CHRISTMAS Newsletter - RAAMC Association

The official quarterly magazine
www.5fdamb.com
“SEMPER PARATUS”
CHRISTMAS NEWSLETTER
SUMMER ISSUE 2012
“A PROUD MEMBER OF THE RAAMC ASSOCIATION INC.”

5th FIELD AMBULANCE RAAMC ASSOCIATION
PATRON: COL Ray Hyslop OAM RFD
OFFICE BEARERS
PRESIDENT: LTCOL Derek Cannon RFD ~ 31 Southee Road, RICHMOND NSW 2753 ~ (M) 0415 128 908
HON. SECT: Alan Curry ~ 6 Reliance Boulevarde, TANILBA BAY NSW 2319 ~ (H) (02) 4982 4646
Mobile: 0427 824 646. Email: curry36@bigpond.net.au
HON TREASURER: Brian Tams ~ 4/24-26 Barrenjoey Road, ETTALONG BEACH NSW 2257 ~ (H) (02) 4341 9889
HON CHAPLAIN: Brian Hogan ~ 1 Cook Road, LONGWARRY VIC 3816 ~ (H) (03) 5629 9548 (M) 0405 443 771
COMMITTEE: Warren BARNES Mobile: 0409 909 439
Fred BELL (ASM) Mobile: 0410 939 583
Barry COLLINS OAM Phone: (02) 9398 6448
Mick ROWLEY Phone: (02) 9570 5381
CONTENTS
Vale/Eulogies ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Life Members..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Message from the President.................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Message from the Secretary .................................................................................................................................................................... 11
VP Day Ceremony........................................................................................................................................................................................... 13
Battle for Australia Ceremony................................................................................................................................................................. 15
Reserve Forces Day Launch 2013......................................................................................................................................................... 18
Annual Mixed Reunion Luncheon....................................................................................................................................................... 19
Happy Birthday / Sick Parade ................................................................................................................................................................... 20
Chaplain’s Corner / Congratulations .................................................................................................................................................. 21
5 CSSB Health Company News.............................................................................................................................................................. 22
New Members .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 23
Dates for your Diary 2013 / Thank You............................................................................................................................................. 25
Messages from Members .......................................................................................................................................................................... 27
Items of Interest............................................................................................................................................................................................... 31
Kind Acknowledgements / 2012 Fund Raiser .............................................................................................................................. 35
RAAMC Association Update..................................................................................................................................................................... 36
RAAMC Application for Membership................................................................................................................................................. 37
5th Fld Amb Application for Membership Form........................................................................................................................ 39
Activity Sheet..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 40
5th FIELD
AMBULANCE
RAAMC
ASSOCIATION
Official Publishers: Statewide Publishing P/L
ABN 65 116 985 187
PO BOX 770, WEST RYDE NSW 1685
PHONE: 1300 662 885 • FACSIMILE: 1300 557 996
EMAIL: statepub@bigpond.net.au
Printed by Galloping Press
Unit 29, 398 The Boulevarde, Kirrawee NSW 2232 • Phone: 9521 3371
1

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VALE
~
John
John de WITT passed away peacefully, at his Nursing
Home in Jannali, prior to breakfast, at 7.30am on the 12th
August. A month earlier, on the 8th July, he quietly celebrated
his 89th birthday with his family by his bedside.
John’s funeral was held in the West Chapel of Woronora
Cemetery on Monday, 20th August with over 100 family and
friends in attendance to say their ‘farewells’. It was a very
fitting tribute to a husband, father, grandfather, soldier and
friend.
John’s eldest son, Peter, spoke on behalf of his brother,
Ray, and sisters, Jenny and Pauline and their respective
families, and we got a small glimpse of what John meant to
his family. We listened to Peter as he unfolded his, and the
family’s, memories of their dad and their mum, both in army
and civilian life.
Sadly, Betty passed away in 2007 and when his mate of
over 60 years died, John’s health started to deteriorate. He
was in and out of hospitals many times but did not have the
strength left in him to get himself back together. In the end
he was tired and succumbed.
His good friend of over 50 years, Doug Rennie, spoke very
highly of John’s achievements to the game of soccer. He said
John was a ‘founding member’ of the Caringbah Redbacks in
the Sutherland Competition and both their sons played
together with the club.
John and Doug become Junior and Senior Soccer
Referees and Doug said that Soccer Australia, being aware of
John’s administrative attributes, contacted him for assistance
regarding their finances and Doug said that John had pointed
out some anomalies that resulted in Soccer Australia
recouping many $000’s.
Doug said John was so highly thought of by Soccer
Australia that, at a “Hall of Fame” Ceremony held at the
Marconi Club in Leichhardt a few years back, when John was
feeling better, he was invited to attend and, unbeknown to
him at that time, be ‘inducted’.
John attended with his daughter, Jenny, and grandson,
Callum.
The President of Football NSW, Mr. Jim Forrest, in his
‘Address’, announced to more than 100 referees (and guests)
in attendance, of the honour bestowed to John.
Doug remarked that it was the only time he had seen
John speechless! John received a standing ovation.
Doug concluded by saying that if we heard God’s voice he
would surely be saying…”Well done thy good and faithful
servant, enter into the Kingdom of Heaven”.
Our Patron, Ray Hyslop OAM, was also a good friend and
army colleague of John and I have included his Eulogy in this
magazine.
de WITT............................................................................12/08/12
Frank OLIVER..............................................................................29/9/12
LtCol John Morley PHILLIPS OAM RFD ED ...............................4/10/12
Neil BARRIE...............................................................................29/11/12
Bill CLUTTERBUCK......................................................................8/12/12
The Cronulla RSL Sub-Branch conducted a RSL Ceremony
for John, and all ex-service personnel were invited to place a
‘poppy’ on John’s casket.
I was disappointed that their Welfare Officer did not let
the family and friends know of John’s service to his country—
John’s son, Peter, touched briefly on some of their dad’s
service.
John’s army service commenced when he joined the CMF
at 17 years of age – from 30th October 1940 to the 21st
September 1941. He then went to full time duty on the 22nd
September 1941 to 1st June 1943 and then enlisted in the
A.I.F. from the 2nd June 1943 to 3rd December 1945, when he
discharged.
He found civilian employment after the war, for a few
years, before joining the Interim Army on the 21st July 1948
to the 23rd April 1952.
He joined the Australian Regular Army on the 24th April
1952 to the 29th January 1953 and discharged again and was
then admitted to the Reserve of Officers for two weeks, from
the 30th January 1953 to 12th February 1953, when he rejoined
the CMF on the 13th February 1953 until 21st March
1965 before signing on to full time duty again on the 22nd
March 1965 to 22nd August 1965. He then, again, joined the
Australian Regular Army on the 23rd August 1965 and
remained there until his final discharge on the 2nd July 1976.
John was commissioned a Lieutenant on the 6th
September 1951 and retired in 1976, after 33 years of Army
Service, with the rank of Major.
John had Operational Service at:- Adelaide River (27/2/45-
27/3/45), Singapore (10/4/70-19/9/70, and 7/10/70-
29/12/71).
John had Service with the following units:- 14th Aust Field
Hospital, 21st Aust Field Hospital, 55th Camp Hospital
(Darwin), British Borneo Civil Affairs Unit, Hay Prisoner of War
Camp, Eastern Command ARA Cadre RAAMC, 13th NS
Training Bn, 19th NS Training Bn, 1st Field Ambulance, 5th
Field Ambulance, 10th Field Ambulance, 1st General
Hospital, HQ 2nd Division, HQ Eastern Command, HQ ANZUK
Support Group, HQ 2nd Military District, Miscellaneous
Detachments Australian Army Force Far East Land Forces.
He received the following Awards:- War Medal 1939-45,
Australian Service Medal 1939-45, Australian Service Medal
1945-75 with Clasp SE Asia, Defence Force Service Medal,
National Medal with First Clasp, Australian Defence Medal,
Efficiency Decoration, Return from Active Service Badge.
John was a willing committee member and a constant
provider of much interesting material for his 5th Field
Ambulance Association magazine, which included his life
story.
His presence and friendship will be sorely missed.
Our Association was represented by the following
members: - our President, Derek Cannon; our Patron, Ray
Hyslop OAM; Fred Bell; Alan Curry; Gordon Dodd; Edwin Lowery;
Barry & Heather Perigo; George Sip; Brian & Gail Tams; Warwick
Wilkinson AO (if I missed your name I sincerely apologise).
There was this beautiful verse that the family chose to
place inside the funeral service program:
I stood there near the headstone of one I loved and cried.
Beneath his name was their engraved---
3

Date of Birth--- Date he died.
The thought came quickly to mind, these years leave much unseen.
Far more meaningful to me, is the ‘dash’ which lies between.
The years within that little ‘dash’, live on in memory.
And represent the precious life, of one who’s dear to me.
In time I too shall pass away, and in the ground I'll lie.
While those I love and leave behind, stand at my grave and cry?
Our life here upon the earth, can end in a flash.
Are we wisely using the time, between our ‘dash’?
Do we look for the opportunities to do a kindly deed
and show love and understanding to those who are in need?
For If our hearts are full of love throughout that time we’re here,
we'll be loved by all who knew us, and our memory they'll hold dear.
We had many of our members, who were friends of
John, tender their apologies and ask that their condolences
be conveyed to John’s family. LEST WE FORGET.
----------------------------------
Frank OLIVER joined us as a welcomed Associate
Member. He had seen our website and became interested
and asked could he join us, because his dad was a member
of 5th Field Ambulance in WW 1.
I had visited Frank in early August, before making my way
back home to Newcastle. I had, in fact, just come from
visiting John de Witt.
Frank was an “In-Patient” at the Macquarie Hospital,
Marsfield, and was recuperating after heart surgery.
Frank, subsequently, discharged back home where his
loving wife, Mary, and his family, were close by and this lifted
his spirits and well-being tremendously.
Just recently, I was travelling back to Newcastle and was
checking my mobile phone and saw I had some ‘missed
calls’—one was from Frank’s son, Mark—it was a brief, sad
message to say…Dad passed away yesterday”? The message
was a couple of days old!
When I arrived back home in the early evening I
immediately rang Mary.
She told me that Frank was doing fine when he came
home, but the other evening she called to him to come and
have a ‘cuppa’. When she called again there was no reply,
and when she went into the lounge room she found that
Frank had collapsed and died, without a sound, through a
massive heart attack, this was on the 29th September. Frank
was 82 years of age.
Frank and Mary had been married for 56 years and they
had five children, 3 boys and 2 girls; Mark, Damian, Virginia,
Gabrielle and Matthew, and Mary has found much comfort in
their love and support.
Sadly, we had no one at Frank’s funeral to represent us, or
to make ourselves known to Mary and her family. Frank’s
funeral had taken place after I retrieved my ‘missed calls’.
To Mary and her family, our Association passes on its
sincere sympathy. LEST WE FORGET
----------------------------------
LTCOL John Morley PHILLIPS OAM RFD ED
John was a well-respected member and Life Member of
our Association—in fact he became our first Life Member.
Among his many other fine qualities are:- he was a
passionate member of the Battle for Australia Day
proceedings and together with Qantas’s Logistics Manager,
Michael Ali, they ‘looked after and escorted’ the Papuan
Fuzzy Wuzzy repre sentatives on this very important day,
each year in September. John has
been sadly missed here.
John gave our members much
enjoyment in reading the many
articles he submitted to me for our
quarterly Newsletters in the years
gone by.
John Overton OAM, gave us quite
an insight into some of John’s life
when he presented his Eulogy—
which is printed further on, and for
which I was grateful to receive.
John and his good wife Allison
were regular attendees at our Annual
Reunions until his health deteriorated
a few years back. All his regular
activities were eventually put ‘on hold’
as he tried his best to get well again.
John was determined not to let
this ‘set-back’ beat him and although
he never gave in, the leukaemia was
too strong and he finally lost his earthly battle, through
pneumonia, in the early evening of the 4th October, in
Gosford Hospital. He was 80 years of age.
All his family had been by his side except his eldest son,
David, who was ‘in transit’ from Newcastle University. He
received the shock news about his dad when he went to the
hospital to visit him whilst on his way home from the
University.
A Memorial Service was held on the 11th October, in the
Evangelical Church in Terrigal and I was informed that our
member, Stu’ Jones, was able to be there and John Overton
said the MAJGEN Ray Sharpe and BRIG John Crozier were
among about 400 family and friends who attended. I also
received a large number of apologies, by email.
John’s army service started when he was a Cadet Officer
whilst at North Sydney Boys High School and on leaving
school he joined the CMF on 8th March 1950, with Army
Number 258096.
As a pharmacist he was promoted to Lieutenant and he
served in a number of units until his discharge on the 30th
April 1987, with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel—37 years of
CMF service.
He served in the following units; 30th Battalion, 5th Field
Ambulance, 1 Field Ambulance and Dental Equipment
Depot, 3 Field Ambulance and Dental Equipment Depot, HQ
2 Division and District Support Unit Sydney.
John had overseas service in New Guinea from 30
November 1970 to 11 December 1970 and he received the
following Awards;
Reserve Forces Decoration with First and Second Clasp,
National Medal, Australian Defence Medal and the Efficiency
Decoration.
John was also awarded the OAM on the 26th January
1997—“FOR SERVICES TO INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AS
CHAIRMAN OF THE ROTARY KOKODA RSL PROJECT COMMITTEE
RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PROVISION OF HEALTH FACILITIES IN
PAPUA NEW GUINEA”.
Our Association has lost another true friend and we pray
that John’s family, when they read this, will be comforted to
know that many of our members who knew John will be
thinking of them also, at this time. LEST WE FORGET.
(Continued on page 6)
4

EULOGY for JOHN MORLEY PHILLIPS
(Presented by COL John OVERTON OAM)
One feels sadness at the loss of an
old friend, a valued comrade in arms,
but it is balanced by the privilege of
recalling John’s great contributions
and fine characteris tics.
The wide spectrum of people here
today attest to the many lives John
touched across our community. From
the Army there is a General, a
Brigadier, Colonels down to Corporals
and Privates.
Today we hear of the many facets
of John’s life, loving husband, proud
father, grandfather, great grandfather,
a pillar of our community, respected
and trusted in his professional role. He
was a fine soldier serving the Medical
Corps as a pharmacist providing the
highest standard of care to our
servicemen and women – he was their
com mit ted advocate.
I first met John in the RAAMC. We
shared a common background –
NSBHS where we both were members
of its outstanding cadet unit – our first
introduction to the Army life. Our first
baptism of fire. He became a Cadet
Lieutenant, then later we proceeded
to the CMF, now the Army Reserve.
John never did things by halves!
He was the doyen of Gosford Pharma -
cists, a font of wisdom and advice, a
committed Rotarian – in later life
receiving their coveted “Service
Before Self” award and “The Paul
Harris Medal”. It reflected the
enthusiasm that he displayed in all
undertakings.
In the community he was involved
in “campus life” project and church
life. Little wonder the same enthu -
siasm was displayed in the ADF. Many
were fortunate to be guided by him
or, to be inspired by his example and
benefit from his wisdom.
Allison who he met at a church
fellow ship when she was 14 was a
tower of strength and his son David
and his daughters have inherited his
unique qualities and supported him in
all his endeavours.
David of whom he was so proud
followed in his foot steps attaining the
same rank of Lt-Colonel and assuming
his role as Counsellor to those in need
of help and clinical advice both in the
Pharmacy and the Army.
I was fortunate to work with John
for 40 years.
Returning to the ADF in 1978 and
overwhelmed by the changes in the
Army I felt somewhat lost. There was a
hand on my shoulder, and a voice
saying “it’s different but come and talk
anytime and I’ll help you find your way
in the system”. Was this not the mark
of the man?
This encapsulated John’s philo -
sophy – at any Army function he
kept a fatherly eye on the perplexed
new member of the unit welcoming
him and including him in the Army
family.
He served in infantry battalions –
the 30th Scottish, 5 Field Ambulance
and was OC of the Medical and Dental
Supply Company.
He was a passionate advocate of
the Digger as they selflessly served
their country. If ill or injured he
believed they deserved the best.
In our many discussions he would
strongly and effectively argue for the
availability of best equipment and
medications. He was always in his
place to teach and instruct in the best
traditions of care.
John believed that we learned
lessons from the past. He was a leader
in military history, the RAAMC History
Committee, the Battle for Australia
Committee and commitment to the
Kokoda Walkway at Concord. Those
past principles and lessons he in -
corpo rated in our teachings.
He was indeed our “curator of
traditions” and advocate of our corps’
values seeing them set in stone to the
benefit of the next generation.
He was delighted to see his son
David, one of my valued friends in the
Corps, succeed him in rank and
pursue his values in advancing the
care of the Australian Digger both at
home and abroad.
No man does this alone. I record
today the wonderful partner in his
achievement, Allison. She supported
his every dream and was there,
always beside him to see those
dreams fulfilled.
Her saintly care and love and that
of the family during his last extended
illness is an example to us all.
What is greatness? If it is honours
and accolades then John was great.
He received the highest Rotary awards
as well as nationally the Medal of the
Order of Australia, the Efficiency
Decoration and the Reserve Forces
Decoration.
But if greatness is integrity, the
respect of all, regardless of rank and
commitment and care to others and I
believe it is, then John Phillips was
truly great!
His Christian philosophy shone
through and was apparent in all he
did!
We mourn today the loss of a
family member, a great friend, a mate,
a comrade in arms, for many, a
mentor.
Not just brass plate or marble
headstone, his memorial will be a
legacy or care and concern for others
making our world a better place. He
was the curator of our traditions and
values, he practised what he believed.
In the words of Longfellow: “The
light he’s left behind shines on the path
of men.”
It will light the path of the genera -
tion to follow – an example to all.
He has made the world a better
place and us better people.
We were blessed to have him
touch our lives – farewell old friend –
Amen.
5

EULOGY for JOHN de WITT
(Presented by COL Ray Hyslop OAM)
As Patron of the 5 Fld Amb Association, of which John was
a very proud member having served in the unit, I come to
farewell him on behalf of his Army friends.
It is over 50 years since John came into my life when I
joined the CMF as a young medical graduate. He was a soldier
from head to toe. Immaculate uniform, erect stance and
behaved as a true officer and gentleman.
There was another feature, his “dickey” eye which he
shared with two other friends of mine, the Late Vice
Chancellor of Sydney University, Gavin Brown, and the
effervescent presenter of the ABC 702 Breakfast Show, Adam
Spencer.
Adam is very proud of his affliction and regards all those
like him as a band of brothers.
About 1963 I had just been promoted to Major and found
myself administering command of 1 General Hosp as we
awaited the appointment of a colonel as CO. John was the
Reserve Admin officer whilst working for the bus company of
which he was very proud because of the efficiency with which
they moved peak hour crowds particularly in the compressed
evening peak period.
He was unable to attend the annual camp but ordered all
the stores and equipment and as part of the advance party
ensured that preparation was perfect for when I marched in
with the main party.
John had told me that he had once attended a course on
Army forms and hence knew every form, how many copies of
each there were, where each one went and when they had to
be lodged. Whether you wanted toilet paper, tanks or
toothpaste, John knew how to get it.
He used this knowledge to provide the unit with the most
varied training and exercises. It is very sad that too many of
his colleagues did not use their knowledge in a similar
manner when posted to the CMF.
When I left 1 Gen Hosp I did not see much of John for
many years but when we met there was always animated talk
about the Medical Corps and our great love football. I had
played in my younger days and as you have heard he was not
only a top level referee but a judge of his peers. He told me
that when he had rejoined the Regular Army and was posted
to Singapore he had to be interviewed before he was allowed
to referee. No ordinary interview as he had to front none
other than Lee ? ? the President, who spent some time talking
on a wide range of matters.
It was always a pleasure to meet John. A gentleman with
an infectious enthusiasm for life until his very last days when
there was little over which to enthuse.
He had an encyclopedic memory and could tell you all
about Medical Corps personnel, where they came from,
where they served, how they performed and what happened
after they were demobilised. It was a privilege to be counted
as one of his friends as he enriched all our lives. John, we shall
miss you, the world will be a poorer place for your passing
and on behalf of your old mates, farewell.
VALE (Continued from page 4)
Neil BARRIE passed away peacefully on the 29th
November in his Nursing Home in Murrumbeena (Vic).
(Photo at right was the happy occasion of the 5th Field Ambulance
Bugle presentation in Melbourne-Oct 2008. L/R-Alan Curry, Tom
Pritchard, Neil, Gordon Dummelow, Jenny Dummelow (Gordon’s
daughter), Maurie Benson, Glenda Garde (Neil’s daughter) and Ruth
Curry.)
Neil’s health deteriorated gradually after he moved from
his home to the Nursing Home, about 12 months ago.
His daughter, Glenda, was with him and held his hand as
he peacefully went at 8.20pm.
I only met Neil on that one occasion at the bugle
presentation, but since then we have spoken on the phone
many times. He seemed to me to be a very placid, respectful
man. From some of the letters and articles I have received
from him and his family, I gather he must have been a
wonderful father and grandfather. You may recall that
wonderful article written by his grandson, Tom Garde, about
his ‘pop’, in our Newsletter of December 2004.
Neil was forever grateful for our Association’s
involvement for him being selected to accompany 20 other
veterans (and war widows), from various units which served
in New Guinea during WW 2, together with M/s Dana Vale,
the then Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, to a Commemorative
Mission to PNG in Oct/Nov 2002 to attend the Dedication of
the Memorials at Milne Bay and Popondetta.
Neil, sadly, lost his wife Joyce, to cancer, in late 2002. They
had been married for 60 years and had three children. Our
Association wishes to express its sincere sympathies to
Robert, Irene and Glenda and their respective families.
He will be sadly missed by his good mate, Tom Pritchard
and the few remaining “Rats” who are left—especially from
the 2/5th Australian Field Ambulance. We are honoured that
he became one of our members and a Life Member at that.
Neil celebrated his 97th birthday, last July, with his family
around him.
His army service was;
Enlisted in the A.I.F. on the 31st May 1940. His army
number was VX20578. He served with the 2/5th Australian
Field Ambulance.
Neil had Operational Service in the Middle East from 20th
October 1940 to 28th March 1942 (He was one of the “Rats of
Tobruk”), New Guinea from 8th October 1942 to 12th March
1943 and from 17th August 1943 to 20th May 1944.
He discharged as a Private on the 9th October 1945.
Neil was awarded the following; 1939-45 Star, Africa Star,
Pacific Star, Defence Medal, War Medal 1939-45, Australian
Service Medal 1939-45 and Returned From Active Service
Medal. LEST WE FORGET (Continued on page 22)
----------------------------
6

COL Suresh
BADAMI OAM RFD
* CAP Steve BALDICK RFD ED
WO I Warren
BARNES
* Mr. Neil BARRIE
Mr. Alan
BECKERLEG
Mr. Fred
BELL
* Mr. Don BOOTH
* MAJGEN John BROADBENT CBE DSO ED
Dr. Harding
BURNS OAM
LTCOL Derek
CANNON RFD
# Mrs Edna CANNON
Mr. Kevin
CARTER
LTCOL David
CAVANAUGH RFD ED (Rtd)
Mr. John
CHARTER
* Mr. Bill CLUTTERBUCK
Mr. K.B. (Barry) COLLINS OAM
* Mr. Ross CRAFTER
Mr. Roy
CROSSLEY
Mr. Alan
CURRY
MAJ Peter
DALGLEISH RFD
* Mr. Shaun DANAHER
* MAJ John de WITT ED (RL)
Mr. George
DONNELLY
Dr. Ken
DOUST OAM
LTCOL Marie
DOYLE
Mr. Gavin
DRISCOLL
LTCOL Andrew ELLIS OAM
* LTCOL James ELLIS AM
MAJ Madeline
EVES RFD
Mr. Phillip
FAGUE
* WO 1 Bert FERGUSON
Mr. Nelson
FIORENTINO
Mr. Garry
FLOOD
Mr. Ron
FOLEY
Mrs. Frances
FOOKES (nee Henderson)
LTCOL Paul
FOOKES (Rtd)
Mr. Richard
FORD
MAJ John
GALLAGHER
Mr. Joe
GATTY
Victoria
GORRIE
* LTCOL J.R. (Ray) GRANT
Mr. George
HARRIS
* LTCOL Miles HAVYATT ED
MAJ Eileen
HENDERSON RFD
LTCOL Kym
HENDERSON RFD
MAJ James
HOOLAN Jr. USMC (Rtd)
# Mrs. Norma HUTTON
COL Ray
HYSLOP OAM RFD
CAP Jim
ILIOPOULOS
CAP Natalie
ILIOPOULOS (nee Polydoropoulos)
Mr. Terry
IRVINE
# Mr. Don JARMAN
* Sir Keith JONES KB FRCS (Edin.)FRACS
# Mrs. Sue JONES
LTCOL Stuart
JONES RFD
Mr. Anthony
JORDAN
MAJ Robert (Bob) KENYON
Mr. Colin
KLINE
LTCOL Edward (“Ted”) KREMER OAM
COL Frank
LANG OAM RFD ED (Rtd)
# Mr. Terry LANGWORTHY
Mr. John
LASTOVICKA
# Mr. Bryan LINDSAY
* # Mrs. Estelle LINDSAY
MAJ Kathleen
LOADSMAN
Mr. Robert
LOVE
* Mr. Roy LOVE
5 Field Ambulance RAAMC Association
(Please contact me if I have omitted your name)
LIFE MEMBERS
Mr. Edwin
LOWERY
Mr. Alen
LUCIC
Mr. Robert (Bob) LYNCH
Mr. Huss
MAHOMET
Mr. Nick
MARSHALL
Dr. Helena
MARTIN
# Mr. Don MELVILLE
COL Bill
MOLLOY RFD ED
COL G.R.W. (“Roy”) McDONALD (Rtd)
# Mrs. Trish McGRATH
LTCOL John
McKEOWN RFD (Rtd)
# Mrs. Yvonne McLEAN
Mr. Ken
McNUFF
MAJ John
O’BRIEN (Rtd)
Mr. Barry
O’KEEFE
WO 1 E. (Bill)
O’KEEFE (Rtd))
Mr. Charles
O’MEALLY
COL John
OVERTON OAM
MAJ Peter
PAISLEY (Rtd)
WO 2 Steve
PARIS (Rtd)
MAJGEN John
PEARN AO RFD CStJ
Mr. Barry
PERRIGO
# Mrs. Heather PERIGO
LTCOL David
PHILLIPS RFD
* LTCOL John PHILLIPS OAM RFD ED
Mrs. Karen
PHILLIPS (nee Stead)
WO 1 Ken
PHILLIPS OAM
Mr. John
PRICE
Dr. F.G. (Geoff.) PRIOR
+ Mr. Thomas (Tom) PRITCHARD
COL Robert (Bob) REID ED (Rtd)
CAP Alan
ROBINSON (Rtd)
CAP James
ROCHE OAM
MAJ John
ROCHE OAM
Mr. Michael
ROWLEY
Mr. Bill
RYLANDS
LT Susan
SALVI
Sr. Elizabeth
SHEARD (nee Reid)
Mr. Paul
SHERGOLD
Mr. Robert
SHILLINGSWORTH
CAP Stephen
STEIGRAD (Rtd)
Mr. Robert
STEWART
Mr. Chris
STRODE
Mr. Peter
SULLIVAN
Mr. Noel
TAME
Mr. Brian
TAMS
Sr. F.E.W. (“Sue”) THOMPSON (nee Shaw)
Mr. Peter
THOMPSON
Dr. Peter
TRALAGGAN
Dr. Michael
TYQUIN
* CAP A. (“Morrie”) VANE
Mrs. Ruth
VAUDIN (nee Corbett)
Mrs. Kate
VERCOE (nee Rose)
Mr. Matthew
VERCOE
* Mr. Arthur (“Bubby”) WALTON
Mr John
WEAVER
Mr. Ronald
WEBB
MAJ Bruce
WHITTET (Rtd)
CAP Don
WIKNER ED JP
# Mr. David WILKINSON
COL Warwick
WILKINSON AO RFD ED CLJ
MAJ Alex
WILLIAMS
Mr. David
WILLIAMS
Mr. John
WILSON
Dr. Phillip
YUILE
Mr. Jim
ZORBAS
+ 2/5th Australian Field Ambulance # Associate * Deceased
7

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References & Resources
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July 2010
2. Baranoski et al.Wound Care Essentials: Practice
Principles. New York:
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Message from the President
Welcome to the Summer Edition of 5 Field
Ambulance RAAMC Association Quarterly Magazine.
We had a good representation at the Battle for
Australia Day this year on 5th September at the
Cenotaph Martin Place. Alan and members were
required to secure the Banner in the stiff breeze. The
service was, as always, very moving and superbly
marshaled by our member and Master of Ceremonies,
LTCOL (ACC) David Cooper OAM (Retd.). A very moving
address was given by FLTLT Fred Cassidy OAM. At the
conclusion a few members retired to the Services Club in
Barrack Street.
See Alan Curry’s report later in the Magazine.
RAAMC ASSOCIATION Inc News from the last meeting
on 5 October 2012.
News
AGM new committee: Moved Barry Collins “That the
position of President, Secretary and Treasurer be filled by
the same three incumbents i.e. President - Theo
Dechaufepie, Secretary - John O’Brien, Treasurer - Frank
Lander, on the understanding that they are willing to
accept their position until the next AGM in 2013”.
Seconded John Overton. Carried.
John Overton moved “a vote of thanks be given to
our President, Theo Dechaufepie, for all his work for the
RAAMC Association both for the NSW Branch and
Nationally”. This was seconded by all present.
Information was received from Theo Dechaufepie the
stand-in National/National Vice President and NSW
RAAMC Assoc (INC) President regarding the new RAAMC
website http://www.raamc.org.au which is now up and
running.
The next meeting the NSW RAAMC Association Inc is
Friday, 7 December in Building 11, Victoria Barracks at
1030.
First World War Commemorations
involving Queens Park
Early planning for 5 Fd Amb Assoc activity to
celebrate the raising of 5 Fd Amb in March 2015 and also
1 Fd Amb which was raised earlier in August 1914. Both
had their initial training at Queens Park Sydney.
Although I have a copy of special Event Proposal
conditions and disclosures for use of a section of Queens
Park which comes under Centennial Parklands Trust. My
enquiries through Waverly Council and in particular the
Ranger (did not return my call) were put on hold.
Thankfully Stu Jones, Patron of 1 Fd Amb, has managed
to make contact with Mr Craig Easdown, Manager
Marketing and Communications, Centennial Park and
Moore Park Trust who is assessing the possibilities with
his Trust.
This is just an early advice on where we are with more
to follow in future magazines and supports Alan Curry’s
two earlier calls for Expressions of Interest re purchasing
wines and Tee Shirt to
honour the Centenary of
our beginnings.
The National Launch of
Reserve Forces Day
2013 took place at the
Derek Cannon
Observatory Hill Park
Sydney on Saturday, 24 Nov 2012. Our Association was
represented by Alan Curry with our Standard, Patron Ray
Hyslop OAM and Michael Carlson. The Theme for 2013 will
focus on the 23000 Reservists and 500 permanent members
who served in the war and the attributes they brought back
from the war into the Militia units and the foundations they
forged and skills they took to WW1. They set a high
standard for the future Australian Army and formed the
genesis of the highly regarded traditions of the Australian
Military Forces. Almost 1000 members paid the supreme
sacrifice. The celebrations will also acknowledge the
wonderful service of our current Reservists. “At the moment
of Australian Federation, volunteer militia units from each
of the Australian colonies were serving in South Africa in the
Anglo Boer war. It can be truly said that the Australian Army
was born in battle”.
See Alan Curry’s report on the launch, later.
Certificates of Commemoration for attendance at the
2012 Reserve Forces Day were well received by Edna, self
and granddaughters Felicity and Brittany Evans.
The Annual Reunion Luncheon on 24 Nov 2012 was
attended by 20 members and associates. The event was
very successful highlighted by a moving address by our
Patron Ray who covered many of his experiences with
the Medical Corps and included a final tribute to our late
Association stalwart, John de Witt. However, the
attendance was the lowest I can remember being
around 10% of our total members and associates. Do we
need to look at an alternative? Please send your
suggestions to Alan Curry.
Also of note was the return of Kevin Baker’s “Paul
Cullen Citizen and Soldier” from Heather and Barry
Perigo along with an Australia Post 60 cent stamp
collection depicting the Rising Sun Badge 1902-1991.
Thanks both. See Alan’s report and photographs on the
reunion later.
Finally, to all our special members and with constant
thought for our sick, Edna and I wish you all the very best
for the coming festive season and that 2013 turns out to
be all you wish for.
Good reading and best regards and I hope to see you
on Anzac Day either joining us in the March or at the
post March luncheon.
Derek Cannon
9

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Care More, Compromise Less
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less pulling of hair. 3´4 Patients will feel the difference the
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Skin Injury Is Occurring More Often Than You Think
The problem occurs across units in the healthcare setting 5
and its prevalence is expected to grow as the number of
patients with fragile skin continues to increase. Use of
adhesive products such as tape can exacerbate the risk of
skin injury 5 . Konya reported that cumulative incidence of
skin injury caused by tape removal maybe as high as
15.5% 6 .
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References & Resources
1. Bryant,RuthA(1998).Saving the skin from tape injuries.
American Journal of Nursing.86(2):189-191
2. Conway,JWhettlamJ(2002).Adverse reactions to wound
dressings. Nursing Standard 16(44):55-60
3. 3M clinical data on file (2010/2011)
4. Grove, et al. J of WORN 2011;38(3S):S78-9
5. Baranoski, et al. Wound Care Essentials: Practice
Principals. New York: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins:
2004
6. Konya,et al.J of Clin Nursing 2010;19;1236-42
7. PAPSRS.Skin Tears: The
ClinicalChallenge.www.psa.state.pa.us/psa/advisories.
Accessed July 2010
10

Message from the Secretary
Greetings Members,
This Christmas message is sent to you and all your
family with best wishes from your committee. We
hope that the coming year is one of health and
happiness to you.
To our sick members, some of you may be un -
fortunate to be in hospital over this period, we are
thinking of you.
Our thoughts at this time are especially with our
members’ families of John de Witt, John Phillips, Frank
Oliver and just recently, Neil Barrie and Bill
Clutterbuck – their “VALE” is in this issue, and also to
those ADF families and friends, for their loved ones
who will not be returning home for Christmas from
Afghanistan.
(I refer to those five dreadful casualties in late August.
Three of these soldiers were shot by a ‘rogue’ soldier, a
member of the Afghan Army, with whom they were
training. He was a part of the Afghan National Army
being trained to maintain peace and stability in their
country, when our troops withdraw, about 2014.
The other two tragedies were the result of their
helicopter crashing in a mountainous region in
Afghanistan).
I attended my local RSL Sub Branch (Tilligerry—it
was recently voted to ‘re-name’ it from Lemon Tree
Passage and Districts) for the Remembrance Day
Ceremony on the 11th of the 11th. It was well
attended.
I read in the NSW RSL “Reveille” (Nov/Dec 2012
Issue), in Chris Perrin’s article, he is urging any
member of a Sub Branch, that does not conduct this
Ceremony, to ‘Move a motion’ to do so in the future.
I do understand that the Boer War was the first war
where our (Australian) armed forces were used in, but
the First World War, and the sheer horror and toll of
lives lost in this conflict are firmly burnt into
everyone’s minds --and will forever be. It is an
IMPORTANT DAY and we shall never forget.
Ruth and I took the opportunity, in October, to
spend nearly 3 weeks with some of our family who live
in Mission Beach in Far North Queensland. It was great
to ‘catch up’ with them and also to a neighbour of our
granddaughter. They are Arthur and Marge Sander -
son. Arthur was in the transport during WW 2 and at
90 years young he is doing it a bit tough at the
moment—if you happen to read this Arthur, Ruth and
I pass on our good wishes to you and Marge.
I had the pleasure of representing our Association
as our Standard Bearer at the Reserve Forces Day
2013 “Launch”. (See my report further on.) After it
concluded I drove to our Reunion venue at
Paddington RSL Club (See our Annual Reunion
Summary, also in this Issue.)
Our Association sent a
“Letter of Congratula -
tions” to CPL Daniel
Keighran VC for the act of
courage he displayed, in
August 2010, whilst being
a member of a ‘partnered’
fighting force which came
under sustained enemy fire at
Darapet in the Uruzgan Province of Afghanistan.
With no thought for his own safety, he ‘broke
cover’ to draw enemy fire on himself so that wounded
soldiers could be treated and later assisted in the
clearance of a landing zone to enable safe evacuation
of the wounded. (It brings to mind the biblical saying…
”Greater love hath no man…”)
In closing for 2012, Ruth and I wish you all a very
Happy and healthy Christmas.
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
(3rd request)
Alan Curry
The CENTENARY of our beginnings — 5th Field
Ambulance AAMC – will be MARCH 2015.
To celebrate and remember our comrades-in-arms
through the years gone by, our Association’s Committee
would like your input on the following:
1. I would purchase a bottle of Port for $35..........YES/NO
2. I would purchase a bottle of Red Wine
for $20 (Shiraz) ..............................................................YES/NO
3. I would purchase a bottle of White Wine
for $20 (Chardonnay or Riesling) ...............................YES/NO
4. I would purchase a short-sleeve, collared “T” shirt
(With pocket) for $35 ...................................................YES/NO
5. I would purchase ONE of each of the above
for $100 (Includes postage) ........................................YES/NO
All money raised from these “Expressions” will go
toward a 3-course sit-down luncheon, with all drinks, for
a nominal price of $15 per head. The venue to be
decided.
Please advise me if you would travel from interstate
for this occasion?
As of this issue, other members/friends have
indicated they will purchase either some items, or
everything, when the date gets closer. May we count on
your commitment?
Our GOAL is at least 100 members/friends to indicate
they will commit.
Our Committee sincerely thank you for your
responses.
_________________
11

VP DAY CEREMONY (Summary)
On the 15th August, at 2pm,
our President, Derek Cannon,
myself, Gordon Dodd and his
good wife, Olive, were among
many hundreds who witnessed
a well-organised Ceremony.
It was put together by M/s
Alice Kang (DVA Representa -
tive—Concord Hospital) and the
Kokoda Track Memorial Walk -
way Committee.
It was a pleasant winter’s
afternoon and everyone was
seated under cover. The guest
speaker was the Mayor of
Canada Bay, Mr. Angelo Tsirekas,
and our State Governor, Marie
Bashir AC also read an account
of those dreadful war years in
WW 2 especially when the
Japanese entered the war.
The MC, Mr. John Gatfield,
brought back memories when
he asked the gathering how
many would have remembered
going to the movies in the
1940’s and being in awe of the
‘Cinesound’ newsreels that
showed glimpses of the war.
It was then shown on a large
screen for all present to see,
some of those old ‘newsreel’
memories.
The Governor led the
Wreath-Laying Ceremony and
after the Ode and Last Post and
the conclusion of the Remem -
brance Ceremony, there was a
very poignant moment when 8
WW 2 veterans were escorted
to the front and stood behind
8 cages of white doves. The MC
counted to THREE and all the
doves were released at once. It
was a fitting finale. All were
then invited to have Afternoon
Tea.
(Placed on every seat was a
“Victory in the Pacific Program”
which included a very in -
teresting 6-page summary of the
Coral Sea Battle.)
I also spoke to Michael Ali
who was ‘looking after’ one of
the PNG “Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels”
representatives, Mr Richard
Pomeleu.
Michael, usually in cooperation
with our late member,
John Phillips, (who sadly passed
away recently), takes good care
of our PNG representatives on
these very ‘special’ occasions.
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BATTLE for AUSTRALIA CEREMONY (Summary)
(Held first Wednesday in September, 11am,)
A very pleasant Spring morning greeted all who attended,
and there would have been about 400 people present.
Our good member, David Cooper OAM, was the MC and he
made all who were there feel very special. He introduced the
main guest of honour, our State Governor, Marie Bashi AC
CVO.
The main speaker was Mr. Keith Pryor. Keith was in the
Merchant Navy during WW 2 and presented a very different
side of events leading up to, and including, the air attacks of the
Japanese forces upon Australian soil in 1942/43. With Keith’s
kind permission I have included his ‘Address’ that he gave that
morning.
Our good member, John Phillips OAM, was very sick and
could not attend, but his good wife, Alison and their daughter,
Debbie Brooks, as well as Alison’s good friend, Mrs. Pat Spencer,
attended in John’s place.
John would normally be escorting the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels,
together with a good friend of our Association, Michael Ali. It is
always an honour to have the Fuzzy Wuzzy’s present on this day
as they are very much a part of this “Battle for Australia”
Commemoration.
We thank the following members who attended;
Our President, Derek Cannon, Our Patron, Ray Hyslop OAM,
David Cooper OAM (was the MC), Alan Curry, Eileen Henderson
(represented the RAANC and accompanied Capt. Margaret Ewart
to lay a wreath. Margaret is 98 years young and was present in
Darwin, as a Nursing Sister, when the Japanese air raid started on
the 19th February 1942), Kevin Hurrell, Brian Tams, Warwick
Wilkinson AO and Gordon Wright (Gordon was escorted by his
daughter Annette, granddaughter, Catherine and greatgranddaughter,
Charlotte). (My apologies if any other member
was present).
BATTLE FOR AUSTRALIA COMMEMORATION SERVICE
AT SYDNEY CENOTAPH
ADDRESS BY Mr KEITH PRYOR
5TH SEPTEMBER 2012.
Your Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor
of New South Wales, Distinguished Guests, Service Repre -
sentatives, Ladies and Gentlemen, Girls and Boys.
It’s an honour and a privilege to share with you today the
commemoration of those who played their part in The Battle
for Australia, and speak about the Merchant Mariners who
supported our armed services during that grim period from
early 1942 when war reached our shores and we faced the real
prospect of invasion by Japanese forces.
The fall of Singapore hit Australia like a thunderclap. It
heralded a struggle that stretched our nation’s resources to the
limit. Prime Minister John Curtin called it the Battle for Australia
and declared “It is now work or fight as we have never worked
or fought before.”
That desperate need for resources caused the Australian
government to call upon the Merchant Navy to transport
troops, equipment, ammunition and supplies to support our
armed services. The Merchant Navy also had to maintain trade
links including those to support industries vital to the war
effort, like the steel industry.
Merchant Mariners were civilians, accustomed to dealing
with the ever present hazards of seafaring, but they were not
trained for war. Some were very young – there were deck boys
as young as 14, and some were quite old – and for most there
was no retiring age.
During WW 11 some Australian Merchant Mariners were
drafted to fill vacancies in overseas ships whilst in Australian
waters and they went on to serve in areas of conflict remote
from Australia. A large but unknown number of them lost their
lives.
I finished school in December 1941, within days of the
Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour. I had no plans to become a
Merchant Mariner, but took a job with the Adelaide Steamship
Company Ltd., intending to follow my two older brothers into
the Australian Military Forces when I turned 18.
Part of my job was to board the Company’s ships when they
came to Sydney. How vividly I remember the grim sight of the
“Allara” when towed in for repair, with her stern section blown
away after being torpedoed by a Japanese submarine just off
Newcastle, claiming the lives of five seamen. I met with many of
the Company’s seagoing staff and learned of some of their
terrifying experiences.
Still I developed a fascination for ships that endured
throughout my long career in the Australian Maritime Industry.
After further education and training with The Adelaide
Company, I saw it as a great opportunity to join the company
owned AHS Manunda as the Assistant Purser, at the age of 17,
and that ship then became my home over several years.
At the outbreak of WW 11, Australia had a large fleet of
cargo and passenger ships that were versatile and adaptable to
military needs. Some were commissioned into the defence
forces, and others were used as hospital ships and troopships
crewed by Merchant Mariners.
Many of the cargo ships were old hand-fired coal burners;
they were slow and left a trail of smoke from the funnel that
made them highly visible and easy prey to submarine attack.
War touched our coastline from late 1940, when German
mines were laid off the south eastern and southern coasts of
Australia. Two allied merchant ships were destroyed and one
was badly damaged. On the 5th December 1940 the NSW
North Coaster “Nimben” struck one of those mines off Norah
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Head and sunk with the loss of seven lives and in March 1941 a
large fishing trawler fell victim and sunk with the loss of another
seven lives.
The outbreak of the Pacific War and the bombing of Darwin
on 19th February 1942 heralded difficult and dangerous times
for Merchant Mariners. In the first Japanese air raid on Darwin,
apart from the destruction and damage to allied ships, the
Australian merchant ships “Neptuna” and “Zealandia” were
sunk with the loss of 47 lives, and the cargo vessel “Barossa”
was badly damaged. Manunda’s boats were rescuing burnt and
injured seamen from sinking ships when she suffered a near
miss and then a direct hit causing severe damage.
Despite the chaos, Manunda continued to treat the
wounded, and crew and staff continued to man the life-boats
rescuing injured from the harbour.
Fifty-eight from the Manunda’s crew and medical staff were
wounded and twelve were killed that day, including a nursing
sister, Sister Margaret de Mestre. She was just twenty-six and
the first AIF nurse to be killed in action on Australian soil.
This was a deliberate attack on a Hospital Ship. The Geneva
and Hague Conventions – meant to afford immunity from
attack on hospital ships - were disregarded on that day, as they
were again in May 1943 when AHS Centaur was deliberately
torpedoed and sunk off Southern Queensland, with the tragic
loss of 268 lives. This attack was carried out before dawn to
achieve maximum effect on sleeping victims, and the ship sank
within a few minutes.
After the Centaur sinking, concern for the safety of the
remaining Hospital Ships was so great that Manunda was laid
up in Sydney and had all of the hospital ship colours,
illumination and markings removed. She was painted grey and
heavily armed and crewed with 15 naval gunners. But having
only left port for gunnery trials, the decision was reviewed and
she was then reinstated as a compliant hospital ship before
returning to its normal wartime role.
After the attack on Darwin, military needs grew more
urgent and the need for shipping capacity increased as
Japanese submarines began to attack merchant ships off the
Eastern coast of Australia, targeting vital cargoes like iron ore
for steel production. Shipping capacity diminished with the
escalating loss of ships and their skilled crews.
Whilst merchant ships were damaged and destroyed in
other areas of the Pacific, nineteen merchant ships including
several iron ore carriers were sunk along the NSW coast, and
many were damaged, sometimes within sight of land.
Mostly, the public were unaware of what was happening as
news of these attacks was generally suppressed at the time.
A total of 30 Australian and allied merchant ships were sunk
in Australian waters, and the death and injury toll of Merchant
Mariners from these sinking’s was horrendous.
When I joined the Manunda, she was transporting sick and
wounded Australian servicemen and some Americans from
New Guinea to Sydney and Brisbane.
The white-hulled ship, banded in green with red crosses,
was always fully illuminated at night and became a familiar
sight all over the Pacific War areas.
Battle weary patients were always relieved to be taken
aboard into the clean and orderly wards and into the caring
hands of the dedicated Australian Army doctors and Nursing
Sisters for the voyage home.
Arrival at No. 6 Wharf Darling Harbour was always
memorable with the military ambulances queued along that
strip of road then known as the Hungry Mile, waiting to shuttle
up to 400 patients to the Concord Military Hospital.
Manunda was subsequently kept busy during the
Australian-led offensive into Borneo transporting the sick and
wounded from Tarakan Balikpapan and Labuan.
When Japan capitulated, we were 12 hours into a voyage
from Morotai bound for Tarakan when recalled to Morotai to
prepare to pick up prisoners of war in North Borneo and
Australians in Singapore.
Calling first to Labuan to pick up British and Indian prisoners
of war from the Batu Lintang prison camp for transport to
Singapore, Manunda was the first Australian ship to enter
Singapore at that time.
The approaches to Singapore had been heavily mined by
the British and then again by the Japanese during their
occupation. Following a skillfully piloted British Naval Escort
enabled our passage and we berthed at Empire Dock on 10th
September 1945, two days before the official surrender of the
Japanese.
On arrival, Manunda’s Medical and Nursing staff were
rushed to Changi only to be shocked and appalled at the
condition of the Australians. For some, they had arrived just in
time, but for many others they were too late.
When the Australians from Changi were embarked, I
watched from the deck, with a group of others, which included
an Army Chaplain on Manunda at the time, Chaplain Oscar
Cooper – the father of our MC here today, Lt.Col. David Cooper
OAM.
I can never forget the abhorrence - those barely living
human skeletons being stretchered aboard.
Before our eyes - the evidence of years of slavery, brutality,
and starvation - this image of shocking inhumanity that
affected the mindset of Australians for decades.
After a slow and careful voyage with such frail patients our
welcomes at Fremantle, Melbourne and Sydney were
unforgettable.
We cared for so many brave and special patients. One of
them was Sister Vivian Bulwinkel, who survived the sinking of
the Vyner Brook and the Banka Island massacre, who despite
being shot right through her body, continued to care for a
wounded soldier for a further 12 days until they were both
captured. The soldier died, but Sister Bulwinkel spent three and
a half years in captivity before being taken aboard the
Manunda.
With other ship’s staff I was proud and privileged to attend
the official surrender of the Japanese to Lord Louis Mount -
batten at Singapore on 12th September 1945.
On a subsequent voyage we sailed to Kure Japan with a
Medical Unit and for a prolonged stay as a standby hospital for
the BCOF. In nearby Hiroshima we were able to wander among
the ruins to see the results of the action that had finally brought
about the conclusion of the Pacific War. The almost total
devastation of that city was a sight that I can never erase.
Today we pay tribute to the men and women of the Army,
Navy, Air Force and the Australian Nursing Services, who made
their contributions to The Battle for Australia.
Let us remember those who are known to us. I think today
of my two, late, older brothers, who both served courageously
in the Australian Army.
Let us remember the many more Australians who live on in
stories and images that speak of courage, service and sacrifice,
like those prisoners of war who suffered inhumanity and
starvation at the hands of their captors.
Let us remember with gratitude the Merchant Mariners who
did all that they were asked and so much more – to ‘work and
fight as never before’ – and who played such a vital role in the
Battle for Australia.
Let us especially remember those who paid the ultimate
sacrifice.
-----------------------------------
17

Reserve Forces Day “Launch” 2013
I drove down to Sydney accompanied by our new
member, Mick Carlson. We arrived about 7.30am. I was
grateful that Mick was able to take some photos for me.
(There are more photos available on the RFD website.)
The “Launch” was held at the very picturesque
Observatory Hill Park. What a beautiful spot. It has
commanding views across Walsh Bay and Darling Harbour
and the very dominant feature was the Boer War Memorial.
I had to arrive early because the Standard Bearers from
all the participating Associations, Tri-Service Standard
Bearers and Boer War Standard Bearers had to do some
‘trial’ drills before the main Ceremony at 10am. The actual
proceedings went very good and with some cloud cover it
was not too hot for everyone.
It was a very colourful spectacle to be a part of, with the
theme being our Australian Forces involvement in the Boer
War from 1899 to 1902.
(Summary)
Part of the Ceremony was the Presentation of 3 ‘Special’
medallions—one to each recipient whose forebear was
involved in this war. There were three General Salutes and
an ‘Inspection’ of the ‘Troops’.
The Bands did a magnificent job—on the ground and in
the Rotunda. The assembled crowd appreciated them. The
Parade concluded about 11am where all invited guests
mingled under a large marquee for sandwiches and
refreshments.
Our Association congratulates the RFD Committee for
another successful spectacle.
(I would commend any visitor to Sydney, or anyone, who
has not visited this ‘Park’, to do so.)
Our Patron, COL Ray Hyslop OAM, was present at
the Parade and he accompanied Mick and myself when
we drove to our Annual Reunion at the Paddington RSL
Club.
“My NEW YEAR’S Resolution”
(With kind Thanks to my email friends. –Author Unknown)
‘Twas the month after Christmas and all through the house, nothing would fit me, not even a blouse.
The stuffing I’d nibbled, the turkey I’d taste, the yummies I’d eaten—gone straight to my waist!
The wine and the mince pies, the bread and the cheese…I should have said..”No thank you, please”.
So I dressed myself in my old shirt and I couldn’t believe my bottom and belly—the girth!
I said to myself, as only I can…”You can’t spend the year disguised as a man”!
So, away with the last of the sour cream dip. Get rid of the fruitcake, every cracker and chip,
Every last bit of food that I like must be banished, ‘till all the additional ounces have vanished.
I won’t have a cookie, not even a lick—instead I’ll chew on a long celery stick.
I won’t have Irish coffees, or chocolates, or pie. I’ll munch on a carrot and quietly cry;
“I’m hungry, I’m lonesome, and life is a bore—but isn’t that what January’s for”?
Unable to giggle, no longer a riot. HAPPY NEW YEAR to all—and to all a good diet!
-------------------------------
18

ANNUAL “MIXED” Reunion LUNCHEON
A very pleasant and enjoyable afternoon was enjoyed
by 20 members at the Paddington RSL Club on Saturday,
24th November.
Unfortunately we had quite a few apologies and could
not get our usual ‘Private’ room but the catering manager,
Warwick, arranged our ‘Reserved’ seating in the bistro area.
We asked our Honorary Chaplain, Bran Hogan, to offer
Grace, after which we all chose and paid for our own meal.
Everyone happily mixed in and there was plenty of
‘chatter’!
We were delighted to have the RAAMC Association Inc
(NSW Branch) President, Theo Dechaufepie, be present
with us.
After the meal we adjourned to a ‘Private’ lounge room
upstairs where our President, Derek Cannon, thanked
everyone for their attendance especially to Ray and Theo
(Summary)
and sadly reminded us of our good members who had
passed away during the year. He also read out the names of
new members who have joined our Association.
He wished everyone a HAPPY CHRISTMAS and hoped to
meet us next ANZAC Day.
Derek called on our Patron, COL Ray Hyslop OAM, to say
a few words. Ray said he was pleased to be with us and
spoke some very kind words about the late John de Witt.
Our Association thanks the following members and
friends for their attendance;
Our President, Derek Cannon, Our Patron, Ray Hyslop
OAM, Mrs. Edna Cannon, Mick Carlson, Barry Collins OAM,
Alan Curry, Theo Dechaufepie, Brittany Evans, Ron and
Adrienne Foley, Brian and Sandra Hogan, Stuart and Sue
Jones, Barry and Heather Perigo, Rob Stewart, Noel Tame,
Brian and Gail Tams.
GROUP PHOTO shows L-R (Seated)-Gail Tams, Edna Cannon, Sandra Hogan and Heather Perigo.
Standing-Brian Hogan, Noel Tame, Rob Stewart, Mick Carlson, Barry Collins OAM, Brian Tams, Sue Jones, Stu’ Jones, Barry Perigo, Brittany
Evans, Ray Hyslop OAM and Derek Cannon. MISSING- Alan Curry (took photo), Theo Dechaufepie, Ron and Adrienne Foley
TORRES STRAIT HOTEL
Friendly Service • Great Atmosphere
Phone: (07) 4069 1141
60 Douglas Street, Thursday Island QLD 4875
Proud to support 5th Field Ambulance RAAMC Association
19

Happy
Birthday
DECEMBER:
JANUARY:
FEBRUARY:
Fred BELL, George DONNELLY, Dr. Andrew ELLIS OAM,
Laurie FARRUGIA, Robert LOVE, Bob LYNCH, Nick MARSHALL,
Noel MOULDER, Dr. Phillip McGRATH, Barry O’KEEFE, Chris O’REILLY,
Heather PERIGO, Mick ROWLEY, Michael STRINGFELLOW,
Peter SULLIVAN and Noel TAME.
Alan CHAD, Don JARMAN, Colin KLINE, Dr. Ted KRAMER OAM,
Alen LUCIC, Paul NICHOLLS, “Bill” O’KEEFE, Steve PARIS, Barry PERIGO,
Albert PERRY, Ken PHILLIPS OAM, Cathy SALMON, Frank SKINNER,
Dr. Stephen STEIGRAD, Chris STRODE, David WILKINSON and
Warwick WILKINSON AO.
Samuel ALEXANDER, Dr. Harding BURNS OAM, Gavin DRISCOLL,
Brett FERRARI, Terry FRY, George HARRIS, Brian HOGAN,
Dr. Ray HYSLOP OAM, Michael MORONEY, Marion NEWMAN,
Brian TAMS, Dr. Peter TRALAGGAN and Kate VERCOE.
Our Association wishes each of you “All the very best” on your “special” day.
(Have you given me your month of birth?)
SICK PARADE
Derek CANNON
Mick CARLSON
Kevin CARTER
George CARUANA
David CAVANAUGH
Barry COLLINS
Bill CLUTTERBUCK
Gordon CURTIS
John DAVIES
Gordon DODD
George DONNELLY
Nelson FIORENTINO
Alf FITZSIMMONS
Paul FOOKES
Richard FORD
Dorothy FOSTER
Eileen HENDERSON
Kevin HURRELL
Brian INMAN
Neville JOHNSON
Wilfred (Bill) JONES
(Calvary Nursing Care,
Hebburn Lodge,
Cessnock. Phone; (02)
4990.8656)
Ted KREMER
Bob LEECH (Lansdown
Nursing Home, Lovani
St., Cabramatta NSW)
Robert LOVE
Huss MAHOMET
Bill MOLLOY
John McCARTHY
Bob McINERNEY
Rayda NOBLE
“Bill” O’KEEFE
Charles O’MEALLY
Chris O’REILLY
Barry and Heather
PERIGO
Maurice PORTER
(Shalom Lodge,
“Fairview”, 157
Balaclava Rd.,
Marsfield. NSW)
Tom PRITCHARD
Alan ROBINSON
Rob STEWART
Judith STRACHAN
Chris STRODE
Brian TAMS
Sr. Florence (“Sue”)
THOMPSON (St
George Aged Care
Centre, Verdun St,
Bexley. Room 22,
Ph:(02) 8566.1400)
John TROY
John WEAVER
Bruce WHITTET
John WOODHEAD
(Lourdes Nursing
Home, Room 27,
Stanhope Rd., Killara ,
(02) 8467.4550)
20

THE LEGEND OF THE CAPE
As a kid I enjoyed going to the pictures on Saturday
afternoons, to be mesmerised by the serials, especially
Superman or Batman and Robin. Later on, in comic
books, these blokes were called Super Heroes or The
Cape Crusaders. It was the term ‘Cape Crusaders’ which
got me thinking about the significance of the Cape.
What does the Cape represent in the movies, or
even in real life?
It might make a striking appeal to some but it’s only
a piece of cloth at best. For Superman, his cape was
indestructible for he came to earth wrapped up in it!
For Batman and Robin, it might help them to glide, but
by and large it is just a piece of rag—unless there is
something more symbolic in that piece of cloth we call
a cape. And by the way, Mandrake the Magician also
wore a cape!
There is in our society a group of people known as
Chaplains. In some sections of our society they might
be called Padres, Clergy, Ministers or Priests,
depending on their religious affiliations or the sector of
the community in which they work. Some work within
industry whilst others are attached to schools,
hospitals, corrective institutions and the oldest service
organisation in which they operate would be the army.
But very few of us would realise that the word
‘Chaplain’ has its origins back in the 4th century AD—
meaning “The Keeper of the Cape’.
Some years ago, in keeping up my pastoral
credentials, I did a unit on Chaplaincy, and this is what
I discovered in what I call ‘The Legend of the Cape’.
Congratulations
To Dr. Philip McGRATH
Philip and his fiancée, Charlotte, were married
in late October and this HAPPY
CONGRATULATIONS comes from all his
friends in our Association — we wish you both
much happiness as you both travel along your
‘new road’ together.
--------------------------
To COL John Overton OAM
John was invited to Melbourne, in November,
to have the honour of receiving the prestigious
“Founders Medal of the Society of Paediatric
Anaesthetists of Australia and New Zealand.
Our Association passes on its heartiest
CONGRATULATIONS to a well-deserved
and dedicated doctor.
------------------------
CHAPLAIN’S
The story is credited to a man known as St.
Martin of Tours who lived between 316 and 397 AD.
He was born in western Hungary and moved to
Italy. He appears to have strong religious learning,
for he wanted to be taught in the ways of Jesus at
the age of ten. He had a desire to become a hermit
by the age of twelve—but life didn’t turn out that
way.
His father was in the permanent Roman army
with the rank of Tribune (a very powerful position akin to
Deputy PM, Field Marshall or GG). About this time a decree,
by Caesar, declared that all sons of veterans had to
enrol in the military. Martin resisted but was forced
into the army at the age of fifteen where he
remained until he was twenty years old.
During this time…”he endeared himself to his
fellow soldiers with sacrificial living and generosity
to all he encountered” …noted his biographer
Severus.
Severus then relates the following incident;
“While in Amiens, France, Martin noticed a poor man
at the city gates destitute of clothing. Martin drew his
sword and divided his military cloak in half and gave
one half to the shivering beggar in the freezing cold.
Some of the bystanders sniggered and others felt
ashamed”.
It is said that as Martin slept the next night, he
had a vision in which Jesus appeared to him
wearing the piece of the cloak he had given to the
poor man the previous day, and Jesus was gladly
saying to His angels…”This is what Martin gave me.
He doesn’t know all that much, but he followed my
instruction”—“In as much as you have done these
things to one of the least of these, you have done it to
me”.
This cape came into the possession of the
Frankish kings and they kept the relic with them as
they did battle. The tent in which the cape was kept
is called the Capella, and the priests who said daily
Mass in the tent were known as the Capellani. From
these words we get ‘Chapel’ and ‘Chaplain’.
The cape is not magical nor is it a lucky charm
but it symbolises that there is one who will,
wherever and whenever possible, offer care and
compassion to those who are unable to provide or
protect themselves from anything which is
oppressing them.
That is the essential duty of the Chaplain, and
you don’t have to be a super hero with a cape.
Where possible, they try to provide spiritual and
moral guidance as well as other practical support.
And, by the way—they don’t bite!
BRIAN HOGAN
Honorary Chaplain
C
O
R
N
ER
21

5 CSSB Health Company News
(with kind thanks to OC MAJ David Czerkies)
Thank you for the opportunity to present 5 Health
Company’s report for last quarter of the year. Ladies and
Gentleman of the Corps and Association, 2012 is almost
drawing to a close and throughout this year it certainly has
been a busy and it still not over. As we prepare for the
summer season of either bushfires, major incident/emergen -
cies or floods.
The year commenced with the main focus on TLTG 5
preparations and deployment of the contingent from 5 BDE.
Now we start to prepare for arrival of the contingent home
from Timor in early December 2012 and January 2013 for
Separation from CFTS. We will be involved in the RTA
medicals ensuring all is done and that the troops are fit and
well and appropriate paperwork has been completed.
As mentioned in the previous issue, we were waiting to
hear from higher command on the deployment of our
medical staff to TLTG 5. To our disappointment we received
news that our members were not successful in gaining a
position. We certainly felt the disappointment, however that
was the decision made by higher command. Hopefully we
have better luck on future deployments.
In the latter part of the 2012 we saw the introduction of
Garrison Health Services. Our augmentation has been well
with medics and doctors providing the coverage on monthly
basis. Certainly there have been a few teething issues, but
these been sorted as we progressed. It certainly going to
take a while for the Reservist to get use to the new system.
This year has also been a learning curve for me, in my first
year of command. During this year there have been many
things that I needed to achieve, there have been high points
and low points and these have given me the experience from
which to learn from. However, to enable my role to be
VALE (Continued from page 6)
Bill CLUTTERBUCK passed away, in hospital, with family
by his side, on the 8th December, he was 76 years of age.
Photo on the right taken at the VP 50th
Anniversary March (1995) in Sydney-shows
Bill with his ‘restored’ WW 2 jeep with Alan
Curry and WW 2 veteran and member, Bill
Jones.
Bill was one of our committee
and he was a good friend of mine. We served in the unit for 5
years.
When our Association was formed in 1982, Bill was asked
to be on our committee and has been part of us since that
time.
In private life, Bill was a truck driver. He owned his own
truck for many years and even after reaching retirement age
he was still driving, part time, for one of the big trucking
companies in Newcastle, right up until he ‘took crook’ in April
this year.
He had a good name and a good driving record as a truck
driver (no doubt he learned this on our many D & S Courses we
run at 5 Field Ambulance!)
His son, Michael, found this old battered WW 2 jeep in
Longreach (Qld)—he brought it back to Sydney for his dad
and, over a number of years, they restored it back to its
original.
achieved I could not have done this without the assistance of
the following; OIC Canberra Det: CAPT Sally Connell, Training
WO: WO2 Jim Scott, Training SGT: SGT Jay Chapman and
CSM: SGT Kylie Harris who have given me the support.
Without these guys my job would not have been as pleasant.
To my fellow officers, NCO’s and most importantly the
soldiers of the Company without your efforts during 2012 we
would not have been able to achieve what have done this
year and therefore my role of command.
As we approach the final part of the year, we prepare our
stuff in readiness for our commitment for DACC or DFAC
tasking. Ensuring our stores are loaded, vehicles and recall
registers have been checked in the event we are not needed,
so that we can enjoy the festive season and holidays with our
families. However, we are unable to predict what may
happen, considering the word from those in the know feel
that this year’s summer could be a horror, I hope not.
In closing, this year has been a busy year I have not been
able to see through my vision for Health Company. However,
in 2013 I am looking forward with the prospects of being
able to see my vision for Health Company. To further
develop its capability through raise, train and sustain of our
members, so that we can achieve our mission objectives in
2013.
I also wish to take this opportunity to extend my best
wishes for the Festive Season to all members of the
Association and the Corps, to my Officers, WO’s & SNCOs,
NCOs and soldiers of 5 Health Company and may 2013 be a
fruitful year for us all. I hope everyone has a great time and
we look forward to being with you in 2013.
Once again thank you Alan, Health Company looks
forward to your friendship and association in the new year.
It looked fantastic and always bore the 5th Field
Ambulance and 2 Div designation plates.
Bill and his jeep were always a feature at either our, or
kindred, RSL Club Ceremonies. Bill always wore his 1960’s
army uniform, complete with boots and gaiters.
He was very proud and always looked the part.
Those of us who knew Bill in their army days will always
remember him as one of our “DR’s” (Dispatch Riders) riding up
and down our convoys on his Harley Davidson.
As I wrote above, Bill was diagnosed with liver cancer in
April. It got progressively worse with many trips to the doctors
and the hospital. On his final day his wife Pauline and
daughter, Vicki and his granddaughter, Cassie, were at his side
and left only when his son Michael and his wife, Sam, relieved
them. They were with him when he passed away at 8.30pm.
Our Association passes its sincere sympathies to Pauline
and her family.
Bill’s Army Service started when he joined the CMF on the
16 September 1954 with “Q” Battery 1st Heavy Anti Aircraft
Regiment until 2nd May 1956.
He completed his National Service with 13 NSTB from 12
August 1958 to 27 October 1958 and then remained in the
CMF with 5 Field Ambulance from 28 October 1958 until
discharged, with the rank of corporal, on the 29 July 1965.
Bill was awarded the Australian Defence Medal and the
ANS 1951-72 Medal.
-----------------------------
22

NEW MEMBERS
Alf FITZSIMMONS is
sincerely welcomed to
our association. Alf was
a chance meeting which
was partly arranged by
our member, and an old
friend of Alf – Alan
Beckerleg.
Alan had sent me an email with some information
regarding Alf, and after the “Battle for Australia Day”
Ceremony in Martin Place in September, I made a point of
going out and visiting Alf and introducing myself. (He had
only recently been discharged from the Castlecrag Private
Hospital.)
Painters were working on his front porch when I arrived,
so I went around the rear of the house, knocked on the door,
and was met by his lovely wife, Phyl.
I introduced myself to her and she gladly beckoned me in
to meet Alf – what an amazing gentleman he is.
Hopefully, I will be able to get a bit more of his story in
the near future, suffice to say that Alf, who is 99 years young,
was thrilled to make my acquaintance.
I had brought with me two photos that Alan Beckerleg
had sent to me by email and they brought vivid memories
back to Alf.
One was the photo of the Ambulance road train in the
Northern Territory in the 1940s, the other photo was of a
group of men that Alf would have served with.
Unfortunately the photos that I presented to Alf were a
bit faded and he could not recognise any of the faces but the
Ambulance train lit up his face like a beacon.
He immediately joined our association and also the
RAAMC Association Inc. (NSW Branch).
It was a real pleasure to shake his hand and have a cup of
tea with the both of them and let him talk generally about
some wonderful memories he will never forget.
Welcome to the association Alf and we hope to get a bit
more of your story in the coming weeks. Thank you for being
part of us – it is our gain.
------------------------------
Michael CARLSON is warmly welcomed into our
Association.
Michael is a very proud 1st Field Ambulance man but
when he reads our magazines and knows so many of our
members, who were also a part of 1 Fd Amb, he asked could
he join us?
You are more than welcome, Michael, because it was you
who has contributed articles and photos in our past
magazines that brought back many happy memories to our
members.
He sent me the following ‘unique’
photo made by SGT Alan Pitt. Alan was the
RAASC Tpt Sgt in 1 Field Ambulance when
Michael was there—it depicts the RAASC
‘Wheel’ around the RAAMC Corps Badge.
Michael wrote that he joined the CMF
due to a ‘chance encounter’.
He was 18 years of age and was working for Drug Houses
of Australia (wholesale chemist suppliers) in Maitland, when a
local pharmacist came in to purchase some products and
asked him if he was interested in joining a new unit that he
was starting up in Maitland?
It was 1 Field Ambulance and his name was LT Ron James.
Michael said a lot of the members were from the old 8th Field
Ambulance.
So, on the 28th November 1964, Mick joined the CMF as
a private and he was soon keen to learn as much as he could
because his promotions were as follows; LCPL on 6/9/65, CPL
on 9/5/66, SGT on 11/4/68, SSGT on 1/3/70, WO 2 on 18/8/78
and his final rank of Warrant Officer Class 1 on 1/4/83.
Michael discharged on the 3/12/84.
He did his Subject 1 for his WO 2 examination at Wacol in
Queensland (he remembers Brian Tams—our current
Treasurer, being on this course also).
Michael had to go to Healesville, in Victoria, to sit for
Subject 2. This was the same course that the Regular Army
WO’s had to do to get their promotion. Michael said it was a
very hard course—“but I passed”!
He had to go to 2 Training Group, Ingleburn, before
he could be considered for promotion to Warrant Officer
Class 1.
Michael became the one and only Ares RSM with 1 Field
Ambulance.
He said he enjoyed being part of 1 Field Ambulance,
particularly so when seeing his fellow soldiers being
promoted to the ranks which they have reached.
Thank you, Michael, for your Email. We look forward to
your company, again, in the near future and to place in one
of our future magazines, some more of your memories of
your time in the CMF. WELCOME.
----------------------------
Ronald WEBB came and introduced himself to us, as we
were gathered under our Banner, at the “Battle for Australia
Day” Ceremony in Martin Place, Sydney, on the 5th
September.
23

He is part of their ‘working committee’ on this day.
Ron said he felt connected to 5 Field Ambulance
because his grandfather was a member from 1915 to 1919.
That was enough for me to send him some of our past
magazines together with an Application Form in the hope
that he might like to join us.
I recently received his application to join us and we
sincerely welcome him. I asked Ron to email me some
more information, which he kindly obliged. The following
story is a little window into Ron’s life;
“I registered for National Service in mid-1967, on attaining
my 20th birthday. After attending a medical assessment
interview held in the old Grace Building in York Street, Sydney,
I returned to my government job – locomotive fireman for the
NSW Government Railways.
Eight months or so passed by, and in mid-April 1968, I
receive notification in the post that I had been selected for
National Service conscription.
Four days later, a second letter followed informing me that
I was to be inducted into the army on Wednesday, May 1st at
the Addison Road depot in Marrickville.
The letter read… ”Attend in civilian clothing with a
neat and trim haircut! Please hand this letter to your
employer”!
Later that day, I met with other inductees and we boarded
a road coach bound for 1 RTB Kapooka, near Wagga, for 10
weeks of recruit training. We were certainly kept on our toes
with little time to think about anything but military.
From Kapooka I was posted to the RAE School of Military
Engineering at Casula in Sydney, where I underwent basic
training as a field engineer (sapper).
It was a most interesting and enjoyable time for me. I
made some good mates.
On completion of basic training I was notified that I was
required to appear before a panel for an interview regarding
further training on a course at the School of Military
Engineering.
The interviewing panel consisted of Captain of engineers
and two Warrant Officers and commenced with some
questioning regarding my previous work experience.
The Captain began with…” how long have you been a
fireman, sapper? I replied…” six months since I was
appointed, Sir. …” how many fires have you been to”? a
Warrant Officer enquired.
I said…” I'm a railway fireman, Sir”. “Yes, we know that -
the Railway Fire Service”.
“No sir”, I said…”I'm a steam locomotive fireman, Sir”.
There was a pause followed by much hilarity and laughter.
The Captain chuckled and said… ”Someone has made a ‘blue’
here – this fellow doesn't put out fires, he makes them”!
The Captain then said… ”Well sapper do you want to do
this seven-week basic fireman course”?
”Yes sir”. I replied. ”Okay, says the Captain, you’re
dismissed”.
I completed the seven-week course. During the final exam
on the last day, the former Captain entered the classroom and
spoke to the instructor—the Captain then addressed me…
”sapper Web, at the completion of this course you are going to
the Jungle Training Centre at Canungra for two weeks
training then back to the holding wing at SME, then you're off
to Vietnam! I replied…” Yes sir. Thank you, Sir”.
I serve nine months in South Vietnam with HQ Company,
1 ALSG, Vung Tau, attached to the unit’s transport section as
a fire-fighter/transport driver.
On the death of my father on 1/9/1969, I was sent home on
compassionate leave and then re-posted to Moorebank –
Army Fire Station ‘till my discharge on 30/4/1970.
I didn't see any of my service mates after over 18 years and
never ‘settled down’ until in my 50s.
My wife and I married in 2001.
I re-enlisted in the Army Reserve in July 1978, joining the
ranks of the 4th Battalion RNSWR (later the 4th/3rd Bn).
I was a private, in the regimental band, and played the
side drum in the drum Corps. I had an enjoyable 17 years
service in one of the best reserve units of the time.
The band was invited to participate in the 50th
Commemoratives Anniversary of the bombing of Pearl
Harbor in Hawaii in 1991, and also at the 93rd convention of
the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the USA held in Indianapolis,
Indiana in 1992.
As well as my time in the military, I had a 40 year railway
career in locomotive service, 27 years with the New South
Wales Railways, and 13 years as a steam driver for the
heritage railway company 3801 Ltd.
In retirement, I continue my interest in all things railway --
and of course the military.
My grandfather, No: 358 Frederick Albert Webb, served in
the 5th Field Ambulance from 1915 to 1919 and then enjoyed
a 20-year railway career until he retired in 1948. “It's in the
blood”!
Thank you, Ron, for a little of your history. We look
forward to being in your company again.
------------------------------------------
James ELLIOTT is sincerely welcomed to our
Association. James joins us via a very interesting
introduction.
My son Gregory is a roof tiler by trade and James, who
lives in Raymond Terrace (a suburb of Newcastle), accepted
a quote from Greg. From their discussions Greg found out
that James, who was born in 1918, had a story to tell about
his involvement, prior to and into WW 2, as a gunner, in the
British Army and his life after the army!
I subsequently made contact with James over a number
of weeks, broken only by a period when he was admitted
to the Mater Hospital suffering from a long time blood
disorder, during which time he kindly gave me his life story.
Suffice to say that James was keen to join us, and also
the RAAMC Association Inc. (NSW Branch) and I am keen to
share his story with you (with James’s kind permission)
when we can place it in one of our future magazines.
James’s wife, Peggy, died in 2004, through the eventual
onset of dementia.
They had two children, a son, Kevin and a daughter,
Linzi (who sadly died in 2007 through cancer). James is
blessed with grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He is an Anglican by faith and still enjoys going to his
church when he is able. He is also a member of the
Freemason’s Society.
James has a small circle of good friends who visit him
regularly — as does Kevin and all his grandchildren. James
reckons he has had a fantastic life.
---------------------------------------------
24

Dates for your Diary for 2013
RAAMC Association Inc. (NSW Branch) Meets at Victoria Barracks, every 2 months, on the FIRST
FRIDAY: FEB, APR, JUN, AUG, OCT, DEC at 10.30am. An “OPEN INVITATION” is extended to you. Please advise
me if you are coming.
14th FEBRUARY
25th APRIL
MAY
JULY
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER (1 st Wednesday)
NOVEMBER
National Servicemen’s Day – we have no official involvement but if
any member attends a Ceremony and represents us, please advise
me of your involvement.
ANZAC DAY
AHS CENTAUR SERVICE – Concord Hospital
113 AGH Memorial Chapel (Date TBA)
RESERVE FORCES DAY – First Sunday in Sydney and
Saturday prior-in Newcastle
VP DAY – Further details as advised
BATTLE FOR AUSTRALIA COMMEMORATION
(Martin Place, Sydney. 11am)
Reserve Forces Day “LAUNCH” FOR 2014 (TBA)
ANNUAL “Mixed” Reunion Luncheon (Paddington RSL Club)
----------------------------------
“Cut-Off dates” for articles in quarterly magazines of 2013 ~
Autumn Issue 1st APRIL, Winter 1st JUNE, Spring 1st AUGUST, Summer 1st DECEMBER
NOVEMBER (last Saturday)
Thank You
(From your Committee)
Thank you Members, for your yearly dues, donations and LIFE MEMBERSHIPS,
they are so very much appreciated.
….for completing your (FREE) Application Form to join the RAAMC Association Inc.
….for giving your “unwanted Magazine” to your local doctors/hospital waiting rooms/
Nursing Homes/Retirement Villages/local chemists/RSLs/etc “Reading Rooms” for their enjoyment.
….To all the businesses who have paid our publishers to have their advertisement placed in our magazine.
….To our members who pay by EFT, and for identifying yourself. (There are some members who are a
little behind with their Subs—any little effort is much appreciated.)
… For your contributions, letters and emails. They are enjoyed by us all and are an encouragement.
Members on the Internet—don’t forget our own site, www.5fdamb.com, and also “surf” the
RAAMC website:- www.raamc.com
If you do visit our website, please feel free to write a comment in our “Guest Book”.
5 Field Ambulance RAAMC Association is also a proud member of the RAAMC
Association Inc.
NB: Some of you reading this magazine may decide you may now wish to discontinue to be on our
Mailing List. We hope this is not so, but if it is please let me know and your wishes will be respected.
25

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26

MESSAGES FROM MEMBERS
George SIP passes on his good wishes to his friends in the
Association.
We met at the funeral of John de Witt and George gave me
a copy of a CD he has produced, on which he sings 11 songs
such as “The Desert Song”, “Some Enchanted Evening”, “Danny
Boy” and “Serenade by Schubert” to name a few.
If you enjoy listening to a rich, lyric tenor voice that George
possesses you might like to purchase one of his CD’s for $20
(includes postage). I enjoyed listen ing to him. (Please contact
me if you would like to purchase his CD.)
(Thank you, George, first for attending John’s funeral and then
giving me a copy of your CD. We wish you luck and hope you sell all
you cut.)
-----------------------------
Warren BARNES was grateful for the information
regarding John de Witt’s funeral details. He was hopeful that
one of his Sub Branch (Cronulla) committee members might be
able to represent him, as he was involved in the adminis tration
planning for the “Official Opening” of the Australian Army
Infantry Museum (Singleton), by the CDF General Hurley.
This was to occur on the 24th August followed by a “Dinner”
that evening.
Warren is now the Assistant Manager of the Museum.
(Thank you Warren, for your email. We hope that the “Opening”
and the “Dinner” was very successful, and congratulations on your
new role. Your message of condolence was passed to John’s Family)
------------------------------
John DAVIES passes on his good wishes to his friends in the
Association.
He had intentions of visiting his good mate, and our
member, Huss Mahomet, recently when he and Moira travelled
up to the Gold Coast. It did not happen, but he said he will write
to Huss.
He was looking forward to two weeks of glorious
Queensland sunshine and wrote that the slogan…”beautiful
one day and perfect etc…” is all “bulls—t”! Out of 14 days they
had 10 days of RAIN!! He didn’t get to see Huss, didn’t get any
sand between his toes and never got to the water at all!
The redeeming feature was that he met up with three old
school mates from Rozelle that he hadn’t seen for 50 years.
(Thank you, John for your email—the best laid plans of mice and
men eh?)
----------------------------
Alan BECKERLEG thanked us for the details on John de
Witt’s poor health and his subsequent passing. When he
replied, he told me of another old soldier mate of his—Alf
Fitzsimmons.
Alan was in the army with Alf and they worked together in
the RAP at 2BOD in the early 70’s. Everyone knew Alf as “Fitz”
and he has maintained contact with Alf for over 40 years.
He said that Alf enlisted in the AAMC in 1941 and rose to the
rank of sergeant; he spent most of the war years working on the
ambulance train from the coast to the Atherton Tablelands.
After the war he was with BCOF at the hospital at Eta Jima.
Alf was the Med Sgt for 2RAR when it was ‘raised’ in
Puckapunyal and then saw service with that battalion in Korea
and Malaya.
His other postings were 2BOD RAP and 2MDPD and then
back to 2BOD.
Alan wrote that Alf also worked at the Leichhardt BOD
Depot (Sydney) as the Canteen Manager for the parachute
riggers until his retirement from the army at age 65.
Alf was an in-patient at the Castlecrag Private Hospital
receiving treatment which includes hemicolectomy —
although he is back home now.
The reason Alan wrote back to me was to also say that in the
70’s he had much contact (mainly by telephone) with John de
Witt. John, at the time, was doing full time duty at DMS 2MD.
Alan said he is that much richer for having known the likes
of “Fitz” and John de Witt.
He hoped ‘someone’ was able to visit “Fitz” at some time. He
said “Fitz” is profoundly deaf.
On another matter, Alan sent me this poem he penned
about his 25th Bn (“Black over Blue”);
A Tribute to the 25th Battalion
Black over Blue, the diamond for two
They’ve fought and they’ve bled in wars 1 & 2.
Raised in ’15, from bush and from towns
They fought and they died. The men from the ‘Downs’.
They were blooded on ANZAC and died well in France
But always were there when 2 Div advanced,
Their casualties highest, Battle Honours more
When finally home, they came from the war.
Two decades of peace then back on the job,
From Milne Bay ’42 to the Slater’s Knoll job.
‘Chocko’s’ they were, in that bloody war
But they fought and they bled like their fathers before.
They came from the bush, they came from the towns.
They fought for your freedom. They fought and they died.
So honour their memory their courage, their pride.
The men of 25—the men from the ‘Downs’.
(Alan Beckerleg-August 2012)
(Thank you, Alan, for your Email and poem. It is a beautiful
tribute. We also sincerely thank you for your generous donation
for LIFE MEMBERSHIP, it is very much appreciated.)
-----------------------------------
James HOOLAN Jr. is our good member from the US and
we often exchange emails. I had sent him one about Osaka in
Japan which he said evoked happy memories.
First, when he and his wife, Gia, visited there in 2004, and
then when he was on a Marine assignment in Iwakuni in 1962.
Jim recalled that in 1962 he had the chance of extending his
army service for 12 months and becoming fluent in seiki ishu; or
making a trip around the world! Jim chose the trip.
He said that had he extended for the year he most probably
would have gone into the import/export business—and then
he would have never met his future wife, Gia.
As an aside, he wrote that Gia’s cousin married a German
doctor, who is a researcher for Merck. They have two children
and he is on his second tour of Japan after 3 years in Tokyo.
They live in the Museum Tower Building (which was the tall, black
building that I sent in my email to Jim). Their children speak
Spanish, English, German and Japanese.
Jim remarked that Japan has the highest literacy rate in the
world (98%), he said when a student graduates from High
School, they have memorised 5,000 Kongi characters, the
written language of Japanese.
He also, recently, posted me the book “No Easy Day” written
by Mark Owen, who, as a junior in High School (in Alaska)
picked a book to study called “Men in Green Faces”.
It was about Navy SEALS and it had such an effect on him
that he decided that that was what he wanted to be when he
left school.
27

“No Easy Day” is the ‘first-hand account’ of the mission that
killed Osama Bin Laden. (If any member would like to read this
‘gripping’ auto bio graphy please contact me.)
Jim liked the book because it brought back memories of a 2
week ‘Marine Amphibious Recon. Course he attended in 1964,
at a Navy SEAL base at Coronado, west of San Diego.
Jim also wrote that he just finished reading “Duffy’s War” by
Stephen L. Harris. He said if we can get it at one of our libraries
it is also a very good read. It is about an Irish priest (Duffy), who
volunteered to fight with the Irish Fighting 69th Regiment in
the American Civil War, on the Union side.
(Thank you Jim, for the book and all your messages & other
material you send to me. I hope that when you read this you and Gia
are in good spirits after the Cyclone “Sandy” scare, and hopefully,
planning your next trip!)
----------------------------
Brian HOGAN is our Honorary Chaplain and does a great
job by keeping in touch with some of our sick members. He and
his wife, Sandra, have been doing a great deal of driving lately
but they are now back home safe and sound.
He recently attended a “Rats of Tobruk” meeting (in
Victoria), to which he was invited. He intended accompanying
our members Neil Barrie and Tom Pritchard (both “Rats”) and
Glenda Garde (Neil’s daughter), but Neil was not feeling too
well on the day and sadly missed the ‘surprise’ attendance of
our Governor-General M/s Quentin Bryce AO.
Brian said, at one point after the G-G had arrived, the
Chairman rose and said…”Stand up All the “Rats” at which, and
surprising every person present, the G-G quietly and gently
went to each one and shook their hand, kissed him on the
cheek and thanked them all for what they did for us as a nation.
What a wonderful, spontaneous gesture for this dignitary to
do—and how proud those “Rats” would have felt?
Brian has spent a lot of time in putting together a DVD
which contains 8 segments. It is mainly the story of the late
Lloyd Tann’s book—“2/5th Australian Field Ambulance A.I.F.
Unit History” but the DVD also contains much more including a
small history of 5 Field Ambulance. (I understand he ‘sold’ all of
them at the “Rats’” Reunion!)
If any member/friend would like to purchase one of these
DVD’s for $20 (includes postage) please contact me. All monies
received will be acknowledged and some of the income will be
used to repay Brian for any outlay he has incurred in the
production of the DVD, some will be kept for our Association
and some for the 2/5th Field Ambulance Association.
(Thank you Brian, for the wonderful support you give, especially
the effort to make this excellent DVD and for your genuine concern
towards our sick members.)
--------------------------
Trish McGRATH sent a nice card to say she enjoys all our
newsletters and is hoping to join us in November at our
Reunion.
She gave me the happy news of her son, Philip, and his
wedding to his fiancée, Charlotte, in late October.
(Thank you, Trish, for your card and your generous donation for
Life Membership, it is very much appreciated.)
----------------------------
Richard FORD enjoys reading all the news and passes on
his good wishes to our members.
(Thank you Richard, for informing me of your change of address
and for the purchases you made. We hope when you read this that
you and Florenda have ‘settled in’ at your new home.)
------------------------------
Gordon DODD passes on his good wishes to his friends in
the Association.
He sent me
an email to tell
me about the
‘Sutherland to
Surf-Fun Run’
that he and
their daughter,
Pam, took part
in, on Sunday 22
July. Gordon
said 7,000
people turned
up to take part
in it.
Gordon’s No
3 daughter,
Ruth, ran in the
rally but he and
Pam took a
short cut—they
took a train
from Kirrawee
to Woolaware
then
WALKED
the last 2 or 3 klms to the finish line at Wanda Beach! (Photo
above: Gordon and Pam on the walk!!)
Gordon said… ”despite the rain, it was fun and a lovely
atmosphere”.
He had also responded to an email I sent regarding the
health of John de Witt. Gordon had called in to see John (just a
few days before he passed away) to offer some words of
encouragement but he was too ill to respond.
Gordon was elated when he said his ‘good-bye’ to John and
John whispered to Gordon “God Bless”.
(Thank you, Gordon, especially for your visits to John, you are a
marvel. At the young age of 92 you have mastered the computer and still
entering “Fun Runs”—I note you are working on your ‘Life Story’—I want
to read this when you have finished it-- please.)
--------------------------------
Michael MORONEY passes on his good wishes to his
friends in the Association.
He kindly notified me of the funeral of a past member of 5
Field Ambulance—SGT Philip Chan. (Philip was not a member of
our Association but I would like to acknowledge him here.)
“Philip was in the CMF in the UNSWR and in 5 Field Ambulance.
He enlisted on the 13th May 1969 and was discharged on the
24th December 1971 with the rank of sergeant.
Philip was also a member of the Burwood RSL Sub Branch--
they conducted the RSL Ceremony, at which Michael attended.
He was also a very respected, and long-serving, member of the
St John’s Ambulance Service as shown by their “Guard of Honour”
of about 50 members”.
Michael kindly posted me Philip’s ‘Funeral Order of Service’,
some of which I have edited.
“Philip was born in Hong Kong on the 22nd April 1940 and
after finishing his schooling he subsequently won a scholarship to
obtain a Diploma in Occupational Therapy in Australia. (It would
have been this time, at the University of NSW, when he joined the CMF).
Philip returned to Hong Kong to further his career.
In 1972 he met his soon-to-be wife, Katherine, at a First-Aid
Course he was conducting and they eventually married in 1974.
They had two daughters, Melody and Cindy and were also the
proud grandparents of Kaden and Tanya.
The family migrated to Sydney, Australia, in 1991 and Philip
worked at Sydney University as a lecturer in Occupational
Therapy”.
28

Michael remarked that he had often ‘talked’ to Philip when
they were at their Sub Branch meetings, but had no idea of his
achievements and standing. He said he was a very modest and
quiet man.
The ‘Wake’ was held at the Burwood RSL Club and Michael
said among the many attendees were two of our members-- a
past president of St John’s Ambulance—MAJGEN Warren
Glenny AO and the present OC of 5 CSSB—MAJ David Czerkies.
LEST WE FORGET
(Thank you kindly, Michael, for your letter and attachments and
Philip’s ‘Order of Service’.)
-------------------------------
“Bill” O’KEEFE contacted me to say he enjoys reading
about his old unit and remembering all the friends he made. He
asked that his good wished be passed on to all his mates in the
Association.
(Thank you Bill. What a pleasant surprise to hear from you. I hope
that when you read this you and Marie are going ok. I know there are
a few issues and I am thankful that you are back closer to all your
family. We are thinking of you.)
-------------------------
David CAVANAUGH wrote say he enjoys reading about
his friends in the Association. When he wrote me, he was due to
have an operation at the “San” Hospital in Wahroonga and that
when he was ‘up to it’ he was going to write about the recent
cruise that he and his wife, Nancy, went on—the QM 2- around
Australia.
(David contacted me at the end of September to say he had
the heart operation and is now back home and recovering—
slowly. He sounded very positive and able to do some small
walks).
(Good on you David. We hope that when you read this you received
a good report from your doctor and we pray that you are getting back to
your old good self again. Thank you for your letter and phone calls.)
--------------------------------
Gavin DRISCOLL is my friend. He lives nearby and often
comes in to have a ‘cuppa’ with Ruth and me.
He recently had his 25 year old grandson come up and visit
him for about 4 days and Gavin thoroughly enjoyed his
company.
The BIG surprise was that his grandson wrote him this most
beautiful, heart-warming letter and Gavin gave me the pleasure
of allowing me to read it.
It was basically letting his ‘Pop’ and his (late) ‘Nan’ know
how much they meant to him when he was growing up,
especially their fishing outings, and how they always saw the
best in him and how his ‘Pop’ always encouraged him to pursue
his dreams.
I had met Toby on a few occasions and it was always a
pleasure to shake his hand.
(Thank you, Gavin, for sharing your grandson, Toby, with us by way
of his letter to you. You are blessed with wonderful children and
grandchildren. You are also kindly thanked for your generous donation
for Life Membership.)
--------------------------------
John GALLAGHER passes on his good wishes to his
friends in the Association.
I ‘bumped’ into John in the Gallipoli Legion’s RSL Club after
the recent “Battle for Australia Commemoration” in September.
He was having lunch with two friends and when he spotted
me on my way out, he promptly jumped up and thrust $100
into my hand, as a donation for his Life Membership to our
Association--and without blinking an eye or missing a beat he
cordially introduced me and our President, Derek Cannon, to
his two lunch friends.
(Good on you, John, what a wonderful surprise and your donation is
very much appreciated.)
--------------------------
Glenda GARDE sends her warm regards to her friends in
the Association.
She recently attended the Annual Reunion of the 2/5th
Field Ambulance Association and she kindly sent me the
‘report’ of their luncheon in Melbourne (see page 30).
Glenda is the daughter of our member, Neil Barrie, and she
always attends with him and her husband, Dennis. Unfor -
tunately, this year, Dad was not quite strong enough to attend
physically—but he was there ‘in spirit.
(Thank you, Glenda, for your very informative letter of your Reunion.
Please accept our Association’s sincere symphaties on the sad loss of your
dad, Neil.)
--------------------------
Rob STEWART sends his good wishes to his friends in the
Association and is looking forward to being with us at our
Annual Reunion in the Paddington RSL.
Rob also requested that his name be added to our
“Expressions of Interest” for our Centenary Celebration in 2015.
(Thank you, Rob. We look forward to your presence in November. We
thank you in advance for your participation in our Centenary ‘Fund-
Raiser’.)
---------------------------
Gordon CURTIS sends his good wishes to all the members
in our Association.
Gordon is the Honorary Secretary of his Morphett Vale RSL
Sub Branch in SA and he wrote to me in mid-September.
He was planning a trip to Tamworth for a family Reunion,
which co-incidentally, was to be his and his wife, Diana, 45th
Wedding Anniversary. He had also planned to ‘make contact’
with Ruth and myself at some stage of their journey. All his
travel plans have now been put ‘on hold’ due to health issues
with his arthritis and stenosis.
This has curtailed his plans, because any flying or driving is
out of the question.
Gordon is hoping the cortisone injections will be successful;
otherwise an operation may be the next step.
(Thank you Gordon. What a ‘bummer’! Your health is more
important—so get yourself right and ‘re-schedule’—we are thinking of
you.)
---------------------------
Barry &Heather PERIGO send their good wishes to their
friends in the Association.
They kindly sent me a ‘Thank You’ card (for items that we
sent) and enclosed a NEW 60 cent “Rising Sun” Stamp Issue, as
well as the funeral service details of Terry Maling (see ‘Items of
Interest’) and a very interesting Sydney Morning Herald article
(Wed. 31st Oct 2012) on MAJGEN Alan Stretton AO CBE. (the man
whom the government sent to Darwin, after Cyclone Tracy devastated
the township on Christmas Day 1974, to organise the evacuation of
36,000 residents and the subsequent initial ‘clean-up’ operations). Alan
Stretton passed away in late October.
(Thank you Barry and Heather for your card and ‘inserts’-they are
much appreciated and with your kind permission I will offer the ‘Stamp’
Issue as a prize at our Annual Reunion.)
----------------------------
Ron FOLEY sends his good wishes to his friends in the
Association. He recently sent me a very interesting story of an
Australian hospital in England from 1915-1919. It was the No 1
Australian Auxiliary Hospital.
It is a good story and I have passed it to our printers to place
it in one of our future magazines.
(Thank you, Ron. Your story will be much enjoyed by our members.)
29

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Greetings from the 2/5th Field Ambulance Association!
It is now 72 years since the unit left Australia’s shores
and every year since, a reunion has been held on the
Friday before Caulfield Cup Day, the anniversary of
theunit’s departure on the Mauretania.
According to Bill Butters, one of the 3 veterans in
attendance this year, the reunions have been held
continuously since 1945 (the first one occurring just a few
months after the end of the war), making this one, the
67th reunion!
Although the number of veterans is dwindling, there
were still 44 people in attendance, which included the
veterans, widows, descendants and also friends of the
unit. In fact, this was one of the largest gatherings for a
few years. Thanks to the launch of the Rats of Tobruk
website last year, a number of descendants have since
made contact with us and were able to attend the
luncheon for the first time.
Among these was Major Daniel Strack, grandson of
Bert Veitch, and only recently returned from Timor-Leste.
Daniel and his mother, Sandra, were made most welcome
and Daniel was able to tell us something of his work in
Timor.
Brian Hogan, our Honorary Chaplain (and yours!) has
digitised the unit history, written by Lloyd Tann many
years ago and now out of print. This proved very popular
and copies of the CD were quickly snapped up!
As in previous years, there were plenty of stories and
reminiscences, and of course new acquaintances were
made and old ones renewed.
Those veterans and widows who were not able to
attend were nevertheless in our thoughts, and in the
words of the 2/5th Field Ambulance poet, Tommy Raine,
we all hope that, “I’ll see ya next year mate!”
Veteran Tom Pritchard and Major Daniel Strack
Tom and Daniel’s grandfather, Bert Veitch, shared a tent in Tobruk.
30

Items of Interest
(1) EXERCISE “SNOW LEOPARD” (A ‘Blast from the Past’!)
In 1989, the Army Alpine Association supported an Army
Adventure Training Exercise called “Exercise Snow Leopard”
in the Kang chen junga Region of Nepal.
Lt Col Derek Cannon, Commanding Officer 5th Field
Ambulance was leader of team 1.
Lt Jeanne McManus, a member of 5 Field Ambulance, was a
member of Team 1 and penned the following poem;
A Little Bit up, A Little bit Down
We trek the trails of Eastern Nepal
A little bit up, a little bit down
Across muddy slides and dusty ground
A little bit up, a little bit down
Landslides we meet at every turn
With nimble feet we tread
Boulders form the path of choice
Scree slopes we no longer dread
Swinging bridges unsecured
Logs placed over falls
Stepping stones through racing water
Strategically placed resting walls
Through mossy, fairyland like forest
A little bit up, a little bit down
Tunneling through thick wet bush
A little bit up, a little bit down
Porters pass and porters prop
Balancing their massive loads
Children stare with blank amazement
Listening to us speak in codes
Crutchless pants and runny noses
On children’s faces everywhere
While adults cough and hock and spit
They live their lives without a care
Bare rocky mountains with low shrubs
A little bit up, a little bit down
Pine forests block the morning rays
A little bit up, a little bit down
Dogs shrink and cower in the town
Yak dung on every stone
Chickens peck and roosters crow
Pigs, goats and buff all roam
Cries of greeting all the day
High pitched, distant and friendly
Hands together and slightly bowed
Namaste, Namaste, Namaste
Traverse the slope, climb over the fell
A little bit up, a little bit down
Watch your step, a hand hold found
A little bit up, a little bit down
Dozing reading in the sun
Sherpas bring us tea
Two hour lunches on the track
Where’s the house with Rakshe?
Little green tent on distant perch
Hole waiting to be filled
Leeches creeping, finding bleeding
Was that chicken really killed?
Another sock, another stream
A little bit up, a little bit down
Sherpas leading, arrows pointing
A little bit up, a little bit down
Loose bowels and sloppy turds
Plague most at some time
Iodine, Phthazol and fasting
We hope to keep us fine
Macaroni, Yak and veggies
Moo moos, rice dhalbhat
Custard, fruit and boiled eggs
Combine to make us fart
Up the mountain and over the pass
A little bit up, a little bit down
“A great going”, spurs us on our way
A little bit up, a little bit down
---------------------------------
(2) MEDIA RELEASES (With kind permission of the Dept. of
Defence—edited for space and in no particular date order.)
(i) FALLEN SOLDIERS RETURN HOME:
In early September, both Richmond Air Force Base and
Amberley Air Force Base received the bodies of the five
Australians who were killed in Afghanistan in late
August.
Two of the soldiers, LCPL Mervyn McDonald and PTE
Nathan Gallagher were killed when their helicopter
crashed in the early hours of August 30, whilst
attempting to land in a mission area. They were serving
with the SOTG.
Commander of the Defence Force, Lieutenant-General
Hurley, AC DSC and Special Operations Commander,
MAJGEN “Gus” Gilmour DSC AM, were at Amberley to
receive them, along with their families and comrades.
The Chief of Army, Lieutenant-General David Morrison
AO and the Commander of 7th Brigade, BRIG Greg Bilton
CSC ADC were at Richmond to receive the three New
South Wales soldiers; LCPL Stjepan “Rick” Milosevic, SPR
James Morton and PTE Robert Poate.
Sadly, their families and comrades were also present.
These soldiers were shot and killed by a ‘rogue’ Afghan
National Army soldier, inside their compound, at patrol
base Wahab, in the Baluchi Valley region of Uruzgan
Providence on the evening of August 29.
LEST WE FORGET
----------------------------
(ii) “EXERCISE KAKADU”- 2012
15 ships with approximately 2,000 Defence Force
personnel from seven Pacific nations sailed out of
Darwin Harbour on September 2nd for joint exercises
involving training activities, weapons practices, and
warfare and maritime security exercises.
The exercises involve naval elements from Australia,
Brunei, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore and
Thailand and conclude on September 14.
Our RAN will be represented by HMA Ships Darwin,
Perth, Warramunga, Gascoigne, Huon and Sirius.
Our RAAF will also participate with Maritime Patrol
aircraft and Strike Fighter aircraft.
-------------------------
31

(iii) LEGACY WEEK-2ND—8TH SEPTEMBER:
This wonderful “Fund-Raiser” was started over 90 years
ago, by a group of World War I veterans from
Melbourne, for the sole purpose of helping the families
who lost their loved ones in that war.
It is a not-for-profit organisation that provides financial
and social support to the families of men and women
who have been injured or killed during service. Legacy
and DVA share the same goals.
If you would like to be a volunteer-- or to donate--please
contact 1800 534 229.
----------------------------
(iv) COMMEMORATING AIRFORCE’S WORST PEACETIME
AIRCRASH
A commemorative ceremony, attended by Chief of Air
Force, Air Marshal Geoff Brown, was conducted at the De
La Salle High School in Port Moresby on 28th August.
Also present were members of the community, along
with representatives of the RAAF’s 38 Squadron.
40 years ago, on this date, 29 people, mainly high school
students from De La Salle, and instructors, were aboard
a Caribou aircraft. They were returning from a cadet
camp held in Lae. The plane never returned.
It appeared that bad weather had forced the crew to
retrace their route back through the Kodjeru Gap, and
the aircraft’s starboard wing ‘clipped’ the treetops on a
ridge line and crashed.
After three days searching, rescuers found five survivorsall
cadets-but one died later in hospital.
The Caribou's crew; Flight Lieutenant Graham Thomas,
Pilot Officer Greg Ebsary, and CPL Gary Power were all
killed, as was Capt Robert Loftus, who was a Ground
Liaison Officer with the Australian Army.
--------------------------------
(v)
VIETNAM VETS’ WELCOME HOME THE
“LONG TAN CROSS”:
In 1969, the LONG TAN CROSS was installed at the site of
the Battle of Long Tan.
This was the place where 108 Australian and New
Zealand soldiers, primarily from Delta Company, 6 RAR,
fought a pitched battle against more than 2,000 North
Vietnamese and Vietcong soldiers three years earlier, in
1966. This battle saw 18 Australian soldiers killed and 24
wounded.
They entered military history as an example of
overcoming insurmountable odds. Like the campaigns
at Gallipoli, Tobruk, Kokoda and Kapyong.
The Dept. of Foreign Affairs secured The “CROSS”, on
loan, from the Don Nai Museum, until April 2013.
The Minister for Veteran Affairs, Mr. Warren Snowdon
and the Governor-General, Her Excellency, Quentin
Bryce, AC CVO, and attending Vietnam Vets’, unveiled
the LONG TAN CROSS at a ceremony held at the
Australian War Memorial on August 17.
Vietnam Veterans’ Day was celebrated the next day-18th
of August 2012, and it gave all Australians the chance to
pay their respects to the 521 Australians who were killed
in this war.
Almost 60,000 young men were sent to Vietnam, many
of them conscripted. Those who returned after the war
bore the physical and mental scars of conflict, many of
which still persist today.
---------------------------------
(vi) “EXERCISE PITCH BLACK”-2012
This air exercise, which is held every two years,
concluded on August 17 after an intensive three weeks
involving Australia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, New
Zealand and the United States. It was conducted over
the skies of the Northern Territory.
An “Open Day” display, with over 10,000 people
watching, at the Mindil Beach F 18 Handling Display, was
greatly appreciative.
2,200 personnel and 100 aircraft were involved in the
exercise and it was a first-time participation for the
Indonesian Sukhoi SU 27 and SU 30 Flanker Aircraft and
Singapore's F-15 Strike Eagles and G 550 Airborne Early
Warning and Control Aircraft.
This exercise also gave the opportunity to 20 employers
to experience a small taste of military life.
M/s. Amanda Fracaro, from Aspen Medical, (their H. R.
Manager) was one who attended.
----------------------------
(vii) ARMY AVIATORS RETURN HOME FROM EAST TIMOR:
48 men and women of Timor-Leste Aviation Group-17
(TLAG-17) have returned home after a successful sixmonth
deployment.
The group was predominantly from the 5th Aviation
Regiment (Townsville-Qld) together with the 6th
Aviation Regiment (Holsworthy-NSW), 1st Aviation
Regiment (Darwin NT), Army Aviation Training Centre,
1st Combat Engineer Regiment and 9th Force Support
Battalion (Amberley-Qld).
MAJ John Walker praised the efforts of his group and the
contributions they made in East Timor, he said his group
worked well and were a focused and professional team
and that their time in East Timor had been extremely
rewarding and all shared in a real sense of achievement.
The ISF is serving in East Timor at the invitation of the
Government of Timor-Leste to support the local security
forces to maintain and secure a stable environment.
-------------------------------
(viii) SPECIAL OPERATIONS TASK GROUP-ROTATION
28-ENDS:
The Commanding Officer of this SOTG has praised his
soldiers after a successful seven-month tour of duty in
Afghanistan-marred by the death of one of their
respected senior NCOs-SGT Blaine Diddums-who was
shot and killed whilst on a mission to capture an
insurgent commander.
The CO said his group worked closely with the Afghan
National Security Force to help prepare them to take
over the role of providing security for the people of
Uruzgan, when the eventual transition occurs.
The Chief of Joint Operations, LTGEN Ash power, said
the Australian Special Forces soldiers and their ANSF
partners had worked closely, as a team, to achieve
significant results.
These included the removal of a large number of
insurgent commanders from the battlefield, further
improved security in the Uruzgan Province, the removal
of US $11,372,417 (Afghan street value) from the
insurgency, it also included the destruction of 3,221 kg
of hashish, 2,212.5 kg of opium and 120 kg of Heroin
from 58 drug caches. It also saw the destruction of 830
weapons and 165.4 kg of explosives.
---------------------------
(ix) BATTLE FOR GUADALCANAL COMMEMORATION:
Senator David Feeney attended a Memorial Service in
the Solomon Islands to commemorate the 70th
anniversary of the beginning of the Battle of Guadal -
canal which started on 7/8/1942.
He laid a wreath on behalf of the Government of
Australia and its people. He gave thanks to the
government of Solomon Islands to hosting the
Australian delegation and to the United States to
hosting this Commemoration.
32

(x)
Two days after this Ceremony, on August 9, he attended
another Commemoration for the HMAS Canberra.
“HMAS Canberra was a heavy cruiser and it was severely
damaged on 9/8/1942, off Guadalcanal in a battle known
as the “Battle of Savo Island”.
A failure by Allied intelligence resulted in the screening
force being ‘surprised attacked’ by seven Japanese cruisers
and a destroyer. The surprise attack occurred in the early
hours of 9/8/1942 and HMAS Canberra formed part of the
screening force for American Transports during landing
operations of US Marines on Guadalcanal-- which had
begun on 7/8/1942.
HMAS Canberra was hit 24 times in less than 2 min.
84 of her crew were killed, including her captain, Capt.
Frank Getting.
The surprise attack wreaked havoc on the screening force
before withdrawing.
Despite this setback, landing operations continued on
Guadalcanal.
The battle casualties of the Savo Island Battle were;
SUNK: USS Quincy, USS Vincennes. Also, the USS Astoria
and the HMAS Canberra were so badly damaged they both
sank.
DAMAGED: the USS Ralph Talbot and the USS Patterson.
PERSONNEL: Royal Australian Navy suffered 193 casualties
(including 84 killed or died of wounds), United States Navy
suffered 1,593 casualties (including 939 killed or died of
wounds)”.
The Battle For Guadalcanal (with kind thanks to GOOGLE)
was predominantly fought by US Marines. It began on
7/8/1942 and concluded on the 9th February 1943.
The six months of fighting began when the Allies
launched an attack, code-named “Operation Watch -
tower”.
It was the first major offensive, by Allied forces, against
the Empire of Japan.
US forces were landed on Guadalcanal, Tulagi and
Florida in the Solomon Islands group.
The aim was to deny the Japanese (who had occupied
these islands since May 1942), the opportunity to
threaten the supply and communication routes
between the United States, Australia and New Zealand.
The Allies intention was to use these bases to support a
campaign to eventually capture or neutralise the major
Japanese base at Rabaul on New Britain.
Three major land battles, seven large naval battles (five
night time surface actions and two Carrier battles) and
continual, almost daily, aerial battles culminated in the
decisive naval battle of Guadalcanal, in early November
1942, in which the last Japanese attempt to bombard
the main airfield on Guadalcanal (now called Henderson
Field) from sea and land--with enough troops to retake
it--was defeated.
On 7th February 1943, in the face of an offensive by the
US Army's XIV Corps, the Japanese abandoned further
efforts and evacuated their remaining forces on Guadal -
canal.
This was a most strategic victory to the Allies.
---------------------------
COMBINED TASK FORCE –635 HEADS HOME FROM
SOLOMON ISLANDS DEPLOYMENT:
85 ADF Personnel, from “Rotation 27”, returned home on
August 3 after a four-month deployment.
There was a Transfer of Authority Ceremony held on
August 2, where the Commanding Officer of “Rotation
27”, LTCOL Campbell Smith, handed over to the
Commanding Officer of “Rotation 28”, LTCOL Brenton
Gasteen of South Australia.
Lt Col Smith said his soldiers, all reservists, worked
alongside soldiers from New Zealand, PNG and Tonga.
He also said that as the security situation in the Solomon
Islands has become increasingly stable, it enabled his
group to undertake specific military training.
This included week-long periods in the field at remote
locations, where small groups worked independently
from the task force, with conventional jungle training
that gained new skills to benefit their future service.
The Reservists were predominantly drawn from 9th
Brigade units in South Australia and Tasmania, and were
part of “Operation Anode”.
The primary role of our ADF troops is to provide military
support to the multinational Participating Police Force
(PPF), to ensure security within the Solomon Islands.
---------------------------------
(xi) HMAS MELBOURNE “HANDS OVER” TO
HMAS ANZAC:
HMAS Melbourne departed from the Middle East Area of
Operations after a successful six-month deployment as
part of “Operation Slipper”.
The Commander of HMAS Melbourne, CMDR Richard
Bolton, praised his crew and said they have done
Australia proud.
The Melbourne conducted maritime security patrols,
counter-piracy and anti-smuggling operations for the
Red and Arabian seas to the Gulfs of Aden, Oman and
Aqaba and the Straits of Hormuz and Bab-El-Mandeb.
The Melbourne also provided maritime security and
executed counter-terrorism activities around the Horn
of Africa in support of the regional 26 member nation
Combined Maritime Forces (CMF).
The Melbourne also had the honour of embarking three
sailors from the New Zealand Navy for the deployment.
HMAS Melbourne is the 28th Australian naval vessel to
patrol the region since 2001.
CMDR Bolton said it is certain to be both a proud and
emotional homecoming as the ship's company of 230
personnel line the upper decks, when they sail into
Sydney Harbour in late August, ready to enjoy some
well-earned leave and respite. The HMAS ANZAC will
take over from HMAS Melbourne.
------------------------------
(3) MAJGEN John CANTWELL AO DSC (R’td): (with kind thanks to
his wife, Mrs. Jane Cantwell and “GOOGLE”)
This courageous soldier gave a very ‘in-depth’ interview on
TV Channel 7’s “Sunday Night” -6.30pm, 23/9/2012.
We saw and heard how this man, who served 38 years in the
Australian army. He enlisted as a Private soldier and rose to
one of the army’s most senior ranks of Major General.
In 2007 he was appointed Deputy Chief of Army, he is, and
has been, suffering mental health issues emanating from his
involvement in three wars.
2010/11, in Afghanistan, he was the Australian Commander
of Joint Task Force 633 and whilst listening to his interview it
was apparent how deeply affected he became at the loss of
soldiers’ lives whilst under his command.
He retired in February 2012. With his wife, Jane, they moved
to the Sunshine Coast in Queensland in September 2011,
where he is getting his mind and body ‘back on track’.
--------------------------------
(4) James BUDDEE sent me an email “out of the blue”—(James
used to be on our Mail List but one of our Newsletters in 1995 came back
to me… “RETURN TO SENDER—NO LONGER AT THIS ADDRESS”).
James’s foster father was our late secretary, Kevin Findley,
and James joined our Association through Kevin. I have since
attempted to ‘reply’ Email to James to obtain his new address
and contact details but, to date, he has not replied.
33

James reminded me that he carried our Banner in an ANZAC
Day March when one of our Banner Bearers did not show.
(Well James, if you by chance read this newsletter, we want
you back. Please send me your address details—and thank
you for your email in mid-September.)
---------------------------
(5) NEWSLETTERS & OTHER READING ITEMS ETC;
• National Boer War Association Newsletter (No: 14)
• Battle for Australia Newsletter (Aug 2102)/Program and
maps.
• VP Day Program and history August 2012
• Bofors-18 LAA Regt Assn. (July & September 2012)
• Tobruk House News (Vol 77-August & 78 October 2012)
• Smart Soldier Magazine (Anniversary Edition-No: 29, May
2012)
• REVEILLE (Sep/Oct 2012)
• 7th Australian Division Association Magazine (Vol 1, No 1--
Inaugural Magazine)
• No Easy Day (Book-courtesy, James Hoolan Jr.)
If you would like to read any (or all) of the above, please
contact me and we would be happy to post it to you—FREE
OF CHARGE--to any member.
-------------------------------
(6) AMERICAN MARINES ARRIVE IN AUSTRALIA: (With kind
thanks to Reveille article-Sep/Oct 2012)
In April this year about 400 US Marines arrived at Robertson
Barracks, Darwin to prepare for the eventual arrival of a
further 2,500 Marines. It will see the biggest ‘build-up’ of
Allied troops, in Australia, since WW 2.
The Marines will be on a 6 month rotation.
Robertson Barracks is already ‘home’ to 4,500 ADF personnel
so it will become a huge complex when the Marines are at
full strength.
Our Association sends a warm welcome to our US mates and
hope they make lasting friendships, here in Australia, when
they meet their ‘Aussie’ patriots-wherever.
I commend the Reveille article to you (pages 28 to 31). It was
quite an ‘eye-opener’.
-----------------------------
(7) FAREWELL TERRY MALING
I did not know Terry as well as
many of his National
Servicemen did. To me he
was always there on Reserve
Forces Day with his National
Servicemen’s Association,
just ‘lending a hand’ to the
RFD Committee and ensuring
‘his’ troops looked smart
whilst ‘On Parade’—as he
always was.
It was a real shock to me
when I received the news, via
an Email from my 3 Company
RAASC Association and my 12 Company (Br) Transport
Association, that he died suddenly of a heart attack on the
11th October.
As I mentioned in “Messages from Members”, Barry and
Heather Perigo also kindly posted me Terry’s Order of
Service.
LTCOL John Moore OAM RFD ED, (the National Executive
Officer & NSW Deputy Chairman of the RFD Council) offered
the Welcome and Introduction at the Service.
Our Association would like to pass on its sincere sympathies
to Terry’s family and friends. LEST WE FORGET.
------------------------------
(8) WEBMASTER—We need a volunteer!
The late John Straskye was the BACKBONE of the fledgling
RAAMC Association Inc. website and when he passed away
last February he left a void that was going to be hard to fill—
in many ways.
John had set up our 5th Field Ambulance RAAMC Association
as one of the ‘links’ on the main website (www.5fdamb.com)
and I and other members were able to pass info across to him
and he would promptly place it on our link.
With the assistance of the RAAMC Inc. committee, we look
like we will soon be ‘up and running’ again.
I will take over this duty in the short term (hopefully) but if
any member feels he would like to take on the responsibility
for this very important task—PLEASE CONTACT ME
(0427.82.4646)—with sincere thanks.
-----------------------------
(9) COMMONWEALTH WAR GRAVES COMMISSION: (With kind
thanks also to Chris O’Reilly and “Google”)
Did you know that the CWGC maintains War Graves and
Memorials in 23,000 locations across 153 countries.
Lae War Cemetery (in PNG) alone is the sacred resting place
for 2,377 of our Australian Servicemen who gave their lives in
WW 2.
There are 1,700,000 men and women ‘resting’ in the various
cemeteries in those 153 countries. They gave their lives in
World Wars 1 & 2.
Four years after WW 1, King George V was in Flanders
Cemetery and said…”I have many times asked myself whether
there can be a more potent advocate of peace upon earth than
the massed multitude of silent witnesses to the desolation of
war”.
-------------------------
(10) EASTERN REGION HISTORY COMMITTEE:
This committee meets every 3 months under the
chairmanship of COL Bill Molloy. They discuss any item, that
is brought to their attention, mainly relevant to the history of
the Australian Army Medical Corps.
A couple of items, from their August (2012) Meeting—
General Business, caught my attention;
• An article about our (Late) member, MAJ John Straskye
OAM in the “Soldier’s Newspaper” concerning a new type
of ‘cast’ for people suffering from a fractured scaphoid
bone.
• The cancellation of the ADF Health Magazine!
• The item on Dr. Dick Bailey’s grandfather, who worked in
Doolali hospital in India. (This caught my eye because I have just
recorded a ‘Life Story’ of a new member--Jim Elliott—who was in
Doolali, in the British Army at the time.)
-------------------------
(11) RAAMC ASSOCIATION Inc.
This committee (NSW Branch) meet every 2 months at
Victoria Barracks, under the chairmanship of Theo
Dechaufepie. (The next meeting will be the first Friday in
FEBRUARY 2013, at Victoria Barracks, Building 11, 10.30am).
Any soldier who is, or has been, a member of a medical unit,
in any capacity, is eligible to join this Association—FREE--
and is most welcome to attend any meeting. (An Application
Form to join is an attachment in all our quarterly
magazines—if you haven’t done so—please take a few
minutes and send one in. It can also be obtained ‘on line’ at
www.raamc.org.au).
Although it is free to join, the NSW Branch is making an
appeal for a donation to be given to build up their bank
account. This is to pay for administration costs and other
expenses that need to be met whilst being a part of a
National Organisation.
If you can see your way clear to make a Donation, please DO
NOT SEND CASH. Send a cheque/money order made out to;
“RAAMC ASSOCIATION Inc. (NSW Branch)” and post to;
RAAMC Association Inc. (NSW Branch), P.O. BOX 5080, MINTO
NSW 2566. With much thanks from their committee.
34

2012
Fund-Raiser
Result
Our Committee sincerely thank the members and friends for
participating in our ‘Fund-Raiser’, with SPECIAL thanks to
those members who did not want to go in the raffle but still
donated money to us.
Our Association had six items to raffle, viz; The CASH prize
(half of the $179 raised), 2 Ladies shoulder bags and a wallet
(purchased by us), our Patron, Ray Hyslop OAM, donated a
“boxed’ Rising Sun Memorabilia and Heather Perigo
donated a “Rising Sun Stamp Issue’.
All the Raffle Tickets were placed in a bag and drawn – and
as each ‘winner’ was drawn their ticket was placed back in
the bag again for another lucky chance.
The winners, in order of ‘drawing’ were;
Noel Tame -- he claimed the Raffle Prize which was half of what
we sold, i.e. $90 (and he donated $10 back to us).
Barry Collins OAM – he claimed the “The Rising Sun
Memorabilia”.
Brian Lindsay – he ‘won’ the wallet (it has been posted to him
with our thanks).
Rob Stewart – he claimed a Hand Bag.
Heather Perigo – she claimed a Hand Bag.
Gail Tams – she claimed the “Stamp Issue”
---------------------------
Items of Interest… (Cont’d from previous page)
(12) Vic INESON PHOTOS:
Vic rang me up a few months ago to say hullo and asked if I
remembered him; to be honest I could not put a face to the
pleasant voice. I promptly posted Vic some of our past
newsletters and he rang to say he really enjoyed reading
about his old unit. He kindly sent me the below photos;
One shows his grandfather, MAJ F.R.DUBERLY, on the Long
Bay Rifle Range in the 1940’s, He served in WW 1 and enlisted
again in WW2 as in Instructor.
Another photo shows Vic’s dad, A.V.INESON. He was a Petty
Officer on the HMAS Canberra, he was also a Drum Major in
the RAN Band and the Highland Society Pipe Band in the
1950’s.
His dad also re-formed the SUR Pipe Band when he reenlisted
in the 1950’s in the SUR Army CMF. Vis said he led
many ‘massed bands’ down Martin Place in Sydney over the
years. Vic’s dad passed away in Jan.1979.
The 3rd photo shows Vic’s uncle (Air Commodore—then Sqn
Leader) Len Williamson DFC, escorting the Queen inspecting
the Honour Guard in Darwin, during her visit in 1954
KIND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
(Of monies received since last magazine, SPRING Issue 2012.
Please contact me if your name has been omitted.)
• Alan BECKERLEG (EFT $100) for Life Membership.
• David CAVANAUGH (Cheque $50) for Donation.
• Michael CARLSON (EFT $53 + Cash $5) for New
Member Subs $15, Beret $30, Beret Badge $8 and
Annual Luncheon $5.
• Barry COLLINS OAM (Cash $20) for Annual Lunch
and raffle tickets.
• Alan CURRY (Cash $19) for Annual Lunch and
Raffle tickets.
• Gordon CURTIS (Cheque $30) for 2 years Subs.
• Dean CUTHBERT (M/Order $30) for two RAAMC
Lapel Pins.
• Derek CANNON (EFT $105 + Cash $11) for Annual
“Mixed” Reunion.
• Theo DECHAUFEPIE (Cash $10) for Annual Lunch
and Raffle Tickets.
• Gavin DRISCOLL (Cash $100) for Life Membership.
• James ELLIOTT (Cash $15) for New Member Subs.
• Alf. FITZSIMMONS (Cash $15) for New member
Subs.
• Ron FOLEY (EFT $70 + Cash $30) for Annual
Reunion and donation.
• Richard FORD (Money Order $115) for Life
Membership $100 and RAAMC Lapel Pin $15.
• John GALLAGHER (Cash $100) for Life
Membership.
• Jane GEOGHEGAN (EFT $40) for RAAMC Tie.
• Brian HOGAN (Cash $45) for Subs $15, Name
Badge $20 and Annual Lunch and raffle tickets
$10.
• Ray HYSLOP OAM (Cash $20) for Annual Lunch
and raffle tickets.
• Stu’ JONES (Cash $20) for Annual Lunch and raffle
tickets.
• Trish McGRATH (Cheque $100) for Life
Membership.
• Barry & Heather PERIGO (Cash $50) for Key Ring
$20 and Annual Lunch and raffle tickets $30.
• Keith PRYOR (Cheque $20) for Donation.
• Robert SHILLINGSWORTH (M/Order $40) for
Beret, Badge and 2 raffle tickets ($2)
• Rob STEWART (Cheque $35 + Cash $15) for
Annual Reunion and raffle tickets.
• Noel TAME (Cash $125) for Life Membership $100,
Annual Lunch and raffle tickets $15 and Donation
$10.
• Brian TAMS (Cash $22) for Annual Lunch and
Raffle Tickets.
• Ronald WEBB (M/Order $100) for New Member
and Life Membership.
---------------------------
35

RAAMC Association Inc. (NSW Branch) “UPDATE”
I attended the December Meeting in Victoria Barracks, (for
any of our members who has filled in the Application Form to
join this Association, and if they are on email, they would have
already received these “Minutes” from the President, Theo
Dechaufepie).
Some interesting items that were discussed;
• The Poziers Association are conducting a Fund Raiser
Raffle ($5 per ticket) in readiness for their 2015
celebrations. FIRST PRIZE is a Suzuki Grande Vitara vehicle
worth $28,990. SECOND PRIZE is TEN nights on an
Anniversary Tour in July 2013 worth $12,000 and includes
airfare. (Contact me if you wish to buy a ticket.)
• Theo reported, among other items, that the RAAMC is up
on the web and now fully functional, thanks to Mr Terry
Fage. (Including 5 Field Ambulance --www.5fdamb.com).
• Greg Cant (Welfare Officer) reported, among other items,
3 Psychiatric centres are available to veterans (and our
members) with particular interest in PTSD, brain injuries
and concussions especially from IED’s and artillery fire.
Also, St Marys DVAA Outpost will conduct a RSL funeral, at
the request of the family, on the death of any of our
members, if it can be conducted in the Sydney
Metropolitan Area—AT NO COST to the family.
• In 5 Field Ambulance REPORT I informed the meeting of
an email I received from WO 1 David Gurr of 1 HSB as to
whether our Unit had ever been granted “Freedom of the
City”. NO, but our Unit did have a 50th Anniversary Parade
in 1965 and marched from Carrington Road down Darley
Street and onto Queens Park. We were led by our CO Lt
Col Bob Reid. I visited the State Library and saw that the
“Wentworth Courier” showed a front page of a gathering
of some WW 1 Gallipoli and WW 2 ex veterans of 5 Field
Ambulance standing and paying their respects. The
troops looked like we were standing to attention with our
heads bowed. The picture was not a good one. I have
placed an ‘ad’ in both the Daily Telegraph (“In Search”)
and the Sydney Morning Herald (“RSVP”) to see if I get any
replies as to anyone who may have taken any photos—
Bob Reid kindly gave me a small photo of us marching
down Darley Street, but again one can just make out the
band that was leading us.
• Our member, Ron Foley, has offered his services as
Secretary for the NSW Branch and Theo has gratefully
accepted his offer.
• Theo is keen to find out from RAAMC members (and this
includes our Association) what their thoughts are in
regards ANZAC Day; Are we happy to use Paddington RSL
Club? Do we want a “Sit-Down meal”? Do we want “Finger
Foods”?—If any of our members have a thought on this
please contact me.
• David Czerkies (current O.C. 5 CSSB Health Services) gave
an ‘overview’ about some future interesting
developments within Health Services including the Army
(Health) Reserves.
In closing, may I URGE you to fill in the RAAMC Application
Form in this magazine—even if you are an ASSOCIATE MEMBER,
you are more than welcome to join—AND IT’S FREE. (But don’t
let this stop you from giving them a small donation to help
defray their costs). I was present with our members Derek
Cannon, John Overton, David Czerkies and Stu’ Jones (also
represented 1st Fd Amb Assn). There were quite a few Aplogies.
---------------------
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Proud to support 5th Field Ambulance
RAAMC Association
36

RAAMC ASSOCIATION INC. MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
Family Name
First Name
Rank/Title Regt Number RAN/Army/RAAF Full/Part Time
Address
Suburb/City State Post Code
Telephone
Email Address
______Ordinary Member _______ Special Member (Other than RAAMC) ________Associate Member (Allied)
I understand membership of the RAAMC Association is free, however, I wish to make a donation of $___________
to assist in the administrative costs. Please make cheques payable to the RAAMC Association. Donations to the
RAAMC Association are VOLUNTARY.
In applying to join the RAAMC Association I hereby confirm that I will abide by the Constitution of the RAAMC
Association and continue to hold the values I have served under whilst a member of the Australian Defence Force
and the Royal Australian Army Medical Corps.
Signature: ____________________________________________________
Date: ________________________
I propose the abovenamed applicant be considered for membership of the RAAMC Association.
Name of Proposer:
____________________________________________Signature:_______________________
✂
Please provide a photocopy of your ‘Record of Service’ or evidence of service with this form and send to your State
RAAMC Association or RAAMC Association Inc, P.O. Box 5080 MINTO NSW 2566.
37

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38

“SEMPER PARATUS“
5 th FIELD AMBULANCE RAAMC ASSOCIATION
Patron: COL Ray Hyslop OAM RFD
President: LTCOL Derek Cannon RFD
WEB SITE: www.5fdamb.com
A proud member of the RAAMC Association Inc.
APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP
Preferred Title:
Prof./ Dr./ Mr./ Mrs./ M/s. Etc.
FAMILY NAME:
FIRST NAME
Date of Birth:
(Wife/Partner Christian Name)
OTHER NAME/S
Military/Civilian Awards (if any)______________________________________________________
Service/PMkeyS Number (if applicable)________________RANK (If applicable)_________________
ADDRESS NUMBER: ________
STREET etc NAME:
SUBURB/TOWN/CITY etc __________________________________
STATE________________________POST CODE:___________
Contact Details: Telephone (H) ___________________ (W) __________________
FAX: __________________ EMAIL: _____________________________________
MOBILE:
I hereby apply to join the 5 th Field Ambulance RAAMC Association as (Please mark
“X” in the appropriate box below)
A FULL MEMBER (served/serving in the A.D.F. or Allied Forces)
AN ASSOCIATE MEMBER (never served in the A.D.F. --Australian Defence Forces)
Annual Subscription ($15) is due on the 1 st January each year. LIFE
MEMBERSHIP is $100. (Reminders will be included in each “ACTIVITY SHEET”
✂
Cheques/Money Orders should be made out to “5 FIELD AMBULANCE ASSOCIATION” and
forwarded to — Alan Curry (Hon Sect) 6 Reliance Bvde., TANILBA BAY N.S.W 2319 OR Brian
Tams (Hon Treasurer), 4/24-26 Barrenjoey Rd, ETTALONG BEACH NSW 2257 OR EFT, details
are:- BSB: 637000, Account No: 717253825, Account Name: 5 Field Ambulance Association, Bank:
Greater Building Society) --please identify yourself in the reference E.G. Bill Smith.
(SIGNATURE) ___________________________
(DATE) ________________
39

(for CHRISTMAS Magazine-SUMMER Issue--2012)
ACTIVITY SHEET
(Please indicate your choice/s with an X or Tick. Any item ordered includes postage)
Please find enclosed my Subs for 2012 ($15) (cover from January to December)
or LIFE MEMBERSHIP ($100) or Donation (See my details below).
Please put my name on the list for our CENTENARY YEAR purchases.
Please send me____ RAAMC Centenary “Coin and Token” set/s @ $30 each.
Please send me a RAAMC coat/jacket Lapel Pin for $15.
Please send me_____RAAMC Centenary (Stamped) Envelopes (1903-2003) @ $3
each. (14 left—with 50c Stamp embossed, they are still useable for every day postage—add 10c
stamp.)
Please send me ____RAAMC Red Cross Arm-Band @ $10 each. (8 left)
Please send me a 5 Field Ambulance RAAMC KEY RING ($20). (With my membership
number on it, if possible.)
Please ORDER me a NAME BADGE ($20)
Please ORDER me a (XL/Large/Medium/Small) BERET ($30),*BERET BADGE
($8),*LAPEL BADGE ($7), *CORPS TIE ($40) ---please indicate size of Beret &
whether Badges/Ties are to be RAAMC or RAASC/RACT or RAEME.
Please ORDER me a copy of the Reserve Forces Day Committee book “The 39
ER’S”. ($40)
Please ORDER me a copy of “Military of the Hunter—1855-2005 @ $45.
Please send me a copy of “Little by Little”--- A Centenary History of the RAAMC by Dr.
Michael Tyquin. @ $70. (2 left)
(Please make any Cheques/Money Orders etc payable to:- “5 th Field Ambulance Association” and
post to either:- Alan Curry (Hon Sec) 6 Reliance Bvd., TANILBA BAY NSW 2319 OR
Treasurer,Brian Tams,4/24-26 Barrenjoey Rd., ETTALONG BEACH, NSW 2257—All
acknowledgements will be in our next issue.
Our EFT details are: BSB: 637000, Account Number: 717253825, Account Name: 5 th Field
Ambulance Association, BANK: Greater Building Society. (Please Identify your name)
COMMENTS/ORDERS ETC: FROM:_________________________________
CONTACT No:_____________________MONEY ENCLOSED $_____________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
✂
40

Source: Australian Defence Force
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