Semper Paratus

5 FIELD AMBULANCE RAAMC ASSOCIATION Established 1982

SUMMER ISSUE 2018

CHRISTMAS NEWSLETTER A PROUD SUPPORTER OF THE RAAMC ASSOCIATION Inc.

WEB SITE: www.raamc.org.au

The very good wishes are sincerely

extended to each member’s family and

friends from our Patron, Col Ray Hyslop

OAM, our President, LtCol Derek Cannon

RFD, our Secretary, Alan Curry OAM, our

Treasurer, Brian Tams and our committee

members, Warren Barnes OAM, Fred Bell

(ASM), Barry Collins OAM, Ron Foley and

Ann Jackson.

This Issue marks the anniversary,

100 years ago, of the cessation of

hostilities that saw the world

plunged into war in 1914. The spark

that ignited this cataclysmic event

was the assassination of Archduke

Franz Ferdinand and his wife,

Sophie, by Gavrilo Princep, a

militant member of the Serbian

terrorist movement “The Black

Hand”, on the 28th June 1914.

These two deaths started the

slaughter of 17 Million humans.

Australia supported Britain from

the 4th August 1914, when Britain

declared war on Germany. The

Armistice was signed at 11am on

the 11th November 1918.

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5 Field Ambulance RAAMC Association

Patron: COL Ray Hyslop OAM RFD

Office Bearers PRESIDENT: LTCOL Derek Cannon RFD– 31 Southee Road, Richmond NSW 2753—

(M) 0415 128 908

HON SECRETARY: Alan Curry OAM—35/1a Gordon Close, Anna Bay NSW 2316

(H) (02)4982.2189 (M) 0427 824 646 Email: curry36@bigpond.net.au

HON TREASURER: Brian Tams—453/1 Scaysbrook Drive, Kincumber NSW 2251

(H) (02) 4368 6161

COMMITTEE: WO 1 Warren Barnes OAM Mobile: 0409 909 439

Fred Bell (ASM) Mobile: 0410 939 583

Barry Collins OAM Phone: (02) 9398 6448

Ron Foley Mobile: 0422 376 541

Ann Jackson Mobile: 0407 236 724

CONTENTS

DISCLAIMER:

Opinions expressed in our quarterly newsletters are not necessarily those of our Patron, Executive or

Committee. We welcome any input as long as it is not offensive or abusive but if any member has a

problem with a printed article we would like to be informed in order that the author may be contacted. We

do encourage your opinion.

2018 Fund-Raiser results ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 2

President’s Message/POEM “INVICTUS”/SICK PARADE ---------------------------------------------------------------- Page 3

LIFE MEMBERS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Page 4

VALE/Annual Reunion (Summary) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 5/6

Secretary’s Message/New Members -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 7

HAPPY BIRTHDAY/5 CSSB Report ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 8

Kind Acknowledgements/”Something to think about”/DIARY DATES for 2019 ---------------------------------- Page 9

Battle for Australia Commemoration (Summary)/My Army Career (Bob Grieves) --------------------------------- Page 10/14

Messages from Members (Cont.) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Pages 14-17

My Story (Bernie Dennis)/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 17

Elon Musk (Article)/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 18

Fredrick Albert Webb (WW 1)/Story about Everybody ------------------------------------------------------------- Pages 19-24

Items of Interest ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pages 25-29

Late Subscribers/THANK YOU --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 30

WW 1 Diary of Clarence Power -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pages 31-34

RAAMC Assn Inc (NSW Branch)/(Facebook notification) --------------------------------------------------------------- Page 35

Activity Sheet -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 36

2018 Fund-Raiser—$1 Raffle Results Our Association committee very kindly thank ALL the members and friends who purchased a ticket/s

throughout 2018. The raffle raised a total of $308 of which our Association kept $153.. All who attended our

Annual luncheon agreed with the suggestion that the remainder ($155) consist of SIX prizes, viz; $50, $40,

$30, $20, $10 and $5.

The winners were Josh Evans, Edna Cannon, Don Walker, Theo Dechaufepie, Brittany Evans and Adriana

Lindsay. Josh and Brittany have been paid and Adriana (via her dad Bryan (and our member) elected touse

her $5 in the 2019 $1 Fund-Raiser. Edna, Don and Theo elected to donate their winnings back to our

Association. We thank them for donations.

———————————————-

ADVERTISEMENTS: Any enquiries for advertisements in our magazine, please contact Alan Curry or any

committee member (details are listed above) We are not a Charity, we are a ‘Not-For-Profit’, community-

based organisation and we are unincorporated, and have been since 1982.

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SICK PARADE

Dick BOURKE, Bob BUTLER, Derek CANNON, Kevin CARTER , John CLEGG, Barry COLLINS OAM, Roy CROSSLEY, John DAVIES, May DENNIS George DONNELLY, Gavin DRISCOLL, Nelson FIORENTINO, Garry FLOOD, Richard FORD, Joe GATTY, Gordon GRANT, Tomas HAMILTON, Norma HUTTON (Minnamurra Aged Care, 12-14 Clements St, Drummoyne NSW 2047), Ken ILES, Vic INESON, Brian INMAN, Terry IRVINE, John LAYHE, Robert LOVE, Huss MAHOMET, John McCARTHY, Hugh (Macka) McCARTY, Peter O’GRADY, Mike O’KEEFFE, Chris O’REILLY, Barry & Heather PERIGO, Karen PHILLIPS (nee Stead), Bob REID, Alan ROBINSON, Robert SHILLINGSWORTH, Rob STEWART, Judith STRACHAN, Harry STRONG, Natalie SWAN (nee Lloyd), Irene TROY, Keverell TURNBULL, John WEAVER, Bruce WHITTET, Warwick WILKINSON, John WILSON, Margaret WOODHEAD and Jim ZORBAS.

Welcome to the 2018‘SUMMER’ (Christmas)) Newsletter of the 5 Field Ambulance RAAMC Association.

I attended the BATTLE FOR AUSTRALIA DAY at the Sydney Cenotaph on 5th September. The weather was decidedly damp and general attendance numbers were down on previous years. It was good to be joined by Association members, Secretary Alan Curry OAM, Fred Bell ASM, Kevin Hurrell, Bob Pink OAM and Eileen Henderson OAM. (See later in this newsletter for photographs and further details of this latter activity).

I would like to pay my respects to the organisation responsible for the running of the recent “Invictus” Games the presence of patron Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and his charming wife Megan, Duchess of Sussex was special. Crowds were exceptional in their warm welcomes and the very close personal nature of some of the meet and greets. The press did a magnificent coverage and security, though present, was in no way over played.

The sport was very keen, willing and inspirational with invalided combatants from a wide range of military backgrounds and countries providing a spectacle for a very supportive audience. It just shows what can be achieved even with a disability, when the will and support is there to succeed.

I again attended the 11th of November “REMEMBRANCE - DAY CEREMONY”, marking the Centenary of Armistice

when the guns fell silent on the Western Front, with Richmond RSL at the Richmond War Memorial. ‘Lest We Forget’

The participation of pupils from local schools was very moving. Colo High School read a poem for Remembrance Day entitled “A Tribute”. Richmond High School’s theme was “Remembrance”. Associate Member Betty Hamilton read the touching poem “Tread Gently” written by her husband Tomas (which was enclosed in our 2017 Christmas

Newsletter page 25).

I was delighted when Associate Life Member John Price introduced himself to me at the Ceremony. (John’s father served with 5 Field Ambulance during WW 1).

Thanks to the address list announcing the passing of WO1 (Rtd) Harry Butterworth. I took the opportunity to contact WO2 Frances Hamblin who was WO2 Training in 1 General Hospital before it was replaced by 5 Field Ambulance on its return to the ORBAT, under my Command. Frances asked me to pass on hellos and best wishes to any of those lovely 1 General Hospital/5 Field Ambulance personnel who remember her.

The mixed annual luncheon on 24 November at the Paddington RSL I believe was a great success with 18 in attendance. The commerarderie was excellent Alan said. I apologize for my late withdrawal my family support system fell down due to their prior commitments and City rail replacing all trains on the Richmond line with buses. (Refer later in this newsletter for further details and photographs).

To all our long-time and recently enlisted members and to the next of kin and families of our Association members who passed away during the past 12 months and with a constant thought for our sick, Edna and I wish you all the very best for Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year. Good reading and I hope to see many of you, joining our ranks on ANZAC DAY April 2019.

Derek Cannon

INVICTUS (Poem by William Ernest Henley-with sincere thanks)

Out of the night that covers me, black as the pit from pole to pole

I thank whatever Gods may be for my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud

Under the bludgeoning of chance my head is bloodied , but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears, looms but the horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years finds and shall find me, unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gait. How charged with punishments the

scroll.

I am the master of my fate. I am the captain of my soul

4

LIFE MEMBERS (Please contact me if I have omitted your name or corrections are needed)

Mr. Samuel ALEXANDER WO 11 Michael ALI OAM COL Suresh BADAMI OAM RFD # Mr. Adam BAILEY Mr. Trevor BARNES RFD WO I Warren BARNES OAM Mr. Alan BECKERLEG Mr. Fred BELL Mr. Robert (‘Scotty’) BOYD Dr. Harding BURNS OAM Mr Bob BUTLER LTCOL Derek CANNON RFD # Mrs Edna CANNON Mr. Greg CANT WO1 Mick CARLSON (Rtd) Mr. Kevin CARTER CMDR James CHAPMAN (Rtd) Mr. John CHARTER Mr. Noel CHRISTENSEN RFD Mr. John CLEGG Mr. K.B. (Barry) COLLINS OAM Mr. David COOPER OAM Mr. Roy CROSSLEY # Mr. Joseph CRUMLIN OAM Mr. Gordon CURTIS Mr. Alan CURRY OAM Mr. Greg CURRY Mr. John CURRY Mr. Patrick CURRY # Mr. Stephen CURRY MAJ David CZERKIES OStJ MAJ Peter DALGLEISH RFD WO 11 Theo DECHAUFEPIE OAM # Mr. Bernie DENNIS # Mrs. Mavis DENNIS # Mrs. Olive DODD Mr. George DONNELLY Dr. Ken DOUST OAM LTCOL Marie DOYLE Mr. Stuart DOYLE Mr. Gavin DRISCOLL LTCOL Andrew ELLIS OAM # M/s Brittany EVANS # M/s Felicity EVANS # Mr Josh EVANS # Mrs. Julie EVANS # Mr. Tony EVANS MAJ Madeline EVES RFD Mr. Phillip FAGUE Mr. Laurie FARRUGIA JP Brett FERRARI Mr. Nelson FIORENTINO Mr. Garry FLOOD # Mrs. Adrienne FOLEY Mr. Ron FOLEY Mrs. Frances FOOKES (nee Henderson) LTCOL Paul FOOKES Mr. Richard FORD MAJ John GALLAGHER Mr. Joe GATTY CAP John GORRELL RFD (Ret’d) # Mrs. Margaret GORRELL Victoria GORRIE WO 1 Gordon GRANT MiD (Ret’d)

Mr. Barry (Bob) GRIEVES Mr. George HARRIS Mr. John HEAD MAJ Eileen HENDERSON OAM RFD

(nee Anderson) LTCOL Kym HENDERSON RFD Mr. Rodney HOGAN MAJ James HOOLAN Jr. USMC (Rtd) Mr. Edward HUNG LTCOL Sandy HUNT-SHARMAN RFD

(Ret’d) # Mrs. Norma HUTTON COL Ray HYSLOP OAM RFD Mr Ken ILES RFD CAP Jim ILIOPOULOS CAP Natalie ILIOPOULOS (nee

Polydoropoulos) Mr. Terry IRVINE OAM Mrs. Ann JACKSON (nee Williams) # Mr. Don JARMAN Mr. Ernest JOHNSON Mr. Richard JONES # Mrs. Sue JONES LTCOL Stuart JONES RFD Mr. Anthony JORDAN MAJ Robert (Bob) KENYON Mr. Doug KERSEY Mr. Colin KLINE LTCOL Edward KREMER OAM # Mr. Anthony LAING COL Frank LANG OAM RFD ED (Rtd) # Mr. Terry LANGWORTHY Mr. John LAYHE EM LT Igor LEMECH # Mr. Bryan LINDSAY # Mr. Geoffrey LINDSAY # Mrs. Maureen LIVINGSTON MAJ Kathleen LOADSMAN Mr. Robert LOVE Mr. Edwin LOWERY Mr. Alen LUCIC Mr. Huss MAHOMET Mr. Nick MARSHALL Dr. Helena MARTIN # Mr. Don MELVILLE Mr. Gordon MILLS Mr. Paul MISTO COL Bill MOLLOY RFD ED Mr. Michael MORONEY # Mr. Charles MURRAY Mr. John McCARTHY Mr. Hugh McCARTY # Dr. Philip McGRATH # Mrs. Trish McGRATH LTCOL John McKEOWN RFD (Rtd) CAP Tom McLANDERS (Rtd) # Mrs. Yvonne McLEAN Mr. Ken McNUFF # M/s Marion NEWMAN CAP Richard NG # Mrs. Rayda NOBLE (nee Prain) MAJ John O’BRIEN (Rtd) # Mr. Peter O’GRADY Mr. Barry O’KEEFE

WO 1 E. (Bill) O’KEEFE (Rtd)) COL John OVERTON AM RFD MAJ Peter PAISLEY (Rtd) WO 2 Steve PARIS (Rtd) MAJGEN John PEARN AO RFD CStJ MAJ Robert PEARSON (Rtd) Mr. Barry PERIGO # Mrs. Heather PERIGO Mr. Peter PETHER LTCOL David PHILLIPS RFD Mrs. Karen PHILLIPS (nee Stead) WO 1 Ken PHILLIPS OAM Mr. Bob PINK OAM Mr. John PRICE Dr. F.G. (Geoff.) PRIOR +Mr. Thomas (Tom) PRITCHARD COL Robert (Bob) REID ED (Rtd) CAP Alan ROBINSON (Rtd) CAP James ROCHE OAM MAJ John ROCHE OAM Mr. Michael ROWLEY Mr. Bill RYLANDS Mrs. Cathy SALMON CAP Susan SALVI Mr. Paul SHERGOLD Mr. Robert SHILLINGSWORTH Mr. George SIP Mr. Ross SMITH CAP Stephen STEIGRAD (Rtd) Mr. Robert STEWART # M/s Judith STRACHAN Mr. Chris STRODE Mr. Teddy SUGPATAN Mr. Peter SULLIVAN Mr. Noel TAME Mr. Brian TAMS # Mrs. Debra TAYLOR # Mr. Trevor TAYLOR Mr. Bill THOMPSON Mr. Peter THOMPSON Dr. Peter TRALAGGAN Mr. Ian TUCKER Mr. Keveral TURNBULL Dr. Michael TYQUIN Mrs. Ruth VAUDIN (nee Corbet) LCPL Rhys VAUGHN Mrs. Kate VERCOE (nee Rose) Mr. Matthew VERCOE Mr. Don WALKER # Mr. Kim WARNOCK # Mr. David WASSON # Mr. Lindsay WASSON LTCOL Darren WATERSON Mr John WEAVER Mr. Ronald WEBB MAJ Bruce WHITTET (Rtd) CAP Don WIKNER ED JP # Mr. David WILKINSON COL Warwick WILKINSON AO RFD ED MAJ Alex WILLIAMS Mr. David WILLIAMS Mr. John WILSON Dr. Phillip YUILE Mr. Jim ZORBAS

+ 2/5th Australian Field Ambulance # Associate

5

Neil Robert GIBSON

Neil passed away peacefully on the 19th August with family by his side. His

wish was for a private family funeral.

For the past couple of years Neil did not enjoy the best of health. He was 85

years of age.

Neil joined us in 2016 due his good mate, (and our member) Mick Carlson, passing on

our quarterly newsletters to him. Neil noticed a few friendly names he knew and he

contacted me to ask could he join us. Neil always rang me to say he enjoyed reading all

our news.

Mick kept in touch with Neil, and they would always ring each other. He wrote he was

saddened to receive the news of his passing but he knew he was failing.

Mick Emailed me later, to recall some details of his time with Neil.

He recalled that Neil was a member of 8 Field Ambulance when he was in the CMF (now called Reserves)

and when 8 Field Ambulance was disbanded he joined 1 Field Ambulance at the University Regt in King

Street, Newcastle. Neil was in the RAASC.

The members at 1 Field Ambulance in Newcastle joined us in our Maitland depot and that’s when Mick

became good friends with Neil.

Mick wrote that “Gibbo liked his ‘drop” and they became good drinking mates for a long time!

Mick recalled when he was the CSM at Maitland, the unit was running a ‘Course’ when he became aware

the “Gibbo” and “Rats” Egan were ’missing’! Mick left the depot and went down the road to the pub and

found them both in there having a drink! I told “Gibbo” to finish his schooner and meet me in my office!

I was sitting behind my desk when he got back and I told him he should be charged with being AWOL.

Mick did not charge Neil and as Neil was leaving Mick’s office, Mick said “next time you do that let me

know and I will join you”!

Another occasion that Mick recalled was on an Annual Camp at Singleton when the RSM, Gordon

Fitzgibbon, caught the “Q” Staff drinking in the “Q” Store! Gordon grabbed the wine. The next morning,

when the unit was “On Parade”, the RSM emptied all the wine on the ground in front of all the troops and

he said …”Stop licking your lips Cpl Gibson”!

Mick said they were good old times we had back then.

Mick kindly sent me the above photo showing L/R Peter Jenkins (Dec.), “Fuji” and Neil.

Strangely, with all the details that Mick gave me regarding his army association with Neil, when I wrote to

the army for Neil’s “Statement of Service” there was no record of his service with other units!

His ‘Record’ stated that Neil enlisted in the National Service with 12 NSTB on the 8th January 1953 to 16th

April 1953 then posted to the 12/16 Hunter River Lancers from 16th April 1953 until his discharge, as a

Trooper, on the 7th January 1958. There was no other service listed?

I contacted his son, Wayne, and sent him application forms to complete so as to obtain ALL Neil’s service.

When I receive the information from Wayne I will place it in one of our future Issues. LEST WE FORGET

ANNUAL “MIXED” REUNION LUNCHEON (Summary-Saturday-24th November)

A very relaxed and convivial afternoon was enjoyed by 18 members and friends who gathered at our

normal meeting venue of the Paddington RSL Club, in Sydney, from Noon to about 3pm.

Two unfortunate, last minute, apologies were received by me. One from our esteemed President, Derek

Cannon, due to train track work and his other stalwart family members being unavailable on the day to

escort him. The second one was from our treasurer, Brian Tams and Gail due to Illness.

The food was excellent. Jason and his staff were complimented on the meals. Everyone paid $25 which

covered their food, sweets and refreshments. I took our small Banner but forgot to take a group photo of

all of us around it.

After everyone had eaten I thanked all present for their attendance and expressed Derek’s extreme

disappointment for missing his first reunion. …(Cont. on Page 6)

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(Cont from Page 5)

Our members, Fred Bell and David Czerkies, (also the NSW President of the RAAMC Assn Inc. was a

welcome late arrival from his work at Vic Barracks), also rose to thank everyone for their attendance and

expressed the importance of these reunions.

I thank the following members and friends who were in attendance; Fred BELL, Michael CARLSON, Alan,

Ruth, Julie and Gregory CURRY, David CZERKIES, Theo DECHAUFEPIE OAM, Nelson and Margaret

FIORENTINO, Tomas and Betty HAMILTON, Ann JACKSON, Robert LOVE, Michael MORONEY, Bill and

Kerry RYLANDS and Noel TAME..

The APOLOGIES received from members and friends were; Warren BARNES, Alan BECKERLEG, Derek and

Edna CANNON, Barry COLLINS OAM, John DAVIES, EVANS Family, Ron and Adrian FOLEY, Richard FORD,

Joe GATTY, Kevin HURRELL, Ray HYSLOP OAM (our Patron), Edwin LOWERY, Huss MAHOMET, Charles

NEW OAM, Barry and Heather PERIGO, Bob REID, James ROCHE OAM, Stephen and Ann STEIGRAD, Rob

STEWART, Brian TAMS and John WEAVER.

2018 Annual Reunion

Sign in a hospital

Waiting Room

“Smoking helps

you lose weight—

One lung at a

time”

7

Message from the Secretary

Greetings fellow members, especially to our sick members. Another year comes to a close with all

the joys and set-backs we have experienced over the last 12 months. Spare a thought for our

members who have been through some health issues and some still receiving treatments. Don’t

forget to give your mates, and your family, a call at Christmas time. I hope you all have a healthy

safe and happy Christmas.

We thank our ASM, Fred Bell, who was able to represent us at the VP Day Ceremony at the Kokoda Track

Memorial Walkway on the 15th August. I was unable to make it due to a prior engagement and Fred was kind

enough to take our Banner to the Ceremony. Fred told me he could not unfurl it because of the very windy

conditions. He said it was a wonderful Ceremony and there were approximately 300 or so in attendance.

I thank the many concerned phone calls and emails I received when those bushfires hit the Port Stephens area of

the Tilligerry Peninsula in late August. We were safe at Anna Bay (and our other family at Salamander Bay). We

did have much concern for Ruth’s sister, Judith and her hubby, Bob, who live in Tanilba Bay and some of our

friends from the Lemon Tree Passage area but as it turned out all was good. There were no injuries and no loss of

homes. The local rural fire fighters from all the surrounding districts and the water-bombing aircraft saved the

situation. It was a very frightening time made more dangerous by the vey windy conditions. All the services

(including our State Police and the S.E.S.) are to be sincerely congratulated. I include the two clubs on the

peninsula—Tilligerry RSL Sports Club and the Lemon Tree Passage Bowing Club for accommodating the many

“evacuees” and the various church groups, whose volunteers appeared in numbers with water and sandwiches.

It was nice to ‘catch up’ with our member, Harry Strong and his wife, June, in early September when they visited

Port Stephens. They were staying in accommodation in Fingal Bay and we met at the Nelson Bay RSL Club for a

cup of coffee and a chat. Harry is an active member of his “Nasho” sub branch on the Central Coast and they both

enjoy the camaraderie at their monthly outings.

Our Association received an Invitation to attend the Annual Reunion of our Melbourne comrades in the 2/5th Field

Ambulance Association. I sent the Invitation to all our members who are on our Email system with

particular notice to our Victorian members. Their secretary, Glenda Garde, was sent an apology from our Sydney

committee with our best wishes to have a great reunion.

What a terrible tragedy we saw and read about when another tsunami hit the city of Palu in central Sulawesi,

Indonesia. Without warning, it struck at dusk on the 28th September. The tsunami waves estimated to be

about 6 metres high, crashed inland creating immense devastation and huge loss of life. One of the affected areas

was the village of Petobo which had about 7,000 residents. Many of its residents are entombed there! To date it is

estimated that more than 1,700 people have lost their lives. Many ‘000’s are displaced. Our Government is one of

many which is lending much needed assistance to those still trying to come to grips with this disaster.

I had the honour to present a “Citation” at my local RSL Sub Branch, on Remembrance Day. It was for a WW 1

recipient of the Victoria Cross-L/Cpl Thomas Axford from Tasmania.

Teddy SUGPATAN is warmly welcomed into our Association and also as a Life

Member.

Teddy migrated to Australia, from the Philippines, in 1987 and found employment with

Australia Post and he is still with them today.He is married to

Tess and they have two children who both go to university.

Teddy joined the Army Reserves in 2004 and is a corporal with

5 CSSB Health Company. He enjoys the comradeship of his fellow soldiers and has made

many friends in his time with the unit.

He also enjoys the training regime of the Company, which he said keeps him physically

active and strong,-both mentally and emotionally.

Apart from work and army Teddy enjoys cooking, walking his dog, ’Webster’ and travelling with his family.

Show reSpect even to people who don’t deServe it; not aS a reflection of their

character but as a reflection of yours. Dave Willis

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HAPPY “SUMMer” BIRTHDAY TO OUR FOLLOWING MEMBERS

DECEMBER JANUARY FEBRUARY

Fred BELL Bob BUTLER Sam ALEXANDER

Noel CHRISTENSEN Theresa CICERO Ray BORG

Olive DODD Adrienne FOLEY Ross BROWN AM

George DONNELLY Don JARMAN Dr. Harding BURNS OAM

Stuart DOYLE Ann JONES Jim CHAPMAN

Dr. Andrew ELLIS OAM Colin KLINE Greg CURRY

Laurie FARRUGIA Dr. Ted KRAMER OAM Gavin DRISCOLL

Ed HUNG Alen LUCIC Tony EVANS

Ernest JOHNSON Paul NICHOLLS Brett FERRARI

Adriana LINDSAY "Bill" O'KEEFE George HARRIS

Maureen LIVINGSTON Mike O'KEEFFE Dr. Ray HYSLOP OAM

Robert LOVE Steve PARIS Robert LIKEMAN

Nick MARSHALL Barry PERIGO Michael MORONEY

Noel MOULDER Ken PHILLIPS OAM Marion NEWMAN

Dr. Phillip McGRATH Cath SALMON Peter PAISLEY

Barry O'KEEFE Frank SKINNER Neville ROTHFIELD OAM

Chris O'REILLY Dr. Stephen STEIGRAD Brian TAMS

Heather PERIGO Chris STRODE Dr. Peter TRALAGGAN

Mick ROWLEY Trevor TAYLOR Kate VERCOE

Peter SULLIVAN Rhyse VAUGHN

Noel TAME Ian WHITE

David WILKINSON

Warwick WILKINSON AO

Margaret WOODHEAD

Marriage is like a deck of cards. In the

beginning all you need is two hearts and a

diamond. By the end, you wish you had a club

and a spade! Working for God on earth does not pay much,

but His Retirement Plan is out of this world.

5 CSSB HEALTH COY. REPORT

Dear Association Members,

As the training year draws to a close, 5 Health Company has remained as busy as ever. In the past few months our focus has been on provision of health support to Range activities and joint training activities within 5 Brigade. Several of our members have also been involved in the planning and delivery of the Invictus Games. October will see us participate in the Brigade Military Skills Competition and provide instructor support to the Army First Aid and Combat First Aid Recertification courses.

For November, SGT Atkins has organised some fantastic training opportunities, including clinical placements and combined training activities focusing on the provision of combat health support. Several of our key members will be posting at the end of the year, myself included, and I will be posting to the Directorate of Army Health, Canberra. We will also farewell three of our nursing officers, CAPT Charlton, LT Robson and LT Looney, who will each be posting to 3 Health Support Battalion. Thank you each for your service, we wish you well in your future Army Career.

May I take this opportunity to thank 5 Field Ambulance Association for their enduring support of 5 Health Company. It has been both a privilege and a pleasure to serve as the Officer Commanding, and I have been delighted to make the acquaintance of the members of 5 Field Ambulance Association. I look forward to meeting with you each again in the future.

Kind regards

MAJ AJ Currie

OC 5 Health Coy 5 CSSB

9

KIND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS (Please advise us if your payment has not been acknowledged)

ANNUAL Luncheon Raffle (Cash $45) Sold at Paddo RSL on the day.

Derek CANNON (EFT $100) for ten family members in our yearly $1 Raffle for $10 each.

Nelson FIORENTINO (Cash $50) for RAAMC Tie.

Tomas & Betty HAMILTON (Cash $30) for Yearly subs ($15 each).

Kevin HURRELL (Cash $25) for Collar Badge $7, Lapel Pin $15, 3 X $1 Raffle Tickets.

Bryan LINDSAY (Cheque $30) for $1 Raffle Tickets.

MOUNTIES GROUP (EFT $250) for Advertisement in our four Issues for 2018.

Charles MURRAY (Cheque $50) for Name Badge $20 and 30 X $1 Raffle Tickets $30.

Noel MOULDER (Cheque $60) for Subs to 2020.

Teddy SUGPATAN (Cheque $140) for New and Life Membership $100 and Beret $40.

Jim ZORBAS (Cheque $30) for $1 Raffle tickets.

—————————————- SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT!

Imagine you had won the following prize in a contest: Each morning your bank would deposit $86,400.00 in your private account. However, this prize has the following set of rules.

1. Everything that you did not spend each day would be taken away from you.

2. You can’t transfer money into some other account.

3. Only you may spend it.

4. Each morning, upon awakening, the bank opens your account with another $86,400.00 for that day.

5. The bank can end the game without warning; at any time it can say…”Game Over”! It can close the account and you will not receive a new one.

WHAT WOULD YOU PERSONALLY DO?

You would buy anything and everything you wanted—right? Not only for yourself, but for all the people you love. Even for people you don’t know, because you couldn’t possibly spend it all on yourself—right?

You would try to spend every cent, and use it all—right? Actually this game is real! --Shocked?? YES!

Each of us is already a winner of this prize. We just can’t seem to see it.

The PRIZE is TIME!

Each day we awaken we receive 86,400 seconds as a Gift of Life, and when we go to sleep at night any remaining time is NOT credited to us.

What we haven’t lived up that day is lost! Yesterday is forever gone.

Each morning the account is re-filled, but the bank can dissolve your account at any time—WITHOUT WARNING. So, what will you do with your 86,400 seconds?

Those seconds are worth so much more than the same amount in dollars. Think about that! AND always think of this: enjoy every second of your life, because time races by so much quicker than you think.

Here’s wishing you a wonderful and beautiful day---START SPENDING.

2019 Dates for your Calendar.

The RAAMC Association Inc. (NSW Branch) meet in FEBRUARY, JUNE and OCTOBER, on the FIRST

Friday, at 11.10am in the Paddington RSL Club, on Oxford Street. If you are a member of 5 Field

Ambulance Association OR a member of the RAAMC Association Inc. you are most welcome to attend.

NATIONAL SERVICEMEN’S DAY——————————————————————————14th FEBRUARY

DAWN SERVICE (at the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway, Sydney 5.30am —–————(APRIL DetailsTBA)

ANZAC Day ——————————————–—————————–——————————————25th APRIL

AHS CENTAUR COMMEMORATION & INTERNATIONAL NURSE’S DAY(Concord Repat. Chapel) —MAY (TBA)

CORPS BIRTHDAY (RAAMC)—————–——————————————————————————1st JULY

RESERVE FORCES DAY (NEWCASTLE-1st Saturday in JULY)————————————————6th JULY

VP DAY (at the KTMW Sydney ——————————————————————15th AUGUST (Details TBA)

VIETNAM VETERANS DAY———————————————————————————————18th AUGUST

BATTLE FOR AUSTRALIA COMMEMORATION—————–——————————————4th SEPTEMBER

REMEMBRANCE DAY————————————————–——————————————-11th NOVEMBER

ANNUAL “MIXED” REUNION LUNCHEON (Last Saturday in November)————————-30th NOVEMBER

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2018 BATTLE FOR AUSTRALIA COMMEMORATION (SUMMARY)

We unfurled our Banner to Martin Place, in Sydney, on Wednesday 5th September to commemorate the memory of those killed and the very many wounded soldiers and civilians, when Japan attacked Australia by air, in February 1942. It was a miserable, cold and overcast day, which did eventually start to drizzle rain towards the end of the Ceremony. A rather small crowd of a couple of hundred gathered to remember when Darwin was attacked in February 1942. Observers on Melville and Bathurst Islands to the north of Darwin transmitted that a large number of aircraft were heading towards Darwin. This vital message was not acted upon! The first warning the people of Darwin experienced on that fateful Thursday morning, around 10am, was when hundreds of Japanese Zero fighter aircraft and bombers began by strafing the minesweeper, HMAS Gunbar, as it entered through the harbour boom gate. The attack that followed killed 21 wharf labourers working on the docks, the Post Office was blown up killing the postmaster and his family as well as six young telegraphists who took shelter in a slit trench outside. The residence of the NT Administrator was also hit and killed a young aboriginal lady employee. This first raid lasted about 40 minutes and in that time they sank eight of 47 ships in the harbour. The few Anti-Aircraft guns that were in action the whole time were overwhelmed. There were ten U.S. Kittyhawk fighter planes destroyed, in the air, or whilst taking off. 80 Minutes later a second wave of Japanese land-based bombers attacked, concentrating on the RAAF Station inland. About 250 people were killed in the raids (erroneously reported in newspapers that over 1,200 were killed) which included civilians and members of the three services of the Australian army as well as US Navy personnel who were on board the USS Peary, which was sunk in the first raid. Between those uncertain and dark months -- February 1942 to November 1943, Darwin and the Australian mainland was attacked, by Japanese aircraft, 64 times.

We must NEVER forget this Commemoration Date (First WEDNESDAY every SEPTEMBER). It is a credit to the BFA Committees around Australia to have the school children involved in this event. Have you filled in your Application Form to be a member of the BFA Association? We thank the following members who were able to be present at the Sydney Commemoration; Fred BELL (our ASM), our President Derek CANNON, Alan CURRY OAM, Olive DODD (accompanied by her daughter, Ruth), Kevin HURRELL, Eileen HENDERSON OAM, Bob PINK OAM and Jenny WEIR (nee de Witt).

My Army Career-(Bob Grieves) Jan 1957 to Feb 1965 Most of us started off doing our National Service and then proceeded on to Citizens Military Forces (CMF). I have many memories of my time, however with some things I had trouble putting them in the correct order and also for some of the names, for that I am sorry. Having now received my Service Records, I can get them in some sort of order. To this end I will put them down as headings. BASIC TRAINING I was posted to 13 National Service Battalion in Ingleburn NSW being part of 1 section, 1 Platoon, A Company for my 3 months. Our hut was right beside the parade ground, which I came to know well for my failures to make the bed correctly etc., as we had to do extra drill before breakfast. We had a good group of guys in our hut and I was very friendly with one bloke, Ray Danckert and we remain firm friends to this day and we now do the “Let’s miss Winter” trip to North Queensland every year. The one thing that stands out during this time was when we were to attack a machine gun post! We were crawling through long grass when someone parted the grass to move forward and was confronted by a red belly black snake! that was the end of that exercise. (Cont. on Page 11)

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5 Field Ambulance On discharge from basic training I was posted to 5 Field Ambulance which was in Moore Park Road, Moore Park, opposite the Sports Ground, which is now the Football Stadium. Our buildings were on the outside of the main wall of Victoria Barracks. On arrival, the “Nashos” were about 60% of the unit and the new lot were about 30% of those. Our RSM was Arthur Gough and he ran a tight ship. My sergeant was Sgt Neaves. We continued our drill and started on the rest of the corps training. This brings me to the 1

st camp.

The EXPLODING TOILETS Just prior to the 1958 camp I was placed in the Hygiene Section which did not please me too much. When we got to camp I was promoted to L/CPL and our little group was put to work to build the toilet pits for the nursing sisters and the officers and then a 5 seat “thunder box” for the OR’s after which a 44 Gal ½ drum slide with a fire under it to get rid of the rubbish as ash. All went well for a while until the flies got so bad that my CO, LTCOL Clifton-Smith told me to get a drum of “range fuel”, (a mixture of petrol and Kero) “to eradicate them”. We went to the Sisters area where he lifted the lid to the toilet and poured in a liberal amount of fuel, lit a ball of toilet paper and lobbed it into the toilet, when the fire ball got to about a foot from the hole there was a WHOOSH and a column of flame shot out, he said “that’s fixed them”. We then went to the Officers toilet to do a repeat performance, after which we went to the OR’s, he lifted the lids and again poured in plenty of range fuel, then he closed all the lids except 1 and I was saying “excuse me Sir” when he lobbed the fire ball into the hole, there was a huge explosion and all the “thunder boxes” went flying, the base moved and the air was filled with flaming toilet paper. He looked at me and said “looks like you have to do some repairs”. After the camp I was promoted to CPL this time as stretcher bearer. CACTUS PLANT Just prior to the 1959 camp I was promoted to sergeant and this caused a lot of problems for RSM Arthur Gough as we had Sgt Neaves, Sgt Reeves and Sgt Grieves as when he called one of us we all turned up. The sergeants were a close knit group and I was taken in and helped feel my way. This camp was again in Mt Royal and after about a week I developed an ingrown toe nail and was replaced by Sgt Darrel Drayton, (no relation to the winery), and sent back to main camp which was pretty quiet, as most of the unit was out in the field. One night we were in the Sergeant’s mess having a quiet one when we heard screams from the tents, it appears that a few guys were playing cards when one guy wanted to relieve himself, so instead of going to the “piss o phone” he stepped out the back of the tent and stood on a large prickly Pear bush and the fell in it. Myself, WO1 Gough, Sgt Sheather and another rushed over and Arthur Gough slowly lifted him off and we put him on a stretcher. We found that he had stapled his penis to his leg and there were about 3 leaves stuck to him. By this time the MO’s arrived with them Lt Steve Baldick to supervise. It took about an hour before we got him to the RAP and another 2 hours getting the leaves off and to start getting the spikes out. Arthur said to the guy “you will use the ‘phone’ next time”. In the morning 2 of us pulled out the remaining spikes and he was OK. ON A CHARGE In the last few days of camp the troops were given a night off and were allowed into Singleton and I was asked to drive them in. On the way back I drove through the “un-occupied” camp beside BOD, this is where we were supposed to be but the CO did not stay there and we camped out of area. As I drove through the camp a group of officers were walking down the road and one waved to me, so I waved back and drove back to our camp. Later there was a knock on the mess door and I was informed that I was on a charge for dangerous driving and to report to the orderly room next morning. Next morning, I was marched into an office with 3 officers, one I think was LTCOLj Clifton Smith, and the CO told the tribunal that I sped through an “occupied” area and came around the corner on 2 wheels, when asked to explain I said “I was driving uphill in 3

rd gear coming into an “unoccupied” area as there were no signs that the area was

being used and that I was driving a 6 x 6 which has 5 wheels on each side, Sir”. I was then dismissed. This, I am pleased to say, did not appear on my records. At this time, I was very friendly with Sgt Roy Crossley and he was running the Transport Section on his own so I tried to help whenever I could. SGT BILKO The unit held a “Driver Training Course” and as we did not have a testing officer we had a testing officer come in to train us and test our drivers. We were on a weekend training drive out the back of Razorback Mountain when the JEEP we were using got stuck in top gear so Roy and I were instructed to “get it back”. We thought about it for a bit and decided to put it in 4-wheel drive and use low and high range gears, this meant that we had low range high and high range high and it went very well. We arrived in Anzac Parade just as the Showground Speedway crowd was leaving, at this time I was driving, and a hotted up Holden pulled up beside us and the driver said “hello Sgt Bilko” revving his engine, Roy said to tread on it, so when the lights changed I floored it in low range, the jeep leapt away leaving the Holden behind, when he caught us he yelled “Sgt Bilko” again, at this time, I put it in high range and we leapt away again, never to be seen again……(Cont. on Page 12)

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CARRINGTON ROAD, RANDWICK During 1959 we moved to Randwick, there was no outside parade ground so parades were held in the hall. The Officers and Sergeants Messes were much better than the old ones as the old barracks were all over the place. We had regular visits in the mess from CAPT Steve Baldick, Lt John Perkins and sometimes LTCOL Lang. The DODGY CL Roy Crossley and I were to take a truck load of gear up to Singleton in the advance party and we were loaned a CL from the local transport company, however on the way up the steering went all wobbly so we pulled into a service station to check it and found that the wheel bearing had collapsed. Roy was lucky to purchase a new one and we replaced it and drove to camp. Before returning the truck to its unit Roy completed a defective vehicle report to be placed with the paperwork. At the end of the camp we were given the same truck to take back to Randwick and return to the transport company. When Roy checked the paperwork he found that the vehicle had been grounded for the duration of the camp and then given to us again. It was about this time that I transferred to RAASC and became the second sergeant in transport. PRANGA LANG Soon after LTCOL John Lang became our new CO we had 3 vehicle accidents in 2 weeks, nothing too major but reportable anyway. One was when a Humber Champ ran off the edge of the road and hit a small tree, another was when CPL Ross Crafter was making a right hand turn when a speeding driver tried to overtake on the right hand side hitting the 6 x 6, after the police took photos and statements Ross wiped the paint off the truck and drove back to camp, the car was towed away. LTCOL Lang got called “Pranga Lang” after all these ‘mishaps’ and he was not pleased. I think it was about this time that Lt Alan Curry joined us as our OC Transport. The GENERAL While we were in the Singleton area the GOC was inspecting the units in the field and LTCOL Lang was to join them. My phone rang and it was Sgt Bill Sheather telling me it was lunchtime, so I told him I would not be long. 5 Minutes later he rang again and I told to keep his shirt on, the phone rang yet again so I answered “Harry’s Hire Cars” and LTCOL Lang said “ Harry, bring up a car”, OOPS. I collected “the boss” and he asked to be taken to catch up with the GENERAL, so off we went and had problems in finding him and the group. We stopped where diggers were digging trenches and the boss asked if they had seen “the General”, the answer “the general, he lives here, General F***up”, so I was ordered to drive on. However, a few minutes later we found him and I was able to return to the unit, late for lunch. About this time Sgt Alan Crossley arrived at the unit and he really kept me on my toes. He also arranged for all of us to obtain Malayan Issue Jungle Green Safari uniforms which we worn to evening mess from then on. DISPATCH RIDERS We were at Greenhills near Holsworthy and we were issued with a motor bike for the first time and this went down well. I was called to the Officers meeting as Lt Alan Curry was not in camp, so I put my beret under my lapel and rode up to the meeting, when I entered, LTCOL Lang said he would deal with transport first. He told me that he wanted all riders to wear the correct dress and safety gear from now on and was dismissed. I went outside put my beret under my lapel again and rode back to our lines and He just threw his hands up in frustration. NO BRIDGE We were to set up a CCP on a disused back road further down the field firing range so I decided to check it out before we took a few vehicles down there. I took Bill Clutterbuck and Ross Crafter in a CL to see how it went. We drove down a very windy steep hill and the map showed a river/bridge crossing, when we got there there was no bridge and no crossing. So we had to turn around and go back, however the area was only about 2 or 3 feet wider than the truck was long and we could not turn around. We tried to reverse up the hill and could not get around the first corner, so we went back and started to try to turn around AGAIN, well we did but it took 2 hours with us reversing to about 6 inches from the drop off. Naturally another site was chosen. AUDITORS I think it was the next day that when I arrived at the transport office I found 3 blokes siting at our desks checking our books and others dipping all the fuel containers and vehicles to check against our paperwork. I was very angry and they took no notice. In the end I was told that we were short of 1 pint of OMD110 (engine oil), could not believe it, then I found a note on my desk which said “Bob, have taken 1 pint of OMD110 for the motorbike Alan”. I showed this to the officer in charge and he said he saw it and I should have recorded it and he may take action, I was mad as hell. They went away and we never heard from them again. THE MAINLINE AMBULANCE We were in camp in Singleton and received our vehicles and the emergency ambulance was an antiquated Ford Mainline ambulance, it had water in the side panel that you could hear sloshing about, it had a jeep fuel tank so the range was very limited, dented panels and still looked dirty when washed. This was to be our vehicle for urgent cases to hospitals away from camp. Well the worst happened, a Sapper dived into the river to blow up a bridge and hit his head, he damaged his 4

th and

5th vertebrae and the new MO said he had to be taken to Concord Hospital.

We went into the bush to extract him and we called Adamstown to get fuel as we could not make Concord, this done we headed off, just the MO and I, we got to Berowra and got a flat tyre so we pulled into a service station to change the wheel and found it would not fit.. (Cont. on Page 13)

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The MO (sorry I can’t remember who it was) rang for a civvy ambulance and took off for Concord while I fixed the puncture. When I arrived at Concord we were ordered to Victoria Barracks to see the Chief of Corps, we felt we were in for big trouble. On arrival we parked beside 2 Ford F150’s and a brand new Dodge, all shining so you could see you face in them. I was told to fill in a defective vehicle report, which filled the whole report and take it to the office. The COL was not in a good mood and we stood in front of him waiting execution when he informed us that he was told that the vehicle had been scrapped and not to transferred to Singleton for the “chocko’s”. We then went with him to the parking lot where the drivers were laughing at our vehicle, so he called over the loudest and told him to sign his vehicle over to me and take mine, his smile disappeared. 5 FD AMB had a brand new ambulance for the rest of camp. “Happy Joe” was not happy when I returned his vehicle for it was not as shiny as when it left. In that week we carried out a further 4 evacuations in that ambulance.

RAASC School In July 1962 I was able to go to the RAASC Training Centre in Puckapunyal in Victoria to train as a Trade Testing Officer-Vehicles. It was very cold and sometimes wet. The training was very intense for the whole 14 days. One of our instructors was wearing summer dress and we thought he was being a bit of a dope until we found out that he had just returned from 9 months in the Antarctic and he was actually hot. All our vehicles were lined up and we were asked by show of hands if we could drive them, one was a Humber 1 ton and I was the only one to put up my hand, so I had to train the others how to drive it. One day I was showing one of the group how good it was and demonstrated clutch-less changes using the rev counter, when we stopped the senior instructor got out of the back, so he was watching, OH NO. We went on a convoy drive and one of the officers on the course was put in charge and I was 2IC, well he went ahead to check things out and we arranged to meet at a point along the way. When we got there he was not there, so we waited for ½ an hour before proceeding, he caught us at the gates to our compound. On the second last day we had our driving tests and Victorian Road rules. I took the senior instructor out for my test in a Dodge 16 seat bus and he told me he would call STOP and I had to do an immediate emergency stop, well we did the route and were in the main road just near the finish when he screamed STOP, I checked the mirrors, stood on the brakes and pulled on the hand brake and stopped on no time flat.The spare wheel clamped on the rear wall broke loose, flew down the aisle, crashed into his seat knocking him into the dash, I thought “that’s it, I’m done”. The next day was passing out, so we were given our results and a brand new G11 and given permission to train, test and issue licences. While standing in line to get my results I remember thinking “I hope I passed” and to my amazement I came 3

rd behind 2 Victorians. 5 FD AMB had their own testing officer at last.

MY TRANSFER to 23 Field Regiment LAD (RAEME) While still at 5 FD AMB I was requested to go to other units for driver training and testing and issuing of licence. I went several times to 23 FD REGT and met up with the RAEME guys and as I was a toolmaker by trade they asked me to join them and as the unit was half the travel distance I accepted and transferred to them. When I arrived SSGT Peter Randal was promoted to WO2 and I was promoted to SSGT. Most of the personnel were tradesmen in various trades so we could handle just about anything. We had a Captain as OC (Graham Burgess) with 3 sections with a sergeant in charge of each. I was the Trade Testing Officer for the unit which kept me busy. The Sergeants Mess was a little strange as the RAEME guys kept to themselves not like 5 Field where we all joined in, however that mess was smaller.

CHANGING WHEELS We went to camp at Greenhills field firing range to fire the guns. One morning one of the officers came in to tell me that he had a flat down the road could we fix it, so I got in the Land Rover to take him out as the boys were at breakfast. He then said could I renew his licence while we were out, so I made him drive, when we went past the forward observation post I began to worry as the guns were due to fire. We got to his vehicle about a mile or so in front of the OP and I was not happy. I told him to change the tyre and he was not happy, then the guns began to fire so I pushed him out of the way and I have never changed a wheel so fast in my life. With the wheel change I threw the tools in the back and we took off very quickly, no, I did not renew his licence until the next course.

LAST DRIVER TRAINING at 5 FIELD AMBULANCE During 1964 I conducted my last course at 5 FD AMB which went over very well as I knew most of the troops. The course went well and the standard high, as usual, my only concern was Huss Mahomet as he was very uptight and when I asked him what was wrong he said that he was to do his bus drivers test the next day and was worried that he would not pass, so I told him that if he drove half as good as he did for me he would get his licence with no trouble, which he did.

TRAINING COURSES RAEME carried out numerous trade courses at 103 INF Workshops in Leichardt so our group of sergeants did the courses that were used at the regiment. There were 4 of us who did these and the instructors got a little shirty as we always filled the top 5 or 6 places on every course. This meant that out in the field we were just as qualified as the regular army guys to service the guns and they did not like it at all as we were all tradesmen in toolmaking or fitter and turner. (Cont. on Page 14)

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DARKS FOREST and 1RAR In 1965 we had a RAEME combined camp at Darks Forest and the enemy was a platoon from 1RAR who were about to go to Vietnam for the first time and did they give us trouble. SGT Roy Lucina and I were to put out the barbed wire, and looking at what was available I told them it was not enough, the reply “just make it work” so we started with the set pattern and quickly decided it would run out so we changed the pattern to make it fit. Roy and I shared a hootchy and had a slit trench nearby so we put a fly net over the trench so you could not see in and with the enemy getting in every night we spent more time in the trench than the tent. One day, while sitting on the thunder box, a ‘bush’ stood up to shoot at me, so I dived off the box, the butt fell off my Owen gun, which did not have any blanks and I hurt my side. I was advised to go to the RAP but did not and that night I was black and blue all down my right side so I decided to stay in the tent. In the early hours we heard the bonnet of the Land Rover near us pop, so we knew that the ‘enemy’ were here. I positioned myself at one end and Roy the other, slowly the flap of our tent was raised and Roy grabbed the muzzle and I shouted “enemy in the camp”, the rifle was pulled free cutting Roy’s hand and they disappeared. Prisoners were taken each night and returned at lunchtime the next day. At the end of the camp we had a BBQ and the “enemy” came to join us. One guy, a CPL, asked who put out the barbed wire and was directed to us where he told us he should request us to pay for his uniform as it was badly torn when he got confused with our layout.

THE END During the latter part of 1964 I battled stomach problems and early in 1965 I saw my doctor and when he found out the I did a fulltime job, ran a draughting business from home and did so much time in the CMF he told me that I was not only burning the candle at both ends but all of it! He then told me to put out one end and the middle. As I was earning a good living (not enough to go full time) at home and I needed my job so Daphne and I decided to leave the CMF, so in Feb 1965 I was discharged. I enjoyed my time in the army and the best part was my time that I was at 5 FD AMB and the mateship I left behind. My mentor was WO1 Arthur Gough, SGT Alan Crossley pushed the best out of me, SGT Roy Crossley was a good friend and great to work with, CAPT Steve Baldick was a good friend and LT Alan Curry was a great “boss’. So many memories but here goes for those I may not have not mentioned. LTCOL Lang, CAPT Bourke, CAPT Graham, LT Phillips, CAPT Booth, LT Perkins. CAPT “Molly” Mills, LT Curry, CAPT Roche, WO1 O’Keefe, WO1 Nicholls, SGT Sheather, SGT Lowe, SGT Brownlee,

THE TROOPS Ross Crafter, Bill Clutterbuck, Huss Mahomet, Harry Mundy, Sorry if I missed a few but time has clouded the names and the time frame as some of the events may not be in order

In short I entered National Service in 1957 and joined 5 FD AMB the same year, became a SGT in 1959, joined CMF in 1960 and volunteered for overseas service in 1960, transferred to RAASC in 1960, transferred to 23 FD REGT LAD RAEME in1963, was asked to be listed for RAEME to serve in Vietnam in 1964 and was discharged in 1965. Alan Curry asked me to put this together/ I have Joined the 5 Field Ambulance Association (life member) and attend the RAAMC meetings and enjoy the company. I am sorry to see the members of my time at the unit on “sick parade” or deceased. My day is not complete unless I receive some Emails from Alan Curry, thanks Al. AS at 20 FEB 2016

MESSAGES FROM MEMBERS Barry COLLINS OAM sends his good wishes to all his friends in our Association at Christmas. He had a bad fall a few months ago and it put him in hospital for a couple of weeks but he is back home and in good spirits . He is looking forward to joining us in November at our yearly lunch. (Good on you Barry. I was sorry to hear that you were in hospital but very pleased to receive your phone call.)

————————— Rob STEWART passes on his good wishes to his friends. He sent me an Email to say he is back home safely from his O/S holiday. His memory of Japan and its rebuilding after WW 2, was fascinating. The first part of his tour was on land before transferring for a small ship cruise from Kobe to Nigata. From Nigata he travelled by ’Bullet Train’ to Tokyo for an overnight stay before flying back home. He remarked how the public areas were kept very clean and the citizens are quietly law-abiding. Their rail system appears faultless and left him envious. The trains were fast, clean and efficient. His arrival back home saw him coming back to the rather wintry cold of Canberra as opposed to the sultry conditions he enjoyed in Japan. He is ‘settling in’ to the village lifestyle and there is always ‘something’ arranged such as dinners, outings, “Happy Hour” etc (Thank you Robert for your card and concern re the bush fires up our neck of the woods. If we don’t meet at our annual luncheon I wish you a happy and safe Christmas.)

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(Cont from Page 14) Ron WEBB is sincerely thanked for sending us excerpts of the publication “Abroad with the 5th” as his grandfather (Fredrick Albert Webb) served with 5 Field Ambulance in 1915. Fredrick’s story is included in this Issue—Pages 18 to 22. (Frederick’s War Service Records coincide with another story from a Mrs Margaret Tanner about her dad, Clarence Oscar Power (which I will be honoured to place in this and following Issues of our magazine). Margaret posted me her dad’s War Diary of his enlistment with 5 Field Ambulance in 1915 until his discharge in 1919). I am sure, after reading and recording both Fredrick’s and Oscar’s experiences, they must have known each other!) Returning back to Ron, we missed he and his wife, Rosemary, at the recent Battle for Australia Ceremony in Martin Place as they both normally are in attendance, but a dentist’s appointment kept them away this year. He said he was “on duty” at the Legacy Day Meeting on the Monday prior-and got a drenching! I contacted Ron to obtain the final passages of his grandfather’s WW 1 service and he wrote back to say his grandfather left no writings of his experiences. Most of Ron’s story about his grandfather was obtained from the Unit’s diary of WW 1. Ron enjoyed reading the articles about David and Lindsay Wasson because it brought back memories of 1953 when he and Rosemary were in the infant’s section of Rockdale (Sydney) Primary School where Mr. Wasson (Snr) was their Head Master…”A very distinguished-looking man, impressive in size to us ‘littlies’ and always dressed in a fine pin-striped suit, collar and tie” Rosemary’s older brother, Athol, was in the senior class at Rockdale and also came under his instruction. Rosemary said her brother said Mr Wasson was always firm but kind …”an all the time his bravery was unknown to us students” Ron wondered if his grandfather and Mr Wasson had ever met during their service. Ron said his grandfather never mentioned the war but he always retains the memory of him sitting in his lounge room breaking open his used cigarette butts on an old copy of the SMH and then mixing the residue with fresh tobacco before rolling new ones in “Tally Ho” papers! Ron said his grandfather never wasted anything. (Thank you Ron, for your letters and emails. I hope you and Rosemary are both well.)

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Bryan LINDSAY has now moved from his country retreat at Failford (was an hour or so north of Newcastle) to the sleepy little hamlet of Tanilba Bay on the Tilligerry Peninsula in Port Stephens. I had the occasion to call in and say hullo to him. He was still in the process of unpacking but he has a very nice and comfortable home. (Thank you Bryan for your letters and support. I hope you are very happy in your new surroundings.)

——————————— John DAVIES passes on his good wishes to all his friends, especially at Christmas. He and Moira live in Wagga Wagga and he has told me the drought is terrible all around his area. He sends me letters and emails to keep me posted on family and other matters and some of my emails to him have him searching his memory that bring up past happy (and sad) times. He commented recently on my cataract surgery and hoped it did not affect me being a “One Eyed Tiger” supporter of the Balmain Tigers Rugby League side (of which he is also!!) He told me his wife, Moira, had a simple fall (a few weeks back) whilst she was carrying a cup of coffee to the table. Although she was in some pain at the time, both thinking it was only soft bruising, she put up with it until it became more intense. John took her for some scans. Tests revealed that she had multiple fractures in her vertebrae! She has been fitted with a back brace and is now on treatment with a follow-up doctor’s appointment. John does not enjoy good health either and he (probably joking) said…”We just can’t afford to be sick together”! He recently replied to an Email I had sent him and it ‘sparked’ past memories of some good times he had in the Five Dock and Hunters Hill suburbs. Memories of Buffalo Park and Boronia Park with Les Weir, Mick Rowlinson and Phil Pittaway (back in the 60’s —in the days of the “floor shift” and the camping body in the old FJ!!) (Thank you John for all your messages and ‘updates’. We all wish you and Moira a Happy Christmas with your family and I pray that 2019 brings you both better health and much happiness.)

————————————- Barry & Heather PERIGO send their thanks and good wishes for the festive season to all their friends in our Association. As you would have read in our previous Issue, Barry suffered a severe heart attack and had to be operated on. He is now (nearly) fighting fit! They sincerely thanked all the medical staff for saving his life. They particularly thanked all his friends in the Association (including our President, Derek Cannon) for their many concerned phone calls. . (Cont on Page 16)

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Cont from Page 15) Heather said he is slowly regaining his strength. She has to watch him because he tries to sneak out to the paddocks to tend the goats!!! (

They are both hoping to be with us in November for our Annual Lunch. (Thank you Barry and Heather for keeping us informed about Barry’s health, especially through your son, Peter, and his emails. We all hope when you read this that both of you, and your family, are all good.)

————————————— Susan SALVI enjoys reading all our news and passes on her good wishes to her friends in our Association. Susan is in the Reserves with the Health Company in Canberra and we sincerely congratulate her on her recent promotion to Captain. Well Done Susan. (Thank you Susan for your Email. We hope this finds you and your family in good health.)

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Derek CANNON as we know, is our President and he very proudly sent me the photo of their first great grandchild,-Hudson Anthony Carey (and a future member, wrote Derek), at 5 weeks and one day (sent to us in early August). He may make mention of this in his “Message” but if not we sincerely congratulate he and Edna, again, on this very joyous occasion and of course to Hudson’s mum and dad, Felicity and Ryan. (We placed a “Congratulations” in our SPRING Magazine (page 19). (Thank you Derek for the picture. And yes, I do believe that Hudson will become a future member because your entire

family are Life Members of our Association) ————————————

Ian PFENNIGWERTH sends his good wishes to his friends in our Association. He has just completed his new book. As soon as Ian sends me more details I will pass them on.

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Ray HYSLOP OAM passes on his good wishes for the festive season to his friends in our Association. He Emailed me some time back to say he was going on a cruise to the Marquesas Islands. I “Googled” it to read they consist of 12 Islands of which six are inhabited. They are a land of history and legend and are about 1500Klms N/E of Tahiti. (Thank you Ray. What a place to visit. I hope you give us a ‘run-down’ of this trip so we can let our members feel what you saw.)

————————— Richard FORD sends his good wishes to all the members in our Association. He enjoys reading all the news in our newsletters and appreciates any emails he receives from us. (Thank you Richard for your messages. We hope you and your family are all in good health.)

————————— Noel CHRISTENSEN sends his good wishes to his friends in our Association. He kindly sent me a sad Email to inform me of an obituary he read in the SMH of the passing of a Peter Weigall. Noel remembers Peter (as some of us may also recall) as the unobtrusive photographer who would appear at our Annual Camps or a Range activity or Recruit Course at Holsworthy or Singleton in the 1960’s. He was a professional photographer who took literally ,000’s of photos of CMF/Ares soldiers as they went about their routines. He would arrive in his car (and probably would have slept in it overnight) take his photos and drive back to his home in North Sydney to his ‘Dark Room’, develop his photos and drive back to sell them to the soldiers—at a very cheap price. Noel still treasures the photos that Peter took of him during his recruit time at Holsworthy in 1967 and some from OCTU Eastern Command in 1968/69—”some with camouflage paint all over my face”! Peter died peacefully. He was 94 years of age. (Thank you Noel for your Email about Peter. I also remember him at Greenhills in the 1960’s)

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Charles MURRAY passes on his good wishes to all his friends in our Association and enjoys reading all our news. He was sorry that his busy lifestyle kept him for being with us on some of our functions. (Good on you Charles. Your support to our Association is much appreciated. We hope you are in good health.)

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James ROCHE OAM sends his Christmas greetings to all his friends in our Association. He wrote to say he had a wonderful afternoon (from Noon-4pm) at the Reserve Forces Luncheon held in the Sydney Parliament House on Friday 21st September. He was in the company of fellow members, Warwick Wilkinson AO and Bill Molloy. He also renewed his friendship with Marie Bashir AD CVO. James said the Army Band and the singing was a pleasure to hear and see. (Thank you James for your letter and attachments.)

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Robert LOVE passes on his good wishes to his friends in our Association. (Cont. to page 17)

17

MY STORY Arthur Bernard Dennis

(Bernie and his wife May were welcomed recently as new Associate Members and I asked them if they would like to write a little about themselves by way of a more formal introduction to their new friends in our Association. Below is Bernie’s story and he is thanked very much)…….

……”I was born on the 8th July 1925 in a private hospital in Murwillumbah Northern NSW. My parents were Vijessima & Edgar Dennis and we lived at Stoker's Sliding & then moved to Myocum for the next 6 years before moving to Brunswick Heads where I did all my primary schooling. My high schooling was at Mullumbimby. My family use to call me Ben but over the years everyone called me Bernie.

World War 2 had started but I was too young to join up. I wanted to join the Air Force but was told I couldn't sign up for any of the services as I was needed for essential work on the land, so at 15 years of age I was sent to Queensland to a sheep station, working at Winton & then a property call Dunedoo, for approximately 6 years. My knowledge grew from the older men, learning mustering of the sheep on horseback.

When I returned home, which was now at Tyagarah where the family had moved to with my sister & brother-in-law, I worked on a banana plantation.

I then moved to Sydney and obtained work at Gordon & Gotch, the book supplier. I stayed with them for 2 years then I joined the NSW Railways, first as a porter then as a shunter, working my way up to a guard.

I married & had 3 children, first, twins then another son, but sadly we lost one of the twins a few years later. We lived in the Herne Bay Housing Camp before being allotted a house in Panania, where I lived for 65 years.

Unfortunately, my first marriage broke down and my wife left. I had to bring my boys up on my own, which made it hard, especially doing shift work, but I never gave up on my boys.

I remarried & was a very loyal husband & when my wife became ill I nursed her until her death.

I loved my garden, with always having fresh vegetables & tending to over 50 varieties of roses & other flowers.

I used to raise chooks, which I entered into the Royal Easter Show winning many championships with them; I also found an interest in greyhounds for over 30 years AND with a few good winners in that time.

Sport played a big part in my life, starting with football throughout my schooling; I was also good at cricket & touch football. I put my talent into coaching many children, at all of these sports, in the Bankstown and Panania areas.

In my later life (70/80yrs) I still played, coached & refereed touch football & in 1993/94 I was awarded the Clubman of the Year. In 2000 I was made a Life Member of Bankstown Touch Football Association.

In 2002 I married my long-time friend, Mavis (May) Yarham & we have a very compatible marriage. In the first few years of our marriage we did a lot of travelling around Australia for the Panania RSL Sub Branch to visit other RSL Sub Branches, because Mavis was on the Executive of the Women’s Auxiliary & I was a member of the RSL club, so I used to make myself & our car available if needed.

May, over the last few years, has been in ill health but I am there for her. In 2016 May had a very bad fall and it became necessary for us to sell our home, which was very sad. We now live in our own unit in a nursing home in Rutherford”.

(Bernie said….“I am just an ordinary guy, there is nothing anyone can write about me”. but there are many people right up to this day who found Bernie to be loyal, trustworthy & honest. Over the years many parents have thanked him for coaching their children & teaching them the value of sportsmanship & the quality of life. He has been the President of many sporting clubs & has always been a person of value. You don't have to be in the service, a politician or a person of wealth, to try and do your best in your life.)

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(Cont from Page 16)

Robert has not enjoyed the best of health these past few months and was hospitalised for quite some time. He is now home and slowly regaining his strength. He contacted me to say he attended to RF Lunch at Parliament House in September and said it wonderful afternoon. His partner, Rae, was not impressed with all the ‘peak hour’ traffic from the city as they had to head back to Bowral in the southern highlands of NSW. (Thank you Robert for your phone calls and ‘updates’ on your health. I was pleased to hear you had a nice time at the Lunch.)

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Kevral TURNBULL sends his good wishes to all his friends in our Association. Kev, at present, does not enjoy good health but his demeanor belies his problems. He kindly sent me the photos on the left when he was treating a fellow soldier Injured on exercise. Kev was the RAP Sgt with 7 Fd Regt. RAA. The other photo shows a more distinguished-looking Keveral many years later, at a RSL function. Kev was the V/President of the Marrickville ANZAC Memorial Club for many years. Kev said it no longer exists.

(Thank you Keveral, for your letter and photos. It is always good to talk to you. My prayers are with you)

“The problem with political jokes is that they sometimes get elected”!

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Elon MUSK

I must admit I had not heard of this man until one of my friends sent me a “YouTube” clip on him. Since then he has come under some criticism for unfriendly remarks he made during the recent Chaing Rai ‘Cave Recue’ saga. He apologised later. Elon Musk was born in 1971 in South Africa and from about age 10 he developed a keen interest in computers. He created a game called “Blastar” and sold it to a magazine for $500. He was 12 years of age! He studied physics and economics at the University of Pennsylvania in the USA. With $28,000 of his father’s money, he and his brother, Kimbal, started “Zip 2” –a web ‘startup’ that provided city travel guides to newspapers. They sold “Zip 2” in 1999 to Compaq Computers for $307 Million. He invested more than half his earnings from this sale (about $11 Million) to co-found “X.com”. This was an ‘on line’ banking service. The company later merged with its rival “PayPal” with Musk the majority shareholder. In 2001 he conceptualised a project to land a miniature ‘experimental’ greenhouse on Mars! In 2002, eBay bought PayPal and Musk earned $180 Million. He travelled to Russia to buy a ‘refurbished’ Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (IBM) with the idea of sending a colony of mice to Mars. The Russians offered to sell him one for US$8 Million. He thought this was overpriced so he decided, on the trip back from Russia, to form a company to build a rocket. He calculated that the raw materials needed to build a rocket was only 3% of the sales price of a rocket at that time. He founded his company called “Space X” for $100 Million, in May 2002. “Space X” was able to cut ‘launch’ price by a factor of 10 and still get a gross margin of 70%. His intention was to build spaceships for commercial travel! In 2006, the first “Space X” rocket was launched. It failed after 33 seconds from ‘lift-off’. His company came close to closing after two more unsuccessful attempts, one in 2007 and another in 2008. The company had enough money to build and launch a fourth rocket. The “Falcon 1” successfully launched, and achieved earth’s orbit, in September 2008. It was the first privately developed liquid fuel rocket to orbit the earth. In December 2008, NASA awarded “Space X” a $1.6 Billion contract to handle cargo transport for the International Space Station, with plans for astronaut transport in the future, in a move to replace NASA’s own space shuttle missions. In 2011, “Space X” announced a ‘Re-Usable Launch System Development Program. After a few failed attempts, in 2015, “Space X” achieved a successful ‘Landing & Recovery’ of a first stage. In 2017, “Space X” re-launched the used rocket and brought it back by landing it in a perfect ocean landing. All rockets are designed to burn up on re-entry but “Space X” rockets can not only withstand re-entry, it can also successfully land back on earth and re-fly again! Musk believes a fully rapidly and re-usable rocket is needed to reduce the cost of space travel. His ambition is to build a city on the red planet (Mars). His wealth of $20.8 Billion makes him the 53

rd richest person in the world.

Got ‘tasered’ picking up my friend from the airport today. Apparently security didn’t like it when I shouted “Hi Jack”!

19

358 Frederick Albert WEBB. 1st A.I.F.and 5 Field Ambulance 1915 to 1919. (With kind thanks to our member, Ron Webb, for the memory of his grandfather)

Grandfather enlisted in the 1st Australian Imperial Force at Liverpool, Sydney, New South Wales, on the 26th of February, in the year 1915. His age at enlistment was 27 years, and 3 months.

Grandfather was born in Deptford, Kent, in the year of 1887, and emigrated to Australia in the year 1911. He met, and later married my grandmother Annie Gertrude [Bergmann] at Thirroul, on the 24th of January, 1914. The family lived at number 50 Watson Street, Bondi at the time of his enlistment. Watson Street runs between Bondi Road, and Birrell Street, and is located to the east of Waverley Park.

Grandfather’s employment in Australia began on the 15th December, 1911, when he joined the NSWGR, in the position of Porter - Sydney Station. His service ended on the 10th of October 1913, when he refused duty as a telephone boy at Clyde Junction Signal Box. After making two appeals to the Commissioner for Railways, he was reemployed as a temporary labourer at the Randwick Tramway Workshops on the 3rd of August, 1914. This employment lasted till the 30th of January, 1915, when his position became redundant, by which time Grandfather, and Grandmother, were married, and their first child had been

born, one Samuel Frederick Cuthbert... Uncle Fred.

With the outbreak of world war in the previous year, many young Australians enlisted in to the Armed Services. In early February, 1915, it was announced from Melbourne Military Headquarters, that two additional infantry brigades, the Fifth, and Sixth were to be raised. Advertisements for enlistees appeared in the Sydney papers of the time, as recruiting efforts began.

Because Grandfather was out of work, married, and having a new baby boy to look after, perhaps he reacted to the advertisements, for, on the 26th of February he enlisted at Liverpool. Grandfather’s papers show him initially as being allotted to A Company, 17th Battalion, AIF. In the nominal roll shown in the book, The Story of the 17th Battalion, AIF, in the Great War.* written, and published in 1946 by Lieutenant Colonel K. W. Mackenzie M.C., grandfather’s name appears on page 340, in the nominal roll, under W, as 358 WEBB Frederick Albert.

On completion of his full medical, held on April 8th, he was appointed to A Company. Colonel J Patton was the Battalion’s first CO. He was attested by Lieutenant J H Allen, and given the regimental number 358. Grandfather was 27 years old.

The month after his enlistment, The Fifth Australian Field Ambulance was formed at Liverpool Camp on the 16th of March, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel R E Roth DSO, VD, so at some point in the next couple of weeks, Grandfather was transferred to the newly formed Field Ambulance, which in the same period, was moved from Liverpool Camp, to Queens Park, Waverley.

The Fifth Field Ambulance became part of the Fifth Brigade, and on the 24th April the full Brigade marched through Sydney.* “After an early lunch, troops entrained at Liverpool Station, for Sydney. At 2.30pm the march commenced, the route being along Elizabeth, Park, College, Macquarie, Bridge, Pitt, Martin Place, and George Street. The streets were all gaily decorated with flags, and bunting. The day was fine, though cold. Crowd estimated at 200,000. The order of march, One Officer, and 50 ratings of the French Navy. The Twelfth Light Horse, 5th Brigade, 5th Field Ambulance, and a detachment of Artillery. Strength of 17th Battalion 32 Officers, and 905 Or’s”.*

The unit’s move proved handy for Grandfather, as Queens Park was relatively close by the family home. All branches of training, including drill, weapons handling, and basic medical work, was carried out here in the park over the coming weeks.

However, after the first week in May, an “Advance Party” of the 5th AFA, was formed, containing one Officer, and 13 other ranks, and these men left Sydney for Egypt aboard the “SS Themistocles”.

Grandfather’s papers show ‘Embarked from Aust 12.5.15’, so he was a member of the Fifth’s advanced party, bound for overseas duty.

*”17th Battalion embarks on “SS Themistocles”, #A32, 13,000 tons. Aberdeen White Star Line. Captain Collins”. “Troop loading 11.30am to 12.10pm at Woolloomooloo Wharf, Sydney. Depart from wharf at 12.20pm. Captain Collins receives his clearance, and at 4.40pm moved down harbour and out the heads.”*

[Whilst Grandfather was overseas, Grandmother lived with her parents at “Hanover House”, Thirroul, South Coast, NSW.]

The “Themistocles” arrived in Colombo, Ceylon, on the 30th of June, and after a pause, left port next day. * On the 1st of June, the first death of a soldier [Pte. W. J. Manning, 17th Battalion.] occurred on board, and was buried at sea. Eight days later [June, 9th.] Private Rae also passes away, and is buried at sea. The next day, June l0th, the “Themistocles” passes the hospital ship “SS Grantala”, which signals that “Italy declares war!”, and two days later the Themistocles arrives in port at Suez, at 5.00am.*

The troops disembark at 1.40pm, and are transferred to the Aerodrome Camp at Heliopolis, outside Cairo, by train. The next day, June the 13th training begins in earnest at the camp….(Cont. on Page 20)

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(Cont. from Page 19) On the 31st of May, 1915, the Fifth Field Ambulance subdivisions, and part of “C” Section, departed Sydney on board the “SS Ajana”. The main body of the 5th Field Ambulance, followed on the “SS Ceramic”, which departed Sydney on the 25th of June, 1915.

The units groups proceeded to Suez, in Egypt, where they entrained for Heliopolis. Here they encamped, and after a brief period of training for some of the late arrivals, and equipping, the unit, minus transport, left for Gallipoli around the 15th/16th of August, 1915.

The Fifth Australian Division, including the 17th Battalion, and the 5th Field Ambulance, were ordered to join the Middle East Force, on August 14th, and the next day began entraining for Alexandria at the Helouan Railway Station. The Commanding Officer, Lt.Col. R.E.Roth, and four other officers, and their five “Batmen” NCO’s, proceeded to Alexandria, and the first of the units troop trains arrived at Alexandria at 4.20am on the 16th of June, and began embarking for Lemnos Island on the “SS Alania”, and other ships, with the first [Alania] arrival at Lemnos on August, 18th.

On the 19th of August 1915, the 5th AFA commanding officer Lt. Col. Roth, and party arrived at ANZAC, landing after 7.00am, in consequence of shelling of lighters during transit, no casualties however. In the evening of the 21st, Major Phillips, OC “B” section arrives ashore with 154 men. All equipment was left at jetty under guard.

Another part of the Fifth Field Ambulance, was landed at Anzac Cove, Gallipoli, on the morning of the 22nd of August. Eight officers, and 198 other ranks landing in the very early hours, with the last section of this group, reaching the shore just after daylight. The unit proceeded to “Rest Gully” where organising took place. A camp in “Waldron’s Point” was formed. The ground was levelled, and an operating tent pitched, and ‘dug outs’ arranged for the men.

During the night of the 22nd /23rd the units stretcher bearers were sent urgently to Hill 60, to recover casualties. From 7pm through to 4am, 307 casualties were received at “Waldron’s Point” Dressing Station, and then the treated were evacuated to the clearing hospital. Major Moseley, OC “C” Section arrives during evening, with 141 men. In the morning of the 23rd, at the unit Orderly Room, sentence was passed on Pte Parker, of 28 days No. 2 Field Punishment for gross neglect whilst carrying a wounded man. Pte Robertson, was sentenced to 7 days No.2 F.P, and Pte James the same for insubordination.

“Captain Savage did excellent work in firing line with the units stretcher bearers. Private Ramage was killed whilst carrying a wounded man on stretcher.” the CO writes in his unit diary.

The next day the diary entry records the wounding in the thigh, of Private Shaw, and his subsequent evacuation.

On the 25th, “WO James struck in the side of the head by stray bullet, whilst talking to me. He was luckily only bruised!”, followed next day [26

th] by, “Acting on instructions of the ADMS, Captain Davenport sent for duty with

4th Brigade.”

The unit diary reports, on the following day, “A great number of casualties attended to, and evacuated to beach jetty. About 400 cases between 6pm last night, and 8am this morning. “On the 28th of September mention is made of the fact that Captain James’s, “C” Section, had arrived ashore under the command of Sergeant Morris, last evening, and that during the day four “Tortoise” type tents had been erected, as the Operating Tent was “taking up too much room”, followed by, “a few sick report daily with diarrhoea. Suitable food, and rest gives good results in a few days”.

On the next two days Privates P…, and Mantoyne are recorded as being wounded, and evacuated from the beach jetty, whilst on August 31st, the diary reports, “have 100 cases of diarrhoea in hospital… there is no milk… and none can be had for 14 days.---

In the unit’s diary for the new month of September, 1915, the entry begins, “reported to ADMS, Private J McK. and Fraser wounded, and was evacuated last night.” “At 2315 hours, memo came from ADMS asking whether any Transport and Personnel are on the “SS Melville”. Was required also to give complete details of Personnel, and Transport. Replied “Yes”, and gave information required.”

The next day, the 2nd, saw ADMS, finally decided my transport not to be landed. “On the following day Private Curtis was wounded by enemy fire whilst in his dug out, and was evacuated. Major Phillips, and Captain Savage, together with “C” section personnel were sent during the evening to “Monash Valley” where they relieved the New Zealand army medical corps section, under Major Murray.

Lieutenant Colonel Roth writes over the next three days [4/5/6th], “there seems some doubt as to my complaints re deficient medical comforts. All the same, the ADMS has struck off my list. Adds “annoted complaint.” “Major Phillips sends word that all was ok!”, and “General Birdwood has informed me not to fly the Union Jack alongside the Red Cross as the enemy might think it represents Headquarters.”

Since the Dressing station was set up at “Waldron’s Point” on the afternoon of the 23rd, the unit- 5thAFA- had attended to 220 sickness cases, and 643 wounded soldiers of all ranks.

Colonel Roth continues, “received a letter signed by Sergeant’s Goodhall, and McDirmid of the Transport Section, who were left behind at Lemnos, asking whether they can re-join us. They are depressed, and feel very downhearted.”

(Cont. on Page 21)

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(Cont. from Page 20) Orders were received on September 7th for the unit, 5th AFA, to move to “Rest Gully”, whilst Privates Bliss, and Grey were evacuated in ill health. The next afternoon, at 1400, Major Moseley and Captain James proceeded to “Rest Gully” with all the sick members of the unit. Captain Frazer, “gave us an excellent tea, which included fresh meat.” The remainder of “A”, and “C” Sections arrived at the “Gully” after midnight, with all of their equipment. On September 9th, Privates Maloney, and Cartner [B.W.B] were evacuated in ill health. Two extra “Tortoise” type tents were erected at “Rest Gully”, and then orders came through from the ADMS of the 2nd Division, to which the unit is now attached, “to strike one tent, and conceal the other with scrub, as we might be bombed by aircraft.”

This was thought more than likely now, the enemy suspecting we might have something to hide. Lieutenant Colonel Roth applied to higher command, to ask whether he could have the Red Cross painted on the top of the tents, which was instantly refused.

Pack Store attendant. Corporal Taylor, was also evacuated today due to ill health, and his position was taken over by Lance Corporal Stevenson, to act in his place.

More orders came through on September the l0th, with instructions for one officer, and eight men to proceed to a cleared position below “Walkers Ridge”, and assist with the evacuation of the sick, and wounded of the 20th Regiment. Later during the evening Private Kingsway was wounded by a stray bullet, and has been evacuated.

The next day a number of private soldiers, seven in all, were reported as sick, including my grandfather, 358. F.A.Webb, who had come down with dysentery, which the others probably contracted too, due to the lack of sanitation, flies, and the unburied bodies of the battle field dead. The soldiers listed are Pte’s Jones, Milain, Webb, Lorimer, Bryant, Horton, and Robertson.

Grandfather, along with his mates, were admitted to the Beach Hospital, and later that day were transported by lighter out to the hospital ship, the “SS Gascon”, which was standing off the ANZAC coast. The “SS Gascon” sailed for the island of Malta, in the Mediterranean Sea, where, at Valetta, grandfather was admitted to the shore hospital, on September 16th.

On the 23rd, he was embarked on the hospital ship “SS Oxfordshire”, bound for England, where on October 30th, grandfather was admitted to the military hospital in Fulham, with slight dysentery, and remained there till his health recovered.

From Fulham Hospital, grandfather was sent to “Monte Video” camp, and joined the Number 22 Draft, to re-join the M.E.F. in Egypt.

This draft of troops departed Weymouth by sea, on the 24th of February, 1916, bound for Alexandria in Egypt. From this important coastal port, the men were transported by train to Tel-el-Kebir, and Moascar Camp. The 5th Australian Field Ambulance had arrived in Moascar Camp on the 8th of January 1916 after their evacuation from the Gallipoli Peninsular on the 18th December 1915. Grandfather re-joined his unit on the 11th March 1916.

Five days later the 5th AFA, were on the move again, this time en-route to the western front, in France, and Belgium. The unit boarded trains at Moascar on the 16th of March, which departed for Alexandria that day, via Ismailia, Zagazig, and Damanhur. At Alexandria the men boarded the troopship, the---SS Arcadian-, which weighed anchor on the 17th ' heading across the sea to the French Mediterranean port of Marseilles, which was safely reached at 10.30pm on 22nd March. On the following evening, the unit entrained for the three day rail journey to northern France, their destination being a small village, L’Estrade, which is about 25 miles from the front line. Here the troops trained, and prepared themselves for the huge task ahead of them. Whilst in camp here the Australian troops were reviewed by Lord Kitchener and the French Commander, General Joffre. On July 1" one officer and ten soldiers from the 5th AFA, formed an advanced party which were sent from L'Estrade to a location called the -Kandahar Farm-, and the following day an advanced party of one officer, and thirty other ranks were to be sent to Site 60 to set up a Main Dressing Station, though this order was subsequently cancelled. Orders came through on July 3rd for the unit to move to Baieleul, being relived at L'Estrade by the 12th Australian Field Ambulance, who arrived to take command of this 2nd Australian Division---Rest Station---. Captain Savage, with thirty other ranks, was sent to -Kandahar Farm-, whilst Captain Chapman, and 20 OR's were ordered to Site 60, Medical Dressing Station. The Fifth AFA remained at Baieleul for five days, till orders were received for all 5th AFA parties to return to Headquarters, and prepare to leave camp. The following day, July 9th, the complete Field Ambulance departed Baieleul, and marched on the country roads westward to the small town of Borre, where the men were billeted undercover for the night. The next day the march resumed, as the men of the 5th headed further west to the town of Renescures, where they were once again billeted overnight. On July the 11th, the men of the "Fifth", continued their march to nearby Saint Omer, where the unit entrained for the overnight rail journey to Longneau, which was reached at four thirty in the early morning. (Cont. Page 22)

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(Cont. from Page 21)

Here the men detrained, and marched to the town of Picquiny, where the unit overnighted. The Fifth's motor transport arrived here in the night, and re-joined the Ambulance. In the morning, the unit travelled from Picquiny to Longpre, where the C.O and some officers were able to visit the old German trenches near Fricourt, to the east of Albert. The next morning, 20th, 1 the unit moved to Harponville, where the unit headquarters was set up. The commanding officer, and party, went on an inspection of the old enemy trenches near Montauban, further to the east of Fricourt. Two days later, on the 22nd, the 5th Field Ambulance's stretcher bearer sections were sent to join the 5th Infantry Brigade, which was about to move to the front line. Later in the day, two officers, and seventy eight other ranks, were warned off, to proceed to a camp site near the large town of Albert. This party departed Longpre at 1800 hrs, and marched to their overnight location.

The next morning a further officer, and thirteen OR's were sent to the Number 3 Casualty Clearing Station at Puchviffiers, and two days later, the Unit Headquarters at Harponville, were notified that 5th FA stretcher bearers sent to assist the 5th Australian Brigade, were now in action in the Contalmaison ~ Pozieres battle field area. On the 27th, the 5th Field Ambulance are notified of their temporary move to nearby Albert, so after packing up, the unit departed Harponville at 1400 hrs, and marched to Albert. On arrival, one tent division was sent to the nearby town of Becourt, where a large tent was pitched. Back at Albert, the rest of the ambulance team were sent to take charge of the Dressing Stations at “North Chimney Station”-“Tramway Terminus” and at “Gordon Dump”, whilst stretcher bearers from the 6th, 7th and 12th Australian Field Ambulances, arrived from their units, to assist the Fifth’s Motor Ambulances which also arrived from the 6th, 7th, 12th and 13th AFA's on loan to assist with the transport of the wounded. Late in the day, the Colonel inspected the Dressing Stations at “ChalkPits”, Contalmaison, and at "Bailiff Wood-, and found them to be in a satisfactory condition. The next day Lieut. Colonel Roth, decided to set up the 5th AFA Headquarters at Beaucourt, in the remains of the Chateau located here, as this position was much closer to the units Advanced Dressing Stations. With the move made. one officer, and thirty OR's, were on strength at the “North Chimney” A.D.S., and after an inspection by the CO, and Major Fry, it was decided to set up an extra A.D.S. at the “Gordon Dump” site. From the 1st of August through to the 4th the 5th AFA, and its Dressing Stations “had very strenuous work” according to the unit diary, and over these four days the unit suffered seven casualties, during the continuing battle for Pozieres. On August the 5th it is reported “that during the last 24 hours, 1,132 casualties have passed through the units Main Dressing Station, here at Becourt”. On the following day the 5th AFA is relieved of duty at the Beaucourt Dressing Station, by the men of the 12th AFA at 1200 hrs. All unit details sent to assist from the 6th, 7th and 12 AFA are recalled, and sent back to their respective units, as are the extra motor ambulances. In the afternoon of August 6th, the ‘Fifth ‘march from Becourt to nearby Albert, where the men camp for the night in the old brickfields, adjacent to the town. During the last ten days at Becourt, a total of 83 officers and 3,170 wounded troops have been treated by the medical staff here. The next day the Fifth Field Ambulance departs the brickfield site, and is moved by road to Rubempre, with all the unit's motor transport. From the overnight stop at Rubempre the units’ move continues during the day to the town of Halloy, via Canaples, where the ‘Fifth’ will spend the following twelve days. “B” section is sent to take over the Corps Rest Station at Val De Maison. During the twelve days in camp at Halloy, the unit has been re-equipped, and a new “C” section has been formed. On August 20th, orders are received for the unit, 5th AFA, to proceed to Vadencourt, and take over the 1st ANZAC Division Rest Station, so during the following day the ‘Fifth ‘moves on to Vadencourt, arriving there at 1700 hrs, on August the 21st. The very next day, three officers and one hundred and thirty four stretcher bearers are sent to assist the 7 AFA back at Becourt. On august 23rd the unit’s headquarters are inspected by the Deputy Divisional Medical Service officer, Colonel Manifold. On the 28th of August, the three stretcher bearer sections of the unit, return from the battle front, together with three horse ambulance wagons and five motor ambulances. One motor is kept back at 5th Brigade Headquarters. The following casualties from the bearer sections were: #10222, Pte Westcombe, KIA. #10287, Pte Higgs, Missing. #13436, Pte Dodd, Missing. #1017 Pte Ward, Wounded. #13417, Pte Neat, Wounded, and #10003, Pte Carling, Wounded. August 30th, saw another visit to the unit by the Deputy Director of Medical Services, Colonel Manifold. On the last day of the month, Number 3 Canadian Field Ambulance arrives in Vadencourt at 1700 hrs to relieve the 5th AFA, and orders are received from the G.O.C.for the Fifth Australian Infantry Brigade to move to Booval. (Cont on Page 23)

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(Cont from Page 22)

After a three day swap-over by the 3rd CFA, and the 5th AFA, the ‘Fifth ‘marched out of Vadencourt to nearby Booval, on the third of September. On arrival at Booval, a full unit parade was held, during which L/Cpl Ridge was decorated with the MM ribbon. Two days later the ‘Fifth ‘was on the move again, marching to the railway sidings at Doullens North, where they then entrained around midnight. and this troop special took them to Hopoute Siding, which is approximately three quarters of a mile south west by rail from Poperinghe in Belgium. The troop special arriving at Hopoute Siding, early in the morning of September 6th and on detraining, marched by road into Poperinghe. On the 7th of September, one officer, and thirty five OR's took over control of the Divisional Baths located here. Two days later on the 9th, the 5th AFA relieved the 10th Royal Army Medical Corp Field Ambulance, and took over the running of the Casualty Dressing Stations at---White Mill", Vlamertinghe, ”The Asylum”, Ypres, Menim Mill, and “The Bund”.

The following day the OC of the 5th AFA, carried out an inspection of the above dressing stations and reported that they were in a satisfactory condition. Four days later, the Deputy Director of Medical Services of the 1st ANZAC Division carried out an inspection on the ‘Fifth's’ camp, followed the next day, September 15th , by an inspection of the front line dressing stations by the Assistant, and Deputy Assistant D.M.S. On the eighteenth of September, the unit’s CO, carried out an inspection of the front line dressing stations, and the tramway line from the ‘Bund’ to Menin Mill. The Colonel recommended that some further repair work was required on the tramway to make it more effective in the transporting of the wounded. For the rest of the month the units sections continued with its improvements to the advanced dressing stations, which the CO again inspected on September 23rd. Then on the 27th, there was an intersectional change of personnel, in the lead up to more fighting on the front line. From then on till the eighth of October the ‘Fifth’ was involved with front line work, transporting patients on the tramway to and from the units advanced dressing stations, and into the town of Ypres. On October the 18th the 71st Royal Army Medical Corp Field Ambulance arrived to relieve, and take over the duties of the 5th AFA. The following day all unit sections and details were recalled from the advanced dressing stations back to Unit Headquarters, as the 71st R.A.M.C personnel took over control of each casualty dressing station. The next day, October 20th, the 5th Australian Field Ambulance embarked on a march away from the front line, heading south west for ten miles, to the town of Steenvoorde, where they encamped for the night, followed by a day's rest. From Steenvoorde, the march continued on the 22nd to the village of Besschure, and on the following day to the village of Westrove. From Westrove, on the 24th of October, the ‘Fifth’ continued on foot, to the railway (NORD) junction town of St Omer, which was reached at 1730hrs. Here the men entrained on a troop train bound for Longpre, via Aire, Chocques Junction, Saint Pol, Doullens Junction, and Canaples. Arriving Longpre, at 0703hrs the next morning. From Longpre the 5th AFA travelled to Bouchon, where thy spent the night of the 25th/26th , before continuing on by motor bus convoy to Buire, sited on the Amiens to Albert railway line, just to the south west of Albert. After three days at Buire, the unit travelled north east to Becordal, which is located approximately three miles to the south east of Albert. Here the 5th AFA took over the “Y” Corps collecting station, whilst one officer and 40 OR's took over the Divisional bath house at nearby Fricourt. The 5th AFA were stationed here at Becordal for the next three months of the northern winter, which turned out to be a terribly wet and cold season!. During the last months of 1916, and early January, 1917, the 5th AFA administered the 1st ANZAC Corp's casualty collecting station, which centred on Becordal, through which the metre gauge Martinpuich railway line ran to its terminus in the nearby town of Albert. On January 18th, 1917, all the units’ stretcher bearer sections returned from the front lines to re-join the unit, as the 7th Australian Field Ambulance had arrived to relieve the ‘Fifth’ of its duties here at Becordal. From Becordal the ‘Fifth’ proceeds to Ribermonts, from where, on the 20th October, a casualty clearing post is established at the "Mill", and the evacuation of casualties begins. A week later, on the 28th, the complete 5th AFA proceeds to Ecole Superior in Albert, and then sections to the forward line dressing stations. On the 1st of February, two officers, and ninety OR's depart Albert, to relieve the Main Dressing Station at Contalmaison Chateau, which is about five miles to the north east of Albert. The Advanced Dressing Station at Martinpuich is also relieved, as well the Advanced Posts, which had all been under the control of the 45th R.A.M.C. One officer, and sixty OR's were sent from the 6th AFA to the Martinpuich Advanced Dressing Station to assist the men of the ‘Fifth’. The next day the Commanding Officer carries out an inspection of the forward areas, and finds everything satisfactory. However he found that the Deauville Tramway, which is being used for evacuations, is not up to scratch. ….(Cont. on Page 24)

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(Cont from Page 23)

A further inspection of Contalmaison Advanced Dressing Stations found everything in a satisfactory state. On the 9th of February, the stretcher bearer sections of the 5th , are relieved in the forward areas by men of the 6th AFA. An officer, and seventy OR's from the 7th Australian Field Ambulance arrive, and proceed to Martinpuich, where they relieve the 6th AFA bearers, who now return to the Main Dressing Station at Contalmaison. The commanding officer carries out another inspection of the facilities in the forward areas on the 12th of February, and then on the 16th, 5th AFA bearers are sent from headquarters in Albert, to relieve the 7th AFA bearers at the Main Dressing Station, at Martinpuich. Another inspection of the forward areas is carried out by the CO on the 20th of February. Hostilities at the front line commence over the next few days, so much so, that by February 28th extra stretcher bearers are recruited from the 7th AFA to assist in the evacuation of the wounded from the front. As the enemy begin to retire, new advanced dressing stations, and R.A.P.'s are established. The 5th AFA stretcher bearers evacuate the front line wounded to the A.D.S. at Le Sars - Butte Quary, and then by relay posts, to the M.D.S. at Martinpuich. At this time, the main route used by the horse drawn ambulance wagons, is directly south by the rough road from Le Sars, to Martinpuich. The alternative route is by horse drawn ambulance wagon, following the surface road to Martinpuich, and then onto Bazentin, where Motor Ambulances take the wounded over a good road straight into Contalmaison, and the Main Dressing Station. Any ‘slight’ cases are taken on the Deauville tramway from the siding at Bottom Wood, through to Contalmaison, due to less haste for medical attention. Noted in the unit diary for the 1st of March,”5th AFA in charge of all medical arrangements in the forward area”, and the following day, “one Medical Officer proceeds to Martinpuich A.D.S. to assist” then on March 6th, “20 bearers from 6th AFA attached to Bazentin A.D.S., “to assist with evacuations of the wounded”. On the eighth of March, subsequent to an order received, the commanding officer embarks on an inspection of the forward area to locate a suitable site at Pozieres, for establishing a new Main Dressing Station. Further inspections are carried out over the next two days, and on the 12th, the new M.D.S. is established at Pozieres, with the help of one officer and a bearer sub-division from the 12th AFA. On the 14th of March the 5th AFA tent sub-division at Martinpuich M.D.S. is relieved by men of the 6th AFA, and this tent sub-division of the 5th, moves to Le Sars which is situated in the left sector of the ANZAC Division’s area of responsibility. Headquarters 5th AFA moved from the Contalmaison Chateau, to a new position at Pozieres on the 17th of March, and on the following day all the unit's sub-divisions returned to the new headquarters location. On the 19th, one NCO, eleven drivers and twenty three horses were sent to the 6th AFA to assist in the evacuation of wounded troops from Beugnatre to Bapaume, followed by three Daimler and two Ford motor ambulances on the following day. The Pozieres Main Dressing Station was inspected by senior rank on March 22nd, and on the following day, the 5th Australian Field Ambulance came under the control of the 4th Australian Division. On the same day, one officer, and a bearer sub-division returned to the unit from the 12th AFA, as well as an officer, and a bearer sub-division from the 2nd Australian Division. On the 30th March, twenty two OR’s were attached to the 5th Army Operating Centre, and on the 1st of April the Pozieres Entraining Centre was placed under the control of the 5th AFA. Four days later the Deputy Director of Medical Services arrived at Poziers to carry out a general inspection of the units medical arrangements. The next day, April 6th, grandfather, 358 WEBB Fredrick Albert, was attached to the 1st ANZAC Headquarters for the rest of his active service.

“The Story of Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody”

(Contributions with kind thanks to member, Don Walker)

There was an important job to be done. Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that because it was Everybody’s job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realised that Everybody wouldn’t do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done!

The scrub was so thick the drover’s dog couldn’t open his mouth to bark

The same drover was so mean he wouldn’t let his dog drink from a mirage! (Attrib to A.B. Paterson)

!

*The surest sign that intelligent life exists elsewhere in the universe is the fact that it has never tried to contact us.

25

ITEMS OF INTEREST

(1) BOOKS, MAGAZINES, ETC (With kind thanks from our Govt, Army Newspaper and members/friends)

(a) DVA e-News Aug, Oct. (available to any who can receive emails)

(b) CONTACT N’Letter-74. (courtesy, James Jordan & as above)

(c) HMAS ARMIDALE Memorial advice (courtesy, Bruce Whittet)

(d) FRONTLINE (Sept Journal 1st & 2nd 19th Bn Association (courtesy, Bob Pink OAM)

(e) Tobruk House News (Oct.) (courtesy, Hon Sect. Graham Gibson)

———————————————-

(2) Tragic legacy of deaths in training (With kind thanks to member John Gallagher & Townsville Bulletin N’Paper)

BATTLEFIELD deaths are sadly inevitable, perhaps acceptable, but usually explicable. They come with the

turf.

They always affect those who were there and have a profound, lingering effect on next of kin, family and

friends.

Deaths during military training are an entirely different matter, particularly when described as “accidents”.

There is no such thing as an accident. There is either an unsafe condition or an unsafe act or a combination

of both. When those circumstances coincide, individuals are at risk and in the worst case lives are lost.

The emotional effect on family and friends is identical.

The Australian Army’s worst training accident occurred on May 21, 1945, when the European war was

already ended. It occurred at Kapooka, now heralded as The Home of the Soldier where all recruits

undertake initial training.

Those involved were sappers, four weeks into a 16-week

course.

Most were teenagers though their instructors, including

Sergeant Jack Pomeroy, were seasoned Middle East and New

Guinea veterans. Pomeroy was father to five and marking his

31st birthday.

Once qualified, the young sappers would have expected to be

sent to operations in Borneo.

They were in a covered bunker described as 6.4m long, 5.8m

wide and 2.1m high at its centre. Its roof was roughly level with

the ground. Bush timber lined the walls and ceiling, sawdust covered the floor.

The trainees sat around its edges on ammunition boxes because Pomeroy used it as a classroom to add

effect to his lectures.

Also in the bunker were 45kg of monobel and 4.5kg of gelignite, plus a large quantity of detonators and

fuses. Monobel was a malleable, low-explosive used in quarries and agriculture.

Having trainees and large quantities of explosives in a confined space was the unsafe condition.

Instructor Sergeant Kendall later testified when leaving the bunker he observed Pomeroy demonstrating

how to knead tennis ball sized lumps of monobel, crimp a detonator on a fuse, then insert the detonator into

the explosive.

Outside, Kendall was blown over by a massive blast before racing into what remained of the bunker to

witness a horrifying sight. Some of the victims were intact, others shredded by the explosion’s force. Sgt

Pomeroy was identified by his engraved watch.

Sapper Allan Bartlett survived being embedded into the bunker wall and although profoundly deafened,

gave evidence to the subsequent inquiry.

Although he was unable to identify the unsafe act, he testified instructor Corporal Cousins was holding

multiple detonators with fuses attached just before the blast.

The Australian Government attempted to suppress details of the incident but there was no way of hiding it

from Wagga Wagga’s then 14,000 residents. LEST WE FORGET

——————————————- (

Cont. tp Page 26)

26

(Cont. from Page 25)

(3) AUSTRALIA TO SUPPORT AFGHAN BLACKHAWKS

Australia will assist the Afghan National Airforce to establish its UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter capability.

Australia will provide around 20 ADF personnel including aviation advisors and Force Protection. Australia

will also continue to fund the sustainment of Afghan’s current fleet of Mi-17 helicopters as it transitions to

the Blackhawks.

Australia is the second largest contributor to the Afghan National Army Trust Fund and has contributed US

$520 million since 2010. Australia has remained steadfast in its support to Afghanistan since 2001 and

remains to be committed to NATO and its partners to support the government of Afghanistan to provide

security and stability for its people and to prevent the spread of terrorism.

————————————-

(4) INAUGURAL AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE MAGAZINE “WOMEN IN DEFENCE” AWARD

A Gala Lunch in Canberra, attended by 250 guests, including Government representatives, applauded all

the winning finalists of the six categories, viz; Communications (won by Nicole Davies of “Broadspectrum”),

Legal/Contracting (won by Kirsty Buchan of BAE Systems Australia), Project Manage gement (won by

Group Captain Wendy Blyth of Dept. of Defence), Engineering (won by Dr. Christine Shanahan), Technical

Trade (won by Jamie Neggars of “Top Aces Inc.” and Rising Star.(won by Tamara White of “ASC:”)

The Lunch was launched by the editor of the ADM, M/s Katherine Zeising, who stressed the importance of

recognising peple and their contributions

Dr. Christine Shanahan received her Award in the Engineering category. She is a Mechanical and Space

Engineer ad has worked for the Department of Defence, Science and Technology (DST) for 13 years. Her

work in two key areas earned her her award for (a) her research into the service life of Missile Ordnance and

the ageing of Propellants resulted in significant monetary savings for Defence and (b) her investigation into

the effect of I.E.D.’s on buildings and people, the results of which have contributed to Australian Army

Force Protection design documents and promoted upgrades to a number of ADF bases.

———————————

(5) EXERCISE “PITCH BLACK”

Is a biennial Exercise held in the Northern Territory for about three weeks in July/August. It is a large scale

operational collective training activity that includes fast jets, transport and other aircraft in a multi-national

coalition environment.

It involves more than 4,000 personnel and 140 aircraft from Australia, Canada, France, New Caledonia,

Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines,

Singapore, Sweden, Thailand and the US.

The aircraft will use RAAF Bases Darwin and Tindal, Amberley in SE Qld and the remote Batchelor

aerodrome south of Darwin.

The Batchelor airfield component will include a Field Hospital, Stabilisation and Security operations with

Army and Airforce elements and logistical support.

Air Commander Australia, Air Vice Marshal, Steve Roberton, said the Exercise is aimed to strengthen

regional partnerships, improve interoperability between nations and promote regional stability.

———————————

(6) PROJECT LAND 400 (Total cost between A$20-40 Billion to deliver 675 Military vehicles over 15

years. The vehicles will require maintenance and support for up to 30 years)

The aims are to enhance the mounted close combat capability of the Land Force by providing armoured

fighting vehicles with improved fire power, protection, mobility and communication characteristics to

enable tactical success in the contemporary and future operational environment.

Project Land 400 consists of FOUR PHASES-

(Cont. on Page 27)

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(Cont. from Page 26)

Phase 1 The Project Definition Study.

Phase 2-has started, with the contract being awarded to Rheinmetal to supply 211 “Boxer” Combat

Reconnaissance Vehicles at an estimated cost of A$5.2 Billion (these will replace the ageing fleet of our

current (Light Armoured Vehicles-ASLAV’s).which are now more than 20 years old.

The Boxer CRV is a wheeled vehicle. It is fitted with modern sensors and communications equipment.

Its main role is to locate, monitor and engage with enemy forces and will fill seven different roles; Recce,

Command and Control, Joint Fires, Surveillance, Ambulance and Battlefield Repair and Recovery.

They are expected to be in training by 2020.

Phase 3 is now in the ‘Tender’ process to supply 450 Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFV’s) and 17 Maneuver

Support Vehicles to replace our current M113 APC’s and their Support Vehicles.

The winning tender will see a much heavier vehicle with more fire power and ‘roll-on’ tracks (as opposed to

wheels).

Phase 4-will be an integrated training system.

————————————

(7) BATTLE FOR AUSTRALIA (1942-1945) PROJECT:

They have now established a relationship with the Hyde Park ANZAC Memorial (Sydney) to include a place

to educate visitors about the ANZAC spirit.

An inaugural ANZAC Memorial Schools Learning Program for 2018-2019 has been developed by the

Memorial. One of the educational workshops is “War at our Door” with a focus on operations in the Pacific

during WW 2.

The aim of the project is to include material provided by members of the BFA and build a collection of

artefacts.

To this end they are encouraging individual members and member organisations to provide stories and

personal accounts of themselves, families or colleagues during the Battle for Australia.

Depending on the location, the BFA will arrange to make a video of the information.

(Are you a member of the BFA? If not contact their Membership Officer, Bob Auston (0419.491.747) $10 per year for an individual

and $25 per year for Service organisation/Association.)

—————————————

(8) AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL ACADEMY OF MUSIC:

The successful musicians chosen undergo an intense 12 months performance-based training program in

Solo, Chamber and Orchestral or Ensemble. A week at the Academy is likened to a week as a professional

musician.

ANAM is one of Australia’s natural elite training organisations and is unique in the world.

Many of the Symphony Orchestras in Australia have successful participants from ANAM.

The musicians have the opportunity to practice and perform with guest artists, such as Lawrence Power

who is one of the world’s greatest viola players.

Playing alongside renowned musicians is a key part of the program. It is never a teacher/student scenario.

They perform as equal colleagues.

————————————-

(9) SOME OF THE BRITISH MUSEUM COLLECTION WILL COME TO AUSTRALIA:

A new MOA has been agreed between the BM and the National Museum of Australia.

It will see more Exhibitions, over the next 5 years, being exchanged between the two Institutions.

The one from Britain now in the National Museum of Australia in Canberra (Sept to 2nd Feb. 2019) is

“ROME-City and Empire”.

————————————-

(10) NAPIER WALLER INAUGURAL ART PRIZE AWARDED TO ROB DOUMA:

Napier Waller was a ‘digger’ in WW 1 and was wounded in the arm at Bullecourt. He eventually lost his right

arm and whilst in rehabilitation he taught himself to write and draw left-handed.

(Cont on Page 28)

28

(Cont from Page 27)

He said an artist draws with his head—not his hands.

Douma , himself a veteran, was selected from a ‘shortlist’ of 35

veteran artists, by the judging panel who said it was a very difficult

decision to make.

Douma’s artwork is called “Green on Blue—A Betrayal of Trust”. It

depicted the event in Kandahar, in 2011, when a rogue soldier of

the ANA opened fire on a group of Australian soldiers who were

training them.

Three Australian soldiers were killed and nine were wounded,

including an interpreter.

——————————————————

(11) WESTERN SYDNEY AIRPORT (BADGERYS CREEK):

Construction began on the 24th September 2018. Our government has invested $5.3 Billion, in equity.

The initial earthworks are expected to be completed by the end of 2019. It requires 1.8 Million m3 of earth

to level the site (currently it is 40 metres between the lowest and highest points!).

Major earthworks are due to start in 2019 and require 22 Million m3 of ‘spoil’. The workforce target

projections are:- (i) 30% local workforce during construction. (ii) 50% local workforce when fully

operational. (iii) 20% Learning workforce, including apprentices, Graduates and Trainees.

The first stage on completion will cater for ten million passengers and when finally completed with two

operational runways it will cater for 82 Million passengers!

——————————————-

(12) AUSTRALIAN PEACEKEEPERS AND PEACEMAKERS:

The 14th September was recognised as National Peacekeeper and Peacemaker Day. The Minister for Vet

Affairs , Darren Chester, said Peacekeepers and Peacemakers have and continue to play, an important role

in providing support and assistance to victims of conflict, often in unstable and dangerous locations.

The first Australian Peacekeepers arrived in the Netherland East Indies (now Indonesia) in September 1947

as unarmed military observers. They provided logistic support, monitored cease-fires to land-mine

clearance operations, supported democratic elections, provided policing support functions and facilitated

the delivery of humanitarian aid.

Since then they have served in more than 50 multi-national peacekeeping operations. Australian State and

Federal Police have had a long involvement in Peacekeeping Operations since 1964 with the first

deployment to Cyprus. It just concluded in 2017 after 53 years!

It is also reflected on those currently serving in the Middle East and the UN Truce Supervision

Organisation and in the UN Mission of the Republic of Southern Sudan.

————————————-

(13) EXPLOSIVE DETECTION DEVICE:

Our Government commended the Grey Innovation Group when it recently launched a prototype of the

“Greyscan Explosive Detection device”.

The technology addresses the need for detection capabilities at high-risk locations; eg Defence and Police

facilities, Cargo Handling, Exit and Entry points for large events and also in the Aviation market.

It was developed by the University of Tasmania and assisted by funding from the National Security ,

Science and Technology Centre.

The US Transport and Security Administration is planning to trial the technology as part of its aviation

security measures.

————————————-(Cont on Page 29)

29

(Cont from Page 28)

(14) AUSTRALIA’S INLAND RAIL PROJECT: Inland rail has been a Parliamentary topic since 1890. It is now a BIG step closer to starting. Planning began

in 2006 which covers 1,700 klms of rail from Tottenham in Melbourne to Bromelton in Queensland.

In 2017 our Government committed $8.4 Billion to the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) to deliver an

Inland Rail system.

The stages north are Parkes, Narrabri, North Star, NSW/QLD Border, Gowrie, Helidon, Calvert, Kagaru,

Acacia Ridge and Bromelton.

The stages south are Parkes, Narromine, Stockinbingal, Illabo, Albury and Tottenham.

Parkes will be the Inland Hub.

The first project is expected to start in December 2018 and will be the PARKES-NARROMINE (P2N 104

klms). ARTC will utilise 98 klms of the existing track and build a new section of about 6klms.It will start in

Parkes on the Broken Hill line and proceed north toward Narwonah (about 8klms south of Narromine). It will

use 14,000 tonne of Australian steel in the P2N project

The entire project is expected to be completed by 2024/25. It will use 262,000t of steel, hundreds of

thousands of sleepers and millions of tonne of Cappings and Ballast. It will see trains carrying a variety of

cargo and some containers will be stacked two high.

Our Deputy Prime Minister, Michael McCormack, stated that for every dollar of taxpayer’s money spent on

this project it will see a return $2.62 back into our Australian economy.

There is still wide-spread concern with farmers and land holders ranging from route selections through to

land acquisitions. The main issues seem to be the ARTC seeking agreement with individual land owners

and any agreements, noted so far, seem to be ‘one-sided’ to favour the ARTC.

A Community Forum will be held on 11th December 2018

————————————

(15) NEW TRUCKS FOR ADF: Our government has committed $1.4 Billion to order 1,044 new medium and heavy trucks to replace our 30

year old, and costly to maintain, fleet. The order also includes 872 Modules and 812 trailers.

This order completes the government’s approval for the LAND 121 Project which already includes 1,000

trucks in use now.

The vehicles will be manufactured on an existing assembly line in Austria by Rheinmetal Industries. The

Modules and Trailers will be built in Australia.

—————————————-

(16) VETERANS IN RURAL AND REMOTE AREAS WITH MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES: GP’s living in rural and remote areas who are treating veterans with mental health issues are now able to

obtain expert specialist advice on how best to treat and support an individual with complex PTSD, pain or

other mental health problems through Practitioner Support Services.

In 2016 our government provided $6 Million to Phoenix Australia to establish “The Centenary of ANZAC

Centre” so as to target early intervention for mental health treatment for veterans.

The Centre will investigate and test new treatments for PTSD and other mental health conditions and

provide expert advice and support to mental health practitioners.

The service can be accessed by phoning 1800.838.777 or through the “Phoenix Australia” web site.

———–——————————————————-————————————

(17) ANNIVERSARY of the SIGNING of the ARMISTICE to end the KOREAN WAR: The 27th July marked the 65th Anniversary of the end of the war with North Korea when an Armistice was

signed.

North Korea attacked South Korea in June 1950 sparking a protracted war for three years, which involved

the armed forces of the United States and her Allies fighting against Communist China and the Soviet

Union. 18,000 Australian soldiers, sailors, airmen and nurses were involved. 350 were killed, 1,500 were

injured, 30 were taken prisoner and more than 40 are still listed as “Missing In Action”. Peacekeeping duties

continued until 1957.*****************************************

30

LATE SUBSCRIBERS A gentle ‘reminder’ to our members who pay yearly ($15). We very much rely on your subs to keep our magazine in circulation. When you read this and if you are not sure if you have paid your $15 would you kindly phone or email me and I will let you know if you are ’up to date’ with your subs. With our kind thanks, Alan Curry (0427824646, (02) 4982.2189 or email:- curry36@bigpond.net.au

Our sincere

A Proud Supporter of 5 Field Ambulance Assn.

31

MEMENTO FROM MY FATHER Clarence Oscar POWER MM

Clarence worked as a clerk at the Water & Sewerage Board in Sydney prior to signing up for WW 1 at Liverpool (Sydney). His dad (Thomas) worked for the Herald Newspaper office in Sydney. Clarence joined on the 27th January 1915 at 24 years of age. He was a member of the W & S Rifle Club. His records show he was not a tall man at 5ft 5 inches and weighing 10 stone. He had a fair complexion with blue eyes and dark hair. His diary records that he enjoyed his sports—and on all accounts was good at them. As you will read in his diary, he was awarded the Military Medal and the Citation, from King George, it

reads:- “On the 10th June 1916 at Morlancourt near Albert when the 7th Australian Infantry Brigade carried out the successful attack, this NCO carried out excellent work in charge of stretcher bearers clearing wounded from the R.A.P.’s. He and his men carried wounded continuously from R.A.P.’s to the Relay Post for 14 hours without a rest, although the shell fire was intense and the going heavy. He set a magnificent example.” Clarence, in a later attack in July 1918, was awarded a Bar to his Military Medal.

————————————— My name is Margaret Tanner (Power) and as of writing I am 98 years of age. My mum and dad married on the 5

th July 1919 in St James Presbyterian Church in Burwood (Sydney).

Recently, a friend of mine gave me a ‘clipping’ of a copy of the Sydney Morning Herald’s report of their wedding! Neither mum nor dad ever told me that they had a “Guard of Honour” on their wedding day. Part of that SMH article reads…

”Sgt A.P.Burchill (5th Field Ambulance) acted as Best Man. The function had a distinct ANZAC tone, as about 20 members of the A.I.F. who were on

active service, on Gallipoli, with the bridegroom were present and formed a ‘Guard of Honour’ at the church. Among them were Capt T. Burns, Lt

J.W.Moores (1st Bn), Lt G.M.Blake (18th Bn), Regt QM F.Dransfield MM, Sgt. A.R.Ellis (19th Bn), Sgt. G.E.Olroyd (5th DHQ), Lt J.D. Walsh (1st Field

Ambulance), Cpl. E.F. Butler (4th DHQ), Cpl. C.R. Bignell (34th Bn), Pte C. Ryder (5th Field Ambulance), Signaler J.E.J. Coleman (1st Bn), Dvr. J. Landen

(2nd A.B.C.), Pte D.H. Brown (25th Bn), Signaler N.G. Rose (19th Bn), Pte F.F. O’Connor, Sapper R. Lamaro, Cpl. W. Cashman (13th Bn) and Cpl. Hardy”.

The following extracts are from my father’s wartime diary.

(War diary of 2879 CPL Clarence Oscar Power MM & Bar. WW1)

JUNE 1915 DEPARTING QUEENS PARK for ALEXANDRIA 25th Reveille at Queens Park 5am. Left for Woolloomooloo Bay at 7am and embarked HMAT Ceramic (A40) at 8.30am. Sailed at 4.30pm. Quarter’s fairly comfortable but right under the steering gear house, consequently a certain amount of noise and vibration. 26th Weather good. Men not sick with a few exceptions. No drill so far. Wrote a letter to Mary (my fiancé`) and sent a postcard of our troopship to Alice (my sister).

27th Reached Port Phillip Head about 11am. Met by Pilot Steamer which collected our mail and we then proceeded on our journey. Am meeting plenty of chaps I know on board-Mark Blake and Williamson from the office. Several fellows from Freshwater Surf Club (Bob and Claude Jackson) and all my old mates from the 5

th. On night duty in hospital from 9pm to 6.30am. About 14 men in this ward. The boat has a slight roll now

but I haven’t experienced the slightest pangs of sickness yet. 29th Weather getting dirtier as we sail along the bight. Many men down. I still feel splendid. 30th Seven cases of infectious diseases now in isolation ward. Land sighted 1pm today. We are somewhere near the south west extremity of the continent. Whales sighted by mates during the day. I was asleep at the time. There was great excitement on the appearance of a vessel, which the boys took for a war ship but nothing more than a P & O Liner. My hospital ward now full-25 cases.

JULY 1915 3rd Have been in the Indian Ocean now for a couple of days. Very windy and rough. Mark Blake was brought along to hospital this morning about 1am, he had two wounds to his head having fallen due to the roll of the ship. 4th Our first death on board occurred at 3.25pm today. Buried at sea at 8pm. The Firing Party fired three volleys and the bugler sounded “The Last Post”. 6th Second death today. 10th Third death today. 11th Rumored we ‘crossed the line’ today. 13th Visited by Father Neptune, most of the officers and NCO’s ducked. (Cont. on page 32)

32

(Cont. from Page 31)

14th Steamer “Alguma”, from East London to Calcutta, land sighted, first since 1/7/1915. 15th Sighted land. African coast today. 16th Reached Aden about midday. Forts and Signal Station on a rocky and desolate series of hills. Natives seen in quaint canoes but too far off to distinguish anything-we were about a mile from shore. Here we received orders from the Signal Station and proceeded reaching the Isle of Perim about 9pm. 4

th death today, Sgt

Nalder of A Company, 19th

Bn, he was making good progress but the heat killed him. We are now entering the Red Sea. 17th Norman (my step brother) in hospital with measles. 18th Ship’s steward died and was buried at sea. 19th Norman much better and will be out of hospital soon. Nearing the canal, can see land on each side of us. 20th Reached Suez 8am and anchored. Instantly surrounded by native boats. The Egyptian and Sudanese boatmen selling fruit, cigarettes, lollies, post cards etc, also boiled eggs (16 for one shilling). There are about a dozen ships here waiting to go through the canal. 21st Left Suez 4am and had a most interesting trip along the canal to Port Said. Indian and British troops are camped all along the canal on both sides-thousands of them. Passed British and French warships which we cheered and our band played appropriate music to each. Our men threw over cigarettes etc to the troops on the shore. Camels galore. Train lines along side of canal with quaint stations. Little gun boats about the size of tugs patrol the canal. There are stations for canal officials of about 5 miles throughout. There are two lakes (?) forming part of the canal. Reached Port Said at 5pm. Great excitement—plenty of French, British and Dutch ships including warships. Here we took on coal, barges with niggers coming alongside. We would throw over bread and there would nearly be a fight for it amongst the coons. Scores of white pyramids. We are anchored 50 yards from shore. Some men have taken French shore leave. A few have been captured coming back. The natives are a filthy, smelling lot and although they have left the boat still reeks with the stink of them. 22nd Indian troopship passed on its way to the canal. We left Port Said about 5pm for Alexandria.

23rd

ARRIVAL- ALEXANDRIA Arrived in Alexandria this morning and moored near a big ship loaded with English troops—going to the Dardanelles. Entrained at Heliopolis and travelled for about 6 hours through a most interesting country. Cotton fields on each side. Natives live in mud huts of a most dilapidated and filthy condition. Arrived in camp 6.30pm and met our mates who had left before us. 25th Visited the Pyramids and Sphinx’s. 26th Inspected by the G.O.C.

AUGUST 1915 1

st

Tour of the sights of Cairo. Driven around in carriage. Saw aquarium, Coptic Church (first Christian church in Egypt), Saladin forts and various mosques – all very old. The Royal Mosque perhaps the most beautiful building I have seen. 2

nd

Leave from camp stopped due to riotous behavior of some Australian troops in Cairo. Taken out for a march last week to the spot where the Virgin Mary rested in her flight from Egypt. 8

th

Sunday. Five of us had a trip along the Nile, landed at the zoo, which we inspected—a very fine place. Saw the gauge where the Nile flood-waters are measured. Had tea on the bank and then visited a church where the Holy family hid from Herod, also the mosque where Napoleon’s soldiers surprised the Egyptian army at prayer. Saw pottery works—made by hand. 10

th

150 stretcher bearers, myself included, from the 5th

, 6th

and 7th

Field Ambulance taken to Alexandria to take wounded from hospital ships due from Gallipoli. 11

th

Half of party engaged on unloading “Ascania” and “Delta”. 12

th

Whole party working to 3.30pm on “Delta” and “Tunisian”. 13

th

Returned to Heliopolis and rejoined our unit. 14

th

Preparations for our departure. …..(Cont on Page 33

33

(Cont. from Page 32)

15th

Left camp with baggage party about 9am and entrained for Alexandria. 16

th

Reached wharf at 4am. Left Alexandria 6.30pm in Transport ship “Saturnia” which is a wretched boat compared with “Ceramic”. 17

th

Ship steering zig zag course as a Transport was sunk a couple of days ago by an Austrian submarine. 18

th

Fine day, everything alright so far. We are supposed to wear our life belts or have them handy all the time. Passing through a group of islands all day. Am going on hospital duty at 9pm. A chance to get a decent wash. 19

th

Reached Lemnos Island about 5am. 1045am our packs all ready to don. Ammunition issued to infantry. Several transports ready to go too. 7.15pm still at Lemnos. No orders yet as to when we proceed. A number of infantrymen on deck singing hymns—quite an unusual happening.

20th LANDING AT GALLIPOLI

Left in another transport at 7.30pm. Reached original Australian landing place at midnight and landed 5.30am being last to leave ship. No opposition to landing. Left ANZAC landing about 9pm with the 18

th and

19th

Battalions to join left flank. 21

st

Shifted base. Fatigue work all day. Lost wristlet watch. Joined stretcher party about 11pm and proceeded to trenches. Pte Ramage killed. 22

nd

Arrived back at camp 11pm. Rested all day. Dug ourselves in as bullets are falling around here frequently. 27

th

Heavy bombardment from shore and sea. Attack by the 18th

Bn and other units. Three trenches taken heavy casualties. Carrying from 6pm to 11am without rest.dilapidated and filthy condition. Arrived in camp 6.30pm and met our mates who had left before us. 25th Visited the Pyramids and Sphinx’s. 26th Inspected by the G.O.C.

AUGUST 1915 1

st

Tour of the sights of Cairo. Driven around in carriage. Saw aquarium, Coptic Church (first Christian church in Egypt), Saladin forts and various mosques – all very old. The Royal Mosque perhaps the most beautiful building I have seen. 2

nd

Leave from camp stopped due to riotous behavior of some Australian troops in Cairo. Taken out for a march last week to the spot where the Virgin Mary rested in her flight from Egypt. 8

th

Sunday. Five of us had a trip along the Nile, landed at the zoo, which we inspected—a very fine place. Saw the gauge where the Nile flood-waters are measured. Had tea on the bank and then visited a church where the Holy family hid from Herod, also the mosque where Napoleon’s soldiers surprised the Egyptian army at prayer. Saw pottery works—made by hand. 10

th

150 stretcher bearers, myself included, from the 5th

, 6th

and 7th

Field Ambulance taken to Alexandria to take wounded from hospital ships due from Gallipoli. 11

th

Half of party engaged on unloading “Ascania” and “Delta”. 12

th

Whole party working to 3.30pm on “Delta” and “Tunisian”. 13

th

Returned to Heliopolis and rejoined our unit. 14

th

Preparations for our departure. 15

th

Left camp with baggage party about 9am and entrained for Alexandria. 16

th

Reached wharf at 4am. Left Alexandria 6.30pm in Transport ship “Saturnia” which is a wretched boat compared with “Ceramic”. 17

th

Ship steering zig zag course as a Transport was sunk a couple of days ago by an Austrian submarine. 18

th

Fine day, everything alright so far. We are supposed to wear our life belts or have them handy all the time. Passing through a group of islands all day. Am going on hospital duty at 9pm. A chance to get a decent wash. …..(Cont. on Page 34)

34

(Cont. from Page 33)

19th

Reached Lemnos Island about 5am. 1045am our packs all ready to don. Ammunition issued to infantry. Several transports ready to go too. 7.15pm still at Lemnos. No orders yet as to when we proceed. A number of infantrymen on deck singing hymns—quite an unusual happening.

20th LANDING AT GALLIPOLI

Left in another transport at 7.30pm. Reached original Australian landing place at midnight and landed 5.30am being last to leave ship. No opposition to landing. Left ANZAC landing about 9pm with the 18

th and

19th

Battalions to join left flank. 21

st

Shifted base. Fatigue work all day. Lost wristlet watch. Joined stretcher party about 11pm and proceeded to trenches. Pte Ramage killed. 22

nd

Arrived back at camp 11pm. Rested all day. Dug ourselves in as bullets are falling around here frequently. 27

th

Heavy bombardment from shore and sea. Attack by the 18th

Bn and other units. Three trenches taken heavy casualties. SEPTEMBER 1915 3

rd

“B” Section moved to a new position at ‘Pope’s Post’. Mark Blake (friend) often calls on me, he is batman to Lt Doyle of 18

th Bn.

5th

Visited cemetery near beach but did not see poor old Wilson’s grave, he was probably buried at sea. 20

th

Nothing out of the ordinary has happened since last entry. Same routine observed and no action of great importance round this part (‘Pope’s Post’). Today we were issued with gas respirators.

OCTOBER 1915 5

th

Same old things happening. Nothing as regards an offensive on either side here. Hear many rumors about the left flank but can’t believe any of them. Have had the usual narrow escapes from shrapnel the last 3 or 4 days, one shell travelling over our heads one day when carrying down a path. Have been getting extra provisions from Frank Butler (close friend) lately and invited Norman to tea—bread, tea and milk, herrings, pineapple (tinned) and lunch biscuits with syrup and jam—quite a repast. Have still a couple of tins of sardines and a tin of strawberry jam and tea and milk thanks to Frank. Letter from Mary and Alice acknowledging “Ceramic” letters yesterday. Baby Bliss letter arrived also. He wrote from a hospital ship. Was on his way to Malta. Arthur Mason first had to write to me. This beautiful day has prompted me to take out my diary to record what perfect weather we are experiencing. One could easily imagine oneself at home sitting in a gully by the sea on a fine spring day, but mostly there is the quiet and stillness of a Sunday afternoon miles away. Not much like war. s. Carrying from 6pm to 11am without rest. 10

th

Had diarrhea for last 3 days. On no duty and hospital diet for two days. I have resumed duty today much better. Frank Butler still providing tea, salmon, sardines, biscuits and raisins. Am living well thanks to him. 22

nd

Letters from Mary, Jane, Mervyn (nephew-died POW in Japan, May 1945), Alice, Ted, Dad and Les Coleman received in answer to Egypt letters. Rain fell yesterday and continued on and off up to the present. Paths very slippery when carrying stretchers. 29

th

Norman complains of pain all over his body but they eased off for a fair bit.

NOVEMBER 1915 2

nd

Melbourne Cup today. Papers but no letters arrived on Sunday…..(TO BE CONTINUED IN NEXT ISSUE)

35

OUR ASSOCIATION IS ON FACEBOOK

Any member who has a computer and has access to the Internet can now visit our ‘Facebook’ page. We thank our commit-

tee member, Ann Jackson, for ‘opening up’ another avenue to connect to our members who are already on Facebook. We

also would like to reconnect with any past member.

‘Admin’ will then accept members to that group. Our group will be a ‘closed group’ which means

only members of the group can see ‘posts’.

annja5884@gmail.com.

RAAMC ASSOCIATION Inc. (NSW BRANCH) All the members around Australia would be aware of the periodic meetings in their particular State. (Have you joined your Branch yet? It is FREE-Contact Alan 0427.82.4646) At our last Sydney Meeting in October there were two items that we share with you.

1. ANZAC Day March 2019. The President (David Czerkies) will ‘canvas’ the proposal that ALL the SYDNEY medical unit Associations that normally march behind their own particular Banner will now march behind the last Banner and All Banners will be behind the main RAAMC Banner in “ORBAT”. The President (or representative) of each Association will either march behind, or beside his/her Banner. All marching personnel will march as one group. The reason behind this the decreasing number in some Associations’ ranks and they should not feel isolated. (This has been put to our Committee who agree with David’s proposal).

2. CARE PACKAGES for our troops on deployment. Our Association thought it was a good

idea to follow the RAAMC Assn Inc. (NSW Branch) very thoughtful suggestion of purchasing two CARE PACKAGES (one for a male, and one for a female, soldier). Our Committee requested our Committee member, Ann Jackson, to spend approximately$100 to complete this thoughtful task at Christmas time and post them through the ADF. We are mindful of the sacrifices our ADF make and very much appreciate what they are doing.

.

36

ACTIVITY SHEET (Please advise your choice/s. Any item ordered includes postage)

Please find enclosed my Subs for 2018 ($15) (cover from January to December) or LIFE

MEMBERSHIP ($100) or Donation (See my details below).

I would like to pay for ____$1 Raffle Ticket/s in our Yearly Fund-Raiser for 2019.

Please post me a “Surplus” Newsletter @ $7 each. (If available)

Please send me____”Special Edition” 2015 Centenary Calendar/s @ $7 each.

Please order me a Centenary “POLO” Shirt (with pocket) @ $70 each. SIZE_______.

Please order me____copies of the DVD of our 50th AND/OR 100th Anniversary Parade @

$20 ea. (The 50th also includes a brief history of the 2/5th Australian Field Ambulance)

Please send me____ RAAMC Centenary “Coin and Token” set/s @ $30 each.

Please send me a RAAMC coat/jacket Lapel Pin for $15.

Please send me a RAAMC Red Cross Arm-Band @ $10 each. (7 left)

Please send me a 5 Field Ambulance RAAMC KEY RING ($20). (With my membership number on it, if

possible.)

Please ORDER me a NAME BADGE ($20)

Please ORDER me a (XL/Large/Medium/Small) BERET ($40),*BERET BADGE ($23),*COLLAR

BADGE ($7), *CORPS TIE ($50) ---please indicate size of Beret & whether Badges/Ties are to be

RAAMC, RACT or RAEME.

Please send me a copy of “Little by Little”--- A Centenary History of the RAAMC by Dr. Michael

Tyquin (Army Historian). @ $70. (1 left)

(Please make any Cheques/Money Orders etc payable to:- “5 Field Ambulance Association” and post to

either:- Alan Curry OAM (Hon Sec) 35/1a Gordon Cl., ANNA BAY NSW 2316 OR Brian Tams (Hon Treas.),

453/1 Scaysbrook Dve., KINCUMBER NSW 2251—All acknowledgements will be in our next issue.

Our EFT details are: BSB: 637000, Account Number: 717253825, Account Name: 5th Field Ambulance

Association, BANK: Greater. (Please Identify your name)

COMMENTS/ORDERS ETC: FROM:_________________________________

CONTACT No:_____________________MONEY ENCLOSED $_____________

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