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April 2007 |
Don't forget to March in Sydney this Anzac day 2007 |
Pom, I was just reading the Jan 07, Blue Beret. I would like to point out that the article about medals and citations whilst technically correct has a couple of errors. It states that "The wearing of the President Unit Citation This only allowed whilst serving with the Squadron and not be worn on medal wearing days or services" it should be added "unless one was with the unit when awarded." It was always my understanding that whilst a member served in a unit that had been awarded Unit / Presidential Citations, the wearing of that award was continual, without provisoes. I will stand corrected if someone can quote me the relevant changes as per the manual. Secondly; "Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm – Unit Citation The Republic of Vietnam Unit Citation, the Gallantry cross with Palm, was awarded to the 35th TFW which included No 2 Squadron." This award was not presented to the 35th TFW with the spin-off to 2 Squadron, this award was presented to the 2 Squadron RAAF in it own right. Regards Tex ================================================================================================== Pom, I have just returned from Mick McPhail's funeral, whilst it was a sad and sombre affair it was great to see so many faces who have not been together for such a long period. It goes to show just how many lives were effected by that larrikin we all came to admire and respect. Mick was up there with the best and will be sadly missed. Members of the Association, 9 Sqn and 25 Sqn were strongly represented and it was great to see uniformed members of 2AFDS representing the Squadron. Rest in peace mate, you deserve it. Regards Tex Bryson. |
Pom Thanks for your good work !!!!!! As you may be aware I am President of the 2Sqn Assn (for my sins). This year the Association plans a reunion in Canberra centered around Vietnam Veterans Day (18 Aug). We plan to dedicate a plaque at the Australian War Memorial 17 Aug, Hold a dinner on the evening of 17 Aug, and a visit to the Governor Generals Residence and Boat Trip on the Sunday 19 Aug). I have enclosed a copy of the latest 2 Sqn Newsletter which outlines the programme and a return attendance sheet for those wishing to attend. I guess the ADG population at PhanRang was the biggest single mustering, so we are hoping for a good showing. I was hoping that you may give the reunion a mention on the site. Along with many others I attended Mick Mc Phails Funeral at Woodford yesterday. It was very well attended with people from Victiria, Canberra, Sydney, Perth and North Queensland. He will be sadly missed. Regards Ken Thackeray kjthackeray@hotmail.com (0428716243) |
2 Squadron (RAAF) Association Newsletter - March/April 2007 President Secretary/Treasurer Ken Thackeray Gary Olsen E-mail: kjthackeray@hotmail.com E-mail: gary_lenore@iinet.net. Internet: http://www.2sqnraafassoc.org.au Phone: AH 07 3206 3250 President's Report The RAAF 86th Anniversary was well attended by the committee and a small band of Association members. A uniformed RAAF contingent lead the parade and small operational support teams of ADGs, medics, dog handlers firefighters and "Dasher" added to the colour of the parade. The salute was taken by the Queensland State Governor, Quentin Bryce, in full RAAF dress uniform and during the service I laid a wreath in memory of 2 Sqn fallen. After the service, a contingent, lead by "Dasher" adjourned to the Casino for a few drinks. Lenore, Gary, Rhonda and I attended a luncheon at the Government House representing the Association. As the actual RAAF birthday is 31March there was a little confusion as to the date of the parade/service however the turnout was good Well, in about three weeks we will all be assembling in various places to participate in ANZAC Day services and the members of the committee wish you all a great and safe day with friends (our thoughts will be with you). Two serving 2Sqn members are attending activities in Brisbane, Townsville and Melbourne; thank you CO2SQN, the presence of serving members on ANZAC Day is greatly appreciated. For those marching in Brisbane the facilities have been booked at the Irish Club once again and we hope to see as many of you as possible for a few drinks and a bite to eat. The RAAF units liaison dinner is now a reality (details later in the newsletter). The idea is to give association members an opportunity to invite old and not so old RAAF mates, who may not have served in 2Sqn, to join us for dinner, dancing and in general a nice night out. As there are only 80 seats I guess that we all need to get our bookings and money to Gary as soon as possible. Arrangements for the reunion to be held in Canberra have progressed at a rapid rate. For those who may not be aware it is now 40 years since 2Sqn was deployed to Phan Rang (seems like yesterday really).This milestone will be celebrated along with activities associated with Vietnam Veterans' Day at the Vietnam Veterans' Memorial. The full programme of activities is detailed later in the newsletter. We are very fortunate that our Canberra based members, namely John Richards and Lance Halvorson have been flying the Association flag. A measure of John Richards' support can be gauged by the fact that he flew at his own expense to Brisbane to report on progress at the last committee meeting. In addition Lance Halvorson, who is also president of the ACT branch of the RAAF Association, has been proactive and is using his contacts to expedite arrangements for the dedication of a 2SQN plaque at the Australian War Memorial. Thank you both so much. In mid March I flew to Canberra and spent a few days with John Richards confirming venues and activities. I was encouraged by the enthusiasm and support the association is receiving and I was reminded that there are so may things to see and do in Canberra i.e. The War Memorial, The National Museum, The Deep Space Centre etc. We are expecting a big turn up not only by members wishing to attend the scheduled reunion events, also those who may wish to extend their stay and take in what the ACT has to offer so I would encourage you to send in your attendance sheets and money ASAP. The theme for this newsletter is: "PHONE A FRIEND" Both the Brisbane Liaison Dinner in June and the 40th Anniversary reunion provide us with the opportunity to catch up with mates that we may not have seen for some time. Canberra is a central location so we are expecting a really great turn out. However, not all ex 2sqn members are members of this Association, so I ask you to get on the phone and pass the word. Take Care "Thackers" ================================================================================================== Anzac Day For those marching with the Association in Brisbane on Anzac Day, form up is at the usual location, Elizabeth Street behind the Casino between George and William Streets. The parade steps off at 1000 hours and this year the Navy will be the leading service, followed by RAAF with Army bringing up the rear. Navy normally doesn't have a large contingent so it won't be all that long after 1000 that RAAF will be marching. For those of you who aren't confident of being able to march, please advise the Secretary/Treasurer in order that transport can be arranged. Notification must be received by 15 April. After march celebrations will be held as usual at The Irish Club in Elizabeth Street. For members marching elsewhere the committee wishes you all the best and whilst we can't all be physically in the one place, you can be sure we are at one in spirit. Secretary/Treasurers Note - Being Brisbane based we tend to concentrate our newsletter on news from Brisbane. We would really appreciate feedback from members outside of Brisbane on how Anzac Day was commemorated, who caught up with who, and news in general. This news can then be passed on through the newsletters. Medals/Citations Recently there has arisen some confusion as to the wearing of citations on civilian clothes and at this point of time the position is not clear. A member recently queried the office of The Honorable Bruce Billson MP, Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence; Minister for Veterans' Affairs on this subject. The reply received indicated that the wearing of citations on civilian clothes is not permitted as the citation is awarded to the unit not the individual. This contradicts what in general was previously understood in that those personnel on strength of the unit during the citation period are allowed to wear it. Webmaster Alan Robertson emailed a query on this subject to Department of Defence Honours and Awards on 2 February but to date a reply has not been received. This subject was discussed at the last committee meeting and it was agreed that unless otherwise officially advised, those members who qualify should be allowed to wear applicable citations. Members should be aware that the US Presidential Citation awarded to No 2 Squadron for service in 1942 can only be worn by those personnel who served during that period or current serving members of the Squadron. Canberra Reunion Ken has referred to the Canberra reunion in his report and as he has indicated plans are well under way. The program as it currently stands is set out below and should allow those of you considering attending plenty of time to start making arrangements. Attached to this newsletter is a proforma which you will need to return with payment to the Secretary/Treasurer by 5 July 2007. Program The following official program is proposed: ·16 August - Meet and greet at The Canberra Club Address:45 West Row Canberra City Time:1700 for 1730 This is the opportunity to renew old acquaintances and have a quiet drink and discussion. Drinks available at bar prices. After the drinks you may decide to stay on and enjoy the facilities of the club. Club management has offered meals at reduced prices. This is also the venue for the collection of memorabilia (see later) which you may have ordered. ·17 August - Dedication of memorial plaque at the Australian War Memorial (AWM) As the organization of this event is still ongoing details will be advised later. ·17 August - Reunion Dinner at Italo Australian Club Address:78 Franklin Street, (cnr Dominion Court) Forrest Time:1830 for 1900 Dress:Jacket and Tie Those who can still fit into their mess dress are welcome (and encouraged) to wear that. Members should wear applicable medals (miniature) and decorations. (Sec/Treas note: I have not mentioned our partners dress as I'm sure they will all know what's applicable and what's more I haven't a clue when it comes to ladies fashion). Cost:$46 per person Details:Dinner will be a three course meal and there will be some wine on the table. All other drinks are to be purchased at bar prices. Internet - www.italoclub.com.au Bus stop:A bus stop is within 50 meters of the club entrance ·18 August - Vietnam Veterans' Day (VVD) Service Time:1100 VenueVietnam Veterans Memorial No other events have been arranged for the rest of this day as members may wish to arrange private gatherings with special friends or visit some of the many attractions available in Canberra (information on the attractions will be noted later). ·19 August - Visit to Governor Generals residence grounds and cruise/luncheon on Lake Burley Griffin Time:1030 Venue:Meet at the entrance gate to Government House. Detail:There will be a tour of the gardens of Government House lasting approximately 1.5 hours. This will be followed up by a two hour cruise with two course luncheon on Lake Burley Griffin. Note: It should be noted that due to Government House security and capacity constraints on the cruise boat, numbers will be limited to 70 persons. The first 70 people to book will be accommodated. Cost:$46 per person. Accommodation Those attending the Canberra reunion are responsible for arranging their own accommodation. Canberra like all capital cities has a range of accommodation varying in price to suit most tastes and more particularly budgets. If you have internet access a good site to check out Canberra accommodation is www.visitcanberra.com.au For those who aren't online a brochure "Canberra Capital region 2007 Holiday Planner" can be ordered by phoning 1300 554 114. On his recent visit to Canberra, Ken Thackeray conjointly with John Richards visited Forrest Inn and Apartments which is located at 30 National Circuit Forrest (advice is that it is next door to the Italo Australian Club) and 50 meters to a bus stop (Bus No 39). This establishment is a 5 minute walk to the Manuka shopping centre where there are coffee shops and cafes. There is a range of accommodation available at Forrest Inn and Apartments: ·Motel rooms$110 per night ·One bedroom apartments consisting of one double bed, one single bed, one sofa bed$145 per night ·Two bedroom apartments consisting of one queen bed, two single beds, one sofa bed$165 per night Breakfast: A full hot buffet breakfast is available for $15 per person. Contact:Bookings can be made by phoning Fluer Roddam on 1800 676 372 or mobile 0418 603 428. To obtain the special rate you must advise her that you want a booking for 2 Squadron Reunion. For more information about this establishment check out www.forrestinn.com.au Shirts/Caps Arrangements have been made with a Canberra embroidery and monogramming service to supply a commemorative shirt and cap: ·Shirts - A maroon polo with collar type shirt with or without a pocket will be available. They will have suitable squadron monogram and embroided with Canberra reunion details. Cost:$30 each ·Caps - A maroon and tan cap also suitably embroided will be available. These caps are the normal one size fits all baseball type caps. Cost:$25 each Canberra Attractions If you aren't familiar with Canberra, attractions which may be of interest are as follow: ·National Museum of Australia www.nma.gov.au ·Royal Mint - www.ramint.gov.au (unfortunately they don't give out free samples) ·Canberra Deep Space Centre www.cdscc.nasa.gov ·Australian Institute of Sport www.ausport.gov.au/tours ·Parliament House www.aph.gov.au ·Australian War Memorial www.awm.gov.au ·Canberra Wineries Guide www.canberrawines.com.au ·For General Information phone 1300 554 114 ·Holiday Bookings 1300 733 228 ·Book on line www.visitcanberra.com.au Dinner Dance The dinner dance proposed at the November Annual General meeting and mentioned in the January/February Newsletter, has become a reality and is now confirmed for Friday 15 June 2007 with the venue being The Irish Club, Elizabeth Street Brisbane. In keeping with the spirit of the motion passed at that meeting we intend to extend an invitation to any ex RAAF members who may wish to attend. Most members of our Association served with other units and this is seen as a chance to renew old friendships. Ken Thackeray and Hank Wilson are to be congratulated on their negotiation skills as the room normally carries a booking fee but they managed to book it at no cost. A three course menu will be served with a bottle each of red and white wine for each table. With no cost for the room, and the evening to be self funded, the cost per person has been restricted to $36. All other drinks will be available at bar prices. The room is capable of holding 80 people so it will be on a first in basis for those wishing to attend. The Irish Club will be holding a dance on this evening and the doors for our room can be moved sideways and we will then have full access to the evening and we can see the "twinkle toes" amongst our group. The writer has been to one of the dances at The Irish Club and that particular evening was very enjoyable with a good crowd in attendance enjoying a band playing great music (not head banging stuff). At this stage the band to be playing on this occasion has not been announced but when it is known it will be advised in the following newsletter. For those wishing to attend please forward $36 per person as detailed above to the Secretary/Treasurer. Close off date is 1 June 2007. Missing Persons Following the dispatch of the last newsletter, two members have had their newsletters 'returned to sender' as they no longer reside at their recorded address. If anyone knows the whereabouts of the following, could they please advise the Secretary/Treasurer: ·Ray Edwards - last recorded address 124 One and All Drive North Haven S Aust 5018 ·D Whately - last recorded address 187 Junction Rd Clayfield Qld 4101. The above are financial members of the Association and it is frustrating not being able to pass on the information to which they are entitled. Just a reminder to anyone with gypsy tendencies or if online, change providers, please advise Secretary/Treasurer of your new details. Secretary/Treasurers Report Fast running out of space, so this will be short. First I must add my thanks to John Richards and Lance Halvorson for their efforts in Canberra. I must also express thanks to Thackers for the enterprise he has shown and would like to point out that he flew at his own cost to Canberra where he joined our Canberra colleagues and really got the ball rolling for the reunion. There has been a good response with payment of subs, and a reminder that I will have the receipt book on Anzac Day and gladly accept subscriptions. For anyone wishing to use the postal service my address is 19 Hermitage Crescent, THORNLANDS, QLD 4164 and for those wanting to deposit direct, details are: ·BankNAB ·BSB Number084-115 ·Account Number68-030-4023 With regard to the Canberra Reunion a separate form is enclosed. As we aren't financially loaded with funds and it is also necessary that we have numbers in advance, it is a requirement that those wishing to attend pay for the dinner, boat trip, shirts and caps in advance. Please complete the attached form and return by 5 July 2007. Have recently heard that John Whitehead and Dasher Adams are undergoing medical treatment, on behalf of the Association I wish you well and I also extend our wishes to others who may be in the same situation. Wherever you are commemorating Anzac Day, have a good one and I look forward to seeing a large turnout here in Brisbane. Gary Olsen |
Re-union forms are available through Ken ..... Click to email Ken |
G'bye ole mate |
The funeral of Mick McPhail |
Sent to me by the webmaster of the Airman Aircrew site, thought you may wish to include
them in the April addition. Red |
From: Tex Bryson To: Pommie Cornwell Sent: Monday, April 02, 2007 6:18 PM Pom, I have just read the article in the newsletter from the 2 Sqn Association and after reflecting on the comment by The Honourable Bruce Billson MP, Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence; Minister for Veterans' Affairs I must conclude he is an idiot. Is he the one who is going to tell the Long Tan Veterans, 'D' Company 6 RAR to remove their Citation, or Keith Paine VC to remove his or the Governor General to remove his. Sometimes I wonder where these people get their qualifications. I had an identical statement made by this twit when making enquiries about the similar subject. His four page reponse were factually incorrect, historically wrong and he even went so far as to quote federal law and the penalties for breaches of 'his' interpretations of military history. As I stated earlier, the wearing of Citations has always been the option of the member who was part of the Unit when the honour was awarded at the time it was won, or the member currently serving in the Unit. Idiots like The Honorable Bruce Billson MP, Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence; Minister for Veterans' Affairs who keeps changing the goal posts at their whim or their inability to interupt the simplist instructions make it extremely difficult for us veterans to keep up. Anyway, that's my bitch for today. Regards Tex Bryson ================================================================================================== Gday Pom. I have just read Tex's letter re the ramblings of one Bruce Billson MP. Personally, I agree with what Tex has said, with one exception. The term, "idiiot" as used by Tex to describe this person is wrong and he should not have been belittled in this manner. In my view, the person in question should have been described as a complete and utter "XXXX Wit", and the sooner he is sent back to the Planet of his birth, the better it will be for all concerned. I wonder did Mr Billson take time to consider even the most logical and basic considerations here. For example, why has the office he works for, sent, delivered etc, thousands of Citations to Sevicemen and Women in the past few decades if they were not for their own personal use. Just think, Mr Billson, you could have saved the tax payers of Australia many hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not millions, by sending just one of each Citation, to the Headquarters concerned. You, were elected to represent the people of Australia, at least pretend you are one of them. Some of us choose to wear them, some of us don't. Good onya Tex. See you in Sydney on Anzac Day Pom. Cheers Chester. |
Extracted from the Advocate Veterans furious over medals ban By LIBBY BINGHAM AUSTRALIAN war heroes planning to march at interstate Anzac Day parades are furious their treasured war medals cannot travel with them in carry-on luggage because of security regulations. Insulted Vietnam veteran Frank Brown, of Gawler, said Australian returned service personnel felt it was pretty shoddy treatment. "By bloody oath we are upset... it's outrageous," Mr Brown said. Under Aviation Transport Security Regulations, medals and pins may now be interpreted as prohibited items. Three weeks from Anzac Day veterans are being told their irreplaceable medals will be confiscated by airport security unless packed inside suitcase luggage, where they fear the medals could get lost or be pilfered. Mr Brown intends to take his medals on a flight to Perth next year to attend a reunion with his branch of the Vietnam Logistic Support Veterans Association of Western Australia. "One of my medals is valued at $3000 and lesser ones come in at around $500 and they will not be going in the hold," Mr Brown said. Mr Brown has backed fellow West Australian veteran Jim Duffield, who wrote to federal Veterans Affairs Minister Bruce Billson on April1 calling for prime ministerial intervention if need be, to allow all veterans to fly with their medals. Mr Duffield told Mr Billson that all veterans needed to be able to undertake Anzac Day journeys with their medals, honours and awards in their own custody on civil aircraft. Mr Duffield is flying from Perth to Sydney and intends to carry his medals on board despite being advised that airport security personnel will "throw them in the garbage" if he does. Vietnam Logistic Support Veterans Association of Western Australia president Peter Flockhart has mailed Mr Duffield's letter to members as a warning. He said a lot of veterans flew interstate in a bid to be with their own units, sometimes for the last time. Yesterday Minister for Veterans' Affairs Bruce Billson placed responsibility with airport screening authorities to act with "a high degree of sensitivity" in dealing with veterans flying with war medals. Mr Billson urged for "common sense to prevail when it comes to the screening of veterans wearing medals or carrying them in carry-on hand luggage". "While under Aviation Transport Security Regulations, medals and accompanying pins may be interpreted as prohibited items, I would urge that screening authorities make genuine risk based assessments," he said. Is it too difficult for Mr Billson to pick up a telephone and speak to his colleague the Minister for Transport and have a direction given to airport security staff? Jim |
Gday Mick, Yep me and the old slug will be there i think Tiny's turning up as well from the emails i have had from him. The Pom. ----- Original Message ----- From: Michael Brodie To: ozflea@bigpond.com.au Sent: Tuesday, April 10, 2007 5:52 PM Subject: anzac day g,day pom, how ya going,as you might know chester crisp is coming over from the land of the long white cloud for the anzac day march in sydney,he arrives on the 20 april and departs on the 7 may,he`s staying at my place in hornsby.last year we had 11 adgies march together,and go for drink`s at the catholic club in sydney,this year we`re after more of the old and bold to share the day,a few beer`s,and a quite chat,if you know what i mean.could you put this on the adgie site and maybe a few of the boy`s from the sydney and outer district`s area will read it and join us for the day. thank`s bob,will see you and sluggo at hornsby rsl anzac morning mick brodie |
Pom, I was with jeff krebs at point cook. We had been known to have a drink at times. he got out about 1976. I wonder if any one has heard from him. I am a good mate of Brian Vince. Geoff "fingers" Hardy cinop |
Bob / Ted Can you spread the word about a forthcoming Airman Aircrew Reunion to be held at Tweed Heads on 28 July. I would imagine some of our crewmen, gunners and loadies might want to attend attend. If you've already been contacted on this one pls delete reference fellas. Information on the reunion can be seen on the Airman Aircrew web site at www.airmanaircrew.com, or E-mail Lance Haslewood on lanceh@zeta.org.au direct. He also intends to have the event published in the Vet Affairs and RSL magazines as well as RAAF News. Regards Gilly |
G’day Pom, Hope all is well on your side of the fence I will be heading down for the ANZAC dawn service and parade and would love to meet up with the Wild Man’s mates once again This is just a quick email of warning to the boys! See you lot at the Irish Club Take care Lil Zoob Regards Clinton J. Lovell I take it that the Irish club is in Brisbane ?? The Pom. Yeh Cobber Thanks for that haha |
Welcome in fella's The ADG Basic Course "02 2006" |
I note that when scrolling through the list of Ground defence officers serving
overses that no mention has been made of my service in Vietnam, first
working with the USAF in Pliueku. Phu Cat. , briefly with 2sqn (with George Foskett)
and finally taking over from Terry Howe in Vungtau in Sep 1968
(1OSU) Regards , Glen Hombsch WGCDR (Retd) Glen i will attempt to get something up and sorted as regards this ..... thanks for letting me know. The Pom. |
Pom, I visited Labuan War Cemetary in 1992 and took a photo of Thomas Ervines grave site. If you like I will try to find it and send you a copy. Fletch |
Hi Pom Just read the note by Glen Hombsch in the April edition, thought he may not have seen this photo of who I believe to be of him at the grenade range Nui Dat, Ray Thorley on left, then Glen Hombsch and Terry Beavan on right. Regards, Red |