AUTUMN edition 2017
c a r i n g fo r t h e v e t e r a n co m m u n i t y
The price of liberty is eternal vigilance
president’s report Welcome to 2017, I hope all of our League members and their families had a safe and happy Christmas New Year period and you are all ready for the challenges a new year brings.
Cotton Tree Cenotaph. We hope to see you at one of our monthly league briefings or at our group outings throughout autumn.
Our pensions and welfare team Our 2017 autumn Reveille has a wide continue to provide first rate service to range of articles which I am sure will the veteran community and the PAWS appeal to our readers. The old RAN work report in this magazine horse HMAS Tobruk is soon provides updates on this due to be scuttled to form a core area of business. dive wreck off the Fraser Coast, Our team is strengthened meaning she will continue to thanks to the arrival of serve for many years to come Lindsay Warren as the our pensions albeit as a tourist attraction. Pensions and Advocacy and welfare This edition of Reveille Team Leader. team continue to will also correspond to the provide first rate The start of 2017 brings centenary of the famous WW1 service to the with it the next phases of Battles of Bullecourt and as such veteran community our rebuild program for we have included a brief article RSL House. The Keith on these battles as well as the Payne VC conference beautiful Australian Memorial room will be reconfigured Park which features the famous to provide some much “Bullecourt Digger”. needed office space while One of our most important maintaining our existing conference commemorative days of the year is capabilities. ANZAC Day, not just for the military but We hope to see you at Maroochy RSL for the nation as a whole. Our team has soon. been working tirelessly to make this Michael Liddelow commemorative event as dignified and Maroochy RSL President meaningful as possible and we hope you can join us on Tuesday 25 April at the
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Contents President’s Report......................... 02 Membership......................................03 CEO’s Report................................... 04 PAWS Report................................... 06
membersHIP
ANZAC Day...................................... 09
On behalf of our team at RSL House welcome to 2017. Christmas has provided an opportunity for us to recharge our batteries, to continue our work in support of the veteran community here on the Sunshine Coast.
Sub Branch Welcomes Lindsay to the Team......................................10
Welcome to Lindsay Warren who has joined the team as our full time Pensions and Advocacy Team Leader. The addition of Lindsay to our team means that Maroochy RSL will have a dedicated staff member focussing exclusively on veteran advocacy and the myriad of other support requirements of our advocacy program. We have been hard at work planning ANZAC Day and each year we aim to ensure our commemorative service sets the standards for services on the Sunshine Coast. Our veterans deserve nothing less than us reaching for the sky with these commemorative events and I am sure we will again provide a service we all are proud to be involved with. I wish everyone a safe happy Easter and remember that we are here to provide assistance so please don’t hesitate to contact us if you think that we may be able to help address any issues that you have. We look forward to welcoming you at RSL House.
Ian Hicks Maroochy RSL League Administration Manager
Sub Branch Museum Grant............11 The Battle of Bullecourt................. 12 Australian Army Cadets.................. 14 Returned Soldiers Seeded Australia’s Farming.......................... 16 HMAS Tobruk Finds a New Home....................................... 18 The Boatswain’s Call....................... 19 Diary Reveals a Rare Insight..........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
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ceo’s report Welcome to our autumn edition of Reveille magazine for 2017. Maroochy RSL had a busy summer welcoming another member to the RSL House team with Lindsay Warren joining as a Pensions Team Leader. Lindsay has a military background and is well equipped to lead our advocacy team. Autumn is a very important season with ANZAC Day on Tuesday 25 April. With planning already commenced for the occasion we hope you can join us for this important day of commemoration. Maroochy RSL will be holding our usual gunfire breakfast and morning tea for our league members and any current or exservice personnel.
old friends and meet new ones. From the team at Maroochy RSL we wish you a happy and safe Easter holiday season and we hope to see you at one of our monthly league briefings. Clare Paton Maroochy RSL CEO
Autumn is a very important season with ANZAC Day on Tuesday 25 April. With planning already commenced for the occasion we
Our RSL House museum has been recognised by the ANZAC Centenary Lasting Legacies Program and has received a substantial grant to upgrade the facility. It is a wonderful acknowledgement of the very rare collection we are fortunate to be custodians of and we look forward to putting this funding to good use. The RSL House team have been working hard over summer to arrange a series of outings for our members in 2017. We hope you can all join us for these affordable outings to catch up with
hope you can join us for this important day of commemoration. Maroochy RSL will be holding our usual gunfire breakfast and morning tea for our league members and any current or exservice personnel.
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RSL House 106 Memorial Ave, Maroochydore Phone: 07 5443 1719 Fax: 07 5443 7551 email: rslhouse@maroochyrsl.com.au
Office Hours Monday to Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm
Museum Hours Monday to Friday 9.00am - 4.00pm
LEAGUE MEMBER BRIEFINGS
Ex-Service Organisations These groups meet regularly at RSL House, please feel welcome to attend. For more information about upcoming meetings refer to page 22. Ex-Service Women’s Association - first Thursday of the month, 10.00am chat, 10.30am meeting Legacy Laurel Club - fourth Friday of the month at 9.00am National Servicemen’s Association second Tuesday of every odd month, 9.00am chat, 10.00am meeting
Third Monday of the month at 2.00pm
Naval Association - second Sunday of the month at 10.30am
Information for members, guests and bona fide visitors. Correct at time of printing.
TPI Association - third Wednesday of the month at 10.30am Australian War Widows (QLD) - fourth Monday of the month, 9.00am chat, 10.00am meeting Women’s Auxiliary - first Monday of the month, 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
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PENSIONS, ADVOCACY & WELFARE SECTION (PAWS) REPORT The Pensions and Advocacy Team welcomed Lindsay Warren as Team Leader in December 2016. Lindsay is a retired Army Major who has been working for the past 12 months as a volunteer Pension Officer at the Vietnam Veterans Assoc. of Australia (Sunshine Coast Branch) and for the past six months at Maroochy RSL. Lindsay’s role is to provide a full time point of contact for compensation enquiries as well as being responsible for the daily operations of our highly experienced team of Compensation Advocates. The Compensation Advocate Team is currently dealing with over 190 claims. The age of the veterans being assisted through the claims process ranges from 25 to over 90 years old. A recent trend has seen more contemporary veterans requesting assistance in the preparation of their claims. These are predominately East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan veterans from the last 17 years who have now left the service and have transitioned back into civilian life.
all documentation is stored electronically with DVA. This will mean that if a client moves to another area the compensation advocate in their new location will have access to their existing claims history. Complementing the roll over to this new process upgrade Jen Seery, of the Compensation Advocate Team, has done some great work auditing older claims that have now been finalised. A work plan is being developed so that over time all past claims will be electronically scanned and archived and the hard copy documents destroyed thus saving considerable cost in storage while at the same time also facilitating records management and retrieval should the documents need to be accessed.
The Department of Veterans Affairs has recently announced that DVA can pay for treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, depression, anxiety, alcohol and substance abuse for anyone who has served at least one day in the full-time ADF. Treatment is available for as long as it is needed, irrespective of where or when you served. To find out more, please call DVA on 133 254 or 1800 555 254 (regional callers), email nlhc@dva.gov.au or contact the Maroochy RSL Compensation Advocate Team on 07 5443 1719 during business hours. We are working through the process of adopting the DVA electronic on-line claims submission process. This will speed up the time taken to submit claims and ensure that
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We are well into 2017 and this is an opportune time to update you on the expanding services that our team of dedicated volunteers and staff provide at RSL House.
WELFARE REPORT We are well into 2017 and this is an opportune time to update you on the expanding services that our team of dedicated volunteers and staff provide at RSL House: Provision of welfare to the sick, helpless, wounded, vulnerable, aged, destitute and needy amongst those who are serving, or have served, in the Australian Defence Forces and their dependents. This guides the Welfare Team to provide the best possible service to meet the needs of our veteran community. HOSPITAL AND AGED CARE FACILITY VISITS Our skilled volunteers are now providing visits four days a week to local hospitals and Aged Care Facilities across the Maroochydore area of the Sunshine Coast to veterans and war widows. We visit residents at six Aged Care homes (Arcare, Emmanuel Gardens, RSL Care Tantula Rise), Regis (Maroochydore, Kuluin, Sippy Downs) as well as inpatients at Sunshine Coast Private Hospital, Cooinda Mental Health Unit, and the Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital. If yourself, a mate, or a family member resides at another Aged Care Facility and would like a visit, please contact us at RSL House and we can contact the regional subbranch for that area to arrange a visit. LEAGUE MEMBER OUTING PROGRAM The League Member Outings locations have been selected for 2017. We realise there is a range in age, and circumstance, of our league members and try to provide a diverse range of outings. We aim to increase access to enjoyable social activity and reduce social isolation of veterans within their community. We look forward to seeing you and your family at these outings. Please call RSL House for bookings on 07 5443 1719. We are currently waiting on confirmation of a naval ship tour in July 2017.
DATE
Friday 21st April
Tuesday 6th June
2017 LEAGUE MEMBER OUTING LOCATION & INCLUSIONS Barefoot Bowls at Maroochydore Bowls Club 5-7pm & dinner afterwards at Bowls Club Chinese restaurant
COST
Adults $5
Children Free Price includes bowls game cost. Purchase own dinner at Club Maroochy Bowls Club.
Underwater World Sea Life Aquarium – Mooloolaba Includes return transport, lunch, entry and show.
$15
Fort Lytton – Brisbane Thursday 13th July
28-30th July (exact date yet to be confirmed)
Tuesday 12th September
Saturday 9th December
Includes return transport, morning tea, entry and tour. Purchase own lunch at Wynnum RSL, Brisbane.
$15
Naval vessel tour – Brisbane (date between 28-30th July TBC) Includes return transport, tour, and morning tea. Purchase own lunch at Wynnum RSL, Brisbane.
$15
Buderim Botanical Garden and a picnic lunch Includes return transport, guided tour, BBQ lunch and morning tea.
$10
Christmas family BBQ at Cotton Tree Park
Adults $5
Includes BBQ meal, raffle and Christmas treats.
Children Free
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POPPY SERVICES The League can arrange a Poppy Service to acknowledge a late veteran’s contribution to the peace and freedom of his/her beloved country. We have several dedicated, caring volunteers who conduct the traditional League segment of the service if it is the next of kin’s wish or request, this is done in consultation with clergy, celebrant, or funeral home. Contact Maroochy RSL if you would like further details. INFORMATION SESSIONS This year Maroochy RSL will be providing several Information sessions for our veterans and their families, league volunteers and employees. • The Council of the Aging (COTA) will present a session on ageing and wellness (including getting the most out of support services), and a session on choosing an Enduring Power of Attorney and identifying key people in your life who will act on your wishes should you be unable to act yourself. • Practical steps to Enhancing Resilience in the Workplace – Topics covered will include the risks of chronic stress, maintaining professional boundaries, relaxation activities and self-care methods If these sessions prove to be informative to the veteran community we will continue to offer these monthly or bi-monthly (dependent on attendance). Please let the Welfare team know of any particular health and well-being topics that you would like to see offered as we want to keep the topics relevant to your health and welfare needs.
VETERAN PHONE CONTACT PROGRAM The Maroochy RSL League has approximately 860 members and over the course of the year we may see, or have contact with, perhaps 100 of our members. This year we are introducing a phone contact program whereby we aim to contact all our members via phone. This is an opportunity for us to update personal details (such as address, phone number, email address etc), and for veterans to speak with a welfare officer about available services. ANZAC DAY Every year Maroochy RSL is involved in commemorative services and remembrance events with ANZAC Day a key event on the calendar every year. As ANZAC Day fast approaches, planning is underway to conduct services that preserve the memory of those who suffered or died for Australia. In addition to the Dawn, and Main services held at the Cotton Tree Cenotaph, services will be held at local schools and Aged Care Facilities in the week leading up to ANZAC Day. If your Aged Care Facility or school wishes to have a service in this week please contact RSL House. Veteran tickets for the ANZAC Day Gunfire Breakfast and Morning Tea go on sale Monday 20 March 2017 (see page 10 for full details). If you would like to attend our ANZAC Day service and require transport please contact RSL House. The Welfare Team can be contacted at RSL House on 07 5443 1719. We welcome your feedback and need your suggestions as this is your League and your RSL.
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ANZAC Day TUESDAY 25 APRIL 2017
Dawn Service
Tickets go on sale Monday 20 March 2017
Commences 4.28am at the Cenotaph - The Esplanade, Cotton Tree
RSL House 8.00am - 5.00pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays)
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 ANZAC Day
Maroochy RSL 8.00am - 11.00pm Monday to Sunday Maroochy RSL League members are entitled to one complimentary ticket and may purchase an additional ticket for an immediate family member only. Ex-Service and current serving members on production of suitable ID may purchase tickets for themselves and an immediate family member only. No tickets will be sold to the general public. • Evening Dress Rules apply all day • Open to Members and guests from 1.00pm • Courtesy Bus service available from 1.00pm • Two-up from 1.00pm
BREAKFAST TICKET $15.00pp MORNING TEA TICKET $25.00pp ALL DAY PASS (Breakfast and Morning Tea) $35.00pp
• Live Entertainment from 5.30pm • Memberships will not be issued prior to 1.00pm
• Children under 18 years are not permitted during the hours of 5.00am - 5.00pm • Children under 18 years of age are welcome after 5.00pm on ANZAC Day.
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Sub Branch welcomes Lindsay to the team We would like to officially welcome Lindsay Warren as our new Pensions Team Leader to the Sub Branch team.
No stranger to Maroochy RSL, Lindsay has worked in a volunteer capacity for the Pension’s Team for the past six months. After moving to the Sunshine Coast with his partner in late 2015 Lindsay reached out to a Pension’s Officer to assist him with his own claim, which led him to volunteer at both the Sub Branch and Vietnam Veterans. Lindsay has more than 35 years of military experience and he said his background helps him to relate to the issues that veterans face on a day to day basis. “Having served in the military you get a good understanding of what veterans have done in their careers and the things they may have been through or seen. It’s a great feeling to know you’ve given someone a hand or helped them overcome a specific issue,” he said. Lindsay served full time for 16 years in the army, making his way up the ranks before
moving into Human Resources with the State public service in 2000. Lindsay now manages a team of eight volunteers to ensure all local veterans are provided assistance in any capacity they need. “I let the volunteers do what they do best and I take care of the corporate governance side, the team are really easy to work with and all have a breadth of experience to offer, it’s been really interesting and fulfilling for us all.” Lindsay said he is enjoying all aspects of his new job especially the team work. “It’s great to be part of a team that works so well together and are focused on the same goal. Maroochy RSL has the same values I do so it makes working here a natural fit!”
Next time you visit RSL House please pop in and say hello to Lindsay, he’d like to meet you too.
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Sub Branch museum benefits from $28,000 grant Thanks to the ANZAC Centenary Queensland’s Lasting Legacies Program the Sub Branch has received a $28,000 grant to assist in modernising our military museum. Maroochy RSL President Michael Liddelow said the funds will be used to purchase specialist display cabinets to most appropriately house, preserve and display the diverse range of rare military artifacts in our collection. “We’re very proud of the collection we have here at RSL House, this grant will ensure we can continue to share an insight into Australia’s rich military history with our local
community for decades to come,” Michael said. Maroochy RSL will also contribute considerable funding of its own to complete a total rebuild of the museum to house the substantial collection of memorabilia. Currently this rebuild is scheduled to be completed by the end of this year.
“We’re very proud of the collection we have here at RSL house, this grant will ensure we can continue to share an insight into Australia’s rich military history with our local community for decades to come”
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The Battle of Bullecourt ‘Bullecourt, more than any other battle, shook the confidence of Australian soldiers in the capacity of the British command; the errors, especially on April 10th and 11th, were obvious to almost everyone’. Charles Bean, Historian. This year marks the centenary of the Battle of Bullecourt, a battle where Australia soldiers are remembered for their courageous and selfless acts. Bullecourt, a village in northern France, was one of several villages to be heavily fortified and incorporated into the defences of the Hindenburg Line in 1917. In March 1917, the German army had withdrawn to the Hindenburg Line in order to shorten their front making their positions easier to defend. This move was rapidly followed up by the British and Empire forces and they launched an offensive around Arras in early April 1917.
To assist the Arras operations, an attack was launched on Bullecourt on 11 April 1917 by the 4th Australian and 62nd British Divisions. The plan was to advance approximately three kilometres north, taking the village of Hendecourt, two kilometres north east of Bullecourt. Operations like this were usually supported by a prior artillery bombardment of the German trenches. The Australian fourth division attacked the German trenches near Bullecourt without this support in an attempt to surprise the German defenders. The attack was hastily planned and resulted in disaster. Tanks which were supposed to
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support the attacking Australian infantry either broke down or were quickly destroyed. Nevertheless, the infantry managed to break into the German defences. Due to uncertainty as to how far they had advanced, supporting artillery fire was withheld, and eventually the Australians were forced to retreat. Three weeks later the Australian 2nd Division, now with the British 62nd Division attacking on their left towards Bullecourt attacked over the same ground where the Australians were defeated on 11 April. This time the Australian infantry attacked without tanks but was well supported by artillery. On 7 May the first day of the battle, one Australian brigade on the right was unable to reach the German first line and the British obtained only a foothold on the southern edge of Bullecourt. The main Australian attack was successful in capturing the same German trenches the Australian 4th Division had held briefly just weeks earlier. The battle continued for two weeks, the Australians and British committing four more divisions including the Australian 1st and 5th Divisions and the 7th and 58th British Divisions.
that some sort of bronze sculpture be erected by ANZAC Day 1993. The Office of Australian War Graves commissioned Melbourne sculptor, Peter Corlett, to produce a work that reflected the character of the Australian soldiers who had fought at Bullecourt in 1917. Corlett soon discovered his father Private Kenneth Corlett, 4th Field Ambulance, had actually fought at Bullecourt. Using an old photograph of his father, Corlett sculpted his face for the features of his 1917 Australian ‘digger’ trying to capture in it the ‘fresh face of a young man about to set off on a great adventure’. The Bullecourt Digger continues to stand guard at the site of the infamous WWI battle of the Western Front wearing an Australian slouch hat carrying his rifle, backpack, ammunitions pouches, water bottle, gas mask, entrenching tool and bayonet. The memorial is appropriately located on a street named ‘Rue de Australiens’.
Lest we forget.
The Germans also reinforced and made numerous unsuccessful counterattacks. By 17 May the Germans admitted defeat and ceased attempts to recover their lost ground. Of 150,000 men who took part in this operation, some 18,000 British and Australians and 11,000 Germans, were killed or wounded in battle. To honour those soldiers who put their lives on the line for France, many of whom paid the ultimate price, an Australian Memorial Park was established in 1992 at Bullecourt. The memorial was opened on ANZAC Day 1992 by the Australian Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Ben Humphreys. The Minister suggested
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Australian Army Cadets foster our future leaders today The Australian Army Cadets have a long history of helping young people to set goals and reach their potential by offering the chance to step out of their comfort zone and experience new challenges. More than 19,000 Army Cadets between the ages of 12 and 19 participate in 237 units around Australia.
The unit of around 80 male and female cadets meets at their headquarters each month for a range of varied training activities.
Adopting the values of the Australian Army - courage, initiative, respect and teamwork – cadets learn about leadership, team building and survival skills that will equip them to better handle many of the challenges that everyday life can present.
Captain Andrew Cummings said the unit focuses on delivering training that engages the young cadets, giving them a taste of how hard Aussie diggers have always worked for our country.
Australian Army Cadets learn how to navigate across the country during both the day and night, perform drills, develop survival skills, safely handle Defence and civilian weapons, use ropes, rappel and handle small boats. Teamwork is a high priority as well as improving individual skills. 128 Army Cadet Unit (ACU) is based in Yandina and is commanded by Captain Andrew Cummings, Cadet Under Officer Kurt Whiteman and Company Sergeant Major Nicholas Elks.
“Our unit aims to develop our cadets and offer as many leadership and personal challenges as possible, and we use army based training and structure to deliver this experience for a range of ages,” Captain Cummings said. “Our unit is very field orientated and we spend the majority of our time operating in the bush, practising our field craft and other military skills through scenario based training activities and exercises.” The Australian Army Cadets has a rank system similar to the Australian Army. All new cadets start as recruits and promotion is earned
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by those who demonstrate their enthusiasm to be a cadet, their ability to hold positions of higher responsibility and on completion of required training courses. Captain Cummings said “all of the local cadets are looking forward to new challenges in the year ahead.” “We have plans for another excellent year in 2017. The last twelve months saw many highlights, including survival weekends, annual camps at the Enoggera Barracks and Greenbank Training Area, as well as squad leader weekends. Several of our senior cadets also attended a Senior Leaders Course, Cadet Under Officer and a Warrant Officer Course over the summer holidays.” Maroochy RSL currently sponsors two annual awards for the 128 ACU including Best Male Cadet and Best Non Commissioned Officer. New recruits are welcome and if you have children or grandchildren interested in joining, please contact the unit for more information. Australian Army Cadets: Captain Andrew Cummings CAPT (AAC) OC 128ACU Andrew.Cummings@armycadets.gov.au Adopting the values of the Australian Army - courage, initiative, respect and teamwork – cadets learn about leadership, team building and survival skills that will equip them to better handle many of the challenges that everyday life can present.
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How our returned soldiers seeded Australia’s farming history It is a little known fact that some of Australia’s iconic farming districts share a link with the servicemen and woman who saw action in the battlefields of World War I. Following the war, a soldier settlement program was introduced in every Australian state to help repatriate servicemen and woman who had fought overseas. The focus of these programs was the settlement of land which was made available to the soldiers on affordable terms. They could also receive advances of money to make improvements to the land, which was often in poor condition, using the funds to buy equipment, plants, stock and seeds. Queensland created cane and horticulture areas, while Tasmanian settlers specialised in dairy.
to a railway site and virtually nothing more. The program saw in total the creation of The district developed into a small town with over 23,000 farms across 9 million hectares a hospital for veterans and their families, a of land, one of which was the Beerburrum school and some shops. Settlement. As part of this program Soldiers, many of which still more than 24,000 hectares of land They were also injured from war, were required at the Beerburrum Settlement required to to clear the heavily timbered area was subdivided into around 500 build their own only then to find poor quality soil blocks for pineapple growing. home and then underneath. The settlement was the first establish crops in They were also required to and one of the largest in Australia. order to stay on build their own home and then Before the soldier settlement the the land. establish crops in order to stay on town of Beerburrum was home
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the land. Many learned the hard way that they were not cut out for farming and that the land they received could not sustain their families. In September 1916, a training farm was established with 23,000 orange and mandarin trees as well as pineapples. The purpose of the 610 acre farm was to train the returned soldiers to aid in their transition on to the land. Many of the returned servicemen struggled and if it wasn’t for a small pension they would have starved. Their physical injuries and mental health impacted on their families and children were often needed to work on the farm which led to irregular attendance at school. The growing of pineapples had some success and the fruit was transported by train to the pineapple cannery at Bulimba in Brisbane. By 1922, the settlement was in decline due to the over-capitalisation of the pineapple cannery which was Queensland Government owned. Other factors included poor quality of soil and undersized fruit due to lack of fertilizer and new markets elsewhere.
Although the settlement was a failure, these soldiers and their families were the pioneers that helped shaped these local areas to be what they are today with farms, schools, hospitals and more. Last year marked the centenary since the settlement and locals came together to celebrate 100 years since those intrepid soldiers formed the foundations of the Beerburrum district.
In the same year, torrential rain ruined the crops and flooding kept the farmers from getting to the station to transport what they could salvage. By 1924, of the 485 holdings taken up, 280 had been abandoned. In 1929 during the Great Depression there was only 69 holdings still occupied. The settlement was finally abandoned but many descendants still live throughout the region. The Beerburrum Hospital closed in 1932 due to a decline in population related to the failed settlement program. Sections of the hospital were sent by road to become additions to the Maleny Soldiers Memorial Hospital.
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HMAS Tobruk finds new home HMAS Tobruk will continue to serve Australia, now as a tourist attraction when she is scuttled off the coast between Bundaberg and Hervey Bay as a dive wreck later this year. In December 2016, the Fraser Coast won the battle with North Stradbroke Island to be the final resting place for the retired RAN vessel. The ships distinguishing features will make for one of most interesting military dive wrecks in the world.
In addition, two Landing Craft Vehicular Personnel units could be secured by davits on either side of the structure. The ship’s roll-on/ roll-off function was supplemented by two 8.5 ton cranes and a 70 ton derrick. She had forward and aft helicopter decks, which could be operated simultaneously, and the vessel could provide accommodation for up to 520 troops.
Named after the Siege of Tobruk, the vessel was designed for combined Navy and Army amphibious Because of operations. She was essentially its high pitch, a multi-purpose troop and rollit could be on/roll-off heavy vehicle carrier with facilities for bow and stern heard over the loading, beaching, a driveactivities of the through capacity and inter-deck crew and bad transfers via ramps. weather. The ship was built in Tomago, in the Hunter River and was launched by Lady Anna Cowen, the wife of the then Governor-General of Australia Sir Zelman Cowen AK, GCMG, GCVO on the 1 March, 1980. Upon commissioning, she could transport up to 18 tanks on the tank deck, and more than 40 Armoured Personnel Carriers or Light Armoured Vehicles on the vehicle deck, which had been reinforced to enable the transportation of two Landing Craft Mechanical-8’s on specially designed cradles.
In March of 1982, after the worst tropical cyclone in Tonga’s history devastated the country, the ship was used to deliver over 800 tonnes of cargo including food and building equipment.
The HMAS Tobruk also supported peace keeping missions in Somalia, South East Asia and the South Pacific and was awarded a battle honour for actions in East Timor in 1999. Serving for 35 years, she was decommissioned in 2015 and is currently undergoing preparations to ensure minimal environmental impact once scuttled later this year. The artificial reef should be in place by May for divers and military enthusiasts to enjoy for many years to come.
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The Boatswain’s Call Historically the Boatswain’s Call was used in the Navy to pass commands to the crew when their voice could not be heard over the sounds of the sea. The Boatswain’s Call is held in the right hand between the index finger and the thumb. The buoy lies in the hollow of the right hand, the keel braced against the fleshy pad of the thumb with the hole of Because of the buoy looking upwards. its high pitch,
Because of its high pitch, it could be heard over the activities of the crew and bad weather. Today more sophisticated communications systems exist but the Royal Navy still use the Boatswain’s Call as a mark of respect to pipe the Captain or special visitors on board, or for emphasizing important orders. The Boatswain’s Call, pipe or bosun’s whistle was originally used on board by the Boatswain and is sometimes pronounced or spelled, ‘bosun’s’.
it could be heard over the activities of the crew and bad weather.
The whistle was named after the Boatswain as he often need to issue orders more than others as the officer in charge of rigging, sails and sailing equipment.
The thumb should press upwards against the keel, usually just by the shackle, but not wedged in the shackle, the index finger bent over the top of the gun.
The other three fingers are used to create the notes by closing and opening the airway of the hole of the gun over the hole of the buoy. The Sub Branch Museum are lucky enough to have a Boatswain Call on display.
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Diary reveals a rare insight into wartime past Last year we introduced you to the historic war diary of Frank Edward Favell who served with the 1st Divisional Signals Company and landed on the shores of Gallipoli on 25 April 1915. After a number of requests we have decided to share further extracts from his diary in the next editions of Reveille. Reading the diary provides a stark and at times chilling glimpse into the daily world of a young soldier at war in a foreign country under fire from day one. As weeks passed attacks increased with many casualties, on the 19 May 1915 Frank wrote‌ “An attack was made by Turks about midnight (and 3am) and were allowed to approach to 20 yards from our trenches. Our men and machine guns opened fire on them
and practically mowed them down like cutting grass. The attack was repulsed with heavy losses estimated roughly at 10,000 casualties. Several parties of Turks were taken prisoners and are being treated in a very good manner. The stretcher bearers are bringing in a good number of Turkish wounded and are being treated down at Beach Hospital. Some very large shells were fired at us, possibly from one of forts this morning and did very little damage although they make a good deal of noise and smoke. Some of the pieces of shell are an inch and a half thick and are thought to be 12 gauge shells. About ten were dropped on the beach. General Walker was slightly wounded today.
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“The attack was repulsed with heavy losses estimated roughly at 10,000 casualties. Several parties of Turks were taken prisoners and are being treated in a very good manner.”
A bullet wound in the cheek. Went down to beach again in the evening for candles. An attack was made this afternoon by NZ and some LH. But have not heard of a result. An attack is expected tonight and all available men have been placed behind our support trenches. All men are holding themselves in readiness.”
very warm. Heavy naval fire in the distance. Reports state Turks are being heavily reinforced tonight. Was on commutator from 9-12pm all lines were very busy and fullest confidence was always felt throughout the whole division.”
On 20 May 1915 Frank was called out to stand to arms at 3am.
“Only occasional shrapnel falling and very little rifle fire. Went down to beach at about 8.30am. Very warm today. More LH arrived yesterday and NZ from down south. Hardly a sound heard during afternoon. About 7 o’clock six 9 gauge shells landed a few dozen yards from us burying two men and wounding four.”
“Took my turn on commutator at 3.15am. A good deal of rifle fire was carried on by enemy but got very little reply from our men. Machine guns are playing terrible havoc with enemy when they advance in close formation. German Biplane passed over our position at 10am this morning. Black crosses were clearly shown. Dropped a bomb but did no damage. Fell in water. Usual shell fire during day. Armistice arranged 5-7pm. On ceasing very heavy artillery bombardment commenced lasting for a couple of hours. Our artillery must have found a good target as they kept going well into night, which was very risky as it gave their position away (flashes). Four Japanese bomb throwers were tried in our trenches for the first time last night and proved a thorough success. Days are continuing to be fine but
Things were quieter the next day…
Such notes are both a rare and eye opening insight to World War I. We are grateful to Pip Need for painstakingly transcribing the diary to enable us to share some of its entries and we will bring you more of its specific details in future Reveille editions. Maroochy RSL is deeply grateful to have been privileged to be the caretaker of Sapper Favell’s diary and its reflections by one man at the frontline of a war that is at the very heart of our nation and our history.
Lest we forget.
Reveille AUTUMN edition 2017 | 21
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 Friday 9.00am - 4.00pm 2017 League Briefings 20 March 2017 No Breifing in April 15 May 2017
Naval Association of Australia
The Maroochy Waters Sub-Section meets at RSL House, Maroochydore on the second Sunday each month at 10.30am. 2017 Meetings 12 March 2017 9 April 2017 14 May 2017 Expressions of interest and all enquiries should be directed to the Secretary at PO Box 615, Maroochydore QLD 4558 Phone: 07 5443 1719
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. 2017 Meetings 15 March 2017 19 April 2017 17 May 2017 Please feel free to come along to the meetings, partners are most welcome.
Legacy Laurel Club
Maroochydore
Meetings are held at RSL House, Maroochydore on the fourth Friday of each month at 9.00am. 2017 Meetings 24 March 2017 28 April 2017 26 May 2017 All eligible widows are most welcome. Sunshine Coast Legatees are always available to assist with any concerns members may have. For additional information contact: Nita on 07 5453 4329 or Barbara on 07 5445 4768
22 | MAROOCHY RSL - caring for the veteran community
National Servicemen’s Association
Maroochydore
Meetings at RSL House on second Tuesday of every odd month at 10.00am (9.00am chat). 2017 Meetings 14 March 2017 9 May 2017 For more information call Don Holt, 07 5446 5953
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. 2017 Meetings 6 March 2017 3 April 2017 No Meeting in May For more information call the Secretary, Andrena King on 07 5496 9081
Ex-Service Women’s Association
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. 2017 Meetings 2 March 2017 6 April 2017 4 May 2017 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.
Australian War Widows Queensland 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. 2017 Meetings 27 March 2017 24 April 2017 22 May 2017 Contact: Shirley Murphy 07 5437 6560
Come and join us. Contact: Larraine on 07 5448 6037
Reveille AUTUMN edition 2017 | 23
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 19 March 2017 The business to be transacted at this meeting will be: 1. To confirm the minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 20 March 2016 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 2016 will be available to financial members at the meeting. By Order of the Board
Clare Paton Secretary