. How the years roll on eh!) ————————————————
ITEMS OF INTEREST(Cont from Page 16) (12) FIRE SUPPORT BASES-”CORAL”, “BALMORAL”& COOGEE” (50th Anniversary) Attacks on Saigon, by the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong, in early May 1968, was repelled by the US and South Vietnamese armies. 1 Australian Task Force (made up of 1 & 3 RAR, ’A’ Sqn. 3rd Cav Regt, ’C’ Sqn 1st Armd Regt, 12th Fd Regt RAA and 161 Bty RNZA) established three ‘FSB’s with the aim of cutting off the withdrawing enemy forces from the Saigon battles FSB “Coral” (with two battalions from 1 RAR) was ‘setting up’ defenses on the 12th May at Lai Khe Binh Province (about 40 klms north east of Saigon). Poor reconnaissance and inadequate planning and delays led to confusion during the “fly-in”. “Coral” was only partially set up when it was attacked in the early hours of the morning of the 13th May. A forward gun position was over-run by the North Vietnamese as they breached the Australian perimeter. (Cont. on Page 19)
OUR ASSOCIATION IS ON FACEBOOK Any member who has a computer and has access to the Internet can now visit our ‘Facebook’ page. We thank our committee member, Ann Jackson, for ‘opening up’ another avenue to connect to our members who are already on Facebook. We also would like to reconnect with any past member.
‘Admin’ will then accept members to that group. Our group will be a ‘closed group’ which means only members of the group can see ‘posts’. [email protected].
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(Cont. from Page 18) Many casualties were suffered by both sides in fierce fighting throughout the morning before the attack was repulsed. The following day, 1 RAR was deployed to defend “Coral”, whilst 3 RAR deployed to establish “FSB “Coogee” to the west, to ambush staging areas and infiltration routes.
“Coral” was again attacked, by the North Vietnamese, in the early hours of the 16th May by a heavy barrage of shells followed by enemy infantry. The Australian defenses were breached again, and the fighting continued for six hours before the North Vietnamese were forced to withdraw after suffering heavy losses “Coral” came under attack, again, on the 22nd May, in the night, with accurate enemy mortar fire. This was broken up with accurate artillery and mortar fire from our troops.
On the 24th May the Australians then moved against the communist base areas east of Route 16, with 3 RAR re-deploying to ‘set up’ FSB “Balmoral”, which was now supported by tanks that had arrived from “Coral” a few hours earlier. On the 26th May, in the early hours, “Balmoral” was attacked by sustained rocket and mortar fire, primarily falling on “D” Company. The attack was repelled.
A second major attack was made on “Balmoral” in the early hours of the 28th May. It lasted 30 minutes before being soundly defeated by the supporting fire from our tanks, artillery and mortars.
The battles, however, continued into June as the Australians patrolled their area of operation. On the 6th June, 1 ATF returned to Nui Dat, being relieved by US and South Vietnamese forces. During the 26 days of fighting, it was the first time the Australians had clashed with North Vietnamese Regular Army units. It was the largest unit-level action of the war and one of the most famous fought by the Australian Army Task Force in the Vietnam War. Australian casualties were:- 25 Killed and 99 wounded. New Zealand suffered five wounded and US Forces suffered five wounded. The enemy casualties (killed, wounded and captured) were very much higher. ——————————————- (13) DISEASE FORECASTING EARNS INNOVATION AWARD: Scientists from Defence and the University of Melbourne have won two Innovation Awards for disease forecasting. The innovative development aims to predict the outbreak of disease so that appropriate health management and prevention measures can be put in place. Besides providing a forecasting capability for public health authorities , the innovative system can be used by Defence to protect troops against biological threats and pandemics.
The system comprises a ‘detection tool’(EpiDefend) and a ‘forecasting tool’ (EpiFX) that use health and environmental data to produce a near ‘real time’ assessment of the likely presence of disease and how it might continue to spread. ————————————— (14) SPECIAL AIR SERVICE REGIMENT: The Australian Army’s SASR has opened its new Head Quarters and Operation Centre at Campbell Barracks in Swanbourne (Perth). This is the first upgrade (Phase 1) since the inception of the SAS in 1957. Phase 2 is proceeding, and when completed (in 2019) will include new and refurbished facilities for Operational Support Squadron, 152 Signal Squadron, QM Store and Security Entry Point for the Base. —————————————- (15) “SCAMS”-GOVERNMENT GIVES ADVICE: Government agencies continually monitor “scams” and warn that if you are contacted by ‘someone’ unexpectedly to stop and check “Is this for real?” If you are contacted by someone ‘out of the blue’, and you don’t know them—TAKE PRECAUTIONS! Use these FIVE tips:- 1 NEVER give out personal information 2 Double check contact information through an independent source. 3 Don’t be tempted to ‘click’ on links. 4 Hang up, and call organisation back on a verified number. 5 Visit www.scamwatch.gov.au ————————————— 20
My Story (Barry Robert (Bob) Grieves) I was born at Paddington Women’s Hospital on 22 November 1938 to Rita May Grieves (nee Cook) and Robert Henry Grieves. We lived at 21 Chelmsford Ave, Belmore. NSW I attended Belmore South Public School to 5th class, then I attended Newington College in Stanmore NSW from 1949 to 1952. In 1950 my Mum and Dad bought their first car a Standard Vanguard and we went on picnics each weekend taking my aunt May, Uncle Alan and cousin Ray Miller with us. During my time at Newington I had a passion for rugby and athletics. Here I met Bevan Moloney and we remained firm friends until his death in 2011. Our families were close for many years. I left Newington at end of 1952 to go to Ashfield Technical College as Newington at that time did not conduct classes in engineering a trade I was to follow. I was not the best of students and just passed my finals.
I started my apprenticeship with Tecnico Limited, later to become Pye-Tecnico and finally Pye Industries in 1954. My apprenticeship was toolmaking a very demanding profession and guess what, the two major subjects used were my worst subjects at school, so I had to study hard as I used these subjects every day and did for all of my working life.
In 1956 I got my driver’s licence and not long after with the help of the “bank of Mum and Dad” I was able to buy my first car, an Austin A40 Tourer. I became heavily involved in car rallies both as a driver and navigator.
In January 1957 I did my 3 months basic training in the army for my National Service, it was here that I met Ray and Rhonda Danckert who are still great friends today. In April 1957 I was posted to 5 Field Ambulance in Moore Park Road, Moore Park opposite the then Sports Ground now the football stadium. During my apprenticeship I had to learn and operate all the various types of machinery needed to make press tools to stamp out steel sheets to various shapes and train as a draughtsman in tool design.
During this time, I attended 5 Fd Amb, 1 night a week and 1 week end a month plus a 2 week camp each year. I passed through the ranks to sergeant.
In 1958, at work, I met the love of my life Daphne and after the 3rd degree from her mum I was permitted to take her out and we have been together ever since. Daphne’s friends, Barry and Helen Kathner, became my friends also and still remain our very good friends to this day. About this time, I bought a Ford Zephyr and continued in the car club and Daphne and I would go on picnics with Helen and Barry each weekend.
5 Field Ambulance was transferred to Carrington Road Randwick in 1959. In 1960 I transferred to Service Corps and became Transport Sargent. In 1959 I completed my apprenticeship and became a toolmaker tradesman, by this time I was making press tools to stamp out printed circuit boards for transistor radios and our company was one of only three to have a licence to do this. I went to the drawing office to draw press tools and also product design to draw radios and TVs.
Daphne learnt to drive in my Ford Zephyr and used it when I was in army camp. Daphne and I were engaged in 1960 and we married on 29 April 1961 and had our honeymoon on the Gold Coast. The tallest building on the coast at that time was at Broadbeach at 5 storeys. At this time, I was a tradesman toolmaker on 18 pounds a week and Dad was Chief Engineer at Hoover Australia on 100 pounds a week
In June 1962 I went to Puckapunyal in Victoria to qualify as a trade testing officer- driver. I then trained and tested army drivers and issued driving licences. After this I was attending the army most weekends doing driver training courses for other units who did not have a training officer. In 1961 Daphne and I both left Pye Industries, Daphne to do casual bookkeeping, which was full time, and I went to R G Douglas Industries a toolmaking company as tool Design draughtsman and tool room foreman.
In 1962 we bought a “fibro” home at 102 Bulli Rd, Old Toongabbie and moved in just before Christmas. We held Daphne’s 21st birthday at the house attended by family, friends and neighbours and was a great success. I changed jobs to Smiths Industries as a design draughtsman and helped design clocks, instruments for cars and car air conditioners. During this time, I was asked to supervise the construction of a new building on the property so the press shop and tool room could be rehoused. Daphne continued with the temporary bookkeeping and I remained in the CMF (Citizens Military Forces). At this time, we started a small draughting company, drawing house plans for a number of builders, this being done after hours and weekends. (Cont. on Page 21) 21
(Cont. from Page 20) Our daughter, Deirdre, was born in July 1964 this made our family complete.
At the end of 1963 I transferred from 5 Fd Amb to 23 Field Regiment LAD (RAEME) as Staff Sargent.
During 1964 I developed a stomach ulcer and was advised to give up my extra activities, so I resigned from the army in 1965 but continued the drafting business. At this time the Vietnam War was on and the army was short of tradesmen so senior NCO’s were asked to volunteer, so I could have been sent over.
In 1967 I joined HMV (TV manufactures) as design draughtsman which was very boring so in 1968 I joined Wunderlich Limited designing special purpose machinery for the manufacture of asbestos cement sheeting. Again I was asked to supervise the construction of a building to house the manufacture of “villaboard” an internal lining board for buildings. To help my career I studied structural steel design draughting, which came in useful later in my career.
In 1968 our son, Martin, was born in March. It was a very hot year and Daphne was as pleased as punch to have a boy.
The drawing at home was by now pretty busy taking up a lot of my time and keeping Daphne busy doing the plan printing and typing and copying the specifications. Towards the end of 1969, one of my builder clients, Bob Croudace rang me about a very urgent job. As it turned out it was for FRANKLINS and we went to the store the next day (Saturday) and measured up, we came home and I stayed up to 1AM drawing most of it up and completed early Sunday morning, while Daphne printed the plans I wrote out the specifications and the Daphne typed them out, we then coloured the new work and then we set them up in sets and 8PM Sunday night I delivered them to Bob.
Next morning at 7.30AM Bob handed the competed job to Harold Cornock (co- owner) and as Bob only got the job on Friday he was stunned. Several weeks later I was asked to do another and I told them that it may take a week, which was accepted and one week later Bob delivered the job to Harold. I was asked to go with Bob to Mr Cornock’s house in Lane Cove so he could meet me and I spent about 2 hours with him, being quizzed on my work. One month later I was asked to go to the Head Office to meet Norman Teick (the other co-owner) and get another job. The job was to design a supermarket at Villawood. I asked what they had and they gave me the plans for a factory as they had a change of use approved. They also said that they had all the steel frame parts as well, so I designed the supermarket making use of the frame and saving a large part of the building cost.
When I took the plans in and told them about the use of existing parts they said they did not think of that and were delighted, so they asked me to do another one and while I was working on the plans I found out that they usually used a very expensive architect and my fees were about 1/10th his fees, however we were doing nicely and soon able to pay cash for a new Holden Kingswood! During 1970 when I was delivering a set of plans for yet another job, Norman Teick asked about my job and how much we earnt at home, he then offered me the job as Company Architect exceeding my figures and adding a company car fully funded, I asked if I could sleep on it (big joke). When I told Daphne she did not believe me until I rang my farther to talk to him, then the penny dropped.
I accepted the job and gave notice at Wunderlich and they tried to increase my pay but when I told the Chief Engineer of the pay and conditions he jumped to his feet and shook my hand and said good luck.
I joined FRANKLINS in October 1970 and, as I was not an architect, my title was Development Manager. I was to control, assist in property purchase, design supermarkets, supervise construction and fit-out, ongoing maintenance and development of equipment.
Not long after, Daphne joined the company as a night fill manager so we both worked for the company.
One of my first jobs was to supervise the construction of the building that I designed first, Villawood. Next I was asked to help find land for a new warehouse with enough land for future expansion, the first stage was to be 350,000 sq. ft. in area, set on 25 acres.
We found land at Chullora, however it was on the side of a hill and I suggested we cut and fill to make a level area. Then I had to plan the warehouse and head office and lodge the planning application, which to a 32- year- old was a bit challenging. This was done and Harold and Norman wanted a large building company to take on the work with me being the owner representative and supervisor. We obtained 4 quotes and I had to make a spread sheet to see who gave the best deal.
The company chosen was Macdonald Constructions a large company at the time. It took 18 months to construct and fit out ready for use and during this time the construction of supermarkets continued. (Cont. on Page 22) 22
(Cont. from Page 21) The company moved in and the quicker expansion of FRANKLINS started, confined to “the Sydney Basin” with 76 stores.
In 1972 Norman and Harold gave us a loan to build a new house of our own at 2% reducible interest when it was 15% fixed. We built a large A V Jennings home at 9 Suttor Place Baulkham Hills
Daphne was still doing night fill but now was asked to help out during the set- up of the new supermarkets which kept her very busy. With some help from Norman Teick we were able to send Martin to St Andrews Cathedral School but Deirdre only wanted to go to Baulkham Hills High.
In 1979 FRANKLINS was sold to Dairy Farm Hong Kong and Paul Simons was made CEO, he was an ex Joint Managing Director of Woolworths Limited and the other Joint Managing Director, Owen Price was made CEO of Dairy Farm, at the time I was listed in the sale agreement, 1 of 5, as joining Norman Tieck in his new company.
Paul was like a breath of fresh air and we made a very good connection so when it was time for me to decide what I was doing I stayed with Paul. Not long after I contracted “mumps” which developed into Encephalitis and I ended up in a coma in hospital and nearly died, however, I recovered and returned to work 6 weeks later but I was not fully fit for 12 months.
We were given another $15,000.00 loan, this time 5% to add the 2nd storey to our house, again paid in full within 5 years. Thank goodness Daphne is a very good money manager.
Very quickly Paul made a Lay Out Team all permanent and Daphne was part of that team. He then started to take FRANKLINS national so I found I was doing a lot of travel as was Daphne to open the interstate stores. There was a warehouse in Queensland, then Victoria and plenty of stores, so I employed a draughtsman to do the plans and help with other sections. As the states were to be self-sufficient Daphne was then confined to NSW. During 1980 Daphne informed me that we were not saving any money and needed a commitment, so we bought a block of land in Boronia Road, Lake Munmorah and had a small 2 bed cottage built to “lock up” for us to finish. The house was mounted on poles to be 2 stories in the future and we could park the caravan underneath.
This was our escape as we came up on Friday nights, worked on the house and went home late Sunday night. When complete it was a place to unwind.
In 1988 we sold the holiday home and bought a waterfront reserve block at 66 Anita Ave, our current home, and built a new brick veneer home, Daphne and I sacked the builder just before Christmas, moved in, on a “defect notice” and completed it ourselves.
Dairy Farm had a chain in Hong Kong called WELCOME and would send people down to see me and when Daphne and I went to Hong Kong we would meet with them to discuss supermarkets and equipment. In 1987 Paul resigned and went back to Woolworths as Chairman and his place was taken be ex Coles General Manager Graeme Bowler. He turned out to very different from Paul, however I pressed on.
In early 1988 I was asked to join Woolworths as General Manager Construction doing the same job as I was doing except no maintenance and a very hansom increase in salary and a fully funded company car. When I gave my notice Graeme was shocked and in 30 minutes I was given a rise of $20,000 plus an overseas tour each year business class with Daphne, to look at what was going on in the major supermarkets, being loyal, I stayed, however after about 5 months I was treated so badly that I was not happy.
We did however have our first trip and added a trip to Cornwall to see Daphne’s relatives and Graeme was not very interested to see my findings when we returned, which was disappointing as we had seen some very interesting changes that could be made.
I shared a flight from Melbourne with Chief General Manager Property of Woolworths (Grant Hirst) and was told the job was still waiting for me, so I went to their head office (after hours) and had a meeting with Paul Simons and CEO Harry Watts and agreed to join them at another increase in salary, an overseas fact finding tour with Daphne (I paid her air fare) and a Ford Fairlane car this was 1989, at this time FRANKLINS had 300 stores from Adelaide to Cairns and was number 3 in the country.
Daphne and I discussed the possible outcome, her dismissal, I gave notice and left the next day and the following morning Daphne was sacked, never to work again.
I did not have to serve a month termination so we were able to have a break. We worked on the house and the had an 8-day trip to Thailand taking Deirdre and Mark with us, before they were married.
Woolworths was a whole new learning curve for me as FRANKLINS did not have bakeries, meat, deli or fruit and veg plus I had a staff of 20, not 5. (Cont. on page 23) 23
(Cont. from Page 22) Again it was a lot of travel, further this time as there were stores and warehouses in every state.
In 1994 I was asked to take over Branch Services NSW still keeping my role in Research and Development and added to this I was to set up a maintenance system to be used in all states as they were doing their own thing and added to this Branch Services were permitted to do refurbishments to the value of $200,000 but my budget was $1,000,000.
So the State Manager Naum Onikul, later Director of Supermarkets, and I planned refurbishments in 2 stages so we did a full refurbishment of $2,000,000 which made the construction division (my old group) very mad.
In 1996 the Managing Director John Brunton had me transferred to his area and reporting only to him for Research and Development. From 1990 to 1994 I was totally responsible for the change to non-ozone depleting refrigerants, for which we received US Environment Award in 1993 with the first CFC free supermarket in the Southern Hemisphere. While getting this going when gas manufacturers wanted $100/Kg for their gas, I was able to get 1.5 tonnes each from ICI and DuPont for the detailed operating data that we had and they did not as my computer geek had a program to monitor all parts of the system.
Daphne and I had many trips to refrigerant manufactures and equipment manufactures during this time and attended a conference is Washington DC to represent Australia. We made a lot of contacts and friends in UK, Europe and USA during this time and we have had some of these people to our home and we have stayed at theirs. I was able to set up information sharing between Supermarkets overseas and Woolworths which lasted for many years. One company FOODLION set up their supermarkets the same as Woolworths.
My closest contact was Safeway and I visited them every year for 6 years. 1996 saw Woolworths embark in petrol stations and to get it going John Brunton loaned me to petrol to supervise construction. I was to still do my main job but became clear I could not do both, so I asked John where he wanted me to be and he requested petrol, so I transferred to petrol as National Construction Manager-Petrol.
It was difficult at first as the petrol companies and service stations tried to stop us, but we carried on and by 1999 we had 250 outlets running, our best year was 51 open in 1 year.
I retired in October 2000 and we extended the house to its current size, we did a tour of Egypt with Len and Maureen and after this I drove Daphne mad, so when I was asked to become a consultant in May 2001 to convert 69 Liberty Service stations to Woolworths Petrol I jumped at it and set up a company Lakeside Project Management with Daphne as Office Director to handle things on a daily basis, while I travelled around all states to supervise the conversions.
We took the motorhome to a lot of sites in Victoria and NSW as the changeover was over night and we stayed on site while the work was done. We employed 2 project managers 1 in Queensland and 1 in Victoria.
In 2000 we had a motorhome built to our requirements and did a few trial runs before retirement. The contract finished in December 2002 and then we fully retired and the money earned replaced the money spent extending the house and topped up Daphne’s superannuation fund.
Looking back, I was very privileged as Harold Cornock, Norman Teick, Paul Simons and Owen Price were considered the leaders in the grocery industry and I worked for all of them.
During our working lives we have been able to take the family on overseas trips, which we all enjoyed and broadened their experiences. We have done extensive travel in the motorhome and have been able to take Madelaine and Simone to a lot of places in school holidays so they have seen a fair bit of the country. On one trip we were in South West Queensland in a place called Nocundra, close to SA and NSW where Daphne noticed Innamincka on the map and wanted to see it.
We were told that rain was coming but it should be OK, so off we went in our Suzuki Jimny and just before we arrived it rained, so I filled with fuel and was about to return when the roads were closed. We had to stay, so booked into a home stay, we looked around town and the water over the causeway was about 200mm and in the morning it was 4m. As we had medication for two days we had to ring our doctor to fax a script, then send it to Flying doctor in Broken Hill which was sent to Port Augusta to fill and it was flown to Moomba, where we collected it.
5 days later we were allowed to leave but by a different route which was 120Km longer through the bush and we had to use SANTOS maps. We arrived back in Nocundra 330Km and 12 hours later being in 4 wheel drive all the way and low range for about 150Km of the distance. (Cont. on page 24) 24
(Cont. From Page 23) We now travel whenever possible and spend the winter in the North of the country to keep warm and we travel with Ray and Rhonda Danckert.
In 2010 we traded in the old motorhome for a new one which had a few more refinements, such as solar panels, SAT TV and a washing machine. We now tow a small 4x4 (Suzuki Grand Vitara) so we can trip about and go where the motorhome can’t, for example “Bloomfield Track” to Cooktown from Daintree.
In 2014, while we were in North Queensland, Mum had a fall, so Daphne and I came home to help, however she did not recover and passed away 12 days before her 100th birthday and we held a memorial on her birthday.
2015 Daphne was able to for fulfil her dream to take Maureen to see the country of her birth and do a cruise on “the Med”. This took us 3 months. We have now joined PROBUS and have meetings, lunches and outings.
We have been to Darwin 4 times, Cooktown 2 times, Gulf Country, Uluru and the Centre, York and Eyre Peninsular, Tasmania 2 times, all Victoria, Outback NSW and QLD many times. We “free camp” as much as possible. The only place for us to do is WA which is on our hit list.
Each year we try to travel in the motorhome for 1 medium trip and then spend winter in the North, we also look at a cruise, plus a few 1 to 2 week trips closer to home, usually free camping by a stream at Moonan Brook or Gloryvale. (Thank you for reading My Story, as at 20 Feb 2016)
MESSAGES FROM MEMBERS (Cont. from Page 18) Rob STEWART sent me a card from Toronto (Canada). He is presently on an overseas holiday which he is thoroughly enjoying. One of his memorable moments so far was the ANZAC Day Service at Westminster Abbey. Rob passed on his good wishes and will send me a more fuller ‘holiday report’ when he returns back home. (Thank you Robert, for your card. We look forward to reading about your ‘experience’ when you return.) —————————————- Stuart DOYLE sends his best wishes to his friends in our Association. He kindly apologised for not being with us on Reserve Forces Day. (Thank you Stuart for your note and your support. We hope you and your family are in good health.) ————————————— Michael CARLSON sends his good wishes to his friends in our Association. He sent me an email and attached a very dapper photo of when he was a Staff Sergeant about 1975. He remarked about ANZAC Day in his home town of Beresfield his year.
He said Beresfield is a small suburb of Newcastle roughly between Newcastle and Maitland and he estimated that about 1,000 people attended the ANZAC Day service this year—and he said it appears to be getting bigger.
Mick said all seven schools had pupils (about 70 in total) march in the parade and each school carrying their respective Banners. There is one small school at Millers Forest which had about 50 pupils and three teachers all in the march!
Mick was involved in organising the ANZAC Day march for over 45 years. He started as the Guard Commander, in uniform, as a Staff Sergeant (see photo). He said that back then they were lucky if 50 people turned up and they were mainly veterans.
When Mick became Secretary of his RSL Sub Branch, he and the President started getting all the schools involved by having a competition for the kids to write something about the theme of ANZAC and having them read out on ANZAC Day.
The Sub Branch also involved the School Captains by them reading the Prayers. This, of course, involved all the parents and friends in attending.
Mick is still the Parade Commander and has difficulties getting the parade into their positions. He said we now have the much-respected and talented Maitland Pipes and Drums to lead our Parade. The Parade is also attended by the Police, Fire Brigade, Scouts and Guides and the Soccer Club. (Cont. on Page 25) 25
(Cont. from Page 24) Because of his arthritis, Mick carries his walking stick and sometimes carries it like his old “Pace Stick”! He closed off his email saying the weather held off-with just a light sprinkle-and the kookaburras singing in the trees. (Thank you Mick, for your emails and support. It’s good to see you are still involved on ANZAC Day. Stay well.) ——————————————- Jim HOOLAN sends his kind regards to all in our Association. Jim and his wife, Gia, live in Williamsburg, Va in the US and he is a Life Member of our Association. He sent me an email last year of an article written by Garry J. Matthews titled “I Once Loved My Country” (if I have room I shall put it in this issue). His email was in response to various ones that I have sent to all our members on previous occasions.
Jim remembers his first visit to Australia (Sydney) in 1963 and subsequently again in 1984. He remarked that it was exactly how he remembered it from 1963.
Fast forward to October 2017. Jim and Gia. had been on a holiday to England and Ireland, visiting their cousins, and were returning back home to America on a 747. Jim remarked that about 10% of the passengers were American. The rest were Arabs and Indians. At Dulles Airport he noticed that the American black porters had been replaced by African black Muslims. One was kneeling on his Prayer Rug while they were waiting for their east-bound flight. We had a black female who brought our luggage to the street. She left us with the greeting of “Salaam”.
Jim Emailed me an excerpt of a meeting that took place in August last year, in Washington DC . It was a conference on Immigration overpopulation. It was filled to capacity by many of America’s finest minds and leaders. One of the speakers was a college professor, Victor Hansen Davis. He talked about his latest book, “Mexifornia” explaining how immigration, both legal and illegal, was destroying the entire State of California. He said it would march across the country until it destroyed all vestiges of ‘The American Dream’. Moments later, the former Governor of California, Richard D. Lamm, stood up and gave a stunning speech on how to destroy America. As the audience listened intently, he described eight methods for the destruction of the United States. He elaborated on each point, viz; 1. Turn America into a bi-lingual or multi-lingual and bi-cultural country. 2. Invent multiculturalism and encourage immigrants to maintain their culture. 3. We could make the United States an “Hispanic Quebec” without much effort.. 4. Make the fastest growing demographic group the least educated, add a second underclass, unassimilated, undereducated and antagonistic to our population and have this second underclass a 50% dropout rate from our high schools 5. Get big foundations and business to give these efforts lots of money. Invest in ethnic identity and establish a ‘cult’ of “victimology”. 6. Include duel citizenship and promote divided loyalties. Celebrate diversity over unity. Stress differences rather than similarities. 7. Place all subjects off limits. Make it taboo to talk about anything against the cult of diversity. 8. Censor Victor Hansen Davis’s book “Mexifornia”
The ‘ex Governor’ concluded saying there are now over 10 Million illegal aliens in the US and it is growing. Over 100 languages are ripping the foundation of our educational system and national cohesiveness. This is reminiscent of George Orwell’s book “1984”. In that story three slogans are engraved on ”The Ministry Of Truth” building—”War is Peace”, “Freedom is Slavery” and “Ignorance is Strength”.
In another recent Email Jim attended (in April) the 50th Anniversary Memorial of the “Battle of Hue”. There were about 100 Marines present. He said the Officers and Crew of the USS “Hue City” treated them like royalty over the entire week-end. On the Friday evening they were warmly welcomed in the Chief’s Club followed by a delicious buffet. On the Saturday morning they had a golf tournament on the 9-hole course at the Mayport Naval Base in Jacksonville, Fl. In the afternoon they were hosted with escorted tours of the ship. On Sunday morning at 0900 hrs they attended the Memorial Service before saying their ‘good-byes’ to their fellow Marines and heading back to their homes. Jim said the weather was lovely and mild. (Thank you Jim for your emails. I agree, our world as we knew it is changing) —————————————————Cont. on Page 26)
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(Cont from Page 25) Don MELVILLE wrote to say he enjoyed reading our ANZAC Day 2018 magazine. He attended the Dawn Service march in his home town of Leeton, proudly accompanied by three of his grandchildren. He did have a great grandchild present also but he is not yet at walking stage. Don said that during the “Minute Silence” the town’s magpies broke into their beautiful morning warble, as if on cue! (how Australian!)
He commented on the “Penicillin” story in that it brought back memories. Don grew up on a citrus orchard in Griffith and said that some ‘strains’ of the penicillin fungus causes serious damage to citrus. Don’s late father told us kids that this new penicillin ‘wonder drug’ was related to, and developed from, our dreaded blue/green mould ‘enemies’!
He thanked me for placing the item about the ‘Beersheba Dinner’ and put a folded brochure in with his letter. It depicted the famous charge at the Turkish trenches and has been painted on canvas by the artist, Warwick Deane, and has approved for release. 100 numbered prints, with certificate, have been signed. If any member would like a brochure please let me know (Alan 0427.82.4646).
Don said Leeton has a proud history with the Light Horse as it was “home” to the 21st (Riverina) Light Horse. Don was informed that their Parade Ground was next door to the current Leeton Soldier’s Club . He said some ‘Returned’ Light Horsemen and a number of Field Ambulance veterans from WW 1 were allocated war service farm blocks in the newly established Murrumbidgee Irrigation Areas. Don heard that the Leeton RSL Sub Branch will discontinue their traditional ANZAC eve dinner and will replace it with an annual “Beersheba Anniversary Dinner”
He enjoyed the story of the “Night Witches”, which was news to him. Don commented on the ‘push’ to have the late Sir John Monash posthumously upgraded to the rank of Field Marshall. He does not agree with the proposal as it is far too late and this should have probably happened when he received his Knighthood. Don said Monash was promoted to General in 1929 as a token gesture prior to his retirement (as was Chauvel). Don said the Villiers-Bretonneau Centre, now opened, sounds like a more fitting tribute. Don said let history record that a citizen soldier , a Colonel from the ANZAC Corps, was selected and promoted to Lieutenant General to mobilise a new Division and to go on and be the best leader the Allies had, compared to the “old establishment” Generals (and maybe the odd Field Marshall) that were on offer in London!
Don closed off his letter to say the last significant rainfall was on the 2nd December . He said our dryland farmers rely on good autumn rain to ‘set up’ for their winter/spring grain crops and for winter stock feed before it gets too cold. The “dry” is good for our irrigators who are currently harvesting their summer rice and cotton crops. The lack of rain will be disastrous, in 2019, for our irrigators if the Burrinjuck and Blowering dams do not get filled this winter! Don said the total rainfall this calendar year is only 24% of the long term average for the first four months of 2018. Unfortunately, it fell in useless small showers—such is farming. He read that recent flood rains in Capetown (South Africa) ended water rationing, after their worst drought in 100 years!! What are our chances? (Thank you Don, for your letter and comments and your support. I hope all is well with you and your family. I hope the rain has come as you read this!) ——————————————————— Derek CANNON (Our President). You would have read in the latter part of his message (page 2) that he was not able to attend the 30th Anniversary of the “Everest and Baruntse Expedition” and he sent me a “Blast from the Past” photo which was attached to his email which reads:- “Going through my pics from Everest in 1988, whilst on HQ 2 Div Med Svcs, as SO 2. This ‘shot 'of me at Namche Bazaar with “calf muscles”-which have since departed due to my neuropathy, was taken by my team member, CPL Alan Clarke, from Queensland when I wasn’t looking. Great memories, as the anniversary of the Army teams’ success rapidly approaches”. On the back of the photo was written “Derek hard at it as always, cheers, Alan”. Derek finished his email saying “Oh to be able to turn back the clock”! (Thank you boss for sending a snippet of you in your younger days—Memories eh?) ————————————————————— (Cont. on Page 27) 27
(Cont from Page 26) Bryan LINDSAY wrote to say his daughter, Adriana, has given birth to a second daughter Isabelle. Arden. She was born on the 28th January and both are in good health. The other good news was that his other daughter, Rachel, is now also a proud mother of her son, Oliver Winston, born on the 3rd May. Both are very well. Bryan is now the very proud grandfather of three! When I rang him he said if his mum was still alive she would have been very happy to know that a great grandson had been named Oliver. (Thank you Bryan for all your good news and support. I am pleased all went well with your daughters.) ——————————————- Tomas and Betty HAMILTON pass on their good wishes to their friends in our Association. Tomas’s health has not been too good of late but he still found time on ANZAC Day to attend his local RSL club to join in with his Sub Branch and commemorate the proceedings. He and his wife, Betty, penned and read out the stirring poem “The Armistice Bell” (see Page 5). (Thank you Tomas and Betty for allowing us to print your emotive poems and for all your support. I hope you are on the mend.) —————————————— George DONNELLY sends his good wishes to all his friends in our Association especially to his RAAMC mates. He had emailed to thank me for ‘forwarding’ a message which he particularly liked. He is having a few health problems at the moment but it didn’t stop him making a joke about his situation! Apparently his PSA level is 8.5 and he has an appointment to see his oncologist to see if an operation is possible! His closing remark to me was…”If not, make sure they bury me bum up , at least it will make a great bike rack”! (Thank you George for your letters and support. You have a very positive frame of mind. I hope that when you read this you will have a chuckle and that your oncologist’s report is good news.) ——————————————- Noel TAME passes on his thanks to all his friends in our Association for their phone calls and concern regarding the recent ‘set-back’ in his health. About six.weeks ago he experienced shortness of breath and his partner, Judith, realized it was serious. Since then Noel has been diagnosed with throat cancer. He is at present undergoing therapy. I have also spoken to Noel and his attitude is very positive as he starts his treatment. (Good on you Noel. You are in good hands with Judith and your daughters Lee-anne and Amanda, and your oncology team. Our prayers are with you.) ————————————————— Steve PARIS kindly thanked me for sending him the 25 minute video clip of the French schoolchildren lauding the praises of Australia. Their school is Victoria School in Villiers-Bretonneau. He thanked me because he sent it on to his friend, Jen Roberts, a lecturer in history at the University of Wollongong. She was so grateful because that is what she is teaching at the moment. She sent it to a colleague, who teaches history in a prestigious Catholic Girl’s High School in Brisbane, and was later informed that it will form the official part of the materials for the History Curriculum at her school! Jen also sent the ‘clip’ to her friend in England. Well done Steve. I thought it would be well received by our members. Thank you for your support) ————————————————— Jenny WEIR sends her good wishes to all in our Association. She too enjoyed the video clip of Victoria School in Villiers-Bretonneau. It had special memories for her because she had visited there in 2014. She could see that renovations had been done since her visit. She thinks ALL children should see this film. Jenny was pleased to read the segment about her late dad in the “Penicillin Story” (Thank you Jenny for your email and your support.) —————————————— Glenda GARDE also thanked us for sending the video clip of Victoria School. She loved seeing it. Glenda was there for the Centenary. Both her and her husband, Dennis, attended the Dawn Service and later, they walked into town to take part in the town’s own little Ceremony. She said it was amazing and something she will never forget. (Thank you Glenda. I hope this finds you and your family in good health. Your support is very much appreciated) —————————————— Bruce WHITTET passes on his good wishes to all his friends in our Association. He wrote to apologise for not being able to make it for ANZAC Day. Bruce is having on-going radiation therapy for his prostate problem. The treatment will involve about ten minutes a day (Mon to Fri) for four weeks. (Thank you Bruce, we missed you on the day. Our prayers are with you and I hope when you read this that all is good) ————————————————- (Cont. on Page 28) 28
(Cont. from Page 27) Ruth VAUDIN sent an email to wish all her friends the best and enjoys reading all the news in our magazine. (Thank you Ruth for your email. The ‘correction’ is done and appreciated. I hope this finds you and your family in good health) ——————————————- Rayda NOBLE passes on her good wishes to her friends in our Association. She is very grateful to receive our magazine in ‘hard copy’ and read it at her leisure. On the 15th April she attended Tobruk House for the 77th Anniversary of “The Siege of Tobruk”. She was with many friends including Glenda Garde of whom Rayda said that her (late) dad would have been very proud to see that Glenda is one of the organisers of this very ‘special’ day. Another good friend Rayda was with was Tom Pritchard. Tom and Rayda’s late dad were very good mates. Rayda said she met many old friends she had not seen in years. She was taken to the hall in a taxi driven by an Indian who told her that his dad was in the Indian army in WW 2. When he pulled up outside the hall he was most impressed with the playing of the “Rats of Tobruk Pipes and Drums” outside the hall. (Thank you Rayda, for all you emails and support. I hope “Andy” was a good boy while you were out having a good time!) ————————————————— John DAVIES sends his good wishes to all his friends in our Association. As all his friends know, he does not enjoy good health. He is in good hands with his specialists as they treat each of his ‘set-backs’ with expert care and attention. His latest health matter was a ‘wedge’ biopsy which was found to not be the ‘nasty’ kind! His next episode on his battered and bruised body is a prostate operation (when he is fit enough).
He enjoys reading all our magazine stories and the one about the Train Ride, which nearly killed his mate, Bill Rylands, brought up past memories of good mates and he wonders what has become of them.
The names he mentioned were the Lewis brothers (Trevor and Bill), Ron Martin, Les Weir, (who were both on the busses at the Ryde Depot with Huss Mahomet), Dave Rimmer, Phil Pittaway, Paul Cohen, Mick Rowlinson (he was a Green Keeper at the Royal Sydney Golf Club at Rose Bay), Terry (“grip”) Hammerton, Neil Hawkins (he worked at the “Land” Newspaper with me. He was in the Advertisement Dept.) Tony (“Castro”) O’Connell, (saw him 20 years ago. He was working with the Canberra Fire Dept.), Paul Birchall, Alan (’straight out of Dad’s Army’) Emery. These came readily to mind. He really enjoyed the evenings after Parade Night in the OR’s Mess, it was a pretty wild affair back in the 1960’s!! The bugger also recalled a certain “Transport Officer” being driven home in a 1952 Morris Minor (with no clutch?) and many ’back seat’ drivers! John said “who needed a clutch when you were in the RAASC? If you could drive a ‘Studybaker’ with a ‘crash gear box’ you could drive a Morris Minor! John said the foot pedals on the Morris Minor were so small and our army boots were big, wide and heavy and quite often when changing gear, the left boot would overlap the brake pedal with scary results (for passengers and the car behind!) (Thank you John, your stoicism is inspirational. What a memory. I pray all you upcoming tests are good and thank you for your support) —————————————— Gordon CURTIS sends his good wishes to all in our Association. He enjoys reading all the news in our magazines. Gordon is the secretary of the Morphett Vale (SA) and District RSL Sub Branch and this keeps him very busy. He assisted in this year’s ANZAC Day Ceremonies and said it was the biggest he has seen (about 17,000 in attendance). He said every year it just gets bigger. (Thank you Gordon. Even though your back is still not good I have done what you asked and removed your name from our Sick Parade) ——————————————- ITEMS OF INTEREST (Continued) (16) Australian National Maritime Museum Is located in Darling Harbour under the Pyrmont Bridge, In Sydney. At present they are launching the “Wildlife Photographer of the Year” exhibition and it is ‘on loan’ from the Natural History Museum (London). This world-renown exhibition started in 1965 and attracted 365 entries! Today it has received over 50,000 entries from 92 countries.
100 award-winning images will be chosen to embark on an international tour that allows them to be seen by millions of people. (Cont. on Page29) 29
(Cont from Page 28) The photographs will depict the diversity of the natural world, from intimate animal portraits to astonishing landscapes. The Exhibition opened on the 13th April and closes on 14th October. For further information visit www.anmm.gov.au or phone (02)9298.3777 ——————————————— (17) WIRRAWAY PARK This new park is in the new suburb of Wirraway, in the lower Hunter region of Newcastle and near the suburb of Thornton. It is aviation-themed and features a fitness station, a half-sized basketball court, shared cycle paths and a skateboard facility. The streets of Wirraway are named after RAAF war heroes. When the suburb is fully finished it will be the home of about 500 families (200 familes are already here) —————————————- (18) GOVERNMENT’S “ONESKY PROGRAM” AirServices Australia in partnership with the Department of Defence, has entered into an “Agreement” with Thales Australia to integrate the nation’s civil and military air traffic management systems. This is a world’s first and will earmark Australia as a global aviation leader.
The system will be better able to handle forecast air traffic growth, which will reduce congestion and open up more efficient air routes to reduce flight times, fuel costs and greenhouse emissions. The project will replace the ageing military air traffic management systems. The integrated system will manage more than 11% of global air space AND some of the world’s busiest air routes. ————————————— (19) 2 DIV. COLUMN RAASC(circa 1959) The photos at left were sent to me by an old friend from my RAASC days! Cliff Smith was a friend in the old days.
He rang me up ‘out of the blue’ and said he noticed an ‘ad’ in the newspaper (Daily Telegraph) re Reserve Forces Day with my name as the contact.
The two photos were taken at an Officer’s Mess Dinner at Bronte House (1959) and I had just received my commission.
I was the only officer without Mess Dress (2nd from right, top row). The bottom photo shows Cliff being presented with “The Field Marshall’s Baton” by CAP Hughes with me looking on! MAJ John Hill (dec.) was my CO at 3 Company, RAASC —————————————— (20) 7th ROTATION OF US MARINES ARRIVE IN DARWIN 1,587 US Marines arrived in Darwin for a seven months ‘Tour of Duty’. (it is termed MRF-D, for Marine Rotational Force-Darwin) and is the largest to date. They have brought eight MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft and an artillery battery of six M777 Howitzers.
During the six-month training period the Marines are expected to participate in 15 training activities alongside the ADF. Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and many more other nations will participate in, or observe, some of these training activities. Their ‘Tour of Duty’ will end in October. ————————————- (21) TROPICAL CYCLONE “MARCUS” A Joint Task Force was established to assist the cyclone-damaged communities of Darwin and Palmerston, in mid-March.. The JTF consisted of more than 400 locally based Navy, Army and Airforce plus 50 US Marines from the Advance Party of the Marines (see above-(20)). “Marcus” was stronger than the one that devastated Darwin in 1974. The JTF worked in with the local authorities to ‘clean up’ all the debris. ———————————- 30 KIND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS (Please advise us if you have NOT been acknowledged) Fred BELL (Cash $63) for Beret $40 and Beret Badge $23. Bernie DENNIS (Cash $100) for New member and Life Membership Mavis DENNIS (Cash $100) for New member and Life Membership Stuart DOYLE(Cheque $20) for Donation. David EMANUEL (EFT $20) for Subs $15 and Donation $5. Tomas & Betty HAMILTON (Cash $50) for Subs $30 and $1 Raffle tickets $20 Anthony LAING (EFT $120) for New member and Life Membership $100 and Name Badge $20. Bryan LINDSAY (Cheque $20) for 20 X $1 Raffle Tickets. Don MELVILLE (Cheque $25) for Donation. —————————————- I once loved my country! (Gary J. Matthews-Author) (And kind thanks to our member, James Hoolan via Email) I remember back in 1968 living in Brisbane, that the 3 major cities back then were Sydney, Melbourne & Adelaide. Adelaide was the Industrial City. Adelaide - South Australia was where you went to work in the Iron Ore Industry or where you could get a job making railway tracks for B.H.P. You could get a job building ships, submarines, cars particularly Holden cars, washing machines, fridges; TV’s, Hills hoists, Victa Lawn Mowers, or make tyres at Bridgestone tyres. The Lightburn Washing Machine Company even made a car called a Zeta - It was not much of a car but at least it was Australian and we built it.I worked at Stanvac where we made our own Petrol, Diesel, Kerosene and Oil. We had Oil Rigs in Bass Straight, North West Shelf and the Timor Sea. We even had Australian owned Service Stations like (H.C. Sleigh) Golden Fleece and many of us young wannabe mechanics back then worked as a driveway attendant. (Just like Stanley). I remember catching a train from the city to Gawler and then on to Freeling, Hamley Bridge, Stockport, Riverton, up to Clare, Gladstone, Laura etc. And all these towns were bustling with activity and on the weekends they were all open for business. Our shops were filled on every shelf with food and products all proudly made or grown in Australia. Our fridge was full of Lamb Chops and Steaks because it was cheap as we were a huge Lamb and Beef growing Nation. And once a month Mum would make us all a delicacy! It was called a Sunday Roast Chicken. I remember when we all had trade skills and high quality tools that would last and last. (Sidchrome!). But most of all we had mates. We as Australians watched each other’s backs even if we had not met yet, and we all said G’Day to everyone with a smile. Our kids could go anywhere they liked on their bikes just as long as they were home before dark. Australia was pretty safe back then. Yes Australia was once a self-supporting nation that had it all. It had Farms that produced our dairy, fruit & vegies and meats etc. And Politicians back then were known as statesmen and they were voted by the people, for the people, on behalf of the people, they did what the people wanted. We had public utilities owned by us, the people, which guaranteed our Electricity, Water and Sewage forever. No one knew how much the Snowy Mountain Scheme cost, we just built it. No one knew how much the Sydney Harbour Bridge or the Indian-Pacific railway cost! WE JUST BUILT IT!
Then came PRIVATISATION coupled with CORPORATE GREED. Now everything above has GONE. Now we don’t watch each other’s backs anymore but watch each other through security bars, burglar alarms, and security screens. Now we dob each other in. Now we import poor quality processed food. Now we import cheap tools that break just taking them out of the packet they come in. Now we rely on ships to bring in our fuels. Now we can’t afford our own Lamb or Beef anymore. Now we eat steroid pumped chicken just about every day. Now we import trade skill workers on 457 Visa’s. Now we have high unemployment as nearly all of our Industry and Manufacturing has gone offshore. Now we have that many Laws that we have just about outlawed ourselves. But I guess we need even more laws so now we will have Sharia Law as well. We now pay for water that falls out of the sky at $3.80 a litre. Now we have taxes for everything. Taxes for carbon, taxes for the sake of having taxes, (They call them Levy’s). (There will be no Carbon Tax under a Government I lead. JG). And don’t forget the newest tax is the ISLAMIC TAX (Halal Certification). Here in South Australia in our towns we have Railway Stations and railway tracks but no trains. We have Public Bus Stops in our Towns but no buses. We have Hospitals and Clinics but no Doctors or Nurses. We all have Mobile Phones and have little to no reception. We have Digital TV’s with stuff all Signal. And the worst of all is our once great nation is being sold off piece by piece to every other country on earth except us. Yes I did once love my country!
Statistically, Six out of Seven dwarfs are not Happy ———- NATURE, Cheaper than therapy! 31 ACTIVITY SHEET (Please advise your choice/s. Any item ordered includes postage) Please find enclosed my Subs for 2018 ($15) (cover from January to December) or LIFE
MEMBERSHIP ($100) or Donation (See my details below). I will/will not be in attendance for our 2018 Reserve Forces Day/RAAMC Birthday Luncheon at the Paddington RSL Club on SUNDAY 1st JULY I will/will not be in attendance at our Annual Mixed Reunion Luncheon at the Paddington RSL Club on SATURDAY 24th NOVEMBER I would like to pay for ____$1 Raffle Ticket/s in our Yearly Fund-Raiser
Please post me a “Surplus” Newsletter @ $7 each. (If available) Please send me____”Special Edition” 2015 Centenary Calendar/s @ $7 each.
Please order me a Centenary “POLO” Shirt (with pocket) @ $70 each. SIZE______.
Please order me____copies of the DVD of our 50th AND/OR 100th Anniversary Parade @
$20 ea. (The 50th also includes a brief history of the 2/5th Australian Field Ambulance) Please send me____ RAAMC Centenary “Coin and Token” set/s @ $30 each. Please send me a RAAMC coat/jacket Lapel Pin for $15.
Please send me a RAAMC Red Cross Arm-Band @ $10 each. (7 left)
Please send me a 5 Field Ambulance RAAMC KEY RING ($20). (With my membership number on it, if possible.) Please ORDER me a NAME BADGE ($20)
Please ORDER me a (XL/Large/Medium/Small) BERET ($40),*BERET BADGE ($23),*LAPEL
BADGE ($7), *CORPS TIE ($50) ---please indicate size of Beret & whether Badges/Ties are to be RAAMC, RACT or RAEME.
Please send me a copy of “Little by Little”--- A Centenary History of the RAAMC by Dr. Michael
Tyquin (Army Historian). @ $70. (1 left)
(Please make any Cheques/Money Orders etc payable to:- “5 Field Ambulance Association” and post to either:- Alan Curry OAM (Hon Sec) 35/1a Gordon Cl., ANNA BAY NSW 2316 OR Brian Tams (Hon Treas.), 453/1 Scaysbrook Dve., KINCUMBER NSW 2251—All acknowledgements will be in our next issue.
Our EFT details are: BSB: 637000, Account Number: 717253825, Account Name: 5th Field Ambulance
Association, BANK: Greater. (Please Identify your name) COMMENTS/ORDERS ETC: FROM:______CONTACT No:______MONEY ENCLOSED $______32
A proud supporter of 5 Field Ambulance Association