NASHONEWS

Feature Stories: Keeping you Posted p1 The Gun p3 Rifle Company Butterworth p4

Issue No 108 May 2012

NASHONEWS

NATIONAL SERVICEMEN’S ASSOCIATION OF AUST (QLD) INC.

NATIONAL SERVICEMEN’S ASSOC(Queensland) Inc. newsletterPublIcatIon no. P.P. 444963/000003P.o. box 7014 Holland ParK eastQld, 4121

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Printed by Monoset Printers & typesetters Phone 3205 4277 Fax 3881 1826

Three men who are always at Cross purposes. A rare photo of our past and present State Padres – Dr.Noel Wallis (at left) our first Padre; our new Padre, Canon Rev.d A.N.(Sandy) Marshall OAM RFD (Lt.Colonel Ret.d) (centre) and our retired State Padre, Captain John Tatters of the Salvation Army. It was Dr.Wallis who alerted NSAA founder Barry Vicary to the existence of the 1950s and largest National Service scheme after the Association was founded in Toowoomba in 1987 to seek a better deal for non-veteran 1960s National Servicemen. The three led the General Meeting on 31 March in reciting the Ode.

DirectoryState Management

CommitteePatron:Major-General Kevin Cooke AO RFD ED (Ret'd)President:Bill Morriss 07 3888 8408 0412 569 058Vice-President:Ivan Davis 07 3372 7651 0422 647 790Secretary:Allen Callaghan 07 3396 3369 0409 219 058Assistant Secretary:Howard Bazeley 07 3343 4195Treasurer:Bary Jack 0417 009 074Administration Manager:Tony Stevenson 07 3397 7512State Welfare Officer:Bruce Reedman 07 3488 0557 0418 333 850State Chaplain:Lt. Col. Canon Rev.d Sandy Marshall OAM RFD (Retd) 07 3348 8866Merchandise Officer:Alex Nunn 07 5499 2810Editor Nasho News:Allen Callaghan 07 3396 3369 0409 219 058Assistant Editor Nasho News:Fred Petersen 07 3396 5015 0417 708 409Membership Officers:Jim and Judy Woodford 07 3822 7009Assistant Treasurer:Jane Chivers 0401 884 959Minutes Secretary:Allen Callaghan 07 3396 3369

State OfficeEric Sivell Park, 171 Boundary Road, Camp Hill, Brisbane 4152Office Hours: 9.00am to 1.00pmMonday, Tuesday, Thursday, FridayPhone (07) 3324 1277 Fax (07) 3397 0424Email: nashosqld@gmail.comMail to: National Servicemen's AssociationP.O. Box 7014 Holland Park East Qld 4121Web: www.nashoqld.org.auNominal Roll/WebmasterAlex Garlin 07 5446 5210 al@ycinet.comNational Website: www.nashoaustralia.org.au

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERThe material contained in this publication is in the nature of general comment only, and neither purports, nor is intended, to be advice on any particular matter. Readers should not act or rely upon any matter or information contained or implied by this publication, without taking appropriate professional advice which relates specifically to their particular circumstances. The publishers and authors expressly disclaim all and any liability to any person whether an Association member or not, who acts or fails to act as a consequence of reliance upon the whole or part of the publication. Views expressed in any Editorial may not necessarily be those views held by the Management Committee.

Official NSAA Merchandise

OFFICIAL NSAA MERCHANDISE Beret $32Beret Badge – Pewter $5.50Beret Badge – Silver Six Sided Logo $20Book – 20 Year History of the NSAA 1987 to 2007 $25Caps Embroidered with Nasho Logo $17.50Coffee Cup with Nasho Logo $ 9.00Flag – Association Logo White Full Size (6'x3') $180Flag – Association Logo White small size (hand waver) $12.50Lapel Badge – Association Blue $5.50Lapel Badge – Navy, Army or Air Force $6.50Lapel Badge – Tri-service $6.50Medals Full Size Unmounted Swing CourtADM $18 $22.50 $27.50ANSM $18 $22.50 $27.50Duo ADM+ANSM $36 $45 $55Miniatures Unmounted Swing CourtADM $12 $16.50 $21ANSM $12 $16.50 $21Duo $24 $33 $42Medal Ribbon bar with ADM+ANSM medal ribbons $12Necktie with Nasho Logo $33.50Nasho Pocket Patch – Bullion Thread – Red $36Nasho Pocket Patch – Queensland Red Logo $10Nasho Port $13.50Nasho Key Rings Acrylic $4.50Nasho Wattle Key Rings $10Number plate covers ‘I Am a Nasho’ $22Shirts – Chambray short or long sleeves S M L XL XXL (add $3 for XXXL size) $36Shirts – Polo White or Maroon S M L XL XXL (add $3 for XXXL size) $31Stubby Holder with Nasho Logo $5.50Video – 50 year anniversary celebrations $15Video – Last March Out at Wacol $15Wall Plaque – 6 sided Nasho Logo on Timber $42.50 Pay by Credit Card – add $1.00

NASHO NOTICEBOARDGot a reunion planned? Looking for an oldNasho mate? Want to get information onanything? This is your page . . .

BRANCH NEWSIt’s bad news if you miss the

deadline for the edition. The closing date for Nasho News

No.109 is 27 July. Folding date is 17 August.

Front CoverA rare National Service photo because it's not Vietnam or Borneo but Malaysia where about 300 Nashos served in the 1969s and 70s and had the last overseas postings. See The Butterworth Rifle Company p4 25th ANNIVERSARY REUNION GOLD COST

17-23 September 2012.UPDATE

The Premier, the Hon. Campbell Newman, launched the 25th Reunion at a News Conference at Southport RSL on 9 May.Mr.Newman is a former Army Engineering officer and an honorary member of the NSAA.As Lord Mayor, he has taken the salute at many of our ParadesThe Reunion marks the 25th anniversary of the foundation of the Association in Toowoomba by the late Barry Vicary. Planning for the September Reunion is going exceptionally well. All venues are locked in and the program has been finalised. Inquiries are increasing, after the second mail out to all branches across Australia, and E-Mails to 75 Regional newspapers nation wide.Registrations have begun to come in. All events are at Southport. The NSAA National Council will meet during the Reunion and the State Delegates’ and General Meetings will be also be held at Southport at 9a.m. for 9:30a.m.on Saturday 22 September 2012. Venue to be advised. All Queensland branch secretaries should have in their possession, the registration form, bowls/golf form, program and other information. .I urge all secretaries to see that members of their branch receive copies of these, ASAP.With the exception of the Golf, which will be at the Gold Coast Country Club at Helensvale, the bowls will be at the Southport Bowls Club a short stroll from the Southport RSL Memorial Club. Accommodation is visitors’ responsibility. The sheet with accommodation houses etc are only as a guide to some of what is available, in close proximity to the Southport RSL Club. Bus stops are handy to most accommodationA limit at the Reunion Dinner has been set owing to the latest redevelopment of the Club. The limit is 600, so get in quick. An alternate venue is being sought for the overflow, and there will be an over flow. The Mystery trip is just that, I don`t even know where it is going. Whale Watch cruise has been included, not so much for locals, but for country and interstate visitors and we have had inquiries for this already.The march route is kind to us old blokes - not very long, at about 400 metres. Jeeps will be available for those unable to march.Further details and information will be mailed to all branches later. A reminder that no late entries will be accepted owing to bookings and catering arrangements.Bookings for all events close on 30th JulyBrian HandkeChairman,Planning Committee,Ph 07 56308071 - E-Mail hank@gcmanors.com

KEEPING YOU POSTED The first postal ballot to elect the State Management Committee returned the State Executive and most of the previous members.

Every financial member received a ballot paper and return envelope in Nasho News.

A feature of the vote was the very small number of informal ballots.

State President, Bill Morriss (2nd from left) ; Vice-President, Ivan Davis (1st on left) and Treasurer Barry Jack (at right) were returned by clear majorities. The State Secretary, Allen Callaghan (2nd from right), who was unopposed in that position, was returned as Minutes Secretary by a similar majority. The other SMC members are (below left to right) Administration Manager, Tony Stevenson; Membership Officer Jim Woodford; State Padre, Lt.Col Canon. Rev.d A.N. (Sandy) Marshall OAM RFD (Retd); Assistant Secretary Howard Bazeley; Welfare Officer, Bruce Reedman; Merchandise Officer Alex Nunn and Assistant Nasho News Editor, Fred Petersen. Allen Callaghan is Media Officer and Editor Nasho News.

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LAST POST 1/709367 Anning Leonard Wacol 3rd Intake 1953 1733278 Brandenberg Brian 3RD Intake 1967 1/717544 Charlsworth Barry Patrick Wacol 2nd Intake 1955 1/712516 Dunlop Edwin Ray Wacol 2nd Intake 1954 2/749208 Faehrmann Gerald Holsworthy 3rd Intake 1956 1/716099 Garlando Alf Wacol 1954 1/707160 Hockings James Cyril Wacol 2nd Intake 1954 1739292 Hook Lellie James Singleton 3rd Intake 1972 1/711523 Lee Douglas William Wacol 2nd Intake 1954 n/a Mallett Desmond Clarence Wacol 1952 1730837 McBain Robert George Kapooka 2nd Intake 1965 A111028 Power Brendan 1/705357 Ravenscroft John Wacol 1st Intake 1951 1/724381 Wells Noel Keith Wacol 1st Intake 1957 1/700342 Sim Keith Gray Wacol 1st Intake 1951 2/722068 Savage John Arthur Wacol 2nd Intake 1953 3/770642 Valentine Barry Puckapunyal 3rd Intake 1954 NS6307 Watson Garnet M. HMAS Flinders 1st Intake 1956 n/a Zielke Ian Davis Accidently killed 1958 1/713826 Zwoerner Colin Wacol 3rd Intake 1954

THEY SERVED AUSTRALIA

The Australia Day Awards in Townsville were presented by the Mayor of Townsville Cr Les Tyrell OAM at Riverway during the Australia Day Celebrations on Thursday, 26th January, 2012. The Townsville Branch of the National Servicemen’s Association is proud to have been chosen for two of these Awards. “Spirit of Townsville Community Award” : Warren Hegarty President of Townsville Branch, and “Community event of the year”: NASHO DAY on Tuesday, 14th February was held with our usual Commemorative Service at our National Service Memorial and afterwards a Luncheon at the Townsville R.S.L. OUR ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING WILL BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY, 14TH MARCH AT THE TOWNSVILLE R.S.L.

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Congratulations must go to our hardworking Welfare Officer, Bruce Reedman, on being awarded the Rowland Williams Memorial Shell, at the 31 March State Conference, the well-deserved trophy recognising his dedication of service. On 14th March, a somewhat dismal day, 24 members & supporters enjoyed a day out to the Kokoda Barracks at Canungra where they were met by Captain Denis Magennis who led them through the Museum giving a very informative talk on all the displays, including one devoted to our member Ron Partis. The visit was followed by lunch at the Canungra RSL. On 14th April, 26 members & supporters went on a bus trip to the Esk Charity Races. With bus driver Jim at the wheel, they headed for Esk with a break at Fernvale for a mass exodus to “The Pie Shop”. At Esk, a marquee had been set up, so they added their RSL tent to the rear allowing plenty of room. Following a day full of laughter, no great wins, and above all no rain the group sang their way back to Cleveland to the accompaniment of John Green’s mouth organ.

ROCKHAMPTON(Meeting: 4th Wednesday each month 1030 hours. Venue: Frenchville Sports Club.) At our AGM held in February John Hogan was elected President, VP John Aitken, Secretary John Morgan, Assistant secretary John Day, Treasurer Errol Williams, Committee Noel Moore, Cliff O’Brien, Brian Smith, Reg Smith, Patron is Neville Harris, Visitation Officer Bob Casey, Membership Officer Adrian Martion, Rev. Barry Harvey is our Padre. Our bus trip to the museum at Mt.Chalmers and visit to the Vietnam Vets retreat at Cockscomb Cawarral was a great day. One tends to forget the history of the area, but the visit to Mt. Chalmers reminded us of the gold and other precious metals that were extracted from that locality. After a great morning tea provided by the volunteers at the museum we moved on the Cockscomb. What a great job the Vietnam boys have done here. The excellent Bar-B-Q lunch provided was pretty impressive too. Anyone visiting Rocky should pencil in a visit - well worth it. The day concluded with a trip to the Capricorn Coast town of Emu Park where our coach driver gave an excellent tour of the area.

SOUTH BURNETT The new year opened with the Branch attending a Commemorative Service within Kingaroy Memorial Park on the 12th February for the unveiling of a Plaque by and for the local National Servicemen in the Wall of Remembrance alongside the Vietnam Veteran’s Plaque. 4th March, the AGM of the Branch was held at Wondai RSL. Joe Petersen opened the meeting thanking the previous executive and their committee for their service and asked Bill Hobbs to take the chair and call for nominations for the executive to serve for the coming twelve months. The newly elected executive is: President Warren Cockburn OAM, Secretary Marie Hooper, Treasurer Jim Kingston and their committee of Bill Ross, Bill Hobbs and Joe Petersen. Because of the recently State elections and the retirement of Dorothy Pratt from the political scene we sought a new Patron in the form of David Thomson. David, ex-RAAF with overseas service, is a family man with three children. He has lived previously in Kingaroy and presently in the Nanango district. He knows and has worked within the South Burnett region in Private, Professional, Commercial and Government positions.

TOOWOOMBA (Meeting: 2nd Tuesday Odd months 1900 hours. Venue: Irish Club Hotel) Things may have been a little quiet at the start of the year but have increased pace over the last couple of months. Nasho Day ceremonies were held on Saturday 18th February at the State Nasho Memorial. Padre Matthew Weatherley led proceedings, member Keith Shepherd gave the address, and local cadets paraded our flags for a very good presentation. We were pleased to have State Secretary Allen Callaghan visit us for the occasion. Toowoomba Branch AGM was held on 13th March at our evening meeting. President Terry McGovern retired and was replaced by Leo Camm. Pat O’Sullivan remained as secretary and Joan as assistant secretary. Bill Lane remained as vice-president, and the treasurer’s job stayed with Dennis Gillbard. On Sunday 22nd April the usual unveiling of plaques at Toowoomba cemeteries was observed. Peter Wilson laid the wreath at the Wall of Memory, and Keith Shepherd did the honours at the Cross of Sacrifice in Drayton Cemetery. On ANZAC Day large crowds gathered at the various services, both in town and in outer centres around Toowoomba. Our own numbers were down a bit, but a few of our members were away from town and others who are now unable to march acted as marshals instead. Lyn Gorring marched in the front row complete with husband’s medals and her widow’s pin. She is shown with President Leo Camm before the march.

The President thanked Graham Bird and Eric Beutel for their work for the NSAA. Alex Garlin remains the Nominal Roll compiler and Webmaster.

He said the use of Nasho News to send out the ballot papers and the return envelopes had saved the Association an estimated $3,000 because the only costs were the ballot papers - $200 – and the return post to the Locked Bag. The return envelopes were on hand from the former State raffle. A quote from the Electoral Office to conduct a postal ballot was $5,000.

The SMC appointed Fred Warner as the Supervising Officer for the ballot with the Administration Manager, Tony Stevenson and the former State Padre, Captain John Tatters as the scrutineers for the count. The tally was done by Noel Findlay, Fred Petersen, Howard Bazeley and Bruce Reedman. Both scrutineers expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the ballot by the State Secretary as the Returning Officer under the State Constitution. The Secretary did not handle any ballot paper at any stage. The State Management Committee decided at its meeting of 2 April to continue the postal ballot as the fairest way to ensure that every member could vote and that the result was a true one. A motion by Colin Bell, seconded by Len Matthews, that the ballot be conducted by the Electoral Commission has been put on the notice paper for the General Meeting in September.

BRANCH AWARDS

The following branch awards were presented:

John Seymour Memorial Shield Burdekin Branch; Dennis Connon Memorial Shield Brisbane East Branch; Barry Vicary Memorial Shield Townsville Branch; The Peter Ryan Award Gympie Branch.

ROWLAND WILLIAMS MEMORIAL AWARD

The Rowland William Memorial Shell for the most outstanding achievement for the NSAA in the preceding 12 months was awarded to the State Welfare Officer, Bruce Reedman. The trophy is a naval artillery shell, the last fired in the Vietnam War. Bruce keeps it for a year and then hands it back. He also received a wall plaque to keep on his wall permanently. Bruce’s other distinction is as the approved photographer in Wacol when he did his National Service. Several of his colour photos have appeared on the cover of Nasho News and in its pages.

AWARD TO LOIS MORRISS

Lois Morriss was awarded an Honorary Membership for her services to the Association over many years. It was presented during the Annual General Meeting by the Vice President, Ivan Davis. Lois’ name will be inscribed on the Carol Bell Memorial Honour Board at State Headquarters.

STANDARD MINUTES

The Delegates’ Meeting approved the standardisation of the Minutes of the State Management Committee and Branches. This arises from increased reporting requirements under the Queensland Incorporations Act and the new Federal Charities and Not for Profit Commission, particularly in the raising and spending of welfare funds. The Minutes will require that attendances be recorded fully, all officers must move their own reports, correspondence must be detailed either in the Minutes or an attached list and all income and expenditure must be minuted individually. Branches are reminded that they must supply to the SMC an annual audited financial statement within one month of their Annual General Meeting adopting it.

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GOLD COAST SOUTH (Meeting: Bi-monthly 1000 hours. Venue: Twin Towns RSL.)Our Christmas cruise in November was another successful outing enjoyed by members and friends. We were also pleased to welcome “Tony Stevenson” our liaison officer, from our Head Office, Brisbane at our January meeting (pictured here with our “President”, Don Beck, Tom Hughes, Murray Neuendorf, Committee and our Patron Brigadier R.S. (Dick) Flint AM (Ret) the meeting was well attended. Our AGM is coming up on 18th March and we ask members to consider giving some of their time so the rest of us can take a break. Anzac Day, with be upon us soon and we will be selling badges in the lead up to our “Anzac March” and celebrations. We hope to see our members taking part once again as they have done in previous years.

INNISFAIL (Meeting: 4th Tuesday each month 1800 hours. Venue –Innisfail Cultural Complex)A HAPPY NEW YEAR , from Innisfail Babinda and Tully Branch to all Nasho’s. Last year was a good year

for our branch, with Nasho Day in February and all the other activities such as Anzac Day Coral Sea Celebrations, Long Tan Day and Remembrance Day. Other events during the year were the Bowls for inter club shields and also Zone Bowls between North and South. The last event of our year was a mystery bus trip for the members’ wives and associates, widows and the Laurel and Legacy Club members who enjoyed a BBQ Lunch supplied by the members. A great time was had by all. Anyone passing through Innisfail is welcome to attend our meetings We generally adjourn to the local Bistro for a meal afterwards.

REDLANDS (Meeting: 1st Sunday each month 1000 hours. Venue: Redland RSL, Cleveland) We have now completed the installation of eleven Memorial Stones and flagpoles in local schools, the last one being installed at Wellington Point State High School in late December. The final event for the year was a fantastic Christmas party held in the Legends Room of the Redlands RSL including a great lunch with food up to its usual high standard. An Andrews Sisters Tribute from three very talented young ladies accompanied by an amazing four piece band was the entertainment. Everyone present, including State President Bill Morriss and his wife Lois, sang along, danced along, or just tapped their fingers and toes – what a great day! We look forward to the camaraderie and friendship continuing in 2012 and wish all Nashos and their families a happy and healthy year.

THE GUNIt’s official - the NSAA Queensland has been allocated an MA2A howitzer for the National Service Heritage Precinct at Wacol.

The State President, Bill Morriss, announced we are one of 38 organisations selected to receive one of the guns which saw service in Vietnam. The Minister for Defence Materiel, the Hon. Jason Clare MP, said: “The MA2A howitzer has provided outstanding service to Australia for more than 40 years. They were procured from 1959, before being introduced into service in Vietnam in 1967 to supplement the existing L5 ‘pack’ howitzers in use during that conflict

They were critical in providing close artillery fire support to the Australian Army.

During that conflict, the MA2As fired thousands of 105mm rounds.

The gun could be towed or slung under a helicopter. They have not been deployed on operations since Vietnam but remained in service.

By providing them for static display we will preserve this important part of our military history’, Mr. Clare said.Many NSAA members served on the MA2As in Vietnam including State Vice-President, Ivan Davis

Ivan is preparing the stands on which it will be mounted. The State Secretary officially is custodian of the gun. He has had to sign a declaration that neither the Association nor he will sell, hire or in any way dispose of the MA2A or any part thereof without the written permission of the United States Defense Department.

ARTILLERYMEN’S FUNDThe recipients, including the Queensland Branch, must pay $4,000 for making the guns inoperable and to provide their own transport from Bandiana depot at Albury. Our gun will be mounted inside the Precinct. We have the money put aside but at the request of former artillerymen have opened a fund to which all National Service artillery personnel can

contribute if they wish. A plaque will be mounted on the MA2A recording the fact that National Service Artillerymen funded its relocation to the National Service Heritage Precinct. We already have the first donation of $20 from Rex Kirkham, of the Gunner Signallers Club.

Make donations or cheques payable to NSAA MA2A Fund.

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CORAL COAST (Meeting: 2nd Sunday each month 0930 hours. Venue: Bowen Bowls Club.) Members of the Coral Coast Branch were made welcome at a special morning tea arranged by the Bowen Blue Care after receiving a donation of funds raised within the local communities of Bowen and Proserpine. This is part of the branch commitment to help community organisations who will help when needed. President Noel presented a cheque to Bowen Blue Care and Phil presented a cheque to the Proserpine Blue Care. We trust these donations will assist welfare service for National Servicemen and others. All members and supporters attending our Xmas luncheon which was held at the R.S.L. after our December meeting thoroughly enjoyed themselves with novelties presented together with community singing.

DALBY (Meeting: 1st Saturday Bi-Monthly 1030 hours, Venue: alternately Miles/Dalby/Chinchilla RSL’s)Our Branch members travelled to Miles on the first Saturday in December for their final meeting of the year followed by an enjoyable Christmas dinner with members keeping their brain active doing Christmas competitions. Saturday the 4th February we held our Annual General Meeting at the Chinchilla RSL Memorial with only one change to the office bearers when Don Allen accepted vice=President, followed by the General meeting and lunch. The next meeting will be held on March the 31st due to Easter falling on the first Saturday of April. This will be at the Windsor Hotel, Dalby, at 1030hrs.

GLADSTONE (Meeting: 3rd Wednesday each month 1300 hours.)Gladstone Branch celebrated its 10th anniversary at a function on 11 February at the Gladstone Golf Club. Guests included the Federal Member for Flynn, Ken O’Dowd; State Member, Liz Cunningham’ Gladstone Mayor , Glennis Sellers; State Secretary Allen Callaghan representing the State President, Bill Morriss; past State President, Colin Bell and a strong contingent from Rockhampton led by President, John Hogan.Allen Callaghan who is a National Councillor , presented the Branch President, Murray Hayter (at left) with a copy of the Book marking the dedication of the National Service Memorial in Canberra by the Governor General and one of the 212 red silk poppies from the wreath honouring the National Servicemen who died on active service in Borneo and Vietnam. The official

10th birthday cake was cut and distributed to all attending. The MC, Clyde Cameron – a Gladstone Branch member – also led the entertainment with his instrumental group.

GOLD COAST NORTH (Meeting: 2nd Tuesday of each even month 0930 hours. Venue: Mudgeerba Light Horse and National Servicemen’s Precinct) We once again look forward to a really packed & fruitful year. Firstly we will be hosting the 25th Anniversary Reunion, the planning committee is in place with activities formulated spread over a 6 day program. High profile guests have been approached and look forward to seeing Nasho’s from far and wide, but more info as we progress. We have been promised a substantial amount in funding from The Gold Coast City Council to upgrade our memorial at Broadbeach, this we look forward to with great anticipation as most of the work will be carried out by members. In the second half of the year we will become involved In the Gold Coast District RSL Parcel Program both in the supply of finance and help in packing the food parcels for our Troops in Afghanistan, we had the opportunity to view some of the letters of thanks which made this effort worth while and will produce with the appropriate approval a booklet. This is entitled (Australia My Country) to be distributed to Primary School Children during Anzac and Remembrance day at the Schools Memorial Services. At long last we have our own premises situated in the light horse precinct at the Mudgeeraba Showgrounds this project was completed last year & has proved to be an outstanding asset to the branch.

THE RIFLE COMPANY BUTTERWORTHMalaysia is the least known theatre of National Service yet it has a number of unique features.A total of 3,400 Australians served in Malaysia in the 1960s and 70s including about 300 Nashos. One of them was former Victorian Premier, Jeff Kennett, who delivered the Farewell at the dedication of the National Service Memorial in Canberra on 8 September 2010. The last National Servicemen posted overseas were to Malaysia and some were still serving there in 1973.

The photo shows a patrol in some of the more open country around Butterworth. The alert status meant taking a camera was not encouraged officially. Many of them served in the Rifle Company Butterworth and carried live ammunition in what was classified as hazardous duty. However, a case to the Directorate of Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal in 2011 for recognition of this as active service was rejected. Another group of 150 Nashos also served in Malaysia in 1965 and 1966 with 21 and 22 Construction Squadrons and 4 RAR during the Confrontation along the Borneo border with Indonesia. Two of them died on active service. 3802157I George Lovett served as a Nasho from Sept 71 through to March 1973 and saw service with 6th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment which formed the Australian component of the 28 ANZUK Brigade based in Tendakan, near Kuala Lumpur. ANZUK was a tripartite force formed in 1971 and disbanded in 1974.by Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom to defend the Asian Pacific region after the United Kingdom withdrew forces from the east of Suez in the early 1970s. George wrote:‘In terms of the number of Nashos involved it would be approximately 50 with 6RAR and possibly the same with 1RAR. Our group of 12 joined 6RAR as reinforcements in May 1972. We spent 11 months on tour. There were about three reinforcement rotations a year with about 12 nashos in each rotation.Many other Nashos also served with 6RAR however there is a component of Nashos who rotated from Singapore into what is known as Rifle Company Butterworth.

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BRISBANE NORTH (Meeting: 1st Sunday each month 1000 hours. Venue: Kedron Wavell Services Club) The Community Hall at Kedron Wavell RSL was rocking to the beat of 2 Old Ladies Plus One on the night of Brisbane North’s Christmas Party on December 10. Over 80 Nasho’s and partners enjoyed a very lively night, with Supporter’s Marlene and her Elves handing out gifts all night from various raffles. Much work has gone on at the Wacol Precinct after Barry Loose organised a grant to replace the roof on the chapel. Once the contractors had completed the roof restoration Barry and Col Garson rebuilt the ramp which was is desperate need of repair. All work is now finished and looking brand new.

BRISBANE NORTH WEST (Meetings third Sunday each month 10am Gaythorne RSL) Our 2011 end of year social was held at Gaythorne RSL and was attended by forty plus members and guests. It’s amazing given that we do a lot of talking at our branch meetings, that after a good meal and a couple of glasses we still find plenty to talk about. For perhaps the first time since our inception we held a January meeting and several members came along. Our major commitment for 2012 is for our monthly meetings to have less formality and more emphasis on social content and guest speakers. Another innovation is our own branch web page which we hope to have up and running within a couple of months.

BRISBANE SOUTH (Meeting: Last Sunday each month 0930 hours. Venue: Sunnybank Bowls Club) Here we are almost two months of 2012 gone already. Hope you all enjoyed the Christmas/New Year break. By the time you read this, the Branch’s Annual General Meeting will have been held. The composition of the 2012 Branch Committee will appear in the April edition of the Bugle. The State Annual General Meeting will be held at Wacol Precinct on the 31st March and all financial members of the Association are requested the complete the enclosed postal ballot and return it by the nominated closing date. Plans are underway to hold a bus trip on 17 May to Noel’s Gardens at Donnybrook then lunch at the Bribie Island RSL then a visit to the Abbey Museum at Caboolture.

BUNDABERG (Meeting: 2nd Saturday each month 1330 hours. Venue: Bundaberg) The success of the combined Rockhampton, Gladstone and Bundaberg members and respective WONS must have hit a chord with our local members. This resulted in one of the biggest Christmas BBQ luncheons ever in Bundaberg at which 50 Members & WONS attended. The ladies once again excelled in the catering of sweets! Bundaberg Nashos also broke the mould from previous years and met during January for an actual Branch meeting! Social Secretary Brian TROST has scratched his head once again and came up with a grand idea for a bus trip to the South Burnett which was taken on Thursday 23 February 2012. Our Branch will be visited both Murgon, for the Dairy and Heritage Museum and Wondai, to visit the Timber Industry Museum during this trip. Members are reminded to get both their names and money to Brian so that they can attend this bus trip. Don’t forget members, the AGM is fast approaching and to think about volunteering!CAIRNS (Meeting: 2nd Thursday each month 1815 hours. Venue: Cairns RSL.) The Cairns branch again held their Christmas luncheon at the Cairns RSL featuring a ‘Country and Western theme which crated a

relaxed atmosphere for the afternoon’s enjoyment. Our very own Betty Williams and her band of volunteer singers provided the much appreciated entertainment by leading us is a sing-a-long. A small gift was presented to each of the ladies present. At our January General Meeting a ‘Meritorious Service Award’ was presented to Shane Davies, the branch secretary since 2004. The award was in appreciation of his dedication and valuable contribution to the Association. Of note is that Shane is a supporter and is one of many who contribute to the successful functioning of our Associations country wide.

It was established in 1973 to provide a protective and quick-reaction force for RAAF Base Butterworth dur-ing a resurgence of the Communist insurgency in Malaysia. The RAAF presence required the protection of the RCB force on a twenty four hour continual basis because there was a real threat and the possibility of attack or incursion by forces of the Communist terrorists whose leader ,Chin Peng fought a long lasting war against the Malaysian Government and Malaysian Armed Forces in order to destabilise and overthrow the Government. The Malaysian Air Force was on active service and was fighting a real war within its own country and on the border with Thailand. The BAB was subject to varying levels of alert. Many of these increased levels of alert were known as “Red Letter Days” indicating expected CT activity. On such days the entire BAB would go into total lock down, extra air defence measures would be deployed, RCB security patrols were increased, RCB would man fighting pits at the southern and northern ends of the runway, roadblocks and vehicle check points were set up and weapons were in the action condition

When the Whitlam Government came to power in December 1972 it fulfilled its election promise to abolish National Service. National Servicemen were given a choice to be discharged imme-diately using the pretext of ‘exceptional hardship’ or to finish their two year ob-ligation. We could catch the next plane back to Australia if we wished. A few of us stayed with 6RAR to finish our terms as Nashos. In January 1973 D Coy 6rar rotated to Rifle Company But-terworth (RCB) where we operated un-der rules of engagement and caried live ammunition. We possibly were the last Nashos to serve on an overseas posting. I am bringing this is to your attention

just to make your Association aware the Nashos were still serving overseas in early 1973 and in this case in a theatre where Nashos were once again exposed to danger.’.RAAF Base Butterworth was handed to the Royal Malaysian Air Force in 1988 and the insurgency officially ended in 1989, Rifle Company Butterworth has been maintained as a means of providing Australian soldiers with training in jungle warfare and cross-training with the Royal Malaysian Army. The company is staffed on a rotational basis, with both Regular and Reserve personnel being deployed on a quarterly basis. Much of Malaysia is tropical jungle as shown here during a patrolThe Australian Peacekeeper & Peacemaker Veter-ans’ Association put a case to the Defence Honours and Awards Tribunal on 26 July 2011 seeking rec-ognition for members of the Rifle Company Butter-worth (RCB) for active service in Malaysia between 1970 and 1989. However, the Tribunal dismissed the claim saying conditions at the base were not war-like. Casualties had never been expected and no at-tack ever eventuated. The tribunal also said it had no power to dictate whether services were eligible for veterans’ entitlements and rejected a call for clasp “Malaysia” to be added to the Australian Ac-tive Service Medal. The National Servicemen’s As-sociation of Australia had a similar experience with the Tribunal’s letter-of-the-law interpretation of the regulations when it lost a case to have the Australian Defence Medal awarded to a member of our found-ing Committee, Lawrie Asgill who was in the last intake in late 1972.

PAGE 6 PAGE 11

BRANCH NEWSEdited by Fred Petersen – wyfred@tpg.com.au

Under the Privacy Act, details including birthdays, illness and hospitalisation cannot be included in Branch News

without the person’s consent.Closing date next issue is Friday 27th April folding date 17th May

BAYSIDE (Meeting: 3rd Tuesday each month 1100 hours. Venue: Wynnum RSL.) After the upcoming elections a very busy and exciting year Bayside Branch had a chance to let their hair down at their Annual Christmas party. It was well attended with 60 members and guests attending. The day was en-joyed by everyone that attended. Presentations for service to Bayside Branch were made to: Brian Sheehan, Mick Richardson, Trigger McCafferty and last but not least, Bev Mckechnie. Bev has been a leader of the Bayside Bells since their inception helping to organise the Bunnings sausage sizzles, ordering and distributing the shirts that made Our Bells stand out in Townsville. Well done by you all.

BEENLEIGH-LOGAN (Meeting: 4th Monday each month 1000 hours. Venue: Beenleigh RSL.) Our branch finished the year 2011 on a high with a large gath-ering of members and supporters for the Christmas feast at the Beenleigh RSL Club. We have great expectations for the year ahead with a emphasis on Welfare and Wellbeing of Members for the coming year has being planned. Australia Day and members of the branch celebrated with a few drinks etc and commenced the year on Monday 5th February.

BRISBANE EAST (Meeting: 3rd Tuesday each month 1900 hours. Venue: Manly-Lota RSL.)Brisbane East held its first National Service Day observance at the historic Manly-Lota RSL Hall in Manly. We also laid a wreath on the National Service Memorial at Manly in honour of the four National Ser-vicemen from Bayside who died on active service in Vietnam. Mrs. Betty Kingston, mother of Pte Ian King-

ston, was present. The Lord Mayor who was to give the Address had to withdraw on short notice when the State Government changed the Local Authority election date. Other official guests were the National President, Mr.Earle Jennings AM RFD ED; the State President, Bill Morriss; Vice-President Ivan Davis, who is a Vietnam veteran; the State Secretary Allen Callaghan and the State Treasurer, Barry Jack. The Queensland Police Service was represent-ed by Inspector Paul Scanlan. 121 Australian Cadet Unit paraded the Australian, Queensland, City of Brisbane and National Service flags into the hall to be received by the new State Padre, Canon Rev.d Sandy Marshall, who con-ducted the service. The Moreton Bay Girls College Choir sang the hymns and the National Anthem. They provided

four trumpeters for the Last Post and Rouse. Members of the Manly-Lota RSL sub-Branch – whose President and Vice-President are Nashos – attended.

With the upcoming elections we would appreciate it if all branches would make sure that they have either a correct email address or contact point for the News editors. It is frustrating when you send out reminder notices only to have them returned.

Inspector Paul Scanlan, representing District Police Superintendent Jim Keogh, lays a wreath on behalf of the Queensland Police Service at the Brisbane East National Service Day service.

The daughter of the house’s little daughter is one year old and has learnt to walk. The whole world has been thrown wide open and she’s now a fully paid up member of the human race.

Our cavemen ancestors must have watched with as much delight as we did as she set out determinedly to explore this whole new dimension. Pulling fridge magnets off and putting them back on again is the new game.

She’s already mastered the art of opening cupboards and using pots and pans in creative ways, mostly loud. Climbing on the couch or throwing all the toys out of the crate and climbing in – easy peasy.

What did amuse us from the outset is that she and her older brother knew what the mobile phone and television zapper did.

She’s learnt to say Ta but in the eternal female way, it’s you doing the giving. It’s an old saying that there is a secret pact between grandparents and grandkids to outwit parents. Or put another way, it’s our revenge for the sleepless nights, hassles, worries and grey hair our kids gave us to spoil their’s rotten and send them home.

But the real message is whether you’re Granddad, Grandpa, Gramps, Pop, Da or whatever else they call you, it’s your small piece of immortality handed down in an unbroken line from father to father from when time began. We were too busy raising our own children to enjoy them fully. So don’t worry about the genetics, just enjoy a small child with their hand trusting in your’s, asleep on your lap, waving from the stroller, showing you a toy or wanting a hug. And feel the magic.

GRANDKIDSWe had a visit from a little piece of magic at our house recently.

We’ll know what to do.

Proud Member of InvoCare

When we’re young, we think we’re 10 feet tall and tough as nails.But as we get older, it dawns on us that no one lives forever.

That’s why we should all be prepared for the futureby pre-arranging a fixed price funeral with

your preferred funeral director. Metropolitan Funerals.You’ll save money, protect your pension and ensure your

funeral goes the way you want. 1800 636 660metropolitanfunerals.com.au

Planning aheadmakes a lot of sense

PAGE 7PAGE 10

All recruiting was voluntary – conscription ended with World War Two – until it appeared that the Korean War would not only continue but widen and it was reintroduced as National Service. The Army reluctantly accepted having to train the thousands of new recruits. The Navy and Air Force were even less enthusiastic because of the short term of the enlistment. In 1957 they dropped it and the Army, after reducing the intake through a birthday ballot the same year, dropped it 1959 claiming it tied up manpower and resources.

Instead of capitalising the recruiting opportunities presented to them, the Army’s saw National Servicemen as reinforcing the CMF and fobbed them off with World War Two uniforms – complete with blancoed belts and brass keepers to make men of them – plus venerable .303 rifles and tactical training to match.

The photo shows this daily time wasting chore that all 1950s Army Nashos knew only too well.

That Nashos did their training so well is a tribute to their instructors who ensured that had they gone to Korea as intended as part of the 3rd AIF they at least had a fighting chance. All three Services have come to regret wasting an opportunity that other nations such as Sweden, Switzerland Singapore and Israel have used to advantage. Voluntary recruiting not only has failed consistently but the former ready access to a wide range of trades, skills and professions through National Service now has to be bought at a very high price.

As one Naval officer remarked ruefully during an official delegation when asked about the new amphibious landing ships – each bigger than the carriers Sydney and Melbourne – “they’ll be good but I don’t know how we’re going to man them”. This is the same Navy that can’t find enough submariners for the existing fleet – when the submarines actually work.

The Army had to reintroduce National Service in 1964 but ensured that the recruits were integrated directly into its own units rather than the CMF which became the Reserves. The term was lengthened to two years and the argument was whether regulars or short term conscripts made the better soldiers. The answer, tested in Borneo, Vietnam and Malaysia, was the same as in New Guinea – the enemy could not and did not distinguish between them. Regulars and National Servicemen were as one during their tours of duty.

The same applies today to regulars and Reservists, although there is anecdotal evidence that the Reserves have inherited the amateur tag even though many of them are better educated and better skilled than many in the Regulars.

The result of short sighted military and Government policies has seen many Regulars and Reservists having to front for repeated tours of active duty. In the case of the Reservists, in Iraq and particularly in Afghanistan, that’s only one step short of National Service.

PADRE’S CORNERANZAC Day looms large as I write my first Padre’s Corner.Having just been appointed as the Queensland State Chaplain it’s appropriate to allow our thoughts to dwell on the message of sacrifice which we recognise at this time every year.In the life of the Church we are still celebrating the events of the Easter weekend which echo another sacrifice, that of Jesus dying on the cross. Yet this latter sacrificial action goes beyond and offers us hope through the promise of eternal life through the Resurrection of Jesus.In each act of sacrifice there is the promise of an outcome full of hope.Without hope life is so much more difficult. At this time I would like us all to concentrate not just on sacrifice and remembering with

honour those who ‘paid the supreme sacrifice’ and also those who still bear the “marks’ of conflict in so many ways, but also on the fact that life can have a deep and fulfilling meaning if we can but acknowledge that with genuine hope we can experience a better tomorrow.Post Script: I have advised the State Management Committee that I propose to offer my services to all Branches in a special way. I will shortly be contacting all Branches offering to visit one of their meetings either as simply a visitor on a “get to know you basis” or should you wish me to make a presentation on the distinctive role of a Chaplain or make a presentation on any subject chosen by you. This will not cut across the vital role of the Welfare Officer in each branch. I can be contacted by email and my address is sandy@ecn.net.au. or by phone at 07 3348 8866. I look forward to a future contact. Sandy Marshall – State Chaplain.

SHIRT TALESThe National Service Heritage Precinct at Wacol now has the prospect of two more ‘shirt tales’ for the Wacol Museum. The first, donated by Dani Mitchell - who found it in an op shop in Sydney - will go on display shortly. It was signed by all the members of 9 Platoon, C Company, in the first intake of 1958.However, so far no-one has come forward to provide further information, particularly the NCO or officer who signed on the front pocket. The shirts actually are pyjama tops and a second one, also signed, has been located and there is a prospect of a third. All will be on display and Dani will be invited to officially unveil it.

BRANCH FUNDSThe State President, Bill Morriss, has acted to refute claims that Branch funds will be seized or Charters revoked. He said there never has been, isn’t and won’t be any such actions against Branches that conduct their affairs within the Constitution.‘I urge all Branches to read the Constitution and its provisions for themselves rather than rely on interpretations by people with their own motives. ‘The current one was developed by an independent Committee and discussed at three SMC and three General Meetings before being adopted by an overwhelming vote in Townsville on 8 September 2011. ‘The imposition of the new Australian Charities and Not for Profit Commission will mean another layer of bureaucracy and reporting requirements which will create Constitutional problems at the organisational, State Government and Federal Government levels while we work out just who we are reporting to the State President said.

PAGE 9PAGE 8

YOU AND WHOSE ARMY?If you were an Australian soldier in New Guinea during World War Two, you could belong to four different types of Army.

You could be regular Army; a volunteer in the AIF; a volunteer in a CMF unit or a conscript in the Militia.

There were those who sneered at the CMF as amateurs and the conscripts as chockos or koalas – liable to run in the heat or a protected species not to be shot at exported because the then Labor Government limited their service to the South-West Pacific.

These National Servicemen in the 1st intake at Puckapunyal 1956 proudly wore the Army uniform and the slouch hat – not the usual beret - for this platoon photo from 3/757469 George P Daly.

These attitudes didn’t last at Milne Bay or on the Kokoda Trail against the brave and fanatical Japanese who, like the Viet Cong or the Taliban, didn’t and don’t care which Army you belonged to.

The seemingly contradictory military set-up arose because Australia, when it became a Federation in 1901, subscribed to the British tradition of not having a large standing army which in the past had proven loyal to charismatic leaders such as Charles I, Cromwell, Napoleon or the local Baron instead of the State, resulting in military coups. One of the earliest Tudor reforms was to wipe out private armies.

In Australia, the permanent Army was deliberately kept small and at home while the nation relied on its reservists in the Citizens Military Forces, the Navy and the Air Force. When World War One came, volunteers were sent abroad as the A.I.F. The same occurred early in World War Two particularly in the Middle East but had to be supplemented by conscription when Japan threatened the homeland.

In 1947, the permanent Army was expanded and the CMF reduced to a reserve role. Avenues of alternative officer training such as the CMF, Portsea and the National Service Officer Training Unit at Scheyville in Sydney, were eliminated and the separate Navy, Air Force and Army training colleges amalgamated into the Royal Military College at Duntroon.

THE PIATState President, Bill Morriss, has an unusual claim to National Service fame.

He is one of the few people to have watched the PIAT, or Projector Infantry Anti-Tank Mk1, fired on a range in Australia.

This was a formidable weapon that took two men to carry, aim and fire but is rated as the best anti-tank weapon of World War Two. It was the equivalent of the bazooka and today’s shoulder fired missiles.

The British designed PIAT entered service in 1943, and was first used during the Allied invasion of Sicily. It utilised hollow, or shaped-charge projectiles, that could be recharged by the infantry when brought to the front. The shaped charge has been modernised to the point where it is the terrorists’ favourite weapon against Western tanks and armoured vehicles.

The Taliban have used it against Australian and American forces in Afghanistan and Hezbollah used it against Israeli armour in Lebanon. The charge first burns a hole through the armour and then the charge enters and explodes inside the target to cause the maximum damage and casualties.

Until their development, Israeli armour had proven almost invincible in action against missiles. They have countered with their own missile borne shaped charges against Hamas and Hezbollah targets. Improvised explosive devices have caused deaths and casualties amongst Australian and Allied forces operating Bushmas-ters, ASLAVs and other armoured carriers in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

The PIAT essentially was a horizontal mortar and had a very heavy recoil, hence the two-man crew. The Ameri-cans made use of the bazooka which was lighter because it used a hollow tube that fired a rocket missile. The PIAT Mk I was the principal anti-tank rocket-propelled grenade launcher for the British throughout World War 2. It proved more effective than the American Bazooka series and the German Panzerfaust series, It sported a grenade capable of defeating the armour of the time and capable of launching multiple munition types.

Bill remembers the effect of the explosive on the target which disappeared in a huge flash and and a fountain of dirt and dust.

PAGE 9PAGE 8

YOU AND WHOSE ARMY?If you were an Australian soldier in New Guinea during World War Two, you could belong to four different types of Army.

You could be regular Army, a volunteer in the AIF, a volunteer in a CMF unit or a conscript in the Militia.

There were those who sneered at the CMF as amateurs and the conscripts as chockos or koalas – liable to run in the heat or a protected species not to be shot at exported because the then Labor Government limited their service to the South-West Pacific.

These National Servicemen in the 1st intake at Puckapunyal 1956 proudly wore the Army uniform and the slouch hat – not the usual beret – for this platoon photo from 3/757469 George P Daly.

These attitudes didn’t last at Milne Bay or on the Kokoda Trail against the brave and fanatical Japanese who, like the Viet Cong or the Taliban, didn’t and don’t care which Army you belonged to.

The seemingly contradictory military set-up arose because Australia, when it became a Federation in 1901, subscribed to the British tradition of not having a large standing army which in the past had proven loyal to charismatic leaders such as Charles I, Cromwell, Napoleon or the local Baron instead of the State, resulting in military coups. One of the earliest Tudor reforms was to wipe out private armies.

In Australia, the permanent Army was deliberately kept small and at home while the nation relied on its reservists in the Citizens Military Forces, the Navy and the Air Force. When World War One came, volunteers were sent abroad as the A.I.F. The same occurred early in World War Two particularly in the Middle East but had to be supplemented by conscription when Japan threatened the homeland.

In 1947, the permanent Army was expanded and the CMF reduced to a reserve role. Avenues of alternative officer training such as the CMF, Portsea and the National Service Officer Training Unit at Scheyville in Sydney, were eliminated and the separate Navy, Air Force and Army training colleges amalgamated into the Royal Military College at Duntroon.

THE PIATState President, Bill Morriss, has an unusual claim to National Service fame.

He is one of the few people to have watched the PIAT, or Projector Infantry Anti-Tank Mk1, fired on a range in Australia.

This was a formidable weapon that took two men to carry, aim and fire but is rated as the best anti-tank weapon of World War Two. It was the equivalent of the bazooka and today’s shoulder fired missiles.

The British designed PIAT entered service in 1943, and was first used during the Allied invasion of Sicily. It utilised hollow, or shaped-charge projectiles, that could be recharged by the infantry when brought to the front. The shaped charge has been modernised to the point where it is the terrorists’ favourite weapon against Western tanks and armoured vehicles.

The Taliban have used it against Australian and American forces in Afghanistan and Hezbollah used it against Israeli armour in Lebanon. The charge first burns a hole through the armour and then the charge enters and explodes inside the target to cause the maximum damage and casualties.

Until their development, Israeli armour had proven almost invincible in action against missiles. They have countered with their own missile borne shaped charges against Hamas and Hezbollah targets. Improvised explosive devices have caused deaths and casualties amongst Australian and Allied forces operating Bushmas-ters, ASLAVs and other armoured carriers in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

The PIAT essentially was a horizontal mortar and had a very heavy recoil, hence the two-man crew. The Ameri-cans made use of the bazooka which was lighter because it used a hollow tube that fired a rocket missile. The PIAT Mk I was the principal anti-tank rocket-propelled grenade launcher for the British throughout World War 2. It proved more effective than the American Bazooka series and the German Panzerfaust series, It sported a grenade capable of defeating the armour of the time and capable of launching multiple munition types.

Bill remembers the effect of the explosive on the target which disappeared in a huge flash and and a fountain of dirt and dust.

PAGE 7PAGE 10

All recruiting was voluntary – conscription ended with World War Two – until it appeared that the Korean War would not only continue but widen and it was reintroduced as National Service. The Army reluctantly accepted having to train the thousands of new recruits. The Navy and Air Force were even less enthusiastic because of the short term of the enlistment. In 1957 they dropped it and the Army, after reducing the intake through a birthday ballot the same year, dropped it 1959 claiming it tied up manpower and resources.

Instead of capitalising the recruiting opportunities presented to them, the Army’s saw National Servicemen as reinforcing the CMF and fobbed them off with World War Two uniforms – complete with blancoed belts and brass keepers to make men of them – plus venerable .303 rifles and tactical training to match.

The photo shows this daily time wasting chore that all 1950s Army Nashos knew only too well.

That Nashos did their training so well is a tribute to their instructors who ensured that had they gone to Korea as intended as part of the 3rd AIF they at least had a fighting chance. All three Services have come to regret wasting an opportunity that other nations such as Sweden, Switzerland Singapore and Israel have used to advantage. Voluntary recruiting not only has failed consistently but the former ready access to a wide range of trades, skills and professions through National Service now has to be bought at a very high price.

As one Naval officer remarked ruefully during an official delegation when asked about the new amphibious landing ships – each bigger than the carriers Sydney and Melbourne – “they’ll be good but I don’t know how we’re going to man them”. This is the same Navy that can’t find enough submariners for the existing fleet – when the submarines actually work.

The Army had to reintroduce National Service in 1964 but ensured that the recruits were integrated directly into its own units rather than the CMF which became the Reserves. The term was lengthened to two years and the argument was whether regulars or short term conscripts made the better soldiers. The answer, tested in Borneo, Vietnam and Malaysia, was the same as in New Guinea – the enemy could not and did not distinguish between them. Regulars and National Servicemen were as one during their tours of duty.

The same applies today to regulars and Reservists, although there is anecdotal evidence that the Reserves have inherited the amateur tag even though many of them are better educated and better skilled than many in the Regulars.

The result of short sighted military and Government policies has seen many Regulars and Reservists having to front for repeated tours of active duty. In the case of the Reservists, in Iraq and particularly in Afghanistan, that’s only one step short of National Service.

PADRE’S CORNERANZAC Day looms large as I write my first Padre’s Corner.Having just been appointed as the Queensland State Chaplain it’s ap-propriate to allow our thoughts to dwell on the message of sacrifice which we recognise at this time every year.In the life of the Church we are still celebrating the events of the Easter weekend which echo another sacrifice, that of Jesus dying on the cross. Yet this latter sacrificial action goes beyond and offers us hope through the promise of eternal life through the Resurrection of Jesus.In each act of sacrifice there is the promise of an outcome full of hope.Without hope life is so much more difficult. At this time I would like us all to concentrate not just on sacrifice and remembering with hon-

our those who ‘paid the supreme sacrifice’ and also those who still bear the “marks’ of conflict in so many ways, but also on the fact that life can have a deep and fulfilling meaning if we can but acknowledge that with genuine hope we can experience a better tomorrow.Post Script: I have advised the State Management Committee that I propose to offer my services to all Branches in a special way. I will shortly be contacting all Branches offering to visit one of their meetings either as simply a visitor on a “get to know you basis” or should you wish me to make a presentation on the distinctive role of a Chaplain or make a presentation on any subject chosen by you. This will not cut across the vital role of the Welfare Officer in each branch.I can be contacted by email and my address is sandy@ecn.net.au . or by phone at 07 3348 8866. I look forward to a future contact. Sandy Marshall – State Chaplain.

SHIRT TALESThe National Service Heritage Precinct at Wacol now has the prospect of two more ‘shirt tales’ for the Wacol Museum. The first, donated by Dani Mitchell - who found it in an op shop in Sydney - will go on display shortly. It was signed by all the members of 9 Platoon, C Company, in the first intake of 1958.How-ever, so far no-one has come forward to provide further information, particularly the NCO or officer who signed on the front pocket.The shirts actually are pyjama tops and a second one, also signed, has been lo-cated and there is a prospect of a third. All will be on display and Dani will be invited to officially unveil it.

BRANCH FUNDSThe State President, Bill Morriss, has acted to refute claims that Branch funds will be seized or Charters revoked. He said there never has been, isn’t and won’t be any such actions against Branches that conduct their af-fairs within the Constitution.‘I urge all Branches to read the Constitution and its provisions for themselves rather than rely on interpreta-tions by people with their own motives. ‘The current one was developed by an independent Committee and discussed at three SMC and three Gen-eral Meetings before being adopted by an overwhelming vote inTownsville on 8 September 2011. ‘The imposition of the new Australian Charities and Not for Profit Commission will mean another layer of bureaucracy and reporting requirements which will create Constitutional problems at the organisational, State Government and Federal Governments levels while we work out just who we are reporting to.’ the State President said.

PAGE 6 PAGE 11

BRANCH NEWSEdited by Fred Petersen – wyfred@tpg.com.au

Under the Privacy Act, details including birthdays, illness and hospitalisation cannot be included in Branch News

without the person’s consent.Closing date next issue is Friday July 27 folding date August 17

BAYSIDE (Meeting: 3rd Tuesday each month 1100 hours. Venue: Wynnum RSL.) Bayside Branch Members& Supporters turned out in strength to celebrate National Service Day. The service was held at The National Service Memorial at Darling Point. Vice President Neal Freier introduced Padre Kevin Hentzschel who led us in prayer. President Adrian Sheather then spoke of some of the humorous experi-ences some of “The Nashos” had while in training, President Adrian closed by thanking All National Service-men for their service to their Country and then followed a very well organised breakfast at the Bayside Sea Scouts Landship. Bayside had their AGM on 21st February 2012. After business was finished the election of officers was conducted. The Executive Officers are— President Norm McKechnie, Vice President Neal Freier, Secretary Adrian Sheather. Treasurer Graeme Condley, Assistant Treasurer Jan Heggie. The Bayside Belles had their first outing as a group at Olivers at Manly. The ladies had a very convivial morning tea and are look-ing forward to the next occasion. Our new Membership Officer, Leo Solinas introduced seven new members & four new supporters at the March Branch meeting. Welcome to you all.

BEENLEIGH-LOGAN (Meeting: 4th Monday each month 1000 hours. Venue: Beenleigh RSL.) Since the last issue, our branch signed up one new member and his wife. Welcome Tom and Anne Shields. ANZAC week we unveiled our new tables with vinyl skirts complete with nasho logo and poster pockets. These tables together with a new selling outlet kindly given to us by Brisbane South contributed to our increased badge sales. Sadly April saw the passing of ex Changi POW John Hazelgrove, the ‘dad’ of branch member Terry Green. Our mem-bers attended the funeral at St. Patricks’ Beenleigh, where John was farewelled with a poppy ceremony and a guard of honour. He was a popular patron of our RSL Club where he told of his experi-ences of his war time internment. Vale John.

BRISBANE EAST (Meetings 3rd Tuesday 7p.m. Manly-Lota RSL Hall 184 Melville Tce Manly)Brisbane East has won its first membership award in its first year. The Dennis Connon Trophy commemorates the former Membership Officer. State President, Bill Morriss, presented the Shield to Branch Secretary, Bruce Stoff, at the Annual General Meeting at Wacol on 31 March. Brisbane East members marched for the first time in the annual Manly ANZAC Day Parade culminating in a service at the Digger Me-morial at Richard Russell Park. They carried the former Brisbane West Branch Banner, keeping it in use as part of National Service history in Queensland.

With the upcoming elections we would appreciate it if all branches would make sure that they have either a correct email address or contact point for the News editors. It is frustrating when you send out reminder notices only to have them returned.

The daughter of the house’s little daughter is one year old and has learnt to walk. The whole world has been thrown wide open and she’s now a fully paid up member of the human race.

Our cavemen ancestors must have watched with as much delight as we did as she set out determinedly to explore this whole new dimension. Pulling fridge magnets off and putting them back on again is the new game.

She’s already mastered the art of opening cupboards and using pots and pans in creative ways, mostly loud. Climbing on the couch or throwing all the toys out of the crate and climbing in – easy peasy.

What did amuse us from the outset is that she and her older brother knew what the mobile phone and television zapper did.

She’s learnt to say Ta but in the eternal female way, it’s you doing the giving. It’s an old saying that there is a secret pact between grandparents and grandkids to outwit parents. Or put another way, it’s our revenge for the sleepless nights, hassles, worries and grey hair our kids gave us to spoil their’s rotten and send them home.

But the real message is whether you’re Granddad, Grandpa, Gramps, Pop, Da or whatever else they call you, it’s your small piece of immortality handed down in an unbroken line from father to father from when time began. We were too busy raising our own children to enjoy them fully. So don’t worry about the genetics, just enjoy a small child with their hand trusting in your’s, asleep on your lap, waving from the stroller, showing you a toy or wanting a hug. And feel the magic.

GRANDKIDSWe had a visit from a little piece of magic at our house recently.

We’ll know what to do.

Proud Member of InvoCare

When we’re young, we think we’re 10 feet tall and tough as nails.But as we get older, it dawns on us that no one lives forever.

That’s why we should all be prepared for the futureby pre-arranging a fixed price funeral with

your preferred funeral director. Metropolitan Funerals.You’ll save money, protect your pension and ensure your

funeral goes the way you want. 1800 636 660metropolitanfunerals.com.au

Planning aheadmakes a lot of sense

PAGE 5PAGE 12

BRISBANE NORTH (Meeting: 1st Sunday each month 1000 hours. Venue: Kedron Wavell Services Club) It was obvious that Brisbane North members were happy with the Committee for the year as all where re-elected for the year ahead under the guidance of President Dave Burgess. The Supporters group have been active, as usual, and had a great day at Pine Rivers Park, with very good attendance. Members rallied for our local march which was the biggest ever and when we arrived at Kedron Wavell for the service the crowd was enormous; possibly double that of last year. Very well organised to cope for the larger crowd. Quite a few made the quick trip into the city march which also seemed bigger than ever. What a wonderful feeling to hear and see the support of the crowd. Photo: shows President Dave and party ready for the Wreath Laying.

BRISBANE NORTH WEST (Meetings third Sunday each month 10am Gaythorne RSL) Those of us able to spend time outside Spotlight and Coles at Everton Park selling ANZAC memorabilia were absolutely delighted with the response from the good folk of the north western suburbs and with those few who spent a moment or two telling us the stories of their fathers, grandfathers or great grandfathers at war. As the branch’s P.R.O. I thoroughly enjoy representing the branch in public either at a fund raiser or as a guest speaker. As I write, the young squad basher of 1959, now well over 70 is about to join my new mates outside Gaythorne RSL for the ANZAC Day march.

BUNDABERG (Meeting: 2nd Saturday each month 1330 hours. Venue: Bundaberg RSL)The Bundaberg Nashos day trip across to the South Burnett towns of Murgon to visit the Dairy Heritage Museum, then on to Wondai for lunch and a visit to the Timber Industry Museum proved a hit with all those who attended. It turned out a great day and our thanks to Social Secretary, Brian Trost for arranging same. The AGM in March also proved volunteers do come to light albeit with some coaching, resulting in the 2012/2013 executive remaining unchanged. Advice has already been received from both Gladstone and Rockhampton Branches that due to the time enjoyed by all who attended last year’s BBQ they want to do it again and a suitable date will be arranged for possibly October. Numbers are dwindling with only 20 odd bold members marching on Anzac Day. As the decline was forecast it was decided to abandon our traditional BBQ and join kindred bodies for lunch at the RSL Club. It turned out to be a sound decision with free food and drink for sub branch members. Next social function is a coach trip to Tin Can Bay and Rainbow Beach on Thursday 14th June. Cost is only $20 a head so get in quick, Morning Tea and Lunch included. Remember a seat will not be reserved unless the fare is paid at time of booking.

CABOOLTURE (Meeting: 3rd Thursday each month 0945 hours. Venue: seniors citizens Building, Hastings St.)Thursday March 15th the Caboolture Branch held the monthly meeting and AGM for 2012. It was well attended including Patron Ron Snow and Padre Rev. Kerry Talbot who assisted with the running of the AGM. Hec. Handsley is the new President taking over from Bill Newton. Well known member, poet and entertainer Ivan Wall is our new Vice-President, with Geoff Murray, Alec Nunn and Noel McEwan continuing on as Treasurer, Secretary and chief Welfare Officer respectively. It is heartening to report that we gained two new members recently and they seemed to have settled in well. Our daytime meetings continue to be popular and well attended. Noel McEwan and George Jarvis led the charge towards ANZAC Day commemorations commencing with talks and presentations at major schools in the area along with badge selling in Caboolture and Morayfield. Once again, Caboolture were available to march at their own Wamuran Park memorial where we had an enormous crowd last year.

It was established in 1973 to provide a protective and quick-reaction force for RAAF Base Butterworth dur-ing a resurgence of the Communist insurgency in Malaysia. The RAAF presence required the protection of the RCB force on a twenty four hour continual basis because there was a real threat and the possibility of attack or incursion by forces of the Communist terrorists whose leader, Chin Peng fought a long lasting war against the Malaysian Government and Malaysian Armed Forces in order to destabilise and overthrow the Government. The Malaysian Air Force was on active service and was fighting a real war within its own country and on the border with Thailand. The BAB was subject to varying levels of alert. Many of these increased levels of alert were known as “Red Letter Days” indicating expected CT activity. On such days the entire BAB would go into total lock down, extra air defence measures would be deployed, RCB security patrols were increased, RCB would man fighting pits at the southern and northern ends of the runway, roadblocks and vehicle check points were set up and weapons were in the action condition

When the Whitlam Government came to power in December 1972 it fulfilled its election promise to abolish National Service. National Servicemen were given a choice to be discharged imme-diately using the pretext of ‘exceptional hardship’ or to finish their two year ob-ligation. We could catch the next plane back to Australia if we wished. A few of us stayed with 6RAR to finish our terms as Nashos. In January 1973 D Coy 6rar rotated to Rifle Company But-terworth (RCB) where we operated un-der rules of engagement and caried live ammunition. We possibly were the last Nashos to serve on an overseas posting. I am bringing this is to your attention

just to make your Association aware the Nashos were still serving overseas in early 1973 and in this case in a theatre where Nashos were once again exposed to danger.’RAAF Base Butterworth was handed to the Royal Malaysian Air Force in 1988 and the insurgency officially ended in 1989, Rifle Company Butterworth has been maintained as a means of providing Australian soldiers with training in jungle warfare and cross-training with the Royal Malaysian Army. The company is staffed on a rotational basis, with both Regular and Reserve personnel being deployed on a quarterly basis. Much of Malaysia is tropical jungle as shown here during a patrolThe Australian Peacekeeper & Peacemaker Veter-ans’ Association put a case to the Defence Honours and Awards Tribunal on 26 July 2011 seeking rec-ognition for members of the Rifle Company Butter-worth (RCB) for active service in Malaysia between 1970 and 1989. However, the Tribunal dismissed the claim saying conditions at the base were not war-like. Casualties had never been expected and no at-tack ever eventuated. The tribunal also said it had no power to dictate whether services were eligible for veterans’ entitlements and rejected a call for clasp “Malaysia” to be added to the Australian Ac-tive Service Medal. The National Servicemen’s As-sociation of Australia had a similar experience with the Tribunal’s letter-of-the-law interpretation of the regulations when it lost a case to have the Australian Defence Medal awarded to a member of our found-ing Committee, Lawrie Asgill who was in the last intake in late 1972.

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CAIRNS (Meeting: 2nd Thursday each month 1815 hours. Venue: Cairns RSL.) Tablelands and Cairns members joined with Innisfail branch on the 14th February to help celebrate their Nasho Day. A good turnout of members marched through the streets of Innisfail to ANZAC Park, where, after a welcoming speech by President Phil Pearce several plaques were unveiled, wreaths were laid and family members placed red poppies in honour of their deceased loved ones. On completion of the afternoon service, members and guests adjourned to the RSL Club for dinner and social interaction. Well, the “not so old” guard has done it again with members showing their confidence in their executive by reinstating them all for another term. President Fred Cave in his annual report outlined the branch’s successful year and his aspirations for the coming year. Assistance was given to Legacy this year when several members became involved in their annual merchandising fundraiser. Long time committee member/ news editor John Wallwork was presented with a Meritorious Service Award at the Aril general meeting. Photo shows Fred Cave (left) presenting John with his award. DALBY (Meeting: 1st Saturday Bi-Monthly 1030 hours, Venue: alternately Miles/Dalby/Chinchilla)On the 31st March our branch held a well attended meeting at the Windsor Hotel in Dalby, during the meeting it was reported that four Dalby Nashos and their wives had a social meeting with six members of the Nasho Touring Club. While in Dalby the Brisbane members visited the newly completed mural on two panels of wall at the back of the Australia Remembers Park in Dalby. Local members had been maintaining this park since 1995 until October 2011when it was handed back to the Western Regional Council. Next meeting 2/6/2012 at Miles.

GLADSTONE (Meeting: 3rd Wednesday each month 1300 hours. Venue: RG Hotel) Badge selling in the lead up to Anzac Day was most successful, thanks to our dedicated band of volunteers. ANZAC Day was a remarkable day. We were well represented at the Dawn Service and the ANZAC parade followed by the wreath laying ceremony. On ANZAC afternoon twentyfour members and supporters from Gladstone travelled by bus to the small community of Marmor (on the Bruce highway) approx. 35km’s south of Rockhampton where we joined with members of the local community, visitors and Rockhampton Nasho’s in a simple, very moving ceremony to

honour their ANZAC’s. Children from Marmor and Bajool schools also participated. After the wreath laying ceremony, our very busy ANZAC day concluded with wonderful country hospitality, food (B.B.Q.) fellowship and music at the Railway Hotel. “Lest We Forget!” GOLD COAST SOUTH (Meeting: Bi-monthly 1000 hours. Venue: Twin Towns RSL.) On the 31st March five of our “Committee Members” attended the recent 3 meeting (AGM) at Wacol. The day was long but very interesting with a strong vote of confidence for the existing committee as the meetings all took place. A short break was welcomed with a very tasty Subway that was enjoyed by many. “National President” of the NSSA. Queensland, “Earl Jennings” is pictured here with our members, President: Don Beck, Secretary: Ian Manwaring, Treasurer: Bill Hagen, Assistant Bugle Editor: Tom Hughes along with our Vice President: John Shanahan, being our “Photographer” on the day. Congratulations Men, keep up the good work keeping us all happy.

THE RIFLE COMPANY BUTTERWORTHMalaysia is the least known theatre of National Service yet it has a number of unique features.A total of 3,400 Australians served in Malaysia in the 1960s and 70s including about 300 Nashos. One of them was former Victorian Premier, Jeff Kennett, who delivered the Farewell at the dedication of the National Service Memorial in Canberra on 8 September 2010. The last National Servicemen posted overseas were to Malaysia and some were still serving there in 1973.

The photo shows a patrol in some of the more open country around Butterworth. The alert status meant taking a camera was not encouraged officially. Many of them served in the Rifle Company Butterworth and carried live ammunition in what was classified as hazardous duty. However, a case to the Directorate of Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal in 2011 for recognition of this as active service was rejected. Another group of 150 Nashos also served in Malaysia in 1965 and 1966 with 21 and 22 Construction Squadrons and 4 RAR during the Confrontation along the Borneo border with Indonesia. Two of them died on active service. 3802157I George Lovett served as a Nasho from Sept 71 through to March 1973 and saw service with 6th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment which formed the Australian component of the 28 ANZUK Brigade based in Tendakan, near Kuala Lumpur. ANZUK was a tripartite force formed in 1971 and disbanded in 1974.by Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom to defend the Asian Pacific region after the United Kingdom withdrew forces from the east of Suez in the early 1970s. George wrote:‘In terms of the number of Nashos involved it would be approximately 50 with 6RAR and possibly the same with 1RAR. Our group of 12 joined 6RAR as reinforcements in May 1972. We spent 11 months on tour. There were about three reinforcement rotations a year with about 12 nashos in each rotation.Many other Nashos also served with 6RAR however there is a component of Nashos who rotated from Singapore into what is known as Rifle Company Butterworth.

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GYMPIE (Meeting: 2nd Sunday Bi-monthly even months 1030 hours. Venue: Gympie RSL) Due to accidents and ill health our Branch A.G.M. that was to have been held on April 15th was postponed to Sunday June 10th. The meeting will be at the R.S.L. at 1030 hours. All members of the NSAA are invited to come along and join their fellow members. There was quite a good turnout for the ANZAC day march and all who took part had a good time. This year the branch has had a couple of B.B.Qs at different members’ houses and these are always successful. Hopefully this will continue after the next meeting on alternate months (odd months). All who come along enjoy the social get together and other members are welcome to come along and join us. It is to be hoped that all health problems are overcome this time.

INNISFAIL (Meeting: 4th Tuesday each month 1800 hours. Venue –Innisfail Cultural Complex) Things are starting to move along nicely with our National Servicemen’s Day Parade a huge Success. Other branches from Cairns and Tablelands joined us to make the parade the success that it was. Anzac Day Parade will be in Babinda this year. Members are to attend the Dawn Parade in Innisfail and then the main Parade at Babinda. The Coral Sea Celebrations are on again in May at Cardwell. This being the 70th Anniversary of the Battle, some of the survivors of the Lexington will be in attendance. The local RSL provides a BBQ lunch and a bar after the official duties are finished. The members and supporters are busy with community work such as manning the Driver Reviver station to help out the other volunteers.

MACKAY (Meeting: 4th Monday each month 1730 hours. Venue: North Mackay Bowling Club) Our branch has been active, firstly last November raising near $1,000 for ‘Movember’ when several members had their moustaches shaved. In February we had our annual church parade at Scots, Presbyterian church in North Mackay. Socially, our committee has arranged outings with bus trips, BBQ’s, visits to the Conservatorium of Music for concerts, and once again in July we will be travelling to Bowen to unite with fellow Nashos from Townsville, Bowen and the Burdekin area. BBQs at Bunnings on a regular basis and selling Memorabilia on Remembrance Day and ANZAC Day continues to be popular among our members.North Mackay High School are again sending students to Gallipolli and France this year and all of the party will be given a Rising Sun and Tri-service badge. We also in response to an appeal from Mirani Primary School for a Slouch Hat for inclusion on their Memorial, we were happy to present a hat to the school. Once again a good number of Nashos marched on ANZAC Day at both Mackay and Mirani while members attended various other marches throughout the district.

NASHO TOURING CLUBAnother successful and enjoyable tour. We had approx. 20 vans and four cabins occupied. The weather was not kind and we postponed a visit to Maidenwell Observatory until Saturday night, when those who went had a great country pub dinner then on to look at the stars. A most enjoyable visit earlier to ‘Virgil Smith’s Woodware’ to look at, and purchase, some beautiful timber products and take a yummy afternoon tea. Some went on to a look over (literally) Tarong Power Station. Our A.G.M. was held on Thursday. The meeting decided to add another position to the Committee - that of Vice-President. The results of the election being:President: Don Weimer Vice-President: Joan Connor Secretary: Ray Richmond Treasurer: Jill McFadzenWe were pleased to welcome Marie and Warren and other Nashos and wives from the South Burnett Branch to our sausage sizzle. Didn’t Warren have amazing luck in our raffles. Despite the hold-ups at road works, on the Blackbutt Range, everyone arrived and departed safely.

REDLANDS (Meeting: 1st Sunday each month 1000 hours. Venue: Redland RSL, Cleveland)Most of the outgoing Branch Committee were re-elected at the Annual General Meeting held on Sunday, 4th March, resulting in the following: President – Eric Shaw, Vice President - Robin McLaughlin, Secretary – Ken Cullum, Treasurer – Cedric Murray, Merchandising Officer – Ian Gray, Welfare Officer – Bruce Reedman, Membership/Development Officer – Les Warner, Social Organisers – Col Thompson & Frank Williams, Editor Dudley Orchard, Members – Barry White, Jeff Marshall, Col McLean, Pastor – Ray Richmond. We continue to attract 90 to 100 members and associates to our monthly meetings.

THE GUNIt’s official - the NSAA Queensland has been allocated an MA2A howitzer for the National Service Heritage Precinct at Wacol.

The State President, Bill Morriss, announced we are one of 38 organisations selected to receive one of the guns which saw service in Vietnam. The Minister for Defence Materiel, the Hon. Jason Clare MP, said: “The MA2A howitzer has provided outstanding service to Australia for more than 40 years. They were procured from 1959, before being introduced into service in Vietnam in 1967 to supplement the existing L5 ‘pack’ howitzers in use during that conflict

They were critical in providing close artillery fire support to the Australian Army.

During that conflict, the MA2As fired thousands of 105mm rounds.

The gun could be towed or slung under a helicopter. They have not been deployed on operations since Vietnam but remained in service.

By providing them for static display we will preserve this important part of our military history’, Mr. Clare said.Many NSAA members served on the MA2As in Vietnam including State Vice-President, Ivan Davis

Ivan is preparing the stands on which it will be mounted. The State Secretary officially is custodian of the gun. He has had to sign a declaration that neither the Association nor he will sell, hire or in any way dispose of the MA2A or any part thereof without the written permission of the United States Defense Department.

ARTILLERYMEN’S FUNDThe recipients, including the Queensland Branch, must pay $4,000 for making the guns inoperable and to provide their own transport from Bandiana depot at Albury. Our gun will be mounted inside the Precinct. We have the money put aside but at the request of former artillerymen have opened a fund to which all National Service artillery personnel can

contribute if they wish. A plaque will be mounted on the MA2A recording the fact that National Service Artillerymen funded its relocation to the National Service Heritage Precinct. We already have the first donation of $20 from Rex Kirkham, of the Gunner Signallers Club.

Make donations or cheques payable to NSAA MA2A Fund.

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Congratulations must go to our hardworking Welfare Officer, Bruce Reedman, on being awarded the Rowland Williams Memorial Shell, at the 31 March State Conference, the well-deserved trophy recognising his dedication of service. On 14th March, a somewhat dismal day, 24 members & supporters enjoyed a day out to the Kokoda Barracks at Canungra where they were met by Captain Denis Magennis who led them through the Museum giving a very informative talk on all the displays, including one devoted to our member Ron Partis. The visit was followed by lunch at the Canungra RSL. On 14th April, 26 members & supporters went on a bus trip to the Esk Charity Races. With bus driver Jim at the wheel, they headed for Esk with a