SPRING 2011 EDITION

Fleurieu Peninsula McLaren Vale RSL McLaren Vale RSL Veterans Community Sub-branch Inc Women’s Auxiliary Association Inc

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

7 PM Friday 25 November 2011

DISCLAIMER The material contained in this publication is in the nature of general comment only, and neither purports, nor is intended to be advice on a particular matter. Readers should not act or rely on any information contained in, or implied by this newsletter without taking appropriate professional advice relating to their circumstances. The publishers and authors expressly disclaim all and any liability to any person, whether a member of the McLaren Vale & District RSL Sub-branch Inc, McLaren Vale RSL Women’s Auxiliary, Fleurieu Peninsula Veterans Community Association Inc, or McLaren Vale Legacy Group or not, who acts or fails to act as a consequence of reliance upon whole or part of this publication. Views, opinions or claims expressed in any editorial, article, letter or advertisement are not necessarily the views held by the Executive and Committee of the McLaren Vale & District RSL Sub-branch Inc, McLaren Vale RSL Women’s Auxiliary, Fleurieu Peninsula Veterans Community Association Inc, or McLaren Vale Legacy Group, nor are they necessarily the views or opinions of the editors of The McLaren Vale Veteran.

Visit our Website: www.mclarenvale.rslsa.org.au 1 CONTACT INFORMATION 2 Aldersey Street PO Box 533 McLAREN VALE SA 5171 McLAREN VALE SA 5171

Clubrooms Phone: 8323 8124 RSL Email: [email protected]

McLaren Vale & District RSL Sub-branch Inc President: Brian Flavel – Mobile: 0408 323 908 Vice President: Brian McNamara – Mobile: 0418 820 484 Secretary: John Gyepes JP – email [email protected], Home: 8323 8616, Mobile: 0419 829 166 Treasurer: Ian Wilson Committee Members: Bill Edgar, John George OAM, David Dixon, Richard Darlington, Jim Veale-Seaman, Darryl Alsop Public Officer: John Gyepes Responsible Officer: Brian Flavel McLaren Vale RSL Women’s Auxiliary President: Bev Wilson – 8382 6280 Vice President: Debbie Moore Secretary: Dorothy Gyepes – email [email protected], Home: 8323 8616, Mobile: 0439 829 166 Treasurer: Marie Bravery Committee Members: Heather Jessen, Margaret Darlington, Philippa Gamlin, Gill Lindquist-Smith, Debbie Moore, Julie Wilson, Betty Edgar, Jan Thatcher, Marilyn Honeychurch, Joyce McKean. Fleurieu Peninsula Veterans Community Association Inc President: Brian McNamara – Mobile: 0418 820 484 Vice President: John George OAM Secretary: Maureen Ledgard Treasurer: John George OAM Committee Members: Brian Flavel, Roscoe Taylor, William Griffiths, Roger Parsons, Kevin Clements, Shirley Stafford (Legacy), Marie Bravery (Women’s Auxiliary), Brian Flavel (RSL). Hon Auditor: Tony Creswick-Jackson. Pension/Welfare: Officer: John George OAM – Mobile: 0417 085 244 McLaren Vale Legacy Widows Club Secretary: Shirley Stafford – 8323 9958 McLaren Vale Veteran Editors: John Gyepes – Ph (H): 8323 8616 (M): 0419 829 166, Email: [email protected] Allen Lyne – Ph (M): 0407 605 710 Email: [email protected]

OUR MISSION To serve our members in the veteran, defence and wider general community, war widows/widowers, and dependants through the provision of ongoing programs and activities addressing social interaction and the identification and development of positive lifestyle choices and to promote the Standing Policy and that of the National Constitution. OUR OBJECTIVES To maintain and improve the independence and quality of life of members of the veteran and wider community by developing and providing a range of sustainable projects, programs, and activities. To address specific issues of socialisation, support of carers, health, well being, and lifestyle choices through empowerment and the provision of age and ability appropriate projects, programs, and activities. To address the needs of disadvantaged individuals and families and special needs groups. To provide a safe and comfortable venue where veterans and wider community members who share a common interest can meet and undertake activities in a social and friendly atmosphere. To provide a venue that offers the opportunity for social interaction for those in the community whose age, attitudes, barriers, disabilities or personal circumstances prevent them from doing so in the wider community To establish links with Ex-service Organisations and Community Organisations within the Southern Metropolitan and Fleurieu Peninsula Region; and to work in partnership with those organisations; to collaborate in projects/programs/activities; ensure access to professional and up to date information and technology, thereby enabling members to make the best and most informed choices for their health and well-being. To raise the profile of veterans and increase the understanding of issues relevant to veterans amongst those living within the wider community. To highlight and commemorate the service and sacrifice of our veteran community in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

2 PRESIDENT’S REPORT

McLaren Vale RSL Sub-branch – Brian Flavel Welcome. Hasn’t time passed. It is nearly Christmas and at the end of November it is time for our AGM again. In a perfect world all our members would show up for the meeting. We would elect a new Committee with some new blood. And have an influx of volunteers. I guess we can all dream. I hope it happens this year. We did not have our annual dinner this year due to unforseen circumstances. We promise to do better next year! But we will have our Christmas break up on Sunday the 19th of December. The Tabulated Data Plaque has been installed by the Leopard Tank at the Memorial Park. We thank the City of Onkaparinga Council for their loving attention to detail to our Memorial Park. In September we had a Special General Meeting where we adopted our new Sub Branch Constitution. I must thank all of our volunteers which are thinning on the ground and if we would like the RSL doors open more often we need more help. “Hundred Club” tickets are now available for 2012. We must also have a thought for our Defence personnel who are serving our special country. Lest we forget. Brian

Fleurieu Peninsula Veterans Community Association – Brian McNamara Here we are again quickly moving towards Christmas. We have been quite busy with planning upcoming events. Hopefully you will get this notice before Remembrance Day, to be held at the Memorial Park at 10:45 Friday, 11th November. Time for a Garage Sale again, so please get your donated items in to the Club before Saturday 19th November. We will be running the day in conjunction with the group going overseas next year on the “Connecting Spirits” tour. Next week, Tuesday 15th the FPVCA AGM will take place at 10 AM. The AGM is important to us, so make the effort and come along. Christmas Luncheon will be held on Sunday, December 11th - $30.00 per head prepaid for your 3 course lunch, beer, wine and soft drinks provided. The Club will be closed from 13th December 2011 until the first Tuesday in February 2012. As this will be our last newsletter for the year, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Brian

McLaren Vale RSL Women’s Auxiliary - Bev Wilson Greetings I find it a bit hard to believe this is our last Newsletter for 2011, but with the Pageant bringing Father Christmas to town next week I know I’ll have to get into the spirit of Christmas or I’ll get left behind. The end of year functions are already beginning. I had an enjoyable Melbourne Cup Day luncheon at Morphett Vale RSL earlier this month and instead of ending up with the usual obscure horses I get in sweeps, I had a horse that lost by a nose hair. I don’t know which is worse. Ah well, there’s always next year. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the ladies of the Auxiliary for their support and friendship throughout the year and I wish all members and their families a very happy and peace filled Christmas and a wonderful 2012. Cheers – Bev

McLaren Vale Legacy Club – Shirley Stafford Hi everybody In August we had our AGM. All Officers and Committee were returned. No surprises there, but we are a very strong working unit, that is the thing that counts. In September we had a bus trip to the Adelaide Casino. It was and excellent days outing. We were greeted at the entrance by a hostess and taken to morning tea, then at 12 o’clock a buffet lunch was served, and I might add it had everything you can imagine; I am giving it 5 stars. Those who wanted to play the pokies did so, others sat around and talked. We came home to McLaren Vale through the hills, what a grand day, everyone enjoyed themselves. We are now looking forward to our Xmas luncheon at the end of November. Did I say Xmas? Where has this year gone, surprising when you are as busy as I am. Until next time, Shirley.

3 VALE LEST WE FORGET

Malcolm Stuart NORVAL 13 Jul 11

John Samuel Hepton 04 Nov 11

DID YOU KNOW? As well as basing three squadrons and several supporting units in Vietnam, from 1967 the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) also had pilots serving on exchange with US Air Force squadrons. The thirty-six Australians who served in American squadrons flew a variety of aircraft, from Phantom strike- fighters used for tactical reconnaissance and close air support, to light aircraft flown by forward air controllers who led in bombers and strike-fighters attacking enemy positions. Forward air controllers needed exceptional piloting and observation skills to identify targets, which were often in close proximity to friendly , and then lead in the Australian; American or South Vietnamese attack aircraft by firing smoke rockets. Ground troops often indicated their positions by throwing coloured smoke, which the forward air controller spotted to locate the actual target. He then marked the target with smoke grenades or white- phosphorus rockets, before leading in the attack aircraft with directions to ‘hit my smoke’. After directing the fighter- bombers' attacks, the forward air controller would fly low over the target to assess the damage. One of the first RAAF forward air controllers in Vietnam was Wing Commander Anthony Powell, who appears in this photograph flying a Cessna Bird Dog over a forward area in 1967. Powell was decorated with the Distinguished Service Order (DSO). Several RAAF pilots on secondment to the US Air Force also received American and South Vietnamese decorations.

Wing Commander Anthony Powell DSO flies a Cessna O-1 Bird Dog over a forward area, Vietnam, 1967. (Australian War Memorial P01953.010)

If you receive an email from the Department of Health telling you not to eat tinned pork because of swine flu - ignore it. It's just spam.

4 WHAT’S HAPPENING?

NOVEMBER REMEMBRANCE DAY 11 November 11 The service for Remembrance Day will commence at 10:45 am on Friday 11 November 2011 at the McLaren Vale Memorial Park, Valley View Drive, McLaren Vale. Scones at the clubrooms after the service. GARAGE SALE 19 November 11 We will hold a garage sale on Saturday 19 Nov 11. 9 am to 2 pm. The students involved with the Connecting Spirits commemoration program will also have a table. There will be a sausage sizzle and the clubrooms will be open to all. Invite your friends to come and have a look. Donation of items gratefully accepted (no electrical items or clothes please). DECEMBER CHRISTMAS LUNCH 11 December 11 Christmas lunch will be at the clubrooms on 11 December 11. 12:00 for 12:30. The lunch will be prepared by outside caterers. Cost is $30 per person. Includes selection of wines, beer and soft drinks.

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

LYN’S GOOD SCONES

INGREDIENTS 3 cups SR Flour 1 cup Lemonade 1 cup Cream ½ tsp Baking Powder

METHOD Mix together. Cook 200 degrees for 10 – 15 minutes.

A piece of road walks into a bar and declares to all its occupants: "I'm the hardest bit of bitumen in the whole of this town!" The piano player stops and the bar goes deadly silent. After a brief pause, all eyes drop, the pianist returns to playing and the piece of road pulls up a bar stool and settles down to a beer. Five minutes later, a piece of dual carriageway throws open the bar door. Once again, the bar goes silent but for the creaking of the slow-moving overhead fans. The dual carriageway declares: "I'm the toughest piece of bitumen you'll ever see this side of the border and I don't take crap from anyone!" The piece of road slowly turns and locks eyes with the piece of dual carriageway. The tension mounts; other drinkers scatter and take cover. At that precise moment, in walks a piece of freeway which says: "I'm the hardest bit of bitumen in the whole damn country and I'll take you both on!" And there they stood in a three-way Mexican stand-off for what seemed an eternity. Once again, the door opens and, into the middle of the stand-off, walks a strange- looking piece of bitumen with a stripe down the middle. The other three turn their backs to the door, sit down at the bar and stare sheepishly into their drinks. The bartender asks the three pieces of bitumen what the problem is, and they reply: "Shhhh. Watch what you say, that bloke's a real cycle path." Oh Dear!!!!

I hate all this terrorist business!! I used to love the days when you could look at an unattended bag on a train or bus and think to yourself: ‘I’m having that’.

No piece of paper can be folded in half more than seven (7) times. It does not matter how big or small the piece of paper is.

5 Possibly one of the most published photos of Prince Charlie and one that a young attractive UK Army Captain will get a laugh from for many, many years.

ONE GREAT AUSSIE THING TO DO BEFORE YOU DIE. The tiny township of Nindigully is located on the edge of the Queensland outback, 160 km west of Goondiwindi and about 530 km west of Brisbane and approximately 70 km north of the Queensland/New South Wales border. The Nindigully Pub is Queensland's oldest hotel, (located in its original condition and position) and sits on the banks of the Moonie River. The licence was issued in 1864 after operating as shearers’ accommodation for the Nindigully Station. The "boom" town has now been reduced to just two houses, the pub, the old general store and the town hall, with a population of six! Nevertheless, it was voted the Best Country Pub in Australia in 2006 by “44 Australia” magazine, and you can see why. It has become famous for the Nindigully Road Train Burger. This giant hamburger is served with French fries, onion rings and a selection of sauces and it is supposed to be able to feed from 1- 4 people. It costs $36 - the meat patty alone is 1.2 kg!

Apparently it's no longer politically correct to direct a joke at any racial or ethnic minority so try this one: An Aussie, an Englishman, a Scotsman, an Irishman, a Welshman, a Latvian, a Turk, a Frenchman, a Kiwi, a German, a Yank, an Egyptian, a Jap, a Mexican, a Spaniard, a Russian, a Pole, a Lithuanian, a Hungarian, a Swede, a Finn, an Israeli, a Romanian, a Bulgarian, a Serb, a Swiss, a Greek, a Singaporean, an Italian, a Somali, a Canadian, a Norwegian and a South African went to a night club. The bouncer said: "Sorry, I can’t let you in without a Thai"

6 PARKING I pulled into the crowded parking lot at the local shopping centre and rolled down the car windows to make sure my Labrador pup had fresh air. She was stretched full-out on the back seat and I wanted to impress upon her that she must remain there. I walked to the curb backward, pointing my finger at the car and saying emphatically, ‘Now you stay. Do you hear me?' 'Stay! Stay!' The driver of a nearby car, a pretty blonde young lady, gave me a strange look and said, 'Why don't you just put it in Park?’

DIETS

Digesting everything that’s been written on diets may be biting off more than you can chew. Millions of words have been written about diets arid nutrition, fads come and go, but unfortunately the girth often just gets larger.

Although some diets contain basic truths, there are often down-sides as magazines look for the next big thing to attract a reader’s attention. Even recognised diets such as the high-protein. Low-carb Atkinson diet can lead to adverse effects because carbohydrates are an essential ingredient in effective daily energy generation.

By the same token, it is possible to have an occasional treat even a hamburger or a can of soft drink without slacking on . There are some general rules that will help you chew through the fat and into a balanced diet/exercise lifestyle.

Work your muscles

A basic fact about diet and nutrition is the more you exercise your muscles, the more efficient they become in using stored energy. The basal metabolic rate (BMR) is the daily rate of energy expenditure of a person involved in a given form of activity or comparative inactivity. It is a pivotal part of the human weight management function. When you start exercising or increase an existing regime. Your body responds to the new stimulus. Weight training is a perfect example. By putting a muscle under the body says. “If you keep this up I’m going to start using your energy reserves”. The body then starts directing more energy into an increasing number of motor units “parcels” that consume energy. Those extra parcels all use energy at the same rate, so extra energy is expended even watching television.

If you consume the same amount of calories, then your girth will respond.

Avoid bad habits.

Healthy diet is not just about what you eat, but how you take in calories. A lot of people incorporate things that do not go well with the BMR. Irregular meals or trying to lose weight through starving only triggers the body’s primitive defences against starvation and drops the body into a state of energy economy. By missing meals you induce lethargy. Eating the wrong meals can trigger high amounts of energy levels in the blood system but these levels decrease just as quickly and can leave you with a lethargic, empty feeling, which forces you to eat again, increasing your daily calorie intake.

From nutritional aspects, you need to make sure you do not affect the BMR heavily in the way of ups and downs. You want to keep it licking away through regular meals of protein, carbohydrates. Fruit and vegetables that keep the body slowly digesting. The problem people have with the BMR is that they tend to think they need to starve or reduce certain components that are looked upon unfavourably.

Carbohydrates have copped a bad rap over recent years. If you want to lose weight you need to include carbohydrates to maintain a training format.

7 Students in an advanced Biology class were taking their mid-term exam. The last question was, 'Name seven advantages of Mother's Milk.' One student was hard put to think of seven advantages. He wrote: It is perfect formula for the child. It provides immunity against several diseases. It is always the right . It is inexpensive. It bonds the child to mother, and vice versa. It is always available as needed. And then, the student was stuck. Finally, in desperation, just before the bell rang indicating the end of the test, he wrote... It comes in 2 attractive containers. He got an A+.

GO GUARANTEE FOR YOUR KIDS?? We all go through it, our kids, or even a good friend, might want us to go guarantee for them so they can buy a car or a house or whatever, and to be truthful, a lot of us possibly had our parents go guarantee for us at one stage – but you have to be careful. While it may be hard to say 'no' to a loved one, guaranteeing a friend or family member's loan can have costly consequences. You must think carefully about all the consequences as you could lose a lot, for instance, how will you repay the debt if the borrower does not or cannot? If you do sign a guarantee for a friend or family member, you are promising to pay the entire loan back if they cannot or will not do so, along with any fees, charges and interest. You shouldn’t even think about it unless you have adequate savings or assets (other than your home) that you could sell to cover the loan should it all hit the fan. If you haven’t, don’t consider it, you could end up losing and being evicted from your home or you could be made bankrupt by the credit provider, which means that assets that have not been offered as security for the guarantee may be sold to pay the outstanding debt. You could lose everything!! Another problem that must be considered, is what if your relationship with the borrower breaks down? What if you have a fight about something, remember, loans can drag over many years – are you confident that you will still be on good terms with the borrower for the term of the loan. The lender doesn’t care if you are still friends with the borrower – all he (the lender) is worried about is getting all his money back, you won’t be released from the contract just because you don’t like the borrower any more. It may be better to say NO now, rather than having a more damaging disagreement later should it all go down. And, don’t allow yourself to be pressured into signing anything until/unless you know exactly what it is you are getting yourself into. Get some independent advice, especially if it involves a large amount of money. If you are thinking of doing this, or if you’ve been asked by a friend and/or family member to do this, before you do anything, at least know your rights and responsibilities. The Government has made available a fact sheet titled “Love and Loans” (go to the Australian Securities & Investments Commission website at www.asic.gov.au).

This is perfectly logical to all males A wife asks her husband, "Could you please go shopping for me and buy one carton of milk, and if they have eggs, get 6." A short time later the husband comes back with 6 cartons of milk. The wife asks him, "Why did you buy 6 cartons of milk?" He replied, "They had eggs."

8 CREDIT EXPLAINED It is the month of June, on the beautiful Gold Coast hinterland. It is raining, and the little town looks totally deserted. It is tough times, everybody is in debt, and everybody lives on credit. Suddenly, a rich tourist comes to town. He enters the only hotel, lays a $100 note on the reception counter, and goes to inspect the rooms upstairs in order to pick one. The hotel proprietor takes the $100 note and runs to pay his debt to the butcher. The Butcher takes the $100 note, and runs to pay his debt to the pig grower. The pig grower takes the $100 note, and runs to pay his debt to the supplier of his feed and fuel. The supplier of feed and fuel takes the $100 note and runs to pay his debt to the town’s prostitute that in these hard times, gave her services on credit. The hooker runs to the hotel, and pays off her debt with the $100 note to the hotel proprietor to pay for the rooms that she rented when she brought her clients there. The hotel proprietor then lays the $100 note back on the counter so that the rich tourist will not suspect anything. At that moment, the rich tourist comes down after inspecting the rooms, and takes his $100 note, after saying that he did not like any of the rooms, and leaves town. No one earned anything. However, the whole town is now without debt, and looks to the future with a lot of optimism.

BELIEVE IT OR NOT!! Tobacco Smoke Enema (1750’s - 1810’s) The tobacco enema was used to infuse tobacco smoke into a patient’s rectum for various medical purposes, primarily the resuscitation of victims. A rectal tube inserted into the anus was connected to a fumigator and bellows that forced the smoke towards the rectum. The warmth of the smoke was thought to promote , but doubts about the credibility of tobacco enemas led to the popular phrase “blow smoke up one’s ass.”

At the Sunday morning church service, the minister asked if anyone in the congregation would like to express praise for answered prayers. A lady stood and walked to the podium. She said, "I have an item for praise. Two months ago, my husband, Tom, had a terrible bicycle accident and his scrotum was completely crushed. The pain was terrible and the doctors didn't know if they could help him." You could hear a muffled gasp from all the men in the congregation as they imagined the pain that poor Tom must have experienced. "Tom was unable to hold me or the children," she went on, "and every movement caused him terrible pain. We prayed as the doctors performed a very delicate operation, which lasted for over five hours, and it turned out they were able to piece together the crushed remnants of Tom's scrotum, and wrap wire around it to hold it in place." Again, the men in the congregation were unnerved and squirmed uncomfortably as they imagined the horrible surgery that was performed on Tom. "Now," she announced in a quavering voice, "thank the Lord, after six weeks, Tom is now out of the hospital and the doctors say that with time, his scrotum should recover completely." All the men sighed with relief. The minister rose, with tears in his eyes, and tentatively asked if anyone else had something to say. A man stood up and walked slowly to the podium. He said, "I'm Tom." The entire congregation held its breath. "I just want to tell my wife that the word is sternum."

9 The South Australian Veterans Touring Group visit Vietnam yearly to support of some of the most vulnerable and underprivileged children of that country. The group describes itself and its mission thus: ‘A non-aligned group of like minded people who have the needs and welfare of underprivileged people at heart working compassionately to see to those needs by providing food, clothing, medicines and necessities.’ Wayne Honeychurch with Huyen Trang in the mess at the KOTO Training Centre Saigon, Viet Nam. 16 year old Huyen lost her father, mother, only brother and one sister to Aids/HIV.

This was sent to the Secretary by one of our newest members. When I walked away from the Army 35 odd years ago, I had no intention of ever going back and have studiously avoided re-unions etc ever since. I was caught at a weak moment and convinced to join an Ex Service Organisation. As I became more involved, I found that it filled a void in my life. I have not understood why until I read this poem by Steven Pressfield in his novel ‘The Afghan Campaign’ about Alexander the Great's invasion of Afghanistan in 350 BC. IN THE COMPANY OF SOLDIERS In the company of soldiers, I have no need to explain myself, In the company of soldiers, everybody understands. In the company of soldiers, I don't have to pretend to be a person I'm not Or strike that pose, however well intended, that is expected by those who have not known me under arms. In the company of soldiers all my crimes are forgiven I am safe I am known I am home In the company of soldiers.

10 VIETNAM VETERANS DAY 2011 IN TASMANIA The Tasmania Branch of the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia hosted on Vietnam Veterans Day 18th August 2011, a special commemorative event highlighting the role of the during the and payed tribute to all servicemen who fought and fell whilst serving their country in Vietnam. The broad and varied role of the RAN is little known or understood by many Veterans and inevitably as the years begin to slip by with increasing rapidity, a valuable and important part of our heritage is gradually in danger of being lost. While Vietnam Veteran’s Day has been set aside in the calendar to remember and pay tribute to our fallen and ex service Veterans, we must never lose sight of the fact that losses were incurred across all the services Rear Admiral Ken Doolan RAN (Rtd) attended the event as special guest speaker having served on HMAS Perth as the Navigation Officer whilst the ship served on the gun line as well as in Tonkin Gulf with the Aircraft Carriers of the US Navy seventh Fleet in Vietnam. Rear Admiral Ken Doolan is the National President of the RSL. The McLaren Vale RSL was represented at the function and Commemoration Ceremony by Brian McNamara (HMAS Brisbane), David Dixon (HMAS Vendetta) and Bill Kane OAM (HMAS Perth and HMAS Sydney). All ships and escorts who served in the conflict were also represented by members of the various Ships Company’. , This included members of CDT3 and Helicopter Flight Vietnam. The Vietnam War was not a significant naval conflict but there were 13,500 RAN members involved and recognized for active service. The RAN’s contribution which was small in comparison to that of the US Navy, was diverse and played a significant part in the Australian Forces overall commitment. A total of eight officers and sailors of the RAN were killed and nearly 50 injured in the 10 years of our Navy's involvement in hostilities On The Gunline All of the RAN's guided missile destroyers HMAS Perth, HMAS Hobart, and HMAS Brisbane deployed to Vietnam as did the Daring Class destroyer HMAS Vendetta. Hobart and Perth made three deployments each and Brisbane two deployments with the Vendetta doing one. During the course of these operations the destroyers served above and below the Demilitarized Zone and fired over 100,000 rounds of ammunition in support of military operations and steamed 397,484 miles. The destroyers also served on in the Tonkin Gulf providing fire cover and rescue operations with the US Seventh Fleet Aircraft Carriers as they launched and recovered aircraft on missions into North Vietnam.

11 RAN Helicopter Flight Vietnam Members of Australia's Fleet Air Arm served with the US Army's 135th Assault Helicopter Company based at Vung Tau and with the RAAF's 9 Squadron. Known as the RAN Helicopter Flight Vietnam (RANHFV) the first contingent of pilots and support personnel arrived in Vietnam on October 16, 1967. These personnel were quickly integrated into the 135th which was designated as an Experimental Military Unit or EMU. On February 22, 1968 the RANHFV suffered its first fatality when LCDR P.J. Vickers died as a result of wounds received when his aircraft was hit by ground fire. Throughout their service in Vietnam members of the RAN Fleet Air Arm provided tactical airlift and gunship support to Australian and allied forces. As well as serving in ships deployed to Vietnam, naval personnel served in clearance diving teams, the Navy helicopter flight, in logistic support roles and in medical teams. Vung Tau Ferry - HMAS SYDNEY As the overall role of Australia's military increased in Vietnam so did the involvement of the RAN. The converted aircraft carrier HMAS Sydney was used for transporting Army personnel and equipment from Australia to Vietnam since May 1965. This ship was to become a familiar sight and temporary home to some 16,000 Australian military personnel as they deployed to Vietnam or returned to Australia. Between 1965 and 1972 HMAS Sydney undertook 25 voyages to Vietnam and transported over 16,000 troops and delivered 5,753 tonnes of cargo and 2,375 vehicles. Because of these trooping runs Sydney was affectionately known as the `Vung Tau Ferry'. During these deployments Sydney was escorted and protected by other units of the RAN. On at least one such trip her escort included the aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne, though Melbourne did not enter Vietnamese waters. She entered the operational area which extended out to 100 nautical miles. Clearance Diving Teams In May 1966 the RAN's underwater Clearance Diving Team 1 (CDT1) spent a short period in Vietnam working with USN divers. Almost a year later the Australian government announced the deployment of Clearance Diving Team 3. This team was made up of personnel from the RAN's two existing diving teams, CDT1 and CDT2, and after a period of additional training arrived in Vietnam on February 6, 1967. RAN CDT 3 was primarily employed in clearing rivers and shipping channels of mines and booby traps laid by the Viet Cong. This normally dangerous task was made especially so by the murky conditions under which the divers had to work. Other tasks assigned to the divers included salvage work and assisting in trawler and ship searches. Regular searches were also conducted of Australian Army water transport and other ships. This task was known as Operation Stable Door and was intended to protect and secure South Vietnamese ports and military shipping from sabotage by the Viet Cong. As part of this operation RAN clearance divers conducted about 7,500 ship searches. While the Clearance Divers operated as a distinct unit a number of personnel were attached for short intervals to USN diving teams. Such attachments provided the RAN clearance divers with valuable experience and exposure to other operating techniques. Perhaps the most unusual request for assistance received by the RAN clearance divers came from the US Army 36th Evacuation Hospital: they had just admitted a patient who had eaten some C-4 explosive. On The Gunline In March 1967, one month after the announcement of the deployment of the Clearance Diving Team to Vietnam, the (then) Minister for the Navy, Mr Don Chipp, announced that the RAN's newly commissioned guided missile destroyer HMAS Hobart would be deployed to join the US Seventh Fleet to support operations off the coast of Vietnam. Hobart departed Sydney on the 7 March 1967. Medical and Support Personnel Members of the RAN also served at the Headquarters Australian Forces Vietnam and as detached medical officers. This second group were RAN doctors who served with 1st Australian Field Hospital and US Army and Navy hospitals. While serving in this capacity the Navy doctors were also involved in the Medical Civil Action Program which provided aid to local communities. Bill Kane OAM

12 ON A HOLIDAY IN NSW? Drop in and stay at the Ramon Deed Veterans Retreat – overnight or for a few days.

13 THE McLAREN VALE VETERAN

Fleurieu Peninsula Veterans Community Association Inc McLaren Vale RSL McLaren Vale RSL Sub-branch Inc Women’s Auxiliary

If not delivered return to: To: PO Box 533 McLaren Vale SA 5171

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