Offical Journal of the
Patron: Air Marshall S D Evans AC DSO AFC RAAF Retired.
Reg Address: 5 Jefferies St Capalaba Qld 4157.
Ph / Fax 07 3245 7174 ... Email gablefam@uq.net.au
National President........Tex Bryson...07 38140804
National President/Entertainment Member....Bruce Smith .... 07 33584157
National Secretary/Treasurer.....Jim Gable....07 32457174
Committee Member......Ken Lovell
Committee Member......John Reale
Executive Advisor...........Glen Hombsch
Blue Beret Editors...........Tex Bryson/Jim Gable ....0732457174
Association Web Master.....Bob (Pommie ) Cornwell.
By Tex Bryson.
Finally to all of our members and families, I wish you all a very Happy and Holy Christmas. Stay healthy, wealthy and off the piss if you're going to drive over the festive season.
As we prepare for the arrival of 2003, we look back over the preceding twelve month's achievements and wonder how in the bloody hell we managed to fit it all in. From the enormous roll up in Brisbane and substantial increase in Perth's numbers for Anzac Day, to WGCDR Guy Burton including us in his School's graduation parades and presentation ceremonies, Key Auld christening the 3AFDS Boozer after
th
Ken LoveD, 1AFDS 60 Anniversary Celebrations and the dedication of their ADO (Rifle), Flight facilities in both Tasmania and Western Australia.
The proposal by Merv Reid concerning the RAAF ADG Combat Badge (before you all start writing in, I use the term in a generic sense only), continues to garner acceptance thanks to the intervention of our Patron Air Marshall Dave Evans, for which we thank you Sir. The National Executive is also aware of many blokes in the West and Bob Hepe approaching their local members - everyone we speak to on the subject feels that it's introduction and issue are long overdue.
The loss of Matt Martin was a terrible blow for one so young and our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends and loved ones. He will be sorely missed among those who knew him, both serving and retired. Our thoughts and prayers also go out to Association elders 'Crisso' Cross and Danny Kaye who sadly both lost their wives during the year.
Shortie (Lee), they tell me you've not been well of late Mate. Everyone over here joins with me in wishing you a speedy recovery. Up and at em Pal.
CO1AFDS, SQNLDR Tony O'Leary and his efforts to have all local serving, remustered and retired ground defenders look on his outlying ADO (Rifle), Flights as home is applauded. Indeed, we have heard nothing but glowing reports concerning involvement of old and bold in the dedication of his new 1AFDS facility at RAAF
th
Pearce by Chief of the RAAF on October 11 2002.
In otder to ensure the word is spread, the blokes in the West have asked the National Executive to mail out an extra 75 or so copies of this newsletter's edition to all former serving Western Australia based Adgies, (some of whom might not have been as active as they might in the Association of late), in the hope that they will return and support their newly formed local ADGie Flight, and attend some of the functions planned on the West Coast next year. We support that request and urge everyone's involvement, wherever possible and wherever you are.
Enjoy the read. Yours in Comradeship
TEX BRYSON
NATIONAL PRESIDENT
Page 2
BLUE BERET ISSUE NO 29- DECEMBER 2002
It doesn't take long before someone comes up with something worth reading! Thought you might like to read this poem, which aptly sums up "the Aussie spirit", re the recent events in Bali.
You hurt us bombing Bali, but we can take the pain,
But if you think you'll beat us, you can think a-bloody-gain.
We battled at Gallipoli and we fought the bloody Hun,
Of all the arseholes we've had to face, you're just another one!
You won't get your hands dirty, you won't fire a gun,
Whenever danger threatens you just pack your gear and run.
You brainwash innocent children to do your evil deeds
Careful not to let them know just where it really leads
You teach them to believe all your bigotry and lying
Until they cannot see that there's no glory in their dying
Now we'd like to pose a question, answer if you can
Where does your holy book tell you to kill your fellow man?
Now listen hard and listen well, we're giving you the word
Youre never gonna beat us, you spineless bloody turd
You'd never face us personally, you haven't got the guts
You know that if you ever did we'd have your bloody nuts
Our spirit is unbroken, and our heads are still unbowed
We sure as hell aren't scared of you and your gutless crowd
So get your act together --you'll never win because
What you're really up against is the spirit that is OZ
Thanks to Sharon Mcintosh for sending this to us.
Air Marshall A.G.Houston, AM AFC, Chief of the RAAF.
Dedicates No 3 Rifle Flight,
1 Airfield Defence Squadron.
By Alan Giltrap.
The officer commanding 1 Airfield Defence Squadron's interest in our heritage and involvement of the Association in dedicating his 3 ADG (Rifle), Flight facility at RAAF Pearce on Friday, October ~ l~ was certainly appreciated. His simple requests were greeted enthusiastically, with everyone agreeing we should support the lads and a bloody great boulder was unearthed on which to affix a dedication plaque.
Personal invites and a covering letter brought Perth's Rolly Brazier, Rob Lyon, Ian
Boughton and Peter Bartholomewsz; Mick Bergin, Ray Finn, DJ Gallagher, Hank
Hurkins, Blue McKinnon, Bub Mitchell, Wiz Nelson, Pete Wattie and Barry Wanstall
to name a few. Blue Hayes from Corrigin and the "Bird-dog" from the wilds of
Australind. Apologies from our National Exec's Tex and Jim, Terry Gill who was ill,
Cowboy Hill, working and Mr Shortie Lee, in BaIi-Hai were tended well in advance.
Reunions commenced in the car park and continued until announcer Marty Lawrence bid us welcome and opened proceedings. Father chose to arrive fashionably late. Master of Ceremonies WGCDR Sheldon kimber, Officer Commanding 1 Airfield Defence Wing, continued the welcome and spoke of the new flight's role within the Winq and the importance he placed on his reserve squadrons.
The official party comprised:
"Keeper of the ADGie Purse" Group Captain Bob Coopes, WGCDR Kimber, SQNLDR Tony O'Leary commanding I Airfield Defence Squadron, Mrs Ainslie Bennett and Mr Charles Cugley. The 17 man ADG Quarter Guard marched on, and included among their number Garry Kilday, Paul Ashby, with Flight Lieutenant Andy (Nudge), McHugh, Executive Officer 1 AFDS viewing Officer's arrival.
Left. Ainslie Bennett and Charles Cugley with members of 3AFDS
Compliments were paid to Air Marshal Houston, Chief of RAAF who on arrival inspected the Guard and after welcomin~ Ainslie and Charles went on to speak of I Airfield Defence Squadron's history, 60 Anniversary celebrations and new 6 ADG (Rifle), Fight facility in Tasmania. He also stressed the reserve unit's importance and his expectations of them. The Air Marshal then opened the facility by unveiling the plaque commemorating the event, attached to the side of Stanley-Arthur Hull's rock.
The official party (plus Gilli representing the Association), adjourned to watch the head of the Service dedicate the ADG Flight's conference room to the memory of founding father, the late Gordon Bennett MC in the presence of his widow, Ainslie.
Words can't do justice to the efforts of Squadron Leader O'Leary. Beautifully appointed, no expense has been spared with framed Archival photographs of the Squadron's WWII Guards lining the walls. Matching framed 7 National Service Training Unit (7NSTU), and 1 AFDS Crests hang above a polished wooden cabinet, upon which rest matching leather bound 7NSTU and 1 AFDS wartime unit history volumes.
We were humbled by the status afforded our Association, as they'd mounted our Colour in a special tripod to the cabinet's left with the Colour Belt in its polished wooden case, in pride of place atop the cabinet, something that reinforced a theme encountered since day one, a desire to make the flight home to all WA Adgies, serving and retired.
A facility tour ensued with Brett Rogers showing-off the Flight's armoury, still all very new of course and largely incomplete, essentially an enclosed, fenced conex, nothing like the old purpose built, brick and tile Defence Section Armouries of old.
Honda XR 250 camouflaged trail bikes and quads were on display hosted by Alistair Buttery, something which underlined the trust they have in the lads, because old and bold got their hands
on one, they might never have been seen again. With him was Pat Lynch (PTI).
Simon Mooney, Dave Brown and Shaun Hayward showed off the night vision goggles, night scopes and the Raven I Pintail radios. Couldn't believe it, apparently everybody gets to wear the night vision gear and the night scopes are about one I fourteenth the size of the old Starlight scope. The radio equipment was light years ahead of the old AN PRC 25 sets of the 1960s and all very swish let me tell you.
Left. Mrs Ainslie Bennet inspects the Weapons display
By Ainslie Bennett
It was a very proud and enjoyable day for me, my daughter and my grandson at Pearce Air
Base on Friday 11th October, as well as a great honour for me to be invited by Squadron
Leader Hurford to attend the dedication of the Gordon Bennett MC Conference Room by the
Chief of Air Force, Air Marshall Houston, as part of the ceremonies to open the new
headquarters of Number Three Rifle Flight, 1AFDS.
The refurbishment of some of the old buildings was most impressive and a credit to those who planned and carried out the necessary work.. Equally impressive was the professionalism of the Guard of Honour and the young Airmen who displayed their weapons with such pride.
The occasion was marked by friendliness and informality, with the mingling of former and currently serving servicemen and I met many old friends during the course of the day. The barbecue, too, was greatly enjoyed by all and a credit to the caterers, who I believe had been kept busy by other events over the past few days.
I fully appreciate the time, effort and interest that went into the organisation of this event, and
I would like to thank Alan Giltrap for his help and advice, and all who were involved in
helping to make it such a memorable occasion.
Since the last issue of the Blue Beret in September, we have been deeply saddened to learn of the deaths of some of our "family". The Association has been in touch with the relatives of each of our lost friends, and we now ask all members to join with us in expressing our sympathies to the families of those who have died:
Scotty, wife of "Crisso" Cross of Townsville, passed away peacefully in October after a short illness. A popular and well known personality amongst the local RAAF fraternity, Scotty was an Army Corporal when she met Crisso (who was then in the Navy) at an inter-Service Sports Carnival at Amberley in 1956. She persuaded him to transfer to the RAAF where he became a DI, then ADI and ADG. They married in 1958 and after several postings, including a long stretch at Williamtown, they moved to Townsville. They had been married for almost 45 years at the time of her death.
Fay passed away in November, after a long illness. She was the wife of Derek "Danny" Kaye,
former DI and ADG..
Fay was also well known within the RAAF Ground Defence fraternity and had worked as a civvie clerk in the 1 RTU Orderly Room at Wagga, before it was transferred to Edinburgh. Due to postings, she also worked in Orderly Rooms at various units based at Williamtown during the early seventies. She and Danny had been married for more than 42 years.
Fun loving Leading Aircraftman Matthew Martin, the man with an "infectious spirit", died in a road accident on November 1.
LAC Martin from 2AFDS and Corporal Douglas Frederiksen of 386 Expeditionary Combat Support Squadron in Sydney were tragically killed in a single military vehicle accident near Cooroy. They were part of a convoy on their way to the Sniper Basic Course being conducted at the Wide Bay Training Area.
LAC Martin joined the RAAF in 1999 before being posted to 1 Rifle Flight, 2AFDS at Amberley in August 2000. Since then he worked in the Signals section for the last four months, and his last exercise involvement was during SWIFT EAGLE running communications and safety nets.
2AFDS have jionoured Matthew by putting his name on the Squadron's bar, now titled the Matthew Martin Bar.
LAC Martin was farewelled by his wife and family at Centenary Memorial Gardens in a full military funeral on 7~ November and a further memorial service was held at the Memorial Wall at the main entrance to RAAF Amberley the following day.
As most members know, some two years ago the Association donated the Gordon Bennett
MC Trophy, named in honour of the "Father of the ADGs", to the RAAF Security and Fire
School (RAAFSFS) at Amberley, to be awarded annually to the Dux of the basic Ground
Defence Operations Course.
This year's Graduation took place on Friday 8~ November and the Association was again invited to present the trophy to the recipient at a special Morning Tea to mark the occasion.
After much debate amongst the training staff at the school, the Dux of this year's course was decided literally minutes before the presentation, which demonstrated the high standard of the students on the course.
This year, the trophy went to Pilot Officer Craig Nielsen, a Ground Defence Officer with 3AFDS. Wing Commander Guy Burton, OC RAAFSFS, had gone to a great deal of effort to familiarise the students on Course with the life story of the late Gordon Bennet MC and a scroll detailing his achievements was also presented to PLTOFF Nielsen with his trophy.
The Presentation ceremony was unfortunately brief, as the majority of course members had been booked on early flights back to their Units and had a very short time frame before their flights left, however there was just enough time for Tex Bryson to give a concise talk on the Association and its aims before the students headed for their flights.
The Association congratulates all course members on the completion of a difficult and very intensive program, but especially Craig Nielsen, who was obviously taken aback at being singled out for the trophy.
ABOVE (L-R): WGCDR Guy Burton (CO RAAFSFS), Jim Gable, Tex Bryson and Craig Nielsen.
RIGHT: PLTOFF Craig Nielsen, 3AFDS, after being presented with the Gordon Bennett MC Trophy for
2002.
Irish police are being handicapped in a search for a stolen van, because they cannot issue a description. It's a special branch vehicle and they don't want the public to know what it looks like. (The Guardian)
o Commenting on a complaint from a Mr. Arthur Purdey about a large gas bill, a spokesman for North West Gas said "We agree it was rather high for the time of year. It's possible that Mr. Purdey has been charged for the gas used up during the explosion that blew his house to pieces."(Bangkok Post)
o Mrs Irene Graham of Thorpe Avenue, Boscombe, delighted the audience with her reminiscence of the German prisoner of war who was sent each week to do her garden. He was repatriated at the end of 1945, she recalled.
"He'd always seemed a nice friendly chap, but when the crocuses came up in the middle of our lawn in February 1946, they spelt out "Heil Hitler"." (Bournemouth Evening Echo)
After being charged £20 for a £10 overdraft, 30 year old Michael Howard of
Leeds changed his name by deed poll to Yorkshire Bank PLC are Fascist
Ba*tards. The bank has now asked him to close his account, and Mr.
Ba*tards has asked them to repay the 69p balance by cheque made out in his
new name. (The Guardian)
o Would the congregation please note that the bowl at the back of the church labelled "for the sick" is for monetary donations only. (Churchtown Parish Magazine)
o At the height of the gale, the harbourmaster radioed a coastguard on the spot and asked him to estimate the wind speed. He replied that he was sorry, but he didn't have a gauge. However, if it was any help, the wind had just blown his Land Rover off the cliff. (Aberdeen Evening Express)
o A young girl who was blown out to sea on a set of inflatable teeth was rescued by a man on an inflatable lobster. A coastguard spokesman commented, "this sort of thing is all to common". (The Times)
By Alan Giltrap
In this the year of the Outback, the Wheat belt Vietnam Veteran's Group's Merv Gould, Ccl Turner, Bill Stewart and Paul Hutton of Bruce Rock WA, invited us all over to rededicate their Long Tan (Peace), window on Saturday, 2 Nov 02. We write of their achievements, in the hope of encouraging more WA ADGs to support this worthy cause and visit Bruce Rock on the first Saturday in November 2003.
Participants gathered on the cricket oval from all corners of Australia. The town had turned into a huge unpowered camping site - in motor homes, vans, 4x4 campers, hoochies and a converted ambulance, or simply crashed on mattresses provided in the Recreation Centre's hail, from where bus tours of the town were provided with Vietnam Vet Paul Hutton steering
and Shire CEO John Murphy commentating. The more civiiised of us lobbed into the local pub and roadhouse.
At the appointed hour, several hundred returned formed up behind a 55-piece brass band for the march in columns of six. Dress code was casual, although bush hats and shades anti - glare were considered mandatory. Families and townsfolk lined the streets (each with their complimentry Australian National Flag to wave along the 2-kilometre route to Saint Pters for the dedication service.
A number of serving units and organizations were represented, including Gentlemen of the Light Horse, immaculately restored World War Two vehicles (to aid the walking wounded), a rather large combined group of Vietnam Vets, TPI Association, RAAF Vietnam, 7 and 8 RAR as well as members of the
Vietnam Vet's Motor Cycle Club on foot. Perhaps the most welcome were our brothers-inanns from operations in East Timor. Chris Rampant and Al Ratcliff carried the RAAF Vietnam Association banner, whilst among the Blue Orchids (as the Grunts still call us), were the Active Daring and Gifted and Doug Oliver carrying the very
special Australian National Flag presented by the RAN on the loss of his son on the Stalwart.
Saint Peter's Anglican Chapel in the wheatfields was established in 1929, after the Bruce Rock district was opened up to farming in 1910. The Reverend Karen Arnold presiding welcomed us all to the rededication of their leadlight window depicting the Cross of Long Tan and dove. The window, designed by Mrs Sue Muntz of Aradath and constructed by local farmer Murray Arnold, continues the chapel's long standing link with the countries' armed forces, that saw the pulpit dedicated to the soldiers of World War One and the ashes of at least one digger interred within its walls.
The Chapel filled to overflowing, with an even larger number spilling out into the grounds, onto the street and into the pub. It was in the chapel's grounds that the subject of a RAAF Infantry Combat badge for the lads was raised briefly with the Shadow Minister for Defence. The service took the form of relighting the memorial candle at the window's base, where provision had been made for messages of condolence to be left. Among those laying wreaths were Doctor Margaret Wilcox on behalf of (sponsor), Hollywood Private Repatriation Hospital; Vietnam Vets; and the Rats of Tobruk. All in all, beautifully done.
Everyone then wandered down to the amphitheatre via the pub, for the (free), three-hour concert featuring local talent and visiting brass bands, all in our honour, with afternoon tea supplied by the Senior Citizens for a small donation.
Crossroads: I was only 19 touched, but it was Vietnam Vet Brent Kelly and his rendition of And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda that brought a lump to the throat. It's to be hoped he can be talked into performing again next year.
Around 1700, the veterans and their families exodus to the Rec' Centre was swelled to a total of 1,300 by the local townspeople for the (free), family barbeque and drinks. Donald George Washington and Kerry Smithers had gone on ahead to secure the Adgies table for Al and Pam Lamb, Fred and Jan Ferry, Gilli and Jack and Pete Wattie who'd ridden solo that weekend.
No 3 Airfield Defence Squadron's recent success with the Navy and Army in Operation RELEX in Northern Australia, providing security support for the deterrence of illegal immigrants, has demonstrated the Wing's ability to contribute to similar future Operations. Officer Commanding Airfield Defence Wing at Amberley, Wing Commander Sheldon Kimber, said that at present the squadron had not been included in any future operations, but if
"available to support and directed to do so we would be able to respond almost immediately."
Executive Officer of 3 AFDS, Flight Lieutenant lan Ackland, said that he was unaware of any involvement for the Unit in future operations, however the squadron was operationally ready to again support any ADF mission.
Operation Relex from July to September this year saw a large detachment of Airfield Defence Guards from the squadron participate in a security role with the Navy and Army. FLTLT Ackland said the operation was an important achievement for the squadron, as it was the first time the RAAF had been invited to participate in the highly secure operation. "Previous to this it was always Army elements so it was a positive reflection of the Squadron's performance to be invited to participate in security operations," he said.
WGCDR Kimber said the squadron clearly demonstrated its capacity to support the Australian Defence Force mission, and the personnel developed useful skills and attributes. "It was a valuable experience for the squadron personnel to see how the other Services conducted their operations, and without doubt the experience gained from it has expanded their capacity to participate in Joint Operations," he said.
Sergeant Champion from 3AFDS said the squadron relished the inter service relationship between the Navy, Army and Air Force because it gave them the chance to do something that they would not do on a day to day basis, including learning new skills and meeting new people. "It was interesting to work with the Royal Australian Navy, something that we would rarely get the opportunity to do."
3AFDS troop, Leading Aircraftman Patrick Maron, said it was important to "get a feel" for how other Forces work, as the squadron had deployed many times with the Army, but it was the first time they had worked with the Navy. LAC Maron said the operation was important as an element was needed to be in place in northern Australia to prevent people illegally coming into Australia.
ABOVE: SGT Champion, LAG Maron and
FLTLTAckland from 3AFDS after the squadron's recent success with the Navy and Army in Operation RELEX in Northern Australia.
The last major baffle in Papua New Guinea in 1942 was the tough and costly Baffle of the
Beachheads. Over two months from 19 November 1942 some 1300 Australians, 1000
Americans and an unknown number of Papua New Guineans were killed in action, with
many more wounded or struck down by disease.
The Japanese landed on Papua's north coast in July 1942 before striking out over the Kokoda Track to attack Port Moresby. Repelled and pushed back along the Track, they established three strongly defended beachheads at Buna, Gona and Sanananda.
Senior Allied commanders under-estimated the Japanese strength and determination. They sent in weary Australian troops who had fought all the way across the mountains and 'green (untrained and inexperienced) Americans without adequate supplies or artillery support. The Supreme Command estimated it would take two or three days to defeat the Japanese: it took more than two months.
On all three fronts - Buna, Gona and Sanananda - the Allies met strong resistance. The Japanese had built hundreds of bunkers, with machine-guns and mortars aimed to create 'killing grounds'. The Allies suffered heavy baffle casualties and also lost many men from tropical diseases, especially malaria. Reinforcements were brought in.
Overhead, Royal Australian Air Force squadrons took part in bombing and strafing missions.
American 'biscuit bombers' delivered supplies and evacuated the wounded. Australian-built
Wirraways flew low level reconnaissance flights, with one of these aircraft, the famous A20-
103, now displayed at the Australian War Memorial. The Royal Australian Navy provided
convoy escorts and, delivered troops to the front.
For two months, Australians and Americans slowly made ground. Many times their attacks failed, but the Allied forces mounted repeated attacks, showing great courage. At Gona, which fell on 9 December, men rushed into the leading bombardment, risking death from their own artillery, to lob grenades into machine-gun posts. At Buna, which fell next, Australian and American troops had tank support, but had to finish the attacks by rushing bunkers in bayonet charges.
General Douglas MacArthur, the American supreme commander, declared the baffle over when Buna fell. But the Allies still had to win at Sanananda. Fighting in swamp and jungle, they were fought to a standstill. Ultimately, the Japanese retreated, worn down by losses from combat and disease. The Allies cleared the last beachhead on 22 January 1943.
By the Pom
Friday morning 4 October: I set off to meet up with two other scoundrels (note the lack of use of the word mongrel) of Newcastle, Peter Beckwith and Alan Brazil, meeting at the home of the very infamous mongrel Peter Beckwith at about 8am (Note: in hindsight this should have been at about 5 am just to upset the mongrel by disturbing his blissful sleep again. I owe this mongrel some). Anyway, more of Peter's escapades later. The 3 "Adgieteers" departed Newcastle and after a meandering, bewildering tour arrived at Quakers Hill to meet up with the rest of the motley crew, John King, Col Davies and Barry Hogan (Down from Tin Can Bay in Queensland).
After a warm welcome and heaps of hand-shaking, we departed John's home, bound by some mystical magical course (I'm sure it took in half of bloody Sydney or so it seemed to the Porn, who was shifting himself that he might become separated from the main convoy). The Porn's grey matter (or what's left of it) had no idea where he was at any given point in time or space, so living in fear of what has just been explained, I firmly attached my vehicle to the exhaust pipe of Alan Brazil's car, which was attached to John King's car! It was John who led the convoy of ex-Adgies out of the confusion which is Sydney, (three cheers from the Porn, I can see cow pastures again and the smog is left in our wake)!
We stopped for light, refreshment at some roadhouse to enjoy it's cuisine - Beckwith again stood in the limelight, complaining that his $6.00 packet of sandwiches was indeed made of rubber and not very edible. Maybe Pete, you should sharpen your teeth before trying their food again. Amid much rumbling and cursing the crew again remounted their trusty steeds and continued at a frightening pace towards our Nation's Capital, Canberra. Over hill and dale we drove, past dried out lakes, viewing sheep and bunnies by the score till we at last arrived, tired and looking forward to the faces that might be waiting to greet us as lost brothers.
John and Col had us booked in to the Carotel on the main input road to Canberra - the accommodation was great, with the Carotel supplying us with bunk house style accQmmodation, great when the group consists of six Adgies and an ex-grunt called Cliff, God bless his cotton picking soul. After a bit of a quick lick behind and around the ears we proceeded to the Canberra Club, again with straining eyes. We managed to locate one Larry Searle and with introductions and a bit of hand shaking again, Larry was presented to the group. Tea was arranged and the group waited, but alas no faces of the Adgie kind materialised - but there was always tomorrow, so after food and beverages had been devoured it was back to the Carotel.
Now comes the good part - can you imagine what six Adgies and 1 ex army grunt sound like, all contained for better audio reproduction? Well fellas, it wasn't very pretty and sounded disgusting. If only I had had the opportunity 'to fall asleep first! Remind me in future to book my own single room.
After a noisy and harrowing night of broken sleep we arose for day 2, the 5th of October. The
Dawn Service was fantastic and very much admired by all who witnessed it, and I'm sure it
will be remembered for many years to come. Amongst the sea of heads and bodies appeared a
Blue Beret and upon identification, Don Scott was under it accompanied by his beautiful wife Rosie. Gerry Mapstone spoke as part of the service but alas I couldn't find him afterwards and I missed the opportunity to say g'day. To top off the service was something all Vietnam Vets are overcome with, the sound of I-Iueys thundering onto the scene. I'm sure that hearts raced and many a memory was recalled as two Gunships appeared and overflew the Dawn Service.
After the completion of the service, the crowd dismissed and adjourned to the oval below the War Memorial for a Gunfire Breakfast of hot Bangers and eggs followed with coffee or tea. Many stands with items to recall the weekend were on offer and as usual the Pom obtained a souvenir. As I was walking away from the area I noticed a portable barrier wall in remembrance of those who where not with us. On it were placed caricatures of those who never made it back. Kinda made the eyes swell as it helped remind us of why we were there. Sad, very sad. "Lest we Forget".
The rest of the morning was filled in with a trip through the War Memorial - what a mighty place, Both myself and Alan Brazil checked out the names on the Honour rolls inside and paid too short a time reflecting on those whose names we know from Vietnam. We also paid a visit to the Shrine containing the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Personally this was an experience that I will never forget - what a majestic place, our Country has done our War Dead proud.
At about 11 a.m. we started to gather at the top of ANZAC Parade for the March down to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Among the crowd I found the faces I had waited so long to see:
Jason Brown. Harry Fridd, John Paine, Jerry Fuss and missus, Larry Searle, Don and Rosie Scott and later during the service I found Ron Sheriff. All had not been lost for I had had the opportunity of meeting many who I had not seen for more than thirty years. Kinda puts a lump in the throat, take care fellas till we catch up again.
The march itself was delayed by officials who chose to turn up late. I'll not mention names, but a few of the boys finished up with sunburn after waiting so long. I would like to thank the crew of the Salvation Army for drinks and bickies. Just like old times, they are there when you need them the most, three cheers for the Salvo's.
In all, a top day with us adjourning back to the motel to freshen up and rest those rotten things call LEGS and FEET!, Shit were they ACHING! Mind you I wasn't the only one whinging or in need of a bloody stretcher. And where was them bloody Slicks when you needed them most?
Now, back to BECKWITH who took me on a guided tour of Canberra after dark - ("Look Porn, there's the lake." "What bloody lake? bit hard to see in the dark. Oops forgot to take my night vision glasses"). Mind you, he redeemed himself by guiding me around again under the pretence of looking for McDonald's, but that was the morning of the 6tho Besides that it cost me a fortune in gas.
Sunday saw the need for speed and a safe feturn to our homes, so after saying farewell to our brothers, we were on our way home. Thanks fellas for the pleasure of your company, I look forward to seeing you again, take care.
Editor's note: This is an abridged version of the Porn's excellent original report, which can be read in full on the website, together with photos.
See front cover for the web site address.
In the last issue of Blue Beret, we published a photo of the graduation of course 02/02 at Amberley on 29th August 2002. Unfortunately, we were not able to provide a course list at
the time due to cyber-difficulties. These have now been sorted out and the Course list for
02/02 is listed below, together with another Graduation photo and our congratulations:
AC Ahearn AC Dommett AC Dunstone AC Edwards AC Ferraro AC Grego AC Hiss AC Hopgood AC Kill ian
AC Kokot AC Leaney AC McNeil AC Nuku AC Powell AC Quinlan AC Wright
Stewart Kerr, former Ground
Defence Officer turned breeder of Murray Grey cattle at
Mullumbimby NSW, has taken on the job of chairman of the
North East Pest Animal Advisory Committee. Stewart is also
the director of the Tweed-Lismore Rural Lands Protection
Board.
The Committee was formed over two years ago to bring together all major landholders and land managers in the region in a bid to establish a co-ordinated approach to the control of feral pests.
Another example of Adgies making good. Congratulations Stewart.
An innovative website commemorating the service of Australians in World War II has been launched by the Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, Danna Vale.
The World War II Nominal Roll will make available to people all over the world information about almost one million men and women who served in Australia's armed forces and merchant navy from 1939-45.
The nominal roll draws on the service records of Australians who enlisted during the war to provide a valuable snapshot of our country's wartime history during this period.
The website includes a search engine capable of searching the massive database by name, service number, honours received, place of birth, place of enlistment or town/suburb on enlistment.
Minister Vale said the nominal roll would be an important tool for Australians searching for information on the wartime service of family members.
"Generations of Australians will now be able to easily access information on the wartime service of family members during World War II.
The nominal roll will also be a valuable resource for researchers here and all over the world who are looking for information on this period of our military history.
The World War II Nominal Roll is part of the Federal Government's Saluting Their Service program, which commemorates the service and sacrifice of Australian veterans from the turn of last century to the members of today's Australian Defence Force.
"Saluting Their Service~~ aims to ensure that all Australians are aware of and appropriately acl~nowledge those who, with distinction and honour, dutifully stepped up to defend our homeland with their very lives.
There are a range of initiatives under the program, including support for community commemorative events, resource materials for the education of young Australians, and measures to preserve wartime memorabilia.
The Nominal Roll will assist the community to always remember the important service of Australians at war.
The Nominal Roll launch coincided with the start of the RSL's Poppy Week, when all Australians are encouraged to purchase and wear a poppy in memory of Australian servicemen and women who have died in war.
Welcome:
We welcome another new member to the Association - Peter (Hawkeye)
Hawkins, who has recently joined our family. Good on you Peter and thanks for
joining us.
Sick List:
Shorty Lee and Ken Lovell are still on the sick list, but will hopefully be up and about again soon. Wilf Bowie and Clive Jones, two of our WW2 Living Treasures, have also been in poor health lately and we wish you all a speedy recovery.
Congratulations:
To Bob Kinnane and Bill (Smedley) Strong, who were both accepted as
Members for Life at the last AGM. Many thanks for your support guys, your
new Membership Cards and Certificates should have reached you by now.
Also to the boys at the Greenslopes RSL Advocacy Centre, which includes a lot of ex Adgies as well as Army and Navy veterans, for their contribution to the success of a fund raising weekend for the Rural Fire Service at Kelly Dukes' new pub, (the Kings Hotel at Clifton Qld, ph. 07 46973288). A Charity auction on Friday night raised $680.00, which together with a golf match on the Sunday raised a total of $8600.00 towards the purchase of a new fire truck for the area. Well done guys.
Good Luck
To long-term warrior Vic Smith, who has recently been posted to a four month tour of sunny Bougainville as Air Movements Officer with the ADF Peacekeepers. Sadly, Vic will miss another Christmas at home but if you want to wish him well, he can be emailed on amo.pmg~defence.gov.au.
Where the Hell is...?
We've had returned mail from a number of Association members. If anyone can help with the current whereabouts of the following, it will help us to get our records back up to date again:
FLTLT Matthew Harvey; Barry Taylor; Clive Nelson; Rex Milner; Trevor Turner; "Tank" Macarty; Dick Kay; Doug Gale.
Any help in getting these missing friends to contact us would be gratefully appreciated.
Welcome:
We welcome another new member to the Association - Peter (Hawkeye)
Hawkins, who has recently joined our family. Good on you Peter and thanks for
joining us.
Sick List:
Shorty Lee and Ken Lovell are still on the sick list, but will hopefully be up and about again soon. Wilf Bowie and Clive Jones, two of our WW2 Living Treasures, have also been in poor health lately and we wish you all a speedy recovery.
Congratulations:
To Bob Kinnane and Bill (Smedley) Strong, who were both accepted as
Members for Life at the last AGM. Many thanks for your support guys, your
new Membership Cards and Certificates should have reached you by now.
Also to the boys at the Greenslopes RSL Advocacy Centre, which includes a lot of ex Adgies as well as Army and Navy veterans, for their contribution to the success of a fund raising weekend for the Rural Fire Service at Kelly Dukes' new pub, (the Kings Hotel at Clifton Qld, ph. 07 46973288). A Charity auction on Friday night raised $680.00, which together with a golf match on the Sunday raised a total of $8600.00 towards the purchase of a new fire truck for the area. Well done guys.
Good Luck
To long-term warrior Vic Smith, who has recently been posted to a four month tour of sunny Bougainville as Air Movements Officer with the ADF Peacekeepers. Sadly, Vic will miss another Christmas at home but if you want to wish him well, he can be emailed on amo.pmg~defence.gov.au.
Where the Hell is...?
We've had returned mail from a number of Association members. If anyone can help with the current whereabouts of the following, it will help us to get our records back up to date again:
FLTLT Matthew Harvey; Barry Taylor; Clive Nelson; Rex Milner; Trevor Turner; "Tank" Macarty; Dick Kay; Doug Gale.
Any help in getting these missing friends to contact us would be gratefully appreciated.
Three officers and three Adgies are travelling by train to an equity course.
At the station, the 3 officers each buy tickets, but are amazed to see that the 3 Adgies only buy a single ticket. "How are you all going to travel on only one ticket?" asked one officer.
"Just watch and you'll see," answered an Adgie.
They all board the train. The officers take their respective seats. All 3 Adgies, however, cram into a lavatory and close the door behind them. Shortly after the train has departed, the conductor comes around collecting tickets.
He knocks on the lavatory door and says, "Ticket, please." The door opens just a crack and a single arm emerges with a ticket in hand. The conductor takes it and moves on.
The officers saw this and agreed it was quite a clever idea: cunning, devious, sinister and downright officerish. After the course, they decide to copy the trick on the return trip. "Hey, if a bunch of Adgies can run this scam, why not some sharp ADFA Boys?", they thought.
When the officers get to the train station, they buy a single ticket for their return trip. To their astonishment, the Adgies don't buy a ticket at all.
"How are you going to travel without a ticket?" asks one perplexed Flying officer. "Just watch and you'll see," says one of the Adgies.
When they board the train the 3 officers immediately cram into a loo and the 3 diggers cram into another one nearby. The train departs.
When the train has cleared the station, one of the Adgies leaves his lavatory and walks over to the loo where the officers are hiding. He knocks on the door and says, "Ticket, Please!"
* * ** * * * ********* * * * * * * *
* 31 Australians have died since 1996 by watering their Christmas tree while the fairy lights were plugged in.
*19 Australians died in the last 3 years by eating Christmas decorations they believed were
chocolate.
*Hospitals reported 4 broken arms last year after cracker pulling incidents.
*101 Australians since 1997 have had to have broken parts of plastic toys pulled out of the
soles of their feet.
* 18 Australians had serious burns in 1998 trying on new jumpers while smoking.
*A massive 543 Australians were admitted to casualty in the last two years after opening
bottles of beer with their teeth or eye sockets.
* 3 Australians die each year testing if a 9V battery works on their tongue.
* 142 Australians were injured in 1998 by not removing all the pins from new shirts.
* 58 Australians are injured each year by using sharp knives instead of screwdrivers.
* 8 Australians cracked their skull in 1997 after falling asleep (passing out) while throwing up into the toilet.
Well folks, here we are at the tail end of yet another year, and its certainly been a big one, with a lot of mostly bad news flying about the world.
As a catch-up for the last issue of Blue Beret, which was not only late but pretty thin, we've tried to fill this one up for you and include all our regular bits and pieces as well.
We mentioned in the Minutes of the last Committee Meeting that Sammy Sampson is on the warpath about the lack of coverage for Ubon veterans. Sammy, you're absolutely right as usual, and rest assured that we will do our best to highlight the Ubon chapter of ADG history. The challenge is to get enough information together, so in true Admin fashion, I'll throw the problem right back at all our members - if any readers have histories, diaries, stories or just plain tall tales about Ubon service, please contact us. Likewise, if you have any photos or slides that you'd like to share with us, we'd love to see them. Over to you.
For those of you waiting for the latest information on the status of the Clarke review, the Review Committee hopes to have a manuscript copy of the final report to the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Danna Vale, by Friday, 13th December, that's the end of this week.. In fact, it will most likely take a little longer.
The report contains three volumes that cover many areas of the Entitlement Act and is larger than expected because of the high number of submissions. The printed final copy will not be ready before Christmas, however it is understood that the Minister's office wants the information passed to veterans before Christmas. Hopeftilly information concerning TPI's will be released before Christmas. Fingers crossed! I will keep everyone informed as details come to hand.
Paul Pannowitz ha put a suggestion to the Committee to hold an Association reunion in Newcastle for ANZAC Day 2004. The Committee believes that the proposal has some merit, and we'll ask Paul to give us a bit more detail on his plans. In the meantime, any thoughts from members on this one would be welcome, so give me a call or drop a line and let me know what you think about it.
Chas Cugley, our original 2AFDS Squadron Warrant Officer from 1945, has put together an intriguing story about a Red Cross flag from the World War 2 era, which is currently on exhibition at the RAAF Association Museum in Perth. The flag is signed by many Japanese officers who were captured at the end of the war, and has a remarkable history. Next year, we hope to start publishing excerpts from Charlie's book as a regular feature in the Blue Beret.
Hope you all enjoy this final issue for 2002. Don't forget, we're always on the lookout for contributions from our readers, particularly the current serving ADGs and Ground Defendo's, especially about life in today's modern Air Force. (Funny, that's what they used to call it when us old and bold were in too).
Merry Christmas, a happy, healthy and safe New Year to all, and thanks to every one of you
for supporting the Association. Keep well and we'll be back again next year.
Regards to all
Jim Gable
National Secretary/Treasurer.
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