December 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 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 # 45 ** December 2010

Our President, James Curtis-Smith and his Committee wish all of our members and their families a very Merry Christmas and a great and prosperous New Year for 2011.

2 PRESIDENT’S REPORT –December 2010 Whilst the lead up to Christmas is traditionally a time of preparation, when we try to have everything in place before the “break”, the Sub Branch at Angeles City see as only one facet of Christmas, the “lull before the storm”. The “storm” that will hit us in January is the advent of the Australia Day Fiesta.

The Australia Day Fiesta conducted by this Sub Branch each year for the last 9 years (this year will be the tenth) is not only a celebration by us Australians that live here of Australia’s national day, but celebrated by the many visitors and by many other people of all nationalities who join us for a wonderful week of events. The Fiesta is our major fund raiser for the year with funds being quarantined in our Charity Account principally for our Children’s Medical Missions.

Please support our giant Fiesta raffle which again this year has great prizes. Tickets are available at the many business houses that support us and from individual members and will be drawn at the Street Party on Sunday 30th January at 5pm. A schedule of events appears elsewhere in this newsletter.

Christmas is a big celebration in the Philippines, with lots of lights and decorations, an emphasis on the nativity, and for those of us who live here; we are not amazed, with a huge emphasis on FOOD. It is a wonderful time for families and a greater emphasis is placed on “noche buena” at home, the traditional feast following midnight mass at the local church, than we in the west place on the gifts under the tree on Christmas morning and Christmas Dinner that follows taking up most of the afternoon. Your President will be celebrating both the Filipino and Australian traditions and is unlikely to be available for much until after Boxing Day!!

President’s Drinks follow our general meeting on Tuesday 21 st December at the Ponderosa, and I cordially invite you all to attend. The meeting should finish by 3.30 and drinks will follow.

To all our supporters and members and to all who read this newsletter, I wish a Merry Merry Christmas and the best for the New Year.…………

MALIGAYANG PASKO AT MANIGONG BAGONG TAON JAMES E. CURTIS-SMITH President *****

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WELCOME TO THE FOLLOWING NEW MEMBERS: * Hector Sotuyo (NSW) * Jeffery Geary (QLD) * Orlando McKee. (A/C) * Paul Bourke (NT) * Stephen Bradley (MNL) * NEW LIFE SUBSCRIBER: Ranold McEachern (QLD) * LOCATION CODES: NSW * QLD * NT * = Australia MNL = Philippines

ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS OUR OZ Fiesta T SHIRTS are selling well.

We will have plenty on sale during the Fiesta period, they can of course be purchased from our Sub Branch on meeting days or contact Dallas if urgent.

Sizes are International Standard Sizes only (no half Sizes as Inventory goes to 18 different sizes and that is too many, we have done same with RSL Shirts, maybe some 54s left in those ) XS =36, S=40, M= 44, L=48, XL=52, XXL=56, XXXL=60 XXXXL=64, XXXXXL=68 (Does not come with Tent poles )

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CORRRECTION Apparently we gave you the wrong Sub Branch banking details at our bank in Canberra in a recent newsletter. Let’s correct that right now: BANK: Commonwealth Bank Curtin ACT Branch BSB: 062 905 ACCT #: 10153195 ACCT NAME: RSL Angeles City Sub Branch. ***************************************************

This is your last chance to make a booking at Dreamland Resort & Hotel National Hwy, Sto Tomas, Subic (just past the Baloy Beach turnoff) for the New Year Eve bash. Plenty of activities. Rooms still available but better be smart about it and either contact Sec Dallas or book direct. RSL discount applies. See poster (left) for details. If your eyesight is a bit like mine and you can’t read the contact details, here they are: Land line: (047) 2325539 Cell : +63 919 257 2316

RSL CHRISTMAS CAKES WE still have delicious ‘Lion’s’ Christmas cakes, made in Australia available for sale. At ₱500 per cake, they are great value. Our Sub Branch managed to get a heap of them, freshly baked, sent up from Brisbane for purchase by our members to compliment their Christmas table.

A box of 12 was recently sent to Davao City where four Aussies and two Poms will enjoy them over Xmas. Don’t miss out on a cake, there are plenty of places in Angeles selling them on our behalf, or contact Dallas to buy one (or more) or ask where you can get one. It is intended to get some ANZAC biscuits in the new year to be available for ANZAC Day. More on that later. Ed Visit Website

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EVENTS COMING UP FOR JANUARY 2011 Charity Raffles Now at PHILLIES SPORTS & GRILL at 6.00 pm Saturdays AND Friday 6.00pm.Weekly Draw at Emotions Nite Club Tuesday 4th January 2011

Committee Meetings 12.30 pm Followed by Social Tuesday, Honey Kos ,Happy Rock

Tuesday 11th January Ponderosa Hotel Social Tuesday, Stampede & Cherry's Tuesday 18th 10.00 am BLOGS and Internet Stuff !! FREE Assistance Monthly General Meeting 2.00 pm. Coyote Ugly & Phillies Tuesday 25th.2.00pm.

MISS MAGIC POOL Competition OZ vs Internationals Wednesday 26th 6.00PM Australia Day Beauty Pageant Rib Eye Steak House Friday 28th Bell Ring 6.00pm Golden Nile Saturday 29th 2.00 pm.Darts Tournament Phillies Sports & Grill Bar Sunday 30th 12.00 NOON Fiesta Street Party & Curry Cook-Off along Fields Ave

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AUSTRALIA DAY FIESTA FACTS AND RULES (this information will be repeated in January newsletter as a reminder) Australia Day Fiesta Street Party Sunday 12 noon till dusk Jan 30th 2011 Curry Cook off Entrants are allocated a Half tent 2.5 x 5m (Entry Cost is ₱ 2,500.00 ) Tents with Chairs and Table are available for Private use to Sell Products OR do Promotions .

Bookings Essential and Cost will be ₱2,500.00 for Full tent 5x5 meters with two metal bench tables and 8 plastic chairs.

A Half Tent 2.5 x 5m will cost ₱1,500.00 and have one metal bench table with 4 plastic chairs.

Bookings are not confirmed until payment has been received by:

Bob Young 09152834496, youngbob_1943@yahoo.com.ph

Chairs must be returned to the central collection point at the end of the day. Failure to return chairs resulting in the loss means you pay for the loss.

Additional Assistance with Bookings is available from: Rob Cairns 09083431416 robcairns2@bigpond.com

A MESSAGE FROM OUR WEBMASTER GERALD SLIDE I have made a sub domain on the RSL website that redirects to the RSL blog site, to me this is a lot easier to remember than http://acrsl1.wordpress.com/ Now you can just type blog.rslangelescity.com or http://blog.rslangelescity.com However do not enter the www in front or it will not work or it will bring up the RSL website instead of the blog.

Thanks Gerald, anything to make access easier is always welcome. Ed

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ANOTHER THREE FAMILIES BENEFIT FROM SUB BRANCH WHEELSCHAIR FUND

Sub Branch members Lindsay Drury and Rob Cairns had the privilege of delivering three wheelchairs to deserving families recently. These donations can only be made from the generosity of those great people who support our raffles every week, and our business sponsors. A wheelchair makes life so much easier and better for the recipients and their families. A very worthwhile programme of our RSL Sub Branch.

BLOOD TYPING CLERICAL ERROR First of all, we would like to thank every on for turning up on our Blood Registration day. It was a success and we hope to do another one in the distant future in the hopes of enrolling those people who couldn’t make it last time.

Unfortunately we had a small clerical error on the day. The blood types were all correct and the names registered but some blood types were not registered against the names on the register. The people whose blood types not registered on the master sheet were given a card with the blood type on it but now we need for those people to contact us with their blood types.

Please forward to me at lad251@gmail or TXT 0921 601 0966 The missing blood type names are listed below and thank you again for your help in this matter.

1. Vaje, Rosalin 19. Christiansen, Brian 2. Cabezas, Juice 20.Christiansen, Sherlina 3. Adona, Charmaine 21.Christiansen, Sean 4. Liggaye, Louie 22. Layong, Maricel

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5. Collins, Tania Rose 6. Ador Mary Joy 7. Whelan, Cassandra Janine 8. Drake, Dallas 9. Castillano, Cerel 10.Ayson,Mary 11.Casey, Michael 12.Varnam, Roger 13.Meaney, Stephen 14.Meaney, Patrick 15.Melnuish, Perez 16.Bradbury, Dennis 17.Piechoky, Steven 18.Pechberty, Chris

23. Tobiro, Alma 24.Doyle, M. 25.Harbutt, G. 26.Mann, Kendra Visit Website

NEW AIR ROUTE BETWEEN AUSTRALIA AND PHILIPPINES AUSTRALIAN BUDGET AIRLINE JETSTAR is introducing a new service from Darwin to Manila three times a week commencing on 9 February 2011. They have done this at the initiative of the Northern Territory government to offer a more direct route to the Philippines for their large Filipino community.

The direct flight is of about four hours duration. Jetstar have flights from most population areas of Australia to Darwin on a daily basis. This new route will offer fares at a very economical rate and gives visitors to the Philippines another way of getting here.

To check out the fares, go to: www.jetstar.com.au When doing a booking enquiry online you will have to do two bookings, for example, Brisbane to Darwin and then Darwin to Manila. The system does not show Brisbane (or other departure points) to Manila direct. (Just watch out with the website, if looking at it from the Philippines, you may get re-directed to Jetstar in Singapore. Ensure you have the Australian site)

I NEVER LOOKED AT IT THIS WAY AIDS WARNING !

To all of you approaching 60 or have or past 60 , this email is especially for you.........

THE SENIOR CITIZENS ARE THE NATION'S LEADING CARRIERS OF AIDS: HEARING AIDS * BAND AIDS * GARDENING AIDS * WALKING AIDS * MEDICAL AIDS GOVERNMENT AIDS * MOST OF ALL, MONETARY AID TO THEIR KIDS! Not forgetting HIV (Hair is Vanishing) and AIDS: Acute income deficiency syndrome

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Three Victoria Cross winners at the London Cenotaph A service was held today at the Cenotaph in London to mark Remembrance Day when those who have served in the British and Commonwealth armed forces are remembered. The service was quite short and the crowds was smaller then those that will attend the Remembrance Sunday service In attendance were three soldiers who have been awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest medal awarded for valour to British and Commonwealth soldiers.

Pictured left is Grenadan born Johnson Beharry VC of the Princess of Wales's royal regiment, who was awarded the VC for saving members of his unit on two different occasions in May and June 2004. He sustained serious head and neck injuries (from which he has not recovered) and although he is still in the army he has not returned to duty. Beharry became the first living soldier to win the VC for twenty years (there were two posthumous awards) and the first British soldier to receive a VC since 1965.

New Zealander Willy Apiata VC and Mark Donaldson VC together in London (right)

Willie Apiata was awarded the Victoria Cross for New Zealand in July 2007. He was a member of the New Zealand Special Air Service in Afghanistan and received the VC for bravery during the Afghanistan conflict in 2004. Despite coming under fire Apiata carried a wounded comrade across a battlefield to safety. Apiata has a Maori father and had donated his military medals to New Zealand.

Mark Donaldson is a member of the Australian Special Air Service and was awarded the Victoria Cross for Australia in January 2009. In Afghanistan in September 2008 Donaldson was patrolling with US and Afghan forces which came under Taliban attack causing several casualities, Donaldson deliberately exposed himself to fire from the Taliban so the wounded could be moved away.

As the patrol withdrew it was discovered that an Afghan interpreter attached to the patrol was wounded and had been left behind. Donaldson ran across open ground under heavy fire and rescued the interpreter, and when they rejoined the patrol Donaldson administered First Aid. The patrol broke free of the ambush after two hours.

In the January issue we will feature an article about the death of Havildar Lachhiman Gurung, VC at age of 92 years.. ED

THIS SOUNDS LIKE A GOOD OFFER My name is Ern Marshall and I run the web site listed below. I’m on a sort of a mission. I'm trying to save all the slides that are slowly decaying in drawers and cases owned by Vietnam Veterans.

This is my proposal, you send me your slides, pictures or even your own story, whatever and I'll put them on CD for you. This will be done at no cost to yourself.

8 All I ask is your permission to put them up on the web page for everybody to share. You can see what I'm doing at the URL

below : http://www.hotkey.net.au/~marshalle/images/index1.html

So far I have collected over 12,000 slides that otherwise would have been lost. Slides WILL decay after a period of time, become useless, and part of our history is gone forever.

Also there are many, many stories left untold. I have collected hundreds of stories from Diggers and they are so different from the “official version”, these stories are important these are the real stories from the Diggers who where there!

Wouldn’t it be great for you grandkids to see your story on the Web? I would put these stories on the web site so that everybody can share them.

The Web Site is archived every year by the National Library of Canberra. This means that nothing will be lost no matter what happens. I hope that you will take part and also tell you mates of the free service I am providing.

Just email me and we can work out the details marshall@mildura.net.au

THIS DOESNT SEEM QUITE CORRECT OR FAIR SOLDIERS who suffer repeated wounds or injury on frontline service, including in Afghanistan, are being denied compensation under a government scheme that lumps together past and present claims.

The grouped assessment used by the Department of Veterans Affairs means that points allocated to a previous wound or injury can cancel out those for a later one.

Diggers (Australian Soldiers) who have already been compensated for being hurt in a war zone, face the prospect of being turned down if they are injured again on their return to active duty.

Lawyers for defence personnel affected by the anomaly are launching legal appeals against the government to secure payouts for them.

One veteran army sergeant, who would be identified only as Robert, was denied compensation for shoulder and elbow injuries sustained in Afghanistan when his claim was offset against an earlier one for back and knee damage.

He is mystified why the department insists on grouping the injuries under the points system introduced in 2004.

"My right forearm still locks up and I can't lift with it," said the soldier of 22 years, who has undergone surgery twice since 2007.

"They said any claim I get would have to be offset against any compensation I got for my knee."

The scheme was brought in by the Howard government to centralise entitlements for veterans, who had previously been covered by two older pieces of legislation.

Under the scheme, claims are assessed by a government-run independent body, the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission, which ranks "whole body impairment" on a scale of zero to 107.

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Visit Website

The rating is calculated on the degree of medical impairment and its impact on the individual's quality of life. The commission determines a weekly payment rate commensurate with that impairment, which may be taken as a lump sum.

But if the claimant was compensated for an injury sustained on active service before the points scheme came into effect in July 2004, that payment is deducted from any additional sum they might receive.

Robert did not qualify for compensation for his hurt shoulder and elbow because they were assessed as less severe than his earlier injuries, which had been subject to a claim under the pre-2004 arrangements.

"It just makes you feel insignificant," he told The Australian.

"We're always taught if you put in the hard yards, they'll look after you.

You soldier on because that's your job, then you try to get it sorted out and they don't help."

Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia vice-president John Smith, who was injured while deployed in 1969, said it was outrageous that young veterans weren't better looked after.

"It's something we're not at all happy with, but until such time as there's a politician who is prepared to put in a change to the legislation to make sure it doesn't happen, I doubt we'll see any change," he said. "Nobody seems willing to take that step."

The Department of Veterans' Affairs said the offsetting method was designed to ensure some veterans were not allowed to double-dip on entitlements.

But former veterans' affairs minister Danna Vale, who introduced the points scheme, said it was never the Howard government's intention for veterans to be unable to combine their entitlements.

"That was absolutely not what was intended," Ms Vale told The Australian. "John Howard and I were consistent and clear on this: that any conflict between the schemes would always be resolved by erring on the side of generosity to the veteran.

"That's what John Howard always said, and that's what I said in the second reading speech."

Veterans' Affairs Minister Warren Snowdon was unavailable to comment yesterday, but a spokeswoman said the department was reviewing the issue.

Editorial comment. I was a practicing Pensions Officer at an Ex Service Organisation (ESO) south of Brisbane when the government sent ‘salesmen’ around the country to ‘sell’ this new scheme to people like us. There were several pieces that seemed OK, but we mostly agreed that there will be problems where the injured soldier will miss out on adequate compensation. We foresaw the problems that injured soldiers are now facing. The previous scheme (Veterans Entitlement Act 1988 ‘VEA’) was a good Act and was drafted as ‘beneficial legislation’ and really did look after injured soldiers. The current Act is wanting.

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Thursday, 18 November 2010

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AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS COMPLETION OF MEMORIAL FOR AUSTRALIA’S GREATEST NAVAL TRAGEDY On the 69th anniversary of Australia’s greatest wartime naval tragedy, the Australian Government has announced funding to complete the HMAS Sydney II Memorial in Geraldton, Western Australia.

The HMAS Sydney II tragedy resulted in the loss of 645 Australians. The wreck was located in 2008 off the Western Australian coast, more than 60 years after it sunk.

The HMAS Sydney II Memorial was originally dedicated in 2001, and declared a military memorial of national significance in 2009.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, said the extra funds will be provided to go towards the construction of the final element of the Memorial—a pool of remembrance.

10 “The HMAS Sydney II Memorial has become an important place of reflection for the loved ones of those lost in the tragedy and the Australian Government is committed to ensuring its completion.

“The pool will feature 645 seagulls symbolising the number of Australians lost in the tragedy. The 645th seagull’s wing will touch a granite map marking the final resting place of HMAS Sydney II,” he said.

Visit Website “This Memorial has become a national and international place of pilgrimage for the families and friends of those lost in the tragedy, and on behalf of the Australian Government I want to thank all those involved in the project for making it a reality.

“This has been a tremendous journey for all these involved and I hope the impending completion of the memorial will bring some closure to the families and friends of those lost,” Mr Snowdon said.

Overall, the Australian Government will provide more than $290,000 to help construct the memorial which is due for completion in 2011. The remaining funds were raised by the Rotary Club of Geraldton.

Background on sinking of HMAS Sydney II On 19 November 1941, HMAS Sydney II was engaged by the German carrier Kormoran 130 miles off the West Australian coastline. It is believed the Kormoran, posing as an unarmed Dutch merchantman, avoided replying to requests for identification from HMAS Sydney II before opening fire.

The Sydney II was severely damaged. Returning fire, Sydney II damaged the Kormoran forcing its crew to abandon ship. Survivors of the Kormoran reported the Australian ship was last seen heavily on fire.

For more information on HMAS Sydney II visit the AWM website. ***************************************************************************************

SEE ALSO THE STORY BELOW

German tribute to Kormoran, Sydney sailors Brendan Nicholson: November 12, 2010 12:00AM REF: THE AUSTRALIAN

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/german-tribute-to-kormoran-sydneysailors/story-fn59niix-1225952320248 THE German navy will today unveil memorials commemorating the crews of the HMAS Sydney and the Kormoran that sank it in World War II. Plaques remembering the 645 Australians and 78 Germans who died will be unveiled at the German Naval Memorial in Laboe, in the state of Schleswig.

The push for the memorials came jointly from the German Naval Association and the Finding Sydney Foundation, which located the wrecks in 2008. At the time, Australian officials dropped wreaths as a mark of respect to the lost Australian and German sailors.

Despite the discovery of the ships and a comprehensive official inquiry, the HMAS Sydney's sinking remains

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Members of the German Naval Association have told Australian officials that relatives complained to them the plaques should not be laid because the cruiser's sinking was a war crime and last year's official inquiry was a coverup.

The inquiry, headed by former judge Terence Cole, rejected claims that the Germans tricked the Sydney's captaininto moving in too close and that the Germans murdered Australian survivors.

The German Naval Memorial in Laboe has internationalsignificance and is one of the few German military memorials not destroyed by the Allies at the end of World War II. Others were seen to "glorify war and the spirit of aggression".

The Finding Sydney Foundation said the memorial's intent was to record Germany's personal tribute to all of the men who died in the battle and had no element of glorifying either combatant or nation.

A Royal Australian Navy spokesman said last night the loss of HMAS Sydney was as tragic and significant now as it was in November 1941.

Visit Website

"It remains the RAN's largest ever loss of life during a single action. This plaque commemorates heartbreak and honours sacrifice made by both sides in war," the spokesman said.

Here is something for our American members and veterans. You will spend hours reading the names. Ed AMERICAN VIETNAM WALL (Virtual Wall)

http://www.virtualwall.org/iStates.htm First click on the link above. Then click on a state. When it opens, scroll down to the city and the names will appear.

Then click on their names. It should show you a picture of the person, or at least their bio and medals.

This really is an amazing web site. Someone spent a lot of time and effort to create it.

I hope that everyone who receives this appreciates what those who served in Vietnam sacrificed for our country.

The link above is a virtual wall of all those lost during the Vietnam war with the names, bio's and other information on our lost heroes. Those who remember that time frame, or perhaps lost friends or family can look them up on this site.

Pass the link on to others, as many knew wonderful people whose names are listed.

12 LAST MINUTE ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS 1. Don’t forget Sub Branch membership dues are DUE at end of December each year. You can pay in Australia at: (see notice on page 3 of this newsletter) or PAYPAL (see our website for details). China Bank in the Philippines: Beneficiary Bank = China Banking Corporation Manila Philippines SWIFT address = CHBKPHMM Beneficiary Customer=ANGELES CITY RSL Account Number = 281-028301-5 Branch = SM CLARK CITY .

2. Shirts for 2011 can be purchased from the front desk at the Ponderosa Hotel.

3. Clarkton Hotel Christmas Dinner at 1500 hrs (3 pm) bookings essential.

4. OUR THANKS to Mr Blake (Roger Tritton) for donating the printing of the Australia Day Beauty Pageant tickets. Go to: www.mr-blake.com 5. A ceremony to commemorate the liberation of the Philippines with the landing of allied forces where 13 Australian warships participated, at Lingayan, Pangasinan on 9 January 2010.

DVA Services over the festive season The Department of Veterans’ Affairs offices will close at 5pm on Friday 24 December 2010 and will re-open 9am Tuesday 4 January 2011. Despite this, many important services will still be available.

The free Veterans Line counselling service will be staffed throughout the Christmas and New Year period and can be accessed by calling 1800 011 046 (free call from landline phone).

Emails and telephone calls regarding complaints, general enquiries and feedback may not be actioned until the New Year. Visit the DVA website for more information on the full range of services available. *****

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ANZAC BISCUIT TINS We received an email from a Dan Young from the USA. Read it below: Greetings from the far side of the world, I found your email address on the RSL site. My company is offering your members an opportunity to purchase ANZAC Tins that are available only in the US. We have sold many tins to ANZAC collectors in AU and NZ. You can find the listings for the tins on eBay under my name 1970-72vet. The listings are # 120458971338 and #120608458219. If your members would like to place a large order I can offer a discount. As a bonus I include a seldom used US $2 note with each tin. In WWII they were considered good luck. It was customary for the flight crew to sign each other’s bill to carry with them at all times.

Thank You, Dan Young - US ARMY 1970-72 Member of Viet Nam Veterans of Diablo Valley

Operation Veterans for Better Life (Op Vets) A Certified California Disabled Veterans Enterprise 341 Stealth Ct Livermore, Ca. 94551 925 454-0450 Cell 925 980-1185 www.eagleup.org www.opvets.org "IN GOD WE TRUST" It was our Forefathers intent

Anyone readers interested in looking at what Dan has for sale, look at his websites listed just above. I have and the tins look really good. All are VFW stamped with various pictures of soldiers in war. Ed

13 CHANGES TO FIESTA GARDENS HOTEL BOOKING SYSTEM The management of FIESTA GARDENS hotel on Jake Gonzales Blvd, Angeles City advise all their customers that they will shortly be introducing a new online reservations system with a secure payment site to facilitate all your booking requirements. This reservations system will be added to our official website www.fiestagardenhotel.com and will make booking your room even easier and less trouble free.

Please visit the website for your reservations and any inquiries you may have.

They will also be changing their email address to reservations@fiestagardenhotel.com and request that you email or reply to this email to ensure you have their correct contact email for reservations.

For non reservation requests or any other special enquiries you may still contact hotel management directly on fiestagardenhotel@yahoo.com

A PIECE OF HISTORY 2010 marked the 69 th Anniversary of the start of the Pacific war part of World War 2, when the Japanese attacked the United States naval base at Pear l Harbour, Hawaii.

THE SEVENTH OF DECEMBER

They also conducted a simultaneous attack on the Philippines. BUT, as Hawaii is east of the International Date Line (IDL) and Philippines is west of it, it appears that the attack on the Philippines was a day later. That date, 7 th of December 1941 set the Pacific region alight with the Japanese attacking and occupying its South East Asian neighbours, and did not end until the US bombed the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945.

Interestingly, a feature which can be seen from almost any part of Angeles City, Mt Arayat, was used by the Japanese aircraft in its initial attack on the Philippines as a landmark. The pilots were told to fly south and when they could identify Mt Arayat, turn right and they would be aligned with the McA rthur air assets parked at the Clark Airbase. History shows that this tactic destroyed almost every aircraft parked there.

In another war (the Falklands War between Argentina and the UK), the Royal Navy (RN) su bmarine, HMS Conqueror sank the Argentinean cruiser the Belgrano.

At Pearl Harbour, with the exception of USS Arizona, most ships were recovered, repaired and went on the serve in the Pacific War. One ship, the cruiser USS PHOENIX (CL -46) survived the Pearl Harbour attack was sold to Argentina in 1951. It was renamed the BELGRANO.

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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Hobart Cenotaph (A continuing series) Hobart Cenotaph, also referred to as Hobart War Memorial, is the main commemorative military monument for the Australian state of Tasmania. It is located in the capital Hobart in a prominent position on the Queens Domain, on a small rise overlooking the city and River Derwent. The Cenotaph sits directly above what was once the location of the Queens Battery.

The Cenotaph is the centre of Anzac Day commemoration services at dawn and mid-morning, and is the destination of the marching procession. On Anzac Day at the break of dawn, a lone bugler always plays the Last Post. �For the war dead of Tasmania from all conflicts The Hobart Cenotaph is an Art Deco reinterpretation of a traditional Egyptian Obelisk. The Cenotaph was originally erected to commemorate the war dead of Tasmania from World War I, but has had subsequent additions made for all conflicts since then in which Tasmanian soldiers have served. The original inscription reads: "Lest We Forget", and "1914-1919". Although World War I ended on 11 November 1918, the inscription is dated '1919' in commemoration of the Treaty of Versailles which was signed on 28 June 1919. There are no names recorded upon the Cenotaph itself.

An Anzac Day commemoration was held there in 1925 during construction. During the ceremony, a casket of solid zinc which bore the names of the 522 Tasmanians who were killed in World War I was set into the base of the shaft.

It was unveiled on 13 December 1925 and replaced a previous wooden structure.

The Hobart Cenotaph had been originally designed as a memorial to the Tasmanians who died in the service of their country in World War I. However it was later decided that the Cenotaph would be altered to commemorate those who had died in subsequent conflicts as well.

The first addition was for soldiers who were killed in World War II, and was placed directly below the "1914-1919" inscription, and simply reads:"1939-45". Subsequent inscriptions memorialising Tasmanian war dead in more recent conflicts on the face of the plinth below those of the two world wars are: "The Korean War", "The Malayan Emergency", "The Indonesian Confrontation", "The Vietnam War", and "Peace-Keeping Operations".

Victoria Cross Memorial In 2003 two earthen walls were erected either side of Anzac Parade slightly to the north of the Cenotaph that contains soil from the birthplace of all of Tasmania's thirteen Victoria Cross recipients, as well as soil from the battlefield where the earned their VC. It also tells the story of each VC winner, and how they came to win their award. The Tasmanian recipients of the Victoria Cross are: 

Second Boer War - Trooper John Hutton Bisdee, Lieutenant Guy George Egerton Wylly

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World War I - Corporal Walter Ernest Brown, Captain Percy Herbert Cherry, Sergeant John James Dwyer, Lieutenant Alfred Edward Gaby, Lance Corporal Bernard Sidney Gordon, Sergeant Stanley Robert McDougall, Captain James Ernest Newland, Sergeant Lewis McGee, Captain Henry William Murray, Sergeant Percy Clyde Statton, Sergeant John Woods Whittle *****

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VC CORNER *** William Henry Kibby VC SX 7089 Sergeant William Henry KIBBY 2/48th Australian Infantry Battalion, AIF 23rd to 31st October 1942, in Battle of EI Alamein, Egypt During the initial attack at Miteiriya Ridge on 23rd October, 1942, the Commander of No. 17 Platoon, to which Sergeant Kibby belonged, was killed. No sooner had Sergeant Kibby assumed command than his platoon was ordered to attack strong enemy positions holding up the advance of his company. Sergeant Kibby immediately realised the necessity for quick decisive action, and without thought for his personal safety he dashed forward towards the enemy post firing his Tommygun. This rapid and courageous individual action resulted in the complete silencing of the enemy fire, by the killing of three of the enemy, and the capture of twelve others. With these posts silenced, his Company was then able to continue the advance.

On the night of 30th-31st October, when the battalion attacked "ring contour" 25, behind the enemy lines, it was necessary for No. 17 Platoon to move through the most withering enemy machine-gun fire in order to reach its objective. These conditions did not deter Sergeant Kibby from pressing forward right to the objective, despite his platoon being mown down by machine-gun fire from point blank range. One pocket of resistance still remained and Sergeant Kibby went forward alone, throwing grenades to destroy the enemy now only a few yards distant. Just as success appeared certain he was killed by a burst of machine-gun fire. Such outstanding courage, tenacity of purpose and devotion to duty was entirely responsible for the successful capture of the Company's objective. His work was an inspiration to all and he left behind him an example and memory of a soldier who fearlessly and unselfishly fought to the end to carry out his duty.

[Abridged version - London Gazette: 28th January 1943]

William Henry KIBBY was born at Winlaton, Durham on 15th April, 1903. He is buried in the War Cemetery at El Alamein.

First RSL Leopard Tank Hits The Spot The first of 30 decommissioned Leopard tanks to be gifted to RSLs around Australia was officially presented to Jerilderie RSL in NSW today. (11 November 2010) As part of Remembrance Day commemorations, Governor of NSW Marie Bashir AO officially handed over the tank to the RSL.

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Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare said Jerilderie was one of 30 RSLs who would receive a tank.

“These seven metre long, 42 tonne tanks were first purchased in 1977,” Mr Clare said.

“They were the mainstay of Australia's armoured capability for three decades. They served the Army well and have now made way for the next generation tank – the M1A1 Abrams.

“They have been decommissioned at Defence sites in Puckapunyal, Bandiana and Darwin and will be transported to their new homes at RSLs across the country.”

Mr Clare said it is expected that all tanks will be delivered to their new homes by mid next year.

“The RSLs will be responsible for the preservation of this chapter in our military history,” Mr Clare said.

“They’ll put them on display and keep them maintained so communities across the country can appreciate their scale and power.”

So far, 24 RSL Clubs are confirmed to receive a tank are: · Beenleigh RSL, · Bendigo RSL, · Bribie Island RSL, · Bunbury RSL, · Canberra Services Club, · Collie Cardiff RSL, · Echuca and Moama RSL, . Echunga RSL, · Epping RSL, · Esperance RSL and Esperance Museum, · Forester-Tuncurry RSL, · Ingleburn RSL, · Jerilderie RSL, · Kilcoy RSL, · McLaren Vale RSL, · Mount Gambier Community RSL, · City of Palmerston RSL, · Port Kennedy RSL, · Port Augusta RSL, · Rutherglen RSL, · Seymour RSL, · Upwey - Belgrave RSL, · Woodford RSL, · Yarrawonga-Mulwala RSL. The remaining six RSLs are in the process of finalising local approval and will be announced once these approvals are given.

(It doesn’t appear that we are to get a Leopard tank at our Angeles City RSL Sub Branch. Maybe we didn’t apply) Ed

www.beyondtheblackstump.com

17 AND FINALLY TO FINISH OFF THIS NEWSLETTER FOR THE YEAR 2010, IT WOULD BE REMISS OF ME IF I DIDNT PUT IN SOMETHING AUSTRALIAN CONCERNING CHRISTMAS. BEING ‘DOWNUNDER’ WE DONT HAVE SNOW AND WE ADAPT CHRISTMAS TO OUR ENVIRONMENT. HERE GOES.........

An Australian Night Before Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas; there wasn't a sound.

Not a possum was stirring; no-one was 'round.

We'd left on the table some tucker and beer, hoping that Santa Claus soon would be here; We children were snuggled up safe in our beds, while dreams of pavlova danced 'round in our heads; and Mum in her nightie, and Dad in his shorts, had just settled down to watch TV sports.

When outside the house a mad ruckus arose; Loud squeaking and banging woke us from our doze.

We ran to the screen door, peeked cautiously out, sneaked onto the deck, then let out a shout.

Guess what had woken us up from our snooze? but a rusty old ute pulled by eight mighty 'roos.

The cheerful man driving was giggling with glee, and we both knew at once who this plump bloke must be.

Now, I'm telling the truth it's all dinki-di, those eight kangaroos fairly soared through the sky.

Santa leaned out the window to pull at the reins, and encouraged the 'roos, by calling their names.

'Now, Kylie! Now, Kirsty! Now, Shazza and Shane!

On Kipper! On, Skipper! On, Bazza and Wayne!

Park up on that water tank. Grab a quick drink,

I'll scoot down the gum tree. Be back in a wink!'

So up to the tank those eight kangaroos flew, with the ute full of toys, and Santa Claus too.

He slid down the gum tree and jumped to the ground, then in through the window he sprang with a bound.

He had bright sunburned cheeks and a milky white beard.

A jolly old joker was how he appeared.

He wore red stubby shorts and old thongs on his feet, and a hat of deep crimson as shade from the heat.

His eyes - bright as opals - Oh! how they twinkled! and,

like a goanna, his skin was quite wrinkled!

His shirt was stretched over a round bulging belly which shook when he moved, like a plate full of jelly.

A fat stack of prezzies he had flung from his back, and he looked like a swaggie unfastening his pack.

He spoke not a word, but bent down on one knee, to position our goodies beneath the yule tree.

Surfboard and footy-ball shapes for us two. and for Dad, tongs to use on the new barbeque.

A mysterious package he left for our Mum, then he turned and he winked and he held up his thumb; He strolled out on deck and his 'roos came on cue; Flung his sack in the back and prepared to shoot through.

He bellowed out loud as they swooped past the gates 'MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, and goodonya, MATES!'

Final word from the editor. I have received nil feedback about our newsletter. No feedback means that everyone appears happy with what I put into it. I have been doing it now for more than three years and I enjoy putting words together for your information. BUT, without input from President Jim and Secretary Dallas Drake, the newsletter wouldn’t be news at all.

Thanks Jim and Dallas.

“The price of liberty is eternal vigilance”