may issue of the rsl newsletter
DESCRIPTION
Returned & Services League Monthly NewsletterTRANSCRIPT
1
Angeles City Sub Branch
Philippines
www.rslangelescity.com
` „Lest We Forget‟
Clubhouse: Ponderosa Hotel
President
Vice Presidents
Secretary
Treasurer
Editor
James Curtis-Smith Noel Roach Vic Meller Dallas Drake Bob Young Larry Smith
Email address‟:
Newsletter # 26 May 2009
PRESIDENTS REPORT - May 2009
What a memorable day ANZAC Day was for our Sub Branch. In excess of 65 persons attended at the Clark War Cemetery on the former Clark US Air Force Base at Angeles City and 118 registered their attendance to participate in the activities at Swagman Resort, Diamond Subdivision, Angeles City following. The Remembrance Service although short was meaningful, and means so much to those that attend. In addition to RSL members and other Australians, we were delighted to see the presence of so many of our friends from the US (Veterans of Foreign Wars, Fleet Reserve Association, American Legion, US Special Forces, Vietnam Veterans of America) and current members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, British Legion and from New Zealand. As a matter of trivia (to many the next day was not trivia) the average consumption of stubbies (SMB’s and SML’s) was 12.6 bottles per head for the day!! Not too bad for an entry of 300pesos (AUD$8.50) which in addition to drinks provided you with a hearty gunfire breakfast and unlimited sausage sizzle around lunchtime.
2
Many thanks to those persons and corporations who donated such good prizes for the raffle and auction, and also of course to those who shelled out to participate. There will be another medical mission on Saturday May 30 at 8.30am and which has been asked of us by Balibago Barangay Captain Tony Mamac to assist families who have recently been dispossessed by the new rail line being constructed between Clark and Manila and are in need.. Following this mission another medical mission is organized for Saturday June 20th commencing 8.30am in Barangay Malabanias and which is the largest Barangay in area and I suspect in anticipated attendees. I look forward to more of our members attending to assist the medical missions sub-committee on these days. The onset of the rainy season has come early this year and preventative treatment and medicines are now needed by these impoverished people. 100 mosquito nets have been purchased and delivered to Dr. de Guzman for distribution to the poor families down on the river east of Friendship. Social Tuesdays and the various venues for same are now published in the Blue Book. More next month JAMES E. CURTIS-SMITH President
NEW MEMBERS Membership is still climbing. The Sub branch would like to welcome the following new members:
Eric Stevens * Belinda Clifford * Letty Martin * Anthony Stein * Gregory Tucker * Peter Keeting
* Peter Taylor * Allan Reading * Michael Porter * Dale Pelham * Rick Dray * Erwin Loosen *
Brian Fitzclarence * John O‟Brien * Thomas Chivers * Ole Grasboll * Robert Aien * Celeste Smith
* Welcome back to: John Gabelish * James Reid * Don McDonald *
Sub-branch Membership Benefits
We now have a funeral benefit for all members who are financial for a period of three years (and still are financial) who are not otherwise getting funds from elsewhere, like DVA. The Funeral benefit is capped at P12,000.00. Local RSL members can now get from Shano (himself) a VIP card that gives 20% discount off all drinks at all times including happy hour. Show RSL Card to Shano and get their New VIP Card. (So those who have not signed up yet miss out on many benefits afforded to members of our Sub branch)
Tuesday May 19th is next General meeting followed by Bar Hop to Coyote Ugly
**** **** **** **** **** ****
An amazing fact.
At 5 minutes and 6 seconds after 4am on the 8th
of July this year the time & date will be 04:05:06 07/08/09. This
will not happen again until the year 3009. (I had a deep feeling that you just needed to know this.)
3
Left shows the turn-
up at the Cenotaph
in Australia‟s
smallest capital
city, HOBART for
the Dawn Service
on 25th
April 2009.
The picture shows
some 2000 people
attending, which is
a good turn-up. It
proves that people
are still eager to
commemorate
ANZAC Day. It
must have been
cold though, look at the coats and beanies being worn. Nothing like at the Angeles City service.
For pictures of the service and function after in Angeles City, look at our web page and go to
Image Gallery.
ANZAC DAY POEM
I saw a kid marching, with medals on his chest
He marched along side diggers, marching six abreast
He knew it was ANZAC DAY, he walked along with pride
He did the best to keep in step, the diggers by his side.
And when the march was over, the kid was rather tired
A digger said "whose medals son" to which the kid replied;
"They belong to my daddy,
But he did not come back
He died up in New Guinea, on a lonely jungle track.”
The kid looked rather sad, then a tear came to his eye
The digger said. "don't cry my son and I will tell you why
Your daddy marched with us today, all the blooming way
We diggers know that he was there, it's like that on Anzac Day.
The kid looked rather puzzled and didn't understand
But the digger went on talking and started to wave his hand
"For this great land we live in, there's a price we have to pay
And for this thing called freedom, the diggers had to pay.
4
For all we love fun and merriment, in this land where we live
The price was that some soldiers, his precious life must give
For you all go to school my lad and worship god at will
Someone had to pay the price, so the diggers paid the bill.
Your daddy died for us my son, for all things good and true
I wonder if you can understand, the things I've said to you.
The kid looked up at the digger, just for a little while
And with a changed expression, said with a lovely smile
"I know my daddy marched here today, this, our ANZAC DAY
I know he did- I know he did- All the blooming way
**** **** **** **** **** **** ****
Following is an email from the Minister for Veteran’s Affairs to a concerned Australian veteran
From: "Griffin, Alan (MP)" <[email protected]>
Date: 11 May 2009 10:09:37 PM
Cc: "Wood, Jason (MP)" <[email protected]>, "McDonald, Taryn (J. Wood, MP)" <[email protected]>
Subject: Concern raised with Jason Wood re TPI status
Dear Wayne,
I am responding to a letter I recently received from Jason Wood MP, Member for La Trobe, regarding a concern you
raised about potential changes in the status of TPI‟s.
In particular, you were of the belief that DVA officials have provided advice to a member of the VVAA that
individual classifications as TPI are to be cancelled by my Department where veterans are classified as suffering from
PTSD.
I want to make it very clear that no such change, or anything like it, is under consideration. I would be very interested
to ensure that this rumour is put to rest straight away. Please pass on to anyone who has led you to believe that this
will take place that the Minister rejects it completely. If, in fact, any DVA employee has said such a thing I would be
very keen to get their name in order to point out to them that they are wrong. I must say I find it hard to believe that
any DVA employee has come up with such a stupid idea.
I hope this resolves any concerns you have regarding this matter. I have copied Jason in on this response.
Best wishes,
Alan Griffin MP
Federal Minister for Veterans‟ Affairs
5
Minister for Veterans' Affairs Mailing List 01 Tuesday 12 May 2009
VETERANS’ AFFAIRS PENSIONERS BENEFIT IN RUDD GOVERNMENT BUDGET
Australia’s veterans will benefit from the Australian Government’s strong commitment to the ex-service community in the 2009-10 Veterans’ Affairs Budget. The 2009–10 Veterans’ Affairs Budget provides funding of $11.8 billion including funding of $6.5 billion for compensation and income support, and $4.9 billion for health and health services. “This is a responsible budget for the veteran community, providing certainty for so many in uncertain economic times, while continuing to deliver our election commitments,” Mr Griffin said. “It builds on the work we have been doing for veterans since 2007, including ongoing improvements in health and mental health services and improving recognition of the courage and sacrifice of our veterans.” Flowing from the Harmer Review of Pensions, the Government will allocate $1.1 billion over four years to provide extra financial support in the Veterans’ Affairs portfolio. Over 320,000 service pensioners and war widow(er)s will benefit from the pension changes. Single service pensioners and war widows will receive a boost to their pension of up to $32.49 a week. Service pensioners paid the couples rate will get up to an extra $10.14 combined a week. These increases are in addition to normal indexation and will apply from 20 September 2009. The current system for the payment of allowances will also be simplified. An additional $9.5 million in extra funding has been allocated to boost mental health services for veterans and ex-serving personnel, implementing all of Professor David Dunt’s recommendations arising from his Independent Study into Suicide in the Ex-service Community. Mental health programs, including suicide prevention, will be strengthened, and administrative procedures faced by those transitioning out of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), or applying for compensation, will be further simplified. More experienced case managers will be assigned to support clients with complex needs and access to mental health clinical expertise will increase. The Australian Government will provide $10 million to develop the Western Front Interpretive Trail in partnership with local communities. The project will improve facilities and interpretation at seven sites in France and Belgium where Australians fought during the First World War. Visitors from all nations will be able to trace the course of Australian sacrifices and achievements and learn about Australia’s role at these key battlefields. “As we move towards the centenary of the First World War, the Interpretive Trail is an appropriate way of raising awareness and recognising the contribution of Australians on the Western Front,” Mr Griffin said. The 2009–10 Budget provides $1.0 million for a review of military rehabilitation and compensation arrangements, and a review into the cost of pharmaceuticals for war caused disabilities. This funding will help deliver on two election commitments. Australian veterans and war widows who live overseas will no longer have to maintain an Australian bank account to receive their DVA payments, saving them from paying ongoing fees for international transfers.
6
Measures will be implemented to improve co-ordination across programs that support veterans and war widows in their homes, to streamline the assessment process, and to enhance service delivery through better identification of veterans’ needs. Together with administrative efficiencies, this will result in savings of $4.2 million over four years. The Government will spend $5.3 million in 2009-10 to pay a lump sum to all recipients of the Dependant's Pension. This pension, which has been frozen for more than 45 years, aside from a one-off GST increase in 2000, will be converted to a one-off payment equivalent to three years of payments. New grants of the Dependant’s Pension ceased in 1985, and current payments range between 29 cents and $8.42 a fortnight. This lump sum will be paid to all recipients at the end of September 2009, after which the pension will cease. The Government will further extend the Defence Services Homes Insurance Scheme to eligible members of the popular Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme. This will benefit an estimated 7,500 ADF and Reserve members and is part of the Government’s strategy to encourage ADF personnel retention. During 2009-10, the Government will also complete its consideration of the recommendations of the Clarke Review that were not implemented by the previous Government. Mr Griffin said the Veterans’ Affairs Budget is a demonstration of the Government’s understanding of the financial situation that faces veterans and their families and shows a commitment to improving both their circumstances and the system that supports them.
So that is what veterans received in the budget of 2009
Minister for Veterans' Affairs Mailing
Friday, 24 April 2009
$10 MILLION FOR ANZAC TRAIL ON WESTERN
FRONT
The exploits of the nearly 300,000 Australians who fought on
the Western Front will be better commemorated under a new
plan announced today by the Minister for Veterans' Affairs,
Alan Griffin. Outlining the concept of an integrated Anzac trail of
commemoration on the Western Front, Mr Griffin said the
Anzac Trail will foster a deeper appreciation of what
Australians achieved and endured in the main theatre of
conflict of the FirstWorld War.
The Trail will focus on the potential to develop as many as
seven key sites, bringing alive the story of Australians on the
Western Front.
Speaking from Pozieres, in France, Mr Griffin said that the
Anzac Trail concept was the result of careful planning and
assessment of the options available to appropriately honour the courage and sacrifice of Australians on the Front.
“I have held extensive discussions with many French and Belgian local representatives and am pleased they have
7
agreed to work together in the development and establishment of the Anzac Trail,” Mr Griffin said.
“The Australian Government will commit $10 million over the next four years to the establishment of the Trail. It is
also clear that some local authorities will also contribute funds to assist in a number of the locations.”
A range of measures across the Western Front will be planned and developed in consultation with local communities
and the appropriate French and Belgian authorities. Options currently being assessed include: major improvements to
the museum at Villers-Bretonneux; the relocation of the existing museum at Fromelles; improved links to regional
battlefield trails; refurbishing and upgrading of the museum at Bullecourt; and the establishment of an interpretive
centre at Pozieres.
“This approach to commemorating Australia's efforts on the Western Front recognises the significant efforts of many
locals over decades and seeks to partner with these facilities to attract potential visitors and improve recognition of
Australia's wartime role,” Mr Griffin said.
“Further, this approach, particularly the partnership aspect, will ensure that Australian funds are spent carefully and in
the best locations to appropriately commemorate and honour the service of our First World War heroes.
“The Anzac Trail will provide long overdue recognition of Australia's contribution all along the Front.
“It is particularly important to act now as we move towards the centenary of our involvement in the war, and the
international focus that will occur in the years ahead,” Mr Griffin said.
The seven sites currently under consideration are Villers-Bretonneux, Pozieres, Bullecourt, Fromelles, Mont St
Quentin, Ypres and Tyne Cot.
Mr Griffin will tomorrow deliver the Commemorative Address at the Australian Government‟s Anzac Day Dawn
Service at the Australian War Memorial outside Villers-Bretonneux in France
***** ***** ***** ***** ***** Minister for Veterans' Affairs Mailing List VA025 Monday, 20 April 2009
AUSTRALIA’S WARTIME HISTORY GOES INTERACTIVE Australians in London for Anzac Day will be among the first to experience a new interactive display encapsulating Australian service in the two World Wars, unveiled today in London by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin. Mr Griffin said for the first time a traditional Australian war memorial has been enhanced to include an interactive display to help visitors learn more about the memorial and the service it commemorates. “The Australian War Memorial in Hyde Park, London, commemorates the service of more than 900,000 Australians during the First and Second World Wars. Etched into the walls of the memorial are the names of the 23,844 towns across the country who gave their sons and daughters to these conflicts and 47 of the battles they fought in,” Mr Griffin said. “The touch-screen display, located at the Wellington Arch adjacent to the memorial, allows visitors to search for information on the battles listed and find where the town names appear on the memorial. “Striking images of the trench lines, the poppies of Flanders Fields and Australian men and women in uniform provide visual context, while the music played throughout the display, including recordings from the Royal Military College Band, Duntroon, creates a sense of commemoration.” Mr Griffin said the new interactive display is not just for those visiting the memorial in London; all Australians can access the display through the new website www.awmlondon.gov.au. “This interactive display is a great way for visitors – and those at home through the internet – to learn about and understand the significance of the memorial and the chapter in Australia’s wartime history it honours.”
8
Mr Griffin said shortly thousands of Australians and New Zealanders will gather at the Australian War Memorial in Hyde Park for Anzac Day commemorations. The memorial itself will be closed soon after Anzac Day to allow repainting of the lettering on the face of the memorial during the summer months. This is expected to be completed in three months. The interactive display will continue to be available for visitors during this time.
***** ***** **** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****
THE OTHER SIDE AT ANZAC COVE ANZAC Day commemorations are over for another year. We all look forward to the time we again
can don our medals and attend Dawn Services and join a march.
We know our side of the ANZAC legend and know that it started at Gallipoli. But we don‟t know
much about the other side, old Johnny Turk.
Here is a brief rundown on the commander of the Turkish forces that faced the ANZACS on that day
in April 1915. His name was Mustafa Kemel, later known as Ataturk.
Atatürk (Mustafa Kemal)
Atatürk was born Mustafa Kemal at Salonika (now Thessalonika, Greece). After graduating from the military
academy in Constantinople (Istanbul), Kemal pursued his military career with the Turkish Army in Syria. A member
of the Young Turk revolutionary movement which deposed the Sultan in 1909, he took part in the war of 1911–1912
against Italy in Libya. During the Second Balkan War in 1913 he became the chief of staff of the army in the Gallipoli
Peninsula, until posted as military attaché at the Turkish embassy in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Kemal returned to Gallipoli in 1915 as commander of the 19th Division, the main reserve of the Turkish Fifth Army,
and was thus on hand to oppose the ANZAC landing in April. His superb grasp of strategy and ability to inspire his
troops by his reckless bravery in action boosted Turkish morale and proved decisive in thwarting allied plans. Given
command of all Turkish forces fighting in the Anafarta sector from Chunuk Bair to Suvla Bay, he was granted the
title of Pasha after the August battles there. After commanding in the Caucasus, Kemal was at the head of Seventh
Army in Palestine during the final allied offensive which defeated Turkey in 1918.
Colonel Mustafa Kemal (fourth from left)
with officers and staff of the Anfarta group,
Gallipoli Peninsula, 1915. AWM
P01141.001
The anti-Ottoman government bestowed the
title of Ghazi (victorious) on Kemal as he had
the vision to bring Turkey on par with
twentieth–century western countries. Turkey
became a republic in 1923 and Kemal became
the first president. During his 15-year rule,
many sweeping changes were introduced to
the political, legal and socioeconomic fields.
He was an immortal hero to his people and an
extraordinary leader and peacemaker. Kemal said in 1933, "I look to the world with an open heart full of pure feelings
and friendship". In 1934, he accepted the title "Atatürk" (father of the Turks).
9
In 1934 Atatürk wrote a tribute to the ANZACs killed at Gallipoli: Those heroes that shed their
blood and lost their lives... You are now lying in the soil of a friendly country.
Therefore rest in peace. There is no difference between the Johnnies and the
Mehmets to us where they lie side by side now here in this country of ours... you, the
mothers, who sent their sons from faraway countries wipe away your tears, your sons
are now lying in our bosom and are in peace. After having lost their lives on this land,
they have become our sons as well.
This inscription appears on the Kemal Atatürk Memorial, ANZAC Parade, Canberra.
***** ***** ***** *****
*****
ADVERTISEMENT
Left is the Spirit of Australia, known as
Qantas Airlines. Here is one of their
A380‟s flying over Sydney with the
famous Sydney Harbour Bridge and the
Sydney Opera House underneath.
Qantas was a major prize donor in the
last Australia Day Fiesta of which we
thank them.
Whether you are returning to or just
going to Australia, give Qantas a ring
and they will get you there.
***** ***** ***** ***** *****
ANZAC DAY - April 25th
2009
THE ANZAC TRADITION OF AUSTRALIAN MATESHIP -
By Anne Fairbairn AM
While outwardly supportive of our troops role in World War 1, former Australian Premier of New South Wales,
Prime Minister of Australia and then first High Commissioner to London (for two terms) during World War 1, Sir
George Houstoun Reid, my grandfather, held private reservations about the ANZAC deployment to the Dardanelles in
1915. He received a letter at the time from his friend, the First Sea Lord in the British War Cabinet, Lord 'Jackie'
Fisher, who resigned from his position in disgust at the First Lord of the Admiralty, Winston Churchill's (as Fisher
saw it) misguided push for the ill-fated Dardanelles campaign. Reid had traveled to Egypt in early 1915 where he
inspected the Australian troops and was hugely impressed with their standard of training before they embarked for the
Dardanelles. However my father, Clive Reid George Reid‟s younger son, who was a young boy at Westminster
School in London at the time, told me that his father, George Reid, was extremely concerned about the concept of the
10
Dardanelles because he believed it was a misguided attempt to fight the Germans through the back door and was
not sufficiently thought through.
Part of the basis of Reid and Fisher's friendship was Reid's agreement with Fisher that the war could have been
shortened considerably if Fisher's plan - to invade German soil from the Baltic and thus divide the enemy forces - had
been put into action instead of the Dardanelles venture. It is possibly not historically recorded but my father always
said that his father had many worries about this and he certainly discussed his concerns confidentially with close
friends including Lord Fisher. Fisher wrote to Reid when the tragedy of the Dardanelles was unfolding with huge
Australian casualties - I found this letter in my parents' attic in their Sydney home when my mother died in 1987 and I
had it verified by the present Lord Fisher; it is now in the National Library in Canberra. Fisher stated in his letter:
„…The inexcusable criminal disaster of the Dardanelles and no punishment for the butcher politicians - Yours till hell
freezes’ - (signed) Jackie Fisher. Fisher also wrote at the end of this letter ‘Please burn and destroy’. One would only
write this kind of confidential letter to a close friend. George Reid, as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom,
would have been acutely aware of the growing number of casualties among the Australian forces on the peninsular.
The official history of the Dardanelles disaster was recorded in detail by Australian historian, Charles E.W. Bean,
who was permitted to be present at the landing at ANZAC Cove and during the ongoing battles, by the intervention of
Reid (as Australia‟s High Commissioner to the U.K.) with the British authorities. He was to stay on the peninsula for
the whole of the campaign, the only correspondent to see it from beginning to end, and having, as he hoped, a perfect
vantage point for recording the Australians in action. Day after day, night after night, he set down in his diaries what
he was seeing and hearing and what men said when he asked them about their experiences. Like everybody else on
both sides he got little sleep during the first week of the struggle. Bean with uncharacteristic vehemence rejects a
common British view that Australian troops had „advanced in a ill-disciplined rush far beyond the positions they
should have occupied‟ (page 602 in Bean‟s official history of the war). ‘The Australian soldier,‟ Bean declares „has
scattered to the winds once and for all, the notion, often reiterated, that and Australian force would be ineffective
through lack of discipline.‟ Indeed Bean insists that Australians displayed a remarkable kind of self-discipline, which
obliged every man to pay no heed at all to shell fire „even so much as by turning a head or by lowering the pannikin
from which he was drinking.‟ The landing dissolved all doubts about the relations between the Australian men and
their officers since the appointed leaders revealed „character and competence.‟ Bean resolved from the start to offer as
a memorial to the soldiers a full and accurate account of what they had done, conceiving it to be his duty, as he puts it
in the preface, „to record the plain and absolute truth so far as it was within his limited power to compass it.‟ The
modesty was genuine; but he knew that he was uniquely well placed to do the job, having observed the men of the
AIF at close hand for four years. The odds must have been long against his surviving it all to become their historian.
Bean was struck in the leg by a stray Turkish bullet, while following the column of Brigadier General Monash‟s 4th
Infantry Brigade at the start of the Battle of Sari Bair. Despite the wound, he refused to be evacuated from the
peninsula. He left Gallipoli for good on the night of 17 December, two nights before the final evacuation. He would
return in 1919 with the Australian Historic Mission.
As an Australian journalist, war correspondent and historian who is renowned as the editor of the 12-volume Official
History of Australia in the War of 1914-1918. Bean wrote Volumes I to VI himself, which dealt with the Australian
Imperial Forces at Gallipoli, France and Belgium. Bean was instrumental in the establishment of the Australian War
Memorial, and of the creation and popularization of the ANZAC legend.
My father joined the Australian army in World War 11. Bean told my father, many years later, that he was hugely
appreciative of George Reid‟s assistance in arranging for him to be present during the Dardanelles campaign. He also
said that eventually the Australian forces would be also fully recognized – not just for their role at the Dardanelles,
but also for their immense efforts in Northern France. something which is now certainly deeply appreciated by the
people of Villers-Bretonneu. After the war he often discussed with Bean the concept of the Sydney to Canberra
„Remembrance Driveway,‟ which my father helped create because he felt so deeply about the losses sustained by
Australia in both World Wars. Also his older brother, Douglas lost his two sons, Bruce and Ian Reid, in World War 1.
My mother‟s two brothers, Colin and Keith Ross Munro, were killed in World War 11.
11
One result of Australia's faithful and sacrificial effort to the cause of WWI was an enhanced international status.
After the war, the question of Dominion independence arose. As Australia developed a diplomatic service, the
government pressed for more autonomy from Britain in enacting laws. The Statute of Westminster 1931 (UK) was
passed by the Imperial Parliament in the UK and established legislative equality between the self-governing
Dominions of the British Empire. In effect it gave the Dominion parliaments equal status with the British Parliament,
and established that the dominions were under the authority of the Crown as opposed to the government of Britain.
Australia finally ratified this law in the Statute of Westminster Adoption Act of 1942.
I am certain that my grandfather would have been extremely proud of the positive symbolism of ANZAC mate-ship,
galvanized under horrendous circumstances, which has emerged as symbolic of our Australian way of life. I never
knew my grandfather – I was born many years after he died. He married my grandmother, Dame Flora Reid, when he
was over fifty and she was twenty. I have done quite a lot of research into his life and written about his contribution to
Australia. Flora as one of the first women to receive the title of Dame; this was bestowed for her huge contribution
caring for the wounded Australians in the U.K, where she was living during World War 1 as the wife of Reid – the
High Commissioner. According to my father she always spoke of the strong spirit of „mate-ship‟ which existed
among all the man she helped.
I trust today all Australians will remember this and never seek to vilify their fellow-Australians, especially those who
are of non Anglo-Celtic background.
***** **** ***** ***** *****
RETURNED & SERVICES LEAGUE – AUSTRALIA ANGELES CITY – PHILIPPINES SUB BRANCH
MINUTES OF MONTHLY GENERAL MEETING – 21 Apr 2009
Opening
The President opened the meeting at 1432 hours followed by the Ode and welcomed members present and visitors
Charles Britt, John Gablish and Alan Grownow.
Apologies were received for Phil Terrell, Lee Townsend, Lionel Clayden, Ross Bothwell, George Lovegrove, Kev
Coillett, Harley Milsop, Hugh Ellis and Phil Bewley.
Minutes of the Last Meeting
Minutes of the last meeting were read. Business arising is covered under General business.
Motion: That the minutes of the last meeting, as read, be accepted.
Moved: Rob Cairns Seconded: Eddie Smith
Carried
Correspondence
The President advised that there had been the usual inward and outward administrative correspondence which did not
warrant further review at the General Meeting.
Treasurer’s Report
The Treasurer read his report for March, 2009. He advised that he had banked P46760 being receipts from Shanno‟s
Saturday Night (SNR) and P1700 had been set aside for the purchase of 10 Nebulizers. Copy attached.
12
Motion: That the Treasurer‟s reports as read, be received and accepted.
Moved: Noel Roach Seconded: Gary Barnes
Carried
General Business
1. The President requested a report from Noel Roach on the Medical Mission held on the 18 Apr. Noel advised that
more than 520 Children had been examined and provided with medications and multi vitamins. The cost of the
mission had yet to be finalized but was in the region of P26000 plus transport and sundry expenses. Unfortunately the
accompanying Dental Mission was unable to go ahead due to time constraints and the need to purchase dental and
hygiene materials. Arrangements for dental support to the next Medical Mission, which will be held in Malbanias
Barangay on the 20 Jun, will be commenced earlier.
2. The President asked Vic Meller for a report on the visit to the FRA, San Antonio on the 3-5th Apr. which he duly
provided.
3. The President referred to the Notice of Motion received the previous month seeking RSL assistance with funeral
expenses for members who die and are buried here in the Philippines, (copy attached) and invited Ross Mangan to
address the meeting. He read out his motion and further discussion followed.
The motion was moved: Ross Mangan Seconded: Vic Meller
Carried
4. Percy Mitchell addressed the meeting, advising that the Angeles City Sports and Social Club would be holding a
charity Golf Day on the 23rd May and all members were invited to participate. Entry fee will be P2000 and hit-off
would start at 0830 hours.
5. The President asked Dallas Drake for the Secretary‟s Report which he provided:
a. The new owners of Shanno‟s Irish Pub, brothers, both of whom were ex USN, had been approached with respect to
the future of the RSL SNRs, and had indicated there full support;
b. The next social Tuesday, 28th Apr would commence at Foxy‟s bar at 1400 hours;
c. Dallas advised that he had received a donation of memorabilia from Tony Scroope of the Harbour Town RSL, Qld.
which included rings, belts and stickers. He advised that he proposed to auction these, along with other donations, at
the ANZAC Day Auction;
d. A series of posters had also been received from (?) that were presented to the meeting and a motion was
subsequently moved that;
The 5 posters be appropriately framed and hung in the club room. Vic Meller was asked to investigate costs and
advise accordingly.
Moved: Noel Roach Seconded: Dallas Drake ; and carried
e. A comprehensive information kit covering veteran‟s entitlements issued by the Minister for Veterans Affairs the
Rt. Hon Allan Griffith had been received and was available for perusal by members in the Club Room.
6. The President reminded members that the ANZAC Day Commemoration Service and fellowship would take place
this Saturday and advised that the format would be the same as previous years, with the Morning Service at 0700
hours at the Clark Cemetery followed by breakfast and fellowship at the Swagman Hotel. He confirmed that:
13
a. Bob Young had arranged for everything at the Swagman Hotel including tables for merchandise and ticket sales,
Gunfire Breakfast and Sausage Sizzle Lunch, and local drinks for P40.
b. Col Whelan had organized to collect entry fees, P300 a single and P500 a double, which will include 6 raffle
tickets, breakfast and lunch. He would also be selling additional tickets at 3 for 100 and 6 for 200. Many prizes had
been donated for the raffle;
c. Ken Patterson would be organizing 2Up and Crown and Anchor as required;
d. Vic Meller would organize merchandise and Normie would be selling it with the assistance of Ron Parrot;
e. Vic Meller would also arrange for the movement of flags to and from the cemetery on the Ponderosa Bus and
organize the Flag Party.
The President again reminded members that the charity raffle at Shanno‟s would not be run this week.
7. Colin Whelan advised that Sub-Branch membership now comprised 335 members, 133 Service Members and 202
Affiliate Members. Of these, there were 91 Service and 129 Affiliate were paid up for 2009. The President reminded
members that membership would be terminated for those who remained unfinancial after ANZAC Day.
Further Business
The President called for any further business, received no response, and called for the door raffle to be drawn. Won
by Noel Roach
The Meeting closed at 1530 hours.
You may make mention of another Membership benefit we have in the news letter.
Its a Funeral payment for any members of 3 years good standing who passes away and does not have other Funeral
Benefit such as Veteran DVA entitlements.
See attached.
Also mention that we have monthly Notices in the Blue Book that shows our Schedule of events for the month of
publication, (handy for those who do not have email )
***** ***** ***** ***** *****
Minister for Veterans' Affairs Mailing List VA033 Monday, 11 May 2009
EASIER CLAIM PROCESS BEING TRIALLED
An easier process for veterans and ex-service personnel to claim compensation and benefits is a step closer with a new trial commencing this month, the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin, said today. Mr Griffin said a new single claim process will make accessing compensation more straightforward for those veterans and ex-service personnel who may have entitlements under more than one Act administered by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. “Depending on their service, veterans and ex-service personnel may be entitled to benefits under three different Acts – the Veterans Entitlements Act 1986, the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004,” Mr Griffin said.
14
“To date, veterans wanting to claim under more than one Act needed to submit a separate claim form for each Act. “The new process being trialled will see veterans lodge one single claim form for compensation and benefits available under any of these three Acts, cutting down the unnecessary paperwork for veterans.” Mr Griffin said understanding which legislation relates to their claims can be confusing for veterans and ex-service personnel. “The introduction of a single claim form will help reduce this confusion and is an important step forward in improving the overall claim process for veterans,” he said. The new process will be trialled over the next two months in Perth, Melbourne and Brisbane, working with specific veteran advocacy centres located in these states. “My Department is working closely with ex-service organisations and members of the veteran community to ensure the new process is effective in helping veterans access their rightful entitlements and easing the claims process. If successful, the single claim process will be expanded as soon as possible,” Mr Griffin said. This trial complements other initiatives designed to improve the transition for members leaving service, particularly those who have to deal with multiple agencies. Being a Pensions Officer for the past eight years, I for one am pleased to see this initiative. Ed
Training & Information Program (TIP)
Reg Tulip will be coming from Sydney once again to conduct the TIP Courses. All those previously trained can attend refresher sessions and do advanced training whilst NEW Starters are welcome to do TIP 1,2 and 3.
More Pension and Welfare trained persons are needed within our Sub branch so we may be more capable to assist our growing number of members. The training will be conducted in the run up to Vietnam Veteran’s Day 18th August. So please note this in your diaries.
***** ***** ***** ***** *****
Q. What is the difference between the US Marine Corps and the Boy Scouts?
A. The Boy Scouts are led by adults.
Q What is the difference between the Australian Army and the Boy Scouts?
A. The Boy Scouts don't have artillery
15
Battle of Fire Support & Patrol Base Coral (and Balmoral), May
1968 The biggest unit level battle of the Viet Nam war that involved Aussies. It lasted for 26
days, 12 May to 6 June 1968 and was made up of several actions.
It cost more Aussie lives than the battle of Long Tan.
Aussie artillery "lost" a gun for a short period and also fired over "open sights" (point
blank, directly to front). Neither of these things had happened to any British
Commonwealth artillery since the Boer war. The gun was recaptured.
It all took place in Area of Operations Surfers and was instrumental in protecting Sai
Gon and or Bien Hoa air base from attack by the NVA Units involved.
Fire Support Base Coral, Bien Hoa Province, Vietnam. 13 May 1968. The 105mm M2A2
howitzer, No. 6 gun of 102 Field Battery, 12th Field Regiment, Royal Australian
Artillery (RAA), and two members of the gun crew, on the morning after the first series
of attacks on Fire Support Base (FSB) Coral by troops of the North Vietnamese Army's
(NVA) 7th Division. This position was temporarily overrun by the NVA on the night of
the 12/13 May 1968 and the gun was seriously damaged by a satchel charge and the gun
was withdrawn for repair. The identity of the two soldiers is unknown. Various items of
kit and equipment are gathered at left and centre, including wash basins, plastic jerry
cans of water, artillery shells, helmets and the metal frame of a 11 inch x 11 inch tent. At
extreme right, the gun crew's personal weapons are leaning against one of the
Howitzer's wheels. (Donor G. Ayson)
Enemy Losses, 12 May 1968 to 6 June in actions in AO Surfers
267 NVA/VC killed in action (body count) 60 possible KIA 7 wounded 11 Prisoners of War 3 detained 2 surrendered
Weapons captured 36 crew served weapons 112 small arms 144 grenades various mines & mortar bombs food and equipment
May the 12th was the 41st anniversary of the battles at FSB’s Coral and Balmoral.
Ed
16
WE REMEMBER ANZAC DAY ON APRIL 25, BUT WHAT ABOUT APRIL 24
The Battle of Kapyong
The Australians were part of a force that was defending the Kapyong Valley, some 56 km north of Seoul, during April 1951. A human sea (of Chinese troops) descended on the UN line which forced the South Korean and American units to retreat past the line partly held by the Australians. By 10 pm on April 23rd, the Australian 27th and 29th Brigades were facing the Chinese 118 division.
By midnight, the battle was in full rage. Wave after wave of Chinese soldiers flung themselves at the Australian defenders. The Chinese bugles rang through the night and into the day, with each new screeching another wave of sacrifices were offered by the Chinese troops. Few survived and the battle field was cluttered with a sea of drab grey corpses.
The Australians were ordered to retreat late in the day of April 24th. Then it was the Canadians' turn to feel the fury of the Chinese attack. They defended stoutly and eventually the Chinese assault collapsed.
The ANZAC spirit was alive and well, the 3rd Battalion had remained true to the legend. When others had retreated before an imposing enemy, the Australians stood their ground and defended their position. In doing so, they prevented a massive breakthrough from occurring that would certainly have seen the enemy recapture Seoul and with it, thousands of UN troops.
By the time the Australians were withdrawn from the battle, the UN forces had secured a strong defensive position to the rear of where the Australians had been fighting. Such courage and devotion to duty did not go unnoticed and the 3rd Battalion was awarded a US Presidential Citation. This is similar to a unit VC, and it further enhanced the Australians’ great fighting spirit.
“The price of liberty is eternal vigilance”