Note i apologise fellas if sometimes some of the links to other sites off our site do not convey the
True Spirit and Respect that our ADGie site deserves.
As this Site is for Adgies by Adgies.
"If this ADGie Spirit could be bottled, I'd buy the whole bloody Distillery".
Sorro says "Whoops Sorry"
11-5-2001
To Mr "Cromwell",
that brought a smile to my face when reading the message from our "Yankee" friend!!!!! Hope he sticks with us now anyway, from here on in. It's great that people from other countries are honing in on the ADG site.
Just a quick note to correct two mistakes made on my behalf. Ones made in haste, unfortunately.
Re my message of 02/05/01 re the WW2 No.1 Parachute Battalion, and titled "Another ADI". I stated in part, "that entailed the Paratroopers being dropped into New Guinea to liberate the Sandakan POW's".
New Guinea of course is incorrect; it should have read "Borneo". And Sandakan is located in north eastern Borneo. My stated figure on the number of POW's who perished, was also incorrect.
To those who may be interested in the full story of the Sandakan POW's, I commend a book by Athol Moffitt, titled "PROJECT KINGFISHER", and published by "ABC Books". Athol was the prosecutor in the collaborator and war crimes trials held in Borneo in 1945-46.
A quote from the rear cover of his book states, "Moffitt also reveals the scandalous story of the secret plans for the rescue of the Sandakan POW's - and why they were never carried out. The tale of intrigue and cover-up he unfolds, involving Generals Macarthur and Blamey and the Australian Government, is as controversial on the 50th anniversary of the events at Sandakan as when Project Kingfisher was first published in 1989."
Of 2400 POW's who were held at Sandakan in Borneo since 1943, only six, all Australians, were alive after the Japanese surrendered.
My apologies for the error.
Cheers,
"Sorro".
Note my name is not CROMWELL that bloke had a square head old mate; mine is just misshaped a little.
Regards the POM
Where "O" Where do we find these?
"The Belt Buckle of Distinction"
10-5-2001
Well fellas please let me know and I'll post details on site, as I'm sure now that they have been seen they will be hot property.
Whose's This ADGie ??
Found this poor soul wearing a Blue Beret on a web page floating around in cyberspace and no doubt i should know, but I don't, so who is he?
Regards the POM
Welcome in Simon Lovelock
Simon was off 35 Course in 1982 and tells me his is missing the camaraderie and friendship of his old adgie mates,
well mate i hope that putting you up on our site fixes all that.
Regards the POM
. Simon Lovelock.....adg1982@dingoblue.net.au
First Picy's of Anzac Day
10-5-2001
Yep the Disguise's are pretty good fellas but I've picked out Stan Hull on the far right.
(Must have been that BIG STICK your carrying mate that gave you away??)
Hey Pom
Here's a couple of photos from Perth of the motley crew and banner.
The Goose
John Linabury
9-5-2001
Thanks for this one especially mate. This rectifies an anomaly of the system which has not recognized tours of duty by individual flights with Army Companies and also 2AFDS itself as the "Rifle Company", defending RAAF Butterworth. Son Dave did two tours there, so he will be happy. He had asked me to prepare a submission to send the Minister regarding it since they actually came under fire in '87. Saved me a lot of work. That gives the little shit 5 gongs now.
Lawrie Gay
Thought this might be of interest
Subject: 15 000 NEW MEDAL ENTITLEMENTS
> Wednesday, 9 May 2001 Min 129/01
>
> Up to 15 000 veterans who served in Singapore and Butterworth, Malaysia
between 1971 and 1989 are set to be awarded the Australian Service Medal,
the Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, Bruce Scott announced
today.
>
> Mr Scott said this latest announcement on medal entitlements follows the
Government's acceptance of recommendations arising from the Review of
Service Entitlement Anomalies in Respect of South-East Asian Service
1955-75, and a further review of the medal entitlements of those Defence
personnel who served in Singapore until 1975 and in Butterworth until 1989 -
the year in which the communist insurgency in Malaysia officially ended.
>
> "These medal entitlements recognise the vital role that Australian
servicemen and women have played in the stability and security of South East
Asia during a period of significant tension," he said.
>
> "The Department of Defence has received many thousands of applications for
medals since the Review's findings were announced last year.
>
> "I would ask all those who have submitted applications to be patient. The
applications are being processed as quickly as possible."
>
> Mr Scott said the Government was determined to ensure proper recognition
of the service and sacrifice of its servicemen and women in the defence of
their country, and in assisting in the maintenance of peace and security of
countries much less fortunate than Australia.
>
> "As the Coalition promised in its 1996 election policy, the Federal
Government is committed to monitoring the issue of military awards and will
ensure that any genuine anomalies that are brought to its attention, are
rectified as quickly as possible."
>
>
> Media Contact: Mark Croxford 02 6277 7820 or 0408 645 787
> Attachment to Min 129/01
>
> 15 000 NEW MEDAL ENTITLEMENTS FOR SOUTH EAST ASIAN SERVICE
> BACKGROUND INFORMATION
> In addition to the awards announced today, previously announced awards
resulting from the Review of Service Entitlement Anomalies in Respect of
South-East Asian Service 1955-75 and the follow-on Review include:
>
> * Australian Active Service Medal (AASM) 1945-75 with Clasp 'Malaya' for
service by the Royal Australian Navy in support of operations in Malaya
during the period 2 July 1955 to 31 July 1960
>
> * AASM 1945-75 with Clasp 'Thai-Malay' for land operations during the
period 1 August 1960 to 16 August 1964 and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF)
air operations during the period 17 August 1964 and 30 March 1966 on the
Thai-Malay Border
>
> * AASM 1945-75 with Clasp 'Thailand' for service in Thailand at Ubon Air
Base and with 2 Field Troop, Royal Australian Engineers, in Operation
'Crown' during the period 25 June 1965 to 31 August 1968
>
> * qualifying criteria for all operations that earned entitlement to the
AASM 1945-75 or current AASM standardised to conform with modern criteria
for warlike operations, which is basically, 'one day or more on the posted
strength of a unit allotted (or assigned) to and serving in an operational
area, one operational sortie into the area, 30 non-operational sorties or 30
days for visitors'
>
> * introduction of a separate Clasp 'SE Asia' to the Australian Service
Medal (ASM) 1945-75 and current ASM, for land service during the period
1955-89 in certain areas of South-East Asia outside of the Malayan Emergency
1955-60, Thai-Malay Border operations 1960-66, Indonesian Confrontation
1962-66 and South Vietnam 1962-73
>
> Also approved by the Governor-General were extended entitlements for:
>
> * ASM 1945-75 with Clasp 'Korea' for service with the British Commonwealth
Forces Korea in Japan and Okinawa during the period 29 April 1952 and 26
August 1957
>
> * ASM 1945-75 with Clasp 'Middle East' for service with 78 Wing RAAF for
duties in Malta during the period 9 July 1952 to 1 December 1954
>
> * ASM 1945-75 with Clasp with Clasp 'SW Pacific' for:
>
> - War Grave Unit activities in Borneo, Labuan Island and Ambon during the
period 25 November 1946 to 10 November 1956
>
> - RAAF activities on Cocos Island with No 2 Airfield Construction Squadron
during the period 18 November 1951 to 24 January 1954
>
> Applications may be made by letter or on the form available on the
Department of Defence web site at
http://www.defence.gov.au/dpe/dpe_site/resources/index.htm, and addressed
to:
>
> Navy Medals Section
> Queanbeyan Annex
> Department of Defence
> CANBERRA ACT 2600
> Ph: 1800 065 149
>
> Air Force Medals Section
> Queanbeyan Annex
> Department of Defence
> CANBERRA ACT 2600
> Ph: 1800 065 149
>
> Army Medals Section
> GPO Box 5108BB
> MELBOURNE VIC 3001
> Ph: 1800 623 306
. Click here for Application Form
9-1-2001
G,day Pom,
Please find attached an interesting notice from the "Canberra times" dated
Saturday 28 April 2001,
This may appeal to some of our more literary minded comrades?.
Cheers from the 'bush capital' Klaus-Dieter Wendt.
Veterans Family Support Link Line
Support those who Support you
now online Email Address Below
. Veterans Family Support Link Line
A Note from Barry Petith
7-5-2001
Hi Bob,
This is just a short note to let you know what I have been up
to with regards to Trevor . I wrote to the Defence department to get Trevor's
Details etc, they sent me back his statement of service and said that they
will send his death certificate, and they also said that if I sent a stat
dec that I as his next of kin can have whatever awards that were not claimed
, apparently there were three that haven't been collected. They also said
that it may take 10 months to get his medals, but everyone knows that they
work in mysterious ways. I will be happy to have them for next Anzac day
and there will be no one prouder than I to pin them on my right breast and
pay homage to the men and women who have given this country such an
honourable reputation within all the worlds military.
I saw the bottle of "Johnny Walker" that you won; maybe it is just
as well you don't drink (Blue Beret). Kindest Regards. Barry Petith.
Note Barry is Trevor Petith's Brother
Yes old mate wear them with Pride Trev would be proud of you.
Regards the POM
Hi Steve,
This is just to let you know what I have been up to re Trevor.
I sent a letter to the Defence department, and so far they have sent me Trevs' Statement of Service, they then rang me and said that they would send me Trevors Death Certificate, and the fellow I spoke to said that there were three awards still to be issued, all I had to do was send them
a stat' dec' which I have done, they said that it may take up to ten months to get the medals. But apparently I am the only one who can get them as legally I am Trevors next of kin .I wasn't aware of that but there will be no prouder person in the world than this little black duck, when I am
able to pin them on my right breast and march with people who will never forget
the sacrifice made by so many.
I would like to thank you and Bob Cornwell so very much for
your help in starting this little adventure off, I have sent Lawrie a note of
thanks and will send Bob one after I have done this one. God bless you all,
And once again "Thank You"
Take care. Fondest regards. Barry Petith.
Gday to William Peter Currell
. currell@telstra.easymail.com.au .
6-5-2001
Mate you might have got out in 84 but you back in now
regards the POM
.
Sorro's Collection 1
"Pom"
How's things? Hope this finds you well. I'll bet you didn't realize initially how rapidly your Web Site was going to grow? You can't pull out now, do not even think about it, be sensible, everyone will be after your scalp and hide if you even dare try any attempt to release yourself from the Computer shackles!!!!!!
Now, "Simmo's Photo Collection", along with the other collections, which I only viewed late last night. Does he genuinely not know all or many of the faces - other than his own!!! - Or was he just typical slack Simmo in not putting names to faces??
More to the point, he and other "photographers" would have taken many of the pics when they were pissed to the eyeballs!!! So, if you want some names because Simmo's memory has faded so badly with age and wear and tear, then I can help out with some if you want me to. One is of myself; there are others such as "Hally", "Macca", "H", and so on. He actually recognised "Jacko", can you believe it?
"Pom", I will proceed to send as attachments today, some pics of "Warrant Officer Simpson", and a number of his colleagues from the "67-'68 era. Hope I don't embarrass anyone!!!! I'm only releasing a few at a time.
Cheers, "Sorro".
6-5-2001
"Pom"
How's things? Hope this finds you well. I'll bet you didn't realize initially how rapidly your Web Site was going to grow? You can't pull out now, do not even think about it, be sensible, everyone will be after your scalp and hide if you even dare try any attempt to release yourself from the Computer shackles!!!!!!
Now, "Simmo's Photo Collection", along with the other collections, which I only viewed late last night. Does he genuinely not know all or many of the faces - other than his own!!! - Or was he just typical slack Simmo in not putting names to faces??
More to the point, he and other "photographers" would have taken many of the pics when they were pissed to the eyeballs!!! So, if you want some names because Simmo's memory has faded so badly with age and wear and tear, then I can help out with some if you want me to. One is of myself, there are others such as "Hally", "Macca", "H", and so on. He actually recognised "Jacko", can you believe it?
"Pom", I will proceed to send as attachments today, some pics of "Warrant Officer Simpson", and a number of his colleagues from the "67-'68 era. Hope I don't embarrass anyone!!!! I'm only releasing a few at a time.
Cheers, "Sorro".
Mustering Background
Passing out Parade of RAAF National Servicemen Amberley QLD-Mid 1950's.
Possibly QLD Governor taking the Salute / Sgt Eric Francis Sorenson Permanent RAAF Drill Instructor.
Hi there "Pom",
Here's one for you. The attached photo is of my Father at the head of one of many "passing out" parades of RAAF National Servicemen whom he instructed at Amberley during the 1950's.
He was an Australian Army No.1 Battalion Red Beret Paratrooper during WW2. He and his colleagues were initially trained in NSW, and then were based on the Atherton Tablelands in Far North Queensland, adjacent to the Mareeba aerodrome.
They undertook extensive specialist training for a secret mission, a mission that was aborted at the last minute prior to activation.
That mission turned out to be one that entailed the Paratroopers being dropped into New Guinea to liberate the Sandakan POW's on the ill-fated Japanese-driven death marches.
The Australian Government could not supply the required drop aircraft - Dakotas - and requested General Douglas MacArthur, Supreme Commander of the South Pacific Allied Forces, to please supply the necessary aircraft. He refused to accede to the request.
Consequently, something like in excess of 3000 Australian and British POW's died at the hands of the Japs. MacArthur had decided to use the aircraft elsewhere, in an area where nothing major was achieved, but gained him much glory.
History shows MacArthur was not the great hero that he was perceived to be during WW2. And he made every attempt to prevent the Australian military from stealing the limelight from him.
The 1 Para Battalion was disbanded in 1946 - the year I was born - the only Para Battalion ever formed in Australia to this day. The Australian Government of the day also had a lot to answer for re numerous Administrative blunders re the Battalion. In a quote from a book published about the Battalion by ex 1 Para Battalion Paratrooper Norm Fuller, titled "the Flying Footsloggers", it states, "The parachute battalion's last parade was notable by its absence. There wasn't one, rather an inglorious end for a unit which could have done much more towards the war effort if administration had willed it that way. There were no pictures known to have been taken."
Dad joined the RAAF as a Drill Instructor, later to be known as Airfield Defence Instructor, in about 1950, and ceased as a Sergeant in about 1956. He actually trained Mick Seibold, then they worked alongside each other as Instructors.
I received my grounding as an ADG during the many occasions as a very young lad that myself and younger Brother tagged along with Dad to "assist" him with the instructing of the Nashos, one of whom included his own younger Brother in Law !!!!!
So "Pom", there's a little bit of post-WW2 history re the ADG Mustering that members of the Association may be interested in.
Cheers for now,
"Sorro".
PS. Anzac Day photos will be forwarded soon, and received an E Mail from "Fletch" of 5 Course, will respond to him very soon. "Sorro".
And Now We have a Guest Book Fellas
Sign our Guest Book
. The ADGie Guest Book
G,day Pom,
could you please place this notice on your site for those ex 5sqn adgies who
might be interested, I don,t know too much about it myself yet, I will let
you know more ,when and if I get some more info?
as a matter of interest this notice is out of the latest "Army News".
Cheers from the 'bush capital' Klaus-Dieter Wendt.
Gday Lynden Pettet
Welcome to the gunpit old mate
regards the POM
. Lynden Pettet......lyndawn@arcom.com.au
I'll march with you Russ.
2-4-2001
Gday Russ,
G'Day Mate,
well I just pored my heart out to the guest book and found that only a short message got through so I figured I had better set you straight on the contents.
I realise that you don't know me (at least I don't think so)
OK I congratulated you on the web page and said how some of the names came back to me. I have spent approx 1-3 hrs going through all of the web page and the ADG home page and I saw your guest book as a chance to get a load of my back that I have had since 1970.
My name is Russ Jex and I was in #14 ADG course. I said i felt that I was very sorry and Guilty that I was never in Vietnam with you guys. I completed my course at a good level and was posted to Fairburn ACT
That was the start of my down fall. I got on the wrong side of a fsgt , and he let me know that in no uncertain terms that he hated poms and therefore he hated me.
How right he was , he made my life hell for a long time ,. I believe I was posted to Vietnam twice but on both occasions he reported me as unfit for overseas service as he knew I was busting to go. ( Bullshit I was as good as anybody in my flight)
I eventually went awol to get away and start again, but I came back on my own accord to start afresh, wrong, things just got worse. I was eventually discharged from the RAAF in 1970. I have not nor ever will forgive that man for ruining my life. All I ever wanted when I was a kid was to join the RAAF and succeed. (my father was a reg. sgtm in the UK)
I joined the Assoc after my daughter's sgt at 1 RTU recognised her name and asked wether her father was in the RAAF. When she said he was he gave her a copy of the Airfield Defence Ass. paper. I joined soon after and I spoke to Tex Bryson who said two words to me , he said "WELCOME HOME" That made me feel great but I still feel as though I am intruding on hallowed ground. ( I guess I'm not expressing myself well but I feel sure you get the message). Although I receive the Blue Beret and read it from cover to cover I still feel as though I am intruding into the Assoc as all of the members seem to have served overseas. I wear my Ass. ring with pride but I have my Blue Beret that has never been worn ,because I'm not sure wether I am allowed to wear It or not. Thanks for the opp to make a fool of myself and say things that I have not said to anyone before, and keep up the excellent work on the page. All the very best to you and yours.
Russ Jex
. mailto:russjex@bigpond.com.au .
The POM Responds,
Thanks for your message there old mate sounds like things got a little rough on your end of the stick BUT thats now water under the bridge, may you wear your Blue Beret with pride as we do, your one of us,
As one of the boys said " Once an Adgie always an Adgie" anyway I'll march with you.
Well guys don't forget the photo's from Anzac Day
2-5-2001
Dear Andrea
Your Grandmother's passing, has left a void in the ranks of our Airfield Defence Association, we're afraid can never be filled. For she was one of the last remaining links with your Grand Father and the very beginnings of our Aerodrome Defence organization in the dark days of the 1940s, a lady who so graciously accepted our Association's intrusion into her life, gave us so much on trust and asked very little in return.
Although we've only knew your Nanna for a relatively short time, we here at the Association's Research Cell feel her loss and wish to be remembered her for what she unselfishly gave, an unparalleled insight into our Tarakan and Balikpappan days (which were two of the places he served overseas), a genuine interest in the activities of all our Association's members and perhaps most importantly of all memories of a lovely and gracious lady.
We believe we were incredibly lucky to have selected Squadron Leader Frank Dawson as a case study, as it led us to your Nanna and so many other wonderful blokes such as Wilf Bowie, Ern O'Meara and Charlie Cugley. Your families' participation in our Association survives through membership of her Auntie Pat.
In the not too distant future, we will be posting a history and photo of your Grand Father, Bob Cameron assures me you will be E-mailed. May She Rest in Peace.
Regards
Alan & Jackie Giltrap of Perth Western Australia
No 17 ADG Course
(Back Row From Left.)
Ac Les Maslen, Ac John Gryga, Ac Don Paul,
Ac Ron Kunde, Ac Darrel Wilson,
(Centre Row)
Ac Philip Douglas, Ac-----, Ac-----, Ac Neville Bucholz,
Ac Peter Power,
(Front Row)
Ac Vivien Russell, Ac Dennss Smith, Ac Ray Fennig,
Ac Lyle Kerr, Ac Graham Thompson, Ac Pat Darcey.
A CECIL PLAINS man is one of the "Sharpshots" of the R.A.A.F.
He is Leading Aircraftman Philip Douglas ( right ) a member of
Base Squadron Williamtown. It was the first time a defence team had won a major skill-at-arms competition. The winning team comprises
( from left ) LAC Alan Atherton, of Blacktown, N.S.W.; LAC Arthur Todd, of Goodna ( the top scorer ); team captain Flying Officer Rob Matthews; Sergeant Stan Hull, of Raymond Terrace,N.S.W.; and
LAC Philip Douglas, of Cecil Plains.
Top Row ..Smedley Strong / Tony Nibbs / ? / ? /Mick Djula.
Front Row...Matthews / Brown / Arthur Todd / Phil Douglas / ?
The Photo's above left are of an exercise at Shoalwater and the group pix is of the UN trip.
Photo's from Hervey Bay 99 and Townsville
The POM Can't Spell ?
1-5-2001
G'day Mate
I was looking through your pages and came upon a photo page and it was the old one from Williamtown 1968 (bloody long time ago),just before I went to Vungers. Anyway I reconised myself standing between Bruce Dallman and Terry Ward but the name you had under the photo was Neile, it should be Nice although it's pronounced Neice. Anyway if you could fix it up I would appreciate it.
Great site you have
regards
Jim Nice
Blue Beret
Sorry for the delay in posting on site our magazine but it hasn't arrived here yet on floppy and i'm not typing all them BLOODY pages manually
" Help Jim"
regards the POM
Welcome Jimmy Nice
Bloody long time between drinks old mate last i seen of you was at Phan-Rang 1970
Stay in touch regards the POM
. Jim Nice .....nicejim@telstra.easymail.com.au
A Comment from the Colonel
1-5-2001
Dear Pom,
Yeah I do just remember you but at the time you and I were at Williamtown,I always thought that the Scorpion badges were designed by Tex Bryson for Clive Nelson.As it would be known there were two types both the plastic and cloth.
It was at a time after Viet when no-one liked anyone in the services and it was a moral booster and team building.
I might be wrong
Thanks
Colonel Berridge
Gday Mick
. Mick Djula.....mickd@tpg.com.au
Mate spotted your email address on the chat site hope you don't mind me letting the boys know.
regards and happy chatting
the POM