April 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 Rob Cairns Bob Barnes Dallas Drake Vivian Hart

Editor

Larry Smith

Email address’:

Clubhouse: Ponderosa Hotel president@rslangelescity.com

secretary@rslangelescity.com treasurer@rslangelescity.com editor@rslangelescity.com

NEWSLETTER # 49** APRIL 2011 This is the place where the ANZAC legend began, at dawn , at Gallipoli , Turkey on the 25th of April 1915

2 PRESIDENTS REPORT April 2011 The Annual General Meeting of this Sub Branch was held on the 15th March 2011 and the following members were elected to the Sub Branch Committee:President – JIM CURTIS-SMITH Vice Presidents - ROB CAIRNS BOB BARNES Secretary- DALLAS DRAKE Treasurer- VIVIAN HART Committee- BILL BARNES ROSS BOTHWELL STEVE FLETCHER GREG HARBUTT RON PARROTT MAX STEWART PETER STRUDWICK MM LEE TOWNSEND AuditorCOLIN HURLEY I thank the membership for entrusting me with the position of President again this year and I welcome our new Committee which has met already, but I remind all members that they are de facto members of the Committee. I encourage all of you who can contribute to the operations of the Sub Branch in any way whatsoever, to come forward and let us have the benefit of your experience or expertise. The Committee meets on the first Tuesday of each month at the Ponderosa at 1.30pm.

As we are all aware our major fund raising activities apart from the annual Australia Day Fiesta, are our weekly raffles run at Emotions on Friday evenings and at Phillies on Saturday nights. The funds raised from these raffles are exclusively applied to the purchase of medicines, wheelchairs and nebulizers which we donate to the less fortunate children through our Children’s Medical Missions.

The RSL in the person of this Sub Branch has been recognized in the Angeles community and last year in fact that recognition was recognized in the presentation of a plaque to the Sub Branch by Barangay Balibago. The altruism we experience in attending these missions is one thing, but more important to me is the fact that we who live in this community are able to give back to the community for that benefit we enjoy, and enjoin and integrate us as members of the community in which we live.

We all know how we feel about the integration of our migrant populations in Australia, and particularly those who don’t !!

Recently the support from our members in attending the raffles has declined and the same dedicated very few turn up each week. I would request that more of you attend, (not necessarily every week, but when you can) to lend a hand. It is not onerous and your assistance and the mateship and conviviality at these two bars is, in fact uplifting and most enjoyable. Turn up at Emotions on Friday from about 6pm thru to not later than 8 (pm or am … up to you !!) and/or the same at Phillies on Saturday.

ANZAC Day is fast approaching and details appear elsewhere in this Newsletter. I have reflected before on the importance of this day to us Australians and rather than waning in significance the remembrance and celebration of this day has grown throughout Australia as it has in Angeles City. Please turn up and join with us on this significant day.

Finally this month let me congratulate publicly our team that entered the Fleet Reserve Association Chilli Cook Off at San Antonio last week. We were successful in getting first prize and I want to thank the team and all those members who attended.

JAMES E. CURTIS-SMITH President

3 ANNUAL PRESIDENTS REPORT FOR 2010 (Presented at AGM on 15th March 2011) 2010 was another growth year for the Sub Branch. In 2006 when I first became President of the Sub Branch we had a total membership of around 45 members. Since that date we have seen the membership grow to 203 members in January 2008, 301 members in January 2009, 392 in January 2010 and to 478 members in January 2011. The current membership as of March 2011 is 531 members. The mix has remained fairly constant at about 40% Service members and 60% Affiliate members, and of our membership, slightly in excess of 75% of our members are resident in the Philippines.

As I have stated in previous Reports it is my belief that this growth and strength in our membership base is due in the main to the Sub Branch being a relevant organization to its members. From the very beginning of the RSL in 1916, its purpose was to provide a rallying point for those ex-service men and women who had endured the hardships of service in World War 1 and to give them support in readjustment of their lives following the horrors of war. This has endured through the various conflicts in which Australia has been involved and right up to the present day. In addition the RSL over the years has earned a reputation in Australia as being a rallying point for Australians to be proud of their heritage and history. The RSL heads the activities and organization of ANZAC Day, (See full page invitation as tear-out on the very last page of this newsletter) which is foremost a day of remembrance of those who gave so much, but is also celebrated perhaps more than Australia Day as Australia’s National Day. In most communities from the smallest towns to the capital cities in each State, in just about every country wherever there are Australian expats, ANZAC Day is remembered and celebrated.

To us expats in Angeles City, this rallying call is focused on the Sub Branch and thus I believe, explains our growth and strength in membership.

This Sub Branch answers the call from its Australian base and through its very strong and dedicated Committee and often coopted other members, provides a focus for so many of us living in a foreign country. We come together not only for ANZAC Day and Vietnam Veterans Day, but in the celebration of Australia Day with our monster Fiesta in and around Australia Day each year.

2010 was no exception and in my monthly reports to you I have reported on our involvement in celebrating the allied landing at Lingayen Gulf at the end of World War 2, Australia Day Fiesta, ANZAC Day, Vietnam Veterans Day, joining with our kindred VFW, American Legion, FRA, Special Forces Association of America, Vietnam Veterans Association of America in their Memorial Day, the FRA and VFW Chilli Cook Offs, the yearly trip to Manila and other. We meet weekly with our formal General Meeting on the third Tuesday of the month and our Committee meeting on the first Tuesday. Every other Tuesday is a social day where we have seen substantial increases in numbers attending.., We run two raffles a week in the wider community to raise funds for our Charity account, and I thank raffles at their establishments each week.

Phillies bar and Emotions Nite Club for permitting us to conduct those

4 I thank also the Perimeter Bars and also

Eruptions for their continuing financial donations, and to the very many other

business houses that provide sponsorship for our Fiesta T-shirt, prizes for our raffles and discounts to members at their establishments here in Angeles and in Subic and the Southern Cross Hotel in Manila.  Our Missions

Children’s have

Medical continued

throughout the year and we have so far given medicines to in excess of 25,000 children from the poorer areas in and around Angeles City. This would not be possible if we did not have the support for our raffles (both from ticket buyers and prize donations) but also from the Barangays, and most important from our medical professionals attending from the College of Nursing at Holy Angel University (HAU) and Angeles University Foundation College of Nursing (AUF). I must also thank our members who attend to dispense the medicines and our member’s wives partners and family members who check prescriptions.

In 2010, the Sub Branch set up a Blood Register where our members, their families, friends etc can be tested and their blood type recorded. Lindsay Drury coordinated the testing of members and their families with AUF blood testing group and so far we have 60 people recorded. I hope this number will increase with a further blood testing day this year. Both the VFW and Special Forces have similar registers and we are in the process of exchanging information so that hopefully, and with the register maintained by AUF, Angeles City will have a ready reference for blood typing and donors. There is no blood bank here as we understand in Australia.

At the time of writing this report, I have been advised of two of our existing Committee declining re-nomination this year.

Bob Young has been Treasurer of the Sub Branch since 2004 and during which time we have seen a huge growth in the numbers of financial transactions of the Sub Branch. With good humour and accounting skills, Bob has been able to keep on top of the needs of the Sub Branch in clear and accurate recording and presentation of our accounts. I thank you Bob on behalf of our members.

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Bob Young

Col Whelan is also retiring and for at

least the last four years has been active as a Committee member principally as a membership director

in

members.

recording

and

classifying

our

This has been a big job requiring

weekly and almost daily attention to the Register of Members. Col has been active in all aspects of the Sub Branch’s activities from attending on almost all activities undertaken including but by no means limited to the Children’s Medical Missions, ANZAC Day and Vietnam Veterans Day, the raffles and most importantly of all, the co-ordinator of our monster Australia Day Fiesta raffle. Thanks Col, you have always given your all so often, unpublicized and in the background. You were always there and we wish you well on your return to Australia.

During 2010, we sadly lost one of our Vice Presidents, Roachy. Noel was a very active member of the Sub Branch and we were st

all saddened when he passed away on the 31 August 2010, two months after being diagnosed with cancer. Vale Roachy.

5 Finally, I thank the membership of the Sub Branch for putting up with me as President in 2010 and for the support that so many of you gave to me both as members of the Committee and as co-opted members in the various activities we undertook through the year. I thank my family and in particular Moon, for her and their support through the year.

JAMES E. CURTIS-SMITH President 2010

NEW MEMBERS WE WELCOME the following new members : Douglas Emblem MID, (A/C) * Alfred Mortner (A/C) * Maurice Van Merkesteijn (Mabalacat) * Peter Van Huisstede (A/C) Ernest Mendoza (USA) * Henry Solley (Tasmania) * Shane French (WA) * John Waldon (A/C) * Malcolm Burgoyne (A/C) * Steven Danks (A/C) * Albert (Alf) Frier (A/C) * Scott Williams (A/C) * Robert Mantyka (Canada) * Troy Landmesser (A/C) * Johm Muggridge (Sydney) * Fred Phillips (A/C) * Jason Platten (A/C) * Welcome back to: Graeme Griffin (A/C) * Mark Irvin (A/C) * Roy Brown (A/C) * Bruno Danielle (A/C) * ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS Our Webmaster, Gerald has made a sub domain on the RSL website that redirects to the RSL blog site, which is a lot easier to remember than http://acrsl1.wordpress.com/ Now you can just type blog.rslangelescity.com or http://blog.rslangelescity.com Do not enter the „www‟ in front or it will not work or it will bring up the RSL website instead of the blog (the link is on the top right of our web page).

 As in previous years we will again be selling local made ANZAC biscuits on ANZAC Day. They will be available at the refreshments venue, the Swagman Narra Resort, Diamond Sub-div Hon Sec Dallas Drake asks members to ensure that they are financial and that our Sub Branch has your up to date contact details. This is very important when trying to correspond with members.

Of 760 listed members, only 50% will be financial by April 25 when we close 2011 membership listing. 530 members are now financial as this includes a carry-over from 2010.

‟s WHO HAVE NOT PAID THEIR 2011 DUES WILL BE  OUT ON APRIL 25.      We have had a few non local members enquire how they can pay their annual dues. For your benefit we have republished our banking details and it is shown on page 16 of this newsletter. Ed ***** ***** ***** *****

6 BREAKING NEWS Angeles City RSL Sub Branch team WON the Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) in San Antonio chilli cook-off on Saturday 9th April. Well done lads, now you can practice for the VFW Post 9892 in La Union chilli cook-off later on in November this year. The rest of the pictures of the event are posted at our website.

The winning team with the trophy

The victors (l to r) Ken Platt, Barry Whelan, Greg Mann and Dallas Drake

One of our members, Greg Cuke resides in Dumaguete, Negros Oriental and advises that they have a group of people there who commemorate ANZAC Day. They meet at a restro-bar named „The Road House‟ owned by an American expat.

Greg advises that they have been doing this for the past four years and usually have about 50 people revolve through during the day.

So to any expat members living in or around Dumaguete, and can‟t get to Angeles for ANZAC Day, why not call into the Road House and make yourself known. Usual start time is 12:00 noon but there will always be someone there earlier.

The Road House is on the south highway in Banilad about 5 km from the city next to the Petron gas station. It should be a good day. Ed.

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SECRETS OF GALLIPOLI BATTLEFIELD REVEALED IN LEAD-UP TO ANZAC DAY Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on the Centenary of Anzac, Warren Snowdon, said the first phase of fieldwork in the most significant archaeological survey of the battlefields of Gallipoli since the First World War has now been completed.

Mr Snowdon said the preliminary findings from the Joint Historical and Archaeological Survey (JHAS), an initiative of the Australian, Turkish and New Zealand Governments reveal extensive trench systems, boundary markers and tunnels created during the Gallipoli campaign.

Mr Snowdon said it was important to release the findings in the lead up to Anzac Day on 25 April.

“The survey aims to increase our knowledge of the Gallipoli campaign, and provide further research into the historical, cultural and sociological significance of the area.

7 “Despite the historical importance of the Gallipoli battlefield, our knowledge of this area to date has been based on maps and written accounts. This area has never been studied in detail through modern archaeological survey methods.

“This is the first time that we have had the opportunity to corroborate and further explore the events surrounding the Gallipoli campaign which proved such a defining moment in the formation of our nation’s identity.

“Some 50,000 Australians served during the Gallipoli campaign and more than 8,700 lost their lives. This is a significant chapter in the history of our country and we owe it to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in war to learn all we can about this period.”

The survey was undertaken by a team of 13 eminent archaeologists, historians and researchers from Australia, New Zealand and Turkey who used non-invasive, advanced mapping, and GPS technology which records positions accurate to within 30 centimetres.

The research explored and mapped many of the surviving Australian and Turkish front line trenches between Johnston’s Jolly Cemetery to Quinn’s Post on the Second Ridge which contains the most visible remains of the Anzac trench system.[See link to map below] So far the fieldwork has documented: o 4000 meters of trench o 12 cemeteries o eight boundary markers o seven collapsed tunnels o 36 dugouts; o 69 recovered artefacts including metal fragments of food containers, buckets, bands, bullet shells, complete bullets, shell cartridges, buttons, belt buckles and glass shards of beer bottles and medicine jars; o and the paraphernalia of a rudimentary Turkish camp.

University of Melbourne Survey archaeologist Professor Antonio Sagona said, over the course of the field exercise, the team had gained a greater respect for all those involved in the Gallipoli campaign and an increased understanding of what happened on the battlefields.

“While it is still early days we believe we may have found evidence to corroborate the famous Anzac assault on the so called ‘German Officers’ Trench’, for example,” he said.

“The study aims to increase our knowledge of the Gallipoli campaign which, to date, has been based on old maps and written accounts including those of famous war correspondent, Charles Bean.”

Mr Snowdon thanked the team of archaeologists, historians and researchers from Australia, New Zealand and Turkey for their tremendous work on the project to date. He said he looked forward to hearing about the findings of the next phase of the research in the five-year project.

45 437 9296

Maps of the survey area, including images of some of the findings, and further background on the survey is available at www.dva.gov.au/media.

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60 ANNIVERSARY OF NATIONAL SERVICE TO AUSTRALIA AN INVITATION TO ALL AUSTRALIAN NASHO’S Townsville, the only "garrison city" in Australia has been chosen as the city to host the 60th Anniversary of National Service.

The city will come alive with celebrations from the 8th – 11th of September this year. The city is ready for an inundation of people who want to celebrate and commemorate the importance of such a significant event.

The Townsville City Council has put an amazing amount of resources behind the event to ensure its success. Please visit the Nasho’s 6Oth Anniversary website ; http://www.townsville.qld.gov.au/community/events/nashos/Pages/default.aspx.

On behalf of the National Servicemen’s Committee, we invite you to celebrate with us, and to invite as many persons who would want to come. We need your help in ensuring that all National Servicemen are aware of such a wonderful event. Their attendance is critical to the aim of the commemoration. It will indeed be a time to remember.

A COMMEMORATION JUST CONDUCTED SOURCE: Manila Bulletin, April 5, 2011 CAVITE, Philippines - Officials will honor all the country's heroes in a simple program set tomorrow at the Filipino Heroes' Memorial grounds in Corregidor Island.

Dubbed as "Tribute to All Filipino Heroes," the event was organized by the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Multi-Agency Task Force (MATF) as one of the highlights of the annual commemoration of "Araw ng Kagitingan" (Day of Valor) and the Philippine Veterans Week, which started last Tuesday (April 5) and will end on Monday (April 11).

The "Araw ng Kagitingan" celebration on April 9 (Saturday) was declared a regular holiday by President Benigno S. Aquino III. Also known as "Fall of Bataan Day," the officials commemorate yearly the gallant stand and heroism of Filipino and American soldiers in defending the Bataan peninsula during the invasion of the Japanese Imperial Army in 1942.The Cavite Provincial Information and Community Affairs Department (PICAD) said that the "Tribute to All Filipino Heroes" program will start at 9 a.m. tomorrow at the Heroes Memorial grounds of the historic Corregidor Island in Cavite City.

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Australian Army hits its 110th birthday The Australian Army turned 110 on 1 March.

The anniversary was commemorated with an early morning service at the Pool of Remembrance in the Australian War Memorial, which was followed by a birthday breakfast, the cutting of a birthday cake and the release of a commemorative coin During the reception, the Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Gillespie, said that the soldiers and their families were what made the Army work, as both a military force and as a respected national institution.

“Even after my own long career as a soldier, I continue to be surprised and hugely heartened by the sense of service, sacrifice and achievement that each generation of young Australians brings to our Army,” Lieutenant General Gillespie said.

Service commemorates milestone

“The people of Australia and their Army therefore celebrate the latter‟s birthday with pride in the Army‟s achievements over the last year, tinged with considerable sadness at our losses in combat and accidents.”

He said throughout the Army‟s 110 year history, two million Australians have served under the Rising Sun, (see comment below) and our Army had a proud history, from our fledging days of nationhood in 1901; through mass scale campaigns abroad during World Wars One and Two; through Korea and Vietnam; and to counter terrorism and international stabilization today.

“On our Army‟s 110th birthday, we rejoice in the fact that, as it has been for well over a century, Australia continues to have an Army for, and of, the whole of the Australian nation,” Lieutenant General Gillespie said. He also expressed his sincere thanks to the Australian community and its continuing support of the Army‟s operations at home and abroad.

“We truly appreciate the wonderful support the Australian community affords to our Army,” Lieutenant General Gillespie said.

“Our people are deployed on operations in Australia and overseas, including Afghanistan, the Middle East, East Timor and the Solomon Islands.”

Brigades around Australia also held community birthday events.

The two badges above are the latest design on what is known in the Defence Force as the ‘Rising Sun’, however if you look closely the ‘sun rays’ are actually a mixture of sword and bayonet blades. The crown in the middle is the queen’s crown and it differs from the King’s crown, shown in a 1940 version of the badge (above right). It is envisaged in the future that all of the badges on issue may have to be re-issued to show the king’s crown on the badge as there are two potential kings in waiting. Ed

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RAAF marks 90 years of flying THE Royal Australian Air Force has marked 90 years of flying with a commemorative service in Canberra.

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) chief Mark Binskin paid tribute to the many men and women who had lost their lives while wearing the light blue.

While he pointed to the planes and weapons that have turned the RAAF into a "global" force for good, Air Marshal Binskin said it was people that made the RAAF so powerful.

"Without people the air force is a collection of aircraft, buildings, budgets and regulations," he said.

But with people the RAAF had become an organisation to be proud of, "a small but potent airforce" The anniversary was marked with wreath-laying at the RAAF memorial adjacent to the war memorial.

New honours were unveiled, covering the period from the final year of World War II to the second Iraq war in 2003.

"It is important we remember those that came before us, and recognise the role they have played in our success," Air Marshal Binskin said.

AND RAAF ON THE JOB OF ASSISTANCE TO THE CIVIL COMMUNITY RAAF Flies a Million Pounds of Assistance into Disaster Zone The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) airlifted over one million pounds (450 tonnes) of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to where it was needed within Japan following the 11 March tsunami and earthquake.

The Australian Defence Force personnel who have been conducting Operation PACIFIC ASSIST have now returned home to Australia. The operation was the ADF contribution to Australia’s Whole of Government response to the disaster.

A RAAF C-17A Globemaster transported around 70 members of the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team and their equipment to Yokota to conduct humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in the first few days of the crisis.

During the ensuing 12 days of air lift operations, three C-17A Globemasters made a total of 31 landings at Japanese airfields to deliver over one million pounds of cargo including pumps to douse the Fukishima nuclear power plant, food and water, vehicles, and personnel and equipment of the 15th Brigade of the Japan Ground Self Defence Force to assist with the disaster relief effort.

The Commander of the Australian Contingent, Wing Commander David Howard, said the Operation made a significant contribution to the disaster relief effort.

11 “The C-17A has been outstanding during this operation not only in terms of its capability but also its reliability,” Wing Commander Howard said.

“It enabled us to move significant amounts of cargo between the major ports, including ones that had been recovered from the debris, in a fairly short space of time – getting the humanitarian assistance and the specialists to the places they needed to be to help the Japanese people as quickly as possible.”

He said that although the Operation was challenging, the troops were up to the task.

“The aircrew from 36 Squadron are trained to operate in a whole range of environments, but the conditions were still challenging,” Wing Commander Howard said.

“They faced snow and ice – something that they don’t see every day in their normal duties, and they had to deal with limited infrastructure and limited services such as air traffic control.”

The C-17A Globemaster completed several missions to Sendai, in the heart of the tsunami destruction zone.

“It was quite surreal sitting in Australia and seeing news footage of the water coming across the tarmac at Sendai Airport and knowing the catastrophic damage that was done, and then some days later actually being on the ground at Sendai airport, where the United States military had done a superb job of clearing away some of the debris to allow aircraft operations,” Wing Commander Howard said.

“All the aircrew have said to me without exception that although the situation that bought them here is dire, they drew a great deal of satisfaction out of being able to use their skills and their aircraft in a real sense to help people that they can see desperately need it.”

The above story is compliments of the Defence News.

A tiny bit about No. 36 Squadron RAAF: On 17 November 2006 No. 36 Squadron achieved two milestones. On this date the Squadron handed its C-130H Hercules aircraft to No. 37 Squadron ahead of the introduction of the first Globemaster on 4 December. In addition, Wing Commander Linda Corbould took command of the unit, becoming the first woman to command a RAAF flying squadron. Corbould completed her posting on 8 December 2008, and on this day the squadron marked the second anniversary of C-17 operations by conducting the RAAF's first flight with an all female aircrew. Ed

MILITARY COMPENSATION REVIEW REPORT RELEASED Friday, 18 March 2011 VA019 Delivering on an Australian Government election commitment, the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, today announced the release of the Review of Military Compensation Arrangements report and called for feedback from defence and veteran communities.

“The health and wellbeing of Australian Defence Force (ADF) members, veterans and their families, is a high priority for this Government, and this Review is important in determining how we can continually improve the provision of military rehabilitation and compensation.

12 “The Review of Military Compensation Arrangements determined that the current scheme relating to rehabilitation and compensation for service personnel and their families was based on sound principles, but that some improvements could be made.

“This Review is a significant step by the Government towards addressing concerns raised about military rehabilitation and compensation legislation that was introduced in 2004. The Steering Committee reported that there are no fundamental flaws in what is a complex and relatively new scheme,” Mr Snowdon said.

The Review report made 108 recommendations covering a wide range of issues raised in public submissions and consultations.

In summary, of the 108 recommendations: o 28 call for legislative change o 25 focussed on administration o 12 call for policy review and 11 call for further work to be undertaken o 25 of the recommendations are for no change and 7 support current initiatives.

Mr Snowdon said that four of the recommendations featured two options each and this reflected the divergence of views among members of the Review Steering Committee on a few specific issues relating to aspects of compensation and access to health care.

“That is not unusual given that a number of government agencies with differing perspectives and roles were represented on the Steering Committee.

“It is also not unexpected given the complexity and sensitivity of the issues and that is why feedback from the defence and veteran communities will be important to consider.”

Mr Snowdon said the report is now being released for comment until 30 June 2011. “The report is detailed and substantial, so to ensure there is sufficient time for the defence and veteran communities to study its contents, there will be more than three months for interested parties to provide input.

“The Government will provide its response once this consultation process is complete.

“I would like to thank the Steering Committee for its hard work during the course of the Review.”

The full report and its recommendations can be found on the DVA website. Background information on the Review is on the DVA Media Centre.

Minister for Veterans' Affairs Mailing List

Sunday, 10 April 2011

RATS OF TOBRUK COMMEMORATE 70TH ANNIVERSARY The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, today acknowledged the contribution of more than 14,000 Australian servicemen on the 70th Anniversary of the Siege of Tobruk.

“In 1941 Australian service personnel, along with British, Indian, Czechoslovakian and Polish troops, held off the might of the German and Italian armies in a battle that has become as much a significant part of our wartime history as the Gallipoli landings,” Mr Snowdon said.

13 The group, known as the ‘Rats of Tobruk’, withstood terrible conditions, enduring the heat and the dust of the desert as they bravely held Tobruk and dealt the Germans their first defeat on land in the Second World War. Facing repeated ground assaults and almost constant bombing and shelling over the 242-day siege, Australian soldiers resolutely defended the town, digging tunnels underground to take shelter.

German propagandist Lord Haw Haw (William Joyce) derided the tenacious defenders as 'rats', while intended as an insult; the soldiers embraced the name ‘Rats of Tobruk’ as a badge of honour.

Today, the name conjures images of resilience, tenacity and strength in the face of great adversity.

Mr Snowdon attended a commemorative service in Canberra, while other services have been held around Australia to mark the anniversary.

“Even with the constant bombardment by a formidable foe in the dry desert, with freezing nights and sweltering days, these men never gave up. They are an outstanding example of the Anzac spirit.

“It is important we always remember the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women. We need to ensure younger generations of Australians are aware of contributions like the one the Rats made, to help ensure that we can enjoy the freedom and rights we now take for granted,” Mr Snowdon said.

The 70th anniversary of the Siege of Tobruk is also being marked by a new exhibition at the Australian War Memorial. For information on this exhibition and Australia’s service in North Africa visit www.awm.gov.au Editor’s note: Online-quality historical images of the Siege of Tobruk and a media backgrounder are available for download from the DVA Media centre at www.dva.gov.au/media.

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TOWNSVILLE WAR MEMORIAL (a continuing series) This clock-tower memorial is constructed of rock-faced grey granite blocks, rising to a height of 25 feet and standing on octagonal steps of pink (Townsville) granite. The base is of rough marble and has buttresses at the corners, each supporting three columns of Queensland marble and capped by an angle buttress of finer white marble. On each face of the base of the clock-tower is a leaded marble plate. The plates are supported on marble brackets. The clock-tower originally had a 4-faced clock but the clock has been replaced by copper plaques bearing the badges of Australian fighting services. The tower is capped by a granite cornice. A hand activated recording plays the Last Post, Advance Australia Fair and provides details of Australian war involvement.

NB. Townsville is the Headquarters of the Army’s third Brigade.

Townsville has been a major base for the Army since the 1960’s.

Many Battalions left Townsville on their way to Vietnam and units returning were disembarked there to occupy their new barracks at Lavarack, on the city’s outskirts.

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VC CORNER

James Gordon VC

WX 2437 Private James Heather GORDON 2/31st Australian Infantry Battalion, A.I.F. 10th July 1941, near Jezzine Djezzinel, Syria "On the night of 10th July 1941 during an attack on "Greenhill", North of Djezzine, Private Gordon's Company came under intense machine-gun fire and its advance was held up. Movement even by single individuals became impossible, one officer and two men being killed and two men being wounded in the effort to advance.

The enemy machine-gun position which had brought the two forward platoons to a halt was fortified and completely covered the area occupied by our forces. Private Gordon, on his own initiative, crept forward over an area swept by machine-gun and grenade fire and succeeded in approaching close to the post; he then charged it from the front and killed the four machine-gunners with bayonet. His action completely demoralised the enemy in this sector and the Company advanced and took the position. During the remainder of the action that night and on the following day, Private Gordon, who has throughout operations shown a high degree of courage, fought with equal gallantry."

[London Gazette: 28th October 1941]

James Heather GORDON was born at Rockingham, Western Australia on 7 March 1909. He died on 19 July 1986 and was buried in the Karrakatta Cemetery, Perth, Western Australia.

Advantages of Being an RSL member and keeping Membership Continuing Here is a short list applicable to members of OUR Sub Branch……..

1. RSL members are recognized by this community as the GOOD Guys who work hard to help those less fortunate. PROUD 2B A GOOD GUY. 2. Being a member of Australia's largest Veteran Organization allows access to every RSL Club in Australia.

3. Low Annual Subscription rewards members with some 70+ discount establishments.

4. Regular Social Events, every Tuesday, Australia Day Fiesta, ANZAC Day, Vietnam Veterans Day, Memorial Days, Chili Cook Offs and family away trips.

5. Support and Welfare (conditions Apply).

6. Latest News via our Blog Site and Monthly News Letter.

7. Member Net Working (This works !! talk to another member before you get into trouble doing something your first time).

8. Low Cost Adult Vitamins available to members.

9. 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, Sunshine, Paradise Bar, Golden Garter, Honky Tonk, The International Sports &

15 Gaming Bar, Lollipop, Kokomo Group, Honey Ko’s*, Garfields, Roy’s Pub, Eager Beavers, Honey Pot, Stargate, Roadies*, Shooters, Body Shop, 68 We owe U one, Silly Hat, Cold Drop, Foxy’s, Happy Rock, Treasure Island, Matrix Braun, Wobbly Boot*, Strawberry Fields, Miss Magic, Kashmir Indian Restaurant, Rhapsody, LaBamba, Phillies, Just My Luck, T & A Bar, 10.

HOTELS & RESORTS: Ponderosa Hotel, Swagman Narra, Fiesta Gardens, Wild Orchid Angeles, Wild Orchid Subic, Orchid Inn, Anchorage Inn, Niggi Niggi 2 (Boracay), House of Rose (Palawan), Campbell’s Resort (Puerto Galera), Blue Rock (Baloy), Arizona Resort (Barrio Barreto), Dreamland Resort Hotel (Subic), Sheavan’s Resort (Baloy), Affinity Condo Resort, Bali Hai Resort (La Union), Rama Resort (Zambales), Coconut Grove Beach Resort (La Union), Southern Cross Hotel Manila, Coyote Ugly Hotel Inn. The Gani Hotel, Walk-About Hotel. * denotes No Discount to members, however they are SUPPORTERS of RSL Functions.

TIME FOR A LITTLE HUMOUR

Two Irishmen flew to Canada on a hunting trip. They chartered a small plane to take them into the Rockies for a week hunting moose.

They managed to bag six. As they were loading the plane to return, the pilot said the plane could take only four moose.

The two lads objected strongly. "Last year we shot six. The pilot let us take them all and he had the same plane as yours."

Reluctantly, the pilot gave in and all six were loaded. The plane took off. However, while attempting to cross some mountains, even on full power the little plane couldn't handle the load and went down.

Somehow, surrounded by the moose bodies, only Paddy and Mick survived the crash.

After climbing out of the wreckage, Paddy asked Mick, "Any idea where we are?"

Mick replied, "I think we're pretty close to where we crashed last year."

16

PAYMENT OF ANNUAL DUES 2011 FINANCIAL YEAR Dear Members, Annual dues are now payable for the financial year 2011 January to December.

Amount payable is only Php700.00.

You may choose how you pay by any of the following methods now available.

Offshore Members can pay from any country outside the Philippines by PayPal found within our web site WWW.RSLANGELESCITY.COM and can use any credit card or Debit Card.

(USD$20.00 ) Australian Members can DIRECT Transfer to our Commonwealth Bank of Australia Account. AUD$20.00) Account Name = Returned Services League Angeles City Sub Branch BSB 062 905 Account # 10153195 Philippine Resident Members living outside our immediate area may pay (Php700.00 ) DIRECT into any China Bank Branch (note there is no Transfer Fees ) Beneficiary Bank = China Banking Corporation Manila Philippines SWIFT address = CHBKPHMM Beneficiary Customer=ANGELES CITY RSL Account Number - 281-028301-5 Branch - SM CLARK CITY Members living in Angeles City can pay cash (Php700.00 ) DIRECT to Treasurer Vivian Hart 09278995842 or Secretary Dallas Drake 09165243084 who both have receipt books with them every Tuesday( 2.00 p.m.) at Ponderosa or every Saturday evening (6.00 p.m.) at Phillies Sports & Grill Bar charity raffle.

Members who are not financial by APRIL 25 will be removed from the members listing. We trust you will stay with us and help build a stronger RSL Sub branch.

Kind Regards, Dallas Drake Honorary Secretary.

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

“The price of liberty is eternal vigilance�

17 RETURNED & SERVICES LEAGUE OF AUSTRALIA LTD ABNs: National: 63 008 488 097 QLD: 799 026 1713 VIC: 739 417 653 64

ACT: SA: WA:

612 683 626 46 192 197 969 04 592 631 721 84

Annex B To By-Law No1

NSW: 783 681 381 61 TAS: 119 770 931 23

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP (Part A) I HEREBY APPLY to be admitted as a Service Member of the League and a member of the _____________________________ Sub-Branch of the ______________________

State Branch.

PERSONAL DETAILS Mr/Mrs/Ms/Rank ________ Surname: _____________________________ Christian/Given Names:_______________________ Honours/Awards/Decorations (Post Nominals):___________________________________________________________________ Male/Female: ____________

Date of Birth: ___________

Country of Birth: _____________________________________

Address: _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Suburb: _________________________________ Phone : (W) ______________________ Mobile: _______________________

Postcode: _____________

State/Country _________________________

(H) __________________________ Fax: _______________________

E-mail: ______________________________

Next of Kin: Surname________________________ Christian/Given Names:_______________________ Relationship:_________ Address:__________________________________________________________________________________________________ Suburb: __________________________________

Postcode: _____________ State/Country:___________________________

Contact Number: Ph: _______________________

Mob: ____________________________

SERVICE DETAILS Service Number:__________________ Branch of Service:_________________ Type of Service: Regular / Reserve (Please circle) Length of Service:___________________ Date of Enlistment:_______________________ Date of Discharge:________________ RSL Eligible Service Code: __________Blood Group__________________

RSL ELIGIBLE SERVICE CODES 01 World War I

02 World War II

03 BCOF (Japan)

04 Korea

05 Malayan Emergency

06 Indonesian Confrontation

07 Vietnam

08 Peacekeeping

09 Other

10 East Timor

11 Gulf War

12 National Service

13 ADF (Regular/Reserve)

14 TBA

PREVIOUS MEMBERSHIP DETAILS Previous Membership: (Circle one if applicable) YES/NO Date First Joined:______________ Previous Badge Number: ________ Previous Member of: ______________________________ Sub-Branch of the

_____________________________State Branch

I DECLARE THAT

DECLARATION AND AGREEMENT (i) the above information is true and correct (ii) I agree to uphold the Constitution of the League and its By-Laws

I ENCLOSE

Cheque/cash for $ ___________ being my current membership subscription.

Signature of Applicant:_________________________________

Date: ______________________

PRIVACY STATEMENT We will not use any of the information on this membership form without your specific permission in writing, other than to record you as a member of the League and will not pass that information to anyone outside the League.

18

Returned and Services League Australia Angeles City – Philippines Sub Branch WWW.RSLANGELESCITY.COM

INVITATION

ANZAC DAY MONDAY 25TH APRIL 2011 ALL interested persons are invited to attend

0700HRS…….REMEMBRANCE SERVICE AT CLARK WAR CEMETERY, CLARK FREE ECONOMIC ZONE (THE BASE) and afterwards FREE gunfire breakfast, LUNCHEON and FREE DRINKS AUSSIE MATESHIP, RAFFLES and OTHER ACTIVITIES at:

swagman NARRA RESORT (entry by purchase book of raffle tickets at P300)

WWW.RSLANGELESCITY.COM