BATTLE FOR AUSTRALIA NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2009

It was one of the few times that Australians were involved invillage fighting. Barry said he was in the infantry at the timeand later, transferred to the Medical Corps.➢ Lt Col John Phillips advised the meeting of the details ofthe forthcoming “Battle of Australia Ceremony” in MartinPlace on the first Wednesday in September (2nd) at10.30am. John said a medallion may be awarded to the“Fuzzy Wuzzy’s” who had been involved in the fighting,in New Guinea, against the invading Japanese. John saidthere were about 100 Fuzzy Wuzzy’s still alive.➢ The Medical Corps Tie was discussed and it seems thatthe Medical Corps Museum might like a copy of the oldone (made in 1995).(As an aside, it appears that the RAAMC Corps Committee havesanctioned a new Medical Corps Tie as I write—more later.)On the discussions on the Museum, the ERHC areconsidering a visit, in the near future, to Bandiana.➢ A new coin has been struck by the Royal Australian Mint– “The Australian Remembrance 20 cent coin”.It commemorates those Australians who made militaryhistory behind and beyond the battlefield; particularly theAustralian Service Nurses who have healed, aided and diedand of our servicemen and women for more than 100 years.The coin depicts an Australian Nurse tending a woundedsoldier.(7) Dick PAYTEN is the President of the 7th Australian DivisionA.I.F. Association.For quite some time they have been planning a“Remembrance Wall” in Bass Hill (Sydney)—It has nowhappened and is in place.It is in Remembrance Driveway at the corner of the HumeHighway and Miller Road, Bass Hill and the DedicationCeremony will take place on the 22nd of October 2009 at10am.Their Association will have 30 plaques and 10 will beavailable for remaining units who supported 7 Div.One plaque will be included for “our” New Guinea friends,the “Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels.The plaques will cost around $200 and contain around 30words.(there was an example of one showing a colour patch, 2/31Australian Infantry Battalion, Dedicated to the memory of those263 men who paid the supreme sacrifice and all who served inthe Battalion 7th Division, Lest We Forget.).Our Association has strong ties with the 5th and the 2/5thField Ambulance who were part of 25 Brigade.We will order a plaque with the wording to be agreed by ourcommittee and other parties.Dick was trying to locate “someone” from 2/4th FieldAmbulance? CAN WE ASSIST HIM?Hopefully, we can get a representative along to thisimportant Dedication Service on the 22nd.Refreshments will be available afterwards at the Chester HillRSL Club from about 11.30am with a 3 course Luncheon willcost $25 per head.(Please contact me if you are available to be at the Dedication.)(8) Glen WALTERS sent me an email and is trying to locate anyunit history on the 14th Field Ambulance during WW 1.Glen’s great uncle was a member from 1916-1919.Can anyone assist Glen, if so contact me with the details andI will pass them on to Glen.(9) Glen and Wendy MASON own a Military Bookshop businessin Brisbane and sent me an email to say they “specialise” inunit histories and are currently looking at 1 Field Ambulance(Four years with the First, printed 1919).If any member would like to supply Glen/Wendy withNominal Rolls, Medal Citations, photographs etc they wouldbe grateful.They would acknowledge any material used in their book/sand return same when finished.(10) The RAAMC Association Inc. (NSW Branch) met in June anddiscussed a number of Agenda Items.The first Item was the success of the ANZAC Day Marchwhere the majority of Medical Corps marched for the FIRSTTIME as a Corps bloc behind the RAAMC Banner.The lunch afterwards, at the Paddington-Woollahra RSLClub, was wonderfully supported.After other representatives from 1, 2, 5, 8 and 11 Fd Amb and1 Aust Fd Hosp gave their reports, General Business wasdiscussed.MAJ John Straskye, National President of the RAAMCAssociation Inc. advised members that he has hadpreliminary discussions with BRIG Tony Gill, RAAMC Head ofCorps, regarding “establishing a RAAMC National Memorial”.This Memorial would suitably commemorate the serviceand achievements of members and former members of theRAAMC.The Patron of the RAAMC Association Inc., MAJGEN ‘Digger’James indicated he would speak to the AWM to see if a “Lot”has been allocated to the RAAMC on ANZAC Parade,Canberra. The General thinks this is so but will seekallocation if one has not been allocated.The lengthy discussion agreed that the natural progressionto the establishment of a National Memorial would be acommittee comprising eminent current and formermembers of the RAAMC which would, among other matters,look at the design, location and fund-raising.A Resolution from the NSW Branch was Moved andSeconded:“That this committee strongly recommend that a RAAMCNational RAAMC Committee be put in place as soon as possible.Other RAAMC committee should be approached to ascertaintheir support to this matter”The Resolution was Carried.(Our Association would support this resolution wholeheartedly)Another matter was the election of a new Secretary.The current secretary, David Czerkies, advised that he hadgreat difficulty in attending the day meetings and asked thatthe position become vacant.It was Moved and Seconded:“That John O’Brien be appointed as Secretary of the RAAMCAssociation Inc (NSW Branch)” CARRIED.JULY NEWSThe National President of the RAAMC Association Inc., MAJJohn Straskye, sent all members of the Association an email.It advised that the RAAMC Association Inc. hascommissioned Australian War artist, Martin Campbell topictorially record the history of the RAAMC in art.24