R.A.A.F Airfield Defence Guard |
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August 2009 |
"The Pom" |
U-tube video of the recovery of the 2 Sqn aircrew the last of our Missing Veterans
Operation Magpies Return |
On 3 November 1970, Canberra Bomber A84-231 with the crew of Flying Officer Michael
Herbert and Pilot Officer Robert Carver onboard disappeared after completing
a bombing mission in Vietnam. |
Hi Pom Debbie and I have just returned from a Thailand and Vietnam holiday and I require Steve Hartigan's email address to advise the ex 9SQN members of the current situation regarding access to the helicopter crash in Vietnam. Additionally, I will forward some comments and photos of the trip. Sorry to reading the passing of Bridger. Regard Peter Wattie Dear Steve I am writing to you regarding the 9 Squadron Memorial located in the Long Hai mountains of Vietnam, where one of the unit's aircraft was shot down in April 1971 and this crashsite is indicated by a small white wooden cross, Reference > Adgie website Bob Stevens comments and photo refers. If I may dversify for a moment, Debbie and I have just returned from a Thailand and Vietnam holiday and whilst in Vung Tau, it was our intention to visit the crashsite and lay three poppies on the cross on 27 July 2009. Moreover, having arranged for an english speaking guide, permits and paying the fees in Nha Trang some days before our departure by road to Vung Tau and believing that we were to visit the helicopter crashsite. However, after travelling a 'click' in our loverly small car with driver,guide and us, I thought it would be a smart idea to confirm our arrangement with the Vietnamese tour guide. She said 'Nui Dat, Long Tan ', the reply was 'N o No No!!!!!!!' Australian (RAAF) helicopter that crashed in Vietnam 1971 in the mountains. Suffice to say, the car stopped > 'no can do' to my surprise and I indicated to her that this site was a government sanction war memorial; same, same Long Tan, however, it seems that is not the case. In addition, the lady rang the relevant government authority to reaffirm that foreigners were not permitted in that locality. Further to this, she advised me that the site had been closed for several moments after a local government official became aware of Aussies inspecting the area. Addittionally, she mentioned that a local security guard was payed 'coffee' money under the table to look afer things. Apparently, an Vietnamese official and an Australian ex servieceman had a meaningful discussion before the latter destroyed the cross. However, my comments only reflect one side of this story, Vietnamese version which has a sad ending, hopefully, this may change in the future. In conclusion, I think it was apt for me to advise people of this incident, so ex members are aware of the current statue quo. Stay Well Regards Peter Wattie |
The graduates of course 1/87 |
Pom, I am Jean-Paul Newcombe "Newks", one of the graduates of course 1/87. As far as I can remember Wooksie is right, the course photo you have for 1/87 was the section leader course. the 1/87 Basic course photo I will dig out when I have a bit more time, but off the top of my head it was Tony Woods (Woddsie), Taylor (Vulture), Gavin Linden (Face), Kevin Close (Closey) Sean Carwardine (Carby), Wilson Usuga (Red), Ramsay (Tassie), Davidson (Davo), Monteith (Monty), Browning (Twiggy) and myself. Sorry to those of you who do not spring instantly to mind, But I will dig out the photos and whack in the names. Was awesome to see some faces and names I havent heard of since I got out in 91. Cheers to all who remember me and to those who dont. Newks. P.S Can you add me to the email list and to your mailing list so that if there is anyone out there who wants to get in touch they can at this email address. Pom, Further to my last email I have enclosed a photo of 1 of 87 Basic course, sorry about the quality, it was 22 years ago and we didnt have flash digital cameras. A big sorry to Bully, I remembered the face but not the name, and to Tracker I think he was the reservist on our course. I dont know where Browning (Twiggy) was but he isnt in the photo. Sorry Twiggy. Cheers J-P (Newks) |
Well Tex i have the feelin that that tin plate inside ya head is goin' rusty at last. |
Pom, I took all my armour on the road and I stepped back in time for a while when I attended the medieval festival at "The Abby" Caloundra. Downside, medieval beds suck. Upside, all the kids who asked the most questions actually thought I was from that period. I met many insane people and fitted right in. Regards Tex, Footnote from the Pom well ya look old enough Tex |
A collection of photo's sent by Glen Lyons |
2 ADFS Noemfor Island Staging for Island Hopping |
2 ADFS 1983 |
2 ADFS member return after a patrol at Tarakan 8th May 1945 |
11 Marching 1986 Sqn Drill training Broomhall, Donnelly, Markham Rear Anderson, Jones |
11 Patrol Field Ex Williamtown ADG 2 Flight Vietnam preparation |
33 Range work ( 125 ) |
ADG's in Butterworth Ex Rapid Move 1980's |
Caputured weapons from patrol and contact shown by Bob Redway |
Group photo 9 Sqn Vung-Tau 1970 |
Night Ambush prep Phan-Rang 1969 |
Tarakan Landings 1945 |
Phan Rang Accomodation 1969 -70 |
OPERATION AUSSIES HOME Inc -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ladies and Gents, For you information, at this stage it is intended that the aircraft carrying the coffins of Herbert and Carver will arrive at at RAAF Base Richmond on 31 August 2009 at 1000 hours. Funerals will be held on 2 September 2009 for Carver, in Toowoomba, and 7 September 2009 for Herbert, in Adelaide. These funeral dates could change as planning progresses, but at this stage they are the dates being considered by the families. The official party to accept the remains of Herbert and Carver at the Hand Back Ceremony in Hanoi, including members of both families, will depart Australia on 28 August 2009. Regards, Jim James R. Bourke OPERATION AUSSIES HOME Inc. Jim.Bourke@austmia.com The story and efforts of getting our MIA home |
British, Australian security contractors shot dead in Iraq "Their next of kin have been informed and we are supporting them as much as we can
in these tragic circumstances," company spokesman Patrick Toyne-Sewell said in
the statement. ArmorGroup identified the dead Briton as Paul McGuigan and the Australian as Darren Hoare ( ex 2ADFS ) and said in a statement they died in a "firearms incident." http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090809/wl_afp/iraqunrestbritainaustralia August 10 2009 |
Pom A heads up on the repat of the 2SQN members from Vietnam. At this stage they will touch down at 1000 on Mon 31 Aug at Richmond. The ceremony wil be open to veterans. Like the Neptune service this year, parking will be at the car park opposite the base and a shuttle bus will transport veterans to the Airmovements building. After the ceremony 2SQN veterans may attend a morning tea with the families inside the terminal building. A brew point will be set up at the off base car park for other personnel. Unfortunatly we have had to do this due to number constarints, . That's were it is at the moment I'll give you an update when I get more info. Geoff Banning |
Hey there Pom and everyone, Just going through some old photos and found this one from a few years ago. I was on holiday in London went past this place on a bus. Just sorry I didnt get the chance to go back there and find out why or how it got it's name. Cheers Newks |
S.A. Vets Memorial pics Vietnam Veterans Day Aug 18th 2009 Hi! all hope you have all had a great day ! Weather is brilliant down here in Adelaide, I went from a drive by myself to town and had a little service all alone , the dickheads that run the RSL here had Vets day on Sunday ! and you wonder why they give me the Shits ! Take Care and enjoy today Tomo |
Hi Pom Attended the Vietnam Veterans Day ceremony in Canberra today. A great and moving day. I attended with other members of No 9SQN Association personnel to pay their respect at the Home at Last ceremony for David Fisher(SAS). The attached photo is from left to rights, Bob Stephens, Peter Johnson, Dave Moles and yours truly. Hoping you are keeping well Bob Golley |
Repatriation and Funeral Arrangements- FLGOFF Michael Herbert and PLTOFF Robert Carver
Details of repatriation and funeral arrangements of FLGOff Michael Herbert and PLTOff Robert Carver are now available and follow: 28 August 2009 RAAF Aircraft departs for Hanoi. In addition to family members, personnel from No 2 Squadron and four ex No 2 Squadron members, Al Curr, Frank Hodges, Des Hyde and John Bird will travel on the aircraft for the handover ceremony. 31 August 2009 Arrival Richmond Timings: 0830hrs Base car park open (outside the base) tea, coffee, ablutions available. Free transport on to base 1000hrs Aircraft touches down 1030hrs Repatriation commences - Bearer party entirely 2SQN personnel - Addresses by MP (probably Combet) and CAF - Ode by CO2SQN 1130hrs Upon completion of ceremony VIPs, 2SQN, 2SQN Association and participants will join for light luncheon, other attendees will be catered for in alternate venue. Dress: Serving members Ceremonial Dress 4B (long sleeved shirt and tie, with medals) Retired Members lounge suit with medals (i.e coat and tie) Participation: All members are requested to form a guard of honour to escort the hearses off base. Members in uniform are requested to salute as the cortege passes their front. Disabled Members Point of Contact: SQNLDR Cate Williams (02) 4587 2307 AFHQ have requested 2 Squadron Association Inc advise of numbers attending above. Please advise Gary Olsen on 07 32063250 or gary_lenore@iinet.net.au by PM hours Monday 24 August 2009. If there is no phone answer please leave message on message bank. It is appreciated that this is a very tight time line however it is beyond the Associations control. Those members who have already advised of their intention need not reply. Funeral Service Details PLTOFF Robert Carver Timing: Thursday 3 September 2009 at 1100hrs Location: St Lukes Anglican Church Ruthven Street Toowoomba Queensland Funeral Service Details FLGOFF Michael Herbert Timing: Wednesday 9 September 2009 at 1100hrs Location: St Francis Xavier Cathedral Wakefield Street Adelaide South Australia There will be an RAAF flypast at both funerals. Advice is that large crowds are expected to attend the funerals, so it is recommended that those attending should arrive early. Gary Olsen Secretary 2 Squadron Association Inc Phone: 07 3206 3250 Email: gary_lenore@iinet.net.au All requests for more information should go to Gary at the above email address or phone number. |
Hi Guys, just thought i'd check and see who out of the ADGIES had facebook ? you can find me under BEN KUCHEL (picture of an old man in a red bunnings uniform) if not, i can be contacted here at benkuchel@live.com looking forward to hearing from you. cheers, Ben. |
Hello , I am hoping you can help me by passing this on to one of your ADG'S .I have just today been told by an ex Raaf person about this site.As we had been discussing some mates I had in Newcastle. I lost touch with them when they went to Vietnam. I would love to hear from one or the other of them.I was a nurse at Newcastle Hospital., and many a party was had, and many a night out was had at Nelsons Bay R.S.L One of my mates was Keith David Fisher the other was Jazza O Gorman .I have moved away from N.S.W. I therefore didn't hear on the families grapevine about the re union you all had. I would have moved heaven and earth to see them both. Please pass this on I would really appreciate it. My name is Mary Strong mary1950@bigpond.net.au Phone number; 073408 8899 |
I'm on face book also, The only Neil Tyne in the world. Thank God most will say Tyne'e |
Gidday Pom, Some of your ADGie.net readers may be interested to know that my book, Always There, will become available during September. You would recall that I used some photos courtesy of your website. Subtitled 'A History of Air Force Combat Support', it covers all support aspects so is not exclusively about ground defence though it gets a fair coverage. It covers the early days of WWI through WWII, Korea, Vietnam and the modern era with a primary focus on CSG and the modern era. It will be available on-line through the RAAF's Air Power Development Centre website, under the publications tab. You can google them or access the site through the RAAF website. I have acknowledged the photos used from ADGies.net in the book but would ask that you pass on my personal thanks to Jim Conway, Peter Beckwith and Alan Nobrega. There were a number of other photos that were quite suitable, but of course there's a limit to what I could use. Again, my thanks to you and all of your web mates for your cooperation. I hope you enjoy the book. Regards, Graham O'Brien |