February RSL Monthly Newsletter

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

James Curtis-Smith Noel Roach Vic Meller Dallas Drake Bob Young

Editor

Larry Smith

Email address’:

Clubhouse: Ponderosa Hotel president@rslangelescity.com

secretary@rslangelescity.com treasurer@rslangelescity.com

editor@rslangelescity.com

NEWSLETTER # 35 ** February 2010 PRESIDENT’S REPORT – FEBRUARY 2010 Phew !!! We have just been so busy this last month.

The Australia Day Fiesta went off with a bang and a big thank you to so many of our members of the Sub Branch who gave so much of their time to make every event a success.

The Beauty Pageant was a great success but so much work. We had 21 entrants and some 220 guests.

We were served an excellent meal, the entertainment was great, the entrants were spectacular, particularly in their evening gowns, and a great night. Congratulations to the winners. (See picture page 2) Once again my personal thanks and the thanks of the Sub Branch to Mr. Richard Agnew of the Golden Nile who, without any input from the Sub Branch, organized the Australia Day Fiesta Bell Ring at the Golden Nile. A wonderful meal served by Yats Restaurant followed by some wonderful dancing from the now renowned dancers of the Golden Nile. Richard then conducted the international Bell Ring which ran through the whole night and at the end of the evening, and without any input financially or otherwise from us, handed us an envelope containing Php58,000.00 being the proceeds of the night for our Charity Account. A big thank you, Richard.

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The Street Party and Curry Cook Off held on the Sunday 24 January, was also the biggest we have conducted. Over 22 stalls with everything from meat pies, numerous beer stalls, clothing, jewelry etc etc added to the atmosphere. Excellent dancing and singing from the dance group on the stage erected across Fields Avenue and the drawing of our Monster Raffle all made the day a huge success.

Winners of the Miss Australia Day Beauty Pageant from left: Best evening wear, Justine Cuevarra: First runner- up, Roxanne Esplana: Miss Philippines-Australia, Stephanie Sanders: 2nd Runner-up, Renalene Manalastas: Best swimsuit, April Caridad.

Congratulation to all of our lovely winners.

A bit of a mix up occurred with catering on the following Sunday, 31st January for the darts, billiard and golf tournaments and family day. Will be sorted out one way or another for next year, but a great finale for what was a very big fiesta.

On the following Saturday, February 6, we kicked off the start to our Childrenâ€&#x;s Medical Missions for the year. The mission was held at Cutud, a resettlement area, not yet fully developed but already home to over 25,000+ people, and 1805 children received free medicines from the RSL. This was a record number of children benefitting from one mission.. A big thanks to the Korean nursing students and the students from AUF who assisted. The local Barangay tanods streamlined the registration, examination checking and dispensing of the medicines such that the mission was over by noon, having commenced at 8.00am. The Sub Branch was represented by 22 Sub Branch members at the dispensary, and the same number of partners wives and girl friends manned the checking and packing of the medicines and vitamins for each child. â†? A RSL wheelchair recipient with Pres Jim, Barangay Captain Tony Mamac and Vice Pres Vic Meller.

Two wheel chairs were given to two severely handicapped children from the area and we have promised supply of nebulizers and ventolin to the local Barangay medical centres. A great start to the year of our programmed Medical missions to be held on the first Saturday each month through 2010.

Our Annual General Meeting and election of office bearers is set for the 16th February, and I take this opportunity to thank in particular the executive and committee members for their support and work done in the last year. I thank all Sub Branch members for the opportunity to serve you as your President.

JAMES E. CURTIS-SMITH President

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OUR RECRUITERS HAVE BEEN VERY BUSY THIS MONTH

Welcome to the following new members * Gregory Cuke (NSW) * Kenneth Buck (A/C) * Eric Kennedy (Bulacan) * Myrna Enraca (Bulacan) * Wayne Lacey (WA) * Brian Etherden (A/C) * Clint Young (A/C) * Richard Staheli (A/C) * Stuart Lambourne (A/C) * Klaus Doell (A/C) * Brenden Anderson (NSW) * Tommie Carr (A/C) * Paul Allard (A/C) * Norman Johnson (VIC) * Lita Pelham (A/C) * William McKeough (A/C) * Eddeline Pogado (A/C )* Wayne Hall (A/C) * John Gasman (A/C) * Evan Mullenger (A/C) * Marites Quinones (A/C) * Mark Pitman (WA) * Steve Roby (A/C) * Donald Nicolson (A/C) * Gregory Kentwell (A/C) * Kevin McGivney (A/C) * Terry Cameron (A/C) * Bjarne Nybo (A/C ) * Brett Opie (A/C ) * Brian Hill (A/C) * Lindsay Roots (A/C) * Janegil Gebiertas (A/C) * Peter Quarrell (VIC) * Edward Jarden (A/C) *

Life Subscribers:

Barry Britton (Pataya) * (HMAS Voyager surviver)

Location Codes: VIC * NSW * WA *= Australia * Bulacan = Philippines * Pataya = Thailand * A NOTICE FROM SECRETARY DALLAS Ponderosa Hotel FRONT DESK RSL Mail Box Management of the Hotel have been kind to assist us with Providing a MAIL BOX. The MAIL Box will be at the Front Desk.

NEW CARDS and Member Receipts will be left in the Mail Box for Member WHO have PAID and available for Collection 24 hours everyday.

NOTE the Hard Plastic Cards from Australia are being Re-designed and may still be TWO weeks away.

Members who have listed Australian Addresses will have cards posted DIRECT to their Australia Address Ponderosa Shuttle Jeep Leaves one the hour every Hour after 1.00 Pm each Day and Travels to PETRON near to Sunset Garden Hotel on Perimeter Rd. ***** ***** ****** ***** *****

TOP MILITARY HONOURS FOR BRAVERY AUSTRALIAN DAY AWARDS AN ARTICLE FROM ARMY NEWSPAPER WITH APPROVAL TO RE-USE

By WO2 Graham McBean GALLANTRY awards earned under heavy enemy fire on operations led this year’s Australia Day honours.

Pte S received the Star of Gallantry – the nation’s second highest award for valour – for his bravery in ―circumstances of great peril‖- while a lead scout in Afghanistan in 2008.

Pte David Cox, WO2 John Lines, and Cpl Giancarlos Taraborrelli received the Medal for Gallantry for their actions in Afghanistan.

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The citation for Pte S states his gallantry ensured the safety of his team while neutralising the enemy threat and achieving mission success.

Pte S was heavily engaged at close quarters with automatic fire and RPGs by a well armed and determined insurgent force.

He displayed complete disregard for his personal safety by moving to an exposed firing position to fire and throw grenades to suppress enemy within 30m of his position.

The citation states: ―His selfless act enabled the rest of his team to fire and manoeuvre to regain the initiative and neutralise the enemy. His efforts are in the finest traditions of the Australian Army and the ADF.” Medal for Gallantry recipient WO2 Lines said it was a great honour to be recognised by his country.

The then sergeant and an Australian lieutenant were serving with an OMLT in Afghanistan near Kakarak on January 4, 2009, when they encountered a large enemy force.

His citation states he acted with total disregard for his personal safety to neutralise the assaulting elements and suppress flanking forces. ―It was very intense,‖ WO2 Lines said. ―There was just myself, an Australian officer and 18 Afghan soldiers and it was a very intense couple of hours.‖ The patrol encountered a meeting of insurgent leaders, including their bodyguards, who opened the contact with heavy small-arms fire and RPGs. WO2 Lines’ citation states that his “courageous and gallant” action during the contact and the direction and encouragement to the ANA soldiers were instrumental in regaining the initiative from the enemy. ―It’s a very prestigious award and I am happy to be in the same company as those soldiers who have received it before,‖ he said. ―But both the other Aussie and myself were just doing our job at the end of the day and I just wanted to get us out of there alive.‖ Pte Cox was serving as a rifleman and combat first aider with MRTF 1 at Kakarak when he earned his Medal for Gallantry on March 16, 2009.

His citation states: ―While under heavy fire and with total disregard to his personal safety, he moved across open ground to render first aid to a wounded soldier and evacuate the casualty to an area of relative safety where he provided further emergency treatment.”

Cpl Taraborrelli received his Medal for Gallantry for his actions with an OMLT on March 16, 2009.

While in contact with a numerically superior enemy force and under sustained fire, the then lance corporal secured a compound and suppressed enemy flanking forces.

His actions helped the recovery of a seriously wounded Australian soldier and the withdrawal of his patrol.

His citation reads that with total disregard for his personal safety, Cpl Taraborrelli directed and inspired the ANA soldiers he was mentoring.

Cpl Taraborrelli said it was an honour to receive the award but he was sure other people would have done the same thing in his position. ―It was just what was required of me on the day – everyone has a job to do and it has to be fulfilled,‖ he said. ―It was just one of the jobs that had to be done.‖

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AND Trooper Mark Donaldson VC, was awarded the Young Australian of the Year by the Australia Day Council.

Full list of Army’s Australia Day honours recipients – Page 26 We congratulate them and the other Australia Day ‘Service’ Awardees on their awards.

NB. PTE S is a Special Forces soldier and his full name is suppressed for security reasons.

I wish to thank the Editor of Army Newspaper, David Edlington, for allowing me to use the article above as submitted by WO2 Graham McBean.

To read the ARMY NEWSPAPER, go to: http://digital.realviewtechnologies.com/?xml=defencenews_army.xml which is the online version, published fortnightly. Read the instructions on the cover sheet on how to read the newspaper. While there, why not register as a reader and Army Newspaper will advise you when the new issue is on line to read.

AUSTRALIA DAY FIESTA ACTIVITIES REPORT From all accounts, everything went really well with all activities being enjoyed by the multitudes and deemed a success. Here is one report as a bit of feedback: Dear RSL Secretary, I just thought that I would let you all know that last Sunday's OZ day @ the club was a fantastic success.

We had around 250 people throughout the day either in one of the International golf, lawn bowls, pool and darts tournaments or just lazing around eating some snags on a roll with onions or a meat pie and listening to the music of Angeles Cities very own "Cherry Boys" as well as Greg Morris lead singer from the World famous Western Australian group The Riley’s. These two music icons along with the sweet tones of Elsie Gibbs singing Advance Australia Fair made for a great day had by all.

Probably one of the highlights of the day was Mr Dave Donney easily defending his Angeles City wood chopping title that he previously won in 1975.

(Dave very pleased with his win ↓↓↓ ) Anyway friends this particular event is over but by no means will be the last.

I will keep you all updated on our future events.

Cont ↓ inues

6 Regards,

Mark Anthony Lord General Manager Angeles Sports & Country Club.

Zeppelin St, Hensonville, Angeles City 2009. Pampanga, Philippines.

Cell: +63-9185560322 Work: +63-45-8926358 Fax: +63-45-8926303 Email: marklord@golfasia.org Skype: marklord

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LISTED BELOW ARE THE WINNERS OF THE RSL CHARITY RAFFLE DRAWN JANUARY 24TH 2010.

1447 1281 1379 2966 2000 1842 1652 0609

1st Prize Shayne Bothwell 2nd Prize Colin Whelan 3rd Prize Mike Walton 4th Prize Charles Hoffman 5th Prize Ofelia Singiah 6th Prize Ian Brown 7th Prize James Peddicord 8th Prize Maribel Villena

0537 0184 4076 1400 1381 3256 2648 0038

9th Prize Tom Cerin 10th Prize Dave Proudlove 11th Prize Wes Prentice 12th Prize Hayes Conaty 13th Prize Mike Walton 14th Prize Scott A. Magnus 15th Prize Grady Edward Byrd 16th Prize Bill Hazelwood

And these are the prizes they won ↓ ↓ Congratulations to all winners

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For those members receiving DFRDB or similar Defence Superannuation payments, there has been a fair bit of angst in the way that the government assesses it for increases in the cost of living. The DEFENCE FORCE

7 WELFARE ASSOCIATION had a meeting with Finance Minister Lindsay Tanner before Xmas and they publish the results of that meeting, and other items, in their monthly newsletter, which is accessible at: www.dfwa.org.au then go to OUR PUBLICATIONS UPDATE

46TH ANNIVERSARY OF HER MAJESTY’S AUSTRALIAN SHIP VOYAGER DISASTER 10th February 1964 HMAS VOYAGER Quo Fata Vocant (We Go Where Destiny Calls) HMAS Voyager (D04) was a Daring class destroyer of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), that was lost in a collision in 1964.

D04 HMAS Voyager underway

Royal Australian Navy White Ensign

Constructed between 1949 and 1957, Voyager was the first ship of her class to enter Australian service, and the first all-welded ship to be built in Australia. During her career, Voyager was deployed to the Far East Strategic Reserve on six occasions, but never fired a shot in anger.

During the night of 10 February 1964, Voyager and the aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne collided off Jervis Bay, when the destroyer passed in front of the carrier during post-refit sea trials. Voyager was cut in two by the collision, sinking with the loss of 82 of the 314 people aboard. This was the largest loss of Australian military personnel in peacetime, and the subsequent investigations resulted in the holding of two Royal Commissions—the only time in Australian history this has occurred.

Voyager was laid down by the Cockatoo Docks and Engineering Company at Sydney, New South Wales on 10 October 1949. She was launched on 1 May 1952 by Dame Pattie Menzies, wife of the Prime Minister, and commissioned into the RAN on 12 February 1957.

She was the first all-welded ship to be constructed in Australia. During construction the cost of Voyager nearly tripled to AU£7 million.

Voyager was armed with six 4.5-inch (110 mm) Mark V guns in three double turrets (A and B turret before the bridge, X turret on the aft superstructure), six Bofors 40 mm guns in three twin mounts (one each side on the forward superstructure, the third on the aft superstructure behind the rear funnel), two 5-tube 21-inch (530 mm) Petand torpedo launchers (located between the forward and aft superstructure), and one Limbo anti-submarine mortar (located near the stern). Voyager’s armament differed from the other two Australian Darings, Vendetta and Vampire:

8 the latter ships were equipped with two single-mount Bofors on the forward superstructure, and two twin Bofors on the aft superstructure.

On 10 February 1964, Voyager was performing trials in Jervis Bay, under the command of Captain Duncan Stevens, following the Williamstown refit. The aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne, under the command of Captain John Robertson, was also undergoing post-refit trials in Jervis Bay. The trials involved interactions between both ships, and when Melbourne performed night flying exercises that evening, Voyager acted as the carrier's plane guard escort. This required Voyager to maintain a position 20° off Melbourne’s port quarter at a distance from the carrier of 1,500 to 2,000 yards (1,400 to 1,800 m).

During the early part of the evening, Voyager had no difficulties maintaining her position during the manoeuvres both ships performed. Following a series of turns intended to reverse the courses of both ships beginning at 8:40 pm, Voyager ended up to starboard of Melbourne. At 8:52 pm, Voyager was ordered to resume the plane guard station.

The procedure to accomplish this required Voyager to turn away from Melbourne in a large circle, cross the carrier's stern, then take position off Melbourne’s port side. Instead, Voyager first turned to starboard, away from Melbourne, then turned to port without warning. It was initially assumed by Melbourne’s bridge crew that Voyager was conducting a series of tight turns in order to lose speed before swinging behind Melbourne, but Voyager did not alter course again.

←Animation showing the courses and approximate positions of the two ships leading up to the collision HMAS Melbourne heads back to Sydney. Pictures shows damage to her bows from the collision → At 8:55 pm, with Voyager still turning to port, Melbourne’s navigator ordered the carrier's engines to half astern speed, with Robertson ordering an increase to full astern a few seconds later. At the same time, Stevens, returning to Voyager’s bridge from the nearby chart table, gave the order "Full ahead both engines. Hard-a starboard", before instructing the destroyer's Quartermaster to announce that a collision was imminent. Both ships' measures were too late to avoid a collision; Melbourne hit Voyager at 8:56 pm.

Melbourne struck just aft of Voyager’s bridge structure, rolling the destroyer to starboard before cutting her in half.

Voyager’s forward boiler exploded, briefly setting fire to the bow of the carrier before it was extinguished by seawater. The destroyer's forward section sank quickly, due to the weight of the two 4.5-inch (110 mm) gun turrets.

The aft section did not begin sinking until half an hour after the collision, and did not completely submerge until just after midnight. Messages were sent to the Fleet Headquarters in Sydney immediately after the collision, although staff in Sydney initially underestimated the extent of the damage to Voyager. Melbourne launched her boats almost immediately after the collision to recover survivors, and the carrier's wardroom and C Hangar were prepared for casualties. At 9:58 pm, Melbourne was informed that search-and-rescue boats from HMAS Creswell, helicopters from HMAS Albatross (Naval Air Station Nowra), and five Ton class minesweepers had been despatched to assist in the search. Most of the survivors were recovered within fifteen minutes of the collision, although the search continued until the next day.

9 Of the 314 personnel aboard Voyager at the time of the collision, 14 officers and 67 sailors were killed, including Stevens and all but one of the bridge crew. A civilian dockyard worker also lost his life. The wreck of the destroyer lies in 600 fathoms (1,100 m) of water, 20 nautical miles (37 km) from Point Perpendicular on a bearing of 120°. No personnel aboard Melbourne were killed.

Honours and memorials In March 1965, several gallantry awards were conferred on members of Voyager’s company. Chief Petty Officer Jonathan Rogers was posthumously awarded the George Cross. Other honours listed in the 19 March issue of the London Gazette included a George Medal, five British Empire Medals for Gallantry, two posthumous Albert Medals, and three Queen's Commendations for Brave Conduct.

Memorial parks were established at Huskisson, New South Wales and East Hills, New South Wales. The latter park became part of the suburb of Voyager Point, New South Wales, which was originally an estate in East Hills accommodating the spouses and children of RAN personnel. Memorials were also erected at the RAN training establishment HMAS Cerberus and the Devonport Maritime Museum.

The Naval Ode. They have no grave but the cruel sea.

No flowers lay at their head.

A rusting hulk is their tombstone.

Afast on the ocean bed.

They shall grow not old as we who are left grow old.

Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.

Lest we forget The above article is an abridged version of what is written about this tragedy. See below for further detail. Ed

Acknowledgments: The above article is courtesy of and credited to Sea Power Centre – Australia.

For further reading about the Voyager, go to: http://www.navy.gov.au/HMAS_Voyager_%28II%29 and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMAS_Voyager_(D04) also recommend readers to go to the Voyager Association website at http://www.freewebs.com/voyager-reunions/

MINISTER ANNOUNCES PLANS TO MARK ‘FINEST FEAT OF ARMS’ OF WWI Commemoration of Australian service on the Western Front will be enhanced with plans for several new interpretive facilities at major battles sites as part of the Australian Government‟s $10 million Western Front Remembrance Trail.

10 Minister for Veterans‟ Affairs Alan Griffin today announced he was working with French authorities for a new museum and commemorative facility at Mont St Quentin.

Marshal Ferdinand Foch, supreme commander of all Allied forces in France, spoke of the seizure of Mont St Quentin and Péronne as one of the „finest feats of arms in a time rich in innumerable deeds of heroism‟. The battle involved vicious close quarter fighting that cost some 3,000 Australian casualties.

Eight Victoria Crosses were awarded for the four day action, more than in any other battle in which the Australians fought and only one less than the number they had won during the entire eight months of the Gallipoli campaign.

Plans are underway at Mont St Quentin to transform an old church into an interpretive facility which will also include walking trails to remnants of a trench network and the nearby 2nd Australian Division memorial. This project is being developing in partnership with the L‟Historial de la Grande Guerre museum in Peronne and with the assistance of Péronne authorities.

“The new facility will honour the Australian capture of Mont St Quentin, recognised as one of Australia‟s finest military achievements,” Mr Griffin said.

Remnants of an original communication trench captured by the Australians during the attack on Mont St Quentin will be restored and become part of an educational battlefield experience. Agreement has just been reached allowing access to the land on which these trenches lie, and with this foundation in place development of the new facility can proceed with some certainty.

“I am pleased to be working with local French communities to make the Western Front Remembrance Trail a reality and demonstrate our commitment to preserving our shared wartime history for future generations,” Mr Griffin said.

The Australian Government has committed $10 million over four years to work in partnership with local communities on the Western Front to develop and upgrade facilities at seven sites in France and Belgium where Australians fought together. In addition to Mont St Quentin, planning for a new facility at Fromelles is underway and existing facilities at Villers-Bretonneux, Bullecourt, Pozieres, Ypres and Zonnebeke will also be enhanced.

For more information on Australian service on the Western Front visit www.ww1westernfront.gov.au. For historical images of the Western Front including Mont St Quentin visit the Australian War Memorial media centre at www.awm.gov.au/media/ Username: media Password: images@AWM2010.

ANOTHER MEDIA RELEASE FROM THE MINISTER BURIAL OF FROMELLES SOLDIERS BEGINS Ninety-three years after they fell in the Battle of Fromelles, the first of 250 Australian and British soldiers has finally been buried with full military honours at a ceremony in France.

On the first day of burials for the Australian and British soldiers recovered last year from Fromelles, the Minister for Veterans‟ Affairs, Alan Griffin, and Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, Greg Combet, encouraged the Australian public to pause and reflect on the sacrifices of those who serve in the Armed Forces.

“These men have not been forgotten and today marks the start of the solemn duty of finally laying them to rest,” Mr Griffin said.

“The discovery of these men, so long after World War One, provides new generations of Australians with an opportunity to honour their service.”

11 The soldiers are being buried in individual graves in the purpose-built Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Military Cemetery. Mr Griffin said the new cemetery is the first full cemetery the Commonwealth War Graves Commission has constructed in more than 50 years.

The burials will occur throughout February and be conducted by members of both the British and Australian Armies.

A commemorative event to open the cemetery is scheduled for the 94th anniversary of the Battle of Fromelles on 19 July 2010.

Mr Combet said the Government was hopeful that anthropological, archaeological, historical and DNA information will lead to the identification of some of the men.

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“While identification of the remains is an extremely complex process I remain hopeful that we will be able to identify a number of those that we have found,” Mr Combet said.

The battle on 19 July 1916 was the bloodiest 24 hours in Australian history with 5,533 Australian soldiers killed, wounded or missing.

AND A THIRD MEDIA RELEASE FROM THE MINISTER Minister for Veterans' Affairs Mailing List VA002

Wednesday, 10 February 2010

HMAS VOYAGER REMEMBERED Australia‟s greatest peacetime naval disaster, HMAS Voyager, will be remembered today, 46 years on.

Minister for Veterans‟ Affairs Alan Griffin said 82 lives were lost when the Voyager and HMAS Melbourne collided off the south-east coast of Australia in 1964.

“On the evening of 10 February 1964, Melbourne, an aircraft carrier, and Voyager, a Daring Class Destroyer, were taking part in training exercises off the coast of Jervis Bay, south east of Sydney when disaster struck,” Mr Griffin said.

“At 8.56 pm, while manoeuvring under minimal operational lighting, the Voyager tragically crossed the bows of the Melbourne, colliding in the darkness. The Voyager was sliced in two by the impact and the bow section sank within minutes.”

Fourteen officers, 67 sailors and one civilian dockyard employee lost their lives. There were 232 survivors.

Following the last election, the Australian Government sought to progress outstanding compensation claims remaining from this accident, with all now resolved.

12 “The Voyager disaster is a stark reminder that tragedy can strike not only in war but in peacetime service, undertaking humanitarian assistance or in training and we honour and remember those lost,” Mr Griffin said.

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HOTELS Ponderosa Swagman Narra Fiesta Gardens Wild Orchid Angeles Wild Orchid Subic Orchid Inn Anchorage Inn Niggi Niggi 2 (Boracay)

RSL SUPPORTING ESTABLISHMENTS Smile Make Over (dental) Southern Cross Shuttle Bunny Burger Thai Baht Emotions Touch of Class Eruptions Stampede Cherry’s Dr.Holms Brass Knob Coyote Ugly Bare Assets

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House of Rose (Palawan) Campbell’s Resort (Puerto Galera) Blue Rock (Baloy Beach) Arizona Resort (Barrio Barreto ) Dreamland Resort Hotel (Subic) Sheavan’s Resort (Baloy Beach) Affinity Condo Resort Bali Hai Resort (La Union) Rama Resort (Zambales ) Coconut Grove Beach Resort (La Union) Southern Cross Hotel (Manila)

RSL SUPPORTING ESTABLISHMENTS

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Paradise Bar Honky Tonk The International Sports & Gaming Bar Lollipop Kokomo Group Garfield’s Peanuts Roy’s Pub Eager Beavers Honey Pot Shooters Body Shop Big Hits 68 We owe U one Touch of Velvet Silly Hat

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Cold Drop Wee George Foxy’s Happy Rock Sea Dreams

Treasure Island Matrix Braun One Stop Peanuts (a new supporter)

The following premises in Subic area offer discounts to RSL members. Discounts vary between establishments.

Arizona Broadway Bar Doc's Hooyah Bar Downunder Bar Drydens Generals Bar Kokomo's Lagoon Lips Bar Mangos Bar Midnight Rambler Mosquito Bar Oriental Rose

Pirates Bar Rum Jungle Bar Sit and Bull Bar Southern Cross Bus The Office Treasure Island T. Island Floating Bar Upper Lips Bar Voodoo Bar Wetspot Bar

We would like to acknowledge the importance of the support we receive from our supporting establishments. Without them, donations, discounts and ‘in kind’ support would not allow our Sub Branch to fund the charitable activities that we currently conduct.

We thank-you, one and all.

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All photos and their description belong to the Australian War Memorial.

VC Corner Roden Cutler VC NX12378 Lieutenant Arthur Roden CUTLER 2/5th Australian Field Regiment 19th June to 6th July 1941, at Merdjayoun-Damour area, Syria "For most conspicuous and sustained gallantry during the Syrian campaign and for outstanding bravery during the bitter fighting at Merdjayoun when this artillery officer became a byword amongst forward troops with which he worked.

At Merdjayoun on 19 June 1941, our infantry attack was checked"... "Enemy machine gun fire swept the ground but Lieutenant Cutler with another artillery officer and a small party pushed on ahead of the infantry and established an outpost in a house." ... "The enemy then attacked this outpost with infantry and tanks, killing the Bren gunner and mortally wounding other officers. Lieutenant Cutler and another manned the anti- tank rifle and Bren gun and fought back, driving the enemy infantry away." ... "Lieutenant Cutler then personally supervised the evacuation of the wounded members of his party" ... "With a small party of volunteers he pressed on until finally with one other he succeeded in establishing an outpost right in the town" ... "At this time Lieutenant Cutler knew the enemy were massing on his left for a counter attack and that he was in danger of being cut off.

Nevertheless he carried out his task of registering the battery on the road and engaging enemy posts" ... "His work in registering the only road by which enemy transport could enter the town was of vital importance and a big factor in the enemy's subsequent retreat.

On the night of 23rd-24th June he was in charge of a 25-pounder sent forward into our forward defended localities to silence an enemy anti-tank gun and post, which had held up our attack. This he did and next morning the capture of Medjayoun was completed. Later at Damour on 6th July, when our forward infantry was pinned to the ground by heavy hostile machine gun fire Lieutenant Cutler, regardless of all danger, went to bring a line to his outpost when he was seriously wounded. Twenty six hours elapsed before it was possible to rescue this officer, whose wounds by this time had become septic necessitating the amputation of his leg. Throughout the Campaign this officer's courage was unparalleled and his work was a big factor in the recapture of Medjayoun."

[London Gazette 28th November 1941] Lieutenant Arthur Roden CUTLER was born at Manly, New South Wales on 24 May 1916. Sir Roden Cutler VC, AK, KCMG, KCVO, CBE served as Governor of New South Wales from 1966 to 1981. He died on 21 February 2002 and was buried in the South Head Cemetery, Sydney, New South Wales.

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www.beyondtheblackstump.com

CHUCKLE TIME Can you imagine this ↓↓in Angeles This Months little bit of humour A teacher was showing her class that some colours have a taste that they should recognize. She then handed out some → → The children began to identify the flavors by their color: Red......................Cherry Yellow.................Lemon Green ..................Lime Orange ...............Orange Finally the teacher gave them all HONEY lifesavers.

None of the children could identify the taste.

The teacher said, 'I will give you all a clue. It's what your mother may sometimes call your father.'

One little girl looked up in horror, spat her lifesaver out and yelled, 'Oh my God! They're arse-holes!

The teacher had to leave the room! ******

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The Voice of the Australian Flag I am the National Flag of the Commonwealth of Australia. I belong to you and every Australian ... equally ... and freely.

I was conceived before the dawn of the century.

Designed by lvor Evans, I was chosen over and above some 32,000 contenders.

Although I was never an orphan, I was adopted on that sparkling spring day, the 3rd of September, 1901, when I flew above the Exhibition Building in Melbourne. I was hailed and celebrated by people standing on the threshold of nationhood. They took me to their hearts. In that official ceremony. in the presence of our first Prime Minister, I became the chief symbol of a new Nation, embracing the ideals of self determination, national sovereignty and personal freedom, under God.

I have been hoisted aloft over many buildings, from humble homes to the Houses of Parliament.

I have listened to every Prime Minister declare his allegiance to me, to our Monarch and to our Constitution. I have witnessed the pledge of each one to protect and defend those freedoms we all cherish, even above life Itself.

I am carried with pride in ceremonies and processions. I have draped the caskets of your National heroes, carried to their last resting place, the caskets of Kings and Queens, eminent statesmen, Generals, Admirals, humble Privates and the Unknown Soldier. Wherever free men gather wherever there is justice, faith, hope, charity and truth, there too am I. At the tender age of 14 years, I received my Baptism of Fire in World War 1. I flew proudly in those early days as we heard the call to do battle alongside those of our own kin. I was carried up the steep hills of Gallipoli and I was there with the

17 men in the trenches - I watched Simpson bring out the wounded on his doughty little donkey ... I breathed the dust of the deserts and rode in glory with the Light Horse Brigade. I saw our finest sons fall and lie still, in death they had given their last full measure of devotion. The war was over for them forever, but I kept my lonely vigil over their graves and stayed to watch the flowers grow, amid the crosses, row upon row, in Flanders Fields. Oh, young Australia, I was there with your fathers whom I longed to comfort ... look at me again ... Lest you forget.

You know me by my distinctive emblems – the Union Jack is the tie that binds us to your ancestors and rich heritage down through the centuries. The upright red cross on a white field is the cross of St. George, patron saint of England.

This cross was there when King John set his Royal Seal to Magna Carta in 1215. And it was there when Simon de Montford brought together the very first Parliament in 1265, making England truly, the 'Mother of Parliaments'.

I proudly wear 2 other crosses - the white diagonal cross on a blue field is the Cross of St. Andrew, patron saint of Scotland. The red, diagonal cross on a white field is the cross of St. Patrick, patron saint of Ireland. These three crosses, which perhaps you scarcely understand, unite our heritage in this wonderful land and forge our future in an inseparable bond. The blazing Southern Cross marks our way ahead, while the 7 pointed Federation Star joins our states and territories in a single, yet united Commonwealth, all this, set in a field of blue, the blue of our southern skies and of the endless ocean washing our golden sandy beaches and coral shores.

We are the heirs to a culture, rich and diverse, we are the offspring child of a great Empire. We have a glorious tomorrow ... we are one.

Lest you forget!

I have been to many places, I have seen many things. With our explorers, I crossed the icy wastes of Antarctica, and climbed the heights of Mount Everest. I look down with pride on our mighty sports men and women as they win honours for their country, all over the world. At

every official or memorable event in this land, I hold the position of honour.

Following World War 1, we frolicked in our new found liberty ... growth, prosperity, increase and our common wealth. But far to the north in Russia, a new tyranny spewed forth, slaughtering the rich and regal, the lowly and humble, usurping the sovereignty of nations not of its own. We watched from afar, protected by the border of oceans.

Then came 1939, and once again we heard the beat of the warmonger's. drums.

Again, my heart went out to our brave soldiers, sailors and airmen. I was there with them, in the Middle East, in New Guinea, Malaya, Borneo and many other places. I was trodden in the mud, red with the blood, of those brave young Australians, so ruthlessly murdered in P.O.W. Camps.

Lest you forget!

Finally, in '45, peace at last, so we thought. With just a few short years rest, I was again carried into battle, caught up in further hostilities by those promoting war. I watched and praised the endurance and spirit of our volunteers in Korea. I too, felt the sufferings of our brave sons and daughters in the forces in Vietnam.

Lest you forget!

I am well known and remembered in many places. I am flown every day in the school at Villers Britonneaux in France where grateful children and teachers do not forget their debt to Australian soldiers.

I am many things to many people. To some, I am yesterday, today and tomorrow - an inseparable link in the chain that binds men to God and country. And because I am on the side of God through our great heritage, there are the godless who seek to destroy me and replace those 3 Christian crosses with plants or animals.

But, they dare not. Why ? Because today I am everywhere - in the homes of the humble and the mansions of millionaires. I am in the cities, the suburbs and in country towns. From coast to

18 coast, right across this great nation, I am raised with pride and dignity.

Oh, my people, you have given so much to be Australian and I am proud that we are one, bonded through trial and triumph.

Look at me and remember our heritage and realize our great future. Together we will grow, and all the world will know. You must never allow those who seek to reduce diversity into dust, to

grind our treasures into a melting pot. And as you consider the future of your own true identity, remember ... I was there in your every hour of loss ... your every moment of glory, so, too, I will be there in all your tomorrows.

Tho proud, loyal and glorious through all my short history, there is one thing for which I need you most of all - I cannot fasten myself to the flagstaff.

Lest you forget!

Author: Larry Hannigan © Copyright 1991-2009

I commend everyone who reads this newsletter from the internet to click on the link below and listen to the story of our FLAG. It is very well put. The words are above. http://www.larryhannigan.com/VOFtextandaudio.htm

RETURNED AND SERVICES LEAGUE OF AUSTRALIA ANGELES CITY PHILIPPINES SUB BRANCH ANNUAL PRESIDENTS REPORT 2009

Angeles City Sub Branch continued its rapid growth during 2009, and at the end of the year we had a membership of 141 Service members and 231 Affiliate members, a total of 372 members. This number compares with a total of 286 members in 2008 and 81 members in 2007.

I have pondered the question why this Sub Branch maintains its rapid growth and yet at the same time other Sub Branches in Australia are in decline.

I would suggest that the answer lies in relevance.

No organization will continue to exist if it ceases to be relevant to its members and the community in which it exists. Your committee has seen this, and the Angeles City Sub Branch has ―answered the call‖ this past year and continues to do so.

A reflection upon our Charter first granted and creating this Sub Branch on 25th April 1994, and the objects of the RSL as set out in the National Constitution are appropriate.

At the outset the RSL was established to provide assistance to service personnel returning from the horrors of war. Assistance in welfare and pension entitlements, in counseling amongst peers, providing a meeting place for mateship and social networking, and not least in priority, for remembrance of those Australians and their allies who gave their lives in defending and guarding our way of life, are all part of the responsibilities in holding a Charter of membership of the RSL as a Sub Branch.

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The objects and ideals of the RSL are now not restricted to only service personnel. With an upsurge of interest amongst the general public in preserving our heritage, and from all walks of Australian society, has resulted in particular in large numbers attending remembrance services, particularly ANZAC Day, throughout Australia.

The RSL as a national organization has recognized this interest, and through the Branches and Sub Branches has opened its membership to Affiliate members who are full members of the RSL, the only main difference being that only Service members are eligible to act as President of a Sub Branch. To qualify for Affiliate membership a person need only show that they have or had a relative who was or could have been an eligible Service member of the RSL. This applies to Australians and their allies in wars. I don’t believe there are many in the world population who are excluded from this category.

This past year, the Angeles City Sub Branch has capitalized on this awakening and rejuvenation of the RSL. The Sub Branch has continued with its remembrance activities with record numbers attending our traditional ANZAC Day and Vietnam Veterans Day. In addition we have participated in remembrance activities of our kindred organizations of other countries in Angeles City, particularly the US organizations such as VFW, American Legion and the Vietnam Veterans of America.

In the provision of welfare assistance for our members, this year again we were privileged to have Reg Tulip of the NSW Branch attend at Angeles City to conduct TIP training for our members and we now have 7 qualified members in this area. Apart from assistance with the many cases of our members here in Angeles City, you will have read in our newsletter that this Sub Branch, through one of our TIP trained members at Davao, was able to travel to Cebu to assist a veteran from Australia who was and still is hospitalized and in need of help. The veteran was not on the radar of the DVA, and it was recognized by DVA when their attention was drawn to the need of this veteran, that this Sub Branch was the appropriate body to call on for help. That help is continuing.

Throughout 2009, the RSL and our Sub Branch members as expat Australians and visitors, through the Sub Branch, have gained a reputation as being responsible and philanthropic part of the community of Angeles City. This has come about largely through our Children’s Medical Missions (now conducted monthly) to the poorer and disadvantaged barangays of Angeles City and Mabalacat.

In 2009 at our medical missions, 10,221 children were examined by a doctor or senior trainee nurse and were supplied with free medicines and vitamins from the Sub Branch purchased from our Charity Account. In addition 15 new wheel chairs have been given to permanently and severely handicapped children (more are needed) and we have also donated nebulizers and ventolin to local Barangay medical centres. In 2009 in excess of Php700,000.00 (AUD$17,500.00) was spent by this Sub Branch on medicines, vitamins and other medical supplies.

We have donated 350 mosquito nets and sacks of rice to a local philanthropic medical practitioner (Dr. de Guzman) who distributes and monitors the distribution to the squatter areas around Angeles

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City. Dr. de Guzman reports that since the distribution of the mosquito nets provided in 2009 there have been no new cases of dengue fever reported from these impoverished areas.

The Angeles City Sub Branch has become a focal point for Australians (and other) expat families in and around Angeles City for social activity. Our annual celebration of Australia Day with a Beauty Pageant Dinner and Presentation, the Bell Ring competition, pool and darts competition and our giant raffle and associated Street Party and Curry Cook Off have become a major event in the calendar of social activity in Angeles City and are well supported and known in the Angeles City community at large. Our weekly informal social meeting days on Tuesday afternoon are well attended and provide a focus to the RSL for Australians in Angeles City. We have held family days and had trips away. Our Saturday night chook raffles (without chooks) run at The International Sports & Gaming Bar (formerly Shanno’s) are well attended and apart from being yet another social night for a couple of hours provide a base to feed our Charity Account.

We are a vibrant and expanding Sub Branch, and it would be remiss of me as your President if I were not to convey my and your appreciation to our very strong committee. We work well together and it is this camaradie that now pervades our whole membership and the expat community here in Angeles City. This has resulted in a rapid growth in our membership of both Service and Affiliate members, and people wanting to belong. I commend all members of the 2009 Committee and all our members who have given of their time and expertise in so many areas, to be part of what I believe is a great Sub Branch of the RSL. In Angeles City the RSL badge is a well known symbol of what is great about being an Australian.

Of disappointment during the year, was our drive amongst Australian Sub Branches for financial assistance to our Building account to enable us to get our own permanent premises. There was little response. We are grateful to the Ponderosa Hotel who allows us to use a multi purpose room at the hotel for our meetings, display of our memorabilia and storage of our precious medicines and equipment. This room is now far too small to accommodate us, and our tenure is uncertain.

A purchase of premises here would be secured in favour of the RSL and I understand that Patriotic Funds held in so many Sub Branches, can be donated to this Sub Branch for the purpose. I only hope that those Sub Branches with resources would reconsider and help us. We cannot rely on the impoverished general public here to help and certainly not local or district or central government.

I thank you all for the opportunity of again in 2009, to serve you as your President.

JAMES E. CURTIS-SMITH President - 2009 NB. DO NOT FORGET TO KEEP CHECKING WWW.RSLANGELESCITY.COM FOR UPDATES, LATEST „WHAT‟S ON‟ AND PICTURES OF RECENT EVENTS THAT CANNOT BE SHOWN IN THIS NEWSLETTER DUE TO SPACE CONSTRAINTS. ED

“The price of liberty is eternal vigilance”