March 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 Vivien Hart 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 # 36 ** MARCH 2010 PRESIDENTS REPORT- March 2010 A quiet month for the Sub Branch following the very busy Australia Day Fiesta and the Annual General Meeting of the Sub Branch.

I thank the members for again giving me the responsibility of being your President for the forthcoming year and I will do my best to fulfill my obligations. We have some new members on the Committee and with the growth in the numbers of members of the Sub Branch I welcome Bill Barnes as assistant secretary to Dallas Drake, and Rob Cairns as assistant treasurer to Bob Young. Bob Barnes has accepted appointment as Quartermaster and Noel Roach continues as Vice President and heading up the Children’s Medical Missions Sub Committee. Viv Hart elected as a Vice President, joins Vic Meller appointed by the Committee as Vice President (Special Projects) and assisting Noel Roach with the medical missions.

Our current membership is over 430 members (a growth from 46 members 5 years ago) and as I stated in my Annual Report, I believe this is due to the Sub Branch being relevant to its members. It is a paradox that whilst we are growing rapidly so many Sub Branches in Australia are closing down. I just hope that we can get assistance from Branches and Sub Branches in Australia to acquire our own premises. We are desperate for a place for storage of our medical supplies and wheel chairs, display of memorabilia and of course a meeting place for our meetings.

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Our next major activity is ANZAC Day on Sunday 25 April 2010 and arrangements have already been put in place. This important day in the Australian calendar, will commence at Angeles City with a Remembrance Service at the Clark War Cemetery commencing at 7.00am (muster at 6.45am) and followed by a gunfire breakfast and other traditional activity at Swagman Hotel (Diamond Subdivision). All are invited to attend.

Sadly our monthly Children’s medical missions have been put on hold. Following the last mission at Cutud our medical sub committee set about organizing the next mission. From the start of planning it became apparent that we could be used as part of the political planning and campaigning of local candidates in the forthcoming Philippines national elections. The Sub Branch Committee has decided that in keeping with our Charter of being non political (and particularly as a foreign organization) we should postpone our missions until after the elections in May. James E Curtis-Smith President

AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM SECRETARY DALLAS We are into the third month of the Sub Branch financial year and we still have some members who have not yet

paid their annual membership fees. If you are non-financial, then the member benefits, apart from the discounts, emergency loan and death benefits will lapse and you will not be able to access them. Remember also the requirement of three (3) year membership to avail of ALL benefits. So, if you have not as yet renewed by paying your fees, please attend to it ASAP.

NEW MEMBERS We welcome the following new members: Harold Withers (NSW) John Philbey (A/C) * Jenalyn Cervantes (A/C) * Graham Ross (SA) * Welcome back Keith Sparks (NSW) * Ian Boxwell (Lancashire) * Gerry Turek (A/C) * Mark Izzard (NSW) * Kristine Macerin (Gen Santos City) * Paul Carpenter (A/C) * Albert Minin (VIC) * Antoine Green * MM * Graham Salmon (QLD) * Fermina Pagusan (A/C) * Location Codes: QLD * VIC* NSW * SA = Australia * Lancashire = United Kingdom * General Santos City * MM * A/C = Philippines

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RETURNED & SERVICES LEAGUE – AUSTRALIA ANGELES CITY – PHILIPPINES SUB BRANCH MINUTES OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING – 16 FEBRUARY 2010

Opening The President opened the meeting at 1430 hours followed by the Ode. The President welcomed members present and apologies were received for Hugh Ellis, Phil Jones, Barry Britton and Ross Mangan.

President’s Report 2010 The President read his report as published in the February Newsletter.

Motion: That the President’s Report 2010 as read, be received and accepted.

Moved: George Lovegrove Seconded: Colin Whelan Carried Treasurer’s Annual Report 1st January to 31st December 2009 The Treasurer then read his Annual General report and tabled an audited copy which showed it to have been maintained in a competent and efficient manner. There were a couple of matters requiring attention that will be rectified by the new Committee. The President extended his thanks to Colin Hurley for his auditing efforts and Bob Young for the excellent job he had done as treasurer over the past year. There being no further discussion, a motion of acceptance was called for.

Motion. That the Treasurer’s Annual Report for the 1st January to 31st December, 2009 as read, be received and accepted.

Moved: Ray Sauvola Seconded: Les Fuller Carried Election of Office Bearers The President then appointed Bob Barnes as Returning Officer in lieu of Ross Mangan, whereupon Bob took the chair and conducted the election of Office Bearers.

The Returning Officer advised that nominations received to date were as follows: President James Curtis-Smith Vice President Noel Roach Vice President Viv Hart Secretary Dallas Drake Treasurer Bob Young Committee Col Whelan Committee Steve Fletcher As there were no other nominations received, those members were deemed to be duly elected.

The Returning Officer then called for nominations from the floor for the remaining committee positions. The following members were nominated: .

Lee Townsend Nominated: Dallas Drake Seconded: Vic Meller

4 Greg Harbutt Nominated: Bob Young Seconded: Viv Hart Rob Cairns Nominated: Bob Young Seconded: Dallas Drake Vic Meller Nominated: Noel Roach Seconded: Col Whelan Les Fuller Nominated: Graham le Bherz Seconded: Noel Roach Ross Bothwell Nominated: Dallas Drake Seconded: Noel Roach Bill Barnes Nominated Col Whelan Seconded Bob Barnes.

There being no further nominations from the floor, those members were deemed to be duly elected.

Colin Hurly was then asked if he would continue to be the RSL auditor for the current year to which he agreed, and there being no other nominees from the floor for the position, he was deemed to be duly elected.

Motion: That Colin Hurley is duly elected as Auditor for the current year.

Moved: Jim Curtis Smith Seconded: Bob Young Carried The motion was put that nominations for the committee had now closed, the election was completed, and the chair returned to the President, who thanked Bob Barnes for his efforts Moved: George Lovegrove Seconded: KC Carried The President advised that the first meeting of the new committee would be 12.30 hours, 2nd Mar 2010 There being no other business, the President closed the meeting at 1508 hours and moved straight on to the Monthly General Meeting, (without the customary comfort break).

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RETURNED & SERVICES LEAGUE – AUSTRALIA ANGELES CITY – PHILIPPINES SUB BRANCH MINUTES OF MONTHLY GENERAL MEETING – 16 Feb 2010 Opening The President opened the meeting at 1509 hours and welcomed the new Committee Minutes of the Last Meeting Minutes of the last meeting were not read.

Correspondence The President advised that there had been the usual inward and outward administrative correspondence and several other letters and requests which would be dealt with under general business.

Treasurer’s Report –January 2010 The Treasurer read his report for January 2010 and tabled a copy.

Motion: That the Treasurer’s Report, as read, be accepted.

Moved: Bob Barnes Seconded: Rob Cairns Carried General Business 1. The President advised that he had received two requests for nebulizers: a. Two for use by Barangay Cutud; and b. Four for use in Mabalacat barangay health centres and two in the senior Citizens Department in City Hall.

5 After a brief discussion, the motion was put that: Two nebulizers should be supplied to Barangay Cutud and six nebulizers be supplied to Mabalacat City Hall.

Moved: George Lovegrove Seconded: Dick Kendall Carried 2. The President advised that he had received a letter from Paul Walsh of the Australian Net Ball Association (?) seeking assistance with the setting up of a Net Ball league (?) in Angeles City. The President advised that he would respond in due course.

3. The President advised that he had received an email from Frank B Hilliard, Commander of the La Union VFW Post 9892, District VII (Philippines) requesting RSL support for their ANZAC Day observance in La Union. After a brief discussion, the President decided to review the matter in committee and draft a suitable response.

4. Scott Lazzarini from (?) advised that he had arranged for two boxes of medication, one of Symbicort and one of Nexium to be shipped over from Australia for distribution at future Medical Missions 5. The President advised members that he believed that as the recent flood damage to the Swagman Hotel had now been repaired, and the venue should again be used for the ANZAC Day Fellowship. Agreed.

6. LTCOL Gary Barnes advised that ANZAC Day would be observed by members of the Australian Embassy, in conjunction with the New Zealand Embassy in Manila, with a Dawn Service commencing 0530 hours at the Philippines’ Military War Memorial. He invited any members who might be in Manila on the day to attend.

7. Dallas advised that he was now starting to receive new membership cards which are accompanied by a rather bulky information booklet. Due the size of the individual packages, these would be held, and be available for collection, at the Ponderosa Hotel 8. Colin Whelan advised that Sub-Branch membership now comprised 426 members, 158 Service Members and 268 Affiliate members.235 member had been renewed their subscription for the current year and 191 remain outstanding.

9. The President advised that the next Committee meeting would be held at the Ponderosa Hotel at 1230 hours, on the 2nd March, 2010.

Further Business 10. The President called for any further business, received no response, and called for the door raffle to be drawn.

Won by Ken Whitford with number 36 The Meeting closed at 1536 hours.

Editors note. The two reports above were presented to me in a much larger format, but due to space constraints within this newsletter, I have economized by reducing the format. Ed

ANZAC DAY COMMEMORATIONS IN LA UNION RSL Angeles City Sub Branch members are advised that American Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 9892 located in Paringao La Union, conducts an Anzac Day commemorative service on April 25 each year. Commander of Post 9892, Frank Hilliard cordially invites any RSL Sub Branch

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member or any Australian residing or visiting La Union during the ANZAC Day commemorations to join them on the day.

For RSL members who reside in the La Union, Baguio City or in the close proximity, who, because of tyranny of distance are unable to attend the Angeles City service, (and play time) this is an opportunity for you to join the service with the VFW on April 25.

The service will commence precisely at 1100 hours at the Coconut Grove Beach Resort, located in Paringao La Union. A reminder will appear in April newsletter.

MEDIA RELEASES FROM THE MINISTER FOR VETERANS AFFAIRS RED TAPE CUT FOR VETERANS AND ADF PERSONNEL The red tape facing Australia’s most disabled ex-serving personnel accessing income support has been cut in new changes announced today by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin.

Minister Griffin said that from March 2010, veteran pensioners assessed as Totally and Permanently Incapacitated (TPI) would be exempt from Centrelink medical reviews to access a Disability Support Pension.

“Since coming to Government we have sought to reduce the barriers facing veterans and injured ex-serving personnel seeking compensation and income support,” the Minister said.

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“We established an Interdepartmental Working Group to simplify the bureaucratic maze facing veterans and ex-serving personnel, making it easier for them to access their entitlements and streamlining arrangements across agencies.

“Today’s announcement immediately assists around 1100 veterans on a Centrelink Disability Support Pension and has the potential to benefit many more into the future.

“Currently TPI pensioners undergo repeated Job Capacity Assessments to access and retain their Disability Support Pension.

Our TPI pensioners have already been through a rigorous assessment process to access their DVA benefits so making them go through a similar process to access Centrelink benefits is unreasonable.”

Today’s announcement builds on a range of initiatives introduced since the election, including expanding acceptance the ADF Identification Card as Proof of Identity by more government agencies and compiling the ADF Transition Handbook, which lists all interdepartmental benefits and support services available to separating ADF members.

DVA and Centrelink are also sharing data to help reduce the risk of overpayments for the more than 17,500 pensioners on both DVA and Centrelink payments.

Mr Griffin said the inter-agency co-operation under this Government was creating smarter ways to deliver “whole-of-government” services.

“I am pleased with our progress to date but more will be done in our efforts to support our veterans and defence personnel,” Mr Griffin said.

DARWIN BOMBINGS REMEMBERED 68 YEARS ON Australians are encouraged to remember the day war came to our shores on the 68th anniversary of the Japanese attacks on Darwin, the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin, said today.

7 Delivering the commemorative address at a service at Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance Mr Griffin said the attacks on Darwin devastated Australia during the Second World War and marked the beginning of the Battle for Australia.

“When the Japanese entered the Second World War in December 1941, they advanced quickly across most of South East Asia and large areas of the Pacific. For Australia this meant the threat of war was suddenly on our doorstep,” Mr Griffin said.

“A few months later at 9.58 am, February 19, 1942, the residents of Darwin were going about their day when aircraft of the Imperial Japanese Navy flew overhead launching an attack.

Visit Website “Enemy aircraft swept over the town wreaking havoc – killing and injuring service personnel and civilians; destroying the harbour, hospital, post office, airfields and the RAAF base at Parap.

“Coming just days after the Fall of Singapore the attacks on Darwin and Northern Australia demonstrated the magnitude of the task of defending Australia against the threat of Japanese invasion.

“More than 240 Australians were killed and hundreds more injured in the initial attacks on Darwin. Twenty military aircraft were destroyed, eight ships beached and many more buildings reduced to rubble, leaving Darwin in ruins.”

Over the next 21 months, until 12 November 1943, Darwin and other areas of the Northern Territory endured more than 80 air raids. Other northern Australian towns suffered enemy attacks but none experienced the repeated air raids that Darwin endured.

“I encourage Australians to take the time today to remember the men and women who have served to protect our shores, those continuing to serve our nation and those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in defence of Australia,” he said.

The bombing of Darwin is one of the many wartime events which are commemorated on Battle for Australia Day on the first Wednesday of September each year.

GALLIPOLI’S VICTORIA CROSS MEDALS TO TOUR AUSTRALIA The Australian War Memorial’s collection of Victoria Cross medals from Gallipoli will tour the nation for the first time to commemorate the 95th anniversary of the landing.

Announcing the tour today, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Alan Griffin said it was a valuable opportunity for more Australians to see Anzacs’ Victoria Cross medals.

“Gallipoli was where the Anzac legend was born. These nine Anzacs epitomise the courage and sacrifice of those who fought there,” Mr Griffin said.

Australian War Memorial Director Steve Gower said the special touring exhibition This company of brave men; the Gallipoli VCs, is presented by the Australian War Memorial and made possible through the generous support of Mr Kerry Stokes AC and Seven Network Limited.

Visit Website “The Victoria Cross is the highest form of recognition that can be bestowed on a soldier for remarkable and unselfish courage in the service of others. The entire nation draws pride and inspiration from these brave men,” Mr Gower said.

The nine Victoria Crosses will travel to Western Australia, Northern Territory, South Australia, Victoria and Queensland, from 20 March 2010.

Mr Stokes said was always conscious of the special place the VCs have in the hearts of all Australians.

8 “When the Australian War Memorial presented an opportunity to tour the Gallipoli VCs for the first time, I personally sought to ensure that all Australians would be able to visit the exhibition free of charge and learn about the lives of these brave men. The VCs are such an important vital part of our lives, in many respects they are a part of our core essence as Australians.

“I am also pleased that Seven is playing such an important role in ensuring all Australians are aware of this extraordinary and touching exhibition.”

The touring exhibition will feature the medals of Corporal Alexander Burton, Corporal William Dunstan, Private John Hamilton, Lance Corporal Albert Jacka, Lance Corporal Leonard Keysor, Captain Alfred Shout, Lieutenant William Symons, Second Lieutenant Hugo Throssell, and Lieutenant Frederick Tubb.

Seven of the nine Victoria Crosses awarded at Gallipoli were for bravery during the battle of Lone Pine, on 6-7 August 1915. A total of 97 Australians have received the Victoria Cross.

NEW VETERANS’ REVIEW BOARD HEAD Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Alan Griffin today announced that Doug Humphreys has been appointed as the Principal Member of the Veterans’ Review Board for five years, beginning on 22 March.

The Veterans’ Review Board is the first avenue of appeal for decisions about veteran’s benefits and entitlements, after internal review options have been exhausted. Veterans’ Review Board decisions can be appealed to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

Mr Humphreys is an experienced senior public servant with an extensive background in government tribunals. He is currently the Principal Registrar of the Commonwealth Administrative Appeals Tribunal, a position he has held for the past six years. He is also an alternate member of the NSW Legal Aid Commission Board, and has served as an infantry officer in the Army Reserve since 1976.

“Mr Humphreys’ service background combined with his legal expertise gives him a strong understanding of the unique nature of military service and his role in making decisions related to service,” Mr Griffin said.

APPOINTMENT OF NEW REPATRIATION COMMISSIONER Major General Mark Kelly AO, former Commander of Australian Forces in the Middle East, has been appointed as the new Repatriation Commissioner, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Alan Griffin announced today.

The Minister said the appointment of such a highly experienced and respected officer was a coup for the veteran community.

“At a time when significant numbers of Defence Force members are returning from deployment, having a Commissioner who understands their situation, has shared their experiences and in many cases commanded them, will help their transition from military to civilian life,” Mr Griffin said.

“I am keen to improve the connection between the ADF and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and to better understand and support current and recently ex-serving members of the ADF, and I am confident Major General Kelly will help achieve this.

“I am certain that Australia’s veteran community will welcome his appointment.”

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LITTLE WOODEN CANNON CREATES ESPRIT DE CORPS ANGLESEA BARRACKS SERGEANTS MESS CANNON MISSING The Anglesea Barracks Sergeant’s Mess (in Hobart Tasmania) is seeking a small wooden cannon that has an incredible history – even being taken to war zones.

Mess secretary, WO2 Michael Hinchey, said the HMAS Wagga Petty Officer’s Mess first presented the wooden cannon to the Mess in 1956. “This presentation commenced a tradition where the cannon would be liberated from the Mess for a fee which would go to Legacy,” WO2 Hinchey said.

At times the cannon would be absent for many years, being taken around the world and even transferred to other ships for the return trip to Anglesea Barracks.

Now the cannon has disappeared and the Anglesea Barracks Sergeants Mess has began a world-wide search to locate it. “The cannon acquired a history which was known across the US, NZ, Canadian and Australian navies,” WO2 Hinchey said. “Whenever ships visited Hobart, attempts would be made to remove the cannon from the Sergeant’s Mess.”

Despite circumnavigating the globe on the USS Missouri and being taken underwater on HMAS Ovens, it was a trip under the North Pole in 1985 that saw the cannon enter into military history. “The cannon was on board the USS Aspro, a nuclear submarine, on its voyage under the North Pole.”

“The USS Aspro carried out an historical rendezvous with another nuclear submarine, the USS Queenfish, under the ice and the cannon was transferred to the Queenfish during that time.”

As each liberation and transfer took place, small plaques were added to the base, with additional wooden bases being added as more space was needed. “The bottom base is actually part of the decking of the USS Missouri,” said WO2 Hinchey.

Not all the liberations were by the Navy, with the Red Berets Parachute Display team, an NZ MP unit and a RAAF unit possessing the cannon at some stage.

It was the HMAS Westralia who took the cannon to war on a tour of duty in the Persian Gulf in 1991. The cannon was later taken into Kuwait before being returned to Australia. The cannon was taken to the Antarctic in 1995 and also did a tour of duty into East Timor on board HMAS Anzac in 1999.

“It was returned to the Sergeant’s Mess shortly after and remained there for some time until it was noticed missing several years ago,” WO2 Hinchey said. “The history of this small wooden cannon is impressive and we would like to hear from anyone who can assist in returning it to the Mess along with the donation for Legacy.”

“We are hoping that it is on board a ship or perhaps sitting in a mess somewhere around the world. We do expect the search to go overseas.”

The above appeal for assistance was sent out in December 2007. Ed

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AND IT HAS BEEN FOUND Anglesea Barracks Sergeants Mess Cannon Returns Home A small wooden cannon, donated to the Anglesea Barracks Sergeant's Mess in 1956 by the HMAS Wagga, has travelled the world for nearly 60 years. Regularly "liberated" from the Mess by members of Australian and allied ships, squadrons and units, the cannon has gained a unique history.

It has travelled the world on the USS Missouri and USS Carl Vinson, been taken on operations in the Middle East and East Timor, passed between US nuclear submarines under the Arctic ice and been on many Australian, UK, US, Canadian and NZ ships. The cannon and base are covered with small plaques detailing its travels.

More recently, the cannon was taken to London on the HMAS Sydney. It was on board that Yeoman Warder "Jimmy" James spied the trophy during a visit and liberated it from the Australians, taking it to the Yeoman Warder's Mess at the Tower of London where it remained until it was decided to return the cannon home after nearly a decade away.

Yesterday, (26th February 2010) the two Yeoman Warders, Jimmy James and Crawford Butler, marched with the cannon into Anglesea Barracks, presenting it to Regimental Sergeant Major 12th/40th Battalion, Warrant Officer Class One John Stonebridge in front of assembled Mess members.

Near journeys end ↓

Home at last ↓

The Yeoman were assisted in the return of the cannon to Australia through sponsorship from Qantas. They also paid the fine to Legacy, presenting $400 to Legacy Hobart secretary, Mr John Paul.

Editorial. When I first saw this article in the Tasmanian Mercury newspaper on Saturday 27 th Feb, it brought back pleasant memories for me, so much so that I had to include it in as an article in this newsletter. I had to move an article I had for March to another newsletter to fit it in. I was posted to Hobart in Tasmania early 1982 till end of 1984. We knew of the cannon’s existence but no one could remember seeing it. One Friday afternoon I was heading home but changed my mind and went to the Sergeants Mess for a beer. On arrival, the snooker table was covered with navy hats. When I entered the bar, there the cannon was, on prominent display. The Senior Sailors from HMAS Hobart, which was part of a four vessel contingent in Hobart for Navy Week had, I recall, ‘liberated’ the cannon in Hawaii and took the opportunity of being in Hobart to deliver it home.

11 The following Monday evening, the senior sailors from a submarine which was with the other ships were overheard saying that the cannon hadn’t been underwater. This was relayed to the mess ‘boss’, who decided to take it home for safekeeping. This irked the submariners, but ‘boss’ wanted to do some media coverage on it before its next ‘liberation’. The Mercury did a spread as did Australiasian Post magazine with a three page spread, before it was returned to its cabinet.

The ‘boss’ was the one to decide to impose a fine, payable to Legacy in an attempt to speed up the cannons travels.

Soon thereafter another naval ship visited Hobart, the mess property officer unlocked the cabinet holding the cannon, the navy blokes suitably diverted our attention, the cannon was liberated and sneaked out the back door, the smoke screen crew then left the mess, which was a signal for the property officer to go downstairs and lock the cabinet again.

I recall visitors both military and civilian to the mess and as they entered they used to ask if the cannon was home.

It was that well known. Their eyes would light up when told yes or disappointment when the answer was NO. I consider myself very fortunate to have seen the cannon on more than a couple of times. There were blokes posted to Tasmania who spent years there but never once saw it.

WO2 Hinchey, who posted the world wide search, has since been posted to Adelaide and hopes to travel to Hobart soon to see the cannon. Ed

The 2010 Directory of Services for Older People The free directory provides important information for older people and their families with chapters on accessing aged care, legal rights, finance and health.

This year the directory has been printed with spiral binding allowing it to lay flat, larger type to make it easier to read and tabs to make finding the relevant section of the directory even easier.

Copies of the directory are available through the Canberra VAN office or online on the Department of Health and Ageing website www.health.gov.au http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/ageing-agdos-2010.htm Kim Daniells | Manager Veteran's Affairs Network - Canberra Department of Veterans' Affairs T +61 (0) 2 6225 4602 | F +61 (0) 2 6257 1818 ***** *****

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HON. DR MIKE KELLY MP Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support Friday, 12 February 2010

Australian General Service Medal for Korea receives royal approval The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, the Hon. Dr Mike Kelly AM MP, today announced that Her Majesty the Queen has approved the official regulations and design for the award of the Australian General Service Medal for Korea.

12 "The establishment of this award is consistent with the Rudd Labor Government's election commitment to fully implement the recommendations of the Post-Armistice Korean Service Review," Dr Kelly said.

"The Australian General Service Medal for Korea is being struck to recognize former Defence Force personnel who completed 30 days participating in operations in South Korea. This includes any location within 161 kilometres seaward from the coast of South Korea during the post-armistice period from 28 July 1953 to 19 April 1956."

It is expected that the medal will be available for dispatch to some eligible recipients before ANZAC Day 2010.

Former Defence Force personnel who served in South Korea during the post-armistice period are encouraged to submit their application to the following address: Directorate of Honours and Awards Department of Defence PO Box 7952 CANBERRA BC ACT 2610 People who have previously applied for the award do not need to reapply but should contact the Directorate of Honours and Awards if their address details have changed since applying.

Further Information: Please call the Directorate of Honours and Awards on 1800 111 321 (toll free within Australia) or +612 6266 1050 (from outside Australia), or visit http://www.defence.gov.au/medals/

A REMINDER Start getting out your Gongs (medals), press your RSL shirt, polish your drinking shoes, advise the missus/GF that you will be away for most of the day on 25th of April 2010 as it is ANZAC DAY. Our Sub Branch will be conducting our annual commemorations at Clark Cemetery with the after service refreshments and activities in our time honoured fashion. The after service activities will be at the Swagman Narra Resort in Diamond Sub Division. More information in the April newsletter.

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VC CORNER

John Edmondson VC Photo: Australian War Memorial

NX15705 Corporal John Hurst EDMONDSON 2/17th Australian Infantry Battalion AIF 13th April 1941 at Tobruk, Libya "On the night of 13th-14th April 1941, a party of German infantry broke through the wire defences at Tobruk and established themselves with at least six machine guns, mortars and two small field pieces. It was decided to attack them with bayonets, and a party consisting of one officer, Corporal Edmondson and five privates, took part in the charge. During the counterattack Corporal Edmondson was wounded in the neck and stomach, but continued to advance under heavy fire, killing one enemy with his bayonet.

Later his officer had his bayonet in one of the enemy and was grasped about the legs by him, when another attacked him from behind. He called for help, and Corporal Edmondson, who was some yards away, immediately came to his assistance and in spite of his wounds, killed both of the enemy. This action undoubtedly saved his officer's life. Shortly after returning from this successful counter-attack, Corporal Edmondson died of wounds. His actions throughout the operations were outstanding for resolution, leadership and conspicuous bravery.

[London Gazette: 4th July, 1941]

John Hurst EDMONDSON was born at Wagga Wagga, New South Wales on 8th October, 1914. He is buried in the Tobruk War Cemetery, Libya.

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Bloody Great Aussie Poem Maaate!!!!!!!

The sun was hot already - it was only 8 o'clock The cocky took off in his ute, to go and check his stock.

He drove around the paddocks checking wethers, ewes and lambs, The float valves in the water troughs, the windmills on the dams.

He stopped and turned a windmill on to fill a water tank And saw a ewe down in the dam, a few yards from the bank.

'Typical bloody sheep,' he thought, 'they've got no common sense, 'They won't go through a gateway but they'll jump a bloody fence.'

The ewe was stuck down in the mud, he knew without a doubt She'd stay there 'til she carked it if he didn't get her out.

But when he reached the water's edge, the startled ewe broke free And in her haste to get away, began a swimming spree.

He reckoned once her fleece was wet, the weight would drag her down If he didn't rescue her, the stupid sod would drown.

Her style was unimpressive, her survival chances slim He saw no other option, he would have to take a swim.

He peeled his shirt and singlet off, his trousers, boots and socks And as he couldn't stand wet clothes, he also shed his jocks.

He jumped into the water and away that cocky swam He caught up with her, somewhere near the middle of the dam The ewe was quite evasive, she kept giving him the slip He tried to grab her sodden fleece but couldn't get a grip.

At last he got her to the bank and stopped to catch his breath

She showed him little gratitude for saving her from death.

She took off like a Bondi tram around the other side He swore next time he caught that ewe he'd hang her bloody hide.

Then round and round the dam they ran, although he felt quite puffed He still thought he could run her down, she must be nearly stuffed.

The local stock rep came along, to pay a call that day.

He knew this bloke was on his own, his wife had gone away He didn't really think he'd get fresh scones for morning tea But nor was he prepared for what he was about to see.

He rubbed his eyes in disbelief at what came into view For running down the catchment came this franticlooking ewe.

And on her heels in hot pursuit and wearing not a stitch The farmer yelling wildly 'Come back here, you lousy bitch!'

The stock rep didn't hang around, he took off in his car The cocky’s reputation has been damaged near and far So bear in mind the Work Safe rule when next you check your flocks Spot the hazard, assess the risk, and always wear your jocks!

Interpretation for our non Aussie members: Cocky = farmer Ute = pick-up truck Paddocks = fields or pasture Carked it = died Jocks = underwear Bondi tram= tram that used to go to Bondi beach in Sydney Stuffed = exhausted Bloke = guy, chap or fellow Stock rep = bloke who buys/sells animals

15 TIME FOR A CHUCKLE THE IRISH GOLFER playing in Ireland hooked his drive into the woods. Looking for his ball, he found a little Leprechaun flat on his back, a big bump on his head and the golf ball beside him.

Horrified, the golfer got his water bottle from the cart and poured it over the little guy, reviving him.

'Arrgh! What happened?' the Leprechaun asked.

'I'm afraid I hit you with my golf ball,' the golfer says.

'Oh, I see. Well, ye got me fair and square. Ye get three wishes, so whaddya want?'

'Thank God, you're all right!' the golfer answers in relief. 'I don't want anything, I'm just glad you're OK, and I apologize.'

And the golfer walks off.

'What a nice guy,' the Leprechaun says to himself.

I have to do something for him. I'll give him the three things I would want...a great golf game, all the money he ever needs and a fantastic sex life.'

A year goes by and the golfer is back. On the same hole, he again hits a bad drive into the woods and the Leprechaun is there waiting for him.

'Twas me that made ye hit the ball here,' the little guy says. 'I just want to ask ye, how's yer golfgame?'

'My game is fantastic!' the golfer answers. I'm an internationally famous golfer now.' He adds, 'By the way, it's good to see you're all right.'

'Oh, I'm fine now, thank ye. I did that fer yer golf game, you know. And tell me, how's yer money situation?'

'Why, it's just wonderful!' the golfer states. 'When I need cash, I just reach in my pocket and pull out $100 bills I didn't even know were there!'

'I did that fer ye also.' And tell me, how's yer sex life?'

The golfer blushes, turns his head away in embarrassment, and says shyly, 'It's OK.' C'mon, c'mon now,' urged the Leprechaun, 'I'm wanting to know if I did a good job. How many times a week?'

Blushing even more, the golfer looks around then whispers, 'Once, sometimes twice a week.'

'What??' responds the Leprechaun in shock. 'That's all? Only once or twice a week?'

'Well,' says the golfer, 'I figure that's not bad for a Catholic priest in a small parish.'

WHAT IS COMING UP Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) in Zambales are again conducting their annual Chili Cook-off on 10th of April.

Our Sub Branch is entering a team for the event.

Secretary Dallas has pre-booked some rooms at the Dreamland Resort for the nights 9th and 10th of April.

If you intend to join the fun and need some accommodation, contact Dallas with your requirements.

16

ANZAC DAY Our Official Guest for the ANZAC Day commemorations this year will be the First Secretary and Consul from the Australian Embassy in Manila, Ms Wendy Roberts.

Our President informed the timings for the ANZAC Day commemorations in his report at the start of this newsletter. After the service, the continuing activities with be at the Swagman Narra Resort, commenting at 0800 hrs (8:00 am).

FOREX REMITTANCE CASH CARD (A SERVICE NOTICE TO OUR MEMBERS)

If anyone is looking for a quick way of transferring money or Balikbayan boxed from Australia to the Philippines, Forexworld may have the solution for you.

About Forex Australia

Welcome to the world of Forex Australian Office Founded by the late Ines C. Campos

The Forex Organization has been at the forefront of the Remittance and Cargo service world since the early 80’s. Wherever in the World Filipinos are, they have come to know Forex as the name they can trust. Forex is committed and dedicated to offering the best service available in the market and continues to produce innovative products and services which are valuable and relevant to the overseas Filipino communities Worldwide. Forex credits rapid growth and a strong loyal base of customers to honest, responsive and transparent service. Many smaller operations imitate Forex, but lack the heart to Serve the overseas Filipino and rather see the business as a means to make money, beware of their false promises.

We deliver Love, door-to-door, heart-to-heart. | Dahil Kailangang Makarating.

This looks like a good organisation with services that may surpass other services of its kind. For a look at their comprehensive website, click on the link below: http://www.forexworld.com.au/specials.php?fxid=3471dace0ff802e22f120cf4ec8dff52

“The price of liberty is eternal vigilance”