COMMANDO Edition 1 2020

2014); and with a Paper authored by the Phoenix
Australian Centre for Post Traumatic Mental Health
(Forbes, et al., 2016).
DVA eNews
To keep updated on the fast developing DVA Space,
I highly recommend that readers subscribe to the DVA
eNews: https://www.dva.gov.au/about-dva/mediacentre/dva-e-news
Recognising Sacrifice on Operations
Discussion with Commando Combat Veterans has
been around the recognition of those who were Killed
in Action, and/or Killed in Service; along those who
were severely Wounded, Injured/Ill. There has been a
range of propositions ranging from badges on the
ribbons of Service Medals, an Australian “Sacrifice
Medal” [Similar to the Canadian Forces]; and a Ribbon
above the medals.
There has been great interest in this area, particularly
toward the recognising the NOK of those Commandos
who were KIA or died whilst conducting their duties in
service. This would of course not be particularly
restricted to the Commando or SOF community,
however Commandos had the highest amount of
soldiers KIA in Afghanistan, with SASR very close
behind. Peacetime service has been equally dangerous
with SASR losing 15 soldiers in June 1996. We have lost
a number of Commandos as a result of training
accidents in Australia, and they should not be
overlooked.
Veterans have lost their livelihoods as a result of their
personal sacrifice whilst serving on operations, who
were seriously wounded, injured and ill as a result of
that service. I’m not talking about breaking a leg at PT,
but in the process of executing their duties in a
malevolent and/or high-risk environment on
Operations. Many of these veterans were medically
discharged, which is a confronting conclusion to a loved
career.
So, guys, please don’t shoot the messenger, I
encourage open, frank, honest discussion; particularly
the input from those who lost their loved ones and
those who lost their occupation as a result of their
service. I would be most grateful if you could email me
your views: aca_vetentitlements@commando.org.au
Conclusion
2020 is going to be a very challenging and dynamic
year for veterans. There are a range of contentious
issues that remain on the agenda by a number of Ex-
Service Organisations (ESO), however DVA is making
headway in improving the claim process for our
veterans.
Commando 4 Life.
Need to talk to someone? Don’t hesitate in
contacting Open Arms ASAP!
P: 1800 011 046
Link: https://www.openarms.gov.au/
BOOK OF INTEREST
BLOOD ON BORNEO
By Jack Wong Sue, OAM. DCM
In March 1945, Jack Sue was
part of a 7-man team of highly
trained Australian Special Forces
of WW2 that was secretly inserted
into Japanese occupied Borneo
by the United States submarine USS Tuna. They were
just 7 Z-men amongst an estimated 3000 Japanese
troops.
They were highly trained members of Z Special Unit
(more popularly known as Z Special Force). They lived
and survived up close and personal to the indigenous
blow pipe tribes within the depth and darkness of
Borneo’s jungles; in the land below the wind and home
to the wild man from Borneo. It was a place where ‘time’
didn’t exist.
They trailed sections of the infamous Sandakan
death march routes to Ranau and were forced to witness
some of Japan’s worst atrocities committed upon
Australian prisoners of war.
For 6 months or more, Z men trained local guerilla
forces and led a series of successful attacks upon enemy
garrisons. They lived on their nerves with little sleep for
long periods. They suffered tropical illnesses of all kind.
They risked enormous odds of being turned in to the
Japanese by locals and double agents. The penalty if
caught was often very swift and brutal by Samurai
sword.
Following the surrender of Japan and in 1950, Jack
Sue was awarded Australia’s 2nd highest award, the
Distinguished Conduct Medal for his cold hearted
bravery behind Japanese lines.
Blood on Borneo by Jack Sue is a collection of his
war memoirs of 1945. Jack’s style of writing together
with his deep love of nature became an instant winner
for female readers. Unexpectedly, the first print of 2500
books sold out in 5 days. It’s an Australian bestseller that
keeps selling.
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22 COMMANDO ~ The Magazine of the Australian Commando Association ~ Edition 1 I 2020