RSA Spring

SPRING 2016

LYLE HANGS OUT FOR ‘BIGGER SLICE’ Kiwi soldier Lyle Wooller was yearning for ‘a bigger slice of the action’, so he switched and trained to become a helicopter loadmaster. It worked. Lyle spends a lot of his day hanging out for work. And he loves it – page 14.

News

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Remembering

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RSA Life

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Profile

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Rata grows as ‘a living memorial’

Kiwi can-do led the Soldiers’ stories on world-war radar race new panel series

A life paradox: bomber to vicar

The memory of Woodville soldiers who died in World War 1 will live on in rows of rata trees.

When science student Alan Roberts volunteered for a special deal, he had no idea he’d end up in the frontline with the US Marines,

Neville Selwood navigated a Lancaster bomber on the Allies’ biggest raids of WW2.

But not everything always went to plan.

The stories of the 71 Otautau soldiers who died during World Wars 1 and 2 have been told on panels on the town’s war memorial.

VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.RSA.ORG.NZ

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News

RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2016

News OBITUARY The official publication of the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association Volume 92 No.3 Spring 2016 Published September 22, 2016

In this issue 02 News 09 National 12 Defence Matters 18 Last Post 19 Lost Trails 20 Remembering 28 What’s On 42 What’s New For RSA Review enquiries and subscriptions, contact: RSA Review Anzac House, 181 Willis Street PO Box 27 248, Wellington 6141 Phone 04 384 7994 Fax 04 385 3325 rsareview@rsa.org.nz www.rsa.org.nz Last Post, What’s On and Lost Trails are placed in RSA Review as a free service.

PUBLISHER: James Lynch EDITOR: Dion Crooks Ph (03) 983 5505 dion@waterfordpress.co.nz ADVERTISING: Paul Crowther Ph (03) 983 5503 paul@waterfordpress.co.nz Dave McKee Ph (03) 983 5518 davem@waterfordpress.co.nz PRODUCTION MANAGER: Luke Lynch DESIGN & LAYOUT: Samantha Stuart, Liki Udam, Anton Gray, Mike Perry, Connor Gosnell, Caleb Yappa Ph (03) 983 5560 / art@waterfordpress.co.nz OFFICE / ACCOUNTS: Helen Bourne, Jill Holland, Alex Cohen Ph (03) 983 5500 helen@waterfordpress.co.nz CUSTOMER SERVICES: Ann-Marie Frentz, Sarah McQuilkin, Charlotte Frentz, Joyce Dela Cruz Ph: (03) 983 5554 annmarie@waterfordpress.co.nz GENERAL MANAGER: Rex Lynch

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Views and opinions expressed in the RSA Review are not necessarily those of the RNZRSA, Waterford Press Ltd or publisher.

RNZRSA accepts no responsibility for loss of manuscripts or photos.

INSPIRED LEADER WITH VISION Don McIver

LTGEN (RTD) DONALD STUART MCIVER, CMG, OBE In 2008 Don McIver and David Maloney were asked to conduct a review of the RSA nationally and to provide an overview on a direction the RSA should follow so that it could continue to be relevant.

Their work became known as the M & M Report and, without it, I doubt we would be in such a positive state as we are today. It made us sit up and face the facts that we needed to change to be in a position to carry out our prime role – support those who have served. Thankfully the RSA, both nationally and locally, heeded the advice, or most of it, and the warnings of what would happen if we didn’t.

In 2010 Don was invited out for dinner, oysters, steak and a good bottle of red. He was approached and shoulder-tapped, to put his name forward to run for RSA national president. He gave the request a considerable amount of thought before

Don McIver

agreeing. He was elected and served as national president from 2010 until 2014.

He led the RSA through a significant and positive programme of change that thoroughly modernised the organisation, including the launch of our vibrant new brand, a significant reorganisation of the national office, and a comprehensive range of product and services for the benefit of local RSAs. It is also important to remember that Don led

this organisation through the most tumultuous economic period it has faced, with the global financial crisis impacting particular hard on the hospitality sector. His inspirational leadership was pivotal in bringing the whole movement through what were dark days.

On his watch we achieved a closer engagement with Defence, launched significant innovation through the Virtual Association, the RSA Club Card and the On-line Remembrance Project in partnership with the ANZ, of the Shadow Battalion.

Don, along with Robyn Klitscher, played a significant part in the final stages of the War Pensions Review Act which became the Veterans Support Act 2014.

Another of his passions was the Anzac Salute, and I am deeply saddened that he will not be here to see the completion of this project. When it is unveiled in 2018, we will remember Don’s vision for that project.

The personal impact Don had on all those he met in the RSA, especially the staff at the national office will be missed.

– BJ Clark, RSA national president

Regular force cadet became NZ Army chief of general staff LtGen (rtd) Donald Stuart McIver was born in Auckland on January 22, 1936. He died on August 22, 2016. He was married to Margaret for more than 50 years, and is survived by six children, 16 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

He joined the New Zealand Army in 1952 as a Regular Force cadet, Williams Class. After four years (1954-57) at the Military College, Duntroon, Australia, he saw active service as a platoon commander in Malaya from 1958-71.

He was with 1RNZIR as second-in-command and as adjutant in Malaysia and Borneo during the Indonesian Confrontation, and second-incommand 4 RAR/NZ (ANZAC) Bn in Vietnam.

From 1979-83, he was the commander of 1st Task Force Region, Papakura (Colonel), then deputy commander NZ Force, South-East Asia, Singapore.

After a period at the Royal College of Defence Studies, London in 1984, he was assistant chief of defence staff, operations at Defence Headquarters (Brigadier) in 1985-86, then chief

of general staff, NZ Army (Major General) from 1987-89, and commander, multinational force and observers, on the Sinai Peninsula, Egypt (Lieutenant General) from 1989-91.

His post-military career included being a director of the NZ Security Intelligence Service from 1991-99, reporting directly to the prime minister on domestic security intelligence, liaising with overseas intelligence and security agencies, and a member of the Officials Domestic and External Security Co-ordination Committee for national security matters, including counter terrorism.

From July 2000 to July 2002, he was at the United Nations (New York) as an officer for outside information with the UN Monitoring, Observation and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC).

He reported directly to Hans Blix in UNMOVIC, collecting information on Iraqi weapons of mass destruction, established an independent intelligence collection, analysis and storage system, and developed international liaison relating to Iraqi weapons of mass destruction

During his time (2010-14) as RSA national president, he was also a past executive trustee and chairman of National Army Museum executive management committee and chairman of its literary award committee.

His array of recognition includes: Companion of the Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and St George; Officer of the British Empire; NZ Operational Service Medal; General Service Medal with clasps Malaya Peninsular 1961–1964 and Borneo; NZ General Service Medal (Warlike) with clasp Malaya; Vietnam Medal; NZ General Service Medal (Warlike) with clasp Vietnam; NZ General Service Medal (non -Warlike ) with clasp Sinai; NZ Armed Forces Award and Bar; New Zealand Defence Service Medal with Clasp Regular; Pingat Jasa Campaign Medal; South Vietnamese Campaign Meda; Multi National Force and Observers Medal.

At the RSA National Council in 2010, he was awarded the RSA’s highest award – The Badge in Gold and Life Membership.

Veteran gifts remainder of collection to Papakura Museum In Theo Thomas’ home there’s a special room dedicated to “great cobbers” and places he’ll never forget.

The 90-year-old Papakura veteran, who has been collecting war memorabilia since the 1950s, is parting with the remainder of items closest to his heart.

He has been gifting pieces of his collection to the Papakura Museum for the last 10 years and is now offering the lot.

“I’d rather it be in a place for all people to look at rather than a collector come and take what I’ve got here.”

Them Thomas was just 19 when he arrived home from World War 2. He became a collector when a good friend got him interested in medals.

His collection soon grew into the hundreds and included other war memorabilia such as photos, letters, plaques, books, uniforms and everything else, from the Victorian era to the Vietnam War. “It was a hobby and once you’ve got a hobby it’s hard to chuck it away,” says Theo.

Theo Thomas with some of his memorabilia.

He had been in Navy at 16 but “was seasick in bathwater”. He became an aircraftsman in the Royal New Zealand Air Force and, at 18, was sent to the Solomon Islands.

He describes his war as being with “the finest people you could serve with”.

After the war he became involved with St John as an ambulance driver and climbed ranks to

become Auckland district superintendent.

His St John uniform and personal war memorabilia such as photos, sketches and letters from the war are among his collection. One item he particularly treasures is the New Zealand Roll of Honour book from 1845 to 1995.

“My brother (Reg) and I have our names in that book...we were decorated in the order of St John in 1944.

“That was quite something for two brothers to be decorated at the same time.”

Theo Thomas’s’ collection also includes items from veterans he knew and regarded as “great cobbers” such as the late Leo Walsh and Lenard Grant.

The collection is a lot smaller now but lots of memories remain, he says.

“I can come out here and reminisce and that’s the value of being a collector. You’ll never forget people and unless you’ve been in the services no one will ever know what a servicemen or ex-servicemen feels like.”

RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2016

RATA TO GROW AS ‘A LIVING MEMORIAL’

News

The memory of Woodville soldiers who died in World War I will live on in rows of rata trees. Eighty-one native tree seedlings, each representing a Woodville man killed in the war, have been planted by pupils from Woodville School. Woodville RSA president Ralph Mountfort says 403 men and one woman left the town to fight in World War 1.

People from the Woodville community, the RSA, the army, councils and schools were at the ceremony at the Ferry Reserve, between Woodville and the Manawatu Gorge. The holes for the saplings were dug by soldiers from Linton Military Camp, and the aim is to make a plaque naming each tree after a fallen soldier. The reserve is a popular summer spot for walking dogs, picnics, fishing and camping.

Woodville School junior teacher Janice Wiri says many pupils have links to the war and it’s important to remember those connections.

School pupils, the military and people from the Woodville community came together for the rata planting – left: Daniel Bergdolt (left), from 2nd Workshop Company Linton and Woodville RSA president Ralph Mountford; above: Crystal Harris, aged eight, adds the soil touches to a newly planted rata tree; above right: Nine-year-old Nooroa Kupuvai heads a planting gang as they look for a place to plant their trees.

2016 National Council and National Parade Come commemorate and celebrate the forming of the RSA in Wellington 100 years ago.

The RNZRSA 100th National Council will be held at the Michael Fowler Centre on the 10 and 11 of October 2016.

On Sunday 9th October 2016 at 1700 hours we will be holding a National ceremony at Pukeahu, the National War Memorial.

There will be a parade of veterans and current serving personnel, followed by a wreath laying ceremony.

We encourage all veterans to participate in this parade to commemorate the forming of our organisation. If you would like to march in the parade form up in Tasman Street by 1600 hours on the 9th October.

For further information contact Bukit Hill at Bukithill@xtra.co.nz or phone 027 659 0679.

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News – The Changing Face of Our Veterans

RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2016

From 19991 to 2014 New Zealand created veterans in greater numbers than any other time since the end of World War Two. Of the estimated 31,000 current returned veterans, 20,000, and growing, have served overseas since the end of the Vietnam War. Yet the vast majority of New Zealanders have little or no experience, and consequently little or no appreciation of what these men and women, encountered, or of the impact of those on them and their families when return home or are discharged from the services and enter civilian life. With this has come new challenges for support services and relevant organisations such as RSAs. On pages 4-6, we present three perspectives – from the RNZRSA, from the New Zealand Defence Force, and a veteran who has taken a personal initiative to help.

among this cohort; • decide what the RSA will then publicly advocate for; • continue to build a credible, relevant and timely national advocacy capability; • continue to build relationships with the Government, the NZDF, Veterans’ Affairs and the health and well-being sector to improve advocacy.

“Taking up a more proactive and robust advocacy role for our people who have not had a voice before and who are suffering from PTSI and other mental-health issues is a vital challenge,” says Mark Compain.

“At the moment we are playing ‘catch up’ and it is more luck, personal connections or non-government organisations like NO DUFF NZ than process that is identifying those, often in really tough, isolated and precarious situations who we want to support.”

He sees it beginning with a shift in attitudes to PTSI is. About destigmatising the condition and seeing it for what it is – an injury causing really serious and often life-long symptoms that impact not only on the individual ex-service person, but also on their whanau/family, their Describing a raft of symptoms as a disorder ability to sustain themselves through work. and when research shows that sufferers have sus- their ability to connect in healthy ways with tained a brain injury, is again symptomatic their new non-service world. of a dumbing-down of He agrees with recent just how profound the comments by the condition can be.

Director of the Mental “While the RSA recogHealth Foundation who nises there is a broader says one of the single mental-health picture to biggest obstacles to also consider, we have people coming forward made a decision to focus is access and trust that on combat trauma and the system is safe and PTSI advocacy.,” says confidential.

Mark. “Trauma can “The RSA is gratified physically change the that the Defence Force brain’s processing pathand Veterans’ Affairs ways. A person cannot New Zealand (VANZ) help this, so the RSA have more mentalwants to change the health resourcing and incorrect perceptions support strategies than and stigmatisation ever before. However, associated with PTSD there remains relucby referring to it as a tance of the wounded wound, and using the Mark Compain: ‘Trauma can physically change to access them, and term, post traumatic the brain’s processing pathways. A person being ‘system driven’, street injury (PTSI). cannot help this, so the RSA wants to change it can take time to conThis much more prop- the incorrect perceptions and stigimatisation nect and react. We associated with post-traumatic stress disorder. erly describes what the need to be able to hold service person has sustained and gives long and support them immediately, to bring them overdue validation to his/her wounding and the expert counselling and support mechanisms suffering, including the long-term impact on they most need there and then, and to encourfamilies.” age them to accept the ongoing support. This He acknowledges that the RSA relies heavily is where the RSA seeks to assist the NZDF and on the good work undertaken by volunteer sup- VANZ whenever and wherever it can.” port advisers aligned to local RSAs to keep in At a personal level, Mark recalls the impact touch and support those who have left the New of the intense helplessness that came from Zealand Defence Force. But, he says, it is clear experiencing raw human tragedy on tours. This from the numbers of the post-1974 generation not feeling often drives at the heart of what those engaged with local RSAs and their perceptions, actively serving and those who have left the that the ways this support has been experienced Defence Force continue to hold. and/or delivered is not meeting the needs of a “We’re not talking just about physical woundlarge segment of returned service personnel. ing, which can be ‘seen’. I know there is a huge Therein lies the opportunity and the challenge. reluctance at a personal level by those who have “There are currently 16,000 returned members served their country in more modern-day areas of the RSA. If we accept that the majority of these of conflict to put their hand up and say they form part of the 11,000 World War 2-to-Vietnam need help with PTSI.” veterans, we can see stark evidence of the lack He has a personal belief that New Zealand of engagement of the remaining 20,000-plus. validates military service by the sheer number of “Until recently, the RSA nationally has done casualties we suffered and that the ‘world wars’ little to proactively identify their concerns and are the only standard upon which to assign the raise the consciousness within local RSAs and term ‘veteran’. the public generally about the reality of modern “I knew a number of World War 2 veterans who operational service, including the silent casualties told me they would not like to do our job as it of PTSI within their communities. The RSA has seemed a lot simpler in their day to identify the not yet cracked the problem of being the safe, enemy and act. The New Zealand public have trusted ‘go to’ organisation of choice for them, no understanding of the distinctly unpleasant and to be able to understand and offer relevant reality of places like Somalia, Angola, Syria, support in timely ways.” and Afghanistan.”

As the RSA’s national support services manHe believes this partially explains why his ager, his role in the RSA has increasingly focused generation don’t see themselves as returned on a strategy that will place an appropriate servicemen in the sense that those who fought emphasis on current and future post-Vietnam in declared ‘wars’ do, and he sees a real place veterans and service personnel, as well as older and challenge for the RSA to embrace and show cohorts. In terms of national advocacy, he sees leadership at all levels to break down these four critical issues: stigmas and lack of understanding.

• identify the significant issues of concern VANZ and the NZDF are starting to look closely

EXPERIENCE DIFFERENT FROM OLD DAYS, BUT MODERN VETERANS DESERVE EQUAL RESPECT Sue Russell

Terms like ‘peacekeeping’, ‘stability and support’, ‘incident’ are used these days to describe ‘tours of duty’ in Angola, Afghanistan, Bosnia, Bougainville, the Solomon Islands and the like; they replace words, which in earlier generations, carried greater significance; words like ‘war’, ‘‘conflict’ and ‘battle’.

It’s fair to say we may carry a perception of an easier road in a more controlled environment for our service personnel on active service. But, says the RSA’s national support services manager, Mark Compain, a veteran of five overseas deployments and 21 years in the regular army, quite the reverse is true.

“The nature of operational service has changed since the 1960s because in part of the way modern conflict is fought. Our servicemen and women go in to environments where the

enemy cannot be easily identified, where there is no frontline. They can be exposed to a range of environmental risk factors while constantly on guard from threats that hide among the local population and erupt with little warning – like improvised explosive devices (IEDs) that can be activated at distance with the flick of a switch – or constantly processing vast amounts of information to prevent illegal activity on land or sea or in the air.

“This is what the day-to-day reality of contemporary operation is, and operating for months at a time in this environment without a break can take a toll that is amplified by our people conducting multiple operational tours.”

The toll, he says, can result for some in a wound officially known as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) It manifests, impacts and plays out in the physical and mental health of not only the veteran, who may still be serving, but also as secondary trauma among family members.

To page 5

News – The Changing Face of Our Veterans

RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2016

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DAD’S LEGACY FACTOR IN FAMILY SUPPORT It was February 1941. 61647 Gunner Henry (Chook) Pierson, of Hokitika, boarded the Nieu Amsterdam in Wellington and departed for unknown shores. With his comrades, he had volunteered for service abroad. Medically cleared and with some very basic pre-deployment training in Papakura, he was waving goodbye to his beloved homeland on a journey with an outcome no one could predict. Like many of the ship’s passengers, he and his mates had decided over a few beers that serving their country would be the thing to do.

Four years later he was fortunate to return home after a deployment marked by intermittent contact from home and many a battle. The faded, pencil entries in his personal diaries give a little insight into the times and conditions he faced, the value of true comrades, and the courage displayed by so many. His writings tell of colourful characters who became his most treasured, trusted and valued mates, and of the heartache when some were lost.

This was my late Dad. Henry Robert Pierson, Story and photos by Carol Voyce, New Zealand QSM. Defence Force deployment services officer, A life member of the RSA, a businessman and Burnham Miiitary Camp, . local public figure, a recipient of Rotary’s Paul Harris Fellowship and many other accolades he never sought, he never stopped giving – and to lay poppies on the final resting place of and remembering. Like many who had served some of our fine young men and women.

At the time, I could not help but think that overseas in war, he spoke little of the lives and losses of Kiwis. But now, thanks to personal the safe return of my Dad to his family was a diaries, photos and encouragement, our history is blessing so many others didn’t get. As a child, recorded, and we have learned valuable lessons my memories were of Anzac Day – the very early start, the late-evening return, and the quietness and formally acknowledged their sacrifices.

It was only after Dad’s death that I travelled of the next day. It took me many years to learn to some of the places he had been in the Middle and truly understand.

Thankfully, things have changed. For the East and gained a greater understanding of, and insight into, what the soldiers faced. It was a past 15 years, I have had been employed within humbling and emotional experience to visit the operational network of the New Zealand many Commonwealth war memorial cemeteries Defence Force, helping support the welfare

‘RSAs should be first leg of support’ From page 4 at building capacity and more-enabling practice into the transition out of the military phase. A positive outcome for the RSA in this area has been an invitation from NZDF to present at its transition seminars.

“However, there is a significant disconnect when a man or woman leaves service in terms of tracking their health and well-being following this major change in their lives. Often, PTSI or environmental exposure symptoms are late onset, and we currently have no way to monitor veterans’ health once they are in the public system.

He would also like to sit down and talk to professional medical bodies such as the Royal College of General Practitioners about the veteran community’s needs.

“While we all agree that resources are limited and there are plenty of deserving people in the country needing support, there is an important point of distinction belonging to our servicemen and women, which is also linked to remembrance and the validation of contemporary operational service.

“There is a covenant they enter into with the Government when they enlist; they willingly forgo certain rights others take for granted and place themselves deliberately in harm’s way to protect those who cannot protect themselves on behalf of the nation. This creates an ongoing obligation on government and community to look after those affected by their military service.”

At grass-roots level some RSAs are starting to recognise this responsibility by offering support and welfare in a modern sense to of post-Vietnam veterans in their catchment.

An example of what can be achieved with good heart and energy is the work at the Papanui RSA (Christchurch).

Former president Eddie Basset has become a vital link for NZDF support personnel at Burnham Camp when they or their families,

need ‘first-response/crisis intervention’ to complement NZDF support systems.

“When someone approaches the welfare personnel at the camp, it can take up to 10 weeks for that person to be hooked in to the full regime of support systems, including counselling,” says Eddie. “Until then they have to fend for themselves, and this is where I can play a role in bringing about some more-immediate response.”

He can access funding from RSA Trust funds, the Papanui RSA Poppy Fund and the Patriotic Fund to give a serviceperson or veteran immediate support. He also works with Mark Compain, seeking use of nationally held funds and keeping abreast of broader developments.

Eddie would like to see every RSA in the country striving to find meaningful ways to uplift, honour and support all vets. After all he says, it’s not only a question of doing the right thing, it’s about securing the future of the RSA movement.

“We really need to let our younger people know that the RSA is safe, can be trusted and is relevant to their needs, their world.”

On November 19 Papanui RSA is opening its doors to all those who served time in Timor, Afghanistan, Bosnia and in the other 31 deployments since 1974. The evening will be hosted by the RSA at no cost to veterans who attend and will include a dinner and musical entertainment.

“It’s one way we are trying to welcome and engage with these younger vets and their families, to show them that they are truly respected for their services to this country, and to extend an invitation to step inside and see how friendly, supportive and open our RSA is,” says Eddie.

This highly energised club stalwart says he wants other clubs to find their own ways to bring the same gesture of support, welfare and camaraderie to the thoroughly deserving next generations of returned veterans.

“RSAs should be the first leg, the first place of support at a ground level. That’s my challenge to all other RSAs in this country.”

Gunner Henry (Chook) Pierson served in the Middle East during World War 2. His daughter, Carol Voyce, is the writer of this article.

needs and family well-being of servicepeople deploying on missions around the world. I have a background as a registered nurse and work with a multi-disciplinary briefing team to prepare families with tools to manage the deployment and separation, and provide ongoing support to those left at home. It’s about peace of mind.

We reassure those deploying of what their families can expect from us and how the support networks work in their absence. NZDF helps bring families to pre-deployment briefings where they meet staff and learn first-hand detail about the pending deployment. These briefings are followed by information on operational security,

well-being (communication, mail, resources, managing media coverage), and developing resilience for the time apart.

There is a focus on nationwide support networks, mid-tour briefings and updates, deployment newsletters, and how we manage a situation should the unexpected occur – at home or abroad. While these briefings offer up-to-date information, they also offer reassurance, peace of mind and the opportunity to meet with like people in a like situation and extend individual support networks.

We find that those who attend manage the separation better and have a much greater degree of peace of mind than those who don’t.

Families are reassured that there is a 24-hour, toll-free phone line and information, with help or support only a call away. We also know that relationships are enhanced by these separations as families work harder to communicate over the distance, and lives are enriched.

Two new websites – www.homebase.mil.nz and www.force4families.nzdf.mil.nz – provide information at the fingertips of those home alone or parenting alone. The NZDF has worked hard at surveying and talking with families to make sure we meet their needs; we are constantly updating things and changing the way we do business to meet the changing needs of families and an ever-changing world.

Recently we have met with committees of local RSAs and have begun to work with them in extending invitations to families to use their facilities as a meeting place and to use the amazing amount of support they can offer service personnel and their families. We are keen to foster this valuable relationship.

Gunner Henry Pierson and his family made many sacrifices. Families still do so today, but To page 6

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News – The Changing Face of Our Veterans

RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2016

AARON & MATES: ‘DOING, NOT DELIBERATING’ Sue Russell Retired Palmerston North soldier Aaron Wood isn’t the sort of man to sit around and just talk about how to support the many modern-day veterans suffering from conditions such as post-traumatic stress injury.

Instead, he and a group of like-minded former New Zealand Defence Force colleagues have taken a bold and very practical initiative. They have moved the ambulance from the bottom to close to the edge of the top of the cliff, and made it more accessible to those most in need.

Aaron, whose military career spanned 24 years and service in five overseas deployments, is one of the founders of NO DUFF. It’s a non-government organisation created as a first-response capability managed through social networking to support isolated and vulnerable veterans who have “slipped through the cracks” of care structures from organisations such as the RSA and the Veterans’ Association of New Zealand (VANZ).

“No Duff’s launching is a direct result of an incident that I and others became involved in this year when a returned serviceman, under the care of VANZ and known to the RSA, suffering from post-traumatic stress injury, hit an emotional wall, so to speak, and then went to ground, isolating himself from friends and family. The RSA and VANZ had grave concerns for his safety and welfare, and were unable to contact him.”

Aaron was approached by a member of the RSA National Office to assist and networked his contacts to locate the veteran through social media and then wrap an ad hoc support network of comrades from his generation and old unit around him.

That incident highlighted what Aaron already felt was the reality for modern-day, returned and retired servicemen and women who slip under

the radar of conventional support programmes because they are unaware of their entitlements or choose not to follow through.

“While the RSA and VANZ are aware of the problems, they’re not geared up to give the right support immediately in most cases,” says Aaron. ”Resourcing and structural limitations within those organisations often mean that regardless of how well intentioned they may be, they are not always capable of responding and delivering what a veteran in a vulnerable situation most requires in an immediate sense.”

With a view to “doing, not deliberating”, he and a number of mates could see that a new approach was needed at first-line level to get help where and when wanted. NO DUFF (military speak for ‘This is not a drill, this is a real and dangerous incident’) was born six days later.

Part of the problem creating a sense of isolation for post-1974 vets is the ‘perception’ – not only amongst the wider public but also within organisations such as RSAs – of what active duty in contemporary conflict zones entails.

Aaron puts it this way: “We bandy this word ‘peacekeeping’ around as a generic statement of what servicemen and women are deploying operationally into in places like East Timor, Afghanistan and the like; the reality is vastly different. It’s not actually about handing out lollipops to kids, digging wells and playing the odd game of touch. It often involves real, intense and dangerous close-combat experiences.”

This misunderstanding does not help when a serviceman or woman returns from active duty and eventually leaves the NZDF. Places such as RSAs, where one would expect a warm, welcoming and supportive space for our 20,000 post-1974 veterans, can often prove the very opposite.

“I have heard of incidents in RSAs where on Anzac Day, a veteran who has served overseas

Retired Palmerston North soldier Aaron Wood and a group of former New Zealand Defence Force mates have formed a new support group for veterans moving from military to civilian life. Details on NO DUFF: No Duff NGO facebook page on the No Duff website.

in any number of theatres of operation post Vietnam is made to feel unworthy of wearing his or her medals by older service personnel.

“I’ve also experienced it myself. It’s a shocking experience and suggests to veterans they are unworthy or lack status compared with the older generation of vets, regardless of what they’ve experienced. This adds to the potential to not seek help for emotional/psychological issues that have arisen as a result of their service.”

NO DUFF is an independent veterans’ support organisation which operates primarily at grass-roots level by creating a mechanism for veterans to keep in touch with one another, and intervening in crises. This independence is key to NO DUFF’s success, says Aaron.

“VANZ and the RSA endorse the work we are doing because it is highly practical and covers gaps in their respective capabilities.

However, we do not defer to either organisation and intend to remain independent and capable of evolving in the directions where we identify an outstanding requirement and what’s best for those we strive to support. That is where a social media-based network like Facebook is so powerful and useful in organising and managing support for those most in need.”

Considering that two-thirds of New Zealand 31,000 veterans served their country in post-1974 deployments, it is sad there is still a societal impression that in commemorations such as Anzac Day, the focus remains profoundly on World War 1 and World War 2, he says.

“Not all, or even most NZDF deployments post 1974, have been peacekeeping-orientated.

However, in the commonly held narrative, the NZDF deploys service personnel only on peacekeeping missions.

“Also, in the societal perception about what peacekeeping constitutes in terms of critical incidents such as combat situations, there is a denigration of value compared with the reality, which is often as extreme as anything experienced in earlier conflicts.”

Society has moved on since the inception of the RSA movement where soldiers, sailors

and air force personnel gathered to enjoy one another’s company. Nowadays, veterans in their 30s and 40s are less interested in joining, partly because they don’t see it as a relevant environment. Their generations don’t attach the same value to belonging to a club as the older-guard veterans did, and still do. They also seek an organisation relevant to their views and needs.

According to Aaron Wood, the critical time of care when servicemen and women are transitioning from military to civilian life is where they are most being let down because organisations such as the NZDF, VANZ and the RSA, although well-meaning, haven’t adapted new ways of working with veterans.

“I planned my transition pretty well I thought,” he says. “But I remember feeling this weird sense of loss and separation, almost isolation. Many soldiers don’t understand what this period will feel like. They come out of a tight-knit community and often end up feeling marginalised in general society; and often, they do not have the necessary skills to cope easily with their sudden change in cultural and personal circumstances. We intend to employ the networking capacity of NO DUFF to bring resources together to support them.”

It’s a structural problem to a degree, he says.

The RSAs’ role is promulgated through individual welfare officers in each club, which means it is primarily targeted to veterans of an age to belong to the club. This leaves a significant number of younger vets without ready access to support.

“It’s also about the type of support veterans need. They want to feel empowered, valued and, above all, useful. We are beginning to think about ways we can create a ‘community in action’ to bring together younger veterans for meaningful activity and camaraderie, which will re-energise them to engage in the type of support networks they enjoyed whilst serving.”

While NO DUFF has been formed to find ways to link and support former servicepeople in their most vulnerable time, Aaron stresses that the group makes no distinction concerning veterans.

“All we care about is that you are a veteran. We don’t care if you’ve been in prison, or where or when you served. The only people we answer to are the veterans we support, and the measure of our success is something I am keenly interested in having reviewed. There are lots and lots of ways people can engage in the vision and work we do,” says Aaron Wood. “It’s not all about on-the-spot crisis intervention. We need people who can get alongside a veteran in other ways to help them learn new skills and achieve new directions in life.”

We intend to remain independent and capable of evolving in the directions where we identify a requirement.

Dad’s legacy a factor From page 5 we have learned from their experiences, and we thank them for their legacy. Operational deployments are part of NZDF life; we must not only acknowledge the many sacrifices made, but lessen the burden and worry for those separated.

News

RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2016

Kamo keen on a ‘definitive’ roll of honour A group involved in restoring the Kamo War Memorial Hall wants to produce a definitive roll of honour for the Kamo area.

“Housed in the hall, it will include those of both world wars and subsequent wars including Malaysia, Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan and others,” says Mike Mansell (pictured below).

“We welcome approaches with information concerning those who died on active service.”

He says the Anzac Day commemoration at Gallipoli has been increasing in significance in recent years, and a corresponding local stirring that was very evident when Whangarei’s war memorial was relocated to a new site in Laurie Hall Park.

“We would like to include greater acknowledgement of service people from Kamo.”

The Kamo hall was built in the 1950s when Kamo was a separate local authority governed by the Kamo Town Board. wars. It is now a public facility vested in the Whangarei District Council.

“The hall is going through a cultural and physical renaissance and is enjoying an overdue ‘makeover’ internally and externally. Richard Smith, the long-time celebrant of the annual Anzac memorial service, has long wanted the hall to have a fitting tribute and to record the names of Kamo’s fallen.

• If you know of anyone from Kamo who died in wars overseas, contact: Mike Mansell – mikeandrosie95@gmail.com; 09 4322494.

7

RSA AIRS PLANS FOR MUSEUM Kelly Deeks A growing collection of nationally significant war memorabilia may find a new home with the Marlborough RSA Memorabilia Trust releasing tentative plans for a new museum in Blenheim.

Marlborough RSA president John Forrest says the collection is extensive – weapons, a significant library of documents, a highly prized medal collection, and uniforms.

It is valued around $1 million, and includes army, navy, air force, merchant navy, nurses, police, and Red Cross memorabilia “We’ve got enough to put about 30 people in uniform, from the Boer War right up to the present day,” he says. “We can’t display the whole collection at one time, and what we have got displayed is cramped, and without good temperature or humidity control to properly preserve these memorabilia.”

Part of the collection is displayed in the Marlborough RSA lounge, and about two-thirds is stored on a small mezzanine floor.

“It is dark and at the right temperature, but these things still need to be given due consideration and looked after.”

There is also a significant roll of honour, which has been expanded from 647 to 675 names, with another 16 names under investigation and likely to be added.

All the original material for the New Zealand Defence Force Command and Staff College’s number two staff course is held at the Marlborough RSA, with copies sent to the Defence College and the National Army Museum at Waiouru.

“Since we’ve announced the plans for the museum, we’ve had offers of a bren-gun carrier, guns, and vehicles,” John says. “We also need the facilities to make models of aircraft and vehicles, and human models to display the uniforms.”

The Marlborough RSA wants to rehouse its extensive military collection in a new museum in Blenheim.

The collection is valued around $1 million and includes army, navy, nurses, police and Red Cross memorabilia.

He says the new facilities will allow the RSA to put on displays for all the forces.

“Marlborough had the Delta camp, which included lots of army camps and air force stations, and we also had coastwatcher groups established to monitor the Marlborough Sounds during World War 2. These histories aren’t on display at the moment, but we could display them.”

The memorabilia trust is looking into buying or leasing Carlton Corlett Trust-owned land near the Omaka Aviation and Heritage Centre and Omaka Classic Cars. Already something of a heritage hub, the location is also only a short distance away from the Marlborough RSA Burleigh memorial olive grove.

“There are some synergies there,” says John Forrest. “We want to work with the Omaka Aviation and Heritage Centre because our histories are combined and we feel we can augment with them. We already have a relationship whereby we are given a free tent at the Omaka Classic Fighters Airshow, where we host veterans. We

hope to become more closely associated with them.”

He says there are also synergies with the Top of the South Film Production Society and Marlborough filmmaker Aaron Falvey. They could share the new museum’s workshop, and lend their expertise to the museum’s audio-visual requirements.

“We’re aiming for a situation where someone can come in to the museum looking for a family member, and will be able to push a button and see all the information we hold about that person.”

More intricate details of the museum plan remain under consideration and will not be put into practice until the funds are raised.

John Forrest says the building could be put up for about $400,000, but the preferred option – the full operational package, including the cost of the land– will cost about $1.5 million.

The Marlborough RSA will carry out its own fundraising drive as well as approaching the Rata Foundation, the Lotteries Commission, and other heritage organisations for assistance.

8 News

RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2016

PHOTOS: The Hastings RSA has merged with three other clubs to form Club Hastings. The new club, a purpose built facility, lists more than 3000 members.

MERGER BENEFITS ALL – RSA PRESIDENT Sue Russell By adopting an attitude that there is always a way forward as long as you have the right attitude to embrace change, the Hastings RSA has become part of a new conglomeration of four clubs.

The RSA, founded in 1917, has joined The Hibernian Catholic Club, the Heretaunga Club and the Heretaunga Bowling Club to form Club Hastings. The new club – a purpose-built facility on the site of the former Heretaunga Club on the corner of Hastings and Victoria streets – has more than 3000 members.

The transformation from standalone RSA with a solid membership and financial situation took three years. It began with a request by the Hibernian Catholic Club to merge with the RSA, as Clubs Hastings president and RSA member Trevor Hardie explains.

“The Hibernian Catholic Club was struggling with falling numbers and with the upkeep of their clubrooms, and they approached the RSA about joining with us. After consultation with

our members, we accepted the Hibernian Club approach to join our club.”

The merger took place in September 2013. Each club retained its culture and activities under the one roof. Hibernian’s gaming machine licence was able to be transferred to the RSA, creating a club that was one of only five in the country to have 30 gaming machines on the one site.

Four months later, in January 2014, the Heretaunga Club closed its doors on Hastings’

Many RSAs have remembered those who fell in World War 1 by estabishing a field of white crosses as “a moving tribute to the fallen”.

If you have established a field of remembrance, the Fields of Remembrance Trust would love to know about it.

We hope to have a map of the many and varied fields on our website in time for Anzac Day 2017.

Please use the Fields of Remembrance website: www.fieldsofremembrance. org.nz. REGISTER MY FIELD is at the top of the page. - Advt

Fields of Remembrance Trust keen to hear from you

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Victoria St and merged with the RSA. This coincided with an offer by the RSA’s neighbour, Countdown, to buy the RSA site on Avenue Rd West. The RSA accepted the supermarket’s $3.3m offer.

“We first planned to move into a renovated Heretaunga Club,” says Trevor Hardie. “But following an inspection of the facilities by architects, we agreed with their recommendation not to renovate but to instead demolish the old building and build a new club on the same site.

After consulting with members the Hastings RSA also changed its name to Clubs Hastings to reflect the make-up of the combined club.

Members and guests began using the new premises in late April, and the official opening followed June 19.

Building a new 2000 square metre facility also offered opportunities and a fresh impetus to find ways to attract new and younger members through its doors.

“We gave a lot of thought about incorporating features and activities that would be appealing for younger members and one example of this is the High Viz (tradies) bar,” says Trevor. The bar aims to be a happy drop-in, social place for workers to enjoy a glass or two, and has proved popular with locals. High Viz is open Tuesday to Saturday; the club’s main bar is open daily from 10am.

Some members were concerned that the RSA was losing its sense of identity through the loss of the name. However, each of the clubs involved has been able to continue to express its culture and maintain its own identity while being part of something greater.

“Take me, I am still RSA, but we merge with everyone else,” says Trevor. “It is not like there are four different clubs sharing the same space; we are one club with benefits flowing to all.”

Facilities for members and guests include a full TAB, four full-size snooker tables, pool tables, restaurant and café facilities. The nextdoor Heretaunga Bowling Club is, of course, a member organisation.

One special feature the RSA has brought with it is the VC Room – described by Trevor Hardie is a wonderful and poignant space inside the club and is the only one of its type in New Zealand “The room is special, with photographs of every Victoria Cross recipient, including a replica of their medals and citations.”

As a veteran of the Vietnam War, Trevor holds strong convictions about the role of the RSA in today’s world. When he returned from active service, he joined the Wellington RSA and has been a staunch member since.

He remembers a feeling among old World War 2 ‘diggers’ that they participated in a real war, and says it is nonsense to denigrate subsequent operations in which New Zealand servicemen and women have served as anything less than real combat.

“Everyone who serves overseas in any the places our Defence Force personnel have been deployed are in real war conditions. I can say that at Clubs Hastings, a warm and respectful welcome awaits all current and former servicemen and women. I invite all service personnel to step through our doors and become members, and then to get involved in leadership of the club.”

That, he says, is the way forward for RSAs and he is heartened to see others welcoming new ways, including mergers, to secure their future.

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9

RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2016

National Office

DON LEAVES A LASTING LEGACY BJ Clark, RSA national president I would like to acknowledge the passing of Lt Gen (rtd) Don McIver. Don served New Zealand continuously from the age of 16 when he joined the Regular Force Cadets until his passing. He had a very honourable military career in the New Zealand Army followed by commanding the Multi National Force and Observers in the Sinai.

He then worked for the Security Intelligence Service and the United Nations.

His service to the RSA started when Don and David Moloney conducted a national review of the RSA which produced a document known as the M & M Report. This report highlighted a pathway for the RSA to follow if it were to remain relevant; thankfully the RSA took heed of most of the recommendations and hence,

we are moving into our second centenary with confidence.

Don was then elected as national president of the RSA in 2010 and served until 2014. After stepping down from the presidency, he continued to represent the RSA at numerous official events.

He chaired the Anzac Salute project team and, sadly, will not be here to see the completion of that project. However, he will certainly be in our thoughts when that is completed in 2018.

We are working very hard to develop a closer relationship with Defence and that process has been assisted greatly by the allocation of the chief of navy, RAdm John Martin, as the RSA’s direct link to Defence. I have a six-weekly programmed meeting to discuss relevant issues

and it is proving a very valuable opportunity to inform him what initiatives we are pursuing and to listen to what suggestions he has to enable the RSA to form positive relationships with today’s service personnel. We are also fortunate to have support from the Defence WO Danny Broughton and his service warrant officers.

Most of you will be aware that Jacki Couchman has left Veterans’ Affairs to take up another appointment with Defence. The relationship between RSA and Veterans’ Affairs has been very positive during her tenure, and her genuine desire to help our veterans has been much appreciated. I wish to formally thank Jacki for her support during her time at Veterans’ Affairs and wish her well.

We will shortly be gathering in Wellington for our annual conference. It concerns me that conference becomes so caught up in issues that could be dealt with during the year that little opportunity is left to discuss the future.

We have shortened our conference to two days primarily to keep costs reasonable so that as many RSAs as possible can afford to attend.

However, this means we need to ensure it runs smoothly.

I thought last year’s conference was one of the best I have attended as it was very obvious that RSAs were in a positive mood, looking forwards not backwards.

Let us hope that same attitude prevails this year.

Look forward to seeing you all there.

BOARD FACES STRATEGIC CHALLENGES Phillip Meyer, Chair RNZRSA Board In this my first contribution to the Review, I will discuss with you the role and responsibilities of the Board, which has been in place now for about a year.

However, before doing so I want to honour all those veterans who have served our country and been willing to put themselves in harm’s way for the benefit of the future generations of Kiwis who would live in this beautiful country and call it home. Many of them didn’t return and their voices have been laid silent and it is our responsibility, indeed our obligation, to fill that silence with our support and gratitude, not just with our words but also with our actions.

This is the reason I serve on the Board of RNZRSA.

The Board’s primary role is to provide independent oversight of management. This involves working with our executives in the development of our strategy. It also involves challenging the assumptions and proposals of management so that the best consideration of matters can be brought to bear.

There are many challenges to old business models. The world is going cashless and digital. We all now spend more time looking at our screens, smart phones, tablets and laptop computers. RSAs are being challenged to consider new ways to deliver services for their members.

This has profound implications for the way we all do things and the way we engage with those who support RSAs.

Primary among our strategies is helping make things easier for RSAs across the nation where the investment required is too large for individual RSAs and national leverage is needed to make the investment effective.

An example of this is our initiative to provide governance and fiduciary training. A national programme with the Institute of Directors and Grant Thornton is being offered to RSA executive committee members who seek to improve their skills in these areas.

We have a new website, customer relationship management system and payment system.

This digital platform is available for RSAs to use through discrete, partitioned services if they wish.

RSAs can now present to their members

an individual, attractive, full service website without having to incur the substantial cost of developing one.

RSAs have told us that this digital platform service is widely valued.

Support services is an area of our work which is so important, we have added another person to the team to strengthen the direct support and advocacy for veterans services.

In a membership organisation such as ours, there will always be a range of views expressed about the optimal way forward.

With your help, we can approach all these challenges in a positive way for the overall benefit of our wonderful organisation and the influence for good it brings to our community.

THE NEXT 100 YEARS: WHAT LIES AHEAD? David Moger, RSA chief executive Grace Hopper was a rear admiral in the US Navy Reserve, a computer scientist, and a pioneer – her list of accomplishments was by no means small. Known for her intelligence, wit and apt perspective on human nature, one of Grace’s most memorable quotes refers to change: “I’ve always been more interested in the future than the past.”

That’s not to say the past is of no importance.

In the context of the RSA movement, we have 100 years of service, support and remembrance behind us, including some major events as a significant force for good. It’s a history we’re proud of. In that time we have evolved, transformed and grown, both in strength and size.

Now, our focus is shifting.

National Council is centred on this idea of commemorating our past while celebrating the future. We’re thinking of the next 100 years

and what we’re capable of; where we want to be, what we want to achieve, and why we want to continue on. All that’s left is the how. How will we get there?

Change - verb; 1. To make or become different The RSA mission and purpose hasn’t changed since our inception – we still remember and care for those affected by military operations, including current and ex-servicemen and women and their families. Support and remembrance is still at the heart of what we do and RSAs remain a large part of their communities. We are committed to that.

Change is not seen in the reason why we do things, but the way we do it and the environment in which we work. Money raised by the annual Poppy Appeal still goes to support services, but the cash-based system we’re familiar with is being

challenged by a steadily increasing inclination towards all things digital. The traditional RSA hospitality is still loved, but we’re seeing more and more variety in the hospitality space.

Furthermore, the needs of those we support have changed – wounds may be psychological as well as physical. It’s vital we adapt our methods of support.

Teamwork – noun; 1. The combined action of a group, especially when effective and efficient We are an organisation of 181 RSAs and more than 100,000 members. This diverse “team of teams” makes up the RSA as a whole. We all have a role to play in the success of the RSA movement.

It’s fair to say success is dependent on us moving forward together – after all, we are

working towards a common goal. We can learn from each other, help each other out, and present a united front much like our Anzac soldiers.

It’s a cliché, yes, but I feel there’s still truth to be found in the old adage “we’re stronger together”.

Membership – noun; 1. Someone belonging to or being a part of a group The idea of teamwork extends to our members as well. We rely on their engagement, passion and support. The total amount raised from the 2016 Poppy Appeal is still being calculated, but we were blown away by how many people volunteered their valuable time to collect, pin poppies and assist, including our local RSA staff.

I am extremely grateful to our members up and down the country.

Here’s to the next 100 years.

10

News

RSA REVIEW • SpRIng 2016

‘UNCOOL’ CLARINET NOW HOT PROPERTY Natasha Thompson, Gisborne Herald

At first, Laura Brown thought the clarinet wasn’t cool. But after some parental encouragement and a change of heart, the Gisborne musician now plays the instrument for the largest symphonic band in the country.

The former Gisborne Girls’ High School student joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force Band last year after moving to Wellington in 2015 for university.

“We moved to Gisborne from the United Kingdom when I was at high school. My mum saw an advertisement for a ‘Music Out of Schools’ programme,” says the 20-year-old. “She wanted me to do the clarinet, but I wanted to do something cool like sax.”

Despite her reservations, Laura now studies the woodwind instrument at Victoria University.

She has also picked up the saxophone, and was playing the instrument when she met the director of the RNZAF Band, Ft Lt Simon Brew.

“In 2011 I did a workshop in Gisborne, and Laura came along. She was really keen to get involved and kept in touch,” he says.

Laura , now LAC Brown, joined the air force band this year and has already performed with the group at some major events.

She found it exciting and “really cool” to play with so many musicians from around the world at the (Royal) Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

“It’s a huge event,” says Ft Lt Brew. “We had bands from over from Europe. There were about 1000 performers all together. We’ve performed to 80,000 people this year, which is a record for us.”

Laura Brown’s achievement as a professional clarinet player is impressive given that the young musician has never had a teacher with specific clarinet training.

“It’s cool, it’s one of the first times I’ve ever had a proper clarinet teacher. I had one when I was 13, then got lessons from a violin teacher,” she says.

Ft Lt Brew, who specialises in the saxophone, says the practice of music tutors teaching instruments for which they are not trained is common

My mum saw an advertisement for a ‘Music Out of Schools’ programme. She wanted me to do the clarinet, but I wanted to do something cool like sax.

Gisborne musician Laura Brown in her Royal New Zealand Air Force Band colours.

in small towns: “I actually learned from a trumpet player who was my orchestra conductor.”

Photo: Alistair Isdale

A university lecturer in music and a practising musician, he has had a busy year outside of the

Air Force Band: “I conducted a brass quintet at the Anzac centennial commemorations at Gallipoli this year. It was quite an emotional trip.”

The musical director, who graduated from the ArtEZ University of the Arts in the Netherlands is also a contract musician for the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. He has also played with the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, the Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra, the Netherlands National Orchestra, and the Netherlands Blazers Ensemble.

Given the air force band’s role as national representatives, playing with overseas groups has also been a possibility for other members.

“We’ve had quite a few musicians away this year. We just had a drummer return from commemorations in Europe, while two musicians are preparing to travel to France for commemorations for The Battle of Somme centenary,” says Flt Lt Brew.

Though the band rarely travels overseas as a full group, it will take part in a number of national events this year, including the annual air force concert in the Wellington Opera House.

Laura Brown also had the opportunity to show off her skills back home, when the air force band played a gala concert at the 2016 National Concert Band Festival in Gisborne.

Accompanied by soprano LAC Barbara Graham, the group filled the War Memorial Hall with a variety of music, from show tunes to traditional military marches.

‘Citizen science’ aims to crowd-source Anzacs’ stories Evan Roberts Since the last of New Zealand’s World War I soldiers died in 2006, their personnel files have become increasingly accessible. When the files were initially transferred to Archives New Zealand, access was limited. Now that Archives NZ has scanned all pages in all the files, it is easier than ever to find personnel files.

If you know the name (or serial number) of a soldier, you can be downloading service records in a few minutes from Archives’ Archway catalogue. The biggest limitation is that the files are indexed only by name and serial number.

If you wanted to find all the men from a certain company in 1917, you’d have to find their names in the Gazette or newspaper and search for them.

To make optimum use of the personnel files, we have to transcribe and standardise information already in the files, but locked up in handwriting.

A new project – Measuring the ANZACs (http:// www.measuringtheanzacs.org) – is under way to “crowd-source” the transcription of key documents in all of these files; the aim is to complete transcription by the end of the World War 1s centenary. It’s a huge task.

But if every New Zealander with an ancestor who served transcribed the records of one person, the project would be complete. If every high-school student in New Zealand transcribed one person’s file, we’d be done.

Measuring the Anzacs is a “citizen science” initiative led by a group of academics and supported by The Zooniverse, the world’s largest citizen-science initiative. Citizen science, a new approach to scholarship, brings interested people together with researchers to develop data and

New Zealanders with an ancestor who served in WW1 are being asked to transcribe their records onto a digital catalogue.

research sources. “Citizen science” projects all have at their heart the need for human input into data creation because computers cannot do the tasks required, and the scale of human input is beyond what governments and universities will fund.

It breaks down big tasks into the smallest possible things that can be done and still advance the goal of creating accurate data. With the World War 1 personnel files, we’re asking for three kinds of help: • Identify the type of document in an image – is it an attestation or a service history sheet?

• Once the document is identified, mark the questions or “fields”, such as unit, name, etc , that need to be transcribed.

• Transcribe the marked fields.

It sounds a little complex, but the software takes care of the details. You can engage in the story of a person’s life by working through a whole file, or contribute for just a few seconds.

It all adds up.

The 140,000 personnel files from the South African War and World War I combine to include 3.7 million page images. Some pages are more valuable than others. We are collecting data

from attestations, history sheets, statements of sssservice, and death notifications. We are collecting nearly all the information from these pages to provide a foundation for genealogical research and academic research in military history, public health, and beyond.

Kris Inwood (University of Guelph), Les Oxley (University of Waikato) and Evan Roberts (University of Minnesota, formerly Victoria University) are using the military records to research health and mortality in New Zealand from the mid-nineteenth century.

One of our challenges has been transferring all the images from Archives NZ to our computers.

All files should be loaded by the end of the year.

Thousands of files are available for transcription.

You can help by transcribing now, and by telling your friends (all ages and from all places) to help. There are many incredible stories on these pages that will touch you as you read them.

• Evan Roberts (eroberts@umn.edu) is an assistant professor at the University of Minnesota. He is happy to talk to RSAs about the project by video link, or during a visit to New Zealand in 2017.

Young Kiwis play a part in Somme commemorations The young people (pictured above) are in Europe in the midst of a once-in-a-life time opportunity representing New Zealand as youth ambassador at the 100-year commemoration of the Battle of Somme, in France. The students are hosted by families in France and Belgium, and are taking part in the official commemorations. More than a million were killed or wounded in the battle, which was fought from July 1 until 18 November, 1916 in the upper reaches of the River Somme in France. The senior high-school students were selected by the Shared Histories programme (a non-government organisation aimed at raising awareness about the contribution of the New Zealand Division which fought on the western front during World War I. The 10 New Zealand schools ambassadors on the September 10-25 trip, are: Thomas Swinburn (Dilworth School, Auckland); Elaine Zam (Massey High School Auckland); Sean Takai (Shirley Boys; High School, Christchurch); Materia Hutana, (Cashmere High School, Christchurch); Laura Voight (Otago Girls' High School, Dunedin); Abigail Marshall (Waimea College, Nelson); Stuart Turrill (Palmerston North Boys' High); Danielle Cooper (John Paul College, Rotorua); Katya Collins (Whakatane High School); Lily Polaczuk (Wellington Girls' College).

RSA REVIEW • SpRIng 2016

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hen Princess Catherine toured New Zealand last year, all eyes turned to the fabulous accessories she wore. One piece which brought the nation to a standstill was the famous Silver Fern Brooch, presented to Queen Elizabeth 60 years ago as a gift from New Zealand to celebrate her own first royal tour. Kate wore it with her usual flair proving that good taste and classic design are timeless. Today, Kate’s style can be yours with a magnificent new interpretation of the original design. Available only from The Bradford Exchange, the “Silver Fern Brooch” will give you the look of a princess at a fraction of the price!

Exclusively designed… exquisitely hand-crafted

The brooch glitters with 157 genuine Swarovski crystals – stones that sparkle with the brilliance of the silver fern on a glorious day. The crystals are presented in a rich, multi-layered setting, capturing the delicacy of this most beloved of Kiwi symbols. Stylish and timeless, it is a fitting tribute to the future Queen and a wonderful keepsake celebrating Princess Catherine’s first tour of New Zealand.

F REE G IFTS Silver Fern The Roya

Brooch

l Tour

The Silver Fern Broo ch was a gift, issue Christmas d from the women of New Zeal and, Auckland , commemorat to Her Majesty the Queen e to of Australia the Royal Common wea and New Zealand in lth Tour 1953-54.

The Silver Fern is an New Zeal important and. As a emblem of speci country to its sovereign al gift given from a importance , it holds a significa nt her enduring to Her Majesty. It is a symbol relationship of one which with New Her Majesty Zealand, cherishes to this very day.

This has recen tly been even the loan of more evident the Brooch in to Her Roya Catherine l , Duchess of Cambrid Highness Royal Tour ge for the of Australia and in April, 201 New Zealand 4.

©2016 The Bradford Exchange Ltd. A.B.N. 13 003 159 617 503-CHA01.01

As worn by Princess Catherine and Queen Elizabeth in New Zealand

Such is her love the Queen for New Zealand and has wor n its people, the brooch during her extensively six decade reign. Tod release of ay, with the the exquisi replica, Her te ‘Silver Fern Brooch’ Majesty’s royal style by the peop can be enjo le to whom yed she has dev oted her life.

FREE custom jeweller’s pouch FREE custom presentation FREE commemorative booklet detailing the history of today’s most famous brooch

Money-back Guarantee.

FREE Gifts. Respond now!

A tremendous value, the brooch is available for just $149.97 or three easy, interest-free instalments of $49.99, plus $14.99 postage and handling, backed by our 120-day money-back guarantee. Strong demand is forecast from Kate’s admirers, so please act now. To reserve your brooch, send no money now. Just return the coupon or go online today.

For quickest delivery, order online:

www.bradford.net.nz/royal Quoting promotion code:

27824

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Reserve yours today. 3 easy options: The Bradford Exchange, Freepost No.98331, PO Box 91901, Victoria Street West, Auckland 1142

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12

RSA REVIEW • SpRIng 2016

Defence Matters

EXERCISE GOES OFF WITH A BANG

This was the result when the RNZAF dropped Mark 82 depth bombs from a P-3K2 Orion in a training exercise at the Kaipara Air Weapons Range, in Northland, to qualify air and ground crewsl The Mark 82 depth bomb is used by the RNZAF for anti-submarine warfare in in-shore waters and complements the Mark 46 ASW torpedo also carried by the P-3K2 Orion. The RNZAF has six P-3K2 Orions, which form part of its intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and combat capability. The Orions support the Royal New Zealand Navy in military operations, and other government agencies in detecting illegal fishing, piracy, and smuggling of drugs or people.

Kiwis join the Pacific Partnership Nine New Zealand Defence Force staff were part of this year’s United States-led Pacific Partnership – the largest multilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

The NZDF contingent joined 600-plus military and civilian personnel from Australia, Canada, Japan, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States on board a US hospital ship, USNS Mercy.

The mission visited Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Timor-Leste and Vietnam during July and August. As part of the mission, Japan also visited Palau.

“We engaged in various partnering efforts designed to develop disaster response preparedness and strengthen relationships with other nations,” says WgCdr Michelle White, the senior national officer of the contingent and chief of staff for this year’s Pacific Partnership.

During each stop, participants partnered with host nations for civic-action projects, community health exchanges, medical symposiums, engineering projects, and humanitarian-assistance and disaster-relief training.

“One of the distinctions of this year’s mission is that it highlights the role of women in humanitarian-assistance and disaster-relief efforts, “ says Cdr Karen Ward, of the Royal New Zealand Navy, who led the mission’s WPS team.

“Women and children often make up the majority of displaced populations in the aftermath of disasters and conflicts.

“We recognise that women’s participation in disaster recovery efforts or peacebuilding is vital if we are to have more inclusive societies and increase the survivability for women and children.” .

As with previous Pacific Partnership missions, various surgeries were performed aboard Mercy.

The nine New Zealand Defence Force staff ready to board USNS Mercy for their Pacific Partnership humanitarian-assistance and disaster-relief mission to the Ino-Asia-Pacific region.

14

Defence Matters

RSA REVIEW • SpRIng 2016

LYLE HANGS OUT FOR BIGGER SLICE OF THE ACTION – AND LOVES IT Luz Baguioro Public affairs manager, Joint Forces NZ

Lyle Wooller exactly where he wants to be...close to the action.

Sgt Lyle Wooller wanted a bigger slice of the action. So, two years ago, he changed his trade to become a helicopter loadmaster.

“I changed for the challenge,” he says. “Being in the door of a helicopter, flying close to objects and landing in small areas seemed like a great choice.”.

He finished his basic course on the A109 light utility helicopter in September 2014 as a qualified helicopter crewman, and began conversion training on the NH90 medium utility helicopter.

As helicopter loadmaster, he helps ensure passengers, troops and cargo are all on board and secure.

“We regularly winch people in and out of the helicopter. Ensuring their safety and that of the aircraft is top of the list. We also carry underslung loads that are anywhere between 20ft and 120ft or more under the aircraft. We monitor the load at all stages of the flight and update the pilots.”

Loadmasters also play a crucial role when the helicopter has to manoeuvre into and around confined areas: “Since pilots have restricted vision around the frame, it is the loadmaster’s responsibility to maintain clearances to objects.

In complex terrain, we assist pilots with take-off and landing. Some terrain will allow us to land with one wheel touching the ground, which lets us load and unload as required.” .

Encouraged by his father, a former member of the New Zealand Army, Sgt Wooller, from Morrinsville, joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force in 2004, six months into his undergraduate course at Waikato University.

The New Zealand Defence Force’s aid operation in Fiji early this year marked his first deployment on an overseas mission.

Two NH90 helicopters helped in Fiji’s disaster recovery efforts. They delivered aid supplies, water purification equipment, and sacks of seeds and plant cuttings to cyclone-ravaged communities, as well as transportin New Zealand medical volunteers and Fiji government staff to remote communities.

TEXANS STRUT STUFF IN SOME BIG COUNTRY Rebecca Quilliam Editor, Air Force News A small group of trainee pilot instructors flew out of their backyard around the Manawatu plains to fly low and fast through the unfamiliar mountainous terrain of the South Island. And they loved every second of it.

Mainlanders could be forgiven for scratching their heads if they looked towards the sky and spotted unfamiliar aircraft buzzing the mountains.

Five T-6C Texans were on a week-long flight around the South Island as part of training their pilots as instructors.

The small, high-tech planes are a common sight around the central North Island, but these had to master the challenging terrain of Canterbury, Otago and Southland.

“For us to be able to teach the pilots’ course, we had to get experience and exposure to flying in a mountainous environment,” says one of those pilots, Flt Lt Matt Hansen, The group of five pilots and five instructors flew as low as 250ft above the sides of the valleys.

“It can be challenging depending on the environment and the weather,” he says. “The weather can change quite dramatically in the

mountains and a lot of the winds can get funnelled down the valleys, which makes it a lot stronger and more turbulent. But we were quite lucky. We had some decent weather – but it is a challenge, it keeps you on your toes. We were flying about 240 knots , which is pretty fast as well.”

The Texans handled the extreme flying well and were not as affected by the turbulence as a bigger aircraft would have been.

“It seems to punch through the turbulence a little bit smoother and it’s a lot more agile and fun.”

The changeable weather was the most challenging part of the training: “Low cloud and drizzle can force you to turn around or divert.”

During a flight from Dunedin to Invercargill, the group was forced back because of the weather, says Matt Hansen.

“There was just a line of showers and low cloud. We tried to fly down the coast over the water, but the showers and low cloud forced us to turn around. For us it was a black and white decision.”

For most of the week though, the weather was stunning and the pilots flew with a backdrop of snow capped mountains and blue skies.

Why Texan is ‘great for teaching pilots’ • All of the aircraft in the Royal New Zealand Air Force fleet have a “glass cockpit” layout, which means students will be familiar with the aircraft instruments when they progress to their new aircraft.

• The glass cockpit allows the pilots to fly in instrument meteorological conditions, which involves flying in cloud with sole reference to flight instruments.

• The T-6C has high operating performance,

which enables students to develop and refine their pure flying skills.

• Students are taught close-formation flying, 15 feet away from other aircraft. This requires extreme concentration and flying discipline.

Formation leading also develops situational awareness, which improves decision making and captaincy.

• The enhanced performance of the aircraft will helps push the students to a high standard.

Afghan officer cadet graduates train under the watchful eye of New Zealand Defence Force mentors.

KIWIS LEAD AFGHAN ARMY OVER 12-MONTH STINT Luz Baguioro Public affairs manager, Joint Forces NZ New Zealand Defence Force mentors have helped provide a 12-month training programme that has seen 320 Afghan officer cadets graduate from the Afghan National Army Officer Academy in Kabul.

“This is an important milestone in the NZDF’s continuing contribution to security in Afghanistan and supports the Afghan government’s priority of developing the next generation of leaders in the Afghan National Army,” says the commander Joint Forces New Zealand, MajGen Tim Gall LtCol Andrew Brown, the NZDF senior national officer in Afghanistan, and SSgt Brian King were awarded chief-mentor commendations for their work.

Brown says about 70 per cent of the graduates

are destined for the infantry, most straight to front-line units.

The training programme, which is led by the United Kingdom, includes both conventional fighting skills and counter-insurgency training.

It comprises 10 field training exercises, English language training, tactics, war studies, signals and Information and communications technology training, and communication skills.

“The training aims to develop officer cadets’ tactical competence as junior leaders,” says Brown.

“Seven of the graduates are women. While that number may seem small by Western standards, it marks a big step for Afghanistan. Gender integration is a focus area for the ANA and, in time, female graduates will integrate into all branches, including front-line roles”.

It’s not just about blowing stuff up...there’s a lot to being an ammunition technician They are responsible for the inspection, bulk storage and maintenance of all ammunition and explosives used by the navy, army and air force.

Ammunition technicians (ATs) also do technical trials on new ammunition, investigate ammunition accidents, and dispose of unserviceable or obsolete ammunition. And they responsible for keeping New Zealand Defence Force training areas free from unexploded ordnance by removing and disposing of malfunctioning rounds .

Becoming fully qualified means having the full technical empowerment available for soldiers.

Responsibility increases with training and rank.

This progresses from being fully qualified to handle and work with ammunition and explosives, to deploying and managing a battalion ammunition system, large-scale disposal tasks and investigations into accidents and incidents.

Initial training covers the generic characteristics of in-ser vice ammunition and explosives,

such as mortar bombs, artillery ammunition, grenades and pyrotechnics, including the fusing, explosives and propellants.

At intermediate level, trainees go into the details of all ammunition and explosive items used by the NZDF. Ammo techs learn the technical details and functioning of these items – how they work and why. They are also introduced to the management of ammunition and explosives in an operational environment.

The senior course teaches about the bulk disposal of ammunition and explosives, and investigation of ammo accidents and incidents.

ATs need to be able to work in small groups and for long periods in a wide range of environments. They will generally be responsible for an inventor y value that far exceeds their rank and have to advise senior personnel. They can be the sole ammunition expert in a deployment, and thus the holder and enforcer of standards.

16

Defence Matters

RSA REVIEW • SpRIng 2016

NZDF plays lead role in Tonga water project

An artist’s impression of the 24,000-tonne tanker which, in size and displacement, will surpass anything operated by the New Zealand Navy.

NZ’S BIGGEST SHIP DUE IN 2020 Andrew Bonallack The Defence White Paper announced the Government’s intent, and the designers have answered. The Maritime Sustainment Capability project team has prepared a design for a 24,000tonne fleet tanker that, in size and displacement, eclipses anything New Zealand has operated in its naval history.

The project will replace tanker HMNZS Endeavour, which is more than 30 years old, with a ship that has a greater displacement than a Falklands-era Invincible-class aircraft carrier.

In July the New Zealand Defence Force announced the $493 million vessel’s design and capability, which includes ice-strengthening and “winterisation” features for operations in Antarctica.

South Korean firm Hyundai Heavy Industries, the world’s biggest shipbuilder, has the contract for the tanker, for delivery in January 2020.

The Defence White Paper 2016 has identified Antarctica as a “focus on increasing international interest” while noting the NZDF’s “critical role” in supporting personnel in the Ross Dependency and monitoring activity in the Southern Ocean.

The additional capital investment to give an enhanced naval tanker the Antarctic support capability will cost $64m, while adding 1600 tonnes to the basic design.

Polar-class vessels have a higher grade of steel plating to withstand cold temperatures, plus an extra thickness calculated in to allow for corrosion/abrasion against ice.

The ship’s framework will have an increased number of hull scantlings, the “ribs” of a vessel, while items subject to ice impact loads, such as the propellers and rudders, will be strengthened.

It’s the “refreshed focus” on Antarctic operations that is one of the exciting parts of the project, according to project director Peter Sullivan and project manager Cdr Des Tiller.

This is not the first Endeavour to go to Antarctica,” says Tiller. “But the previous Endeavour didn’t have that capability – it wasn’t ice strengthened.

“Now we have got that back with this refreshed

HMNZS Waikato crew secure a Wasp on board.

focus. That’s got to be the most exciting thing, from a pure naval perspective – we are getting a purpose-built capable ship.”

Enedeavour is a tanker that was bought as a civilian vessel, then made to fit, says Tiller, but the MSC project takes the requirements of the navy, and turns it into a ship.

It will be ice-strengthened to Polar Class 6, which means it will be to operate in the Ross Sea to resupply Scott Base in the summer (December to March), stocked with low flash point fuel, once an ice breaker has cleared a channel.

Included in the approved Antarctic option are “winterisation” features to operate at the Lloyds level of -25C. These include heating of side ballast tanks, trace heating on the flight deck, winterised main crane and mooring equipment, and enhanced propulsion systems and manoeuvring.

The ship’s ‘axe’ bow is a design feature that displaces water more efficiently, creating less drag.

“We’ve designed it to be more fuel-efficient,” says Tiller. “[The bow] reduces the amount of pressure waves coming off the hull, which is

useful when ships come up alongside.”

As well as carrying more than 8000 tonnes of diesel fuel, the new tanker will store 1550 tonnes of aviation fuel.

“The aviation facilities are much greater here,” says Peter Sullivan. “We are going to be the only ship in the fleet that can operate and maintain an RNZAF NH90 helicopter.”

Everything will be modern and up-to-date, he says.

“This ship is going to be around for 25 years, and we don’t know what piece of equipment will turn up in 25 years. But anything we think is likely to happen, we have made provision for.”

The tanker will take a core crew of 64, plus 11 flight crew, and have accommodation for 98, he says.

“That’s a bit more than Endeavour, but it’s about safety. We can do more with the equipment we have, and do it safely.”

Tiller says the crew can expect some comforts: “There will be smaller numbers in cabins, ensuites, wireless internet at sea – the things people have in their bedrooms.”

And while the excitement is around the Antarctic capability, the replacement tanker is intended for unrestricted global operations.

The design allows for future placement of two mini-Typhoon light-weapon stations, port and starboard, and is designed to have a Phalanx weapon system on the bow.

“It’s not an all-out warship,” says Sullivan.

“It’s still designed as a replenishment ship, but it will have a self-defence capability.”

It will also have roles in humanitarian and disaster-relief operations.

It will have 12-container capacity, at 25 tonnes each, including four with dangerous goods, but another eight containers could be added.

As well as carrying 250 tonnes of fresh water, the ship’s desalination unit will be able to produce 100 tonnes of fresh water a day...“a lot of water for a Pacific Island”, says Sullivan.

A multi-national task group led by the New Zealand Defence Force undertook community projects to improve water storage and sanitation in Tonga as part of a humanitarian activity focused on disaster-relief operations.

About 60 NZDF personnel, nearly half of them engineers and tradespeople from the New Zealand Army’s 2nd Engineer Regiment, worked alongside military engineers from Tonga’s armed forces Tonga, the People’s Liberation Army and the United States Army.

Through Exercise Tropic Twilight in Tonga’s Ha’apai group of islands, New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade funded New Zealand Aid Programme projects.Military personnel from Tonga, the United States, China, France and Australia were also involved.

“The Ha’apai island group suffered greatly during Cyclone Ian in 2014. Two years on, there are still a number of projects that can be undertaken to bring relief to the local people,” says the NZDF contingent’s senior national officer, LtCol Josh Wineera.

He says 10,000-litre water storage tanks were installed at churches, the fire station and city hall in Pangai, the administrative capital of the Ha’apai island group. A toilet block was built near the Pangai ferry terminal, which is a high-traffic location.

“Both projects will be of tremendous benefit to the community. The water tanks will enable them to increase the amount of potable water they store to about 50,000 litres. The new public toilets will also improve sanitation as the toilets in the nearby fish market were damaged by the cyclone.”

An environmental health team carried out a mosquito eradication programme to reduce diseases such as dengue and zika, and smallscale dental training was provided.

Some of the 60 New Zealand Defence Force staff involved in the NZDF-led, multi-national task force to improve water storage and sanitation in Tonga.

Helicopter half-century celebration ‘a great opportunity to reconnect’ It’s 50 years since New Zealand took delivery of several Westland HAS Mk1 Wasp helicopters, which served on Royal New Zealand Navy Leander Class frigates over the next 32 years.

Naval helicopter operations are now supported

by No. 6 Squadron’s base, operating new Kaman SH-2G(I) Seasprite helicopters from the ships.

The anniversary was marked on September 9-10 with a a parade at No. 6 Sqn, an informal reunion gathering at Whenuapai and a formal

function at the Devonport Naval Base. The reunion and celebration was aimed for past and present service personnel who had a connection with naval helicopter operations.

6 Sqn commanding officer Cdr Owen Rodger says the Wasp was great in its day, but the new SH-2G(I) Seasprite is bigger and more capable.

“It can be operated off the OPVs, HMNZS Canterbury and the Anzac frigates,” he says.

“With the range of sensors, we significantly

increase the ship’s awareness of what is around her, and this can be done without giving away position.”

He says the anniversary was a great opportunity to reconnect.

“We’re all really busy, and I think we have lost some of that opportunity to get together with people who have gone before, to swap stories, reminisce and share. It is also a good opportunity to showcase the squadron today.”

I M P O R TA N T N E W C O I N R E L E A S E

SEPTEMBER 2016 Inlaid with a ruby Swarovski crystal

Fully layered in 24K gold

Approved by Buckingham Palace

Shown actual size of 65mm

Only 2,999 will be minted: Each Certificate of Authenticity is uniquely numbered

A new five crowns coin commemorating the

Centenary of the Battle of Fromelles

With FREE Case Deluxe Cas

fully layered in pure 24K gold and it may be yours for just five instalments of $39.99 KEY DETAILS EVENT: The Centenary of the Battle of Fromelles on 19th – 20th July, 2016 LIMITED RELEASE: The edition limit of this coin is 2,999. Fewer than 1 in every 533 New Zealand households will be able to own one.

AUTHENTICATION: Each coin comes with a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

HIGH SPECIFICATION: Intended as a collectors’ item, the main design features a replica of the Simon Fraserinspired ‘Cobbers’ statue erected at the Memorial Park in Fromelles, France. The coin is fully layered in 24K gold with an inlaid ruby Swarovski crystal and arrives in a deluxe presentation case.

19th – 20th July, 1916 – The Battle of Fromelles, France. Acknowledged as one of the worst tragedies of the Great War, 5,533 diggers were either killed, wounded or taken prisoner in just 27 hours.

But amidst the carnage of Fromelles, something extraordinary happened. Under relentless fire, Sgt. Simon Fraser ventured into the fray to rescue around 300 wounded diggers. “Don’t forget about me, Cobber,” came the plaintive cry of a fallen comrade. And Fraser didn’t. Men like Fraser who witnessed firsthand the terror of war were sustained by the Anzac spirit. That same spirit inspires, nurtures and strengthens each one of us in the twenty-first century. We owe Fraser and the fallen of Fromelles a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid, but can be honoured by all we do. A new crown coin has been released to commemorate Fraser and the diggers of Fromelles. Struck to a high specification, only 2,999 will be minted.

Applications are now open for the crown fully layered with pure 24K gold. It may be yours for just five instalments of $39.99 or $199.95 (plus $19.99 P&H). This offer is likely to attract considerable interest, so please respond now.

YOURS FOR ONLY $199.95 (plus $19.99 P&H): The Certificate also includes important provenance information as well as an informative history of the Battle of Fromelles. Successful applicants enjoy other benefits (see right) FORMAL APPLICATION

YES, I wish to formally apply for “Centenary of the Battle of Fromelles Gold Five Crowns Coin” for just 5 instalments of $39.99, a total of $199.95 (plus $19.99 p&h). A Certificate of Authenticity is included.

I do not need to send any money now. If my application is successful I will be notified in writing within 14 days.

I understand I can apply for only one coin, and that my application should be made within 7 days. I may return the coin within 14 days if I am not satisfied. I confirm I am aged 18 years or over. Applications are only open to New Zealand households and is limited to one per household.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICANTS 1. You may apply now to secure the “Centenary of Battle of Fromelles Gold Crown” for just five instalments of $39.99, a total of $199.95 (plus $19.99 P&H).

2. Apply now: Applications will be approved in strict order of receipt. If your application is successful you will be notified in writing within 14 days. Offer is limited to one per household.

3. To apply now, send the coupon below. For priority, call now on 09 829 0475.

Lines are open 10am - 7pm Monday-Friday.

“CENTENARY OF THE BATTLE OF FROMELLES GOLD FIVE CROWN” Send this coupon free post to:

THE BRADFORD EXCHANGE, FREEPOST NO.98331, PO BOX 91901, VICTORIA STREET WEST, AUCKLAND 1142 Promotion Code:

Offer closes:

27822

Promptly

Title

Apply by telephone on:

09 829 0475

Mr Mrs Ms Miss Other _______________

Name Address Postcode

Phone

Email Go online today at: www.bradford.net.nz/coins

403-COM33.01 ©2016 The Bradford Exchange Ltd. A.B.N. 13 003 159 617

Please allow up to 15 business days for delivery. All sales subject to product availability and reservation acceptance. Credit criteria may apply. Our privacy policy is available online at www.bradford.net.nz From time to time, we may allow carefully screened companies to contact you. If you would prefer not to receive such offers, please tick this box. T

18

RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2016

THE LAST POST WE WILL REMEMBER THEM

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ALEXANDER GB 888613 28/08/2016 Christchurch ALLAN CJ 593107 NZ Army, Gunner - National Service Korea 30/04/2016 Tokoroa ANDERSON D 36985 RNZNC 01/08/2016 Christchurch ANDREWS MC NZ439649 RNZAF, Pacific WWII 26/05/2016 Palmerston North AYSON PDG 432172 RNZAF WWII 25/06/2016 Gore

DRAPER BL 689153 RNZAF 06/06/2016 Tauranga DUNSTAN EG MN 04/07/2016 Whanganui DURMAN JA 891692 RAF WWII 02/06/2016 Hamilton E EASTON DJ 4216681 RNZAF WWII 14/07/2016 Te Kuiti ELLIS RE H49204 NZ Army 25/05/2016 Mangere ENGLISH KH NZ10432 RNZN 25/02/2016 Masterton EVERSFIELD BE 614842 RNZAF WWII 24/04/2016 HOWICK EXLEY AR NZV340051 RNZN 11/06/2016 Auckland

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BAIGENT MC 10371 RNZN WWII 02/06/2016 Howick BANBURY FP 3448749 NZ Army WWII 27/06/2016 Gore BARNES DM PJX415185 RN WWII 24/06/2016 Tauranga BATE TR 46260 Div. Supply WWII 24/07/2016 Cambridge BATTERSBY R RN130070 NZ Army 21/06/2016 Howick BEATTY DO 619751 NZ Army WWII, J Force 07/04/2016 Christchurch BELL R 650707 NZ Army J Force 19/07/2016 Dunedin BELLAMY GH N Z 4342 RNZN WWII 06/06/2016 Nelson BEST MW 528156 NZ Army CMT 05/07/2016 Tauranga BEYTAGH D JX327194 RNVR WWII 03/07/2016 Feilding BILLING RS 438961 NZDF WWII 30/07/2016 Dargaville BLACKBURN WM R74867 NZ Army Malaya 17/08/2016 Tauranga BLYDE PR 438967 NZ Army 28/06/2016 Matamata BOAST RA FX107642 RNZN WWII BODEN K 2744908 NZDF 09/11/2015 Auckland BODY MC 514498 NZ Army, CMT 21/08/2016 Tauranga BOSWELL DW NZ 444339 71796 RNZAF - 14 Fighter Sqd Japan, 5 Flying Boat Sqd Fiji WWII 21/04/2016 Eastbourne, Wellington BROCKIE DJ Q40977 NZ Army Vietnam 13/03/2016 Christchurch BROUGH DK P77730 RNZAF Singapore 08/08/2016 Blenheim BROWN IJ 629530 WWII Lower Hutt BROWNE EF 921887 RNZVR 15/07/2016 Wanaka BRYCE JK NZ429941 RNZAF WWII 25/08/2016 Auckland BUDGE L 429140 RNZAF WWII 11/04/2016 Tauranga BUNN NL 628927 2NZEF WWII 26/08/2016 Hamilton BUTCHART DK 628265 5RNZIR 13/06/2016 Whanganui C

CALLAGHAN MC 642600 WRNS, RN WWII Lower Hutt CAMPBELL JN 578484 NZ Army Korea 31/05/2016 Waipukurau CARR JM 72716 RNZAF WWII 05/07/2016 Mt Maunganui CARROLL L 22995863 NZ Army 27/05/2016 howick CHAMBERS E 368372 NZ Army 12/07/2016 Howick CLARK JJ 451547 NZ Army J Force 19/07/2016 Dunedin CLAUGHTON HW 630952, NZ432268 &amp, RNZNVRFAA NZ Army, RNZAF, RNZNVR WWII 18/06/2016 Whanganui CLEMENT RJ 22254415 B Army 12/06/2016 Tauranga CLEMENTS WH 434394 RNZN, NZ Army WWII 09/06/2016 Christchurch COLLIER RCH 251169 B Army WWII 07/08/2016 Mapua CONWAY W 644950 NZ Army 14/08/2016 Dannevirke COOK AE 40648 Div Cav WWII 24/07/2016 Dunedin COOK BJ 436471 NZ Army WWII 28/05/2016 Pakuranga COUTTS P 590006 CMT 03/11/2015 Auckland CRAIG DC X116809 WWII 14/08/2016 Invercargill CURE LJ A18262 RNZN Malaya-Borneo 11/04/2016 Tokoroa CURRY FR 45439 WWII 22/07/2016 Mt Maunganui D

DAVIDSON KA 437444 36th NZ Bn, 2NZEF WWII 19/03/2016 Waipukurau DAVIES AD 4213257 RNZAF, NZ Army WWII 16/02/2016 Christchurch DAVIS RW R340183 RMS WWII 06/10/2015 Auckland DODD S 204426 K Force 28/06/2016 Morrinsville DONNELLY WH 717996 RNZASC Vietnam 30/08/2016 Auckland DOUGLAS RG 4311039 RNZAF WWII 24/06/2016 Whangarei

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FAHEY PR R759705 05/12/2015 Masterton FEAR (NEE MORGAN) J 820031 WAAC WWII 09/03/2016 Christchurch FIELD LM 714435 1st WN Regt WWII 15/12/2015 Masterton FINDLAY JD 252396 20th Bn/Armoured Regt WWII 08/07/2016 Taupo FRANCOMBE D 927260 NZ Army 30/04/2015 Auckland FREE JS 453435 RNZN WWII 07/08/2016 FREEMAN JR W920043 25/06/2016 Mt Maunganui FREW R 140103 1NZ Patrol Co. WWII 16/08/2016 Matamata G

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IMPEY SL T/22146064 B Army 18/08/2016 Mt Maunganui IRONS LCA 41691 2NZEF, 27th Bn WWII 01/06/2016 Tugun, Australia IRWIN JA 516978 NZ Army 17/07/2016 Mt Maunganui J

JACKSON BT 776905 NZ Army CMT 08/03/2015 Kerikeri JAMIESON WR 815710 J Force 01/07/2016 Tauranga JENKINS HJ 243124 3rd NZ Div.Cav.2NZEF WWII 20/08/2016 Whangarei JENKINSON D 4215687 RNZAF WWII 26/08/2016 Auckland JENSEN HC 618408 22 Bn 14 LAA WWII 05/08/2016 Dannevirke JOHNSTON FAR FAR NZ12534 RNZN K Force Carterton JOHNSTONE G 85491 Mosgiel JONES (ALDRIDGE) BE W5492 RNZAF WWII 13/05/2016 Te Kuiti JONES GL 412304 Inf Sig NZ Army WWII Lower Hutt JONES HDM 253962 Kings African Rifles WWII 12/08/2016 Cambridge

K

KEATLEY JS 373556 NZ Army, Gunner - National Service 02/08/2016 Auckland KELSEY AW X552950 RN 10/04/2016 Christchurch KEMP CJ 626538 NZ Army 20th Fld Reg 09/06/2016 Whangarei KENNEDY PJ X569708 RE 13/04/2016 Tokoroa KERNS P 621995 Dunedin KNIGHTON SL U79299 RNZAF Singapore 17/07/2016 Blenheim L

LANE ET W79232 RNZAF 25/05/2016 Stanmore Bay LANGDON RT 516184 1RNZIR Malaya-Borneo 11/10/2015 Tokoroa LAWSON WJ 675885 CMT 21/06/2016 Woodville LOW AJ 271133 2NZEF WWII 13/07/2016 Invercargill M

MACARTHUR DR 7433 RNZN WWII 08/08/2016 Tauranga MACASKILL AG 438339 RNAF WWII Invercargill MCDONALD TR 326940 RNZAF 14/06/2016 Auckland MCGRATH J 76766 RAF 18/07/2015 Hamilton MCGUIRE J CMX623869 RN WWII 05/07/2016 Whangarei MCISAAC CJ 209722 NZ Army Vietnam 03/07/2016 Te Atatu, Auckland MCKENTY RT 444037 RNZAF WWII 24/06/2016 Tokoroa MCLEOD JMS 446764 18 Armoured Regt, 2NZEF WWII 10/08/2016 Dunedin MCMASTER J NZ 12759 RNZN WWII 29/07/2016 Papatoetoe MCPIKE RJ 538663 NZ Army 07/08/2016 Mt Maunganui MCRAE DEJ 661839 NZEF WWII 01/08/2016 Te Kuiti MCRAE P 4215745 RNZAF WWII 04/07/2016 Te Awamutu MAINWARING JP 624164 2 Bn 27/08/2016 Whanganui MANLEY H 14805878 Royal Horse Arty India/Pakistan 09/08/2016 Cambridge MARTIN EA P/JX643165 RNZN 17/10/2015 Auckland MAYES ACD 927832 NZ Army Malaya, Borneo 18/06/2016 Christchurch MEYERS LW 637172 NZDF WWII 17/07/2016 Dargaville MILLIGAN J 143151 RN WWII 17/06/2016 Stratford MILNE G 432148 Dunedin MOKE TP T752094 RNZ Arty Bombadier 02/06/2016 Temuka MOORE LR 76317 NZ Army WWII 03/04/2016 Christchurch MORICE GS 639690 25 NZ Fd Bty WWII 16/06/2016 Palmerston Nth MORONEY NK 859288 NZ Army CMT 06/08/2016 Tauranga MORTRUM JD H74573 RNZAF 19/05/2016 Tokoroa MURRAY R 4312864 NZ Army WWII 07/07/2016 Christchurch N

NOBLE MC MC 7/7226822 BAOR GERMANY 17/07/2016 Blenheim NOBLE RH 34751 RF 13/06/2016 Opunake O

O’GRADY DJA 43238 2NZEF WWII 08/06/2016 Christchurch OLNEY SD 265928 NZ Army 21 Bn WWII 27/07/2016 Whangarei ORANGE L 442065 WWII 19/07/2016 Christchurch OVEREND E W5953 RNZAF 11/08/2016 Auckland P

PALLESEN RA NZ435335 RNZAF WWII 25/02/2016 Masterton PARKER A D55x908714 NZ17936 RNZN 10/02/2016 Army Bay PATTERSON ER L73311/44600 RNZAF 24/07/2016 Blenheim PATTERSON RA 24220 NZ Army Middle East, WWII 19/08/2016 Opotiki PEART DH 514008 CMT RNZAF 18/08/2016 Auckland PECK TD Q21059 AME RNZN 16/07/2016 Whanganui PEDERSEN SH 453908 19 Armoured Regt WWII 22/07/2015 Morrinsville PETER JE 785638 NZ Army, CMT 31/05/2016 Nelson PETERS WJ NZ4212600 NZAF WWII 14/06/2016 Whangarei PHILLIPS BR B701294 RF 27/06/2016 Opunake PIKE AW 615648 NZ Army 18 Regt WWII 17/07/2016 Whangarei POWER PK 1st Canterbury Inf Malaya 24/07/2016

Kaiapoi PRATT H 632125 NZ Army WWII 21/08/2016 Orewa PROBERT CC 339560 NZ Army Red Beach PURDY IW 340844 NZ Army 03/08/2016 Mt Maunganui R

RAWLINSON GR 203894 NZ Army Korea Bulls REID HLJ 4210852 RNZAF WWII 13/06/2016 Balclutha REID JD 41495 RNZAF 30/07/2016 RILEY BF 45540 WWII 12/07/2016 Mt Maunganui ROBERTS E 2039056 15/08/2016 Mt Maunganui ROBERTSON HT 626529 NZ Army 22BN WWII 24/04/2016 Howick ROBINSON TLR Y37673 RNZAC Vietnam, Malaya 08/07/2016 Opunake RODDA DG Y30520 Malaya 05/03/2016 Masterton ROSSBOTHAM KJ 478453 RNZA Vietnam 12/06/2016 Hamilton ROWBOTHAM WB NZ11443 RNZN K Force 07/08/2016 RUSSELL J 2786552 RAF Orewa RUTTER TL R211870 MN WWII 12/07/2016 Mt Maunganui RYAN JM 457447 J Force 03/09/2016 Ngaruawahia S

SCHOUTEN ME W/315535 ATS WWII 19/04/2016 Masterton SCOBIE WR 61095 NZ Army WWII 25/02/2016 Christchurch SEABROOK IJ E75352 RNZAF Malaya 30/06/2016 Blenheim SELBIE J FX648819 RN 16/06/2016 Whanganui SEYMOUR WR 171475 WWII 08/06/2016 Dunedin SHEARER KJ 40801 RNZAF, RAF WWII 02/07/2016 Te Kuiti SHEPPARD RN 800468 NZ Army, Arty WWII Feilding SHIRTCLIFFE A 619079 NZ Army 10/03/2016 Auckland SHORES E 2203986 RAF WWII 29/07/2016 Te Awamutu SIRETT VO W47446 NZ Army 23/06/2016 Nelson SMIT TR 214052 NZ Army 22/05/2016 Christchurch SMITH JA LTMX529603 RNZN WWII 04/04/2016 Dannevirke SOMERVILLE HP 21283 WRNS WWII Christchurch STAMP DV 2143804 RNZAF WWII 26/07/2016 Papatoetoe STANBRIDGE IP G20982 RNZN 19/06/2016 Tauranga STAUNTON JF 76622 2NZEF, NZ Army Royal New Zealand WWII Corps of Signals Egypt/Italy 09/06/2016 Christchurch STEEL JR Armament Mechanic West Kirby England 10/08/2016 Kaiapoi STEEL MR 398454 NZ Army Sig WWII 10/08/2016 Nelson STEPHENS M L16294 RNZN 25/05/2016 Papatoetoe STOUT RD 439973 NZ Army WWII 19/08/2016 Foxton Beach STRETTON J 208058 K Force 24/08/2016 Auckland STUART I U50963 Malaya 21/06/2016 Te Awamutu SULLIVAN OC 818502 CMT 23/06/2016 Rangiora T

TALBOT T PJX388839 RN WWII 22/05/2016 Howick TAYLOR L 436741 4 Fld Regt WWII 28/08/2016 Dargaville TAYLOR RP NZ13520 RNZN Korean 09/07/2016 Kaukapakapa TELFER MW 301189 NZ Army 10/07/2016 Morrinsville THOMAS ACD 14050671 NZ Army WWII 07/07/2016 Mt Maunganui THOMASSEN S 650202 NZ Army J Force 23/08/2016 Auckland THORPE JR 13274 RNZN Korea 26/07/2016 Waverley THORPE M 65651 NZ Army 21st Inf WWII 16/06/2016 Whangarei TILYARD TD H17418 RNZN 06/08/2016 Dunedin TOLLAN IW NZ434284 RNZAF WWII 15/07/2016 Carterton TOMS JC R506579 18/06/2016 Te Puke

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VANDENBERG P 240422007 NZ Army Indonesia Orewa

19

RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2016

Lost Trails RSA badge found in Te Aroha An RSA badge – an old one with Returned Soldier Association and an orange 51 crown attached – has been found in Te Aroha. It has a long pin on the back and the stamped number is 219xxx.

Neither the New Zealand Defence Force nor the RNZRSA has any records of the six digit number stamped on the back.

Contact: Manager, Matamata RSA – 07 8887190.

George Augustus Vincent

Family, descendants, or anyone knowing the whereabouts of family members of Lt George Augustus Vincent, 8/956 New Zealand Expeditionary Force, World War 1. His British War Medal has been handed in to the Hamilton RSA, Contact: Hamilton RSA – rsahamilton@xtra. co.nz; 07 8394928; P O Box 9558, Hamilton.

Kenneth Charles Ineson Margy Ineson has discovered a gap in the whereabouts of her father, Kenneth Charles James

Ineson, during World War 2. She is planning a trip to Italy next year to see the prisoner-ofwar camp (PG115) at Marsciano where he was imprisoned in 1942 when captured while on road patrol for the Long Range Desert Group.

On receiving his records, she discovered a blank from August 1940 to November 1941 .

She thinks he was in HQ Company of the 27th Machine Gun Battalion. She wouls like to find out where he was in this time. As far as she is aware, he fought only in Libya, was captured on November 26, 1941 and imprisoned in Bardia until January 2, 1942. He escaped from the PG115 prison camp in September 1943 and was looked after by partisans for 10 months in the hills.

Margy hopes to make contact with families of those who may have helped keep him alive, but has no idea of where to start. She is looking for ideas on where and how to get information.

Contact: Margy – margy.ineson@xtra.co.nz.

Kevin Jackson, Wayne Read

Ross Henry Wardlaw L41916 – a Regular Force cadet (1966 vintage) and an RF staff sergeant; army chef/cook for 22 years – is looking for two ex-soldiers. They are: Kevin David Jackson

WAIKAWA RJ 206581 K Force Korea 19/06/2015 Hawkes Bay WAKEFIELD RM 440887 2NZEF WWII 14/06/2016 Kaiapoi WATSON A 14120289 B Army WWII 25/06/2016 Auckland WATSON WM 5517 RNZN WWII 16/04/2016 Glenorchy WEIR DY 404088 &amp, 4215500 NZ Army RNZAF WWII 10/06/2016 Queenstown WELLS KH Merchant Navy Master Mariner WWII 18/07/2016 Nelson WEST JM NZP5327 NZ Police 31/08/2015 Hamilton WHITE K 22393898 01/05/2016 Mt Maunganui WHITEROD KG 268835 4th Fd Regt WWII

Contact: Ross Wardlaw - rhwardlaw@yahoo.com.

Medals returned

Do you have medal you’d like returned? Medals Reunited New Zealand© (MRNZ) is a voluntary, free service dedicated to returning war and service medals of mainly New Zealand veterans, to their families or a traceable descendant. Typically, medals and associated ephemera that have been found (or pre-owned) are sent to MRNZ for research and return once the recipient or surviving descendant kin has been located.

Contact: Ian D.Martyn, Nelson – medalsreunitednz@gmail.com; 027 9404495; 03 5467728; www.medalsreunitednz.co.nz.

Passchendaele tours

James Drake would like information on travel and tours to the Passschendaele and the Pilcken Ridge (Belgium) remembrance service and

100-gun salute, 100-year commemorations in 1917. His father was wounded at Polderhoek Contact: James Drake – 2/44 Thomas St, Temuka 7920.

HS Maunganui

Judy Grey, from Waipu, has sent the shipboard photo (below) in response to Ron Piaggi’s photos of the HS Maunganui, which appeared in Lost Trails, RSA Review winter 2016 issue. Her mother, Molly (christened Marian) Thomas, was a nursing sister during World War 2. She travelled to Egypt on the Maunganui, embarking in April 1941. She served in Egypt and Italy. Judy says her parents met on the Maunganui while travelling to and from London to march in the victory parade in 1946 (their names had been drawn by ballot).

The on-board romance eventuated in their marriage in 1948. The Browns lived their married lives farming at Waipu Cove, not far from Ron Piaggi, who lives a little south at Warkworth, The photo (below) was taken as the Maunganui was leaving for London and was published in the New Zealand Free Lance on May 1, 1946.

Molly Thomas is fourth from right, wearing a hat.

RSA speech-winner scores another award

THE LAST POST W

(from Inangahua, West Coast) whom he last saw in Waiouru about 1968; and Wayne Read, who served with the Battalion in Singapore as a chef/cook between May 1970 and May 1972, and was an excellent rugby player.

18/12/2015 Masterton WHITLEY OL RNZAF No4 Sqn 22/07/2016 Kaiapoi WIGGINS NEE BATEMAN JM 2148600 WAAF RAF WWII 26/06/2016 Waimate WILLIAMS HDM NZ10078 NZ Army, RNZN WWII 14/06/2016 Blenheim WILSON JG 3021755 RAF VR WWII 04/08/2016 Whanganui WILSON O 442436 NZ Army WWII 13/02/2016 Christchurch WOOD PI 677127 NZ Army 21/08/2016 Levin Y

YOUNG S 060618 NZ Army WWII 06/03/2015 Auckland YOUNG JA 708019 NZ Army 28/07/2016 Papatoetoe

Stephanie Simpson has added another achievement to what was has already been a big year, The winner of the 2016 ANZ RSA Cyril Bassett VC speech competition has received a cultural -achiever award from her school, Marlborough Girls’ College, Blenheim.

“To go to Gallipoli was a pretty special moment for me,” says the 18-year-old who is her final year at school and plans to study psychology at Otago University Stephanie Simpson reflects during her time at Gallilpoli. next year. “It really was a life-changer. It made me open up and realise what a privileged I do speeches and debating, I guess I have a lifestyle we do live.” variety of interests. It’s still sinking in, it wraps She say the cultural-achiever award is the all my other awards together. There are so culmination of her efforts during the academic many different little things to get the cultural year: “I play the violin, a little bit of piano and achiever title.”

20

RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2016

Remembering RSA WITH A VIEW: Alistair Kerr

REMEMBER ‘CIVILIAN SECTOR OF FORCES’ Imagine yourself sitting in a wooden boat being hurled about by huge Atlantic waves, your legs knee-deep in freezing cold water, your senses reeling from the sudden change from the deck of a safe ship. Only an hour ago, you were at the helm struggling with the task of keeping your ship on course while plunging into a head sea, with no room for error, knowing that only a few hundred metres away, many other ships, all blacked out, were struggling with the same seas. Then there’s an almighty explosion below you, the ship lifting and crashing down again, her bottom torn out. “Abandon ship! was the cry, you rushed to your boat station and, in minutes, as your lifeboat wallowed in the swells, the ship, lit by on-board fires, slid beneath the sea.

Dramatic? Well, there’s a reason for it.

September 3 has been designated as a world-wide Merchant Navy Day to commemorate the lives of the 32,000 merchant seamen lost by enemy action in two world wars. The day was chosen because it commemorates the first sinking of a merchant ship in World War 2. The sinking of the liner Athenia , torpedoed on the first day of the war, focused early public attention on the perils of life at sea in wartime.

I want to again focus your thoughts on the role of merchant ships and their crews in wartime, especially in the two world wars. It is worth

The sinking of the liner Athenia , torpedoed on the first day of the war, focused early public attention on the perils of life at sea in wartime. remembering that, virtually, every piece of equipment, every weapon, every man and woman of the armed forces, had to be transported by sea, mostly in convoys. And all this had to be done in the face of enemy attacks from the sea and the air, not to mention that greatest and enduring enemy - the cruel sea itself.

The convoy system was designed to defend merchant ships. The ships sailed in long columns protected by escort vessels, (destroyers, frigates and corvettes) which patrolled around each convoy. Provided with submarine–detection equipment and depth charges, they fought off the attacks, but it was only later in the war that those defences really became effective My own sea service was done during the immediate post-war years, so I was privileged

to sail with and hear the stories of men who had been through that ordeal. The most telling yarns spoke of the dreadful Arctic convoys to Russia where, if the enemy did not attack, the weather was equally dangerous with huge seas, gale-force winds and blizzard-like storms.

If your ship was sunk, your survival time in the freezing sea was measured in minutes. Sailing within easy range of the Luftwaffe meant daily attacks by dive-bombers and torpedo planes.

Beneath the sea, u-boats were waiting to pick off the slow-moving convoys and there was the ever-present threat of German surface raiders such as the battleship Bismarck.

All through the war the convoys criss-crossed the Atlantic Ocean. They ran the gauntlet of u-boats, directed with great skill by Adm Doenitz.

Some attacked individually and some as “wolfpacks’, co-ordinating their attacks from both sides of the convoy. Often the first thing the ships’ crews knew of a torpedoing would be when the night sky erupted in a huge explosion.

Another hazardous “run” was supplying the strategic island of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea. The route took ships within range of the German airfields in Italy and North Africa, so they were subject to constant attack , especially from the Stuka dive-bombers and the losses were great.

Even in peace-time the sea is a perilous place.

Despite having all the latest technology, modern ships are still sunk by storm, collision, fire and structural failure. In wartime, these dangers were intensified by the need, in convoy, to sail in close proximity to other ships, by the risk of attack and, always, yes always, by the threat of the sea itself.

The need to press into service every possible ship meant so many of them were already in poor condition, slow and struggling to keep up with the convoys . For their crews it so often meant living in cold, basic conditions with poor food and long hours of watch-keeping. In the early years of the war it also meant that if your ship was sunk, not only did you lose all your possessions, your pay stopped immediately, although this was later put right. Merchant seamen were deemed to be civilians so were initially not entitled to any of the special treatment given to servicemen-gratuities, war pensions, etc.

So, Merchant Navy Day like the longerestablished Anzac and Armistice days, helps us appreciate the contribution made by this “civilian” sector of our forces. It remembers those thousands of men and women who went down with their ships, perished in lifeboats or died in captivity. Sixty-eight New Zealand merchant seamen lost their lives In World War 1 and 140 more in World War 2.

Most have “… no known grave, but the sea”.

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Remembering – Merchant Navy Day 21

RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2016

September 3 has been designated world-wide Merchant Navy Day to commemorate the lives of the 32,000 merchant seamen lost by enemy action in two world wars. The day was chosen because it commemorates the first sinking of a merchant ship in World War 2. The British liner Athenia was torpedoed on the first day of the war – just hours after the war was declared

– drawing public attention to the perils of life at sea in wartime. Merchant seafarers continued to be involved until the last day of the war.

ALISTAIR KERR, who served in the Merchant Navy in the immediate post-war years, tells the story of the San Demetrio because he feels it epitomises the dangers and the courage of wartime merchant seamen.

SKELETON CREW STEAMS ‘DEAD SHIP’ HOME Able Seaman Calum Macneil stood on the foc’s’le-head of the tanker San Demetrio gloomily surveying the widespread waters of the harbour of Halifax, Nova Scotia, in eastern Canada. His gloom was brought about, not only by the cold wind of the morning of October 28, 1940, but by the prospect of the coming voyage. As the anchor cable clanked over the windlass, he reflected on the past two weeks.

The San Demetrio was an almost new motortanker of nearly 9000 tons. They had loaded nearly 10,000 tons of high-octane petrol at Willemstad, Curacao in the West Indies and had enjoyed a trouble-free voyage north along the American coast to Halifax where the eastbound convoys were assembled. Now they were readying to join the other 30-odd ships in Convoy HX-48, which were being chivvied into their lines in the open sea off Chebucto Head.

Macneil’s apprehension was well-earned.

The cargo was the most valuable – but also the most inflammable and easily-combustible possible – and tankers were prime targets for any attacker. A direct hit from even a small-calibre gun could blow his ship sky-high!

Seen in its final assembly, HX-48 was a great sight, but it did little to relieve Macneil’s concern as the only escorts they had were two old Canadian destroyers, which would be with them for the first two days only, and the armed merchant cruiser HMS Jervis Bay. This was a former passenger liner on the Australian run which, through the addition of four old 6-inch guns, had been converted to become a hopelessly ineffective warship.

However, for the first week the convoy got under way it had no problems. At 4pm on November 5, Macneil relieved the look-out in the crow’s-nest. The man he relieved said “Well, Mac, there’s nothing in the vicinity, except what you see around you. He gave a final glance at the horizon. “Ah! I see a ship just 10 degrees on the port bow.” Macneil reported it: “Ship on the horizon bearing red 30 degrees.” Clearly it had been seen by the commodore ship as a flag went up on her. Jervis Bay, which had been leading the column on the starboard hand, immediately headed for the object on the horizon. A sudden explosion showed that the oncoming ship had opened fire, which was instantaneously returned

by Jervis Bay. The commodore ship hoisted the ‘Convoy

Some of the crew of the stricken San Demetrio reboard the ship two days after abandoning after it was partially destroyed by the German pocket battleship Admiral Scheer.

The crew put out the fires on the ship,which was carrying 10,000 tons of fuel, managed to re-start the engine and steamed back to Glasgow.

scatter’ signal and all ships set off in different directions. On the San Demetrio, Capt Waite had correctly identified the attacker as a German “pocket-battleship” (it was the Admiral Scheer).

As soon as the attack began, Jervis Bay came under heavy fire, but with all guns firing, headed for the Admiral Scheer with the aim of engaging her so as to give the convoy time to disperse.

Jervis Bay’s puny six-inch guns were no match for the pocket battleship’s heavy armament and she was soon a blazing wreck and sank.

Now the Scheer could do the job for which she was designed – sink enemy merchant shipping.

In four hours, in spite of gathering darkness and despite the gallant efforts of one ship, the Beaverford, she had sunk five ships and badly damaged several others, one of which was the San Demetrio. Several shells destroyed the bridge and poop deck, and pierced the hull on the port bow. Waite saw that the enemy’s accurate gunnery rendered the situation hopeless and gave the “Abandon ship” order.

Macneil ran to his boat station amidships, but

that boat was blown up in the act of launching and he jumped into the boat on the other side.

Two men who followed him were injured as they landed, but they had to pull away quickly as there was a risk the petrol would catch fire and spread across the water. Second officer Hawkins was in command of the boat with chief engineer Pollard, and there were 14 others. After they had set the sail, Hawkins put Macneil at the helm as he had the most experience of that position.

So began an ordeal in which they spent nearly two days in a lifeboat – freezing cold with little food or water. However, on the second day, they saw a ship not far away. As they neared it, they noticed that it was a tanker on fire. Nearer still and they recognised freshly painted spots that were familiar. Then they realised they were looking at their own ship, still afloat. Now they were faced with the choice – stay in the cold, dangerous lifeboat in that confused sea and face death by exposure, or re-board their equally dangerous ship.

After a night of contemplation, they decided

The story of the San Demetrio symbolises the stories of Merchant Navy crewmen.

They accepted that the job not only involved living with thousands of tons of volatile petrol, but also taking the ship into a danger zone that could transform that cargo into instant death.

And they also faced that other eternal danger with which all seamen live, even today – the threat of the cruel sea.

to re-board, which they did the next day. They brought a dead ship to life. They fought the fire, repaired the port boiler to get enough steam to restart the pumps and generators, and, most importantly thanks to Pollard’s efforts they managed to start the main diesel engine.

The ship had to be steered from the broken wheel in the emergency steering station. With no compass they steered by the sun or the stars. For seven days, they kept the ship going through bad weather. The only available food was potatoes and onions, but luckily, they had an undamaged water tank.

They had no charts, no compass and no navigational instruments, so they had to navigate by ‘dead reckoning’. Their main worry was that, since they could head only in a generally easterly direction, they may run ashore in German-occupied France.

They sighted land on November 13, but stood off till the next day to be sure it wasn’t France.

It was Black Sod Bay in southern Ireland. They had been spotted by a plane and help soon arrived. A tug came alongside to tow them to Glasgow, but they refused, saying they could out-run that tug.

A destroyer, HMS Arrow, was sent to help.

She was carrying survivors from a sunken ship, so some of them volunteered to help the San Demetrio’s crew take the ship to Glasgow. When they arrived on November 16, Macneil – as a true Scot – felt this was the best way in which to end an epic voyage.

This story symbolises in many ways the stories of Merchant Navy crewmen. The San Demetrio’s crew accepted that the job not only involved living with thousands of tons of volatile petrol, but also taking the ship into a danger zone that could transform that cargo into instant death.

That they not only did that, but chose to return to continue their mission after the attack typifies the attitudes of such men. And, of course, they also faced that other eternal danger with which all seamen live, even today – the threat of the cruel sea.

22

Remembering

RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2016

The RSA Review (summer 2016) story on radar work during World War 2 at Godley Head, Christchurch inspired Alan Roberts to make contact and tell us of his extraordinary experience.

It also inspired us to delve into New Zealand’s role in the the development of radar technology during World War 2 – and we discovered that the Kiwis were out front. DION CROOKS pulls the strands together.

KIWI CAN-DO LED THE WW2 RADAR RACE It was all hush hush and top secret for years.

But during World War 2 New Zealand was the hub of the Allies’ development of radar and the work of New Zealand scientists proved key to the Americans’ eventual successful counter-attack on the Japanese.

In fact, it was a Masterton-born defence scientist and public servant, William Alan Stewart Butement, who first put the idea radar to the British War Office. Butement joined the War Office’s signals experimental establishment unit in 1928 as a scientific officer, developing radio equipment for the British Army. He and P E Pollard conceived a radio apparatus for the detection of ships; they achieved successful laboratory results, but were spurned by War Office officials.

He was told that Britain had no need for such a device. Keen-eyed look-outs were all the Royal Navy would ever require.

Nevertheless, in January 1931, a write-up on the apparatus was entered in the Inventions Book maintained by the Royal Engineers - the first official record in Britain of the technology that would eventually become radar.

However, during the 1930s, scientists engaged in radio research in Britain saw the possibility of detecting aircraft and setting up early warning systems by improving an apparatus already built to receive radio echoes from the ionosphere. By the end of 1935, experimental work was advanced enough to warrant setting up what was the world’s first operational radar

system - five radio-location stations on England’s east coast, then extended to cover the whole of the south and south-east coasts.

And Butement went to to make a significant contribution to radar development in Britain.

By 1936 he was the War Office representative in Robert Watson Watt’s Bawdsey-based group working for the Air Ministry on “range and direction finding (RDF)”. He went to become the first chief scientist for the Australian Defence Scientific Service and ended his professional career with a research position in private business.

Britain’s Committee of Imperial Defence recognised the value off the top-secret work on radar and in 1939 decided to share the technical details with New Zealand, Australia, Canada and South Africa. All four would then run their own programmes. The British system proved its value through the information it provided to help the RAF against the Luftwaffe in the Battle of Britain.

This was the state of radar technology in early 1939 when Ernest Marsden – who had studied under Ernest Rutherford at Manchester University, then moved to New Zealand as professor of physics at Victoria University and later head the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research – visited England.

A combination of Marsden’s entrepreneurial and persuasive skills, and Rutherford’s standing and connections resulted a loan of equipment to help research in New Zealand universities.

Or as Ross Galbreath put in in his book, DSIR:

Despite working with inadequate facilities, the scientists combined ‘miracles of improvisation and organisation to produce radar for New Zealand, which was then taken to active service in the Pacific War. Making Science Work For New Zealand, Marsden “wheedled plans, components and assemblies, and even an early-model ASV (air-to-surface vessel) radio transmitter to bring back to New Zealand”.

Back home, the New Zealand army and air force showed little interest in radar. The air force was particularly reluctant. Galbreath quotes an unnamed officer as writing a report stating that although “the device have its uses in

Left: Ernest Marsden...the scientist who brought entrepreneurial skills to New Zealand’s Department of Scientific & Industrial Research . Above: Alan Butement with his wife, Ursula. The Royal Navy told him keen look-outs could trump radar any day.

New Zealand, I find that non-service personnel who are let into the secret rather overstress its importance”. Another wrote bluntly that radar was “not necessary”.

However, Marsden found an ally in the form of the New Zealand division of the Royal Navy. The navy had experienced a brutal introduction to radar – the Battle of the River Plate in December 1939 when the German armoured cruiser KMS Admiral Graf Spee was equipped with fire-control radar and the New Zealand cruiser HMS Achilles and HMS Ajax had none. A lucky mischance put the German radar out of service for most of the action, and the British ships were victorious.

Of 180 radar sets built in New Zealand, almost half went to the navy The New Zealand government – with navy encouragement and the realisation that the country needed radar for its coastal defences – boosted the radar programme by forming the Radio Development Laboratory under the DSIR. In late 1939 the DSIR set up two facilities for RDF development – scientists Charles Watson-Munro, Edwin Collins and Ian Walker were based in the radio development laboratory at New Zealand Post & Telegraph’s Wellington East office; the other, under the direction of Frederick White, was at Canterbury University, in Christchurch.

White was assisted by T R Pollard, a lecturer in radio physics at Canterbury College, and D M Hall and Frank McNeill, from the DSIR. The objective of the Wellington group was to develop land-based and airborne RDF sets for detecting ships, and a set to assist in gundirecting at coastal batteries. Within a few months, they had converted a 180MHz (1.6m), 1kW transmitter from the Post Office to be pulse-modulated and used it in a system called CW (Coastal Watching). This was followed by a similar, improved system called CD (Coast

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RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2016

Defence); it used a CRT for display and had lobe switching on the receiving antenna. This was placed into service at the Devonport naval base in Auckland. A partially completed ASV 200MHz set from Britain was made into an airborne set for the RNZAF. About 20 sets were put into service. All three of these radars were placed in service before the end of 1940.

The Christchurch group was developed a set for shipboard detection of aircraft and other vessels, and a companion set for directing naval gunfire. By May 1940 an experimental VHF fire-control set had been tested on the armed merchant cruiser Monowai and then fitted into the Achilles in February-March 1941. This was then improved to become the 430MHz (70cm) SWG (Ship Warning, Gunnery), and went into service on the cruisers Achilles (in August 1941) and Leander (October-November 1941).

The Christchurch group used the same basic equipment to develop a ship-based air and surface warning system. The primary difference

was that the SW antennas could be elevated for aircraft detection. Designated SW (Ship Warning), it was usually installed with the SWG. Eight of each type were accepted by the RNZN, and a number were built for the British fleet in Singapore. Some sets and their manuals were captured by the Japanese in early 1942.

Despite working with inadequate facilities, the scientists, as Galbreath puts it, combined “miracles of improvisation and organisation to produce radar for New Zealand”, which was then taken to active service in the Pacific War. Meanwhile the navy embarked on a fivepronged programme for radar development: staff training; coast watching; ship warning; ship warning and gunnery; aid to New Zealand’s allies.

The Navy established a radar school at Auckland University in December 1940 with H D Dobbie as instructor, to train 190 radio mechanics a year, plus 240 seamen as operators. Of the 270 radio mechanics trained, more than half served with the Royal Navy and US

Navy. Some WRENS were also trained as radar operators, and served in the harbour-watch station at Takapuna.

The first radar sets the DSIR/P & T group provided for the navy’s coast-watching and coastal defence were very basic (based partly on aircraft radar and hastily built, but provided interim coverage. Sixteen radar stations were set up on headlands and islands. Each stations was self- contained - living quarters, storage for food, water and oil, and diesel-driven electric generators. The first came into operation in January 1941 and the others were within the year.

These stations were located at: Cape Brett, Bream Head, Moka Hinau, Curvier Island, Great Barrier Island, Cape Colville, Cape Rodney, Bearing Head. Stephens Island, Cape Campbell Godley Head.

The navy appointed Lt Toby Harper, a torpedo specialist, to supervise this programme. Soon after Harper had helped RDL install the radar set in Achilles in May 1940, White requested his secondment to RDL’s Christchurch group where he designed ranging gear and ran sea trials on radar.

The navy also gave civilian scientists honorary commissions and invited them onto ships so that they could appreciate technical aspects of naval needs, and view operational problems directly. It wasn’t until late in the war that the RNZN turned to the Royal Navy to supply it with radar sets.

Early in 1941 Marsden went to England, Canada and United States to check developments there.

A reorganisation of the scientific effort – the radar programme was managed by Marsden and the DSIR, and RDL was split between Christchurch and Auckland – resulted in 100 staff designing improved standard models and small production runs.

Although RDL relied on England for information and a supply of parts, it developed a niche as a small development laboratory capable of supplying operational; demand to specific requirements at short notice.

By 1941 RDL’s naval radar system was considered superior to the British version, and the unit was engaged to supply the British Far East fleet. But the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour in December 1941 and their subsequent capture of Singapore (New Zealand had completed 20 gunnery sets for Britain) dictated that New Zealand radar was needed for home security.

The arrival of of the Americans in the war brought another change of direction of RDL. The laboratory, using new microwave technology developed in the US, started looking at radar as an offensive rather than defensive weapon.

RDL developed mobile, ground -controlledinterception (GCI), long-range aircraft warning radar units that the Americans could use in their planned island-hopping campaign against the Japanese in the South-West Pacific. US radar

When Alan Roberts jumped at the chance to dabble in a new university subject, he never dreamt he’d end up side by side with US Marines fighting the Japanese.

He was a 19-year-old science student at College House at the University of Canterbury in 1940 when a new subject – radio physics (the science behind radar) – was put on the table. And it came with a potential bonus – if you were prepared to join the armed forces, do a crash course in radio physics, help with radar research, and train operators. The payoff for students doing this was involvement with an emerging science, but more practically, they would do stages one and two in a year, and fast-forward progress towards their degree.

The challenge lured around 25 of these young men “We lived in the Addington barracks and were bussed to university,” recalls Alan Roberts, now aged 94 and living with wife Beatrice in retirement in Christchurch.. “It was an intensive six-day week, learning as you went.”

The reveilles made a lasting impression on him – they were bugled by Doug Kelly, who was a trumpeter in a band run by pianist Doug

Caldwell, whose band went on to play at a host of Christchurch functions through the for the next 40-50 years.

Study completed Alan Roberts and some of his fellow students were posted to Godley Heads to train operators for the coastal radar unit there. Among them were the four women mentioned story on Godley Heads in the RSA Review autumn 2016 edition.

“I recall one of them asking ‘Can we knit at the same time?’ We compromised – one watched the screen while the others knitted.”

It was all fairly leisurely and plenty of leave into the city. But Japan’s entry into the war on December 7, 1941 changed that. High alert. No leave (though Christchurch boys were allowed to visit home). Two sergeants even organised a pack run before Christmas dinner.

The 25 students were spread around the country – to the radar development unit in Wellington; to the unit at Woodbourne, Blenheim working experimental wavelengths and on long-range aircraft warning; to coastal batteries at Castor Bay and Motupatu Island, Auckland.

Alan Roberts remembers his 21st birthday presents in 1943 – a box of radio valves ticketed

‘handle with care’ and two crates of beer.

This was also the year when Ernest Marsden, head of the the Department of Scientific & Industrial Research which was heading New Zealand’s radar research met and assured the American military in February that the New Zealand mobile radar units were “almost ready for delivery” for use in the US’s island-hopping counter-advance against Japanese in the SouthWest Pacific.

Marsden had over-promised a bit, but his experts delivered, and New Zealand GCI radar mobile units were used in the later stages of the Guadalcanal campaign in 1943, then remained with the US Marines through the battles for New Georgia (June-October 1943), Bougainville (November 1943-November 1944), Nissan Island (February 1944), Emirau Island (March 1944), Ulithio Atoll (September 1944) and Peleliu (September-November 1944).

He also offered the services of New Zealand radar scientists to help set up the equipment and train the Americans, then acceded to US Pacific commander, Adm William Halsey’s request that New Zealand provide officers to operate and oversee the units.

The 1940 University of Canterbury science students signed up to join the army and work on radar development in return for two years of credits in one towards their degrees. Little did they know that many of them would end up manning radar units on the front with American Marines. Alan Roberts is third from the right in the third row.

systems took three days to set up, whereas the New Zealand systems could be operating within minutes of landing.

These units were engineered to be mounted on a truck (56 tonnes all up); each unit was self- contained - with its own power generation, radio communications, radar beacon, spares, and cable-laying and lifting equipment Marsden, ever the salesman, met the Americans in New Caledonia in February 1943 and assured them the New Zealand units were “almost ready for delivery” for the US advance against the Japanese. He also offered the services of RDL scientists to help set up the radar and train the Americans. However, US Pacific commander, Adm William Halsey, specifically requested New Zealand provide officers to operate and oversee the units.

Marsden had over-promised a bit, but his RDL experts delivered, and New Zealand GCI radar mobile units were used in the later stages of the Guadalcanal campaign in 1943, then remained with the US Marines through the battles for New Georgia (June-October 1943) Bougainville (November 1943-November 1944), Nissan Island (February 1944), Emirau Island (March 1944), Ulithio Atoll (September 1944) and Peleliu (September-November 1944).

The radar trucks were commanded by DSIR staff, who trained Americans to help them.

These unarmed Kiwi soldier/scientists were granted honorary commissions into the army.

Their ability to set up and act quickly could give the Americans to seven minutes’ warning of incoming enemy aircraft, allowing them time to shelter in bunkers.

By the end of 1944, the RDL units had been superseded or withdrawn from service. There were some one-off orders for specialist radio and radar equipment from the British fleet and the US, but RDL had little input into further radar development.

Marsden took the opportunity to supply RDL scientists and engineers to other work, and a number became involved in atomic-energy projects in Britain, the US and Canada.

It was a decision that would have a massive impact on Alan Roberts’s life.

He had applied to join the navy so that he work the really top-secret stuff at Soames Island, in Wellington Harbour. But around Christmas 1943, he was ordered to join an American ship in Wellington to join the US Argus No.7 unit.

Argus units were elite, amphibious combat teams able to land in potentially hostile territory and rapidly deploy radar and radio communications equipment, paving the way land-based fighter aircraft direction. This co-ordinated fighter direction allowed for interception of enemy air and surface attacks on allied Pacific bases. The name Argus, referring to a mythological Greek being with 100 eyes, was chosen to symbolise the ‘all-seeing’ radar of the Argus units.

Alan Roberts and and other New Zealand radar specialists became soldier/scientists to train and work alongside the Americans. They were unique specimens in World War 2 - there were granted honorary commissions, they were in uniform, but were unarmed and not regarded as front-line combatants.

Sources: Alan Roberts, oral memoirs The Royal New Zealand Navy: part of the Official History of New Zealand in the Secvond World War 1956 New Zealand Radar Development, Geoffrey B Mason (Lt Cm RN (rtd), 2007 Navy Museum DSIR: Making Science Work for New Zealand: Themes From History, Ross Galbreath 1998 New Listener, David Lomas, May 2010 Science and Survival in the Pacific War, edited by Roy McLeod

US MARINES REMEMBER THE RADAR ‘GUN’

To page 24

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KIWI ‘GUN’ RISKED TORTURE, BEHEADING From page 23 But that was exactly where they were.

While the radar itself was more advanced than anything the Japanese possessed, its special quality, thanks to New Zealand scientific ingenuity, it was housed on the back of a truck and incredibly mobile.

“Give us a piece of ground and we could operate in 10 minutes,” Roberts recalls. That ability to operate quickly was crucial to the US Marines, whose own radar systems needed three days to set up. The New Zealand system could give the Americans up to seven minutes’ warning of incoming enemy aircraft, allowing them to seek shelter in bunkers.

So, at the age of 22 and the sole Kiwi in the outfit, he was accorded special status when he and his New Zealand radar truck, having negotiated action on Guadacanal, Nissan Island and Green Island, landed on Peleliu in September 1944 for what the Marines termed “the bitterest battle of World War 2” – two landings before the atom bomb.

Peleliu is now home to just 700 people. But, in three bloody months in 1944, 10,695 Japanese and 1794 Americans died there. Another 8010 Americans were wounded. Just 200 Japanese surrendered, the last in 1947, almost two years after the war ended.

In the early stage of an invasion that left half the marines dead or injured, he was assigned special protection. On the way up the beach, a Marine commander called out: “Kiwi, I understand we need you more than you need us.” The Marines had been ordered to look after him and the equipment, the commander told him the marine in charge of this was “pissed off because he doesn’t want to be babysitting a Kiwi”.

Alan Roberts was not unhappy about his special-protection status:“I was terrified…not of being killed, but of being taken prisoner”.

While the radar itself would have been a prized possession for the Japanese, he was a sought-after expert whose presence just behind the fighting troops on the front line, saved the lives of countless US marines.

Because of his expertise, he risked “torture and beheading” if taken prisoner.

“Everyone knew that radar and radio people would be questioned if they were captured. My fear was that there was an unofficial bounty on my head. If they captured me, I am sure I would have been whimpering the moment they looked at me and telling them all I knew about the radar. I felt I would not have had the courage to stand up to it.”

What’s more, he knew that Zealand Post and Telegraph radio operators on coast-watching duty had been among the 17 men beheaded on

Left: Alan Roberts, then aged 23, checks a mobile radar truck as it lands with the American Marines on Peliliu Island. Lower left: American troops inside a radar truck on Peleliu Island. Below: US Pacific commander, Adm William Halsey – his request that New Zealand provide officers to operate and oversee the radar units was to change Alan Roberts’ s life.

Tarawa at the start of the Pacific war.

He describes the invasion of Peleliu as hellish. US ships and aircraft bombarded the 13 square kilometre island for three days. After their successful island-hopping campaign, the 17,000 Marines were expected to take just three or four days to overcome the estimated 11,000 Japanese defenders.

But Japanese commander Col Kunio Nakagawa adopted new tactics on Peleliu. His troops dug deep bunkers sealed with iron doors. Some overlooked the beaches, with small firing slots for machine guns, but most were in interconnecting caves in the centre of the island. The Japanese soldiers, bolstered by bulk supplies of food and water, sat out the US shelling and waited in their virtually impenetrable positions to pick off the troops as they came ashore.

Alan Roberts landed on Peleliu after the first wave of marines had established a tenuous beachhead. A landing craft carried him close to the beach and “then you would just jump in and wade ashore and run up the beach to the jungle” through the small gaps that had been

The explosions were so close I ended up on my backside. The whole truck would shake and there would be a terrible noise.

cleared of Japanese booby traps, mines and steel stakes. For 150m there was full exposure to the Japanese defenders. “You were expendable at that stage … you just kept your fingers crossed.”

He was aware of people getting hit around him – “not shot down – downed by howitzers and mortars that would blow people up. They would flatten everything in a 20-30m radius.

They were brutes of things. They had enormous power and they caused severe wounding.”

Standing on the beach, directing the troops ashore and seemingly oblivious to the battle around him was a US marine sergeant major.

“I’ve never admired anyone so much as that guy,” Roberts says.

Marines drove the radar truck and a generator truck ashore. The mobile radar was invaluable at night. Air patrols and US naval radar on aircraft carriers could detect incoming planes during the day, but at night the ships pulled back, leaving guard duty to Roberts and his crew.

Japanese soldiers also attacked at night. “We had a rim of marines around us, but distances were quite short. You could hear them. Sometimes it was hand-to-hand stuff. You just hoped there were enough marines out there to mow them down before they got too close. It was dreadful.

We had no way of knowing how close they were.

You had to put your faith in someone, and I was just grateful that it was the 1st Marine Division.”

Japanese shells from aircraft and land artillery regularly landed near his radar truck: “The explosions were so close sometimes I ended up on my backside. The whole truck would shake and there was terrible noise.”

Incredibly, this man who had “never fired a gun in my life” and claimed to have been “terrified, far from brave” was awarded the Military Cross for bravery on Peleliu. He was shot as he went to the aid of an American colleague wounded by a Japanese sniper. Alan Roberts dismisses his medal as “nonsense” because “hundreds of people did braver things than I did and never got mentioned”.

It happened in daytime in the second week of the Peleliu campaign. He and his American crew were moving the radar truck to higher ground because. “a few feet [in height] would give us a few miles [of radar range]”.

A sniper shot one of Roberts’ crew, “Cruz”, who in the lead-up to the invasion of Peleliu, rescued another of the radar crew, a non-swimmer who had fallen between two landing craft and faced

being crushed. He had jumped in between the landing craft and held them apart while the other man was pulled back on board.

Roberts saw Cruz fall: “I could see him lying there with a huge gunshot wound. I vaguely remember seeing where it was coming from but my last thoughts were: ‘That’s Cruz. I’m not going to leave him.’”

Roberts, who was unarmed, went to rescue his colleague. A US marine offered to cover him, but the sniper shot the marine and. Roberts was hit as he bent to rescue Cruz. It was not a searing pain.

“You just suddenly realise you have been hit.

The Jap put a bullet through me and stuffed my shoulder.” The bullet also damaged his lung – “I was coughing up blood.”

He is uncertain how he was rescued. He remembers someone calling to him to wait for them to come, then he remembers staggering to the radar truck, insisting he was not badly injured and was needed to stay on and operate the radar.

Then it became a blur. He was evacuated to a warship, driven to the beach under Japanese fire. After initial treatment by a doctor on a ship, he was passed to the care of the dentist because others were more seriously wounded.

He is unsure what became of Cruz.

He ended up on an American hospital ship heading back to the US. But halfway there, the ship had to turn around because it was being followed by Japanese submarines and he found his way back to New Zealand via Noumea.

He trained in medicine in Dunedin, married Beatrice, and after 50 years as a GP in Geraldine, they retired to Christchurch 11 years ago.

Alan Roberts was the only one of the New Zealand radar experts to be wounded. And while Peleliu was the end of his war, his memories remain: “It was a different world. I saw men doing things that are unmentionable now.”

Because of the top-secret nature of their works, the role and work of Alan Roberts and other Kiwi radar specialists work was never acknowledged.

But the Americans did not forget. in June 2012 when the US Marine Corps Forces Pacific Band visited New Zealand to celebrate the 70th anniversary of US forces arriving in New Zealand, Alan and Beatrice Roberts were invited to a celebration at the Wigram Air Force Museum and he was presented with a commemorative medallion in recognition of his involvement with the US Marines.

RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2016

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RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2016

FEATHERSTON PLANS MEMORIAL ARTWORK Chances are you know of someone who served in World War 1 and where they served. Chances are you also have connections to someone who lost their life in that conflict. And chances are they trained at Featherston Military Training Camp – it was home for a time to around 65,000 of the just over 100,000 New Zealanders who served overseas in World War 1. (In 1916, New Zealand’s population was 1 million).

That was almost half the country’s males aged 18 to 45. Nearly two-thirds of them passed through the Featherston camp, which opened in January 1916 –10,000 troops had already set off for Gallipoli and the Western Front.

At its peak, the camp was home to 8000 soldiers and 500 horses. Its 252 buildings included: 16 dining halls; six cookhouses; 17 shops; a canteen; a picture theatre; three billiards rooms; a hospital rotunda; a post office; Anglican, Catholic and

Salvation Army institutes. The complex was linked by paved streets with electric light and better drainage than some local authorities could manage. At the time the Featherston township had a population of around 700.

The Featherston Camp Memorial Trust is

A community-driven makeover will add to the historical significance when the centenary of Featherston's Anzac Hall is celebrated on October 15.

The Featherston RSA, the Featherston Camp Memorial Trust and the Featherston Anzac Club Society have organised a day of entertainment to mark the occasion.

The hall was built by the people of Wairarapa in 1916 to provide a venue for entertaining soldiers at the nearby military training camp.

“The grand old building has had a thorough makeover and is in tip-top shape,” says RSA secretary Jean McDowall.

The Anzac/Kiwi Hall building – since 1987 a category 1 historic place registered by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust – is the last remaining building connected with the training camp.

It was built by Featherston citizens as a recreational facility – “a place of resort, recreation and amusement for soldiers at the camp" – and

is a key point for World War 1 centenary events in Wairarapa.

The building was not only a memorial to the soldiers of the two world wars, but was also a temporary hospital both during the 1918 influenza epidemic and after the riot of Japanese prisoners of war in 1943. Since Featherston’s town hall was demolished in the 1970s, the Anzac/Kiwi has functioned as the town hall.

Restoration has included stripping, treating and repainting the exterior, a new roof, interior repainting/revarnishing, and a toilet tidy-up.

The October 15 celebration will start with a family picnic in Clifford Square from 11.30am to 2.30pm – a mixture of live music, old-fashioned games, Mini Fell train rides, a dress-up competition, a sausage sizzle, and a coffee cart.

A gold-coin donation will earn you the opportunity to explore the hall, see photos from the World War I era and beyond, and hear about the hall’s history.

An impression of Paul Dibble's planned artwork for Featherston.

raising funds to commemorate the camp as a taonga of national importance, recognising the men who trained there.

The trust has commissioned New Zealand artist Paul Dibble to design an artwork to complement his Southern Stand sculpture, the New Zealand

Anzac memorial in Hyde Park, London.

The plan is install the memorial in Featherston’s Town Square for Armistice Day 2018. The project has official WW100 status and is listed on the WW100 website.

More than $150,000 of the target $650,000 has come through grants and donations and fundraising, Once a third of the total cost (about $190,000) has been raised, the trust will apply for a WW100 Lotteries Grant. The trust also hopes RSA members will support the project. As it says, a $5 donation of from each RSA member would more than meet the target.

The design for the memorial depicts a column of soldiers marching toward and over the Rimutaka Hill to Wellington from where they left for Palestine, France and Belgium.

• Information about and donations to the revamp and project: www.featherstoncampsculpture. org; email – info@featherstoncampsculpture. org; post – FCMT, P O Box 157, Featherston 5740.

Restored hall the celebration centrepiece The sprucedup Anzac Hall in Featherston.

A Featherston WW1 Camp Exhibition will be open in the Kiwi Hall and the Heritage Museum.

The grand finale, from 7pm, will follow a music-hall dance theme based on the first live entertainment put on for the soldiers. It will include a mix of entertainers and dancing to music of the eras from 1916 to 2016.

On the Sunday (October 16), an official service and community celebration will be hosted by the South Wairarapa District Council.

• Music Hall dance tickets available from midSeptember: Featherston Information Centre, Loco Café; email info@featherstonsculpturetrust.org.

Weather no deterrent to Taranaki old soldiers

LtCol Brendon Jull (right), the commanding officer of 5/7RNZIR, with CMT veteran Colin Putt (left) and Alan Rinaldi.

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Around 100 veterans and former service personnel, plus vintage military vehicles from a local club, turned out in Waitara for the Taranakibased New Zealand Army Association’s 16th annual Soldiers’ Day celebration of camaraderie and service.

Maj Brent Manning, RNZIR, says that despite bad weather early on the Sunday morning, the occasion went ahead with a memorial service at 11am.

A parade followed from the cenotaph along the main street of Waitara to the District Citizens and Service Club, also the home of the Waitara RSA. The luncheon and entertainment there included an address by reviewing officer Col Paul King,

deputy commander of 1 Brigade, representing the chief of army. Cadets from the New Plymouth unit provided the catafalque party and marched in the parade along with serving personnel. Col King commended the cadets on their turnout and bearing.

Lt Col Brendon Jull, commanding officer of 5/7RNZIR, was also in attendance, with the unit also providing the parade marshal.

Soldiers Day is organised annually by the New Zealand Army Association, moves between Waitara, New Plymouth, Stratford, Hawera and Whanganui.

Next year’s event will be hosted by Hawera and the South Taranaki RSA.

FOR DISCOUNTS AND SPECIALS

STAYING SAFE A refresher workshop for senior road users

Have fun and brush up on recent road rule changes Staying Safe is a classroom-based refresher workshop designed for all senior road users aged 70 and over.

For more information about courses, please contact the NZ Transport Agency on 0800 822 422.

The aim of this workshop is to:

You can take a self-assessment quiz, watch safety videos and read about how to improve your safety on the road at www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/seniorroad-users.

• help you to maintain and improve your safe driving practices • give you information about other transport options available when driving is no longer possible.

Why not visit today?

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RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2016

CHANCE CONTACT BRINGS GUNNER STORY TO LIFE When it comes to the twists and turns of coincidence, the story of Gunner Robert Johnston Silcock’s World War 2 inscription in an abandoned Italian castle takes some topping.

Just over 72 years ago, the New Zealand soldier, then aged 22, left his mark by inscribing his name on a wooden staircase in the castle at Montecchio Vesponi, in the Arezzo province.

The inscription read: “440003 GNR RJ SILCOCK 2NZEF 18 July 1944”.

In 2008 Italian archeologist Giorgio Rascaglia came across the name during an excavation of the castle. It had been burnt in charcoal and

was one of a series of signatures on the staircase from people who had visited the castle between 1800 and the 1970s. The castle is now in private ownership.

Rascaglia took photos of all the names, used war records to track down the soldier as the late Robert Silcock, and often wondered about his life.

A couple of years ago, Jayne Farmer – a niece of Robert Silcock living in the Taupo area – started looking into her family genealogy. She was out and about on the internet; Rascaglia was looking for a New Zealand connection. Entirely by chance, the two met on line. It wasn’t long

PHOTOS – Left: Robert’s Silcock’s inscription in the Italian castle. Top right: Mary Stewart, Robert Silcock’s sister, who says she was overwhelmed with emotion when she saw the photo of her brother’s handwriting, holds a photo of him in army uniform.

before they discovered their common ground.

Robert’s Silcock’s sister, Mary Stewart – now 89 and living in Henderson, Auckland – says she was overwhelmed with emotion when Rascaglia sent the photo of her brother’s handwriting.

“I had tears in my eyes. It brought back so many memories of that time. He never talked about the war apart from that he liked Italian opera.”

The inscription is dated two days after the capture of the town of Arezzo, and Rascaglia believes the New Zealand troops could have been using the castle’s tall tower as a look-out to check the surrounding area.

“It is the tangible sign of the presence of a man of good will, who, like many others, helped us liberate our country from the fascist terror,” he wrote. ”I wish I could thank him personally, but my thanks may as well go to you and your family.

You should be proud of every little effort he made for us.”

Mary Stewart also thinks the Kiwis were

probably holed up there – and could even have done a bit of looting. She recalls Robert sending home a large tablecloth (from another place) that yielded three good-sized spreads.

Robert Silcock’s brother, Richard George Silcock, also served in World War 2 – with the air force in the Pacific.

The Silcocks were dairy farmers near Raglan, and Robert was initially turned down for the army because of the need for men to work the land, He had to do six months of shearing before being accepted for the army. Mary, who was 13 at the time, worked on the family farm during the war, After the war, the brothers took up ballot farms in the Galatea area, near Taupo. Robert did not marry, and died in 1975, aged 52, from lymphatic cancer. Mary Stewart recalls Richard’s comment’s that “an army on the move is an army riddled with lice” and Robert’s faith in DDT to combat the vermin. She wonders if there was a link.

29

RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2016

Support & Well-Being

APP STREAMLINES NZDF FINANCIAL SERVICES A smartphone app has been added to the New Zealand Defence Force Financial Hub for two new savings schemes. A mortgage broking service is also being introduced. The hub has been set up to house NZDF’s financial benefits, services, products and tools in one place.

Mark Williamson...almost 200 active members have more than $30 million of funds under management.

Benefits manager Mark Williamson says the savings schemes, which were launched in October 2015, now have a combined total of almost 2000 active members and more than $30 million of funds under management. Around 40 members are joining each week.

“The more money we have in the schemes, the more we are able to use our bulk-purchasing power to negotiate better deals,” he says. “Also, because our schemes are not-for-profit, we have been able to negotiate a lower fee structure.”

He estimates that over 40 years someone in an NZDF savings scheme1 will be about $35,000 better off than savers in schemes with higher fees.

The smartphone app can be downloaded from the stores from any smartphone, he says, giving members access to savings information.

“You don’t have to be at work to use the app, and family members can have access to it too.”

Members looking to buy a house can tap in to the mortgage-broker service provided free by Milestone Direct Ltd. Milestone will shop around to get the best possible deal for members and it will provide financial advice. Milestone says it will use only authorised financial advisers.

“We want to make the process of buying a house easier for our people and we want to make sure they are able to make the right decision,” says Williamson.

“Filling out forms to make an application to

September respiratory awareness month How do you breathe better? Isn’t that something that we do naturally every day? Most people can’t imagine not being able to breathe properly, but for the one in six Kiwis, living with a respiratory condition, this is a reality.

Breathe Better September is a national promotion for Kiwis to show their support for better breathing and healthy lungs.

It’s the first time the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation New Zealand has promoted a respiratory-awareness month in New Zealand.

“More than 700,000 Kiwis have a respiratory condition, says Asthma and Respiratory Foundation New Zealand chief executive John Wills.

“It’s the third-leading cause of death and costs the country $5.5 billion each year. But, despite New Zealand having one of the highest rates of respiratory disease in the world, it is not highly profiled.”

Breathe Better September aims to encourage Kiwis to start thinking about how they can improve their respiratory health, he says.

Information to support this is being shared and the foundation is calling for people to sign a photo petition to show their support for better breathing.

Breathe Better September comes nearly a year after the launch of the national respiratory strategy, which highlights a range of respiratory conditions prevalent in New Zealand, and statistics showing many conditions are on the rise.

Filling out forms can be a complex process – this is about making it simpler to get on the property ladder. a bank or to apply for government grants can be a complex process – this is about making it simpler to get on the property ladder.”

The new services are available to former and current members of the NZDF, which gives estimated 250,000 potential users, he says.

The internet-based financial hub has been

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Breathe Better September aims to encourage Kiwis to start thinking about their respiratory health.

The strategy sets out steps to reduce the impact of the disease, and the foundation hopes its September focus will inspire individuals, health organisations and businesses work together on New Zealand’s respiratory problems.

Respiratory disease includes asthma, bronchiectasis, bronchiolitis, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer and obstructive sleep apnoea.

set up bring all NZDF products, services and tools on the one site.

He says the NZDF is rolling out a financial capability programme across all of its camps and bases, and plans to seek approval to go to tender this year for a package encompassing house, household, vehicle and travel insurance.

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Support & Well-being – Blue September

RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2016

EARLY TESTING KEY TO CURBING DEATHS Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in New Zealand men and the third most common cause of cancer-death in men after lung and bowel cancer.

Six hundred New Zealand die from prostate cancer every year, 3000 are diagnosed each year, and one in 10 will get prostate cancer in their lifetime.

The organisers of this year’s Blue September awareness campaign are challenging New Zealand mento face their fears. As they say, there are a million experiences more terrifying than getting a prostate check-up.

From spiders to heights, water to barking dogs and everything weird or wonderful in between, everyone is scared of something, says Prostate Cancer Foundation chief executive officer Graeme Woodside.

A prostate check should not be one of them – it’s simple, quick and important. All it takes to start the process is a blood test.

He says too many men are dying when a simple test can save lives.

“Enough is enough. Kiwi men need to take more responsibility for their prostate health, starting from the time they turn 40, especially if there is family history of this disease. Too many men are dying by leaving their check-ups until it is too late.”

Maori men are 72 per cent more likely to die of prostate cancer once they are diagnosed than non-Maori men – an indication of leaving the check until it is too late and the disease has taken hold. Once symptoms start to develop, it is often too late to treat the disease effectively.

Early detection is the key, he says. Men aged between 50 and 70 should consider an annual prostate check that includes both a PSA blood test and a digital rectal examination.

A diagnosis of prostate cancer can have

Prostate Cancer Foundation CEO Graeme Woodside says too many are dying when a simple test can save lives.

serious effects not just on the man involved, but on those around him. It can be devastating on relationships, finances and careers. And often treatment leaves unwelcome outcomes such as incontinence and erectile dysfunction.

Woodside says prostate cancer is a family issue – there’s a higher risk if brothers, fathers, uncles have had prostate cancer. If a man has two or more first-degree relatives who were diagnosed with prostate cancer under the age of 65 , his risk increases by five to 11-fold. Men over 40 are strongly recommended to have regular prostate checks if there is a family history.

The Prostate Cancer Foundation receives no government funding and provides the vast majority of prostate cancer-awareness promotion in New Zealand. Donations also fund research and a nationwide network of support groups.

• Information: www.faceyourfear.org.nz.

Donations: On line, at Farmers and PlaceMakers stores, and Coffee Club cafes.

Bob Penty (left) and Kevin McGlinchy have both had radical prostate surgery and are now members of the Timaru Prostate Support Group. Both men are advocates for early prostate checks.

The DRE – ‘Put up with it, get it done’ Bob Penty, 74 (left) and Kevin McGlinchy, 73, are encouraging men to get their prostates checked.

Kevin McGlinchy says blood tests had indicated he had an issue for a while, but it was still “a bit of a shock, a bolt from the blue” when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

“It still knocks you there that you’ve got cancer. Mine, being an aggressive cancer, could have been fatal.

“But I knew I was going to get treatment and that a lot of people who have prostate surgery survive. I was optimistic that I was going to survive, and I have and I will continue.”

Both men are members of the Timaru Prostate

Support Group, and both have had radical prostatectomies. They encourage men over 40 to get a PSA blood test or a.

“One of our aims is to get information into the community and to get men to accept that they need to be tested for prostate cancer,” says Bob Penty.

“The digital rectal exam (DRE) – put up with it, get it done. If they get it early, treatment is a lot easier, and there’s a 95 per cent chance of a cure.”

Prostate cancer has no significant symptoms until it gets to the serious stage, and then it becomes “very, very problematic”, he says.

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32

RSA REVIEW • SpRIng 2016

What’s On REGULAR MEETINGS AUCKLAND CMT/NS ASSOCIATION INC Meets monthly on third Tuesday, 1100 hours, New Lynn RSA. New members welcome for friendship and camaraderie, fun and laughter, perhaps light lunch. Guest speakers, outings, bus trips. Anzac Day parades; unit parades at Auckland Naval Base HMNZS Philomel for Armistice Day memorial service to pay tribute and lay a wreath. Contact: Mark Sinclair, president – 09 534 8138; Brian Caltaux, secretary– 09 4209794.

CMT/NS ASSOCIATION CHRISTCHURCH INC Anyone who did Compulsory Military Training or National Service welcome.

Meets monthly, Papanui RSA. Variety of activities, Contact: Colin Rae – 28 Cranbrook Ave, Christchurch 8053; 03 3583099; colandglen@hotmail.co.nz.

ITALY STAR ASSOCIATION (CHRISTCHURCH BRANCH) Meetings – 22 Oct, 26 Nov (Christmas luncheon), 2pm, Papanui RSA, 55 Bellvue Ave, Christchurch. Contact: Peter Scott – 27 Kenwyn Ave, St Albans, Christchurch 8052; 03 3556732; peter.judy@actrix.co.nz.

SOUTHLAND CMT GROUP Ex-CMT and National Servicemen welcome. Meets monthly, third Thursday. Gore RSA or nominated venue. Usually lunch, on-site visit, or speaker. Contact: John Turner – 03 20084, ardlussa@farmside.co.nz.

REUNIONS/EVENTS/MEETINGS SEPTEMBER 2016

MALAYA/MALAYSIA VETERANS’ DAY 1100 hours, 16 Sep, National War Memorial, Pukeahu National Park, Buckle St, Wellington. Fifth commemorative service.

All Malaya/Malaysia/Singapore veterans from all services, widows and children, invited.

New Zealand Malayan Veterans’ Association branches have been asked to make provision for at least one attendee. MPs, members of the Diplomatic Corps, civic personnel, New Zealand Defence Force and RSA representatives will attend. Seating limited, so you need to let us know if you are coming.

Post-service programme organised by the Malayan Veterans’ Association’s Hutt Valley branch at the Petone WMC. Information/ responses: Bill.wullie@gmail.com.

OCTOBER

WORLD WAR 2 BOMBER COMMAND UNVEILING OF LINCOLNSHIRE, UK MEMORIAL SPIRE 2 Oct. Worldwide search to invite Bomber Command veterans. Spire carries the names of the 55,573 killed in World War 2 and is taller than The Angel of the North. Contact: events@ internationalbcc.co.uk; IBCC, 13 Cherry Holt Rd, Bourne, Lincolnshire, PE10 9LA, UK; Google’ Les Hewett, vice-president, Hastings branch, RNZAF Association, Napier.

RNZRSA CENTENARY PARADE & NATIONAL CEREMONY 9 Oct, Wellington. 4pm, March from Tasman St to National War Memorial, Pukeahu for ceremony, 5pm. All veterans encouraged to take part. Information: Bukit HIll – o27 6590679; Bukithill@xtra.co.nz..

NZRSA NATIONAL COUNCIL 10-11 Oct, Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington. Information: Bukit HIll – o27 6590679; Bukithill@xtra.co.nz.

FEATHERSTON ANZAC HALL/KIWI HALL CENTENARY 15-16 Oct, Anzac Hall/Kiwi Hall, Featherston. Oct 15 (0rganised by Featherston RSA, Featherston Camp Memorial Trust and

Featherston Anzac Club) – 11.30am-2.30pm: family picnic, Clifford Square and hall open; 7pm: Music-Hall theme dance. October 16 (organised by South Wairarapa District Council) – church service and community celebration.

Information: Featherston Camp Sculpture Group Facebook page – https://www.facebook. com/groups/featherstoncampmemorialtrust/ and website. Music Hall Dance tickets available from mid-September at the Featherston Information Centre; Loco Café, Featherston; info@featherstonsculpturetrust.org.

Christchurch. Friday evening – meet and greet; Saturday – lunch and combined wing parade, dine and dance in evening. Total cost: $100 per person. Register your interest – www.17squadronatc.com/?=reunion; ww.facebook..com/events/1744533662434248/.

SAPPERS’ ASSOCIATION NORTHERN BRANCH 9.20am, 16 Oct, St David’s Church, 70 Khyber Pass Rd, Auckland. Sappers’ Day church parade.

Jacket and medals. Noon, 16 Oct, Annual general meeting, Pt Chevalier RSA, 1136 Great North Rd, Auckland, followed by luncheon 12.30pm.

Details: www.sappers.org.nz. Contact: Vail ‘Hub’ Hubner – 027 4978651.

VICTOR COMPANY (v1) VIETNAM 1967 50TH REUNION Reunion 12-14 May, Waiouru Military Camp (where it all began).

All members, wives, partners and family members welcome. Brother veterans from V Coy and W Coy also welcome. Exciting programme being planned, details will be mailed this year. If you think we do not have your postal or email address, and enquiries: Brian Wilson – 09 4782300; b.wil@xtra.co.nz.

RSA NATIONAL DARTS 22-23 Oct (Labour weekend). Hosted by G len Eden RSA. Information: o9 8184219; glenedenrsa@xtra.co.nz.

RSA NATIONAL SNOOKER SINGLES 22-24 Oct (Labour weekend). Otaki RSA.

NOVEMBER

RSA NATIONAL GOLF 6-9 Nov. Hosted by Tauranga RSA. TIMOR, BOSNIA, AFGHANISTAN VETERANS 19 Nov, 1700-2300 hours. Papanui RSA, Christchurch.

Contact: Eddie 03 9201581; Papanui RSA 03 3521185 NELSON, MARLBOROUGH & WEST COAST REGIMENT Reunion luncheon for all ex-personnel, 22 Nov, Nelson. 11.30am-12.30pm Meet and Greet; 12.30pm Lunch ($25 per head) with bar facilities. Dress: jacket and tie Guest speakers: Toasts and ‘plenty of stories. Details and registration: NELSON – Peter Nicholas 03 5478144, peteandshirl@kinect.co.nz; Len Edwards 03 5450937, alilenedwards@clear.net. nz; Paddy Marshall 03 5448842, 1pm1@clear. net.nz. RSVP by September, 2016.

DECEMBER

SAPPERS ASSOCIATION Decade 1955-1964 ‘do’, 5pm, 7 Dec, Taupo RSA. For all army engineers who joined up between 1955 and 1964. Sappers from outside this era welcome. Details: www. sappers.org.nz. Contact: Vail ‘Hub’ Hubner – 027 4978651.

NATIONAL SERVICE 1st INTAKE TO 12th INTAKE WHO WERE IN ROYAL NZ ENGINEERS Sappers Association invites you to Decade 195564 ‘do’, 5pm, 7 Dec, Taupo RSA. Details: www. sappers.org.nz. Contact: Vail ‘Hub’ Hubner – 027 4978651.

MARCH 2017

41 SQUADRON RNZAF REUNION 17-19 Mar, Tauranga. Reunion commemorating 40 years since withdrawal and disbanding 1977-2017. All personnel who served with the squadron invited. Registration forms will be enclosed for 41Sqn Association members with September Prop Wash. Forms for non-members available from October 1, 2016: Association secretary – alanchung42@gmail.com.

HMNZS OTAGO ASSOCIATION REUNION 17-19 Mar, Petone WMC All association members, present and past serving (all ships) members of Royal New Zealand Navy, and partners invited.

Contact: www.hmnzsotago.org. Full programme in Otago Association newsletter Claymore and on website.

No 17 (CITY OF CHRISTCHURCH) SQUADRON AIR TRAINING 75th anniversary 24-25 Mar, old Wigram Air Force Base and Air Force Museum,

MAY

NELSON BAYS TF.CMT.NS Reunion 12-14 May. Contact: Lindsay J.Jukes – 20 Hebberd Place, Richmond, Nelson 7020; ljukes@vodafone.net.nz.

JUNE

RNZRSA NATIONAL WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION Annual meeting/conference 12-13 Jun, Swanson RSA. Contact: Angel Erstich, president, RSA National Women’s Association – P O Box 8, Awanui, Far North 0451; 09 4067195.

NOVEMBER 2018

RNZN ENGINEERING BRANCH REUNION 10-12 Nov, Rangiora RSA. Information: Graeme Matheson, – Rangiora RSA. 82 Victoria St, Rangiora 7400, or Bill Lochrie – New Brighton RSA,21 Mafeking St,New Brighton, Christchurch.

ASSOCIATION CONTACTS BRITISH AIRBORNE FORCES (NZ) INC Are (or were) you para-trained and like to meet other ex-(or current) paras? Regular meetings of Northern (Auckland to Taupo), Central (Taupo to Wellington) and Southern (South Island). Full membership – all ranks of Parachute Regiment, SAS, support arms (engineers, signals, medics, artillery etc) and those with special service to British Airborne Forces; associate membership to immediate family; afflilate membership to airborne units of other countries. Contact: Frank Clark, president – 04 2336123. Roy Tilley, secretary – 04 5660850, rmt@xtra.co.nz. Website, www.britishairbornenz.tripod.com.

CMT ASSOCIATION SOUTH CANTERBURY BRANCH Ex-CMT and National Servicemen welcome. Contact: Bruce Townshend – 14 Ewen Rd, Temuka 7920; 03 6156637; Temuka-RSA@ xtra.co.nz.

J FORCE ASSOCIATION, WESTERN BAY OF PLENTY BRANCH Meets third Wednesday of month at Mt Maunganui RSA. Welcomes visitors.

Membership: 19 veterans, 22 wives and widows.

Activities: Christmas dinner, quarterly 8 ball competition, short trips. Contact: President, Ron Browne – 07 5758916; ronaldbrowne@xtra.co.nz.

MOUNTED TROOPERS’ ASSOCIATION (MTA) North Island branch of the Royal NZ Armoured Corps Association (RNZAC). If you are serving or have served, in an armoured unit in any way, you are eligible to join. Family members of deceased personnel welcome. The aim is to bring comrades together through national reunions, member’s birthdays, funerals, unveilings and regimental occasions to which the association is invited, and to provide collegial support to members. The MTA is managed by a six-person trust board: Stew Couchman (chair), Doug Walker (secretary), Zac Hunter (treasurer), Morris Meha and Jim Taylor.

Membership enquires, application form: Zac Hunter – 027 343 2017, ikehunter@xtra.co.nz; Stew Couchman – 06 3258593, BLongami@xtra. co.nz; Doug Walker – 027 4950473, walkd@tpk. govt.nz. Annual subscription of $25 includes membership of both the MTA and RNZAC. NEW ZEALAND ARMY BAND ASSOCIATION For ex-members of NZ Army Band nd 1 RNZIR/NZ Regt bands. To promote and forward interests and welfare of members, and foster relationship between the association and the NZ Army Band.

Committee meets quarterly at the Papanui RSA, Christchurch; all members welcome.

Contact: Wayne Shears – 03 9428636; wayneshears@outlook.co.nz.

NEW ZEALAND BATTLE OF CRETE ASSOCIATION Contacts: Paul London, president, 06 3782388; Bev Cousins, secretary/treasurer, 09 2382499; bevcuz@xtra.co.nz.

NEW ZEALAND BRANCH, ROYAL MARINES ASSOCIATION Meets two-monthly, 2pm, Pt Chevalier RSA, Auckland. Full membership to serving or former RM, RMR and RN, HM Forces RM units, family members, Royal Marines Cadets.

Contact: Peter Collins – peter-collins@xtra. co.nz; www.royalmarinesassociation.org/nz/ rma_nz_home.html.

NEW ZEALAND KOREA VETERANS’ ASSOCIATION INC Veteran membership available to NZDF members who have completed a posting in the United Nations Military Commission since 1 Jan 1958 and have been awarded appropriate medallic recognition. Membership details: Douglas Callander, secretary – 23 Longcroft Tce, Newlands, Wellington 6037; 04 4783238; 04 4783602 (fax); callanderd@clear.net.nz.

CMT/NATIONAL SERVICE ASSOCIATION CHRISTCHURCH INC Ex-CMT and National Servicemen welcome. Contact: Colin Rae – 28 Cranbrook Ave, Christchurch 8053; 03 3583099; colandglen@hotmail.co.nz.

NEW ZEALAND MALAYAN VETERANS ASSOCIATION INC Welcomes new members who served with Commonwealth forces or police in Malaya/Malaysia/Borneo or Singapore. Contact: Paul Anderson – PO Box 8112, Cherrywood, Tauranga 3145; 07 5767757; 027 2079623.

EX-RAF HALTON, RAF LOCKING OR RAF CRANWELL AIRCRAFT, RNZAF APPRENTICES. Contact: Ed Austin – 67/46 Beresford St, Pukekohe 2120, 09 2392698, edaustin38@gmail.com.

OX & BUCKS LI, KINGS ROYAL RIFLE CORPS, RIFLE BRIGADE AND ROYAL GREEN JACKETS All past members of RGJ and former regiments invited. Contact: Frank Jones – 09 4766974.

HOROWHENUA ARTILLERY ASSOCIATION – LEVIN 50th year; gunners, ex-gunners, associated corps. Meets May and Sep to celebrate Gunners’ Day and El Alamein Day, lunch, Levin RSA. Contact: Adam Gibson – 34 Gordon Place, Levin; 06 3684187.

REGULAR FORCE CADET ASSOCIATION (INC) Provides contact between ex-cadets and enables them to re-establish contacts. Membership: $10 a year (1 Jul-30 Jun. Contact: Secretary – RF Cadet Association, P.O.Box 715, Paraparaumu 5032; www.rfcadet,org.nz.

ITALY STAR ASSOCIATION (CHRISTCHURCH BRANCH) New members, veterans, family members, historians. Contact: Peter Scott, chairman – 27 Kenwyn Ave, St Albans, Christchurch 8052; 03 3556732; peter.judy@actrix.co.nz.

RNZAF COMMAND AND STAFF COLLEGE GRADUATES New Zealand Defence Force Command and Staff College has formed an alumni association. Records of previous associations’ members misplaced during move from Whenuapai to Trentham in 2004. If you

33

RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2016

RSA Life

TEMUKA CELEBRATES 100-CLUB STATUS Peter Owens The Temuka RSA has a rare distinction – it is one of only three New Zealand RSAs to have achieved 100 years of operation.

And while Temuka celebrated its centenary in August, its roots go back considerably beyond the 100 years. It was formed in 1903 to provide comfort and welfare for veterans from the South African War. When the RSA movement was founded during 1916, Temuka became one of the country’s first three RSAs. The Temuka stalwarts celebrated their centenary at the club premises over the weekend of August 13-14, and report that the occasion was an outstanding success.

To mark its official RSA centenary, the club commissioned the construction and engraving of a commemorative plaque, which was unveiled by Canterbury RSA president Patrick Duggan, and World War 2 veteran 95-year-old Ken Dawber.

About 80 club members and former members attended the 100-year anniversary events – a meet-and-greet luncheon, the unveiling of the plaque, and a formal dinner on the Saturday, followed by a church service on the Sunday morning.

Club manager Vicki Howey, who has been in the job since mid-2015, says it was fascinating to hear the wartime stories from the returned men, many of whom had travelled a long way.

She says the Temuka RSA has a membership of about 280, not all of whom are active. Not all

Left: Canterbury RSA district president Patrick Duggan (left) and World War 2 veteran Ken Dawber, 95, unveil the Temuka RSA centenary plaque. Below: The plaque details the club’s 100 years of service.

members are returned service men and women; many are relatives of veterans.

Temuka’s oldest members are a 95-year-old World War 2 veteran, and a woman who served as an engineer during World War 2 in England.

While there has been a dip in numbers, Vicki there has been an increase in the number of young people joining, says Vicki.

She is unsure what direction or form the RSA will take from here: “We do need to change with

the times, but old members do not like change.”

However, she believes the organisation is strong and says it’s an exciting time to be involved in the RSA. Like similar RSAs around New Zealand, Temuka provides welfare support for returned service men and women, and their families.

Vicki Howey says she continues to be amazed at the good humour of the returned personnel, many of whom have suffered terrible experiences.

RSA fills role of ‘town centre’ Peter Owens

The Mataura RSA has become a hub for the township.

What’s On wish to join, would like information, or wish to re-connect with former colleagues and course members, contact: Alumni secretary NZDF CSC – Trentham Military Camp, Private Bag 905, Upper Hutt 5140; 04 5271008; 04 5271009 (fax); csc.alumni@nzdf.mil.nz.

ROYAL NEW ZEALAND NAVAL ASSOCIATION, CANTERBURY BRANCH All who served in RNZN or Commonwealth navies, and their partners, welcome. Monthly meetings, regular social get-togethers, ship visits, four newsletters a year. Contact: Miles McIlraith (ex-RNZN), treasurer – 4987 State Highway 75, R.D., Little River 7591; 03 3251937; 03 3251936 (fax).

SOUTH AFRICAN MILITARY VETERANS OF AUSTRALASIA (SAMVOA) All who served in uniform in South Africa and now live in New Zealand are invited to join. Also in Australia.

Aims to preserve memories, and commemorate

those who were injured or fell in action. Attends Remembrance Day and Anzac Day parades; regular meetings. Information: Chris Pattison – 021 2316612; ytrose@vodafone.co.nz.

THE REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION Seeks members to rekindle their activity with the association.

Regular meetings at Papanui RSA, Christchurch.

Send rank, name, address, phone number and e-mail address to: Frank Newsome – Unit 19, 53 Condell Ave, Papanui, Christchurch 8053; 03 3525471; frankandaudrey@clear.net.nz.

TS VINDICATRIX ASSOCIATION Ex-Vindicatrix boys – those who served on training ship TS Vindicatrix are invited to join Lower North Island branch. Write: Arthur Woolard – 21 Pohutukawa Drive, R.D.1, Levin 5571.

The Mataura RSA is not just a gathering place for returned service personnel. It has become a town centre for the people of Mataura.

Yes, the closure of a town’s large pulp-andpaper mill in 2000 and the subsequent scaling back of the Alliance Group’s meat processing plant has had an effect on the town.

But Mataura has not collapsed and retains a lively population of varied backgrounds and ages.

And the RSA continues to flourish. Long-time members say this is because the club has retained a solid core of regular attendees and welcomes everyone to its premises..

The clubrooms are spacious and well furnished, and the club has a strong committee which pays close attention to providing activities for members – “everything from everyday club services to a birthday, meeting and wedding venue”, according to a long-time member who did not want to be named.

“It is not just another watering hole,” this member adds.

While the social area (lounge) is furnished to a standard above most privately operated bar areas, and the snooker and billiards table is of championship standard, the bistro is the club’s outstanding feature.

It’s open on Friday evenings and attracts a baseline clientele of many faithful regulars.

Manager Diane Ramage (who is also an RSA member) stresses that a lot of attention is [paid to food quality.

She says the club and bistro can cater for groups, and large numbers are no problem, even during the strong demand at Christmas time.

She has recently re-designed the menu at the request of regular customers – to meet their feedback for more boiled, green, vegetabletype meals.

Friday is also raffles night, and a courtesy coach is available for a ride home. KiwiPoker draws a good crowd on Saturday evenings, and there’s housie on Wednesday nights.

Wanganui quinellas indoor bowls final It was an all-Wanganui RSA final at the RNZRSA national indoor bowls champions.

Warren Freeman (skip), Lindsay Bourne, Roz Freeman and Craig Bourne outscored their club compatriots (Allan Cowley, skip, Warwick Pinker, Sue Cowley and Arlene Pinker) to claim the title. New Lynn (Stuart Liddell, skip, Bruce Webster, Susan Liddell and Frances Webster ) was third.

The event, hosted by the Levin RSA, drew more than 30 teams from around the North Island.

RNZRSA vice president Bob “Bukit” Hill says the competition was strong, with a number of serious bowlers joining their local RSAs specifically to compete in the tournaments.

He also praised the Levin RSA, which took over running this tournament at short notice when Rotorua pulled out.

“They did a great job and I would like to thank them for running a great tournament.

The event itself was the result of a lot of hard work from all those involved.

“To run a national event like this, you need a good team as well as getting the support from the local community. “ The consolation final was won by the Naenae team of Len Bron (skip), Rae Goodwin, Patty Brooke and Gavin Goodwin, over Morrinsville (Mark Jerkowich, skip, Colin Deane, Tracey Brown and Edith Drane.

34

RSA Life – Bluff RSA

RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2016

`CAN DO’ COMMITTEE MEMBERS RAPT WITH Sue Russell Bluff RSA president Phil Dickens needs just three words to sum up the recent upgrade to the club’s much-loved rooms – “It’s looking gorgeous.”

Planning for the facelift started two years ago.

The building, which has always been home to the world’s most southern RSA (established in 1936), was tired.

“What has been achieved by enthusiastic committee members, with special mention to our electrician, Bob Bowen, of Electrical Marine, and Craig Morris, our builder, both of whom donated their time, is a credit to everyone involved,” says Phil.

“Essentially the whole front of the building

has been extensively refurbished,” says Phil Dickens.

Scaffolding went up the day after Anzac Day and Craig, a committee member, got stuck in and water-blasted before JP Plastering worked on the facelift.

“In all, it took six weeks to complete the external upgrade, which included replacing all the old pipes,” Phil says.

The kitchen got a new floor and paint job last October/November, then Invercargill-based Ryder Plumbing put a new roof on in March. The next development is to upgrade and extend the bar to provide a better working environment.

Phil puts the improvements down to a “very progressive committee” and a very sound financial position.

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Patrons enjoy a drink at the Bluff RSA, which has just undergone a substantial facelift.

www.southport.co.nz www.southport.co.nz www.southport.co.nz Island Harbour, Bluff 9814, New Zealand +64 212 8159 Island Harbour, Bluff 9814, New Zealand | +64 3 212 8159 Island Harbour, Bluff 9814, New Zealand || +64 33 212 8159

We provide a full range of services in all areas of law and are committed to working with the Bluff community and helping everyone understand their legal rights and responsibilities.

Every Wednesday from 1pm our Associate Richard Little is in attendance upstairs at the Bluff RSA Inc building Gore Street, Bluff

For appointments call the Invercargill Office on 03 2182182 or just call in on Wednesday between 1pm and 2pm.

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Suppliers of first class Marine Engineers, Welding Specialists and Maritime Services since 1956

195 Foreshore Rd, Bluff 9814 Ph: 03 212 8663 e: andrew@bew.co.nz www.bew.co.nz

Flintoffs Chartered Accountants Ltd Flintoffs have been out there doing it for over 20 years now, no fuss , no jargon just straight up professional advice that works.

Proud to support the Bluff Memorial RSA Cheryl Campbell – Cheryl@flintoffs.co.nz (03) 2147979 – 85 Gala Street – (PO Box 235) Invercargill

RSA Life – Bluff RSA 35

RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2016

REVAMP “All the work has been paid for and we’ve got cash in the bank, so the future for the club is very solid. The RSA here in Bluff is very proud of its history and is popular with locals.”

Craig Morris says the success of the revamp was all about a team effort.

“We are very fortunate to have a lot of club members who are in trades and they freely gave a significant amount of their time to do the work.

JP Plastering, which is based in Invercargill, gave us a really good deal.”

While the club is small in terms of employed staff – one manager and a part-time bar person – Phil says the amount of voluntary help and goodwill that members and the wider community have for the club is really special.

He points to the club’s bar manager, Chrissy Ryan, as a fine example of this goodwill. She takes care of the bistro food, donating her time to prepare and cook it every Friday night.

“Thankfully we still have about 11 ex-servicemen as members who patronise our RSA,” says Phil.

Anzac Day this year, as is the tradition, began with a dawn parade starting at the RSA Grove

The refurbished kitchen at the Bluff RSA. The next development is to upgrade and extend the bar.

where the crosses of those fallen in World War 1 are to be found. Father Hamesh Wyatt, who is also the RSA’s secretary, conducted the service;

an 11am public service followed at the town’s cenotaph memorial.

“It’s a huge event, and being such a small community, it feels like the whole town turns out,” says Phil.

With an eye to the future, the club has developed a ‘kids’ corner’ stacked with toys and books, and is putting emphasis on becoming more family oriented. Phil says the club has a wonderful atmosphere and is a really great place for families to come on a Friday night to enjoy good company and food.

Upstairs, a dedicated museum space is a current work in progress. The plan is to fill the former bar area with memorabilia.

RYDER

PLUMBING LIMITED MREINZ

171 Dee Street, Invercargil phone (03) 214 5554 www.sre.co.nz Licensed under The Real Estate Agents Act 2008

ReRoofs & New Construction Reparis & Maintenance Metal Roofs, Guttering, Fascia & Spouting Rubber Membrane Roofs, Gutters & Decks

Time for a new Roof?

All the work has been paid for and we have got cash in the bank, so the future for the club is very solid. The RSA here in Bluff is popular with locals.

55YEARS ser ving

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36

RSA Life

RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2016

SOLDIERS’ STORIES ON PANELS The stories of the 71 soldiers from Otautau who died during service in World Wars 1 and 2 are now displayed on information panels lining the artillery gun shelters at the town’s war memorial.

About 40 people turned out for the unveiling

by Otago-Southland district mayor Gary Tong.

Most of the Otautau RSA’s 22 members were there, along with relatives of some of the soldiers, a number of schoolchildren, and people from around Southland.

RSA secretary treasurer Peter Ayson says the idea of the panels came from a member during the association’s search for a World War I centenary project.

Panels were made and the stories of the 53 soldiers from Otautau were told. However, RSA members felt that because they would not be alive for the World War 2 centenary, they should do something while they were around.

“We decided we’d continue and do the same for the 18 servicemen who were killed during World War 2. “It was a bit easier to complete because there were only 18 compared with the

LtGen Sir Jerry Mateparae has accepted the role of patron of Paraparaumu-based Club Vista.

Ex-GG new patron of Paraparaumu Club Otautau RSA secretary treasurer Peter Ayson with the information panels

53 from World War 1.”

The community response to the panels has been overwhelmingly positive, he says.

“It’s a real asset to the town. It’s great to see the number of people who stop there and take a look at the panels.”

Dunedin RSA celebrates club cenentary The Dunedin RSA celebrated its centenary with prayer, sermon and song as around 200 people, including several World War 2 veterans, gathered for a special centennial service at First Church.

RSA representatives travelled from Alexandra, Cromwell, Mosgiel, Palmerston, Ranfurly and Waikouaiti, and the New Zealand Defence Force, emergency services and high schools were represented.

The guest preacher was the principal defence

Left Fred Daniel (left) and Lox Kellas have been awarded life membership for their longrunning contribution to the Dunedin RSA.

chaplain, Rev Anthony Hawes, and the RSA choir and St Kilda Brass Band performed.

Two Dunedin RSA leaders – president Lox Kellas and junior vice-president Fred Daniel have been awarded life membership.

Lox Kellas points to big turn-outs at Anzac Day services, including strong participation from younger generations, as a highlight of his service on the RSA executive. He has been on the Dunedin RSA executive since 1999, is in his second term as president, and has been chairman of the RSA Welfare Trust.

Fred Daniel says he was drawn to the RSA because members looked after one another. ‘‘You always know your back’s going to be covered.’’

Executive back again

Jacinda Ahern (right) enjoys the flowers presented

by RSA National Women’s Association president Angel Erstich (left) after the Labour MP spoke to the association’s annual meeting/conference.

Other speakers at the well-attended meeting hosted by the Swanson RSA women’s section in June were Corrine Bruce, a retired Royal New Zealand Navy captain and RSA board member, and RSA vice-president Robert (Bukit) Hill. The NWA executive was returned unopposed

Like no other Levin Home for War Veterans An elder-centred community We take every opportunity to bring companionship, spontaneity, fun, meaning and purpose into the lives of elders. We’ll support you to continue doing the things you love in a way that’s right for you.

Your space There are no ‘shoeboxes’ at Levin Home - the rooms are large and spacious. Residents also enjoy the spacious grounds and gardens, modern recreation spaces and refurbished lounges.

Positive ageing services We offer a full range of positive ageing services, including rest home, hospital and dementia care, as well as short term respite and health recovery care.

The social life Levin Home’s busy social calendar and stimulating recreation programme make for a vibrant atmosphere. Family and friends are always welcome, and the home even boasts its own RSA-style club, known as the Veterans Arms.

Rest home | Hospital | Dementia care | Respite | Health recovery care

Visit: www.enlivencentral.org.nz | Freephone: 0508 36 54 83

Former governor general and chief of defence LtGen Sir Jerry Mateparae has accepted the role of patron of Paraparaumu-based Club Vista. He launched the new club – an amalgamation of the Paraparaumu RSA and the former Kapiti Club – a year ago..

At the time, he described the amalgamation as a great example of what was possible when the basis for discussion was goodwill. The Paraparaumu RSA celebrates its first anniversary as part of Club Vista on the waterfront at Paraparaumu Beach with more than 2000 newly-paid up members including 750 who also joined the RSA. The sale of the old RSA building for $750,000 gave the RSA a good financial stake in Club Vista. The RSA has two permanent seats on the umbrella club’s governing board and two on the operations committee.

RSA president Chris Turver says the RSA’s net contribution to Club Vista after paying its own debts is ring-fenced by an agreement guaranteeing that if Club Vista were to fold, the money would be returned to the RSA. “The amalgamation with the former Kapiti Club into one unified organisation, each respecting the other’s history and traditions, has been a huge success with acceptance by all Vista Club members of the role and purpose of the RSA.” Club Vista president Ken Rand says a new standard of hospitality has been set; this has attracted all age and packed houses on many nights.

Upgrading of facilities and services includes fresh interior decoration, an upgraded restaurant service, improved seating, an enlarged pokie room with modern machines, snooker and billiard tables, and social and recreational activites.

“As word gets round, membership continues to grow steadily and the club is attracting families, business professionals and groups,” he says.

“We are delighted by the community response and we are very much seen as a popular meeting place in a safe and attractive environment.”

Behind the scenes, Club Vista board chairman Mike Olsen has taken responsibility for analysing the club’s services and resources and leading the board in planning and financial management.

Book recalls lives of Mangere WW2 Anzacs Val Payne been researching the lives behind the names on the Mangere Bridge Memorial Hall Roll of Honour for more than five years. Her findings has been compiled in a book, Mangere Anzacs World War II. “If we didn’t finish it now, we wouldn’t have been able to because the families would’ve been gone,” she says.

The names of 95 men and two women are listed on the roll of honour that commemorates those from the region who fought in World War 2. Eight died in combat.

“I just about went cross-eyed looking at things on computers,” says Val. “We even looked in wills to find out if there were any families of the people out at the National Archives. We looked at school rolls, we looked at electoral rolls.”

She says she hadn’t planned on writing a book, but after she spoke at the Anzac Day service last year, people said they’d love to hear more about it.

Historian Val Payne, left, editor Evie Mahoney and researcher Jill Palmer.

”So, for the next year, I worked on turning it into a manuscript.” Jill Palmer, who helped in tracking down stories, says it’s an important tribute that had to be published.

37

RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2016

Local RSAs NORTHLAND Ph 09 407 8585 37 Cobham Road

KERIKERI

AVONDALE RSA Overlooking the Racecourse

RSA (Inc) Visitors and Guests Most Welcome

KAITAIA FAR NORTH (Kaitaia) RSA CLUB

Matthews Avenue, Kaitaia When visiting the Far North you are welcomed to visit our Clubrooms where comfort and friendship is assured.

Billiards - Snooker - Pool - Bowls - Darts

Pleasant lounge and excellent bar facilities

Hours 11am-10pm, Mon to Sat. Noon-6pm Sun Family Restaurant - Meals Wed Thurs Friday and by arrangement.

Courtesy Coach Available Please phone (09) 408 0423

WHANGAREI THE HUB OF THE CITY

Warmly welcomes visitors to our Clubrooms at 7 Rust Ave Bar Service 7 days Snooker, Pool, Darts, Gaming Courtesy Coach Bistro Wed to Fri 12-2 & 5-8p.m.

Saturday 6-8p.m.

PH 09 438 3792 admin@whangareirsa.co.nz

www.whangareirsa.co.nz

WARKWORTH & DISTRICTS RSA Inc 28 Neville St Warkworth Ph 09 425 8568

Opening Hours Mon-Tues from 12.30pm, Wed-Sat 11am, Sun 3pm Gunner Restaurant: Wed $10 Roast, Thu & Fri Lunch & Dinner 14 Gaming Machines - 4 Large Pool Tables 4 Dart Boards Live band every Friday evening - TAB - Sky TV

RUSSELL RSA 1 Chapel St Russell 0202 Ph: 09 403 7773 Fax: 09 403 7885Email: russellrsa@xtra.co.nz www.russellrsa.org.nz OPEN EVERY DAY EXCEPT TUESDAY FROM 11:30AM TILL CLOSE Diggers Restaurant open 6 days Lunch & Dinner Bar snacks available Pool, Darts, Gaming Machines Huge outdoor courtyard

Come and enjoy our clubrooms while holidaying in historical Russell We will make you welcome

Restaurant Wed-Sun 5.30 - 8.30pm

Bar Open Seven Days From 3.30pm

AUCKLAND

We are open everyday from 11am Meals Daily from 11am till 9pm Great quality food at affordable prices All visitors are most welcome to enjoy our club facilities • • • • • •

Sky TV TAB Pod Gaming Machines Pool Tables Courtesy Van Available Facilities available for function hire

Visitors always welcome

Restaurant, Family Karaoke Sundays from 1pm Functions venue available email admin@ptchevrsa.co.nz

Friday night raffles, Entertainment Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun

A warm welcome is assured to all members and visitors.

Special welcome to local and out of town visitors.

Open Tues - Thurs from 2pm. Fri - Sun from Midday.

• Restaurant open Fri - Sun lunch, Wed - Sun Dinner.

Excellent meals at reasonable prices.

• Live entertainment last Friday of each month.

• Quiz Nights 7pm 3rd Thursday of every month.

Car Boot Sale last Sunday of every month 8am, sellers $8 • Excellent Bar staff & service • Large car park. Easy bus turnnig • Coach Tours welcome - advance booking essential • Facilities available for function hire • Other facilities include darts, pool, indoor bowls & fishing club

THE SMALL RSA WITH THE BIG HEART

HOWICK RSA

Phone: 09 534 9702 • 25 Wellington St Howick

When visiting Auckland’s Eastern Suburbs call into our pleasant clubrooms and enjoy our hospitality

IN THE  OF HOWICK Fridays & Saturdays from 7 pm DINE & DANCE LIVE MUSIC www.howickrsa.co.nz

The Orpheus Restaurant Open Thurs - Sat lunch 12 - 2 pm, dinner 5.30 - 8pm Bus Trip Lunches phone Rona Major Games on Big Screen or Weekend Entertainment

BIRKENHEAD RSA Recreation Dr, Birkenhead, North Shore Ph: 09 418 2424 Fax: 09 418 3054 Email: secman@birkenheadrsa.com www.birkenheadrsa.com

Snooker - Pool - Darts - Warriors Supporters Section

We have excellent facilities for reunions and other functions NEW RETURNED AND SERVICE MEMBERS WELCOME. Inquiries to Sec/Manager 09 636 6644 PO Box 13016, Onehunga

We welcome all RSA members & their guests to enjoy thefriendly atmosphere & excellent facilities at our clubrooms

CLUBROOMS OPEN SAT - MON 11AM TUES - FRI 9 AM BAR OPEN 7 DAYS FROM 11AM DON STOTT MEMORIAL RESTAURANT PROVIDES EXCELLENT ECCONOMICAL A LA CARTE MEALS WED-FRIDAY 12 -2PM WED-SUNDAY FROM 5.30PM. GROUPS BY ARRANGEMENT

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT WED: 1.30-4PM. FRI & SAT: FROM 7.00PM

POOL * DARTS * I/D BOWLS * TAB LARGE SCREEN SKY * GAMING MACHINES TEA/COFFEE & LIGHT MEALS ANYTIME

Ph: 09 528 6245 & 09 521 2710

ORAKEI RSA

(Members)

Hours: Mon : 12-7.30pm. Tues:11am-8pm

Wed: 11-9pm. Thurs & Fri: 11-11pm. Sat: 11-9pm. Sun: 2-7pm.

Bistro Lunch Tues-Fri 12-2pm. Evening Thurs-Fri 6-8pm Function room bookings for catering.

Sports sections, gaming machines ,Sky TV, big screen TV Handy to city centre, Ellerslie Race Course, Kelly Tarlton Underwater World, Eastern suburbs, Mission Bay, St Helliers, Remuera etc.

ALL NEW MEMBERS WELCOME

Mt Wellington Panmure RSA 163 Queens Rd, Panmure

Ph: 09 570 5913 Fax: 09 570 5903 Email secrsa@vodafone.co.nz Bar Menu Seven Days. Bus loads by arrangement.

Live Entertainment every 2nd Friday

Darts - Pool - Snooker - Gaming Machines - Courtesy coach available for local pick-ups / drop-offs When in Auckland Visit our Friendly Club.

NEW LYNN

Memorial RSA (Inc)

2 Veronica St Ph: 09 827 3411 Where a friendly welcome is assured. A must stopover when visiting Auckland BAR & TAB FACILITIES Open 7days Gaming Facilities FREYBERG RESTAURANT Lunches: Tues-Sun 12-2pm, Dinner: Wed-Sat 5.30pm open

Band Friday Nights Handy to rail & bus. Shop in New Lynn & relax in our spacious clubrooms

SWANSON MEMORIAL RSA 11am - 11.30pm Sun 1pm - 9pm

158 Broadway, Kaikohe Ph 09 401 2368 kaikohersa@xtra.co.nz “Look us up on Facebook”

Affiliated Members and Guests Most Welcome

RSA

HOURS Mon toThurs 11am - 11pm. Fri & Sat

“Friendliest Club in The North”

Ph 09 846 8673 1136 Great North Rd

HOBSONVILLE

114 Hobsonville Road • Ph: 09 416 7227 Restaurant Ph: 09 416 9239 • E: hobbyrsa@xtra.co.nz

The Best in the West

Kaikohe & District Memorial RSA (Inc)

Come & spend times in a friendly environment with your friends.

Bar Hours: Tues - Thurs: 2pm - 11.30pm, Fri: 12 Noon - 11.30pm Sat: 11am - 11.30pm, Sun: 12 Noon - 9.30pm New faces very welcome. Memberships available.

Entertainment: Fri, Sat & Sundays Restaurant Open: Fri, Sat & Sun: 5.30pm - 8.30pm

MEALS Our spacious Restaurant allows us to cater for up to 200 people at any one time Lunch open from Wednesday - Sunday 12 - 2pm Dinners Wednesday - Saturday 5 - 8.30pm Sunday Buffet 5 - 7.30pm We have large outdoor garden area, Big Screen for major games, Sky T.V., pool, bowls, darts, cards, fishing, golf, quiz.

WAIHEKE RSA

RSA

66-70 Railside Ave Ph (09) 838 9012 www.hsnrsa.co.nz

Service with a smile, and bar prices better than most.

18 gaming machines, self service TAB, Housie every Thursday, live entertainment Friday and Saturday evenings, 4 snooker tables, 3 pool tables and 8 competition dart boards. 5 big screen TV’s.

Whatever you’re interested in we’ve got it covered, visit us today!

EAST COAST BAYS RSA (Inc)

15 Bute Road Browns Bay Ph: 09 478 8033 North of the Harbour Bridge ecbrsa@xtra.co.nz

INC

29 Belgium Street, Ostend

Clubrooms and Bar Open 7 Days Restaurant Open 6 Days, closed Monday Take advantage of the free transport to our doorstep for Super Gold Card holders.

Spoil yourselves with a trip to our wonderful Island and enjoy our hospitality.

Ph: (09) 372 9019 Bar: (09) 372 5554

HENDERSON

Restaurant: (09) 372 6655 E-mail: waiheke.rsa@xtra.co.nz

PAPATOETOE DISTRICT RSA (Inc)

22 Wallace Rd Ph: 09 278 6372 Email: papatoetoersa@xtra.co.nz Bar Hours Mon 11am -7.30pm Tues, Wed: 11am - 10pm Thurs: 11am - 10.30pm Fri: 11am - 10pm Sat: 11am - 11pm Sun: noon - 7pm BISTRO Lunch: Tues -Fri 12-1.00pm Dinner: Tues 6pm - 7.30pm Thurs Fri Sat 6pm - 8.00pm. Ph: 09 278 6374

(Hours may vary without prior notice) Social Nights with live bands: Thurs Family Nights - have entertainment on the second Friday of the month and starting in mid-July on Friday nights and Housie

Snooker Gaming Machines 8 Ball I/D Bowls Darts Sky Tv

Whether you are going to or from the Airport or just passing through pop in & spend a relaxing & friendly time with us.

We Are Your Airport Club

When heading north, staying or visiting the North Shore, stop at East Coast Bays RSA Lunches Tues-Sat 12-2pm.Dinner Wed Carvery 6-8pm Thurs-Sat 6-8.30pm Sun from 5.30pm VISIT OUR CLUBROOMS Open: Mon-Sat from 11am Sun 2-8pm

DANCING FRI & SAT 7.30PM

Coach tours welcome by arrangement Gaming Machine * Darts * Pool * Snooker Housie I/d Bowls * Dinning & Dancing * TAB * Raffles

A WARM WELCOME TO ALL MEMBERS & THEIR GUESTS

WAIKATO / KING COUNTRY / BAY OF PLENTY

TE AROHA MEMORIAL RSA (Inc) Rewi Street

Ph 07 884 8124

Club open from Mon 3pm- Tues - Sat 2pm, Meals Available Thurs, Fri, Sat from 6pm A warm, friendly welcome awaits you

VISITORS CORDIALLY WELCOME

OPOTIKI COUNTY RSA INC When passing through Opotiki call in and enjoy our hospitality.

We are the Gateway to East Cape

Glen Eden RSA

663 SWANSON RD - PH 833 9013

9 Glendale Rd West Auckland Ph: 09 818 4219 Web: www.glenedenrsa.co.nz

A WARM INVITATION IS EXTENDED TO RSA MEMBERS & GUESTS TO THE FRIENDLIEST RSA IN THE WEST

Entertainment: Fri & Sat.

Meals Lunch: Tues - Fri. Dinner: Thurs - Sun.

We are better than the rest. We are the friendliest in the West

Club Hours: Mon-Sat 1pm till late Sun 2pm till late Meals + Bar Snacks 7 days Membership draw nights Wed, Fri, Sat. Snooker - Pool - Indoor Bowls - Darts St John Street, OPOTIKI. Phone (07) 315 6174

38

RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2016

Local RSAs MT MAUNGANUI

RETURNED & SERVICES ASSOCIATION (INC) 544 Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui

27 Studholme Street Morrinsville Ph: 07 889-7014

Restaurant open 7 days Lunch: Mon/Fri Noon-1.30pm Dinner: Mon/Sat 6.00-8.00pm Sunday: Carvery 5.30pm-7.30pm

Entertainment every Friday & Saturday night, Sundays from 4.00pm Regular Shows.

TAB, 18 Gaming Machines, 3 Eight Ball & 8 Snooker Tables, Sky TV, Big Screens & Data Projector, Courtesy Bus, Friendly Members, Great Staff, Wonderful Food, 12 Beers on tap, Excellent Wines, All This in the best climate in NZ Phone / Fax: 07 575 4477 Web: www.mtrsa.co.nz Email: mtrsa@xtra.co.nz

1237 Cameron Road, Greerton, Tauranga

Ph 07 578 9654 Fax 07 577 0715 E: admin@tgarsa.co.nz | www.tgarsa.co.nz

THE NEW GENERATION RSA

Clubrooms open 7 days Mon/Tues 10.00am-9.00pm Wed/Thurs 11.00am-10.00pm Fri/Sat 11.00am-11.00pm Sunday noon-8.00pm

RSA TAURANGA

Hours: Tues - Fri: 3pm - 10pm, Sat 3pm - Late, 3rd Sunday each month: 3pm - 8pm

Big Screen TV’s, Snooker, Pool, Darts, Indoor Bowl, Cards, 18 Gaming Machines, Live Bands

Moorish Restaurant: Thurs - Sat 5pm - 8pm Lunch every 2nd Tuesday 11am - 1pm

Bar Hours - Open 7 Days - From 11.00am

Family Lounge: Regular entertainment, 10 gaming machines with $1000 jackpot, Sky TV on the big screens, pool & snooker tables, indoor & outdoor bowls, fishing and darts.

Open 7 Days from Breakfast - 7.00am - Lunch - 12.00 noon Dinner - 5.00pm

www.morrinsvillersa.org.nz

Affiliated Members, Guests and Potential Members Welcome

Oaktree Restaurant

“When in the Bay stay with us” Motor Inn accommodation available Excellent Rates “Visitors Welcome Anytime”

NGARUAWAHIA RSA (Inc)

Open 7 days, Poppies Restaurant available at RSA Visit us on Facebook

MATAMATA

MEMORIAL R.S.A. (Inc.) Ngaio Street Ph: 07 888 7190 Open from Mon- Sat 3pm, Sun 4pm.

Poppyfields Restaurant:

Open for bus tours & private functions by arrangement

A warm, sunshine welcome is extended to all visitors to our modern, comfortable clubrooms OPEN 7 DAYS PER WEEK Restaurant Open:Lunch: Mon- Sat. Dinner:Mon-Sun

Top meals at reasonable prices

• Live entertainment Fri & Sat nights • Parking • Conference room • Taxi chits available for discounted fares

Membership still open. Affiliated members Welcome

Conveniently located to Marine Parade, motels and city centre THERE ARE NO STRANGERS AMONG US, ONLY FRIENDS WE HAVE NOT MET.

Otaki & District Memorial RSA

4 Market St, P: 07 824 8905, E: ngaruawahiarsa@gmail.com

Friendly social atmosphere. Entertainment including live music, raffles, quizzes. Children welcome till 8:30pm.

Pool,Darts, Gaming Machines, Sky TV, Courtesy Van

NAPIER RSA

34 Vautier Street, Napier Office: 06 835 7629 Fax: 06 835 1357 Club: 06 835 1034

TE AWAMUTU

District Memorial RSA (Inc) 381 ALEXANDER STREET P. 07 8713707 E. tarsa@xtra.co.nz

EAST COAST - HAWKES BAY WAIRARAPA - TARANAKI MANAWATU - WELLINGTON

Turn into the main street at the traffic filter and look for our Rose Garden at the end of the main shopping area.

Bar Hours - Mon-Thurs: 11am- 9pm Fri: 11-11pm Sat: 11-10pm Sun: 1- 8pm

Restaurant Hours

Sun, Mon, Wed, Thurs 5:30 to 7:30pm Fri & Sat 5:30 to 8:30pm Lunch Thursday 12pm noon Groups catered for during week on request

Come and visit our friendly Club the

‘ROSE of the WAIKATO’

WANGANUI Great Entertainment...

S

BER MEM ME W E N CO WEL

Live Bands 18 Gaming Machines TAB Terminal Big Screen TVs' 8 Ball * Darts * Bowls Euchre * Housie Raffles * Members' Jackpots

9 Raukawa Street Ph: 06 36 46221 Open Tues - Sunday Dining room Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat & Sun roast lunch TAB - Sky - Snooker - Darts Fridays entertainment Affiliated Members and Guests most welcome

SOUTH TARANAKI RSA (Inc) Bar Hours: Mon, Tues 3-7pm Wed 3-9pm, Thurs 3-7pm.

Fri, Sat 3-9pm Clubrooms open some mornings Bistro Meals: Fri. 5-7pm

Princess Street Hawera When in our area you are cordially invited to visit our Clubrooms & enjoy our hospitality. A friendly welcome is assured to all.

Gallipoli Restaurant

CITIZENS CITIZENS RSA RSA

179 -185 Jellicoe St TE TE PUKE PUKE Ph: 07 573 8555

Open from 11am Seven days a week All RSA members & Visitors are most welcome to our warm & friendly, air conditioned club

TAUPO “The Centre Of it All” * Gaming Machines * Sky Tv * Snooker * 8 Ball * Indoor Bowls

HAMILTON Combined Returned Services Club

Rostrevor Street, Po Box 9028 Ph 07 8380131 Fax 07 8340170 Email: hamcrsc@clear.net.nz. Web: www.hamcrsc.co.nz

OPEN 7 DAYS Club Restaurant Lunches Tues-Fri Dinner Tues-Sun from 5.30pm.

FUNCTION BOOKINGS BY ARRANGEMENT 18 Gaming Machines * Sky Big Screen * ATM *Eft Pos * 8 Ball * Snooker * Euchre * 500 * Darts * I/D Bowls

Club Hours Mon- Wed: 11am -10pm.

Thurs- Sat: 11am - Late. Sun: 2 - 8pm Horomatangi Street Phone: 07 378 7476 Please visit our wesite at: www.tauporsa.co.nz

… MEMBERS AND BONA FIDE GUESTS WELCOME ...

170 St Hill Street, Wanganui Phone: Clubrooms 345 5750 * Restaurant 345 4140 *

Courtesy Bus 027 345 5750

Email: admin@wanganuirsa.co.nz * Website: www.wanganuirsa.co.nz

WHANGAMATA RSA (INC) 324 Port Road, Whangamata Ph/Fax: 07 865 9419 Email: whangamata.rsa@actrix.co.nz Web: www.whangamatarsanz.com

Waitara RSA North Taranaki 16 Queen St Waitara OPEN 7 DAYS

BAR FACILITIES TAB – Gaming Machines – Pool & Darts – Large Screen TV’S – Sky Sport – Courtesy Vans available.

Come enjoy some time with our friendly members.

Gateway to the Coromandel Peninsula

Taumarunui & District RSA 10 Marae St, Taumarunui

PO Box 24 PH: 07 895 7517 FAX: 07 895 8343 Email: taumrsa@xtra.co.nz

MANAGER: John Callinan MEMBERS: 862

Clubrooms Open: 7 days from 11 am Restaurant Open: 6 days from 11 am Closed Mondays Group Bookings, Bus Tours, etc. by arrangement

Entertainment Big Screen TV’s, Snooker, 8 Ball, Darts, Indoor Bowls, Golf, 12 Gaming Machines

Lower Hutt Memorial www.lowerhuttrsa.org.nz

Entertainment Centre of Taumarunui

Open 7 Days ---- Bar Hours

11am - 7pm 11am - 9pm 11am - 10pm 11am - 12pm 2pm - 7pm 12pm - 7pm

Reasonably priced quality meals available: Lunch – Thurs., Fri., Sat. 12pm to 1.30pm Sun (first and last of the month) Dinner –Thurs., Fri. & Sat. 6pm to 8.00pm SKY TV, big screen, pool, darts, pokies, juke box Campervans welcomed (two sites are powered) Venue available for hire for special events and functions

PORIRUA RSA (Inc) 5 -7 McKillop St, Tel: 04 237 7695 Fax 04 238 2343 OPEN SEVEN DAYS * Sky Tv * TAB * Gaming Room * Pool * Darts * Indoor Bowls * EFTPOS * Wine Club * Kapa Haka BAR HOURS Mon 11am - 7pm. Tues 11am - 7pm. Wed 11am - 8pm. Thurs 11am - 11pm. Fri 11am - 12pm. Sat 10am - 12pm. Sun 10am - 9pm

RESTAURANT HOURS

NEW, RETURNED & SERVICE MEMBERS MOST WELCOME

A Friendly Welcome in Warm Whakatane

Kensington Restaurant Open Upstairs Wednesday - Sunday from 5:30pm Bistro Open 7 Days A Week Lunch 11.30 - 2.00pm Dinner 5:00 - 9.00pm Live Band Friday and Saturday 8.00pm and Sundays 3.00pm 3 Bars, Garden Bar, Large TV Screens, Sky Sport, TAB, Internet, Library, Gaming Room, Conference Facilities.

47 Udy Street, Petone. Ph 568 5404 Members, Guests and Affiliated members welcome

Mon-Thurs 10am-10pm.Fri & Sat 10am till late. Sun 12noon-6pm

Restaurant Hours

Ph: 07 386 8717 PO Box 1 Katopu Place Turangi Email: trgirsa@hotmail.com Bar 7 days from 11am Restaurant Thur - Sat evenings Gaming Machines, Snooker, Pool, Darts, Indoor Bowls, Library, Big Screen Sky TV TURN 3RD RIGHT FROM ROUNDABOUT

Mon. & Tues.

Wednesday Thursday Fri. & Sat. Sunday First & last Sun of the month

CLUB night every FRIDAY 4.30 - 6.30pm in the ANZAC Lounge

WHAKATANE RSA (Inc)

& Districts Memorial RSA

Friendly & safe environment (children welcomed)

Thurs, Fri & Sat. Dinners 5.30 - 9.30pm

Visitors Most Welcome

Restaurant open 7 nights from 5:30pm Club open daily from 11:00am Sunday from 1:00pm 18 Gaming Machines, Courtesy Coach Charge back facilities to local motels.

If you are coming to Taumarunui we can arrange local tours, golf club bookings, Motel Bookings.

TOKAANU-TURANGI

1 Easton Street, Ph: 06 3637670 Fax: 06 3636838 Email: foxtonrsa@xtra.co.nz www.foxtonrsa.co.nz

Open:

RESTAURANT Lunch Tuesday to Sunday: 11.00am to 2.00pm Dinner Tuesday to Saturday: 5.00pm to 8.30pm

Rendezvous Restaurant Wed, Thur, Fri Lunch 12 - 2pm Mon, Wed, Thur, Fri, Sat Dinner 5 - 8 Closed Tuesday and Sunday

Lunch Tuesday to Saturday from 11.30am Dinner Monday & Wednesday to Saturday from 5.30pm Tuesday Pension Day Special - Lunches Whiteboard Dinner Specials

Lunch and Dinner Tues-Sat Bar Snacks Available Gaming Machines - Big Screens - 8 Ball - Snooker Darts - Indoor Bowls - Line Dancing - Karaoke Thursday evenings

Live Entertainment Friday Nights Close to motels in the heart of town

Richardson St Ph: 07 307 0343 E: admin@whakatanersa.co.nz

TAWA RSA

89 Oxford St. Ph: 232 5788

A warm welcome is extended to all RSA & Char tered Club visitors We are open: POOL Wed to Sun from 4pm DARTS Meals Friday 6.00 - 8.00pm Sunday Roast the last Sunday of SKY TV each month 6.00pm-8pm

Paraparaumu Memorial RSA Inc A Club Vista Partner 32 Marine Parade, Paraparaumu Beach Club open 7 days from 11am 04 298 4031 | www.clubvista.co.nz Facilities: Amazing views · 24 Gaming machines · 3 Snooker Tables · 2 Pool Tables · TAB self service terminal · Entertainment Every weekend

BULLS SH1 Bulls Ph 06 322 0875

Hours Mon, Tues & Sun:11am -8pm Wed -Sat:11am -10pm When passing through Bulls call at our clubrooms, enjoy our hospitality and have a friendly chat.

Visitors Made Welcome

39

RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2016

Local RSAs REGULARS

RICHMOND/WAIMEA R.S.A. INC. P.0. Box 3034 Richmond 7050.

NELSON RSA (Inc)

168 Tahunanui Drive, Nelson. Phone 03 548 6815.

TARADALE 156 Gloucester Street

& DISTRICTS RSA INC

CHARTERED CLUB

35 Centennial Ave. Alexandra

Alexandra Clyde RSA

Ph/Fax 06 844 4808

Clubrooms Open Mon-Fri 8.30 am Meals Available 7 days - Lunch & Dinner When in Napier or Hastings visit us, we are only 8 minutes from either city. Motel accommodation next door with discounts available

CATERING A SPECIALTY Gaming Machines, Sky Tv, Snooker, Pool Darts,Bowls

All Visitors Assured of a Warm & Sincere Welcome

Visitors Welcome

MARLBOROUGH - NELSON WEST COAST CANTERBURY OTAGO - SOUTHLAND

ashburton rsa [inc]

12 Cox Street

Hours Mon - Tues: 11am-7pm. Wed Thurs Fri: 11am-10pm. Sat: 11am-12pm. Sun: 11am- 5pm

ALL VISITORS WELCOME

PO Box 10 Ph: 03 448 8090 Fax: 03 448 8023 Bar Hours Mon-Sat: 11am-Late Sun: 4.30 9pm Bistro Hours Thurs: 6.30-8.30pm. Fri: 6-9pm Sun: 6-8pm Snack Bar open all hours

Sat-Sun 10.30 am

Open from 11.00 am Monday – Saturday; 11.30 am Sunday Tribute: 6.00 pm Wednesdays Lunch 11.00 am – 2.00 pm; Dinner 5.30 – 8.30 pm

Gore District Memorial RSA Inc

12 Civic Ave Ph: 03 208 6218 Fax: 03 208 6220 Email: GoreRSA@xtra.co.nz Clubrooms Open 10.30 am 7 days a week Bar Hours Mon - Fri 10.30 am - 11 pm Sat 10.30 am - 1 am Sun 10.30 am - 9.30 pm Family Bar The Gore RSA Bistro Wed - Fri 12-2 pm.

Tues - Sun from 5.30 pm Private functions by arrangement * 5 F/size Snooker Tables * 18 Gaming Machines * Big Screen Sky TV * TAB Live entertainment each month. Tea coffee in our smoke free lounge. Off street parking for visitors.

Raffles: Thurs & Fri. Flag 500 Wed 7 pm during winter

motueka

memorial rsa (inc) 49 High Street

Ph. 03 528 9777

Open 7 Days from 4pm.

RSA, Clubs NZ and Motor Caravan members most welcome

RANGIORA RSA CLUB (Inc) 82 Victoria Street Ph: 03 313 7123 Restaurant: Lunch Wed, Thurs, Fri. Dinner Thurs, Fri, Sat & Sun.

ashburton Where the North meets the South

Ph: 03 352 9770 55 Bellvue Ave Access also from Papanui Rd & 1 Harewood Rd

Visiting Christchurch Try our hospitality in the heart of Papanui. Adjacent to major civic amenities incl. shopping mall,motels & hotels Club Hours

Mon -Tues: 11am -9pm. Wed-Thurs: 11am-10pm. Fri- Sat: 11am- 11pm. Sun: 11am- 8pm

Bistro Meals

Lunch: 7 days 12 - 2 pm Dinner: 7 days 5pm onwards

Facilities Eftpos, Sky TV, Snooker Billiards, Pool, Bowls, Cards, Darts, Gaming Machines, Library, Live Entertainment, Off Street Parking.

Power Point for Campervans

31 Union Street, Milton Ph: 03 417 8927

Open daily from 5.00pm *All Welcome*

INVERCARGILL WORKINGMEN’S CLUB INC. Incorporating the INVERCARGILL R.S.A. 154 Esk Street, Invercargill Ph. 03 218 8693 Fax 03 218 3011 e-mail office@iwmc.co.nz Hours Mon - Wed. 11.00am - 10.00pm Thurs. 11.00am - 11.00pm Fri. 11.00am - 12 midnight Sat. 10.00am - 1.30am Sun. 12.00noon - 9.00pm Bottle Store Corinthian Restaurant open for lunch Mon - Fri 12noon - 1.30pm Dinner Thurs. - Sun. from 6.00pm Corinthian Convention Centre available for meetings, conferences or functions, large or small 24 Gaming machines - 5 snooker tables Sky TV 5 pool tables Raffles Mon. - Sat. Band on Sat. nights Off-street parking

Call and make some West Coast friends

Templeton RSA 38 Kirk Rd, Templeton E: templetonrsa@xtra.co.nz

CLUB BAR HOURS

Courtesy Van Available Thurs, Fri, & Sat nights

NEW MEMBERS WELCOME

MEALS

Friday nights from 6:10pm

Travel New Zealand WANGANUI. Bignell St Motel, Quiet, Warm, Friendly, Comfortable, Pets by arrangement.

RIVERTON & DISTRICTS

$65 single + $15pp extra Phone Now 0800 244 635

141 Palmerston Street Riverton 9822 Phone: (03) 2348737

WHAKATANE. Bay Hotel Units 90 McAllister Street. Very handy to RSA. Discount for RSA members. Friendly service, courtesy pickup, Pets very welcome. Your hosts Betty & Willy Arends.

Ph 07 308 6788 Fax 07 308 6749

Marlborough RSA 42 Alfred Street Blenheim (In Clubs Marlborough Complex)

We extend a cordial invitation to all visiting members to visit our Clubrooms Open 7 Days from 9.00, Restaurant meals - 7 Days.

Gaming, Pool, Snooker, Sky TV.

Christchurch Memorial Returned and Services Association Inc.

Welcome

Milton Bruce RSA

181 Tainui Street Phone 03 768 7307 Open Daily - Visitors Welcome

A warm welcome is ex tend ed to all RSA members, families and friends

Enjoy Southern Hospitality Tue-Sat 3-6pm & Fri 3-9pm

PAPANUI RSA

GREYMOUTH RSA CLUB

Wed, Thurs & Sat: 4pm - 7pm Fri 4pm till late

Tues+Wed Lunch noon. Bistro Thurs, Fri, Sat 5.30-8pm

All Indoor Sports available. Gaming Machines Live Music Every Alternative Saturday nights.

Wheelchair available

Operating from Club Waimea Premises Lower Queen Street, Richmond. Phone 03 543 9179.

Open from 11.00am till late. Club Waimea facilities including Caravan Park facilities which are available to all R.S.A. Members.

Meals are available Wednesday - Sunday 11.30am Onwards

Facilities: Administration Office Support and Welfare Office Museum • Event/function Centre Trenches Restaurant and Bar (Public License) Poppy Club members’ bar Memorial Plaza and Remembrance Wall Operating Hours: Monday to Wednesday 08:00am to Midnight Thursday to Saturday 08:00am to 01:00am Sunday 08:00am to 11:00pm

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner available P: 03-3799724 E: office@christchurchrsa.org.nz www.christchurchrsa.org.nz | www.trenches.co.nz 74 Armagh Street, P.O. Box 354, Christchurch 8140,

Private function bookings are welcome

NEW BRIGHTON RSA 21 Mafeking Street, New Brighton, Christchurch Ph: 03 388 9059 Open daily from 3.30pm Sunday 11.30am Meals available Thurs, Fri & Sat “All Welcome”

ANY CHANGES TO CLUB ADVERTS OR CLASSIFIED ADVERTS PLEASE CONTACT DAVE McKEE Ph: 03 983 5518 Fax: 03 983 5552 Email:davem@waterfordpress.co.nz

Tours FULLY ESCORTED TOURS FOR SENIORS Our 2016-17 tours include:

VIETNAM TOURS. 20 Days ex Auck, Wgtn, Chch.

From $6795pp share twin. Special conditions apply.

Kiwi Vietnam Tours: 305 Kahuterawa Rd, RD 2 Palmerston North. Ph: 06 324 8444

info@kiwivietnamtours.co.nz |www.kiwivietnamtours.co.nz

NEW ZEALAND: Wonders of Westland 10-19 Oct; Taranaki Rhododendron Festival 4-7 Nov; Chatham Islands 12-17 Nov; Hokianga for Christmas 23-27 Dec; Taranaki Festival of Lights 25-27 Jan; Hawke’s Bay Historic Homes 7-11 Feb; Kapiti Island 11-14 Feb; Top of the South 18-28 Feb; Winterless North 21-27 Mar; South of the South 23 Mar-27 Apr; AUSTRALIA: Touring Tasmania 9-20 Jan; Melbourne, Adelaide & Murray River 27 Apr-11 May; PACIFIC: Hawaii 14-24 May; New Caledonia 28 May-4 Jun; Our tour costs are all inclusive apart from your own spending money and some lunches.

For a copy of our 2016-17 colour brochure or to make a booking, phone 0800 66 44 14 or email: info@scottsdaletours.co.nz www.scottsdaletours.co.nz

Phone: 03 983 5500 Fax: 03 983 5552

waterfordpress.co.nz

40

RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2016

Travel Australia Beac hfront Apartment s Heated swimming pool and spa BBQ area Close to local restaurants Short walk to Jupiters Casino 50 Metres to the famous Broadbeach Oasis Mall

Sandpiper Apartments is a 12 storey resort complex located on the beach. Every apartment faces the ocean and includes a private balcony. Spectacular views.

Book for 7-nights in a 1-Bedroom Ocean view apartment - $910 Book for 7-nights in a 2-Bedroom Ocean view apartment - $1120 (Excludes High season, school holidays and special events)

www.sandpiperapartments.com.au | 155 Old Burleigh Rd, Broadbeach | 07 559 201 44

ARGYLE

Anyone for f a Gold Coast Getaway??

Getaway??

O N

T H E

P A R K

• Fully self contained, air conditioned one bedroom and two bedroom apartments

Massage - you can now have a Sports, Remedial or Traditional Thai massage on the premises at Jai Dee Wellness Centre, cost is extra. Bookings are essential, so to book a Massage only please call Peter on +61 07 547 92400.

HOT DEAL!

• Under cover, fully secured free parking

Stay 5 Pay 4 from AUS $630.00*

• Flat screen televisions and AUSTAR cable television free of charge • In room wireless internet broadband service • Extensive choice of restaurants within minutes walking distance

Our holiday apartments are situated at Cotton Tree only 300 metres from one of the Sunshine Coast’s best beaches & surf clubs and opposite the beautiful Maroochy River great surfing, fishing, boating, swimming & only 5 minutes walk to the Maroochydore Bowls club, the Rsl & tennis clubs!

Our fully self-contained reverse cycle air conditioned apartments are spacious & tastefully decorated & provide comfortable and relaxing accommodation for you to enjoy, all the balconies face the water and park at cotton tree.

Welcome to Palazzo Colonnades boutique, high-rise holiday accommodation apartments in Surfers Paradise....

• Heated swimming pool, spa, sauna, gymnasium and BBQ facilities

• Special for November 2016 & February 2017 • Stay 7 nights and pay for 5 , 1,2 or 3 bedroom apartments.

• Please ring direct to check for availability - Ph: +61 07 5443 3022

A perfect place to relax and enjoy the sun. We have free WIFI …

Email: info@argyleonthepark.com.au www.argyleonthepark.com.au

TO BOOK PHONE +61 7 5538 4555

• 1.5km from Gold Coast Exhibition and Convention Centre • 150 metres to the beach and 6-8 minutes leisurely stroll to Cavill Avenue

Address: 2988 - 2994 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise. 4217 Telephone: +61 7 5538 4555 Email: info@palazzocolonnades.com.au

CERULEAN APRTMENTS

FOR THE BEST RATES BOOK DIRECT AT OUR WEBSITE: www.palazzocolonnades.com.au * Valid for sale 01/03/16 - 15/12/16 - Block out dates apply. .

and use promocode: PCRSA

Cerulean Apartments provide quality 1, 2 & 3 bedroom self-contained beachfront accommodation in Caloundra, opposite patrolled Bulcock Beach. Suited to couples and families – Cerulean Apartments are an ideal base from which to explore the Sunshine Coast

2 BEDROOM APARTMENT STAY 7 PAY 5 $690 p/w

Fully self contained boutique apartments - 4 star self rating, all with lift access, airconditioning & ocean views.

Direct access to beach 50 meters.

Heated pool and spa, BBQ area.

Easy walk to heart of Surfers or Broadbeach FREE Wifi and Free Basement Secure Car Parking

Book direct and get great deals from friendly staff, Ph: 00617 5526 7588, Or email: info@emeraldsands.com.au Or visit: www.emeraldsands.com.au

Phone. +617 5499 6688 For more information please visit www.ceruleanapts.com

email info@ceruleanapts.com

SUBSCRIBE TO THE RSA REVIEW

SUBSCRIPTION RATES

Contact RSA National Office to subscribe to the RSA Review and get your copy

Subscriptions cover 4 issues from January – December. If you’re a new subscriber, there are two remaining issues in 2016. You’ll pay

Contact: RSA Review, PO Box 27248, Marion Square, Wellington 6141 Email: rsareview@rsa.org.nz Phone: 04 384 7994

$20.00 a discounted price if paying by direct credit or direct debit

If you’re already a subscriber, you’ll receive a 2017 renewal letter from us before the end of the year.

$25.00 if paying by cheque or credit card $40.00 for overseas subscribers

41

RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2016

Medals MEDAL MOUNTING COURT STYLE

SWING STYLE

Damage free professional medal mounting in either court style or swing style $20 per medal with new ribbon (full size & miniature). $8 return courier NZ wide. Replicas of all medals available at just $50 per medal inc mounting. NZ wide mail order service or by appointment.

Turnaround is usually 7 days.

Framing from just $150

A G Bairstow - NZ Medals Ltd PO Box 128 - 134, Remuera, Auckland 1541 Ph: 09 571 2074 E: aubreyb@clear.net.nz

www.nzmedals.com

MEDAL MOUNTING Full Size and Miniature Orders, Decorations and Medals. Court Mounted or Swing Style.

If necessary medals cleaned and new ribbon supplied.

Duplicate groups made up to order.

Registered with New Zealand Defence Force as an Approved Medal Mounter Quality work guaranteed Contact: Russell Barker, P O Box 346, Waikanae 5250 Phone: 04 293 1045 Email: rmbarker@xtra.co.nz Website: www.kiwimedalmounting.com

MEDAL MOUNTING, MILITARY HISTORY & GENEALOGY RESEARCH. Orders, decorations & medals (full size &

miniatures) court mounted for day, evening wear, and for family history displays. Medals mounted with respect for over 45 years by a long serving soldier. No modifications to medals or clasps. Contact Medal Mounting Wellington, H.E. Chamberlain, Ph: 04 293 3504. 470 Te Moana Rd. Waikanae. Email: clas.chamberlain@xtra.co.nz.

MEDALS MOUNTED Court or Swing style.

Professional quality guaranteed work. Reasonable prices. Medals also framed for family history displays, museum quality work. I collect WW1 memorabilia, uniforms and equipment etc If have any these items, I would like to purchase for my private Collection.

Ph. Ian Hamilton 09 266 5783

ANY CHANGES TO CLUB ADVERTS OR CLASSIFIED ADVERTS PLEASE CONTACT DAVE McKEE Ph: 03 983 5518 Fax: 03 983 5552 Email:davem@waterfordpress.co.nz

English Tie & Medal Co *Replica medals and Miniatures supplied and mounted. *Full sized and Mini medal groups for other family members. *Framed Medal Displays and Copy displays. *Regimental Ties & Blazer pocket badges.

We do not sell or trade in original medals

P. 09 838 4828 F. 09 838 4850 W. www.medals.co.nz 6 Central Park Drive, Henderson, Auckland 0610

EASTBOURNE WARTIME HISTORY PROJECT DOUBLES IN SCOPE When Eastbourne dentist Dave (‘Doc’) Isaacs joined the rush to volunteer at the start of World War 1, he probably didn’t expect to start his military career on a tropical island treating the teeth of local maidens.

Nor was he expecting to lose his kit (but not his life) in the Aegean Sea following the sinking of the Marquette, or be running for cover during one of the first aerial bomb attacks on his Salonika hospital. But he did all these, and a lot more besides, and wrote vivid accounts of his experiences to his buddies back in Eastbourne, on the eastern shores of Wellington Harbour.

He is one of more than 250 men and women with links to Eastbourne who feature in Half a World Away: Eastbourne in Wartime 1899-1928, published by the Eastbourne Memorial RSA and written by local resident Julia Stuart.

Her father, Lt Col Malcolm Mason, wrote The Way Out, one of the first prisoner-of-war escape memoirs about Italy, published in 1946, and its sequel, The Water Flows Uphill, an account of his 1963 return to the Italian village where he had been sheltered.

Half A World Away explores the war from two angles – the experiences of local men and women who went to war, and those of the community

Bugler Cyril Girdlestone, aged 17, went to then South African War with 28 Coy, 6th New Zealand Contingent and served in Samoa in World War 1.

back home. Stuart takes as her starting point the 178 World War 1 names on the Eastbourne War Memorial – which unusually lists all those who served overseas.

She has discovered unpublished material, such as Doc Isaacs’s letters, and many photographs. As word of her project spread, people

SUBSCRIBE

NOW!

Contact RSA National Office to Subscribe Today RSA National Office | PO Box 27248, Marion Square, Wellington 6141 | rsareview@rsa.org.nz

started turning up on her doorstep with albums, postcards, letters, photographs and souvenirs, including an authentic Boer War bugle. The bugle belonged to local, Cyril Girdlestone, who was 17 in January 1901 when he sailed halfway round the world as ‘galloper’ to Capt Cameron, commanding B Squadron of 18 Company in the 6th Contingent to leave New Zealand.

Unexpected finds included an early, previously unseen photograph of Quinn’s Post (in the local RSA’s store cupboard), and the discovery that nearly 100 more people went to war from Eastbourne than are listed on the war memorial.

Some volunteered for the British Navy, others were medical men and women who found themselves in Britain when hostilities broke out, and others – such as Wellington MP Hal Dillon Bell – travelled there to join units where they had previously served.

Research also revealed an unusual number of registered ‘aliens’ in the local community, including a German-born, performing strongman who was interned on Somes Island, and a Danish professor of singing and his wife, who were stranded here by the outbreak of war.

By drawing on letters, diaries, log books and press cuttings, as well as individual service

records in the military archives, Julia Stuart has documented the lives of Eastbourne people during the five years of the Great War, and has revealed the strains and fears of both those at home and those facing the terrors of modern industrial warfare.

The Eastbourne in Wartime project was originally intended to cover both world wars, but as research unearthed far more information than expected, the project was split.

The 240-page Half A World Away, covering the period from the start of the Boer War to the unveiling of the local war memorial, is effectively part one of the history of Eastbourne in wartime.

Part two, covering the last two decades of the era of the ‘citizen soldier’ (1930–1950), awaits the release of all World War 2 military records.

Some oral history and research for part 2 has been done, and is held by the Historical Society of Eastbourne.

• Half a World Away – by Julia Stuart, edited

by Alison Carew, photography by Malcolm Burdan – will be launched at the Eastbourne Memorial RSA rooms on November 11. Price: $49.95. Pre-publication orders and enquiries: eastbournememorialrsa@gmail.com.

Subscribe to the RSA Review and support a publication which has been celebrating, entertaining and uniting New Zealand’s ex-service and service community for over 90 years.

A subscription for the Summer and Autumn 2017 issues costs only $12.50 for a New Zealand subscription, or $20 for an overseas subscription. And your issues will be delivered straight to your door.

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direct credit or

direct debit, your New Zealand subscription will cost an extra low $10

42

RSA REVIEW • SpRIng 2016

What’s New

GENDER NO BARRIER TO GLADYS Gladys Sandford was a woman who flouted the gender norms of her time, becoming an ambulance driver in World War 1 and then the first female in New Zealand to gain a pilot’s licence.

“Gladys is not a person who stays at home and knits. She is determined to go to war.” These words sum up the essence of Gladys Sandford’s life story, as told by Massey University war historian Glyn Harper.

Gladys goes to War (published by Penguin Random House New Zealand) is Harper’s fourth children’s book collaboration with illustrator Jenny Cooper on the topic of war and his 10th book for children. It’s his first to celebrate a wartime woman’s story of independence and bravery.

He stumbled on the story while doing research in Australia for another book, and felt inspired to make it his next children’s-book project.

He was searching through a state library for information on New Zealand soldiers when the Gladys Sandford papers came up.

“There was a photograph album of her trip of driving across Australia with a photo of her holding up a big python that she had just run over and I thought, ‘I really have to read more about her’.” More stories of the adventurous,

When I was young, women weren’t supposed to anything much.

Gladys Sandford drove ambulances in World War 1, became the first New Zealand woman to obtain a pilot’s licence in 1925 and drove across Australia from east to west and north to south in 1927, the first woman to make the crossings.

unconventional and spirited Gladys came to light as he followed her trail.

Gladys Coates was born in Sydney in 1891, and her family moved to New Zealand when she was a child, settling in Auckland then Hawke’s Bay. She loved tinkering with car engines, she worked as a schoolteacher, then married William Henning and joined him in a car dealership in Auckland.

When war began in 1914, she followed her husband and brothers and, in 1916, sailed to Egypt with the New Zealand Volunteer Sisterhood.

She drove an ambulance transporting injured soldiers to a hospital in Gaza. In England,

she continued ambulance driving, picking up wounded soldiers arriving from France and Belgium, and taking them to hospital.

Her husband and two brothers were killed in the war, and she nearly died from influenza.

She was awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire for her driving skill and tenacity.

She married SqnLdr Esk Sandford, an Australian in the Royal Air Force, but it did not work out.

In 1925 back in New Zealand, she fulfilled a lifelong dream to fly a plane and was the first New Zealand woman to obtain a pilot’s licence.

She then embarked on driving across Australia, east to west, north to south, setting off with a female friend in early March 1927.

They encountered floods, treacherous roads, crocodiles and snakes as well as constant breakdowns, which Gladys repaired each time. The pair returned at the end of July, having driven 17,600 kilometres and becoming the first women to make the crossings.

“When I was young, women weren’t supposed to do anything much, not even express themselves,” she said in a 1969 magazine interview.

“For my own part, if I found a barrier, I just crashed through it.”

Gladys died in Sydney in 1971, having worked as an unpaid social worker for the New Zealand sub-branch of the Returned Services’ League.

Personal history of Anzac heroes ‘impossible to put down’ A personal history of Anzac heroes – with illustrations, maps and fact boxes – has been judged the Margaret Mahy Book of the Year for children and young adults.

Anzac Heroes, by author Maria Gill and illustrator Marco Ivancic, also won the Elsie Locke Award for best non-fiction book at the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults.

The competition’s judges described the book as “simply stunning, with gold-standard production values ... a collaboration between writer and illustrator at its best”.

“Anzac Heroes was impossible to put down,” says Fiona Mackie, who convened the judging panel. “The book brings to life people who risked everything, left everything, and lost everything as they participated in World Wars 1 and 2, There’s carefully chosen material, never overwhelming to the reader, but not skimping on detail either.

for us.”

Published by Scholastic New Zealand, Anzac Heroes has a cast from both world wars ... from nurse and pilot to soldier and spy. Each has a personal story and a timeline, and is supported by illustrations , maps, medal room, fact boxes, index and glossary.

Mackie, a teacherlibrarian, convened a judgAuthor Maria Gill’s history of Anzac heroes has won the Margaret ing panel that included Mahy Book of the Year for children and young adults. librarian Kathy Aloniu “The meticulous research brings these heroes and author Melinda Szymanik.

English academic Martin Salisbury, professor (among them nurses, pilots, soldiers and spies) to life, creating the perfect book package. Readers of illustration at Anglia Ruskin University in will learn an amazing amount about the people Cambridge, United Kingdom, advised on the who represented, fought and, sometimes, died illustration award.

History of mortar battery history years in the making The history of the 1st NZ Light Trench Mortar Battery, 1916-1918 on the Western Front was a project, seven years in the making.

It traces the war of 232 (every battery member gets a mention) New Zealand soldiers through diaries, letters, newspaper reports and official records.

It covers the Western Front from April 1916 and includes the battery’s triumphal march into Germany.

The 400-page hard-back publication includes 10 chapters, 21 maps, tables, a battery list, more than 290 previously unpublished photographs, 10 section appendices and a soldier index. It is in portrait format, (185 x 255mm).

Events covered include; • The Battle of the Somme Battle, from previous untold soldier experiences.

• A school-boy recruit killed while involved in a bombing duel with the enemy.

• Two Royal Navy runaways join up – one is found out, the other seriously wounded.

• Mortars blow up killing one man, while others escape through exceptional luck and bravery.

• Battlefield bravery leads to many awards and almost a VC. • Three battery men are picked to fight in Persia, and an ex-battery captain is killed, involving a lengthy inquiry.

• Fierce fighting at Messines, Passchendaele, Hebuterne, Bapaume, Hindenburg Line, and Le Quesnoy result in many casualties and heroic deeds.

• A wounded man located amongst the dead awaiting burial.

• Cricket and rugby play a significant role in battery life.

• A private accidentally killed while on leave.

• Many untruthful details at enlistment secure places in the NZEF. • Multiple deaths occur on several occasions.

• A lieutenant demoted to private and joins the battery as subservient to his former cook.

• A man steals blankets to delay his return to New Zealand because he is awaiting his fiancé’s discharge from hospital.

• A deserter escapes the authorities, changes his name, and his grave site is located in outback Australia.

While the fighting was horrendous in the extreme, many humorous incidents are related, while rugby took centre stage when the troops were not fighting.

• Intended originally for the families of the soldiers, this limited self-publication is available through: Sloane Books NZ – sloanebooksnz@gmail.com.

T.S.Calliope story ‘a key piece of NZ Cadet Force history’ The Sea Cadet. A History of T.S. Calliope, a Central Area Sea Cadet Unit. By Douglas Bradley. Published June 2016. Printed by ColorMania. 295pp, full colour, mix of text and photographs. Reviewed

by Maj Wayne Henderson, New Zealand Cadet Force national historian.

Through photographs and text, Doug Brady has recorded the history of T.S. Calliope and the Wanganui Sea Cadets.

Doug Bradley joined TS (Training Ship) Tamatoa in 1951 as a sea cadet (having been in school cadets at Wellington College), and went on to complete nine years of service in the Royal New Zealand Navy.

In 1980 he began a 26-year involvement with the New Zealand Cadet Force as a sea-cadet officer. He retired his commission in November 1996 at the age of 60, but continued for a further

10 years with the northern area sea cadets – he was the founder of the Dolphin training group, co-founder of a national sea cadet magazine, and public relations officer for the Auckland units.

In 2015 he took on the role of public relations officer for TS Calliope for 12 months.

Very few books have been published on sea cadets anywhere. His Calliope history was written as a response to record and save the history of the Wanganui sea cadets and, in particular, TS Calliope.

Through photographs and text, he has recorded the history of Calliope and, in doing so, what it is like to be a sea cadet, a sea cadet officer, and the supporting organisations.

What comes across through the book is that

being a sea cadet includes the friendships, the uniform, the sense of tradition, the sea-based training and the hard work by many to produce well turned-out cadets.

Doug Bradley has produced a key piece of New Zealand Cadet Forces history that is without parallel.

The book was launched at Lower Hutt on July 9 at a Central Area sea cadet parade. The chief of navy, RAdm John Martin, Capt Maxine Lawes (RNZN) and the New Zealand Cadet Forces commandant,, LtCol Grant Morris (NZ Army) were present.

• Orders: Doug Bradley– dougbradley@ vodafone.co.nz Price: $56 (cost), plus postage.

News 43

RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2016

LANCASTER A THING OF BEAUTY AND WONDER WHEN IN THE AIR Is it not strange that we can see beauty and terribleness in the same thing? We can be dazzled by the lithe grace of a tiger, unless it is advancing rapidly towards us. Captain Scott said of Antarctica, “No words of mine can convey the impressiveness of the wonderful panorama displayed to our eyes.” Then later, “Great God! This is an awful place...” One viewer sees sublime athleticism in Muhammed Ali, another sees thuggery and violence.

War exemplifies such paradoxes.

The raucous song of a Spitfire fighter echoing from Central Otago hills as it performs its aerial ballet at a Warbirds show thrills many. Others reflect on its prime purpose...an engine of death.

The Avro Lancaster fits this incongruity.

Large by the standards of the time, it had four Rolls Royce Merlin engines. Like many large seabirds, it appeared cumbersome on land; in the air it flew beautifully and sounded wonderful.

Its purpose was, of course, to bring death and destruction to enemy forces and infrastructure.

In this, it was seen by many to have been the most successful bomber of the war, and maybe more influential in winning the war than the

Above: A Lancaster at its best. Below: Brake failure saw this Lancaster drive into a village.

much more widely heralded Spitfire.

More than 7000 Lancasters were built after the first flew in January 1941. The fuselage and wings were each built in five sections, fully fitted out, then assembled. It had a 10-metre-long bomb bay, and carried a wide range of bombs, from containers with 1.8-kilogrM devices to the 10,000kg Grand Slam.

‘We’re in a job with no future’ From page 44 trainees were required to form crews. Neville’s approach was to look for New Zealanders. Once the crew was formed, training in Wellingtons began, involving day and night flight, using GEE radar.

Their first flight to enemy territory was a diversion, dropping ‘window’ over Bayeux and Caen to alert enemy fighters while the main flight went elsewhere.

Being ordered to attend the funeral of six New Zealand airmen made him realise this war was in earnest. The sight of chrome plated Daimler hearses’ radiators has haunted him ever since.

On November 23, the crew were introduced to Lancasters at Woolfox Lodge airfield. Circuits and landings, day and night cross country flights, searchlight evasion and avoiding fighters made sure they were ready to go. They joined the largely New Zealand 75h Squadron at Mepal.

Their first ‘op’ was to to the Ludwigshafen marshalling yards in western Germany. This was a heavily defended area. They had fighter escort above them.

Despite having to fly through heavy flak, they all came through unscathed. On landing, Neville said to a Kiwi friend, “We’re in a job with no future.”

Their op the next night was aborted when flames started licking up the wall beside Neville. He and the engineer managed to extinguish it just before the pilot ordered everyone to bail out. Following orders, they jettisoned the bombs into the North Sea and flew back to base, to be confronted by a furious wing commander who ordered them in future to “press on regardless.”

In February 1945, Neville navigated in the main stream in the bombing of Dresden. This operation caused great loss of life, and was used as propaganda by the Nazis who grossly inflated the casualty figures.

Neville was one of a few navigators trained as GH navigators. GH was a form of radar used for bombing through cloud; each GH plane had three following it. When the lead plane opened its bomb bay, the others followed suit. On a sortie attacking the big garrison at Wesel on the Rhine River where Field Marshall Montgomery was poised to cross the Rhine, Neville was in one of two planes doing the lead-in, instructing the pilot with directions. When the target showed up on his screen, he pressed the bomb release from his navigator’s table. The following planes

did likewise. Some hours later, more bombers were involved in a wider attack. The following morning they got a message from Montgomery: “The bombing of Wesel was a masterpiece, and was a decisive factor in making possible our entry into the town before midnight.

Neville flew on 24 bombing missions, one early return through aircraft fire, one diversion, two Manna drops, and three repatriations of prisoners of war. In Operation Manna, food was dropped to starving Dutch people near war’s end. The German forces co-operated with this, and did not retaliate, as long as they were advised of the flights beforehand.

He had met Betty Box, a young WAAF with “beautiful eyes and smile” at the airbase. They were both shy, but he reckons there was a chemistry between them. They would meet, discreetly, usually off-base, because officers were not supposed to mingle with other ranks. Often they caught a bus to Ely, would have a simple meal and do their courting in the cathedral grounds. They got engaged, and were married in August 1945.

Neville was repatriated to New Zealand; Betty followed a few months later. He got work as a clerk in the Public Trust Office.

Night-school study earned him registered accountant qualifications and his farming and accountancy background led to a management position with Farmers’ Mutual Insurance.

Mainly through Betty’s church contact, he was persuaded to use his skills more and more within the Anglican church. Little by little, and recalling the selflessness of an air-force chaplain during the war, he was persuaded to become a vicar. He and his family served in parishes in Balclutha, Dunedin and Central Otago, and he has been chaplain of the local Brevet Club and the New Zealand Bomber Command Association.

The Venerable Neville Selwood, Archdeacon Emeritus, now a widower, is 92. His memory, with reference to his logbooks for dates and times, is ‘sharp as’.

His life has been a mix of youthful enthusiasm, courage dismay at the devastation of war crossed with the determination to wipe out the evils of Nazism. He does not remember being scared on these operations. In his later years, he has brought joy to marrying couples, comforted the bereaved, exemplified by his life the Christian values he holds dear.

Life is full of paradoxes.

Mainly through Betty’s church contact, he was persuaded to use his skills within the Anglican Church.

Lancaster navigation equipment included the H2S ground-scanning system to identify targets, and GEE, a radio navigation system that measured the time delay between two radio signals, giving a fix within about 300 metres accuracy.

The Lancaster crew numbered seven. The pilot sat on the port side of the cockpit. Alongside him on a folding dickie seat was the flight engineer.

Behind the pilot, the navigator sat facing the fuselage, curtained off so that the lights from his equipment would not be seen by enemy fighters. Above his desk, an astrodome gave a view of the stars for astral navigation if the sky was clear. To his left sat the wireless operator, facing forward.

The bomb-aimer got to his position down a hatch near the pilot. He was seated when operating the front guns, and lying on his stomach when directing the pilot for the last few minutes to the aiming point. The mid-upper gunner sat in the upper turret. After crawling over pipes, cables and wing spars, the rear-gunner was the most isolated, sitting in the rear turret. These two gunners had electrically heated suits that were supposed to protect them from frostbite.

Heating of sorts warmed the other crew members.

The Lancaster was the mainstay of Britain’s heavy bombing especially on night sorties. Of the 7377 built, 3249 were lost in action. Small escape hatches made it difficult to get out in an emergency, especially when wearing a parachute.

Only 15 per cent of Lancaster crew successfully bailed out compared to 25% of Halifax crew.

44 NEWS

RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2016

A LIFE PARADOX: FROM BOMBER TO VICAR NEIL GRANT catches up with a man who was lead navigator in some of the Allies’ biggest World War 2 bombing raids, who wooed a WAAF at the same time, and who ended up as an archdeacon in the Anglican Church.

Neville Selwood was born in Invercargill on June 12th, 1924. His first brush with death was surviving nearly being drowned in a creek when he was two.

In 1928, Kingsford Smith and Ulm came to Invercargill. Neville envied those who took flights with them, and dreamed he would fly one day. When he was seven, the family moved to a small farm at Myross Bush. The Southland Aero Club had a base on a farm nearby where a school friend lived. The boys would hang around the planes in the vain hope someone would take them for a flight.

Aero clubs were subsidised by the government to produce fliers for the predicted war. In 1938 the club held an air pageant with 75 planes. This event, and a Biggles of Camel Squadron book he had been presented with and still owns, made him even more determined to fly.

In 1941, Neville started work, and joined the local Air Training Corps with its plane recognition, signalling and theory of flight classes. His brother had volunteered for the army and was in North Africa. Neville registered at 18, and brought home application forms to join the RNZAF. At his age he needed parental permission. His father readily signed the forms, but his mother refused.

“After four night’s nagging, she relented, and signed them,” he says. He took the forms down to the mail box for the rural postman to pick up early next morning

Left: Neville Selwood, now aged 92. Centre and right: Betty Box and Nevillelwood in uniform in 1945.

That night, believing that his mother would change her mind, he sneaked out, picked up the envelope, and rode his bike to a neighbouring farmer’s letter box down the road.

“I had a very angry mother at breakfast in the morning.”

Then began the process of acceptance and training. Passed as ‘fit for aircrew’ after his medical examination he went to Levin for initial training, then back to the Taieri Air Defence Unit where he learnt the important flying skills of keeping the hut tidy and route marching. The next move was to Rotorua Initial Training Unit. A selection board passed him as, ‘temperamentally suited as a pilot’. With visions of becoming a Spitfire pilot, he was overjoyed.

Back at Taieri, he had his first flight, in a Tiger Moth.

“The whirling prop, the noise, and the shouting of the instructor down the tube – I got dizzy, and had no balance. ‘Not a very good flight,’ said the instructor. On my second flight I was again disoriented and had no judgement of distance or height. ‘You won’t cope,’ he said.”

Sent to hospital for observation he revealed that he had been concussed in a school rugby game. The medical officer declared him, ‘no longer fit for aircrew’, and he was grounded.

Sent to Rongotai, a selection board consisting of a flight lieutenant quizzed him about his ambitions, accepted he was not interested in being land based, and tucked his medical file three papers from the bottom of his burgeoning file.

Thus, Neville remained in the aircrew group and was sent to Rukuhia. Doing well in exams, he was chosen to be a navigator. A voyage to San

Francisco on a scruffy little freighter followed, then train trips to Vancouver, Edmonton and Portage La Prairie in Manitoba to a navigation training station. Life was comfortable there. It was winter and the training was intense, both on ground and in the air.

Avro Ansons were used for flight training. The trainees stood up and took their sight of stars or land points of interest through an open hatch in the plane, then came back down, closed the hatch and did their plotting.

“Results were not very accurate.”

He graduated, got his ‘wing’, and sailed for England, arriving in March 1944. He was stationed at Brighton, then Anglesey, for further Anson training. In July, he went to Westcott. Here To page 43

‘YOU’RE TAKING US BACK WHERE WE DON’T WANT TO GO’ On January 7, 1945, Lancaster Mark3 AAC (Charlie) from 75 New Zealand Squadron RAF, on the crew’s third operation, climbed to join the rest of the flight bound for Germany. The constant engine roar and vibration, dulled only by the headphones the crew needed for communicating with each other, provided the background for the next eight hours.

The crew’s day had begun with checking the noticeboard to see if they were on the night’s battle order. Photo reconnaissance and other intelligence, combined with meteorological information, bomb load weights suitable for the target, and fuel calculations, had already been prepared. Determining that “ops were on”, checking the fuel load gave a clue as to where they were bound. The crew and ground-crew checked the aircraft and their own equipment, and ground-crew bombed the plane up.

The pilot and navigator attended the first afternoon briefing, facing the map of Europe covering one wall. Coloured tape dog-legged across it marking the route. They took notes of flight times and course change positions, predicted wind speed and direction, and known anti-aircraft positions. The second, more general briefing required the whole crew.

Free time allowed for letter writing, dozing, and a meal of bacon, eggs and chips, known as the “last supper”, served by WAAF staff. As takeoff approached, they suited up, collected parachutes and life preservers, and joined other crews ready to be bussed out to their plane.

This afternoon’s briefing had identified Munich as the target, an eight-hour round flight. Rotten weather was predicted with the sortie flying through three fronts.

Neville Selwood (right), with pilot Wynn Russell.

On this sortie, leaving at dusk, the navigator was Neville Selwood.

“We got a green light from the watch tower, taxied out and joined the queue. We took off at one-minute intervals. We would roar over the village, do a circuit and climb. I was busy from the outset. “At the French coast, we lost our GEE. I’d had no training on H2S, so we were left with dead reckoning. I had to be pretty meticulous.

After four hours, coming up to Munich and approaching target, the pilot said for me to come up and have a look. We were in thick cloud. “ We could see a glow to port, which I thought was from pathfinder marking. The glow disappeared and I said we were not going to find anything, but we would be found. We dropped

our bombs, and I set our starting point for going home. After about 10 minutes the rear gunner said he could see a plane behind us with its navigation lights on. The mid-upper gunner then said there was a plane coming in from the side. The rear gunner yelled out, ‘Corkscrew starboard! Go!’ “All hell broke out. The two turrets opened up. There were bullets all around us, some touching us. We go into the corkscrew. You dive away down, then lift up and dive the other way. The gunners reckoned they got hits on one of the fighters. It withdrew just as we got into cloud. The other one with the light on, a decoy, obviously, tried to follow us, but he didn’t find us in the cloud. We’d lost a fair bit of altitude,

and I’m feeling rather uneasy because there are a lot of mountains near Munich.

“We stayed in cloud for some considerable time, and were all OK, but shaken up. We fly north-west and dawn begins to break. I tell the bomb-aimer to keep his eyes open, and he says there’s a river coming up. I said if another river comes up in eight minutes, I’ll know roughly where we are. It did, so I knew we were in the south if France.

“I gave the pilot a course of 275 degrees. We had our coffee from the flask, then I notice on my compass we are heading 075 degrees not 275. I tell the pilot, ‘You’re taking us back where we don’t want to go!’ Just fatigue and relaxing a bit over a coffee, I suppose. Only for a minute or two, so we correct that, and find a spot on the coast, identify it, and on approaching the British coast, we fire the colours of the day, and follow a canal all the way down to Mepal. We weren’t able to land because the last plane had run off the runway and sunk down. They sent us to Waterbeach about nine miles away. We went back to Mepal by truck.

“Everyone was silent. There’s normally jubilation if you’ve done a good job. The pathfinder marking had gone wrong.

“You have to fly straight and level for 30 seconds after you drop the bombs to get a photo. When everything’s reviewed next day, the squadron is called in to hear how things went. The wing commander tells everyone how they went. Anyway, we got a photo through a little hole in the cloud and he said we had done a great job – we had no navigation aids, got there, got back, and got attacked. We had shown we could do it.”