R.A.A.F Airfield Defence Guard

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October  2007

"The Pom"

Dear Pom, I would like to be registered for membership of the ADG Association, my name is David Pendrick and I was a member of ADG Basic Course 22. My e-mail address is davidpendrick@westnet.com.au but that could change over the next few weeks, you will be informed if that occurs. Yours Sincerely David Pendrick ============================================================================================

hello pom, i'm trying to locate and chat with luke donnelly. i came across his email address in the adg email site, however the only response i received was a return of the email i had sent, do you have any idea if the email address listed is correct for contacting luke? could you please assist with the correct address if possible regards, willow =============================================================================================

Bob hi , Just to let you know that  Dave Eyres  has been admitted to intensive care unit, at the Townsville  Hospital, in a serious way. and by request, no contact by phone, and only admission to family members only.  i will try  to keep you informed as things  proceed. if you need information, can   contact .....  Flo or Myself will pass it on to dave and jackie. regards Rod Nowland. ============================================================================================

Subject: Russ Abbey Just got a email from Ken Feeney ex 3 course about Russ Abbey (see below) Ken Just got back from KL last week end so he must have passed on late last week. Not sure what course Russ was on but it was early in the piece I think No 5. He had Cancer. Mick Hi again Mate, When we returned I fired off some emails to all and Got a note from Russell Abbeys Grandson to say he had passed away a Couple of days earlier. For the best as the poor fella was only Existing - no quality of life. Ken ========================================================================================================

Dave is still in ICU. He has difficulty breathing,fluid and blood in the lungs,cirrhosis of the liver and a damaged heart from sleep apnea. He should be out of ICU when stabilized He's not too flash but I will Keep people advised. Regards Bob K ========================================================================================================= ----- Original Message ----- From: John Paine To: Bob Kinnane Sent: Saturday, October 13, 2007 11:42 AM Subject: Dave Eyres     Hello Bob                 Whats this I heard about Dave Eyres being laid up in Hospital, it sound's very serious. John

Well mate you are one of us so you are part of our web site and i'm proud to have you be part of it "Welcome to the bunker ole mate". If you would like to be on our nominal rolls then please say but i will need your OK. If you would like to join the ADG Association i'll forward this email on for you. The Pom From: Wills, Gene CPL To: ozflea@bigpond.com.au Sent: Tuesday, October 16, 2007 1:02 PM Hey mate hows it goin the name is willsy I am currently an adg at 1RTU and luvin it, I joined in 1999 and have been to East Timore Middle East and Solomons, I was just wondering how I join cheers mate Cpl Gene "gorry" Wills Training team 1 1RTU x 33223 Wake up it's time to die

Dave Eyres passed away this afternoon, funeral arrangements TBA. RIP BobK

A Visit from Pres. Rip Rip    The Townsville Adgies were honored by a visit by the highly esteemed Swerven Mervyn on Monday 15 Oct 07. After bowing most respectfully we settled down to a nice lunch with soda-water and appropriate pills at Carlyle Gardens restaruant ( where I live). Those present were the Pullen pair from Caloundra,Marg. Loftus with a mustache called Bob,Duncan and mighty midget Mae Dowling,His Royalness with his Mum, Helen and Cousin ???? (craft), Alan Dare and his boss, the mighty Flo and his boss, Bobby Fisher ( wouldn't Let his boss out) and my boss and me. The ale was so cheap that the wouldn't leave so I missed the afternoon siesta. Regards Bob Kinnane

Dave Eyres ...... Funeral Arrangements Hi Bob,   funeral  is  on  friday the  19/10/07 at 12.30hrs at Morleys  Funerals Townsville,   there is a open casket viewing  at 11.30hrs.  from there    the service  will proceed to  crematorium,  family members only.( private )  there  will be a wake at the Kirwin Hotel following the service at  Morleys.   if you have  a beret please wear it  (no medals).   Rod Nowland bob  i know it is late , but i have just been told by bob kinnane,, that medals are to be worn  now.. if people are still coming.  sorry for mess up..   rod

Chris Young is trying to contact the 5 Sqn ground crew who were on detachment with Tony Lea, Graham Christian and Stan Flack in Goroka in July-August 1972 and were involved in the SAR for the 38 Sqn Caribou that crashed in the Kudgru Gap. He'd also like to contact anyone who was with the 9 Sqn detachment at Lake Kopiago at the same time. If you can help please drop Chris a line. His email address is candky@gmail.com  Regards Steve Hartigan Assistant National Secretary

Dear Pom Sorry to that Dave Eyres passed away, please pass on sincere regards to Jackie and family.   We served in Malaysia together in "81-'83 at base defence section. Regards    Peter Wattie

Northern Station  2007

Go to the RAAF News for more on Northern Exposure 2007

RIP Dave

Click here for photo's of Daves farewell

Pom, I am so A-N-G-R-Y! I have just received a copy of this book and surprise surprise, only a very passing mention is made of the ADG in Vietnam .. 'and other RAAF units were the airfield defence guards and airfield construction units'. Great given that members of the ADG Association hierarchy were interviewed by the author (as are identified in the book) I find this most distressing Nothing about the honours and awards received by members of the ADG. Nothing about the fact that the ADG conducted ambush and other patrols, were aircrew / gunners; conducted escort duties; were FAC observers and observers on Canberra Bombers; etc etc etc. Oh (and maybe to blow my own trumpet, yet with great disgust) I am given a written quote on page 468 on the protection of Father Pat McCormick (whom we dearly loved); but my identification was 'as written by Peter Taylor an RAAF officer who provided escort duties for McCormick.....'; not the fact that I was (am) an bloody ADG!!!!! Through my community radio 101FM (that's 101.1 on the FM dial in SE QLD where I present a Monday afternoon - 12-4 music program; also see www.101fm.asn.au) I will be recording an interview with the author Paul Ham whom I had previously interviewed after the release of his previous book 'Kokoda' and I sincerely hope that my blood pressure has settled down some by then. I had open heart surgery earlier this year and regardless of information sent to many by my family; the only people who chose to visit or follow up on my condition was the TPI Assn and the Logan Diggers Club; not surprising really as I have been tossed out of RSL and Legacy Clubs for being to open and honest with my comments so I have to be careful not to have a blowout. When are we going to stand up for ourselves and demand that our story be told?  Not pussy foot around? I have a number of pages written on the role of the ADG in Vietnam taken from personal memories and stories told by many (sometimes with a gut full) but other than support from some within the radio industry, no publisher is willing to take on 'the truth' .... unless I want to put up the dollars, that is. Yet, good people like Paul Ham (yes he is a good man) continue to follow the ???official line??? that shows the ADG as an insignificant part of the Vietnam war.  Well we were there too!  Many publications from former Army personnel decried the role of the RAAF in Vietnam which is disappointing for I will never but respect all of our forces and their contribution to the role for which each of us were given in Vietnam and completed with respect. My draft publication is called 'When the Blue Orchids Wore Green - Stories of the Airfield Defence Guard in Vietnam' (copyright) previously titled 'Forgotten Force - Stories of the Airfield Defence Guard in Vietnam' (copyright). Maybe it is time for all who have written stories, no matter how small, to get together in person, on line or by telephone to discuss this.  Not to write an 'official publication' but tell our story as we believe it - from the horses mouth, with our no-bullshit language. No longer should we have to put up with Vietnam being the Army war or that the minnow (NV) tossed out the giant (USA); an armistice was signed and after the majority of the US and other forces were withdrawn, the North invaded and over threw a weaken South.  That is the truth and as soon as we start to promote the truth lies like 'Whitlam brought the troops home' will continue! Give me a call.......... Peter Taylor 07 3802 1214 petert@101fm.asn.au winterin@bigpond.net.au P.O. Box 1081 Park Ridge Qld 4125 too long the sleeping little black duck! Pom, I have no problem if this makes our publication - just don't sue me as there is no money in honey-town. =============================================================================== Gday Bob - thanks for this. I understand his and your concern. If it's any consolation, I do refer to the ADGs during the Fall of Saigon, and the fact that I covered in some detail the FACs, Canberras, gunships in the Air War chapter. And if it it helps, I'm happy to insert more on the ADGs in the 2nd edition (paperback - which is the one most people will buy). The book is an evolving production...history is never fully written! Best wishes - and I appreciate the feedback. I do want to correct errors of fact and omission, Cheers Paul Ham 0413 041580 PS Please pass on to Peter Taylor =============================================================================== G'day Pom Was perusing some books, (yes I can read, can't spell) in K Mart and looked in a book called "Vietnam. An Australian War" by Paul Ham. I'm afraid I was disgusted to read the first mention of the RAAF was that we were cowards and that reputation lasted for the whole conflict and beyond.  Now in two tours and many dealings with the army since I have never heard that said before. Funny thing is a transcript of a dust off under fire was printed and no mention it was 9 Squadron. The book does not mention 2 Squadrons efforts either. Please don't buy the book but I would like to know what others think, am I to sensitive. Tiny Gday Pom, Gday Tiny. Have to admit I have not heard the " cowardice " bit before. However I would like to see just what he has written about us, ( exact transcript ) before replying fully. I most certainly won't be buying the book, if there is an inkling of any kind, with regard RAAF cowadice. Nor, I might add, will any of my Family or associates. Who is this guy? Was he even there? Was he a " combat " soldier? Is he actually from this Planet ? Or, is he just another one of these people jumping on the band wagon, to make a few bucks at the expense of others' miseries and experiences etc ? ( Vietnam is still a popular subject to some ) No, Tiny, I don't beleive you are being too sensitive, if he, has even insinuated, the RAAF was cowardly. I realise that all publicity can be good publicity to an author, particularly if it is controversial. However, we should speak up about this sort shit, and get it put to rest asap. Keep it to the website and the only ones to gain will be us. Chester.

Correction below

The info about Hank Abbey passing on is incorrect he is still in the land of the living  Hi there , just heard on the grape vine i was Dead, muchly to my surprise Pom not real flash tho mate , i have terminal cancer of the lungs. Tony Wheels Wheeler let me know. i have been in and out of the cancer unit at the repat tho even they wrote me off a few times, but my toes still point up each morning, so thats a plus Bob a bastard waiting to die i tell ya, worse than having kids lol. a few of my Yank mates who were Air Police have contacted me, guys who used to come on patrol with us adgies had one of them and his wife over for a  spell last week. good to catch up well mate time for my Morphine again take care all the Best Hank ( Russ) Abbey Our most sincere apologies Russ. Note please fellas check carefully before offering details like this for inclusion on site Sorry Russ from myself for not knowing better it's terrible when the grapevine gets it wrong, but from me i'm glad your still with us and i'll apologise on behalf of not only myself but those others who out of concern and again not knowing lead to this terrible oversite. A red faced and embarassed Pom ................ sorry old mate. The Pom.

Bob, Yes...I talked to many men who were there. Hundreds. I realise there are ommissions in the book; I can't cover everyone. But I have examined the medal downgrades (see Welcome Home chapter). And things can change, actually: if you feel the book has made errors, and can demonstrate these errors with evidence, I will correct them for the next edition. cheers Paul

Dear Bob, May I politely request that you stop circulating these slanderous emails and ask the people concerned to contact me directly? If they have complaints about the book they might do me the courtesy of bringing them to my attention. As I have always said, if anything in the book is wrong I am prepared to amend the error. Their attacks do not reflect the content of the book at all. I trust they will not stray into defamation or abuse, as clearly not one of them has read the book. Had they done so they would see the strong coverage of the RAAF in the chapter entitled The Air War and others. Paul Ham 0413 041580 02 9388 9421 OK fellas i'm outta here but if you wish you can either contact Paul direct on either the phone numbers or his email address. The Pom.

Gday Pom. I took your advice and contacted Paul Ham, and I must admit, I am rather glad I did, as you will read below. Wether or not you choose to publish it is up to you. I feel that  Paul has been misquoted and our Blokes have the right to read his reply. He also states that the ADG will be given more coverage in the second edition. I feel this is most generous, just because someone writes about Vietnam, they are certainly not beholden to publicise the ADG or the role played by them. Thanks Phil - much appreciated. cheers Paul ======================================================================= Thanks for the reply Paul. I suspected that things had been taken out of context and blown out of proportion. Thanks also about your comments on the RAAF and Adgies in particular. I shall do my best to get your REAL message across to the guys. Thanks again and all the best. Chester. ======================================================================== Gday Phil, The complaint is absolute nonsense. In dozens of places I record the supreme courage of the RAAF. The reference to which you refer is misquoted and refers to one instance in relation to a few early helicopter flights, and they are NOT my words. They are the sentiments of some Army commanders - so the RAAF should blame the Army. For god's sake, who am I to judge you?? This is what happened: A few ADGies have got a handle on one remark, misquoted it, took it completely out of context, and utterly failed to read the rest of the book, which records the brilliance of the Huey pilots, the Canberra bombers, the FACs, and indeed the 4 ADGies left on the tarmac in Saigon in April 1975. I accept what you and the ADGs have said about being overlooked. Indeed, I have undertaken - in discussion with the ADGs in Australia - to expand the ADG coverage in the book (Incl. Phan Rang) in the 2nd edition, to better record your courage and persistence in a range of duties. Not one of those who has complained has read the book (eg see chapters on The Air War and Welcome Home, which record the extraordinary courage of the RAAF, who were in fact were awarded many more medals per capita than the Army - to the Army's chagrin). In short, the charge against my book which you relay below is absurd, and fails to take the book in its entirety. Yes, some Army officers in the early stages of the war criticised the reluctance of A FEW Australian pilots to medevac the wounded - this is on the record in many places. It is even confirmed by several RAAF snr cmmdrs. But it is hardly a reflection on the whole RAAF! I urge you to circulate this email among your colleagues, in NZ and Australia. If any of them have a single complaint to make - then I urge them to approach me directly, point out the error, and I shall undertake to correct or amend it. As said, I acknowledge that I should have offered more space to the ADGs in the book, and I will correct this error of omission. Few if any writers would offer this opportunity to their readers. I see my book as an evolving document. History is never fully written. Thank you for your feedback and comments; I appreciate it. cheers Paul Ham 0413 041580 02 9388 9421 ========================================================================== Gday Paul. Well, it would appear that I now need to see if I can purchase a copy of your book over here in New Zealand. Nobody seems willing to confirm, that, you stated " the RAAF were cowards and that reputation lasted for the whole conflict and beyond ", and , this is what was actually written in your book. I personally find it hard to beleive that this was the actual wording, - we probably would have heard the uproar from over here. Pom has closed off the debate on his website and as such, we all should respect that decision. I apologise if you felt offended in any way with the comments I made on the site. However, you will notice I put a little light heartedness ( planet ) in also, to try and take the edge off , what is a serious subject, ( cowardice ) if it was in fact written as stated by Tiny. Perhaps Paul, it is hard for you to understand, but many of these guys feel let down and forgotten. Not by you, ( after all, it is not your job to tell the world what an ADG was or did ) or any other member of the public, but, more by the RAAF itself. Unfortunately, I feel that you were just another instrument for some of the guys to vent their " spleen " on. After all, these weren't your fancy fly boys ( although ADG's did serve as door gunners and obsevers etc ) dressed in blue, these blokes wore the green, these blokes were trained to kill - Isn' t that why we had an Army old chap ? Let's just forget that they go out on patrols and night ambushes etc while we are all tucked up in our beds, snug as a bug in a rug and all safe and secure inside the wire. These guys were proud to be RAAF, these guys were proud to be ADG's, these guys were proud to be the few to wear the  "Beret". These guys were, and still are " Blue Beret's ", the RAAF's specialist ground forces and were highly trained, and top troops, who have never received real recognition from the RAAF with regard their expertise, and or, for the job they did in Vietnam. The public in general also has no idea of their existance. So, I guess what I am trying to explain here, is that they feel deceived, let down, or whatever elese you may want to call it. In their day, ( Vietnam ) there would have been around 120 to 150 ADG's in total in the RAAF. That figure has increased significantly since those days, to hundreds I beleive. The RAAF now sees the ADG in a much different light I am told, and they are an accepted, and fully integrated part of the Air Force. Perhaps Paul, this will give you a small insight as to why blokes talk about " the forgotten force " etc. Why too, some blokes, sometimes, read things into something that isn't really there. Please don't take too much to heart the comments received. Having talked with so many, you will be only too aware of how many people have been" altered " forever after seving in Vietnam. Stay well. Cheers, Chester.