REVEille caring for the veteran community | AUTUMN edition 2015
The price of liberty is eternal vigilance
Contents Notice to all League Members.................... 3 President’s Report....................................... 4 CEO’s Report.............................................. 5 PAWS Report............................................... 6 RSL House Information............................... 8
RSL House
Ex-Service Organisations
membersHIP
ANZAC Day Information.............................. 9
106 Memorial Ave, Maroochydore Phone: 07 5443 1719 Fax: 07 5443 7551 email: rslhouse@maroochyrsl.com.au
These groups meet regularly in the RSL House, please feel welcome to attend.
As we move into 2015 we enter one of the most significant years in Australia’s military history. I am privileged to be the League Administration Manager at such a significant time and shall continue to work to provide the best range of services for our veteran community.
Gallipoli from Above.................................. 10
Our strength is in our membership base and as such I would encourage you to renew your Maroochy RSL League Membership if you haven’t done so already. I would also encourage you to become involved in the League function itself so that you can be across a range of issues particularly relevant to the veteran community. Our monthly briefings are just one way you can benefit from your membership.
Premier’s ANZAC Prize............................. 16
Office Hours Monday to Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm
For more information about upcoming meetings refer to page 22. Ex-Service Women’s Association - first Thursday, 10.00am chat, 10.30am meeting Legacy Laurel Club - fourth Friday at 9.00am
Museum Hours Monday to Friday 9.00am - 4.00pm
LEAGUE MEMBER BRIEFINGS Third Monday of the month at 2.00pm Information for members, guests and bona fide visitors. Correct at time of printing.
National Servicemen’s Association - second Tuesday of every odd month 9.00am chat, 10.00am meeting Naval Association - second Sunday at 10.30am TPI Association - third Wednesday at 10.30am War Widows Guild - fourth Monday, 9.00am chat, 10.00am meeting Women’s Auxiliary - first Monday, 9.30am chat, 10.00am meeting
Letters to the Editor Letters to the Editor (preferably typed or printed and no longer than 200 words) should carry the sender’s full name, address and contact phone number, and will not necessarily express the opinion of the Editor or of this Sub Branch. The Editor reserves the right to edit or refuse to publish any submission. Email: rslhouse@maroochyrsl.com.au 02 | MAROOCHY RSL - caring for the veteran community
Our program of outings provides a wonderful opportunity to socialise with other members and their families at a subsidised cost. Reveille will keep you up to date on our outings schedule but you can always phone RSL House on 5443 1719 if you have any questions. I wish you all a safe and happy 2015 and may you spend some of it focussing on the deeds and sacrifice of our men and woman of the Defence Force who have given so much for our freedom. Ian Hicks Maroochy RSL League Administration Manager
Gallipoli from the Ground.......................... 12 Gallipoli from the Sea.................................14
RSL Youth Development Program............ 17 Lieutenant Thomas Dwyer........................ 18 2015 Defence White Paper....................... 19 Veteran dedicates his life to serving others........................................ 20 ESO Meeting Information ......................... 22
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR EMAILING LIST If you wish to receive emails about current veteran related issues and League information, please email us at: rslhouse@maroochyrsl.com.au www.maroochyrsl.com.au Reveille AUTUMN edition 2015 | 03
President’s Report As we enter 2015, one of the most significant years in Australia’s military history, the Centenary year of ANZAC, our thoughts go back 100 years to the Dardanelles Peninsula where on the 25th April 1915 brave young men stormed ashore to commence the ANZAC legend. Like most of Australia we shall especially focus this year on those who have served our great nation in peacetime, peacekeeping or warlike conditions to ensure that their memory is perpetuated. Maroochy RSL will always ensure that the meaning behind the words “Lest We Forget” is foremost in our minds when making decisions regarding RSL business. We must never lose focus on the reason why the RSL was formed and exists today and that is to support our service members who have given so much in defence of our great nation and its interests. The Maroochy RSL Board recently approved the appointment of an architectural firm to work in conjunction with the steering committee to develop a master plan for the refurbishment of the Maroochy RSL and RSL House. We also look to strengthen our engagement with the younger defence members who call the Sunshine Coast home and we always welcome them and their families into the RSL. A reminder to all that our monthly League briefings remain the main means by which we can share updated information for all veteran issues and provide you with updates on “your RSL”. If you aren’t a regular attendee I would ask that you come along at 2.00pm on the 3rd Monday of each month and see how informative these gatherings are. Sadly, during the past few months the Maroochy RSL has conducted six Poppy services, one of those was for Coll Harrop who was a long serving Life Member of the Maroochy RSL. On behalf of the Maroochy RSL may I extend our most sincere condolences to all the families who have lost a loved one. They will surely be missed. “Lest We Forget”
CEO’s Report Welcome to the autumn edition of Maroochy RSL’s Reveille magazine for 2015. I hope everyone had a safe and happy festive season with family and friends. We have a very busy autumn schedule with Easter, Mothers day and of course the biggest day on the RSL calendar, ANZAC Day. This year marks the 100 year anniversary of that fateful day when our troops landed on the coast of Gallipoli and we would love to see everyone commemorating this special day on such a significant anniversary occasion. We will be paying tribute to those men and women who have served our great country with a specific thought to those who landed on the shores of Gallipoli 100 years ago. Maroochy RSL will be conducting two services at the Cotton Tree Cenotaph, the first being our dawn service at 4.28am followed by the main service at 9.00am. We hope as many people as possible will be able to mark respect on such an important day with us. We invite all Maroochy RSL League members, ex-service and current service personnel to join us after both ceremonies at Maroochy RSL. A ticket is required for entry and these can be pre-purchased from the team at RSL House and Maroochy RSL. Because this year is so significant for ANZAC commemorations we thought it would be appropriate to pay tribute to the Army, Navy and even though it was in its infancy, the Airforce. You will find stories on how each discipline played a crucial role in the Gallipoli campaign. Keeping with the ANZAC theme you will also find an article on some lucky Sunshine Coast students who have the opportunity of a lifetime to go and learn about the ANZAC tradition first hand in Gallipoli as recipients of the Premier’s ANZAC prize. Our welfare report has now been expanded to PAWS (Pension, Advocacy and Welfare Section), we have information on the services we provide at RSL House along with the listing of any outings and other relevant information.
I wish you and your families a safe, happy and healthy start to this Centenary year of ANZAC and hope to see you at one of the many functions that we have planned for 2015.
We certainly have a very busy autumn at Maroochy RSL and we sincerely hope you enjoy all that our hard working team has put together for you. We look forward to welcoming you to Maroochy RSL soon.
Michael Liddelow Maroochy RSL President
Clare Paton Maroochy RSL CEO
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PENSIONS, ADVOCACY & WELFARE SECTION (PAWS) REPORT Introduction Welcome to 2015 and the segment of Reveille formerly known simply as the “Welfare Report”. Previously, this segment essentially addressed welfare support, however, the RSL’s core business includes pensions, advocacy and welfare support and it is useful to provide updates to promote an understanding of all of the core business elements. Future issues of Reveille will shine a light on all elements of RSL House support provided to the community of current and former serving ADF members and their dependants. This issue of Reveille provides information concerning the training, roles and responsibilities of practitioners who provide this support. TIP Training The Training and Information Program (TIP) is a joint Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) and Ex-Service Organisation (ESO) initiative. TIP aims to progressively train practitioners in the fields of pensions, advocacy and welfare in order to assist claimants to seek their entitlements under DVA legislation and gain access to benefits and facilities in the general community. TIP-trained
practitioners abide by a nationally standardised Code of Ethics (RSL House has copies). This code protects the interests of claimants by ensuring that practitioners maintain the highest ethics in order to safeguard their own integrity and that of RSL House. All RSL House practitioners are TIP-trained. This means they are knowledgeable and experienced concerning the application of military compensation legislation (the Acts), including the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA), Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (SRCA) and Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA). Practitioners are also trained and experienced in the application of Legislative Instruments, called Statements of Principles (SoPs) which set out causative factors enabling links to be established between military service and claimed conditions. Pensions Military compensation requires the establishment of entitlement or liability. This is established by DVA following the submission of a primary claim which should only be submitted with the assistance of a TIP-trained pension officer. Once
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entitlement has been determined under the VEA, the degree of pension payable will be decided. Under the MRCA, when liability is established a needs assessment must be completed to determine whether rehabilitation or compensation is the next step. Assisting claimants through these complex processes is the pension officer’s role. RSL House pension officers provide assistance to complete primary claims for eligible persons, regardless of their ADF service. They also provide advice and support concerning honours and awards, military superannuation, eulogies, memorial and funeral services and war graves information. Advocacy Military compensation decisions include a fivetier system involving primary decisions; internal review by DVA; external review by the Veterans’ Review Board (VRB) and Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT); and appeals to the Federal and High Courts. Reviews are available to claimants dissatisfied with DVA primary-level decisions. RSL House advocates are highly trained and experienced pension officers, TIP-trained to level three and therefore well qualified to prepare applications for review to the VRB and AAT. They also prepare primary claims as required.
information, support and advice that is neither pension, rehabilitation nor compensation-related. RSL House welfare services were detailed in the last issue of Reveille and to save space that detail is not repeated. However, it should be noted that there are significant elements of commonality between welfare and pension support. This means that while providing welfare support, frequently the requirement for support by pension officers becomes apparent. For example, during hospital visits by welfare officers it could become apparent that an application for entitlement, liability, rehabilitation and/or compensation is necessary. The reverse also applies meaning that pension officers may also identify the need for welfare support. RSL House practitioners are well prepared for such a crossover in service delivery. Conclusion
Welfare
RSL House aims to provide assistance to those who have served and suffered in defence of Australia, this assistance extends to their dependants as well. This issue of Reveille has explained the training, roles and responsibilities of RSL House practitioners in the fields of pensions, advocacy and welfare. In future issues, Reveille will address issues and developments more specific to RSL House support to the community of current and former members of the ADF and their dependants.
Welfare officers assist current and former serving ADF members and their dependants to access health and community services. They provide
If you or anyone you know requires access to RSL House support, you are invited to phone 07 5443 1719 for an appointment.
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Writeway Research Service Recent media articles advised that DVA have now ceased the use of Writeway Research Service to investigate and research Veteran’s cases. This decision by DVA was made due to concerns over the validity and professionalism of the research being undertaken. Any veterans who are aware that Writeway research was used in an unsuccessful determination of their claim would be advised to contact the pension staff at Maroochy RSL for further guidance. Scam Alert DVA has been made aware of a possible scam where a veteran was contacted and told they are entitled to a sum of money as compensation for ‘cost of living expenses’. The veteran was then asked for bank account details so the money could be deposited. After the veteran refused to provide bank account details, they were promised a cheque would be sent, but this never arrived. No payments of this nature are being made and DVA will never ask for bank account details over the phone. If you receive a call of this type, do not provide any personal information. If you need to check on payments or make changes to bank account details, please contact DVA on 133 254 www.dva.gov.au. LEAGUE OUTINGS 2015
Member Activities: Our outings over the last year have been very successful and have incorporated many opportunities to get together, make new friends, have a chin wag, a laugh and do something you wouldn’t ordinarily have the opportunity to do. We have been at the full capacity of 36 on many of the outings so make sure you keep an eye out on the noticeboards at RSL House when you come in to make sure you get the opportunity to attend. On this note, we have had our first outing of the year to the Old Government House in Brisbane. Another successful day was had and everyone had a most enjoyable time. Having morning tea at Nudgee on route gave us the opportunity to stretch the legs. On arrival at Old Government House in Brisbane we were able to have a guided tour by local curator Dr Katie McConnel, who provided us with a very informative tour. After which, all had the opportunity to take it in at their own pace before enjoying lunch in the very well stocked and extremely appetising café called The Pantry. In regards to the outings for the rest of the year, the venues have been decided but we are still awaiting confirmation on some of the dates and final costings for the day. Please see the table with some information on the proposed venues and estimated time frame. Keep an eye out on the notice boards at RSL House and the next edition of Reveille for more information.
ANZAC DAY Saturday 25 April 2015 Dawn Service Commences 4.28am at the Cenotaph - The Esplanade, Cotton Tree
Morning Service Marching Parade assembles at 8.00am on Memorial Avenue outside Maroochy RSL and the parade commences at 8.30am onto the Cenotaph at Cotton Tree
Main Service Commences at 9.00am at the Cenotaph - The Esplanade, Cotton Tree
Entry by ticket only prior to 1.00pm This year Maroochy RSL has the pleasure of hosting our veterans-only centenary ANZAC Day
Tickets go on sale Monday 23 March 2015 RSL House 9.00am - 5.00pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) Maroochy RSL 9.00am - 11.00pm Monday to Sunday
Event No.
Date
Location
2
March 24
RAAF Amberley
3
April
Australia Zoo
4
* June ?
Nambour Show – ANZAC Dawn show (TBC)*
• Evening Dress Rules apply all day
5
July
Macarthur Museum – Brisbane
• Courtesy Bus service available from 1.00pm
6
August
Whale One - Lunch Cruise
• Two-up from 1.00pm
7
September
Tram Museum Brisbane
• Live Entertainment from 5.30pm
8
October
St Helena Island
• Memberships will not be issued prior to 1.00pm
9
November
Majestic Theatre Pomona
10
December
Outback Spectacular Dinner & Show
• Children under 18 years are not permitted during the hours of 5.00am - 5.00pm
*
June ?
In Lieu of Nambour Show – Apollonian Hotel
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League members, ex-service and current serving personnel can pre-purchase tickets. Maroochy RSL League members and all ex-servicemen and women must produce RSL League, service ID or proof of service when purchasing tickets • Open to Members and guests from 1.00pm
• Children under 18 years of age are welcome after 5.00pm on ANZAC Day.
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Gallipoli from above Descriptions of events at the Gallipoli Peninsula have tended to focus on the landings. Insufficient focus has been given to significant pre-emptive Navy efforts to breach the Dardanelles Straits (formerly Hellespont); while there is little concerning the equally significant air operations above Gallipoli when air support increased from a few seaplanes to two wings of land-based aircraft.
On 17 February 1915, the first seaplane tender, HMS Ark Royal, joined the fleet at Tenedos south of Cape Helles deploying an immediate aerial reconnaissance. With seaplanes directing naval gunfire the outer Dardanelles’ forts were shelled from 19 to 26 February. Landing parties destroyed the deserted forts and associated heavy guns by 1 March, 1915. From 13-17 March, Ark Royal launched reconnaissance flights seeking gun positions and mines. During an 18 April attack on the (Turkish) Chanak Kale Airfield, the hangar and an aircraft were destroyed. On 28 March, 3 Squadron Royal Navy Air Service (3RNAS) arrived at Tenedos and immediately commenced aerial operations, releasing Ark Royal to reconnoitre the Northern Gallipoli Peninsula for the ANZAC landings and provide feints. Additionally, HMS Manica, a kiteballoon ship provided fire-control at ANZAC Cove. On 23 April a large Turkish troop encampment was bombed causing the Turks to redeploy, unfortunately, nearer to ANZAC Cove where they were used in a counter attack during the afternoon of 25 April. Well concealed Turkish artillery firing on ANZAC positions ceased firing when Ark Royal’s seaplanes approached. Consequently, efforts were made to keep the seaplanes over Turkish positions to restrict their fire. On 17 May, 3RNAS aircraft spotted unusual shipping activity and a large, new encampment, which was bombed successfully that afternoon.
Aerial reconnaissance confirmed a Turkish build-up was underway. A forward airfield was constructed on Cape Helles to allow urgent reports to be made. However, the airfield came under artillery fire preventing aircraft operations. That the Turks understood the danger of air support was apparent when a decoy aircraft drew 650 rounds of anti-aircraft fire in three days. Turkish road resupply was also attacked intensely by allied aircraft.
During October 1915, Bulgaria entered the war on the German side, opening the BerlinConstantinople rail line for munitions delivery to Turkey. Air and seaplane strikes were mounted on the rail bridge at Maritza River but, while damaged, it was not destroyed. Although Ferejik rail station was destroyed the rail link was soon re-established. The ability of the Turkish Forces to bring heavy artillery fire onto the Gallipoli beachheads was critical to forcing the withdrawal.
Aerial reconnaissance confirmed a Turkish build-up was underway.
Nevertheless, aggressive tactics by 3RNAS prevented hostile aircraft from observing the ANZAC Cove withdrawal during December 1915 and from Cape Helles during January 1916. Following the evacuation, Navy forces blockaded the Dardanelles. Some Imbros based air elements supported the blockade. Unfortunately, three RNAS aircraft were shot down during January 1916 after the withdrawal.
No. 3 Wing Royal
Naval Air Service
HMS Manica: Launching a kite balloon
Turkish ships were torpedoed by RNAS seaplanes on 12 and 17 August. One seaplane partially lost power, landed, taxied to the Asiatic side, torpedoed a ship and as a result of the consequent weight loss was able to take off and return to the Aegean Sea. These were the first airborne torpedo attacks. In total, aircraft conducted more than 70 shipping strikes. On 25 and 27 May, a German submarine torpedoed two British battleships off ANZAC Cove forcing Ark Royal to deploy to Kephalo Bay, Imbros to provide seaplane support for ground forces from there. Air support was diverted to anti-submarine patrol and submarine attack. During September, a moving staff car was bombed, forcing the occupants to cover. Assuming the bombing had ceased, the journey was resumed when the car was again attacked, unsuccessfully when the bombs missed. Subsequently, it was discovered that Mustapha Kemal, the legendary Turkish commander who became Turkey’s first President had survived the attack.
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HMS Ark Royal
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Gallipoli from THE GROUND The initial plan for the Dardanelles campaign was for a Naval force to pass through the Straits and lay siege to Constantinople (now Istanbul) to reestablish communications with Russia and release wheat and shipping locked in the Black Sea by Turkey.
The failure of this plan led to the decision to force the Straits by a landing on the Gallipoli peninsula. Once the Turkish forts and batteries had been seized, the Royal Navy could steam on to Istanbul. A Mediterranean Expeditionary Force (MEF) composed of British Empire and French troops was assembled in Egypt. Among the British Empire forces were the men of the AIF (Australian Imperial Force) and the NZEF (New Zealand Expeditionary Force) who had been training in Egypt when the decision to invade Turkey had been taken. They were now combined into one army corps, known as the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) Commander of the Allied forces, Sir Ian Hamilton directed his first attack for the conquest of the Gallipoli Peninsula very early in the morning of 25 April, 1915. The British 29th Division landed at a number of different locations near Cape Helles at the southern tip of the peninsula. Their objective was the high point of a plateau Achi Baba about 11 kilometres from the cape and then to progress north from there to join up with the ANZACS. The ANZAC Division landed north of Gaba Tepe (later dubbed ANZAC Cove) halfway up the west coast. Their aim was twofold, to capture the heights of the Sari Bair range which dominated this part of the peninsula and to force a way inland to a hill known as Mal Tepe, overlooking the Straits and the Turkish lines of communication to the south. At the same time the French force landed at Kum Kale on the Asiatic coast, partly to destroy the Turkish installations and partly as a feint to
keep Turkish reinforcements away from the main theatre of battle. Ultimately, strong and unexpected Turkish resistance held off both these attacks and by the evening of 25 April the landing forces clung to small gains at both ANZAC and Helles. Over the next few days the Turks were unable to drive the ANZACs back into the sea. Conversely, the ANZACs made little or no headway At both ANZAC and Helles things settled into the stalemate of trench warfare, exactly what the Allies had come to Turkey to avoid. The most sensitive part of the ANZAC line lay along the ridge (Second Ridge) from the Lone Pine position in the south to Quinn’s Post in the north. If the ANZAC line gave way here the Turks would look down the valley, Shrapnel Gully, all the way to the sea and the whole ANZAC position would be untenable.
Bair range, Chunuk Bair and Hill 97. The objective was to capture these positions and turn the flank at ANZAC, compelling the Turks to retreat back across the peninsula. From there a breakout might be possible and the original aim of the campaign might be achieved. To support this new offensive British troops were landed at Suvla Bay on the night of 6–7 August with the intention of moving across the peninsula north of Chunuk Bair. On 8 August, the New Zealanders, with some British support, reached the peak of Chunuk Bair holding on against increasingly strong Turkish counter attacks. The Allied foothold on the heights was precarious and on 10 August 1915 the Turks attacked over Chunuk Bair driving all before them back down the slopes beyond. The British landings at Suvla were a disaster and no real headway was made there. The August offensive had failed and in many ways and in reality this meant the end of any future serious fighting. After a visit by the British Secretary of State for War, Field Marshal Lord Kitchener, the British In the trenches
government determined on evacuation. There were concerns about winter gales and it was also feared that the Turks would be able to bring in heavy artillery to shell the precarious ANZAC positions. Between late November and 19–20 December, the garrisons at ANZAC and Suvla were gradually withdrawn. Elaborate precautions were taken to make the Turks think that life was proceeding as normal. On 8 January 1916, the last British troops left Helles. The Gallipoli campaign was over. Gallipoli cost the Allies 141,000 casualties, of whom more than 44,000 died. Of the dead, 8,709 were Australians and 2,701 were New Zealanders. For the Allies it was a defeat despite the individual courage and endurance of the soldiers themselves. While the campaign is considered a military failure, Gallipoli became a household name in Australia and with it the ANZAC tradition of mate ship and “digging in” was created. We honour all of those who fought and fell for our country.
Rest Gully
By early August 1915 a new plan had been evolved for a breakout at ANZAC. On the afternoon of 6 August, Australians mounted a large diversionary attack at Lone Pine, aimed at seizing and holding the front line Turkish trenches. The strength of the assault was to make the Turks think a major offensive was being launched here and to tie their reserves to those positions. This was achieved over the next two days. Despite numerous Turkish counter attacks the Australians held the position and this became the new ANZAC front line. As the battle raged at Lone Pine, an additional Allied force made their way north from ANZAC into the valleys leading up to the heights of the Sari
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Gallipoli from THE SEA Naval forces played an extremely important role in the battle of Gallipoli and often the focus of this part of the campaign has solely been on the pre-emptive actions to force the straights leading to Constantinople (now Istanbul). Allied naval ships transported the ANZACs safely to Gallipoli, supported them during the campaign, provided command and control platforms and then safely removed them at the end of the operation.
The campaign was conducted on both a joint and a combined basis and at its peak directly involved more than 250 French and British warships. The Australian submarine HMAS AE2 began her passage through the Dardanelles before the ANZAC landings commenced, taking an active and important role from the outset. In October 1914, the Ottomans closed the Dardanelles to Allied shipping. The Gallipoli campaign was first planned as purely a naval effort but the failure by the combined fleet to force a passage through Turkey’s Dardanelles defences in March 1915 required a reassessment of this strategy. The Allies still considered that their warships would have to penetrate into the Sea of Marmora and bombard Istanbul in order to compel Turkey to surrender. To enable this to be accomplished their next plan was to secure the Gallipoli peninsula by taking the land. With the initial failure of the naval assault, the idea that land forces could advance around the backs of the Dardanelles forts and capture Constantinople gained support as an alternative. On 25 April, the army launched the Gallipoli Campaign. Significant naval forces were then devoted to support that operation. Preparations for the landing took a month, giving the Ottoman defenders ample time to reinforce. The role of the navy was to support the landing, using naval guns instead of field artillery, of which there was a severe shortage in 1915. However, with a few spectacular exceptions the
performance of naval guns on land targets was inadequate, particularly against entrenched positions. The guns lacked elevation and so fired on a flat trajectory which, coupled with the inherently unstable gun platform, resulted in reduced accuracy Success ashore would then allow the minefields, which had proven to be a major stumbling block to the initial naval operations, to be cleared without interference from Turkish shore emplacements and field artillery. Control of the sea throughout the campaign remained critical, to allow the Allied force to use the sea for its own purposes while preventing the Turkish force from doing the same. Everything the troops on land required came and went by sea; the men, mules, guns and ammunition, construction materials for trenches, and of course the water and provisions. Most importantly, because it could rely on sea control, the Allied command always retained the option of evacuating the force from the peninsula.
communications between Istanbul and Gallipoli. The British submarine attacks had commenced in 1914 before the campaign had started. The Allied submarine campaign in the Sea of Marmara was the one significant success of the Gallipoli Campaign, forcing the Ottomans to abandon it as a transport route. Between April and December 1915, a total of nine British and four French submarines sank one battleship, one destroyer, five gunboats, eleven troop transports, forty-four supply ships, and 148 sailing vessels at a cost of eight Allied submarines which were sunk in the strait or in the Sea of Marmara.
The lessons of both success and failure in the campaign informed the development of amphibious tactics and equipment between the wars. “We are far from being beaten”, wrote the allied naval commander, Admiral John De Robeck, at the time of the evacuation, “...in fact we have learned a great deal and will know what to do in the future.”
HMS Cornwal
lis supporting the Gallipoli Evacuation
Australian Submarine AE2
Sick and Wounded Aboard A Hospital Ship Off Gallipoli
Allied sea power acted to disrupt Turkish communications and hamstrung their efforts to dislodge the Allies. There was no railway to Gallipoli and the nearest station was 80km from the northern end of the isthmus. Allied battleships shelled the main road and single access bridge to disrupt Turkish transport arrangement while naval aircraft demonstrated their reach by attacking the enemy’s railhead. Meanwhile the exploits of Allied submarines in the Sea of Marmora practically stopped sea
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Sunshine Coast students to experience centenary commemorations in Gallipoli Five local students were selected as recipients of the Premier’s Anzac Prize in late 2014 and will travel to Gallipoli and the Western Front battlefields for centenary commemorations this year. The Premier’s Anzac Prize encourages young Queenslanders to explore our history and gain a better understanding of the Anzac legacy. The selected students are Alice Tilleard, Elly McSwan, Jessica Cherry, Madison Vievers and Mia Jones, representing five out of 70 successful applications chosen to take part in this once in a lifetime opportunity. The Premier’s Anzac Prize 2015 winners and chaperones will attend the Anzac Day centenary event in Gallipoli and tour the Western Front over two weeks in April and May this year, visiting Turkey, Belgium and France. To be eligible for the prize students had to produce an original, two to five minute multimedia presentation exploring how the Anzac tradition has shaped Australia, why it is still important and how future generations can keep the spirit of the Anzac tradition alive.
The prize includes study tour expenses for travel, insurance, accommodation, and meals. Over the three years of the Prize to date, 80 Queensland secondary school children have had the opportunity to travel to Gallipoli and the Western Front battlefields to learn about the Anzac tradition first hand.
RSL Youth Development Program RSL (Qld Branch) and Bond University have joined forces to offer the RSL Youth Development Program (RSLYDP) to Queensland high school students.
Member for Buderim, Steve Dickson, congratulated the local students at a presentation in December 2014 and commended their successful presentations.
The Program has been running since 2007 and in its current form is designed to recognise and reward the efforts of high-achieving Queensland students who have demonstrated outstanding academic, community, sporting or leadership achievements. The RSL hopes that this opportunity will both educate the future leaders of our community about the League and also reward these young achievers who best represent the ideals of the ANZAC spirit.
“The 2015 tour group, some of whom had relatives who served in World War I, will attend Anzac Day ceremonies both at Gallipoli and across the Western Front,” Mr Dickson said.
So far over 1,000 Queensland students have benefited from the Program and in 2014, 200 of Queensland’s most exceptional Year 10 and 11 students were successful.
“Each of these young ladies created excellent applications and it is fantastic to see them chosen and rewarded for their outstanding work.”
Recipients are awarded a grant of up to $5000 towards personal advancement in their chosen field and also have an exclusive opportunity to
Each application for the Premier’s Anzac Prize was judged by a selection panel appointed by the Premier, which included Anzac descendants and current members of the Australian Defence Force. Maroochy RSL is delighted that all of these very deserving students will have the extraordinary opportunity to join the tour - well done!
apply for an RSL scholarship covering 50 per cent of tuition fees to study either a single or combined degree at Bond University. Applications for the RSL Youth Development Program open annually from ANZAC Day until Remembrance Day. All applications for the program must be submitted online and must meet a series of criteria including a letter of support from an RSL Sub branch and references from community leaders, coaches and the like. Any future improvements to the conduct of the program will still align with the core values of the RSL and in 2015 we will again ensure that we give the program maximum exposure within the school community. Learn more about this exciting program and how to apply by visiting the Bond University website, or contacting the RSL Youth Development Program Team on RSLyouth@bond.edu.au or 07 5595 1067.
Afghan War Day On 21 March 2015, Maroochy RSL will join with all Australians in commemorating the sacrifice of all Australian troops who served in the conflict in Afghanistan. In particular we remember the 41 young men who paid the ultimate price for service to their country and its interests. As always we remain supportive of all of those who have served and stand ready to help with a range of pensions, welfare and advocacy services for our returned service personnel and their families. If you know of any returned service personnel or their families who would benefit from any of our services please don’t hesitate to contact RSL House on 5443 1719.
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Lieutenant THOMAS Dwyer A true Australian hero. Australian Lieutenant Thomas Dwyer served in what was one of the most important battles of the First World War.
The battle of Hamel was considered one of the most modern battles fought. In 1918 the battle saw Allied forces take Hamel Woods, Hamel Village and Vaire Woods. Lieutenant Dwyer was listed in the 13th battalion and was awarded a Military Cross by the King to honour his chivalry during the battle. The actions Lieutenant Dwyer was commended for occurred on 4 July, 1918 after his commanding company officer was killed. Although he himself was wounded, Lieutenant Dwyer bravely took over command and led the company forward to achieve their final objective. He said no word of his injury until his leg became so stiff that he had to be carried away.
New 2015 Defence White Paper Colt New Service revolver The Colt New Service revolver was manufactured from 1898 until 1940. The revolver was in popular use with the US and Commonwealth forces during the First World War. During the First World War 60,000 Colt New Service revolvers were supplied to the British Empire and Canadian forces and continued to see official service with the US until the end of World War II. British Empire Colt New Service revolvers were stamped with New Service .455 Eley on the barrel, to differentiate them from the .45 Colt versions used by the US and Canada which fired a slightly different type of ammunition.
Lieutenant Dwyer’s son, John Dwyer proudly donated his father’s Colt New Service revolver to the Maroochy RSL military museum in 2013.
Defence White Papers are the most important guide for Australia’s long term defence capability. In April 2014, the Australian government announced that they will be producing a new Defence White Paper to be completed and introduced in 2015. To ensure the long term safety of our country, the Australian Government continually makes necessary changes to maintain strong defence and security capabilities. The new White Paper will enable the Government and community to consider the opportunities and challenges for Australia’s future defence and security needs and outline a practical strategy for meeting Australia’s defence objectives. The 2014 Defence Issued Paper identified that the new White Paper is required to address our country’s economic growth, societal change and military modernisation that is transforming our region at a rate and scale not previously seen. It will align defence policy with military strategy to reflect the Government’s overall strategic, fiscal and broader policy priorities. A major aim is to develop strong defence policy for Australia to support planning and effectively define the
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key functions of the Australian Defence Force for coming decades in line with funding. The new White Paper development process will include a “force structure review” to determine what capabilities the Australian Defence Force must master over the next decade and the equipment required to achieve them. It will also outline the government’s plans to increase defence spending to reach two per cent of gross domestic product by 2023. The Minister for Defence has appointed an external expert panel to support the development of the White Paper and provide independent advice to the Minister. Input from across Government, industry, the Australian public, Australia’s allies and regional partners will also assist the development of the new White Paper. Following the release of the 2015 Defence White Paper, the Defence department will publish a 10-year Defence Capability Plan and a Defence Industry Policy Statement to provide the defence industry with the Government’s key priorities and timeframes. More information will be publicly available through government websites as the paper’s development progresses.
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offered to be made redundant instead. From there we negotiated a redundancy package and I retired at the age of 44.” Before he made the move to the Sunshine Coast Len committed his time to volunteering for several ex-service organisations and joined the Kokoda Memorial Foundation. In 2001 Len and his family relocated from Sydney to Cotton Tree, Maroochydore where he has since dedicated his time to supporting several organisations to assist other veterans, including the Maroochy RSL, the Kokoda Memorial Foundation, Vietnam Veterans Association, Partners of Veterans Association, Eighth Battalion Royal Australian Regiment Association (8RAR) and the Gallipoli and Dardanelles International.
Veteran dedicates his life to serving others Retired Vietnam veteran and Deputy President of Maroochy RSL, Len Thompson, is well known across the Sunshine Coast and overseas for his passion and dedication to helping others.
The soldiers were evacuated for medical attention and Len battled with ulcers in his mouth for some time before his wounds completely healed.
Len has dedicated his life to serving others and has an impressive life story to tell, although the quietly spoken man is humble about sharing it.
Subsequent mergers, amalgamations and takeovers resulted in Len becoming a General Manager, reporting to the Managing Director of St George Building Society which subsequently, in 1992, became St George Bank and operational cost cuts had to be made.
In 1969 after months of military training, Len boarded the HMAS Sydney and set sail from Brisbane’s Hamilton Wharf to Vietnam to serve his country under very trying conditions. On 14 June, 1970 the reality of that war set in as Len and three other soldiers were caught in an ambush.“Four of us were shot and I took a bullet to my mouth that shattered all my teeth - we were really lucky to survive,” Len said.
When Len returned to Australia he worked with family until he became a manager at the Tamworth Building Society, which at the time was Australia’s oldest building society.
The tireless volunteer dedicates his hard work and time to a number of different projects within the Sunshine Coast, nationally and also overseas. One of Len’s biggest projects continues to be the Kokoda Memorial Foundation and to date he has been involved for more than 14 years. Len and a small group of volunteers regularly visit Kokoda, placing memorial plaques along the track and assisting the local people with basic infrastructure, water supplies, bridge repairs and a range of other needs.
Len puts it simply when speaking about his passion for volunteer work. “I’ve always liked helping people, I’m a giver and not a taker. I don’t like to accept anything and I like to treat people how they would like to be treated,” Len said. “I’m very passionate about all of the volunteer work I do.” In 2007 Len was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for his selfless efforts. “It is a great honour, one I get quite embarrassed about at times, but I realise its significance and I know there are a lot of people out there who do fantastic work and do not get recognised,” he said. “I’ve been very lucky that I’ve been married for 43 years with two daughters, two son-in-laws and four beautiful grandchildren.” The Maroochy RSL is extremely grateful to have had the support of Len for the past seven years and for the skill and value he contributes in everything he does for the club.
“It is a very needy community but we do what we can and we are always taking clothes, school books, writing materials and whatever else we can transport that is donated to us,” Len said. “Everything takes time and money to organise and provide and we are only volunteers, but we know that we make a difference and if I can see a way to help, I will do it.”
Len said he wasn’t prepared to be the person to fire good workers and so came up with another option.
Throughout 2013 Len and the Maroochy RSL worked concertedly to arrange for the major donation of a generator to power the Kokoda Hospital and a shipping container for its transport, gathering many donations from individuals and groups throughout the Sunshine Coast region to cover the costs.
“I didn’t like the idea of getting rid of good people but the pressure of cutting costs was enormous. At the time I was a workaholic and spent a lot of time away from my wife and two girls, so I
The new generator has ensured life is a little easier but Len realises there is always more help needed. The Kokoda Hospital treats more than 30,000 patients each year but it only receives funding to
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operate the generator for four hours a day, so all of its medical team work under demanding conditions to assist patients, often by candle light.
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Returned & Service League of Australia (Queensland Branch) Maroochydore Sub Branch Inc. RSL House 106 Memorial Ave, Maroochydore Phone: 07 5443 1719 Fax: 07 5443 7551 e-mail: rslhouse@maroochyrsl.com.au Monday to Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm Museum Hours Monday to Thursday 9.00am - 2.00pm Friday 9.00am - 12.00pm
QLD TPI Association
(Sunshine Coast Branch)
The Australian Federation of Totally and Permanently Incapacitated Ex-Servicemen and Women (Queensland Branch) Inc. The above organisation is a member of the State and Federal Body operating on the Sunshine Coast and meets on the third Wednesday of each month at RSL House, Maroochydore at 10.30am.
National Servicemen’s Association
Maroochydore
Meetings at RSL House on second Tuesday of every odd month at 10.00am. 2015 Meetings 10 March 2015 No Meeting in April 12 May 2015 For more information call Don Holt, 5446 5953
2015 Meetings 18 March 2015 15 April 2015 20 May 2015 Please feel free to come along to the meetings, Partners are most welcome.
2015 League Briefings 16 March 2015 20 April 2015 18 May 2015
For any additional information please contact Tony Cresswick-Jackson, Secretary on 5493 4719 or 0400 576 118 e-mail: farmerjaxon@hotmail.com
Our meetings are happy ones and well attended. The ‘Healthy Away’ days, the social activity that takes place between meetings, also have a good turnout at Cotton Tree and continue to be an enjoyable outing for all. New members, from all Services are always welcome. Meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month.
Legacy Laurel Club
Maroochydore
2015 Meetings 5 March 2015 2 April 2015 7 May 2015
Naval Association of Australia
The Maroochy Waters Sub-Section meets at RSL House, Maroochydore on the second Sunday each month at 10.30am. 2015 Meetings 8 March 2015 12 April 2015 10 May 2015 Expressions of interest and all enquiries should be directed to the Secretary at PO Box 615, Maroochydore QLD 4558 Phone: 5443 1719
Meetings are held at RSL House, Maroochydore on the fourth Friday of each month at 9.00am.
Ex-Service Women’s Association
2015 Meetings 27 March 2015 24 April 2015 22 May 2015
Where: RSL House, Maroochydore is still the place to be for a cuppa and a chat at 10.00am with the meeting commencing at 10.30am. Cost: $5.00 per annum. We look forward to seeing all the older members and many new.
All eligible widows are most welcome. Sunshine Coast Legatees are always available to assist with any concerns members may have.
Come and join us. Contact: Larraine on 5448 6037
Women’s Auxiliary
Maroochydore
Meetings are on the first Monday each month at 9.30am for a cuppa and chat, meeting starts at 10.00am. 2015 Meetings 2 March 2015 No Meeting in April 4 May 2015 For more information call the Secretary, Andrena King on 5496 9081
War Widows’ Guild Maroochydore
We aim to protect the interests of all War Widows and offer a program of social activities to promote friendship. Meetings are on the fourth Monday of each month. Morning Tea from 9.00am, General Meeting 10.00am. Members are invited to meet afterwards at the Club for a bite to eat and chat. 2015 Meetings 23 March 2015 27 April 2015 25 May 2015 Contact: Shirley Murphy 5437 6560
For additional information contact: Nita on 5453 4329 or Barbara on 5445 4768
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NOTICE TO ALL FINANCIAL MEMBERS THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF RETURNED & SERVICES LEAGUE OF AUSTRALIA (QUEENSLAND BRANCH) MAROOCHYDORE SUB BRANCH INCORPORATED will be held at the Events Centre, Level 1 at Maroochy RSL at 10.00 am on Sunday 22 March 2015 The business to be transacted at this meeting will be: 1. To confirm the minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 23 March 2014 and discuss any business arising from those minutes 2. To receive the President’s Report and to ratify the appointment of PAWS practitioners 3. To receive the Treasurer’s Report (including the Auditor’s Report) and to present the financial statements to the meeting for adoption 4. Appointment of auditors 5. To receive the Chief Executive Officer’s Report 6. Election of directors to the Board of Directors The Annual Report and Financial Statements for the period ended 31 December 2014 will be available to financial members at the meeting. By Order of the Board
Clare Paton Secretary