AUSTRALIAN COMMANDO ASSN INC. Registered by Australia Post ~ Publication No PP100016240 Edition 11 ~ September 2017
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commndr cover no 11_Layout 1 23/11/2017 4:58 pm Page 1 AUSTRALIAN COMMANDO ASSN INC. Registered by Australia Post ~ Publication No PP100016240 Edition 11 ~ September 2017 SGT Ian Turner "Commando" "Humanitarian" And we let him down commndr cover no 11_Layout 1 23/11/2017 4:58 pm Page 2 Paywise helps you save on your vehicles through a Novated Lease for you and your family. What can be salary packaged? • New vehicle • Used vehicle • Your existing vehicle Paywise knows that every situation is different so we will work closely with you to develop the best VROXWLRQWR¿W\RXUQHHGV Simple Inclusions Your huge savings • Fleet discounts on new cars purchased via the 3D\ZLVH3UHIHUUHG'HDOHU1HWZRUN Tyres Maintenance & Servicing $PRXQW¿QDQFHGZLOOH[FOXGHWKH*67RQGHDOHU SXUFKDVHGYHKLFOHVERWKQHZDQGXVHG • Discounts on running costs paid for using the 3D\ZLVHVXSSOLHGIXHODQGPDLQWHQDQFHFDUG 6DYLQJSRWHQWLDOO\WKRXVDQGVRIGROODUVRYHUWKH OLIHRIOHDVH Competitive Roadside Lease Rates Assistance To understand your personal savings, FRQWDFW3D\ZLVHWRGD\ Call us on 1800 729 947 Fuel Full Comprehensive EHQH¿WV#SD\ZLVHFRPDX_ZZZSD\ZLVHFRPDX Insurance Commando News Spring 17_Layout 1 23/11/2017 4:55 pm Page 1 CONTENTS NSW President & Editor’s Report .....................3 REGISTERED BY AUSTRALIA POST PUBLICATION No PP100016240 From the Prolific Pen of Harry Bell....................5 AUSTRALIAN COMMANDO ASSOCIATION INC. Krait Farewell .....................................................7 NATIONAL OFFICE BEARERS The Formation of Special Operations ...............9 LIFE PATRON: Gen Sir Phillip Bennett AC KBE DSO 100 Years in the Battlefield.............................17 PATRON: MajGen Tim McOwan AO DSC CSM Aust Cdo Assn VIC..........................................21 PRESIDENT: TBA WW2 Japanese Sword ....................................23 VICE PRESIDENT: Col Brett Chaloner 75th Anniversary ~ Kokoda Day.....................27 SECRETARY: Maj Jack Thurgar SC MBE OAM RFD (Ret’d) Veterans Health Week.....................................29 TREASURER: Maj Bruce O’Connor OAM (Ret’d) MajGen M. Clifford AM CSC...........................33 ACA VICTORIA Vale: Dr Jim Wood RFD ED.............................34 PRESIDENT: Doug Knight SGT Ian Turner.................................................36 ACA VICTORIA SECRETARY: Glenn MacDonald A River of Sweat..............................................41 ACA NSW Perth Charity “Bravery Trust” .........................43 PRESIDENT: Barry Grant Book Review: The Rag Tag Fleet ....................45 ACA NSW Bruce Poulter - 0414 891 854 SECRETARY: [email protected] Cyberspace in Peace and War ........................47 ACA QLD WO2 Michael John Craig CSM .......................49 PRESIDENT: Nick Hill ACA QLD Aust Cdo Assn NSW “Q” Store......................51 SECRETARY: Tony Mills Death’s Lessons Learned.................................52 ACA WA PRESIDENT: Alan Joyce - 0447 433 934 Deadline for next edition: MONDAY, 15TH JANUARY 2018 ACA WA Paul Shearer - 0400 522 059 All news on members and interesting articles accepted. SECRETARY: [email protected] (Subject to editors’ approval.) PUBLIC OFFICER: Brian Liddy Barry G EDITORS: Barry Grant Barbara Pittaway The Australian Commando Association’s membership consists of AUSTRALIAN COMMANDO ASSN INC. Registered by Australia Post ~ Publication No PP100016240 Servicemen who have served with Independent Companies, Commando Edition 11 ~ September 2017 Squadrons, "M" and "Z" Special units and Special Forces during and since the Second World War. DISCLAIMER: Opinions expressed within this publication are those of the authors, and are not necessarily those of the Editor, Publisher, Committee Members or Members of our Association. We welcome any input as long as it is not offensive or abusive but if any member has a problem with a printed article we would like to be informed in order that the author may be contacted. We do encourage your opinion. Official Publishers: Statewide Publishing P/L ABN 65 116 985 187 PO BOX 682, SURFERS PARADISE QLD 4217 PHONE: 0432 042 060 Ian Turner "Commando" EMAIL: [email protected] "Humanitarian" And we let him down Printed by RABS PRINT & DESIGN Phone: 0438 881 854 Front Cover: Sergeant Ian Turner Email: [email protected] Commando ~ Humanitarian And we let him down COMMANDO NEWS ~ Edition 11 I September 2017 1 Commando News Spring 17_Layout 1 23/11/2017 4:55 pm Page 2 Commando News Spring 17_Layout 1 23/11/2017 4:55 pm Page 3 Australian Commando Association NSW Inc. http://1commando1.blogspot.com.au PO Box 1313, Sutherland, NSW 1499 1941 - 1946 COMMANDO FOR LIFE 19551955 - President: Barry Grant Secretary: Ted Hartley Treasurer: Ivan Kelly [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 0414 914 615 0408 647 237 0417 042 886 NSW President & Editor’s Report This edition is running late for many reasons and I They have brought apologise for my tardiness. together Commando ★★★★★ items from WW2 and recent conflicts as well It is with some sadness that we report the passing of as memorabilia from our National President, MajGen Mike Clifford, AM along the way. CSC. Mike has been battling a cancer for some time It is a must see and finally succumbed a couple of weeks ago. exhibition and will be Hard time trying to replace a talent such as his. running for the next 12 ★★★★★ months. ★★★★★ The next edition of “Commando News” will have report on the Australian War Memorial’s exhibition Also, when in Canberra I attended the unveiling of “From Out of the Shadows”. the Memorial to Australian Peacekeepers. Seated The exhibition opened recently after almost 12 behind me was Commando Royalty, Doug and Kay months of preparation. The Museum is to be Baird. This Memorial is to all Australian Peacekeepers congratulated and I attended the opening night with who have served our country in this role. members of SOCOM. ★★★★★ At the AGM of the NSW Association I gave notice that 2018 would be my last year in the role as President. I have been President since 2001 (1 Commando Association, 1st Commando Regiment Association and Australian Commando Association NSW). It is time I spent more time with my wife, that combined with some health problems in 2017, has made the decision a whole lot easier. So in the next 12 months it will be time for others in the Association to step up, hopefully some of younger members who will be the future of the Association. Those who say it is full of “old blokes”, whilst true, without younger members of the units joining the risk of the Association waning is a real possibility. Up to you fellow Commandos. Barry Grant Keith Payne VC has his brush with fame, Australian Commando our very own Brian Gerber Association (NSW) Inc COMMANDO NEWS ~ Edition 11 I September 2017 3 Commando News Spring 17_Layout 1 23/11/2017 4:55 pm Page 4 4 COMMANDO NEWS ~ Edition 11 I September 2017 Commando News Spring 17_Layout 1 23/11/2017 4:55 pm Page 5 From the Prolific Pen of Harry Bell Dear Editors, Valley. He has shown at all times strong Please accept my apologies for the lateness of this leadership ad splendid courage for which instalment. Time got away from me as I waited for the he is recognised by every officer and plaster to come off my right arm; it still hasn’t, but I’ll do man in his unit. my best. I am not sure if my June instalment went to Cav In two actions in particular this officer News, so will ask Kathie to send it again, just in case. And demonstrated great offensive spirit in face of to explain the reference to plaster: back on 2nd August, I heavy casualties, and performed great feats of courage decided to follow Ted Workman‘s example by falling over and endurance in his attempt to get out wounded men. backwards. This time I broke my right arm again and His skill and cool ness in evading enemy positions and bruised my hip so that though not broken this time, it patrols and reconnaissance's have been responsible for prevented me from walking. They let me come home after the collection of valuable data of enemy dispositions and a week or so, whereupon I responded by getting an plans. On such patrols this officer has endured great unusual belly ache – so back to Casualty, feeling a bit silly. hardships and shown devotion to duty to an extraordinary But few things concentrate the mind more quickly than to extent. hear the surgeon say casually: “If I operate today, there is No system of awards can be perfect. Even the Victoria a 50/50 chance that you will live. If I don’t, you’ll be dead Cross can be won by a single act of spur-of the-moment in 48 hours. Do you want me to operate?“ A toss of the valour. Don’t think that I am in any way detracting from the double headed penny helped me to decide, after half a glory of the V.C; when I was young, I was taught to raise second’s careful consideration and here I am, somewhat my hat to any wearer of that little maroon ribbon and I still better informed if not any the wiser. I hadn’t even known do. But there is a strong argument that constant acts of that I had an ulcer, let alone that it was about to perforate bravery, day after day, are more to be admired than the my duodenum. I was glad that I did not have to rely on old rush-of -blood- to-the-head type. Think about it. Goldie, our RAP Corporal. A dab of Castellani’s paint and Following a successful business career in Sydney after 24 hours light duties might not have worked. the war, Ted retired to “Cactus Cottage” at Broken Head, Before I begin, may I offer my congratulations to Jimmy near Byron Bay where he ran cattle and rode the Muir (2/9) on his appointment as Patron of the Victorian razorbacks on a “quad-bike”. He died in August at the RSL Branch of our old 6 Div Cav Association – now the only War Vets home, Collaroy.