'TIlE BLUE BERET
OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE
AIRFIELD DEFENCE
ASSOCIATION AUSTRALIA INC.
PATRON: AIR MARSHALL S.D. EVANS AC DSO AFC RAAF RET'D
REG. ADDRESS: 5 JEFFREY STREET CAPALABA QLD 4157
PHONE/FAX: 07 3245 2743 EMAIL: gablefam@uq.net.au
SEPTEMBER 2002
NATIONAL VICE PRESIDENT/ENTERTAINMENT MEMBER
NATIONAL SECRETARY TREASURER
COMMITTEE MEMBER
COMMITTEE MEMBER
EXECUTIVE ADVISOR
BLUE BERET EDITORS
TEX BRYSON 07 38140804
BRUCE SMITH 07 33584 157
JIM GABLE 07324457l74
KEN LOVELL
JOIIN REALE
GLEN HOMBSCII
TFX BRYSON/JIM GABLE 07 324571 74
Graduation Day- basic ADG Course 02/02 proudly wear the Blue Beret after graduating on 29 August 2002
UPDATE FROM THE TOP
By Tex Bryson
Things have hotted up a little with our good friend Sammy Sampson taking centre stage at the
recent Veterans Entitlements Review Board public meeting held here in Brisbane. Apparently
they made the mistake of asking if anyone had anything to say. Someone should have told them
about Sammy and how he goes off when things are not stacked right. Needless to say they
accepted his comments and after it was drafted they listed it on the VER web for public
comment. Way to go Sammy, we all hope those anomalies will be rectified soon.
As this goes to print our latest and newest ADGs join us. To all those gaining their Blue Berets
for the first time on the 29 August 2002 as No 2 /02 Basic ADG course graduates we, on behalf
of all the Association welcome you into the fold.
I am led to believe that our good friend Lofty Holtman has taken a tumble and busted a bit more
than his pride. If the rumours are correct he was standing on a chair to fix something and took a
tumble. I have a few questions, what is that high that you need? the tumble was probably
caused by the extreme lack of oxygen experienced up there. Hope you are feeling better soon
mate and I'm sorry we missed our get together at Amberley a few weeks ago.
Guys, read carefully the request from the secretary as he outlines the requirements for the up and coming AGM. Please respond as quickly as you can.
I am proud to say that our membership continues to grow, welcome all our new members. Subs are still $15.00 per year and cash, cheque or money order can be made out and posted to:
The Secretary ADA
5 Jeffrey Street
Capalaba Q 4317
Enjoy the reading.
Yours in Comradeship
TEX BRYSON
NATIONAL PRESIDENT
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The year ending 2002 has seen many changes to our organization, significantly our expansion into the 2lst century with the ADG web site! home page. The website has been constructed by Pommy Cornwell and has played a noteworthy part in the reestablishment of old and new relationships and the access of members to information about the Association and the mustering in general. Pommy has accepted the executive position of National Webmaster and will work with the committee in getting information out to you all as fast as possible. This doesn't mean that we will "go totally electronic" cease to be publish Blue Beret - in fact just the opposite. There are still a great many members out there who have not yet made the transition to computers and the internet and we have a responsibility to make sure that all our members are looked after.
The never ending saga of the Combat Badge continues, although at a snails pace, there is always the perception that we are gaining ground and will continue to push for that which was promised to us 30 years ago. We have reached some sympathetic ears and hopefully will begin the next phase of our campaign very soon.
2002 also saw relationships develop with the RAF Regiment Association with the possibility of forming an affiliation, which I believe will be of major benefit to both organisations. We will be working very hard to finalise this arrangement very soon. Our thanks to Jim for his work in getting us this far down the track.
Enormous thanks must go to Gilli Giltrap and Stan Hull for the dedication and work that they continue to do in the West, especially over the past few months. The up and coming establishment of 1AFDS 3 Rifle flight in Pearce is gaining momentum and is getting bigger than Ben Hur. The recognition of our Reservist brothers in arms is all-important and their contribution should not go unnoticed. The big launch day for the flight is the 11 Oct 2002 and for more information please contact Gilli.
I can confidently report that the Association continues to move forward, although slowly and carefully, and that our financial situation remains rock solid, thanks to the support of all our members and in particular to the hard work and dedication of the Committee. To Glen Hombsch, who has been a tower of strength and good advice to us, well done and keep getting better.
I would like to extend my personal thanks to Bruce Smith for his dedication to developing and maintaining a good working relationship with pubs and clubs throughout the area as he strived to get the best deals possible for functions and reunions as well as the organization of trophies and memorabilia. Thanks Bruce.
Finally to Jim for his bent ear and every ready fingers what can I say? The success of the association rides on Jim's back and without him there would be no Association.
TEX BRYSON
NATIONAL PRESIDENT
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10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEDICATION OF THE
AUSTRALIAN FORCES NATIONAL VIETNAM
MEMORIAL
As hard as it is to believe, the Australian Forces National Vietnam Memorial in Canberra is almost ten years old! A number of arrangements are in place to commemorate this milestone. The following details have been taken from the VVAA website and are reproduced for the information of members: (Please note: We have received no other information, and neither the form referred to in the Organ ising Committee's letter on the next page, or the letter itself has ever been received by the Association). Any members wishing to make up a party or meet with other ADGs in Canberra are invited to contact the Association without delay.
What is Being Arranged:
Thursday 3 October and Friday 4 October
Meeting of the National Council of the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia - the National
Council comprises the eight State and Territory Presidents as voting members and the five
members of the National Executive. Venue to be advised.
The 2002 Chief of Army's Military History Conference will also be held on these two days. The theme for the conference is The Australian Army and the Vietnam War 1962 - 1972. Remember, book early!
Saturday 5 October
"Stand To" early morning service at the Australian War Memorial (AWM) - Address by BRIG Cohn Khan
"Gunfire" breakfast at an adjacent venue
March from the AWM to the Vietnam Memorial (800 metres)
Re-dedication Service at the Vietnam Memorial - Address by MAJGEN Mike Jeffreys
Sunday 6 October
Mid morning non-denominational church service (venue TBA)
Afternoon concert party (possibly)
What is NOT Being Arranged - Disclaimer
The Australian Capital Territory Branch of the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia accepts responsibility for the arrangements listed above. All other activities, including travel to Canberra, accommodation, unit reunions, and travel between venues are the responsibility of the individual concerned. We will provide all possible assistance with the dissemination of information, but take no responsibility for the quality of the information provided to us or for the provision of advertised services or any interpretation or reliance that the reader may make concerning the information provided.
Thanks to Minister for Veterans' Affairs, the Hon Danna Vale for providing the necessary funding for the events outlined above for the Saturday. For the rest of it, we are Vietnam veterans and partners, providing our services free of charge. We'll do the best we can, but there are no promises and no guarantees.
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LETTER TO EX-SERVICE AND UNIT ORGANISATIONS
I am writing to advise your association of the third of the series of events of significance to all Vietnam veterans. October 2002 marks the tenth anniversary of the dedication, and opening of our memorial on ANZAC Parade in Canberra.
You and your members will recall the numbers of veterans who attended the dedication activities ten years ago. Many have since stated how important that event was in the healing process as well as the terrific opportunity offered to meet up with mates from years ago. Well, we are going to do it again.
On the October long weekend 2002, Vietnam veterans are assembling at our memorial again for a rededication ceremony, and a parade, as well as the other activities usually associated with such a gathering.
The activities we are planning for include a Saturday "stand to" early morning service followed by a "gunfire breakfast". Later that morning we will march past our memorial and form up on a parade ground area on ANZAC Parade, to the front of our memorial, for the re-dedication service.
Following march off and "fall out" those units and associations that have organised re-unions will proceed to these. For others there is no shortage of watering holes where all will be made very welcome. On Sunday we are looking at a non-denominational church service in the morning and possibly, very possibly a "Luscombe Bowl" concert party after lunch. As you can see from the "heads up" form attached, we also need some feed back on activities desired by members.
While many estimated that some 20,000 of us attended the dedication ten years ago, you will appreciate that we have, at this stage, no idea of how many will attend the anniversary events this year. To this end we seek your co-operation in getting some (very) early advice on the numbers interested in attending. Would you please distribute~ copies of the enclosed "yes I'll be in it" form to
all your members. Would you also ask all those interested to get them back to you no later than 30th June 2002 so you can let us know the numbers for which we have to plan.
If your ESO/Unit Association plans to hold a re-union or gathering in Canberra on this October weekend, please provide details around likely numbers and the type of re-union being planned. The 10th Anniversary Planning Committee will provide that information to CIubsACT who will work with you in allocating an appropriate venue.
You can probably appreciate the enormity of the planning for such an event. The Departments of Veterans' Affairs and Defence are assisting us with organisation and some infrastructure support, but all involved are desperate to get an idea of numbers. So please get back to us no later than 30th June 2002 so we can'move on to the next phase in putting this significant event together for your members.
I would like to emphasise that it is essential that those Vietnam veterans intending to come to Canberra for the re-dedication make accommodation bookings early. This is particularly the case in relation to group association or unit bookings. The Canberra Tourism and Events Corporation (CTEC) is vitally interested in these events as the weekend is a particularly busy one for Canberra.
Would you please make copies of the attached FACTS SHEET available to any of your members who make enquiries about this weekend.
Contact numbers for logistics are:
* Transport Murray's Coaches 132259 (Amanda Beltran)
* Accommodation CTEC 1800 100 660
* Tourist Information CTEC 1300 554 114
Should you have any questions about this important event, please contact me on 02 62910220 (home) 0407922591 (mobile). Again, may I ask that you get back to me with numbers by the June deadline date.
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We regret to advise of the death of Steve Van Stain, who passed away after a brief illness on 18th August 2002.
Steve was an ADO and a 9 Squadron Gunner who served in Vietnam in the late sixties. After leaving the Air Force he became actively involved in the RSL and held several senior positions with Logan Diggers RSL. His last appointment prior to his death was as Hon. Secretary of the South East Branch of the Queensland RSL, a post which he held for several years, only resigning the day before entering hospital.
Steve was well known in RSL and Adgie circles and to his Wife Shirley, his family and his many friends, the Association extends its deepest sympathy.
He was buried at Beenleigh Lawn Cemetery on 2lst August 2002.
LEST WE FORGET
THANKS TO AN OLD FRIEND
Only a week or so ago, the Association was contacted by one of our living legends, FLTLT (Ret'd) Mick Seibold, who advised that he had a number of books, diaries, photographs and other documents relating to ADO training and deployment during the fifties, sixties and early seventies. In addition he offered us his original Warrant and Commission for safekeeping.
Needless to say, when asked if we were interested in accepting these treasures as a gift, our immediate answer was a resounding Yes!!
Once again, through the generosity of officers and airmen like Mick Seibold, who helped forge this mustering into what it is today, we have been given the opportunity to add significantly to our growing collection of historical material, which we encourage newer Adgies to take an interest in, as it gives an insight into the origins and hardships faced and overcome by earlier generations of ADGs.
We are eternally grateful to Mick and his lovely wife for their welcome gift, which will be treated with the respect it so richly deserves.
On behalf of all Association members, we extend our sincere thanks and best wishes to Mick.
Any member is welcome to view any of the documents, photos etc - just give us a call first to let us know you recoming.
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The independent Review of Veterans' Entitlements has entered its final phase, with the committee closing off submissions in preparation for writing its report, due in mid-November.
The Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Danna Vale, said the committee finished accepting submissions on 30 August, after extending its original April closing date to accommodate the overwhelming interest in the Review from the veteran community.
"The Review was intended to be a high-profile, independent and open inquiry which would bring clarity to issues of concern to sections of the veteran community," Minister Vale said.
"With 3000 submissions received and strong attendances at the public meetings, it has certainly been high-profile. I would like to thank the committee members for their hard work to date and wish them well in the difficult task of bringing these issues together in their final report."
Under its terms of reference, the committee is considering perceived anomalies in eligibility for access to veterans' benefits and qualifying service.
The committee is also considering the appropriateness of current veteran disability benefits and the extent to which the medical, social and vocational rehabilitation needs of compensation recipients are being met.
The Minister said the committee's report would be made public and its recommendations considered in the context of the 2003 Federal Budget.
She said she intended to see that the Review recommendations were given careful consideration by the Government, in line with the principles outlined at the beginning of the process.
"First and foremost is the Government's commitment to provide fair, consistent and appropriate benefits to members of the veteran community," she said. "Second is our commitment to maintain the integrity of qualifying service.
For decades, the repatriation system has operated on the principle that a special level of entitlement should be set aside for those who have faced the enemy in wars and conflicts, suffering special deprivations and pressures. as a result. This has been endorsed by successive Australian governments on both sides of politics and we will stand by that principle.
"Third is the Government's commitment to responsible economic management, a continuing imperative not only for the Veterans' Affairs portfolio but across all Government programs.
"We must take a responsible approach to any additional spending, which is why the Review committee was instructed to consider the potential to restructure benefits and programs in order to assist the funding of possible improvements to4isability benefits and support programs. "As I said, it is no easy task to bring together all of these issues. The Review committee has had a range of concerns and proposed solutions placed before it, and I look forward to seeing its recommendations," the Minister said.
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In 1942 the people of Australia were called upon, for the first time, to defend their own shores. Throughout that year, supported by their allies, Australians fought to turn the initial defeats of 1942 into the beginnings of victory in the Pacific. This series, issued by the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Danna Vale, to mark the 60th anniversary of the defence of Australia, highlights some of the key events of those 12 momentous months.
WOMEN IN THE DEFENCE OF AUSTRALIA
Women played a key role in the defence of Australia in 1942. When the nation appeared to be threatened, thousands enlisted in the services while many others worked in civilian jobs vital to the war effort. During 1942, Service nurses tended the wounds and illnesses of troops in the Middle East, Malaya, Ceylon, Papua New Guinea and at home. Service nurses suffered more losses in 1942 than in any other year. In January, six nurses were captured at Rabaul and taken to Japan as prisoners of war: In February, the 'Vyner Brooke' was sunk escaping from Singapore and 33 nurses lost their lives, 12 going down with the ship or drowning and 21 shot dead in the massacre at Banka Island which only Sister Vivian Bullwinkel survived. Of the 32 survivors from the ship, eight were to die in the Japanese PoW camps in Sumatra. One nurse was killed in the bombing of Darwin and four others died of illness that year.
Nursing aides of the Australian Medical Women's Army Service also served in operational areas and in hospitals in Australia. Other women enlisted as doctors and physiotherapists. In addition, the Royal Australian Air Force and Royal Australian Navy raised Nursing Services.
All three armed forces had also formed women~s services, which expanded in 1942. The Women's Auxiliary Australian Air Force, Australian Women's Army Service and Women's Royal Australian Naval Service released thousands of men for service in operational areas. Most of the servicewomen worked as typists, stores clerks, drivers, signallers and cooks, but many were airframe and engine mechanics, anti-aircraft gunners or intelligence staff.
Women also contributed to the war effort in other ways, often in traditional 'male' occupations stretched by the enlistment of so many men. Thousands joined the Australian Women's Land Army, a non-military force that worked on farms and orchards. Others worked as conductors on buses and trains; in factories building military equipment including tanks, aircraft and guns; in canneries supplying food; and in shops, hotels and entertainment venues.
Many undertook volunteer work with organisations like the Red Cross, or joined unit and prisoner of war relatives' associations, supporting each other and sending 'comforts' overseas. They also maintained homes and raised families.
As Australia rallied in a national effort to support our war in the Pacific, Australian women were at the forefront.
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From: Rod Jenkins (RodJ4 11 @netscape.net] Subject: Mortars on Vung Tau airfield?
Hi Guys
I found your e-mail addresses on the excellent RAAF ADG website. Congrats to those responsible.
I was a RAAF Radio Tech (ground.)
Does anyone have or know where I can find the dates that the airfield at Vung Tau suffered from mortar attacks ? I know there were some during my time and it would help my DVA pension claim if I can specify dates.
I was there from June '66 to July '67 and June-July 68.
My home phone is 03 52784093 (Geelong) if anyone would rather phone.
Thanks
Rod Jenkins
From Somewhere in France
John Cameron
Well, we are in our fifth month (of 12) in France, after which we will return to Australia.
We decided to leave Bermuda as we went to see Pauline's relations for six weeks and stayed for over five years. We left Oz with the intention of a 12 month stay in France.
We are helping to renovate 3 properties each in a different area of France, so rent-free is the deal Eat here or eat there; it costs the same and prices here in the French countryside are the same as Oz dollars. Plus we get given a lot of stuff as the area is farming.
We are near Bergerac, yup, where the good wine comes from and the house (1786) first had the roof taken off and a new one put on. During that process a cache of ammo was found in the form of 4 x 9mm (1938) mags for either Sten or German Schmeisser, it's thought. (Ammo fits both but the mags are only for the British Sten (called "Mitraillette" in French). Also in the shed hidden away was two halves of a "Storepedo" as dropped by night to the Resistance.
This was a "free" area, not occupied but run by the German/French authorities, but it was "Zone R5 Sud" ( South) of Le Service Nationale Maquis (The French Resistance during WW2).
I got all the into from Paris and this was part of the Maquis area. The farmhouse was used as a distribution centr& and like all EQIPOs-the stocks don't all get issued out, and/or they just can't bloody count! Anyhow, from 1942 to 2002 the 4 mags fully loaded just stayed "in stock".
See You
John Cameron
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Since returning from Vietnam Merv Reid has actively campaigned for ADG's to be recognised for their Skills and Duties performed whilst on Active Service. He has been ably and strongly supported by Jim Gable in his endeavours. As most of you wojild know Jim has a lot on his plate at the moment so at the request of Merv I have stepped in to assist.
It is proposed that the award be known as and referred to as the
"RAAF AIRFIELD DEFENCE COMBAT INSIGNIA".
The help that we need from all our "Old and Bold" and the "Young and Brave" ADGs is to take the attached letter to your local Federal Politician (personally if ~ossibIe) and gain his support for our award please.
Our aim is to bring the ADGs into line with the Army's Infantry Combat Badge for performing the same duties whilst on Active Service.
The more ADG' s who contact their politicians then the greater our chances are, remember:
"UNITED WE STAND DIVIDED WE FALL"
If you wish to know more details please do not hesitate to contact thefollowing ADG's:
Merv Reid: Thursdays 0900 - 1100 on (07) 3394 7077
Jim Gable: Daytime: (07) 3245 7174 please be aware Jim is also involved in the running of the Association and is a very busy man.
Ron Tait: (07) 3801 1515 Fax: (07) 3806 5667
Be aware that this Award is something that we as ADG' s are entitled to and should be recognised as such, and if every ADG contacts their Federal Politician, personally, then we will be recognised - we have fought before and we will fight again.
WE HAVE NOT YET BEGUN THIS FIGHT!
Yours in Comradreship
Ron Tait
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Federal Member for2002
The Association presently has a membership base in excess of four hundred across Australia as well as in New Zealand, The United States and the United Kingdom. Additionally, all currently serving RAAF Airfield Defence Guards and Ground Defence Officers are granted automatic membership of the Association until such time as they separate from the Service.
In addition to receiving that Award the Mustering has also been awarded the Duke of Gloucester Cup
(To No 2 Airfield Defence Squadron in 1993, as the most efficient operational unit in the RAAF) -
Until that time, the Cup had never been awarded to a non-flying unit. The parent unit, No. I Airfield
Defence Wing, has adopted Brisbane as its home base, and in 1995, 2 Airfield Defence Squadron
(2AFDS) was formally granted the Freedom of the City.
The primary role of the ADGs has always been the defence of (and early warning of threat to) RAAF installations and Airfields, with a secondary role as drill, weapons and general service, instructors. Each ADG is trained in all aspects of ground combat tactics, weapons, counter-terrorism, unarmed combat, close personal protection (body guarding) and counter-sabotage.
They are also trained in radio operation, driving, nuclear biological and chemical warfare instruction (NBC) and in addition undergo parachute training. Today's ADG has "state of art" equipment and is exceptionally fit and highly motivated with a high standard of readiness for deployment worldwide.
Dear Member
The Airfield Defence Association Australia Inc was set up in 1987 to foster and maintain a close relationship between former and serving RAAF members and at the same time to safeguard the interests of former RAAF Ground Defence servicemen and those who are leaving the Service.
RAAF Airfield Defence Guards (ADGs) have been a little known element of the Royal Australian Air Force in peace and war since 1944, when the first groups of RAAF airmen received specialist training in all forms of aerodrome defence, later serving in the campaigns on Morotai, Balikpapan, Tarakan and the Philippines.
The Mustering was disbanded after World War two but was re-activated in the mid-sixties to provide specialised security and defence functions for RAAF establishments. One of the first overseas postings -for post-World War 2 ADGs was the Royal Thai Air Force base at Ubon, as part of the RAAF SEATO contribution. It was in fact from Ubon that the ADGs suffered their first casualty of the modern era and the first ADGs were sent to South Vietnam. Subsequent to Vietnam, many ADGs have seen service in Malaysia, Cambodia, Kuwait and East Timor. The ADGs first became familiar to the general public as a result of their peace-keeping service with INTERFET in East Timor, resulting in No 2 Airfield Defence Squadron being one of only three Australian Military formations to be awarded the Australian Meritorious Unit Citation.
During the Vietnam conflict, ADGs and Ground Defence Officers were stationed at Phan Rang, and Vung Tau and were also attached to Army units at Nui Dat, where they performed Infantry related tasks including ambush and reconnaissance patrols, perimeter tower defence and armed escort duties. Many ADGs served as helicopter door gunners and crewmen with 9 Squadron RAAF, which also distinguished itself by winning the Duke of Gloucester Cup several times.
ADGs accounted for 28 per cent of the total casualties suffered by the RAAF in South Vietnam, and were Amongst the most highly decorated single units in the conflict.
As you will clearly see from the foregoing, RAAF Airfield Defence Guards have a proud and lengthy history of service to both the Royal Australian Air Force and to the people of Australia. Australian Army personnel engaged in similar operations, particularly during and since the Vietnam War, have had that Combat Service recognised by the awarding of the Infantry Combat Badge (ICB), which they wear with a great deal of justifiable pride.
Despite previous substantial representations at senior RAAF and government levels by the Airfield Defence Association, the fact remains that RAAF Airfield Defence Guards and Ground Defence Officers have so far been denied the same recognition of their Active Service, with the most recent rejection being on the grounds that the Infantry Combat Badge (ICB) is an Army Embellishment with no RAAF equivalent.
As an interesting aside, ADGs and Ground Defence Officers of the RAAF also proudly wear parachute wings and a highly prized and sought-after Unit Beret - both previously considered to be "Army" embellishments, heither of which were classed as RAAF equivalents until recent times. A number of ADGs have been awarded Honours such as the Military Medal for bravery in the field. The Military Medal is certainly not an RAAF Award.
It is not the Association's intention to lay claim to the Australian Army Infantry Combat Badge, but we very strongly see the need to create an equivalent Award for RAAF personnel.
The purpose of this letter therefore, is to secure your support in an endeavour to correct this obvious anomaly, which recognises the courage and professionalism of members of one Service, but at the same time ignores and denies the efforts of their counterparts in another Service who performed identical duties and took identical risks to do so.
You should be aware that it is not the Association's intention to sit idly by whilst you carry on our fight - We will most definitely be approaching RAAF Headquarters once again in an effort to resolve this issue favourably, but your assistance will be welcomed regardless of the outcome.
In closing, I have enclosed a copy of a letter written by one of our members who has pursued this matter for many years and which I believe is self explanatory.
To distinguish this Award from the Infantry Combat Badge we anticipate that it would be named
The "RAAF AIRFIELD DEFENCE COMBAT 1NSIGNIA".
With sincere thanks in anticipation of your endeavours on our behalf, I remain
Yours Sincerely
National Committee: Airfield Defence Association Australia Inc.
Editors: Blue Beret
Officer Commanding: No 1 Airfield Defence Wing
RAAF Airfield Defence Combat Insignia
"Ad"
Since returning from Vietnam, I have with others, at different levels, campaigned for
Recognition and approval to have gazetted to wear Parachute wings, Beret and our own
Combat Insignia as part of the Royal Australian Air Force uniform. The Parachute wings and
Beret have rightfully come to fruition.
I am again, moved to pen my desire to obtain, through the above addressees, recognition of our Airfield Defence Category Personnel for their combat role in all conflicts which deemed,
"The combatant experienced, witnessed, or was confronted with an incident or incidents that involved actual or threatened death or serious injury, or a threat to the physical integrity of self or others."
Years of interviews and research as an Advocate representing Veterans has only reinforced what I have always known, That ADG's involved in combat and conflicts have been and always will be exposed to more life threatening situations than most other RAAF Defence Personnel.
A book "The RAAF in Vietnam" written by Chris Coulthard-Clark, a noted historical consultant to Australian Defence Industries, on page 242 writes and I quote, "The record of the ADG's in Vietnam suggests that for this group the war had been a mixed experience. Despite the frequent monotony of their duties during periods when enemy activity was at a low level, at other times theirs was a most active war which was quite uncharacteristic of the rest of the RI4AF commitment.
Evidence of this can be found most obviously in the fact that the ADG mustering, though numerically small, suffered casualties of one killed and seven wounded in action. A further three members had been killed and another five wounded in non combat incidents.
Fatalities among ADG's represen ted 28 per cent of all deaths among RAAF personnel in Vietnam.
Apart from an MBE and eight Mentioned in Despatches (MID5), ADG's accounted for four of the ten Distinguished Flying Medals awarded to RIAF members."
On pages 236/7/8 the book tells the story of Corporal N.E. Power and his being awarded the Military Medal. This is not a reco2nised RAAF award.
I know that the above addressees will unrelentingly make submissions to the Department of Defence and the Royal Australian Air Force office, for a combat insignia to be recognised and gazetted to be proudly worn by all who are eligible, as do our Infantry Brothers.
Hopefully all my fellow Veterans will also lobby politicians, Bureaucrats and decisionmakers in uniform bringing this to a successful conclusion.
PROPOSED ELIGIBILITY
To have been a qualified member of the Airfield Defence Category posted on active service for a continuous minimum period of 3 months, or to have been returned to Australia for medical or compassionate reasons after being deemed on active service.
To be returned on disciplinary grounds is not eligible service.
This award is not to be confused with the Army Infantry Combat Badge.
The suggested colour is a burnished metal, different from the Army Infantry Combat Badge.
I conclude, needing this submission to be discussed, criticized constructively amongst my peers.
Yours in Comradeship
Merv Reid
Well troops, this should be the last 'Tales from Tassie' from me. The reason is that Mum and I have decided to sell up and move to some warmer weather. Our Medic has confirmed that we are both suffering from the effects of living with a bloke named 'Arthur Ritis'. If and when our place is sold, we will be moving back to Queensland, somewhere between Hervey Bay and Gladstone. If anyone out there knows of a high set Queenslander which requires some renovation back about twenty minutes to half an hour (up the bush) from the coast with a river boundary on around five to eight acres, give me a yell mate. Our Medic suggests that the icebergs from Tassie should have melted by the time they get that far so it seems to be a good place to settle.
Back in March, we had the final 'K.D. Camp' which went off well. The weather was kind so the usual pattern soon emerged. It began on the Friday night with the Adgie contingent arriving, i.e. Tassie Walters, Matt Dillon, Wally Tennick and Gus Walters (Gun plumber and Hon. Adgie). What was supposed to be a relaxing evening turned out to be a normal session of insult throwing and lie telling around a campfire. That night concluded with troops wandering around in different directions looking for a farter.
On the Saturday, the camp proper began. It was slow to begin with as the troops were complaining of upset stomachs from something they forgot to eat as well as sniffing the released aroma of Matt Dillon's lunch box located in the rear of his trousers. After a big BBQ lunch, all gathered felt much better so the pace picked up. Some of the local troops began to arrive and the mood soon took on an Inter Service slanging match. It was Adgies against Grunts and Seaweed suckers. The women adopted their now familiar pose of sitting together and engaging in rapid head shaking. From there, the night session crept in with the insults increasing at the same rate as the flames of the fire. There were troops dropping in and out, troops falling over (uneven ground) and troops trying to sing along to Marty Robbins gunfighter ballads. That night ended much the same as the previous one with the exception that the leave pass for the Walters boys had expired and they had to leave.
On the Sunday, the mandatory 'slow start' was observed. The ritual stocking of the esky, having some breakfast, engaging in meaningful conversation and postponing the inevitable was the order of the first hour. Sunday school began with the familiar sound of Wally Tennick relieving a stubbie of it's top. Ken Triffitt arrived about this time and was somewhat 'put out' when he learned that Sunday school had finished and only drinking was left to engage in. He took it on the chin and very soon settled into the routine. Although the pace was slower, everyone agreed that they were 'sick and tired of feeling sick and tired'. Game over
The photo shows a few of the troops before lunch on the Saturday.
Rear, left to right
Matt Dillon Member for Culture
Mick Imlach Grunt and member for stirring
Ron Galloway Friend and member for history
Me member for nothing
Wally Tennick Member for refreshments
Tassie Walters Member for trivia
Front, left to right:
Mick Fisher My father and member for truth
Snow Duff Grunt and Member for insults
Gus Walters Hon. Adgie and Member for crook one liners
Well troops, that's it. Who knows we may find a property in Queensland which lends itself to more annual camps.
See Yez,
K.D.
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The Federal Government is conducting a mortality study of Australia's Vietnam veterans, as part of continuing research efforts into the health of the Vietnam veteran community.
The Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Danna Vale, said the study was the third to be conducted into rates and causes of death among Australians who served during the Vietnam War.
"The last study, released in 1997, recommended that further research be undertaken after the year 2000, to ensure that Government and policy-makers continued to closely monitor the mortality rates of Vietnam veterans.
"The Federal Government has a strong commitment to the health of the Vietnam veteran community, implementing a $32.3 million package of measures to assist Vietnam veterans and their families, including preventative action to address heart disease and alcohol abuse, mental health programs and education assistance for children of Vietnam veterans.
"This study will provide valuable new information about the Vietnam veteran community, to assist the Government in the implementation of its veterans' health programs in coming years," the Minister said.
Minister Vale said the study was being guided by a consultative forum with representatives of the
Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia, the Vietnam Veterans' Federation of Australia, the
Returned & Services League of Australia, the Australian Veterans and Defence Services Council
and the Department of Veterans' Affairs.
"The consultative forum represents the interests of the veteran community, to ensure the study is conducted in a way that best meets the needs of Vietnam veterans," she said.
"An expert Scientific Advisory Committee has also been appointed to oversee the study, chaired by the Dean of the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences at the University of Auckland, Professor Peter Smith."
The Minister said the mortality study involve~ matching the Nominal Roll of Vietnam Veterans against national death and cancer registries, the electoral roll and passport records to identify the number of deaths, causes of death and the incidence of cancer.
"This will be compared with the Australian population, as well as national servicemen who did not serve in Vietnam, to determine any increase in mortality or cancer rates among Vietnam veterans.
"This study will indlude the first cancer incidence study on Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force veterans of Vietnam anZl the. first to include examination of mortality on a ship-by-ship basis.
"Meeting the needs of the Vietnam veteran community is a continuing priority for the Government and the mortality study will assist us in providing Vietnam veterans with the care they need and to which they are entitled," Minister Vale said.
Veterans and war widows living in the Tweed region now have local access to services from the
Department of Veterans' Affairs, following the official opening of the new Veterans' Affairs
Network (VAN) office in Tweed Heads.
The VAN office, which is centrally located at Tweed Shopping Mall, was opened by the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Danna Vale, and the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs and Federal Member for Richmond, Larry Anthony.
The Tweed Heads VAN is a place where veterans and war widows can lodge claims for entitlements as well as find out more about other Federal Government benefits and services and also provides a one-stop location for DVA services, where veterans and war widows can meet with advisers to discuss their needs.
More than 6,400 veterans and dependants live in the Tweed region, making this the second largest veteran community in the country.
"The Federal Government is committed to ensuring regional and rural veterans are able to access services available to their city counterparts. "Before this office waso established, veterans from the Tweed region had to travel to Lismore or Southport to access VAN services. Local veterans now have access to this type of facility within our own community.
The Minister for Veterans' Affairs has announced new increases in veterans' pensions and allowances. ?ension rates are to rise in line with cost of living adjustments from 20 September, with the benefits to flow through to pension payments from the Department of Veterans' Affairs payday on Thursday 3 October 2002.
Veteran disability payments will increase by up to $11.70, with the Totally & Permanently Incapacitated (T&PI) rate rising to $742.40 per fortnight, an additional $304.20 for the year.
Maximuu7l rate single service pensioners will receive up to an extra $197.60 a year as fortnightly pensions are increased to $429.40, while couples will have their pensions increased to $358.40 each, an additional $163.80 each for the year.
Minister Vale said the most exciting increase would be for some 81,000 war widows and widowers whose income support supplement would increase to $127.20 a fortnight, following the removal of the freeze in ceiling rate. The ceiling rate of the income support supplement will now be indexed twice yearly, by the same percentage as the service pension, to reflect movements in the cost of living.
As a result, recipients of the income support suppje.ment will be $59.80 better off for the year. War widows and widowers will also receive up to an additional $197.60 a year, with the war widow's pension rate increasing up to $454.40 a fortnight.
Details of the new pension rates are available from DVA on 133 254 or on the Department's website at www.dva.gov.au.
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The service of 24 Australians killed during the Battle of Britain has been remembered at a memorial service at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
The Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Danna Vale, will lay a wreath for the 24 Australian personnel killed while serving with the Royal Air Force Fighter, Bomber and Coastal Commands in 1940.
"At the end of the battle, Prime Minister Winston Churchill made his famous speech, telling the British people that 'never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few'," the Minister said.
"It is important that we remember those Australians who were numbered among 'the few', whose efforts helped Britain stave off a German invasion.
"Although no Royal Australian Air Force fighter squadrons served in the battle, research has uncovered the names of 52 Australians who served in Fighter Command, some of whom were listed as British.
"Three of Australia's top fighter pilots, Flight Lieutenants Pat Hughes and Stuart Walch and Flight Officer Richard Glyde, were among those killed.
"Flight Lieutenant Vincent Parker was shot down over the English Channel and taken prisoner after being rescued by a German patrol boat. Parker was the only Australian airman to suffer this fate during the Battle of Britain.
"The men and women who took part in this battle can be very proud of their service, courage and determination," Minister Vale said.
The Minister said the Battle of Britain was one of the most significant air battles ever fought in th~ history of warfare.
"It began in July 1940, when the German Luftwaffe attacked shipping in the English Channel and ports and harbours in the south of England.
"The attacks on shipping were followed by months of aerial combat, as the Luftwaffe tried to destroy Britain's air power in preparation for an invasion.
"By September hundreds of British and allied airmen and airwomen had lost their lives but the RAF refused to surrender control of the skies and Germany's plans to invade Britain were eventually abandoned," the Minister said.
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During training exercises, the Flight Lieutenant who was driving down a muddy back road encountered another jeep stuck in the mud with a red faced Wing Commander at the wheel. "your jeep stuck, sir?" asked the Flight Lieutenant as he pulled alongside. "Nope," replied the Wing Commander, coming over and handing him the keys. "Yours is
Having just moved into his new office, a pompous, new SQNLDR was sitting at his desk when an airman knocked on the door. Conscious of his new position, the SQNLDR, quickly picked up the phone, told the airman to enter, then said into the phone, "Yes, General, I'll be seeing him this afternoon and I'll pass along your message. In the meantime, thank you for your good wishes, sir."
Feeling as though he had sufficiently impressed the young man, he asked, "What do you want?"
"Nothing important, sir," the airman replied. "... I'm just here to hook up your telephone."
On some air bases the Air Force is on one side of the field and civilian aircraft use the other side of the field, with the control tower in the middle.
One day the tower received a call from an aircraft asking, "What time is it?" The tower responded, "Who is calling?"
The aircraft replied, "What difference does it make?"
The tower replied "It makes a lot of difference. If you are a Qantas flight, it is 3 o'clock. If you are an Air Force aircraft it is 1500 hours. If you're a Navy aircraft, it is 6 bells. If you're an Army aircraft, the big hand is on the 12 and the little hand is on the 3. If you're an SAS aircraft, it's Thursday afternoon."
Officer: Soldier, do you have change for a dollar?
Soldier: Sure, buddy.
Officer: That's no way to address an officer! Now let's try it again.
Officer: Do you have change for a dollar?
Soldier: No, SIR!
Fighter Pilots:
Q: How do you know if there is a fighter pilot at your party?
A: He'll tell you.
Q: What's the difference between God and fighter pilots
A: God doesn't think he's a fighter pilot.
Q: What's the difference between a fighter pilot and a jet engine?
A: A jet engine stops-whining when the plane shuts down.
Three Navigators were walking through the forest when they came upon a set of tracks.
The first Navigator said, "Those are deer tracks."
The second Navigator said, "No, those are pig tracks."
The third Navigator said "You're both wrong, those are roo tracks."
They were still arguing when the train hit them.
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First thing I have to do is to apologise to all of you for the lateness of this issue of the Blue Beret.
Normally it comes out some time in August but thanks to a combination of machinery problems, family matters and our President and Vice President both being in the sick and injured list, things have only been able to be done in bits and pieces for the past few weeks. Again, my apologies.
Another challenge we had to face was in regard to the latest graduating course of Basic ADGs at Amberley. Somehow, we managed to get some course photos but the Nominal Roll for the course is lost somewhere in Cyberspace and we had no hope of getting a duplicate without more delay in sending this issue out to you, so we'll try to include it in the next issue.
As well, you'll notice that there are a few odds and ends of regular items missing from this issue. Nothing important, just the odd form or two, which is readily available from previous editions. They also will return in the next issue.
I have heard some rumours lately that some members were a bit cranky because they were under the impression that the Association had paid the travelling expenses for visits to Queensland and NSW by other members. I can assure you all that the Association has not, did not and will not use members' funds in such a way. The costs involved were entirely met by the members concerned, as is the case with all travel and other costs incurred by the Committee and I invite any member who has concerns of this nature to contact me to discuss them.
On another note, I draw your attention to the President's Report for 2002, which appears towards the front of this issue. As you can see, we are moving slowly ahead on a number of issues and are now beginning to take a greater role in Veterans' and other welfare issues.
We are also progressing in our pursuit of the right for ADGs, both former and present, to wear a Ground Combat insignia similar to the Army's "Infantry Combat Badge". The wheels are moving slowly, and in this issue you will find a request for help from Ron Tait, as well as a form letter which we would like EVERY member to complete and send to their local Federal Member of Parliament. All you need to do is fill in the name address and Electorate details for the member at the top of the letter, sign it at the bottom and mail it off, together with a copy of the original letter from Merv Reid. Let's see what sort of response we get from this phase of the campaign.
Thanks for all your kind words of support and your help during the past year. The next Financial year will be even more inter&sting, I'm sure.
Regards
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