32 TT Mag Dec - 2012.pub - Fifth Battalion Royal Australian Regiment

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16 BACK TO VIETNAM VETERANS MUSEUM DAY National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM) Phillip Island, VIC - 18 November The day was one of recognition of VV Museum supporters and acceptance of a donated Iroquois, the handing over of the Museum’s Land Title, recognition to the Vietnamese community for their continued support, the opening of New Zealand’s Veterans Display, and presentation of VetRide sponsorship proceeds. During the last 12 months the museum has developed dramatically due to an increase of military hardware, more display space, extension of the mezzanine floor and upgrades of existing displays. It started as a promo trailer touring various public events, then expanding by way of a limited Vietnam display in the San Remo shopping centre, to their present location in a redundant (now rejuvenated and extended) aircraft hanger located at Phillip Island (Vic). Gary Parker (President of the NVVM) was Master of Ceremonies on the day. During the proceedings the Museum’s Land Title was handed over to the Museum by Bob Elworthy (President of VVAA – Vic Branch), to John Methven OAM (Chairman of the NVVM Trustees). This means the museum is now completely independent from all parties and responsible to and is solely administered by the board of Trustees. The donated Iroquois was originally American during the Vietnam War, it was then assigned to the RAAF, was later battle damaged and returned to Australia for repairs. I’m assuming the chopper remained the property of the Americans as it was presented to the Museum (on the day) by the American Consulate-General, Mrs Mary Warlick. It needed to be debugged of any military hardware/ equipment before a hand over could take place. Museum volunteers gave it a makeover and brought it back to near new. It certainly is one of the Museum high lights. The ‘Huey’ that has been donated to the Museum by the American Government. The New Zealand Consulate-General Mr David Taylor, along with Ms Claire Hall - Minister of Culture and Heritage opened the New Zealand Veteran’s display. Their display was impressive - taking up 3 bays. There was a large contingent of NZ veterans and partners present. The Vietnamese community have for a long time been supporters of the museum and were recognised as such by Gary Parker. Mr Bon Nguyen, President of the Vietnamese Community in Australia (Vic chapter) responded to Gary's thanks on behalf of the Vietnamese community. There were many Vietnamese Veterans and family’s present. A sponsored bicycle ride (VetRide) was organised during the year which raised a significant donation to the museum. Peter Liefman (NVVM Trustee) participated in the ride. Peter presented sponsor proceeds to the museum. Essentially this completed formalities with attendees moving onto a sausage sizzle and a few cold ones. The Home Screen of 5 RAR’s Inter-active Display at the VVA Museum on Phillip Island, VIC. Now a permanent part of the VV museum, the 5 RAR Association display has been upgraded with more memorabilia as well as an interactive display system which features 11, 5 minute movie clips taken from both tours. Rather than rearranging the existing display to accommodate the screen, it was positioned in the next bay which has been offered to 5 RAR Association if they wish to use it. A few photos and the 5 RAR Association logo were quickly added to lay claim, also the photos helped to visually connect the interactive system to the main display. There is plenty of room for development in our area should anyone have any ideas or contributions. It is currently a mainly photographic display and there is a need for memorabilia or other items that could be displayed in a reasonable manner. If you have anything that you think could be used contact me on ccordage@bigpond.net.au or 03 9725-2816. Gary Townsend put the movie clips together from ‘THE HISTORY OF THE FIFTH BA<strong>TT</strong>ALION 1885-1973’ and ‘THE DOC’S MOVIE’ DVD’s that are available from the Association. David Edgley, a NVVM volunteer, investigated and sourced the hardware, loaded the computer, sorted out the usual bugs and installed it at the museum. David would not take any compensation for his time and travel. However I’m sure he found a bottle of liquid gold somewhere along the way. Robert Birtles, C Coy 1966-67
THE ORDERLY ROOM 17 The average digger had the opinion that the Orderly Room was where a shiny-arsed clerk sat and marked roll books, etc. Partly correct, but the Orderly Room Corporal did a little bit more. Here are some of the tasks: 0630 - Compile and telephone through a daily parade state to BHQ. Don Harrod This enabled BHQ to assess manpower in the field, numbers on base duties, those on leave, wounded, hospitalised, etc. It also provided information for procuring of rations, water, clothing, medicines, transport and many other logistical items for those on operations. 0700 - Calling a Company parade. This enabled the accounting for all personnel in the Nui Dat base (LOBs), and the issuing of the morning dose of paludrine and dapsone, the anti-malarial drugs. 0730 - Breakfast, changing of manning of the Company CP and gun piquet and weapon cleaning. 0800 - The first of several daily trips to BHQ. This would involve picking up correspondence to or from BHQ, including any variation authorities for Diggers' pay. 0830-1600 - general correspondence, updating of records, booking of R&R leave to suit operational and soldiers' requirements, compiling returns for the Company 2IC and BHQ, dispatch of outgoing mail from the field and Nui Dat, receiving of incoming mail including sorting into platoon lots and delivering it to the Q Store for delivery with resupplies, typing Contact Incident Reports from the OC, preparation of payroll, rosters for gun piquet, rosters for the Company CP, personnel inquiries (both written and personal), hospital visits to wounded or sick personnel. 1600 - Thirty minutes of sport (e.g. volleyball, etc). 1630 - Afternoon anti-malarial drugs and ablutions. 1700 - Evening meal (usually at Admin Company). 1800-2400 - manning the Company CP until relieved by a LOB. This could also involve manning a gun piquet from 1800-0730, depending on personnel. Quite regularly, participation would be required in a TAOR (Tactical Area of Responsibility) Patrol, leaving Nui Dat at 1600, and returning at 0800 the next day. Close liaison with the CQMS, who had general responsibility for the conduct of LOBs, depending on the operational demands placed on him. Attendance at the OC's 'O' Groups when the Company was in Nui Dat, and carrying out administrative tasks as directed. Compiling of A4s (charge sheets) for the CSM, for those poor diggers who were unfortunate enough to have been caught for just being diggers! Close liaison with the Company 2IC, either personally or usually by instructions issued by him from the field. Maintaining morale. The above list is not complete, as it is hard to remember exactly what was done 43 years ago, but it may provide some insight into the Orderly Room Corporal’s day. Don Harrod, C Coy 1969-70 Editor’s Note: Don Harrod compiles, and edits, ‘Half Circle’, an informal monthly newsletter for C Company 1969- 70. The most recent copy of ‘Half Circle’ can be viewed on the Association website (www.5rar.asn.au) under ‘SUB-UNIT NEWSLE<strong>TT</strong>ERS’ in the right-hand column. "Mates" I've travelled down some lonely roads, Some crooked tracks and straight; And I've learned life's noblest creed, Summed up in one word ... "Mate." I've been thinking back across the years, A thing I do of late; And this word sticks between my ears, You have got to have a mate. My mind goes back to the '60s, The good times and the hate; When man's one chance to stay alive, Depended on his mate. With a pannikin for a billy can, And dixies for a plate; A bamboo thicket full of bugs, Was bed for me and my mate. You would slip and slither through the mud, And curse your rotten fate; But then you'd hear a quiet word, "Don't drop your bundle mate." And though it's all so long ago, The truth I have to state; A man don't know what 'lonely' means, Until he's lost a mate. If there's a life that follows this, If there's a 'Golden Gate'; The welcome that I want to hear, Is just, "good on ya mate." And so all who ask us why, We keep these special dates; Like Long Tan and Anzac Day, I answer ... why We're thinking of our mates. And when I leave the driver's seat, And hand in my plates; I'll tell old St Peter at the door, I've come to join me Mates. © Rod 'Chuck' Kenane
Page 1 and 2: Issue 32 December 2012 Newsletter o
Page 3 and 4: PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 3 Fellow Tige
Page 5 and 6: AROUND THE STATES - Cont. WA - Cont
Page 7 and 8: AROUND THE STATES - Cont. VIC VIETN
Page 9 and 10: 1966 BAYONET CHARGE In May 1966 the
Page 11 and 12: REPORTING FOR DUTY 11 Following is
Page 13 and 14: IN MEMORIUM 337566 GRAHAM OLIVER TH
Page 15: CT-CHARLIE HONOURS - Cont. (Continu
Page 19 and 20: NOTICES 19 MEMBERSHIP CHANGES AND E

32 TT Mag Dec - 2012.pub - Fifth Battalion Royal Australian Regiment

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