basegram spring 2012 - RAN Communications Branch Association

NewsLErrER oF RANCBA VlcroRtA
SPRING 2012
Patron: Commanding Officer HMAS Cerberus Captain Katherine Richards
BASEGRAM
New RANCB Award presented!
Inside this issue:
AGM Meeting and Form
Moble App ATP1 Vol 3
Comments, queries or if you
have a story you would like
included contact
IAN
HoGARTH
Phone: 03 9338 7068
ianwhogarth@optusnet.com.au
The inaugural RANCBA Trophy was
awarded to the Dux of the new Communications
and Information System
(ClS) Manager Course on Monday
1Orh September 2012.
The Dux of the course was CPOCIS
Richard Grimley.
The CIS Manager Course is a tier 4
level course that prepares Senior
Sailors of the CIS Category to effectively
manage the complex and challenging
communications systems in
use in the navy today. Our new ship
classes, the AWD and the LHD, bring
with them complex communications
requirements to support,both the
ship's operations and embarked commanders.
ln the LHD the embarked commander,
the Joint Task Force Commander,
will have a large staff covering all aspects
of complex joint warfighting that
will demand highly capable and responsive
communications systems.
The number of circuits in the LHD
alone is in the hundreds. Whereas
the AirWarfare Destroyer (AWD) will
be capable of carrying and supporting
a warfare commander. Communications
requirements to support warfighting
at this levelwillsimilarly be
complex and challenging
To meethis challenge the RAN developed
the CIS Manager Course,
which is run in conjunction with other
joint service (Army and Air Force)
courses of a similar nature. The CIS
Manager Course also incorporates
maritime subjects pertinent to thq RAN
and allied maritime operations.
RANCBA is proud to be associated
with this new and challenging training
requirement by offering the RANCBA
Award for the dux of the course. The
RANCB Award is based on a mercury
statue, which depicts RAN communications.
The RANCBA trophy will be
awarded annually to the top senior
sailor undertaking the CIS Manager
Cburse. Accompanying the award of
the mercury trophy the top student will
also have their name recorded on an
honour board located with the Maritime
Wing of the Defence Force School of
Signals (DFSS).
Congratulations to CPO Grimley for his outstanding
achievements in this very difficult
and challenging communications course.
Commander Rod Withers R.A.N. (Ret) presenting
CPOCIS R Grimley with his award

Page 2
BASEGRAM
RANCB Annual General Meeting Friday the
2nd November 2012
The2012 AGM meeting will
again be conducted at the The
Pumphouse Hotel, located at
the Corner of King William and
Nicholson Steets Fitzroy - virtually
opposite the rear of the
Exhibition Building.
Tram access from Flinders St
Stn is via No 96 in Bourke St.
Exit at No13 or No14 stop and
then a short walk. Paid ticketed
parking is generally available.
Menu (similar to last year )
egl
Entr6e (your choice from)
Crisp Lemon pepper calamari,
rocket and shaved
cucumber salad, aioli
Bruschetta, tomato, feta,
red onion, basil, balsamic
glaze
Soup of the day
Hand rolled Gnocchi, caramelised
onion, wild mushroom
and garlic crdme
sauce, truffle scented rocket,
parmesan
Fish of the day, sweet potato
and leek gratin, chilli, crab
and lime butter. side salad.
Note House Wine, beer and
soft drinks are included.
Boatswain-!
In the old Norse
language the
word syeinn is
used to describe
a boy servant
Similarly in the
Saxon language
the word Swein
also means boy
servant and
hence the word
boatswain.
Whilsthe word
Cock is
described a
smallboat.
'Today the word
coxswarn rs
used to describe
the person in
charge of a boat.
Note The invitation to altend
rs also extended to all Ex
R.A.N. Communicatorc and/
or their paftners.
The business of the AGM will
commence at 1100 hours
sharo so those who wish to
charge their glasses prior to
the commencement should
arrive at 1045 hours.
The cost for this
years function will be
$45
Treasurer Greg Goodwin will
provide his report at the Annual
General meeting as per
SOE's.
However in the meantime if
you haven't paid your subs
then your contribution will be
gratefully accepted
Those wishing to pay their
subs may do so by forwarding
them with this issue's attached
form to (see next page)
MAIN COURSE (your choice
from)
Osso Bucco, braised in a
rich red wine, herb and tomato
ragu, pan-seared gnocchi,
shaved grana padana,
green olive gremolata
Chicken Breast Saltimbocca,
mushroom, bacon and
cream cheese filled, herb
buttered mash, greens, mustard
seed crdme
Treasurer's Report
Frankston Victoia 3199
Phone Mobile:0419
444749
Email:
frog_on@bigpond.com.au
Greg Goodwin
20 Palkana Street

SPRING 2012 Page 3
AGM Booking Form
Name
Address
Telephone
Email
WMP (with much pleasure) lwill be attending the AGM
Lunch including entr6e and main beer, wine, soft drinks $45
Game of Skill Tickets ${0
Yearly Subs $10
MRU (Much Regret am unable to attend)
Greg Goodwin
20 Palkana Street
Frankston Victoria 3199
Em ail frog_on@b igpond. com. a u
Total $.....
Please return with paymentto theTreasurer,
by the 25th of October 2012i
Galley Yarn!
It was once
accepted in the
days of sail that
scuttlebutt eg a
rumor was
originated by
the Ships cook
who passed on
alltidbits to use
the vernacular-
Until of course
the introduction
of Wireless
Telegraphy
when "What's
the Buzz"
became the
domain of the
Communicators
who I might add
are not allowed
to
Blow the Gaff!

BASEGRAM
Page 4
Friends of the Cerberus has
received a grant enabling them to
create Victorian Navy Relics applications
for iPhone and Android
Smartphones.
ATPI Vol 3-Excerpb
Ecclesiastes 10.1
}-He starts out with
silly talk and ends up with pure madness
ATP| vot 3 - (The Bibte) :- Communications -
Raspberry for unnecessary signal.
Shave Off!
Traditionally
Officers and
enlisted men were
required to obtain
their CO's
permission if they
wished to grow a
beard .
Which if granted
would be reviewed
in 15 days.
Neither Officer or
sailor were
permitted to leave
the ship since their
unshaven
appearance was
considered
detrimentalto the
image of the
Service.
lf you couldn't grow
a decent beard in
the time allocated
the C.O. would
instruct you to
shave off!
The grant is from the Telematics Course
Development Fund which is committed
to the development and use of new information
and communication technologies
that support innovativeducational
initiatives within Victoria.
The Trust provides unique funding opportunities
to individuals, Educational
Institutes, Government, Business and
Noffor-Profit organisations that are exploring
the possibilities of using information
and communications technology
for educational purposes.
The Victorian Navy Smartphone Applications
aim to include in one place the
location, subjecto privacy considerations,
of all known Victorian Navy relics.
So if your aware of any relic's! (stand
fast allyou foss/s:-) then please contact
them.-See
http: //www. ce rberus. com. a u/
Psalms 32.8- | will instructhee and
teach thee in the way thou shalt go; I will
guide thee with mine eyes
Manoeuving - making a wrong tum or:-
Manoeuvring - paying attention to signals.
Proverbs 16.17- The highway of the upright
is to depart from evil, he that keepeth
his way preservet his soul.
Manoeuving - ship off course
Matthew 11j5- He that hath ears to
hear, let him hear
Communications - failing to establish
comms
Jeremiah 7.8-Behold ye trust in lying
words that cannot profit.
Communications - using the wrong reference
Proverbs 21.16-The man that wandereth
out of the way of understanding shall remain
in the congregation of the dead.
Manoeuvring - outside station
lsaiah 56.12-Let's get some wine these
drunkardsay, and drink all we can hold.
Tomorrow will be even better than today.
Request pleasure company
Revelation 21.1 And I saw a new heaven
and a new earth: for the first heaven and
the first earth were passed away; and
there was no more sea.
Swallow the anchor or posted ashore

BASEGRAM
Page 5
Victorian Colonial Nary Ship
THE PHAROS.
She differs from the otherVictorian Naval
Ships in that she has not yet been equipped
as a war vessel, and that she is entirely a
colonial production.
The Pharos is a composite-built vessel,
(hybrid- sail and steam) and was modelled
byMr. Douglas Elder, of the Government
Marine Yard.
A despatch from the Secretary of State
for the Colonies in December 1865 required
that all colonial vessels of war
wear a Blue Ensign with the seal or
badge ofthe Colony in the fly and a
Badge of the Colony in the fly and a Blue
Pennant
This was provided for in the Colonial
Defence Act and passed by the then
"Imperial Parliament that Australian
colonies were empowered to provide
and maintain and use vessels of war.!
She was launched in 1865, and was built
specially for harbour work-taking up and
replacing buoys, and transporting stores to
the lighthouses.
She was a compact little craft, of about
rzoft. in length, and zoft.beam and should
the occasion arise she could easilv be converted
into a gunboat.
Her engines were made by Fulton, of Melbourne,
from designs furnishedby Mr. J.
Wilson, Government Marine
Engineer.
They worked well and drove
her along at a speed ofabout
eight or nine knots.
The Pharos has also been engaged
in coast survey, and, like
the ship -Victoria, has frequently
been turned to good
account in looking after
wrecks, her latest cruise in this
respect being to King'slsland,
to try to spot where the large
iron clipper ship BritishAdmiral
was recently lost.
Histo4r
Salutesl
Allwomen were
saluted when
they embarked
on a ship, this
custom was
irrespective of
their status or
that of whom
they
accompanied on
board .
This was in line
with the tradition
that allwomen
were considered
equal and are
treated as suchl
Argus Newspaper

BASEGRAM SPRTNG 2O12
Argus Newspaper January 19, 1945
Honorary WRAN Here To Receive British Empire
Medal
"lf only they would send me my medal in an envelope
through the post!
I am terrified at the thought of an investiture." This is
how Mrs Ruby Olive Boye, who arrived in Melbourne
yesterday, feels about her presentation of the British
Empire Medal which has been awarded to her for valuable
work she did on the Solomons lslands while isolated
by the Japanese occupation.
Mrs Boye was made an honorary third officer in the
WRANS in recognition of the work she is doing for the
Navy from her home at Vanikoro, in the Santa Cruz
group off the Solomons, 450 miles from Tulagi, where
she has lived as the only whitewoman there since the
remainder of the European settlement was evacuated.
Page 6
Throughouthis period her 20 native boys remained
loyally with her."You no fright-me no fright" was their
attitude when the Boyes decided to remain.
Since the war receded from the Solomons Mrs Boye
has remained at her job working for the Navy.
Her biggest problem was food. She and her husband
often went for tomonths without fresh food. and lived
on poultry and eggs.
"It is punishment for me to eat chicken now," she
said. They have their own cattle on their property,
and were able to get plenty of fish from the waters
around them. There were long periods when she had
no flour, so bread, scones, and cakes were off
the menu for many months at a time.
Mail, too, was scarce, and deliveries very few and far
between.
Australian born, Mrs Boye has a charming personality
and a modest disregard for what might be considered
a heroic work.
She speaks lovingly of her island home, with its wonderful
garden, full of tropical flowers, which must be
aflame with colour, with its beautiful orchids frangipani
and hibiscus.
Her luxurious bungalow home looks over the water,
and in peace time was a centre of hospitality in the
district.
She has lived in the islands 20 years.
When she arrived in Brisbane on December 25 it was,
18 months since she had seen a white woman.
When she arrived yesterday she was wearing khaki
drabs, but later in the day changed into the dress uniform
of the WRANS, to which was attached her British
Empire Medaland ribbon, with the193943 star, for service
in an operational area, -an unusual decoration for a
woman.
She has two sons Ken, who is a l,AC in the RAAF, and
Don, who is living in Sydney and is a member of the
Volunteer Air Observer Corps.
EdNote: Anumber of Coastuatchers were executed
eu en in uniform if capture d bg the Japanese !
3rd Offrcer MRS RUBY BOYE
Mrs Boye, who lives at Vanikorol with her husband, Mr
Skov. S. Boye,- who is manager there for the KauriTimber
Company, refused to leave, when Japanese aggression
drove the remainder of the colony to evacuate.
Instead she and her husband stayed on, and by means
of her; tele-radio set she transmitted throughouthe occupation
important' meteorological data, obtained from
her own readings.
This proved of great value to Allied' aircraft operating in
the area.
This work was carried on under constant threat of cap-

BASEGRAM Spring 2012
Online Book available!
The Birth of a Navy
By Yeoman of Signals
R.G. Roberts R.A.N.
Download the PDF formatted book with i-ages
at the following internet address!
www. digital. s lv.v i c. gov. au/ dtl -publish/p
df/
marc/l4/l2467 52.html
Preface includes!
We offer this interesting work to the public
knowing that it will be accepted with thanks,
more especially as we have undertaken to
donate to ex-navalmen's funds for the relief of
distress, a sum of money, believing that this
publication will be sold entirely within a few
months.
Australia was the first dominion to accept
the responsibility of a Navy.
The story of the undertaking is told in the following
pages as Mr. Roberts knows very well how to tell
it-in - true nauticalstyle.\\
Editor-Absolute treasure trove of information eg
1928. The world-famous "Sydney" was sent to
the shipbreakers for scrap. Out of the scrap, her
tripod foremast was saved and erected on Bradley's
Head, Sydney harbour, as an everlasting memorial
to Australia's first and successful naval engagement.
The remaining types of vessels, that is the escort
vessel and minesweeper, motor torpedo boats,
which are classed as light craft, although not as
significant as the battleship, cruiser or destroyer,
are as every bit important.
The 'most' important of this mosquito fleet, is the
minesweeper whose work is never ending
PAGE 7
necessitating long stays at sea under very trying
conditions. An arduous, dangerous, monotonous
and at times a very uninteresting occupation.
So we must remember that although the glamour
surrounds the major war vessel, the honours
must eventually be shared with the 'mosquito fleet.
Editor and the signalman's view
On board the flagship, a blue and white flag flutters
up to the topsail yard. General "E". This indicates
a general semaphore signalwill be made to the
fleet.
From the yardarm of the ships present, in answer,
flies a small red and white pennant which indicates
the ship is ready to receive the message.
The exercise period has started.
From the masts of the cruisers, flies a flag, hoisted
abouthree parts of the halyards.
Across the still waters comes the roar of engines as
the cruisers' aircraft warm up prior to being catapulted
off to carry out a reconnaissance exercise, and
an air attack on the fleet.
The single flag flutters to the topsail yard; there is
an earsplitting roar as the pilot gives her the gun.
Within a minute the "eyes of the fleet" are airborne,
winging their way towards the heavens. Peace descends
again over the ships of the fleet as they quietly
ride to their cables, gently lifting to a long oily
swell.
Editor :- A piece of nauticalvernacular ffiaf rs mr.ssing
from our vocabulary today as provided by the
author on the birth of a Navy-which for many - was
and still is our favoured profession!
The making of a Bluejacket!
We had the ships, then we had to find the men to
man them. Under Henderson's vast scheme that
had been provided for, a naval establishment was
set up and equipped at Williamstown, Victoria. Certain
ships in the fleet had been allotted training duties.
etc
Note : As provided by the publisher:
It is well that this work appears, for it is
time such history was recorded and we venture
to say that most of it has not been in print.

National Reunion
PAGE 8
REUNIOFI APRILaOI3
BRISBANE QLD
Expressions of Interest have now been extended
until December 2012
Note check with organising committee Alan 'Shags' Hellier,
6 Joachim Street, HOLLAND PARK. QlD.4121 0733972663
A national reunion in Brisbane to include the
Dedication of a Naw Memorial on the site of the
first Australian Navy ship-shore signal
On 9 April 1903 the first Australian Naval message received from a ship at sea to an Australian wireless
station was transmitted by the Queensland gunboat, Gayundah, to a receiving station on the cliff
top above the historic Naval Stores on the Brisbane River.
The message read: 'Gun drill continued this afternoon ahd was fairly successful - blowing squally and
raining - prize firing tomorrow. Marconinsulators were interfered with by rain but easily rectified and
communication since has been good. Good night.'
The ship's aerialwas a tall bamboo pole lashed to the mast.
The RAN Communications Branch has decided to celebrate the 110th anniversary of this event with the
National Reunion to coincide with the dedication of a Navy memorialto allwho served and those who
paid the supreme sacrifice, 9th April 2013
The site of the first signal, now in the grounds of St Mary's Church at Kangaroo Point in Brisbane, was
chosen for the Navy Memorial due to the past naval history of the area.
You are cordially invited to submit your interest in attending the events, as described below.
See next page for Expression of interest form!

BASEGRAM Spring Edition 2012
PAGE 9
RANCBA National Reunion (cont)
Note: The program below is tentative with costs, venues and bookings to be confirmed.
Yes: I am interested in attending RANCBA Brisbane Reunion in April 2013. I understand that this is an Expression of lnterest
only, with formal registration required by December 2012.
Name:
Partner:
Welcome Pack" Required? Yes/No I Welcome Pack Reouired? Yes/No
Date Event Number
Attendino
Sunday 7th
April evening
9 am Navy Commemorative Service St Mary's Church
Registration and Welcome function - venue to be confirmed
Monday 8'n
April
am function at old Comms Hut - Holland Park followed by
BBQ lunch
or free morning with Lunch on Riverboat Kookaburra Queen
PM Civic Reception
Tuesday 9th
AM
Short march along River Tce with Navy Band and other Navy units, to dedication
of Navy Memorial & Wreath laying
Followed by morning tea with invited guests, Governor, Premier, Lord Mayor,
CN and others
Tuesday 9th
Afternoon
Relax or: visit local winery,
TouTXXXX Brewery all to be confirmed.
enjoy a round of golf
Tuesday 9th
PM
Formal Dinner. Enjoy a 3 course dinner with wine, beer and soft drinks. A
number of top class venues have been identified for this event that will include
remembering those who have crossed the bar, guest speakers and passing the
batton.
Wednesday
Departure
1Oth Aoril
Transport
Will you be driving to the Reunion or coming by train, plane?
The Welcome pack will probably include event programme, a cap/hat, shirt, and tot bag.
This will be finalised prior to registrations being requested.
Return thisform to: Email: alsonhellier@bigpond.com Fax07 33975026: Snail Mail The Secretary
RANCBA (Q) PO Box 119 Holland Park Qld 4121 Please check closing date eg t2/t2/2lt2.

BASEGRAM Spring 2012
Something
New
PAGE
1O
HIGH.PERFORMANCE, COST.
EFFECTIVE INTERNET ACCESS ON
THE GO
The ViaSat SurfBeam 2 Pro Portable Terminal is
designed for users requiring high throughput connectivity
in a compact and portable package. Field
reporters, remote medical and peace workers, and
emergency responders benefit from high-speed
lnternet with the convenience of "near'instant" connectivity
even in locations where no other communications
infrastructure is available. The form factor is
ruggedized to support operation in harsh conditions
and supports multiple configuration options to suit
user needs. The complete terminal, including the
satellite terminal and antenna, can be packed into a
single case for transit and is lightweight enough to
be carried by a single user.
The unit enables fast web browsing and supports
video streaming, file transfers, VPN connections,
and bandwidth-intensive lnternet applications. lt is
capable of delivering downstream rates up to 50
Mbps and upstream rates up to 20 Mbps, and provisioning
tools enable the network operator to create
different classes of service with configurable downstream
and upstream rates. The modem has an
embedded acceleration clienthat works with acceleration
servers in the gateway to provide a faster,
more responsive user experience. With four standard
Ethernet connections, the terminal natively supports
up to 4 lP devices, such as PCs, cameras,
and routers as well as other user equipment.
EASY INSTALLATION AND OPERATION
The compact SurfBeam 2 Pro Portable Terminal is
designed for a quick and reliable user installation
less than 10 minutes by personnelwith minimalsatellite
training. lt is part of a complete SurfBeam 2
system that also includes an innovative Satellite Modem
Termination System (SMTS) gateway and Network
Management Systems (NMS) that facilitate subscriber
management with feature such as automated
service provisioning, diagnostics, and customer
support. (Ed Note The National Broadband Network
have contracted for the Surfbeam 2 System to support
NBNIa and NBNI b when they launch in 2015-l
APPLICATIONS
Satellite news gathering, Emergency response and
Disaster relief, Tactical military operations, Oiland
gas exploration etc
More info see:- www.viasat.com/surfbeam2
The antenna is available in 2 sizes (75cm and
50cm) and includes a collapsible satellite reflector
and feed, transmit and receive electronics, and can
be deployed with the modem or in a standalone
configuration
Editor Note;- uses 3rd Generation Ka-Band recently operationalised
ViaSat-1 broadcast Satellite note See demo conducted
at Camp Pendteton Catifornia See http://
www.voutu be.com/watch?v=-Ugwwc3 FeQ
Editor: - We would like to thank the Federal
Member for Calwell for her assistance in the production
and distribution of this Newsletter.