REVEille caring for the veteran community | SUMMER edition 2012/13
The price of liberty is eternal vigilance
RSL House
Ex-Service Organisations
106 Memorial Ave, Maroochydore Phone: 07 5443 1719 Fax: 07 5443 7551 email: rslhouse@maroochyrsl.com.au
These groups meet regularly in RSL House, please feel welcome to attend.
Office Hours Monday to Thursday 9.00am - 4.00pm Friday 9.00am - 1.00pm
Museum Hours Monday to Thursday 9.00am - 2.00pm Friday 9.00am - 12.00pm
For more information about upcoming meetings refer to page 22. EDA Association - third Thursday at 9.30am Ex-Service Women’s Association - first Thursday, 10.00am chat, 10.30am meeting Legacy Laurel Club - fourth Friday at 9.00am National Service Association - second Tuesday, 9.00am chat, 10.00am meeting Naval Association - second Sunday at 10.30am
Monthly General Meetings
TPI Association - third Wednesday at 10.30am
Third Monday of the month at 2.00pm 17 December
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 02 | MAROOCHY RSL - caring for the veteran community
Contents Reminder to all Sub Branch Members........... 3 President’s Report.......................................... 4 CEO’s Report................................................. 5 Welfare Report................................................ 6 A Man Who Has Made His Mark..................... 8 Brian Realises His Dream.............................. 9
IMPORTANT Reminder to all Sub Branch Members Wishing all the Sub Branch members a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Please note that your membership is now due for renewal and you have until the end of February 2013 to renew. The fees are $20 per annum. If you have not paid your fees by the end of February you will need to fill out a ‘Renewal Form’ when you come in to pay your fees. Please note that this could cause a break in your membership continuity with the Sub Branch. If there is a valid reason that you have not paid before this date, for example due to illness, we can apply to have your membership continuity reinstated.
Renewing The Spirit of Kokoda.................... 10 Soldier On.................................................... 12 Stepping Out................................................ 13 Bursary Boosts............................................. 13 Australian Soldier Honoured........................ 14 Lest We Forget............................................. 16 Operation Astute.......................................... 19 A Soldier’s Diary........................................... 20 Meetings....................................................... 22 Joke.............................................................. 23 Defence Ensigns.......................................... 24
If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the Sub Branch. We also have ‘Life Subscription’ payments which vary with different age groups and are a good way of making sure that you don’t forget to pay your fees. Wishing you all well for the future and hope to see you soon. REMINDER: All our general meetings are held on the 3rd Monday of each month at 2.00pm. We would be happy to see you there. Frith Hasler Membership Officer
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR EMAILING LIST If you wish to receive emails about current Veteran related issues and Sub Branch League information, please subscribe through the link on our website at: www.rslmaroochydoresubbranch.com.au Reveille summer edition 2012/13 | 03
President’s Report The merger of the Club and the Sub Branch is now complete, and while our offical business name is the Returned and Service League of Australia (Queensland Branch), Maroochydore RSL Sub-Branch, we will be trading as Maroochy RSL. The various sub committees are working well and Corporate Governance Training is to be undertaken by the end of the year. Thank you to Michael Liddelow, Geoff Opray, and Malcolm Colclough for their chairmanship of the various sub committees and valued input over the past several months. The Bowls Club remains unsold but there are interested parties as we go to press. With the increase in taxes (Carbon Tax and Gaming Tax) on our revenue base, it will be harder this year to contribute, as in the past, to various Sunshine Coast Organisations. These limitations will be discussed at the monthly meetings in RSL House. There have been some requests from veterans to have an aural history recorded. We have obtained a set of authorised questions and will be in the process of interviewing in the very near future. If you know of any veteran who would like to contribute then please ask them to contact Pip Hindle on (07) 5443 1719. Our first AGM for the new entity will be conducted in the first quarter of 2013. The Board thanks our employees for their continued professionalism and we thank you, our members, for your patronage and loyalty. As the festive season will be soon upon us the Board sends you our greetings and wish you all safe travel and good health with family and friends. Les D’Alton Maroochy RSL President
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CEO’s Report Hello Everyone, This is the second edition of the new format of Reveille. Taxes imposed by Government, without warning or discussions, subject our business activities to serious strain. Never the less, we look forward to a busy and eventful trading period leading up to the Christmas period. We continue to be involved in our community through bursaries to local high schools, supporting our veterans and their families and contributing to various supporting bodies throughout the Coast. The Club has a number of exciting events planned, between now and the Christmas season. They include our Christmas Major Cash Draw, ham raffles, live entertainment and dining. We are looking to increase the numbers of our pension staff, including a paid advocate to assist the volunteer staff with their large work load. The House and Finance Committee approved the donation of the stationary Diesel Generator at the Swan Bowls Club to the Kokoda Charity Organisation based in Papua New Guinea. To read more about this organisation refer to page 10. We note, with deep sadness, the continuing loss of fine young soldiers in Afghanistan – these losses feed our determination to be as strong a Sub Branch as possible – thus enabling us to provide assistance to the next generation of returned service men and service women. Ubique Harvey Fewings MAICD Maroochy RSL CEO Remembrance Day Service at Cotton Tree Cenotaph Pictured above: Councillor Chris Thompson, Maroochydore Police Senior Sergeant Gavin Marsh, Assistant Commissioner Superintendent Stephan Gollschewski, Hon Fiona Simpson MP Speaker of the House, RSL Sunshine Coast & Regional District President Kerry Cook, Maroochy RSL President Les D’Alton
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Some of the welfare team from left to right: Jon Welch, Wally Gibbons, Sharon Moore, Alan Bullock, and Harry Winters
Welfare Report Season’s greetings from the welfare team. As another year comes to an end, we look forward to another successful year ahead. Our welfare team have been very busy delivering a range of social support to our veterans, ex-servicemen, women and their families. Since the last edition of Reveille, our team has grown with two additional volunteers.
We welcome aboard ‘Skip’ Anthony and Tony Ernst. Skip has taken on the role of driver and is currently working alongside Jon Welch transporting Wally to and from his duties as nursing home visitor. He also carries out a range of other transport requests in his spare time. Tony is offering transport and social support on a Wednesday morning. We are always on the lookout for volunteers, so if you are interested please feel free to come see me in RSL House anytime Monday to Friday.
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Welfare Update As well as over 150 telephone calls the following welfare duties were carried out over the last three months: Home Visits 17 Nursing Home
16 visits to 95 residents
Hospital Visits
32 visits to 272 patients
Transport Requests
23
Walk in Support (Office) 14 Poppy Services
8
Some information that may be of benefit: Veterans Home Maintenance Line Service (VHML) 1800 801 945 This service provides advice on general property maintenance matters such as plumbing, electrical issues and gardening services. They offer a referral service to you for local, reliable and efficient tradespeople. You will need to pay for the tradespeople you obtain. Members of the veteran community can use this service.
The types of potential hazards that an assessor will look for in and around your home are hazardous areas such as:
• • • •
Loose or dangerous floor coverings Floors that are slippery Poor lighting Loose floor boards or tiles
There are many different aides that can be provided and installed, and a few of the most common ones that can be supplied and fitted to reduce the risk of falls are items such as:
• • • • •
Security lighting Wall reels for the garden hose Slip mats for the shower Ramps to enter/exit the home Hand rails
The cost associated with the installations of any aids the assessor recommends shall be discussed first with the veteran and any costs over and above the annual allowance of $211 shall be met by the veteran. For more information please contact Home Front on 1800 801 945.
Property maintenance and home inspection lines are open Monday to Friday between 9.00am and 5.00pm and the emergency property advice is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
May I take this opportunity on behalf of the welfare team to wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year and we will see you again in 2013.
Home Front 1800 801 445 Falls prevention and personal safety program.
Sharon Moore Maroochy RSL Welfare Manager
Home Front is a program which offers a free home assessment and offsets $211 per year to help in the provision and installation of aids to reduce the risk of accidents and falls within your home. Additionally it provides information about the services that DVA and other community support programs can provide to help enhance your quality of life at home. To be eligible you must be a gold or white card holder. Reveille summer edition 2012/13 | 07
A man who has made his mark Neal ‘Prickles’ Longden has been a long serving member of Maroochy RSL Sub Branch and over the years has contributed in many ways to the club, his fellow members and his local community.
that “I just do it because I love to do it”. The fact is Neal well knows the hardships of war. His own father was just a lad of 16 when he fought at Gallipoli, so Neal believes that giving his time for a greater cause is a calling.
In 1978 Neal first became involved with Maroochy RSL. Neal is a man who enjoys helping others and encouraging people to get involved. He volunteers his time and energy to Maroochy RSL for many projects. Neal can often be seen tending to the Cotton Tree Cenotaph at first light. He takes pride in keeping the lawns and gardens trimmed and weed free.
In his own time Neal enjoys life with Lillian, his wife of 60 years. They met when Neal was serving in the Australian Air Force and despite their relationship being pegged to only last 6 months, they recently celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary with friends at their favourite venue – Maroochy RSL.
Neal was recruited to head the important Poppy Service program in 2008 after a short apprenticeship of only a few months. A poppy service recognizes service to the military by deceased personnel, involving giving a brief history of their military service and the laying of a symbolic red poppy as a tribute. True to form, Neal embraced the role and proudly tackled the responsibilities, including the reading and presentation of eulogies and the Australian flag to victim’s families. Every year on Remembrance Day, Neal and his grandson, who travels up from Brisbane to share this special day, dedicate their time to sell poppies and raise much-needed funds, before heading to Maroochy RSL for a drink. Neal is shy about the immeasurable support he provides to assist others, simply saying MAROOCHY caring for the veteran community 08 | caring forRSL the- veteran community
Brian realises his dream Brian Ginn has been tireless in his efforts behind the scenes and in front of media cameras to see the new Sunshine Coast University Hospital happen, even when past government leaders behind the project wavered. The unflappable 75-year-old is terminally ill and has faced several health setbacks over the past four years whilst leading the local community’s campaign for the hospital. But Brian stood proudly with State Premier Campbell Newman (pictured below) to turn the first sod at the hospital site in September this year, wielding the specially made silver spade whilst leaning on the Premier for physical support. “He held me up, but not my hospital!” Brian laughed. “I have spent a lot of time at our two regional hospitals and seen many sick children, women and elderly people waiting a long time for care; it just is not right,” he said. Just a few years ago Brian led a march of 2,000 protesters alongside local State MP Jarrod Bleije to bring attention to the urgent need for health care, ensuring the project got the green light at last. “I wanted to do something that would last long after me to help others, so I’m pleased to see the work has started on site,” Brian said. “The next challenge I’ve asked Jarrod Bleije to meet, is to auction off that silver shovel to tip more money into the hospital, and I will be checking up on him!”
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Renewing the spirit of Kokoda
The Memorial Archway at Kokoda means more to Len Thompson than to most people who pass it on the Kokoda Track. Len was involved in building the first nine Memorial Archways in October and December 2010. In October 2012 he travelled to install the Oro Headdress adjacent to the Rising Sun on the Archway. The Archway stands in the Village of Kokoda, in the Oro Province, and the newly acquired solid brass Headdress required funds of $10,000 to be raised before it could be installed.
Another major project that Len gave his time and sweat to finish, was the local Community Hall in the small village of Koko. Before the War, Koko was the main village in the area. The Hall cost in excess of AUD $80,000 and it took three years to raise the funds to buy the materials. In October 2011, ten volunteers from Australia, including Len and Sunshine Coast local, Grant Robinson, paid their own way to Papua New Guinea to build the Hall by hand in only ten days. It is the first and only Hall of its kind, built for the descendants of the ‘Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels’ as a Thank You from all Australians.
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The Hall is used almost every day for training courses organised by the Kokoda Track Foundation, including school teacher training, health and first aid classes, cooking, needlecraft and more. Koko, Kokoda and all other local villages have no electricity and most have no water supply. The two water tanks erected at the Hall have saved the Koko townspeople a four kilometre round trip walk for gathering safe drinking water. Len said that most of the people and villages along the Kokoda Track have very little or no creature comforts that are often taken for granted in Australia. “These people are the descendants of the ‘Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels’ that helped Australian troops during the Battle for Australia, carrying sick and wounded soldiers, and
supplies for the troops during the Kokoda campaign in 1942. But no Australian aid funding to Papua New Guinea is shared with this area to date,” Len said. “Unfortunately there are also some unscrupulous trekking companies taking walkers over the Owen Stanley Ranges via the Kokoda Track who do not do the right thing by the porters or villagers either and that is sad,” Len said. “I would urge anyone considering completing the trek to use a very good, ethical company like Kokoda Spirit, which is by far the largest and best trekking company operating on the Kokoda Track and based here on the Sunshine Coast. Returning to Kokoda means a lot to me and is something that every Australian should experience.”
s y RSL ha Marooch d e v ppro recently a on of the ti a the don diesel stationary r to the generato ls zzy Ange Fuzzy Wu
Koko Community Hall
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G ENHANCIN INSPIRING ING EMPOWER
Soldier On The purpose of Soldier On is to support troops and their families who have been wounded, physically or psychologically, on contemporary operations. Founded in January 2012 and launched publicly in April 2012, the mission of founders and ex-servicemen, John Bale and Cavin Wilson, was to give something back to their mates and colleagues. The three pillars of Soldier On’s vision are Enhancing Australia’s capacity to care for its wounded, Inspiring wounded soldiers and their communities and Empowering our wounded to achieve their goals and dreams. Using these pillars, Soldier On can help everyday Australians to understand effects of both physical and mental wounds to a soldier’s personal and professional life. Guest Speaker at the Maroochydore RSL Sub Branch 80th Birthday Celebration, MAJGEN John Cantwell AO, DSC (Retd) is a patron for Soldier On. With more than 38 years of service, MAJGEN Cantwell said, “One of the many challenges faced by our recently wounded veterans is rebuilding self-confidence. It is vital that they show their family, friends and, above all, themselves, that they are undefeated despite physical
or emotional damage. Soldier On plays an outstanding role in helping to achieve this goal, through sponsorship of places in challenging outdoor pursuits, assistance with specialist care and unflinching support for our heroic veterans.” Soldier On has many other Patrons and Ambassadors including Soldier On Patron in Chief Mark Donaldson VC, Patron and well known writer and author Bryce Courtenay, war photographer Tim Page, and singer Tina Arena, former Prime Minister Hon. John Howard and, Keith Payne VC. How can you help? You can get involved by fundraising, leaving a bequest, sponsorship, monthly gifts or donating funds. Simply go to the website www.soldieron.org.au
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STEPPING OUT PROGRAM The ‘Stepping Out Program’ was developed to assist Defence Force Personnel during the transitional phase of exiting the Defence Force and returning to civilian life. Stepping Out is an initiative of the Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service. Stepping Out is a program which soldiers, seamen, airmen and women, can attend voluntarily with their partners if they are leaving the ADF, or have done so in the past twelve months.
smooth transition into civilian life. The two day course is held in 15 VVCS locations across Australia, and covers topics such as skills for planning ahead, skills for staying motivated and adaptable, expectations, attitudes, maintaining relationships and seeking support. For more information on the Stepping Out Program you can go to www.dva.gov.au
The aim of the program is to provide assistance to ADF personnel by providing them with the information and skills for a
BURSARY BOOSTS PAULA’S NURSING STUDIES Second year nursing student of University of the Sunshine Coast, Paula Lambert, has received a helping hand from the War Widows Guild Maroochydore Sub Branch. Paula received the $500 bursary which is awarded annually by the guild to a USC Nursing student under the age of 25. The bursary was first established in 1996 and was renamed to honour Wyn Rahilly, a former Guild and U3A stalwart. Wyn received one of the first Honorary Senior Fellowships from USC in 1999 and was heavily involved in building relationships between the University and community groups. The War Widows Guild started during World War II to provide companionship and support.
War Widows’ Guild Maroochydore Presentation of the yearly ‘Bursary in Memory of Wyn Rahilly’ to Paula Lambert, a second year nursing student, from the University of the Sunshine Coast. Reveille summer edition 2012/13 | 13
Australian Soldier Honoured with Victoria Cross Corporal Daniel Alan Keighran VC has been invested as the recipient of Australia’s 99th Victoria Cross by Governor-General Quentin Bryce during a ceremony at Government House, Canberra. His citation reads: “For the most conspicuous acts of gallantry and extreme devotion to duty in action in circumstances of great peril at Derapet, Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan, as part of the Mentoring Task Force One on Operation SLIPPER” on 24 August 2010. At the time, Corporal Keighran was a member of the 6th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment which was deployed to Afghanistan with Mentoring Task Force One.
Corporal Keighran, who was born in Nambour on the Sunshine Coast, became just the third recipient of the Victoria Cross for Australia, which in 1991 replaced the British or Imperial Victoria Cross awarded to 96 Australians. He is the first member of the Royal Australian Regiment to receive the country’s highest military honour. Corporal Keighran said he was surprised and honoured to receive the award. “This is a very unexpected and humbling experience and I don’t think it has really sunk in yet,” Corporal Keighran said. “I am very proud of the boys from Delta Company, 6 RAR and how they performed that
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day. This award is as much for their efforts as it is for mine. “I would also like to acknowledge my family, friends and especially my wife Kathryn. They have been very supportive throughout my service and deployments and I would like to recognise and thank them.” The Chief of the Defence Force, General David Hurley, congratulated Corporal Daniel Keighran, VC on being awarded the Victoria Cross for Australia. “Corporal Keighran acted with exceptional clarity and composure that spread to those soldiers around him, giving them confidence to operate effectively in an extremely stressful and dangerous situation,” General Hurley said. “His actions identified and suppressed enemy firing points and turned the fight in our favour. “Corporal Keighran joins an esteemed group of Australians revered for their courage in combat. The official citation will show that ‘his valour is in keeping with the finest traditions
of the Australian Army and the Australian Defence Force,’ but perhaps the greatest honour comes from one of his comrades who said ‘I would fight to serve with Corporal Dan Keighran in the future’.” The Chief of Army, Lieutenant General David Morrison, commented on the enduring humility, dedication and mateship demonstrated by Corporal Keighran. “Corporal Keighran has shown tremendous humility and has continually recognised that his actions were undertaken as part of a team,” Lieutenant General Morrison said. “His dedication to his mates and to the operation saw him repeatedly put himself in harm’s way that day. He epitomises ‘Duty First’, the motto of the Royal Australian Regiment. The valour of his actions and those of the other members of his patrol, are exemplars of the very best in Australian soldiering,” Lieutenant General Morrison said. http://www.defence.gov.au/defencenews/stories/2012/nov/1101.htm
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We utter that perpeptual phrase, ‘Lest We Forget’, for so many reasons. Honouring the sacrifices of those who have served the nation in wartime.
LEST WE FORGET Australian Defence Force casualties in Afghanistan Operation Slipper is notable for the first Australian combat deaths since the Vietnam War, and to date all casualties have occurred during operations in Afghanistan. 39 Australian soldiers have been killed and 242 wounded (including two sailors), the majority since October 2007. Another Australian was killed while serving with the British Army. 1. Andrew Russell, 33, a sergeant in the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR). On 16 February 2002, Russell was travelling through southern Afghanistan with four other Australian soldiers when their Long Range Patrol Vehicle struck a land mine, severely injuring him. He was taken to a US military hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds. 2. David Pearce, 41, a trooper from the 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment, serving with MTF-3, was killed on 8 October 2007 while serving in Oru¯ zga¯ n Province. 3. Matthew Locke MG, 33, a sergeant in the Special Air Service Regiment. On 25 October 2007, Locke, who was serving a second tour of duty in Oru¯ zga¯ n Province Afghanistan, was engaged in a firefight with members of the Taliban militia, when he was injured in the chest by small arms fire. Other soldiers in his unit provided first-aid care prior to and during evacuation to a medical facility, where he died a short time later. Gurkha Lance Corporal Agnish Thapa, serving in the 1st Royal Gurkha Rifles, British Army was awarded the Military Cross for running 100 metres through enemy machine gun and RPG fire and extracted Locke by
physically dragging him back to cover. During his first tour of duty, Locke had been awarded the Medal for Gallantry. 4. Luke Worsley, 26, a private in the 4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (Commando), was serving with Special Operations Task Group. He was shot and killed by small arms fire on 23 November 2007 during an attempt to take a heavily defended Taliban position. 5. Jason Marks, 27, a lance corporal in the 4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (Commando). He was killed on the 28 April 2008 after an intense firefight with Taliban insurgents, when a RPG landed near the patrol vehicle he was taking cover behind whilst reloading his weapon. The attack occurred 25 kilometres south of the Australian base at Tarin Kowt in Oru¯ zga¯ n Province. Four other Australian soldiers were wounded in the attack. All five were flown to a nearby US military hospital, where the wounded were expected to fully recover. 6. Sean McCarthy, 25, a signalman in the Special Air Service Regiment. He, two other SASR soldiers and a soldier from another country were wounded when the vehicle they were travelling in was attacked by a roadside bomb on 8 July 2008 during a patol in Oru¯ zga¯ n Province. McCarthy died from his wounds after being evacuated to the SOTG’s base at Tarin Kowt. He was on his 2nd tour of duty in Afghanistan. The two other Australians wounded in the attack returned to duty on 11 July.
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7. Michael Fussell, 25, a lieutenant in the 4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (Commando). As he and his team were conducting a dismounted patrol on 27 November 2008 they were struck by an improvised explosive device (IED), killing Fussell. 8. Gregory Michael Sher, 30, a private in the 1st Commando Regiment, Australian Special Operations Command was killed by a rocket attack in Oru¯ zga¯ n Province on 4 January 2009. 9. Mathew Hopkins, 21, a corporal in the 7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment. He was attacked and fatally injured on 16 March 2009 while on patrol as part of a mentoring and reconstruction taskforce patrol operating with members of the Afghan National Army, near a village 12 kilometres north of Tarin Kowt. 10. Brett Till, 31, a sergeant and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technician from the Incident Response Regiment. He was killed on 19 March 2009 while trying to defuse an IED. 11. Benjamin Ranaudo, 22, a private in the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, serving with MRTF 2. He was killed on 18 July 2009 by an anti-personnel explosive device during an operation against a compound of interest in the Baluchi Valley. 12. Jacob Moerland, 21, a sapper in the 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment, serving with MTF 1. He was killed on 7 June 2010 by an IED while participating in an Australian patrol conducting operations in the Miribad Valley region of Oru¯ zga¯ n Province. 13. Darren Smith, 25, a sapper in the 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment, serving with MTF 1. He was injured on 7 June 2010 by an IED in the same incident as Moerland while participating in an Australian patrol conducting operations in the Miribad Valley region of Oru¯ zga¯ n Province. He subsequently died of wounds after being evacuated to an International Security Assistance Force hospital. Also killed was his explosives detection dog, Herbie.
14. Scott Palmer, 27, a private in the 2nd Commando Regiment, serving with SOTG. He was killed in the crash of a US UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter on 21 June 2010, during operations in the Shah Wali Kot. 15. Timothy Aplin, 38, a private in the 2nd Commando Regiment, serving with SOTG. He was killed in the crash of a US UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter on 21 June 2010, during operations in the Shah Wali Kot. 16. Benjamin Chuck, 27, a private in the 2nd Commando Regiment, serving with SOTG. He subsequently died of his injuries following the crash of a US UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter on 21 June 2010, during operations in the Shah Wali Kot. 17. Nathan Bewes, 23, a private in the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (6 RAR), serving with MTF 1. Private Bewes was killed and another wounded following an improvised explosive device on 9 July 2010 in the Chora Valley region. 18. Jason Brown, 29, a trooper in the Special Air Service Regiment. Brown was shot and killed on 13 August 2010 during a “disruption operation” in northern Kandahar. 19. Grant Kirby, 35, a private in the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, serving with MTF 1. Private Kirby was killed by an IED after dismounting from a Bushmaster PMV in an overwatch position during an operation in the Baluchi Valley on 20 August 2010. 20. Thomas Dale, 21, a private in the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, serving with MTF 1. Private Dale was killed by an IED after dismounting from a Bushmaster PMV in an overwatch position during an operation in the Baluchi Valley on 20 August 2010. 21. Jared MacKinney, 28, a lance corporal in the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, serving with MTF 1. Lance Corporal MacKinney was shot and killed in Deh Rahwod, in the western part of Oru¯ zga¯ n Province, during the Battle of Derapet on 24 August 2010.
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22. Richard Atkinson, 22, a corporal in the 1st Combat Engineer Regiment, serving with MTF 2. Corporal Atkinson was killed by an improvised bomb in the Tangi Valley, southern Uruzgan province on 2 February 2011. 23. Jamie Larcombe, 21, a sapper in the 1st Combat Engineer Regiment, serving with MTF 2. Sapper Larcombe and an Afghan man employed as an interpreter were shot in the Mirabad Region on 19 February 2011. 24. Brett Wood MG, DSM, 32, a sergeant in the 2nd Commando Regiment, serving with the SOTG. Wood was killed by an IED on 23 May 2011, during his third tour of duty in Afghanistan. 25. Andrew Jones, 25, a lance corporal in the 9th Force Support Battalion, was shot by a member of the Afghan National Army on his way to guard duty at a patrol base in the Chora Valley on 30 May 2011. 26. Marcus Sean Case, 27, a lieutenant in the 6th Aviation Regiment. Case was killed when an Australian Chinook helicopter crashed east of Tarin Kowt during a re-supply mission in Zabul Province. This was Case’s first deployment to Afghanistan. 27. Rowan Robinson, 23, a sapper in the Sydney-based Incident Response Regiment serving with SOTG. Robinson was killed in action on 6 June 2011 during his second deployment to Afghanistan. 28. Todd Langley, 35, a sergeant in the Sydney-based 2nd Commando Regiment, serving with SOTG. Langley was shot and killed on 4 July 2011 during his fifth deployment to Afghanistan. 29. Matthew Lambert, 26, a private in the Townsville-based 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (2 RAR), serving with MTF 3. Lambert was killed by an IED in the Khaz Oru¯ zga¯ n region on the 22 August 2011. It was his first deployment to Afghanistan.
30. Bryce Duffy, 26, a captain in the 4th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, serving with MTF 3 was shot and killed by a member of the Afghan National Army on 29 October 2011. 31. Ashley Birt, 22, a corporal serving as a Geospatial Technician in the 6th Engineer Support Regiment. Birt was shot and killed by a member of the Afghan National Army on 29 October 2011. 32. Luke Gavin, 27, a lance corporal from 2 RAR, serving with MTF 3 was shot and killed by a member of the Afghan National Army on 29 October 2011. 33. Blaine Diddams, 40, a sergeant in the Special Air Service Regiment serving with the SOTG was shot and killed during an engagement with insurgents on 2 July 2012. 34. Nathanael John Aubrey Galagher, 23, a private serving with the Special Operations Task Group was killed in a helicopter crash on 30 August 2012. 35. Mervyn John McDonald, 30, a lance corporal serving with the Special Operations Task Group was killed in a helicopter crash on 30 August 2012. 36. Stjepan Milosevic, 40, a lance corporal from 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment serving with the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment TG (3 RAR TG) was shot and killed by a member of the Afghan National Army on 30 August 2012. 37. Robert Hugh Frederick Poate, 23, a private from 6 RAR serving with the 3 RAR TG was shot and killed by a member of the Afghan National Army on 30 August 2012. 38. James Thomas Martin, 21, a sapper from the 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment (2 CER) serving with the 3 RAR TG was shot and killed by a member of the Afghan National Army on 30 August 2012. 39. Scott James Smith, 24, a corporal with the Special Operations Task Group, was killed in an IED explosion on 21 October 2012. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Defence_Force_ casualties_in_Afghanistan
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OPERATION ASTUTE Operation ASTUTE is the Australian Defence Force’s continuing contribution to the maintenance of peace and stability in East Timor. The operation commenced in 2006 following a request from the Government of East Timor with the support of the United Nations to the Australian Government for the creation of a multi-national security force to assist with stability operations within East Timor. The Australian-led International Stabilisation Force (ISF) consists of Navy, Army and Air Force personnel from both Australia and New Zealand. The ISF currently consists of about 460 personnel from the Australian (390 personnel) and New Zealand (70 personnel) Defence Forces.
Malaysian Policeman and Australian Timor-Leste Battle Group soldiers conducted a vehicle check point for people of interest in the mountain area south of Dili in the district of Dare.
The current rotation of troops is led by Australian Army officer, Lieutenant Colonel Mick Sasse, with Royal New Zealand Navy officer, Commander Andrew Nuttall, serving as the Deputy Commander. The ISF consists of a number of sub-groups, including the Timor Leste Aviation Group (TLAG), which operates S-70 Australian Army Blackhawk helicopters, and the ANZAC Infantry Company, which comprises Australian and New Zealand infantry soldiers. This ANZAC force is keeping alive the tradition forged on the shores of Gallipoli when Australians and New Zealand soldiers served as a unified force. Other ISF groups include command, logistic, signals and maintenance/repair teams. The ISF continues to conduct activities in Dili and regional areas focusing primarily on community engagement.
A member of the Australian Army Military Police hands out East Timor flags to celebrate the Restoration of Independence in East Timor.
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a Soldier’s Diary Original excerpt from the diary of F.E. Favell. Frank Favell’s son, Neil Favell donated his father’s diary to the Maroochydore RSL Sub Branch Military Museum.
Gallipoli is very similar to our country in many ways. The weather is (so far) just the same as Sydney. We are very well off for water as there are many springs in the vicinity of where we are fighting. The water is very good. The earth is sort of clay which when wet sticks to everything it gets near. Parts of it is not very solid, which when dug outs are made near them, slide in. Several men have met their death in this way and many have had narrow escapes. The country about here is very hilly which when one looks at them you wonder how it was possible for our men to ever taken them and at the point of the bayonet. The sailors on the beach could not do enough for us. The hills are covered with thick scrub from 3 to 12 feet in height. Offering splendid cover for troops. Sunlight very long here from about 7.30pm to 8.45pm beautiful sunsets and pleasant evenings. Very warm during day now. 19-7-15 Days getting much shorter now also cool in mornings. NP. Men being very well dug in. Weather continues to be warm. Received mail today 5 letters being for me. Information arrives that Americans are giving Turkey a good deal of trouble in north, having risen up against them with a force of 20000 men, well armed. Our patrols go out every night and visit enemy line and gather information at times. Very heavy bombardment commenced about 5.30pm and lasting till 7pm by Turks a night attack is expected. 19-5-15 An attack was made by turks about midnight (&3am) and were allowed to approach to 20yds from our trenches. Our men and machine guns opened fire on them and practically mowed them down as 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 1 ½” thick and are thought to be 12” shells. About ten were dropped on the beach. General Walker was slightly wounded today. 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.
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But have not heard of result. An attack is expected tonight and all available men have been placed behind our support trenches. All men are holding themselves in readiness. 20-5-15 Was called out about 3am to stand to arms. 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). 4 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 very warm. Heavy naval fire in the distance. Reports state Turks are being heavily reinforced tonight. Was on com from 9-12pm all lines were very busy and fullest confidence was always felt throughout the whole division. 21-5-15 Things very quiet this morning 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 7o’clock 6 shells 9” were landed a few dozen yards from us Burreying (sic) 2 men wounded 4.
22-5-15 Was on commentator from 12-3am. Rained during morning causing a little inconvenience as ground is of clayish formation and everywhere it touches it sticks. Reported death of Gen Bridges from wounds. Great excitement on water this morning. Transports leave in a hurry and a good deal of naval activity, manoeuvres of battleships, cruisers, destroyers etc indicated the presence of what was thought to be a hostile submarine. Excitement dies down towards evening. Went and relieved Jimmy Don on A.R and was on phone from 8-12pm. Things very quiet. 23-5-15 One month this morning since we landed. Dug a home for myself in side of hill. German aeroplane flew over our position and dropped a bomb in Second Bn killing one man. Sniping is carried on in “Sniper Valley” very consistently. The black crosses were seen very distinctly from ground. On phone from 12-4pm. 24-5-15 On phone from 4-8am. Armistice was declared today from 7.30am till 4.30pm (9hours) to bury the dead. Seemed so unnatural to hear all quiet. Received 3 letters yesterday. Mails coming very regularly. Also 2 ‘suns’ and one ‘times’. Improved dug out while sun shone. Scattered showers otherwise muggy. Heavy naval fire heard in distance. We are up against the “crack” invasion of the Turkish army (vonsanders).
Saw a demonstration of Jap bomb throwers who are reported to be playing havoc with enemy in trenches. One pce of shell came down a yard from me and buried itself a couple of inches in the earth. Reveille summer edition 2012/13 | 21
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 Thursday 9.00am - 4.00pm Friday 9.00am - 1.00pm Museum Hours Monday to Thursday 9.00am - 2.00pm Friday 9.00am - 12.00pm 2013 General Meetings 21 January 2013 18 February 2013 18 March 2013 15 April 2013
Naval Association of Australia
The Maroochy Waters Sub-Section Meets at RSL House, Maroochydore on the second Sunday each month at 10.30am. 2013 Meetings 13 January 2013 10 February 2013 10 March 2013 14 April 2013 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. 2013 Meetings 16 January 2013 20 February 2013 20 March 2013 Please feel free to come along to the meetings, Partners are most welcome. 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. 2013 Meetings 25 January 2013 22 February 2013 22 March 2013 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 5453 4329 or Barbara on 5445 4768
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JOKE
Ex-Service Women’s Association
Our meetings are happy ones and well attended. We have the occasional guest speaker and all prove most interesting. 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.
Having just moved into his new office, a pompous, new colonel was sitting at his desk when an airman knocked on the door. Conscious of his new position, the colonel quickly picked up the phone, told the airman to enter, then said into the phone, “Yes, General, I’ll be seeing him this afternoon and I’ll pass along your message. In the meantime, thank you for your good wishes, sir.” Feeling as though he had sufficiently impressed the young enlisted man, he asked, “What do you want?” “Nothing important, sir,” the airman replied, “I’m just here to hook up your telephone.”
2013 Meetings No meeting in January 7 February 2013 7 March 2013 4 April 2013 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. Come and join us. Contact: Janice on 5444 5248 or Margaret on 5445 1584
Women’s Auxiliary
Maroochydore RSL Sub Branch
Meetings are on the first Monday each month at 9.30am for a cuppa and chat, meeting starts at 10.00am. 2013 Meetings No meeting in Janruary 4 February 2013 4 March 2013 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 forth 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. 2013 Meetings 21 January 25 February 25 March Contact: Shirley Murphy 5437 6560
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Defence EnsignS The flags of the Australian Defence Force and government services have also become known as ensigns. The Australian Army has no separate ensign but has the ceremonial role of protector of the Australian National Flag. The Australian Defence Force ensign represents the three services of the Australian Defence Force. The Defence Force emblem in the centre of the flag is a symbol of the three services. The crossed swords represent the Australian Army, the anchor represents the Royal Australian Navy and the eagle represents the Royal Australian Air Force.
Defence Ensigns The red stripe on the flag represents Defence Ensigns the Australian Army, the dark blue stripe represents the Royal Australian Navy and
the light blue stripe represents the Royal Australian Air Force. The Commonwealth Star and the boomerang on the Australian Defence Force ensign represent Australia. The Australian Defence Force ensign was proclaimed on 12 April 2000. The Royal Australian Navy adopted the Australian white ensign in 1967. The Australian white ensign is an Australian National Flag with a white background. It is flown from the stern of naval vessels. The Australian National Flag is flown from the bow. The Royal Australian Air Force ensign was adopted in 1948. It is an Australian National Flag with a light blue background. A leaping red kangaroo was added in 1982.
Australian Defence Force ensign
Australian Defence Force ensign Australian Defence Force ensign
The Royal Australian Navy ensign
Australian white ensign (Navy) Australian white ensign (Navy) The Royal Australian Air Force ensign
The Royal Australian Air Force ensign (Blue) The Royal Australian Air Force ensign (Blue)
The flags of the Australian Defence Force and government services have also become kn The flags of the Australian Defence Force and government services have also become kn