NOVEMBER, 2012 Circulation 5000 – Number 156 – FREE Fort Queenscliff LHD Arrival in Bay Open Day & Marching Out Parade Saturday 17 November 9am-4pm The Australian Army has been continuously 1115 -1200h 'The Model Room', Building 52: Meet located at Fort Queenscliff since 1860. the Director of DSCM-A, Colonel Andrew Gallaway: Commencing for the defences of Port Phillip the last Commander of Fort Queenscliff. Bay by Colonial Forces, the Fort operated as the Firing of the Guns Command and Staff College for 50 years. The Saluting Battery and 'Disappearing Gun' will The College relocated to the ACT in 1999 and the be fired throughout the morning with pyrotechnical current occupants, the Directorate of Soldier Career support. Each firing of the Saluting Battery will be Management - Army (DSCM-A) have been operating followed by a performance by Australia's Federation out of the Fort since 2001. Once the DSCM-A depart Guard. and relocate to the ACT, the Fort will be converted to •Saluting Battery: 0900h, 1015h and 1130h. the Defence Archives Centre, run by the Australian •The Disappearing Gun: 1300h, 1345h and 1430h Photo courtesy Anthony Stephens Public Service (APS). The Army History Unit team Displays The Navy's first Canberra-Class into the BAE facility at Williamstown. of three, the Fort Queenscliff Museum Association Project Digger and Armygeddon Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) The Canberra Class LHDs are bigger and The Australian Air Force Cadets will remain PMV and ASLAV: Frontline Vehicles warship arrived at its Victorian home than Australia's last aircraft carrier operating within the grounds. Australian Air Force Cadets - Recruiting, for the next 12 months where its HMAS Melbourne. When completed The Director of DSCM-A invites you to attend Activities and Sausage Sizzle construction, outfitting and con- they will be more than 230 metres long, events on the 17th, to enjoy the Fort grounds and Australia's Federation Guard solidation of the four sections of the 27.5 metres high and weigh around take the opportunity to farewell the Army. Numerous Sponsor displays and information stands superstructure is continuing in the 27,500 tonnes. Each ship can carry a activities have been planned, with something of Picnic on the Grounds Williamstown yard. The LHD will be combined armed battle-group of more interest to everyone. Please Note: Entry to the Fort is Commencing at 1230h. Bring a picnic and enjoy floated off the Blue Marlin over the than 1100 personnel, 100 armoured a gold coin donation. Proceeds to Legacy and the the performances on the Parade Ground with The next two weeks and then towed into vehicles and 12 helicopters and features Museum Association. Geelong RSL Pipes and Drums Band, The Victoria the BAE facility at Williamstown. a 40-bed hospital. Itinerary: Police Pipes Band and firing the 'Disappearing Gun'. The LHD01 hull was transported The LHDs are the largest ships ever Fort Tours - departing from the Main Gates every Marching Out Parade from Spain to Australia by Heavy Lift built for the Royal Australian Navy as it hour on the hour from 0900h with the last tour Commences 1445h. The Ceremonial Component Ship, Blue Marlin, taking around eight was visible on the horizon almost two departing at 1400h.Tours led by professional guides of the day, with the Chief of Army reviewing the weeks for the 12,000 nautical miles hours before entering the port. are for 1 hour and conclude at the Museum. parade. Colonel Andrew Gallaway Director DSCM-A (approx 18,520 km) to deliver the first Around 100 people including press, Art Exhibition - all day in the underground will lead the Army unit by marching out of the Fort LHD. Construction of the ship started in defence photographers and dignitaries magazine. View the works of Michael Grant and supported by the Australian Army Band Melbourne Spain in 2008 with the hull launched by watched the warship make its way George Gittoes experiences of war and works by and Australia's Federation Guard. Spanish shipbuilder Navantia in 2011. through the Rip from various vantage current serving ADF personnel. Some works are for The Parade will symbolically march along Hesse The LHDs are the largest ships ever points like Shortland's Bluff and the sale. Street, like days in old when troops were reinforced built for the Royal Australian Navy and harbour tower in Queenscliff. The hull, Talks via the railway line from Geelong. You are invited to will provide the Australian Defence designated HMAS Canberra, sailed past 900-0930h 'The Model Room', Building 52: join this parade and farewell the troops at Queens- Force (ADF) with one of the most its namesake that is now an artificial reef Presentation from Army Reserve Officer deployed cliff's historic railway station as they board the rail capable and sophisticated amphibious near the entrance to the Rip at Ocean on Operation Catalyst, Iraq 2006-07. cars for the last time. ships in the world. Grove and a very popular dive site. The 0930-1000h 'The Model Room', Building 52: Download a brochure of the day's events at The LHD will be floated off the Blue LHD is expected to be introduced into Michael Grant, award winning artist on his fortqueenscliff.com.au Marlin for two weeks and then towed Royal Australian Navy service in 2014. exhibition 'Conflict and Compassion'. The day is made possible through the support of 1015-1100h 'Bullock Walk': Morning-tea with the Fort Queenscliff, Defence Health and Bellarine Curator. Railway. DefenceHealth SEE FESTIVAL PROGRAM THE HERALD IS NOW ONLINE AT: www.queenscliffeherald.com.au & MAP IN CENTRE PAGES Butcher Liquor Provedore Greengrocer 63 Hesse St, Queenscliff Phone: 5258 4744 Open every day 9am - 6pm Page 2 – Queenscliffe Herald, November 2012 Vale Thomas Edward Houldcroft Tom was the third son 17.5.1939 - 23.9.2012 times, especially playing of Edward and Kathleen cricket on the Torquay oval sight' as she had worked Tom's mate, Butch and the wonderful family and was raised in Men- with Tom for several years tone with his brothers Brogan from the Cross Christmas's spent in Green- in the same department and Keys Hotel in Strathmore, vale. Bill, Buddy and Ron and they had became friends. his sister Shirley. Tom spoke about some of Tom's The music at Tom's "In August 1983 a friend exploits during his years of funeral reflected his per- joined the Navy in 1956, suggested that Tom and I aged 17, serving on bachelordom. Tom led the sonality with 'Two Less should go to a Ford dinner way with basketball and Lonely People' by Air HMAS Cerberus, Syd- dance," said Lyn. "And that ney, and Anzac, Melville, darts teams and no matter if Supply and Sammy Davis started what was to be 28 they won or lost, the team Jnr's 'Mr Bojangles' that Watson and Creswell. years of a wonderful life for Tom trained as a cook celebrated with a weekly Tom had performed with us." photo and trophy presen- and left the Navy in 1963 the Lighthouse Theatre "Over the years, Tom tations. He organised a as a Leading Officer's Company in great style. put a lot of effort into mak- talent quest, a jazz night, a Cook. The memorial service ing sure that the three of us dim-sim eating competition was a wonderful celebration As a civilian Tom worked always felt happy and "Tom our jour ney and a sheep-shearing of Tom's life. He will be for many organizations secure." Lyn recalled their together has come to an end competition in the bar greatly missed by those including ICI and Austin first Christmas together as a but I can look back on attended by several local c l o s e s t t o h i m a n d Hospital. He worked at the family of four when Rob and wonderful memories and bad boys. Tom's brother-in- remembered with affection Ford Motor Company in Chris were up early eager to remember my love - I will law, Jim Tyrrell, also spoke by everyone he came into Broadmeadows from 1975, open their presents. Tom always be your Lady." of the wonderful family contact with. Vale Tom. overseeing 90 staff before suggested they all shower, retiring in 1991. While get dressed, have breakfast living in Greenvale Tom and then open presents. took on new challenges as "The three of us put him From Lyn Houldcroft Trimmer Tom with lawn straight on that score and I would like to thank everyone most sincerely for the help and support I mowing, Timber Tom when he never tried that again." have received since Tom passed away so suddenly on September 23. I he sold firewood, and finally "Although Tom had very always knew I lived in a great community, but the support I have received Tom the Builder when he strong opinions on some moved to the borough 14 subjects, as anyone who got has been overwhelming. Whether it was people dropping in with food and years ago. in a debate with him would flowers, sending cards or calling on the phone, it has been amazing. Even At Tom's farewell in the know, you could always an offer to help with the garden or to take any rubbish to the tip! Queenscliff/Point Lonsdale count on him for help," said For all those who attended the funeral at the RSL - over 300 - thank you RSL hall, his wife of 28 years Lyn. "We had some won- so much. I am sure Tom would have loved such a great celebration of his L yn, and step-children derful holidays together life and was there in spirit - probably behind the bar!! Robyn and Chris spoke with Rob and Chris, in the Special thanks to the RSL, all my Red Cross, Lighthouse Theatre and HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION warmly of their love and motorhome and in May this Probus friends, Damian Cayzer and Mike Davis from Stockland respect for Tom.