TOUKLEY RSL SUB BRANCH

Newsletter

Issue 46 – April 2019 From the President:

With Anzac Day just over three weeks away, we are now into the busiest month on the Sub Branch calendar, with the first of 22 services commencing on Tuesday 9 April 2019. We are honoured to be part of these services and to be able to provide one for those who are unable to attend a service on Anzac Day, particularly those in Aged Care Facilities. The Committee will be attending services until Friday 3 May inclusive.

We are again expecting large crowds at both the Dawn and Morning Services. It shows that the community is aware of the sacrifices made by those who served their country in times of conflict. It is also pleasing to see the growing number of families and younger generations attending our services each year.

We are privileged to, again, have a contingent from 381 Squadron RAAF Williamtown participating in our Dawn and Morning Services and also the march, and Captain Brett Everitt RAN as our Reviewing .

Tickets for the Anzac Day luncheon are now available for purchase from the Sub Branch Office, at a cost of $10.00 per member and partner. The cost includes a two-course lunch with refreshments and entertainment. Tickets are selling quickly, so please get in early if you would like to attend.

The planting of marigolds was undertaken by the Club Toukley gardeners in the last week of February. These plants are looking very good and are beginning to flower. They will be in full bloom and have an excellent showing for Anzac Day.

Progress is being made in preparation for the proposed Stage 3 work at the Memorial Gardens. The granite has been ordered and the Committee has given the “go ahead” for a start on the eternal flame by a local Graphic Artist. The eternal flame design will be unique and I am sure it will be a wonderful addition to our new cenotaph. Consultation between Central Coast Memorials, the Electrician, the Graphic Artist and Sub Branch will ensure that the end result will 1 be spectacular. The Committee is sourcing and applying for suitable Grants to bring down the overall cost to the Sub Branch. As previously mentioned, work is anticipated to commence after Anzac Day and be completed prior to Remembrance Day.

Some of you may remember that, a few years ago, the Sub Branch arranged an overnight coach trip to Canberra, which included visits to the and a sight-seeing trip around our Nation’s capital. Those who embarked on that trip had a wonderful time and, for some, it was their first trip to the War Memorial. Well, we think that it time to plan another one – this time a two night trip to Canberra and Cowra, possibly in September. For this trip to go ahead, we will need a minimum of 35-40 members and partners. Committeeman Bob Swift is taking names of those who are interested.

This will be a great opportunity to see the Australian War Memorial, Floriade and also the Cowra Japanese POW Campsite, Japanese War Cemetery, and other significant sites. We are obtaining itineraries and prices from a local bus company, and also sourcing a Grant from the Government in an effort to keep the cost as low as possible. Further details will be advised if we get the required numbers. Bravo Zulu, Bob!

The Sub Branch also has monthly day bus trips to various interesting places for those contemplating a day out. Details of this year’s planned trips are located further on in this Newsletter. Please contact Bob Swift if you would like to reserve a seat on the Sub Branch bus for any upcoming trip.

We are always on the lookout for better ways to utilise Diggers’ Inn, and recently have had enquiries from Doyalson/Wyee RSL Sub Branch and a Veterans Support Group seeking a suitable place for their requirements. Doyalson Sub Branch is rebuilding their offices and they would like the opportunity for their Pensions and Welfare Officers to work out of Diggers’ Inn on a temporary basis. They also offer their services to Toukley members requiring assistance. The Veterans Support Group is looking for a “drop in” place for veterans to have a cuppa and chat. These requests have been put before the Committee and have been unanimously endorsed.

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The Committee is also considering putting up a shed at the back of Diggers’ Inn for multiple use. This would be ideal for us to store surplus items and possibly give the Veterans Motorcycle Group some storage space as well. We have applied for a Grant to assist in the cost and are awaiting a response.

We have, in the last week, received notification from State RSL that the 2019 State Congress will be held in Albury from Sunday 27 October until Wednesday 30 October 2019. Two representatives from Toukley RSL Sub Branch will be in attendance.

Bob Wilson President

NEW SUB BRANCH MEMBERS

Welcome to the following new Sub Branch Members: Geoffrey GIGGINS Michael HUMPHRIES Steven MOORE

******* VALE

Douglas James WHITWAM – 23 February 2019 Alfred William STEWART - 22 February 2019

Lest We Forget

******* INTERMENT OF ASHES AT THE CENOTAPH MEMORIAL GARDENS

Warwick John BOLTON – Date to be advised

Lest We Forget

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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Sub Branch General Meetings are held on the first Monday of each month, At 10.00am, upstairs in Club Toukley RSL, with the exception of January. All Members are invited to attend.

Thursday 25 April 2019 – 5.20am Anzac Day Sunday 28 July 2019 – 11.00am-4.00pm Christmas in July Monday 11 November 2019 – 10.40am Remembrance Day Sunday 15 December 2019 – 11.00am- Christmas Party 4.00pm

Keeping your Sub Branch Details Up to Date

If you have recently moved, or your details have changed, please let the Sub Branch Office know so that we can update your address and contact details.

This information is required so that we can send any correspondence and membership renewals to the correct address.

Also, if you know of a member who has moved, either to another area or to an Aged Care Facility, please notify the Sub Branch Office.

If you have an idea which you think could benefit or improve the Sub Branch, please put it in writing or speak to one of our Committee Members. Remember that we are there to represent the members, so if you have any ideas, then please let us know.

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Puzzle Corner

Trivia

1 How long did the Hundred Years War last? 2 Which country makes Panama hats? 3 From which animal do we get cat gut? 4 In which month do Russians celebrate the October Revolution? 5 What is a camel’s hair brush made of? 6 The Canary Islands in the Pacific are named after what animal? 7 What was King George V1’s first name? 8 What colour is a purple finch? 9 Where are Chinese gooseberries from? 10 What is the colour of aeroplanes’ black box?

Where in the World?

1 What country has the most daily newspapers in the world? 2 The Dolomites are mountains in what country? 3 In what city is Schipol airport? 4 Okinawa is a volcano in which country? 5 Ottawa is which country’s capital? 6 What is the largest country in South America? 7 The River Seine runs through which European capital city? 8 The Victoria Falls are shared between Zimbabwe and which other country beginning with the same letter? 9 The Chinese city of Beijing was previously known as what? 10 Where did coffee originate from?

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Answers on Page 17. 5

The History of Rosemary

The emblem of Rosemary for remembrance goes back to the days of early Greece and the Barbarians.

In those days, it was used as a type of incense at funerals, as a symbol of fidelity and remembrance. It was also used in various rites, in cooking and perfumes.

When Rosemary is worn on Anzac Day in Honour of the Fallen in war, the gesture has a sacred and solemn background.

The custom was instituted by the Centre of Soldiers Wives and Mothers, which was founded in 1915, a few weeks after the landing at Gallipoli, for the welfare of Soldiers’ dependents.

******************* From the Australian Dictionary of Biography by Kevin J Fewster. This article was published in Australian Dictionary of Biography, Volume 9 (MUP) 1983.

Albert Jacka (1893–1932)

Albert Jacka (1893-1932), soldier and merchant, was born on 10 January 1893 at Layard near Winchelsea, Victoria, fourth child of Nathaniel Jacka, a Victorian- born labourer, later a farmer and contractor, and his English wife Elizabeth, née 6

Kettle. The family moved to Wedderburn when Albert was 5. After elementary schooling, Bert worked as a labourer with his father, then for the Victorian State Forests Department. He was a shy youth, but excelled at sports, especially cycling.

Jacka enlisted on 18 September 1914 as a in the 14th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, and trained at Broadmeadows camp. His unit embarked on 22 December and spent two months training in Egypt before landing at Anzac Cove, Gallipoli Peninsula, on 26 April 1915. Early on 19 May the Turks launched a massive counter-attack along practically the entire Anzac line. At about 4 a.m. they rushed Courtney's Post. Amid frenzied fighting some Turks captured a twelve-yard (11 m) section of trench, one end of which was guarded by Jacka. For several minutes he fired warning shots into the trench wall until reinforcements arrived and, after shouting his instructions, he and three others sprang out into the trench. All but Jacka were immediately hit so he leapt back into the communication trench. A new plan was devised. Two bombs were lobbed at the Turks while Jacka skirted around to attack from the flank. Amid the smoke and the noise he clambered over the parapet, shot five Turks and bayoneted two as the rest hastily retreated. 'I managed to get the beggars, Sir', he reputedly told the first officer to appear. For this action he received the , the first to be awarded to the A.I.F. in .

Instantly, Jacka became a national hero. He received the £500 and gold watch that the prominent business and sporting identity John Wren had promised to the first VC recipient. His image was used on recruiting posters and magazine covers. On 28 August 1915 he was promoted , then rose quickly, becoming a company sergeant major in mid-November, a few weeks before Anzac was evacuated. Back in Egypt he passed through officer training school with high marks and on 29 April 1916 was commissioned second .

The 14th Battalion was shipped to France early in June. Jacka's platoon moved into the line near Pozières on the night of 6-7 August and as dawn broke German troops overran a part of the line. Jacka had just completed a reconnaissance and had gone to his dug-out when two Germans appeared at its entrance and rolled a bomb down the doorway, killing two men. Jacka charged up the dug-out steps, firing as he moved, and came upon a large number of the enemy rounding up some forty Australians as prisoners. He rallied his platoon 7 and charged at the enemy, some of whom immediately threw down their rifles. Furious hand-to-hand fighting erupted as the prisoners turned on their captors. Fifty Germans were captured and the line was retaken. Jacka was awarded a for his gallantry. described the counter-attack 'as the most dramatic and effective act of individual audacity in the history of the A.I.F.' The entire platoon was wounded, Jacka seriously in the neck and shoulder; he was sent to a London hospital. On 8 September London newspapers carried reports of his death but Bert Jacka was far from done for. He had been promoted lieutenant on 18 August, rejoined his unit in November and was promoted captain on 15 March 1917 and appointed the 14th Battalion's intelligence officer.

Early in 1917 the Germans had retired to the and on 8 April Jacka led a night reconnaissance party into no man's land near Bullecourt to inspect enemy defences before an allied attack against the new German line. He penetrated the wire at two places, reported back, then went out again to supervise the laying of tapes to guide the infantry. The work was virtually finished when two Germans loomed up. Realizing that they would see the tapes, Jacka knew that they must be captured. He pulled his pistol; it misfired, so he rushed on and captured them by hand. Jacka's quick thinking had saved the Anzac units from discovery and probable disastrous bombardment; for this action he was awarded a Bar to his Military Cross.

Captain Jacka was wounded by a 's bullet near Ploegsteert Wood on 8 July and spent nearly two months away from the front. On 26 September he led the 14th Battalion against German pill-boxes at Polygon Wood and displayed 'a grasp of tactics, and a military intuition that many had not given him credit for'. In May 1918 he was badly gassed at Villers-Bretonneux and saw no more action. In September 1919 he embarked for Australia aboard the Euripides. A large crowd, including the governor-general, greeted the ship when it berthed at Melbourne and a convoy of eighty-five cars with Jacka at its head drove to the town hall where men from the 14th Battalion welcomed their famous comrade. He was demobilized in January 1920. Shortly after his return Jacka, R. O. Roxburgh and E. J. L. Edmonds (both former members of the 14th Battalion) established the electrical goods importing and exporting business, Roxburgh, Jacka & Co. Pty Ltd. Jacka contributed £700 of the firm's paid up capital. The company's other directors were John Wren and his associate 'Dick' Lean, while Wren's brother Arthur held over three-quarters of the company's shares. In 8

1923 the business name was altered to Jacka Edmonds & Co. when Roxburgh withdrew.

On 17 January 1921 at St Mary's Catholic Church, St Kilda, Jacka had married Frances Veronica Carey, a typist from his office. They settled at St Kilda and later adopted a daughter. In September 1929 Jacka was elected to the St Kilda Council and became mayor a year later. He devoted most of his energies on council to assisting the unemployed. His own business flourished until 1929 when the Scullin government increased import tariffs and the company went into voluntary liquidation in September 1930. It was rumoured that the company's difficulties stemmed in part from Wren removing his support after Jacka refused to follow his wishes. Jacka then became a commercial traveller with the Anglo-Dominion Soap Co.

He fell ill, entered Caulfield Military Hospital on 18 December 1931 and died on 17 January 1932 of chronic nephritis. Nearly 6000 people filed past his coffin when it lay in state in Anzac House. The funeral procession, led by over 1000 returned soldiers flanked by thousands of onlookers, made its way to St Kilda cemetery where he was buried with full military honours in the Presbyterian section. Eight Victoria Cross recipients were his pallbearers.

At his funeral Bert Jacka was described as 'Australia's greatest front-line soldier'. Few would challenge this assessment. Bean and the men of the 14th Battalion ('Jacka's Mob') shared the belief that he had earned three V.C.s. He might have risen higher in the A.I.F. but his blunt, straightforward manner frequently annoyed his superiors. 'He said what he meant, and meant what he said', recalls one friend. As an officer he invariably won respect by his example. It was claimed that he preferred to punch an offender than to place him on a charge. 'His methods could not have been adopted generally in the A.I.F. without disaster', Bean noted. Nevertheless Jacka seemed to epitomize the Anzac creed of mateship, bravery, fairness and an absence of pretentiousness. Many sought to exploit his fame. In 1916 and 1918 he spurned offers from Prime Minister Hughes to return to Australia and assist with recruiting campaigns. His name was also used by Sir Keith Murdoch in the 1916 conscription referendum. His father promptly stated publicly that Bert had never declared himself in favour of conscription. The anti-conscriptionists made much of this denial but on balance it seems probable that Jacka did support conscription. His standing remained so high that a memorial plaque and sculpture for his grave was paid for by public 9 subscription while £1195 was raised towards buying his widow a house. His portrait, by GJ Coates, is in the Australian War Memorial. Two of his brothers had A.I.F. service. Anzac Day Service Wallarah Bay Recreation Club Sunday 14 April 2019

The Wallarah Bay Recreation Club will be holding its Anzac Day service on Sunday 14 April 2019 at 9.00am.

The Toukley RSL Sub Branch will again be represented at the service.

The Sub Branch bus will be leaving from outside of Club Limited at 8.30am sharp for those would like a lift. Seats are limited, so if you would like to reserve a seat on the bus, please put your name down with Allan Love.

Wearing of Decorations, Campaign Stars and War Medals (Source: RSL NSW)

Medals may only be worn by the persons upon whom they were conferred and, in no case, does the right to wear these or their ribbons devolve upon a family member or relative when the recipient is deceased. Similarly, in cases where a posthumous award is made and the medal is handed to the deceased’s next of kin, such award may not be worn.

Modification of the above rule is permitted in connection with ANZAC and Remembrance Day ceremonies, where relatives on those days only may wear the medals of the deceased relative BUT ONLY ON THE RIGHT BREAST.

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The Memorial Gardens are looking a picture in the lead up to Anzac Day.

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Death or Liberty and the second Vinegar Hill Uprising On March 4th 1804, 233 convicts rebelled at the Castle Hill Government Farm. This ultimately led to a bloody defeat at Rouse Hill, known as the Second Battle of Vinegar Hill and the death of the leader Phillip Cunningham. He was hung in Thompsons Square, Windsor, and his body lies in the little known Green Hills cemetery beside South Creek, Windsor.

Irish Convicts who had been leaders of fierce rebellion against the British in Ireland in 1798 (the first battle of Vinegar Hill) were transported to the Colony of NSW. They were desperate to break free of the British shackles and return to their beloved homeland. Phillip Cunningham who became the leader of the Vinegar Hill uprising starting in Castle Hill (named after the 1798 uprising) was no stranger to rebellion. Cunningham had been charged with sedition in 1799. His death sentence was commuted to transportation to NSW and he was placed aboard the convict ship ‘Anne”.

Governor King wrote on 10th March 1801 about the arrival of the Anne at Sydney Cove” the ‘Anne”, transport from Cork with 137 of the most desperate and diabolical characters that could be selected throughout that Kingdom. “………….which makes the numbers of those who, avowing a determination never to lose the site of the oath by which they are bound as United Irishmen. The number that amounts to 600, are ready and only waiting an opportunity to put Irishmen and their diabolical plans in execution”.

Governor Kings writing shows the level of fear that existed in the colony over the possibility of an uprising of Irishmen.

Aboard Anne the Irish convicts had mutinied with the phrase “Death or Liberty”. The mutiny failed and the ring leaders were executed and flogged. However “Death or Liberty” was to be heard again in 1804 when the mostly Irish Convicts rebelled at the Castle Hill Government Farm.

The colony was thrown into panic and a state of martial Law was proclaimed. The mostly Irish rebels, having gathered reinforcements, were hunted by the colonial forces until they were sequestered on 5 March 1804 on a hillock nicknamed Vinegar Hill. Under a flag of truce, Cunningham was arrested and troops charged and the rebellion was crushed. Nine of the rebel leaders were

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The Irish rebels failed because of poor communication with the other groups and general disorganisation.

However, in the short time they were on the march they had gathered a significant number of arms and had they been able to join forces with other convicts the outcome may have been entirely different.

It was the first and only major convict uprising in Australian History suppressed under martial law. For more information ‘Google’ the ‘The Castle Hill Convict Rebellion’

*********** Three things that never come back: The spent arrow, the spoken word and the lost opportunity

*********** I said to my neighbour "Your dog's been barking for the last 3 hours! I've got a serious hangover and I'm trying to get some sleep!” She said “It'd probably help if you got out of it's kennel.” ***********

I bought a greyhound today. My wife said, "Are you going to race him?" I said, "No, he's a lot faster than me." ***********

I once swallowed a dictionary. It gave me thesaurus throat I've ever had. ***********

It's really embarrassing when guests visit my house and my dog wants to sniff their crotch. Especially as he's a chihuahua and I have to lift him up.

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Sub-branch Bus Trip to Wollombi and Cessnock On Friday 15th March Sub Branch members (and wives) visited Cessnock and Wollombi on a day excursion. We were intended to visit Mulla Villa but the new owners have changed the Restaurant into their principal residence and now charge $10pp to view the old convict cells. So that was given a miss.

Toukley RSL Sub Branch took us to the Historical Town of Wollombi. Our 1st stop is at a Cessnock Garden Centre “Simply D’Vine” where we enjoy Morning Tea at their Cafe. From there on to Wollombi where we spent a very interesting hour or so at the old Wollombi Court House Museum and then stroll around the Village.

Our next stop was to Cessnock Leagues Club for a delightful Lunch. We left there for a pleasant journey back home accompanied by some lovely music. Thanks to our Driver Allan Love and to Toukley RSL Sub Branch for the use of the bus. A Great Day Was Had By All.

Judging by the smiling faces it appears to have been a good day out.

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Toukley RSL Sub-Branch ANZAC Day

Holmes Avenue Toukley Commemorative Services Thursday 25th April 2019

Dawn Service - Toukley RSL Cenotaph commences 05:20 am.

Morning Service – At Toukley RSL Sub Branch Cenotaph

March from Toukley shops, Village Green to Toukley RSL commences at 09:45 am. Service commences on completion of the march 15

Listed below are the proposed Sub Branch Bus Trips for 2019

Date Destination Cost Number of 2019 of Members Entry Attending April. - Anzac Day Services throughout the month. May Sydney Observatory, Observatory Hill, $10pp Fri. 17th Sydney Lunch at North Sydney leagues Club. June Barramundi Fish Farm. Bobs Farm, Nelson $7.50 Fri. 21st Bay. Lunch at Nelson Bay Bowling Club. July Catalina Flying Boat Museum. Rathmines. - Fri. 19th Lunch at Catalina “Officer Mess”. August Sydney War Memorial Fri. 16th Lunch at Kirribilli RSL Club. Sept. Henry Kendall Cottage, Gosford. $4 Fri 20th Lunch at Davistown RSL Cons. Oct Wilberforce Pioneer Village. _ Wed 16th Helen 0438 751775 Nov Dangle a line off Patonga Wharf 9.30 am Cost of Fri 15th to 10.30am, and Lunch at Palm Beach RSL Ferry (also, tour of‘Home & Away Site’ Palm only Beach) RSL 9974 5566. Dec. Hunter Valley Gardens, Night Visit. ? Fri 13th

If you are interested in any of the tours, or have any queries regarding bus trips, please contact – Bob Swift, Mobile: 0432 362 475.

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Puzzle Corner Answers

Trivia Answers Where in the World Answers

1 116 years. 1 India 2 Ecuador 2 Italy 3 Sheep and horses 3 Amsterdam 4 November 4 Japan 5 Squirrel fur 5 Canada 6 Dogs 6 Brazil 7 Albert 7 Paris 8 Crimson 8 Zambia 9 New Zealand 9 Peking 10 Orange 10 Ethiopia

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Anzac Bars (A different take on the Anzac Biscuits recipe)

Ingredients: 1 cup plain flour 1 cup rolled oats 1 cup desiccated coconut 125g butter 1/3 cup golden syrup ½ cup brown sugar ½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda

Method: 1 Preheat oven to 170C (150 fan forced). Line a slice pan with baking paper with sides extending over long sides. 2 Combine flour, oats and coconut in a large bowl, make a well in the centre. 3 Combine butter, golden syrup and brown sugar in a small saucepan. Stir over a medium heat until butter melts and the mixture is smooth. 4 Add the bicarbonate of soda and stir to combine. 5 Pour wet mixture over dry ingredients and stir until evenly combined. 6 Spread into prepared pan and smooth with the back of a spoon. 7 Bake for 20 minutes. Cool in pan. 8 Lift out using the paper and cut into 20 bars. Keep in an air tight container.

Don’t forget to turn your clocks back one hour from 3.00am to 2.00am this coming Sunday, 7 April 2019.

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TOUKLEY RSL SUB BRANCH

Patron: Karen McNamara

President: Bob Wilson

Vice Presidents: Tom Hobbs George Meier

Secretary: Graham Tredinnick

Treasurer: Milton Porter

Committee: Ray Sutton Bob Swift Allan Love Ian Collier Brian Murphy

Telephone: 4396.4855

Fax: 4396.9310

Welfare: 4396.8807 Bob Williamson Graham Tredinnick Bob Swift

Newsletter Co-ordinator: Ian Collier Phone: 0412 265 623 Email: [email protected]

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