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Registered by AUSTRALIA POST NO. PP607128/00001 THE October 2012 VOL. 35 No. 5

The official journal of The Returned & Services League of Australia POSTAGE PAID SURFACE ListeningListeningWA Branch Incorporated • PO Box 3023 East Perth, 6892 • Established 1920 PostPostAUSTRALIA MAIL 50th Anniversary of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam

AATTV Victoria Cross Recipients

Major Peter John Badcoe Warrant Officer Class II Keith Payne Warrant Officer Class II Kevin Arthur Wheatley Warrant Officer Class II Rayene Stewart Simpson 2 The Listening Post October 2012 THE October 2012 VOL. 35 No.5 Listening Post

LISTENING POST MESSAGE BOARD INDEX

Contact Directory and Editorial Information...... 3 Deadline for next edition: 16 November, 2012 This Month in Australian Military History...... 4 For contributions to next edition. If possible, submissions should be typed and double-spaced. Preferred method of receiving From the President’s Pen...... 5 - 6 submissions is via email. Photographs can be black and white or colour. This is your journal From the Bunker...... 6 - 7 and contributions are welcome. Address to: The Editor, The Listening Post Pensions, Advocacy & Welfare Services...... 8

RSL, PO Box 3023 East Perth, WA 6892 From the Archives...... 8 Email: [email protected] Vietnam Veterans' Day 2012...... 10 - 12 Opinions expressed by contributors in articles and reproduced articles are the individuals opinions or the authors of such reproduced articles and are not necessarily those of the RSL. Notices...... 25 – 26

Reproduction of articles (or extracts) contained in The Listening Post are welcomed, provided Suduko and Crossword...... 27 the source is acknowledged. The Editor reserves the right to accept, reject, sub-edit and Solutions...... 28 re-arrange material submitted for publication. The Last Post...... 28

Infringement of Copyright Laws To all Sub Branch Publishing of Presidents' and The Listening Post We cannot accept Newspaper Clippings for publication without express approval Secretaries 'The Listening Post' is published 6 from the Newspaper Editor as we can send photographs and a short article on times a year, and has a infringe on Copyright Laws. special activities at your Sub Branch to Denis Connelly, Editor The Listening Post. readership of over 25,000. Denis Connelly, Editor

Please phone: (08) 9321 3755

‘A solid foundation. We are proud of our long association with the RSL and Kott Gunning was are pleased to provide members with the following founded in 1919 and is services one of the oldest inde- pendent legal practices Probate and Deceased Estates - David Miller in Western Australia.’ Conveyancing and Settlements - Emma Leys

Enduring Powers of Attorney - David Miller Level 8, AMP Building 140 St Georges Terrace, Family Law - Tony Milne Perth 6000

Motor Vehicle Accidents and General Personal Injuries - Facsimile: (08) 9321 3465 Tony Milne Website: www.kottgunn.com.au WILLS AT SPECIAL RATES Email: [email protected] The ListeningThe Li stPosentin Octoberg Post October 2012 20093 3 Government Announces Funding for Centenary of ANZAC Commemorative Activities State Premier The Hon Colin announced the allocation of some $8m for support and technical expertise from many but with the support of neighbouring Shire Barnett MLA recently travelled to site preparation and area refurbishment for organisations it is anticipated that the entire Councils at Denmark and Plantagenet (Mt the construction of an ANZAC Information precinct, including the existing forts will Albany to announce funding sup- Barker) there is an air of confidence in the Centre and upgrades to the existing Desert be refurbished and the establishment of organising group that all visitors will be port for the Centenary of ANZAC Mounted Corp Memorial. This allocation iconic walks and pathways will suitably accommodated. Commemorative Activities in is in addition to amounts already pledged. relate the ‘beginning of the ANZAC Legend’ Albany scheduled to commence in The announcement was made at the Desert which is anticipated to receive world wide While it is recognised that the Departure of November 2014 to coincide with Mounted Corp Memorial sited at one of the recognition. the Convoys from Albany will be the ‘curtain highest points in the area and overlooking raising event’ for Australian –wide activities For the past eighteen months a small group the departure of the convoys trans- King George Sound where the fleet of representatives from community based it will become the beginning of an education porting Australian troops to the transporting the troops from the Eastern organisations and the RSL have worked process that will last for many years as a new States bunkered and took on supplies prior battlefields of the First World War. on developing concept plans for the generation of young Australians learn more to departing for the battlefields of the Great commemorative activities and under the of the sacrifices made by young Australians Albany is generally recognised as the War. beginning of the ‘ANZAC Legend’ and it guidance of Brig Geoff Hand AM have a century ago. The State Governments’ financial contribution developed strategies that will encourage is fitting that it will herald the beginning of The venture is a project initiated by the RSL will supplement funding commitments from complete community involvement in the Australia wide commemorations that will and is supported by the Commonwealth and honour the original ANZACs’ the Commonwealth Government and private management of the 50 000 plus visitors enterprise to refurbish existing facilities expected to visit Albany to witness a State Governments and the City of Albany Accompanied by RSL State President and construct an information Centre that re-enactment of the departure of the convoys with valued support from Lotterywest and Bill Gaynor OAM RFD, Sub Branch will become a feature of the education from Albany for the Great War. The logistics business entitled throughout the Albany President Peter Aspinall and City of Albany program that will tell the beginning of the of managing such a group of visitors to the Region and Great Southern Region of Mayor Cr Dennis Wellington the Premier ANZAC Story. With the generous financial Albany area has presented some challenges Western Australia.

Election Update A Message From the CEO / State Secretary he following information has Executive determined that the Registrar directing that the charged by the State Executive, attached letter regarding the been passed to all Sub-Branch possibility of an unfair outcome State Congress Election of 26 constituted as a result of the process and timing. Presidents & Secretaries: was sufficient for the RSL WA November 2011 be ‘declared a announcement of the outcome It is appreciated that, for some State Branch to seek a declara- nullity and of no force or effect’ of the Election in November Since drafting my initial arti- Sub-Branches, the schedule is tion from the Supreme Court was recently passed to the WA shall have the same validity, cle, post Congress 2011, and tight hence this early notifica- of Western Australia that the Electoral Commission. This force and effect as if taken, providing ‘sitreps’ as informa- tion. The WAEC nomination election was invalid and the documentation was forwarded passed, made, exercised, per- tion has come to hand I still form/template will require that outcomes were void. requesting they (WAEC), as an formed and discharged by a get asked for intricate detail Nominees are: independent body, conduct the duly elected State Executive of my investigation. Legal The Executive of the RSL sin- election. pursuant to Rule 33 of the financial Life/Service member advice sought at the time con- cerely apologised at the time for Constitution.’ of the League; sidered many allegations to be these regrettable circumstances A positive response was baseless, whilst those alleging and their primary concern was received and planning/discus- I, in consultation with the the member was nominat- merely technical irregularities for me to act decisively, trans- sion in place with the intention Electoral Commissioner and ed at a properly constituted were disregarded as inconse- parently and in the interests of completing the process no his team, have discussed con- Sub-Branch meeting by two quential. Legal opinion could of procedural fairness for all later than 30 December 2012. stitutional requirements, time- AUTHORISED office bearers; not exclude the possibility that candidates and Sub-Branches It is of note the Order high- tables, documentation prepara- and the process conducted may in accordance with the values of lighted that all actions taken, tion and methodology to ensure that the form is signed and have materially affected the the RSL. The process has been resolutions passed, decisions all legal requirements are dated accordingly. outcome of one or more of the lengthy and demanding. The made, powers exercised, func- met. As a result the Electoral ballots. Accordingly, the State Order from the Supreme Court tions performed and duties dis- Commissioner has issued the Continued on page 4… CONTACT DIRECTORY Editorial Information Contact Directory Editor/Vice President: Denis Connelly (08) 9287 3716 Departments at ANZAC House STATE Email: [email protected] CEO / State Secretary: CMDR Phillip Orchard AFNI EXECUTIVE Editorial Assistant: Nola Keen RAN (Rtd) 9287 3799 RSL Advertising: Assistant State Secretary: Nola Keen 9287 3702 2011-2014 Administrative Assistant / Executive Assistant: Caitlin Harnwell Assistant Editor: Amy Hunt Receptionist: Wendy Quinn State President Mr Peter Aspinall Email: [email protected] Membership: Kathy Clark, 8.00am to 3.30pm Mon- Mr William Gaynor OAM RFD Mr Peter Fardon Graphic Design: Type Express Thurs, 9287 3705 State Vice President Printer: Rural Press ANZAC House Manager: Matthew Holyday 9287 3714 Mr Ross Davies Financial Services: Peter McGlade 9287 3718. Mr Denis Connelly Contact Details Helen Beech 8.30am to 4.30pm Mon-Thurs 9287 3703 State Treasurer Dr Neil MacNeill The Returned & Services League Archivist: Naomi Lam 9287 3713, Mr Phillip Draber Trustees Departments at 8 Irwin St of Australia WA Branch Incorporated State Executive Mr Don Blair OAM RFD ED ANZAC House 28 St Georges Tce PERTH WA 6000 Welfare: Rosalind Howat 8.30am 4.30pm Mon-Fri, Mr Damian Dixon Email: [email protected] 9287 3707 • 0412 009 191 Mr John Cox OAM JP Website: www.rslwahq.org.au Snr Advocate: Jim Boland 8.00am to 4.00pm Mon-Fri, Mr Dilwyn “Digger” Cleak OAM 9287 3708 Mr Kevin Trent OAM RFD Telephone: (08) 9287 3799 Mrs Donna Prytulak Mr Wayne Tarr RFD ED Facsimile: (08) 9287 3732 Mr Gary Scott WA Country Callers: 1800 259 799 RFD CEO / STATE Secretary PO Box 3023, East Perth, WA 6892 Mr Ian Johnstone Mr John McCourt CMDR Philip Orchard AFNI RAN (Rtd) 4 The Listening Post October 2012 This Month in Australian Military History

Date Year Title Event 1 November 1914 First AIF sails The first Australian and New Zealand contingent sails from Albany, Western Australia, bound for Egypt. Only one in three of those who sailed in the first convoy would return physically unscathed at the end of the First World War. 5 November 1950 No. 77 Squadron RAAF supports No. 77 Squadron RAAF, for the first time in the Korean War, flies in support of the 3rd 3RAR Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, in the Pakchon-Sinanju road area, Korea. Australian Mustang fighters strafed Chinese positions just before 3RAR commenced its assault at Pakchon. 9 November 1914 HMAS Sydney [I] destroys SMS HMAS Sydney destroys the German cruiser Emden, off the Cocos-Keeling Islands. The Emden Emden had delayed the first convoy carrying Australian troops to Egypt, but was driven ashore by Sydney in a brief but bloody action. 18 November 1916 Somme campaign ends After four months and more than 1,200,000 casualties on both sides, General Douglas Haig calls off the Somme offensive. 8 December 1941 Australia at war with Japan Australia announces that it is at war with Japan. Some 17,000 Australians would die in the three-and-a-half-year war against Japan, 8,000 as prisoners of war. 17 December 1967 HMAS Perth under fire HMAS Perth comes under fire off Dong Hoi, Vietnam. 31 December 1914 The second convoy of the first AIF Volunteers for the AIF enlisted so readily that a second convoy of reinforcements left within departs Albany two months of the first. Many of those aboard its ships would land on Gallipoli on 25 April 1915. 31 December 1967 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian The 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, sailed to Vietnam on HMAS Sydney. Regiment arrives in South Vietnam 7 January 1952 HMAS Tobruk bombards Chomi The bombardment of Chomi Do, on the Haeju Gulf north-west of Seoul, forestalled a North Do, Korea Korean invasion of Yongmae Do, an island about 20 kilometres from Inchon. 25 January 1942 Full mobilisation ordered in The threat of a Japanese invasion and the proximity of Japanese forces to Australia demanded Australia an increased commitment from the Government and public.

These events are only a selected number of significant dates when Australians were involved in activities of importance. For the complete list go to: www.awm.gov.au

Election Update

Continued from page 3 RSL State Executive Election - 2012 ments of the candidate’s policies or beliefs, and are not Letter from WA Electoral Commission -Conduct, Manner and Form to contain information that the returning officer consid- ers to be false, misleading or defamatory. Dear Mr Orchard, • The election of the State Executive will be conducted to the following timeline: • Where Rule 33 does not provide detail sufficient to Thank you for the opportunity to be involved Election Advertisement - Thursday 18 October 2012 cover all elements of the postal voting election process, in the election of the State Executive for Opening of Nominations- Thursday 25 October 2012 then the Western Australian Electoral Commission will the Returned Services League of Australia, conform with their Standard Election Rules. Western Australian Branch Incorporated. Close of Nominations- Wednesday 7 November 2012, 12.00 noon In accordance with the above timeline, the Western I note the order made by Registrar Whitby Australian Electoral Commission is to: Close of Roll of Delegates- Wednesday 7 November on 6 July 2012 declaring the election of the 2012, 12.00 noon • Appoint the Returning Officer. State Executive on 26 November 2011 as a Mail-out of Election Packages - Thursday 15 • Publish the election notice and call for nominations in a nullity and of no force or effect. Accepting newspaper circulating widely in the State. November 2012 that it is the intention of the State Executive • Receive nominations and, with the State Secretary, con- Polling Day- Thursday 6 December 2012, 10.00 am to delegate the conduct of the fresh election firm nominations are correct. close to the Electoral Commissioner, I consent to • Receive the certified list of entitled sub-branch voting • The election of the State Executive will involve sepa- conduct the election as required by Rule 33 delegates from the State Secretary and cause the issue of rate ballots for the positions of State President, State of the Constitution and in the manner and ballot papers by post to each person named on the Roll Vice-President, Honorary State Treasurer and six Life or form described at Annex A. The estimated of Delegates. cost of conducting the election as a postal Service members. The terms of office of these members will expire at the date of the State congress in 2015. • Receive returned ballot papers and at the close of the voting election is $4,300 - $4,500. poll, and in the presence of scrutineers, if any, count the • There will not be an election for members of the seven votes in accordance with Rule 33.9. While much of the detail at Annex A is pro- geographic regions, other than for the single vacancy cedural, this is considered necessary to give existing in the upper South West region. It is determined In accordance with the above timeline, the State Secretary effect to the Court Order and define the limits that as at the close of nominations on 7 October 2011 for is to: within which the Electoral Commission will the 2011 election these six members were elected unop- • Advise sub-branches of the election time line and the operate and with which the State Executive posed and arguably outside the Court Order. The term election process. are agreed. Also I seek assurance that the of office of these six members would end at the date of Electoral Commission will be indemni- the State Congress in 2014. The term of office for the • Cause sub-branches to identify their delegates entitled to vote in the election. fied by the Returned Services League of upper South West vacancy would end at the date of the Australia, WA Branch Incorporated, in rela- State Congress in 2014 (that is a two year term only) and • Compile the list of entitled sub-branch voting delegates, tion to any legal proceedings against the aligning all geographic member positions. including their postal address and certify this list as cor- Commission arising out of or relating to the • Nominations for all positions will be opened. rect as at the Close of Roll of Delegates, Wednesday 7 November 2012. implications of the 2011 election nullifica- Nominations accepted for the 2011 election are deemed tion. to have lapsed as have the 2011 candidate profiles. • At the Close of Nominations, certify as correct, the Candidates intending to nominate are to conform to the names of authorised sub-branch officers proposing the Yours sincerely, requirements of Rule 33.5. Candidates may provide a nomination of the nominee, and the eligibility of the Warwick Gately AM Electoral profile of no more than 150 words for publication with nominee to stand as a candidate. Commissioner ballot papers. Profiles are to be confined to biographical • Prescribe the place, time and form of the declaration of 18 September 2012 information about the proposed candidate and state- the result. The Listening Post October 2012 5 From the President’s Pen Indexation of Military Superannuation Payments Much ill informed and unfounded community” about this matter. Review of Military Superannuation, and for implementation. the more recent Review of Indexation of criticism continues to be circulated I take every opportunity to keep RSL Commonwealth Superannuation includ- Residential Care-Younger about the RSL's stand on this issue. members fully informed about all ing DFRDB. The fundamental issue is Veterans The following is an abridged version issues through my National President’s one of equity for those who have served That the Government develop a system to of the text of a letter the National Newsletters each of which is now posted our nation in our Defence Forces. ensure access to appropriate accommo- President sent recently to one who on the RSL national web site www.rsl. dation for disabled Veterans (physically wrote to him about the topic. org.au . My newsletter No 2 of 2012 BEST Funding and psychologically disabled) requiring points out that when the Leader of the That the Government immediately rein- 24 hour supported living. Thank you for your letter in which you Opposition decided to formally affirm state funding for BEST Round 15 to the expressed your “profound concern at Rationale: the Opposition’s commitment to some Round 12 appropriation. the total failure of the RSL to support the improvement in the indexation of some We seek affordable and age appropri- efforts of the ex-service community to military superannuants on gaining Rationale: ate accommodation options for Veterans have military pensions indexed at a rate Government, he did so at the large and The funding for BEST was cut from $4M who are unable to live in the com- more relevant to the cost of living than important regional RSL Sub Branch at in Round 12 to $3.5M in Round 13 to munity and are too young to access the CPI”. Bendigo. More to the point, Mr Abbott $2.6M in the current Round 14. This cut the Commonwealth funded residential The reality is that the RSL has been and made the presentation of the signed has caused considerable difficulty to RSL aged care system. Within the ex- service remains in the vanguard of ex-service pledge to me as National President of Sub-Branch Pension, Welfare Officers community a small number of Veterans, efforts aimed at persuading the Australia’s largest and most influential and Advocates in assisting Veterans and generally in the 30's to 50's age groups, Commonwealth Parliament to amend ex-service organisation – and invited me Serving Members in their applications for are unable to live in the community or legislation to provide for a better level to respond to the large gathering when Entitlements. In Victoria, some Veteran with their families as a result of signifi- of indexation of military superannuation he had concluded his remarks. Centres have been forced to close even cant physical, medical or emotional care needs. payments than is provided by the In sum, I am saddened you should think so though in the BEST Review of 2011 they Consumer Price Index. poorly of the RSL. I trust that my remarks were highlighted as the model which all Although far from ideal, in cases of ESO 's should aspire to. We made a formal detailed submission will go some way towards reassuring extreme physical disability it may be possible for a younger person to about this issue to Government in 2010. you that on this and many other issues Mental Health Disorders and Since then we have continued to try the RSL is proud to be the most effective Rehabilitation be assessed as eligible for admission to persuade Members of the House of national representative body caring for That the Government continues to to a nursing home by an Aged Care Representatives and Senators to support the needs of the ex-service community. enhance a national mental health reha- Assessment Team. However for younger Veterans whose needs for residential care this justifiable proposition. Members, and the veteran community bilitation scheme for veterans suffering are primarily related to complex psycho- are assured that the RSL is active in with chronic mental health problems Prior to the debate in the Senate in logical symptoms, this is not the case. progressing this issue at all levels of gov- based on individual case assessment and June 2011 about the Fair Indexation Bill Often these younger Veterans experi- ernment in a positive and professional management programs. introduced by the Opposition as a Private ence significant emotional and behav- manner. Member’s Bill, I lobbied former Senator Rationale: ioural disorders related to PTSD, which Fielding to support the legislation; but RSL Priorities for Government The Dunt Report recommended that The can affect their ability to self-care and despite three meetings with Senator to address Veterans’ Affairs make safe decisions, and interfere with Xenophon was unable to gain his crucial ADF and DVA should have joint respon- Issues sibility for a comprehensive transition interpersonal relationships. Difficulties vote. The legislation failed to pass when At the recently held National Congress, can be exacerbated by social isolation the vote in the Senate was tied. service that works closely within the delegates resolved to issue a list of pri- ADF Transition Centres and extends to and loss of contact with family and I was present in the Senate visitor’s orities to government for consideration at least 12 months post discharge". The friends. Although older Veterans who gallery throughout the debate on the Fair in the forthcoming budget allocations. Government has accepted the wide rang- require 24-hour care have access to a Indexation Bill to make the point that the While 7 items have been listed in priority ing recommendations of the Dunt Report range of services specifically designed RSL is actively involved at the highest order there are other issues that need to and the Department of Defence will now and funded to meet their needs, Veterans level. It is worth recording that the lack be addressed. In the past we have found implement them, committing 83M over in the younger age groups have very few of visible support by other ex-service that there has been due consideration the next four years. options when residential care is required. organisation national presidents while of our listed items and this approach The RSL has long believed that there is Veterans' Aged Care this crucial matter was being debated appears to have some input on how a need for greater funding being directed That the Department of Veterans' Affairs was noted by our elected representatives. issues are addressed. towards a national mental health reha- ensures and monitors that the Special I have recently addressed RSL Annual Nonetheless all listed items are con- bilitation scheme as ex-service men Needs status of Veterans is recognised State Congresses in all States and tinually placed before government for and women frequently fail to have their consistently by the relevant States' Care Territories (except WA because that funding considerations, however limited ongoing mental health issues managed Planning Advisory Committees during meeting is not scheduled until later in funding results in only our priority listed post discharge (particularly when relo- the annual advertising and allocation of the year), and in each instance have items receiving attention. cating to rural and remote areas) due to new aged care places and packages. spoken at length to large numbers of Indexation a lack of funding and a shortfall in the Rationale: RSL delegates about the actions we have number of service providers. We are That the indexation of all components taken about this matter and our intention aware that The Australian Government This submission is raised to ensure that of Military Superannuation under the of keeping up the pressure. I have also provides funding to States and Territories an appropriate number of new places DFRDB and MSBS schemes be calcu- spoken to meetings at places as diverse to assist them to provide free public proportionally representative of the vet- lated by an indexation regime matching as Cooma, Manly/Lota and Casino in hospital services for public patients and eran population be allocated as veteran cost of living increases. recent months. urge the Government to ensure that this specific and the Department of Veterans' Affairs monitors and reports this alloca- Unlike others in the ex-service Rationale: level of funding keeps pace with the ris- tion. community we do not target the electoral The RSL contends that the nexus between ing need for mental health and wellbeing programs for people affected by mental outcomes for individual members of the military superannuation schemes and Home Respite Care Commonwealth Parliament because other Commonwealth superannuation illness or psychiatric disabilities who live in the community. That the Department of Veterans' Affairs this is tantamount to active political schemes for indexation of payments is (DVA) increase the allocated hours of involvement. Instead we put our case a policy aberration, is inconsistent with A report by the Council of Australian in-home respite care and provide a more firmly and succinctly to the leaders the legislative base of the schemes, is Governments (COAG) released on 14 flexible approach to granting of over- of the federal political parties and to unjust and recommends it be abandoned. July 2006 recognised that ''people with night respite as the present arrangements the independent members of the cross The RSL also considers that the findings mental illness are amongst the most do not permit the Carer to have sufficient benches. I have personally raised the of the 2008 review of the indexation of socially disadvantaged and economically time away from the Veteran to be benefi- issue with Prime Minister Gillard on superannuation are questionable and its marginalized" who require a wide range cial to the Carer's wellbeing. a couple of occasions and will do so recommendationEditorial Assistantse the of services including "stable housing again when I next meet with her. It is inquiry terms of reference did not rec- by linking them with personal support Rationale: unfortunate that this principled and very ognize the fact that the Commonwealth services" and "improving referral path- Currently DVA may pay for up to 196 effective stance is criticised by some Parliament has thrice legislated for mili- ways and links between clinical, accom- hours of in-home or 28 days residential ill informed members of the ex-service tary superannuation schemes separate modation, personal and vocational sup- respite, or a combination of both, in any community leading to unjustified from civilian superannuation schemes. port programs". This report has been one financial year. A Carer who needs a claims, such as yours, about the RSL’s Separate and detailed submissions on endorsed by all Australian States and planned and reasonable time away from “total failure to support the ex-service this issue have been made to both the Territories and action plans developed the house bound Veteran is limited to Continue Page 6 6 The Listening Post October 2012 From the President’s Pen Continue Page 6 respite in an aged care facility or other eligible for the Gold Card. community based setting which provides • That Australian Government income sup- overnight respite. For Veterans who would FROM port payments made to Allied veterans do benefit from receiving extended non-emer- not have the disability pension payments gency respite care in their own surroundings, options are limited under the Veterans' Home made by their parent Government counted Care Program (VHC). for Centrelink income assessment pur- Field Marshal Sir William poses. While VHC provisions do provide for over- For those of you who have driven around the Swan River, on the night in-home respite care there are time lim- • That the Legal Aid scale of payment Western side of Dalkeith you would have been on a road named its on respite hours and the duration of each for solicitors and barristers representing after a World War I Commander, Birdwood Parade, and would Veterans at the AAT and Federal Court respite episode. While DVA will finance the have noticed streets in the area also named after War World I be increased to reflect current rates for costs of residential respite for 28 days per Victoria Cross recipients. financial year, if respite were provided in- appearances. William Riddell Birdwood was born in India on 13 September 1865 house 24 hours a day it would only equate to • That the GST concessions currently pro- at Kirkee, India and was the second son of Herbert Mills Birdwood, 8 days per financial year. vided to veterans on the Special Rate Undersecretary to the Government of Bombay, and Edith Marion Impey, To ensure that Carers are provided with suf- Pension be extended to those on EDA. whose father Major E.G. H Impey was the Bombay surgeon with the artil- ficient time to rest and relax away from the • Those widows of Special Rate veter- lery. carer role, in-home respite needs to be more ans be eligible for the Income Support flexible. When in-house respite is assessed As was the norm for British Foreign Service personal serving overseas, the Supplement regardless of age if they meet to be more beneficial to the Veteran, DVA young Birdwood was dispatched to England for his education. After com- the income and asset tests. needs to; pleting his education at Clipton College he then went to Bristol Military • That on the death of a veteran, any out- a.Allow at least a minimum of two blocks College, Sandhurst. standing claims for allowances be still of 96 hours (24 hours per day x 4 days) of After being commissioned, Birdwood was posted back to India serving determined and paid up to the date of in house respite per financial year, without in the North – West Frontier when the Boer War (1899-1902) erupted. death of the veteran. exhausting the annual allocation. Birdwood joined the British Commander Lord Kitchener’s Staff. • That the entitlement to the Repatriation b.Increase the hours of DVA funded in-house Upon returning to India in 1908 Birdwood was awarded the Distinguished respite to accommodate the above changes. Pharmaceutical Benefits Card (Orange Service Medal to the Indian Empire (CIE). In 1911 he was promoted to Card) be extended to Commonwealth and Major General and, in 1912, Birdwood served as Secretary of the Indian c.Ensure there are appropriate resources/ser- Allied Veterans and Allied Mariners who vices to provide overnight respite. Army. At the outbreak of World War І in November 1914, Lord Kitchener, are 70 years or older and who served in as Secretary of State for War in the British Government, directed that Veterans' Disability Pensions the Korean, Malayan, Malaysia-Borneo Birdwood be given command for forces raised by the Australian and New Rates and Vietnam campaigns and any other Zealand Government for service in Europe. That all rates for Veterans' Disability campaigns post-Vietnam. 21 December 1914 saw Birdwood and staff arriving in Egypt at the same Pensions be adjusted by the same increment • That all Veterans between the ages of 60 that was granted at the time for the Single time as Australian and New Zealand troops were setting up camp. Birdwood and 70 and with Qualifying Service be had completed a repost commissioned by Lord Kitchener concerning Rate of Service Pension in the 2009 Budget given annual free medical examinations which was by 2.7% increase of MTAWE the naval attack on the Dardanelles. This report convinced Kitchener, as (Male Total Average Weekly Earnings). • Those Widows of eligible Veterans, who Secretary of State for War in the British Government, that a more force- remarried following their husbands death, ful attack on the Peninsula was required. A Mediterranean Expeditionary Rationale: be eligible to claim a War Widows pen- force was carried under command of Sir Ian Hamilton. Birdwood was by The September 2007 Legislative changes sion relevant to their first husband's death. this time a temporary Lieutenant General and was ordered by Hamilton to to the indexation arrangements for DVA land north of Gaba lepo on the Agean side of the Peninsula contrary to that • That section 85(2) of the Veterans' disability pensions had gone some way to which had been suggested by Birdwood in his report. He was ordered to ensuring that the veterans' benefits did not Entitlement Act be amended to include move inland and cut the supply line to the Serlkirn forces in Southern parts suffer further erosion but the Government's alcohol and/or substance abuse as eligible of the Peninsula. failure to adjust the rate of the veterans dis- for treatment at DVA expense. The confusion was aggregated by high ridges, deep gullies, dense low scrub ability pensions in line with the adjustments • That the discrimination between Officers and the strong Turkish Defence. When Sir Ian Hamilton’s staff arrived in made to other government pensions in the and Other Ranks in respect of studies Egypt in late March 1915 to plan the military operations at Gallipoli, they 2009/10 Budget, has meant that the relative undertaken as part of rehabilitation train- brought with them a copy of a 1908 map (scale 1:63,360) of Gallipoli. This value between veterans' disability pensions ing paid for by MCRS be removed. map was based on a French survey from 1854, as the British and French and the other pensions has diminished. • That the maximum reimbursable cost of had not had access to the area since the Crimean War. In Egypt the map was Other Proposals for the 2012/2013 obtaining additional medical evidence for enlarged to a scale of 1:40,000, over three sheets, which was issued to the Budget (Not in Priority): a VRB hearing be increased from $475 to officers of the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force. • Ensure that entitled veterans continue to $750. Before the landings at ANZAC Cove and Cape Helles the 1:40,000 maps receive timely and quality medical treat- were supplemented by intelligence acquired through aerial reconnais- ment and hospitalisation from doctors and • That Veterans with a Repatriation Health sance. The first British aircraft reconnaissance was flown over the Gallipoli dentists of their choice in accordance with Card be eligible to seek treatment for Peninsular on 28 March 1915, and flights continued, weather permitting, the objective of the Repatriation Private eligible conditions from qualified and until the landing on 25 April. Officers, who were issued with copies of the Patient Scheme (RPPS), and that special- registered Practioners of natural therapies. maps used this information to correct errors and keep the Turkish positions ists and other health service providers be • That the Government formally recognise and defences up to date. adequately resourced to do this; and that and foster the critical role that primary special provision is made for veterans carers provide for veterans. This recogni- Upon landing at Gallipoli, the officers found that the maps were not ade- resident in remote areas or areas where tion should include an increase in Carers quate for the campaign. Those who tried to use the maps found they had access to specialists and other health ser- Allowance and, where necessary, provide many inaccuracies. A group of New Zealanders attempting to advance from vice providers is limited. additional support services, particularly ‘Plugge’s Plateau’ to ‘Russell’s Top’ took over an hour to get there because in respect of funding the infrastructure to the map showed the two as being joined and the area easy to traverse. In • Provide the Gold Card as an act of fact they are joined by a thin, almost impassable “razorback”. So they had Government generosity for: support the DVA policy of placing more reliance on community health structures. to detour down through the scrub into Shrapnel Valley, and then back up the a. Australian World War II veterans with- For veterans in receipt of the Extreme valley’s side to Russell’s Top. out qualifying service; Disablement Adjustment, who are still The heights given for many of the hills on the 1:40,000 map were wrong. b. members of the Nursing Services who at home, their 'carers' be automatically One hill, named “Hill 971” by the British (its Turkish name is Koja Chemen served during WWH without quali- granted the Carer's Allowance. Tepe), was recorded as being 971 feet [296 metres] high. Later it was fying service; and • That the funeral benefit available to veter- found this was incorrect, its actual height being 1,000 feet [305 metres]. Nevertheless, it continued to be called Hill 971 throughout the campaign. c. British and Allied World War II veter- ans under the Veterans' Entitlements Act ans who have qualifying service, and 1986 (VEA) be increased to $4000. The 1:40,000 map was also used for directing artillery and ships’ fire. Unfortunately, the compass bearing on the map was later found to be two who meet Australian residential and • Declare that service with BCOF from degrees out. So even “accurate” calculations for shelling a target, resulted in Service Pension criteria. 21 February 1946 to 30 June 1947 be shells going astray by that amount. By evening the force was disorganised, • That all WWII veterans who do not have covered by full repatriation benefits, as Divisional Commanders Bridges and Godley urged Birdwood to consider Qualifying Service but were issued with provided for in the approved Cabinet a Returned from Active Service Badge be Agendum 1241 C of 26 May 1947. The Listening Post October 2012 7

THE BUNKER with Denis Connelly Riddell Birdwood GCB GCMG GCVO GBE re-embarkation; Birdwood refused, but agreed to place these suggestions to Hamilton. Hamilton refused these suggestions and ordered that the men should “dig, dig until they are safe.” The impression that Birdwood had made on the ANZACs in Egypt deepened during the seven months on the Portrait of Field Peninsular when the attackers became a besieged garrison. Marshal William Informal portrait Riddell Birdwood of General Sir Daily the short, lean figure of their commander was seen in GCB GCMG William R the front trenches, chatting with the soldiers, noting with GCVO KCB Birdwood in his a professional eye what the amateurs had overlooked and wearing a slouch office at ANZAC hat. Headquarters. giving orders for its amendment, sharing the risks but never the water that was offered because he knew that every drop had been carried up from the beach. He neither smoked Name Suburb Notes nor drank any form of alcohol but refreshed himself by ALLENBY RD DALKEITH Field-Marshall Edmund Allenby, distinguished WWI commander. swimming daily off ANZAC Cove — the name he gave (AE Williams) the landing place — in spite of enemy fire. Birdwood’s BESSELL AV NEDLANDS Probably George Bessell-Browne of WWI (AE Williams) serene courage won the admiration of all. His concern for Dedicated 1920 (SRO File 5273/ND1/5) Australian Commander in WWI (Dee Seed) the soldiers and his fighting spirit became important factors BIRDWOOD DALKEITH Area bounded by Wavell and Gallop Roads and Birdwood Parade in ANZAC morale. Robert Rhodes James stated that his PDE was subdivided by the Lands Dept as South Nedlands Estate in popularity 'was something of a newspaper myth' and quot- 1919. The street names were chosen by the Surveyor General and ed an unnamed Australian observer: 'He bored the men and commemorate Western Australian Generals and VCs. From file they bored him'. Charles Bean, who saw Birdwood at close 4446/19. Field Marshall Sir William Birdwood, distinguished com- quarters throughout the war, did not confirm this view; mander of ANZACs on Gallipoli in WWI (AE Williams) nor did Birdwood's enthusiastic reception by Australians BROWNE AV DALKEITH Abbreviated from Bessell-Browne. Name chosen by Surveyor in London on ANZAC Day 1916, nor his progress around General and commemorates Western Australian Generals and VCs. From file 4446/19. General Bessell-Browne Australian commander Australia and New Zealand in 1920. Whatever the extent of WWI (AE Williams). of his popularity, there is no doubt of the respect in which CARROLL ST DALKEITH Name chosen by Surveyor General and commemorates Western he was held for his courage and his example. In Hamilton's Australian Generals and VCs. From file 4446/19. Lt William memorable phrase, he was ‘the soul of ANZAC’. Carroll, VC of WWI. The eastern outlet of Circe Circle. (AE Williams). After Bridges died on the 18 May 1915 Birdwood tem- FLORENCE RD NEDLANDS Florence Kinninmont was from the prominent Nedlands family. porarily took command of the Australian Imperial Force Formerly Johanna St after (Dutch) wife of Colonel John Bruce, (AIF) and was formally appointed on 14 September 1915. mother of Ned Bruce. German names were unfashionable dur- Birdwood was aware of how the Australian soldiers viewed ing WWI so name changed. .(AE Williams) 1924 changed from Johanna Road (SRO File 5273/ND1/5) English officers so he appointed Colonel Brindal White HAIG RD DALKEITH Field Marshall Earl Douglas Haig, commander of British forces in from the first Divisional Headquarters as his ‘Chief of France during WWI (AE Williams) Staff.’ This partnership is considered crucial to the develop- HOBBS AV DALKEITH Name chosen by Surveyor General and commemorates Western ment of the AIF. Australian Generals and VCs. From file 4446/19. Sir John Talbot When the topic of evacuation was discussed in November, Hobbs WA soldier and Chief-of-Staff to Sir John Monash in WWI. Head of architectural firm in Perth – designs included St Georges Birdwood was the only Senior Officer who opposed it, but College. (AE Williams) the evacuation command was given to Birdwood, which HOBBS AV KARRAKATTA Sir John Talbot Hobbs WA soldier and Chief-of-Staff to Sir John was successfully completed without loss. After regrouping Monash in WWI. Head of architectural firm in Perth – designs in Egypt, and now four divisions in strength, Birdwood included St Georges College. (AE Williams) sailed to France to Command the 1st ANZAC “Corps”. It JOHANNA ST named after ‘Ned’ Bruce’s mother, the Dutch daughter of a judge was March of 1916. in Trichinopoly, India – Johanna Jacoba (West Australian 18 Mar 1939) German names were unfashionable during WWI so name Birdwood’s influence on the AIF was continuing to grow, changed to Florence St… (AE Williams) 1924 changed to Florence resisting General Headquarters to take control of the Road (SRO File 5273/ND1/5) Australian Army administration. MONASH AV NEDLANDS Sir John Monash was outstanding Australian commander in WWI. (AE Williams) With the forming of the Australia Corps in November 1917 MURRAY ST DALKEITH Probably General Murray who was succeeded by General Allenby which was formed with five AIF Divisions, Birdwood in the Middle East during WWI (AE Williams) Successor to insisting of this command structure, later he took over com- Allenby (Dee Seed) mand to Lt Gen John Monash. Birdwood was then moved SADLIER ST DALKEITH Lt Cliff Sadlier won the Victoria Cross in WWI (AE Williams) to command of the AIF with support of most Australian Name chosen by Surveyor General and commemorates Western Officers despite having some disastrous actions including Australian Generals and VCs. From file 4446/19. Later Councillor Bullicourt. However, he continued to be held in a high and Chairman of Nedlands 1926 to 1929 (Dee Seed) Framed regard by the majority of Australia Officers though he was Photograph Claremont Road Board 1926 – 1927 Local Studies) actually a British Officer. In 1920, he was made a General in STANLEY ST NEDLANDS Stanley Bruce was son of Edward Bruce and was killed in WWI (The Claremont – Nedlands Observer 17 November 1956) May the Australia Military Forces and, five years later, became a also refer to Stanley Kinninmont, prominent Nedlands family. (AE Field Marshal in the British Army. He toured Australia and Williams) New Zealand in 1920 to wide public assemblies and was THOMAS ST NEDLANDS Thomas Bruce was the second son of Edward Bruce, the first land- given command in 1925. He retired from the military in owner of the area, killed in Gallipoli in WWI (AE Williams) (The 1920 and was thwarted in his desire to become Australia’s Claremont – Nedlands Observer 17 November 1956) Governor General where our Prime Minister insisted on the THROSSELL ST DALKEITH Lt Hugo Throssell was awarded the Victoria Cross at Gallipoli, office being held by an Australian. WWI (AE Williams) TYRELL ST NEDLANDS Named after son of Col Edward Bruce (AE Williams) who was Field Marshal Sir William Riddell Birdwood GCB GCMG killed in WWI (The Claremont – Nedlands Observer 17 November GCVO GBE died in England in 1951 and was buried with 1956) full military honours. VERDUN ST NEDLANDS French town where bitter fighting in WWI (AE Williams) References: WAVELL RD DALKEITH Field Marshall Archibald Wavell, a distinguished British com- 1.Australian War Memorial, www.awm.gov.au mander in WWI and WWII in Asia and Later Viceroy in India 1943 to 1947. (Dee Seed) (AE Williams) Previously Dalkeith Rd until 2.Australian Dictionary of Biography http://adb.anu. Golf course (Dee Seed) edu.au/ 8 The Listening Post October 2012 June Welfare & Pension News With 2012 Rosalind Howat Welfare Officer The PAWS staff are on the move. As from early House 9287 3707 or 0412 009 191 If you would like to arrange a visitor for your- November 2012 the Pension and Welfare officers The Trustees will evaluate all reasonable requests self or a loved one please refer to the Hospital will be relocated to ANZAC House, 28 St Georges for assistance. Financial grants are restricted to those Visitors List or for Prison visits please contact Mr Terrace, Perth. Office hours remain the same Monday to that are genuinely in need and unable to pay for Terry O’ Neill of RSL Legal Support Group on 9440 6233. To arrange a Nursing Home visit please Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm. Contact numbers also remain some items or purpose required to preserve the qual- contact the Welfare Officer at ANZAC House on 9287 unchanged. ity of life. For further information please contact 3707 or 0412 009 191. Assistance with Utility and other Accounts the Fund Administrator on 9287 3707 or mobile With the warmer spring weather the need to use expen- 0412 009 191. Take care till next time sive heaters should ease hopefully taking some finan- RSL volunteers regularly visit Veterans in Hospitals, ROSALIND HOWAT cial pressure off veterans on a fixed limited income. If Nursing Homes and Prisons in the metropolitan area. State Welfare Officer you are having difficulties paying high utility or other accounts please contact the Welfare Officer at ANZAC HOSPITAL VISITORS LIST House. Some assistance may be available to eligible Veterans and their dependants experiencing financial Volunteer Contact Number Hospital Visited hardship. Ms Remah Glencorse & 0447 007 522 Hollywood Private Hospital Ms Bernadine De Beaux As Above St John of God The WA Sailors, Soldiers & Airmen’s Relief Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital Trust Fund Shenton Park Rehabilitation Mr John Duffy 9401 5815 or Joondalup Hospital Another area of assistance available to ex-service 0413780278 Glengarry Hospital members and their dependants is the WA Aged Sailors, Osborne Park Hospital Soldiers & Airmen’s Relief Fund Trust. The Trustees Mr Mike Harness 9293 1076 or Kalamunda Hospital meet on the second Tuesday of each month to con- 0419 091 708 Armadale Hospital Bentley Hospital sider applications for assistance. Application forms are Mr Bill Adamson 9295 5354 Mercy Hospital available from www.rslwahq.org.au follow the link Swan Districts Hospital in PAWS. This will take you to information about the Swan Seniors Mental Health Facility Trust Fund and an online application for assistance RSL welfare Officer 9287 3707 or Royal Perth Hospital form. When completed, this form can be lodged directly 0412 009 191 Others as required to the Fund Administrator. For veterans without access Rev Canon Ken Barrett 9581 2519 Peel Hospital RSL Care, Mandurah to the internet an application form is still available from Mr John Rankin 0438 264 371 Fremantle Hospital the Fund Administrator, Ms Rosalind Howat at ANZAC Alma Street Hospital

From the Archives with Naomi Lam

TEXT OVERFLOW On 15 October we will be those not eligible to serve in WWII Browne. The League ran the Volunteer 1946 marked the largest member- releasing the next two decades, and formed a Defence Corps that oper- Defence Corps for a year before the ship numbers reported for the RSL the 1940s and 1950s issues of ated across the State. Department of Defence took over the in Western Australia. Membership The Listening Post online at The Volunteer Defence Corps was administration. was reported as 35,048 with 12 new www.rslcentenary.org.au. formed under the guidance of Army The RSL in WA during WWII worked Sub-Branches opening that year. 1945 Headquarters who approved the for- with other organisations such as the membership numbers were quoted at During the 1940s and 1950s, the mation and assisted in training of YMCA and the Red Cross in the run- 19,000 which represents a substantial League focussed on issues to do with the Corps. The VDC was designed ning of programmes for the support of repatriation, welfare and the defence to improve the fitness of those who increase for 1946. of Australia. In terms of the defence of those who were serving. Fundraising volunteered and educate them in the Further releases of The Listening Post Australia, the RSL in WA joined with current military methods of defence events were held to raise funds for the are scheduled in the upcoming months, the National body in the formation of and was an important element in the YMCA War Appeal and POW fund. the Volunteer Defence Corps. Sub- defence of Australia. The VDC in Women’s Auxiliaries across the State it is anticipated that all back issues Branches across Western Australia Western Australia was under the lead- actively participated in the fundraising of the publication will be released by recruited Veterans from WWI and ership of Brigadier General A J Bessell for those who served. April 2013. The ListeningThe Li stPosentin Octoberg Post October 2012 20099 9 Trip to London June, 2012 - Bomber Command

On Wednesday 20 June 2012 Doug Arrowsmith, John Crago, John Richards and Bill Utting trav- elled to Sydney to join the other 28 delegates going to London for the Dedication of The Bomber Command Memorial. A few days were spent in getting over jetlag and seeing some of Sydney. T shirts were added to our clothing of 3 pairs of trousers, 6 white shirts, an inflight travel bag and an Akubra hat. Three of our group appeared on Channel 10’s morning show on Friday and George Lamond and I were on Channel 9’s breakfast show on Saturday. My daughter, Judith, arrived late on Saturday to join with me at the Official Farewell Dinner. We were chosen to be at the Governor General’s table, as well as Bill Utting. I sat next to Her Excellency with Steve Flood on the other side of her. The Minister for Veteran Affairs was also at the main table. The long trip started on Sunday, 24 June - 7 hours to Singapore then 14 hours to London. We were kept going to get into the new time zone. A bus trip to the Imperial War Museum (could have spent half a day there) followed and then to the banks of the Thames where the Battle of Britain and the Royal Air Force Monuments were to be seen. Museum at Henden. British, American and German air- for short Service at the Australian Memorial, then a craft are on show including the massive Vulcan bomber short walk to Green Park to get close up photos of The We had an early wakeup call so that we could be ready and the famous “S” Lancaster. A Church Service at St. Bomber Command Memorial. Then to the Thames to board the bus to Runnymede for the Ceremony at Clement Danes Church followed. This Church is recog- the Air Force Forces Memorial. The Ceremony was for a relaxing boat trip with lunch. Our Leader, Marj. nised as the Royal Air Force Church and it dates back very touching - about 8 young Air Force people from General Mark Kelly gave a farewell speech with Peter to the 14th Century. It missed the great fire of London Canberra formed the Catafalque Party. The Memorial Isaacson responding on behalf of the veterans. has a list of 20,402, which includes 1,396 Australian, in 1666, but was then in poor condition. Christopher The final briefing was at 3.30 and suddenly it was men and women of the Air Forces of the Commonwealth Wren rebuilt it, but except for the outer walls it was Sunday, 1 July and farewells, because we were split who have no known graves. Runnymede is quite some destroyed in the blitz in 1941 and lay abandoned for distance from London - out in the country with a view over a decade. A world wide appeal in 1958 saw it up for the trip home – some for Sydney etc and others of the Thames a few miles away. Then back to London restored and it was consecrated as the Central Church for South and West Australia. Each of us was delivered for a welcome at Australia House - nibbles and drinks of the Royal Air Force. At the Service I was asked to home at about 2.00am. Great consideration was given the Air Vice Marshall presented a medallion to the read the lesson. This was done from the lectern which by all of the support staff and I doubt if we could have Veterans. The day ended when 2 of us decided to have was donated by the Australian Air Force. The lectern managed the trip without their help. a beer at a close by pub (very small one) for old times sits over the badge of 460 Sqd. Badges of all Sqds. are sake. The number grew to about 12. The warm bitter inlaid in the floor of the Church. Those who served on So ended a wonderful occasion under the leadership of beer didn’t bring back memories - maybe because of 460 Sqd to had a group photo over the badge. The day Mark (as he wished us to call him). We were fortunate the difference in age, but then, there was no alternative finished with a special three course dinner at the Naval to be chosen in the Official Party and I am sure we were to a warm, watery beer. and Military Club with suitable speeches. good representatives. Wednesday, 26 June meant we were off to Duxford, Saturday, 30 June was a long day. First to Hyde Park Doug Arrowsmith which is quite some distance from London. Duxford was a fighter base and is now a museum for a multitude of aircraft including Lancaster, Concord, Sunderland, American Fortress and a few that are air worthy. Caught the spitfire taking off on camera. The major air show is held there. On arrival back in London, we were taken through many streets to view the sights, such as Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament, and Piccadilly Circus. Trafalgar Square, the Thames which has a tide of 25 feet. The main day arrived - Thursday, 27 June. To Green Park at 9.30am where we spent cover an hour in an enclosed marquee enjoy- ing light refreshments and then to our allot- ted seats, which were near the back, but with a good view. The Queen, The Duke, Prince Charles and Camilla and the Duke of Kent attended. The Queen unveiled the statues of the 7 airmen. A flyover by 5 modern air- craft and then the Lancaster which dropped a million light cardboard poppies. Many were collected and brought to the Memorial and handed to us. The Duke of Kent came to our group and spoke a few words to a few of us. The Memorial is magnificent but we could not see it very well, because of the crowd. The day was quite hot. Some Air Force people got a bit sunburnt as they were wearing caps. Friday, 28 June saw us visit the Air Force 10 The Listening Post October 2012 VIETNAM 2012 Vietnam Veterans Day Service 2012 - Northam Broome RSL Sub-Branch Vietnam Veterans Day

The Northam RSL Sub- helicopters from No 9 Squadron, Branch held a service on accurate artillery fire from the Sunday 12 August 2012 at 105 Field Battery at Nui Dat base 11.00am to honour those some 5 kilometres away and rein- service personnel who served forcements from A Company and and those who had died on later B Company, 6 RAR bought service in the Vietnam War. by armoured personnel carriers of 1st APC Squadron. The service was held in spotting rain at the Northam War Memorial Wreaths were laid by the Northam and well attended. RSL, Northam RSL Women's Auxiliary, Vietnam Veterans and Northam RSL Treasurer and the Shire of Northam. The Broome Sub-Branch held their whilst the Naval Cadets carried out the flag Vietnam Veteran of 2RAR Geoff Vietnam Veterans Day Commemorative duties. Scarterfield gave the address and The prayer of Remembrance was Service at Bedford Memorial Park at Veterans came from far and wide including spoke of the lead up to the battle of read by Mr Ed Freeman-Smith, 1100hrs on Saturday 18 August 2012, Manjimup in the South and also the East Long Tan of 18 August 1966 and the bugle was sounded by Mr Luis where the service was attended by Coast of Australia. described the battle and how the Lim and the Ode was read by Mr vastly outnumbered Australians Jim Donovan. approximately 300 people. Included Following the service approximately 150 from D Company, 6RAR over- in these figures were representatives of people returned to the RSL Club for some A sausage sizzle was held after came the North Vietnamese sol- the Shire, Broome Volunteer Fire and snacks and light refreshments, where a good the service with members and diers and won the battle against Rescue, Norforce and the Naval Cadets. time was had by all. visitors enjoying the refreshments overwhelming odds with assis- and comradery, on the day. Norforce provided the Catafalque Party, Rod Hill OAM - Secretary tance from ammunition dropped at treetop level by two RAAF Philomena Trevor-Hunt Mandurah Murray Vietnam Veterans Veterans BBQ Darwin Group Inc Vietnam Veterans’ Day 18 Port Kennedy club member Geoff chatted with the Liberal candidate for August 2012 Trevor-Hunt OAM and his wife the seat of Nelson in Darwin Judy Cole Philomena enjoyed a pleasant BBQ and her mother Barbara who came over Mandurah was blessed with a glo- White gave an interesting address lunch with Vietnam and Somali veter- from Brisbane to help her daughter in rious sunny day and approximate- which included reference to the famous ans at the Vietnam Veterans club house the upcoming territory election. ly 400 veterans and public attend- Battle of Long Tan which occurred on in Darwin. While there he met and Philomena Trevor-Hunt ed the ceremony which was held 18 August 1966. Rev David Oxley at the Mandurah War Memorial. said the prayers and bugler Mr Tony A large contingent of Schraven sounded the Last Post, which 5 RAR. veterans bolstered the num- was followed by the haunting song bers this year. The Saluting Officer “Battle of Long Tan”. was Lt Commander Tracy McKeith The ladies choir “Voices in Harmony” from HMAS Stirling. The Navy pro- sang during the wreath laying, after vided the Cenotaph Party, with the which the MC, Mr Dave Bryant invit- local Cadets joining the Flag Party. The parade was led by the WA Police ed everyone back to the Mandurah Pipe Band. RSL for lunch and fellowship. The Parade Commander, Mr Kevin Booth President of the MMVVG, Mr Lionel MM, then dismissed the parade. Morris, welcomed everyone to the parade. Keynote speaker Mr Bob Helen Dean

L-R: Geoff Trevor-Hunt, Barbara a Vietnam Vet Judy Cole Bon another Vietnam Vet and Jim a younger Somali vet. Vietnam Veterans Day in Mareeba Queensland Port Kennedy RSL member Geoff good weather the service was well Trevor-Hunt spent Vietnam Veterans attended at the War Memorial in the Day in Mareeba Queensland with a main street and after it was over there pre march get together at the Mareeba was a very nice lunch in the back area RSL Club where he caught up with of the club. the President Eric Bradford. With the Philomena Trevor-Hunt The ListeningThe Li stPosentin Octoberg Post October 2012 200911 11 VIETNAM 2012 City of Cockburn Vietnam Veterans Memorial Service

The City of Cockburn RSL conduct- sented by Petty Officer Sam Sheppard, involvement during the war. The final Fallen was recited by Vietnam Veteran ed a Vietnam Veterans Memorial Indigenous Recruitment Officer WA. speaker was RAAF Vietnam Veteran Lawrie Scott. Service at the RSL Memorial Park The welcome and opening was present- Lester Leaman who spoke on the RAAF and Field of Poppies, Spearwood ed by RSL the Sub-Branch President service and involvement during the war. After the service everyone was invited Digger Cleak OAM, this was immedi- to the RSL Sub-Branch for a sausage at 10.30am on Saturday 18 August The Prayer and Blessing was presented 2012. The day was picture perfect ately followed by the Vietnam Veterans sizzle lunch and drinks, it certainly was address. RAN Vietnam Veteran Digger by Rev Chaplain Robert Graue RANR, which saw a crowd in excess of 70 Cleak OAM spoke on RAN Service and followed by the wreath laying which a very enjoyable day capped off with people. involvement during the war, he was fol- was led by our three Vietnam Veteran great fellowship and RSL Mateship - a The service commenced with the lowed by Mr Peter Tinley AM MLA, speakers, they were followed by eight day to remember. marchon of the RAN HMAS Stirling accompanied by Army Vietnam Veteran invited dignitaries. This was followed Gunnery Catafalque Party. The Wally Schwartz Mr Peter Tinley spoke by the Mayor's Address by Mayor Arthur J Stanton Acknowledgement of Country was pre- on the Australian Army service and Logan Howlett JP the RSL Ode to the RSL Vice President (Ceremonial)

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Pre-arranged funerals available. Locations throughout Perth. North Perth 15 Scarborough Beach Road, 9444 4835 South Fremantle 254 Hampton Road, 9335 4111 Victoria Park 289 Albany Highway, 9361 1185 Wangara Cnr Buckingham Drive and Wanneroo Road, 9409 9119 Midland Cnr Brockman Road & Great Eastern Highway, 9274 3866 7838 12 The Listening Post October 2012 VIETNAM 2012 80 Mile Beach We had a small group of 15 Vietnam Veterans on the road we would like to Veterans this year for the service at advise them that the Caravan Park will 80 Mile Beach. continue to conduct services related to ANZAC Day and Vietnam Veterans’ Day Our service went off well and everyone each year. Anyone wishing to find out that was staying in the park attended. more about this can contact Coral & Around 260 people attended the service myself by E-mail raycormiles@gmail. and we held a "sausage sizzle" evening com or by phone on 0467571503 or at the completion of the service and 0427073397. this was well attended also. The own- ers of the Caravan Park Ray Miles donated prizes for a raffle and Coral & I donated 2 bottles of fortified wine. We also gave away, to 14 lucky site patrons, donat- ed bottles of wine. While the 260 people were busy feeding themselves we had some musicians, who were staying in the park, entertain which was great- ly appreciated by every- one in attendance. With the increasing number of

Vietnam Veteran’s Day 2012 - City Of Rockingham RSL Sub-Branch Once again, it has been time RSL Sub-Branch again stepped the Committee. Members of the for the Vietnam Veterans’ Day forward and, after consultation, Committee also acted as MC, flag Commemoration. Due to agreed that it was important for orderlies and in other roles as changes within the Ex-Service Veterans and the Community as a deemed necessary, the result being organisations in the area, whole and that this important part a very successful morning. of our military history should not the main Rockingham War This year, the attendance by be forgotten. Memorial was almost left with- Veterans, Community and Service out a service for the first time The President, Secretary and Personnel was small but enthusias- in 12 years. Assistant Secretary put together tic, however as the Service started, a short service with the help of members of the public stopped to However, the City of Rockingham observe with a great deal of interest also shown by stall holders at the nearby markets. We again had representatives from HMAS Stirling Cmdr Rudi Overmeyer was guest speaker and Chaplain, Capt Melissa Baker tak- ing the prayers. The Mayor of Rockingham was represented by Deputy Mayor Ms Deb Hamblin. After the Service, those who attended the Service and a few others returned to the Sub-Branch to socialise and enjoy the good weather that prevailed on the day. Mark Stevens Assistant Secretary City of Rockingham RSL Sub- Branch The ListeningThe Li stPosentin Octoberg Post October 2012 200913 13 Maltese Australian Mens Health Peer Wreath Laying Ceremony Education Program Mens Health Peer Education Government and the Department of This annual event for Maltese – migration for over 100 years. ANZAC Program (MHPE) has commenced Veterans’ Affairs. Health is a subject Australians to celebrate Malta’s Day is commemorated in Malta and meeting at the RSL East Victoria that is often pushed to the back of the most important National Day a special Monument dedicated to the Park as of 22 August 2012. queue by men, particularly in the vet- took place at the beautiful King’s ANZACs has now been built. eran community and this is why it is so Park Memorial site on Sunday 9 They will meet fortnightly with infor- important to get men talking about their September 2012. The RSL organisation’s cooperation mative sessions from guest speak- wellbeing in the same way that most and professionalism in conducting this ers and organisations. The group has women do. The ceremony manifests the pride all solemn ceremony is very much appre- been operating from High Wycombe & Maltese feel about their homeland, and MHPE and the East Victoria Park RSL ciated by all members of the Maltese Forrestfield for some time and is now now as Australians their deep love and Sub-Branch will be holding a sund- branching out to assist more people respect for their adopted country. Association of WA. owner combined with mens’ health care within the community. issues during Health Week and has put Judy Pavia - Maltese Association of Malta has strong, old ties with Australia aside Friday 26 October 2012 for this through events in both World Wars and WA The MHPE was established over 10 years ago for War Veterans and occasion. MHPE will be organising a Ex-Servicemen and is a national ini- guest speaker for the evening. tiative supported by the Australian Jacquie Liddiard

Kelvin Liddiard ( President East Victoria Park RSL Sub-Branch) and DVA Men's Health Peer Education (MHPE) Volunteers Phill Quartermaine (MHPE EVP Project Leader), Malcolm (Tiny) Small WA MHPE State Representative, John O'Shea (OAM) Retired Royal Australian Navy Care Leavers Members to Help Primary School Australia Network in Thailand

Nonglag Primary School Children (pronounced Nongleck) Lunch at ANZAC Club, Perth on Wednesday 1 August Care Leavers Australian Network CLAN is a Network for the whole of Care Leavers Australian Network CLAN is a Network for the whole of (CLAN) is a support, advocacy, Australia, their number is: 1800 008 (CLAN) is a support, advocacy, Australia, their number is: 1800 008 774 research and training group for people 774 research and training group for We hold some of our gatherings at brought up in care away from their We hold some of our gatherings at people brought up in care away ANZAC House having a very delicious family as state wards or home children ANZAC House having a very delicious from their family as state wards or lunch in a very lovely relaxed setting raised in Children’s Homes, orphan- lunch in a very lovely relaxed setting home children raised in Children’s enjoying each other’s company. Our ages, other institutions, or who were enjoying each other’s company. Our Homes, orphanages, other institu- group are members of CLAN Western placed in “care”. group are members of CLAN Western tions, or who were placed in “care”. Australia; we are made up of differ- Australia; we are made up of different Many of these people are middle-aged ent “homies” brought up in institutions “homies” brought up in institutions Many of these people are middle-aged or older but still carry the burden of from different States. We are able to or older but still carry the burden of from different States. We are able to unsolved issues from the past. CLAN’s come together and discuss and talk unsolved issues from the past. CLAN’s come together and discuss and talk aim is to raise community awareness about our childhood with no judgment aim is to raise community awareness about our childhood with no judgment of these issues, and to campaign for of any kind, as we went through life of these issues, and to campaign for of any kind, as we went through life not government assistance to redress them. not mentioning it to anyone. Believe government assistance to redress them. mentioning it to anyone. Believe me, it CLAN welcomes everyone who has me, it does help to talk to others that CLAN welcomes everyone who has does help to talk to others that have been been affected by the “care” system have been through the same things and been affected by the “care” system through the same things and having regardless of your background or heri- having someone to listen to and believe regardless of your background or heri- someone to listen to and believe in what tage- they are here to help. in what you have gone through. If you tage- they are here to help. you have gone through. If you would would like more information feel free like more information feel free to give If you would like to find out more infor- If you would like to find out more infor- to give CLAN a call on 1800 008 774. CLAN a call on 1800 008 774. mation please have a look at this web mation please have a look at this web site. www.clan.org.au Carolyn Frawley, member site. www.clan.org.au Carolyn Frawley, member 14 The Listening Post October 2012 OFFICIAL LAUNCH: Royal Australian Engineers VALE KENNETH Foundation Website VICTOR As part of the 110th birthday celebrations for • encourage excellence in military engineering. BARRINGTON Army’s Corps of Royal Australian Engineers, the “The Royal Australian Engineers have served Australia Royal Australian Engineers (RAE) Foundation since 1902, performing tasks such as designing and 6 Dec 33 – 10 Oct 12 is proud to have officially launched its new building roads and bridges, demolishing obstacles and website at www.raefoundation.org.au on 1 July clearing landmines or other explosive hazards,” said 2012. John Wertheimer. “In this latter task, particularly in recent deployments to Afghanistan, casualties suffered Created to support the cause of Australia’s past and by RAE personnel have regrettably led to an expanded present Sappers (a term used to describe military role for the RAE Foundation. Noting the ethos of our engineers), the website is a key part of promoting the first objective, recent operations have highlighted the Foundation’s message and aims. need for support such as ours,” he said. “The Sapper community in Australia has a proud tra- “Our suite of programs includes welfare support pro- dition of service to our nation,” said (retired) Colonel grams for soldiers who are injured and the families of John Wertheimer, Chairman of the RAE Foundation. those killed while serving. We also work with industry “The Foundation seeks to honour that tradition while to find employment opportunities for soldiers who looking to serve the interests of current and future can no longer serve, but still have valuable skills for Sappers and their families.” employers. We see this as a hand-up for the soldier, The RAE Foundation is a charitable, not-for-profit rather than a hand-out,” said John Wertheimer. organisation with five objectives: “Sappers are a tight-knit community and always have • assist with the welfare of RAE personnel and their been. The Foundation is one way for those of us who dependants have served to give something back to the Corps, and to those serving soldiers who are writing its history • support projects that enhance the image of the RAE today.” Corps Our condolences go to the BARRINGTON family Media Contact: Major Matt Prior, RAE on the recent passing of our friend & colleague. • maintain Australia's military engineering heritage Communications Manager, RAE Foundation A member of the Scarborough Sub-Branch since • conduct research and produce histories of Australian Tel: (02) 6266 8519 / 0477 319 470 Email: 1989, State Executive for many years and the military engineering [email protected] State War Memorial Warden for 2008. Ken passed away peacefully in Hollywood Private Hospital in the early hours of 10 Oct. Husband of Melita, father of Vicki, Kenneth, Bruce and Christopher and grandfather to 15 grandchildren. He will be sorely missed by the RSL community. Ken had a distin- guished Army career. Get more out of your everyday banking

Do you ever feel like you could get pension and the interest received on more out of your everyday banking? your savings. You may not know this, but ADCU • DIY Super Saver Account - spe- has been providing banking services to their members for over 50 years. As a cifically designed for self-managed credit union, we pride ourselves on our superannuation funds, this flexible reputation for being helpful, reliable, account provides you with greater professional and most of all for under- control over the investment of your standing the needs of our members. superannuation funds. At ADCU we pride ourselves on our ability to meet the needs of our mem- • Special Term Deposit rates for RSL bers. We meet these needs by under- members – we offer special high- Banking services for RSL sub-branch members standing our members and designing interest Term Deposits for RSL sub- products and services to suit. Proudly supporting the Returned & Services League of Australia branch members. While we focus on the needs of the Defence community including RSL • A complete range of lending prod- Special Term Deposit rates for RSL members members, we invite all Australians to ucts – including home, investment, join and benefit from our outstanding personal and car loans. Deeming Access Account range of products and services. DIY Super Saver Account • Low Rate Visa Card- offering a low Over many years, the close relationship Home, investment, personal and car loans shared with the Returned & Services ongoing interest rate, low annual fee, Low Rate Visa Card with even lower balance transfer rates League of Australia has led ADCU to convenient payment options and an develop of a number of products and interest free period on purchases. Full range of competitive insurance products services specific to the needs of our A relationship reward program that rewards you RSL sub-branch members. Full range of competitive insurance products – ADCU offers a range of For more information enquire in branch, A range of products designed for our RSL insurance products with competitive visit www.adcu.com.au or call 1300 13 23 28. members premiums and easy payment options. • Deeming Access Account – with an To find out more about our products interest rate in line with the deeming rates set by the Government each and services visit www.adcu.com.au, The schedule of fees and charges and terms and conditions should be considered in deciding whether to acquire the products and are available at www.adcu.com.au. Australian Defence Credit Union Limited ABN 48 087 649 741 AFSL No. 237 988, year, the Deeming Access Account call ADCU on 1300 13 23 28, or drop Australian credit licence number 237 988. helps make it easier to manage your into your local branch. The ListeningThe Li stPosentin Octoberg Post October 2012 200915 15

.. emembrance ay uncheon R D L Friday 9 November 2012, 12.30 pm

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2012 Remembrance Day Luncheon Application for tickets I ______wish to apply for _____ ticket(s) at $45.00 to the 2012 Remembrance Day Luncheon. RSVP: 19 October 2012 Total money enclosed: $______Ph: ______Please fill in Ticket Application Form and post with your cheque or money order to: Address: ______Poppy Day Luncheon PO Box 3023 EAST PERTH WA 6892 Name of Guest/s: ______(Please make cheques to RSL WA) ______

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The essential mobility scooter buying guide

After plenty of thinking and talking with family and friends, you’ve decided the time is right to invest in a mobility scooter. So, where do you start in choosing a scooter that is best for your needs?

Your choice really comes down to where you want to use your scooter, the distances you want to travel on your scooter and matching you size to the size and performance capabilities of the scooter. For example, if you plan to spend a lot of time going on longer trips then you will need a completely different scooter from someone who plans to only use their scooter in their home and zipping down to the local shops at the end of the street.

Damian Ryan, a Senior Healthcare Consultant from Bluesky Healthcare has provided some answers to questions for you to think about and how their answers might affect your scooter choice:

Indoor or outdoor? If you mainly want to use your scooter within your home and within a shopping centre then size, turning circle and manoeuvrability will be the top priorities. A compact 4-wheel model might be the best choice for you.

If you intend to do a lot of outdoor travel including over varied terrain such as uneven footpaths, gravel, grassed areas and hills, then a larger 4-wheel model will provide more power and reliability.

If you will be covering rough terrain or suffer from back pain then a scooter with shock absorbers and suspension will be what you need to safely cope with uneven terrain and provide a more comfortable ride.

If you live in a very hilly area or if you are a bigger person then a scooter with a 4 pole motor is a must to ensure the delivery of the extra power you will need and to prevent the motor from overheating and short term burn out.

How fast and how far? You can’t get too carried away here; scooter drivers do need to stick to a maximum speed of 10 km/h on footpaths, shared paths and roads. But if you need to navigate steep hills or travel longer distances, then you will generally want a scooter with a more powerful motor and a larger batter capacity. Be sure to ask how many kilometres you will get out of each battery charge and how long the battery will take to charge.

If you will mainly be taking shorter trips to the local shops and visiting neighbours, you may be happy with a model with a lower maximum speed and a shorter battery life.

Night-time? If you plan to be out and about on your scooter any time after the street lights go on, then the scooter must have front and rear lights and indicators.

How heavy? What kind of weight will your scooter need to carry? This is known as the scooter’s ‘load capacity’. If you are a larger person, you will need a more robust, heavy-duty model.

What’s the next step? After thinking about when, where and how you want to use your scooter, the next step is talking to someone who will assess your needs and help you decide exactly which scooter is best suited to you. Make sure that you trial the scooter at your own home where you will use it everyday not in or around a retail shop you you will never ride the scooter. 16 The Listening Post October 2012 50th Anniversary of Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) in the Vietnam War In May 1962 the Australian from the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) Australian Army in 1973. The Team awards and 45 Cambodian awards. The Government announced the commit- in the North, to the Central Highlands was both elite and unique with its AATTV as a unit was awarded the ment of a group of Australian Army and to the Mekong Delta in the South. members being specially selected. It United States Army Meritorious Unit Officers, Warrant Officers and Senior Members of the Team worked in was small and for its size, one of the Commendation and the Republic of Non-Commissioned officers to be pairs or in small teams as advisors, most highly decorated units in the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm employed with the Army Republic of commanders and trainers in ARVN Australian Army and just because of Citation. South Vietnam (ARVN) initially in Infantry and Armoured Regimental, its name it is unlikely ever to be raised training roles. This unit was called Battalion, Company and Platoon units again. The Former members of AATTV the Australian Army Training Team as well as training and commanding assembled at the spiritual home of the Vietnam (AATTV) and was generally Montagnards in Mobile Strike Forces The strength of the Team initially of Team at the former Jungle Training referred to as 'The Team'. It deployed (MSF). Other members were involved 30 members in 1962 increased to 83 Centre, Canungra Queensland, for the on 31 July 1962, the first Australian in such diverse units like, Province in 1964, 100 in 1965 and 227 in 1970. 50th Anniversary of the Australian Military Unit to serve in South Reconnaissance Units (PRU), Mobile Over the 10 years 992 Australians Government’s commitment to the Vietnam and served for 10 years, Advisory Training Teams (MATT), and 10 members of the Royal New Vietnam War. four months and eighteen days - Night Operation Advisory Teams Zealand Infantry Regiment served with the longest continuous operational (NOAT), Village Defence Advisory the Team. During its service 33 mem- The Memorial Service was conducted service of any Australian unit in South Teams (VDAT), Regional and Popular bers were killed in action (KIA) and at The 'Can Nha Co Van Uc Doi Vietnam. Forces (RF/PF) and in 1970 some 122 were wounded in action (WIA), Loi'­ Home of the Australian Advisor, members of the Team were involved four individual members were awarded Australian Army Training Team Initially deployed to the northern prov- training Cambodian Army units. The the Victoria Cross (VC) for Valour and Vietnam on Saturday, 28 July 2012. inces of South Vietnam over the ten AATTV was withdrawn from South other members received 109 individual years its members served in all four Vietnam on 18 December 1972 and Imperial awards, 338 United States The Can Nha Co Van Uc Dai Loi is Military Regions of South Vietnam taken off the Order of Battle of the awards, 376 Republic of South Vietnam Vietnamese for, Home of the Australian

The Can Nha Co Van Uc Dai Loi showing part of VIP guests which overlooks the timber grove.

Poem by Brig George Mansford, former Team member. The AATTV plaque at the entrance of the Memorial Grove. Entrance to AATTV Memorial Grove, Canungra. The ListeningThe Li stPosentin Octoberg Post October 2012 200917 17 50th Anniversary of Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) in the Vietnam War Advisor, and was officially unveiled ing each member of the Team, a 'Row (Mil) CVO MC (Retd) National Patron for to a picnic luncheon under the and dedicated in 1996, it is a small of Memory' in honour of the Team of AATTV Association, General David Trees where we once trained for opera- Asian style building which has the members KIA and a special row to Hurley AC DSC Chief of the Defence tional service in South Vietnam many names of all who served in the Team honour the four members of the Team Force, Sergeant Major Chris Ninkovich years before. The passage of time has engraved on the inside wall, with the who were awarded the Victoria Cross United States Army, Lieutenant Colonel unit badge and motto in the centre. (VC) for Valour. Joe Dowrick New Zealand Army, Mr thinned the ranks taking into consider- A head and shoulder bust of the first De Le National Vice President Army of ation that many of the members were Commanding Officer of the Team, The Memorial Service to commem- the Republic Vietnam Association, Ms veterans of the campaigns of WW2, Colonel FP (Ted) Serong DSO OBE orate the 50th Anniversary of the Alison Stanley Deputy Commissioner Korean War, Malayan Emergency and is at the entrance to the Can Nha. The formation of the Australian Army Department of Veterans' Affairs and Confrontation in Borneo. That evening building is simple in design and it is Training Team Vietnam was con- Mr John Smith OAM, President of the 50th Anniversary Team Dinner was where visitors can spend time in peace- ducted with the support of the Army Queensland Vietnam Veterans' ful reflection. Band Enoggera, Padre Brenton Fry Association and Family and Friends of held at the Brisbane Convention Centre and 126th Army Cadet Unit who the Team. Mr Peter Conway AATTV for 477 guests, family and members of Although the AATTV never served in provided the 'Catafalque Party' and Association Queensland read The Roll the Team. Australia, Canungra Jungle Training 'Held Ground'. The Welcome Address of Honour of our fallen mates and Centre is where all members posted was given by Colonel Darryl Groves Mr Keith Payne VC OAM recited the Gary Sutherland to AATTV attended a special course Commander Land Warfare Centre; the Ode. The Master of Ceremonies was References: The Team Australian to train and assess their suitability for Commemorative Address was given Colonel Kerry Gallagher AM (Retd). Advisors in Vietnam 1962-1972 by service in AATTV. by Major General John Hartley AO (Retd) National President of AATTV At the completion of the Memorial Ian McNeil. The Memorial Grove consists of rows Association. Wreaths were laid by Service 183 former Team Members, Memorial Service Conducted on of rainforest hardwood trees represent- Major General Michael Jeffery AC AO their families and Guests were catered Saturday 28 July 2012 Canungra.

Memorial Grove members tree directory. Former Team members at Memorial Service.

Entrance to AATTV Memorial Grove, Canungra. Row of Memory for 33 KIA's AATTV. Entrance to Memorial Grove B1. 18 The Listening Post October 2012 Borneo Exhibition Group Russ Ewin Pte Tom Starcevich VC

Mr Russ Ewin, aged 93, for- Monument mer Australian POW Officer, The refurbished Pte Tom one of the last two Officers and Starcevich WA VC Winner total of four Sandakan POWs Monument in Beaufort, still alive. Russ tested out Sabah, East Malaysia. Borneo the only working replica of Exhibition Group Inc. through the ‘secret radio’ built in the the acquisition of funds through Sandakan Mile POW Camp. Department of Veterans’ The item was constructed by Affairs initiated the repair and a local Merredin radio buff, repair of the original site built John Tuppen, as close to actual by the locals in the late 1950's. radio specifications, through We will be highlighting Tom's information given by Lt Rod heroism in Borneo through the Wells, one of the surviving Exhibition display whilst in officers who assisted in the Esperance. construction in 1943. Life Sized Depiction of the Death Marches The life sized depiction of the Death Marches painted by Mrs Non Meston, daughter of WA POW Pte Alec CADGWAN, who died on the second march in June 1945.

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RARE_BOD12868 The ListeningThe Li stPosentin Octoberg Post October 2012 200919 19 ‘We must face this test with fortitude and fight grimly and unflinchingly’ – John Curtin, Prime Minister 1941 - 1945 See our nation face its greatest challenge in the Battle for austr alia The untold story of our darkest days recalled in two commemorative editions

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19th FEbRuaRy, 1942: Death rained down from skies above Darwin. Singapore had fallen and the evil spectre of the Rising Sun was pushing Issue Two: ever southward. Now, every man, woman and child was committed to preserving the very freedom paid for in the blood of their Anzac fathers. The Battle for the Coral sea Battle for Australia had begun. Their story is now retold for the first time in a collection of art accented bronze medallions honouring the men who kept Australia free. The gallery begins with the “Defence of Darwin.” Recalling the action is the internationally-renowned artist Robert Todonai who offers a vision of a vigilant digger scanning the skies, ready to sacrifice all to protect his country. The reverse features historical facts detailing the enormity of the day. From Darwin, the collection unfolds across the breadth of the Pacific as future issues take you to the Battle of the Coral Sea, the FREE! mud and steam of the Kokoda Track and beyond to see the Anzac spirit face its greatest challenge. Each medallion arrives with a FREE informative Historical booklet, recalling the events depicted on the medallion in fascinating detail. Your FREE custom-crafted presentation case, with a clear lid for easy booklet viewing, arrives with Issue Two “Battle for the Coral Sea.” Fastest way to order: Limited to 1,942 issues. Act now or miss out. with each Intense demand is expected, so please respond today. The “Defence of Darwin” medallion is available for just $79.99, plus $9.99 postage, backed by medallion www.bradford.com.au our 365-day guarantee. Subsequent medallions in the Battle for Australia Medallion Collection are available for the same affordable price and Medallion Quoting reference code: 64246 shipped at regular intervals. But you’re under no obligation whatsoever. You may cancel at any time. Send no money now. Just return the coupon today. diameter: 39mm ©2012 The Bradford Exchange Ltd. A.B.N. 13 003 159 617 403-HIG05.01

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The Bradford exchange Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms First Name: 1. q MaIL no stamp required, to: ) Please respond Promptly The Bradford exchange, reply Paid 86369 Surname: Parramatta nSW 2124 q YeS! Please reserve the The Spirit of Gallipoli Medallion or Collection for me as described in this advertisement. The Address: 2. q fax to: (02) 9841 3399 – 24hrs 7 “Heroism” medallion is available for just $79.99, plus $9.99 or postage and handling. I understand I need pay nothing now. 3. q onLIne at www.bradford.com.au ; Postcode: quoting reference: 64246 (for Battle for Australia Medallions) q YeS! Please reserve the “In defence of darwin clock” for me as quoting reference: 65144 (for Defence of Darwin Clock) described in this advertisement. This cuckoo clock is available for five Phone: (optional) Please allow up to 28 days for delivery. All sales subject to product availability and reservation acceptance. Credit instalments of $49.99, a total of $249.95 plus $19.99 postage and handling. criteria may apply. From time to time, we may allow carefully screened companies to contact you. If you would prefer I understand I need pay nothing now. Email: (optional) not to receive such offers, please tick this box. q 20 The Listening Post October 2012 Sub-Branch News City of Cockburn RSL - Korean Riverton RSL Sub-Branch War Veterans' Memorial Service Inaugural Vietnam Dinner

The City of Cockburn 72 Sub-Branch members and friends sat downto a 5-course dinner on 18th RSL Sub-Branch con- August. Special guests were Mr Bill Gaynor State RSL President; Dennis ducted a Korean War Jenson MP and Thanh Van Nguyen, President Republic of Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Veterans Association. Service on Friday The Highlight of the evening was the rousing display of music from the WA Swan 27 July 2012 at Regiment Drum Corps and Pipes. It was first class entertainment from school age the Memorial Hall Army Cadets led by Captain Peter Jones OAM. Riverton RSL President Bill Collidge Monument, Hamilton spoke of the importance Hill. and responsibility that the Sub-Branch has to The service opened with resume its standards the march on of the RAN and values in provid- HMAS Warramunga ing the ANZAC Day, Catafalque Party, and then RSL Members and Korean War Veterans Les Pratt and Jim Lee receiving awards from Sub-branch President Digger Cleak and RSL WA State Remembrance Day and Sub-Branch President President Bill Gaynor. now a Vietnam dinner. Digger Cleak OAM He later presented a acknowledged and wel- Members and Korean War Veterans Les donation for the Cadets. comed all in attendance. The opening Pratt and Jim Lee Wreaths were then was followed by the Acknowledgement laid by Defence Officers followed by the Mayor Logan Howlett, Ms Melissa of Country, presented by Petty Officer Dr Tony Thatcher Sam Sheppard, Indigenous Recruitment Parke MP, Mr Peter Tinley AM MLA Officer WA and followed by an and Ms Gabby Ryan Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Indigenous Spirit Dance performed by Capt (AAC) Vance Bond and members of the HALO Group. Prior to closure, Korean War Veterans Mr To Ha of the republic of Vietnam Veterans Association. The Korean War Defence Address Les Pratt and Jim Lee were called for- was given by Commander Michael ward to receive awards provided by Turner, Commanding Officer, HMAS Mr Michael Poh, Korean Association Warramunga, about RAN service during of WA. MC Mr Arthur Stanton read Information Day at the Northam the Korean War. It was interesting to out details of the awards, much to the note that HMAS Warramunga 1 served surprise of all, the awards were then pre- in Korea waters during the War. He was sented by RSL WA State President Mr Memorial Hall followed by Brigadier Stephen Cain, Bill Gaynor OAM and RSL Sub-Branch Australian Army Headquarters, who President Digger Cleak OAM. spoke on Australian Army service dur- After the service approximately eighty ing the Korean War. The final defence people returned to the Sub-Branch for address was from Wing Commander a light lunch and refreshments. We David Turner, RAAF Base Pearce who received a lot of accolades for our first spoke on RAAF involvement during the Korean War Veterans Memorial Service. Korean War. Arthur J Stanton The wreath laying was led by RSL RSL Vice President (Ceremonial) Pinjarra - Induction to Legacy Barbara Hartney was inducted into Perth Legacy at the Pinjarra RSL Sub-Branch on Friday, 3 August 2012 by Perth Legacy President John Sargeant in the presence of fellow RSL Members. Fifteen members Information Day held at the Northam Memorial Hall by Avon Region State Executive Representative Donna from Legacy were made welcome at the Prytulak: representatives from Northam, Bakers Hill, Quairading, Tammin and Toodyay Sub-Branches along Pinjarra RSL for the induction of Barbara with Donna Prytulak, William Gaynor OAM RFD; RSL WA State President, Denis Connelly; RSL WA Vice President and Philip Orchard; RSL WA State Secretary/CEO. into the Perth Legacy Organisation. Barbara is a member of the Pinjarra Sub- On 14 July Donna Prytulak held an www.myaccount.dva.gov.au,take a look. Branch and serves on the RSL Committee information day for the Sub-Branches Also present on the day were RSL and a member of the Women’s Auxiliary. in her region at the Northam Memorial President Bill Gaynor, Vice President Sue O'Donnell Hall. Most Sub-Branches were repre- Denis Connelly and CEO/State Secretary sented which showed that something like this is needed in the country regions. Philip Orchard. Each gentleman gave a brief outlook to the RSL WA, the future Esperance RSL Sub-Branch Before the day started, RSL State of the RSL, membership, The Listening President, Mr Gaynor presented Tammin Post, Veteran Affairs, the 100 year Sub-Branch a copy of their Charter Borneo Exhibition Group Inc (BEG) WA, Commemoration Services in Albany and which Lorraine Packmen accepted on 6 to 26 August 2012 although the Avon Region most Sub- behalf of the Sub-Branch. She said that Our Sub-Branch in conjunction with Branches have their own important part she was very honoured to able to be BEG presented in the Local Cannery Art in the lead up to 2015. Getting youth accept the copy as the original had disap- Gallery the acclaimed WW2 exhibition, peared several years ago. involved with the RSL was agreed to be Borneo 1942–45, Sandakan. Also shown a part of the future. were “The Honor Rolls” of the 2,485 The day was well supported by Australian and British POW’s who died Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) After some questions and more discus- on the ‘Death Marches’. with Roger Bowler, Assistant Director sion the group enjoyed a warm hearty country meal supplied by the Northam Local soldier Tom Starcevich won his Victoria Cross during this period. Two of our Veterans Access Network, giving a pre- Sub-Branch members, Joe Rose and Brian Clayton, laid a wreath at the base of a sentation of different aspects of DVA and Sub-Branch Women’s Auxiliary headed replica Memorial of ‘Gunner’ Cleary who died after being beaten and abused for 11 giving the Sub-Branches information by Mrs Grecian Withnell with help from days by his Japanese captors for trying to escape. regarding DVA’s new MyAccount ser- Jodie Prytulak. vice online. This was very informative Our thanks to the organisers of this exhibition Ryan Rowland, City of Perth; and All agreed it was a worthy day and are and Roger hoped that the Sub-Branches Reece Chattillon, President Narrogin RSL Sub-Branches. all looking forward to next year. could go back and tell their members Ray Gray - Publicity - Esperance about this new service. The website is Donna Prytulak The ListeningThe Li stPosentin Octoberg Post October 2012 200921 21 Sub-Branch News Highgate's "Birthday Boys' Bash" 2012 East Victoria Park - 70th Anniversary Gurney Dinner

L to R (Standing): John Harper-Nelson (90), John Bush (80), John Hately (90), Mick Michael (90), Ray Doust (80), Philip Zeid (90), Malcolm Weatherhead (80), Richard Bird (80) (Seated) Alan Saville, Jack McLaren - both 90. Highgate Sub-Branch has a long tradition of honouring its older members - and every July holds a Luncheon to mark those who are in their 80th and 90th year, to help them celebrate these milestones. The East Victoria Park RSL Sub-Branch has the honour of having the Gurney Club as part of our establishment. This is in honour of Arthur These annual events are known as the "OBE" Luncheons - most readers would guess Stanley Gurney VC killed in the World War II at Tel El Eisa on 22 July the acronym: ie "Over 1942. Bl---- Eighty"! They are always marked with a brief profile of each member (and a The 70th Anniversary of the awarding of the Victoria Cross (posthumously) to humorous anecdote from their service days) a large cake celebrated and a ceremonial Arthur Stanley Gurney was on Sunday 22 July 2012 and a memorial service and cutting of the cake with a sword and considerable panache. formal dinner was held in his honour. His niece, Mrs Val Perkins was in attendance Due to illness etc., some "Birthday Boys" were, unable to attend. Their names, pro- for the event along with Brigadier Geoff Hand and his wife Marie; Mr Steve Irons files and anecdotes were read out in their absence. Doug Collins (90), John Newton MP, Federal Member for Swan and his wife Cheryl and His Worship The Mayor of (90), Brian Walley (90), Alan Raphael (90), Robert Kirk (90), and Norm Manners Town of Victoria Park Trevor Vaughan who joined members of the Sub-Branch with (80) were all absent. their partners for a most enjoyable evening. Margot Harness Jacquie Liddiard Serpentine-Jarrahdale Home is here to stay Darling Range - AGM

Greenham family members including Judith Youngs, Helen Greenham, Carol Harcourt, RSL State Executive member Peter Fardon, Tania Everett, RSL State President Bill Gaynor, Barry Greenham and Serpentine- Jarrahdale President Ric Giblett. Photograph – Robyn Molloy. State RSL President Bill Gaynor and Ron’s barbecues were at the heart of hundreds of family gatherings. paid tribute to the Serpentine- Pictured (left to right): Darling Range Snr Vice President, Wayne Loughrey, Vietnam Veteran, Bill Gilders, RSL Jarrahdale RSL Sub Branch last “They would both be so proud this house State President, Bill Gaynor, Vietnam Veteran, Colin Jobling, Sub Branch Secretary, Doug Carpenter month at a housewarming for its is now a focal point in Byford as the base Darling Range held its AGM the RSL nationally, with many of the South Western Highway op shop and for the RSL.” on Friday, 29 September and current serving defence members join- headquarters. Serpentine Jarrahdale RSL president Ric was delighted to have the State ing the RSL throughout the country, and Mr Gaynor, a former Mundijong resident Giblett was pleased the State RSL now President of the Western Australian in WA in particular. He encouraged all and teacher, said it was a milestone the had the title deeds to the building. RSL Branch, Bill Gaynor, as their service men and women who had or are still serving in our defence forces to look group now had the keys and ownership “It has secured the tenure in the shire guest for the AGM and the follow- up their local Sub Branches and join to of the building it had been renting for which has been very tenuous,” he said. ing monthly meeting. several years. enjoy the fellowship and social activities “We didn’t know where we would go, we Mr Gaynor took the chair for the elec- such that Darling Range RSL offers. “The Serpentine Jarrahdale RSL has had no home but we were continuously tion of the office bearers and the Past Answering questions from members been rolling along since 1995 and in looking and we initiated that ourselves.” President, Frederick Smith was re elect- regarding a possible name change to it we have a Sub-Branch that has been ed, as were Wayne Loughrey as Snr “It is satisfying to know that generations, Kalamunda- Darling Range RSL Sub building to get itself together, find itself Vice President, Keith Stitt as Jnr Vice- should they want to take up the cause of Branch, Mr Gaynor said that it had been a home and fund a portion of that home,” President, Doug Carpenter as Secretary/ helping others in the shire, have a base before the executive of the State RSL he said. Membership Officer, Christina Esschert from which to work.” and it was found through a search of as Treasurer and Peter Cowley as “I am sure from here it will grow as a RSL WA archives that the Sub Branch Mr Giblett said the Serpentine Jarrahdale Chaplain and Welfare Officer. Wardens gathering place for not only veterans but was originally called the Kalamunda Sub-Branch did not restrict itself to help- and Committee members were also also for community members.” RSL Sub Branch. It was decided to ing ex-service people and in the last three elected or re elected. Members of the Greenham family, who years had donated more than $10,000 to put this to the next meeting to further sold the house to the RSL, were at the schools and community groups within Mr Gaynor discussed the plans for the discuss the option to change the Sub housewarming. the shire. Centenary of ANZAC Day commemo- Branch name back to Kalamunda which rations which will commence in 2015 would give the Sub Branch a local iden- Pam and Ron Greenham built the house “We are proud of the fact that the money with main events being in Albany where tity and align itself more to the local almost 60 years ago. we generate in the Shire stays here and the thousands of Australian and New shire area and State electorate. not into a pot that gets distributed around Zealand soldiers left on the armada of “Years of wonderful memories includ- Margot Harness. Wayne Loughrey, Snr the state,” he said. fleets bound for Gallipoli. ed five children and 12 grandchildren,” Vice President, thanked Mr Gaynor for Barry Greenham said. By Robyn Molloy He also told the meeting that there had his attendance and presenting a future * Reprinted with the permission of Examiner “Through all this Pam’s chocolate cake Newspapers editor Robyn Molloy. been a big increase in membership of outlook for the Sub Branch. 22 The Listening Post October 2012 Sub-Branch News Cottesloe 2012 Frederick Bell VC Memorial Lecture Cottesloe RSL Sub-Branch He is currently a member of the people are aware of McCarthy’s near Vermandovillers, France. McCarthy died at age 83 in presents the 2012 Frederick Legal Practice Board; the Board brave deeds. Single-handedly, McCarthy 1975 in Melbourne. Polly lived of the South Perth Hospital; killed 20 Germans and captured on until 1996 when she died at Bell VC Memorial Lecture McCarthy was born in York in the management committees of 5 machine guns, 50 prisoners the grand old age of 103 years, at Cottesloe War Memorial 1892. His mother died aged 28, the Friends of Battye Library, 10 months. Hall and Civic Centre 109 fours days before his 4th birth- and 700 yards of German trench. the Nelson Society of Australia Broome St Cottesloe. day and McCarthy and his two After the war, McCarthy mar- At the time of Lawrence and the WA Explorers Diaries elder brothers were immediately ried Englishwoman Florence Junior’s death in 1945, he was Friday 9 November 6pm for Project; the State Records placed in a Subiaco orphan- (“Polly”) Minnie Norville in engaged to Nancy, who some a 6.30 start. Admission Free Advisory Committee; WACA age and in 1901 were among England. They sailed separate- years later married another Donations appreciated Honorary Legal Counsel; his- the first 82 boys at the new ly to WA and lived in Perth. man Jan Bastiaan. Nancy and torical societies; an Officer RSVP for catering by Friday Clontarf Boys’ Town. McCarthy McCarthy became a prominent Jan had a son named Ross of the Order of St Lazarus of 2 November to Secretary remained at Clontarf until just citizen of Perth, was pre-select- in 1951. Ross and McCarthy Jerusalem; and various com- Neville Green 93045182, email: before his 14th birthday ed to contest a seat in the WA became close friends. McCarthy munity bodies. He is an [email protected] Parliament, needed further hos- arranged Ross’s enrolment at affiliate member of Cottesloe After jobs as a farm apprentice Wesley College, Melbourne Speaker Profile: Rob RSL Sub-Branch and of the and timber mill contractor (at pitalisation for his war-caused (where Lawrence junior had O’Connor Military History Society of Mt Helena) where McCarthy injuries, was employed by the attended), generously assisted in Rob O’Connor QC is a retired WA. His interest in McCarthy lost some fingers in a mill acci- RSL, and in controversial cir- paying Ross’s college fees and barrister (with a current practis- VC arose from the fact that dent, McCarthy enlisted in the cumstances had to resign from instilled in Ross a strong and ing certificate). He is a Fellow he also was born at York and AIF at age 22 in September the RSL State Executive, was lasting knowledge and interest of CPA Australia and gradu- was baptised in the same York 1914. He trained at Blackboy dismissed as an RSL employee, in Australian war history. Dr ated with Bachelor of Laws church as McCarthy, and the Hill WA and Broadmeadows and had to face an expulsion Ross Bastiaan is now a lead- (First Class Honours) from the lack of general knowledge in Victoria. He sailed as a mem- motion from the RSL. Australian National University ing Melbourne periodontist, WA of McCarthy and his brave ber of the 16th Battalion from Unemployed, in 1927 McCarthy ANU , Canberra. He was an offi- has been Deputy Chairman of deeds. He has been research- Melbourne in December 1914, with his wife and young cer of the Australian Taxation the Australian War Memorial, ing McCarthy for the past two and left Australia from Albany son moved permanently to Office in Perth and Canberra for Canberra since 2003, was guide years. on New Year’s Eve 1914. Melbourne where McCarthy 15 years, and then practised as to Prime Minister John Howard became a commercial traveller a lawyer in Perth for 32 years, About Lt. Lawrence After a few months in Egypt, on his trip to Gallipoli and the and later a city building care- including 25 years at Francis Dominic McCarthy VC, McCarthy was one of the Somme in 2000 and guide to taker. Sadly, their son Lawrence Burt Chambers specialising in C De G ANZACs who landed at the Victorian Premier’s trip to Commonwealth and State taxa- York-born World War I hero Lt. Gallipoli on the first ANZAC Junior was killed on active ser- the war sites in Singapore and tion, 20 years of which were as Lawrence Dominic McCarthy Day. Apart from a period in vice in Bougainville shortly Japan in 2006, and has cre- a Queen’s Counsel. was awarded the Victoria Cross, England recuperating after before the end of World War II ated 200 sculptures and plaques two Croix de Guerre (one avec being wounded, McCarthy was in 1945. which have been erected at He is a past State President palme), was mentioned in des- at Gallipoli from the first day places around the world where of CPA Australia; past National Some of McCarthy’s WA rela- patches twice, and was wound- until the last day (the evacuation McCarthy and Australian troops Councillor, past State Chairman tives caught up with him on trips ed twice. His fellow-soldiers on 20 December). have been engaged in com- and an Honorary Life Member to Melbourne, and McCarthy and the British Press described bat, for which Ross has been of the Tax Institute; past member He served in France and was made some visits back to Perth his VC as a “Super VC” and made a Member of the Order of of the Tax Agents Board of WA; again wounded and convalesced to see his brothers and their Australia’s official war corre- Australia. past Deputy Chairman of the in England. families; he also visited Clontarf spondent Charles Bean paid Government House Foundation; on these visits and was a big Rob O’Connor’s address will this accolade: an achievement For his bravery at Beaumetz in past member of the Board of the hit when he addressed the boys also discuss the personal side which, next to that of Lt. Jacka France, McCarthy was awarded Constitutional Centre of WA; there. He and Polly went to of McCarthy and what moti- at Pozieres, was perhaps the the Croix de Guerre avec palme. past member of the Board of England in 1956 to attend cel- vated him to perform his incred- most effective feat of individual the WACA; past President of On 23 August 1918 McCarthy ebrations commemorating the ible acts of gallantry and valour. fighting in the history of the the Rotary Club of Dalkeith; was awarded a Victoria Cross centenary of the Victoria Cross, At the end of the address, you AIF.” and past convenor of the UK and a second Croix de Guerre and to Gallipoli in 1965 on the should have a much great- study grants committee of the However, even in his home State for his extraordinary gallantry 50th anniversary of the ANZAC er knowledge of the life of Australia-Britain Society. of Western Australia, very few and valour at Madame Wood Day landing. McCarthy VC. Annual ANZAC Club Springtime Tea Dance 2012 Wednesday, 7 November 2012 from 10am to 2pm

Entertainment to be provided by Bill Louwen & The Sapphires!

Morning Tea, Dancing, Lunch and Bar Services at the usual fantastic value of the ANZAC Club.

Reserve your table or group for this fantastic morning of memories Ph: ANZAC Club on 9287 2714 The ListeningThe Li stPosentin Octoberg Post October 2012 200923 23 Sub-Branch News Members Dine-In Night 2012 City Of Dawesville Annual Dinner Rockingham RSL Sub-Branch Members Dine-In Night 2012 City In his address, Capt. Wolski spoke of Of Rockingham RSL Sub-Branch the close ties between the Sub-Branch and HMAS Stirling. Future expansion The City of Rockingham RSL Sub- Branch held its Annual Members Dine- of HMAS Stirling was touched on as In Night on Saturday 28 July 2012. well as the new residential units being Attending were State President, Mr Bill completed on the base for single per- Gaynor OAM RFD and Mrs Joan Gaynor, sonnel. Capt. Wolski announced that President of the Rockingham RSL Sub- he had received a promotion and would Branch Mr Robert Gillmore and Mrs be going to Canberra with the warmer Deborah Gillmore, Commanding Officer weather and his time in Rockingham of HMAS Stirling Capt. Brett Wolski, the being missed. He also spoke at some Hon. Gary Gray AO, OIC TS ANZAC length regarding the important role that Bill Gaynor presenting Fred Abbott his Certificate Naval Cadet Unit Lt. Ray Cron and Mrs women were playing in the modern The Sub-Branch conducted its Mr Gaynor presented a Certificate of Michelle Cron, representing the 59 Army Navy. He then announced that the new annual dinner on 1 September. Appreciation to Mr Fred Abbott in rec- Cadet Unit were Capt. Michael and Mrs Commanding Officer of HMAS Stirling ognition of his outstanding service to Guests at the dinner included Brigadier the Sub Branch and general community Deborah Richards with Councillor Allan would be Capt. Angela Bond who would Hill and Mrs Teresa Hill representing the Steve Coggin CSC Commander 13th over many years. be taking up her new position in January City of Rockingham Council. Brigade, Mr Bill Gaynor OAM RFD, 2013. One for the ladies!!! Cr Rhys Williams advised the mem- President of the RSL WA Branch As the guests arrived, there was a photo bers of local issues within the City shoot followed by lively conversation The inclusion of our young people at and their wives Kerryn and Joan. of Mandurah as the local Councillor prior to the Dinner while guests mingled these events is always a pleasure. The Representing the Mayor of Mandurah for Dawseville (Coastal Ward). A brief and conversed with each other. The stu- Naval Cadets fulfilling their role with the was Cr Rhys Williams and partner speech which was well received by all dent band from Comet Bay College had serving of the Dinner and the students Monique. in attendance. from Comet Bay College, with their already struck up the music and the night Brigadier Coggin gave a very enlight- The members and guests thoroughly was off in full swing. band and wonderful vocal soloists, truly ening overview of current policies enjoyed the evening thanks to John and inspiring. After the guests were all seated, the Club and future projections of our Defence Di Pron , Loris Mavrick and MC Kevin Manager, Mr Barry Cole said Grace and The new team in the kitchen, Mr Frank Forces , specifically the role the Army Emberson. the Naval Cadets from the TS ANZAC Weber and Ms Sue Kent, delighted involvement in its integration with the Col Gibson - Vice President Naval Cadet Unit served the first course. everyone with the beautiful fine dining regular Army. Dawesville Sub-Branch As the evening progressed and the Dinner meal, finishing it off with cheese and was over, the formal part of the eve- fruit platters, tea and coffee. This bought ning commenced with Life Member Mr to a close another very successful Dine- Robert Gilmour presenting the Toast to Riverton – Golf Day In Night. the RSL. Mr Mark Stevens took the Loyal Toast to Members and Company, with Mr Wendy Gray Honorary Secretary Bob Cooper toasting absent friends. City of Rockingham RSL Sub-Branch 'Peace and quiet' boosts memories All of the important fragments of During the wakeful resting portion, par- our memories that should be caught ticipants were asked to just rest quietly and preserved somehow just disap- with their eyes closed in a darkened room pear. Now researchers have discov- for 10 minutes while the experimenter left ered all it may take for a person to to prepare for the next test. Participants ignite the memory is to simply sit could daydream or think about the story Photograph L-R: Neil Craven, Danny Savage, Ray Pearce, Brendan Mitchell, Crackers Barell, Peter Dyer, and close their eyes for a few min- or go through their grocery lists. Chief Saunders and Tony Thatcher utes. It did not matter what happened while Riverton RSL Sub-Branch Golf selected then the best scores taken. their eyes were closed, only that they In an article published in the journal Club entered two teams for this Light refreshments were constantly were undistracted by anything else and Psychological Science, a publication years inaugural RSL Sub-Branch served but many players had difficulty of the Association for Psychological not receiving any new information. Golf tournament. standing (it must have been the wind?) Science, psychological scientist Michaela When participants played the spot-the- Both teams proved that age and treach- The most important consideration was Dewar and her colleagues show memory difference game, they were presented ery can out do youth and skill, how- that a bunch of old diggers, pussers and can be boosted by taking a brief ‘wake- with picture pairs on a screen for 30 ever we failed to outplay those older and the light blue brigade got together to ful rest’ after learning something verbally seconds each and instructed to locate two wiser than us. Soundly defeated, we, the laugh and enjoy fellowship. Two old new. subtle differences in each pair and point Riverton Sub-Branch, (i.e. Brett 'Chief' pussers met after signing on 40 years ago. Secret Harbour was the venue, “Our findings support the view that the to them. The task was chosen because it Saunders) have taken on the challenge however this author warns all golfers to formation of new memories is not com- required attention but, unlike the story, it to be the 2013 organisers. Chief has take extra golf balls, a GPS and a hip pleted within seconds,” Dr Dewar says. was nonverbal. promised a polished after game speech. flask. “Indeed our work demonstrates activi- In one study, the participants were asked The challenge was played under differ- ties we are engaged in for the first few to recall both stories half an hour later and ent rules where 6 holes were secretly Tony Thatcher minutes after learning new information then a week later. Participants remem- really affects how well we remember this bered much more story material when the information after a week.” story presentation had been followed by Letters of Condolences In two separate experiments, a total of a period of wakeful resting. Our most recent losses, all described as ‘highly respected and outstand- 33 normally ageing adults between the Dr Dewar explained there was growing ing soldiers’ took the number of those killed in Afghanistan to 38. On ages of 61 and 87 years were told two evidence to suggest the point at which short stories and asked to remember as behalf of RSL WA HQ and the West Australian membership the State we experience new information is “just many details as possible. Immediately President has dispatched letters of condolence via Defence to their Next at a very early stage of memory forma- afterward, they were asked to describe of Kin (NOK). tion and further neural processes have what happened in the story and then to occur after this stage for us to be able As with SGT Baddams, the CEO will liaise with the NOK for LCPL McDonald they were given a 10-minute delay that to remember this information at a later and Sapper Martin regarding their State War Memorial inscriptions. Subject to consisted either of wakeful resting or point in time.” the NOK wishes this will be completed by ANZAC Day 2013. playing a spot-the-difference game on the computer. Reproduced from the Aged Care Guide Philip Orchard 24 The Listening Post October 2012 Sub-Branch News North Beach Legacy Camp Busselton, Maintenance Week 17-21 September 2012 In September, 13 North Beach RSL removal of rubbish and rubble, clean- at 3 in the morning dancing over the Year the Annual Legacy Children’s members joined with volunteers at ing out sheds, erecting shelves, washing accommodation block roof. Camp accommodates Legacy wards the Legacy Maintenance Week at bedding and sorting out the workshop. Our tradesmen supplied power and hot from WA and Interstate. These children the Camp in Busselton, part of the Others groups formed up a number of running water to accommodation areas are dependants of Australian Defence “Holy Mile”. areas and laid concrete as cement trucks and renewed fittings as required to com- Force personnel who have lost their lives arrived with donations from the local ply with council requirements. Volunteers “turned to” each day to com- in service of their country. Last year 80 batching plant. Another task was relocat- plete a range of tasks including pressure The Legacy Camp is used throughout children spent two weeks at the camp. cleaning paths and walkways, mow- ing wildlife, a possum, disturbed during the year by groups of War Widows, ex- ing, removing deadfall, trimming trees, the day in the workshop took his revenge service organisations and in the New Rob Sweet – Secretary - North Beach

Young Veterans’ Forum Returned & Services League of Australia Formed in 2009 and meeting at least veterans facing many situations and must become Sub-branch centric with more know so little. We need to stand up and four times a year, the purpose of the never be left out of the Forum’s agenda. focus on outcomes rather than on the get involved with the League to ensure process. There is also a need to be more there is involvement on government Young Veterans (YV) Forum is to What can we do as an organisation that outward focussed not just looking inter- provide a consultative forum that can support this? The list is endless committees and Departmental agencies nally. Our motto must remain to act can effectively address issues raised and as long as it is part of the Aims and that will assist the many veterans in the locally while thinking nationally. by current serving members of the Objects of the League there is no reason future. Our involvement in Departmental decision making is vital for the balanced Australian Defence Forces (ADF) why more support to families cannot be Sub-Branches need to identify issues future we are promising our members. and ex-Defence Force Members, provided. specifically of concern to their local con- tingents such as - youth, mental health, post 1975, who have recently sepa- While there is no formal membership, Following the old ways of the League suicides and family breakdowns – and rated from the Armed Forces. there are many serving and ex-serv- will only guarantee a slow and painful structure the services they offer to mem- ing personnel representing the Army, demise. Being creative, innovative and The YV Forum’s function is to liaise, bers around such concerns. As somebody Navy and Air Force and other agencies, making the League welcoming, relevant, through the body of the League, with mentioned to me; “You’ve got to get such as, Department of Veterans' Affairs supportive, and listening to needs of serv- the Department of Veterans' Affairs relevant to your veteran community or (DVA) and the Veterans' and Veterans ing ADF members and younger veterans (DVA) on tangible matters raised con- you’re dead.” will guarantee the League’s survival long cerning post 1975 service personnel and Families Counselling Service (VVCS). The younger society is looking not only into the 21st Century and beyond. their families. The Forum has an open Membership to the League is one that for ‘what’s in it for me’, but also for their door arrangement that is made possible must be retained to fight for their long- We must become one League moving family unit; they are looking for the ben- through the generosity and ongoing sup- term welfare now and into their many forward in a positive new direction. efits in joining the League for their whole port of the Deputy Commissioner of years ahead including those future pen- The key is always transforming to make unit. The family make-up today is a more DVA NSW/ACT Ms Jennifer Collins. sion years. Retaining young member’s ourselves a better organisation and not hands on role with all parties, partners regimental social associations is also being stuck in the last Century as many The relationship forged with DVA has and children. of us currently fear. If we are to predict led to forum members being involved in encouraged. The RSL needs to change targeting to the future we must determine that future several fact-finding, review panels and The best examples of Sub-Branches with meet todays’ serving members, such as for ourselves. other similar functions. real practical applications and runs on why should I join the League when I am the board with younger members are Let us market and celebrate the consider- The YV Forum does not work in isolation, not “old”, how can I get involved and South Lake Macquarie and North Bondi. able achievements that this great organi- nor is it another breakaway Ex-Service what can I do? sation has and will achieve. Look at the Organisation. We are endorsed and sup- Recently, I spoke with North Bondi on I am very much involved and hold a posi- opportunities and challenges that await ported by the NSW State Branch of what they did and what works for them. tion on the Committee of my Sub-Branch - not the threat of being taken over or the Returned and Services League of In the last 60 days, North Bondi has having previously held an Executive becoming irrelevant to members. Australia. had 131 serving members join their position at another. My young family Sub-Branch. Currently their member- Together we are working for the better- The Forum is a great representation of is supportive in my RSL commitments ship stands at 285 and expected to be ment of our Young Veterans. We have the three services and all the other ESOs but I am also aware that my family must approximately 500 strong by the end learnt a good deal from mistakes made that link up to form a conduit that previ- come first. of the year. Not a bad effort consider- following the Vietnam Conflict and our ously did not exist on behalf of young ing they only had a membership of 37 Opportunities on the Young Veterans future has now become brighter, positive veterans. We, the League, must remem- Service Members and 14 Associates in agenda are many and it is constantly and more expansive as we embrace an ber that whilst the YV Forum is about early 2009. North Bondi achieved this by evolving. We are encouraged to strength- increasing membership with new hopes raising those issues that are affecting our providing relevant services for our serv- en ties with groups that support the men and aspirations. men and women of the ADF past and ing ADF members and younger veterans and women of the ADF specifically those present it must also concentrate on what Shaun McGill – Secretary - Young that had a positive effect on their lives that support our families. we can do for the families and widows Veterans Forum. and that of their families. of contemporary conflicts. Our families There are many looming problems such Current serving member of the Royal are the crucial link in helping our young We as League Service Members need to as Mental Health and many of which we Australian Air Force The Listening Post October 2012 25 Reunions/Services

2nd Intake Junior HMAS Leeuwin 42nd •••••••• Partners of Veterans RAN - Gunnery Branch Recruit Training HMAS Intake Reunion Naval Association – Association Western Reunion Leeuwin 1961 There will be a 40th Reunion Australia Inc 24 to 26 April 2013, Hobart First Ever Reunion Geraldton Partners of Veterans Association of the 42nd Intake from 8-10 The Naval Association of Tasmania Western Australia Inc held To be held in the Shellharbour February 2013 in Canberra. Australia wishes to form their Annual General Meeting All replies direct to: area NSW about 110 km south a sub-section in Geraldton Visit http://42ndintake. in Busselton on Monday 3 Graham Halton - HMAS of Sydney. and welcome expressions of homestead.com/ or for more September. The Committee Duchess, Vietnam - interest from serving and ex- Approximate date is yet to be information contact Don was re-elected unopposed. http://www.vietnamroll. confirmed, assume Feb/March Hogarth via don_hogarth@ serving members of the Navy gov.au/VeteranDetails. who would like to join the Congratulations to all. 2014. hotmail.com or aspx?VeteranId=1231725 – Association. There will be an outing on 0438 641 043. E:[email protected] To register your interest and Wednesday 10 October at for further details contact Dave •••••••• Telephone (08) 9409 1014 or •••••••• email jack.lecras@ozemail. Coventry Markets Morley. Turner [email protected] HMAS Voyager Please meet at the main Walter Remembrance Day or com.au The Daring Class Destroyer Road entrance at the ‘chester- Service - Applecross HMAS Voyager was com- •••••••• (02) 9520 2810 field chairs’ at 10.30am. Please The Applecross RSL Sub-Branch missioned into the RAN in Naval Engineering contact Kerryn on 9228 3350 will conduct a Remembrance •••••••• February 1957. She was lost Reunion 2012 Canberra or at partnersofveteranswainc@ 106 Field Workshop following a collision with Day Service at the City of All serving, retired and civil- bigpond.com for further infor- RAEME Nui Dat SVN HMAS Melbourne in February Melville Memorial, Melville ian members of the Naval mation. An Australian wide reunion will 1964 with the loss of 82 lives Civic Square, adjacent to the Engineering branch are cor- library at 11am on Sunday 11 be held for all past members - there were 232 survivors. dially invited to attend the We will of course again be at (all ranks, all Corps) and their During her 7 years in service, Bruce Rock for the Back to November 2012. Naval Engineering Reunion partners in Mandurah WA on between 1200 & 1400 men the Bush Reunion on 1 to 4 Members of Ex Service, Unit and 2012 which will be held on the weekend of 19-21 October served in her. A data base is November. Come along and Kindred associations and also Friday 9 November 2012. 2012. A number of events have being compiled of former crew join us at The Club at 1.30pm members of the general public been organised. Please contact for the purpose of reunions. Venue: Tuggeranong Valley for afternoon tea. All partners are invited to attend and to lay Fred on 0438 001 420 or go Please send your name and Rugby Union & Amateur are invited to join us. a floral tribute should they wish. to www.106fdwksp.com for details to the webmaster, Les Sports Club, Ricardo Street, We will be holding our end Those participating are requested details. Sheehan, 9 Bunya Park Drive, Wanniassa, ACT, 2903 Time: of year Lunch at Hogsbreath to assemble by 10.50am. Eatons Hill, Qld 4037 (07) 1730 to 1200 •••••••• 32462589 or [email protected] Cafe, Lake Street, Northbridge Enquiries may be made on Cost: $45.00 per head (Includes on Monday 3 December 2012 at 9330 3586. •••••••• drinks & finger food) payment 11.30. For further information Helen Pickering prior to the event / $50.00 per please contact. HMS Ganges •••••••• Association head payment at the door. Kerryn on 9228 3350 or at Royal Australian Corps The WA Division would like to Bookings can be made by partnersofveteranswainc@ extend a welcome to ex Ganges of Signals Association Artillery contacting one of the com- bigpond.com boys and ships company to join mittee members listed below. (SA) The Committee of the Royal the Division. We meet regu- The preferred method of pay- •••••••• RASigs National Reunion Australian Artillery Association larly on the 4th Thursday of ment is EFT, cheque or cash. RAN Battle Class Social – Barossa Valley SA – 25-28 (WA) Inc would like to invite the odd month at the Swan EFT Details - BSB 802 397 Club - Annual National October 2013 Reunion, ‘Albury 2012’ all Gunners past and pres- Yacht Club in East Fremantle. - Account 681137 - Account The President and Members of The HMS Ganges Association Open Invitation to all ex naval ent, their families and other Name – Naval Engineering the RASigs Association (SA) exists simply to encourage personnel & family interested parties to attend our Reunion - Important - Please request the pleasure of your links, maintain comradeship annual Gunners’ Day march Enter Your Name in the com- October 18 - 21, 2012 in Albury, company for the 2013 RASigs between shipmates and keep ment or note section. Payment and service at NSW National Reunion. the "Ganges Spirit" alive. is requested by no later than For Further Information on St Matthew’s Anglican Church, Friday 2 November 2012. Register your interest at http:// If you wish to know more about Membership or Reunion: Stirling Square, Guildford on www.rasigs.com/ membership please contact. Glenn Murch Ph: (02) 6261 Geoff (Wiggy) Bennett - 0417 Sunday, 4 November 2012. The secretary Ian Critchley 1675 - Alan Freemantle Ph: 592 123 (Geoff) or 03 6267 Contact President – RASigs Those marching should gather on 9419 3437. 0418 297 860 - Neil Garvin 9931 (Joe) - Email: benhun@ Assn SA – Bruce Long – 0417 in Johnson Street at 11am for •••••••• Ph: 0423 025 114 - Lyn bigpond.net.au or chjo- 227 533 – president.sa@ an 11.30am march off to the Jensen Ph: 0434 416 876 - [email protected] rasigs.com – http://www. Korea War Veterans Garry Smee Ph: (02) 6201 War Memorial where there Memorial Reunion Sponsored by RAN Battle rasigs.com/2012_reunion/ 7915 - Email: RAN.Naval. will be a short service, laying Australia, Canberra Class Social Club reunion2013_home.htm ACT Engineering.Reunion@ of wreaths and the sounding 19 - 21 October 2012 sees the gmail.com of the Last Post. The Colour gathering of Veterans’, family Party will then lead the parade, and friends for the annual com- DON'T MISS OUT PLEASE SUPPORT the official party and the con- memorative service and func- BOOK NOW gregation to St Matthew’s tions. For information packs •••••••• OUR ADVERTISERS Church for a service. After and bookings please contact Naval Reunion The Listening Post relies on support from advertisers the service at approximately Ms Wendy Karam on 0418 The 12th Annual Reunion of who contribute to our newspaper. It is important that 1pm, light refreshments will 124 677 or email: wen- the First Frigate Flotilla (1946- when you are using their services or shopping for be provided at the hall adja- [email protected] 1956), HMAS Condamine, goods, you mention that you are responding to an cent to the church, following •••••••• HMAS Culgoa, HMAS advertisement in this newspaper. Then advertisers' which all are welcome to share RAN - HMAS Leeuwin Murchison, HMAS Shoalhaven some fellowship at the Rose & 8th Intake (January will be held in Canberra 2 -5 then know that their advertisements are working and Crown Hotel, 105 Swan Street, 1964) Reunion November 2012. All ex-crew will continue their support of the RSL in this way. Guildford. 23 to 26 April 2014, members plus their relatives It makes sense, doesn't it? Wollongong NSW and friends are invited to For enquiries or further infor- attend. So please rememeber to tell the person you are mation please email info@ All replies direct to either of the following: For further information dealing with artillerywa.org.au or contact Bob Green – (02) 4283 5201 please contact George the Secretary, John Blylevens – E: robertmcgreen@optus- Franki: (02) 9955 9444; "I saw your advertisement in on 0438 695 711 or the Vice- net.com.au or Rick Watkins 9/6 Waverton Avenue, The Listening Post" President, Peter Mahoney on – (02) 4256 2620 – E: rick. WAVERTON 2060; 0400 408 285. [email protected] [email protected]. 26 The Listening Post October 2012 Notices AVCAT Scholarships Veterans' Children Assistance and in Darwin. people whilst serving on Border Venue: McLarty Hall, Cnr of and Bursaries Trust is an independent While these facilities are pre- Protection, and being used a McLarty and Watts Roads, The Australian Veterans' organization sponsored by the dominately for current serving "taxi service". Shoalwater. Time: 2.30pm for a Children Assistance Trust principal Australian ex-service members, our ex-service per- Having served on minesweep- 3.00pm start. When: Friday 26 (AVCAT) is a national indepen- associations. It was established sonnel may also access these ers 1965-66 and patrol boats October 2012. dent charity helping the children in 2003 by the former Vietnam facilities on an availability basis. and grandchildren of ex-service Veterans Trust, as a lasting leg- 1968-70, believe me, they are Present to answer your cares Our website www.raafholidays. men and women to a better acy from Australia's use of the not luxury cruises and to those and concerns about what is com.au has all our details, future through higher education. Agent Orange Funds. serving now, they should be important to you will be Senator including those of the Winter Through the help of generous given all the help we can. the Hon. Michael Ronaldson, Applications are now open and Special which has just been donors, AVCAT administers If anyone who has served on Shadow Minister for Veterans’ close on 31 October 2012. All launched. The website also has scholarships for the children either or you know of anyone Affairs and Senator Michaelia applications should be received links to other available holiday of those who have served our who has, let them know and if Cash, Shadow Parliamentary by this date. For more informa- facilities. country in peace and war in tion you can visit the website: you could let me know of your Secretary for Immigration, the Australian Army, Navy and www.avcat.org.au •••••••• expression of interest etc. Please Shadow Parliamentary Secretary Air Force. Scholarship selec- contact Allan Moffatt OAM at for the Status of Women. RAN Minor War Vessels tion is on a need and merit basis. Phone: (02) 9213 7999. email address: shortym@optus- Fax: (02) 9213 7307; Email: Association (RAN Those wishing to attend need Recipients come from all over MWVA) net.com.au. Australia and study an enor- [email protected] Postal to confirm their attendance to: Calling all serving and mous variety of courses. Over Mail: AVCAT, PO Box K •••••••• Jonathan Heron on 9226 2000 or Ex-Serving Navy personnel the years AVCAT has had doc- 978, Haymarket, NSW 1240 via e-mail to jonathan.heron@ who served on 'sweepers, patrol Western Australia tors, psychiatrists and engi- •••••••• Branch of The Partners aph.gov.au by Wednesday 24 boats and LCHs. October 2012. neers, teachers, scientists, RAAF Welfare of Veterans Association of Australia Inc. meteorologists, ballet dancers, Recreational Company I would like your feed- This event is being held dur- back as to becoming part Invites you to a: Forum For circus performers, creative writ- (RWRC) ing the Department of Veterans ers, film makers – the list goes of this Association - RAN Minor Carers, Partners, War Widows Affairs Health Week. on. Students attend universi- The RWRC provides low cost War Vessels. This is more so And Families Of Veterans that ties, TAFE colleges and other holiday facilities in Queensland with the work and conditions is being hosted by Western Lesley Westlake - WA PVA approved tertiary institutions on the Gold Coast, at Merimbula that patrol boats are now doing Australia Senator, Michaelia Inc - 1300 553 835 - www.pva. around Australia. The Australian on the far South Coast of NSW with the influx of illegal boat Cash. org.au.

Partners and Families Christmas Card Competition of Veterans and Current RSL State Branch is looking for old photographs to use on our Christmas Cards that show the activities ADF Personnel Sub-Branches have participated in over the past 96 years, or Christmas during times of conflict Entries are required by 14 November 2012 and will be attributed to you or your Sub-Branch. Did you know that there is a progressive and Previous examples of Christmas cards are: unique Association which offers friendship, support, information and understanding to you in every State and Territory of Australia? The health and wellbeing, benefits and entitlements of our members, along with concerns for the health of our children and grandchildren, are our main issues of concern. All such issues are raised at all levels of government in an effort to improve the lifestyle of our members. Our aim is not only to support the partners of our generation, but also to consider the needs of all future generations and to have in place a support network that was not available when many of our veterans Can you help? returned from their war service. We have social groups of likeminded members who Brass Plaque meet, usually monthly, for friendly and supportive times shared over a coffee, tea or three. Our support This brass plaque was found in Oro groups are located in Bunbury, Hillarys, Midland/ Province, Papua New Guinea by a local land Hills, South West and we have a contact for Geraldton. owner who said that his land was a former Australian airport during World War ІІ. He Member volunteers are available at our office (Legacy House, 1330 Hay Street, West Perth, 6005 or Red had found this brass plaque buried on his Cat Stop Number 21) on Wednesdays and Fridays land. It is about 14 cm long and 10.5 cm between 10.30am and 2.00pm. high and weighs about 735 grams and is 8ml thick. Our membership criteria is “All persons who are a partner, ex-partner or widow/er of a war veteran or I am trying to find out what machinery this peacekeeper/peacemaker or service person involved may be from . If you have any ideas please in hazardous military service as a member of the do not hesitate to contact me on kday@ Australian Navy, Army or Air Force or as a member chariot.net.au. of one of the Australian Allied Forces. Such person This plaque is inscribed as follows: shall be called a Partner of a Veteran.” We are The Partners of Veterans Association of MADE IN AUSTRALIA Australia Inc. BY GENERAL MOTORS HOLDENS LTD MKIII 1942 For more information contact us, Australia wide, on WOODVILLE SOUTH AUSTRALIA 1300 553 835 or www.pva.org.au No 470 L/Cpl Ian Bullock Our West Australian group is Western Australia Matt Day I am looking for L/Cpl Ian Bullock 1Fld Sqn 3 TP. We Branch of the Partners of Veterans Association of [email protected] - http://gmholden- served in SVN70/71. I would like to get in touch. Last Australia WA PVA Inc. Our contact details are: PO Box 2435, Warwick, WA 6024. waryears.proboards.com/ - known address 6/8-12 Wood St Inglewood WA 1972. We welcome your enquires, your support and your http://users.sa.chariot.net.au/~kday/want- Robert Clare - [email protected]. edpage2.html membership. The Listening Post October 2012 27 Sudoku Crossword The editors have included new puzzles to test both our younger 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 and young at heart readers. Sudoku is included in this and future editions of ‘The Listening Post’. 11 12 13 14 15 16 Look upon this quiz as stopping the onward march 17 18 19 20 21 of Alzheimers Disease! 22 23 24 25 26

Sudoku is a logic-based, combinatorial number-placement puzzle. 27 28 29 30 31 The objective is to fill a 9×9 grid so that each column, each row, and each of the nine 3×3 boxes (also called blocks or regions) 32 33 34 35 36 contains the digits from 1 to 9 only one time each. The puzzle 37 38 39 40 41 setter provides a partially completed grid. Provided by Sudoko.com.au 42 43 44 45 46 Easy Sudoku 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54

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Len Copley 1 Metric linear unit 60 Thailand citizens Down 55 Debate 4 Roman goddess of wisdom 61 Cuban 56 Birds with webbed feet 11 Father's sister 62 Ales 1 Canal 57 Stealing 12 Commit sabotage 63 Hold 2 Whichever 58 Discharged 14 Command 64 Show 3 Montana (abbr.) 59 Rationalism 17 Agency (abbr.) 65 Crunchy 4 Extraordinary power 60 Jeweled headdress 18 Open 66 Lazes about 5 As previously cited 61 Demeter 19 Palter 67 Contend 6 Not (refix) 62 Family of little animals 20 __ per hour 70 Mush up 7 Movie alien 63 I __ if I could 22 Indecent language 71 Jagged 8 Second scale note 64 Reigns (2 wds.) 23 Michelangelo's famous statue 72 Date 9 "Star Trek"'s Spock's race 65 Old woman 24 Master of ceremonies 73 Blood carriers 10 Sign of the zodiac 66 Truck 26 Soldiers quarters 75 Sleigh 11 Water (Sp.) 67 Vice __ 27 Environmental protection 76 Prepare 12 Divide 68 Three agency (abbr) 77 Waitress on Cheers 13 Encounter 69 Makes cheerful 28 Small Mediterranean boat 78 Lusty 14 Bottom part of a ship 70 Weirdoes 29 Thoughts 79 Affirmative 15 Unwell 71 Burst out 30 Breathing need 80 Legal 16 Umber (2 wds.) 72 Capital of Egypt 31 Yuck! 81 Unusual 17 Strength of electric current 73 Plastic 32 Lincoln locale 82 Not women's 18 Out of the mouths of __ 74 Calm 33 Ridicule 83 Ego's partner 20 Capital of Byelorussia 76 Funny 34 Actor Paul 84 Cadmium (abbr.) 21 Straw 77 End (of Crocodile Dundee) 85 View 22 Member of an American 78 Locus 35 Brief 86 Gray Indian people 80 Head skin 36 Pellet 87 African country 23 Titles 81 Malt liquor 37 Emergency room 88 Virginia (abbr.) 24 Lawn tool 82 Elite intellectuals' society 38 Poles 89 Santa's laugh 25 Brew 85 Swagger Almonds can 39 Cut with a saw 90 27th U.S. president 26 Sticky weeds 86 Aboveboard 40 Atom part 91 Upper body 28 Zl 87 Seasoner makers 41 Globe 92 Overturn 29 Midwestern state denizen 91 Sounds help treat type 2 42 Weight units 93 Animal doctor 30 Lettuce, e.g. 92 Curved 44 Asian nation 94 Excessively 33 French monetary unit 93 Jar 45 Clothing edges 96 __ Carlo 34 Dislikes 95 Terminal abbr. diabetes 46 Teen hero 97 Got up 35 Bunches 96 Kitten's cry 47 Hurting 98 Blight 39 Black 97 Teen disease A recent scientific study shows that incorporating 48 Hot sandwich 99 Frame 40 Appropriation 98 Prosper almonds into your diet can help treat and possibly 49 Dirty 100 Compass point 41 Smells 101 Noah's boat prevent type 2 diabetes, as well as cardiovascular 50 Harriet Beacher __ 101 Capital of Ghana 43 Spoil 102 Bacon-lettuce-tomato disease. 51 And so forth 102 Honcho 44 Koran sandwich 52 Boys' counterparts 103 Gnawer 45 Trite 105 Teacher's assistant, The study, published in the Journal of the American 53 Breath mints 104 California inhabitant 46 Objects for short College of Nutrition and one of the first of its kind to 54 Grim 107 Ice sheet 48 Severity 106 Railroad track quantify prevention data, illustrates that consuming a 55 Fish tank growth 108 Hunted 49 Couches 107 Florida (abbr.) diet rich in almonds may help improve insulin sensitivity 56 African country 109 Long-term memory 50 Stuffy and decrease LDL-cholesterol levels in those with pre- 57 Groups 52 Gather diabetes. 58 Air-conditioning gas 53 Twirp 59 Supernatural being 54 Large mammals From Aged Care Guide 28 The Listening Post October 2012 Warning For Early Gallipoli 2015 Tour Bookings ANSWERS The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, in good conscience, advertise tours to who are successful will have enough Warren Snowdon, has urged the Gallipoli in 2015, that guarantee access time to make their travel arrangements. community to be wary of tour to the Dawn Service or other com- “The Australian Government is operators promising tickets to memorative sites, until final arrange- committed to ensuring the com- Sudoku memorations at Gallipoli continue Centenary ANZAC Day com- ments regarding attendance at services were agreed by the Turkish, Australian to be dignified and appropriate.” memorations at Gallipoli in 2015. solution and New Zealand Governments. More information on how the ballot Easy Sudoku Mr Snowdon has announced joint plans This advice has been posted on the will operate will be announced next with the New Zealand Government to DVA website since December 2010, year. A period of public consulta- hold a ballot for around 8,000 passes briefings between the DVA and tour tion is now open until the end of to Australians to attend the commem- operators were also held in 2011. November for the community to have orations, as places would be limited. “The vast majority of people their say on how Australia should be “Tour operators are not in a position who visit Gallipoli do so as part represented at the commemorations. where they can guarantee a place of an organised tour, and there is For more information on the ballot or at the commemorations,” he said. no reason to expect that this would to access the survey visit the Gallipoli “People who have already booked change in 2015,” Mr Snowdon said. 2015 website www.gallipoli2015.dva. a tour to Gallipoli in 2015, which “Once the pass allocation process is gov.au. For more information on con- covers ANZAC Day on the pen- complete, recipients should engage sumer rights visit insula, should speak to their with their preferred tour opera- http://australia.gov.au/topics/busi- tour operators immediately. tor to make travel arrangements. ness-and-industry/consumer-rights. “No tour operators should expect to “In other words, recipients of pass- Media inquiries: Minister receive passes from the ballot and should es will still need a tour operator Snowdon: Lidija Ivanovski 02 6277 not promise their customers otherwise.” to take them to Gallipoli in 2015. 7820 or 0407 108 935 Hard Sudoku Since 2010, DVA has been advising “All Australians will have the opportu- Department of Veterans’ Affairs tour operators that they should not, nity to register for the ballot and those Media: 02 6289 6203. Healthy ways to cook meals Whether you’re cooking at home, eating out or Baking: Brings out a toasty or caramel flavour in vegeta- ordering takeaway, it’s not just what and how much bles and grains. Use a rack to let fat run off meat, chicken you eat but it’s also how the food is prepared that or fish. counts. Here below are the leanest cooking meth- Sautéing: Prepare your food without adding fat by substi- ods. tuting a bit of water, wine or stock for oil. Healthiest cooking methods Steaming: Use a steamer basket to prevent nutrients Roasting: Keep fat to a minimum and boost flavour by from leaching into the water. pouring wine, fruit juice or even tea over fish, pumpkin or potatoes before baking. Stewing/braising: This slow cooking method allows meat to give off fat. Chill the dish after cooking, then skim Barbecuing: Use soy sauce, fruit juice, wine, honey or off the fat. other low-fat marinades to baste meat or fish instead of oil CROSSWORD or butter when barbecuing. Other healthy cooking methods solution Boiling: You’ll certainly trim the kilojoules with this D A M M I N E R V A Grilling: Let the fat drip off your meat. Avoid oil-based A U N T S A B O T E U R S B I D marinades. Try wrapping seasoned food in foil packets so cooking method, but remember that you’ll also lose some A G C Y B E G I N L I E M I L E S S M U T D A V I D E M C E E B I L L E T it steams in its own juices and stays moist as it cooks. valuable water-soluble nutrients, especially if the food is E P A Z E B E C I D E A S L U N G P U chopped before boiling. Try boiling whole potatoes in their N E F L E E R H O G A N T E R S E B B Microwaving: This quick cooking method preserves E R R O D S S A W E D Q U A R K O R B skins, or even carrots—any of your favourite vegetables C A R A T S Q A T A R C U F F S I D O L the flavours and essential nutrients contained in vegetables A G O N Y R U B E N S O O T Y S T O W E and fruit. Use this quick cooking method to seal in the E T C G I R L S C E R T S S T E R N Stir-frying: A L G A E G H A N A T E A M S flavour of vegetables, tofu, meats or chicken. Minimise fat F R E O N D E I T Y T H A I S Poaching: Poach in stock, wine or fruit juice and season C I G A R B E E R S W I E L D the poaching liquid with your favourite fresh herbs—for by using a little bit of water or stock instead of oil. R E R U N C R I S P L O A F S V I E P U R E E E R O S E C O U R T V E I N S even more flavour. This is the tastiest and leanest way to Readers Digest S L E D G R O O M C A R L A V I R I L E Y E S S O U N D W E I R D M E N S I D cook fish, chicken or fruit desserts. It’s the healthiest way http://australia.gov.au/topics/business-and-industry/ C D S C O P E H O A R Y K E N Y A V A to cook eggs, too. H O T A F T T O R S O A N N U L V E T consumer-rights. O V E R L Y M O N T E A R O S E B A N E Media inquiries: Minister Snowdon: Lidija Ivanovski S E T U P E N E A C C R A B O S S Pressure-cooking: Ideal for beans, grains, soups, dried R A T W E S T E R N E R F L O E vegetables and stews. Chill soups after cooking, then skim 02 6277 7820 or 0407 108 935 S T A L K E D L T M the fat away. Department of Veterans’ Affairs Media: 02 6289 6203.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun, and in the morning. LAST POST We will remember them. Lest we forget. Navy 22703138; Clitheroe, John – York Sub-Branch WX13988; Newton, John – City of Mandurah Sub-Branch 29222; Carwardine, J.H. – Central Branch WX27952; Collins, Albert – Bicton-Palmyra Sub-Branch 58/106123; Nguyen Dinh – Vietnamese Services Sub-Branch 82597; MacDonald, Clarence – City of South Perth Sub-Branch F3811; Allan, Victor – Wyalkatchem Sub-Branch WX 29432; Cooper, W.M.H – Nedlands Sub-Branch 14410214; Page, James – Gosnells Sub-Branch 81540, McKendry, William – Eastern Reginoal Sub-Branch R55909; Brownrigg, Barry- Bicton-Palmyra Sub-Branch T10680849; Cox, Bernard – City of Perth Sub-Branch VX57852; Pollard, Bertram – City of Mandurah Sub-Branch 38505; Mellar, R.C. - Bellevue Sub-Branch F3851; Fisher, Victor – City of Mandurah Sub-Branch 5359; Daniels, Lyndsay – City of Perth Sub-Branch WF53063; Reeves, Lily – Returned Ex-Servicewomen Sub-Branch F4089; Green, Warren – Applecross Sub-Branch 84816, Oakley, Maurice – City of Mandurah Sub-Branch WX27565; Dhue, Robert – City of Perth Sub-Branch WX38642; Rowe, K.F. – Bellevue Sub-Branch F5792, Harris, R.J. – Bunbury Sub-Branch 80360; O’Loughlin, K.W. – Highgate Sub-Branch WX22462; Forrest, Colin – Bunbury Sub-Branch WX5000113; Sara, Reginald – Scarborough Sub-Branch 99433; Quill, Joy – City of Rockingham Sub-Branch P209669; Hawkins, E.L. – Central Branch 5702713; Sherman, William – City of Belmont Sub-Branch 4721441; Gildersleeve, Kerrol – Riverton Sub-Branch 441365; Richards, T. – Quairading Sub-Branch PJX276079; Hodson, Christopher – Karridale-Augusta Sub-Branch VF397070; Taylor, Nancy - City of Mandurah Sub-Branch WX36671; Green, James – City of Perth Sub-Branch A43319, Rose, Robert – Bullsbrook Sub-Branch H2992; Kelly, Trevor – City of Perth Sub-Branch WX12989; Wall, H.J. – City of Belmont Sub-Branch 5411157; Haynes, John – Bunbury Sub-Branch 45335; Rubery, D.H. – City of Perth Sub-Branch R36516; McEwan, Wallace – City of Perth Sub-Branch VX92359; Laird, Richard – Yokine-Joondanna Sub-Branch WX25291; Walton, Alan – Riverton Sub-Branch 15410; Rush, Keith – Bellevue Sub-Branch R53221; Sheppard, Leslie – City of Mandurah Sub-Branch 5/15277; La Roche, Stanley – City of Belmont Sub-Branch NX72951; Ward, C.W. City of Mandurah Sub-Branch 441639; Russell, Stanley – Dongara Sub-Branch WF96149; Langley, Daphne – City of Rockingham Sub-Branch WX4556; Williams, Leonard – Geraldton Sub-Branch 568047; Shipman, Eric – Claremont Sub-Branch Army 5718676; Liddell, Geoffrey – City of Cockburn Sub-Branch 5/703904; Williams, Terrence – Gosnells Sub-Branch A32981; Simpson, Laurie – City of Perth Sub-Branch WX28989; Arkell, Albert – City of Perth Sub-Branch WX9886; McCarthy, L.A.E. – Yokine- Joondanna Sub-Branch WX36097; Bender, Jack – Ballajura Sub-Branch WX39193; McIntosh, Lionel – Cambridge Sub-Branch Air Force 81460; Trainer, Clifford – Bedford-Morley Sub-Branch WX25866; Boal, Samuel, City of Belmont Sub-Branch 3791649; McLachlan, Ewen – Kununurra Sub-Branch 94619; Axford, Daphne – Returned Ex-Servicewomen Sub- 83177; Whyte, Frank – City of Mandurah Sub-Branch WX31819; Brennan, Roy – City of Belmont Sub-Branch 5-17478; Mitchell, Colin – Bunbury Sub-Branch Branch 441762; Whyte, N.W. – Shenton Park Sub-Branch 2/411785; Clingan, Peter – Jurien Bay Sub-Branch WX40306; Montage, Allan – City of Mandurah Sub-Branch 203251; Boutwood, John – City of Perth Sub-Branch 441403; Worthington, John – City of South Perth Sub-Branch The ListeningThe Li stPosentin Octoberg Post October 2012 200929 29 United and Kindred Listing

Unit and Kindred Name Position Address City State P/Code 11th Battalion AIF 13th Brigade WW2 President 1 Harvey St PEPPERMINT GROVE WA 6011 16th Battalion Cameron Highlanders of WA (Inc) Secretary 3 Clubb Court WINTHROP WA 6150 2/11th A.I.F. INFANTRY BATTALION Secretary 4/18 MacLeod Rd APPLECROSS WA 6153 2/16th Battalion A.I.F. Association Inc Secretary 86 Stickland Street SOUTH PERTH WA 6151 2/3rd Composite Anti-Aircraft Regiment Secretary 292 The Boulevard CITY BEACH WA 6015 2/3rd Machine Gunners & Relatives Assoc of Western Australia Inc President 201 Keane Street CLOVERDALE WA 6105 2/7th Australian Field Regiment (WA) Ex-Members Assoc President 101 C Wattle Dr TUART HILL WA 6060 79 Squadron Ubon Thailand Secretary 40 Elm St HAMERSLEY WA 6022 Airborne Forces Assoc of WA (Inc) Secretary No 8 Silverline Bend BERTRAM WA 6167 Allied Merchant Seamen Assoc (WA Branch) Secretary 1 Cromer Rd BRENTWOOD WA 6153 Amercian Returned Military Services Secretary 12 Binburra Way MT NASURA WA 6112 Australian Ex-Services Atomic Survivors Assoc President 48/58 Canna Dr CANNING VALE WA 6155 Australian Intelligence Corps Association Corps Representative WA PO Box 5317 WEST BUSSELTON WA 6230 Australian Red Cross Chairman 110 Goderich St EAST PERTH WA 6004 Australian Special Air Service Assoc (WA Branch) Inc Secretary PO Box 6137 SWANBOURNE WA 6010 Borneo POW Relatives Assoc of WA Inc Secretary 10 Carnwrath Way DUNCRAIG WA 6023 British Ex-Services Assoc Inc. Secretary PO Box 842 KALAMUNDA WA 6926 British South Africa Police Regimental Assoc (Australian Branch) Secretary 121 Ewen Street DOUBLEVIEW WA 6018 Burma Thailand Railway Memorial Assoc Secretary 31 Geranium Place CANNING VALE WA 6155 Defence Forces Welfare Assoc WA Branch President Irwin Barracks KARRAKATTA WA 6010 Ex Wrans Association WA Secretary 6 Browne St SUBIACO WA 6008 Far East Stategic Reserve Navy Assoc W.A. Division Secretary PO Box 246 COMO WA 6952 Fleet Air Arm Assoc of Australian WA Division Secretary 26 Hefron Street MT HELENA WA 6082 HMAS Hobart Assoc (WA Div) Secretary 13 Blackburne Dr KELMSCOTT WA 6111 Honouring Indigeous War Graves Inc. President PO Box 418 BAYSWATER WA 6933 HQ 1 ATF Assoc President PO Box 325 GLADESVILLE NSW 1675 Mandurah Murray Vietnam Veterans Group Inc Secretary PO Box 2203 MANDURAH WA 6210 Nashos League of WA INC (Wheatbelt Division) President PO Box 513 NORTHAM WA 6401 National Servicemen's Assoc of Australia (WA Branch Inc.), Secretary 96 Jubilee St BECKENHAM WA 6107 National Servicemen’s Assoc of Australia (WA Branch Inc.) Mandurah/Murray Sub-Branch Secretary PO Box 1699 MANDURAH WA 6210 National Servicemen’s Assoc of Australia (WA Branch Inc.) Mid West Sub Branch Secretary 139 Glenfield Beach Drive GERALDTON WA 6530 North American Veterans Unit Secretary 7 Hallam Close BOORAGOON WA 6154 Partners of Veterans Association of Australia (WA) President 182 Lord Street PERTH WA 6000 Western Australian Branch of the Partners of Veterans' Association of Australia Inc Secretary PO Box 2435 WARWICK WA 6024 Perth Legacy Secretary 1130 Hay St PERTH WA 6005 RAAF 467-463 Lancaster Squadrons Assoc WA Secretary 9 Redcourt Rd ATTADALE WA 6156 RAAF Nursing Service Branch President 5 Chalwell St ROCKINGHAM WA 6149 Rhodesian Ex-Servicemen’s Assoc President 53 Davallia Rd DUNCRAIG WA 6023 Royal Air Forces Association 1210 Branch WA (INC) Secretary PO Box 2020 SEVILLE GROVE WA 6112 Royal Australian Air Force Assoc (WA) Division Secretary AFME Bull Creek Drive BULL CREEK WA 6149 Royal Australian Armoured Corps Assoc WA Branch Secretary 35 Pollard Cross (West) CARDUP WA 6122 Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps Assoc (WA) Inc. Secretary 9 Napier Road MORLEY WA 6062 Royal Australian Army Ordnance Corps Assoc WA (Inc.) Secretary 16 Lorrimar Place MURDOCH WA 6150 Royal Australian Engineers Assoc of WA Inc Secretary 26 Lithorne Way BALGA WA 6061 Royal Australian Navy Communications Branch Assoc (WA Branch) Secretary 5 Market St KENSINGTON WA 6151 Royal Australian Regiment Assoc (WA Branch) Secretary PO Box 56 COMO WA 6952 Royal Australian Signals Assoc (WA) Inc Secretary 7 Danaher Mews CLARKSON WA 6030 Royal Western Australia Regiment Association Secretary 16 Pomelo Way SEVILLE GROVE WA 6112 Submariners Assocation (Australia Branch) Secretary 15 Woburn Way KELMSCOTT WA 6111 Submarines Assoc of Australian (WA Branch) Secretary 26 Grayswood Retreat ERSKINE WA 6210 The Royal Green Jackets Association Chairman 106 Alfreda Avenue NORANDA WA 6062 Tribal Class Destroyers Association (WA) Secretary 3 Salandri Avenue BENTLEY PARK WA 6102 Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia (WA Branch) Inc President 38 Kalgoorlie Street MOUNT HAWTHORNE WA 6016 WA RSL Bowls Section Secretary 6B Civic Drive WANNEROO WA 6065 WRAAC Association (WA) Secretary PO Box 6149 EAST PERTH WA 6892 WRAAF Branch - RAAF Assoc Secretary c/- RAAFA Bull Creek Drive BULLCREEK WA 6149 Z Special Unit Association of WA Inc. Secretary 28A Houston Ave DIANELLA WA 6059 Boost immunity with Great Southern Railway these foods Indian Pacific A poor immune system can con- plummet, in fact, yoghurt has long been tribute to many diseases and con- known as “good bacteria” which will ditions – particularly in later life. keep your digestive system up and run- So, how do you safeguard your- ning. self from ill-health and boost your New research from the Journal of the immunity? American Dietetics Association indi- cates regularly consuming foods with The Sydney Morning Herald reports a ‘good bacteria’ – also known as probi- number of foods can boost immunity otics – may help to boost the immune and help the body heal with any chal- system. lenges it may face. Go nuts! Show us your green tongue Almonds, cashews and walnuts are Green tea is known to stimulate the packed with Vitamin E, an antioxidant immune-system cells and prevent dis- that helps rid the body of free-radicals, ease-promoting compounds from form- while creating antibodies that fight the ing. bacteria that often makes you sick. Add a bit of honey if you do not like the bitter taste that some green tea may Add a little bitterness to your bring; however, ensure you do not add life milk as this reportedly stops the tea’s Eating citrus fruits such as grapefruits, “immunity-building” benefits. lemons, limes and tangerines may help you fight infection. But, if that sour Prawns build immunity taste does not tickle your tastebuds, Prawns are low in fat – but the good Members of Greenbushes Sub-Branch with Philip Orchard, RSL WA, presenting Annmaree Stallard with her prize then try consuming capsicums which news does not end there. Prawns also will provide you with equally as much contain the antioxidant selenium, which Congratulations to Annmaree Stallard of Greenbushes Sub-Branch who won the Vitamin C as it is famous for fighting is a mineral needed in small amounts Great Southern Railway (GSR) Indian Pacific gold ticket for two. Annmaree is a infection. and works to support a healthy immune Silver Chain nurse in the Greenbushes area and has been a member since 1989. Not all bacteria is bad system. Well done Annmaree & enjoy your trip. GSR is currently liaising with colleagues in There are some strains of bacteria that Reproduced from the Aged Care South Australia regarding a similar draw next year in an effort to increase national do not cause the immune system to Guide – DPS News membership. 30 The Listening Post October 2012 Book Review A Sappers’ War How the legendary Aussie Battle Tunnel Rats Fought the VietCong Scarred By Jimmy Thomson with The 47th Battalion in the Sandy MacGregor First World War Published by Allen & Unwin By Craig Deayton Overview: To the rest of the world, Vietnam was a Published by Big Sky 'We make and we break.' conflict of ideologies. On the ground it Publishing was a battle of wits and the sappers were They were the forward scouts, the mine at the forefront. This is their story. clearers, the bridge builders and the tun- nel rats. They were frequently not just About the Author: on the front line, but right at the sharp Jimmy Thomson is a journalist, author end of the action. They were the legend- and screenwriter whose credits include ary Aussie sappers, the army engineers, the ABC-TV series Rain Shadow. He who were literally everywhere in the is the author of Snitch, Tunnel Rats and Overview: A.I.F. itself – punished, beaten, some- fighting against the Vietcong. Watto. "Australias own Band of Brothers" times reviled for their indiscipline, they fought on - fewer, leaner and This special breed of soldier lived hard A graduate of the Royal Military One of the shortest lived and most harder - until final victory was won. and played hard. They were there at the College, Duntroon, as a young captain battle hardened of the 1st Australian And at its end, in an extraordinary beginning of the war. They were also Sandy MacGregor commanded 3 Field Imperial Force’s battalions, the 47th gesture of mateship, the remnants of among the last to leave. And along the Troop in Vietnam, where he won the was formed in Egypt in 1916 and dis- the 47th Battalion reunited. Having way, they fought with their mates in Military Cross. He served in the Army banded two years later having suffered been scattered to other units after their infantry and tanks to bear the brunt of for 30 years, finishing as a colonel in one of the highest casualty rates of any disbandment, the survivors gathered in the Vietcong's revenge. the Reserves. Australian unit. Their story is remark- Belgium for one last photo together. able for many reasons. Only 73 remained. Dogged by command and discipline Beaten Down troubles and bled white by the desper- About the Author: ate attrition battles of 1916 and 1917, Craig Deayton is a History teacher they fought on against a determined with a special interest in Australia’s by Blood and skilful enemy in battles where the military history. He has worked as The Battle of Mont St fortunes of war seemed stacked against a teacher and College Principal for Quentin-Peronne 1918 them at every turn. Not only did they over twenty-five years and is current- have the misfortune to be called into ly Principal of Sacred Heart College By Michele Bomford some of the A.I.F.’s most costly cam- in Hobart. Craig holds a Bachelor’s Published by Big Sky Publishing paigns, chance often found them in the degree in History and a Masters degree worst places within those battles. in Education. This is his first book. Australians’ German opponent, while Craig lives in Hobart with his wife Overview: Though their story is one of almost numerically weaker and haphazardly Tracey and children Patrick, Dominic, "Australias own Band of Brothers" unrelieved tragedy, it is also story of thrown into the line, is portrayed as a Michael and Annie. Beaten Down by Blood: The Battle of remarkable courage, endurance and worthy adversary—a determined and Mont St Quentin-Peronne 1918 charts heroism. It is the story of the 1st tenacious opponent. an extraordinary journey from the trenches facing Mont St Quentin on 31 Beaten Down by Blood explores the August 1918 through the frenetic phas- relationship between myth and history es of the battle until the final objectives and the significance of the ANZAC are taken on 5 September. This is the legend. It analyses the forces that drove story, often told in the words of the the diggers forward even when they men themselves, of the capture of the had reached the limits of their endur- ‘unattackable’ Mont and the ‘invin- ance. The Battle of Mont St Quentin- cible’ fortress town of Péronne, two of Péronne represents the Australian the great feats of Australian forces in Corps at its very best, its diggers fight- the First World War. ing for peace and satisfied that, ‘what- The Author places real men on the ever might lie ahead, at least every- battlefield, describing their fears and thing was right behind them’. their courage and their often violent deaths. The struggle for control of the About the Author: battle, to site the guns, to bridge the Michele Bomford holds a Masters Somme and maintain communications Degree in History and a Diploma are portrayed in vivid detail. The story in Education from the University of also offers a glimpse of the men’s fami- Sydney. She was a History teacher for lies at home, their anxiety and their many years before turning to research life-long grief. and writing at the end of 2008. The This work provides a carefully articu- Battle of Mont St Quentin-Peronne lated context, describing the ground 1918 follows her first book, Beaten over which the battle was fought and Down by Blood: The Battle of Mont St examining the corps and the ingredi- Quentin-Peronne 1918, the research for ents which made it ‘socially and struc- both supported by an Australian Army turally homogenous’. An overview History Unit Grant in 2009. As well as of infantry firepower, tactics, training her passion for Australia’s role in the and discipline demonstrates that there First World War, she is interested in was more to the Australian soldier 19th and early-20th century Australian than daring and dash. Likewise, the History and Family History. The ListeningThe Li stPosentin Octoberg Post October 2012 200931 31 Book Review Francis Birtles The Lost By Warren Brown Published by Hachette Australia - 9th Battlefield of October 2012 Overview: his never say die spirit and stories Kokoda 'We make and we break.' of derring-do, showing us nothing is impossible. By Brian Freeman Francis Birtles was a man like no other. Published by Macmillan (Pan Macmillan Australia) His motto in life was ‘chance it’. And About the Author: he did… many times, in many ways. Warren Brown has been an editorial Knowing that such a revelation would As a bushman, cyclist, motorist, soldier, Overview: newspaper cartoonist since 1986. He is This is the story of the single file trail command tremendous interest and sailor, photographer, author and movie currently cartoonist for Sydney’s Daily and that long ago battle – the Kokoda require careful management, the villag- maker, he was one of Australia’s great- Telegraph, for which he also writes a Trail Campaign of 1942. ers’ decided to divulge details of the site est adventurers and one of our most weekly motoring column. daring rogues. The Kokoda Trail is as important a to Brian, the first westerner to hear of its In 1995, as part of the Federal part of Australia’s history as Gallipoli, existence in decades. He authenticated By the time he was nineteen he’d sailed Government’s Australia Remembers and is a pilgrimage that thousands of and mapped the lost battlefield with around the world twice. Fought in a commemorative program, he co-con- war. Been shot at and almost burned to Australians make, but few will have archaeologists and helped set up a trust ceived and implemented ‘Back to the death. In the early 20th century, pick- completed the trail as many times as to act as guardian for the special site. Track’, a pilgrimage for WWII veter- ing his way along non-existent tracks, Brian Freeman. The former Special ans commemorating the building of the Part fascinating military history, part he cycled around Australia battling Forces soldier has set records running Stuart Highway between Alice Springs everything from dehydration and star- the 96 kilometre trail and led dozens of gripping archaeology mystery, part and Darwin, involving a troop train and vation to venomous snakes and climatic treks along it as part of his adventure exciting adventure The Lost Battlefield a convoy of 100 WWII vehicles. extremes. And then he did it again. trekking company. of Kokoda is the story of the trail In May 2005, Brown participated in a on which fierce and bloody warfare In the late 1920s, he became the first After years of friendship with local vil- recreation of the 1907 Peking to Paris was waged between the Japanese and person to drive a motor car overland lagers, Brian was entrusted with a secret race using five 100 year old cars. He from London to Melbourne. On the that had been hidden from outsiders Australian forces, how the important also presented a four part documentary journey he was strafed by an RAF since 1942, only passed down among battleground was forgotten, and finally series about the event. plane in the Middle East and outwitted the villagers, from generation to genera- found. the head hunters of the Naga Hills in Brown is a keen motoring enthusiast. He tion. The long kept secret was the loca- About the Author: Burma. Cutting vehicle access through owns several vintage vehicles including tion of a lost World War Two battlefield jungles and hauling the car up mountain a 1929 Dennis fire engine. The pièce de where Australian and Japanese forces Brian Freeman served as a captain with passes, the world said it was impossible, résistance of his collection, however, is engaged in what was one of the bloodi- the special forces of the Australian Army. but he had a go anyway. He arrived back the Bean 14 – exactly the same model est engagements of the campaign, after Since 2000 he has worked running treks in Australia to a hero’s welcome. in which Francis Birtles drove over- inaccurate mapping of the area, post- along the Kokoda Trail and adventure Francis Birtles’ whole life was a remark- land from London to Melbourne, and war, the battlefield was forgotten and programmes around the world. He lives able Boy’s Own Adventure. This inspir- smashed the Darwin to Melbourne inter- lost to the jungle. in Brisbane. ing and captivating biography captures city speed record. Too Much Food, Too Little Balance Many Australians are eating too much of some foods and not enough of others, according to a report released yesterday by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). My Story In 1994, the AIHW published its first comprehensive report on Australia’s food and nutrition. Australia’s Food & Nutrition 2012 is the much-anticipated revised edi- Ron Davis tion, and was launched yesterday by Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing,

Catherine King, at the 2012 World Congress of the International Federation for Home City of RoCkingham RsL sub-bRanCh Economics in Melbourne. The report highlights the key parts of the food and nutrition system from ‘paddock to 1. Where did you spend your years prior to joining the Armed Services? plate’ and how food choices affect health and the environment. Educated in Sydney’s eastern Suburbs. “The report shows many Australians are not striking a balance between foods high in fat and sugar and more nutritious choices,” AIHW spokesperson, Lisa McGlynn, said. Surfing at Bondi and Mouroubra. On average, extra foods, including sweet biscuits, cakes and pastries, contributed to Became a Navy Cadet aged 11. 36% of energy intake for older adults and 41% for children, which is more than the recommended 0 to 3 serves of ‘extras’ per day (depending on age and stage). 2. Why did you join the Armed In addition, the majority of adults and children had higher energy intakes from total Services? sugars and saturated fat than recommended – that is, a maximum of 20% from sugars Natural progression from Cadet. and 10% from saturated and trans fats combined. The report also revealed 25% of men and 10% of women aged 65 years and over do 3. What Armed Service did you join and not eat enough protein foods. what is the reason for this choice? Joined RAN aged 17 direct from Cadets. Poor dietary intake increases the risk of developing chronic diseases (such as heart Sailors don’t have to walk or run around. disease, diabetes and some cancers) which contribute to the total burden of disease in Australia, AIHW claimed. Fleet reserve as instructor to cadets. One estimate suggests poor diet costs the nation $5 billion each year; this includes direct costs, such as hospitals, GP services and medicines, and indirect costs, such as 4. What was your most memorable event in the Service? sick leave and forgone earnings due to premature death. Selected to “chopper” duties for visits of H.R.H Prince Phillip Royal visits 1956. However, Ms McGlynn said there were some factors discouraging Australians from eating well and maintaining a healthy body weight. 5. How do you see the future of the RSL? “The cost of healthy food is increasing at a faster rate than the cost of less healthy Positive, as long as RSL’s continues to assist serving ex-members, families, food, particularly in remote areas, where a healthy basket of food can cost up to 30% schools and locals communities. more than in capital cities. This may influence some people to buy less healthy foods due to limited choice and high cost,” she said Reproduced from the DPS Aged Care Guide 32 The Listening Post October 2012

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