R.A.A.F Airfield Defence Guard

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November 2009

"The Pom"

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My ol mates stompin' ground

The street of ill repute " The Stip " well it was till charlie decided to demolish it in 1969.

The many memoires of Tex

Ladies and Gentlemen, I have received the following request: From: Lee, Patrick FSGT Subject: Relatives of WOFF D.A.R Grant I was recently given a box containing pictures, an ID card and exercise books and notes of a WOFF DAR Grant who was an Armourer in the RAAF during WW2. The pictures are mainly of the various Gunnie courses that went through Laverton at the time plus a number of social occasions as well. His service number is 4784, born in Newtown, NSW 19 Feb 1916, NOK Ruth Grant. I believe he died 01 Mar 94. A story about this was in a recent edition of the RAAF News. If anyone might know of a Grant whose father was in the RAAF, any info would be appreciated in trying to return the box of belongings. I intend to donate them to DEOTS at Orchard Hills if I'm unable to find a relative to pass the stuff onto. I've already been contacted by a number of Gunnie associations but the leads they have offered haven't materialised any new information as yet. Thanks. Patrick Lee If anybody has any leads or info, please contact Steve at howiesf@bigpond.net.au

Like the message below i too have a box of personel effects belonging to one Paul Tuck I f you know the where abouts of Paul then let him know they are at my home awaiting his collection. The Pom.

Dear Webmaster, I regret to inform you that A223397 Patrick Connell (No 2 Course) departed at 12:05,  9 November 2009 in Royal Canberra Hospital having suffered from a severe stroke. Regards, Frank Connell (Course 1/94)

Bruce Rock 2009 The annual Back to The Bush Reunion for all veterans was held during last week at the small WA town of Bruce Rock. This was the ninth year of the reunion and with out dout  it is the biggest reunion of its kind, with Vietnam Veterans making up 99% of the numbers attending. This year we had a good round up of ADG's who live in the west, also Ken (ex 3 course) and Sharon Feeney attended, making the trip  from Bowen in Queensland. The week long reunion had plenty of activities, with some veterans taking part all week, while others like myself turning up during the last three days to catch the main events. The towns sports oval became a town in itself with hundreds of veterans camping. The numbers of vans and tents is just unbelievable and each year more and more arrive for the event. The local caravan park is the place that most ADGies stay, but, its very hard to get a booking and I am still 15th on the waiting list for next year. This year the town had a new event with a flag Raising ceremony held at 0830 hrs on the Saturday morning. A large number of veterans attended with a giant size flag paraded down part of the main street then hoisted up this enormous flag pole. The usual events took place with markets and information booths/displays etc. During Saturday afternoon veterans marched through the town to the Peace Window that is housed in the Anglican Church. The Saturday Night BBQ and booze up along with open air entertainment was held at the Sports grounds. The town once again provided the food and entertainment free of charge except this year they had put a $2 donation on the drinks. On the Friday night the ADG's gathered for a BBQ at the caravan park, once again we discussed the events of the past, with no one escaping our attention. It was also noted that some members (no names) were still suffering from the previous nights activities. Victor Smiths (Tank Buster) brother was wandering around with a mobile phone allowing us to speak him,  just about all of us got to have a yarn with old Vic. I have been told that next year (the Tenth annual reunion) will be a big event so if you a considering making the journey across to WA, next year would be a good time.   Us local ADG Sand Gropers would make you most welcome. Listed below are ADG's that attended this year. Ken (Stick) and Sharon Feeney Barry and Marg  Wanstall Stan and Michele  Hull Blue and Joe Hayes Alan and Pam Lamb Peter and Debbie Wattie Alan and Jackie Giltrap Mick and Teresa Bergin Kerry Smithers and partner Have attached a few photos, (Gillie was wandering around with his camera so he may be able to provide more pics of the troops) Regards Mick Bergin Peace Window The Peace window is for all who served in the Vietnam Millitary and Civilians from 1962. A dove carrying a sprig of flowering eucaluptus. Symbols of an offering of peace from God. (My Pease I give to you. I give you so as the world gives, do I give, but my Peace. So let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid....John 14:27) A sunrise represents the Military Forces. The white cross is the design of the Long Tan Memoria Cross. The blue sky represents Australia and the green hills her rich and diverse cultures. The shadow represents the lasting memories this military campaign has on the stages of Australian History. The colours used are the colours of the campaign ribbons. Designed by Mrs. Sue Muntz and made by Mr. Murray Arnold, commissioned by the Vietnam Veterans and housed at St. Peter's Anglican Church, Bruce Rock WA.

Bob Further to that written by Mick on Bruce Rock I've attached some more images you might care to post. Among which you'll find pics of Stick carrying the RAAF Vietnam banner, Al and Pam Lamb, Jackie and I, Barry and Marg Wanstall, Blue and Jo Hayes, Pete and Deb Wattie, Stan and Michelle Hull, Teresa, Mick, Stick and Sharon, Vic Smith's Brother - Scruff, Lamby carrying the 9SQN banner, Don Smithers' widow Kerry and finally Kiwi (shown here in Light Horse Troop uniform), who may be of interest to those who served with Victor Coy 4RAR because he was at the Horseshoe in 1968 and you might recall he used to wear that red Kiwi (SAS), Ranger Squadron beret, regimental belt and Kiwi SAS jump wings ... it was lovely hearing from Kiwi about Neil Horn, Rangi and those other V Coy diggers who looked after us all those years ago. Regards Gillie

Vic Smith's Brother - Scruff

Teresa, Mick, Stick and Sharon

Stan and Michelle Hull

Pete and Deb Wattie

Jackie and I

Don Smithers' widow Kerry

Kiwi (shown here in Light Horse Troop uniform), who may be of interest to those who served with Victor Coy 4RAR because he was at the Horseshoe in 1968 and you might recall he used to wear that red Kiwi (SAS), Ranger Squadron beret, regimental belt and Kiwi SAS jump wings ... it was lovely hearing from Kiwi about Neil Horn, Rangi and those other V Coy diggers who looked after us all those years ago.

Stick carrying the RAAF Vietnam banner

Al and Pam Lamb

Blue and Jo Hayes

Barry and Marg Wanstall

G'day Pom, The funeral service will be held 10:00 Monday 16 November in the Bluegum Chapel at William Cole Funeral Directors (60 Nettlefold St Belconnen, ACT) followed by a graveside service at approximately 11:15 at the ex-service members' section of the Woden Cemetary. Regards, Frank.

What a disgraceful example of an ADG at play.

Hi Pom, Does anyone know Pat Allan's email address as I have a photo he might like to see, Regards Alan Lamb.

Hi mate, my dad was Ian Redfern. Although we hadn't seen much of each other since his return from Vietnam, he passed away in 1986 while walking out to his car from the local RSL (Raymond Terrace) just north of Newcastle. He was found slouched over his driver's side door. Apparently he had had a respiratory arrest. I was refused details on what exactly happened to him from his new wife at the time. Sorry I couldn't be of more help. Cheers Brett Redfern