Sick or not,Those who would like to hear from Fellow ADGies.
Alan Atherton...........02-66875920
Paul Tuck....................02-49911964
Mick Brodie................ 02-99404340
Paul Pannowitz...........02-49500306
Bushy Bill Trevethan..02-68290177
Trevor Nye...................07 41256279
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VA94 Wednesday 31 July 2002
AUSTRALIA MOURNS THE DEATH OF POW NURSE FLORENCE SYER
Australia had lost one of its heroines of World War II with the passing of
former Service nurse and prisoner of war Florence Syer (nee Trotter), the
Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Danna Vale, said today.
"Mrs Syer passed away last night, aged 86, at the Greenslopes Private
Hospital, where the Florence Syer Sub-Acute unit is dedicated in honour of
her service to our nation.
"Her story is a reminder that throughout our wartime history Australia's
service nurses have not only served alongside our troops, but have endured
the same risks and suffering - all the while providing comfort, care and
devotion wherever and whenever it was needed," Minister Vale said.
Mrs Syer, then Sister Florence Trotter, was one of 64 Australian nurses from
the 2/10th Australian General Hospital, the 2/13th Australian General
Hospital and 2/4th Casualty Clearing Station, evacuated on the Vyner Brook
ahead of the Fall of Singapore in February 1942. The ship was off Banka
Island when it was bombed and sunk on 14 February by Japanese aircraft.
Eleven nurses were killed by the bombing or drowned. Another 22 struggled
ashore to Banka Island where they were captured and machine-gunned by the
Japanese. One nurse, Sister Vivian Bullwinkel, survived.
Mrs Syer and four other nurses stayed in the water for 18 hours after the
sinking, enduring further bombings and machine gun fire before being taken
prisoner of war by the Japanese.
In total, 32 surviving Australian nurses became prisoners of the Japanese,
and were interned with about 300 women and children. Mrs Syer survived life
in the PoW camps, where the nurses, as well as trying to keep each other
alive, attempted to care for fellow prisoners suffering from malaria,
dysentery, berri-berri, banka fever and malnutrition. In the final months
of the war, eight nurses died of malnutrition and inadequate medical care.
In September 1945, after almost three and half years, Mrs Syer and the other
surviving nurses returned to Australia. In October 1999, Mrs Syer and
surviving PoW nurses were the guests of honour at the dedication of the
Australian Service Nurses Memorial in Canberra.
"Women like Florence Syer and Vivian Bullwinkel earned their place in our
history through their service, their dedication to the care of others and
their endurance through a dreadful ordeal," Minister Vale said.
"There are many veterans who will tell you they owe their lives to the
nurses who cared for them. Today we should remember and honour that debt."
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EVER SEE AN ICEBERG FROM TOP TO BOTTOM?
This is awesome! This came from a Rig Manager for Global Marine Drilling in
St.Johns, Newfoundland. They actually have to divert the path of these
things away from the rig by towing them with ships!
Anyway, in this particular case the water was calm & the sun was almost
directly overhead so that the diver was able to get into the water and
click this pic. Clear water huh?! They estimated the weight at 300,000,000
tons.
And now we know why they say one picture is worth 1000 words....
.....And now we also know why Titanic Sank!
=====================================
G'day again Pommie,
First update since my message 2 days ago.
Jim Gable informed me that he has already forwarded a Submission from the ADG's Association. It was sent prior to the original closing date, but has not been displayed on the Review's website because some information contained was deemed by the Committee to be confidential.
I have replied to Jim expressing my sincere appreciation for his time, effort and cooperation, in supporting the case for full recognition for service in Vietnam, up to 30 Apr 1975.
Regards,
Geoff
=======================================
Senator the Hon. Robert Hill
Minister for Defence
Leader of the Government in the Senate
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
26 Jun 2002
MIN 308/02
MEDIA RELEASE
Bushmaster contract revised
The Federal Government has agreed to a revised Bushranger contract in a bid to revive the troubled project and ensure that Australian soldiers get safe and reliable vehicles while taxpayers get value for money.
Defence Minister Robert Hill said the decision came as a result of negotiations between Defence and ADI Bendigo, the supplier of the vehicles.
"The Government’s decision will allow ADI to prepare for production and ensure ongoing work at the ADI plant in Bendigo," Senator Hill said.
"It will also allay the concerns and uncertainty among the ADI workforce and Bendigo community – concerns that have been fuelled by Labor’s continued and irresponsible campaign of misinformation in relation to this project.
"Local jobs have been preserved and it is now up to ADI to demonstrate it can deliver the vehicles on time, within specifications and on budget."
Senator Hill said the Government would proceed with full production under the revised contract if ADI met agreed targets in reliability testing scheduled for late this year and early 2004.
"This would provide Defence with the capability to transport troops over large areas of operation, Bendigo with significant work and ADI with potential export opportunities," Senator Hill said. "However, I must stress that we will not accept a vehicle that if it falls short of the required standards because it could put soldiers at risk."
Defence contracted ADI in 1999 to equip the Army’s 7th Brigade and the Royal Australian Air Force’s Airfield Defence Guards by October this year with over 370 Bushmaster infantry mobility vehicles. The contract stalled when ADI advised it could not deliver the expected quantity and quality of vehicles within the agreed timeframe and budget.
Under the terms of the amended contract, Defence will pay significantly more for each vehicle – receiving 299 vehicles within the existing project budget. The contract will also be revised to ensure that taxpayers’ funds are protected if the vehicles fail to meet reliability requirements. It is expected that vehicle production will start shortly after the contract is signed.
The vehicle provides protection for its occupants against land mines, mortars and small arms ammunition.
The vehicles will be fitted with a weapon station capable of mounting the Australian Army’s in-service light machine guns. It can maintain speeds in excess of 90 kph on first class roads with a range of 600 kilometres and can carry mission essential equipment to support an infantry section on operations for three days.
The Bushmaster vehicles could be used in peacekeeping operations, similar to those currently being conducted in east Timor.
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VA91 Saturday 27 July 2002
NEW DEFENCE FORCES MEMORIAL FOR CENTRAL COAST
A new memorial to more than 1.5 million Australians who have served in wars
and conflicts has been dedicated on the Central Coast.
The Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Danna Vale, and the Member for
Robertson, Jim Lloyd, opened the Defence Forces Memorial in a ceremony
coinciding with the 49th anniversary of the ceasefire which ended
hostilities in the Korean War.
"It is fitting that this memorial be dedicated today, on an anniversary
marking one of the great chapters of Australia's wartime history," Minister
Vale said.
"More than 17,000 Australians served during the Korean War, including 339
Australians who paid the supreme price for their service.
"The men and women who served in Korea are part of a tradition spanning more
than a century which has helped to shape our nation and has become a
fundamental part of our identity as Australians.
"This memorial will help ensure that the community continues to take every
opportunity to honour those who have gone to war and thank them for their
courage, their dedication and their sacrifice," the Minister said.
The memorial has been built on the grounds of the Greenway Memorial Gardens
at Gosford, to provide a space to commemorate the service of veterans whose
ashes are placed at the gardens.
"The gardens offer families and friends a peaceful environment to pay their
respects to loved ones," Mr Lloyd said.
"The Defence Forces Memorial is an important addition, providing a focus for
commemorative events such as Anzac Day, Remembrance Day and today's
anniversary, as well as a space where visitors can pause to reflect on the
contribution of those who have served Australia in times of war and
conflict."
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VA092 Saturday
27 July 2002
farewell to the last of the light horsemen
Australia's last Light Horseman, Albert Whitmore has passed away, the
Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Danna Vale announced today. Expressing her
sorrow, the Minister said Mr Whitmore was also South Australia's last World
War I veteran.
Mr Whitmore died on Friday evening at Hawdon House, Barmera, at the age of
102.
"The passing of Mr Whitmore marks the end of an era. The Light Horsemen
have grown to legendary status for their deeds and daring and Mr Whitmore is
a part of that legend," Minister Vale said.
"His generation has passed on a great legacy to us, which will continue to
be remembered as we pass it on to the next generation of Australians.
"Our veterans are largely responsible for the shape of this nation, for the
freedom we enjoy and the lifestyle we lead, and for that we thank them and
will remember them," she said.
"Well into his retirement, Mr Whitmore was an active member of the veteran
community, serving as secretary of the local District War Memorial Committee
until the age of 70. He will be sadly missed."
Mr Whitmore enlisted into the Australian Imperial Forces at just 17 years of
age in March 1917. With a farming background and a natural ability with
horses, he was sent as a reinforcement to the 9th Australian Light Horse and
served in the Middle East.
After his discharge in September 1919, Mr Whitmore returned to his native
South Australia, taking up survey work. He later became the local butcher
in Barmera, South Australia.
During World War II, Mr Whitmore again joined the army, this time as a staff
sergeant with the Engineers.
On Anzac Day 1999, Mr Whitmore was awarded the 80th Anniversary Armistice
Remembrance Medal, the first commemorative Australian medal to be issued.
With the passing of Albert Whitmore, only 12 known Australian World War I
veterans remain.
======================================
VA093 Monday 29 July 2002
FRENCH DECISION A WIN FOR THE MEMORY OF OUR WAR DEAD
France's decision to abandon plans for an international airport in the Somme
region was a victory for the memory of Australian and Commonwealth soldiers
who gave their lives in the fight for freedom, Deputy Prime Minister John
Anderson and Minister for Veterans' Affairs Danna Vale said today.
The Ministers welcomed the announcement by French Transport Minister Gilles
De Robien that the Chaulnes district in the Somme was no longer being
considered as a site for a new airport. The proposed development zone had
included a number of war cemeteries, including Commonwealth cemeteries
containing the war graves of 61 Australians killed during the two world
wars.
Instead, M. De Robien said a parliamentary committee would be set up to
investigate the broader question of the future of France's airports.
"Australia and the other Commonwealth nations that fought in France have
strongly opposed any development that might disturb the graves of our war
dead," Minister Anderson said.
"Veterans and the wider community have added their voice to the Australian
Government in speaking out against this proposal and I am delighted that the
French Government has withdrawn this plan."
The Deputy Prime Minister met the French Veterans' Affairs Minister in
April, to personally present Australia's opposition to the airport
development.
Minister Vale said the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the
Commonwealth War Graves Commission, which represents Australia's interests
in the preservation of graves on the Western Front, also had continued to
vigorously press the position that Australian and Commonwealth war graves
should be left undisturbed.
"This is marvellous news and highlights the deep respect that still is held
for the thousands of Australian and Allied servicemen and women who served
during the two world wars," Minister Vale said.
"The Australian Government will closely monitor the work of the new
parliamentary committee, which is due to report later this year. Australian
veterans can rest assured that we will be making sure that our war graves
continue to be respected," Minister Vale said.
G'day Pommie!
Just to let you know how much I appreciate you publishing info re above subject on the ADGies website.
As you know, I have put in a submission to the current Review of Veterans Entitlements, dealing with the anomaly concerning those who served with the RAAF Contingent in Vietnam during April 1975. i.e. they are regarded by DVA as Veterans of Vietnam, but not Vietnam Veterans.
I noticed on the Review website (www.veteransreview.gov.au/) that the original dead-line for submissions has been extended from 18th April to 30th August. That means there is still time for anyone who wants to contact them.
Thanks to you, I have been able to send an email to Mick Sheean and Trevor Nye. I will also contact Jim Gable, and maybe, he will be able to forward a Submission on behalf of the ADG's Association.
I'll keep you updated.
Cheers! Geoff
Newly graduated Pilot Officer Jay Nicks (left}
( Right)Pilot Officer Craig Nielson, a recipient of three awards at RMC.
Cadets show their class
18 July, 2002
Newly graduated Pilot Officer Jay Nicks (Right)
Pilot Officer Craig Nielson, a recipient of three awards at RMC
TWO Air Force Cadets recently graduated from the Royal Military College Duntroon with top honours.
Craig Nielson received the Peter Stuckey Mitchell Trust Award, the David Sloane Memorial Trophy and the Lord Novar Cup, which were all related to superior leadership and fitness, and Jay Nicks received the Duntroon Society Award for the graduate who demonstrated extaordinary commitment and dedication to training.
They have both arrived at their new units as Pilot Officers in the role of Rifle Flight Commanders.
PLTOFF Nielson said he was honoured to receive his awards and was proud to fly the Air Force flag at RMC.
"Completing the course at RMC has taught me how the Army operates at a battalion and platoon level. It has also highlighted the importance of interoperability between Air Force and Army at a higher level," PLTOFF Nielson said.
PLTOFF Nicks said he was extremely surprised to receive his award considering there were a lot of high achievers on the course.
He said his motivation to join the Air Force came about because of an interest in flying. Owing to fierce competition in the pilot category, he eventually decided to pursue training as a Ground Defence Officer.
The class of 61 graduates comprised six Air Force cadets, four from overseas posts and 51 Army. Being part of six Air Force cadets in such a large group had its challenges but all worked well as a team.
"My advice to anyone wanting to do this course is to keep your sense of humour as the training can be fairly intense," PLTOFF Nicks said.
"Above all, know when to laugh and it will help get you through."
He and the other Air Force graduates will complete further training at an Airfield Defence Squadron before they are fully qualified as junior Ground Defence Officers.
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VA88 Monday 22 July 2002
$110,000 PROVIDES MORE DEMENTIA CARE FOR LOCAL VETERANS
The RSL Veterans' Retirement Village at Narrabeen now has the capacity to
care for more dementia patients, thanks to a grant from the Federal
Government.
The Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Danna Vale, and the Member for
Mackellar, Bronwyn Bishop today presented the grant at a ceremony at the RSL
Veterans' Retirement Village.
Minister Vale said the $110,000 grant would assist with the upgrading and
refurbishment of the Evergreen and West Hostels at the retirement village.
"This Federal Government grant will increase the number of dementia care
places at this facility from 25 to 55, helping to cater for the needs of our
ageing veteran population," Minister Vale said.
"The funding will also help with the costs of important infrastructure
including the removal of steps and installation of appropriate railing and
ramps, the installation of air-conditioning and the creation of activity
centres for the use of residents."
The grant was approved under the Veteran and Community Grants program, which
helps and supports ex-service and community organisations as they care for
veterans and war widows within their local communities.
Mrs Bishop welcomed the funding, saying that the grant recognised the
important position of the RSL Veterans' Retirement Village as an aged care
provider.
"The village caters for the special needs of the veteran community,
providing a wide range of services for residents at different stages in
their lives," she said.
"This includes independent living units as well as low and high care places
for veterans needing additional support. Services such as these are
important in ensuring that our veterans are well looked after as they become
older," Mrs Bishop said.
Minister Vale said the RSL was a mainstay of the veteran community in New
South Wales, with a long and proud history of caring for older veterans.
"This grant is a worthwhile investment in ensuring that the RSL Veterans'
Retirement Village continues to be an effective and valued part of the aged
care system," Minister Vale said.
Media Contact:
Rachael Thompson (Minister Vale): (02) 6277 7820 or 0417 265 289
Damien Jones (Mrs Bishop): 0409 147 247
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Or was it Exercise Red Face ?
Below some of my photo's of Darwin in 1969 to the right Fanny Bay beach. And to the left the RAAF Swimming Pool.
The above photo's snapped with my old Kodak instamatic.
A few things come to mind when i recall exercise Pitch Black 1969 for as a very young ADGie i was still kinda very wet behind the ears, and still had a lot to learn .
Experiance 1.
I was sitting in the canteen at RAAF Darwin one afternoon when the Pom was really put in his place, i kinda sat there in disbief as this young kid of around 10 scrunches up his empty coke tin and throws it into the rubbish bin, so what you might say well the Pom tried the same thing and hey presto Pom cannot achieve the same thing not matter how hard i tried to squeeze that bloody thing it wouldn't crush now the Pom was really pissed off by being shown up by some 10 year old, so after young Hercules had departed and the joint was clear to save further embarrasement i sussed out the can.
To my amazement it was of some new material Aluminium, 1969 seen the introduction of these new cans.
Experiance 2.
Fanny Bay Beach plus one very hired Mini Moke with three ADGies aboard from memory they were Shorty Edwards, Hoss Leaver and myself, we would travel to one extremety of the beach and gather speed in the moke and on arrival at maxinium volocity chuck out for deployment this rather entertaining parachute, its a bloody wonder that the Mini Moke stayed in one piece or the three occupants weren't thrown out on the rapid stop, but alas we survived. Yes 69 was a good year full of good times, I was in the forward party that had the job of assembling some of the prefab huts on the flight line in readiness for the maintance crews of the exercise. Then on the arrival of the rest of the ADGies assisted in assembling those green prefabed tents that the RAAF used for exercises. After work there was the traditional quenching of the hard earned thirst with the local brews Emu Bitter and Swan Lager at the Airmans Club .
Yes and i still recall the headaches these cans delivered.