NVN News

Navy Victoria Network April 2016 Volume 6 Edition 4

Calendar Events (see calendar for details of all events) NVN current membership: 1029 Editorial    01 May – RAN Recruits Pilgrimage, Another Anzac Day has come and gone and many of us have wreath laying in the Sanctuary enjoyed our yearly get-togethers with ex-shipmates while 06 May – HMAS Castlemaine with remembering those that were lost. It is of paramount Tecoma primary school, wreath laying importance we forever remember the men and women who have 08 May – Battle of Coral Sea paid the ultimate sacrifice. commemoration service

The 14th May 2016 marks the 73rd anniversary of the sinking of 23 May – NHS Meeting (all welcome) the (AHS) Centaur. She was attacked 29 May – RAN Recruits Pilgrimage, wreath laying in the Sanctuary and sunk by a Japanese submarine off the coast of . th Of the 332 medical personnel and civilian crew aboard, 268 died, 03 Jun – 47 Anniversary of the Melbourne / Evans collision. 74 lives including 11 of the 12 nurses. The 64 survivors spent 35 hours lost. on rafts before being rescued. Sister Ellen Savage was the only 12 Jun – ‘N’ Class Destroyers wreath nurse to survive and although badly hurt herself, she concealed laying in the Sanctuary her injures and while sharks circled their raft, and when ships and aircraft passed by without seeing them, she gave what help Latest News she could to the other survivors. For her "conspicuous gallantry"    Sister Savage was awarded a George Medal. NOTE: The full articles of the news The ship had been appropriately lit and marked to indicate that items listed below can be found on our website: it was a hospital ship and its sinking was regarded as an atrocity. http://navyvic.net/news/news.html The Australian Government delivered an official protest to Japan over the incident. The Japanese did not acknowledge Future submarine program The Turnbull Government today responsibility for the incident for many years and the War announces that the next generation of Crimes Tribunal could not identify the responsible submarine. submarines for Australia will be However, the Japanese official war history makes clear that it constructed at the Adelaide shipyard, was submarine I-177, under the command of Lt Commander securing thousands of jobs and Nakagawa who had sunk the Centaur. Lt Commander ensuring the project will play a key part in the transition of our economy. Nakagawa was convicted as a war criminal for firing on DCNS of France has been selected as survivors of the British Chivalry which his ship had sunk in the our preferred international partner for Indian Ocean. Nakagawa refused to ever speak on the subject of the sinking of the Centaur, even to defend himself, until his death the Respect of Disabled Veterans. in 1991. the design of the 12 Future InSubmarines, a damning subject display toof furtherpolitical arrogance the Coalition Government Centaur entered operation as a hospital ship on 12 March 1943. discussions on commercial matters. has lost the respect and the support of The early stages of Centaur's first voyage as a hospital ship were theAustralia nation’s-Japan 130,000 bilateral disabled exercise test and transport runs; the initial run from Melbourne to veteransconcludes by continuing to ignore their Sydney resulted in the Master, Chief Engineer, and Chief concernShips and at aircraft the erosion from of the the Royal value of Australian Navy and Japanese Medical Officer composing a long list of defects requiring their compensation payments, especiallyMaritime Selfthose Defence affecting Force our (JMSDF) most attention. Following repairs, she conducted a test run, severelyhave completed disabled the war bilateral veterans. Exercise transporting wounded servicemen from to NICHI GOU TRIDENT off the coast of to ensure that she was capable of fulfilling the role of a medical 808New Squadron South Wales. return from Operation FIJI ASSIST vessel. Centaur was then tasked with delivering medical PersonnelContinuous from Naval 808 Shipbuilding Squadron personnel to , New Guinea, and returning to returnedThe Turnbull to HMAS Government Albatross is securingrecently Brisbane with Australian and American wounded along with a aftera sustainable a five-week long deployment-term Australi onan small number of wounded Japanese prisoners of war. Operationnaval shipbuilding FIJI ASSIST. industry. The aircrew, Today engineersthe Government and three is announcing MRH90 the Arriving in Sydney on 8 May 1943, Centaur was re-provisioned helicoptersbuild locations formed for 12 part Offshore of the Patrol Vessels and up to 21 Pacific Patrol at Darling Harbour, before departing for , Queensland on Australian Defence Force’s humanitarianBoats, in addition assistance to nine relief Future to Fiji in 12 May 1943. From there, her destination was again New theFrigates aftermath previously of Tropical announced. Cyclone These Guinea. On board at the time were 74 civilian crew, 53 Winston.announcements provide for two Australian Army Medical Corps personnel, 12 female nurses shipyards to implement the Arrival of the 5th rotation of US from the Australian Army Nursing Service, 192 soldiers from the Government’s commitment to a Marinescontinuous in Darwinbuild of naval surface 2/12th Field Ambulance, and one Torres Strait ship pilot. Most Theships nex in tAustralia. rotation of Major US Marines warships will of the nurses had transferred from the hospital ship Oranje, and beginwill be arriving built in inAdelaide Darwin and from minor today to the Army personnel were all medical staff. commencevessels in Henderson, their fifth rotation Western through NorthernAustralia. Australia as part of the US At 0400 on the 14 May 1943, without warning, she was rebalance to the Asia-Pacific region. torpedoed. ThisAustralians year’s rotation Reunited will include aroundThe Minister 1,250 for US Veterans'Marines, aAffairs and The media were notified of Centaur's sinking on 17 May 1943, detachmentMinister Assisting of four the Bell Prime UH-1Y Minister Venom for the Centenary of ANZAC, Dan but were ordered not to release the news until it had been helicopters and a range of equipment. Tehan, today announced announced in Parliament by Prime Minister on the Spacearrangements Surveillance were Telescope in place for for the afternoon of 18 May. News of the attack made front pages Haroldrepatriation E Holt of Australians from throughout the world, including The Times of London, The New Ministercemeteries for in Defence, Malaysia Senator and the Hon Marise Payne today visited Defence’s York Times, and the Montreal Gazette. to Australia, in June 2016. Naval Communication Station Harold EFiji Holt, farewells which isAustralian set to gain troops a highly The initial public reaction to the attack on Centaur was one of advancedFijian dignitaries Space Surveillance and troops have outrage, significantly different from that displayed following the Telescope.formally farewelled The telescope Australian will soon be loss of Australian warships or merchant vessels. As a hospital movedDefence from Force its personnel current location who have in the ship, the attack was a breach of the Hague Convention, and as Unitedprovided States humanitarian to a new purposesupport builtand undertaken disaster relief work such was a . The sinking of Centaur drew strong Australian facility near Exmouth. following Tropical Cyclone Winston. reactions from both Prime Minister Curtin and General Douglas Sea Power Centre: Semaphore – Issue MacArthur. Politicians urged the public to use their rage to fuel 2,ADSO 2016 Media Statement the war effort, and Centaur became a symbol of Australia's OperationsThe Turnbull Hurricane Government and hasMosaic lost determination to defeat what appeared to be a brutal and uncompromising enemy. The On 3 October 1952, a nuclear device Australian Government with a reported yield of 25 kilotons produced posters depicting exploded just off Trimouille Island in the sinking, which called for the Montebellos group some 130km Australians to "Avenge the off the Pilbara coast of . It was the first of several Nurses" by working to nuclear tests conducted in Australian produce materiel, purchasing territory in the 1950s, and the first war bonds, or enlisting in the ever conducted by the United armed forces. Kingdom.

Seapower Centre: Sounding Papers. It is on occasions such as this 73rd anniversary of the loss of the Sounding Paper #8 – Examining Centaur that the Naval Ode becomes relevant for all those who Maritime Insecurity in Eastern Africa have gone done to the sea in ships. A spate of escalating hijackings in and around the east African coast between They have no grave but the cruel sea, 2005 and 2012 thrust the Horn of No flowers lay at their head, Africa into the global spotlight and A rusting hulk is their tombstone, triggered an unprecedented international response. Afast on the ocean bed. Sounding Paper #9 – Dominion, Trade LEST WE FORGET! and the Maritime Silk Road: A Review of the Issues Yours Aye! Because of its utility as the safest and NVN Team cheapest way of transporting goods and people, the sea has always been a basis - and many would say the basis - for trade. On the other hand, control LEUT R. Forsyth RAN, 26 April 2016. of the sea can also be an important LSMTPSM R. Cameron, 19 April 2016. Aged 75. source of political and military CERA T. Decini, 16 April 2016. dominion. CMDR G. Bond RAN, 12 April 2016. Aged 70. Sounding Paper #10 - Some CERA D. Hinton, R42370, 10 April 2016. Capability and Operating G. Nason, R94700, 09 April 2016. Implications Arising from Australia’s Ex-JR W. Nissell, R94274, 07 April 2016. Antarctic and Southern Ocean TEL R.D. Bergin, R29521, 05 April 2016. Aged 88. Interests J. Flood, R59570, 03 April 2016. Introduction ABRO N.A. Old, R52563, 29 March 2016. Aged 75. This paper considers the capability ABFC W. Claxton, R57026, 24 March 2016. Aged 75. implications for the Department of CMDR R.E. Bourke RAN, 23 March 2016. Defence and the ADF of: ABMTH F.J. O'Donahoo, S124983, 06 March 2016. Aged 53. * current and changing policy and TEL K.W. Primmer, S5758, 03 January 2016. Aged 90. issues in relation to the Antarctic and CK(O) J.E. Rees, PM5753, 02 January 2016. Aged 90. Southern Ocean * the impact of related planning, Lest We Forget environmental and other change.

To all who read this: If you hear of any of our Navy family that has crossed Future ADF training helicopter arrives the bar, please don’t hesitate to let us know. We would like to list their names at HMAS Albatross in perpetuity on our special ‘Vale’ wall on the website. If possible list their The first of 15 Airbus EC135 Rank, Name, Number, the date of their passing and their age. helicopters has arrived at the Naval Air Station, HMAS Albatross, destined to train future ADF aircrew.

Navy Simulation Training Centre Opens A state-of-the-art simulation facility has been opened in Sydney today that will enhance training for technical sailors.

Ex-HMA Ships Tobruk and Sydney to be offered as Dive Wrecks Minister for Defence Senator the Hon Marise Payne today announced that the decommissioned vessels, ex-HMA Ships Tobruk and Sydney, will be offered to the States and Territories for the creation of dive wrecks.

Press conference with Vice Admiral David Johnston – Update on Australian Defence Force operations I’d like to start with – in the ADF contribution to Fiji, and just update you on the nature of the role we have Between 1900 and 2014 nearly 3,800 Australian naval people received performed there. honours and awards for their efforts, courage, sacrifice and service to the nation. Whether earning a George Cross for defusing mines during Specialist counselling for veterans the World War II ‘Blitz’ of the UK, an American Silver Star for flying Veterans who may be concerned helicopters into intense enemy fire in Vietnam, or a Conspicuous following the release of the Senate Service Medal for quietly ‘just getting the job done’, these are the Committee report into the mental stories of the men and women who have been recognised for their health of Australian Defence Force service to the Royal Australian Navy. Some give an insight into the (ADF) members and veterans are daily running of our Navy. Others recalling inspiring feats of courage encouraged to call the Veterans and under fire or bravery in risking their own lives in saving others, on and Veterans Families Counselling Service off duty. (VVCS) on 1800 011 046, DVA Secretary Simon Lewis PSM said For the past seven years Ian Pfennigwerth and a team of dedicated today. volunteer researchers have explored the background of these honours and awards – Imperial, Australian, and foreign. The outcome is a book Navy League of Australia(Vic & Tas) crafted so that even those with no knowledge of things naval will April newsletter – download….. appreciate the significance of each award while becoming acquainted with the history of Australia’s naval forces – and enjoying a good read. NHSA(Vic) President’s April Musings – download….. Now on Sale at: http://www.nautilushistory.com.au/navy-history-books/ NAVY NEWS – The latest edition.

Don’t forget to visit the website as Naval Commemoration Committee of Victoria’s newsletter, there are many more news articles “Rogues’ Yarn” is attached below that may be of interest to you but are not included in this newsletter. Volume 6 Issue 4 Newsletter date April 2016 Naval Commemoration Committee of Victoria ROGUES’ YARN ‘Let Us Be Daring’ Audamus,‘Let us be daring’ the moto of HMAS Vampire. The first Vampire on 21DEC39. Vampire in company was one of our legendary Warships de- with Voyager departed Port Said on During May, ployed to the Mediterranean at the out- escort duties toward . Vampire set of WWII. Five Warships, Stuart, continued escorting convoys between there are services Marseilles and Malta. The living you should Vendetta, Voyager, Waterhen and Vampire, under the command of Hec conditions aboard proved very trying consider attending: Waller RAN arrived to assist the strong for the crew, experiencing the tropics and now freezing temperatures. For and French Navy maintain o RAN Recruits their supremacy over the Axis Powers instance, Marseilles was minus 11 C. Taylor Division in the Mediterranean. Joseph Goeb- Wreath Laying Service bels, Minister of propaganda - German 1MAY16@1000 Third Reich quickly labelled the War- In the Sanctuary ships as Scrap Iron, a title proudly Shrine of Remembrance claimed by the men of those Warships HMAS Castlemaine for all time. Three of the Scrap Iron Wreath Laying Service Flotilla were lost during WWII: 6MAY16@1000 HMAS Waterhen on 30JUN41 after a In the Sanctuary bomb exploded near the ship damaging Shrine of Remembrance the hull; HMAS Voyager after disem- barkation operations ran aground on Battle of the Coral Sea the beach in Betano Bay 23SEP42; Wreath Laying Service HMAS Vampire sunk after being Vampire, pictured in 1942, after her 8MAY15@1130 bombed by the Japanese off Trincoma- Mediterranean experience. Vampire At the Cenotaph lee on 9APR42. A commemoration joined in the Indian Ocean in Shrine of Remembrance service for the nine crew members who JUN41. In DEC41 Vampire escorted made the supreme sacrifice, when Prince Of Wales and Repulse on their RAN Recruits Vampire was bombed was held at the ill fated attempt to interrupt the Japa- Emms Division Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne. nese invasion of Malaya. Both capital Wreath Laying Service Members of the CPO John Carey fami- ships were sunk by Japanese bombers. 29MAY16@1000 ly attended as did past members who Vampire survived and in FEB42, es- In the Sanctuary served in the Daring Class Destroyers: corted merchant ships to Columbo, Shrine of Remembrance Vampire II, Vendetta II and Duchess. joining the East Indies Station. On Station, Vampire screened for HMS Vampire was a WWI vintage Warship, loaned from the Royal Navy, commis- Hermes. Command of the East Indies The next NCCV Station became aware that a signicant meeting will be held on sioned HMAS in 1933. Vampire was put into the Reserve Fleet one month Japanese force was deployed to attack the second Tuesday Columbo. This resulted in the Squad- 14JUN16@1030 venue after arriving in Australia and remained their until being sent to Cerberus for rom being separated with Hermes and for this meeting will be Vampire positioned off . Mission to Seafarers. training purposes, remaining alongside until 1938 at which time she was put The Japanese discovered and sunk Associations, please Hermes, then turned their sights on send along a REP. back into operational service. Vampire had begun her Mediterranean service Vampire, which was sunk on 9APR42

Email: [email protected] Website: http://navyvic.net/ P a g e 2 President’s Report

April, always a busy month with ANZAC of meeting places. Meeting at a number Disclaimer Day commitments demanding attention. of venues has the potential to further dis- Articles contributed are For instance, the ANZAC Commemora- tance our collective voice. We already the Authors thoughts only. An article may be tion Service at St Paul’s Cathedral oc- struggle to hear a collective voice from edited to meet the space curred on Sunday, 17APR16 with a rather the ex-Naval community. A central available. Political arti- small contingent of ex-Service people in venue is crucial if we are to overcome cles will not purposely attendance. The occasion was significant the existing division of interests. En- appear in R’s Yarn. enough for Her Excellency The Hon Linda courage your organization to advise

Navy Victoria Dessau AM, Governor of Victoria to ac- MNC of your opinion on this matter to Network company the State President of the RSL assist them make a decision that will The NavyVIC website MAJGEN David McLachlan AO (Ret'd). maximize the wellbeing of all within our is there for all to see, in There was also the opportunity to witness community. We need to acknowledge particular it is for any- the opening of the AE2 replica display that the great support provided by MNC over one with an interest in many decades. Their financial support Navy. Also, if you are was organised in Holbrook on Saturday, involved in arranging a 23APR16. A very interesting addition to has been instrumental in enabling many Navy specific function the community’s support of Submariners. Navy and ex-Navy activities to happen. why not provide infor- The closure of the English Speaking Union If you have read Rogues Yarn over re- mation on the activity cent months you will be aware that the to the wider Navy Vic- facilities at Toorak Road West, South Yar- toria Community. This ra will mean changes for many ex-Service NCCV is again arranging Navy Week is an opportunity not to organisations that have enjoyed support of Victoria - 2016. The aim being to have be missed. the Melbourne Naval Centre (MNC). The Navy entities with a common interest MNC is currently assessing opportunities arrange an activity that promotes Navy Melbourne Naval and the wellbeing of Service and ex- Centre as a consequence of the ESU closure, your MNC is an organiza- organisations opinion will be important as Service men and women. There is a tion that has provided a decision will be made that impacts on small article in this edition as well to much needed financial whether there will be a central meeting explain current intentions and most im- support to Ship Associ- place for ex-Navy interests or not. There portantly advises the dates to set aside so ations over many dec- that you might participate. ades. Need assistance, is a possibility that a venue could be deter- contact the MNC. mined that will result in the dispersement Yours aye, Terry Makings Operation F1J1 Navy Week The RAN Communications Branch Association We continue to promote Navy Week Victoria - 2016. have been very successful at arranging cruises and The objective is to demonstrate our support of Navy. is currently planning Operation F1J1 - 2017. We do so by broadening our knowledge of Navy, as Procedure Alfa on leaving Sydney on 21Aug17, well as extending our goodwill amongst like minded returning to Sydney on 2SEP17. The Itinerary: Service and ex-Service men and women. We intend to [Days numbered] 1 Embark Sydney; commence the week with a social event on Saturday, 2 & 3 fun days at sea; 4 Noumea; 15OCT16, followed on Sunday 16OCT16 by the Sea- 5. Mystery Island Vanuatu; 6 fun day at sea; farers Church Service at St Pauls Cathedral. We are 7 Suva; 8 Port Denarau; working on a lawn bowling tournament, not sure what 9 fun day at sea; 10 Isle of Pines; day this will be at the moment, but we are sure that the 11 & 12 fun days at sea; 13 Sydney. golf tournament will be held on Friday 21OCT16 at the Prices are yet to be finalised, however, a small Mornington Golf Course. A seminar will be held on deposit of $125 per person is required when you Wednesday 19OCT16, this will be an opportunity to book. Best to book your cabin ASAP through improve our understanding of Defence. The annual Kath at Helloworld Travel Rowville, ring Kath at Navy League CMDR Geoffrey Evans Yatch Race on 03 9764 8487 during working hours to ensure you Saturday 22OCT16 and the finale will be Open Day at maximise any benefits being allocated to Opera- HMAS Cerberus, Sunday 23OCT16 There should be tion F1J1. Other travel agents will not be able to something of interest across Navy Week, so we en- transfer bookings through them to the Comms courage each organisation to consider how they might Group. See more information at navyvic.net. engage. Alternatively, plan something yourselves!

Email: [email protected] Website: http://navyvic.net/ P a g e 3 Honours and Awards Book title: Bravo Zulu: Honours and Awards to covers the period 1900 to 1974 and is an 800 page Australian Naval People 1900-2014. Between book with 24 maps and 250 illustrations. It traces, 1900 and 2014 nearly 3,800 Australian naval peo- through the recipients’ stories, the formation and ple received honours and awards for their efforts, development of the RAN, its fortunes during World courage, sacrifice and service to the nation. War I, its resurrection from the depths of the De- Whether earning a George Cross for defusing mines pression, and its fine fighting record during World during the World War II ‘Blitz’ of the UK, an War II. Post-war the stories tell of our Navy’s American Silver Star for flying helicopters into in- growth toward independence, the exploits of its tense enemy fire in Vietnam, or a Conspicuous Ser- men in Korea, Malaysia, Indonesian Confrontation vice Medal for quietly ‘just getting the job done’, and Vietnam, and its development of ships and these are the stories of the men and women who weapons system like the famous Ikara anti- have been recognised for their service to the Royal submarine missile. There are also stories about the Australian Navy. Some give an insight into the loss of Voyager and of spectacular feats in naval daily running of our Navy. Others recall inspiring flying and diving. feats of courage under fire or bravery in risking Volume 1 comes in two editions; the hardcover has their own lives in saving others, on and off duty. retail price of $70 and the paperback will sell at For the past seven years Ian Pfennigwerth and a $60. Postage will be $13.50 for domestic purchas- team of dedicated volunteer researchers have ex- ers. Overseas postage rates depend on the pur- plored the background of these honours and awards: chaser’s address. Imperial, Australian, and foreign. The outcome is For those who wish to order the book for earlier a book crafted so that even those with no delivery, until 30 June 2016 the hardcover edition knowledge of things naval will appreciate the sig- is offered at an attractive $60, and the paperback at nificance of each award while becoming acquainted $50. These copies of Bravo Zulu Volume 1 will be with the history of Australia’s naval forces - and delivered in advance of the official launch and will enjoying a good read. be inscribed by Ian Pfennigwerth if so desired. The stories will be published in two volumes, with Orders can be placed on Ian’s Website at the first to be released in August 2016. Volume 1 www.nautilushistory.com.au. Diving Wrecks? HMAS Sydney The following com- Afghanistan and the 2003 invasion of Iraq. ments were recently Closer to home, Sydney was involved to support issued by The Minister Australia’s response to regional uprisings and hu- for Defence, Senator manitarian operations. “There are significant chal- the Hon Marise Payne lenges with preparing ex-Navy vessels for dive regarding the decom- wrecks to assure the safety of recreational divers, missioned vessels, ex- however I appreciate the tourism and economic HMA Ships Tobruk and benefits that the creation of a dive wreck can have Sydney. They will be to local communities,” Minister Payne said. offered to the States and Territories for the crea- HMAS Tobruk tion of dive wrecks. After decades of invalu- able service in the Roy- al Australian Navy, Tobruk and Sydney were decommissioned in July 2015 and November 2015 respectively. Tobruk was used extensively during regional peacekeeping and humanitarian operations as well as border pro- tection in Northern Australia. Sydney was de- ployed to the Persian Gulf on five occasions in sup- port of operations during the Gulf War, War in

Email: [email protected] Website: http://navyvic.net/ FESR WAR MEMORIAL Sponsorship is requested for a new FESR DIRECTORY for NCCV War Memorial to be located in the Sculpture PATRON: CDRE Jim Dickson AM MBE RAN Rtd Garden, . It took PRESIDENT: Terry Makings fifty years for campaign medals to be awarded to veterans that served in the FESR and an Telephone: 03 9429 9489 [leave a message] Honour Roll at the AWM was completed re- M: 0411 135 163 cently . A considerable number of individual VICE PRESIDENT: Marty Grogan OAM awards for gallantry, distinguished and meri- Telephone: 0417 377 763 torious service were won during service in the Jnr V/PRESIDENT: Pete Johnston FESR. Service in FESR is recognized as a Telephone: 0419 104 473 battle honour in those RAN Warships, Royal SECRETARY: Chris Banfield Australian Army Corps, and RAAF squad- Telephone: 0412 832 148 rons. Recognition across Australia, including TREASURER: Jan Gallagher the AWM is minimal. In 2015, the Federal Telephone: 03 9786 5371 Government granted Deductable Gift Recipi- PR Officer: Chris Banfield ent (DGR) status, through the auspices of the AWM. This will assist organisations and Editor: Terry Makings individuals that contribute to this most worthy All correspondence to the email address please, cause. Cheques payable to FESR War [email protected] Memorial Foundation Inc. should be posted or if postal mail is essential, The Secretary at: to: FESR War Memorial Foundation Inc,. 316 Nicholson Street, East Fitzroy VIC 3065 PO Box 1038, HAWTHORN BC VIC 3122. Website: http://navyvic.net

Special Notes Bringing Our Stories Home. There is a collection HMAS Bataan Reunion - 2016. The Associa- of six short films that explore the wide ranging im- tion’s Annual General Meeting and Reunion will pacts of WWI on Australians at home. From shell be held at the ‘Bayview On The Park’, 52 Queens shock and war induced disability, to food shortages Road, Melbourne from Thursday 15SEP16 to Sun- and racial discrimination within the Australian Im- day 18SEP16. For more information contact John perial Force, these films offer a strong local per- F. Laughton JP by email to [email protected] or spective to the war. For information go to: http:// postal to 90/2 Cameron St, Cranbourne East, VIC www.openchannel.org.au/production/bringing-our- 3977. You can even telephone John by landline stories-home/ where advice on availability of DVDs 03 59 049 457 or Mobile 0417 336 423. and other sources of information are listed. Charity Lunch. HMAS Bataan Association has Battle of the Coral Sea. The Australia/America put its weight behind a charity lunch 13MAY16 to Association in conjunction with NCCV will arrange be held at the Noble Park RSL, 1128 Heatherton the Battle of the Coral Sea Service to be conducted Road, Noble Park. Leon Wiegard, Olympian and at 1130, Sunday, 8MAY16 at the Cenotaph, Shrine comedian Oscar Swarv will entertain attendees. of Remembrance. This service commemorates the At $30/person, this presents good value. Contact stopping of the Axis Power [Japan] as it moved John Laughton, details above at Bataan Reunion. south towards Australia. A major American naval Adam Brandt MP. RUSI have another interesting force was instrumental in changing the fortunes of presentor, Adam Brandt MP delivering an address Australia. It was also the first battle where the at 1230, on Thursday 28APR16. The venue is Warships did not come within sight of each other. Defence Plaza Melbourne, 661 Bourke Street, Battle of the Atlantic. 1MAY16 denotes the 74th Melbourne. Security measures require you to ad- anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic. It should vise RUSI, email to [email protected] or be remembered that over 30,000 Merchant Seafar- phone 9282 5918 by 2pm Wednesday 27th April. ers lost their lives during the Battle of the Alantic. Cost is $10 and you also get a few sandwiches.

Email: [email protected] Website: http://navyvic.net/