59th EDITION DECEMBER 2018 NEWSLETTER 9 RAR ASSOCIATION (VICTORIA) INC TOUR OF DUTY – SOUTH VIETNAM 1968 – 69 All correspondence to: The Secretary, 9 RAR Association (Vic) Inc PO Box 6213 Frankston Vic 3199

CONTENTS men and women who made this year and beyond, occasioned by

PRESIDENT’S REPORT 1 history. good health and happiness. In my case, I was twenty years We will next catch up on Anzac UPCOMING EVENTS old when my Grandfather, a Gal- Day 2019 and I look forward to it. ANZAC DAY 2019 1 lipoli and Western Front veteran Stan Sutherland. CANBERRA 2019 2 passed away. This living link

ARMY NEWS with the First World War will be ST 1 BRIGADE HIT WITH UNARMED carried by me until I also am his- UPCOMING EVENTS COMBAT REVIVAL 2 REMEMBERING A HIGHLY DECORATED tory. There will be a time howev- SOLDIER 3 ANZAC DAY 2019 COLOURS PARADED AT AWM TO MARK er, when the First World War will RAR 70TH 4 Anzac Day 2019 will be differ- carry the same weight in history FEATURE STORIES as the Battle of Waterloo fought ent from all previous years for THE WAR TO END WAR 4 two reasons: STRIKE SWIFTLY – AUSTRALIA’S in 1815. This battle also changed COMMANDOS 5 the future in so far that it included 1. The Anzac Day March is VIETNAM 1969 6 CAUCASIANS IN THE VIET CONG 7 30,000 Prussian soldiers fighting starting 30 minutes earlier 9RAR DIGGER HAS STREET NAMED against Napoleon’s armies which than previous years at AFTER HIM 7 McDOWELL STATE SCHOOL – led to the rise in German nation- 0830.hrs NATIONAL MEMORIAL WALK NOV 2018 8 2. The RAR assembly area THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN REGIMENT alism and we all know where that FOUNDATION – SCHOLARSHIPS 8 went from then on. will more than likely

VALE 9 From our vantage point today change to accommodate the digging associated EDITOR’S COLUMN we can see no end to battles and MEMBERSHIP FEES 2018/9 9 wars. Some will be wars fought with the new city rail sub- DIRECT BANKING 10 way tracks. Details will be BACK IN TIME 9 RAR 10 by our service men and women FUNNY BITS 10 as is the case at the moment but, published when known. We are not sure how this will 2018/19 COMMITTEE DETAILS 10 hopefully, we won’t see one of total war for the nation involving affect our Annual General Meet- the whole population. Our cur- ing and lunch arrangements at Rosco’s, we will need to talk to PRESIDENT’S REPORT rent and recent service personnel who fight in our nation’s interest the management before Anzac Over the last 4 on our behalf deserve all the Day to sort it out. years Australia support our people can give With the above in mind, we will has visited its them. It is not sufficient to pay you keep well informed via our military history our taxes and think that our re- newsletter and emails, however, pursuant to the sponsibility ends there. To do so tell your mates of these new First World War is a cop out of the highest magni- changes in Victoria’s infrastruc-

in a big way. tude as only a small percentage ture projects, especially if they

The educational awareness of of people are prepared to go into are travelling from interstate. the younger generations in our harms way on our behalf as they CANBERRA society has increased dramatical- do. th th th 27 – 29 November 2019 ly. Given that this history was We had a great day on 18 No- made at horrendous cost to all vember at the Shrine where we Email from Bob Plumber villages, towns, suburbs and cit- held our commemorative Service 10/11/2018 ies across the length and breadth then afterwards at Rosco’s where The venue we have a booked of the Commonwealth it is im- we enjoyed a lovely lunch and for the Meet and Greet (27/11) portant that we can carry the refreshments amidst good com- will be at the Thoroughbred knowledge of this period well into pany. We need more people to Park racecourse, we will be in the future. This task is made that make an effort and come along to an area known as “Cherry Tree much easier while there are still this event. Lane”. people in our communities that On behalf of the Committee I The function runs from 11.30 had close associations with the wish you and your families a mer- a.m. until stumps. The cost per ry Xmas and a prosperous new 1

NEWSLETTER 59th Edition December 2018 9 RAR ASSOCIATION (VIC) INC

person is $40 per for a self-serve derstanding and abilities in a endurance were essential, physi- buffet style lunch. Those not close environment and provide cal preparation needed to be wishing to eat will still need to additional ‘tools’ when conducting paired with mental resilience and pay a $6 Chair Hire entry fee. combatives. confidence. All drinks are at members ex- ACP has evolved from Infantry “This is particularly important pense. Integrated Combat (IIC) estab- during extreme close engage- lished in 2014 and consist of lev- ments that may result in hand-to- RTA Lunch (28/11), to be held els based on a range of common hand encounters,” Lieutenant at the Hotel Realm, located at 18 principles and techniques. Colonel Graham said. National Circuit, Barton. The first two levels incorporate “By encouraging martial-arts The function starts at 12 noon an all-corps mandatory training training within the battalion, cou- until 3 p.m. The cost is $70 per that equips individuals to survive pled with a new focus on ACP, person for a two-course menu a physical encounter and retain our soldiers are physically and (alternative drop for a main and their weapon followed by discre- mentally prepared to win in the desert). tionary training for any corps, close fight.” All drinks are at members ex- equipping select individuals or Recently the School of Infan- pense. trades to apply lethal and non- try’s ACP train-the-trainer team Commemorative Service lethal techniques in an all-corps and 7RAR ACP instructors joined (29/11), to be held at the Protest environment. forces to deliver ACP training at ant chapel at the Royal Military The next two levels see partici- RAAF Base Edinburgh, providing College, Duntroon. pants undertake mandatory train- a substantial boost to the devel- The service commences at ing for all infantry to apply lethal opment of this capability across 11.00 a.m. and will be preceded and non-lethal techniques as part Adelaide units. by a march. of an infantry section as well as Conducted from 18 to 29 June, required training for all special the course saw personnel from st ARMY NEWS forces to apply lethal and non- across 1 Brigade (South) under- lethal techniques as part of a take a week of ACP training, 1st BRIGADE HIT WITH UNARMED special-forces team. which generated a pool of level 1 COMBAT REVIVAL The final component is an in- and 2 instructors who have now Brian Hartigan – Contact structor qualification enabling the joined a growing group of ACP

Breaking new ground for the training and qualification of per- trainers Army wide. 1stBrigade in 2018, 7th Battalion sonal up to and including certified Under the careful supervision of level of ACP. course manager Sergeant Na- the Royal Australian Regiment (7RAR) has introduced the Army than Searle from the School of Combatives Program (ACP) as a Infantry and Sergeant Dale MacAskill from 7RAR, soldiers routine part of battalion life. st from 7RAR, 1 Armoured Regi- ment, 1stCombat Service Support Team and 16 Air Land Regiment received detailed instruction in ACP through theoretical and in-

Under the watchful eye of an in- tensive practical training. structor, soldiers from the 1st Ar- Sergeant MacAskill said that, by moured Regiment, 1st Combat design, ACP training culminated Service Support Team and 16 Air in reality-based training sessions You owe me a drink Land Regiment practise subduing to ensure training and instruc- The battalion’s push to incorpo- an enemy soldier during an Army tional techniques were met, rate ACP into daily training has Combatives Program training ses- providing a valuable skills set for been enabled through internally sion at RAAF Edinburgh. 7RAR all soldiers. delivered ACP training and ac- photo. “The program gives them the cess to the ADF Martial Arts As- required knowledge and ability to sociation-sponsored Integrated Commanding Officer 7RAR subdue the enemy with or without Combat Club (ICC) – Edinburgh, Lieutenant Colonel Paul Graham the use of weapons – arming which offers martial arts training said that while high levels of them with the tools to eliminate as sport to enhance people’s un- muscular strength, stamina and 2

NEWSLETTER 59th Edition December 2018 9 RAR ASSOCIATION (VIC) INC

the threat,” Sergeant MacAskill Editor: This training is fantastic, it “He was involved in almost eve- said would have been very useful in Vung ry major battle with his unit, the Student and now qualified ACP Tau, South Vietnam when trying to 9th Australian Infantry Battalion, instructor Corporal Tom Leech- recover your wallet from Mamma including Gallipoli and on the man from 7RAR has already in- San because you didn’t pay the go- Western Front,” Sgt Wright said. ing price for tea and services ren- corporated combatives into his dered by those pretty young ladies. “After swapping the soft sand for training program. hard cobblestone and enduring “ACP provides an exciting ca- rain, the 9 Bn had to learn to face pability and training opportunity REMEMBERING A HIGHLY a different enemy on a different for all units”, Corporal Leechman DECORATED SOLDIER landscape with different tactics said. This Remembrance Day had and weaponry.” The 9 Bn This view is also held by one of special significance for Sgt adapted to the changing condi- his soldiers, Private Mark Ea- Melissa Wright as she commem- tions as best they could and a gling. orated the centenary of the First young Ernie proved to be an ex- “ACP is an excellent skill set to World War Armistice at the Aus- emplary soldier in battle. He have in the event of a close- tralian National Memorial in Vil- went on to earn the Military Cross combat, hand-to-hand scenario in lers-Bretonneux. three times, rising from the rank any environment,” Private Ea- of private to company command- gling said. er. It was at Polygon Wood in ACP has reinvigorated what Belgium where the actions of Er- Commander 1stBrigade Brigadier nie would result in his first Military Matt Pearse described as being Cross. something of a forgotten skill in “Receiving the Military Cross recent years. and two bars is remarkable in “While being able to subdue the itself and what’s even more im- enemy through armed means is pressive is that evidence sug- always a preference, this is not gests he was nominated for a always possible or appropriate in fourth,” Sgt Wright said. This a dynamic environment,” Briga- would make Ernie the only dier Pearse said. Queenslander and one of only

“ACP provides a valuable skill four Australians to receive such for soldiers, giving them the Editor: I tried to download a picture awards. Every evening since knowledge and the ability to sub- of Sgt Melissa Wright from the Army 1927, the city of Ypres has paid due the enemy without the use of Newspaper but alas without suc- tribute to the sacrifice of those weapons if and when required.” cess. who fell in defence of their town

Brigadier Pearse said that the Sgt Wright’s great-grandfather, by sounding the Last Post at most valuable aspect of this re- Ernest “Ernie” Henry William Menin Gate Memorial to “The cent training was the generation Meyers spent almost four years Missing”. The memorial bears of an organic ACP instructional the names of more than 6000 st fighting abroad. Many feats of capability within the 1 Brigade. bravery would lead to the young Australians who died on the bat- “The ACP train-the-trainer man becoming one of Queens- tlefields but have no known scheme ensures we have a land’s most decorated soldiers. graves. Sgt Wright commanded depth of skilled instructors to en- the bearer party marching cas- sure our soldiers are able to ac- kets along the cobblestoned cess and qualify in this essential streets to be laid in state under proficiency now and in the future. the Menin Gate and there turned “This also gives commanders at her thoughts to Ernie. “Perhaps all levels the ability to incorporate they were his mates, there are activities that will use ACP tech- just so many names on the wall, niques in their training programs they could have been anyone’s confirming ACP as a base skill husband or comrade,” Sgt Wright for all soldiers and part of busi- said. “Whoever they are, it’s im- ness as usual.” portant we honour them for what they did – everyone deserves to

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NEWSLETTER 59th Edition December 2018 9 RAR ASSOCIATION (VIC) INC

be laid to rest in the way they public as a key component of our those who served in The Great fought: with honour and pride.” modern and professional land War are readily available, there force. remains an unquenchable thirst “We will continue to uphold the for more information on the ser- COLOURS PARADED AT high standards set by infantry vice of individual Australians in AWM TO MARK RAR 70th soldiers before us and look for- this conflict. A major source for 23/11/2018 Brian Hartigan - Contact ward to continuing to serve our further study is the growing host

The 70th anniversary of the nation under the regimental mot- of regimental histories on Austral- raising of the Australian Army’s to of ‘Duty First’.” ian units and battalions. Royal Australian Regiment (RAR) The RAR, originally consisting This is not the place for a histo- was marked with a ceremonial of three ‘regular’ infantry battal- ry lesson. Suffice to say that parade at the Australian War ions – the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Bat- World War One was the eruption Memorial today. talions – was raised in 1948 for of a series of long running sores service in Japan after World War in central Europe associated with Two. militarism, alliances, imperialism There are now seven RAR bat- and nationalism. The major play- talions, based in Adelaide, Bris- ers were Russia, France, Britain bane, Townsville and Darwin. and later the USA, facing Ger- Governor-General Sir Peter many, Austria-Hungary and the Cosgrove, Chief of Defence Ottoman Empire. War came Force General Angus Campbell quickly to Melbourne when on the and Chief of Army Lieutenant 5th August 1914, only after hours Queen’s and Regimental Colours of General Rick Burr were all offic- after Britain had declared war on the Royal Australian Regiment dis- played at the Pool of Remembrance ers of the regiment. Germany, Australian gunners following the RAR’s 70th-anniversary Seven Victoria Cross recipi- fired shots across the bow of the parade at the Australian War Memo- ents, including the four most re- German vessel ‘Pfalz’ as she at- rial. cently serving in Afghanistan, tempted to escape Port Phillip Photo by Sergeant Ray Vance. were at one time RAR soldiers. Bay. Members of the RAR have de- Queen’s and recently updated ployed on many operations in- Regimental Colours – featuring cluding the Korean War, Malayan the 17 theatre and battle honours Emergency, Vietnam War, Soma- bestowed on the Royal Australian lia, Rwanda, East Timor, Solo- Regiment – were on display with mon Islands, Iraq and Afghani- their respective battalion colour stan. parties. Colonel Commandant of the RAR Major General Mark Kelly FEATURE ARTICLES said the regiment’s birthday was Australia was committed and a time to reflect on its rich history THE WAR TO END WAR soon began to raise an Australian and achievements. The War to End War. So wrote Imperial Force to fight in Europe. “The battalions of our regiment author H G Wells as the storm At the same time, another force have provided the full-time infan- clouds of conflict billowed across was also raised. This was the try combat capability for the Aus- Western Europe. It became a Australian Naval and Military Ex- tralian Defence Force for the past catch phrase between 1914 and peditionary Force to fight in Ger- 70 years,” Major General Kelly 1918 and helped motivate the man New Guinea. In September said. hordes of Australians who an- 1914 these men and women “This parade, and the display of swered the call to enlist. Regard- were the first to see action with the Colours, helps us to reflect on less, the First World War became Captain Brian Pockley the very the sacrifice and valour of those the single most costly conflict to first Australian soldier to be killed who came before us, including which Australians have been in the Great War. the 684 members of the regiment committed. More than any other who died on operations. period or conflict it continues to “We remain committed to duty, fascinate Australians. Even ready to serve the Australian though the personal records for 4

NEWSLETTER 59th Edition December 2018 9 RAR ASSOCIATION (VIC) INC

STRIKE SWIFTLY – AUSTRAL- IA’S COMMANDO’S

Mention of the word Comman- do conjures up images of tough, bearded men, faces blackened, armed to the teeth and capable of great deeds of daring and combat skill in war time. The im- age is not wrong, but the present day commando, or Special Forc- es soldier has a long history. Originally a commando was a largely independent Boer mount- ed infantry unit which fought the

With the Royal Australian Navy British in the two Boer Wars. The patrolling the seas and the Aus- term changed and by 1943 had become well known in British par- tralian Flying Corps in the air, it was the AIF which first came to lance much as it is now. In the prominence with the landings at Men of the 53rd Battalion waiting to don interim though Independent Gallipoli. The resultant effort to their equipment for the attack at Fromelles. Companies had been formed in bring the war to the Turkish Only three of the men shown here came out autumn 1940 as a result of the homeland failed and after eight of the action alive, and those three were bitter British experiences in Nor- months the weary survivors were wounded. way and France. The elite volun- evacuated back to Egypt. Most Australian and British soldiers assaulted teers in these companies were of those with the Light Horse over open ground in broad daylight and under highly trained for more special- stayed on in the Middle East to direct observation and heavy fire from the ized work than that required of carry the fight to Beersheba and German lines. Over 5,500 Australians became the infantry. They had to be pro- on to Damascus. But the real kill- casualties. Almost 2,000 of them were killed in ficient in amphibious, land and ing fields were in France and action or died of wounds and some 400 were airborne operations and have the Flanders. captured. This is believed to be the greatest highest levels of physical and For over two years the bulk of loss by a single division in 24 hours during the mental fitness. the AIF waged a bloody war entire First World War. Some consider Fro- In November 1940 Australia fighting the Germans along a melles the most tragic event in Australia’s embraced the idea of establish- series of trenches on the West- history. ing a number of Independent ern Front. The bitterly cold and Companies. Accordingly a Brit- The carnage continued at muddy conditions were beyond ish Mission embarked and a spe- Pozieres, Bullecourt, Passchen- description. Yet the Diggers cial, highly classified training daele and hundreds of other bat- clung to their ground and pitted camp was built at Wilson’s Prom- tle fields. Even towards the end themselves against the opposing ontory in Victoria under the inno- the Germans were able to mount th guns and bayonets time and time cent guise of the 7 Infantry massive attacks and only in the again. The first major battle was Training Centre - later called the closing stages were the Australi- at Fromelles in July 1916. In 27 Guerilla Warfare School. The ans able to take the initiative and hours Australians losses doubled first group of trainees com- move forward to the Hindenburg menced their arduous course in the entire Gallipoli campaign. th Line. On 11 November 1918 February 1941. Training ad- the guns finally fell silent. During dressed all types of automatic the conflict Australia had commit- and other weapons, signals ted almost half a million men and equipment, unarmed combat, ex- women. Over 61,000 failed to plosives and field craft. Later return. As the French still teach most men gained further qualifi- their youth: N’oublions jamais – cations like parachuting, abseil- let us never forget. ing, demolitions and the use of small water craft. After the course the graduates were used 5

NEWSLETTER 59th Edition December 2018 9 RAR ASSOCIATION (VIC) INC

to train volunteers from else- In April 1943 the 7th Division where in the Australian Imperial Cavalry Regiment was re- Force and together formed a designated as a Commando unit number of Independent Compa- and took command of what were nies, each of about 273 all ranks then termed the 2/2nd, 2/4th and under a Major. 2/6th Independent Companies. Throughout 1941 several Inde- Change continued. On 21st Sep- pendent Companies were tember 1943 all independent equipped and completed their companies up to and including th training just in time to face the the last formed, the 2/12 , be- Japanese threat. Number 1 came Cavalry Commando The commando motto of Strike Company was dispatched to New Squadrons with the former com- Swiftly and badge featuring a Ireland and Bougainville where mando Private soldiers reclassi- fighting knife retain the focus on they later grappled with the Jap- fied as Troopers. Australian commando objectives anese onslaught and as a unit, When hostilities were conclud- first identified at Wilson’s Prom- were all killed or captured. The ed on 15th August 1945 the ontory in 1941.

2nd Company was sent to Timor Commandos had suffered almost The feature articles were written and after the initial fighting and 500 fatalities. This number ex- by Lt Col Neil C Smith (Retd) AM surrender of Allied forces, spent cludes the sacrifice made by Author and military historian the year engaged in a highly suc- Commando like forces such as Z cessful guerilla war behind the and M Special Units, Tulip Force lines. The 3rd Company sailed for which operated in China and VIETNAM 1969 New Caledonia to form part of Rose Force which fought a rear THE COURIER-MAIL the garrison before moving on to guard action against the Japa- FRIDAY OCTOBER 17 1969 operations in New Guinea the nese in Malaya. Many other next year. Training for the 4th groups were organised albeit The mystery of the blond Viet Company was discontinued in temporarily or for special tasks as Cong

October 1941, as likely missions commando units. But the only NUI DAT (AAP-Reuter). – An could not be identified at the real Commandos were the men Australian platoon commander time. Once the Japanese had of the 12 Company or Squadron could only say: “He’s blonde, he’s entered the war however the units plus the Middle East raised blond” when he saw a tall fair- training recommenced at break platoon. haired man in the company of neck pace and a further five After the war the Commando Viet Cong last month, one of his companies were formed. An un- Squadrons were disbanded how- men said yesterday. usual asides concern the for- ever less than 10 years later the “He must have repeated this st mation of the 1 Australian Citizen Military Forces were au- eight times,” said Pte. John Commando Platoon in March thorized to raise two companies. Hunter, 21 a National Service- st 1942 in the Middle East. Later In the 80s the 1 Commando man from Hawthorn (Victoria), th known as the 9 Division Com- Regiment was formed wearing who returned here yesterday at mando Platoon this small unit’s the distinctive Sherwood green the end of the month-long Opera- operational exploits were limited. beret and more recently a Battal- tion Kingston, by the 5 Battalion, All the Independent Companies ion of the Royal Australian Regi- the Royal Australian Regiment. fought the Japanese at one stage ment has been converted to The man and another Viet or another – mainly in New Guin- Commando status. Many of Cong soldier were only about 10ft ea. these modern-day commandos away from the platoon com- under the umbrella organisation mander, he said. Special Operations Command LIEUTENANT FROZE have served with distinction in Í was eight feet further back, recent campaigns like East Ti- but couldn’t see him, but Lieut. mor, the Solomon Islands, Iraq Lambert, the platoon command- and Afghanistan. er, had a clear view,” Pte, Hunter said.

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“We heard voices ahead com- there were numerous sightings of Division in III Corps: “I was ready ing from the camp we had just Caucasians, usually blonde, to fire,” said Staff Sergeant Jo- sighted and went forward. moving with, or even fighting seph Burnett of Tryon, N.C., who “Then Lieut. Lambert froze. He alongside the VC in the war. was near the front of the Wolf- raised his rifle to his shoulder and These stories spanned from the hound element. fired at the light skinned man. DMZ down to the Mekong Delta. “But I saw this blonde guy in “He thought he’d wounded him The common explanations are the middle. as blood trails were found in the that the White Cong were Ameri- “They were in line and heading area, but we could find no trace can POWs being moved, or away from us, about to go into of the two men.” American GIs that had gone the woods,” Burnett continued. Pte, Hunter said he was told AWOL and defected or been cap- “I figured the guy must be a the light-skinned man wore a tured and then defected. Another prisoner, and I didn’t want to plastic rain cape and carried an explanation is that these White shoot him. So I engaged those M-16 rifle. Cong were actually Soviet advi- behind him. He didn’t seem to try The M-16 Armalite is issued to sors, but since there's no hard to escape but ran with the rest of the allied forces in Vietnam. evidence that the Soviets sent the NVA into the woodline where This was the third sighting of combat advisors into South Vi- we lost them.” the light-skinned man in Phuoc etnam, especially as far South as Here's a quote from Terry O' Tuy Province. Saigon and the Mekong Delta, Farrel, an Australian SAS Sol- A sentry who saw him during the more believable explanation dier, also in III Corps: "Boots, an operation by 9 Battalion south for most veterans is that these Shorty and myself were copping of Nui Dat said the man wore Caucasians were American. a pasting as twigs, leaves and Australian greens, an American Yet another explanation is that dirt were sprayed all over us. All type military cap and had two these were old French colonials the while Harry was shouting that pearl handled revolvers strapped or Legionaires who had joined there was a white man directing to his side. the PAVN or the NLF. Some GIs the enemy efforts and although

believed they were simply Albino he was the only man to see the Vietnamese. guy, he stuck to his guns during Each Corps had their own the subsequent debrief." "Be- "White Cong", "Super Charlie" or sides a hot patrol a number of "Yankee VC" stories. unusual events had taken place, These stories were more com- not the least of which was the mon in I Corps, near North Vi- sighting of the white man. The etnam and Laos and in III Corps enemy had also come up on the near the Cambodian border. In I frequency we were using to Corps, particularly in late '67 communicate with the helos, tell- through to '68 there were stories ing us in quite good English, circulating among many marine 'Don't worry Aussie, we are going units of a "Phantom Blooper". A to get you!'." US Marine who deserted and now fights with the VC using his A patrol made the second old M79, harassing marine pe- 9RAR DIGGER HAS STREET sighting. rimeters at night. These stories NAMED AFTER HIM

were common in the Arizona Ter- CAUCASIANS IN THE VIET ritory near An Hoa and at Khe CONG Sanh as well. By Vasily Chuikov 22 November Also from I Corps was a story 2017 - Stream about two defectors, a black and a white GI operating with the One of the most intriguing and NVA. Nicknamed Salt and Pep- mythical stories from the Vietnam per, the reports of these two were War, at least for me, is the Cau- very consistent and caused US casian with the VC story. Along intelligence to begin investigat- A former Rockley man who was with the black VC story. Usually ing. Here's a quote from a sol- referred to as "White Cong", killed while on active service in dier serving in the 25th Infantry 7

NEWSLETTER 59th Edition December 2018 9 RAR ASSOCIATION (VIC) INC

the Vietnam War will be one of McDowall State School – Na- Thank you to the RSL for provid- three people to have roads tional Memorial Walk - Re- ing our transport. named in their new Kelso subdi- Isaac membrance Day 2018 vision. During the memorial service, I David John Brennan was a Thank you to the Royal Austral- was imagining the unfortunate corporal serving in the 9th Battal- ian Regiment Association for war, the deafening noises and ion. Royal Australian Regiment hosting our visit to the National then…the sudden silence. It was when he became the first Bath- Memorial Walk 9th November as if the air also felt the tension urst district soldier killed in action 2018. and was included in the service. during a mortar attack at Fire From the 2018 Year 6 students Whilst walking through the gar- Support Base Thrush in Vietnam of McDowall State School. dens the bottles and pictures on June 6, 1969. He was aged placed near the plaques was just 22 at the time of the tragedy. heart-warming. To honour his sacrifice, develop- Neola ers Hynash Group have pro- posed the name Brennan Drive To all the people who lost their for one of three new streets to be lives or experienced war I am re- built as part of a 176-lot residen- ally grateful. The memorial cer- tial subdivision off the eastern emony was very moving espe- end of Graham Drive and Mendal cially when we stood for a minute Drive in Kelso. silence and thought about the Attendance List: 15th October people who had lost their lives. 2018 On behalf of Year 6 at When we went on the walk and Padre McDowall State School I would saw the soldiers’ favourite things Brennan Family (20) like to thank the RSL and the it made me think about how they Bathurst RSL/VVA members (10) RAR Association for their support are like us. Lyle Orreal in allowing us to attend the Na- Thank you for the experience. Gary O’Reilly tional Memorial Walk on Novem- Janisha Greg Salmon ber the 9th. I would like to thank Rick Bigwood Mr Ted Chitham for his deep and Editor These thank you letters Tony Mullavey thoughtful speech about the day. were forwarded to Ted Chitham Noah Bernie Fitzpatrick by David Pedwell, Deputy Princi- David Sheekey Thank you for hosting and or- pal of McDowell State School, Grahame Cook ganising this special educational Brisbane, QLD. Don Berkery visit. This trip informed me about Kevin Moffatt the horrible battle our soldiers THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN Dave and Jill Greenhalgh have fought to make this country REGIMENT FOUNDATION Darryl and Nicole Menzies great as it is today. I highly ap- SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS Steve and Cheryl Nugent preciate the chance to visit the AND UP-DATES Lyndon Warby memorial plaques for those who Doug and Lesley McGrath sacrificed their lives for our coun- The Foundation provides ter- AND try. Thank you again for the op- tiary scholarships of $3000 each Two men who served with David portunity to visit the special living year to eligible children of sol- coming from Qld with their wives: memorial. diers who are currently serving or John and Maureen Craufurd who Lily have served in the Regiment. An are journeying in from Brisbane. update on our ongoing recipients Thank you for the opportunity Plus are detailed below: to visit the memorial walk. I es- Dave and Pam Meiers who are pecially enjoyed when we went to EXISTING SCHOLARSHIP RE- driving from the Sunshine Coast the ceremony. I know that the CIPIENTS That is 54, which is wonderful. whole year level enjoyed learning Jonathon Cooper started work Apologies from Peter Cos- about the Walk of Remembrance. at the Royal Brisbane Hospital as grove, Trevor Murdoch, Colin We greatly appreciate you sacri- a Doctor in January 2018 after Schofield, Brian Vickery, Guy fice and service to our country. passing his final exams for medi- Bagot, Mick Coble and Ted Da- cine and graduated on 11th De- vies who are unable to attend 8

NEWSLETTER 59th Edition December 2018 9 RAR ASSOCIATION (VIC) INC

cember 2017. This is wonderful give him additional expertise and last semester, ‘it really does news and the Foundation is knowledge in his chosen field of mean the world to me’. pleased that we were able to help physiotherapy. We all thank the Foundation for him to become a wonderful suc- Holly Carroll has completed their wonderful contribution to the cess. her 1st year of a Bachelor of Phi- youth of this nation. Stephanie Bragg completed losophy (Honours) at the Univer- her 3rd year of studying Bachelor sity of Canberra. She said that of Business Management, Inter- she would like to express her VALE national Hotel and Tourism at thanks and appreciation to the

University of Queensland. Foundation for its provision of AT THE GOING Gail Madden completed her generous support during her DOWN OF THE SUN, 3rd year of studying Bachelor of study. ‘The financial assistance WE WILL REMEM- Fine Arts at Queensland Univer- you provided was of great help in BER THEM sity of Technology. funding my educational expenses “LEST WE FORGET” Felicity Ward completed her and allowing me to concentrate OUR FALLEN AND 3rd year of studying Bachelor of more time towards my study, in DEPARTED COM- Writing at the University of Can- 2017 I was also able to secure a RADES berra with two Distinctions and 2018 graduate position with a two Credits. She wrote to the global consulting firm and will be BILL REEDS Foundation saying ‘thank you for commencing work in the near SVN 1968/69, D Coy your continuous support through- future. My educational and per- Passed away 17 November 2018 out my final semester, and my sonal pursuits would not have degree, it meant a great deal to been possible without the support RODNEY CHRIS McLENNAN me that I has less to worry about of your organisation. Thank you SVN 1968/69 financially’. for affording me these opportuni- Passed away 24 October 2018 Jake Melville is in his 1st year ties’. of a Bachelor of Physiotherapy at Bryn McAlister would like to WAYNE JEFFREY PEARCE James Cook University. He again express his appreciation SVN 1968/69 also 1 RAR transferred from a Bachelor of for the continued support provid- 1965/66 Biomedical Sciences at the start ed to him for the first semester of Passed away 19 October2018 of 2017 and his first semester 2018. Bryn’s grade point average results were good with a distinc- is a high 6. Bryn is a busy stu- LINDSAY NORMAN HAR- tion, a credit and two passes. dent who is enjoying living and COMBE Courtney Dole is in her final studying in a capital city. He re- SVN 1969, also 1 ATF 1969/70 year of a Bachelor of Arts at ports attending university social Passed away October 2018 Deakin University. She has functions, including balls and this achieved excellent results, three semester was a volunteer at the STANLEY WILLIAM RONALDS distinction and high distinction - Gold Coast Commonwealth SVN 1968/69 93% for Professional Practice in Games. Bryn hopes to work in Passed away 27 July 2018 Design. Courtney is very excited Qantas management after grad- to be finishing this year and has uating this year. Thank you for already begun work on her two your continued support. EDITORS COLUMN graduate shows which will be Sebastian Moore is in his sec- presented in semester two, one ond year of a double degree of MEMBERSHIP 2018 of which she is directing. Bachelor of Science & Bachelor Jake Crimston-Smith is cur- of Arts at the Australian National Membership dues of $30.00 were rently in his fourth year of a University in Canberra. After a payable on 1/4/2018. If you are Bachelor of Pharmacy at James challenging first semester due to unsure, please email me to see if Cook University. Jake decided to illness Sebastian is looking for- you are financial – I am not a add a second degree to his ward to semester 2. He passed debt collector. study, a Bachelor of Sports Exer- German and was allowed to de- Payment either by cheque or cise Science, which means he fer 3 subjects. He said that he money order to 9 RAR Associa- can continue studying in semes- would like to thank the Founda- tion, PO Box 6213 Frankston ter two. This will add a further tion for its support whilst he was Vic 3199 or Direct Banking year to his study but it will also in hospital and during his studies 9

NEWSLETTER 59th Edition December 2018 9 RAR ASSOCIATION (VIC) INC

DIRECT BANKING DETAILS oner and 52 detained for ques- those of the editor or the Commit- tioning. tee of 9 RAR Association Victoria The Battalion lost 32 of its own Inc. No responsibility or guaran- 9 RAR ASSOCIATION (Victoria) men killed in battle – a ratio of tee is given or implied for any ac- Branch Inc. one Australian for six of the ene- tion taken by individuals or BSB 633-000 my killed. groups because of information A/C No. 154877450 So far, one soldier has been contained within this publication awarded the MC, five the MM and no liability will be accepted Make sure you identify your and three MID. for any loss from such use. payment with either your name or telephone number. FUNNY BITS 9 RAR ASSOCIATION (VICTORIA) INC. Paddy says to Mick, "I'm getting BACK IN TIME - 9 RAR circumcised tomorrow." EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE –

Saying goodbye to it all . . . Mick says, "I had that done when 2018/19 I was a few days old." PRESIDENT: Stan Sutherland The 750-strong 9RAR was wel- Paddy asks, "Does it hurt?" [email protected] comed home from SVN in a lunch- 02 6027 1266 Mick says, " Well I couldn't walk hour march through Adelaide on De- for about a year." VICE PRESIDENT: Bill Forrest cember 9. [email protected] 03 9819 5357 The main body arrived that day in HMAS Sydney. SECRETARY About 450 marched led by CO TREASURER: Klaus Cimdins EDITOR Lt.-Col. Alan Morrison. [email protected] Sixty-one men disembarked at 03 9770 1074 0407 525 147 Freemantle – the first Australian port-of-call. MEMBERSHIP: Geoff Lanigan About 130 flew home earlier [email protected] 03 9558 4380 and went on leave. Another 140, reinforcements 9 RAR ASSOCIATION REP Allan Tonkin into 9RAR during the year, [email protected] stayed behind in the zone and 03 9366 1153 were transferred to other units. 9RAR was raised and based in Woodside before leaving for SVN a year ago. Among the original soldiers were 164 South Australians, and still has 102. After the march the soldiers went on leave for up to 60 days. The Battalion will break its ties with C. Comd. Next year and will be reformed at Enoggera, A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND SAFE Queensland. NEW YEAR FOR EVEYONE YOU From SVN, Capt. Bob Cornish DISCLAIMER LOVE reports that enemy felt the impact of 9RAR during its year there. Information and articles printed The Battalion killed just on 200. in this newsletter is either reprint- Santa Klaus Ho Ho Ho

One hundred and sixty-nine ed from other publications or is were confirmed killed and anoth- derived from verbal or other er 22 were almost certainly killed notes received by the editor. – a conservative estimate. While all efforts are made to veri- In addition, 75 of the enemy fy the information, the opinions were wounded, nine taken pris- expressed are not necessarily 10