FESR Navy Association (WA) N ewsletter National Patron: Vice Admiral Sir Richard Peek. KBE. CB. DSC. RAN. (Rtd) Western Australian Patron .Commodore Clem Littleton AO. RAN. (Rtd)

President Phillip Smith 2nd V / Pres. Roy Jewell Phone 9586 9109 Pho ne 9 294 2196 Email stegga 27@ bigpond.com Em ail [email protected]

V/President Don Duncan Sec / Treas Denis Sefton Phone 9255 4202 Phone 9367 1738 Email [email protected] Email dsefton@ iinet.net.au PO Box 246 C om o W A 6952

Editor Denis Sefton. “For Freedom We Served “ Edition 29 December 2009

A Word from The Prez however, via our newsletter, again Denis – many thanks from all of us. I get feedback By the time you read this edition of from shipmates in the east to say – a great our newsletter, it could be, shipmates, the newsletter Denis. New Year 2010. It appears that the Government is As our time each day seems to go so dismissing the matter of a fairer method of fast, perhaps we all should, in 2010 make indexing DFRDB and Military Super time to give an old shipmate a call or visit, pensions. Can I ask that you tell your and if he is not a member then invite him Federal Member of your annoyance with and his partner along to a meeting to enjoy the attitude of ignoring their own our mateship. Likewise make a little time commissioned report. Maybe with an each month or week to give a call or visit a Election this year something may change. sick member of our Association. Please remember that our AGM has At our December meeting and great moved from June to March, so in the Christmas Lunch attended by approx 61 minutes for the February Meeting, Denis members and Guests, a great social time will include Nominations forms for that was had by all. We are fortunate in WA Election. that our monthly meetings are real social In closing, I want firstly on behalf of get-togethers. Unfortunately our new your WA Exec Committee to encourage all Patron Commodore Clem Littleton and his the membership, that if you have any wife Susanne had to offer apologies at the ideas/ comments/news, please bring it to last minute because they had to attend to the attention of Denis, Roy, Don or myself some urgent family business. Commodore via phone call or email if you are unable to Littleton asked to convey to all members attend meetings or simply bring the matter his very best wishes for Christmas and a up at a meeting. Constructive debate is safe and healthy New Year. I thanked all healthy and vital for the future of our concerned for your support of myself and Association and secondly, I want to wish expressed my thanks to Denis for his time each one of you a Happy and healthy New consuming work as Secretary/Treasurer Year. See you in February at our first and this is reflected in the minutes, meeting of the year.

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RAN Hydrographic Service The NOIC Milne Bay in ML 817 accompanied the (Continued from edition 28) corvette up the coast to inspect the route and staging arrangements. The ships were lying alongside each other in Morobe on Zero day one , when soon after midday the Japanese nearly “put paid” to our part in the war. Nine Mitsubishis and twenty five Zeros attacked the two ships, and that same night Tokyo Rose in her broadcast had us sunk with all hands. Happily she was in error. To be continued ------Murder within the ranks. When HMA Ships Stella, Polaris and Defending Australia’s coastline can sometimes be Wyalla surveyed the approaches to Cape Nelson a dangerous task, but it is not normally expected and Oro Bay, Japanese forces were little more that a threat would come from your own crew. than 10 miles away and the small ships were to On 19 April 1924 the body of Naval rating receive considerable attention from dive-bombers David Rich was found dead in his hammock and fighters. Surveying strength increased when aboard HMAS Brisbane anchored off Garden Shepparton, Benalla and Laurabada arrived with Island Sydney. their tenders. At this time the ships became Task His head had been bashed in and his throat group 70.5, a unit of the U.S. 7 th Fleet. slashed. Understandably the ship’s officers immediately called for a muster of all personnel to Shepparton had the job of leading 6 see if any intruders were on board, finding it American LCIs through the dangerous reefs to difficult to believe that the threat came from carry out an amphibious landing on Trobriand within. Island. While troops were landing, Shepparton No non-Navy personnel were discovered, patrolled off shore until the operation was and the ship’s crew were all accounted for except complete. The crew caught a few fish on the assistant cook George Brown. A search of the ship trawling line too. These big fish would strike at soon revealed the answer; George Brown’s body a moving bait and the Captain would stop the was found hanging in the refrigerator. engines while the catch was hauled on board. The Navy deemed it to be a murder-suicide after the crew told investigators that Brown had Whilst on survey work about the shoals and often argued with other members of the crew. The reefs of the Woodlark Islands, the Corvette used murder weapon was later found under Rich’s to anchor each night. Over the side a shark line hammock, bringing down the curtain on a mystery was set as fresh food was hard to come by. It of the high seas. wasn’t long before a monster was hauled aboard, cut up and taken to the galley. While we were enjoying our meal, some loud mouth said “ I wonder how many Japs were in his guts” There was a sudden rush to the side of the ship. Some Jap vessels HAD been sunk in this area, but it hadn’t occurred to us until the comment was blurted out.

With HMA Ships Stella and Polaris, Shepparton began a survey from Buna to Morobe

The two staging points for the amphibious forces HMAS Brisbane Commissioned in 1916, was that were to recapture Salamaua and Lae. one of the first cruisers built for the RAN and served in waters from Europe to the Pacific.

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I bet you “Bunting tossers” have fond Farewell from the Mayor of memories of this 20” beauty.

As you may be aware I decided not to stand in the October 17 Fremantle Council elections and my last official duty was the Blessing of the Fishing Fleet on Sunday October 18.

I have been privileged to have served as Mayor of Fremantle and I have enjoyed every day since my election on May 5 Was this Gavin’s favourite toy? 2001.

Date and Almond Halva. I leave with no regrets and thank you for all your support over the years. I am sure 250 pitted dates [finely chopped] our paths will meet again. Third cup blanched, toasted almonds [finely Peter Tagliaferri. chopped] ------2 teaspoons sesame seeds icing sugar for dusting Naval Humour. Combine first 4 ingredients and knead until smooth, shape into balls and roll in icing "Well," snarled the tough old Navy Chief to the sugar store between sheets of paper in an bewildered Seaman, "I suppose after you get airtight tin for up to three weeks , before discharged from the Navy, you'll just be waiting serving , dust with more icing sugar . for me to die so you can come and pee on my yummo grave." "Not me, Chief!" the Seaman replied. "Once I New DVA mailing address get out of the Navy, I'm never going to stand in DVA is moving to a new standard mailing address line again!" across the nation. All mail sent to DVA can now ------be addressed to GPO Box 9998, IN YOUR During training exercises, a fleet “Subby” who CAPITAL CITY. This change will ensure a more was driving down a muddy back road efficient and effective mailing system for all. Mail encountered another car stuck in the mud with a sent to old post office addresses will still arrive red-faced Navy Captain at the wheel. "Your car safely. Separate post office box addresses for stuck, sir?" asked the fleet “Subby” as he pulled individual VAN and VVCS offices, the OAWG , alongside. "Nope," replied the Captain, coming RMA , VRB , DSHI and DSHL will remain over and handing him the keys.. "Yours is.” unchanged.

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Reunions VLSVA REUNION 2010

Cooks reunion 2010 W.A. Friday 23 rd April. Meet & Greet. 1830. Frankston Naval Memorial Club.----$5.00 P/P RSVP by March 31 st 2010 th Saturday 24 April . Luncheon 1230. When. 9/10/11 July 2010 Frankston RSL.------$20.00 P/P.

th Where. Friday Night. Glouster Park Trots. Sunday 25 April. 0900. Fall in East end of Flinders Street and (Finger Food) march to the . Saturday Night. Cannington Dogs (Seafood Buffet) 1030—1100 . Association buses will be at the Shrine to transport members to the Chelsea RSL Sunday Morning. RAAFA Bullcreek home of the Navy in Vietnam HMAS Sydney (Hot Buffet Breakfast) rooms. Family members are welcome to accompany you on the bus---No charge. Cash bar at all functions. 1200. Reunion at Chelsea RSL. Luncheon of RSVP by March 31 st 2010 Banger Sangers and Burgers on Bread with salads will be available from 1200----No Charge. Contact Cooks Reunion Po Box 694. Drinks at club prices. Rockingham. W.A. 6168 th Email. [email protected] Monday 26 April. Getwell – Farewell. Frankston Naval Memorial Club. ……………………………………………………. 1300. Spit Roast. Members---No Charge. Friends-----$20.00.

Family and Friends can attend the functions. (Adults only)

RSVP. David Dwyer. Tel (03) 9720 8183 Email: [email protected] PO Box 645 Heathmont Vic 3135.

Important Tip. …………………………………………………… Before forwarding or replying to Emails, Royal Australian Radio Mechanics Association delete all addresses on the Email you are Re-Union. forwarding or replying to, and use BCC For those contemplating attending, it will be held when replying or forwarding to several at Maroochydore commencing Friday 29th people at once. October 2010.

The irons are in the fire and planning is well underway. More details when available.

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H.M.A.S. Diamantina (A266) Nauru Island as Senior Naval Officer of the Nauru / Ocean Island Occupation Force. Following the official surrender of Nauru on board Diamantina she returned to Torokina on 19 September, departing on 22 September for the surrender of Ocean Island. En route on 26 September she called at Tarawa where she was welcomed as the first British Commonwealth warship to visit the Gilbert Islands since pre-war days. On 30 September she arrived at Ocean Island for the surrender and occupation.

She engaged in towing, patrol, salvage and troop transport work until August of 1946 when she was Class : River Frigate Launched : 6 April 1944 paid off into Reserve. At : Walkers of Maryborough, Queensland Commissioned : 27 April 1945 She was recommissioned in 1959 as a survey and Length : 301 feet, 6 inches oceanographic research vessel. Based in Beam : 36 feet, 6 inches Draft : 12 feet Fremantle, she had research cruises in the Indian, Displacement : 2,220 tons full load. Pacific and southern oceans. In February 1960, Complement : 140 men scientists aboard Diamantina discovered a fissure Armament : Two 4 inch H.A./L.A. guns, three 40 in the ocean floor west of Cape Leeuwin which mm Bofors anti-aircraft guns, and six 20 mm dropped to depths of over 4,000 fathoms. Now Oerlikon anti-aircraft guns, two stern depth charge known as the Diamantina Trench, it was then the rails, four depth charge throwers, and a Hedgehog. deepest known part of the Indian Ocean. Her research was considered very valuable during the HMAS Diamantina was ordered as part of Cold War. In addition, the ship carried out Australia's shipbuilding program during the training, relief and 'show the flag' duties. Second World War. Twelve of these Australian built frigates were to enter service with the Royal When she was decommissioned for the last time Australian Navy. A further ten were ordered but in February 1980, she was the last of the wartime cancelled as the war drew to a close. frigates having steamed 615,755 miles since commissioning. She steamed under her own In July 1945 Diamantina carried out a power to Brisbane in October of that year and was bombardment of Sohana Island, and supporting placed in her permanent dry dock berth at the fire for the Australian troops ashore on Museum. Bougainville. During August she shelled positions on the Bonis Peninsula and points along the south side of Buka Passage. On completion of what proved to be her last operational bombardment of October/November/December. the war she proceeded to Choiseul Bay and then This was a busy time for our Association, with a to Lae, Langemak, and on VJ Day (15 August), very successful Mess Dinner then a well attended Madang. Melbourne Cup Function, the Submariners Memorial Service at the Periscope Monument In September Diamantina returned to the Fremantle and the Remembrance Day Ceremony Solomons and on 8 September embarked at the Fremantle where we paraded Lieutenant General Kanda and Vice Admiral our banner and our President laid a wreath. Samejima and their staffs for passage to Torokina Refreshments were served at the Fremantle Town for the official surrender of Japanese forces in the Hall after the service and finally our Xmas Solomons. On the same day Diamantina sailed for Luncheon. 5

GOOD VISION IN A DOWNPOUR Bullcreek Veterans’ Service Centre are now at unit 35 RAAFA Bullcreek. How to achieve good vision while driving during a heavy downpour. It is staffed with voluntary Pension/Welfare Officers between 1000 – 1400 We are not sure why it is so effective; just try this when it rains heavily. A suggestion from a police Monday to Thursday as follows: friend – who had experienced it and confirmed Mondays VLSVA Jeff Wake, Les DeBonde it. It is useful ... even driving at night. and Warren Treadgold

Most motorists turn on HIGH or FASTEST Tuesday SASA John Burrows SPEED of the wipers during heavy downpour, yet visibility in front of the windscreen is still bad...... Wednesday RSL Kiwi Bowell and Tony Collova for the morning then In the event you face such a situation, just try your SUNGLASSES (any model will do), and RAAFA Graham Bland and miracle! All of a sudden, your visibility in front of Peter Fardon in the arvo your windscreen is perfectly clear, as if there is no rain. Make sure you always have a pair of Thursday DFWA Ann Spiro SUNGLASSES in your car, so you can help yourself drive safely with good vision ; you also To arrange an appointment ring might save your friend's life by sharing this Bullcreek office on 9311 4235 information with him/her. Try it yourself and share it with your friends! Amazing, you still see the drops on the windshield, but not the sheet of The Australian Women of the Year rain falling. You can see where the rain bounces off the road. Association .

It works to eliminate the "blindness" from spray The Ladies gathered at Government House of passing semi’s, too; or the "kickup" if you are Gardens (Perth) for champagne, followed by the th following a semi or car in the rain. They ought to 34 annual Association lunch in the include this little tip in driver's training. It really Government House Ballroom addressed by the does work. Governor General Quentin Bryce. Wendy Ryan I don’t know if this is true, but probably worth a WA Chairman of the event pictured below is the try………..ED. wife of our inaugural President Gavin.

Can You Name this Ship.

Mike Allen Identified September’s HMAS Protector Wendy Ryan, Debbie Simeon & Denise Satterly . Picture courtesy of the West Australian. 6

FESR WA Mess Dinner RAAFA Bullcreek.

Mrs. Jennie Wake, Jeff Wake and Marko Markovic. (Are these two Officers and L--R. RADM Rtd. Phillip Kennedy, Mrs. Elie Gentlemen? I don’t think so.) Smith, WA President Phil Smith, Mrs. Sonja

Dowsing and Capt. Brett Dowsing C.O. HMAS Stirling (Fleet Base West)

“Bishop” Woody Woodford and Peter McDonald.

Ron Rowe and Wife Barbara.

L--R Graham Offord, Bill and Gail Dennert Is this what you call anticipation. with Jim and Lorraine Ogden. Vice President Roy Jewell and Ian Blanch. 7

Veterans Day 11 /11/ 1918. U.S.A. WINNER--JOKE OF THE YEAR AWARD .

Two women were sitting together, quietly.

RAN BATTLE CLASS SOCIAL CLUB ANNUAL NATIONAL REUNION ‘Canberra 2010’ Open Invitation to all ex naval personnel & family

WHEN: October 21 – 24, 2010 WHERE: Canberra, ACT VENUE: Rydges Lakeside Hotel, London Circuit, Canberra City This photo, taken so many years ago, actually $140.00 per double including full still exists! And now, someone has put it online buffet breakfast for two for all of us to see. This INCREDIBLE Picture COST: $60.00 per head for Registration was taken in 1918 . It is 18,000 men preparing Saturday Dinner Dance for war in a training camp at Camp Dodge in Iowa . PROGRAM Additional costs for events other than Saturday night dinner FACTS. st Thursday 21 October: Meet and Greet with Base to Shoulder: 150 feet. buffet meal at night Friday 22 nd October: Day Bus Trip Saturday 23 rd October: Free day - Dinner Dance Right Arm: 340 feet. at night Sunday 24 th October: Short Tour & Lunch Widest part of arm holding torch: 12 1/2 feet. Farewell Drinks and finger food at night Right thumb: 35 feet. For Further Information on Membership or Reunion: Thickest part of body: 29 feet. Geoff (Wiggy) Bennett 7 Viola Crescent, Highett Vic 3190 Left hand length: 30 feet. Tel : (03) 9532 3672 Fax : (03) 9532 3672 Email: [email protected]

Face: 60 feet Nose. 21 feet. Sponsored by RAN Battle Class Social Club.

Longest spike of head piece: 70 feet

Torch and flame combined: 980 feet Number of men 18,000 + 8

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS’ A Good Run Ashore. AFFAIRS ARRANGEMENTS DURING CHRISTMAS AND NEW Many years ago as an young AB I was serving on the Submarine Sea Scout as ‘Tanky’ and we were YEAR A/S day running from Portland .On a run ashore in Weymouth, at a dance I met a girl on holiday Veterans will be able to access key from Bristol on the west coast of England at the services throughout the Christmas and mouth of the Bristol Channel. New Year period, the Minister for It so happened that the following week we Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin, said today. were to take a trip to Bristol as a courtesy visit as part of the ‘Festival of Britain” The girl named Cora England offered to meet The Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ me on our arrival and show me around the town offices will close between 5pm on Christmas Eve so we made a date and 9am Monday 4 January 2010, however key Getting into my blue suit I realised that all the services will continue to be available to the money I had was a one pound note, not any veteran community during this period, including: change, copper or silver, just the solitary pound (I might add that in those far days it was ample to Crisis counselling – VVCS–Veterans and have a good run ashore, like a pint at one shilling Veterans Families Counselling Service offers 24- and three pence and Fish & Chips for sixpence!) hour crisis counselling through Veterans’ Line. I met Cora on the jetty on our arrival in Bristol This service is available toll free on 1800 011 046 and being a ‘Tarry arsed sailor’ the first thing I to veterans and peacekeepers of all conflicts, their wanted was a ‘pint’ so to the pub we went. Being families and eligible members of the Defence the perfect gentleman I offered my one pound Force; note, Cora said “Don’t change that, I’ll pay”. After a couple of pints it was off to the cinema, Transport – if transport is not booked prior to tendering my money each time and being refused the Christmas period, it will need to be paid for then would you believe we went to the local up-front and reimbursement can be sought from Dance Hall with the same routine. DVA at a later date; Cora lived in Horsfield a suburb of Bristol too far to walk so we had to catch a bus, after a kiss Hospital admissions – doctors can admit and a cuddle (that’s all I’m afraid!) I said “I will DVA patients into hospital and request admissions have to change my pound note now to get back on approval, where required, when DVA re-opens on the bus to return onboard. Cora, the darling gave Monday 4 January 2010; me four pence for the bus fare and lo and behold the conductor, wouldn’t take my money at that

time of night! So I walked back over the gangway Defence Service Homes Insurance – help with a pound note and four pence in my pocket. with policy and claim enquiries is available One might classify it as ‘A Good run ashore’. 24 hours a day on 1300 552 662, while payments can be made on 1300 304 989, for the cost of a I wonder what ever happened to Cora? local call or via the website www.dsh.gov.au

Pension pay days will not be affected by the Christmas shutdown arrangements.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to wish all veteran, defence force and ex-service communities and their families, a safe and happy Christmas and New Year,” Mr Griffin said.

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The 4 bottles of life. DVA cards in the same way Medicare or Private Health Fund Cards are currently utilised. By improving the claiming experience for the providers it increases the likely hood of providers accepting DVA cards. All eligible clients living overseas will, for the first time, be issued with a DVA card. This will remove the need for veterans to contact DVA to receive a “letter of authority” when receiving medical treatment within Australia. Entitlement to treatment overseas is limited to veterans that have an accepted disability/disabilities and DVA funds treatment of those accepted disabilities only. This process for receiving treatment while overseas will not change. Security Upgrade All DVA cards will have microprinting and a DVA registered hologram added as security features. The microprinting and hologram are added security features to ensure non entitled persons cannot reproduce a card. Expected Arrival Date The reissue of all cards is due to commence in March 2010, this process is expected to take 6 weeks to complete.

Changes to DVA Cards All Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) Repatriation Health Cards (DVA Cards) are due to expire during 2010. From March 2010 DVA will begin reissuing all cards. As part of this reissue there will be some improvements made to DVA cards. All eligible veterans, war widows/widowers and dependants will be issued with a new card. Changes to DVA Cards will not reduce or change current eligibility to hold a DVA Card. The changes being made to the cards are to increase: · veteran access to services; · provider satisfaction; and · security of the cards. Veteran Access to Services The magnetic stripe on the cards will contain the following information: · full name; · file number; To all Members and families I wish you a · card Type; and very Happy Xmas and a healthy and · expiry date. This change is expected to improve provider prosperous New Year. satisfaction, as this will enable providers to swipe The Editor—AKA----“ Bodgie”

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