MORWELL RSL SUB-BRANCH NEWSLETTER ( QUARTERLY ) MARCH - MAY, 2010 LEST WE FORGET Morwell RSL Sub-Branch Inc. Corner Elgin & Tarwin Streets Morwell P.O. Box 105, Morwell 3840 - Phone (03) 5134 2455 E-mail: [email protected] - Website: www.morwell.rslvic.com.au ______Your Committee President’s Annual Report President:- The following report is an extract from the one our Sub-Branch Mal Bugg OAM. JP President, Mal Bugg, presented at the Annual General Meeting on 17th February, 2010. It is his report for the year ending 31st Senior Vice President:- December, 2009 and is included in this newsletter for the benefit Les Maher of all those Members who were unable to attend the meeting. Vice President:- Bruce Jeffrey Another year is now before us with uncertain challenges and as I look back on 2009 I feel that we had a reasonably good year. I Secretary:- believe our result and profit figures for 2009 placed before you Dennis Cleary show we had a good year with a net profit after adjustments of about $107,000.00 and I think that this is a great effort in the Treasurer:- economic times we have just been through. There are still more William (Bill) Hall tough times ahead and we have to be ready for them. Committee Members:- Thank you to our General Manager Dennis and his staff for their Ted Dunstan, Joe Geddes, support and dedication. With changes to the Gaming Machine Val Giles, Wayne Gwynne Industry Act which will affect us, Dennis has put in many hours and Bruce Keevers of study and planning to allow us to move into and forward after 2012. Without doubt, we are in one of the stronger positions of General Manager:- any Sub-Branch or Club in Victoria. Our Treasurer Bill Hall has Dennis Cleary also given Dennis good support when called on. Manager:- The annual audited statement declares in detail our trading and Christine Hennessy income results. In my 28 years as President of the Morwell RSL ______our members have always been fortunate to have presented to you Sub Committees the full financial figures, good or bad by our Treasurer Bill Hall. Well done Bill and Dennis with this report, it shows they worked Appeals:- hard with all the committee to maintain this year’s budget. Wayne Gwynne (Appeals Officer), Donations to worthy groups and charities, 14 school scholarships, Bruce Jeffrey (Deputy), and Cadet Flying Scholarship, assistance to local Cadet Units and our Danny Gallagher own RSL Junior Football Club clearly show to our members and Welfare and Hospital Home the community that we support local organisations.This clearly Visitations:- demonstrates to all where some of our profits go. Val Giles (Co-ordinator) and In 2009 our Welfare Team of volunteers under the leadership of Wayne Gwynne (Deputy) Val Giles has again done a remarkable job of caring for the needs Pensions:- of our members who need support. More volunteers are Joe Geddes, Adrienne Mitrevics, desperately needed to bolster the team’s strength, due to the Ted Dunstan, and Don George ageing of our veterans whose needs continue to grow.

Newsletter & Web Site – Editor:- Graham (Beatle) Burgess President’s Annual Report Continued on Page 2 1 Women’s Auxiliary President’s Annual Report - ( Cont’d from page 1 ) President:- Val Giles as Co-ordinator, organises the rosters for hospital, Adrienne Mitrevics home and hostel visitations to our veterans together with their Senior Vice President:- wives and widows who are in need. Val’s efforts are also well Pat Sheahey recognised by the Victorian Branch RSL. Also a big thank you to our Senior Pension’s Officer and our Vice President Joe Geddes, Vice President:- together with Adrienne Mitrevics, Ted Dunstan and Don George Lyn Priems who capably run our Pension’s Office to service our veterans. Secretary:- They have a very high success rate. The dedication to their roles Ann-Maree Blackford as Pension’s Officers is excellent. Also to Wayne Gwynne and all his merry group of helpers and others who help man the Treasurer:- phones at the Welfare Office, a very big thanks. Julie Bassett ______Another great activity we have is the “Powerhouse Day Club” under the co-ordination of Rosa and Stan Schumann, with Bruce Courtesy Bus Jeffrey as Treasurer, Maureen Kemp, Gloria Hoppe and Val & Lyndon Giles and all those who help keep it up and running. It The Courtesy Bus is available to certainly is providing great levels of support and entertainment FULL MEMBERS of the Morwell for our members and those in the community of all ages who RSL Sub-Branch. i.e. Service, attend. It’s a wonderful opportunity for them to have a great Affiliate and Social Members. social day out and also have a great low cost meal. We also The bus will pick you up from thank Mike Mihaly and DVA for their support in funding the Day your Home, or any other Club and Club to purchase equipment and assist it to continue operating. Pub in Morwell or Churchill and bring you to the Morwell RSL President’s Annual Report Continued on Page 16 Sub-Branch. Return Journeys will only be made from the Sub-Branch to your Home. Never Leave If you wish to come to the club in You may have left this world behind. the courtesy bus during the times But you will never leave our hearts and minds. shown below, please telephone the Sub-Branch on (03) 5134 2455. VALE The Courtesy Bus operates during It is with deep regret that we have been notified of the death of the following times. the following Members since our last newsletter was printed. Tuesday:- Our deepest sympathy is extended to their family and friends. 5-00pm to 10-00pm. WILLIAM (Bill) J. McBRIDE - 9th NOVEMBER 2009 Wednesday:- 5-00pm to midnight.With runs to THOMAS J. HICKINBOTHAM - 10th NOVEMBER 2009 Churchill at 6-00pm, 8-00pm and th 11-00pm PHILLIP (Phil) O. JONES - 19 NOVEMBER 2009 st Friday:- BERNARD (Bernie) J. SHAW - 1 DECEMBER 2009 5-00pm to 2-00am.With runs to GLEN F. WOOD - 2nd DECEMBER 2009 Churchill at 6-00pm, 9-00pm and ( Affiliate Member ) 1-00am. LISA J. GILLESPIE - 24th DECEMBER 2009 Saturday:- ( Affiliate Member ) 5-00pm to 2-00am.With runs to Churchill at 6-45pm and 1-00am. LES T. SNARE - 8th FEBRUARY 2010 MARIE E. BROOKER - 17th FEBRUARY 2010 ( Affiliate Member )

LEST WE FORGET. 2 Annual General Meetings

Sub-Branch - On Wednesday 17th February, 2010 the Morwell RSL Sub-Branch held its Annual General Meeting. As previously advertised, nominations for committee positions were received between 25th January and 5th February. 9 nominations for committee office bearers were submitted prior to the meeting, and there was no need for an election. The President’s Annual Report is printed on page 1. Congratulations to the following successful office bearers who will continue to officiate on our committee for the next 12 months. President:- - Malcolm J Bugg OAM. JP - Unopposed Senior Vice President:- - Les Maher - Unopposed Vice President:- - Bruce Jeffrey - Unopposed Secretary:- - No Nominations Received (Dennis Cleary appointed) Treasurer:- - William (Bill) Hall - Unopposed Committee (Service):- - Ted Dunstan, Joe Geddes, Wayne Gwynne, & Bruce Keevers, - Unopposed Committee (Affiliate):- - Val Giles - Unopposed

Women’s Auxiliary - On Saturday 27th February the Morwell RSL Sub-Branch Women’s Auxiliary held their annual General Meeting and we congratulate the following office bearers who will continue to officiate for the next 12 months. President:- - Adrienne Mitrevics Treasurer:- - Julie Bassett Senior Vice President:- - Pat Sheahey Secretary:- - Ann-Maree Blackford Vice President:- - Lyn Priems

ANZAC Day Tokens – Can You Sell? ANZAC Day is nearly upon us, and once again I want to thank all those who volunteer each year to sell ANZAC Day Tokens. Thanks, but we need you again. We already have a regular group of volunteers who assist in selling Tokens, but additional sellers are always needed and appreciated. Many of you may have already received a letter seeking your help to sell ANZAC Day Tokens. If you have received a letter and wish to sell Tokens, please return the section listing your details to the RSL as soon as possible. If you did not receive a letter and wish to sell tokens for us, please contact the reception staff at the Morwell RSL Sub-Branch by phoning 5134 2455 or visit them personally and leave your name and contact details for me, Wayne Gwynne. I will then contact you and make the necessary arrangements. We will be selling tokens between Thursday 15th April and Saturday 24th April. Your previous efforts have enabled us to continually exceed our Token sales expectations and I need volunteers to make this year’s total another successful one. The only way we are able to achieve this, is by having sufficient numbers of volunteers out on the streets to “Man the Tins”. If you could spare some time at one of our selling locations, or you could sell some ANZAC Day Tokens at your place of employment, your time and effort would be greatly appreciated. All proceeds go to the RSL welfare funds, enabling them to help the older veterans and their families. All ANZAC Day Tokens $2-00 and over are Tax Deductible; the mounting card is your receipt.

Wayne Gwynne, Appeals Officer. 3 Footy Tipping Competition The Morwell RSL Footy Tipping Competition is on again for the 2010 AFL Football season. Competition tipping cards will be supplied on entry and you must enter before round one, on Thursday 25th March. Entry fee is $30.00 and this must be paid in full before round three, on Friday 9th April. Prize money will be paid for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and last placed entrants at the end of round 22, the last “home and away” round. If there are multiple winners with the same score, prize money will be divided evenly between those winners. ( Prize values to be decided when the number of entrants is known. ) On the competition cards there are games marked thus,*. These are the “Match of the Round” and on these games you must enter your estimate of the winning team’s margin in points between the two teams. The entrant with the closest estimate of the winning margin will win a prize of $50.00. If there are multiple winners with the same winning margin, prize money will be divided evenly between those winners. Please see bar-staff members, Rob or Ron at the Members Lounge Bar if you wish to take part, or want more details.

News Briefs

Major Jeffrey Visits Sub-Branch - On 3rd February, Major Wendy Jeffrey ( daughter of Bruce and Lora ) visited our Sub-Branch for lunch. Major Jeffrey is currently the Officer Commanding of a squadron of Officer Cadets at the Australian Defence Force Academy in Canberra. Wendy and three other officers had travelled from Puckapunyal where they had been visiting their squadron’s Army Cadets who were training there. After visiting our Sub-Branch they were travelling to the Sale RAAF base to visit their Air Force Cadets. Wendy is also a member of our Sub-Branch.

ANZAC Day Placemat - At the ANZAC Day luncheon each year, our Sub-Branch supplies everyone with a souvenir table placemat. In light of the discovery of several First World War mass burial pits being discovered at Pheasant Woods near Fromelles in northern France, the theme on this year’s placemat is the Battle of Fromelles and the Reburial of the soldier’s remains in a new Fromelles War Cemetery. Major Wendy Jeffrey

Bridge Club ( cards ) - Several of our members, including Rob Graham, are also members of the Traralgon Bridge Club. Rob tells me the club’s members come from all over the Latrobe Valley and they are always interested in welcoming new members. The club conducts training sessions for members who are new to this interesting card game. They meet in Traralgon each week and have also conducted several bridge sessions in our Milne Bay Function Room. If anyone is interested in joining the Traralgon bridge club or would like more information, please phone Geoff on 5176 5726.

Newsletter in Colour - Although the newsletters mailed out to Service, Affiliate and Social members are printed in black & white, a version with some colour components is now available on our website. The main difference is that most of the pictures are produced in colour. 4 The Battle of the Coral Sea The Battle of the Coral Sea was a series of naval engagements off the north-east coast of Australia between 4th and 8th May 1942. It was fought by Australian, U.S. and Japanese aircraft against four different major groups of warships and took place in the Coral Sea, in an area separating the Solomon Islands, the eastern tip of New Guinea, and the N.E.coast of Australia from Townsville to Horn Island. Some of the aircraft involved were land-based, but most were from the opposing aircraft carriers. It was the first battle ever fought, and the first naval battle in which the opposing forces of surface ships at no stage sighted or fired at each other. All attacks were carried out by aeroplanes. It is also the largest naval battle that has ever been fought off Australia’s shores. The battle was significant for two main reasons: 1. It was the first time in World War 2 that the Japanese experienced failure in a major operation; 2. The battle stopped the Japanese sea-borne invasion of Port Moresby. For many people this was the “Battle that saved Australia”. This may be an exaggerated claim, but the battle certainly seemed more significant at the time than modern history books have rated it. At 10-00am, on Tuesday 4th May a short service will commemorate this battle at the Morwell Cenotaph. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Victory in Europe Day – VE Day – 8th May The final document of unconditional surrender by Germany was signed at General Dwight Eisenhower's headquarters in Rheims on 7th May, 1945. Germany’s Admiral Karl Doenitz, sent General Alfred Jodl to the Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Forces detachment in Rheims to seek terms for an end to the war. At 2:41a.m. on May 7th, General Jodl signed for the unconditional surrender of German forces on all fronts, which was to take effect on May 8th at 11:01p.m. The 8th May was declared VE Day. In England, the Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, officially announced the end of the war with Germany. In a message broadcast to the nation, he said the ceasefire had been signed at 0241. Huge crowds, many dressed in red, white and blue, gathered outside Buckingham Palace in London and cheered as the King, Queen and two Princesses came out onto the balcony. Earlier tens of thousands of people had listened intently as the King's speech was relayed by loudspeaker to those who had gathered in Trafalgar Square and Parliament Square. In it he paid tribute to the men and women who had laid down their lives for victory as well as to all those who had "fought valiantly" on land, sea and in the air. “The act of unconditional surrender is to be ratified in Berlin today” he said “but in the interest of saving lives the ceasefire came into effect yesterday”. In Australia, celebrations were tempered with the knowledge that the war in the Pacific was still to be won and this was done 3 months later on the 15th August, 1945.

Instructing the Dumb A platoon of soldiers stood to attention on parade, the Sergeant Instructor shouted, “All right! All you dummies fall out.” As the rest of the squad wandered away, one soldier remained at attention. The instructor walked over until he was eye-to-eye with him, and raised a single eyebrow. The soldier smiled and said, “Sure was a lot of 'em, hey sarg?” 5 Morwell RSL - Awards to Local Students During December 2009 our Committee Members made presentations of Morwell RSL Sub-Branch Educational Awards and Scholarships to local students. Eleven of the awards were “Bill Brannan” Education Awards and one was a Sir Edward “Weary” Dunlop Scholarship. The Bill Brannan Education Awards to Grade 6 students were awarded to:- Lauren Lobb - ( Commercial Road Primary ) Tessa Anderson - ( Boolarra Primary ) Jake Liddell - ( Tobruk Street Primary ) Emily Martin - ( Morwell Park Primary ) Georgia Quinn - ( St Vincent’s Primary ) Luke Cassidy - ( Morwell Primary ) Jessyca Devlin - ( Lumen Christi Primary ) Janine Wang - ( Sacred Heart Primary ) Chloe Stephens - ( Hazelwood North Primary ) Josephine Slater - ( Yinnar Primary ) Samantha Tullet - ( Churchill North Primary ) ------The Sir Edward “Weary” Dunlop Scholarship for a year 11 student was awarded to:- Ashleigh Caldwell – ( Kurnai College - Senior Campus ) ------

Who was Bill Brannan? - Bill Brannan, an orphan who was born in England in 1918, never ever knew his parents or his relatives. He started work in a coalmine at age 13 and when he was 17 years old he joined the British Army to serve in the United Kingdom and Europe during World War Two. He was illiterate in every sense of the word, being unable to write or read. After WW2, in 1946 he migrated to Australia and joined the Australian Army where he served as a vehicle mechanic and after taking discharge in 1950 he moved to the Latrobe Valley and worked for the State Electricity Commission as it was then. He retired in 1983. Bill was a very generous man and although he had no family, was loved by all he met. Just before he died in 1986 he requested that the Morwell RSL invest some money he had accumulated over his lifetime and the interest it generated each year would be used to give Education Grants to the Primary Schools in Morwell, Churchill, Yinnar and Hazelwood North. Bill requested that the awards be given to a chosen student in Grade 6 who was about to commence their secondary education. He wanted to ensure in his small way that educational assistance is given, where possible, so that the recipient students could be taught to improve their ability to read, write and comprehend English, which he could never do.

Who was Sir Edward “Weary” Dunlop? - Sir Edward "Weary" Dunlop was a surgeon in the Australian Army during World War Two. He is famous as a prisoner of War on the Burma Thailand railway and the care he took of soldiers who had also been taken prisoner by the Japanese. Even in the most horrible conditions Dunlop found the energy to fight for the health and the lives of these men. “Weary” served with the Citizen Forces and as a Captain in the Royal Australian Army Medical Corp. He studied at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London and obtained his Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons. “Weary” was working in London at the outbreak of World War II and in November 1939 he enlisted in the 2nd A.I.F. When War in the Pacific began Dunlop's unit was transferred to Java. He was promoted to Temporary Colonel and given command of No. 1 Allied General Hospital at Bandoeng. On 8th March 1942 the island fell to the Japanese and Dunlop became a prisoner of war. After being imprisoned in Java and Singapore, Dunlop was transported to Thailand by the Japanese in January 1943. For the rest of the war, under Japanese control, “Weary” worked as a medical officer on the Burma Thailand railway. The men under his charge suffered in extremely primitive conditions and “Weary” became famous for his care of the ill and his willingness to place himself at risk, despite being unwell himself. As a commander, “Weary” had the awful job of deciding who was fit enough to work. As a surgeon, he was also the one who patched the men when they were injured. “Weary” and the men who survived with him remained captive until 16th August 1945. “Weary” then assisted with the evacuation of former POW’s and he returned to Australia in October 1945. Even though they were most horrible to the prisoners, “Weary” forgave the Japanese soldiers. 6 Farewell Brave and Faithful Servant On Saturday 7th November 2009, No. 38 Squadron, now based at RAAF Garbutt, Townsville, conducted a ceremony and farewell function to mark the retirement of the magnificent Caribou tactical transport aircraft from RAAF service. Since entering service with the RAAF in 1964, the de Havilland Canada DHC-4 Caribou has served us well in both peace and war. In Vietnam it supported troops in front line battlefield conditions, with its amazing short take-off and landing ability enabling it to get into and out of places that no other aircraft of comparable size could go. It could, and did, take many hits from enemy ground fire and still kept flying. Caribou in flight over Nui Dat, Vietnam The Caribou was ordered in the early 1960s to replace the reliable, though ageing, Dakota aircraft. The RAAF received its first Caribous in May 1964 when the first batch of eighteen aircraft was handed over at the DHC plant at Downsville, near Toronto. The aircraft were then flown from Canada to Australia. In July 1964 Caribous being ferried from Canada to Australia were diverted to Butterworth, Malaysia, where they became the basis of RAAF, Transport Flight Vietnam (RTFV), which later became 35 Squadron. Further Caribous were delivered to Vietnam, while those that reached Australia went to 38 Squadron. The Caribou was the workhorse of the Australian military for forty five years. In Vietnam the popular name for (RTFV) was “Wallaby airlines”. The name referred to its radio callsign “Wallaby”, rather than to the RAAF roundels on the aircraft, which featured a kangaroo painted in red. The Caribou is a slow and noisy twin-engined high-wing monoplane with full-span double-slotted Fowler flaps and fully-reversible propellers, which allow it to achieve its trademark steep approach and very short take-offs and landings. The high wing and distinctive high placement of the tail provide easy access to a large cargo compartment, while the low-pressure tyres permit operation on unprepared runways. It was the last piston-engined aircraft in the Air Force and is our only aircraft to employ the Low Altitude Parachute Extraction System (LAPES), where up to 2000kg of sled-mounted cargo is extracted from the aircraft by a parachute from as low as one metre above the ground. The Caribou is equipped with GPS satellite navigation and night-vision equipment, giving it the capability to operate in any weather, day or night, to either land or drop soldiers and equipment by parachute with pinpoint accuracy. The Caribou is not pressurised and is not fitted with auto-pilot or weather radar. In Australia, the Caribou worked tirelessly on tasks such as flood relief, drought relief and emergency medevac missions, apart from its primary role of front line support for the Army. In addition to their work in Australia, from 1965 to 1975 RAAF Caribous were used in Papua New Guinea, and flew mercy flights to refugees in East Timor in 1975. Between 1975 and 1978 they operated with the United Nations Military Observer Group, supplying observation posts along the India Pakistan border. More recently, the Caribous flew famine-relief operations to Papua New Guinea and Irian Jaya in 1997, tsunami relief to Papua New Guinea in 1999, and have since been used in East Timor and the Solomon Islands. The magnificent machine carried anything and everything, from passengers, paratroops and medevac patients to mail, food, medical supplies, jeeps, trailers, field guns, and 44 gallon drums of fuel - often having to paradrop supplies onto restricted drop zones not much bigger than a tennis court. It has been aptly called “a flying 3-tonne truck” and there is nothing else in the world that is capable of replacing it. After a remarkable 45 years of outstanding service, the venerable Caribou is about to fly off to that great heavenly hangar in the sky. What a pity all but two will be chopped up for scrap. One is planned to go to the Australian War Memorial in Canberra as a static exhibit while a second will go the RAAF Museum at Point Cook in Victoria where hopefully it will be kept in flying condition.

The above article is an extract from one written by Gareth Kimberly with additions taken from the AWM’s website. Gareth’s article was supplied to me by our member, Tom Lawless. 7 ANZAC Day Poem Sir Sir - would it help if I shed a tear I swear it’s the first time since this time last year My spine is a tingle - my throat is all dry As I stand to attention for all those who died. I watch the flag dancing half way down the pole That damn bugle player sends chills to my soul I feel the pride and the sorrow - there’s nothing the same As standing to attention on ANZAC Day. So Sir - on behalf of the young and the free Will you take a message when you finally do leave To your mates that are lying from Tobruk to the Somme The legend of your bravery will always live on. I’ve welcomed Olympians back to our shore I’ve cheered baggy green caps and watched Wallabies score But when I watch you marching (Sir) in that parade I know these are the memories that never will fade. So Sir - on behalf of the young and the free Will you take a message when you finally do leave It’s the least we can do (Sir) to repay the debt We’ll always remember you - Lest We Forget. Damian (Dib) Morgan 1998 Morwell Cenotaph on ANZAC Day

Dib Morgan is a young Queenslander from Condamine on the western Darling Downs. Sir is a vote of thanks to the men and women who have fought to defend the freedom that this country enjoys. Dib is also determined to play his part in helping to preserve the ANZAC Spirit.

Modern Granny I have a little Granny, she's really very old, But also unconventional in a most unusual mould. She doesn't wear her spectacles perched upon her nose, She's into contact lenses and varnishes her toes. Unlike some other Grannies who are home before it’s dark, She's dressed up in a track suit and jogging in the park. And when I wish she'd sometimes stay and tuck me into bed, She's off to study yoga and standing on her head. Some Grannies sit in rocking chairs and crochet shawls indoors, My Granny jumps upon a horse and rides across the moors. She goes on day trips with her gang, the over sixties club, They rocket around the countryside and end up in the pub. And on the homeward journey, like a flock of singing birds, They harmonise old favourites with very naughty words. I love my little Granny, I think she's really great, If that's what growing old is like, I simply cannot wait. 8 Beatle’s Bit

Golf Champ - Congratulations to our treasurer, Bill Hall. Bill won the Morwell Golf Club’s B Grade Championship held in November 2009.

Telephone Protocol - A Member thought he left a message on my telephone answering machine. As he knew me quite well and thought I had a sense of humour, he used some very colourful language. The problem was he had dialled the wrong number and we still don’t know who the unfortunate person was who received that terrible message. We can only hope they also have a good sense of humour.

Don’t Sleep on Trains - Member Rob had arranged to meet with his wife and some friends at Warragul for dinner. He had to work late so decided to go alone on the train. The problem was he fell asleep and woke-up as the train was leaving Drouin, just too late to open the door. At least he enjoyed a few beers at the Longwarry pub while he was waiting for someone to drive there and pick him up. Bill Hall – Golf Champ

New Shoes - After wearing the same pair of shoes to work for many years our staff member started to complain about them becoming tattered and falling apart. Her work colleagues even started to notice the poor state of her shoes and were about to start a collection that would allow her to afford a new pair. Finally our girl purchased a new and very comfortable pair of shoes. The next day at work she was still complaining about the comfort of those new shoes when another staff member noticed our girl, who hadn’t the heart to throw-out the old pair, was wearing one old one and one new one.

Nostalgia

I remember the cheese of my childhood, and the bread that we cut with a knife; When the children helped with the housework and the men went to work - not the wife. The cheese never needed an ice chest and the bread was so crusty and hot; The children were seldom unhappy, the wife was content with her lot. I remember the milk from the billy with yummy rich cream on the top; Our dinner came hot from the oven; and not from a fridge in a shop. The kids were a lot more contented - they didn't need money for kicks; Just a game with their mates in a paddock and sometimes the Saturday flicks. I remember the shop on the corner where a penn'ith of lollies was sold; Do you think I'm a bit too nostalgic or is it, I'm just getting old? Our clothes were boiled in the copper with plenty of rich foaming suds, But the ironing seemed never ending as Mum pressed everyone's duds, I remember the loos were called dunnies and the “pan man” came in the night – It wasn't the least bit funny going out in the rain with no light! The interesting items we studied, from newspaper cut into squares; And hung on a peg in the outhouse, took little to keep us amused. I remember the slaps on our backsides and the taste of soap if we swore; Anorexia and diets weren't heard of and we hadn't much choice what we wore. Do you think all that stuff bruised our egos? Our initiative all but destroyed? We ate what was put on the table and I think life was better enjoyed! 9 H.M.S. Forth at the 1953 Argostoli Earthquake Most service personnel would probably have experienced some form of “civil aid” during their service. I experienced mopping-up after a fire near Sydney and also helped with maintenance at an orphanage in Vietnam. On a larger scale we have all seen in the past, news reports of our military’s assistance after events such as the earthquake in Darwin and the tsunamis in Indonesia and Samoa. The horrific earthquake in Haiti on Tuesday, 12th January 2010 has brought back some disturbing memories for Morwell RSL member John Nash. In 1953 John was serving with the British Navy as a Marine Engineer, 1st Class on board the depot ship, H.M.S. Forth. Whilst in Msida Creek, Malta on 12th August the town of Argostoli on the Greek island of Cephalonia off the west coast of Greece was destroyed by a massive earthquake. H.M.S. Forth was ordered to “store ship” with survival items for the population like food, blankets, water, fuel, medical supplies and clothing. Forth sailed 3 days later and arrived in the Argostoli area about 5 days after the earthquake. John supplied me with an article from a copy of the “Times of Malta” newspaper, dated 29th August 1953 and together with additional details found on the internet I have compiled the following article. John Nash - 1953

The island of Cephalonia, is the largest of the Ionian Islands in western Greece, with an area of about 906 square kilometres. The island is named after the mythological figure Cephalus (Ciphalis), although some hold its name literally means “island with a head”, referring to the island's shape; the name “Ciphalis” is derived from the Greek word for “head”. In World War II, the island was occupied by Axis powers. Until late 1943, the occupying force was predominantly Italian - the 33rd Infantry Division Acqui plus Navy personnel totalled 12,000 men - but about 2,000 troops from Nazi Germany were also present. The island was largely spared the fighting, until the armistice with Italy concluded by the Allies in September 1943. Confusion followed, as the Italians were hoping to return home, but German forces didn’t want the Italians' munitions to be used eventually against them; Italian forces were hesitant to turn over weapons for the same reason. As German reinforcements headed to the island the Italians dug in and, eventually, after a referendum among the soldiers as to surrender or battle, they fought against the new German invasion. The fighting came to a head at the siege of Argostoli, where the Italians held out. Ultimately the German forces prevailed, taking full control of the island, and five thousand of the nine thousand surviving Italian soldiers were executed as a reprisal by German forces. While the war ended in Europe in 1945, Cephalonia remained in a state of conflict due to the Greek Civil War. Peace finally returned to Greece and the island in 1949. The Great 1953 Ionian Earthquake struck the southern Ionian Islands in Greece at 11:24am ( local time ) on 12th August, 1953. Beginning on 8th August there were over 113 recorded earthquakes in the region, but the most destructive was the earthquake on August 12th. It measured 7.2 on the Richter Scale and caused widespread damage throughout the islands of Cephalonia and Zakynthos. In Zakynthos town, that island's capital, only two buildings survived the earthquake and the rest of the town's capital had to be rebuilt. Argostoli, the capital of Cephalonia, also suffered substantial damage. The earthquake’s epicentre was directly below the southern tip of Cephalonia, and caused the entire island to be raised 60cm higher, where it remains, with evidence in water marks on rocks around the coastline. Four Israeli warships received S.O.S. signals coming from the Island of Cephalonia and the ships headed to the island. The sailors provided emergency medical aid, food and water. This was the first time Israel had provided aid to a disaster-stricken area. As well as causing major destruction on the two islands, the economic impact of the earthquake was far greater, and damage was estimated to have totalled millions of dollars ( billions of drachmas ). Many people fled the island after the earthquake, leaving the island as well as its economy in ruins. An estimated 100,000 of the population of 125,000 left the island soon after, seeking a new life elsewhere.

Argostoli Earthquake – Continued on page 11 10 Argostoli Earthquake – Continued from page 10 H.M.S. Forth (1) was the Mediterranean Fleet submarine depot ship resident in Msida Creek, Malta and had recently returned from attending the 1953 Coronation Fleet Review at Spithead. Forth was ordered to “store ship” with survival items for the population, like food, blankets, water, fuel, medical supplies and clothing. Forth sailed 3 days later and arrived in the Argostoli area about 5 days after the earthquake. On board H.M.S. Forth, various groups were given specific tasks to complete ashore and the Electrical and Ordnance Artificers (EAs & OAs) had to erect a Nissen hut from scratch, electrically wire it up and set it out as a children’s hospital powered by a portable petrol generator. The book “Ships of the Modern ” by W.G.D. Blundell 1967, reported that the hospital was still in use 7 years later. There were after-shocks during the building of the hut and everyone raced outside when they happened.

The following 5 paragraphs are extracts from the “Times of Malta”, Saturday, August 29, 1953.

Last Ship From Argostoli - From Our Service Correspondent The submarine depot ship H.M.S. Forth has returned to Malta from the earthquake stricken Ionian Islands. She is the last Royal Navy major unit to return from that area. The danlayer (2) H.M.S. Sursay is the sole remaining Mediterranean Fleet unit left in Argostoli, acting as guardship and tender for the remaining Royal Navy helicopter and personnel still operating in that district. Although Forth was only in Argostoli for four days she did much to alleviate the suffering and hardship still being experienced by the Greeks in Argostoli and the nearby town of Lixuri. A major achievement was the transportation, erection and furnishing of two Nissen huts as an emergency children's hospital and the erection of four more Nissen huts for use as a children's school. Altogether a total of nine Nissen structures were built by Forth’s men. The original Children's Hospital had been levelled in the quake and although most of the injured youngsters had been evacuated to Patras, there still remained those in the outlying districts of Cephalonia. Forth employed her carpenters in the useful work of making miniature tables, chairs and even wooden toys for the children in the Forth made hospital. A midshipman even painted cartoon murals along the cream painted walls. Each little cot has now its own bed side lamp and a towel inscribed H.M.S. Forth. Some 45 tonnes of clothing sent from England were taken to Argostoli in Forth, as was military transport and 2000 bags of flour. A total of 28 tonnes of bread was baked in the Forth’s ovens and distributed to the still hungry population. Other achievements accomplished by Forth during her short stay in Argostoli were the erection of electric power lines for use when the battered power station gets into its full stride; the rickety walls have already been demolished by an Italian fire brigade team. In Luxuri, Forth’s field soup kitchen distributed 9000 soup meals in one day. Lighting was laid on for the two tented camps where the Argostoli’s are now housed.

1. H.M.S Forth, A187, was a submarine depot ship. She was completed in 1939 and many years later, adapted to operate and maintain the Royal Navy's nuclear-powered . H.M.S. Forth was stationed at Trincomalee, Ceylon during the end of the Second World War. During her stay in Malta in the 1950’s she was moored on the east side of Msida creek. She left Malta in 1960.

2. A danlayer was a type of vessel assigned to minesweeping flotillas during and immediately after World War II. They were usually small trawlers, fitted for the purpose of laying dans. A dan is a marker buoy which consists of a long pole moored to the seabed and fitted to float vertically, usually with a coded flag at the top. The task of a danlayer was to follow the minesweepers as they worked an area, and lay the dans which defined the area swept and made it obvious where the clear channels were. This would also help the minesweepers to cover areas accurately without gaps and unnecessary overlaps.

Additional pictures kindly supplied by another of HMS Forth’s crew, Rob Thomas are shown on page 12 11 Miscellaneous Picture Gallery The pictures shown below have links to articles in this newsletter or are records of activities linked to the Morwell RSL Sub-Branch.

Mary Tourlidas, Bella O’Callaghan and Metro Mitrevics at Is this man Kissing Santa the Australia Day Breakfast. or whispering in his ear?

Morwell RSL Women’s Auxiliary - December 2009

HMS Forth’s crew building a Nissen hut after the Ruins after the Argostoli earthquake, HMS Forth Argostoli earthquake can be seen anchored in the bay behind 12 Lunch & Dinner Smorgasbords Sunday 9th May Don’t forget Mother’s Day on Sunday 9th May. Bring mother to the Morwell RSL Sub-Branch’s “Victoria Cross” Bistro for the Mother’s Day Smorgasbord Lunch or Dinner. Cost of either Lunch or Dinner for all people over 10 years old is $20-00 per head. Children 5 years and under are free, and all other children aged 6 to 10 years pay $10.00 per head. Everyone who attends goes into a draw for a Hamper and all Mothers will receive a free Rose. Please make a reservation for the Smorgasbord Lunch or Dinner in the Bistro on Mother’s Day. See Mary in person or phone her on (03) 5135 3689 and book your seats.

Letter to God There was a man who worked for the Post Office whose job was to process all the mail that had illegible addresses. One day, a letter came addressed in a shaky handwriting to God with no actual address. He thought he should open it to see what it was about. The letter read:

Dear God, I am an 83 year old widow, living on a very small pension. Yesterday someone stole my purse. It had $100 in it, which was all the money I had until my next pension payment. Next Sunday is Christmas, and I had invited two of my friends over for dinner. Without that money, I have nothing to buy food with, have no family to turn to, and you are my only hope. Can you please help me? Sincerely, Edna The postal worker was touched. He showed the letter to all the other workers. Each one dug into his or her wallet and came up with a few dollars. By the time he made the rounds, he had collected $96, which they put into an envelope and sent to the woman. The rest of the day, all the workers felt a warm glow thinking of Edna and the dinner she would be able to share with her friends. Christmas came and went. A few days later, another letter came from the same old lady to God. All the workers gathered around while the letter was opened. It read:

Dear God, How can I ever thank you enough for what you did for me? Because of your gift of love, I was able to fix a glorious dinner for my friends. We had a very nice day and I told my friends of your wonderful gift. By the way, there was $4 missing. I think it might have been those bastards at the post office. Sincerely, Edna 13 Entertainment Calendar – (Shez’s GIG Guide) - Our Supervisor Sheryl has organised the following entertainment for you all. Please support these evenings and have a great time. MARCH APRIL Wednesday 3rd - “Under the Spotlight” * Friday 2nd - MUSIC FESTIVAL * ( Featuring SNAKE ) ( R.C. H. Appeal - See details on page 15 ) Friday 5th - LIZ & the TINMEN * Saturday 3rd - MUSIC FESTIVAL * Saturday 6th - I.C. ROCK ( R.C. H. Appeal - See details on page 15 ) th Friday 12th - Karaoke with D.J. GLENNO Friday 9 - LIZ & the TINMEN th Saturday 13th - MISTY Saturday 10 - ESQUIRES th Wednesday 17th - “Under the Spotlight” Friday 16 - OFF LIMITS ( Featuring LIZ ) Saturday 17th - I.C. ROCK Friday 19th - COOLCHANGE * Sunday 18th - OLD TIME DANCE * ( Ken & Alice Rae - 2pm until 4pm. – Free ) Saturday 20th - H.B.T. Friday 23rd - UNKNOWN QUANTITY * Sunday 21st - OLD TIME DANCE * th ( Ken & Alice Rae - 2pm until 4pm. – Free ) Saturday 24 - BLACKHILL RAMBLERS Friday 26th - LOW PROFILE Friday 30th - LOW PROFILE Saturday 27th - GEORGE & the JETSONS

Entertainment functions marked thus * will be held in the ANZAC Room ( The Big Function Room ), with Entry Charges as noted. All others will be held in the Members Lounge and are Free Entry. Starting times for these functions is around 8-00pm.

Please check the latest “Gig Guide” at the Sub-Branch reception desk or contact the club by telephone on 5134 2455 in case there are any late changes to the entertainment calendar. The “GIG” guide is also shown on the Morwell RSL Website at www.morwell.rslvic.com.au

The OLD TIME DANCE with Ken and Alice Rae is a great afternoon’s entertainment. There is always plenty of space for people to come along and enjoy the Music, Games and Friendship, not forgetting the Dancing, of course. The OLD TIME DANCE is held on the Third Sunday of each month. There is no charge for this entertainment. IT’S FREE.

Table Bookings:- Table bookings in advance will NOT be accepted for functions in the Members Lounge. However you may arrange a table for you and your guests on arrival if one is available. IMPORTANT: - Due to Health regulations, patrons are not allowed to bring food or beverages onto our premises for any function.

Against Orders - In the Army Mess. 1st soldier: “Pass me another chocolate pudding, would you?” 2nd soldier: “No way, Jose!” 1st soldier: “Why not?” 2nd soldier: “It's against regulations to help another soldier to dessert!”

14 Good Friday & Easter Saturday In the Morwell RSL’s ANZAC Function Room

Royal Children’s Hospital Appeal / MUSIC FESTIVAL A Royal Children’s Hospital Appeal / “MUSIC FESTIVAL” will be conducted in the Morwell RSL on GOOD FRIDAY and EASTER SATURDAY, 2nd and 3rd April. ------The MUSIC FESTIVAL will be conducted between 5.00pm and Midnight on GOOD FRIDAY and between 5-00pm and 1-00am Sunday morning On EASTER SATURDAY. All the Bands have kindly donated their time and proceeds from Door Sales, Raffles and Auctions on both days will be donated to the Royal Children's Hospital, Good Friday Appeal. Entry Cost to the Music Festival is - $15.00 per person, per evening ------GOOD FRIDAY’s Function will feature the following bands:- BLACKHILL RAMBLERS, SNAKE & GEORGE and the JETSONS.

EASTER SATURDAY’s Function will feature the following bands:- ESQUIRES, H. B. T. & I.C. ROCK. ------Last year’s event raised a grand total of $7000. It is hoped this year’s event will raise at least $8000 - Please support these functions. ------Easter Raffles will be conducted on Good Friday. Easter Raffles and Auctions will be conducted on Easter Saturday. If individuals or local businesses would like to donate gifts or gift vouchers, they would be greatly appreciated and will be auctioned during the festival on Easter Saturday. ------

Royal Children’s Hospital Appeal - As you all would know, each year on Good Friday an appeal is conducted in Victoria to raise funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne. If any of you would like to donate to this appeal you may do so by forwarding a cheque to the Morwell RSL, written out to the Royal Children’s Hospital or give a donation directly to Shez at the Members Bar or to our receptionist. Your donation will be added to the Monies collected during the Easter Music Festival and passed on to the Appeal organizers. A receipt for your contribution will be forwarded to you.

15 President’s Annual Report - ( Continued from page 2 ) Another tireless group of workers who don’t look for pats on the back are our Women’s Auxiliary under their President Adrienne Mitrevics. They have worked tirelessly in fundraising on Friday nights at the members’ draws, running Bingo on Monday mornings and on Tuesday nights under the direction of George Harris they again give of their valuable time to raise funds. They have given the Sub-Branch funds to buy equipment for our Welfare/Pensions Centre. They also purchased furnishings for our Clubrooms which we all get the benefit of. To all of our Auxiliary women, a job well done and thank you all for your support when we have asked for it. They have also donated to many worthy local voluntary Groups such as Yinnar South Fire Brigade, St. John Cadets and the State Branch RSL Bushfire Appeal. 2009 saw our Appeals Officer Wayne Gwynne ably supported by Bruce Jeffrey, Terry Blackford, Danny Gallagher and the 100 or so great helpers from Morwell, Yinnar and Churchill achieve great results. The results for the 2009 ANZAC & Poppy Appeals in Morwell, Churchill and Yinnar were a big increase on 2008.A magnificent total was raised. To all of you in the Appeal’s team, a job well done, let’s chase another record breaker in 2010.We need to maintain our sellers and cover more areas and due to the economic climate that will be a challenge for Wayne in 2010. We will all have to work together. Also to Graham (Beatle) Burgess and those who help him in the production and mail out of our newsletter please accept our appreciation. It was great to see Bruce Jeffrey, Ross Howell, Dale Sinclair and others working with Graham and having a great time together. This really is the essence of teamwork and mateship. We thank you all for helping with the newsletter. Thanks to Graham for our website which without doubt is the best in RSL circles in the State and also for the other great work you do. We saw a great turn out for the 2009 Christmas Dinner in the Clubrooms where Mary and Theo catered first class for over 480 diners and what a meal? The envy of all other clubs in our vicinity not only the quality but price wise. Australia Day 2009 saw around 120 RSL, Rotarian members and community join in the Aussie Breakfast and this too was enjoyed by all. The MC on the day Paul Violi did a great job and Gloria Auchterlonie is to be congratulated on planning the day. ANZAC Day 2009 saw the largest group of veterans and ex servicepersons turn out during my presidency. 340 veterans and members attended the luncheon with initial drinks free. Congratulations to Les Maher as our Parade RSM for a job well done. The well attended Veterans’ Dinner in October 2009 saw 160 members and guests enjoy this activity.We had a great entertainer in Jim Brown, thanks to Dennis Cleary who booked him. I would like to say a particular thanks to Les Maher, Danny Gallagher, Wayne Gwynne and Bruce Jeffrey for coming along regularly with me to attend the funeral services of our members. This is not a function that one looks forward to but for us to go along to do the RSL Service and support the families is very important. Danny has been doing this for many years now and rarely ever lets me down. Thanks to you all on behalf of the families, our RSL and myself. In closing this year’s report I wish to report that our end of year membership figures for Service and Affiliate members was well up on 2008.We received a State RSL Commendation Certificate for this achievement. Our attrition was the highest ever during my Presidency. Please try and recruit members of all categories as we did towards the end of the year and had a wonderful result. Let us aim for at least 1200 Service and Affiliate members in 2010 so that our Sub Branch remains the strongest in the Valley and one of the strongest in Gippsland. The challenges have never gone away during my Presidency and with changes to the Gaming Industry in 2012 brought on by our State Government we have many challenges to face and maintain our leadership position both here in the Valley and Victoria. To all our committee particularly the great back up and support of our Senior Vice President Les Maher, General Manager/Secretary Dennis, Manager Christine, Supervisor Sheryl, Val Taylor and all the staff, I say well done and thank you for supporting me in 2009. Lastly to my wife Moria who, over my 47 years of membership in the League, I say a big thanks for your love and support that has allowed me to continue with my role as President of this great Sub Branch. Mal Bugg. OAM. JP. President. 16 Churchill Citizen of the Year 2010 - Valerie ( Val ) Giles This article has been reproduced from the February edition of the Churchill & District News. It was supplied to them by the Lions Club of Churchill & District and is used with their kind permission. Val received her award from Churchill Lions Club member, Peter McShane. Val Giles - A caring person with a strong passion for helping others. Lions Club of Churchill & District, Citizen of the Year, Val Giles, is, without doubt, a very worthy recipient of this award in recognition of her compassion and caring for others within the community. Val has always had a strong passion for helping others, especially the aged, Veterans and the disabled. Val was born and educated in Yallourn. Her parents, the Wilden’s, were early settlers in the Old Brown Coal Mine, now known as Yallourn North. After finishing her schooling Val chose nursing as a career and trained at Yallourn and Traralgon hospitals. After her training she worked in all Latrobe Valley hospitals, gaining a reputation as an excellent nurse. In 1969 she married a Vietnam Veteran and moved to Churchill where they began to raise a family. During her children’s education, she was actively involved in canteen duties, school council and parents associations of Churchill North Primary School and Kurnai College. During this period she also owned and operated Pooh Corner, one of the first Child Care Centres to be established in Victoria. Over the years this business has operated from Monash University, Churchill and is currently operating from the Churchill Hub. After selling the business Val moved back into nursing and became very involved in aged care. Val formed and coordinated a Day Care Centre at the Morwell Nursing Home upon leaving general nursing. She then became involved in aged care nursing with BapCare, the Salvation Army and Silver Circle. She achieved levels of care, coordination and assessments for the aged, not only locally but across Gippsland. Whilst in these roles, Val liaised with local councils to set up the best quality of care for the aged in the community. Peter McShane & Val Giles Val retired to care for her husband who was suffering PTSD, a legacy from the Vietnam War. Whilst in retirement she continued to volunteer in and around the community, especially the veteran and aged community of the Morwell RSL. Within the Morwell RSL she is the only female on committee and is Welfare Coordinator. In this role she was instrumental in forming the Day Club. To this day she remains a coordinator as it continues with its success in supporting veterans and their families. Val is also actively involved with the Morwell Red Cross Unit, as a co-ordinator of the Emergency Service Unit and Blood Bank assistant. She has also been chairperson of the organisation. During the Black Saturday bushfires Val’s property was threatened by fire and she and her husband evacuated. Fortunately their property was saved and the very next day Val on behalf of the Red Cross, was in the Traralgon Emergency Centre working to help and support others who unfortunately were affected. She put in big hours over the next week. Throughout her life Val has also had a passion for caring for people with intellectual disabilities. She worked for Interchange where she offered respite and care for the disabled. She has always, and continues to, care and have responsibilities for her sister who has an intellectual disability. Thank you Val for your years of dedication to our community, your work is commendable.

Did You Know? - If a commemorative statue has a person on a horse with both its front legs in the air, the person died in battle. If the horse has one front leg in the air the person died as a result of wounds received in battle. If the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes. 17 Australian Government Department of Veterans’ Affairs

$1.3m for Veteran Health and Wellbeing Projects - Encouraging veterans, war widows, widowers and their families to become involved in local health and wellbeing activities, the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin, announced on 15th February, the funding of more than $1.3 million to support 98 initiatives across Australia. The funding will benefit some 41,000 veterans, war widows and widowers and their families by supporting a range of initiatives including health, nutrition and exercise sessions. Mr. Griffin said the grants demonstrate the Australian Government’s commitment to organisations that care for the veteran community, and encourage veterans, war widows and widowers and their families to become involved in local health and wellbeing activities. “Veteran & Community Grants help fund local initiatives that improve access to community care services and encourage social interaction through Day Clubs, Men’s Sheds and social excursions,” Mr Griffin said. “It is important that the veteran community has access to a range of programs where they can learn skills to help them remain independent and active, particularly for the elderly living by themselves.” Veteran & Community Grants are available to ex-service and community organisations, veteran representative groups and private organisations that contribute to the health and welfare of the veteran community. Morwell RSL Sub-branch will receive three grants: $11,700 to help purchase a photocopier to assist with the production of our newsletter; $3091 to fund a series of bus trips for its members to help reduce social isolation; and $4313 to fund a series of bus trips on behalf of the Powerhouse Day Club.

Veteran Community Expo – 2010 – A Veteran Community Expo sponsored by DVA and supported by volunteers from the Morwell RSL’s Welfare Group will be conducted in the RSL’s ANZAC Function Room on Wednesday 2nd and Thursday 3rd June, from 10-00am to 4-00pm. The event will provide an opportunity for the Veteran community and general public to learn more about the services and entitlements. This is an opportunity to gain knowledge, understanding and collect information from a variety of Service Organisations. Attendees will be given “Show Bags,” and morning / afternoon tea provided by the Morwell RSL. Lunches may be purchased in the bistro. There will be several interesting presentations in the ANZAC Room from various organisations. Last year there were speakers from DVA, Consumer Affairs, Office of the Victorian Privacy Commissioner and Latrobe Community Health Services. There will also be “Information Stalls” in the Milne Bay Function Room where booklets, pamphlets and additional information will be readily available. Many service organisations are expected to attend. These include, Victoria Police, Latrobe Community Health Services, Gippsland Medical Supplies and Red Cross Transport Services. Direct your inquiries to the Morwell RSL Sub-Branch Secretary, Dennis Cleary - phone (03) 5134 2455 or Morwell DVA office.

Articles regarding the Department of Veterans’ Affairs are extracts of media releases from the Department’s Minister. Originals are available on his website - http://minister.dva.gov.au/index.htm If you would like additional information regarding these or any other topics that DVA are responsible for please do not hesitate to contact Michael or Phil at the DVA office, No.10 George Street Morwell, Wednesday to Friday or phone them anytime on (03) 5133 0177 or free call 1300 551 918. 18 Historical Dates - Following is a list of some of the significant dates with regards to Military History that have anniversaries during the next three months. It does not include events for every day of the following three months; these are randomly selected days from a more comprehensive list. March HMAS Sydney arrives at Fremantle, en route to Sydney. On board was 5RAR 5 Mar, 1970 which had completed a tour in Vietnam. HMAS Sydney made 21 voyages to Vietnam during the war. Leading brigade of the 7th Division AIF arrives in Adelaide from the Middle East. 9 Mar, 1942 Elements of the Division had been sent to Java where they soon became prisoners of the Japanese. Japanese land at Finschhafen. The Japanese needed to capture towns such as 10 Mar, 1942 Finschhafen and Salamaua to protect their forward air base at Lae.

April Siege of Tobruk, Libya, begins. Tobruk was surrounded on three sides by the 10 April, 1941 German Afrika Korps in April and remained besieged, but able to be re-supplied by sea, until December. Most Australians left Tobruk between August and October. General MacArthur dismissed from command in Korea. MacArthur was dismissed 11 April, 1951 from his command in Korea for the perception in Washington that he was too intemperate and likely to escalate the war. Second battle of Gaza. This was the second failure to capture the Turkish coastal strongpoint at Gaza. Reinforced and prepared for an attack the Turks repulsed 17 April, 1917 General Sir Archibald Murray's assault inflicting over 6,000 casualties on the attackers. Battle of Kapyong. Korea’s most well-known Australian action of the Korean war, Kapyong involved the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment. The fighting at 23 April, 1951 Kapyong blunted the Chinese advance during the 1951 Spring Offensive and prevented a Communist breakthrough on the United Nations central front. 3 RAR was awarded a United States Presidential citation for their part in the battle.

May Second attack on Bullecourt. Operations against the Hindenburg line at Bullecourt were aimed at protecting the British flank during operations at Arras. After an 3 May, 1917 unsuccessful first attempt, involving the 2nd Australian Division, once again the attack was unsuccessful costing about 7,000 allied casualties. Fire support base Coral attacked. The partly-constructed base, north of Saigon, was defended by elements of the 1st Battalion, when it was attacked by North 13 May, 1968 Vietnamese troops. 10 Australians were killed and 25 wounded before the attackers were driven back. The hospital ship Centaur was sunk by a Japanese submarine off the south 14 May, 1943 Queensland coast. Only 64 of the 333 on board survived. Evacuation of Dunkirk. More than 338,000 British, French and other allied troops 26 May, 1940 were taken off the beaches at Dunkirk during the fall of France.

19 Power House Day Club The Power House Day Club has resumed after a break during December and January. About 30 people are still attending most Tuesdays. The members are enjoying the fun and games together with a gentle and light “Keep Fit” mobility session and a two course meal. The members also have a great time chatting and enjoying cups of tea or coffee. Cost for all of this is only a total of $8.00. Last year the Day Club went on an overnight trip to Lakes Entrance and bus trips to Heyfield and Sale. Another successful Christmas party was organised in December and a great day was had by all who attended. It included a wonderful Christmas dinner prepared by Mary, Theo and staff from our Victoria Cross Bistro. Santa and his elf arrived after lunch. More volunteers are always needed and would be greatly appreciated to assist with operating the Day Club. Volunteers don’t need any special training and generally they help the mainly elderly members with such things as overseeing some games or quizzes and serving meals. Stan Schumann and Val Giles with Santa and Terry the Elf The Power House Day Club has also been successful in receiving a grant from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. The grant is to be used for bus trips by the group during 2010. Thanks to those who assisted with the grant’s application. In particular, thanks to DVA and Michael Mihaly at the local DVA office located in Morwell. ( See details in the D.V.A. article on page 18 ) If you could spare some time between the hours of 10-30am and 2-00pm on Tuesdays please come along and join in or offer to help as a volunteer. It’s easy and you’ll have fun and enjoy yourself.

“All You Can Eat”

Special “All-You-Can-Eat” Smorgasbords, each with a specific theme, will be available in the Morwell RSL’s Victoria Cross Bistro, on the first four Wednesdays of each month.

1st Wednesday - All-You-Can-Eat SEAFOOD Smorgasbord - $15.00 2nd Wednesday - All-You-Can-Eat SCHNITZEL & THINGS Smorgasbord - $12.00 3rd Wednesday - All-You-Can-Eat PARMA Smorgasbord - $12.00 4th Wednesday - All-You-Can-Eat STEAK Smorgasbord - $15.00

All these Smorgasbords include a soup and selection of sweets.

20 ANZAC Day Timetable - SUNDAY 25th APRIL 2010

Morwell Dawn Service - The ANZAC Day Dawn Service conducted by Morwell RSL will commence at 5-45am at the Cenotaph on the corner of Tarwin and Elgin Streets. RSL Members and the General Public are invited to both the Service and a “Gunfire” breakfast in the RSL’s ANZAC Function Room after the Service. Entry is a gold coin donation. Please enter through the Tarwin Street entrance.

Morwell March & Service - Marchers should assemble near the Morwell Town Common in Elgin Street ( opposite the Commercial Road Primary School ) at 11-30am. The march will “Step-Off” at 11-50am sharp. They will march along Elgin Street to the Cenotaph, where the official service will commence at 12.00noon. An ANZAC Day Luncheon ( see details printed below ) will follow the service in the Sub-Branch’s ANZAC Function Room. Please enter through the Elgin Street entrance.

Morwell RSL Sub-Branch - ANZAC Day Luncheon - Our ANZAC Day Luncheon will follow the ANZAC Day Service and take the form of a 3 course sit down meal subsidised by the Sub- Branch. The Luncheon is FREE to all Service Members of the Morwell RSL Sub-Branch only and where appropriate, their registered Carers. Affiliate and Women's Auxiliary Members will be charged $5.00 per head. A list will be kept of visiting Sub-Branch Members from other RSL's who wish to attend, and if sufficient room is available for them, they will pay $10.00 per head. Everyone who wishes to attend the Luncheon ( including Service Members ) requires a ticket. Tickets are now available from the reception desk and to ensure you have a seat you are requested to book now. If there are still tickets available, they will be sold at the door but do not rely on this. Please book now! Please note, this Dinner is strictly limited to Service, Affiliate, Women’s Auxiliary, Registered Carers and Special Guests. If you wish to book a table for a group of members please tell the Receptionist or our Manager Dennis Cleary when you pick up or pay for your tickets. As stated above, we will try to cater for visiting Service Members if the numbers allow. No children, Social or Community Members are able to attend.

Yinnar - ANZAC Day Timetable - The Yinnar Township March will assemble at 9-00am near the general store in the Main Street and march-off at 9-20am to the Cenotaph, also in the Main Street. A Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Cenotaph will commence at 9-30am, followed by a Service in the nearby Memorial Hall at 9-45am.

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LATROBE VALLEY TRAVEL Latrobe Valley Travel is Located at 4 Tarwin Street Morwell. The Proprietor May Sennett is a Member of the Morwell R.S.L. Sub-Branch and together with her Telephone:- (03) 5134 1433 experienced staff is able to assist you with your entire Facsimile:- (03) 5133 9325 travel requirements, from booking a hotel in Melbourne Email:- [email protected] to your dream holiday overseas. Licencee:- E.M. Sennett t/a Latrobe Valley Travel When planning your next holiday, visit Latrobe Valley Licence No.:- 31427 Travel. They will organise all the details for you. 21 Sub-Branch Trading Hours Clubrooms Diggers Café Victoria Cross Bistro Monday to Thursday, Monday Every Day of the Week 10-00am to 1-00am to Lunch - 12-00 noon to 2-00pm Friday & Saturday, Saturday 10-00am to 3-00am Dinner - 6.00pm to 8-30pm 11-00am to 2-00pm Sunday, and For reservations phone Mary on 11-00am to 12-00 Midnight 5-00pm to 8.30pm (03) 5135 3689 ______ANZAC Day Every year in the early hours of 25th April, at various Shrines of Remembrance, Cenotaphs and War Memorials throughout Australia, New Zealand, Europe and Gallipoli there will be a gathering of the men and women who have gone to war and returned. Together with their families and friends they gather for a dawn service that heralds the start of another ANZAC Day. This is a day of remembrance, of the deaths and sufferings in war, the valor of fighting men and women, and the ever-present hope for the peoples of the world to live together in harmony and ever lasting peace. And, as every ANZAC Day service recalls, 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, we will remember them. ANZAC Day is a National Day of Remembrance and commemorated in Australia and New Zealand. It commemorates the landing at Gallipoli during World War I, on the 25th April, 1915 of the two countries’ fighting men, the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC).

DISCLAIMER Information printed in this newsletter is either reprinted from other publications or is derived from other verbal or written notes. While efforts are made to verify the information, the opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the editor or the Sub Branch Committee and Management. Readers should not act or rely upon any matters or information contained or implied by this newsletter without checking its accuracy. No responsibility or guarantee is given or implied for any action taken by individuals or groups as a result of information contained within this newsletter and no liability will be accepted for any loss resulting from such use. ______DON’T FORGET Sunday 25th April – ANZAC Day Services at Morwell Cenotaph Dawn Service at 5-45am, followed by the March and Service at 11-30am. Please book a seat for the Luncheon by collecting your tickets at our reception desk. ( See ANZAC Day Program and Luncheon details on page 21 ) ______Tuesday 4th May – Battle of Coral Sea Wreath Laying, 10-00am - Cenotaph ______Sunday 9th May – Mother’s Day Luncheon and Dinner in the Bistro. ______Friday 14th May is the closing date for articles to be included in the next newsletter, June Edition 22