Reserve Forces Day Newsletter - RAAMC Association

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

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
HON TREASURER: Brian Tams ~ 4/24-26 Barrenjoey Road, ETTALONG BEACH NSW 2257 ~ (H) (02) 4341 9889
COMMITTEE: Warren BARNES Mobile: 0409 909 439
Fred BELL (ASM) Mobile: 0410 939 583
Bill CLUTTERBUCK Phone: (02) 4982 5725
Barry COLLINS OAM Mobile: 0407 439 237
Mick ROWLEY Phone: (02) 9570 5381
HON CHAPLAIN: Brian Hogan ~ 1 Cook Road, LONGWARRY VIC 3816 ~ (H) (03) 5629 9548 (M) 0405 443 771
CONTENTS
Vale........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Eulogy for R/ADM Graeme Shirtley..................................................................................................................................................... 5
Eulogy for Major John Straskye.............................................................................................................................................................. 7
Eulogy for Sir Keith Stephen Jones...................................................................................................................................................... 9
Life Members.................................................................................................................................................................................................. 11
Message from the President................................................................................................................................................................. 13
Message from the Secretary / Kind Acknowledgements / Sick Parade....................................................................... 15
Reserve Forces Day..................................................................................................................................................................................... 17
Anzac Day March ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 18
HMAHS Centaur Ceremony / Address to Aust. Hospital Ship Centaur Service ...................................................... 20
Dates for your Diaries for 2012............................................................................................................................................................... 21
Anzac Day Address ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 22
Happy Birthday................................................................................................................................................................................................. 23
Messages from Members .......................................................................................................................................................................... 25
Items of Interest............................................................................................................................................................................................... 33
Chaplain’s Corner / Thank You............................................................................................................................................................... 37
RAAMC Application for Membership.....................................................................................................................................................41
5th Fld Amb Application for Membership Form........................................................................................................................ 43
Activity Sheet..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 44
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
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VALE
Arthur (“Bubby”) WALTON
(30/5/1948-22/3/2012) was my cousin.
He left Sydney about 1974 and arrived
in the USA eventually settling in New
York City.
In the early part of his life he said I
inspired him to join the CMF, which he
did. He joined the 18 LAA Regiment in
the Sydney suburb of Kogarah and
was promoted through the ranks to
sergeant, at age 18.
Arthur, on completing his high
schooling, found his passion in
painting — of the commercial and
housing kind.
I remember him in his early days
being very good at sketching and
even now I possess a caricature he
drew of his cousin (and our son,
Stephen), back in the 1950’s.
When he arrived in New York he
eventually set up his own house
painting business in the Manhattan
area where he lived and was most
successful.
His wife, Isabel, (we all know her as
“Yuyi”—pronounced ‘Joojee’) tells of
the night this brash, but charismatic,
young Australian ‘chatted her up’ in a
bar in the city--that was in 1979 and it
happily ended up with them marrying
in 1982.
Their marriage of 30 years was a
very happy one and although there
were no children from their union, I
know they were most contented in
each other’s company and with their
close-knit band of friends and of
course, Yuyi’s relatives.
They both enjoyed their annual
holidays together and fishing was
always their favourite pastime. They
had many very funny and memorable
moments in each other’s company.
A couple of years ago, Arthur
contracted lung cancer. It knocked
him off his feet for a while but with
constant treatment and follow-up
medical procedures he got well and
went into remission.
Early this year the cancer reappeared
and there was no stopping
it. Yuyi nursed him both in and out of
hospital. He eventually asked Yuyi to
bring him home for his last weeks.
Yuyi was with him when he passed
away, in her arms, at 11.54pm on the
22nd March.
~ Rear
Arthur (“Bubby”) WALTON .....................................................22/03/12
Admiral Gareme SHIRTLEY AM RFD RANR................... 27/03/12
Before he passed away he wrote
these evocative words to his loving
Yuyi;
Bubbyinabox, Bubbyinabox,
On Capt. Dave
A gentle swell
A rolling wave
Bubby in a box
Bubbyinabox, Bubbyinabox,
Beneath the brine and
Borne by breeze
Your tender hand
Bubby in a box
Bubbyinabox, Bubbyinabox,
Eons passing
And changing tides
To touch twixt shores
Bubby in a box
Bubbyinabox, Bubbyinabox,
For rest at last
Forever now
In depth of sea and heart.
Bubby.
Arthur was the last surviving
member of his own family. His mum
and dad passed away some years ago
as did his brother, Victor, when he was
in his 50’s—he died in his sleep.
Yuyi promised Arthur she would
‘scatter’ his ashes, from a boat, in
Sheepshead Bay (Brooklyn) on the
30th May 2012 --- around their
favourite fishing spot.
Arthur joined us in 2006 and
shortly afterwards became a Life
Member. He contributed to our quar -
terly magazine with many reminisces
of his time in the CMF.
Arthur’s army number was
2192366.
He enlisted in the Citizen’s Military
Forces on the 30th September 1965 at
age 17, in the 18th Light Anti-Aircraft
Regiment. He discharged on the 28th
October 1970 with the rank of
sergeant. Arthur was awarded the
Australian Defence Medal. (Farewell
cuz.)
--------------------------------
Rear Admiral Graeme SHIRTLEY AM
RFD RANR (17/8/1950-27/3/2012) was
not a member of our Association but
we wish to acknowledge his passing.
It became apparent, when I
emailed our members the sad news of
Graeme’s passing, how many of our
members knew him and answered my
email to pass on their sincere sym -
pathies to Graeme’s family.
Our member, David Phillips, kindly
‘forwarded’ me the below (edited)
email that he received from CAP Brian
Gorringe RANR, together with
Graeme’s funeral details.
“Graeme joined the RANR as a sailor
in the Medical Branch in 1970 and whilst
he was completing his medical degree,
was promoted through the ranks to LS
MED. On completion of his medical
studies he was commissioned as a
Surgeon Lieutenant in 1975.
Over the next 7 years he completed
sea service in HMA Ships Brisbane,
Darwin, Melbourne, Stalwart, Stuart,
Supply, Sydney, Torrens and Vendetta.
After completing a Diploma of
Diagnostic Radiology and becoming a
Fellow of the Royal Australian and New
Zealand College of Radiologists, he was
promoted to LCDR in 1981.
Graeme was appointed as the
Executive Officer of the Sydney Port
Division and was promoted to Com -
mander after this period of service.
From 1989 he was a senior VMO
with Central and Eastern Sydney Breast
Screening Program at Royal Prince
Alfred Hospital.
In 1992, he was a Visiting Fellow in
MRI at the Barrows Neurological Insti -
tute in Phoenix, Arizona and then at the
MRI Institute Presbyterian Hospital,
Pitts burgh, Pennsylvania.
He was promoted to Captain in 1998
and was the Director Health Reserves-
Navy between 1999-2002 and was
also the Chairman, National Trium -
virate, ADF Health Reserves and of the
ADF Medical Imaging Consultative
Group.
From May 1999, he was a visiting
lecturer to the Department of Radiology
NNMC Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
For his exceptional services in
teaching he was awarded the US Navy
and Marine Commendation Medal.
Graeme was promoted to Com -
modore in 2002 and appointed
Assistant Surgeon General ADF-Navy.
He was then appointed Adjunct
Assistant Pro fes sor of Radiology and
4

Nuclear Medi cine at the Uniform
Services University of Health Sciences.
He was also awarded the US Navy
and Marine Corps Achievement Medal
for his research of the US Military
experience with computed and digital
radiography systems
Graeme was promoted to Rear
Admiral in 2005. He served a 3-year
term as the Surgeon General ADF and
Surgeon General Defence Health
Services.
Graeme was also Chairman, CT
Accreditation Guidelines and Quality
Control Committee of RANZCR until
2005, Chairman ADF Medical Imaging
Consultative Group until 2005 and was
appointed Adjunct Associate Professor
at the University of Queensland in the
Centre for Military and Veterans Health
in February 2006. He was also the
Radiology representative on Medicare
Participation Review Committee for the
Australian Government.
Rear Admiral Graeme Shirtley was
appointed as a Member of the Order of
Australia in the Military Division in the
2011 Australia Day Honours List for
exceptional performance of duties as a
medical officer in the RANR.
Graeme developed a brain tumour
about 2 years ago and although under -
going many treatments it could not be
arrested.
His funeral was held at 10.30am on
the 4th April at the Macquarie Park
Crematorium, North Ryde.
------------------------------
LEST WE FORGET
EULOGY FOR R/ADM GRAEME SHIRTLEY
(Presented by our Member, COL John OVERTON OAM)
There is sadness speaking about
the loss of a great friend but it is
balanced by the privilege of recalling
Graeme’s great achievements and
endear ing characteris tics.
The wide spectrum of people here
today attest to the many lives he has
touched across our community.
Today we hear of the many facets
of Graeme’s life – devoted and proud
husband and father, committed
caring doctor, respected by col -
leagues senior and junior who
benefit ted from his wise teaching and
Naval Officer. In this role and later as
Surgeon General Reserves he cared for
them all servicemen and women
regular or reserve and acted as their
passionate advocate.
His service record was out stand -
ing – a template for others to follow,
reflected in the many ships in which
he served 8 that I recall, from HMAS
Melbourne to HMAS Darwin as well as
many Naval bases in our country.
He rose from Ordinary Seaman to
Rear Admiral – that must be almost
unique and he gave totally in every
rank and role.
Beyond our shores he left a lasting
impression. In the USA he was ap -
pointed lecturer at the National Naval
Medical Centre in Bethesda and later
Assistant Professor at USUHS. These
rare honours were acknowledged by
the award of the US Navy and Marine
Corps Achievement Medal.
But more importantly Graeme left
an indelible impression on his US
colleagues engendering trust, respect
and friendship and opened doors that
usually never budged. He left con -
nections that will be of enormous
value to Australia.
In reflection on Graeme’s life I
spoke to two close service friends. Let
me tell you the words they used.
Integrity, others’ interest before his
own, consummate gentleman, ency -
clo paedic knowledge of the Navy and
the ADF, always gave a balanced
opinion, managed the politics
smooth ly, built a team, full of com -
mon sense.
But above all greatly respected in
all aspects of his life.
He was a man extraordinaire, the
doctor’s doctor, the Admiral’s admiral,
the finest and loyalist friend, in Aussie
idiom, the greatest mate.
He would always listen to an issue,
since the answer with some humour
and do his best to resolve the issues.
One great characteristic was to
guide the career paths of younger
members. One young radiographer
unable to secure a training position
was given a position in Graeme’s
private practice. How many would do
that?
Each Tuesday when in the Barracks
I would ring him in Canberra. Being a
stickler for accuracy it would be 2
o’clock sharp. He would have a new
story, always of a higher quality than
mine, bring me up to date and listen
and advise on issues. It was a tonic to
the soul, we never missed although
trying to upstage him on a new joke
could be quite difficult.
What a legacy he leaves providing
radiological services all over country
NSW. Flying from town to town before
the days of teleradiology providing
radiology at the front line.
His vision for defence has resulted
in ultrasound and even CT scanners
becoming available on our naval
ships. It was his dream to provide the
best to all.
We all recall his courage in his last
illness. I remember him, still on
chemotherapy delivering an inspira -
tional address on the future of
radiology in the ADF. What an
example!
The strong support of his family
was ever present. He was so proud of
his fine children – Laura, Mark and
Ian – of their achievements and their
development as fine citizens.
Debbie’s care over their many
years together and particularly the last
difficult period was a saintly example
to us all.
What is greatness? If it is rank
decorations and accolades then
Graeme was indeed great. But if it is
integrity, respect for all, commitment
and care of others then Graeme
Shirtley exhibited all the features of a
great man in the real sense of the
word.
Today I mourn my friend, my mate.
He leaves a legacy, a light to shine on
the path of the generations who
follow us. Our lives have all been
enriched by knowing him. His legacy
remains. Today we farewell a fine man,
a great Australia – his memory and
legacy will live on. Farewell old
friend.
Thank you.
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EULOGY FOR MAJOR JOHN STRASKYE
(With kind thanks to the AFP)
Australian Federal Police Career Summary
John Straskye, AFP No 4728
I am Assistant Commissioner Leanne Close from the
Australian Federal Police and am here today to represent not
only the AFP Commissioner, Tony Negus, but also John’s
fellow work colleagues and AFP mates. My husband Wayne
Morrison and I also personally knew and worked with John
during his time in the AFP.
• John began his service with the Australian Federal Police
in 1988, having previously served for 20 years in the
Regular Army.
• From 1990 – 1992 John was based in Sydney with the
Major Crime Branch, Fraud and General Crime Division. In
the AFP, our performance development scheme records
comments about an individual’s performance. In John’s
performance comments it was noted that he showed
great drive and determination as an investi gator. This is
typical of the feedback John received throughout his time
in the AFP.
• In 1992 – John attained his Detectives designation, which
is regarded very highly as a major achievement within
policing. He also performed regular periods acting as
Sergeant. Another performance comment highlighted
“John’s leadership skills and above average ability to liaise
with other agencies”.
• Late 1992 – 1993 John worked in Cyprus in an AFP
overseas capability and operational contingent, requiring
active patrolling of the UN Buffer Zone, and liaison with
the Cypriot community and other police officers working
there from around the world.
• 1994 – John returned to Sydney to the Drug Operations
Division involved in narcotics investigations of drugs sent
through the international mail system and investigation
of major organised crime syndicates importing large
volumes of illicit drugs into Australia
• 1995 – John joined the International Police Monitoring
Force in Haiti. This involved
investigations into large scale
breaches of human rights alleged
to have been committed in Haiti.
He also served as the contingent
medic.
A particular story that John shared
with my husband Wayne and I
following his return to Australia from
this adventure, which in some respects
is a great highlight of the type of things
John experienced while serving in
these contingents – and I know how
proud he was of continuing his service
to Australia and the AFP through his
work offshore in particular.
But the story John told us was that
he was the contingent medic for the
Algester
AFP group and one evening, after
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Wayne & I knew meant – just another
day at the office, John was called
upon to sew up an officer who had
likewise had a bit of a celebration and fallen
down drunk, inflicting a major wound to his leg which had to
be stitched up as there was blood spurting everywhere. John
was so drunk that he could hardly stand up himself, but with
one eye shut he managed to suture the wound shut. He
couldn’t recall if he managed to administer any sedative to
the wounded officer, but he does know he managed to stop
the bleeding, so job well done.
After this very amazing experience in Haiti, John returned
in 1997 to Sydney and worked in the Intelligence section
• 1999 – Airport Response Branch Sydney – again
investigating crimes related to Aviation security, illegal
importations, excess currency and the like.
• November 1999 – February 2000: John went to East Timor
on the 2nd Contingent Phase 3 – returning to Sydney in
2000.
Back in Sydney, John worked in the newly formed Eastern
Region Counter Terrorism Team until 2004 – when he retired
1 March from the AFP.
Since Retirement – John was a member of the AFP Former
Members Network
In 2010 – as you know John was awarded the prestigious
Medal of the Order of Australia - for services to the
community, particularly through his role in the Royal
Australian Army Medical Corps Association, but I also believe
through the recognition of the work he performed in the AFP
and in particular the ongoing work and dedication in his roles
in the overseas AFP missions of Cyprus, Haiti and East Timor.
On behalf of the AFP, Wayne and I, our sincerest
condolences go to Wendy, Carmen, Michael and the whole
family on the passing of John. He was a great mate and will
be sadly missed.
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EULOGY FOR SIR KEITH STEPHEN JONES
1911- 2012 (With kind permission of Stephen Jones)
On behalf of my brothers Richard
and Robert, our wives and families, I
present this eulogy for Sir Keith Stephen
Jones, father, grandfather, great grand -
father and friend.
Keith Stephen Jones was born at
Narrandera on July 7th, 1911, son of
Stephen William Jones and Muriel Elsie
Mary Jones (known by her grand -
children as “Mater”). The doctor who
delivered Keith was a Dr. Lethbridge, a
very famous man in the history of the
Riverina. Dr. Lethbridge made most of
his general practice calls on horseback
and it was his custom to have a horse
saddled and ready every night, in case
of obstetric calls or emergencies. At the
time Keith’s father, we called him
“Grampy,” was an engineer engaged in
constructing the first irrigation channels
in the Riverina.
Keith lived in Newcastle from 1912 to 1919. Dad’s
brother Gordon and sister Cecily were born during that
period. The family moved to Manly in late 1919 and while
there Keith attended the Manly Village Public School. After
a short period the Jones family moved to Croydon, where
Keith’s second sister, Elizabeth Margaret, was born.
Keith won a scholarship to his father’s old school,
Newing ton College in 1924. Whilst at Newington he was a
highly successful scholar and athlete. Keith was appointed
a prefect, took out the prize for dux, won the Muir Prize for
Mathematics, the McKern Prize for Chemistry and a
Wigram Allen Scholarship and in athletics won the school
880 yards and mile championships, along with equal first in
the hurdles
In 1927 Keith’s father was appointed chief engineer for
the building of the NSW section of the Hume Weir so the
family moved to a construction site about 10 miles
upstream of Albury on the Murray River. Keith had to miss
the GPS Athletics in his last year as he was diagnosed with
Scarlet Fever and was transferred to the Coast Hospital,
now known as Prince Henry Hospital. The Leaving Certifi -
cate was getting close so Keith requested that he be
allowed to take his books with him so that he might study,
but he was told that his books would be burnt if he did, the
end result being that he had one weekend to study after
leaving hospital before he commenced the Leaving
Certificate. He was still fortunate enough to win an
Exhibition to Sydney University to study Medicine at the
age of 16.
After enrolling at Sydney University in Medicine, Keith
entered Wesley College. While there he shared a room for
a period with Earl Page Jnr., son of Sir Earl Page, one time
Prime Minister. Unfortunately, the young Earl Page was to
die young, struck by lightning while mustering on his
father’s property. Keith enjoyed his life at Wesley and
recalled some interesting moments during the initiation of
new students when one student was
required to climb naked up a tree near
the Womens’ College and made to sing
“Nearer my God to Thee”! When the
Depression set in, work on the Hume
Reservoir was cut considerably and his
father was brought back to H.O. in
Sydney. Grampy could no longer afford
to keep Keith at Wesley so Keith went
home to live with the family at a home
they bought in Strathfield. He passed all
years in medicine with Honours.
As a member of the Sydney University
Athletics at the 1932 Australian Athletics
Championships, Keith was in a team that
set Australian Records in the 4x440 and
4x880 yards relays. He also won the
Intercollegiate 880 yards championship
in State junior record time. He won his
Blue for athletics in 1929. Keith would
have been a candidate for the 1934
Empire Games and even the 1936 Olympics but the
medical profession was too demanding and he retired
from running.
Keith finished his course in 1933 and did his internship
at the Royal Prince Alfred and Western Suburbs Hospitals
and after a series of locums went into practice at Pambula
on the far south coast in 1936. That year he married
Kathleen Mary Abbott, the eldest daughter of Arthur Edgar
Abbott, a Solicitor, and Mary Isobel Abbott who resided at
“Como” in Ashfield. Arthur Abbott was also a Newington
Old Boy.
Keith had met Kath (our mother) in 1930 at a dance at
the Croydon Masonic Hall. The story goes that when Kath
and Keith would return from a night out they would linger
for a while on the verandah of “Como”. Just inside, in the
hall, was a grandfather clock that Pammie and I now have
at “Wybalena”. When Grandad Abbott decided it was time
his daughter should say goodbye and come in, he would
drag up the suspended weights that powered the clock,
making as much noise as possible, to let the couple outside
know their time was up!
Two years later Keith finally proposed at a dance at the
old Newington Boat shed. Maybe, Kath said. As Richard,
one of my brothers commented “fortunately for us Kath
warmed to the idea and accepted”! Keith and Kath married
on the 30th. January 1936.
The practice they bought at Pambula included a large
historic house with an interesting history. Charles Darwin’s
offsider during his epic travels around the world was a man
called Syms Covington who became wealthy and bought
large stretches of land around the Pambula River and the
little village of Pambula itself. He built the house with solid
sandstone bricks, with cedar woodwork throughout. It
became known as a “Rostherne” while it was a doctor’s
practice, but is now a restaurant known as “Covington”,
named after its builder. There was a little dispensary
9

attached to the house where Keith had to do his own
dispensing as Pambula did not have a pharmacy. I can
recall when, as a young boy, I accompanied Dad to the
Eden wharf. He was there to treat an injured sailor who had
been brought into Eden from a ship off the coast by a Naval
Patrol boat. I was standing in a small crowd as Keith walked
up the gangplank onto the Patrol Boat when I heard
someone say “who was that boarding the boat?” Someone
nearby said “that is the doctor.” The reply was “can’t be, he
is far too young!” I could hardly wait to tell Dad! Keith often
recounted some funny incidents when in his early days at
Pambula. One that I recall was when the travelling circus
was in town, Keith received a knock on the door in the
middle of the night and opened the door to be confronted
by a chimpanzee! The chimpanzee had a bad gash and the
nearest vet being at Bega a circus attendant had bought
him to Keith to be repaired. Keith did a retreat up the hall
and the chimpanzee flew up the verandah post! Anyway,
he got over it enough to do the necessary repairs!
I am Keith and Kath’s eldest son, I was born in March
1937, and their second son, Richard, was born in 1941 just
before Keith departed to serve with the Australian Army
Medical Corps in Australia and New Guinea. Dr. Lucie
Patterson, an old school friend of Kath’s, moved in as a
locum for the duration. In May 1943, tragedy struck. Keith
and his younger brother Gordon were to go to Queensland
for training and then to New Guinea. Gordon got a place
with the 2/12 Field Ambulance on the hospital ship
Centaur. Keith was offered a place but felt it unwise in
wartime for two brothers to travel together and he was
prone to seasickness. On May 14th, a Japanese submarine
torpedoed the Centaur off Morton Island and Gordon went
down with the ship. The Centaur has recently been found
and declared a Memorial. Keith eventually arrived in New
Guinea where he held the position of Deputy Assistant
Director of Medical Services in the battle for Lae.
I remember one of the few times when Dad came home
on leave to Pambula. Mum and I met him at the “Bega
Airport”, which was a paddock on a property called Frogs
Hollow. After the Butler DeHaviland Dragon plane landed
the pilot of the seven seater wood and fabric aircraft was
unloading luggage when he handed Keith a very heavy
parcel. “What is in that he asked?” to which Keith replied: “A
Gorgonzola cheese.” “No wonder I had trouble keeping the
tail of the plane up” said the pilot.
In 1944 Kath suffered a serious burning accident at
Pambula and Keith was ordered to return to Australia. He
had a hazardous trip home (the first leg was in a DC3 that
had lost its brakes, the second leg in a Martin Mariner that
lost one of its engines). Kath had been official hostess to
the Premier at a patriotic ball in town to raise funds for the
war effort and was washing up after the event. The town
electricity stopped at 10.00pm and Kath was working by
the light of a kerosene lamp when her flammable evening
gown she was wearing caught alight. Kath survived but
unfortunately was to bear the scars for life.
Their third son, Robert, was born in 1945, completing
the family, and soon after Keith and family moved to Manly
to allow Keith to join a general practice in Manly. He
became an honorary surgeon at Manly Hospital, and chief
medical officer for the Civil Defence Organisation. He was a
member of the St. Matthews’ congregation for over 35
years.
At the end of 1948 Keith travelled to the UK on a
freighter called the Port Macquarie as the ship’s doctor and
then went to Edinburgh to eventually become a Fellow of
the Royal College of Surgeons. Mum had the terrible task of
looking after us boys at home! Keith then came back as
Assistant Surgeon on the Ormonde in August 1949. The
ship had something like 1200 UK immigrants on board.
In 1955 Keith took rooms in Macquarie St. as a General
Surgeon. He tutored in surgery at Sydney University and in
1957 he became a Fellow of the Australasian College of
Surgeons. Many appointments were to follow, to such
bodies as the NSW Medical Board, State Emergency
Services, the Postgraduate Medical Committee of the
University of Sydney and the Australian Council of Profes -
sions. Keith became involved in politics and administration
of medicine, helping found the Medical Benefits Fund and
forming the Australian Medical Association (AMA) in 1962.
He became the NSW AMA’s president.
In 1963 Keith and Kath moved from their house in West
St. Balgowlah to a unit in Kilburn Towers in Manly. They
resided there until 1983 when they decided to purchase a
unit in the Bayview Garden Village.
Keith always had a great sense of humour, one day the
lift he was in at the Village stopped between floors. Keith
pressed the emergency button and was helped out of his
predicament. When the Village management conveyed
their apologies, Dad said “forget it, I have been waiting
twenty years to press that button!”
In 1973 Keith was elected Federal President of the AMA.
Keith retired from Macquarie St. and the AMA in 1976,
but was immediately drawn into a project by Manly
Hospital, to plan, build and administer a new modern
medical and emergency centre, which he was to direct for
seven years. Keith was awarded the Gold Medal, which was
the highest honour of the AMA.
Keith was created a Knight Bachelor for his services to
medicine in the 1980 New Year’s Honours. At the time
Mum and Dad were staying with us at “Womboola”, the
family property at Forbes. At dinner on New Year’s eve he
produced a bottle of Verve Cliquot which he had kept for
some time. We were suddenly aware that an important
announcement was about to be made. “This is to celebrate
my Knighthood,” Keith said as he uncorked the bottle. It
was flat!! The following congratulations and laughter made
up for the disappointment.
Keith has served Newington College as a Member of the
College Council1951-1970, President of the ONU 1963-64
(which included Newington’s Centennial Year), and Patron
of the ONU Centennial Trust 1963.
Keith’s wife and our mother Kath Jones passed away in
2002.
Keith was dearly loved by his grandchildren and great
grandchildren, he always had little icecreams in buckets
waiting for them whenever they visited him and they loved
sitting on his knee and laughing when he wiggled one ear
and chatted to them
Keith, as a husband, father, grandfather, great grand -
father and friend, you were inspirational, you are part of us
forever, we will miss you.
10

COL Suresh
BADAMI OAM RFD
* CAP Steve BALDICK RFD ED
WO I Warren
BARNES
+ Mr. Neil BARRIE
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
LTCOL Andrew ELLIS OAM
* LTCOL James ELLIS
MAJ Madeline EVES RFD
Mr. Phillip
FAGUE
* WO 1 Bert FERGUSON
Mr. Nelson
FIORENTINO
Mr. Garry
FLOOD
Mr. Ron
FOLEY
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
Mr. Edwin
LOWERY
5 Field Ambulance RAAMC Association
(Please contact me if I have omitted your name)
LIFE MEMBERS
Mr. Alen
LUCIC
Mr. Robert (Bob) LYNCH
Mr. Huss
MAHOMET
Mr. Nick
MARSHALL
Dr. Helena
MARTIN
# Mr. Don MELVILLE
COL Bil
MOLLOY RFD ED
COL G.R.W. (“Roy”) McDONALD (Rtd)
LTCOL John
McKEOWN RFD (Rtd)
# Mrs. Yvonne McLEAN
Mr. Ken
McNUFF
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
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
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
11

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12

Message from the President
Welcome to the Reserve Forces Day
Magazine of 5 Field Ambulance RAAMC
Association.
The Sydney Anzac Day March was
conducted in dry, warm conditions and
although we had some confusion at the
start, the March was a great success. As it
turned out Major David Czerkies, OC, 5
Combat Support Battalion Health Com -
pany and his team led Alan Curry’s section
of 5 Field Ambulance Association with
Banner and Standard, early, before returning to the forming
up position and leading my section behind banners of the
RAAMC ASSOCIATION NSW and 1 Field Ambulance Asso -
ciation.
My sincere thanks go to Major Czerkies and his team for
two exceptional efforts in marching, dress and bearing, well
done to all. The names of all those who paraded and
photographs will be covered by the Secretary, Alan Curry,
later in the magazine including those members who
attended but could not march.
A special mention is for Wendy Straskye, widow of Major
John Straskye OAM, who marched with the RAAMC
ASSOCIATION NSW contingent led by President Theo
Dechaufepie behind Colonel Suresh Badami, OAM,
Honorary Colonel, NSW who led the main RAAMC group.
At the post March reunion at the Paddington RSL Alan
Curry, our stalwart Honorary Secretary, received his framed
certificate from Wendy Straskye on behalf of RAAMC
ASSO CIATION INC, to confirm his awarding (last year) of the
first Life Membership of RAAMC ASSO CIATION INC. Congra -
tulations Alan. This is more than a first being an RAASC
Transport Officer with 5 Field Ambulance.
Also I was able to present Wendy with a 5 Field Ambu -
lance Association engraved Tankard to com memo rate
John’s awarding of OAM. Sadly, due to John’s illness, we
were unable to get an opportunity to present it to him
before his untimely death.
The final briefing for the 2012 RESERVE FORCES DAY
(RFD) took place on Thursday, 10 May 2012 at Sydney
Mechanics School of Arts, 280 Pitt Street, Sydney. We thank
our ASM, Fred Bell, and Ron Foley for attending. Key
person nel will attend the rehearsal in the Domain on
Sunday, 17 June prior to the big day on Sunday, 1 July.
Since the early RFD parades when active ARES marched
with their Associations, they have been a sad missing key
component. I am pleased to report that the Commander,
2nd Division, Major General S.L. Smith, AM CSC RFD has
sent a signal to his units to endeavour to support their Asso -
ciations at this year’s parade in uniform or civilian dress.
I responded to a kind invitation from Alice Kang,
Manager Marketing and Veteran Services, Concord Hos pital
to deliver the address at the Centaur Service at the 113 AGH
Chapel at Concord Hospital. The service was held on 11 May
3 days before the 69th Anniversary of the tragic sinking of
the Australian Hospital Ship CENTAUR by the Japanese. The
service coincided with International Nurses Day.
Our Association had a good turnout at the April meeting
of the NSW RAAMC Asso cia tion led by Patron Ray Hyslop
Derek Cannon
OAM, President Derek Cannon, Secretary
Alan Curry and members John Overton
OAM, Stuart Jones and Ron Foley. Items of
general interest were:
President Theo Dechau fe pie advised
there was no National President Report as
currently Colonel John Taske was filling the
position of National Deputy President until
the National Executive meeting later this
year where a new National President would
be elected.
Theo was making enquiries to have a small badge
produced with the inscription ‘RAAMC Association’ to be
presented to all members of the Association on joining.
Costs will be a factor however all members at the meeting
endorsed this initiative.
Theo raised the subject regarding the fact NSW should
have a ‘Patron’ and Colonel Charles New should be
approached and requested to become ‘Patron’.
The next meeting of NSW RAAMC Association is Friday,
1st June 2012 at Victoria Barracks, Building 11 com mencing
at 10.30am. 5 Field Ambulance Asso ciation members are
encouraged to attend, if possible.
Battle for Australia Day this year is on 5th September at
the Cenotaph Martin Place. I hope to see a good turnout for
this very important day. Alan will be there, as usual, with our
Banner and following the ceremony we will retire to the
Services Club in Barrack Street.
To all our special members and with constant thought
for our sick, Edna and I wish you all the very best.
Good reading and best regards and hope to see you on
Reserve Forces Day.
Derek Cannon
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
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
OR I would purchase ONE of Each of the above
for $100 (Includes postage) ........................................YES/NO
I would, hopefully, be able to attend the luncheon,
IN SYDNEY, on a Saturday afternoon in MARCH.......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.
13

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28th April
9th June
4th August
13th October
8th December
Beenleigh Market - Beenleigh PCYC,
Alamein Street, Beenleigh
19th May
7th July
1st September
3rd November
Time:
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email: info@darwinmilitarymuseum.com.au
The Darwin Military Museum is set amongst the original
9.2-inch gun emplacements and the command post that
controlled the shore guns, meant to defend the city at
long range from enemy battleships. The new Defence of
Darwin Experience building offers an exciting visual
introduction to WWII and the battles for the Northern
Territory
Northern Australia in WWII
Australia’s Top End, and in particular
Darwin, was the forefront of combat
operations against the country in
WWII. 64 air raids were endured,
and hundreds of people killed.
Darwin’s Military Museum charts the
many stories of the war, and military
operations before and beyond.
The museum features:
• a 12 minute continuous film of the
first raids on 19 February 1942
• armoured vehicles
• a range of artillery pieces
• engines and other machines of war
• scores of photographs detailing the
actions
• an extensive collection of military
firearms
After the first raids, eventually
squadrons of Spitfires supported by
radar defended the coastline, and
the Allies fought back with bombers
based in and around Darwin.
Thousands of troops on hundreds of
ships transited through the town as
the Japanese were pushed back.
Post-war the Territory saw defences
poised for confrontation with
Indonesia, and now is home to
thousands of Australian Defence
Force personnel.
Originally the East Point Military
Museum, this institution was the first
museum of Darwin. It was formed
out of war wrecks collected from
around the Territory in the 1960s by
members of the Royal Australian
Artillery Association, and their
Collection has now grown to
thousands of badges, vehicles, artillery pieces, firearms,
photographs, uniforms and more.
Souvenirs and history books are available at the
Darwin Military Museum shop
Open 9.30-5pm 7 days, except Good Friday and
Christmas Day
14

Message from the Secretary
Greetings Members,
When you are reading this we will be in the throes
of our winter months so I hope our sick and
hospitalised members are keeping warm. We are
thinking of you and our committee send you their
good wishes.
I would like to pass on our sincere thanks to our
honorary Chaplain, Brian Hogan. Brian has done quite
a lot of work in connection with (the late) Lloyd Tan’s
book, 2/5th Australian Field Ambulance. Lloyd’s wife,
Joyce, and Neale Barry's daughter, Glenda Garde,
have also been assisting him. Brian has also managed
to collate a lot of medical detail in regard to both
world wars which he hopes to be able to put it on a
disc.
I look forward to
parading with you on
Reserve Forces Day,
either in Newcastle
and/or in Sydney. See the
details further on in this
Issue.
I sincerely hope that all the mothers
had a wonderful Mother's Day.
------------------------------
Alan Curry
KIND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
(Of monies received since last newsletter, Summer issue 2011. Please contact me if your name has been omitted.)
• Suresh BADAMI OAM (Cash $40) for ANZAC Day Lunch.
• Fred BELL (Cash $40) for ANZAC Day Lunch.
• Derek CANNON (Cash $120) for ANZAC Day Lunch.
• Alan CURRY (Cash $40) for ANZAC Day Lunch.
• David CZERKIES (Cash $40) for ANZAC Day Lunch.
• Gordon DODD (Cash $80) for ANZAC Day Lunch.
• David EMANUAL (Cheque $15) for Subs.
• Ron FOLEY (Cash $80) for ANZAC Day Lunch.
• Nelson FIORENTINO (Cash $40) for ANZAC Day Lunch.
• Bob GLOVER (Cash $20) for Subs $15 and Donation $5.
• Brian HOGAN (Cash $155) for ANZAC Day Lunch $80,
RAAMC Tie $40, Beret $30, Beret Badge $5
• Colin KLINE (Cash $40) for ANZAC Day Lunch.
• Robert LOVE (Cash $40) for ANZAC Day Lunch.
• Edwin LOWERY (Cash $40) for ANZAC Day Lunch.
• Huss MAHOMET (Cash $100) for Life Membership.
• Michael MORONEY (Cash $40) for ANZAC Day Lunch.
• Richard NG (Cash $40) for Anzac Day Lunch.
• Barry PERIGO (Cash $40) for ANZAC Day Lunch.
• Heather PERIGO (Cash $40) for Anzac Day Lunch.
• Cathy SALMON (Cash $80) for Anzac Day Lunch.
• Paul SHERGOLD (Cash $40) for ANZAC Day Lunch.
• Brian TAMS (Cash $40) for ANZAC Day Lunch.
• Darren WATERSON (Cash $40) for ANZAC Day Lunch.
• Bruce WHITTET (Cash $40) for ANZAC Day Lunch.
• Warwick WILKINSON AO (Cheque $200) for Life
Memberships and son, David
• Alex WILLIAMS (Cash $40) for ANZAC Day Lunch.
• John WILSON (M/Order $100) for Life Membership.
NB: Money that members sent to me (via letter or EFT) for the
gift of the Pewter Mug to Huss Mahomet, will be
acknowledged in our next newsletter—and again—THANK
YOU.--
Neil BARRIE
Derek CANNON
Kevin CARTER
George CARUANA
David CAVANAUGH
Barry COLLINS
John DAVIES
John de WITT (Chesalon
Nursing Home, 15 Lenna
Pl., JANNALI NSW 2226 —
Phone: (02) 8543.7200)
George DONNELLY
Nelson FIORENTINO
Richard FORD
Dorothy FOSTER
Eileen HENDERSON
Kevin HURRELL
SICK PARADE
Brian INMAN
Neville JOHNSON
Wilfred (Bill) JONES
(Calvary Nursing Care,
Hebburn Lodge, Cessnock.
Phone: (02) 4990.8656)
Ted KREMER
Bob LEECH
Robert LOVE
Huss MAHOMET
John McCARTHY
“Roy” McDONALD
Bob McINERNEY
Rayda NOBLE
Charles O’MEALLY
Chris O’REILLY
Barry & Heather PERIGO
John PHILLIPS
Maurice PORTER (Hayfield
Court, Baptist Community
Village, Carlingford, Ph:
(02) 9871.7584)
Tom PRITCHARD
Rob STEWART
Judith STRACHAN
Chris STRODE
Sr. Francis (“Sue”)
THOMPSON (Big Sister
Hostel, Room 216, 2c
Kanimbla Rd., Miranda,
Ph: (02) 9531.0112)
John TROY
John WEAVER
Bruce WHITTET
John WOODHEAD (Lourdes
Nursing Home, Room 27,
Stanhope Rd., Killara , (02)
8467.4550)
--------------
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16

RESERVE FORCES DAY ~ 2012
All members who served in the
Reserves are most welcome to parti -
cipate, again, in this yearly parade,
either in SYDNEY or in NEWCASTLE
(or both).
This day is also the Medical Corps
Birthday.
In SYDNEY, it is expected that
nearly 1000 people will be seated,
and among them will be over 100
descendants of soldiers and nurses
who served in the Boer War, at the
parade.
Entertainment will commence at
10am. Presentations of a ‘Special
Cer ti ficate’ will be made to some
descendants prior to the parade
commencing.
This promises to be the biggest
parade in the Domain since the
Reserve Forces began using this
area in 2008, and it will also take a
new format.
Another ‘Special Certificate’, the
design of which will capture the era
of the Boer war and current
Reservists, will also be struck for this
important occasion and signed by
the Governor-General and Sir
Laurence Street.
This will be done for any
Reservist who attends the parade.
I will require your Service
Number, Rank and Name (which
will be taken on the day).
SYDNEY DETAILS:
DATE: Sunday, JULY 1st
PLACE: Sydney Domain (behind
Sydney Hospital)
FORM-UP AREA: with 5th BRIGADE--
in Central Ave (adjacent to Art
Gallery Road)
TIME: 10.30am for 11am MARCH
OFF
DRESS: SERVING MEMBERS-Cere -
mo nial (less sword), GENTS-Grey
Slacks, Navy Sport coat, Corps Tie,
Name Badge, Medals, Beret. LADIES-
As appropriate.
DO NOT LOOK FOR OUR BANNER
because it will be in a different
area – LOOK out for our
STANDARD.
If you are unsure where to be--
ASK one of the Marshals where 5th
Brigade is located.
After the parade we have
‘booked’ a room at the Paddington
RSL Club (in Oxford Street – near
Victoria Barracks) from 12.30pm.
The cost will be $35 per head
(includes 2-course buffet meal,
with tea/coffee and other refresh -
ments.)
PLEASE RSVP, for catering pur -
poses, when you receive this .
If you are unable to Parade you
are most welcome to join us at the
club for the luncheon.
NEWCASTLE DETAILS:
DATE: Saturday, JUNE 30th.
FORM-UP AREA: Lamen Street,
New castle. (Look for our 5th Field
Ambulance Banner)
TIME: 10.30am for 11am MARCH
OFF.
DRESS: Same as SYDNEY—see
above.
After the Parade those who are
able will adjourn to a mutual facility.
We look forward to your
presence.
------------------------------------
17

ANZAC Day March
(SUMMARY—Alan Curry)
What a beautiful day it was—weather-wise. Unfor tu -
nately, what promised to be a memorable march
embracing all the Medical Corps units, ended up being a
sad lesson to be learnt?
I had arrived early to our allotted place in Phillip Street
and promptly had our Banner assembled by about
9.45am. The Officers and OR’s from 5 CSSB arrived and
were ‘mingling’ with us—there was much happy banter.
The President of the RAAMC Association Inc (NSW
Branch), Theo Dechaufepie, had also arrived and decided
to go up to the Bent Street corner of Phillip Street to round
up the medical groups and seek out the whereabouts of
the Medical Corps Banner and when he departed (about
9.55am) our much anticipated Medical Corps grouping
went “pear-shape”!
For some unknown reason the marshal at Phillip and
Hunter Streets saw our Banner and ordered us to begin
the March. It was about 10am.
I could not gather my thoughts quick enough to
challenge his order, and thinking that the Service Corps
must be already around the corner in Hunter Street (as we
follow them in the March ORBAT), the troops carrying our
Banner, and the small number of us (about 10)
who were present, and a couple of members
from 1 Australian General Hospital carrying
their Banner, , and I think a Standard Bearer for
8 Field Ambulance and one from 9 Field
Ambulance—all marched off down Hunter
Street!
To make matters worse, an intoxicated,
young civilian male (about 35 years old)—who
was very well dressed and displaying many
Medals on both sides of his suit coat, got into
the rear rank of our troops carrying our
Banner.
I was marching in the front rank behind the
troops and I eventually got him away from the
soldiers as we were approaching Pitt Street. I
could not yell out too loud because the bystanders
would have been appalled by this. I did not know,
until we were up near the end of George Street, that this
person had actually placed himself in the rear rank of our
Association, and was apparently helped to steady himself
by one of our members.
I only hope and pray that his demeanour was not
‘captured’ on TV! He was a disgrace.
I did have further words with this “character” when we
“Dismissed” at the completion of the March.
BUT this was NOT the end of the “Mix up” because the
OC of our Banner Party (Major David Czerkies) was
contacted on his mobile phone by Theo to request that he
and his troops return to Phillip Street and lead what
remained of the RAAMC contingent.
I was unaware that this had happened as I was busy
with the “drunk” and dismantling our Banner and packing
it away.
I thought our troops had departed to Paddington RSL
Club and had I have known they were returning back, I
certainly would have returned with them, and with our
Banner and any other member who wished to march
again.
18

We have written two letters.
One, to the CO of 5 CSSB, LTCOL Medic, to thank him,
sincerely, for his contingent of volunteers and the second
letter to RSL HQ (NSW Branch) for the “error” made by the
marshal/s at Phillip and Hunter Streets in relation to the
March ORBAT.
(I did receive a reply from RSL HQ (NSW) sincerely
apologising for the marshal/s errors.)
That being said, those who were able to make it back
to the Paddington RSL Club had a very enjoyable
afternoon. Our members mingled with many other
RAAMC personnel, friends and the troops. A most
convivial atmosphere prevailed.
We appreciate Theo for asking our Honorary Chaplain,
Brian Hogan (who had come up from Victoria with his wife,
Sandra, to be with us) to say Grace.
The 2-course buffet style meal (with tea/coffee) was
plentiful and tasty.
The “Highlights” of the luncheon were:
-- to be introduced, by Theo, to Dr. Charles New, whom
Theo informed us, agreed with pleasure to be the
Patron of the NSW Branch of the RAAMC Association
Inc.
-- To have Theo call upon Mrs. Wendy Straskye to
officially “Present” me with LIFE MEMBERSHIP of the
RAAMC Association Inc. I was most honoured to
receive this.
Wendy and her daughter’s family, Carmen and Hubby
Michael and their two children, Charlotte and Cooper,
were also most welcome guests of the RAAMC
Association.
-- Our President, Derek Cannon, had the pleasure of
presenting Wendy with a Pewter Mug, suitably
inscribed from “5th Field Ambulance Association to
MAJ John Straskye OAM”. He explained the history of
the “mugs” and …”that we had had John’s mug for over
a year to “Present” to him, but for various reasons the
occasion always escaped both of us”.
-- The President of the 7th Australian Division A.I.F.
Association, Dick Payten OAM, was in an adjoining
room with his group and asked Theo if he might
introduce two “Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels”, Mr. Benjamin
Ajumi and Mr. Simeon Baita, to us. What a wonderful,
unexpected surprise. There were many photographs
taken to the delight of our “visitors”.
See photos above.
Our Association sincerely thanks Theo (and our good
mate, the late John Straskye) and the NSW Branch of the
RAAMC Association Inc. for having started this yearly gettogether.
It was a great afternoon.
Our President and committee wish to thank the
following members and friends for either marching with
us or attending the ‘combined’ luncheon afterwards. (I
understand that 59 people attended the ‘combined’
luncheon):
Samuel ALEXANDER, Suresh BADAMI OAM (He led the
RAAMC Association Inc.),Warren BARNES Fred BELL, Our
President Derek CANNON , Alan CURRY, David CZERKIES,
Peter DALGLEISH, Gordon DODD, Brittany EVANS, Felicity
EVANS, Madeline EVES, Nelson FIORENTINO, Ron &
Adrienne FOLEY, John GORRELL, Eileen HENDERSON
(Marched with Nurses Association), Brian & Sandra
HOGAN, Joanne HOVELING, Stu & Sue JONES (They
marched with 1st Field Ambulance), Colin KLINE, Bob
LEECH, Robert LOVE, Edwin LOWERY, Michael MORONEY,
Richard NG, John OVERTON OAM, Barry & Heather PERIGO,
Alison POTTON, Andrew ROTHFIELD (accompanied his
uncle, Neville Rothfield, and marched with 1st Field
Ambulance), Bill RYLANDS, Cathy SALMON, Paul
SHERGOLD, John SMITH OAM, Brian TAMS, David VERCO
(Carried our Australian Flag), Bruce WHITTET & Alex
WILLIAMS. (My sincere APOLOGY if I omitted a name).
In closing, our Association sincerely thanks the
excellent effort of the troops from 5 CSSB (named below)
for their sterling effort in marching TWICE:-
OC Troops, MAJ David CZERKIES with, CAP Richard NG,
LT Ed CAMPION, WO 1 Jim SCOTT, SGTs Jay CHAPMAN &
Kylie HARRISS, CPL Stuart KING, LCPL Cath SALMON,
PTEs Cameron ARMSTRONG, Tina CARR, Ed HUNG and
Au VU.
19

HMAHS CENTAUR CEREMONY (11th May)
(Summary)
A beautiful, crisp, sunny autumn morning saw another
memorable service conducted in the Chapel of 113th AGH
Memorial Chapel at Concord Hospital, in memory of the
souls lost on the hospital ship AHS Centaur, when it was
torpedoed and sunk by a Japanese submarine in the early
hours of the morning of 14th May 1943, off the North
Queens land coast, as it was on its way north to Cairns.
Miss Alice Kang and her staff are to be congratulated for
keeping the memory alive for the relatives and friends of
those lost through the merciless sinking of the “Centaur”.
Rev Paul Weaver was the MC. He was ably assisted by Fr.
Artur Wojtowicz.
The Naval Psalm was recited and also some wonderful
renditions by the Meriden Singers Choir, directed by M/s
Kelly Phythian. A solo rendition of “Ave Maria” was
beautifully sung by Josh Cohen, a palliative care nurse at
the hospital.
Rev. Weaver then introduced our President, Derek
Cannon, to present the main address. (His address is printed
below).
Later, in a moment of quiet reflection, pictorial scenes
were shown on a screen, reflecting on the Centaur and its
subsequent, later, discovery-- and the Remembrance
Plaque that was placed on its hull.
During this reflection the very talented harpist and
soloist, Elizabeth Lowrencev, sang “Abide with me.”
After the Naval prayer was said there was a Wreath
Laying Ceremony followed by the ODE, The Last Post and
Reveille.
A prayer was then said for International Nurses Day (4th
May 2012).
The conclusion of the service was the singing of the
National Anthem.
After the service, all were invited to partake of morning
tea and sandwiches in the park adjacent to the Chapel.
Our Association sincerely thanks the following
members for attending this service (my sincere apology if I
have omitted your name) – our President, Derek Cannon,
Fred Bell, Barry Collins 0AM, Alan Curry and Anthony
Jordan.
I would also like to thank one of the members from my
Sub Branch, Mr John Head, for also being in attendance.
------------------------------
ADDRESS to Aust.Hosp.Ship CENTAUR SERVICE
11 MAY 2012
Thank you Alice Kang for the invitation to address you, distinguished guests all nurses present ladies and gentlemen.
As President of 5th Field Ambulance Association and
past CO of 5 Field Ambulance, as a non doctor (Health
trained) it was somewhat surprising to be appointed
Commanding Officer of the Field Ambulance when the 1st
General Hospital was re-rolled.
As CO I was blessed with having nurses from the
General Hospital who opted to serve on and were
invaluable in the building and training of this re-raised
unit. This is pertinent on this the eve of “International
Nurses Day” and 3 days before the 69th anniversary of the
Sinking of AHS Centaur.
At approximately 4.10am on Friday, 14 May 1943 AHS
Centaur, ablaze with lights and clearly marked with red
crosses, was torpedoed by Japanese submarine I-177 south
east of Cape Moreton, Queensland.
Of the 322 persons on board, only 64 survived.
Crew 75 30
Army Officers 8 0
Army Nurses 12 1
2/12 Fd Amb 192 32
Other Army 45 1
Total 332 64
5th Field Ambulance has had a presence at this service
on and off for over 10 years and our Banner is again on
display thanks to Alan Curry, our Association Secretary.
We pay our respects to our kindred 2/12 Field
Ambulance who lost 160 of their 192 establishment in the
Centaur sinking. 5 Field Ambulance has some linage to this
sad event in that the late Sir Keith Jones KB FRCS (Edin)
FRACS was in 5 Field Ambulance from 1928-1935 when the
unit was a Militia unit. He served full time duty in the CMF
1941-1942 and the AIF 1942-1944. His brother, Gordon,
was in 2/12th Fd Ambulance and wanted Keith to go to
Cairns on the Centaur.
Not wanting two brothers on the same ship Keith
declined but served in New Guinea later. Keith’s brother
was one of the 160 members of the 2/12th lost.
Although the sinking of AHS Centaur remains
controversial (she was carrying munitions and therefore a
legitimate target) it cannot be condoned.
Ironically, 14 months prior to the Centaur sinking
Australian Army nurses were again the victims of Japanese
brutality.
This was the Banka Island Massacre when nurse Vivian
Bullwinke AO,MBE,ARRC.ED feigned death when with 21
other nurses who had survived the sinking of the SS Vyner
Brooke (trying to escape from Singapore) were ordered
into the sea and shot from behind. She was the sole
surviving nurse.
She spent 3.5 years in captivity but said nothing until
after the war because of reprisals.
Back to the CENTAUR…
One nurse, Sister (Lt) Ellen (Nell) Savage (with some
association to this Hospital) survived, though badly injured
20

when she was sucked down with the sinking ship. She
suffered fractured ribs, nose and palate, perforated ear
drums and bruises. She hid her injuries from fellow
survivors while she attended to the wounded and dying.
She was later to receive the George Medal for conspicuous
gallantry. She died aged 72 in 1985.
General MacArthur, Supreme Commander of Allied
Forces in the Southwest Pacific Area and commander of
the Australian military, commenting on the sinking at the
time, said…
“I cannot express the revulsion I feel at this unnecessary
act of cruelty. Its limitless savagery represents a continuation
of a calculated attempt to create a sense of trepidation
through the practice of horrors designed to shock normal
sensibilities. The brutal excesses of the Philippine campaign,
the execution of our captured airmen and the barbarity of
Papua are all a pattern. The enemy, does not understand,
apparently he cannot understand that our invincible strength
is not so much of the body as of the soul, and it rises with
adversity. The Red Cross will not falter with this foul blow. Its
Light of Mercy will, but shine brighter on our way to inevitable
victory.”
The search for the CENTAUR stemmed from the success
of locating HMAS SYDNEY off West Australia in April 2008.
Pressure was brought to bear to search for AHS CENTAUR.
The search located the wreck on 20 December 2009.
MEMORIALS
(Before Finding)
1990 Stained Glass Window Concord RGH (services were
being conducted here before this date)
1993 Point Danger Coolangatta Queensland
a further Memorial was errected
(After the Finding)
On 12 January 2010 a Memorial plaque was laid on the
foredeck of AHS CENTAUR.
NSWNA Acting Secretary Judith KIEJDA at this laying,
said…. “ Nurses who died and the sole surviving nurse
Ellen Savage, are an inspiration to all nurses and they did
their profession proud. They all sacrificed their own safety
and comfort to accept the challenge of providing patient
care in tough and demanding circumstances. That is what
nursing is all about. In this case eleven of them, including 5
from NSW, lost their lives in the pursuit of that objective.”
On the 2nd March 2010 there was a National Memorial
Service at St John’s Cathedral Brisbane attended by the
then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.
24 September 2010, a second ceremony occurred at the
wreck site when 300 relatives of the hospital ship’s per son -
nel was held aboard HMAS MANOONA. Wreaths were laid
and ashes of three survivors were scattered.
The remains of AHS CENTAUR are classified as an
Historic Shipwreck Site covered by the Protection of
Movable Cultural Heritage Act 1986. And is a War Grave.
In conclusion I would like to recite a poem by Melodie
Chenvert, RN entitled:-
A Nurses Prayer (Melodie Chenevert, RN)
Being a nurse means…..
You will never be bored.
You will always be frustrated.
You will be surrounded by challenges.
So much to do, so little time.
You will carry immense responsibility
and very little authority.
You will step into peoples’ lives
and you will make a difference.
Some will bless you. Some will curse you.
You will see people at their worst and best.
You will never cease to be amazed at peoples’ capacity
for love, courage and endurance.
You will see life begin and life end.
You will experience resounding triumphs
and devastating failures.
You will cry a lot. You will laugh a lot….You will laugh a lot
You will know what it is to be human and to be humane.
LEST WE FORGET
-----------------------------------
Dates for your diaries for 2012
RAAMC Association Inc. (NSW Branch) FEBRUARY, *APRIL, JUNE, AUGUST, OCTOBER, DECEMBER.
(They meet on the FIRST FRIDAY at 10.30am at Victoria Barracks, Sydney. An “OPEN INVITATION” is extended to
you. Please advise me if you wish to attend. *Due to EASTER period this meeting will be held on the 30th MARCH.
30th JUNE
RESERVE FORCES DAY --- NEWCASTLE
1st JULY
RAAMC CORPS BIRTHDAY (Paddington RSL Club - in conjunction
with 5th Field Ambulance Assn.)
JULY (1 st Sunday)
RESERVE FORCES DAY --- SYDNEY
(Lunch at Paddington RSL afterwards)
SEPTEMBER (1 st Wednesday) BATTLE FOR AUSTRALIA COMMEMORATION
(Martin Place, Sydney, 11am)
NOVEMBER
Reserve Forces Day “LAUNCH” for 2013 (TBA)
24th NOVEMBER (last Saturday) ANNUAL “Mixed” Reunion Luncheon (Paddington RSL Club)
----------------------------------
“Cut-Off dates” for articles in quarterly magazines ~
MARCH 31, JUNE 2, AUGUST 19, NOVEMBER 25.
21

ANZAC DAY ADDRESS
(Courtesy-Dr. John Roche OAM)
On this morning, 97 years ago, just as dawn was
breaking, the Australian Army Volunteers, having ‘fallen-in’
on deck, in total darkness, in companies and platoons,
prepared to leave their ships. Every soldier with full pack,
rifle and rations climbed down the rope ladders into the
lifeboats and whaleboats, heading for their beach on the
peninsula. Towed by steam pinnaces, the packed boats
were steered by sailors or 15-year-old midshipmen. They
headed for the beach landing, but were forced by the
currents a mile north of their scheduled landing, before
casting off the small craft near the beach.
The first landing party were the four battalions of the
3rd Brigade of the 1st Division, numbering about 4000.
Then the boats went back for the next landing party and
continued all day. They landed under gunfire and grappled
with the Turks across the beach and up into the bushy
higher slopes, gaining three quarters of a mile of beach,
hills and ridges on that first day. This ground would remain
theirs until they silently withdrew eight months later,
having constantly defended their ground, despite great
losses of their men.
The stores loaded in wooden boxes coming ashore,
with stencilled with the initials A.N.Z.A.C. An anagram of
Australia and New Zealand Army Corps and that is how
they became known as Anzacs. We commemorate their
courage and their heritage, which we treasure.
If I will ask you which personage you readily associate
with Gallipoli, most would answer, Simpson and his
donkey. He was at the landing, and being a stretcher
bearer, he found a donkey which he named Duffy and for
the next three a half weeks on May 19, until he was killed,
he ferried wounded Anzacs to his 3rd Field Ambulance on
the beach. Truly a hero…one of so many.
Our theme today is to talk about those noncombatants,
the Australian Army Medical Corps and Anzac.
The title ‘Royal' was added later (in 1948).
There were 270 Australian doctors who served the AIF
on Gallipoli and on the island of Lemnos and this included
a number of Australian doctors who served in the RAMC,
the Royal Army Medical Corps. Every Battalion had a
Regimental Medical Officer, and an AAMC noncommissioned
officer, who was the Sergeant in the
Regimental Aid Post. The regimental bandsmen became
stretcher bearers as well as a number of men from the
Battalion, who needed to be physically strong, in order to
carry a loaded stretcher. They carry the wounded to the
Regimental Aid Post and there they were picked up by the
Brigade’s Field Ambulance, which had doctors, drivers and
stretcher bearers.
Further back, the Division had a Casualty Clearing
Station and a Field Hospital. At Anzac, these were all on the
beach with all the stores, ordinance, and water. It was
continually under fire from snipers at first and then to
shelling and shrapnel throughout the campaign. The
wounded were taken off at first in the lifeboats, which had
brought them ashore, to the hospital ships, and thence to
the island of Lemnos, or Alexandria, where there were ‘bigtented’
hospitals with doctors and nurses.
My stepfather, Marlo Hayres (8th Battalion), on his
second day at Courtney Post, when a mortar shell blew up
killing his lieutenant, was taken on to Malta, as the
hospitals in Alexandria were already full. The Gallipoli
campaign lasted eight months and in that time there were
about 19,500 wounded soldiers, all picked up, and carried
to the AAMC for treatment. Of these, nearly 2000 died later
from their wounds. There were about 64,000 soldiers taken
ill, mainly with dysentery, skin infections, hepatitis,
pneumonia or TB. Of these 569 died from their disease.
10 doctors were killed in action and three died of illness
in this period. Eight others died of illness acquired at
Gallipoli, which included two doctors who committed
suicide within the year because of what they had seen and
the work they had to perform whilst at Gallipoli.
The 10 doctors killed in action were:
1. Captain Sidney James Campbell, aged 28, from the
8th Light Horse. As water was very scarce and had to
be carried in square kerosene tins by working parties,
scabies and lice were rife. If the chance came,
swimming in the salt water at the beach was their only
relief. While swimming at Anzac Cove with his
commanding officer and his adjutant, he suffered a
traumatic amputation of both legs by a bursting shell.
He died, whilst being evacuated by a hospital ship. He
was buried at sea.
2 Capt. Harry Green, a Victorian GP, and the Regimental
Medical Officer of the 23rd Battalion, was killed at Lone
Pine in November 1915 by shrapnel. He was operating
on a man when shrapnel burst overhead and a pellet
went through his chest. He fell into the arms of the
doctor who was administering the anaesthetic.
3. Maj. Frederick Johnson was from the 6th Field
Ambulance and had arrived on Gallipoli in August
1915. He was temporarily attached to the 2nd Division
Sanitary Squad, these being medical companies doing
preventative medicine. He was at Lone Pine when a
heavy artillery barrage fell on the trenches blowing
them in; he was buried along with the man he was
attending. This was the same attack in which Capt.
Green was killed.
4. Capt. Keith Levi was in the 1st Australian General
Hospital. After the landing he was attached to hospital
ships and then to the 2nd Battalion Hampshire
Regiment at Cape Helles, as their Regimental Medical
Officer. The day he was killed, his regiment suffered
severe casualties; a Turkish shrapnel shell fell close to
him, killing him instantly with five other men.
5 Capt. John Luther, an Irishman, was Regimental
Medical Officer of the 15th Battalion. It was said that he
would go out and bring in wounded men from
anywhere, no matter what the enemy fire was like;
hardly a surprise that he himself became a target when
he was shot by a sniper at Hill 60 in August 1915. When
the Assistant Director of Military Services, Colonel
Manders, asked him for the cause of excessive
numbers evacuated from his unit, he had replied …
”long hours, irregular hours for meals, insufficient rest,
22

want of fruit and vegetables”. The Battalion as a whole
suffered from dysentery.
6. Col. Neville Manders, RAMC, was in the regular Army
and became the Deputy Director of Medical Services in
the British Army in Egypt. In March 1915 he was
transferred to the New Zealand and Australian Division
as the Assistant Director of Medical Services. He was
involved in the medical planning for the Dardanelles
Landing, on Anzac Cove on the 25th April. When
General Bridges was shot, he led the stretcher party to
the beach and it was suggested to him that he run
hard. Mander’s comment was…”I have not run for
years and I'm not going to run now!” He was killed by
a sniper in August, whilst standing next to the
Divisional Commander, General Godley. Tin hats were
not generally worn at Anzac and many died from head
wounds.
7. Capt. Gordon Mathison was the Regimental Medical
Officer of the 5th Battalion. At the second Battle of
Krithia, he was shot in the head outside his Regimental
Aid Post, while resting after a day and night's incessant
work. One of his stretcher bearers stated…”He lived
among us, just as if he was a private himself and that is
what the fellows liked.”
8. Capt. Archibald Scott-Skirving and was the son of the
famous Sydney surgeon, Robert Scott-Skirving. On the
outbreak of war, both father and son had travelled to
England and were commissioned in the Royal Army
Medical Corps. Archie became the Regimental Medical
Officer of the 5th Battalion after staging through the
island of Mudros and landed at Suvla Bay, just north of
Anzac. On 7th August 1915 they were attacking Hill 70,
losing 290 men wounded or missing-- among them
Scott-Skirving.
9. Capt. Anthony Corley, an Irishman, was from Western
Australia and was at the landing on April 25. He was
shot through the heart by a sniper at Snipers Post in
September 1915.
10. Lieutenant Paul Smith was a graduate from Sydney
University in 1911, having been in the University of
Sydney Scouts during his course, attached to their
Signals Section. On joining the AIF, he chose to serve in
the Signals, rather than as an RMO Captain. He landed
at Gallipoli on April 25 and the following day was
wounded in the knee on Plug’s Plateau; instead of
going to treatment, he led an attack on a Turkish
machine-gun post and, whilst doing this, was shot in
the head. He was later ‘Mentioned in Dispatches’.
This is just a small picture of the dedicated Australian
Army Medical Corps, involved in one theatre of operations
in World War I. Today, we remember and honour all those
members of the Medical Corps involved in the various
wars, where Australian troops served their country.
--------------------------------------------
Happy
Birthday
APRIL:
MAY:
“Scotty” BOYD, Kevin CARTER, David COOPER OAM, Richard
FORD, David FRANCIS, Brian HARTLEY, James HOOLAN Jr.,
Neville JOHNSON, Stuart JONES, Anthony JORDAN, John
LASTOVICKA, Igor LEMECH, Greg LEWIS-PHILLIPS, Don MELVILLE,
Maurice PORTER, Karen PHILLIPS, John PRICE, Dr. Bob REID, Bill
RYLANDS, Dr. Michael TYQUIN and Thomas VELLA.
Alan BECKERLEG, George CARUANA, John CHARTER, Pat CURRY,
Gordon CURTIS, Madeline EVES, Doreen FORD, Joe GATTY,
Victoria GORRIE, Ken ILES, Brian INMAN, Terry IRVINE, Bob LEECH,
Kathleen LOADSMAN, Dr. Richard NG, John PHILLIPS OAM,
Dr. Geoff PRIOR, Andrew ROTHFIELD, John TROY, Matthew
VERCOE and Don WIKNER.
JUNE:
Eileen HENDERSON, Dr. Jim ILIOPOULOS, Robert JAMES, Bill
JONES, Trish McGRATH, Tom McLANDERS, Bill THOMPSON,
Keveral TURNBULL and Ruth VAUDIN.
Our Association wishes each of you “All the Best” on your “special” day.
(Have you given me your month of birth?)
23

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24

MESSAGES FROM MEMBERS
John TROY enjoys reading all our
news and passes on his good wishes to
his friends in the Association.
He recently sent me much informa -
tion about his second cousin, the late
Capt. Winnie May Davis.
Winnie was a dentist’s receptionist in
Sydney before commencing nursing
training at the Royal Hospital for
Women in Paddington. She enlisted as
an army nurse in WW2 and embarked
for Singapore, in February 1941, with
the 2/10th Australian General Hospital.
Winnie was Sister-in-Charge of one
section.
Who would have foreseen the utter
terror that was to descend on this idyllic
island in December 1941.
The Japanese had launched
‘surprised’ massive air attacks on Pearl
Harbour and Singapore with land
occupation of Singapore to quickly
follow!
The CO of the Australian Forces in
Singapore, Maj. Gen. Gordon Bennett,
refused to give the order to evacuate
the nurses on the grounds it would
lower civilian morale but Lt. Col. A.P.
Derham (ADMS) issued instructions that
as many nurses as possible should be
sent out with the casualties that were
being evacuated.
When it became apparent that
Singapore would fall to the Japanese,
half the nurses were ordered to leave,
with the remainder staying to tend to
the many wounded and injured.
The docks were a prime target for
the Japanese fighter and bomber
planes.
Some managed to get aboard the
vessel, “Wah Sui”, which miraculously
made it back to Australia. Some were on
the “Empire Star” which was mercilessly
strafed by Japanese fighter aircraft that
killed and wounded many on board—it
also, somehow, made it back to
Australia.
Others, including Winnie, were sent
to the ill-fated “Viner Brooke”, originally
built to carry 12 passengers.
The vessel carried 265 frightened
people, mainly women and children,
and 65 Australian Army Nurses.
Eye-witness accounts tell of this ship
departing on Thursday night (12th
February 1942) and seeing the des -
truction, carnage and burning fires
along the length of Singapore.
At about 2pm on the 14th February,
the ship was strafed and bombed
unmercifully by Japanese fighter planes.
The Captain, R.E.Borton OBE, gave the
order to “Abandon Ship” and she sank in
about 15 minutes. 12 nurses drowned.
Winnie, and others that could,
jumped into the sea and made for
whatever was floating. The Japanese
fighter planes still circled and strafed
those floundering in the water!
There are many tales of heroism and
sadness in the “Viner Brooke” incident,
especially what happened to 22 nurses
(including Sr. Vivian Bullwinkle) who
made it safely to shore on Banka Island,
only shortly afterwards to be all frogmarched
back into the sea until they
were about waist-deep and then all
(except Bullwinkle) were unmercifully
mur dered by Japanese machinegunners.
In Winnie’s case, she was one of the
remaining 31 nurses who had ‘drifted’
away from the 22 who landed on Banka
Island.
17 hours they were in the water
before reaching shore and then they
were taken prisoner by the Japanese, to
Muntok.
For three-and-a-half years, Winnie
and the other nurses endured un speak -
able hardship. Of the 32 nurses in
Muntok, eight died. The remaining 24
nurses were repatriated back to
Australia.
Sadly, Winnie was not one of them—
she died of her illness on the 19th July
1945 at Loeboek, Linggau Camp, just a
few short weeks from the end of the war
with Japan.
An “Appreciation” (by E.J.F.)
….Syringa time! The snowy petals
redolent with their delicate fragrance
wafted on the breeze and, in memory’s
garden, we see again a life, as sweet and
beautiful as these fragile blossoms,
drifting heavenwards.
Winnie Davis, beloved by all, gave of her
best and for the sake of suffering
humanity paid the Supreme Sacrifice in
a far-off land, the victim of a relentless
foe.
In the glory of the sunset we shall picture
her again, going down the path of light
and waving her torch, so softly echoes
her ‘good-bye’
“So we’ll not fret, nor look back, dear;
But march right on, content and bold,
To where our sun sets heavenly clear--
Westward! Beyond the hills of gold.”
Capt. Winnie May Davis, NX70498,
was interred in the Palembang Dutch
War Cemetery, Sumatra but in 1962 she
was transferred to the Djakarta War
Cemetery.
As a Memorial to Winnie, her name
appears on the Cenotaph in the Memo -
rial Park at Ulmarra, Grafton, and also on
the Grafton High School Honour Board
and in the Australian War Memorial,
Canberra.
There is, also in her memory, a
Stained Glass window in the War
Memorial Hospital, Waverley (NSW).
All the names of the nurses who
served with her are on the Roll of
Honour in the Nurses Memorial Chapel,
in Westminster Abbey, London.
(My kind thanks to John for all the
wonderful information he sent me about his
cousin, Winnie May Davis.)
---------------------------------
Huss MAHOMET sends his good
wishes to his friends in the Association.
He received a huge “surprise” on the
21st April when his daughter, Claire,
organised an afternoon tea at the
Wallacia Golf Club.
Both Claire and her sisters, Donna
and Judith, had contacted relatives and
friends to have a “Farewell” for Huss
and Judy because they had sold their
home at Bringelly and were to move
to sunny Queensland, where they will
live with their other daughter, Katherine
and her family. This happened on the
26th April.
What a great afternoon it turned out
to be. Claire was fortunate enough to
secure the venue in between Huss’s
dialysis treatments (3 times a week) and
his face beamed when he and his wife,
Judy, came into the room and saw our
happy faces grinning back at him.
Yes, he has lost weight but not that
much, as he was never a big man (only
in frame but not in heart). We presented
him with a “Farewell” card which we had
signed and I read out a very sincere
message from one of his past CO’s
(LTCOL Bob REID).
The card also contained many
apologies from his army mates who
could not be with him on the day.
It was a beautiful afternoon to begin
with but when we started to depart later
in the afternoon no one could leave the
Club due to this torrential downpour
that lasted for about ½ an hour. Ruth
and I got ‘soaked’ just running 20 metres
to our car.
25

The picture shows:
SITTING (L/R): Fred Bell, Huss & Judy, Ruth
Curry, Margaret Fiorentino.
STANDING (L/R): Peter (Tommo) Thomp son,
Alan Curry, Maureen Weaver, Brian Tams,
Nelson Fiorentino, John Weaver, Margaret
Dougherty and Gail Tams.
Their daughter Claire recently
e-mailed me Huss and Judith’s new
address. Huss has already begun dialysis
three days a week – Mondays, Wed nes -
days and Fridays – from 7am to 1pm. He
has to travel to the Royal Brisbane
Hospital, temporarily, whilst waiting for
a position at the Redcliffe Hospital,
which will mean only about a 10 min.
travel from their home. Huss’s new
address is 635 Oxley Avenue, Scar bo -
rough QLD 4020.
I recently sent an e-mail to those of
us who are friends of Huss to ask if they
would be interested in joining me to
purchase a memento. His friend Nelson
Fiorentino suggested a pewter mug
which I duly purchased.
I had our supplier attach to the mug
a RAAMC badge and a RAASC badge
(Huss was a member of both the Medical
Corps and the Service Corps).
I had the following inscribed on the
(below) mug… “2127067 SGT Hussen
MAHOMET. 5th Field Ambulance RAAMC
Association. From all your army buddies -
1958-2012”
I sent a ‘thank you’ e-mail to all those
members who responded to my call. By
the time Huss reads this magazine he
will hopefully be enjoying an ice-cold
beer from the mug and reflecting on his
time in the army, with his mates.
(Thank you, Huss and Judy, for your
friendship over all the years and your very kind
donation for Life Membership. Thank you,
Claire, when you read this, for what you did. To
Huss—we are thinking of you and Judith.)
-------------------------------------
Bruce WHITTET sends his good
wishes to his friends in the Association.
He, among other members, emailed me
with the sad news of his friend’s passing
— that of well-known and respected
Naval Surgeon, Rear Admiral Graeme
Shirtley.
Bruce fondly remembers serving
with Graeme as Leading Sick Berth
Attendants on HMAS Stalwart in 1972
when he came on board as a Reservist,
for a month, during a university break.
Bruce recalls the fact when Graeme
was serving as Outpatients MO at HMAS
Penguin, when he was a Reservist LSBA,
and his Surgeon Captain saw that a
WRAN was a doctor, he made Graeme a
Lieutenant Surgeon that afternoon.
Bruce concluded his email…”Vale a dear
mate and a great man”.
(Thank you Bruce. I never met Graeme
but he certainly was held in high regard by
a lot of our members and the ADF personnel
generally.)
--------------------------------
David PHILLIPS sends his kind
regards to his friends in the Association.
He, also, was a friend of RADM Graeme
Shirtley and kindly emailed me the
following that was sent to him;
“Today a great man died. As we all
know Admiral Shirtley contributed greatly
and tirelessly to the cause of the Defence
Health Service. Two days a week he would
put aside the personal financial benefit of
working in his own private practice, to
serve the Nation as Surgeon General and
Surgeon General Reserves. He was a
strong advocate for the troops under his
command and addressed many issues
that impeded the deployment of our
members with respect to insurance in war
zones and somewhat ameliorating the
financial loss which all members suffer on
deployment, which is particularly hard for
younger members with young families.
Rear Admiral Shirtley took a great
interest in the improvement and advance -
ment of training and demonstrated this by
regularly attending Professional Develop -
ment events where his insights and con -
tribution to the discussions were always
appreciated.
He worked hard to establish con tacts
who could facilitate training in advanced
surgical techniques and to enable access
to the cutting edge facilities available in
the USA. Rear Admiral Shirtley’s death is a
great loss the ADF.”
There was a lot more information in
David’s Email but it reflected what COL
John Overton OAM said in his eulogy for
Graeme.
(Thank you David, for forwarding me the
details of your friend, Graeme’s passing. He had
a great many friends in the ADF.)
-------------------------------
Michael TYQUIN sends his good
wishes to his friends in the Association.
He has just completed his new book,
titled “Gallipoli - An Australian Medical
Perspective”.
Michael’s book deals with the
medical aspects during the Gallipoli
cam paign. It will show that the under -
lying execution of the Dardanelles cam -
paign were factors wholly outside the
control of the Australian Army Medical
Services.
It deals with the tragic and some -
times avoidable errors that were made
at the highest level of command with its
subsequent pressures on the Australian
Army Medical Services.
It should be remembered that the
amphibious operation of this type and
scale was without parallel in modern
military history and mistakes were
inevit able, as they are with any cam -
paign of such complexity.
In many respects the Gallipoli cam -
paign was a doomed undertaking. Com -
munications at the time were primitive,
while general staff officers had little
under standing of their own army’s
medical assets or the needs of a large
medical organisation.
Michael's book explores these com -
plexities and mistakes through the eyes
of the infant Australian Army Medical
Corps.
His book is due for release on 1st
August 2012 and our Association wishes
Michael every success with it.
It will be released through “Big Sky
Publishing P/L” for $19.99. Any of our
members wanting more information
regarding this book please contact me.
(Thank you Michael for sending me this
information and I am sure it will be well
received.)
--------------------------------
David EMANUEL wrote a short
letter, and also enclosed his subs. He
enjoys reading the newsletters.
(Thank you David for your subs and the
nice comments.)
-------------------------------
John ROCHE and his brother, James,
marched together on Anzac Day down
in the southern highlands at Sutton
Forest. After the March (of about 100
yards), John was asked to give a theme
talk in the Reservist's Park. His ‘talk’ was
based on the 10 doctors killed in action
26

in the Gallipoli. He said Jim and Kath had
been a great help. (Read John’s “Address”
on page 22).
He praised the Chevalier Cadets for
mounting the Catafalque Party at the
Dawn Service at Bowral and then at the
Main service at Bundanoon at the 10am
Ceremony.
John wrote that James had come
down the night before and that the
whole area had a ‘blackout’ so that the
next morning it was ‘no light and a cold
water shave’ – (recalling the ‘Diggers’ at
ANZAC).
He said that most of the ‘Nasho’s and
Reservists’ later attended the 10am
Ceremony at Mittagong but not before
the Laird’s wife (Nerida) had served hot
tea/coffee and ANZAC biscuits.
Any money donated was given to
Legacy, and the Laird (Mr. Garry Barns -
ley) of course, produced the usual bottle
of whiskey and ‘threw away the cork’.
Those present ‘Toasted’ the 9RAR in
Vietnam (most had served with them)
followed by another ‘Toast’ to WW1 in
Passchendaele.
The photos below show John and
James in the March, and John joining in
on the ‘Toasts’ afterwards.
John also attached a cutting titled:
”Bringing in the 18th at Hill 60” (with
thanks to Graeme Hoskin, Dubbo). This
ill-fated attack reminded Mr Andrew
Willetts of Dubbo that his relative,
George Long, was awarded the Military
Medal for rescuing wounded from no
man's land in the aftermath of the attack
on 22nd August 1915.
George Long came from Hamilton,
NSW, and served with the 5th Field
Ambulance. By the time of the Armistice
he had been transferred to the 12th
Field Ambulance with the rank of
lieutenant and had been awarded the
Meritorious Service Medal.
The citation for the Military Medal
read-- Sgt 2862 George Herbert Long
recommended for the award of the
military medal for the following action:
“on the morning of 22nd August
1915 at Gallipoli after the attack on Hill
60 trenches by the 18th Battalion and
their retirement from some of the
captured trenches, a number of
wounded were left in the open. At dusk
Captain Savage of the 5th Field Ambu -
lance acted at once and called for
volunteers and organised the parties
under Sgt Long and with these bearers
went into the open to search and bring
in wounded under continuous rifle fire
and shrapnel fire the whole time during
the night. They continued in bright
moonlight to go out in search of more
wounded. The search continued the
following night and they brought in over
30 of our wounded men. On one occa -
sion Sgt Long, Cpl Smith and Private
Bryant went almost to the enemy
trenches, the New Zealanders holding
their fire, and brought in a wounded
man.”
Warrant Officer George Long went
on to be Mentioned in Dispatches on
4th October 1916: “this NCO has always
shown himself in long and steady work
as being most capable and has proved
himself in emergencies by his example in
the front line. I have recommended him
before for particular acts of bravery”.
George's Meritorious Service Medal
was awarded for:
“this Warrant Officer has done long
and very meritorious service in the field
and has been with the unit since its
inception. As Warrant Officer General
Duties he has done outstanding work.
Tactful and a good administrator, he
has worked at all times to uphold and
strengthen the unit. When his duties
have lain with the bearers in the forward
area he has carried out his work
regardless of his personal safety. His
work and example have been of the
greatest value to the ambulance.”
After the war, George returned to
working with the New South Wales
government railways and became a
long serving engine driver.
(Thank you John for your letter, photos and
the “Address” and the attachment on Sgt
George Long. I am sure that when his relatives
(Amy and Matt Long) see this they will be
thrilled.)
----------------------------
Philip McGRATH passes on the
good wishes to all his friends in the
Association and enjoys reading all the
news. Philip is still busy with his medical
studies having just passed the second
part of his primary exam (pharma -
cology) as well as a stint in cardiac
anaesthesia. He has had a great term
with multiple procedures and dealing
with critically ill patients.
Philip apologised for being away on
Anzac Day, as he is doing a cycling tour
of Vietnam during the last week of April
and the first week of March. He is also
going to Cambodia to see Angkor Watt,
on his way back home. He is really
looking forward to the trip. His last
overseas trip was a trek on the Kokoda
Track, which he did three years ago.
Philip closed by saying that he hopes
all the members have a good day for the
ANZAC March and at the reunion lunch
afterwards.
(Thank you Philip for your letter. You and
your mum will be missed on Anzac Day, but we
hope your journey through Vietnam is a safe
and memorable one. We look forward to your
thoughts on your trip when you return home
safely.)
--------------------------
Barry & Heather PERIGO enjoy
reading our newsletters. Our recent
ANZAC (AUTUMN issue) Newsletter
always brings home very special memo -
ries of her brother — whom she never
got to know. Her story is below:-
“Robert John Sims was born on the
28th of December 1923 in Camden at
Nurse Taplin’s “Welbourne” Maternity
Hospital in Oxley Street. He was
baptised on 7th January 1924 at St.
John’s Anglican Church, Camden by
Rev. Cecil J. King.
He was the eldest child of John and
Jane Sims who immigrated in 1922 from
Ireland and Scotland on the SS Ballarat.
They worked on farms in the Camden
area during this time. Those farms
included those owned by the Porter
Brothers, McMillans, Smarts but they
worked the longest for the Downes
Brothers (Edgar, Rupert & Nubie) at
Brownlow Hill.
Robert (Bob) began primary school
in Cobbitty Public School, prior to the
family moving to their own property at
Bringelly in 1933 where he continued
his schooling at Bringelly Public School
and then proceeded to Camden High
School where he finished his education.
He used to ride his pushbike there
approx. 16 miles each way.
During this time the family pro -
ceeded to grow with siblings Milton,
June and Lexie being born.
Robert joined the Navy on 3rd March
1941 after a short stint of farming at
27

“Kelvin” in Bringelly. He did his naval
training at Cerberus in Cribb Point,
Victoria.
He served on HMAS Maitland then
HMAS Perth followed by a brief duty on
HMAS Kuttabul, whilst the HMAS Perth
was being refitted.
It’s recorded that he had 1 day’s
shore leave at the time of his sister
Heather Colleen’s birth on December 12
1941. After the war, on 4 November
1947, one last sister, Roberta Ellen, was
born and named in his memory.
He rejoined the HMAS Perth on the
27th December 1941 in Garden Island
Sydney, just one day prior to his 18th
birthday.
The HMAS Perth was due to sail from
Fremantle on Friday, the 13th of Feb -
ruary 1942 but due to the Captain’s
superstitions the ship left at 12.15am on
the 14th February 1942.
This was the last trip for the HMAS
Perth and we lost Bob on the 1st of
March 1942 in the Battle of Java Sea
(Sunda Strait).
As this year is the 70th anniversary of
his passing, we approached Mr Andy
Wright of the Camden RSL Sub-Branch
who arranged for a brass plaque to be
made for the Memorial Rose Garden.
Our family attended the installation of
the plaque last Sunday which was
carried out by Mr Peter Petith and
Robert’s newphew, Simon Perigo. The
family also attended this week’s Anzac
Day Dawn Service.
Our family are very proud of all the
servicemen who have served our
country in the past (and present) and we
are grateful to the Camden RSL Sub-
Branch for helping us to honour Bob. His
passing was a tremendous loss to our
family, still felt today, especially by his
surviving sisters Heather Colleen and
Roberta Ellen.”
(Thank you Heather, for your very thought -
ful ‘cuttings’ (see below) about your brother,
Robert.)
--------------------------------
James ROCHE wrote to say he and
Mary are very busy ‘moving house’. They
are moving a short distance away to a
much smaller home and land which will
be a big PLUS for them. Jim said their
home is a ‘turmoil’ at the moment with
all the packing etc.
Jim sent me some information on
William Elphinstone KAYE. (I had ‘serial -
ised’ this very interesting story, in 4 episodes, in
our Newsletters of Dec. ’05, Apr. ’06, Jun. ’06
and Sep. ’06.)
(Thank you, James, for your letter. We hope
that when you read this that you and Mary will
be ‘settled in’ at your new home.)
-----------------------------
James JORDAN sends his good
wishes to all the members. Jim is
President of his National Service Sub-
Branch (Oxley) in the Tamworth area.
Recently they organised a visit from
their local Ambulance Station where
their ‘guest speaker’, Mr. Ray Tait, gave a
very informative talk and demonstration
on the “Defibrillator Machine. The very
positive effects of this ‘talk’ was a
successful “Grant” of $3,025 made by
the Government for the purchase of a
“Zoll Defibrillator”.
Their Sub-Branch meets at the South
Tamworth Bowling Club and they
approached the “Board” to install the
machine so that, in the unfortunate
event that it may have to be used on a
member or visitor to the Club, a trained
member of the staff could attend to the
emergency. The entire “Board” gave the
proposal a UNANIMOUS “YES” vote—
the defibrillator is now installed in the
Club.
On another item, their local news -
paper, “Northern Daily Leader”, in their
7th April edition, reported that the
Oxley Sub-Branch of the National Ser -
vice men’s Association again invited all
the community to ‘donate’ for “Soldier
Parcels” to be distributed to “Unknown
ADF Personnel” who were serving in
various countries overseas.
The community response was so
overwhelming that contributions were
given so that 175 parcels were dis -
28

patched (last year they dispatched 107).
Jim remarked that many people were
asking …”Are you doing it again?”
(Thank you James, for your email. What a
great effort from your Sub-Branch. You and
your members are to be congratulated.)
-----------------------------
John DAVIES sends his good wishes
to his friends in the Association. He
recent ly responded, as did many other
members, to be included in purchasing
the pewter mug for Huss.
He also recently wrote about his son
and his wife selling their Autobarn
franchise in Wagga, and they departed,
shortly after, for a short holiday to
Phuket.
John had a very unnerving phone
call from them from a phone in their
hotel room, to tell them of an enormous
8.9 earthquake that was occurring as
she spoke. Everyone was made to
evacuate the hotel to be taken to higher
ground, where they sat for 4 hours
fighting off ‘mozzies’ and wondering
what they were doing in a place like
this?
If that wasn't enough, the following
week they had Karen and her husband
Rick along with their children Molly and
Flynn, flying off to unsettled FIJI? It was
having awful floods at that time and not
to mention the political instability—we
had our fingers crossed for them!
John and Moira recently attended a
wedding in Canberra and John took the
opportunity to visit the Australian War
Memorial. He took the opportunity to
research a little more on his uncle Doug,
who was lost at sea when his ship was
sunk by the Japanese. He discovered
that his uncle is buried in the Labuan
Memorial Cemetery which is on a small
island in part of Sabah, Malaysia (in
Brunei Bay) off the coast of Borneo.
While John was down that way, he
sighted a book by Don Wall called
“Heroes at Sea” and he has currently
borrowed this book from his local city
library. He finds it most interesting
because people from the Wagga and
Urana area are mentioned. Relatives of
the Hounsell family (who are mentioned
in the book) are known to John and
Moira.
(Thank you John, for your e-mail. I am
pleased that your family are all back home safe
and well.)
----------------------------
Andrew ELLIS sends his good
wishes to his friends in the Association.
He wrote to apologise for missing the
ANZAC Day march with us due to being
called to 3 hospital ‘cases’ at the Royal
North Shore Hospital.
He said he was pleased to be asked
to do a speech at the ANZAC Day
ceremony held at Lane Cove.
(Thank you for your e-mail Andrew. You
were missed this year, but as you saidhopefully-next
year.)
-----------------------------
John WEAVER enjoys reading all the
news and said his good wishes to his
friends in the Association. He wrote to
say that their son, Michael, entered a
photo competition for ANZAC Day and
it WON! John said that Michael handdrew
the photo in ‘Photoshop’. (See
below—the words read “Dad, though I never
knew you I always loved you. H”)
(Thank you John, what an insightful photo.
Well done, Michael)
-----------------------------
John GALLAGHER passes on his
good wishes to his friends in the
Association.
John saw us on ANZAC Day and gave
us a hearty cheer when our Association
passed him. He wrote that he normally
does not march but enjoys watching all
the units marching by.
This year he accompanied his good
friend and a friend of our Association, Dr
Mick Campion, as they marched with
the Peacekeeper group.
John remarked that Mick has been
on many deployments in the past 20
years, as a surgeon. They later raised a
glass in honour of an RAAMC nursing
sister whom they served with in East
Timor. She was killed in 2005 when the
helicopter she was in crashed at Nias
Island.
John also met up with his dad's
artillery unit from WW2. There were only
two left that were able to march. Five of
them went in a Land Rover. John has
met with them over the last 50 years as
his dad would take him to their
reunions.
John said he had a lot to do with the
medics in East Timor when he was based
with the RAAMC medical evacuation
flight that had two helicopters which
were ‘on call’ 24/7.
They used the same airfield, Comoro,
which was set up by the Portuguese in
the 1930s and not updated since. John
said it is like the airfield ‘set’ in the
Humphrey Bogart film “Casablanca”.
The same airfield was used by the
Japanese in WW2 to launch their air
attacks on Darwin in 1942.
Strange as it was, John found himself
playing a game of ‘touch footy’ against
members of a Japanese Combat En -
gineer ing Battalion. They were 600 fit,
strong and very ‘footy’ mad. They beat
us 7-5. (John doesn't think they are
taught any war history in their schools.)
He said they were very task focused
and committed to getting the job done
in the fastest and best way possible. He
said this Battalion was the first Japanese
army unit to serve outside Japan since
WW 2 and went on to serve in Iraq.
John said the day he arrived in East
Timor he celebrated his 39th birthday.
The other 18 Australians that served on
the U.N. HQ thought I was older! (I told
them that working on the Sydney
waterfront tended to make one look
older than they are?)
He said that one of the RAAF doctors
in the Med Air Evac team told him he
had been a Caribou pilot in Vietnam.
When the war ended, the RAAF
‘shortened up’ a lot of pilots, but a
Doctor mate talked the RAAF into
putting him through medical school,
and he has been a RAAF reservist doctor
ever since.
He said he was called out late one
night to a remote village in the
mountains of Timor and delivered a
breeched birth baby in the ‘chopper’, as
it flew over central Timor mountain
range, about 2am. He said many Timor -
ese women in these remote villages die
in childbirth because they are so small
and breach birth problems are common.
John's cousin is a civilian nursing
sister and volunteered to serve in the
Ryder-Cheshire Hospital in a village
called Tibar, about 15 km out of Dili. The
hospital was set up by Leonard Cheshire
VC after WW2 and the Ryder-Cheshire
Foundation runs small hospitals in Third
World countries with very little funding.
John said “they” frequently donated
‘surplus rations and medical supplies’ to
this hospital.
29

The hospital mainly looks after the
elderly Timorese and young patients
with fractures – usually caused from
falling out of coconut trees. John said
they don't use plaster casts for the
fractures as the skin rots under the
plaster in the tropical heat. He said it
seems cruel to see little kids getting
around with a steel rod through their
fractured limb, but he said they are
tough kids, all small, like their parents,
due to centuries of semi-starvation
diets.
John related the story of an old
Aussie ‘bushie’ named Tom, who spent
two years at Tibar volunteering as the
maintenance manager. He set up fruit
and veggie gardens, repaired fresh -
water, sewerage and draining facilities,
generators etc and just generally
helping out.
He said they gave him one of our
great RSL Care Packages and John
opened it in front of the three Aussie
nurses, on the staff at Tibar. He was
proudly displaying the cakes, lollies,
chewing gum, socks, undies etc, until he
embar rassingly came across the
condoms! (used by us for keeping the
dust out of our rifle barrels!).
John said Tom occasionally drank a
little of the local palm wine-which used
to knock him around a bit. He said they
made Tom an ‘Honorary Mess Member’
and he, and the Tibar nurses, came into
our “Dengue Bar” at the Crocodile Alley
UN camp every week or so for a couple
of ice-cold Crown Lagers (smuggled in
from Darwin by some ‘bad’ UN Canadian
pilots).
John later heard that Tom had
returned home to his North Coast home
after two years of voluntary unpaid
service and died, suddenly, from a heart
attack two weeks later.
John said not all ANZACs wear a
uniform. Tom's name should have been
put on a Memorial that we had set up in
ANZAC Cove (an area inside the UN HQ
barracks), to honour the Australians,
New Zealanders, Irish and British.
John said there were about 20
names on the Memorial, including five
Kiwis who were killed in clashes on the
border and an Irish soldier from his
Ranger unit. He shot himself after
receiving a “Dear Sean” letter.
John thought the 2/2nd Commando
Company was based at Tibar in WW2,
prior to the Japanese arriving in East
Timor. He said in early 1942, a group of
about 20 commandos were ambushed
near Tibar.
They were unarmed and going on
leave, by truck, to Dili. They were
unaware the Japanese had landed and
thought the shooting they heard was
from the Portuguese troops on the firing
range.
John said a book called “Craido” was
written by their troop commander who
had stayed in camp and escaped the
ambush. The few who survived and the
badly wounded were held and tortured
in the cells in the Portuguese police
station which the Japs used as their HQ.
John said…. ”Ironically, the Aust -
ralian UN HQ used the this same building
in 2003 when I was there”.
John said “Craido” was the name of
the Timorese guides who helped the
2/2nd Commando Company evade
capture by the Japs, thus enabling them
to carry on guerrilla warfare against the
invaders for nearly 2 years.
John said the very rugged country in
the hills and mountains inland from Dili
reminds him of the bush around Kuring-
Gai Chase, near the Hawkesbury River.
He said there are even gum trees and
dingoes in Timor as well as monkeys and
crocodiles. He finds it amazing that the
Australians were able to survive in this
country and carry out the guerrilla
warfare against the Japanese invaders.
John said we would not have been suc -
cessful without the help of the Timorese
people, many of whom were killed by
the Japanese for supporting the Aust -
ralians. Maybe we are helping to repay
the debt?
(Thank you John for sharing your very
absorbing story of part of your time during your
tour of duty.)
------------------------------
Rob STEWART sent his good wishes
to his friends in the association.
Robert sent a card to thank us for
forwarding our last newsletter to his
new address in the ACT. He celebrated
ANZAC Day at a Commemorative
Service at the Australian War Memorial
and enclosed a photo of part of the
ANZAC Day march. It shows quite a
group, marching behind the RAAMC
banner. (See below photo.)
(Thank you Robert. We hope you are
enjoying your new surroundings as it is a
complete ‘sea change’ from Randwick in New
South Wales. We look forward to seeing you at
our yearly reunion in November.)
Brett FERRARI sends his good
wishes to his friends in the association,
as does his wife Jacki (Willis).
They were in George Street and
watched us go by in the ANZAC Day
march and said the soldiers and our
contingent look good, well-dressed and
in step. He enjoyed seeing Darren
Waterson but didn't see Mike Moroney.
(Thank you Brett, you were obviously
referring to the ‘stuff up’ when our banner was
about one hour ahead of the main grouping of
the Medical Corpsl! See our ANZAC Day
summary!)
-------------------------
Scotty BOYD passes on the good
wishes to his friends in the association.
He contacted me recently in regard
to “Bat” Andrew’s request for any Tas -
manian members of ours to join the
RAAMC Association Inc. Scotty wrote
back that he is already a member, but
said most of his mates are in the north of
Tasmania. A lot are in their 70s and not
all that keen, those who are, are in their
National Servicemen's Association but
said that some of the 10th Field Ambu -
lance members shifted over to be with
artillery and infantry associations. Scotty
attended the ANZAC Day ceremony in
Launceston.
I wrote and asked Scotty if he would
like to let me have his life story for a
future publication in the magazine. He
has since done this and I am grateful for
the effort he put in. I hope when our
members read your story they will enjoy
it as much as I did.
(Thank you Scotty and have a safe trip.
Perhaps you can give us your thoughts about
this when you return.)
------------------------------
Frank LANG sends his good wishes
to all his friends in the Association.
Recently, he and his wife, Val, joined
a wonderful ‘Expedition Ship’ named
“Spirit of Adventure”. It is a small
passenger vessel (200 passengers) and
was doing a WW 2 Military and History
cruise to many places including the
South Pacific Islands of Indonesia,
Malaysia and the Philippines.
The cruise departed from Brisbane in
January this year and finished, 6 weeks
later, in Hong Kong.
They enjoyed this trip immensely
and promptly ‘booked’ on a smaller
vessel (25 passengers) in April, to visit as
well, New Britain, Rabaul and New
Ireland.
Frank said the ‘highlights’ were
many. Being a visit to Milne Bay where
we went over the ground and listened
to the history and tactics of the epic
battle in Aug/Sep 1942, where our
30

Australian troops inflicted the first major
loss to be suffered by the Japanese
invaders.
Then a trip to Sabah-Malaysia-North
Borneo, where we spent a few days. We
visited Sandakan—the site of the
notorious POW camp where the
infamous ‘death marches’ to Ranau took
place, prior to the end of the war in
1945.
Our ship organised a small Com -
memoration Ceremony at the Sandakan
Memorial Park—2,400 POW’s perished
here—and I felt proud to be invited to
speak, to recite the Ode and lay a
wreath.
On our recent 2nd trip we sailed
from Milne Bay and had a solemn
service at Rabaul on ANZAC Day in
remembrance of the invasion of Rabaul
70 years ago, in January 1942, by the
Japanese. Australia lost many lives,
mainly from “Lark Force”—the 2/22nd
Battalion and the Independent Com -
mando Company.
We also remembered the AIF which
captured Rabaul from the Germans in
Aug/Sep 1914 at the commencement of
WW1.
Frank said his father was a
‘volunteer’ member of that force before
going on to serve at Gallipoli, France
and Belgium—and why he and Val
wanted to take part in this 2nd trip.
Frank said they had many interest -
ing military history lectures at night and
visited many islands and coastal villages
by Zodiac during the day all the way up
the coast.
It was a most strenuous voyage for
those of us over 80 years of age, but well
worth being part of it.
The main Commemoration Services
were a few days before ANZAC Day.
Dawn Service at the Tol Plantation
where 160 Australian soldiers from Lark
Force were captured by the Japanese
three weeks after escaping the initial
Japanese invasion in Rabaul.
The soldiers were tied together in
threes and fours around the plantation
trees and then they were brutally
bayoneted. Only one escaped this
massacre. The Japanese involved were
mostly all killed later in the war in
New Guinea. I was honoured to recite
the “Ode to the Fallen” at this Service.
On ANZAC Day itself in Rabaul, we
attended the Dawn Service at the
monument of the PNG Volunteer Rifles
where several hundred people had
gathered. We then walked several
kilometres (as the roads were not
suitable for buses due to the volcanic
ash) to the harbour foreshore, for
another service to remember the 800
prisoners captured initially, who, with
several hundred European civilians,
including Nursing Sisters, Nuns, Mis sion -
aries and other residents of Rabaul were
loaded into the holds of the cargo
vessel, the “Montevideo Maru”, as slave
labour for Japanese mines in China.
The ship was sunk by an American
submarine thinking it was a Japanese
troop carrier. More than1,000 prisoners
were drowned as the Japanese crew did
not open the hatches before the ship
sank.
Some of the passengers on our ‘trip’
came because they had lost relatives on
the “Montevideo Maru”.
A ‘Gunfire Breakfast’ was served at
the nearby yacht club-- a large shed-like
2012
Fund-Raiser
We are only selling $1 Raffle
Tickets and whatever we receive
will be drawn at our Annual
“Mixed” Reunion Luncheon at the
Paddington RSL Club on the 24th
November (the last Saturday).
The WINNER will receive 50%
of what we collect. Our Com -
mittee thanks you in advance.)
---------------------------
building with a kitchen and many trestle
tables. We had scrambled eggs, bacon,
toast and coffee with rum and served to
some hundreds of people. After
breakfast we all embarked on a fleet of
small buses for the one and a half hour
trip to the new capital of Rabaul,
Kokopo, undamaged by the volcano, for
a final large Service at the Bitapaka War
Cemetery, to honour and remember The
Australian, PNG Volunteer Riflemen,
British and American servicemen who
were killed in the initial invasion by the
Japanese in 1942, or subsequently killed
in the recapture of new Britain near the
end of the war—all are buried here.
There is also a Monument in
Remembrance of the Australian
Expeditionary Force to Rabaul in
August/September 1914 when we lost
six servicemen. (The first being a young
army medical officer, Capt. Pockley).
As a retired member of the RAAMC I
was pleased to be asked to take a small
part in several of these many ANZAC
Commemorations; below is a photo of
Val and myself at the Rabaul Monument,
after the Dawn Service.
(Thank you, Frank, for sharing your trips
with us—the photo shows a good-looking,
happy couple.)
--------------------------------------
Sincere
Sympathy
Our Association passes on
its Sincere Sympathy to Theo
Dechaufepie on the recent sad
loss of his father. Theo is not
one of our members but is
known to many of us through
his involvement in the
RAAMC Association Inc. He
is President of the NSW
Branch and Vice President of
the Association Inc.
31

WORRYING PARENTS
(With kind thanks to member James Jordan—by email)
Is there a magic cut-off period when your kids
become accountable for their own actions?
Is there a wonderful moment when parents can
become detached spectators in the lives of their children
and shrug—“it’s their life”, and feel nothing?
When I was in my 20’s, I stood in a hospital corridor
waiting for doctors to put a few stitches in my daughter’s
head and I asked…”When do you stop worrying?” The
nurse said…”When they get out of the ‘accident’ stage”.
My dad just smiled faintly and said nothing.
When I was in my 30’s, I sat on a little chair in a classroom
and heard how one of my children talked
incessantly, disrupted the class, and was headed for a
career making license plates. As if to read my mind, a
teacher said…”Don’t worry, they all go through this stage
and then you can sit back, relax and enjoy them”.
My dad just smiled faintly and said nothing.
When I was in my 40’s, I spent a lifetime waiting for
the phone to ring, the cars to come home, the front door
to open.
A friend said…”They’re trying to ‘find’ themselves.
Don’t worry, in a few years you can stop worrying. They’ll be
adults.” My dad just smiled faintly and said nothing.
By the time I was 50, I was sick and tired of being
vulnerable, I was still worrying over my children but
there was a new wrinkle. There was nothing I could do
about it. My dad just smiled faintly and said nothing.
I continued to anguish over their failures, be
tormented by their frustrations and absorbed in their
dis appoint ments.
My friends said that when my kids got married I could
stop worrying and lead my own life. I wanted to believe
that, but I was haunted by my dad’s warm smile and his
occasional… ”You look pale. Are you alright? Call
me the minute you get home. Are you depressed about
something?
Can it be that parents are sentenced to a lifetime of
worry?
Is concern for one another handed down like a torch
to blaze the trail of human frailties and the fears of the
unknown?
Is concern a curse or is it a virtue that elevates us to
the highest form of life?
One of my children became quite irritable recently,
saying to me…”Where were you? I’ve been calling for 3
days and no one answered. I was worried”
I smiled a warm smile---The torch has been passed!
------------------------------------
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32

Items of Interest
(1) MEDIA RELEASES (With kind permission of the Depart -
ment of Defence — edited for space and in no particular date
order)
(i) EXERCISE “PRECISION SUPPORT”:
This was conducted in late November 2011, in Towns ville
and the Shoalwater Bay Training area. Its purpose was
to allow representatives of 21 Employer groups from
around Australia, to participate in a military exercise with
their employees who serve in the ADF Reserves.
The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, Senator David
Feeney, praised the initiative.
This exercise is part of a series of training exercises for the
Airfield Defence Guard. It involves the pre-deploy ment
training of the C-130 flight staff and flight crews
preparing for deployment to the Middle East Area of
Operations (MEA0).
The “Exercise” involves the employers participating as
civilian evacuees and medical patients within the
training scenarios at the Evacuation Handling Centre.
The employers also participate in weapons handling and
weapons training simulator systems, as well is observing
an Explosive Detection Dog display.
(ii)
-------------------------
SOLDIERS FAREWELLED—TO & FROM SOLOMON
ISLANDS DEPLOYMENT:
105 soldiers were farewelled by family and friends, in a
parade, in late November 2011 at Laverack Barracks in
Townsville.
The soldiers are predominantly from Queensland's 11th
Brigade and are mainly Reservists. They are the make-up
of Rotation 26 and relieved Rotation 25, who have been
in the Solomons since August 2011, as part of Combined
Task Force 635.
The official “Hand-over Ceremony” was held on 2nd
December2011, with the outgoing CO of CTF 635, LTCOL
Campbell Smith, praising the efforts of his force, drawn
mainly from reservists from 5th Brigade, which is based in
the ACT. The deployment is on “Operation Anode” and
involves troops from Australia, New Zealand, Papua
and New Guinea and Tonga.
The main role of the CTF is to support the Participating
Police Force to help ensure security in the Solomon
Islands as part of RAMSI (Regional Assistance Mission to
Solomon Islands).
------------------------------
(iii) ADF's CHIEF OF JOINT OPERATIONS PROVIDES
“UPDATE” FOR 2011.
LTGEN Ash Power held the ‘first time’ conference where
journalists attended at HQ Joint Operations Command,
in early December last year.
Gen Power said Australia was committed to supporting
the Afghan National Security Forces to take the lead for
security responsibility in Uruzgan Province.
He said …”we are setting up the Afghan 4th Brigade to
be prepared to start its transition process when ISAF
and the government of Afghanistan make the
determination that Uruzgan is ready to go.”
Gen Power said Uruzgan may be ready to transition
during 2012, but once Uruzgan is formally declared
ready for transition, it could take up to 18 months to
complete.
The military assessment is that the Afghan forces will be
ready to assume responsibility by the end of 2014. This is
in line with the agreement made by the Afghan
president, Hamid Karzai, and the ISAF of Heads of
Government at the 2010 Lisbon conference.
Gen Power also said that Defence is assisting
operations for the ADF commitment in Afghanistan
post-2014.
-----------------------
(iv) RAN-817 SQUADRON DECOMMISSIONED AFTER 48
YEARS CONTINUOUS SERVICE:
At a traditional naval ceremony in late December last
year, held at the Naval Air Station, HMAS Albatross,
Nowra, the Chief of Navy, Vice-Admiral Ray Griggs
reviewed the parade whilst the CO of 817 Squadron,
Cmdr. Paul Maggach led the parade.
817 Squadron has been the home of the Navy’s Wessex
and Sea King helicopters. The Sea Kings have operating
for the last 35 years.
----------------------------
(v)
HMAS CHOULES COMMISSIONED IN FREMANTLE IN
DECEMBER 2011:
The HMAS Choules (named after the longest World War
I naval survivor, Claude Choules, who passed away in
April 2011 at age 110) was purchased from the Royal
Navy as RFA Largs Bay.
The acquisition of this vessel will ensure the RAN has the
amphibious capability it needs for operational and
humanitarian support in our region, in the period
leading up to the arrival of the Royal Australian Navy's
LHD ships (Landing Helicopter Dock) in 2014 and 2015.
The HMAS Choules is 176 m long and has a crew of 158
officers and sailors. She has the equivalent cargo
capacity of HMAS Manoora, Kanimbla and Tobruk
combined.
She can accommodate 2 large helicopters, 150 light
trucks and 350 troops. She also carries 2 “Mexeflotes”
which are Landing Raft, designed to move goods and
vehicles between the ship and the shore.
-----------------------------
(vi) CHIEF OF DEFENCE FORCE HONOURS THE FALLEN IN
BELGIUM ON ANZAC DAY 2012:
Gen David Hurley attended the “Last Post” ceremony at
the historic Menin Gate in Belgium on ANZAC Day.
He was in Brussels to attend a series of NATO meetings
and was granted the rare permission to address the 97th
anniversary pre-ANZAC Day service.
He said all five divisions of the AIF, which included 60
Australian infantry battalions, had fought alongside
New Zealand and Belgian divisions during World War I.
Gen Hurley said today's military personnel were
inspired by the ANZAC legend. He said they work hard
and have a real sense of pride in the organisation.
-----------------------------
(vii) THE CHIEF OF ARMY, LTGEN DAVID MORRISON,
COMMEMORATES ANZAC DAY IN PNG:
It marks the 70th Anniversary of the WW 2 PNG
33

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34

Campaign. The Battle of Milne Bay, the Kokoda
campaign and the battle for the beachheads at Buna,
Gona and Sanananda.
LTGEN Morrison was accompanied by three veterans of
the 39th Battalion, together with their carers and an
army cadet from Southport School with links to the 39th
Battalion that fought on the Kokoda Track!
Their day started with a Dawn Service at the Bomana
War Cemetery, just north of Port Moresby and is the site
of 3,351 Australian War Graves. Later in the day, the
party made the trip up to the Isurava Memorial on the
Kokoda Track.
The 39th Battalion was a militia unit (Reserve Forces)
formed in Victoria in late 1941. In July 1942 elements of
the Battalion were the first Australians to engage the, as
yet, unconquered Japanese army troops, on the Kokoda
Track.
These elements of the 39th Battalion fought a series of
desperate and dogged delaying actions and now
remembered as “Those ragged, bloody heroes”.
----------------------------------
(viii) ARMY RESERVISTS WELCOMED HOME FROM TIMOR
LESTE:
Soldiers from the New South Wales-based 8th Brigade,
which were drawn from units based around northern
New South Wales for Task Force 3, were given an official
“Welcome Home” parade at Randwick Barracks on
April 24.
Government Ministers, Jason Clare MP and Mr Peter
Garrett MP praised the efforts of the soldiers who have
been on “Operation Astute” for the past eight months.
The parade also commemorated the tragic loss of one of
their members, craftsmen Beau Pridue, who died from
injuries after a vehicle accident occurred near the town of
Baucau in Timor Leste on September 15 last year.
“Operation Astute” is Australia's contribution to the
ISF, which remains in Timor Leste, at the invitation of
the government of Timor Leste, to provide support to
local security forces in maintaining a secure and
peaceful environment.
-------------------------
(ix) 547 SIGNAL TROOP — AWARD ENQUIRY INTO
VIETNAM SERVICE:
The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal is
to conduct an independent enquiry into 547 Signal
Troop's service in Vietnam from 1966 to 1971.
The troop was stationed at the Australian Task Force at
Nui Dat. Their job was radio signal tracking, inter -
ception and intelligence.
D H and A are enquiring whether it is appropriate that
members of the Troop be awarded the “Meritorious Unit
Citation” or another form of medal recognition for their
service.
D H and A were asking for members of the Troop, or other
interested parties, to make a submission. The sub mis -
sions closed on Friday, 1/6/2012. For further enquiries
contact (02) 6266. 3486.
------------------------------
(x) THE SHADOW 200—(A TACTICAL UNMANNED
AERIAL SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM):
This new system replaces the “ScanEagle”, which has
been in operation, in Afghanistan, since 2007.
“ScanEagle” has operated continuously on a 24/7 basis
and averaged 22 hours per day for the last four years
and 10 months.
It required 180 ADF personnel to support it. The majority
coming from the 20th Surveillance and Target
Acquisition Regiment, other units included 16 Air
Defence Regiment, Defence Imaging and Geo spatial
Organisation, 1st Topographical Survey Squadron and
16 Aviation Brigade.
“ScanEagle” has flown approximately 32,000 hours in
Afghanistan and over 6,200 missions in support of the
Reconstruction Task Force, Mentoring and Re -
construction Task Force, Mentoring Task Force,
Combined Team-Uruzgan and the Special Operations
Task Group.
-----------------------------
(xi) M1 A1 ABRAMS TANK LIFT—A FIRST FOR THE RAAF’S
C-17A:
For the first time a 61 tonne army tank has been carried
on the C-17A Globemaster 111 aircraft, whose total
payload is 70 tonnes!
The Abrams tank, which is one of the heaviest single lift
loads to be carried on the C-17A, was carefully loaded up
the cargo ramp to a precise position so as to allow flight
stability.
The C-17A and its load left Darwin on May 11 this year
and landed safely in north Queensland. The tank is to
take part in exercises in the Shoalwater Bay Field
Training area.
BRIG Gus Mclachlan, the Commander of 1st Brigade,
which is based in Darwin, said the airlift demonstrates
the high level of inter-operability now available between
the branches of the Defence Force.
This airlift is an important milestone which demonstrates
that we have the ability to deliver our forces with relative
ease, to any place where needed.
---------------------------
(xii) ADF HEALTH SPECIALISTS DEPLOY TO AFGHANIS -
TAN:
In early May this year, 8 health professionals deployed to
Afghanistan to provide medical support to the Role 3
medical facility at Kandahar. A further 8 will rotate later
in the year.
The professionals have been drawn from all three
services and are a combination of permanent and
reservists soldiers.
They include general surgeons, anaesthetists, Ortho -
paedic surgeons, perioperative nurses and intensive
care nurses.
The majority of the professionals are Reservists.
The Commander Joint Health-Rear Admiral Robin
Walker-- said the 16 professionals provide the capability
to deploy medical services, at short notice, to support
global ADF operations.
Their deployment follows a request from the US, which,
Commodore Walker said she was proud to be in the
position to support this request.
--------------------------
(2) DEFENCE HONOURS & AWARDS—Issue 12 of 2012:
• It is an offence to wear a Service Decoration that the
wearer is not entitled, by the Australian government, to
wear. This includes Foreign Decorations unless the
wearer has been approved by the Australian govern -
ment that he may wear it. There is a procedure to be
followed, which begins by filling in an Application
Form.
• Also, where there has been recognised a change of
service e.g. non-warlike to warlike, those personnel who
were entitled to receive, or received, the Australian
Service Medal would now be entitled to receive, after
35

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36

handing back their ASM, the Australian Active Service
Medal (AASM).
• Were you a member of the Australian Women's Land
Army? (AWLA). Formed on 27/7/1942. If so, the
government is considering further recognition for your
invaluable service on the land when agricultural
labourers left to join the services in World War II. These
considerations include a Commemorative Brooch and a
Certificate to recognise your service in the AWLA, as well
as a Commemorative History booklet on the AWLA.
----------------------------------------
(3) SPITFIRE SQUADRON FOUND BURIED IN BURMA.
(With kind thanks to member Alan Beckerleg and the Telegraph
Group-London)
It appears that a chance remark made, about 15 years ago, by
a group of US veterans, sparked interest in aviation
archaeologist, Jim Pearce. They had remarked…”We’ve
done some pretty silly things in our times, but the silliest
was burying those Spitfires!”
Jim told his friend, David Cundell this story and David has
now spent nearly $200,000 of his money and has visited
Burma 12 times, building up trust in government circles and
in a dwindling band of Far East veterans in an endeavour to
locate these Spitfires.
David knew that the planes would have been shipped to
Burma in crates. They would have been waxed and wrapped
in greased paper and all joints tarred, to protect them
against the elements.
David has now FOUND the Spitfires but has not disclosed
their location. He had a bore-hole sunk and a camera has
confirmed the ‘find’.
It seems that in August 1945 an ‘Order’ was given to ‘bury’ 12
Mark XIV Spitfires without unpacking them. It is also possible
that a further 8 were buried in December 1945.
David is hopeful that Burma’s President, Mr. Thein Sein, will
grant permission to dig for the crates very soon.
---------------------------
(4) NEWSLETTERS have been received from the following;
Rats of Tobruk Association (Vic Branch)- April 2012,
National Boer War Memorial Association and from our
member in the US (James Hoolan Jr.) Crossroads of the Corps
(The magazine of the Marines’ Memorial Association).
If any member would like to read their very informative news,
I would be happy to post it, or them, to you at no cost.
(The Boer War Memorial committee in particular, is seeking
donations to erect a fitting monument in the ACT on Anzac
Parade. If any member would like to help them in this way
please contact me for further details.)
-----------------------------
(5) EASTERN REGION HISTORY COMMITTEE—Meeting
Highlights, Feb 2012:
• recognised the worth of the late John Straskye OAM,
who passed away in February 2012, by donating their
print of the Sudan to Afghanistan painting by Martin
Campbell, to the RAAMC in memory of John, who
commissioned it.
• The attendance of about 450 people at the Unveiling
Ceremony-a clay sculpture of Simpson and his donkeyat
the ADF Health Service Memorial in South Australia on
February 9. It is displayed at the Angas Memorial
Gardens in North Adelaide.
• The copy of a letter by nurse Betty McKell (daughter of a
previous Premier of New South Wales and a Governor-
General, Sir William McKell) saying that their nurse
training that she and others performed in the Middle
East during World War II should stand them in good
stead to be admitted as trained nurses. Her actions
stopped an act of Parliament being passed at that time.
--------------------------
(6) BUILDING 11 (VICTORIA BARRACKS-SYDNEY) —
REFURBISHMENT:
BRIG John Crozier is a recipient of the ERHC Minutes (See
above) as I, and a number of others are also.
(ERHC meet in this building every quarter, as do the RAAMC
Association Inc. (NSW Branch), who meets on the first Friday
bi-monthly. As well, it is the home to other RAAMC ADF
personnel.)
The reason I mentioned the Brigadier's name is that he sent a
reply back to Michelle France (who ‘forwards’ the ERHC
minutes to us by Email) in relation to the work being
undertaken by the Dept of Public Works to Building 11.
His reply wished to express his appreciation to 2 people, in
particular LTCOL David Phillips in facilitating the transition
of the last move from Building 87, to the present site, but
more importantly, being successful in ‘fighting off’ a number
of attempts to, again, have ‘us’ relocated or to co-habitate
with a range of non-complimentary agencies.
The second person is not army. His name, Mr David
Talikovski. David is a Public Servant and has been a great
asset to the RAAMC over the last seven years, particularly
with the late MAJ John Straskye. He has been most alert and
helpful since the refurbishments started in Building 11.
Our Association members who attend meetings in this
building sincerely thank Brig Crozier's appraisal.
------------------------------
(7) Ian PFENNIGWERTH’S NEW BOOK:
Ian is a good friend of our Association. I was reading the latest
Issue of Reveille—May/June 2012--and noticed that his new
book “IN GOOD HANDS--The Life of Doctor Sam Stening
POW” received a wonderful ‘review’.
His good friend, James Roche, made a short mention of Ian’s
book in his “Messages from Members” in our last Newsletter
(AUTUMN Issue 2012).
Ian’s book is released through Longueville Publishing and if
any member would like more information—please contact
me.
-------------------------
(8) SICK LINE—for ADF PERMANENT & FTD PERSONNEL:
If any member gets ILL or INJURED, away from their
workplace, WITHIN AUSTRALIA, please call this TOLL-FREE
number: 1800.467.425
----------------------------
(9) John SMITH is a good friend of our Association (I refer to
John Smith from Queensland and not our member, John
Smith, from Port Stephens in NSW).
John sent his sincere thanks for the words we wrote in our
AUTUMN Issue 2012, about his, and our, good friend, the
Late John Straskye.
He also mentioned about Mike Moroney’s article in our
“Messages from Members” regarding the medical panniers.
John said there were 3 types; (a) A Standard size Pannier for
general storage, (b) Medical Assistant Pannier for general
medical work and the front cane ‘flap’ would be used as a
‘table’ for tailgate service for the medic, and (c) The
doctor/surgeon Pannier which had the instruments and
small shelves for drugs and other items.
John said these items are ‘still around’ because 11 Fd Amb
had them in the Q Store in the early 1980’s. They were great for
general storage. He thinks the Med/Dental Supply Store in
Randwick had some on their shelves in 2008!
(“Some things never change” he said.)
----------------------------
37

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38

CHAPLAIN’S CORNER
What do you do with those
proverbial “Stuff-ups”?
The Australian soldier has had to put up with the
“stuff-ups” inflicted on him ever since the Boer War. Out
of that campaign, if my reading serves me correctly, no
Australian trooper has ever had to face a firing squad of
his own peers.
Then there was the debacle of Gallipoli and France.
And as a result of that, our troops gained the satisfaction
of being commanded by our own officers.
In the Western desert, with the Allies retreating from
Benghazi, our troops made a stand at Tobruk. Then as the
Axis tanks crashed through our forward lines, our troops
let them roll by and took on their foot soldiers, instead of
surrendering. From Germany ‘Lord Haw, Haw deroga -
torily called them “Rats”. This title “The Rats of Tobruk”
they wear with pride.
It is what we do with our “stuff-ups” that either makes
us or breaks us. And this goes for the ones, others inflict
on us. We will always be surrounded by “Stuff-Ups”. We
can try to run away from them, or bury our heads in the
sand hoping they will by-pass us, yet they will remain a
constant pain in the proverbial…..
What do we do about them ?
1. Admit that a “Stuff-Up” has occurred. Don’t play it
like politicians who make a habit of trying to evade
the incident. Be honest about it.
2. It might require ownership of the “Stuff-up”. Saying
“It is my fault” can come as a big shock to those
around you, but it is saying something about your
character. Someone once remarked long ago that
‘Confession is good for the soul’.
3. A natural response to those who have “stuffed” you
up, is couched in these words, “Don’t get angry, get
even”. But there is an alternate response, and that is
to offer them forgiveness.
Forgiveness is a powerful tool, be you asking it for
yourself, or offering it to others.
To offer forgiveness to others, is to extend to them
courtesy and dignity.
To seek forgiveness for yourself, is an act of humility.
The 5th Field Ambulance RAAMC motto “Always
Prepared” needs to ring true for the “Stuff-Ups” we
encounter. But we don’t always achieve this, so its good
to have a pattern to follow like the one outlined above.
Speaking with a WW2 soldier the other day, I asked if
I could pray for him and he replied, “It can’t do me any
harm”. This reminds me that God wants to be our great
supporter when “Stuff-Ups” occur. He says we are to
“Cast all our cares on Him, because He cares for us”.
Worth thinking about, eh ?!
BRIAN HOGAN
Honorary Chaplain
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 have paid 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.
39

A Speech for Freedom
(with kind thanks to James Inglis—“War of Words”)
Patrick Henry was a Governor of Virginia (in two periods, between 1776 and 1786) and he
gave a speech (presumably without notes) to the House in relation to the invasion of the British
Fleet as the American War of Independence (as it became known) had started in 1775.
In the final part of his very impassioned speech, he said…”It is in vain, Sir, to extenuate the
matter. Gentleman may cry, ‘Peace! Peace!’ –but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps
from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here
idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price
of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but for me, give me liberty or give
me death”!
Virginia entered the War of Independence with a majority of five votes.
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40

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.
41

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42

“ 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:
Mr./ Mrs./ M/s. Dr. 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)______________________
ADDRESS NUMBER: ________
STREET NAME:
SUBURB/TOWN/CITY etc __________________________________
POST CODE:___________ STATE_________
Contact Details: Telephone (H) ___________________ (W) __________________
FAX: __________________ Mobile: _____________________________________
EMAIL ADDRESS (If applicable):
I hereby apply to join 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. (Reminders will be
included in each “ACTIVITY SHEET”) --LIFE MEMBERSHIP is $100.
✂
Cheques/Money Orders should be made out to “5 th FIELD AMBULANCE ASSOCIATION” and
forwarded to either — Alan Curry (Hon Sect) 6 Reliance Bvd, TANILBA BAY. N.S.W 2319 OR
Brian Tams (Hon Treasurer), 4/24-26 Barrenjoey Rd, ETTALONG BEACH. NSW 2257. EFT
Details: BSB: 637000, A/C Number: 717253825, A/C Name: 5 th Field Ambulance Association, Bank:
Greater Building Society. (Please identify yourself). All acknowledgements will be in next Newsletter.
(SIGNATURE) ___________________________
(DATE) ________________
43

ACTIVITY SHEET (for WINTER Issue--2012)
(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 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 $_____________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
✂
44

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