tt= 1 'The Quarterly Journal 1 ~~' AIR ..q~ ., _ «" ~ _ 1 ot the 1 1 1 ~ r I Association of I

~ i- Volume Numbe,2 April I LJ94 I

An early morning captured in time ..... 'Flying Stations aboard HMAS Sydney'

Photo courtesy Ian Ferguson

Published by the Fleet Air Am1 Assoc iation of Australia fnc. - Print Post App rO\ed - PP201494 /00 022 Editor: John Arnold -PO Box 662- NOWRA NSW 2541. Australia - Phone (044) 2320 14 - Fax (044) 23241 2 Slipstream - April 1994 - Page 2

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I t I

FOREWORD

by Vice R.G.Taylor AO RAN Chief of Naval Staff

I am delighted to have been asked to provide a Foreword to the April edition of Slipstream . Although not an aviator, I feel a great affinity for the Australian Fleet Air Arm having served as Navigating in the carriers SYDNEY and MELBOURNE. During that experience I witnessed many acts of courage and some superb demonstrations of technical support and flying skill but what impressed me most was the team spirit of the 'birdies'. The spirit lives on in the Fleet Air Arm where our young men and women are showing that they have the necessary technical skills and expertise and enthusiasm to keep some of the world's most advanced naval aircraft in the air and operating . While aviation is just one important part of our Navy, the Fleet Air Arm will always enjoy a special place within our community . I commend the amalgamation of the previously separate Officer's Association with the FAA Association . I believe the move can only enhance the hard work and efforts of the Association and its involvement with the Museum and historical flight. I also commend _Slipstream for the valuable contribution it makes in keeping the spirit alive and well for both serving and retired members of the FAA. I know that FAAA members look forward to reading the journal to learn about upcoming events associated with the Naval Aviat ion Museum and to catch up with news of their former shipmates . It is-a first rate publication of which the Association can be proud. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff and volunteers of the Nav~I Aviation Museum for the work they have put into the enterprise . I have been particularly impressed also with the aircraft restoration projects I have seen both in the Museum and the Historic Flight. These restored naval aircraft provide the visitor with a tangible and exciting link with our past. I wish the Association the best of luck for the future . I look forward to a close association with the Museum and I hope to meet many serving and ex-serving members of the Fleet Air Arm. Slipstream - April 1994 - Page 3

EDITORIAL When the National Anthem debate CONTACTS FOR 1994 This edition of Slipstream is was ragingsome years ago , it was brought to you through the Phill ip Adams who suggested that the National Secretary: sponsorship of British Aerospace following words might be applicable : Ian Ferguson Australia, to whom the Association PO Box 105 offer their most sincere thanks. 'I love this ripper country Vincentia NSW 2540 I would like to take this opportunity Of funnel webs and sharks Phone/Fax : (044) 416771 to thank the stalwarts of the With blowies big as eagles Association who send in the Where your car gets booked by narks ; Slipstream & National PRO: contributions that make the production Where your team gets booked each John Arnold of this journal possible . Saturday , PO Box 662 As I have mentioned before , if your And the pub runs out of beer, Nowra NSW 2541 submission or photograph has not Where there's redbacks on the toilet Phone : (044)232014 been published to date , it has not been seat Fax: (044) 232412 disposed of . It is just sitting in the files And you 're nagged by Germaine awaiting the right moment , or for Greer.' NSW Secretary: someone with a better memory than I George Goddard have , to provide dates for the events It would appear that anytime a PO Box 28 and/or put names to faces . contentious issue arises , many Nowra NSW 2541 Please keep those letters , articles Australians have a great urge to burst Phone /Fax : (042) 563770 and photographs rolling in, each in its into verse . This medium obviously own way goes to complete the jig-saw being the best method for expressing ACT Secretary: which is the Fleet Air Arm history . their opinions . Brian Treloar As a result of the recent ethnic PO Box 3652 HOSPITAL CALL unrest in this country , the following Weston Creek ACT 2611 cautio nary tale by John Morr is of Phone : (06) 288 2730 Kevin Raddatz wishes to inform Tweed Heads , was forwarded as an old shipmates of Dick Coates (the entry in the Sydney Morning Herald WA Secretary: hypnotist), that Dick is seriously ill poetry competition : Theo Bushe-Jones in the Holy Sp irit Hospital, 259 PO Box 8336 Hotheads of Australia . Perth Stirling St.WA 6841 Wickham Terrace , . Phone : (09) 527 9186 Dick has the telephone in his room Coves and coots and blokes . and can be contacted by phoning Cool yer bloody tempers . VIC Secretary: (07) 834 6111 and asking for his room Shed your ethnic jokes . number . which is - CW Room 27 . Read yer C. J. Dennis , Ron Christie Give him a call or send him a card Learn some bloody sense . 15 Bianca Court please . Learn the bloody art of Rowville VIC 3178 Mutual tolerance . Phone : (03) 764 5542 URGENTLY REQUIRED To chuck bombs cos Of what yer called SA Secretary: It is in-bloody-sane . Dinsley Cooper Barry Simpson , Tasmanian Remember bloody Romeo ! 17 Athol Avenue Division President , has asked for the What's in a bloody name! Blair Athol SA 5084 donation of an eye patch and a Don't talk of Alexander, Phone : (08) 344 8812 parrot . Alex the bloody great ! This was his way of gently breaking He died in BC, mate! T AS Secretary: the news that surgery to improve the John Nobes Good on ya , watch yerfootie ! circulation in his leg had not been PO Box 686 But take no bloody flags! success ful and he has had the lim b Devon port T AS 731 O Flag-waving's bloody bonkers , removed. Phone : (004)352473 I'm sure that all members would They're only bloody rags. wish Barry a speedy recov ery and Be like our micks and prodd ies. QLD Secretary: sincerely hope that his run of bad luck Here most get on quite well. Paul Woods is now over . While back in the old country PO Box 1212 Their feuds cause bloody hell. Milton QLD 4064 C:A~~T l!HtHtl3H? Tti~ And Kennetts of Australia Phone : (07) 341 8212 ~ '0l!l)S ••••• 13UT Ttil: Show some bloody sense . Fax: (07) 3716750 To fan the ffames to win the votes MUSIC: SOUNl)S Is very bloody dense . I' A.MILIAl?? Let other blo_ody nations FAREWELL SHIPMATES Have bloody racial strife . Bob Proud (Hobday) A recent Donahue show on Lets make Oz an oasis Geoffrey Francis (Digger) Dunn Channel 10 featured transsexuals . Let's all be mates - for life. David H. Thomas (POE AC) The climax being the crowning of It sure makes yer think . Don't it someone called 'Sweet Savage ' as ? Miss Gay America for 1993 . Disclaimer - All rights reserved. Reproduction in part or whole is forbidden The regal music accompany ing the without the express permiss ion of the Editor in writing. 'coronation ' was our National anthem , The views and opinions expressed in this publicat irm do not necessarily reflect Advance Australia Fair. the views and opinions of the Association or Committee of Management . Slipstream - April 1994 - Page 4

BAe Austr alia also prov ides operat ion and maintena nce support services for the 's Sea King simulator complex in New South Wal es. This contract encomp asses maintenance services for the helic opter flight and anti-submarine warfare systems in support of RAN training missions. It also includes the data base modellin g imagery to support both the RAN and The role of Australian Defence It is a company with its sights set the Royal Australian Air Force Image electronics organisations has firm ly on the future and plans to 11 Visual Systems. changed considerably in the 40 continue to play a prominent role in the Recently British Aerospace years since British Aerospace development and growth of the Australia was successful in winning the Australia first entered the market . Austral ian Defence industry . contract to provide aircraft compon ent The trials teams wh ich maintenance support for all Navy frequented the Woomera rocket range COMMERC IAL SUPPORT aircraft at the Nowra Naval Air Station. in the eariy 1950s helped pave the way PROGRAM AT RANAS NOWRA The contract which is part of the for the company which now designs , Commercial Support program , will manufactures , manages and supports , Austral ia's Commercial Support save th e Navy $15m during the fou r multi-million dollar procurement Program has made it possible for year term. contracts for the Australian Defence industry and the Defence Forces to Trained pers onnel , experi ence, Force and a range of internationa l work closely on some of the support and good working relationship with the customers . services required to manage the customer, are just some of the The company has grown from country 's Defence operations more requirements cited by BAeA as being what was a branch office support ing effectively . vital to the successful management of rocket and missile tria ls, to beco me British Aerospace is one a commercial support contract. The se one of Austral ia's leading defence company which has carved a niche for skills have been put to use in runnin g contractors . itself in this support role. For more than the Army and Navy contracts already BAe Austra lia now employs more 17 years BAe Australia has managed mentioned - in addition to managing than 800 people and has operat ional the Aust ralian Army's Rapier Base the NASA Deep Space facilities and offices throughout the Repair Facility in South Australia . The Communicat ions Complex in country. Base Repair Facility contract proved to ; providing traine d Engineering and manufac turi ng be an excellent early example of technicians and flying instructors to provided the essential foundat ions for 'commerc ialisation' in the Defence support the Royal Saudi Air Force; and the BAe Australia 's developmen t over Forces . It has been described by carrying out Media Support Service s the past 40 years . In more rece nt senior Army officers as 'a model of co­ for the Defence Science and years , however , it has been in facil ities operation betw een Industry and the Technology Organisation . management services , turn-key Services'. procurement contracts r;;;:;::;;;-:;;;;;;;;;:;;;------;;;;::;;:;;::;;;;;;;;;;;;;;:;;;;;:;:;:::::;;:;:::=:;:;::::::::;;;;;::::::::::::;;--=:======--, and systems integrat ion, that BAeA has experienced the most substant ial growth . The company has been employed in almost every majo r Australian procurement contract sine~ its inception - from Rapier surface -to-air guided missiles and F/A-18 fighter aircraft - through to the Australian New Construction Submar ine project and up-coming purchase of a fleet of light armoured vehicles . In 40 years , BAe Australia has become one of the country's pre- eminent defence companies and recogn ised leader in project management , hardware and software engineering , and· 'C f b facilities management. o-opera JOn etween Industry and the SeNices ' - Hydraulics Workshop at RANAS Nowra Slipstream - April 1994 - Page 5

HMAS Albatross RANAS Background Information

What's been happening since the HMAS Albatross is comprised of 650 buildings ranging from aircraft last update? hangars , office and maintenance buildings to accommodation blocks electrician at the Transport Compound and support facilities . Over the past 2 for the remainder of his 22 years - 3 years , $1 1.426 million has been before finally putting on the overalls for spent on various projects such as: the last time in December '93. Visitor to RANAS During his farewell speech , a. upgrad ing hangar hardstandings , 'Tassie' commented on how well the b. upgrading the irrigation disposal of Navy and the local community have One of the world's most sewage effluent , joined together over the many years he c. building a new Fire Tra ining advanced helicopter types visited the has lived in the Nowra area . facility , base to give the Navy's Fleet Air Arm a d. upgrade of electrical wiring and potential sample of the things to come fittings in hangars, in the aviation industry of the future . Donation e. upgrad ing fire safety on three Geoffrey Morton , hangars , RAN - Commanding Officer of HMAS f . const ruction of a new Alba tross , was presented with a administration building cheque for $50,000 from the Mayor of g. upgrade to the high voltage Shoalhaven . reticulation power station , The money was donated by the h. construction of a new Chapel , and Shoalhaven Council for the continued i. constr uction of a new jet engine resto ration and enhancement of the testing facility. Naval Aviation Museum . In return the Commodore presented the City of Future projects include : Shoalhaven with a bronze model of a a. construction of a new hospita l ($2 Sea Fury aircraft. million ), b. construct ion of extens ions to the NSW Bush Fire Emergency naval stores complex ($1.2 million), c. improve ments to airf ield lighting January 1994 heralded the worst ($1 million) , New South Wales bush fires for fifty d. const ruction of a new hangar ($2.5 years . Fires spread throughout the million), State at what appeared to be an e. installa tion of an Instrument exponent ial rate , engulfing the NSW Landing System ($1.5 million), and North and South Coasts , Blue f. upgrad ing of fire protect ion in remaining hangars ($2.5 million ). The McDonnell Douglas MD Mountains , Sutherland Shire and Sydney's Northern suburbs . Following Total cost for future proje cts is 520N is the first helicopter design to $10.7 million incorporate a radical concept known as the declaration of a state of emer gency , personnel from HMAS NOTAR (No Tail Rotor) . The tail rotor PERSONNEL : There are 1600 service Albatro ss were mustered and tasked has been eliminated using the theory members and their famil ies posted to to ass ist the State authorit ies in of the 'Coanda Effect' , which basically the Nowra area with 1,000 serving at combating the fire storm . HS 816 states that air flowing over the curved HMAS Albatross , with 850 fam ilies (Cmdr B.Dowsing RAN), HS 817 (LCdr tail boom of the helicopter follows the living in the area. Naval Married P.R.Lee RAN), and HC723 (Cmdr contour of its surface . The tailboom Quarters are provided for 593 families V.E .B.DiPietro RAN) squadrons , as then acts like a wing , but instead of and approx imately 350 fam ilies are we ll as Fire Fighters and Transport giving lift actually produces a sideways living in their own homes . The total personnel aided in extinguishing the movement which is what the tail rotor popula tion influx to the · area is is normally required for . threat , whilst Operational Support , Medical Supp ly, Victualling and duty approx imately 3,000 . The total wages The helicopter first flew in July earned annually by these service 1991 and its builders , the McDonn ell personnel suppled logistic assistance. HS 817 Squadron was the first to members is #29 .4 million and civilians Douglas Corporation , say that it is the $4 million . depl oy 3 Sea King aircraft , followed quietest certified helicop ter in the world The Defence Housing Authority clos ely by 3 Squirrel aircraft from being 50% less noisy than its rivals. has built or purchased 141 new homes HC723. As the situation deteriorated over the last five years at a cost of HS 816 Squadrqn deployed 4 - S-708 Retirement $22 .5 mill ion . Maintenance and Seahawks as well as having 2 aircraft improvements to these homes over the in reserve for detachment support , Mr Allen (Tassie) Anning has last five years were all local contracts retired from the Department of under the command of LCdr M.Ogden RAN. and cost $7.5 million . An additional 96 Defence after 43 years of loyal service, new homes were leased in the area This brought the total number of most of which were spent at HMAS with approximately 60% local Naval aircraft to 10 Operat ional Units Albatross. ownership . An estimated 120 new with 2 in reserve and a further Sea 'Tassie' joined the RAN back in homes will be built or purchased over King acting as a relay aircraft between 1950 and upon leaving in 1971 he the next five years at a cost of about NAS Nowra and RMF Richmond . applied for a position as an auto- $7 million. Slipstream - April 1994 - Page 6

CIVILIAN EMPLOYMENT : The RAN support to the local community in also employs a number of defence emergencies such as the recent THE FORGOTTEN civilians and civilian contractors at the bushfires in Sydney and Termeil , MECHANIC Naval Air Station and HMAS Creswelf , floods, and including 96 Defence Civilians with an operations . Through the history of Naval Aviation annual salary of $1.43 million . many names have come to the fore; Civilian contractors are employed JERVIS BAY : Jervis Bay is the great deeds of the past in our memory at NAS Nowra under the Commercial gateway to the Eastern Australian wilf last Support Programme (CSP) which was Exercise Area for the Navy and all as they're joined by more and more. an initiative units of the Fleet use the bay for a to ensure that industry was more variety of tasks including anchorage , When man first started his labour involved in defence related services equipment calibration , navigation and in his quest to conquer the sky, and stemmed from the Wrigley Report . aircraft search and rescue training and he was designer, mechanic and pilot, The ADF determined activities that recreation. HMAS Creswell is often and he built a machine that could fly. were not core to the Defence function . utilised by visiting units and the bay is Commercial tenders were evaluated used regularly for these purposes . But somehow the order got twisted , and the best value tenders accepted . and then in the public eye, British Aerospace Australia Naval Cadet Units the only man that could be seen received two contacts to: was the man who knew how to fly. HMAS Albatross was inundated a. supply maintenance and support with 132 Naval Reserve Cadets and 14 The pilot was everyone's hero, to Sea King flight simulator equipment , instructors for their period of Annual he was brave , he was bold, he was and Continuous Training . Cadets ranging in grand , b. aircraft component maintenance . age from 14 to 18 years , travelled from as he stood by his battered old bi­ 18 units based in NSW , with the most plane BAeA employs 63 civilians and northern unit being TS Vampire from with his goggles and helmet in hand . 56 service personnel. The annual Tweed Heads, and the southernmos t salary is $3.6 million . unit from TS Albury from To be sure these pilots all earned it, The 'In House Option' of CSP Albury/Wodonga . to fly you have to have guts , was given to Base Support functions LCdr E.Willis was Officer in and they blazed their name in the hall such as gardeners , cleaners, security Charge with cadet courses conducted of fame guards , dog handlers , fire fighters , in General Training , Gunnery , Band on wings with bailing wire struts . airfield technical services and facilities . and PTI. These services are performed by 105 But for each of these flying heroes civilian personnel with an annual salary HMAS Voyager of $2.6 million . there were thousands of little renown, Altogether , the annual wages and these were the men who worked To commemorate the 30th earned by service and civilian on the plane Anniversary of the HMAS Voyager personnel living locally is $41 milliop . but kept their feet on the ground. disaster, a Remembrance March and ceremony was held in Huskisson. The PROVISIONING : At any one time up to We all know the name of Lindbergh Commanding Officer . of HMAS 300 people may be accommodated at and we read of his flight of fame, Albatross and the annual cost of Albatross , Cdre Geoff Morton , was the but think if you can of his maintenance Reviewing Officer and presented a provisioning the base with meals is man. .. speech on behalf of the Chief of Naval $1.2 million . Most foodstuffs are Can you remember his name? Staff . purchased in the region with milk, bread and meat purchased in Nowra . And think of our wartime heroes, Many other items such as stationery , Clean Up Australia Day Gabreski , Jabara and Scott. cleaning gear , fuel , hardware and Can you tell me the names of their general stores are also purchased The comb ined services of the crew chiefs? Navy , Forestry Commission of NSW , locally at an annual cost of $4 million . A thousand to one you cannot. The total cost for provisioning NSW Police Service , Shoalhaven City Council, Jervis Bay Lions Club and the NAS Nowra is $5.2 million. Now pilots are highly trained people, Ambulance Service of NSW were and wings are not easily won, WITHIN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY : utilised to recover a number of stolen but without the work of the Many service personnel are directly vehicles dumped in the Jerrawangla maintenance man involved in the local community with State Forest , as part of the Clean Up our pilots would march with a gun. members belonging to Church groups, Australia Campa ign. Scouts , Guides , Boys Brigade, Girls Personnel from each of these Brigade, Toastmasters , Rotary, organisations assisted in the recovery So when you see a mighty jet aircraft Rotoract , APEX , RSL Clubs , Bush Fire of the vehicles and HMAS Albatross as they make their way through the air, brigades and other such groups. provided a 25 tonne KA TO crane and think of the man with the wrench in his Personnel are also involved in an a Mack Heavy Salvage and Recovery hand, enormous array of local sporting clubs Vehicle, the only one of its kind in the 'cos he's the one who put it there. and activities as well as fielding many southern hemisphere, to lift the motor * Our thanks to the unknownauthor - source, teams for local competitions . vehicles from the bottom of 180 metre RN FAA Armourer's Associationnews letter. HMAS Albatross also provides high cliffs .

VIEWPOINT: People sometimes forget that a rat race can only be won by a rat. .... Slipstream - April 1994 - Page 7

'ff~~~:.: \\~~~I: 1 li'4 .. 4~-- ~ F!DMTHE AllCHIVES l,'4...... 1.

808 Squadron Aircrew - RNAS Yeovilton - 1955 / 56 Standing on Sea Venom wing and visible through canopy , POEL (A) E.Cox , sailors refuelling not known . BACK ROW: Lt. P. Wyatt , Lt. D. Hilliard , LCdr . P. Seed (Senior P), LCdr. G. Jude (CO), Lt. B. Thompson , Lt. R. ·Cordell , Lt. S. Wilson , Lt. G. Gratwick FRONT ROW: Lt. R. Mciver , Lt. S. Carmichael , Lt. K. Potts , Lt. N. Ralph , Lt. B. Brennan NOT SHOWN: LCdr . G. Kable (Senior 0) , Lt. C. Champ , Lt. R. Green (AEO) , Lt. D. Miller (ALO) , Lt. C.Morbey Photo courtesy D. Miller and NAVAV Museum

817 Squadron in 1952 - equipped with Fairey Fireflies . Can you identify the 'bods? ·· Slipstream - April 1994 - Page 8

When my crew arrived on the flight 817 SQUADRON deck we found all sorts of people helping to push the aircraft and spread OMISSION FROM AWARDS LIST rotor blades . With people all over the deck operating aircraft was extremely Dear Ed, that is, the award of the dangerous indeed, but there was no Unlike Geoff Vickridge (Slipstream Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation panic , and I was very conscious that January) , I have never cried for Evans , to 817 Squadron . everybody was looking before he nor even for Voyager (having seen her Geoff heaps high praise on the moved , and taking the time to check sink too) . I wish I could! Nor did I helicopter people , But I think we, and what he had done . Everybody was attend the memorial service on the I include more than just the squadron , aware of the need to remain calm ; it , being unable to perceive did even better than that. It was our was perhaps easier for those of us who the benevolent hand of God in the policy at the time to keep one winch­ had something definite to do. affairs of men . fitted aircraft on task at all times . 817 made two winch rescues that I won't give you another account of (I always found it interesting that the air night. Des Rogers and his crew made the collision - Geoffs account is crews always wanted the winch-fitted one . My crew made the other. sufficient to resurrect the emotions of machine , and not the other one !) So I Yours sincerely , Albert Riley the night. believe that one winch-fitted machine (817 Sqdn Senior Pilot at the time .) My purpose is to invite you to (Des Rogers) , was available {Your invitation has been cordially correct an important omission from the immediately . Jim Firth was airborne in accepted , the following is a reduced list of awards made after the collision : twenty minutes , but he wasn't the first. copy of the original document . Ed.]

THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY WASHINGTON

The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in presenting the MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION to

817 SQUADRON, ROYAL AUSTRALIAN NAVY

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

For meritorious achievement on ·3 June 1969 while em bar ked in HMAS MELBOURNE. During the early morning hours, whil e en ga ged in a combined exercise in the South China Sea, MELBOURNE and USS F RANK E. EV ANS were involved in a collision which result ed in the sinkin g of the forward half of the U. S. destroyer and the evacuation of the after portion. Thirty-eight of 111 men in the forward section of USS FRANK E. EVANS were able to escape or were thrown .into the water. Within twenty-five minutes of the collision, all of these men had been returned to MELB OURNE. The and men of 817 Squadron were called upon for m ax imum · effort, not only during these first critical minutes when survi vors wer e being illuminated in the water by lights from the Squadron's helic opte r s , but also during the more than fifteen hours in which search oper at ions continued. Two men were recovered by the Squadron wi~hin a short time after the collision, and many others were assisted by the directi ons and lights provided by the helicopters. The professional skill, tireless ef forts, and alertness displayed by the officers and men of 817 Squadron, -Royal Australian Navy, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the nav al service.

~ \--\-. ~ u Secret ary of the NavQ Slipstream - April 1994 - Page 9

bringing photo's and other memorabilia video which will be available for sale to MELBOURNE - EVANS from June 1969. interested parties . Basically we need at MEMORIAL SERVICE HMAS Harman Senior Sailors least 150 people willing to part with up Mess Committee are providing to $60 per copy of the video to cover UPDATE afternoon tea on the 3rd of June and a costs . barbecue on the 4th - plus a couple of $60 is tops! Obviously , the more free kegs! copies , the cheaper it becomes . If the The reunion on 03 June 1994, to When my good friend , ex-WORSS documentary can be sold to the commemorate the 25th anniversary Arthur Francis 'Jock' Donnelly and I ABC/SBS etc. , the costs will be further of the Melbourne I Evans tragedy, is began co-ord inating this event , we reduced . gaining momentum. weren't quite sure how it would be 'A Current Affair' is considering a Old shipmates from the Melbourne received . We suffered some frustration segment prior to 03 June , and some will be converging on Canberra from as in the early stages but, with help from newspapers are running stories on the far away as Alice Springs, Perth and various ex-service associations and reunion . If anyone reading this article Tasmania . In fact all States and individuals , coupled with some prolific can get their local paper to do an Territories will have representation . At letter writing to the States by 'Jock' , we art icle , feel free . The more free this stage , there are at least two have exceeded or expectations . advert ising the better . survivors from Evans coming from the We are arranging for a private I look forward to seeing many of USA. company to film the ceremony and to you in June . People are phoning and writing conduct interviews with selected * Ron Baker - National Co-ordinator with offers of assistance , advice , individuals over the weekend . From [ For further details ring Ron on requests for information etc .. Some are this will be produced a documentary H (07) 281 3553 or W (07) 280 3061]

that veterans are properly suppo rted in WELFARE OFFICER'S REPORT present ing their cases '. by I.G. (Chips) Gra~· - Welfare Officer NSW Dil'ision Consu ltations are under way with ex-serv ice organisat ions and other interested bodies , on the best way to quickly and effectively put the new Both your hard working Editor Don't forget when making your scheme in place . The Shoalhaven and and myself continue to get an ever request to clearly state your period of District RDFWA (Regular Defence Force Welfare Association), in increasing number of members service , name in full , Offic ial Number response to a reque st for our views on requesting assistance in submitting and from which ship you were the matter , advised that if a 3 or 4 day claims to Department of Veteran discharged to shore . training course could be held in Nowra , Affairs or Department of Defence Your documents should arrive within two to three weeks , in a double we could guarantee the support of the (Compensation). This is not a FAA Assoc iation, RSL Sub-Bra nches . whinge, on the contrary , we are envelope , marked 'Medical in Confidence' to protect you . the Naval Association and the Vietnam pleased that the articles on Welfare innocent. Veterans ' Association . We also are being read and acted upon. The recent changes in the Keating stressed that any train ing co1Jrse would In most cases however , advice or Federal Government has seen the be inadequa te unless it included claim assistance is delayed wh ilst shift ing of Senator John Faulkner from procedures fo r Compensation . application is made for Medical History the Veteran' Affairs portfolio . Let us DFRB/DFRDB and MSBS cases , as it documents . I am also surprised at the hope that the new Minister carries on is the very lack of these subjects that number of veterans who have lodged the same 'open-door policy' and also have , over the years , reduced to some claims , relying solely on memory listens to the advice of the Ex-Service extent the effectiveness of the RSL without perusing their medical organisations . movemen t. documents first. You can be sure , that Late in 1993, Senator John I would like to think that if at some before you will have the claim Faulkner announced an initiat ive to futu re date , a train ing sem inar was accepted , the determining officer will provide training for veteran's held at Nowra , that there wo uld be go through your papers with a fine advocates . enough volunteers to fill the RSL Hall. toothed comb . Doesn't it make sense The programme will be made to make your claim fit the facts? Also, available from this financial year to even if you have never intended FACING THE FACTS OF LIFE train the advocates , who assess and making a claim , your medical history present appeals by veterans against The recent Veteran 's Health Week could be of value at some stage in the adverse decis ions of the Repatriation hands of your doctor. had the motto 'Living Life to the Full'. Commission . Senator Faulkner said at An elderly ex-serviceman rang the Years ago you weren't allowed to the time : 'Veteran's advocates , see your medical documents . The Depa rtment of Veterans ' Affairs and sometimes voluntary and often under­ Freedom of Informat ion Act changed asked for information about the week 's trained , have· played an important role all that , although only you, or someone activities , whilst speak ing on the phone for many years in assisting vete rans authorised by you in writing , can make he confessed that he felt very and their dependents . They deserve application for them . Best of all, you depressed about life in general. He not only the recognition for what they can apply direct to the RAN. Simply was given the informat ion he had do, but also pract ical help and write to: requested and was then asked if he assistance . It is not sufficient for the Director General of Naval Health would like to be put on next year's Government to provide appeals Services , Department of Defence , PO mailing list. processes in which veterans can argue Box E33 , Queen Victoria Terrace , 'NEXT YEAR 'S mailing list! I don't for or aga inst decisions of the Canberra ACT 2600 . even buy green ban anas anymore ,' Commission , it must also make sure the pessim ist replied . Slipstream - April 1994 - Page 10

any event , the parts could be transported by someone IF you can 'cobble up a Camel' or 'prefab a Pup'- read on .. else . It is suggested that the Despite the part played by the replica in the Museum workshop. This fuselage framework should be the first RAN in the development of Naval would entail utilising the wealth of section to be constructed, it can then Aviation during World War 1, the talent available among ex-FAA be displayed immediately as an Museum has no display of the members and any other interested example of early aircraft construction . Should the proposal go ahead , aircraft used in this period. HMA parties . John has indicated Ships Australia, that he would be Sydney, willing to act as the Melbourne and 1-- co-ordinator and Brisbane all seek where possible , operated industry assistance various Sopwith from the Sydney area aircraft. for very specialised There can be parts , eg cowlings no doubt that the etc .. Museum display Space prevents would be outlining much of the enhanced by the detail to be sorted addition of replica out. aircraft to fill this The first step , gap in our history . would be to have a Being light in meeting at the weight the Museum , some time replicas could be suspended As the aircraft were basically before the mid-year on a date to be overhead , this would serve a two-fold wooden , with metal brackets as decided . Befo re that is done , would purpose , they would be away from attachment points for the wire bracing , anyone who is willing to be involved in 'busy fingers' and be far enough away it is believed that the various parts this project please phone Bob Geale at to prevent close scrutiny by the could be produced in home the Museum (044) 21-1635 or John visitors. This is not to imply that the workshops. Goble (02 ) 450-1537. Please note that finished product would be 'rough' , only With a number of people , each JG will be away from Mid-April to early that some of the parts would probably contributing on a sub-assembly basis , June . need to be mocked up - the engine for the parts would then be taken to the NOTE : Expressions of interest example . Museum workshop for assembly at an from State Divisions who would like to The Museum holds plans for a agreed time. The intervals between take participate in this very worthwhi le number of aircraft, and it has been component assembly at the Museum project are most welcome , please suggested by John Goble, that it may would not be such as to be a chore for don't hesitate to call one of the above be possible to assemble a suitable any 'out-of-town sub-contractors '. In numbers . Is it a bird? Is it a plane? N o ..... it's Harold Kent!

Dear Ed, I am enclosing a photograph which I missed sending to Barry Lister in time for his submission ·- to Slipstream. Included in the Queensland Division article, you will see a couple of paragraphs about the intended 'Glider' reunion. (I am the contact person) If there is room, could you please include the enclosed photo. The intrepid pilot shown in the picture , was the RAN Gliding Association secretary when I joined the 'glider mob' in 1966. Kind regards, Ken Bullock

'THE END OF AN EPIC 1000 KILOMETRE FLIGHT' 'We/1...itmay NOT have been 1000 kilometres ... but it WAS pretty close to 1000 metres.' The pilot is the fate Harold Kent, a former member of the RAN Gliding Associat ion. The photograph was taken in 1943 at Mear Airfield , Stoke on Trent, England, when Harold was serving in the . Slipstream - April 1994 - Page 11

OBITUARY Peter Fanshawe

Captain Peter Fanshawe who has that there were tunnels and made died aged 82, was one of the main strenuous efforts to find them , work on organisers of the 'Great Escape' 'Dick' was abandoned. The tunnellers from Stalag Luft Ill in March 1944. in 'Tom ' did not want to spread any Seventy-six PoWs burrowed more sand around the camp , and it beyond the camp perimeter in a tunnel was Fanshawe who said: 'Why not put called 'Harry' ('Tom' and 'Dick' were it down Dick'. abandoned) . Three escapers made As one of the chief organ isers , 'home runs'. Of those recaptured 50, Fanshawe would have been one of the on Hitler's orders, were infamously first through 'Harry' , so he was murdered by the Gestapo . disappointed when a few days before Fanshawe had been a prisoner of the escape , the Germans transferred war since the Norwegian campaign of him to another camp some miles away . 1940, in which he was Senior He was appointed OBE in 1946. Observer of 803 Naval Air Squadron in The son and grandson of naval the Ark Royal. On June officers , Peter Evelyn Fanshawe was 13, Ark Royal's two Blackbum Skua born on 13 September 1911 and Dive-bomber squadrons attacked the educated at Dartmouth . He was German battle cruisers Scharnhorst serving in the cruiser Birm ingham and Gneisnau in Trondheim harbour. when the Navy regained contro l of its A rash and ill-conceived raid, it was Air Arm from the RAF in 1937. There nothing more than a vain attempt to was a shortage of aircrew , and take revenge on the two German Casson threw his aircraft all over Fanshawe became one of the 'pressed ships, which five days earlier had sunk the sky in such violent attempts to men' ordered to train as observers . the carrier Glorious and her two evade that Fanshawe eventually said: He later commanded the sloop escorting destroyers off northern 'Could you steady up for a minute while Amethyst with distinction in the Korean Norway. I have a shot at him?' Casson replied : War , when he was ment ioned in There was almost perpetual '\ know how I can fly, but I don't know despatches and won the DSC. daylight at that time of the year , and how you can shoot.' Their opponent From 1954 to 1957 he was loaned there was no cloud cover . The Skuas put a bullet into Fanshawe 's shoulder to the Royal Australian Navy at HMAS were bound to be spotted as soon as and another into the fuel tank . Fearing Albatross , the naval air stat ion at they crossed off-shore islands , 80 that the Skua was about to catch fire , Nowra . miles short of their target. Trondheim Casson landed it in a fjord . In 1962 he was vice-president of was heavily defended by guns , with They were unable to retrieve the the Admiralty Interview Board and was two fighter airfields nearby , and the dinghy , but a Norwegian in a rowing then Naval Assistant to the Naval enemy would be thoroughly alerted. boat picked them up and took them to Secretary from 1964 to 1966, when he What happened over Trondheim hospital , where Fanshawe had his was appointed CBE and retired . exceeded everyone's worst fears ·. Of bullet extracted . Both men spent the Fanshawe served on the West 15 Skuas eight were shot down and rest of the war in captivity . African Committee in Ghana until 1975 their crews killed or captured . One Known in Stalag Luft Ill as and was then secretary of the Royal 50otb bomb hit Scharnhorst's upper 'Hornblower' , Fanshawe proved an Navy Club of 1765 and 1785; he was a deck and rolled over the side without able and creative organiser , always regular at annual dinners of the Ex­ exploding . devising fresh plans for escape . Faced Prisoners of War Dining Club . Fanshawe was in the Skua flown with the problem of disposing of sand He was married , and had a son and by Lt Cdr John Casson , the strike from the tunnels , he invented 'trouser a daughter leader and 803's CO. They saw their bags ' filled with sand , which could bomb just miss Scharnhorst's trickle out as the wearer wandered • From the Daily Telegraph UK dated quarterdeck and were then 'jumped ' by around . February 12. 1994 . an Me-109. Later , when the Germans realised A cordial invitation for members and families to join the ARMY!

On the afternoon of Sunday, 17 free , so be there! duty , so be early to secure a seat. April 1994, the Shoalhaven Salvation At 1900. on the same day, the Please wear service decorations . Anny, in conjunction with the Nowra Anzac Sunday Commemoration Supper will be provided on the RSL Sub-Branch, will present a Service will be held in the Nowra conclusion of the service . 'Family RSL Band Concert' at the Citadel , which is located at the comer The Colour Party, will be a Shoalhaven Ex-Servicemen's of St.Anne St and Salisbury Drive. combined RAAF and RNZAF Auditorium. Betty-Lou Willis , State President of servicewomen's group under the Featuring the Parramatta Citadel the RSL Ladies Auxiliaries , who has leadership of Flight Jennifer Salvation Army Band (they don't just her own column in the RSL Reveille , Keeley RAAF, who is an aircraft control play hymns) , the concert will will be one of the guest speakers . officer at HMAS Albatross. commence at 1430, the admission is Parramatta Band will also be on • Ray Spargo Slipstream - April 1994 - Page 12

fit of madness I promised to send ex­ Wren Joyce Knowlson [HMS Ocean Association] an Australian FAAA Letters to tlieEditor badge also , as she was piqued at not having been able to steal my badge before a burly armourer got it. Dear Ed, South West Army was received on Whilst in the UK, I also attended a Enclosed please find a bit of Glory whilst off Rabaul. reunion of the Dukes of Malvern Club, useless trivia cut from the Brisbane We had an Australian Broadcasting of which I am a member . Membership Courier Mail newspaper, I thought it Corporation commentator on board of this club is for those who have may be of interest. who was describing the action via the served in HMS Duke or who now serve January's edition of Slipstream was ship's transmitter . Unfortunately , the in HMS Iron Duke . It was here that I a beauty , Jake 's contribution from microphone cable had been led met up with three old shipmates from Tasmania , complete with his address through a water-tight door , and a ham­ fifty years ago who , like myself , had and 'phone number certainly worked handed Tel going on watch closed the transferred from the Engine Room for him and resulted in myself, Kevin door , thus ending the transmission Branch to the Fleet Air Arm. 'Roger' Raddatz and Mick Blair from that microphone . Fortunately , he Please give my regards to Bob rekindling our close friendships which had a second microphone connected Cronin , Fred Randall and any other bridged a void of 37 years . to a wax disc recorder which I was 'greenies '. Many thanks , operating , the remainder of the Regards , Stan Brown commentary was recorded on these discs which were then despatched by air to Sydney . I have a strong feeling that a re­ Sacked recording was made and this may be in the ABC archives , I wrote to them two or three years ago but did not receive over rat a reply . If such a recording still exists , it AUCKLAND: A nav~I court martial involving would be of great value to the a stuffed rat dressed in Museum . Is it possible that you could an admiral's uniform contact the ABC and request a copy for ended last night with a the Museum , I should be eternally Dear Editor, lieutenant being grateful. Just a short note to accompany cashiered after being a copy of the latest Newsletter of the found guilty of striking Yours sincerely. a junior officer . S.Pomfret - TAGS Association UK Shearwater Aviation Museum The trouble began [ I have contacted the ABC Radio Foundation. when Lieutenant Gl

Dear Ed, with his wife, joined the Manchester arrangements for information on the May I thank you for my recent Branch of the FM Association at their NAM being sent direct to the Editor of copy of Slipstream and the other February meeting. Stanley and self the journal [address supplied] , or copies that you have sent over the reminisced about our short time myself for passing on. past year or so. I find these most shared on 817 Squadron in 'Sydney' , _Looking_forward to the beginning of interesting as do all the members of for the January-March '53 cruise to Apnl for arnval of Slipstream . the Greater Manchester Branch of Hobart and the Centenary Regatta Sincere regards , the FAAA. held there . He capped my recollection George Chadwick - NSW member UK I see from the last edition that of the 817 Squadron crewing the [ 1. Historical note : The escort shipmates Geoff Vickridge and Ken Sydney boat in the Open Racing carrier , HMS Dasher , sank in the Clyde Beaton are now back home . If you are Whaler Event and winning the Emden Estuary after an accident in which her m contact with Geoff, would you be Trophy ; with his story of Sydney aviation fuel tanks exploded - 27 March kind enough to pass on my regards . crws1ng earlier in New Zealand waters 1943. We met when our Branch spent the where a Fleet Regatta was to be held. 2. Come on, 'Righteous ' Roy, drop weekend at Yeovilton last year . During rocket attacks on a towed your old mate a line . You must have For your information, my last ship target , a stray concrete head shattered recovered from the Bundaberg was HMS Begum which was in the the recreation rowing whaler of a New reunion. Indian Ocean and was involved with Zealand cruiser . 3. The Marketing Manager of the HMS Shah and the Findhorn and I attended the Dasher ANAM is sending a promotion package Godvari when U198 was sunk . Commemoration Service and direct to the Editor as requested. Ed.} One of the other ships that I served dedication of a memorial, fifty years on, in was HMS Bulolo. This was a new at Ardrossan on the Clyde , on the 27th Dear Ed, March last year. I shall be there again merchantman that had been built for I came here in 1982, and on the 26th this year . I have sent the Australian Inter-island trade. She ~!though a member for many years narrative , newspaper articles and a was taken over by he RN as an Armed m New Zealand, I didn't know there video of the occasion to Bob Geale at Merchant Cruiser, but later , when I was a local branch until I saw your Museum . joined her , she was a Headquarters details on the notice board of the My thing for the Museum at Nowra Ship. and the FM Association of Austra lia Caloundra RSL. Now the interesting bit, I eventually is the acquiring of ~ecollections fro~ As an ex-wartime pilot I would like got a draft from Bulolo to a ship that veterans of 816 Squadron '39 - '48 for to add something to your pages on was working out of Freetown , I was the 816 saga. The Dasher disaster flying stories due to transfer to my new ship in the observance , has lead to contacts with During training in Canada in 1944 harbour . The ship was the Albatross those who served on the '42 -'44 we had completed our EFTS on Tige~ however , she was not in the harbour at Moths at Goderich on Lake Huron and commission . What was previously a the time we arrived and we swung at potted history of the time is now a proceeded by coach , which broke the buoy for a couple of days but she down , to Aylmer (SFTS Harvards) . record with telling detail of life and didn't arrive . I then sailed in Bulolo Arriving fairly late , we were marched to happenings on 816 in those times . around to Mombasa and went ashore our hut and lined up outside to be I ~lso have some interesting and to serve at RNAS Port Reitz and other addressed by a sad and solemn CPO amusing recollections of the '39 - '41 Naval Air Stations in East Africa until I who sai~, 'Welcome to Aylmer , RCAF commission which is also revealing of joined the Begum . Station , you will be flying more the earliest days of the FAA as it A,r There were quite a lot of Australian powerful aircraft here and we have had returned to the full operat ional Air Crew at Port Reitz, many of them a few nasty accidents . Now, I want you organisation of the RN, and in WWII. I playing rugby for the Station team as I all to make arrangements with your have forwarded these to Bob Geale did. I came home at the end of 1945. and I will be adding to them . ' mate or oppo , that should something I was a 'Jack Dusty', Naval Air happen to you , he will return your A matter of contact which has me Stores, serving with 788 Squadron and blankets to the store for you.' perturbed somewhat. Early last year I in the main Air Stores at Port Reitz. What a welcome for a bunch of 18 wrote to Roy Torrens , using the Whenever I see the name year olds ! All potential aces (so we address given in Slipstream , that was Albatross , my thoughts go back to thought) who would show the Hun who returned to me endorsed 'Not Known' . Freetown . was boss . Needless to say, we were all In mid-year , I wrote to the secretary of Looking forward to the next edition very quiet after that sober ing speech . the Queensland Division (his address of Slipstream. To follow up from this , a few weeks also in Slipstream), and enclosed my All the best, later the Chief Flying Instructor was letter for Roy with the request that it be Yours aye, Haydn Taylor testing a Harvard with a mechanic posted on, but have not received a onboard . Whilst doing aerobatics he Branch Secretary reply. noticed a problem with the controls Fleet Air Arm Association . In the latest issue of the journal of and told the mechanic to bale out , then Greater Manchester Branch, UK Fnends of the Museum of Science and by superb airmanship , he managed to Industry in Ma_nchester, of which I am land at the reserve field . Close Dear Ed, a member , · a. feature makes much of examination of the aircraft showed that Retrieved your letter from the the planned National air and Space the control cables had been partially files and was taken aback at noting Museum of Australia and of the Darwin cut through - deliberately ! Aviation museum. Reference is also the date, December '92. All flying was stopped and the made of the Museum of Victoria and its Should you not have obtained an whole station , RCAF and FAA aircraft exhibits, also the RAAF obituary of Captain Fanshawe RN, I paraded . A very grave faced CO told Museum . It strikes me, that the am enclosing a copy from a recent us that a Nazi fifth columnist was omission of the Australian Naval ~dition of the Daily Telegraph for your respo_nsible for the acts of sabotage on Aviation Museum needs rectifying . interest. the aircraft , hence the previous nasty Stanley Brown , of Gorokan NSW, Would you look into the Slipstre am - April 1994 - Page 14

accidents . From then on, all Harvards Dear Ed, were subject to special inspections Just a short note · before being flown. Thank goodness enclosing some photo's there were no more crashes and we you may be able to use survived . for the magazine. As a footnote , I am returning to Where are all the Ontario and my flying schools in ear1y Safety Equipment people? June, I have been in touch with the We were only a small FAA Canada who are going to host my branch but we made our visit. Aylmer is now a Police College mark , just ask Geoff and only one hangar exists , they have Beardsley , he has some very kindly arranged lunch there for my great stories to tell. wife and I. One of the enclosed To those expatriates who , like photo 's shows Frank myself , were trained at HMS Vincent in Gardener , I think that's how the (which I visited in he spells his name . He was '92) , if there is any interest from a 'jet-jockey' who just fitted aircrew who carried out their initial into the cockpit , but a great training there , I would be happy to fellow . It was taken at a follow up this letter. ship 's concert on the Yours sincerely , Arthur Conway-Jones Melboume . I was always Dear Ed, amazed by the talent we 'Have had the opportunity had in the Navy, I believe most sailors can tum their recently to read a publication titled, hand to anything. 'HMAS Melbourne 25 years', by Ross Anyhow , good luck with Gillett, and which brought back Slipstream and keep up the many old memories - all good stuff! good work . Contained in the above publication Shipmate Eddie Cross. was a section titled 'Ships Movements '. I thought this was great FRANK GARDENER ,vith info with , with dates and details of 'SOAPY McKEON on horn Melbourne 's movements from whoa to go during its career with the RAN. Can anyone tell me if similar information is available regarding the movements of Sydney and Vengeance ;/~aimn ~ during their RAN careers , for me, H.MAS.VENGEANCE. """ particular1y the latter . . cf 77 SQUADRON Congratulations on Slipstream RA .AF TO AUST RALIA 19 5 4- . Vol. 5 No. 1. I found my old shipmate , 'Jake' (Matt Jacobs ), from Tasmania - and it only took FORTY YEARS TO CATCH UP WITH HIM! It is indeed a small world , thanks to our Journal. Any old shipmates who want to contact me, my address is as follows : 27 Henderson Street , Camp Hill, Brisbane , Queensland 4152 Telephone (07) 3985730 . Best of memor ies to all, Ron Baxter { Ron - enquiries to date seem to indicate that there are no publications available similar to the one about Melbourne. I have contacted the Curator at the Australian Naval Aviation Museum who advises that he has been collecting Sydney and Vengeance information for a number of years , at this stage the research is incomplete . but the history will eventually include the ship 's movements over their period of RAN service . If readers can be of assistance in providing such information , please contact the Curator of the Australian Naval Aviation Museum , or send direct to Slipstream foi forwarrling . Ed.] Slipstream - April 1994 - Page 15

WHERE ARE ALL THE SAFETY EQUIPMENT PEOPLE?

BACKROW L-R

'MOOSE ' MASSIE EDDIE CROSS 'ZEKE ' WARD

FRONT ROW L-R

'ZIP ' HILL Lt. P McNAY CPO FRED WESSELL BARRY BLACKWELL

Photo courtcs~ Eddie Cross

Under the heading, 'A SAILOR bounced back and forth between the is where you'll live'. RUES DEATH OF BASE', member United Kingdom and Australia, but was Jack became act ive in the Jack Kitney, presented his profile finally demobbed after 15 years Blacktown community and from 1968 whilst airing his views on the service . to 1973 was manager of Lalor park closure of Nirimba for a reporter of After working in civvy street for Rugby League Club and secretary from the 'Blacktown Advocate' ...... several years he opened his own 1973 to '76. The closure of HMAS Nirimba is screen door business which his eldest Reminiscing over a cold beer in the the end of an era and the beginning of son now runs . Senior Sai lor's Mess at Nirimba an error , says retired Chief Petty Nirimba Senior Sailor's Mess recently , Jack looked out over the base Officer Jack Kitney . conferred veteran membership on and said : 'I remember this place when He is totally opposed to the RAN's him , and that's where Jack has it was all dry toilets . You were smart to leaving Nirimba but believes the enjoyed spending his spare time . be first in before the cans filled up 1' proposed North West Educational He was naturalised in Bowman He is conv inced that the Defence Precinct is the best answer to the site's Hall , Blacktown on Australia Day 1988, Department is making a mistake in future when the Navy goes . whi ch was also his birthday . closing Nirimba and feels it shou ld be Jack and wife Betty still live in the 'I was born to be an Auss ie', he retained as a tri-service training base . Blacktown home they moved into in said. 'There 's so much to offer here'. he 1957. ' From the day I walked ashore in said . The former Royal Navy CPO has 1945, I said to myself , Jack Kitney , this • John Perry - Blacktown Advocate twice seen Nirimba close before , and with the third shutdown this week, he said: 'The lads here think I'm a bit of a Jonah.' Born in Kent, Jack joined the RN at the age of 15 as an Aircraft Artificer and landed in Australia the day World War II ended . He was assigned to HMS Golden Hind at Warwick Farm and later to a naval establishment at Blacktown . He was posted to what is now HMAS Nirimba when it was a Royal Navy Air Station designated HMS Nabstock . The RN left Quakers Hill in 1946 when the RAAF took over , Jack Kitney was sent to Singapore . But before that he had fallen in love . He was lucky to have been assigned to a goodwill cruise here in 1947 and married a 'good sort' - Betty Thompson , then 19 of Glebe . A historic photograph from the Senior Sailor's Mess at Nirimba , shows Jack While still in the RN, he was Kitney in his favourite 'rigging position ' at the bar, ··accompanied by wife , Betty . Slipstream - April 1994 - Page 16 SPIN US A DIT! SPANISH JOE From the Telegraph Mirror came on concurrently . The frozen downpour the story of a Spaniard by the name initially comforted my overheated body of Joe, who was jailed in Haifa for but was soon terminated . A brisk rub looting. down, the 200 metre scurry and I was Whilst in jail he became quite snug in my bunk . It had worked! IT'S A SNIP proficient at playing the flute . . My idea had been based on the After his release he became a nch TO CURE A COLD premise that stimulation of a b~dy and famous flautist and bought a farm John Buchanan causes automatic self-preservation by where he liked to plough at the reactions . Pores open to cool a heated weekends . and body and will close to retain heat There is a cure for the common His mother lived with him until she in response to cold. cold. Discovered about 40 years suddenly 'up bag and hammock' and It was the next morning before I ago, it has never been made public. , entered a convent. realised that there had been a bonus Grant me a few moments And that's how he became known spin-off . My cold symptoms had forbearance and learn the answer to as 'The Haifa looting, fluting , tooting completely gone . My subsequent medicine's oldest question . son of a nun from Barcelona , part time With the coming of each winter , observations over time confirmed that plough boy Joe'. the hot and cold shower treatment there is a particular wind that cures colds in the early stage of emanates from the South Pole. development. You have to know the AIN'T THAT THE Its route is north across Bass Strait hows and whys . and on to Mount Kosciusko . Then , TRUTH! From birth , each of us has , torpid howling in the manner of distressed within our bodies , colonies of a germ of brass monkeys , it sweeps down and The retired Commodore was a genus capable of producing across an airfield near Nowra , NSW . having a terrible round of golf. symptoms termed the common cold . There it will seek to enter cracks or To top things off , on the eighteenth , To do so, however, they must enter gaps in a huddle of buildings in its right in front of the clubhouse , he a breeding cycle . Their breeding cycle quest for warm flesh. landed slap-bang in the middle of the will commence only with a cooling It was in the winter of 1950 that I water hazard . down of our skin . Walk on cold floors in was posted to the Royal Australian Absolutely disgusted with his effort, bare feet, sleep in a cold draught etc. Naval Air Station near Nowra. It was he told his caddie , 'Here , take the and the little beasties copulate and then a very basic facility with a few damned clubs and keep them . I'm produce in a manner that would make igloo-type hangars and a cluster _of going to walk into that water and drown rabbits blush ! draughty , wooden huts .. serving myself .' 'All very well ,' you might say, 'but accommodation and adm1nistrat1on 'You'll never do that' , replied the how does the hot and cold shower in needs . A shower block was located caddie. your theory eliminate the vast about 200 metres from the quarters . 'You can't keep your bloody head population increase?' Recommended procedure for a down long enough.' Elementary ! As hot water heats winter's evening , I was informed , the body , the pores open . With involved a few stiff drinks at the bar, a increase in temperature , the stressed nice warm shower and then curling up germs migrate to the pores and in THE OBLIGING in a warm bunk with a good book . The panic, stretch slender necks out Navy was all excitement! through the pores for a breath of fre~h Alas . it was the 200 metre dash SCOT air. Then off with the hot and on with from the hot showers to the cold cot the cold. Freezing , the body responds that spoiled the cosy picture. On the bridge of the small mail in a flash . The pores snap shut and That heat-hungry polar wind steamer from Glasgow , en route to the chop the little bugger's heads off . . . extracted every degree of warmth west coast , stood the captain and a • John Buchanan is retired and flvmg m gained under the shower . One would couple of lady school teachers he had Deception Bay. then endure a period of uncontrolled invited up there . shivering under the blankets before • With thanks to The Courier Mail - Noticing the approach of a heavy even the latest MAN magazine could Brisbane . shower of rain , the captain shouted be held steady enough to read. down the voice pipe to the crew It was on my third night there that I FURTHER ADVENTURES member in charge of the saloon bar recognised the symptoms which OF THE GOLFING below : 'Is there a big macintosh down there that would cover two ladies?' indicated the onset of a nasty ·cold . COMMODORE Dejectedly , I stood under ~y warm There was a pause before the shower , dreading the pending 200 answer came back: 'No sir, but there's Commodore : Honey , if I died , would metre sprint. Dreaming of a a wee Macgregor that's prepared to Queensland winter's night suddenly you get remanied? try'. gave way to a brilliant plan. Wife : f suppose so. ·story by Sir Terrence Beckett - I turned the hot tap up higher . Commodore : Would you sleep in the 'borrowed ' -from the RN FAA Within a few minutes I was same bed? Armourer's Association Newsletter comfortable with the higher Wife: Well, he WOULD be · my 4x2 . temperature. I repeated the process husband , dear. For details of the above Association , until the heat had penetrated deep into Commodore : Would you give him my write to : The Secretary , Aylesham my body tissue . Then, breath held, I golf clubs? Lodge , Adisham Rd., Barham , turned the hot tap off and the cold full Wife : No way! ...... He's left-handed . Canterbury CT4 6EY , UK. Slipstr ea m - April 1994 - Page 17

AIRCRAFT RESTORATION TEAM REPORTS SEA FURY VW-623 I

Paint stripping of the forward fuselage section has been completed, and the final cleaning up by grit blasting is in progress. Some corrosion was found in a panel under the main fuel tank which has necessitated the replacement of the panel. The centre wing section is in the final stages of paint stripping and should soon be ready for final inspection and painting . All forgings and attachment fittings have been crack detected and found to be O.K., the only exception being an upper cap forging on one undercarriage leg which is cracked . We now have up to date C.A.A . documentation thanks to the efforts of Kevin Hill, the help of Russ Ayres , and the backing of Alex Wright. This documentation is held in 'D' hangar office and is available to all SOME OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SEA FURY TEAM restoration teams . L-R: Kevin Hill - Oscar Harper - Ken Lee - Les Bale - Bob Brown *Oscar Harper - Team Manager Photo Peregrine Publishing

'persuading' the taper pins , spanner and taper DAKOTA800 pin extractor . (Long nose) If any readers have eccentric tooling adapted for a specific Apart from a thorough wash job , and wou ld care to down in preparation for the Fly-In donate it for posterity , Day on 20 March, and the continued we can certainly find a detailing , little else has been place for it. required. The aircraft is now In conclusion , wo uld like to mention awaiting for the decision to be that volunteers do handed down regarding her final eventually reap rewards display position in the hangar. other than that of the . However , the team has been kept self satisfaction of a job busy on other tasks such as the Sea­ well done . Ray Larder boa·t engine and the sectioned engine and myself had the exhibits . good fortune of being In the near future , we hope to offered a flight , in the procure a display area in the 'Old Historic Flight DC3 to Museum ' building where we can attend the Queensland display commonly used maintenance Division FAAA Reunion tools. We already have a small and Dinner in collection , but we require the more Bundaberg . We enjoyed unusual items , special purpose tools · a great night and it was (which most 'spanner -wankers ' can terrific to see old identify with) , such as Venom and running ashore Gannet fuel tank filler cap spanners , buddies, Bob Mac, Errol Dzus fastener screw drivers , Red-Dick Shelley , Roy Studdert screw drivers etc ., the older and more and Ted Winning . 'rustic' in appearance , the better . A big 'Thank You' , One tool kit we did manage to to 'Rosey ' and the rescue before it was ditched , which I'm Historic Flight aircrew sure all Wessex ' maintainers can for making the trip identify with , is the Blade Folding kit, possible . complete with brass hammer for L-R: Dave Mowat - D.on Parkinson - Ron Ross * Don Parkinson Photo Peregrine Publishing Slipstr ea m - April 1994 - Page 18

SEA VENOM WZ 985 RESTORATION attaches to the wing . Fortunately this wings , and the tailplane , booms and area is repairable and to date , two new outer wings , with work steadily WZ 895 GETS THE OK stringers and the skin section involved progress ing on each section . have been manufactured and are We have two engines put aside, ready to be fitted. one hav ing nil hours since overhaul On Monday the 14th of February, So far , 544 components have been and the other having one hundred and 1994, a letter was received at removed and catalogued. Each and sixty four hour s on it. Since both HAfAS.Albatross from the Director of every one of these components has to engines have been sittin g idle for Air Engineering- N, stating that Sea be either tested , bay serv iced or twenty years they have to undergo Venom WZ895 could be restored to calibrated , not to mention the complete another overhaul before they can be flight status; bearing in mind that rewiring of the whole aeroplane. So far used . DAIRENG-N reserved the right to there are ove r 700 unserv iceable The team working on th e aircraft conduct an airworthiness audit on entries in the aircrafts log books , are , Airframe and Eng ines , Rod completion of the project. ranging from Mods , STl 's etc that have Tremle tt , Ken Park , Garry Bowers , Aircraft WZ895 , was one of the to be checked , functionals , control John Addison and myse lf (when I can thirty-nine deHavilland Sea Venoms , rigging, and all the rest that go along get away from the paper work) . loaded on board HMAS Melbourne in with (for you oldies) a Main Check Five, Electrical , Jules Ducret and Rad io , Glasgow , Scotland , on the 8th of only we are calling this one a Main Gus Cummings . In the background , March ,1956 , and arriving at Jervis Bay Check Ten . Commander Alex Wright has been on the 7th of May , 1956. We have divided the aircraft into instrumental in getting this project well Very little information about this three major maintenance sections , the and truly off the ground . particular aircraft is in the archives . fuselage , port and starboard inner *Tony Penna - Project Manager The only notable incident being recorded on the 4th of February , 1958 , when the aircraft landed with its nose TOP wheel still retracted . The only side numbers so far Project Manager , extracted from officia l records were Tony Penno , giving 804 , 870 and 867 . In ten years , WZ895 WZ 895 a persuas ive accrued 525.55 flying hours mak ing (yet skilful) , 'Whack­ 972 landings. Attack '. In 1983 the aircraft carried out tax i trials but didn't go beyond that stage . Sometime between 1983 and 1990 the BOTTOM aircraft was partially stripped and left sitting in the corner of 'D' hangar Resembling a 'de gathering dust and junk . In 1991 it was Havilland Lego set' , decided to resurrect the aircraft and try WZ 895 spreads itself to get it to a flying state again . further and furth er Meanwhile WZ937 was well into its around the restoration restoration programme so WZ895 was hangar . put on the backburner once again . In 1992 it was decided to move the Photo's: aircraft into 'E' hangar where more Peregrine Publishing room was available . Unfortunately this move was short lived and later in 1992 it was moved back into 'D' hangar where it was set up for restoration once again . So far it hasn't moved from that position . On June the 4th , 1993 , restoration began in earnest , utilising the same team that restored WZ937 . It was at this point that moves were started in getting official permission to restore the aircraft to flight status . It is by no means sure that the aircraft will fly again , as many detailed inspections still have to be carried out , the main one being to get the wooden fuselage passed . At this point in time , the fuselage has been stripped of nearly all components ready for the inspection . There is also a major repair to be done to the port inner wing section due to a crack in the trailing edge section near where the boom Slipstream - April 1994 - Page 19

BAe AUSTRALIA SPONSORS IDSTORIC FLIGHT

following the decision to place the Nowra airc raft component maintenance contract "Old aircraft don't die - they just with a private get re~nginee red", according to organisation . Commander Alex Wright , of the "When BAeA won RAN's 'Histo ric Flight' project. the contract the Command er Wright was speaking Co mpany's at a special ceremony to mark British r epresentatives Aerospace Australia's announcement realised there was no that it had pledg ed $5,000 worth of comp onent to cover engineering support as sponsorship of the 'Historic Flight' the 'Historic Flight' project. project and were The 'Historic Flight' is based at the quick to offer Naval Air Station in Nowra . NSW , and sponsorship support . actually comprises a number of ex­ "This means a Navy aircra ft - some of which are in new lease of life for flying condition while others are being the Histo ric Flight carefully restored to the ir former glory. and represents a The aircraft are owned by the s i gni ficant Department of Defence and contri bution by BAeA maintai ned by a group of volunteers to the preserva tion of includ ing retir ed and serving Naval Austr alia's aviation personnel and membe rs of the public. heritage," he said. Accord ing to Commander Wright , Among the the best inte ntions of volunteer s 'Historic Flight' aircraft somet imes fell short of the is an Iroquois soph isticate d engineering work helicopte r - regularly required to restore the aircraft . seen support ing the "This is where British Aerospace Army' s Red Beret General Manage r of BAe Austra lia Contract Australia spon sorsh ip will be parac hute display Manage ment Servic es, David Godden, present s the invaluable ," he said. team ; the Grumman spo nsorship cheque to the Comm anding Offi cer of "We had no idea how we were Tracker and the HMAS Albatross , Commodo re Geoff Morton , RAN. going to keep the aircraft operat ing Douglas C-47 Dakota . Photo: Courtesy South Coast Register

HISTORI C FLIGHT TRACKER IN RESTORATION HANGAR Photo:Peregrine Pub'g. Slipstream - April 1994 - Page 20

REPORTS FROM THE STATE DIVISIONS

Melbourne last October the a rewarding and prosperous 1993. NATIONAL Representatives of each Division voted This year we will be hosting the unanimously that "The charge to each meeting of Federal Council and look SECRETARY'S individual member who wished to forward to entertaining visiting receive Slipstream be set at $8 per delegates from interstate. REPORT annum , the charge to be reviewed at Our Annual general meeting was the next Federal Council meeting" . The held on Wednesday 16th February at The last time I sat down to method of raising this money was to the Canberra Services Club at prepare my report for Slipstream, left to the discretion of each Division. Manuka . Some 27 members attended those of us who live in New South So dont forget the mailing label on the as well as about 10 wives who joined Wales although not aware of it at the envelope shows your financial status in in a very pleasant social get to-gether time were to experience the horror the top left hand corner if it shows 93 at the conclusion of the meeting . Our of the Bush Fires. I sincerely hope then you are unfinancial. past President , Col Bushe-Jones did that no members suffered any All members should be aware not stand for re-election and the new losses as a result. (see Editorial of last issue) that the Committee sees some new faces . Australian Fleet Air Arm Officers On the afternoon of February the Office bearers for 1994 are as follows : Association disbanded on 31st 12th National Vice-President Les December last. At that time there were "Juke " Matterson suffered a heart President: Geoff Ledger attack . Happy to report he is now well 165 both financial and unfinancial Vice-Pres : Geoff Coker-Godson members . Some 30 had already on the road to recovery . The medico Secretary : Brian Treloar become members of the Fleet Air Ami described it as the sort of attack Treasurer : Mike Astbury Association of Australia, the remainder suffered by a twenty year old. "Juke's" Soc . Sec: Daphne Clarke were invited to transfer their daughter quipped , "Don! tell me he has Members : Bill West membership to the FAAA of A. The the body of a twenty year old". We shall Des Rodgers response to date has been very have to hobble him, for he endeavours Dick Scott encouraging . We were always a great to do far to much . Eddie Bell team and am sure all would wish us to Just a few weeks ago I had a remain that way. card from Lady Smith, wife of our On of the first tasks of the new My apologies to the Queensland Patron Sir Victor. Lady Smith said Sir Committee will be to frame By-Laws Division . I fully intended to join you at Victor had been in hospital , but happily for this Division which were put on hold the reunion in Bundaberg to meet up is home again and quite well. previously until the National with old shipmates , however a family This issue of Slipstream is the Constitut ion was finalised . It is commitment dictated otherwise . first to be sent by Print Post. Previously intended that major Office Bearers will Many letters to the Editor make the Journal was a registered only hold the one office for a maximum comment on the whereabouts of old publication and the postage rates were of three years in an endeavour to get shipmates . Shortly I will be sending the 31 cents for post code 2541 and 38 as many members as possible serving National List of members to each cents for the rest of the country . on the Committee . Currently , this Division Secretary , however as noted However Australia Post will not now Division has over seventy members in the October 93 issue I am not renew contracts for Registered and associates and we are sure that permitted to release addresses . Publications and using Print Post the there are many more eligible members However I will gladly forward letters . rates are 40 cents for Post Code 2541 , in the ACT who we would like to see The following new members have 44 cents for Post Code 2540 (after a join this Division . joined the Association since the last 25% discount) , 50 cents for Sydney Last year , we held three major issue of Slipstream ; and Canberra, 55 cents for New South Social events in addition to the Annual NSW ; Peter Bourke , Reg Hespe , Wales Country , 67 cents for all other General Meeting . These were our get Capital Cities , and 77 cents for all Rod Traill , and Ken Warwick . together on Anzac Day, and out of other Country areas . A discount of ACT ; G.A.Spence , and P.Schilling. town barbecue held at Harry Adam's VIC; Barry White. 10% can be obtained if more than 15 property on Old Tuggeranong Road QLD ; Arthur Jones , Rodney Love, articles are destined for one sorting and our November Cocktail Party held Neville Hall , John Jeffrey , John area, but they are not very significant. at the Canberra Services Club at Beattie, Robert Watts , Brian Williams , What is most IMPORT ANT is that any Manuka . Although the attendance at Shorty Neilsen , Joe Serre , Gary Reid, article which is undeliverable and is each was in the order of 35 plus or George Winning , Ken Bullock , Alan returned , can be charged at the full minus a few , there seems to be much Barlow , Owen Holston, Paul Norris, rate of postage for its return i.e. 85 scope for raising the attendance . Each Ron Forrest , Cliff Eaton , Mike cents from NSW and 95 cents from of these events were thoroughly Edmonds, Bill Aubrey, and Keith Hope . other States . The overall increase in enjoyed by those who attended but it Till next time . postage costs is in the vicinity 30%. So would be nice to have the opportunity Ian Ferg_uson-Hon. National Secretary members please ensure your address to meet many more old friends on each is correct and any changes are drawn of these occasions . to the attention of your Division We would also welcome any Secretary so that the Slipstream ACT DIVISION friends from interstate who may happen to be in Canberra for these Mailing List can be updated. If you tell functions . They are normally Slipstream direct , then be sure to tell advertised well in advance through this your State Secretary also. Greetings to all from the ACT column a call to the Secretary on 06- As mentioned in the last issue , at Division. We do hope that all the Feaerai Councii meeting ,n members throughout Australia have 288 2730 will soon see that Slipstr ea m - April 1994 - Page 21 arrangements can be made . days of the event, the comments were from others via these callers . 'Roger' Our next event, of course, will be all the same - brilliant! asked me if I remembered a fight that Anzac Day and our Div ision will be One blot on the activities was when he and old Dick Parry had on board marching under our banner with a a light aircraft ploughed into a spud Vengeance one night. Do I what ! I think barbecue luncheon at HMAS Harman paddock - the driver was OK but the it started in 109 Mess on the hangar Function Centre to follow the march. aircraft was badly bent up . He said his deck and finished up in the Chief and All with association with the Fleet Air gauge was showing fuel in the tank , POs passageway on the gallery deck . Arm are welcome to join us in the but there appeared to be too much air I'm not sure of the outcome but the march and afterwards if you can . in there with it. entertainment was First Class . Should you wish to come along to the The two Sea Furies were 'Roger' gave me a list of telephone get to-gether after the march , please beautifully prepared aircraft , polished numbers to call , all of old mates , and contact the Secretary on 288-2730 for like Rolls Royces . It appears they are call them I will . details and bookings . Members of the Mk14s from Iraq. I put in a lot of time in Barry Simpson is back in Sick Bay ACT Division will be given more the pits with them and their crews and with that bung leg of his. He's had a lot information in the next edition of FACT . pilots . They are really FB 11 s with a few of trouble with it over the last couple of By the way , FACT is an information modifications carried out. years . I visited him and he reckons he'll sheet published to keep members of They have done away with the be home in a few days , he said to say the ACT Division informed of events Coffman starter and replaced it with an 'hello' to all of you out there , wherever peculiar to the ACT . Should any ACT electric starter , hydraulic brakes , you are . member have any items which they slightly different wheels . The cockpit To me this is what Slipstream is all feel would be of interest to other layout is basically the same , modem about , rounding up old mates . where members , drop a line to or telephone avionics have replaced the old Navaids they are . what they have been doing the Secretary . and radios . Panel colour is a light w ith the ir lives . and fina lly making At its first meeting following the colour instead of the old matt black . contact after nearly forty years - more AGM , our Committee exam ined a draft They are pushing the old Centaurus 18 than half a life-time . The comradesh ip set of By-Laws . With some minor up to 2,800rpm with a +10 boost with welded into the Fleet Air Arm dur ing amendments , these have now been no ill effects . They have nothing but our serv ice time is second to none . adopted for use within this Division . All praise and admiration for the whole Th is is becoming more and more members will be asked to ratify them at aircraft. pronounced as the Associat ion grows the next AGM . The aircraft from New Zealand has stronger . One thing for sure - we The Committee also selected dates only about 230 total hours since new , haven 't forgotten ! Junior Rates , Chiefs for the next meeting of Federal eng ine as well. I'm not sure about the and POs , Officers alike , all work ing Council. This has been set down for 29 other one but the hours are pretty low . together as friends and mates wh ile October 1994 . Currently , it is planned I wa only sorry that I missed both still holding the respect for people 's to hold a Cocktail Party on the Friday Sea Fury's lapping the 13km circuit at rank and position . This 1s what makes evening preceding this day and a around 335kts , and then speed down a happy and contented organ isation . dinner after the meeting on the the grandstand straight at around 430- also a very efficient unit as we ll. evening of the 29th . Prov ided 440kts at a height of 25-30 metres , As our service time exp ired we arrangements can be completed in wing tip to wing tip . Performance wise went our own way into many different time , a dedication of the "Errol the te was nothing in it, the difference directions , each and every one of us Kavanagh Memorial Oval " will take was in the jocke ys. did our own thing , occ upations place on Sunday 30th October to allow Now - the outcome of the last families , ca reers etc ., many contacts interstate delegates the opportunity to edition of Slipstream and my article on being lost , certainly not forgotten . Now , join in this ceremony. 'old mates' . What a response! through Slipstream and the B. Treloar - Hon. Secretary Telephone calls from Mick Blair , Assoc iation , these peop le are 'Roger ' Raddatz , Beau Bosanquet , reappearing - not lost - just mislaid. Ron Baxter - all from Queensland . Ron Keep up the good work . TASMANIAN also wrote and sent some pictures . Matt 'Jake ' Jacobs - Tasman ian DIVISION Kind regards and thoughts were sent Division

SkyRace Tasmania has been the big news item down here recently. It was an absolutely incredible show, especially for a first up exhibition, and a credit to all those who had a hand in the organisation. I saw the final day of the event and there wasn't one hiccup . All the events went like clockwork from 1000 until the last event at 1600 , as one event concluded the contestants were lining up for the next one . A non-stop programme of magnificent flying . Spitfire VIII - Mustang - Pitts Special - T-28 Trojan - Harvard AT-6 - Dakota - Aero Commander - Sea Fury - Choppers - Light aircraft and a WWI SE5A replica . Ken Greena way meets up with visiting Tasmanian .member , Alan Andrews , at For those iucky enough to see both the Slipstream Office . Photo: Peregrine Publishing Slipstream - April 1994 - Page 22

venue. This year we are trying VICTORIAN something different , a Spit Roast. Any WESTERN members visit ing Melbourne are most DIVISION welcome to participate in the activ ities . AUSTRA.LIA Please note , that as this is a catered affair bookings are essential , the cost Hi, shipmates, Well, Shipmates, our Divis ion did is $8 per person and the closing date Again, I am ol)ly just going to convene its Annual General Meeting is the 8th of April. Bookings and make the deadline which is the 16th on Saturday 12th February, 1994, in payments are to be forwarded to the of March , it is now 1945 on the 15th. accordance with the previo usly Social Sec retary , Bryan Roberts , 19 Gee, time does get away , doesn't it? promulgated details , namely t he Oakhill Road, Mt. Waverley Vic . 3149. Well , here goes another epistle to January edition of Flight Deck News. [Slipstream may not be circulated by the Apostles from you•know-who . [Vic.Div. Newsletter. Ed.) the aboye date - please check with the First of all let m_e- thank all those Unfortunately the numbers we re Social Secretary even if past the cut­ who attended the picnic barbecue held down, but never the less, we did have off date . Ed.) at HMAS Stirling in Jc!nuary, we had a twenty-three Full members (not that The Anzac Day march is scheduled real good day in -::most pleasant kind of FULL! ), nine Asso ciate to commence at 0900 , the form -up surround ings . The gr_and number of members in attendance and apologies point is the South East corne r of members at this 'asked-for ' get - accounted for twenty-seve n members. Swanston and Flinders Street , together was FIVE -· and if it wasn 't for The following membe rs were Melbourne . the fact that friends and relatives came elected to govern for the current year: On behalf of the Committee I would along , it wou ld have' been a financial President: Les Jordan - Vice­ like to 'Welcome Aboard ' two new loss for the Associat lon as we have to President : Frank Crowe - Sec retary: members to the Victorian Division , pay sixty dollars for the use of the area. Ron Christie - Treasurer : John lkin - Barry White and Ian Wilson - may your Once again , with Ren Tate's mob and Committee : Bernie Butler - Joh n membership be a happy and long the gathering of Edpy Cook's 'League Champion - Alan Clark - Ralph Mayer - association . of Nations' , we ran out around eighty Bryan Roberts and Roy Wedde ll. Anne Another gentle reminder fo r the dollars in front. Everyone enjoyed and Rob Taylor were appo inted as members of the Victor ia.n Divis ion - themselves and the kids , big and auditors . Annual Subs are now due and should small , spent a great time in the water . Welcome to three new members of be sent to the Treasurer , John lkin, 8 There are still those out there who the committee , Bern ie Butler, John Sim monds Street , Oakleigh , Vic. 3166. have not paid their dues , put your Champion and Ralph Mayer. A special Ron Christie - Hon. Secretary hands in your pocket' and send them 'membersthank-you, 'Len to Baggott the , three____ retiring__;;...______off to the new Treasurer [ your subs - not your hands in your pockets) . Geoff who is in the process of Vickridge has only just been drafted moving interstate , into this position, but has come up with Terry Egan , due to some really bright ideas . You will be other commitments , receiving some mail from him shortly , and Jock Lacey due to please fill in the enclosed form and illness . Jock has return them with your money . Thank recently undergone you, in antic ipation . surgery which resulted The next item on the agenda is in the removal of a Anzac Day. This time things will be a lung, I am pleased to bit differen t. After the march we will be report that he is making holding our own reunion at the Naval good progress and is Assoc iation Headquarters , 71 West on the road to Parade , East Perth , starting at 1200. recovery . Food will be provided and drinks at bar The AGM was held prices . 'Pappy' Gault assures me that at our 'new home', the this will be a good show , so come English Speaking along and have a 'wet' with old friends . Union clubrooms , Commodore Partington , the Naval which is situated at 146 Officer Commanding Fleet Base West , Toorak Road (West} , will be in attendance , so show your South Yarra . The move support and be there . It's 'Off Caps' , was the result of the if you don't ! Melbourne Naval It is my unpleasant duty to inform Centre terminating you that our past President , Bob their agreement with Pattenden , has been given the news the RAAF Sergeant's that he is to undergo surgery at Saint Mess , and then John of God Hospital , Subiaco , to organising this new remove a cancerous kidney . I know meeting place where that you will all want to wish him a full all ex-Naval and Ship's recovery . All the best, Bob. Associations can avail To member Dudley Stonehouse , themselves of the whose wife recently passed away, we facilities . send our sincere CQl'}_dolencesto him Our Anzac Day Victorian member , Te rry Egan, visits the Naval and his family. Our thoughts are with after-march reunion will ­ Aviation Museum at Nowra . you, Dudley. be held at the same Photo: Peregrine Publishing Keith Duncan Cc!lled in to let me Slipstr eam - April I 994 - Page 23 know that his wife , Ray, was back in - two paddles to Port and two paddles All in all it was a great morning and Fremantle Hospital undergo ing to Starboard - not making a lot of I have been wondering if I should go for another course of chemotherapy . Keep headway but not getting closer to my Skipper's Ticket in outstanding going, Ray, we're right behind you all South Africa . seaman ship. the way. After about an hour I have covered So there , Lou! I hope it makes your On a happier note , Geoff Vickridge about four hundred yards and only day. has come up with a new project for the about a mile and a bit to go. I should I had a telephone call from Dinsley Division to participate in. This entails mention at thi s pint that two boats Cooper in South Australia , he is the tabulation of the large collection of passed me under full power - they contemplating a holiday in the West photographs that are around of old waved to me - I waved back - sort of ... some time this year , he will contact me aircraft and squadron personne l. Our At last a kind hearted chap came nearer the date. If there is anyone who aim is to collate the collection into a alongside and towed me to shore . But would like a holiday in Adelaide , 'real' history by research ing each one is this the end of the story? Not on your Dinsley would like to be able to arrange and providing the correct captions . life. a swap of house for the period. If there When completed it will be presented to I had pulled the boat up onto the is anyone interested please contact me the Naval Aviation Museum. beach and had started tak ing the and I will get you in touch with Dinsley. Work on the collection will take motor and equipment up to the trailer I am pleased to be able to report place at the complet ion of each (you can't drive onto the beach at this that 'Juke ' Matterson has recov ered monthly meeting , wh ich we hope will point). When I turned around , the boat from his heart attack and is well on the be cut short so that we can use the was heading from whence it came mend . Hope you are well , 'Juke ', and time to devote to the project. All those under its own initiative . A not too smart all the best from all in the West. with old photographs are more than dash to the water followed and after a Good health and best wishes to all. welcome to bring them along so we swim of about 100 yards the boat was Theo Bushe Jones - Secretary can work out the 'what's and where 's'. retrieved . We hope to be able to copy these items so that you can retain the originals. Please consider . I was relaying to Lou Burns , who is laid up after a knee reconstruct ion, an incident that happened to me a few weeks ago off Shoalwater Bay in the Indian Ocean. At the end of the story, he said that seeing that I was always taking the piss out of other people he didn't think I'd be game to tell the readers of Slipstream what had occurred . Well , Lou - here it is. It's no good changing the names to protect the innocent as there was no innocent. It all started at 0600 one beautiful sunny morning , I launch my 12 foot dinghy into the bay to go out and pull my cray pots. All goes well , and with great seamanship skills I navigate the reefs and shoals , pull the pots and do a spot of fishing for bait. The sea are nice and calm and there is a slight off­ WA memb er. Bill 'Pappy' Gault , meets up with NSW member ,Bill Robertson . shore breeze - a lovely day and I'm at outside the Naval Asso ciation Headqu arters in Perth , Western Australia . peace with the world . Photo: Courtesy K.Taylor The time comes to return to the real world and I head for the beach which is some miles and a bit away . Missed sighting a rock (large for the use of) and the propelle r strikes , the shear pin breaks into three pieces. No worries , I always carry a spare . Remove the cover on the water - and guess what no pin ! I then remembered that I had given it to a bloke the day before who had done the same thing . No panic - I have two oars (one for each side). Place the rowlock in the Starboard and install its cargo - attempt the same thing on the Port side - miss the hole and the rowlock sinks ever so slowly to the bottom . Well , can't scull from the after end as there is no means of holding the Bill Robertson, Lou Bums and Keith 'Squizzy' Taylor , outside 'The Shed' on oar. I decide to stand in the middle of Lou's property at Casua rina. the dinghyand paddle the boat ashore Photo : Courtesy K.Taylor Slipstream - April 1994 - Page 24

from Oak Flats to Nowra to attend NEW SOUTH meetings and conduct associat ion SOUTH business . 'Gus' has agreed that his WALES position should be reviewed after three AUSTRALIA months . DIVISION Our Historic Flight Liaison Officer will definitely retain his position for the While it is true that most things held dear to South Australians have 1994 is off to a sedate start as full term. However , Don has pointed out that since Museum owned aircraft a habit of leaving the State with many of our local Shoalhaven and indecent haste, eg. Grand Prix, District members seem to be still and equipment have in the main moved from the RAN Historic Flight HMAS .Encounterand our State Bank suffering the effects of the hangars to the now enclosed Museum executives to name a few, our Christmas pud. hangar , the title of his position is a contribution to this wonderful Few ventured out to attend our misnomer. To change the title requires Slipstream magazine has been left January and February meetings, but a change to our Constitution which can to languish on various desks. I could the Annual General Meeting held on only be done by a majority vote of offer up a dozen excuses, all sound, Sunday , February 27th , was members at a General Meeting. but I'll spare these for a really big successful in most respects. For all the above reasons your new Some members and spouses cock-up! committee has decided that a General made the trip down to Nowra from At present I am filling in for the Meeting of all financial members will Sydney and from points in between, Secretary as our February AGM just be held at the Naval Aviation Museum , unfortunately , only the President, could not badger anyone to take on the HMAS Albatross , on Sunday , June Treasurer and one retiring Committee rewarding and wonderful position of 5th, 1994. Details are contained in an member were on hand to greet and State Secretary. It now boils down to enclosure to this April 1995 edition of assist the visitors . our next monthly Committee Meeting Slipstream (NSW members ONLY) . Prior to the commencement of the to fill this position . Of course , by the Please complete the form and return it meeting , Museum Director, Mike time everyone is reading this report . by the due date . Lehan , ever the consummate host , we will have secured the serv ices of a We all have our Division Social welcomed those present and brought reliable Secretary - to be sure! Calendars for 1994, so there is need us all up to date with the progress and Speaking of AGM's, our last one on for me to regale you with 'coming aspirations for the future development the 18th of February , was very well events' . Should you require an extra of the Naval Aviation Museum and attended as AGM's go . Over 65% of calendar , for whatever reason , just environs . financ ial members fronted up. Is this a drop a line and a stamped , self With the preliminaries dispensed record? After all the normal addressed envelope to the Secretary , with , Ian MacDonald assumed the performances were concluded , the PO Box 28, Nowra NSW 2541 . chair as Returning Officer for the AGM commenced with Clem Conlan In conclus ion , I remind all election of office bearers for the year elected to chair the meeting. All unfinancial members that the 1994 ahead. The results of the election are positions were fille d - except that of the Annual Subscription of $15 became as follows: President: Jim Lee (044) State Secretary . John Berry has picked due on January 1st and for members up the President's portfolio , Jim Elston 217579 - Vice President: Ian Stanfield to continue receiving benefits , eg - Vice-President , John Saywe ll - - Secretary : George Goddard (042) Slipstream . subs should have been Treasurer , Dinsley Cooper - Soc ial 563770 - Treasurer : Frank Birtles - paid by January 31st, 1994 . (ref, Secretary , Mary Rayner - State Welfare Officer : Ivan Gray - Historical Constitution Para 3(i)) Delegate , and whipping boy, Roger Flight Liaison: Don Parkinson - Social All best wishes to the readers . here Harrison - New sletter Editor , with Secretary : Ben Link - Committee: Bob and overseas . Committee members - Ian Laidler , Ken Cronin - Terry Hetherington - Barry Jim Lee - President Bryant and Ron Richards. Basically, Roberts and Gordon Walter. the same reliable faces . [ Latest The 'old hands' welcome the new update : Dinsley Cooper has taken on committee members on board and look the additional task of State Secretary. forward to a productive and satisfying Mary Raynor the additional task of 12 months service to the Division . To Minutes Secretary . Ed.] those who have retired, we thank them A remind er that Anzac Day is fast for their past services , and our approaching and so the call goes out appreciation to those who remain with for all able bodied sailors to front up us in a less demanding capacity. south of Hindley Street , Adela ide, at It is unfortunate , that due to 0915 for a step off at 0930 sharp. After personal commitments , our treasurer the service we mix it with the 'pongo s' remains in a caretaker role for a period in the Parade Gro und bar - lots of back of three months only . We were also slapping and tall stories . Lunch at unable to attract a nominee for the Naval House , Hutt Street. position of Public Relations Officer. Mary Rayner is organising an We must fill these positions to be afternoon tour of the Submarine able to function effectively. You have a Corporation depot. It will possibly be couple of months to summon up your on a Friday afternoon around the 1600 courage and nominate. It is not hours mark . Perhaps a nibble after the essential that those office bearers walk-around cou ld be agreed upon . reside locally and/or be retired from full Just when you thought that things time employment, but obviously , it Don (don 't call me Zapata) Eldridge , couldn 't get any worse here in this would be a help . enjoying a 'dit' at the Slipstream Office . State - they prove that they can - and Our new secretary has to travel Photo : Peregrine Publishing do . HMAS Enco unter which was Slipstream - April 199 4 - Page 2 5 scheduled for closure some time in Quite a few people arrived on much in demand. Try a 'Dark and June, had the date brought forward to Thursday and the RSL made everyo ne Stormy ' - Bundaberg Rum and Bundy March . That's not all. All the memorial very welcome . Their turnover for the Ginger Beer - refreshing with a bite! plaques laid in the grounds of weekend would have made their A good crowd gave the DC3 of the Encounter , have to be relocated as bankers smile ! Hist oric Flight a welcome when it soon as possible . A committee was Arthur Johnson and Andrew Scott arrived at the airport , and the formed last year with representat ives (ex-RN WWII pilot) arrived in Arthur' s photographers had a great time. On from all Naval Assoc iations concerned, CT4 (ex-RAAF) . He allowed myself , board were , Commodore Geoff Morton and out of a short list of locations Don Daniels and Bob Conellan to fly in [CO Albatross], who gave a good offered , one stood out from all the it - great! Thanks again, Arthur . speech later on about the FAA and its others - Fort Glanville at Port Adelaide . The majority turned up on Friday future , Commander Ted Wynberg [XO After prolonged consultat ion over and we had the use of the top floor and Albatross] , Doug Purvis , Commander several months with the Fort Glanville bar of the RSL. Some of us played golf , Ian Payne (sporting a beaut black eye Historical Committee , incl uding but the heat was a bit rough . Des Kelly as a result of the Cessna 206 prang at representations to the Minister for the and Kev Mackay were the eventual Albatross the previous weekend ), and Environment , a dec ision has finally winners of the Stableford Competit ion. the ground crew , CPO Paul been reached - NO ! The panic is now The bow lers had a good afternoon at Rosewame , Don Parkinson and Ray on to find another suitable location , but the Tantitha Bowls Club , the winners Larder . They all enjoyed the Rum Tour at present , all memorial plaques will be being Ron Powell and Barry Andrews . and the Dinner. stored in the Navy Supply Shed at Port Commodore Geoff Morton present ed The RAN Glid ing Club members of Adelaide . Exciting - isn't it? the golf trophies and Commander Ted yest eryear had a good time - Geoff Joyce Howlett is present ing this Wynberg did the honou rs for the Str ickl and , Don Daniels , Arthur Division with the new FAA flag in bowls . Johnson , Dr 'Tommy ' Thompson , Bob memory of our late member , Darky The AGM on the Saturday morning Conellan and myself . Cdre Morton , (Gordon) Howlett , who passed away was well attended by more than ninety Ken Bullock and George Winning were last September . A generous gift to the people , and went very well indeed . The in fine form - the intake of 'red' ensured South Austral ian Division. Committee was re-ele cted as follows : freedom of speech ! Five of the group Bill Magrath has offered the use of Pres ident : Barry Lister - Vice were CFl's , three are Life Members a vast collection of appropriate videos President : Mick Blair - Secretary : Paul and two are Past Presidents . Plenty of and films from his department as a Woods - Treasurer. Ian Henderson - brass ! social fund raiser - more on this one Committee Members : Alan Smith, Des Ken Bullock is now in charge of later. Kelly, Brian Sargeson , Len Zuch. arranging a suitable reunion and Everyone can now stop looking for Our Constitution was adopted and celebration of the '40 some thing' the 'lost' Association ban ner , John Liaison Officers were appo inted for anniversary of the RANGA in 1996. All Berry has found it at his place . Perhaps each major town - Bob Co nellan for Gliding Club members and ex­ it was the curse I was about to invoke Bundaberg , John Macca rtney and members take note , contact Ken on whoever had it that renewed his Jack McLaughlin for Mac kay, Arthur Bullock at 63 Buderim Garden Village , search. Johnson forTownsville , Kevin Raddatz Mooloolaba Road , Buderim Qld 4556 A warm we lcome to all new for Cairns - others to come . to let him know where you are. There members who are reading this ·The ladies enjoyed a bus tour on will be more infor mation to follow . magazine for the first time , and also to the Saturday , and met up with the Incidentally , Peter Welsh , where are the old members. Take good care. blokes at the Rum Distillery in the you, somewhere in WA? Regards from South Australia . afte rnoon . The FREE drinks were 'Toz' Dadswell mentioned the Roger Harrison - State Lackey [Your efforts are very much appreciated , Roger. H-0-0-0/d the light switch , Clem! Ed] QUEENSLAND DIVISION Most of our efforts and attention since the last Slipstream have been concentrated on the Bundaberg Reunion held on the weekend of 11 -13 March. I have to report that it was a 'thundering success' , with about 175 people attending. 'Toz' Dadswell , accompanied by wife Gwen , Gordon (Pancho) Walter . accompanied by wife Sandra , and Peter Penny, represented the National Executive . Peter and 'Pancho ' brought with them Association shirts and ties etc . RAN Historic Flight Dakota at Bundaberg and made good sales . 'Toz' , as usual , L-R: Ted Wynb erg, Geoff Morton , Doug Purvis , Ian Payne , was in fine form during his after dinner 'Rosey' Rosewa me, Don Parkinson, Ray Larder and Chris ...... ? speech . Photo: Courtesy Barry Lister Slipstream - April 1994 - Page 26 possibility of a National Reunion in this change of venue has become to make our Museum entry eye­ 1996 to be held in Queensland , we will necessary as HMAS Moreton will catching , effic ient and professiona l. be looking closely at that suggestion cease to exist at the end March . Sad an will keep Divisional Secretaries day! We are most grateful to Future projects informed as we go . We all enjoyed the Commander Derek Caton and his Bundaberg 'do', and the Committee Executive Officer , ltCdr Wayne The Museum Helicopter Flying enjoyed arranging it. Life is good when Richards for their kind hospitality and Schoo l. you're having fun! assistance . We are currently negotiating the Our Anzac Day March preparations We will be advising of other inclusion of The Aerowasp Helicopter are progressing well . We will be functions to be held during the year - I Flying Training School into the marching adjacent to the HMAS guess we haven 't got onto that yet, but Museum precinct , and we are seeking Melbourne group - we hope to exceed we certainly will be, and very soon . sponsors to assist in th is project. the 51 marchers we had last year . My sister was recently in Lorne , Operating as a separate company , but Mick Blair , Ian Henderson and Victoria , and went to a cosy pub one based at the Museum there will be Barry Andrews have organised a frame evening with her daughter and family - obvious comm ercial benefits for the and eyelets to secure our large banner heard a funny noise - lo and behold, Museum and the School. Dual so that four people can carry it this there at a window was Jock Collin 's advertis ing and use of Museum time . Al Smith and Bob Davis had a bunch of hiccups, shivering away and facilities for the studen ts - espec ially tough time carrying it last year . Darcy gazing at the open fire (chilly down the Function Centre , and the ability to Doyle, who painted it for us, gave his there at Xmas ). She knew they were offer helicopter Joy-Flights are key seal of approval. He and his charming Jocks because I'd told her to keep an issues . wife , Jenny , were in fine form at the eye out for them . The landlord wasn 't Reunion. Someone , who will remain prepared to let them in - reckoned The Museum Tiger Moth nameless , had one of Darcy's prints they 'd stuff up his trade (If they'd been and was hoping that Darcy might sign Prince Charles he might have made a A natural extension to our Museum it - haven't heard the result yet! concession). Anyhow , they shot business is the ability to offer the public We are thinking of forming up our through heading westwa rd! Jock a sentimenta l flight in a Tiger Moth . group at the Big Fig Tree in Eagle doesn't want them back at any price, Owned by the Museum , but integrated Street with the other Naval he's doing quite well without them . I've with the Helicopter School , charter contingents , and then marching up to heard that Lou Burns is very hospitable operation of the aircraft w ill be out starting point. A newsletter will be and welcomes guests ove r in th e ach ieved under the school licence , sent to all Qld members as soon as we West. You never know , let me know if thus avo iding the Museum staff getting have full details . they turn up, Lou! directly invo lved in the 'ope rational Ian Henderson has been in touch I'm sure there's more but the flying' bus iness . Sponsors are being with the Army Base at Bulimba , on the deadline is here and I'm off. approached for this project as well . river , as a venue to 'party-on' after the Best wishes to all - all over march , it looks as if their Officer's Mess Australia and to our overseas readers . 'H' Hangar will be able to accommodate us. Sadly Barry Lister - President We have been offered the Ar my demountable 'H' Hangar , currently THE AUSTRALIAN situated on the old 'H' hangar site [the original was burnt down in December NAVAL AVIATION MUSEUM '76 . Ed] , wh ich will become available from July this year - current planning. - PROGRESS REPORT - We are in the process of developing plans to include this offer in Museum Board of Directors which has to be set in concrete . Work conjunct ion with our plans for the is about to commence on the cladd ing Helicopter School , the Tiger Moth and , Readers will be pleased to know of the gable end (Sydney Harbour the need to look after our many visiting that 'Toz ' Dadswell is now on the Bridge) and at the same time the light aircraft. We also have a major Museum Board of Directors . With the Museum name will be attached - stores stowage problem and some of integration of the FAA Officer's utilising common equipment. 'H' hangar will be used until we have Association into the National FAA Because of the wind funne lling our purpose built store alongside the Association , 'Soapy' McKeon gave up effect through the hangar , the plate workshop . his board position as the FAAOA to the glass in the foyer will not be installed President of the FAAA . until the northern end is sealed - we Children's Playground are trying to avoid the glass popping Museum Building development outwards . Plans and costing have been The hangar should be completely received from major Australi an The cladding of the hangar is now sealed (from birds etc .) by mid-May . manufacturers and they are being regaining momentum. The western analysed . For this essential part of our and eastern walls are up and secure The Entry Foyer development , a sponsorsh ip of and , with the clear panelling in place $30 ,000 has a[ready been offered . and the glass enclosed foyer , it looks Westfield Holdings Ltd . (David as though we will not have to use the Lowy - Managing Director) , have Fund-raising hangar lights during normal business responded to our plea for design hours . assistance in developing the foyer , It is with the greatest of [pleas ure Cladding of the northern end has which is also to contain the new shop . that I can report that Mr Ray Williams , been 'on hold', due to ttie delays in the The consulting busines s design team Chairman of C. E. Heath Underwriti ng delivery of the hangar door tracking , have produced some quality proposals Slipstream - April 1994 - Page 2 7

(Australia) , has recently donated Programme extend ing our appreciat ion to the another $130 ,000 and has pledged a follow ing: St John 's Ambulance , TS further $250 ,000 over the next two By now you are all aware of our Shoalhaven , Nowra Air League , HMAS years . He and his company have now 1994 Family I Fly-In Day programme . Albatross , Nowra Air Division RANR , donated and pledged almost $1 The official opening of the Museum , the Army Parachute Team, Naval million , in addition to this , the company the naming of the Ray Williams' Foyer Association , Fleet Air Arm Assoc iation , continue to provide our Hangar and the unveiling of the 'Batsman' Volunteers , RAN Historic Flight , David Keepers insurance cover for the whole [Bronze sculpture . Ed] , will occur on Lowy , Col Pay, Guido Zucco li, Nowra Museum complex each year . He has Sunday 11 September . All Museum Flying Club and Bomaderry Apex . made this valuable and significant Society members will receive an gesture in order that we can avoid invitation to attend (together with their Following the Fly-In Day .... excessive borrowing to complete the Membership Certificates in the same basic Museum complex , and provide package) . Please respond early. If you We were hosts to the Sea Fury and the essential ingredients to develop are a member and have not had an Spitfire for the week following the Fly­ the cash flow business to enable us to inv itation to the opening by June , In and our Reverend Walter Wheeldon stand firmly on our own two feet - please forward your new address to took to the seat of his 'Seafire ' (being noting that we do not get any Federal my office at the Museum . ex-Indefatigable) - att ired in his funding support . 'Biggies' leather helmet. He admits that Notwithstanding his contributi on , BRAVO ZULU he has forgotten nothing .... Mr Ray Williams recognises the essential requirement to continue fund­ I would like to take this opportunity In conclusion ... raising by the Museum to progress the to extend our very sincere thanks to all project from this , the half way stage . those enthusiastic and support ive We at the Naval Aviat ion Museum Fund-raising has thu s become the people who assisted us so ably on the wish alt our fellow members of the Number One priority focus of the last Fly-In Day, Sunday 20 March '94. Fleet Air Arm Association the very best Museu m and a specialist office ha The weekend commenced at a of fortunes for the remainder of 1994 . been set up to ach ieve this goal. $4.5 racing start with a large team of the We look forward to seeing you at million is still required - we have a long Sydney and local FAA Association Nowra at any time , but espec ially at the way to go and every little bit helps . members cleaning the hangar and FAAA 46th Anniversary of HMAS sprucing up all the display aircraft . At Albatross Dinner on Saturday 27 Membership Certificates days end it looked a picture and a sign August. of things to come when the hangar is * Mike Lehan - Museum Director Membersh ip Certificates will be secure. issued within the next month - it is with All Museum staff act as volunteers deep regret that this task has taken so on Fly-In Days as part of th eir long. contracts, they join in with me in

THE NEW FOYER ENTRANCE WAY ALL PAINTED AND WAITING FOR THE GLAZING Photo: PeregrinePublishing

HANGAR SIDES ALMOST COMPLETED THE FAR END STILL OPEN AWAITING THE DOORS & CLADDING Photo: PeregrinePublishing

Reverend Walter Wheeldon , (or should that be Walter Mitty?), NSW Divisional Chaplain, reminiscing in style . Photo: Courtesy Jonathan Wheeldon Slipstream - April 1994 - Page 28

SPOTTED at the Bundaberg reunion!

LEFT to RIGHT:

Roy Hathaway Max Gant Mickey Mack Trevor Bolitho Jack Mcloughl in 'Righteous ' Roy Torrens Photo: Gordon Walte r

The newly elected Queensland Committee pose before their Banner , which was created by D'Arcy Doyle .

LEFT to RIGHT : Paul Woods Des Kelly Ian Henderson Len Zuch Mick Blair Brian Sargeson Barry Lister Alan Smith Photo: Barry Lister