It would have been nice to have had colour photo's for this web site Jim or are they like the last magazine and not forwarded.
Jim may i have the latest course names for inclusion on our roll listings.
Thanks The POM
The Blue Beret Xmas 2001
The BLUE BERET
OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE
AIRFIELD DEFENCE
ASSOCIATION AUSTRALIA INC.
PATRON: AIR MARSHALL S.D. EVANS AC DSO AFC RAAF RET'D
REG. ADDRESS: 5 JEFFREY STREET CAPALABA QLD 4157
PHONE: (07) 32457174 FAX: (07) 32457174 EMAIL: gablefam@uq.net.au
DECEMBER 2001- EDITION 26
NATIONAL PRESIDENT
.TEX BRYSON 07-38140804
NATIONAL VICE PRESIDENT & ENTERTAINMENT MEMBER
.. BRUCE SMITH 07-33562743
NATIONAL SECRETARY/TREASURER
JIM GABLE 07-32457174
COMMITTEE MEMBER
KEN LOVELL 07-38144928
COMMITTEE MEMBER
.. JOHN REALE 07-328572289
EXECUTIVE ADVISOR
. GLEN HOMBSCH
BLUE BERET EDITORS
..TEX BRYSON/JIM GABLE
Page 1
UPDATE FROM THE TOP
By Tex Bryson
Well mates, 2001 is almost finished and what a year it was. Several things occurred,, some good and of course the inevitable opposite. Unfortunately, we lost another member a few months ago when Pommie Jackson/Williams lost his battle with cancer. Many of you may not remember Pommie, who was one of the early DI/ADG5. Our sympathies go out to his family and those who mourn him, may he rest in peace. Lest we forget.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy and Holy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. A very special thanks to those who have helped with the running of the Association throughout the year. To Jim Gable and Bruce Smith and Ken Lovell, whose support and dedication keeps us afloat. To Gilli in the West, thanks for you patience and the enormous contribution to recovering our history, a task that is definitely not envied but much appreciated.
There were a couple of significant events at RAAFSFS. The inaugural presentation of the Gordon Bennett Memorial Trophy to the Dux of the GRDEFO Basic Course, and the graduation of no less than three Basic ADG courses, were but a few amongst an extremely busy year for the unit.
One small thing that needs to be brought to everyone's attention - I would like to remind everyone to send any correspondence, payments etc direct to Jim, rather than to me. To give you an example: This year alone, just under two hundred pieces of correspondence were sent to me and then had to be forwarded on to Jim for action. Whilst I enjoy getting your mail, the additional postage costs to the Association are unsustainable. Please direct all Correspondence to:
National SecretarylTreasurer
ADA
5 Jeffrey Street
Capalaba Q 4317. (See the cover of every issue for the correct contact details).
You may notice that this issue of the Blue Beret is substantially smaller than usual. I would urge you all (Serving and retired) to send in your stories and news - it may not be long but there are those of us who are interested in what you may be doing.
Just a reminder, Jim is heading to Pommie Land over the Christmas period for a well deserved break, and won't be available til the end of January 2002.
Enjoy the reading:
Yours in Comradeship
TEX BRYSON
NATIONAL PRESIDENT
Page 2
This is a cry for help to any ADG (preferably retired). There must be hundreds of you who are retired and looking for something to do. The Australian Air Force Cadets (or as you used to know them, The Air training Corps) is desperately short of men with your kind of experience. From what I have been told this shortage is across the board and in all states.
Many of us are already in the system, like FLGOFF Fred 'Lofty' Holtman, ,PLTOFF Jim Gable, WOFF Ray Bolton, SGT Reg Bryson and myself, just to name a few. Many members, (currently serving) also give up much of their valuable time to assist these kids.
What will you be doing?: Basically all those things that were second nature to you and have probably never been really forgotten. In the bush, Fieldcraft, minor tactics, survival in the bush, map reading and navigation. Back at the Flight/Squadron perhaps a little administration, Drill instruction and any other expertise that you may have to pass on. The one good factor is that we have been there and done that so there are creature comforts that you will have that we were not permitted when we served.
What do you get?: Most importantly, the task of instructing the cadets is a well rewarding one and the kids give you 150%.
It is much the same as when you joined the service with the issue of uniforms etc. Also you get paid. Granted not much for the time that you are likely to put in but there has been significant increases in pay for the cadets' staff You are paid in accordance with your rank the same
as the regular forces, however, there is a maximum - 28 full days and 40 half days per year. There are allowances for travel, food and accommodation as required whilst on duty. You are not required to be there every day but you are required to attend at least 75% of the time. Usually you only attend three hours each Parade night, and the occasional bivouac/camp a couple of times a year.
How do you join?: Information can be gained from any RAAF base in your area and contact numbers can be gained from them. Fill out the appropriate form, have an interview with the Officer Commanding in your area, have a police check, a medical and also a "phsych" test. Then hurry up and wait. I cannot praise the organization enough. When I served, the cadets were considered to be a pain in the proverbial, however, after having been part of them for over eleven years I cannot recommend it enough!
THE CADETS NEED YOUR EXPERTISE - CAN YOU HELP?
Page 3
RAAF GROUND DEFENCE
1939 - KOREA
By WOFF J J (Jack) Baker RSM 1St RAAF Infantry Regiment
CHAPTER 10 CONCLUSION
In concluding this story, mention must be made of the U.S. Navy 'Sea-bees' or construction brigades, who worked in close cooperation with our Airfield Constructions, also our Defence school, with which the phasing out of the recruit training units had moved from Shepparton, Victoria to Cootamundra, NSW. This school was under the command of Major (later Squadron Leader), 0. Callow, and was used for training of reinforcements for the occupied territories, including Japan. It is of interest to note that Major Callow, ex 39th Battalion, whilst C.C. of the Vickers Machine-gun unit at Port Moresby, was credited with shooting down the first Jap 'Zero' fighter during an attack on that town.
One man of religion that I recall was Rev. B.T. (Barney), Laughlin who was the popular RC padre of No 457.
R.A.A.F. Defence had ended, but two officers deserve special mention - Squadron Leader Glasscock R.A.F., who at Richmond New South Wales in 1940, had tried to initiate defence training, but had been balked in the attempt, and Squadron Leader Lionel Smith, R.A.F. Regiment U.K. who had been an instructor at the defence school Hamilton in 1942. At the end of the war in 1945 Squadron Leader Smith became a member of the permanent R.A.A.F reverting to the rank of Flight Lieutenant in doing so.He served with the occupation force in Japan, and during the Korean war served as defence officer with No. 77 Squadron which was then commanded by Squadron Leader Lou Spence, who had been a Squadron Commander in 80 (F) Wing, where the R.A.A.F. Regiment had first been formed.
Spence had been a great supporter of the Regiment and had often been seen at manoeuvres. He was killed in action in Korea, 9th September 1950. Squadron Leader Smith, the last of the defence unit officers, later retired from the R.A.A.F. and returned to the U.K. With his departure ends the story of the R.A.A.F. Defence Regiment.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Appreciation is expressed for the invaluable cooperation given in the preparation
of this story by
Warrant Officer E. Camphorn
R.A.A.F. Museum, Point Cook, Victoria, and many others.
AGE SHALL NOT WEARY THEM NOR THE YEARS CONDEMN.
AT THE GOING DOWN OF THE SUN AND IN THE MORNING
WE SHALL REMEMBER THEM.
LEST WE FORGET
Page 4 BLUE BERET ISSUE NO 26--DECEMBER 2001
INSIGHT CRITIQUE
Right from our initial discussions with research staff from the Australian War Memorial and RAAF Historical Section, .there has been an underlying criticism, even scepticism, as to the accuracy of the late Jaαk Baker's work and it would be wrong to say we had not encountered a number of errors. Nevertheless, it remains the only complete reference available on RAAF ground defence operations during the war years (Charley Cugley unearthed a similar work found to be even more erroneous)i Errors aside, we regard Jack's writing as a valuable insight, a framework, that still giyes direction to most areas of research into our World War Two diggers and we would be lost without it.
Referring specifically to Jack's final chapter - We've flagged the reference and look forward
o to revisiting the period of the School's residency in Cootamundra. To find what links there may have been between our wartime defence schools, 1 National. Service Training Unit of 1950, and 3 Aircraft Depot's Ground Defence Training Section (GDTS) Amberley, set up to train the Aerodrome Defence Instructors in 1955 that saw us through what Stuart Kerr called twenty years in limbo (see Note 1), between 1945 and 1965. GDTS was the, forerunner to DSTS, the establishment we know today.
One figure that transcended the period was the late Flight Lieutenant Lionel Conduit, originally with the~ 2ndAIF's 2/22 Battalion, prior to coming across to the .RAAF to train the original guard basic training courses at Shepparton. His name also, appears in the unit history sheets of what would later become 1 Airfield Defθhce Squadron in 1944. Through to his involvθment.with Gordon Bennett shaping the PAF's Ground Defence capability. Lionel was a member of the Association at the time of his passing.
Also, we looked hard and long for any mention of Flight Lieutenant Lionel Smith in Korea.
Finding none, we began to doubt that our people ever saw active service with 77 SQN during
the conflict, until we discovered .(read: stumbled across), photographs in the Australian War
Memorial's archives dePicting:
o Leading Aircraftman Lou Tanzaris, a, guard with 77 SQN, photographed at Iwakuni (Japan), with some rabbits he'd bred as supplementary rations for the Mess, having just. returned from Korea.
o Leading Aircraftman Leslie Berwick, a guard photographed at Kimpo (Korea), 1952 enjoying a brew in the Red Cross canteen.
o Comoral "Monty" Buscombe and Leading Aircraftman Ron Marks, both guards, photographed together on a shopping expedition in Seoul (Korea), 1952 (see note 2).
Warrant Officer Jack Baker's writings 'conclude in this edition's Retrospective Column, with a letter of introduction included by Jack, with the final draft of his work forwarded to the late Frank Dawson.
Note 1: See 'The History of Ground Defence in the RAAF Leading to the Reformation of
2AFDS', an article by Squadron Leader S.D.Kerr RAAF (Retired) in the 1985 Defence Force
Journal.
Note 2: "Remembering Korea" by George Odgers also provided a nominal roll of all RAAF servicemen who served in the conflict, but here we find no mention of either Lionel Smith or Ron Marks.
Page 5
ADG GRADUATION COURSE 2/01
On August 23 2001 at Amberley, 37 proud Airmen from most states of Australia graduated from the RAAFSFS ADG Course 02/01. The course began with about 57 students but was gradually reduced in number as the weeks passed, with members deciding to take discharge, remuster or being back-coursed due to injuries.
The Reviewing Officer was AJRCDRE Cameron, Commander Combat Support Group (CDRCSG), who inspected the parade then issued the new ADG's with their Certificates of Graduation, after which they removed their caps and received the well deserved Blue Beret.
After the parade several of the recently graduated ADG' s gave a stunning display of rope climbing and the obstacle course, much to the amazement of about 50 or 60 proud parents and friends who had arrived to watch the action. Across the road another section was being attacked by an unknown number of heavily armed and very noisy enemy who were eventually defeated and driven from the area by the "Active, Daring and Gifted".
The members of this course came from varied backgrounds as is usually the case, including Army and from the Navy, AC Lloyd (a former Clearance Diver) and AC Norling, a former Submariner.
Among the graduates was AC Murray Lamb, who has the good fortune of being the son of Alan Lamb, an ADG from 7 Course, who with his wife Pamela, drove across from WA for the occasion. The course started on 21st May and finished on 24th August with all of the new ADG's being extremely proud and satisfied with their dchievements, and rightly so.
Later that afternoon, guests were invited to a barbeque held at the Airmens Club ,and this gave some people the opportunity to reminisce about mates and times spent here many years ago. Towards the end of the evening the aforementioned Alan Lamb was invited to take part in a Kilkenny drinking marathon with Corporals Moore, Rodney and Moy. The representative of the Old and Bold started with amazing speed and style obtained from years of practice, but was soon left for dead by the younger members who had youth and stamina on their side. As the evening finished there were a lot of young Adgies looking forward to a wonderful future in the RAAF, and some old ones wondering if they would ever recover.
Graduating Course 02/01
ADGs march past.
AC Murray Lamb and Alan
Lamb and Alan Lamb proudly wear their Blue Berets
Page 6
SEEKING WWII RAAF VETERANS AND MERCHANT MARINERS
The Repatriation Commission is seeking the assistance of Australian WWII veterans who served with the following:
Commonwealth and/or Allied Air Forces
The Merchant Marine
The Commission is currently gathering information on the service diets of veterans. The purpose of the research is to assist veterans or the widows of veterans in the resolution of certain disability compensation claims. The research will assist the Commission to determine if there was a common diet or special circumstance that the Department should take into account when determining a claim.
Specifically, the Repatriation Commission wishes to hear from veterans who were:
on exchange from the RAAF in:
Canada from January 1943 until July 1944, with 3WD and 45 Group;
the Bahamas from October 1943 until February 1944, with 111 OTU; or
the United Kingdom from July 1944 until November 1945, with 518 Squadron and 218 Squadron.
or engaged as a merchant marine on any of the following ships:
Milleeta from 26 August to 9 September 1943;
Ellaroo from 21 January to 9 May 1944;
Iron Monarch from 10 July to 20 September 1944; or
Law Hill from 21 September 1944 to 11 March 1946.
Those who wish to assist will be asked to complete a diet questionnaire, which will take about 30 minutes to complete. Assistance will be provided with completing the questionnaire.
If you can assist please contact Steven Francis at the Department of Veterans' Affairs on 1800 026 185 (Free call) and leave your details.
Page 7
This Week in History - Our Wartime Heritage
14-20 December
16 December 1941: The 2/13th Battalion, the last of the Australians involved in the famous siege, left Tobruk,. Little more than a month later, Tobruk fell to the Germans and some 35,000 British and South African soldiers were taken prisoner. The fortress remained in German hands until November 1942, when it was recaptured following the Allied victory at El Alamein.
17 December 1941: Some 1170 members of Gull Force, including the 2/21st Battalion and detachments of supporting units, landed at Ambon to help Netherlands East Indies troops defend the island against a Japanese invasion. Despite numerous requests from Gull Force's commander, Lieutenant Colonel L N Roach, Gull Force failed to get reinforcements and Roach was later replaced and returned to Australia. The Japanese invaded Ambon at the end of January 1942. Gull Force was split into two forces, both of which fought hard. Two companies defended an airfield at Laha, where they were surrounded and fought until 2 February, when a surrender was negotiated. Of the 309 Australian troops at Laha and four RAAF airmen who crash-landed there, more than 100 were killed or wounded in the fighting and the survivors of the battle were all executed. The main body of Australian troops surrendered on 3 February and were taken into captivity. Only 363 of the prisoners of war survived the war.
18 December 1942-2 January 1943: The Australian 18th Brigade and the 2/6th Arrnoured Regiment were involved in fierce fighting at Buna and Cape Endaiadere. American troops had attacked these points repeatedly, making some progress, but were exhausted by heavy casualties from battle and disease. The Australians also suffered heavy casualties in their first attacks but under the command of Brigadier George Wootten succeeded in capturing their first objective, an area between two airfields and the sea. An attempt to sweep westwards on 24 December stalled under heavy fire, which knocked out several 2/6th Armoured Regiment tanks. Another attempt on 29 December also failed and it was not until reinforcements for the 18th Brigade arrived that the Allies were able to silence the Japanese defences and secure the Buna area. At least 1390 Japanese were killed and only 50 prisoners were taken, testament to the determination of the enemy soldiers not to surrender. Allied casualties were 2870, with more than 300 Australians killed affd hundreds of others evacuated wounded or sick.
18 December 1944: The 9th Battalion, a militia unit raised in Queensland, captured 'Arty Hill', a key Japanese position on the Numa Numa Trail, leading across central Bougainville. American forces had begun the advance up the Numa Numa Trail in order to secure their base at Torokina. When the Australian 3rd Division took over the campaign, the Australians pressed on with the advance. Attacking uphill, the 9th Battalion, with air and artillery support, attacked enemy slit- trenches and bunkers on the ridge to push the Japanese out of Arty Hill, suffering a number of casualties in the proce~s.
18-20 December 1915: The last Australian troops left Gallipoli. The evacuation of the Allied troops from Gallipoli was a triumph of careful planning, credited largely to an Australian officer,
Page 8
Lieutenant Colonel Charles Brudenell White. White's plan involved a series of elaborate operations from late November to deceive the Turks into believing that the Allies were preparing for winter, rather than planning to leave. From early December, the number of men at Anzac Cove and Suvla Bay was reduced by half and then, on the last two nights, some 20 000 soldiers were taken off in rowboats in almost complete silence. The evacuation of the Anzac force was achieved with hardly a casualty. However, the end of the campaign was little cause for celebration among the Australian troops, many of whom recorded their shame at leaving behind their mates who had fallen in the eight months since the original landings on 25 April 1915. Total Australian casualties at Gallipoli included some 8,700 killed and more than 17,000
wounded.
" Dustoff "Raffle Results
Many thanks to all who entered our raffle for the "Dustoff' print which was donated to us by the guys at The Military Workshop in Brisbane.
All told, the raffle sold 437 tickets, raising $874.00 for your Association, and most of this will be used to purchase much needed office equipment so that we can try and improve our services to you.
The winning ticket (number 363) was drawn at this year's Annual General Meeting by Glen Hombsch and was purchased by Alan Dare of Townsville. The framed print is now hopefully in pride of place at Alan's home and he would probably welcome the chance to show it off to anyone passing through. Congratulations to Alan, who has been an enthusiastic supporter of the Association for many years and also sincere thanks to all who helped make this raffle a success, especially the guys at The Military Workshop.
We did cop a little bit of flak from one or two members for the short lead-time for buying tickets. Unfortunately, whilst the criticism was mostly justified, the situation was pretty much out of our hands - we had planned to get the last Blue Beret out to you at least ten days earlier than it actually did, but due to electrical and other problems at the printers, there was a major delay in actually getting it in to the mail. By that time, we were committed to drawing the raffle at the AGM (the date of which had already been fixed), as well as having gone almost a month over the time specified by The Military Workshop to finalise the raffle. So to those members who would like to have taken part but couldn't due to lack of time, we do apologise, and promise to do better next time.
In closing, we have been advised that The Military Workshop has now moved house, and their new address is Unit 13, 17 Billabong Street Stafford Qld 4053, phone 07 3356 6961. If you're interested in all things military, this is the place to go.
Page 10
The Association has been advised of two items of merchandise, either of which may be of interest to you.
The first is a baseball-style cap (one size fits all), with an embroidered badge mainly in light blue, black and red similar to the graphic. The cap is dark blue in colour and embroidered on the back in gold is a choice of logos, eg "Bushranger" etc. Caps are available for an approximate cost of $16.50 from George Sheehan, ace helicopter crewman. Contact the Association for more details.
The second item may be of interest to former ADGs based at Vung Tau.
Many of you will remember the shoulder patch, in the shape of a shield with the silhouette of an ADG, above the words "Repulse and Secure" (Or was that "Repulsive and Insecure") ?. Barry (Ace) Aisthorpe has had a number of replicas of these patches made up at his own expense and is looking for interested buyers. Cost is approximately $10.00 and interested members can either contact Barry direct or obtain further details from the Association.
This arrived on the fax the other day -A large group of Taliban soldiers are moving down a road when they hear a voice call from a sand-dune -"One Australian ADG is better than ten Taliban!"
The Taliban commander quickly sends 10 of his best soldiers over the dune, whereupon a gun battle breaks out and continues for a few minutes, followed by silence.
The voice then calls out:
"One Australian ADG is better than one hundred Taliban!".
Furious, the Taliban commander sends his next best 100 troops over the dune, and instantly a huge gunfight commences. After 10 minutes of battle, again there is silence.
The voice calls out again:
"One Australian ADG is better than one thousand Taliban!".
The enraged Taliban commander musters one thousand fighters and sends them across the dune. Cannon, rocket and machine gun fire ring out as a huge battle is fought - then silence.
Eventually one solitary, wounded Taliban fighter crawls back over the dune and with his last breath tells his commander:
Don't send any more men! It's a trap, There's really two of them!".
Page 11
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MINUTES
Meeting: National Executive Committee
Convened: 2.00 p.m. Thursday 29 November 2001
Venue: 105 Villiers Street New Farm Brisbane
ATTENDANCE
Present: Tex Bryson(Chairman), Bruce Smith Jim Gable, Ken Lovell.
Apolo2ies: Glen Hombsch John Reale
Jim Gable advised that Glen Hombsch was out of hospital following further surgery, and he was now improving. The Committee recorded their best wishes for a speedy recovering.
2. MINUTES
The Minutes of the meeting of 19 July 2001 were confinned as a true and correct record of proceedings. Moved by Bruce Smith, seconded Ken Lovell. CARRIED
3. BUSINESS ARISING
3.1 Communications with Wing
Noted that due to a misunderstanding, the Association had not been informed of the last RAAFSFS Graduation Parade. This had now been corrected and the Association was on the Invitation list for all future parades.
Due to operational requirements, it had not yet been possible to discuss further ways of involving the Association with basic ADGs or the Wing, however it was hoped that this could occur in the early part of next year.
Tex Bryson requested that a letter be sent to WOFF Lawrie Best who was due to be posted, thanking him for his assistance over the past few years, and an additional letter be sent to RAAFSFS Orderly Room requesting that the Secretary be listed as the contact for Association matters.
3.2 Report on "Dustoff" Raffle
Jim Gable reported that a total of 437 tickets had been sold, providing a gross income of $874.00. After framing costs of $100.00, the net result was very pleasing.
The raffle was won by Alan Dare, who had arranged for his sister to collect the framed print during a visit to Brisbane. This was very much appreciated, as the cost of forwarding the print to Townsville would have been extremely expensive.
Reference was made to complaints by one member concerning the short notice for the raffle and it was agreed that an explanation be included in the next Blue Beret.
3.3 Annual General Meeting Report
Jim Gable~ advised that the audited financial statements, which had not been available at the AGM due to the sudden illness of the Association Auditor, had been received two days later and had been forwarded to the Office of Fair Trading. It was noted that the AGM had voted to adopt the interim statements as tabled at the meeting, subject to the final audited version being made available to any financial member who wished to see a copy. The document was now available and copies would be forwarded to any member on request.
Page 12
In the absence of any formal nominations for positions on the Executive Committee for the next two years, a motion had been carried from the floor that the all current Committee members be returned to the positions presently held. In accordance with an additional resolution made at that time, written acceptances were received from Tex Bryson and Ken Lovell, who had been unavoidably absent from the AGM.
4. CORRESPONDENCE REPORT
Moved Bruce Smith, seconded Ken Lovell that the report be adopted. CARRIED
5. FINANCIAL REPORT
A Financial Statement for the period to 28 November 2001 was tabled, discussed and
adopted, moved Jim Gable, seconded Ken Lovell. CARRIED
6. NEW BUSINESS
6.1 RAAF Ground Combat Badge
A full report on the progress of the latest campaign to have this badge approved was provided. It was noted that whilst the federal politicians who had been approached using a sample of the letter to be sent out had been very supportive, the Minister for Veterans' Affairs lid been totally negative in his response, using the same arguments as had previously been put forward by RAAF Headquarters.
It was agreed that a further approach be made to the new Minister for Defence, putting forward the arguments in favour of this badge and arguing against the reasons put forward by Air Force HQ for rejection. It was also agreed that the Association should write to all federal politicians, rather than provide a sample letter for members to forward to their own local representatives, although it was accepted that this would also remain an option for any Association member who wished to do so.
7. GENERAL BUSINESS
Gordon Bennett Trophy
Tex Bryson reported that the inaugural trophy had been presented to FLGOFF
Reynolds of 1AFDS, at a brief ceremony at RAAFSFS on 21 October. WGCDR Guy
Burton had provided an excellent lead-in to the presentation.
Possible Christmas Function
Agreed that in accordance with previous discussions, no formal function be arranged for this year.
Ken Lovell suggested a function in conjunction with ANZAC Day next year, and it was agreed that if a local ring-around showed sufficient interest, a dinner could be arranged for local members.
RAF Regiment Association
Jim Gable advised that the RAF Regiment Association had suggested an affiliation. It was agreed that this would be of benefit to both Associations and the Secretary was authorised to continue discussions to finalise the process.
7. CLOSURE
With no further business for discussion, the meeting was closed at 3.45 pm.
8. DATE FOR NEXT MEETING February 2002 to be advised.
Page 14
Over the past few months, the Association has enlisted the help of a small number of Federal
Politicians to have the RAAF again consider the awarding of a badge similar to the Army's
Infantry Combat Badge (ICB) to any Air Force member who has been involved in actual ground
combat duties.
Many of you will recall that this has been an ongoing effort by the Committee for several years, however the Chief of Air Force and those politicians who count have continually rejected our approaches.
Our last request was via the former Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Bruce Scott, who has written back to confirm that the Chief of Air Force "does not see any compelling reason for a form of combat badge for specific categories , or for personnel generally For this reason the Air Force has no plan to change the current policy..." . For some reason known best only to Mr Scott, he also advises us that "the Royal Australian Navy policy on this issue is very similar to that of the Air Force." (?)
Our next step depends very much on you, our members. That includes not only past ADGs, but serving members as well - Veterans of East Timor, Afghanistan (if any) or future veterans in any of the possible scenarios which may arise from the current War on Terrorism or its offshoots. The questions are:
o Do we continue with this on your behalf?
o Do accept that the Air Force wants nothing to do with equity and an obligation to recognise that members of another service are receiving recognition which our members are not, and just give up?
o What are you prepared to do to help?
With a brand new federal Parliament in place, it is reasonable to believe that many re-elected government Members, and some new opposition Members, may wish to show their appreciation to the electorate and take our case another step along the way, and the Committee believes that we should continue the fight, utilising the efforts of every federal Member of Parliament on our behalf. We are quite happy and ready to run with it if we have majority support from our members, both serving and otherwise, however we also believe that it would be pointless to go any further if we don't have your agreement to do so. What we need now is for all former and serving ADGs to drop us a line, email or fax and let us know your views, for or against. If you know someone who doesn't have access to the Blue Beret, let him know as well, so that we can have as wide a response as possible. Please remember though that with the holiday season now upon us, telephoning may not be a good idea.
The bottom line I gu~ss is this: Is this important to you? If it is, let us know what you think is the best way for us to proceed. If its not something you'r~ interested in, that's fine too, but let us know that as well. Hope to be hearing from you soon.
COMMUNITY NOTICE BOARD
Page 15
CONGRATULATIONS to Ken Lovell, who has recently had the singular honour of ~ having the 3AFDS Airmen's Club named after him. Ken and wife Kerry were guests of Honour at the Squadron's annual dinner last week and we have to thank the Ken Lovell Club Committee for their thoughtfulness in inviting other members of the ADA Committee to join in the celebrations. Well done all it's the first time we've seen Ken lost for words in a long time.
Thanks also to everyone at the Wing and the School for their support and interest. Unfortunately Mr bin Laden and his friends have dictated that things are up in the air at the moment and we accept that it is difficult to find time to cement our already close ties, but we appreciate the efforts so far.
WELCOME to new members Barry Petith (brother of the late Trevor) who has joined us as an Associate member; Jane Donnelly, who has also joined as an Associate member (hopefully NOT so that she can keep Luke in line) and a very special welcome
to Ken Bathersby, a World War 2 Veteran and original Adgie. Thanks for choosing to be a part of this great organisation.
Congratulations also to J.B.H (Bruce) Brown and to Jim Brown (no relation) on being accepted as Members for Life at the last AGM.
SICK PARADE Glen Hombsch has been back in the wars and has had to suffer more
surgery recently, however the news is that the operation was a complete success and he is well on the way to recovery. Glen has asked us to pass on his thanks and appreciation to all who have phoned, written or sent cards and offers of help while he
is off the roster - The concern shown by his many friends has helped speed up the healing process and he is very grateful for your concern.
Dave Eyres and his wife have both been sick for some time, but Dave tells us that they are both coming good and should also be back on line in the near future. Keep hangin' in Dave, us 13 Course heroes have to stick together.
WHERE THE HELL ARE Dave Basham, Pinky Cremin, Bob Loftus, Gunner Marshall, Greg Stuchley and Alan Wallis? Can anyone help with their current whereabouts, as the last lot of mail we sent out came back "Return to Sender". Any help would be greatly appreciated.
THANK YOU to everyone who has helped us out in any way this year - just by paying your membership fees on time is one of the best ways to help us out, and this year we have been very proud of the way you have all responded.
MERRY Christmas AND HAPPY NEW YEAR to each and every one of you!
THE LAST WORD
One more year nearly over, and what a year it has been. I want to start off by recording our appreciation for the support we've had from our members over the past twelve months or so. It has been a humbling experience to see the level of interest shown by the majority of our members, not only in things like the reunion and the dustoff raffle but also in little day to day things, like the guys who ring almost on a weekly basis and say "how are things going? Do you need a hand with anything?". I'm not going to embarrass them by naming names, but they know who they are. In the same vein, I won't further embarrass the very tiny number of insensitive whingers who have gone out of their way to make life difficult for us this year. This Association was formed for the express purpose of linking all ADGs, both former and serving, and to help, support and generally look out for the friends made over many years, sometimes in bloody awful circumstances. Sadly, a couple of now former members had the idea that it was a one way street and only they were entitled to any understanding or help. Not so, fellas.
Enough bitching. You will hopefully have read the article earlier in this issue about the RAAF Ground Combat Badge. Air Force Headquarters is still pushing the line that the Infantry Combat Badge is an "Army embellishment" and has no RAAF equivalent, so go away and leave us alone, you're not getting' it. I would like to think that there are enough of us to try and convince them to change their minds, as they have on other occasions and under similar circumstances. Will you help us?
I have just been tidying up and found a lot of membership cards for people who have paid their subs over the last twelve months or so. I have to apologise for not sending them out earlier, so please - check the envelope that this issue came in before you throw it away - you might find your new membership card in there. If you don't, and you're a financial member who doesn't have one of the new laminated cards, drop me a line as soon as possible and I'll rectify the oversight. Please don't try and ring me though, because as Tex noted in his opening article, I'm going to be away for a few weeks, until the end of January 2002. While I'm in England, I'm going to be touching base with Tom Feeley, the Secretary of the RAF Regiment Association, as I'm sure we have a lot in common. I've been corresponding with Tom by email for a while and we've been invited to affiliate with them, something that I'm sure you d all support. Anyway, I'll be taking over a couple of copies of this issue and an Association Plaque to present to them.
Well, I'm running out of page and there are still so many things to say - you'll have noticed that this is a pretty thin issue, but once again, we can only include articles if we have them. A good New Year's resolution might be to drop us a page or two from time to time just to keep in touch, especially you serving guys - what about a few lines on a regular basis to keep us informed of what you're up to?
Until next year, my thanks and best wishes to you all, and to your families and friends. Have a good one!
Jim Gable
National Secretary/Treasurer
Merry Xmas, Happy Holidays, Seasons Greeting
My Day will consist of reading red, green and blue bibles around the pool where we will wet the many heads that come and join us, We are having a open house in the arvo with basketballers and work mates who have raised their hands to share in the readings
Kearney Klan of NT (Puss)
..
Well fellas if that's what you would like then it can be done,
all we need is to have it in a format that everyone could access maybe" word"
might be the go, Plus another advantage of this is for those who come on line in the future
could catch up on all the past news,
yep great idea thanks Barry this goes to show that your more than just a pretty face?
The POM
POM,
That is a top idea of Barry's. A annual CD of the "Electronic Blue Beret"
would be a top piece of collectables. Think about it. I am interested as
would most others I reckon. We would have something to look back on for the
preceding year. Could make a buck for the site and cover your expences. If
you can't sell them then we could send the discs and a donation. Top idea
Barry, count me in. What do you reckon Pom.
TRIFF
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Hi there young Robert , I would just like to say Merry Christmas and hope
that you have a great new year . Thank you for the C.D. it is great. All we
have to do is get you to put each years collection of your web page on C.D.
and we'll be right as we would then have a collectable library that all your
Adgies and friends could collect , ( namely Barry ).
Take care . Barry Petith
From an ex Rockape
Jeff Wisden.
> Hi friends. A mate sent me this and I have to send it on to all my
friends. Bloody magic. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Merry Christmas
to you and your families,
Laurel and Lawrie
. Click here for a merry Xmas Greeting
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TO ALL MY BROTHER ADGIES AND THEIR FAMILIES ---- MAY YOU ALL ENJOY A VERY
HAPPY AND SAFE CHRISTMAS AND HAVE A GREAT YEAR FOR 2002.
DON SMITHERS
donandkerry@iprimus.com.au
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POM
To you and your familly and all the ADGies that use this site a very MERRY
CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR from Ken, Judy and Richard Triffitt.
Keep up the good work old mate and those that have promised the Pom a few
dollars to keep the site going, now is the time to dig into the pocket and
help out. All the best
TRIFF
The following is written on a Vietnam Veterans Memorial somewhere in Alabama.
VIETNAM - WAR/PAIN/SORROW/MYSTERY/JUNGLE/SWAMP/MOUNTAINS/HOT
VIETNAM MEANS SOMETHING - DIFFERENT BUT THE SAME - TO ALL OF US
VIETNAM HAS A LASTING EFFECT OF ONE SORT OR ANOTHER ON ALL AMERICANS
VIETNAM CAN ONLY BE UNDERSTOOD BY THOSE OF US WHO WERE THERE - -
- - AND WE DON'T UNDERSTAND IT