5 FIELD AMBULANCE RAAMC ASSOCIATION CHRISTMAS Newsletter SUMMER ISSUE 2017

WEB SITE:WWW.RAAMC.ORG.AU

A PROUD SUPPORTER OF THE RAAMC ASSOCIATION Inc. 2

A Proud Supporter of 5 Field Ambulance Association 3 5 Field Ambulance RAAMC Association Patron: COL Ray Hyslop OAM RFD Office Bearers PRESIDENT: LTCOL Derek Cannon RFD– 31 Southee Road, Richmond NSW 2753— (M) 0415 128 908 HON SECRETARY: Alan Curry OAM—35/1a Gordon Close, Anna Bay NSW 2316 (H) (02)4982.2189 (M) 0427 824 646 Email: [email protected] HON TREASURER: Brian Tams—453/1 Scaysbrook Drive, Kincumber NSW 2251 (H) (02) 4368 6161 COMMITTEE: WO 1 Warren Barnes OAM Mobile: 0409 909 439 Fred Bell (ASM) Mobile: 0410 939 583 Barry Collins OAM Phone: (02) 9398 6448 Ron Foley Mobile: 0422 376 541 Ann Jackson Mobile: 0407 236 724 CONTENTS LIFE MEMBERS------Page 4 VALE—Brian Hogan, Steve Dubsky ------Pages 5/6 President’s Message ------Page 7/8 5 Health Coy. Report ------Page 8 Secretary’s Message/Grandparents Answering Machine ------Page 9 Poem-’Bivouac of the Dead’ ------Page 10 VP Day (Summary) including Speech-Dame Marie Bashir AD CVO ------Pages 11/12 Australian National Flag Day and Ceremony (Summary) ------Pages 13/14 HAPPY BIRTHDAY/Fund-Raising Effort/Application Forms ------Page 15 Chaplain’s Corner (from our ‘late 'Honorary Chaplain Brian Hogan) ------Page 16 Battle For (summary) ------Page 17 Messages from Members ------Pages 18-22 75th Anniversary-Kokoda Campaign/Samantha Cantle (profile) ------Pages 22/23 Photos/Story-”The Smell of Rain” ------Page 23 Late Subscribers/THANK YOU ------Page 24 Sick Parade/Poems “Tread Gently” and “Try to Understand”------Page 25 New Members ------Page 26 Kind Acknowledgements ------Page 27 Items Of Interest ------Pages 28-32 ANNUAL REUNION (Summary) ------Page 33/34 Story-”The Smell of Rain” (Continued from Page 23)/Diary Dates for 2018/POEM “11/11” ------Page 34 Activity Sheet ------Page 35 ADVERTISEMENTS: Any enquiries to advertise in our magazine, please contact Alan Curry (above) or any committee member (details are listed above) We are a ‘Not-For-Profit’, community-based organisation and we are unincorporated, and have been since 1982.

DISCLAIMER: Opinions expressed in our quarterly newsletters are not necessarily those of our Patron, Ex- ecutive or Committee. 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. 4

LIFE MEMBERS (Please contact me if I have omitted your name or corrections are needed)

Mr. Samuel ALEXANDER Mr. Barry (Bob) GRIEVES WO 1 E. (Bill) O’KEEFE (Rtd)) WO 11 Michael ALI Mr. George HARRIS Mr. Charles O’MEALLY COL Suresh BADAMI OAM RFD Mr. John HEAD COL John OVERTON AM RFD # Mr. Adam BAILEY MAJ Eileen HENDERSON OAM RFD MAJ Peter PAISLEY (Rtd) Mr. Trevor BARNES RFD (nee Anderson) WO 2 Steve PARIS (Rtd) WO I Warren BARNES OAM LTCOL Kym HENDERSON RFD MAJGEN John PEARN AO RFD CStJ Mr. Alan BECKERLEG Mr. Rodney HOGAN MAJ Robert PEARSON (Rtd) Mr. Fred BELL MAJ James HOOLAN Jr. USMC (Rtd) Mr. Barry PERIGO Mr. Robert (‘Scotty’) BOYD Mr. Edward HUNG # Mrs. Heather PERIGO Dr. Harding BURNS OAM LTCOL Sandy HUNT-SHARMAN RFD Mr. Peter PETHER Mr Bob BUTLER (Ret’d) LTCOL David PHILLIPS RFD LTCOL Derek CANNON RFD # Mrs. Norma HUTTON Mrs. Karen PHILLIPS (nee Stead) # Mrs Edna CANNON COL Ray HYSLOP OAM RFD WO 1 Ken PHILLIPS OAM Mr. Greg CANT Mr Ken ILES RFD Mr. Bob PINK OAM WO1 Mick CARLSON (Rtd) CAP Jim ILIOPOULOS Mr. John PRICE Mr. Kevin CARTER CAP Natalie ILIOPOULOS (nee Dr. F.G. (Geoff.) PRIOR Mr. George CARUANA Polydoropoulos) +Mr. Thomas (Tom) PRITCHARD Mr. Ben CASTLE Mr. Terry IRVINE COL Robert (Bob) REID ED (Rtd) CMDR James CHAPMAN (Rtd) Mrs. Ann JACKSON (nee Williams) CAP Alan ROBINSON (Rtd) Mr. John CHARTER # Mr. Don JARMAN CAP James ROCHE OAM Mr. Noel CHRISTENSEN RFD Mr. Ernest JOHNSON MAJ John ROCHE OAM Mr. John CLEGG Mr. Richard JONES Mr. Michael ROWLEY Mr. K.B. (Barry) COLLINS OAM # Mrs. Sue JONES Mr. Bill RYLANDS Mr. David COOPER OAM LTCOL Stuart JONES RFD Mrs. Cathy SALMON Mr. Roy CROSSLEY Mr. Anthony JORDAN LT Susan SALVI # Mr. Joseph CRUMLIN OAM MAJ Robert (Bob) KENYON Mr. Paul SHERGOLD Mr. Gordon CURTIS Mr. Doug KERSEY Mr. Robert SHILLINGSWORTH Mr. Alan CURRY OAM Mr. Colin KLINE Mr. George SIP Mr. Greg CURRY LTCOL Edward KREMER OAM Mr. Ross SMITH Mr. John CURRY COL Frank LANG OAM RFD ED (Rtd) Mr. Stephen STANSFIELD Mr. Patrick CURRY # Mr. Terry LANGWORTHY CAP Stephen STEIGRAD (Rtd) # Mr. Stephen CURRY Mr. John LAYHE EM Mr. Robert STEWART MAJ David CZERKIES LT Igor LEMECH # M/s Judith STRACHAN MAJ Peter DALGLEISH RFD # Mr. Bryan LINDSAY Mr. Chris STRODE WO 11 Theo DECHAUFEPIE # Mr. Geoffrey LINDSAY Mr. Peter SULLIVAN # Mrs. Olive DODD # Mrs. Maureen LIVINGSTON Mr. Noel TAME Mr. George DONNELLY MAJ Kathleen LOADSMAN Mr. Brian TAMS Dr. Ken DOUST OAM Mr. Robert LOVE # Mrs. Debra TAYLOR LTCOL Marie DOYLE Mr. Edwin LOWERY # Mr. Trevor TAYLOR Mr. Stuart DOYLE Mr. Alen LUCIC Mr. Bill THOMPSON Mr. Gavin DRISCOLL Mr. Huss MAHOMET Mr. Peter THOMPSON LTCOL Andrew ELLIS OAM Mr. Nick MARSHALL Dr. Peter TRALAGGAN # M/s Brittany EVANS Dr. Helena MARTIN Mr. Ian TUCKER # M/s Felicity EVANS # Mr. Don MELVILLE Mr. Keveral TURNBULL # Mr Josh EVANS Mr. Gordon MILLS Dr. Michael TYQUIN # Mrs. Julie EVANS Mr. Paul MISTO Mrs. Ruth VAUDIN (nee Corbett) # Mr. Tony EVANS COL Bill MOLLOY RFD ED Mrs. Kate VERCOE (nee Rose) MAJ Madeline EVES RFD Mr. Michael MORONEY Mr. Matthew VERCOE Mr. Phillip FAGUE # Mr. Charles MURRAY Mr. Don WALKER Mr. Laurie FARRUGIA JP # Dr. William McBRIDE AO CBE # Mr. Kim WARNOCK Brett FERRARI Mr. John McCARTHY # Mr. David WASSON Mr. Nelson FIORENTINO Mr. Hugh McCARTY # Mr. Lindsay WASSON Mr. Garry FLOOD # Dr. Philip McGRATH LTCOL Darren WATERSON # Mrs. Adrienne FOLEY # Mrs. Trish McGRATH Mr John WEAVER Mr. Ron FOLEY LTCOL John McKEOWN RFD (Rtd) Mr. Ronald WEBB Mrs. Frances FOOKES (nee Henderson) CAP Tom McLANDERS (Rtd) MAJ Bruce WHITTET (Rtd) LTCOL Paul FOOKES # Mrs. Yvonne McLEAN CAP Don WIKNER ED JP Mr. Richard FORD Mr. Ken McNUFF # Mr. David WILKINSON MAJ John GALLAGHER # M/s Marion NEWMAN COL Warwick WILKINSON AO RFD ED Mr. Joe GATTY CAP Richard NG MAJ Alex WILLIAMS CAP John GORRELL RFD (Rtd) # Mrs. Rayda NOBLE (nee Prain) Mr. David WILLIAMS # Mrs. Margaret GORRELL MAJ John O’BRIEN (Rtd) Mr. John WILSON GORRIE # Mr. Peter O’GRADY Dr. Phillip YUILE Mr. Gordon GRANT MiD Mr. Barry O’KEEFE Mr. Jim ZORBAS

+ 2/5th Australian Field Ambulance # Associate 5

Brian HOGAN (Our Honorary Chaplain) was a good friend and an old army mate. He was a most caring and compassionate man as many of our sick members would know. He would often call, phone or email a sick member to see how they were going and to offer his prayer of comfort and general good wishes. Brian passed away suddenly sometime in the late afternoon of the last day of September (30th). Strangely enough he rang me about 4.30pm, that afternoon, to have a chat and to tell me he had received the letter of ‘good wishes’, from our Association and that he was going to read it out at the 2/5th Field Ambulance reunion in mid October. He told me he was finishing off a load of washing in preparation of the eagerly awaited return of his wife, Sandra, from a 2-week visit to her ailing mother who lives in Perth. He intended picking her up about 7.30pm, from the Longwarry train station (about 200 metres from their home). It was not to be!

I received an email from Sandra, the following afternoon, to give me the sad news of Brian’s passing. She wrote that Brian was not at the station to meet her and she realised there was something wrong when she called his phones and only got an answering machine. She made her way home and found the house in darkness and, after searching, found Brian on the floor in the laundry. He had apparently died a few hours earlier from a heart attack.

Derek suggested, and our committee agreed, that I attend Brian’s funeral to represent our Association and to pass on to Sandra and their two sons, Timothy and Andrew, our heartfelt sorrow and condolences. When I emailed the funeral details to our members, one member in particular (who lives in Victoria, Rayda Noble), expressed her desire to attend to pay her respects because of the times that Brian had ‘counselled’ her when she was very ill. I contacted Rayda to say I would pick her up late on Thursday morning and then we could both attend Brian’s funeral at 2pm. Unfortunately it did not go to plan! My flight from Newcastle Airport was due out at 8am but because of fog we were delayed until after 10.30am! When I arrived at Tullamarine and picked up the hire car I then realised that I would have no hope of us being present at Brian’s funeral because I had an hour’s drive to Rayda’s home and then another hour’s drive to Longwarry.

We arrived at the Baptist Church Hall about 3.45pm hoping, at least, to be able to see Sandra. What a huge surprise to see so many people still in the hall long after the service had ended. I was so upset I did not get a chance to say a few words about Brian. Thankfully, we met with Sandra, Timothy and Andrew. They were so pleased to greet us. I missed seeing Brian’s brothers, Rodney (one of our Life Members) and Robert.

When I signed the “Attendance Book” I noticed this beautiful wreath of flowers, and when I read the card it was from the RAAMC Head of Corps, Brigadier Georgina Wheelan. This was a wonderful and thoughtful gesture. Brian’s ‘Service of Thanksgiving’ was a beautiful program. Eulogies were given by Brian and Sandra’s long time friends, Graeme MacRobb and Geoff Rowse (whom I did not get a chance to meet), as well as from his son Timothy and his wife, Sandra. (Sandra is going to send me a CD of the ‘Service’).

I had a laugh to myself (as many at the Service would have done also) when I read in the program, a note that Brian had stuck above his hospital bed when he was hospitalised some time back. It read...My name is Brian Hogan. Not “NIL by mouth”. To assist the hospital catering staff. Daily Menu for weeks 1-7. IMPERATIVE—ALL meals and snacks to be served with ice-cream. Breakfast: 3 sausages with BBQ sauce, 2 eggs, 3 slices of toast with vegemite, 1 X 1/2 Litre of Apple juice. Morning Tea: 1 cream donut, 1 X 1/2 litre of soda water. Lunch: 2 Meat Pies with sweet and sour sauce, 1 cream donut, 1/2 litre of ginger beer (non alcoholic). Afternoon Tea: 1 cream donut, 1/2 litre soda water. Dinner: 2 hamburgers with the lot, 1 medium serve of potato chips, 1/2 litre of ginger beer (non alcoholic). Evening Snack: 1 cream donut, 2 X 600mm of soda water OR 1/2 litre of ginger beer (non alcoholic). (Cont. on page 6) 6

(Cont. from page 5) Those of us who have seen Brian in the flesh would have had a laugh because he had outgrown his youthful figure from his army days to grow into a very big man.

I would have liked to have told his friends that he joined the CMF on the 14th October 1963 (when he was just over 17 years of age). He enlisted, as a mechanic, with 5 Field Ambulance when the depot was in Frenchmans Road, Randwick. He discharged with the rank of corporal on the 12th May 1966. Brian’s Corps was RAEME. He was awarded the Australian Defence Medal. Brian attended 3 Annual Camps with us.

He told me many years ago (after he ’found’ us on the web site and became a member of our Association in 2010) that the time he spent with 5 Field Ambulance helped ‘shape’ him in his life and were some of his most cherished memories of the friendships that were forged. I had the pleasure to print some of Brian’s life and army experiences in our WINTER Issue 2014.

He told me that one of his ‘highlights’ with our Association was to officiate at our unit’s Centenary Parade at Queens Park (Sydney) on the 15th March 2015 and afterwards, back at 5 CSSB depot in Banksmeadow. Brian, as you read above, was regarded as our motor mechanic even though he was probably still undergoing his apprenticeship. We sought him out to fix anything mechanical. He was well liked and nothing was a trouble. What a very sad loss for us and his family and many friends. He was 71 years of age. ——————————————— Steve DUBSKY was not a member of our Association. The RAAMC Association Inc. informed us, and others, that Steve had passed away on the 10th August after a long and debilitating illness. When the sad news was received, I notified our members as a matter of courtesy and received messages from some who knew Steve very well. Steve is survived by his wife Robyn and family.

Our Association, on behalf of our many members who knew or served with Steve, offer our sincere sympathies to Robyn and her family. Our member (and previous RSM of 1 Field Ambulance) Mick Carlson (top row-3rd from left and our Treasurer, Brian Tams, is also in this photo. He is the 1st on the right) kindly sent me the attached photo of the Subject 1, WO 11’s (ARES) Course of 1977 at Wacol (Qld) (Steve is seated the 4th from the right.) and asked if I might be able to put a few of Mick’s memories of a good friend.

Mick first met Steve at this WO 2 Course and they became good friends. He said Steve was so proud of his WO 11 badge that he had it sewn onto his PJ’s! The next time Mick met Steve was on an Annual Exercise when Steve was posted as RSM to 1 Field Ambulance. He would let Mick ‘run’ the unit and was always there to guide and assist him with any questions he had. Steve also allowed Mick to run the unit’s Annual Camps …”that was the sort of man he was. He was a very good instructor and mentor”

Mick remembers the Parade Night when Steve told him to come down to Sydney depot. Mick said in those days it was about a five hour drive to Sydney. Steve ordered the unit “On Parade” and then called Mick out “Front and Centre” and then proceeded to pin his WO 1 Badge of Rank on him. Steve then handed his Pace Stick to him to do some drill with the troops. Mick always remembers this moment as a wonderful honour from a person whom he considered a great man.

After the parade, Steve had organised a “Mess Party” to celebrate Mick’s elevation to Warrant Rank. He had to drink the customary “Yard Glass”!! And later drive 5 hours back home to the Hunter Valley. Mick wrote that …”thankfully there were no ‘booze buses’ back then”!

Mick wrote that Steve was a good mate of the unit Adjutant, Peter Hulsing. They had both served together for a while and they both eventually went to the School of Army Health. LEST WE FORGET ——————————————-

7

Welcome to the 2017 ‘SUMMER’ (Christmas)) Newsletter of the 5 Field Ambulance RAAMC Association. The Association has had a very full year as was the case in 2016. Our Secretary unfurled our Banner on ANZAC DAY, “AHS CENTAUR” Service at Concord Hospital in May, RESERVE FORCES DAY in July in Newcastle and Sydney, VP DAY in August and BATTLE FOR AUSTRALIA DAY at the Sydney Cenotaph in September. It was good to catch with our Association hierarchy Patron, Ray Hyslop OAM RFD, Secretary, Alan Curry OAM, Treasurer Brian Tams, and members Eileen Henderson OAM and Kevin Hurrell. Ray, Brian and I retired to the Legion’s Club in Barrack Street, for lunch and refreshments. See later in this newsletter for photographs and further details of this latter activity. It is with great sadness that we lost our Honorary Chaplain Brian Hogan suddenly on September 30th. Alan Curry attended the ceremony in and conveyed all of our condolences to his widow Sandra. Thanks Alan. I again attended the 11th of November “REMEMBRANCE - DAY CEREMONY” with Richmond RSL at the Richmond War Memorial. The participation of pupils from local schools was very moving. Colo High School read a poem for Remembrance Day entitled “A Tribute” Richmond High School’s theme was “Remembrance” In 2014 Bob Ollier, manager of Fenland District Council’s Parks & Open Spaces department (UK), said the safety program is to ensure unstable memorials don’t fall and potentially injure or kill people. A particularly unstable memorial was brought to the attention of Stu Jones, secretary RAAMC Association and Theo Dechaufepie, the then President of RAAMC Association and also President of RAAMC Inc. The ‘unstable’ memorial to be “laid down” was the one of Surgeon-Major William James Gutherie Bedford, who died in 1902. In the 1870’s Britain decided that Australia was now in a position to defend itself and withdrew the British Army garrison. An Australian army was formed, initially consisting of a battery of artillery and a company of soldiers to defend it. They needed a medical officer and William James Gutherie Bedford became the first officer of what would become the Royal Australian Army Medical Corps. He held the position for several years and returned to England on his retirement, until his wife died. He remarried and they moved to Doddington-Coney House down Benwick Road-where he died a few years later My brother Colin acted in negotiations with the Fenland Council and contacted a local stone-mason to quote on a new monument. Stu Jones forwarded the price quoted and RAAMC Association Members subscribed to meet the cost. Without my brothers chasing Stu recons the project would have failed. Colin Cannon was visiting us during November and the photographs below show the memorial of concern and the new memorial thanks to the members of RAAMC Inc. The mixed annual luncheon was a great success. 26 adults and 2 kids were in attendance. The camaraderie was excellent. I thank Sandra Hogan for saying grace and Tomas Hamilton for proposing the Loyal Toast. See later in this Newsletter for photographs and further details. To all our long-time and recently enlisted members and with constant thought for our sick, Edna and I wish you all the very best for Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year. Good reading and I hope to see many of you, joining our ranks on ANZAC DAY April 2018. The photos attached show ‘before’ and ‘after’ restoration. Derek Cannon (Cont. Page 8) 8

(Cont. from Page 7)

5 HEALTH COMPANY REPORT As the year draws to a close we, at 5 Health Company, reflect on a busy and exciting training year. I thank all of the 5 Health Company members for their valuable service throughout 2017. In August we deployed as part of a Combat Service Support Team exercise within the Holsworthy Training Area. The exercise was valuable at all levels. The OC Health undertook the role of ADMIN COY commander, and a number of the junior Lieutenant Nursing Officers, worked as Platoon Commanders. It was excellent preparation for the second 5 Brigade Exercise, EX TELOPEA WALK, held at Singleton Training Area in September. During EX TELOPEA WALK, CAPT Charlton undertook the role of HLTH COY Commander, in which she and her team performed to an extremely high standard and managed several highly complex scenarios. In October we held the first joint training weekend with the 1st Health Company, who are now under the command of 5 Brigade. We conducted a mass casualty theoretical training activity and then followed this up with a practical field weekend in November, to consolidate our skills. Looking forward to the end of the year, we have a range weekend in December before a reduced tempo period and several of our members are aboard HMAS Canberra undertaking a joint training activity with the . Congratulations to LCPL Rhyse Vaughn for being awarded a Soldier’s Medallion, for the consistently high standard of his performance over the past two years, well done. From all at 5 Health Company, we wish you each a safe and merry festive season. Regards AJ Currie MAJOR OC 5 Health Company 5 Combat Service Support Battalion

When I married Mr. Right I had no idea his first name was Always 9 Message from the Secretary

To all our loyal members, especially our sick and hospitalised ones, I wish you all a safe, happy and joyous Christmas with all your loved ones. As you read this we will be well and truly into our hot and dry summer months so make sure you stay cool and comfortable.

You will read in this issue that I had the honour of attending the VP Ceremony in August and the Flag-Raising Ceremony and the Battle For Australia Ceremony in September ( I apologise for heading our last Issue (SPRING) as “Battle OF Australia” -It should have read “FOR” not ‘of’. I thank our member, Jenny Weir, for asking me if it had been changed!)

I had the pleasure of being invited to the 1st Field Ambulance Association Formal Dinner, by their Patron (and our member) Stuart Jones. It was held in their “Mess” (which was situated in the grounds of the North Sydney Education Centre of Macquarie Hospital in Wicks Road, North Ryde) on Saturday evening 2nd September, 1800hrs. I had a wonderful evening in the company of many friends. It was a credit to Stuart and his wife, Sue, and daughter Sarah, for all the preparatory work they do to ensure the evening went well. I know that all who attended had a wonderful time.

Ruth and I had a very nice visit from a couple of our members. John and Maureen Weaver in early October. They were staying in Salamander Bay for a short stay and we invited them to our home in our retirement village in Anna Bay, to have a ‘cuppa’ and ‘catch up’! Later in the month I received a call from our treasurer, Brian Tams and his wife, Gail. They had brought their caravan up to Nelson Bay for a week so we organised to have a nice lunch at our son (Greg) and daughter-in-law’s (Niki) café in Morpeth (“The Servants Quarters”). It was good to see them all.

I had the honour to give a Citation at my RSL Sub Branch’s Remembrance Day Commemoration. I spoke about a RAAF Pilot, William Newton, who was the only recipient of the Victoria Cross in the RAAF, in the Pacific Theatre in WW 2.

Ruth and I had a wonderful afternoon at our Annual Luncheon on the 25th November. It was a chance to ‘catch up’ with members and friends of our Association.

What a fearful concern is the North Korean situation. Surely its allies, Russia and China, must be also be concerned as events escalate. We are in the hands of very powerful world leaders and their decisions, if made wrongly, will have far-reaching effects on mankind. GRANDPARENTS! (With kind thanks to my Email friends) The message on their Answering Machine! "Thank you for ringing. We are not home at present but please press one of the following after the beep” PRESS 1 if you are one of our children and then select the option 1 to 5 in order of “arrival” so we know which one of you it is. PRESS 2 if you need us to mind the children. PRESS 3 if you want to borrow the car. PRESS 4 if you want us to do your laundry and ironing. PRESS 5 if you want the grandchildren to sleep here tonight. PRESS 6 if you want us to pick up the kids after school. PRESS 7 if you want us to prepare a meal for Sunday and have it delivered to your home. PRESS 8 if you want to come here to eat. PRESS 9 if you need money. If you are going to invite us to dinner, or take us to the movies, start talking….we are listening‼! 10

“BIVOUAC OF THE DEAD” (Theodore O’Hara- 1847) Twas in that hour his stern command called The drum’s sad role has beat the soldiers to a martyr’s grave. last tattoo; The flower of his beloved land the nation's no more on Life’s parade shall meet that flag to save. brave and fallen few. By rivers of their father's gore his firstborn On fame’s eternal camping ground their laurels grew, silent tents to spread. and well he deemed the sons would pour And glory guards, with solemn round the their lives for glory too. bivouac of the dead. For many a mother’s breast has swept o’er No rumour of the foe’s advance now swells Angostura’s plain- upon the wind, and long the pitying sky has wept above its nor troubled thought at midnight, haunts of moldered slain. loved ones left behind. The raven’s scream, or eagle’s flight, or No vision of the morrow's strife the warrior’s shepherd’s pensive lay. dreams alarms; Alone awakes each sullen height that no braying horn or screaming fife at dawn frowned o’er that dread fray. shall call to arms. Sons of the Dark and Bloody Ground ye Their shrivelled swords are red with rust, must not slumber there their plumed heads are bowed, Where stranger steps and tongues resound Their haughty Banner, trailed in dust, is now along the heedless air. their martial shroud. Your own proud land’s heroic soil shall be And plenteous funeral tears have washed your fitter grave. the red stains from each brow. She claims from war his richest spoil-the And the proud forms, by battle gashed are ashes of her brave. free from anguish now. Thus ‘neath their parent turf they rest, far The neighing troop, the flashing blade, the from the gory field. bugle’s stirring blast, Born to a Spartan mother's breast on many the charge, the dreadful cannonade, the din a bloody shield. and shout, are past, The sunshine of their native sky smiles nor war’s wild note, nor glory’s peal, shall sadly on them here, thrill with fierce delight, and kindred eyes and hearts watch by the those breasts that nevermore may feel the heroes Sepulchre. rapture of the fight. Rest on embalmed and sainted dead! Dear Like the fierce Northern hurricane in that as the blood ye gave, sweeps the great plateau. no impious footstep here shall tread the Flushed with triumph, yet to gain, come herbage of your grave, down the serried flow. nor shall you will glory be forgot while Fame Who heard the thunder of the fray break o’er her record keeps, the field beneath. for honour points the hallowed spot with Knew the watchword of the day was valour proudly sleeps. “Victory or Death”. Yon marble minstrel’s voiceless stone in Long had the doubtful conflict raged, o’er all deathless song shall tell, that stricken plain. when many a vanquished ago has flown, the For never fiercer fight had waged the story how ye fell, vengeful blood of Spain; nor wreck, nor change, nor winter’s blight, And still the storm of battle blew, still nor time’s remorseless doom, swelled the glory tide, Can dim one ray of glory’s light that gilds Not long, our stout old Chieftain knew, such your deathless tomb. odds his strength could bide. (Kind Thanks to our Email friends)

------Paddy decides to take up boxing and goes for his required medical. A few days later his doctor rings him and says “Hi Paddy, it’s your doctor. You realise you’ve got sugar diabetes”. Paddy says “Nice one Doc. When do I fight him”?

Artificial Intelligence is no match for natural stupidity 11

VP DAY AT THE KOKODA TRACK MEMORIAL WALKWAY-Summary) What another memorable occasion. The KTMW committee, through M/s Alice Kang the Director of Marketing and Community Relations at Concord Hospital (Sydney), sent us an Invitation to attend their yearly service, at 2pm, to remember the events that led to the end of the war against Japan, on 15th August 1945, known as VP (Victory in the Pacific) Day.

A large crowd was in attendance and all were seated and under cover. The MC was John Gatfield who introduced the Official Party as they arrived. The Guest Speaker was Professor The Honourable Dame Marie Bashir AD CVO who presented the memorable speech printed below.

Our Banner was proudly held by pupils from St Patricks High School in Strathfield. The band was the NSW Corrective Services and they did a magnificent job.

All those present were shown, on a large screen, most interesting historical ‘highlights’ of RAAF operations, during WW 2, of the Middle East and the Pacific regions. These ‘Reflections’ went for about 10 minutes and preceded the Wreath Laying Ceremony which mainly involved the Official Party.

At the conclusion of the service there were sandwiches etc and tea/coffee available to all.

We thank our members, Fred Bell, Michael Moroney and Michael Ali OAM, who were able to be present.

The School pupils (from St Patricks) holding our Banner are Toby Pickett and Will Halloran.

The two members with our Banner are Michael Moroney and Fred Bell.

SPEECH AT THE VP DAY SERVICE KOKODA TRACK MEMORIAL WALKWAY – CONCORD (With kind thanks to PROFESSOR THE HON. DAME MARIE BASHIR AD CVO) Members past and present of Australia’s defence forces, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, young Australians, friends. It is a deeply felt privilege to stand here before you all today as we gather, united by a deep sense of gratitude, to celebrate the anniversary of the ending of a terrible war, - a war which touched the lives of all Australians. May I at this point also record my respect for the traditional custodians of this land upon which we are gathered, - the Gadigal people of the Eora nation, - indeed for all Australia’s indigenous people, their ancestors and descendants, who have nurtured our great continent for tens of thousands of years. As the news broke on August 15, 1945 that the Pacific war was over, Australia’s joy was boundless. Many Australians still recall that the second world war had been a time of exceptional loss and cruelty. It had cost the lives of almost 40,000 Australians, from a population of only seven million at the time. Around 17,000 had died in the war against Japan, serving in Malaya, , the Netherlands East Indies, , Borneo and the Philippines, often in the most appalling conditions which struck at the heart of their fellow Australians. Eight thousand had died in captivity as prisoners of war, from brutality, starvation and disease. And from the suffering and memories of the survivors, a unique chapter in Australia’s history is enshrined. We must never forget those dark days of 1942, when Australia faced invasion, Darwin and Broome were bombed, Newcastle shelled, enemy submarines entered Sydney harbour, and one of our ships of the merchant navy was torpedoed just off Nambucca Heads. …..(Continued on Page 12) 12

(Cont. from Page 11) And so many of the children attending school in Sydney were evacuated to caring homes in rural New South Wales. However, the epic of Kokoda was a critical turning point in the (Pacific) war when a troop of only 400 young Australians fought a monumental, rear-guard action against 6,000 of the enemy across an arduous terrain. Their extreme courage prevented the enemy’s access to , within easy striking distance of our nation. We remember, - must always remember with eternal gratitude, the compassionate loyalty and skill of those New Guinean villagers, the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels. We welcome their representatives to this commemoration each year with gratitude and affection in our hearts. This nation will never forget them. It is integral to our sense of honour and to our identity as a mature nation, that these epic events are commemorated. And our indebtedness to those who turned impending catastrophe into victory must be taught to all Australian children down the generations. It must never be forgotten. We commemorate, and honour also, all our indigenous veterans, who from across our land, have served in virtually every conflict and peace-keeping mission in which Australia has participated. Indeed, many hundreds of indigenous men, including Torres Strait Islanders, enlisted in World War Two, serving in the 2nd AIF and militia with immense courage and distinction, supporting our nation’s defence.It is important to remember also that Australian men and women had served alongside British and Indian forces in Malaya and Burma, and in the Pacific fleet. Their contribution was considerable, providing a secure base for the united states in the South West Pacific, from Papua New Guinea to the Solomons and Philippines into Japan. From this shared baptism of fire, a much valued alliance has grown. Through that war and the deeds of our serving men and women, Australia subsequently entered a new and significant phase of its history with its Asian neighbours. Australian service men and women had encountered people of Asia in virtually every part of the region, in some settings as prisoners of war, and in others as liberators. In remembering, with endless gratitude, the sacrifice of our military men and women of those years, and before them in World War 1, we contemplate today the precious inheritance of freedom, the good and bountiful Australian way of life, and the unique character which have flourished. Lest we forget. ------

AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL FLAG DAY-3rd SEPTEMBER-(Summary) Our Government promulgated the 3rd of September as National Flag Day. It was inaugurated in 1901 after the Federation was formed and this was when it was first flown. Because this year’s National Flag Day was on a Sunday, and it also coincided with Fathers Day, their Association decided to celebrate it on Friday the 1st. Unfortunately many of their members were unaware of this change and it diminished the wonderful spectacle they would have enjoyed had they been present.

Our member, Noel Christensen, organised with the National Flag Association many months ago to stage a memorable re-enactment of an Australian Flag-Raising incident commemorating a WW 1 event which occurred in August 1917. It was after the first battle of the Menin Road in Belgium.

Fierce fighting by the Australian troops, and in particular the soldiers from the 18th Battalion of the 5th Brigade, won a battle. Witnesses saw a young Lieutenant Arthur Hull, clutching an Australian flag, run forward to an upstairs ’captured in blood, German redoubt’ and firmly plant the Australian Flag into the bombed rubble. No picture was ever taken of this event, however when word filtered back to Australia a post card was produced and sold as a ’war bond fund-raiser’ !

Noel is to be commended for the immense effort he undertook to get permission to use the Martin Place (Sydney) amphitheatre (from 11am to Noon) to stage the ‘Re-Enactment’ and then to contact as many of Lt Arthur Hull’s relatives to invite them to the event and also the services of the 18 Bn Re-Enactment group as well as a photographer, an MC, and the wonderful presence of the school band from Woolooware High School. It was an honour to have our Banner on display because 5 Field Ambulance was the medical component for 5 Brigade which also comprised the 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th Inf Bns. (Continued on page 13) 13

(cont. from page 12) Noel also asked if I would bring our WW 1 Bugle (Presented to our Association from the 2/5th Field Ambulance Association in 2008) so that the bugler from Woolooware High School could ‘simulate’ the sounding of the LAST POST. It was a very special spectacle to be present at.

During all the preparatory work that Noel worked on, he received some lovely replies from some relatives of Lt Arthur Hull. Alison Hine was one who wrote to Noel about Arthur. She said the family always called him by his ‘nick- name’ of “Stid” because as a young child he had a team of toy horses and would give the command ”Steady, Steady” which came out as “Stiddy, Stiddy”! She said all of his nieces and nephews were born well after his death but they all knew about him. As a child, the picture of the flag-raising was there. Alison’s mother was the youngest of nine children of Walter and Rose Hull and ‘Stid’ was her eldest brother (old enough to be her father) and she had a 6 year old’s recollection of how sad it was when they received the news of Arthur’s death.

In 2015, Alison joined a “Battlefield Tour” of the Australian’s 1917-18 campaign including the 100 year ANZAC Service at Villiers-Bretonneau (it rained) and the Menin Gate Service. She also visited her uncle ‘Stid’s’ grave at Dochy Farm Cemetery. Alison wrote that, later, when she was in Bayeux, she met a Belgium couple and she told them why she was there. The next day the couple (Johan and Veerle) asked if Alison would mind if they could visit and tend to Arthur’s grave. Alison gladly gave them the details. The following Remembrance Day, the Belgium couple sent Alison a photograph of them at the tended grave site, with the assurance that their daughters would continue to tend Arthur’s grave site, even after they pass on! Alison closed off saying …”Apart from the absence of gum trees, the land adjoining Dochy Farm Cemetery is not so different from the land he left behind. Quiet farmland, with a tractor moving along in the near distance. Uncle Stid travelled a long way to find a resting place similar to the one he would have had at home.”

Victoria Harrington was another relative of Lt Arthur ‘Stid’ Hull. She wrote back to Noel to ask if he had heard of, or accessed, the book “Melody of God” written by Desmond Mountjoy. Desmond got to know Arthur in the Summer of 1917 when Arthur was training to become an officer. Desmond had written this book about a number of soldiers from the Empire, as it was known then. Victoria’s mother often quoted from Desmond’s book and she wrote below some her favourite passages…. “A rush to Waterloo Station to catch the early afternoon express to Salisbury after a tiresome morning spent at a War Office conference. As I hastened up the platform I was greeted by a sturdy, lithe Australian soldier with the largest, fattest and most friendly of smiles. A very sunburned face, clean shaven like all the Australians, an extraordinarily fine set of white teeth, dusky hair and frank eyes the colour of a jade green sea; eyes that had looked long on sun-drenched far horizons and captured and kept their beauty and their truth—all this made up an unforgettable picture of happy friendliness.

In the course of my job I met hundreds of officers every week and more than once had met practically every officer in the 3rd Division then on Salisbury Plain, but who this particular one was I had not the slightest notion, though evidently he knew me well. The purple and green diamond-shaped badge on his shoulder said 18th Bn but at that time that Battalion was with the 2nd Australian Division in France. We talked all the way and long before we reached Andover where he had to get out for Perham Down Camp, I knew all about him, who he was, where we had met before. In addition I obtained a complete account of his career as a cadet at Oxford and a glimpse into his home life in far away New South Wales.

We did not part, you may be sure, without arranging an early meeting and as I waved to him standing on the station the sun seemed to me to have set for the day.

I found this backwoods boy who knew and loved literature and animals and had a passionate love for nature in all her moods. As we talked the immediate surroundings disappeared and we were together in New South Wales. I saw the loved homestead where his brothers and sisters dwelt, the little farm not very far away from it which was his very own. (Cont on page 14) 14

(Cont from page 13) He said “I can see the very earliest signs of the springing corn (wheat?) I can see it rise in the little green waves that mean so much to me.” Then there were the mountains he loved.

Stid spoke of home, of France and happy hours with his best beloved comrade, Little Jim. It was at the Signal Depot, Camp in Australia and Jim was getting through his first day in the elementary squad. During an interval he was clumsily practising the ‘figure eight’ when he was offered help by Stid who, from the wide experience gained by a whole week of signalling, felt he must help a newcomer. Jim thought Stid was the kindest chap he had ever met. They walked in the bush together, talked and talked, went to town, visited Stid’s little aunt at Mangrove Mountain on the Central Coast of NSW. The link was only broken—that is if it ever was broken—by death. Egypt, ANZAC Cove (at Hill 60 their section had 5 men left out of 20), Armentiers, Ypres—I heard it all.

Then, inspired by the peace around us, we turned once more to our books. It was there and then I tried him high, higher than I dared to try many of my admittedly literary friends. Taking up one of the most beautiful , human and true and understanding books that have appeared in my time. I read aloud. The Australian soldier boy who instinctively recognised the great truth and beauty of these passages thereby proved his kinship with the elect; he understood the meaning of beauty, sorrow sin and life and understanding was unafraid of them as he was of death.

Then on to camp where I handed him over in good time to the Commandant. In the presence of many others the last handclaps and the last casual-looking good-bye. I had very few letters from him in France as he went out early in August and was killed in October (9th), Paschendale. Those I did receive were about his work and his men, both of which he passionately loved. He was humble-minded and always trying to improve himself. It is almost impertinent to say he died gallantly.

He was a typical Australian soldier boy. He was sincere and direct as sunlight , as simple and unpretentious as a wayside flower. I never heard him talk of heroes or of being a hero or longing for chances of undertaking heroic stunts. Yet when the opportunity came to inspire his men at a critical moment he instinctively took it. There was a job wanted doing and he was there to do his best. He sleeps somewhere in France (Belgium) and away in Australia the little farm is vacant and he climbs no more the windmill top to see how grows the corn (wheat?). He is ever to us a fragrant memory, a quenchless inspiration, a reward for what we have endured, a pledge that however lonely here we shall no longer be alone when, like him, we too ‘go west’”.

Victoria closed off her message saying..”I trust this will give you an idea of the character of the man, the uncle we never knew, but somehow, in a way we all know 100 years later.” 15

DECEMBER JANUARY FEBRUARY Bob BUTLER Fred BELL Sam ALEXANDER Noel CHRISTENSEN Theresa CICERO Adrienne FOLEY Ray BORG Olive DODD Don JARMAN Ross BROWN AM George DONNELLY Ann JONES Dr. Harding BURNS OAM Stuart DOYLE Colin KLINE Jim CHAPMAN Dr. Andrew ELLIS OAM Dr. Ted KRAMER OAM Laurie FARRUGIA Alen LUCIC Greg CURRY Ed HUNG Paul NICHOLLS Gavin DRISCOLL Ernest JOHNSON "Bill" O'KEEFE Tony EVANS Mike O'KEEFFE Adriana LINDSAY Brett FERRARI Steve PARIS Maureen LIVINGSTON Barry PERIGO George HARRIS Robert LOVE Ken PHILLIPS OAM Dr. Ray HYSLOP OAM Nick MARSHALL Cath SALMON Robert LIKEMAN Noel MOULDER Frank SKINNER Michael MORONEY Dr. Phillip McGRATH Dr. Stephen STEIGRAD Marion NEWMAN Barry O'KEEFE Chris STRODE Peter PAISLEY Chris O'REILLY Trevor TAYLOR Rhyse VAUGHN Heather PERIGO Neville ROTHFIELD OAM Ian WHITE Mick ROWLEY Brian TAMS David WILKINSON Peter SULLIVAN Warwick WILKINSON AO Dr. Peter TRALAGGAN Noel TAME Margaret WOODHEAD Kate VERCOE

FUND-RAISING EFFORT FOR 2017

On behalf of our committee I sincerely thank all those members who either bought some $1 raffle tickets or donated money throughout the year to assist in the upkeep of our quarterly Newsletters. Your most welcome contributions are very much appreciated. I have made a fuller report on Page 34 about our Annual “Mixed”Reunion. (Alan)

APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE

(SEE PAGE 3—Alan Curry OAM CONTACT DETAILS) If you would like to join 5 Field Ambulance Association you would be made most welcome. You may have served in the unit on a previous occasion. You may feel there is a ‘connection’ between you and our Association even though you may not have served in the ADF. You are welcome. The cost is $15 per year. This entitles you to participate by telling us your story, participate in our activities and to receive our quarterly newsletter. For the RAAMC Association Inc. Are you serving OR have you served in a Medical Unit, in any capacity? This Association is a “Band of Brothers and Sisters” and is FREE to join (unless you offered a small donation to cover admin costs). Our Association encourages our members to join.

***Advertisement in shop! ….Guitar, for sale...Cheap...no strings attached. 16

The last Chaplain’s Corner

by our much loved, and recently departed, Honorary Chaplain

So this is Christmas ! Australia is, at the time of writing, undergoing a series of competing ideologies. For some, it is asking for recognition under our national Marriage act. Yet others see this as a threat to free speech with parental authority being subverted to political ideologies in the education system. (Hitler, Starlin, Mao did this in their nations). Recently, concerns have been raised in relation to changing the date of Australia Day to appease the feelings of those who are offended by it. Well the list could go on ad-infinitum with people arguing about what is in, and what should be deleted from our national social calendar. I would like to think that in the future, whatever shape that takes, we will still maintain our national days as they appear at the present. For our national days remind us of from whence we came, and who we are as a people. Our national days need to be taught to those who immigrate to our shores, so that they understand our heritage. In so doing, we can learn of their culture and their heritage. It’s a two way street. Yet how to do this and maintain our Australian constitution and Laws will need wise heads and excellent national leadership. Our national days tell the story about us. It is a shame that we are going through a stage where political correctness appears to have a desire to obliterate or rewrite and reshape our past history, both the good and the bad. When that becomes the reality then we shall be the poorer for it. We need to consider the basic story behind the days we commemorate. ANZAC and Remembrance Day remind us of the futility of war, and yet as a nation we will defend the integrity of those who are oppressed (hopefully this will remain true). It is a lesson we continually need to learn. But it reminds us of people who exerted themselves in the face of hardship and danger to serve the welfare of others, while risking their own lives. Australia Day reminds us that our convict past started in this land because a corrupt government wanted to off-load its riff-raff. Sadly in many incidences it didn’t recognise the original inhabitants. We should not forget that in some cases our currency lads and lasses made friendships with the local aborigines and thus learned how to survive in this land. Then there is the lesson of Christmas and Easter. It is a story that emanates from Israel. It is a story about a baby that was born to die. It is a story of a man who reveals the character of the Creator of the universe. It is the story of how one man has affected the history of nations over the past 2000 years. Some have called him the Man you can’t ignore. His name is Jesus. We can’t forget his words for he said, “There is no greater love than this that a man lay down his life for a friend”. His name and character has been abused and used as a means to curse others. Yet more books have been written about him than any other person.. He has been the inspiration of artist and painters, and much of their work has been focussed on his birth and his murder on a cross. The lesson about Jesus is that He came to share His life and death and resurrected life for each of us. It is His gift and He asks us to accept him. As we enter 2018 enjoy what it will bring. Make it your New Year’s promise to keep alive our national days and the story each day has to tell. Brian Hogan- Honorary Chaplain (Brian had written this (and one other which I will place in our ANZAC Newsletter of 2018), a few days before he suddenly passed away from a heart attack. He is now safe in the arms of our Lord.)

17

BATTLE FOR AUSTRALIA COMMEMORATION-2017-(Summary) This Commemoration is remembered right around our country, in every capital city and small township. This day was promulgated by our government, in 2008, to be commemorated on the first Wednesday of September. It is the third most significant event of our country’s war history to keep being remembered, it comes after ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day. It is not a Public Holiday.

Our younger generation would not remember the trepidation and anguish, felt by their parents, that led up to the assault on our country in February 1942. Darwin was bombed many times, mercilessly, by the Imperial Japanese Army. The attacks and casualty lists were ‘censored’ by our government, at that time, for security reasons.

It came in the wake of the ‘surprise’ attack on the US Naval base in Hawaii in December 1941, and then Singapore was captured in early February 1942, (our soldiers in the 8th Division were made captives to the brutal Japanese invaders for the remainder of war) followed by the air raids on Darwin.

Our Prime Minister at the time (), wrote to the President of the US to request assistance and he gave it in the form of General Douglas MacArthur. He was designated Commander-in-Chief of all Allied forces in the South Pacific region. We could not get help at this dire time, from Britain, because they had their backs to the wall in fierce fighting against Nazi Germany and its allies. Our armed forces of the Army, Navy and Air Force and just about every man and woman back in Australia did their job—some more than others—during the Battle for Australia between the uncertain and fateful years- 1942/43.

I unfurled our Association’s Banner in Martin Place in Sydney and we sat and listened to the MC, Mr. Darren Mitchell, as he outlined the program. The President of the BFA Association NSW, Group Capt. Doug Roser (Ret’d) welcomed all the distinguished guests which included our State Governor’s representative. The main “Address” was presented by COL Glenn Ryan CSC and Bar, HQ Forces Command.

I would like to mention here that our member and the past President of the NSW BFA Assn, MAJGEN Warren Glenny AO was a noticeable absence—due to a bad car accident he suffered a few months back. Warren was hospitalised with five broken ribs, pelvis and back injuries which had him hospitalised and in rehabilitation for a few months. Thankfully, Warren is now back home and strongly recuperating.

I would like to thank the members who were present; Our President, Derek Cannon, Our Patron, Ray Hyslop OAM, our Treasurer, Brian Tams, Bob Pink OAM, Kevin Hurrell, Eileen Henderson OAM and Ron Webb. Those who were able, adjourned to the “Legions Club” for lunch. ——————————— A woman applied for a job at a lemon orchard. “Look Miss, asked the owner, have you had any actual experience in picking lemons”? “Well, as a matter of fact, yes!” she replied. “I’ve been divorced three times” 18 MESSAGES FROM MEMBERS Ross SMITH sends his good wishes to all in our Association. He wrote that he often reflects on the many good times throughout his life. He has enjoyed (and is still enjoying) a wonderful life with his wife, Jean, his civilian jobs, his motor cars and all the good mates he served with in during WW 2.

He recently rang his wartime buddy, Charlie Dobson. (Charlie is also the father-in-law of our eldest son (and Associate Member) Stephen) Charlie lives in Port Macquarie, they have been very good mates for over 70 years. Ross and Jean are very happy and comfortable in their retirement home in the War Vet’s Village in Narrabeen (Sydney). Ross signed off…”Ross the dreamer”. (Thank you Ross for your letter and support. I hope to ‘catch up’ with you and Jean as soon as I can make it. This time I will phone you and make sure you are home!! All the best to you and Jean) —————————————— Gordon GRANT wrote to thank us for our magazines. Our SPRING Issue waiting for him after he returned from a two weeks trip to . Gordon reflected on the “Centaur” tragedy which he read with interest.

In 1963, when he was in Gympie (Qld), Gordon had the honour of meeting the CO of the Field Ambulance who was on the “Centaur” (he could not recall his name) which was on its way to New Guinea. The ex CO had established a medical practice in Gympie after he discharged from active military service, after WW2.

Gordon also wrote that years later he met the heroic nurse, Eleanor Savage. She was given recognition for her very caring efforts in attending to the very severely wounded. They were floundering in the ocean, hours after the sinking of the “Centaur”. When Gordon was the RSM of 2nd Military Hospital at Ingleburn (NSW), he wrote an article in the Monthly Magazine (in the 1970’s) about Eleanor Savage who was living in Sydney, in retirement.

Gordon wrote that his two weeks spent touring in Thailand ‘opened his eyes’. He does not think he will go back (now he is in his 80’s) because he now knows why 50,000 mature (and some very old) men visit Pataya, in particular, with one thing on their mind!

Gordon closed off saying he rang his old mate, Mick Carlson. They had some good memories. (Thank you Gordon for your letter and support. I hope when you read this you are in good health and spirits) ——————————————- Don WALKER sends his good wishes to all in our Association. He enjoys reading all the news in our magazines. (Thank you Don, for your support. I hope this finds you in good health.) ————————————— Brian HARTLEY wrote to pass on his good wishes to all in our Association. He enjoys all the news and articles in our newsletters and was sorry they are unable to join us for some of our activities. I sent an email to Brian in mid September, to let him know of the 2/5th Annual Reunion Luncheon in October, in case he would like to attend. (Thank you Brian for your purchases and support. I was pleased to read that you and wife, June, are in good health.) ————————————- Rob STEWART wrote to pass on his good wishes to everyone in the Association. He also informed us that he and his mate, David, decided to sell their properties and move to a Retirement Village in Ainslie in the ACT. Rob said the opportunity to move to this village came sooner than anticipated but he was glad he made the decision to move. Their villa is one of eleven, on the perimeter of four-storey unit blocks and set in very pleasant grounds.

He said the interior is quite spacious (enough to contend with!) and has a garden in the front and a courtyard at the back. He said the Aged Care is only a ’jump’ across their boundary fence.

Rob said there were numerous activities available and if one wants a change from preparing meals, the Ainslie Football Club is close by. (Continued on Page 19) 19

(Continued from Page 18) He is looking forward to attending a concert presented by the band from RMC Duntroon. There was an ‘Open Day’ at the Military College on the 16th September. (Thank you Rob for your very welcome card and your desire to get our future quarterly newsletters via the PDF when your computer is up and running. We hope when you read this you and David will be well ‘settled in’ with all the unpacking done. We hope you will be happy in your new surroundings.) ———————————— Warren BARNES OAM sends his kind regards and best wishes to all his friends in our Association. He is involved in a number of organisations, not the least being one of our committee members. Warren is the Assistant Manager of the Singleton Army Base Museum, he is also the NSW State Secretary of the Defence Reserves Association, the current President of the 4th Inf Bn Assn, and appointed as the Regimental Warrant Officer of the RNSW Regt.

Warren was most helpful recently in giving me some contacts regarding obtaining disused army Ordnance for my RSL Sub Branch. (Thank you Warren for your good wishes and assistance. I hope this finds you enjoying your retirement. One door shuts and another one opens!!) ————————————— Rayda NOBLE enjoys reading our newsletters and then passing them on to her friends. She sends her good wishes to her friends in our Association.

She was most grateful that I was able to pick her up and drive her to Brian Hogan’s funeral, in October, and bring her back home afterwards. She has some beautiful memories of her dad which has ‘pride of place’ on her memorabilia table. Most of her time is presently taken up in collating the history of the Junior Rats of Tobruk (Victoria) with great help from the editor of the Tobruk House News, Graham Gibson.

She wrote that her son, Shaun, and his family recently had a 4-day break and they flew to Darwin. Rayda said they would normally travel places in their Goldstream RV caravan because Shaun owns the company which makes these types of caravans at his factory in Pakenham (Vic) and he likes to promote his company in this way. Rayda used to do the office work and still misses the happy banter of the workers. Rayda said they visited the War Museum in Darwin. She told Shaun that her dad, Charles Prain, worked in Darwin for 6 months in 1946, after he was discharged from the 2/1st Australian Field Workshops, at the end of WW 2. He worked with his old boss (Don Speed) to ‘salvage’ trucks from around the bush near Darwin. Her dad was a ‘self-taught’ motor mechanic.

Rayda’s friend, Robyn, took her to the animal shelter to get another dog. It is a 10 year old beautiful little terrier and his name is “Andy”. She was in two minds about taking on another dog because her previous dog was a lovely Rottweiler .named “Shelley”

Rayda had her for 13 years and was heart-broken when she died in 2013. When she saw “Andy” she had a change of heart. The photo shows a beaming Rayda with the animal shelter carer nursing a very contented looking “Andy” .

Since “Andy” has been home he escaped once and Rayda chased him (in her PJ’s) and brought him back home. They are both good now! (Thank you Rayda, for your emails and other news. I hope when you read this you are in good health and “Andy” is being a good boy. I think you have found another wonderful companion) ——————————————- Ian PFENNIGWERTH passes on his good wishes to all in our Association. He replied to one of our emails, after he returned from a very restful cruise around the Pacific, and commented about the book cover attachment I had sent. It was from Jan Thomas (Ed. of “Centaur "newsletter), about a new book called ”The Shipwreck Hunter”, written by . The short ‘blurb’ on the cover tells it’s about history, human stories and adventure on the high seas, as well as fascinating detective work. It covers such ships as HMAS Sydney, AHS Centaur, HMS Hood and Vasco de Gama’s 16th century fleet. (Cont. page 20) 20

(Cont from page 19) The book was launched in July at various venues around Australia and Ian was asked to ‘review’ it for the RUSI (Royal United Services Institute). Ian very kindly sent me his (below) ‘Review’ . The Shipwreck Hunter: A lifetime of extraordinary discovery and adventure in the deep seas by David L. Mearns. Allen & Unwin: Sydney; 2017; 400 pp.; ISBN 9781760295219 (paperback) RRP $32.99 (Reviewed by Ian Pfennigwerth-October 2017) Quite simply, this is an excellent book, which will appeal to a general readership not necessarily interested in the sea. Featuring the World War II cruiser HMAS Perth on its cover, Australians will find inside the story of finding the long-lost wrecks of the cruiser and its nemesis, the German raider Kormoran, both sunk in battle off the Western Australian coast in November 1941. David also describes his adventures in locating the wreck of the Australian Centaur, sunk by a Japanese submarine – in defiance of the rules of war – near in 1943. He was awarded an honorary OAM in 2010 for his work.

However, David’s book is much more than that. He describes the unlikely entry of a New Jersey boy into the specialised world of shipwrecks through marine biology post-graduate studies at the University of Southern Florida. Introduced to the amazing underwater world revealed by side-scanning sonar, a deep-water cruise capped off his studies and led to his hiring by the marine salvage company that had had a key role in recovering the wreckage of the space shuttle Challenger in 1986. Military demands drove the development of ever more sophisticated and deep-diving remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to recover objects from the sea floor but there was little impetus to improve the detection technology. That changed when David’s employer won the contract to search for a ship deliberately sunk in a fraud case in deep water off the Maldive Islands. In just five months, David and his team bought and built the equipment to search at 4000-metre depths.

As David reveals, the first of three main issues in finding a shipwreck – repeatedly stressed – is to look in the right place. Easier said than done, readers will be impressed by the depth (no pun intended) of research involved in finding the targets and David’s persistence in testing all the evidence, including official records. When there is little evidence or even widely divergent opinions – as in the case of Sydney/Kormoran – making the decision on the search area is a crucial one, affecting not only the client and the contractor but also those with personal involvement. It seems to be worse to fail to find the wreck than not to try.

The second issue is technology. The best (and most expensive) is not necessarily the enemy of the ‘good enough’, but the sonar pod, ‘flown’ well behind the towing ship and crucially dependent on the integrity of the tow cable, has got to be reliable and robust enough for the conditions in which it is to be used. Those familiar with employing maritime technology will sympathise with David’s description of ‘one of those days’ when everything that could go wrong did and his sonar had to be practically rebuilt from scratch – as the clock ticked, and heave a sigh of relief as his team gingerly recover the tow as its cable’s steel outer cover starts disintegrating. They will also agree with David’s observation that ‘The one thing you can count on at sea is that when everything starts to turn against you, bad weather will arrive to really compound the problems’.

The third issue is the planning and conduct of the search. Coaxing the sonar pod to fly accurately along the planned track while it is several miles behind the towing ship requires both excellent control and good seamanship. When the sea floor is ridged with significant ‘hills’, ensuring the towed body safely clears them adds another dimension of concern. A collision not only means the loss of an expensive tool but the end of the search.

Early in his shipwreck finding career, David recognised that, in most cases, he would be dealing with loss of life, sometimes very significant. Thousands of men died in the sinking of ships like HMS Hood, the German battleship Bismarck, and in Sydney/Kormoran, but his most poignant case was the disappearance of the very large bulk carrier MV Derbyshire south of Japan in a typhoon in 1980. There were no survivors from the 44 people onboard and it took 14 years of lobbying of Government by their relatives to launch an attempt to discover why she sank. David and his team were shocked by the disintegration of this huge ship their cameras discovered, and the analysis of the cause of her loss was even more chilling. As the crew located in the after superstructure must have watched, their ship filled with water from the bows as its hatch covers were successively smashed by the waves until she was no longer buoyant and she broke up and crashed to the sea floor. As he has on most wrecks, David laid a memorial plaque on behalf of the grieving families.

David Mearns writes of complex adventures in the application of high-technology in challenging environments, but in an easy style without jargon – an enjoyable reading experience. Just as shipwrecks connect us to our past, finding them has pointed the way to ever more uses for the technology in enhancing our knowledge of the planet. I commend David’s book to all to explore with him the undersea world around us. (Thank you Ian for your emails and input. It is very much appreciated by our members) —————————————- Nelson FIORENTINO passes on his good wishes to all his mates in our Association. Nelson had a very nasty accident in July involving a ‘drop saw’! He was sawing firewood when the blade ‘bit’ on a knot and caused a very nasty injury to his left hand, taking the first joint of his thumb and half a knuckle. He thanked the Lord that it was not more serious. He told me it could have been all his fingers! He has spent many months coming to grips with his injury and is still in the process of his brain adjusting to the injury. (Thank you Nelson for telling us this unfortunate news. We hope when you read this that your hand is getting stronger.) ———————————— (Cont. page 21) 21

(Cont from Page 20) Fred BELL is our Association’s ASM. He and Margaret represented us and attended the “General Birdwood Flag Restoration” Ceremony in the Christ Church Cathedral on 30th July. (I wrote about this in our last magazine, on page 25 of ‘Items of Interest’)

Edwin and Penelope Lowery also accompanied Fred and Margaret to the Ceremony. Dr. Patricia Gillard is the Chair of the Birdwood Heritage Committee and sincerely welcomed the presence of our representatives on this very special occasion. The photos above show the restored flag and our Banner and the group photo shows The Reverend Stephen Williams, Dean of Newcastle, giving a speech at the ‘launch Ceremony’ on Friday morning 22nd April 2017.

The members of the Birdwood Heritage Committee were:- The Very Reverend Stephen Williams-Dean of Newcastle, Dr. Patricia Gillard-(Chair), Dr. Rosemary Barnard, Mr. Amir Rezapourmoghadammiyandabi- University of Newcastle, MAJ Roland Millbank (Ret’d) and Captain Andrew Traill, Warden. (Thank you Fred (and Edwin) for representing our Association at this memorable Ceremony.) ————————————— Jim HOOLAN is my American friend and also one of our Life Members. Our friendship goes back over 30 years. He enjoys reading all our news and receiving our emails.

He commented on a recent email I circulated which showed photo slides of Vietnam. He and a veteran friend were selling poppies outside the ‘Ace Hardware Store’ (I took it that this hardware store was in Jim’s home town of Williamsburg Va?) when a well-groomed older lady came out of the store and saw his 1st Marine Corps Division pin on his lapel and asked if he had served in Vietnam?

She told Jim the story that her husband and nine other senior military officers conducted a 10 day ‘survey’, in 1961, of a war against Vietnam and came to the conclusion that it would be a ‘loser’! And, she remarked, this story is now history. (Thank you Jim for your emails and input to our magazine. I hope this finds you and Gia in good health) ——————————— Richard FORD passes on his good wishes to everyone in our Association. He was grateful for a general email I circulated regarding WW 2 photos of the “D” Day Normandy landings. He is having ongoing problems with his back and knees, owing to old injuries, falls etc. but his general outlook is very positive. He is very active with the Filipino community in his capacity as Publicity Officer with APCO Inc. (Alliance of Philippine Community Organisations Inc.) Richard’s wife, Dian, is Filipino and a very accomplished dancer.

He wrote that he is most grateful for the short time he spent in the army because of the responsibility it instilled in his young mind at a particular time in his life. He wrote that it prepared him for his future. (Thank you Richard for your emails and words. It seems that your spare time is now not so spare. It is a credit to you for the work you put into the Filipino organisations you are involved in. We hope when you read this that your ailments are getting better.) ———————————- Joe CRUMLIN OAM sends his good wishes to his friends in our Association. He enjoys reading all the news and articles in our magazines. *Thank you Joe, for your support and good wishes. We hope this finds you and Ruth in good health.) ————————————— Barry PERIGO and his wife, Heather, pass on their very good wishes to all their friends in our Association. They kindly sent me a short film clip of some of their baby goats skipping and frolicking about on their farm in Orchard Hills. I enjoyed watching the 15 second clip but my mind wandered to a previous email, some time back, when one of the ‘Billies’ cornered Heather and knocked her to the ground! (Cont. on Page 22) 22

(Cont. from Page 21) This nasty incident caused Heather to seek medical attention which, in the long run, set her health back for quite a few months. Although she is good with the camera I feel sure she kept one eye on her goats.. (Well done Barry and Heather. I hope all is good with you both. Thank you for your contacts.) ————————————- 75th ANNIVERSARY-KOKODA CAMPAIGN Our Association had an Invitation to attend this memorable Ceremony held at the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway, at Concord, Sydney on the Friday, 3rd November at 2pm. Unfortunately I could not make on the day and was unable to have our Banner present. Our member Michael Ali OAM, was in attendance and said it was a very moving Ceremony.

Kokoda is as well remembered as Gallipoli.

Japanese armed forces landed in northern Papua in early July. Their goal was to capture Port Moresby so as to establish a base from which to attack Australia. Buna was captured by the Japanese Army with 1,500 soldiers on the 21stJuly 1942 and by the next month the Japanese troops numbered 11,500 soldiers. So began the start of the gruelling and vicious Kokoda Track Campaign.

Northern Papua saw some of the most desperate and terrible fighting during the second world war. Our soldiers had to face the enormous difficulties of the Owen Stanley ranges. 96 klms of rugged mountain peaks and valleys, as well as thick, dense jungle. Our Australian troops defeated the Japanese in a 12 day ‘advance and retreat’ actions! The first defeat the Japanese land army had suffered to date.

Australian troops had 641 soldiers killed and over 1,000 were wounded. Another 4,000 were out of action due to sickness. The efforts of our medical teams and the assistance of the fuzzy- wuzzy angels are legendary.

I thank Michael for sending me this photo showing some descendants of the fuzzy-wuzzy angels from PNG. M/s Alice Kang, (Director of Marketing and Community Services at Concord Hospital), standing behind Mr Dick Payten OAM (President of 7 Division Association and a survivor of the Kokoda Campaign)

Samantha Cantle-(an introduction) "My Name is Private Samantha Cantle and in April 2014 I enlisted into the 5th Combat Support Service Battalion. My military career has provided me the opportunity to work alongside military personnel from all services, who have contributed to the soldier that I am today. I was fortunate enough to deploy on Operation Resolute in 2016 as part of the Transit Security Element. This involved attachment to Royal Australian Navy Armidale-Class patrol vessels securing Australia’s northern borders. I had the chance to implement my existing trade skills and learn what life on a Naval patrol boat was really like. I am so grateful for this experience. I am extremely proud of my family’s military background and their contributions to this country. Continuing this heritage was one of the reasons I wanted to enlist; however, my father works for Defence Force Recruiting, so I suppose it’s not entirely coincidental that my brother and I enlisted. My training, through Defence, sparked a passion I didn’t know I had for the medical field, and this year I started a Bachelor of Nursing & Bachelor of Paramedicine at the Australian Catholic University to further my knowledge and experience. …(Cont. Page 23)

23

(Cont. from Page 22) In case that wasn’t going to keep me out of trouble, I find working three casual jobs outside Defence and my full- time studies manages to do the trick. Having the opportunity to work alongside skilled medical professionals with diverse clinical experience, skill sets, and length of service is invaluable while studying my double degree. It allows me to consolidate my skills, learn in challenging situations I wouldn’t ordinarily be exposed to, and continually develop and grow in this field. Looking forward, I hope to integrate my degrees and experiences into my future military career and vice versa. " ------

BLASTS FROM THE PAST

STORY-”The smell of rain”

A cold March wind danced around the dead of night in Dallas as the doctor walked into the small hospital room of Diana Blessing. She was still groggy from surgery. Her husband, David, held her hand as they braced themselves for the latest news. That afternoon of March 10, 1991, complications had forced Diana, only 24-weeks pregnant, to undergo an emergency Caesarean to deliver the couple's new daughter, Dana Lu Blessing.

At 12 inches long and weighing only one pound nine ounces, they already knew she was perilously premature. Still, the doctor's soft words dropped like bombs. 'I don't think she's going to make it,' he said, as kindly as he could. 'There's only a 10-percent chance she will live through the night, and even then, if by some slim chance she does make it, her future could be a very cruel one'

Numb with disbelief, David and Diana listened as the doctor described the devastating problems Dana would likely face if she survived. She would never walk, she would never talk, she would probably be blind, and she would certainly be prone to other catastrophic conditions from cerebral palsy to complete mental retardation, and on and on. 'No! No!' was all Diana could say. She and David, with their 5-year-old son Dustin, had long dreamed of the day they would have a daughter to become a family of four. Now, within a matter of hours, that dream was slipping away.

But as those first days passed, a new agony set in for David and Diana. Because Dana's underdeveloped nervous system was essentially 'raw', the lightest kiss or caress only intensified her discomfort, so they couldn't even cradle their tiny baby girl against their chests to offer the strength of their love. All they could do, as Dana struggled alone beneath the ultraviolet light in the tangle of tubes and wires, was to pray that God would stay close to their precious little girl. There was never a moment when Dana suddenly grew stronger. But as the weeks went by, she did slowly gain an ounce of weight here and an ounce of strength there. At last, when Dana turned two months old, her parents were able to hold her in their arms for the very first time.

And two months later, though doctors continued to gently but grimly warn that her chances of surviving, much less living any kind of normal life, were next to zero, Dana went home from the hospital, just as her mother had predicted. (Story continued on Page 34) 24

A proud supporter of 5 Field Ambulance Association LATE SUBSCRIPTIONS A gentle ‘reminder’ to our members who pay yearly ($15). We rely on your subs to keep our magazine in circulation. When you read this and if you are not sure if you have paid your $15 would you kindly phone or email me and I will let you know if you are ’up to date’ with your subs. With our kind thanks, Alan Curry (0427824646, (02) 4982.2189 or email:- [email protected] 25 SICK PARADE Bob BUTLER, Derek CANNON, Kevin CARTER , George CARUANA, Ben CASTLE (Mona Vale House, 33 Bassett St., Mona Vale NSW Ph: 9910.7900), John CLEGG, Barry COLLINS OAM, Roy CROSSLEY, Gordon CURTIS, John DAVIES, George DONNELLY, Gavin DRISCOLL, Nelson FIORENTINO, Garry FLOOD, Richard FORD, MAJGEN Warren GLENNY AO, Gordon GRANT, George HARRIS, Kevin HURRELL, Norma HUTTON (Minnamurra Aged Care, 12-14 Clements St, Drummoyne NSW 2047), Ken ILES, Vic INESON, Brian INMAN, Terry IRVINE, Ann JACKSON (nee Williams), Neville JOHNSON, John LAYHE, Robert LOVE, Huss MAHOMET, John McCARTHY, Hugh (Macka) McCARTY, Ken McNUFF, Rayda NOBLE, Peter O’GRADY, Mike O’KEEFFE, Charles O’MEALLY (Calvary Aged Care, Cessnock. (02)4993.9150/0474.305.145), Chris O’REILLY, Barry & Heather PERIGO, Karen PHILLIPS (nee Stead), Bob REID, Alan ROBINSON, Diana ROTHFIELD, Robert SHILLINGSWORTH, Stephen STANSFIELD, Rob STEWART, Judith STRACHAN, Harry STRONG, Natalie SWAN (nee Lloyd), Irene TROY, Keverell TURNBULL, John WEAVER, Bruce WHITTET, Warwick WILKINSON, John WILSON and Margaret WOODHEAD. —————————— POEM POEM TREAD GENTLY A vet's cry for help. With kind thanks to author, David Pye, ADF, Viet Tread gently on this foreign field, for it lies soaked in blood Nam veteran, and my neighbour, Leon Fitzgerald. that flowed across this battlefield, a tragic crimson flood. “TRY TO UNDERSTAND”

The names of those who fell near here are muttered now by few. “Try to understand” A brave and selfless sacrifice, the living would all rue If he stays home alone, and doesn't like to hear the phone If he won't answer the door, Tread gently on this foreign field, I am every mother’s son 'cause he doesn't want to see anyone any- who saw my face at every dawn and each setting sun. more. "Try to understand" She kept her lonely vigil, till eternity claimed her soul. If night-time is something to dread, Her tears no longer wash my name, upon an honour roll. And his sleep is restless and fleeting in bed,

If he quietly gets up in the night, Tread gently on this foreign field and dare not caste your scorn, So as not to disturb your pleasant respite. on all that I could have been and descendants now unborn "Try to understand" If he becomes nervous and jumps around, For we all charged like Lemmings, for country and for crown At unexpected movement or a sudden and in the flower of our youth, we were all cut down sound. If he sits in a restaurant with his back to the wall, Tread gently on this foreign field and remember all those lost. Because he can't have anyone behind him Their legend, part of history that came at too great a cost. at all. "Try to understand" For the horse that stands unbridled and an empty chair at home. If he shows no fear and wouldn't turn if he could, Memories of the loved ones, who lie beneath this loam That part of him has gone that says you should. Tread gently on this foreign field, the wretched path I trod, If his anger seems quick and extreme, now I lie without a name , that is known only to God. He's only trying to control intense emo- tions unseen. "Try to understand" A farmer’ plough may strike my bones and I might find a grave If he seems emotionless and indifferent but weep you not for my past, it’s your future you must save. some days, TOMAS HAMILTON 7/5/17 And perhaps he just says "Go Away!" ————————————- If he becomes depressed and may seem unkind, He is only trying to spare you the agony in I was in the ‘express’ lane at the supermarket and his mind. quietly fuming. Completely ignoring the sign, the "Try to understand" If his mood changes and alters woman ahead of me had slipped into the check-out And he becomes unsure and often falters, line pushing a cart piled high with groceries. Imagine If he becomes sad and stares into space, my delight when the cashier beckoned the woman He has only gone to some other place. "Try to understand” forward, looked into the cart and asked sweetly…”So, …..Because he can't…….. which six items would you like to buy”? (Wouldn’t it be PUN- I didn’t like my beard at first. great if that happened more often!) Then it grew on me. 26

David WASSON is most warmly welcomed into our Association as an Associate Member and Life Member. David, who, like his brother Lindsay, saw our Banner in Martin Place, prior to the “Battle for Australia” Ceremony in September and after meeting our President, Derek Cannon, was keen for me to keep in touch and forward an Application Form to him.

David’s interest is due to his grandfather’s involvement with 5 Field Ambulance with whom he served during WW 1. His grandfather was James Wasson (he is recorded on our Honour Roll on our website). David kindly informed me that his grandfather enlisted at Lidcombe (Sydney) on the 2nd August 1915. He sailed out for Egypt in January 1916. He served in Egypt, France and Belgium and was with the 5th Field Ambulance at Poziers, Martinpuich, Flers, Ypres, Bapaume, Westhoek Ridge, Villers-Bretonneux and Peronne. When hostilities were finished he was sent to the Australian Base Post Office until May 1919.

His grandfather was awarded the Military Medal. His citation read:- “On the morning of the 4th of October 1917 about 7am, a heavy barrage was laid down in front of Westhoek Ridge causing numerous losses in killed and wounded. Without waiting for the fire to lift, Wasson volunteered and went forward attending in the open to the urgent cases, and in one definite case saving life by the arrest of a haemorrhage from a shattered leg. His self sacrifice and devotion were a fine stimulus to the other men of the station. Hi conduct throughout has been marked by the utmost intrepidity”.

When his grandfather returned to Australia, he married Eva Swinbourne on the 25th September 1920. They had one son, Mervyn, who was born on the 31st December 1921. He joined the RAAF and was sent to Canada where he met, fell in love with a Canadian lass, Joan Morrison, and they subsequently married. They had one daughter, Gay, and three sons, Lindsay, David and Douglas, who are (or were) employed with the NSW Dept. of Education.

His grandfather was also a school teacher and he retired as the Principal at Rockdale (Sydney) Primary School. David wrote that his grandfather had a wonderful life and was most proud of his son and his four grandchildren. “None of us would be alive if he had been killed in the war. ‘Pa’, as we called him, was very much loved and from my naïve and youthful perspective, he never appeared to have been adversely impacted by his war experiences. He had a fine mind and a very even temper. He was, however, reluctant to talk about his war experiences, which from my readings, was a common trait”. David closed off his message saying…”Pa served for some years, like you, as Secretary of the 5th Field Ambulance” His grandfather passed away in the Repat. Hospital, Concord (Sydney) on the 18th September 1976.

OUR ASSOCIATION IS ON FACEBOOK Any member who has a computer and has access to the Internet can now visit our ‘Facebook’ page. We thank our committee member, Ann Jackson, for ‘opening up’ another avenue to connect to our members who are already on Facebook. We also would like to reconnect with any past member.

‘Admin’ will then accept members to that group. Our group will be a ‘closed group’ which means only members of the group can see ‘posts’.

27

KIND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS (Please advise us if you have NOT been acknowledged) Warren BARNES OAM (Cheque $50) for Raffle Tickets $20 and Donation $30. Derek CANNON (EFT $50) for $1 Raffle Tickets. Joe CRUMLIN OAM (Cheque $30) for Donation. Stephen CURRY (EFT $100) for Life Membership Glen EAST (Cash $20) as a donation for his win in our yearly $1 Raffle. Prof. Robert FOWLER (EFT $50) for RAAMC Tie. (Non Member) Glenda GARDE (EFT $60) for Subs to 2021. Gordon GRANT (Cash $50) for Donation. Brian HARTLEY (Cheque $130) for book ‘Little by Little’ $70, RAAMC Lapel Pin $15 and Subs to 2019 $45. Ann JACKSON (EFT $20) for Name Badge. Bill LAIDLAW (EFT $20) for Subs $15 and donation $5. Bryan LINDSAY (Cash $20) as a donation for his win in our yearly $1 Raffle) Don MELVILLE (Cheque $30) for $1 Raffle Tickets. Mitchell & Partners (EFT $250) for Advertisement for 12 months, Rayda NOBLE (Cheques $150) for Donation. Dr. Geoff PRIOR (Cheque $70) for Donation. Ross SMITH (Cheque $50) for Donation. ST JOHN of GOD Hospital (EFT $500) for Advertisements for 12 months. TELEFLEX (EFT $500) for Advertisements for 12 months. Don WALKER (Cheque $25) for Key Ring. David WASSON (EFT $100) for New Associate & Life Membership.

Do you live on the Tilligerry Peninsula? Portside Real Estate specialises in selling/renting your home or property, especially in the Port Stephens area of SALT ASH, OYSTER COVE, TANILBA BAY, MALABULA and LEMON TREE PASSAGE. They are a family owned business and have been for approx. the last 40 years!

They are situated in Shop 2, 1057 Lemon Tree Passage Road, Tanilba Bay NSW (near the Service Station).

Give David or Rodney a call on (02)4982.4066 A proud supporter of 5 Field Ambulance RAAMC Association 28

ITEMS OF INTEREST (1) Books, Magazines, Newsletters etc. (Received with kind thanks from members and other sources.) (i) Tobruk House News -Aug, Oct. Dec. (Courtesy Reg Lawrence) (ii) Contact Newsletter # 48-51 (Courtesy Jim Jordan) (iii) FRONTLINE – Sep. Journal of the 1st and 2nd Nineteenth. (Courtesy Bob Pink OAM) (iv) REVEILLE-(NSW) Sep/Oct. (courtesy Alan Curry OAM) (v) Shrine of Remembrance (Melbourne) monthly newsletters. Oct, Nov, Dec (Courtesy Rayda Noble) (vi) 2/3 AHS Centaur Newsletter November. (Courtesy, Jan Thomas)

(2) MALAYA AND BORNEO VETERAN’S DAY-31ST AUGUST The Malayan Emergency began in 1948 when a group calling themselves the Malayan Races Liberation Army began insurgency tactics against British rule because the promise, by Britain, to grant full Malaysian citizenship had not been fulfilled! The MRLA were branded communist terrorists by the British Government of Malaya. The hostilities escalated after the British High Commissioner to , Sir Henry Gurney, was assassinated in October 1951. In October 1955, after the withdrawal of our troops from Korea, our government committed our troops (1, 2 and 3 RAR and supporting artillery and other units) to assist Britain in the “Emergency”.

The successive Battalions were used on constant patrolling, ambushing and food denial, as well as ‘cordon and search’ operations in northern Malaya. Almost 7,000 troops were deployed between 1955 until the Emergency ceased on the 31st July 1960. The Australian commitment remained as part of the Far East Strategic Reserve, together with British and New Zealand troops. In the Malayan Emergency, 13 troops were killed in action and 24 wounded. There was an additional 21 non- operational deaths and 111 non-operational wounded.

The Indonesian Confrontation started in early 1963. In September 1963 Britain granted independence to its colonies in South East Asia-Malaya, Singapore and the British Protectorates of Sabah and Sarawak who joined together to form the new nation of Malaysia. Indonesia attempted to de-stabilise the new nation and an un-declared war which started in 1963 when Indonesia launched a series of ‘cross-border’ raids into Malaysian territory. By 1964 Indonesian Regular Army had also become involved and this then drew in British, Australian and New Zealand troops to support Malaysia.

Our Government was reticent to commit its troops for fear of risking further confrontation with Indonesia where the Australian Territory Of Papua New Guinea bordered with Indonesian Western Papua, but when Indonesian troops attacked Labis and Pontian on the Malay Peninsula in September and October 1964, our Government decided to support British operations. In January 1965, our Government deployed 3 RAR and later, 4 RAR, 102 Field Battery, 1 SAS Squadron, and later 2 SAS, plus Field and Construction Squadrons to Borneo. Our troops were primarily engaged in intensive patrolling along the Papua New Guinea border with Indonesia, as well as operations on Borneo and the mainland of Malaysia. Our Navy and Air Force also played a big role.

The “Confrontation” formally ended in August 1966! Seven Australians were killed in action and Six were wounded, as well as 10 killed and 14 injured, who were not on operational duty.

(3) BEERSHEBA-THE CENTENARY OF A REMARKABLE VICTORY IN WW 1 (with kind thanks to The Weekend Australian. 28/10/17 and my neighbour, Leon Fitzgerald) On the 31st October 1917, the 4th and 12th Australian Light Horse Regiments consisting of 800 mounted infantry, walked, cantered then galloped 6klms over mainly open country to overcome, and capture from, the defending Turkish army, the vital township of Beersheba. The Order was given, from General Sir Harry Chauvel to Brigadier General William Grant late in the afternoon, to attack. This significant victory became a forerunner of a number of Allied victories, in WW 1, which eventually led to the formation of the State of Israel in 1947. This very decisive victory had 31 soldiers killed and 36 wounded. Dead and dying horses were scattered across the battlefield. The Turks suffered many casualties with about 700 being taken prisoner. (Cont. Page 29) 29

(Cont. from Page 28) What eventually happened to the remainder of the 130,000 horses that left Australia for service in WW 1?

Major Andrew “Banjo” Paterson received orders from higher command that it was not feasible for quarantine/financial reasons to repatriate the horses back to Australia after the war! It determined that the animals should be passed on to the British or Indian armies or sold! Paterson was appalled by the decision of the ‘Horse Demobilisation Committee” and complained. It was in vain.

It is on record that, in November 1918, Paterson and his offsider, Aiden Sutherland, led 128 horses into the desert and met the Captain of the machine-gun squadron. Paterson refused to watch the slaughter. After this the officers ‘turned a blind eye’ to their troopers taking their mounts into the desert to shoot them rather than to see them sold into uncertainty or machine gunned.

English author, Jilly Cooper, wrote that about 8 million animals, mainly horses, donkeys, mules and camels, as well as dogs, cats and pigeons died during the war. Her 1984 book “Animals in War” inspired the building of a Memorial in London’s Hyde Park, dedicated to ”Animals in War”.

Only ONE horse was repatriated back to Australia in WW 1. It was “Sandy” ( a ‘Waler’) and its owner was Major General William Bridges, who was killed at Gallipoli. He was shot in the leg, by a sniper, but his femoral artery was cut and he died the next day. The Defence Minister at the time , George Pearce, made the arrangements to bring “Sandy” home.

(4) BATTLE OF POLYGON WOOD. (26 Sep-3 Oct 1917) This was the first major battle fought by the Australian 5th Division in Belgium. It was part of the third battle of Ypres. There were 5,770 casualties. Polygon Wood itself was almost treeless due to the constant artillery fire from both sides, at varying times.

In the 8 weeks of fighting in Flanders, our Australian forces suffered 38,000 casualties. The Western Front was a crucial theatre during WW 1. Between 1916 and 1918 some 295,000 Australians served on the Western Front. 46,000 lost their lives and more than 134,000 were wounded or captured. WW 1 took the lives of 60,000 Australians. These staggering figures are hard to comprehend!

Our Australian government sent a delegation to Belgium to pay its honour and respect, at a Ceremony, to mark this ‘special’ centenary. The delegation included the leader, Vice Admiral, Ray Griggs AO CSC RAN, The Governor-General of Australia, Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Ret’d), The Governor of NSW, David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d), The Minister for Veteran Affairs, Mr. Dan Tehan MP, and representing the Belgium Royal family, Princess Astrid, Archduchess of Austria-Este.

(5) THE MENIN GATE LIONS Australia has produced replicas of the Menin Gate Lions and will “Gift” them to the Belgium city of IEPER. This is the Flemish name for YPRES, which is the French name. All the signposts in the township show both names. It didn’t take too long for the allies, in WW 1, to affectionately call it “WIPERS”!

WW 1 started in August 1914. A few days later, on the 7th October 1914, Flanders was ’shattered’ by the arrival in their city of 8,000 German soldiers and all their destructive weapons of war. They ‘ordered’ thousands of loaves of bread, raided the town coffers and left the following day (8th) having ‘passed through’ YPRES!

French and British soldiers arrived in Ypres a few days later to put up defences and block the German’s route through Ypres, which leads to the ports on the French and Belgium coasts. The British army and her allies remained in YPRES for the rest of the war until November 1918

YPRES never fell to German occupation during WW 1. When the war ended it pictured the entire town in ruins. It was almost completely destroyed by the end of 1918.

The Menin Gate Lions have stood on each side of the Menin road since the mid-19th Century. (Cont. on Page 30) 30

(Cont from page 29) In 1917, many Australian soldiers passed through the Menin Gate on their way to the Western Front. It would be the last time seen for many of them, as they marched into battle. They would also have had their last glimpses of civilian normality.

The Menin Gate Lions were given to the Australian Government by the City of YPRES in 1936 as an expression of gratitude for the ultimate sacrifice made by more than 13,000 Australian soldiers in Belgium. They have been on display at the entrance of the in Canberra, since 1991. They are currently “on loan” to Belgium until Armistice Day 2017. The replicas will be presented to the Mayor of IEPER, after Armistice Day.

Every evening in IEPER, the residents honour the memory of the 6,000 Australian soldiers killed in Flanders and who have no known grave, their names are listed on the Menin Gate Memorial. Also honoured every evening, is every Australian who served in WW 1, by the sounding of the LAST POST.

(6) INVICTUS GAMES—2017 TORONTO, CANADA Prince Harry was the creator . It was established for wounded, injured or sick armed services personnel to participate in sport. Prince Harry was enthusiastic to start this as a world event, after witnessing the success of the “Warrior Games” in the USA in 2013. The name “Invictus” comes from the Latin word and means “Undefeated/Unconquered”.

The first Invictus games were held in March 2014 at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London UK. The second was in 2016 (none were held in 2015) at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World near Orlando, Florida USA. The 2018 Invictus Games will be held in Sydney.

17 Countries are participating viz; Afghanistan, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, France, Georgia, Germany, Iraq, Italy, Jordan, Netherlands, NZ, Romania, Ukraine, UK and USA. The sports played are; Archery, Driving Competition, Golf, Indoor Rowing, Swimming, Track & Field, Power Lifting, Cycling, Volleyball and Wheelchair Basketball, Rugby and Tennis.

(7) IMPROVING GLOBAL WATER SECURITY Our Foreign Minister, The Hon Julie Bishop MP, has participated in a High Level Panel on Water. It was held in New York in September. The Panel included 11 world leaders whose aims were to promote efforts to achieve sustainable fresh water use and clean water and sanitation for the world.

It is estimated that the world will face a 40% water shortage by 2030! Water security is fundamental to global security and prosperity, and is a key element in Australia’s efforts to improve the livelihoods of people in our region.

Australia’s Water Use Efficiency initiative will help developing countries manage their water resources. The Water Innovation Engine will bring together entrepreneurs, new ideas and flexible financing to accelerate innovation to achieve its goals. They will identify, test and invest in innovations that improve access to water, sanitation and hygiene.

Their first challenge is seeking new ways to deliver critical information to farmers in developing countries so as to improve agricultural output. The second innovation challenge will focus on urban water sanitation. A $110.6 Million (over 5 years) Program will start in 2018 to deliver water, sanitation and hygiene services focusing on women and girls.

(8) TASK GROUP TAJI 5 COMPLETES ‘TOUR OF DUTY’ -TRAINING IRAQI SOLDIERS TGT 5 consists of 300 ADF and 100 NZDF. Task Group Taji is part of Operation OKRA which is Australia’s contribution to the military intervention of ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (the Levant is an undefined region around Syria)). OKRA is part of Joint Task Force 633.

TGT 5 has completed six months duty in Iraq and has trained 1,200 Iraqi Soldiers. They graduated in a Ceremony held at the Taji Military Complex near Baghdad. More than 26,000 Iraqi soldiers have been trained in all facets of war against ISIL, since 2015. (Cont Page 31) 31

(Cont. from page 30) (9) QUEENSLAND INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITMENT: Our Federal government has committed $15 billion, over a number of years, for ongoing road and rail projects in Queensland. Two big projects are an ’upgrade’ of the Bruce Highway between the Sunshine coast and and a ’duplication’ of the rail system between Beerburrum and Nambour.

(10) NATIONAL FILM AND SOUND ARCHIVES (NFSA) They wrote a story about Eddie Vormister. He was born in 1918 and most of his working life was with the Wollongong Council (NSW) as an electrical engineer. In the evenings he worked as a projectionist in various movie theatres in the Illawarra region and after about four years of this he decided to build his own projector.

About 2,000 dedicated hours later he manufactured a perfect replica of a Cummings & Wilson 35mm film projector! (He even had to fabricate his own nuts, bolts and screws due to war restrictions on material). Eddie estimated it would have cost him about twenty pounds ($40).

He was permitted to bring home the latest films to show, in the garage of his Gwynneville home, to his family, friends and neighbours. About 20 could squeeze into his small garage almost every Sunday night. The popularity of the newly discovered television saw the end of Eddie’s film nights in 1956.

Eddie has now donated to the NFSA.his projector, screen and speaker, as well as some glass slide ads and a handful of films and ads that Eddie screened.

(11) CASHLESS DEBIT CARD FOR WA GOLDFIELDS This is a “world’s first” for Welfare payments and will start in 2018. It will be the third in the region after Ceduna and the East Kimberley. Independent evaluation of the trials to date show it has had considerable positive impact.

Welfare payments have been the main reason for alcohol and drug abuse. The new system will see 80% of welfare payments being placed onto the “Debit” card and 20% placed in the recipient’s bank account. WA Police statistics show that alcohol is a factor in 2/3rds of all domestic assaults (2009-2013) and half of all non-domestic assaults.

The main concerns are for the children and their families. There are over 50 Federally-funded services and the Government has also committed $1 Million over 3 years to ensure the Goldfields children and their families have effective services which includes the funding of a new residential rehabilitation centre in Kalgoolie.

(12) 48th PACIFIC ISLANDS FORUM This brings together the leaders of all the Pacific nations to drive for stronger regional cooperation and advance collective prosperity and security.

A new Pacific Labour Scheme will start in 2018 which will allow Pacific Island residents to work in rural and regional Australia for up to 3 years to help ‘plug’ labour shortages in our towns and on our farms. Kiribati, Nauru and Tuvalu will have first access to the scheme.

The protection of the oceans and its resources is a vital national interest of all the PIF countries. Australia will fund a new aerial surveillance mission across the waters of all the PIF members to detect and disrupt illegal fishing as well as transnational crime and people smuggling operations. This will be controlled by the PIF’s Fisheries Agency based in Honiara. Australia is also building Patrol Boats for PNG, in WA. The first is destined to be delivered in late 2018.

(13) YAD VASHEM-THE WORLD HOLOCAUST CENTRE Our Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, and his wife, Lucy, made a second visit to House. Wannsee House is in the suburb of Wannsee in Berlin and it became infamous as the place where a 90 minute conference took place, in January 1942, to implement the “Final Solution to the Jewish Question”. (Cont. page 32) 32

(Cont. from page 31) In September 1939, when Nazi Germany invaded Poland, the persecution of Jews started, but the systematic killings of men, women and children began in June 1941, after the onset of the attack on Soviet Russia (called “Operation Barbarossa”). The ‘conference’ was the result of a written authorisation from Hermann Goring to the leader of the SS, Reinhard Heydrich, in July 1941, to “Prepare a Plan for the Total Solution of the Jewish question in territories under German control”.

The meeting took place in Wannsee House in July 1942, consisting of senior government officials of Nazi Germany and leaders of the SS. They prepared a plan for the deportation of Jews from German-occupied Europe to Poland where they would all be murdered!. It was outlined at this ‘Conference’ how the Jews would be ‘rounded up’ and sent to concentration camps to be killed.

One copy of the Protocol and circulated ‘minutes’ survived the war. It was discovered by Robert Kempner in 1947 and subsequently used in the Nuremburg War Crimes Trials In 1965, a historian, Joseph Wulf, proposed to the German government that Wannsee House be made a holocaust memorial and document centre. The “House” at this time was used as a school building. He tried for years, unsuccessfully, to persuade his government until he, sadly, committed suicide in 1974.

On the 50th Anniversary, in 1992, the German government proclaimed Wannsee House as the World Holocaust Centre.

Malcolm Turnbull said after their visit…”A visit to Wannsee House where the “final solution” was planned by bureaucrats, reminds us that the smartest, the most technological and the most educated can do the most terrible things. We must NEVER forget and why we resolve with steeled strength—NEVER AGAIN. We are determined to stand with Israel and the Jewish people” —————————————-

A proud supporter of 5 Field Ambulance Association 2017 ANNUAL REUNION-(Saturday 25th November)-(Summary) 33 A happy and convivial afternoon was had by 28 members and their partners (and grandchildren) who were able to attend our Annual “Luncheon”. It was again held in the dining room of the Paddington RSL Club (Sydney), from Noon to about 3pm.

It was a relaxed and casual occasion. A most welcome ‘surprise’ attendance was Sandra Hogan and her son Tim. They flew up from Melbourne to be with us. I asked Sandra if she would like to offer Grace-which she did. I was sure that everyone’s thoughts would have been with her over her recently departed husband, and our Honorary Chaplain, Brian. I know mine were. Tomas Hamilton proposed the ‘Loyal Toast’. After the meal our President, Derek Cannon, thanked everyone for their attendance and read out the names of our members who had died throughout the year and also the names of our new members who had joined us in 2017. Derek also read all the ‘apologies’ for today. He reminded us about the Bedford Memorial, (which was written about in our CHRISTMAS Newsletter-SUMMER Issue 2014 page 16. See also Derek’s “Message” on pages 7 & 8) The names of our members who passed away during the year were; Gordon Wright, John Lastovicka, John Smith OAM and Brian Hogan.

Behind If you can smile every when things go great man wrong, you have is a someone in woman mind to blame! rolling her eyes!

The New members who joined us during 2017 were; Olive Dodd, Irene Troy, Phyl Fitzsimmons, Tony and Julie Evans, Betty Hamilton, Mitch Pickett and David Wasson.

We kindly thank the following members for attending:-

Warren Barnes, Derek and Colin Cannon, Mick Carlson, Alan and Ruth Curry, Felicity and Josh Evans, Nelson and Margaret Fiorentino, Tomas and Betty Hamilton, Sandra and Tim Hogan, Ann Jackson, Robert Love, Edwin and Penelope Lowery and their two grandsons, Reece and Cameron, Bill and Kerri Rylands, George and Aileen Sip, Stephen and Ann Steigrad, Brian and Gail Tams …..(Continued on Page 34) 34

..(Cont. from Page 33) A light-hearted moment during our Luncheon was when Mick Carlson played his harmonica for us and we all sang along to “Waltzing Matilda” and “Silent Night”. Over the last few years we have had Tomas and Betty Hamilton play the guitar and sing some poetic songs but this year Tomas has not enjoyed the best of health. It was pleasing to see them both able to attend.

RAFFLE RESULTS: We raised a total of $320 throughout 2017. Our Association retained 50% ($160) and the members at the reunion thought it was a good idea to draw eight prizes of $20. Our eight winners were:- Warren Barnes, Derek Cannon, Glen East, Margaret Fiorentino, Betty Hamilton, Bryan Lindsay, Don Melville and Don Walker.

APOLOGIES were received from; Sam ALEXANDER, Michael ALI OAM, Suresh BADAMI OAM, Fred BELL, ,Ashleigh BORG, ‘Scotty’ BOYD, Edna CANNON, Greg CANT, George CARUANA, Noel CHRISTENSEN, Barry COLLINS OAM, Joe CRUMLIN OAM, Jane CURRIE, David CZERKIES, John DAVIES, Theo DECHAUFEPIE, Marie DOYLE, Tony, Julie and Brittany EVANS, Ron and Adrienne FOLEY, Richard FORD, Glenda GARDE, John and Margaret GORRELL, Bob GRIEVES, Kevin HURRELL, Ray HYSLOP OAM (Patron), Stuart and Sue JONES, Huss MAHOMET, Barry and Heather PERIGO, Bob REID, Jim ROCHE, Rob STEWART, Noel TAME, Trevor and Debra TAYLOR, Michael TYQUIN, John WEAVER, Bruce WHITTET, Don WIKNER, Alex WILLIAMS, and Jim ZORBAS.

(Continued from Page 23…”The smell of rain”) Five years later, when Dana was a petite but feisty young girl with glittering grey eyes and an unquenchable zest for life, she showed no signs whatsoever of any mental or physical impairment. Simply, she was everything a little girl can be and more. But that happy ending is far from the end of her story.

One blistering afternoon in the summer of 1996 near her home in Irving, Texas, Dana was sitting in her mother's lap in the bleachers of a local ball park where her brother Dustin's baseball team was practicing. As always, Dana was chattering nonstop with her mother and several other adults sitting nearby, when she suddenly fell silent.

Hugging her arms across her chest, little Dana asked, 'Do you smell that?' Smelling the air and detecting the approach of a thunderstorm, Diana replied, 'Yes, it smells like rain.' Dana closed her eyes and again asked, 'Do you smell that?' Once again, her mother replied, 'Yes, I think we're about to get wet. It smells like rain.' Still caught in the moment, Dana shook her head, patted her thin shoulders with her small hands and loudly announced, 'No, it smells like Him. 'It smells like God when you lay your head on His chest.' Tears blurred Diana's eyes as Dana happily hopped down to play with the other children. Before the rains came, her daughter's words confirmed what Diana and all the members of the extended Blessing family had known, at least in their hearts, all along. During those long days and nights of her first two months of her life, when her nerves were too sensitive for them to touch her, God was holding Dana on His chest and it is His loving scent that she remembers so well.

2018 Dates for your Calendar. 11/11/’17 The RAAMC Association Inc. (NSW Branch) meet in FEBRUARY, JUNE and OCTOBER, on the FIRST Friday, at 11.10am in the Paddington RSL Club, If I bow my head you are a member of 5 Field Ambulance Association OR a member of the in reverence today, RAAMC Association Inc. you are most welcome to attend. embrace the memory of a hundred years; ANZAC Day ——————————————–———————-——25th APRIL AHS CENTAUR COMMEMORATION————————————-—12th MAY Revere the sacrifice CORPS BIRTHDAY (RAAMC)—————–———————————-1st JULY lifetimes had to pay RESERVE FORCES DAY (Newcastle-Saturday)——–———————-30th JUNE to lie in peace, “ “ “ (Sydney-Sunday)———–—————————-1st JULY VP DAY—————————————————–——————-—15th AUGUST beneath poppies BATTLE FOR AUSTRALIA COMMEMORATION—————5th SEPTEMBER bled with tears. REMEMBRANCE DAY——————————————-——-11th NOVEMBER ANNUAL “MIXED” REUNION LUNCHEON——— ————24th NOVEMBER © Charles Murray

No matter how much you push the envelope, it’ll still be stationery 35 ACTIVITY SHEET (Please advise your choice/s. Any item ordered includes postage) Please find enclosed my Subs for 2017 ($15) (cover from January to December) or LIFE

MEMBERSHIP ($100) or Donation (See my details below). I would like to pay for ____$1 Raffle Ticket/s in our Yearly Fund-Raiser

Please post me a “Surplus” Newsletter @ $7 each. (If available) Please send me____”Special Edition” 2015 Centenary Calendar/s @ $7 each. Please order me a Centenary “T” Shirt @ $70 each. SIZE______.

Please order me____copies of the DVD of our 50th AND/OR 100th Anniversary Parade @

$20 ea. (The 50th also includes a brief history of the 2/5th Australian Field Ambulance) Please send me____ RAAMC Centenary “Coin and Token” set/s @ $30 each. Please send me a RAAMC coat/jacket Lapel Pin for $15.

Please send me a RAAMC Red Cross Arm-Band @ $10 each. (7 left)

Please send me a 5 Field Ambulance RAAMC KEY RING ($20). (With my membership number on it, if possible.) Please ORDER me a NAME BADGE ($20)

Please ORDER me a (XL/Large/Medium/Small) BERET ($40),*BERET BADGE ($23),*LAPEL

BADGE ($7), *CORPS TIE ($50) ---please indicate size of Beret & whether Badges/Ties are to be RAAMC, RACT or RAEME.

Please send me a copy of “Little by Little”--- A Centenary History of the RAAMC by Dr. Michael

Tyquin (Army Historian). @ $70. (1 left)

(Please make any Cheques/Money Orders etc payable to:- “5th Field Ambulance Association” and post to either:- Alan Curry OAM (Hon Sec) 35/1a Gordon Cl., ANNA BAY NSW 2316 OR Brian Tams (Hon Treas.), 453/1 Scaysbrook Dve., KINCUMBER NSW 2251—All acknowledgements will be in our next issue.

Our EFT details are: BSB: 637000, Account Number: 717253825, Account Name: 5th Field Ambulance

Association, BANK: Greater. (Please Identify your name) COMMENTS/ORDERS ETC: FROM:______CONTACT No:______MONEY ENCLOSED $______

——————————————————————————————————————————— 36

A proud supporter of 5 Field Ambulance Association