Newsletter 211994 September 1994

Duntroon - The More Recent Memory Continues E.C. Vikingur When I saw my article on the Duntroon of the the pool at Duntroon was too small for competitive Seventies in Newsletter 2/1993, I felt that the swimming, being only 33.3 metres long, the swimming enthusiasm (but not the talent) of the regular carnival was conducted at the Dickson Swimming Pool. contributors had been finally challenged. Further, on Third Class briefed us that the 1918 Cup was of no reviewing some of the previous items in the Newsletter, importance (The late General Sir Mervyn I decided that my era had been no less exciting and Brogan (1932), a rare quadruple winner of the 1918 interesting than the times described by others. I was Cup, may have begged to differ), as the sole purpose of also encouraged by the favourable reactions from three the event was for Fourth Class to throw Kapyong's of my contemporaries, who read the article before it banner into the pool. Not unexpectedly, Kapyong's appeared and thought that my reminiscences had Fourthies had been given a similar briefing with respect accurately captured the spirit of the time. So, I offer a to our green and ornate rallying cry. The Dog's banner, few more selected images of our College in the 1970's, which had been embroidered in the dim past by a no doubt refracted by time and my personal outlook. edicated mother of a colour-sergeant, sported a Before describing more of Duntroon's interesting looking bulldog and gaudy golden tassels, all customs, I must make it clear that I do not regard them on a staff whose gnarled top piece resembled a as the sole, nor indeed the most important, character more than a bulldog's. (I am indebted to forming influence in the Corps. As my classmate K.C. my classmate R.W. (Bob) Strachan for the details of the (&m) Ellis put it to me recently, esprit de corps was staff, as indeed for many other memories in this article). forged more in the cauldron of military training than in As the banner was not to be sullied by the hand of man, the bastardisation of the Easter Bunny. There is no white gloves were worn by the sentinels of its virtue. doubt that this sentiment is correct, but it is not my aim And, I assure you, we took this guardianship very to record the details of our day-to-day military training, seriously. I well remember feeling as protective as a except where such training illustrates an unusual aspect mother hen when we got off that bus at Dickson and of cadet life. A good example is camp training drew ourselves into a scrum around our banner, before (Campers, in cadetspeak), of which I shall write later. we moved into the pool grounds and to Kokoda's One of the most intense feelings inculcated in Fourth assigned spot. For a while, like normal people, we Class in the fist few weeks was company loyalty. This competed in swimming7 but soon other Fourthies began education was at its most refined in Kokoda and o loiter with intent around our area. After a few Kapyong, although efforts were also made in the other rnxploratory sallies, a full scale attack was launched by companies. The material from which the senior classes Kapyong. We fought back bravely, none more so than J. fashioned the new zealots was perfect - gullible and (John) Lisle, who earned himself a broken arm during naive in the ways of the Corps and above all, the execution of a stratagem which required an desperately anxious to please these recently acquired evacuation of the banner over a fence, via a tree inside and implacable masters. Fourth Class in Kokoda was the grounds. Incensed by this disrespect, we launched a made to feel superior to the others, who were said to be ~ounter-attackwhich nearly ducked Ka~~ong'scolours. leading lives of ease, free of the constant pressures and thus satisfied all and we were punishments which were building character in the thought to have acquitted ourselves rather well. The Dogs. We had no hesitation in accepting this view and cast on John's arm provided proof of our ardour for one felt a sense of righteousness as a Dog on Extra Drill weeks to come- parade, as if in enduring harshness one was making a When I returned to Duntroon as Instructor Artillery personal contribution to the maintenance of a worthy in 1983, I was often surprised by the demise of certain tradition. I once stated, to a group of Alamein small customs such as the correct method of taking the Fourthies, that Kokoda's rough methods produced the first stab at a new jar of Vegemite (I will not recount the most successful army officer, as indeed had been salacious nature of this amusing spectacle). However, objectively revealed to me by a Third Class staff cadet many traditions survived the six years of my absence, in my company. Alamein gave me short shft at the including Toc (cadetspeak for Tea or Coffee - which time, but in 1990 at the Command & Staff College, was strange as most staff cadets drank Milo!), although Queenscliff, the Duntroon segment of my course there this signal event in a cordie's evening was abolished by was mostly filled by distinguished former residents fiat in May 1983. This occurred as a result of the of the 'bastion of barbarism'. Perhaps it was a bastardisation scandal of that year after which it was coincidence. deemed forbidden for a junior cadet to serve a senior in The first really serious display of company loyalty any way. I was most sorry to see Toc go, as this tradition was usually the inter-company swimming carnival. As had left wonderful memories of fun and comradeship from my days in the Corps. Toc was normally held in always well attended and one enjoyed the evening the Fourthies' rooms on a rotating basis in each section, either because the film was good or because the Corps although sometimes a section was lucky enough to have wits would sit at the back and supplement the dialogue access to a spare room. I suppose the ceremony began of the bad films. There was also a small canteen which at the end of the evening meal, when the Fourthies dispensed ice-cream and sweets at the interval and, as it would scavenge bread, condiments and other useful was manned by the staff, one was sometimes handed an items from the tables. We would then go to the back of ice-cream by one's Company Commander. It seemed the kitchen to be issued with trays of food, divided into strange at first but we soon learned that everyone company lots. After compulsory study ceased at 2130 chipped in at Duntroon. Incidentally, Over The Hill was hours, the section would gather in the appointed room almost certainly the last theatre in to and we would eat toast with Vegemite or peanut butter, discontinue the tradition of playing the National with the half hour filled with banter, raucous complaints Anthem before screenings. about the Fourthies' shortcomings as Toc makers, In order to record an absolutely crucial aspect of exchange Corps gossip and other relaxation. Favourites Corps life, I must return to that term Toc. A few months amongst the last were games such as competitions by ago near Trafalgar Square in London, I ran into a Fourthies in how long they could stay in a closed classmate, (now a civilian) P.J. (Paul) Cornmerford. He cupboard with the toaster burning and 'Toc-tests' which graciously complimented me on my first article on were conducted on Mess rock-cakes and other Duntroon (Newsletter 2/1993) and rem.inded me to unpopular Mess food. Toc-tests were generally write on morning Toc in the second instalment. This designed to illustrate the great physical stresses which performance was not only vital for a staff cadet's well- could be withstood by some Mess food before being, but also provided the arena in which the disintegration. However, jam tarts would normally friendly rivalry between Artists, Engineers and undergo the adhesion test, in which they would be flung Scientists could be exercised. Morning Toc was served at the ceiling and the time of adhesion noted. I must in Class areas, with the two senior classes having the admit that Toc-tests often led to an unwelcome cleaning benefit of the comparatively refined atmosphere of the task for the junior in whose room they took place, but Coffee Rooms (the two Coffee Rooms, one in each we used to muck in together for such things. In general, wing of the Mess, were the prized symbols of being in these harmless games were conducted in an atmosphere the two senior classes). The two junior classes were of great fun, where coercion was neither used nor ever served outside in two areas near the back of the Mess. needed. Toc was also a welcome break from study and Firstly, if the food was bad, it would sometimes be an eagerly awaited social event from Monday to expended as ammunition in fights between the classes. Thursday. Let us not forget that whilst one served Toc More frequently, one of the three academic cohorts for a year, the other three years were rather more would seek to eat and drink all the Toc before any other comfortable at the appointed hour! I thought it a great group arrived. The Artists, being both the most idle as mistake to abolish Toc, but to be fair to the officers who far as contact periods went and the most numerous, instigated the changes, its retention would have been usually triumphed at Toc, although the Scientists and inconsistent with the new policy of basing Corps Engineers would sometimes combine and contrive, seniority on rank rather than on class. with the help of a sympathetic Acca (cadetspeak for a The Duntroon of today, with its short course, staff member of the academic staff) like Professor Swan in cadets of both sexes, married staff cadets and a sizeable Physics, to arrive early. We would then eat as much as proportion of people who enlisted in the Army as possible and make the remainder unpalatable. As a hard soldiers before coming to the RMC, has a completely pressed and vengeful Scientist, I can remember taking a different atmosphere compared with my era. I therefore bite out of 20 or 30 cakes and pouring dregs into 100 think there would be some merit in recording some of cups. Revenge would be sweet for the small group of my memories of daily life in the Corps, encompassing those who had to labour hard in academic weeks, as the both the military and academic sides of our routine. The Artists, ravenous after a morning's snooker and Sesame latter is of particular interest, as it was a very rich and Street (yes, it is true that a number of the nation's influential facet, gone forever with the advent of the future military commanders religiously watched this Academy over the hill. Incidentally, the phrase 'Over American children's education and entertainment The Hill' has a special meaning for staff cadets of my programme in the 1970s), hurried down to the debris era, as it signified the RMC picture theatre' located on left at Toc. the far side of Mount Pleasant leading down to the Gun Each year of a staff cadet's life was broken up into six Gates. The theatre screened films on Saturday and segments, with First Class's programme being Sunday nights and was generally very popular, somewhat different from that of the rest of the Corps. representing as it did a cheap and convenient way of These six segments were: the first five weeks of spending an evening. Too frequent attendance Over The military training, the three academic terms, Campers Hill was thought rather shameful, particularly on and Grad Week. The three academic terms were Saturday nights, as a fellow would be thought incapable separated by May and August leave and the academic of drumming up a decent social life. I remember one year as a whole was marked by rather serious mid-year staff cadet bringing his girlfriend to Over The Hill and exams in June. The finals were held at the end of third never living it down. Most of us thought it a waste of a term, as one might expect, and the Corps left valuable opportunity with a girl! Sunday nights were immediately for Campers without learning the results of the exams. I. Having afSorded much pleasure for hundreds of staff How well I remember the nightmare of my first cadets, stajjf and many others, the building was Campers! It was three weeks of intense cold, rain, dirt, demolished early in 1984 to make way for the sentry duty and tiredness. A Third Class staff cadet, construction of the Duntroon Health Centre. Ed. who was congenitally impervious to cold weather, had Over the Hill, or the Duntroon picture theatre, as it was in its later years. By thls time it stood in relative isolation as all the other wooden buildings of 'Siberia' - originally the StafS School during 1940-44 - had been removed.

been through my field gear before we left and advised completed their degrees in three years. The difference me to leave a great deal of it behind. As a result [ had a in workload between the Artists and the rest was best light pack but nearly froze to death each night, being illustrated by the attitude of each to the military work in congenitally predisposed to a plummeting body First Class. I did the military year in 1977 and returned temperature whilst asleep. Actually, the whole of as a Lieutenant in 1978 to complete honours in Fourth Class seemed to be in a shock of some kind from chemistry. For me the military year was a rest, an the impact of Campers. [t was certainly the first time in amazingly easy and simple time. For the Artists, my life that I was exposed to long periods of extreme especially the devotees of the afternoon nap, the daily discomfort, which called forth mental and physical grind came as a shock. However, I do not think this reserves we never knew existed in our molly-coddled disparity over the whole of the RMC course was a bad selves. In most cases we possessed them and those who thing as it produced officers of differing types. Some did not would find good reasons for not serving on in are technically oriented, others are good thinkers, most the Army. Nevertheless, although camp training was cope well with varying work demands and others have hard, I think most of the weeding out of unsuitable all of these qualities. At the end of the day the Army candidates was done during the induction period at the has a range of officers to fulfil its wide range of beginning of the year. requirements. Campers began with a week's class training, when Graduation Week was always a wonderful time for Fourth Class was brought up to rifleman standard the whole Corps, let alone First Class. The staff turned a before joining the rest of the Corps for collective blind eye to an informal relaxation of many rules, such training. We had to be practised in the rudiments of as the presence of beer in the blocks and of course Grad living in the field too, because we had only spent one Week meant an imminent move to the next class for tactical night under canvas at the start of the year as an those who had passed their exams. I must admit that I introduction to life in the bush. The teaching was done was always glad to see the back of Campers and, like mostly by First Class, whose standing was boosted by most staff cadets, regarded the end-of-year festivities as the fact that we knew they were to earn those a more pleasant way of passing the time! The final immeasurably distant lieutenant's pips within a few parade and Graduation Ball were a great spur to the weeks. I remember a wet and miserable week which we junior staff cadet, who would imagine himself one day got through by sticking together and using humour in a graduate's shoes. whenever we could. Also I do remember feeling I have come to the end of my reminiscences about reasonably confident about the field after the week's Duntroon, coloured as they are by my personal prism. I training when we joined a section as riflemen. was prompted to write my two articles by a complete absence of a record of mv era in the Newsletter and. I As mentioned earlier, academic life was very clearly confess, by the love and foyalty which the College has divided into groups. Life for the Artists was a breeze retained in my heart since graduation. Let me issue with the exception of the very few bright honours again my earlier challenge to my fellow staff cadets to aspirants. The majority of the Artists loudly professed come forth in print. to see the degree as a hurdle to their commission - one to be overcome with a minimum of effort. Afternoon naps and the odd lecture were punctuated by snooker and television, with tutorials and essays completed in mad 'all nighters' on the deadline. This sort of lifestyle E. G. Viingur was commissioned gained scant sympathy from the Engineers and into the Royal Australian Artillery in 1977 and Scientists who had a tough schedule on their hands, graduatedfrom the RMC with honours in Science in including twice as many lectures, two laboratory 1978. He transferred to the Inactive Army Reserve on afternoons each week and the normal demands of 22 August I994 to join the Western Mining College life. In some ways the Engineers' lot was the Corporation as the Commercial Manager of the worst as they were condemned to four years of toil. The Kwinana Nickel Refinery near Fremantle. This is his Scientists, except for the successful honours candidates, second contribution to the Newsletter. Exercise 'Grand Slam' - Another Reminiscence or Two D.S. Bell

In Newsletter 2/1993 I read with nostalgic interest the Director (ED) himself had been pacing the tent article Exercise Grand Slam - a Reminiscence or awaiting our arrival for some two hours. The fricassee Two by Ubique - a fellow Army Aviator later in my of bully beef was spoiling. Thank the Lord that I had career. I was one of the subalterns who was recruited been in the RMC 1st XV for two years. It was the only from units at Mackay to act as a VIP driver for the thing that saved us - as you will recall, the ED liked his Members of Parliament who visited the exercise area. Rugby! At the time I was a troop leader in 1st Armoured The exercise proceeded and on our final day with the Regiment (1AR). VIPs we were heavily sideswiped by a towed GMC on Readers may not be aware that, as usual, the one of the muddy roads - causing a VIP stir. Cough was centurion tanks were lost at sea on the way to the 'war most obliging and signed the accident report as a zone' and consequently 1AR was written out of the witness, which was very decent of him. exercise, so the dismounted troops, again as usual, When he left my vehicle for the last time to fly back became the exercise enemy. Our pre-exercise efforts to he said, Thanks for your efforts etc. the 100 were confined to establishing enemy communications, c~~psof tea etc. etc., if you ever come to Canberra give preparing live-firing pits, minefields and other nasties me a call and I will buy you lunch at Parliament House. for the unsuspecting friendlies. With that out of the way, That sounded good to me as the closest that I ever got to who better to recruit for such an important task as lunch at Parliament House was morning tea when I was shepherding our masters than 1AR subalterns? a Staff Cadet in the guard for the Governor-General at As I recall, 2nd John Clarke and Karl the openings of Parliament. Levington from 1AR and T.B. (Brian) Fuller, a gunner, Some ten years later, in 1969, I was OC of the newly all OCS graduates, were victims of the same arrived 17 1 Air Cavalry Flight at Holsworthy - having punishment. The memory of the identities of the others, raised it and moved it from RAAF Amberley. My wife if any, escapes me. and I attended the 8/12 Medium Regiment Christmas We reported to a transport compound in suburban Party and who was there but the local member - the Mackay and, after some cursory perusal of drivers' Member for Werriwa - and, by then, the Leader of the licences, we were each issued with a brand new vehicle. Opposition, Gough Whitlam. I think they were Landrovers and mine had four miles I had a chat to him and we reminisced about brewing on the clock. In them we proceeded to the rendezvous up at the river crossings etc.. He told me that I had done with our precious cargo. The first setback occurred well and I told him that he had done pretty well too. I when one of our number did not see an overgrown reminded him of his lunch offer and said that I would be monsoon drain, camouflaged by thick grass some 20 in Canberra the following week, would that be yards from the compound gate and he rearranged the convenient? His loss of interest was immediate and front end of his chariot before getting out of first gear. without so much as a 'See you later' he walked away as In fairness to him, he was a tanlue, used to having his though I did not exist - you can never believe a word own way with minor undulations in the countryside. A they say. Oh well, there goes another lunch! six-foot drain was just a gutter to such men. A replacement vehicle was found and on arrival at the marrying-up place I was allocated a tall, ruddy- Lieutenant Colonel D.S. Bell entered the RMC on 5 faced, good humoured MHR called Gough Whitlam. Feb 1955 and graduated on 9 Dec 1958 into the Royal He was accompanied by a shorter, obviously lesser Australian Armoured Corps. However, from 1960 light. I was assured by an over-enthusiastic hanger-on much of his service life was associated with Army that Cough was a very up and coming Member and that flying in Malaya, Borneo and Australia. In 1968 he I had been given him because I was senior to the other became one of the founding members of the chauffeurs - I had an extra pip! Aviation Corps. As the Staff Officer We set off on our tour of the exercise area towards Grade 1 Personnel on Headquarters 1st Division, he Collinsville and to our ultimate rendezvous with the retired from the Regular Army on 6 Feb 1982. dreaded River Crossing as 'Ubique' mentioned. Contrary to his claims that we were-lost, however, I would swear on a stack of Division in Battle Pam 10s that we were not. On our arrival at the River Crossing we were told in no uncertain terms by a very large and flustered Military Police sergeant that we would have to so and so wait until all the vehicles were through before we could proceed. All appeals about the eminence of our passengers had no effect whatsoever so we did what all good tankies do in such a situation - we brewed up. When the final vehicle passed, we gathered our illustrious albatrosses and cruised into Major General Daly's (1930) Headquarters where the Exercise Obitutree

Most Members are aware of the significance of the metres into the air. Although the tree was showing new ancient English Oak (Quercus robur) tree in the gardens shoots, the roots had rotted away and it looked like a of Duntroon House that was affectionately known as tree fern instead of having a clump of healthy roots. As 'Fred's Tree'. it was being cut up, water poured from it. An endeavour Frederick Arthur Campbell, grandson of Robert has been made to salvage whatever suitable timber Campbell, the founder of Canberra's oldest homestead there is with a view to crafting something from it - (Duntroon House), was born in in 1861. possibly a bar top for the refurbished conservatory. Although not born at Duntroon like some of his Due to the foresight of the Gardener Overseer, Mr cousins, his birth was recognised by the planting of an Marty Hanis, the tree is to be replaced with a juvenile acorn taken from Napoleon's grave site on the island of oak grown from one of Fred's acorns a few years ago. Elba. The resulting magnificent tree, which has long The exact location for this replacement may change been the meeting place for generations of graduates and from the original to accommodate planned Duntroon staff, came crashing to the ground at 1525 hours on House extensions, the building of which is due to Sunday, 17 July 1994, aged 133. Fortunately it fell commence in 1995. More to follow.... away from Duntroon House so that only minor damage occurred, though hordes of bees from the eight hives in Rest in Pieces it, as well as the occupants of a rat's nest, a possum and a multitude of birds are now looking for a new home. This information was provided by Lieutenant Those of the Officers' Mess staff on duty at the time Colonel I.R. (Jack) Gregg (1973) the PMC of the RMC report that it sounded like a cannon firing and that, after Officers' Mess and Lieutenant J. (Judy) Pye, the Mess striking the ground, the trunk bounced back about five Manager.

Having given up the ghost, Fred's Tree lies in sad state before being cut up for removal. Some Members will recall that the bac together with a number of tables and chairs, ofren occupied the area under the nearest branches during our regular Society luncheons. From the Editor was in a trench and the enemy was attacking, to avoid being caught at a disadvantage one should leap out with This edition of the Newsletter is a slightly pruned fixed bayonet and meet the attackers. One of our class version of the usual offering. Preparation of the suggested that if we were to get out and put the trench between us and the enemy then, by getting them into Newsletter is normally completed during the two or the trench, the enemy would be disadvantaged and we three weeks immediately following each meeting of the would thus reverse the role of defender and attacker. Society Executive Council. On this occasion it was done before the meeting on 16 September 1994 because These days, this would be regarded as lateral of my planned absence overseas from the following thinking. Looking back, I can see that in the early stage day. I can but hope that the result will not seem too of our training everything had to go by the book and different from its immediate predecessors. there was no room for experimentation or departure Another, but unrelated difference is the inclusion of a from laid down procedures. note about corrections. The Associate Editor, Colonel I would like to give an example of when I should W.J. (Bill) Slocombe (1945), and I realise that the have shown initiative, but was afraid to depart from my Newsletter is unlikely to remain indefinitely in the orders which had been clearly spelt out. prized possession of each and every Member. Whatever the fate of individual copies, Bill and I try very hard to In camp at Menangle Park race-course during my 'get it right' so that readers may have at least reasonable Fourth Class, as part of our training we would mount a confidence in its accuracy. Although we do come close guard at the camp entrance. Horse stalls formed the to that ideal occasionally, we have yet to produce an outer perimeter of the betting ring and the course issue completely free of mistakes. Many of them are buildings which we occupied. The entrance gate to this typographical or stylistic but a number make some area was about nine feet high and was closed each night items of information wrong. The hope that by trying with a latch and, I thought, locked. harder we would improve matters has not worked - On this occasion I was on guard about midnight, the hence the appearance elsewhere in this Newsletter of beat was about twenty yards from the gate and our Corrections. Apart from anything else, this may guard tent behind the beat. This was the first occasion provide the incentive to retain one issue until the arrival that I had been on guard and I recall that for the first of the next to note how many errors you detected! time in my young life I was in some way responsible for the welfare of the sleeping camp and the nearby horses in the stalls. I had earlier seen the entrance gate shut and locked. My orders as posted were quite clear. I was not Profile of the Corps of Staff to leave my beat, I was not to allow anyone to cross my Cadets beat, I was not to allow anyone to smoke in the vicinity of my beat. Current (14 Sep 1994) strength I became aware that a car had approached the camp First Class across the outside perimeter and had stopped at the Third Class gate. I had no idea who it was and did not regard it as Fiji my responsibility. A hand reached through to the latch Kuwait and there was some muttered talk. By this time I Malaysia thought I should at least call the guard commander New Zealand (Third Class) to investigate. However, on looking round Papua New Guinea at the tent I saw that he, with the rest of the guard, was Philippines aware of the situation. So I continued to march up and RAAF down until, with a great deal of bad language, our Singapore second-in-command, one Major H.C.H. Robertson Thailand (1912), with the help of other senior members of the ADFA Graduates staff, scrambled to the top of the gate. In his most ADFA Transfers sarcastic tone he said, Would you kindly open the gate? Married I saluted and ran to the gate. I found that it was not Females locked and flung it open with some difficulty, my rifle Staff cadets with previous military experience with bayonet still fixed on my shoulder. I was pushed aside as the party swept through - all muttering. However I rushed back to my beat in time to request This, That and the Other one major not to cross my beat and another to put out his cigarette. By this time the guard had gone to ground [In five earlier Newsletters, Major H.B. McKenzie and left me to deal with the situation. (1933) contributed photographs and reminiscences. He To make matters worse, our RSM, Warrant Officer does so again in this edition and, in addition, has A.T. Mortimer, was despatched from his bed and deposited other early photographs in the RMC arrived at our guard in a thoroughly bad mood, waving Archives. Ed.] his cane and demanding blood. By sticking together and pointing out that our orders did not require us to open Initiative was not a part of our curriculum, gates, I was shown to be not at fault. Under the same particularly in Fourth Class. Everything went by the circumstances I realise now that I should have called on book and we were in the era when static trench warfare the guard commander to investigate and certainly not was not entirely out of fashion. I recall that on one been so 'recalcitrant' by ordering a senior officer not to occasion we were instructed that in the event that one smoke or cross my beat. Some of the New Zealand Branch Members and their wives at the goljing weekend at Taupo on 19-20 February 1994. Not in the photograph, but about the practice tee, were ten other members of RMC entry years rangingfrom 1946 to 1972.

Shorts Letters to the Editor Under this heading in Newsletter 1/1994 Major From Colonel T.G. Brennan(1927). General Sir William Gentry (1916) was given as the Two items in Newsletter 2/1993 particularly interested 'Elder of the Society' since the death on 27 me. One was Major General McNicol17s article Staff November 1993 of Lieutenant General R. Bierwirth Cadets and Horses - especially his references to (1915), who was born on 30 January 1889. Again this Captain R.G.H. (Ronald) Irving (1916) who was proved to be not so. It has now emerged that Major Adjutant and Instructor in Physical Training when I was General The Reverend C.A. Osborne at his death on a staff cadet at the RMC (1927-30). The horse was 11 June 1994 was just short of his 98th birthday, central to my life, not only at Duntroon, but also in my having been born on 29 July 1896. Although not a early years in the Royal Regiment. In First and Second graduate of the RMC, he was a revered member of its Class I won the sword assault and the tent pegging. staff during 1927-30 and, since 21 October 1992, the Four of us in First Class went on a mountain trek during Society 'Elder'. In the eyes of your Editor and his the Easter break rather than going to the Easter camp at classmates, another notable fact is that he was the Cusack's Ford. preacher at their Graduation Service on Sunday, 12 The other item was the photograph taken outside December 1948 in the Parish Church of St John the Duntroon House during Lord Stonehaven's farewell Baptist, Reid. visit to the RMC. That was during my First Class year. Lord Stonehaven had been a great friend to the RMC The Major General Sir James Harrison Memorial and we had at least one annual camp in the grounds of Lecture will be given by Lieutenant General J.M Government House at Yarralumla. I remember having Sanderson, AC (1958) on 6 December 1994. tea on the lawns with Lord and Lady Stonehaven and their children. I also remember Lord Stonehaven's ADC giving us an introduction to polo. When it came to Also under this heading in Newsletter ]/I994 an graduation in 1930, Lord Somers, the Governor of acknowledgment was given to three Members who Victoria, was acting Governor-General and he took the named most of those appearing in the photograph salute on parade and handed out the prizes including taken outside the Officers' Mess, Duntroon in 1930 my Sword of Honour. Shortly afterwards, in the and published in Newsletter 1/1993. Another who gardens of Duntroon House he sought out my father identified all but a few in that photograph was Miss J. who was then Controller of Accounts for the Victorian Allen, the daughter of Dr L.H. Allen, who was the Railways. Lord Somers had previously paid a visit to Professor of English at the RMC from May 1918 the Railways Headquarter offices in Spencer Street to until the departure of the Corps of Staff Cadets to see the new accounting machines which my father had Sydney in early 1931. introduced. In those days they were revolutionary - a first step to computers? The Prodigal Son's Corner

[This is the seventh in the series of personal stories companies and with the British Malaysian Industry and with the theme as set out in Newsletter 2/1989. What Trade Association. For service with the last he was, in follows generally fits the criteria for these accounts 199 1, appointed to a well earned honorary Membership although, sadly, it appears after the subject's death of the Order of the British Empire. He had, during his (Newsletter 1/1992). Colonel R.J. Gardner (1946) used long service to Malaysia, been appointed JSM and published sources and his personal knowledge to received decorations from the States of Trengganu, contribute this brief summary. Ed.] Pahang and Sarawak. And, as if this were not enough, in his 'retirement' he managed his small rubber David Clement Loubet Wilson, JSM, MBE(Hon) of plantation in Pahang! Welsh and French ancestry, was born in Melbourne on Daud Wilson died in Kuala Lumpur in 1992. 7 May 1918. Educated at The Armidale School he entered the Royal Military College on 29 February 1936 and, along with the rest of his Class, was specially graduated on 13 December 1938 and commissioned into the Australian Staff Corps. He was to serve with the Australian Army, largely in staff and infantry- regimental appointments, until 1947. He served briefly in Malaya, as it then was, in 1941 and was perhaps lucky to be attending the Staff Opposite page. College, Quetta, when the Japanese launched their attack on the country. The remainder of the war he The Prodigal Son seated on the right with the team spent in India, Australia, in the operations in New that played the Greater Public Schools on 20 August Guinea and, in the last days of the war, was a company 1938. commander in 2/16 Australian Infantry Battalion Standing, from the left: J. K. Hart (1938), 0.D. engaged in patrol and security operations at Jackson(l937), C.J. Miles (1938), G.B. Combes Balikpapan. His last appointment in the Australian (1937), P L. Tancred (1938), J. Burns (1936), Army was as a staff officer with the British Com- L.F: Brooker (1938). monwealth Occupation Force in Japan. Seated, from the left: N.R. McLeod (1936), In 1947 David Wilson joined the Malayan Civil G.E.L. Dawson (1938), C.M.1. Pearson (19371, Service and began his long and distinguished career in EG. Hassett (1935),S.H. Buckler (1936), G.F that country. For the next 15 years he served mainly in Larkin (1935), D. C.L. Wilson (1936). the states of Perak, Trengganu and Pahang, and in Seated on the ground: I.A. Murray (1936). Kuala Lumpur in a wide variety of appointments including those of District Officer, Commissioner of Lands and Mines, State Financial Officer and, finally, was seconded to the Royal Malaysian Police in charge of finance and logistics. When, in 1962, the time came for him to retire, under the provisions of the Malaysianisation policy, he decided to continue to serve Malaysia. He became a Malaysian citizen and married Cik Zahrah Awang, a member of a distinguished Johore Malay family and niece of the late Tun Dr Ismail, one time Minister of Home Affairs; he was now more generally know as Daud. Later that year, with government approval, he was appointed to serve for a year as a member of the UN team which supervised the hand-over of Dutch New Guinea to Indonesia. During this service he became well-acquainted with Benny Moerdani, then a paratrooper and later, of course, Indonesian Minister of Defence. On his return from New Guinea he was appointed, early in 1964, during the period of Confrontation with Indonesia, Executive Secretary to the Security Committee in Sarawak, where his military background and experience of the earlier Malayan Emergency was of great help to less experienced officers of the Borneo States of Malaysia. In 1967 Daud Wilson finally left government service, starting a new career as Executive Director of what became the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry from which he retired in 1985. He was at once back in harness with a number of

New Courses at the RMC

For the RMC, 1994 has been a landmark year; a year and S.A. (3). The 30 Anny cadets were all selected for of change in the number and types of courses at the the Royal Australian Infantry Corps and the four RAAF College and a significant increase in the College cadets were selected for the RAAF Ground Defence activity rate. No longer are the RMC staff focused only Branch. on the Corps of Staff Cadets and, during their single- On 8 July 1994, 30 RRes officers graduated from the Service training at the Australian Defence Force RMC, including 26 second lieutenants for the Army, Academy, the Army members of the Corps of Officer two flying officers (RAAF cadets with university Cadets. This year has seen the introduction of four new degrees) and two pilot officers. Postings for the courses: the Ready Reserve Officer First Appointment graduates were as follows: 6 RAR (3), 819 RAR (8), 49 Course; the General Reserve Full Time Commissioning RQR (7), 51 FNQR (3) (Thursday Island, Weipa and Course; the Direct Entry Officer First Appointment Cairns), NORFORCE (3) (Alice Springs, Gove and Course and the Specialist Service Officer First Broome), Pilbara Regt (2) (Karratha and Newman), 1 Appointment Course. Airfield Defence Squadron (1 AFDS) Tindall and 2 This article outlines the rationale for these courses to AFDS Amberley (2). Before taking up their postings, be conducted at Duntroon and provides a little all 30 RRes officers completed the RAInf ROBC at background on each. A subsequent article will explain Singleton from 10 July to 6 August 1994. how the new course members fit into the RMC Already some graduates in 6 Bde have been warned environment and other points of interest. for service overseas, with 2nd Lieutenants S.C. Asimus and C.A. Furber to go on exercise in Brunei in Rationale September1 October 1994. As the Regular Army began to reduce its size because Eight of the RRes graduates have been offered a of the 1991 Force Structure Review, it became evident transfer to the ARA (the eight posted to Regional Force that the annual graduate output from the Corps of Staff Surveillance Units). They will return to the RMC in Cadets would have to be reduced. This resulted in a 1995 to complete the ARA GSO course and graduate as decision to have only one class graduating per year, and 1 st lieutenants in December 1995. on the traditional second Tuesday in December. The The future of RRes FAC appears assured but there direct entry intake to the Corps of Staff Cadets that had will be a slight change of emphasis with the course recently been graduating in June was discontinued. reflecting an all-Corps identity in 1995. Guidance for Consequently, it became clear that the RMC had 1995 indicates a requirement for 29 RRes graduates as some spare training capacity and, as this coincided with follows: RAA (4), RAE (4), RASigs (I), RAInf (13), Training Command seeking efficiencies, a decision was RACT (2), RAAOC (2) and RAEME (3). The RAAF made to focus all First Appointment officer training Ground Defence Branch has requested a further four (less that conducted by University Regiments and positions on the 1995 course. Officer Cadet Training Units) at the RMC. Besides making the best use of the College facilities The General Reserve Full TieCommissioning Course and instructional staff, another advantage of the The General Reserve Full Time Commissioning centralisation of these courses at Duntroon was that for Course (GRes FTCC) was transferred to the RMC from the first time the Army could have a consistent standard the Land Warfare Centre (LWC) at Canungra, where of training for all of its officers, whether Regular Army, two previous courses had been conducted. The RMC Ready Reserve or General Reserve. On 1 September modified the LWC package to bring it into line with the 1993 the Commandant RMC was appointed the 'benchmark' course and further adjustment is planned Training Adviser for all First Appointment training and before the next course is conducted. The package in this capacity he will soon start to ensure that the required candidates to have undertaken a GRes Recruit training conducted at the University Regiments and Course (as a minimum), and it involved seven weeks of Officer Cadet Units also meets the common Army training at the RMC. The course commenced on 2 standard. January 1994. A total of 70 candidates was selected for this course. The Ready Reserve First Appointment Course They were from each state as follows: N.T. (I), The Ready Reserve First Appointment Course (RRes Queensland (27), N.S.W. (12), Victoria (14), W.A. (15) FAC) was developed from the Regular Army General and S.A. (1). Of the selected candidates, 62 arrived for Service Officer Course - the 'benchmark' course. It is the course and 51 GRes officers graduated on 19 an integrated package of 24 weeks training - four weeks February 1994. Corps allocations for the graduates at 1 RTB Kapooka and 20 weeks at the RMC. The were as follows: RAAC (7), RAA (3), RAE (5), course concentrates primarily on the immediate skills RASigs (2), RAInf (27), Aust Int Corps (I), RACT (2), and knowledge necessary for a young officer to lead an RAAMC (1) and RAEME (3). infantry platoon after having completed the Regimental In early 1995, the FTCC will be conducted again at Officer Basic Training Course (ROBC) at Singleton. the RMC. As a result of the experience gained with the The first course commenced at the RMC on 14 1994 course, the RMC has increased the pre-requisite February 1994. training that candidates must have completed and the A total of 34 candidates was selected. They were course has also been increased in length to eight weeks. from each state as follows: Queensland (ll), N.S.W. Up to 100 candidates are expected for the GRes FTCC (lo), Victoria (5), A.C.T. (2), Tasmania (I), W.A. (2) in 1995. The Officer Commanding, Officer Training Wing, Major S.C. Gillett and the Team Leader of the Full Time Commissioning Course (FTCC), Captain RJ. Evans (1983) with other stafland students of the 1/94 General Resewe FTCC after their Graduation Parade on 19 February 1994.

The Direct Entry Officer First Appointment Course training is for specialist pilots who have been recruited specifically to make up the shortfall of Army pilots. The Direct Entry Officer First Appointment Course The course aim is twofold; the first is as for the DEO (DEO FAC) was also transferred to the College from course and the second is to farniliarise officer cadets the LWC Canungra. It is a package of five weeks with tactics at unit level in a brigade setting for training and is designed to familiarise directly employment as specialist Army pilots. appointed officers with the all-Corps military subjects required for their first appointment. The course covers a A total of 14 candidates were selected for this course. broad introduction to leadership, tactics, unit and They came from the following States: Queensland (2), personnel administration, basic military skills and N.S.W. (7), Victoria (l), W.A. (3) and S.A. (1). For the officer behaviour. inaugural course at the RMC all candidates were A total of 30 candidates were selected from the states recruited as potential short service commission pilots as follows: Queensland (1l), N.S.W. (3), Victoria (9), destined for the Australian Army Aviation Corps. In Tasmania (1) and S.A. (6). All 30 completed the course future the course may be expanded to include and graduated on 8 June 1994. candidates for other Corps who require some The Corps breakdown for the DEO officers was as knowledge in tactics. follows: RAE (3), RASigs (2), RAAMC (3), RAADC On 27 July 1994, 14 cadets completed the SSO FAC (3), RAEME (6), RAAEC (I), RAAEC(PR) (2), AALC at the RMC and moved on to flight training at the Australian Aviation Academy at Tamworth, NSW. (I),. , AA Psych Corps& (2)., and RAANC (7). The RM? will continue to run two DEO courses per year with the next one starting on 4 October 1994. Conclusion

The Specialist Service Officer First Appointment For the RMC, 1994 has been an eventful and busy year and the new courses have added to the complexity Course and student output of the College. Once again the RMC The Specialist Service Officer First Appointment is operating close to full capacity, which should ensure Course (SSO FAC) is conducted in conjunction with a continuing and even more important role for the DEO FAC, and continues after the DEO Course for Duntroon in the training and education of the officer a further four weeks. The total package of nine weeks corps. OfJicer Cadet C. (Carolyn) Williams cleaning her F88 Auststeyr rifle during the 1/94 General Reserve FTCC Exercise Long Hai conducted at the Majura Field Firing Range.

Below, seated, from the left: Warrant OfJicer Class 2 G.M. Wootton, Major S.C. Gillett, Captain I.P Smith (1986) and Warrant OfJicer Class 2 PD. McCurdy with the students of the 1/94 Direct Entry Officer Course and the 1/94 Specialist Service OfSicer (Pilot) Course. The Artists' Excursion to the UNSW, Kensington Campus circa 1970

R.W. Eastgate

I was reminded of the experience I am about to ANU in which we had argued for the motion 'That the describe by the various articles written about life in the Pen is mightier than the Sword'. We had worn Mess RMC when it was in Sydney. Sufficient time has now Undress and apart from our superior debating skills, we elapsed for the tale to be told of another sojourn by staff had so plied our opponents with strong drink before the cadets in that city. debate that their third speaker had been unable to rise to The entry Clas~of 1968 (plus the few obligatory sum up their argument, so their team had been repeats) was the first to undertake academic studies at disqualified. The CO may have applauded our victory, the degree level. The Accas [academics] had become a but I think he was dubious about our methods. The Faculty of the University of New South Wales and, for Padres worried that our moral welfare might be at some some reason, it had been decided that the degree-level risk from the licentious students. Female students that students should undertake a sojourn on the Kensington is, for this was the old Army. I think that the campus of the University to see how 'real' university Commandant, Major General C.M.I. (Sandy) Pearson students lived. Supposedly it was felt that the cloistered (1937), as worldly and wise as he was, had the least and disciplined RMC environment stifled originality of worries. With some sage advice about not only learning thought and expression and that we would benefit from something but also enjoying ourselves, he sent us on exposure to the more liberal campus environment. our way. As was the custom, we reversed the name By the time we reached Second Class, the number of cards on our room doors and made a note of where we students at the degree level in the various disciplines would be while absent. Yooni! had been reduced to 36 out of a total class strength of You may remember that this had been a period of 57. Of these, 28 were artists, one a scientist and the significant change at the RMC. In the immediate post- remaining seven engineers of various persuasions. (We Fox Committee atmosphere, many old and petty ultimately graduated 66 out of an original class strength restrictions had been relaxed and there had been some of 9 1, if the combined memories of B . (Boy) Jones and improvements in our pay and conditions. It was also the I serve us correctly). period of the anti- movement, when the The scientist was trusted to trot off on his own and campuses were a hive of anti-military sentiment. It was stayed in a residential college. Since most people were also the age of Aquarius. not cleared to know what he did, and would not have Off we went. We were to be accommodated at the understood anyway, this was a perfectly acceptable Zebra Motel in Allison Road in Randwick, which Ian arrangement. Whatever his experiences, he kept them (Minnie) Flawith tells me has since been pulled down. to himself. Min and I shared a room for the four weeks we were The engineers went away to do whatever it is that there, which coincided with the last four weeks of the engineers do when they go away. This differed very University term before the August vacation. We were to little from their daily routine anyway, which was to participate in a segment of historical studies and it says disappear in the morning and return at night, but we something about the sojourn that I can not remember artists never did discover what it was they did. I do whether it was Australian History or the American know that they went to Melbourne for part of their Civil War. I think the latter - maybe neither. University attachment to help with the Westgate We were required to attend two lectures a week and Bridge, but they swear that they were in Sydney when it one tutorial each fortnight. We had been paid real fell down. They were still too busy with their sly drools money to see us through the month, we got breakfast in and computations to join us in military studies in First bed, we had a TV and a frig in the rooms and dinner at Class and therefore had to remain for a fifth year. (I night was in the motel restaurant with a drinks waiter. commented to a classmate recently that now I work We were given a packed lunch. Our beds were made by with another classmate who is an engineer, I have the room staff and our washing was done. If this is how finally discovered what it was the engineers did when real uni students live, we screamed, give us more! they used to go away to their secret places to do On arrival we went to meet the Registrar, whose whatever it was that they did. Not much. They, in turn, name I seem to remember was a Mr Don Valentine. His believed that we artists spent all our time playing opening gambit was to announce that when going billiards and watching television). through the names he had noticed M.P. O'Hare and that I seem to remember that it was in July 1970 when we he had served in an Artillery Battery during the war were finally allowed off on our great adventure in the with a bloke by that name and were they related? Marty sinful city of Sydney. I think that there was some said that it sounded like his dad, ,Paddy (1936) and Mr trepidation on the part of the various RMC military Valentine said yes that was he. We all got on famously staff. The RSM, Warrant Officer N. (Norm) Goldspink, from there, particularly when Mr Valentine told us that was concerned that we would grow our hair long and the Dean had invited us to drinks in his office that night generally become scruffy Uni student stereotypes. The to welcome us. CO CSC, Lieutenant Colonel J.D.(Jim) Stewart (1947) We were given a student union card, which entitled probably remembered the recent debate against the us to all sorts of privileges, including the use of the library. Because of our unusual status, or a minor arrangements at the RMC, with everything found and a omission, they were undated and I was still using mine salary, meagre as it was, to boot. Yes, but you have that in Europe some five years later to obtain all sorts of nice Mr Valentine and Professor Atkins and drinlues discounts and concessions. with the Dean, we responded. Drinkies? Drinkies! The Dean of the Arts Faculty must have been a pretty Some of them had not even seen the Dean in three good sort if he invited students up to his office for a years, let alone had drinkies in his office. We decided drink, for although we suspected that a couple of our not to mention the matter again. Accas kept a tipple in their office to steel themselves We found that our Duntroon experience did not before facing staff cadets in class, none of them invited hinder us academically. It seemed the primary aim of us to share. The Professor of English, Ruth Atluns, told the average university student was to get in, get his or us over a caviar canape and a glass of sherry that she her degree and get out. Not all were certain about their had enjoined her female students to look after us and future employment. By contrast, the robust and make sure we all had a good time and, by God, she competitive environment at Duntroon, with the mixture wished that she was a few years younger herself. While of military and academic training, where we were appearing as suitably embarrassed as our innocence and expected to participate and encouraged to express modesty demanded, we nonetheless thought that this ourselves, meant that we were geneally more spirited sounded like a fairly decent proposal! It looked like the than the other students. All of the lecturers we came padres could have been right! into contact with commented about our participation The first lecture next morning found us as scruffily and the liveliness of our contributions and debate. dressed as we thought the circumstances demanded. We also had a great social whirl. It may not be true to Still with conspicuously short hair, we entered the say that there was party every night, but it was close. lecture theatre to witness for the first time our fellow We went to a number of functions and balls in the students of the next four weeks. My memory says that University Round House, including the UNSWR there were only a few students and that 28 staff cadets Regimental Ball. There seemed to be lots of young considerably increased the class size. There was a nun, ladies eager to share our company on such occasions. a mature age lady student and several young ladies Again the NSW staff cadets were most helpful and about our own age. About any of the others I have no seemed to have limitless contacts, especially at hostels recollection, except one. catering to young ladies in circumstances similar to We all took an immediate shine to a little bloke who ours. Modesty prevents me from describing all that was a dead ringer for Che Guevarra, right down to the went on at the motel and I shall draw a veil over some long hair, the scraggly beard and black beret with the of the more, shall we say, vigorous nocturnal activities. Moratorium badge, It was a tiered theatre and we But an account of the stay would not be complete occupied all the seats around him. There is a term to without mentioning one of our number who remained describe his reaction, but since it involves a loss of ensconced in his room for some days with a delightful control over bodily functions, it would be out of place and enthusiastic female companion, forcing his room in these pages. We adopted him for the rest of our stay mate to rely on the generosity of others for temporary and took a keen interest in his welfare. If it had been his accommodation. The cleaning ladies who, it transpired, intention to be a lone dissenting voice about this were more worldly in these matters than we, insisted unwarranted militaristic intrusion into Academia, he that a regular supply of nourishment be passed through did not let on. He never said boo. the otherwise locked door to sustain the energy that We also caught up with a classmate who had left at such activities apparently required. I did warn earlier the end of Fourth Class. R.F. (Roger) Baker had been that it was the age of Aquarius. nicknamed Boris because he could do a fair We also managed a fair share of invitations to various impersonation of Nikita Kruschev without trying. Apart Army messes, usually at the behest of earlier graduates from the obligatory long hair, he had grown the most eager to share the experiences of our apparent good scrofulous beard we had ever seen and had taken to fortune. A number of us witnessed a famous incident at wearing an old leather overcoat which reached to the the School of Artillery Officers' Mess when a late night ground. We used to share our Vegemite sandwiches demonstration of the fire proof qualities of the new with him. carpet tiles in the bar disastrously misfired, if you will There was, at the time we arrived, a week of excuse the dreadful pun. An earlier graduate by the festivities in which the students got up to all sorts of name of J.H. Griggs (1961) could possibly shed some riotous activities. My memory is faulty about what it further light on this incident. Two of our number were was called, but it may simply have been Cornmem also invited to the WRAAC School Officers' Mess by Week, or something similar. Among the activities there an accommodating young WRAAC officer and to avoid was some sort of treasure hunt and there were points for any difficulties she introduced them as 'officers'. This kidnapping us or pelting us with flour. We were not the ploy worked perfectly until they were recognised by a only targets and as we entered into the spirit of the former Madam WRAAC from the RMC. On return to occasion, there were no major incidents. Most of the Clink they were required to explain their staff cadets from NSW knew students there and pretty 'impersonation'. At least she had the decency not to soon we started to become involved in the various ruin their evening totally and have them turfed out on activities. Any initial reserve on either side seemed to the spot. It was all innocent fun. disappear. Sport was a great entree and we trained with Like all good things, it had to come to an end, so we some of their teams. finally and reluctantly returned to the RMC. As a final From discussions with other students, we soon gesture, we left the cutting of our hair, which was discovered that they were all envious of our immodestly long by RMC standards, and wore our circumstances and the way we had been set up to spend University scruff on 0800 parade on our first morning time on campus. They even envied our normal back, carrying many of the souvenirs of our stay (mostly anti-war protest material). RSM Goldspink was Corrections suitably enraged and the barbers were kept busy. For some reason, the experiment was never repeated. The following errors appeared in Newsletter 1/1994: In some ways I think we contributed more than we received, but there was undoubtedly benefit to both p. 1 Left column, second para. sides. There was never another opportunity for staff a. Second line. The date should be 5 December cadets to learn a little about life in the real world and the 1907. difficulties of being a poor, struggling University b. Fifth line. The year should be 1930. student, living day to day in a dingy room and won- dering where the next meal was to come from. I think a. Obituary The name against 27 Nov 1993 that was a little sad. p. 5 should read R. Bierwirth. b. This, That and the Other Third para, second last line. Major Wilton's initials should be E.A.

Major R.W. Eastgate graduated from the RMC in p. 10 Shorts First entry, fifth line. The name should 1971 and transferred to the Inactive Army Reserve on read Bienvirth. 26 January 1992. His article, Reminiscences of UN Service, appeared in Newsletter 1/1994. p. 15 Photograph caption. The names of Mrs 'Charlie ' Fenwick and D. C. Fenwick (1953) were omitted from the right of the seated row.

p. 18 Photographic caption. The figure 1 was omitted from the date in the first line. Branch Reports p.20 The heading over the golf results. Delete Combination and insert Competition.

Australian Capital Territory Another in the popular series of combined dinners and lectures was held in the Sky Lounge, Yamba Sports Club in Phlllip on Thursday, 15 September 1994, Some 50 Members, including Major General K.W. Latchford (1945) Convener of the N.S.W. Branch, wives and friends were entertained by Hector McMillan with his discourse on Acting and the Military Profession.

New South Wales An almost record crowd of 93, including a large contingent from Canberra organised by J.G. Hughes (1953), attended the Queen's Birthday weekend buffet and raceday on Monday, 13 June 1994. Except for the two years during which the Vice-Regal Suite at the Randwick Racecourse was involved in a Obituary stand rebuilding programme, the function has been held in that Suite. On the recommendation of Colonel K.J. Since the publication of the last Newsletter we have O'Neill (1945), this year the Branch held the buffet in been notified of the deaths of the following: the Galaxy Room which is located in the Members' Stand and, consequently much closer to the winning 29 May 1984 Captain G.H. Watkins (1915) post. With the additional space in the Galaxy Room it 26 Apr 1994 Brigadier F.N. Paramor (1948) was possible to reserve tables of ten and seat those 28 May 1994 Brigadier Sir Charles Spry (1928) attending in class groups where they so wished. This 5 Jun 1994 Professor T.B. Millar (1943) proved very popular but served to highlight the lack of 6 Jun 1994 Lieutenant Colonel B.C. Loveridge (1944) younger Members, the youngest being from the Class 11 Jun 1994 Major General the Reverend C.A. Osborne that entered the RMC in 1966. 10 Jul 1994 Brigadier W.P. Broderick (1 949) On the day there was a very favourable reaction to 24 Aug 1994 Lieutenant Colonel B.M. Reeves (1975) these changes. As a result, a tentative booking has been 11 Sep 1994 Lieutenant Colonel N.J. Thomson (1953) placed with the Australian Jockey Club for the use of the Galaxy Room for this function in 1995. We have also received information about the death of The Duntroon Society Handicap was won by a four- Major R. de la Cour (1935) some time during October1 year-old chestnut that had been bred in New Zealand. November 1992. For obvious reasons we are most Major General K.W. Latchford accompanied by the reluctant to publish details of this kind without some Branch Secretary, Lieutenant Colonel R. Hamlyn firm confiiation, such as the exact date. A response (1954), presented the sash. clarifying this would be much appreciated. Coming Events

A.C.T. Branch S.A. Branch 1995. The proposed visit to the Hunter Valley Tuesday, 6 December 1994. Graduation Luncheon in vineyards has been deferred until September-October the Officers' Mess, Keswick. 1995. N.S.W. Branch Members are requested to forward expressions of interest, without commitment at this stage, to the organiser in the A.C.T. Branch, Victoria Branch Brigadier G.T. Salmon Thursday, 2 March 1995. Cocktail party cruise on the 134 Narnatjira Drive Yarra. Chapman 1995. Weekend on the Murray River, to include golf, A.C.T. 261 1 tennis, wining and dining and a paddle steamer cruise. (06) 288 5414 (H) It is hoped to include A.C.T. and S.A. Branches in this activity. N.S.W. Branch Tuesday, 13 December 1994. Annual buffet luncheon RMC Ceremonial Parades and Annual General Meeting at the Officers' Mess, Victoria Barracks, Paddington. Members from other Thursday, 8 December 1994. The Sovereign's Banner Parade. Branches are most welcome. Tuesday, 13 December 1994. The Graduation Parade. Saturday, 25 February 1995. The General Reserve New Zealand Branch Full Time Commissioning Course Graduation Parade. Thursday & Friday, 16 & 17 March 1995. Beating the Friday, 25 November 1994. Annual Postal Golf Retreat118 12 Overture. Match at Helensville Golf Club. Further information can be obtained from the SO3 Sunday, 11 December 1994. Wellington Sub-branch (Ceremonial), Captain K.W. Scheuermann on (06) 275 Graduation Day buffet luncheon at the Trentham 9539. Officers' Mess. Wednesday, 14 December 1994. Auckland Sub- branch Graduation Dinner at the Auckland Officers' Reunion Club. Friday-Sunday, 24-26 February 1995. Annual North/ The Class that entered the RMC on 27 February 1943 South golfing weekend at Taupo. plans a reunion in New Zealand during March 1995. It will take the form of a six-day tour of Auckland, Waikato, Rotorua and Kaupo with two reunion dinners. 'The New Zealand organiser is Colonel R.K.G. (Ralph) Queensland Branch Porter who has asked that for further information Wednesday, 19 October 1994. Black Tie Dinner. Australian class members contact, Saturday and Sunday, 22 & 23 October 1994. Brigadier D.O.A. (Owen) Magee Weekend on the Sunshine Coast. 1588 Pacific Highway Friday, 25 November 1994. In conjunction with the Wahroonga 1st Division VIP Open Day, a briefing and tour of N.S.W. 2076 Enoggera followed by the Annual General Meeting. (02) 487 1220

Open Day Sunday, 9 October 1994. Duntroon House will be open to the public who are invited to view the House and surrounds. Volunteer guides will be available, the Band of the RMC will be in attendance and refreshments will be provided.

Oldies 95 Saturday, 18 March 1995. The Officers' Alumni Sports Day. All graduates of the Officer Cadet School, Portsea, the Officer Training Unit, Scheyville, the WRAAC Officer Cadet School and the Royal Military College, Duntroon are invited to attend.