ISSUE 24 : Sep/Oct - 1980 - Australian Defence Force Journal

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 5"The Forgotten War in North Russia"Dear Sir.Thank you very much for the copies of theD.F. journal, Issue No. 22, that you forwardedto my son. They were greatly appreciated.The article by Mr P. Burness on the abovesubject was both factual and interesting.Of course, my connection with the campaignceased when I was wounded in August 1919 andevacuated to England on the Naval HospitalShip "Garth Castle", thence to Netley MilitaryHospital, near Southampton, from where I wasdischarged on the 16th March 1920.Under instructions from A.I.F.Headquarters in Australia, I reported to Aust.H.Qtrs in Horseferry Rd, London, and on thesame day was re-enlisted in the A.I.F., beingcompletely reinstated as if I had never left it.This was owing to my parents objecting to mybeing discharged in England to join the RussianRelief Force when still a minor, being just over18'/2 when I left Australia in August 1918.Therefore, 1 could have been the last man tojoin the 1st A.I.F.After further hospital treatment in CaulfieldMilitary Hospital in Melbourne, 1 was finallydischarged on 1st October 1920.UAgain thanking you,Yours faithfully,W. J. ROBINSONMILITARY HISTORICAL SOCIETY OFAUSTRALIADear Sir,The Military Historical Society of Australiawill celebrate its silver jubilee in 1981. Createdin 1956, the society retains its effective aims offostering interest in Australia's military past,providing assistance and support for historicalresearch and acting as a focal point for militaryhistorians and militaria collectors throughoutAustralia.At present, members include manyrepresentatives of the Defence communityranging from retired Generals to civil servicetypistes. The spectrum of members' interests isjust as broad and includes uniforms, weapons,badges, memorabilia and even restored militaryvehicles. The more dedicated historians in thesociety can advise you with eloquent authorityon any number of military topics. Indeed, forthe newcomer to the society, these people are aninvaluable aid when it comes to research for anunusual acquisition to your collection.Membership of the society permitsenthusiasts, collectors and historians to meetothers with similar interests at regular monthlymeetings. Many of the meetings are addressedby guest speakers who are experts in their fieldand add to a member's overall knowledge ofmilitary history. Of major benefit to the societymembers is the quarterly journal"Sabretache", a high quality publication whichincludes many authorative articles on a widerange of subjects and updates members' accessto society news, trade discounts and members'swap offers.The society also has access to a wide range ofmilitary publications some of which arepublished by the society as a result of amember's research activities, for example"Gallant and Distinguished Service —Vietnam" by Major Ian Barnes of the GeelongBranch. i*B. M. ROGERSFlight LieutenantP.S. If you wish to become a member of the society orwould like further information about its activities pleasecontact your nearest branch secretary:ACT: B. Rogers, 14 Karney Street, Kambah, ACT 2902.VIC: R. Kirk, 19 Osborne Crt, Hawthorn, Vic. 3122.QLD: S. Wigzell, 17 Roval Street, Alexandra Hills, Qld4157.SA: K. Stanley, 40 Deborah Gve, Modury, Nth SA, 5092.WA: P. Shaw, 37 Coomoora Road, Boorasoon, WA 6154.GEELONG: J. Maljers, 4 Stork Ave, Belmont, Vic. 3216.ALBURY/VVODONGA: R. Wiltshire, Creek St, Jindera,NSW 2640.