January RSL Monthly Newsletter

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Angeles City Sub Branch Philippines www.rslangelescity.com ‘Lest We Forget’ President Vice Presidents

James Curtis-Smith Rob Cairns

Secretary Treasurer

Dallas Drake Vacant

Editor

Larry Smith

Email address’:

Clubhouse: Ponderosa Hotel president@rslangelescity.com

secretary@rslangelescity.com treasurer@rslangelescity.com

editor@rslangelescity.com

NEWSLETTER # 58 ** January 2012

Fiesta 2012 Conducted by the members of the

RETURNED & SERVICES LEAGUE OF AUSTRALIA – ANGELES CITY SUB-BRANCH www.rslangelescity.com

2 PRESIDENTS REPORT – January 2012

Happy New Year to all.

New Year’s Eve in the Philippines always goes off with a BANG, and to such an extent this year that the smog caused by what must be more gunpowder than went off in World War 11 was sufficient to cause flights to Manila to be diverted to Clark and the delay and even cancellation of some flights out.

A busy time for us here in Angeles City. The Australia Day Fiesta kicks off with the Beauty Pageant on Wednesday 25th, and winds up with the Street Party in Fields on Sunday 29th, just a couple of weeks away as I prepare this report. Lots to do and I hope our members here will join in and make this a great Fiesta.

Although initially sold out, tickets for the Beauty Pageant are still available as we have been able to accommodate more tables with a little bit of reorganization. Please get in and get your tickets (say tomorrow) as they are being snapped up quickly. See Greg Harbutt at Perimeter Bar. On the 9th January just past, the Sub Branch was represented at the 67th anniversary commemorating the allied landing at Lingayen Gulf at Pangasinan in World War II. This was the second landing and followed soon after the initial landing by allied forces at Leyte. A formal and extremely well conducted event with lots of pomp and ceremony, a military band and colour parties etc etc, and my thanks and appreciation to the Governor and his staff at Lingayen who treated our party as VIP’s and ensured that the contribution by the RAN to the landing was foremost in the remembrance service.

A meaningful and very enjoyable break.

The Annual General Meeting of this Sub Branch will be held prior to the February General Meeting at the Ponderosa on the 21st. February. All positions are vacant and we are looking for nominations for President, Vice Presidents (2), Secretary and Treasurer and Committee members. Nominations forms can be collected at our next meeting (Tuesday 17 January at Ponderosa or from Secretary Dallas). We have a large exodus of some of our keen and essential workers back to Australia for various reasons and I am anxious for more of our members to volunteer to do various tasks. The more volunteers we have the less work involved and it does give you a little interest between breakfast and the bar hop each day!

Medical Missions recommence on the first Saturday in March and details will be published as soon as we have finalized arrangements.

Branch HQ have advised that the decision of remittance of capitation fees at the 480% increase from this Sub Branch has been put on hold for 2012 and will continue at the 2011 rate for this year. We have been invited to make submissions to Branch in relation to this issue for 2013 and continuing and this will be done.

Raffles continue at Emotions on Wednesday nights from 7pm for about an hour, and at Phillies on Saturday nights commencing at a new time of 5.30pm. Always looking for a few of you to turn up and help.

JAMES E CURTIS-SMITH President

3 ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS We welcome the following new members: David Opitz (A/C) * Sandie Amoyan (A/C) * Michael Dunaway (A/C) * Mark Hebel (A/C) * Bill Evans (WA) * James Kay (A/C) * Ian Watt (A/C) * Paul Watt (Hong Kong) * Fredrick Wright (USA) * Derek Olsen (SA) * William Thom (A/C) * Roger Pearce (A/C) * Peter Hicks (A/C) * Edward Cummins (A/C) Michael Jugan (A/C) * NEW Life Subscribers: Gary Kennedy * James Newcombe * Location codes. A/C = Angeles City * WA = Western Australia * SA = South Australia WHATS ON IN FEBRUARY RSL EVENTS SCHEDULE Weekly Raffle NOW EVERY Wednesday at Emotions Nite Club at 6.00 PM. Phillies Sports & Grill Raffle every Saturday at 6.00 PM. Tuesday 07TH FEBRUARY 2012 * General Committee 1.30PM * 3.00 pm STARGATE *BLIND BEGGAR *SILLY HAT Tuesday 14Th FEBRUARY 2012 * 2.00PM Ponderosa Social Tuesday * 3.00pm T&A * JUST MY LUCK *FOXY Tuesday 21ST FEBRUARY 2012 * ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING * Monthly General Meeting 2.00pm Ponderosa * 4.00pm GARFIELDS * BOOMERANG * DRILL SHACK Tuesday 28Th FEBRUARY 2012 * 2.00pm Social Tuesday * 3.00pm EMOTIONS *TOC *GENTLEMANS Note. There may be a family bar-b-que event on Feb 5th, awaiting confirmation. Enquire at next meeting.

IT IS THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN FELLA’S 21ST OF FEBRUARY will see the sub branch conducting its compulsory Annual General Meeting (AGM). It will be held at the sub branch HQ at the Ponderosa Hotel.

All positions will be declared vacant on the day.

Nominations for positions will be accepted on the day from the floor, however there is a nomination form at the last page of this newsletter which you may use to cast your vote.

Remember this is your opportunity to nominate a mate or your ‘non-mate’. However you cannot nominate yourself, but if you are interested in taking up an executive position, ask someone else to nominate and second you. Then you can accept the nomination.

Whatever you do on the day, please don’t sit on your hands and do nothing. Exercise your rightful vote.

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Extra seating has been made available for the Beauty Pageant, so hurry and get the extra tickets available.

If you were observant, Charles Harris, whose business is advertised left,  has provided our Pageant’s first prize for the past four years and this year provides second prize.

We thank Charles for generous contributions to our Australia Day Fiesta Beauty Pageants.

his

VALE * HUGH ELLIS

 Our RSL file picture left was captioned ‘Happy Hughie’ and that is how his many friends here will remember him.

Hughie suffered a fall some time ago and was bedridden in a local hospital in Angeles City. Concerned about his deteriorating condition, a relative and a paramedic travelled to Angeles City to evacuate Hughie back to Australia. They had to convince Philippine Air Lines (PAL) that he was fit to travel. Finally they left Manila for Melbourne. Hughie made it to his home town of Bendigo in Victoria where he was placed in a hospice. However, apparently due to bed sores he managed to accrue in Angeles, his blood was poisoned and he passed away in hospital at 7.30pm on the 30th of December, nursed by his daughter Pam Taylor. Hugh was cremated at a private funeral on Mon 9 Jan 2012.

Hughie was a financial Associate Member of our Sub Branch for the past 10 years. He enjoyed his life here and was a regular ‘Social Tuesday’ attendee who loved a game of pool and ANZAC biscuits.

RIP Hughie, your happy face will be sorely missed here by all who knew you.

AND ANOTHER VALE For those members who knew him, Vietnam Veteran, Melvin (Mel) Ivan PANG who owned the Sunset Palms Resort in Parangao, La Union passed away on 17 December 2011. I am relying on advice from his son Robbie who is trying to settle Mel’s affairs.

5 Mel was an original member of Angeles City RSL but belonged to what we classed in those days the ‘Ad Hoc’ group who resided in La Union. Due to a couple of agitators within that group (now deceased) Mel allowed his membership to lapse and was not a current member at the time of his death.

RIP Mel.

Minister for Veterans' Affairs subscription list Saturday 24 December 2011

VA114

VALE BRUCE RUXTON AM OBE – A PROUD AUSTRALIAN The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, has paid tribute to Bruce Ruxton AM OBE, who led the Victorian RSL for 23 years, as a proud Australian who worked hard for our veterans.

Mr Snowdon said Mr Ruxton’s passion for the welfare and wellbeing of Australia’s veterans was clear, he fiercely fought for improved conditions and recognition for those who had served Australia in our military.

“Bruce Ruxton served Australia on the battlefields of the Pacific and Borneo during the Second World War and after returning continued his fight for those who served alongside him.”

Mr Ruxton served as the President of the Victorian RSL between 1979 and 2002, and was an often outspoken, but passionate monarchist, traditionalist and conservative.

“He never shied from a fight, he stood by his values and by his mates to the last.”

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the Repatriation Commission worked closely with Mr Ruxton, who was a dedicated advocate for veterans and their families.

He was well respected by those working for the Department and the Commission.

“He was passionate about many issues, but none more so than the cause of the Australian veteran, I have no doubt across the Australian community Bruce Ruxton will be remembered warmly,” Mr Snowdon said.

“I would like to express to his family and friends, my deepest sympathies on this sad news.”

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Management Circular 41/2011 New club entry rules in force for RSL members and Defence personnel Legislation granting current serving and ex-service Australian Defence Force personnel entry to RSL and services clubs as ‘honorary members’ without the need to ‘sign-in’ is now in force in New South Wales, as well as Victoria and Queensland.

Under the newly introduced NSW provisions, ‘service members’ of the RSL and current serving Australian Defence Force personnel (including Reservists who also carry the same card) are granted ‘honorary membership status’ for the day they attend the club on producing either their Defence Force ID card, or for ex-servicemen and women their membership card of the Returned & Services League Australia, which is now uniform across the country. It will be a requirement that members of the RSL also produce evidence of membership of at least one RSL or services club. The new rule applies to RSL, Services, Ex-services, Memorial, Legion or other similar registered clubs, or a registered club that has objects similar to, or is amalgamated with, a RSL or kindred club.

To assist the smooth introduction of the new provisions a copy of the NSW RSL membership card is attached for the information of club reception staff. The card stipulates in the bottom left corner whether the card holder is a ‘Service Member’ of the RSL. It may also denote that the holder is a ‘Life Member’ or ‘Life Subscriber Member’, both of which are recognized under this provision.

Queensland RSL Members have a similar card, and the RSL Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania membership card also notes the club of which they are a member. The recognition of this honorary status will bring NSW into line with similar requirements which already exist in and which have also just been passed in Queensland.

NB. The above is an abridged version of the original circular. Ed RSL & Services Clubs Association Limited Suite 28, Level 5 , 33 MacMahon Street, HURSTVILLE NSW 2220 Telephone : 0295794555 Facsimile : 0295794666

PLENTY OF TICKETS AVAILABLE IN OUR MONSTER RAFFLE AS PART OF OUR AUSTRALIA DAY FIESTA. GET THEM WHILE THEY ARE STILL AVAILABLE.

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AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIALS (a continuing series) THE ISURAVA MEMORIAL ON THE KOKODA TRACK PAPUA NEW GUINEA The Isurava Memorial overlooks the Kokoda Valley at the site where the Australian forces dug in to face the Japanese invasion.

It stands a short distance from the spot where Private Bruce Kingsbury of the 2/14th Battalion won his posthumous Victoria Cross, the first to be awarded in Papua New Guinea.

The memorial features a central stone of polished South Australian granite, raised on a plinth composed in bronze, Portland cement and granite.

Surrounding the plinth are four sentinel stones, each weighing more than 3.5 tonnes, engraved with the words courage, endurance, sacrifice and mateship, representing the resolute commitment of the Australians who stood firm in the face of the enemy.

The Isurava Memorial was unveiled by then Prime Minister, John Howard at a dedication service in the company of 10 Kokoda Veterans on Wednesday 14 August 2002, the 60th Anniversary of this epic battle.

Battle of Isurava The village of Isurava was the site of one of several desperate battles fought by Australian troops during their retreat along the Kokoda Track. Their position at Deniki becoming untenable, the 39th Battalion, then the only Australian unit confronting the Japanese on withdrew to Isurava on the night of 14 August 1942. Poorly equipped, the battalion had to dig-in with bayonets, bully beef tins and helmets. The 39th was fortunate that the Japanese did not immediately follow-up their success at Deniki and a lull in the fighting ensued for almost a fortnight, allowing reinforcements from the 21st Brigade to begin moving forward.

On 26 August the Japanese clashed with the 39th's forward outposts at Isurava heralding that their next attack was developing. The same day the first two companies of the 2/14th Battalion arrived to relieve the 39th's exhausted young soldiers, the average age of whom was 18. The next afternoon the 39th's left flank was heavily attacked and, while the Japanese were able to penetrate one of the company positions but they were beaten off by two quick counter-attacks. Fighting swirled all around the forward arc of the position throughout 28 August as the Japanese sought a weakness in the Australian defences to exploit. The rest of the 2/14th Battalion arrived this day and its commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Albert Key assumed command of the area. Although the 39th now had the chance to withdraw for a well-earned rest, its commander, Lieutenant Colonel Ralph Honner, aware of the onslaught the 2/14th would face, decided it would remain in place. The men of the 39th, however, were moved into positions to the rear to allow the 2/14th to occupy the most threatened parts of the positions.

8  ISUARAVA memorial is at the 1350 metres level on the Owen Stanley Ranges.

The morning of 29 August brought ferocious attacks right around the forward arc of the position. The first company to give way was C Company of the 2/14th and the Japanese poured through the gap, threatening the whole position. A counter-attack met them head-on, Private Bruce Kingsbury was to the fore, rushing forward and sweeping the Japanese with his Bren gun. A sniper's bullet killed Kingsbury, who was subsequently awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross for his actions, but the counter-attack had momentarily restored the situation. The Japanese continue to press home their attack throughout the afternoon. C Company was forced to give ground, and D Company, astride the trail, broke around 3pm, having repulsed 11 previous attacks on its positions. As night closed in the position at Isurava was in danger of being overwhelmed and a withdrawal of just over a kilometre to positions around the Isurava Guest House was conducted.

The Japanese followed close on the heels of the Australians and 30 August brought no respite. With some of the companies under his command now struggling to muster a full platoon, Key lacked the troops to cover the high ground to his left - a weakness the Japanese quickly exploited. They heavily attacked the Australians' right rear threatening to cut the track behind them. A further withdrawal was ordered at 3pm but many had to fight their way out, including Key's command group. When the 2/14th mustered at Alola the next morning 172 personnel were missing in addition to those known to be dead and wounded.

At Isurava the Australians had been overwhelmed by superior numbers which, poorly equipped and supported, they could never match. Although the 2/14th Battalion was experienced and relatively fresh, its potential to wrest the initiative from the Japanese was undermined by the torturous march along the Kokoda Track which meant that it could only be employed in the piecemeal fashion in which it arrived at Isurava. The delay imposed there, however, did allow time for the other battalions of the 21st Brigade to make their way forward.

NB. The 39th Australian Infantry Battalion 1941-1943 existed as a unit for only twenty months of World War II, but its story is one of the most unusual and proudest in the annals of Australian military history. Formed in haste from disparate Victorian militia (home defence) elements in October-November 1941, initially officered (except for platoon commanders) by World War I veterans, its ranks largely composed of 18-19 year old boys armed with World War I weapons and designated for a passive garrison role in Australian administered Papua, the 39th Battalion was, in the full sense of the term, a ‘scratch’ unit. Just three weeks after the devastating aero-naval attack against the United States naval base at Pearl Harbour, the battalion, together with other equally ‘scratch’ elements of the 30th Brigade, embarked on the Aquitania for Port Moresby, where it was to fulfil a much more significant and historic role than was ever contemplated at the time of its formation. Today, the unit would be called Army Reserve.

9 VISITORS WITH TPI CARD * TRAVEL PASSES IN VICTORIA The Victorian Government has changed the rules in relation to a Visitors Transport Pass in Victoria.

To obtain a pass you will have to have proof of war service overseas, peacekeeping or peacemaking service to qualify.

To obtain a pass you must send a request to: Central Pass Office, Southern Cross Station, 99 Spencer St MELBOURNE VIC 3008 or Email: metlinkmelbourne.com.au together with a photo copy of your Gold Card marked TPI, plus a letter from DVA stating that you have Qualifying Service.

Once this information is received it will be saved for future requests.

NEW NATIONAL DAY PLANS TO COMMEMORATE THE BOMBING OF DARWIN Prime Minister Julia Gillard today proposed a new national day of observance on 19 February to commemorate the bombing attacks on Darwin and other northern Australian towns during the Second World War. Next year marks the 70th anniversary of the surprise Japanese attack, when on 19 February 1942, the Second World War reached Australia’s shores.

In two air raids, 242 attack aircraft and bombers carried out a pattern bombing of Darwin Harbour and surrounding areas.

It was the start of a sustained bombing campaign by the Japanese across Australia’s north which lasted almost two years and killed hundreds of Australians and Allies.

More than 240 people alone died during the first attacks on Darwin including civilians, post office workers and service personnel from Australia and the United States.

The Prime Minister announced that the Government intends to recommend to the Governor-General that 19 February be proclaimed as ‘Bombing of Darwin Day’ to ensure the attacks across Australia’s north are appropriately remembered and commemorated every year.

The anniversary of the first attack on Darwin can then join Anzac Day and Remembrance Day as a date Australians pause to remember those who served and sacrificed their lives in defence of this country.

Darwin itself endured 64 bombing raids by the Japanese over 18 months destroying numerous civic and military buildings, boats and aircraft.

Many other towns across Australia’s north were also bombed by the Japanese including Broome where as many as 100 people lost their lives, Wyndham, Katherine, Townsville and Cairns.

Despite the significance of the Second World War coming to our shores, the bombings were downplayed at the time.

10 A day of remembrance on 19 February will ensure the hundreds of lives lost in those dark months of the Second World War are never forgotten, whether in Darwin, or any of the other communities hit across Australia’s north.

The proposal to formally recognise the impact of the bombing raids has been strongly supported by Northern Territory Senator Trish Crossin, the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Labor Member for Lingiari Warren Snowdon, and the Northern Territory Government.

The proposal will complement other preparations being made to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin next year.

The Gillard Labor Government has committed more than $330,000 to support the commemorations for the 70th anniversary of the bombing of Darwin.

The Federal Government funding will also work in partnership with the Northern Territory Government to establish the Defence of Darwin Museum to ensure those traumatic 18 months and the stories of those who served and died are never forgotten.

DARWIN 18 NOVEMBER 2011

Japan says sorry for Darwin bombing 

From: AAP January 13, 2012 4:27PM

JAPAN'S Government has used a gathering in Darwin to apologise for the country's bombing of the city during World War II. Japan's Senior Vice Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Tadahiro Matsushita, told a signing ceremony for the $US34 billion Ichthys gas project that he was sorry for his country's actions.

"I am aware that this year is the 70th anniversary of Darwin's bombing and during a certain period in the not-toodistant past, Japan caused tremendous damage and suffering to the people of many countries," Mr Matsushita said.

"Taking this opportunity, I would like to express my feelings of deep remorse and state my heartfelt apology.

"After the war, Japan has regenerated and developed with a pacifist constitution in order to contribute to world peace," he said.

Japanese officials have in the past apologised for the country's actions in World War II, but Mr Matsushita is believed to be the most senior politician to apologise on Northern Territory soil for the bombing of Darwin.

He said that since the war Australia and Japan had developed a friendship based on mutual trust.

Japan conducted 64 air raids on Darwin between February 1942 and November 1943. It is thought 243 people died, with hundreds more injured.

Most of Darwin's civil and military facilities were destroyed.

Other towns in northern Australia including Townsville, Katherine, Wyndham, Derby, Broome and Port Hedland were also bombed by Japanese aircraft.

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WHEELCHAIR DONATION We do not restrict our wheelchair donations to Angeles City. ďƒ§ Member Eddie Byrd presented this wheelchair to 27 YEAROLD Raynald Alvez, in Bauang La Union just before Xmas.

A great Xmas present for Raynald, and an easier way for his family to get Raynald out of the house, and into the community.

www.beyondtheblackstump.com

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PRESS Following is a series of recent pictures taken since last newsletter with captions opposite the picture. (I have filled spaces with some of our sponsor adverts as well) Ed



Beauty and the beast to be auctioned at the Beauty Pageant on 25th January 2012

Our Auditor, Colin Hurley (in front) is now in hospital.

Get well soon Col. (He wasn’t struck by lightning either) 

 Some members enjoying the Presidents drinks just before Christmas Survivors who made it to the top of the hill at One Hundred Islands during the trip to Lingayan





Some of our members who attended the ceremony at Lingayan, in memory of the allied landing, and the liberation of Luzon during WW2.

13 SAVEMORE Market located at Savers Mall Mac Arthur Hwy Balibago has responded to a request from our Sub Branch to give some assistance towards our next Medical Mission.

Secretary Dallas picked up 600 bottles of water and some Special Discount Coupons giving P100 off all purchases at â‚ą500.00.

Support from various business houses such as this is very welcome and greatly appreciated. Our thanks to Savemore Market.

A REMINDER ABOUT OUR ADVERTISING POLICY Readers will see that there are regular advertising logo’s with most of our newsletters.

That is because those businesses give actual support to our Sub Branch. For example, The Ponderosa Hotel provides us with our club room free, Phillies Sports Grill allow us to run raffles in their premises, likewise with Emotions Niteclub. The Blue Book and the Tourist Guidebook promote us for free in their publications. Gerald Slide is our Webmaster so he gets his advert included. John T Power is a regular and does good work VISA wise. Grandview Tower pays for their large advert. Southern Cross Shuttle donates a trip to Manila in each of our raffles and when medical missions are running we try to get a picture of Hannah Modular Cabinets truck unloading our medical supplies, and they do this for free.

Other businesses give us support in other ways and if their small advert can fill an otherwise blank spot in the newsletter we add it in, according to its size. See what I have done in this newsletter on pages 11 and 12 for example. I also use them to break up an article which has a lot of text. Ed DISCLAIMER The Angeles City Sub-Branch of the R&SLA, the Committee and the Editor take no responsibilities for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies contained in this newsletter. Nor do they accept any liability for loss or damage suffered directly or indirectly for use of information contained in this newsletter. Nor do they warrant that articles or opinions published in this newsletter are necessarily the opinions held by the Sub-branch, the Committee or the Editor

14 INDIAN SCHOOL of BUSINESS - LESSON 1

Rajpat (the father): Son, I want you to marry a girl of my choice.

Son: "I will choose my own bride!!!"

Rajpat: "But the girl is Bill Gates' daughter.."

Son: "Well, in that case... Ok" Next Rajpat approaches Bill Gates.

Rajpat: "I have a husband for your daughter...."

Bill Gates: "But my daughter is too young to marry!!!!!"

Rajpat: "But this young man is a vice-president of the World Bank."

Bill Gates: "Ah, in that case... Ok" Finally Rajpat goes to see the president of the World Bank.

Rajpat: "I have a young man to be recommended as a vice-president.."

President: "But I already have more vice- presidents than I need!"

Rajpat: "But this young man is Bill Gates' son-in-law."

President: "Ah, in that case... Ok"

And that my friend, is how Indians do business.

An Australian Love Poem. (Who said Australians weren't romantic?)

Of course I love ya darlin You're a bloody top-notch bird And when I say you're gorgeous I mean every single word So ya bum is on the big side I don't mind a bit of flab It means that when I'm ready There's somethin there to grab So your belly isn't flat no more I tell ya, I don't care So long as when I cuddle ya I can get my arms round there No sheila who is your age Has nice round perky breasts

They just gave in to gravity But I know ya did ya best I'm tellin' ya the truth now I never tell ya lies I think it’s very sexy That you've got dimples on ya thighs I swear on me nanna's grave now The moment that we met I thought you was as good as I was ever gonna get No matter what u look like I'll always love ya dear Now shut up while the footy's on And fetch another beer.

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FINAL REMINDERS 1. Our Australia Day Fiesta kicks off on January 25th with the Miss Australia/Philippines beauty pageant at the Shanghai Restaurant on Mac Arthur.

2. Our Street Party is on the 29th January, with all focus on Fields Avenue. Plenty of stalls selling all sorts of foods and other items.

3. Our Australia Day T shirts are on sale at our club house and can also be purchased at stalls along Fields Ave on the day. We also have plenty of other RSL paraphernalia on sale. Get them while they last.

4. Our annual Curry Cook-off is conducted on the 29th January as part of the street party.

5. We have just posted heaps of pictures of a variety of activities on our FACEBOOK.

“The price of liberty is eternal vigilance”

Lest we forget ……………………Tear off here……………………

AGM NOMINATIONS FOR OFFICER POSITIONS Position.........................................

Person Nominated…………………………

Nominator (print)……………………………

Nominator (signature)……………

Seconder (print)………………………………

Seconder (signature)………………

I hereby accept my nomination for the position indicated above: Signed………………………………………………

Date………………………………