REVEille caring for the veteran community | WINTER edition 2014
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 the RSL House, please feel welcome to attend.
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 02 | MAROOCHY RSL - caring for the veteran community
Contents Notice to all League Members ................... 3 President’s Report ...................................... 4 CEO’s Report ............................................. 5 Welfare Report ............................................ 6 Marking 100 Years of Military Aviation ........ 8
membersHIP Welcome members to our Winter Edition of Reveille. I am pleased to say that our membership figures are steadily increasing, and I would like to give a warm welcome to our new members. I encourage you to look at Sharon’s Welfare Report on Page 6 to check for the League Member Outings coming up. Spaces are limited so you need to book in quickly if you are interested in attending. ANZAC Day was an enormous success, and I would like to thank all of the volunteers and members who assisted with the commemorative occasion. Our services and parade were very well attended, and it is pleasing to see the increasing numbers each year. On page 19 of our last edition there was an article on Jade Hanchard, recipient of an RSL Youth Development Program grant, this article mentioned that successful recipients are guaranteed acceptance in Bond University, I apologise for the misinformation, as this is not the case. Recipients actually have the exclusive opportunity to apply for an RSL ANZAC Scholarship to cover 50% tuition fees for any single or combined degree at Bond University at the completion of high school; not guaranteed acceptance. I hope you all enjoy this edition of Reveille, and I look forward to seeing you all at one of our monthly League Briefings or attending one of our League Member Outings.
Pip Need Maroochy RSL League Administration Manager and Membership Officer
Maleny 5th Light Horse Troop Leads the Way ..................................................... 10 ANZAC Day 2014 ..................................... 12 Maroochydore Ex-Service Women’s Association celebrate 30 years ................ 14 Volunteer Grendell Antony continues to demonstrate the service spirit .................. 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 WINTER edition 2014 | 03
President’s Report Over the past few months we have seen a number of activities conducted in and around Maroochy RSL. At our recent AGM, Geoff Opray was returned as our Treasurer and two new members were elected to the Maroochy RSL Board to replace Frank Piper and Leisa Toomey who chose not to stand for re-election, namely Tom Killeen (Service Director) and Brian Simpson (Social Director). I would like to thank Frank and Leisa for their support of the Maroochy RSL Board over the past twelve months and welcome Tom and Brian. I am pleased to report that all the committees have been busy and the good governance of the Maroochy RSL continues. This year’s 99th ANZAC Day commemorative activities saw a significant increase in attendees at both services and at the League functions. I would like to thank the Board, volunteers and staff who gave up their time to support all the activities conducted on ANZAC Day. Planning is well underway for the unveiling of our WWI ANZAC Cove photographic display at the Cooee Ball to be conducted on the 9th August 2014. Tickets are available at RSL House. Over the past few months the Pension and Welfare teams have been extremely busy providing ongoing support and advice to our Veteran Community. Sharon Moore, our Welfare Manager has conducted three very successful League outings so far this year and they have been well supported by League members. Bookings are limited and it is strongly suggested you get in early and register your name. It is with deep regret that I inform all members of the passing of Dawn Koehler, OAM on the 25th May 2014. Dawn was a Social Life Member of the Maroochy RSL, a Life Member with gold badge of the Maroochy RSL Women’s Auxiliary and a recipient of The National Certificate of Merit. Dawn has given 68 years of devoted service to the welfare of veterans and the community; for this she will always be held in highest regard and will be sadly missed. “Lest We Forget” Michael Liddelow Maroochy RSL President 04 | MAROOCHY RSL - caring for the veteran community
CEO’s Report Hello everyone and welcome to the Winter edition of Reveille. The team have compiled interesting details from events of the last three months to share with you, plus we have some new sections that are sure to make your Reveille more enjoyable. Looking back over the past three months, the lovely Sunshine Coast weather provided a spectacular backdrop for our ANZAC Day commemorations at the Cotton Tree Cenotaph. Despite the heat, we had a tremendous crowd congregate to support and honour our many current and ex service men and women. We were also thrilled to see the younger generations honouring their family’s memories by marching in the place of some of our lost heroes. All in all, it was a tremendous day, due largely to our volunteers from our Board of Directors, RSL House and staff. A genuine thank you to everyone who worked tirelessly to ensure the day went smoothly; quite simply, without your selfless contribution and assistance, the day would not be possible. Looking ahead over winter, we have the privilege of unveiling never before seen WWI images from the private collection of Private George Cherry and other select pieces of memorabilia from WWI. The images, kindly donated to Maroochy RSL by Ms Elizabeth Skerman, Pte Cherry’s daughter, will be displayed in an exhibit on level one. We will unveil the exhibit at 5.30pm on the evening of Saturday 9 August 2014, prior to the Cooee Ball commemoration to be held immediately after in the Events Centre. The collection of rare images has gained national media attention and we expect the unveiling and Cooee Ball to be a popular event. We invite you to join us, so please contact RSL House to make your table booking or see the back cover of this Reveille for more details. The team at Maroochy RSL is dedicated to ensuring that our veterans, our volunteers and our staff have an enjoyable place to visit and work, and are respected, supported and acknowledged. We thank everyone who contributes to this and encourage you to be involved and share in the movement. Please enjoy the Winter edition of Reveille and I look forward to welcoming you to Maroochy RSL soon. Clare Paton Maroochy RSL CEO
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Welfare Report Welcome to the second welfare report of 2014. Easter and ANZAC Day have come and gone for another year and I can’t believe we are in the second half of the year already. Items of interest for you this edition include; free stamps, cheap stamps, useful numbers and details of our League outings for the next few months.
My Post Concession Account
Receive a concession card and digital mailbox. If you hold one of the following cards you may be eligible to apply. In return you will receive 5 free concession stamps and the ability to purchase up to 50 concession stamps per year. Holders of the following Federal Government concession cards can apply: Department of Veteran’s Affairs Card Veterans’ Repatriation Health Card Pensioner Concession Card Health Care Card Commonwealth Seniors Health Card Sign up on line or pop into your local post office to collect the application forms. Further information can also be viewed online at: auspost.com.au/mypost.
Some useful Contact Numbers RSL House: 5443 1719 Maroochydore VAN Office: 5479 5112 Veterans Home Care: 1300 550 450 Home Front: 1800 801 945 DVA Booked Car With Driver: 1800 550 455 Home Assist Kunda Park: 5476 6130 Home Assist Caloundra: 5491 7489 Home Assist Noosa: 5329 6181 Community Transport: 5443 2644 Meals on Wheels: 5443 3426 Meals4U: 5494 0113 RSL Courtesy Bus: 5443 2211
Veterans’ Outings Parrots in Paradise A very bright and cheerful day was presented to the members at the recent outing to Parrots in Paradise in February. It was an extremely hot day and plenty of water was to be had with some homemade hand fans being made available for us to use. Beautiful homemade morning tea was provided by Andrena and Jan from the Women’s Auxiliary and lunch was had on site. All in all a very interesting and colourful day.
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Kookaburra River Queen Cruise Another beautiful day donned the morning in April where we all boarded the coach and headed south to Brisbane for a magnificent river cruise aboard the majestic Kookaburra River Queen. Magnificent commentary told the tales from the past, the present and the future. A lovely lunch was provided on board with scrumptious desserts and the on board entertainment coming from “Cheeky Col� and his accordion. A sing song and a laugh were had by all before docking back at Eagles Point where we had a well-earned snooze on our way back to the Sunny Coast. The subsidised outings are aimed at your welfare and wellbeing. They give you the opportunity to participate in community activities normally out of your reach. Please contact RSL House on 5443 1719 if you are interested in participating on any of our following outings. Payment is required at time of booking and non-refundable if your seats cannot be filled at short notice. Please note dates may change so please check nearer the time to confirm.
Sharon Moore Maroochy RSL Welfare Manager LOCATION
DATE
PRICE PER PERSON
27 June 2014
$10.00
1
Caboolture Historical Village: Price includes transport, entry, tour, and morning tea (lunch at own cost)
2
The Big Pineapple and Qld Zoo (formerly known as Alma Park Zoo) Ettamogah Pub for lunch: Price includes transport, entry, train ride, plus morning tea (lunch at own cost)
11 August 2014
$15.00
3
RAAF Amberley: Price includes transport, entry, tour, morning and afternoon tea (lunch own cost).
September (TBC)
$10.00
4
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary: Price includes transport, entry and morning tea (lunch at own cost)
20 October 2014
$20.00
5
Christmas Outing: Maroochy River Cruise: Price includes transport, 3 hour cruise and BBQ lunch with desserts, tea and coffee.
8 December 2014
$30.00
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Marking 100 Years of Military Aviation This year marks the centenary of military aviation and is being commemorated nationwide by the Royal Australian Air Force.
“Air Force has evolved so much in 100 years, however we must continue to acknowledge the lessons of the past and remember those who came before us.”
On 1 March 1914, Lieutenant Eric Harrison took off in a Bristol Boxkite Aircraft at Point Cook and his flight established the Australian Flying Corps in World War I.
Maroochy RSL member, RSL House volunteer and RAAF ex-serviceman Grendell ‘Skip’ Antony said the Airman Air Crew come together every two years for a reunion for Air Force ex-servicemen from around the country.
While the Australian Flying Corps was separated at the end of WWI, Australia was committed to retaining a military air service. Gifted 128 surplus aircraft by British Forces, the Royal Australian Air Force was formed as a permanent service in 1921, only the second independent air force in the world. The Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Geoff Brown AO, said it was important to remember the significant contribution that past aviators had made to the Air Force of today. “As our Air Force hosts the celebration of the centenary of Australia’s first military flight we are also focused on maintaining the traditions of service that have built the world’s second oldest air force, the Royal Australian Air Force,” Air Marshal Brown said.
“We try to keep in contact as much as we can by computer but everyone has busy lives to lead so it’s always enjoyable to meet in person,” he said. “Every two years we have a reunion to keep in contact; I haven’t missed any reunions yet and this year is special, being the centenary commemorations.” Grendell suggested at their last meeting that the Sunshine Coast be the host location. So on the weekend of the 17th and 18th of October, Grendell and fellow ex-serviceman Shane Storer have organised for the Airman Air Crew to gather for a meet and greet on Friday night, followed by a dinner at the Events Centre at Maroochy RSL.
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Special guests from Maroochy RSL’s Board, State member for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson MP and Federal member for Fairfax Clive Palmer MP have also been invited to attend. The Airman Air Crew are always looking for new members, especially any ex-servicemen who flew Lancaster bombers in World War II. “We believe a lot of ex-servicemen who were part of the Lancaster bomber crew are members of the RAAF Association in Kawana. We would be delighted if they might come and join us at the reunion – everyone is very welcome,” Grendell said. If you’re an ex-serviceman and interested in joining the group for centenary commemorations or know of someone who might, please feel welcome to contact RSL House for more information on 07 5443 1719.
“We believe a lot of ex-servicemen who were part of the Lancaster bomber crew are members of the RAAF Association in Kawana. We would be delighted if they might come and join us at the reunion – everyone is very welcome,” Grendell said.
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Maleny 5th Light Horse troop leads the way The Maleny 5th Light Horse troop was established in 1992 and in just two decades it has the largest troop in Australia.
Brisbane this September to participate in the march to mark the Centenary of World War I. Their riders will make up one quarter of those participating in the parade.
The troop currently has eighteen riding members and approximately half a dozen people working with the horses and behind the scenes.
Each member of the Maleny troop is a volunteer and none have been involved in military conflict.
In between offering their services to ANZAC Day parades and the annual Maleny show, members of the troop spend many hours caring for their horses, as most riders own their animals. Among the yearly commitments they have coming up, the Maleny troop will travel to
President of the Maleny 5th Light Horse Troop Terry Murphy said that like many other members of the troop, his interest in keeping up the tradition of the troop stems from an ancestor’s war service. “My birthday wasn’t conscripted for the Vietnam War but my father fought during World War I and he received an OAM during
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his time in New Guinea,” Terry said. “I wear his medals in his honour when I’m riding on ANZAC Day, along with an Emeritus from the RSL, the highest award the RSL bestows on individuals,” he said. The President also wears his own OAM for Services to Veteran Affairs. The troop also strives to keep alive the spirit of the Light Horse by collecting equipment and memorabilia from around the country. The troop currently has some WWI tack gear, including boots and bridges, in their possession and keep it in such good condition that it’s all still in use! “We even have a pair of boots from WWI but they’re only just holding up,” Terry said. “You wouldn’t want to run in them!” The Maleny 5th Light Horse Troop commemorated ANZAC Day this year just as they always do – ahead of the march.
President of the Maleny 5th Light Horse troop Terry Murphy said Bob’s horse, Benny, was a part of the troop’s contingent at the Remembrance Day parade in 2012. Mr Allen attended that service and was wheeled forward to lay poppies and to be reunited with his horse. Benny, who had been restless, immediately calmed down and, despite having not spoken in months, Bob again found his voice. “All of a sudden Bob started speaking to his horse about their past, which was truly a beautiful moment to witness,” Terry said. Bob will be forever remembered and the Maroochy RSL would like to extend sincere condolences to the family and friends of a valued patron, member and friend: “Lest we forget”.
Attendees of the Maroochy RSL service would recognise Terry Murphy and member of the Maleny troop Diana Boudetye’s faces as they led the parade on horseback. Some people may also recognise Terry by his horse, the only Waler in the troop, 26-year-old Barney. Not only did the troop dedicate time to Maroochydore but also two riders attended the ANZAC Day service in Caloundra and 12 riders also rode in the parade in their home town of Maleny. The power of the Light Horse In January this year the Maleny troop, along with many members of the Sunshine Coast’s community, sadly farewelled the late Bob Allen. Bob Allen was a member of the Maleny troop and rode as Quartermaster until his health issues made him bed-bound. Reveille WINTER edition 2014 | 11
ANZAC DAY 2014 Maroochy RSL ANZAC Day Morning Service Commemoration, Cotton Tree Cenotaph.
Friday 25 April 2014 We will remember them
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Maroochydore Ex-Service Women’s Association celebrate 30 years On June 5 the Maroochydore Ex-Service Women’s Association will celebrate their 30th birthday with a luncheon at the Maroochy RSL Events Centre. Ex-service women from throughout Queensland have been invited to attend and celebrate the special occasion with guest speaker and Maroochy RSL President, Michael Liddelow. President of the Ex-Service Women’s Association Jan Thorne said the ladies look forward to seeing each others bright faces each time they meet, whether it be for an event or for their monthly catch up. “All members of the association are ex-service women who get together on the first Thursday of each month at RSL House for a catch up and a meeting,” she said. “The ladies, some of whom may not have seen each other for twelve months enjoy getting together and can pick up a conversation like no time has passed.” Throughout the year the ladies also organise two social outings where they travel by bus to different locations for the day. The association also recently awarded lifetime memberships to ten of their members at the end of 2013. Jan explained that the life membership is a form of recognition and honour for their members. “Those particular ladies were all World War II veterans who always show a great sense of camaraderie, friendship, loyalty and support within the association,” Jan said.
“The most important thing is honouring these fantastic women and their contributions.” Jan, who has been at the head of the association for more than five years, served in the Women’s Royal Australian Army Corp for a total of 17 years. Referred to as the post-war era, Jan served after WWII as a forerunner, a very important role for servicewomen in Australia today. Jan said the lifetime members’ ages range from 90 to 98-years-old and are a great group of women. “They’re a lively bunch, an absolute scream!” The newly awarded lifetime members are Betty Powell, Irene Boston, Gwen Ladner, Bonnie Gray, Audrey Martin, Dot Joppich, Irene Smith, Dorothy Powell, Bette Middleton, Peg Hadlow, Kathleen Wilson, Alise Meaker and Betty Birskeys.
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Volunteer Grendell Antony continues to demonstrate the service spirit Volunteer and ex-serviceman Grendell ‘Skip’ Antony is a familiar face for veterans, members and staff at Maroochy RSL and is well known for his support as a volunteer these days. Grendell served in the Air Force for 23 years from 1970 to 1993. He spent his first ten years in supplies and then re-mustered to spend his final 13 years as a Loadmaster. Grendell was given the nickname Skip, which originated in Adelaide during his Air Force training. “When I joined the Air Force in 1970, we went to Adelaide and took part in different forms of training. I was jumping from bush-to-bush thinking I was John Wayne or something,” he said. “All this jumping from one bush to another led everybody to start calling me ‘Skip’, and it stuck,” he laughed. In his time in the Air Force Skip logged more than 5,000 hours on a C130E Hercules, 691 hours on a C847C Chinook and 35 hours on an AS350B Squirrel helicopter, completing a grand total of almost 6,000 hours in the air. Three years ago he and his wife moved to the Sunshine Coast from Brisbane and Skip soon decided to offer his time as a volunteer.
“One of my friends from the Air Force was on the Queensland RSL board and he told me to go see the Maroochy RSL League,” he said. Skip did so and became a volunteer in the Welfare Section at RSL House. Having just completed a Welfare Officer course, he now spends his days visiting and helping veterans and assisting them at home. “I go on hospital and home visits to see veterans and war widows and see if I can help them in any way, it’s very rewarding in itself,” Skip said. As a part of his volunteer work Skip delivers the Poppy Services for veterans who served in the Australian, New Zealand or British forces who have passed away. Skip is also in charge of looking after the school children taking part in the ANZAC and Remembrance Day marches. He ensures everybody lines up and is waving their flag with the true ANZAC spirit. There is no doubt that the Maroochy RSL is lucky to have Skip on board but he insists he is lucky to have the RSL interests in his life. “I just like doing it, I really enjoy going out and helping people – it’s the same spirit of service that all military personnel ultimately have,” he said.
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Defence Force Recruiting (DFR) MAROOCHYDORE UPDATE BY THE DFR TEAM
It has been a busy quarter for DFR Maroochydore, processing an increasing number of Defence applicants from the region. We paused to mark the commemorations of the 99th ANZAC Day, and thank the Maroochy RSL for inviting DFR staff to represent the ADF in the ceremonies and parade. During the quarter we also hosted our annual Aspiring Women’s Leadership Forum where senior female school leaders from the Sunshine Coast region came together to share their experiences, and learn from the amazing guest speakers present. We were extremely fortunate to have CAPT Jessica Boyd from the Women in the Defence team, Ann Donnarumma, Director of Demi International Beauty Academy, and Clare Paton, CEO Maroochy RSL address the forum. The experiences and journeys shared by the guest speakers left the audience moved, touched and inspired to take on the next stage of challenges within their lives. Our campaign to recruit more Army Reserve recruits is well underway and we are looking for suitable candidates to fill positions at depots from Caboolture to Bundaberg. Recruits will undergo training in physical fitness, weapons, drill, navigation, advanced field craft (bush time) and receive tax free pay. Reserve service is perfect for those looking for a part time challenge in their life. There are currently numerous priority job roles within the ADF, all of which are being actively recruited through our centre. One such role is Aviation Technician Avionics in the Navy where upon completion of training you receive
a Certificate IV as an Aviation Technician and then have the opportunity to complete a Certificate III in Electrotechnology; the standard required for industrial and household electricians. In this role you will work alongside state of the art Defence rotary wing aircraft where you are not only required to conduct your primary technician duties, but also form an integral part of the ships company. The requirement to go to sea will increase with the new Canberra class ships coming on line. Whilst at sea upon these ships you will find yourself working on the aircraft and being relied upon by the pilots on a daily basis to assist in technical issues, either post flight or during flying operations. Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) Canberra class roles are to: •
Embark, transport and deploy an embarked force (Army in the case of the ADF but could equally be an allied Army or Marines), along with their equipment and aviation units; and
• Carry out/support humanitarian missions. Key points: • Flight deck is 202.3m long and 32m wide (4750m2); • The LHD will be jointly crewed with personnel from Navy, Army and the Air Force forming the ship’s company; and •
Accommodation is provided for 1400 personnel; approximately 400 ships company including the watercraft and flight deck crews and 1000 embarked force personnel.
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Other roles we are currently recruiting for are:
Various information sessions are held in our Maroochydore offices, and seats are limited. Information session
Location
Date
Time
ADF general information stand
Sunshine Plaza (near Myer)
1 - 5 Jul 2014
10.00am - 4.00 pm
ats are
ffices, and se aroochydore o
DFR Maroochydore, d in our M 24 Jul 2014 6.00 - 8.00pm are35h–el39 s n io ss se n io Primary School Crt, Maroochydore at Variou inform Australian Defence Maroochy RSL Function room 2, 29 Jul 2014 6.00 - 8.00pm limited. Force Academy 106 Memorial Avenue, Maroochydore. n sessions atioMaroochydore, ADF general information DFR 30 Jul 2014 6.00 - 8.00pm rm fo in g in Time m co Up 35 – 39 Primary School Crt, Maroochydore Date 6 – 8 pm ay 14 Location Women in the ADF DFR Maroochydore, 31 Jul 2014 22 M6.00pm - 8.00pm 39 n – io ss 35 se ydore, 35 – 39 Primary School Crt,ch Maroochydore Maroo Information D FR aroochydore 10 am – 4 ADF Trades s
y Reserves
M y School Crt,
1 – 5 Jul 14
rm College Primar RoyalAMilitary DFR Maroochydore, 06 Aug 2014 6.00 - 8.00pm za (near Myer) PlaMaroochydore shineCrt, Duntroon – General 35at–io 39n Primary SunSchool rm 24 Jul 14 Service Officer F general info AD
6 – 8 pm 39 – 35 e, ydor stand DFR Marooch rt, Maroochydore 6 – 8 pm l C please call our centre For further information or to book an information session, on 07 5459 8700. s oo de ch ra S T ADF Primary om 29 Jul 14 ro n io ct un F L RS Maroochydore Force ce en l Avenue, ef ia D or n em ia al M Austr 2, 106 6 – 8 pm Jul 14 30 Academy Maroochydore. Reveille ydore, 35 – 39WINTER edition 2014 | 17 DFR Marooch rt, Maroochydore n io 6–8p at rm fo lC 31 Jul 14 ADF general in Primary Schoo
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 four to profile for this edition. The museum is open to the public to view on Monday to Thursday from 9am-2pm and on Friday from 9am-midday. STABLE BELTS Were originally worn by Calvary men in working dress whilst cleaning out stables and tendering to their horses. The belts buckled at the side to avoid chafing the soldier’s stomach as he bent down and to avoid marking or catching on the horse’s harness. The “Souvenir Stable Belt” became popular in WWI as the soldiers collected badges and shoulder titles of the various units and secured them to the belt. Some stable belts had a pocket sown on, or secured by a stud or clip, where loose change or a pocket watch could be kept as there were no pockets in the working dress trousers.
TRENCH ART Trench Art is an age old tradition of soldiers expressing themselves artistically while engaged in a theatre of war. It could be considered as a form of occupational therapy. It is fair to assume that soldiers in “rest areas” or when there was a lull in fighting, would find some way of turning brass cartridges or shell casings into some form of trench art. Rings, cigarette lighters, letter openers, butter knives are just a few common items made.
WW2 “TRENCH ART” CHROMED TWIN ENGINE AIRCRAFT Made from ammunition and other material
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Groups of soldiers sometimes formed manufacturing Coops. Some soldiers with sought after skills such as welding or etching were in high demand while the less artistically skilled soldiers collected and prepared the raw material and assisted in polishing the final pieces. George Coppard in his book “With a Machine Gun to Cambrai” tells about him pressing his regimental buttons in the trench clay floor then pouring molten lead from shrapnel balls into the impressions to make replicas of the Crest. When peace came to Europe and people began to reclaim their communities, discarded debris, shell casings and equipment were recycled. Mass produced Town Crest motifs were stuck onto bullets, shell casings, fuse caps and sold to tourists and others that passed through the towns. Tonnes of other surplus materials were sold by the Government and converted into souvenirs of the conflict. One example was ship breaking. If the ship had been involved in significant events, much of the wood from the ship was turned into miniature barrels, letter racks, trinket boxes, even excellent garden furniture with a small brass plaque identifying the ship it came from.
WW1 CHROME “TRENCH ART” CIGARETTE LIGHTER Made from solid brass hexagonal large screws with Middlesex Regiment attached
WW2 CHROME “TRENCH ART” CIGARETTE LIGHTER With Rising Sun badge attached CAP Made from 18PDR SHELL CASES, 1917
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Diary of Sidney R Brady GALLIPOLI On the 9th August 1915, we embarked on a smaller vessel, leaving Lemnos in the evening… were soon swirling our way up the Dardanelles. Later we could hear the booming of guns, and the sky was lighted up at intervals with star shells and the flashes of bursting shrapnel, which we were all looking out for with much interest, which declined greatly a week later when shrapnel was bursting not at a distance, but directly overhead, our sole interest then was in finding cover. To continue, we put into the Isle of Imbros that evening, stayed the night aboard; sleep, however, was out of the question, as the deck was packed unmercifully with men and kit. Our departure from Imbros took place about midday and we arrived at Suvla Bay about 2pm. There were any amount of ships in the bay, embodying warships, troopships, pinnaces, and at the time of our arrival, battleships, monitors and cruisers were bombarding the Turkish trenches somewhere ‘midst the distant hill. I believe 11”to 14”shells were being fired, and one could plainly see tons of earth, rock and possibly remnants of Turks being hurled to either heaven or hell as the case may be; it was a most imposing spectacle for us on boardship. About an hour later we were landed by lighters on that never to be forgotten hell, Gallipoli. Our landing was quite unopposed, and we got quite a shock when some chaps informed us they had been shelled there the day previous, as we thought the Turks were miles away. We witnessed an airfight, whilst getting our medical stores
ashore, between a Taube and two of our machines, but as they were travelling so rapidly, we were not fortunate enough to see the end of an interesting and exciting tussle, as they were soon out of sight. Our first halting place was on a plain about 200 yards inland, where we dumped our equipment and stores, lit fires for a meal and settled down for a smoke and a rest, but shortly after were warned to go up to the trenches. This was starting the business with a vengeance, as we were all fatigued, not having had any sleep for the last two nights. Anyway, the Battalion paraded, and we commenced one of the most exhausting and eerie marches it has ever been my lot to go through. The night was pitch black, and there was not a sound to break the deathly stillness on this, our first night of active service, except for whispered commands passed along the ranks of the battalion. We passed by many a man lying on the ground, and the whisper went round they were all casualties. The march proceeded in a terribly wearisome way , our moving forward about 10 yards, and then halting, and in this fashion we covered 7 miles in about 5 hours. This was then the first occasion on which I have experienced the weird sensation of falling asleep whilst on ones feet; I remember going right off on several occasion and being jerked back to consciousness by the sagging of ones knees. Eventually we reached our destination, and the Battalion occupied some very poor looking trenches. We had a few hours kip and were astir again early in the morning, slightly better for our short sleep, and then wandered around the trenches. Our
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first discovery it was a horrible sight as a first experience of the ghastliness of war, and the stench was just the limit. Nothing more could be done than to cover them with earth. The day was gloriously fine and not a single shot had been fired, and as we had no idea where Johnny was situated, there is some excuse for our concluding that we were comparatively safe in this spot. The Doctor and our little party found a shady nook under an olive tree and fell asleep. We were awakened a few hours later, the Battalion returning once again to the original base. About 3 weeks later, the M/O informed us some mistake had been made in our occupying these trenches, as they were not completed, but Johnny was too late with his shrapnel with which he peppered the place just after we had left it. There was a rumour about that our guide was a spy and had led us there deliberately, but this was no doubt originated from a romantic mind. The remainder of the day was uneventful, but the morrow brought high explosive shrapnel, which fell to the right and left of us, consequently we were soon hard at it digging for dear life, with the sweat literally pouring away in cascades, my, it was devilish hot in those days! Inexperienced as we were then in the art of digging dug outs, our coffin shaped holes would have availed little except as a slight protection against flying fragment of H.E., but against shrapnel would have been of no earthly use. Fortunately for us, the shelling was confined chiefly to the ships on our right and the range of hills on our left (with a few exceptions). I cannot help but laugh now whenever I recall the incident, although I was grave enough at the time, (our first sensation of being under shellfire), but it was really comical to see the boys sitting about and digging, some writing, some reading; suddenly a faint whir is heard, gradually increasing in intensity, and in a few seconds everything is slung on one side and we dive for our holes like so many
rabbits, awaiting with heart thumping and nerves tingling the inevitable explosion, after which we once again rise, but along comes another shell followed by others, and the dive is repeated. In this way we were kept bobbing up and down for about 3 hours, after which the Turks left us unmolested for the rest of the day. We were enduring these days a terrible heat, with no shelter from the rays of sun, and the scarcity of water made our sufferings more intense, as our thirst was augmented so much through our rations of salt bully and the usual jaw cracking army biscuit; we were most miserable and dispirited lot of human beings one could come across. Our only consolation was that we were near enough to the beach for bathing, and we used to have 2 or 3 dips a day, some of these being under shellfire, and were consequently less appreciated. The following day the Battalion left this base for trench digging and Robinson and myself were asked by Capt. Lewer to accompany them in case of pickaxe accident, bullet wounds apparently not being anticipated. In some way or other a party of about 20 men including Rob and myself, had pushed forward too far, and we had no sooner got on the crest of a small hill than scores of bullets started flying round us, from, as it seemed to us, every side. Instinctively we fell on flat on our faces and trusted to the brushwood to screen us from view. I got a slight scratch from one on the left leg. This quarter was fast becoming too hot, and fellows were shouting out, asking what to do; I remember distinctively I took good care to have my head well stuck into the dirt. After about fifteen minutes of a nerve racking experience, the officer finally gave order to retire behind a hill about 100 yards to the rear, and no sooner had the order been issued, than up we jumped and ran like hell, fully expecting to stop one at every stride, but by a miracle we got out of that safely. Reveille WINTER edition 2014 | 21
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 16 June 2014 21 July 2014 18 August 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 8 June 2014 13 July 2014 10 August 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. 2014 Meetings 18 June 2014 16 July 2014 20 August 2014 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. 2014 Meetings 27 June 2014 25 July 2014 22 August 2014 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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National Servicemen’s Association
Maroochydore
Meetings at RSL House on second Tuesday of every odd month at 10.00am. 2014 Meetings 8 July 2014 For more information call Don Holt, 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. 2014 Meetings 2 June 2014 7 July 2014 4 August 2014 For more information call the Secretary, Andrena King on 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. 2014 Meetings No Meeting in June 3 July 2014 7 August 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 23 June 2014 28 July 2014 25 August 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. Come and join us. Contact: Janice on 5444 5248 or Larraine on 5448 6037
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