ADGie News 2009 ..............................

CATHY WARNES

G'day All, Hope this email finds you well and getting on OK.

As usual I'm asking for "HELP" again with another project I'm working on at the Gold Coast War Memorial. I'm in need of a photo of Cathy Warnes, (story below) and I believe her brother was serving in Vietnam (maybe 1 RAR ) at the same time as she was. Can anyone comfirm this ? Thanks again for any help you can give. If you can, please pass on to others if you wish. Regards, Bob Meehan

Warnes, Catherine Anne (1949 - 1969)

WARNES, CATHERINE ANNE (1949-1969), entertainer, was born on 7 December 1949 at Arncliffe, Sydney, second of three children of George Alfred Warnes, an English-born motor mechanic, and his wife Nancy Starnes, née Buck, from Sydney. Cathy attended Athelstone Public and Arncliffe Girls' High schools. She showed an early interest in the performing arts and, while in primary school, began taking singing and dancing lessons.

By the age of 12 Warnes was appearing on stage in local community and school concerts. Spotted by a talent scout, she was offered a permanent spot, dancing on television station TCN-9's programme 'Opportunity Knocks'. At 16 she won second prize for singing in the Starlight talent quest. This competition was conducted by another popular Channel 9 show, 'Bandstand', on which she became a regular performer. She began entertaining in clubs, even though she was under the legal age to enter these premises, and recorded advertising jingles for radio and television. Later she joined the 'pop' singer 'Col Joye' on several concert tours around Australia. Warnes used the stage name 'Cathy Wayne'.

In the first half of 1967 she travelled with other entertainers to the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam) on a wartime concert tour sponsored by the Australian Forces Advisory Committee on Entertainment. Because she was not yet 18, it had been necessary for Bruce Webber, the organizer of the tour, to obtain the approval of her parents for her to take part. He recalled that she had 'leapt at the chance' to go to South Vietnam. Members of F.A.C.E. concert parties were not paid for their services but were given a daily living allowance and a security guarantee.

In mid-1969 Warnes returned to South Vietnam as the lead singer in an Australian pop group, 'Sweethearts on Parade'. The tour was privately arranged by Ingrid Hart, a promoter and performer, and was not under the auspices of the Australian government. On 20 July that year at Da Nang, Warnes was on stage in a club for non-commissioned officers of the United States Marine Corps when a bullet, fired from outside the club, passed through the insect-screen of an open window and hit her in the chest, killing her. Her body was returned to Australia and cremated with Anglican rites.

Sergeant J. W. Killen, U.S. Marines, was convicted of the unpremeditated murder of Warnes, allegedly while attempting to shoot his commanding officer, Major R. E. Simons, who had been in the audience. Nancy Warnes was reported as saying that she and her husband had not been in favour of their daughter's second trip to Vietnam but that 'she wanted to go—Cathy had a will of her own'. Her father told journalists that she had hoped to '''save a few dollars'' to help her singing career on return to Sydney'. Catherine Warnes was one of three Australian women killed in Vietnam during the war. The other two, Lee Makk and Margaret Moses, were welfare workers who died in an aeroplane crash in 1975.

Subject: Interstate Ambulance Transfers

Blue

I understand there's an issue doing the rounds of the TPI community about
interstate ambulance travel. Hopefully the advice below is helpful for you
to send out to your members and help quell their concerns.

The Department will transport veterans to the nearest available treatment
location that can meet their clinical needs by the most appropriate mode of
transport applicable in each case. If a veteran lives in one state and
requires ambulance transport for their clinical needs and the closest
suitable facility is in another state then the Department would fund that
transport i.e. coverage is not limited to the state of residency.

However, if a veteran travels to another state for non medical reasons such
as recreation and then requires ambulance transport to a hospital or other
facility this would only be covered from their place of temporary residence
to the nearest suitable treatment facility. The veteran will not be able to
elect to be transported back to their home state for treatment or back to
their permanent residence after treatment. Such transport is not dictated
by clinical need, only personal preference. The Department would transport
them back to their temporary residence after discharge from hospital via the
most appropriate transport mode.

Transport of veterans between facilities whether within states or between
states is based on clinical need and at the discretion of the medical
professionals treating the veteran. This is not something the veteran can
elect to do and be funded by the Department.

Veterans are encouraged to take out travel insurance when making long trips
interstate. This statement is found in the DVA ambulance Fact Sheet HSV120
and in "Before You Travel" HSV 129.

Happy to provide more information should you wish.

Cheers

Ken Douglas
General Manager | Services Division
Department of Veterans' Affairs

===============================================================================================

THAILAND/VIETNAM TRIP
By Peter Wattie
10 JUL – 2 AUG 09

Debbie and I spent eight terrific days in the city of Chaing Mai, Northern Thailand.   We spent most of the time relaxing by the pool and enjoying the night life of this beautiful part of the country. However, the highlight of our visit was seeing and handling the tigers with some trepidation at a park under supervision of a trainer.   Furthermore, we had two days in Bangkok to check out a few of the shopping plazas and travelling via the very efficient rail system in this bustling city of 10 million people.

Our next stage of our holiday was arriving in Hanoi on 18 July to meet the rest of our group; Jason (son), Paul Morley (ex FSGT PTI) and Mark & Desiree Siemon (friends) from Marebba, Qld.   The aim of our two week tour of Vietnam was to travel from the North to the South by rail, air and road with the view of seeing selected parts of the country with the limited time available. Also, I annotated some of things to do in Vietnam and some general information.

HANOI (3days)

Hanoi is a historic city of lakes, shaded boulevards and numerous parks and bloody millions of motor bikes and crossing a road maybe a health hazard. Survival is by walking continuously across the street at an even pace, whatever, you do, don’t stop.

Additionally, we went to the Water Puppet show at the Lake of the Restored Sword in the evening.   Unfortunately, we’d had enough after ten minutes (50mins duration) as the story line was lost in translation, however, the locals loved the action packed show.

French Quarter, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton) and Halong Bay (world heritage site) cruise which is a must, an overnight stay on a junk is the way to go.

HANOI TO DANANG, SE1 REUNIFICATION EXPRESS TRAIN (11 HOURS)

The best way to travel on this train is in a four berth air con compartment, no showers on board, but there are western style toilets. The beds and cabin are basic with clean linen provided, conversely, no dining car.   Suffice to say, the time goes quicker, if you have a couple of large Bundy bottles and play cards.    The journey from Hue’ to Danang along the hilly scenic coastline was beautiful and the ancient (1930’s) rail system is a marvels engineering fete.

HOI AN (2 days)

Hoi An is a 45min road trip, south of Danang , as travel pass the airport you can see the old revetments, also, as you continue on journey, the famous Marble Mountains come into view.   Hoi An was once a major trading port between 16th and 19th centuries and many of the original historic buildings and ancient backstreets have been well maintained and is a favourite tourist destination.   Also, it is the best place for bargain priced, tailor-made clothes.

DANANG TO NHA TRANG, VIETNAM AIRLINES FLIGHT (45MINS)

The airlines are equipped with reasonable new Boeing Passenger aircraft and all internal flights are based on economy class ($100AUD) and there is a selection of other carriers who operated throughout the country. In addition, Nha Trang is a military base not opened to commercial aircraft, so you land at Cam Ranh airport and the road jaunt takes about 45 mins.

NHA TRANG (3days)

This place has some of the best coastline and weather in Vietnam, Nha Trang is developing into one its main resort towns, hence, many backpackers frequent this town for the lifestyle, yes it’s a party town and you need to be aware of the hustlers.    This is a great location for a cruise, snorkel and seafood lunch on the bay amongst the islands off Nha Trang.

NHA TRANG TO VUNG TAU, AIR CON MINI BUS TRIP (8-9 HOURS)

Once again, we were travel on Hwy 1A heading south towards Phan Rang & Thap Cham on a road that was in better condition than we expected, however, the bus traffic (both ways) ensured the eyes were wide open at times as they passed our bus with a metre or less clearance.    Also, we stopped at the bridge, where Ivan “Pop’ Woolley was killed in a motor vehicle accident in 1969 along with the driver, his surname was Fitzpatrick, I think. Additionally, had a minute silence, placed a red poppy on the dry river bed and said a few words.

To be honest, nothing was familiar with the aforementioned cites during our drive through and things do change in 40 + years, so we turned about and headed to the coastal town on Mui Ne for lunch, nice place that is developing with golf resorts, backpackers and a great windsurfing area. As well, to the groups surprised the long journey was enjoyable as our English speaking guide was very knowledgeable of his country, more about him later.   Finally, we arrived in Vungers mid afternoon at our accommodation, the Rex hotel.

VUNG TAU (1 DAY)

I understand our hotel was built in 1985, however, the Rex that many of you would have probably stayed at, is still on site but not used.   This town has a large population of Australian, American and Russian oil rig workers, also, a big contingent of non operational ex pats including Vietnam Veterans. My main purpose here was to visit the 9 SQN crash site in the Long Hai area, I have already spoke about that subject on website and I did the Nui Dat and Long Tan tours in 2004 with the VVMC.

VUNG TAU TO SAIGON, HYDROFOIL BOAT (1-2 HOURS)

These hydrofoils were built in Russia in the ‘60’s and travelling up the Mekong River at speed in an old craft that should be replaced (10years ago, a local comment) due to mechanic reliability and safety issues.   Suffice to say, I don’t think this means of   transportation was a smart move; apparently, one hit a submerged object and sunk in the river several months ago.

HO CHI MINH CITY/SAIGON (4 days)

The former capital of South Vietnam is a thriving on a quick pace lifestyle and is the vanguard of the modernisation and commercial expansion that is undergoing in Vietnam today. Yet, there are still many historical sites and locations to see in and around Saigon including the Mekong Delta in the south and the Cu Chi Tunnels (worth a look) in the west.

Ben Thanh Markets, Old Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, Presidential Palace and the War Remnants Museum to name a few.

TOUR GUIDE           Nguyen To An (Andy) was highly recommended to me by an ex SASR and RAN veterans, the latter been a member of the RAN Flight SVN as he arranged tours for their 2007 Vietnam holiday.   Andy is a business person located in   Nha Trang and operates a tourist firm.   He is an English speaking guide, who is a university graduate specialising in tourism.   We found him very friendly with a professional approach to ensure all aspects of your selected tours have been arranged to your satisfaction.   All personnel in our group would have no hesitation in positively recommending Andy to get the job done.

Email address: an_click@yahoo.com

SUMMARY

An overview of the groups’ Vietnam experience in simplistic terms was good, bad and ugly in such areas as accommodation, tours and the Vietnamese people. But, as we travelled south, all aspects of our adventure did improve and we had warm and terrific moments and the locals went out of their way to assist us to overcome our concerns with a happy ending.    Some occasions we felt like the rat caught in the trap and having the feeling that everyone was lining up behind to screw you.

Notwithstanding this, Debbie and I may return to Vietnam in the future with the view of touring places like Sapa, Halong Bay (1 Night) Cruise, Hue and Dalat, also, would utilise Andy’s skills to arrange our package for a Vietnam holiday.   Further to this, should anyone require more detailed information, please do not hesitate to contact us. Email address:   debpete@westnet.net.au

Regards

Peter & Debbie Wattie

> Wednesday, 28 October 2009
> 068/2009
>
> RELEASE OF INQUIRY INTO UNRESOLVED RECOGNITION ISSUES FOR THE BATTLE OF
> LONG TAN
>
> The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, the Hon Dr Mike Kelly AM
> MP, today announced that the Government has accepted the recommendations
> of the independent Defence Honours and Awards Tribunal Inquiry into
> Unresolved Recognition Issues for the Battle of Long Tan.
>
> The Report recommended that:
>
> 1. Flight Lieutenant Cliff Dohle be awarded the Distinguished Service
> Medal, the contemporary equivalent award to the Distinguished Flying
> Cross, the original award for which he was properly recommended in 1966 by
> all levels of Australian command in Vietnam;
> 2. No other individual awards be made to participants in the Battle of
> Long Tan; and
> 3. Delta Company, 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (RAR), be
> awarded the Unit Citation for Gallantry for its performance at the Battle
> of Long Tan in August 1966.
>
> The Battle of Long Tan was fought on 18 August 1966 when Delta Company, 6
> RAR came into contact with a much larger enemy force while patrolling
> outside the 1st Australian Task Force at Nui Dat in Phuoc Tuy Province,
> South Vietnam. Seventeen members of Delta Company were killed during the
> battle, and another 21 were wounded.
>
> "The release of the findings fulfils a Rudd Labor Government election
> commitment. The Government has accepted the Tribunal's findings, and I
> have directed Defence to implement the recommendations," said Dr Kelly.
>
> "I am delighted that the Tribunal has recommended the award of an
> Australian Unit Citation for Gallantry to the men of Delta Company 6 RAR.
> This ensures that all are recognised for what was in effect a magnificent
> team effort. It has only been in recent years that we have come to
> appreciate the full significance of the battle in the context of the
> conflict."
>
> "For the South Vietnamese Government at the time it meant that the Phuoc
> Tuy Province was effectively neutralised as a concern. For the US it
> contributed to the overall effort in that it enabled resources to be
> focused elsewhere. For Australia it was significant because we now know
> that this was a planned and determined effort to annihilate the Australian
> Task Force before it had settled in."
>
> "The result of the action was not only that the enemy was prevented from
> achieving this objective but was never able to mount such an effort again
> in Phuoc Tuy Province for the remainder of the Australian presence."
>
> "I also commend the Tribunal for upholding the recommendation made in 1966
> by RAAF command in Vietnam to award Flight Lieutenant Cliff Dohle the
> Distinguished Flying Cross," said Dr Kelly.
>
> "I would also like to thank the Tribunal for its work on this and the
> other matters it has dealt with or is continuing to deal with. I believe
> all members of the Tribunal have undertaken their work diligently, fairly
> and with an open mind. I continue to have complete confidence in the
> Tribunal."
>
> "The release of the Tribunal's report and the acceptance of the
> recommendations clearly demonstrate the Government's commitment to the
> independent review of long-standing Defence honours and awards issues."
>
> The Tribunal's full report is available at
> www.defence-honours-tribunal.gov.au. Further information on Defence
> honours and awards is available at: www.defence.gov.au/medals/

RAAF helicopter pilot Cliff Dohle Source: Herald Sun

MORE than 40 years after 18 Australian soldiers died in the Battle of Long Tan, the heroic
band of brothers in arms will be awarded the nation's highest unit award.

The Honours and Awards Tribunal has recommended that men from the 6th Battalion's D
Company should be given the Unit Citation for Gallantry.

The award has been made only once before - to the Special Air Service Regiment for its
work in Iraq in 2003.

The Federal Government will also adopt the tribunal's recommendation to upgrade an
award to RAAF helicopter pilot Cliff Dohle, who defied orders and flew vital ammunition
supplies to the besieged Delta Company Diggers.

His citation will go from Mentioned In Despatches to the Distinguished Service Medal.

Mr Dohle died in February.

The tribunal rejected a push to have 12 soldiers recommended for MIDs because there
was a lack of supporting paperwork.

Related Coverage
War medals now free for veterans Daily Telegraph, 1 Sep 2008
Medal costs met for Vietnam vets Herald Sun, 1 Sep 2008
Charge dropped for Long Tan vets The Australian, 1 Sep 2008
Delta Company commander on that fateful August day in 1966, Major Harry Smith, welcomed the unit citation.
But he was scathing of the tribunal's decision to overlook his 12 soldiers, who, he claims, were victims of bureaucracy and the quota system in place at the time.

An earlier review upgraded Mr Smith's medal to the Star of Gallantry after his initial award was downgraded to a Military Cross.

His platoon commanders, Dave Sabben and Geoff Kendall, will be upgraded from MIDs to the Medal for Gallantry.

"The unit citation is wonderful, because it goes to everyone, including the Kiwis who manned the artillery, but I will continue to fight for my 12 men," Mr Smith said. "They deserve better."

He said the precedent had been set by Cliff Dohle's upgrade, and he had taken legal advice that the tribunal's decision could be challenged in the Federal Court.

Delta Company already holds the Cross of Gallantry from South Vietnam and a US Presidential Unit Citation.

Mr Smith demanded the medals be presented by the Governor-General at Government House in Canberra.

Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Mike Kelly said the unit citation was a fitting reward.

"This reflects the fact that success in the battle was the result of a remarkable level of teamwork, esprit de corps, and endurance under incredibly difficult circumstances. I am also pleased that Flight Lieutenant Cliff Dohle is being recognised in accordance with the intent of the Royal Australian Air Force commanders in South Vietnam at the time.

"Cliff passed away earlier this year, but this award is appropriate recognition of his actions."

Mr Kelly, a former army colonel, said Delta Company's action not only saved the Australian taskforce at nearby Nui Dat, but it also secured Phuoc Tuy Province for the Australians.

Regards

Bill Dobell

VIETNAM veterans have always faced a battle. They returned from service to a public that either misunderstood their purpose or neglected it.

Now, more than 40 years after the bravery of about 100 Diggers from the 6th Battalion, Delta Company, recognition is finally on its way.

Their efforts at Long Tan, where they were heavily outnumbered by 1500 foes, will be honoured with a Unit Citation for Gallantry.

Their actions halted the North's onslaught, which threatened to destroy the Australian Task Force in 1966.

But the fight for recognition, driven by commanding officer Harry Smith, is not yet over. Thanks to the bureaucracy then and now, Smith is still fighting for individual citations for 12 Diggers whose cool-headed decisions saved countless lives.

He, and the other Long Tan veterans, deserve that honor