R.A.A.F Airfield Defence Guard |
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November 2007 |
"The Pom" |
From Bruce Rock in the Wheatbelt, what a ripper of a reunion, best yet, can't remember
seeing so many soo bloody ill on the Sunday morning ... Pictured at the Adgie sunset O'Group from left: Mick Bergin's Stubby, Pete' Wattie, Rick Hardy and Stan Hull, all in conversation deep and meaningful ... Alan Giltrap |
Bruce Rock in the Wheatbelt, what a ripper of a reunion |
Sighted at Bruce Rock this year Alan Lamb / Stan Hull / Blue Hayes / Peter Wattie / Barry Wanstall / Mick Bergin / Alan Giltrap / Rick Hardy |
Hi Bob. Can you tell me if you have a email address for Alan Dare please the one on the site is a old no. If not and you are talking to him could you tell him if he could email me please. hugz kerry kerry.smithers@bigpond.com |
Canoeing around the Mekong. Sharpie, steady as she goes! |
VUNGERS,TANYA AT FRONT. 'OLD FLAGS 'IS 500M FOWARD OF CYLOS. |
Gidday Pom, I have heard that Tex Bryson may not be all that well,. Can any confirm or deny. I am currently trying to get in contact with Steve at 2AFDS, but with little luck. By the way great work on the site. Regards Moons SGT Mark Mooney Assessment Cell, Training Development Flight RAAF Security & Fire School Tel: 07 546 13623 Mobile: 0423 771 307 Fax: 07 546 13632 Email: mark.mooney@defence.gov.au |
Dave Eyres' thank you letter to forward Hi Bob, Here is the thank you letter that Mum asked me to send to you so that you could forward it onto everyone for the family. Sorry it has taken so long. Thank you for passing this on for us. Melissa Eyres |
Alan's Dares address is anld@bigpond.com Phone 07 47745248 Regards Bob Kinnane |
During a visit by Bill and Mel' to the West, the lads caught-up over lunch, from
left: Stan Hull, Mick Bergin, Al lamb, Smed and Pete' Wattie.
Absent are the ladies organising the curry. Alan Giltrap What's with the coffee cups, don't they drink beer in WA !?!? ..... Red |
G'Day Pom, Still alive and well here in Iraq, Remembrance Day Ceremonies were followed and celebrated in fine form, although having to explain to the local staff and students what was going on. In the last 13 months since arriving here the academy that I am working at has trained just on 20,000 National Police Officers. I must say it has been a very interesting time. I have been in contact and assisting another ex ADG, who is now working as a private military contractor, Brian Ranse, who is currently working in Afghanistan doing convoys and training work. Stay Safe, Mick Sloan "Wombat" |
WEARING OF ARMY COMBAT BADGE AND INFANTRY COMBAT BADGE BY AIR FORCE PERSONNEL After consultation with CA, CAF has agreed that Air Force personnel who have been given official approval to receive the Infantry Combat Badge (ICB) IAW DI(A) PERS 97-5 or the Army Combat Badge (ACB) IAW DI(A) PERS 119-1, by an authorised Army Commander, may wear these badges on their RAAF uniform, with immediate effect. This policy also applies to ex-Army members, now serving with the RAAF, who were awarded either badge during their Army service. Note, only one badge may be worn Any enquiries as to eligibility for these badges should be made to Army, as the approving authority for the award of the ICB and ACB. Contact details are: ICB SO2 to Head of Corps Infantry RMC D1-1-036 Royal Military College Duntroon CANBERRA 2600 ACB The RSM Ceremonial DGPERS-A Russell Offices (R8-9-046) CANBERRA 2600 Initial issue entitlements for these badges are two full size versions for all ranks and one additional miniature for officers, WOFFs and SNCOs. The miniature version should be available in late November. Air Force personnel approved to wear the ICB or ACB who have not received all or part of their initial issue entitlement should contact their local clothing store, taking with them the documentation which authorises the award. Once a full issue of the badges has been made, the member is then responsible for purchasing any further replacements. The ICB or ACB should be worn on the left breast, centrally placed one centimetre immediately above the medal ribbon or medals, with those orders of dress on which medal ribbons or medals are worn. Where flying brevets are worn, the ICB or ACB is to be worn one centimetre above the brevet. AFHQ 12 Nov 07 R Cooper R.F. COOPER Group Captain Chief of Staff Defence Education, Training & Development Branch CP1-6-161 (02)6266 3542 Mobile 0407904714 Just a quick note to go with this info G.C.Bob Cooper will be making further enquires as the wearing of these by past members of our mustering so stay tuned folks and as soon as i know more for certain so will you via this web site. The Pom. |
Pom, I have attached a few photos which may be of interest. Taken at the dedication of the 2Sqn plaque at the AWM and the others werte taken at the Vietnam Veterans Service. Be Good !!!! Ken |
Pom, The 2 Sqn AGM decided on a Tropical Get Together at Airkie Beach (Whitsundays) from 14 to 19 August 2008. Meet and Greet 14 Aug Ladies Lunch 15 Aug Dinner 16th (Mayoral Wecome) Airlie RSL (Attended by members of thew Airlie RSL) Reef Trip weather allowing 17th Vietnam Veterans Day Service 18th - followed by Local RSL function Those interested can contact me on 0428716243 or Gary Olsen AH 07 3206 3250 or gary_lenore@iinet,net.au Thanks Mate Ken |
Hi Bob It was great to see you the other day, you're doing a good job with the website. I have attached the words to the song 'Three Gum Leaves In Tobruk' in case you may want them to use on the website, or if anyone ever asks you about them. Best regards Simmo ( Peter Simpson ) ========================================================================================== Well Simmo, It's amazing who pops up when you least expecting to bump into some-one you don't see too often, great to have the chance to meet the new gal in your life. Anyway i bumped into Simmo at the Morriset Mega Markets last Sunday where Peter told of this great CD anyway fellas if you would like a copy and can put up with Simmo's singing then please contact him direct at, Peter Simpson THREE GUM LEAVES IN TOBRUK P Simpson & D Lindsay Have you ever in the bushland felt the strength of this great land Smelt a burning gum leaf or held it in your hand Then you'll know the scent of freedom of courage and of home These things you will remember no matter where you roam On a far and distant battlefield in a cruel and senseless war The soldiers are Australian like the slouch hats that they wore Their youthful faces taunted with a grey and shattered look They've been to hell and back again these soldiers of Tobruk Amongst them was a soldier with a letter in his hand A letter from down under it's a letter from a dad As he lifts the page to read it the leaves fall in his hand Three gum leaves from Australia to remind him of this land With trembling hands he burns a leaf and blows smoke in the air To share the scent of Australia with those young men fighting there As it drifts through the trenches each soldier sighs with joy As it brings back pleasant memories of their homeland as a boy Round a campfire at twilight or a horseman on his throne Each soldier has a memory that takes him to his home So now with spirits lifted came the haunting bugle sound And each man went with courage to do Australia proud In the heat and dust of battle as they watched their comrades fall With the scent of burning gum leaves these brave men gave their all On a still and silent battlefield a letter found next day With a half burnt gum leaf on the ground there where it lay As the Captain read the letter a letter from a dad His eyes filled with tears as this is what he read Son, have you ever in the bushland felt the strength of this great land Smelt a burning gum leaf or held it in your hand Then you'll know the scent of freedom of courage and of home I hope these leaves will help you son until you're safely home On a still and silent battlefield a letter found next day With a half burnt gum leaf on the ground there where it lay =================================================== 'Three Gum Leaves In Tobruk' Written and Performed by Dianne Lindsay and Peter Simpson With the utmost respect and admiration for our Australian servicemen, Dianne Lindsay and Peter Simpson have combined their talents to compose and perform a touching ballad written about a young soldier fighting in Tobruk. The story is a true account of a soldier receiving a letter from his father containing three gum leaves to remind him of his beloved homeland and of the Australian bush and how it helped to lift the morale of his fellow soldiers. Dianne and Peter are finalists in the NSW Gold Medallion Awards for 'Songwriter of the Year' which is to be held at Hexham on 24 November 2007. Dianne has also received finalist nominations for Female Vocalist of the Year in the NSW Gold Medallion Awards, The Stan Coster Bush Ballad Awards at Bungendore, the Gidgee Coal Awards and the Australian Country Recording Artist Awards. Dianne Lindsay and Peter Simpson have been involved in country music for many years and are now combining their talents. Dianne Lindsay, daughter of country music legends Reg Lindsay and Heather McKean and niece of Slim Dusty, released her debut album 'Memories and Dreams' in 2007 which is a return to traditional country music. Peter Simpson is an accomplished lead guitarist who has played with many of the well-known country artists. Both have a passion for country music and are based on the Central Coast of NSW. Contact: PO Box 5058, Gwandalan. NSW 2259 0401095306 |
Pom I am waiting for SO2 to Head of Corps Infantry to get back to me about the conditions pertaining to retrospective awards of the ICB. The existing Army Policy has the following pertinent paragraphs: 12. In exceptional circumstances only, the ICB may also be awarded to a member of a corps other than RAInf, if one of the following criteria is satisfied: a. Where service with AATTV was at least equivalent to that which entitled RAInf members of AATTV to receive the badge. b. Where the member is posted to an infantry corps coded position in an infantry unit, and on operations, gives service which is indistinguishable from that which entitles an infantryman of the same unit to receive the ICB. The member’s CO, in making a recommendation to the HOC for the award of the ICB to a non-RAInf member, must deem the member’s operational service to be indistinguishable as defined in paragraph 6. 13. In retrospective cases it is the responsibility of the applicant to provide all necessary documentation, including the recommendation of the CO during the period for which eligibility is claimed. Inadequate documentation will result in the award being not approved. Regardless, the ICB remains an Army award and approval to wear the Badge must be granted, in writing, by the appropriate Army Delegate. In this case, the SO2 to Head of Corps Infantry. Do not just pop them up, otherwise you could end up starring on that infamous web site that already contains one of our 'old and bold'. I will get back to you once I have more information. Regards Bob R Cooper R.F. COOPER Group Captain Chief of Staff Defence Education, Training & Development Branch CP1-6-161 (02)6266 3542 Mobile 0407904714 |
Pom, Just a short note to inform you that Mick Sheean, myself & Geoff Rose (former Herc pilot) along with our wives attended the launch of the Book at the Royal Automobile Club in Sydney on 25 Oct 2007. The launch was attended by approx 100 guests mostly Army & Politicans along with 2 Adgies & 1 RAAF pilot. Even though we were outnumbered 100 to one we found we were very well accepted by all. The launch was opened by Malcom Turnbull who praised the efforts of Vietnam Vets from all 3 Services. Trevor (Nicky) Nye Will send some pics ==================================================================================================== |
Hi Pom, Would you please let those interested know that my interview with Paul Ham, author of 'Vietnam: The Australian War', will be aired on Radio Logan 101FM (101.1 on the FM dial in SE QLD) at about 1:20pm EST on Monday 19th November 2007. For those wishing to hear the interview but cannot get our broadcast directly, they can tune in via 'netcast' at www.101fm.asn.au. Those using the net should tune in earlier as they may have to 'download and save' the web address to their desktop before the broadcast can be heard. All you have to do is 'click' on the 'listen live' link on the left hand side of the screen. There is a few seconds delay in this transmission. Paul Ham has indicated that (our) interview was the most indepth of all that he has had in his travels (so far). As I said in an earlier e-mail, Paul has assured me that his 'oversight' at the lack of identification and inclusion of the ADG will be corrected in coming releases of the book and a more detailed 'credit' will be given to the ADG in the soft-back release due out next year. For those who were 'left behind' on ANZAC Day 1975 (Mick, Trev, John and Spike - you old mongrel) your story is told in the book and covered in the interview. I trust that everyone is keeping the chin up! Thanks mate. Regards, Peter 'Squiz' Taylor |
Pom Please see the response below by SO2 HOC RAInf regarding wearing of the ICB. I hope this is useful to you all. If you have his address, could you please send this also to Merv Reid. Thanks Bob R Cooper R.F. COOPER Group Captain Chief of Staff Defence Education, Training & Development Branch CP1-6-161 (02)6266 3542 Mobile 0407904714 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Curtis, Ray MAJ Sent: Monday, 19 November 2007 13:28 To: Cooper, Robert GPCAPT 1 Cc: Parker, Wayne WO1 1 Subject: FW: WEARING OF INFANTRY COMBAT BADGE BY AIR FORCE PERSONNEL [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED] UNCLASSIFIED GPCAPT Cooper Sir, In response to your message below, current serving ADGs may wear the ICB only if the member was granted approval to do so while serving in the Army as a member of the Infantry Corps, before transferring to RAAF. With regard to ex-serving members, the approving authority is the Head of Corps - Infantry. Defence Instructions (Army) - Personnel 97-5, paragraph 4 defines ‘service as an infantryman’ as service as a member of the Royal Australian Infantry Corps (RA Inf) in an infantry posting in an Australian or allied Infantry Battalion, Independent Rifle Company, Commando Company or Special Air Service Regiment or such other Australian unit as may be designated by the Chief of Army. Although some RAAF ADG personnel may have been attached for short periods of time to Infantry units, their active service was as a member of the RAAF posted to a RAAF unit. To qualify for the ICB their service must have been indistinguishable and therefore must have been posted, not attached, in an Infantry corps coded position for the qualifying period of 90 days continuous or aggregate. HOC applies this same criteria to all non-RAInf people and very rarely does an applicant get approval. For example Artillery Forward Observers, Engineer Combat Teams, etc. If the ex-member served in Army as an Infantryman on war-like operation before transferring to RAAF and believes he is eligible, he should apply to HOC - Infantry, Headquarters Royal Military College of Australia, Duntroon, ACT, 2600. Regards Ray Curtis Major SO2 HOC RAInf Ph: 02 6265 9610 Fax: 02 6265 9800 Mob: 0404 822 406 |
Hi Bob,seems ages since i emailed you. I was recently attending a BBQ for our members
and volunteers who assist our association when i was introduced to Ron Bromley.
To my surprise Ron is an ex ADG from 3 course. Ron is currently
residing in the Blue Mts with his wife and tells me he is an old drinking partner
of Tank McCardy. Although 8 courses separate us we had a good discussion
on the old and bold. Take care John [ JR ] Ronan |
Hi Bob, Just a short note to inform you that Russell Abbey, ex ADG, passed away this morning as the result of Lung Cancer. He was ill for some time. I understand his funeral will be held in Adelaide possibly next Wednesday 28th November. RIP Regards Jim Gable |
This is just a short note to let you know that my new email address is now: peterb@people.net.au It simply means that the ISP I use has changed hands (Some time ago now) and they would prefer that I use their address system. You may still use my swiftdsl address if you prefer. I will still get the mail but your spam and junk mail filter may not recognise the new address if it is not in your address book. Thank you! Keep in Touch Peter Beckwith |