REVEille caring for the veteran community | SPRING edition 2014
The price of liberty is eternal vigilance
Contents Notice to all League Members.................... 3 President’s Report....................................... 4 CEO’s Report.............................................. 5 Welfare Report............................................. 6
RSL House
Ex-Service Organisations
membersHIP
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.
Welcome to the Spring Edition of Reveille. This will be my last message to you all for the next 12 months as I will be going on maternity leave. Stepping in to my role will be Ian Hicks. Ian has military experience having served in the Army for 20 years and I am sure that he will a most valuable asset to the volunteers, staff and clients at RSL House.
Office Hours
For more information about upcoming meetings refer to page 22.
Monday to Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm
Ex-Service Women’s Association - first Thursday, 10.00am chat, 10.30am meeting
Museum Hours
Legacy Laurel Club - fourth Friday at 9.00am
Monday to Thursday 9.00am - 2.00pm Friday 9.00am - 12.00pm
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, 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 at 9.00am 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 From the Cover Private George ‘Eric’ Cherry - Returning from Scott’s Point, September 1915 02 | MAROOCHY RSL - caring for the veteran community
Please note that your membership is due for renewal from 1st December 2014 to 28th February 2015. We will be sending out a reminder to you as the renewal period approaches. Annual fees are $20, which also covers you for complimentary membership at Maroochy RSL. If you are interested in Life Subscription, please contact us to find out more details. With Remembrance Day approaching we will be selling badges at Maroochy RSL and Sunshine Plaza. If you are able to assist us by volunteering 3 hours of your time to help raise funds for veteran welfare, please contact RSL House on 07 5443 1719. Pip Need League Administration Manager RSL House
Young Veterans Forum brings people together....................................................... 8 Thanks Prickles........................................... 9 Australian soldier shares rare WWI memorabilia with RSL............................... 10 Cooee Ball................................................. 12 Nita Tupper - Legacy Laurel...................... 14 Retired veteran finds his passion in serving others.............................................15 Defence Force Recruiting (DFR)............... 16 Museum ................................................... 18 Diary of Sidney R Brady............................ 20 Meetings ................................................... 22
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR EMAILING LIST If you wish to receive emails about current veteran related issues and League information, please subscribe through the link on our website at: www.maroochyrsl.com.au Reveille SPRING edition 2014 | 03
President’s Report Over the past few months a number of significant events have taken place at Maroochy RSL. It has become very evident that our younger contemporary veterans and former and current members of the Australian Defence Force are reluctant to become members of an RSL Sub Branch. As a result of this Maroochy RSL conducted a Young Veterans Forum in July which was attended by the younger and older members of the Defence community. A lot of useful information was imparted to those attending as well as how we can move forward and engage with our younger serving and non serving Defence members. August was an exciting month, the sale of the Swan Bowls Club was finalised, the extension to the gaming room was completed and the unveiling of the Pte Eric Cherry, WW1 photographic and memorabilia display on level one by his two surviving daughters, Mrs Elizabeth Skerman and Mrs Esme Coultis was followed by the Cooee Ball. Neal “Prickles” Longden has been a member of the Maroochy RSL Sub Branch since 2007 and he has undertaken volunteer work maintaining the Cotton Tree Cenotaph as well as conducting RSL Poppy Services for our deceased veteran community. In recognition of his dedicated service to Maroochy RSL a small plaque was affixed to a seat at the Cotton Tree Cenotaph. Neil and his wife Lil have decided to move to Goodna to be closer to family. We wish Neal and Lil all the best.
CEO’s Report Welcome everyone, to the Spring edition of Reveille for 2014. We have enjoyed a busy winter, highlighted with the unveiling of our level one memorabilia display and Cooee Ball commemorations. At the Cooee Ball guests were treated to a glimpse of what our troops went through in WWI thanks to Private George ‘Eric’ Cherry, featured on our front cover of this edition and throughout our memorabilia display. Private Cherry did a tour of duty as part of a medical unit in 1915. We were privileged to have Private Cherry’s daughters, Elizabeth and Esme on hand to officially unveil the display, as well as his extended family. With the ANZAC Centenary commemorations underway, Maroochy RSL is honoured to be the custodian of the images and artefacts featured in the display, which stand as a poignant and timely reminder of the many sacrifices that our service men and women endured. We invite all members and guests to visit the display at your leisure to view Private Cherry’s pictures and other WWI memorabilia. With Spring upon us, we commemorate another important date on the RSL calendar, Remembrance Day. Join us at the Cotton Tree Cenotaph on 11 November as we pay our respects and honour the many brave men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in defence of our country.
A steering committee chaired by the Deputy President Len Thompson OAM has been established and is currently reviewing the current and future strategic direction of Maroochy RSL to ensure a sustainable future.
Please also enjoy our regular Volunteer profile and Welfare report in this edition of Reveille, as well as a special profile on one of our long serving volunteers, Neal ‘Prickles’ Longden. ‘Prickles’ has been the leading hand assisting in the upkeep of the Cotton Tree Cenotaph for many years. For personal reasons, ‘Prickles’ and his lovely wife, Lil, have had to move to Brisbane to be closer to their family. To pay tribute to ‘Prickles’ tireless efforts, a honorary plaque has been installed on one of the bench seats overlooking the Cenotaph. We say thank you to Prickles, for his support and dedication to maintaining the dignity and beauty of the Cotton Tree Cenotaph.
Our next major commemorative event for 2014 is Remembrance Day at the Cotton Tree Cenotaph.
I hope you all enjoy the Spring edition of Reveille and on behalf of the team at Maroochy RSL, I look forward to welcoming you to Maroochy RSL soon.
Michael Liddelow Maroochy RSL President
Clare Paton Maroochy RSL CEO
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Welfare Report Welcome to the penultimate report of 2014. Hasn’t the time flown! The welfare team is still growing with the addition of our new nursing home visitor David Cheatley. Dave is assisting Wally on the weekly nursing home visits. We sadly say goodbye to our cenotaph boys. Prickles has decided to move to Brisbane with his lovely wife Lil to be near family and to Michael who has gone overseas for a well earned rest. We wish them both the very best of health and wish to thank them for their contribution. We welcome our two new cenotaph volunteers, Billy Shaw and Geoff Fallis, who are doing a wonderful job. Thank you and welcome aboard. Items of interest for you this edition include; community vegetable garden, Saturday shopper trips, and details of our League outings for the next few months and new activities proposed for former and current defence personnel and their children. Member Activities: Our outings over the last few months have been very successful and have incorporated many laughs and opportunities to get together, make new friends and do something you wouldn’t ordinarily have the opportunity to do. Numbers have risen steadily over the last year and we now have the capacity to have 36 on each trip.
Former and Current Defence Personnel We are seeking feedback from you and your families on future activities and outings. The aim is to provide subsidised activities and we are seeking ideas from YOU! We have many ideas but this is your community. What do you want to do?
Last 3 Outings for the Year *Please note changes to dates * LOCATION
DATE
PRICE PER PERSON
7
Top Shots: Price includes unlimited mini golf, rides and sausage sizzle.
11 October 2014
$10.00 Member $15.00 Non-Member
8
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary: Price includes transport, entry and morning tea (lunch at own cost)
21 October 2014
$20.00 Member $25.00 Non-Member
9
Christmas Outing: Maroochy River Cruise: Price includes transport, 3 hour cruise and BBQ lunch with dessert, tea and coffee.
7 December 2014
$30.00 Member $20.00 Child $40.00 Non-Member
If you would like to experience one of our regular outings why don’t you join us on Saturday 11 October at 10.00am at Top Shots Fun Park in Maroochydore where you can enjoy the following activities: • • • • • •
Mini golf on either of the two courses, Blaster Boats, Rock Climbing Wall, Extreme Vertical Trampoline Inflatable Water Slide Cannon Blasters
Sausage sizzle with soft drink is included. Cost is $10 per League member and $15 non-member. Please call RSL House on 5443 1719 to book. Calling All Green Fingers Have you lost your large garden through downsizing or just don’t have the time, money or expertise to build your own veggie garden and want to eat healthy, organic, wholesome food? We may have the answer for you. We are seeking all veterans, former and current defence personnel to get together and build our very own Maroochy RSL community vegetable garden. The location would be on the roof of the car park with the most spectacular outlook and would incorporate an area to house our very own fresh grown herbs and flowers. There will also be a social
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area with the following items to name a few: raised waist high garden beds, shade cloth, greenhouse, garden shed for tools, picnic bench/chairs with umbrella and a water tank so we can play our part in helping the environment. We will also have a heater so you can have a cup of tea and a chat even in winter time. After spending time here at RSL House or over at Maroochy RSL how easy it will be to pop upstairs on the lift and get some rosemary for the lamb or basil for the chicken. So if you have a spare hour and fancy the idea of a social get together every week as well as the reward of some fresh vegetables home grown by you then please register your interest at RSL House or call 5443 1719 for further details. A committee of members is sought first and foremost to help plan YOUR garden, as well as volunteers.
Suncare Monthly Shopper and Mystery Tour Community Alternative Transport (C.A.T.S) is providing a Saturday monthly shopper tour. The next one is 27th September. So if you fancy a trip up the hill to the idyllic village of Montville then please call Suncare on 5443 2644. Cost is $10 per person return. Seats are limited, booking is essential. There will also be a fortnightly mystery shopper tour. Again, cost is $10 per person. Jump on board and enjoy the ride to some of our local shopping areas around the coast and hinterland. Seats are limited so please call Suncare to register or for further details on 5443 2644. Volunteers are also being sought to assist with this activity, please call Suncare on 5443 2644 for further information.
Sharon Moore Maroochy RSL Welfare Manager Reveille SPRING edition 2014 | 07
Young Veterans Forum brings people together
Thanks Prickles
On July 10 Maroochy RSL hosted a Young Veterans Forum that provided many current and ex-servicemen and women a chance to meet at the Sunshine Coast.
Lifetime member of the Maroochy RSL and Sub Branch volunteer Neal ‘Prickles’ Longden has been recognised for his outstanding commitment to Maroochy RSL and the local community at the Cotton Tree Cenotaph.
The forum shared practical information about the range of support available to individuals and their families from a number of government, State RSL sponsored organisations and Maroochy RSL itself. Up to 45 people aged from their 20s to 60s participated in the event, to share information, ideas and socialise together. President of Maroochy RSL Michael Liddelow said the forum was an excellent opportunity for the veterans to meet and listen to several organisations about their support services and to put a friendly face to the contact details. “We had a number of guest speakers from different organisations come along and present information about their respective areas of expertise and the help they can offer when needed,” Michael said. “Some of the organisations included the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Mates4Mates, Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling
Service and Soldier On, as well as Maroochy RSL’s Pension and Welfare Team.” “Attendees had plenty of opportunity to then ask questions and make suggestions about what they would like to see happen within the veteran community of the Sunshine Coast.” Michael said a number of different outcomes were achieved at the forum that will be implemented in the near future at the RSL. “From the forum we were able to establish the real need for family orientated activities for the younger members of the defence community,” he said. “We were also able to establish a young veterans’ database to enable us to keep up frequent contact and provide updates about upcoming support or activities. Anyone who was not able to come along on the day is warmly welcomed to contact us and join that database.” Maroochy RSL is now planning to host a fun family day for young veterans and further activities for those seeking new adventures in good company. To register your interest please call Maroochy RSL House on 5443 1719
‘Prickles’ served in the Royal Australian Air Force for 23 years and wanted to be able to give something back to the veteran community by assisting in a volunteer capacity at Maroochy RSL. The 85 year old has been a volunteer at the Sub Branch for over seven years offering his services wherever he can including operating as main funeral officer carrying out regular poppy services. One of his biggest commitments has been maintaining the Cotton Tree Cenotaph and it’s surrounds for over five years to ensure those who have fallen and paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country are honoured in the way they deserve. ‘Prickles’ would often be seen at the Cenotaph from 5.00am working away tirelessly at ensuring it is in pristine condition. For ‘Prickles’ a need to be closer to family has meant a move to Brisbane, away from his volunteer efforts at the Cenotaph and Maroochy RSL from which he will be sincerely missed. Maroochy RSL President Michael Liddleow said the Sub Branch is extremely thankful for ‘Prickles’ efforts over the years. “Prickles has been an enormous asset to Maroochy RSL, and he embodies all of the qualities of which the RSL stands for.” He said. Maroochy RSL has recognised ‘Prickles’ contributions at the Cotton Tree Cenotaph by installing a plaque in his honor at the site.
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Nathan has toured overseas to the Solomon Islands, Iraq and Afghanistan and he believes the photographs and diary of his ancestor offer a very rare glimpse of the life of a solider in combat. “The nature of conflict then compared to today is really different, the basic elements are the same but the massive loss of life during those years for a seemingly fruitless gain would today be regarded as criminally negligent,” Nathan said. “The strength of character of those soldiers is extraordinary, especially given their youth.”
Australian soldier shares rare WWI memorabilia with RSL Lietenant Nathan Coultis joined Maroochy RSL as we unveiled his great grandfather’s priceless WWI negatives, original photos and diary at the commemorative Cooee Ball in August.
“There are a range of photos from WWI that provide insight into the life of Private Cherry who was a medic and exposed to the frontline frequently, having to bring casualties back to base on a daily basis,” he said. Despite his busy schedule and time with his family Nathan uses what little spare time he has left adding to a presentation his father worked on researching piers in the photographs, trying to match them to specific locations and to identify soldiers in the photos by searching through WWI archives. The rare WWI negatives, photo album and diary are on display for the public at the new memorial area on level one of Maroochy RSL.
The Cooee Ball was held to commemorate the sacrifices of Australian forces and showcase precious memorabilia to commemorate the upcoming ANZAC Day centenary. Lieutenant Coultis is the great grandson of Private George Frederic Cherry, who kept a photo album of never seen before photos from his tour of duty during the Great War, as well as his diary with notations relating to the images taken.
Nathan has himself served in the Australian Defence Force for more than 15 years, the fourth generation to keep up the tradition of his family’s long history of service since his great great grandfather and both great grandfathers served in WWI.
Nathan attended the Cooee Ball alongside his father Eric, his grandmother and greataunt who publicly unveiled the rare artefacts from WWI to the Sunshine Coast community.
Nathan grew up around army bases, following his father Eric’s military career; and he knew from a young age that his career ambition would be to join the Army.
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Cooee B all
4.
A captivated crowd watched on as Maroochy RSL’s new memorial area on level one was unveiled and images from 100 years ago started lighting up people’s eyes. We were honoured to have the direct descendants of Private George ‘Eric’ Cherry, who donated the rare photos, to assist in opening the new memorial area and be the first to view it. Maroochy RSL would like to thank the Skerman and Coultis families and everyone who attended the Cooee Ball for making it a wonderful night all will remember. The memorial area is now open to the public and we invite all members and guests to visit and explore the area where Private Cherry’s photos are on display along with other WWI memorabilia.
1. 5.
2.
6.
3.
1. Coultis Family 2. Nathan Coultis with Drew Wall 3. Cooee Ball dance floor with Scream Big Band
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4. Elizabeth Skerman (left) and Esme Coultis (right) officially open the new memorial area with Maroochy RSL President Michael Liddelow (left) and Jon Welch (right) 5. Nathan Coultis inspects some WWI memorabilia 6. Maroochy RSL President Michael Liddelow with Elizabeth Skerman
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Nita Tupper – Legacy Laurel
Retired veteran finds his passion in serving others
Nita thanks Legacy for two and a half decades of support
After a long and fruitful career in the Royal Australia Air Force, Maroochy RSL volunteer Peter McAndrew continues to give back to the local community.
Legacy Laurel member Nita Tupper is approaching a decade of serving but the club has held a large part of her heart for 24 years.
Better known as ‘Pygmy’, a nickname he picked up more than 35 years ago when serving in Darwin, the volunteer driver offers his time to the Sub Branch each week.
Following her husband’s death in 1989, Nita admits to suffering through some of her darkest times and says that Legacy helped pick her back up again. “The first person that comes to you when you’re suffering through one of the hardest times in your life is so important, and memorable, and for me that was Legacy,” she said. “I was married to a man who was involved in conflict in Korea and Malaysia and we never spoke about what would happen should anything ever happen to him.” When Nita’s husband tragically passed 24 years ago she did not seek help but then it literally showed up on her doorstep. A member of the Sandgate RSL at the time approached Nita after seeing her husband’s notice in the local paper. Nita said she would never forget what the ladies of Legacy have done for her over the years. “They were the first people to come to my door and offer help, and I am so grateful to the society,” she said. After moving to the Sunshine Coast in 2005, Nita’s first priority was to find the War Widow’s society and become involved and she has not looked back since. “I’ve been so lucky with the friendships I’ve made, they are the loveliest ladies,” she said.
Pygmy spent 22 years serving in the RAAF as a radio technician between 1972 and 1993 and has over 40 years’ experience in electronics since completing his trade in the Air Force at Laverton in Victoria. Nita said it is important for anyone to have the support of friends and family in time of loss. “We’re fortunate in this day and age to have people who care and make an effort to show it, and I cannot thank Legacy enough,” Nita said. Along with the other members of Legacy Laurel, Nita urges widows of servicemen from across the Sunshine Coast, young and old, to get involved.
Although his service in the defence force ended in 1993, it wasn’t until four years ago that the veteran joined the Sub Branch after a member of the Board approached him and suggested he become a volunteer. “I decided to come on board with the Sub Branch after a conversation with Board Member Jon Welch – then I saw the great work that some of the volunteers were doing and how beneficial it was to them and others!” he said.
“The work they do here for ex-servicemen and women is fantastic. If I had known there was such a range of help available when I needed it, certain times in my life would have been easier.” Pygmy volunteers his time each Friday by attending four retirement villages with Wally Gibbons to visit ex-service men and women to spend time with them and offer any assistance they require. Pygmy said people like Wally are the reason he volunteers his time. “Wally is 93 years old, legally blind and spends his time visiting people who are younger than him, he has a huge heart!” “It’s an absolute pleasure volunteering with him as his driver, the ex-service men and women truly appreciate all that he does and I know they really look forward to his visits,” Pygmy said. If you’re interested in volunteering too, please visit the Sub Branch today for more information or call 5443 1719.
The ladies attend monthly meetings and social outings and in June they met with the Member for Maroochydore, Fiona Simpson who brought along Premier Campbell Newman’s wife, Lisa Newman. All of the ladies were delighted to meet the Premier’s wife at the memorable meeting. The next important meeting will be held on Wednesday 22 October when Chrissy Fletcher of ‘Adopt a Digger’ will attend the meeting to speak with members about the program.
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Defence Force Recruiting (DFR) MAROOCHYDORE UPDATE BY THE DFR TEAM
It has been another busy quarter for the centre, as the number of candidates we process from the region continues to expand weekly. The recent Sunshine Coast Careers Expo proved to be very successful, with a record number of school students attending the Defence Force Recruiting Stand. At this point of time in the academic calendar, we are targeting High School students in year 10 and 11 to begin considering their Military career options. ADFA is a university like no other, offering combined military and leadership training with a world class degree from the University of New South Wales (UNSW). It has the best student-to-teacher
ratio in the country, amazing sports and recreational facilities and is one of Australia’s most respected universities. ADFA offers degrees in a wide range of disciplines, including Arts, Business, Engineering, Information Technology, Science and Technology. Navy Midshipmen and Army and Air Force Officer Cadets will receive a salary between $37,088 and $52,358 per year. All Higher HELP fees (previously known as HECS) will be covered and most textbooks are paid for. In addition to academic studies, students will learn the fundamental knowledge, skills and attitudes required to be an officer in the ADF.
Information sessions are held in our Maroochydore offices, and seats are limited. Upcoming information sessions Information session
Location
Date Time
ADF information
DFR Maroochydore, 35 - 39 Primary School Crt, Maroochydore
30 Sep 2014
6.00pm - 8.00pm
ADF general information
DFR Maroochydore, 35 - 39 Primary School Crt, Maroochydore
01 Oct 2014
6.00pm - 8.00pm
Women in the ADF general information
DFR Maroochydore, 35 - 39 Primary School Crt, Maroochydore
02 Oct 2014
6.00pm - 8.00pm
For further information to book an information session, please call our centre on 07 5459 8700. Otheror roles we are curre ntly recruiting for are: AVAILABILITY OF JOBS IS NOT GUARANTEED. Other roles we are currently recruiting for are:
Top Ten Reasons to Study at ADFA 1.
Get Paid to Study;
2. Get a top quality education and graduate with a degree; 3. Study with the best university teacher to student ratio; 4. Learn to be a leader; 5. Challenge yourself with exciting and rewarding experiences; 6. Undertake adventure training and personal development; 7. Meet a diverse range of people; 8. Start an extraordinary career that will take you around Australia and the world; 9.
Take advantage of unique post-graduate courses and scholarship opportunities; and,
10. Graduate with a guaranteed job. 16 | MAROOCHY RSL - caring for the veteran community
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MUSEUM The Maroochy RSL House Museum is home to an array of military relics and we gave curator, Joe McCaffrey the hard task of choosing just a couple to profile for this edition. The museum is open to the public to view on Monday to Thursday from 9.00am - 2.00pm and on Friday from 9.00am - midday. Memorial plaque (Dead Man’s Penny) In October 1916 the British Government set up a committee regarding the idea for a commemorative memorial plaque that could be given to the relatives of men and women whose deaths were attributable to World War I. Committee members were chosen from the House of Commons, the House of Lords and some government departments. In 1917, the committee established a competition for anyone to enter who could put forward a suitable design for a bronze plaque to record the name of a fallen British forces serviceman or woman. On March 20th 1918 the results of the competition were announced in the Times newspaper. This was the day before the German army launched an unexpected attack on several miles of the British front on the Somme battlefield in France. By the end of the next day, there were several thousand more British casualties caused by this attack, whose names would be added to the list of those to be commemorated by the memorial plaque. 18 | MAROOCHY RSL - caring for the veteran community
Silk postcards Weaving silk was a popular activity in Europe throughout the 1800’s. One of the foremost silk weavers was Thomas Stevens who, by 1865, registered his silk bookmark and described his silk articles as Stevengraphs. Novelty postcards crafted from silk and cardboard first appeared in the late 1800’s. Throughout WWI soldiers would acquire souvenirs of their involvement in battles. As a result, convents throughout Europe organised workers to embroider affordable silk postcard-sized war themed items for them. Many of the silk postcards found their way to Australia and were kept by the soldiers’ loved ones and handed down through the generations. Reveille SPRING edition 2014 | 19
Diary of Sidney R Brady The remainder of the afternoon we spent in dodging shells and finding the rest of the Battalion, whom we eventually located, and then returned once again to our base, but not for rest, oh dear no! Dead tired as we all were, the Battalion paraded again and were soon on the march for a nights trench digging. Our Cpl. left that day with Enteritis and physical collapse, and finally arrived in flighty and our feelings as we saw him leave were indescribable, lucky devil! I was taken queer that evening, but recovered again the following day, which was to prove the most bloody and memorable one so far in the history of the 11th London Regiment. SUNDAY – 15th AUGUST, 1915 Following two or three hours rest at the base, we paraded at 11am, fighting order and in addition pick shovels, without anyone of us being aware that an attack was due to take place at 1pm, and little dreaming of the casualties in store for us. At that precise hour the men were suddenly ordered to fix bayonets and charge a crest named Kidney Hill, where the Turks were awaiting the oncoming rush hidden amongst the gorse, so prevalent in Gallipoli. As soon as the attack commenced, a veritable hail of shrapnel and rifle fire swept the ranks and the boys were dropping like flies, without a sight of the enemy to make for. We succeeded in clearing the enemy out of about 400 yards depth of wild country and in so doing, I think we lost about 400 or near enough in killed and wounded. A fair number were likewise despatched to hospital suffering from the effects of the broiling Gallipoli sun.
The first three wounded cases we attended to in this heathen country were Turks, one of whom had his wrist smashed to a pulp. Another on the left was shot through the lung, but was very cheerful and plucky in his agony, and he eventually recovered. A little in front we found an officer of the 1/10th London, wounded in the leg (and who was killed later at Sheikh Abbas, Palestine), and so this sorry and pitiable work continued. Late that night we found a nook to rest in; snipers’ bullets were coming over incessantly, but we had fairly good protection. Early in the morning, we passed two lines of roughly dug trenches, when the M/O was informed there were several cases on the other side of a crest in front of us, and he sent us to investigate. It was to no purpose, however, as on reaching the summit, we found our riflemen lying flat there and firing, and it was suicide to stand up. We immediately dropped down and later crawled back to report. We bandaged a few wounds here, and the Doctor fell back on a trench behind manned by a few of our men; here we had our hands full again, as there were many wounded lying about, blaspheming and craving for water, these were dressed and gave them of our scan supply of water, but were unable to get them away to hospital through lack of stretchers. Finally we fixed our aid post in the trench behind know as ONE TREE GULLY, and the rest of the day bearers were bringing in wounded; minor wounds, such as fingers, arms and legs, were lucky in being able to struggle down to the hospital so out of the conflict, but more serious cases had to wait at our Aid Post until such time as
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the stretcher parties from the Field Ambulance arrived. One poor chap had been hit in the leg, and was not brought in until two days later, having suffered meanwhile the intense cold at night and agonies of thirst during the heat of the days; mortification had set in and he was a case for the surgeon’s knife. There was a also an instance of cries being heard from a dangerous quarter “for stretcher bearers” and “for God’s sake give me water”, but he was never found, and probably died from exposure; some thought it may have been a ruse on the part of the Turks, but I should not think so. The Battalion remained in the above trenches about five days longer, no further attacks taking place, but we were continuously under incessant rifle fire and shrapnel. We had been hard at it all the time, and only the day before departure, did we manage to get an opportunity to dodge down to the Bay for a bathe and a shave. What a picture we were! Adorned with a bristly growth of beard, hands and faces covered in blood and grime, splashes of blood on our clothes, in fact, dirty from top to bottom. We managed to shave in a painful manner, and never enjoyed a bathe more than the ensuing dip. Some shrapnel was sweeping the road occasionally which we had to take to return to the firing line, but we didn’t mind much, the fact uppermost in our minds being that we were at last fairly clean; and what a devil of a job it was to get the blood out of our skins; it had soaked in so much that one had almost to scrub the skin off one’s hands to get it out. It had almost escaped my memory, a rather unpleasant experience I had at One Tree Gully. I was sleeping peacefully one night, when a thump on the back of the head brought me sharply to, and the shock must have unbalanced my mind for a bit, as I was told afterwards, I had been shouting I was hit in the head, which was so, but not by a bullet as I thought, but by a slab of
stone about a foot square which had become dislodged and rolled against my head, making a small slice herein. Poor old Sgt. Millicamp was killed during the fighting just describes, and Capt. Lewer, a very popular and capable officer was shot in the right lung, fatally as we thought, but he eventually made a wonderful recovery, although unfit for further service. Another incident I should mention was a violent bombardment by our naval forces on the Turkish position being a preliminary to an attack by the Essex, who gained their objectives, but were unable to hold them. From the summit of a crest, we witnessed a most impressive sight, a hill in flames, the gorse was set on fire by shellfire and spread with lightning rapidity, completely enveloping the hill with flames. Another evening, the Turks set fire to one of our troop ships, the outline of same showing up distinct, a mass of reddish yellow fire, against the dark background of the Isle of Imbros; as a spectacle, it was magnificent. I ascertained the following day with the aid of field glasses that a huge hole had been burnt out of the stern of the vessel, but the crew had managed to subdue the fire and keep the vessel afloat what a night’s work it must have been! One the 22nd of August 1915, we made our departure from One Tree Gully, the Battalion being relieved by troops from Achi Baba, and we took up a position on the extremely steep hills running down to the Gulf of Saros. This position was supposed to be a rest place, but proved to be a hot shop. In fact, immediately a torpedo boat commenced shelling Turkish positions on our left, and being able to see where the shells dropped, I realised we must be quite visible to the enemy, and that realisation became fact later on. We were molested that day, the wily Turk with his usual cunning allowing us to get settled down for his own purposes. Early in the morning a torpedo…
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Returned & Service League of Australia (Queensland Branch) Maroochydore RSL 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 2014 League Briefings 15 September 2014 20 October 2014 17 November 2014
Naval Association of Australia
The Maroochy Waters Sub-Section meets at RSL House, Maroochydore on the second Sunday each month at 10.30am. 2014 Meetings 14 September 2014 12 October 2014 9 November 2014 Expressions of interest and all enquiries should be directed to the Secretary at PO Box 615, Maroochydore QLD 4558 Phone: 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.
National Servicemen’s Association
Maroochydore
Meetings at RSL House on second Tuesday of every odd month at 10.00am. 2014 Meetings 9 September 2014 No Meeting in October 18 November 2014 For more information call Don Holt, 5446 5953
For any additional information please contact Tony Cresswick-Jackson, Secretary on 5493 4719 or 0400 576 118 e-mail: farmerjaxon@hotmail.com
Legacy Laurel Club
Maroochydore
Meetings are held at RSL House, Maroochydore on the fourth Friday of each month at 9.00am.
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. 2014 Meetings 1 September 2014 No Meeting in October 3 November 2014 (Cent Auction) For more information call the Secretary, Andrena King on 5496 9081
2014 Meetings 17 September 2014 15 October 2014 19 November 2014 Please feel free to come along to the meetings, Partners are most welcome.
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. 2014 Meetings 4 September 2014 2 October 2014 6 November 2014
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. 2014 Meetings 22 September 2014 27 October 2014 24 November 2014
2014 Meetings 26 September 2014 24 October 2014 28 November 2014
Where: RSL House, Maroochydore is still the place to be for a cuppa and a chat at 10.00am Contact: Shirley Murphy 5437 6560 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: Janice on 5444 5248 or Larraine on 5448 6037
For additional information contact: Nita on 5453 4329 or Barbara on 5445 4768
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Remembrance Day Commemorative Service Tuesday 11 November 2014 Cotton Tree Cenotaph Commencing 10.30am