CHRISTMAS Newsletter - RAAMC Association

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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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