President Ron Bassan’s Report

From the President’s Chair. G’day everyone, I hope this newsletter finds everyone well, if not, I hope you are on the road to recovery. I have had some enquiries as to where the AGM & Reunion is to be held this year, and of course it is to be held at the Maroochy River Coach House, Maroochydore, Qld, from the 10th to 12th September. You do your own booking, ring the Coach House on (07) 5448 4344, and make sure you book early. As I said in my last From the President’s Chair, the Committee was investigating the possibility of Sawtell is found on the beautiful North Coast holding a reunion for the 40th anniversary of the Bty of New South Wales just 6km south of Coffs returning from Vietnam; well this is going to happen. Harbour. Located 555 kilometres north of Sydney The AGM & Reunion for 2011 will be held at and 400 kilometres south of Brisbane, it enjoys Sawtell, NSW, from the 12th to 14th September, Australia's most temperate climate. inclusive. All activities will be at the Sawtell RSL Long sandy beaches, pristine rainforest, the Club, except for the service at the Cenotaph. magnificent Solitary Islands Marine Park and the The itinerary for the three days will be; Mon 12th, nearby Dorrigo National Park make Sawtell a must meet & greet, Tues 13th, AGM at 1000hrs, service at visit destination. Cenotaph (To be advised), Evening, 1800hrs for Sawtell is bounded to the east by safe surf 1830hrs, SEMI FORMAL Dinner, miniature medals beaches, to the north and south by unspoiled to be worn, Wed 14th, possibility of a bus trip, waterways and Bongil Bongil National Park and to barbeque in the evening. the west by scenic mountain ranges. Of course this is to be refined and this will be Sawtell has 12 restaurants and several done in the next newsletter, including costs, takeaways. Bookings for the restaurants are highly accommodation, etc. THIS REUNION IS NOT recommended. ONLY FOR VIETNAM VETERANS, IT IS Also in Sawtell is a lovely-restored cinema. OPEN TO ALL EX ‘A’ BTY MEMBERS. Let us You can enjoy a relaxing drink at the Sawtell RSL or know your intention of attending. at the Sawtell Bowls Club. For the golfer, the Sawtell I am happy to say that there is only one Golf Club boasts an 18 hole golf course and full member who is unfinancial for 2009/10, he knows clubhouse who he is. Remember the financial year now starts on facilities. the 1st July. There are It is on a sad note once again. After a long also two illness Lena Noonan passed away and the Committee croquet and Members wish to express our deepest sympathy courts and 12 to Dodger. tennis courts Till next time, Semper Paratus. Tex in Sawtell. kept it from away. “The rounds were dancing Lance Bombardier Gary me that he around our feet,” said Prout, who was Prout who risked his life was actually serving as an artillery observer. “The three times under Taliban on the front platoon commander described it as if gunfire in Afghanistan. line ... He had there was a bubble round us. He had already done no idea how we could carry on one tour. I without any of us getting hit.” thought he A Warrior armoured worked in an ambulance collected Harkett but office.” Prout, whose father, grandfather and Prout, great-grandfather all served in the 27, from Lisburn, Co Antrim, won his forces, knew his friend had little The Sunday Times; medal for what the citation described chance of survival. March 21st. 2010 as “the most incredible courage”. It Prout then ran back across open added: “It was a miracle he was not ground to the top of the house, where Mother thought hero killed.” in a second incident of bravery he soldier son worked in A 30-man patrol had gone into directed more than 200 rounds of an area known to be occupied by the artillery onto the Taliban while under office Taliban south of Musa Qala in fire. The mother of a soldier Helmand province on March 14 last A convoy of Warriors arrived decorated for bravery in Afghanistan year, with Prout taking up a position to pull out the troops but Prout had thought he was working in an on top of a house. realised there was not enough room office until she found out he had won The battle started with a blast for all of them. He stayed with a an honour second only to the Victoria as a soldier set off an improvised small group, calling down smoke Cross. explosive device. Prout ran forward rounds to hide how few they were. This weekend it was 150 yards to the scene where he Even when they were announced that Lance Bombardier found Alun Higgins, the platoon evacuated, Prout’s day was not over. Gary Prout had been awarded the sergeant, with the wounded man, who The group realised they had left Conspicuous Gallantry Cross. Prout he realised was his best friend, Lance weapons behind and he volunteered risked his life three times in quick Corporal Christopher Harkett, 22. He to go back, facing heavy rocket and succession when his patrol was and Higgins began carrying Harkett machinegun fire. caught in a vicious firefight with the to cover. It was only later that night that Taliban. The Taliban opened up with he had time to reflect on the loss of Heather, his mother, said: “He heavy machinegun fire from 30 yards his friend. Army Leader to Advise this appointment reinforces that The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Afghan Government Australia’s commitment in The political history of Afghanistan 26th. February 2010 Afghanistan is highly begins with the tribal leader Ahmad Shah Major General Ash valued by our ISAF Durrani who created the Empire in 1747. His Power has been appointed partners.” empire is considered by many to be the to the role of Senior In accepting beginning of modern Afghanistan. Its capital Military Adviser to the the appointment, was shifted in 1776 from Kandahar to Kabul Afghan Defence Minister, Major General Power and most of its territories ceded to Abdul Rahim Wardak. said, “I look forward neighbouring empires. In the late 19th Major General to the challenges and century, Afghanistan became a buffer state in Power will be the first opportunities this "“The Great Game." played between the officer to serve in this role will present. British and Russian empires. On August 19, senior position within the Major General 1919, the country regained independence from International Security Assistance Power joined Army as an Officer the over. Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. He Cadet in 1975. After graduating Since the late 1970s Afghanistan has will assist the Afghan he joined the Royal Australian experienced a continuous state of civil war Government in the expansion and Regiment of Australian Artillery. punctuated by foreign occupations in the development of the Afghan He has commanded 1st forms of the 1979 Soviet invasion and the National Army. Brigade in Darwin, the 1st 2001U S led invasion that overthrew the Minister for Defence, Division and Deployable Joint Taliban government. In December 2001, the Senator John Faulkner, made the Force Headquarters and Training United Nations Security Council authorized announcement today, saying ISAF Command–Army. Most recently the creation of an International Security invited Australia to fill the new he has been Head of Military Council (ISAF) to help maintain security and position. Strategic Commitments. assist the Karzai Administration Senator Faulkner said Major General Power will The country is being rebuilt slowly with “Major General Power has a commence his new role in the support from the international community and highly distinguished career and next few weeks. dealing with a strong . NX124838 Gordon Harvey A Sad Letter from way we got to know each Carmichael, born on 7th Tom Caldwell others family. September 1922, he enlisted It was with deep After both being on the 29th July 1942. sorrow that I learned of discharged Dennis and his Gordon served as a the passing some years younger brother came to cook when in July 1943 A ago of Dennis McLeish stay at my place and we Field Battery was re- who was a most respected worked at the local meat designated as the 2nd friend and mate to a lot of works for a season. Mountain Battery, serving in members of A Bty . Following this the New Guinea and the BCOF in I had been trying to three of us worked the Japan make contact with him for seasons all around Gordon, one of our life some years as we had Australia, the meat members passed away in drifted apart quite some seasons, fruit seasons or 2008. The following moving letter was sent in Feb. 2010 time ago and by chance I any work we could find by his devoted widow, Glad. was able to contact his for 2 years. We then sister . moved to Dennis's parents To the Editor, Thank you so much for sending me the My friendship with place at Woori Yallock A Battery newsletter. I still like to receive it since my him goes back to two 17 and worked on the Upper beloved Gordon has gone, He always enjoyed year old Victorian boys Yarra dam to Silvan dam receiving and reading it. who joined the Army. We pipe line for three years. I am enclosing a small photo copy of Gordon, I notice went through recruit After the work cut that you have photos of members from time to time in training, School of out on the pipe line I the newsletter. Artillery, Canungra and stayed with the board of I have sent from time to time a $50 donation and will Malaya together in the works and was re-located be sending another $50 in memory of Gordon as soon same troop. We were to Preston Work Shops, as as I can get to the Post Office; hopefully tomorrow, virtually in-separable and this was too far to travel I Friday 26th. February. were known as the terrible moved out of the district. Ron, you will notice the change in my Unit No., twins due to like Dennis left the board of instead of 53 it is now 52 after recent refurbishing, appearance, in a lot of works about this time and Gordon had been too sick to move back to our old cases it was mistaken worked for the PMG. we unit. identity. kept in touch with each Hope your weather is kind to you up there; it is very I remember one other for some years but as cloudy here today. incident where it happened Thanking you again, Sincerely Glad Carmichael. the troop leader we drifted called us both in apart. Restored WWII Artillery Blitz Buggy to lead and he told us In outback Anzac parade that he hindsight I By Chrissy Arthur suspected one should not Posted Mon Apr 12, 2010 8:27am AEST leading the have left it so A World War II field artillery tractor found on a other astray and long to try scrap heap at a western Queensland cattle station will lead if he ever found and make an outback Anzac parade later this month. out who it was contact with The vehicle, known as a field artillery tractor, was he would throw him, I am designed to tow guns in the North African desert and the book at him. now in research has revealed it was used in Africa during the war There are a lot contact with but was sold at a clearing sale in 1947. of stories that his sister and It was used on the cattle station to cart wool bales may be hope to and hay and later as a bore drilling rig. remembered of meet with Winton Mayor Ed Warren says the vehicle was our exploits in canteen her in the near future. A discovered by Gympie military enthusiast Lloyd bars and camps. We took great mate, friend, and McCarthy who has now fully restored it. all our leave together and companion. I will cherish "It's a World War II vehicle. It's done service in the would spend half of it at our time together for ever. Middle East, It's a Ford Blitz but it was specifically each others places, this Tom Caldwell (Bulldog) designed to tow 25 pounder guns around," councillor Warren said. Hi Tom, you can rid yourself of any guilt feeling "It had been pensioned off and bought at a clearing of what you should have done while Dennis was alive by sale after the war. I think it ended up being a bore-pulling reminding yourself that, ultimately, you have no control vehicle until it ended up being retired some years ago and over death. Your friend’s death was out of your hands. they just put it near the dump at home and there it was When you realize this, it will be easier for you to until Lloyd [McCarthy] came along." put aside any guilt, heal and move forward. . Clarification The Military Medal, An article published on page eight of our January previously awarded to other ranks, newsletter has prompted some people to question the has been discontinued. awarding of the Military Cross to AB Kate Nesbitt of the The first woman to be for her actions in Afghanistan. awarded the Military Cross was They have been unaware of changes to the Private Michelle Norris of the awarding of this medal, to clear this up I am attaching a , while brief history of this medal. attached to The Princess of Wales The Military Cross is a military decoration Royal Regiment in Iraq. Norris was awarded to personnel of the United awarded her medal personally Kingdom Armed Forces, and formerly by Queen Elizabeth 2 on 21st. also to officers of other Commonwealth March 2007 as the result of countries, for distinguished and her actions in Iraq on 11 June meritorious services in battle on land. 200 The award was established on Able Seaman Kate Nesbitt, was the second December 28, 1915. It was originally woman, first in the Royal Navy, for acts in awarded to commissioned officers of Afghanistan in March 2009 as a Medical Assistant the substantive rank of Captain or attached to 1 RIFLES, . below and to Warrant Officers. Recipients of the Military Cross are entitled In 1931 the award was extended to Majors, and to use the post-nominal letters “MC”. since 1993 to other (non-commissioned) ranks as well; Regards, Tex Bassan.

Origin of The Plaque, from Tex. required with the old button attached was There has been some mis-information duly sent off to Singapore, where the first of where the ‘A’ Bty plaque came from and plaques were manufactured, Phillip still has who designed it, so to correct this, here are the original. the facts; Phillip Calvert retired from the Prior to going to Malaysia in 1965, the Australian Army after 20 years; this then Battery Captain. Phillip Calvert thought included a tour with 161 Recce Flt as it would be a good idea to have a Battery Officer Commanding. plaque. He then The grenade for the plaque was moved to New inspired from an old button that was found in Zealand and our Q Store, the red flash, a somewhat spent 10 years stylised version of the garrison tie. in their army. Phillip can’t recall where the motto came from. I Regards, Tex Bassan rang the then Battery Commander, Alex Reynolds, and Note: The top design is now he said the motto Semper Paratus (Stands for, Always available as car stickers to Ready) came from the N.S.W. Artillery, which ‘A’ Bty purchase from our website. was a member of until 1899. Good value at $4 each Phillip made a colour drawing of what was or 2 for $6

Greetings from Darwin Military Museum. Darwin and the Attached to this email is a copy of our first newsletter for 2010. Also a copy of our media release in Royal Australian relation to the bombing of Darwin Anniversary. Artillery So far there has been 2 radio interviews– ABC Association. Local Radio Darwin and Radio Adelaide. We would also appreciate receiving the A Field ( Northern Battery newsletters etc. and are only too happy to Territory Inc.) reciprocate with ours. Here is some brief information about the Association: The cc addresses on this email are the RAAA (NT)  Established in 1964 Inc.Executive Committee Members  Set up the East Point Military Museum which last year, celebrated its 40th. Anniversary. Capt. (Retd.) John Johnson RFD ED  The museum was leased out for about 19years; National Liaison Officer however RAAA (NT) Inc. resumed direct control RAAA (NT) Inc. on the 17th. July 2009.

 Dr. Tom Lewis OAM has been appointed Director of the Museum which has been renamed The Ph:. 0419 836 669…Email:[email protected] The first Anzac Day parade in Brisbane

This is a black-and-white photograph of the first Anzac Day march held in Brisbane on 25 April 1916 to mark the first anniversary of the landing of the Australian and New Zealand troops on Gallipoli Peninsula, Turkey. The photograph was taken outside Brisbane's General Post Office in Queen Street. It shows soldiers on horseback who are watched by a large crowd lining the street and crammed into the balconies of the surrounding buildings. The building is festooned with flags and Sydney's first Anzac Day pennants and a banner that reads 'ENLIST Behind the 4000 returned men who could march in NOW'. Sydney's first Anzac Day in 1916 came 50 car loads of those who could not. The Herald photographer caught the moment perfectly as women rattled money tins, street urchins chased loose pennies and a big but subdued crowd watched as car after car rolled down Macquarie Street filled with maimed but smiling soldiers. "There was pride in the faces of the men, and tears in the eyes of the women as the little groups went by; for in almost every group, a man was to be seen without an arm, or with shattered features, or limping painfully with a stick," the Herald said. "Little parties of girls gathered at different points … and threw flowers over the passing soldiers. The first South Australian ANZAC Day commemoration service was on 25 April 1916. The Governor, Premier and Leader of the The Perth Mint’s ANZAC Day $1 coin Opposition addressed a public assembly in program is a tribute inspired by the deep Victoria Square, Adelaide, where a prominent significance of 25 April 1915, the day position was given to soldiers who had been at Australian forces landed on a hostile shore on the Gallipoli landing. the Gallipoli peninsula in Turkey. The commemoration was organised by The 2010 ANZAC Day $1 coin pays the State War Council, comprising the Premier, tribute to the Royal Australian Navy. With a design portraying six other members of parliament, the Mayor of HMAS Parramatta, a 'River' Class Torpedo Boat Destroyer built Adelaide, and seven others. prior to World War I and the image of a Leading Seaman from A souvenir booklet was produced that the same era, the coin reflects the RAN’s long contained photos of the Gallipoli campaign, history of professionalism, discipline and including one of the legendary Simpson, with courage. Including a silhouetted bugler, the words his donkey assisting a wounded comrade, ‘Lest We Forget’ and the date of ANZAC Day – together with the text of speeches of the April 25 – the reverse also symbolises the nation’s dignitaries. In the Governor's address at the extreme gratitude to those sailors who have made official ceremony in Victoria Square, as the supreme sacrifice. recorded in the souvenir, he said. “When we think of those splendid men who performed the Melbourne Unions Oppose Anzac Holiday supreme sacrifice for love of country, our The Returned Sailors' and Soldiers' Imperial League of hearts go out in respect.” Australia (The R S L) became organised nationally at a Melbourne meeting in June 1916, and thereafter campaigned for the solemn commemoration of Anzac Day as a statutory fixed holiday on 25 April. Stiff opposition from business and trade union circles, fearful for their profits and wages, delayed this until 1925. Thereafter, Anzac Day was celebrated on 25 April, with a Monday holiday when Anzac Day fell on a Sunday. In the City itself, veterans marched across Princes Bridge, past a cenotaph at Parliament House, and on to the Royal Exhibition Building. Anzac crowds at Anzac Arch Adelaide in 1918 Anzac Day Around Australia unforgiving shores. In a still dawn at Anzac Cove, Governor-General They make the journey very slowly now, bent with Quentin Bryce said Anzac Day was about "love of every age, or pushed along the road in wheelchairs by younger kind, love of nation, of service, of family". members of their families who talk to them and watch over them with concern in their eyes. In Melbourne, up to 40,000 By the side of the road the people attended the dawn crowds search out the oldest faces service before the day was and give them the fondest ovation, turned over to the roar of the while descendants walk not quite crowd at the MCG, while in in time to the marching bands, Adelaide servicemen and carrying photographs of Diggers women from the Iraq war led who fought in places they have the parade for the first time. never been: El Alamein, Borneo, Palestine, Tobruk, Kokoda. In Albany, Western Australia, which claims to In Brisbane, 100-year-old Ken have held the first dawn Blake revelled in the company of service -- on Anzac Day 1930 his granddaughter, Emily, and -- wreaths were laid and a grandson, Ryan, and said he was flare was fired from a ship on glad to see so many young faces Pat Lee (88) gets a kiss from an adoring King George Sound to mark in a vast crowd, but lamented that bystander in the crowd in Sydney. the laying of a wreath upon he was the last of his World War Picture: Jane Dempster Source: The Australian the water. II unit, 542 Squadron. Another World War II air force veteran, Robert In Sydney, the parade was led by Trooper Mark Chester-Master, 86, made light of the "12 and a half" Donaldson, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for missions he flew over Europe as a rear gunner in a services in Afghanistan. He said he felt that Anzac Day Lancaster bomber. Half a mission? "The Germans shot us was growing in strength. "We need to continue that down on the way home," he explained, adding casually tradition and it needs to be the young people that that he managed to evade capture in German-occupied understand the spirit of the Anzacs," he said. Belgium until Allied D-Day forces broke through in 1944. "That only counts as a half." In Canberra, the dawn service was attended by about 20,000 people, army chaplain Catie Inches-Ogden, one of Gallipoli, which sealed Australia's birth of nationhood two chaplains who recently reburied 249 British and with unimaginable suffering, remained the keystone of Australian soldiers killed at Fromelles in 1916, Anzac Day and was remembered especially on the 95th challenged those who thought Anzac Day was past its anniversary of the day the first Diggers confronted those use-by date.

Report on the Sydney March from John Smith 25th April 2010 Sydney. The day starts out overcast and a little drizzly, however by the time we moved off the weather changed for the better. Actually we moved off about a half hour earlier than previously and a few had to catch up on the run. In all there were about fifteen of the "old guys" however the Battery surely made up for a good contingent, headed by the BC, BK & senior ranks. The march was a little brisker than usual, we were a little worried about Brian Privett, who had to have a little assistance, but being Brian wouldn't go to a Rover and ride, however he lasted to the Town Hall. Toward the end of the march there was a pleasant surprise when a Wheel Chair arrived and in it was Frank Berrier steered by Peter. We all moved to the Coronation with Frank You know it's very interesting to talk to these young guys included, where everyone enjoyed a good arvo; to name a in the service these days to the fellows their wives & their few I can't remember everyone, Reg & Hue Ettienne, girlfriends about today's soldier and the days gone by. Harry & Ivy Cook, Don Green, Ian Leven, Dodger There is much to do between now & the end of the year, I Noonan, Brian Privett, Terry Jobson, Ron Hassell, Collin hope to let you know more at a later date Flatters, Max Vandyke, BC Major Nathan Laughton, Cheerio from Sydney SMITHY . Cruisin’ Down the River A Field Battery were number 106 away in the march due to it being the Army’s turn to be last away; this late kick off didn’t seem to bother anyone as there was so much catching up to do with old friends, not seen since last Anzac Day and of course The Saint was there doing a final spit and polish to our Gun and always ready to pose endless supply of snags from the for a few photos. BBQ, accompanied by salads and We finally got away and the bread rolls, while cruising the Even the hot Queensland march was completed with hardly a picturesque Brisbane River. weather could not melt the spirit of stop; the unconditional adulation The cruise was all over far too the Brisbane crowds as we marched from the crowd, especially the young soon and after a little over 3 hours through the streets on Anzac Day. kids is an inspirational feeling and it we returned to the wharf and said The crowd of children and is difficult not to feel emotional. our goodbyes before making our adults estimated to be over 50,000 When the march concluded way to Central station for the train cheered and clapped and waved we made our way to the Riverwalk trip back to Robina and I know this Australian flags as we marched area to board our ferry for the BBQ will cause some shock and disbelief through the city trip on the Brisbane River, organised and I must admit it does sound Governor Penelope Wensley by Arthur Burke and 101 Battery. incredulous but the 3 old LAD boys took the salute and it was an We were a little early so of could not even find room to have absolute pleasure to see her nodding course Majors Alcorn and Holmes one more for the road at the Pig and back at us in acknowledgement as ordered us to have a couple of ales at Whistle…..(Thanks Paul.) we gave a smart “Eyes Left.” the Pig and Whistle to replace the energy and sweat from the march. Talking about having a few ales, you would be well advised not to get tangled up with Paul Forsythe and try to match him beer for beer. The ferry trip is something we look forward to with pleasure. There was a plentiful supply of various drinks on board and an

The two larger photos above, showing the thirsty marchers, “wetting their whistle,” at the Pig and Whistle; were taken by Tex and Bonnie’s daughter Leanne On the left Tex with a group of the happy marchers and on the right the LAD trio being led astray by Paul, note that his almost empty glass confirms that he was setting the pace Below is a copy of a recent email I The Vietnam War 12th.Field Regiment took part in received from David Harris 12th.Field Regiment was operations in Phuoc Tuy Province informing me of a journal of the warned for service in South Vietnam until the withdrawal of the RAA Assoc. Victoria that has a in 1971 and the Regiment moved 1st.Australian Task Force in wealth of Artillery information. I from Tobruk Lines, Holsworthy to November 1971. have reproduced a brief history of A Lavarack Barracks in Townsville in On 7 June 1971 during a Battery’s Vietnam involvement. January 1970. contact with North Vietnamese and On 26 January 1971 the Viet Cong forces, Second Lieutenant Hello Butch, Thanks for another Battery assembled in Sydney for a I. Mathers, an A Field Battery great issue. parade at Victoria Barracks, it was at Forward Observer, received mortal You might get some mileage this parade that A Field Battery, in wounds from enemy small arms fire. out of the attached. I lifted them recognition of the approach of its His Assistant, Bombardier from "Cascabel" Mar 2010 which is Centenary Birthday and its long P.M. Maher, was later awarded the the journal of the RAA Assoc in association with Sydney, was Military Medal for his part in the VICTORIA. granted Freedom of the City of contact. The issue also contains a brief Sydney by the Lord Mayor, In addition, 50 cartridge cases, history of A Battery written by LTC Laurence McDermott fired by the Battery to celebrate its (R) Brian Armour. On 27 January 1971, the Centenary were presented to various If you are not on their distribution advance party emplaned for South persons and organisations (including list contact the editor at Vietnam where it was joined by the the Australian War Memorial which [email protected] main body at the 1st. Australian also holds the cartridge case of the Anne and I will be in Brisbane for Task Force base at Nui Dat on 4 first round fired by A Field Battery Anzac Day so hope to see you then. February 1971. in South Africa in 1900 during the Banger A Field Battery and the rest of South African Boer War .

Frankly we were all pleasantly surprised to see Frank Our Gun attracted the usual attention from the Anzac crowd Berrier attend the Sydney Anzac March and sink a couple of drinks afterward at the Coronation Hotel.

President Ron Bassan presenting an A Fd Battery Assoc. life membership certificate to Lt Col. The A Field Battery Banner supported by 4 young David Kelly, C O of 1st. Field Regiment and Gunners leads the marchers into the Main St. of Brisbane former Battery Commander of A Field Battery. Crowded elevators Sex is not the answer. I intend to smell different to Sex is the question. live forever. If sex is a pain Beauty is in midgets ”Yes” is the answer So far, so in the ass, then 24 hours in a the eye of the good you’re doing it day. 24 beers beer holder in a slab. I used to be wrong Coincidence ? indecisive. Now I’m not so sure

This is a sample of some of the thoughtful comments expressed during the committee meetings. Of course the intelligence level does decline after a few beers at the post- meeting BBQ. BOYLE IN HOT If Boyle Little Melissa comes WATER OVER were to accept the home from first grade and offer, the firm tells her father that they STEAMY SHOTS would fly her out learned about the history of Once people to Los Angeles on Valentine's Day. Since stopped marvelling at -- naturally -- Valentine's Day is for a Susan Boyle’s voice, they Virgin Airlines. Christian Saint and they started talking about her The LA we're Jewish," she asks, "will God get mad looks, especially her plain Times reports that at me for giving someone a valentine?" and matronly plumpness. there’s only one Melissa's father thinks a bit, then says The “American hitch: "The offer "No, I don't think God would get mad. Who Idol” makeup artist team were only lasts for a week. do you want to give a valentine to?" "Osama invited to give Boyle a new As company President Hugh Bin Laden," she says "Why Osama Bin look, a virtual makeover that Jundys so delicately put it: Laden," her father asks in shock has proved to be so successful "We want to get this movie "Well," she says, "I thought that if a that the singing has been put shot and out while Susan has little Australian Jewish girl could have on hold for more provocative the world's attention. Besides, enough love to give Osama a valentine, he projects. after 47 years of might start to think that maybe we're not all The shy singer virginity, I'm sure bad, and maybe start loving people a little has also been offered Susan is also anxious to bit. And if other kids saw what I did and $1million from an get something cracking sent valentines to Osama, he'd love adult entertainment as soon as possible." everyone a lot. And then! he'd start going all company to lose her The news of this over the place to tell everyone how much he virginity on camera. indecent proposal loved them and how he didn't hate anyone The company has comes as Boyle was anymore." already set up a recently offered big Her father's heart swells and he looks website, susanboyle bucks to do a photo at his daughter with newfound pride. XXX.com, where shoot appearing in "Melissa, that's the most wonderful thing fans can vote for various Playboy magazine by magnate I've ever heard." possible partners; the favourite Hugh Hefner who was reported "I know," Melissa says, "and once at the moment seems to be to be very impressed with the that gets him out in the open, the Artillery Tiger Woods. body transformation. could blow the shit out of him." PLAYING a soldier in far away as London. Australia's newest feature film Young conducted a boot camp wasn't much of a stretch for to get his fellow actors - Brendan Warwick Young. Cowell, Gyton Grantley and For almost 20 years, he has Anthony Hayes - prepared for the juggled two careers - as an army shoot. "We ate bully beef and officer who saw action in Iraq and a biscuits," he said. "We even had a talented actor with roles in rum ration. "We were in the trenches Hollywood blockbusters such as X- that you see in the film. We slept in Men Origins: Wolverine and them. It wasn't easy." Superman Returns. While Young's experience in Young will proudly marched Iraq couldn't be more different from in the 2010 Anzac Day parade in the conditions endured by Sydney while his latest film, the Australian's fighting in World War I, World War I saga Beneath Hill 60, in there were some similarities, he said. which he plays a Digger, is shown in "The artillery is the same, when you cinemas. are copping indirect fire, mortars and As well as acting, Young was rockets coming in, that's very military adviser on the film, which Real thing ... Warwick Young in similar," he explained. "But has been well received by reviewers. Baghdad in 2006. Source: obviously we weren't exposed to "I'm the only actor I know of that's The Daily Telegraph enormous barrages of fire." been in a conflict," Young said, Young said Anzac Day was a His latest film - Beneath Hill solemn occasion. "I've seen the describing his three months of active 60 - recounts the history of a service in Iraq in 2006. "There were results of a war. I've seen what it battalion of Australian miners does to people and I've seen the toll 70 IEDs (improvised explosive recruited to tunnel through a hill devices) going off a day on average it takes on civilians," he said. "War under German lines on France's changes you indelibly, whether the when I was in Iraq." 'The military Western Front in 1917. has been good for me," he said. "It's sacrifice is death or wounding A massive blast, set off by the physically, there is a change that great to serve your country. It's a soldiers in the excavation, was the great backdrop for so many different comes upon you when you see the biggest man-made explosion end of humanity and I think that characters and it's a great resource recorded at the time and was heard as for me as an actor too." sacrifice has to be remembered."

Mr Dredge, a former RSL artillery gun to stay artillery man, disputed the notion Felicity Caldwell | 7th April 2010 that historic weapon displays AN ARTILLERY gun fixed outside an promoted war or violence. “The Ipswich RSL club looks set to stay, but members gun itself represents all service are worried about the future of historic displays. people who served in artillery,” Mr Concerns about the fate of hundreds of Dredge said; harmless historic RSL displays of rifles, machine Ipswich RSL Services Club Mr Dredge wondered if the guns and artillery pieces was triggered in Far Secretary John Dredge says pacifist, who has asked not to be North Queensland last week after police the historic guns outside his named, believed the Canberra confiscated two guns because they were club is a monument to those War Museum should be unlicensed. who have served their country. dismantled. “It doesn’t glorify The crackdown was sparked by a war, it just shows the equipment Cooktown pacifist who complained to authorities used in war, how it was used by Allied service people and because she felt the weapons promoted war and violence. how it was used to protect our country,” he said. Ipswich RSL Services Club secretary John Dredge Mr Dredge said he was awaiting further directions said the 25 pounder displayed outside the club in North from RSL Queensland but would dismantle the 25 Ipswich was licensed with Queensland Police and pounder, used primarily in WWII, if legally required. “I inoperable. But Mr Dredge said he was still concerned would be very disappointed, but then again we’d have to about the future of similar historic exhibits. comply with any directions and we’d have to undergo any “It all depends on how successful this lady’s complaint is action that complies with law,” he said. I guess,” Mr Dredge said. “The mechanism for loading the Goodna RSL Services Club president David shell is welded up – it is inoperable as a gun.” Christie said while his club did not have any firearms on A law was introduced after the Port Arthur display, the crackdown was “crazy”. “They’re missing the massacre in 1996, which requires weapons made after point – these displays are to remind people that war is not 1900 to be proved inactive and registered with the nice,” Mr Christie said. “The cost to the RSL clubs, which Queensland Police Weapons Licensing Branch, which are community groups, to do this is ridiculous; this is requires gun barrels to be welded shut. crazy – another legislation made by bureaucrats.”

They shall grow not old,

They shall not grow old, as we that are As we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary them, Nor the years condemn. left grow old: At the going down of the sun, And in the morning, We will remember them. KEN. AGNEW TOM. BANFIELD Age shall not TREVOR. BEER S.J. BLANCH (OAS. Malaya ) weary them, nor GORDON CARMICHAEL TOM. CARRUTHERS the years KEITH. CHRISTENSEN RICHARD. DUGGAN condemn R.M. DUCAT (OAS. Malaya ) PAT. DALY TOM. DAWSON JOHN. DOWNES GEORGE. FORSYTHE M.K. FUSSELL (KIA, Afghanistan ) At the going ROBERT J. (BOB) GRAY NEIL HARDEN down of the MICK. HARKEN B.D. HENDERSON (OAS. Malaya ) sun and in the KEN. KENNEDY BOBBY. LEWIS JOHN. MACDONALD morning L.G. MATHERS (KIA. Vietnam ) E.J. (LOFTY) MOORE R.J. PARKER (OAS. Vietnam ) R.J. (JIM) PONTING DAVE. QUIRK We will PETER. RAINSBURY CLIVE. RALFE remember them. BRIAN. SCOTT PETER. SEDDON R. F. SMITH BRIAN. WHISKER Lest We Forget BERNARD. (PLONKY) WINE JOHN. WORBOYS

President Vice President. Ron (Tex) Bassan V i c e President. Donald (Saint) Sinclair 6 Harveys Rd. Ian Leven 60 Topsail Crt Beaconsfield. Qld. 4740 345 Teven Rd. Banksia Beach Teven, NSW. 2478 Bribie Island. Qld. 4507 Ph. (07) 4942 5433 Ph. (02) 6687 8834 Ph. (07) 3408 9009 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Hon. Secretary. Treasurer. Committee Clare (Bonnie) Bassan. Bob Cunningham Greg Kittelty 6 Harveys Rd. 26 Kilburn St. (07) 5593 1212 Beaconsfield Qld. 4740 Chermside, Qld. 4032 [email protected] Ph. (07) 4942 5433 (07) 3350 1394 Brian Miller [email protected] [email protected] (07) 3886 9074 [email protected]

Patron: Barry (Combat) Campbell. Editor. Ron (Butch) Slaughter. [email protected] 6 / 8 St. Ives Dr. Robina, Qld. 4226 Asst. Editor. Don (Saint) Sinclair. [email protected] Property Officer. Bob Cunningham. [email protected]. Liaison Officer.Qld. Ray (Bubbles) Alcorn. (07) 3378 6906 Liaison Officer. NSW. Robert (Dodger) Noonan. [email protected] Liaison Officer Vic. Rick Poley & Mike Pitman Liaison Officer. ACT. Alexander. Reynolds [email protected]. Liaison Officer. SA. Bob. McEvoy. [email protected]. Liaison Officer. WA. Max. Ptolomey. (08) 9447 4783 Liaison Officer. Tas. Bevan Filce Web Master. Peter. (Kimbo) Kimball. [email protected]. Advocate. Richard. (Dick) Morrison. [email protected] Auditor. David. (Banger) Harris

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THE AGM FOR 2010 WILL BE HELD AT MAROOCHYDORE, QLD - SAWTELL, NSW IN 2011 Book in now for The AGM and Reunion, a great weekend, Friday 10th. Sept, to Sunday 12th. Sept. 2010 MAROOCHY RIVER COACH HOUSE An absolute waterfront home-style resort, superb meals, entertainment and real hospitality. Ph: 07 5448 4344 Fax: 07 5448 5602 Address: David Low Way Maroochydore Qld 4558. PO Box 86 Bli Bli 4560 E-mail:[email protected]

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