Post on 09-Feb-2020
August 2017
This newsletter is the official newsletter of the 4 RAR Association, Qld Inc, issued in April, August and December
each year . Articles for publication should be directed to The Editor, 4 RAR Assoc, Qld Inc no later than one month
prior to the month of publication. We welcome your stories, reminiscences and comments.
Tel: (07) 3273 7973 Email: apriced4@bigpond.net.au www.4rarassociationsaustralia.com
PO Box 5354 Algester Qld 4115
4 RAR, 4 RAR/NZ (ANZAC), 2/4 RAR , 4 RAR (Cdo)4 RAR, 4 RAR/NZ (ANZAC), 2/4 RAR , 4 RAR (Cdo)4 RAR, 4 RAR/NZ (ANZAC), 2/4 RAR , 4 RAR (Cdo)4 RAR, 4 RAR/NZ (ANZAC), 2/4 RAR , 4 RAR (Cdo)
Malaysia, Borneo, South Vietnam, East Timor, Iraq, Timor Leste, Afghanistan.Malaysia, Borneo, South Vietnam, East Timor, Iraq, Timor Leste, Afghanistan.Malaysia, Borneo, South Vietnam, East Timor, Iraq, Timor Leste, Afghanistan.Malaysia, Borneo, South Vietnam, East Timor, Iraq, Timor Leste, Afghanistan.
The Fighting Fourth
THE LADIES LUNCHEON 2017
(LIDS- Ladies In Direct Support)
The annual 4 RAR Assoc, Qld Inc Ladies' Luncheon
was conducted at the Restaurant, "66 On Ernest" again
on Thursday 22 June. Thirty ladies attended, including
our specially invited ladies Alison Hocking, Deslie
Hann, Christine Upton, Pam McCloskey and Lyn
Wilkes who as our widows, were the guests of the As-
sociation. Twenty five other ladies and four males at-
tended.
The males, Bob Hadlow, Rick Male and Alan Price
in "accord with LIDS SOP", were seated as a group,
alone in another part of the restaurant. Later, after pip-
ing the LIDS into lunch, Private Tim Anderson, the
Pipe Sergeant of the 8th/9th Battalion, Royal Austra-
lian Regiment Pipes and Drums, joined them.
Continued Page 2
The Ladies’
Luncheon
Page 2
The Canine
Operational
Service Medal
Page 5
Honour Roll
Page 6
A Warrior Died
Today
Page 7
Queensland
Report
Page 9
From The
President
Page 11
VALE
Page 3
Townsville
(Thurstonville)
Reunion
Page 12
A Warrior Died
Today
Page 7
Page 2
Tim surprised Irma by playing
the bag pipes that Irma had do-
nated to the 8/9 RAR Pipes and
Drums earlier in the year. Tim
piped the ladies into the dining
room and offered the traditional
Gaelic toast to the Queen, He
later piped the ladies out when
the luncheon ended. The ladies
showed their appreciation by
loud applause.
Mr Soren Neilsen and his col-
league Ms Jane Biltriss from the
firm, Health and Hearing were
the special guests and both were
made welcome by Maureen
Price, Soren was introduced as
the guest speaker and he spoke
about the way that deafness af-
fects us in a community and how
our hearing can be improved by
sometimes free, newly developed
hearing aids.
It was a very interesting ad-
dress. Both Soren and Jane were
presented with gifts in apprecia-
tion. Soren was invited to become
an Associate Member and Jane
won the door prize! It is hoped
that both Soren and Jane made a
lot of new friends on the day. All
in all, a good day was experi-
enced and it was great to see so
many ladies smiling and laugh-
ing. It was noted that Soren is a
Dane and now residing in Austra-
lia and he was asked at one stage
to give Princess Mary back. He
flatly refused!
From page 1 THE LADIES’ LUNCHEON 2017
Two large female family
groups attended; the Ma Baker
Gang included the matriarch,
Lorraine Baker wife of Frank
Baker former 4 RAR medic,
Suzanne Baker, Michelle Ibbert-
son, Juirsa O'Neill and Kayla
Peters.
The Mountney clan arrived
headed by Lisa Mountney with
Nicole Mountney, Rachel
Mountney and Chelsea Wintour,
all descendents of their matri-
arch, Maureen Price.
Some of our dependables at-
tended again in Liz Burgess,
Kay Shannon, Susan O'Neill,
Laraine Edwards with her friend
Ronda Pearce. Rhonda Lauze
was invited by Christine Upton
and seated nearby were Lynda
Hadlow, Janice Dorber and Ros
Male with Deslie Hann and her
friend, Judy Gray.
One of the highlights was the
presence of two of our card la-
dies again, Loraine Skinner and
Irma Munn. Irma Munn was am-
bushed by the 8/9 RAR, Pipe
Sergeant, Tim Anderson.
Missing was the joking and
laughter of our recently deceased
Rita Bostock and she was greatly
missed. Bob Hadlow took the
photos of the day that appear in
this article. Thanks Bob, well
done.
VALE
AT THE GOING DOWN OF THE SUN, AND IN THE MORNING, AT THE GOING DOWN OF THE SUN, AND IN THE MORNING, AT THE GOING DOWN OF THE SUN, AND IN THE MORNING, AT THE GOING DOWN OF THE SUN, AND IN THE MORNING,
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM. WE WILL REMEMBER THEM. WE WILL REMEMBER THEM. WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.
Once again we honour all those who have gone before us.
In this brief moment of our time may we consider the stress and strain these men must have passed through before laying down their crosses of life. Enable us, their friends to be worthy of the trust they have imparted unto us on their passing; for theirs was an honourable and noble life. May God grant unto their families His peace.
We only hope that there are none recently which should have been reported.
We sincerely apologise if we have been remiss.
Brian Kingsley Heath 18 July 2017
Neal Joseph "Killer" Kinnane 20 June 2017
Terence "Terry" Ace 02 June 2017
Robert Stanley "Bob" Secrett 09 May 2017
To all that have passed in the service of 4 RAR, 4 RAR/NZ (ANZAC), 2/4 RAR and 4 RAR (Cdo) Well done, thou good and noble warriors, we will never forget!
In Memorium are displayed on the 4 RAR Associations of Australia Web site at: 4rarassociationsaustralia.com/passing-parade.html
LESTWE FORGET .LESTWE FORGET .LESTWE FORGET .LESTWE FORGET .
BBC Digital - Making work flow For over 30 years BBC Digital has been making work
flow. Their strategy is to always be pro-active rather
than reactive. BBC Digital are sponsors of the 4 RAR
Associations, Australia newsletter, The Fighting
Fourth. BBC Digital some time ago, with the assis-
tance of a retired former 4 RAR officer donated a
large Canon printer which enables us to print The Fighting Fourth in
magazine form at a reduced cost and at reduced timings. We no longer
have to take the draft newsletter to outside resources to have printed, we can do it by ourselves, pro-
fessionally and quickly. Our strategy like that of BBC Digital, has always been to be proactive rather
than reactive. BBC Digital has allowed us to achieve our objectives and we are so very proud and
thankful to be associated with them as they offer a complete workflow solution covering the three key
areas of document control: printers, copiers and scanners. If you are in business contact BBC Digital
now to see how they can help you and your business to better achieve. They helped us!
Page 3
Our printer and office.
Page 4
What cannot be displayed are
the weather conditions, the
smells, the knee deep freezing
mud and water in winter, the
smell of trench foot, the smell of
latrines and the multitude of flies
and rats in summer; the cold in
winter and the heat in summer.
What the display does cause us
to imagine however, is the brav-
ery, gallantry, determination,
professionalism and certainly the
hardships and sometimes hope-
lessness of those soldiers de-
picted wearing the colour patch
of the 4th Battalion, white over
green.
The battalion was raised within
a fortnight of the declaration of
war in August 1914 and em-
barked just two months later.
After a brief stop in Albany,
Western Australia, the battalion
proceeded to Egypt, arriving on
2 December.
The battalion took part in the
ANZAC landing on 25 April
1915 as part of the second and
third waves.
THE 4 RAR MUSEUM ANNEX
THE 4 RAR MUSEUM
ANNEX,
THE GOLD COAST WAR
MUSEUM
New Display: The 4th Austra-
lian Infantry Battalion, Austra-
lian Imperial Force.
The 4th Australian Infantry
Battalion, Australian Imperial
Force (4 AIB, AIF) was among
the first infantry units raised for
the AIF during the First World
War. Like the 1st, 2nd and 3rd
Battalions, it was recruited from
New South Wales and together
with these battalions, formed the
1st Brigade of the 1st Division.
One of the many new displays
at the 4 RAR Museum Annex at
the Gold Coast War Museum de-
picts soldiers of 4 AIB, AIF in
the trenches at Gallipoli facing
towards "no man's land" in both
winter and summer.
The combined displays tell the
story of the battalion at Gallipoli;
their dress, weapons, ammuni-
tion, equipment, tools, rations and
personal items.
The commander of the 4th Bat-
talion, Lieutenant Colonel A. J.
O. Thompson, was killed the next
day. At ANZAC, the battalion
took part in the defence of the
beachhead and in August, along
with the rest of the 1st Brigade,
led the charge at Lone Pine.
The battalion served at ANZAC
until the evacuation of all Austra-
lian forces in December, 1915.
The museum display is the
property of the 4 RAR Associa-
tion, Qld Inc which comple-
mented and assisted the efforts
and finances put in by Bob
Meehan OAM and Wally Greico,
the 4 RAR Association, Qld Inc
curators responsible for the dis-
play.
Please visit the Gold Coast
War Museum which includes the
4 RAR Museum Annex at:
42 John Rogers Rd off the
S p r i n g b r o o k R d ,
Mudgeeraba 4213 Phone
Page 5
Clasps
A clasp with the name of the operation for which the award is made is presented with the medal. A further award of the Canine Operational Service Medal in another area of opera-tions is recognised by the issue of an additional clasp. Addi-tional clasps are worn above pre-viously awarded clasps, in order of date of receipt. The following clasps have been issued for the medal so far: East Timor, Iraq 03, Solomon Is 11, Timor-Leste, and G.M.E. (Greater Middle East Operations).
Combat Assault Dog Quake
Combat Assault Dog (CAD)
Quake was born early March
2008 within the RAAF puppy
programme and mentored by an
RAAF handler until 2011. Quake
was selected for SASR CAD
reinforcement cycle in early
2011 and on successful comple-
tion was posted to 2 Sqn, SASR.
Quake was deployed to Afghani-
stan with 1 Sqn SASR on Special
Operations Training Group
(SOTG) 16 in September 2011 to
replace another CAD that had
been wounded in action (WIA).
Quake performed well on his
tour with 1 Sqn and on numerous
occasions was responsible for the
early warning of enemy and ap-
prehension of insurgents.
In January 2012, CAD Quake
was posted to 3 Sqn SASR and
THE CANINE OPERATIONAL SERVICE MEDAL
deployed to Afghanistan with
SOTG 17 arriving at Tarin Kowt
in February 2012. Again, on nu-
merous occasions Quake appre-
hended insurgents as well as pro-
viding early warning of enemy
dispositions and equipment.
On 25 June 2012, Quake per-
formed outstandingly. On this
day he provided early detection
of an enemy sentry position. He
then immediately acted to inter-
dict an insurgent hidden in a con-
cealed position and during which
he was killed in action by small
arms fire. He died instantly.
However, Quake’s actions forced
the insurgent to reveal his loca-
tion thereby allowing the remain-
der of the patrol to close with and
kill him. It also forced other en-
emy soldiers in the immediate
vicinity, who had formed a good
ambush position, to move. This
movement was observed by the
SASR troop and they engaged the
enemy killing five of them with
no loss to the Australians.
Quake was handled in turn by
three members of the SASR:
Trooper MG, Lance Corporal JA
and Corporal DB.
CAD Quake was awarded the
Canine Operational Service
Medal with Clasp Afghanistan
and also, the Canine Service
Medal awarded by the Australian
Defence Force Trackers and War
Dogs Association.
The Canine Operational
Service Medal
The Canine Operational Ser-vice Medal was introduced on 8 June 2017 to recognise the con-tribution Military Working Dogs make whilst serving on opera-tions. The Medal forms part of the Department of Defence's internal recognition scheme and is not part of the Australian Honours and Awards System. The Australian Defence Force is the first Defence Force to imple-ment recognition of this nature.
The Medal will be awarded to Military Working Dogs who have 30 days service continuous or aggregated on a declared op-eration.
Phase one of the project will focus on identifying Military Working Dogs with service on operations from East Timor (1999) to current day. Phase two will focus on Defence conduct-ing research to identify Military Working Dogs with service from Vietnam onwards.
Design
The Medal is made in Austra-lia from nickel-silver and has been designed to reflect the Aus-tralian Defence Force Military Working Dog capability. The obverse (front) features Combat Assault Dog Quake, who was bred by the Air Force Breeding Program and passed training elements to become an Army Combat Assault Dog. Quake died on operations in Afghani-stan on 25 June 2012. The re-verse (back) features the Austra-lian Defence Force logo.
Ribbon
The riband colours represent Purple - animals, Green- land, Yellow – loyalty; and Blue - sea and sky.
Page 6
Warrant Officer Hunt has had
various postings to Land and
Training Command, being pro-
moted to Warrant Officer Class
two when posted to the Special
Forces Training Centre.
Warrant Officer Hunt was sub-
sequently posted back to the 4th
Battalion, Royal Australian
Regiment (Commando), in 2002
and served as the Company Ser-
geant Major of two commando
companies and the Operational
Support Company.
Warrant Officer Hunt deployed
to Operation Falconer as the
Company Sergeant Major of the
Bravo Commando Company
Group. It was for this operation
that Warrant Officer Hunt was
awarded the Commendation for
Distinguished Service in recog-
nition of distinguished perform-
ance of duties in a warlike opera-
tion.
For distinguished performance
in the provision of expert techni-
cal knowledge and commitment
to meeting operational require-
ments as the Company Sergeant
Major of Bravo Company, 4th
Battalion, Royal Australian
Regiment, in Iraq during Opera-
tion Falconer.
Presented by the Governor
General of Australia and Com-
mander–in-Chief of the Defence
Force on 27 November 2003.
COMMENDATION FOR
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE
Within the Australian System,
there are three decorations that
recognise distinguished service
in action or warlike operations,
HONOUR ROLL
Darren John HUNT
825689
Warrant Officer Class Two
Commendation for
Distinguished Service
Warrant Officer Class Two
Darren Hunt enlisted in the Aus-
tralian Army in 1986 and was
allotted to the Royal Australian
Infantry Corps. On completion
of initial employment training,
Warrant Officer Hunt was posted
to the 2nd/4th Battalion, Royal
Australian Regiment and then
the 2nd Battalion, Royal Austra-
lian Regiment, when they de-
linked. During this time he was
appointed as a platoon sergeant
in recognition of his outstanding
abilities.
In 1996 Warrant Officer Hunt
was posted to the Commando
Training Team at the 1st Com-
mando Regiment and assisted in
the conversion of the 4th Battal-
ion, Royal Australian Regiment,
to a full time commando unit.
Then in 1999 he was posted to
the 4th Battalion, Royal Austra-
lian Regiment (Commando), as
the reconnaissance platoon
sergeant.
All three, The Distinguished
Service Cross, The Distinguished
Service Medal and the Commen-
dation for Distinguished Service
were established on 15 January
1991 to recognise members of the
ADF and certain other persons
for distinguished command and
leadership in action or distin-
guished performance of duties in
warlike operations. All may be
awarded posthumously but only
the first two carry postnominal
entitlements. The Commendation
replaced the Imperial award of
the Mention in Despatches.
The insignia of the Commenda-
tion is a central Federation Star
on a nickel-silver row of flames
that taper at each end. The insig-
nia is worn attached to an ochre-
red riband 32 mm in width. A
miniature insignia is worm on the
riband bar.
Further awards for separate
actions are denoted by additional
Commendation insignia that are
attached to the riband above the
insignia of previous awards. No
additional insignia are added to
the riband bar.
Page 7
On Monday 12 June 2017, a
soldier left this life. On Tuesday
27 June 2017 a soldier was fare-
welled. One who offered his life
for so many was farewelled by
so few.
Private John Kenneth James
Barrett, a former 8 RAR soldier,
was farewelled in the presence of
16 people but only three from his
own association and four from
the 4 RAR Association. It
seemed that no one else cared
that a warrior was being fare-
welled even after so many invita-
tions to attend were distributed
by both associations.
John Barrett was formerly a
member of 1 ARU and 8 RAR in
Vietnam from June to November
1971 in service to his country.
John apparently led a solitary
life in his later years and the
most that is known is that he was
married twice and was estranged
from both families for some
twenty years. His adopted family
was the couple, Suzanne and
Johno Northcott and their young
daughter Sky who lived next
door. Sky called John, "Poppy
John" and John Barrett called
Suzanne and Johno, his "adopted
family".
John died in Greenslopes Pri-
vate Hospital and had nominated
Suzanne and Johno as his NOK.
It was some days after John’s
death that Johno and Suzanne
found a contact number for the
Vice President of the Malay and
Borneo Association, David
Brewer RAN. Dave then con-
tacted Alan Price because he also
was a member of that association
and of the RAR.
A WARRIOR DIED TODAY
Those in attendance were:
8/9 RAR; Pte Tim Anderson,
Pipe Sergeant and Pte Jay Hart,
Bugler, 8/9 RAR Pipes and
Drums, 8/9 RAR Assoc; Clive-
Mitchell-Taylor OAM, JP, Mar-
garet Mitchell-Taylor and Ken
Falvey. National Malay and
Borneo Assoc, Qld; David
Brewer. 4 RAR Assoc, Qld;
Alan Price, Maureen Price, Rick
Male, Adrian O'Bryan and David
Heit.
Not one of those mentioned
apart from his adopted family,
knew John personally. Only 2
had served within the same unit
as him and six from two different
associations did not know of him.
All however, were prepared to
farewell a warrior in the tradition
of our service and post service
life and the constitution of our
Associations on behalf of our
members.
A potentially lamentable situa-
tion was salvaged by those who
did attend but it is hoped that we
should never again experience a
warrior farewelled by so few. A
soldier should never be buried as
a pauper.
A soldier and a warrior asks no
more than to be recognised and
thanked as he departs for that
heaven reserved for soldiers.
PS. Please make a will and tell
those close to you where it is!
Alan notified Clive Mitchell-
Taylor the state representative if
the 8 RAR Association, and
passed the news onto him. As
Alan lived close to Suzanne, he
offered to be the liaison between
the family and the 8 RAR Asso-
ciation.
Their tasks were subsequently
divided in that Clive would in-
vestigate the actions to be taken
for John to be buried and Alan
would look after the family side
of things and present the military
eulogy for John at his funeral
service.
After a whirlwind for Clive of
receiving , "so what, nothing we
can do" and " not our responsi-
bility" from agencies that we
considered should be obligated
to assist, Clive made a break-
through and was able to arrange
a service for John prior to his
being cremated. Suzanne was
considered by DVA to be John's
next of kin and was notified that
$2,000 had been allowed to-
wards John's funeral. John had
unfortunately died intestate with
no will, with very little savings
and salvageable possessions.
That caused much heartache.
In the meantime, 8/9 RAR gra-
ciously provided a piper and bu-
gler for the service. The 4 RAR
Assoc provided the adornments
of slouch hat, bayonet and the
Australian National Flag. Alan
then wrote a military eulogy that
included a description of John's
service, a resume of his service
record and a poppy service
which he presented during the
Funeral service. Clive presented
Suzanne with the framed record
of service, the Australian Na-
tional Flag and the 8 RAR sash.
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Page 8
Page 9
treasurer Maureen Price and they
along with the other guests, were
piped into the auditorium.
Students at the service totalled
more than 1,100 and included
approx 50 teachers and another
50 family members and friends.
Like Mitchelton High School,
the students presented the whole
service and the school choir sang
a beautiful song regarding the
ANZACs. It was a wonderful
presentation.
The Dawn Service
The Dawn Service at The RAR
National Memorial Walk was a
cool morning with over 150 rep-
resentatives of the RAR from all
units present. Chelsea Wintour
accompanied her grandfather
Alan Price and also in attendance
were Major Chris Smith (Retd)
and his family, Michael Martyn,
Adrian O'Bryan, committee
member Rick Male and Ken
Carter our welfare officer.
After laying a wreath for 4
RAR at the RAR NMW, Alan
then laid a wreath at the new
RAR Place memorial adjacent to
Ferguson Park on Samford Rd.
Enoggera.
Redlands RSL Sub Branch
Ray Moore (4 RAR/RAAMC) one of our committee members, laid a wreath on behalf of 4 RAR at the parade conducted by the
QUEENSLAND REPORT
Mitchelton High School
On Friday 21 April, the 4 RAR
Assoc, Qld Inc was again invited
to share the ANZAC Day cele-
bration by the Mitchelton High
School in Brisbane. We have
been invited to their ceremony
now for some ten years. It is a
double honour for us to be in-
vited as Private Victor Neils Pe-
tersen who was Killed in Action
in Vietnam with us on 16 Febru-
ary 1969 was an old boy of the
school. Alan, Maureen Price and
Rick Male attended and Alan
and Rick laid a wreath dedicated
to Victor Neils.
Helensvale Primary School
The ANZAC Celebration con-
tinued on Monday 24 April with
Alan being invited to deliver the
address at the Helensvale Pri-
mary School on the northern
edge of the Gold Coast. This
was to be the 12th time that Alan
had delivered the address in 15
years of attendance at the school.
Again Alan was accompanied
by our "Sigfantry Corps" com-
mittee member Rick Male with
Redcliffe RSL Sub Branch,
where Alan Harcourt (4 RAR) is
the sub branch President and his
wife Linda is the Welfare Officer.
We thank all those who marched
and laid wreaths in all other areas
including Townsville, Tasmania
and the Northern Territory. Well
done! It is amazing how many
RSL sub branches are adminis-
tered by former 4 RAR members
all around the country.
ANZAC Day Brisbane
ANZAC Day in Brisbane saw 4 RAR present one of the largest RAR contingents with approxi-mately 50 marching including descendents of deceased mem-bers including the Max "Yogi" Upton (LM) family members who represented Max. The Mountney family members marched for their great, grandfa-ther and great, great, grandfather from World Wars 1 and 2 wear-ing their medals.
Our patron, LTCOL Brian Avery (Retd), Major John McGhee (Retd) and his grand-daughter rode in jeeps as did a 1 RAR Korean veteran, the former Pte Evan Bond who by invitation, marched with us with his grand-son as carer. A mix up in the or-der of march of the vehicles re-sulted in the 4 RAR Contingent being led by Pte Bond (1 RAR) (Another 4 RAR First!) followed by Brian Avery our patron, then John McGhee and then the con-tingent. Continued page 10
Page 10
Tasmania
Our Vice President Tasmania, Allan Wood, reports that we re-ceived an application for mem-bership from Robert “Bob” Les-lie Gillam in Tasmania, who served with us in South Vietnam from May to November 1971. We did have Bob on our associa-tion nominal roll but rather em-barrassingly, had never been in contact with Bob except by rou-tine emails.
It was a welcome surprise to receive an application for Ordi-nary Membership from him. Allan points out correctly that all known members residing in Qld, NT and Tas are considered asso-ciate members of the Qld asso-ciation and upon paying their annual fee, become Ordinary Members.
We sent a Bob a letter of wel-come, his unique membership card, the latest edition of the “About Us” and a previous copy of The Fighting Fourth. Bob’s wife replied,
“ Just wanted to say thank you
for Bob's acceptance of member-
ship to the 4RAR. Bob says how
pleased he was with the info he
received in the mail yesterday.
He is interested in paying extra
to get snail mail delivery as he
has no interest in most thing
electronic unless it is GPS or
echo sounders for his fishing
boat. (Not necessary, as included in fees)
It is the happiest I have heard
him for a long time. Even asked
me to organized a sticker for his
ute, plus cap and shirt which I
will do in near future.
Yours sincerely
Nancy Gillam”
Allan reports that he has con-tacted Bob and made him wel-come. Ed
From page 9 QUEENSLAND REPORT
Private Bond, 1 RAR Korea,
requested that he march with us
to show his appreciation for Alan
having his medals mounted and,
for assisting him in receiving the
Ambassador for Peace Medal
from the Korean Government.
He had never worn his medals or
marched previously. Alan later
presented Evan with a rather
amusing Certificate transferring
him from 1 RAR to 4 RAR in the
very temporary appointment of
Commanding Officer.
It was remarkable but totally
expected that while acknowledg-
ing the large crowd on the way,
we were all in step as we passed
the saluting dais and before we
all thinned out to our separate
watering holes to enjoy each
other's company and to remem-
ber. It was an excellent day and
one shared with other members
of 4 RAR including those from
East Timor and Afghanistan and
the other veterans that we met
during the course of the day. We
especially remembered and
raised a glass to all those who
could not or did not make it.
Family Ties
The 4 RAR Assoc, Qld re-ceived a phone call on 10 May 2017 from Mr David Powles. David is the nephew of Pte Keith Kingston-Powles who was KIA in South Vietnam on 21 Septem-ber 1971 at the Battle of Nui Le with 11 Platoon, D Company.
David served in The Gulf War and in East Timor with the RAN and wanted to join the 4 RAR Association as an Associate Members as does his brother, Nigel. David lives in WA and Nigel lives in NSW so both have been passed to their respective 4 RAR state associations as we al-ways do. What a great tribute to a family member as well as to a warrior. David is very desirous of contacting any one who served with Keith and wishes to know Keith better socially, who his mates were and what they got up to when no one was watching. Please contact David on 0430 298 998 or david.powles@asc.com.au.
Change. It is vital that the current committee surrender the flame to the younger ones coming behind us. We must never allow the name of 4 RAR to fade from our lips or to be overlooked by the modern soldier. It will take another large scale war before 4 RAR is given back to the Army, complete on the Order of Battle, that is a foregone conclusion but 4 RAR has a history that should never be forgotten either by the ADF or the general public. The 4 RAR Assoc, Qld Inc needs a change of faces, the old hands can still help but sometime us old soldiers must fade away.
Maureen and I have been at the helm, with the help of many others, now for 17 years. I therefore give notice that we will be retiring at the AGM of September 2019. Please look and ask around for a replacement Pres ident , Secre ta ry and Treasurer. It would be ideal if t h e y c o u l d s t a r t t h e i r apprenticeships as assistants during the 2017/2018 period prior to the 2019 elections.
Duty First,
Page 11
telephone, office furniture, trav-
elling, meals, parking, research,
entertainment, attendance at our
and other ESO meetings, minor
incidentals, time and energy
which are expended thankfully,
by each committee member.
All known unfinancial former
members of 4 RAR including
those of 4 RAR, 4 RAR/NZ
(ANZAC ) and 4 RAR (Cdo) are
regarded as Associate Members
but without voting rights or in-
formation by snail mail. All Fi-
nancial Members are classed as
Ordinary Members with voting
rights.
All Associate and Ordinary
Members are kept informed by
email and provided with copies
of The Fighting Fourth by email
free of charge. The only reason
for this is that it is easier for us
to maintain one large email list-
ing rather that separate ones.
This in effect, means that non
financial recognised Associate
Members are getting something
for nothing and that is not fair to
those who pay their annual sub-
scriptions because without them,
we would not have an associa-
tion. Raffles don't work!
We have the reputation of be-ing one of the best associations within the RAR. We have achieved this by confidently pro-viding an association that you and we, can be proud of.
To become a financial mem-ber, an application to join and details of the next AGM are in-cluded. A proxy means that your attendance is recorded and your vote is counted. A proxy is vi-tally important for those who live away from Brisbane and who wish to cast a vote.
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Membership.
Sometimes we are asked where
the $30.00 asked for annual fi-
nancial membership is spent and
rightly so. It is after all, your
money or at least, the money of
financial members.
It is spent in honouring our
widowed ladies by spending $45
a year each for them to attend the
Ladies’ Luncheon and to offer
all ladies a small gift in apprecia-
tion.
It is spent in writing, publish-
ing and mailing The Fighting
Fourth to over 900 members
three times a year and the in-
cluded costs for the provision of
paper, ink, envelopes, labels and
printing charges. It is spent on
wreaths for ceremonial occa-
sions, it is spent on the provision
of office consumables such as
paper, ink, postage stamps, post-
age and stationery. It is spent in
the delivery of RAP packs to our
sick and hospitalised, get well
and bereavement cards. It is spent
on computer and website upkeep.
It is spent on the provision of
displays and maintenance of the 4
RAR Annex of the Gold Coast
War Museum. It is spent on the
maintenance of the Year Book. It
is spent on the procurement of 4
RAR merchandise items for re-
sale and effectively and wisely
spent on items that benefit the
Association and it’s members at
all levels. Sometimes we also
respond at an Association and
personal cost to non financial
members, especially at funerals
and even to those from other
units and associations. The letter
from Clive Mitchell-Taylor
OAM, JP below, is much appreci-
ated.
A financial account is presented
to each General Meeting.
It is not spent on the vital mili-
tary library, research, electricity,
Page 12
THURSTONVILLE REUNION - LAST CHANCE
4 RAR REUNION
THURSTONVILLE -formerly TOWNSVILLE- 2017
4 RAR - 4 RAR/ NZ - 2/4 RAR - 4 RAR COMMANDO
17 – 22 September 2017
Mail: PO Box 4170 KIRWAN QLD 4817 Tel: 0406 591 018 Email: 4rar2017@gmail.com
Hi from sunny warm Thurstonville (Formerly Townsville). For the reunion week the weather looks promising with temperatures ranging between 26-28 degrees by day and 16-18 degrees by night with very little chance of rain, but bring a brolly anyway. This will be the last notification unless something im-portant arises but if you feel that you need to contact us, please don’t hesitate to ring or to email us.
Dress Standards, All functions are centrally held at the Townsville RSL on Charters Towers rd and nor-mal club dress standards apply. Rubber thongs are not allowed after 6 pm otherwise neat casual is the norm. Bring a hat. The minimum dress for the Meet and Greet and company functions is shirt with collar, shorts, sandals, boaties or runners and for the ladies neat and casual is the go.
Registration: Registration is at the RSL, upstairs in the “Jezzine” Room. There is a lift just past the recep-tion desk for the and another lift and stairs past the Bistro.
Ladies’ Luncheon. The Ladies’ Luncheon on Wednesday at the RSL will be from 12.00 MD in the “Jezzine” Room. We will have a raffle with multiple prizes as well as a li ucky door prize. And entertain-ment during the luncheon. Memorial Service. Assemble at 0845 hr to the left of the Tobruk Memorial Baths on The Strand facing the ocean with step off at 0915 hr. The service will commence at 0945 hr. Chairs under the cover of a marquee will be set up for all after the march and during the Memorial Service. Minimum dress for men is long trou-sers (NOT JEANS), shirt with collar and medals–jacket and tie are optional. If you wish to lay a wreath, please order from Daisy May Flowers 07– 4728 6868 to order and it will be delivered with ours on the day.
Group Photo. The group photo will be taken after the Memorial Service at ANZAC Park and will be avail-able at the Gala Dinner that night. If you are not attending the dinner, please make arrangements for some-one to collect your photo.
Old Photos. If you have any old photos from overseas deployments/back home on CD/DVD and would like to share them, bring them with you and we will show them during the Meet and Greet and company functions.
The Nui Le Gala Dinner. Payment and numbers for the dinner must be made before the Reunion com-mences as numbers have to be provided to the RSL the week before and it will be too late to advise us at registration, Attendees are to arrive no later than 1800 hr for an 1830hr start. Dress is dinner jacket/ suit and medals, evening attire for ladies. We have some great entertainment lined up for you and we guarantee it will be a fun night for everybody.
2 RAR Visit. Make sure that you bring photo ID as security at Lavarack Barracks is very tight. A great day has been organised with many exhibits of the new kit on display including small boats, tanks, ASLAV, dogs, demonstrations, open museum and WETS (Weapons Electronic Training Systems) and others as well as soldiers available to speak with the attendees. Timings for the visit are 1330hr to 1800hr. The Soldiers’
Club will be open from 1330hr for refreshments and a rolling BBQ will be available from 1430hr (Gold coin donation). Those wishing to participate in the WETS are not to drink alcohol beforehand. Trans-port will be provided to take groups to the WETS during the afternoon. The soldiers from 2 RAR are really looking forward to our visit. Dress is neat casual with covered footwear. Transport A bus will be provided for those visiting 2 RAR at a cost of $10 return. There is very little parking available except for the severely disabled. If you have not paid for the bus, please pay at registration.
Merchandise. In some ways we have been lucky as both suppliers have given us an extension of a couple of weeks so if you haven’t ordered a shirt or port, please ring or email your orders in now.
OUR AIM IS TO SEND YOU HOME WITH A SMILE ON YOUR FACE, WE SINCERLY
HOPOE THAT WE ACHIEVE OUR AIM