Down the Line
March 2016
Ringwood R.S.L . Sub-Branch Inc.
Editor: George Skell
Issue No: 3/2016
50th Anniversary of the
Battle of Long Tan
The VICTORIA CROSS
WHEATLEY, Warrant Officer Class II
Kevin Arthur
Australian Army; Training Team Vietnam
13 November 1965, at Tra Bong Valley,
Quang Ngai Province, South Vietnam
(Posthumous Award)
CITATION: Warrant Officer Wheatley enlisted in the Australian Regular Army in 1956. He served
in Malaya with 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment from 1957 to 1959 and then with 2nd
and 1st Battalions of the Regiment until 1965 when he was posted to the Australian Army Training
Team Vietnam. His posting in this area has been distinguished by meritorious and gallant service.
On 13th November 1965 at approximately 1300 hours, a Vietnamese Civil Irregular Defence Group company commenced a
search and destroy operation in the Tra Bong valley, 15 kilometres east of Tra Bong Special Forces camp in Quang Ngai
Province. Accompanying the force were Captain F. Fazekas, senior Australian Advisor, with the centre platoon, and Warrant
Officers K.A. Wheatley and R.J. Swanton with the right hand platoon. At about 1340hours,Warrant Officer Wheatley reported
contact with Viet Cong elements.
The VietCong resistance increased in strength until finally Warrant Officer Wheatley asked for assistance. Captain Fazekas
immediately organised the centre platoon to help and personally led and fought towards the action area. While moving towards
this area he received another radio message from Warrant Officer Wheatley to say that Warrant Officer Swanton had been
hit in the chest, and requested an air strike and an aircraft, for the evacuation of casualties. At about this time the right platoon
broke in the face of heavy Viet Cong fire and began to scatter. Although told by the Civil Irregular Defence Group medical
assistant that Warrant Officer Swanton was dying, Warrant Officer Wheatley refused to abandon him. He discarded his radio
to enable him to half drag, half carry Warrant Officer Swanton, under heavy machine-gun and automatic rifle fire, out of the
open rice paddies into the comparative safety of a wooded area, some 200 metres away. He was assisted by a Civil Irregular
Defence Group member, Private Dinh Do who, when the Viet Cong were only some ten metres away, urged him to leave his
dying comrade. Again he refused, and was seen to pull the pins from two grenades and calmly awaited the Viet Cong, holding
one grenade in each hand. Shortly afterwards, two grenade explosions were heard, followed by several bursts of small arms
fire.
The two bodies were found at first light next morning after the fighting had ceased, with Warrant Officer Wheatley lying beside
Warrant Officer Swanton. Both had died of gunshot wounds.
Warrant Officer Wheatley displayed magnificent courage in the face of an overwhelming Viet Cong force which was later
estimated at more than a company. He had the clear choice of abandoning a wounded comrade and saving himself by escaping
through the dense timber or of staying with Warrant Officer Swanton and thereby facing certain death. He deliberately chose
the latter course. His acts of heroism, determination and unflinching loyalty in the face of the enemy will always stand as
examples of the true meaning of valour.
Ringwood RSL Sub-Branch Incorporated - trading as Ringwood RSL, 16 Station Street, Ringwood 3134
Ph: 03 9870 6604
Fax: 03 9870 9628
Manager, Sub-Branch Secretary: Wayne Chisholm. ABN: 28 586 074 047
50th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan
WOII K.A. WHEATLEY, VC (Post.)
'DASHER' WHEATLEY was born at Sydney on 13 March 1937. Educated at Maroubra Junction technical
school, Sydney, he worked as a brick burner and machine operator prior to enlisting in the regular army in
June 1956. He was posted to the 4th Battalion in September and then to the 3rd Battalion in March the
following year; his first operational duty was with the 3rd Battalion in Malaya in 1957-59. In August 1959 he
joined the 2nd Battalion and in June 1961 transferred to the 1st Battalion. He joined the Training Team on
16 March 1965 as a temporary Warrant Officer; he had been appointed Lance Corporal on 19 January 1959,
promoted to Corporal on 2 February 1959 and to Sergeant 1 January 1964.
Arriving in Vietnam in early 1965 he spent six months with a Vietnamese battalion in Quang Tri province prior
to being posted to Tra Bong with five other Australian Warrant Officers in October 1965 to relieve the
previous group of advisers. From the Special Forces outpost deep in the enemy dominated Tra Bong valley,
in Quang Ngai province, the AATTV and American advisers conducted 'search and destroy' operations. The
advisers, housed in an isolated area to which access was gained by Caribou aircraft operating from a small nearby strip, were attached to
a Civil Irregular Defence Group (CIDG) of Vietnamese and Montagnard soldiers.
Daily patrols were conducted from the base to a design which gradually moved the probes further outwards. It was on one of these patrols,
on 13 November 1965, that Wheatley performed the actions for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross. The company patrol had split
into three platoon groups and Wheatley and Warrant Officer 2 R.J. Swanton were with the right-hand group. At about 1.40pm (1340hrs)
Wheatley reported contact with Viet Cong soldiers and soon after he requested assistance. Captain Fazekas, who was with the centre
platoon, organised about fifteen irregulars and fought towards the scene of the action. He received another message from Wheatley to say
that Swanton had been hit in the chest. Wheatley requested an air strike and an aircraft for casualty evacuation.
About this time the right platoon began to scatter and although the CIDG medical assistant told Wheatley that Swanton was dying, Wheatley
refused to abandon him. He discarded his radio and half dragged, half carried Swanton, under heavy enemy small arms fire, out of the open
rice paddies into a wooded area 200 metres away. A CIDG member, Private Dinh Do, who was assisting Wheatley, urged him to leave
Swanton. Wheatley refused,and was seen to pull the pins from two grenades.
Holding a grenade in each hand, he calmly awaited the encircling Viet Cong.
Captain Fazekas led the search party that found the bodies next morning; both had
died of gunshot wounds. (Fazekas was awarded the Military Cross for his courage
in trying to relieve Wheatley and Swanton.)
Wheatley had married on 20 July 1954, and was survived by his wife Edna and four
children. His body was returned to Australia for burial at Pine Grove Memorial Park,
Blacktown, New South Wales. His name is commemorated in the New South
Wales Garden of Remembrance at Rookwood war cemetery. In 1967 a trophy for
annual competition between the Australian Services Rugby Union Football Union
was inaugurated in his name. A sports arena at Vung Tau, Vietnam and the Land Warfare Centre Canungra Soldiers Club were named
after him and his citation and photograph are displayed in theHall of Heroes, John F. Kennedy Center for Military Assistance, Fort Bragg,
North Carolina, USA. The United States also awarded him the Silver Star . He was made a Knight Of The National Order Of The Republic
Of Vietnam, and received the Military Merit Medal and the Cross of Gallantry With Palm.
Sunday 17th April 2016
ANZAC Sunday
Memorial Service
9.30am Assemble at New/Seymour Streets, Ringwood
(Target Square)
Monday 25th April ANZAC Day
Dawn Service
Assemble at the Memorial Clock Tower 5.30am for the
Dawn Service. This will be followed by a free breakfast in
our Club Rooms.
Our Bars will be open from the start of breakfast.
Two Up commences at 8.30am
10.00am March commences by heading to and
turning left into Maroondah Highway towards
the Clock Tower. Turn right into Railway
Place continuing around Railway Place and
stopping at the Memorial Clock Tower.
10.30am Memorial Service and Wreath Laying.
11.00am Re-form and march along Wantirna Road and
left into Station Street to the RSL Clubrooms,
where refreshments will be served.
Watch the
Essendon vs Collingwood Anzac Day clash on
our 140" Screen with the game starting at 3.20pm
From the Editor
It is not often that we focus on things outside of Victoria,
however in this case, whilst on a visit to see my
grandchildren in NSW a few weeks ago, I was
reminded at how much interest is shown by school
children in the history and traditions of those that came
before them. At my grand daughters school a couple of
years ago a plan was hatched to create a Memorial
Garden for just this purpose. Below is an account of
why this was done and the steps it takes in ensuring the
tradition lives on. Last year their efforts were rewarded
by winning the Best School Garden section in the
Canada Bay Shire Garden Competition.
Mortlake Public School
Memorial Bush Tucker Garden
We have a fine tradition at Mortlake Public School which sees us having
our special school service. In addition to this, our school captains
represent the school each year by laying a wreath at the Concord RSL
ANZAC Day Dawn Service. This is a highlight of the year for them and one
they look forward to with great enthusiasm. We also encourage other
students from across Mortlake Public School to attend the dawn
service and they usually join the captains for the march to the RSL for
the wreath laying ceremony.
Beforehand, all the teachers are covering Anzac Day in class and have
impressed upon the students the solemnity of the occasion. On this day,
above all days, we remember all those who served our nation in times
of war. We honour those who died or were disabled in the tragedy of war.
We remember those who suffered as prisoners of war, and those who
died in captivity. Our servicemen and women have left us a splendid
heritage. May we prove worthy and ever mindful of their sacrifice.
At our school service, Mortlake Public School will pay respect to the
soldiers that died for our country. Memorial wreaths are laid all around
the world on Anzac Day to remember and to pay tribute to Australians
and we respect and value this tradition at our school. For our ceremony
we lay wreaths at the honour roll on the wall at the side of our hall that
shows the names of people from here who lost their lives during World
War 1. The students bring some leaves and flowers and lay them at the
Bench of Reflection
flagpole. These are placed on the wreaths that are assembled by the
captains.
The captains begin our ceremony by telling the assembled students what the word ANZAC means and that it is an acronym made up
from the first letters of the words Australian and New Zealand Army Corps which was the name given to the soldiers who, during World
War 1, landed at Gallipoli in Turkey on April 25th 1915. They also talk about the unbelievable conditions the soldiers were faced with at
Gallipoli.
Parts of our ANZAC Service are the same as any other Anzac service no matter where you are and we adhere to these. We recite the Ode,
after which a bugle call, The Last Post, is played. In this remembrance ceremony it symbolises a final farewell, that the duty of the dead
is over and that they may rest in peace. Following The Last Post we have one minute’s silence to give us time to remember all those who
have served this country. At the end of this minute another bugle call, reveille is sounded. In this ceremony it symbolises awakening in a
better world for the dead and rouses us, as we have paid our respects to their memory, to return to duty. We are often privileged to have
a ‘bugler’ attend in person and perform these for us.
We conclude with the song, ‘Let There Be Peace On Earth which the students all sing beautifully and respectfully.
Our Memorial Bush Tucker Garden on Brays Road, marks a special place of remembrance and reflection in our school grounds. We
remember those that have served and those that have fallen for this country.
Our Lone Pine, the centre piece of our garden was kindly donated by Bob Turner, from Concord RSL. It is a derivative from the original
Lone Pine in Turkey obtained by Bob and given to Mortlake School. It was lovingly nurtured by Minh Tran Ha, our school office assistant,
for five years before planting.
The pavers were generously donated by our parents and acknowledge the soldiers from our school who served in WWI and other family
members from the school community who served for Australia. The names of these soldiers are also engraved on the Mortlake WW1 Honour
Roll located in the School Hall.
It embraces Australian indigenous culture, creating from patchy grass and bare dirt something beautiful of which we, as a community, can
all be proud.
We encourage students, parents and teachers to sit on our “bench of reflection”, view our Lone Pine, remember what has gone before and
find some peace, acceptance and unity in this world. Here, we remember all those who served our nation in times of war. We remember
with pride their courage, their compassion and their comradeship. We remember what they accomplished for Australia, and indeed for the
freedom of all people
Anne Claro
Mortlake Public School
RSL Sports News
Trophy Report
Saturday 5th March 2016
Five members and one guest met at the Hastings
Marina at 6:30 am on a pleasant mild morning and boarded the
Katrina Louise at about 7:00am and slowly putted out to the
Skipper Zac’s first mark where some small flathead were caught.
The whiting had failed to read the script once again and as a result
did not turn up as anticipated.
After several moves including a drift pattern and lots of effort we
still only had small flathead all of which were released back to
their kindergarten. At this point the skipper treated all on board
with hot roast beef rolls and coffee, for most the highpoint of the
charter. Time was running out so the skipper tried one last stop
in the entrance to the channel into the marina and two whiting
were caught, saving a nil all score board (see below)It was about
then that the conspiracy theory was activated with one angler
loosing (we think tossing) his rod over the side and being a hollow
glass rod it floated away on the tide. This necessitated the up
anchor action and we followed and retrieving the afore mentioned
rod reel and terminal tackle, on return to the “hot” mark no more
fish were taken. The trophy of the day was the “Hook, Line and
Sinker’ or best trio trophy which went unclaimed. Returning to the
marina about 12:30pm there was not much to show for the trip
and the great new set of electronic scales so generously donated
by Rob Morgan hardly got a work out.
Results for the day
Rob Swenser
1 Whiting 1 flathead 1.13Kgs 30 points
Terry McCormack
1 Whiting
0.88Kgs 25 points
Dave Baker
5 points
Peter Phillips
5 points
Bill Price
5 points
Five members met
at Stoney Point at
Trophy Report
11:00am on a
Saturday 19th March 2016
windy morning and
boarded
the
Anchors Away charter and moved to the first mark off Phillip Island
where a small snapper, a flathead and a large trevally came over the
side in rapid succession, then nothing for a period then one whiting.
The skipper decided on a move and we motored back across the bay
to a mark out from Crib Point where a couple of whiting were caught.
Wind was forecast to be light but it swung to the south east and as the
tide turned picked up in intensity.
Several moves further up the bay saw several whiting boated, but the
weed western port bay is famous for was being boated with every cast.
A final move to a mark near Turtle Head resulted in a few more whiting
and our time had expired so we headed back into Stoney Point at about
5:00 pm.
Trophy was for the day was for the largest whiting and was won by
Terry McCormack with a fish of 36cm
Results for the Day
Terry McCormack
4 Whiting 1 Flathead 2.60Kgs 30 Points
Dave Baker
5 Whiting
Rob Swenser
1 Whiting 1 Trevally 1.42Kgs 20 Points
Peter Phillips
3 Whiting
Bill Price
No fish
1.89Kgs 25 Points
1.25Kgs 17 Points
5 Points
Garfield Sunday 20/03/2016
Golf Report
by Lindsay Black (Club Captain)
33 players attended on the day.The
weather was fine , scores were good
the group winners (with the exception
of one on 39) all scoring in the 40's
with a great lunch supplied by the
Club. Our sponsor for the day was
John Poulter of VIP Pest Control in
Montrose. Word has it that John is
moving to Barham, NSW later in the
year and we all wish him well for the
future. Our next game will be MANSFIELD on the 10th April 2016.
(2nd Round of the Club Championship). The bus leaves
Ringwood RSL at 5.45am.
A call to anyone who may be interested in joining our Golf
Section you will be most welcome.
A Grade
B Grade
C Grade
D Grade
Winner
Runner-up
Winner
Runner-up
Winner
Runner-up
Winner
Runner-up
Gunter LOIDL
Mike SODEN
Rex JONES
Jason COX
Bob DUNSTAN
Paul DISNEY
Geoff MILBOURNE
Geoff BEER
41
38
39
34
41
39
46
32
LONGEST DRIVE
NEAREST TO THE PIN
A Grade
B Grade
C Grade
D Grade
4th Hole
8th Hole
9th Hole
11th Hole
14th Hole
16th Hole
Gunter Loidl
Steve Salliard
Bob Dunstan
Geoff Millbourne
N.A.G.A. Paul MADAMS
Jason Cox
Greg Frost
Gunter Loidl
Greg Frost
John Poulter
Jason Cox
Ringwood RSL Pool Section
The 2016 Winter Competition has
commenced with some mixed results for our
1st and 2nd Division. First round was a win for
1st Division and playting one player short and
although playing hard all night it was a loss for
the 2nd Division team. The Premier Division
competition starts on Monday and good luck to all the players.
Indoor Carpet Bowl
We now have a fixed date for the start of the
Bowls Pennant Season. First game is
Tuesday 3rd May at 7.00pm with the season
ending August. Once again Players old and
new are invited to register with Reception
and in addition to the Tuesday night games Wednesday afternoon
games are also available. We have has success over recent years
and look forward to adding to these. So come and join us and have
some fun.
A Tribute to the Women of Australia
by Aubrey Brown
As we marched on ANZAC Day in remembrance of those
who made the supreme sacrifice and others who served
and passed before us, and as our ranks have become
more thinly spread, the opportunity to express our thanks
to the women of Australia should not be allowed to pass us
by, They Were There also, demonstrating their gratitude.
We recall when on leave and a long way from home how they
welcomed us into their homes as a mate of one of their own,
a makeshift bed on the floor, a nice meal in spite of the
rationing and sometimes a picnic in the hills with members of
the family and friends, a dance, an outing to the beach or the
'flickers. Not only did they welcome us into their homes, but
into their hearts as well.
They Were There when 3 Water Transport Group marched
through Melbourne to give support to the War Bonds rally,
and They Were There, no matter the time of day or night,
providing cuppas, sandwiches, scones and fruit to all the
troops on trains diverted through Outback Queensland,
heading north for embarkation overseas, and to all the troops
heading south; and when our Divisions returned from the
Middle East, They Were There to greet them.
We also recall the mothers, daughters, sisters and others
serving in the voluntary organisations, the Red Cross,
Salvation Army, Country Women's, Nursing Aides (V.A.D.),
Land Army Girls, Scouts, and those serving in canteens (the
Dugout) and social Groups (entertainment), The Comfort
Fund and many more. Not only did they have to go without,
and have to make do, they also provided extras to the
Comfort Fund for others who didn't have relatives to send a
parcel. Not only did the women of Australia perform untold
acts of kindness, but had to carry the 'heartache of
anticipation' hoping that the telegram bearing sad news
would never come. Legacy has by its wonderful service kept
alive the memory of those who made the 'supreme sacrifice',
by the Legatees' support of the widows and families of the
fallen.
There are other ladies whose only individual recognition is
the small Silver Star issued to the nearest female relative of
each member of the Defence Forces. I know of a lady who
had eight stars on a bar. And finally They Were There to
welcome us home and show their gratitude as we
disembarked from troopships and marched through Brisbane
after the end of hostilities.They Were There to greet every
troopship and provide a street parade of welcome, and They
Are Still There, supporting our Association, and from the
depths of our hearts please accept our profound gratitude.
Come next ANZAC Day they or their families Will Be There
and we would like them to know how proud we were, and are,
of the Women of Australia.
by Aubrey Brown HonSecretary
A.W.T.A. Association., Vic Branch
It may be of interest to know that the V.A.D. (Voluntary Aide
Detachments) originated from the Order of St John. Nursing
aides served in World War 1 and again in World War 2 in a
voluntary capacity. The Government determined that they
were to be paid in the same way as other members of the
Services. St John's Ambulance Service also originated from
the Order of St John.
Aubrey Brown at the Centenary of ANZAC Exhibition
Aubrey was born in 1923 at Eaglehawk in Victoria. He enlisted in the
army 12th August 1944 his posting was to the Australian Water
Transport Unit based initially around Moreton Bay. He was
discharged on the 4th February 1946 at the rank of Corporal with his
last serving unit being 16 Small Ships Company AATNC (AIF) at the
time. He served as Hon Secretary of the Australian Water Transport
Association (Victorian Branch) for 10 years from 2001-2011
compiling 4 quarterly News Letters for shipmates and families, also
arranging gatherings of commemoration & dedication at the Shrine
of Remembrance. He has been a member of the Ringwood RSL for
many years, now 95 years young, still has an active interest in the
Sub-Branch. We thank him for his contribution to Down the Line.
Memorabilia
The Bofors Anti
Aircraft Gun
In 2004 I was visiting an RSL in
country Victoria. Having spent a
pleasant 2 hours looking at their
collection of memorabilia, the
President happened to mention that
they were getting rid of their Bofors
Gun to make way for a Vietnam
Veterans Memorial Wall.
My mind immediately raced back to conversations I had had with
Len Polkinghorne and his wish to get a gun to place outside our RSL.
This set the wheels in motion and as reported in the Spring Edition
2005 of Over the Top, within 6 months had the gun in place. It had
been sandblasted, powder-coated and a number of other jobs
carried out to make it more presentable.
Len had an infinity with the Bofors Gun as he had served with the
2/17 Light Anti Aircraft Battery at Port Moresby, New Guinea in
WW2. He was there in 1942, the year our gun was manufactured.
The Bofors has a range of 2400 metres, it fires a 40mm, 1 kg round
with a rate of fire at 150 rounds per minute. Of Swedish origin it was
also mounted on many warships and was still in use on Australian
ships in the 1990's. A total of 290 Bofors were made in Australia in
WW2 with the rest being imported from our allies.
In the Light Ack Ack units the Bofors gunners were also trained to
use the weapon as an anti-tank Gun.
Len was keen for the public to know about our military history
and from his passion and effort grew the collection of
memorabilia that the Ringwood RSL now possesses. Len passed
away in July 2014.
George WARD
ANZAC HERITAGE CONTINUES
IN ENGLISH VILLAGE
One pleasant morning in the UK in 1988 I wheeled my wife down
High Street through the main shopping precinct of the little town of
Harefield, ducking every now and again under the veranda awnings
to avoid the sporadic showering of early spring rain and continued
on down the dip of a hill to reach St Mary’s Parish church. My wife,
recently recuperating from a major operation, enjoyed these
occasional outings to explore our temporary English surroundings
as a welcome break from the routine of hospital confinement. What
we discovered here astonished us both.
In the ancient church yard in this quiet English village in Middlesex,
lie the revered bones of 120 First Australian Imperial Force
servicemen and one woman of all denominations who died from
injuries suffered during World War 1. Many soldiers were evacuated
from France and given comfort and medical treatment in Harefield
during 1914-18 for their terrible injuries. Many survived but some,
whose wounds were too shocking, despite the care of the dedicated
medical staff, lie at rest here.
St. Mary’s Parish church in Harefield is so old it is mentioned in the
Domesday Book (1068) and remains as a relic of earlier times. The
old Manor house and land, adjacent to St Mary’s, eventually became
known as Harefield Park and was acquired by the local authorities
to serve as a hospital for Australian wounded servicemen in 1914
during World War 1. It was named No1 Australian Auxiliary Hospital.
The bodies of the servicemen who died were buried with full military
honours within the graveyard of St. Mary’s church.
We later learnt that each year on Anzac Day a commemoration
service is attended by the local dignitaries, representatives from the
Australian and New Zealand governments, local school children
and many retired servicemen and women. Following the church
service, the congregation proceed to the cemetery and form around
the Anzac Memorial. The last post and reveille are played followed
by a wreath-laying ceremony. Local school children, who have
formed a procession from their school grounds, also place flowers
on the well-kept graves. This commemorative service has been
enacted annually since 1921.
Harefield Hospital, as the complex of buildings is now known, is a
world-famous heart and lungs transplant hospital where many
hundreds of successful transplants have taken place since the early
1980s under the skilful hands of brilliant surgeon, Professor Sir
Magdi Yacoub and his team.
As we read the names on the headstones we were both very deeply
moved. The terrible price so many young and beautiful boys had
paid for our involvement in the war to end all wars really hit home to
us.
Although recently the headstones were desecrated with paint by
vandals the damage was soon cleaned off by local authorities and
it has been returned to its usual neat and tidy state.
Article submitted
by Moss Larsen
A History of National Service
in Australia
Many RSL Members will be well aware of the two National
Service schemes which operated in Australia during the Korean
and Vietnam eras. But there were two earlier schemes in the
early days of Federation. The Defence Act of 1909 required all
males aged 12-14 years to join the Junior Cadets, 14-18 year
olds to join the Senior Cadets, and young men 18-25 were
required to join the Citizen Military Forces. This was a substantial
military commitment potentially extending over 12-13 years.
Clearly it was not full-time service, but via a selection of weekly
parades, weekends and annual camps, the young men
progressed through the system.
Many suburban drill halls were constructed to facilitate their
training in weaponry, warfare and survival. When WW1 broke
out there were large numbers of volunteers from these schemes
willing to join the fray. Some of the younger ones even signed up
again for WW2 twenty years later. It would be fair to say that all
of these soldiers have now passed on. Lest we forget.
The next National Service scheme was put into place in 1951 for
the Korean War. This time the young men were aged 18 years
and they were required to serve full time for three months in the
army, navy or air force. This scheme was discontinued in 1959.
Many current RSL Members were National Servicemen in this
era, being born between 1932 and 1940, or thereabouts. They
are on the cusp of 80 years old.
The most recent scheme of National Service was implemented
for the Vietnam War. Selection was by birthday ballot for 20 year
olds, with those selected being required to serve for two years,
although their service was truncated when the scheme was
discontinued in 1972. Those “Nachos” are now on the cusp of 70
years. Last year, on June 30, a recognition service was
conducted at the Australian War Memorial to acknowledge 50
years since the first intake in 1965.
Unlike the Korean era scheme in which no Nachos undertook
overseas service (although there are some anecdotal claims
that a few Navy Nachos may have been on HMAShips in hostile
waters) many of the 2nd schemers were definitely in the firing
line, and were indeed shot at. The Battle of Long Tan 50th
anniversary memorial event in Vietnam will be testament to that.
National Servicemen formed large contingents of the RAR
battalions and ancillary units which served in Vietnam, along
with their Regular compatriots. Although an unpopular war, all
these soldiers performed their duty, some with lifelong
consequences which for a long time were largely ignored by the
general population, the various Governments, and it must be
said by the RSL. However, thankfully we are past those attitudes
now.
Will there ever be another requirement for National Service in
Australia? The landscape has certainly changed, with
territoriality less of an issue, and globalisation, technology and
many innovations in all imaginable scenarios during the last
20-30 years undergoing paradigm changes.
Some people foolishly say that errant young men should be
forced into the army to atone for their anti-social behaviour. Yes,
it would certainly sort a few of them out, but such a scheme would
be totally wrong. Who would want a bunch of young criminals
getting skilled up with guns and bayonets defending our country.
No, we would want the best available young men, and women,
to make us proud, as have the Afghanistan and Iraq veterans.
Let’s hope it never comes to this.
If there are any readers of this article who are 65 to 82-year-old
ex-Nashos who would like to get together occasionally with other
ex-Nashos for special events or for general camaraderie, there
are a number of National Servicemen’s Association of Australia
(NSAA) Sub-Branches around the country. Many, if not most,
are under the umbrella of RSL Sub-Branches. Interested
individuals are welcome to call me for referrals to a
geographically suitable NSAA Sub-Branch, or for advice on how
to obtain the two Service Medals that all ex-Nashos are entitled
to.
Peter Norman
State Membership Officer, Victoria
National Servicemen’s Association of Australia
Phone: 03 9728 1690 Email: [email protected]
Welfare/Pensions Notice Board
RSL-Fifty Years of Service
Did you know the League has a Fifty Year Long
Service Award? Many of our members may not
be aware of this recognition. If you are a
member, or know of a member who has been
with the League for a period in excess of 50
years, please contact me.
Kyme - Welfare
Expression of Interest
The next trip planned for April is to the Melbourne Museum to
see the WW1 Love and Sorrow Exhibition.
If you are interested please contact Kyme (Welfare) 9870 6604
Our thoughts and best wishes
are with those members who
are, or have been in hospital
or who have been unwell
recently.
This is a free trip with lunch provided. This trip is for
Service, Affiliate and Social Members of the Ringwood
RSL only.
Pension Office
Notice Board
Ringwood RSL
Strength, Mobility and Gentle Exercise Classes
What are the benefits?
As of the 4th May 2016
The Pension Office hours will be every
Wednesday 10.30am - 2.30pm
To make an appointment with a Pension
Officer please call 9870 6604
Maintains & restores strength
Improves balance
Strengthens bones
Prevents falls
Improves flexibility;ty and overall general health & wellbeing
Improves posture and co-ordination
Improves ability to do day-to-day tasks and leisure activities
Feel better about yourself - more confidence, self-esteem and capacity to enjoy life
What is special about our classes?
Run by committed instructor
BIRTHDAY
WISHES TO ALL
CELEBRATING
THIS MONTH
A safe, supportive environment
One group session a week at a low cost
An opportunity to socialise over a cup of tea or coffee after each session
WHEN?
EVERY TUESDAY MORNING
10.00AM - 10.45AM
$5.00 PER SESSION
IN THE VC FUNCTION ROOM
CONTACT Kyme - Welfare Co-ordinator 9870 6604 if interested
Open to Social, Affiliate & Service Members
WELFARE OFFICE HOURS
MONDAY, TUESDAY, THURSDAY
9.00AM - 4.30PM
Are there any activities that you may be interested in having in the Sub Branch?
Maybe a Men's Group or a Women's Coffee Club
If so I would love to hear your ideas.
Kyme - Welfare
Womens Auxilliary News
The Women's Auxiliary
always acknowledges
those ladies who were
member's of the
Auxiliary and who,
unfortunately, have
since passed away.
A plaque was donated
by one of our newer
members, Carol Wilson, and we thank her very much for doing
so. A big thank you to Carol! We have the Rose Bowl, and now
we have a new plaque, which sits proudly on the left hand side
as you enter the Gaming Room on top of the glass cabinet.
Please take a moment to look at the Rose Bowl and the plaque
and remember that these ladies always made and effort and
gave their time helping others.
Clock Tower Day Club
Jeff & Lilian
Margaret of Margaret & Jeff
'Golden Memories'
Jeff & Caroline
Don and his Exercise Class
Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia
(Victorian Branch)
Next Gypsy travel is to BRIGHT
from 12 May to 19 May 2016.
Info- Gypsys travels are from a Wednesday to Wednesday
(usually); you do not have to be a 'caravanner', as locations are
selected also for their 'fixed accommodation', in this way we don't
exclude any members.
They are also selected on the basis that "they are dog friendly" as
many of our members have same.
Activities at each destination are an 'individual choice'; generally
though external sightseeing/visitations are enjoyed by 'groups. In
camp activities relate to fellowship, craft and interest subjects
such as , photography,computers or a members special interest.
Much is made of late afternoon socialising, drinks & nibbles etc.
Following Bright, our next trip is to the Moama area, scheduled for
Wednesday 7th thru 14th September 2016.
Allan Small
Vice President VVAA OEM
Entertainment Day in March commenced with Don's Exercise class
of stretches and general muscle tweaking. This was followed by
Margaret & Jeff's segment of 'Golden Memories'. Their performance
was a Karaoke segment covering music of mainly the 1940's but
also extended into the 50's and 60's. Together they made their way
around the room singing duets with the members and at times on a
group basis.
The entertainment on the 6th May 2016 will be Richard Costello on
guitar and vocals. Richard has been on the music scene for many
years now and has performed at many of the RSL's around Victoria.
The 3rd Friday outing was to the Waverley Theatre to watch the
movie 'Lady in the Van' starring Maggie Smith. Lunch was a basket
lunch with tea or coffee supplied.
The next outing on 15th April 2016 will be to Sand Sculpting at
Frankston. This is entitled "A day at the Zoo". This venue is always
great to see and wonder at how clever these sculptures are. It will
be followed by lunch at the Frankston RSL.
The bus will be leaving the Clubrooms at 9.30am and will be back
by 3.00pm. This trip will be at a cost $25.00 .
Bunnings Chirnside Park Fund Raiser
The Sausage Sizzle Day at CROYDON/CHIRNSIDE PARK
Bunnings on Friday 1 st April. The day is to raise funds for the Yarra
Valley Vietnam Veteran’s Day at the Yarra Glen RSL in August.
Many thanks to all who made this event such a success.
Down the Line
Ringwood R.S.L. Sub Branch Inc. trading as Ringwood RSL
16 Station Street, Ringwood. 3134
T 9870 6604 F 9870 9628 Email [email protected]
Website : ringwoodrsl.com.au
Manager: Wayne Chisholm ABN No: 28 585 074 047