WPN Anzac 2011

Western Port Local news for local people

25 April 2011

The Freedom of Mobility - Serving the Peninsula Service %DWWHU\ WHVWV 5HSDLUV 12 &$// 287 )(( Call Ca ll ffor or a free home demonstration or to discuss your requirements.

5/1 Bray Street, Hastings (Just off Frankston Flinders Road)

Ph: 5979 4722

Where to ¿QG XV POUND RD BRAY ST WESTERNPORT MOWERPOWER

FRANKSTONFLINDERS RD

What we do:

EDWARD CT AUTUMN CT

RAE’S

HASTINGS

21 BIRTHDAY SALE ST

Specials Available For 2 Days Only Saturday 23rd April – Sunday 24th April 2011

Birt h day Sale C e le brations

3 FOR

$

10

7

$

89

This Saturday 23 RD April 10am-2pm

DIGGER’S MINERAL TURPENTINE

®

GARD&GROW GENERAL PURPOSE POTTING MIX s , s #ONTAINS BASE FERTILISERS AND WETTING AGENTS

s , s ,OW AROMATIC

s 0RIZES 'IVEAWAYS )NCLUDING -C$ONALDS 6OUCHERS s 3AUSAGE 3IZZLE s &2%% &ACE 0AINTING s #OFFEE #ART AND -ORE

9316487114613

6

$

P lu s CHANCE TO

15

99

$

CHARCOAL BBQ WITH ICE BUCKET s 'RILL BUCKET 7 X ( CM s )CE BUCKET 7 X ( CM

WIN AN OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT PACKAGE VALUED AT $500 *

SUMMIT 25M EXTENSION LEAD s AMP s 3- %84

*4ERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY SEE IN STORE FOR FULL DETAILS 7INNER S NAME PUBLISHED IN THE 7ESTERN 0OR T . EWS

199

$

69

$

RICHFIELD 8 PIECE PACKAGE

Pac k age inc lude s: ROCKWELL 3 IN 1 WORKSHOP KIT s )NCLUDES WORKBENCH 7 SHEET SANDER AND 7 MM IMPACT DRILL s 2$

RAE'S

HASTINGS

136 High Street, Hastings, 3915

PH 5979 1588

TRADING HOURS: -/. &2) AM PM 3!4 AM PM 35. AM PM EASTER TRADING HOURS: &2) ND !PRIL #,/3%$ 3!4 RD !PRIL AM PM 35. TH !PRIL AM PM On sale from Saturday 23rd April to Sunday 24th April 2011, Rae’s Hastings Mitre 10 only, while stocks last. No customer orders, no rainchecks, no laybys.

Cash or major credit cards only. Unless otherwise stated, accessories shown are not included in the price. We reserve the right to correct printing errors.

PAGE 2 Western Port News ANZAC Special Edition 2011

MIT0100 - 19/04/11

FOLDING STEEL LOUNGE & 7PCE SETTING s , X $ X CM ( TABLE s 2EVERSIBLE CUSHIONS

They shall not grow old as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn ANZAC Day, 25 April, is a special day in Australian history. It marks the anniversary of the landing of Australian and New Zealand forces on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey in 1915. It was here that the Anzac legend was born and, in the subsequent grim fighting, traditions of mateship, courage and perseverence were established as hallmarks of the Australian serviceman.

Most of us know much more about Gallipoli than we do about the Western Front and the Somme battlefields and we tend to look on the ill-fated Gallipoli campaign as our country’s finest hour. Yet nearly 10 times the number of soldiers fought at the Somme than at Gallipoli, and they fought more than five times as long in equally shocking conditions.

The Anzacs fought the Turkish army solidly for more than seven months at Gallipoli and Australia had 50,000 troops engaged there; some were just boy soldiers who lied about their ages to enlist. The number of Australians killed and wounded (19,000) shocked the nation. Each year on Anzac Day we remind ourselves of these things, and yet on the Western Front in Europe, from 1916 until the end of the war in November 1918, 500,000 Diggers fought in the trenches of the Somme battlefields, sometimes for weeks at a time, up to their knees in mud.

The bodies of nearly 40,000 Aus-

tralians lie in the immaculate war cemeteries in France and Belgium; a further 11,000 have no known grave.

More than three times this number were wounded, many of them on more than one occasion. In the years that followed the war, more died from their wounds and the aftermath of being gassed.

While it has been argued that some of the Western Front battles are more worthy of commemoration – battles such as Villers-Bretonneux where the Australians stopped the German advance on Amiens (coincidentally on 25 April 1918, the third anniversary of the Gallipoli landing) or Hamel, or Mont St Quentin – and other people have pressed the cause of significant dates relating to Kokoda or the Battle of the Coral Sea in the Second World War, 25 April has become the day when Australians across the country, pockets of expatriates in far-off nations, and thousands of young pilgrims at Anzac Cove in Turkey and in villages along the Western Front, stop to remember the men and women who served their country. It is the day when we honour all who have served Australia since Federation – from the Boer War to the present conflict in Afghanistan.

Gallipoli made an immediate impact; in 1916 services were held in many towns and cities in Australia, and 2000 troops marched through the streets of London. In the 1920s and

1930s, Anzac Day services were well attended and war memorials sprang up in every country town. With the coming of the Second World War, Anzac Day became a day on which to commemorate the lives of Australians lost in that war as well.

The meaning of the day was subsequently broadened to include those killed in all military operations in which our country has been involved.

However by the 1950s Anzac Day was “the one day of the year” of old Diggers drinking and playing two-up to the embarrassment of rising generations. Thirty years later feminists used the annual march to protest against male violence in war, and were banned from marching.

The difficulties of the Vietnam War period and the influx of non-Anglo Saxon migrants led some to question whether Anzac Day had a future. And then in the late 1980s there was an incredible change, with an international resurgence of interest in the First World War and its commemorations.

While there were four young “hitchhikers”, today called backpackers, at Anzac Cove in 1965 when the 300 Gallipoli veterans arrived on a government-sponsored trip, more than 30,000 people attended services at Anzac Cove and Lone Pine in 2005.

Anzac Day attendances in Australia have risen, with young people taking a particular interest and wanting to honour the sacrifices of previ-

Chainsaws from only

$299 *refers to model 236 available while stocks last

*

ships. And then there is the memorial on Hastings foreshore to George Mawby Ingram, VC. This special edition of The News provides some information on these reminders; we think it is important that the younger generation is aware of the important legacy handed down from that first Anzac Day, 25 April, 1915.

ous generations. Today relatives of veterans march every 25 April and wear the medals of campaigns past with pride.

Around us in this district there are ample reminders of the Anzac legend: apart from the customary war memorials and honour boards, there are streets in Bittern and Crib Point named after Victoria Cross winners, and streets in Bittern named after Western Front battles. Even in Hastings we have a number of streets named after Royal Australian Navy

At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.

Husqvarna chainsaws are loaded with smart solutions that offer the ultimate in reliability and performance to take the hard yards out of your work. Put them to the test today! only

only

$

549

240e

$

440e

38.2cc - 16” - 4.7kg

only

$

$

35.2cc - 12” - 3.4kg

only

1299

346XP

699

T435

65.1cc - 20” - 6.0kg

only

$

40.9cc - 16” - 4.4kg

only

1249

365

749

$

1299

570

50.1cc - 15” - 5.0kg

67.9cc - 20” - 6.8kg

Made for professionals. Powered by you.

YOUR LOCAL HUSQVARNA SPECIALIST

HASTINGS MOWERS

Husqvarna 236 Chainsaw 38.2cc - 14” - 4.7kg X-Torq engine - delivers more power, lower fuel consumption and reduced exhaust emissions.

2013 FRANKSTON FLINDERS RD, HASTINGS PH: 5979 1382 MON-FRI 8AM-6PM. SAT 8AM-4PM. SUN 9AM-2PM www.husqvarna.com Western Port News ANZAC Special Edition 2011

PAGE 3

Bittern honours Western Front battles

By Peter McCullough ABOUT 300,000 Australians volunteered to serve their country between 1914 and 1918; this from a nation of fewer than five million people. Most saw service on the Western Front: in Belgium (Flanders) or along the River Somme in France. About 52,000 died and are buried there.

In the postwar years in Australia, whenever a new area was being developed it was common, almost mandatory, to honour our war dead by naming the streets after famous Western Front battles in which Australians had participated.

The trapezium-shaped area in Bittern bordered by South Beach Rd (to the west), Disney St (south), Trafalgar St (north) and the railway line (east) is fairly typical. However an examination of the names selected by the developer at the time leads one to ask “What was he thinking?�.

There are 11 streets in the subdivision. One (Centre Ave) has geographical rather than historical significance; for the purpose of this exercise we can discard it. Of the remaining 10 streets, only six relate to battles of some significance and two are of only minor interest to the AIF. Let’s have a look at each in turn.

1. POZIERES ST This is a worthy inclusion in the developer’s selection. The Somme offensive started early in July 1916 with no significant progress. The key

to the German defences was the village of Pozieres on the Albert-Bapaume Rd. The British Major-General Walker decided to use the Australians (1st, 2nd and 4th Divisions) and the New Zealand Division to spearhead the attack on the night of 23 July 1916. The attack was a success but the Germans, recognising the critical importance of the village to their defensive network, attempted to retake Pozieres on 7 August following a particularly heavy bombardment. The Germans overran the forward Anzac defences, and a wild melee developed from which the Anzacs emerged victorious.

The Anzacs then drove along the ridge towards Mouquet Farm. After heavy fighting, they were relieved by the Canadians who captured Mouquet Farm on 26 September 1916.

In the fighting at Pozieres and Mouquet Farm, the Australian divisions suffered more than 23,000 casualties of which 6741 were killed.

Australia’s most decorated soldier, Captain Albert Jacka of the 4th Division, who had won the Victoria Cross at Gallipoli, won the Military Cross at Pozieres and another the following year at Bullecourt (see below).

At the conclusion of the war, each of the five Australian divisions was permitted to select an area to erect a memorial to commemorate its achievements; the 1st Division memorial is at Pozieres.

2. BULLECOURT RD This, too, is a worthy selection. On 9 April 1917 the British Army started the significant Battle of Arras. It incorporated the smaller battles of Vimy Ridge, which the Canadians commemorate, and Bullecourt, with which the Australians identify.

Four experienced Australian divisions (1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th) were part of the British 5th Army under General Sir Hubert Gough, a comparatively young but energetic commander. Gough wanted to attack at Bullecourt to support the British 3rd Army offensive to the north and the French to the south.

The general’s aggressive attitude, coupled with poor planning, resulted in heavy losses. His attack launched at Bullecourt on 11 April 1917 was a disaster. Despite this, a further attack across the same ground was ordered for 3 May. The Australians broke into and took part of the Hindenberg Line but no important strategic advantage was gained; in the two battles the AIF lost 10,000.

In the first battle, Gough employed a dozen tanks, a fairly recent innovation, to lead the troops with disastrous results: the tanks were destroyed and the soldiers took an instant dislike to them, believing that they only attracted machine gun and artillery fire. While 3000 were killed or wounded in the first battle of Bullecourt, 1170 Australian soldiers

Total destruction: Above, the ancient Roman road that was the main street of Pozieres in 1914, and, below, the same view two years later.

Super Specials 63(&,$/6 9$/,' 817,/ $35,/

t a h C g k 5 s e o t a t o P

g r e b e c Local I uce Lett

l a c o L g 2k a l a G l a y Ro Apples

a ba

eac

a ba

0 5 .

2 $ g

N O I S S E C RE

R E T S BU

9 4 .

1 $ h

Spend $60 & over on produce and receive 5% discount FRESH PRODUCE ONLY

$2.9g9

400gm ed c i D n a i l Ita s e o t a m To 3 $ r o f s 4 can n a c ¢ a or 90

You t ‡*OXWHQ )UHH 3URGXFWV a ‡)UHH UDQJH (JJV e b t ’ n ca ! s s e n h ‡:LGH 6HOHFWLRQ RI 2UJDQLFV fres

Stocktons Coolstore 1316 Frankston/Flinders Road, Somerville

PAGE 4 Western Port News ANZAC Special Edition 2011

Ph: 5977 5264

were taken prisoner; the largest capture of Australian soldiers until the fall of Singapore in 1942.

In front of the Bullecourt church is a memorial to the Australians unique on the Western Front: the focal point is an original slouch hat, bronzed to protect it from the elements.

3. MESSINES RD This is also an essential selection.

The battle of Messines, fought on 7 June 1917, was the first large-scale action involving Australian troops in Belgium and also marked the entry

of the 3rd Division into a major battle. The major offensive by the British, launched on Messines Ridge, south of Ypres, was intended to retake the areas lost in the First and Second Battles of Ypres. This was an important success for the British Army leading up to the beginning of the Third Battle of Ypres several weeks later.

Since 1915, specialist tunnelling companies including more than 30,000 men, many Australian, had been digging tunnels under Mess-

ines Ridge and about 500,000kg of explosives had been placed. The First Australian Tunnelling Company had been particularly active at Hill 60 near Ypres since November 1916. Occasionally Allied or German miners would dig into an enemy shaft and ferocious hand-tohand fighting would break out in the cramped tunnels.

At 3.10am on 7 June 1917, 19 powerful mines exploded under the German trenches, killing 10,000 Germans. The explosion was appar-

Second time: 8th Battalion sentries in the Hindenburg Line (OGI Trench, or old German first line), captured near Bullecourt.

ently heard in London and detected on a seismograph in an observatory on the Isle of Wight. Heavily supported by great volumes of artillery fire, the troops, commanded by General Sir Herbert Plumer, surged forward to capture the enemy positions.

The 3rd Australian Division, under General John Monash, was anxious to prove itself worthy of the other veteran Australian divisions.

While the older Australian divisions were being mauled on the killing fields of the Somme, the 3rd Division was always training or in reserve. The veterans were somewhat dismissive of the 3rd as a consequence, referring to them as “the neutrals”. Accordingly, the 3rd Division had a point to prove.

It made a successful attack alongside the NZ Division south of Messines village. The other Australian division involved, the 5th, made a follow-up attack later in the day.

Although some fighting continued, the result was virtually decided by the end of the first evening with the ridge being taken and enemy counter-attacks repulsed.

On 11 July, however, the Germans retaliated with an awful new weapon – mustard gas.

Beginning in late July 1917 and continuing into October, the struggle around Ypres was renewed with the Battle of Passchendaele (technically the Third Battle of Ypres, of which Passchendaele was the first phase).

Canadian veterans from the Battle of Vimy Ridge (see below) joined the depleted Anzacs and British forces and took the village of Passchendaele on 30 October despite extremely

heavy rain and casualties. Both sides lost a combined total of more than 500,000 men in the offensive. Australians also contributed to the Third Battle of Ypres when they attacked along the Menin Rd and at Polygon Wood, so named for its unusual shape It is the site of the memorial to the 5th Division.

Even nowadays, long after hostilities ceased, one or two farmers in France and Belgium unearth unexploded bombs every year, often to their extreme detriment. The residents of Messines are walking on eggshells; according to legend there were 20 mines under the ridge but only 19 exploded. No one is sure where number 20 is located.

4. PERONNE ST This is almost a compulsory inclusion. The end of August 1918 found the German troops at their last stronghold at Mont St Quentin overlooking the Somme River and the town of Peronne. Mont St Quentin stood out in the surrounding country, making it a perfect observation post and a vital strategic area to control.

General Monash was keen to capture this strategic post and the Australian operation is sometimes regarded as the finest achievement of the AIF. The 2nd Division crossed the Somme on the night of 31 August 1918 and attacked Mont St Quentin from the unexpected position to the north-west at 5am. By 7am the Australians had gained the village of Mont St Quentin and five German divisions had become confused and dispersed, or had fled. By midnight 31 August, Monash’s troops had taken 14,500 prisoners and 170 guns

EASTER & Y A D C A Z AN

S T R A P E R A P S • S E IV IT D D CAR AUDIO • OILS & A OLS • CAR CARE MARINE PARTS • TO

Proudly supporting the Hastimgs RSL

ONLY AVAILABLE AT

HASTINGS 2049 Frankston Flinders Road Ph: 5979 2100 Fax: 5979 4582 Email: sales@hastings.autopro.com.au

OPEN 7 DAYS

JOIN US ON

WE’VE GOT ALL THE ANSWERS! Western Port News ANZAC Special Edition 2011

PAGE 5

Close call: An Australian transport wagon near German shelling at Messines.

since 8 August. Allied troops also broke through lines to Peronne by 8.20am on 1 September 1918.

The Germans counter-attacked with much hand-to-hand fighting in Peronne. The outnumbered Australians were pushed back but, when relief battalions arrived, they regained lost ground but at a cost of 3000 casualties. By the night of 3 September the Australians had secured Peronne.

Private Alex Barclay of 17th Battalion was shot in the head by a sniper duting the Mont St Quentin attack. Miraculously the bullet passed through his skull and he survived to re-enlist in the Second World War.

The 2nd Division selected Mont St Quentin as the site for their divisional memorial. Unveiled in 1925, the memorial was more elaborate than the other four, which are identical stone obelisks. It showed an Australian soldier bayoneting a German eagle sprawled at his feet. Not surprisingly, it was removed by the Germans when they occupied France in 1940 and was apparently melted down. A less controversial sculpture of a Digger in full kit replaced it in 1971.

5. VIMY ST At this point the puzzlement in Bittern starts. Vimy is six miles north of

Arras, and between 9-12 April 1917 the Canadian Expeditionary Force was heavily engaged with three divisions of the German 6th Army. It ended when the Canadians took control of the German-held high ground along an escarpment at the northernmost end of the Arras offensive. At the same time the Australians were heavily involved at Bullecourt.

Vimy Ridge is the site of the Canadian National Memorial, perhaps the grandest of all battlefield memorials.

6. BAPAUME AVE This is another curious choice.

In mid-March 1917, the German army withdrew from the Somme to

the Hindenberg line. It destroyed Bapaume before withdrawing and the Australians entered with a band playing and without a fight on 17 March 1917.

Bapaume was, however, reoccupied by the Germans during their big advance of early 1918 and this led to the “second� battle of Bapaume between 21 August and 1 September 1918, which was the second phase of the Battle of Amiens. The town was recaptured by the New Zealanders on 24 August while the Australians were pre-occupied further south taking Mont St Quentin and Peronne.

The Germans left plenty of booby traps for the Australians when they occupied the town after the first “battle�, including a delayed action device that obliterated the Bapaume Town Hall, one of the few buildings left standing. Unfortunately a number of Diggers had decided that it would be an appropriate place for a rest and the explosion killed 26.

7. ANCRE AVE At this point it becomes harder to justify name selection. The Ancre is a river in Picardy that flows into the Somme at Corbie. The British 5th Army did fight a Battle of Ancre between 13-18 November 1916 as the final act of the Battle of the Somme. The Australians, however, were involved in heavy fighting in the area on 27 March 1918 and, as a consequence, the 3rd Division war memorial is located in open country between Sailly-le-Sec and Mericourt-L’Abbe, two villages in the Ancre River valley.

8. LILLE ST The magnificent view from the

heights of Vimy Ridge (see earlier) is over the wide Douai Plain and the then-great coal mining region of northern France centered on Lille.

Clearly seen from the ridge is the famous Double Crassier, a huge twinpeaked slag heap, evidence of the extensive coal mining past in the area.

For much of the war the Germans occupied this industrial heartland of France and made use of its natural and human resources. There appears to be no grounds for Lille to be selected as one of the subdivision’s street names.

9. LENS ST Lens was a small village located between Vimy Ridge and Lille. It was obliterated during the ebb and flow of battle, and there would appear to be no good reason for it to be included as a Western Front battlefield town.

10. OSTEND ST This is the final absurdity as the seaport of Ostend was in German hands for all but the closing stages of the war, and was used as a submarine base. It has no significance as far as Australia is concerned.

So there it is: four street names that merited the honour, two which were borderline, and four that couldn’t really be justified. What of the places that were passed over?

PASSCHENDAELE A major battle for the AIF (see earlier) and the final phase of the vital Third Battle of Ypres. Perhaps it was too hard to spell?

YPRES The Australians played a significant role in the final defence of “Wipers�, as they called it. Perhaps

Veterans Affairs Welcome Hastings Family Dental Care invites you to come and see us!

We value everyone’s teeth from the youngest little toddlers to those more advanced in years. Especially this week we would like to encourage the Veterans of life to ensure they are looking after their teeth. There is no doubt that healthy teeth have a profound effect on your health and we would like to make sure that everything is being cared for to a high standard.

So please make an appointment, we’d love to see you soon!

Hastings Family Dental Care

NEW PATIENTS WELCOME

6DOPRQ 6WUHHW +DVWLQJV ‡ 5979 1717

'HQWDO 6XUJHRQV 'U 7RP )HHKHO\ %'6 Â&#x2021; 'U $ODQ <HRQJ %'6 Â&#x2021; 'U $QGUHZ $EH\VLQJKH %'6 'U 3DXO $PDLOXN %'6 )5$&'6 Â&#x2021; 'U -DPHV )HUQDQGR %'6 Â&#x2021; 0U 0LFKDHO 3RSS %2+ 'HQWDO 7KHUDSLVW +\JHQLVW PAGE 6 Western Port News ANZAC Special Edition 2011

Taking a break: Australian troops from the 54th Battalion man a forward post in Peronne, the day after the town was captured.

it was too hard to pronounce?

VILLERS-BRETONNEUX The most “Australian” of all the villages with the Victoria School (paid for with funds donated by Victorian school children) and its sign “Do Not Forget Australia”, streets named Victoria and Melbourne, and the Cafe Kangaroo. It was where the Australians stopped the German advance on the already significant day of 25 April 1918, and is the site of the main Australian war memorial.

Perhaps it was too cumbersome for a street name?

AMIENS This was a major railway junction, just as Lille was for the Germans. To have lost this stronghold during the German spring offensive of MarchApril would have been catastrophic and underlines the importance of the Australian victory at Villers-Brettoneux, which is located only 16km to the east.

HAMEL In a meticulous action on 4 July 1918, Monash ensured close cooperation between infantry, tanks, artillery and aircraft in a battle used as a template for British attacks for the rest of the war. Monash intended the battle to take 90 minutes; it took 93! Ironically the attack was carried out by the 4th Division, the very division that had developed an intense dislike of tanks at Bullecourt. This all changed when they were properly deployed at Hamel.

FROMELLES This was Australia’s initiation to the horrors of the Western Front.

Poorly planned and poorly executed, this “diversion” saw the 5th Division suffer 5533 casualties in 24

hours. A new cemetery was created at Fromelles in 2010 to inter about 400 Australians who had been buried nearby in a mass grave at Pheasant Wood. Fromelles is also the location of the famous “Cobber” statue. It depicts Sergeant Simon Fraser carrying a wounded comrade to safety.

During one of several trips into no man’s land (disputed territory), Fraser heard a week voice call out “Don’t forget me, cobber.” The expression came to symbolise the bond of mateship that held the Australians together in those terrible days.

HARBONNIERES This was where Australian soldiers contribution to the greatest single day’s advance by Allied troops in the entire war – 8 August 1918. It was dubbed “the Black Day” by General Ludendorff and led to German capitulation three months later.

ALBERT Australians saw a lot of this town as it was the main British base of operations during the Somme battles.

Before the war it was a pilgrimage site as the magnificent basilica in the main square was topped by a gilded statue of the Madonna holding the baby Jesus to the heavens. By 1916 German artillery had damaged the basilica and the statue was leaning precariously from the tower. For the next two years the “Leaning Virgin” was one of the most iconic landmarks of the Western Front.

One myth, believed by the British, was that when the statue eventually fell, the war would end. In fact British artillery destroyed the tower early in 1918 when the Germans briefly occupied Albert, but soldiers who saw the fall of the statue were

disappointed – the war ground on for another eight months. Australians fighting around Albert thought the leaning statue resembled a swimmer leaving the blocks; with more than a touch of irreverance, they referred to it as “Fanny Durack” who was an Australian swimming champion of that time.

MONTBREHAIN This was the AIF’s final battle in the closing weeks of the war and was where one-time Hastings resident George Mawby Ingram won his Victoria Cross. It is also the location where the 4th Division has its memorial.

It’s hard to believe that the Bittern developer, faced with such a huge range of options, could have chosen so poorly.

Resting easy: Above right, an Australian infantryman uses his .303 rifle to ease the weight of his pack during a halt in the pursuit of the Germans to the Hindenburg Line early in 1917.

“She’s over boys”: Below, the troops assemble beside St Quentin Canal to hear the good news – the end of the war, later called “the war to end all wars”.

Western Port Proudly published by Mornington Peninsula News Group Pty. Ltd

PHONE: 1300 MPNEWS (1300 676 397) Circulation: 15,000 Editor: Keith Platt, 0439 394 707 Journalist: Mike Hast, 5979 8564 Feature writer: Peter McCullough Advertising Sales: Val Bravo, 0407 396 824 Production and graphic design: Stephanie Loverso Publisher: Cameron McCullough, 0407 027 707

SELLING, BUYING, RENTING? TALK TO US 5979 4412

ADDRESS: Mornington Peninsula News Group PO Box 588, Hastings 3915 Email: team@mpnews.com.au Web: www.mpnews.com.au

Local news for local people We stand as the only locally owned and operated community newspaper on the Peninsula.

We are dedicated to the belief that a strong community newspaper is essential to a strong community.

We exist to serve residents, community groups and businesses and ask for their support in return.

87 High St, Hastings

5979 4412

www.baywestrealestate.com.au Western Port News ANZAC Special Edition 2011

PAGE 7

Western Port: Before the birth of Anzac

Above: The No. 6 Battery Field Artillery on parade entering High St, Hastings, in 1901. Below: A guard of honour is formed for the returning soldiers.

THE “Ham and Beef” Battery presented quite an impressive sight with its band, bullocks pulling the 40-pounder Armstrong gun

and the soldiers marching.

When Captain Ham and Corporals Young and Neaves returned from the Boer War in June 1901, they received

PAGE 8 Western Port News ANZAC Special Edition 2011

an enthusiastic welcome at Hastings, which was reported in The Mornington Standard (20 June 1901) as “one of the biggest days in the history of

Hastings”. The report reveals that a dozen bullocks were yoked to the 40-pounder gun at the gun shed and the battery, with the band taking the lead,

marched around to the school and the line of procession formed.  Taken from Hastings – People and Places Vol II

Colourful life at sea tinged by tragedy JIM DAVIES was born in East Melbourne at Berry Street Babies Home and Hospital, which overlooks the MCG. The building is there today.

He grew up in Collingwood and went to Cromwell Street State School, later moving to Abbotsford with his dad James and mum Daphne.

He got to know Lou Richards and they played football in the street using a paper football tied with string.

Life was very tough in those days.

At 17 he joined the Royal Australian Navy and trained at HMAS Cerberus in Crib Point in 1944-45.

He then went to Canberra to Radio Headquarters Receiving Station. He was stationed there for a few months Decked out: Radio Supervisor Jim Davies in his RAN uniform.

and then commissioned to HMAS Bataan, a Tribal class destroyer.

On the first day out they ran into a cyclone. After about 10 minutes in the wireless office, he was so sick he had to go off duty.

After about three days he got his sea legs and, although the ship was still rolling, was able to resume his duties. They travelled to Darwin but the shipâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s telegrapher went down with peritonitis, and Jim had to stay on board and go to Japan.

After a month he returned to Darwin and saw the devastation caused by the Japanese bombing. There were 27 ships sunk in the harbour, and many homes and all the hotels except the Darwin Hotel had been bombed.

He then went to Manus Island (north of New Guinea) as a radio operator. On the north side of the island the Americans had an army base and were holding war trials of Japanese soldiers. He spent about four months there before returning to Darwin.

This was about 1947-48 and with other navy personnel he was tasked to load three-tonne trucks with old shells to be taken 80 kilometres (50 miles) out of Darwin to be exploded; a hazardous task.

After this he joined HMAS Sydney and spent six months in Korea.

From 1950 he spent three years on HMAS Australia sailing to Malaysia, Singapore, Borneo, Guadalcanal and Guam. He contracted dengue fever and after recovering sailed with his

ship around the Solomon Islands and the Philippines.

He returned to Melbourne and met and married Estelle in 1952. He became an instructor, teaching groups of 20 to 25 men aged 17-22 years.

Jim returned to sea on HMAS Warramunga and travelled around the waters near Singapore.

He did a further instruction course and returned to sea on HMAS Vengeance, on loan from the British Navy to transport troops back to England.

Jim and his wife had a daughter, Karen, in April 1955 and three months later he had to leave them and sail to England, During the trip Vengeance struck heavy seas with waves 15 metres high (50ft) and winds of 130 knots (240kph or 150mph), which damaged the ship and forced it to be held up in Aden waiting for spare parts.

After Vengeance was repaired they steamed through the Suez Canal and after passing into the Red Sea, narrowly missed a tramp steamer on auto pilot making straight for them.

Crossing the Mediterranean they stopped in Naples, Italy, and arrangements were made for any Roman Catholic crew members to have an audience with the Pope. Some travelled up the night before to visit Vatican City and an avenue lined with cafes and hotels.

They called in to a cafe for a beer and discovered it was owned by an Australian from Sydney, who had

H A S T I N G S C O V E & WESTERNPORT GARDENS

for enjoyable retirement

www.mrlc.com.au

been there six years. He offered accommodation, and the next day Jim and his mates rejoined with rest of the crew and met the Pope. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We had two daysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; leave so we visited Pompeii and saw the ruins, mummified bodies and crumbling houses.

It was amazing how advanced they were for their time with their plumbing and roadmaking,â&#x20AC;? Jim recalled. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The roads were lined with white stones that shone in the night and marked the way for carts to go. There were clay pipes for hot water in the home. One two-storey home there is believed to be the first one ever built.

We took a lot of photos.â&#x20AC;?

The crew rejoined their ship and went on to England via Gibraltar.

They were in Plymouth for five days, then left Vengeance and took a train to London.

Jim took 10 daysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; leave and went to Europe to visit war graves. He took a ferry to Ostend, hired a car and drove to Passchendaele and its war graves.

He also went to Auschwitz concentration camp and its notorious gas chambers. Then it was on to Munich for a few steins of beer, and then Switzerland and Berne, the cleanest city heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d ever seen.

Next leg was across the French Alps to Paris, through the Black Forest to Le Havre and then a ferry back to Britain.

In 1953 he was on HMAS Australia and due to pick up King George VI, but unfortunately the king died

before he could make the trip.

Jim had a stay in hospital and was visited by Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip and while trying to lie to attention in bed, Prince Phillip came over to speak to him. Later, when the Prince again visited Melbourne, he remembered Jim from his last visit.

He later sailed on HMAS Melbourne through the Red Sea, calling in at Malta and Colombo.

He arrived back in Australia in 1956 and continued teaching at Cerberus. Jim remarried in 1963, to June, and the couple were together for 43 years until she died in 2007.

In 1965 Jim was drafted to HMAS Swan and went up north to train midshipmen. While there, he took a further course and was assigned to HMAS Voyager in 1966. At the last moment the navy decided to send another sailor as Jim was due to leave the navy.

Voyager was sunk by the aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne and Jim lost his best mate as well as five ratings he had trained at Cerberus.

Petty Officer Telegraphist Jim Davies retired from the navy in 1966 and joined Channel 9 as a videotape editor where he had a second career lasting 20 years. He worked with all the stars including Graham Kennedy, Bert Newton and Don Lane.

Nowadays Jim lives at Hastings Cove Retirement Village and is a sprightly 84 this week.

RETIREMENT LIVING you really can afford!

2 & 3 BR units from $239,500-$269,500 %5 XQLWV IURP &ORVH WR WKH VKRSV DQG WKH 0DULQD +DVWLQJV &RYH DQG :HVWHUQSRUW *DUGHQV RIIHU DQ LG\OOLF OLIHVW\OH LQ D QHZ RU HVWDEOLVKHG EULFN KRPH ZLWK \RXU FKRLFH RI OD\RXW DQG Ă&#x20AC;WWLQJV &RPH DQG H[SHULHQFH IRU \RXUVHOI WKH JUHDW FRPPXQLW\ DWPRVSKHUH ZLWK ORDGV RI IDFLOLWLHV IURP LQGRRU ERZOV WR FRPSXWHUV ZLWK IDVW LQWHUQHW FRQQHFWLRQ $QG RI FRXUVH \RXU SHWV DUH ZHOFRPH 9LVLW RXU ZHEVLWH ZZZ PUOF FRP DX RU FDOO QRZ IRU IXOO GHWDLOV

(QTXLULHV +DVWLQJV &RYH In association with 0,&+$(/ '(92/$ $662&,$7(6 Licensed estate agents and auctioneers 630 Hampton St, Brighton 3186 Ph: 9592 2222

)UDQNVWRQ )OLQGHUV 5G +DVWLQJV HQWHU HQG RI 0LFKHOOH 'ULYH

:HVWHUQSRUW *DUGHQV )UDQNVWRQ )OLQGHUV 5G %LWWHUQ HQWHU IURP 0\HUV 5RDG

Western Port News ANZAC Special Edition 2011

PAGE 9

Western Port Commemorates

The Peace rose IN June of 1939, an international conference of rose hybridisers was held in Lyon, France.

When it visited the Meilland firm, this was the rose that everyone noticed.

Several months later when the Nazi invasion of France seemed imminent, Francis Meilland sent eyes of the plant to rose growers who he knew in Turkey, Germany, Italy, and the United States.

When Robert Pyle of Conard-Pyle received the eyes, he propagated plants, and sent them to the American Rose Society for testing.

In 1944 after France was liberated, Pyle

wrote to Meilland, explaining that he planned to release the plants once the war ended.

He chose the name ‘Peace’ for the namegiving ceremony at the Pacific Rose Society annual exhibition on 29 April 1945, the very day that Berlin fell.

That same year, Dr Ray Allen, secretary of the American Rose Society, sent each of the 49 delegations at the inaugural meeting of the United Nations in San Francisco a single, long-stemmed ‘Peace’ rose with the following note: “We hope the ‘Peace’ rose will influence men’s thoughts for everlasting world peace.”

DENTURE CLINIC Full / Partial Dentures Implant Over Dentures Repairs / Relines Victorian Denture Custom Made Scheme Mouthguards

Veterans’ Affairs Health Funds

64 King St Hastings www.aperiteeth.com.au Email: newsmile@aperiteeth.com.au

THE

D R A Y BACK Wheel Barrows Heavy duty special $110

Cape Cod Chairs Natural $135 White $185

Garden bridge 1700mx650w $195 Special

Colored pebbles 10kg bag $12 per bag

SHEDS THIS WEEKS SPECIAL

Colored mulch - red or black Special 50 litre bag $7.95

10x10 (3mx3m)

from

$599

MANY SIZES ON DISPLAY

Roses from $10 Standard Roses from $15.00

6” Plants - $3.95 Special 6ft Jacaranda trees $29.95

The Back Yard located at A Rose Affair (next to the big boot) 167 Moorooduc Hwy, Baxter. Phone: 5971 5051 PAGE 10 Western Port News ANZAC Special Edition 2011

EA$TER $PECIAL$ (UNTIL SUNDAY 1ST MAY 2011) 6 Litre $ 6Lt Ceiling White

GREAT PAINT DEALS ON...

95

49

6Lt Sealer Undercoat

6Lt Low Sheen Acrylic

Wattyl ID Masterpiece by Haymes All Motospray Products Cabots Decking Oils

15% OFF children’s stickers & borders SEALER UNDERCOAT 15 Litre

$

99

Ceiling White

$

105

Low Sheen Acrylic

$

105

GREAT DEALS ON ALL BATHROOM PRODUCTS (for a full list visit our website www.bettapaint.com) 900mm Pine

900mm Granite Top

$220

$143 Small Tallboy 1200mm high x 300mm wide

$395

White Tallboy

$275

1800mm high x 400mm wide

Come and see our comprehensive range of vanities and accessories.

Now’s the time to install a heated towel rail! LAY-BY WELCOME

SHOP 24, CENTRO SHOPPING CENTRE, 49 ERAMOSA ROAD WEST, SOMERVILLE (LAST shop on Graf Road side behind Rivers)

PHONE 5978 0164 Easter Trading Hours: Good Friday Closed: Easter Sat 8am-4pm. Easter Sunday & Easter Monday Closed. Easter Tuesday 9am to 3pm.

Western Port News ANZAC Special Edition 2011

PAGE 11

Former military aircraft housed at The Old Aeroplane Company in Tyabb

Australian-built P51 Mustang in 3 Squadron RAAF colours.

American P40F Kitty Hawk. Presently the only flying example of this model.

New Zealand AT-6C Harvard.

South African Air Force De Havilland Vampire single seat fighter/bomber.

Harvard painted in South African Air Force colours.

Harvard painted in United States Navy colours.

Hastings Hobbies

>;< : scooters & skateboards

Metal 2 Metal makers of Metal Scooter Handle bars is now open to the public for all your scooter & skateboard needs.

A visit to DROPIN is a must to view our full range of custom-made metal one-piece handlebars available in many colours. We offer an extensive range of other products including grips, clamps, wheels and grip tape.

Our in-store staff can also assist you with all replacement parts, repairs and maintenance.

$!" scooters & skateboards 6 High Street Hastings 5979 7880 CCC 0>;<5:?/;;@1>? /;9 -A PAGE 12 Western Port News ANZAC Special Edition 2011

special $590 200 Marine Parade, Hastings

Ph: 5979 8232

Performance you demand.

Comfort you deserve.

3000 Series Tractor 31.4- to 43.2- horsepower* It’s a difference you can tell from the moment you sit down — this is not a tractor as usual. Experience the difference with: – – – – –

Choice of 31.4- to 43.2- horsepower* (23.4 - 32.2 kW) Choice of variable transmissions Two pedal control speed on selected models Standard power steering Comfortable operator station

Westernport Tractors & Implements

*The engine horsepower information is provided by the engine manufacturer to be used for comparison purposes only.

Actual operating horsepower may be less.

Dealer Contact: Jeff Davies a 1863 Frankston-Flinders Rd Hastings, VIC. 3915 p (03) 5979 2155 e sales2@westernporttractors.com.au www.JohnDeere.com.au Western Port News ANZAC Special Edition 2011

PAGE 13

From our local RSL, men who served Gary Taylor, former Engine Room Artificer 2nd Class, Royal Australian Navy

Robert (Bob) Shepperd former Quartermaster General, Royal Australian Navy

BOB was born in Adelaide.

His father was a sailor in the Second World War and served with the Royal Australian Navy on various British ships.

Bob had dreams of following in his fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s footsteps and after a short time as a signwriter, enlisted in the RAN in Adelaide in 1965.

After recruit training at HMAS Cerberus, he joined HMAS Vampire (a Daring class destroyer) and in 1965 escorted HMAS Sydney on her third voyage to Vietnam.

While Sydney was in Vung Tau unloading troops and equipment, HMAS Vampire was sitting on the gun line.

Vampire was then replaced

by HMAS Duchess, as the Vampire was required for the Malayan Emergency (Far East Strategic Reserve).

Returning to Sydney, Australia, Bob was drafted to the aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne in 1967. He did exercises off Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Manila and Thailand.

Melbourne left Sydney for the United States in September 1967 to pick up Skyhawk and Tracker aircraft. Bob was on HMAS Melbourne some years later, after the collision

with HMAS Voyager, when Melbourne collided with the USS Frank E Evans in June 1969. After repairs in Singapore and returning to Australia, Bob drafted off HMAS Melbourne in early January 1970 to HMAS Cerberus where his final duties were at West Head Gunnery range and in security. Bob paid off

from the navy in 1974.

Bob is a past president of Hastings RSL and is a life member of the national branch of the RSL. He is also the recipient of the Pinjat Jasa Malaysia medal. He lives in Hastings with his wife Gabrielle.

As told to Gabe Shepperd, secretary of Hastings RSL.

GARY was born in Port Melbourne and as a young boy growing up during the Second World War he would visit Station Pier to see Allied warships and look on in admiration at Australian, American and British sailors on the docks and ships.

He decided that when he grew up he was going to be a sailor.

About 25 years later (1967) he had realised his dream and was serving on board HMAS Yarra entering Vung Tau harbour in Vietnam on Christmas Eve in 1967 and, after sweeping through the area, anchored upstream of HMAS Sydney which Yarra had escorted from south of Sunda Strait.

As a young sailor this period of Garyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s service was an eye opener as to what happens in war.

Numerous Swift and other patrol craft and helicopters patrolled the area, but the servicemen took little notice of the numbers of illegal fishermenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sampans among the ships at anchor.

Aboard HMAS Yarra, Gary left Vietnamese waters for Far East Strategic Reserve duties.

He later served on a number of Royal Australian

Navy ships including HMAS Queenbourgh, HMAS Tallarook, HMAS Tobruk and HMAS Sydney.

Gary left the navy in 1973 and took up a career as a technical school teacher and later as a sessional instructor at HMAS Cerberus.

He was involved in a number of ex-service organisa-

tions as a committee member and volunteer. Gary is now retired and lives with his wife Ellen in Tyabb. He still holds the position of appeals officer at Hastings RSL, which at this time of the year keeps him very busy organising the selling of Anzac Day tokens.

As told to Gabe Shepperd, secretary of Hastings RSL.

Hastings RSL 26 King Street, Hastings PH 5979 1753 Fax: 5979 2836 Email: hastrsl@tpg.com.au HOURS: 12 NOON UNTIL LATE

BINGO â&#x20AC;&#x201C; every Wednesday 12.30pm start, every Sat 2.00pm start

1066 Club â&#x20AC;&#x201C; every Thursday 10.00am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3.00pm

)ULGD\ 1LJKW 5DIĂ&#x20AC;HV 0HDOV 2 course meals $12.00 per person 5DIĂ&#x20AC;HV GUDZQ DW SP

Pick A Card Draw â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Thursday (fortnightly) $SULO 'UDZQ DW SP Big money to be won.

UPCOMING EVENTS Pattoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Big Breakfast ALL YOU CAN EAT $15.00 ADULTS $5.00 KIDS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9.00AM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12.00PM 15 May, 12 Jun

RSL Hall for Hire

0DUFK

Phone us for that special occasion

0HHW DW +DVWLQJV 3RVW 2IÂżFH DW DP

Xmas In July

DP DW +DVWLQJV &HQRWDSK DW WKH IRUHVKRUH IROORZHG E\ UHIUHVKPHQWV DW 56/ 2 &

-XO\ SHU KHDG LQFOXGHV 0RQVWHU 5DIĂ&#x20AC;H LQ SUL]HV

PAGE 14 Western Port News ANZAC Special Edition 2011

ANZAC DAY

'DZQ 6HUYLFHV DW +DVWLQJV 7\DEE 6RPHUYLOOH Âą DP EUHDNIDVW DW +DVWLQJV 56/ 2 & SHU KHDG

0DLQ 6HUYLFH

Streets named after Victoria Cross recipients WHILE not a great deal is known about the development of Bittern and Crib Point, it is obvious that the area was subdivided after the First World War. The developers sought to honour those who had served in the war by the names they gave the streets and troads.

Many streets in the two towns are named after Victoria Cross recipients, which was done to honour their sacrifice in the “Great War”.

The Victoria Cross is the highest military decoration and is awarded for valour “in the face of the enemy” to members of the armed forces of various Commonwealth countries, and previous British Empire territories.

It takes precedence over all other orders, decorations and medals. It may be awarded to a person of any rank in any service and to civilians under military command.

In the United Kingdom, it is usually presented to the recipient or to their next of kin by the British monarch at an investiture held at Buckingham Palace.

In countries other than Britain where the monarch is the head of state, the GovernorGeneral usually presents the medal.

The VC was introduced on 29 January 1856

by Queen Victoria to honour acts of valour during the Crimean War. Since then, the medal has been awarded 1356 times to 1353 individuals. Only 13 medals – nine to members of the British Army, and four to the Australian Army – have been awarded since the Second World War. The traditional explanation of the source of the gunmetal from which the medals are struck is that it derives from Russian cannons captured at the siege of Sevastopol.

Recent research has thrown doubt on this

BLACKBURN ST

Bittern Lieutenant Arthur Seaforth Blackburn Born 25 November 1892, Woodville, SA On 23 July 1916, at Pozières, France, Blackburn was directed with 50 men to drive the enemy from a strong point. By great determination he captured 250 yards of trench, after personally leading four separate parties of bombers against it, many of whom became casualties. Then after crawling forward with a sergeant to reconnoitre, he returned, attacked again, and seized another 120 yards of trench to establish communications with the battalion on his left.

BUCKLEY ST

Bittern Sergeant Maurice Vincent Buckley Born 13 April 1891, Hawthorn, Vic On 18 September 1918, at Le Verguier near St. Quentin, Buckley’s battalion set off behind a creeping barrage and cleared several enemy outposts, two of which fell to Buckley’s Lewis gun. When a field gun held up one company, he rushed towards it, shot the crew and raced under machine gun fire across open ground to put a trench mortar out of action. He then fired into an enemy dug-out and captured 30 Germans. By the end of the day he had rushed at least six machine gun positions, captured a field gun and taken nearly 100 prisoners.

story, suggesting a variety of origins for the material from which the medals are made.

A single company of jewellers, Hancocks of London, has been responsible for the production of every Victoria Cross awarded since its inception Due to its rarity, the VC is highly prized.

Listed on following pages are 21 streets in Bittern and Crib Point named after Victoria Cross winners and a brief biography.

FRUIT TREES from $15.00 (25cm pots)

ALSO AVAILABLE

•Pittosporums •Magnolias •Lemon Trees •Limes •Silver Birch •Dwarf Peaches

48B O’Neils Road, Somerville. Phone 0411 22 46 46 OPEN 10AM-4PM DAILY

Western Port News ANZAC Special Edition 2011

PAGE 15

BURTON AVE

Bittern

DARTNELL CL Bittern & Crib Point

Corporal Alexander Burton

Temporary Lieutenant Thomas Dartnell

Born 20 Jan 1893 Kyneton, Vic On 9 August 1915, at Lone Pine, Gallipoli, the enemy made a determined counter-attack on a newly captured trench held by Lieutenant Tubb, Corporals Burton, Dunstan and a few men. They advanced up a trench and blew in a sandbag barricade, but Tubb and the two corporals repulsed the enemy and rebuilt the barricade. Strong enemy bombing parties twice again succeeded in blowing in the barricade, but on each occasion the enemy were repulsed and the barricade rebuilt, although Tubb was wounded and Corporal Burton killed while most gallantly building up the parapet under a hail of bombs. His body was never recovered.

COOKE ST

Bittern

Born 6 April 1885 , Collingwood, VIC On 3 September 1915, near Maktau, Kenya, during a mounted infantry engagement, the enemy were so close that it was impossible to get the more severely wounded away. Lieutenant Dartnell, who was himself being carried away wounded in the leg, seeing the situation, and knowing that the enemy’s black troops murdered the wounded, insisted on being left behind, in the hope of being able to save the lives of other wounded men. He gave his own life in a gallant attempt to save others.

HAMILTON ST

Bittern & Crib Point

Private Thomas Cooke

Private John Hamilton

Born 5 July 1881, Marlborough, New Zealand

Born 24 January, 1896, Orange, NSW On 9 August, during a heavy bomb attack by the enemy on the newly captured position at Lone Pine, Private Hamilton, with utter disregard of personal safety, exposed himself under heavy fire on the parados [rear side of a trench] in order to secure a better firing position against the enemy’s bomb-throwers. His coolness and daring example had an immediate effect. The defence was encouraged and the enemy driven off with heavy loss.

On 24/25 July 1916 at Pozières, France. For most conspicuous bravery. After a Lewis gun had been disabled, he was ordered to take his gun and gunteam to a dangerous part of the line. Here he did fine work, but came under very heavy fire, with the result that finally he was the only man left. He still stuck to his post and continued to fire his gun.

When assistance was sent he was found dead beside his gun. He set a splendid example of determination and devotion to duty.

ROSCO’S HASTINGS

POOL & SPA SHOWROOM

William

Easter Sale

STARTS THURS 14TH APRIL – ENDS SAT 23RD APRIL

spas - davey pumps & FREE S p a s f r o m Sapphire heaters - australian made & chemical

$4995

owned - best in spa technology

start up kit

INTRODUCING

S PA HIRE INDOOR OR OUTDOOR

4 PERSON SPA

only $1195

6 PERSON SPA

only $1495

&RPSOHWH ZLWK +HDWHU )LOWHU 'LJLWDO &RQWURO 3DQHO /RFNDEOH /LG PRQWK ZDUUDQW\

CHEMICAL UP KIT FREE START

Weekends or day hire with option to buy

Special Offer Hire price comes off purchase price Having a party or relax with friends - you’ll love it!!

PAGE 16 Western Port News ANZAC Special Edition 2011

10% OFFate re Lau

15%

Hastings Carpet Court 2080 Frankston Flinders Rd, Hastings Ph: (03) 5979 8800 www.carpetcourt.com.au

30%

OFF ent m a li Par Hill

OFFide T Ebb

HASTINGS

HOWELL ST

Crib Point

JACKA ST

Bittern & Crib Point

Corporal George Julian Howell

Captain Albert Jacka

Born 19 November 1893, Enfield, NSW

Born 10 January 1893, Layard, VIC

On 6 May 1917 at Bullecourt, Germans launched a general counter-attack using flame-throwers causing the 3rd Brigade to withdraw from its trenches. Howell notified battalion headquarters that the battalion to his right was retiring. The 1st Battalion commander then hurriedly organised a group to resist the enemy assault and a fierce bombing fight ensued. Howell, fearing that the enemy would outflank his battalion, climbed on to the top of the parapet and bombed the enemy, forcing them back along the trench. When his bombs ran out Howell continued to pursue the enemy with his bayonet but as he was exposed to heavy bomb and rifle fire it was not long before he was severely wounded.

JENSEN CT

Crib Point Private Joergen Christian Jensen Born 15 January 1891, Loegstoer, Denmark On 2 April 1917 at Noreuil, France, Private Jensen, with five comrades, attacked a barricade behind which were about 45 of the enemy and a machine-gun. One of the party shot the gunner and Private Jensen rushed the post and threw in a bomb. Then, with a bomb in each hand, he threatened the rest and made them surrender. He sent one of his prisoners to another group of the enemy, ordering them to surrender, which they did, but our troops began firing on them, where-upon Private Jensen, regardless of danger stood on the barricade waving his helmet, and the firing stopped. He then sent his prisoners back to our lines.

For most conspicuous bravery on the night of 19–20 May 1915, at Courtney’s Post, Gallipoli Peninsula.

Lance Corporal Jacka, while holding a portion of our trench with four men, was heavily attacked.

When all except himself were killed or wounded, the trench was rushed and occupied by seven Turks.

Lance Corporal Jacka at once most gallantly attacked them single-handed and killed the whole party, five by rifle fire and two with the bayonet.

ALBERT JACKA was born on 10 January 1893 at Layard in Victoria. He completed primary school before working as a labourer, first with his father and then with the State Forests Department.

He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force on 18 September 1914 as a private in the 14th Battalion. After training in Egypt, Jacka’s battalion landed at Gallipoli on 26 April 1915.

After Gallipoli, the 14th Battalion was shipped to France, where, at Pozières in August 1916 and at Bullecourt in 1917 he won the Military Cross and a bar to that award. The Australian official historian, Charles Bean, described his actions at Pozières, during which

he recaptured a section of trench, freed a group of recently captured Australians and forced the surrender of about 50 Germans, as “the most dramatic and effective act of individual audacity in the history of the AIF”. He was severely wounded during the action and was hit by a sniper’s bullet in July 1917.

On each occasion he returned to the front. In May 1918 he received the wound that ended his combat career during a German gas bombardment near Villers-Bretonneux.

Jacka returned to Australia in September 1919. Greeted by a large crowd on his return, Jacka was described in one newspaper as “the symbol of the spirit of the ANZACs”.

He married in 1921 and he

and his wife later adopted a daughter. In 1929 Jacka was elected to the St Kilda Council, becoming mayor the following year. His political career was characterised by his strong interest in assisting the unemployed.

When Jacka’s health began to deteriorate, he was admitted to Caulfield Military Hospital, in December 1931, and died of kidney disease the following month.

More than 6000 people filed past his coffin as it lay in state. His funeral procession, flanked by thousands of onlookers, was led by 1000 returned soldiers and the coffin was carried by eight VC winners. Jacka was buried with full military honours in St Kilda cemetery.

We want YOU and YOUR FAMILY and FRIENDS to have the dental care you need at the most affordable rates in the area.

WE WANT YOU TO MAKE AFFORDABLE DENTIST AS YOUR PREFERRED DENTIST.

9am - 5pm Monday to Friday

Make sure you bring your health fund card with you to each visit.

We claim your refund electronically ON THE SPOT allowing you to only pay the gap with cash or credit card.

If you need help with finance for more involved treatment, please contact the clinic.

NOT IN A FUND? Here’s some great news!

Our fees are 20 - 40% LESS than other dentists because of our efficient practice management systems.

We do the hard work to make sure you get the benefits!

BAXTER MEDICAL DENTAL COSMETIC CLINIC

Whether you have dental insurance or not, isn’t it good to know that as a patient of this practice, you will enjoy BUDGET RATES? SIMPLY CALL US TO BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT OR FOR MORE INFORMATION. Like so many patients who have chosen us, we hope you will give us the opportunity to provide you with all the benefits of becoming an Affordable Dentist patient.

ANTI-WRINKLE INJECTIONS now available at the clinic.

We welcome EPC patients, Victorian emergency voucher, teen voucher, Victorian denture scheme and Veteran affair patients.

AFFORDABLE DENTIST

CRIB POINT MEDICAL CENTRE

TOORADIN SUPER CLINIC

57 Baxter-Tooradin Rd BAXTER

Shop 4, 1065 Frankston-Flinders Rd SOMERVILLE

337 Stony Point Rd CRIB POINT

110 South Gippsland Highway TOORADIN

5971 1110

5977 8830

5983 0022

5998 3140 Western Port News ANZAC Special Edition 2011

PAGE 17

KENNY ST

Crib Point

LOWERSON CL

Crib Point

Private Thomas James Bede Kenny

Sergeant Albert David Lowerson

Born 29 September 1896, Paddington, Sydney, NSW

Born 2 August 1896, Myrtleford, Vic

On 9 April 1917, at Hermies, France, Kenny’s platoon had to dig in on the edge of the village and engage any enemy attempting to leave. Several men were pinned down by heavy enemy fire before Kenny leapt up and rushed a post, throwing bombs as he ran. Although the first two missed, Kenny’s third bomb landed in the middle of the Germans, killing some, while the rest became prisoners. His action made a significant contribution to the capture of the village.

On 1 September 1918 at Mont St Quentin, France, Lowerson was with a company which advanced on the right of the village, where it encountered extremely heavy fire. Troops on the left of the advance were pinned down by a heavily manned post which contained 12 machine guns. Lowerson then organised a storming party of seven men and led a charge against the strong point which succeeded in capturing 12 machine guns and 30 men. Although he was wounded in the right thigh, Lowerson organised the consolidation of the post and disposal of prisoners.

LEAK ST

Bittern

MURRAY ST

Crib Point

Private John Leak

Lieutenant Colonel Henry William Murray

Born probably in 1892, Portsmouth, England

Born 1 December 1880, Launceston, Tas

On 23 July 1916 at the Battle of Pozières, France, he was one of a party which finally captured an enemy strong point. At one assault, when the enemy’s bombs were outranging ours, Private Leak jumped out of the trench, ran forward under heavy machine gun fire at close range, and threw three bombs into the enemy’s bombing post. He then jumped into the post and bayonetted three unwounded enemy bombers. Later, when the enemy in overwhelming numbers was driving his party back, he was always the last to withdraw at each stage, and kept on throwing bombs. His courage and energy had such an effect on the enemy that, on the arrival of reinforcements, the whole trench was recaptured.

On 4–5 February 1917 at Gueudecourt, France. For most conspicuous bravery when in command of the right flank company in attack. He led his company to the assault with great skill and courage, and the position was quickly captured. Fighting of a very severe nature followed, and three heavy counter-attacks were beaten back, these successes being due to Captain Murray’s wonderful work.

Throughout the night his company suffered heavy casualties through concentrated enemy shell fire, and on one occasion gave ground for a short way. This gallant officer rallied his command and saved the situation by sheer valour. He made his presence felt throughout the line, encouraging his men, heading bombing parties, leading bayonet charges, and carrying wounded to places of safety.

Westernport Hotel

Serving up great hospitality since the 1800s

great food... good times... unbeatable value!

CNR HIGH & SALMON STREET, HASTINGS. PHONE 5979 1201 PAGE 18 Western Port News ANZAC Special Edition 2011

NEWLANDS ST

PEELER CL

Crib Point

SADLIER CT

Crib Point

Captain James Ernest Newland

Lieutenant Clifford William King Sadlier

Born 22 August 1881, Paddington, Highton, Vic

Born 11 June 1892, Camberwell, Vic

In April 1917 at Boursies and Lagnicourt, France. On three separate occasions. On the first occasion he organised the attack by his company on a most important objective, and led personally, under heavy fire, a bombing attack. He then rallied his company, which had suffered heavy casualties, and he was one of the first to reach the objective. On the following night his company, holding the captured position, was heavily counter-attacked. By personal exertion, utter disregard of fire, and judicious use of reserves, he succeeded in dispersing the enemy and regaining the position. On a subsequent occasion, when the company on his left was overpowered and his own company attacked from the rear, he drove off a combined attack which had developed from these directions.

On 24-25 April 1918 at Villers-Bretonneux, France, Lieutenant Sadlierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s platoon had to advance through a wood where a strong enemy machine gun post was causing casualties and preventing the advance. Although he was himself wounded, Lieutenant Sadlier at once collected his bombing section and led them against the machine guns, killing the crews and capturing two of the guns. By this time his party were all casualties and alone he attacked a third enemy machine gun with his revolver, killing the crew and taking the gun. In doing so, he was again wounded.The very gallant conduct of this officer was the means of clearing the flank, and allowing the battalion to move forward, thereby saving a most critical situation.

Crib Point

SHOUT ST

Bittern

Lance Corporal Walter Peeler

Captain Alfred Shout

Born 9 August 1887, Barkerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Creek, Vic

Born 7 August, 1881, Wellington, NZ

On 4 October 1917 Battle of Broodseinde. When Peeler encountered an enemy party sniping the advancing troops from a shell-hole, L./Cpl. Peeler immediately rushed the position and accounted for nine of the enemy, and cleared the way for the advance. On two subsequent occasions he performed similar acts of valour, and each time accounted for a number of the enemy. During operations he was directed to a position from which an enemy machine gun was being fired on our troops. He located and killed the gunner, and the remainder of the enemy party ran into a dugout close by. From this shelter they were dislodged by a bomb, and 10 of the enemy ran out.

These he disposed of. This non-commissioned officer actually accounted for over 30 of the enemy.

On the morning of 9 August 1915 at Lone Pine, Gallipoli. With a small party, Captain Shout charged down trenches strongly occupied by the enemy, and personally threw four bombs among them, killing eight and routing the remainder. In the afternoon he captured a further length of trench and continued personally to bomb the enemy at close range, under very heavy fire, until he was severely wounded, losing his right hand and left eye. He succumbed to his injuries.

CRIB POINT RSL The Anzac Figurines Collection byy â&#x20AC;&#x153;Si b â&#x20AC;&#x153;Silent â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sile Soldiersâ&#x20AC;? ieersâ&#x20AC;? t * *OE MZZ t *OEJWJEVBMMZ OOVN OVNCFSFE t $F F t $FSUJĂĽDBUF PG " "V UZ PG "VUIFOUJDJUZ

Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day :H VSHFLDOLVH LQ WKDW VSHFLDO DQG XQLTXH JLIW IRU \RXU PRWKHU 6WRFNLVWV RI 7LJHU 7UHH -HZHOOHU\ &UDEWUHH (YHO\Q

3K )D[ á +LJK 6W +DVWLQJV

ANZAC DAY 10am 10.40am 10.45am 11am

Meet at Club Rooms Parade Fall In March off to Cenotaph Service Commences

On completion of service, everyone welcome back to Crib Point RSL for refreshments and fellowship

27-35 Milne Street, Crib Point

Ph: 5983 9655

Western Port News ANZAC Special Edition 2011

PAGE 19

SYMONS ST

Bittern & Crib Point

TUBB ST

Bittern

Lieutenant William Symons

Lieutenant Frederick Tubb

Born 12 July 1889, Eaglehawk, Vic On 8 August 1915 at Lone Pine, Gallipoli, Symons commanded the right flank of some newly captured trenches and repelled several counter-attacks with great coolness.

Next morning the enemy attacked an isolated trench, killing or severely wounding six officers in quick succession. Symons led a charge which retook the trench, shooting two enemy with his revolver. The trench was under fire from three sides, so Symons withdrew to nearby head cover and under heavy fire built up a barricade. His coolness and determination finally compelled the enemy to discontinue their attacks.

In the early morning of 9 August at Lone Pine, Gallipoli, the enemy made a determined counter-attack on the centre of a newly captured trench held by Lieutenant Tubb. They advanced up a trench and blew in a sandbag barricade, leaving only a foot of it standing.

Tubb led his men back, repulsed the enemy and rebuilt the barricade. Strong enemy bombing parties succeeded in twice again blowing in the barricade, but on each occasion Tubb, although wounded in head and arm, held his ground with the greatest coolness, rebuilt it and succeeded in maintaining his position under very heavy bomb fire.

THROSSELL ST

Bittern

Born 28 November, 1881, Longwood, Vic

WHITTLE ST

Crib Point

Second Lieutenant Hugo Throssell

Sergeant John Woods Whittle

Born 26 October, 1884, Greenmount, WA

Born 3 August 1882, Huon Island, Tas

For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty during operations on the Kaiakij Aghala (Hill 60) in the Gallipoli Peninsula on 29 and 30 August 1915. Although severely wounded in several places during a counter-attack, he refused to leave his post or to obtain medical assistance till all danger was passed, when he had his wounds dressed and returned to the firing-line until ordered out of action by the Medical Officer. By his personal courage and example he kept up the spirits of his party, and was largely instrumental in saving the situation at a critical period.

In April 1917 at Boursies and Lagnicourt, Whittle was placed in command of a post. Around 10pm the Germans counter-attacked, Whittle quickly reorganised his men, charged the enemy and restabilised the position. Captain Newland arrived and the two worked together until the line was reestablished. Whittle, who had seen some Germans moving a machine gun into a position, jumped to his feet and charged the enemy gun crew. He killed the whole crew and then carried the machine gun back to the Australian positions.

Timber & Aluminium

Hundreds of windows in stock – New homes – Extensions – Renovations – Replacements

Bamboo Flooring $63m² 6 colours to choose from

2/2023 Frankston Flinders Rd HASTINGS (easy parking, next to Repco) Ph: 5979 1712 www.independentfloors.com.au

61 Grants Rd, Somerville. (03) 5977 6635 www.windowwarehouse.com.au PAGE 20 Western Port News ANZAC Special Edition 2011

George Morby Ingram – Western Port’s own VC winner GEORGE MORBY INGRAM was born in Bendigo in 1889, but lived much of his life in Hastings. He died in 1961 and is buried in Frankston cemetery.

On 4 October 1918, the 24th Battalion took part in the attack that captured the Beaurevoir sector in France, and was, therefore, expecting to have a rest the following day when the unit was unexpectedly ordered to take part in another attack. The assault was to starts at 6.05am from the village of Remicourt, and lead to the capture of Montbrehain by the 21st and 24th Battalions with tanks to provide support. The action was to prove the final engagement for the Australian infantry during the war, and it was during this attack that Ingram was to earn the Victoria Cross; the 64th and final,Australian to do so during the First World War. At the designated time, the two infantry battalions started the attack under the cover of an artillery barrage. The advance was heavily counter-attacked

by German machine gun and artillery fire, but the Australians managed to continue despite the late arrival of the tanks. About 100 yards (91 metres) from the German trenches, the 24th

Battalion’s B Company – in which Ingram was commanding a platoon – became the object of severe sniper and machine gun fire, halting the unit’s advance.

Under the cover of a Lewis gun, Ingram dashed ahead of his men and led them against the German strong point. After a fierce fight, the platoon succeeded in capturing nine machine guns and killing all 42 Germans who had occupied the line; Ingram accounting for at least 18 of them himself.

Soon after, the company came under heavy fire from an old quarry occupied by more than 100 German soldiers who possessed as many as 40 machine guns. Severe casualties were sustained as they began to advance for attack, including the company commander who was seriously wounded. Taking command, Ingram rallied the men and rushed forward.

Jumping into the quarry, he charged the first post himself, shooting six German soldiers and capturing a machine gun.

The German forces were soon overcome, and 30 troops subsequently surrendered.

While his men were clearing up the remaining German positions, Ingram scouted ahead

in search of machine gun nests in the village. He soon located one positioned in a house, which had been firing through the cellar ventilator. Managing to enter the house, he shot the gunner through the ventilator.

He fired several more shots into the cellar before rushing to the head of the cellar stairs. By thus cutting off any means of escape, a further 30 Germans were taken prisoner.

The battle for Montbrehain raged until 8pm that night, during which time the line had been linked up and consolidated.

The casualties of the 24th Battalion had been so high that two companies of the 27th Battalion had to be attached for support; the 24th Battalion left the front line for the last time on 6 October.

The full citation for Ingram’s Victoria Cross appeared in a supplement to the London Gazette on 6 January 1919; it read: War Office, 6th January, 1919.

His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned Officers, Non-commissioned Officers and Men: — Lt. George Morby Ingram,

M.M., 24th Bn., A.I.F. For most conspicuous bravery and initiative during the attack on Montbrehain, East of Peronne, on 5th October, 1918.

When early in the advance his platoon was held up by a strong point, Lt. Ingram, without hesitation, dashed out and rushed the post at the head of his men, capturing nine machine guns and killing 42 enemy after stubborn resistance.

Later, when the company had suffered severe casualties from enemy posts, and many leaders had fallen, he at once took control of the situation, rallied his men under intense fire, and led them forward. He himself rushed the first post, shot six of the enemy, and captured a machine gun, thus overcoming serious resistance.

On two subsequent occasions he again displayed great dash and resource in the capture of enemy posts, inflicting many casualties and taking 62 prisoners.

Throughout the whole day he showed the most inspiring example of courage and leadership, and freely exposed himself regardless of danger.

GET THE POWER!

- All brands - Suspension - Brake repairs - Wheel alignments - Celebrating over 20 years service in Hastings

TUCKETT’S TYREPOWER 2079 Frankston Flinders Road, Hastings • Ph 5979 3844 Western Port News ANZAC Special Edition 2011

PAGE 21

Hastings is a link to Australian naval history WITH development of new parts of Hastings in the 1960s and 1970s, the decision was made to name many of streets in honour of Royal Australian Navy vessels.

This was probably due to the towns proximity to and connection with HMAS Cerberus, the navy’s premier training establishment where about 6000 personnel are trained annually, averaging 800 trainees at Cerberus at any one time.

In following pages we look at Hastings’ “navy streets”, but first a bit of history.

The Commonwealth Naval Forces were established on 1 March 1901, two months after the federation of Australia. On 10 July 1911, King George V granted the title of “Royal Australian Navy”.

During the First World War, the RAN was initially responsible for capturing many of Germany’s South Pacific colonies and protecting Australian shipping from the German East Asia Squadron. Later in the war, most of the RAN’s major ships operated as part of Royal Navy forces in the Mediterranean and North Sea. During the 1920s and

early 1930s, the RAN was drastically reduced in size.

As international tensions increased, however, the RAN was modernised and expanded. Early in the Second World War, RAN ships again operated as part of the Royal Navy, many serving with distinction in the Mediterranean, Red Sea, west African coast, Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean.

Following the outbreak of the Pacific War and the virtual destruction of the Royal Navy in Asia, the RAN operated more independently, or

as part of United States Navy forces. By war’s end, the RAN was the fifth-largest navy in the world.

After the war, the size of the RAN was again reduced, but it gained new capabilities with the delivery of two aircraft carriers. The RAN saw action in many Cold War-era conflicts in the Asia-Pacific region and operated alongside the Royal Navy and US Navy off Korea, Malaysia and Vietnam. Since the end of the Cold War, the RAN has been part of Coalition forces in the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean and a critical element in Australian operations in East Timor and the Solomon Islands.

Currently, the RAN fleet consists of 51 vessels, including frigates, submarines, patrol boats and auxiliary ships. The modern RAN is tasked with defending Australian waters and undertaking wider deployments.

Current deployments include contributions to the multinational force in Iraq, support for the UN mission in East Timor and a “regional assistance mission” with New Zealand in the Solomon Islands.

BARCOO ST

HMAS Barcoo HMAS Barcoo was a River class frigate that served the Royal Australian Navy from 1944-1964.

She was named for the Barcoo River in Queensland and was one of 12 River class frigates built for the RAN during the Second World War. The vessel logged 342,579 nautical miles (634,456km) in her career.

Barcoo was laid down in Sydney on 21 October 1942, and launched on 26 August of the following year by the wife of Richard Keane, the Minister for Trade and Customs.

Hastings

Barcoo was commissioned at Sydney on 17 January 1944.

After several weeks of working up, Barcoo was tasked to New Guinea in March 1944 for convoy escort duty. That year, the ship also participated in the bombardments of Japanese Army positions in eastern New Guinea, rescued two downed American P-47 Thunderbolt pilots, and conducted convoy escort and patrol duties in the waters around New Guinea.

The frigate’s last hostile action occurred on 3 August 1945, during a bombardment of the village of Soengaipat-

en in Borneo.

Barcoo received the three battle honours for her wartime service: “Pacific 194445”, “New Guinea 1944”, and “Borneo 1945”.

In August 1946, Barcoo was refitted as a survey vessel. She logged about 54,000 nautical miles (100,000km) on survey duty, before being retired from service in 1949.

She was reactivated for survey duties from 1952-56 and from 1959-64.

Barcoo was decommissioned from the Royal Australian Navy on 21 February 1964.

Available now at Hastings Newsagency. $39.95.

56 High St Ph 59791 321 Get your copy today!

PAGE 22 Western Port News ANZAC Special Edition 2011

BATAAN CT

CURLEW CT

Hastings

Hastings

HMAS Bataan HMAS Bataan was a Tribal class destroyer of the Royal Australian Navy.

It was laid down at Sydney on 18 February 1942 and launched on 15 January 1944 by Jean MacArthur, the wife of General Douglas MacArthur. The ship was commissioned into the RAN on 25 May 1945.

The destroyer was originally to be named Chingilli, but this was changed to Kurnai (after the Kurnai or Gunai Aborigines) before construction started.

The name was changed yet again prior to the ship’s launch to Bataan; honouring ties between Australia and the United States by recognising the stand by US troops during the Battle of Bataan, and reciprocating the US decision to name a cruiser

USS Canberra in honour of the Australian cruiser HMAS Canberra, lost at the Battle of Savo Island.

On entering service, Bataan sailed to Japan via the Philippines; although arriving too late to participate in combat, she was present in Tokyo for the official Japanese surrender on 2 September 1945.

Bataan remained in Japanese waters until 18 November, serving as representative of the Australian military and helping coordinate the repatriation of prisoners of war.

Between late 1946 and late 1949, the destroyer spent 17 months over four tours of duty in Japanese waters with the British Commonwealth Occupation Force.

The rest of the three years was spent operating in Aus-

tralian waters. In late June 1950, Bataan was enroute to Japan for a fifth tour when the Korean War started. From early July 1950 until 29 May 1951, the destroyer operated off Korea; patrolling and blockading, escorting aircraft carriers, and bombarding shore targets. A second Korean tour occurred between 4 February and 31 August 1952, with Bataan fufilling most of the same duties as before. Bataan was presented with the battle honour “Korea 1950-52” for her service.

In November 1953, Bataan visited Singapore. This was the only time since the Korean War, and the only time for the rest of her career, that the destroyer would leave Australian waters.

Bataan was paid off in 1954.

HMAS Curlew HMAS Curlew was a Ton class minesweeper built by the Montrose Shipyard in Britain, launched on 20 February 1953, and commissioned into the Royal Navy as HMS Chediston.

Operated by the Royal Navy from 1953 to 1961, the ship was one of six sold to the Royal Australian Navy for A£5.5 million in 1961.

Chediston was modified for tropical conditions, and commissioned on 21 August 1962 as HMAS Curlew.

On 20 September 1963, Curlew and her sister ships

sailed for their first overseas deployment as part of Operation Gardening, a minesweeping task to clear a channel into Tonolei Harbour in Bougainville, where US aircraft had dropped a large number of magnetic mines in 1943. This was the RAN’s biggest minesweeping operation for 16 years.

During the mid-1960s, Curlew was one of several ships operating in support of the Malaysian government during the Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation. This service was later recognised

with the battle honour “Malaysia 1964-66”.

In the late 1960s, Curlew and sister ship Snipe were modified for use as minehunters.

Delays in bringing a replacement class into service kept Curlew operational until she was decommissioned on 30 April 1990 after 28 years of service and 38 years to the day after her keel had been laid. She had steamed more than 400,000 nautical miles.

Curlew remained in the Reserve Fleet until she was sold on 17 June 1991.

The Man Who Really Does Care Edward “Ted” Bull With a genuine 54 Years of Personal Experience and Service The people who Ted employes are a caring and family orientated team.

When that sad time does occur and you have to contact a funeral director, it can be difficult: You can feel lost, in some cases it is too hard to speak, and you can be too upset to think straight. This of course is very understandable.

To lessen the burden, telephone our office and a representative will be available to call at your home, at a time that suits you and your family.

Our very competent staff will be able to assist you in every direction, helping to lessen the anxiety you are having at the time.

Edward (Ted) Bull FUNERAL SERVICE Ted Bull

Jan Brown

Chris Bull

www.tedbull.com (Incorporating Ted Bull’s Funeral Service)

SOMERVILLE 5977 5684

THE AUSTRALIAN FAMILY BUSINESS

FRANKSTON 9781 5545 Western Port News ANZAC Special Edition 2011

PAGE 23

DERWENT CT

Hastings

DUCHESS CT

Hastings

HMAS Duchess HMAS Derwent

HMAS Derwent, named for the Derwent River, was a River class destroyer escort of the Royal Australian Navy.

Derwent was laid down at Melbourne in 1959 and commissioned into the RAN on 23 April 1964.

On 25 May 1964, Derwent became the first RAN ship to launch a guided missile when she fired a Sea Cat missile.

During the mid-1960s, Derwent was one of several ships operating in support of

the Malaysian government during the Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation. This service was later recognised with the battle honour “Malaysia 1964-66”; the only one to be earned by the ship.

On 8 September 1980, Derwent joined five other RAN vessels to form the Australia Squadron; the largest RAN deployment since the Second World War. From 1991 to 1992, Derwent was used as a training

vessel, and was decommissioned at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia on 8 August 1994 after 30 years of service.

Following scientific tests to study ship survivability, Derwent was sunk in deep waters, 15 nautical miles west of Rottnest Island on 21 December 1994.

Her 110mm gun turret was preserved, having been placed at the Rockingham Naval Memorial Park.

HMAS Duchess was a Daring class destroyer that served in the Royal Navy as HMS Duchess from 1952 to 1964, and in the Royal Australian Navy from 1964 to 1980.

Duchess was laid down at Southampton, UK, in 1948.

She was launched in 1951 by Countess Edwina Mountbatten and commissioned into service on 23 October 1952.

Duchess was initially assigned to the British Home Fleet in early 1953. In September 1954 and July 1955, the destroyer was deployed to the Mediterranean, and near

the end of the year escorted the Royal Yacht Britannia during the final leg of Queen Elizabeth’s world tour.

Duchess continued to operate in the Mediterranean until July 1955, and was involved in the Suez Crisis in 1956.

Following the loss of the HMAS Voyager, Duchess was accepted on a four-year loan from the Royal Navy.

During 1965 and 1966, Duchess operated in Malaysian waters during the Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation. This was later recognised with the battle honour “Malaysia 1965-66”.

Duchess remained in RAN service after the loan period, and was purchased outright by the Australian government in 1972.

At the start of 1973, Duchess underwent a refit that removed several of her weapons to be replaced by a classroom for future service as a training ship.

Re-entering service in August 1974, the ship performed her first training cruise in early 1975 In September 1977, Duchess was removed from service, and was paid off on 24 October 1977.

DUCTED HEATING ADD ON COOLING EVAPORATIVE COOLING

Ph 5977 6122

Service: 5977 5789 baygas7@bigpond.com A.B.N. 15 050 136 322. Plumbers Licence: 14942. R.H.L. L025363 PAGE 24 Western Port News ANZAC Special Edition 2011

Special deals also available on split system units, reverse cycle systems & space heaƟng

FREE QUOTES

GASCOYNE CT

Hastings

Hastings

HMAS Junee

HMAS Gascoyne HMAS Gascoyne was a River class frigate that served in the Royal Australian Navy for almost 30 years.

She was ordered as part of Australia’s shipbuilding program during the Second World War. Twelve of these Australian-built frigates were to enter service with the navy.

A further 10 were ordered but cancelled as the war drew to a close.

Gascoyne was laid down

by Morts Dock and Engineering Company in Balmain, NSW, on 3 July 1942.

JUNEE CT

She was launched on 20 February 1943 by Lady Wakehurst, wife of the Governor of NSW, and commissioned into the RAN on 18 November 1943. The ship was named after the Gascoyne River in WA. In January 1945 she experienced her first surface action of the war when she engaged two Japanese destroyers.

Gascoyne was present in Tokyo Bay on Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day, 2 September 1945), when the Japanese surrender was signed.

The frigate received five battle honours for her wartime service: “New Guinea 1944”, “Leyte Gulf 1944”, “Lingayen Gulf 1945”, “Borneo 1945”, and “Pacific 1945”.

On 12 April 1946 Gascoyne paid off at Sydney into reserve but was recommissioned at Sydney on 8 June 1959 for survey and oceanographic research duty.

Gascoyne paid off again on 1 February 1966 and was sold for scrap on 15 February 1972.

HMAS Junee, named for the town of Junee in NSW, was one of 60 Bathurst class corvettes constructed during the Second World War, and one of 36 initially manned and commissioned solely by the Royal Australian Navy.

She was launched on 16 November 1943 by Clara Rosevear, the wife of John Solomon Rosevear, Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives, and commissioned on 11 April 1944.

After entering active service, Junee was briefly assigned to New Guinea before

being redeployed to Darwin, where she served as an antisubmarine patrol ship until February 1945.

In April 1945, Junee was sent to New Guinea to serve as a convoy escort and antisubmarine patrol ship. In August, the corvette fired her weapons in anger for the first time; sinking three Japanese supply barges while in the Sangir Islands.

Following the end of the war, Junee evacuated Australian prisoners of war and civilians and assisted in the transportation of occupa-

tion forces. After completing these duties, Junee returned to Australia, and was paid off into reserve in January 1946.

Junee received two battle honours for her wartime service: “New Guinea 1943” and “Pacific 1944-45”.

The corvette was reactivated and recommissioned as a training ship on 25 February 1953.

HMAS Junee was paid off again in 1957. The ship was stripped and the hull sunk 20 miles (32km) from Rottnest Island, WA, in 1968.

AUTUMN SPECIALS

20% Off All Roses Autumn Tree Colour Manchurian Pears LOOKING GREAT!! $29.95 Lipstick Maples GREAT SIZE!! $29.95 Japanese Maples $12.95 Liquidambar $9.95 General Wholesale Specials Cordylines

(Red Star, Midnight Star, Sundance) $5.95 Large Pittosporums 1M+ $9.95 Dwarf Lily Pilly GREAT SCREEN!! $4.95 Huge range of general plants at only $3.95

427 Coolart Road, Somerville Phone: 5977 8912 Western Port News ANZAC Special Edition 2011

PAGE 25

KIMBLA CT

MORESBY CT

Hastings

Hastings

HMAS Moresby HMAS Kimbla HMAS Kimbla was laid down in 1953 and launched on 23 March 1955.

Kimbla had a long and mainly undistinguished career in the role for which she was built – in boom and mooring duties, after commissioning on 26 March 1956.

From the early 1960s her main role was as an oceanographic research vessel, and she served her country well.

Due to her low speed, which turned out to be invaluable in her oceanographic

role, Kimbla was affectionately known as the “Snail”.

During her long career she steamed 363,000 miles at an average speed of 7 knots.

Kimbla was employed on salvage duties, an often unpleasant but vital role, and the salvage of two major civil airline disasters were completed by the ship. They were the Fokker Friendship off Mackay in 1960 and a Vickers Viscount in Botany Bay the following year.

There were also two major service recoveries, one a Sea

Venom that crashed into Sydney Harbour during Navy Week celebrations in 1962.

The more recent salvage was of an F111 in 1977 off New Zealand.

When she entered harbour for the last time on 20 December, 1984, she flew a 208-foot paying off pennant representing the length of the ship and one foot for each year of service, which was 29 years. Kimbla’s career came to an end when she was decommissioned on the 15 February 1985.

HMAS Moresby was originally named HMS Silvio and commissioned in the Royal Navy on 25 May 1918.

The ship was commissioned as HMAS Moresby on 20 June 1925.

Moresby reached Australia in September 1925 and was engaged on strategic surveys on and off until the outbreak of the Second World War. For the first year of the war Moresby served as an antisubmarine training vessel.

In January 1941 she resumed her former duty as a survey vessel and until the outbreak of war with Japan in December 1941 was engaged on

survey operations in Australian and New Guinea waters.

In January 1942 Moresby was assigned to duty as an escort and anti-submarine vessel in Australian waters and until the end of 1943 was almost constantly at sea escorting convoys on the Australian east coast.

This was the period when Japanese submarines were active in Australian coastal waters and three attacks were made on ships under escort

by Moresby.

In November 1943 Moresby ceased operating as an escort vessel and at Sydney prepared to resume duty as a

survey vessel. From December 1943 until the end of the war she was engaged on survey operations mainly in the Darwin and Bathurst Island areas.

In September and October 1945 she took part in the reoccupation of Timor and was the venue for the surrender ceremony on 11 September 1945.

In November 1945 she carried out a survey of Yampi Sound, Western Australia, before returning to Sydney where she arrived on 13 December 1945.

Moresby was paid off on 14 March 1946.

HASTINGS FOOTBALL CLUB The late forties – a golden era

The resumption of MPFL football in 1946, proved to be one of the most exciting and successful periods in the long and proud overall history of the Hastings Football Club. Comprising champions such as Bob Stone, the Coleman brothers Albert and John, Les Tolson, Jack Roberts and captain-coach George Slocombe. These players were to provide the nucleus of three successive premierships 1946-7-8.

The 1948 HFC Premiership side which went through the year undefeated were not only a team of champions but also a champion team. Although he did not play until 1947, this overall period was known as the “Coleman era”, and the late great John Coleman went on to become an AFL legend and one of the all-time “greats” of the game.

Four only members of the historical 1948 team remain alive today and for the staunch football followers who can remember, the overall grief and sadness of the war period was soon forgotten and replaced by the joy and success of the Hastings Football Club’s late forties football dominance.

Victor Jeremiah

EARLY BIRD BISTRO SPECIAL TUES & WED NIGHTS ONLY*

COURTESY BUS AVAILABLE

BUY 1 MAIN MEAL AND GET

the 2nd for $5 OR child eats FREE

Conditions Condit Con Co ondit dit ition ion o s aapply. ons ppl pply p pp plyy.. Bis p Bistro tro opens op pens at 66pm.

Not conjunction holidays.

Nott in n con on njun juncti c on o with w h any wit anyy other oth t er e offer offfer or on off on public p

BINGO EYES DOWN MONDAY 11.30am & THURSDAY 8pm

GREAT FUNCTION ROOM KIDS MEALS AVAILABLE

KIDS Playground

LOCAL SPORTING CLUBS:

CRICKET, FOOTBALL AND DARTS

FREE ENTERTAINMENT FRIDAY, APRIL 29th Thelma & Louise

155 Marine Parade, Hastings. Ph: 5979 1740 www.hastingsclub.com.au PAGE 26 Western Port News ANZAC Special Edition 2011

OTWAY CT

Hastings

HMAS Otway HMAS Otway was commissioned on 1 April 1927 under the command of Lieutenant Commander George J D Tweedy RN. Otway left Portsmouth, in company with her sister submarine HMAS Oxley, on 8 February 1928 and sailed to Malta where both submarines were based until November 1928.

On 15 November they left Malta and, travelling via the Suez Canal and Singapore, arrived in Sydney on 14 Feb-

ruary 1929. The remainder of Otway’s service with the Royal Australian Navy was confined to exercises off the NSW coast.

On 10 May 1930 both Otway and Oxley were put into reserve, alternating with each other weekly for diving exercises.

Otway was paid off on 9 April 1931 for transfer to the Royal Navy, and was commissioning as HMS Otway on 10 April 1931.

She sailed from Sydney on

29 April 1931, in company with Oxley, for Malta.

During the Second World War, Otway saw service in the Bay of Biscay, the Mediterranean and in home waters around Britain.

Otway was paid off by the British on 24 August 1945 and handed over to the British Iron and Steel Corporation. She was subsequently scrapped by Messrs T W Ward of Inverkeithing, who completed demolition towards the end of 1946.

OVENS CT

Hastings

HMAS Ovens HMAS Ovens was the third of six Oberon class diesel– electric patrol submarines built for the Royal Australian Navy at an initial cost of $9 million.

Ovens was laid down by Scotts Shipbuilding and Engineering Company at Greenock, Scotland, on 17 June 1966, launched on 4 December 1967 by the Viscountess Slim, and commissioned into the RAN on 18 April 1969.

The first Australian Oberon

class submarines provided the RAN with an anti-submarine warfare training platform.

This soon changed to an operational role when their full potential as a patrol submarine, capable of operating undetected for months at a time, was exploited.

Ovens became the first RAN submarine to fire an armed Mark 48 torpedo, when she sank the decommissioned Bathurst class corvette HMAS Colac on 4

March 1987 during an exercise.

On her return to port, Ovens flew a ‘Jolly Roger’ to indicate a successful mission: the first time a Royal Australian Navy submarine had done so.

Ovens was paid off on 1 December 1995. She is preserved as a museum ship at the WA Maritime Museum in Fremantle.

She was the first submarine to be preserved in Australia as a museum ship.

Lady Nelson Function Room

Weddings, Corporate Functions & Special Occasions

Phone Debbie 5979 3699

Book now for Mother’s Day Avoid Disappointment

Seniors Specials

2 Course $11.50 3 Course $14.00

Cnr Skinner & Mullet St, Hastings (in the Marina) Phone: 5979 3699 Western Port News ANZAC Special Edition 2011

PAGE 27

QUADRANT CT

Hastings

HMAS Quadrant HMAS Quadrant was one of eight Q class destroyers built for the Royal Navy, and was commissioned on 26 November 1942.

She was immediately engaged in escort duties with Arctic convoys and continued this arduous task in 1943.

Her war service also included escort duties in the south Atlantic and Indian Ocean.

Quadrant took part in the north African landings, aircraft carrier strikes against Surabaya and bombardment of the Nicobar Islands. In 1945 she became a unit of

the British Pacific Fleet, taking part in operations against Formosa, the invasion of Okinawa and operations against the Japanese home islands. In the early postwar months she acted as a troop carrier from New Guinea to Australia.

Later in 1945 Quadrant was transferred on loan from the Royal Navy to the Royal Australian Navy. She was commissioned as HMAS Quadrant on 18 October 1945.

After further service in Australian and northern wa-

ters, including a visit to Japan and Hong Kong, Quadrant paid off into reserve at Sydney on 20 June 1947.

In April 1950 work began at Williamstown Naval Dockyard to convert Quadrant to a modern, fast antisubmarine vessel. In June 1950 the ship’s transfer to the Royal Australian Navy was made permanent.

On recommissioning at Williamstown on 16 July 1953, the ship was classified as an anti-submarine frigate.

Quadrant was paid off on 16 August 1957.

QUALITY CT

Hastings

HMAS Quality HMAS Quality was a Q class destroyer of the Royal Navy.

Quality was constructed at Wallsend-on-Tyne, UK. She was laid down on 10 October 1940, launched on 6 October 1941, and commissioned into the RN on 7 September 1942.

The destroyer served in the Mediterranean in the north African landings, and in 1944 in the Far East.

On 17 September 1945, she and HMAS Nepal were the first Commonwealth ships to go upriver and berth in Tokyo. Quality transported a party of 300 Royal Navy

and Royal Marines personnel from the British warships King George V and Newfoundland for the re-opening of the British embassy.

Quality became one of five Q class ships transferred to the RAN on loan. She was transferred on 8 October 1945, and commissioned into the RAN on 28 November.

Following entry into Australian service, the destroyer operated primarily in Australian waters.

Quality was paid off into reserve on 25 January 1946, prior to conversion into an

anti-submarine frigate. To facilitate the conversion, Quality and her four sister ships were gifted to the RAN in May 1950.

Quality was designated as the last of the five ships to undergo the conversion.

While waiting for this, the destroyer underwent refits in 1948 and 1950, and had to be docked for repairs to her hull in 1954. Eventually the conversion of Quality was cancelled and the ship was marked for disposal. The ship was sold for scrap on 10 April 1958.

RACV HasƟngs Now Open!

Everything you need to meet your insurance, motoring and touring needs is now available from the RACV Shop located within Travelscene Westernport at 11 High Street, HasƟngs.

Motor insurance ■ Home Insurance ■ InternaƟonal Driving Permits ■ Theme Park and AƩracƟon Tickets ■ Maps and Travel Accessories

■

As your closest RACV Shop we will be here to assist you by providing highly personalised service. Please come in and see us, or if you would prefer contact us on 5979 1589.

PAGE 28 Western Port News ANZAC Special Edition 2011

STALWART AVE

Hastings

HMAS Stalwart HMAS Stalwart was an Australian-designed and constructed escort maintenance ship of the Royal Australian Navy.

Stalwart was laid down in Sydney in 1964. She was launched by Lady Maie Casey, wife of Governor-General Richard Casey in October 1966.

Stalwart was commissioned in February 1968.

The ship was designed by Navy Office in Canberra to provide afloat support for the RAN, primarily by providing maintenance and minor re-

TEAL CT

Hastings

HMAS Teal pairs to the navy’s destroyers and frigates.

Stalwart could perform these tasks at sea, and operate out of minor ports or forward bases around and away from Australia. Up to four ships could be assisted simultaneously, with Stalwart providing power, water, communications, and personnel facilities for the ships’ companies of those alongside.

Stalwart was present at Port Moresby for Papua New Guinean independence celebrations. She assisted in relief efforts after Cyclone

Tracy destroyed Darwin. In late May 1986, the vessel was sent to the Solomon Islands on a disaster relief mission following storms.

During the late 1980s, the ship focused less on her role as a maintenance vessel and more on her role as flagship.

She took part in precautionary deployments to Fiji and Vanuatu during 1987 and 1988.

After this she was transferred to the training squadron.

Stalwart was decommissioned on 9 March 1990.

HMAS Teal was one of six former Royal Navy Ton-class minesweepers acquired by the Royal Australian Navy.

On 4 February 1963, Teal started her service with the RAN. On 20 September 1963, Teal and her sister ships sailed for their first overseas deployment as part of Operation Gardening, a minesweeping task to clear a channel into Tonolei Harbour in Bougainville.

Teal participated in the search for survivors of the HMAS Melbourne and

HMAS Voyager disaster in February 1964.

On 18 April 1964, Teal participated in a ceremony to commemorate the 194th anniversary of Captain James Cook’s landing in Botany Bay following which she began a refit to prepare her for her forthcoming Far East deployment as part of Australia’s contribution to Commonwealth support for Malaysia during the Indonesian Confrontation.

This service was later recognised with the battle honour “Malaysia 1964-66”.

On 11 October 1967, Teal, in company with Ibis, left Sydney to circumnavigate Australia conducting surveys and mine countermeasures exercises. The two ships returned to Sydney on 21 December, becoming the first Ton class ships to circumnavigate Australia.

Teal was paid off into Operational Reserve on 15 January 1968. She was briefly recommissioned and decommissioned a number of times over the next nine years before finally being sold in October 1977.

RACV HasƟngs Now Open!

Everything you need to meet your insurance, motoring and touring needs is now available from the RACV Shop located within Travelscene Westernport at 11 High Street, HasƟngs.

Motor insurance ■ Home Insurance ■ InternaƟonal Driving Permits ■ Theme Park and AƩracƟon Tickets ■ Maps and Travel Accessories

■

As your closest RACV Shop we will be here to assist you by providing highly personalised service. Please come in and see us, or if you would prefer contact us on 5979 1589.

Western Port News ANZAC Special Edition 2011

PAGE 29

TORRENS CT

Hastings

HMAS Torrens HMAS Torrens was a River class destroyer escort of the Royal Australian Navy. Built as a replacement for HMAS Voyager, Torrens entered service in 1971, and was active until her decommissioning in 1998.

Torrens and sister ship HMAS Swan were ordered in 1964 as replacements for Voyager, the destroyer lost following a collision with the aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne in 1964.

Torrens was laid down at Sydney on 18 August 1965, launched on 28 September 1968 by Dame Zara Holt, the

widow of Prime Minister Harold Holt (who drowned off Portsea the previous year), and commissioned into the RAN on 19 January 1971.

Torrens and the destroyer tender HMAS Stalwart were at celebrations for Papua New Guinea’s independence from Australia in September 1975.

On 16 August 1976, Torrens and HMAS Melbourne were performing work-up exercises following the latter’s refit when they were called to assist MV Miss Chief off the coast of Bundaberg, Queensland.

During late February and early March 1972, Torrens escorted the troopship HMAS Sydney on her 24th and final troop transport voyage for the Vietnam War. Arriving in Vũng Tàu on 28 February, 457 Australian soldiers were collected before the two ships departed the next day for Australia.

HMAS Torrens was paid off in 1998.

On 14 June 1999, Torrens was sunk by a live Mark 48 Mod 4 torpedo fired by the Collins-class submarine HMAS Farncomb during the latter’s combat system trials.

VAMPIRE CT

HMAS Vampire

HMAS Vampire was commissioned at Sydney on 23 June 1959.

Her early years were spent travelling on naval exercises.

Vampire departed for a Far East deployment in February 1966.

The ensuing months were busy with involvement in patrols off Malaya and Borneo during the Indonesian Confrontation, and on escort duty for HMAS Sydney in Vietnam In January 1967 Vampire sailed for a lengthy Far East deployment including more

Hastings

escort work with Sydney.

Following a refit between September 1967 and May 1968 she deployed again to the Far East from March to October 1969.

In early 1970 Vampire was involved in junior officers’ training plus goodwill visits to Adelaide, Brisbane and Lord Howe Island.

This was a prelude to her being paid off on 29 June 1970 to undergo an extended refit.

Vampire was recommissioned on 17 November 1971.

In early 1980 Vampire assumed her new role as a training ship.

The Royal Australian Navy’s 75th anniversary was a fitting year to mark the end of Vampire’s career. The last of the Australian Daring class destroyers was paid off on 13 August 1986.

After decommissioning, Vampire was gifted to the Australian National Maritime Museum where she continues to be a popular tourist attraction for overseas visitors and former members of the ship’s company.

Have your tyres checked at the tyre specialists Wheel Alignments & Suspension Car & Truck Tyres Field Service

HASTINGS TYRE SERVICE 254 Marine Parade, Hastings

Ph: 5979 7444

YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT TYRE STORE PAGE 30 Western Port News ANZAC Special Edition 2011

WALLAROO PL

WARREGO CT

Hastings

HMAS Wallaroo HMAS Wallaroo, named after the town of Wallaroo in South Australia She was one of 60 Bathurst class corvettes constructed during the Second World War, and one of 36 initially manned and commissioned solely by the Royal Australian Navy.

Wallaroo was one of only three Bathurst class ships lost during the war, following a collision with US Liberty ship Henry Gilbert Costin on the night of 11 June 1943.

Wallaroo was laid down

by Poole & Steele Limited

in Sydney on 24 April 1941.

She was launched on 18 February 1942 by Mrs Poole, wife of the shipyard’s chairman of directors, and commissioned on 15 July 1942.

Wallaroo entered service in September 1942, patrolling for enemy submarines between Adelaide and Fremantle as well as performing escort and minesweeping duties around Fremantle.

Just after midnight on 11 June 1943, while out to sea west of Fremantle, the corvette collided with Henry Gilbert Costin.

The night was overcast, and the ships were travelling without lights as a precaution against attacks.

Three of Wallaroo’s crew were killed in the collision, and the corvette sank four hours later with no further casualties while trying to reach Fremantle.

The Liberty ship received minor damage, and made it to port.

The corvette’s wartime service was recognised with the battle honour “Pacific 1942”.

Hastings

HMAS Warrego FOLLOWING her commissioning at Sydney on 22 August 1940, HMAS Warrego was briefly employed on local escort duty.

In October 1940 Warrego assumed duty as Senior Officer, 20th Minesweeping Flotilla and operated as a minesweeper until 3 December 1941.

In late December 1941 Warrego travelled to Port Moresby and then to Darwin.

Part of a convoy that was attacked by a Japanese flying boat in February 1942, War-

rego had her first chance to open fire on the enemy.

The following day, 16 February, the convoy was attacked by a flight of 54 enemy aircraft and was forced to return to Darwin, but suffered only minor damage.

Warrego was at Darwin on 19 February 1942 when Admiral Nagumo’s carrierborne aircraft delivered the first enemy attack on the Australian mainland. She was fortunate to escape damage.

She carried on with various

escort duties in New Guinea and later in the Philippines.

After the war, HMAS Warrego operated as a survey ship.

She was paid off on 15 August 1963, one week short of her 23rd birthday, In the postwar period Warrego made a significant contribution to the survey of Australian waters, steaming about 271,000 miles on postwar survey duties alone.

Warrego was declared for disposal in 1964 and sold on 2 June 1965.

Becky Lindhe 0410 680 721 $// 0(&+$1,&$/ 5(3$,56 (/(&7521,& 781,1* (), 6(59,&,1* 52$':257+< 7(676 %$77(5,(6

ALL MAKES OF CAR, 4WDs & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Becky’s Car Detailing

P ro

apour

Gas Conversion Centre

Hand wash & vacuuming to a full detail Upholstery cleaning & deodorising Machine buff & waxing

',$*126,6 5(3$,5 &203/,$1&( 3/$7( &(57,),&$7,216 $$)5% 9$&& $&&5(',7(' <($56 (;3(5,(1&(

Mon-Fri: 8am-5.30pm

MELWAY REF: 107 G11

FRANKSTON

FRANKSTON-FLINDERS RD

ERAMOSA ROAD EAST

EET

ET

STR

TRE

CK

HS

CO SIM

ELP GU

V

E

TG

2/23 SIMCOCK ST, SOMERVILLE

GR AN TR OA D S C OT

Phone: 5977 7112 Phone: 5977 7844

x

Factory 3, 2135 FrankstonFlinders Rd, Hastings Email: Pontiac@live.com.au Western Port News ANZAC Special Edition 2011

PAGE 31

LE

la Aero Club nsu

Pen L F Y O T i N 0 6 4 4 R 7 A H: 59rt7Road, Tyabb

P Stua

TRAINING FOR R.A.A. THROUGH TO COMMERCIAL LICENCE $HUREDWLF LQVWUXFWLRQ 6FHQLF )OLJKWV *URXQG VFKRRO VXEMHFWV &OXE KRXVH IDFLOLWLHV

Welcome to

Tyabb

9 WEEK GROUP FITNESS CHALLENGE STARTS MONDAY MAY 2ND 10AM & WEDNESDAY MAY 4TH 9AM

SMALL GROUP FITNESS SESSIONS SPECIALLY DESIGNED TO HELP SHIFT STUBBORN EXCESS WEIGHT.

$15 PER SESSION ALL WELCOME, BOOKINGS REQUIRED. FOR BOOKINGS AND ENQUIRES CONTACT BRONWYN BRONWYN@STUDIO58.NET.AU WWW.STUDIO58.NET.AU

58 GRAYDENS RD TYABB 0408 511 640 STUDIO 58: ONE ON ONE AND SMALL GROUP PERSONAL TRAINING THAT GETS RESULTS!

26 Mornington-Tyabb Road, Tyabb

5977 3560 www.lockandstore.com.au sales@lockandstore.com.au

Boat & Caravan Storage Man with a Van at hourly rate

WE SELL BOXES Short/Long Term Storage 24/7 Access Your Lock & Key Night Security 2I¿ce 2n Site

Soda blasting and pressure cleaning Specialists

$IIRUGDEOH 5DWHV $OO 5HVLGHQWLDO ,QGXVWULDO 1HHGV 'ULYHZD\ ([SRVHG $JJUHJDWHV 3RRO 6XUURXQGLQJV (QWHUWDLQPHQW $UHDV $OO &RQFUHWH $UHDV

&KHZLQJ *XP Removal 6DQGVWRQH 5HWDLQLQJ :DOOV 6HDOLQJ $YDLODEOH

5(029( 3DLQW *UDIÀWL $QWL )RXOLQJ %LWXPHQ DQG PXFK PRUH

For prompt service contact: 1RHO Mobile: 0409 651 486 3HWHU Mobile: 0407 473 296 Email: sbe@issg.net.au PO Box 196, Tyabb 3913 PAGE 32 Western Port News ANZAC Special Edition 2011

HAND CRAFTED POTS, WATER FEATURES, FURNITURE, STATUES, ART GALLERY ELITE HOME & GARDEN DÉCOR 16 Mornington – Tyabb Rd Tyabb Phone 03 9397 6644 Open Thurs – Sun 9.30am - 4.00pm

www.topez.com.au

THE VINTAGE EMPORIUM

THE VINTAGE EMPORIUM Fashion F ash hion att The The V Vintage inttage S Shed hed d

Fashion F hi at The Th V Vintage i S Shed h d

Huge Range of Vintage Clothing, Jewellery, Hats, Shoes and so much more 93 Mornington Tyabb Road, Tyabb Hours: Thursday to Sunday, 10am-5pm Vanessa 0400 126 023

OPEN OVER EASTER

Antiques, Gifts, Furniture & Treasures

EXCEPT FOR GOOD FRIDAY

93 Mornington-Tyabb Road, Tyabb Mob: 0404 332 027 Ph: 5977 4195

For all the latest in vintage and chic clothing, visit The Vintage Emporium at 93 Mornington Tyabb Road, Tyabb

Email: vintageshed@bigpond.com www.thevintageshed.com.au Hours: Thursday-Sunday 10am-5pm

Jewellers

Celebrating

OVER 30 YEARS in jewellery manufacture

Because she’s special y a D Give her a gift that lasts forever.

Mother’s

have a unique range of beautiful jewellery.

8th May We hav Jewellery for all occasions WE WILL BEAT ANY PRICE

'ULYH WKURXJK WR &UDIW YLOODJH 7UDGLQJ KRXUV 7KXUVGD\ WR 6XQGD\ DP SP

TYABB CRAFT VILLAGE

14 Mornington-Tyabb Road, Tyabb 3913 Phone 5977 3711 Western Port News ANZAC Special Edition 2011

PAGE 33

When our peninsula ‘boys’ went to war NEARLY 700 Mornington Peninsula “boys” enlisted during the First World War, including 247 from Hastings, Bittern, Somerville and Tyabb areas, out of a peninsula population of 6500.

Their stories would be forgotten but for a remarkable local paper, The Peninsula Post, and now a new book and DVD – Our Boys at the Front: The Mornington Peninsula at War 1914-1918 through the pages of The Peninsula Post – has been compiled and published this month by the Mornington and District Historical Society.

The outbreak of the war changed the lives of these communities as it did to so many rural places in Australia. The Post reflected this by reporting on the many young men who voluntarily enlisted and on their progress over the ensuing five years. It published many of their letters about these experiences. It honoured those who were killed and reported the joyous welcome given to those who returned. The paper also reported on recruitment and repatriation, controversy over conscription, founding of the RSL and the creation of memorials to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

In those days, Western Port, like the rest of the peninsula, was predominantly rural. The largest primary activity was the orchard industry, particularly in Somerville district.

Western Port was prospering with commercial fishing, coal transport from Crib Point to Melbourne, a nascent tourism trade and the establishment of Flinders Naval Station.

O E S N VIC CT A ER TR S N O C

The region had no electricity, telephone or water system, and the age of motoring was just beginning, but the communities were vibrant, knit close by family ties, sporting clubs, churches, hotels and mechanics institutes. It was this environment that created the men who were to show resourcefulness, courage, persistence and mateship in the face of the horrific conditions on the ridges of Gallipoli, the sands of Palestine and the mud of Flanders and the Somme.

When the war started, residents started Red Cross branches and patriotic organisations to make, collect and send food treats, clothes, walking sticks and bandages for soldiers.

Money was raised to support the Red Cross overseas, refugee funds, the YMCA and buy government bonds to pay for the war. Schools also became heavily involved. These efforts and the events they organised were all recorded in The Post.

Enlistment caused heartache for many peninsula families. Many were to lose sons or see them return home severely physically and mentally damaged. Their courage in contrast to the many families whose sons would not volunteer led to tension and was the subject of poems and letters. The pressure put on young men to join up was continuous with so many killed at the front.

The strain on parents of the young men was often expressed in The Post. One story headlined ‘Courage of Women in Wartime’ said those who did not have sons at the front “do not know what it is to live on hope and expectancy of a letter

traced by the hand so dear; they do not know what it is to dread the sight of the clergyman approaching, fearing his message of death; they do not know what it is to tremble at the sight of a telegram ... To us women, is given the harder part – to wait, watch and pray; yes, and to keep ourselves worthy of the men we have borne”.

One of the many men who did not come home was Bombardier Bernie Jones who was killed at Gallipoli.

He was the first volunteer from Hastings and had written long accounts of the voyage from Australia and his experiences in Egypt. Shortly before he was mortally wounded, he was promoted to corporal, and is buried at Anzac Cove.

Many letters, diary entries and reminiscences provided graphic details of fighting in the trenches or working under fearful fire. Gunner Arthur MacDonald of Hastings described the landing on that first fateful day at Gallipoli. Hastings men Fred Boulter and Harry Foster wrote about trench warfare in France. Others described training, hospitalisation, sightseeing in Egypt and England, and travelling by sea.

Alex Meldrum of Somerville wrote about his time in England, including a grand march past in front of the King. Wheeler Frank Shepherd of Somerville was one of many who suffered disease. He caught diphtheria at Gallipoli and wrote from England. Many gave insights into the conditions and life at the front. Through them all comes a strong sense of comradeship among

;OL ,U]PYVUTLU[HSS` MYPLUKS` ^H` [V WYVJLZZ ZL^HNL ^HZ[L ^H[LY HUK VYNHUPJ ^HZ[L

E] XS 8LI REXYVEP [ [EKI I W

I K E F V E K

TVSGIWW QFIV E L G

I R S

MR

V I X ERH [EWXI [E 5H[\YHS WYVJLZZ 5V ZTLSSZ ,U]PYVUTLU[HSS` -YPLUKS` 3V^ JVZ[ ,_JLSSLU[ U\[YPLU[ MVY [OL NHYKLU

-VYNL[ ZTLSS` ZLW[PJZ VY JOLTPJHS [YLH[TLU[Z ,_WLYPLUJL [OL ILULMP[Z VM UH[\YHS Z`Z[LT \ZPUN L_JP[PUN [LJOUVSVN`

3V^ THPU[LUHUJL ,7( HWWYV]LK =PJ 5:> 8SK :( *HU IL MP[[LK PU[V HU L_PZ[PUN ZLW[PJ [HUR HUK [YLH[TLU[ WSHU[Z

Unit 5/2135 Frankston/Flinders Rd, Hastings 3915 Ph Vic: 03 5979 1887 NSW: 02 9653 3034 Qld: 07 5522 9686 SA: 03 5979 1887 FAX: 03 5979 1854 Email: enquiries@wormfarm.com.au Web: www.wormfarm.com.au PAGE 34 Western Port News ANZAC Special Edition 2011

A&A Worm Farm Waste Systems Pty Ltd

the peninsula men – and humour in the face of what can only be described as hell on earth.

Copies of The Post, which contain this wealth of information, are held in the Old Post Office in Mornington by the Mornington and District Historical Society. Thanks to a government grant, the pages have been scanned to ensure preservation.

The society used this opportunity to publish the book and DVD to bring to life these reports. It was launched on Sunday 17 April by Dunkley MP Bruce Billson, and is available in peninsula bookshops and will be in libraries. The book and DVD include photos; complete letters, diary entries and reminiscences as printed

in The Post; war poems; lists of all men who enlisted; and biographies of men who featured prominently.

The book is for families who had relatives in the war, students and people interested in Mornington Peninsula history. One reviewer wrote: “This is not a book about generals or politicians. Instead it tells us about the lives of ordinary men and women during wartime. Their qualities – humour, courage, and honesty – remind us in many ways of what it is to be Australian.”

Our Boys at the Front: The Mornington Peninsula at War 1914-1918 through the pages of The Peninsula Post is available now at Hastings Newsagency for $39.95.

WESTERNPORT AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES /3* *DV &RQYHUVLRQ 5HSDLUV 1HZ &DU %RRN 6HUYLFLQJ *HQHUDO 6HUYLFH 5HSDLUV

GAS REBATE

$1500

Take advantage now Cnr Coolstore & Wallis Rds, Hastings

Ph: 5979 1127

A golf club born from service

From serving the nation, to servicing your car JOHN PHILLIPS, owner and operator of Hastmotors, at 44 Glendale Ave, Hastings, served in the Australian Army reserves unit. He enlisted in 1996, completed basic training at Army Recruit Training Centre in Capooka, NSW, and marched out in February 1997.

He was then posted to 2/10 Artillery Regiment at Dandenong to work with field gun detachments before being reassigned to Headquarters Battery 2/10 Field Regiment St Kilda as a craftsman vehicle mechanic with the Royal Australian

Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.

Doing field training, being able to use his trade helped in the event of a breakdown or if repairs were required while in the field.

He achieved a Commanding Officersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Certificate of Achievement in June 2000 for outstanding performance of duty.

John completed several courses time and served in joint Task Force 112 in the area of operational search, surveillance and security at the Sydney Olympic games, making sure the public and

30 Years Experience

venues were safe.

He also worked as emergency response security for the NSW police department putting in long days and nights seven days a week.

John said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was all worth it to have been involved in the 2000 Olympics, the best ever in the world.â&#x20AC;?

He was awarded a certificate of appreciation and a medallion for his efforts. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am very proud of my time and the spirit of the Anzacs holds a special place for me: so lest we forget.â&#x20AC;?

$%1

THE Cerberus Golf Clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s layout remains one of the hidden gems among the Momington Peninsula courses.

This is mainly because it has only been open to the general public for a relatively short period of time. Prior to the end of 1999, use of the course was exclusively for defence force personnel, their families and their invited guests.

The history of golf at the naval base is very interesting. There have been four golf courses constructed at Cerberus (originally Flinders Naval Depot). Golf was first played at the base in 1921 by the officers only on a course constructed near the West Gate. This was reclaimed during the Second World War and used as a training area for close-range AA gunnery firing.

The next course, comprised of just a few holes, was constructed not far from the Wardroom (Officersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Mess) but was later taken over as a sewage treatment plant. The third attempt at a course was made behind where the base gymnasium now stands; a more suitable location was decided on, and the new course was located between the base and Crib Point.

Development of the cur-

rent course began at the end of the Second World War, with the nine holes completed in 1946.

The commanding officer at the time applied for funding to build a golf course but was denied. He later applied for funding to clear and construct firebreaks around the married menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quarters.

Funding was ultimately approved and the firebreaks, once established, incredibly took on the appearance of nine fairways.

The men under punishment, and volunteers, carried out much of the developmental work on the course.

Even today, the course still relies heavily on volunteers to supplement the efforts of paid staff.

The original greens were simply flat, circular sections at the end of the fairways until 1974 when club members under the supervision of Green Masters constructed the current greens. In later years, the members built nine extra tees. The additional tees have created 18 marginally different holes.

If you play the course, take note of the single headstone in the cemetery that is at right angles to all the others. History tells us that the occupant, who was a senior officer on exchange from

the Royal Navy, selected his own grave site when terminally ill and wished to be forever left facing his office.

Defence funding for the majority of course maintenance, with the exception of the firebreak, was withdrawn from 1999.

To continue as a golf course the club was forced to purchase its own equipment, employ a course superintendent and manager, and fund all other maintenance related to greens, tees and the remainder of the course.

To increase club revenue to support necessary maintenance, green-fee players were permitted use of the course, following command approval.

The course stands as one of the best nine-hole/18-tee courses around. Several social golf clubs have made Cerberus their home club.

The club is affiliated with the Mornington Peninsula District Golf Association and the course has a par of 72. Visitors are rarely disappointed and frequently pleasantly surprised by what they discover. An honesty greenfee payment system applies when staff members are not in attendance and a shop can supply most of your golfing needs, including club and buggy hire.

CERBERUS GOLF CLUB

SERVICE IS OUR SUCCESS

Invites the public to play the Navyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier Golf Course, located on the MORNINGTON PENINSULA

9 Greens and 18 distinctly separate tees and fairways Club house facilities - large undercover BBQ area Low green fees

ER IR A P E R D E V O R P zABC FLEET AP ME O C L E W S T E E L F zOTHER OUNTS C IS D R E N IO S N E zP -RKQ 3KLOOLSV

3+ )$;

*OHQGDOH $YH +DVWLQJV 9LF

SERVICING ALL MAKES & MODELS NEW & USED CARS AND MECHANICAL REPAIRS

Picturesque views Social Clubs welcome - discount for 20 or more players &ORVHG IRU FRPSHWLWLRQ RU DV QRWLĂ&#x20AC;HG E\ WKH PDQDJHU

as follows: Members 0700 - 1500 Saturdays. Ladies 0830 - 1230 Tuesdays Neat casual dress required: Collared shirts only to be worn slacks, neat jeans or shorts with socks may be worn golf shoes or non ripple style sports shoe to be worn

NO Tracksuits, Stubbies or Football Shorts

COURSE BOOKINGS 5983 6006 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 0414 925 587 Western Port News ANZAC Special Edition 2011

PAGE 35

PAGE 36 Western Port News ANZAC Special Edition 2011