August 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 Greg Mann Bob Barnes Dallas Drake Ron Parrott

Editor

Larry Smith

Email address’:

Clubhouse: Ponderosa Hotel president@rslangelescity.com

secretary@rslangelescity.com treasurer@rslangelescity.com

editor@rslangelescity.com

NEWSLETTER # 65 (A) ** AUGUST 2012 PRESIDENTS REPORT August 2012 I was unfortunately away for the annual commemoration of Vietnam Veterans Day on August 18. I must thank those members who gave their time and experience to organizing the day, which I am informed, was very successful in terms of numbers who attended.

I make special mention of the attendance of the Australian Ambassador Bill Tweddell and thank him and other representatives from the Embassy for their involvement.

To the VFW again, my thanks for the use of their tents, amplifiers, chairs and set up at the Clark War Cemetery for the service. The VFW volunteer this service to the RSL for our ANZAC Day and VV Day and have done so for many years and my sincere thanks.

I remind members of our Committee meeting at the club room at Ponderosa on 4th September next commencing at 1.30pm. We are in the planning stages of the next Australia Day Fiesta and the input of as many members as possible is sought. Round the traps in many groups there is discussion about what the

2 RSL should do and what we have done wrong and I would request you if you have a view to bring it to the Committee so that your ideas and the consensus you may have reached with your mates at other venues can be aired and be incorporated in our planning. Of importance is the settlement of the prizes for our giant raffle held each year, and if you have contacts or ideas for prizes or donations for prizes please let us know.

The saga of the relationship of this Sub Branch with ACT Branch continues. The Branch is broke and has insufficient income to function. The Branch has resorted to using interest earned on funds held by Branch on trust for welfare, to pay wages and rent, which in my view is immoral, if not illegal. The Branch continue to “trade” even though the Executive know that the Branch is insolvent. As advised previously, we have an Extraordinary Meeting of members scheduled for September 18 at the Ponderosa to discuss this matter, and the disgraceful treatment and recognition of overseas Sub Branches by Branch in contravention of its own Constitution, particularly of this Sub Branch.

Our Children’s Medical missions continue and a full timetable for the end of the year has now been fixed. Please help out at these missions and mark the dates in your diary now.

JAMES E. CURTIS-SMITH ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS THE 2013 AUSTRALIA DAY FIESTA SHIRT IS NOW BEING DESIGNED. PRODUCTION WILL BE SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER AND SALES WILL COMMENCE IN NOVEMBER. THE 2012 SHIRTS WE PRODUCED 660 AND WOULD EXPECT 2013 VOLUME BETWEEN 500 TO 700 SHIRTS. SPONSORS FROM 2012 HAVE FIRST CHOICE TO BOOK THEIR PREVIOUS SPACE FOR 2013 SPONSORSHIP. COST REMAIN SAME AT 10K FOR SLEEVES AND FRONT AND 5K FOR REAR POSITION. NEW SPONSORS WILL BE GIVEN SPACE ON FIRST RESPONSE BASIS. PAYMENT WILL BE DUE IN OCTOBER 2012 THERE ARE 4 SPACES KNOWN VACANT SO FAR STARGATE,COYOTE UGLY,FIESTA GARDENS HOTEL,DREAMLAND HAVE ALL CLOSED

ADVANCE NOTIFICATION FOR MEDICAL MISSIONS TILL END OF THIS YEAR

The medical Mission dates confirmed are:September 1st 2012 Balibago Barangay Hall Balibago (Map in last newsletter)

November 3rd 2012 Anunus Barangay Basketball court Anunus (Map to be supplied)

September 29th 2012 Plaridel Open Area Plaridel 1 (Map shown in this newsletter)

December 1st 2012 Santa Anna Basketball court open area Teodoro Street (Map to come)

3 VIETNAM VETERANS DAY REPORT Everything went well for the commemorative service at Clark Memorial Cemetery and the social afternoon at the Ponderosa.

LTCOL Gary Barnes (retired) stepped into the role of Master of Ceremonies (MC) in lieu of our president who was away. Gary was Assistant Defence Attache’ in Manila until his retirement earlier this year Keynote Speaker was our current ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Bill Tweddell. He was accompanied by the Australian Defence Attache’ Group Captain Craig White. They also brought along a few embassy staff to experience our ceremony. Ambassador Bill Tweedell, GPCAPT Craig White (right) and MC Gary Barnes (left) during the Ambassador’s keynote speech.

Around 90 persons attended the ceremony and same number attending the afterwards refreshments at the Ponderosa Hotel, outside our club room.

Ambassador Tweedell and GPCAPT White after laying the Embassy wreath in the Clark Cemetery 

The afternoon saw plenty of refreshments consumed and many lucky winners of the raffles that were conducted. A light lunch was enjoyed by all there.

 This happy veteran travelled all the way from Hervey Bay in Queensland for the occasion. If you don’t know who he is, his name is ‘Tex’ Blakley, a well know character around a fair bit of the Philippines. (see you at the Hervey Bay RSL when you get back here Tex).

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When soldiers serving in Vietnam went on leave it was common to meet your mates under the flags in Vung Tau. Same here at the Ponderosa Hotel, above.

MC for the day Gary Barnes (left) enjoys a coldie with his ex ‘boss’ GPCAPT Craig White at the Ponderosa Hotel, above.

In The August SPECIAL newsletter in the Schedule of Events, we incorrectly advised that the 29th September medical mission was to be in Sta Maria 1 area. The correct information is shown below. Incidentally, there will be two medical missions for September as there will not be an October mission. This is due to the availability of Australian nurses doing exchange training in Angeles City. Contact is Lindsay Drury on 09293365753 DIRECTIONS to Plaridel: The medical mission is in Plaridel 1 - its a basketball court called Plaridel 1 Open Space.

Turn off Malabanas St at Horizon Hill Hotel into Plaridel St. At the end of Plaridel St turn left into Sarmiento St. then first right into T Alonzo St. Go down 2 streets and turn left into Del Pilar St. There is a couple of little lanes then turn right into Recto St. its on the left about 50 meters.

RSL Medical mission Sept 29 at Plaradel 1 (open Space) 0800 hrs to 1100 hrs It’s a very poor area and the Basketball court has no roof – the barangay is supplying tents large enough to cover it.

Calling for volunteers for this mission, it is only three hours of your time !!!

5 AND A REMINDER We have included another Extraordinary General Meeting PROXY VOTE form as the last page of this newsletter for your use if you are definitely unable to attend the next meeting at the Ponderosa on 18th of September 2012.

NEW Info. ANZ Bank will be giving a presentation at the meeting on the 18th September around 3;15 pm.

Saturday, 18 August 2012

VA063

REMEMBERING AUSTRALIANS’ SERVICE AND SACRIFICE IN VIETNAM The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, has asked all Australians to remember almost 60,000 men and women who served our nation during the Vietnam War, this Vietnam Veterans’ Day, 18 August.

Mr Snowdon said Australian sailors, soldiers, airmen, nurses and civilians were involved in the war for more than a decade from 1962.

“Ceremonies held across the country today will remember all those who served, especially the 521 who paid the ultimate sacrifice,” he said.

“Just over two weeks ago, we saw the 50th anniversary of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (‘The Team’) being sent to work with the South Vietnamese Army, Territorial and Mobile strike forces.

“The Team served in Vietnam from 1962, until the 1st Australian Task Force (1ATF) was withdrawn in 1972, its service over a decade is worthy of enduring recognition.”

This day, 18 August, marks the anniversary of one of Australia’s most significant actions, the Battle of Long Tan. While patrolling the Long Tan rubber plantation, Australian troops primarily from Delta Company, 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, and three New Zealand soldiers were attacked by a large and strong force of North Vietnamese and Viet Cong troops.

After a timely ammunition resupply, artillery fire from the base and the arrival of reinforcements by armoured personnel carrier, the Australian and New Zealander soldiers prevailed, despite being heavily outnumbered. By the end of the battle, 18 Australians had been killed and a further 24 were wounded. This was the greatest loss of Australian lives in a single battle during the war.

Mr Snowdon said we should remember and honour each of our Vietnam veterans, those of the battles of Coral-Balmoral and Binh Ba and many other engagements over that 10-year war.

Today, many of 42,000 surviving veterans still carry the effects of the war and the unacceptable treatment they received on their return home.

A range of support services are available through the Australian Government including the VVCS – Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service, a service founded by Vietnam veterans, providing counselling and support 24 hours a day. To contact VVCS phone 1800 011 046.

For more information on the Vietnam War visit http://vietnam-war.commemoration.gov.au

NB. For a presentation on the Battle of Long Tan have a look at the following website. It gives first

hand narrative on what happened there. http://www.6rarassociation.com/battlelongtan.htm

6 LAST NEWSLETTER IT WAS A HORSE, NOW WE HAVE SMOKY- BRAVEHEART WAR DOG SHE may have been tiny, but Smoky the Yorkshire terrier was as brave as any of our soldiers on the frontline during World War II. Rescued from an abandoned foxhole in the middle of a Papua New Guinea jungle, Smoky went on to be a symbol of hope for the fighting men of WWII and their injured mates. ďƒ› Tiny Smoky gets comfy inside a soldier's helmet Last Friday, (27th July 2012) the 1.8kg pooch, who was originally purchased from a Queen St (Brisbane) pet store in 1943, was posthumously honoured for her military achievements and work as a therapy dog during a special ceremony at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital.

Smoky's owner, US Army Corporal Bill Wynne, now 90, said he was "flabbergasted" when approached by Australian authorities who wanted to award his dog with a medal, 68 years after they first paired up.

Their story started when one of his buddies saw "a little golden head" peeking out of a foxhole by a road in the middle of a Papua New Guinea jungle. He gave the misplaced "mutt" to a motorpool soldier, who then sold Smoky to Mr Wynne for two Australian pounds so he had money to buy back into a poker game.

Smoky the wonder dog parachutes in.ďƒ¨ Mr Wynne immediately set about teaching Smoky basic obedience skills. Within two days, Smoky could sit, stay, play dead and sing she mastered everything normally taught in a 10-week course and then some, he said. She went everywhere with Bill. She spent 18 months on the front-line. She rode in his backpack, slept in his tent and shared his rations.

"In the meantime I kept training. I taught her to walk a tightrope blindfolded, and she could spell out her name with cardboard letters." Mr Wynne said she even learnt how to parachute out of a tree.

"My buddy climbed up the tree and dropped her out, and I caught her in a blanket. She came out wagging her tail, so I thought it was ok."

It was during a period of convalescence at hospital when Smoky got her first taste of life as a therapy dog.

Mr Wynne said his friends brought his dog to the hospital, and the nurses loved her so much they asked if they could take her on rounds. "The dog slept on my bed at hospital for five nights." It was for Smoky's service in Australian hospitals, including the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, that Smoky was awarded her latest medal.

Mr Wynne said he only found out where Smoky came from after she passed away and his first owner, a US nurse stationed in Brisbane and Papua New Guinea, saw a tribute article in a local magazine.

7 He was astounded to discover Smoky's first owner lived just three blocks away from his Cleveland home.

"Smoky was the thing that really kept me going." Smoky now rests in "45 cal ammo box" beneath a bronze replica in a US park near where Mr Wynne now lives. *****

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1945 - Japanese surrender The film below (where it says ‘click here’) is believed to have never been seen before, only shots of the surrender were known.

If you are a history buff you will enjoy this. General McArthur's voice is a rarity in these old film clips, Japanese Surrender- Amazing Footage Sept 2, 1945.

This is a 'must see' for the WWII history buffs or anyone interested in history. Interesting to see the other signers to the document, from Australia/New Zealand to Europe/Russia.

This is an actual film made of the surrender ceremony of the Japanese to McArthur in Tokyo Bay in September 1945.

The actual voice of the General is heard. This has never been shown to the general public before. We always saw the "stills" but never the film itself.

Click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=vcnH_kF1zXc&feature=player_embedded

A LOOK INTO OUR PAST (The Hobart Bridge Disaster) The Tasman Bridge disaster occurred on the evening of 5 January 1975, in Hobart, the capital city of Australia's island state of Tasmania, when a bulk ore carrier travelling up the Derwent River collided with several pylons of the Tasman Bridge, causing a large section of the bridge deck to collapse onto the ship and into the river below. Twelve people were killed, including seven crew on board the ship, and the five occupants of four cars which fell 45 m (150 feet) after driving off the bridge. The disaster severed the main link between Hobart and its eastern suburbs, and is notable for the social impacts that resulted from the loss of such an important road artery The collision occurred at 9:27 pm (Australian Eastern Summer Time UT+11) on Sunday 5 January 1975. The bulk carrier Lake Illawarra, carrying 10,000 tonnes of zinc ore concentrate, was heading up the Derwent River to offload its cargo to the Electrolytic Zinc Company at Risdon, upstream from Hobart and about 3 km from the bridge. The 1025m long main viaduct of the bridge was composed of a central main navigation span, two flanking secondary navigation spans, and 19 approach spans.

The ship was off course as it neared the bridge, partly due to the strong tidal current but also because of inattention by the ship's master, Captain Boleslaw Pelc. Initially approaching the bridge at eight knots, Pelc slowed the ship to a 'safe' speed. Although the Lake Illawarra was capable of passing through the bridge's central navigation span, the captain attempted to pass through one of the eastern spans.

8 Despite several changes of course, the ship proved unmanageable due to its insufficient speed relative to the current. In desperation the captain ordered 'full speed astern', at which point all control was lost. The vessel drifted towards the bridge midway between the central navigation span and the eastern shore, crashing into the pile capping of piers 18 and 19, bringing three unsupported spans and a 127 m section of roadway crashing into the river and onto the vessel's deck.

The ship listed to starboard and sank within minutes in 35 m of water a short distance to the south. Seven crew members on the Lake Illawarra were trapped and drowned. The subsequent marine court of inquiry found that the captain had not handled the ship in a proper and seamanlike manner, and his certificate was suspended for 6 months.

As the collision occurred on a Sunday evening, there was relatively little traffic on the bridge. While no cars were travelling between the 18th and 19th pylons when that section collapsed, four cars drove over the gap, killing five occupants. Two drivers managed to stop their vehicles at the edge, but not before their front wheels had dropped over the lip of the bridge deck. One of these cars contained Frank and Sylvia Manley, travelling with two young children in the back seat.

Sylvia Manley: "As we approached, it was a foggy night...there was no lights on the bridge at the time. We just thought there was an accident. We slowed down to about 40 km/h and I'm peering out the window, desperately looking to see the car...what was happening on the bridge. We couldn't see anything but we kept on travelling. The next thing, I said to Frank, "The bridge is gone!" And he just applied the brakes and we just sat there swinging. As we sat there, we couldn’t see anything in the water. All we could see was a big whirlpool of water and apparently the boat was sinking. So with that, we undid the car door and I hopped out."

Frank Manley: "[Sylvia] said “The white line, the white line’s gone. Stop!" I just hit the brakes and I said “I can’t, I can’t, I can’t stop.” And next thing we just hung off the gap...when I swung the door open, I could see, more or less, see the water...and I just swung meself towards the back of the car and grabbed the headrest like that to pull myself around. There's a big automatic transmission pan underneath [the car] - that's what it balanced on."

Private citizens living nearby were on the scene early, even before the ship had sunk. Three of these were Jack Read in his H28 yacht "Mermerus", David Read in a small launch, and Jerry Chamberlain, who had their boats moored in Montagu Bay close by. These and others, and many shore based residents were responsible for saving many of the crewmen from the Lake Illawarra. Those in small craft acted alone in very difficult circumstances with falling hunks of cement, live wires, and a torrent of water from a broken water main above, until the water police arrived on the scene. A large number of other organisations were involved in the emergency response, including police, ambulance service, fire brigade, Royal Hobart Hospital, Civil Defence, the Hobart Tug Company, Marine Board of

9 Hobart, Public Works Department, Transport Commission, Hydro Electric Commission, Hobart Regional Water Board, the Australian Army and the Royal Australian Navy. At 2:30 am, a 14-man Navy Clearance Diving Team flew to Hobart to assist Water Police in the recovery of the vehicles which had driven off the bridge. Two vehicles were identified on 7 January; one salvaged that day and the second three days later. Another vehicle was found buried under rubble on 8 January.

A comprehensive survey of the wreck of the Lake Illawarra was completed by 13 January. The divers operated in hazardous conditions, with minimal visibility and strong river currents, contending with bridge debris such as shattered concrete, reinforced steel rods, railings, pipes, lights, wire and power cables. Strong winds on the third day brought down debris from the bridge above, including power cables, endangering the divers working below.

Does anybody remember this little girl.

Here is a reminder of her story: Ces Smith, is an RSL Affiliate Member who introduced Guinevere Moriles Cruz to us as a Child needing Cleft Palate Operation. The RSL had recently completed a Mission where some 70+ children had received medical attention. As this was a ONE OFF we enlisted help from our Fellow Veteran Organization VFW Post 2485 in Angeles City. The result was a successful operation.

Photos show before and after her operation and years later a confident, attractive young lady who is very appreciative of the help given. More power to USA & Australian Veterans for outstanding community work. — in Angeles, Philippines.

It is outcomes like Guinevere Cruz that spur us onto maintaining our monthly medical missions. If it had not have been for Ces Smith, Guinevere may well have had a very different life outcome. Ed

10 CLARK VETERANS CEMETERY AUGUST 2012 UPDATE VFW POST 2485 John Gilbert, Chairman Carl Burke, Assistant Chairman CLARK VETERANS CEMETERY UPCOMING EVENTS Those traveling to the Philippines in the coming months, or visiting the Angeles City area for those residing here, are cordially invited to attend any or all of the following events: 9 September 2012 – Boy Scouts of Troop 351 from the International School of Manila will hold their 9/11 Anniversary Observance. Senior Scouts plan and conduct this very dignified remembrance. (School schedule required change from actual date of September 11th).

26 October 2012 – American Legion Post 10 will host the 8th Annual Hometown Hero

Memorial Service for Army Sergeant Maurice K. Fortune, killed in 2004 while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sergeant Fortune’s father resides in Angeles City.

11 November 2012 - VFW Post 2485 will conduct the annual Veterans Day Ceremony, which last year had over 200 in attendance. This will be followed by our yearly Post 2485 picnic, raffle, and other events at the Post Home in Angeles City.

Scheduling details will be on the VFW Post 2485 website as they are available.

THE RAVAGES OF TIME

Pictured above is a Clark Veterans Cemetery Headstone, before and after phase 1 cleaning. The passage of time, our tropical climate, and certain cultural practices, (burning of candles and incense on Headstones), have left many in poor condition, as above.

Recently Dave Carter, of Carter’s Cemetery Preservation, Inc. in Michigan, has volunteered his time and expertise to advise us. He has assisted us in procuring proper tools and equipment, and in refining the cleaning process. The Headstone above dates to 1969, and many older are in worse condition and will require significant rehabilitation.

This is a long-term project, and currently beyond our funding limits, but very much needed.

Another way we should Honor our fallen comrades and their family members.

11 IT DOES NOT APPEAR THAT ANYTHING HAS CHANGED SINCE 1850

Before I finish this newsletter, just another reminder that when you are checking more Vietnam Veterans Day pictures on our Facebook site (and there are plenty) don’t forget to hit the I

LIKE button.

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

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Don’t forget LEGACY week 2 – 8 September 2012

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Please help Legacy to help others by buying a Legacy Badge

“The price of liberty is eternal vigilance” Lest we forget

12 RETURNED AND SERVICES LEAGUE OF AUSTRALIA A.C.T. BRANCH INCORPORATED

PROXY FORM I, ....................................................................of ............................................................................ ......................................................................... being a Financial member of the Angeles City Sub-Branch of the RSL of Australia, ACT Branch Incorporated, hereby appoint .................................................................. as my proxy to vote for me and on my behalf at the Angeles City Sub Branch Extraordinary General Meeting of the RSL of Australia, ACT Branch Incorporated to be held on the Eighteenth day of September 2012 and at any adjournment thereof.

This proxy form is to be used *IN FAVOUR/AGAINST 1. Filing Charges and requesting the National Tribunal take such actions as necessary in accordance with the National Constitution of RSL Australia Rule 24.10 or other as determined by the Tribunal………………………. …………………………………………………………………………………..

2. Or the resolution……………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………

Signed this ...................................................... day of ....................... 2012

Signature

Name in BLOCK Letters * Strike out the unwanted words.

Unless otherwise instructed, the proxy may vote as he/she thinks fit.