HUBUNGAN(THE CONTACT)

ISSUE 30SEPTEMBER 2016

NewsletterQueensland and Brisbane

BranchNMBVAA Inc

Serving the CommunityIn times of Conflict and Peace

Maj Gen J.C. HUGHES AO, DSO, MC (Retd) 18 Aug 1929-12 Aug 2016Patron of the National Malaya and Borneo Veterans’ Association

LEST WE FORGETHUGHES. Maj Gen J C Hughes AO, DSO, MC Members of the National Malaya and Borneo Veterans Association Inc States mourn the passing of our much esteemed Patron. He led us with great distinction during the good, and the bad times. LEST WE FORGET. Ken McNeill- Liaison Officer.ObituariesPublished in Herald Sun on 20/08/2016

THEY REMEMBERED31 AUGUST 2016

PRESIDENTS REPORT 19/9/2016Now August is over once again, it is time to thank all of the very kind members and friends who have gone to a lot of trouble to help make our big day a great success. Our thanks must go out to Ron Virgen for the great work that he has done to get as many visitors as possible to be there on the day. Many good people could not attend on the day but sent their good wishes. Visitors from as far as New Zealand attended. Dave Brewer once again held the reins for me until I could return from duties at the main gate with the M.S.S. guards. To Brian Avery for his speech, to Meagan for the reading of the New Zealand names, to Dads Army for the great catering work, the diggers who attended to help, the officers that took time out from their very busy day, the diggers who formed the Catafalque Party, the band members, Once again Maj Gary Craig (Salvation Army) has stepped in to help. I have saved the best helper until the last and that is Laraine, for without her helpI would be out in the wilderness.To all “THANKS MATE”.

If you are surprised to get this CONTACT it is because Dell hadtaken over until Peter starts in February. Dell has informed me that we will also have another CONTACT out before Xmas. Jobwell done, mate. Many people have had hospital visits since my last Report and I can only hope that all are getting better. If anyone requires a visit whilst in hospital or just sick at home and needing help, please call Laraine and she will help out.

Brian Selby (President of S.A. and N.T.) has been very busy getting out his newsletter “The Observation Post.” I will be sending out a bulk email to all and if anyone wants a copy we will send one out snail mail.

Dave will be getting a new supply of bumper stickers very soon.Unsure of the price or size just yet but get your orders in to keephim busy as I know he loves the work. Please give him a call onph. 32733721.to place orders for any merchandise or ideas for our bus trips. (Report continues at left)

If possible, can all members have their fees paid up by the1st of January 2017 as this will make our Treasurer’s job alot easier. The fees will remain the same as for this year. Thanks for your co-operation.

Stay safe on the roads and at home. May God bless you all,Allen

ADDRESS PRESENTED BY LTCOL BRIAN AVERY (RETD) ON THE OCCASION OF THE 50 TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATION OF THE END OF THE

INDONESIAN CONFRONTATION AT THE MALAYA BORNEO VETERANS’ DAY SERVICE HELD ATTHE RAR NATIONAL MEMORIAL WALK, ENOGERRA, 31 AUGUST 2019.

ON THIS DAY, WE NORMALLY COMMEMORATE THOSE WHO FELL OR SERVED DURING THE MALAYAN EMERGENCY, THEBRUNEI REVOLT, IN TIMOR LESTE AND DURING INDONESIAN CONFRONTATION. THIS MONTH, HOWEVER, MARKS THEFIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SIGNING OF THE PEACE ACCORD BETWEEN MALAYSIA AND INDONESIA ENDINGCONFRONTATION, SIGNIFYING THE CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES AND THE WITHDRAWAL OF ALL NON-MALAYSIANTROOPS FROM EAST MALAYSIA. IT IS THEREFORE APPROPRIATE TODAY FOR US TO REMEMBER THOSE YOUNGAUSTRALIANS AND NEW ZEALANDERS WHO PAID THE SUPREME SACRIFICE DURING THIS CONFLICT WHICH LASTEDFROM OCTOBER 1962 TO AUGUST 1966.

IN 1962, THE PRIME MINISTER OF MALAYSIA, WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE BRITISH PRIME MINISTER, PROPOSED THEFORMATION OF A NEW, SOVEREIGN NATION BY JOINING TOGETHER THE FEDERATION OF MALAYA, THE BRITISHPROTECTORATE OF THE SULTANATE OF BRUNEI, AND THE THREE BRITISH CROWN COLONIES OF SINGAPORE, SARAWAKAND NORTH BORNEO (LATER RENAMED SABAH). AT FIRST, INDONESIA APPEARED SUPPORTIVE, BUT IN OCTOBER 1962,A REVOLT BY DISSIDENTS IN BRUNEI WAS PUT DOWN BY THE BRITISH ARMY, ALTHOUGH THE SULTAN THEN WITHDREWFROM THE PROPOSAL. THE PRESIDENT OF INDONESIA, DR SOEKARNO, DECLARED MALAYSIA TO BE SIMPLY A RETURNTO BRITISH IMPERIALISM AND LAUNCHED A CAMPAIGN OF MILITARY, DIPLOMATIC AND ECONOMIC MEASURES TOCRUSH MALAYSIA, WHICH HE CALLED CONFRONTATION. ALTHOUGH BRUNEI DID NOT BECOME PART OF MALAYSIA,AND SINGAPORE WITHDREW FROM THE FEDERATION, THEY REMAINED ALLIES THROUGHOUT CONFRONTATION. IN1962, THE MALAYSIAN DEFENCE FORCES WERE RELATIVELY WEAK AND UNDEVELOPED AND BRITAIN WAS REQUIRED TOSTEP IN TO HELP DEFEND THE NEW NATION. THE MALAYSIAN PRIME MINISTER ASKED AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALANDFOR ASSISTANCE. NEW ZEALAND RESPONDED EARLY BUT THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT WAS INITIALLY RETICENTABOUT PROVIDING MILITARY FORCES, PROBABLY RECOGNISING THAT INDONESIA WAS OUR NEIGHBOUR, WE SHARED ACOMMON LAND BORDER IN PAPUA-NEW GUINEA, WHILE DARWIN WAS ONLY THREE HUNDRED KILOMETRES FROMTHE NEAREST INDONESIAN TERRITORY. WITH THE CLOSURE OF THE BRITISH EMBASSY IN JAKARTA, THE AUSTRALIANAMBASSADOR BECAME RESPONSIBLE FOR REPRESENTING BRITAIN, THEREBY KEEPING A CHANNEL OFCOMMUNICATION OPEN BETWEEN THE TWO BELLIGERANTS.

IN 1963, AUSTRALIA DID PROVIDE LIMITED MILITARY ASISTANCE IN THE FORM OF ARMY ENGINEERS FOR ROADCONBSTRUCTION IN SABAH, NAVAL SMALL SHIPS FOR INSHORE PATROLS AND AN ARMY AIR DEFENCE BATTERY TOPROTECT THE BUTTERWORTH AIRBASE, AS WELL AS AUTHORISING RAAF AIRCRAFT BASED AT BUTTERWORTH TOUNDERTAKE COMBAT AIR PATROLS TO PROTECT THE BASE. IN 1964, AUSTRALIAN GROUND COMBAT UNITS WEREAUTHORISED TO TAKE ACTION AGAINST ANY LANDINGS NEAR THE TERENDAK GARRISON. THIS APPROVAL WAS NOTLONG IN BEING EXERCISED WHEN A PARTY OF OVER FIFTY INDONESIANS WHICH LANDED ON THE BORDER BETWEENMALACCA AND JOHORE IN OCTOBER 1964 WAS CAPTURED BY THE AUSTRALIAN BATTALION, 3RAR. BOTH OUR NATIONSNOW HAD ALL THREE OF THEIR DEFENCE FORCES ENGAGED IN OPERATIONS AGAINST THE INDONESIANS. THE UNUSUALSITUATION HAD ARISEN WHERE AUSTRALIA WAS UNDERTAKING COMBAT OPERATIONS AGAINST THE FORCES OF ACOUNTRY WITH WHOM WE MAINTAINED FULL DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS. BY EARLY 1965, AUSTRALIAN COMBAT TROOPSWERE OPERATING AGAINST INDONESIAN FORCES IN SARAWAK AND SABAH

IN A RECENT ARTICLE IN THE RSL NEWS, CONFRONTATION WAS DESCRIBED AS A ‘MINOR, UNDECLARED WAR’. I FIND THIS DESCRIPTION DEMEANING TO ALL WHO SERVED IN THAT CONFLICT. ON CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES, ABOUT TWENTY THOUSAND NON-MALAYSIAN TROOPS WERE WITHDRAWN WITHIN TWENTY EIGHT DAYS FROM SARAWAK AND SABAH. PROBABLY, AT LEAST THAT NUMBER WAS SERVING IN WEST MALAYSIA. AROUND THREE

Lt Col Brian Avery,Patron

NMBVAAQueensland and

Brisbane Branch,speaking on the

“IndonesianConfrontation” at theannual Malaya andBorneo Veterans’Commemoration

Day held at the RARNational Memorial

Walk on the31st August 2016.

THOUSAND MEMBERS OF THE ADF WERE SERVING IN MALAYSIA AT THE TIME AND OVER TWO THOUSAND SAW ACTIVESERVICE IN EAST MALAYSIA AND BRUNEI. THE MALAYSIAN ARMY EXPANDED FROM ABOUT TEN INFANTRY BATTALIONS TO ABOUT THIRTY OVER THIS PERIOD. WE DO NOT KNOW HOW MANY MEN INDONESIA COMMITTED TO THE CAMPAIGN BUT FACING THE SECURITY FORCES IN EAST MALAYSIA WERE AT LEAST TWO INFANTRY DIVISIONS, A SPECIAL FORCES BRIGADE, A PARAMILITARY POLICE BRIGADE, MARINE COMMANDOS AND A LARGE NUMBER OF INDONESIAN IRREGULARS AND MALAYSIAN DISSIDENTS. MALAYSIA, BRITAIN, SINGAPORE, BRUNEI, NEW ZEALAND AND AUSTRALIA COMMITTED TROOPS AGAINST INDONESIA, A COUNTRY WHOSE POPULATION EXCEEDED THAT OF ALL THE COUNTRIES INVOLVED IN MALAYSIA’S DEFENCE. WE DO NOT KNOW FOR CERTAIN HOW MANY INDONESIAN DIED –SOME ESTIMATES PUT IT AT OVER ONE THOUSAND, AND AT LEAST EIGHT HUNDRED PRISONERS AND INTERNEES WERE REPATRIATED TO INDONESIA IN 1966. WE DO KNOW THAT AROUND THREE HUNDRED SECURITY FORCES MEMBERS DIED DEFENDING MALAYSIA. TWO MEMBERS OF THE AUSTRALIAN SAS WERE MISSING IN ACTION IN 1966 AND THEIR BODIES WERE ONLY RECENTLY RECOVERED. SHORTLY, WE WILL REMEMBER THOSE AUSTRALIANS AND KIWIS WHO DIEDIN THIS CONFLICT BY READING OUT THEIR NAMES AND UNITS.

THERE IS ONE WHOSE NAME WILL NOT BE READ OUT ON A PLAQUE AT THIS MEMORIAL ARE THE NAMES OF SOMEKOREAN PERSONNEL WHO DIED DURING THE KOREAN WAR WHILE SERVING WITH THE AUSTRALIAN BATTALIONS.WHEN TWO MEMBERS OF 3RAR WERE KILLED BY A MINE IN SARAWAK IN 1965, AN INDIGENOUS IBAN BORDER SCOUTSERVING WITH 3RAR ALSO DIED. IT MAY BE APPROPRIATE IF THE 3RAR ASSOCIATION FIND OUT THE NAME OF THISMAN AND HAVE IT ADDED TO THAT PARTICULAR PLAQUE.

WHEN WE LATER OBSERVE A MINUTE’S SILENCE IN MEMORY OF OUR FALLEN, I WOULD ASK YOU TO REMEMBER NOT ONLY THOSE OF OUR OWN TWO NATIONS, BUT ALSO THE MALAYSIAN, BRITISH, GURKHA AND SINGAPOREAN SERVICEMEN WHO DIED AND, IN THE SPIRIT OF SOLDIERLY CAMARADERIE, THE MANY INDONESIANS WHO DIED AS A RESULT OF THE GRANDIOSE PLANS OF THE INDONESIAN MEGALOMANIAC WHO LED THEM INTO THIS FUTILECAMPAIGN.

NEW ZEALANDNAVY

HMNZS Royalist

ROGERS, J. L. Chief Radio Electrician

ARMY

1RNZIR

474706 BONNER, Peter William. Private 650478 DAWSON, Owen Thomas. Private41477 HONATANA, R. Private653823 HEALEY, T.J. Private336882 KING, Isaac Leonard. Sergeant653769 MONK, Alexander William. Private38469 TONI, W. Sapper

RNZASC

329603 FRY, Richard Edwards Sergeant

AIR FORCE

14 Sqn RNZAF

80904 RYDER, Geoffrey Paul. Leading Aircraftman79363 SOUTHGATE, James William Flight Lieutenant78266 THOMSON, Russell Bennett Flying Officer

AUSTRALIA (Cont.)

111 LAA Bty, RAA

2411093 ALGAR, Barry (Fish) Bombardier215303 DANKS, Stephen Wallis Gunner

RAAF

2 Sqn RAAF

C19993 COWEN, Victor John Flight Lieutenant

HONOUR ROLLINDONESIAN CONFRONTATION 1962 - 1966

AUSTRALIA

NAVY

HMAS Melbourne

HUTCHISON, John Morgan Acting Sub-Lieutenant

ARMY

3 RAR

29720 BRIAN, David John Lieutenant1200029 DOWNES, Larry Richard Private37746 MILLANE, Dennis Michael Private61207 VELLA, Vincent Phillip Sergeant5976 WEILAND, Reginald John Sergeant

4 RAR

14982 JONES, John Wynne Private215881 O’CARROLL, Liam Mallows Private14840 PATCH, Ronald Charles Corporal311512 RICHARDS, Victor Herbert Private342550 WEST, Peter John J. Corporal38094 ROBINSON, Peter John Private

1 SAS Sqn

37562 DENEHEY, Paul Harold Lance Corporal

2 SAS Sqn

14172 HUDSON, Kenneth Ambrose Lieutenant 2412209 MONCRIEFF, Robert Charles Private

21 Constr Sqn RAE

58702 COLOHAN, Anthony John Sapper6363 HUTCHINSON, Maxwell Clyde Warrant Officer 2

22 Constr Sqn RAE

3411676 BRIDGLAND, Reginald Neville Sapper5713692 MILLS, Geoffrey Francis Sapper

24 Constr Sqn RAE

213347 JOHNSON, Kenneth Charles Sapper

The 50th ANNIVERSARY of the end of the IndonesianConfrontation was commemorated at the RAR

National Memorial walk at Enoggera army barrackson the 31st AUGUST 2016.

To mark the occasion, the Patron of the NMBVAA Queensland and Brisbane Branch, Lt Col Brian Avery, addressedthose attending the service on the history of the Confrontation. The names of the Australians who had lost their lives were read out by Mr David Brewer, Vice President of the NMBVAA Association, while MsMegan Humphreys read the names of those New Zealanders who paid the supreme sacrifice in this conflict.The Service organised by the NMBVAA Queensland and Brisbane Branch under the guidance of Mr Allan Edwards, President, began with a march lead by the National Servicemen’s Memorial Pipes and Drums followed bythose ex-servicemen who saw service in the Malaysian arena. Mr Ron Virgen OAM acted as MC. The catafalque party consisted of soldiers from 6RAR. Mr Chris Greathead was the bugler. Mr Allen Edwards recited the Ode while Maj Gary Craig, Salvation Army, Chaplain for this branch of the NMBVAA, also addressed the gathering. The Service was followed by a sausage sizzle and a very pleasant get together with old mates.

Method:

Pre-heat oven to 170 degrees C (fan-forced) Spray a 4.5 cm deep 23 cm (top measurement) square tin with cooking spray. Line base and sides with baking paper, allowing the sides to overhang.

Combine flour, cocoa powder, sugars and 1 cup of coconut in a large bowl. Mash banana in a medium bowl, then whisk in yoghurt, eggsand milk. Add banana mixture to flour mixtureand mix until combined.

Ingredients:

Cooking spray 160g (1 cup) wholemeal self-raising flour 35g cocoa powder, sifted 115g (1/2 Cup) caster sugar 80 g (1/2 cup ) lightly packed brown sugar 85g (1 ¼ cups) shredded coconut 1 ripe banana 200g low-fat vanilla yoghurt 2 x 50g eggs 2 tbsp skim milk

Method cont. Press half into the base of the tin as evenly as you

can – using a potato masher works quite well – andsmooth the top. Spread the jam over the top, leaving a 1cm empty border all around the edge. Crumble over the remaining shortbread mixture, then pat down trying not to dislodge the jam too much. It will look patchy but don’t worry, the icing will smooth it out. Bake for 35 mins until pale golden. Leave to cool in the tin.

Once cool, sift the icing sugar into a bowl, and stir in about 100ml water with some food colouring to a thickish but runny icing. Pour over the slice, then tip the tin to evenly spread. Quickly dot over some more food colouring, then use a skewer or toothpick to swirl and marble the top. Leave to set overnight until the icing is hard, then cut into slices. Will keep in a tin for up to five days.

Ingredients: 300g butter, at room temperature 120g golden caster sugar 2 tsp vanilla extract 1 large egg yolk 500g plain flour 400g raspberry jam 500g icing sugar Liquid pink food colouring

Method: Heat oven to 180C/ 160C fan and line a 20x 30cm

baking tin with baking paper (2 lengths crisscrossing is the easiest way)Beat the butter caster sugar, vanilla and egg yolk together in a large bowl with an electric whisk until pale. Stir in the flour with a good pinch of salt using a wooden spoon – then your hands to bring everything together in a crumbly dough.

Pink Jam SliceA pretty in pink classic slice with retro marble icing and a layer of raspberry jam

PETE’S COOKING CORNERCoconut and Chocolate Slice

Small, dark and handsome, these wonderfully moist morsels are perfect coffeecompanions.

At Left:Photograph taken from “New Sarawak Tribune” dated Tuesday August 30, 2016.

Col Jim Ryan unveiling the Malaya-Borneo Veterans’ Association (MBVA) Memorial Plaqueon the 50th Anniversary Borneo Reunion at the Memorial Park, Jalan Taman Budaya.

In attendance is Mr Brian Selby (centre) and Mr Don Cameron.

As from January 2017, Mr Peter Lucas will be the editor of “Contact.” Please keep sending in articles. Thank you forpast articles. Without articles there cannot be a ‘Contact” Pink Raspberry Lemonade

Makes 2 litres Prep time: 5 minutesTotal time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

150 g golden caster sugar

2- 3 lemons, cut into eighths

150 g frozen raspberries

2 litres water, plus extra

ice, to serve

Method:

1. Place sugar, lemons and raspberries into Thermomixbowl and chop 3 sec/speed 5.

2. Add 1litre water and stir gently 10 sec/Reverse/speed 2. Strain mixture well, reserving solids.

3. Return solids to Thermomix bowl and add another litre of water. Stir 10 sec/Reverse/speed 2. Strain and add to first amount of liquid.

This Newspaperis proudly printed by

the office ofROSS VASTA - MP for Bonner

This Newsletter will be published quarterly by theNM&BVAA Inc.

Committee Membersfor Queensland State and Brisbane Sub-Branch

of the NM&BVAA Inc. are as follows:President: Allen Edwards 07 3396 6705Secretary: Laraine Edwards 07 3396 6705Assistant Secretary: Betty BrewerVice President: David BrewerTreasurer: Laraine Edwards Memberships: Allen EdwardsMemorabilia: Laraine Edwards Communications Officer: Peter Lucas 0413 354 479Pensions & Welfare: Ron Virgen OAM 07 3267 0249Editor: Dell Shears RFD 0475 521 415 Correspondence: The Secretary, PO Box 86,

Wynnum, Qld. 4178

DISCLAIMER: The views and/or content in this News do not necessarily reflect the views of the Association or that of State or National Executives, Delegates and/or Committee.

Serving the Community in times of Conflict and Peace