Winter 2012 - RSL Tasmania

No. 46 Winter 2012
Official publication for Returned & Services League of Australia
Tasmanian State Branch (inc.)
Corporate Office
28 Davey Street
Hobart
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Kingston
The Manor
2 Guy Street
King Meadows
Rubicon Grove
89 Club Drive
Port Sorell
Umina Park
Mooreville Road
Burnie
Statewide
Community
Programs
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or visit our website at www.onecare.org.au
The On Service magazine is produced
Inside this
by the Returned & Services League of
Australia (Tasmania Branch) Inc and
ISSUE:
From the Editorial Desk
2
or items for the Notices section
From the Presidents Desk
2
are encouraged. Submissions
Chief Executive Officer’s Comment
4
should be emailed to
Vice President’s Reports
5
State Welfare Coordinator’s Report
7
Images of ANZAC Day in Hobart
8
issued three times per year.
Submissions of articles of around
300 words, with accompanying
photographs (in digital format),
rsltasceo@bigpond.com
or mailed to:
On Service, RSL (Tasmania
Branch), ANZAC House,
Navy Crew Suspected of Anglesea Cannon Liberation
10
DVA Goes Online in Tasmania
10
VALE Sergeant Blaine Flower Diddams
11
Australian Veterans Honour WWII Airmen
12
of interest to the wider membership of the RSL.
Unique Centenary Gift Returns Home
15
Short requests seeking information or contact with ex-Service
Boer War Comemorative Day 2012
15
members are welcome for the Notices section.
68 Davey Street
HOBART Tasmania 7000
Submissions should be free of personal views, political bias and must be
RSL (Tasmania Branch) State Congress 2012 Table of Motions Considered 18
All enquiries relating to On Service may be forwarded to RSL (Tasmania
State Congress 2012
20
Branch) Editorial Team of Phil Pyke on 0408 300 148 or to the Chief
Around The Sub Branches
22
Serving Tasmanians
23
Poem
23
They Came To Say Goodbye
24
RSL Tasmania’s ‘Biggest Loser’
25
Notices
26
Just Ask A Blonde
27
Australia’s Worst Maritime Disaster Remembered
28
Tasmanian Hospitality Association Awards Night
28
Book Reviews
30
Executive Officer, Noeleen Lincoln on (03) 6224 0881.”
We reserve the right to edit, include or refuse any submission. Articles based
on personal views will not be included unless in the form of Letters to the
Editor with name and address of the author.
Disclaimer: RSL (Tasmania) State Branch advises readers who are
contemplating agreements with advertisers in this magazine to seek
independent financial or legal advice.
Editorial Team
Phil Pyke – Editor
Mobile: 0408 300 148
Noeleen Lincoln OAM – Chief Executive Officer
RSL (Tasmania Branch) - (03) 6224 0881
Publisher and Advertising
Layout
Resilience Marketing Pty Ltd
Warren Leahy
Level 1
Leftside Media
19 Magnet Court
76 Wentworth Street
SANDY BAY Tasmania 7005
South HOBART Tasmania 7000
(03) 6224 6888
0404 097 188
General Manager: Gail McCulloch
gail@ resilience.com.au
Cover: A photograph of wreaths laid at the Hobart Cenotaph on ANZAC Day
2012. Photograph by courtesy of David Dickson
RSL On Service
1
FROM THE EDITORIAL DESK
As we head towards a number of key
commemorations, including Vietnam
Veterans Day (18 Aug), Australian
Peacekeeper’s Day (14 Sept) and Remembrance
Day (11 Nov), it is always easy to overlook
one major date – the 5th of September or
the first Wednesday in September.
While I can image many scratching their
heads, it is the Battle for Australia – an
important commemoration around a
significant series of battles with 2012 being
the 70th anniversary of Battle of the Coral
Sea, Battle of Milne Bay, Kokoda Track
Campaign and the bombing of Darwin.
The debate has always been about what
constituted the Battle for Australia as it
wasn’t about any single action or battle
but more a series – including Timor.
Critics, including a former Australian War
Memorial historian, believe there was no
single Japanese strategy, or coordinated
campaign, against this country and therefore
the commemoration is not relevant.
In undertaking some research recently, I
found out that the predominantly Tasmanian
2nd/40th Battalion lost 53 members in the
Japanese air-raid on Darwin - 53 casualties
before the Battalion even set foot in Timor,
becoming prisoners of war.
In many ways
the
day
is
relevant as it
commemorates
the
longoverlooked
Phil Pyke
bombing
of
Darwin.
Until next time
Phil Pyke
FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK
Welcome to the Winter edition of “On
Service”. Firstly I should say that it was
with enormous pride that I was elected to
the chair at State Congress last May. As
I am sure you are all aware, our previous
State President, Bill Kaine MBE stood down
having put in three years at the coal face.
Bill did a great job for the RSL in Tasmania
and the League in general and is still helping
where he can.
I stated in the lead up to the elections that
should I be elected, I would spend this year
concentrating on increasing membership.
By ANZAC Day 2013, I also intend to have
every Tasmanian who reads a newspaper
much more aware of what the RSL is and
what we do.
Currently we have 51 Sub Branches with
a fair number of those licenced to sell
alcohol and conduct commercial activities.
Because of the work done at the State Branch
over the last three years, every one of our
Sub Branches now has Tax Concession
Charity status and is required to spend at
least 50% of their profits on fulfilling their
charitable objects, ie: on welfare or patriotic
activities. All the Sub Branches are happy
with this, and it is a fact of which we can
all be extremely proud. These are the facts
that I intend to have known right across the
State by everybody who is not a member of
the RSL.
2
As members of RSL (Tasmania Branch) we
can all be very proud that we belong to what
I believe is the best charitable organisation
in the State. As well as fulfilling our
charitable objects it is also a fact that when
someone buys a poppy or an ANZAC Token,
100% of that income goes to the welfare
of our veterans, ex Service and serving
members of the ADF and their dependants.
None of this money goes on administration
costs, fuel costs or to meal expenses as is
the case with many other charities.
RSL (Tasmania) State Branch first gained
its Charter on the 25th April 1917. We are
just five ANZAC Days away from being 100
years old. The awful news is that if we do
not do something serious about increasing
our membership now, we may be in jeopardy
by the time we reach our 100 year mark.
This is because of several reasons. Firstly,
the WW2 and Korean veterans will be very
few in numbers. The Vietnam Veterans
will be mostly in their seventies and will
have done their share “at the coal face”.
Currently, of course, most of the Pension
Officer and Welfare Officer work is done
by the Vietnam Veteran generation. The
next problem facing us is the Peacekeepers
and Gulf war veterans are likely to still be
working an unable to take the reins. Veterans
returning from Iraq and Afghanistan will
want to get on with their lives and may
RSL On Service
not join an
Ex
Service
Organisation
for many years
to come.
The solution, Chris Munday
as I see it,
is twofold. One; we have to educate the
newer veterans of what we have to offer,
and get them into the League earlier. Two;
we have to bring more Affiliate members
into RSL (Tasmania Branch). By now most
of us will be aware that to be an Affiliate
you must either have a blood relative who
wore a uniform, or are a Police officer or a
member of an Emergency Service. There is
also provision for a Sub Branch committee
to apply to State Branch for Affiliate
membership for somebody outside of these
guidelines. I believe this has only happened
for two individuals to date. Many Social
members of our Licenced Sub Branches had
blood relatives who served, but are reluctant
to become an Affiliate member because of
the “what’s in it for me?” syndrome. These
folk need to understand that by becoming
an Affiliate member they will be helping
keep the RSL in Tasmania alive well into
the future so that we can be there to help
veterans returning from current and future
conflicts.
Only a very small percentage of veterans
returning from recent conflicts will end up
residing in Tasmania. This is simple maths.
A fact is that currently over 80% of veterans
returning from Iraq and Afghanistan,
discharge in Queensland. Factor in all the
other States and that does not leave many
who choose to reside in Tasmania.
So, who will do the pension and welfare work
in the future? It can only be the veterans
who will be interested in such work, a few
of the remaining younger Vietnam veterans,
and the Affiliate members. So to the Social
members I say this – Instead of using your
local RSL as merely a place for a meal and
a beer, think seriously about doing your
part to make sure it survives well into the
future and that the work of the RSL remains
a constant for those who come after us. Not
only would we like to see those of you who
are eligible become Affiliate members but we
would also like you to think about becoming
more involved in the workings of your Sub
Branch. By this I mean putting your hands
up at committee level, and even considering
becoming a Pension and/or Welfare Officer.
I and the many volunteers throughout our
51 Sub Branches would all agree that getting
active and helping out at whatever level and
in whatever way, will make your life a much
happier one. It is a known fact that if you
do a bit of good in your community, you will
be a much happier human being.
Work has already started on this and things
are looking very good indeed.
Lastly, please start wearing your RSL badge
wherever you go. Show you are proud to be
a member of the best organisation in our fair
State.
Keep well and drive carefully.
So, to all our Social members, have a think
about the good you will be doing just by joining Chris Munday.
in and if you fit into the above mentioned
categories for Affiliate membership ask your
Sub Branch Secretary to sign you up as one.
You will get voting rights in your Sub Branch,
you will receive this magazine posted to your
door and you will be eligible for the discounts
that are being offered not only by Tasmanian
businesses, but those discounts offered at
our National membership level such as the
Ambassador Card, Accor Hotels and others.
On that note, we at ANZAC House will be
concentrating very hard over the next three
months on getting Tasmanian businesses,
who we believe offer a good service or
product, to join in offering our members
valuable discounts.
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RSL On Service
3
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S COMMENT
This year I have spent consolidating the
administration behind the project of our Sub
Branches gaining their Tax Concession Charity
status and tidying up the loose ends which
resulted from that. I am very pleased to say
we only have one Sub Branch now outstanding
with its merger intentions and unfortunately
the delay on this one was unavoidable. Many of
you will be aware that the Federal Government
intends to introduce into Parliament a proposal
to form a new Australian Charities & Not-ForProfits Commission (ACNC) which will take over
from the Australian Taxation Office in all those
areas relating to recognized charities. Our State
Branch lawyer is watching this one very closely
on our behalf and will keep me informed as to
any changes we may need to make in the future
regarding our reporting procedures.
Our State President,
made mention in his
your Social members
Member status. I will
but wish to add one
Chris Munday has
column of bringing
across to Affiliate
not repeat his words
more consideration.
When I compile submissions to put to either the
State Government or to our National or other
State Branches which may result in financial
assistance to RSL (Tasmania Branch) it is
increasingly difficult to justify if I cannot show
that we are also helping ourselves.
I would strongly
encourage
you
all to continue
contacting a variety
Noeleen Lincoln OAM
of businesses in your
own areas and ask
Before I can request a larger amount of them to come on board.
sponsorship funds from ‘National pooling’ I must Only you can grow our list of benefits to our
be able to show an increase in our membership members in Tasmania.
numbers, because this is how ‘National pooling’
funds are distributed. At the end of the day it is We continue to be very busy at the State
the Sub Branches who benefit from our income, Branch and wonder what happened to that now
either directly or indirectly. The bottom line seemingly fictional thing we used to know as
ladies and gents is – help us to help you.
‘quiet time’ which used to appear during June
We are moving ahead with our plans to go State and July each year. There is no longer any such
wide with our offers of Corporate Sponsorships. thing as ‘quiet time’ as the increased workload
Brochures have been prepared and will be is now very constant all year. At this point I
distributed widely within the next couple of acknowledge the dedicated efforts of our staff and
months.
volunteers who, despite the increase in workload
We are continuing to bring more local still manage to get through it all.
businesses into our RSL Discount Rewards
Travel safely
Scheme with some new businesses listed in this
Noeleen Lincoln
issue.
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4
RSL On Service
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Launceston - 80 George St, 7250
Moonah - 81 Main Road, 7009
FROM
TO THE
SOLOMON
REPORTVIETNAM
FROM EASTERN
VICE PRESIDENT
- ISLANDS
HARRY JAGER
Not many people can say they have deployed
on two operations over 40 years apart but
Greetings to you all.
Ifor
alsoKeith
attended
the Primrose
Moodie,
it’s true. Sands Annual
luncheon in July which was well catered for,
Firstly, I would like to thank all the Eastern Army Reservist, Keith celebrated his 61st
well done Peter to you and your staff.
Division members who voted me into the birthday on 14 July while deployed in the
Vice President position.
ASolomon
good dayIslands
was hadsome
by all.43 years after his
time as a Tank Gunner in Vietnam.
I would like to pass on my good wishes I must thank your hard working State
He said he could not compare the two
on behalf of Eastern Division to our out- Executive
operations.Member for Eastern Division,
going State President, Bill Kaine MBE for Terry Roe for his continuing efforts in
“Vietnam was an undeclared war,” he said.
his tireless work while in office. Happy contacting
and
“You knewSub
you Branches
could get re
hitmeetings
because there
retirement, Bill. I would also like to welcome visits.
I
will
be
attending
as
many
Sub
was an active war going on between the
our new State President, Chris Munday, Branch
meetings
Terry
as possible.
north and
south. with
Here
in Solomon
Islands
we
are
peace-keeping
and
trying
to help the
who I have worked with successfully over
Ifcountry
any member
hasself-reliant.”
any problems don’t
to become
the last five years in our Sub Branch roles.
hesitate to contact either me or Terry.
During his Vietnam tour Keith was a Tank
My first call of duty was to attend a luncheon
Gunner in C Squadron with the Centurion
at Fingal and present a life membership on tanks. During two different incidents in
Keep well.
behalf of the State President to Prevost Mills 1968 and 1969 his section was hit by land
mines.Jager
which was a great surprise to Prevost, and it Harry
proves you can keep a secret in a small town. “We had our share of good times and bad
times but no matter where you go freedom
costs. The day after the first incident in
1968, one of my mates, Mick Hannaford
was killed by a mine. The following year
Image and text courtesy of Department
in Long Hai, a guy in my tent, Jimmy Kerr
of Defence
also died. War costs lives.”
Following Vietnam, Keith discharged from
the Regular Army but, feeling something
was missing, he joined the Reserves in
1987 and was posted back to C Squadron,
1 Armoured Regt. Harry Jager
“The recruiting officer told me they had
become a Reserve unit,” he said. “I was in
C Squadron in Vietnam — and I was one of
the first guys to go in as a Reserve member.”
Since re-enlisting in the Army, Keith has
spent time at Bandiana as an Everyman,
worked at the Olympics for ‘Operation
GOLD’ and is currently deployed to the
Solomon Islands.
“I’ve been blessed to be able to travel around
with the Army and do different things. I‘ve
had the privilege of doing things others have
never done. The cream on the cake for me
would be to also do a Timor deployment
because of what my dad went through there
during the Second World War. He didn’t
‘Prev’ Mills (right)
talk much
about it, but one day he told me
he was ambushed by the Japanese and had
to throw his Bren gun away to escape — and
was lost in the bush for two days.”
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17
5
REPORT FROM VICE PRESIDENT NORTH EAST
DIVISION - GEOFF LEITCH
Hello all,
Lately I have had the pleasure of attending
both the Deloraine Sub Branch and George
Town Sub Branch annual luncheons. I
thank both Sub Branches for their warm
welcome and hospitality and congratulate
all those responsible for wonderful
presentations.
I’d like to inform all Sub Branches in the
North East region that I plan to visit in the
coming months to carry out the perusal
of Sub Branch documentation, on behalf
of State Branch, in relation to our Tax
Concession Charity Status requirements.
League Life Members; please put this date
in your diaries. For more information
please direct enquiries to Peter Woolford
at the Primrose Sands RSL Sub Branch.
Geoff Leitch
A short while after State Congress the
State President, Chris Munday visited
the Launceston RSL and presented a Life
Membership to Mr Graham Pedder who
was unable to attend State Congress.
Regards
Geoff Leitch
On Sunday 14th October 2012 the Life
Members Luncheon is to be held at the
Longford RSL Memorial Club.
Graham Pedder (right)
REPORT FROM VICE PRESIDENT NORTH WEST
DIVISION – KEVIN KNIGHT
Hello to all,
as though we were standing in a big tent
made of umbrellas. Despite the inclement
As mentioned in my last report, 2011 came
weather, it certainly did not deter the huge
and went and here we are over half way
crowd.
through 2012.
I hope everyone enjoyed the Easter break. State Congress was a great success and I must
A great deal has happening around the Sub express my appreciation for a job well done
Branches with most having had their Annual by the Ulverstone Sub Branch. The dinner
Dinners/luncheons and of course held their at the Rowing Club was extremely pleasant
AGM’s. I have been lucky enough to attend with a number of Junior Rowers waiting on
some of the AGM’s and Dinners however; the tables. I am unaware of whether the
unfortunately due to person commitments young rowers had waited on tables before
but they were very well organized on the
I have missed a few.
night. My wife Marlene had her share of
To the Secretaries of all Sub Branches I luck when it came to the raffles.
remind you again to forward the dates
of your AGM’s and Annual Dinners to On Saturday the 26th of May the Burnie
the State Branch. It would help the Vice RSL held their Annual Luncheon. Deputy
Presidents in all divisions allocate their time Premier Byran Green and the Mayor of
to give you a visit and attend the various Burnie, Steve Kons were among the invited
functions in their allocated areas. Please guests along with State President, Chris
assist by forwarding these dates onto myself Munday and his wife Janet. I also attended
with my wife, Marlene as did the State
or the State Branch.
Executive Member, North West, Graham
I was an absentee at the Penguin ANZAC
Deacon and his wife Sharyn. I believe there
Day Services this year my son, Jason had
were about eighty guests in all and it was
requested for the past few years that I attend
pleasing to see some old friends and have a
the Dawn Service with him in Melbourne.
chat. I noted that one old mate, Tom Wragg
I found the event very uplifting standing
was absent and I hope it was only a short
outside the Shrine of Remembrance along
illness.
with 30-40,000 other people, in the rain. All
you could see were umbrellas and it looked On Sunday, 27th May I joined State President,
6
RSL On Service
Chris Munday at a
special meeting at
the Smithton Sub
Branch with a view
to paving the way Kevin Knight
for the future and
ensuring the Sub
Branch remains viable. There was a good
mixture of members in attendance and it
appears as though a number of members
are prepared to step up and make the effort
to have the Sub Branch continue for the
benefit of all. We wish them well in their
endeavours.
I have reports of a large number of members
on the sick list we wish everyone a speedy
recovery.
At the Penguin Sub Branch our long time
treasurer and Life Member Ted Howe has
taken up residence at the Coroneagh Park
Home for the Aged. At age 94, Ted still
looks forward to his time at the Penguin
Football Club. The Penguin Sub Branch
has lost two of its long serving members
in Bernard (Peter) Hanson (Life Member)
and Kevin Hunter (a fifty year member). We
pass on our condolences to both families.
As many of the North West members know
I have an interest in the RSL Lawn Bowls.
This year for the first time the AGM was
held outside Hobart at Longford with about
eighty members attending from around
the State - next the AGM is to be held at
Turner’s Beach. RSL Bowls is conducted
around the State at various venues if you
are a member of the RSL and are interested
in having a game of bowls, and enjoy the
friendly company of other RSL members
please feel free to contact me and I will pass
the information onto the contact member
in the area you would like to play. The State
Executive of RSL Lawn Bowls has made
Affiliate members of the RSL welcome. For
an enjoyable social day out come along and
try a game of bowls with your mates.
I can be contacted on phone
Mob: 0407-917187 or via PO Box 387,
Penguin, 7316.
My Email is penguinrsl@gmail.com
As your representative on the State Regards
Executive please feel free to contact me if Kevin Knight
you have a problem that needs attention at
State or local level and I will do my best to
assist.
REPORT FROM VICE PRESIDENT SOUTHERN
DIVISION – MEL COOPER
As this is my first article I want to take
this opportunity to thank the members of
Southern Division for electing me to this
position. I am very aware that the RSL in
Tasmania is at the crossroads and where
we go from here is going to take some
serious thought and decisions. If we are to
be effective in representing the needs of Ex
Service personnel we must grow our ranks.
Governments (no matter of what political
persuasion) only react to pressure if the
numbers are big enough. With that in
mind I would ask all of us to look to see if
you know anyone who should be a member
and to see if you can do something about
it. Another concern for me is the large
number of Social Members who could/
should in fact be Service or at least Affiliate
members. It is a fact that a Social member
cannot contribute to the governance of the
League. Like any organization in today’s
world it costs money to do the things that
are required of us to make sure that the
needs of Ex Service personnel are protected.
As a Vietnam Vet I don’t want to see what
happened to us become the same for today’s
Servicemen and women.
my knowledge of
how best we can
serve those who
we represent.
Mel Cooper
I look forward
to meeting as
many members as possible. Should you
wish to meet with me for any particular
reason when I visit you Sub Branch let your
Secretary know so that a meeting can be
arranged. Good luck for the future to all of
you.
As you may be aware it is the role of State
Branch to visit Sub Branches and see how
they are operating. This is not a “Big Brother”
action but simply a way of ensuring that all of
us are operating correctly and in accordance Mel Cooper
with our ATO Deeds of Agreement. It
should be noted that even my own Sub
Branch will receive a visit. I am looking
forward to these visits as I am sure that I
will not only be satisfied that we are going
OK but by visiting others I will increase
STATE WELFARE COORDINATOR’S
REPORT – CHRIS MUNDAY
Greetings all,
With the advent of “Carbon Tax”, it is best we
all be sure that all our members know of the
new Essential Medical Equipment payment.
This payment is part of the Governments’
household assistance package, which
provides financial assistance to members of
the veteran and Defence community to help
meet the costs of living impact of the carbon
tax.
The Purpose of the payment is to cover the
additional costs of running essential medical
equipment (EME), or medically required
heating and/or cooling that may arise from
the introduction of a carbon tax.
The payment will be available for people
with medical needs or their carers who are
covered by an eligible concession card and
require specific equipment. Examples of
this equipment are CPAP machines, Oxygen
delivery machines etc.
There are quite a few appliances covered and
to find out if you are eligible for the payment,
please ring the Department of Veteran’s
Affairs. City callers please ring 133254, and
country callers please ring 1800 555 354. The
staff at DVA will be only too pleased to help
with any enquiries.
Finally, we at ANZAC House have a
competition running in conjunction with the
upcoming Veterans’ Health Week. About
now the Secretaries of all 51 Sub Branches
will have received the posters advertising the
event. Just in case the information does not
get out to you, as you may be hard to reach,
the completion is headed “RSL Tasmania’s
Greatest Loser” and yes,
it is about losing weight.
The competition runs
from the end of August
to the end of October
and the Prize is a beauty.
Call into your local Sub
Branch for details and join in.
Apart from the weight loss competition,
please be aware that the theme for Veteran’s
Health Week is “social inclusion”. So, try
to get out to see any ex or current serving
member who may not get visitors, and if you
don’t get a lot of visitors yourself, have a go
at visiting a friend and getting involved in
any events your Sub Branch may put in place.
Keep well
Chris Munday
RSL On Service
7
IMAGES OF ANZAC DAY IN HOBART
8
Dawn Service
Service at the Peacekeepers Memorial – Anglesea Barracks
War Widows Guild ‘Field of Remembrance’
Floral tributes at the Cenotaph
RSL On Service
SORELL
MISSES
FOOTY CLUB
Photographs LAD
by courtesy
of David LOCAL
Dickson (dbdphotography@hotmail.com)
three weeks of joining the
Army, his brother, Cody
Barratt (two years older),
was also signing up.
After completing their
basic trade courses, the
brothers were both posted
to the 3rd Combat Service
Support Battalion at
Townsville, Queensland,
as an Operator Supply
within the Field Supply
Company.
Two years ago Fred Barratt was wearing the
blue and gold of the Sorell Eagles Football
Club. Now he is in Army camouflage and is
earning his living working with ammunition
in Afghanistan.
Fred joined the Australian Army less than
two years ago, in March 2010, and already
he is on his first deployment to Afghanistan.
Initially, Fred didn’t put too much thought
into a career in the Army.
However, it was Fred
who was lucky enough to
have been nominated for
deployment with Force
“The people are great, really easy
to get along with. You don’t
know what is going to happen
each day – it is always different.”
“It was a spur-of-the-moment decision - I
Support Unit Five. The tri-service Unit
wasContingent
looking offor
different
and
thesomething
ship’s compliment
– HMAS
Darwin
something exciting,” Fred said. But within provides logistic and distribution support
to Australian force elements across the
Middle East.
Fred is currently based with Force Support
Team Kandahar Air Field, which is one of the
biggest US bases in Afghanistan. His role
encompasses data entry, issue and receipt
of ammunition in support of the Mentoring
Task Force – Three and Special Operations
Task Group. As part of his role Fred will also
have the opportunity to witness significant
amounts of demolitions and ammunition
disposal.
“I can’t believe how quick things can change.
Almost within one year and I’m deployed to
Afghanistan.”
While it is early days in his eight-month
deployment, Fred’s favourite experiences
so far have been his relationship with his
colleagues and the physical training.
“The people are great, really easy to get
along with. You don’t know what is going
to happen each day – it is always different.”
When Fred does get back home to Australia
next year, he is looking forward to spending
time with his mates in Townsville and also
making a trip home to Sorell during his post
deployment leave.
“I just want to catch up with friends and go
to the Sorell Football Club.
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On Service
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Millingtons provides you with every
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19
9
NAVY CREW SUSPECTED OF ANGLESEA
CANNON LIBERATION
A small wooden cannon, donated to the Anglesea
Barracks Sergeant’s Mess in 1956 by the HMAS
Wagga, and found two years ago in the Tower of
London before being returned by two Yeoman
Warders has gone missing again.
“The cannon was regularly “liberated” from the
Mess by members of Australian and allied ships,
squadrons and units, gaining a unique history,”
said President Mess Committee, Warrant Officer
Class One (WO1) Graeme Jones.
“It has traveled the world on the USS Missouri
and USS Carl Vinson, been taken on operations in
the Middle East and East Timor, passed between
US nuclear submarines under the Arctic ice and
been on many Australian, UK, US, Canadian and
NZ ships.”
“The cannon and base are covered with small
plaques detailing its travels and adventures.”
In 2009 the cannon was taken to London on the
HMAS Sydney. It was on board that a Yeoman
Warder liberated it from the Australians, taking
it to the Yeoman Warder’s Mess at the Tower of
London where it remained until it was decided
to return the cannon home after nearly a decade
away.
“In 2010 two Yeoman Warders marched with
the cannon into Anglesea Barracks, presenting
it to the then RSM 12th/40th Battalion, WO1
The return of the cannon by Yeoman Warders in 2010
John Stonebridge in front of assembled Mess
members,” said WO1 Jones
More recently members of the HMAS Melville
were in the Mess at the time the cannon was
noticed to be missing.
“Senior sailors of the ship’s company are our main
suspects but we know that as the cannon heads
off yet again, it is not only adding to the history
of this very unique trophy but also raising money
for Legacy as well,” WO1 Jones said.
He said the Mess looked forward to hearing about
the cannon’s whereabouts and receiving the
“fines” of 20 cents per day which will go to Legacy.
DVA GOES ONLINE IN TASMANIA
Clients of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs
(DVA) in Tasmania are the first to use a new
service which gives veterans online access to
DVA services.
MyAccount offers Tasmanian veterans a more
immediate way of conducting business with DVA,
giving access to services anytime and anywhere.
All you
need is a registration number, a computer and an
internet connection.
If you are an eligible DVA client, you can use
MyAccount to:
•
updateyourcontactdetails
•
viewpaymentsandcardinformation
•
viewthestatusofyourclaims
•
applyforadditionalentitlements
•
booktransporttomedicalappointments
•
lodgeclaimsfortravellingexpenses
•
requestreplacementcards,and
•
viewandrequestforms.
10
More services will available in the future.
which will be progressively rolled out across
With the introduction of MyAccount, DVA is
responding to the changing needs of the veteran
community, and Tasmanian veterans responded
enthusiastically
Australia in coming months.
to the MyAccount pilot program run in February
this year.
business hours Monday to Friday to register.
MyAccount will not replace traditional means of
communicating with DVA. You can still contact
DVA by phone, fax, email, mail and face-to-face.
Tasmanians are among the first to use MyAccount
RSL On Service
Visit https://myaccount.dva.gov.au for more
information and phone 1800 173 858 during
VALE Sergeant Blaine Flower Diddams
Killed Afghanistan 2nd July 2012
•MeritoriousUnitCitation
•InfantryCombatBadge,and
•ReturnedfromActiveServiceBadge.
During Sergeant Diddams’ service in the Australian
Army he deployed on the following Operations:
Sgt Diddams
Sergeant Blaine Diddams was killed during an
engagement with insurgents on operations in
Afghanistan on 2 July 2012. He was on a mission,
targeting an insurgent commander who was
known to be in the Chorah region at the time.
Sergeant Diddams was a very experienced
member of the Special Operations Task Group
and was from the Perth-based Special Air Service
Regiment (SASR). He was employed as a SASR
Patrol Commander.
He is survived by his wife Toni-Ann, their daughter
Elle-Lou and son Henry, his parents Peter and
Cate, and siblings Nikki, Sian, Christian and Luke.
Sergeant Diddams was born in Canberra, ACT, in
1971 and enlisted in the Army on 24 April 1990 and
after completing his initial employment training
for infantry was posted to the 1st Battalion, Royal
Australian Regiment in Townsville, Queensland on
2 November 1990. Sergeant Diddams successfully
completed his SASR selection course and was
posted to the Regiment in 1995.
This was his seventh tour to Afghanistan since
2001, although he had deployed previously on four
occasions to Somalia, East Timor and the Solomon
Islands.
Sergeant Diddams, ‘Didds’ to his mates was a
devoted family man and a dedicated professional
soldier. Known for his outwards personality and
quirky sense of humour, he was held in the highest
regard by his mates and comrades alike.
Sergeant Diddams has been awarded the following
honours and awards:
• Australian Active Service Medal with Clasp
Somalia, Clasp East Timor, Clasp ICAT
•InternationalForcesEastTimor(INTERFET)
Medal
•AfghanistanCampaignMedal
•AustralianServiceMedalwithClaspSolomon
Islands, Clasp ‘CT/SR’
•DefenceLongServiceMedal
•AustralianDefenceMedal
•NATOISAFMedal
“Sergeant Diddams was an elite soldier, working
with a professional team, on a vital mission to
support security and safety for the people of
Uruzgan,” Major General Smith said.
“As a military family we mourn his loss, but we put
aside our grief to continue on important work in
•OperationSolace(Somalia)–Jan–May1993
Afghanistan as our tribute to his dedication and
•OperationWarden(EastTimor)–Jan–Feb2000 sacrifice.”
•OperationTanager(EastTimor)–February–
May 2000
•OperationTrek(SolomonIslands)–2002
•OperationSlipper(Afghanistan)–Nov2001–
Apr 2002
•OperationSlipper(Afghanistan)–May–Oct
2007
•OperationSlipper(Afghanistan)–Jan–April
2008
•OperationSlipper(Afghanistan)–May–July
2008
•OperationSlipper(Afghanistan)–Jun–Nov Troops from Multi-National Base Tarin Kot line
the route to pay their respects to Sergeant Diddams
2009
as members of the Special Operations Task Group
•OperationSlipper(Afghanistan)–Jan–Jul2011
and military dignitaries accompany his casket to the
•OperationAmulet(CHOGMPerth)–2011
awaiting aircraft
•OperationSlipper(Afghanistan)–Feb2012–
April 2012.
The members of the Special Operations Task
Group (SOTG) farewelled Sergeant Diddams
several days later in a moving Memorial Service
at Camp Russell.
SOTG Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel
J, paid tribute to a well-respected and highly
experienced Special Forces soldier during the
service in Tarin Kot, Afghanistan.
“Today we farewelled a husband and father, a mate
and brother who will be forever missed but never
forgotten,” Lieutenant Colonel J said.
“He died doing what he loved in the only way he
knew how - to lead his men from the front. Blaine
was the relaxed professional whose quick wit and
sense of humour could turn a smile in even the
worst of situations. Blaine endeared himself to
everyone who knew him due to his quirky sense
of humour and love of a joke. He was a devoted
father and husband who lived life to the fullest.
He thrived on adventure and time with his mates
and he was the type of person that if you were in
trouble or on a winning streak, you wanted to share
the experience with,” he said.
The Memorial Service was held in Camp Russell at
Multi-National Base – Tarin Kot, before his casket
was moved to a waiting Australian C-130 Hercules
aircraft.
Soldiers from SOTG along with Australian,
Afghan and coalition forces personnel lined the
route to salute their comrade.
The Commander of Australian Defence Forces
in the Middle East, Major General Stuart Smith,
said the loss of Sergeant Diddams was deeply felt
by all ranks.
Chief of Army Blast for
“Selfish” Journalist
To the Editor,
It was with the greatest disappointment and
dismay that I read Ian McPhedran’s article in
your newspaper this morning, releasing the
name of our most recent combat fatality before
official release by Defence and by his family.
The Army and the Defence Force have well
established protocols for the release of names
and personal details in these circumstances;
protocols with which your journalists are very
familiar but have clearly chosen to ignore.
The family in this instance, whose lives are
currently consumed with their own grief, had
asked Army to wait to release his details so that
they could deal with this terrible loss in their
way. You have robbed them of this right. Such
actions are unconscionable and un-Australian.
Our only concern is a desire to look after those
of the grieving family of a courageous soldier.
Their trust has been betrayed by the selfish act
of a journalist intent on being ‘the first’.
D.L Morrison
LTGEN
Chief of Army
04 July 2012
RSL On Service
11
AUSTRALIAN VETERANS HONOUR WWII AIRMEN
A memorial honouring 125,000 brave men who flew with Bomber Command
during the Second World War, including more than 10,000 Australians was
dedicated by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in London in June.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Warren Snowdon said more than 100 Australian
veterans of the campaign are among the hundreds of Commonwealth
veterans attending the memorial dedication.
“Veterans have travelled from across the globe including Canada, New
Zealand and Australia to be in London today for this significant occasion,
many returning to the UK for the first time since the war,” he said.
“I can only imagine what an emotional journey this has been for them; to
be standing alongside mates, remembering the 55,000 comrades who never
made it home to their loved ones.”
“Here in Australia, we will remember the 3,486 Australians killed flying
Bomber Command missions and the 650 who died in training accidents in
the United Kingdom,” he said.
Mr Snowdon said the dangerous missions flown by Bomber Command were
Australia’s costliest combat action of the Second World War.
“This new memorial is a fitting tribute to all those who fell against Italy and
Germany during the ventures of Bomber Command and I commend the
UK Bomber Command Association for its initiative in constructing this
lasting memorial.”
“The Australian veterans and their comrades from across the Commonwealth
are doing us proud in the UK. The service and sacrifice of so many young men
in Bomber Command helped deliver victory in Europe during the Second
World War, and that will never be forgotten.”
Mr Snowdon said in addition to the memorial dedication, other activities have
taken place to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Bomber Command
including an Australian service at the Air Forces Memorial in Runnymede.
A further service was also held on Saturday at the Australian Memorial in
Hyde Park.
12
RSL On Service
AUSTRALIAN VETERANS HONOUR WWII AIRMEN
Tasmanian Veteran Joins Bomber Command
Commemorations
As Les’s aircraft turned for home after
dropping its load of food supplies, the
crew was moved to see a huge sign on
the ground reading ‘THANK YOU’.
Les was discharged from the RAAF in
December 1945 in the rank of Warrant
Officer and returned to civilian life to
build a career in both the public and
private sectors, as well as being self
employed. Married for 63 years, Les
has three children, ten grandchildren
and four great-grandchildren, all of
whom are very much the centre of
his life.
Les Boon RAAF
Les has been active over many years
in a number of social, charitable and
Les Boon from Howrah joined the
recent commemorations in the
United Kingdom alongside around
100 Australian veterans.
Les
enlisted into the Royal Australian
Air Force in February 1943 at the age
of 18. After training in Australia as
a Wireless Operator Air Gunner, he
was posted to the United Kingdom,
where he ser ved with No. 625
Squadron, Royal Air Force, at RAF
Kelstern, and No. 576 Squadron,
Royal Air Force, at RAF Fiskerton,
both in Lincolnshire. Two of his
missions with Bomber Command are
particularly memorable to him. The
first occurred on Anzac Day 1945 (his
squadron’s last operational mission,
although none of the squadron
members knew it at the time) when
the squadron bombed Berchtesgaden,
Hitler’s country retreat.
The second was a mission f lown as
part of Operation MANNA to drop
desperately needed food supplies to
starving Dutch civilians.
ser vice clubs, including the RA AF
Association and the RSL. Of his time
in Bomber Command, Les recalls the
general commitment to ser vice and
the desire to get the job done.
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BARRACK HILL – A History of Anglesea
Barracks 1811-2011
Barrack Hill is a fitting tribute to the vision
that Governor Lachlan Macquarie had for
theBookings
barracks site he established on his tour
of &
Vanenquiries
Diemen’s Land in 1811. Meticulous
research by John Lennox and John Wadsley,
24
hours
a day,
accompanied
by an
amazing collection of
images maps and plans, has resulted in a
7
days
a
week
work that comprehensively details each
stage of Anglesea Barracks’ history in a
manner that also pays respect to many of
the individual lives and stories enmeshed in
that history.
Sections of the book on the British
that occupied the site up until
not only how those regiments
to broader military history of
but also introduce us to some of
forgotten individuals of those
including Jeremiah Corbett o
Regiment of Foot who carved det
spent in the Military Prison on h
There is also the unnamed youn
the 18th regiment who marrie
permission and left with his
promising to return to his wife
child when his enlistment was u
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RSL On Service
13
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in welcoming the Shoreline Hotel Bistro as one of our new Rewards Member. They offer a 10%
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birds (0730-1030), and an all day snack menu in the Café Bar. For any further information please
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go to their web page at www.shorelinehotel.com.au
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Please remember, this list can only grow if you, the readers recommend more businesses to us!!!
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Ben Newton’s Mechanical Services – 109 Main St, Penguin
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discount off full priced meals selected from the Bistro menu on producing your green RSL Member
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just ask the friendly staff and they will be able to assist you. Breakfast available for all you early
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RSL On Service
Fred French Masonic Home
9 Amy Road Launceston TAS 7250
Phone: (03) 6344 3027 Fax: (03) 6344 3707
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UNIqUE CENTENARY GIFT RETURNS HOME
Regiment by Dr Chris Elliott,” said CO 12/40 RTR,
Lieutenant Colonel David Hughes.
The collection was passed to Operations Officer
12/40 RTR, who was the contingent commander
for UK based Exercise LONG LOOK in 2011, and
bought back to Tasmania.
“The collection contains personal letters, diaries,
photographs and both the medals of Charles
Elliott and his wife, including their MBE’s.”
“Alice King has her own unique story too – being
on the hospital ships to and from Gallipoli and
working at the casualty clearing stations on the
Western Front. It is rare to have a couple with
such a combined history – and they did know
each other prior to WWI.”
Brigade for short periods. In the post WWI period,
he was appointed the CO of 2nd Battalion, 40th
Infantry Regiment.
“This is one of the most complete collections I
have ever seen of two amazing people,” Lieutenant
Colonel Hughes said.
“We have to catalogue it all and I hope that we can
display it somewhere all Tasmanians will have the
opportunity to see it – especially as we reach the
centenary of ANZAC in three years time.”
Lieutenant Colonel Hughes said it was a privilege
for the Battalion to be entrusted with this
donation.
Charles Elliott and Alice King during WWI
As Australia heads towards the Centenary of
ANZAC, the 12th/40th Battalion, the Royal
Tasmania Regiment (12/40 RTR) has already
received a unique gift direct from the United
Kingdom.
In 2010, the then Commanding Officer 12/40 RTR
received a letter from a Dr Chris Elliott in York,
UK offering to return the WWI medals of his
grandfather, Lieutenant Colonel Charles Elliott,
back to the unit.
Tasmanian born Elliott led the 12th Battalion
through WWI after the first CO was killed on
the beaches of ANZAC on that first day. He was
wounded at Gallipoli and nursed by his future
wife Alice King - also from Hobart, on board the
hospital ship.
“Here we have an amazing history, which was
more than just medals, donated as part of a very
substantial collection to the Royal Tasmania
During an April 1917 surprise attack by the
Germans at Lagnicourt that threatened the
battalion’s headquarters, Elliott quickly organized
the defence using batmen, cooks and signallers
and checked the enemy’s advance, thus enabling
the counter-attack to drive the enemy back. His
action at this critical point turned what might
have been a defeat into a victory.
Charles Elliott married Alice King in London in
1917. However the newly wed Mrs Elliott had to
immediately leave the Australian Army Nursing
Corps.
Personal diaries reveal key dates of April 25th
1915 and November 11, 1918 – with Charles
having his teeth fixed on Armistice Day.
Mentioned in Dispatches three times, he was
made a Commander in the Order of St Michael
and St George as well as receiving a Distinguished
Service Order and Bar and the Légion d’honneur.
Other operations that Elliott took part in during
1917-18 included Hill 60, Polygon Wood, Strazeele,
Zonnebeke and Broodseinde.
Many times between May 1917 and February
1919 he temporarily commanded the 3rd Infantry
Chief Clerk 12/40 RTR Warrant Officer Class
Two Tina Rossi shows Ms Airlie Ward from
ABC 7.30 through the collection
“The Battalion has a strong history with many
Battle and Theatre Honours plus stepping up to
contribute to current and future operations and
exercises. But it is important to remind ourselves
of the contribution and sacrifices of our forebears
while at the same time looking to the future.”
The story of the Elliott collection can be found
online at: www.abc.net.au/news/2012-04-27/
elliot-collection/3977494
RSL On Service
15
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RSL On Service
u
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JUST ASK A
BLONDE...
JU
B
BOER WAR COMEMORATIVE DAY 2012
It’s the time of year when Blondie
is all out of anecdotes, wise words
and details of life’s little moments.
All that is left to do is for her to wish
each and every one of her readers
The plaque was sponsored by the Royal Hobart
Hospital Graduated Nurses Association.
In Hobart, the proceedings occurred at the
impressive Boer War Memorial, Queen’s
Domain. The public attendance was high, with a
number
of wreaths
The Clarence
Band
a very
safe, laid.
healthy
andCity
happy
provided the musical accompaniment while reChristmas Season and a wonderful
enactors - SSAA Militaria Collectors Tasmania
and
Year.
took
theprosperous
salute and filedNew
a volley.
Eight members
of the 22nd Light Horse Association attended
Until
2012…….
with
Lone
Piper being Mathew Driessen. The
MC on the day was Mr Tony Scott. Mr Reg
Watson gave the address.
The
annual
Tasmanian
Boer
War
Commemorative Day (BWCD) was conducted
“The best
HobartSunnyside
event ever,” added
Mr. Watson
in
two centres
June, the
first in Hobart
the day
Betty
andinMarj
played
cardsand
every
at their
Retirement
second
in
Launceston.
The
motto
of
the
BWCD
Home. They had been playing cards
every day
forwas
years
and
were
The Launceston
service
held the
following
is simple, “To Honour those who Served”. It was
Sunday
at
the
Boer
War
Memorial,
City
Park.
both
now
into such
their
This particular day, as usual, they had
the
tenth
timewell
in Hobart
an 80s.
observance
In giving the address, Mr Watson spoke of the
been
cards
for an hour or so,bravery
chattering
away and laughing as
was
heldplaying
and the sixth
in Launceston.
of the Australians, which included
they
always
did.
alland
went
The silence
lasted
five
Tasmanians
during the
Elandsabout
River siege,
The
Organiser
of the
event,Then
historian
authorsilent.
where
they held
out from
overwhelming
odds
Mr
Reg Watson,
said that
herald
the “are
110th you
minutes.
Betty
saidtoto
Marj
alright?
You’ve
gone
very quiet”
for a fortnight.
anniversary
of the at
ending
The Anglo-Boer
Marj looked
heroffriend
with a blank
expression on her face and
War (1899-1902) a plaque to the memory of
The this
Launceston
RSL awful,
City Bandbut
was Ipresent;
eventually
said
“well
yes
and
I
know
sounds
can’t
Nurse Orr was unveiled in Hobart, jointly by
cadets of the A Coy Tas AAC BT made up the
remember
your name?
what of
is the
it again?”
There was another moment
himself
and Alderman
Helen Burnett
Catafalque Party, while Mr Gary Fitzallen gave
Hobart
City Council.
of silence
and then Betty said “how the
soon
do
you
wantwith
to Dr
know?”
scriptural
reading
Frank Madill
“Nurse Orr was an amazing person. She not only acting as MC.
served with great distinction during the Boer
Mr Watson said both ceremonies were highly
War, but she was an outstanding nurse during
successful. So as not to coincide with the long
World War One. On one occasion she was in
weekend in Launceston next year (2013), the
charge, as Sister Orr, of the hospital ships at
northern event will be held on the last Sunday
Gallipoli,” said Mr Watson.
in May and not the second Sunday in June.
“She was a marvellous daughter of Tasmania
and it was great to see a memorial to honour her
and other nurses unveiled,” he said.
13 Brisbane Street Launceston
Tasmania 7250
Tel +61 (03) 6332 4666
Fax: +61 (0)3 6331 5707
www.commodoreregent.com.au
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is a
and
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eac
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Ho
bot
bee
the
min
Ma
eve
rem
of s
Commodore
Regent and
Midcity Hotel
are very happy
to quote for
Vet’s Reunions
for groups.
As well as
offering free
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to next room
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(subject to availability)
)
Cnr Elizabeth and Bathurst Street
Hobart 7000
Tel: (03) 6234 6333
Fax: (03) 6231 0898
www.hobartmidcity.com.au
et
RSL On Service
RSL On
15 Service
17
RSL (TASMANIA BRANCH) STATE CONGRESS 2012
TABLE OF MOTIONS CONSIDERED
STATE CONSTITUTION
Amendments to RSL (Tasmania Branch) Inc. State
Constitution (As this motion was very lengthy with
a lot of amendments being simple renumbering of
paragraphs, the intent of the motion is produced in
simplified terms for production in this magazine)
Motion (in simplified terms) - That the RSL
(Tasmania Branch) Inc. State Constitution be
amended to make provision for a Divisional
restructure and change to positions on the State
Executive with effect from 2013 as follows:
There will be three Divisions only; those being
North East Division, North West Division and
Southern Division. Eastern Division will be
disbanded.
The administration of the affairs of the Branch
shall be vested in and exercised by the State
Executive.
The State Executive shall consist of the State
President, the Deputy State President, the Chief
Executive Officer, the Honorary State Treasurer,
the three (3) Divisional Vice Presidents and two
(2) State Executive Members. The position of
State President, Deputy State President and Vice
Presidents shall be filled only by Service or Life
Members. The positions of Chief Executive Officer,
Honorary State Treasurer the two State Executive
Members may be filled by a Service Member,
Life Member or Affiliate Member of the Branch.
There shall be not more than four (4) members of
the Executive who are Affiliate Members of the
Branch.
Where an Affiliate Member is a member of the
State Executive the Affiliate Member shall be able
to speak at the State Executive on all matters and
shall vote on all other motions other than those
for the amendment of the National Constitution
or the Branch Constitution.
The position of Honorary State Treasurer or any
State Executive Member position may be held by
a person who is a Service Member, a Life Member
or an Affiliate Member so long as there shall at no
stage be more than four (4) members of the State
Executive including the Chief Executive Officer
who are not Life Members or Service Members.
The new State Executive shall assume office at the
end of the relevant Annual Congress (May 2013).
The State Executive as soon as possible after its
appointment shall appoint two (2) persons as
members of the State Executive. Such persons
shall:
18
a. be Service, Life or Affiliate Members of the
Branch; and
b. shall, in the opinion of the State Executive,
have relevant skills, qualifications and/or
experience that will assist the State Executive
in the carrying out of its activities. The
appointment of such persons shall be until
the end of the next Annual Congress and such
persons shall be able to be further reappointed
to the State Executive for further terms.
during that 12 months the Sub Branch must take
all action possible to find a suitable Service or Life
member to fill the President position for the 12
months thereafter.
Elections are to be held annually for the following
positions:
Motion - That this Congress requests the
Department of Veterans’ Affairs make provision
for the partners or next of kin (NOK) of Gold Card
holders to accompany the pensioner at public
expense when the pensioner is required to travel
interstate for operations or treatment if such travel
is for three days or more.
The State President, the Deputy State President,
the Honorary State Treasurer, and three Divisional
Vice Presidents, who shall be voted by the Sub
Branches in the relevant Divisions.
The Branch is obliged to indemnify a Branch
Officer, members of the State Executive and the
Chief Executive Officer against loss or expense
incurred by the discharge of his or her duties as a
Branch Officer, a member of the State Executive
or a Chief Executive Officer unless such loss or
expense has been incurred by their own willful
neglect or default.
The original motion in its entirety was moved by
State Branch, seconded by Ulverstone and was
CARRIED
Motion - Amendment to State Constitution
Rule 10.9 (h)
Amend Rule 10.9(h) (i) to read:
(i) An Affiliate Member may not be elected to
the position of President (League member) of a
Sub Branch (save and except for the provision of
Rule 10.9(h) (iv). An Affiliate Member may not be
elected to the position of Vice President (League
member)of a Sub Branch, but may be elected to
the positions of Vice President (Affiliate), (if such
a position has been made available pursuant to a
decision passed at an AGM of that Sub Branch);
Secretary, Treasurer or committee person on the
Sub Branch Committee.
Insert new Rule 10.9(h)(iv)
(iv) Notwithstanding other provisions in these
rules and subject to a resolution by a 75% majority
of an Annual General Meeting or Special General
Meeting of the members of a Sub Branch; in the
case of a traditional or remote Sub Branch where
no Service or Life member is able to fill the
position of Sub Branch President (League), the
State Executive may agree to fill the President’s
position with an Affiliate Memberon the proviso
that it is for a maximum term of 12 months, and
RSL On Service
Moved: State Branch Seconded: Lenah Valley
CARRIED
1. VETERANS’ AFFAIRS MATTERS
1.1 Entitlements for Partners or Next of Kin of
Gold Card Holders
Moved: Tasman Seconded: Glenorchy CARRIED
1.2
Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Employment Guidelines/Policy
Motion - That the Department of Veterans’
Affairs be requested to review their employment
guidelines/policy to ensure that personnel who
answer telephone enquiries from members of
the veteran community understand and have
the ability to converse fluently in the Australian
vernacular.
Moved: State Branch Seconded: Launceston
WITHDRAWN
1.3 Retraining Entitlements under MRCA/
SRCA
Motion - That the Department of Veterans’
Affairs be requested to initiate amendment to
the Legislation/Regulations to provide for past
qualification and potential to be taken into
account, as well as the type of employment
being undertaken at the time of the injury, when
considering retraining entitlements under MRCA
/ SRCA.
Moved: Launceston Seconded: George Town
CARRIED
1.4 Veterans’ Entitlement Act 1986 – Non
Warlike Operations in Singapore/Malaysia
Motion - That the RSL recommends that
the appropriate legislation be amended to
have the service of all Australian Defence
Force personnel who served on non-warlike
operations in Singapore/Malaysia from 12
August 1966 to 14 March 1975 recognized for
the purpose of obtaining entitlements under
the Veterans’ Entitlement Act 1986.
RSL (TASMANIA BRANCH) STATE CONGRESS 2012
TABLE OF MOTIONS CONSIDERED
Moved: Ulverstone
CARRIED
Seconded:
Wynyard
2. SOCIAL SECURITY AND TAX
2.1 Indexation of Military Superannuation
under DFRDB and MSBS Schemes
6. ANZAC, COMMEMORATION,
CEREMONIAL and MEMORIALS
6.1 Penalty for Desecration of the Australian
National Flag
Moved: State Branch Seconded: Lenah Valley
CARRIED
Motion - That this State Congress bring pressure
to bear on the RSL National Executive to address
Federal Government in the strongest possible
terms to ascertain what actions, if any have been
taken against those personnel responsible for the
desecration of the Australian National Flag during
the recent incident in Canberra (tent embassy issue)
and, in accordance with the law, Government must
ensure that such penalty as is legally appropriate
be enforced for future incidents.
2.2 Incremental Adjustments to Veterans’
Disability Pensions
Moved: Primrose Sands Seconded: South Arm
LOST
Motion - That all rates for Veterans’ Disability
Pensions be adjusted by the same increment that
was granted at the time for the Single Rate of
Service Pension in the 2009 Budget which was
by 2.7% increase of MTAWE (Male Total Average
Weekly Earnings).
6.2 Provision of ‘Out of Service’ Military
Weapons to RSL Sub Branches and Clubs
Motion - This Congress strongly supports the
position of Returned & Services League of Australia
Limited that the indexation of all components of
Military Superannuation under the DFRDB and
MSBS schemes be calculated by an indexation
regime matching cost of living increases.
Moved: Greater Hobart Seconded: Lindisfarne
CARRIED
5. THE LEAGUE
5.1 Inclusion of a Preamble to Standing Policy
Motion - The Returned & Services League of
Australia (Tasmania Branch) Inc. endorses the
extant Standing Policy of the Returned & Services
League of Australia Limited and recommends that
consideration be given to including a preamble to
the Policy along the lines of:
“In no other calling, occupation or profession is
an individual required to perform their duties
24 hours per day, seven days per week, 365 days
per year, go wherever the Government of the day
decides Defence personnel are needed and to sign
a blank cheque, up to and including the value of
their life, in pursuit the National political agenda.
The State has the right to demand the surrender of
the inalienable human rights of service men and
women as recognized in the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights adopted by the General assembly
of the United Nations in 1948 and to which
Australia is a signatory. Military Service in this
respect is unique as is the obligation this places on
the State to look after the interests of members of
the Australian Defence Force both during service
and as a consequence of such service.”
Moved: State Branch Seconded: Launceston
CARRIED
Motion - That this State Congress supports a
program whereby ‘out of service’ military weapons
are donated free, or at minimal cost to RSL Sub
Branches who wish to display them.
Moved: Scottsdale Seconded: George Town
LOST
6.3 Declaration of Sincere Appreciation to
Fallen Service Men and Women
Motion - This State Congress, on behalf of the
members of the Returned & Services League of
Australia (Tasmania Branch) Inc., declare our
sincere appreciation to the more than 104,000
thousand Australian service men and women
who have paid the supreme sacrifice to protect
our nation and the freedoms we enjoy on a daily
basis. Political correctness and culturally sensitive
issues were not part of their agenda and, as we
commemorate the sacrifices they made to secure
our future, nor should it be on ours.
Moved: State Branch Seconded: Launceston
CARRIED
8. CONDITIONS OF SERVICE
8.1 Transportability of Employer Contributions
to Military Superannuation
Motion - That the Australian Government be
requested to remove the current limitations placed
on the transportability of employer contributions
to Military Superannuation compared with that
enjoyed by the rest of the Australian community
by the following actions:
entitlements, including the employer
contribution, to a provider of their choice when
they leave the Service;
and/or
· Allowing separating ex-serving members of the
ADF and their new employers to contribute to
MSBS for the remainder of their working lives.
Moved: State Branch Seconded: Lenah Valley
CARRIED
12. AUSTRALIAN YOUTH
12.1 Voluntary Emergency Service Training
Scheme for Youth
Motion - That this State Congress encourages the
Federal and State Governments to implement a
Voluntary Emergency Service Training Scheme
for youth
Moved:
LOST
King
Island
Seconded:
Huon
15. MISCELLANEOUS
15.1 Hosting of RSL (Tasmania Branch) Inc.
State Congress 2013
Motion - That the George Town RSL Sub Branch
Inc. hosts the 2013 Annual State Congress of the
RSL (Tasmania Branch) Inc. in May 2013.
Resolved, with the dates of Congress to be
Friday, 17th – Saturday, 18th May 2013.
LATE MOTIONS
A. Changes to Australian War Memorial Roll
of Honour
Motion – That the Tasmanian RSL State Congress
supports the motion that the Australian War
Memorial change its criteria for inclusion on the
Roll of Honour from killed in action or, in the
modern bureaucratic sense, dying on war-like
service, to include those who have given their lives
on peacekeeping (non-warlike), post armistice or
humanitarian operations.
Moved: Greater Hobart Seconded: Huon
LOST
B. Future Direction of RSL (Tasmania Branch)
Motion – That the Tasmanian RSL State Congress
supports the motion for the establishment of a
working party, under the State Branch, to consider
the future direction of the RSL in Tasmania.
Moved: Greater Hobart Seconded: Lindisfarne
CARRIED
· The Government to transfer a separating
ex-service members full superannuation
RSL On Service
19
STATE CONGRESS 2012
The 97th Annual State Congress was hosted by the Ulverstone RSL Sub Branch and was held on the
11th /12th May 2012 at the Ulverstone Civic Centre, Ulverstone.
The Hon Scott Bacon MP, State Minister for Veterans’ Affairs officially opened Congress. Other
dignitaries and official guests included Rear Admiral Ken Doolan AO RAN (Retd), RSL National
President, the Hon Warren Snowdon MP, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Senator Michael Ronaldson,
Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alderman Jan Bonde, Mayor of the Central Coast, Mr Ian
Campbell, Secretary - Department of Veterans’ Affairs and Ms Jan Hyde, Deputy Commissioner of
Veterans Affairs – Tasmania.
RSL official guests included Mr Don Rowe OAM, Deputy National President and State President – RSL
NSW, Mr Terry Meehan, State President – RSL Queensland, Mr Jock Statton OAM, State President
– RSL South Australia, Mr Chris Perrin JP, CEO – RSL NSW, Mr Chris McHugh csc, CEO – RSL
Queensland, and Mr Mike Annett csc, CEO – RSL Victoria.
There were 37 Sub Branches represented with 73 delegates. There were 15 motions debated, with 10
carried, 4 lost and one withdrawn.
A list of motions carried at the Congress is shown separately. These motions now form part of the
National Congress agenda to be held in Sydney in September.
Bill Kaine MBE
There were 37 Sub Branches represented with 73 delegates. There were 15 motions debated, with 10 carried, 4 lost and one withdrawn. A list of motions
carried at the Congress is shown separately. These motions now form part of the National Congress agenda to be held in Sydney in September.
During the Official Opening of Congress the following League Awards were presented:
Life Membership
Mr Stephen Dobson
Dunalley
Mr Peter Bruce OAM
South Arm
Mrs Marie Kays OAM
Lenah Valley
Mr Archie Alomes
Sorell
Mr Prevost Mills
Fingal (presented locally)
Mr Graham Pedder
Launceston (presented locally)
State Certificate of Appreciation
Mr Stephen Cocker OAM
Miss Carol Batten
Delegates and guests during the Business Session of Congress
Results of the ballot for State Executive 2012
State President
Deputy State President
State Treasurer
North Eastern Division
North West Division
Eastern Division
Southern Division
20
Vice President
Vice President
State Executive Member
Vice President
State Executive Member
Vice President
State Executive Member
RSL On Service
Christopher Munday
Mr Peter Woolford JP
Mr Wayne Cargill
Mr Geoff Leitch
Mr Kevin Knight
Mr Graeme Deacon
Mr Harry Jager
Mr Terry Roe
Mr Mel Cooper
Mr Robert Dick
STATE CONGRESS 2012
The Congress Dinner was held at the Ulverstone Rowing Club. We pass on
our congratulations to the kitchen staff and volunteers for a superb meal and
service. We also wish to sincerely thank all the junior rowers who provided
outstanding table service during the evening.
At the close of Congress former State President Bill Kaine MBE stood down
after a three year term in office. Bill was presented with a framed Sydney
Swans jumper signed by the 2012 team and his wife, Margaret was presented
with a sheath of flowers as a thank you from the State Branch team.
Pictured below with Mr Don Rowe OAM, Deputy National President, and the Hon Scott Bacon MP, State Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
are the recipients of Life Membership
Mr Stephen Dobson – Dunalley Sub Branch
Mrs Marie Kays OAM – Lenah Valley Sub Branch
Mr Peter Bruce – South Arm Sub Branch
Mr Archie Alomes – Sorell Sub Branch
RSL On Service
21
AROUND THE SUB BRANCHES
LINDISFARNE
An afternoon tea was held at the Lindisfarne
RSL clubrooms on the 29th May 2012 which was
well received by all who attended.
Mr Keith Farrell gave a very interesting address
and visual display on his time on Catalina’s
during the WW2 and the Catalina Museum at
Lake Boga in Victoria.
During the course of the afternoon the Sub
Branch President, Mr Robert Fisher presented
Long Service Awards (50 Year Certificates) to
a number of members. Receiving the awards
were Mr Max Arnold, Mr Alan Reed, Mr
Geoff Farrington, Mr Robert Oliver and Mr
John Viney. Mr Colin O’May also received the
award but unfortunately was unable to attend
the function
(L-R) Mr John Viney, Mr Max Arnold, Mr Rob Oliver, Mr Geoff Farrington, Mr Alan Reed
REUNIONS
REUNIONS
HMAS Leeuwin 42nd Intake Reunion
What: 40th Reunion of the 42nd Intake
7 Wellington (Wellington's own) Hawkes
Bay Battalion Group
When: 8-10 February 2013
Where: Canberra - Eastlake Football Club
Time: Varies
Visit: http://42ndintake.homestead.com/
Alpha Coy 7 WnHB Reunion
5 – 7 October 2012
Gisborne
Contact: Don Hogarth via email
don_hogarth@hotmail.com or 0438 641 043
NEW ZEALAND
Open to all past and current serving Regular and Territorial Force members posted or attached to Alpha Coy. Interest can be registered with SGT Su Gingles on 0064210383835 or email gary.grant@xtra.co.nz for a registration form. NAVAL REUNION
The 12th annual Reunion of the First Frigate Flotilla (1946-1956), HMAS Condamine, HMAS Culgoa, HMAS Murchison, HMAS Shoalhaven will
be held in Canberra on the 2nd – 5th November 2012. All ex-crew members plus their relatives and friends are warmly invited to attend.
HMAS Leeuwin - 42nd Intake Reunion
For further information please contact George Franki on Ph: (02)9955-9444,
What: 40th Reunion of the 42nd Intake
When: 8-10 February 2013
Where: Canberra - Eastlake Football Club
22Time: Varies - visit http://42ndintake.homestead.com/
RSL On Service
Contact: Don Hogarth
or mail at 9/6 Waverton Avenue, Waverton NSW. Email: gtfranki@yahoo.com
be of particular value in the context of
the Australian History curriculum, which
schools have started to implement” said Mr
McKim.
PLAYING AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE MIDDLE EAST
VALE
Cont.
The kit will be made available to schools for
a week on a basic booking system, with the
POEMvarying depending on age group.
contents
“Ogilvie High School is the first school in
the State to book the Avenue Discovery Box,
“I like it best when up on the bridge doing
The
was written
for the will be
andfollowing
I’m surepoem
the students
of Ogilvie
warfare manoeuvres with other naval ships Anniversary
of
the
Bombing
of
Darwin
during
amazed
on their journey
discovery
about
Captain Bryce Duffy was killed on operations
in Afghanistan
on 29ofOctober
2011.
via voice or Morse code light.”
WW2
by
Andrew
Guild.
the ultimate sacrifices these brave young
Captain Duffy was a member of the Mentoring
Task
ForceMr
– Three
and
was from the
soldiers
made,”
McKim
said.
Thomas
completed
his schooling
at St of Australian Artillery (RAA) based in Townsville.
4th Field
Regiment,
Royal Regiment
FOR
WHO FOUGHT
DARWIN
“TheTHOSE
State Government
has AT
been
a strong
Virgil’s High and Elizabeth College before
Captain Duffy is survived by his partner, parents
and of
family.
supporter
the
restoration
of
the
Soldier’s
joining the Navy in 2009.
Memorial
over
time, andHetoday’s
on
19th
February
‘42
Captain Duffy was born in Sydney, NSW, in‘Twas
1984.
Hethe
wasAvenue
educated
in Brisbane.
joined
launch
represents
a reaffirmation
of our
“I joined
because at Defence
the timeForce
three Academy
of my
the deadly
struck a Bachelor
the Australian
inThat
January
2003 Japanese
and completed
of
support,
and
of
theunawares
program’s
educational
Science.
He in
graduated
from
theI liked
Royal Military
College
in
December
2006. He
was then
mates
had been
for a while
and
Catching
our
soldiers
valueArtillery
in thewas
Tasmanian
community.
to 1st Field
Regiment,
Royal
Australian
based
inluck
Brisbane.
whatposted
I was hearing
every
time they
came
Poor Darwin
out of
“I’d
likeand
to2010.
pay He
tribute
to the RSL
for
home
leave,with
cashed
of stories
Heonserved
the up
1st and
Fieldfull
Regiment
between
2007
was transferred
to the
their
valuable
contribution
in
making
Nick McKim MP with school students Gabrielle Jacobs about
and Tuscony
Ohl.
4th
Field
Regiment
in Townsville
January
2011with
as the
Assistant
Operations
Officer,
Planes
red discs
bombed
and strafed
their
travels
to places
like Japan in
and
thisin important
a reality and
second deployment
to Afghanistan
September.
- Abefore
replicahis
Australian
Infantry Force
Tasmanian students are now able to access America.”
Killing
military and resource
civilian alike
also to the Tassal Group Ltd, which has
a new education kit to teach them about
Sinking defenceless
ships inHe
thewas
harbour
Captain Duffy was a well known and highly-regarded
officer.
recognised
uniform
generouslyyoung
supported
the project.
This
Anzac departed on 14 July, for a
local war history thanks to the efforts of HMAS
And
at
the
city
itself
they
did
strike
by
his
commanders
for
his
strength
of
character,
determination
and
diligence.
His
peers
really
is
a
fantastic
resource
and
I’m
sure
Rations
and
a
personal
kit
(cutlery
and
deployment
to officer
the Middle
the Friends of Soldiers Memorial Avenue six-month
remember
him as an
who East
maintained
the
highest
possiblefor
personal
standards.
will
be
the
inspiration
historical
studies
sewing
kit) dedication
and the RSL.
Area
of Operation
(MEAO)towhere
His
selfless
duty the
was demonstrated
by young
the fact
had
volunteered
Our
daring
menthat
ranhe
to
guns
by Tasmanian
students
fortheir
many
years to
Medals,
badges
and
other
artefacts
for
his
second
tour
of
duty
in Afghanistan
at
short
notice,
after
a
fellow
officer was
ship’s
company
will
conduct
maritime
The Minister for Education and Skills, the
come.”
To shoot at the Japs with their flak
wounded
ininformation
action.
security
operations
that include
Hon
McKim
MP,Sherrin,
recentlywho
launched
- Biographical
aboutmaritime
soldiers
AbleNick
Seaman
Thomas
grew
To knock down those planes right out of the sky
the
‘
A
venue
Discovery
Box’,
which
contains
interception
operations
as
part
of
Captain
Duffy
has
been
awarded
the following
awards:
up in Hobart, is currently on active duty in commemorated on the Soldiers’ Memorial
Who honours
had daredand
to come
and attack?
a variety of resources for schools including Operation
Avenue
and
photographic
resources
Slipper.
the
Middle
East
as
a
member
of
the
crew
of
•Australian
Defence
Medal
a replica Australian Infantry Force uniform,
- Materials on commemoration through the Over a few weeks, the Japs returned
the Royal
Australian
frigate, medals,
HMAS The
rations
and
a range Navy
of posters,
ship
will support
•Meritorious
Unitmissions
Citationinvolving
– 1st Mentoring Task Force – Afghanistan 20 January to
years
Anzac.and other memorabilia.
And served it to us quite rough
badges
anti-terrorism,
30 Octobercounter
2010 piracy and
But the Aussies determinedly fought back
- A treesecurity
round from a replaced
dead
as part
of tree
the – International
“In Tasmania
greatly role
valueas history theatre
Thomas
plays anwe
important
•NATO Nonoperations
Article 5 Medal
with
clasp
Security Assistance Force (ISAF)
And showed that they too, were tough
as
discipline
want our students
Defence
showing tree
ringsForce’s contribution to
onea of
the ship’sand
communicators
and to Australian
•Afghanistan
Campaign Medal
understand the really important events and operations
thethat
MEAO.
is responsible for maintaining the
Mr McKiminsaid
the important historical Later on in New Guinea we met
dates in history, why they have occurred and
•Australian
Active
Service Medal
withtoclasp International Coalition Against Terrorism
ship’s
computer
network,
general
voice
resource
would
be
a valuable
addition
how decisions were made,” Mr McKim said
But this time we bloodied their nose
(ICAT).
systems,
the satellite
atcommunications
the launch at New
Town Primary
School. the resources available for schools studying And fighting the Japs on a battlefield green
the During
Great War
fromDuffy’s
a Hobart
community
Captain
service
in the Australian Army he deployed on the following
“We
also want
to connect students
connection
andhistory
communications
with
The legend of Kokoda arose
perspective.
operations:
to
theirships.
local communities and help them
other
understand history within a real life context.
“It also
adds to the
awareness
of the Soldiers
•Operation
SLIPPER
(Afghanistan)
– January 2010 – October 2010
“It’s Avenue
pretty rewarding
have theby Memorial Avenue – which is the largest We remember the brave men of Darwin
The
Discoverywhen
Box, you
developed
•Operation
– February
2011
Those who
bled for us in forty two
the
Friends of
Soldiers
Memorial
Avenue,
knowledge
that
what you
are doing
is is surviving
GreatYASI
War ASSIST
Avenue (Australia)
in Tasmania.
another
fantastic
opportunity
for
students
To
our
heroes
the North
who fought and died
It’s
also
the
second
largest
Memorial
Avenue
keeping the ship connected to the outside
•Operation SLIPPER (Afghanistan) – September 2011 –ofOctober
2011.
A replica
military
uniform
isto
worn
to
really
find
out
more
about
historical
We
offer
a
heart-felt
salute
youwhich impresses
in
Australia
where
trees
are
planted
for
world so that we can fight and win in the
significance of war from a local perspective.” those who died. It will be extremely useful student, Nick Golley.
maritime environment,” Thomas said.
The Discovery Box – contained in a 1917 for students undertaking inquiries into Andrew Guild
World War One, Australian and Tasmanian
pattern Medical Kit – includes:
LEST
WEproudFORGET
Are the
service providers for
Assembly Services
20
Sitro, Gasmate and Chimeneas Chapala
Strictly Ballroom
RSL On Service
03 6248 5383
30
Studio Rear of 22 Newtown Road Hobart
RSL On Service
RSL On Service
23
THEY CAME TO SAY GOODBYE
The after dinner address was given by Dennis
“The Skipper” Rainer, MC, (MID). Dennis was
the Platoon Commander during 10 Pl’s tour of
Vietnam 1966-77.
On Sunday morning at 1100hrs, members of
the Platoon and Danny’s family and friends
gathered at his graveside to formally farewell him.
Chaplain (Colonel) Peter Hayes from Victoria
Barracks, Paddington and Bugler Lance Corporal
Tim Dain from 23 Field Regiment Band, Royal
Australian Artillery added to the occasion with
their kind attendance and professionalism.
Eric Leask, OAM (PTE Regular 1966-67) read
The Original 10 Pl, D Coy, 5RAR. Colin Illman, Launceston, 2nd from the left. Dennis Rainer, MC
On the 10th June 1966, 5 RAR were on patrol
with National Policemen and South Vietnamese
soldiers. A pair of enemy mortars were engaged
and destroyed. When 10 Platoon neared the area
they were engaged by another enemy mortar.
The location of the mortar was observed and
the patrol radioed for an air strike, which struck
the mortar’s location with cluster munitions
and napalm, but not before Corporal Brendan
“Danny” Coupe and Private Les Farren were
killed and four soldiers were wounded. For his
leadership in this and the action on the 3rd June,
Second Lieutenant (2LT) Dennis Rainer was
Mentioned in Despatches.
After the noise had stopped and the dust had
cleared, Corporal Brendan “Danny” Coupe and
Private Les Farren of 10 Platoon, D Company, 5
Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (10 Pl, D
Coy, 5 RAR) had been Killed in Action, 10 June
1966. Four other members of the Platoon had
been wounded and the young soldiers, mostly
National Servicemen had tasted to worst part
of war.
10 Pl continued the remaining 10 months
of the 12 month tour with many successful
actions against the enemy. Unfortunately, the
Platoon lost another member, Private Graham
Warburton, Killed in Action - 1 October 1966.
Since returning to Australia, the remaining
members of 10 Pl have taken the opportunity to
formally farewell Privates Les Farren and Graham
Warburton, but have never been able to assemble
for Corporal Danny Coupe’s farewell. Last year, it
24
was decided that an all out effort should be made
to formally farewell Danny. During this year’s
Queen’s Birthday weekend, those of the original
10 Pl and partners, where possible, came from all
over Australia to do so.
The group stayed at the Marriott Courtyard Motel,
North Ryde; close to Macquarie Park Cemetery
where Danny now lies. The commemorative
weekend started on Friday evening with a “Meet
and Greet”. This was followed by a sumptuous
Candle light Memorial Dinner on the Saturday
evening, and on the Sunday morning, a Memorial
Service was held at Danny’s grave site at 1100hrs.
That afternoon, the group then met at the
Chatswood RSL Club for Danny’s Wake.
The weekend was full of laughter, tall tales from
the past and, at different times, heavy hearts and
tremendous emotions. During Saturday evening’s
dinner, Frank “Doc” Donovan (Company Medic
1966-67) informed those attending how his
recount of Danny as a father, soldier and great
mate was one of many contributing factors in
establishing the VB “Raise a Glass” appeal. It
was the embodiment of this uniquely Australian
spirit as exemplified by Danny which led to the
unbelievable amount of money raised (nearly
$5 million to date) by the appeal. Doc’s speech
finished with an emotional toast to “Fallen
Comrades”. Guest speaker, Roger Wainwright
(Platoon Commander 8 Pl, C Coy 5RAR 196667), toasted the Royal Australian Regiment and
Graeme Ashton gave a toast to the “Ladies”.
RSL On Service
the Regimental Ode, Ross Hore (PTE National
Serviceman 1966-67) followed with the RSL Ode.
Colin Illman (PTE National Serviceman 196667) led the service with the Regimental Payer.
At the completion of the service and after many
photographs, the gathering adjourned to the
Chatswood RSL for Danny’s Wake.
Col Lee and Col Illman at memorial dinner
Special thanks go to the management and staff
of the Courtyard Motel, Chaplain (Colonel) Peter
Hayes and Lance Corporal Tim Dain who kindly
volunteered their services on a Queen’s Birthday
long weekend, their presence was so welcomed.
The former members of 10Pl D Coy 5RAR farewell
their mate, Danny
Thanks to the Chatswood RSL for their wonderful
hospitality and a special thankyou to Mr Bruce
Tyrell, AM from Tyrell’s wines and Mr Clinton
Taylor from Taylor’s wines, their kind donation
helping keep the cost of the weekend under
control.
This was, indeed, a great weekend and a fitting
manner to farewell Danny.
“Lest We Forget”
RSL TASMANIA’S ‘BIGGEST LOSER’
Veteran’s Health Week begins on Monday, 22nd October 2012 and finishes on Sunday,
28 th October 2012.
RSL State Branch has decided to bring a little fun to this year’s Veteran’s Health Week with a
competition to see which Ex- Service person can lose the most weight between the 28th August
and the end of Veteran’s Health Week. Current serving members are eligible and welcome to
join in.
These posters have arrived at all RSL Sub Branches on the same day so nobody has any
advantage over anybody else.
The idea is simple. Get yourself Weighed-in at your local Sub Branch, Doctor’s Surgery or
Chemist. There must be two witnesses attesting to your weight. The witnesses cannot be your
relatives. Similarly, at the Weigh-out date there must also be two witnesses who both sign. Any
document stating your weight at the beginning and end of the period will be accepted. The two
signatories attesting to the “Weigh-in and Weigh-out” need not be the same two people. The
sooner you are weighed, the better chance you have of winning.
Weigh-in begins any time after Tuesday, 28th August 2012 and “Weigh-out” (to see how much
weight you have lost) must be on or not later than Sunday, 28th October 2012. All entries must
be received at the State Branch by close of business on Wednesday 31st October and the State
Branch decision is final.
All participants must be weighed in socks, trousers and shirt (or dress/slacks and shirt for the
girls) only. Any person found with “weights” in their pockets or on their person at “Weigh-in”
will be disqualified.
The prize
You could win a one way trip for two people on ‘The Ghan’ railway, in a Gold
Class twin share compartment. The trip can be from Adelaide to Darwin or from
Darwin to Adelaide. The trip has been donated by Great Southern Railways and is not
transferable. Nor can it be exchanged for a return trip for one. Travel costs between Tasmania
and the point of departure and the point of return for the rail trip are the winner’s responsibility.
The trip can be taken any time within 12 months of the date of winning.
So, after Weigh-in - get walking and eat healthily to maximize your chances of winning.
Please, let’s not forget that the theme for this year’s Veterans’ Health Week is “Social Inclusion”.
You may consider calling in on somebody who may not receive many visitors as you go on your
walk.
Let’s have a go at losing a few kilos and have a bit of fun doing it.
Get healthy and keep well.
Your State Branch Team
RSL On Service
25
NOTICES
SCHOLARSHIPS
FOR THE CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN
OF EX-SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN
Photo courtesy of the University of Adelaide
The Australian Veterans’ Children Assistance Trust is a
not-for-profit organisation. AVCAT administer
scholarships to help children and grandchildren of the
Australian ex-service community with the costs of
full-time tertiary education. The most deserving
candidates are selected on merit and who, without our
help, would be unable to start or complete studies
without financial difficulty.
For more information or to apply, contact
AVCAT
T 02 9213 7999 or 1800 620 361 (voicemail)
E avcat@dva.gov.au www.avcat.org.au
APPLICATIONS OPEN AUGUST 18
26
RSL On Service
“YOUR
SCHOLARSHIP WAS
INVALUABLE HELP,
IT ALLOWED ME TO
CONCENTRATE
FULLY ON
BECOMING THE
BEST DOCTOR I
COULD BE”
NOTICES
THE PROPOSED NATIONAL WORLD WAR I AND
WORLD WAR II MEMORIALS IN CANBERRA
After nearly 100 years, Canberra is likely to have
memorials dedicated to World War I and World
War II. The Memorials Development Committee
was established in 2005 to achieve this goal. After
an international design competition, a stunning
design from architect Richard Kirk was chosen.
The memorial design and further information can
be seen at: www.mdc.org.au
Australia’s greatest wartime casualties occurred
during World War I and World War II when over
101,000 servicemen and women paid the ultimate
sacrifice while serving our Nation. This represents
98% total wartime casualties in all conflicts to
date.
The memorials themselves are to be very personal
and intimate, as they will contain etched excerpts
from diaries, poetry and letters. This information
is meant to tell the very personal story of the war
through the eyes of those who participated. This
group includes (but is not limited to) soldiers,
sailors, airmen, merchant mariners, POWs,
nurses and those who remained home.
It is these particular experiences, recorded in
letters and personal papers that will connect
strongly with descendants of veterans and their
families. Data for the memorials is being procured
through a range of sources including many
eminent historians.
In addition, the Memorial Development
Committee is seeking letters, diaries and
poetry of those touched by World War I and
World War II for possible inclusion on the
proposed memorials that you may have at
home.
If you would like to have your relatives or friends
documentation considered for inclusion on the
memorials, here is the process.
Step 1. Send only copies of material….not originals.
Step 2. On the document, please write the
following sentence and sign your name.
“I certify that this copy is authentic and give
permission for the Memorial Development
Committee to use its contents for the proposed
memorials.”
Step 3.
Send WW ONE documents to:
The MDC
FRANKLIN LPO
PO Box 226
FRANKLIN, TAS, 7113
Send WW TWO Documents to:
The MDC
PO Box 1024
MAWSON, ACT, 2607
JUST ASK A
BLONDE
As I’ve aged, I’ve become kinder to myself, and less critical of myself. I’ve
become my own friend.
So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair
could turn silver.
I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they
understood the great freedom that comes with aging.
As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other
people think.
Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4
AM or sleep until noon on Sundays? I will dance with myself to those
wonderful tunes of the 60’s & 70’s, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep
over a lost love, I will. I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched
over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose
to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set. They, too, will get old.
I don’t question myself anymore. I’ve even earned the right to be wrong.
I like getting old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I
am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste
time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be.
And I shall eat dessert every single day if I feel like it!!
I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as
well forgotten - and I eventually remember the important things.
I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and
to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face.
RSL On Service
27
AUSTRALIA’S WORST MARITIME DISASTER REMEMBERED
A new memorial marking Australia’s worst
maritime disaster, the sinking of the Montevideo
Maru during the Second World War, was
unveiled at a ceremony at the Australian War
Memorial at the beginning of July.
Minister
for
Veterans’
Affairs
Warren
Snowdon, and Minister for School Education,
Peter Garrett, said today marks 70 years since
1,054 Australian prisoners of war (POWs) and
civilians lost their lives in the tragedy.
“I encourage all Australians to take some time
today to pause and reflect on the service and
sacrifice of the Australians who lost their lives,
and the grief and suffering of the families and
loved ones left behind,” Mr Snowdon said.
“To ensure the families of those lost have a
place of solemn reflection to forever honour
their loved ones, the Gillard Government
has provided $100,000 towards a national
memorial. The sinking of the Montevideo
Maru is a tragic chapter in Australia’s wartime
history and I hope, through this lasting tribute,
Australians will continue every year to honour
those lost.”
On 22 June 1942, 1,054 Australian POWs and
civilians in Japanese captivity at Rabaul on the
island of New Britain (now known as Papua
New Guinea) boarded the Montevideo Maru.
Unaware that the vessel was carrying Allied
prisoners, on 1 July 1942 the Unites States
submarine USS Sturgeon fired torpedoes at the
Montevideo Maru, sinking the ship and killing
all those imprisoned on board and most of the
crew. It was not until after the war in October
1945 that a nominal roll of those on board was
uncovered. These records were presented to
Australia by the Japanese Government earlier
this year.
war had ended. They lived with three years of
Mr Garrett represented the Prime Minister
at today’s event in his role as Patron of the
Rabaul and Montevideo Maru Society. “My
grandfather Tom Garrett was one of those on
board who lost their lives. He owned a coco
plantation near Rabaul, the capital of New
Britain, and was imprisoned by the Japanese
army after they gained control of the island in
January that year,” he said.
of Australia website www.montevideomaru.
uncertainty before learning of my grandfather’s
death. It’s hard to imagine the grief and trauma
of those families who had no knowledge of
their loved ones’ fate and no way of mourning
their loss. Now 70 years on, it is fitting that
we remember and honour those 1535 souls on
the Montevideo Maru, who lost their lives a
long way from home, and whose memory and
sacrifice the nation can now cherish.”
The complete list of missing prisoners from the
ill-fated Montevideo Maru has been digitised
and will be available on the National Archives
naa.gov.au from today.
The translation of the list by the National
Archives of Australia, over the past months,
has revealed an additional civilian internee
believed to have been onboard the Montevideo
Maru, bringing the total number thought to
have perished on board to 1,054.
“Like many other families, my family was
not given the details of the sinking until the
TASMANIAN HOSPITALITY ASSOCIATION AWARDS NIGHT
Over the past two years all RSL Tasmania
The winning RSL venue was the Lenah Valley
Branch licensed Sub Branches have joined the
RSL Sub Branch.
Tasmanian Hospitality Association (THA).
THA provides the committees of our Sub
Branches with excellent advice and information
on all facets of Licensing & Gaming, Human
Resources and Work Safe practices, to name
a few.
Mr Michael Glidden, State Manager of
HOSTPlus
presented
the
award.
Accepting the award on behalf of the President
of the Lenah Valley RSL is the Sub Branch
Treasurer, Noel Sargent (right).
On the 14th May 2012 the Association hosted
its Awards night which was held at Wrest Point.
This Year THA introduced a new Award for
Excellence under the category of Best RSL Club.
The award was judged on the presentation of the
venue, service and quality of meals, friendliness
of staff and there were several ‘mystery visits’.
28
(left)
RSL On Service
Lest We Forget
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Earliest reservations will
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This beautifully hand-crafted pocket watch honours
those who served our country courageously
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and the case opens to reveal a stirring portrait of our diggers being called to battle against a dramatic
backdrop of the setting sun. A precision quartz movement ensures perfect timekeeping. But the quality
doesn’t stop there. Fixed securely to its matching 37cm chain, this superior gentleman’s watch will be
delivered to you complete with a hand-numbered Certificate of Authenticity and an embossed black
leather belt pouch in a velvet-lined, solid wood presentation box featuring the beautifully-engraved
inscription, ‘Lest We Forget’ – all yours FREE, when you reserve your pocket watch today!
Outstanding value. Satisfaction guaranteed.
If you are close to someone who served, the “Lest We Forget Remembrance Pocket Watch” will make
a treasured keepsake for yourself or a heartfelt gift that will be appreciated for years to come. It
is available for just five instalments of $49.99, a total of just $249.95, plus $19.99, postage and
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The Bradford exchange
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Quoting reference code:
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From the shores of Gallipoli to the deserts of Iraq, Australia’s armed forces have served their country
with honour and dedication. To a grateful nation, these brave men and women represent the noble
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with an extraordinary new timepiece of quality and distinction. Presenting the “Lest We Forget
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BOOK REVIEW
An Australian Fighter Pilot's Story
by
Peter R. Fitton
rds
rly
It crossed the Rhine and surged forward. The
war ravaged and depleted Germany could
not stand in the face of this onslaught. It
was a country facing total chaos and defeat.
Our young Australian was caught up in this
frantic drive to victory.
e--
an, a
Wales.
usands
n as a
good,
A.F. in
1944.
s
needed
ieving
d still
merous
of VI
tillery
land. In the bitterly cold winter of 1944 came
An Australian Fighter Pilot’s Story by Peter
ve surprise
attack against the Western Allies.
R. Fitton
ot break.
They fell back, held the line, then
The story of a young Australian, a country
e snowsboy
began
to thaw
and
the skies to clear.
from New
South
Wales.
e the reckoning. The Russian Armies were adwas had
one of
the many
thousands
who
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journeyed The
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to trainand
as adepleted
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war ravaged
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ace of pilot.
this onslaught.
was
a country
facing
g Australian
was caught
in this frantic
drive
66 Squadron
R.A.F. up
in Belgium
at the end
of
A Note from the Author
Author Peter Fitton has used the Pilot’s
Flight Log, the Operational Records of 66
Squadron R.A.F., the diaries of Les Streete,
conversations and official war records to pen
this account of a fighter pilots’ experience.
Peter has placed Les’s experience and that
of 66 Squadron into the strategic overview
of the fight against Nazi Germany. Never
Been Hit presents the training, the pranks,
the adrenalin pumping rides into combat,
the triumphs, the losses, the despair and
Les’s eventual salvation in this memorable
presentation of the experiences of an
Australian Fighter Pilot during the final
months of the war in Europe.
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November 1944.
e fromThe
theGerman
AuthorHigh Command was desperate.
Pilot's The
Flight
Log, the Operational
of
Wehrmacht
needed moreRecords
fuel and
of Les more
Streete,
conversations
and
official
war
time, believing their Vengeance
ghter pilots'
experience. Peter has placed Les's
Weapons could still turn the tide for them.
dron into the strategic overview of the fight
From numerous bases they were firing
Been Hit presents the training, the pranks, the
thousands of VI flying bombs, V2 rockets
mbat, the
triumphs, the losses, the despair and
andpresentation
artilleryagainst
targets
in Britainof
and
emorable
of the
experiences
an
Holland.of
In the
the war
bitterly
cold winter of 1944
e final months
in Europe.
came the Battle of the Bulge, a massive
978-1-4771-2356-0
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surprise attackcan
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e at: www:amazon.com, www.x1ibris.com.au
Their lines crumpled, but did not break. They
fell back, held the line, then slowly moved
forward.
Winter gave way to Spring. The snows began
to thaw and the skies to clear.
With the weather improving, came the
reckoning. The Russian Armies were
advancing from the East. In the West, the
Allies had amassed a mighty invasion force.
30
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BOOK REVIEW
all Australians at Gallipoli and that when he
was killed, a hush fell over the battlefield.
One belief is that if he was in the British
Army he would have been court-martialled
and probably shot. The perceived work done
by Simpson overshadows to a great degree
the work of the ambulance corps and the
stretcher-bearers in general.
The status of Simpson (who was born in
England) has grown to saint-like proportions
even to the extent that it was said he had an
unusual affinity with animals.
DUST, DONKEYS AND DELUSIONS
The myth of Simpson and his Donkey
Exposed
By Graham Wilson
Publisher: Big Sky Publishing.
RRP: $34.99
400 pages with many photographs.
Book Review by Reg. A. Watson
John Simpson (Kirkpatrick) and his donkey
are enshrined in the Gallipoli story. There
are however, according to author Graham
Wilson, many myths surrounding the man.
It is time for them to be exposed. This comes
at a juncture when his supporters are pushing
for a posthumous Victoria Cross (VC). Mr
Wilson hastens to add in his “Introduction”
that his research has found Simpson to be
“a likable young man and deserving of much
respect” and is aware that his book could see
him as a “Simpson Basher”. What Wilson
really sets out to do is to set the record
straight. There are many ‘myths’ surrounding
Simpson, such as the number of men that he
‘saved’. There are various stories about him
providing the image of Simpson as a likeable
larrikin disrespectful of authority, in other
words the typical image of the World War
One Australian soldier.
The author states, “I wrote the book as an
attempt to, firstly strip away the layers of
mistruths, half-truths and lies that surround
Simpson and reveal the real man.” And he
does that very effectively. He exposes the
impossibility that Simpson achieved what
he is supposed to have achieved. The
author also examines the many witnesses to
Simpson’s work promoting the myths and
legends with his well-documented research
and thoroughness. He discovers that many
who said they knew Simpson were not even
there at the time when Simpson survived at
Gallipoli. Why would people make up what
essentially are lies? Simply, it is a human
trait to be recognised with someone who
has a commendable reputation surrounding
him. Many of the photographs held even by
the Australian War Memorial, supposedly
of Simpson and his donkey are simply not of
him, even one being that of a New Zealand
soldier.
Simpson and his donkey operated at ‘The
Valley of Death” or Shrapnel Valley for 24
days before he was shot in the heart by a
sniper. It was for a relatively short period of
time that he and his donkey brought down
wounded men to the beach. It is said that he
‘saved’ about 300 men. Taking into account
the amount of time expended, the distance
required to bring back the wounded and
other factors. Wilson says the actual figure
would be around 100, certainly a lot less
than 300. And he queries how many men
he ‘saved’. It is quite logical – as he points
out – that Simpson possibly never ‘saved’
anyone. Those who he did bring back were
the “walking wounded”; those seriously
wounded were retrieved by the stretcher
bearers who could actually be more efficient
than a man who had a cantankerous donkey
to deal with.
A badly wounded soldier could not mount
a donkey and remain seated. The book
contains photographs of men who are able
to sit upright, some even smiling and the
possibility of the donkey taking two seriously
wounded soldiers at a time is cast aside.
Dust, Donkeys and Delusions sets out to
correct the historical records surrounding
Simpson and rehabilitate the memory of
others soldiers whose bravery and sacrifice
at Gallipoli has been overshadowed by the
myth of Simpson.
I found it a dash good read. It is controversial
and may upset some readers, but Wilson puts
a great case forward with his well-researched
and honest approach. It is a good read indeed.
Let the reader come to his own conclusions.
Big Sky Publishing. PP $34.99. 400 pages
with many photographs.
REG. A. WATSON.
There are other myths that he was at the time
recommended for a VC and only bungling by
the authorities destroyed his chances. Other
stories abound how he was well known by
RSL On Service
31
The Minister for Defence Science
and Personnel, Warren Snowdon, has
welcomed the arrival of an historic WWII
Spitfire aircraft found in northern France
in November 2010 to the RAAF Museum
“The conservation work is essential
to ensure the aircraft’s long term
preservation and prevent further
deterioration of this special piece of
our wartime history,” he said.
“The Spitfire MJ789 crashed into the River
Orne, near Caen, in northern France, where
it was recovered almost 70 years later,” Mr
Snowdon said.
“The wreckage of the aircraft will now
undergo extensive conservation before being
placed on display at the RAAF Museum at
Point Cook, Victoria next year.”
A team of RAAF Museum technical and
curatorial personnel will mechanically clean
all items of the aircraft, to ensure maximum
desalination of the engine and fuselage, a
process that is expected to take more than
six months.
Choose a
quality service
at Point Cook, for extensive conservation
treatment.
The Spitfire aircraft was flown by Flight
Lieutenant Henry ‘Lacy’ Smith from Sydney,
NSW, when it was shot down by anti-aircraft
fire on 11 June 1944.
NOTICES
“The conservation work is essential to ensure
the aircraft’s long term preservation and
prevent further deterioration of this special
piece of our wartime history,” he said.
New South Wales (NSW).
Get
Cancer Council Tasmania
recommends you:
Seek shade between 10am – 3pm
Slip on a shirt with collar and sleeves
Slop on broad spectrum SPF30+
sunscreen
Slap on a broad brimmed hat
Slide on sunglasses with an AS1067
rating.
Once the Museum is satisfied with the
desalination process, the wreckage will be
prepared for display.
LIFE MEMBERS ASSOCIATION END OF WW2 – BRIDAL TRAIN
SMANIA
When you’ve served the hospitality
and tourism
for over
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employee. And with offices nationwide, our employers can call
I would like to find some women who were
012 Annual General
Meetingservices
will be team anytime. To find out more visit
our employer
part of the journey as a story for ANZAC
at the Longford RSL Memorial Club.
Day next year.
choosehostplus.com.au
s and dates will
be forwarded at a or call 1300 HOSTPLUS (1300 467 875).RSL On Service
31
e date. If any member has any idea
w to keep the association viable please
choose quality
People can contact me at this email address
ee to contact me.
srpeatling@hotmail.com or in a letter
l peter.colleen@iinet.net.au or phone addressed to:
655674, Mob 0437-589718.
Stephanie Peatling
input will be appreciated.
The Sun Herald
Woolford JP
Press Gallery
dent, RSL Life Members Association
Parliament House
The information in this document is general in nature and does not consider any of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting
on this information, you should consider obtaining advice from a licensed, financial product adviser and consider the appropriateness of this
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