Unveiling and Dedication of the North Bondi War Memorial Sunday 27 November 2011 9am Introduction to North Bondi War Memorial

The driving essence of the new memorial is to symbolise the solidarity, unison, courage and spirit of Australian mateship during wartime. The memorial has used Australian sandstone and stainless steel, and the black granite has been imported especially from India. Today the Returned & Services League of Australia – North Bondi Sub-Branch, who commissioned the construction of this new war memorial, donates it to the community of Waverley. The new war memorial was designed by Byran Bathgate of Curtain Bathgate & Somers Architects, the commissioned sculpture is by Di Emme Creative Solutions and construction of the memorial site is by Whitcon Pty Ltd. Mitchell Brandtman NSW were project managers and quantity surveyors during construction of the memorial. The four main features of this new war memorial are:

Memorial Sculpture Wall

The large “S” shape memorial sculpture is made The Victoria Cross Recipients Wall is made of of marine grade stainless steel, glass and stone Black Granite, and shows laser images, names, with four bronze pillars in the middle with the rank, and theatre of war for all 98 Australian VC words “Endurance”, “Mateship”, “Courage” and Award recipients; and “Sacrifice” inscribed.T hroughout the sculpture there are 20 descriptive plaques of each war Australia has been in and one plaque dedicated “Lest We Forget” Wall to peacekeeping; The words “Lest We Forget” are emblazoned on a Black Granite with aged bronze lettering Reginald ‘Reg’ Saunders Wall along with aged cast bronze badges of the Royal Australian Navy, Army and Royal Australian Air The Capt. Reginald Saunders MBE Granite Force. Wall recognises Australia’s firstA boriginal commissioned officer. It is emblazoned with the following quote “On Anzac eve we dug in among friends. At last I felt like an Anzac, and imagine there were 600 others like me.” This quote is in bronze lettering across a large Black Granite Wall with a cast bronze plaque that reads “Capt. Reginald Walter Saunders MBE – the first Aboriginal commissioned officer, said on 24 April 1951 at the Battle of Kapyong during the .” This Wall overlooks Bondi Beach;

2 3 Order of Service

1 Welcoming of guests by Presiding Officer – 5 dedication of the Memorial by Chaplain Sub-Branch Vice President David S. Sims Gregory McGregor, RAN 2 hymn: “God of Our Fathers” 3 the Lord’s Prayer: (to be said by all) 4 Unveiling Fly Past by the UH1B Iroquois Helicopter of the Royal Australian Navy victoria Cross Recipients Wall unveiled A Message Historic Flight by retired Army Warrant Officer from the RSL NSW State President Keith Payne, VC, OAM capt Reginald Saunders MBE Wall (first Aboriginal Commissioned Officer) unveiled 6 the Royal Australian Navy Catafalque party by Gary Oakley - Indigenous Liaison Officer from HMAS Watson will be mounted and and National As the people of North Bondi take up its position and “Rest on Arms” S we draw towards the President ATSIVSA. Centennial of Anzac it gather here in quiet reflection immediately following the Dedication Ais still important today that they will recall the sacrifice we “Lest We Forget” Wall unveiled by the ceremony. The National Flag adjacent to the we remember those who as a nation have made. We will Joe Madeley OAM – President of the Rats Memorial being lowered to “half-mast” prior served and those who made be reminded, particularly of the of Association to the catafalque party taking up its position. Valour of so many when we the supreme sacrifice for our Memorial sculpture unveiled by 7 address by retired Regimental Sergeant view the Victoria Cross Wall with country and the freedom of Brigadier David Mulhall, AM, CSC Major of the Army Wally Thompson the names etched of those who others around the world. This (Commander 17th Combat Support (1st RSM of the Army) were awarded our nation’s highest magnificent War Memorial Service Brigade representing the Chief of medal for gallantry. As we pause will remind us that young Defence Force and Army), RSL NSW State to remember those who made the Australians were prepared to put President Don Rowe OAM and supreme sacrifice we will remember the their lives on the line in our Defence Mayor John Wakefield Force. We see our men and women huge loss we as a nation suffered. It would serve in numerous places around the world also be a bigger tragedy if we did not pause to continuing the traditions that were founded remember them. Lest We Forget. nearly 100 years ago.

Don Rowe OAM State President

4 5 Biography

8 the Laying of Official Wreaths 16 the National Anthem Keith Payne, VC, OAM Unveiling the Victoria Cross Wall 9 address by Brigadier David Mulhall, AM, australians all let us rejoice CSC – Commander 17th Combat Support for we are young and free With night falling, Payne rushed back Service Brigade N May 1969 Australian Keith We've golden soil and wealth for toil, Payne was leading a mobile strike alone into enemy territory to 10 the Ode given by North Bondi RSL Sub- force when the North Vietnamese search for survivors. Evading the Branch President Fred Alderman our home is girt by sea: I Army attacked from three Communist’s fire, the 35-year old 11 Prayer (Offered by all): O God of Hosts our land abounds in nature's gifts directions. What followed was Australian spent three hours to put Payne into the select rescuing forty men who’d 12 army Band Bugles/Trumpets will sound of beauty rich and rare, band of men who have earned been wounded or stranded “LAST POST” in history's page let every stage the Victoria Cross and survived. during the initial attack. 13 the Silence (two minutes) Despite the danger, his injuries advance Australia fair, Born in Queensland in and undoubted fatigue, he 14 army Band Bugles/Trumpets will sound August 1933, Payne became in joyful strains then let us sing successfully led the party, which “REVEILLE” an apprentice tradesman after included a wounded American advance Australia fair. leaving school. He subsequently 15 rSL NSW State President Don Rowe OAM advisor, back behind the defensive joined the Army in 1951 and presents deed to new war memorial to Beneath our radiant Southern Cross, perimeter and on to the battalion served in Korea and Malaya before Waverley Council Mayor John Wakefield base, arriving at 3am. We'll toil with hearts and hands, being appointed to the elite Training Team Vietnam in February Payne’s bravery on that night earned him the to make this Commonwealth of ours 1969. Victoria Cross, Britain and the Commonwealth’s renowned of all the lands, highest award for gallantry. He was also awarded On May 24th of that year, Chief Warrant Officer the Distinguished Service Cross by the United for those who've come across the seas (WO-2) Payne was commanding the 212th States, and the Republic of Vietnam presented Company of the 1st Mobile Strike Force in We've boundless plains to share, him with the Cross of Gallantry with Bronze Star. Kontum when the NVA launched a powerful With courage let us all combine assault. With the company isolated and coming After Vietnam Payne was posted to the Royal under heavy rocket and mortar fire, Payne’s Military College, Duntroon, as an instructor, to advance Australia fair. Indigenous troops began to retreat. Despite being before retiring from the Army in 1975. in joyful strains then let us sing, wounded in the hands and arms, he covered Keith Payne was one of only four men to earn the withdrawal before successfully establishing a advance Australia fair. the Victoria Cross in Vietnam. defensive perimeter. 17 after the service has concluded the Royal Australian Navy Catafalque Party will be dismounted and dismissed. 18 refreshment in the North Bondi RSL Club.

6 7 Biography Biography Brigadier David T. Mulhall, AM, CSC Commander 17th Combat Service Support Brigade Warrant Officer Class 1 Wally Thompson, OAM Unveiling the Memorial Sculpture and Guest Speaker Guest Speaker

Operations – Army, before deploying to He made three tours of Vietnam and AVID Mulhall was born on O1 Wally Thompson was born 14 Nov 1964 in and Iraq as the Chief of Plans (Logistics), in Sydney in 1932 and educated fought with the “Fighting First” Dcompleted school at the Marist Multi-National Force – Iraq. Upon atW AshfieldT echnical School. He (1RAR) at the Battle of Fire College Ashgrove. He graduated return to Australia in August 2006, enlisted in the Citizen Military Support Base Coral in 1968. Brigadier Mulhall was posted as from the OfficerC adet School Forces in 1950 with the 30th On return to Australia WO1 the Director Logistics – Army Portsea in 1984 into the Royal Battalion (NSW Scottish) and Thompson filled a large and then attended the Centre Australian Corps of Transport. in the next four years also number of training positions for Defence and Strategic completed his National Service After gaining regimental, staff with Regular and Reserve Studies. On completion of that after transferring to the 45th and representational experience units, skillfully imparting his vast course in December 2008, Battalion (The St George as a junior officer, Brigadier knowledge of the military art to Brigadier Mulhall was promoted Regiment). Mulhall was promoted to major soldiers, young and old alike. to his current rank and appointed in 1995 and posted to the British After that he relinquished his as the inaugural Chief of Staff He was awarded the Medal of Army’s School of Logistics to study attained rank of sergeant and Army Headquarters. He assumed the Order of Australia in 1977 advanced operational logistics. He joined the Australian Regular Army as command of 17th Combat Service for services to the Army as the returned to Australia to take up sub-unit a private soldier and went to Kapooka Support Brigade on 14 December 2010. Regimental Sergeant Major of the School command in 1st Combat Service Support to undertake basic training. of Infantry, at Singleton. Battalion. Following attendance at Army Command Brigadier Mulhall was appointed a Member of the The Australian Army was to be his home for the & Staff College (C&SC) Queenscliff in 1998, Military Division of the Order of Australia in the In 1983 WO1 Thompson was appointed the first next 32 years. Brigadier Mulhall was posted to the Directorate of 2007 Queen’s Birthday Honours List, awarded the ever RSM of the Army - a position he held until OfficerC areer Management – Army (DOCM-A) Conspicuous Service Cross in the 2011 Queen’s During that time WO1 Thompson served in retirement in 1987. Birthday Honours List and has also been awarded as a Career Advisor. many positions as an infantry soldier including In retirement WO1 Thompson has remained the US Army Bronze Star Medal for his service spells with the 1st, 2nd and 4th Battalions of The In January 2000, he was promoted to lieutenant very much in touch with his wide network of on Operation IRAQI FREEDOM (Operation Royal Australian Regiment and the Australian colonel and returned to C&SC as an Instructor. friends and colleagues, continuing to contribute CATALYST). He has successfully read for a Army Training Team Vietnam, Australia’s most Upon the establishment of the Australian when his counsel is sought as an elder statesman Master of Engineering, Master of Defence Studies, highly decorated Army Unit. Command and Staff College the following year, of the Army community. Graduate Diploma of Transportation Planning Brigadier Mulhall was posted as one of the During his initial tour, while acting as an adviser & Management, Graduate Diploma of Strategic He is married to Judith and they have two sons Directing Staff and subsequently appointed as the with the 2nd Infantry Division, WO1 Thompson Studies and a Bachelor of Professional Studies. and two daughters. inaugural Chief Instructor. Brigadier Mulhall then was awarded their South Vietnamese Cross of had the privilege to command the 1st Combat David is married to Michelle who retired recently Gallantry with Silver Star. Service Support Battalion in 2002-03. Brigadier from the Permanent Air Force at the rank of Mulhall returned to DOCM-A in 2004 as the Wing Commander and who is now serving in the Career Advisor for lieutenant colonels and also Air Force Reserve. Michelle and David are proud acted as the Director OfficerC areer Management parents of Sarah, who was born in 2007. Michelle – Army for eight months. is very kind to indulge David’s passion for rugby and to console him following each terrible round Brigadier Mulhall was promoted to Colonel in July of golf. 2005 and appointed as the Director Personnel

8 9 Biography Biography

Gary Oakley, National President Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Veterans and Service Association of Australia Joseph Noble Madeley, OAM, JP Indigenous Liaison Officer for theA ustralian War Memorial Unveiling the Lest We Forget Wall Unveiling the Reginald Saunders MBE Wall

The battalion returned to Australia, with Army Museum in Ingolstadt, Germany oseph Noble Madeley was ARY Oakley of the Gundungurra born on 28 February 1920, he the , on 28 February people is the first Indigenous and has studied Cultural Heritage wasJ raised on his father’s farm 1943 (Joe’s birthday) and then LGiaison Officer employed at the Management and Museum Studies “Mount Kemmel”, Weethalle, went to Atherton Tablelands, Qld, Australian War Memorial and is at the University of Canberra. for training in jungle fighting. named after the battle site in also the National President of Gary has been a member of the Following this training, the 9th Belgium of the same name the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Navy Reserve for over thirteen Division was taken by ship to where Joe’s father fought in Islander Veterans and Services years and has worked closely New Guinea where it took one of his WWI battles. Association of Australia with the Navy History section, part in the first amphibious (ATSIVSAA). documenting and researching Joe Madeley enlisted in the landing, by Australian troops, A member of the cadet corps naval history. He also assists Second AIF at Wagga Wagga, since Gallipoli, at Red Beach, Lae at high school, he joined the with Indigenous Affairs–ADF on 28 August 1940 and was on 4 September 1943. posted as a reinforcement for Royal Australian Navy as a helping with their Indigenous the 2/13 Battalion. Junior Recruit in 1969. Gary later Pre-Recruitment courses as well as served at bases and on ships such as travelling to community to speak to He sailed for the Middle East and After Lae was secured, the 9 th HMAS Duchess, HMAS Sydney, HMAS Indigenous youth in relation to careers joined the 2/13th Battalion in Tobruk. Division took part in another amphibious Perth, HMAS Stuart, HMAS Stalwart and the in the Defence Force. He stayed for the whole seige and left with landing on Scarlet Beach at Finschhafen 22 submarines HMAS Oxley and HMAS Ovens. Gary the battalion on 16 December 1941 - the last September 1943. became curator of the 1st Australian Submarine Australians to leave Tobruk. The battalion suffered heavy losses in the New Squadron Museum. Following Tobruk, the battalion went to Syria (the Guinea battles and was in Borneo at wars end. On leaving the RAN, Gary, took up a curatorial area now known as Lebanon) and then returned Joe Madeley took part in all of the 2/13th’s major position at the Australian War Memorial in the to Egypt in early 1942 to commence training battles since Tobruk. 1990s. He has also been a curator at the Bavarian for the El Alamein battles. Joe was wounded during the main El Alamein battle of October- He was awarded the army campaign medals of November 1942. 1939-1945 and is currently the NSW President of The Rats of Tobruk Association. Joe has contributed a great deal to the welfare of war veterans for which he has been recognised by the award of the Order of Australia Medal.

10 11 Biography REGINALD SAUNDERS, MBE

Cr John Wakefield,Mayor of Waverley Unveiling the Memorial Sculpture (1920–1990)

against fascism between1941 – 45. Regiment – through fierce fighting, n Remembrance Day this year, EG Saunders’s father fought in Mayor John Wakefield paid He also supported to have the the First World War, as did including the battle at Kapyong in Oa moving tribute to our fallen Aboriginal flag flying at the hisR uncle, Reg Rawlings, who was April 1951. He remained in the at the Council’s cenotaph. He cenotaph in recognition of the awarded the Military Medal and army for a year after the war; addressed the gathering saying, indigenous people’s contribution later killed in action. Following in however, his life was becoming ‘At this time we think about to the defence of our nation. this military tradition, Reg and unsettled, and he had difficulty re-establishing himself as a all the lives cut short in two While the name Wakefield his brother Harry enlisted for civilian. Tough years followed, World Wars, in Korea, in is not a common surname in service in the Second World but he overcame them. Vietnam, the recent deaths of Australia, it does have a long War; Harry was later killed in Meanwhile he found he was our soldiers in Afghanistan and connection to the political and New Guinea. increasingly expected to be a of all the dead in all wars in social growth of the nation. Saunders proved to be a spokesperson for indigenous which our country has served. Edward Gibbon Wakefield, an natural soldier, and he found less Australians. ‘The gratitude we feel can never English political figure during the discrimination in the army than in meet the measure of their sacrifice… 1800’s, was known as a charismatic the wider community; he became a In 1969 Reg Saunders was selected in coming together today we pay tribute and eccentric character, who helped popular NCO in the 2/7th Battalion. The to be among the firstA boriginal Liaison to the thousands of people, men and women, Australia, New Zealand and Canada unit saw action in North Africa before joining Officers for theO ffice ofA boriginal Affairs, who have served their country in a variety of transform from colonies to self-governed the Greek campaign. When the British evacuated which became the Department of Aboriginal ways, both in front line positions and in support members of the British Commonwealth. Crete in May 1941, Saunders was one of many Affairs. Devoted to those he had served with, he was a man of dignity and good humour who roles.’ Originally from the Northern Suburbs, John men left behind. He spent an adventurous year hiding out, aided by the locals, before he was remained committed to the advancement of his As an amateur historian, John has always been has lived in the Waverley area for just on 30 finally evacuated by sea.A fter he returned to people. fascinated by the battles and conflicts the world years. He loves Waverley, its diversity of cultures Australia he rejoined his battalion and served in has endured in modern times. The knowledge and natural beauty, and is proud to serve its New Guinea. In late 1944 he attended an officer John has gained led him to successfully lobby for community. training unit, was commissioned lieutenant, and a memorial to acknowledge the large Russian went back to the 2/7th. community based in Waverley and their sacrifice The Korean War provided further opportunity for soldiering. Saunders led a company – C Company, 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian

Captain Reg Saunders (left) congratulates Private Vic Simon on shooting a winning score in a golf tournament. Capt. Saunders commanded a Rifle Company at the iconic battle of Kapyong during the Korean War and Pte Simon, of La Perouse, fought with 12 Platoon, Delta Company, 6th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, at the Long Tan rubber plantation in the bloodiest night of the involving Australians and New Zealanders who were pitted against far superior enemy numbers.

12 13 PLAQUES FOR MEMORIAL SCULPTURE PLAQUES FOR MEMORIAL SCULPTURE

New Zealand Wars South African War – Boer War During World War I – Army During World War I – Air flying Corps 1863 - 1872 1899 - 1902 July - September 1916 27 May 1915

About 2,500 Australian volunteers fought in the The firstA ustralians to reach South Africa Pozières, a tiny French village below a ridge on The Air Flying Corps of eight squadrons first Maori Wars. The New Zealand Government were about 80 troopers from the New South the Somme River is “more densely sown with saw action in the oil fields of Iraq and later flew raised this force from what were then separate Wales Lancers who had paid their own way Australian sacrifice than any other place on against the enemy on the Western Front and in Colonies and promised the volunteers land to train with British cavalry at Aldershot, UK. earth.” Official war historian, Charles Bean, used other areas of the Middle East. Several pioneer grants in return for their services. The Victorian These men were on their way home when they these words to describe the horror of a six aviation record breakers came from the ranks Government dispatched its entire Colonial Navy were diverted to Cape Town, landing just three week battle fought by Australia’s 1st Division, 2nd of Australian World War I pilots, including Sir – a single steam corvette, Victoria to assist. Many weeks after the Boers declared war. Another Division and 4th Division at a cost of over 23,000 Charles Kingsford Smith who served as a runner of the volunteers of Australia’s first expeditionary 16,000 personnel followed them, including 60 casualties including over 6,700 killed. Constant with the 2nd Division at Gallipoli and later took force settled in New Zealand, mostly in the nurses and 35,000 horses that suffered greatly German shelling was the most intense the to the air in France where he was wounded and North Island around gold fields. in the conditions from a cruel work load, poor Australians had ever experienced. awarded the Military Cross. nourishment and disease. Sudan During World War I – Navy During World War II – Army 29 March - 18 May 1885 China – Boxer Rebellion November 1914 1941 8 August 1900 Tobruk, Libya When the Australian-Sudan Contingent landed The first convoy of 10 troop ships from New at Suakin on the Red Sea, 29 March 1885, the The Australian Colonies agreed to divert a Naval Zealand and 26 from Australia carrying 30,000 The Nazi propaganda machine’s Lord Haw first Sudan War was nearly over. A lthough on Brigade intended for South Africa to China to soldiers and 12,000 horses to the war left Albany, Haw, whose task it was to undermine Australian active service for only a few weeks the 758 join troops and ships of several European nations Western Australia protected by cruisers – morale in Libya, earned the thanks and Australians, commanded by Colonel John Soames facing a rebellion by the Boxers, a fanatical Sydney, and Minotaur. Off the coast everlasting appreciation of Australia’s embattled Richardson, experienced the full rigours of desert minority sworn to rid China of all foreigners. The of the Cocos Keeling Islands Sydney engaged defenders of the port city of Tobruk when, during campaigning and saw one or two minor actions. Empress Dowager supported them but most and overpowered the Emden, running it aground his nightly radio broadcasts he referred to the Infantry soldiers relied on square formation influential Chinese provincial leaders did not. The after severely damaging the German light cruiser. Diggers from the 9th Division and a Brigade tactics and some trained with the 3rd Camel Boxer defeat forced the Empress to regulate This first ship-to-ship engagement for the Royal from the as “rats who live in holes Corps. relations between China and foreigners. Australian Navy was described in a signal from in the ground” among other insults. Today, “Rats Sydney to the convoy as: “Emden beached and of Tobruk” conjures images of resilience, tenacity done for.” and strength in the face of great adversity.

14 15 PLAQUES FOR MEMORIAL SCULPTURE PLAQUES FOR MEMORIAL SCULPTURE

During World War II – Navy Korean War Indonesian Confrontation During Vietnam War – Navy 27 November 1941 1950 - 53 1963 - 66 1965 - 72

Sloop HMAS Parramatta, while protecting The Korean War began on 25 June 1950, when Between 1962 and 1966 Indonesia and Malaysia The RAN was involved in a variety of operational the convoys known as the Scrap Iron Flotilla, North Korean forces launched an invasion of fought a small, undeclared war which came to tasks at sea, ashore and in the air. Some 13,500 experienced intense and prolonged air attacks. South Korea. Personnel from the Australian Army, involve troops from Australia and Britain. The first personnel served aboard 18 ships while a Parramatta was able to rescue 200 survivors RAAF, and RAN fought as part of the United Australian battalion, 3 RAR, arrived in Borneo helicopter flight integrated with US, Republic of from sunken vessels on the Mediterranean while Nations multi-national force, defending South in March 1965 and served in Sarawak until the Vietnam and Australian Army forces in attack accounting for three enemy war planes before Korea from the Communist force of North end of July. 23 Australians were killed during and transport roles. Clearance Diving Team 3, she was torpedoed by German submarine Korea. When the war ended on 27 July 1953 Confrontation, seven of them on operations, and from 1967 – 1970 searched 7,441 ships clearing U-559. 138 Australians, including all officers, were Australian casualties numbered more than 1,500, eight were wounded. them from explosive ordnance devices threats. killed while 24 survived. of whom 339 were killed. RAN ships bombarded coastal targets with their main guns and aircraft carrier HMAS Sydney During Vietnam War – Army converted to troop and supplies transport. During World War II – Air Force 1962 - 75 1939 - 45 1950 - 60 Fire Support Bases Coral/Balmoral During Vietnam War – Air Force Australians were in the air war from the outset The Malayan Emergency was declared on 18 1962 - 75 On 12 May 1968, Australian troops fought off with 450 initially serving the RAF, UK in 1939. June 1948, after three estate managers were a massive North Vietnamese Army attack. This The RAAF operated bombers, sea planes, murdered in Perak, northern Malaya. Australia’s In early 1975 the communists launched a major was the largest battle fought by Australians in transports, fighters and training aircraft across the involvement in the Emergency began in 1950 offensive in the north of South Vietnam, resulting Vietnam and lasted 26 days with the 1st and 3rd globe and by war’s end had 131,662 individuals in with the arrival of RAAF aircraft and personnel in the fall of Saigon on 30 April. During April Battalions each experiencing full frontal attacks. uniform operating 3,187 frontline aircraft, radar in Singapore. Dakotas from 38 Squadron were 1975 a Royal Australian Air Force detachment In addition there were 71 patrol incidents over installations and even their own shipping. Over deployed on cargo runs, troop movements, and of eight Hercules transport aircraft flew the period as the enemy constantly probed the 3,400 of our aircrew, serving in RAF Bomber paratroop and leaflet drops in Malaya, while six humanitarian missions to aid civilian refugees Australian defences. This action resulted in 25 Command, were lost on raids over Europe. Lincoln bombers of 1 Squadron provided the displaced by the fighting and carried out the Australians killed, over 100 wounded and over backbone of air operations. evacuation of Vietnamese orphans (Operation 300 enemy dead. Babylift), before finally taking out embassy staff on 25 April 1975. RAAF flew bombers, helicopters, cargo and ground support missions during operations.

16 17 PLAQUES FOR MEMORIAL SCULPTURE

First Gulf War Iraq – Operation Falconer 1990 - 91 2003 - 08

Australian forces were deployed in the First Gulf Australia contributed a force consisting of War under the auspices of the United Nations. three Royal Australian Navy ships, an Orion The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) provided P-3 maritime patrol aircraft, a C-130 Hercules vessels for the multi-national naval force, which transport aircraft, and No. 75 Squadron Royal formed an interception force in the Persian Gulf Australian Air Force which included 14 F/A-18 to enforce UN sanctions. The RAN presence Hornet fighters.T he Army’s contribution was included two frigates and the replenishment ship 500 Special Forces soldiers whom were involved HMAS Success, which, having no air defences of in heavy action. By mid-2008, members of the its own, relied on the Army’s 16th Air Defence Australian Defence Force had assisted in training Regiment. HMAS Sydney (IV), HMAS Adelaide, over 33,000 Iraqi troops and in June, handed over HMAS Brisbane, and HMAS Darwin also served responsibility for the province to local authorities. tours of duty in the Persian Gulf. Peacekeeping Afghanistan 1947 - present 2001 - present HE Victoria Cross is the highest decoration awarded for Since 1947, at least 30,000 Australian conspicuous bravery to members of the British and Commonwealth Operation Slipper is Australia’s ongoing peacekeepers have taken part in over 100 armedT forces, instituted by Queen Victoria in 1856 and cast from commitment to the war in Afghanistan against operations, in more than two-dozen theatres metal of guns captured at Sebastopol during the Crimean War 1854 the Taliban and Al Qaeda terrorists. Australia’s of conflict around the world, as well as a involvement in the conflict can be broken similar number of disaster-relief operations. The – 1856. The Victoria Cross for Australia was instituted in the Australian into three phases. The first phase, Operation Australian Defence Force (ADF) and Australian honours system on 15 January 1991. It replaces the British or Imperial Anaconda, involved SASR, two RAAF Boeing 707 Federal Police (AFP) have been involved in Victoria Cross. Listed in the next pages are the Australian recipients of air-to-air refuelling aircraft from No.33 Squadron large and small operations of providing forces tasked with defeating the Taliban and concluded for leadership in peace observation and the Victoria Cross awarded in theatres of war. in December 2002. With escalation of insurgent enforcement, weapons destruction, demining, violence in 2005, an Australian Special Forces training, and disaster relief all over the world. Task Group was reinserted into Afghanistan. This Task Group consisted of elements from a range of ADF groups including special forces as well as logistical support personnel. The third phase of Operation Slipper has seen Australian forces concentrated in the Oruzgan province as part of a Dutch led Provincial Reconstruction Taskforce. To date operations remain on-going.

18 19 Below are the names of Australia’s Below are the names of Australia’s Victoria Cross recipients: Victoria Cross recipients:

Boer War Russia

BELL FW HOWSE NR ROGERS J PEARSE SG SULLIVAN AP BISDEE JH MAYGAR LC WYLLY GG

World War 2 World War 1 VCs earned at Gallipoli are identified by G ANDERSON CGW GORDON JH MACKEY JB CHOWNE A GRATWICK PE MIDDLETON RH AXFORD TL GORDON BS MOON RV CUTLER AR GURNEY AS NEWTON WE BEATHAM RM GRIEVE RC MURRAY HW DERRICK TC KELLIHER R PARTRIDGE FJ BIRKS F HALL AC NEWLAND JE EDMONDSON JH KENNA E RATTEY RR BLACKBURN AS HAMILTON JP (G) O’MEARA M EDWARDS HI KIBBY WH STARCEVICH LT BORELLA A HOWELL GJ PEELER W FRENCH JA KINGSBURY BS BROWN WE INGRAM GM POPE C BUCKLEY AH INWOOD RR RUTHVEN W BUCKLEY MV JACKA A (G) RYAN J Vietnam War BUGDEN PJ JACKSON JWA SADLIER CWK BURTON AS (G) JEFFRIES CS SEXTON G (AKA BUCKLEY MV) BADCOE PJ SIMPSON RS CARROL J JENSEN JC SHOUT AJ (G) PAYNE K WHEATLEY KA CARTWRIGHT G JOYNT WD STATTON PC CASTLETON CC KENNY TJB STORKEY PV CHERRY PH KEYSOR LM (G) SYMONS WJ (G) Afghanistan War COOKE T LEAK J THROSSELL HVH G DONALDSON MG ROBERTS-SMITH B CURREY WM LOWERSON AD TOWNER ET DALZIEL H MACTIER R TUBB FH (G) DARTNELL WT MAXWELL J WARK BA DAVEY P McCARTHY LD WEATHERS LC DUNSTAN W G McDOUGALL SR WHITTLE JW DWYER JJ McGEE L WOODS JP GABY AE McNAMARA FH

20 21 HISTORY

OFFICE BEARERS The Rathouse History The Returned & Services League of HE North Bondi RSL Sub-Branch was founded on 22 March 1944 by some of Australia (New South Wales Branch) North Bondi RSL Sub-Branch Tthe original members of the Rats of Tobruk. Mr D.E.J. (Don) Rowe OAM David J. Griffiths, DCM As such, we have long called our Sub-Branch State President Patron Tobruk House or otherwise The Rathouse. Mr J. (John) Haines AM Frederick D. Alderman During World War II, in 1941 Great Britain had State Vice President - Metropolitan President & Trustee to withdraw most of its forces from Africa to defend Greece. This left Australian Diggers with Dr R.G. (Rod) Bain David S. Sims the task of defending the city of Tobruk, in Libya, State Vice President - Southern Country Vice President & Trustee a stronghold where future attacks could be Mr R.C. (Bob) Crosthwaite OAM BE JP William Davis launched upon German forces. In typical Australian dry wit, the Diggers gave themselves the name of “Rats of Tobruk” after State Vice President - Northern Country Vice President Twice the size of Australian forces, the Germans Radio Berlin’s propaganda describing the under the leadership of Field Marshal Erwin Mr R.D. (Rod) White AM RFD Norbert C. Keough, JP Australians as “caught like rats in a trap.” Honorary State Treasurer Honorary Secretary Rommel, had never before been defeated in any battle. After the Rats of Tobruk came back from WW II Mr R.A.C. (Bob) Durbin Andrew Trickett they established the RSL Sub-Branch as Tobruk Australian Forces, let by Lieutenant General State Councillor - Metropolitan Treasurer House in North Bondi with the nickname as Leslie Morshead, held off Rommel’s troops for The Rathouse. The Rathouse moved to its Mr W.T. (Bill) Harrigan Frederick D. Hyland, JP approximately 250 days. Rommel threw his present location in March 1962 and before then State Councillor - Metropolitan Trustee tank forces at the Australians who concentrated was adjacent to it. Mr I.M. (Ian) Henderson Nick Wiesener on taking out infantry protecting the tanks thus State Councillor - Metropolitan Honorary Assistant Secretary leaving the armoured vehicles without ground support. The Luftwaffe continuously bombed Mr D.J. (Darren) McManus-Smith Robert Peirce Tobruk forcing Australian Diggers to seek State Councillor - Metropolitan Committee Member protection underground in a network of tunnels. Mrs E.A. (Ann) Garland Will Close Although the Australian Rats of Tobruk were State Councillor - Metropolitan Committee Member outnumbered they showed courage and Mr A.A, (Tony) Toussaint determination and were able to successfully State Councillor - Southern Country North Bondi RSL Club defend Tobruk despite round-the-clock attacks from the air and ground. Mr W.J. (Bill) Humphreys OAM Martyn Bell, CSC State Councillor - Southern Country President Mr R.J. (Bob) Metcalfe Trent Beilken State Councillor - Northern Country Vice President NO SURRENDER Mr P.J. (Peter) Stephenson State Councillor - Northern Country

22 23 North Bondi RSL Sub-Branch thanks:

The Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP, Federal Member for Wentworth Martyn Bell, CSC, President North Bondi RSL Club Commodore Peter Laver, RAN, Commander Fleet Air Arm Captain Jay Bannister, RAN, Commanding Officer, HMAS Watson Major Peter O’Connor, Australian Army Band, Sydney Australian War Memorial Christopher Dawson Beverley Simon Noel Christensen RFD North Bondi Surf Lifesaving Club Steve Lovat, Secretary-Manager, North Bondi RSL Club