R.A.A.F Airfield Defence Guard |
This site is run and sponsered by the Pom. News .............Top Stories.................Our History The Electronic Blue Beret ADG News and Notice Board Have you got a story, photo's or an experiance that you would like to see on next weeks page Then send them to the Pom ( the webmaster ) Email to the Webmaster |
July 2008 |
"The Pom" |
Jim Bourke does his old Vietnam veteran mates proud July 01, 2008 12:00am JIM Bourke is a quiet achiever who certainly knows how to make a noise. The Vietnam veteran has been taking on governments and cutting through mountains of red tape at home and abroad in his quest to bring home fallen Diggers left behind there. Mr Bourke, 64, is the driving force behind Operation Aussies Home, and a worthy winner of the 2007 Pride of Australia medal for mateship. Mr Bourke was honoured a few months after the successful retrieval of the remains of Richard Parker and Peter Gillson, almost 42 years after they were killed near Bien Hoa. "I was a bit blown away," the humble hero said of his Pride of Australia award. "I didn't think we were doing such a great thing. We were just carrying out our obligation to these families and to the men." Since then, Mr Bourke and his team have helped bring home another lost soldier, John Gillespie. Lance-Cpl Gillespie's remains were returned to his family in December, with an honour guard. Solving the mystery of missing pilot Michael Herbert and his navigator, Robert Carver, is next, after the men's families asked for the team's help. Mr Bourke, a father of five and a grandfather of two, said the men had just completed a bombing mission southwest of Da Nang on November 3, 1970, and were returning to base when their plane disappeared from radar. Mr Bourke said the team was still awaiting a "letter of invitation to investigate" the cases from the Federal Government. Similar letters from the former government had helped open doors in Vietnam. Despite the challenges of red tape and the passage of time, Mr Bourke said he was committed to fully accounting for each of the six Australian soldiers listed as missing in action in Vietnam, either by recovering remains or establishing that none were available at the time. "You just put yourself in the position of these families who don't know what happened or if it's possible to recover remains," he said. "It's nice to be able to do something for them." Mateship is one of 10 categories in the fourth annual Pride of Australia awards, recognising unsung and selfless heroes. Look for nomination forms in the Herald Sun and Sunday Herald Sun or visit the website. Net link: www.prideofaustralia.com.au ============================================================================= |
Hi Pom I’ve just been talking to the travel agency looking after the bookings for the February 2009 cruise and she’s asked me to let everyone know that P&O have just reduced the fares for the second time by a fairly large amount. Bookings so far are pretty good, but there’s always room for more, so if anyone has been thinking about it but hasn’t yet made the decision, they might want to have a talk to Kim at the travel agency. The new fare might just help them make their minds up and we believe there will also be some very attractive on-board credit available for everyone as well. If anyone is interested, please contact Kim at Nolan’s Travelworld Ipswich: Nolan’s Travelworld Shop 224 Ipswich City Square PO Box 925 Ipswich Qld 4305 Phone: 07 3202 3355 Fax: 07 3281 9463 kimberley.ipswich@travelworld.com.au Regards Jim ================================================================================ |
From: Don Tate G'day all The launches of "The War Within" were most successful. More than a hundred people crammed Gleebooks in Sydney on State of Origin night as Paul Ham officially launched the book; and another 55 attended the more intimate local launch tonight in Wollongong as Jennie George MP, also gave the book wings. Most astonishing was that vets travelled as far away as Port Macquarie and Ulladulla for the nights. Paul Ham's speech was simply wonderful- and I've asked him if I can place it on the web site in due course. Jennie George concentrated on the successful resolution to the 2nd D&E Platoon matter- and how it had impacted those concerned for so many years. Some counsellors from VVCS stated that it is their belief that the book will significantly impact those vets who have been reluctant to talk about their own experiences, while the films of Vietnam enthralled those who never saw the place. To see real footage of men of the 4th and 9th Battalions actually in the field, and knowing that in the case of 9 RAR- that many of them were about to be wounded moved many to tears- especially here in Wollongong. I'd like to thank those vets who made an effort to support me- or who asked others to attend on their behalf. That meant a lot to me. Regards, Don Tate ================================================================================= |
Hi Pom, Just a quick email from myself to let you know my email address has changed now:- max_z@hotmail.com Keep up the great work. Regards Max Zimmermann 1/89 ================================================================================== |
Gday Blue Your welcome old mate and we're glad to have ya back ...... The Pom. ----- Original Message ----- From: Gary Henderson To: ozflea@bigpond.com.au Sent: Monday, July 07, 2008 3:34 PM Subject: Blue Henderson Hi Pom Just joined the Association here in Brisbane. My name is (Gary) Blue Henderson ( 22 course) ex Richmond Flight. Feel free to post my address and hope to contact some old mates. Will chat again. Thanks Blue ================================================================================== |
Dear Bob I would appreciate that the following text be placed on our website and be considered for annotation in the next Blue Beret edition as the subject will be of interest to some members. All members If you are in receipt of a DFRDB pension the subsequent facts may apply to you. Yesterday, I received information that COMSUPER, who administrate the DFRDB pension, appear to be taking out the MEDICARE LEVY from DFRDB pension of Temporary & Permanently Incapacitated (TPI) person. It is a well known fact that these members with the gold card are entitled to free medical treatment under most circumstances. My discussion ( 8JUL08 ) with the DFRDB authority revealed that this power has continued to deduct the said medicare levy from pension funds as relevant Australian government departments failed to communicate that an individual was of TPI status. CESSATION AND REMUNERATION PROCEDURES The process to have the medicare levy deductions cease is to provide the DFRDB authority with a certified true copy of your gold card. Upon reciept of this document the board will take action that the deduction of the levy will cease almost immediately. DFRDB Authority PO Box 22, BELCONNEN ACT 2616 Telephone: 1300 001 877 The recovery of the medicare levy already deducted, a person will be required to take up their own case with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Additionally, contact the ATO by telephone and advise the office, you wish to discuss "Amendments" to your previous Tax Returns. Please ensure that you have your Tax File Number and/or Notice of Assessment and request that returns of previous years be amended accordingly. Further to this, you will be required to write a letter to the ATO regarding amendments to tax returns. Australian Taxation Office Amendments Section GPO Box 5056, SYDNEY NSW 2001 Telephone: 132861 or 132865 I advocate that ex military personnel who are DVA Gold Card (TPI) holders and collect a DFRDB pension should contact the authority to ascertain their own situation. Hopefully, this information will assist those apt people to this matter. Regards Peter Wattie ================================================================================= |
Hi, My name is Deborah Handover ... eldest daughter of Billy ... I saw dad's cricket
photo on your news letter from 2004....thought you might like to know exactly what happened to him ... and how the government and the airforce totally deserted us .... this is still unresolved! Here's a little story I have on myspace about my Dad who was killed over 20years ago, televised on Channel 7's Sunrise Sep 06. So many lives lost, one of which being our father. I can't imagine a more horrific death then that experienced by these victims. As for their loved ones, they are still in despair waiting on a resolve. Our father was identified boarding the ferry MV "Dona Paz" 20th December 1987. With end of year celebrations approaching the Philippine custom of moving from Island to Island was well under way. It is documented by authorities that a population of between 3000 and 4000 men, woman and children boarded the ferry that day in December 1987. It was ten o'clock that night when the small oil tanker "Victor" struck the MV Dona Paz on her port side, just behind the forecastle at a height level with the passenger decks, this occurred somewhere between Mindoro & Marinduque. The "Victor" was carrying a highly explosive substance which immediately caught fire and spread to the ferry, explosions followed one after the other. The blazing fuel spread over the sea and around the two ships. The panic must have been dreadful and the crew, they were completely unable to cope. All those who succeeded in getting over the handrail and into the sea were burnt instantaneously, many others were blown to shreds by the explosions on board. There was no time for lifeboats and the only survivors were those who could hold their breath long enough to swim under the burning fuel. This is why none of the children or old people survived; in fact the number of survivors was an absurdly low: 2 women & 23 men, less than a 1% survival rate. The reasons for these staggering consequences were many and the part played by sharks in completing the carnage was certainly considerable. The next day, helicopters & the many boats sent to the scene did not find a single body among the patches of fuel and the thousands of floating objects, proof that the sharks had been there before them. Only 300 mutilated corpses were to be fished out of the water far from the site of the shipwreck, and for some weeks the Philippine fishermen found human remains in the stomachs of the many sharks they caught. Identification was impossible with all bodies not mutilated, burnt beyond recognition, there was no DNA testing at that time to assist. Investigators found that the MT Victor was manned by an under qualified crew. · The master of the Victor, licensed to be a Second Mate, was posing as Chief Mate. · The ship's radio license expired on July 18, 1986 and even if it didn't, · The ship had no radio operator. · There was no Third Mate. · Last but not least – MT Victor's certificate of inspection expired eleven months earlier (Feb 27, 1987) along with its coastwise license. Our father was a retired (1986) Serviceman SGT. William Keith Gibson Handover, he served his country in Vietnam & also in Malaysia where he took his family. Our family consisted of Dad, Mum, Deborah, Billy Jnr., Robert, Craig & Nicole. Bill's career was the Air Force, he had retired in 1986 with full entitlements after serving his 20years for his Country. Dad had several old friends one who owned apartments in the Philippines another an export Company and departed the Northern Territory November 1, 1987. Dad was to stay with them, have a few meetings and travel around the Islands, then return to Australia sometime after Xmas. Upon his return he intended to purchase a house in Brisbane for himself, Mum and our sister Niki and instructed Mum before he left to start looking around. Dad was traveling back from the Island of Samar with friends when the accident occurred. We discovered that he was reported to be on the ferry in early January and made enquiries with the Foreign Affairs Office. During the next few months we made many calls to this department. In a letter dated 20, January 1988. The department of Foreign Affairs advised us that they could confirm that Dad's business Partner informed them on 29, December 1987 that Dad was aboard the ferry, he had been visiting friends in Samar and was travelling back to the mainland with a companion. Amongst the friends Dad was travelling with was a girl who's mother came to see them off and witnessed them both board the ferry she gave the Australian Consul a telegram stating this. The Embassy advised that they contacted the following: Coast Guard, Funeral Homes, and the Shipping Company. They approached the Mayors of two districts close to the tragedy and local TV stations were asked for any information. In January it was confirmed by Dad's business Partner that Dad was expected to return to Angeles City for Christmas however he had not returned, other enquiries made by the Embassy confirmed this. This was all the Embassy did it is documented that from this point, they were not interested in doing anything else to assist us obtain the necessary documents regarding Dad‘s death . Foreign Affairs then advised us that a possible course of action would be for us to report to the Queensland Police that he was a missing person. When I enquired to the Queensland Police I was referred to the Federal Police, when I called the Federal Police for an appointment, they informed me that it was not relevant to any Police Matter in Australia and referred me back to Foreign Affairs because he was missing overseas. I wrote to Mr. Bill Hayden and asked if he could assist me with our problem, the assistant Sec Consular and passports branch responded as follows: "In our letter, we informed you of the procedure for reporting the disappearance of your father, I regret your efforts have been unsuccessful. We checked the procedures again & confirm our original advice to you, being lodge a missing persons report with Queensland Police." On receipt of this letter (March '88), I rang & spoke to an Inspector at Police Headquarters Brisbane and asked for an appointment to lodge a missing persons report. The SGT advised me that this was not within Queensland law basically because he was a missing person overseas and refused to make me an appointment based on the fact that it would be a waste of time. He then referred me back to Foreign Affairs…. At this stage Mum was financially and emotionally scarred, and waiting for something to happen. We knew that there would be some type of statute so our next call to foreign affairs was Dated 10th Dec 1992. I asked for the status on Dad's file and informed me that nothing more had been done but the file was still open, he then went on to say that an internal memo had stated that they will never find out what happened and that there was nothing more they could do. I asked if the statute was 7 years and responded with yes and that the file would stay open until then and be reviewed. He became quite agitated with me at one point stating "We deal with persons who are alive overseas not dead ones" and that we should hire a solicitor and follow it up through the Supreme Court. Now they say he's dead but won't confirm it ... wot a joke,,. I don't understand why they couldn't have applied for a Death Certificate from the Philippine Government at the time based on the fact that they had been given evidence and statements confirming he had boarded the boat, it should not have been left up to us to deal with in a private matter. Our mother was destroyed at this point and was never quite the same. Having no income to support her children she did not have the means to pursue a Supreme Court Action. Our Grandmother (Dad's Mum) had received a letter sent via Foreign Affairs from an overseas Solicitor V. Del Rosario, they were advising of a Court Action starting against Caltex and requested information on Dad. Our Grandmother then signed the relevant documents on our behalf for compensation claim of Dad's death. The case was to be heard in the US Courts and Mum was hopeful that once it was concluded and we received compensation, it would prove beyond any doubt that Dad was on the Ferry and provide us with the evidence we needed for a death Certificate. As far as I'm aware this action is still currently in the courts and Mum has been deceased since 2003. I can't tell you the hardships Mum went through because of this situation, mostly living on the boarder line of poverty in housing commission community's due to the fact she was financially dependent on Dad and desperately needed her spouse entitlements from the DFRDB. Our mother became involved in an abusive relationship with another partner and turned to alcohol for solace. Our 11yo sister's education suffered and their standard of living dropped dramatically. Our whole family has suffered over the past 20 years, all of us emotionally scarred in some way. The legal advice she was being given was sketchy at best, with all of these so called professionals stating that there had never been a case like this and if it did go to Supreme Court the costs would be very high. She applied at that time for but was unable to attain legal aide, because it was an Estate matter (apparently). Our mother passed away in 2003 at home after a 12-month battle with cancer, my sister and I cared for her at home during the last 3 months of her life. It was her last wish that we finalize this whole affair and finally put Dad to rest with her and their son Craig at Mt. Gravatt Cemetary. (Craig was killed by a speeding motorbike in 1984 on his way to Football training, he was 12 years old.) I contacted Foreign Affairs via email in August 2006. They responded with a phone call advising me that all of my fathers records have been destroyed. That his file was not kept open and they don't know why. They gave me a contact name in their office and then advised me to contact the Coroners Office and I did so via email, I phoned them a week later for an update. The Coroners Office advised me that it was not their department because it was a death overseas and then referred me to the Supreme Court. I phoned the Supreme Court immediately and they then informed me that it was not their department and I should contact Births, Deaths and Marriages. I called this department, they advised me that it was a death overseas & not their department and I would have to contact someone from foreign affairs they asked me to wait and then proceeded to search information on the net and referred me to the Registrar Generals Office. I rang Foreign Affairs to advise them that I had been referred to this department again, they informed me that they believed the Registrar Generals Office wouldn't be able to assist either. I asked them to please find out whom I should speak to again surely this department could be more pro active. He advised me that he had contacted all the departments that I had, and was told by the Supreme Court that they could assist but it was a private court matter….. Wow how can I end up back in the same place, this is the same bloody roundabout as 20 years ago. All we require is a Death Certificate, how hard can it be after all this time, even blind Freddie could see Dad was on that ferry, so as far as I can see the only reason Foreign Affairs would not confirm he was on the boat was because he was not listed on the Manifest, but as we all know there were over 3000 people on that boat and most of them were not on the manifest either. Not one sole has seen or heard from him in over 20 years, there is absolutely no trace of him. There were no protocols to assist us back then, no support from anyone in our Government, no DNA testing. Our Government didn't even search for his body.... Bob Hawke came out with a televised statement saying “there were no Australian Citizens on the ferry”. Dad was left for dead and ultimately shark bait.....Surely if DFAT made equiries with the Philippine government they could have confirmed to them via Passport records that he never left the country, but our Consul even now seems to be too stupid to even check that ... they have just left us out to dry.. We have been forgotten... just like Dad .. since his tragic death there has been no assistance from any of our Government Departments. Currently we have been advised that a court action would cost in excess of $25,000... and every Lawyer we have approached won't go near it because it is far too complicated... that is just ridiculous. One department telling us.... no he is missing we cannot confirm he is dead, another department telling us he is dead and we're stopping his entitlements, but you can't claim his estate or benefits until you prove it ….. and provide a death certificate. Update: April 07 Since I last wrote... Dad's case was taken to the Senate Estimates committee soon after my sunrise interview by Mr. Rudds office, taking this as being the best course of action. He then dropped it very quickly to persue his leadership of the Labour Party. Soon after Consular official Evan Williams contacted me giving me advise on free legal services, even stating that the Refugee free legal service may be of some help. I was blown away yet again, when I informed him that I didn't believe I should have to do anymore than provide the relevant documents and that his department should be responsible for the supreme court action if this was the only way to resolve the situation. He responded with we don't handle legal matters so "Don't you want to do anything to help yourself" ... well at that point I pretty much told him exactly what I thought.... as you can imagine the phone call did not end with any resolution only serving to deeply upset me with his arrogant and ignorant attitude to our desperate situation. Soon after that I managed to find a Lawyer who agreed to try and help me. It had been in his hands since November 06 ... February 08 After another long and stressful 18 months, I have just been told by my Solicitor that after investigation they will not be able to assist us ..... it's just all too hard and the costs are going to be very excessive... Now in excess of 35,000. Oh great… back to square one AGAIN... I think I might be going insane…. I have contacted Foreign Affairs Consul in Australia informing them that my Lawyer advises that it cannot be done and they have to fix it because it was their initial mistake that has caused it.. .... Apparently they believe .... I need a Barrister.. the only problem is we can't find one who is willing to help us because their mistake and consequent handling of the matter has made it almost impossible via any channels.... Oh unless we have copious amounts of money that is… March 08 I have contacted Bernie Ripoll MP his personal assistant Lloyd Prestige is currently trying to assist me with this matter, lets hope this time someone can help! ???Why should one family have to bear….. the many consequences over the past 22 years….. due to one Government Departments inactions and blatant disregard of their Duty of Care to an Australian Citizen and Ret. Serviceman. |
Billy "Bombdump" Hanover |
Billy Handover Phan-Rang 70-71 |
Looking for a Peter Brown RAAF A315185, served with 2SQN SVN May 1967-Dec 1967,. Any info please pass to Ms Anna Wise, Secretary, Benalla RSL. 03-57621206, mob 0408 316 603. E/m ajcwise@aapt.net.au. It seems his sister is wanting to locate him. |
One of the last photo's of Billy Hanover Via his daugther Deb. |
Last pic of Dad .... just before he left for Manila.. still looked pretty good.. Deb |
Query re LAC Graeme John Mounsey A317243 G'Day All, Can anybody help Ros with her query as below. She is an advocate helping ex-RAAF people. Regards - Ted Mac Hi Ted Me AGAIN. I NEED CONFORMATION FROM a Lawrie Gay ADG Phan Rang 68/69 He was the section Commander when Trevor Petith Died of a fatal gun shot wound . A mate of Graeme Mounsey any info mainly verification Graeme WAS There after the event ,but there. case for hearing Friday, Graeme Mounsey has nightmares about this event they were mates someone rang Graeme when it happened and he ran to Trevor. Thanks again I now have a good case re- solvents thanks to you and your members , Ros. Ros email = rosbryan@bigpond.com |
----- Original Message Sent: Sunday, July 13, 2008 5:05 PM Subject: Vietnam Veterans Day 2008 in Adelaide -------Original Message------- From: Paul Dignon Date: 13/07/2008 11:26:32 AM To: Undisclosed Group Subject: Vietnam Veterans Day 2008 in Adelaide Ladies and Gents, For Widest Possible Dissemination! Please see below This is the most fantastic Veteran “do” you could possibly imagine! Even Alan Griffin (VA Minister) reckoned last years was the best “Veteran” function he’d been to and he’s been to a lot of them. It is worth the trouble to attend, even if you have to fly in from the darker states. Think about it, the Big Pretzel, Bev Harrell and other great blasts from the past (performers from Vietnam) and we get to see them all for free. This coupled with a fantastic crowd of people who are all like you and I, makes for an excellent day. Ladies and Gents, bring the kids, bring the next door neighbours because this event is open to absolutely everyone! For Serving Members and Younger Vets For Widest Possible Dissemination! (right throughout the Department and the Mates Network) because we will be more than welcome, in fact, our participation will be “bloody well” appreciated. Many Regards P.M. DIGNON National Coordinator The Sea of Orange United we Stand Tel: (08) 8277 2069 |
G'Day Pom. I just read what Bill Handovers daughter wrote. I know Bill wasn't an ADG but he may as well of been he spent all his time with us. I went on R&R with him, I think I still owe him $20. Anyway If anyone can put a word in they should. I recognize Bushy Bill and Noel Brown in the photo, must of been a day The Jolly Greens played. Anyway I reckon a good bloke should not be forgotten Tiny Footnote the two other faces are Trev Turner and Marty Felsman i took the photo The Pom. ============================================================================== |
Hello. My name is Kyle Nappi. I am 18 years old and I live in Ostrander, Ohio ( USA ). I was wondering if you could
do me a favor. I have a big interest in history, specifically WWII. I collect military medals, patches, badges, insignia, field gear, and a very unique thing, veteran autographs. I have a collection of autographs from military veterans who served during WWI, WWII, Korea , Vietnam , Gulf War, and the present war in Iraq . I received your contact details from the R.A.A.F Airfield Defence Guard website. (http://www.adgies.net/new_email_page.html) I have been interested in history for over 6 years now, and I have collected the autographs and stories from nearly 1,600 veterans in 20 countries. The oldest veteran is currently 112 years old and the youngest enlisted at age 14. I have autographs from Pearl Harbor survivors, D-Day veterans, airman, POWs, USS Indianapolis survivors, Holocaust survivors, and even German soldiers! Back in June (of 2007), I was interview by PBS, to talk about my collection for an interview that was to be shown online (YouTube). After that, I was interviewed for "The Columbus World War II Roadshow." They mentioned that it was to come on (in Central-Ohio) before some of the episodes of Ken Burns' "The War." You can find this interview on YouTube under "Kyle Nappi." I was recently interviewed by the American Legion for an article that will appear in their August magazine. Here is an internet link to the online article (different than the magazine article, which will appear in August) http://www.legion.org/whatsnew/publications/newsletter/story?id=635 There have been several other people have taken the time to post my request online and in newspapers. There are too many for me to list, but if you go to Google or Yahoo and search "Kyle Nappi" you can find most of them. Recently, I also had the privilege of going to Washington, D.C. during the early part of March. I was invited to the Pentagon for a Ceremony honoring WWI veterans. I was able to meet with the last American WWI veteran, Frank Buckles. I have attached a questionnaire with this E-mail. It includes some basic questions I have for military veterans about their service time. I was wondering if it is possible to provide any veterans (who are interested) with my questionnaire, put me in touch with them, or pass along the word about my collection. If possible could they print off the questionnaire, autograph it, and mail it to me for my collection (my address is below). Please let me know if this is possible. If not, is it possible to post my request? My main purpose for writing it to share with you that there are people from my generation who do remember the past and the sacrifices that were made for our great country. I would greatly appreciate it if you could pass the word around that there are people who remember, along with the information about my collection. Thank you very much for your time. Sincerely, Kyle Nappi ============================================================================================================= |
Hi Pom I am heading over to Adelaide for the concert on the 17th August, would like to contact someone over there to see what goes on for Vietnam Vets week. So me old mate what’s the chances of flinging a couple of names and email details of a couple of guys that live in that state so I can find out what is happening. Staying at T.P.I House whilst there. Thanks Mate Warren Barclay Victorian |
G'day Richard Mate what a gold mine, great photo's as i knew your Dad Terry, we served at Phan Rang together plus i also knew John Titterton (ole half a stick). When the photo that has your dad at the end of the row was taken i had been posted home after completing my tour of 12 months and missed the pic by around 2 weeks. A lot of the fellas will recall your Dad with fond memories so i'll post these up on site tomorrow as i'm certain the fellas will fill in the unknown names Mate i hope you enjoyed looking through our web site and seeing a lot of your Dads mates and mine and thanks again for the pic's. The Pom. P.S Ask your friend how his Dad, John Titterton got his nickname of "Half a Stick" he either get a big grim or a punch in the teeth !! ====================================================================================== ----- Original Message ----- From: Richard & Rachael Paine To: ozflea@bigpond.com.au Sent: Saturday, July 26, 2008 4:45 PM Subject: Terry Paine Dear POM I have only recently discovered your website and have found it very interesting. My name is Richard Paine and I am the eldest son of the late Terry Paine - whom you have some photos of on the website. I can confirm that in your "Photo of the month" the guy on the end with the mo is indeed my father. I wish to point out that on the page of remembrance that the date my father passed was the 29/03/2005 and not the 30th. I have attached some other photos that may be of interest to you. I apologise in advance as I do not know any other people's names that are in the photograph. Yours Sincerely Richard Paine. PS. In visiting your site, I found out that a colleague that I work with had a father in the airforce (John Titterton) the same time as my father and that they knew each other - how freaky is that. Click here to view Richards Photo's |
Hi Pom, I also worked with Terry at RSTT Wagga circa 1968- 1972. I have to say it was an absolute pleasure to both work and socialise with Terry; we got on like a house on fire. The last photograph Richard sent you shows Terry and the CPLs Club Committee at RAAF Base Wagga circa 1967-68. Included in that photo are ADG CPLs Ben Hall, and Kevin Edwards, the OIC is FLGOFF Tom Clarke. Sorry (due to old age and/or dementia) although I remember all of the others on that Committee I can't remember their names. Would you please pass on my regards to Richard and also to his mother Marcia, I knew Marcia and Terry as family friends back in my Wagga days. I also knew John Titterton (we were on the same DI and ADG Courses together) but I have no idea how "half a stick" became his non de plume! Perhaps you can enlighten me? Thanks again, and all the very best, Eric |
Hi mate Don’t know if you’ve already seen this, but if you haven’t could you let the blokes know please – maybe some of the guys in Melbourne could be interested. Regards Jim RAAFA Luncheon - British Commonwealth Occupation Forces To all RAAFVVA members Even if you are not a member of the RAAF Association - please come along. One for your diaries - let me know of your intent to attend as per below. Kindest regards Rick Holmes Secretary =============================== Hi Rick An "All Points" please. The President, Board of Management and Members of the RAAF Association (Vic) have invited Members of the RAAF Vietnam Veterans Association (Vic) to a buffet luncheon to commemorate the Royal Australian Air Force involvement in the British Commonwealth Occupation Forces - Japan 1946 - 1951. Where: At the Air Force's Centre, 24 Camberwell Road Hawthorn East When: Saturday 20th September from 1pm to 3 pm (1300 to 1500 hours) Dress: Lounge Suit It should be an interesting luncheon and your chance to meet and mix with those who served in immediate post-war Japan and who formed the nucleus of our force for the subsequent Korean Campaign. Let's show them that we are interested inn their experience just as we have attempted to foster their experience in ours (including a forthcoming visit to the Vietnam Veterans Museum being arranged by RAAFA for November 28 - more details later). For catering purposes, let Rick Holmes, our Secretary, know (Email or telephone) by 13th September if you are going to attend. Hope to see you there. Cheers Nick LeRay-Meyer President RAAFVVA ====================================================================== |
Pom, I saw the article recently in the Electronic Blue Beret on the Hanover case.
I have passed the information on the situation to a friend who is a Law Professor.
He has looked at the report and he asked that you advise the daughter to contact
the Ombudsman and that it should be carried forward. I hope that this is
of some assitance to her. Regards, Gerry Mapstone ======================================================================== |